Tri-Valley Heroes See Page 11

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INSIDE THIS WEEK BUSINESS NEWS 7 ■ NEWS: Council to vote on downtown guidelines 5 ■ NEWS: Former cop charged with elder abuse 5 TRI-VALLEY LIFE 20 ■ LIVING: Home ec teacher has recipe for success 15 SECTIONS

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Page 2ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly AROUND GRAHAM-HITCH Bloggers and freelance MORTUARY writers wanted. PLEASANTON Digniﬁed Care & Compassionate Service Email writing samples BY JEB BING Since 1891 and a short bio to Saying goodbye [email protected]. to 2 old friends wo news reports in recent CLOCK REPAIR Timely Service days dampened a bit of Tthe holiday spirit in my Free Estimates household where Hostess-brand Free Pick-up & Delivery in Tri-Valley Twinkies and Ding Dongs used to be a favorite in our younger Advance Planning days. Then I learned that News- Byfield’s Clock Shop Call (925) 736-9165 week, which I carried for years them “in the clouds.” It’s hard to Made Easy in my college backpack and later spread a digital publication out Call Deanna for a FREE my briefcase, is also exiting the on the kitchen counter and leaf consultation. In-home through the pages, ads and all. See Your Best Look Your Best! market, or at least its print edi- visits available. tion is at the end of the year. Of course, we all read off our Perhaps it’s a case of advanced Smartphone, iPad and laptop Enjoy life with less dependence nostalgia, but there’s something screens now, including the daily on contacts or glasses. 4167 First Street, Pleasanton sad about seeing old friends dis- online reports by the Pleasanton Call Valley EyeCare Center today appear. Weekly and its sister publications 925-846-5624 to schedule a covering Dublin, San Ramon and Crematory Privately Owned As for Twinkies, the demise of & Operated FREE LASIK CONSULTATION Danville. It’s just that for a career the Hostess products probably FD#429 Custom Wave Front LASIK newspaperman like me, there’s has more to do with healthier And Laser Vision Correction eating habits today than because still the leisurely pace a reader of a strike against the company finds in the feel and content of a Jonathan Savell M.D. by the Bakery, Confectionery, To- magazine like Newsweek. and bacco Workers and Grain Millers Both Hostess and Newsweek Michael Gagnon M.D. International Union (a mouthful leave a lot of history -- and em- Experienced Surgeons Stanford Faculty in itself), which is getting the ployees -- as they go. Roughly 18,500 workers will be out of blame. We haven’t had a Twinkie 925-460-5000 925-449-4000 in our house for years. Still, just work when Texas-based Host- Pleasanton Livermore as we keep an empty box of Mar- ess Brands finally shuts down. shall Field’s chocolate mints in Investors may buy some of the The online guide www.ValleyEyeCareCenter.com the cupboard, a Twinkie or two assets in the coming bankruptcy would be something to treasure sale, but Twinkies, Sno Balls and to Pleasanton if only to show the grandchil- Ding Dongs might be gone. Other businesses dren what truly unhealthy (but iconic brands, such as Wonder terribly tasty) treats we used to Bread and Dolly Madison, may t.BLFQVSDIBTFT eat. When the news broke, we find new bakers to use the popular t8SJUFBOESFBESFWJFXT dashed over to the Hostess out- brand names, but the workforce t'JOEEFBMTBOEDPVQPOT let store in Dublin, only to find at Hostess’ wholesale bakeries and wellness t#VZHJGUDFSUJöDBUFT it closed already. The shelves its retail outlets are already mostly t%JTDPWFSMPDBMCVTJOFTTFT still marked with Hostess brand gone. As one blogger put it, the at your door price tags at Safeway and Target baker’s union, in refusing to end When you shop locally, were also bare. Trying online, we its strike and accept lower wages good things happen to found the demand for Twinkies and benefits, “gave 18,000 people make our community was especially brisk with, at one an opportunity to find another stronger: NEW! time, more than 17,000 active job” in a still troubled economy. listings for Twinkies and prices Far fewer employees are af- t4BMFTUBYEPMMBSTTUBZJOUIF varying widely. In the end, we fected by Newsweek’s decision to DPNNVOJUZ took a pass, leaving the Hostess end its print edition on Dec. 31. t:PVIFMQUPTVTUBJOUIF treats to the memory books. The magazine has lost circulation VOJRVFBOEEJWFSTF Not so for Newsweek, though. and reduced staff since restructur- CVTJOFTTFTUIBUNBLFPVS Although my subscription lapsed ing under the ownership of the TIPQQJOHBSFBTWJCSBOU long ago as the weekly magazine Washington Post in 2008. It lost t:PVSFEVDFZPVSDBSCPO lost its zest for timely global news $11 million in the first quarter GPPUQSJOU reports, I wanted a copy for old of 2010, alone. Most newspapers t"OEXIFOZPVTIPQBU time’s sake to keep on the shelf and magazines today, including MPDBMMZownedCVTJOFTTFT along with old copies of publica- this one, are moving forward with ZPVBMTPTVQQPSUPVS tions such as the Christian Sci- online editions that have broad GSJFOETBOEOFJHICPST ence Monitor that also have gone appeal to the new digital genera- XIPBSFSVOOJOHUIFTF all-digital. There’s a difference tion. In Newsweek’s case, however, CVTJOFTTFT EPOBUJOHUP Order Online for between keeping newspapers and the decision is more of a last gasp, DPNNVOJUZFWFOUTBOE magazines compared to storing a sad ending for a once-great na- DBVTFT IJSJOHPVSLJETBOE FREE DELIVERY or In-store Pick-up tional magazine. N HFUUJOHJOWPMWFEJONBLJOH 1MFBTBOUPOBCFUUFSQMBDF About the Cover Good for Business. These community leaders were honored Monday night with the ﬁrst-ever Tri-Valley Heroes awards presented by the Pleasanton Weekly and its sister Good for You. (see map online) online publications — Dublin Tri-Valley Views, San Ramon Express and Good for the Danville Express. From left to right, they are Chris Miller, Bob Tucknott, (888) 99-Harborside Cynthia Ruzzi, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Richard Community. Price, Jeff Seaberg, Cassandra Bankson, Claire Williams, Sandra J. Wing www.harborsidehealthcenter.com/ep and Darlene Gayler. Photo by Jay Flachsbarth. Design by Trina Cannon. Visit $$" !*!'"" &!"%e ShopPleasanton.com today )# ( Vol. XIII, Number 45 Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 3 Streetwise ASKED AT HANDLES

2012 WEEKLY MEETING NOTICES What does turning 40 mean to you? City Council Special Meeting Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. Council Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Avenue UÊ `«ÌÊ>ÊÀiÃÕÌÊiÃÌ>LÃ }ÊwÝi`Ê>`ÊÕvÀÊÀivÕÃiÊViVÌÊ>`Ê Help those ÀiVÞV}ÊÃiÀÛViÊÀ>ÌiÃÊvÀÊÀiÃìÌ>Ê>`ÊViÀV>ÊVÕÃÌiÀÃ UÊ ÃìÀÊÌ iÊ«iiÌ>ÌÊ«ÌÃÊvÊ i>ÃÕÀiÊ**Ê«ÀÛÃÃÊÀi>Ìi`ÊÌÊÌ iÊ in need with the Lisa Cole ìÛi«iÌÊvÊ ÃìÊ>Ài>ÃÊÜÌ ÊÌ iÊ ÌÞÊvÊ*i>Ã>Ì Mom, teacher, and 40th birthday girl UÊ *ÕLVÊi>À}\Ê*££änÓ{É*£ÓäÇn]Ê ÌÞÊvÊ*i>Ã>ÌÊqÊ ÃìÀÊÌ iÊ À>vÌÊ Pleasanton ÜÌÜÊÃ«Ì>ÌÞÊÕìiÃÊvÀÊViÀV>ÊLÕÃiÃÃiÃÊ>`ÊÃ«iV>Ê It sounds so cliche to say that you are as iÛiÌÃÊÜÌ ÊÌ iÊ ÜÌÜÊ-«iVwVÊ*>ÊÀi>Ê ÜÌÜ®Ê>`ÊÀi>Ìi`Ê *i>Ã>ÌÊ ÕV«>Ê ìÊ* ®Ê>iìÌÃ]ÊVÕ`}ÊÌ iÊVÀi>ÌÊvÊ Weekly young as you feel, but I’m finding that it is iÜÊ Ã«Ì>ÌÞÊ`ÃÌÀVÌÃÊ>`ÊiÜÊ ÕÀ]ÊÃi]Ê>`Ê«iÀ>ÌÊÀiµÕÀiiÌÃÊvÀÊ true. Turning 40 is less about a number and Ã«Ì>ÌÞÊÕÃiÃÊ ÜÌÜÆÊ>`Ê>Ê ÌÞÜìÊ* Ê>iìÌÊV >}}ÊÜ iÊ ÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ>ÌÃÊÃiÀÛ}Ê>V ÊÕÃÌÊ>««ÞÊvÀÊ>Ê `Ì>Ê1ÃiÊ*iÀÌ]Ê>`ÊvÀÊ Holiday Fund more about living in the moment, being my Ì iÊ«Ài«>À>ÌÊvÊ>Ê i}>ÌÛiÊ iV>À>Ì best self and having gratitude for the abun- dance of blessings in my life. Planning Commission Visit 7iìÃ`>Þ]Ê ÛiLiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä£ÓÊ>ÌÊÇ\ääÊ«°° PleasantonWeekly.com/ Council Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Avenue UÊ PUD-93, Bruce Myers, Danville School Street Investment HolidayFund to donate. Ê ««V>ÌÊvÀÊ*>i`Ê1ÌÊ iÛi«iÌÊ*1 ®Ê iÛi«iÌÊ*>Ê>««ÀÛ>Ê ÌÊVÃÌÀÕVÌÊ>ÊvÕÀÌÊìÌ>V i`ÊÃ}iv>ÞÊ iÊìÛi«iÌÊÊ>Ê Lisa Guerrera >««ÀÝ>ÌiÞÊÓ°ÓÎ>VÀiÊÃÌiÊV>Ìi`Ê>ÌÊÎÈÓÊ-ÞV>ÀiÊ,>`Ê>`Ê>ÊÛ>V>ÌÊÌÊ * Ê{nÊ£ÇÊÇÊ{®]ÊÜÌ ÊÌ iÊ ÀÌ Ê-ÞV>ÀiÊ-«iVwVÊ*>Ê>Ài> On behalf of those Teacher on leave, 40-year-old rockstar UÊ P12 1693, Arun Pai, General Contractor I’m hoping it’s the new 20! I was a little ner- Ê ««V>ÌÊvÀÊ iÃ}Ê,iÛiÜÊ>««ÀÛ>ÊÌÊVÃÌÀÕVÌÊ>Ê>««ÀÝ>ÌiÞÊ{]ÓÈnÊ who ultimately ÃµÕ>ÀiÊvÌÊÃ}iÊv>ÞÊ iÊÜÌ Ê>ÊÇ£ÊÃµÕ>ÀiÊvÌÊ>ÌÌ>V i`Ê}>À>}iÊ>ÌÊ vous about my 40th birthday, because of the ÈäÈÊLÊ,>V Ê ÀÛi]ÊÌÊxÊvÊÌ iÊLÊ,>V Ê ÃÌ>ÌiÃÊÊ benefit from your “over-the-hill” mentality. My husband and I UÊ P12-1731, Jeff Schroeder, Ponderosa Homes turned 40 within a week of each other, and Ê 7ÀÊ-iÃÃÊÌÊÀiÛiÜÊ>`ÊÀiViÛiÊViÌÃÊÊ>Ê«Ài>ÀÞÊ>««V>ÌÊ donation, thank you ÌÊìÃ ÊÌ iÊiÝÃÌ}ÊÀiÃìViÊ>`ÊÀiÛiÊÌ iÊÎÓÊLiÊ iÊÃ«>ViÃÊ we celebrated with back-to-back trips. We >`ÊÌÊVÃÌÀÕVÌÊ>Ê£{ÊÕÌ]ÊÃ}iÊv>ÞÊÀiÃìÌ>ÊìÛi«iÌÊÊ>Ê for your generosity went to Hawaii with our family, and then >««ÀÝ>ÌiÞÊÓ°äÊ>VÀiÊÃÌiÊV>Ìi`Ê>ÌÊ{ÓäÓÊ-Ì>iÞÊ ÕiÛ>À` flew to Cancun with friends, where I proved UÊ P12-1744, Dusty Cars/John Omar Suer and help. Ê ««V>ÌÊvÀÊ `Ì>Ê1ÃiÊ*iÀÌÊÌÊ«iÀ>ÌiÊ>ÊÌiÀiÌL>Ãi`Ê that I still have it. 40 is just a number. >ÕÌLiÊÃ>iÃÊLÕÃiÃÃÊÜÌ ÕÌÊÃiÀÛViÊ>`ÊÜÌ ÊÌiÀÀÊÛi ViÊÃÌÀ>}iÊ >`ÊiÊÕÌ`ÀÊ«>À}ÊÃ«>ViÊìÃ}>Ìi`ÊvÀÊÛi ViÊ`Ã«>ÞÊ>ÌÊÎÇÓ{Ê In partnership with: -Ì>iÞÊ ÕiÛ>À`]Ê-ÕÌiÊ UÊ P12-1753, City of Pleasanton Barrie Shaffer Ê ««V>ÌÊÌÊ>i`Ê/ÌiÊ£nÊ<}®ÊvÊÌ iÊ*i>Ã>ÌÊ ÕV«>Ê ìÊÌÊ Account executive, loving life in her 40s `vÞÊ >«ÌiÀÊ£n°änÊ iwÌÃ®Ê>`ÊÌÊ>``Ê >«ÌiÀÊ£n°£äxÊ ÌÌ>}iÊ`Ê "«iÀ>ÌÃ®ÊiÃÌ>LÃ }Ê>Ê«iÀÌÊ«ÀViÃÃÊ>`Ê«iÀvÀ>ViÊÃÌ>`>À`ÃÊvÀÊ 40 is foxy! It’s the best time of my life; I’m iL>Ãi`Êv`Ê«À`ÕVÌÊ>`ÊÃ>iÃÊÊÀiÃìViÃ enjoying my family and friends, and I appre- UÊ PUD-87, Sares Regis/E&S Ring – Auf der Maur/Rickenbach Property ciate things more. I’m more confident, and Ê 7ÀÊ-iÃÃÊÌÊÀiÛiÜÊ>`ÊÀiViÛiÊViÌÃÊÊ>Ê*>i`Ê1ÌÊ iÛi«iÌÊ>««V>ÌÊÌÊVÃÌÀÕVÌÊÎ{xÊ>«>ÀÌiÌÊÕÌÃ]Ê>Ê>««ÀÝ>ÌiÞÊ feel younger and healthier than ever. În]Çn£ÊÃµÕ>ÀiÊvÌÊÀiÌ>ÊViÌiÀÊVÃÃÌ}ÊvÊvÕÀÊLÕ`}Ã]ÊiÜÊÃÕÀv>ViÊ «>À}]Ê>`ÊÀi>Ìi`ÊÃÌiÊ«ÀÛiiÌÃÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ«À«iÀÌÞÊV>Ìi`Ê>ÌÊÎ£xäÊ iÀ>ÊÛiÕiÊÃÕÌ i>ÃÌÊVÀiÀÊvÊ iÀ>ÊÛiÕiÊ>`Ê-Ì>iÞÊ ÕiÛ>À`® Energy & Environment Committee Looking for 7iìÃ`>Þ]Ê ÛiLiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä£ÓÊ>ÌÊx\ääÊ«°° "«iÀ>ÌÃÊ-iÀÛViÃÊ iÌiÀ]ÊÎÎÎÎÊ ÕÃV Ê,>` furniture, UÊ >ÌiÊVÌÊ*>Ê«iiÌ>ÌÊ1«`>Ìi Julie Castillo Bicycle, Pedestrian & Trails Committee electronics, Teacher, happily approaching the big 4-0 `>Þ]Ê ÛiLiÀÊÓÈ]ÊÓä£ÓÊ>ÌÊÈ\ÎäÊ«°° -iÀÊ iÌiÀÊ >ÃÃÀ]ÊxÎxÎÊ-ÕÊ Û`° sporting goods, According to Pit Bull, 40 is the new 30. I UÊ «iÌÊvÊ/À>Ê,i«>À]Ê-Ì°Ê ½ÃÊ*>ViÊÜÜÊ ÀÃÃ}Ê iÌi>Ê/À>® think women are just coming into their own UÊ /À>ÃÊ*ÀiVÌÊ-Ì>ÌÕÃÊ,i«ÀÌ household at 40; they are smart, strong, have dealt East Pleasanton Specific Planning Workshop with husbands and children, and are simply / ÕÀÃ`>Þ]Ê ÛiLiÀÊÓ]ÊÓä£ÓÊ>ÌÊÈ\ÎäÊ«°°Ê items or awesome and beautiful. ÀÊ iiÌ>ÀÞÊ ÕÌ«ÕÀ«ÃiÊ,°]ÊÎÎääÊ iÃÊ À° Commissions and Committees Recruitment freebies? The City of Pleasanton invites applications for the following commissions and committees: ÛVÊÀÌÃÊ ÃÃÊqÊÎÊ6>V>ViÃ Browse VVÊ6Ì>ÌÞÊ ÌÌiiÊqÊ£Ê6>V>VÞÊvÀÊi>V ÊvÊÌ iÊvÜ}ÊV>Ìi}ÀiÃ\ Colleen Kinne UÊ iÀV>Ê-iÀÛViÃÊÀ classifieds UÊ iÀV>Ê,i>Ê ÃÌ>ÌiÊ iÛi«iÀ Teacher; 40, fun and fabulous UÊ ÀiiÊ VÞÉ ÛÀiÌ>Ê`ÕÃÌÀÞ Forty parties in a year, baby! I just turned UÊ >V>Ê-iÀÛViÃ online or place UÊ i`V>Ê/iV }Þ 40, and I’m going to celebrate all year. I UÊ *ÀviÃÃ>Ê-iÀÛViÃÊÀ an ad today! went into it a bit frightened, but it’s been iÀ}ÞÊEÊ ÛÀiÌÊ ÌÌiiÊqÊÓÊ6>V>ViÃ great. I am trying to take better care of Õ>Ê-iÀÛViÃÊ ÃÃÊqÊ£Ê6>V>VÞ LÀ>ÀÞÊ ÃÃÊqÊÓÊ6>V>ViÃ myself by eating well and exercising, and in *>}Ê ÃÃÊqÊ£Ê6>V>VÞ my head and heart I still feel young. 9ÕÌ Ê ÃÃÊqÊ£Ê6>V>VÞÊvÀÊi>V ÊvÊÌ iÊvÜ}ÊV>Ìi}ÀiÃ\ UÊ 6>}iÊ} Ê-V ÊÀiÃ >É-« Ài UÊ / >ÃÊ>ÀÌÊ `ìÊ-V ÊÈÌ ÊÀÊÇÌ ÊÀ>ì 9ÕÌ Ê >ÃÌiÀÊ*>Ê"ÛiÀÃ} ÌÊ ÌÌiiÊqÊ£Ê `ìÊ-V Ê*>ÀiÌÊ6>V>VÞ >i`>Ê ÕÌÞÊ ÃµÕÌÊL>ÌiiÌÊ ÃÌÀVÌÊqÊ£Ê6>V>VÞ —Compiled by Kerry Nally Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office, 123 Main Street, or on the City’s web site at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov For additional information, contact the Have a Streetwise question? E-mail [email protected] Office of the City Clerk at (925) 931-5027 Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 3, 2012. The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. AND PUBLIC COMMENT IS WELCOME Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more informa- The above represents a sampling of upcoming meeting items. fogster.com tion. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite For complete information, please visit 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. © 2012 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/calendar without permission is strictly prohibited.

Page 4ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Newsfront DIGEST Council to vote on downtown guidelines Tuesday Send us your Santa Bars, restaurants could stay open later, offer more entertainment photos BY JEB BING late night entertainment would be allowed, and a trip downtown last month with a noise consultant Are your kids planning to The Pleasanton City Council will consider transition area where business would still need to who used a noise meter to record sound levels visit Santa? If you have a photo new rules governing entertainment in Pleasan- seek permits to operate late into the night. at such locations as Handles Gastropub on Main you’d like to share, send it to us ton’s downtown district at a special meeting it Noise limits also would be raised in some Street, Fernando’s Mexican Restaurant on St. Mary at dciardelli@pleasantonweekly. has called for next Tuesday. areas with more freedom by business owners to Street and at the intersection of St. Mary and Peters com. Please write “Santa photo” If adopted, the proposed Downtown Hospi- monitor noise levels without more strict moni- Avenue, where a number of homes are located. in the subject line, and we ask tality Guidelines will be one of the last actions toring equipment. At each location, the recorded noise levels that photos be at least 500K. taken by the current council before two new The city Planning Commission approved the met the allowable residential noise level require- Also send the names of the council members and a new mayor are sworn new guidelines a week ago. ments, with some exceptions when a car, bus or children in the photo, the names into office Dec. 4. As proposed, the new hour, noise and opera- train passed by. of the parents, where you ran The council’s action also would wrap up near- tion requirements would apply throughout the Another concern of both downtown businesses into Santa, where you live, where ly three years of bickering among businesses and downtown district from the Arroyo del Valle and homeowners dealt with loitering, especially the children attend school, and regulators over how much more sizzle bars and Main Street bridge on the north to Bernal Av- noticed after businesses have closed for the night. anything else you think might be restaurants should be given to attract late night enue on the south. Businesses on both sides of The Planning Commission, however, determined interesting in the caption. revelers to the downtown. Up to now, business- Main Street would be included in the core area that Pleasanton police actively patrol the down- We plan to use the photos in es had to seek special use permits to stay open with those fronting on Peters Avenue to be part town and effectively deal with loiterers. our Dec. 21 issue. after 10 p.m., often with different decisions and of the transition zone. The new guidelines, if adopted by the council, And, yes, we are also interest- time limits from the regulators. The new guide- Although there has been little opposition to would lock in the new core and transition zoned in photos of pets with Santa. lines would move permitted operating uses to the new entertainment guidelines, some whose ing districts. New businesses seeking to offer late 11 p.m. with no permit required. homes are close to downtown establishments night entertainment would have to abide by those City provides free The new guidelines call for two new zoning dis- sought assurances that noise levels would stay restrictions in seeking downtown locations. tricts: a downtown central core area that mostly controlled. The City Council meeting will start at 7 p.m. sandbags fronts on Main Street and a few side streets where The Planning Commission held a public field Tuesday in the Civic Center, 200 Old Bernal Ave. N With the rainy season upon us, the city of Pleasanton re- minds local residents and businesses that free sandbags are Former police available to those concerned about flooding. Residents can pick up free sandbags at the city’s officer charged Service Center, 3333 Busch Road in Pleasanton. The sandbags are located in the parking lot under with elder abuse a brown tarp and can be picked up at anytime. The sandbags are Pleasanton police arrest man; not available to contractors seek- wife turns herself in ing sandbags for work sites. City crews cleared culverts and BY GLENN WOHLTMANN drains ahead of the rainy sea- A Pleasanton man and former police officer son, and residents are encouraged has been arrested and his wife has surrendered to clear leaves from neighbor- to police in a scam that involved taking advan- hood drains. Report flooded areas tage of an 82-year-old Pleasanton woman. between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Matthew Messier, 36, of the 400 block of Neal weekdays to the Operations Ser- Street was arrested Friday on charges of grand vices Department at 931-5500. theft, three counts of attempted grand theft, four Report flooding to the Police De- counts of elder abuse, one count of forgery, one partment at 931-5199 on week- count of criminal conspira- ends, holidays and between 3:30 cy, one count of registering a p.m. and 7 a.m. weekdays. fraudulent document and a count of practicing law with- BART plans for out a license. Police say Messier, a for- holidays mer police commander with BART is operating longer JEB BING the Pinole Police Department, trains this week the day before Saying goodbye to Santa are Mayor Jennifer Hosterman and City Council members Cindy McGovern used his position of authority Thanksgiving and on Sunday to and Matt Sullivan who will step down from their positions due to term limits just four days after this to gain the trust of the vic- Matthew help passengers get to and from year’s Dec. 1 Holiday parade and tree lighting. Together for the last time are (from left) mayor-elect tim, who put his entire estate Messier the airports and is significantly Jerry Thorne, McGovern, Councilwoman Cheryl Cook-Kallio, Sullivan and Hosterman. under the control of the pair. increasing the number of seats Messier was still with the Pi- today, Nov. 23, for shoppers to nole Police Department when carry their new purchases on- the initial complaint surfaced, board. Hometown Holiday parade according to a news release. For Christmas travelers, from Messier was arrested at his Saturday, Dec. 22, through home Friday morning and Wednesday, Jan. 2, BART will set for Dec. 1 booked into Santa Rita Jail. make 475 additional parking His wife, Elizabeth Regala- spaces available for airport/long Tree lighting to follow in front of Museum on Main do, 30, was initially reported term parking reservations. Cus- at large, but turned herself Elizabeth tomers must get to the parking The city of Pleasanton will host the annual Scouts and Brownies, local car clubs and dog in at the Hayward Police De- Regalado lot before 10 a.m. to be guar- Hometown Holiday Celebration from 5-7:30 clubs, and much more. partment later Friday. anteed a spot. Visit bart.gov/ p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, on Main Street. Main Street will close to traffic at 4 p.m. for Police describe the arrests as the culmination parking for more information or The community-based parade will be fol- the parade. of a months-long investigation that began with to make your reservation. lowed by the lighting of a holiday tree in front Volunteers are still needed to help with the a report by Alameda County Adult Protective of the Museum on Main. parade. Those interested can register at www. Services. High school marching bands will kick off hometownholiday.com. Pleasanton police Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber said Corrections the parade, followed by dozens of holiday In the event of rain, a parade cancellation the victim was placed under conservatorship by The Weekly desires to correct inspired entries including the Pleasanton telephone hotline will be implemented and a public guardian due to the fact she is suscep- all signiﬁcant errors. To request Weekly’s Holiday Fund car, the Centerpointe updated each hour after 2:30 p.m. on parade tible to undue influence. a correction, call the editor Presbyterian Church’s men’s club’s Balloon day. The cancellation information phone line A complaint was filed by the Alameda County at (925) 600-0840 or e-mail: Platoon, a horse-drawn wagon carrying the is 931-5352. District Attorney’s office and two warrants were [email protected] Pleasanton City Council, hundreds of Cub —Jeb Bing obtained for Messier and Regalado’s arrest. N Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 5 NEWS Lawsuit: Santa Rita Jail discriminates against people with disabilities Jail lacks access to toilets, showers, educational and rehabilitation programs, suit says Advocates for people with dis- jail’s inhumane conditions and dis- lawyers representing the plain- ers and visiting areas. programs, religious services and abilities filed a lawsuit last Thurs- criminatory treatment of people tiffs, said the suit seeks no mon- He said the suit also claims that outdoor exercise. day accusing Alameda County of with disabilities denies these people etary damages but aims to compel the jail segregates certain people He said that without wheelchair- engaging in systematic discrimi- the basic rights to appropriate facili- Alameda County to stop using tax- with disabilities from the gener- accessible toilets that have grab nation against inmates with dis- ties for simple human necessities.” payer funds to further the allegedly al population by housing them in bars, people with mobility disabilities who are incarcerated at the The suit says such necessities illegal and discriminatory condi- the Outpatient Housing Unit, also abilities cannot transfer themselves Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. include toilets and showers and tions at Santa Rita Jail. known as the infirmary, which oper- from a wheelchair. The lawsuit was filed in Alame- access to educational and reha- Seaborn said the suit alleges that ates similar to solitary confinement. Alameda County Sheriff’s da County Superior Court and is bilitation programs that can reduce the county has a systemic practice Seaborn said conditions at that spokesman Sgt. J.D. Nelson said brought by Legal Services for Pris- the jail sentences of inmates with of housing men and women with unit compromise the health and he couldn’t comment on the suit at oners with Children on behalf of disabilities. disabilities at Santa Rita Jail in welfare of men and women with this time because the Sheriff’s Of- themselves and their members and Disability Rights Advocates at- cells and housing units that lack disabilities and result in the denial fice hadn’t seen it yet. two taxpayers. It alleges that “the torney Stuart Seaborn, one of the wheelchair accessible toilets, show- of access to critical rehabilitative —Bay City News Service City fights federal lawsuit New apartment complex planned against Police Department for West Las Positas Boulevard Cites dozens of questions about circumstances Affordable housing structure would have 4 stories, 168 units BY JEB BING ing the settlement of a law suit by that his group opposes the “luxury, The city of Pleasanton is asking does not tell us what, or where. Another in a series of developers Urban Habitat, an Oakland-based multifamily community” planned that a federal lawsuit against the Martens is alleged to have ar- interested in building affordable affordable housing coalition. by St. Anton Partners. Police Department and one of its rested the Plaintiff following this high density apartment complexes The apartment complex would “Most of us in the Verona complex officers be dismissed. search; but the complaint doesn’t in Pleasanton had a favorable re- include three residential buildings do not want it to happen,” Robert In a lengthy rebuttal to a recent tell us what the Plaintiff was ar- ception from the city’s Planning with a clubhouse, leasing office, Plemmons, chairman of the Verona lawsuit filed by Brian Lancaster, rested for.” Commission last week in its bid to swimming pool and even open Home Owners Association, stated in the city names dozens of undocu- The rebuttal offers a half dozen build a 168-unit, three- and four- space for a community vegetable a Nov. 5 letter to Associate Planning mented claims in the suit, which reasons for the suit to be dis- story structure on West Las Positas garden. Two U-shaped buildings Director Rosalind Rondash. “When names the Police Department in missed, and cites federal and state Boulevard near Stoneridge Drive. would be three stories tall with 38 we purchased our homes, we under- general and Officer Tim Martens law, although much of its argu- Mike Serpa, a consultant with St. apartment units in each and would stood (the property) would always be in particular. ment seems to be about gaps in Anton Partners, said the Sacramento front on Las Positas, with a four- zoned commercial. We understand Specifically, the request that the the original suit. developer is seeking a permit to story, 115,000 square-foot building the owner can do what they want to lawsuit be dismissed questions The request for dismissal also build the apartment complex on a to the rear, overlooking Tassajara the property, but we do not have to claims surrounding a Jan. 16 traf- cites as a precedent a federal ruling 5.6-acre site at 5729 West Las Posi- Creek and containing 39 units. like it or welcome it.” fic stop by Martens. stemming from a lawsuit filed by tas, property that was first devel- Serpa said the residential de- The Planning Commission, “The stop resulted in a search one of the men held in the Guan- oped in 1983 for Hewlett-Packard. velopment would accommodate meeting in a workshop format, of the Plaintiff’s car, but the com- tanamo Bay detention camp. The site is a mile from the West mixed-income groups distributed took no action on the St. Anton plaint does not tell us why,” the The suit is set for a Dec. 18 Pleasanton BART station and is next throughout the complex. Partners plan, which is expected dismissal motions states. “This hearing in U.S. District Court in to a two-story office building used Access to the apartments would to be heard by the commission of- search resulted in contraband San Francisco. by the ValleyCare Health System. be off West Las Positas with 268 ficially in December. being found, but the Complaint —Glenn Wohltmann It is one of nine sites included parking spaces to be provided for Serpa said that if the plan gains earlier this year when the City tenants and guests. the approval of both the Planning Council rezoned 73 acres in vari- But the chairman of the nearby Commission and then later the City ous parts of the city to accommo- Verona Homes apartment complex Council, construction could begin B1 transportation sales date high-density housing follow- notified the Planning Commission next spring. N tax measure loses by fraction of percent TAKE US ALONG Final count shows measure failed with 66.53% favorable votes, just short of 2/3rds needed

Alameda County Registrar ers in 20 years, but would re- David Macdonald reported this quire only a majority vote to be week that final results of the Nov. continued in perpetuity. 6 election show that the hotly It would have raised addi- contested Measure B1 transpor- tional tax revenue to increase tation tax lost by a fraction of a spending on roads, freeways, percent in a final tally of all votes public transit, bicycle and pe- cast. destrian improvements and Macdonald said that the mea- transit-oriented developments, sure received 350,899 Yes votes, proponents said. or 66.53% of the votes cast on Opponents said in their bal- the measure, against 176,504 lot argument that the measure votes, or 33.47%. The measure would be “a massive tax in- needed a two-thirds majority crease” that would dispropor- vote to pass, or 66.6%. tionately harm working families The measure would have dou- because a greater percentage of bled Alameda County’s transpor- their income goes to sales taxes. tation sales tax to a full 1 cent, Analysts also said that a re- adding a half-cent to the earlier count is unlikely since that ef- voter-approved transportation fort is costly and there’s no tax of a half-cent that was ap- clearly identified group, such as proved in 1986. It also would a political party or candidate, have made the full 1-cent tax who would step forward to pay permanent with a provision that the bill. Kiss, anyone? Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce members (l-r) Larry Davis, Judy Davis, Lety Hyde, Ron Hyde, Mi- it would come again before vot- —Jeb Bing chelle Oliveira and Karen Carlson pose with their Weekly at the Barney Stone in Ireland. Page 6ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Business News Edited by Jeb Bing, [email protected] Amador Valley High, Fairlands win Lab awards Community gift program totals $100,000 for 2012 Lawrence Livermore National Amador Valley’s Molecular and students hands-on experiences that ■ Livermore-Amador Symphony, offers students enrichment courses Security, the contract manager Cellular research class was named connect pure math to the field of Livermore-Amador Symphony Or- during summer, including an engi- for Lawrence Livermore National a recipient for providing students construction through engaging les- chestra Club at Junction Avenue neering lab to explore circuits and Laboratory, has announced the re- who have excelled in science a sons,” the Lab’s review committee K-8 School presents musical pro- electricity. cipients for the 2012 LLNS Com- forum and equipment to do col- said. Its Polymerase Chain Reaction grams of cultural and educational ■ Title VII American Indian Educa- munity gift program that totaled lege-level research. for Research in High School won value for the benefit of the com- tion Program, LVJUSD, “American $100,000. At the same time, the school’s an award for introducing students munity. Indian Education in the 21st Cen- LLNS received 66 applications biotechnology class with its Ther- to biotechnology, utilizing labs and ■ Livermore Valley Joint Unified tury” Title VII Tutoring Program totaling more than $636,000 in mal Cycler-Polymerase Chain Reac- techniques that can be applied to School District, 2012-13 Teach- provides for the educational and requests. Twenty-six applications tion was also awarded a grant for college and beyond. ing Opportunities for Partners in culturally related academic needs totaling $100,000 were selected offering students exposure to the The school district received an Science (TOPS). Program pro- of students of American Indian for awards through a committee business and technical aspects of award for its Engineering and De- vides hands-on activities for ap- heritage in the Livermore Valley. review process. The majority of biotechnology while participating sign Academy with a Pathway pro- proximately 5,500 elementary and ■ Tri-Valley Haven for Women, Tri- these awards serve children in the in hands-on identification of DNA gram of study that promotes STEM middle school students in science Valley Haven Food Pantry provides Tri-Valley area and San Joaquin sequences. (science, technology, engineering education. Funds will be used to essential nourishment by distribut- County, with a focus on science, Also selected for an award was and/or mathematics) education to maintain and expand the program. ing food to Tri-Valley residents in math education, engineering and the Fairlands Elementary School’s Tri-Valley students with both the ■ Livermore Valley Joint Unified need. cultural arts. PTA for its Outdoor Science Class- academy and its feeder schools. School District, Granada High ■ Windermere Ranch Middle “It is our privilege to be able room, which provides enrichment Other recipients of the 2012 School, Bio-Rad Gel Doc EZ Sys- School, STEM Q&A: K-12 Science to contribute to the enormously opportunities to children through LLNS Community gift program tem and Electophoresis Supplies Trivia Program encourages students worthwhile efforts of these agencies its outdoor science classroom. were: designs coursework to give stu- interested in STEM by providing and their impact in science, educa- Las Positas College received an ■ Faith Network of the East Bay dents the needed laboratory skills a computerized trivia program re- tion and the arts in the commu- award for promoting a “culture Inc. Science Horizons Program to prepare them for college or to warding students for correct an- nity,” said Parney Albright, LLNS of scientific research in its under- supports the teaching and learning enter the workforce. swers. president and LLNL director. “We graduate Science Research Poster of fourth- and fifth-grade science ■ Livermore Valley Performing Arts ■ World of Wonders Science Muse- thank them for their hard work project that “provides educational in the Oakland Unified School Dis- Center, Sponsorship for Professor um Inc., Outreach Hands-on Edu- and their dedication in helping the opportunities to meet the academ- trict. Smart’s Fun with Physics Show op- cational Programs offers hands-on community we share.” ic, intellectual, technical, creative ■ Give Every Child a Chance, erates a performing arts center that science exhibits and programs to Pleasanton’s Amador Valley High and personal development goals of STEM in the After School Program promotes and encourages the pre- stimulate the discovery of science School and Fairlands Elementa- its students.” provides assistance/mentoring to sentation and creation of visual and for all ages. ry School were among the award Dublin High School received children in after-school programs performing arts, including those For more information about the recipients, with two awards also two awards and the Dublin School as well as supports activities aimed bringing science to life. LLNS Community Gift Program, go going to Dublin High School and District a third. The high school’s at improving their confidence and ■ San Ramon Valley Unified School to the www.llnsllc.com/communi- another to Las Positas College. “Construction in Algebra provides skill level in STEM. District, Summer Engineering Lab tyGiving/llnsgift. N

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 7 Opinion

tion platforms, Caltrain tracks are LETTERS far too dangerous for high speed EDITORIAL THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY trains. Better, safer and much Pleasanton less costly would be to have high Growth impacts schools speed rail Santa Clara via Mulford Weekly Dear Editor, to Oakland and Sacramento, the Competing for entertainment PUBLISHER Please help the community to route long used by Amtrak. Route understand the impacts of unmiti- Capitol Corridor trains this way Congratulations to the Pleasanton Downtown Associa- Gina Channell-Allen, Ext. 119 gated growth. There is no one also. Grade separate, multi-track tion and the city’s Economic Vitality Committee for their EDITORIAL standing up for Pleasanton on this. and fence this UP line in stages. three years of work in developing new guidelines for mak- Editor My concern is not affordable hous- Add an intermodal transfer sta- ing downtown Pleasanton more attractive to nightlife and Jeb Bing, Ext. 118 ing, it is all of the housing that is tion in Oakland, where BART entertainment. Mired in outdated regulatory rules limiting forced upon the city without allow- crosses over the UP near I-880 Managing Editor ing for mitigation. The state school and Seventh Street. (BART trains nighttime operating hours to 10 p.m. without special, costly Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Ext. 111 mitigation fee is grossly inadequate from there run every few minutes and time-consuming permits, revelers have increasingly Online/Community Editor for all new construction. Residents to eight San Francisco and the been taking their business and money to nearby communi- Jessica Lipsky, Ext. 229 should be concerned. many other Peninsula and East ties that seemed more inviting. The new guidelines, which Reporter Low income housing does not Bay stations.) already have the approval of the city’s Planning Commission, Glenn Wohltmann, Ext. 121 allow Pleasanton to collect adequate Also, we should prioritize BART are expected to gain another and final OK Tuesday from the Contributors fees to mitigate the need for more around the Bay, enlarging it or Jay Flachsbarth space in the schools. All Pleasanton forming a new five-county agency Pleasanton City Council. To capitalize on the natural attraction of Pleasanton’s down- Jerri Pantages Long schools are already overcrowded so to complete BART construction Kerry Nally any new growth will dramatically now under way to Berryessa in town and increase its economic vitality, the PDA launched the impact the quality of life for existing San Jose; re-do planning for ex- Downtown Hospitality Task Force in early 2010. Its mission was ART & PRODUCTION residents. Pleasanton Unified School tending that line further to Santa to research ways to enhance the experience of visitors to our Lead Designer District will be coming to the com- Clara; and plan to grade separate Katrina Cannon, Ext. 130 downtown, to increase the number of patrons and to encourage munity for a bond as well as a parcel and convert Millbrae-Santa Clara Designers tax to pay for new growth. New Caltrain to BART. evening vitality. A Downtown Hospitality Steering Committee Lili Cao, Ext. 120 growth does not have to be bad if it A plan balanced among the five was formed and asked to lead the task force through the pro- Kristin Herman, Ext. 114 pays for itself, but this does not and counties would also extend BART cess of developing a downtown hospitality plan. It noted that will hurt Pleasanton. to the Golden Gate and Carqui- a hospitality district is a cheerful place, safe and inviting, with ADVERTISING Besides the new apartments nez bridges, to Brentwood, and Account Executives being built in the Hacienda Busi- over the Altamont. an active street life that welcomes people to shop and visit, and Carol Cano, Ext. 226 ness Park, there will be thousands Adjusted for inflation and the offers attractive private dining and entertainment venues. Karen Klein, Ext. 122 of additional housing units built in five-county population, a bond The steering committee brought together 30 individuals from Real Estate Sales what is now being discussed for the issue like that for BART in 1962 the different stakeholder groups affected by downtown activity, Dana Santos, Ext. 110 Eastside plan. per capita would raise about $16 Julie Testa billion today. including restaurant owners, nearby residents, police officers, Ad Services Robert S. Allen city planners, property owners, business owners and employees, Cammie Clark, Ext. 116 On high speed rail BART Director (1974-88); entertainers and many others. Jim Peters, founder and president BUSINESS Retired, SP (now UP) Western of the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI), was brought in to Business Associate Dear Editor, Division Engineering/ develop strategies for moving forward. His is a national organi- Lisa Oefelein, Ext. 126 With 43 grade crossings and Operations many unprotected trackside sta- zation that advises cities and business districts on creative ways Circulation Director to increase vitality and minimize potentially adverse effects. Bob Lampkin, Ext. 141 The demographics are changing in the Tri-Valley with an Front Office Coordinator YOUR TURN increased number of people in the bookend generations of Kathy Martin, Ext. 124 Baby Boomers who are now between 46 and 66 and the young HOW TO REACH THE WEEKLY adults under 30, the Gen Ys and Millennials, These groups are Phone: (925) 600-0840 The Pleasanton Weekly encourages comments on our coverage or is- prime visitors to hospitality districts as they have leisure time Fax: (925) 600-9559 sues of local interest. and disposable income. When considered from a hospital- Editorial e-mail: Submit letters to the editor of up to 250 words and guest opinion ity perspective, Peters and his RHI organization characterize [email protected] pieces up to 500 words with a short bio to editor@PleasantonWeekly. the users of hospitality services as singles, who are generally [email protected] com. Include your name, address and daytime phone number so we can young; mingles, which are social groups and clubs, families Display Sales e-mail: reach you. We reserve the right to edit contributions for length, objec- [email protected] tionable content, libel and factual errors known to us. Anonymous let- that desire day and early evening type activities; and jingles, ters will generally not be accepted. who are business travelers, employees from nearby businesses Classifieds Sales e-mail: Submitting a letter to the editor or guest opinion constitutes a grant- and empty nesters with available time and money. [email protected] ing of permission to the Pleasanton Weekly and Embarcadero Media to The hospitality steering committee also addressed job patterns Circulation e-mail: circulation@ also publish it online, including in our online archives and as a post on PleasantonWeekly.com Town Square. in the Tri-Valley, which today are less confining than traditional For more information contact Editor Jeb Bing at (925) 600-0840. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedules. More people here are working part time, flexible hours or telecommuting, giving them more time The Pleasanton Weekly is published to go out during the day and later in the evening. Most people every Friday by Embarcadero Media, today also prefer a hospitality zone that is closer to home so they 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA HEARING have less distance to walk or drive to get there. Those looking 94566; (925) 600-0840. to move want to live near a place where there’s some local street Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS SERVICES 020407. activity and entertainment as a lifestyle choice. The Pleasanton Weekly is mailed upon In proposing its new guidelines, the PDA and its steering request to homes and apartments in Pleas- A Sound Approach committee recognized, too, that much like the retail and res- anton. Community support of the Pleasan- taurant sectors, hospitality has become more competitive as ton Weekly is welcomed and encouraged to Hearing Care through memberships at levels of $5, $8 or Kenneth D. Billheimer, Au.D. cities like ours realize the benefits of supporting safe, inviting $10 per month through automatic credit Sierra Brower, Au.D. Most insurance companies accepted, Õ`}ÃÌÃÊUÊViÃi`Êi>À}Ê`Ê-«iV>ÃÌÃ public spaces and private venues throughout the day and card charges. Print subscriptions for busi- evening. According to RHI, the most successful cities start nesses or residents of other communities including members of Hill Physicians Jacque Pedraza are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go ViÃi`Êi>À}Ê`Ê-«iV>ÃÌ with a “how can we help you?” approach to make hospitality to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up Two Locations to Serve You work. That’s the essence of the new guidelines for Pleasanton and for more information. Pleasanton 925-337-8063 Livermore 925-344-4776 that will make our town a competitive center for daytime and POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 4460 Black Avenue, Ste. F 1524 Holmes, Bldg. D nighttime dining, shopping and entertainment. N Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. www.pleasantonhearingservices.com © 2012 by Embarcadero Media. Your local professionals, providing high-quality hearing Visit Town Square at PleasantonWeekly.com All rights reserved. Reproduction without health care to the Tri-Valley area since 1986. to comment on the editorial. permission is strictly prohibited. Page 8ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 9 Community Pulse ● Transitions POLICE BULLETIN & LOG ● OBITUARIES ● BIRTHS & WEDDINGS POLICE BULLETIN POLICE REPORT The Pleasanton Police Department made Kottinger Drive ■ 5:58 p.m. in the 4700 block the following information available. of Willow Road; theft from Trio plunders ■ 11:09 a.m. at the intersection made through an unlocked sliding Nov. 14 of Valley Avenue and Paseo structure Via Peralta home glass door. Theft Santa Cruz ■ 9:06 p.m. in the 2500 block of UÊ âÊ }Ü`]Ê {x]Ê vÊ ">- Santa Rita Road; bicycle theft ■ 9:05 a.m. in the 7300 block of Public drunkenness Three men are believed to be land, was arrested at Penney’s in Burglary responsible for a Nov. 13 daytime the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Foothill Road; fraud ■ 10:33 p.m. in the 5200 block of burglary at a home on Via Peralta. Road for shoplifting two watches ■ 10:24 a.m. in the 4100 block of Hopyard Road ■ 10:48 p.m. in the 7000 block of According to one of the hom- ÜÀÌ Ê >Ê ÌÌ>Ê vÊ fxÓÊ >`Ê «ÃÃiÃ- Moller Drive; fraud ■ 11:12 p.m. in the 1800 block of Commerce Drive eowners, neighbors spotted two sion of burglary tools, and for ■ 6:39 p.m. in the 6200 block of Santa Rita Road Vandalism men outside the home between having wire cutters. Police also Hopyard Road; auto theft ■ 4:45 a.m. in the first block of 9 and 10 a.m. The pair appar- confiscated nine caps worth a total Nov. 16 California Avenue ently entered the back yard of the vÊf{x°Ê}Ü`Ê>ÃÊ >`Ê>ÊviÞÊ Vandalism Felony shoplifting home, entered the garage through warrant out for his arrest from the ■ 9:47 a.m. at the intersection of Alcohol violations a back door and opened the ga- >i`>Ê ÕÌÞÊ - iÀvv½ÃÊ "vvViÊ ■ 3:23 p.m. in the 1500 block of Oak Creek Drive and Foothill Stoneridge Mall Road ■ 12:55 a.m. in the 4100 block of rage door for a third man who for a prior shoplifting. Road Hopyard Road; public drunken- was driving a truck. The three UÊ Ê V >iÊÀLÞ]Ê{ä]ÊvÊ>i- Vandalism Drug/alcohol violations ness then closed the garage door and `>Ê Ü>ÃÊ >ÀÀiÃÌi`Ê >ÌÊ >LÕÌÊ £ä\{{Ê ■ 10:13 a.m. in the 6700 block of ■ 2:02 a.m. at the intersec- entered the home through its «°°Ê Û°Ê £ÇÊ >ÌÊ Ì iÊ ,ÃiÊ ÌiÊ ■ 6:42 a.m. in the 7300 block of Hansen Drive connection with the garage. in the 800 block of Main Street Tulipwood Circle; possession of tion of Santa Rita Road and The trio stole almost all of the for felony fraud for attempting to methamphetamine, parapher- Public drunkenness Stoneridge Drive; DUI electronics in the house: TVs, lap- pass seven counterfeit travelers nalia possession ■ 6:46 p.m. in the 3300 block of Nov. 19 tops, two gaming systems and all V iVÃÊ ÜÀÌ Ê f£ääÊ >«iVi°Ê ÀLÞÊ ■ 11:47 a.m. in the 5800 block of Harpers Ferry Court the games. They removed a pillow was arrested for entering the hotel Theft Owens Court; public drunkenness Nov. 17 sham from the bed and loaded it up with the intent to pass the checks, ■ 7:40 a.m. in the 4400 block of with all the homeowners’ jewelry. i>`}ÊÌÊÌ iÊLÕÀ}>ÀÞÊV >À}i°ÊiÊ Nov. 15 Fraud Black Avenue The homeowner said they must also had an outstanding warrant Theft ■ 10:44 p.m. in the 800 block of have been startled, because they for forgery. Burglary Main Street left abruptly, leaving a computer UÊÃ>Ê >ÀiÊVÃL>]Ê{£]ÊvÊ iÜ- ■ 2:10 p.m. in the 7200 block of ■ 8:32 a.m. in the 1000 block of partially removed. They also left a ark was arrested on a felony war- Valley View Court; fraud Burglary Serpentine Lane 43035 duffel bag containing a number of rant at about 3:05 a.m. at the ■ 5:34 p.m. in the 1000 block ■ 5:50 p.m. in the 4500 Auto burglary items in the garage. intersection of Black Avenue and of Stoneridge Mall Road; auto Rosewood Drive ■ 10:53 p.m. in the 4700 block of A neighbor saw the garage door «Þ>À`Ê ,>`Ê vÀÊ «ÃÃiÃÃÊ vÊ theft open at about 10 a.m. a controlled substance for sale Vandalism Willow Road 43130 and transporting a controlled sub- Burglary ■ 6:06 a.m. in the 5500 block In police reports: Vandalism stance. Alcosbia was wanted on a ■ 11:40 a.m. in the 500 block of Springhouse Drive ■ 10:41 a.m. in the 5800 block of UÊ/ ÀiiÊ >`}ÕÃÊÛ>Õi`Ê>ÌÊfÇ]äääÊ warrant from the Alameda County San Miguel Court Alcohol violations Parkside Avenue were stolen from a home in the - iÀvv½ÃÊ"vvVi° Auto burglary 500 block of San Miguel Court UÊÊ `ÀÊ >ÌÊ >ÃÌi>Ê Ê Ì iÊ ÇäääÊ ■ 1:39 a.m. at the intersection ■ 12:10 p.m. in the 4300 block of between 8 and 11:30 a.m. Nov. LVÊ vÊ iÀViÊ ÀÛiÊ Ü>ÃÊ ■ 1:58 p.m. in the 3800 block of of Pleasanton Avenue and St. Black Avenue Vineyard Avenue Mary Street; DUI £x°ÊÃÊÌ>iÊÜ>ÃÊ>ÊfÇääÊ>«Ì«]Ê «Ài`Ê «iÊ >`Ê >LÕÌÊ fnääÊ Ê ■ 12:33 p.m. in the 600 block of >Ê f{ääÊ *`Ê ÌÕV ]Ê >Ê f{ääÊ }>iÊ miscellaneous tools were taken in Battery ■ 2:02 a.m. in the 1800 block of Junipero Street VÃi]Ê fÎääÊ Ê ÛìÊ }>iÃ]Ê >Ê a Nov. 18 burglary. Santa Rita Road; public drunk- fÓääÊ/6]Ê>Êf£ääÊÛìÊ«>ÞiÀÊ>`Ê Under the law, those arrested are ■ 8:58 p.m. in the 3800 block of Public drunkenness Stone Pointe Way enness fxäÊ Ê 6 Ê ÛiÃ°Ê ÌÀÞÊ Ü>ÃÊ considered innocent until convicted. ■ 7:48 a.m. in the 5500 block of Vandalism Nov. 18 Springdale Avenue ■ 10:07 a.m. in the 500 block of Theft

Cops seek stabbing suspect planned to go Antarctica in Feb. They Penn., Bob’s family moved to the belonged to Castlewood Country Bay Area in 1959 and he was a Man stabbed in chest at Las Ventanas OBITUARIES Club where she played golf. She also resident of Pleasanton for the last PAID OBITUARIES had a great passion for gardening 35 years. He worked in the gro- apartment complex and spent many hours nurturing the cery business for 40 years, the last Sharry Bautista plants in her yard. One of her favorite BY GLENN WOHLTMANN Ê / iÊÛVÌ]Ê>ÊÎäÞi>À`ÊÛiÀ- times of the year was football season 25 at Sara Lee. Bob is survived Pleasanton police have identified ÀiÊÀiÃìÌ]ÊÜ>ÃÊÌ>iÊÌÊ ìÊ Dec. 25, 1942-Nov. 10, 2012 where she would attend Raiders home by his wife Janice, son Stephen of a suspect in a Wednesday night Medical Center for the treatment Sharry Bautista passed away on games and watch the Nebraska Corn- Livermore, son ÃÌ>LL}Ê >ÌÊ >ÃÊ 6iÌ>>ÃÊ >«>ÀÌ- of his injury, which is non-life Nov. 10, 2012. She was born on huskers play college football. Kristopher (Jen- ments in the 3800 block of Vine- threatening. Dec. 25, 1942 in Valentine, Nebras- Sharry loved her family and her nifer) of Castro ka to Joy and Orville Greene. Her yard Avenue. Ê -iÀ«>ÊÃÊìÃVÀLi`Ê>ÃÊ>ÊÃ«>VÊ step family. She is survived by her Valley, sister sister Donna was born 3 years later. loving husband, Joe; 2 daughters, The stabbing victim has identi- male adult with black hair and Arlene (Gene) Sharry married her former husband Stacy (Darryl) Chambers and Kelly of Reno, Nev., fied the man who stabbed him as brown eyes, ap- in 1961 and had 2 daughters, Kelly (Perry) Johnson. She also leaves her brother-in-law iÃÃiÊ-iÀ«>]Ê>ÊÎÎÞi>À`ÊÃ«>VÊ proximately 5 and Stacy. She was very active in her 5 grandchildren, two great grand- >ÊvÀÊÛiÀÀi]Ê>VVÀ`}ÊÌÊ feet 11 inches community for many years: serving children, 2 nieces; as well as her step Mark Anderson a police news report. tall and about 14 years on the children; Jim (Lori) Bautista, Steve of Alexandria, The report was forwarded to the 180 pounds. Castro Valley Bautista, and Joy (Tony) Littman, 5 Va. and grand- >i`>Ê ÕÌÞÊ ÃÌÀVÌÊÌÌÀiÞ½ÃÊ iÊ Ü>ÃÊ Üi>À}Ê Board of Fire step-grandchildren and 5 step great- daughter Hailey Decker. He is "vvVi]Ê Ü V Ê V >À}i`Ê -iÀ«>Ê ÜÌ Ê a black shirt or Commission- grandchildren. Preceding her in death preceded in death by his parents ers, volunteer- one count of attempted murder. A are her mother, father and sister. Florian and Herman Decker, jacket and blue ing at Laurel Please join our family for a Cele- no-bail warrant has been issued for jeans. mother-in-law Marilyn Anderson, Grove Hospital, bration of Life at Castlewood Coun- and father-in-law Harry Ander- Serpa’s arrest. While police serving as Aux- try Club, Pleasanton, Nov. 25, 2-4 son. He enjoyed many outdoor Police arrived on the scene at Jesse Serpa say the two men iliary president p.m. Sharry requests that donations about 9 p.m. Wednesday after re- knew each other, for 2 years and be made to Hope Hospice, ARF, activities, but his latest passion ceiving several 911 calls about a they have not been able to deter- serving 1 year SPCA, or any animal shelter. was duck hunting with his long stabbing at the complex. mine what led to the fight. on the Alameda time friend Alex. Ê Ì>Ê Ài«ÀÌÃÊ `V>ÌiÊ Ì >ÌÊ ÌÜÊ Police were still searching for County Grand Jury. Robert Walter Decker A celebration of his life will be men began arguing with each other Serpa as of Tuesday. In 1987 she met and married the held on Monday, November 26th, love of her life, Joe Bautista. They May 26, 1950-Oct. 21, 2012 5 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton, >`Ê ÃÌ>ÀÌi`Ê v} Ì}°Ê ÕÀ}Ê Ì iÊ Anyone with information removed to Pleasanton in 2000 into course of the fight the suspect garding this investigation or the Bob Decker passed away unex- 4001 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton. a home that Joe built. They loved to Donations can be made to the produced a knife and stabbed the V>ÌÊ vÊ iÃÃiÊ -iÀ«>Ê ÃÊ iVÕÀ- travel, especially cruising. They had pectedly at home in Pleasanton, victim once in the chest, then fled aged to call the Pleasanton Police been on 25 cruises, visited more than Calif. of heart failure on Octo- American Heart Association or a on foot. i«>ÀÌiÌÊ>ÌÊÎ£x£ää°ÊN 80 countries, 6 continents, and had ber 21, 2012. Born in Pittsburg, charity of your choice. Page 10ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Presenting our Tri-Valley Heroes Families, supporters jam Hilton for presentations by Pleasanton Weekly, online publications

BY JEB BING UÊ ÀÌÃÊ >`Ê ÕÌÕÀi\Ê ivvÊ -i>LiÀ}]Ê >ÛiÊ pÊ VÌÀ]Ê `ÀiVÌÀÊ The Pleasanton Weekly and its sister online publications and children’s theater teacher. — Dublin Tri-Valley Views, San Ramon Express and Danville UÊ ÕÌÞÊ -«ÀÌ\Ê ÀÃÊ iÀ]Ê *i>Ã>ÌÊ pÊ *i>Ã>ÌÊ Express — presented their first-ever Tri-Valley Heroes awards Military Families founder and veterans’ advocate. Monday night at the Pleasanton Hilton Hotel as nearly 100 UÊ ÕÀ>}i\Ê ->`À>Ê °Ê 7}]Ê *i>Ã>ÌÊ pÊ >ViÀÊ ÃÕÀÛÛÀÊ family members and community supporters cheered those >`ÊvÕ`iÀÊvÊ->`À>Ê°Ê7}Êi>}Ê/ iÀ>«iÃÊÕ`>Ì]Ê receiving the special honors. which offers support to Tri-Valley cancer residents. Gina Channell-Allen, president of Embarcadero Media’s East UÊ ÛÀiÌ>Ê -ÌiÜ>À`Ã «\Ê -ÕÃÌ>>LiÊ >ÛiÊ Ài>Ê pÊ Bay division and publisher of the Pleasanton Weekly, said the Encourages sustainable programs that support a healthy qual- awards were a salute to the community members “whose dedi- ity of life and a strong local economy. cation to bettering the lives of local residents has helped make UÊÛ>Ì\Ê->Ê,>Ê6>iÞÊÀiÊ*ÀÌiVÌÊ ÃÌÀVÌÊpÊ the Tri-Valley the special place it is today.” Conceived of and piloted the PulsePoint cell phone applica- “After fielding over 75 nominations, our panel of ‘hero’ tion, which alerts CPR-trained residents when a person is judges bestowed awards in eight separate categories,” Chan- suffering from sudden cardiac arrest nearby. nell-Allen said. UÊ,iÊ `i\Ê >ÃÃ>`À>Ê >Ã]Ê >ÛiÊpÊ-iÛiÀiÞÊLÕ- The Tri-Valley Heroes 2012 “Lifetime Achievement” award lied as a child because of her extreme cystic acne, and now a went to Robert “Bob” Tucknott of Pleasanton, a well-known Ro- professional model, Bankson is helping others who suffer from tarian who has served as a community leader and past captain of acne to look their best. the Alameda County Sheriff’s Air Squadron helping support law UÊ ,Ã}Ê -Ì>À\Ê >ÀiÊ 7>Ã]Ê *i>Ã>ÌÊ pÊ Ài>Ìi`Ê Ì iÊ enforcement. He also is a pilot with Angel Flight, which arranges Read-to-a-Teen program, in which teen volunteers help young free air transportation via private aircraft for those in medical students become more confident in their reading ability and and financial need so they can travel to access healthcare. build comprehension skills. Others honored at the Tuesday night ceremony, by cat- Two Heroes will be profiled each Friday, Nov. 23 to Dec. 14, egory, were: in the Pleasanton Weekly and Embarcadero’s online publications serving Danville, Dublin and San Ramon.

Thank you to our Heroes Sponsors

A special thanks to all our Supporters and Partners. We appreciate your support. You are a true believer in the value of public art. Since the conception of the Harrington Art Partnership in 2010, 12 pieces of public art have been installed in Pleasanton, “Pleasanton Public Art Walk” brochure created, 8 monthly Pleasanton Art Walks given, and a new Harrington Art Partnership website created. It’s fabulous! Your continued support and the support of so many new art lovers, will make 2013 an even more successful year for the Harrington Art Partnership. Thank you again for all you have done.

The Public Art Collection of Pleasanton is ever expanding. All Supporters can become a Partner. Visit www.harringtonartpartnership.org

Gary & Nancy Harrington Sponsor, Arts & Culture award

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 11 Your Hero of the Tri-Valley CHRIS MILLER Community Spirit

by Jeb Bing

f you’ve noticed the yellow banners on Main Street or joined with hundreds of others in welcoming Pleasanton military men and Iwomen back home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, then you must know Chris Miller, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army, a Realtor in Pleasanton and the man behind all this patriotism. Miller was born on the Fourth of July and it seems like destiny that he’s become a super patriot for his country and in the city of Pleasan- ton where he’s also known as a veterans’ veteran. Pleasanton Weekly’s “Man of the Year” in 2009 and the recipient of awards from military and community organizations, Miller is now being honored with the 2012 Tri-Valley Heroes Community Spirit Award by the Pleasanton Weekly. A veteran of the early days of the Vietnam War, Miller later flew commercial helicopters out of San Francisco for 11 years. He regularly saw returning Vietnam War veterans as they came through SFO and also back to the Bay Area and saw them treated “awfully and with disrespect” by their fellow American citizens. At that time, he made a mental note that if American armed forces personnel were ever sent off to combat again, he would do all in his power to see that they, and their families, were respected and com- forted while they were serving in harm’s way and then to make sure that they were honored and appreciated when they came home. After the first Gulf War occurred, Miller, with the help of Marine mom Alice Johnston, formed and co-chaired the first Pleasanton Military Fami- lies Support Group in 1991. The organization held meetings Tuesday nights at Johnston’s home and when the local troops came home, they welcomed them on the court where the Johnstons lived with cheering, flag-waving crowds Vietnam veterans never saw. Civic and city leaders joined in, and Miller was given permission to post American flags and yellow streamers on Main Street light poles, with each streamer listing the name, rank and branch of service of someone in the military serving in the war zones. As a result of the organized and popular tributes, the entire Tri- SHERRY WIGGINS Valley turned out for a welcome home parade in Hacienda Business Chris Miller joins veterans in parade on Main Street Nov. 4. Park when the Gulf War ended. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and with the Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) ▲ Hero FYI wars under way, Miller started up the Pleasanton Military Families again in 2003 and it’s been going ever since. It was tough at first as a ▲ Miller and his wife Marty have three ▲ While a commercial helicopter pilot, large number from Pleasanton volunteered to serve, including many sons. Christian, 41, lives in Carmichael and he regularly saw returning Vietnam War right out of high school, and the PMF took on increased responsi- is a project manager with ATT Wireless. veterans as they came through SFO being bilities for maintaining contact with those in remote battlefields and Another son Jason, 38, a Reservist at a treated “awfully and with disrespect” by their concerned families here at home. unit at Travis AFB with 19 years of service, their fellow American citizens, prompting The group now consists of about 180 families, meeting once a month and also responsible for welcome home events, where soldiers works in Information Technology at him to vow to never let that happen again return to their hometown amidst a motorcycle convoy, flag waving, Cummings West in Hayward. A third son if the U.S. engages in combat. and friends, family and neighbors. Miller continues to work with the Mike also is a Reservist in the 301st Airlift group in comforting those with sons, daughters, husbands and wives ▲ He organized the Tri-Valley’s welcome Squadron at Travis and is a firefighter/ still serving, packing kits filled with supplies needed by those in the home parade in Hacienda Business Park paramedic with the Foster City Fire field, sending letters and building new and what have become lifelong when the Gulf War. friendships. Department. Miller’s activities are not limited to love for country and support ▲ He co-founded the Pleasanton Military ▲ Miller’s most recent contribution was to of the military. He is active in the Rotary Club of Pleasanton, several Families organization to help those with help in the Pleasanton Military Families’ veterans groups and is a fixture at high school sports games and the sons, daughters, husbands and wives Pleasanton Farmers Market. Christmas Pack Out to Pleasanton troops serving in harm’s way, packing kits filled Miller met his wife Marty, in San Francisco and the two have lived deployed in Afghanistan last weekend, with supplies needed by those in the field, in Pleasanton since 1971. They have three sons, Christian, Jason and where 260 boxes filled with non-perishable Mike. sending letters and building new and what foods and personal necessities were packed, Although Miller has stepped down as chairman of Pleasanton Mili- have become lifelong friendships. sealed and sent to those in the combat tary Families, he continues to take responsibility for the Yellow Banner Project on Main Street. In addition to updating ranks and replacing zones. ▲ Miller’s yellow banners fly on weathered banners, Miller personally delivers banners to the families Pleasanton’s Main Street, which he updates ▲ Miller flew U.S. Army helicopters in of soldiers no longer in combat. It’s this kind of personal touch that is regularly and clusters in family groups, Vietnam in 1963-64, finished his service the hallmark of Miller’s service in the community. with brothers, husbands, wives, and in 1965 and moved to San Francisco where “It was never too much for him to make that phone call or just go others grouped around the same pole. He he flew commercial helicopters from 1965- over,” said Pat Frizzell, who now co-chairs the Pleasanton Military personally delivers banners to the families Families group. “Those are the things that just come natural. He 1976. of soldiers no longer in combat, a personal never looks for the praise. He just does it because it is the right touch that is the hallmark of his service. N thing to do. When you have a passion for things, which he certainly does, that’s what you do.” N Page 12ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Your Hero of the Tri-Valley

Arts & Culture Award JEFF SEABERG presented by Harrington Art Partnership

by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

eff Seaberg loves live theater — the chemical reaction when you put Jactors and an audience together. The Danville actor definitely elicits a reaction onstage, whether he’s the Broadway scam artist in the title role of “The Producers,” as he was with Pleasanton’s Tri-Valley Repertory Theater, or performing in Danville’s zany cabaret comedy, “Wigged Out.” “I was bit by the stage bug at age 15,” said Seaberg, 54, “and have not sought out the cure.” But it’s in his role as a teacher that he is making even a greater difference in the Tri-Valley. When the Town of Danville was looking for someone to create a children’s theater program 10 years ago, he jumped at the chance. “I put together a proposal and have been doing it since 2003,” he said. KAOS (Kids Acting On Stage) drama camp for ages 7-14 runs for three two-week sessions in the summer, each ending with a production and a mini-movie. This year had its highest enrollment at 150. “We had 50 kids per session maximum, split into groups,” he said. “One week of camp is at Hap Magee Ranch, then we’re at the Village Theater. And the first week we do a mini-movie.” His after-school program, Theatre Performance Workshop, is also in its 10th year. “It’s not a star-making program, it’s an experiential program,” Seaberg said. “It covers the nuts and bolts involved in putting a production together — auditioning, rehearsing and performing.” He noted that the class teaches life skills, including the ability to speak in public. It’s a safe place for shy children to come out of their shell. Other students are already outgoing and charismatic; they learn discipline. Now his theater group is preparing for a holiday production, written by Seaberg, “A Very Jingle Town Christmas,” which will play at the Village Theater, 233 Front St. in Danville, on Dec. 14-16. “It’s called a world premiere,” Seaberg said with a laugh. “There are some Christmas carols, some bravely doing solos.” He writes and publishes such plays as an inexpensive resource COURTESY JEFF SEABERG for other after-school programs, Actor, writer, producer and teacher Jeff Seaberg has been assisted at KAOS Camp and Theatre and said he’s improved his skills Performance Workshop during the last seven years by Stephanie Lauck. at populating his stories with in- Gary & Nancy Harrington teresting characters and dialog as well as good plots. “I appreciate existentialism but I like to know the journey is going to be ▲ Hero FYI completed,” he says. “I have 20-30 characters with a journey.” He tries to strike a balance with all these activities. ▲ Jeff Seaberg’s earliest dra- ▲ His original children’s plays “I love to perform, I love teaching and working with the kids, and direct- matic role came as a young boy include fairytales in his Gran- ing and being involved with productions,” he said. at his parents’ cocktail parties ny’s Bedtime Stories; his “Cap- Seaberg majored in theater and English at North Central College in Na- perville, Ill., plus earned a teaching credential. By the age of 30 he’d mi- where he would circulate with tain Cool and the Righteous grated to the Bay Area to pursue his love of theater and teaching. a tray, dramatically posing the Dudes” series tells tales of su- He made a name for himself locally when he landed a role in “Reel question: “Would you like an perheroes. Blondes,” and directed it as “Wigged Out” for 13 seasons. “Reel Blondes” hors d’oeuvres?” ▲ Seaberg says it isn’t easy was revived in the spring and preparations for the 2013 season are under ▲ He was voted Class Clown in being an actor. “Theater peo- way. “Three or four of us do most of writing,” Seaberg said. “We come up with the eighth grade. ple have to wear their hearts a gazzilion ideas, then thin it down to a million, then take out ones that ▲ He played Riff in “West Side on their sleeves, from high to aren’t that funny.” Story” at this high school; he low, and be convincing — while But first Seaberg will have a leading role in Pleasanton at its Hometown later directed the musical in being even-keeled in life,” he Holiday Celebration on Dec. 1 as Santa Claus, which he says lets him feel “the rush of being a superstar.” Alameda. said. “That’s why a lot of actors “It’s really cool, but I can’t take it lightly,” Seaberg said. “I’m on my best ▲ He received a prestigious are basket cases.” behavior with the kids.” Shellie Award as best actor in ▲ What touches Seaberg most Seaberg recalls a crossroads in his life in 2003. Goodspeed theater in 1992 for his rendition of Bill is when he is making a curtain Connecticut, where many Broadway professionals got their start, called him for an audition. But the performance dates interfered with the chil- Snibson in the Diablo Light call and the audience rises to dren’s program he’d just proposed for the Town of Danville so he can- Opera Company’s “Me and its feet to applaud. “It almost celled the audition. my Girl,” a role he’s done five moves me to tears,” he said. “I cancelled the audition,” he said. “My friend was aghast.” times with four different the- “It was a fork in the road but I knew I was right,” he added. “I’ve been ater groups. very, very content with that decision. My life has been impacted, and hundreds of kids were equally impacted.” N

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 13 Deck the Halls

Make your decorations special this year Reflect your personal taste and style on your tree, mantle and more

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI world all year for new tips and Where does one begin to deco- techniques to deck the halls and rate for the holidays when we have trim the perfect tree. so many choices at our fingertips? “So many people settle for sim- Not only do downtown specialty ply hanging ornaments on their shops and department stores offer trees, but there is so much more Santas, snowmen, stars, trees and you can do by adding fillers that all the glitters and glistens, even really reflect your own personal grocery stores and gas station taste and style,” said John Griffith, shops have something to offer. a merchandiser for Replacements Maybe this year it’s time to take Ltd. “Mixing in ribbon, fabrics, advantage of the wide range of florals, feathers and other natural selections and do something dif- elements create flair and personal- ferent. If you usually just decorate ity. Adding extra flourishes in the a tree with your beloved old orna- right places can make the differ- ments, try changing it up, or add ence between a pretty tree and an decorations to the mantle, the cof- extraordinary tree.” fee table or elsewhere. Although Griffith says the hot colors for traditions are important at this holiday 2012 range from soft pas- time of year, it’s also the time to tels to rich jewel tones. Popular try something new — if it works, ornaments this season reflect the make it a tradition, too. Victorian era, with glittering gem- Holiday decorations don’t just stones and rhinestones being ex- ARA arrive on the scene via Santa and tremely popular. Fashion tree branches to create decorative swags. his elves. Merchandizers comb the Don’t be afraid to forgo the tra- Christmas Is Here!

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Page 14ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Deck the Halls

ditional tree topper, he advises. ornament exchanges, resulting in Instead, consider using twigs or eclectic collections. other natural elements arranged Ornaments can be gathered out of the top of your tree. Grif- around the world to reflect differ- fith has even strategically placed a ent cultures; a tree’s decorations tree beneath a chandelier for extra may stick to materials such as glow. all wood, colors such as red or If you want to add another, gold, or a theme such as angels smaller tree, try a corner tree or or snowmen or even animals of the flatter profile tree. Or, Griffith Africa. suggests, you may want to go in an In the 1950s it was de rigueur entirely different direction. for Christmas trees to be deco- “I am into repurposing and recy- rated with fragile red balls, fat cling, so I took the branches of an teardrop-shaped colored lights old artificial tree and wired them and silvery icicles to reflect it all. together to create swags, and then The next trend was to provide il- decorated those with combina- lumination with a spotlight with tions of fabrics, bows and orna- a color wheel trained on the tree. ments,” he said. “You can hang Then along came flocked trees, swags on a mantel or place them and those with metal branches. on top of a door frame. They’re a Now, most popular for their ease fun family project, and you can and practicality, are the artificial even create them with different trees with build-in lights that fold color stories or themes for each up like umbrellas. room in your home.” From olde worlde decorations Tree ornaments are a subject in to sleek and modern, the impor- themselves, and the options are tant thing is to have fun with endless. Many people collect their the season and make your home ornaments for years, and viewing comfortably festive in a way that their trees is a trip down memory fits yourself and your family. N DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI lane. Some friends have annual This family of snowmen at Clover Creek downtown would brighten any home for the holidays.

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 15 Deck the Halls

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Page 16ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Deck the Halls

Welcome guests with a holiday wreathe

The front door is often the focal point ribbons, tree ornaments, greenery from You can’t go wrong with an old-fash- of a house and the welcoming committee your own garden, cutout snowflakes, ioned evergreen wreath. The only problem to guests as they approach your home. A pinecones, corks or candy canes. The list is, they may not stay fresh throughout the great addition to any door is a beautiful is endless. entire season. Add a few pinecones and a wreath — either decorative or seasonal — Artificial greenery gets more realistic big red bow and visitors will enter into to greet your guests and neighbors. looking each year as do pine sprays to the spirit of the season even as they ap- Wreaths have been around a long time provide the aroma. Don’t forget to put a proach your home. N and were used in ancient Greece in har- big bow on the wreath as the finishing vest rituals. In ancient Rome the wreath touch. The color — whether red, white was a sign of victory. They were also used or gold — can pull it all together. by pre-Christian Germanic people who would gather wreaths of evergreen and light fires to remind them of the hope of the approaching light of spring. By the 16th century, Christians were using the wreath to celebrate Advent and their hope in Christ, the everlast- Christmas Lights ing light. The traditional Advent wreath has four candles nestled in a circle of Installation of all types of lights evergreens with another candle in the middle. They are lit each week of De- Set up & take down cember leading up to Christmas, light- ,OWPRICEGUARANTEEs)NSURED"ONDED ing the inside candle on Christmas Eve. But for the last century, “wreath” has come to mean a ring of evergreens with for ﬁrst time customers a big red ribbon hung on the front door 20% OFF with this coupon at Christmastime. Swags of greenery are also traditional. Although a lot of readymade wreaths Call Jason 510.329.5091 are available for sale, it’s easy and fun to create a unique one for your front door. www.valleygreenlandscaping.com Visit a hobby shop for inspiration and raw materials. You can buy a basic circle and decorate it with almost anything —

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 17 Deck the Halls Smuin’s ‘Christmas Ballet’ is this weekend Santa and sweets to follow matinee performance of sass and sizzle

Acclaimed dance company Smuin Ballet’s Smuin’s special “Santa’s Sweets” program will annual holiday extravaganza, “The Christmas offer an extra treat for young people with Ballet,” will feature three world premiere Santa Claus waiting to greet members of the works when it opens with three performanc- audience with complimentary sweets. es this weekend at the Bankhead Theater in The evening performances will begin at Livermore starting tonight. The Tri-Valley is 7:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. The Sat- the first stop for this Bay Area favorite, a daz- urday matinee is at 2 p.m. Tickets for all zling combination of classical ballet and rol- performances are $14 for students and range licking character numbers filled with all the from $43 to $63 for adults. Go to www.bank- sass and sizzle that has made San Francisco’s headtheater.org or call 373-6800. Smuin Ballet famous. “The Christmas Ballet” was introduced After the matinee performance tomorrow, in 1995 and is split into two halves, Clas-

sical Christmas and Cool Christmas. Music TREAT YOURSELF TO A LITTLE EUROPEAN PAMPERING from traditional Bach and sacred carols, to Complimentary wax for first time guests. klezmer, gospel, holiday standards and even a touch of Elvis, accompanies dances that range from classical ballet to true Broadway tapping. The 2012 edition will debut three world premiere works including one for Classical Christmas, choreographed by Smuin artist Jane Rehm and set to the Canadian Brass version of “Here We Come-a-Wassailing.” Cool Christmas will feature “All I Want for Smuin Ballet, which combines classical with con- Christmas,” choreographed by former Smuin temporary, will include Classical Christmas, at artist Darren Anderson, and “No Christmas left, and Cool Christmas, above, in “The Christ- for Me,” set to music by Malaysian singer- mas Ballet.” songwriter Zee Avi. Must be state resident. See center for details. In addition to the new works, the 2012 Dancer and choreographer Michael Smuin edition of “The Christmas Ballet” will wel- formed Smuin Ballet in 1994, combining PLEASANTON / 925 484 2900 europeanwax come the return of past favorites plus a classical and contemporary dance elements. 6770 Bernal Ave., Suite # 430 / Pleasanton, CA 94566 piece choreographed by the late Michael The Smuin Ballet will return to the Bankhead waxcenter.com In the Safeway shopping center Smuin to a majestic classical recording of Theater in March with “The Best of Smuin “Ave Maria.” Ballet.” N WHERE WILL YOU SHOP SMALL?

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Page 18ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly HOLIDAY FUND

Open Heart Kitchen feeds hungry The following agencies will be supported by the Holiday Fund. Scheduled to receive 75% are: Receiving the other 25% are: Need for meals in Tri-Valley is up 15% over last year ■ Axis Community Health ■ Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI ■ Open Heart Kitchen ■ REACH (Resources Education Activities Com- All the talk is turkey these days at ■ Pleasanton Partnerships in Education (PPIE) munity and Housing) for special adults of the Open Heart Kitchen, which provides Foundation Tri-Valley fresh hot meals in the Tri-Valley ■ Valley Humane Society ■ Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation every weekday. ■ ValleyCare Health System ■ Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley “Now through Dec. 25 we need ■ Hope Hospice frozen turkeys,” reads a plea on its website. “Lots and lots and lots of turkeys!” Open Heart Kitchen needs one thousand turkeys for the holidays as Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund it continues serving free hot meals five days a week to individuals and families in need. It depends on food Donor Remittance Form and cash donations from individuals and campaigns such as the Holiday SUE EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY. Open Heart Kitchen has an enthusiastic Fund. corps of volunteers that shop, cook and “We survive just by the generosity serve meals, plus clean up afterward. Enclosed is a donation of: $______of the community,” said Executive Director Linda McKeever. The Holiday Fund money goes di- or juice and dessert. The food is Name: ______rectly to the programs, which served prepared by volunteers, who do all 237,000 meals in 2011, including hot the shopping, cooking, serving and Business Name: ______meals alternating at sites in Pleasan- cleanup. They must also be prepared ton, Dublin and Livermore five days to switch gears at a moment’s notice (Only required if business name is to be listed as donor in the paper) a week and meals for low-income as sites can serve anywhere from 200 seniors at Ridge View Commons on to 700 meals per day. Large dona- Case Avenue in Pleasanton. tions of perishables can change the Address: ______“This year we’re already at that menu at the last minute. number,” McKeever said. “We’re “We’re predominately a volunteer City/State/Zip: ______looking at a growth of 15%.” organization and we’re very, very And this is after a surge during the community friendly,” McKeever said. last two years due to bad economic “A lot of people in the community Email: ______times. In 2010, Open Heart Kitchen are involved on the volunteer side served just under 217,000 meals, while and helping us do anything.” Phone: ______in 2007, it served 161,000 meals. Volunteers range from individuals McKeever said they have also seen to those who join with others from a greater need for their children’s their school, community and church. QCredit Card (MC, VISA, or AMEX): ______box lunch program, which provides Some groups of friends come to help weekend meals for low-income chil- with a lunch. Open Heart Kitchen dren at their school sites. also works with Alameda County Expires: / Signature: ______“We just started in the Pleasanton Community Food Bank, Axis Com- schools last year, and we will be add- munity Health and other community I wish to designate my contribution as follows (select one): ing more within the next month or groups whose aim is to promote nu- so,” said McKeever. “We give them trition and feed those in need. Q In my name as shown above Q In the name of business above nutritious lunches for the weekend, Still there is always a need for vol- and we also include younger sib- unteers, especially after the holiday -OR- lings.” season and throughout the year. Q In honor of: Q In memory of: Q As a gift for: “We also are seeing an increase in “People are still hungry in the the seniors’ need,” she added. “We summertime,” McKeever noted. now have a new program in Dublin Last week Tri-Valley food pantries ______where we deliver box lunches for opened their new refrigeration and (Name of Person) low income seniors. And also we see freezer storage, just in time to ac- more seniors at both meal programs. commodate turkeys donated for the The Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund is a donor advised fund of Silicon Valley It’s a little harder for seniors to make region’s hungry this holiday season. ends meet right now.” The new refrigeration/storage unit Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A contribution to this Open Heart Kitchen serves anyone was made possible through a col- fund allows your donation to be tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. who walks in the door -- no ques- laboration of corporate, government tions, no qualifying -- and everyone and local nonprofit agencies, McK- All donors and their gift amounts will be published in the Pleasanton Weekly unless the is welcome. There is a form, which eever said, plus the city of Pleasanton boxes below are checked. is voluntary, so Open Heart Kitchen is providing a secure and centrally can know who it is serving. located site for the storage unit. Q I wish to contribute anonymously. “Our guests are incredibly helpful Learn more at with all of the process,” McKeever ww.openheartkitchen.org or call Q Please withhold the amount of my contribution. said. “It does help us to fill out the 580-1616. N form, and they know that.” The guests can eat their meals at Dinner is served Make checks payable to Silicon Valley Community Foundation and send to: the tables set up by the volunteers or they can take their meals to go. ■ Mondays, 4-6 p.m.: Crosswinds Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund “A lot of times one family member Church, 6444 Sierra Court, Dub- can come and get meals for the entire lin c/o Silicon Valley Community Foundation family, maybe they have someone ■ Tuesdays, Wednesdays, noon-6 2440 West El Camino Real, Suite 300 working part-time,” McKeever said. p.m.: Asbury United Methodist “Our goal is to make sure the whole Church, 4743 East Ave., Liver- Mountain View, California 94040 family is fed.” more Guests include low-income fami- ■ Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.: Vineyard Credit card gifts may be made at: lies struggling to make ends meet; Christian Fellowship, 460 N. Liv- www.siliconvalleycf.org/pleasantonweeklyholidayfund the unemployed and underem- ermore Ave. ployed; seniors on fixed incomes; ■ Friday, 4-6 p.m.: Trinity Luther- and the homeless. Open Heart Kitch- an Church, 1225 Hopyard Road en serves as their safety net. ■ Seniors (62-plus): Ridgeview Meals are planned weeks ahead of Commons Senior Center, 5200 Pleasanton time by a nutritionist, each with pro- Case Ave., Pleasanton, 4-6 p.m. Weekly tein, starch, vegetable, green salad, every weekday. Optional donation PRINT & ONLINE fruit salad, bread, milk, coffee, tea of $3. Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 19 PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLES TriValley Life IN OUR COMMUNITY WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY — MUSIC, THEATER, ART, MOVIES AND MORE Food networking Home ec teacher feasts on sharing culinary skills BY GLENN WOHLTMANN that first year, losing out to a teacher tious and delicious”; and a fifth class, For most of Pleasanton, Village with more experience. The school which is work experience. High School home economics teach- was brand new at the time and out Although Little offers her stu- er Kit Little’s reputation precedes her. of 28 places she’d considered, it was dents from Village opportunities to Anyone who’s tasted the food she the place she wanted to work. get jobs in the food service industry and her classes create knows why. “I was distraught,” she recalled. — she has job postings on a wall of Little has been slowly and quiet- But she did land a fulltime job her classroom — only a half-dozen ly building her own food network, with Dublin High, which was part or so have made that their careers. using a simple recipe. of the Pleasanton district then, in That’s OK with her. She recog- “I don’t do any advertising or 1978. By 1979, she was teaching nizes that the business is a tough marketing other than good food home ec at Foothill. one requiring people to work long at a reasonable price and having Little has been at Village for 11 hours including nights, weekends GLENN WOHLTMANN standards that shine,” Little said. years, but she said she was dubious and holidays. Clockwise from above: Kit Little instructs a team of volunteers who came to slice when first invited to move to the “What I think is more important birds for Village High’s annual turkey feast; a quesadilla platter, and chocolate district’s alternative high school. is to teach transferable skills. Lots strawberries, both made by Village Catering. Foothill’s assistant principal Sheila of people get the wrong idea from Flynn was moving into the princi- the Food Network,” Little said. “I That didn’t stop a couple of minor Special Awards and pal’s job and wanted Little to move see the food as a vehicle for what I cuts, which were quickly patched Accomplishments her program there. teach: organization, time manage- up and covered by plastic gloves. “I’d never seen Village and didn’t ment, teamwork, problem solving. Village Catering is gearing up 1976 San Jose State University think I wanted to work there,” All those transferable skills are re- to do the Pleasanton Rotary’s an- Home Economics Student Little said. ally important.” nual holiday party. Last year, after Teacher of the Year She was willing to listen, though, hearing the Rotarians laughing and and went on a tour led by Flynn. singing, one of her students ap- 1995 Teacher of the Year, Pleasan- “What did it was a student I’d proached her and asked if that was ton Uniﬁ ed School District had at Foothill that I’d tried every- what adult parties were like. When 1996 Teacher of the Year, Alameda She’s also got a knack for net- thing with and just couldn’t reach. I she said it was, that student said he County working, building relationships walked into class and she was smil- couldn’t wait to be an adult. 1996 CA Department of Educa- with everyone from Terra Bella ing and she was interacting, and And, after spending 14 hours tion, Selected One of Top 10 Family Farm and other vendors I said, ‘This could be the place,’” on their feet, another student told Teachers in California to those who hire her and her stu- Little said. Little that she felt “exhilarated.” 2000 National Leavey Award for dents to cater their events, like the She was unhappy with what the “’I’m always so hard on myself to Private Enterprise Education Rotary Club of Pleasanton. district had planned for Village’s do a good job,’” Little said the stu- 2006 Community of Character The home ec teacher was hon- home economics space, however, dent told her. “’We did a good job.’” Award, 2006 (City of Pleasan- ored — again — by the Pleasanton and spent the weekend drawing The Rotarians have decided to ton & Chamber of Commerce) School Board at its latest meeting. plans on graph paper. After a meet- donate $1,800 to replace an indus- 2007 Food Service and Hospitality That’s the latest in a long series of ing with district officials that began Little runs a tight ship. Last week, trial dishwasher. Exemplary Program, Continu- awards that began in 1976, when a bit contentiously, those officials while preparing Village High’s an- Little is now considering another ation Educators Association she won Home Economics Student agreed with her. Little said the nual turkey feast — an annual meal big move. The bakery that provides 2008 Dream, Dare, Do Award Teacher of the Year from San Jose space was built “exactly according served to all Village students, and for bread for Terra Bella Family Farm (Home Economics Teachers State University for her work at to that graph paper.” some, the only Thanksgiving they’ll recently went out of business and of California) Foothill High School. She went on She teaches two catering classes have, according to Little — student the owner approached Village ask- to win both district Teacher of the that operate Village Catering, the and adult volunteers listened to an ing if Little would be willing to take 2012 Tri-Valley YMCA Martin Year in 1995 and Alameda County school’s in-house business that gives impromptu homily about safety. on the task of baking for the farm’s Luther King Legacy Award Teacher of the Year in 1996. students real world experience; two “These knives were sharpened weekly distribution to its members. 2012 PUSD Certiﬁ cate of Recogni- Despite winning the San Jose State classes called Good Eats, which focus this morning,” she told the dozen She and her students just might tion for the Village Catering award, Little wasn’t hired at Foothill on preparing meals that are “nutri- or so volunteers. rise to that opportunity. N Program

you with her special magic and sing Arts (Pleasanton). The first work- ON THE Fundraisers Holiday along. Cost: age 10 to adult, $20; shop is 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, Dec. and 5-9 years, $15. Visit www.si- 4, at the Pleasanton City Council HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Pleasanton ‘HOLIDAY SONGS OF JOY’ Valley pleasantondublin.org. Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Ave. TOWN CPA firm, JL Consulting, is coordi- Concert Chorale will present The second workshop is 2-4 p.m., nating a holiday food drive to ben- “Holiday Songs of Joy” at 3 p.m., SEND THEM ‘HOME FOR THE Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Livermore efit people in need served by the Sunday, Dec. 2, at Trinity Lutheran HOLIDAYS’ All the cats and dogs at AMERICAN City Council Chamber, 3575 Pacific Alameda County Community Food Church, 1225 Hopyard Road. the Valley Humane Society, 3570 Ave., Livermore. To RSVP, contact Eddie Papa’s Bank. Donations of nutritious non- Joining the Chorale is the Tri-Valley’s Nevada St., want to be home with Terry Snyder at 931-5343 or tsnyder@ American Hangout perishable foods can be dropped Cantabella Children’s Chorus. YOU for the holidays. Find yourself cityofpleasantonca.gov. 4889 Hopyard Road, off 9 a.m.-5 p.m. now through Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 a warm and fuzzy critter to snuggle Friday, Dec. 14, at 1024 Serpentine at the door; high school and college with and enjoy discounted adop- Pleasanton, 469-6266. Winner Lane, Suite 105. Call 846-1859 or students, $10; free for children under tion fees. “Home for the Holidays” of The Pleasanton Weekly’s email [email protected]. 12. For tickets, call 866-4003 or visit runs through the month of Live Music LIVERMORE-AMADOR SYMPHONY Reader Choice Awards for www.valleyconcertchorale.org. December, during normal adoption TOY DRIVE FOR CHILDREN FIGHTING ‘C 50 SEASONS’ hours. Closed Tuesday, Dec. 25. ELEBRATING Dr. “Best American Food,” “Best CANCER Downtown Pleasanton- HOLIDAY TEDDY BEAR TEA For details, call 426-8656 or visit Arthur Barnes and the Livermore- Meal under $20” and “Best Kid based Wealth Management FEATURING THE SNOW FAERIE www.valleyhumane.org. Amador Symphony opens its Friendly Restaurant,” Eddie Papa’s Associates is collecting new, Soroptimist International of Golden Season - the 50th - with American Hangout celebrates the unwrapped toys, books, games and Pleasanton Dublin is hosting a music from Darter and Brahms art supplies for The Nicholas Colby Holiday Teddy Bear Tea Party from regional food and beverage cul- Lectures that powerfully celebrates the Fund through Wednesday, Dec. 19 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at orchestra’s half-century of musi- tures of America. Bring the whole TRI-VALLEY GRANT APPLICATION (http://www.nicholascolbyfund. the Highland Oaks Clubhouse, cal achievement. The music begins WORKSHOPS Livermore and family to enjoy iconic dishes from org/Home/tabid/2285/Default. 4530 Sandalwood Dr. Girls should at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at Pleasanton will co-sponsor two appli- across the United States, Old aspx). Donations can be made at bring their favorite teddy bear to Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., cation workshops for several 2013-14 the WMA offices, 400 Main St., enjoy a lovely tea party with holi- Livermore. Tickets are $10-$29. World Hospitality, and hand grant programs, including Housing #200, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For day treats. And all the way from Call 373-6800 or visit www.mylv- crafted artisan cocktails. and Human Services (Pleasanton details, call Erin Haubner at 462- the North Pole, The Snow Faerie is pac.com. www.eddiepapas.com. 6007. planning a special visit to delight and Livermore), and Youth/Civic Page 20ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly fogster.com THE TRI-VALLEY’S CLASSIFIEDS WEB SITE PLACE AN AD IN FOGSTER ONLINE - fogster.com E-MAIL - [email protected] PHONE - (925) 600-0840

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 21 Real Estate OPEN HOME GUIDE AND REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 57% of homes on market now getting multiple offers HOME SALES High demand, shortage of homes making California housing more competitive This week’s data represents homes sold during October 2012 Dublin BY JEB BING to compete with all-cash offers and buyers who purchased a second or 8098 Brittany Drive J. & T. Petero to P. Balakrishnan for Favorable home prices and record- investors, setting off multiple offers vacation home. The remaining 77% $790,000 low interest rates, combined with and bidding wars, making it even purchased the home as a primary 11598 Estrella Court K. Tipton to E. Ricci for $585,000 high demand and a severe shortage more difficult for first-time buyers residence. 3616 Finnian Way A. Chan to T. & H. Van for $370,000 of available housing, have created a to become homeowners,” he added. ■ International buyers made up 6020 Hillbrook Place F. Montifar to T. Tramblie for $480,000 highly competitive housing market The competitive housing environ- 5.8% of sales in 2012, relatively 4978 Houlton Court P. & M. Bamford to J. & C. Levalley for in California with nearly six in ten ment led to more properties being unchanged from 5.7% in 2011. Buy- $731,000 home sales receiving multiple of- sold at or above the list price, with ers from China, Canada, India and 3374 Monaghan Street P. Messier to A. Singh for $350,000 fers. 41% of homes selling without a Mexico made up the vast majority of 4793 Perugia Street Sorrento at Dublin Ranch to S. & C. In its “2012 Annual Housing Mar- markdown from the asking price, international buyers at 39.1%, 13%, McRee for ket Survey,” the California Associa- the highest since 2005 and up from 8.7%, and 8.7%, respectively. $562,500 tion of Realtors reports that 57% of a long-run average of 32%. ■ While still below the long-run av- 4837 Perugia Street Sorrento at Dublin Ranch to N. Chan for home sales received multiple offers Additionally, homes sold faster erage of 39%, the share of first-time $447,500 in 2012, the highest in at least the in 2012, with equity sales selling buyers rose from 34.2% in 2011 to 4436 Roscommon Way HPROF Limited to K. Chitrapu for past 12 years. Each home received in 32 days compared with 67 days 35.8% in 2012, thanks to improved $722,000 an average of 4.2 offers, up from 3.5 in 2011. REOs took 30 days to sell housing affordability resulting from 4866 Shelton Street M. Milz to L. Ruan for $690,000 offers in 2011. compared with 50 days in 2011, and low interest rates and affordable Lower priced homes, typically real short sales took 90 days compared home prices. Livermore estate-owned (REO) or short sales, with 141 days in 2011, reflecting ■ First-time buyers were attracted to 5403 Carnegie Loop J. Grammatica to B. & G. Williams for attracted more multiple offers than the still-difficult process. distressed properties because of their $765,000 equity sales. Seven of 10 REO sales Other key findings from CAR’s lower price point. Forty percent of 1446 Chateau Common #204 L. Dagosta to L. Abad for $157,500 and short sales received multiple of- “2012 Annual Housing Market Sur- all first-time buyers bought either fers, while only half of equity sales vey” include: an REO or short sale in 2012, down 1887 Corte Cava S. & M. Hashimy to A. & J. Liu for $363,500 ■ Nearly one-third (30%) of all from 44.3 in 2011. The decrease was 5726 Edelweiss Way B. & G. Williams to Bauer Trust for received more than one offer. $596,000 “Well-qualified buyers are recog- home buyers paid with all cash in primarily due to a shortage of inven- 523 Heligan Lane #4 T. Vargas to D. & C. McLaughlin for nizing the once-in-a-generation op- 2012, more than triple what it was tory of distressed properties. $512,000 ■ portunity to purchase a home in in 2001, when nearly 9% of buyers Reflecting tighter lending stan- 290 Jami Court W. & M. James to J. Choate for $510,000 California and are jumping into the paid all cash. dards, very few home buyers have a 1141 Meadow Drive S. & K. Kanaparthy to Y. Hu for $370,000 market,” said CAR President LeFran- ■ Demand for investment properties second mortgage. The share of home 1879 Meadow Glen Drive F. Dickey to R. Bozinoski for cis Arnold. and second homes remained strong sales with a second mortgage has $565,000 “However, the fierce market con- in 2012. Sixteen percent of sales fallen dramatically from a high of 950 Norfolk Road E. Corsi to S. Moppin for $381,500 ditions have forced many buyers were to investors, and 7% were to 43.4% in 2006 to 1.8% in 2012. N See SALES on Page 23

Page 22ÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly REAL ESTATE

OPEN HOMES THIS WEEKEND Pleasanton Recently Sold Homes 5 BEDROOMS Represented Buyer! 3273 Novara Way $2,925,000 Sun 1-4 Fabulous Properties 980-0273

4275 Holland Drive A. & M. Amiri to F. Sandico SALES for $530,000 4246 Remillard Ct., Pleasanton $1,324,000 Continued from Page 22 4697 Klamath Court Furrer Trust to Y. Zhang for 258 North M Street Desai Trust to A. Jain for $695,000 $200,000 3364 Ledgestone Court Nicholas Trust to I. 1828 Pepperwood Common JP Morgan Chase Harrosh for $1,655,000 Bank to B. Ghafoor for $440,000 5419 Montalvo Court Reichling Trust to D. & A. 2192 Percheron Road A. & D. Dieckmann to B. Johnson for $490,000 Fletcher for $440,000 6785 Paseo Catalina T. Loo to V. & N. Divakar 168 Gillette Place, Livermore 3943 Stanford Way L. Perez to M. & L. Hughes for $710,000 $346,000 for $299,000 3541 Pimlico Drive D. Timblin to J. Jose for 907 Via Seville P. Nunes to J. Long for $415,000 $549,000 2541 Corte Bella, Pleasanton $1,086,000 2461 Romano Circle Bklg Trust to S. Prathnadi The Real Estate Market is continually Pleasanton for $1,209,500 changing, now more than ever it is 2158 Arroyo Court Ann Apartments to P. Wong 2730 Spinosa Court A. & Y. Sudra to C. Yan for for $228,000 $710,000 important to contact a professional Realtor. 5090 Blackbird Way Kelley Trust to S. & S. 2308 Via Espada Goon Trust to C. Pang for If you or someone you know is thinking Stenning for $737,000 $752,000 of buying or selling a property, I would be 4368 Diavila Avenue K. & C. Resinger to S. 3837 Vineyard Avenue #B Federal Home Loan happy to provide them with my personal Kesavalu for $625,000 Mortgage to Y. Mino for $100,000 4014 Jackie Ct., Pleasanton $560,000 and professional service. 3019 East Ruby Hill Drive C. & E. Beltran to M. 4862 Woodthrush Road Cummings-Davidian & J. Lau for $1,435,000 Trust to D. & M. Cavander for $795,000 Source: California REsource Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season Anni Hagfeldt Visit pleasantonweekly.com/ realestate 925.519.3534 for sales information, [email protected] | annihagfeldt.com current listings and open homes. “I work for you…it’s that simple!” For marketing opportunities call Dana Santos at 600-0840, x110. apr.com | PLEASANTON 900 Main Street 925.251.1111

Sold 147 Ramona Road, Danville Sold 861 Chateli Court, Pleasanton Stunning, brand new custom home Gorgeous tri-level on a court in the on a quiet street, yet just blocks from desirable Vintage Hills neighborhood. Danville’s charming downtown. Huge lot, Large private yard with a pool, gleaming gorgeous hardwood ﬂ oors, incredible hard wood ﬂ oors, remodeled kitchen chef’s kitchen. Represented Buyer. 4 and baths. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. bedrooms, 3 baths. Sold for $1,130,000. Sold for $800,000.

Sold 1063 Crellin Road, Pleasanton Sale Pending 762 Bonita Avenue, Pleasanton Beautiful home in Vintage Hills. Private Completely remodeled beauty in yard with pool and spa, vaulted ceilings, Pleasanton Heights. Wood ﬂ oors light and bright home with 2 master throughout, gorgeous kitchen and baths, suites, including 1 on the main level. sparkling pool and spa. Pending with Represented Buyer. Sold for $720,000. multiple offers. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Offered at $819,000.

Sale Pending 80 Cherry Street, Chico Darling income property, across the Inventory in the Tri-Valley is extremely low, and there are street from the Chico State campus. plenty of motivated buyers. Multiple offers are once again Ideal for the parent investor. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Offered at $200,000. becoming the norm. If you are considering selling your home, Representing buyer. give me a call for a free, no obligation market analysis.

Sylvia Desin Direct: 925.621.4070 Cell: 925.413.1912 [email protected] DRE# 01280640

apr.com | PLEASANTON 900 Main Street 925.251.1111

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊNovember 23, 2012ÊU Page 23 #1 Ofﬁce in Pleasanton 2012 2011 2010 in Volume 3 years in a row! and Sales

!"# # # # ' ## %$ $ $# Understated elegance and breathtaking views from this custom home in Grey Eagle Estates. 4 bedrooms, 2 dens and a media room that %" %" " & could also be a wonderful in law set up or guest quarters. Grand ' "$ $#$ marble foyer entrance with old world woodwork and dramatic " 1817 Spumante Place, Pleasanton spiral staircase. Large gourmet granite kitchen with stainless steel Exquisite French country estate on a one of a kind lot in Ruby Hill w/5 BD, 4.5 appliances and stunning hardwood ﬂoors! Offered at $1,690,000 BA, 6,374 sq. ft. The gourmet kitchen features top of the line appliances, granite counters, maple cabinets & hickory ﬂoors. Spectacular view lot w/black bottom 4 Grey Eagle Court, Pleasanton pool, rock waterfall and spa. Offered at $2,600,000 Ingrid Wetmore, Natalie Kruger & Lisa Sterling-Sanchez Melissa Pederson Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty REALTOR® DRE # 01002251 REALTORS®, GRI, CRS, SRES 925.397.4326 925.463.0436 925.918.0986 | 925.847.5377 | 925.980.9265 [email protected] www.SoldinaFlash.com DRE 00923379, 01187582, 01012330 www.melissapederson.com Personalized service PENDING! Pending is always in season

Now is the time to explore your real estate options.

Let me put my knowledge 4444 Foothill Road, Pleasanton to work for you today. 89 Terra Way, South Livermore Short sale. 4 BR and 2.5 BA. 3507 +/- sq. ft. Absolutely stunning! Great home for entertaining! 3325 sq ft, four bedrooms plus loft Completely rebuilt in 2005, this custom, single story home offers a (5th bedroom option), gourmet kitchen, tons of upgrades, 3-car view from every window, including Mt. Diablo and the surrounding garage, low-maintenance backyard and courtyard. hills. Beautifully updated throughout with fantastic gourmet kitchen. Offered at $875,000 Huge 2.26 +/- acre lot includes an entertainer’s backyard with pool and spa. Offered at $1,650,000 Cristin Kiper Sanchez 925.580.7719 DRE #01479197 Cindy and Gene Williams DeAnna Armario REALTORS® DRE # 01370076 and 00607511 REALTOR® DRE # 01363180 925.918.2045 925.260.2220 [email protected] | www.teamsanch.com www.williamsteam.net www.armariohomes.com

MULTIPLE OFFERS AND SOLD IN ONE WEEKEND! Open Sun 1-4

3273 Novara Way - Pleasanton (Ruby Hill) 5 bed/4 full and 2 half bath, 7800 sq. ft. Grand French Estate on .6 acre 831 Bricco Court, Ruby Hill lot. Exquisite details include Brazilian Cherry and French Limestone Mediterranean elegance with expansive, main level casual living areas floors, beautiful gourmet kitchen, crown molding and wainscoting. Golf 4571 Mohr Avenue open to one another, incl. a huge kitchen. Formal living room with cof- Gorgeous remodeled home! All the bells and whistles! Just move in! fered ceiling, cast-stone fireplace, built-in cabinetry and faux wall finish. course view and rose gardens. Offered at $2,925,000 Offered at $699,000 Lower level built to entertain pool table & movie theatre, wine cellar and more. $3,499,000 www.831BriccoCourt.com

Gail Boal Uwe Maercz REALTOR®DRE # 01276455 REALTOR® DRE # 01390383 925.577.5787 925.360.8758 www.gailboal.com www.realestatebyuwe.com

We’re grateful for all those special people and times that have touched a place in our hearts — thank you for selecting us as your real estate professional. We value and appreciate the relationships we’ve built. From our family to yours, may this Thanksgiving & holiday season be one that memories are made of!

5994 W. Las Positas, Suite 101, Pleasanton | www.KWTrivalley.com | 459 Main Street, Pleasanton Broker License #01395362