Thursday, DECEMBER 17, 2020 VOLUME LVII, NUMBER 51 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING DUBLIN, LIVERMORE, PLEASANTON, SUNOL Chinese Spy County Set to Receive Targets Rep. First COVID-19 Vaccine Eric Swalwell No Evidence to Support Supplies This Friday Congressman's Wrongdoing By David Chircop Based on the volume of By Larry Altman REGIONAL — The first the vaccine the state says REGIONAL — Revelations COVID-19 vaccine ap- is coming in the next few last week that a Chinese spy proved for distribution is ex- weeks, Clanon said the coun- targeted Tri-Valley Con- pected to reach the Tri-Valley ty anticipates vaccination of gressman Eric Swalwell six as soon as Friday, marking all hospital-based workers years ago sparked a flurry a turning point in the fight and first responders will be of Republican calls for his against the virus that so far well on its way by the end of removal from the House has killed 558 people in Al- the month. Other populations Intelligence committee, de- ameda County and upended will receive vaccines based spite any indication that he life as we know it. on priority. did anything wrong. The initial 13,650 doses The first phase will start Swalwell told reporters allocated to the county de- with the highest risk front- he was shocked years ago to parted the Pfizer plant in line hospital workers and learn from the FBI that the Protesters in Livermore Dec. 15 demand a return to the classroom. Nobella Baba Kalamazoo, Michigan early paramedics who perform woman who raised funds for intubations, an important (with the bullhorn) organized the event. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) Sunday following emergen- him and interacted with him cy use authorization by the procedure for rescuers in the at numerous events worked Food and Drug Administra- field that also carries a high- for China’s Ministry of State tion on Friday. risk for contracting the virus, Security — its intelligence Eden Downtown Plan Revision “We’re starting as the Clanon said. operation. According to a rest of the country has in our Under the vaccine priori- report in Axios, the woman jumpstart phase with our tization framework, next in Swalwell knew as Christine Increases Building Size by 42% health workers and hospitals line are staff and residents Fang was cozying up to and also with first respond- of nursing homes. Clanon American politicians the By Aly Brown The plan approved by ment met requirements ers,” Dr. Kathleen Clanon, explained that the state ex- Chinese deemed on the rise. LIVERMORE — The 130- the council in 2018 showed by proposing to provide deputy health officer and pects this program to begin Swalwell — whose 15th unit affordable housing four separate buildings set affordable housing to 78 medical director for Alameda Dec. 28. In Alameda County, (See SWALWELL, page 7) plan for Eden Housing for 130 units. The newer low-income households, County Health Care Services the federal government con- Inc. has changed since the version offers two larger including 16 units target- Agency, told the Board of tracted with Walgreens to one presented to the public buildings. The building ing the homeless popula- Supervisors during a weekly receive the vaccine from the over the last two and a half located to the north will tions and 62 units at 50% COVID-19 briefing Tuesday state, store it and then go out Wente Debuts house 79 units, reaching of the area median income years. afternoon. (See VACCINE, page 9) Autonomous The new design for the four stories. The building (AMI). The Measure A1 site located between L and to the south will include document does not address K streets, Railroad Avenue 51 units with a maximum the income level for the E-Tractors height of three stories. remaining units. By Dawnmarie Fehr and Veterans Way rolled Family of Late Editor out during last week’s Dec. In addition to workforce In order to explain why LIVERMORE – Following 7 workshop. It revealed housing, the development the larger buildings were a partnership with Wente an updated version with will provide units for low- needed, Matt Graves, Eden Donates in Her Memory Vineyards, Monarch Trac- the same number of units, income and homeless in- Housing project developer, dividuals. According to a explained at the workshop More than a year after tor recently relocated to a building increased by her passing, former Inde- Livermore. approximately 42% and Jan. 21, 2020, Alameda that in the 2018 version, County staff report, which the four buildings each pendent editor Janet Arman- Local harvesters will a smaller park. The park trout’s love of animals still soon join farmers across the space between the build- identified a $14.4 million had a footprint of roughly Measure A1 loan for the 8,000 square feet. has a profound effect on the state in rolling out autono- ings was reduced by about lives and well-being of local mous tractors. Eden project, the develop- 32%. (See EDEN, page 3) cats and dogs. Monarch Tractor de- To honor Armantrout’s signed the first fully elec- memory and celebrate her tric, driver-optional, smart love of animals, Arman- tractor. Released on Dec. 8, BZA Approves Sunwalker Project trout’s family recently do- the new tractor will make an nated more than $250,000 appearance at the vineyard in By Aly Brown At its Dec. 10 meeting, School Road. to Valley Humane Society early 2021. the BZA — absent board Board member Frank (VHS). Janet Armatrout Originally based in Fre- LIVERMORE — The East County Board of Zoning Ad- member Scott Beyer — ap- Imhof said the project should As editor of Livermore’s mont, Monarch approached proved the 59-acre Sunwalk- have a 100-foot buffer zone weekly newspaper for more nity members and writing Wente Vineyards earlier this justments (BZA) last week their stories.” voted to move forward with er project’s conditional use on three of the project’s sides than 30 years, Armantrout year about using some of the created a pet of the week VHS officials stated winery’s land to experiment column, which championed they were honored by this with the new technology. VHS’s adoptable dogs and opportunity to further the Their partnership eventu- “We will not allow in a matter of mere weeks cats and helped many of work that Armantrout was ally led Monarch to transfer the destruction of land that has for centuries been used them find forever homes. passionate about. The funds all its operations – includ- In addition, Armantrout will be put to general use ing manufacturing – to the for farming and ranching and today is restricted under supported the organization’s supporting VHS’s lifesav- Livermore area. Measure D and other laws for agricultural uses only.” efforts to engage the public ing rescue and adoption “They explained their through the regular inclu- programs and life-enriching whole vision, their company sion of stories, news and community services, such background; how they’re all as children’s humane edu- the smaller of two controver- events in the newspaper. about sustainability and in- permit (CUP) and certified and landscape berms with “I felt Janet’s love of cation, Canine Comfort Pet novation and how they were sial solar utility-scale proj- Therapy and AniMeals pet ects set for North Livermore. the environmental impact agriculture along the perim- her pets and appreciation of looking for somewhere they report (EIR) with condi- eter. He added that a bond the Valley Humane Society food pantry. could drive their tractors Aramis, the larger 410- Since Armantrout’s un- acre project also set for tions. The project site sits should be in place, obligating were emblematic of her car- through vineyards – work at 4871 N. Livermore Ave., the applicant to restore the ing for 'everyman,’ not just expected death in August on open ground, test all North Livermore, already 2019, The Independent has gained approval from the at the intersection of North land to its original form if the people who are viewed their stuff,” said Brad Kurtz, Livermore Avenue and May the project were never com- as important,” said Joan continued her tradition of viticulturalist for Wente. BZA on Nov. 24. supporting VHS and other (See SUNWALKER, page 9) Seppala, The Independent “They have a little 8-acre publisher. “She spent time community organizations. (See TRACTOR, page 7) talking with these commu- (See EDITOR, page 7)

Released Inmate Steals Energy Group to Sheriff’s Office Golf Cart Consider Selling By Larry Altman limit the spread of CO- Nuclear Power DUBLIN — A drug suspect VID-19 among the inmate By David Chircop released from the Santa Rita population. Instead of walking away, REGIONAL — East Jail in Dublin on Monday Bay Community Energy found a unique way to head Lee allegedly located the golf cart used by county (EBCE) is scheduled this toward freedom — he alleg- week to consider a thorny edly stole a Sheriff's Office maintenance workers and somehow started the engine, policy proposal to accept golf cart, authorities said. free nuclear power from Pa- Andre Lamont Lee, 55, possibly by hot-wiring it, Kelly said. cific Gas & Electric Co. and didn't get far. Deputies ar- flip it to third-parties under rested him near the Pleas- "You'd have to go out of your way to go steal it," a profit-sharing agreement. anton/Dublin BART station. Nick Chaset, the chief "We are giving him a ride Kelly said. "He drove it down Arnold to Persimmon executive officer of Alame- back to Santa Rita jail in a da County’s local electricity police car," the department Place shopping center, and he ditched it in the bushes utility provider, pitched the wrote on Twitter. revenue-generating concept Lee, a registered sex of- there." A maintenance worker to the EBCE executive com- fender, was arrested Sunday mittee at a special meeting on a probation violation and reported the theft. Deputies checked video surveillance Dec. 4. While the panel did drug offense, sheriff's Sgt. not endorse the proposal, Ray Kelly said. and saw Lee driving away. They caught up to him at a majority of the members Lee spent the night in said the idea should ad- jail but was released on zero 9:20 a.m., walking toward The Chabad of the Tri-Valley held a drive-thru Hanukkah celebration Thursday, Dec. the BART station. vance to the full board. The 10, at Stoneridge Mall. The event featured Jeremiah Johnston of The Throw Zone. bail about 8 a.m. Monday board was set to consider because of restrictions to Deputies arrested Lee (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) (See INMATE, page 7) (See NUCLEAR, page 8)

PET OF THE WEEK INSIDE THIS ISSUE As Uncle Jesse says, "have mercy!" And now you can! Mercy is a four-month-old shorthair Classifieds...... 11 Tri-Valley Rings in New Leadership...... 2 kitten looking to make your home a fuller Community Services Combat Mental Health Crises...... 5 house. Wake up and adopt a new family member Editorial...... 4 Restaurants Adapt During Pandemic...... 6 today! While Valley Humane Society remains Mailbox...... 4 Darcie Kent Vineyards Hosts Barn Sale...... 8 closed during shelter-in-place, adoptions Obituaries...... 9 are coordinated by appointment. For more Bus Ticket Fundraiser Helps the Needy...... 10 Real Estate...... 11 information, contact [email protected]. Culinary Angels Moves Kitchen to Irby Ranch...... 12 MERCY (Photo - Valley Humane Society / E.Scholz) VISIT WWW.INDEPENDENTNEWS.COM FOR DAILY ONLINE NEWS 2 The Independent • DECEMBER 17, 2020 www.independentnews.com New Leadership Set for the Tri-Valley The three cities of the Tri- of life in Livermore; I could Livermore National Labora- Valley recently welcomed go on and on,” Glazer said. tory, Sandia National Labora- new mayors and council- “I sincerely appreciate your tories, Innovation Tri-Valley, members. service, your leadership; LARPD, LVJUSD, Las Posi- Livermore transitioned you live and breathe public tas College, our amazing arts to its new elected officials service, and it shows in all community, our non-profit Monday, Dec. 14, while the you have done …” partners, the entire city staff, neighboring cities of Pleas- Glazer further recognized the other elected officials anton and Dublin planned at Coomber for his work on the and all of the great people press time to hold ceremonies council, along with his ser- with whom I was privileged Dec. 15. vice to the East Bay Regional to work.” Livermore’s new mayor, Park District. Following the election, Bob Woerner, and incoming Alameda County District one Livermore council seat District 3 councilmember, 1 Supervisor Scott Hag- remains unfilled. At press Brittni Kiick, replaced the gerty also attended to read time, the proposed city coun- outgoing Mayor John March- the proclamations for depart- cil recruitment timeline was and and Councilmember Bob ing councilmembers. On the scheduled to open Wednes- Coomber. Marchand termed same evening, Marchand day, Dec. 16. It will close Jan. out this year, but Coomber published a farewell letter 1, with a special meeting for did not seek reelection. to the community on the interviews to follow Jan. 18 Sen. Steve Glazer visited city website. To read his and a swearing-in ceremony the virtual meeting to com- full letter, visit https://bit.ly/ Jan. 25. mend the outgoing leaders Indy_Farewell. Pleasanton plans to wel- for jobs well done. He point- “I will miss the hugs and come Karla Brown into the ed out Marchand’s decades’ the handshakes that are typi- mayoral seat vacated by worth of public service in cally associated with good- Jerry Thorne, along with Candy Cane Lane, also known as Walnut Court in Pleasanton, welcomed visitors various capacities. byes and the opportunity to councilmembers Jack Balch with a variety of decorations, Dec. 10. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) “You’ve done so many personally thank each one of and Valerie Arkin on Tuesday things to improve the quality the people with whom I have this week. worked so closely over the On the same night, Dublin last 15 years on the council was scheduled to hold its while serving this commu- swearing-in ceremony for nity,” Marchand wrote. “I Mayor-elect Melissa Her- have deeply appreciated the nandez and councilmembers great relationships that have Sherry Hu and Michael Mc- been built with Lawrence Corriston.

EXTRA CHEERY HOLIDAYS FOR HOME SELLERS!

Linda Diaz Futral Broker/Realtor 925.980.3561 [email protected] www.lindafutral.com Sold for $800,000 License #01257605 4347 East Avenue Alain Pinel is now 3 Bed 2 Bath ~1234 Sq Ft

The Nottingham Circle neighborhood in Livermore attracted visitors and sightseers with its festive holiday display MY BUDDY’S BIKE SHOP on Dec. 12. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) IN DOWNTOWN LIVERMORE Axis Offers Help in Covered California Enrollment LOTS IN STOCK: 16, 20 & 24” The open enrollment pe- nia, or CalFresh during a free “It’s important that con- to qualify for Medi-Cal; a riod for the Covered Califor- telephone consultation. sumers not miss the open family of four must have an KIDS BIKES nia health plan closes Jan. 31, Covered CA offers plans enrollment window for Cov- income of $35,535 or less. 2021, and Axis Community from private insurance com- ered California or they may Medi-Cal enrollment is open AND ADULT Health is offering to help panies for U.S. citizens and not have another opportunity year-round. E-BIKES! anyone with questions. documented immigrants. to enroll,” Barriga said. Due to COVID-19, Axis “Health insurance can be For individuals, an income “Remember, you must services are available by tele- confusing,” said Paula Bar- of $76,560 or less qualifies now have coverage or po- phone only, in English and We Service All Brands riga, Axis community rela- for coverage; for a family of tentially face a state tax Spanish, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Skilled Service Technicans. tions manager. “If you have four, an income of $157,200 penalty.” Monday through Friday. To questions or concerns about or less qualifies. Applicants Axis counselors can also schedule a consultation, call Service Department Open enrolling, we can help.” cannot be denied coverage assist people in enrolling in Axis at (925) 462-1755. No Appointment Necessary. Axis enrollment coun- because of preexisting con- Medi-Cal or renewing their California residents must selor can help determine ditions and financial aid is Medi-Cal coverage. now have health insurance if someone is eligible for available to cover the cost of Individuals must have an or potentially face a state tax 1601-B Railroad Ave, Livermore Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Medi-Cal, Covered Califor- plans and services. income of $17,237 or less penalty. Closed Sundays and Mondays 925.583.5454 mybuddysbikeshop.com Chris Chandler to Leave Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association Chris Chandler, who is right and do what was vineyards for almost 14 TIRED OF has led the Livermore Val- needed to advance our wine years,” Chandler said. “I’m ley Winegrowers Associa- country,” Kent said. so proud of everything the tion as executive director Tracy Farhad, who heads members, team, board and NO BURN DAYS? since 2007, is retiring at the Visit Tri-Valley, the desti- I have accomplished to- end of the year. nation marketing associa- gether.” Chandler said she would tion for the region, praised Chandler has also served be “taking on little projects” Chandler for her willingness on the board of the Liver- and spending more time at “to partner and advocate more Valley Winegrow- a second home she and her on behalf of the hoteliers and ers Foundation, the Las husband have in the small wineries.” Positas College Viticulture Sierra Nevada foothills com- “She has served seven & Enology program ad- munity of Murphys. They years as an invaluable direc- visory board, East Bay- also hope to take a delayed tor on the Visit Tri-Valley Economic Development trip to wine country in Spain board, and has long un- Alliance marketing and once the pandemic ends. derstood and contributed land-use committees, and WE SELL AND INSTALL “We’re in that phase, that to the larger, regional and the Visit Tri-Valley board of chapter of life,” Chandler national marketing effort,” directors. FIREPLACE INSERTS*, AND FIREPLACES. said. “It’s unknown and Farhad said. “We will miss Brandi Addington, long- SAVE UP TO $400.00 ON SELECT UNITS. unfamiliar, but it was time her.” time operations and mem- for a change.” Rachael Snedecor, exec- bership director for the Her husband, Daryl Tom, utive director of Livermore winegrowers, will oversee *Gas, Wood and Pellet is a hospital management Downtown, also said Chan- the organization with sup- 23585 CONNECTICUT ST # 15, HAYWARD consultant. dler “always took a collab- port from the board of di- Locally owned by Livermore resident, In 2019, Diablo Maga- orative approach,” reaching rectors for the foreseeable happily servicing the Tri-Valley since 1982 510.471.5601 www.jerrysfireplaces.com zine named Chandler one out to involve downtown future. of “three female power play- businesses in winegrower ers bringing their A games to event to the benefit of both. our local wine region.” Under Chandler’s di- David Kent, with Darcie rection, the winegrower’s Kent Vineyards, said Chan- association received re- dler’s legacy would include gional marketing grants her efforts to bring a wine totaling almost $500,000 country hotel to downtown from the U.S. Department Livermore, which was ap- of Agriculture and the Cali- proved by the voters in a fornia Department of Food referendum last spring. and Agriculture. She also “It would have been a led the organization through very different outcome with- the economic recession of out her leadership, attention 2008-2009. and ability to mobilize a “It’s been an honor and broad section of the com- privilege to represent Liver- munity to stand up for what more Valley’s wineries and

Clarification: In last week’s story on Pleasanton Paratransit Service, the current deadline for a rider to arrange transportation should have read 48 hours before the desired pickup time. The time window once Black Tie Limo takes over management for the service will be one to three days. A photo of a parking garage located on L Street was incorrectly called the "L Street Garage," which is a city-owned facility not scheduled for construction for at least another year. www.independentnews.com DECEMBER 17, 2020 • The Independent 3 EDEN (Continued from first page) “If you’re trying to get would adequately represent 130 units, that gets you what families would want.” about 32 to 33 in each He said the previous (building), and if you use parking garage plan was in- 900 square feet on aver- efficiently laid out. Graves age for a unit to fit into stated that the older design that footprint, that gives also doesn't show a bus you four floors,” Graves turnout along Railroad explained. “And that would Avenue, nor additional util- be just apartments; that ity easements, which were wouldn’t account for corri- added later. dors, elevator shafts, stairs, The project now pro- laundry facilities, offices vides a parking ratio of — all of the things that you one unit to one stall. The would want in an apart- city’s standard requirement ment building wouldn’t is one unit to 1.1 stalls. be able to fit into those Eden Housing was asked footprints.” to address the fact that only Buildings will now have one entrance/exit has been resident meeting spaces, provided. on-site laundry, two admin- In regard to the project istrative offices and units timeline, Linda Mandolini, set aside for staff, he noted. Eden House president, stat- To make everything fit ed that construction must in that older plan, Graves begin by January 2022, said the project would unless Eden’s requested need to reduce the unit extension is granted. The size below the tax credit county A1 agreement au- standards. thorizes the county’s hous- “It would actually be un- ing director to “extend this financeable,” he explained. commitment by six months “Plus, we really feel that as needed for project larger family size units viability.”

Buildable Lot For Sale 1.5 +/- acre, Level, Lot Alameda County, Pleasanton, CA Shown By Appointment LindenWayVacantLot.com Offered at $1,640,000

The above graphics display a comparison of downtown Eden Housing's design plan approved since 2018 (top) and that announced at a recent Dec. 7 Livermore City Council workshop meeting. (Photo - City of Livermore)

Winners of Nature Photography Contest Announced The City of Dublin re- website for a community mann for his "Watchful cil at an upcoming meeting; cently held its second annual vote. The top four vote-get- Owl - Martin Canyon Creek will be featured on the City "Nature in Our Backyard" ters were chosen for awards. Trail" photograph. of Dublin website; receive photography contest as part Photographer Dianne Mike's Camera in Dublin a metal print of their picture 925.784.7979 of Dublin Pride activities. Mao was named both the will provide Mao with gift from Mike's Camera; and LeslieFaught.com The city received 175 Grand Prize and First Place certificates totaling $300. the https://bit.ly/2JPNZ0J REALTOR® , CRS, SRES® SellingEastBayHomes.com beautiful photographs of winner for her "Red 'n' Kadam will receive a $50 ir photos will be displayed DRE01027778 natural landscapes and wild- Green Hill" and "Sunrise at certificate, and Kaatmann in the lobby of the Civic “I’ll find a buyer for your home and a home for you to buy” life taken in Dublin during Dublin Ridge" photographs. will receive a $25 gift cer- Center. the past 18 months. A panel Pradnya Kadam won second tificate. In addition, all of To view all of the win- of judges selected the top place with a photo entitled, the top winners will receive ning photographs, visit 10 photographs, which were "Beautiful Day," while third Certificates of Recognition https://bit.ly/2JPNZ0J then posted on the city's place went to Steve Kaat- from the Dublin City Coun- Shop With A Cop Brightens Holidays for Local Students BARN SALE On Saturday, Dec. 5, Livermore Police Officers DECEMBER 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th the Livermore Valley Joint Association, where each 10 AM - 4 PM Unified School District participating officer paid (LVJUSD) and the Liver- $75 to be part of No-Shave more Police Department November, with 100% of (LPD) teamed up for the the proceeds going to sup- annual Shop With A Cop port this incredible program. program. Beginning in 2009 with Thanks to the generosity four officers, eight student of many in our community, recipients, and $2000 in per- $12 PER BOTTLE, MIX & MATCH each student received gifts sonal donations, the Shop 60 for themselves and family with a Cop program has $9 PER BOTTLE CLUB members as a way to both grown to serve 40 families celebrate and brighten the with $20,000 in community Come visit the partially renovated purple barn! In holiday season. donations. That’s 12 years this self-service event, you can load up your wagon Operating under a new, of making holidays brighter with wines that we that usually retail for $30 to $60 socially distanced format, for Livermore families. by traveling between organized tables. Wines will be restocked hourly, and we will save 22 students from the Grana- For more information, some of the best wines for last. da High School Leadership visit www.facebook.com/ class did the shopping based LivermorePoliceDepart- on ‘wish lists’ prepared by ment. •Minimum 6 bottle purchase, PICKUP ONLY •Total time in the barn is limited to 15 minutes program recipients. Liver- •No sampling/tasting in the barn by county ordinance more Police Officers then At right, kids from •One group (two people MAX) per table at a time delivered gifts to the homes •Masks must be worn inside the barn Livermore's Shop with a •Dress for the weather; checkin and checkout lines located outside of the 40 LVJUSD students, by far the most students Cop program seen with DARCIE KENT VINEYARDS, 7000 TESLA ROAD, LIVERMORE, CA, 94550 ever served through this goodies, Dec. 5. (Photo - program. Philomena Rambo) Christensen Principal Pat Avilla, who has championed this program for many years states, “The Livermore Shop with a Cop program is in its twelfth year serving the students of the Livermore School district with gifts for the holidays. The school dis- trict is so fortunate to be able to partner with the Liver- more Police Department to help our kids. Thank you to the Livermore community for always supporting this program.” Livermore Police Officer Dan Cabral, who partnered with Avilla to launch this program in Livermore 12 years ago, said, “This year’s Shop with a Cop program might have been slightly impeded due to COVID-19, however it was probably the most needed and special year of all! Our community, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, and the Livermore Police Department came together to bless 40 families, a record this year. Our police officers never hesitate to volunteer their unpaid time to give back to the community they love to serve.” The program has re- ceived incredible sup- port, including from the WE ARE OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE 10AM TO 3PM 4 The Independent • DECEMBER 17, 2020 www.independentnews.com

EDITORIAL Choose Unity Over Unfounded Accusations

Last week, an Axios report that took a year to complete re- did anything wrong. vealed that China’s Ministry of State Security — its intelligence Swalwell told CNN that he suspected the information was operation — sent a female spy to the United States to infiltrate leaked to Axios a year earlier to hurt his reputation when he the offices of politicians it deemed on the rise. One of those became one of President Donald Trump's most ardent critics. politicians included Tri-Valley Congressman Eric Swalwell. Swalwell courageously tackles issues. He should be honored Several Republicans seized on the story. Right-leaning web- not punished for being a leader. sites reported it. Tucker Carlson, the top-rated host on Fox News Political attempts to damage reputations without facts should Channel, held segments on Swalwell, accusing him of sleeping stop. For decades, partisan rancor has become worse and worse. with Fang, even though the Axios article did not report he did, Democratic and Republican investigations, egged on by politi- and no other evidence was presented. cal talk show hosts and pundits, have further eaten away at the U.S. Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, the Republican ranking ability for the two parties to work together. member on the Intelligence committee, called Swalwell a risk The country desperately needs unity, not baseless attacks. to national security and demanded his removal from the com- Following years of bitterness, let's hope our two parties can mittee. So did House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and work together to end the pandemic, restore the economy and about 15 other Republicans, despite any evidence that Swalwell help Americans who simply can't pay their bills.

MAILBOX Mailbox Guidelines: everyone can save a major in the event of a California students they represent were section of North Livermore people wearing masks and Opinions voiced in letters sacrifice by some. wildfire or a major earth- not old enough to vote for Valley from open ranch and distancing. Residents were published in Mailbox are quake! It would not be very them last month—students farmland into an industrial able to enjoy the accom- those of the author and do What do Committees ‘prudent’ to remove one such as myself—I have noth- use — the commercial gen- modations (like outdoor not necessarily reflect the Consider? traffic lane, in each direction, ing but confidence that they eration of electricity, most dining) made by our towns to opinion of The Independent. John Kopp, Livermore which is what the ‘road diet’ will serve us well over the of which will be sent outside support restaurants and other Anonymous letters will not When these committees entails, for the simple reason next four years. of Alameda County. 75% of small businesses. I’m over be published. All letters are get together, do they consid- that it would ‘clog up’ or In January, the city coun- the power from the Aramis 65 and, except for grocery required to have the name(s) er the important things like cause a bottleneck along a cil will take on the respon- plant is under contract to shopping and an occasional of the person(s) submitting water, sewage, traffic, etc.? major evacuation route, in sibility of appointing a new San Francisco electricity take-out meal (fully pro- them, city of residence and We get pummeled daily the event of a California city councilmember. I urge customers. tected), have been isolating phone number, for verifi- on lack of these things, and wildfire or a major earth- Mayor Woerner and Coun- Local environmentalist since March because CO- cation purposes. Abusive how we can get along with quake. cilmembers Kiick, Munro, Dick Schneider, a co-author VID could kill us. letters may be rejected or less? What’s the plan? Keep Suggestion to City of and Carling to make an apo- of Measure D, has stated that We are suffering from edited. Letters are subject building and cram more and Livermore officials - please litical appointment based on if Alameda County permits pandemic fatigue and can’t to verification and may be more people in an area that’s do not put in that Road Diet! nothing except their qualifi- two proposed solar power enjoy what we did in the edited for clarity at the dis- reaching its limits? Citizens of Livermore cations for the position. plants in North Livermore past, so the parties make cretion of the editor. We You folks are unbeliev- - please check out the Lastly, to those at The Valley, more energy com- me especially angry. Now, reserve the right to decide able! We could discuss all 772-comment discussion Independent: do not edit panies will move into the because of the irresponsibil- whether or not the letter will of the things that are wrong that has been raging on next- this letter. valley. ity of those who decided to be published. Headings for with this project, but I feel door.com for over a month “Pretty soon, that area is “party” over Thanksgiving, all letters may be edited at that voter approval is a must. now! Many people are ques- Downtown Housing not going to have agriculture our health system and work- the discretion of the editor to You have to lay it all tioning the wisdom of this Jean King, Livermore at all,” Schneider told this ers are severely stressed, properly reflect their content. on the table. If you can’t, ‘road diet.’ After seeing the develop- paper earlier this year. “It’s businesses are suffering, A headline will be added to maybe you should move on ment on the Groth property, just going to have large scale and people are getting sick letters received without one. to somewhere else. Congratulations to many people were very en- power plants, and the char- and dying. Frequent letter writers may The Winners thusiastic about the idea of acter (of the valley) is going I say to those who caused have publication of their let- Putting in a ‘Road Diet’ Hayden Sidun, Livermore moving the affordable hous- to change.” this - you stupid, socially ir- ters delayed. Letters must be Along East Avenue I want to be among the ing off the downtown block. Measure D is why Liver- responsible, reprehensible, submitted by someone living Richard Hughes, Livermore first to congratulate Mayor This was a ‘win-win’ more still has open space, ignorant-of-science, uncar- in or from the Tri-Valley; When the Paradise Fire Woerner on his ascension to - more housing north of vineyards, farms, ranches, ing of those at risk, selfish, they must not offer medical happened recently, in Cali- the highest elected office in Railroad Avenue and more and wildlife habitats just stupid people. The virus does advice from unconfirmed fornia people were not able Livermore. open space or park in our a few minutes drive from need to be taken seriously, professional sources or con- to evacuate out of there fast Working on his campaign downtown. But what was downtown. We can’t let and you’re only helping it tain libelous or inappropri- enough, because of, you for five months out of this shown at Monday's council private corporations destroy spread, causing suffering and ate content. Letters should guessed it, a road diet. year, I grew close to him and workshop was less open the work of countless Liver- killing people. be limited to 400 words or www.quora.com/Are- got to know him more as a space in our downtown with more residents and organiza- I thank health care work- less and should be sent by California-road-diets-a- person. Mayor Woerner is a two large, expanded build- tions spanning decades to ers, grocery employees, email to letters@indepen- good-thing-or-bad-thing- kind and wonderful human ings that used up more of the preserve Livermore Valley. postmen, delivery services, dentnews.com or submitted Why-or-why-not being who truly cares about open space. Please take a moment to and others who are trying using the form below. To be The project implemented, Livermore and the interests We need Veteran’s Park contact the Alameda County hard to keep our society considered, letters must be in Paradise, to narrow the of its residents, and even if to be a real park for the Supervisors and that uphold functional for their efforts received by 10 a.m. on the main road from four lanes you didn't vote for him last residents, not a pathway be- Measure D and reject these and concern. Tuesday before publication. to two lanes was called the month, we can all rest as- tween three- and four-story solar power plant. Visit save- Skyway Road Diet. The sured that our city remains buildings. northlivermorevalley.com/ Don’t Give Up On Park COVID Deaths result was that while people in good hands. The council should con- action for an easy-to-use link Cal Wood, Livermore Approaching WWII were trying to escape the That said, I also want to tinue to work on a better to email the supervisors. Last week at the city Alan Burnham, Livermore California wildfire, they thank John Marchand, our plan. The scenic beauty, natural council’s workshop, I noted As I write this letter, CO- had fewer lanes to get out of now-former mayor, for his habitat and open space of that objections were raised VID deaths in the U.S. are town. This ‘Road Diet’ was dedicated service to this city We Must Speak Up the North Livermore Valley about examining the idea approaching 300,000 souls. paid for by increases in Cali- over these past nine years. Merlin Newton Sr., Livermore belong to all of us. We must of expanding the park by We also just commemo- fornia’s gasoline tax! Travel His leadership has brought In October, a spokesper- speak up now or it will be moving the housing north of rated the attack on Pearl lanes were reduced, and bike about much-needed change son for Intersect Power, the lost. Railroad avenue and greatly Harbor, which ushered us lanes added to Pearson Road, to Livermore, and it is be- company behind the pro- increasing the number of into World War II. COVID a major cross street that be- cause of what he was able posed massive Aramis solar Don’t Give Up units to be built. deaths are averaging about came jammed during the fire to accomplish that our city project, stated that Measure Rifka Several, Livermore Two objections were 15,000 per week. Deaths lag evacuation. is in such a good state today. D "was intended to protect Let’s not give up on a raised about a change. 1) diagnosis by approximately According to the Sacra- Like his successor, Mayor community open space like large, welcoming down- Housing adjacent to railroad two weeks, so we can expect mento Bee, the bottleneck Marchand is a wonderful parklands." town park – a place to meet tracks isn’t feasible and 2) deaths to rise a little though created by the Skyline Road man and the embodiment of This is false. Parks have friends, have outdoor enter- the land north of Railroad the end of the year, and then Diet caused some residents "leadership by example". We always been protected from tainment and events, and of Avenue would require years hopefully decline during to have to abandon their ve- should all be grateful for his development. Measure D course, draw people to shop to acquire. January, but an additional hicles to the flames and flee service to Livermore. serves an entirely different and dine downtown. The fallacy of the first 100,000 deaths by the end on foot, holding on to their I want to congratulate purpose and applies to the Such a park is a key com- argument is seen by Heritage of January is plausible. If not pantaloon strings! Councilmember Kiick on her ranch and farmland in North ponent for the new hotel Estates on Stanley Boule- then, certainly by Valentine’s City of Livermore of- ascension to the city council. Livermore Valley that Inter- to provide outdoor space vard and the Chestnut Street Day. ficials in cahoots with a pri- As our city's first queer and sect Power seeks to convert to relax and stroll. We talk housing development. The Consequently, before a vate company called TJKM millennial councilmember into an industrial solar power about the character of our second objection appears to significant number of people (Pleasanton) are seriously (at least, she is to the extent plant and lithium-ion battery downtown, but it has signifi- be incorrect also, since the can be vaccinated, COVID thinking of implementing a of my knowledge), I feel station. cantly changed with the First city owns some of the land, deaths will pass 400,000 ‘Road Diet’ along the en- comfortable living in a city Adopted by the voters in Street construction making and last week, Ruth Gasten souls in about a year. For tire length of East Avenue! where someone like her can 2000, Measure D established a corridor looming over the said that most of the land perspective, 407,000 mili- Check out their website at make it to the top, and as one an urban growth boundary existing buildings on the north is for sale now. tary personnel died in WWII www.eastavecorridorstudy. of Livermore's thousands of to prevent sprawl from en- other side of the street. The rush here is based on over four years. The sacrifice com. youth residents, I feel that croaching on the rural areas Post-pandemic, people the idea that we need low- of the population in WWII East Avenue is one of my interests are represented of east Alameda County. will be drawn to being to- cost housing now (which was huge, with war bonds only three major east-west on the city council more than Measure D's purpose gether, and a park would be we do) and that studying this and rationing coupons. arteries in the City of Liver- they were in previous years. is twofold: (1) ensure our an oasis for this and a lasting option would delay things By comparison, how big more! It is considered one of I want to congratulate dwindling agricultural lands, asset for our community. for up to five years. If the is the sacrifice of wearing the main evacuation routes Kristie Wang and Yanira open space, watersheds, and city were really intent on a mask and social distanc- to get away quickly from Guzmán on becoming trust- wildlife habitat are preserved Thanksgiving Parties Put exploring this change, it ing? A minor sacrifice by the Central Livermore Area, ees on the LVJUSD Board and (2) encourage infill and Us At Risk appears to me that it would of Education. As a student in transit-friendly development Mick Hanou, Pleasanton delay the project by about Livermore, it is comforting to help revitalize neighbor- I appreciate The Inde- a year at most, although it to me that the two newest hoods within existing urban pendent articles keeping us would take effort, time and additions to the school board boundaries. advised of the pandemic’s a real commitment. INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO. are parents of currently en- The Aramis solar plant progress in our communities. I strongly feel that we PUBLISHER: Joan Kinney Seppala should commit to exploring EDITOR:~ Aly Brown rolled students. Both have and the proposed neighbor- Unfortunately, we are ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: David T. Lowell (In Memoriam) impressive track records, ing SunWalker solar plant now in a severe lockdown a larger park in the center EDITOR: Janet Armantrout (In Memoriam) too: Wang is a community would extend for over a mile due to the rising caseload of town with more land for THE INDEPENDENT (USPS 300) is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550; (925)243-8000. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and activist who spearheaded along North Livermore Av- as a result of the parties or housing north of Railroad additional entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. THE INDEPENDENT is mailed upon request. For more Avenue. The quality-of -life information or to sign up visit www.independentnews.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Livermore's anti-vaping enue. Together, they would gatherings many had over Independent, 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. initiative with then-Coun- strike a dagger in the heart Thanksgiving. benefit for the citizens of Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925)243-8000 cilmember Woerner, and of Measure D. The plants Livermore would last a life- during regular business hours or by emailing [email protected]. The Valley communities Editorial information may be submitted by emailing [email protected] Guzmán is a teacher herself. would dramatically and per- had this somewhat con- time. www.independentnews.com Though a solid majority of manently alter an enormous trolled with responsible www.independentnews.com DECEMBER 17, 2020 • The Independent 5

Pleasanton Police Add New Officer, Dispatcher Children’s Chorus Offers Holiday Concert The Pleasanton Police Berkeley High School and The Cantabella Children’s Chorus will present a free online Department has added a new took criminal justice classes holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 19. The link to the officer and a dispatcher. at Merritt College. 40-minute concert will be available throughout the evening, Officer Imani Hiller- Dispatcher Audra Curtis beginning at 4 p.m., at www.cantabella.org. Bateau is a former cadet for previously worked in the The Pleasanton-based nonprofit has been conducting the Oakland Police Depart- emergency room for Stan- virtual classes via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. ment. She graduated from ford Health Care-ValleyCare. Children in the chorus recorded themselves at home for the holiday concert, with their voices then Seen from left, Dispatcher Audra Curtis and Officer combined digitally for the multi-part harmony. Imani Hiller-Bateau recently joined the Pleasanton Police Department. (Photo - PPD) Cantabella is also accepting registrations for spring 2021 classes, which will continue to be taught via Zoom. Community Services Combat Mental Health Crises During Pandemic By Jesse Watson of general trauma. drug concerns.” to online formats. The group the age of 60 can call for list of resources available to As the COVID-19 pan- Vice encourages her pa- The BCHS website of- now meets via Zoom for all senior-specific resources at seniors organized by Alam- demic increases stressors tients to find ways to main- fers several resources for workshops and peer groups, 925-931-5379. eda County Area Agency and national mitigation ef- tain social connection virtu- Alameda County residents, according to NAMI Tri-Val- Alameda County senior on Aging at https://bit.ly/ forts force individuals into ally, such as through phone including crisis support and ley Second Vice President citizens can also access a Indy_SeniorResources. isolation, professionals re- calls with family members or helplines for mental health Marsha McInnis. port increasing cases of men- connecting with churches or and substance-use treatment. “These are human prob- tal health crises. other groups. For more information, lems, and human connec- According to a recent If professional support visit www.acbhcs.org. tions that aren’t happening,” study by Mental Health is an option, Vice highly National Alliance on McInnis said. “We can’t do America, the number of recommends utilizing that Mental Illness it in person, so we’re on adults in the United States resource. The Tri-Valley affiliate Zoom.” experiencing a mental health “There's nothing wrong of the National Alliance on To get connected, email gayninetiespizza.com illness increased from 45 with seeking help or sup- Mental Illness (NAMI Tri- [email protected], million to 47 million in the port for this very unnatural Valley) provides advocacy, call 925-980-5331 or visit past year. shelter-in-place because support and resources for www.nami-trivalley.org. “Humans are wired for we're built to connect with families and individuals im- Senior Programs connection,” said Mary Vice, other humans,” she said. pacted by mental illnesses. Heightened isolation has a Livermore-based marriage Alameda County Behav- Specifically, the nonprofit been particularly difficult DELICIOUS PIZZA and family therapist. “The ioral Health Care Services organizes support groups for senior members of the isolation and any feelings One mental health re- and workshops for family community who may be MADE FRESH FOR YOU! coming from that are com- source available to the com- caregivers and individuals more susceptible to the CO- OPEN FOR TAKE OUT pletely normal and would be munity is Alameda County living with mental illnesses. VID-19 virus, according to AND PATIO DINING! strange not to have.” Behavioral Health Care Ser- Volunteers at NAMI Tri- Vice. The main mental health vices (BHCS). Valley also connect mem- “(Seniors) are facing issues Vice has seen as a According to its website, bers of the community who mortality, isolation and lone- result of the pandemic are the BCHS’s mission is to are looking for further help liness,” Vice said. “They’re increases in substance abuse “maximize the recovery, with other mental health almost feeling like pariahs and suicidality. Other preva- resilience and wellness of resources. just because they’re elderly.” lent issues include anxi- all eligible Alameda County When shelter-in-place The Senior Support ety, depression, relationship residents who are develop- went into effect, NAMI Tri- Program of the Tri-Valley 288 Main Street, Pleasanton | (925) 846-2520 stress, insomnia, unemploy- ing or experiencing serious Valley adapted by moving (SSPTV) provides a line ment stress and a surfacing mental health, alcohol or its resources and peer groups Tri-Valley residents over Hours: Sun–Thu 11am–7pm, Fri & Sat 11am–8pm

SUPERVISOR AG TT H GGER O TY SC

Serving All The Communities of District 1 6 The Independent • DECEMBER 17, 2020 www.independentnews.com

OUR LOCAL NONPROFITS NEED YOUR SUPPORT, PLEASE DONATE IF YOU ARE ABLE!

Amador Questers Livermore Valley Education 1089 Geneva Street Foundation Livermore, CA 94550-5661 849 East Stanley Boulevard 925-292-8123 PMB Box 143 www.CalQuest.org Livermore, CA 94550 www.questers1944.org LVEF.org Amador Valley Lions Club Livermore Valley Opera P. O. Box 1764 P.O. Box 1002 Pleasanton, CA 94566 Livermore, CA 94551 (925) 290-7592 925-321-6964 [email protected] Livermorevalleyopera.com Assistance League Amador Valley Livermore Valley P.O. Box 11843 Performing Arts Center Pleasanton, CA 94588 2400 First St. 925-461-6401 Livermore, CA 94550 Assistanceleague.org/Amador-valley/ 925-373-6100 Axis Community Health LivermoreArts.com 5925 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 100 Museum on Main Pleasanton, CA 94588 603 Main Street 925-201-6068 Pleasanton, CA 94566 Axishealth.org 902-462-2766 Big Bay Ray, Inc. Museumonmain.org Destiny Lopez and Roya Soltani process samples during a no-cost, drive-in COVID-19 [email protected] NAMI Tri-Valley testing effort at Livermore’s Elk’s Lodge. It was hosted by Bay Area Community 925-523-3133 P.O. Box 5563 Health, the City of Livermore and the Livermore Area Recreation Park District, on Bigbayray.com Pleasanton CA 94566 925-980-5331 Monday, Dec. 14. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) Blankets For Kids 7580 Driftwood Way www.nami-trivalley.org Pleasanton, CA 94588 Open Heart Kitchen 925-846-6155 1141 Catalina Dr. # 137, Cantabella Children’s Chorus Livermore CA 9 4550 New Pandemic Restrictions Have P.O. Box 131 (mailing address only) Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-580-1616 925-292-2663 OpenHeartKitchen.org Eateries Scrambling to Adapt Cantabella.org Pacific Locomotive Assoc., Inc. Cheza Nami Operators of Niles Canyon Railway By Tony Hicks Now, they're still going to Restaurants weren't the 5424 Sunol Blvd. Suite 10-15 P.O. Box 515 Bay City News Foundation gather. But they'll just do it only ones feeling posi- Pleasanton, CA 94566 Sunol, CA 94586-0515 chezanami.org (510) 996-8420 As COVID-19 cases at someone's house." tive only to have the door NCRY.ORG Delivery services such slammed shut with the new- continue to rise, Alameda Christian Youth Theater Tri-Valley Partners for Change Tri-Valley County is under regional as DoorDash also help keep est lockdown. P.O. Box 1586 4743 East Ave. orders to cease in-person people employed, Utikal Fusion3 Salon -- which Pleasanton, CA 94566 Livermore, CA 94550 925-421-1351 dining, including outside acknowledged. But the per- has locations in Livermore, 650-474-9962 cyttrivalley.org pfctv.org patios, and Tri-Valley res- centage the services take Pleasanton and Brentwood -- taurants are scrambling to cuts into his ability to pay closed except for take-home CityServe of Tri-Valley Paws In Need his own employees. products between March and P.O. Box 1613 [email protected] adapt. Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-551-1877 Many restaurants say "They're taking, pretty August. Owner Larry Phil- Paws-In-Need.org much, our margin," Utikal lips said business was back 925-223-6947 they were just recovering cityservetrivalley.org Pleasanton Art League from being shut down from said. "The gratuities also go to more than 807 of normal Community Health P.O. Box 23 March until June, when to DoorDash, so my servers by the end of November. Pleasanton, CA 94566 and people who prepared "With this shutdown, we Education Fund most counties re-opened CHEF/TVNF Pal-art.com with restrictions. the meal don't get anything. have committed to continu- C/O Maria Mancini Reins In Motion The latest shutdown, We need to make it clear to ing to pay our team's benefit P.O. Box is 420 Therapeutic Riding Program Livermore, CA 94551 P.O. Box 1001 Culinary Angels Livermore, CA 94551 4435 First St., #142 reinsinmotionca.com “Our message is to continue to ask our community to Livermore, CA 94550 Rotarian Foundation of Livermore support our restaurant and retail businesses by ordering CulinaryAngels.org P.O. Box 2181 Drivers For Survivors Livermore, CA 94551-2181 take-out food, merchandise and gift cards whenever possible.” 39270 Paseo Padre Pkwy #335 http://www.rotarianfoundationlivermore.org Fremont, CA 94536 510-369-5770 Sandra J. Wing Healing driversforsurvivors.org Therapies Foundation "while not entirely unex- people that picking up food packages through Jan. 4," 5890 Stoneridge Dr., Suite 104 Exceptional Needs Network Pleasanton, CA 94588 pected, is depressing and is the way to go." Phillips said. "After that, P.O. Box 3149 Matthew Greco, the own- we're not sure what will 866-862-7270 painful for members of the Livermore, CA 94551 HealingTherapiesFoundation.org business community," said er of Salt Craft in Pleas- happen and what we'll be 925-215-2281 Dawn Argula, president of anton, said the latest shut- capable of doing. Everyone ennetwork.org Senior Support Program the Livermore Valley Cham- down halted his restaurant's is furloughed on a fraction of Fertile GroundWorks of The Tri-Valley "social bubble dinners," their hours again." 4743 East Avenue 5353 Sunol Blvd. ber of Commerce. Pleasanton, CA 94566 with specialized menus for Fusion3 was able to se- Livermore, CA 94550 "Nonetheless, we under- 925-344-9090 925-931-5378 stand and support the ratio- groups. cure government loans to Fertilegroundworks.org SSPTV.org nale for doing so," Argula "All of our parties can- help cover payroll and other Shakespeare’s Associates, dba celled -- 12 of them -- be- expenses, though Phillips Friends of the Livermore Library said. "By now, businesses P.O. Box 2483 Livermore Shakespeare Festival are keenly aware that their tween now and the end of said when considering other Livermore, CA 94551 P. O. Box 2616 return to economic prosper- the year and into January. factors like lost gratuities, www.friendsoflivermorelibrary.org Livermore, CA 94551 They're all cancelled, which employees likely would've ity is intricately tied to our Friends of Open Space and Vineyards (925) 443-2273 ability to control the CO- kind of sucks,” Greco said. been better off taking unem- P.O. Box 1191 LivermoreShakes.org VID-19 virus." “It was the one revenue ployment benefits. Livermore, CA 94551 Shepherds Gate Sidetrack Bar + Grill in stream that continued to "We've offered help to fov.org 1660 Portola Ave. Pleasanton has two patios grow." our team in the form of food, Goodness Village Livermore, CA 94550 with about 1,000 square Greco has tried to com- money -- even just a chat. 1660 Freisman Rd. 925-443-4283 feet, and owner Todd Utikal pensate with take-out. But we really worry that Livermore, Ca 94551 ShepherdsGate.org said he was starting to turn "The demand has some of them won't have Goodnessvillage.community SPECTRUM Community a profit again, as long as the changed rapidly over the the basics to be comfort- Hively Services, Inc/Meals on Wheels weather was good. past nine months and while able and provide for their 6601 Owens Drive, Suite 100 2621 Barrington Ct. we're adapting, it's not easy," own families," Phillips said. Pleasanton, CA 94588 Hayward, CA 94545 "We were doing great," 925-417-8733 510-881-0300 said Utikal, who's been in Greco said. "The emotional stress can be BeHively.org SpectrumCS.org business for two years. "We Salt Craft's business was tough for a lot of people." already missing the lunch Steve Van Dorn, president Hope Hospice Sunflower Hill were coming back." 6377 Clark Ave. [email protected] Utikal said business crowd from nearby compa- of the Pleasanton Chamber Dublin, CA 94568 925-800-1042 was down about 40% this nies like Workday. "We host- of Commerce, said local 925-829-8770 SunFlowerhill.org November, compared to ed a lot of 12-person lunches businesses need all the help HopeHospice.com/donate The Taylor Family Foundation November 2019, but the for random companies," they can get. Interfaith Sharing Inc. P.O. Box 2450 restaurant was still getting Greco said, adding that the "Our message is to con- 678 Enos Way Livermore CA, 94551 by before the most recent full-service restaurant model tinue to ask our community Livermore, CA 94551 925-455-5118 was already becoming un- to support our restaurant and 925-366-5567 TTIF.org shutdown. saintbartslivermore.com "It's just been a roller sustainable, even before the retail businesses by ordering Tri-Valley Animal Rescue coaster, up and down," said pandemic. take-out food, merchandise Livermore-Amador Symphony Guild P.O. Box 11143 Utikal."I think my restau- "Everyone is in the red and gift cards whenever pos- P.O. Box 1049 Pleasanton, CA 94588 right now," he said. "I guess sible," Van Dorn said. "Also, Livermore, CA 94551 TVAR.org rant will survive, but my 925-447-6454 employees ... I have to look the goal is to retain the least check with your favorite Livermoreamadorsymphony.org/guild Tri-Valley Conservancy 1457 First St. them in the eye and tell amount of red. The question restaurant to see if they pro- is can we get something vide delivery services. This Livermore Area Recreation and Livermore, CA 94550 them I just can't give them Park District Foundation 925-449-8706 the hours they need. These done in time to save our saves the restaurant and the P.O. Box 3403 Trivalleyconservnacy.org businesses?" purchaser money." people are trying to pay Livermore, CA 94551 Tri-Valley Haven their rent." 925-373-5730 Larpd.org/larpd-foundation 3663 Pacific Ave. Utikal referenced the Livermore, CA 94551 recent battle in Southern Livermore Art Association 925-449-5842 California between govern- P.O. Box 216 TriValleyHaven.org Livermore, CA 94551 ment officials and restaurant 925-449-9927 Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance owners over what consti- Livermoreartassociation.org P. O. Box 2467 tutes an essential service and Livermore, CA 94550 Livermore Filipino-American TVNPA.org whether restaurants spread Your Daily Organization, Inc. the virus. Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre P.O. Box 172 P.O. Box 1445 The California Restau- Livermore, CA 94551 Pleasanton, CA 94566 rant Association has sued Online Local Livermorefilam.org [email protected] the state over the ban, claim- Livermore Heritage Guild Trivalleyrep.org P.O. Box 961 ing it is being arbitrary and ValleyCare Charitable unfair. Livermore, CA 94551 925-449-9927 Foundation/Stanford Health A Los Angeles restaurant News. Lhg.org Care-ValleyCare owner's video went viral 1111 E. Stanley Blvd. Livermore Homeless Refuge Livermore, CA 94550 last weekend showing a 4743 East Ave. film crew's catering area set 925-373-4560 Livermore, CA 94550 GiveValleyCare.org up near her establishment's 925-895-4167 closed outdoor dining area. HomelessRefugeLivermore.com Valley Concert Chorale P.O. Box 286 "Tell me that this is dan- Livermore Lab Foundation Livermore, CA 94551 gerous," said Angela Mars- c/o UC Office of National Labs Valleyconcertchorale.org den, the owner of Pineapple 1111 Broadway, Suite 2130 Valley Dance Theatre Hill Saloon & Grill, show- Oakland, CA 94607 925-453-9382 2247-B Second St. ing her space, then panning Livermorelabfoundation.org Livermore, CA 94550 to the film crew's set-up. 925-243-0925 Livermore Lions Club Valleydancetheatre.com "But right next to me - as a P.O. Box 975 slap in my face - that's safe. Livermore, CA 94551 Valley Humane Society This is safe?" 805-405-8743 3670 Nevada St. Pleasanton, CA 94566 "It's frustrating when 925-426-8656 they say it's our industry ValleyHumane.org that's causing the problem," independentnews.com Utikal said. "We were in a place where people were FREE NONPROFIT LISTING FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. happy to get back out again. Follow us on If you would like to be added please email [email protected] www.independentnews.com DECEMBER 17, 2020 • The Independent 7

TRACTOR (Continued from first page)

parcel in the back where we alternative, an operator can have its eyes riveted on created a test site for them, use Monarch’s interactive the Bay Area as these new and we have been working automation features to make tractors begin to make their collaboratively with them the machine follow a worker way into vineyards, orchards . . . we both have similar on the job. and fields next year. Chris values and vision, and Wente The Monarch Tractor’s Chandler of the Livermore is always trying to be on the price starts at $50,000. Valley Winegrowers Asso- forefront of innovation and Schwager said a compa- ciation said she was excited technology, and it’s worked rable John Deere will retail to see Monarch establish its out well.” for approximately $35,000, headquarters and take root in Established in 2018, the but cost thousands more in the Livermore Valley. Monarch Tractor founders the long run. “Monarch Tractor is wanted to utilize 21st-cen- “Because of the operating helping wine grape grow- tury technology to empower cost differential, our product ers get on a clear path to farmers to implement sus- will save a famer $280 a day sustainable farming,” said tainable and organic prac- in operating costs, so we Chandler. “Their mission Monarch Tractor founders stand beside the latest farming tech: an autonomous tices. make up that differential in aligns with our own to ad- e-tractor. One will soon debut at Wente Vineyards. (Photo - Monarch Tractor) “The Monarch Tractor less than six months,” he vance, protect and promote and our technology are ready said. the quality wines, vineyards for farmers around the world Kurtz stated that Wente and experiences of Liver- to start using our tractor and shares Monarch’s commit- more Valley Wine Country.” help you make more money ment to sustainable prac- For more information SWALWELL and take control of your tices. on Monarch Tractor, visit (Continued from first page) farm,” said Praveen Pen- “Sustainable practices https://www.monarchtrac- metsa, co-founder and CEO are often limited because tor.com/. across the country who had showing Fang with Swal- of Monarch. “All of this at a they are difficult to do and the potential to make it big well, Khanna, U.S. Rep. global scale means that you are very time consuming,” on the national stage." Cit- Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) can really trust the Monarch Kurtz said. “When you don’t ing current and former U.S. and former U.S. Rep. Mike Tractor to do your mission have an operator, time no Intelligence officials and Honda, who was defeated critical applications today.” longer becomes a real factor, Reed one former elected official, by Khanna. Mark Schwager, Mon- and you can run a tractor, po- Axios said Fang got close to Axios said its report- arch co-founder and presi- tentially, 24/7 … it changes Plumbing political power through fun- ing took a year. Swalwell dent, stated that the com- the whole equation and al- Company draising, extensive network- suggested in interviews pany won’t ask farmers to lows you to embrace some LIVERMORE, CA ing, personal charisma and with Politico and CNN choose between profitability of these practices that are romantic or sexual relation- that the timing the infor- and sustainability. more financially possible.” (925) ships with two Midwestern mation was leaked to the “The two have to come He noted removing the 371-5671 mayors from 2011-2015. media coincided with the together,” he continued. human from the equation U.S. officials told Axios impeachment investigation [email protected] Schwager noted the trac- makes it a much safer tractor LICENSE #601931 they did not believe Fang and Swalwell’s outspoken- tor’s ability to collect data as well. received or passed on classi- ness against President Don- – combined with its electric The farming world will Rep. Eric Swalwell fied information. However, ald Trump. He told reporters engine and autonomous they stated that the discov- it was intended to hurt him. capabilities – will funda- district includes Dublin, ery of her activities was a “They are not going to mentally change farmers’ Pleasanton, Livermore, "big deal" because of whom silence me,” Swalwell said. economics and allow them Sunol and 11 other cities — she targeted; it’s indicative “But what they are going to to become more profitable. cut ties to her and provided of how hard China is work- do is they are going to make The high-tech tractors can information about her to ing to infiltrate the United others think twice when they perform preprogrammed the FBI to assist with their States. Axios reported that are asked to sit down and tasks without a driver. As an investigation, he said. private but unclassified in- provide ... information about “Long ago, Rep. Swal- formation about government people like this.” well provided information officials — including their Despite no indication of about this person, whom habits, schedules and social anything illegal on Swal- he hasn’t seen in nearly networks — is a part of what well’s part, right-leaning six years, to the FBI, and foreign intelligence opera- publications and television he didn’t participate in the tives collect and reveals how shows focused on Swalwell Axios story to protect infor- China tried to gain access to and the Chinese spy. Tucker mation that might be clas- and influence U.S. political Carlson accused Swalwell sified,” Swalwell’s spokes- circles. of a sexual relationship with man Josh Richman said. Swalwell, a former Dub- Fang. Axios reported that “The FBI has now reaf- lin mayor elected in 2012, Fang slept with two mayors, firmed that Rep. Swalwell was among the more sig- but indicated nothing about was never suspected of nificant targets because he Swalwell. wrongdoing in this matter. was considered a rising star Some Republican politi- In addition, the Republican in the Democratic party, the cians demanded answers and Democratic congres- report said. Swalwell beat from Swalwell and Demo- sional leadership were in- incumbent Congressman cratic leaders. formed that Rep. Swalwell Pete Stark for the post and "Why is Speaker Pe- was not suspected of wrong- serves on the Intelligence losi trying to sweep this doing. No concerns were committee. He ran for presi- under the rug?" U.S. Rep. raised on either side of the dent in 2019, but was the Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) aisle at that time or over the first candidate to drop out. wrote on Twitter on Dec. past five years.” Fang first took part in 10. "Rep. Swalwell needs to Despite that, House Mi- fundraising activity for stop dodging questions and nority Leader Kevin Mc- Swalwell’s 2014 reelection explain to the Intelligence Carthy, a Republican who campaign, and interacted Committee exactly what represents Bakersfield, sug- with him at multiple events, happened regarding the al- gested Swalwell should not Axios reported, citing its leged Chinese spy." continue to serve on the sources. Florida Sen. Rick Scott Intelligence Committee. Axios, said there was no said on Fox Business that Swalwell became fodder for evidence Fang’s activities Swalwell cannot remain on discussion on right-leaning resulted in Swalwell receiv- the Intelligence committee. talk shows. ing illegal contributions. Georgia Congressman “He is jeopardizing na- Aal counterintelligence Doug Collins, the House In- tional security,” McCarthy officials began watching telligence committees rank- told reporters. Fang in 2015 and notified ing member, stated "Eric Swalwell said he would Swalwell, who quickly cut Swalwell is a risk to our remain on the committee. ties with her. Fang left the national security. He should House Speaker Nancy Pe- country, Axios said. be removed from the House losi said she knew about the Axios said Fang also Intelligence Committee im- Chinese spy plot and had no targeted Ro Khanna, volun- mediately.” problem with Swalwell. teering for his unsuccess- Swalwell told CNN the Axios reported Dec. 8 ful 2014 bid for Congress FBI thanked him for his that China’s intelligence to represent Fremont and help. operation placed Fang — surrounding communities. "There was never a sus- known as Fang Fang — in He won in 2016. She also picion of wrongdoing on the United States to target raised funds for Tulsi Gab- my part, and all I did was "up-and-coming local poli- bard (D-Hawaii) in 2013. cooperate and the FBI said ticians in the Bay Area and Axios posted photographs that,” Swalwell said. EDITOR (Continued from first page) Envisioning a world in mals, champions responsi- which every animal is loved ble caretaking, shares pets’ and every person knows soothing affections with the love of an animal, VHS people in need of comfort, creates a brighter future for and supports and preserves cats and dogs by encourag- existing pet-guardian rela- ing and strengthening the tionships. We wish you the bond between people and To learn more about happiest of holidays pets. VHS rescues and re- VHS, visit https://valley- and a prosperous 2021! Holiday Tree habilitates companion ani- humane.org. Collection INMATE Holiday Service Schedule Livermore Sanitation will collect (Continued from first page) CHRISTMAS WEEK & NEW YEAR’S DAY trees from January 4-15, 2021. on suspicion of grand theft, was booked at 11 a.m. and WEEK: If your regular collection day is receiving stolen property that his case this time is Friday, your containers will be serviced PLEASE REMEMBER: and vehicle theft. Santa "bailable." He is scheduled one day later. • Put your tree at Rita Jail records showed he to appear in court Feb. 11. the curb by 6am on your regular service day during the dates listed above. • Make sure the stand, lights and decorations have been removed.

• Cut tall trees into pieces no longer OPEN FOR than five feet.

WINE TASTING & • NOTE: Flocked trees cannot be BOTTLE SALES. composted. Please contact us for RESERVE YOUR TABLE TODAY! disposal options. Please visit our website to reserve. RetzlaffVineyards.com 925-449-7300 • www.LivermoreSanitation.com 8 The Independent • DECEMBER 17, 2020 www.independentnews.com NUCLEAR (Continued from first page) the policy Wednesday, Dec. a Sept. 24 letter from 11 16, after The Independent’s community choice aggrega- deadline. tors to the California Public The source of the power Utilities Commission. is PG&E’s Diablo Canyon, While the previous pro- the state’s last remaining posals to accept nuclear nuclear-power plant. It is power would have result- scheduled for decommis- ed in EBCE reporting the sioning in 2024 and 2025 source in its power mix, the when the operating licenses latest proposal would avoid on the station’s two reactors that requirement. expire. Cynthia Landry, a union

“Given the level of controversy and the uncertainty around it, it’s not worth doing. I worry about what that does to our branding long term and our ability to hold the moral high ground when we’re sitting in a room with assemblymembers and saying, ‘Help us out because we’re the good guys.”

PG&E plans to make up representative who serves for the lost generation with on the EBCE’s community renewable energy procure- advisory panel, acknowl- ment and energy efficiency edged the potential finan- programs. Currently, the cial benefit, but likened it Ralph Mele of Pleasanton and Denise Gajewski of Fremont pick up some favorite wines at Darcie Kent Vineyards’ nuclear energy generated to money laundering. Barn Sale in the company's renovated, purple barn, on Saturday, Dec. 12. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) at Diablo Canyon is sent “There’s something to California’s grid. The there that just doesn’t feel new plan would not change right,” she said. where the power ultimately Every year, entities like Virtual Turkey Burn Run Raises $7,000 or Youth Programs flows. It is a paper financial EBCE receive carbon-free transaction that determines allocations from PG&E Despite the obstacles family members or small of positive feedback from The Turkey Burn helps who holds title to the power and have the option to ac- posed by the COVID-19 groups of friends in the our runners and walkers,” supports local youth services and the assignment of as- cept energy produced at pandemic, the Pleasanton Tri-Valley area, according Cherman said. “The spirit of such as the Rotary Interna- sociated rights and obliga- large hydroelectric plants, North Rotary managed to to Michael Cherman, who the Turkey Burn lived on.” tional Youth Exchange, Stu- tions. or from the Diablo Canyon raise more than $7,000 for chaired the Rotary organiz- As in past years, partici- dent of the Month awards, “The dollar amount nuclear power plant, or youth programs during its ing committee. pants were again invited to the Richard D. King Youth means a lot to me in terms both. At the board’s direc- sixth annual Tri-Valley Tur- The 2019 Tri-Valley Tur- share messages of thanks in Speech Contest, and schol- of what I would decide,” tion earlier this year, EBCE key Burn Family Fun Run key Burn at Ken Mercer words and pictures on their arships to the Rotary Youth EBCE Board Chairman accepted carbon-free allo- over the Thanksgiving holi- Sports Park in Pleasanton Turkey Burn runners’ bibs. Leadership Award camp Dan Kalb told the com- cations from hydropower day. drew nearly 2,000 registered The Rotary also accepted in Scott’s Valley, Califor- mittee. sources only. This year’s Turkey Burn participants. donations of canned and nia. Funds this year will Kalb, an Oakland City Under the proposal, drew 225 registered partici- “It was hard to predict packaged food items for also go to Seek and Save, a Councilmember, signaled EBCE would elect to begin pants who planned their own what it would be like to go the Tri-Valley Haven Food Pleasanton-based charity for he might vote for the pro- accepting nuclear energy runs, walks, or strolls with virtual, but we still had a lot Pantry. under-served youth. posal if the staff could zero from PG&E early next year. in on more precise revenue Prior to receiving nuclear estimates and dedicate the allocations, EBCE would Twin Valley District Scouts Support Alameda Food Bank profits to local clean energy transfer title to the power projects. to an energy marketer that Scouts from the Twin raised $4,737 in donations go door-to-door as in past social media to reach out to If approved, EBCE’s would then attempt to resell Valley District, which covers during the annual Scouting food drives because of the friends and neighbors. annual share of the nuclear it to a third party. EBCE Pleasanton, Livermore, Dub- for Food drive, surpassing COVID-19 pandemic, the The food and donations power revenue is project- would receive half of the lin and Sunol, helped collect the district’s goal of $3,500. Scouts relied on a combina- went to the Alameda County ed to range from between net revenue from any sale. 5,570 pounds of food and Without being able to tion of emails, texts, and Community Food Bank. $500,000 to more than In addition to the finan- $1 million based on staff cial benefit, Chaset said, in estimates, but actual pro- one sense, a greater benefit ceeds from the sale could potential is placing com- be considerably higher or munity choice aggregators lower based on actual sales. in a better competitive posi- The initial range presented tion relative to PG&E. The TRI-VALLEY CALENDAR OF EVENTS to the executive committee reasons are complex, but was between $175,000 on the more nuclear power the low end and more than community choice utilities $2 million on the high end. take from PG&E, the more Now until Saturday, March 6 concert events. Celebrate the Pleasanton Farmers Market and engineering courses to art, “A few hundred thou- carbon-emitting power gen- Give the Gift of Swim holiday season and ring in the New Open for the Season public speaking, and outdoor group American Swim Academy is Year with the whole family. “Home Open Saturdays, from 10 to exercise. There are even courses on sand dollars doesn’t seem eration PG&E will have to for the Holidays” is scheduled LEGO and Minecraft. Sign up now worth the trouble, you report to consumers. offering its 2021 Winter Camps for 1 p.m., at Main Street and West for Dec. 17, and “Good Riddance Angela Street. Seniors 60 and at https://bit.ly/33BNAoU. know. A million and a half PG&E produces more age 6 months to 15 years. Camps run weekly for 30 minutes with 2020” is scheduled for Dec. 31. over are welcome for specialized or more seems worth it,” energy than it sells to retail Buy one or both concerts at https:// EBRPD Brings “Parks to class ratios as low as 2:1. Gift shopping from 9 to 10 a.m. People” Kalb said. “We don’t know customers. Because state certificates are now available. The bit.ly/3gk8yhP. where it’s going to land, but energy regulations allow Livermore Valley Opera airs East Bay Regional Park Dis- academy is also hiring for positions trict is committed to the idea that’s how I’m thinking.” utilities to report only the in Dublin, Livermore and Walnut Friday, Dec. 18 & Wednesday, Friday Episodes The local Clean Power amount of generation equal Dec. 23 If you need a dose of opera of lifelong learning and helping Creek. For more information, visit people make their own discov- Alliance, which fought to retail sales, PG&E uses americanswimacademy.com. The Nutcracker while on lock-down, check out LV two previous proposals this creative accounting meth- December at the Bankhead Opera on YouTube. There are new eries about local parks. The re- year to add nuclear energy ods to avoid disclosing its Thursday, Dec. 17, usually brings the delightful Valley releases every Friday at 7 p.m. To sources they have complied are to EBCE’s power mix, op- actual power mix, which Friday, Dec. 18 Dance Theater production of this subscribe, visit www.livermoreval- designed to be used at home, in poses the concept of mon- includes electricity sourced Supervisor Scott Haggerty’s holiday favorite. This year, enjoy a leyopera.com. a classroom or part of any online learning. For more information, vis- etizing nuclear power. Op- from natural gas-fired pow- Toy and Canned Food Stream on Demand performance Six Feet Apart Productions Holiday Open House with Su- on Dec 18 or 23, and recapture it www.ebparks.org/activities/ ponents question whether er plants, a major source of Shares Art From a Distance digital_learning/default.htm. there is a market to resell greenhouse gas emissions. pervisor Scott Haggerty. Please the magic of this enchanting event. deliver an unwrapped new toy and/ Sunday Night Stories is an on- the energy and say nuclear “Given the level of con- Tickets are free, but donations line show with people sharing true LARPD Now on YouTube power is not clean energy; troversy and the uncertainty or canned food item for donation are appreciated. For tickets, visit ELivermore Area Recreation & to a local charity to The Historic stories, poetry, comedy, music they state the agency should around it, it’s not worth https://bit.ly/37fGKIU. and more, featuring an eclectic mix Park District is featuring videos for Heritage House Alameca County all ages with virtual activities, in- focus its attention else- doing,” said Hayward City Fairgrounds 4501 Pleasanton of entertainment to feel connected where. Councilman Al Mendall, Saturday, Dec. 19 in times of social distancing and cluding Basketball Academy, Mys- Ave. Pleasanton between 9am and Cantabella Children’s Chorus tery Craft Making Activities and They also raise the pros- the EBCE executive com- 6pm. For more information, please self-isolation, live every week, pect of taking on a liability, mittee chair. “I worry about “Wishful Singing” on Sundays, at 7:30 p.m. For many more to come. Visit www. contact Melissa Hernandez at 925- Holiday concert online will larpd.org to subscribe and receive noting the 2011 earthquake what that does to our brand- 803-7253 or melissa.hernandez@ more information, visit facebook. include favorites “Deck the Hall” com/pg/Six-Feet-Apart-Produc- notifications as new videos are and tsunami that triggered ing long term and our abil- acgov.org. and “Silent Night”. Link will be the 2011 meltdown at the ity to hold the moral high tions or eventbrite.com/e/sun- available. available December 19th at 4pm, day-night-stories. Fukushima Daiichi nucle- ground when we’re sitting Thursday, Dec. 17 through the rest of the evening. Music Together Tri-Valley ar power plant in Japan. in a room with assembly- Holiday Resources Cantabella has maintained train- Stress Relief Recovery Supports Early Childhood Diablo Canyon is perched members and saying, ‘Help Drive-Thru for Seniors ing classes via zoom participa- International Development on a bluff above the Pa- us out because we’re the Join Dublin Senior Center for tion. Each child self-recorded for A confidential, peer-led, self- This international, award-win- cific Ocean. PG&E says good guys.’” a fun, socially distanced event. the concert. Each recording was help group for stress relief will take ning, early-childhood music pro- the plant is safe and would Berkeley Mayor Jesse Pick up a useful list of resources post-processed to combine all place Sundays, at 2 p.m., via con- gram supports parents with songs withstand any earthquakes, Arreguín, the committee and information about local senior voices into multi-part harmony. ference call. Get guidance on and musical activities to enjoy with tsunamis and flooding that vice chair, said the board services, plus a swag bag filled For link visit www.cantabella.org practicing a method developed 80 their children through play-based could occur at the site. has had “spirited discus- with goodies to help you through years ago by psychiatrist Abraham learning curriculum, designed to EBCE staff say the pro- sions” on whether the the holidays. Free to those 50 and Wednesday, Jan. 13 to A. Low to replace the ‘defeatist help everyone learn to sing in tune posed transaction does not agency should accept any better, first come, first served. Wednesday, May 19 babble of the brain, with secure and keep a beat. For more informa- carry risk. nuclear power in the al- Please enter from Donohue Drive Coffee Hour for Seniors thinking to help cope with the tion, visit www.musictogether.com. and drive toward the Dublin Senior Zoom “Coffee Hour for Seniors” stressful events in our everyday “East Bay Clean Power locations. will resume once a month, on Pacific Chamber Orchestra Alliance opposes nuclear,” “I just am nervous about Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd, lives. Call 925-515-604-9094, ID Dublin, 12:30pm to 1:15pm. Stay Wednesday mornings, beginning 192451547#. Offers Musical Podcast said Barbara Stebbins, a the agency playing a role in in January. The Zoom get-togethers During this time of challenge, volunteer with the orga- promoting nuclear energy, in your car, roll down the window of an unoccupied passenger seat, or will take place from 10:00 a.m. to VIRTUAL ONLINE EVENTS PCO continues to bring every- nization. “If it opposes even if it’s not for our cus- pop open the trunk. Senior Center 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 13, Feb. 17, -AVAILABLE ANYTIME one beautiful music made in- nuclear, we oppose the idea tomers,” he said. staff will bring the swag bag to March 17, April 14 and May 19. sightful. Conductor Lawrence of taking it and selling it to Emeryville City Coun- you. For more information call For more information, visit dublin. Register for Virtual and Kohl is pleased to announce the someone else.” cilwoman Dianne Martinez, 925-556-4511. ca.gov/380/Special-Events. Outdoor Activities launch of a series of podcasts of For proponents, the nu- a member of the executive Do you want to learn a new musician interviews and conver- clear option is viewed as committee, said she was Thursday, Dec. 17, Thursday, ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS skill, dabble in a new art form, get sations about the music. Subscribe a way to offset the Power persuaded that the benefits Dec. 31 into shape, or finally take up that to listen at www.pacificchamber- Charge Indifference Ad- of the proposal are worth Livermore Downtown new hobby you’ve pushed back for orchestra.org. Holiday Concerts Farmers Market Open for so long? The Pleasanton Library justment, known as the considering. Everyone’s favorite “little or- the Season and Recreation Department is now utility “exit fee” that PG&E “This nuclear is going chestra” Pink Martini brings some Open Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. offering a wide variety of virtual charges community choice to be on the grid no matter much-needed holiday cheer right to 1 p.m., at Carnegie Town Square and outdoor in-person courses aggregators like EBCE. what and I feel like it’s a into your living room this December (South K Street between Third and this fall. Registration is open for Community aggrega- giveaway to PG&E, and with a pair of brand-new streaming Fourth St.) 2155 Third St. everything from coding, web design tors say the fee has under- even if we’re not making a cut their ability to provide huge impact by selling this clean energy to consumers off, if we are able to set at competitive rates. It has off a chain of other CCAs Enter events online at www.independentnews.com/calendar or risen more than 600% since making similar actions, that 2013 and nearly doubled will force PG&E to report email [email protected] for print. since 2018, according to all that dirty energy.” www.independentnews.com DECEMBER 17, 2020 • The Independent 9 SUNWALKER (Continued from first page) OBITUARIES pleted. Board member Derek plicant, who objected to the ranged from incompliances Eddy said the project should conditions set by the board with Measure D and the undergo review at two-year — filed appeals on the larger Williamson Act to the de- Joan Tabb Fisher Boer intervals for the first 10 years 410-acre Aramis project, struction of open space and Aug. 24, 1928 – Dec. 9, 2020 to ensure compliance. The also in North Livermore. the scenic corridor. Some Joan was born in Montreal, Joan was a patron of the arts, two agreed the applicant The hearing date for Aramis chimed in on the impracti- Canada, on Aug. 24, 1928, the focusing her support in recent would need to provide proof is now set for Jan. 12. In a cality of using the land for first child of Josephine Houston years on Livermore’s Shake- of potable water purchase. letter addressed to Alameda grazing sheep. Smith Fisher and John Tabb speare’s Associates, while trek- Fisher. king to Ashland Oregon annu- The family’s early years ally for the Oregon Shakespeare were spent on the Main Line in Festival from 1955 to 2019. “I’m concerned for the unique ecosystem of the Pennsylvania. Joan attended The Dogged in recent years Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr by macular degeneration and North Livermore Valley. The dry agriculture that’s where she became captain of COPD, Joan nevertheless al- been in place for generations here is congruent with the field hockey team, and for ways maintained a sincere op- whose teachers she retained timism and genuine interest in the special environmental needs related to sustaining fond memories throughout her others, bringing joy into the life. lives of all who knew her. what is left of the rare alkali sink wetlands.” When Joan was 12, the fam- A long-time admirer of Joe ily moved to San Francisco, Biden, in 2020, Joan partici- where Joan attended Lowell pated in a vast conspiracy of “A decision like this, for County Planning Director Public speaker Jackie High School. Graduating at the over 80 million people to deny me, just like last month, is Albert Lopez, requesting Bowles lives in North Liver- age of 15, she described the next Donald Trump a second term as very, very, very difficult an extension on the Aramis more and said she runs one of few years as some of her dullest, president. and affects a lot of people, hearing, FOL and FOSV the largest flocks of sheep in although some excitement was She is survived by her sister, and people that are actually indicated they too will con- Alameda County. provided when she and other Susan S. Purdy of New York friends of mine … I hear sider filing appeals on the “I can tell you as a sheep underage girls would sneak into City; daughter, Rebecca Davies, the dance halls and meet sailors lately of LaGrange, Illinois; everything that people say,” Sunwalker project. producer that raising sheep on shore leave. sons, Bruce Boer of Oakland, Eddy said, adding that the The Dec. 10 Sunwalker on this land is not going to Joan subsequently matricu- California, and Nicholas Boer decision supports movement decision followed public work,” Bowles said. lated at the University of Cali- of Livermore; grandchildren, toward renewable energy. comment and a brief presen- Patti Cole of the Friends fornia, Berkeley, graduating in Samuel Boer of Oakland, Anna Save North Livermore tation from project applicant of the Springtown Wetlands 1955 with a B.A. in English. Boer of Orinda, California, and Valley (SNLV) — a grass- Kevin White, who addressed Preserve echoed the concern There, she and her future hus- After several years as a Jake Davies and Molly Davies roots group that formed to three concerns expressed by that the project was incom- band, Garret Boer, met as actors housewife raising three children, of Chicago, Illinois; cousin, in a drama department produc- Joan began work as a reporter David Webster of Boulder, “safeguard the valley’s sce- the community in previous patible with Measure D. She tion of George Bernard Shaw’s Colorado; nephews and niece,s nic beauty and open space meetings and communica- was also one of several to for The Livermore Independent, “The Misalliance,” she playing also editing the Lively Arts sec- Christopher Purdy of Wash- from destruction by com- tions. The three included note the county’s solar policy Hypatia and he playing Lord ington D.C., Mary Purdy of mercial power companies” the possibility of the panels should be in place before tion of that newspaper and con- Summerhays. tinuing as a journalist with The Seattle, Washington, Kimberly — plans to file an appeal on creating a heat island effect, moving forward with any of Joan relinquished her dream Independent, The Valley Times, Fisher Robinson of Houston, the decision. groundwater contamination the projects. of pursuing an acting career in and the Alameda Newspaper Texas, and Robert Barry Fisher Chris O’Brien of SNLV and power not serving the “I’m concerned for the New York City after waking up Group until the early 1990s. of Houston. Her parents, her wrote in a statement that local community. unique ecosystem of the to the splendor of the Yosemite Subsequently, she volun- brother Barry, and her husband Valley, having arrived late the teered with the Friends of the Garret preceded her in death. it was disappointing to see “Although you know so- North Livermore Valley,” previous night with Garret. Joan was devoted to com- the BZA move ahead with- lar panels may trap incoming Cole said. “The dry agricul- Livermore Library, editing the The two settled eventually in newsletter for several years and bating global warming. Dona- out Beyer, who “previously heat that reaches the space ture that’s been in place for Livermore, where Garret spent tions in Joan’s memory can questioned the propriety of below the panels during the generations here is congruent assisted various local arts as- his career with the Lawrence sociations with press releases. be made to the Sierra Club constructing industrial solar day and limit the radiation with the special environmen- Livermore National Laboratory. Joan also volunteered as a do- or other climate action orga- facilities in North Livermore of that heat away from the tal needs related to sustaining For many years, the couple cent at the Oakland Museum of nizations, St. Bartholomew’s Valley.” ground at night, thus caus- what is left of the rare alkali continued to pursue their pas- California and edited the Docent Episcopal Church, Livermore “What is most disap- ing a slight local increase sink wetlands. In addition sion for dramatic arts with the Newsletter. Library, Shakespeare’s Associ- Cask and Mask Theater Com- ates, Encore Players, Oregon pointing, however, is the in temperature, it is most to the requisite North Liver- Upon Garret’s death in 2007, pany, which staged numerous Joan became a regular par- Shakespeare Festival, Oakland failure of the two com- pronounced in the evenings more Valley soils, hydrology productions in the old May Museum of California, or other missioners who approved and at night,” White said, and climate, specific plants ticipant in services at St. Bar- School in Livermore’s rural out- tholomew’s Episcopal Church local arts organizations. the Sunwalker project to touching on the heat island and animals play an ongoing, skirts. Later, Joan was a board in Livermore, relishing her Joan lost her battle with consider the numerous and effect issue. “Those effects continuous dance to survive member, actor, and director opportunities to read and discuss COVID-19 in the early hours sound objections made by are highly localized and here.” for several productions of The passages from both the Old and of Dec. 9, 2020. She will be residents of North Liver- most pronounced when land Imhof asked for a con- Encore Players. Her last stage New Testaments. profoundly missed. appearance was in 2018 at the Throughout her adult life, more Valley and the City below the panels is unveg- firmation from staff that the age of 90. of Livermore and repre- etated.” project is allowable under sentatives of local envi- On water quality, White Measure D. Staff read aloud ronmental organizations,” said the CDT within the pho- the report, which states the O’Brien continued. “Save tovoltaic modules is highly project parcel is outside of Jean Stuart Bonde North Livermore Valley is stable; even if the modules the Urban Growth Bound- Oct. 31, 1934 – Dec. 1, 2020 determined to preserve our were to become broken or ary established by Measure agricultural land and open damaged, they would not D but falls under the large Jean Stuart Bonde, 86, ponies during the time she and passed away peacefully Tues- Wayne lived there. Jean was also space for future genera- mobilize from the glass. On parcel agriculture land-use day, Dec. 1, 2020. known for her love of Hershey’s tions. We will not allow in energy exporting outside designation. The planning Jean was born in Ports- chocolate and always having a matter of mere weeks the of California, he showed a department states that it does mouth, Virginia, on Oct. 31, her door open for gatherings destruction of land that has map and noted that based on not consider ground-mount- 1934, to David and Flora (Mof- of family, friends, and the Buy for centuries been used for local consumption of power, ed solar installations to be fat) Critchlow and was the be- Back Babes. farming and ranching and it was most likely to stay in structures. loved wife of Wayne Leo Bonde In addition to her husband today is restricted under the region. The Aramis appeal hear- for the last 43 years. Wayne, Jean is survived by her Measure D and other laws While some speakers ing is expected to take place Jean grew up in Livermore children, Kathy (David) Fer- and graduated from Livermore reira, David (Pamela) Lasorda, for agricultural uses only.” thanked White for address- Jan. 12, unless an extension High School. She worked as Wayne (Brenda) Bonde, Mary In recent weeks, SNLV ing concerns, the 22 public is taken into consideration. a civil service employee for Bonde, Juliann (John) Banke, — along with Friends of speakers — all of whom For a schedule of county the Department of Defense and Matthew (Dana Kristina) Livermore (FOL), Friends of opposed moving forward meetings, visit http://www. and later as a secretary at the missions in California. Bonde. She is also survived by Open Space and Vineyards with the project — pointed acgov.org/participate.htm. Livermore VA Medical Center. Jean was an animal lover 13 grandchildren and 15 great (FOSV) and the Aramis ap- out other issues. Complaints Jean was an avid stamp collec- and most passionate about her grandchildren. tor and traveler, spending time dogs and horses. She volun- A memorial tribute will be in Europe and the Far East. teered at the Chincoteague held in the future on Chin- VACCINE Jean and Wayne traversed the coteague Island for family and (Continued from first page) National Wildlife Refuge as a U.S. five times in their motor tour bus guide and developed a friends. Arrangements by Cope- to individual facilities to ad- The Livermore campus it is working to ensure an home and visited all 21 Spanish love for the wild Chincoteague land’s Sewickley. minister it — first to skilled could begin administering equitable distribution based nursing facilities where the shots to front-line health on those health care workers most ill people are living, care workers there as early in areas with highest risk for and then to other residential as Friday, a hospital spokes- exposure. care facilities for the elderly woman confirmed. “When we receive our Maria Juanita “Ruby” Herrera Costello — Clanon said. There are multiple vac- vaccine allocations for Nov. 24, 1932 – Dec. 1, 2020 The county aims to start cines in the pipeline, includ- health care workers, we are Mom passed away peace- local community with loving early in some of the highest- ing another “highly effec- prepared to move quickly to fully at home in the loving care compassion. She touched so risk neighborhoods in an tive” COVID-19 vaccine vaccinate groups at greatest of her three daughters, ACE many lives with her historical attempt to get ahead of the developed by Moderna that risk, as required by public Hospice, and Assisted Liv- stories, acts of kind-heartedness, ing Provider, Silvia (and Jose) commitment and unconditional current surge of expected the FDA aims to authorize health agencies, and based Galdamez. love for friends and family. infections. Throughout the for emergency use on Friday, on our infectious disease Ruby was a devoted mother, A private family service pandemic, the Alameda with two additional vaccines leaders’ review of clinical grandmother, and great-grand- will be held Dec. 29. Her ar- County Public Health De- likely to follow in the next evidence,” said Michelle mother. She was one of seven rangements were cared for by partment reported Black and month to six weeks. Most Gaskill-Hames, senior vice children raised by loving par- Callaghan Mortuary and St. Mi- Latino residents experienced will require two injections, president, for health plan ents, Patrocinia Lobato Herrera chael’s Cemetery in Livermore. a disproportionate rate of with approximately 30 days and hospital operations at and Benjamin Herrera, in El She will rest in the St. Michael’s Guache, New Mexico. the Archangel Section, row 6, infection. between doses. Kaiser Permanente Northern She was preceded in death marker 15. Federal health agencies The Pfizer-BioNTech, California. by siblings, Lila Roque, Chris- In lieu of flowers, please and the California Depart- the first out the gate, appears The county’s first CO- consider making donations tina Chavez, Rita Serna, and High graduate, where she fur- ment of Public Health de- to be safe with an efficacy VID-19 vaccination clinic to her childhood church, San Tony Herrera. She is survived by ther developed an inquisitive Jose Renovation Committee, veloped the distribution rate of 95% in preventing is tentatively planned for children, Marina Sara Costello, nature, passion for life-long c/o Thomas Cordova, P.O. Box timeline. The discretion of COVID-19 based on a large- Saturday, Sunday and Mon- Margaret Silvia Single (Jerry), learning, and desire to read all 1381, Espanola, New Mexico, local health departments scale clinical trial. But it also day on the grounds of St. and Patrocinia Katrina Rice books under the sun and share 87532. over prioritization is not brings significant logistical Rose Hospital in Hayward, (Dennis Jenkins); grandchildren, that knowledge. She lived her The family would like to Tiffany Marie Brill (Jason), and adult life in Oakland, Hayward, entirely clear-cut, but the challenges. It requires a where. St. Rose hospital thank Vineyard Village com- Michael Steven Lee (Lovelhie and Livermore. She’s a retired county works closely with precisely timed delivery workers and first respond- munity for providing a loving Rose); and two great-grandsons teamster with Emeryville Del community organizations through a temperature-con- ers will receive the vaccine. environment and extend our Michael Jayden Antony Lee Monte, worked at Oakland to ensure distribution is fair trolled supply chain. Simultaneous vaccination gratitude to ACE Hospice for and Raiden Reign Lee. Ruby is Wells Fargo, San Leandro Bank their kindness, compassion, and and equitable, officials say. Clanon, with the Alam- clinics are expected to take also survived by sisters, Tillie of America, and loved working expertise. Clanon reported that all eda County health depart- place at other hospitals in Fernandez and Lucy Herrera; at Hayward and Pleasanton St. Callaghan Mortuary is hon- of the county’s “911-receiv- ment, said most of the coun- the county. and sister-in-law, Sue Herrera Vincent de Paul; and Costco ored to be serving the Costello ing” hospitals with emer- ty’s hospitals have obtained These early doses of CO- (Tony); and siblings, Connie Livermore. family. An online guestbook Morrison, Alice Madrid (Daryl), At St. Vincent’s, it was her gency rooms have been the ultra-low temperature VID-19 vaccine come amid is available for condolences at Betty Ann Herrera, and Benjie privilege and honor to reach out allocated at least some doses freezers necessary to store a surge of cases and hospital- www.callaghanmortuary.com. Herrera (Joyce). and care for those in need in her of the vaccine, that will ini- the vaccine, clearing the ization rates regionally and She was a 1951 Espanola tially be distributed by the path for the vaccine to ship across the state, that health health department. In addi- directly to larger health care experts have described as the tion, doses will be set aside providers, such as Kaiser worst they have seen to date. to inoculate medical first Permanente and Sutter Dr. Nicholas Moss, Al- Brian Tibbetts ("AwPa") responders, which include Health. ameda County’s health of- Apr. 22, 1948 – Dec. 7, 2020 paramedics, emergency Stanford Health Care ficer, urged people to con- medical technicians, and – ValleyCare expects to re- tinue taking precautions to Brian was born in Edmon- Tibbetts (Livermore), Lindsay firefighters, Clanon said. ceive 975 doses of the Pfizer prevent the spread of the ton, Alberta, Canada, and be- Tibbetts Heuer (Kurt; Redding, The U.S. Department of vaccine sometime this week, virus. That means the need came a U.S. citizen at age 9, California); granddaughter, Ju- Veterans Affairs announced and plans to begin admin- for mask wearing, keeping a when his family relocated to liet Jones (Livermore); brother, California. Barry Tibbetts (Oregon); sister, last week that VA Palo Alto istering to high-risk health distance from other people, Brian began his career in Lesley Tibbetts (San Diego); Health Care System, which care workers on Friday, said hand washing and limiting parks and recreation in Foster and many nieces, nephews and operates VA Medical Cen- Denise Bouillerce, senior gatherings are not going City, California. Brian loved the cousins. ter-Livermore, was selected director of government and away just yet. small-town feel of Livermore Due to COVID-19 restric- as one of 37 VA sites to first community relations with “Vaccines are the light and eventually went to work for tions, there will be a Celebra- receive the vaccine. The the nonprofit healthcare at the end of the tunnel, but LARPD; he retired after more tion of Life with his immediate government selected the organization. we must continue to keep than 25 years of service. Brian family in Santa Cruz, California, participated in many profession- a special place to Brian that health care system for its Meanwhile, Kaiser Per- each other safe during the al organizations over the course his granddaughter, Juliet, from holds many family memories. A ability to vaccinate a large manente — which has medi- roll-out,” Moss said. of his career, and worked with the time she could talk, and the memorial bench will be placed number of people and to cal offices in Livermore, For more information on many of the community groups nickname stuck. His family all at his neighborhood park where store doses of the vaccine Dublin, Pleasanton and San the county’s vaccine plan, here in Livermore. He made call him AwPa. he spent many hours with his at extremely cold tempera- Ramon, as well as a cancer visit https://bit.ly/Indy_Vac- many friends along the way. Brian is survived by his wife, granddaughter from the time tures. center in Dublin — says cinePlan. Brian was called “AwPa” by Christine; daughters, Jennifer she was born. 10 The Independent • DECEMBER 17, 2020 www.independentnews.com Bus Ticket Drive to Help Neediest For the fifth consecu- the cost of transportation.” in Livermore. Tickets pur- tive holiday season, Jacky For low-income house- chased from the proceeds Poulson is asking the com- holds in the state’s metro- are given to the Livermore munity to help provide a politan areas, transportation Homeless Refuge, Open gift of mobility for some of is the third‐largest budget Heart Kitchen, Asbury the Tri-Valley’s most finan- item behind food and hous- United Methodist Church, cially struggling residents. ing. Even when financially which provides showers Those who most depend struggling people who de- and laundry service for most on public transporta- pend on public transit find the homeless, Interfaith tion are often the least able ways to cover transporta- Sharing Food Pantry, Axis to afford fares. The annual tion costs, the trade-offs Community Health, Tri- bus ticket drive provides including added stress, Valley Haven, and Partners thousands of free Tri-Valley anxiety and less money for Change. Wheels bus tickets every for other necessities such To donate by mail, send year and helps defray trans- as food, were among the a check, made out to Asbury portation costs, a significant findings of a study by the United Methodist Church, burden for many house- Metropolitan Transporta- 4743 East Ave., Livermore, holds, particularly during tion Commission. CA 94550. Write “BUS the current economic crisis. Following the three-year TICKETS” on the check “It’s my mission this study, the regional trans- memo line and on the en- year that everyone in our portation planning agency velope, and include your community who needs pub- launched a pilot program email address to limit over- lic transportation to obtain this summer that offers head expenses for sending services such as meals, gro- discounted transit fares for donation receipts. To do- ceries and health care, can low-income adults on tran- nate online, visit https://bit. receive bus tickets to trans- sit systems that use the clip- ly/2020bustickets A credit port them there,” Poulson per fare payment system. card fee charged by the said. “No one should have The annual fundraiser vendor is added, so 100% of Each year, Jacky Poulson raises funds to help those in need secure Tri-Valley Wheels to forgo these services just is administered by Asbury the donation goes to support bus tickets during the holidays. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) because they cannot afford United Methodist Church the program.

Firehouse Arts Center Presents Holiday Concert Firehouse Arts Center perience. WB3 seamlessly and warm harmonies. and dedicated to inspiring has signed up with We Ban- converge the shared and The band will stream passion through the arts. The jo 3 to offer a virtual holiday varied traditions of Ameri- live from their hometown center is comprised of the concert with a Celtic flair – cana, Bluegrass, and Celtic of Galway, Ireland, even 227-seat Firehouse Theater,

“A Winter Wonderful.” music with pop-sensible though two of the brothers the 2000 square foot Har- We Banjo 3 headlines songcraft to create a truly now reside in Nashville. rington Gallery, classrooms EER RE a festive evening of tra- unique and gratifying signa- Although they are unable and rehearsal space, the ditional holiday and con- ture sound. Brilliantly com- to join audiences in person grand atrium lobby, and the LERORE RESETS Shae you talents ith the temporary Irish, old-time manded instruments - banjo, this holiday season, they are famous interior glass bridge. community y olunteeing on one o the City o American and Bluegrass fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and excited to offer a virtual ex- With world-class perform- Liemoes aisoy oies. e ae acceting music. They will be joined percussion - effortlessly perience to their fans around ing and visual arts, exciting alications no though Sunay, eceme , . by some very special guests, elevate lead singer David the globe. interactive programs for all including: Béla Fleck & Howley’s propulsive voice. Tickets may be pur- ages, and a state-of-the-art D Abigail Washburn, Sker- Live on stage, their songs chased through firehouse- venue which opened in 1 ryvore, The Whileaways, carry the listener along until, arts.org. Tickets are $20 2010, we combine the so- oin us in etemining geneal olicies to e olloe BackWest and Ajeet. at the perfect moment, the for the general ticket, with phistication of the culturally contolling mosuitoes an limiting the tansmission o The concert will stream band crescendos into catchy limited edition merchan- rich Bay Area arts landscape mosuitoone iseases. live on Friday, Dec. 18, at choruses with pitch perfect dise bundles available that with the hospitality and inti- 5 p.m. harmonies. include a ticket. All ticket- macy of our own hometown. 2 We Banjo 3 (WB3) is Having sold-out their buyers will receive a unique The Firehouse Arts Cen- oin us in oing to esee the natual eauty an comprised of two sets of premiere performance at link which provides access ter is located at 4444 Rail- haitat o Liemoe. brothers, Enda & Fergal the Firehouse Arts Center in to the livestream. The link road Ave., in downtown Scahill and Martin & Da- 2017, and almost selling out will remain live until Dec. Pleasanton. Follow them 4 vid Howley. They continue two shows on their return 26, to allow for repeat or on Twitter @FirehouseArts, oin us in omoting Liemoe as a iant an to push musical boundar- engagement in 2018, We delayed viewing. Instagram @FirehouseArts, stimulating enionment o atists an auiences, young ies while maintaining an Banjo 3 wowed audiences The Firehouse Arts Cen- and Facebook at www. an ol, to eeience the eoming, isual, an liteay unwavering devotion to with their high-energy show, ter is owned and operated facebook.com/Firehouse- ats. the essential audience ex- virtuosic instrumentation by the City of Pleasanton ArtsPleasanton. 1 oin us in ientiying, otecting, an eseing Liemoes histoic esouces. The Commissions successes ae isile in the eauty o Liemoes Youth Group Volunteers Brighten Nonprofit Garden histoic stuctues an lanmas. Volunteers from two lo- ity of these young people dents to develop teamwork design on the container and cal youth organizations, the is amazing, and we are so and leadership skills, began then spend six to eight hours 1 1 Breaking BEARriers Youth happy to have their wonder- volunteering at the Garden painting the following day. oin us in aministeing an oeseeing loincome Leadership Club and Lapis ful work on display in our of Grace earlier this summer, They applied the final weath- housing units an the Section Eight ouche ogam o Lazuli Art Club, have cre- garden,” said Brenda Kusler, which led to a discussion erproofing in mid-November. susiie housing. ated a mural to brighten up executive director for Fertile about painting a mural on Kusler estimated it took the Fertile GroundWorks GroundWorks. “The day the the fading plywood side of about 300 volunteer hours 1 Garden of Grace at Asbury clubs came to volunteer with the container. With some to complete the mural. She oin the commission in inging togethe young eole United Methodist Church in us turned into a spectacular crossover in membership, added that all the volunteers an aults, an iate an ulic sectos o the Livermore. journey.” the project soon involved the have offered to come back community, to aess esonsiility o the cae, health, The colorful 8-foot-high, The nonprofit Fertile newly formed Lapis Lazuli over the years to touch up saety, elae, an eucation o Liemoes young 24-foot-long mural depicts GroundWorks encourages Art Club. the mural. eole. four people, including a members of the community “It was like the universe “The joke [at the dedica- young child, working in a to grow food for themselves affirmatively answering our tion] was that the muralists SAE THE ATE nteies ill e tentatiely field of row crops and har- and others. In 2019, it har- request,” said Kusler. “We would all be coming back in hel the eenings o eceme an , . vesting onions, carrots, toma- vested more than 23,000 were overjoyed.” 20 years with their own kids Fo moe inomation o to aly, lease isit toes, and other produce, with pounds of organic produce Kusler said members of to teach them about painting .cityoliemoe.netAB, call the City Cles the church in the background. for the Open Heart Kitchen, both clubs started the design murals,” Kusler said. oice at , o email us at It was painted on the side Alameda County Food Bank, and prep work in September The mural can be view cityclecityoliemoe.net. of a container used to store Culinary Angels, and other and began the actual sketch- behind the Asbury Church, garden implements. local food banks. ing and painting in October. at 4743 East Ave. More than 30 volunteers Members of Breaking On Friday and Saturday worked on the mural. BEARriers, formed last year nights, the volunteers would “The talent and creativ- by six middle school stu- use a projector to trace the

Winery Displays Las Positas Artwork Artwork by four photog- The exhibit was ar- but the winery’s retail store raphy and graphic-design ranged by Liz McWhorter, and tasting room will be students at Las Positas outreach specialist for the closed. College -- Alexa Faulkner, Arts & Humanities pro- Cuda Ridge has been SEEKING FREELANCE REPORTERS Buffy Davis, Jay Sarkis gram at Las Positas Col- supporting local artists by The Independent is growing its network of professional freelance report- Kelly, and Susan Lewis -- lege, and Larry Dino, an displaying their work for ers for ongoing coverage of news in the Tri-Valley region. We are currently is now on display at Cuda owner in the winery. several years. McWhorter Ridge Wines in Livermore. The artwork, which can said she proposed the ex- seeking journalists who can cover events, such as city council meetings The “Art is Essential” be seen throughout the hibit to provide some “light or breaking news; along with in-depth topics, such as land-use policies, exhibit emphasizes art as winery, will be on display in a dark time.” COVID-19, homelessness or environmental issues. Please note: we are not a form of self-expression through January 2021. For Faulkner, the young- during the isolation im- However, because of est of the four artists, this seeking feature writers at this time. posed by the pandemic. It heightened pandemic re- was also the first time see- includes photographs of strictions, the winery is ing her work on public dis- Responsibilities: Yosemite National Park currently open only for play. “Seeing my art on the during fall, abstract oil curbside pick-up from wall is a completely differ- • Attend municipal and/or county meetings; paintings, and cyanotypes, noon to 4:30p.m., Friday ent experience from posting • Pitch new story ideas to the editor; a process that gives photo- through Sunday. Dino said it on Instagram or putting • Submit article(s) for weekly publication; graphs a cyan-blue color- the exhibit will be open for it on a website,” Faulkner ing. limited viewing by request, said. “It’s incredible.” • Work with the editor to polish content ahead of the press deadline.

Requirements: In-Home Care Continues for Former Lab Workers • Bachelor’s degree in English or journalism, OR equivalent field experience; • Strong command of the English language and current AP Style; Nuclear Care Partners, keep our patients as safe as whether they are COVID-19 which provides free in- possible,” said Laura Welsh, positive or presumptive • Ability to meet deadlines — on time, every time; home care to former atomic local community outreach positive,” Welsh said. “We • A resident of the Tri-Valley; workers who have devel- manager. will continue to stand by our oped illnesses due to expo- Nuclear Care Partners patients and care for them in • Stellar communication skills; sure to radiation and toxic serves former workers at their greatest time of need.” • Can handle constructive editorial guidance. chemicals, said this week Lawrence Berkeley, Law- Founded in 2011, Nucle- it remains committed to rence Livermore, and San- ar Care Partners was the first patient care despite the CO- dia national laboratories, licensed medical provider Compensation: VID-19 pandemic. many of whom face various to receive accreditation • Freelance reporters are paid per article. “To continue this need- lung diseases and cancer as under the federal Energy ed in-home care, our care a result of their workplace Employees Occupational teams are taking extra safety exposure. Illness Compensation Act. Submission Guidelines: precautions and have been “We are well-staffed and Former laboratory workers • Please email Aly Brown ([email protected]) a cover letter, equipped with the necessary prepared with the proper can call (925) 453-3805 to resume and a link to your online portfolio with critical supplies to lessen personal protective equip- see if they are eligible for the risk of transmission and ment to care for our patients, at-home care. “Freelance Reporter Application” in the subject line. www.independentnews.com DECEMBER 17, 2020 • The Independent 11

first commenced to transact Time: 11:00 AM 6960 Amador Plaza Rd. LEGAL NOTICES business under the ficti- Dept: 17 Hours: 11am to 3pm. tious business name(s) listed The address of the court is: Visit our website, WWW. FOR INFORMATION above: 9/1/2016. Signature of Alameda County Administra- TVAR.ORG, to see adoptable PLACING Registrant/s/: Brenda McCor- tion Building 1221 Oak Street animals, volunteer opportu- LEGAL NOTICES mick, Owner. This statement Oakland, CA 94612 nities, and how to donate. Call 925-243-8000 was filed with the County Clerk A copy of this Order To Show Follow TRI-VALLEY ANIMAL of Alameda on November 17, Cause shall be published at RESCUE on Facebook, Twit- FICTITIOUS BUSINESS 2020. Expires November 17, least once each week for ter, and Instagram. NAME STATEMENT 2025. The Independent, Le- four successive weeks prior FILE NO. 574416 gal No. 4800. Published De- to the date set for hearing on FERAL CAT FOUNDATION The following person(s) do- cember 3, 10, 17, 24, 2020. the petition in the following Cat & kitten adoptions now at ing business as: Del Rancho . newspaper of general circu- the new Livermore Petco on Supermercado, 1565 Olivina FICTITIOUS BUSINESS latition printed in this county: Saturdays from 10:00AM to Ave, Suite B, Livermore, CA NAME STATEMENT The Independent Newspaper 2:30PM. We have many ador- 94551, is hereby registered FILE NO. 574532 2250 First Street, able, tame kittens that have by the following owner(s): The following person(s) doing Livermore, CA 94550 been tested for FiV & FELV, Maricela Diaz Diaz, 810 business as: Beauty by Frendi, Dated: September 23, 2020 altered & vaccinated. We also Kings Canyon CT, Tracy, CA 4625 First at. #150, Pleas- /s/: Judge Desautels, have adult cats & ranch cats 95376. This business is con- anton, CA 94566, is hereby The Independent Legal No. for adoption. ducted by an Individual. The registered by the following 4803 Published December date on which the registrant owner(s): Sorayatorn Exum, 17, 24, 31, January 7, 2020. first commenced to transact 498 Colusa Way, Livermore, EMPLOYMENT business under the ficti- CA 94551. This business is FICTITIOUS BUSINESS tious business name(s) listed conducted by an Individual. NAME STATEMENT 65) HELP WANTED above: November 1, 2020. The date on which the reg- FILE NO. 574355 57) SERVICES Signature of Registrant/s/: istrant first commenced to The following person(s) doing Your local news source is delivered free Maricela Diaz Diaz, Owner. transact business under the business as: Elenita’s Cof- BE WARY of out of area This statement was filed with fictitious business name(s) fee, 7054 Dublin Meadows companies. Check with the the County Clerk of Alameda listed above: N/A. Signature ST. APT C, Dublin CA 94568, local Better Business Bureau to readers in the Tri-Valley. on November 10, 2020. Ex- of Registrant/s/: Sorayatorn is hereby registered by the before you send money or We are asking readers, who are able, to make a voluntary pires November 10, 2025. Exum, Owner. This statement following owner(s): Enrique fees. Read and understand The Independent, Legal No. was filed with the County Clerk Rojas, 7054 Dublin Meadows any contracts before you subscription of $10 a month, or $100 a year. 4797. Published November of Alameda on November 17, ST. APT C, Dublin CA 94568. sign. Shop around for rates. 26, December 3, 10, 17, 2020. 2020. Expires November 17, This business is conducted You can sign up online at www.independentnews.com/contribute/ 2025. The Independent, Le- by an Individual. The date on TO PLACE or mail a check to 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS gal No. 4801. Published De- which the registrant first com- CLASSIFIED AD NAME STATEMENT cember 3, 10, 17, 24, 2020. menced to transact business Call (925)243-8000 FILE NO. 574304 . under the fictitious business The following person(s) doing FICTITIOUS BUSINESS name(s) listed above: N/A. MERCHANDISE business as: 1. College Quest, NAME STATEMENT Signature of Registrant/s/: 2. College Trek, 3. College 114) FOR SALE FILE NO. 574532 Enrique Rojas, Founder/ CEO. Follow us on Trek Tours, 4. U Care I care The following person(s) doing This statement was filed with independentnews.com | 925.243.8000 115)ESTATE/ GARAGE/ Learning Foundation, 5. Frat- business as: Math Atom, 3168 the County Clerk of Alam- YARD SALES ernizing, 4101 Dublin Blvd. Paseo Granada, Pleasanton, eda on December 3, 2020. Ste F #219, Dublin, CA 94568, CA 94566, is hereby registered Expires December 3, 2025. 18) FREE SECTION is hereby registered by the by the following owner(s): The Independent Legal No. following owner(s): College Stephen Ng, 3168 Paseo 4804 Published December Free Pine & Oak Wood Quest LLC, 4101 Dublin Blvd. Granada, Pleasanton, CA 17, 24, 31, January 7, 2020. You cut & haul it Ste F #219, Dublin, CA 94568. 94566. This business is con- Lots of Pine cones, too This business is conducted by ducted by an Individual. The FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Please call a limited Liability Company. date on which the registrant NAME STATEMENT (408)897-3156 The date on which the reg- first commenced to transact FILE NO. 574784 istrant first commenced to business under the ficti- The following person(s) doing 127) LOST/ FOUND Barbara Benotto Marti Gilbert transact business under the tious business name(s) listed business as: Nguyen Solu- NOTICES / 925.337.3770 925.216.4063 fictitious business name(s) above: 11/01/2020. Signature tions, 3029 Leger CT, Pleas- ANNOUNCEMENTS [email protected] [email protected] listed above: N/A. Signature of Registrant/s/: Stephen Ng, anton, CA 94588, is hereby barbarabenotto.com compass.com of Registrant/s/: Janet Mc- Owner. This statement was registered by the following 155) NOTICES Carroll, Managing Member. filed with the County Clerk owner(s): Ricky Nguyen, 3029 DRE 01966040 DRE 01520061 This statement was filed with of Alameda on November Leger CT, Pleasanton, CA “NOTICE TO READERS: Cali- the County Clerk of Alam- 18, 2020. Expires November 94588. This business is con- fornia law requires that con- eda on November 3, 2020. 18, 2025. The Independent, ducted by an Individual. The tractors taking jobs that total Tracey Esling Cherie Doyle $500 or more (labor and/or Expires November 3, 2025. Legal No. 4802. Published date on which the registrant 925.366.8275 925.580.2552 The Independent, Legal No. materials) be licensed by December 3, 10, 17, 24, 2020. first commenced to transact [email protected] [email protected] 4798. Published November business under the ficti- the Contractors State Li- 26, December 3, 10, 17, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE tious business name(s) listed cense Board. State law also compass.com compass.com FOR CHANGE OF NAME above: 01/01/2020. Signature requires that contractors in- DRE 01219100 DRE 01950716 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS Case No. RG 20076346 of Registrant/s/: Ricky Nguy- clude their license numbers NAME STATEMENT en, Owner. This statement was on all advertising. Check your SUPERIOR COURT OF FILE NO. 574355 filed with the County Clerk contractor’s status at www. CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF Linda Futral The following person(s) do- of Alameda on November 24, cslb.ca.gov or (800)321-CSLB ALAMEDA 925.980.3561 ing business as: Taqueria 3 2020. Expires November 24, (2752). Unlicensed persons Leslie Faught Taquitos, 1565 Olivina Av- TO ALL INTERESTED 2025. The Independent Legal taking jobs less than $500 [email protected] [email protected] enue, Livermore, CA 94551, PERSONS: No. 4805 Published December must state in their adver- lesliefaught.com lindafutral.com is hereby registered by the Petitioner: 17, 24, 31, January 7, 2020. tisements that they are not DRE 00971395 DRE 01257605 following owner(s): Ma An- Senait M. Abraha licensed by the Contractors tonia Garcia Esparza, 410 1250 Lakeland Dr. CLASSIFIEDS State License Board.” Gonzalez St, Tracy, CA 95376. Livermore, CA 94551 REAL ESTATE This business is conducted (408) 786-4336, ANIMALS Kat Gaskins Gail Henneberry by an Individual. The date on filed a petition with this 925.963.7940 925.980.1900 2) CATS/ DOGS 170) LAND FOR RENT which the registrant first com- court for a decree chang- [email protected] [email protected] 157) OFFICE/HOUSE/CONDO / menced to transact business ing names as follows: ADOPT A DOG OR CAT, katgaskins.com compass.com DUPLEX / APT RENTAL under the fictitious business Present Name: for adoption information con- DRE 01137199 DRE 00693908 name(s) listed above: N/A. Senait Mesfin Abraha tact Valley Humane Society at 165) HOUSE/ROOMS/RENT- Signature of Registrant/s/: Proposed Name: (925)426-8656 Ma Antonia Garcia, Owner. Senait Mesfin Piccigallo ALS TO SHARE This statement was filed with THE COURT ORDERS 160) BOAT / RV / Eva Tia Linda Traurig the County Clerk of Alam- that all persons interested in RENTAL SPACE 510.847.4310 925.382.9746 eda on November 6, 2020. this matter appear before this [email protected] [email protected] Expires November 6, 2025. court at the hearing indicated Inland Valley Publishing Co. compass.com lindatraurig.com The Independent, Legal No. below to show cause, if any, Client Code:04126-00001 DRE 02072764 DRE 01078773 4799. Published November why the petition for change of Re: Legal Notice for 26, December 3, 10, 17, 2020. name should not be granted. Classified Ads . Any person objecting to the Adopt a new best friend FICTITIOUS BUSINESS name changes described The Federal Fair Housing Act, Jo Ann Luisi NAME STATEMENT TVAR Lily McClanahan above must file a written ob- Title VII of the Civil Rights 925.321.6104 925.209.9328 FILE NO. 574533 Tri-Valley Animal jection that includes the rea- Act of 1964, and state law [email protected] [email protected] The following person(s) do- Rescue sons for the objection at least prohibit advertisements for joannluisi.com compass.com ing business as: Balanced two court days before the mat- housing and employment that Our current weekly adoption DRE 01399250 DRE 01975835 Books by Brenda, 127 Sum- ter is scheduled to be heard contain any preference, limi- events include: mertree Drive, Livermore, CA and must appear at the hear- tation or discrimination based 94551, is hereby registered ing to show cause why the Saturdays - Dogs & Puppies on protected classes, includ- by the following owner(s): petition should not be granted. at Farmer’s Market in Pleas- ing race, color, religion, sex, Kris Moxley Maureen Nokes Brenda McCormick, 127 Sum- If no written objection is timely anton. The location is Deluc- handicap, familial status or 925.519.9080 925.577.2700 mertree Drive, Livermore, CA filed, the court may grant the chi Park, 4501 First St. Hours: national origin. IVPC does not [email protected] [email protected] 94551. This business is con- petition without a hearing. 10:00am to 1:00pm. knowingly accept any adver- moxleyrealestate.com compass.com ducted by an Individual. The NOTICE OF HEARING Saturdays & Sundays - tisements that are in violation DRE 00790463 DRE 00589126 date on which the registrant Date: 1/22/2021 Kittens at Dublin PetSmart, of the law.

Don Faught V.P./Managing Broker 925.872.7070 Professional’s Choice [email protected] Real Estate Directory DRE 00971395 Local guie to the alleys Leain g

Real Estate oessionals Seices Your Pleasanton/Livermore Valley Support Team

Sandee Utterbac 925 4870524 CalBRE00855150 .SADEEU.COM Specializing in Livermore’s Finest Homes Cindy Greci Dominic Greci

(925) 784-1243 (925) 525-0864 925.518.2142 [email protected]

1686 Second St, Livermore BRE#01323804 BRE#01707140 CalBRE #01965816 www.GreciGroup.com THE KRISTY PEIXOTO DEISTEAM SERRAO Estates, Ranches and Land Realtors...Boe Associte REALTOR 925-251-2536 | www.estatesandranches.comServing Livermore & Tri-Valley since 1999 Luxury homes, Ranches & Land Realtors dennis.rebroermail.com (925) Kristy Peixoto 621-1210 | Nancy Valett | Kimberly Stanley TrialleHomeSellers.com | Rannie Greer | Dannie Baker 925 8763756 l [email protected] CalBRE# 01256255/ 01741240/ 01943073/01256255 TheKristyPeixotoTeam.com Cal BRE#01251442 Nick and Barbara Lymberis www.nickandbarbara.com 925-495-9832 40 Years Combined Experience Our mission is to help everyone find nos lss their place in the world. Compass l Your home. o is continuing to expand our Gail Henderson California presence through new Broker Associate, MPA Gordon Corsie Our mission. Commercial • Residential Real Estate Broker partnerships with local firms Alain (925) 980-5648 Scotsman Realty Group Pinel Realtors®, Paragon, and Pacific [email protected] Pleasanton/Livermore Valley Union International. Aided by our www.gailhenderson.com ll 2059 3rd Street technology, service, and access to wwwsosno Livermore, CA 94550 more agents in the region, you can 925.251.1111 now go further in your home search.

To Place Your Ad, Call or Email: 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. 925.243.8010 [email protected] 12 The Independent • DECEMBER 17, 2020 www.independentnews.com Culinary Angels Moving Kitchen Operations to Irby Ranch Culinary Angels, which programs for adults with provided “a better oppor- For the past three years, provides nutrient-rich meals developmental disabilities. tunity to grow the way we much of that produce has to people with cancer and Irby Ranch, which opened would like,” expanding ser- been donated to Culinary other serious health chal- in September, includes 31 vices to those facing serious Angels or sold at the Sun- lenges, will be moving its housing units. health issues -- while also flower Hill garden stand. kitchen operations from the In addition to using the introducing “our healing Culinary Angels also part- First Presbyterian Church in commercial kitchen at Irby meals to another group of ners with Fertile Ground- Livermore to the new Sun- Ranch to prepare meals for individuals.” Works, another nonprofit flower Hill residential facil- delivery throughout Liver- As part of its vocational community garden program. ity at Irby Ranch in Pleasan- more, Pleasanton and Dub- and life-skills program, McNaney added that ton early next month. lin, Culinary Angels will of- Sunflower Hill operates a Culinary Angels would be Sunflower Hill is a non- fer meals to residents of the garden at Hagemann Ranch “ever grateful” to First Pres- profit organization that de- Sunflower Hill community. in Livermore that grows byterian Church for the velops independent living Lisa McNaney, executive thousands of pounds of use of its kitchen facilities communities and provides director of Culinary Angels, organic fruits and vegetable almost since the nonprofit vocational and life-skills said the move to Irby Ranch each year. was started in 2016. Sunflower Hill Receives $3,500 Grant from Robert Half Sunflower Hill has re- adults with developmental grant in 2019 and this year and for their continued ceived a $3,500 grant from disabilities, including the produced a short video for support of Sunflower Hill Robert Half, a global staff- Sunflower Hill Garden adults with developmental and adults with develop- ing firm with offices in at Hagemann Ranch in disabilities, “Join the Team mental disabilities,” said the Tri-Valley, to purchase Livermore. - Wear Your Mask,” detail- Edie Nehls, Sunflower equipment and supplies for The grant will be used ing why it’s important to Hill executive director. its garden programs. to buy assisted kneelers, wear a face mask during “Their ongoing generosity Sunflower Hill is a Tri- adaptive tools, harvesting the COVID-19 pandemic enables us to provide the Valley nonprofit that de- equipment and supplies and how to overcome ob- tools and supplies needed velops independent living in 2021. jections to wearing one. to help our program par- A recent grant from Robert Half will help Sunflower Hill communities and provides Robert Half previously “We’re very thankful to ticipants engage, learn, and purchase gardening supplies. (Photo - Sunflower Hill) vocational programs for awarded Sunflower Hill a Robert Half for this grant thrive.” Livermore-Amador Symphony Hosts Beethoven Celebration for Online Viewing Ludwig van Beethoven recital is being especially traordinary piano reduction. with identical texts: ‘Mond- by extending the range of the symphony’s website, famously said, “To play created for the symphony Frederic would have been nacht’ by Schumann and by their listening abilities.” livermoreamadorsymphony. a wrong note is insignifi- by Bay Area soprano, Heidi our soloist playing Prokofiev Erickson. One of my favorite All of these recordings org and on Facebook, @ cant; to play without passion Moss. last May, and he will be with explorations these past few and more are available on LivAmSymph. is inexcusable.” “Beethoven included a us as soon as we can get back years is comparing works Despite the limitations text for each of the five to the theater. In the mean- that share texts. As a singer, of the pandemic which has movements of the ‘Pasto- time, he generously offered it gives me new insight into forced a halt to rehearsals ral,’” he said. “The art works his unique performance and both composer and poet, and live performances, the in the video are mostly his- perspective to share.” and I find new expressive Livermore-Amador Sym- toric, chosen to visualize A special highlight of gestures in each iteration phony remains passionate his text. They are by John these digital offerings will that deepens the other. For about music and eager to Constable, local artist Mar- be presented by Bay Area the listener, it is another op- share it with the public. garet Frank, Camille Pis- soprano Heidi Moss. portunity to explore a poem, The focus this month is on sarro, Albert Bierstadt and In lieu of a live con- get a second listen, and hear Beethoven. Cornelius van Leemputten. cert, Webber says, “Heidi something new.” Music Director Lara Beethoven's text, in Ger- will curate and perform a The symphony has care- Webber says, “The sym- man, is included at the start short recital, recorded at fully collaborated in other *Extractions & Bone phony continues to reach out of each movement followed home, featuring one of the ways as well. Members of and support the community by the English translation.” Beethoven songs she would the orchestra’s woodwind Grafting Are Not Included through online musical of- Beethoven’s Fourth Pia- have performed with us at and brass sections performed ferings.” no Concerto features pianist the Bankhead: ‘Ich Liebe safely outdoors at Retzlaff SINGLE TOOTH The symphony is re- Gwendolyn Mok. Dich.’” Vineyards for the Bankhead leasing several Beethoven- A personal interview and Moss also described the Theater’s innovative “Vine- REPLACEMENT themed video projects on performance are presented performance. yard Vibes” series. Late this its website and social media as a “Beethoven's Birthday “I created a short set be- summer, Webber launched a pages. Two videos feature Gift to the Livermore-Ama- ginning with some of the “Backyard Strings” program live recordings of recent dor Symphony.” first true lieder (songs) by in her large yard. Livermore-Amador Sym- Webber says, “In hom- Mozart and ending with a She says, “In full compli- phony performances at the age to the performance we lied written by my husband ance with Alameda County Bankhead with new intro- had planned of Beethoven's (Bay Area composer Kurt Health mandates and guide- ductions from Webber, put- monumental, revolutionary Erickson),” said Moss. “We lines, several string players, ting the music in context. In Fifth Symphony, we pres- will be casual in our format all masked, have joyfully a third video, pianist Freder- ent fantastic Frederic Chiu and chat about each piece as made music together, over- ic Chiu is featured. A unique playing Franz Liszt’s ex- we go. There are two lieder coming physical distancing

NEW LIVERMORE LOCATION Text/Call 925-328-0255 for APPT Center of Excellence for skin cancer, acne and psoriasis

Call to learn about Sebacia, FDA approved laser treatment for nodulocystic acne instead of Accutane. MODELS A place where beauty and healthy skin meet. We are dedicated to Medical, Cosmetic and Surgical Dermatology. A place for medical skin consultation, aesthetic rejuvenation and face & body contouring. Visit us online for an extensive list of procedures, treatments, product lines, lasers and therapies offered. www.DrWilliamTing.com Schedule your consultation appointment today!

Dr. William Ting, MD Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon

48 Fenton Street Livermore, CA 94550 2262 Camino Ramon San Ramon, CA 94583 Text/Phone: 925-328-0255 Text/Phone: 925-328-0255 Fax: 925-328-0257 Fax: 925-328-0257 Email: [email protected] | www.DrWilliamTing.com