Pleasanton Weekly 07.23.2010 - Section 1

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When less is more: Losing 70 pounds leads to comfort, health — and modeling PAGE 17 Safeway coming: ‘Lifestyle’ supermarket at Bernal near I-680 plans to open in November 2011 PAGE 5

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Lions It’s been 80 years of service for Pleasanton club PAGE 12

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Nothing like a 1.3 carat diamond for your 33rd anniversary lthough as a veteran gemologist Jim Kuhn knows that the gift of amethyst is traditional for celebrating the 33rd anniversary, he decided to go a step farther this week in celebrating the opening of his Cardinal Jewelers store in 1977. He chose a 1.31 carat diamond to give away in a public drawing that brought hundreds to his store in the Hopyard Village at the corner of Hopyard Road and Valley Avenue. His store is just across the driveway from Peet’s Coffee. Barbara and Richard Anderson, who said they’ve never won anything in a contest, were lucky this time although it was Barbara who carefully hid the round, brilliant diamond in the bottom of her purse until she can decide on a setting. I met Kuhn for the first time when I stopped in his spacious store to see what a diamond give-away drawing is all about. You’d think it was a public rally for a leading celebrity. And although the diamond is valued at $5,000, Kuhn obviously hopes that the large number of entries for his contest and the publicity — such as this column, I suppose — will bring more customers and sales to his store. I also learned a few things about jewelers. A true jeweler is someone who works like a goldsmith and does some of the cutting and shaping work in a laboratory-like setting, much like you’d see in an optometry outlet. Kuhn calls himself a gemologist, buying the stones from the labs and then placing them in settings as customers prefer, from rings to necklaces to bracelets and for other places where women like to show them. Gemstones also are colored, although Kuhn obviously sells and sets diamonds, which are in a category by themselves. Kuhn enjoys working with the colored gemstones, explaining that they have a personality of their own and customers also find that each one is different and adds zest to the jewelry wardrobe. Although Kuhn has been a Pleasanton jeweler for 33 years, he didn’t plan that kind of a career. Raised outside of Chicago in west suburban Wheaton, he earned a degree in business administration in 1963, and then served in the Air Force for the next five years. He learned to cut and polish stones at a base hobby shop in Vietnam during his off-hours, and later studied for and received his gemologist certificate. Taking his discharge in

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Pleasanton jeweler Jim Kuhn (left) gives Barbara Anderson and her husband Richard the 1.31 carat diamond she won in Kuhn’s drawing that celebrated his Cardinal Jewelers store’s 33rd anniversary.

California, he worked for General Foods and earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Golden Gate University. He saw a chance to go into business for himself and bought an available Mr. Donut franchise. That proved to be a bad decision and far afield of his interests so he went to work for a San Francisco jeweler and eventually helped that retailer open a store in Pleasanton. When the owner cut back on costs, Kuhn, with a wife and two children to support, found himself out of work. But only briefly. He parlayed a loan from the Small Business Administration into buying out a jewelry store and Cardinal Jewelers opened for business. Kuhn has seen his ups and downs in terms of profits over the years, but he’s thrived nevertheless and two years ago expanded his business into the new Hopyard Village store. Like many retail businesses, jewelry stores are cyclical in their sales appeal. This is the slow time of the year coming off a peak spring and early summer when Mother’s Day, graduations and retirement parties help drive customers to Kuhn’s store. Although May and June are traditionally known as the key wedding months, it’s the anniversaries that follow that send customers back to the jewelry store every year to celebrate again, and again. Although amethyst is the assigned gift on a 33rd anniversary, all gemstones and diamonds are appreciated. Women never have enough, Kuhn says. Business is expected to pick up again shortly as buyers start their holiday shopping, with November and December usually Kuhn’s best months. That’s when he keeps the store open seven days a week, although now he takes off Sundays and Mondays. As an independent jeweler, Kuhn also makes his pitch for jewelry stores like his, insisting that it’s these stores where customers can find experienced gemologists, not hourly employees in a corporate- or chain-owned retailer who might have been selling shoes the day before. N

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Do you think a school parcel tax could ever be approved by voters in Pleasanton? Penny DuPont Yes. My children are grown, but I have grandchildren in this area and they would benefit from a parcel tax.

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—Compiled by Kerry Nally Have a Streetwise question? E-mail editor@PleasantonWeekly.com The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., 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. Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. © 2010 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Page 4ÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

Newsfront DIGEST

Safeway ready to start construction on new ‘Lifestyle’ market

National Night Out seeks party throwers Hold a party. Help stop crime. While the two may not sound like they go together, National Night Out has been successful for nearly 27 years. The event raises crime and drug awareness and sends a message to criminals that communities are fighting back. Pleasanton began its involvement in the event 10 years ago, with four block parties; last year, there were 38. Those that register by July 28 with police for this year’s Aug. 3 event could get visits from the mayor, city manager, police or firefighters. Call 931.5100.

Store will anchor 12-acre retail center at Valley, Bernal, near I-680 BY JEB BING

Cancer walk raises $120,000 Tri-Valley SOCKs (Stepping Out for Cancer Kures) gave a total of $120,000 to three beneficiaries of the fifth annual Bras for the Cause Breast Cancer Walk in Pleasanton. Axis Community Health received $35,000 for breast screening services for uninsured women; Susan G. Komen for the Cure received $50,000 to fund research and community outreach programs; and UCSF’s Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center received $35,000 for research. The 10K walk had more than 400 participants wearing colorful bras as they trekked around Pleasanton. Afterward, a “Hand Over the Goods” party was held at Ruby Hill Winery.

DUI suspect pleas not guilty A Pleasanton woman arrested following a multiple hitand-run in April has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Court records show Megan Martin, 52, had a blood alcohol content of .28 at the time of her arrest, after hitting several cars and a fire hydrant. Martin’s attorney succeeded in getting the trial before a new judge; a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) ankle bracelet that she was ordered to wear has been removed, but Martin was ordered to attend one 12-step meeting a week. Her trial is set for Aug. 25.

Corrections The Weekly desires to correct all significant errors. To request a correction, call the editor at (925) 600-0840 or e-mail: editor@PleasantonWeekly.com

JEB BING

Scott R. Trobbe, a principal partner at South Bay Construction, presents rendering for the new Safeway at Bernal and Valley avenues near I-680 to the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.

Council OKs plan to scuttle housing cap Thorne warns state taking control away from cities on land use decisions The City Council on Tuesday approved a tentative settlement agreement with two affordable housing coalitions and the state attorney general’s office that will scuttle Pleasanton’s 29,000-unit housing cap and set aside undeveloped acreage for high density housing for low-income residents. The council also agreed to pay fees to the housing coalition attorneys totaling $1.9 million in two installments. With the settlement agreement in place, Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown agreed to waive the costs incurred by his office in suing the city and in joining in arguments on behalf of the housing coalitions. The settlement comes after a March 12 ruling by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch that found the 1996 housing cap in violation of state law. He barred Pleasanton from issuing any nonresidential building permits until a settlement was reached or the city decided to appeal his verdict. That ban is expected to be lifted at the council’s meeting on Aug. 17 when the final settlement is approved. The dispute dates back to November 2006 when Urban Habitat and Public Advocates filed a lawsuit against Pleasanton claiming that various city policies and ordinances were hindering the development of afford-

able housing in the city. In its suit, joined later by Brown, the groups claimed that the housing cap, which was approved by voters by an 80 percent margin, prevented Pleasanton from meeting its “fair share” housing numbers set by the state’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Pleasanton’s outside legal counsel Tom Brown, who defended the city against the lawsuits, said most if not all of the state’s housing requirements referenced in the suits did not exist in 1996 when the housing cap was imposed. Although approving the settlement agreement Tuesday night, Mayor Jennifer Hosterman and three council members criticized the law and what they called the state’s power grab over local laws affecting land use zoning. Councilman Jerry Thorne, who represents Pleasanton on the League of California Cities, accused the state of “systematically removing all local control over land uses by the cities,” and said cities up and down the state are upset. “When you look at the RHNA requirement imposed by the legislature, you find that not one single individual in our state legislature See COUNCIL on Page 7

Safeway announced this week that it will build one of its new “Lifestyle” supermarkets in Pleasanton with a scheduled opening of November next year. The store will be on a 12-1/2-acre site Safeway is acquiring from South Bay Construction, which won an extension Tuesday from the City Council to extend its development rights for seven office buildings on the rest of the 40-acre parcel. The multi-million-dollar Safeway complex will include the large supermarket and other small retail shops and possibly restaurants. Safeway also is reserving an additional 10,000 square feet for future expansion of its store. David Zylstra, senior vice president of Property Development Centers (PDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Safeway Inc., said earlier plans to include a fuel station on the store site have been dropped.

“Some of our newer stores have the stations but others don’t,” Zylstra said. “We consider each site individually when we consider amenities.” When Safeway representatives first discussed its long-range plans for the Bernal site with the city Planning Commission in 2008, several commissioners indicated they might not approve the plan if Safeway insisted on including the gas station. Opposition also was expected from the owners of the Shell Oil service station that is located directly across Valley Avenue from the proposed Safeway store. Zylstra said the new store would be patterned after Lifestyle stores already open in Livermore, San Ramon, Alameda and Novato. Similar to those stores, it will feature foods under the “Eating Right” label for the calorie conscious and the big “O” for organics sections of foods. See SAFEWAY on Page 7

With 14 weeks to go, Pleasanton’s election is already heating up 2 seeking mayor’s post, 4 running for council Pleasanton’s municipal election is still 14 weeks off, but already it’s shaping up as a humdinger. Mayor Jennifer Hosterman has pulled papers with the intention of filing for re-election to a fourth two-year term of office, which because of term limits would be her last if she wins at the ballot box. She’ll be challenged by Councilwoman Cindy McGovern, the longest serving elected official in Pleasanton, who is in the middle of her final four-year term on the council. A retired cardiac and intensive care nurse, she was a trustee on the Pleasanton School Board for 10 years before winning a council seat in 2004. With two seats becoming available on the council, four candidates have announced their intentions to run, so far. Councilman Jerry Thorne already has filed for re-election, seeking a second four-year term in office. Another incumbent, Cheryl Cook-Kallio, pulled papers Wednesday, also seeking re-election to a second term on the council. Karla Brown, a Realtor with Keller Williams, and Fred Watson, employed by Open Heart Kitchen, also have pulled papers from City Clerk Karen Diaz with

the intention of filing as a council candidates. Brown served as co-chair of the Save Pleasanton’s Hills citizen coalition, which was organized by former Councilwoman Kay Ayala. The two campaigned vigorously to obtain signatures on petitions that placed a referendum on last June’s ballot reversing a City Council decision to allow a 51McGovern home development called Oak Grove to be built in the southeast hills. The Oak Grove issue and an earlier successful referendum that now blocks hillside development are expected to be major issues in the Nov. 2 municipal election. Hosterman, Thorne and CookKallio favored Oak Grove and opposed the hillside referendum; McGovern and Brown held opposing views. Watson’s views on those issues are unknown. A final decision on developing Staples Ranch, due next month, See ELECTION on Page 7

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CORE funds guaranteed for tech hours at elementary, middle schools Move allows schools to begin their own fundraising efforts BY GLENN WOHLTMANN

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The Pleasanton Unified School District Board accepted a guarantee at a July 14 meeting that will bring half-time tech support to the district’s elementary and middle schools. Last month, the board refused to make up the difference between the CORE (Community OutReach for Education) campaign that would have bumped the schools to the next level. The money would have come from the Sycamore Fund; board members Valerie Arkin and Jamie Hintzke voted against the spending, and since allocations from the fund need approval by four of the five members, that motion failed. The Pleasanton Partnerships in

Education (PPIE) — which spearheaded the CORE campaign — has guaranteed the difference, which is now $7,100, using $13,923 in undesignated donations, those that came in without a requirement to spend them at a specific grade level, to increase staff hours at the schools. The CORE campaign is slated to run until the end of September, with discount coupon books from local merchants being sold at a number of places, including the Friday night concerts in the park. The techs will be rehired next month thanks to the guarantee, and school PTAs have been freed to do their own fundraising to add extra hours to techs or library assistants. The brief meeting was the first

run by new Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi, who praised CORE’s effort, and that of PPIE spokeswoman Debi Covello in particular. “I can’t tell you how impressed I am by her organization,” Ahmadi said. The board also hired Ahmadi’s assistant from the Fremont school district, Roseanne Pryor, to replace Carol Fernandez, the superintendent’s administrative assistant, who is retiring. The board also unanimously agreed, for the first time ever, not to expel a student based on the recommendation of a school hearing panel. The student, from Foothill High School, must abide by a rehabilitation plan. N

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Urging a City Council vote to approve the Staples Ranch project are Pat Kohnen, Connie Squires, Patti and Al Baer, Pat and Keith Mielke, Karen and Darryl Albertson, Bev and Ted Tinges, Don Kallenberg, Sandra Thorne, John and Marilyn Slade, Bill and Cathy James, Helen Whitaker, Bart and Barbara Costerus, Robin and Walt Morgan, Dave and Roz Wright, Herbert and Ruth Russell, M. Van Dreser, Becky Dennis, Karen Mohr, Bruce Fiedler, Dick Karn, Hugh and Barbara Hempill, Marge and Rudy Johnson.

Group rallies in bid for City Council to act on Staples Ranch Thousands of dollars in deposits await completion of retirement community BY JEB BING

After nearly five years of delays in the approval process for the development of Stoneridge Creek, a continuing life retirement community on the Staples Ranch site, 35 Pleasanton seniors took matters into their own hands this week, rallying in front of the Civic Center and signing a petition asking the City Council to approve the project. The group hopes to enlist even more supporters to speak at a special council meeting Aug. 24 when the Staples Ranch plan will be con-

sidered for final action. Barbara Hempill, who is a member of the group, said those seeking approval have made down payments, some years ago, to acquire units at Stoneridge Creek. “Many have lived in Pleasanton for 40 years or more and have been active on city committees and commissions, in the school system, in numerous civic activities, and as volunteers with nonprofit organizations,” she said. Since state law requires that CLC residents be able to care for themselves when they enter the

facility, and it is estimated that construction will take between two-and-a-half and three years, continued delays are significant in determining who will be eligible to move in when the development is completed. “The bright yellow T-shirts worn for the photo read ‘Approve Stoneridge Creek Now’ and this exactly expresses what they want to see happen when the City Council meets on Aug. 24 to discuss approval of the supplemental environmental impact review for Staples Ranch,” Hempill said. N

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Page 6ÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

Not missing the grandkids: Mary Beth Rich and her best friend Evelyn Woolsey read their Weekly on beautiful island of Mykonos while on a two-week tour of Greece that included three days in Athens, four days inland and a seven-day cruise of the Greek islands. They report they had such a good time that they didn’t even miss their grandchildren!

NEWS

Brick by brick Workers installing commemorative bricks at Firehouse Arts Center BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

A contractor has started laying commemorative bricks at the Firehouse Arts Center, which will open in September. The bricks are being sold to help finance the transformation of the historic fire station into a stateof-the-art 240-seat studio theater with 2,000 square feet of gallery space. The center will also have room for classes, receptions and events. Construction of the center began in July 2008, and the grand opening is Sept. 17. “We’ve sold 570 bricks to date,� said campaign director Debbie Look. At $150 each, that adds up to $85,500. “They’re almost entirely community members,� Look added, “families buying them to show their family’s support for the project. Or in memory of a loved one.� Members of groups also chip in to memorialize themselves, she said, including one bunko group in Pleasanton.

SAFEWAY Continued from Page 5

Large open areas will include open bins for salads, pastries and cold cuts for the luncheon crowds with a sit-down area for dining. The store will include a Safeway pharmacy and space for allied vendors, including a bank and other services. The store will employ between 150 and 200 workers, Zylstra said. He said Safeway hopes to clear the land and start construction late this year or very early in 2011 so that it can be open ahead of Thanksgiving next year. Facing Valley, the store will back onto the southbound I-680 off-ramp. Driveways will be positioned along Valley Avenue and one on Bernal will link with the Koll Center drive on the other side with a full-phase traffic signal to allow turns into and out of the center in either direction. Although larger and newer than the Pleasanton Safeway at Valley and Santa Rita Road, that popular

COUNCIL Continued from Page 5

has ever been elected to make land use decisions,� he said. “Even at ABAG, there’s not one person there who has ever handled land use planning in Pleasanton, yet they’re making these decisions.� Noting that the agreement requires Pleasanton to accommodate a larger population of lowincome residents, he said that neither the courts, legislature nor county have looked at the social infrastructure required to serve this residents. That responsibility apparently will fall to nonprofit groups that may also be unprepared for the task, he said. Councilwoman Cindy McGovern said the housing cap was put in place with good intentions by Pleasanton

Sales may continue through the summer, said Look, noting, “We don’t have a specific upper limit at this point.� However, all of the bricks will be in place by the opening. Tickets for the Firehouse Arts Center Opening Night Gala are also selling well, even though the invitations just went out last week, said Look. Three hundred tickets are being sold at $125 per person, and about 230 are gone. “It just shows how excited people are to finally see the project coming to fruition,� Look said. The event will feature a variety of live entertainment, with a show

in the theater, performances on the patio and in the classrooms, and a Pleasanton Art League show in the gallery. It will also have food and wine pairings. The next day, the city is holding a free open house for the public, with plays and music. “I think everyone is town is really excited about the opening,� said Look. The new arts center will include portions of the original historic brick building on Railroad Avenue. At one time it housed the old Pleasanton Fire Department headquarters as well as Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 4. The Firehouse Arts Center has been planned for years by the city and its nonprofit partner, the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Foundation. The final cost of the project is expected to exceed $10 million. The city has paid $8 million of the cost, and extensive fundraising is still ongoing by the foundation for the other costs. To purchase a brick, for $150, go to pleasantonartsfoundation.org. N

store will remain open. “For the most part, grocery shopping is convenience-oriented,� Zylstra said. “That store has been here for years, offers great service, products and prices, and we expect it to continue to serve that side of town.� Scott R. Trobbe, a principal partner at South Bay Construction, said it still plans to develop the rest of the 40-acre site it owns into an office building complex. Plans for the four-story campus haven’t changed much since 2000, when South Bay joined with Greenbriar Homes and others to acquire the full 510-acre Bernal site from the city of San Francisco, which had owned the land since the 1930s. Greenbriar and KB Home have since built the homes and apartments the city of Pleasanton approved as part of the purchase agreement, which included 370 acres as a gift to the city for public uses. The city’s first development on its property — lighted baseball

fields — was completed last year. In a presentation to the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Trobbe said the office building market is still sluggish, but the synergism he expects potential office tenants to see with the Safeway complex could spur development. “Times have changed in the 10 years since we bought this property and proposed the office buildings,� Trobbe said. “People want to live closer to transportation, spend less time in their cars, walk to work, bicycle everywhere, and the Safeway store and other outlets will give them a nearby place to go.� Trobbe said he and Safeway representatives have held meetings with the Pleasanton Downtown Association, business groups, neighborhood associations and others to review Safeway’s plans. So far, he’s found no opposition. Safeway’s proposal is expected to go before the Planning Commission in early September. N

voters who wanted to keep the small town appeal and not overwhelm the city with more traffic than it can handle or exceed the planned limits on water and sewer capacity. “I attended the court hearings and sat in on the discussions with the affordable housing groups,� she said. “It became clear to me that local laws are now being superseded by state laws and that we would have to find an agreement that satisfied everyone while still maintaining local control.� Councilwoman Cheryl CookKallio said that the housing cap was probably consistent at the time with the view of the public to limit the number of homes that could eventually be built in Pleasanton. “None of us wants to see unbridled growth in our city and now

we have to keep our eye on the ball and focus on retaining as much local control as possible.� Hosterman recalled that as a younger woman in 1996 with little children at home, she was among those who supported the housing cap “to assure that our city maintain its wonderful character and small town feel.� “I think the judge’s decision was wrong,� she added. “But rather than spend more money on attorneys’ fees, we realized it was time to move on and creatively plan for the future of our town.� Thorne urged voters to discuss the state’s “out of control� housing requirements with their candidates for State Legislature before voting Nov. 2. —Jeb Bing

JOANNE HALL

Brick-laying will continue as more bricks for $150 are sold, up until the new Firehouse Arts Center opens in September.

ELECTION Continued from Page 5

also could split the candidates. Hosterman, Thorne and CookKallio have said they’re prepared to vote in favor of the development, which includes an independent and assisted living complex for seniors as well as the extension of Stoneridge Drive. It’s not clear how McGovern will vote when it goes before the council Aug. 24. In the past, she said she wanted assurance that Stoneridge wouldn’t become a shortcut for commuters between I-580 and I-680 if it’s extended. McGovern also has the advantage of running from a “safe seat.� Even if she loses, she’ll still have her council seat for another two years. Hosterman’s strengths include key positions with regional and national groups. As co-chair this year of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council, she will host a meeting of mayors and others who sit on the council in

October, just a few weeks before the municipal election. McGovern said she is bowing to public pressure by running in this year’s mayor’s race. “I kept saying no, but now I have some concerns about the way things are going,� she said. “One of them was when our citizens were sued over their effort to hold a referendum on Oak Grove. The city clerk and city attorney also were sued but our council chose not to appeal that case. I think we should have appealed.� McGovern added: “I also was upset when our residents put a hillside and ridgeland protection initiative on the ballot, something that had been called for in the General Plan for 11 years but nothing had been done about it. (The majority of) our council did not support that initiative. In fact, they put a competing initiative on the ballot. I thought that wasn’t something that should be done.� —Jeb Bing

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Opinion Pleasanton LETTERS Weekly Open parking lot PRESIDENT Gina Channell-Allen, Ext. 119 PUBLISHER Jeb Bing, Ext. 118 EDITORIAL Editor Jeb Bing, Ext. 118 Managing Editor Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Ext. 111 Online/Community Editor Emily West, Ext. 229 Reporter Glenn Wohltmann, Ext. 121 Intern Brittany Hersh, Ext. 234 Contributors Don Colman Deborah Grossman Jerri Pantages Long Dennis Miller Kerry Nally Joe Ramirez ART & PRODUCTION Lead Designer Katrina Cannon, Ext. 130 Designers Lili Cao, Ext. 120 Kristin Herman, Ext. 114 ADVERTISING Advertising Sales Manager Mary Hantos, Ext. 123 Account Executives Paul Crawford, Ext. 113 Karen Klein, Ext. 122 Barbara Lindsey, Ext. 226 Real Estate Sales Andrea Heggelund, Ext. 110 Ad Services Cammie Clark, Ext. 116 BUSINESS Business Associate Lisa Oefelein, Ext. 126 Circulation Director Bob Lampkin, Ext. 141 Front Office Coordinator Kathy Martin, Ext. 124 HOW TO REACH THE WEEKLY Phone: (925) 600-0840 Fax: (925) 600-9559 Editorial e-mail: editor@PleasantonWeekly.com calendar@PleasantonWeekly.com Display Sales e-mail: sales@PleasantonWeekly.com Classifieds Sales e-mail: ads@PleasantonWeekly.com Circulation e-mail: circulation@ PleasantonWeekly.com

The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Pleasanton Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Community support of the Pleasanton Weekly is welcomed and encouraged through memberships at levels of $5, $8 or $10 per month through automatic credit card charges. Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. © 2010 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Dear Editor, I find Bank of America’s need to keep both parking lots free for bank customers on Saturday ridiculous. I realize Bank of America wants to make sure that their customers are able to have a place to park. However, realistically, how many people actually go to the bank on Saturday. Most of the people who go to the farmers market are in and out in 30 minutes. I understand many of the bikers were parking there and going for long rides. If the bank wanted to show good will, they would make the second parking lot one-hour parking and then have it enforced. Rayan Fowler

Missing downtown friends Dear Editor, There is a hole in the heart of Pleasanton. Our statue friends have left us. My trip downtown no longer has me smiling at the fisherman by the creek; wanting to wave to the man and his little dog at the Rose Hotel; laughing at the little boy going to take a huge bite of ice cream at Meadowlark; watching the window washer going about his work; wanting to hug the dog by Murphy’s Paw; giving way to the runner in front of Fleet Feet; holding back tears as the soldier’s daughter hugs her dad with pure happiness on her face. And on it goes all around my town. Something is definitely missing. Huge kudos to Pleasanton for having them live with us for a while. Please bring our friends back someday. Sue Scott

Waiting to move Dear Editor, My husband Jim and I have put a 10 percent deposit down for a living unit in Stoneridge Creek. We are optimistic that the project will eventually happen, but we hope the process will move forward at the Aug. 24 special Pleasanton City Council meeting. I spoke at the Pleasanton Planning Commission Meeting when they approved the SEIR and other documents to move the Staples Ranch Project forward. My husband spoke at the June 15 Pleasanton council meeting urging the City Council to move forward. It was a disappointment that the item was pulled from the June 15 agenda. We have lived in Dublin since 1978 and love Dublin, but we have decided to move to Pleasanton because of the Stoneridge Creek

EDITORIAL project, which is unique in the TriValley. It will give us an opportunity to live independently and yet have support if needed in the future. We can still participate in our many activities since Pleasanton is so close to Dublin. We have begun to participate in more Pleasanton activities in anticipation of our move. We are members of the Museum On Main and we bought a brick for the new Firehouse Arts Center. We continue to enjoy many of the Pleasanton restaurants. We also have a strong connection to Pleasanton because one of our granddaughters lives there. I hope the Pleasanton council will consider all of the advantages of the Staples Ranch Project and keep moving forward in a positive manner. The project is good for Pleasanton and the Tri-valley. Pat and Jim Kohnen Dublin

Lockout not strike Dear Editor, I want to draw the attention of the Pleasanton public and Castewood Country Club members to the fact that the labor dispute there is a lockout by management, not a strike. Traditional labor practice is for workers to keep working while labor negotiations take place. In this case, on Feb. 25, Castlewood management locked out the workers while negotiations were occurring. Imagine arriving at your job to work, only to find out that your boss had taken away your job and locked you out. In the practice of our country, forged over a hundred years ago, workers have a right to form a union. The union Unite Here had been chosen by the culinary workers and was again selected by a majority of the workers in a vote on April 2. These unionized workers deserve to get their jobs back while negotiations continue. Anything less than that is a hugely unfair labor practice by the management of Castlewood Country Club. I urge the public and members of Castlewood Country Club to contact club management to end this scandalous lockout, accept the workers back, and return to negotiations. The decision makers are General Manager Jerry Olson and President of the Board of Directors Jim Clouser. No matter how one feels on the details of the offerings previously made by labor or management, sign on to end this injustice in Pleasanton by communicating with Castlewood on ending the lockout. Patricia Belding

What’s your opinion? Write a Letter to the Editor at Editor@PleasantonWeekly.com or put your opinion on Town Square at www.PleasantonWeekly.com. Letters must be 250 words or less.

THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY

For retired school superintendent John Casey, it’s been quite a ride

I

t’s been quite a ride for John Casey, who retired last month after eight years as superintendent of the Pleasanton school district. Casey was hired in 2002 to succeed Mary Frances Callan, who took a similar post in Palo Alto after several tumultuous years here. During that time, she weathered changes on the school board, late night board meetings and frequent confrontations with some constituents who were calling for construction of a third high school to stem the ongoing “bubble” enrollment increases at the early part of the decade. By 2002, after it was clear the newly acquired Bernal Community Park would be off-limits for a new high school, those pleas quieted. The board, led by the late Juanita Haugen, who was instrumental in hiring Casey away from the Pajaro Valley Unified School District that serves Watsonville, also included Kris Weaver, Gloria Fredette and Pat Kernan, who is now the longest serving school board member. Mrs. Haugen’s mandate called for establishing Pleasanton’s as a world class school district, which Casey made his mission going forward. Surging enrollment still affected school campuses in his early years and for a while he and the board considered creating an academy, something less than the full comprehensive Amador Valley and Foothill high schools but one that would meet the Pleasanton district’s three bars of rigor, relevance and relationships. An academy of 300 students, as proposed, met the relationship criteria that some students found missing at the two larger high schools. The relevance factor worked at an academy, but the schools Casey eyed failed in the rigor test. In math, for example, he saw one teacher in an academy taking responsibility for all courses, calculus down to basic algebra, with little time to prep for the day or to really understand all of the material that needed to be taught. While the idea of a smaller school had appeal, Casey persuaded the board to continue instead the expansion of the Foothill and Amador Valley campuses, where two-story classroom buildings, new libraries and athletic facilities have been completed. With enrollment already at 14,300, not much lower than today’s 14,800 students, Casey also had time during his eight-year term to focus on making education better, on building the world-class academic reputation that Haugen sought. Again, with some board members and faculty, Casey toured the premier school districts in the country, such as Naperville High outside of Chicago, schools outside of Boston and the top-rated schools in California. He agreed that the Pleasanton schools in terms of SAT scores, state testing results and college acceptances already placed Pleasanton among the best, but his efforts over the eight years were to make the schools here even better. At board meetings and in the parent groups that he established, he continually asked what can we do as a school district to become just a little bit better. He worked with his staff on continuing improvement models, setting higher goals each year, and developing strong strategic plans using a process called “futures forecasting.” These planning sessions looked at what the world would be like 15-20 years from now and how the Pleasanton education experience was enabling teenagers to meet those future demands. His strategic plan included specific elements, such as achievement, innovation, creativity, global orientation and environmental awareness, making the plan the guiding light for the Pleasanton school district as it stands today. An excellence committee was formed with some 50 participants to make the effort as publicly transparent as possible, using available funds to hire more counselors that in Casey’s peak year of achievement lowered the ratio of students to counselors from 698:1 to 350:1. But it was not to last. With multi-billion-dollar state deficits ravaging Sacramento and essential school funding, the good times started downhill several years ago with budget cuts of $2 million in 2008-09, $11 million in 2009-10, and now another $8 million in the current fiscal year. His push for a parcel tax failed by a few percentage points of achieving the two-thirds majority vote needed. With funding cuts continuing, Casey found himself in more recent months forced to dismantle some of the world-class improvements he and the school board established, a task that now falls on the shoulders of Pleasanton’s new superintendent Parvin Ahmadi, a challenge she seems well-prepared to tackle. N

Visit Town Square at PleasantonWeekly.com to comment on the editorial. Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊU Page 9

Community Pulse

POLICE BULLETIN & LOG

WEEKLY MEETING NOTICES Planning Commission ĂŠ UĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ7i`˜iĂƒ`>Ăž]ĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊÓnĂŒÂ…ĂŠ*Â?>˜˜ˆ˜}ĂŠ ÂœÂ“Â“ÂˆĂƒĂƒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂ“iiĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠÂ…>ĂƒĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠ LiiÂ˜ĂŠV>˜ViÂ?Â?i`°ĂŠ/Â…iĂŠÂ˜iĂ?ĂŒĂŠĂƒVÂ…i`Ă•Â?i`ĂŠVÂœÂ“Â“ÂˆĂƒĂƒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂ“iiĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂŠ ĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠLiĂŠ Ă•}Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂŠÂŁÂŁĂŒÂ…°

POLICE BULLETIN

Committee on Energy and Environment

Cops go undercover to nab bike thief

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Operation Services Center, 3333 Busch Road ĂŠ UĂŠ6ÂˆĂƒÂˆĂŒĂŠÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠĂœiLĂƒÂˆĂŒiĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠĂœĂœĂœ°Vˆ°Â?i>Ăƒ>Â˜ĂŒÂœÂ˜°V>°Ă•ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂ›ÂˆiĂœĂŠĂŒÂ…i ĂŠ ĂŠ >}i˜`>ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂ…ÂˆĂƒĂŠÂ“iiĂŒÂˆÂ˜}° The above represents a sampling of upcoming meeting items. For complete information, please visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/calendar

A Pleasanton man has been charged with possession of stolen property after the victim of a bicycle theft went online and was able to find his bike for sale on Craigslist, a police report said. Zachary Royer, 30, was arrested Wednesday after undercover Pleasanton officers went to his home to buy the bike; they found the bike in question and three others, according to the report. Police linked a

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second bike to a recent theft but are trying to track down the owners of the other bikes, described as a men’s 21-speed mountain bike and a single speed mountain bike. The police reported that Royer has past convictions for possessing and selling stolen bicycles. The report noted that bicycles are especially easy targets for thieves and should be locked when outdoors and kept behind closed doors if left in a garage. Police also encourage residents to register their bikes with the city and to put identifying marks such as initials or a city identification number somewhere on the frame. Victims who think one of the bikes is theirs can contact Detective Mike Rossillon at 931-5100.

POLICE REPORT The Pleasanton Police Department made the following information available. Under the law, those charged with offenses are considered innocent until convicted.

July 12 Burglary â– 7:57 a.m. in the 5600 block of Hansen Drive Drug/alcohol charges â– 2:05 a.m. in the 3000 block of Bernal Avenue; DUI â– 7:57 a.m. in the 5600 block of Hansen Drive â– 4:18 p.m. in the 1800 block of Santa Rita Road; driving with marijuana â– 8:57 p.m. in the 1300 block of Benedict Court; possession of alcohol by a minor, marijuana possession, vandalism, trespassing

July 13 Theft â– 1:31 p.m. in the 4600 block of Mohr Avenue; grand theft â– 2:56 p.m. in the 3200 block of Royalton Court; grand theft â– 3:47 p.m. in the 300 block of Main Street; identity theft â– 4:17 p.m. in the 1400 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; theft Burglary â– 3:09 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Rita Road and W. Las Positas Boulevard â– 6:02 p.m. in the 1800 block of Tanglewood Way Vandalism â– 8:59 a.m. in the 900 block of Main Street

11:15 a.m. in the 4700 block of Hopyard Road â– 5:06 p.m. at the intersection of Hopyard Road and Parkside Drive â– 5:47 p.m. in the 7000 block of Johnson Drive Public drunkenness â– 9:22 p.m. in the 4300 block of Black Avenue â–

July 14 Theft â– 1:22 p.m. in the 800 block of Main Street; forgery â– 3:05 p.m. in the 5300 block of Case Avenue; possession of stolen property â– 4:16 pm. in the 1700 block of Santa Rita Road; petty theft, trespassing Threats â– 12:07 a.m. in the 3700 block of Fairlands Drive; threats, disturbing the peace

July 15 Theft â– 2:08 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft â– 4:59 p.m. in the 500 block of Burger Court; identity theft Burglary â– 12:21 p.m. in the 2400 block of Raven Road Vandalism â– 2:16 p.m. in the 1400 block of Groth Circle

July 16 Theft â– 12:50 p.m. in the 4100 block of

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Peregrine Way; forgery 4:20 p.m. in the 2100 block Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft â– 5:20 p.m. in the first block of Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplifting, possession of stolen property, possession of an illegal duplicate key â– 5:22 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; theft Battery â– 8:18 p.m. in the 400 block of Main Street Vandalism â– 10:10 p.m. in the 5600 block of W. Las Positas Boulevard Prank Calls â– 5:08 p.m. in the 3900 block of Vineyard Avenue Public drunkenness â– 3:37 a.m. in the 4300 block of Black Avenue â–

July 17 Theft â– 11:54 a.m. in the 2100 block of Armstrong Court; grand theft â– 12:50 p.m. in the 1600 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; grand theft â– 2:02 p.m. in the 2600 block of Stoneridge Mall road; grand theft â– 3:15 p.m. in the 1700 block of Santa Rita Road; theft â– 10:56 p.m. in the 7400 block of Laurel Court; theft Battery â– 1:32 a.m. in the 300 block of St. Mary Street Threats â– 7:33 p.m. in the 400 block of Rose Avenue Public drunkenness â– 1:48 a.m. in the 4100 block of First Street

July 18 Theft â– 2:45 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; theft â– 6:19 p.m. in the 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; grand theft Vehicular burglary â– 8:45 p.m. in the 5200 block of Forest Hill drive Drug/alcohol charges â– 1:52 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and St. Mary Street; public drunkenness â– 7:25 a.m. near the intersection of Interstate 680 and W. Pas Positas Boulevard; public drunkenness â– 3:22 p.m. in the 5200 block of Hopyard Road; public drunkenness, vandalism

Transitions

1st Anniversary in our new location! Serving Your Entire Family

WEDDINGS â—? ENGAGEMENTS â—? OBITUARIES â—? BIRTHS

OBITUARIES David John Garske David John Garske died peacefully July 4 at the age of 53 after a lengthy battle with a neurological muscular disease. He was born May 7, 1957, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to John and Ann Garske, and spent his early years in Las Vegas, Nev. The family moved to Pleasanton where he graduated from Dublin High School in 1975 and forged lifetime friendships. In his early years of vacationing with his family, he developed a passion for fishing, hiking and camping, which eventually led him to his dream of owning a home in the mountains of Yosemite where he died. After raising a family in Colorado and Modesto as a salesman for Jorgensen Steel, he eventually moved to Mariposa where he became a real estate broker and owned a property management company. He is survived by his parents, John and Ann Garske; two daughters, Sarah Garske and Amanda Garner; three brothers, Don, Dan and Adam Garske; four sisters, Suzanne Haendel, Laura Elmore, Carol Jones and Connie Ankenbruck; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of his life from 2-4 p.m. July 27 at Cornerstone Fellowship Church; 348 N. Canyon Parkway, Livermore. A reception will follow. Donations may be made to the ALS Foundation; One Embarcadero Center, #1530, San Francisco 94111, “Funds restrictive to research.�

Arthur Lloyd Garrett Pleasanton resident Arthur Lloyd Garrett died July 14 at the age of 59. He was born June 20, 1951, in Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in radio and television broadcasting. He served as the director of the District Attorney’s Office Forensic Video Unit for more than 36 years. A few of his many interests included visiting Disneyland, Japanese culture, attending NASCAR races with his family and reading. Mr. Garrett was preceded in death by his father Harold R. Garrett and brother Robert K. Garrett. He is survived by his wife Dottie; sons Keith and TJ; grandson Joey Garrett; mother Ruth Takino Vince of Livermore; two nieces and a cousin. Family and friends are invited to join in the celebration of his life at 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at Cornerstone Fellowship in Livermore.

Harriet Morehead Harriet Morehead, a resident of Livermore for 18 years, died June 28 at the age of 77, surrounded by her family. She was born March 20, 1933, to Harrison and Elsie Shigley in Chicago, Ill. She met her husband and lifelong sweetheart, Richard (Dick), in the summer of 1951 and they were married the following November. Dick was drafted in May 1952 so Harriet, then 21, drove from Chicago to Oklahoma to be with him during basic training. When he returned from war, Mrs. Morehead worked at Time Life Magazine as a keypunch operator, taking the “L� train to work. Later they lived in Lansing, Mich; Allentown, Pa; and finally Pleasanton, where she worked as a media aide at Fairlands School and afterward for Farmers Insurance and Scales Unlimited. Mrs. Morehead was predeceased by her husband Dick; brother Harry Shigley and sister Janis Ireland. She is survived by her children, Lori Cortez of Fremont, Kathy Morehead of Lathrop, and Tracy and Robert Stoner of Livermore; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Donald Newman; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services were held at Graham Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton on July 8, followed by burial at Pleasanton Memorial Gardens.

Michael Fraser Manning Pleasanton resident Michael Fraser Manning died July 6 at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 10, 1939, in Ukiah and grew up on a pear ranch in Hopland. He was su-

perintendent of recreation for the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District for 14 years, during which time he was honored as “Young Man of the Year.� He became an energy consultant for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, where he founded Kids’ Country, an after-school care program for the district, and later became an independent energy consultant. He worked with people with disabilities and was involved in the Special Olympics. He also enjoyed travel, dancing, photography, cultural arts, good food and fine wine, and gatherings with family and friends. Mr. Manning was preceded in death by his parents Judge John Manning and Joan Manning of Hopland. He is survived by his loving wife Carole; son Brian Manning of Hopland, daughter Naia Nakai; one grandchild; brothers John Manning (Melanie) of Huntington Beach and Kevin Manning of Santa Rosa, and sisters Maureen Manning of Ukiah and Patricia Manning (Tim Fenner) of the U.K. He is also survived by stepsons Brian Anderson (Kelly) and Kent Anderson; four step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and many cousins. A funeral Mass was celebrated July 13 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Pleasanton with burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. Donations may be made to Bruns House Inpatient Hospice Facility through www.hospiceeastbay.org.

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COVER STORY

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BY JERRI PANTAGES LONG

L

ions are among us. Not the prowling, roaring, claws-and-fangs type. These are the two-legged variety whose motto is, “Together we serve.” They are members of the Pleasanton Lions Club, proud to have benefited this community for 80 years. President Juanita Furtado — the second woman president in eight decades — handed off her gavel July 10 to Steve Grimes. Before their installation dinner at Callippe Preserve Golf Course, Furtado reflected on a year that had seen increasing requests for help from a variety of organizations. “I have a hard time saying no,” she admitted with a laugh. “We can’t help everybody, but this year we tried to help more than before.” Furtado noted that the economic downturn has sent many community groups scrambling for funds to meet increased needs in a time of decreased individual donations. “It’s a challenge to respond to changing needs.” Nearly a century old, Lions Club International claims 1.3 million members in more than 200 countries. They have become known for their work world-wide in vision care. Their membership brochure states that their clubs “recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries and treat million of people to prevent river blindness.”

The Lions help out locally in many ways and hold fundraisers to support their activities. From left: Alan La Down last year; Sharon Braley, club secretary, and fellow Lions Rosemary Caprio and Barbara Pilling prep apron, is the master chef for the Lions Club Crab Feed each January, which attracts over 1,000 guests.

Furtado has seen first-hand how this effort works. For several years, she has placed Lions’ cardboard eyeglasses donation boxes in half a dozen locations throughout Pleasanton, then visited periodically to collect the pairs that have been dropped off. The glasses are taken to a warehouse in Vallejo, where they are sorted by lens prescription and packed up to be shipped to places such as Mexico, Haiti, India and Nepal. Optometrists and volunteers help to distribute them at free clinics to people whose lives are transformed by having vision correction, often enabling them to see clearly for the first time in their lives. Vision help also is provided closer to home. Sometimes school teachers are the first to notice that a child is having vision problems. If a Pleasanton family cannot afford eye examinations and prescription glasses, the school can submit a letter to the local Lions Club, and it will quietly pick up the tab, helping assure academic success that might otherwise be out of sight — literally — for those students. Diabetes is a disease that can lead to vision problems. Pleasanton Lions Club works closely with Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF), a national organization seeking a cure, and also with the Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF). “When someone asks for our support, we don’t just write out checks,” said Furtado. “We ask them to come and speak directly to our club members.” That is how the club came to know Hannah

Francis, who was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age. Now a senior in high school, Hannah and her family have counted local Lions among their supporters for many years as they organize “Hannah’s Hikers” to raise funds through the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes. “They (Lions) have been incredibly generous and supportive,” said Zoe Francis, mother of Hannah and family walk team organizer for the event, which will take place Sunday, Oct. 3, at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek. “My dad is a lifetime Lions Club member (in Oklahoma), and it makes him extremely proud that the local chapter supports our team.” The purpose of the Concord-based Diabetic Youth Foundation, Furtado said, “is to help kids learn to manage their own diabetes and to see that they can still lead normal lives.” The foundation runs a camp at Bearskin Meadow within Sequoia National Park. “At camp, newly diagnosed youngsters can see that they are not alone, not the only ones having to deal with diabetes,” Francis said. Pleasanton Lions Club has provided camperships for children and families for the simmer sessions. “We have had campers come up to us and say, ‘Thank you! You have saved my life,’” reported Furtado. Pleasanton Lions Club also frequently helps out the community by providing food for worthy events. For the Special Kids’ Fishing Derby at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, the

Lions pull up their kitchen trailer, fir volunteers with a pancake breakfast, the young derby participants a hot do many years, Lions have served a “Do for a Dollar” to the eager participant Fourth of July celebration in Lions W They will don their aprons agai to serve pancakes to the hundreds o who will report to the Alameda C grounds for the biannual East Bay weekend for homeless military veter Many of the Lions will linger, afte teers eat, to help the Veterans of F serve the first meal to the homeless v are bused in for the event. “For many of them, it’s the first goo have had in a long, long, time, and t hungry,” said Furtado. “They are so so polite when we serve them. Ma have not been treated with respect in quite a while.”

CRABBY FOR A CAUS

Food service is also the main wa anton Lions earn the funds that th On Jan. 29, the club will take ove California building at the county fai its famous all-you-can-eat crab fee president Steve Grimes has been in c event for 20 years. “It’s a lot of fun!” Grimes said ent “We have tried to keep it a social

Easy way to help: Donate old eyeglasses Next time you change your eyeglasses prescription and frames, consider donating the old pair to be recycled to someone who needs it. There are six drop-off locations in Pleasanton: 1. Pleasanton Public Library — 400 Old Bernal. White metal mailbox with Lions logo is located in the lobby. 2. Pleasanton Kaiser Clinic — 7601 Stoneridge Road. Personnel in the Optical Department collect the donated glasses. 3. Wal-Mart — 4501 Rosewood Drive. White cardboard box with Lions logo and slot on top is in the reception area of the Optical Department. 4. Valley Eye Care — 5575 West Las Positas Blvd. (at ValleyCare Hospital Medical Offices). Go to second floor. One office to the right and one to the left have collection boxes with Lions logo. 5. Senior Center — 6363 Sunol Blvd. Donation box is in the coffee shop to the right of the lobby. 6. Pleasanton Optometry — 1400 Santa Rita Road (across from post office, next to Alisal Elementary School). Glasses may be given to the receptionist.

Page 12ÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

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ambert, manager of Raley’s, and former manager Dave Denton cook pancakes for the volunteers at the East Bay Stand pare to sell “A Dog & a Drink for a Dollar” at the Fourth of July event in Lions Wayside Park; Tony Macchiano, in yellow

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many people coming back year after year.” Businesses often reserve tables of 16, to treat their employees to a night of feasting and entertainment. The party includes a live band and a casino, plus a Wheel-of-Fortune for children. Long-time Lion Tony Macchiano is one of the key organizers; he drives into Oakland each year to pick up 4,300 pounds of cleaned, cooked and cracked crab. Besides trays of crab, each guest gets salad (made with 100 pounds of fresh shrimp), rolls and pasta. Dedicated Lions volunteers work from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. for this successful event. Members of the bands at Amador Valley and Foothill high schools are the servers. “It’s good for both of us,” said Grimes. “Our club couldn’t do it without them, and they get a generous donation for their service, so it’s a winwin situation.” Tickets at $40 will go on sale in October. The event attracts 1,200-1,500 people. From 6:30-11 p.m. in one night, Lions will raise tens of thousands of dollars to put toward worthy causes in 2011. Those wanting to reserve tickets or whole tables in October can call Grimes at 484-3524 “We are hoping to expand our membership,” said Furtado. “That’s another challenge. We are planning more family-oriented events, to meet the needs of our younger members. We look to them for their energy, their ideas, and particularly their ability with technology.” Incoming president Grimes has set as his goal bringing in 20 new members in the next year. Six

were inducted at the installation banquet. Membership in Pleasanton Lions is open to men and women age 18 or older “who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities locally and worldwide, while developing and sharing personal leadership and organizational skills,” according to their brochure. Those interested are welcome to visit the club, which meets for dinner and programs the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m., in the city’s Regalia House, 4133 Regalia Court (east of First Street, off Vineyard Avenue). Dues are $75 per year, and each dinner meeting costs $10, plus “Tail Twister” fines for a variety of things (such as getting one’s name in the paper) and pass-the-hat causes, such as donations to the City of Hope cancer center in Pasadena. “Some of our members do not attend meetings, they just come and volunteer at our events, and that’s fine,” said Furtado. Last year’s budget for the local club was $91,000. Of that, it donated $38,000 to “mostly local” charities, and spent $41,000 at local businesses. Why become a Lion? Juanita Furtado, a 20-year Pleasanton resident and 10-year Lion, is quick to answer: “This is the most joyful thing you can do! A little bit of my time, my energy and my money helps another person so much. And the biggest surprise is that you feel better than they do. “Lions get to be in touch with the people they help, and there’s just nothing better.” N

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ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR

Auditions ‘THE SPELLING BEE’ Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre will hold auditions for “The Spelling Bee” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 and 10 at 315 Wrights Bros. Ave., Livermore. Callbacks by invitation only Aug. 12. Prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show. Bring sheet music; capella auditions are discouraged. Visit www.trivalleyrep.com.

6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month, at First and Neal streets. Contact Cathe Norman at 462-7495; Matt Sullivan at mjs7882@gmail. com; or kdowding@pacbell.net. Visit www.Pleasantonians4Peace.org.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

POOCH PARADE The First Wednesday Pooch Parade will take place Aug. 4. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m. at Lions Wayside Park (corner of First St. and Neal). Enter your pooch, any size, in any of the seven categories for great prizes. The entry fee is $10 per category. All proceeds benefit the Tri-Valley Guide Dog Puppy Raisers. For complete details and registration go to www.trivalleyguidedogs.org or call 447-6202.

Author Visits YOSEMITE’S HALF DOME The most popular route to Half Dome’s summit is a grueling 16-mile round trip trek with almost a mile elevation. How fit should you be? What preparations do you need to make? Get the answers from author Rick Deutsch, seasoned Half Dome hiker (26 times), who will show a slide show of the climb at 2 p.m. July 25 at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. Call 931-3405.

Book Clubs GREAT BOOKS OF PLEASANTON The Great Books of Pleasanton book club meets at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Monday monthly at Towne Center Books, 555 Main St. Call Sadie at 846-1658. PLEASANTON LIBRARY BOOK CLUB The Pleasanton Library’s Adult Book Club meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month except December at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. If you enjoy reading and talking about books, join our group. For more information visit www.pleasantonlibrarybookclub.wordpress. com. Call 931-3400 ext. 7.

Classes BALLROOM DANCING Classes offered by Christopher Li from 1-3 p.m. July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. Teens through Seniors are welcome. Social ballroom instructor, Christopher Li, was a bronze finalist at the USA Dance National Championship 2010. Call 931-3405. DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT Classes are being held to help you understand and learn to manage your Type 2 Diabetes, from 6-8 p.m.

Fundraisers CHUCK DECKERT

‘Brothels, Bar Rooms, and Bandits’: The Wild West days of 1890 are returning to Pleasanton to raise money for the Museum On Main, at a rip-roaring event from 7-11 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Pleasanton Senior Center. Enjoy an evening of gambling (handled by the Pleasanton Lions Club), food, liquor and entertainment, with dancers, singers and piano players. The museum ladies will be “working women,” and the men will double as Pinkerton agents. Tickets are $40 each and include a meal and gaming money. Call 462-2766 for tickets and information. Costumes are encouraged, but not necessary. starting Aug. 3 at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. This is a seven-week series that teaches about eating the foods you love, how and why to check your blood sugar, the effects of exercise and emotions on blood sugar, medications and more. Registration required. Call (510) 383-5185. HEALTHY FOODS YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE Learn to cook organic foods that your kids will love with Suzanne Aziz, a certified educator and holistic chef, from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Bring your favorite knife and cutting board. Cost is $40 for residents; $45 for non-residents, plus a $12 supply fee. Call 931-5365 or visit www.pleasantonseniorcenter.org.

Concerts CONCERTS IN THE PARK Enjoy great music from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lions Wayside Park (corner of First and Neal Street). Enjoy oldies with Tommy and the 4 Speeds on July 23, then come back to hear rock and soul from House Rockers on July 30. Visit pleasantondowntown.net.

LIVERMORE-AMADOR SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA The LivermoreAmador Symphony Youth Orchestra, whose members are 13-21, will present its summer finale at 8 p.m. July 31 at First Presbyterian Church, Fourth and L St., Livermore. The concert will feature Beethoven’s “Turkish March,” Johann Strauss’ “Radetsky March,” and “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, directed by Goran Berg and Kathy Boster. Call 4436953 or visit www.livamsymph.org. PICNIC AND OPERA IN A VINEYARD Livermore Valley Opera will hold a concert from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Retzlaff Vineyards, 1356 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore. This evening of classic opera and bringing your own picnic in a relaxed, casual setting is the opera’s 18th annual benefit event. Cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Call 447-0536 or visit www. livermorevalleyopera.org.

Events ART UNDER THE OAKS The event, featuring dozens of local artists who create a wide variety of original artworks, is from 11 a.m.-4

p.m. July 24 and July 25 at Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Ln., Livermore. Activities include winetasting, live music performed by the Pleasanton Community Concert Band, and fruit tasting. Call 6061088 or visit www.livermoreartassociation.org. FREE FITNESS AND HEALTH FAIR Iron Horse Nutrition and Express Fitness gym will host a free fitness and health fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, at Iron Horse Nutrition, 4270 Rosewood Dr. There will be product samples, prize drawings, fitness contests and pro athlete body builders signing autographs. Call 737-0398 or visit www.ironhorsenutrition.com.

BARK & BREW Drinks and refreshments for you and your canine companion benefit the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue. Enjoy a cocktail-wagging evening in downtown Pleasanton from 6-9 p.m. July 30 at Murphy’s Paw, 410 Main St. Call 600-8925 or visit www.murphyspaw.com. BARTON BENEFIT GARAGE SALE A fundraiser garage sale to help reinstate and fund the Barton Reading Program in Pleasanton middle schools will take place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. July 31 at 1636 Holly Cir. Come and support the event as a buyer or helping to sell items. Call 596-1600 or email penny@ EastBayAreaHomes.com. no charge OPEN MIC TO FIND A CURE The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is holding an open mic night with exciting music to raise funds, from 7-11 p.m. July 24 at Wild Vine, 2187 First St., Livermore. Donation of $5 will be donated to the society in search of blood cancer cures. Call 413-7788 or email tvjrose@ sbcglobal.net. $5.00

LUNCH & ANTIQUE COLLECTION The Widows and Widowers of Northern California are having a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. July 28 at Rising Loafer Bakery, 428 Main St. After lunch, you are invited to the host’s home to view her doll and toy antique collections. Cost your choice of menu item. RSVP to Louise by July 26 at 846-8372.

RELAY FOR LIFE The fundraiser for cancer research will take place from 9 a.m. July 24 to 9 a.m. July 25 at Pleasanton Middle School, 5001 Case Ave. Relay For Life brings together the community to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and fight back against the disease. Call 833-2784 or visit www.relayforlife.org/pleasantonca.

PEACEFUL WAR PROTEST Plesantonians 4 Peace has an ongoing peaceful war protest from 5 to

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ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR July 19 through Sept. 9 at all its stores. Call 1-800-378-2337 or visit www.sleeptrain.com. SISTER CITY BARBECUE Pleasanton/ Tulancingo Sister City group is holding a fundraiser Aug. 14 at the fairgrounds with social hour, silent auction, barbecue dinner, live auction and dancing under the stars. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Ivy Glen barbecue area, 4501 Pleasanton Ave. Cost is $30 in advance or $35 at the door per adult and $10 per child. Call 600-8414.

Kids & Teens CHILDREN’S WATER COLORING WORKSHOP The Pleasanton Art League will host a 2-day workshop for children 9 years and older from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 at the Cultural Arts Center, 4455 Black Ave. Students will learn the basics of watercolor painting. Cost for the workshop is $35 per child and includes all materials. Call 4627964 or email mtellis@pacbell.net. JOB’S DAUGHTERS BETHEL NO.14 This group meets at 7 p.m., on the second

and fourth Monday of every month, at Pleasanton Masonic Lodge, 3370 Hopyard Rd. It is for girls between the ages of 10 and 20 who have a Masonic relationship. It teaches the girls team work, leadership and public speaking. Call 683-5401.

Rd. Four other Bay Area poets with a talent for funny poetry will follow. Intermission will include light refreshments and a public open mic of up to 40 lines. Cost is $5; students free with ID. Call 931-5350 or visit www.civicartsliterary.org.

Miscellaneous On Stage DISCOVERY SHOP NEEDS JEWELRY The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop needs jewelry, especially earrings, and asks everyone to take a moment to neaten their jewelry boxes and bring in brooches, bracelets and beads, rings, etc., to donate and find them a new life. Bring donations to American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 1987 A Santa Rita Rd. Call 462-7374 or email monda.wiseman@cancer.org. LAUGH OUT LOUD POETRY Pleasanton Civic Arts and Poet Laureate Deborah Grossman will present this event with poet Sandra Kay introducing the long tradition of humor in American poetry and reading some of her own poems, from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Century House, 2401 Santa Rita

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‘JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT’ The Bankhead Theater presents “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, July 23 through Aug. 8, at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Tickets $25-$35. Call 373-6800 or visit www.livermoreperformingarts.org. ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’ Woman’s Will perform “Much Ado About Nothing” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Centennial Park, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Director Lisa Edsall Giglio describes the play: “There are engaging stories with the sauce of beautiful words and imagery to scoop up like huge clouds of meringue spooned onto your dessert.” Call 931-5340 or visit www. womanswill.org. Pleasanton. FREE SHAKESPEARE - ‘TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA’ “Two Gentlemen of Verona” is a comedic story of youthful love. The play will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, July 24-Aug. 8, and family day is at 6 p.m. July 31, at Bernal Community Park, 6700 Koll Center Parkway. Appropriate for all ages. Call 931-5340 or visit www. civicartsliterary.org.

Political Notes TRI-VALLEY REPUBLICAN WOMEN BARBECUE Tri-Valley Republican Women hosts its sixth annual barbecue from 2-7 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave. Food, fun and patriotic festivities! Speakers will include candidates running in the November election. Cost $20. Reserve tickets by July 31. Call 462-4931 or visit www. trivalleyrepublicanwomen.org.

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Support Groups CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caring for a loved one is challenging physically and emotionally. Join this support group to explore resources and generate problem-solving ideas from 1-3 p.m., on the second Monday of every month, and from 7-9 p.m., on the second Wednesday of every month, at 5353 Sunol Blvd. Get the support you deserve at the Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley. Call 931-5389. TRI VALLEY SUPPORT GROUP FOR FIBROMYALGIA, LUPUS AND ALL FORMS OF ARTHRITIS This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m., on the fourth Monday of every month, at the Groves at Dublin Ranch in the Clubhouse, 3115 Finnian Way, Dublin. It hosts special speakers like doctors or specialists. For information, call JoAnne during the hours of 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at 875-0960.

WEEKLY LDS BIBLE STUDY Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a weekly bible study from 7:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the church, 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. Refreshments served. For information, call 305-9468.

TRI-VALLEY PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Patients with Parkinson’s, caregivers, friends and families meet from 10 a.m.-noon on the second Saturday of each month at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. The group listens to experts in the field of Parkinson’s research, shares experiences, and helps each other. Call 831-9940 or email jnbard@pacbell.net.

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Volunteering AMERICAN RED CROSS PUBLIC BLOOD DRIVE The American Red Cross is holding a public blood drive from 1:30-6:30 p.m. July 29 at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. One donation may help save the lives of up to three people. Sponsor Code: PLEASANTON925 to schedule an appointment. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org. TRI-VALLEY ANIMAL RESCUE Do you love animals? Tri-Valley Animal Rescue is holding an orientation for new volunteers, from 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at East County Animal Shelter, 4595 Gleason Dr., Dublin. Learn about volunteer opportunities like fostering dogs or cats, socializing shelter animals, helping at adoption events and fundraisers, and many other roles. For ages 18 and older. Cost is $10 cash or check to help cover the cost of materials. Call 803-7043 or visit www.tvar.org.

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3232 Balmoral Court Sun 2-4 Joyce Jones

$749,950 398-6706

6723 Corte Santa Maria $759,000 Sat/Sun 1-4 Prudential CA 734-5061 4803 Del Valle Parkway $759,500 Sat 1-4 Prudential CA 734-5061

3 BEDROOMS

Page 16ÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

SILENT CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT The call to contemplation is universal; just as the call to union with God is the natural flowering of our Baptism. Prayer in the Cave of the Heart will be presented by Father Cyprian Consiglio, July 30-Aug. 1, at San Damiano Retreat, 710 Highland Dr., Danville. Check-in will be from 4-6:30 p.m., July 30. Cost is $195 for a shared room; $220 for a private room. Call 837-9141, ext. 315, or visit www.sandamiano.org.

PLEASANTON SEAHAWKS FALL SWIM PROGRAM Seahawks conditioning sessions start Sept. 7 and run to Dec. 31. Fall Swim programs feature professional coaches, individual instruction, daily pool time and regular USA Swimming swim meets. Contact 426-8222 or visit www.pleasantonseahawks.org.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH? Anyone interesting in learning how to become a

july 30

MEDITATION STUDY GROUP Practice new meditation methods, based on teachings of Shinzen Young, using audio, video and handouts from 7:15-8:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, at Tri-Valley Unity’s gathering place, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact Gayle at gstaehle@ comcast.net.

A’S FIREFIGHTER APPRECIATION NIGHT The Oakland A’s will host A’s Firefighter Appreciation Night at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Oakland Coliseum. Firefighters from around the Bay Area and Northern California will be honored prior to the game during a special onfield ceremony. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to firefighter charitable organizations. Cost $26 Plaza Level, $28 Field Level. Call (510) 563-2336 or visit www. oaklandathletics.com/firefighters (passcode:HERO).

Spiritual july 23

Catholic can attend an Inquiry Meeting at 9:30 a.m. Sundays in the St. Augustine Church Rectory, 3999 Bernal Ave. Call Father William at 846-4489.

7823 La Quinta Sun 1-4 Prudential CA

$925,000 519-1455

541 Gerard Court $799,000 Sun 1:30-4:30 Moxley Team 600-0990

7823 La Qunita Court Sun 1-4 Prudential CA

$925,000 519-1455

6768 Arlington Drive Sun 1-4 J. Rockcliff Realtors

$998,000 251-2585

2649 Calle Alegre Sat/Sun 1-4 Blaise Lofland

$999,500 846-6500

5 BEDROOMS 948 Mingoia Street $1,475,000 Sun 1-4 Coldwell Banker 847-2200 5744 Hanifen Way $1,495,000 Sun 1:30-4:30 J. Rockcliff Realtors 200-2525 8155 Regency Drive $1,540,000 Sun 1-4 Keller Williams 202-6898 9663 Crosby Drive $1,898,000 Sun 1-4 J. Rockcliff Realtors 872-1416

San Ramon 4 BEDROOMS 2672 Celaya Circle Sun 1-4 Keller Williams

$825,000 202-6898

Living

PEOPLE AND LIFEST YLES IN OUR COMMUNIT Y

Lessis

more Weight loss leads to comfort, health — and modeling

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

It took one hour with a trainer for Kathy Narum to see the possibility of fitness. She stuck with the program and lost a pound a week for a total of 70 pounds. “I’d been wanting to get in shape,” Narum said, so when her high school daughter Lisa, now 20, wanted to join Fitness t ess Express, p ess, mom o signed s g ed up, u too. “I went on my own and started on the treadmill, for six months. But I still gained weight,” Narum recalled. Then she took up the club’s offer of a session with a ttrainer and this opened open op ned up up th thee path to fitness. fitn fi tness. The h trainer trainer informed her form med h er about how to exercise, exe xerrcise, with weights and cardio, and what to eat to feed fee e d her muscles as became toned she beca be eca came me tto oned d aass she sh pounds. lost p ounds. “Muscles “M Musscl cles burn burrn more b mo calories,” Narum noted. calori ries ri ess,”” N Nar arum u not ed. d She Sh he limited limi li mite ted her he calcallca ories to 1,200 per day ay 100 grams with 1 00 ggra rams ms ooff protein for the new muscles musc cles she was building. “The she “Th he diet part wasn’t that bad,” b recalled. recall led. “Before, I never ate breakfast.” bre She also had to drink eight gglasses of waterr each day. “That she “Th hat was the hardest part,” pa commented. comm men nte ted. Butt it didn’t didn’ id dn’ n’t take take ta k long lon ng to to see se results ass the up tth hee 5 foot h foo ooot 8 inch iin nch h Narum Nar arum toned t and an nd began beega b gan to to drop dro rop weight. rop wei we eight.

A sleek Kathy Narum, who currently serves as a Pleasanton Planning Commissioner, recalls her dieting and exercise efforts to lose 70 pounds. Two years ago (see insert), when she was president of the Seahawks, she knew she wanted to get into shape. DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

“I got motivated,” remembered Narum. “My clothes started fitting better.” Before long she found herself at Macy’s looking for smaller sizes, and the saleswomen enjoyed her enthusiasm over her need for a smaller wardrobe. “I kept getting smaller and smaller clothes,” Narum said. “And one day, a woman said, ‘How would you like to model?’” Jones New York holds fashion shows periodically for its better customers, she explained; four models of different sizes and ages walk among the tables as an announcer describes their outfits. “I went in for a fitting and they put this stuff together based on body type,” she said. “They add accessories.” She ended up buying some of the clothes she modeled, and received a good discount, she remarked. She lost FILE PHOTO another 20 pounds and was asked to model again. She’s also inspired friends who have slowly put on pounds over the years as she did. “Everybody’s like, ‘Wow, you’re my role model,’” Narum said with a laugh. “’If you can do it, I can do it.’” Narum made a lot of friends on the swimming circuit when her two daughters, Lisa and Jennifer, now 21, made waves with the Pleasanton Seahawks. They both earned athletic scholarships to college — Jennifer to University of Virginia and Lisa to Ohio State University at Columbus — and Kathy was Seahawks president two years ago, at the end of the family’s 12-year involvement. Currently Narum serves on the Pleasanton Planning Commission, since being appointed in 2007. Before that she was on the Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Commission for five years, served on the Bernal property and Bernal Park task forces, and was on the Rage girls’ soccer board of directors for two years. Now exercise is as important a part of Narum’s life as community service. She said she hit the 70-pound mark in January and shifted into maintenance mode. “I’ve cut back but I still do weights three times a week,” she said. “I do some cardio five days a week at the gym but have cut back my total time.” She said it was amazing to see and feel her body change as she lost the weight and toned her muscles. “I lost pretty much all over — even my feet got smaller,” Narum said. “I went down from a size 16 to a size 8.” Buying new clothes is fun but she’s also enjoying oldies but goodies. “I kept some of my clothes from when I was working, before the kids were born, and I had one dress, a size 8, that I loved. I put it on the other day,” she said. And the trainer who helped Narum lose weight and get into shape now has a slew of other women to help who were inspired by Narum. “I have a number of friends now at the gym,” said Narum. “They’ve spent time with this trainer and are seeing the same kind of results.” N

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊU Page 17

LIVING

POETIC PLEASANTON BY DEBORAH GROSSMAN

Playing with children, playing with words Ready for some summertime fun? Consider attending “Laugh Out Loud Poetry,” an afternoon of humorous poetry at Century House on Aug. 1. Pleasanton poet, author and blogger Sandra Kay will lead off the event with her perspective on the tradition of laughter in American poetry. After reading her own humorous poems, she’ll introduce John Barry of Danville and Marilyn Slade of Pleasanton, who also display a natural talent for the funny side of poetry. At the Open Mic, following light refreshments, the public is invited to read a poem

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trending toward the humorous, or on any subject they choose. Summertime is also the time when kids have time to play. On Monday, Sherry Weaver Smith of San Ramon led several dozen kids “Around the World with Poetry” at the Pleasanton Library as they wrote about fish in coral reefs around the Philippines and about monsters inspired by Africa. Jellyfish danced, dolphins rippled, and monsters stomped across the page. Here are two poems that I’ve enjoyed over the years from kids writing about their fathers. Isabel Brooks wrote the first poem at my house in February 2006 at age 7 when she lived a few doors away and attended Valley View. A few months later at the Pleasanton Poetry, Prose and the Arts Festival, her poem won first place in the Youth Poetry Contest. She is now a top student at Felsted School in Essex, England, and continues to show her talents in writing, drama and many school subjects.

My grandnephew and sciencebuff Charlie Rutberg was only 5 when he wanted to dictate this poem to me about Ardi the fossil. He had recently heard about Ardi, who is the most human-like fossil ever found.

The Husky in Colorado

Laugh Out Loud Poetry!

BY ISABEL BROOKS

When: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 1 Cost: $5, students free with I.D. Where: Century House, 2401 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton Information: Contact Michelle Russo at the city of Pleasanton at 931-5350 or mrusso@ci.pleasanton.ca.us; or email Pleasanton Poet Laureate Deborah Grossman at pleasantonpoetry@gmail.com.

Like my Dad does in the morning, resting sometimes in bed, the Husky laid down when I stopped the sled. The Husky was dark brown and white, handsome just like my Dad. I wish I could be with that Husky who was brown and white. So maybe in a year or two I could go there again. Oh, please bring back the wind on my face. I hope that will bring me back.

Ardi at Sunset BY CHARLIE L. RUTBERG

I was in the jungle one evening in Africa It was warm and toasty. I stood by the campfire cooking dinner and stirred the pot with pasta. I looked up and saw Ardi standing there. They I heard her squeal. It was high-pitched and very loud. She was hairy like my Dad. She was tall and muscular like my Dad. I asked her what her name was and she didn’t know. She was not very smart which is not like my Dad.

Deborah Grossman is Pleasanton’s Poet Laureate. Email her at pleasantonpoetry@gmail.com.

Follow ‘Piper of Hamelin’ Cantabella Children’s Chorus to present kids classic BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

Children with fantastic voices, dressed as rats, are ready to hit the floorboards in “The Piper of Hamlin” this weekend. “It’s a full opera,” reported Howard Tsztoo, president of Cantabella’s board of directors. “We got the script from England.” Tsztoo has two daughters in the chorus: Camille, 15, and Emma, 9. “Emma is one of the rats,” said Tsztoo. “They have a singing role in the opera.” Three performances will be held, at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road. The last performance will benefit the music programs of the Pleasanton and Livermore public schools. Tickets cost $10 for students and $15 for adults. They are available at the door or online at www.cantabella.org. Cantabella Children’s Chorus has been teaching vocal production

COURTESY CANTABELLA CHILDREN’S CHORUS

Rehearsal is lively for the Cantabella Children’s Chorus production of “The Piper of Hamelin,” which is onstage this weekend.

and music literacy through great choral works to children in grades K-12 since 1992. The chorus just added a third rehearsal location in Dublin, in addition to its venues in Pleasanton and in Livermore. New singers are invited to email Director Bee Chow at director@cantabella.org or to call 292-2663 for information about placement in the training choirs or to arrange an audition for the performing choirs. N

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊU Page 18

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Pleasanton, 2691 Calle Morelia, July 24 8AM-2PM (2) Scandinavian Design wooden bookcases, (1) wooden 4-shelf display unit, round oak dining room table + 6 chairs, kid’s toys, games, & girl’s clothing. Pleasanton, 4914 Middleton Pl, July 24&25 8-1 Garage Sale, kids toys, household items, sports equipment

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Math Tutoring High school math/English tutoring: Essay writing, college application essays, Alg., get ready for Geometry. SAT/ACT prep. Ret. teacher, Cal. credential. 925-462-3807 PERSONALIZED TUTORING Mathematics, Science, English,SAT,etc. 510 512 6321 WRITE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS!

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Marketplace Pleasanton Weekly

Real Estate

Accounting/Bookkeeping

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PET OF THE WEEK Meet Sinsai Ready to pounce, Sinsai sizes up an insect flying in the air and strategizes on how to catch it. A fly in the room will serve as Sinsai’s entertainment for hours, until it lands, then CHOMP! Oh well, a cat toy rolling across the floor will be fun for a while. Sinsai is a 2-yearold, neutered male housecat CATHERINE HANSEN RUSH who is interested in everything that goes on around him. He has beautiful dark gray fur with a white bib, four white paws and a fluffy gray tail. He has the kind of medium length fur that is soft and resists matting. Sinsai’s previous owner moved away and he was unable to take Sinsai with him. He described Sinsai as extremely affectionate, mellow and well-mannered in the home. We also know that Sinsai is loads of FUN! If you are looking for a wonderful companion, visit Sinsai (pet # 94536) at the East County Animal Shelter, 4595 Gleason Drive in Dublin, open 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily; telephone 803-7040. Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊU Page 19

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DRE License #01713497

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Page 20ĂŠUĂŠJuly 23, 2010ĂŠUĂŠPleasanton Weekly

“Apply my experience to your Home Loan.” Let’s Talk! (925) 285-5333

50% off on a HOME?? Believe it!! The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is now offering an initiative particularly for Law enforcement officers, Firefighters, Emergency medical technicians and Teachers an opportunity to purchase homes. The only requirements are: 1. You agree to live in the home for a three-year period as your sole residence. 2. You sign a note and deed for a second mortgage which will be the value of ½ of the purchase price and will be forgiven at the end of the 3 year term. 3. You pay full list price on any HUD approved property. 4. You qualify for an FHA mortgage through a certified mortgage broker (like me) with 3.5% down payment.

It’s that easy! E-mail me and I will send you listings in the city of your choice! Call me and I can give you full details!

Marylou Edwards 925.285.5333 { >ÀÞ ÕJV V>ÃÌ° iÌÊUÊÜÜÜ° >ÀÞ Õi`Ü>À`ðV

“Call now and let’s get you qualified.”

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊU Page 21

The latest from The 680 Blog Pleasanton Market Update: Pending sales down, inventory rises Last month saw the Pleasanton market cool off, as pending sales fell and inventory increased across the board in June. It’s clear that the end of the federal homebuyer tax credit has had some effect on the market. Of course, sales also fell last June before rising again in July so there is still hope that the summer can end on a strong note. And although overall sales were down, they are a little higher than they were at this time last year. Also, given how tight the inventory was in Pleasanton, there is some room for some additional inventory. The market is still strong, especially in some neighborhoods and price ranges. But other neighborhoods have seen slower activity and more inventory. Overall, pending single family home sales declined to 63 for June, from 79 in May, a 20% decrease. Inventory meanwhile spiked nearly 30% to 202 at the end of June, up from 156 at the end of May. Inventory relative to pending sales increased to 3.2 months in June,

from less than two months in May. May’s relative inventory was the lowest level we had seen since 2005, so the market can handle the additional slack if it doesn’t increase a great deal from here. The market for single family homes under $1 million saw the largest increase in inventory, but also the smallest decline in sales. Inventory increased by 33 homes >>Go to www.680homes.com for more real estate information!

Doug Buenz The 680 Group

Go to 680Homes.com for more information on these homes and other properties. PRIVACY & VIEWS!

GOLDEN EAGLE!

POOL & SIDE ACCESS!

Real Estate. Seriously. Elegant Golden Eagle custom home with 4 BR plus office, 3 ½ BTH, new cherry & granite kit, plantation shutters, and incredible .42 acre flat lot with pool, spa, and BBQ! $1,599,000

PENDING SALE!

New Property. Extreme privacy & panoramic views! Sharp 4 BR, 3 BTH home remodeled from top to bottom on .79 acres at end of private road. $1,199,900

PENDING SALE!

New Property. Charming 4 BR, 3 BTH home with remodeled granite & stainless kitchen, new carpeting & paint, and large lot with pool! $719,000

New property. Stunning Mediterranean with 5 BR + office, 4 ½ BTH, and resort-like ½ acre lot with pool, spa, sport court, and fire pit! $1,499,000

JUST SOLD!

JUST SOLD!

Fabulous Moller Ranch home with 4 BR, 2 ½ BTH, hardwood floors, granite & maple kitchen, luxurious master suite, designer carpeting, and private rear yard! $799,950

JUST SOLD!

Stunning single story custom on 1+ acre lot with 6 car garage, hardwood floors, granite kit, finished attic/storage, and private location backing to Pleasanton Ridge open space! $1,625,000

JUST SOLD!

Stunning newer home in the vineyards with 4 BR plus office, 3 ½ BTH, granite & stainless kitchen, hardwood floors, plantation shutters and a private .29 acre lot! $1,130,000

New property. Fabulous Vintage Heights home with 5 BR, 3 BTH, hardwood floors, new carpeting, and large flat .35 acre lot with pool & spa! $1,075,000

New Property. Charming 6 BR, 3 BTH home in Rose Point with granite & stainless kitchen, hardwood floors, sparkling pool, and side access! $949,000

PENDING SALE!

Stunning Mediterranean with 5 BR plus bonus & office, 4 ½ BTH, and huge flat 1/3 acre lot with sport court & BBQ. $1,495,000

DRE #00843458

In this turbulent market, there is no substitute for experience and professionalism. Call me today to discuss your real estate needs!

JUST SOLD!

1075 Shadow Hills Ct. Newer luxury 5 BR, 4 BTH single story home on prime .31 acre cul-de-sac lot with hardwood floors, granite/cherry/stainless kit, and more! $1,350,000 JUST SOLD!

Custom Kottinger Ranch home with 5 BR plus bonus room & office, granite & stainless kitchen, hardwood floors, and views! $1,615,000

apr.com | PLEASANTON | 900 Main Street 925.251.1111 Page 22ÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

Office 925.251.1111 Direct 925.463.2000 680Homes.com

"When it came to selling our home, we interviewed seven real estate professionals, all with great credentials. We chose to go with Doug because of his track record, market knowledge, professionalism, concise thinking, and utter confidence. Doug's performance far exceeded our already high expectations. His follow through was terrific. Selling a house in a buyer's market is hard, but having the right partnership with a realtor is priceless" — Steve & Vicki S.

925.846.6500

www.blaiselofland.com blaise@blaiselofland.com

a p r. c o m COUNTRY FAIR

PLEASANTON SEMICUSTOM

JUST LISTED! OPEN SAT & SUN 1-4

DIAMOND COLLECTION

PLEASANTON HILLS

PRICE REDUCTION

PENDING

2649 CALLE ALEGRE, PLEASANTON

4150 CREEKWOOD COURT, PLEASANTON

749 CRYSTAL LANE, PLEASANTON

5071 MONACO DRIVE, PLEASANTON

Original Ponderosa’s Country Fair. Location, location, location. Convenient to everything. Great schools. Don’t miss this Pleasanton home in sought after Original Country Fair. Four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,651 square feet. Two wood burning fireplaces. Beautiful private rear grounds include inground pebble tech pool, built-in outdoor kitchen/ BBQ, expansive stone patio, spa, sauna, basketball/ sports court and waterfall on .26 acre lot. OFFERED AT $999,500

Don’t miss this private, Pleasanton home on premium ½ acre lot. Large multi media/game room, upgraded kitchen and bathrooms with granite. Five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, hardwood floors, two fireplaces, three car garage, 4,002 square feet. Large secluded park-like rear yard includes expansive Trex deck, in-ground pool, Hot Springs grande covered spa, waterfall/pond, playhouse, zip line, large lawn area, mature redwood trees and large cemented side yard area. Walk to great schools & neighborhood parks. OFFERED AT $1,195,000

Don’t miss this beautiful home in the desirable Diamond Collection. Five bedrooms, 5th is office/ guest suite downstairs, three bathrooms, updated kitchen with new granite countertops, custom tumbled marble backsplash & stainless steel appliances. Expansive master suite with retreat & viewing balcony, new carpet throughout, three fireplaces & three car garage. Approximately 3,000 square feet. Private rear yard with in-ground pool/ spa & lawn area. Lot size is 8,230 square feet. Located on quiet street. Walk to great neighborhood park and Main Street Downtown Pleasanton! REDUCED TO $1,145,000

Beautiful upgraded Harrington Model in Pleasanton Hills. Panoramic views of Mount Diablo, the valley and Pleasanton Ridge. Four bedrooms (one downstairs), three bathrooms, upgraded kitchen, crown molding, plantation shutters, upgraded doors and casings, newer dual pane windows and three car garage. Expandable option for fifth bedroom. Approximately 3,000 square feet. Lot size is 8,158 square feet with upgraded landscaping. Located on quiet street. Just steps to great neighborhood parks and Main Street Downtown Pleasanton! OFFERED AT $1,029,000

PLEASANTON HEIGHTS

VENTANA HILLS

CASTLEWOOD

PONDEROSA VINEYARDS

PENDING

SOLD! REPRESENTED BUYER & SELLER

SOLD

SOLD

4262 TAMUR COURT, PLEASANTON

998 HOPKINS WAY, PLEASANTON

480 BUNKER LANE, PLEASANTON

6259 CORTE FUEGO, PLEASANTON

Walk to downtown from your custom home. Great location at back of court and adjacent to Kottinger Park. Don’t miss the large park-like private rear yard with in-ground pool, expansive decking, mature trees and beautiful landscaping. Approximately .27 acre lot. Views of Mt. Diablo. Everything is on one level, except downstairs bonus or guest suite. Four bedrooms, three baths at 2,524 square feet. Three car garage. Optional sauna. Walk to elementary school(s). OFFERED AT $879,500

Beautiful, highly upgraded home on premium lot in Ventana Hills. Four bedrooms, formal office (4th), 2 ½ bathrooms, 2,550 square feet. Completely remodeled kitchen and master bath. New hardwood flooring, newer carpet, three car garage. Private rear yard with panoramic views, built-in BBQ island, backs to open space on 9,216 square foot lot. Walk to Main Street downtown & great neighborhood park. SOLD FOR $1,065,000 “AS IS”

Beautiful upgraded private estate on .73 acre lot, built in 2000. Panoramic views of surrounding hills. Four bedrooms, bonus/game room, 3.5 bathrooms, approximately 3,606 square feet. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Private office with custom cherry built-ins. Beautifully landscaped. Viewing balcony. Expansive very private rear grounds ideal for entertaining. Includes: pebble tec solar heated in-ground pool & elevated spa, covered cabana with built in BBQ, bathroom & heater. Bocce court, play area, oversized three car garage. SOLD FOR $1,465,000

Beautiful upgraded home in a quiet court location in Ponderosa. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and upgraded kitchen with granite countertops. Approximately 2,400 square feet. New paint. New carpet throughout. Wood flooring, crown molding, travertine entry and hall and wood burning fireplace. Lot size is 8,822 square feet and includes upgraded landscaping, beautiful rear yard with spacious new custom stamped concrete patio, mature trees and spacious lawn area. Walk to great neighborhood parks. SOLD FOR $950,000

PLEASANTON HILLS

BRIDLE CREEK

BONDE RANCH

SYCAMORE HEIGHTS

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD! REPRESENTED BUYER

SOLD! REPRESENTED BUYER

4848 DOLORES DRIVE, PLEASANTON

806 SYCAMORE CREEK WY, PLEASANTON

4914 MIDDLETON PL., PLEASANTON

1092 SYCAMORE CREEK WY, PLEASANTON

Beautiful upgraded Pleasanton Hills home. Four bedrooms, plus office/nursery/workout room, three bathrooms and upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Approximately 2,710 square feet. Lot size is 10,269 square feet with upgraded landscaping. Located on quiet street with private rear yard. New carpet throughout, new interior paint. Two fireplaces. Three car garage. SOLD FOR $950,000

Highly upgraded Hillstar Model on premium .35 acre lot. Expansive views of Pleasanton Ridge. Faces open space. Highly upgraded with beautiful front and rear grounds. Includes in-ground pool and spa. Built by Greenbriar Homes in 2002. Five bedrooms, plus guest suite and bonus room, 5 bathrooms. Approximately 4,455 square feet. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Crown molding, plantation shutters, and custom built-ins. Close to Downtown, Castlewood Country Club, Oak Hills Shopping Center, and Mission Hills Park. SOLD FOR $1,510,000

Beautiful private home in Bonde Ranch. Four bedrooms, 4th is office/guest suite downstairs, bonus room, 3.5 bathrooms, updated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Expansive master suite with retreat, three car garage. Approximately 3,609 square feet. Private rear yard with in-ground pool/spa & lawn area, covered patio. Lot size is 11,994. Located on quiet street. Walk to great neighborhood park and Main Street downtown Pleasanton! SOLD FOR $1,295,000

Highly upgraded home on premium 20,180 square foot lot. Expansive views of Pleasanton Ridge. Backs to open space. Built by Greenbriar Homes in 2006. Four bedrooms, plus guest suite and bonus room, 5 bathrooms. Approximately 4,974 square feet. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Crown molding, plantation shutters, and custom built-ins. Close to downtown, Castlewood Country Club, Oak Hills Shopping Center, and Mission Hills Park. SOLD FOR $1,525,000

PLEASANTON 900 Main Street Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊJuly 23, 2010ÊU Page 23

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