Pleasanton Weekly 09.02.2011 - Section 1 by Pleasanton Weekly

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Amador Valley, Foothill gear up for season that ends with cross-town rivalry // 12

INSIDE THIS WEEK â&#x2013; NEWS: Thorne running for mayor â&#x2013; NEWS: Muslims break fast at Fairgrounds â&#x2013; LIVING: Scottish invasion this weekend

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AROUND PLEASANTON BY JEB BING

Veeva: A ‘feel good’ business in a life-saving industry

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leasanton needs more entrepreneurs like Peter Gassner. A 15-year homeowner here in the Gates community with his wife Piyajit and their sons Filaa and Arin, Gassner heads up Veeva Systems, a company he founded with his next door neighbor Mitch Wallace that specializes in “cloud” technologies for the pharmaceutical industry. At a time when many Americans are unemployed, Veeva is growing, with Gassner adding another 50 to its 185 software and marketing specialists in the last few months. The expansion is a direct result of Veeva’s rise as the fastestgrowing vendor offering cloudbased solutions to pharmaceutical companies, a focus others may have missed. Now nearing its fifth year of business, this Hacienda Business Park firm is no longer a “start-up” as it was once called, but has expanded its portfolio and geographic reach with offices in Europe, Japan and China. Gassner has strong roots in Pleasanton, which he finds business-friendly and a convenient location for doing business throughout the world. Both his sons participated in the dual-immersion Spanish language program at Valley View Elementary School with Filaa now a sophomore at Amador Valley High School and Arin finishing his last year at Valley View. The school played an important part in Veeva’s location with Gassner spotting a rental sign at 309 Ray St. while shuttling his sons to the school. Looking for an office to launch Veeva, it was just the right location between school and home. He and Wallace moved in to pursue their dream to tap into what they saw as the bursting needs of better data storage in the pharmaceutical market. Adding other technologically savvy associates, it wasn’t long before Veeva outgrew downtown Pleasanton and moved to Hacienda. Gassner is a graduate of Oregon State University with an engineering degree in computer science. He’s one of the few in the class who actually pursued a career in computer science, working first with IBM in San Jose and then for 10 years at PeopleSoft in Pleasanton. Before Oracle took over that company, Gassner moved on

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Peter Gassner

to SalesForce.com in San Francisco, further honing his skills in marketing, finance and business planning. Recognizing the opportunities in cloud computing applications for global life science companies, he and Wallace opened Veeva in 2007 and have been expanding ever since. For Gassner, Veeva is not just a successful company, it’s a “feel good” opportunity to work in a life-saving industry. The pharmaceutical companies make a big impact on people’s lives, he points out, and he’s proud to be part of an industry “that brings people out of their wheelchairs, that helps people regain their sanity” through the medications they develop. Where old software techniques were becoming complicated and slowing research, Veeva’s success in moving data to cloud technology where it is both secure and readily available worldwide has helped expedite product development. The pharmaceutical companies apparently agree. In early 2009, with business rapidly growing and more than a dozen employees crowded into the Ray Street office, Veeva headed a few miles north to a 3,600-square-foot suite in Hacienda anticipating it would last another several years. A year ago, the company absorbed an additional 8,700 square feet in the same building and now is doubling the floor space once again. Remembering the comfort of working close to home, Gassner makes sure his employees enjoy many of the same benefits. Some split their time between two offices that are close to BART for easy access. In an environment where the focus on customer value is paramount, Gassner finds a cultural fit at Veeva is imperative. “What works for our employees works for Veeva, and it also works for our customers.” N

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About the Cover Are you ready for some football? Pleasanton’s Amador Valley High and Foothill High hold summer practice to get ready for their regular season, which culminates when they face each other Nov. 10. Photos by Jay Flachsbarth. Design by Lili Cao.

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Vol. XII, Number 34 Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 3

Streetwise

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Nurse I would like to see a cupcake specialty bakery, like a Sprinkles or a Kara’s so that I didn’t have to drive all the way to Walnut Creek or San Francisco. It would also be nice to see more diversity in the restaurants; an Asian-fusion place would be great. I really like that food.

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Jon Evans Recently retired; Grandpa extraordinaire We are so fortunate in Pleasanton to have almost everything you could think of: the sports complexes, parks, restaurants and community greenbelts are wonderful. I could be selfish and wish that Thomas Keller would open a restaurant here, but I think it’s such a nice community the way it is.

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Teacher I would love to have a monthly flea market at the Fairgrounds. I am from Germany, and they are very popular there. I do go to garage sales, but it would be so nice to have everything in one big place.

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Newsfront DIGEST

Thorne to seek Pleasanton mayor’s post in 2012 election Campaign to start Oct. 6 at Fairgrounds breakfast

Last First Wednesday The 2011 summer First Wednesday Street Parties draw to a close Sept. 7 with the theme Celebrate Pleasanton! The monthly events that run May through September feature booths lining the middle of Main Street with businesses and community organizations marketing their products and services. September’s featured band is Night Fever, which will play in the beer and wine garden where adults can enjoy beer and wines from local Livermore Valley Wine Country. The Hot Rods Band will perform on the north stage in front of the Pleasanton Hotel. First Wednesday takes place 6-9 p.m. Main Street will be closed from Del Valle Parkway to Bernal Avenue from 4:30-10 p.m.

BY JEB BING

With Election Day still more than 14 months away, Councilman Jerry Thorne announced this week that he is a candidate for mayor of Pleasanton, aiming to succeed Mayor Jennifer Hosterman whose eight-year term as mayor expires then. Thorne said he will make his official announcement Thursday, Oct. 6, at a campaign breakfast at the Palm Pavilion at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. An invitation to the event was sent on Facebook so that supporters can lock in the date. While it’s still early in the November 2012 political season, national candidates already are vying for votes for primaries that come much

earlier. Both Representatives Pete Stark (D-Fremont) and Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) have announced their re-election bids for their newly created congressional districts. Thorne is the first to declare his candidacy for mayor of Pleasanton, but fellow City Council Member Cheryl Cook-Kallio is expected to follow shortly. Both were re-elected to four-year terms on the council in November 2010 so would be running from “safe” seats, meaning that even if they lose the mayor’s bid they would continue serving on the council for another two years. Besides Hosterman, the terms of council members Cindy McGovern and Matt Sullivan are also set to expire in November 2012 after

Monday is Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5, is Labor Day, and most public offices are closed, including the Pleasanton Public Library, and most private businesses. BART will follow its Sunday schedule. Labor Day is also a BART parking holiday, meaning parking permit and fee requirements are not enforced in station parking facilities. Stoneridge Shopping Center will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

See THORNE on Page 6

Organic foods market to open in Vintage Hills shopping center

Hurricane victims need blood American Red Cross officials are urging Bay Area residents to donate blood and platelets immediately to help cover a blood shortage along the East Coast in the wake of Hurricane Irene. The organization has had to cancel more than 72 blood drives throughout the East Coast due to storm-related issues such as power outages and flooding, leaving the region without 2,400 much-needed units of blood today, Red Cross officials said. “Since the Bay Area is no stranger to natural disaster, we expect strong local response to Hurricane Irene,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO of the Red Cross’ Northern California Blood Services Region. The organization is stressing the need for platelets, which hospitals rely on to treat trauma victims, cancer patients and others, according to the Red Cross. Platelet donations take one-anda-half to two hours. Eligible local residents can make an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-733-2767 or platelets at 1-888-881-0988.

both have completed eight years on the council. This will mark one of the few times that three council posts — the mayor and two council members — are termed out at the same time. Either McGovern, who lost in her bid to unseat Hosterman two years ago, or Sullivan are eligible to seek the mayor’s post. The mayor must stand for election every two years with an eight-year term limit. First elected to the council in 2005 to fill the seat vacated by Councilwoman Jennifer Hosterman, who had been elected mayor, Thorne won the most votes in his first four-year-term election

Once facing the wrecking ball, center gaining new lease on life

STEVEN F. KELLY

Blessing the new fruits of the vine Steven Wilde, pastor of First Presbyterian in Livermore; Lisa Maier, owner of Las Positas Winery; Chris Chandler, executive director of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association; and Rabbi David Katz of Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton participate in the Blessing of the Grapes at Las Positas Winery in Livermore on Tuesday morning. “We are looking at a very good harvest so far — a very cool season has resulted in slow, gradual ripening for optimal physiological ripeness and development,” Ruby Hill winemaker Chris Graves told those assembled. “I’m very excited about the quality of the vintage at this point — hopefully it stays that way.” For information on this weekend’s Harvest Wine Celebration, see page 11.

District attorney honors anti-drug group Mothers with a Purpose named ‘Nancy’s Heroes’ BY GLENN WOHLTMANN

The members of Mothers with a Purpose have been honored by Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley for their work in fighting prescription drug abuse. They were among several individuals and groups named “Nancy’s Heroes” at the O’Malley awards banquet, a fundraiser held last Thursday night at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Mothers cofounders Kelly and Donna accepted the honor on behalf of the group. They asked that their last names not be used so potential members will be assured that they’ll have anonymity. “These are two incredible women, and actually, they’re the leaders of a whole group of women, many of whom are here tonight,”

O’Malley told the crowd of about 150. O’Malley gave a brief history of how Donna and Kelly, who’d known each other before, met up again after their sons “had become victims of prescription drug abuse.” “They become ‘victims’ of dirty doctors who over prescribe prescription drugs, and the result is that children become addicted, and then they spend their lives in recovery trying to be able to beat that addiction,” O’Malley said. “What Kelly and Donna did, once they realized they had a similar situation — they turned that around and made it a cause,” O’Malley continued. “Since they’ve gotten together, they’ve brought together more than a hundred mothers and some dads, who are suffering or are looking at the same issues See MOTHERS on Page 7

The long-deteriorating, nearly empty Vintage Hills shopping center that was once facing the wrecking ball is bouncing back to a viable retail center with the announcement this week that a Santa Cruz-based organic food market will move into the old Romley’s supermarket space. “The market is New Leaf Community Market with an emphasis on organics and sustainability, and would be a good fit for the center and the nearby neighborhoods,” said Pleasanton Councilwoman Cheryl Cook-Kallio. “New Leaf will occupy about 20,000 square feet in the area where the previous grocery store was located.” The process of revitalizing the shopping center has been painfully slow for the 10,000 and more residents who live in Vintage Hills and the newer communities east of there. Work to repair and rebuild the 35-year-old complex began in earnest after a partnership bought the center from local investor James Tong who planned to redevelop the 5-acre property with two- and three-story apartments and condominiums, with first floor retail businesses, similar to what Dublin has approved on Tassajara Road. But he abandoned the plan after failing to get enough support from the Pleasanton City Council. Until last year, only the profitable Cutt Co. and Vintage Hills Cleaners remained as the center’s last two tenants as the new retail center owners remodeled and began marketing their property. They’ve been partly successful with a dance studio, Japanese restaurant, workout gym and coffee and yogurt shops moving in. But until now, the empty grocery store that many in Vintage Hills fondly remembered as once housing Flair Market and later Romley’s brought little interest. Fresh & Easy, Trader Joe’s and other smaller groceries turned down bids to move into the center. This will be New Leaf Community Market’s sixth store. A 25-year-old business, New Leaf has its flagship store in the historic Bank of America building on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz. Other stores are located in Half Moon Bay, Boulder Creek, Capitola and Felton. —Jeb Bing Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 5

NEWS

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Muslims flock to prayer service at Fairgrounds Ramadan month of fasting ends with festival of Eid al-Fitr BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

The mood was festive Tuesday morning as Tri-Valley Muslims, dressed in their traditional finest, poured into the Alameda County Fairgrounds to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which ends the fasting month of Ramadan. Over the loudspeaker, Arabic chanting proclaimed, “God is great.” Local Muslims come from the Mideast, India-Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Central Asia, and some were born and raised in America, said Faraz Sattar, one of the organizers from the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center. Members of the Muslim Community Center of the East Bay, located in Pleasanton, also participated. The Tri-Valley is a strong community for families, which is why Muslims fit in so well, Sattar said. “We fit into that description, here and back home as well,” he said. The men went, prayer rugs in hand, to pray in the building labeled “Brothers.” Adjacent buildings were for “Sisters” and “Sisters with Strollers.” The large open square had the ground covered with a tarp to accommodate the overflow. Donations were collected as families entered, and plastic bags were handed out to hold the shoes while they prayed. The Imam led the Eid Prayer around 9:30, followed by a sermon by Dr. Nazeer Ahmed. Afterward another prayer was held for those who had missed the first. Then it was social time, with food booths lining the square and children’s games. Ayesha Sheikh, a woman in her 20s who moved to the East Bay from Texas when she was 5, comes to the Eid celebration at the Fairgrounds each year. She had to leave early Tuesday to go to work in Santa Clara, where she does marketing for a digital textbook company.

DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

Women in the room for “Sisters with Strollers” listen to the sermon with their children around them at the Eid Al-Fitr celebration.

“It’s definitely grown,” Sheikh said about the Eid Prayer event. “The San Ramon Valley Islamic Community has expanded.” The details have been worked out over the years, she added, such as handing out plastic bags for the shoes, and adding a special prayer venue for women with children. Amna Suharwardy of Danville compared her hennaed hands with her young friend, Shireen Rahman, 22 months, of San Ramon. They were both part of a gathering Sunday where the henna was applied in intricate designs, an Eid tradition. Shireen looked at her hand and said, “Flower!” Suharwardy recalled. Both were dressed in colorful traditional clothing, and Suharwardy recalled how fun it was as a child to

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Nimble news: Devin and Brianna Kavanagh take time to read their Pleasanton Weekly between performances to qualify in the U.S. Western Regionals at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Ireland in April. Page 6ÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

wear the bright, glittery outfits and to dress up her younger sisters. She also noted that the weather was perfect this year for the celebration. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are set by the lunar calendar so it has been very warm for the last few years. “The Islamic Society of North America calculated the dates using the latest techniques,” Sattar explained. Sattar, looking around at the crowd, estimated that this year the event had drawn close to 3,000 people, rather than the 2,0002,500 expected. The gathering also becomes a “hug fest,” he said, with the embrace going side to side, right, left, right. “It is a custom in our religion,” he said. N

THORNE Continued from Page 5

the following year. He was re-elected last year, leading the race from the start, finishing with 14,201 votes, or 33.56 of the total number of votes cast in the City Council race. Cook-Kallio received 12,009 votes, or 28.3% of those cast. In the 2010 Jerry Thorne council election, two other candidates also competed. Realtor Karla Brown received 11,234 votes, or 26.47%, in her first bid for political office. Fred Watson trailed with 4,928 votes, or 11.6%, in his first bid for a council seat. In that election, Hosterman was re-elected mayor with 13,693 votes, or 53.36%, of the votes cast, with challenger McGovern receiving 11,963 votes, or 46.5%. N

NEWS

Mother, daughter sentenced in Dublin custody murder case Women had cache of weapons â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;worthy of a small army,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says prosecutor A mother and daughter were sentenced Monday to lengthy state prison terms for their roles in the murder of a 91-year-old Dublin woman and an attack that almost claimed the life of the elderly womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson. Rosa Hill, 36, and her mother, 58-year-old Mei Li of Antioch, were convicted June 28 of first-degree murder for the death of Selma Hill at her home in the 7700 block of Peppertree Lane in Dublin in 2009. They also were convicted of premeditated attempted murder for an attack on Rosa Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, Eric Hill, at that same location that day. Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Burr sentenced Rosa Hill to 36 years to life in prison and Li to 25 years to life. Prosecutor Casey Bates told jurors during the trial that Rosa Hill and Li went to Selma Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, where Eric Hill and the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then-2-year-old daughter also lived, as part of a plot to kidnap

the daughter because of a custody battle over the girl. Rosa Hill and Eric Hill, who later divorced, were separated at the time and he had been awarded sole legal custody and 85 percent physical custody of the daughter. Bates said Selma Hill was killed the morning of Jan. 7, 2009, and Eric Hill was wounded when Rosa Hill and her mother attacked him after he returned to the home with the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter later that day. Bates said notes later recovered by police showed that Rosa Hill and Li called their plan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operation Custodyâ&#x20AC;? and purchased a cache of weapons worthy of a small army, including guns, stun guns, a sword, a hammer tool, a crossbow, a throat cutter, a knife and a baton. In addition, Bates said when police investigated a computer that Rosa Hill and her mother used, they discovered the two women had conducted Internet searches on how to get away with murder

and how to strangle someone. They had also researched deadly substances such as arsenic, cyanide, strychnine, mustard gas and ammonia, he said. Burr said today that the attack was â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the most vicious, callous and premeditated crimes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in my 35-year legal career.â&#x20AC;? Burr said the evidence indicated Hill and Li planned to murder Selma Hill then kidnap Eric Hill and take him to a remote location, where they would cut up his body with the tools they had in hopes it would never be found. The judge said the evidence suggests Rosa Hill and Li planned to forge a suicide note by Eric Li in which he would admit he had killed his grandmother and had molested his daughter, a charge that Rosa Hill had levied against him during the custody battle but he had vehemently denied. Rosa Hill then expected that the family court system would give her

Congregation Beth Emek names David Katz interim rabbi Rabbi Katz to perform first Shabbat service this evening BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

After a summer of lay leaders holding services, Congregation Beth Emek of Pleasanton welcomes Rabbi David A. Katz as interim rabbi. Katz will lead Shabbat services this evening, and afterward he and his wife Nancy will be honored with a reception. Katz said he was drawn to Beth Emek by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;really fine congregation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Its congregants are eager and willing, with a serious concern for study of Torah, and very lovely and inspiring services,â&#x20AC;? he said. The Beth Emek board conducted an extensive search and interview process, said Congregation President Skylar Cohen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It quickly became clear that Rabbi Katz is the right choice as our spiritual leader,â&#x20AC;? Cohen said. His contract is just under two years, and the board hopes to begin its search for a permanent rabbi after the first of the year, Cohen added. Katz, 58, moved in August to

Pleasanton from San Diego, where he served for the past three years at Congregation Beth Israel. Previously, he spent more than 20 years as rabbi at congregations in New York and Virginia, and several years as a temple educator. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College, New York, in 1981, and has Rabbi David masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees Katz in both Hebrew Education and Hebrew Letters, plus earned bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees from Northwestern University in Theatre, with an emphasis in direction. Katz is also a past president of the New York Area Reform Rabbis, and has been a member of influential Reform Judaism practice and liturgy committees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I look forward to helping lead Congregation Beth Emek into the

next phase of its growth,â&#x20AC;? Katz said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congregants and the broader Tri-Valley community have already extended a warm welcoming hand, and my family is eagerly anticipating this wonderful opportunity.â&#x20AC;? He noted that Beth Emek has a vibrant religious school and Midrasha, or program for Jewish teens to explore their religion and heritage. Katz and his wife Nancy, an artist, are the parents of two grown children, Emily and Ben. Congregation Beth Emekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership numbers about 200 families. It moved from Livermore into its new facility on Nevada Street in Pleasanton in 2005. Rabbi Richard Winer, who had headed Beth Emek fulltime since 1998 after three years part time, relocated to Temple Beth Israel in Fresno at the beginning of the summer. Katz said he plans to â&#x20AC;&#x153;strengthen the congregation to carry on all the good things that our previous rabbi has accomplished.â&#x20AC;? N

custody of the daughter, Burr said. Eric Hill said today that his daughter has suffered both emotionally and physically since the attack and has night terrors, separation anxiety and fear of strangers. He said his daughter never mentions Rosa Hill and â&#x20AC;&#x153;has a hole in her heart where her mother should be.â&#x20AC;? Eric Hill said Rosa Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions â&#x20AC;&#x153;are extremely painful because she is the one I loved with all of my heart and more than anyone else.â&#x20AC;? He said the fact that she killed his grandmother and almost killed him â&#x20AC;&#x153;shakes me to the very core of my soul.â&#x20AC;? Eric Hill alas said he had trusted Li up until the time of the attack and he feels betrayed by her actions, as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find her actions extremely painful because she was my friend,â&#x20AC;? Hill said. Li and Rosa Hill didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak at their sentencing hearing. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Bay City News Service

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MOTHERS Continued from Page 5

within their own family.â&#x20AC;? The district attorney commended the two for the courage they showed in talking openly about their problem. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kelly and Donna spoke out about the suffering their children have gone through and their families have gone through as the result of addiction and prescription drug abuse,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley told the crowd. She said she learned about prescription drug abuse from the Liv-

ermore police and made combating it one of the goals of the District Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, through education and by prosecuting â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirty doctors.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to say that we have, now, five cases pending against doctors that we are alleging have over prescribed prescription medicine,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley said. She said Mothers with a Purpose is making a difference in the community, and that Donna and Kelly are leading â&#x20AC;&#x153;an incredible group of women.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made it OK to talk about things we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually talk about,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley said. N

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GLENN WOHLTMANN

Kelly and Donna, cofounders of Mothers with a Purpose, were honored for their work by Alameda County District Attorney Nancy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley.

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Pleasanton WeeklyĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;September 2, 2011Ă&#x160;U Page 7

Business News

Edited by Jeb Bing

Sizzling Saturdays extended through September

California Pizza Kitchen now downstairs at Stoneridge

Popular merchant, restaurant specials drawing hundreds to downtown

New location allows longer hours, curbside deliveries

BY JEB BING

Sizzling Saturdays, the Pleasanton Downtown Association’s summer program of special hours and offers, was so popular during the so-called “dog days” of August that they’ve been extended through Saturday, Sept. 29. Hundreds jammed downtown streets for the merchant and restaurant specials, along with late bight shopping, last month, said Kelley Foulk, events and communications coordinator for the PDA. “School may be back in session, but summer is not over yet,” she said, looking at the forecasts for more 80 degrees — and even 90 degrees — this month. “So all of us can enjoy the twinkling summer lights and music in the air while dining, shopping and strolling in Pleasanton’s downtown every Saturday night in September from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.” Sizzling Saturdays will once again feature free entertainment on Main Street, including live music and family-friendly performers. A highlight of last Saturday’s

JEB BING

Joining in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies Saturday to celebrate the re-opening of the Domus kitchen and home accessories store on Main Street are (from left) Councilman Jerry Thorne, Amador Valley High sophomore and Miss California Junior Teen 2011 Raven Delk, Domus owner Margaret Smith and Mayor Jennifer Hosterman. Two women at far right are unidentified.

downtown events was the official grand reopening of Domus, the kitchen and home accessories store at 652 Main St. Several hundreds joined owner Margaret Smith for festivities at the store

that included a ceremony sponsored by the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, with Smith and Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman cutting the obligatory grand opening ribbon. N

California Pizza Kitchen opened a full-service restaurant at Stoneridge Shopping Center on Monday, moving from a second floor location to a specious 6,000-squarefoot restaurant on the lower level next to other outdoor-accessible restaurants. The restaurant seats 222 guests and includes outdoor patio seating. JEB BING Hours of operation are Craig Redden, general manager of California Pizza from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kitchen, slices a freshly-baked portion for Rose Monday through Thurs- Gonzales of Mary Kay Cosmetics at the grand day; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. opening of the restaurant’s expanded first floor loFriday and Saturday; and cation in the Stoneridge Shopping Center. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Its outside access allows California Pizza Kitchen to be open longer than normal shopping center hours and even gives customers a chance to order by phone and have their food delivered to their cars outside the restaurant. The CPK menu features old favorites as well as new items, and the restaurant offers an extensive beverage menu from its full bar. Craig Redden, general manager, said the restaurant has 168 employees including some who work 25-30 hours a week but still have full company benefits. He said the restaurant will hold a special charity event Tuesday, Sept. 13, with 100% of all dine-in proceeds that day to be given to the Tri-Valley YMCA. —Jeb Bing

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Opinion

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Pleasanton EDITORIAL Weekly Grocery shopping gets even better

a Patio Door!

THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY

PUBLISHER Gina Channell-Allen, Ext. 119 EDITORIAL Editor Jeb Bing, Ext. 118 Managing Editor Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Ext. 111 Online/Community Editor Jessica Lipsky, Ext. 229 Reporter Glenn Wohltmann, Ext. 121 Editorial Assistant Amory Gutierrez, Ext. 221 Interns Amelia Arvesen Dena Behnam Priyanka Mody Contributors Jay Flachsbarth Deborah Grossman Jerri Pantages Long Kerry Nally Joe Ramirez ART & PRODUCTION Lead Designer Katrina Cannon, Ext. 130 Designers Lili Cao, Ext. 120 Kristin Herman, Ext. 114 ADVERTISING Account Executives Carol Cano, Ext. 226 Lorraine Guimaraes, Ext. 234 Karen Klein, Ext. 122 Matt Massaro, Ext. 123 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. © 2011 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

rocery shopping for those home-cooked meals this Labor Day weekend couldn’t get much better in Pleasanton where nine supermarkets are vying for customers and more are coming. Safeway will open its new Lifestyle supermarket Nov. 17 at Bernal and Valley avenues, next to I-680 and across from the Fairgrounds, adding another store to the Safeway market at Santa Rita Road and Valley. Wal-Mart is seeking a Pleasanton city permit to open one of its new “Neighborhood Market” grocery stores in the vacant 33,000-square-foot supermarket space once occupied by Nob Hill. This week, Santa Cruz-based New Leaf Community Market announced it plans to open its first East Bay store in the long-empty old Romley’s supermarket in the Vintage Hills shopping center. These will add to the stores both well established and new as the grocery business becomes very competitive in Pleasanton. Besides the two Safeways, here’s what shoppers can also find: Lucky — Located on West Las Positas and Hopyard roads, this Lucky was renamed when Albertson’s bought it, and then became Lucky again when purchased by Save Mart Supermarkets of Modesto, which found the name better liked by customers. Raley’s — With an extensive makeover just completed, Raley’s now features an “e-cart” shopping service, four self-checkout stands, an expanded and updated pharmacy and a Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Fresh & Easy — This is a 10,000-square-foot British owned market in the Rosewood Pavilion, part of a rapidly expanding group of stores being added in the U.S. by Tesco. Gene’s Fine Foods — This local independent market opened at Hopyard Road and Valley Avenue in the 1990s, where an Alpha Beta grocery store was formerly located. It is owned and operated by the Giomi family, which also has a location in Saratoga. Trader Joe’s — Shoppers of Trader Joe’s enjoy the quaint “corner market” feel of the grocery store. And similar to Gene’s, customers who frequent the store, located at Santa Rita Road and Pimlico Avenue, can satisfy their appetite for imported cheeses, organic produce and other specialty products, but in a downsized setting. Cole’s Market — For a nostalgic experience, downtown residents forgo the supermarket experience and instead frequent Cole’s Market in the vintage Pleasanton Plaza shopping center on First Street. 99 Ranch Market — This Asian American supermarket is one of Pleasanton’s newest and by far its most ethnic, offering Asian food with a wide variety of fresh fish as its specialty. Located in the Rose Pavilion at Santa Rita Road and Rosewood Drive, it is one of 28 similar stores owned by Asian American supermarket chain Tawa, based in Southern California. Smart & Final — Located in the Pleasanton Square Shopping Center, across from In-N-Out Burger’s fast food restaurant , Smart & Final is part of a 248-store chain headquartered in Los Angeles. Although it looks much like a typical supermarket, Smart & Final promotes itself as having the prices and bulk-purchase advantages of the big box membership stores, but with smaller, often single-product-focused inventory. Only Whole Foods and Kroger have yet to open stores here. At one time, Whole Foods, which has a market in San Ramon, had signed on as an anchor tenant in an open-air shopping center planned across from Hacienda Crossings in Dublin, but that deal fell apart. Kroger, which owns Ralph’s Supermarkets and is a dominant grocer in the eastern U.S., so far has not expanded further into California. Enjoy these shopping opportunities for a great Labor Day weekend. N

LETTERS Was garage sale threat? Dear Editor, I am concerned over the removal of signs that I put up advertising my garage sale, including the sign on my own street. In place of my sign by the Farmers Market I found someone else’s sign in the exact same place. Someone took down all my signs, which I discovered when I went to retrieve mine. Have our morals, respect and competition gotten to the point that anything goes as long as it is self-serving? Was I a threat to the other garage sale? I think it is time to sit back and rethink our motives and remember to “live and let live.” What a shame that our society has gotten to this point. Name withheld by request

Bravo to ‘Chicago’ Dear Editor, I want to congratulate the Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre on an outstanding production of “Chicago” at the Firehouse Arts Center. A group of us attended the sold out Saturday night show and it was very well done. The actors were superb and the direction and choreography were amazing. The performance capped off a wonderful Saturday, which included Farmers Market, window shopping up and down main street, and dinner at Oasis before the show. We’re truly lucky to have such a great downtown and our wonderful new theater. We are very much looking forward to attending more of these events in the future. Bravo, Pacific Rep! Jennifer Pearce

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 9

TriValley Life

PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLES IN OUR COMMUNITY

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY — MUSIC, THEATER, ART, MOVIES AND MORE

amazing GAMES

Everyone is welcome to join in Scottish Highland Gathering & Games this weekend BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

Mock battles, athletes, birds of prey, Celtic dancing, Mary Queen of Scots with her entourage, and a masters class on Scottish whisky. The 146th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games at the Fairgrounds tomorrow and Sunday offers all this and more. “We want everyone to come, not just Scotsmen,” said Floyd Busby, media chairman for the Caledonian Club of San Francisco, which presents the event. The club has had a booth at Pleasanton’s First Wednesday street parties all summer for members to introduce themselves. The Scottish fun begins this afternoon in downtown Pleasanton with the March under the Arch at 5 p.m. The Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band from Edmonton, Canada, will participate along with the U.S. Marine Band San Diego. Then this weekend the Alameda County Fairgrounds features everything Scottish with seven stages of continuous entertainment. Two will present what could be called Celtic Heritage, said Busby. “That’s where you have Scottish country dancing, the Scottish Fiddlers Rally and Celtic Harpers with Alasdair Fraser, one of the top Scottish fiddlers,” Busby said. “There are different dance groups — from Monterey, Santa Rosa, Piedmont — at any given time.” The other five stages have Celtic Rock. “The Browne sisters are there every year,” Busby said. “It’s a different type of music — rock ’n’ roll but with bagpipes.” Tempest is returning, which has performed at all but one of the 17 Games held at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. From Australia, Brother, which includes the Aboriginal didgeridoo, has a world-wide following. The “Tribal” element of Celtic Rock is provided by Albannach (an ancient word for Scotland), which is coming from Scotland, Busby explained. “It’s all percussion with one bagpipe, like the music from ‘Braveheart’ when they were ready to battle each other,” he said. Athletics — Invitational U.S. Heavy Events Championships and the IHGF World Caber Championships — are another favorite of the crowds as they watch from the Grandstand as cabers are balanced and hurled, as are heavy weights. “It is the world championship in the professionals,” Busby said. “In addition to the pros we have amateurs in the women’s class and masters’ class — older people who’ve passed their prime.” “A lot come from the eastern seaboard,” he added. “Our games are considered one of the most prestigious an athlete can be in.” History will come alive at the Gathering, with Mary Queen of Scots, and her travel entourage of highland warriors. “The highland warriors themselves do battle with the big claymores, two-handed swords,” Busby said, “against Roman legions and invading Vikings.” On both days the massed pipe bands, 26 this year, will perform at 3:45 p.m. in a Grandstand Show. “The lone piper comes up on stage and starts playing Amazing Grace, then the drum major raises the big staff and 650-700 pipes and drums come into it,” Busby said. “It’s very stirring.” N Page 10ÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

CALEDONIAN CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO

The heavy games this weekend will include stone putts, Scottish hammer throws, weight for height, weight for distance, and tossing the caber — a 19-foot-plus wooden pole — trying to get it to turn once and land with the top end near the thrower.

Puttin’ on the plaid What: 146th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games When: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Saturday, followed by the Scottish Party (Ceilidh) at the Red Lion Pub on the Fairgrounds with free entertainment and barbecue dinner at extra cost; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 3-4 Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds Tickets: 2-day adult, $27; 1-day, $20 Seniors and youths 12-17, $12 11 and under, military, free Events: ■ Heavy events — Super Series World Team Championship ■ Western U.S. Highland Dancing ■ Irish Pavilion — Irish Step Dancing ■ Entertainment — Traditional and Celtic Rock ■ Celtic Heritage — Fiddling, harping, singing, dancing ■ Living History — Reenactment guilds. Period artisans and craftsmen ■ Gathering of the Clans — 100 clan tents — research your heritage ■ Children’s Glen ■ Birds of prey ■ Sheep dog trials ■ Clydesdale Horse Team ■ Highland Cattle ■ Five-A-Side soccer ■ Rugby and ancient Scottish game of Shinty ■ Vendors in ﬁve buildings ■ Food — steak pie, ﬁsh and chips, British banger or Scotch Egg, ales or beer, and regular fair food ■ British Motor Car Cavalcade ■ Kilted Mile — running competition for all ages ■ Whisky tasting — sample malt whiskies or attend a Master Class seminar (additional cost) ■ 3:45 p.m. Grandstand Show — Massed Pipe Bands

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PLAY REVIEW

SPOTLIGHT

REVIEWS OF NEW PLAYS

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI Merry murderesses make for a musical ‘Chicago’ Don’t miss the current offering at the Firehouse Theater

When is a jailhouse fun? When it’s filled with tiers of comely women, all awaiting trail in the 1920s for murdering men who “had it coming.” The vampish suspects prance, dance and sing out their stories in “Chicago,” the current offering of Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre at the Firehouse Arts Center. “Chicago” begins with vaudevillian Velma (Nicole Frydman) belting out “All That Jazz,” joined by a chorus of singers and dancers. She found her husband in bed with her sister and killed them both although she claims she has no recollection of it. Soon we see Roxie (Joy Sherratt) shooting her lover when he announces he’s leaving her. Roxie’s hapless husband Amos (Sebastian Romeo) tries to take the blame but the truth is soon out. Roxie pleads self-defense. The flashy inmates, who show plenty of leg along with their little black and white jail-stripe jackets, are cared for by Mama (Karol Strempke), the matron who shows her affection by arranging lawyers, trial dates and more, extracting money for each favor. Velma and Roxie, who soon learn the advantages of being “celebrity criminals,” are defended by smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn (David Judson). First and foremost, he guides them in dealing with the trench-coat-clad press, an all-important part of the

trial process, which, like most of life, is a con game. One of the most delightful scenes has Roxie perched on Billy’s lap as he controls her like a ventriloquist. The press is led by sob sister Susie Sunshine, who helps make Billy’s point that appearances can be deceiving. The plot rollicks along with clever lyrics, songs and dances, all imaginatively choreographed by Lois Grandi, in the style of Bob Fosse, with whom she worked on Broadway. The seven-man orchestra, led by Pat Parr, who also serves as the announcer, balances perfectly with the singers. This is the second production in Pleasanton of Pacific Coast Rep, which was just signed on by the city as the resident musical theater company of the Firehouse. Good job, Pleasanton! This and “Cabaret” in January were the perfect productions to rock the intimate space of the theater, which opened a year ago. The show was sold out Saturday night and hopefully will be for the remaining performances as it continues through Sept. 4. Before the show and during intermission, the crowd wandered through the Harrington Art Gallery and the stunning building and its terraces. Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., is a great addition to downtown Pleasanton, as is the Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre. “Chicago” continues through Sept. 4. Tickets are $18-$33. Visit www.firehousearts.org or call 931-4848. N

Experience music Tryouts soon for Valley Concert Chorale Singers! Tryouts are being held Sept. 12 and 19 for the Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley’s premier chorus. Make an appointment now to audition for the 2011-12 concert season, at the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore at the corner of Fourth and L streets. The chorus is looking for experienced singers with sight-reading skills who enjoy exciting and challenging music. It performs a wide variety of music ranging from classical to contemporary, and folk to jazz. Both audition dates are also open rehearsal nights. Anyone interested may sit in, read through the music for the fall quarter, and consider auditioning. “Our open rehearsal nights have been very popular in past years,” Chorale President Dave Brunswick said. “We’ve had several singers join us through this process who said that it was a fun experience.” To schedule an appointment, call 462-4205. The upcoming season, which is

titled “Delightfully Unique Musical Experiences,” includes an October performance of American spirituals featuring Swedish soprano saxophonist Anders Paulsson; and in December, new and traditional carols featuring selections from Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” and John Rutter’s “Dancing Day.” In March, the music will feature that of royal coronations and weddings including the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate, Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” and selections by Elton John and The Beatles. The final performance in May will be songs that celebrate the sounds of spring, plus “a few surprises.” For information about the Valley Concert Chorale, go to www.valleyconcertchorale.org or call 866-4003. The Valley Concert Chorale, now in its 48th season, is under the direction of John Emory Bush. Through its Music in the Schools program, volunteers give musical performances at elementary schools. To help financially, call Pam Grove at 462-4205. N

Celebrate California wines in September Livermore Valley Harvest Wine Celebration holding 30th harvest celebration Break out the sparkling wine — Gov. Jerry Brown has proclaimed September as California Wine Month, according to Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers. This marks the seventh year that the California government has recognized the wine industry and its contribution to the state with its many wineries, grape growers and vintners. Locally, the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association is hosting its 30th Harvest Wine Celebration this weekend. Between noon and 5 p.m., Sunday-Monday, Sept. 4-5, wineries will offer Livermore Valley’s best wine, food, art and music to ticket holders. On Sunday, guests are invited to ride shuttle buses between winery locations. The buses will travel three different routes, each serving six to 11 wineries. Free parking will be available at Robertson Park in Livermore, where guests can board buses and transfer between routes during the day. Bus stops may be as far as 300 feet from winery locations, so guests riding buses must be prepared to walk up driveways. On Monday, guests will enjoy a more intimate affair, as wineries offer different wine experiences, such as winemaking demonstrations or tasting of wine varietals, to highlight the experience. Thirty-two wineries will be pouring at their tasting rooms across Livermore Valley, with artists, musicians and food vendors adding to the festivities. Eleven more wineries will be pouring and hosting festivities at either Concannon Vineyard or Wente Vineyards on Tesla Road. Food at all locations will be locally prepared and moderately priced (under $8). Admission includes a commemorative Livermore Valley wine glass, tastings of at least two wine varietals from each participating winery, an official event program and discounts on wine purchases.

Out CONCERTS IN THE PARK Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lions Wayside Park at the corner of First and Neal Street. Enjoy High Energy Rock n’ Roll music by Public Eye on Sept. 2. FREE OPERA PREVIEW Livermore Valley Opera is presenting free sneak previews of its upcoming production of Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” as follows: Sept. 4, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Concannon Vineyards Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m., Dublin Library Sept. 11, 2 p.m., Pleasanton Library Sept. 18, 2 p.m., Livermore Library PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO AND CARLOS REYES Guitarist, D’Agostino, and harpist/violinist, Reyes, blend their music in a unique performance that

DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

This sign on Tesla Road helps people navigate the wine country.

Tickets are available online at www.LVwine. org, at all participating Livermore Valley wineries, the Wine Steward in Pleasanton, First Street Wine Company in Livermore and Safeway stores. California has more than 4,600 grape growers and accounts for about 90 percent of wine production in the United States, according to the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers. N

About highlights their individual and combined talents, at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 for adults; $22 for seniors and $12 for children. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org.

—Concerts, Film & Live Music ‘COMEDY SPORTZ’ IMPROV COMEDY SHOW Not comedy about sports, but comedy as a sport! Enjoy clean, fast and fun improv comedy for all audiences from 8-10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9, at the Smith Center Amphitheatre at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. Tickets are $12$15. Call (510) 659-6031 or visit www.smithcenter.com. ‘RIDING THE RAILS’ This Peabody award winning documentary film, “Riding the Rails,” is about the 250,000 teenagers who hopped freight trains during the Great Depression, looking for opportunities and/or adventure. The film and program is from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at IBEW Hall, 6250 Village Parkway, Dublin. Includes potluck. Discussion follows the film. This is a public event. Suggested donation $3. Call 462-3459.

See page 16 for more listings. Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 11

COVER STORY

story by DENNIS MILLER // photos by JAY FLACHSBARTH

PREP

POWERHOUSES

Amador Valley, Foothill gear up for season that ends with cross-town rivalry

Page 12ÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

ports rivalries can turn into ugly events as evidenced by the unfortunate incidents at the San Francisco 49ers-Oakland Raiders preseason game this year. But not all rivalries have to be that way. Instead of heated exchanges, the event can be one the entire community embraces. Such is the case with the Amador Valley and Foothill High football teams. If there is one reason for the Amador-Foothill rivalry being one of mutual respect, look no further than the two head coaches at the schools — Rick Sira at Amador and Matt Sweeney at Foothill. The two have been at their schools for 49 combined years, with both holding dear the end of the regular season match-up. “I think we could both be here another 25 years and it would always be competitive,” said Sira. “It is something that is great for Pleasanton — not just for football, but for the entire community.” “It’s really what high school sports are all about,” said Sweeney. “It is a great rivalry — one which the kids all talk about for years to come.” The all-time record stands at 18-16-1 for Foothill, according to Sweeney, with the Falcons winning 12 of the last 13 meetings. There have been numerous times over the years where the team with the worse record entering the game has come away with the win, and there have been some times when the East Bay Athletic League title has been hanging in the balance. “We’ve stumbled some in recent years, but that’s what the rivalry is all about,” said Sira. For the record, the two sides will meet Thursday, Nov. 10, at Foothill in the final game of the regular season. But there is a lot of work for both teams to do before the battle of Pleasanton. Both teams open non-league play tonight with the

Dons traveling to Freedom High in Oakley and the Falcons making the trip to Pittsburg. Following are previews of each of the teams.

AMADOR VALLEY

he Dons enter the season with a nice blend of experience and youth, along with what Sira feels is great team unity. “We’ve got about an even split of 20 seniors and 20 juniors,” said Sira. “I feel good with the way the kids have come together. They have high expectations for each other.” On offense the Dons welcome back quarterback Kyle Moreno, who started last year as a sophomore. Moreno had his appendix removed in the last couple of weeks, but Sira expects him back soon. Ryan Mahoney will handle the starting duties until Moreno returns. Last year Moreno went through some growing pains, but Sira is pleased with the way he has progressed, working under the tutelage of former Amador quarterback Danny Jones. “(Jones) has got such a great demeanor working with the kids,” said Sira. “He has a lot to offer and does a nice job of coaching.” Sira is looking at three players and his main ball carriers. Carter Ridgway, Nick Griffen and Sam Peters have been getting the majority of work in practice. “It’s a good battle between those guys,” said Sira. “All three are capable of making the big play.” When Moreno goes to the air, look for Nik Papageorge and Mitch Worsey to be the leading receivers. Josh Hardy and Gerald Seals are expected to get a lot of time at the fly position.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Worsey had an awesome summer,â&#x20AC;? explained Sira. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was our leader points wise in the weight room, which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen very often with receivers.â&#x20AC;? The big men opening the holes up front will be led by tackles Robert Lewis and Forrest Quinn. Other strong performers so far on the line include Jarrod Graves, Jesse Cerdas and Mitchell Mayo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They all worked hard in the weight room and are working well in practice,â&#x20AC;? said Sira. Overall, Sira has been pleased with the offense. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like things are going well and we are ahead of where we were last year at this point,â&#x20AC;? he said. On defense, the Dons will look to Cerdas to anchor the line, with Lewis, Mayo, Graves and Griffen to key the linebacker spots. Brandon Chun, Dan Wessell and Worsey are all keys to the defensive backfield. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are running around well,â&#x20AC;? Sira said of the defense. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to make some changes, but we are pleased with the way we have been working. We are anxious to lineup against someone else.â&#x20AC;?

FOOTHILL

t will be an interesting year for Foothill as Sweeney will head into the season with just five returning starters as the Falcons will shoot for their 19th consecutive berth in the North Coast Section playoffs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot of good players, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just young,â&#x20AC;? said Sweeney. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the expectations are still there â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to win the league. That will never change.â&#x20AC;? A year after Sweeney had five sophomores getting plenty of time on the field, he will have seven more this year figuring to make an impact with the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just have to show some good patience with them,

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work hard and coach them up,â&#x20AC;? explained Sweeney. One senior starting on the offense will be quarterback Tommy Paulson. At only 5 foot 10, Paulson will look to make plays with his legs as well as his arm. Sweeney will look to a host of players to carry the ball in Foothillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possession-oriented offense. Cody Connolly, Griffith Gates, Ray Hudson, Tyler Lahti and Jordan Ramil all will get their share of carries. Ramil may be the best offensive weapon on the team, and the senior will also be counted on to catch the ball as well along with Ryan Anderson and Trevor Maes. The offensive line will be led by players like Gabe Ballacer, Justin Taylor, Eduardo Perez and Preston Hedrick. The quartet will be counted on to lead the way for the entire offensive unit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we get good play from our line, we will be OK,â&#x20AC;? said Sweeney. Most of the offensive line leaders will also head the defensive unit. In the linebacker spot, both Gates and Hudson return to lead the unit after getting a lot of time last year as sophomores. The two will be joined by Jack Finney, Jason Silva and Trent Morgan. Silva is the lone senior in the group that figures to be one of the best units in the league. The defensive backfield is also a talented â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and young â&#x20AC;&#x201D; group. Ramil and Lahti are seniors, but they will be joined by Maes (a junior) and a pair of sophomores in Jamirr Holland and Julian Williams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of teams who will be looking to lay one on us this year because of how young we are,â&#x20AC;? said Sweeney. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we will show up and compete every game.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The teams we play know what to expect when Foothill shows up,â&#x20AC;? he added. N

Pleasanton WeeklyĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;September 2, 2011Ă&#x160;U Page 13

COMMUNIT Y PULSE ● TRANSITIONS

BIRTHS WEEKLY MEETING NOTICES City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 5th for Labor Day.

City Council Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Avenue UÊ*ÕL VÊ i>À }\ÊÊ*1 ÊnÓ]Ê >Û `Ê >Ì ]Ê >Ì Ê Õ ìÀÃ]Ê V°ÊqÊ Ã ìÀÊ> Ê>«« V>Ì Êv ÀÊ,iâ }Ê on an approximately 1.17 acre site located at 4171 and {£n Ê-Ì> iÞÊ Õ iÛ>À`ÊvÀ ÊÌ iÊ,Ê£ÊÈ]xääÊ" iÊ > ÞÊ ,iÃ ì Ì > ®Ê ÃÌÀ VÌÊÌ ÊÌ iÊ*1 Ê ,Ê* > i`Ê1 ÌÊ

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Commission and Committee Recruitment / iÊ ÌÞÊ vÊ* i>Ã> Ì Ê Û ÌiÃÊÞ ÕÊÌ Ê>«« ÞÊv ÀÊÛ>V> V iÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ v Ü }ÊV ÃÃ ÃÊ> `ÊV ÌÌiiÃ\ Civic Arts Commission — 1 Alternate VÞV i]Ê*i`iÃÌÀ > ÊEÊ/À> ÃÊ ÌÌiiÊpÊ£Ê Ì >À}iÊ9 ÕÌ Ê Member V VÊ6 Ì> ÌÞÊ ÌÌiiÊpÊ£ÊÀi«ÀiÃi Ì>Ì ÛiÊvÀ Êi>V Ê vÊ Ì iÊv Ü }ÊV>Ìi} À iÃ\ UÊ ÕÃ iÃÃÊ*>À UÊ iÀV > Ê,i> Ê ÃÌ>ÌiÊ À iÀ UÊ iÀV > Ê,i> Ê ÃÌ>ÌiÊ iÛi «iÀ UÊ*À viÃÃ > Ê-iÀÛ ViÃÊ À UÊ iÀV > Ê-iÀÛ ViÃÊ À UÊ vÀ>ÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀi UÊ i` V> Ê/iV }Þ iÀ}ÞÊ> `Ê Û À i ÌÊ ÌÌiiÊpÊ£Ê Ì >À}iÊ9 ÕÌ Ê i LiÀÊÊ LÀ>ÀÞÊ ÃÃ ÊqÊ£Ê ÌiÀ >Ìi 9 ÕÌ Ê >ÃÌiÀÊ* > Ê"ÛiÀÃ } ÌÊ ÌÌiiÊpÊ £Ê*ÀiÃV ®Ê*>Ài ÌÊ>Ì >À}i £Ê } Ê-V ®Ê*>Ài ÌÊ>Ì >À}i > i`>Ê Õ ÌÞÊ/À> Ã« ÀÌ>Ì Ê «À Ûi i ÌÊ ÕÌ À ÌÞÊ / ®Ê Citizens Advisory Committee ÓÊ* i>Ã> Ì ÊÀi«ÀiÃi Ì>Ì ÛiÃ

Alexander Michael Siegling Alexander Michael Siegling was born Aug. 16 to parents Tiffany and Michael Siegling, big sister Shiloh Siegling, and grandparents Al and Joyce Siegling of Pleasanton and Ruud and Ilse Smit of The Netherlands at Alta Bates Summit

Medical Center in Berkeley. He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.

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

Aug. 23 Theft ■ 10:07 a.m. in the 2300 block of Santa Rita Road; vehicle break-in ■ 9:02 p.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft ■ 10:01 p.m. in the 3900 block of Stoneridge Drive; recovered vehicle Animal bite ■ 9:45 a.m. in the 14200 block of Herringbone

Burglary ■ 12:18 p.m. in the 4900 block of Drywood Street ■ 1:13 p.m. in the 2100 block of Rheem Drive; auto burglary ■ 6:05 p.m. in the 4200 block of Fairlands Drive Identity Theft ■ 11:50 a.m. in the 3900 block of Vineyard Avenue

1:40 p.m. in the 4800 block of Bernal Avenue Alcohol violation ■ 4:29 p.m. in the 5900 block of Owens Drive; public drunkenness ■ 8:47 p.m. in the 600 block of Main Street; public drunkenness Warrant ■ 4:32 p.m. on Stoneridge Drive at Chabot ■ 7:21 p.m. in 8100 block of Arroyo Drive Animal incident ■ 9:05 p.m. in the 2300 block of Romano Circle

Aug. 25

Under influence of controlled substance ■ 10:39 p.m. in the 3900 block of Santa Rita Road; possession of paraphernalia

Aug. 24

■

Theft ■ 10:35 a.m. in the 4700 block of Golden Road; petty theft ■ 11:51 a.m. in the 4200 block of Pleasanton Avenue; identity theft Warrant ■ 3:27 p.m. in the 4500 block of Pleasanton Avenue Forgery ■ 5:18 p.m. in the 300 block of Main Street Drug/alcohol violations ■ 2:55 p.m. in the 4300 block of First Street; possession of hypodermic needle, controlled substance ■ 7:56 p.m. at Santa Rita Road/Mohr Avenue; under the influence of controlled substance

THE INDEPENDENCE YOU WANT, THE ASSISTANCE YOU NEED.

Ì> ÌÊ > `w Ê ÌÌiiÊ `ÕV>Ì Ê `Û Ã ÀÞÊ >À` £Ê* i>Ã> Ì ÊÀi«ÀiÃi Ì>Ì ÛiÊ i LiÀÊÃ Õ `ÊLiÊ>ÊÃV i Vi]Ê environmental education or vocational education teacher from the * i>Ã> Ì Ê*ÕL VÊ-V ÃÊ> `Ê>ÊÀiÃ `i ÌÊ vÊ > i`>Ê Õ ÌÞ® ******************************************** «« V>Ì ÃÊ>ÀiÊ>Û> >L iÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ"vwViÊ vÊÌ iÊ ÌÞÊ iÀ ]Ê£ÓÎÊ > Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê ÀÊ ÊÌ iÊ ÌÞ¿ÃÊÜiLÊÃ ÌiÊ>ÌÊ ÌÌ«\ÉÉÜÜÜ°V °« i>Ã> Ì ° V>°ÕÃÉ«`vÉ iÜV >««°«`v°Ê ÀÊ>`` Ì > Ê v À >Ì ]ÊV Ì>VÌÊ Ì iÊ"vwViÊ vÊÌ iÊ ÌÞÊ iÀ Ê>ÌÊ Óx®Ê Î£ xäÓÇ° Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2011. Postmarks are not accepted. vÊÞ ÕÊ>ÀiÊ ÌiÀiÃÌi`Ê ÊÃiÀÛ }Ê Ê>ÊV ÃÃ Ê ÀÊV ÌÌiiÊ Ì >ÌÊ >ÃÊ ÊVÕÀÀi ÌÊÛ>V> V iÃÊ ÃÌi`]ÊÞ ÕÊ >ÞÊÀi} ÃÌiÀÊÞ ÕÀÊ ÌiÀiÃÌÊ ÊvÕÌÕÀiÊÛ>V> V iÃÊLÞÊV Ì>VÌ }ÊÌ iÊ"vwViÊ vÊÌ iÊ ÌÞÊ

iÀ Ê>ÌÊ Óx®Ê Î£ xäÓÇÊ ÀÊLÞÊV « iÌ }Ê> Ê ÌiÀiÃÌÊV>À`Ê Ê ÕÀÊ ÜiLÃ ÌiÊ>ÌÊÜÜÜ°V °« i>Ã> Ì °V>°ÕÃ°

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND PUBLIC COMMENT IS WELCOME The above represents a sampling of upcoming meeting items. For complete information, please visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/calendar Page 14ÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

The following information on Pleasanton births was provided by ValleyCare Medical Center. Aug. 15 Kimberly Figueroa, a girl Melissa Christensen and David Warren, a boy Aug. 17 Monika and Veneet Jain, a boy Aug. 20 Jessica and Jeremy Cardera, a girl Aug. 22 Jennifer and Alexander Kindwall, a girl

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Aug. 26 Theft ■ 6:01 a.m. in the 5000 block of Forest Hill Drive; petty theft ■ 8:49 a.m. in the 7900 block of Foothill Knolls Drive; grand theft auto Disturbing the peace ■ 4:56 p.m. in the 2100 block of Alexander Way; using offensive words DUI ■ 8:51 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stanley Blvd. ■ 11:47 p.m. at Del Valle Parkway/ Harvest Circle

Aug. 27 Theft ■ 8:33 a.m. in the 7800 block of Canyon Meadows Court; grand theft auto ■ 8:45 a.m. at Canyon Meadows/ Dublin Canyon Roads; license plate stolen ■ 11:44 a.m. in the 2300 block of Foothill Road; auto burglary ■ 4:51 p.m. in the 200 block of W. Angela Street; grand theft Marijuana possession ■ 6:59 p.m. at Harvest Circle/Winter Court DUI ■ 11:45 p.m. at N. Livermore Avenue/ Cromwell Way

Aug. 28 Theft ■ 8:07 a.m. in the 2300 block of Foothill Road; auto burglary ■ 12:40 p.m. in the 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; theft, misdemeanor ■ 2:15 p.m. in the 1700 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; burglary, felony ■ 8:57 p.m. in the first block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft Vandalism ■ 3:19 p.m. in the 4500 block of Pleasanton Avenue Loitering ■ 11:29 p.m. in the 4600 block of Cope Court

Aug. 29

Call today for more information or to schedule a tour.

925-461-3042

License #015601283

Domestic violence/battery ■ 10:43 p.m. in the 4800 block of Bernal Avenue

ESKATON

Burglary ■ 8:32 a.m. in the 6100 block of Stoneridge Mall Road Identity theft ■ 3:07 p.m. in the 2700 block of Corte San Blas Warrant ■ 4:26 p.m. in the 400 block of Old Bernal Avenue

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ON THE TOWN Eddie Papaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Hangout 4889 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 469-6266. Winner of The Pleasanton Weeklyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reader Choice Awards for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best American Food Restaurantâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Meal under $20,â&#x20AC;? Eddie Papaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Hangout celebrates the regional food and beverage cultures of America. Bring the whole family to enjoy iconic dishes from across the United States, Old World Hospitality, and hand crafted artisan cocktails. www.eddiepapas.com.

chicken, ribs, prawns, salads and tri tip, or pulled pork sandwiches. Relax with a beer or a bottle of wine. Visit www.redsmokegrill.com. BREWPUB/ALEHOUSE The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill 3015H Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 426-9600. Voted Best Watering Hole in Pleasanton, The Hop Yard offers 30 craft beers on tap as well as great food. The full-service menu includes appetizers, salads and grilled fare that will bring you back time and again. Banquet facilities available. On the web at www.hopyard.com.

BARBECUE Red Smoke Grill 4501 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 734-0307. Home of the Tri Tip and Blue, Red Smoke Grill was Voted Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Best 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011. Dine in or take out rotisserie

470 Market Place, San Ramon, 277-9600. Featuring a giant 8-foot projection screen for major sporting events, they also feature 30 beers on tap and a great grill. Go in for the beer, go back for the food. More at www.hopyard.com.

Main Street Brewery 830 Main St., Pleasanton, 462-8218. Pleasantonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only BrewPub since 1995. Try one of our 6 House Beers brewed FRESH weekly. Full bar and daily happy hour! Watch all sports with friends on our multiple screens. We feature a full menu including lunch and dinner specials. To-go orders are welcome. Facilities available for parties up to 100. Live music every Friday and Saturday. Visit www.mainstbrewery.com for activities and special events. ITALIAN Pastas Trattoria 405 Main St., Pleasanton, 417-2222. Pastas Trattoria has an elegant atmosphere and a one-of-a-kind menu. We feature steaks, seafood and our famous pasta, plus a superb selection of spirits and fine wines. Reserve our banquet facilities for large parties, up to 70 guests.

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ON THE TOWN â&#x2014;? CALENDAR

Auditions

VALLEY CONCERT CHORALE Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier chorus, will hold auditions by appointment for the 2011-12 concert season on Monday, Sept. 12 and 19, at the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore (located at the corner of 4th and L streets). The chorale is seeking experienced singers with sightreading skills who enjoy singing exciting and challenging music. To schedule an appointment, call 462-4205.

Concerts

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THE TUBESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Known for San Francisco Sound of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s and contemporary CDs, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tubesâ&#x20AC;? will entertain with their signature creativity, artistic skill and theatrics, at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. Tickets are $35, $40 and $45. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org.

Events

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;HONOR OUR HEROESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Operation S.A.M. (Supporting All Military)

will host the 10th annual anniversary remembrance of Sept. 11 and a tribute to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honor Our Heroesâ&#x20AC;? at 3 p.m. (open seating starts at 2:15 p.m.), Sunday, Sept. 11, at Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Guest speaker will be Capt. Paul Krumenacker. AAUW INFORMATIONAL MEETING Livermore-Pleasanton-Dublin Branch of the American Association of University Women will welcome members and prospective members from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at Alviso Adobe, 3465 Old Foothill Road. The informational meeting will tell about AAUW interest groups and activities as well as give a tour of the grounds. Refreshments. Call 484-3321. ABBIE 4-H AT FIRST WEDNESDAY Whether youths are baking, raising market animals for the fair, or leading a community service project, 4-H gives young people the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives. Visit with Abbie 4-H youth members and adult volunteer leaders to learn more about the club at Booth #32,

from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the First Wednesday Street Fair downtown Pleasanton. Visit www. abbie4H.org. CELEBRATING SUFFRAGE IN CALIFORNIA Celebrate 100 Years of Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suffrage in California with the Livermore-Amador Valley League of Women Voters from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, at Ruthieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room, Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Lane, Livermore. Memories from the past and plans for future League study and action. Refreshments. The event is free. Public is invited. Call 447-8721. KIDS IN THE WATERSHED! Do you want a fun, hands-on adventure? Learn some environmental science as you scan stream banks for vegetation cover and other signs of a healthy habitat from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Marilyn Kane Trail. Also, test your chemistry skills as you learn and do water quality testing. Be prepared to get your hands and feet wet! Cost is $5 for residents; $7 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required; call 931-3479.

LIVERMORE VALLEY HARVEST WINE CELEBRATION Livermore Valley will host the 30th annual Harvest Wine Celebration from noon-5 p.m., Sunday-Monday, Sept. 4-5, at Livermore wineries. Bus transportation between wineries will be available on Sunday only, and wineries will offer special activities to festival guests on Monday. For more information, www.LVwine.org or www. EventBrite.com.

Film

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THESE AMAZING SHADOWSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;These Amazing Shadowsâ&#x20AC;? is an 88-minute documentary that tells the history and importance of the Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflect the diversity of film, and indeed the American experience itself. The current list of 550 films includes selections from every genre -documentaries, home movies, Hollywood classics, avant-garde, newsreels and silent films. The film will be shown at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. There

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are no tickets or reservations required. Call 931-3405.

Kids & Teens

DR. SEUSS VISITS THE LIBRARY Enjoy a fast-paced romp through the world of Dr. Seuss as Broadway and screen actor Duffy Hudson presents his one-man show, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Seuss.â&#x20AC;? A unique tribute to the man who created The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, The Grinch and so many more classics of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literature. The visit is from 1-1:45 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. Call 931-3400, ext. 8, or visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/ services/library/. INTRO TO JEWISH CULTURE SCHOOL Learn about a fun, hands-on Secular Jewish Sunday School for kids ages 5-14, from 10:30 a.m.12:15 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 Eighth St., Livermore. Students cook, sing and dance. This group meets twice monthly in Castro Valley. Call 485-1049.

On Stage

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CHICAGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Women, money and murder: The musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chicagoâ&#x20AC;? is set in the Prohibition era in that city when criminals were elevated to celebrity status. Performances at 8 p.m. Aug. 20, 25 and Sept. 1 and 3; at 9 p.m. (so as not to interfere with Friday night Concerts at the Park) Aug. 26 and Sept. 2; at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21; and at 2 p.m. Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, at the Firehouse Arts Centers, 4444 Railroad Ave. Tickets $18-$33 for adults, $17$29 for seniors and children. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THE LAST FIVE YEARSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre is presenting the contemporary song-cycle musical, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Last Five Years,â&#x20AC;? which ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up... or from break-up to meeting, depending on how you look at it. It is an intensely personal look at the relationship between a writer and an actor told from both points of view. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday from Sept. 19-Oct. 9 at Studio Theatre, 1048 Serpentine Lane, #309. Tickets are $20-$25. Call 462-2121 or visit www.trivalleyrep.org.

Seniors

DAY TRIPPERS - ALVISO ADOBE TOUR Seniors are invited to tour Alviso Adobe and learn about Amador Valley history from Naturalist Eric Nicholas from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, meeting at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Cost is $18 for residents; $20 for nonresidents. Visit the restored Adobe, and the Meadowlark Dairy Barn. Enjoy a gourmet box lunch overlooking the valley. To register, call 931-5365.

Check out Community Calendar at PleasantonWeekly.com for a complete listing of events.

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Sports

Pleasanton Urgent Care

Send team results and photos to sports@PleasantonWeekly.com as well as news about tryouts, upcoming tournaments, etc.

Medical Center

SPORTS DIGEST College volleyball stars

Tops in softball The All American Sports Academy 14A Girls Softball Travel Team won the ASA Western National Softball Tournament Championship, beating out 98 teams from across the Western United States. The All American Sports Academy team was the only undefeated team at the tournament, winning nine games and beating Southern California’s San Diego Power Surge in the Championship game, 4-2. Local players include Jennifer Ng from Pleasanton, Taylor Zehr and Alyssa Gonzalez, both from Livermore. The balance of the travel team consists of girls from all over the East Bay and Central Valley. Pictured are (front row, l-r) Ashley Delreal, Elianna Mello, Jennifer Ng, Alyssa Gonzalez, Sierra Mello and special AASA representative, Debbie Nelson, (back) Sierra Alamo, Coach Joe Mello, Taylor Zehr, Taylor Lutz, Madilyn Nickles, Coach Pancho Garcia, Deanne Garza, Coach Darrell Lutz, Jessica Garcia and Christina Brown. CHRIS SCOTT/WWW.CALSPORTSPHOTO.COM

Soccer is all the Rage Alex Dickinson and Olivia Cunha of Pleasanton’s U19 Rage White give it their all as their team faces Mustang Blast on Sunday at Val Vista Park at the championship games of the 12th annual Soccer City Warm-up. Rage won, 2-0.

PREP LINE-UP

Free baseball symposium

Sept. 2

Sept. 6

Football ■ TBA, AVHS vs. Freedom (preseason), away ■ Football - 7 p.m., Foothill vs. Pittsburg (preseason), away Girls water polo ■ AVHS vs. Northgate, home

Girls volleyball ■ 6 p.m., AVHS vs. O’Dowd, home ■ 6:30 p.m., Foothill vs. Castro Valley, away

Sept. 3 Girls volleyball ■ 8 a.m., AVHS in Milpitas Tournament ■ Foothill in Deer Valley Varsity Jamboree

Two Duke University students from Pleasanton are playing volleyball in this area for three days as Duke faced University of Pacific on Thursday night; and at the Stanford Invitational will face St. Mary’s College at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Stanford at 8 p.m. tomorrow. Sophia Dunworth, a senior at Duke, was a four-year letter winner and two-year team captain at Amador Valley High. She led the Lady Dons to the EBAL Championship and the North Coast Section Championship as a senior in addition to a second-round appearance in the NCS Cham- Sophia pionship. At Duke she plays Dunworth middle blocker/outside hitter. Dunworth, who is 6 feet 1 inch, is a biology major with a 3.9 grade point average. She led Duke last year with 1,024 attacks and ranked second with 360 kills and was named to the NCAA Regional AllTournament Team. She’s the daughter of Peter Dunworth Kelsey and Emmie Stenstedt. Williams Kelsey Williams is a freshman at Duke, and she plays setter. She stands 5 five 11 inches and also was a four-year letter winner at Amador, and captained the team as a senior. She was named All-East Bay as a junior and senior, was a three-time all-league choice, earning first team honors as a junior and senior. Williams also lettered one year on the track team in the high jump and was involved with the National Charity League for four years. She is the daughter of Jeff and Melissa Williams.

Racquetball champs

Sept. 8 Girls volleyball ■ 6 p.m. AVHS vs. Miramonte, home ■ 6 p.m., Foothill vs. Mission San Jose, home Girls tennis ■ 4 p.m., Foothill vs. Granada, away ■ 4 p.m., AVHS vs. Carondelet, away

Three members of ClubSport Pleasanton’s Junior Racquetball Team — (l-r) Jared Lee, 13, Nikhil Singh, 12, and Julian Singh-10 — earned national recognition at the national Junior Olympics. Julian Singh took a gold medal in 10 doubles and a bronze in 10 singles, both in the Gold division, the highest level. Nikhil Singh took third in the blue division (second highest) in singles. By winning the gold in doubles, Julian Singh qualiﬁed to represent the USA at the world junior championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this summer, where he won two bronzes.

The Sports Performance Institute (SPI) at San Ramon Regional Medical Center will present a Baseball Symposium: Strategies for Healthy Performance from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17. Student athletes, parents, coaches and trainers are invited to this educational program to be held in the hospital’s South Building, South Conference Room, located at 7777 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon. There will be no charge. Sports medicine physicians will speak on exercises designed to reduce injuries and development performance; updates on throwing and pitching mechanics; and risk factors for injuries in young baseball players. Space is limited. To register, call 800-284-2878 or register online at www.OurSanRamonHospital.com.

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PET OF THE WEEK Roo has a tale but no tail Are you looking for a lap kitty who enjoys being pet and spending time with other kitties? If so, meet Roo. He showed up at a local restaurant AARON CZESZYNSKI a short time ago, and during his stay at the restaurant parking lot, his tail was mangled by a car engine. Due to the injury, he had to have his tail amputated. Our Just Like New fund fixed him up and now he is ready for adoption, feeling better than ever! To learn more about our adoptable animals, call 426-8656 or visit www.valleyhumane.org. Valley Humane Society is located at 3670 Nevada St. in Pleasanton and is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Real Estate

Presented by

Sonali Sethna

OPEN SUNDAY 9/11 1-4

OPEN HOME GUIDE AND REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Reverse mortgages aren’t for everyone BY JASON ALDERMAN

You can scarcely turn on the TV without seeing ads for reverse mortgages. They’re touted as a great tool for cash-strapped seniors to tap their home equity to pay off bills while remaining in their homes with no monthly mortgage payments. Although that may be true for some people, these complicated and costly loans aren’t right for everyone, so it pays to do your homework. Here’s a primer on reverse mortgages and Jason precautions you need to Alderman take. Reverse mortgages let homeowners age 62 or older borrow against their home equity without having to make monthly payments (as with refinance loans). The loan needn’t be repaid until you move out permanently, sell the property or die. In addition, seniors wishing to downsize or relocate may make a large down payment on a new home and then use a reverse mortgage to finance the rest. The vast majority of these mortgages are made through the Federal Housing Administration’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. Common features include: ■ All parties on the loan must be at least age 62. ■ The home (current or future) must be your principal residence. ■ You must own the home outright or be able to pay it off with proceeds from the loan. ■ The allowable loan amount is based on your home’s appraised value, your age, interest rate and type (fixed or variable), mortgage insurance and applicable fees. Generally, the older you are and the more valuable your home, the greater the available loan. ■ The repayment amount never exceeds the home’s final sale value, so you (or your heirs) are never liable for more than you

originally borrowed. ■ You can take the money as a lump sum, a line of credit, fixed monthly payments or any combination. Reverse mortgages can be very expensive. Lenders may charge a loan origination fee of up to $6,000. In addition, you must pay upfront and then ongoing mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs). HECM Standard loans have an upfront MIP of 2 percent of the home’s value. HECM Saver loans have a far lower 0.01 percent upfront MIP (although the allowable loan amount may be up to 18 percent less). Both versions also charge an additional 1.25 percent MIP of the outstanding balance annually, as well as a loan origination fee of up to $6,000 and various other charges. A few other potential downsides with reverse mortgages: ■ You are responsible for homeowner’s fees, property taxes, insurance and repairs for the life of the loan. If you don’t pay them, you risk cancellation or foreclosure. ■ They aren’t cost-effective if you plan to move in a few years. ■ Some couples put only the older spouse on the loan in order to secure a higher balance, but this can backfire: If that person dies first, the survivor could be bound to pay off the loan — a real problem if the home’s value is “underwater.” ■ The longer you carry a reverse mortgage, the more your home equity — and thus, your estate — will decrease. Because reverse mortgages are so complicated, potential borrowers are required to consult a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counselor before being allowed to apply. Before you even get to that stage, do your research. Helpful sites include those sponsored by the HUD (www.hud.gov) and AARP (www.aarp.org).

1485 Trimingham Dr Sat 2-4 Alain Pinel Realtors

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5047 Forest Hill Dr, Pleasanton Forest Hill Estates — Built in 1996 Beautiful single story home featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx 2,547 sqft. New interior paint, new carpet, hardwood ﬂoors, marble entry, remodeled master bath. Excellent Westside location with 3 car garage. Large approx. 9889 sqft. ﬂat lot. Walk to schools, parks and shopping.

ED EDUC JUST R $510,000 251-1111

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For marketing opportunities contact Andrea Heggelund at (925) 600-0840 x110 or e-mail aheggelund@pleasantonweekly.com.

Pleasanton

This 4bd/3ba home in the Valencia II development has the desirable 1 bedroom/1 full bath on the entry level and a loft/ofﬁce/den upstairs. This 2321 sq. ft. home sits on a 3634 sq. ft. lot.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

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4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx 2400+ sqft, separate ofﬁce, loft (4th bedroom) and bonus room. Offered at $699,000

For photos and virtual tours visit www.deloresgragg.com If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, call me for information on current market conditions and options available to you.

925.989.6500

D elores Gragg

REALTOR® Lic#01206964 KELLER WILLIAMS® Tri-Valley Realty is Independently Owned and Operated.

www.DeloresGragg.com Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 19

REAL ESTATE

SALES AT A GLANCE

#1 Real Estate Team in the Tri-Valley WWW &ABULOUS0ROPERTIES NET s WWW 2UBY(ILL NET 2332 Via Espada, in Del Prado Pleasanton

Dublin

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Total sales reported: 14 Lowest sale reported: $282,000 Highest sale reported: $875,000 Average sales reported: $468,250

Total sales reported: 19 Lowest sale reported: $174,500 Highest sale reported: $1,375,000 Average sales reported: $593,711

Livermore

San Ramon

Total sales reported: 21 Lowest sale reported: $225,000 Highest sale reported: $925,000 Average sales reported: $461,524

Total sales reported: 15 Lowest sale reported: $280,000 Highest sale reported: $890,000 Average sales reported: $590,133 Source: California REsource

HOME SALES

4 bed. 3.5 bath, 3,030 sq. ft. on 7,639 sq.ft. lot. Exquisitely remodeled home w/a backyard retreat, pool and access to Arroyo Trail. One of the best in the neigbhorhood. Offered at $939,000. OPEN SAT. 1 - 4

"ERSANO #OURT 2UBY (ILL

0OMEZIA #OURT !SCONA 2UBY (ILL

Stylish single story 3,687 sq. ft. home w/ 4 BR + ofďŹ ce, 3.5 BA, granite, hardwoods, marble, many upgrades. Lush backyard with gorgeous views in a quiet cul-de-sac location. Offered at $1,450,000 OPEN SUN 1-4

Desirable 3,252 sq. ft. model with 4 BR, 3 BA, on a 10,000 sq. ft. lot. Backyard features a lovely pool and a built-in BBQ. Great cul-de-sac location. Offered at $1,175,000 OPEN SUN 1-4

Fran & Dave Cunningham 925-202-6898

KW Broker DRE License #01395362

DRE License #01226296 & 00930892

Donna Garrison 925-980-0273

DRE License #01735040

Susan Schall 925-519-8226

DRE License #01713497

DISCOVER HOW TO GET MORE FOR YOUR HOME. DISCOVER J. ROCKCLIFF REALTORS.

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This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s data represents homes sold during August 2011

2323 Walnut Street Cm Reo Trust to S. Giddings for $225,000

Dublin

Pleasanton

5406 Blackstone Way V. Miranda to H. & S. Sorensen for $780,000 4341 Brannigan Street Green Leaf Properties to S. & F. Stolz for $400,000 11764 Castle Court S. & C. Sauer to P. Mariani for $533,000 4786 Central Parkway S. Behm to S. Lee for $362,000 3275 Dublin Boulevard #408 Mckay Holdings to R. & G. Earley for $320,000 3245 Dublin Boulevard #418 R. Cartledge to Z. Lin for $282,000 3240 Maguire Way #110 Federal National Mortgage to D. Levy for $310,000 3290 Maguire Way #201 M. Krishnmachary to N. & M. Alioto for $290,000 10841 Mcpeak Lane Trucap Reo to S. Verma for $415,000 4639 Rimini Court #63 Sorrento at Dublin Ranch to J. Wang for $523,000 3641 Rimini Lane Sorrento at Dublin Ranch to N. & J. Mattathil for $875,000 4715 Sandyford Court K. Goncalves to R. Kapoor for $317,500 4725 Sandyford Court L. Boll to X. Cho for $398,000 2686 South Kilbride Lane D. & Y. Ju to Z. Huang for $750,000

3655 Ashwood Drive K. Kristenson-Lee to R. & M. Mcstay for $611,000 5144 Blackbird Drive C. & J. Wilson to B. Ethirajulu for $700,000 1517 Calle Santa Anna K. & D. Schneider to Zuniga Trust for $392,000 7520 Canyon Meadow Circle #E J. & J. Piva to Ceizler Trust for $174,500 985 Clinton Place Sovereign Bank to M. & L. Sadki for $590,000 4630 Corday Court D. Esquivel to D. Garcia for $585,000 4488 Del Valle Parkway Aurora Loan Services to T. Henson for $310,000 520 East Angela Street First United Services Credit Union to G. & J. Oconnor for $350,000 2224 Greenwood Road R. & K. Ruckteschler to S. Bailey for $800,000 3403 Gulfstream Street Oleary Trust to V. Daughtry for $665,000 4285 Katie Lane R. Pamma to S. Manyam for $600,000 4216 Krause Court S. Setlur to Y. Xiao for $565,000 4189 Lucca Court DMFS Financial to Mantor Trust for $335,000 8172 Moller Ranch Drive H. & S. Marshall to H. & A. Mudaliar for $781,000 6873 Siesta Court A. Umair to M. Nagula for $505,000 7905 Spyglass Court Cupples Trust to S. & L. Zuniga for $830,000 533 St. John Street E. Wick to A. & M. Riedel for $392,000 922 Sunset Creek Lane D. & N. Larson to Y. Chen for $1,375,000 3321 Vermont Place L. & P. Blair to R. Mehta for $720,000

Livermore 4829 Andrea Court Stevens Trust to Deszily Trust for $705,000 182 Bluebird Avenue Cardoza Trust to C. Alderson for $300,000 2654 Calistoga Court Warner Trust to J. & A. Strongone for $925,000 2776 College Avenue Lanet Trust to V. & D. Crowe for $420,000 2798 Crater Road S. Wickham to Umstadter Trust for $645,000 5604 Crestmont Avenue E. Garcia to S. & E. Terry for $399,000 466 El Caminito E. & P. Eastman to J. & H. Gomes for $385,000 4682 Kimberley Common G. Valenzuela to A. Toouli for $365,000 437 Knottingham Circle Boggs Trust to H. Hannemann for $585,000 466 Loyola Way D. & M. Brisson to T. Brogan for $505,000 1397 Maplewood Drive Richwin Realty Group to K. & M. Price for $392,000 1266 Murdell Lane J. & P. Suk to D. Yeargain for $445,000 469 Ontario Drive J. Dunaway to A. & T. Bertuccelli for $380,000 3915 Pestana Way Dreiman Trust to M. Aoto for $440,000 422 Robert Way R. & A. Rodriguez to J. & M. Valentine for $360,000 4275 Stanford Way D. Druyor to K. & J. Farnam for $330,000 5524 Stockton Loop N. & J. Mamaoag to G. & L. Mackin for $751,000 736 Sunset Drive B. Cardoza to F. Farsi for $390,000 227 Turquoise Way Wells Fargo Bank to R. Foster for $405,000 760 Wall Street W. Karson to K. Ding for $340,000

San Ramon 512 Adriatic Court J. Fook to V. Vittaladevuni for $789,000 1811 Barossa Drive B. & D. Sowers to S. & A. Chaubey for $685,000 9828 Belladonna Drive D. & M. Lee to C. Tan for $510,000 2913 Biddleford Drive Wilson Trust to J. & K. Copp for $485,000 7552 Blue Fox Way Bassi Trust to G. & G. Mauro for $450,000 200 Canyon Creek Court Holmgren Trust to J. & T. Mitchell for $650,000 1301 Dawn Court Turpan Trust to G. & E. Henderson for $315,000 100 Dorset Court L. & R. Agdeppa to W. & P. Oconnor for $720,000 278 Eastridge Drive S. Chung to G. Larussa for $280,000 1860 Hollyview Drive D. & G. Penniman to H. & N. Franklin for $720,000 12942 Lawton Way Aurora Loan Services to S. George for $495,000 3233 Munras Place J. & T. Fudge to E. & S. Andrade for $660,000 544 Santander Drive Rhett Trust to Abrew Trust for $675,000 47 Sota Place T. Offutt to B. & V. Nemcik for $528,000 330 Stanforth Court Y. & Y. Pak to M. Kulathumani for $890,000 Source: California REsource

Wђіћђџ MѐёќѤђљљ GџќѢѝ

J. Rockcliff

џђѝџђѠђћѡіћє ѦќѢџ іћѡђџђѠѡѠ Realtors

CA DRE # 00673849 / 01361481

5580 PASEO NAVARRO PLEASANTON

NEW PRICE OPEN SUN 1-4

WALK TO DOWNTOWN

$998,950 t 5 Bd t 3 Ba t 3,315+/- sq.ft. Absolutely gorgeous, remodeled in the heart of Pleasanton! Every detail and amenity is top quality. No rear neighbors! Backs to beautiful park. (Left)

219 E ANGELA PLEASANTON $1,099,000 t 4 Bd t 3 Ba t 2,178+/- sq.ft. Tudor, walk to downtown! 300+/- sq.ft. carriage house. Gourmet kitchen, granite, hardwood floors, solid wood arched doors, private yard. (Right)

4041 SAN GIORGIO CT

PLEASANTON

6605 AMBER LN

PLEASANTON

321 IRON HORSE COURT

ALAMO

VIA DE LOS MILAGROS

PLEASANTON

5655 SADDLE CREEK TER

PLEASANTON

NOW PENDING

JUST SOLD!

NOW PENDING

PENDING W/ MULTI OFFERS

$398,000 t 2 Bd t 2.5 Ba t 1,316+/- sq.ft. Absolutely perfect townhome, backs to greenbelt space. Hardwood floors, plantation shutters, designer paint and carpet. Near park and pool.

$1,249,000 t 3,675+/- sq.ft., 0.50+/- Acres Carriage Gardens, single level! Great floorplan w/ oversized rooms, 3 fireplaces, master w/retreat. Salt solar pool, spa & cabana w/bath, tree house.

$2,198,000 t 5 Bd t 4.5 Ba t ű sq.ft. Gorgeous European Estate, private gated ct located among majestic oaks. Flat 1/2 acre lot w/ new solar salt water pool. 6 car garage.

$1,088,000 t 5 Bd t 3 Ba t 3,259+/- sq.ft. Amador model in Original Country Faire. Upgraded, kitchen, bamboo floors, wooded lot with pool, spa,lawn, gazebos, fountains, and more!

$1,089,000 t 5 Bd t 4.5 Ba t 4,682+/- sq.ft. Gorgeous executive home on the 12th tee of the golf course with city views. Gourmet kitchen, family room. Rear yard with built in BBQ.

PѕѦљљіѠ Wђіћђџ

925.872.1416

ѤњєѕќњђѠ.ѐќњ

Pђѡђџ MѐDќѤђљљ 925.209.0343

Tim McGuire 925-462-SOLD WWW.TIMMCGUIRE.NET DRE#01349446

Beyond Full Service—A Concierge Approach to Real Estate

OPEN SAT 1-4

COMING SOON

OPEN SAT 2-4

2238 Greenwood Road, Pleasanton Birdland

4bd/2ba, 1,489+/-sq.ft completely remodeled Del Prado home with Andersen windows, custom kitchen and baths plus beautiful backyard with hot tub and deck. Please call for details.

1485 Trimingham Drive, Pleasanton Danbury Park

Gorgeous “Gatewood” model 4bd/2.5ba, 2,112+/-sq.ft, remodeled kitchen and baths, Pella windows/sliders, private and lush backyard with deck and arbor Offered at $775,000

PENDING

2bd/3ba, with ofﬁce/potential 3rd bedroom downstairs, beautifully updated kitchen and baths, vaulted ceilings, custom ﬁreplace, walking distance to Shopping, Schools and Parks Offered at $510,000

SOLD

5230 Hummingbird Road, Pleasanton Birdland 4bd/2ba “Holiday” model, 2,167+/-sq.ft, newer roof, windows, Pergo ﬂoors, garage door, HVAC system, crown molding and inside laundry. Offered at $695,000

SOLD

244 Carnation Court, Pleasanton Heritage Gardens

4649 Klamath Court, Pleasanton The Gates

4792 Canary Drive, Pleasanton Birdland

4483 Shearwater Court, Pleasanton Birdland

3bd/2ba, quiet court location, 1,412+/-sq.ft, oak kitchen, stainless appliances, newer carpets, walking distance to parks, schools and downtown. Offered at $559,000

Charming single story, 3bd/2ba home with new roof, carpets, baseboards, paint, windows, garage door, plus large landscaped backyard and RV parking. Offered at $499,900

Single story “Gatewood” model, 4bd/2ba, 2,112+/-sq.ft, granite/alder kitchen, new baths, windows, doors, furnace/AC, tile ﬂoors and paint. Sold for $761,110

4bd/2ba “Colony” model, 1,923+/-sq.ft on a 6,825+/-sq.ft lot, remodeled eat-in granite kitchen, oak hardwood ﬂoors, Travertine gas ﬁreplace and mantle, dual pane windows. Sold for $763,000

apr.com | PLEASANTON | 900 Main Street | 925.251.1111 Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 21

The latest from The 680 Blog When does “As-Is” mean “As-Is”? One of the most misunderstood concepts in Real Estate is the concept of “as is”. In it’s truest sense, “as is’ means the buyer is accepting the property in its present condition with no obligation for repairs from the seller. Not surprisingly, most sellers would love to sell their home “as is”. In fact, I have seen many sellers light up with the mere mention of the word, like my 12 year old niece lights up at the mere mention of Justin Beiber. The reality is that very few homes are ever sold “as is”. In practice, most of the time when a seller says “I want to sell it as-is”, what they are saying is they don’t want to be responsible for a long list of minor repairs. They are essentially saying I don’t want the hassle of doing a lot of work. This is certainly their prerogative, and as long as the buyer is willing it can be done. The standard CAR real estate contract used here in the Bay Area is essentially an “as is” contract. In standard practice, there is usually a stipulation that the seller will take care of any Section 1 items that are discovered as part of the Pest Inspection. These items would include any dry rot or infestation from termites or other pests. Other than that, there are typically no other repairs that are mandated, with the exception of water heater bracing and smoke detector installation. Recently, Carbon Monoxide detectors are becoming more and more the obligation of the seller. But it is certainly possible to write a contract that is strictly “as is” with no obligation on the part of the seller. There are generally

two situations where this is done. The ﬁrst situation is when the seller gets ALL INSPECTIONS AND DISCLOSURES completed prior to putting the home on the market. In this situation, the seller can provide copies of the inspection reports and disclosures to prospective purchasers before they make an offer. This allows the purchaser to make an informed decision about the condition of the property, and allow for any repairs that need to be done when arriving at an offer price. This is the best way to truly achieve an “as is” sale, as there is full disclosure of all known issues and needed repairs, and the buyer can move forward with conﬁdence. This is a fairly rare event. The second situation, which is much more common, is where the seller states the property is being sold “as is” but there are not inspection reports on the property. In this case, it is “as is” subject to the buyer’s inspection and investigation of the property. The buyer will have the opportunity to >>Go to www.680homes.com for more real estate information!

Go to 680Homes.com for more information on these homes and other properties. JUST LISTED!

5 BR PLUS BONUS RM!

PENDING SALE!

Doug Buenz The 680 Group

High Performance Real Estate. Office 925.251.1111 Direct 925.463.2000 680Homes.com DRE #00843458

Country living yet close to everything! Fabulous 4 BR, 3 BTH home remodeled with designer upgrades on 2+ acres with sports court, and more!

$1,199,900

Model perfect 5 BR, 3 BTH home with hardwood ﬂoors, granite kitchen, designer paint, luxurious master suite, large private yard, and oversized 5th bedroom/bonus room.

Walk to Vintage Hills School! Spacious single story home with 3 BR, 2 ½ BTH, 3 ﬁreplaces, sunny updated kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and large 8600 sq ft private creek side lot!

$899,000

$639,000

JUST LISTED!

PENDING SALE!

Pristine upgraded Vintage Hills 4 BR, 2.5 BTH home shows like a model! Cherry & granite kitchen, 3 car garage, hardwood ﬂoors, vaulted ceilings, and private .31 acre yard with sparkling pool!

$885,000 PENDING SALE!

Fabulous 4 BR, 2 BTH home in prime cul-de-sac location with vaulted ceilings, large family room with ﬁreplace, sunny kitchen, formal living & dining, and private yard with sparkling pool!

Charming single story 4 BR, 2 BTH home with granite kitchen, updated baths, vaulted ceilings, tile roof, laminate hardwood style ﬂooring, and huge private cul-de-sac lot with sparkling pool!

$579,000

$649,000

JUST SOLD!

Fabulous French Country custom with 5 BR + ofﬁce & retreat, 4 full & 2 half BTH, hardwood ﬂoors, 4 car garage, and private .62 acre lot with pool.

$1,779,000

JUST LISTED!

JUST SOLD!

Fabulous estate home with 6 BR + loft & ofﬁce/rec room, 5 BTH, 4 car garage, stone ﬂooring, dream kitchen, and 1.1 acre lot with pool, sports court, outdoor kitchen and views!

Old world charm in a private oasis! Stunning single story custom home. 4 BR, 4 ½ BTH, private .75 acre lot with pool & security gate, and exceptional quality!

$1,840,000

$1,785,000

apr.com | PLEASANTON | 900 Main Street 925.251.1111 Page 22ÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly

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

3616 NICOLE AVENUE, PLEASANTON

2020 MARTIN AVENUE, PLEASANTON

3623 CAMERON AVE., PLEASANTON

CUSTOM 5 BD 3.5 BA 4,460sf. on a ¾ acre lot. Remodeled kitchen w/ large island, breakfast nook, granite counters & Brazilian cherry floors, large master & additional bedroom on main level. Large private backyard with pool.

4 BD/office 3 BA 3,107sf. + 1,100sf. guest home or a 24,932sf. lot. Updated gourmet kitchen with cook island, generous storage. Overlooks the grand rear yard that offers a pool, bocce court, fire pit & spacious grass area.

4 BD 2.5 BA 3,291sf. on a 39,892sf. lot. Country elegance close to town. This single story offers a private well, pool, volleyball court, horseshoe court and so much more!

5812 CORTE MENTE, PLEASANTON

9632 BROADMOOR DR. SAN RAMON

LOCATED IN MOHR/MARTIN ESTATES

$1,750,000

LOCATED IN COUNTRY FAIR

LOCATED IN MOHR/MARTIN ESTATES

$1,325,000

$1,595,000

LOCATED IN SAN RAMON ROYAL VISTA

3858 MOHR AVENUE, PLEASANTON

KRIS MOXLEY TYLER MOXLEY

LOCATED IN CHARTER OAKS

SOLD

PENDING

925.600.0990 MOXLEYTEAM.COM 5 BD 2.5 BA 2,853sf. on a 13,150sf. lot. Single level home, expanded master suite. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Kitchen offers granite countertops, gas cooking and stainless steel appliances. Amazing backyard with pool and spa, fire pit & large patios.

LISTED AT $989,000 SOLD AT $990,000

4 BD + office, 3 BA, 3,195sf. + finished attic. Built in 2010 with top of the line materials. Gourmet kitchen, handmade mouldings, energy efficient & entertainer's dream home. Backs to the 4th hole green.

$869,898

3 BD 2 BA 1,948sf. on 7,500sf. lot. Highly updated single level home with open floor plan. Private, nicely landscaped backyard. Move in ready and within walking distance to Mohr elementary.

4 GENERATIONS OF R EAL ESTATE SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE

$750,000

1967 FIORIO CIRCLE, PLEASANTON

1435 COLUMBINE WAY

3 BD 2.5 BA 1,732sf. on a 2,850sf. lot. Recently updated throughout, this home offers an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Private backyard with patio and grassy area. Close to parks and shopping.

4 BD 2.5 BA 2,202sf. on a 6,896sf. lot. A charming home in a quiet neighborhood. Home offers an open floor plan with a formal dining room, kitchen opens to the family room with a fireplace. The rear yard offers the perfect area for entertaining.

LOCATED IN DANBURY PARK

LOCATED IN LIVERMORE

$529,000

$500,000

DRE #00790463, 01412130

925.846.6500

www.blaiselofland.com Blofland@BlaiseLofland.com DRE# 00882113

apr.com CANYON OAKS JUST LISTED

DOWNTOWN

OAK MANOR

JUST REDUCED

ESTATES OF MOHR PARK COMING SOON

5809 STONECLIFF VISTA LN, PLEASANTON

335 DEL SOL AVENUE, PLEASANTON

819 OAK MANOR COURT, PLEASANTON

2248 KAMP COURT, PLEASANTON

Newer beautiful home built in 2004. Great location, backs to open space with views of Mount Diablo, Pleasanton Ridge & surrounding open space! Three bedrooms plus loft/ofﬁce, two & a half bathrooms, 2401 square feet. Custom tile ﬂooring. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances. Spacious master suite. Oversized two car garage. Beautiful landscaping. Walk to new sports park & award winning Hearst Elementary, Pleasanton Middle School, Oak Hill Shopping Center & Main Street! Convenient to Callippe Golf Course & Castlewood Country Club. OFFERED AT $839,500

Location, location, location. Desirable downtown quiet court location! Beautiful upgraded home, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with 2350 square feet. Remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, custom backsplash and stainless appliances. Newer upgraded hardwood ﬂooring, plantation shutters, dual pane windows, newer brushed nickel hardware and ﬁxtures. Lots of upgrades including 30 year roof. Elevated lot with private secluded tranquil grounds includes TimberTech deck, mature trees. Walk around the corner at Neal and in one minute you are at the Farmers Market and can also enjoy all the other downtown amenities! Award winning schools! OFFERED AT $849,000

As soon as you enter you will be impressed with the unique elegance. Gorgeous custom home on private .62 acre lot. Approximately 4,541 square feet, four bedrooms (two master suites) plus office/wine room and bonus loft area and 5.5 bathrooms. Quality, high end equipment and finishes throughout. Gourmet kitchen with granite slab counters and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors. Oversized four car garage. Beautifully landscaped Tahoe-like grounds with mature trees. Two minutes to Castlewood Country Club. OFFERED AT $1,565,000

Premium private large (12,691 sq ft) lot in excellent court location with in-ground pool & spa! Highly upgraded ﬁve bedrooms, three bathrooms. Approximately 3,369 square feet. Completely remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, custom cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Remodeled master bathroom with new granite & tile. Three car garage. Professionally landscaped private rear grounds with in-ground pool, spacious deck and large lawn area. Just a few minutes to downtown. Just around the corner from Nielsen Park. Award winning schools! PRICE TO FOLLOW

FOOTHILL KNOLLS JUST CLOSED

LAGUNA OAKS SOLD

VINTAGE HILLS SOLD

7863 FOOTHILL KNOLLS, PLEASANTON

2505 ARLOTTA PLACE, PLEASANTON

3593 ARBOR COURT, PLEASANTON

Beautiful single story on private premium .35 acre lot. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, approximately 2,150 sf. Completely remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, custom backsplash, custom cabinetry and high end European appliances. Hardwood ﬂooring, French doors, vaulted ceilings, newer windows, newer tile roof. Master suite includes custom built-in closet/ dresser area, French doors to rear grounds, private bathroom with dual sinks. Very private professionally landscaped rear grounds, with no rear neighbors. Recently re-plastered and tiled pool/spa with new equipment. Built-in kitchen/ BBQ island with refrigerator. Mature trees, patios and lawn areas. OFFERED AT AND SOLD FOR $949,000

Best location in Laguna Oaks! Desirable Newport model on premium .40 acre lot. Quiet premium court location. Four bedrooms, bonus room, plus formal ofﬁce. Private guest/in law/au pair quarters (4th). Three and a half bathrooms. Approximately 3,830 square feet. Large gourmet kitchen, granite countertops, custom backsplash, tile ﬂooring and large eating area. Spacious master suite with views of Pleasanton Ridge, and large walk in closet. Beautifully landscaped rear yard with ultimate privacy. Expansive lawn areas (pool site). A short walk to the community pool, park, and tennis courts. SOLD FOR $1,300,000

Beautiful single level in quiet court location. Excellent condition. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, 1766 square feet. Remodeled gourmet kitchen with new cabinetry and stainless appliances. Wood ﬂooring, fully cased windows, new light ﬁxtures, new hardware, upgraded bathrooms. Private premium .26 acre lot with large park-like rear grounds. Pebble tech free form pool, brick patio, covered patio area, wood deck and spacious lawn area. Walk to great neighborhood Parks. Convenient to downtown. Award winning Pleasanton schools. SOLD FOR $740,000

CHARTER OAKS SOLD

1549 MAPLE LEAF DRIVE, PLEASANTON Highly upgraded four bedroom, plus bonus/teen room, three bathrooms. Approximately 2,541 sf. Completely remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, custom backsplash, custom cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Brazilian cherry hardwood ﬂooring, upgraded carpet & remodeled master bath. Newer interior paint. Three car garage. Completely re-landscaped private rear grounds with built-in BBQ/kitchen, custom ﬁre pit/sitting area, slate patio, garden and play areas. Tile roof. Convenient to downtown, neighborhood park and award-winning schools! SOLD FOR $880,000

PLEASANTON 90 0 Main Street Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊSeptember 2, 2011ÊU Page 23

2011

#1 Ofﬁce in Pleasanton in Volume and Sales

www.KW-Trivalley.com

J.D. Power & Associates’ award 3 years in a row

Broker License #01395362

Keller Williams Realty is proud to be the second largest real estate ﬁrm in North America SOLD! Represented buyer

Gail Boal

Dennis Gerlt

REALTOR® 925.577.5787 www.gailboal.com

Broker Associate 925.426.5010 www.dennisgerlt.net

DRE # 01276455

Natalie Kruger REALTOR® 925.847.7355 www.krugergroup.com DRE # 01187582

REALTORS®, GRI, CRS, SRES

925.463.0436 www.SoldinaFlash.com

Cindy and Gene Williams REALTORS® 925.918.2045 www.williamsteam.net DRE # 01370076 and 00607511

404 Pine Hill Lane Carmel Style Downtown Craftsman Mini-Estate! Studio apt over garage. Over 1/3 acre. Zoned for 2nd home on property! Offered at $859,000

2421 Livorno Court, Livermore Discover a trail into Tuscany. This stunning home features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 luxurious bathrooms, approx. 3,573 sq.ft. of living space on an expansive approx. 11,411 sq.ft. lot. Over $250K in upgrades — owned by a contractor! This is a must see! Offered at $969,950

Perfect in Pleasanton! Stunning 5 bdrm, 4 bath, custom home. Maple & granite slab kitchen, large game room & pool on 20,288 sq ft lot. 4 car garage. Call for private showing.

Downsizing in Pleasanton Isn’t Easy until you see this fabulous one level Vintage Heights home! 4 bdrms, 2.5 baths, almost 2900 sf with a 3 car garage. New cement roof, windows, central heat & air.

1641VettaDrive.com

3693VirginIslandsCt.com

1641 Vetta Dr, Livermore Open Sun 1-4pm Outstanding 5 bed (6 potential) & 4.5 ba home w/ 3500+ sq ft. 1 bed/ba downstairs. Upgrades throughout incl $27k in solar (no PG&E). Offered at $929,000

3693 Virgin Islands Ct, Pleasanton - Open Sun 1-4pm Valley Trails Beauty – Spacious 1 story 4bed/2ba, remodeled/ upgraded throughout. It is a lovely home ready for you to move right in. Offered at $589,950

4143 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton Bank owned! Great for investor or ﬁrst time home buyer! Cute 2 bedroom 1000+ sf bungalow with curb appeal close to downtown! Features oversized, detached garage. Fresh paint/carpet makes this home move-in ready! Large 8,000 sf lot. Offered at $329,900

DRE # 01317997

Jo and Carla Hunter REALTOR® Jo: 413.4278; Carla: 200.2142 jo@johunter.com carla@carlahunter.com DRE # 00692588 and 01463436

Delores Gragg ®

REALTOR 925.989.6500 www.deloresgragg.com DRE # 01206964

375 Summertree Drive, Livermore, CA 94551 Lovely Signature home in desirable Murietta Meadows. 4bd, 3ba, 2239 sqft. Premium fully landscaped lot.Tree lined walking trails. Great neighborhood. Call us to see this & other unbelievable buys in the Tri-Valley. Offered at $575,000

5047 Forest Hill Dr, Pleasanton - Forest Hill Estates Beautiful single story home built in 1996 featuring 4 bdrms, 3 baths, approx 2,547 sqft. New interior paint, new carpet, hardwood ﬂoors, marble entry, remodeled master bath. Excellent Westside location with 3 car garage. Large approx. 9889 sqft. ﬂat lot. Walk to schools, parks and shopping.

Open Sun 1-4

DeAnna Armario REALTOR® 925.260.2220 www.armariohomes.com DRE # 01363180

18 Castlewood Dr., Pleasanton Absolutely stunning! 4BR, 4BA, Media Room, Wine Cellar, and Studio. Spectacular remodel. Multiple decks and patios. Enjoy expansive valley views from almost every room. Offered at $1,248,000 35 Golf Road, Pleasanton Stunning 6 BR & 4.5 BA Craftsman style home built in 2010. Hillside home boasts quality construction, luxurious detailing, and secluded location. Features expansive valley views. Offered at $1,549,888

5994 W. Las Positas, Suite 101, Pleasanton | 459 Main Street, Pleasanton | 2300 First Street, Suite 216, Livermore