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INSIDE THIS WEEK BUSINESS NEWS11 ■ NEWS: Bong battle: city vs. cigarette store 5 ■ NEWS: Pros and cons of late winter break 5 SPORTS ■ HOLIDAY: Handling gift emergencies 26 SECTIONS 23 NEW )X`.QJ]\

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Page 2ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Paid Advertisement AROUND Treating and Beating PLEASANTON BY JEB BING Migraines Migraine headaches affect over 35 million men, women and children in the United States "LINDS 3HADES alone and that number is increasing as time goes on. Nearly one in four households includes someone with migraines. Approximately 18% of American women and 6% of men suffer Remembering 3HUTTERS from migraine. What is not well known is that approximately 10% of school aged children our city of roses ANDMOREx also suffer from migraine. Non-migraine sufferers do not realize how seriously painful and debilitating a migraine leasanton once was known headache can be. More than 90% of migraine patients are unable to work or function as a top rose-growing city in Over 20 years of normally during an attack. Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to an America, thanks to Jackson emergency room with a headache or migraine. Migraine ranks in the top 20 of the world’s P s%XCEPTIONAL most disabling medical illnesses. & Perkins (now bankrupt), which grew and developed roses here. #USTOMER3ERVICE Traditional medical treatments include drugs such as Imitrex, Maxalt, Cafergot, Fiorinal and Less known is the work of the Fioricet can help combat a migraine once it has begun, however these medications do not DeVor family, today represented by s(IGHEST1UALITY prevent migraines or even address the cause of the headache. Additionally, medications Mary DeVor Dolan and her hus- 0RODUCTS such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants band John. Mary’s grandfather and s'REAT3ELECTIONS have not produced good results and in far too many cases produce significant unwanted father worked for Jackson & Per- side effects. kins, and then opened the DeVor Research in the fields of alternative medicine has discovered that most headaches, nurseries, first in Livermore and including migraine are caused by one or a combination of the following: later along Mohr Road on land We also do… s!BNORMALPRESSUREONTHENERVESANDMENINGESATTHEBASEOFTHESKULL they purchased from the Bush UÊ ÕÃÌÊ À>«iÀiÃ family long before Ponderosa built s!LLERGIESANDSENSITIVITIESTOCERTAINFOODSASWELLASSTIMULISUCHASLIGHT SOUNDAND its Ironwood development there. UÊ ÌÀâ>Ì barometric pressure that serve as a major trigger for migraines. Mary met John Dolan at the UÊ,i«>ÀÃ s4OXICITYOFTHELIVERANDKIDNEYS University of Nevada. He left his Fortunately, recent technologies have been developed that can address and correct all job as deputy budget director three of the above migraine triggers. What is even more promising to the migraine suffer is for the state and the two moved John Dolan at Dean’s Cafe last week. that these treatments do NOT involve the use of harmful drugs. back to Pleasanton, where Mary was born in 1943. Now 70, John For a limited time, James Stalker, DC, located by Stoneridge Mall is offering a complete Dolan also was a rose aficionado, golf, fiscal analysis, soccer and his- migraine evaluation that includes an in-depth consultation about your headaches, a unique, and eventually opened Dolan In- tory. His dedication to the industry 925.462.1207 painless pressure point relief test that has been shown to shut down a headache in just ternational, headquartered here is obvious in the years he has spent Showroom and Factory minutes, a comprehensive food allergy evaluation to determine which, if any of the foods you but with rose plant propagation in various offices, including the are eating may be triggering your headaches and a customized treatment plan specifically located at 4225 Stanley Blvd for your own unique condition designed to correct the root cause of your headaches. farms in Bakersfield and through board of governors of Plant Produc- near downtown Pleasanton agents in Ecuador and Colombia. ers, treasurer of Roses Inc., long The normal fee for this evaluation is $125, but for a limited time Dr Stalker is offering the entire Those agents, Dean Rule and Luis time director of The Hill Memorial exam for only $25 to those who would like to reduce or eliminate their migraines. A limited Mariano Botero, are now assum- Fund, and more than 15 years as www.window-ology.com number of appointments are available, so call 925-243-7168 today for your appointment. ing much of the business and the vice president and president For more information please visit www.nrc.md and also www.allergyreliefcenters.com worldwide customers this month of the International Rose Breeders Contractor’s License #904282 as Dolan International closes its Association. With help from other Pleasanton business. rose growers, he was successful Dolan’s name is synonymous in persuading both Colombia and with many of the top rose varieties Ecuador, which are fertile countries FIRST TIME grown in the U.S. and Latin Ameri- for top-of-the-line rose growing, to ca. A trailblazer, he worked tireless- pass patent laws for rose varieties. HOME ly to open up American-bred roses Although competitive with his own TOM LEW to the rest of the world though his roses, he is also respected for never DICK insight, knowledge and hands-on hesitating to recommend a com- BUYERS experience. He traveled the world petitor’s variety if it out-performed FRED EUGENE joining and teaching other rose one of his own. BILL growers to build the business, and Both Mary and John Dolan are JIM Pleasanton Affordable Housing Opportunity MIKE TOM introducing award-winning variet- also known for their patience. ies that helped make roses a global Mary says it takes up to 10 years The Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center (TVHOC) is now accepting applications from interested households for two homeownership flower in demand. He was the force after a new variety seed is germi- CHUCK behind the 30 million plants of opportunities offered through the Pleasanton Homeownership Assistance nated before the successive genera- DAVE “Classy” and more than 30 million tions can be screened and tested Program. Current properties include a 2BR townhome offered at $239,970 plants of the #1 variety in Eastern and finally made commercially PROPANE and a 3BR duet home offered at $278,350. Buyers must enter into a Europe, “Forever Young.” available. Plus, the process doesn’t resale restriction agreement with the City which establishes residency and In September, John Dolan was always work or the final result is a other requirements and restricts the price and process for future resale. honored with the prestigious gold rose not worth patenting. TANK medal award by the Society of Mary points out that the rose EXCHANGE Florists at a convention in Palm business has rapidly changed with MAXIMUM ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME Springs. He thanked the owners online buying making international $ Note: A minimum income is also required based on down payment and debt-to-income ratios. and breeders he worked with for purchases as easy as shopping at 1999 over 38 years in the cut rose busi- the local flower stores once was. Household Size Income Limit ness, including the important vari- But then she says the city she and (Some Restrictions Apply) eties they bred, such as Jack Frost, John came back to 33 years ago has 2 $59,050 Forever Yours, Junior Bridesmaid, also changed. “I remember when 3 $66,450 Coed, Sassy, Fondly, Excitement we first drove into town, John saw and Royalty/Vega. a population sign for Pleasanton 10% OFF 4 $73,850 Anyone who has had the fortune that read 3,000. It was also known 5 $79,750 to spend an hour with John Dolan as the small town with the most Taste of quickly realizes the depth of his ex- bars. There are a lot more people pertise includes far more than pro- living here now, including where The Wild Application packets may be obtained at the TVHOC offices, 141 N. duction numbers and variety selec- we used to grow roses, but fewer Livermore Avenue, Livermore, CA (tel. 925-373-3130) or online at tions. He is well-versed on politics, bars, which is just fine with us.” N Dog food www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/housing (City of Pleasanton web site). All applications must be received at the TVHOC offices, 141 No. Livermore Limit 3 bags. Expires 12/31/11 Ave., Livermore, CA, by no later than Thursday, December 29, 2011, About the Cover 5:00pm. Applications received after this date and time will be filed and Joyce and Bob Shapiro have been named the Pleasanton Weekly’s “Couple processed as needed to identify an eligible homebuyer. Faxed or emailed of the Year” for 2011, joining the select group of individuals and couples applications will not be accepted. who have earned the title since we started recognizing community leaders in 1807 Santa Rita Rd, Pleasanton 2001. They may be the most award-winning individuals to share the recogni- Phone (925) 846-0660 tion. Cover design by Lili Cao. Please email your questions to [email protected] Vol. XII, Number 49 www.truevalue.com/pleasanton

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 3

...... fitness ...... CLUBSPORT... Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN

How do you give back during the holidays? Enter to Win a One Year Patrick O’Neill Student Membership My family and I go caroling to people in Go to www.clubsports.com need and the elderly, and bring them treats like cookies and things. to enter and to receive a free guest pass*

Stefanie Poe Account executive This year we went to a shelter in San Francisco to package food and make soup. Yesterday I went to the firehouse to drop off toys for their Toys for Tots program, and I make it a point to always donate when asked at stores while I’m shopping. 7090 JOHNSON DRIVE | PLEASANTON, CA  PILATES REFORMER (925) 271-0557 SESSION WWW.CLUBSPORTS.COM  RUN on the TREADMILL Annette Buck Nutrition Services *Some restrictions apply. Must be local resident and first time guest  DINNER TO-GO 21 years or older to receive free guest pass. Call or come in from The kids and I always empty out all of our from the 9am-7pm to redeem this coupon. Identification is required. CAFÉ One per household. Offers expire 12/24/11. dollar bills and coins and put the money in the Salvation Army buckets. A few years ago we went to Costco and purchased jackets for the children of a local needy family. The winter months are typically a challenging time for blood collection due to busy holiday schedules and inclement weather. Donna Henninger Nutrition Services But the need for blood is constant. We get a needy family’s name through our church. After we buy them clothing, toys and whatever else they might need, we deliv- The American Red Cross invites you to visit er everything as a family. its Pleasanton Blood Donation Center. In addition to collecting whole blood, the center has recently expanded to collect double red cells and platelets—making it a convenient destination for local blood Jake Davila Maintenance worker donors of all types. A few years ago, I needed credits for my Every two seconds, someone needs blood. You can do your civics class. My friend and I helped with a donation center that passed out school sup- part to help save a life by donating blood at your local Red Cross. Please plies and other things for needy kids in the call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. area. It was really fun, and I would love to do it again. Pleasanton Blood Donation Center 5556-B Springdale Avenue - Near the Stoneridge Mall Donate Whole Blood or Double Red Cells —Compiled by Kerry Nally Monday, Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Have a Streetwise question? E-mail [email protected] Donate Platelets The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Friday - Monday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. © 2011 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Page 4ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Newsfront DIGEST Big bong battle A tale of two cities: Spare the Air Days City of Pleasanton vs. Cigarette City Even before the sun set Tuesday, predicted weather BY GLENN WOHLTMANN “That was their only concern,” conditions and unhealthy air Walk into any convenience store, he said. prompted the Bay Area Air and you’ll probably find drug para- He points to city municipal code Quality Management District phernalia behind the counter in that specifically allows the sale of to proclaim the season’s fifth the form of rolling papers and cigar drug paraphernalia, as long as it’s winter Spare the Air Day for wrappers, more commonly known “in a separate room or enclosure Wednesday, which meant that as “blunt” wrappers. to which minors not accompanied wood burning, both indoors But a battle is brewing between by a parent or legal guardian are and outdoors, would be illegal. Cigarette City and Pleasanton of- excluded.” The alert also bans the burn- ficials about bongs, glass pipes os- Akbarzadeh said he’s been told ing of manufactured fire logs tensibly used for tobacco but more all along — up until recently, any- and other solid fuel. Last week, often used to smoke marijuana. way — that his shop was legal. there were four consecutive Walid Akbarzadeh owns and Both those things are true, said Spare the Air days. runs Cigarette City. He was told Larissa Seto, assistant city attor- The ban was in effect for last week by Pleasanton police to ney. But, she said, state health and Pleasanton, the Tri-Valley and take bongs off his shelves and to safety law trumps city codes. GLENN WOHLTMANN the rest of Alameda, Contra stop selling them. “The provisions in municipal The outside of Cigarette City, on First Street, which has brought complaints Costa, Marin, Napa, San Fran- “They’re like, ‘No, that’s illegal,’” codes have been superceded by from parents, neighbors and nearby businesses. Owner Walid Akbarzadeh says cisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Akbarzadeh said. “Why did it take the California Health and Safety he’s prepared to compromise with the city on what he’s allowed to sell. southern Sonoma and south- two years to come out and say it’s Code, making trafficking in drug western Solano counties, air dis- illegal?” paraphernalia (including both pos- She agreed the city’s code en- that. ... He’s only allowed to oper- trict officials said. He said he included in his busi- session and sales) a misdemeanor,” forcer did tell Akbarzadeh his shop ate as a tobacco shop, selling ciga- About one-third of the harm- ness license application to Pleasan- Seto said. “Because the city has was legal. rettes, tobacco pipes and the types ful soot in the winter air can ton that he intended to sell pipes. never had a business seeking to “Our code enforcement officer, of things he listed in his business be attributed to wood smoke When he opened, Akbarzadeh sell drug paraphernalia, the city when he reviewed municipal code, application,” Seto said. from the roughly 1.4 million said police officers told him, “Just has never removed these provisions had the same misconception that fireplaces and wood stoves in keep minors out.” from municipal code.” had Mr. Akbarzadeh. We corrected See BONG on Page 8 the Bay Area, according to the district. Book sale results Late school break causes The Friends of the Pleasan- ton Library netted $16,947 at its September Book Sale, it an- problems for some parents nounced this week, thanking patrons for donated 850 boxes Others agree with timing of break of merchandise and volunteering to organize and run the Parents of Pleasanton school tradition for her kids, who are sale. kids will have to wait a little third- and fourth-graders at Val- Funds from the two annual longer than usual to dash off to ley View Elementary School. sales are used to supplement Grandma’s house for Christmas. “All the activities that we do library services and materials, The district, unlike others that lead up to Christmas are such as shelving, tables, chairs, nearby, stuck with its traditional impacted. For instance, when carts and music programs. The plan of running school until the does everyone get to go and bake Spring Book Sale will take place Friday before Christmas. That cookies with Grandma? We usu- March 30-April 1. means the last day of school be- ally use the breaks to go see Visit friendsofthepleasanton- fore the break is Friday, Dec. 23, Christmas lights around the area. library.org for the latest news albeit a half day. The Pleasanton That’s going to be tough this and volunteer opportunities. school district will run its break year,” Nostrand said. until Jan. 6, with a weekend She added that her children Increase in chimney following, so kids won’t return have been invited to holiday until Jan. 9. parties from kids in other dis- fires Bill Faraghan, assistant super- tricts that they either won’t be San Ramon Valley Fire Pro- intendent of human resources, able to attend or will have to tection District reports a sharp said the district usually works leave early because those are increase in home fires caused with Dublin, Livermore and San school nights. by fireplaces, chimneys and Ramon Valley school districts to While she characterized her home heating units. It suggests coordinate calendars. He said the issue as “trivial,” one aspect might scheduling annual inspections Pleasanton district put its calen- not be: the financial impact for of fireplaces and chimneys dar together based on the usual families who have to arrange an with a licensed contractor and agreement that schools would extra week of child care. equipping chimneys with ap- remain in session until the Fri- “All the other activities start

proved spark arrestors; never PHOTOS BY JEB BING day before Christmas. Faraghan back up on the first week of Janu- burn trash, paper or holiday said Pleasanton put its calendar ary,” Nostrand said. “What do you wrap in the fireplace because together first and learned later do with your kids that week?” embers can float up the chim- Christmas cheer, courtesy of Rotary that other districts had opted for While many parents are com- ney and onto the roof; discard More than 275 seniors enjoy an early Christmas dinner at the 30th an- an earlier break. plaining — Trevor Knaggs, ashes in a closed metal con- nual holiday event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pleasanton at the Both Dublin and Livermore president of the Association of tainer, fill with water and store Pleasanton Senior Center on Sunday. Above left, School Superintendent will be off from Dec. 19 through Pleasanton Teachers, noted he’s outside away from the home; Parvin Ahmadi and community volunteer Joanie Fields help dish out the Jan. 3; San Ramon Valley schools received a number of emailed and check whether furnaces are turkey dinners while, right, Harvest Park student Sophie Nethery serves will get off the same day but be complaints — some see the late in need of a checkup. the dinners, joining her dad Rotarian John Nethery as one of the volun- off through Jan. 4. break as a good thing. Also, if using a portable teers at the event. For Rotarians, work shifts started at 7 a.m. and ended The timing of Pleasanton’s Tim Totah has first- and third- heater, keep it three feet from late in the afternoon as they greeted, entertained and served seniors, break is causing some problems graders and said the break gives items that can catch on fire including some in their 90s and a number in wheelchairs or using walk- for parents. Julie Nostrand, who kids more time in school before and ensure the heater has an ers. Rotarians Don Lewis and drummer Ed Rouqette entertained onstage wrote a letter to the editor (see their extended winter vacation. automatic turn-off function if it with favorite Christmas melodies. pg 15), said she won’t get to do should tip over. much of what’s become family See SCHOOL BREAK on Page 10 Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 5 NEWS

Public asked to comment on proposed county needs assessment plan Document available online through Dec. 22 The cities of Pleasanton, Dublin access to medical care, homeless- and Livermore have completed a ness, transportation issues, sub- draft report for the Eastern Alame- stance abuse, children’s needs and da Human Services Needs Assess- daycare, senior needs, the needs ment, which will soon be available of those with disabilities, AIDS for public review. awareness, prevention and ser- The report, assembled by Re- vices, and more. source Development Associates, The report can be reviewed on- reviews current human services, line on the city of Pleasanton identifies gaps in services, and ad- website at www.ci.pleasanton. dresses opportunities for improv- ca.us from today through Dec. ing services in the Tri-Valley based 22. Public comments will be con- upon input elicited through focus sidered for incorporation into the groups, human service agency staff final draft, which will be available and clients, public schools, the re- in early 2012. cent U.S. Census and others. Comments should be directed to Among the human service needs Peter Neely at pneely@resourcede- in the Tri-Valley that are included velopment.com or (510) 488-4345 in the document are cultural com- x113. petency and language barriers, —Jeb Bing

Lab, Intel move Tri-Valley science fair to Hayward Retired San Ramon teacher named director of new Alameda County program

BY JEB BING The new science fair will be Lawrence Livermore National run by a board of directors from Laboratory has announced plans to the community, chaired by re- expand the Tri-Valley Science and tired San Ramon Valley Unified Engineering Fair it has sponsored School District science teacher for the past 15 years and move it to Patti Carothers. It will allow par- Hayward. ticipation by all middle and high- The fair, affiliated with the Intel school age students in Alameda Corp., has served students in County. Alameda County and has become Lucchetti said the transition a model for fairs in other areas. to the new fair will offer an ex- For years, it has been held at the panded, larger countywide event, Robert Livermore Center in Liv- including growth opportunities ermore or at the Alameda County for Tri-Valley students who al- Fairgrounds. ready participate, and will open Because of its success, the Intel doors for new students who have Corp. decided to take the fair be- not yet had access to an Intel- yond the Tri-Valley, said Linda Luc- affiliated science fair. chetti of the Livermore Lab. The With the Lab’s help and that of fair has been renamed the Alameda the Intel Corp. and others, the new County Science and Engineering science fair, which will be affiliated Fair (ACSEF), with its first program with the California State Science to be held March 20-22 at Chabot Fair, will provide a level of scien- College in Hayward. tific outreach that has been long While other science fairs in the missing from Alameda County. state have struggled to continue or Lucchetti said the new fair have declined in participation, the pledges to help students gain per- Tri-Valley numbers have steadily spective of the world through sci- grown, making it a hallmark of ence, critical thinking, leadership science education excellence, Luc- and creative problem solving. Ed- chetti said. ucators are encouraged to get their During the past 15 years, some students involved in the science, 6,195 students have participated, technology, engineering and math- an impressive growth from its first ematics (S.T.E.M) experience. year of 125 students in 1997. For further information and de- Lucchetti said several of the sci- tails about how to get involved as a ence fair participants have gone on student participant, fair volunteer, to careers in science, technology, judge or to make a donation, visit engineering and math fields. At the ACSEF website at http://www. least one is now an employee at the acsef.org or contact Patti Caroth- SLAC National Accelerator Labora- ers, the fair director, at 426-7879 tory, formerly the Stanford Linear or by email at alamedacountySEF@ Accelerator Center, in Palo Alto. gmail.com. N

Page 6ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly GET A FREE GATORADE PRIME® OR GATORADE RECOVER® WHERE: SAFEWAY STORE 6790 BERNAL AVE IN PLEASANTON AT THE NEW ACTIVE ZONE WHEN: DECEMBER 18TH, 2011 FROM 11AM-4PM PST LIMIT ONE (1) FREE PRODUCT PER CUSTOMER. OFFER VALID WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 7 NEWS

BONG them on display. Continued from Page 5 Referring to the visit by the code enforcement officer, Akbarzadeh Akbarzadeh, however, main- said he felt like he was being tar- tains that bongs are not drug geted by city officials. paraphernalia until someone uses “He comes back two weeks later them for something other than saying, ‘We’ve got some complaints tobacco. He estimated that he’d about your store. We’re going to sold 200 bongs, which he calls have to see if you’re breaking any glass, since he opened almost two city codes,’” Akbarzadeh said. years ago. He added he’d even been told He said the city has told him by two police officers, whom he his store has been morphing into a identified, that his store was legal, head shop — the kind of place that although Seto said, “He hasn’t caters exclusively to drug clientele. been able to tell us which officers Seto agreed. said that.” “His business, I would describe it “He is selling bongs, air-driven as ‘evolved.’ When it first went in it pipes, is selling scales and contain- had a lot more of the merchandise ers that have marijuana leaves all that he indicated he’d be selling,” over them and he is selling different Seto said, adding that meant to- kinds of chamber pipes, carbure- bacco products. “It has evolved tor pipes,” Seto said. “If he were into the selling of drug parapher- just selling loose-leaf tobacco, the nalia. Now that the merchandise papers to roll tobacco cigarettes — has changed, a lot of it is listed in these things are allowed to be sold California Health and Safety Code in tobacco shops. But he is selling as being illegal.” scales and small types of Baggies Akbarzadeh, though, said he’s that are listed in the state law as GLENN WOHLTMANN been selling bongs since the day drug paraphernalia.” Cigarette City owner Walid Akbarzadeh looks over paperwork from the city in his store. He has removed bongs and other the store opened, although he said Seto said the city is hoping for items the city calls drug paraphernalia from his shelves. He’s prepared to go to court to fight the city’s claims. he added stock and put more of voluntary compliance, but added, “If he’s unable to do that, we’re going to have to bring an enforcement action.” That could mean a misdemean- or conviction, although Akbarza- deh has taken every questionable item off the shelves while the fight continues. Part of the problem is likely to do with complaints. While Seto couldn’t say how many the city had received — more than 10, she allowed — she said those complaints have come from all quarters. “Parents of school-age children, residents in the area and then business owners in the area (all have contacted the city to ask that something be done),” she said. It probably doesn’t help that the store is just a few blocks from Vil- lage, the school district’s continu- ation high school. On any given afternoon, students from Village are among those who frequent the store, although Akbarzadeh said he’s always careful to ask for identification from even those who have become regulars. “There’s customers we know are 18, but (I say) let me see some ID,” he said. “There a lot of 18-, 19-, 20- year olds, they come in here every day, but I still want to see if they have it on them,” Akbarzadeh said, + * explaining that some police officers have stopped his clients with ciga- & / 0 , rettes and checked their IDs. " $+",1 $- Akbarzadeh said there are a lot of ,* #.$ 2 things that could be done without 31 & & targeting his business, which, he #.$ said, has brought in $50,000 in sales tax during the 21 months it’s * # / * been open. 4 “If (police are) trying to protect * * 0 the community, they need to go after drug dealers,” he said. “Par- ents who are worried that this shop is here, talk to your kids, try to 567$ 8<5) $= <)8! * tell them about drugs, advise them #76899 #768<< ! #7689< about the dangers of drugs. If my 7(86(99()) 7(869>)9)) 7(889))()) brother gets drunk, I’m not going : : ; $ ? % to go after shops that sell alcohol.” Akbarzadeh said some police officers have been slandering him, saying that his store sells drugs. ! " # $ %!&'() # * He said he’s ready to fight the city, % $+",$- ()'().&$+", . &$+",.& either for the right to bring bongs * $+",.& * back, or to get compensated for the Page 8ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly NEWS investment he made before the city decided to crack down. TAKE US ALONG He said that Dublin and Liv- ermore have similar shops; San Ramon has one as well, and others are in operation across Alameda County. If Akbarzadeh decides to ask for the right to bear bongs, state code spells out exactly what kind of evi- dence would be presented on both sides. It reads: “In determining whether an object is drug paraphernalia, a court or other authority may consider, in addition to all other logically relevant factors, the following: (1) Statements by an owner or by anyone in control of the object concerning its use. (2) Instructions, oral or written, provided with the object concerning its use for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the human body. (3) Descriptive materials accompa- nying the object which explain or GLENN WOHLTMANN Brrrr: Chris, Mabel and Jeremy Lawton catch up on hometown news while depict its use. A wall holds items that range from ashtrays, top, to cleaners for bongs and other visiting the Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau, Alaska, on their cruise to (4) National and local advertising glass items to blunt wrappers to tobacco products. Alaska in July. They decided to ignore the headline that said: “Dive right in.” concerning its use. (5) The manner in which the object is displayed for sale. (6) Whether the owner, or anyone in control of the object, is a le- gitimate supplier of like or related SPECIAL SALE items to the community, such as Now Under Construction a licensed distributor or dealer of Diamond Stud Earrings BUILDING ON 20 YEARS tobacco products. OF EXPERIENCE (7) Expert testimony concerning 1/2ct to 3/4ct T/W its use. N $499.00

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925.939.3333 2791 North Main St., Walnut Creek www.lawrencevolvo.com 5698 Stoneridge Dr. ~ Pleasanton ~ StoneridgeCreek.com Get All of This Plus More Great Offers from Volvo! 1-800-924-6430 Continuing Life Communities Pleasanton LLC, dba Stoneridge Creek Pleasanton, has received authorization to accept deposits from the California Department of Social Services. Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 9 NEWS Lockout protest Y classes Saturday in session Some local religious leaders are inviting their The Tri-Valley YMCA is hold- congregations to come out tomorrow to help sup- ing an assortment of Health and port the workers who have been locked out of Wellness classes that range from Castlewood Country Club. Beginning Sassy Jazz to Bootcamp Kristi Laughlin, project director of the East Bay to candlelight Yoga. Go to trivalley. Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, is asking ymcaeastbay.org to view the list of for a show of solidarity with the workers, with classes and a schedule. food, song and a holiday procession through town, Although the classes begin this much the same as the event held last year around week, participants may join at any the same time. time with a prorated costs or may The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of drop in to try a class. Main Street and Bernal Avenue. Tri-Valley YMCA Health and Workers were locked out of the country club on Wellness Director Bobby Andrea- Feb. 25, 2010, in a dispute over health care costs. JEFF HORNING sen asks that anyone interested Little movement on either side has take place in in a class that is not offered at months, although the case is set to go before the Band shines at NorCal finals a good time contact her so the National Labor Relations Board early next year. Foothill High School Band and Color Guard perform their award winning field show entitled Y can try to adjust its classes to The dispute has led to a number of protests at Terra Nova at the Northern California Band Association Finals hosted by Fairfield High meet the needs of its members. the club, including a June 23 protest in which School, where they clinched the top award of Grand Sweepstakes Winner. Honors included Call 263-4443 or email bandrea- 23 people were arrested for blocking Castlewood first places for Jazz Band and Field Show, seconds for Parade Color Guard, Wind Ensemble, [email protected]. Drive in what organizers described as an act of civil Field Show Color Guard, Field Percussion and Field Woodwinds; thirds in Parade and Field Cost per class for YMCA mem- disobedience. That protest drew close to 100 dem- Brass; and fifth in Percussion. bers is $8; nonmembers pay $13; onstrators and nearly 50 police officers from the Special recognition went to Director of Bands Joshua Butterfield; Drum Majors Matt Beach, drop-in classes are $15. Y member- Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and Pleasanton. Meredith Horning and Diana Fu; Percussion Captain Gene Lee; Color Guard Captain Court- ship is $35 for Dec. 12-June 30. —Glenn Wohltmann ney Capurro; Brass Captain Rose Doylemason; and Woodwind Captain Nicole Weiderecht —Dolores Fox Ciardelli

SCHOOL BREAK Continued from Page 5 “They have a good four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christ- mas, and I prefer that so they can solidify what they’ve been learn- ing with a minimum of breaks,” Totah said, pointing out that kids Jewelry had a total of 10 days off for their Stores Thanksgiving break. “I don’t think they need an earlier break. I think it’s wonderful planning by the school district,” he said. Knaggs said that even with the later break, high school students will have two weeks to study before final exams. The district is not alone in having a later break. Sunol Glen, which offers classes for kinder- garteners through eighth-graders follows the same schedule. The Athenian School in Danville will be off from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, and Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward will be off Get twice the value... Us from Dec. 23 through Jan. 9. St. Raymond in Dublin will have its for half the price. vacation from Dec. 23 though Jan. 3. Nearly all others will have Beautiful jewelry at consignment pricing. breaks similar to Dublin, Liv- ermore and San Ramon Valley. Valley Christian in Pleasanton, which offers a K-5 program, will have its break from Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, as will St. Philip Lutheran School in Dublin, $IAMONDSs2INGSs.ECKLACESs0ENDANTSs%ARRINGSs"RACELETS which has classes for kindergar- teners though eighth-graders, and Quarry Lane in Pleasanton, which California’s Largest Consignment Company holds classes for K-12. Other schools with earlier breaks are: SPECIALIZING IN THE CONSIGNMENT SALE OF QUALITY FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES AND JEWELRY. ■ St. Michael Catholic School in Livermore DANVILLE ■ Carden West in Pleasanton CORTE MADERA 415.924.6691 SAN CARLOS 650.508.8317 ■ Our Savior Lutheran School in 925.866.6164 Livermore MOUNTAIN VIEW 650.964.7212 CAMPBELL 408.871.8890 ■ Carondelet High School in Con- 1901-F Camino Ramon cord ■ De La Salle High School in Also in Folsom, Roseville, Newport Beach, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Niguel, Yorba Linda, Las Vegas, and Austin, TX! Concord —Glenn Wohltmann

Page 10ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Are you paying too Business News Edited by Jeb Bing much for COBRA? Or do you just need individual, senior, family or group health coverage at affordable rates? Call Today to save money! Valley Community Bank names Ask about my low rates for life insurance. Charlene Beasley Billen 1st vice president Lic#0C26292 Longtime resident started career as teller in Pennsylvania Beasley Insurance Services Valley Community Bank has View Bank in Pleasanton. When is a member of the Pleasanton- 925-803-9799 promoted Bernie Billen to First that bank closed, she joined Valley Tulancingo Sister City Association www.beasleyinsurance.com Vice President and Manager of its Community Bank as vice presi- and the Hometown Holiday Cel- Pleasanton office, succeeding Brent dent of business ebration steering committee. Chaney, who has retired. development in She received the Community De- Plans Billen first started in the banking 2002. velopment Award and Carol Bush business as a teller in Erie, Pa. In Billen is well Volunteer of the Year Award by the as low as 1985, she moved to Pleasanton and known for her Pleasanton Chamber as well as the resumed her banking career when involvement in Arch Angel Award by the Pleasan- she joined the staff of Community the local busi- ton Downtown Association. 00 First National Bank. After seven ness community. “Since I have been based at this perper years there, she left banking for She has served office for many years and know $61$55 month five years to become membership on the board our customers, I am confident that director at the Pleasanton Chamber of directors of Bernie Billen the transition will be seamless and *Based *Basedon HealthNet on HealthNet PPO of Commerce. both the Pleas- everything will run as smoothly as Optimum Advantage 4500 OptimumSingle AdvantagePlan for Singles 4500age 25 Billen returned to banking in anton Chamber and the Pleasanton it did under Brent’s leadership,” Bil- Single Plan for Males age 25 1997 as branch manager at Bay Downtown Association. She also len said. N Free Quote go to www.beasleyinsurance.com Echopass appoints industry veteran to executive VP post O’Connell also will serve as quality control chief

Pleasanton-based Echopass Cor- ford, he was Senior Vice President and Development), a standards poration, a 2011 market share and Chief Information Officer, organization for the insurance in- leader in cloud-based contact cen- with responsibilities that include dustry, as well as the Boston Col- ters, has named Brian O’Connell the development and implementa- lege Technology Council. as its Executive Vice President and tion of a centralized, enterprise- “Echopass has become the mar- Chief Quality Officer. wide information technology strat- ket leader in the hosted contact O’Connell has egy. center market through our com- more than 25 He spent 25 years at Accenture, mitment to large enterprise cus- years of manage- where he was both a managing tomers, their customer service ment consulting director and partner. During that requirements, and their success,” experience at time, he also served as manag- said Vincent Deschamps, CEO Accenture, as ing director of the Life Insurance and chairman of Echopass. well as strategy Industry for North America and “Brian’s experience and skills and operational Asia and of the Technology Work will allow Echopass to develop management for Group for North America. broad and deep strategies in the The Hartford Fi- He serves on the board of direc- delivery of critical customer fac- nancial Services Brian tors of ACORD (Association for ing solutions for our clients,” he O’Connell Group. At Hart- Cooperative Operations Research added. N New Safeway online site helps holiday planners Survey shows most women find decor, menus most demanding A recent survey by Pleasanton- escape and home decor tips, her lenges during this festive season by based Safeway Corp. shows that “debi lilly” design collection and providing them with tips and reci- 75% of women find perfecting their floral arrangements are accompa- pes to make holiday entertaining holiday decor and meal menus is nied by Anderson’s favorite holi- easy, affordable and fun,” said Mike among the most demanding as- day recipes at Safeway’s new Holi- Minasi, president of marketing at pects of holiday entertaining. day Inspirations site. The online Safeway. To help transform the holidays site also illustrates ways shoppers “Our survey results showed us from ordinary to extraordinary can save in its two Pleasanton that there’s an opportunity to this year, Safeway said it is pro- stores. build broader awareness of all viding shoppers with a variety of Also available by download from that Safeway has to offer to al- fresh ideas, tips and tricks from iTunes is a proprietary Safeway leviate seasonal stress,” he added. top experts, including Debi Lilly, Chef Assistant mobile application “With our new Holiday Inspira- an entertaining and decor expert to help hosts save time and shine tions website and the Chef Assis- partnering with Safeway, and Jeff during the holiday season, Ander- tant mobile application, Safeway Anderson, executive chef of Safe- son said. provides inspiring solutions to way’s Culinary Kitchens. “We listened to our customers help with holiday menus and Lilly’s entertaining ideas, tabl- and set out to solve their chal- events, big and small.” N

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 11 COVER

Photos clockwise from right show Joyce and Bob Shapiro’s current Christmas card that features their well-known gourmet cooking and wine connoisseur skills; the two outside the home of Seghesio winery CEO Peter Seghesio; Mayor Jennifer Hosterman with Bob and Joyce Shapiro and two of their grandchildren (l. to r.) Sierra Wong, 5, and Grace Shapiro, 5; the Shapiros with their home-made “I love Pleasanton” sign at a recent Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce event at Barone’s restaurant’s outdoor garden. Inset at far right shows the Shapiros serving dinners to seniors at the Rotary Club of Pleasanton’s Christmas dinner.

GINA PIPER

SAUL BROMBERGER.

Page 12ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly STORY

BVSAVO^W`]a(=c` 1=C>:3 =4B63 G3/@ JEB BING 0G83007<5

oyce and Bob Shapiro have been named the Pleasanton Weekly’s “Couple of the Year” for 2011, joining the select group of individuals and couples who have earned the title 8during the 11 years the Weekly has recognized community leaders since 2001. The Shapiros may be the most award-winning individuals to share the recognition. Both have volunteered their services and served on key community boards for many years, with Joyce going back to the 1970s when she owned a building and operated a business in downtown Pleasanton, and Bob to 1999 after he married Joyce and moved here.

Just this year, they received four major awards, town Association, she was its statewide president in including the Mayor’s Award “for demonstrating a 1982 and also president of the Junior Women’s Club. generous concern for others and a spirit of service One of her early awards came when she was voted dedicated to the betterment of the Pleasanton com- the best overall chief executive officer at the Valley Vol- munity.” Earlier in the year, they were honored with unteer CEO dinner in 1993. Returning to Pleasanton the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Legacy Award, the with Bob from New York and Michigan in 1999, Joyce Community of Character Foundation award and the picked up where she left off as a community volunteer. HARVEY KAMENY Local Hero award presented by state Assemblyman Bob She compiled the Pleasanton 2000 fact book, which Wieckowski (D-20th). was also printed in Braille, and at the same time was a Both served as fundraisers for the Pleasanton Fire- founding board member of the Tri-Valley Senior Sup- house Theater, the Las Positas College Foundation port Program. In 2003, she received the Chamber’s and the Sandra K Wing Healing Foundation. In fact, Carol Bush Award for Volunteerism, and was honored fundraising and support for charities and nonprofits the following year with the PDA’s President’s Award as often take place at their home on Kottinger Drive, a its most valuable volunteer. spacious single story residence that Joyce first moved A graduate of the 2004-05 Pleasanton Leadership into in 1966. It was there she delivered her first child, Program, which is sponsored by the Chamber and city of a daughter Robin, with her first husband Gerald (Jerry) Pleasanton, she was asked to become its program man- Getty, who died of a heart ailment in 1984. ager, a volunteer position that she has held for the last six Joyce met Bob in 1991. They married in 1994 and years. Bob also is a graduate of the prestigious program. Joyce moved to Westchester County, N.Y., where he Since rebuilding their home on Kottinger Drive in was a corporate executive with Prodigy. The move 1999, they’ve made it their showplace for the neigh- came after Pleasanton’s three-day centennial celebra- borhood and also their center for entertaining hun- tion, which she chaired. dreds of civic, city and business leaders over the years. The newlyweds moved to Michigan a year later It was featured in a Home & Garden section of the when Bob took a new job, and then back to Pleasanton Pleasanton Weekly. and the Kottinger Drive home when Bob joined a dot. Joyce also is a master chef who “loves to cook and com firm. When that business closed in the height of always has.” Bob is a wine enthusiast, a connoisseur, the dot.com bust, he obtained a real estate license and “but not a sommelier,” he insists. Together, they’re joined Keller Williams. He built the small local office the ultimate party and dinner hosts, and friends crave into a major area-wide real estate firm, leaving the invitations to events at the Shapiros. These include, agency as general manager and its chief executive after among many, the winning bidders of Las Positas Col- nine years of service. lege’s twice-a-year fundraisers which award the highest Joyce Shapiro has been a recognized business and donors an evening at Joyce and Bob’s home. That no community leader in Pleasanton for the last four de- doubt explains why the college foundation raised a cades, and is continuing now in the fifth. Following record amount in contributions earlier this year. in the footsteps of her parents, the late Ett and Ray Also enjoying the Shapiros hospitality over the com- Young, who lived in Castlewood and owned proper- ing holidays will be their family. That will include Bob ties on Main Street, she joined her sister in starting Shapiro’s son Scott Shapiro, his wife Shannon, and the Gingham Clinic at Neal and Main. That’s when their daughter Gracie, who live in Oakland, where she first joined the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Scott is a senior advertising executive for Disney and launching a 40-year involvement in business and civic the ABC group. interests that continues today. Joyce’s two children in what the couple calls their She began the organization now known as the Pleas- melded family also will be there. They are Rod Getty and anton Downtown Association where she served as its his wife Cathy, and their two children Taylor and Megan; BILL CODY first president in 1979 and again in 1981. She was presi- and Robin Wong and her husband James, and their dent of the Chamber in 1978. During that time, she was daughter Sierra. Rod, a civil engineer, is vice president of also appointed to the Pleasanton Planning Commission, an engineering firm. Robin has been a physical therapist serving through 1985. Active in the California Down- at ValleyCare Health System for 17 years. N

Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 13 Opinion

Men’s Haircut Kid’s Haircut $ 99 $ 99 Special 9 Special 9 EDITORIAL THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY With coupon only. With coupon only. Pleasanton Not valid with other offers. Not valid with other offers. Expires 12.31.11 Expires 12.31.11 Weekly Women’s Haircut $ 00 OFF Special $ 99 5 15 PUBLISHER *Long hair extra Color Highlight With coupon only. With coupon only. Gina Channell-Allen, Ext. 119 Not valid with other offers. Not valid with other offers. Expires 12.31.11 Expires 12.31.11 EDITORIAL Editor 925-417-1635 Jeb Bing, Ext. 118 5410 Sunol Blvd. #4, Pleasanton Managing Editor Walk Ins Welcome M-F 9:30am-6:30pm • Sat 9:30pm-6pm • Sun 9:30am-5:30pm Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Ext. 111 Haircuts - Facials - Waxing - Highlights - Perms and more Online/Community Editor Jessica Lipsky, Ext. 229 Reporter Glenn Wohltmann, Ext. 121 Editorial Assistant Amory Gutierrez, Ext. 221 Contributors Jay Flachsbarth Jerri Pantages Long Kerry Nally ART & PRODUCTION Lead Designer

JEB BING Katrina Cannon, Ext. 130

FREE Day Just weeks away from the wrecking ball, this 1908 bungalow on Old Stanley Designers Boulevard wins a reprieve. It’ll be moved and restored. Lili Cao, Ext. 120 Trial Kristin Herman, Ext. 114

ADVERTISING Houses, houses, houses Account Executives Rip’n Ride Spin Class Carol Cano, Ext. 226 Housing issues continue to dominate the Planning Com- Lorraine Guimaraes, Ext. 234 Pole Fitness Class Women Only Circuit mission and City Council agendas as we close out 2011, but Karen Klein, Ext. 122 sometimes a simple one-on-one chat between a developer and Matt Massaro, Ext. 123 TRX Suspension Training Real Estate Sales a community activist can bring results that make us all proud. Andrea Heggelund, Ext. 110 NO monthly dues & NO processing fees! Call today! Such is the case with the approval Donato Builders received Ad Services in a hard-fought development petition to build 13 affordable Cammie Clark, Ext. 116 SportsPlus Group Fitness cluster homes on old Stanley Boulevard (between Main and BUSINESS First streets) that also involved tearing down a 1908 bungalow Business Associate (925) 462-5557 on the half-acre site at 4189 Old Stanley Blvd. Councilman Lisa Oefelein, Ext. 126 Circulation Director 80 Mission Drive, Pleasanton Matt Sullivan and Linda Garbarino of the Pleasanton Heritage Association opposed the measure because, they said, there just Bob Lampkin, Ext. 141 www.SportsPlusBayArea.com aren’t many 100 year old houses left in the city and this one Front Office Coordinator Kathy Martin, Ext. 124 should be preserved. In a spirit of cooperation not often seen when preser- HOW TO REACH THE WEEKLY Phone: (925) 600-0840 vationists and developers clash, Donato’s Tom Martin and Fax: (925) 600-9559 Garbarino met again after the council’s vote favoring the Editorial e-mail: demolition and agreed that sometimes old things are worth [email protected] N C A K E S E & FILIGREE [email protected] C saving. It’s not clear how it will happen or who will provide N P E A Display Sales e-mail: L S Excellence in Cakes & Pastries the land, but Martin and his firm will move the house to an- L T [email protected] E R other site early next year before starting construction on the C E 1987 B Santa Rita Road Classifieds Sales e-mail: X S new homes. Councilman Jerry Thorne, who had supported E Pleasanton, CA 94566 [email protected] • FILIGREE • In Mission Plaza across tearing the house down, told Martin and Garbarino that they Circulation e-mail: circulation@ 9 2 N from Papa Murphy’s have his promise — and no doubt Sullivan’s — to help find PleasantonWeekly.com 5 O T a place for one of the city’s oldest homes. 4 N 8 A 925.484.0400 4 S There was more good news for Ponderosa Homes, which also 0 4 E A www.purefi ligree.com 0 0 • P L won planning and City Council approval to build 31 homes on The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, OpenO Tuesday to Saturday 7:30 am - 3:00 pm a 19.5 acre site along Trenery Drive and Martin Avenue. That’s 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA four more than originally allowed for the site, but these homes 94566; (925) 600-0840. will be much smaller and finally will be built as Ponderosa sees Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS the local housing market improving. 020407. Not so happy, though, are neighbors next to a house at The Pleasanton Weekly is mailed upon 205 Neal St., where Realtor Dave Cunningham and Architect request to homes and apartments in Pleas- anton. Community support of the Pleasan- Charles Huff want to add more space on the first and second ton Weekly is welcomed and encouraged floors. Their first plan also lacked appeal for the Planning Com- through memberships at levels of $5, $8 or mission because of what planners called a “boxy” look. So the $10 per month through automatic credit card charges. Print subscriptions for busi- PPIE Winner 2011 two came back with a more stylish design and less intrusive side nesses or residents of other communities yard that won the commission’s OK, but still didn’t please the are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go Best Dessert, People’s Choice Award neighbors, who have now appealed the decision. Cunningham to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information. and Huff will now have to make their case all over again to the Cookies Bars Pies Rolls Cakes POSTMASTER: Send address changes to City Council on Jan. 10. N Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. Place orders by Wednesday, December 21st © 2011 by Embarcadero Media. 925.484.0400 Visit Town Square at PleasantonWeekly.com All rights reserved. Reproduction without to comment on the editorial. permission is strictly prohibited. Page 14ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly OPINION

vision for our city. We have a long city — great parks and amenities, ward the common good, not for the GUEST OPINION history of fighting for the citizens and safe streets, good schools and a great good of powerful special interests at residents who have been shut out of place to live, work and play. It has your expense. BY MATT SULLIVAN the process and who have little or remained that way only because of The Vice Mayor issue is not trivial, no influence at City Hall. The Vice committed and active residents who and it is emblematic of the erosion of elections with campaign contribu- Mayor position refuse to accept government that is your democratic rights and symbolic Vice Mayor tions in recent years, and as a result, is more than owned and operated by moneyed of what’s wrong in our city govern- they pretty much have their way at ceremonial and interests. In recent years we have ment. If we can make representative is about City Hall. Locally, this is manifested allows participa- seen voter referendums and initia- democracy work anywhere, we can by business PACs, developers and tion on important tives — or the threat of the same — make it work at the local level. But it democracy — land speculators, so-called Indepen- regional and state to prevent destructive hillside de- won’t be easy. And we will only have dent Expenditures and other special policy-setting velopment, stop big box retail that it if we fight for it. or the lack of it interests. To think of this in terms of boards. The fact would exacerbate traffic problems the current “Occupy” parlance, they that McGovern and decimate our locally owned Matt Sullivan was elected to the Readers of the Pleasanton Week- are the 1%, while you — citizens and I have served stores, to plan high density housing Pleasanton City Council in 2004. He ly may wonder why the selection of and residents — are the 99% who only one year out Matt Sullivan in a way that is acceptable to the first became active in city govern- Vice Mayor generates so much ex- have been left out in the cold. of eight as Vice community, and to force a discus- ment issues 16 years ago when he citement and probably think “why The Council majority of Mayor Mayor effectively disenfranchises this sion on public employee compensa- joined a neighborhood organization doesn’t the City Council grow up Jennifer Hosterman, Cheryl Cook- constituency from the higher levels tion reform — and even lawsuits opposed to building a West Las Posi- and take care of business?” As with Kallio and Jerry Thorne has been of government decision making. This brought by citizen groups to force tas interchange at I-680. He was ap- many things in politics there is in lockstep these past five years and monopoly on power by the Council the Council to do the right thing pointed to the city Planning Commis- much more to the story. has consistently voted in support of majority and these special interests to protect the environment and our sion in 1998, where he served until As is true in our national and state these special interests. Councilmem- while shutting out the larger com- quality of life. You shouldn’t have to his election to the council. He and his politics, corporate and other special ber Cindy McGovern and I are usu- munity is exactly the point. work this hard! You should expect wife Wendi, a teacher at Pleasanton interests have flooded Pleasanton ally in the minority with a different Now, Pleasanton is a wonderful your city government to work to- Middle School, have two children.

ridiculous. ing to give up being a homeowner protestors. This is a team in search tions. We spend too much money LETTERS Fact: All other school districts end in San Leandro. of something to do, and the misap- on military solutions to political school for the holidays on Dec. 16, I am a single mother, raising plication of violence perpetrated by problems. allowing families time to travel and an amazing biracial daughter, who the police indicates to me not only John Williams Teaching kids to hit enjoy the winter holidays. is a wonderful human being and how unnecessary it is for a town and run Fact: Kids, especially those in el- awesome student. Harvest Park is to have a full time combat squad, ementary school, have a hard time making her work harder for her but the damage that results to the Dear Editor, focusing in class when visions of straight A’s in eighth grade and I honor and integrity of the commu- Keep your eyesight My wife was heading to work sugarplums crowd out long divi- appreciate it immensely. Knowing nity when this force is unleashed holiday bright about 3:20 in the afternoon on sion. that developers will be able to build on its own citizens. Happy Holidays from Dr. Dec. 2, minding her own business, Fact: Families who wish to honor this type of housing, which will I would call for the dissolution Winston and the Amador enjoying the quaint little shops in the school schedule and not re- inevitably bring more crime and of combat squads in the police at Valley Optometric team downtown Pleasanton, when she ceive truancy slips will miss travel, inhabitants who have less pride in the local level and maintain a much was hit at the stop sign in front baking cookies with grandmas and their homes, deters me from trying smaller force for the very specific of the gas station on Main Street. trips to see the valley lights. to buy a home again here. purposes such as hostage situa- She didn’t panic since it was just For a school district that routinely This is not a racist or elitist, a fender bender, nothing too big. gives kids eight days off in Novem- un-PC judgment, rather an ob- She looked in her rear view mirror ber, trying to make up for that lost servation. One need only ask the to see a mother and her kids inside time by taking an extra week in De- San Ramon Police Department a gray/silver SUV with their hands cember won’t work and every other about the number of call-outs to Amador Valley clasped to their faces in shock. school district around us knows it. the lower-income apartments near Optometric So my wife pulled into the little The week of Dec. 19-23 will be a Dougherty Valley High School. If Complete eyecare for Men, gas station, got out and turned waste of time. Let’s hope the schools the city of Pleasanton is be forced Women, Teens, & Children to see where they were parked figure out a better way to manage to allow such development, can — and she saw them pull right their calendars next year. we at least insist that very strict s 4REND3TYLED%YEWEARWITHEXCELLENT through the stop sign and take off Julie Nostrand CC&R’s be imposed on those who FRAMESTYLISTTOHELPYOUREYEWEARNEEDS like nothing ever happened. Wow. are fortunate enough to be given a s h.O ,INEv,ENSES#OMPUTER,ENSES She couldn’t believe it. Who does chance to join a superior commu- s 3PECIALTYCONTACTLENSCARE INCLUDING Bad reception #24FORNEARSIGHTEDNESSREDUCTION that? Especially with her children nity, so Pleasanton doesn’t become ANDSCLERALLENSESFORKERATOCONUS inside the car. Dear Editor, more like the majority of Alameda ANDIRREGULARCORNEAS So I “applaud” you (hands clap- Is my neighborhood the only County? s h$RY%YEv4REATMENTAND-ANAGEMENT ping in disappointment, shaking my neighborhood in Pleasanton with Christine Gibney s -ACULAR$EGENERATION!SSESSMENT head), the mom that decided it was terrible cell phone reception? I live a good idea to rear end someone in the Vintage Hills II neighbor- Don’t need combat and take off. My analogy is that she hood. Why is it that I get cell was like a dog who grabs a piece of phone reception most places in the team pizza off the table then scampers to East Bay, except in Pleasanton? Dear Editor, Most Vision Plans hide under the table knowing that Steve Vernon The Dec. 2 Pleasanton Weekly Accepted you won’t go under there to scold has on the cover a terrifying figure Medicare Assignment him in front of her children. Fears low-cost housing of a police “officer” decked out in Accepted Jesse Takens full camouflage. The article itself Keep Your Eyecare Local! Dear Editor, was extremely superficial and ex- Serving Pleasanton for Dublin values students Your recent article on the city plained how much money we as more than 30 years moving forward with the court- taxpayers are saving by combining Dear Editor, imposed high-density, lower-cost teams. Dr. Barry C. Winston I just recently attended a Realtor Faculty, UC Berkeley housing mandate made me afraid What was left out of the story School of Optometry Tour of Dublin High School. It is for the town I’ve known for over is how much money we spend Board Certified in the clear that Dublin values their stu- 25 years. My parents moved here in maintaining a combat team that Treatment of Ocular Disease dents. The new buildings are light, the early ‘80s. I moved back (to an to my knowledge we have never GO CAL BEARS! airy, and high tech. Construction apartment) this summer after hav- used, except to torture peaceful continues while the students use the campus. Spirits and scores are high. Bravo, Dublin! Pat Griffin #MFWJ/^TZW/TUNSNTS/\NYM/ZX Convenient Weekday & Evening Hours Winter break too late Submit letters to the editor of up to 250 words Black Avenue Professional Offices Dear Editor, or guest opinion pieces up to 500 words to 4450-C Black Avenue, What was the Pleasanton Unified INYTW QJFXFSYTS'JJPQ^=HTR or post it on Pleasanton School District thinking when they 925.462.2600 set the 2011-12 calendar? Keep- Town Square at QJFXFSYTS'JJPQ^=HTR=/ off Santa Rita Road behind ing kids in school until Dec. 23 is Lynnewood Methodist Church Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 15 Community Pulse ● Transitions POLICE BULLETIN & LOG ● OBITUARIES ● BIRTHS & WEDDINGS

POLICE BULLETIN POLICE REPORT The Pleasanton Police Department Public drunkenness ■ 4:40 p.m. in the 5800 block of Police nab thieves in separate incidents made the following information avail- ■ 3:23 p.m. in the 5100 block of Sterling Greens Circle; identity Four people were arrested this week on auto burglary charges after able. Under the law, those charged Monaco Drive theft reports from a home and the Stoneridge Shopping Center, police reports with offenses are considered innocent until convicted. ■ 6:54 p.m. in the 1300 block of said. Stoneridge Mall Road; grand theft, Three people were arrested Dec. 12 after a resident in the 5200 block Dec. 9 petty theft of Pleasant Hill Road called police to report a suspicious person looking Dec. 6 Theft False imprisonment in car windows at around 4:30 a.m. Police discovered three people in Theft ■ 8:21 a.m. in the 1400 block of ■ 1:24 a.m. in the 2200 block of a car nearby, according to a report, which said credit cards and IDs fell Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft out of the car when the driver got out. ■ 2:21 a.m. in the 2300 block of Segundo Court; false imprison- Michael Joseph Jeske, 41, and Robert Lee Cargia, 40, both of Gilroy, Meadowlark Drive; possession of ■ 9:13 a.m. in the 2100 block of ment, brandishing a weapon stolen property, public drunken- Pamezia Court; identity theft were charged with five counts each of possession of stolen property, as Battery ness ■ 11:41 a.m. in the 4500 block of was Mary Margaret Morgan, 38, of Salinas. Garcia was also arrested on ■ 9:39 p.m. in the 3400 block of a charge of possessing lock-picking tools, and Jeske was arrested on a ■ 9:26 a.m. in the 5600 block of Rosewood Drive; petty theft Andrews Drive Owens Drive; auto theft ■ 1:48 p.m. in the 1600 block of charge of possession of a non-narcotic controlled substance. Auto burglary Ruben Cruz Ochoa, 29, of Richmond was arrested at Stoneridge Shop- ■ 4:23 p.m. in the 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; grand theft ■ ping Center on Dec. 11 after both a wary shopper and mall security Stoneridge Mall road; petty theft ■ 10:15 p.m. in the 4500 block of 1:45 p.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; auto bur- reported a suspicious person driving slowly through multiple lanes of ■ 5:19 p.m. in the 6600 block of Rosewood Drive; petty theft glary, vandalism parked cars. Police received the first call at about 1:49 p.m. and witnesses Koll Center Parkway; petty theft, Burglary identified Ochoa as the person they’d seen. A search of Ochoa’s car turned possession of a non-narcotic con- Vandalism trolled substance ■ 11:16 a.m. in the 3400 block of up screwdrivers, car stereo wires, wire cutters, cell phones and two apple Nevada Court ■ 12:01 a.m. in the 7300 block of iPods. A separate auto burglary of a stereo was linked to the thefts. ■ 5:32 p.m. in the 1300 block of Elmwood Circle In other police reports, a nine-foot-tall menorah was stolen in a bur- Stoneridge Mall Road; forgery ■ 12:22 p.m. in the 6000 block of Gibraltar Drive ■ 8:36 a.m. in the 4200 block of glary at Congregation Beth Emek in 3400 block of Nevada Court. The Burglary Dundalk Court menorah, valued at $3,000, was last seen in a storage building Oct. 9. Battery ■ 8:25 a.m. in the 3400 block of Drug/alcohol violations It was reported stolen at 11:16 a.m. Dec. 9; a door may have been left Cornerstone Court ■ 11:32 a.m. in the 100 block of unlocked. Valley Avenue ■ 12:27 a.m. at the intersection of ■ 3:04 p.m. in the 1100 block of A residential burglary in the 3400 block of Cornerstone Court net- ■ 8:20 p.m. in the 3600 block of Hopyard Road and Stoneridge Blanc Court ted a $1,000 Gateway laptop and a $1,000 central processing unit. The Cameron Avenue Drive; public drunkenness Carrying a concealed weapon burglary, which occurred between 5:15 p.m. Dec. 5 and 8:05 a.m. Dec. Threats ■ 1:11 a.m. at the intersection of 6, also yielded $230 cash and keys. ■ 1:26 p.m. in the 1000 block of Hopyard Road and Black Avenue; ■ 5:37 p.m. in the 7900 block of Stoneridge Mall Road public drunkenness Marquise Deshean Ceasar-Smith, 23, faces a misdemeanor charge of car- Stoneridge Drive rying a concealed weapon after a report from a woman at Stoneridge Mall. Public drunkenness ■ 2:54 a.m. in the 3100 block of Police detected the odor of marijuana, and a search led to the charge. Vandalism ■ 5:55 p.m. in the 4500 block of Bernal Avenue; DUI ■ 12:48 p.m. in the 4300 block of Pleasanton Avenue Black Avenue ■ 4 a.m. in the 5200 block of Hopyard Road; DUI ■ 11:41 p.m. in the 5800 block of DUI Valley Avenue ■ 11:16 p.m. in the 1700 block of ■ 1:49 a.m. at the intersection of Santa Rita Road; possession of a -%229#(2)34-!3!.$(!009(/,)$!93 Santa Rita Road and Stoneridge prescription in another’s name &2/-&//4(),,/04/-%42)#'2/50 Dec. 7 Drive Theft ■ 7:59 p.m. at the intersection of Via di Salerno and Vantini Way ■ 7:58 a.m. in the 5300 block of Dec. 12 Owens Court; grand theft Theft ■ 2:49 p.m. in the 4100 block of Dec. 10 ■ 4:29 a.m. in the 5200 block of Moller Drive; forgery Theft Pleasant Hill Road; petty theft, ■ 3:52 p.m. in the 3200 block of possession of stolen property, ■ 10:34 a.m. in the 1800 block of lock picking, possession of a non- Vineyard Avenue; grand theft, Harvest Drive; petty theft identity theft narcotic controlled substance ■ 10:45 a.m. in the 3800 block of ■ 4:30 p.m. in the 4400 block of Pinot Court; identity theft ■ 10:53 a.m. in the 5100 block of Tosca Court; grand theft, petty Case Avenue; grand theft theft ■ 5:34 p.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; theft ■ 4:41 p.m. in the 5000 block of ■ 6:15 p.m. in the 1700 block of Owens Drive; grand theft Santa Rita Road; forgery ■ 7:36 p.m. in the first block of Stoneridge Mall road; grand theft ■ 10:47 p.m. in the 1600 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; grand theft Auto burglary Burglary Dec. 8 ■ 5:44 p.m. in the 1000 block of Thank you to all of our faithful and loyal patients who have Theft Stoneridge Mall Road ■ 7:25 a.m. at the intersection of chosen to be a part of our optometric family. In a year of I-580 and El Charro Road ■ 2:56 p.m. in the 6000 block of ■ 5:54 p.m. in the 1000 block of uncertain economic times, we have very much appreciated Johnson Drive; identity theft Stoneridge Mall Road ■ 10:54 a.m. in the 8000 block of your support and enthusiastic feedback. Canyon Creek Circle ■ 7:17 p.m. in the 1300 block of ■ 8:29 p.m. in the 4500 block of Thank you for choosing our ofﬁ ce to meet Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft Rosewood Drive Battery your eyecare needs! ■ 8:31 p.m. in the 7500 block of Battery ■ 12:45 a.m. in the 6800 block of Owens Drive; theft ■ 1:17 p.m. in the 3400 block of Santa Rita Road Auto burglary Andrews Drive; battery, vandalism Drug/alcohol violations ■ 2:53 p.m. in the 3000 block of DUI ■ 5:26 p.m. in the 4400 block of Stoneridge Mall Road ■ 2:07 a.m. at the intersection of Black Avenue; marijuana posses- ■ 1:02 p.m. in the 1500 block of I-580 and Santa Rita Road sion Stoneridge Mall Road ■ 1:02 p.m. at the intersection of ■ 3:16 p.m. in the 1000 block of Black Avenue and Hopyard Road Stoneridge Mall Road Dec. 13 Serving the Tri-Valley for 28 years Vandalism Dec. 11 Identity theft ■ 10:18 a.m. in the 1500 block of ■ 3:32 p.m. at the intersection of W. Theft Las Positas Boulevard and Ascot Stoneridge Mall Road ■ 10:58 a.m. in the 5300 block of 463-2150 Court ■ 1:47 p.m. in the 5000 block of Sonoma Drive; theft 6155 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100, Pleasanton Prank calls Hillcrest Way (at the corner of Stoneridge & Franklin, between Hopyard & I-680) ■ 1:49 p.m. in the 1500 block of ■ 2:41 p.m. in the 3000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; possession ■ 4 p.m. in the 5700 block of Tonopah Circle of stolen property, lock picking, Stoneridge Mall Road auto burglary Page 16ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly “THE EUPHORIA OF FINE ITALIAN FOOD.”

ON THE TOWN 2010 Best Italian Restaurant 3 Years in a Row! AMERICAN BREWPUB/ALEHOUSE back time and again. Banquet Are you getting married Eddie Papa’s American The Hop Yard American facilities available. On the web at www.hopyard.com. or planning a celebration? Hangout Alehouse and Grill Book your party in our beautiful 4889 Hopyard Road, 3015H Hopyard Road, banquet room with a private wine bar as low as $16.95 per guest Pleasanton, 469-6266. Winner Pleasanton, 426-9600. 470 Market Place, San Ramon, 277-9600. Featuring a giant or have us cater it to you and set up of The Pleasanton Weekly’s Voted Best Watering Hole in a complete buffet at your home or 8-foot projection screen for Reader Choice Awards for “Best Pleasanton, The Hop Yard offers ofﬁ ce for $11.95 per guest. American Food Restaurant” and major sporting events, they also 30 craft beers on tap as well as feature 30 beers on tap and a “Best Meal under $20,” Eddie great food. The full-service menu 3037-G Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton (At Valley Ave in Hopyard Village) Papa’s American Hangout great grill. Go in for the beer, 925-485-4500 includes appetizers, salads and go back for the food. More at celebrates the regional food and grilled fare that will bring you www.LaViteRestaurant.com beverage cultures of America. www.hopyard.com. Bring the whole family to enjoy iconic dishes from across the Featuring Italian Cuisine & Seafood United States, Old World Happy Holidays Hospitality, and hand crafted artisan cocktails. www.eddiepapas.com. Holiday Open Special... Dec 26th BARBECUE FREE Meal! Red Smoke Grill Serving Buy one, BREAKFAST & LUNCH 4501 Hopyard Road, get one FREE! Pleasanton, 734-0307. Home of Breakfast or lunch. s0ATIO$INING JUBMJBOtDVJTJOF s4EAM"ANQUET!REA the Tri Tip and Blue, Red Smoke 0URCHASEONEMEALATREGULARPRICE RECEIVENDMEALOFEQUALORLESSER s2EHEARSAL$INNERS Grill was Voted Reader’s Choice VALUE&2%%WITHPURCHASEOF s#ATERING3ERVICES Superb Quality at Affordable Prices Best 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 BEVERAGES$INEINONLY#ANNOT BECOMBINEDWITHANYOTHEROFFER Voted Best Diner/ Over 11 Seafood Specialty Entrees Vegetarian Dishes Lunch Specials and 2011. Dine in or take out %XPIRES*ANUARY Coffee Shop rotisserie chicken, ribs, prawns, salads and tri tip, or pulled 484-0789 pork sandwiches. Relax with a 201 Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton Make Your Christmas beer or a bottle of wine. Open 7 days a week, 7am-2pm Visit www.redsmokegrill.com. See our online coupon...www.vicsallstar.com Eve Reservations Now! Open Christmas Day at 1:00

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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 17 ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR Ristorante The Taste Of Italy In Bay Area is $5 for residents; $7 for non-res- PleasantonRotary.org. Classes idents. Pre-registration is required; ROTARY CLUB OF PLEASANTON BEGINNERS INTERNET CLASSES Enjoy your favorite Italian dishes with our call 931-3479. NORTH Pleasanton North Rotary Pleasanton Public Library will host seasonal menu and daily specials invites anyone interested in mak- a beginner’s internet class that will ing a difference. The membership meet for a monthly four-class series Clubs BOOST YOUR CAREER AT includes 65 professionals, business at 9 a.m., with a choice of Tuesday TOASTMASTERS owners, executives, managers and Make your holiday or Thursday, at the library, 400 Old Grow profes- community leaders. The club meets Bernal Ave. This program is free, sionally at Chamber Chatters, a reservations today! from 12:15-1:30 p.m. Fridays at but registration is required; call Toastmasters club that meets from the Hilton Hotel, 7050 Johnson Dr. Open Christmas Day & 931-3400. noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the New Year’s Day Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Call 580-7947 or visit www.pnr- G WILD, GO BIRDING! O Come 777 Peters Ave. Toastmasters rotary.org. AWARD-WINNING bird watching at the Alviso Adobe International is a nonprofit edu- VIRTUALLY SPEAKING TOASTMASTERS RESTAURANT FEATURING: Community Park and learn some cational organization that teaches Virtually Speaking Toastmasters birding basics from 1-2 p.m., s Join Our VIP Card Program public speaking and leadership club meets from noon-1 p.m. every Sunday, Jan. 15, at the park, 3465 s 3 New Specialties Every Week skills. Visit www.chamberchatters. Thursday at Electrical Reliability Old Foothill Road. Make your own s Seasonal & Vegetarian Menus wordpress.com/. Services, 6900 Koll Center Pkwy., bird book and birdhouse and dis- s Full Bar - Featuring Premium DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN Suite 415. Everyone is welcome to Cocktails cover the fun sport of birding! Cost REVOLUTION come see what a positive change is $3 for residents; $5 for non-res- DAR, Daughters of the s Open Patio Toastmasters can make in their idents. Pre-registration is required; American Revolution, Jose Maria s#ATERING3ERVICES confidence. Call 580-8660. call 931-3479. Amador Chapter meets the first Saturday of the month. It is a social P -MAKING AND CAVE- Newly Remodeled! IGMENT gathering and time to explore the PAINTING Learn to make pigments Concerts Check out our new cocktail list! history of our American roots. For ‘EARLY ELVIS PRESLEY TRIBUTE’ from some of the materials nature meeting time and location, call Ann provides from 11 a.m.-noon, Celebrate Elvis with Jim Anderson at 510-507-5509 or email anar- and the Rebels at their “Early 925.462.9299 Saturday, Jan. 14, at Alviso Adobe [email protected]. Community Park, 3465 Old Elvis Presley Tribute,” at 8 p.m., E BAY EXECUTIVES ASSOCIATION 349 Main St., Downtown Pleasanton Foothill Road. Use the pigments to AST Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 7-8, at www.fontinas.com make cave paintings like those who The East Bay Executives Association the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 lived on this land before us. Cost is a non-profit organization for Railroad Ave. Tickets are $25, $20 helping businesses network with and $15. Call 931-4848 or visit other businesses. It meets at 7:15 www.jimandersonmusic.net. a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays monthly at Shari’s, 3360 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. Call Events FARMERS MARKET 600-7342. Visit the Pleasanton Farmers Market from 9 PLEASANTON NEWCOMERS CLUB a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday, on East This club is a great way for new Angela Street between Main and and established residents to make First streets. The Farmers Market is new friends. It meets for coffee open every Saturday, year-round, on the first Wednesday of every rain or shine, to provide the sea- month and for lunch on the sec- son’s freshest fruits and vegetables, ond Wednesday of every month. sold by the very farmers that The group has activities like hiking, planted, nurtured and harvested walking, Bunco and more. Visit the crop. www.pleasantonnewcomers.com or WINTER SKIES call Ruby M. at 462-6404. Come out and view the stars above when the sky really PLEASANTONIANS 4 PEACE This puts on a great show! Enjoy games group will host a Peaceful War and hands-on activities that will Protest from 5-6 p.m., Wednesday, aide in the search for answers from Dec. 28 (the group hosts one on 7:30-9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at the fourth Wednesday of every Alviso Adobe Community Park, month), at the corners of First 3465 Old Foothill Road. Dress with and Neal streets. Visit www. the weather in mind. Cost is $5 Pleasantonians4Peace.org. for residents; $7 for non-residents. ROTARY CLUB OF PLEASANTON Pre-registration is required; call The Rotary Club of Pleasanton 931-3479. since 1965 has been a leader in the community in helping make Exhibits Pleasanton a great place to live. ‘COLLAGE COLLECTION’ Livermore It has a luncheon meeting from Art Association will present a 12:15-1:30 p.m., every Thursday, collage-themed show of “Collage at Hap’s Restaurant, 122 W. Neal Collections” from Dec. 1-31, at St., Pleasanton. Cost for lunch is the Livermore Library, 1188 S. $17. For information, visit www. The Bookstore Used Books • Gift Items 20% OFF All Book Purchases Cannot be combined with store credit. Coupon must be presented at purchase. One coupon per person. Exp 1-31-12 Seniors and Teachers 15% discount www.thebookstorepleasanton.com 925-426-8255 2911 Hopyard, Pleasanton (next to Gene’s Fine Foods)

Page 18ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR

Livermore Ave. This collage will fea- down into levels based on ability ture collage works of art in painting and distance. Call 400-4336 or visit and photographic mediums. The IN THE SPOTLIGHT www.thecyclepros.com. library is open seven days a week. TEAM IN TRAINING INFO MEETING Call 449-9927. Celebrate a Cash Country Christmas Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s James Garner will perform a holiday tribute to Johnny Cash at 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Team In Training (TNT), the larg- Health Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. in Pleasanton. Garner, who sold out the est and most successful endurance FREE HEALTH ADVISORY CLINIC Firehouse earlier this year, will feature a collection of treasured classics from Cash’s sports training and fundraising HCCC Human Services believes many holiday albums recorded between 1963 and 1991. Tickets range from $12 for program, will inspire and support that service to mankind is service to children to $15-$25 for adults. Go to www.ﬁrehousearts.org or call 931-4848. you to achieve your goal of an God and its aim is to reach out to endurance event. Attend a meeting the community and touch people’s from 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. lives through health, food and 19, at Pleasanton Middle School, education. The clinic is open from 5001 Case Ave. Call 800-78-TRAIN 1-3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. or visit www.teamintraining.org/ 31 at Shiva Vishnu Temple Office, sf. For more information visit www. 1223 Arrowhead Ave., Livermore. TeaminTraining.org/sf or attend an Call 371-5640. Registration not info meeting! required, just walk in. Support Groups WEEKLY LDS BIBLE STUDY ptwnfriends or call Nancy Bering at energy group work so that you can Church BEYOND TREATMENT BREAST Holiday 462-4368. connect to their true nature. No of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LAS POSADAS Pleasanton Public CANCER This group provides a prior Reiki experience is necessary. hosts a weekly bible study from Library and Pleasanton/Tulancingo safe place to express and share Classes are from 10-11:45 a.m. 7:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Sister City Association host a com- thoughts, concerns and experi- Seniors on the first and third Saturdays of the church, 6100 Paseo Santa Cruz. munity holiday celebration in the CHAIR PILATES ences of living with the uncertainty Pilates’ principles every month at Tri Valley Unity’s Refreshments served. For informa- Mexican tradition with music, after treatment for breast cancer, help you with daily living activi- Gathering Place, 7567 Amador tion, call 305-9468. drama, food, singing and fun for the physical effects and problems ties; sitting, standing and walk- Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact the entire family. The event is from related to intimacy, marriage, ing. Classes are held from 3-3:45 Gayle at [email protected]. 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, at the p.m., Fridays, Jan. 1 through Jan. Sports reproduction and employment. Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old 30 at Dublin Senior Center, 7600 ST. INNOCENT ORTHODOX CHURCH MORNING GROUP RIDE - CYCLING The group meets from 6-8 p.m. the Bernal Ave. The event is free. Call Amador Valley Blvd. Cost is $12 Liturgy worship service is from A group ride starts at 8:30 a.m. fourth Thursday of the month at 931-3400 ext. 8. for three classes. Sign-up the Friday 10-11:30 a.m. every Sunday at St. every Saturday from Cycle Pros Bike ValleyCare Health Library and Ryan prior to the first class. Call 556- Innocent Orthodox Church, 1040 Shop, 728 Main St., meeting in the Comer Cancer Resource Center, Miscellaneous 4511 or visit www.Dublin.ca.gov. Florence Rd., Livermore. parking lot. The ride breaks into 5725 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite SUNDAY SCHOOL groups based on skill and distance. #270. The group is facilitated by BLOOD DRIVE IN LIVERMORE PEDDLER SHOPPE AT THE SENIOR Faith Chapel The regular ride usually covers Mary Prishtina, RN, and Estee American Red Cross will host a CENTER The Peddler Shoppe in the Assembly of God, 6656 Alisal St., 25-40 miles at speeds of 14-18 Goren, MFT. Call 399-1177. blood drive from 1-7 p.m., Friday, lobby of the Pleasanton Senior offers Sunday School for all ages at mph. The long ride covers 35-60 BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Dec. 30, at the Asbury United Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., offers 9:15 a.m.; Worship at 10:30 a.m.; miles at a brisker pace. Routes vary Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, the handmade wares of talented and Children’s Church at 11:15 The American Cancer Society each week. On Sundays mornings, 4743 East Ave., Livermore. To make local senior artisans. It’s a great a.m. Women’s Bible study takes Breast Cancer Support group meets there is a group ride for everyone, an appointment, call (800) RED place to buy gifts. The Shoppe is place 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. from 7:30-9 p.m. on the second same time, same place, broken CROSS (733-2767) or visit www. staffed by volunteers and is open Call 846-8650 for weekly programs. and fourth Tuesday of every month redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. TRI-VALLEY CHANUKAH EVENTS AT ASBURY925). Monday through Friday; 6 to 8:30 CONGREGATION BETH EMEK The FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ONLINE p.m. Thursday evenings; and 9 a.m. Chanukah season is underway. The Your Search Ends Right Here! to noon on the second Saturday BOOK SALE Did you know you entire community is welcome to monthly. could buy books from the Friends share this special season at a vari- Custom Care Pharmacies in Pleasanton of the Library at Amazon.com? ety of events, including menorah and San Ramon welcome all major insurance lighting, Chanukah gift sale, kids The Friends have a year round Spiritual plans in 2012 including Express Scripts magazine and paperback book sale REIKI GROUP The Japanese sys- activities, and more. Congregation in the library and have two major tems of Reiki is a spiritual practice Beth Emek is located at 3400 book sales a year. To buy books, which uses meditation, chant- Nevada Court. For more details or Celebrating 40 Years in Pleasanton visit www.amazon.com/shops/ ing, visualizations, and hands-on event dates, visit www.bethemek. org or call 931-1055. 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Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 19 ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR at LifeStyleRx, 1111 E. Stanley from 7-8:30 p.m. every Monday or visit www.dbsalliance.org/pleas- the energy depleted by grief. No the Clubhouse, 3115 Finnian Way, Blvd., Livermore. Call 833-2784 or at St. Mary & St. John Coptic anton. charge. Call 829-8770 or visit www. Dublin. It hosts special speakers visit www.valleycare.com. 7:30-9 Orthodox Church, 4300 Mirador EAST BAY ESSENTIAL TREMOR hopehospice.com. like doctors or specialists. For more p.m. Free Dr., Rm. 7. Call 200-1943 or visit SUPPORT GROUP If you have recent- PLEASANTON MILITARY FAMILIES information, call JoAnne at 875- CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caring www.clutterless.org. ly been diagnosed with ET or would SUPPORT GROUP Formed in 2003 0960. for a loved one is challenging physi- DEPRESSION & BIPOLAR Depression like to learn more about this com- this group provides support and cally and emotionally. Join this sup- Bipolar Support Alliance, DBSA, mon movement disorder in a safe comfort to the Pleasanton families Volunteering port group to explore resources is a support group for people who and supportive environment, please whose loved ones are deployed in “SHARE THE GIFT OF READING” and generate problem-solving live with depression, bipolar and join us from 10 a.m.-noon on the the combat zones of Afghanistan Change a Life! Become a tutor. ideas from 1-3 p.m., on the second other disabilities. They can help third Saturday of each month, in and Iraq. The group has monthly Pleasanton Library’s Project Read Monday of every month, and from each other navigate the ups and the Blackhawk A and B conference meetings and other events such as needs volunteer tutors to help 7-9 p.m. at 5353 Sunol Blvd. Get downs of life! A place where you rooms at San Ramon Regional “pack outs” of comfort and care adults with English skills. New vol- the support you deserve at the can be yourself and feel safe. The Medical Center, 6001 Norris items for deployed members of the unteer tutor training from 1-4 p.m., Senior Support Program of the Tri- group meets from 7:15-8:45 p.m. Canyon Rd. For more information, armed forces. The group also spon- Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Pleasanton Valley. Call 931-5389. every Wednesday, at St. Claire’s view their blog at www.eastbayet. sors the Yellow Streamer program Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. CLUTTERLESS SELF HELP GROUP Episcopal Church, Classroom 1, com or call 487-5706 or email on Main Street where streamers Tutors need to be at least 18 years Overwhelmed by clutter? Learn 3350 Hopyard Rd., although it is [email protected]. are displayed with the name, rank old, fluent in American English, but how to deal with it by attending not affiliated with the church. No HOPE HOSPICE GRIEF SUPPORT and branch of service of Pleasanton not necessarily a native speaker. this support group, which meets charge for meetings. Call 462-6415 GROUPS Hope Hospice offers on- military personnel. Learn more at Call 931-3405. www.pleasantonmilitaryfamilies. going grief support services for BLOOD DRIVE org. The American Red adults, teens and children includ- Cross is holding a public blood ing a Transitions Support Group; STEPPING STONES ON YOUR GRIEF drive from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Tragic Loss Support Group; individ- JOURNEY The death of a loved one Oct. 15 at St. Elizabeth Seton ualized grief support; caregiver sup- is unlike any other loss. Join a bi- Church, Activity Center, 4005 port; on-site support for schools; monthly support group “Stepping Stoneridge Dr. Call 1-800-733- youth organizations and the work- Stones on Your Grief Journey” 2767 or go to www.redcrossblood. Dr. Ryan Spuller, DC, CCSP is a Certiﬁed Chiropractic place; community support services; at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Dec. 8 org to schedule an appointment Sports Practitioner serving the Tri-Valley area. a resource library; and more. For and 22, Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 9 and use sponsor code CCOP. more information or to register, call and 23, and March 8 and 22, at LIONESS SEEK NEW MEMBERS Sports Injuries Auto Accidents 829-8770. St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 The Neck Pain Tennis/Golf Elbow Livermore Lioness Club welcomes INTEGRATED MIND AND BODY GRIEF Stoneridge Dr. No pre-registration Back Pain Joint Pain is necessary. These sessions are new members at its regular month- Headaches Running Injuries SUPPORT This comprehensive set open to all, regardless of religious ly meeting on the first Tuesday of grief support services is offered of each month, at 6:30 p.m. A $39 New Patient Special affiliation. Call Mary Hagerty at at the Hope Hospice Grief Support $2 to $5 donation is requested. Consult, Exam and X-rays (if necessary) 846-5377. Center from 5-7 p.m. on the first Participating in the many activi- and First Treatment TRI VALLEY SUPPORT GROUP FOR (Just mention ad. Offer expires 12/31/2011.) and third Tuesday of each month ties of the group is a great way to at Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., FIBROMYALGIA, LUPUS AND ALL meet local people. The Lioness are Now offering Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and Massage Therapy! Ste. 100., Dublin. Services include FORMS OF ARTHRITIS This group a service club that helps many wor- Spinal Health Chiropractic various forms of gentle touch as meets from 6:30-8 p.m., on the thy causes in our community. Call www.DrSpuller.com 2340 Santa Rita Road, Suite 3 well as guided imagery, meditation fourth Monday of every month, 443-4543. 6:30 p.m. Free- $2 to $5 and stress management. Restore at the Groves at Dublin Ranch in 925.484.2558 Pleasanton, CA 94566 donation requested 925-443-4543. WORSHIP WITH US

Shop all you want, but you Quiet Christmas, Dec. 22, 7:30 pm A “Quiet Christmas” is for those who want to listen, won't ﬁnd the perfect pray, and hear God’s words of comfort. Allow the Christmas gift in any store beauty of the season, with recorder, piano, and candlelight, to heal your wounds and ﬁll your soul.

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 Family Service: 5:00 pm Candlelight Services: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30 pm Christmas Day Pleasanton’s Newest Church Carol Singing: 10:30 am Lynnewood United Methodist Church 4444 Black Ave., Pleasanton COME AND EXPERIENCE ÓxÊn{ÈäÓÓ£ÊUÊÜÜÜ°ÞiÜ`°À} The best Christmas gift didn't come OUR PASSION from a store. It came from God. FOR PRAISE & WORSHIP Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. December 21 Blue Christmas, 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 2011 Children’s ministry is available. December 24 Holy Eucharist with Children's 4:30pm Family Worship: A special service that celebrates Christmas pageant, 5 p.m. our Savior's birth as seen through the eyes of a child 6644 Owens Dr., Pleasanton Instrumental Prelude – the Amador HS 8:00 & 10:00pm Festival Worship: Candle lighting will highlight these Communion Services Brass Quintet, Flute & Organ, 8:30 p.m. (925) 416-7770 Join us every Sunday for Traditional Service at 8:30am Choral Eucharist with Brass Quintet and Family Worship and Sunday School at 10:00am and Timpani, 9 p.m. December 25 Choral Eucharist, 11 a.m. "At Trinity Lutheran Church, we encourage people to serve each other and experience www.shoppleasanton.com/ January 1 Christmas Lessons and Carols God's Love. All are welcome." with Holy Eucharist single service at 10:15 faithcommunityworship/ 1225 Hopyard Road St. Clare's Episcopal Church Pleasanton, CA 94566 3350 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton 925.846.6363 WWWSTCLARESPLEASANTONORGs www.trinitypleasanton.org

Page 20ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund 2011

NEEDS ARE GREATER THAN EVER Numbers served continue to grow

BY GLENN WOHLTMANN Axis is one of the five Axis Community Health is burst- local organizations that will receive ing at its seams. money from this year’s Pleasan- The locally based health care ton Weekly’s Holiday Fund, and provider is still seeing an increase Compton said her group is grate- in the numbers of people asking ful to be included again. for assistance, despite official “This year we really need claims that the recession has it for adults. We don’t have ended. the resources to meet the “Last year we were en- growing needs of the com- rolling 400 new patients munity,” she said. “Adult a month, said Axis Chief medical care is growing very Executive Officer Sue rapidly. ... A lot of people have lost Compton. “Since July 1, jobs, and when you lose your job you we are now enrolling an average of 486 per typically lose your medical care.” month, which is a fairly significant increase Providing medical care is just part of what over last year.” Axis does. It also offers mental health services It’s not just poor people either. and addiction counseling — two counselors “The faces have changed dramatically. were at the school district’s recent forums on Twenty years ago the faces we’d see were drug and alcohol use in schools, for example predominantly low income,” Compton said, — along with court-mandated alcohol and adding that now, “it’s more middle class or anger management classes and community people looking for affordable medical care.” health education. Axis opened its newly refurbished and ex- Axis has an annual budget of $10 mil- panded pediatric suite at its offices on Railroad lion. It’s supported by local, state and federal Avenue in downtown Pleasanton on July 29, funding, foundation grants, patient and clinic giving the organization two new exam rooms, fees from those able to pay, and the help of less than two years after a major renovation individuals, families, foundations and the of its adult medical clinic and the opening business community. of a new women’s health clinic. Still, serving Among these, the Pleasanton Weekly Holi- 14,000 people a year, it needs more space. day Fund is a regular contributor, with dona- “Because of the growth, we’ve also pushed tions from our readers and matching funds a lot of our administrative functions offsite from the Tri-Valley Community Foundation to a separate administration building that now totaling more than a quarter-million- we are renting so we can use every single dollars since the annual giving program was spot at this site for medical care,” Compton launched in 2002 with Axis as a charter ben- said. “Our Railroad Avenue site and our eficiary. Livermore clinic both are far beyond ca- Despite its overcrowding, Axis serves pacity, so we are in the process of buying a every newcomer. It never turns anyone COURTESY AXIS building in Pleasanton, which will double away, although the lines you see on weekday Dr. Rei Masui examines a baby in the pediatric unit at Axis Community Health on Railroad Avenue. our capacity.” mornings show that there’s usually a bit of a Axis, which will benefit from the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund, is struggling to meet the growing She expects that building to open by wait. N needs of more and more people seeking affordable health care. 2014.

Dean Buchenauer ...... 100 Richard & Judith Del Tredici ...... ** Bill & Fran Hirst ...... ** Holiday Fund donors Jamie & Luann Buna ...... ** Alice Desrosiers ...... 100 Garrett & Angela Holmes ...... 50 Since the launch of the 2011 Pleasanton Tim & Teri Bush ...... ** Sean, Joy, Bryn & Paige Doyle...... 75 Ron Horton & Cathy Medich ...... 100 Weekly Holiday Fund, 339 donors have Frank & Muriel Capilla ...... ** Michael & Suzanne Dutra ...... 100 Fred & Joan Hottinger ...... ** contributed $104,405.40 to the fund, which Mrs. Terry Messick-Cass & Mr. Barry Cass ..100 The Eberle Family ...... 100 Kay & Charles Huff ...... ** includes $50,000 that was matched by Miguel & Julie Castillo...... ** Paul & Lorraine Ebright ...... 100 Mr. & Mrs. D. Ronald Hyde ...... ** the Tri-Valley Community Foundation. 41 Mr. & Mrs. R. Chagnon ...... ** Bob & Marianne Eisberg ...... ** Raymond James...... 200 Mike & Diana Champlin ...... 500 The Falls Family ...... ** Bobby Jensen...... 250 anonymous donors have given $7,450 of that Herbert & Stella Chang ...... ** Bill & Maggie Foley ...... ** Rudy & Marge Johnson ...... 100 total. Teddy & Bunny Chang ...... 100 Michael, Ana & Nicole Fong ...... 250 Don & Jean Kallenberg ...... ** Individuals S. Chase ...... ** Mike & Ilene Forman ...... 200 Kem & Renee Kantor ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. William Adams ...... 100 Mrs. Merlyn Chesnut ...... ** Richard & Gloria Fredette ...... ** Dick & Peggy Karn ...... ** Jonathan & Janet Allen ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Ciccarello ...... ** Friends of Joan ...... 100 Jim & Elaine Keysor ...... 300 Ron & Kathy Anderson ...... 350 John & Gretchen Clatworthy ...... ** Dave & Roz Gamble...... ** Betty Kirvan ...... 100 Steve & Cris Annen ...... 100 Pauline Coe ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Frank Geasa ...... 200 Jim & Pat Kohnen ...... 100 Mark & Amy Arola ...... 250 The Coffee Guys at Vic’s ...... 160 Dennis & Sylvia Glafkides ...... ** Gary & Mary Lazarotti ...... ** Andrew Bailey & Lauren Purcell ...... 1000 Alan & Carol Cohen...... 500 Mr. & Mrs. John Glavin ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Blaise Lofland ...... 100 Bryan & Kim Baptist ...... 250 Chris & Linda Coleman ...... 500 Roy & D’Aun Goble ...... 100 Cameron & Jill Lorentz ...... ** Phil & Kate Barker ...... 100 Joe & Sue Compton ...... 200 Frank & Connie Gouveia ...... ** Lloyd & Kathie Lortz ...... ** Rick & Dawn Barraza ...... 200 Cheryl Cook-Kallio & John Kallio ...... 100 Michael & Deborah Grossman ...... ** John & Lisa Loundagin ...... 50 Chris & Glenda Beratlis ...... 500 The Craig Family ...... 250 Ms. Carol Guarnaccia ...... 100 Mr. Walt Lupeika CPA ...... 100 The Bernardi Family ...... 200 Rick Crawford & Ronda Hruby ...... 100 Hank & Corrine Hansen ...... 150 Thirza Lysakowski ...... 100 Robert & Paula Bielby ...... 100 Mr. Dave Cryer ...... ** Roger & Brenda Harris ...... ** Earl & Dorothy Maddox ...... ** Jan & Jeb Bing ...... 200 Isabel Curry ...... ** Tim & Sharyn Henshaw ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Albert Malatesta ...... 100 Ron & Teresa Borchard ...... 260.40 Steven & Merry Dalcino ...... 100 Mike Herman ...... ** Karen J. Mannering ...... ** Bert & Dee Brook ...... 200 Barbara Daniels...... ** Ms. Jourdin Hermann ...... ** The Markel Ohana ...... 500 Ryan Brown & Julie Harryman ...... 75 The Darrin Family ...... 100 Mrs. Janice Hermann ...... ** Ken & Carla Marschall ...... 100 Rod, Christina, Alyssa & Danielle Mr. & Mrs. Randall & Elizabeth Davidson ...250 Ed & Holly Heuer...... ** SSgt John H. Marshall ...... 100 Browning ...... 100 Rick & Susie Decker ...... 100 Paul & Ann Hill ...... ** Doug & Raeia Marshall ...... 100 Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 21 HOLIDAY FUND

Mrs. Violet Masini ...... 50 P-Town Push Rods (Pleasanton Car Norm Bottorff from Dory Bottorff ...... 100 Dody Guasco from The Swain Family ...... 250 Ken & Barbara McDonald ...... ** Club) ...... 1000 Dick Waldron from Virginia Waldron ...... ** Richard Brierly from Stepanie Brierly Miyoshi & Briana McGee ...... 50 Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Board Diane Burgard from Bill & Carolyn Lincoln ...** England ...... 100 Joseph, Christine & Mia McGovern ...... of Directors ...... 100 Sarah Anne Lees from Donald & Judy Rick Agular from Nancy Agular Fargis ...... 50 Steve & Kathy McNichols ...... 500 Pleasanton Fairways Ladies Golf Club .....150 Person ...... ** Harold & Michael Consedine ...... 100 Greg & Peg Meagher ...... ** Pleasanton Pet Sitting ...... 75 Bill Haraughty from Anita Haraughty ...... 25 Donald D. Reid from George & Susan Reid ..100 Mr. & Mrs. Meisnner ...... ** Ponderosa Homes ...... ** Howard Hill from Sally Hill ...... 100 Michael Gable from The Michelotti Todd & Mindy Miller ...... 250 Randick, O’Dea & Tooliatos, Attorneys at Carol Bedell from Lonnie & Aelene Chase ..** Family ...... 100 Rodger, Laura & Stehanie Miller ...... 50 Law ...... ** Michael & June Carboni from Richard & Richard Marshall from Sandra Holliday ...100 John & Nancy Moffat ...... ** Scott - Anderson Associates ...... 250 Nancy Shockley ...... 100 Lola Palladino from Mr. & Mrs. R. Sharron Morrison ...... 25 Sue Evans Photography ...... 100 Charles J. Sebahar Jr. & Charles J. Sebahar Sr. Barsanti ...... 100 Jefff & Kathy Narum ...... 100 The Pleasanton - Livermore Junior Women’s from Karen L. Sebahar ...... 100 Grandpa Ray from Jeff Ulatoski...... 150 Tim & Robin Neal ...... 100 Club ...... 300 Bill & Alice Marsh from Bill & Audrey Sears** Grandpa Tom from Kevin & Annie Sjodahl .. 150 Steve & Kaaren Northup ...... 250 The Tuesday Bridge Ladies ...... 135 Helene Castro ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Joseph O’Brien ...... ** Tim McGuire Team - Alain Pinel Realtors ....500 Keith Mountford ...... ** As a Gift for Mr. & Mrs. John O’Neill ...... ** Time 4 Order - Professional Organizing ...100 Burt Sperbek ...... ** Ross & Sheri Kapp from Jim & Diane Dr. Iqbal Omarali & Dr. Tasneem Bader- Uncle Credit Union ...... 250 Gene Strom, Keith Strom, William Kolb & Brittain ...... ** Omarali ...... ** Donna Kolb-Miller from Aileen Kapp from Jim & Diane Briattain .....** Norm & Joyce Pacheco ...... ** In Honor of Carol Kolb-Strom ...... 400 Dave & Kris Snyder from Jim & Diane Bruce & Debra Parelskin ...... 100 Valley Care Lactation Services from the Kathy Capitini from John Capitani ...... 500 Brittain ...... ** Bill & Peggy Paris ...... ** Manthas ...... ** Ernie Bridges from The Bridges Family ...... ** Jim & Diane Brittain from Ross & Sheri Amy Pauly ...... ** Frank Louwaert from Jeff & Debi Zentner ....** Ron Silva from Nancy Silva ...... ** Kapp ...... ** Jennifer & Brian Pearce ...... ** Our “5” Grands from Richard & Gwen Sally Jorgenson from Terry & Judy Scavone ** Aileen Kapp from Ross & Sheri Kapp ...... ** Nancy Pennell ...... ** Spicka ...... ** Jim Dahl from Terry & Judy Scavone ...... ** Dave & Kris Snyder from Ross & Sheri James Brice & Carole Peterson ...... ** Ace & Esher Simone from Melvin & Barbara Jim Carlson from Lee & Clare Carlson...... ** Kapp ...... ** Bob & Orley Philcox ...... 500 Wilmore ...... 100 Dan Gabor from Ann Gabor ...... 150 Dan & Lou Lincoln from Kevin & Barbara John & Sharon Piekarski ...... 100 Ed Kinney Community Patriots from Our Parents from Wayne & Anne Emery ....** Brooks...... ** John & Roxanne Plotts ...... ** Accusplit Activity Wellness Team ...... 200 Marilyn Bowe from James Bowe ...... ** Andy & Valerie Poryes ...... ** Valley Humane Society from Phillip & My Brothers from Ardis Messinger ...... ** Alan & Jean Purves...... ** Kathi Vermont ...... ** Hank Gomez from Dorothy, Frank & Debra **The asterisk designates that the donor did not want to Marc & Becky Randall ...... 250 Katy, Kamy, Krissy & Landon from Wes & Gomez ...... 150 publish the amount of the gift. Thomas Rasmus ...... 25 Jean Felton ...... 250 Don & Ann Rathjen ...... ** Jane Grant from Steve & Jori Grant ...... 100 Mike & Lori Rice ...... ** The Richwood Family ...... 100 In Memory of The Ristow Family ...... ** Betty Patrick from Charles & Joan Brown ...** Ms. Rita Rollar ...... 100 Our Mom Lora from Lada & Dmitriy Robert & Kathleen Russman ...... ** Kosarikov ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Bill Ruvalcaba ...... 300 Mike, Matt & Diane from Jerry & Josine How to give Kevin & Sandra Ryan ...... 100 Pentin...... 100 Douglas & Mary Safreno ...... ** Janet Reichlin from Mike, Lori & Michael Swati & Manoj Samel ...... ** Reichlin ...... 500 Your gift helps seniors, children and others in need Ron & Marlene Sanberg ...... ** Mary L. Erickson from Al Copher ...... 50 John & Sheila Sanches...... ** Dave Hare ...... 250 The Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund drive could not exist without the help of The Sborov Family ...... ** Eva, Adeline, Roy & Archie ...... 100 the Tri-Valley Community Foundation and its generous donors. This will enable Tim & Belinda Schultz...... 100 Doris T. Walberg from Todd & Brenda us to double your donation and allow your gift of $1 to total $2 to the nonprofits. Chris & Cecile Seams ...... ** Walberg ...... 100 An added benefit: Neither the Pleasanton Weekly nor the Tri-Valley Community Howard & Emilie Seebach ...... 100 Mom - Mae Yip from Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Oh ...** Foundation will take any fees or expenses for administering the fund. One hundred John & Barbara Severini ...... 250 Lillian Cassani from Mike & Kris Harnett .. 100 percent of donations go to the intended grantees. Sonal & Ajay Shah ...... ** Allan Hillman, Randy & Margie Warner & This year, due to the tremendous need of all nonprofits, donations will be shared Mr. & Mrs. Shaw ...... 100 David & Marian Hillman from Sharon equally among the five recipient agencies. Larry & Carol Shaw ...... ** Hillman ...... 150 For more information call us at 600-0840 or e-mail [email protected]. Sheng & Tien Shen ...... 100 John A. Mavridis ...... ** We appreciate your support of the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund and these Charles & Mary Shoemaker ...... 500 Gam & Papa Abbott from The Casey worthy nonprofits. Mr. & Mrs. Joe Silva ...... ** Family ...... ** Robert Silva ...... 100 Karl K. Witze ...... 500 The following agencies will be supported by the Holiday Fund: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Simon ...... ** Jameson Lindskog, Specialist U.S. Army from Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Spangler ...... 100 Chris & Marty Miller ...... 100 ■ Axis Community Health ■ Hope Hospice Brian Martin Love Kathy & Tricia ...... ** Mike & Kerry Jo Stephan ...... 100 ■ Ryan Comer Cancer Resource ■ Open Heart Kitchen Mr. & Mrs. John & Kay Stewart ...... ** Tony and Jennie Paradiso from Dorene Ms. Nancy Storch ...... ** Paradiso-Carroll ...... ** Center at ValleyCare ■ Valley Humane Society Mr. & Mrs. Harold Swanson ...... ** Roselle Grimes, Verna Plummer & Evelyn Ms. Deborah Sweeley ...... ** Schrick from The Grimes Family ...... ** Name of Donor ______Robert & Carole Sygiel ...... 100 Kenneth & Althea McGill from Marsha & RJ Jerry & Sandi Thorne ...... ** Grimes ...... ** The Thorson Family ...... ** Mary May from Michael M. May ...... 300 Street Address ______Ms. Deborah Tomlin ...... ** Joe & Doris Antonini from John & Carolyn Cardinalli ...... 500 Jim & Debbie Tracy ...... ** City ______State ______Zip ______Mr. & Mrs. Jerry & Toni Ulrich ...... ** Judy Perko from Bob Perko ...... 100 Dad - Shigeru Yamamoto from Bruce & Cindy Mr. & Mrs. Carlo Vecchiarelli ...... 100 I wish to designate my contribution as follows: The Verkuilen Family ...... 100 Yamamoto ...... ** Phillip & Kathi Vermont ...... ** Robert Kilpatrick from Dorothy Kilpatrick .....** Q In my name as shown above Peter & Michelle Weeks ...... ** Grandpa John Morley & Nonno Richard OR Barry & Ann Weiss ...... 100 Prima from Frank & Marie Morley ...... ** Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Wenig ...... 100 Tony Prima from Teresa & Dan Morley ...... ** Q In honor of: Q In memory of: Q As a gift for: ______(Name of person) Mr. Bob Williams ...... 500 Rob Meierding from Suzanne Meierding ..200 Kristen Winslow ...... ** Robert D. Williams from Mavis E. Q Business or organization: ______Bill Woodruff ...... 100 Williams ...... 100 Jo Chapple ...... 100 Randy & Emily Yim ...... 100 Q I wish to contribute anonymously. Q Don’t publish the amount of my contribution. Mr. Richard Yue ...... 100 Our Moms from Bob & Sandy Holmes ...... ** Jack Emmons from Margery Connor ...... 99 Q I wish to receive an acknowledgement of the donation (email only). Businesses & Organizations Don Foreman from Marilyn Foreman ...... 100 Advanced Security Engineering ...... 200 Jim Brennan, Wayne Emmett and Don Em- Email: ______California Self - Defense Consultants ...... ** mett from George & Jeanne Emmett ...... ** DeBernardi Development Construction & Pearl St. Pierre from John & Julie Finegan ..300 Please make checks payable to Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund Roger Dabney, Hank Gomez, Ed Kinney, Remodeling ...... ** Enclose this coupon and send to: The Holiday Fund, Pleasanton Weekly Dublin Tool & Manufacturing ...... 100 Gene O’Brien, George Spilotolous & Dee G.A.B. Investigations ...... 100 Wilson from Ken Mercer ...... 300 5506 Sunol Blvd, Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566 Hacienda Bunco Group ...... 75 Juanita Haugen & Mary Ann Butler from High Tech Connect ...... 1000 The Bob Group ...... ** Pleasanton Karen Morliengo, MFT ...... 75 Our Fallen Military Heroes from Weekly Law Office of Christopher Schlies ...... 250 The Gualandri Family ...... 150 PRINT & ONLINE Nicholas Daniel Lesser from Bruce & Life Science Writing Services ...... ** The Tri-Valley Community Foundation is located at 5674 Stoneridge Dr., Ste. 206, Pleasanton, CA 94588. More information Livermore - Amador Valley Legal Prof. Kathleen Lesser ...... ** about the Foundation can be obtained by contacting the organization at the above address, by calling its President David Rice Assn...... 100 John A. Silva from Manuel & Catherine at (925) 734-9965 or through its website: www.tvcfoundation.org. The Pleasanton Weekly will make every effort to publish Mission Pipe Cigar Shop ...... 75 Silva ...... ** donor names for donations received before Dec. 31, 2011, unless the donor checks the anonymous box.

Page 22ÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊUÊPleasanton Weekly Sports

Winning Earthquake The U12 Boys White Plus Mus- tang Earthquakes completed a successful season by winning the Dick King Tournament by a score of 5-1 over the Mustang Landslide. Leading 1-0 at halftime after a back and forth ﬁrst half, the Earthquakes were able to pull ahead in the second half with some strong offense and defen- sive play. Earlier in the season, the Earthquakes also won the Saddleback Tournament. Team members are (front, l-r) John Logan Tatum, Clayton Jeha, Patrick Ball, Jack Fitzsimmons, Blake Lindberg, Stefano Guari- ento, Ryan Tam, Jacob Varelas, Zack Romrell, (back) Coach Chris Bessa, Matt Bessa, James Kim, Jeremy Randall, Andrew Logue, Eric Chen, Rasmus Back, Dante Treccase and Coach Sean Chen.

Gamers at bat Outstanding swimmers The 13U Head First Gamers baseball team came in second place in the USSSA Die Hards Only Christmas Seven Pleasanton Seahawks were voted Most Outstanding in Paciﬁc Swim- Tournament in Fremont last weekend, outscoring their opponents, 47-13, only losing in the championship ming recently and Head Coach Steve Morsilli received the George Haines game, 2-1. This was the sixth tournament that the Gamers had won (3) or came in second place (3). The team Paciﬁc Swimming Senior Coach of the Year Award. Honorees pictured are improved its overall record this fall to 30-6. (l-r) Nick Silverthorn, Rachel Knowles, Coach Steve Morsilli, Celina Li, Allison Brown and Maxime Rooney. Not pictured: Catherine Breed and Team members are (front, l-r) Tanner Wright, Michael Kuidal, Coach Dave Ott, Manager George Athan, Brad- Andrew Seitz. ley Norton, Matt Barazza, Blake Staniford, (back) Justin Seever, Russell Stevenson, Joshua Ott, Lucas Botto, James Cowick and Dante Albanese. Not pictured: Coach Todd Norton.

Gymnasts compete at Level 4 PREP LINE-UP The West Coast Olympic Gymnastics Academy com- Dec. 17 ■ Wrestling: 11 a.m., Foothill at Lou pulsory gymnasts enjoy their results after the NorCal Bronzan Tournament, away ■ Boys Soccer: 1 p.m., Foothill vs. South Level 4 State Championships at Central Califor- Alameda, home Dec. 23 nia Gymnastics Institute: (back, l-r) Mariah Murphy, ■ Girls Soccer: 11 a.m., Foothill vs. ■ Boys Basketball: 7 p.m., AVHS vs. Claire Volkman, Amelia Liao, Audrey Ong, Mia Reeve, Clayton Valley, away Alhambra, home (middle) McKenzie Meyn, Naomi Evans, Phoenix ■ Wrestling: 9 a.m., Foothill at Bill ■ Girls Basketball: 6 p.m., AVHS vs. Cabuay, Rachel Shaw, (front) Juliette Gosselin. Martell Tournament, away Lehigh, home Results were as follows: Claire Volkman, fourth place Dec. 20 Dec. 28 vault, ﬁfth place beam, seventh all around; Audrey ■ Girls Basketball: 7 p.m., AVHS vs. ■ Boys Soccer: 5 p.m., AVHS vs. Ong, fourth place beam, seventh place vault, seventh Irvington, home Pittsburg, away all around; Mariah Murphy, sixth place bars, 12th all ■ Boys Soccer: 6 p.m., AVHS vs. Dec. 29 around; Phoenix Cabuay, ninth place beam, seventh College Park, home ■ Girls Soccer: 5 p.m., Foothill vs. ■ SPORT: time, team vs. team, home/ all around; Juliette Gosselin, sixth place beam, eighth Washington, home all around; Amelia Liao, second place vault, fourth away place beam, seventh all around; McKenzie Meyn, Dec. 21 Dec. 31 fourth place vault, seventh all around; Naomi Evans, ■ Boys Soccer: 1 p.m., AVHS vs. San ■ Boys Basketball: 7 p.m., Foothill vs. fourth place beam, 11th all around; Rachel Shaw, Arroyo, away Lorenzo, home seventh place vault, 10th place ﬂoor. Pleasanton WeeklyÊUÊDecember 16, 2011ÊU Page 23 Register at the store to win a Galaxy Tab! 6766 Bernal Ave., #540 Next time. Save time. In front of new Safeway Use Android App or iPhone App Pleasanton, CA 94566 for online Check-In. 925.484.2547 Over 3000 Salons in the US/Canada. M-F 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm $6.99haircut $6.99 haircut offer expires: 1/18/12 offer expires: 1/18/12 Not valid with any other offers. Limit one Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. At participating salons. coupon per customer. At participating salons.

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