Pleasanton Weekly July 10, 2020

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VOL. XXI, NUMBER 14 • JULY 10, 2020

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5 NEWS DUSD appoints Moirao as acting superintendent 8 NEWS Livermore PD Chief Harris announces retirement 16 PULSE Tri-Valley doctor fatally shot while off-roading

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VALLEY VIEWS

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

Cafe owner keeps smiling

RYAN J. DEGAN

Theary Chem inside her Bagel Café on Main Street.

O

ne month after her husband died, Theary Chem is carrying on the family business, Bagel Café on Main Street near Stanley. I heard about how much people enjoyed visiting the place — for the fresh food but also for interactions with Theary and her husband, Sothy “Rocky” Sao. Then in January, Rocky became ill, and he died of cancer May 24 at the age of 49. A niece set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses, and now donations also will be used for funeral costs.

I talked to Theary on June 24, one month after she lost Rocky.

“He did everything for me, and now he is gone,” she said, sadly.

She told me they were married for 10 years but had known each other much longer. They are both from Cambodia, and he moved here in the 1980s in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge devastation. But he continued to travel back to Cambodia, where they met.

“He saw me, and we married each other and came here,” Theary said, succinctly summing up their love story and her life-changing move.

They settled in Oakland. She worked at her aunt’s doughnut shop, learning how to run a business, he worked as a driver for an armored car company, and they saved their money. They had two children, Ken, now 9, and Socheata, 2.

Theary told me they opened the Bagel Café in Pleasanton one year and two months ago, their dream come true. It sells breakfast and lunch, and she makes gourmet sandwiches and salads, and carries a yummy assortment of baked goods.

“I love my job, and I love to make the food for my customers and their families,” Theary said. “I make the sandwiches from my heart.”

She now runs the cafe herself,

with the help of her sister and her niece when trade is brisk or when she needs to run to the bank or tend to other business.

“This week has been a little bit quiet, everybody is ready for vacation,” she told me. “I stayed open. I tried my best.”

The GoFundMe campaign (search “Funeral for Sothy Sao”) has a goal of $20,000, and as of Tuesday had raised $12,086. Donors have commented on the warmness of the couple and how they have gone the extra mile in their service.

“They are the sweetest, most genuine couple,” one commenter wrote.

Customer Yen Lee emailed me: “It is an Amador student favorite. Their food is good, well-priced and served with a warm, genuine smile. Being a teenager is sometimes very difficult.

Sothy and Theary always welcomed the kids with a kind heart and warm smile.”

Theary said she has customers from Foothill High as well as Amador Valley, and she likes them because they are always smiling.

I said the teens must also bring good appetites, and Theary laughed and agreed, yes, that is also good.

She noted she also enjoys her customers because she learns more English from them every day.

Theary’s positive attitude has indeed continued, throughout her husband’s illness and dying, and COVID-19 business hardships, as well as raising the children.

She wears a mask these days, of course, but her eyes are smiling and welcoming. Oh, and her sandwiches are delicious. Q Editor’s note: Dolores Fox Ciardelli is Tri-Valley Life editor for the Pleasanton Weekly. Her column, “Valley Views,” appears in the paper on the second and fourth Fridays of the month.

About the Cover Pleasanton City Council members and the city’s top public safety officials released a video last Friday urging all residents to wear face coverings while in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Contributed photos. Cover design by Paul Llewellyn.

Vol. XXI, Number 14

Support local food businesses and stay well-fed Check out our guide to local takeout and delivery We’ve compiled this ever-evolving list of restaurants, cafes, breweries, wine shops and bakeries throughout the Bay Area that are providing takeout or delivery service.

Find local takeout and delivery options at PleasantonWeekly.com/restaurants Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 3

Streetwise

ASKED AROUND DOWNTOWN PLEASANTON

What is an incidental benefit or silver lining you have experienced as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and having to maintain a safe social distance because of it?

Josh McKay

Haley Clifton

Business owner Since the beginning of having to shelter in place, my family has been able to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together, every single day. What could possibly be better than that?

Bartender/student I’ve been able to spend more time with family, which makes my important relationships stronger. I’ve spent a lot less money because I can’t really go anywhere. And I’ve been able to work out more. In fact, I’ve actually lost several pounds.

Sahar Khan

Divya Bajaj (and Jay)

Billing operations/accounts receivable I’ve had so much more time to devote to my own selfcare, in terms of my diet, working out regularly and spending more time in the great outdoors.

Project coordinator I’ve been able to do so many of the things that I consider luxuries, that I rarely ever have time for, like face masks, feet masks, waxings, at-home spa treatments, and other things that make me feel really good and on top of things.

—Compiled by Nancy Lewis

Devanshi Sukhadia Data engineer I’ve had some extra time to experiment with things that interest me, like cooking. I’ve been making and improving upon many different Italian and Indian recipes. I’m also taking some online courses that are only available because of the COVID pandemic and I’m really learning a lot from them.

Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go to PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. ©2020 by Embarcadero Media.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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genpeds.stanfordchildrens.org Page 4 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

Newsfront DIGEST Fiery Fourth A vegetation fire broke out near the Sunol Regional Wilderness off Sheridan Road and grew to an estimated 108 acres until crews stopped its forward progress on Saturday afternoon in an area with difficult terrain and a moderate-to-dangerous rate of speed, according to Cal Fire.

The Alameda County Fire Department was among the agencies to assist in the Sunol fire response. ACFD said it was one of 43 fires its crews battled for the Fourth of July.

Between 8 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday, ACFD reported seven structure fires, 22 vegetation or grass fires and 14 other fire incidents (plus 175 other call incidents). An undetermined number of the incidents were likely connected to incidents of fireworks lit illegally for Independence Day. The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department responded to 51 calls on the Fourth of July: 12 outside or vegetation fires, 26 EMS calls, 4 service calls and nine false alarms or canceled en route. Some of the LPFD fires were confirmed or likely to have been related to fireworks.

Dublin USD appoints Dan Moirao as new acting superintendent; hiring search continues One week after board reverses course, approves agreement with teachers’ union

BY RIYA CHOPRA

The Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an employment contract for Dan Moirao, E.D., to serve as acting superintendent in a unanimous vote Tuesday evening.

Moirao, who has a long career in public education and private consulting, including time with DUSD, had been identified as the board’s top choice for acting superintendent, pending contract negotiations, one week earlier — at the same meeting where the trustees formally accepted Superintendent

Dave Marken’s resignation and voted to reconsider and approve a proposed agreement with the teachers’ union.

Dan Moirao Moirao, who started on Wednesday, will be serving as acting superintendent until Aug. 26, at which point he will likely be appointed interim superintendent in wake of Marken’s official departure date, according to DUSD officials. Marken’s contract

now runs until Aug. 22, but he is taking time off in the meantime and available only for consultation as needed.

“Under the best of circumstances, transitioning from one school year to the next is a challenge, but we all know these are not the best of circumstances,” Moirao said in a statement Tuesday. “COVID-19 has districts across the country working at full speed on plans to open the 2020-21 school year.”

“To do so during a leadership transition is a challenge, but I’m confident that it’s a challenge our

Take Us Along (home) Summer is usually a popular time for the Weekly’s “Take Us Along” feature, with residents traveling near and far on vacation with their newspaper inhand. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that.

So this summer, we invite you to pose with your Weekly at home or around town. Email your photograph to editor@ pleasantonweekly.com by noon July 24 for our special “Take Us Along (home edition).” Be sure to identify who is in the photo (names listed from left to right) and any relevant details about the scene. Q

See SCHOOL on Page 11

Candidacy period opens Monday Local election season kicks into gear ahead of Nov. 3 ballot

Chamber cancellations The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has opted to officially cancel the annual Golf Outing and the Trade Show Mixer events due to concerns over COVID-19.

Chamber officials said they were disappointed to have to call off the events this year, but safety reasons — as well as county health restrictions — made cancellation the prudent decision.

“The safety of our members, business and community is our top priority,” Chamber President/ CEO Steve Van Dorn said in a statement. “The Chamber is currently focused on the overall health of our members and the recovery of the Pleasanton business community.”

staff, community, and students will overcome. I am here to make sure we enter the school year with the best plan possible, and we will be working as hard as possible to make that happen,” he continued.

Moirao, who previously served as interim assistant superintendent of educational services at DUSD in fall 2018, is a lifelong educator who founded Dr. Dan Presents in 2008, an organization “where he works with professionals and the communities they serve to disrupt

BY JEREMY WALSH

According to ACPHD, the county had just under 6,900 confirmed cases and 140 deaths on record as of Tuesday afternoon, with 132 cases in Pleasanton, 213 in Livermore and 66 in Dublin. Recently, there were 19 COVID-19 cases, including one death, reported at a residential facility for military veterans in Livermore.

The county stated last week that for more businesses to safely reopen, the county will be measuring the following factors: rates of new cases and hospitalizations, hospital inpatient bed

Tri-Valley public agencies are getting ready for the local election cycle, with the candidacy nomination period opening on Monday for any local resident interested in running for an available office.

It will be a crowded local ballot for most voters in the Tri-Valley, with city council, school board and special district seats open, plus all four directly elected mayoral positions fully up for grabs due to termed-out incumbents.

There are also a handful for carryover races from the March primary to be decided in a runoff on the Nov. 3 ballot for county, state and federal representative positions — those candidate lists are already confirmed.

Across the board for the city, school and special district elections, the candidacy nomination period will run from this Monday (July 13) through Aug. 7. The deadline will be extended by five days, to Aug. 12, for challengers if an eligible incumbent chooses not to run.

In general, candidates must be registered voters, at least 18 years of age and live within the geographic boundaries encompassing

See MASK on Page 7

See CANDIDACY on Page 9

CITY OF PLEASANTON

Pleasanton City Manager Nelson Fialho puts on his face covering after encouraging residents with “Let’s mask up, Pleasanton” during the city-sponsored video.

‘Mask up, Pleasanton’ City leaders implore residents to use face coverings in public amid COVID-19 pandemic

BY EMMA HALL

Pleasanton city officials urged residents to wear face masks in public after a week of halted reopenings and an increase of COVID-19 cases locally and countywide.

“Let’s all do our part and when you’re outside your home, wear a face mask as required by the county and state health orders,” Councilman Jerry Pentin said in a video promoting face masks that the city released heading into the Fourth of July weekend.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that wearing a face

covering may reduce the spread of COVID-19. Since the first stay-at-home order was issued in March, residents have been encouraged to take part in preventing potential virus spread by wearing a mask.

“We’ve done a great job of flattening the curve, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” Councilwoman Karla Brown said in the city’s minute-long video.

The Alameda County Public Health Department last week halted its plan for reopening new businesses in July, citing the need to pause amid a surge in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 5

NEWSFRONT

Bay Area victims’ attorney seeks to oust legendary Pleasanton swim coach Letter alleges Morsilli ignored complaints against another coach; Seahawks leader disputes claim

BY JULIA BAUM

A Bay Area attorney representing several sexual abuse victims in a lawsuit has demanded the removal of a renowned Pleasanton youth swim coach from USA Swimming in a recent letter publicly addressing the national organization’s chief executive.

The open letter written by San Jose-based lawyer Robert Allard to Tim Hinchey, CEO of USA Swimming, in the latest attempt at reforming the sport in recent years, calls for banning eight coaches from around the country, including Steve Morsilli, longtime coach for the Pleasanton Seahawks, for allegedly failing to report complaints of abuse made against another coach.

Morsilli denied the allegations of failing to report abuse when contacted by the Weekly this week, saying he encouraged the victim contact authorities.

“Having been deeply involved in the handling of sex abuse claims against USA Swimming for more than a decade, it is clear to us that there remains a deeply embedded culture within your organization which condones the criminal sexual behavior of coaches towards its underage athletes,” Allard wrote in his public letter.

“This culture is similar to that of the Catholic Church, where a long-standing unofficial code enabled rampant sexual abuse by punishing those who report and rewarding those who remain silent. This must end, and it must end now,” the attorney added.

Last month, six women filed three separate lawsuits in Alameda County Superior Court alleging that USA Swimming systematically covered up sexual abuse they experienced by their coaches. The organization has yet to publicly respond, but Allard told the Weekly he’s “optimistic” that Hinchey and others will take action.

“I believe him to be a good man, and I believe he wants to clean up the sport,” Allard said. “I believe he wants to do the right thing, and I’m hopeful that he will adhere to these requirements if he truly wants to make positive change.”

Allard is also seeking the removal of two other Tri-Valley coaches, Millie Nygren of Pleasanton and Clint Benton of Concord, for not reporting complaints about sexual abuse at the hands of former coach Andy King, who is serving a 40year sentence for sexually abusing underage female swimmers.

Morsilli, who is not named in any of the lawsuits, is also accused of

failing to report complaints about King.

Former swimmer Katie Kelly, who swam on two teams coached

by King in the late 1980s, told Vice in a 2014 interview that one afternoon King forced Kelly and a male teammate to kiss for 30

‘It is clear to us that there remains a deeply embedded culture within your organization which condones the criminal sexual behavior of coaches.’

Robert Allard, Attorney

seconds in front of the entire team.

King told her that if she complied, then the entire team could have the day off from practice. When Kelly refused, she said she was threatened with a harder workout than planned for the day.

In 2003, Kelly described the incident in an email to Pacific Swimming, one of several dozen

regional governing bodies under USA Swimming. Morsilli, who was on Pacific Swimming’s board, said he “encouraged her to report the issue” because he thought it was inappropriate but was not aware of King abusing any children.

“The kissing game letter did not describe Andy molesting any of the (team) members,” Morsilli told the Weekly. “I had no knowledge of Andy molesting kids in the 1980s — that’s been stated under oath.”

Morsilli contends that he “encouraged (Kelly) to report the issue” and “stepped up to help my swimmer in 2003.” Six years later, though, Kelly said that Morsilli wrote her back and said her complaint to USA Swimming had been lost.

Former Seahawks swimmer and five-time state champion Miranda Heckman recently shared on social media that she was “groped,” “scratched” and called “It” by teammates and coaches while with the Seahawks. The allegations have made waves in the swimming community both locally and beyond, with numerous past and present athletes weighing in on the matter.

Morsilli, who denies wrongdoing and strongly disputes any

inference of sexual abuse, said his standards are high for swimmers but argued his coaching is far from abusive.

“Was she called ‘It’? Yes. But by me, no,” he said.

According to Morsilli, tensions between Heckman and her teammates often ran high. He described frequent clashes with other members, particularly if Heckman was defeated during practice, and said “it was impossible to get her situation handled.”

“I’d sit down with the group and say tell me what she’s doing,” he added. “It’s just a million little things. You can’t put your finger on any one thing but they all add up.”

Any complaints of abuse or mistreatment on the team brought to his attention were always addressed, Morsilli said. In one instance, Morsilli said he brought a complaint from Heckman that she was harassed by a competing swimmer from another team to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Heckman has not taken any legal action against Morsilli or USA Swimming but her attorney, Jim Wagstaffe, told the Weekly, “I believe any time a coach enables bullying ... then I think we’re past the time when we need coaches like that.” Q

Little League’s ex-president charged with embezzlement Authorities allege she stole over $22,000 intended to keep Livermore youth league operable

BY JEREMY WALSH

The former president of Livermore Little League has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling more than $22,000 from the youth league’s coffers for personal use, according to Livermore police.

Police allege 48-year-old Livermore resident Denise Arante confessed to detectives after being taken into custody last Friday.

She has been charged with felony embezzlement, forgery and grand theft under an arrest warrant obtained by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, according to Livermore police Officer Taylor Burruss.

Current Livermore Little League president Eddie Vaca told the Weekly that league officials are “relieved” that the “long, hard” investigation is over and charges have been leveled.

“The current board’s reaction is kind of mixed because Denise was a friend to many on the board for a long time ... (but) we look at it as a crime against the kids and the families of this community,” Vaca said. “We feel justice will be served in this case.”

The arrest came just over a year after Arante resigned from Livermore Little League after nearly two years as board president, step- Denise Arante ping down in May 2019 on the heels of an internal investigation into misappropriated league funds, according to Burruss.

“As the league president, Arante was entrusted with full access to the organization’s banking account and finances. The money Arante allegedly stole was intended to keep the youth baseball organization operable for the children,” Burruss said.

League officials initially became suspicious after Arante’s personal bank reported to the league’s treasurer apparent fraudulent activity in her account. Vaca, who was elected president in October 2019, said the red flag involved a check made out to the league that Arante forged to put in her own account.

After more digging, it became clear that the league president had

Page 6 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

committed fraud, so the league reported the crime to the Livermore Police Department, according to Burruss.

The department’s criminal investigations unit took over the case, with league representatives fully cooperating with detectives’ inquiry and taking part in a forensic audit of league financial records. “Following a systematic investigation, detectives uncovered evidence that Arante stole in excess of $22,000 from the Livermore Little League over a two-year period,” Burruss said.

“In the end, the impact isn’t measurable, of losing this $20,000,” Vaca said, confirming the league has not been able to recoup any of the stolen money but officials are working with their insurance

company to find some relief.

Detectives presented the case to the DA’s office for review and prosecutors ultimately issued charges, leading to Arante’s arrest last Friday. Burruss stated that the defendant then “provided a statement to detectives in which she admitted responsibility.”

Vaca said he is “100% confident that Denise, she acted alone.” He described Arante as “conniving” while hiding her actions for years.

“The really sad part was there were a few board members that were basically financing the league to keep it going ... and she was at the back door, pulling it back,” he added.

Vaca said league officials are ready to move forward from the embezzlement and return their

focus to the baseball — as soon as the young athletes are allowed back on the field, given the social conditions amid COVID19. “The current board is working really hard to improve that league ... support the kids of this community.”

He said he hopes the league will be able to offer its 2020 fall ball season, but that will depend on clearance from the Alameda County Public Health Department. If not, league officials will turn their attention to the 2021 spring season.

Livermore Little League offers organized youth baseball for children 5 to 16 years old, from T-ball up to the Seniors Division for teens, as well as a Challengers Division program. Q

LET’S DISCUSS: Read the latest local news headlines and talk about the issues at Town Square at PleasantonWeekly.com

NEWSFRONT

Livermore man’s drunk-driving murder convictions overturned on appeal Alameda County DA could re-try Brian Jones for killing mother, toddler in 2015 crash

BY JULIA BAUM

A Livermore man sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for killing a woman and her child in a drunk-driving crash five years ago recently won an appeal of his convictions due to an improper juror dismissal.

Brian Jones, 40, had been serving a 30 years to life sentence without the possibility of parole until last month. In a 2-1 decision handed down on June 15, the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District ruled that Jones’ right to a fair trial was violated when a juror who had reported the misconduct of a fellow juror was dismissed by trial Judge Paul Delucchi of the Alameda County Superior Court.

In an email, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office told the Weekly, “Our office is reviewing the decision” and will decide whether to appeal the decision.

With the new ruling, Jones could be transferred from Folsom State Prison to Santa Rita Jail and potentially be re-tried by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office on murder charges. Jones was convicted in 2017, following a highly public trial in which Jones’ counsel argued for jurors to find him guilty of manslaughter instead of murder.

The re-seated jury found Jones guilty of murdering 46-year-old Esperanza Morales Rodriguez and her 14-month-old daughter Yulida Perez-Morales in May 2015, when the mother and daughter were visiting outside a relative’s home in Livermore and were struck by Jones’ car. He had attended the Livermore Wine Country Festival earlier that day and his blood-alcohol level was 0.14, nearly double the legal limit for drinking and driving.

Livermore police at the time said Jones was under the influence of alcohol as he sped his Corvette through city streets, hitting speeds from 75 to 99 mph before he lost control and crashed into Rodriguez

MASK Continued from Page 5

capacity and surge capacity, testing capacity, disease containment capacity, and supply of protective equipment for health care providers.

“This week and the next will be critical for assessing the impact of activities authorized to resume in Alameda County on June 19,” Neetu Balram, county public information manager, wrote in a press release. “We will continue to closely monitor our data to inform the next steps regarding reopening and attestation.”

City officials encourage residents to follow health guidelines to slow

and her daughter at the 900 block of Murrieta Boulevard.

The dismissal of Juror No. 10 was the deciding factor of the appeal; according to court documents, the day after jury deliberations began, “Juror No. 10 left the jury room during a break and informed the courtroom clerk that another juror revealed in deliberations that Jones had a prior conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.”

The other juror — referred to as Juror No. 9 — had read a news report that cited Jones’ conviction of driving while intoxicated in Sacramento County in 2003. Prosecutors agreed to withhold that piece of information from jurors on the grounds that it would be prejudicial.

Jurors are prohibited from reading news reports and other case information from outside the courtroom.

No vote had been taken yet in the jury room, but Juror No. 10 had been considering a manslaughter conviction instead of murder, according to the appellate court ruling.

Juror No. 10 told Delucchi that she “felt it was said to persuade me to agree with them on Item No. 3 for the murder charge.”

Delucchi then asked Juror No. 10 if “the information that you received and the context within which you received it and kind of the impression that you had as to why it was being brought up would make it very difficult for you to continue in your deliberations.”

Juror No. 10 said yes because she was “concerned with ‘the way it was stated’ because the statement about the prior conviction was made with ‘attitude,’” according to the ruling.

She also said she was “somewhat coerced in how (she) felt.”

Juror No. 9 was dismissed as well for their misconduct.

The defense counsel objected to the dismissal of Juror No. 10, whom Delucchi said “expressed ... an inability to continue deliberating based upon, not so much the

information but ... in many ways the way in which it was presented to her.”

“She indicated that she felt that she was being bullied, that it was directed at her and it was done not to just persuade her to go in one particular direction but she use(d) the ... term ‘bullying’ and indicated she would be unable to participate in the process further,” Delucchi said. “For that reason, the court is inclined to dismiss that juror.”

The appellate court majority contended in their ruling that Delucchi “never asked her directly whether she could continue.”

“Instead, the court asked her if it would be ‘very difficult’ for her to continue. At best, the question is ambiguous, which is insufficient,” First Appellate District Justice Gordon Burns and Presiding Justice

Barbara Jones wrote in the decision, adding that they were “sympathetic to the quandary facing the trial judge in these circumstances” but that Delucchi’s “conclusion that Juror No. 10 was unable or unwilling to continue deliberating” was not supported by any “demonstrable reality.”

Justice Henry Needham wrote in the sole dissenting opinion, “The majority opinion elevates the demonstrable evidence standard to a daunting new height.” Needham also pointed out that Delucchi was not asked to question Juror No. 10 any more by the prosecution or defense.

“When it comes down to it, the discharge of Juror No. 10 was the clearly prudent decision, or at the very least within the trial court’s broad discretion,” Needham said.

“To reverse the conviction because the judge did not employ the best words to convey the obvious is not consonant with appellate review or justice.”

Prosecutors must prove that the defendant was aware their driving would likely kill someone, in order to pursue a murder charge for a DUI case. Jones’ attorney argued during the trial that his client acted recklessly but didn’t intend to kill anyone and should only be convicted on a lesser charge of gross vehicular manslaughter.

The Livermore community was shocked and outraged by fatal crash, which also made wine festival organizers consider changing their guidelines for how alcohol is served at the annual festival. Jones is still in custody at Folsom State Prison, according to public records. Q

the spread as Pleasanton opens up.

“Let’s support (small businesses) safely by wearing a mask when out in public,” Vice Mayor Kathy Narum said in the city’s video, viewable at https://youtu. be/S1hs9h8C7lk.

If people believe they have COVID-19, or they just want to get tested, several facilities are opened for testing, including the Alameda County Fairgrounds Gate 12, Road 12 on Valley Avenue in Pleasanton. The only requirement is that you must be a resident of Pleasanton, Livermore or Dublin.

No appointment is needed.

“Let’s mask up, Pleasanton.

We’re in this together,” City Manager Nelson Fialho said. Q Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 7

NEWSFRONT

Livermore Lab Director Goldstein announces retirement Stepping away after six years at helm, 36 years at lab overall

BY RYAN J. DEGAN

After a little over six years at the helm, William H. “Bill” Goldstein announced Tuesday that he will be retiring as the director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and as president of Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), effective once a successor is named.

An experienced physicist who will be stepping down after spending 36 years at the lab in various capacities, Goldstein is the 12th director of LLNL since it was founded by the University of California in 1952 and the third president of LLNS. “It is an immense honor to serve as director of this unique, exceptional institution,” Goldstein said in a statement. “I have been privileged throughout my career to work alongside great scientists, engineers, technicians and administrators who have devoted their estimable talents to our critical missions. The lab has demonstrated again and again its ability to contribute to solving the biggest problems, and I am confident it will

continue to serve the nation with new ideas.”

According to lab officials, Goldstein has experience in all levels of the lab, having started in Bill Goldstein the physics directorate working on diverse national security and science programs before taking on roles of increasing responsibility in senior management.

“Bill’s scientific leadership, coupled with his senior management experience across a broad range of programs and his enthusiasm for the Lab’s mission and its people made him the ideal director,” said Charlene Zettel, LLNS board chair. “He is respected and trusted not only among the Laboratory’s leaders and its workforce, but across the halls of DOE, NNSA and other government sponsors, as well as the Lab’s academic and industrial partners.”

Lab officials say Goldstein’s

announcement “comes at a time of unprecedented growth across every facet of the Laboratory,” with great strides being made in research and development as well as in the physical infrastructure of the lab.

For example, at the time he was appointed director in 2014, the lab possessed approximately 6,000 employees with a $1.5 billion budget, while today the lab’s workforce exceeds 7,400 employees and a $2.3 billion budget.

During his tenure as the lab’s leader, LLNL was named the lead in two critical life extension programs, acquired several of the world’s fastest supercomputers, developed and constructed the High-RepetitionRate Advanced Petawatt Laser System — HAPLS, the world’s most advanced and highest average power diode-pumped laser — and became a leader in additive manufacturing and published the acclaimed “Getting to Neutral” report, a groundbreaking study on how California could achieve carbon neutrality.

Lab officials added that significant progress was made on the National Ignition Facility, the world’s most energetic laser.

Most recently he has made great efforts to steer the lab through the challenges brought about by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and has been able to coordinate with employees to keep the lab operating — all while three-quarters of the workforce have turned to telecommuting for work.

During his tenure, Goldstein has also supported the lab’s efforts to combat COVID-19, efforts that include studying the disease itself, developing testing methods, providing emergency ventilators fabricated from off-the-shelf parts and studying ways to reuse protective face coverings.

Goldstein has received numerous awards and has authored or co-authored more than 70 papers in the fields of elementary particle theory, nuclear physics, atomic physics, X-ray physics and plasma spectroscopy.

Starting his career as a postdoctoral research associate with the Theoretical Physics Group at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Goldstein received his doctorate in theoretical physics from Columbia University in New York and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

“Bill always has approached everything he does at the Lab with diligence and intelligence,” said U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, a former colleague of Goldstein’s who worked at LLNL prior to joining the federal government.

“Bill’s passion for the Lab’s missions and his dedication to the workforce are unquestionable. We thank him for his service to this nation,” Gordon-Hagerty added.

In an effort to replace Goldstein, a national search for the next laboratory director will be led by the University of California for the LLNS partnership. Q

BART board approves $2.4B budget ‘I really appreciate staff’s work on this budget. It has not been easy’ The BART Board of Directors voted 7-2 late last month to approve the agency’s $2.42 billion budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The budget includes nearly $200 million in cuts from the $1.016 billion preliminary operating budget the board reviewed in mid-May. BART General Manager Bob Powers called the operating budget “precariously balanced” in May, adding that it does not include any furloughs or

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layoffs.

The budget also includes more than $1 billion in capital funding, much of which comes from special revenue streams such as 2016’s Measure RR and must be used for its intended purpose such as infrastructure repairs.

Much of the operating budget’s funding cuts take the form of postponing increases in labor spending and capital allocations, including a one-year hiring freeze that will save BART about $36 million. The agency also added $44 million in COVID19 coronavirus-related spending to the operating budget.

“I really appreciate staff’s work on this budget. It has not been easy,” Board Director Rebecca Saltzman said. “We’ve been through hard budgets since I’ve been at BART but none like this and hopefully we

won’t ever be through something like this again.”

The cuts are due almost entirely to ridership that has plummeted roughly 90% below expected levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BART officials said in March that the ridership loss will amount to a loss of nearly $60 million in fare gate revenue each month.

BART officials expect to receive roughly $250 million, dispersed in two tranches, in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to shore up expected revenue losses during the fiscal year. Powers has said the agency’s financial future is still heavily dependent on future funding allocations.

Funding for BART police became a flashpoint in the final weeks of the board’s haggling over the budget

amid the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month and ensuing protests around the Bay Area and nation.

Criminal justice advocates called for the agency’s law enforcement division to lose at least a portion of its funding, with some calling for the elimination of BART police entirely.

While several BART board members have acknowledged the need for police reform going forward, none of them have budged on defunding BART police, partially or otherwise.

“Black Lives Matter is, in fact, a social movement in this nation,” Board Director John McPartland said. “It is not an even playing field. That’s a social issue, that’s a legal issue, that’s a fiber-of-our-nation issue that needs to be addressed. It is not necessarily a police issue.”

BART officials expect ridership during the fiscal year to average between 15% and 50% of pre-pandemic levels. Expected fare revenue was placed at the midpoint between those two possibilities, according to the agency.

The board plans to hold budget update discussions every three months following the start of the fiscal year. Decisions predicated on changes in revenue compared to expected revenue in the budget passed on June 25 will be made during each of those discussions.

“We can evangelize how difficult these times are,” Board President Lateefah Simon said. “But we can also roll up our sleeves and help. We can help and we can be uniform, in many ways, to move forward.” Q —Bay City News Service

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After a career spanning 30 years in law enforcement, Livermore Police Chief Michael Harris announced on Wednesday that he plans to retire next month.

Harris has led the Livermore Police Department since joining the force in 2013.

“As excited as I am about the next chapter in my life, this was not an easy decision to make,” Harris said in a written statement released by the city. “Over the past seven years, I have come to love

Page 8 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

this place. I am proud of what the Livermore Police Department has accomplished in partnership with the community and know that the LPD will continue to do great things.”

Harris spearheaded the development of the department’s “six pillars” — public safety and crime prevention; accountability and public trust; community engagement; quality service; innovation and best practices; and employee development, wellness and succession planning) — which have

served as a “foundation of values and priorities for the organization,” according to a statement.

He also developed the “Area Command” model to bolster the department’s relationship with the community and expanded community outreach programs like Coffee with a Cop, Citizen’s Police Academy, and Stuff-A-Cruiser. Harris also prioritized hiring “communityoriented” officers like the 39 staff members hired during his tenure.

In a statement, Livermore Mayor See CHIEF on Page 10

Michael Harris

NEWSFRONT

Head start programs expanding in Tri-Valley Child/health care services for low-income families unite

BY EMMA HALL

The Community Association for Preschool Education (CAPE) is joining forces with preschool provider Kidango to expand child care services for low-income families in Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore.

On June 24, a grant was awarded

by Child, Family, and Community Services (CFCS) to both Kidango and CAPE to solidify this partnership. As a result, the two organizations have more expansion opportunities.

“We’ve been running programs and expanding our grants ever since,” said Genevieve GetmanSowa, secretary of CAPE’s Board of Directors. “Fast forward to 2020, we are now a direct grantee to head start programs.”

CAPE is a head start program that provides early childhood education to low-income families. First established in 1962, and later granted as a delegate agency in 1965, CAPE has been looking after families for generations and has four delegation agencies in Livermore and two in Pleasanton and Dublin.

The organization serves children in early head start programs from infancy to 2-1/2 years old

CANDIDACY Continued from Page 5

the open seat. Some local elections are at-large while others are specified by regional sub-district.

Contact the individual local agency for information on candidacy paperwork. General election information, or details on how to register to vote, can be found on the Alameda County Registrar of Voters’ Office website at www. acvote.org.

Pleasanton residents will be voting this November on two at-large regular City Council positions (four-year terms), the mayor’s seat (at-large, two-year term) and three at-large positions on the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Trustees.

All three city seats will be up for grabs without incumbents as Mayor Jerry Thorne, Councilwoman Karla Brown and Councilman Jerry Pentin are all termed out of their current position.

Brown and Pentin have already announced their intent to run for mayor.

Four candidates have launched campaigns for the regular Pleasanton City Council seats: Planning Commissioner Nancy Allen, PUSD Trustee Valerie Arkin, Planning Commissioner Jack Balch and real estate professional Randy Brown, who is this year’s board chair for the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.

and head start programs for ages 2-1/2 to 5. But its services are not just exclusive to child care; the nonprofit also supports entire families through health care and parent services.

“We’re really proud of the services we provide because they’re so comprehensive,” Getman-Sowa said. “We run everything from early childhood education to mental, behavior, and physical health programs, oral and dental, and medical.”

CAPE provides nutrition programs, vision screenings, and social services — a total infrastructure of support stated Getman-Sowa.

“When we provide for families in need, we’re creating an infrastructure of support,” she said. “It’s a unique infrastructure because we not only address educational needs and preparing children for school but we’re also providing a safety net to help families get on their feet, to be more self-sustaining, more proactive about caring for their children.”

The organization currently serves over 200 head start families. The partnership with Kidango will only expand that,

according to Getman-Sowa.

Like CAPE, Kidango is also a head start program. They serve 4,000 children in their facilities with the goal of providing early learning services to children. With the partnership alongside CAPE, Kidango is now expanding its services to Hayward, Fremont, Union City, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Newark and San Leandro.

“Kidango has more than 40 years of experience providing high-quality early childhood services to fulfill our mission of setting every child on the path to thrive in kindergarten and in life,” wrote Kidango in a statement.

Inquiries about enrollment in Kidango can be sent to hello@ kidango.org. Due to health regulations because of COVID-19, enrollment is currently limited. Kidango’s website will release more specific information as time goes on.

“We are confident that Kidango and CAPE will continue to provide high quality head start and early head start services to the region,” CFCS officials wrote in a statement announcing the transition.

“We offer them our best wishes for success.” Q

Local parent and educator Kelly Mokashi is the only candidate to publicly promote a campaign for PUSD Board of Trustees. The three available seats are currently held

by Arkin, Steve Maher and Jamie Yee. In Livermore, residents will be voting for mayor (at-large), City Council District 3 (southeastern Livermore), City Council District 4 (southwest) and two at-large positions on the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District board.

In Dublin, there will be three seats available for Dublin Unified School District (Trustee Areas 1, 3 and 4), as well as two at-large spots on the Dublin City Council and the mayor’s position, also at-large.

Sunol Glen Unified School District will have one at-large seat on the three-member Board of Trustees on the ballot.

For the San Ramon Valley, Danville will have three at-large Town Council positions, San Ramon will have at-large mayor, City Council District 1 and City Council District 3, and San Ramon Valley Unified School District will have Areas 2 and 3.

elected this year.

• Three positions will be decided for the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees, including the Tri-Valley seats of Area 5 and Area 7, along with Area 1 (Hayward).

• Livermore Area Recreation and Park District’s Board of Directors will have two at-large seats on the ballot.

• There will be three directors elected for the East Bay Regional Park District (Wards 1, 2 and 4), but none covers the Tri-Valley.

Special districts • Dublin San Ramon Services District will have three seats on the ballot in its first election with division-based voting. Directors for Divisions 1, 3 and 5 will be

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Face shields for health workers Kai Gottschalk, 15, has created thousands of face shields for health care providers using his own 3-D printer, and he has rallied friends and members of his Boy Scout Troop 941 in Pleasanton to help.

They also are making 1,800 for Pleasanton Unified School District and 600 for Dublin Unified School District. The Pleasanton Weekly ran a story about his endeavors in last week’s paper with a photo of a teen making shields who should have been identified as Kanoa Markel. The Weekly regrets the error.

Mobley, a Republican.

• Incumbent District 16 Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) is running against businessman Joseph Rubay (RAlamo); they were the only two candidates on the primary ballot, so each automatically advanced to November.

• U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DLivermore) stood comfortably in first place against six challengers with 56.5% in the primary election. He is going against Republican Alison Hayden, a special education teacher, in November after she garnered 20.1% in March for second place. Q

Runoffs • Leading the way on carryover elections will be Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 1, which represents Dublin and Livermore in the Tri-Valley, as well as Fremont and part of Sunol.

Advancing to the Nov. 3 general election after finishing first and second in the four-candidate primary election were Fremont City Councilman Vinnie Bacon and Dublin Mayor David Haubert.

• For Alameda County Superior Court Department 2, the runoff features civil rights attorney Mark Fickes and trial attorney Elena Condes after the three-candidate primary. This is the bench position opening up with the retirement of longtime Judge Carol Brosnahan.

• Pleasanton’s representative State Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) led the March ballot and will face off against runner-up Julie

UPCOMING MEETINGS Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

On March 3, 2020 Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency due to COVID-19 and subsequently issued Executive Orders N-25-20 and N-63-20 suspending provisions of the Brown Act allowing meetings via teleconferencing and members of the public to observe HUK VќLY JVTTLU[Z [LSLWOVUPJHSS` VY LSLJ[YVUPJHSS` The virtual meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 29 and streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/ TheCityofPleasanton and https://www.tri-valleytv.org Review and consideration of a Council-sponsored action plan to facilitate: (1) community listening session(s); (2) a process for review of existing Police Department policies and procedures; and (3) consideration of near- and long-term policy goals for community policing – to be incorporated into the City’s Workplan and Budget process To explore more about Pleasanton, visit us at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 9

NEWSFRONT

Critter Camp searching for virtual campers Valley Humane Society’s interactive animal program launches online

BY EMMA HALL

Valley Humane Society’s Critter Camp, a children’s educational program focused on working with animals, is now virtual and looking for campers.

For the first time, there are no locational bounds for whom can attend Critter Camp.

“The online format has allowed a unique opportunity for campers who may not have previously been able to attend,” Melanie Sadek, the executive director of Valley Humane, wrote in a statement.

“Whether campers are curious about cats, or dedicated to dogs, they can discover how to help our fellow creatures and the environment while developing skills in creativity, mindfulness, leadership and critical thinking.”

VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY

Participants in Critter Camp meet a lizard through a live Zoom session.

Each camp session will consist of two daily blocks from 10 a.m.

to 12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. Lessons will include group activities

conducted live through Zoom, pre-recorded videos, and activities for independent work. Guest speakers will visit Critter Camp to emphasize the importance of compassion for pets and pet safety.

Children ages 9 to 14 can enroll at Critter Camp for $150 per camper per session. Campers will receive a camp t-shirt and takehome kit with supplies needed for registration. Parents can register their campers at valleyhumane.org.

Each age group will have their own variety of activities and lessons at a different date in the summer.

Specifically, for campers ages 9 to 11 years old, Valley Humane will be holding online sessions from July 6-10 and July 13-17. Activities will include games, animal yoga,

and critter crafts. Campers will learn how to greet and play with an animal, and how to read an animals’ body language.

For campers ages 12 to 14 years old, sessions will be held from July 20-24 and July 27-31. These lessons will consist of exploring careers that work with animals. Guest speakers in animal-related industries will be visiting these virtual sessions. Students will also review responsible pet guardianship, pet safety and training techniques.

“Envisioning a world in which every animal is loved and every person knows the love of an animal, Valley Humane Society creates a brighter future for cats and dogs by encouraging and strengthening the bond between people and pets,” Sadek said. Q

De Lashmutt earns Valley Veterans scholarship Marine Corps veteran aiming for Ph.D. in microbiology Pleasanton veteran Kristi De Lashmutt recently received the $5,000 Carl’s Jr. Stars for Heroes Scholarship at Las Positas College from the Valley Veterans Foundation.

De Lashmutt, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2010-14 and attained the rank of sergeant, is studying at the Livermore community college with a focus on science.

Her ultimate educational goal is to earn a doctorate in microbiology.

“This scholarship is extremely important in not only helping fund my educational goals but also in motivating others to utilize similar resources available to them and to help them reach their goals,” De Lashmutt said in a statement.

“Winning this scholarship also

opens a door into allowing me to assist in creating a program that will not only benefit myself, but other women in STEM,” she added. “My GI bill funds will most likely become exhausted before I attain the degree that I would like to earn. With that being said, this scholarship has chipped away at my financial anxieties and I can better focus on my education.”

De Lashmutt’s family has deep ties to the military. She was raised by a single mother with five children — four of whom have served in the military and the other is on his way to serving in the Marines.

During her military career, De Lashmutt’s accomplishments included performing as a saxophonist

for the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band as well as a protocol NCO for the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Command.

“Kristi exemplifies the forward thinking and successful veteran.

We are honored to have her as our 2020 Women in STEM Scholarship recipient. We will be awarding her the $5000 Carl’s Jr. Stars for Heroes Scholarship along with career and financial mentoring,” said Susan Campbell, executive director of the Valley Veterans Foundation.

The Tri-Valley-based foundation is marking 13 years of awarding scholarships and providing career and financial mentorship for veterans at Las Positas College. Q —Jeremy Walsh

Swalwell reintroduces bill to help small businesses ‘Main Street Revival Act’ would defer payroll tax payments for first year of operation

BY JULIA BAUM

A federal bill that would help certain small businesses that have been hit hard during the COVID19 pandemic by letting them defer payment on their first year of payroll taxes was reintroduced last week.

Brought forward again by U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore) — who originally introduced the legislation, independent of the pandemic, as his very first proposed law during his first term in office — and New York Congressman John Katko, “The Main Street Revival Act” aims to “free up money during that critical launch period” of the first year in operation for qualified small businesses.

Deferred taxes would be paid in installment over the following four years of operation.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our economy, and as we work to solve this public health crisis, we must also be looking out for those who keep our Page 10 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

communities up and running,” Swalwell said.

“The Main Street Revival Act helps new small business owners build a strong foundation for the future and alleviates a significant source of financial stress, while freeing up cash that can be critical in the first year. As businesses begin to navigate new health and safety protocols, this cash could be a necessary lifeline for many,” he added.

Deferment is limited to businesses that plan to hire a maximum of 25 people during their first year, and are located in historically underutilized business zones — or HUB Zones — that have been identified by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The CARES Act that went into effect earlier this year also allows businesses to defer payroll tax payments for a limited period of time. According to Swalwell, “the Main Street Revival Act utilizes this concept and makes it permanent for a small business’s first year if it is located in a HUB Zone.” Q

COURTESY OF VVF

Marine Corps veteran Kristi De Lashmutt is the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship via the Valley Veterans Foundation.

CHIEF Continued from Page 8

John Marchand called it “an honor” to work with Harris and wished him well.

“It was under Chief Harris’ leadership that the city started the Drug House Nuisance Abatement Ordinance to get drug houses out of our neighborhoods,” Marchand said. “I have appreciated his leadership and professionalism as he has built and maintained an outstanding police department of which our community is rightfully proud. I wish him and his family all of the best for a long and healthy retirement.”

Harris is a graduate of California State University Stanislaus, where he received a bachelor’s in criminal

justice, and holds a master’s in emergency services administration from Cal State Long Beach. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the International Association of Chiefs of Police “Leadership in Police Organizations” program.

Starting as an officer with the Oakdale police in 1990, Harris soon transferred to the Modesto Police Department and worked his way from officer to captain while there before joining the Livermore police in 2013.

Harris’ retirement is effective Aug. 14. The city has started the recruiting process for a new chief of police and said they will start accepting applications in the next few weeks. Q

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NEWSFRONT

DSRSD recognizes Dublin High students for excellence in water research Trio conduct experiment to reduce microplastic pollution

BY RIYA CHOPRA

The Dublin San Ramon Services District recently recognized three Dublin High School students for earning first place in the Excellence in Water Research Award at the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair this year.

Shashank Beri, Akash Darbha and Tyler Hom are three rising Dublin seniors who conducted a project entitled “The Applications of Ferrofluid and Its Effects on Removing Microplastics from the Ocean.” Their project focused on finding a cost-efficient,

environmentally safe and effective homemade ferrofluid to aid with the removal of microplastics from bodies of water.

Hom explained that their project entailed “develop(ing) our own ferrofluid, which is a magnetic nonpolar fluid, to attract microplastics” — which are plastic particles below five millimeters in diameter.

“Microplastics have harmful effects on small organisms such as krill, which make up the backbone of the ocean ecosystem.”

Hom said that while there are methods in use for removing large

pieces of plastic from the ocean, “there are currently zero methods to deal with these harmful microplastics. All large plastic eventually becomes microplastic, so as time goes on, it will accumulate unless dealt with,” he explained.

“What we did was design a better ferrofluid by adding oleic acid, which coats the ferrofluid to make it smoother and have a higher affinity of attraction with microplastics,” Hom said of his team’s experiment. Their results were promising, with their ferrofluid removing upwards of 90%

COURTESY OF DSRSD

Akash Darbha, Tyler Hom and Shashank Beri won the Senior Division for their research into the applications of ferrofluids in reducing microplastic pollution.

of common microplastics such as high-density polyethylene.

The annual Excellence in Water Research Award is intended for students who demonstrate commitment in researching how to create a sustainable water supply or protect public health and the environment.

DSRSD congratulated the three students for their commitment to water research and awarded them with a $200 prize each, along with $100 for their science teacher, Janet Kaehms. The award was sponsored by 22 local water and wastewater agencies. Q

Glazer bill would raise fines on short-term rentals SB 1049 aims to deter ‘unsafe’ house parties after Orinda shooting

BY JULIA BAUM

A bill by State Sen. Steve Glazer’s (D-Orinda) designed to discourage short-term rentals for the purpose of hosting rowdy and unsafe house parties made it through the Senate last month.

Senate Bill 1049, approved on a 32-7 bipartisan vote on June 22, was borne out of response to a mass shooting at a party hosted

SCHOOL Continued from Page 5

equality to achieve equity for all students,” according to a DUSD press release.

He also worked as superintendent of the Hayward Unified School District earlier in his career, and before that as assistant superintendent in the South Monterey County High School District and in King City Joint Union High School District. His prior faculty positions included adjunct faculty professor for St. Mary’s College and the University of Southern California — the latter from which he holds a doctorate in planning, policy and administration.

Moirao’s contract with DUSD reflects a commitment to working every weekday from July 8 through Aug. 26, with a salary of $1,300 per day.

Upon being asked by the board to fill the position, Moirao stated that “Dublin is one of the best school districts in the Bay Area, if not the state, and I feel honored to be asked to take on this leadership role. The opportunity to help this district grow is one I eagerly accept.”

Board president Dan Cherrier also expressed enthusiasm with the appointment.

“Dr. Moirao is an exceptional

at an Airbnb rental in Orinda last Halloween. Five people were killed and four others injured, spurring Glazer’s office to take action.

“This is an important bill that gives cities and counties the power to enforce their laws in a way that will get the attention of those who abuse their right to rent out a home,” Glazer said.

Under SB 1049, cities and counties would be authorized to impose a maximum fine of $5,000 for a violation of a short-term rental ordinance. With many such homes renting for thousands of dollars per night on platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO, Glazer said that “a few hundred dollars per violation is not enough to deter bad actors from trying to

make a quick profit.”

During the second half of 2019, 42 people were shot either inside or just outside a short-term rental property in the U.S. and 17 people died, including those in the Orinda shooting.

“Short-term rentals offer a way to improve tourism and earn owners extra money, but unfortunately, there have been some

bad actors that have used the platform to host large parties,” Glazer said. “These large gatherings have made some shortterm rental properties the site of underage drinking, brawls, and noise complaints. Hopefully, my bill will act as a deterrent to such behavior.”

SB 1049 now proceeds next to the State Assembly. Q

leader, one the board has full confidence in,” Cherrier said. “His decades of experience as an educator and as a person fighting for equity will be a great benefit to the district. Having recently served in a leadership role in our district and having a personal connection to our community, helps to ensure we are in good hands.”

As Moirao takes the helm in the district and they work to solidify plans for reopening schools in the fall, the long-term search for a permanent superintendent continues.

The board selected Hazard Young Attea Associates to assist in the search in April 2019, following the sudden departure of then-superintendent Leslie Boozer, Ed.D. In June 2019, the firm identified their goal of securing a new long-term DUSD superintendent by spring 2021. Marken was hired to serve as interim superintendent from April 2019 through spring 2021, but his decision last month to resign cut his time short.

negotiated by the district and the DTA and ratified by the DTA in May, included a retroactive 0.5% increase on the salary schedule for the 2019-20 school year and a 3.125% increase for the 2020-21 school year. It also contained a $40 hourly rate for certificated staff and

three trustees for driving out a well-liked superintendent. Petitions with hundreds of signatures have been circulating — one calling for Cherrier, Blackman and Kuo to resign, and the other reaffirming community support for them.

While the vote to reconsider and then approve the tentative agreement on June 30 was unanimous in light of new information about the budget, Cherrier, Blackman and Kuo took the chance to clarify why they cast their rejection votes at the June 11 meeting.

“The path forward two weeks ago was not doable and it was highrisk,” Blackman explained. “I’d like to thank (Gov. Gavin) Newsom for actually working with the legislature to come up with a plan that works for our schools.”

She then addressed Dublin teachers, saying: “I stand by you always. We didn’t decline the tentative agreement because of anything you did, it had nothing to do with you. It merely had to do with state funding being withdrawn and putting the board in a very difficult financial situation. As a board it is our job to make sure we have healthy funding ... I’m thrilled to see that there’s better financing now.”

Trustee Amy Miller, who had voted along with Vice President Megan Rouse to approve the

agreement two weeks ago, disagreed. She insisted that she and Rouse were “in no way being financially irresponsible,” and that they truly believed that they had enough information to approve the tentative agreement three weeks ago, even if the path then was less obvious.

Cherrier echoed Blackman’s sentiments, emphasizing that the board “has a responsibility to keep this district financially solvent” and reaffirming that their previous decision was not meant as a reflection of anything that staff did wrong.

Public comment on the item reflected community tension, with some comments harshly criticizing the initial vote of the three trustees and some comments commending them for “asking the tough questions” and expressing that the “smear campaign” against them was inappropriate.

Following their approval of the agreement with the DTA, the board approved another item to extend the same salary increases and other key provisions in the agreement to all other employee groups.

That same night, the board voted 3-2 in closed session to formally accept Marken’s resignation, with Rouse and Miller in dissent. Q Editor’s note: Editor Jeremy Walsh contributed to this story.

DTA contract The Board of Trustees last week signed off on a tentative contract agreement with the Dublin Teachers Association (DTA) for the 202021 school year, following a particularly tense week in the school community.

The conditions of the agreement,

‘The opportunity to help this district grow is one I eagerly accept.’

Dan Moirao DUSD acting superintendent

a new salary schedule for specialists, according to Diane Manske, interim assistant superintendent of human resources.

The agreement was initially denied in a 3-2 vote at the June 11 board meeting. Trustees Cherrier, Gabi Blackman and Catherine Kuo cited state budget uncertainty, wanting to wait until more information was available before committing to the contract.

In weeks following the initial vote, members of the DTA vocally condemned the three trustees on social media. Marken abruptly announced his pending resignation on June 23, prompting some community members to blame the

Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 11

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Tri Valley Life

What’s happening around the Valley in music, theater, art, movies and more

Zoomers to Boomers helps at-risk folks stay safe Volunteer teens looking for seniors they can help with grocery shopping

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

Some teens who want to help are grocery shopping for at-risk seniors and others who are advised to stay home to avoid the coronavirus.

“During this pandemic, I have been working with a program called Zoomers to Boomers where Generation Z teens like me deliver groceries to seniors and the immuno-compromised for free,” explained Eumin Lee, who just completed his junior year at Foothill High School.

The endeavor was begun midMarch by Danny Greenberg, a 17-year-old in Santa Barbara who had the idea to set up a service for members of Gen Z (born 19952015) to grocery shop for the atrisk baby boomers (born 1944-64).

Greenberg quickly put up a website, temporarily tagged the effort Zoomers to Boomers, and posted it to Nextdoor to reach his neighbors.

After a story appeared in the Santa Barbara News-Press, the enterprise took off, and Greenberg recruited friends to assist with the rapidly increasing deliveries and to update and maintain the website.

And he found that customers liked his off-the-cuff name.

The word about Zoomers to Boomers continued to spread via coverage on “Good Morning America,” ABC, Forbes and Vox among other news outlets as well as on social media. When Lee heard about it in Pleasanton, he went to the website to learn more.

“I found a branch in Dublin and contacted the leader, Liam Day,”

Lee said.

After filling in the volunteer forms, stating that he was following social distancing and had not traveled, Lee was ready to shop.

“I don’t shop that often, and it was hard to find all the items,” he recalled with a laugh. “My mom does all the shopping.”

Lee suggested that boomers keep this in mind when filling out their shopping lists.

“Be as specific as you can because I want to get the color of the bell pepper right,” Lee said. “The first time it was kind of confusing because there were a lot of varieties but it was a good experience for me to learn.”

Lee said the seniors are grateful for the service.

“They are not that picky as long as they get their groceries,” he said.

Feedback on the website, using only first names, shows their appreciation.

“Just knowing that you are there is deeply assuring, and frankly spiritually meaningful in a time of stunning losses,” said Christopher.

Janet and David commented, “We just had a fabulous meal with the groceries that were delivered.

Everything was perfect and you have no idea how much we appreciated this. Thank you again.”

Now Lee serves as head marketer for Zoomers to Boomers Dublin and shops less frequently. He said they are looking for additional seniors to use their service as more teens are volunteering to help, and they have contacted senior centers

and local governments to find how to reach more clients.

To use the service, go to www. zoomerstoboomers.com/Dublin and fill out the form to order up to 12 items at one time from a grocery store of choice.

Orders may be placed once a week and are filled within 24 hours, from Monday through Saturday.

Once the shopping is completed, the zoomer calls the boomer with the exact total and the estimated time of arrival.

The zoomer pays for the groceries, then is reimbursed by the boomer at the time of delivery by check, cash or Venmo. There is no delivery fee, and any tips are donated to other organizations that help those in need.

“Seniors often give tips, but they are not encouraged,” Lee said.

The website shows an extensive list of instructions to be followed by delivery volunteers to keep everything sanitary, from proper use of masks and gloves to wiping down everything touched, to minimizing transfer of items. Checks and cash received are kept in a paper bag for three days until safe to be touched by ungloved hands.

Zoomers to Boomers is now in 31 cities nationwide as well as in Hyderabad, India, with teens who want to shop for those at risk.

“Right now we have more volunteers than orders so we want to spread the word,” Lee said. “Also as we are starting to reopen, we feel the risk is going to be great for seniors and the immuno-compromised.” Q

LIAM DAY

Lee delivers groceries to senior Lori Murphy, filling the order she placed online at zoomerstoboomers.com/Dublin.

Page 14 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

LIAM DAY

Zoomers to Boomers volunteer Eumin Lee shops at Lucky supermarket, which was requested by the customer.

LIAM DAY

Zoomers to Boomers shopper Lee suggests that people be specific when ordering groceries since the variety of produce is unfamiliar to some teens.

TRI VALLEY LIFE

Student earns national award for environmental activism Incoming Quarry Lane senior educates other youth with Project Planet

BY EMMA HALL

17-year-old Shreya Chaudhuri has a mission — to fight climate change.

Two years ago, wildfires ravaged California, burning over 1,670,000 acres of land, making it the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season in state history. This changed Chaudhuri, a high school freshman at the time.

“50% of Americans don’t believe in climate change, and I was shocked,” she said. “Even though we were experiencing some of the negative impacts of wildfires, we still refuse to take action and most of that came from ignorance.”

Now an incoming senior at Quarry Lane School in Dublin, Chaudhuri described how starting up her Project Planet came with its challenges.

But that didn’t stop her. With the determination to make a difference, she founded the nonprofit that spreads environmental literacy on climate change to youth.

What once started as a small project, with just Chaudhuri, is now an organization with 60 people worldwide and recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA. She was recently awarded the Ambassador Award from the association and InnerView for her progress in

developing UN sustainable development goals.

“We are incredibly proud of Shreya for this well-deserved recognition,” Sabri Arac, head of school at Quarry Lane, said in a statement. “Her dedication to preserving the environment and sharing her passion and knowledge with our students is absolutely wonderful.”

The nonprofit is not just a local or nationwide cause, but an international one. Project Planet has reached over a dozen countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Singapore, India, Nigeria, Canada, Suriname, Japan and the Philippines.

“It’s really interesting to learn more about peoples’ backgrounds.

We have someone from Mongolia actually who’s working with their government to reduce soil pollution because that’s a big problem there,” Chaudhuri said. “Usually we’re stuck in this mindset of ‘our world.’ For example, I only knew about the wildfires, but working with people across the world made my mindset bigger.”

At first, Project Planet was just going to schools in the area. But Chaudhuri and her organization knew that wasn’t enough.

“We realized we aren’t going to

be able to impact a lot because it’s a limited number of people,” she said. “Then we realized about environmental injustice problems and environmental racism. A lot of these communities that need education the most have underfunded educational systems.”

As a result, an anti-red battery acid pollution campaign is in the works for Project Planet. Chaudhuri explained how she was inspired to start the program after learning about environmental racism and how it impacts lower-income communities.

She cited Los Angeles County, where Exide Technologies had been dumping red battery acid in Latino communities for decades. Consequently, severe water pollution caused children to have severe levels of lead in their blood.

“This impacted their mental capabilities because lead is a neurotoxin,” Chaudhuri said. “Because of that, they weren’t able to stop the pollution and their educational system prevented them from finding a solution in their communities.”

According to Chaudhuri, Project Planet is planning to extend online so anyone around the world can access their information. The nonprofit is currently working on an online

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Shreya Chaudhuri recently received the Ambassador Award from the United Nations Association of the USA and InnerView.

curriculum in collaboration with scientists to take action against climate change. The curriculum is aimed toward students from grades five to 12.

She also mentioned the creation of a mentorship program where students are paired up with professionals to gain an understanding of environmental literacy.

As an environmental activist and founder of Project Planet, Chaudhuri said she plans to major in marine biology or environmental sciences. She plans to continue managing Project Planet as her academic journey continues, hoping that further college

connections she makes will increase the reach of the organization.

In regard to what keeps her motivated, Chaudhuri had a simple yet insightful answer: the future generation.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a lot of places around the world, and experience nature,” she said. “I feel very devastated that might not be a possibility because of our political system around the world and our government. I really want to do something about it because I have the privilege and been given the opportunities to make a difference.” Q

Wineries adapt annual events for shelter-in-place Taste Our Terroir, Wine Auction will be virtual, on July 23-26

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kindness for kids Sierra Crislip, Dublin author of “Weird Girl with a Tumor,” has launched a new book she wrote and illustrated, “Tessa Teaches Kindness,” which shares through the eyes of a child her experiences of having a brain tumor and epilepsy starting at a young age. The book is about teaching kindness and follows the adventures of Tessa the tortoise. It is dedicated to the memory of the tortoise who was Crislip’s family pet for more than 50 years.

The Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation have adjusted the traditional formats of both Taste Our Terroir and the Livermore Valley Wine Auction, and both will take place July 23-26.

The Livermore Valley Wine Auction usually happens in September, but this earlier date will allow donations to reach students before the new school year begins.

The virtual auction will include vacations, wine and wine-tasting experiences to raise money for meals for children in need in the Livermore Valley. Local schools began to distribute approximately 1,100 meals per day when the shelter-in-place began, and funds raised by the auction will help to continue and expand the underfunded program.

Register online at lvwf.org.

Taste Our Terroir this year will include the following: • Tapas & Tempranillo The wine and food pairing will take place from 6-7 p.m. July 24, at $130 per ticket, with participants

celebrating the taste of Spain at home.

Each ticket includes a four-pack of Tempranillo wines from Dante Robere Vineyards, Las Positas Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well and Page Mill Winery and a custom-made charcuterie board provided by Bay Area Redwood, complete with recipes and ingredients. Guests will prepare tapas to feed four people per ticket, then join the Zoom to discuss the wines and pairings with the winemakers.

Wines and event supplies must be picked up at 3585 Greenville Road in Livermore between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. July 23.

• Celebrate Chardonnay These tastings will take place from 5-6 p.m. July 25, via Zoom at $95 per ticket, to explore the history of Chardonnay in Livermore Valley with winemakers.

Guests will join Lisa Lee from Charles R Vineyards, Rosie Fierro from Rosa Fierro Cellars, Elizabeth Kester from Wente Vineyards and Rhonda Wood of Wood Family Vineyards in a panel-style Zoom event. The

winemakers will share how they got started in winemaking, their unique winemaking techniques and tasting notes as guests taste each Chardonnay.

Each ticket includes four bottles of Chardonnay from participating wineries and two crystal wine glasses that must be picked up at 3585 Greenville Road in Livermore between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. July 23.

• Bike the Vines of Livermore is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 26, at $125 per person, and the event is sold out.

Guests will cruise through wine country on a Pedego electric bike guided by Pedego Livermore owner, Loretta Buck. After a quick bike tutorial, the group will head to Page Mill Winery for a taste of award-winning Blanc de Blanc and a sabering lesson. Next will be a tour of Holdener Park followed by a stop at Garré Caféand Winery for a boxed, picnicstyle lunch. The last stop of the day will be at McGrail Vineyards for a tasting.

Visit LVwine.org for more information on these activities. Q

Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 15

Community Pulse POLICE BULLETIN Tri-Valley doctor fatally shot while off-roading in Sierra County A Danville doctor died after being shot while off-roading with his teenage son in a rural area in Sierra County during the holiday weekend.

The victim was identified by family friends as Dr. Ari Gershman, a pulmonary doctor in the Bay Area. His son Jack, 15, was rescued from the forest land after getting lost for more than a day after running from the danger, according to supporters who created a GoFundMe page to help the family.

The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office said two other people were also shot nearby in what appears to be an incident involving the same shooter, described by Sheriff Mike Fisher as “a random act of violence.”

John Thomas Conway, 40, of Oroville was captured by authorities the next day and taken into custody on suspicion of carrying out both shootings.

“Ari was an avid bicyclist, a vegetarian, an outdoorsman, an Internal Medicine Doctor, a devoted and loving father and fantastic friend that was willing to drop anything for his friends and

family,” supporters wrote on the GoFundMe page. “He was witty and wise. He died doing what he loved with his son in an area he had hoped to retire in one day.”

The situation unfolded last Friday afternoon around 4 p.m. when deputies received a call about two people being shot in a remote area of northwestern Sierra County — a lightly populated rural county on the eastern edge of California bordering Nevada, between Chico and Reno.

The assailant was reported to be a stranger driving a utilityterrain vehicle (UTV), according to Fisher.

While deputies were en route, they learned both victims were being taken to the Cal-Ida area by a private vehicle. They were later transported by medical helicopter to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to Fisher.

Shortly thereafter, deputies received a call about a third shooting victim — later identified as Gershman — who had been hit by gunfire in the same general area as the other two. Family friends said the father and son were spending the day off-roading in Dr. Gershman’s new four-wheel drive Jeep.

The sheriff said it appears as if Dr. Gershman and his son encountered the assailant while driving down a dirt road, and the stranger opened fire on the pair.

Jack Gershman, who was the one

who called 9-1-1, told authorities he fled the area after the shooting but had gotten lost.

Sheriff’s deputies were able to find Dr. Gershman, who was dead, and they embarked on a multiagency search for the lost juvenile.

They were also working to locate the shooter or shooters.

Jack Gershman was ultimately rescued in good physical condition from the Tahoe National Forest on the afternoon of Independence Day after surviving in the wilderness for more than 30 hours.

“After giving him some food and water, officers transported him to the sheriff’s office, where he was reunited with his mother,” Fisher said.

The sheriff said that soon after locating the boy, law enforcement officers encountered the shooting suspect driving a side-by-side off-highway vehicle. Conway fled southbound on Saddleback Road toward Downieville when officers tried to stop him.

Fisher said officers soon caught up to Conway, on Saddleback Road about one mile north of Highway 49, but the suspect presented a threat, which led to an officer-involved shooting and deployment of a police K-9 unit.

Conway was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment.

Sheriff’s officials have not confirmed a motive in the case, but they described the incident as

POLICE REPORT The Pleasanton Police Department made the following information available.

July 5 Weapons violation Q 11:44 a.m. on the 3700 block of Hopyard Road Burglary Q 8:50 p.m. on the 4500 block of Black Avenue

July 4 Drug violation Q 3:24 a.m. on the 5300 block of Hopyard Road Vandalism Q 8:54 a.m. on the 2100 block of Rheem Drive Fire Q 10:23 p.m. at Tokay Court and Rhine Way

July 3 Warrant arrest Q 3:48 a.m. on the 5500 block of Sunol Boulevard Domestic battery Q 1:16 p.m. at Johnson and Owens drives Vandalism Q 3:44 a.m. on the 7000 block of Koll Center Parkway Q 3:54 p.m. on the 4500 block of Chabot Drive Q 5:15 p.m. on the 400 block of Tawny Drive Q 10:43 p.m. on the 5000 block of Hopyard Road

Auto theft Q 6:20 p.m. on the 5800 block of Stoneridge Mall Road Burglary Q 6:53 p.m. on the 1400 block of Chadbourn Court

July 2 Theft from auto Q 6:32 a.m. on the 5300 block of Owens Court Vandalism Q 8:07 a.m. on the 5800 block of Owens Drive

July 1 Theft Q 9:10 a.m., 5700 block of Owens Drive; theft from auto Q 10:31 a.m., 3300 block of Busch Road; auto theft Q 2:58 p.m., 200 block of Tomas Way; theft from auto Q 4:42 p.m., 3100 block of Santa Rita Road; theft from auto Q 5:43 p.m., 5800 block of Owens Drive; auto theft Domestic battery Q 1:58 p.m. on Belmont Way Burglary Q 3:04 p.m. on the 4400 block of Hacienda Drive

June 30 Theft Q 9:08 a.m., 7700 block of Canyon Meadows Circle; theft from auto

Page 16 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

Q 11:47

a.m. on the 4600 block of Chabot Drive

Q 5:38

p.m. on the 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road

Burglary Q 9:20

p.m. on the 3500 block of Ballantyne Drive

June 29 Graffiti Q 10:45

a.m. on the 600 block of Junipero Street

Theft Q 3:47

p.m. on the 6700 block of Bernal Avenue

Q 4:40

p.m., 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplifting

June 28 Theft Q 8:30

a.m., 4200 block of Rosewood Drive; shoplifting

Q 9:02

a.m., 5300 block of Northway Road; theft from auto

Q 10:49

a.m. on the 3400 block of Ashton Court

Q 12:51

p.m. on the 1400 block of Stoneridge Mall Road

Assault/battery Q 5:50

p.m. on the 5800 block of Laurel Creek Drive

Vandalism Q 11:06

p.m. on the 4500 block of Rosewood Drive

apparently random.

Gershman is survived by his wife Paige, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, and their children Evan, Jack and Maci.

The GoFundMe page (search “The Gershman Family Fund”) had raised more than $400,000 to support the Gershman family as of Wednesday morning.

In other news • A Danville woman died on Independence Day after her SUV went off Summit Road while coming down Mount Diablo and fell hundreds of feet, authorities said.

The victim was identified as Julie Watson, 72, according to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office.

The incident unfolded around 2:45 p.m. Saturday when an SUV was seen careening down a portion of Mount Diablo. The driver apparently lost control for unknown reasons near “Devil’s Elbow” while traveling down Summit Road on the southern-facing side of the mountain, according to California State Parks Ranger Cameron Morrison.

After going off Summit Road in the narrow, windy section roadway, the Mercedes SUV rolled down the rough terrain before coming to rest approximately 700 feet from the nearest point of roadway, representing a 300-foot drop in elevation, according to Morrison.

The driver — later identified as Watson — was ejected from the vehicle during the fall and pronounced dead at the scene by San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District personnel around 3:30 p.m., according to Morrison. She was the only occupant of the SUV. A Contra Costa County Fire helicopter unit assisted in recovering the body from the steep, rocky terrain, Morrison said.

The cause of the solo-vehicle crash remains under investigation, and no potential major factor has been ruled out yet, according to the ranger.

The white Mercedes SUV was still visible at the crash site on Monday because it sits in a particularly hard-to-reach portion of the hillside. Morrison said it could take a couple of more days to devise an action plan to remove the vehicle from the precarious position — with safety, cost and terrain protection among the key contributing factors.

• A Danville man died after being accidentally hit by a car driven by his brother at a park in eastern Pennsylvania late last month, according to police.

The victim was identified as Mamdouh Gabra, 73, according to Sgt. Henry O’Neill of the Prospect Park (Penn.) Police Department.

“A horrific, tragic accident,” O’Neill told DanvilleSanRamon.com.

The situation unfolded just after 1 p.m. on June 28 at Moore’s Lake Park in the city of Prospect Park, a community about 20 minutes southwest of Philadelphia. Gabra had flown out to Pennsylvania to help his older brother prepare to move to Arizona, according to O’Neill.

On that afternoon, Gabra’s 83-year-old brother — whose name was not released — was behind the wheel with family in the car but he had mistakenly taken the car off the roadway and onto a pedestrian path also used by maintenance vehicles, O’Neill said.

The brother stayed in the vehicle while the other occupants (Gabra, the driver’s daughter and the driver’s granddaughter) got out to help the driver navigate turning around behind a nearby storage pavilion and drive back onto the roadway, according to O’Neill.

“Unfortunately, in the course of that is when he struck and killed his own brother,” the sergeant said.

The investigation indicated multiple contributing factors in the fatal collision, including the driver’s age, he may have hit the gas pedal thinking it was the brake and he became flustered after clipping the pavilion wall, according to O’Neill. Gabra tried to get out of the way but could not avoid the oncoming car.

O’Neill said local police and prosecutors are not pursuing charges after finding no criminal intent. “It was strictly an accident, purely an accident,” he added.

The older brother was treated for complaints of chest pains and later released from the hospital, according to O’Neill.

Gabra’s family made the solemn trip back to Pennsylvania to gather his belongings and make arrangements two days later to transport his body back home to California, the sergeant said.

• A naked bicyclist evaded local police on Monday, escaping on a bicycle after allegedly stealing a bottle of alcohol from a CVS store in east Danville.

According to Danville Police Chief Allan Shields, police received reports of the nude man in question — who was described as having brown hair and an average to heavy build — stealing alcohol from the CVS store at 3240 Camino Tassajara at 8:07 p.m.

The man fled the area on a bicycle and as of Tuesday morning have been unable to locate or identify the man.

Residents with any information about the man or case can call the Danville Police Department’s nonemergency line at 314-3700. Q —Pleasanton Weekly staff

Opinion Pleasanton Weekly PUBLISHER Gina Channell, Ext. 119 EDITORIAL Editor Jeremy Walsh, Ext. 118 Tri Valley Life Editor Dolores Fox Ciardelli Editor Emeritus Jeb Bing Staff Reporters Julia Baum, Ext. 111 Ryan J. Degan, Ext. 121 Interns Riya Chopra, Emma Hall Contributors Tim Hunt, Dennis Miller, Mike Sedlak, Nancy Lewis ART & PRODUCTION Design and Production Manager Kristin Brown Designers Linda Atilano, Kevin Legnon, Amy Levine, Paul Llewellyn, Doug Young ADVERTISING Account Executive Karen Klein, Ext. 122 Real Estate Sales Carol Cano, Ext. 226 BUSINESS Administrative Associate Carolyn Chan, Ext. 124 Circulation Department

GUEST OPINION

BY DAN WALTERS/CALMATTERS

Police unions’ power wanes, but how about teachers?

T

he fatal suffocation of George Floyd with a Minneapolis policeman’s knee pressing his neck into the pavement has ignited righteous outrage about police violence around the globe.

It also has focused much-needed attention on the cozy relationship between police unions and politicians and the laws and policies that protect violence-prone officers from consequences for their acts.

The unions get what they want from local and state officials, not only legal protections but generous salaries and pension benefits. The politicians also get what they want, campaign funds and union endorsements testifying to their crime-fighting credentials.

That mutual backscratching has been very evident in California in the 45 years since then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed collective bargaining legislation for public employees. Police unions have had virtual veto power over anything they considered to be adverse to their interests.

The blue wall, as one might term it, has cracked a little in the last couple of years. Now, in the wake of Floyd’s outrageous death, politicians are scrambling to sever their financial and political ties to police unions, to enact more muchneeded reforms, such as lifting state

certification of officers who are fired for egregious conduct, and to redefine policing in the 21st century.

Fundamentally, the political clout that police unions have wielded in California for decades is no different from what other public employee unions have done. Universally, they seek more job security and increases in pay and fringe benefits for their members, and do so by supporting politicians who will deliver the goods, regardless of how it impacts the larger public.

If, therefore, we condemn the unhealthy relationship between police unions and politicians, we should subject other public employee unions to the same critical scrutiny.

Take, for instance, what happened last week as the Legislature was adopting a flurry of “trailer bills” to the state budget.

These bills, drafted secretly and enacted quickly, are often used as vehicles to pass major policy changes that would be difficult to make if they had to go through the formal legislative processes.

The state’s powerful education unions, led by the California Teachers Association, greatly benefit from three provisions in the “omnibus education trailer bill.” One prohibits school districts from laying off teachers, the second places a de facto

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LETTERS How a local Boy Scout Troop is saving lives Dear Editor, Do a good turn daily. This is the slogan that the Boy Scouts of America has strived to embody for the last 100 years. Here in Pleasanton, a group of scouts is doing just that.

Since April, members of Troop 941, led by Life Scout Kai Gottschalk, have gathered supplies and materials to print 3D face shields for healthcare workers and first responders.

With close connections to this field, Kai knew that the need for PPE was desperate. He quickly rallied members of the troop and asked for anyone with 3D printers to aid in this project. Initially, face shields were delivered to Highlands Hospital, Royal Ambulance, and medical centers on the East Coast.

After receiving positive feedback and incredible thanks from these

organizations, the group wanted to expand. However, supplies were running low and donations were the only answer. After reaching out to the community, monetary and supply donations poured in.

To date, they have delivered over 4,100 face shields to hospitals, first responders, nursing centers and dental offices, from the Bay Area to Miami and Washington, D.C. With the need still eminent, the 941 team wants to continue their mission, yet this endeavor can only take place with help from the Pleasanton community. This group only has the resources to produce another 1,000 more face shields without additional support.

If you would like to donate, please visit www.troop941.org/faceshields to lend your support. The troop thanks all who have donated and those considering.

—Derek Dressler

What’s your opinion?

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

cap on charter school enrollments, and a third dilutes transparency and accountability for educational outcomes.

The union-backed no-layoff decree was forced on school districts, over their objections, as a condition of maintaining budget levels despite the state’s multi-billion-dollar deficit.

That funding also ignores districts’ losses of students due to COVID-19 shutdowns by basing state school aid in 2020-21 on pre-pandemic levels of attendance. It’s a windfall to school systems experiencing enrollment declines, but freezes funds for those seeing growth — particularly charter schools. Thus, it furthers school unions’ long-standing campaign to knee-cap charter school expansion.

The third questionable trailer bill provision sets aside, at least temporarily, the Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs) that are supposed to guide expenditures of funds meant to upgrade the academic performances of poor and English-learner students. Instead districts now will employ “continuity and attendance

997 All Other Legals ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF Alameda Case No.: HG20065646 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: Sandra Marie Nayebi filed a petition with this court for a decree changing name as follows: Sandra Marie Nayebi to Sandra Marie Plunkett. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at

plans” that are yet to be defined.

LCAPs were often ill-written and/ or ignored but their existence was another way for parents and school reformers to challenge the educational status quo. Now that window into transparency and accountability is being closed.

Police unions have often blocked accountability for violent acts. Education unions flex their muscle to stifle competition and avoid accountability for how schools treat their neediest pupils.

The outcomes of both damage the larger society. Q Editor’s note: Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. He has written more than 9,000 columns about California and its politics, authored books and has been a frequent guest on national television news shows, commenting on California politics.

CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.

least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: July 31, 2020, 11:00 a.m., Dept. 17 of the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, located 1221 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94612. A copy of this ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: PLEASANTON WEEKLY. Date: July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020. Judge Desautels, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

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Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 17

Sports

Pleasanton Preps sponsored by

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Sweet Pea Sweet Pea is a darling Chihuahua/Terrier mix who recently came into the TriValley Animal Rescue foster program. She’s a young adult female and weighs only four pounds. She’s adorable, playful and doing wonderfully in her foster home with other small dogs. Visit the TVAR website, www.tvar.org, to fill out an application.

BY DENNIS MILLER

High school football leaders reflect on uncertainty of 2020 season Students’ positive energy is shining beacon for us all It seems like a million years ago, but I can vividly remember entering my senior year in high school at Amador Valley.

It was the fall of 1978 (yes, I was a 1979 Amador grad) and heading into my senior year, it seemed like the possibilities were endless. We paid our dues the first three years of high school and now it was time to enjoy all the perks that came with being a senior.

For the high school juniors of this past school year, those thoughts were building as the end the school year approached — right up to March 12 that is.

What started with Friday offschool and a three-day weekend, turned in to the end of the school year as they knew it because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here in the middle of the summer, the uncertainty continues to grow. With the 2020-21 school year scheduled to start Aug. 11, everything is still up in the air.

Will school resume in-person?

What about sports, the binding event for both high schools, as well as the community?

Having grown up in Pleasanton, I have strong empathy for the students. Not knowing what your senior year is going to look like just a month out from starting is not fair, and it would be easy to understand if the kids

were on the bitter side.

But after talking with football players from Amador and Foothill, it was impressive to see the way the students are handling the uncertainty. Jayden Payne at Foothill and Josh Heverly at Amador are incoming seniors at their respective schools, and both are leaders for their football teams.

It was both refreshing and comforting to know we have students like these two representing our community. Upset, sure, but showing composure well beyond their years.

“I have really been looking forward to this season,” said Payne, a three-year varsity player and one of the top running backs in the East Bay Athletic League.

“It’s been hard, but we just have to keep pushing through and try to keep everyone upbeat.”

“It’s been tough,” said Heverly, one of the top two-way players in the league. “We don’t know when it’s going to start. We just keep working out in small groups and look forward to getting back out there.”

Both Payne and Heverly were tabbed by coaches Greg Haubner at Foothill and Danny Jones at Amador to be in the leadership groups who keep in touch with all their teammates.

The two have embraced the responsibility, with both also

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Page 18 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

acknowledging when they left school in March, they could not see the length of the shutdown.

“We thought at least we would get summer ball,” Heverly said. “(COVID-19) wasn’t supposed to last in the heat. We just keep trying to get guys out in small groups to practice at the park.

There are a lot of mixed emotions, but a lot of guys have gotten out to practice. We are hoping that we get a senior year.”

“We had no clue,” Payne said of how long the shelter-in-place would last. “Most of us thought it wouldn’t be long, but then it turned into a pandemic. We have got five players that have six players each that we work with.

(Not having a senior season) is certainly in the back of our minds, but it is something we try not to think about. We just try to stay positive.”

One other aspect of this season that is in the front of both players minds is the Amador-Foothill game. Because of scheduling issues, the crosstown rivalry game is set for Sept. 25, the fourth week of the season.

With a shortened season a real possibility, there could be a chance of no Amador-Foothill game.

“That would be terrible,” Payne said. “I haven’t beaten them in my three years. My whole goal this year is to beat Amador.”

Heverly, who has not lost to Foothill in his high school career, is also set aback by the possibility.

“That would be a bummer,” he said. “The last game (in the rivalry) is always the best. Not having it would stink. I think we’ll figure something out.”

It is a time of uncertainly for all, but the positive energy from student-athletes like Payne and Heverly is a shining beacon for all of us to grab onto in hopes a sense of normalcy will return. Q Editor’s note: Dennis Miller is a contributing sports writer for the Pleasanton Weekly. To contact him about his “Pleasanton Preps” column, email acesmag@aol.com.

TVAR

Food & Drink TASTE OUR TERROIR & LIVERMORE VALLEY WINE AUCTION The weekend of July 23-26 wineries across the region will collaborate to host two virtual seminars and an in-person wine tasting event.

Register online at lvwf.org.

Family POP-UP DRIVE-IN MOVIES The Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton hosts drive-in movies this summer, featuring movie classics, Friday and Saturday nights through Aug. 1, starting at dark, but not before 8:45 p.m. A parking fee of $25 per vehicle will be charged in advance online. Visit AlamedaCountyFair.com.

GRAB-N-GO FOOD TRUCKS Friday and Saturday nights through Aug. 1, food trucks will set up on the fairgrounds to sell fair favorites.

Food trucks will be open from 5-9 p.m. each night. A parking fee of $10 per vehicle will be charged in advance online or at the gate.

Food is sold separately. Visit AlamedaCountyFair.com.

Seniors PLEASANTON SENIOR CENTER CLOSURE The Pleasanton Senior Center is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. They continue to offer transportation (70+) for grocery and medical appointments, senior lunch curbside to-go meals (60+), Friendly Calls and a variety of virtual programs. Contact: 9315365 for more information.

Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton.

Gardening AAUW GARDEN WALK 2020 The tour will be held July 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Five homeowners in Danville and Alamo are opening their spectacular private grounds to garden enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area in order to raise money to support women’s education.

The suggested donation is $35 per

person. Children must be over 12.

No pets. Registration is open at https://daw-ca.aauw.net/gard.

Outdoor Recreation REPTILES Learn about reptiles in the park, including rattlesnakes, which warm weather brings out.

Learn how to tell the dangerous ones from the harmless ones.

Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. RSVP by calling 960-2400 or veggert@larpd. org. Sycamore Grove Park, 1051 Wetmore Road, Livermore.

EXPLORE THE CREEK Join Ranger Amy and explore what’s lurking in the shallows of the creek. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet.

All ages welcome. Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. RSVP by calling 960-2400 or awolitzer.larpd.org. Sycamore Grove Park, 1051 Wetmore Road, Livermore.

Library CURBSIDE LIBRARY PICKUP Place items on hold and select a time slot to pick up when ready. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. For more information, visit www.cityofpleasantonca.gov.

Environment DROUGHT-PROOF YOUR HOME Guest Chris Dundon from Contra Costa Water District will focus on the landscape and will show how to beautify your yard, improve property value and conserve one of our most precious resources.

July 22, 7-8 p.m. Broadcast using Zoom, register on Eventbrite.

Government Meetings PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING The next Pleasanton City Council regular meeting is scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m. — expected to be held virtually due to the pandemic related shelter order.

Visit cityofpleasantonca.gov for more details.

Real Estate

OPEN HOME GUIDE AND REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

HOME SALES This week’s data represents homes sold during April 27 to May 1 for Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore, and June 1-5 for San Ramon.

Pleasanton 455 East Angela Street D. & E. Bay to K. & K. Hodgkinson for $999,000 1104 Concord Street A. & G. Renwick to T. & S. Yadava for $1,225,000 2625 Monarda Court Xu Family Trust to S. & S. Pathi for $1,180,000 8185 Mountain View Drive #F B. Alani to R. Schwartz for $500,000 7756 Oak Creek Court Naegle Living Trust to C. & J. Yee for $1,250,000 3466 Smoketree Commons Drive #173 M. Witt to F. Ei for $415,000 4567 Tahoe Court Upton Family Trust to E. & J. Lakhani for $974,500 4521 Tahoe Court Garcla Trust to S. & M. Dargah for $1,200,000 6029 Tillman Court Chao Family Trust to M. Ibarra for $2,400,000 2277 Vineyard Heights Lane Paul Family Trust to C. & C. Chan for $2,200,000

Dublin 5589 Apex Drive O. Espinoza to S. & P. Balannagari for $800,000 11162 Bay Laurel Street T. Chau to M. & N. Tam for $1,280,000 2296 Carbondale Way X. Yu to Y. Pan for $835,000 11368 Dillon Way Dee Living Trust to A. & A. Lumia for $1,090,000 5122 South Forestdale Circle C. & B. Lunsford to Mehta Family Trust for $1,193,000 11576 Manzanita Lane K. & T. Ellis-Sherinian to K. & P. Micali for $1,075,000

11398 Marwick Drive Tucker Family Trust to M. Zarghami for $1,050,000 4359 Table Mountain Road Q. He to J. & J. Lee for $1,030,000 1762 North Terracina Drive M. & M. Insinga to I. & D. Thakur for $1,680,000 2985 Threecastles Way K. & N. Batabyal to S. & A. Gilani for $1,155,000 3315 Vittoria Loop J. Shi to S. & B. Manoharan for $1,025,000 3227 Vittoria Loop S. Deshmukh to M. & V. Mohta for $1,075,000

Livermore 1775 Altamont Circle M. Becker to M. & K. Doughty for $980,000 1553 Buttercup Court Hanna Living Trust to B. Damonte for $610,000 849 Cherokee Drive Hodges Family Trust to E. Rios for $705,000 3844 Dartmouth Way Miller Family Trust to A. & R. Helfer for $750,000 3946 Fordham Way M. & T. Curcio to G. Horvath for $760,000 1215 Geneve Court Carey Family Trust to M. & E. Young for $1,020,000 168 Gillette Place #100 Simpson Trust to R. Sleek for $570,000 2022 Hall Circle Mulkey Family Trust to K. & J. Mercer for $1,275,000 843 Hanover Street J. Stam to C. & K. Gujarati for $725,000 533 Jackson Avenue D. Linde to X. & R. Carman for $400,000 359 Kensington Common Moore Family Trust to K. & S. Kohler for $709,500 421 South Livermore Avenue D. & S. Kenison to B. & D. Rusnak for $845,000 989 Miranda Way K. & A. Machaevich to I.

Morales for $790,000 485 Murdell Lane K. & S. Beatty to L. & C. Lee for $828,000 2121 Percheron Road E. & L. Skender to S. Hurley for $620,000 1708 Rhododendron Drive D. & A. R to A. & M. Henderson for $820,000 401 Ridgecrest Circle J. Debenedetto to M. Nessim for $960,000 2638 Thomas Court Hayes Trust to S. & P. Berry for $1,500,000

San Ramon 424 Bridle Court Yeung Family Trust to A. & K. Khan for $1,955,000 1831 Cedarwood Loop M. Prakhya to M. & J. Zapanta for $885,000 3841 Crow Canyon Road E. Stafsberg to M. & D. Kang for $580,000 258 Dexter Place Truman 2016 Trust to L. Biton for $985,000 126 Dogwood Place Bailey Trust to Ferreira

Family Trust for $775,000 10 Hondo Place M. Smith to E. Tang for $985,000 2346 Maidenhair Way S. & C. Basu to M. & D. Varghese for $1,030,000 2791 Mohawk Circle M. Kinelski to S. & H. Jin for $1,200,000 10054 Nantucket Drive Rose Living Trust to Murphy Family Trust for $1,270,000 108 Norris Canyon Place #D Lachman Living Trust to K. Addiego for $550,000 1100 Quartermaster Canyon Road Nicholson Trust to S. & F. Chen for $1,225,000 3147 Riviera Way Anderson Family Trust to N. & S. Ramesh for $1,080,000 3201 Sleeping Meadow Way G. Zhou to Y. & G. Zhou for $1,030,000 616 Sunflower Court P. & R. Ragusano to Q. & J. Lin for $1,418,000 805 Watson Canyon Court #359 D. & H. Weber to M. Wensel for $420,000 Source: California REsource

SALES AT A GLANCE

Pleasanton (April 27-May 1)

Livermore (April 27-May 1)

Total sales reported: 10 Lowest sale reported: $415,000 Highest sale reported: $2,400,000 Average sales reported: $1,190,000

Total sales reported: 18 Lowest sale reported: $400,000 Highest sale reported: $1,500,000 Average sales reported: $775,000

Dublin (April 27-May 1)

San Ramon (June 1-5)

Total sales reported: 12 Lowest sale reported: $800,000 Highest sale reported: $1,680,000 Average sales reported: $1,075,000

Total sales reported: 15 Lowest sale reported: $420,000 Highest sale reported: $1,955,000 Average sales reported: $1,030,000 Source: California REsource

Linda Futral

Kat Gaskins

Marti Gilbert

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Jessica Johnson

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925.963.7940 kat@katgaskins.com katgaskins.com DRE 01137199

925.216.4063 marti@homesbymarti.com compass.com DRE 01520061

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Susie Steele 925.413.9306 susie.steele@compass.com compass.com DRE 01290566

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Don Faught Vice President/Managing Broker 925.251.1111 dfaught@apr.com DRE 00971395

Compass is the brand name used for services provided by one or more of the Compass group of subsidiary companies. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01079009.

Your home. Our mission. #to aWppWdb Wp sd VO_l OyOo|dbO bM sVOWo l_BKO Wb sVO world Compass is continuing to expand our California loOpObKO sVodtUV bOz lBosbOopVWlp zWsV _dKB_ oap _BWb Pinel Realtors®Û +BoBUdbÛ BbM +BKW K 3bWdb bsOobBsWdbB_à WMOM J| dto sOKVbd_dU|Û pOoyWKOÛ BbM BKKOpp sd adoO agents in the region, you can now go further in your home search.

Pleasanton/Livermore Valley BWb /soOOsÛ +_OBpBbsdbÛ Ś à à Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 19

& A S S O C I AT E S TRI -VAL L E Y LUXU RY RE AL E STAT E

5226 RIVERDALE CT PLEASANTON

Showing by Appointment Only Welcome to this spacious Stoneridge Townhome in the desirable West Pleasanton neighborhood.

There are 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths & 1,948 +/- Sq. Ft. of open living space. The community features pools, tennis courts & a clubhouse. Close to award winning schools BART, 580/680 and historic downtown.

Listed at $865,000 Visit 5226Riverdale for more info.

641 ABBIE STREET PLEASANTON

Currently Pending with Multiple Oers in 7 Days!

We are thrilled for our Sellers who are pending on this gorgeous “Olde Town“ home. We were able to navigate these unprecedented times and assist in the process of using Compass Concierge to help our Sellers get top dollar!

If you are interested in learning more about the current market, or how we can help you, please reach out to have a strategic, conďŹ dential, no obligation conversation today!

Get in touch (925) 997-2411 MURTAGHREALESTATE.COM MURTAGHTEAM@COMPASS.COM DRE#0175154

Page 20 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

PENDING

COMING SOON

3574 BALLANTYNE DRIVE 5221 SPRINGDALE AVE

CANYON LAKES | SAN RAMON PLEASANTON VALLEY | PLEASANTON

WE LIST, WE SELL, WE CLOSE! VENTANA HILLS

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997 SHERMAN WAY, PLEASANTON

4890 COBBLER COURT, PLEASANTON

5 BD | 3 BA | 3,179 SF

4 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,602 SF

Upgraded & Remodeled in 2012- Large Gibson Model in Ventana Hills. Five Bedrooms (One suite Downstairs), Includes Upstairs Expansive Master Suite with Fireplace & Extra Retreat Area for Possible (Office, Nursery or Exercise Area) Three Remodeled Full Bathrooms. Quality Engineered Wood Floors Throughout (2014), Newer Windows, BuiltIn Wet/Wine Bar, Security Alarm System, Upgraded Dual Furnace & Air Conditioning Units, Immaculately Maintained Home, Beautiful Recently Re-Landscaped Grounds with Built-In Outdoor Kitchen Area, Remodeled Gourmet Kitchen, Crown Molding, Views of Surrounding Oak Studded Hills. Walk to Mission Park & Main Street, Great Award winning Schools, and Convenient Commuter Access. Don’t Miss This One! View the virtual tour & 3D tour @ www.997Sherman.com

Don’t Miss This Remodeled and Expanded “Olde Towne” Home Near Main Street.

Premium .37 Acre Lot, Quiet Court Location, Panoramic Views, Remodeled Gourmet Kitchen and Bathrooms. Newer Dual Pane Windows, Newer Wood Floors & Carpet, Four Bedrooms, Two and One-Half Bathrooms, Game Room, Large Bonus Room (Potential Downstairs Suite), Approximately 3602 Square Feet, Upgraded Dimensional Roof, Large Private Backyard Includes: Heritage Oak Tree, Pleasanton Ridge & Panoramic Views, Raised Planter Boxes, Potting Shed (Outbuilding), Chicken Coop, Short Walk (5 minutes) to Main Street, Nearby Parks and Award Winning Schools!

View the virtual tour & 3D tour @ www.4890Cobbler.com

OFFERED AT $1,879,000

OFFERED AT $1,799,000

VENTANA HILLS

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1039 NELSON COURT, PLEASANTON

21 SUSAN COURT, ALAMO

4 BD | 3 BA | 3,050 SF

3 BD | 2 BA | 3,498 SF

Spectacular Highly Upgraded, Remodeled & Expanded Ventana Hills Home on Premium Secluded Lot! Panoramic Views of Oak Studded Bonde & Pleasanton Ridges. Backs to Permanent Open Space. Beautifully Landscaped Private Grounds with In-Ground Solar Heated Pool & Spa. Expanded Gourmet Kitchen, Newer Upgraded Fully Cased Windows (Sizes Expanded), Crown Molding, Plantation Shutters, Automated Window Shades (LR & DR). Four Spacious Bedrooms Includes Upstairs Expansive Master Suite and Downstairs Secondary Bedroom. Hardwood Floors & Newer Carpet. Great Court Location-Walk to Mission Park & Main Street, Great Schools, and Convenient Commuter Access. Original Owner Had First Choice of Any Lot in Ventana Hills. Don’t Miss This One! View the virtual tour & 3D tour @ 1039Nelson.com

SOLD FOR $1,875,000

Upgraded Westside Single Level Alamo Home on Premium .57 Acre Lot Situated on Quiet Court! Over $200K in Upgrades in Last Couple of Years. Beautiful Grounds with Recently Upgraded Landscaping. Secluded Backyard with In-Ground Pool & Spa. Home Has Owned Solar Power System For Energy Savings. Room for Guest House-Casita.

Excellent Location Provides Short Walk to Shopping & Restaurants, and the Iron Horse Trail. Excellent Schools! Private Automated Driveway Gate, Three Car Garage & Large Motorhome/RV Fenced Storage Area. Great Room with Rustic Wood Floors & Newer Large Gas Burning Fireplace Opens to Chef’s Gourmet Kitchen, Spacious Master Suite with Fireplace and Spa-Like Master Bathroom, Custom Millwork Throughout, Lots of Natural Light provided by Large Windows & Four Skylights.

View the virtual tour & 3D walk through @ www.21Susan.com

SOLD FOR $2,500,000

This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker. The above information, is based on data received from public sources or third parties and has not be independently verified by the broker, Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty. If important to readers, readers are advised to verify information to their own satisfaction.

Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 21

WE HAVE SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE ANNOUNCING EMILY BARRACLOUGH & TEAM JOIN ARRIVE REAL ESTATE GROUP Arrive Real Estate Group is proud to announce that Emily Barraclough & Wendy Harmon have joined their Tri-Valley/ East Bay area office. Emily and Wendy are the perfect fit to the team. They bring a wealth of experience and talent as well as a hard-working, client-focused approach to the business. As long-time residents and now raising their own families in Pleasanton, Emily and Wendy understand the importance of helping their clients find the right community and home. They are passionate about Real Estate and strive to exceed clients’ expectations with an exceptional level of service.

EMILY BARRACLOUGH

WENDY HARMON

925.895.7253 • DRE # 01479356 emily@arriveregroup.com

925.264.9563 • DRE # 01983264 wendy@arriveregroup.com

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Located in Ironwood, a 55+ Active Adult Community 2,928 Sq Ft | 3 Bed + Den | 3.5 Bath | $1,499,000

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■ Innovative Marketing Plans ■ Results Exceeding the Market

arriveREgroup.com Page 22 • July 10, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly

DEANNA & LIZ ARMARIO VENEMA HOMES TEAM PENDING IN 5 DAYS

PENDING IN 8 DAYS

PENDING IN 9 DAYS

2529 Tanager Drive, Pleasanton 4BR, 2BA, 1909+/- Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,349,000

1033 Riesling Drive, Pleasanton 4BR, 2.5BA, 2012+/- Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,299,000

684 Paradise Valley Court, Danville 3BR, 2BA, 1769+/- Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,149,000

PENDING

PENDING

3242 Novara Way, Ruby Hill 5BR, 5BA, 6997+/- Sq. Ft. Offered at $3,350,000

2792 Spotorno Court, Ruby Hill 4BR, 3.5BA, 4688+/- Sq. Ft. Offered at $2,499,000

SOLD

SOLD

COMING SOON

1327 Hearst Drive, Pleasanton Multiple Offers $2,120,000

523 Saint John Street, Pleasanton 2BR, 2.5BA, 1287+/- Sq. Ft. $730,000

166 Castleton Court, San Ramon 3BR, 2BA, 1534+/- Sq. Ft. Call for Pricing

DeAnna Armario

Liz Venema

Kim Hunt

Team Leader/Realtor

Team Leader/Realtor

Team Manager/Realtor

Lisa Desmond Michelle Kroger Alexis Venema Amanda Davlin Realtor

Realtor

DeAnna 925.260.2220 Luxury Living & Real Estate Specialists DeAnna@ArmarioHomes.com DRE#01363180

ArmarioVenemaHomes.com

in the Tri-Valley

PLEASANTON LIVERMORE DUBLIN SAN RAMON DANVILLE BLACKHAWK ALAMO WALNUT CREEK

Realtor

Transaction Coordinator Team Assistant

Liz 925.413.6544

Liz@VenemaHomes.com DRE#01922957

ArmarioVenemaHomes.com Pleasanton Weekly • July 10, 2020 • Page 23

CONCIERGE SOLD

PONTINA COURT, RUBY HILL

SOLD

! #> #3.2ร + / !2#! รผ !/ !รฆ #.

$2,580,000

$1,035,000

SOLD

SOLD

ร ย s ร !

2844 LONGSPUR WAY, PLEASANTON

ย ย ย ย . /2# 9 ; รป !/ !รฆ #.

$1,385,000

$990,000

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

615 OROFINO COURT, PLEASANTON

301 DIAMOND COURT, SOUTH PLEASANTON

$1,165,000

$1,270,000

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

4055 PEREGRINE WAY, PLEASANTON

1554 LEXINGTON LANE, PLEASANTON

LISTED AT $865,000

$1,400,000

PENDING

PENDING

Iโ m so pleased to be a part of the Drive-In Movies at the Alameda Country Fairgrounds, and proud to sponsor this weekโ s classic movie, โ Footlooseโ . I hope you can join in the fun eveningโ ฆ See you at the movies!

L ICENSED SINCE 1980

925-519-9080 MoxleyRealEstate.com 5214 CRESTLINE WAY, PLEASANTON

3624 FINNIAN WAY, DUBLIN

LISTED AT $1,275,000

LISTED AT $525,000

PENDING

COMING SOON

162 CHERRY WAY, HAYWARD

3657 MANCHESTER STREET, PLEASANTON

LISTED AT $989,000

$1,245,000

Page 24 โ ข July 10, 2020 โ ข Pleasanton Weekly

LIC# 00790463 900 M AIN S TREET P LEASANTON , CA 94566