Thursday, JANUARY 30, 2020 VOLUME LVII, NUMBER 5 Your Local News Source Since 1963 SERVING DUBLIN, LIVERMORE, PLEASANTON, SUNOL Pleasanton Measure Would Finance New School and Upgrade Others By Ron McNicoll dicted for higher density projects in would include classroom and labs by the county assessor's’ office. It is transit-oriented neighborhoods not that support science, technology, not the same as a market price that The Pleasanton Unified School far from BART. engineering, math and the arts. a developer or a homeowner might District (PUSD) will be asking for The district’s 10th elementary Some $17 million would finance get for the property. People should authorization to sell up to $323 mil- school would be created on the site a new classroom building at Ama- check their tax bills to determine lion worth of bonds for a long list of currently housing Donlon School, dor Valley High School. $12.4 mil- their property’s assessed valuation. improvements to its facilities when See Inside Section A on Dorman Road. Donlon would lion would cover new classrooms The $43 per $100,000 assessed voters cast ballots in the March 3 be converted to 4th and 5th grades. at Foothill High School. valuation would work out to $430 Section A is filled with presidential primary election. information about arts, The new K-3 school would be built New fencing at school sites and a per year for an assessed valuation people, entertainment and PUSD wants to accomplish proj- next to it. The two campuses would new phone system would safeguard of $1 million. special events. There are ects in a wide variety of categories, be separated by the space for park- security better. Heating and cooling The bond taxes would conclude education stories, a variety selling bonds over 31 years to make ing and vehicular drop-offs and systems would be upgraded. in 2051/52. The debt service to pay of features, and the arts sure they are financed as they come pick-ups. Estimated cos amounts PUSD estimates that the bond off the bonds, including principal and entertainment and on line. to is $48.3 million, with an opening would cost property owners $43 and interest, would $661 million. bulletin board. The biggest single project would contemplated for fall 2022. per $100,000 of assessed valua- The bond money may not be address the north side growth pre- Other big, highly visible projects tion. The assessed valuation is set (See PUSD, page 8) Sunol Glen Debate Held Sends Bond By Alameda Onto Ballot Supervisor By Ron McNicoll Sunol Glen Unified School Dis- Candidates trict’s Measure O, a ballot measure By Bruce Gach to raise $9.5 million for needed improvements to the single-school A lively debate took place be- district, will be on the March 3 tween the challengers for Alam- ballot. eda county supervisors at Granada The new bond would cost a High School on Jan 23, with over property owner $59 per $100,000 80 citizens attending. assessed valuation, which is based Vying for District 1, which in- on the official assessment placed cludes Livermore, Dublin, Su- by the county on a property. It nol and Fremont, were Dublin should not be confused with the Vice Mayor Melissa Hernandez, market value, which often is much Fremont City Councilman Vin- higher than assessed valuation. nie Bacon, and State Senator Bob Property owners need to examine Wieckowski also from Fremont. their tax bill to learn the assessed Dublin Mayor David Haubert did value. not attend due to attendance at the There is no organized oppos- Margaret Zhao leads people in tai chi at the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton in celebration of the lunar mayor’s conference in Washington, 7tion or ballot argument against it. new year. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) D.C. Each candidate present discussed (See SUNOL GLEN, page 7) their merits in opening and closing statements, and answered questions submitted by audience members. Driver Accused Council Makes Its Case for Staying Haubert’s representatives read his opening and closing statements, Of Attempting explaining why he was the most The Course On Downtown Project qualified person for the position. To Murder Two Hernandez noted that she want- By David Chircop struction. The issues were raised as part ed to help all residents of Alam- Police Officers The Livermore City Council on They also raised the specter of of a discussion of factual infor- eda County and would be a leader Monday campaigned strongly for new state housing laws they say mation related to an upcoming working on transportation prob- By Larry Altman their vision of downtown rede- could halt construction and jeop- referendum and initiative that lems and homelessness. velopment, arguing that anything ardize either of the competing would allow voters to change the Bacon presented his credentials, A Livermore man who allegedly Master degrees in transportation else will unravel a carefully-laid visions for downtown from ever course of Livermore’s downtown drove off a road and tried to run engineering and city planning, stat- plan which includes signed de- being realized. redevelopment. down two of the city's police of- “This isn’t going to be resolved Supporters of the residents’ ing that he pushed for City Council ficers has been charged with mul- velopment deals, development members not to accept developers’ process steps, and ensuring there easily,” Councilman Bob Woern- Central Park Plan said the city’s tiple counts of attempted murder er said. offers of funds to the city in return that could send him to prison for is adequate parking during con- (See DEVELOPMENT, page 12) for authorizing projects in Fremont. the rest of his life. Wieckowski stated that he has Matthew David Kelly, 38, who been the spokesman for energy was shot during the alleged attack Downtown Plans’ Opponents Square Off conservation during his 16 years in on Jan. 22, is scheduled to appear and drag on for years, eventually over different hotel and park pro- the state senate. “My whole life has Jan. 31 at the East County Hall of Editor’s note: This story first forcing towering low-income apart- posals for the downtown core. been helping people at their time of Justice for arraignment, jail re- ments to be built next to the Bank- The city has signed an agreement need,” he said. cords show. appeared online on Jan. 24. head Theater where a hotel is now with a developer to put a hotel on Haubert’s statement described According to police, Kelly al- planned. the east side of Livermore Avenue; the work he had performed in the legedly drove a 2011 Kia Soul By David Chircop “It’s a lot of ‘ifs’ but the trend the residents group wants the hotel Dublin Unified School District and toward the officers as they con- is moving in the wrong direction built on the west side. They differ the work as mayor to enhance the ducted a field sobriety test with A City Councilman is warning for us,” Woerner said, referring to in what kind of hotel each wants, quality of life for the residents of a suspected drunken driver about against what he says is a potential a host of recently enacted hous- where parking and housing should Dublin,. ,, that he has the endorse- 3:25 a.m. avalanche of litigation that threatens ing laws from Sacramento that aim go, and how much park each plan ment and support of all the other An Alameda County District At- to bury long-planned efforts to revi- to remedy California’s affordable includes. Tri-Valley mayors. torney’s Office complaint identi- talize 8 acres of city-owned land in housing crisis. Livermore voters on March 3 will Audience questions posed to the fied the officers as Kurt Cofer and the heart of downtown Livermore. It’s all those “ifs” that support- decide whether to uphold or reject candidates were varied and specific Eric Santin. Both fired their guns Councilman Bob Woerner said he ers of the west side downtown plan the city’s hotel development agree- to current topics. All the candidates at the car, and then jumped out of fears that a defeat of Measure P by say are being used as a scare tactic ment with Presidio Companies. recognized traffic problems as a Livermore voters on March 3, and the way, as did the motorist. Cofer, to frighten away voters who support Then, on Nov. 3, voters will choose major concern, voicing support for approval of a local ballot initiative their vision for the area. They say which downtown plan they want. Santin and the motorist were un- to reconfigure the city’s downtown Valley Link and developing other hurt, police said. Woerner’s concerns omit important The residents’ group argues transportation solutions for the Tri- redevelopment plan in November, context about the new laws. that Livermore will be bound to The officers had pulled the mo- Valley and also the entire Bay Area. could trigger lawsuits from the state The city and residents’ group are the city’s plan if the development (See DRIVER, page 2) and affordable housing advocates locked in a long, contentious battle (See DOWNTOWN, page 7) (See CANDIDATES, page 2) Quilt of Valor Received by Las Positas Student By Bruce Gach “Ron is kind, generous and car- the maximum level of success to ing in everything he does. It was continue to serve my country,” he A look of surprise and disbelief truly an honor and tremendous said. “I am currently majoring in spread across Ronald Payne’s face privilege to recommend him for politics and criminal justice at LPC when his name was announced as the quilt,” Bowers said. Evelyn and then will transfer to a four-year the recipient of the Quilt of Valor Andrews, LPC veteran specialist college. I want to find work in the during the Veterans Recognition agreed, stating “Ron is an anchor government in a field representing event at Las Positas College on and a voice for the student veter- the veteran community.” Jan. 23. ans and a leader on campus.” The LPC Veterans First Pro- The quilt recognizes and honors Michelle McCumber presented gram’s goal is to provide services service members for their sacrific- the quilt and wrapped it around and resources that will help veter- es while defending the U.S. After Payne. McCumber and others in ans achieve their educational goals. describing Payne’s eight deploy- the Amador Valley Quilting Guild “This program allows student ments into war zones as a com- had designed and sewn the quilt. veterans insight on multiple career bat medic over 26 years, Sharon Payne thanked the DAR, the Vet- choices and provides higher rates Bowers, of the Daughters of the erans First Program, and everyone of success for life after college,” American Revolution, spoke of else involved for the recognition said Kristi DeLashmutt, a U.S. her contacts with Payne on com- and honor. “I realized I needed a de- Marine Corps veteran and LPC The Quilt of Valor was presented to Ronald Payne (seated) at a munity college campus. gree to pursue any goal or achieve student. Veterans Recognition event at Las Positas College on Jan. 23.
PET OF THE WEEK TOOTSIE
Tootsie is an exuberant one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix. She could INSIDE retrieve balls all day long! She loves a good game of fetch and enjoys getting out for a long walk. Did we mention she is passionate about tennis balls? If MAIN SECTION Obituaries...... 9 you have a good throwing arm, come meet Tootsie at Valley Humane Society, 3670 Nevada Street in Pleasanton. Open Tuesday through Saturday from Classifieds...... 11 SECTION A 10am–4pm. Visit valleyhumane.org or call (925) 426-8656 for more information. Editorial...... 4 Art & Entertainment...... 8 Photo credit: Valley Humane Society / E. Scholz Mailbox...... 4 Bulletin Board...... 9 Sports...... 6 Milestones...... 12 2 The Independent • JANUARY 30, 2020 Former School District Superintendent Croce Dies The Livermore Valley promise of their future.” Joint Unified School Dis- Croce was LVJUSD su- trict this week reported the perintendent from 1973 passing of former superin- to 1989. Leo R. Croce El- tendent Leo R. Croce. ementary in Livermore was “It is with a heavy heart named for the former super- that I share with you that intendent. Leo R. Croce, longtime “Leo was one of a kind beloved superintendent of in so many ways,” Bowers LVJUSD, passed away (on said. “He was a World War Tuesday, Jan. 27,” current II veteran, an educator, a superintendent Dr. Kelly family man, a Rotarian, a Bowers said in a statement. leader and role model for “He was 96 years young leaders, and so much more. and still so full of life and He embodied grace, com- love for children and the passion, and valor.”
A Lunar New Year celebration was hosted by LVPAC on Jan. 25, with dancing, arts and other entertainment. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen)
CANDIDATES (Continued from first page) When asked to describe Wieckowski mentioned tion in the Tri-Valley, as well supervisor. When people the duties of a county su- the probable undercount- as in Fremont. Innovation come to me, I’ll make things pervisor, Hernandez said “a ing of the county homeless Tri-Valley is there already, happen.” supervisor must make sure population, stating that “as a but it will require continued Naming her endorsements they are working for their county supervisor I will fast funding to meet everyone’s Hernandez said, “I am the entire district. Public safety, track what needs to be done needs.” most diverse leader for this housing and homelessness to allow accessory dwelling Wieckowski agreed that position.” are important issues.” units.” Innovation Tri-Valley was Bacon stated, “I am an in- Wieckowski stated, “We One of the problems with very important. “Strategi- dependent thinker. I look at have to figure ways how we housing has to do with state cally, the Tri-Valley is set up issues and not developer’s can best use available money environmental rules and im- already as a market, like Sili- money. I will make sure in Former LVJUSD Superintendent Leo R. Croce to help those in need.” pact fees, Bacon said, add- con Valley. I currently repre- the future that developers are attending an annual Croce Elementary Hoedown. Bacon stated, “We have ing, “The county has to ex- sent 1 million people in the paying their share.” (Photo - Doug Jorgensen) to think about regional de- pand what it is doing. This is state senate. I don’t need to Haubert’s closing com- velopment and planning in- a moral issue.” live in a community to repre- ment described him as a cluding transit projects. We Candidates who do not sent it,” he stated. proven and respected leader also have to think wisely on live in the Tri-Valley were Hernandez said that she who “will be making deci- how to spend the available asked how they would ad- is a Tri-Valley resident. She sions which will reflect the money.” vocate for the area. Bacon commented, “I want to make wishes of all the people in On the hot topic of home- stated, “The issues in the sure we all work together. the district.” lessness Hernandez stated, Tri-Valley and Fremont are The real point is to be fair to The debate was sponsored “This is not a one size fits the same. They have to be all the cities.” by Livermore Chamber of all problem. Approaches are solved on a regional level In closing comments Commerce, Livermore Indi- needed to evaluate how the and looked at holistically. I Wieckowski stated, “I think visible and The Pleasanton homeless can be cared for will work to get more jobs I have a unique skill set go- Weekly. and their needs fulfilled.” and more centers of innova- ing from the state to county DRIVER (Continued from first page)
fic, police said. trance to Airway Boulevard, and assault with a deadly A few minutes into the police said. weapon. Kelly also faces stop, the officers noticed the Additional officers arrived multiple allegations of using southbound black Kia turn and arrested Kelly, who had a deadly weapon, the car. off Airway Boulevard and been wounded once in the Kelly also is facing a hear- onto the access road. The right leg. He was treated and ing to revoke his probation car immediately accelerated booked into the county jail. from a conviction in May. toward them and the driver, Police believe Kelly in- Records show Kelly was police said. tentionally tried to run the sentenced to 60 days in jail The officers pulled their officers down. The motive and three years on probation guns and opened fire, with was unknown. after he pleaded no contest several rounds hitting the Jail records show Kelly to a misdemeanor charge Suspect David Kelly Kia. The Kia’s driver, identi- was held in jail on $130,000 of resisting police. Other torist over in the southbound fied later as Kelly, continued bail, but that could rise when charges, including battery lanes of Airway Boulevard, to drive past the officers. He he appears in court. Prosecu- on a police officer and van- south of Kitty Hawk Road. reached the dead end of the tors have charged him with dalism, were dismissed in During the stop, the officers road and made a U-turn, but two counts of attempted the plea deal. walked him from the road his car stalled. After he was murder of a peace officer, The motorist who was and onto a paved private ac- able to restart it, he drove two counts of assault on a pulled over by the officers cess road about 50 feet away past the officers and tried to peace officer, and single was not charged with any- to avoid the dangers of traf- flee. His car stalled at the en- counts of attempted murder thing.
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Las Positas College to Host Lecture on Mental Health in School Settings Dr. Shashank V. Joshi, as- sociate professor of Psychia- try, Pediatrics and Education at Stanford University, will talk about promoting men- tal health in school settings at Las Positas College on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Joshi's research focuses on wellbeing promotion and suicide prevention in school settings, cultural aspects of pediatric health, and inter- professional collaboration in schools. The lecture, fol- Dr. Shashank V. Joshi, lowed by a Q&A, is free and Associate Professor of begins at 7 p.m. RSVP at Psychiatry, Pediatrics and www.alanhufoundation.org. Education JANUARY 30, 2020 • The Independent 3 4 The Independent • JANUARY 30 , 2020
Retirees Take Note EDITORIAL Retirees from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are receiving information packets related to settlement of their lawsuit against the Univer- Dublin Bans Vaping Sales sity of California over the loss of UC health care programs. The retirees, who Congratulations to Dublin for its decision to ban the sale of flavored to- number about 9,000 including heirs of the deceased, did not get everything bacco and electronic smoking devices. An ordinance adopted unanimously by they originally asked for in the lawsuit, but they did get a good settlement that Dublin’s City Council will take effect in July. The Council voted following should reimburse some past costs and help defray others in the future. Now testimony by a parade of speakers, some of whom offered painful personal they have one task left: read the information packets and respond promptly stories of friends and relatives injured by e-smoking. A generation after and carefully to a detailed questionnaire which will help them get their ben- California showed the nation how to choose better public health by banning efits in another few months. smoking in public places, the rise of e-cigarettes has been alarming and sad A relative handful of retirees fought the legal battle for more than nine to see, especially when sold along with flavored tobaccos that lure susceptible years as named plaintiffs, fundraisers or donors. The thousands who will children and young adults. Dublin’s ban is a fine step in the right direction benefit can be thankful for the persistence of their determined colleagues in following similar moves last year by Livermore and San Francisco. the pursuit of justice for deserving and now aging workers. MAILBOX (Opinions voiced in letters a key role on Super Bowl ment agreement to build our to $2.5 million. dents—goods, services and the Select but unlisted individuals published in Mailbox are Sunday. “full-service destination ho- • Park area. Since the Cen- tax base to support them. And created their special interest those of the author and do not tel.” Our actions would also tral Park Plan has a larger park the residents of Livermore are group’s plan with no public necessarily reflect the opin- Don’t Worry about SB330 say to future business leaders than the City Plan, it would here to meet the needs of the review process, no public in- ion of The Independent. The Jean King, Livermore that any formal agreements cost about $1.5 million more business community with our put, and no compliance review. Independent will not publish There has been some dis- made by the city are not to be than the city’s plan. patronage, or not. If a Liver- Maybe this is why they are the anonymous letters. All letters cussion about whether SB330, trusted. This is not good for • Veterans Way. It would more business thrives, it’s be- “no” voters. are required to have the names which went into effect this smart, future growth of this cost $1 million to move Vet- cause it provides valued goods So, using basic logic and of the persons submitting them month, precludes the imple- city, which is going to continue erans Way 10 feet north. How- and services. If one struggles, math, it’s easy to see who and city of residence. Abusive mentation of the Central Park to grow one way or another. ever, this expense may not be and goes out of business, it’s actually represents the best letters may be rejected or Plan if it passes in November. And if we vote this down, who unnecessary. because it wasn’t valued by interests of the citizens of edited. Frequent letter writers The provisions of SB330 is the new hotelier planning to In conclusion, a possible $5 Livermore patrons. My wife Livermore and who doesn’t. may have publication of their do not allow downzoning. develop the westside hotel? million increase in expenses and I deliberately frequent Vote “Yes” on Measure P. letters delayed. Letters should However, the Central Park There is no real answer, just would be more than covered Livermore stores, wineries, Vote “Yes” for People, Parks, be limited to 600 words or less Plan actually increases the obfuscation. Are we, as a city, by the additional $15 million and restaurants that we value Parking and Progress. and should be sent by email to density of housing beyond really willing to risk turning that the Central Park Plan so they can stay in business. [email protected]. the city’s current requirements down this opportunity on the would contribute to the city’s It is not the function of the “No” Now Means a To be considered, letters for the area. The Central Park promise that there is some un- general fund, compared to residents to ensure a business Vote in November must be received by Plan does lower the number named developer? the City Plan, yielding a net thrives by enabling tourism Barbara Hickman, Livermore 6 p.m. on the Monday before Finally, and most im- increase of about $10 million when we pay the costs with of units from 130 to 84, but it As I've read the many let- publication.) would be possible to add units portantly, this vote is now over 30 years. Therefore, the degraded quality of life—e.g., butting up against a political Central Park Plan is the fiscally traffic, congestion, parking ters for “No” on Measure P and elsewhere in the city. This “Yes” on Measure P, I realize “No” on Measure P could be accomplished under movement gaining support in responsible choice. and safety. Sacramento to give the state Businesses exist to make that most of the letter writers David Hysom, Livermore SB330 which allows the city to are confused about what each I am voting “No” on Mea- take action so that there is no government more control over Wine Country Hotel a livelihood and wealth for how cities use publicly owned their owners. By their nature, of those votes mean. sure P because: The majority net loss in residential capacity. At the Bankhead A “No” on Measure P vote of citizens want the hotel on It is true that SB330 limits land. We strongly encourage businesses are self-serving, you to read Steven Spedowf- Beth McCormick, Livermore and providing goods and ser- doesn't mean a “Yes” for the the westside (http://www. the power of local citizens to I’m a proud resident of this other plan. It simply means cityoflivermore.net/civicax/ bring an initiative to change ski’s analysis of AB 1486 in vices to patrons is their means the Jan. 16 Independent. beautiful town and have had of generating wealth. And, “No” on Measure P. It also filebank/documents/17005/); the law’s requirements. This the pleasure of getting to know means that the public will the City Council has not ad- is not an issue, because the This would allow for the by bringing in non-resident state to influence how unde- many of the business owners patrons—i.e., tourists—they get to vote on the issue in equately explained why it ig- Central Park Plan does not in- and residents over the past 12 November. nored what citizens preferred; volve downzoning. Above and veloped public land is used can better achieve their goals. in Livermore. Imagine high- years of living here. I work in That is the business-centric The city says that it’s fol- and Livermore has been inun- beyond this consideration, it is Livermore and because of my lowing the results of the work- dated by political yard/street not clear that SB330 even ap- density housing right next view of things. to the Bankhead. This new job, I’m often recruiting new The dilemma is that the shops it held on the issue, but signs, paid by the out-of-city plies in this case, because the employees, which are potential many people who attended developer, urging a “Yes” vote. citizen-led Central Park Plan political development may tail is now wagging the dog; make the approved City Plan Livermore residents. In addi- that the business community those workshops say that isn't The proliferation of these signs initiative qualified for the bal- tion, I entertain visiting faculty what the people wanted. I is particularly odious. lot before the law went into ef- our only chance to develop is holding sway over the vot- this parcel of land the way the from around the country. I’m ing residents. But Livermore didn't go to the workshops, but fect. It is also not clear that the proud of our downtown and based on my past workshop limitation on citizen-initiative city really wants and not by the belongs to its residents. Bankhead Hotel Now More lowest bidder. often take my visitors to dinner So, how did this misbal- experience, I believe it when rights is legal. The initiative at one of the many restaurants I hear that the city's plan is Than Ever power is an important right The Central Park plan has ance come about? Was it the Mary M. Davis, Livermore many, many issues. Read the after highlighting our wine business community? Well, not what the people wanted. protected by the California And now some of those people The Bankhead hotel would 100-plus page proposal, sug- country and schools. I’ve by their nature businesses Constitution. The validity of been asked many times why are standing up to the city and occupy a prime location on this provision is questionable. gesting such things as annex- are self-serving. But no, it’s ing the Ale House patio for a Livermore does not offer a not their fault. The residents saying the issue should go to North Livermore Avenue, next Another state bill has been a vote of the public, not be to the Bankhead Theatre where parking lot. The new drawing downtown hotel. Our visitors then? It’s our city that’s at cited as creating a problem for would much rather walk to settled by whatever the city it fits nicely. It turns out that it the Central Park Plan. How- proves it. To our neighbors Bill fault and that makes it our and Sally Dunlop and friends, their hotel after dinner than fault. The current city coun- says. would deserve to be noticed ever, concerns that eight-story So, “No” on Measure P because it would be a 4-Star we do not believe the informa- drive up to Pleasanton or cil has enabled the business housing will be placed near the Constitution Avenue after a means that the public will get Hotel! Bankhead because it is within tion outlined in your mailer community to set Livermore’s and what you are selling to our long day of meetings. future, to throw Livermore out to vote on the issue in a few It would have a restau- half a mile of a transit station months, rather than accept rant offering breakfast and community. We will be voting I was disappointed to hear of balance. Our current city are not well-founded. Those that the proposed hotel won’t what the city has decided the lunch, "small plates" from raising this issue appear to be “Yes” on Measure P, and urge council, the one we voted in, all Livermore residents to do have a restaurant, but under- has not been representing the public wants, based on its view the bar, and of course room referring to SB50, which is of the workshops. The “No” service. Since the hotel would the same. stand there is a history of res- voters’ needs and interests. currently pending legislative taurant failures in small hotels, on Measure P promoters have be surrounded by many fine approval. This legislation has And, city management, the especially when placed near a Planning Commission and offered a suggestion as to what downtown restaurants, the failed to pass during several City Park Plan is Fiscally their group would like to see, hotelier plans to allow them downtown that offers so many city engineering and planners legislative sessions. It is highly Responsible Choice choice cuisines. but that isn't a firm plan. Per- the privilege of serving dinner controversial, opposed by Richard Ryon, Livermore follow their lead. We need to move forward So, residents of Livermore, haps they will have a firm plan to the hotel guests. many local jurisdictions, and is Beside better serving the before the election in the fall. The Bankhead hotel has with the decision already made take back your city. Let your still subject to further amend- people of Livermore, an im- by our city council. Vote “Yes” “No on Measure P does had more than its share of ment before it goes to a floor council members know you portant benefit of the Central for the Wine Country Hotel at want them to represent your mean that development of the controversy. The time is now vote. As currently amended, Park Plan is that it would area will probably be delayed to end costly construction the Bankhead on the March needs and take resident-centric housing would be limited to return more money to the ballet. Let get the building a few years, but it's been delays. The time is now to four or five stories, not eight. positions. Meet with council city. It is estimated that the started. members; email and write to undeveloped for a long time stop the endless squabbling Importantly, the current ver- Central Park Alternate Plan anyway, and a few years won't between Livermore citizens them, often; write letters to sion provides exemptions for revenues would be $506,000 Take Back Livermore make that much difference. over downtown issues. The cities that move the required The Independent; and vote more annually ($15 million Dennis O'Brien, Livermore council members out when Bankhead hotel is as close to housing out of a transit zone to more over 30 years) than the perfect as we can hope for, and The Livermore City Coun- they don’t meet the needs of A Call for Unity another area in the city. In any current City Plan! Joanne Abey, Livermore it is ready to build! event, it is not yet law. cil is taking the side of the Livermore residents. Change These estimates are those the balance to be resident- When we had the opportu- Please vote “Yes” on Mea- There are many questions of Willdan Financial Services business community against sure P in March. remaining about these bills. its residents. We can stop this. centric again. Livermore busi- nity to remake the downtown in Oakland. Willdan is a high- nesses and wine makers will several years ago, we worked With what we know now about ly-respected firm that advises In recent years, I’ve had Make the Right Call both pieces of legislation, reason to attend Livermore do just fine. together as a community to governments and businesses share a vision for our town. We Lori Martin, Tracy exemptions are provided that with 17 offices in California City Council and Planning would protect the Central Park Commission meetings. Each Who Represents Best attended meetings, ranked our Californians are looking and 56 offices nationwide. priorities, and gave guidance forward to Super Bowl LIV Plan if passed in November. The Willdan study looks time I’ve seen the business Interests of Livermore? We believe that voters should community—the Chamber John Lawrence, Livermore to our city council members on Feb. 2. The San Francisco at property taxes, transient and city planners. The re- 49ers, of our Golden State, will not be concerned about either occupancy taxes (TOT), paid of Commerce and the Wine There are two groups of them. Growers Association—sitting sults were spectacular, with a face the Kansas City Chiefs. parking income, and sales squaring off over the future beautiful theater, restaurants, Football fans are ready for taxes. The Central Park Plan on the right side and Liver- of Livermore’s downtown more residents sitting on the outdoor cafes, and specialty the big game. Food, drinks and Think About “Yes” provides for a hotel with 25 development. Each group has shops. watching funny commercials more rooms and more ameni- left. We all say it’s unfortunate yard signs, large weekly ads On Measure P and apologize to each other for Now we are in the final are some pleasures of Super Marc Ross, Jillian Simon, ties, including a restaurant. in the paper, and letters to the phase of revamping our down- Bowl Sunday. Drinkers can- The resulting taxes are there- the circumstance. But there we editor supporting their differ- Livermore town and we seem to be stuck not forget the most important fore significantly higher. are. Them and us. ent views. A “Yes” on Measure P Livermore, today and in and divided. Instead of trusting part of their game plan: a safe In addition: One group includes all five our elected officials and city ride home. needs strong consideration by • The westside hotel de- the future, belongs to the vot- citizen-elected city council all Livermore voters, allow- ing residents of Livermore. If planners, we have individual When I was 16 in 1992, veloper with whom Willdan members and is endorsed by groups proposing expensive a drunken driver hit me. My ing the current development spoke would pay the city for other interests supersede that local organizations including agreement for a hotel to move view, it is the residents’ fault changes. All of the plans have gait, hearing and speech were 75 parking spaces at $7.50 the Livermore Valley Cham- the same elements, but dis- damaged. Not the Super Bowl forward. If we vote Measure each per night, to be used late – our own fault. We control ber of Commerce, Livermore P down, the unintended con- city government, and city agreements as to size and loca- anyone wants. in the evening when parking Downtown Inc., Innovation tion. We don’t seem to see that Drinkers can make the right sequences of our choice could use would otherwise be low. government determines what Tri Valley, Livermore Valley spiral any plan completely out the business community can the city’s plan still fulfills the call no matter the outcome of • Because the Central Park Winegrowers Association, shared vision stated so many the game. Before celebrations of the city’s control, poten- Plan offers retail on the east and cannot do. If you don’t like Interfaith Housing, Tri-Val- tially not ending in any of our your city government, vote years ago. begin, choose a sober driver side of Livermore Avenue ley Conservancy, Livermore I am confident that the to take you home: friend, taxi, plans for that parcel of land. within and alongside the multi- them out. Or, convince them Shakespeare Festival, Liver- First, if we vote Measure of the merit of taking resident- plan settled on by the city will public transportation, etc. This use parking facility, it would more Police Officers Asso- result in an equally spectacu- avoids an arrest, fines, a mean- P down, the city will lose a provide more sales-tax rev- centric positions. ciation, and importantly, the partner and future business I’ve been told by a member lar outcome as what we have ingless injury or death. enue than does the City Plan. Livermore Stockman’s Rodeo experienced in the past. The Don’t risk it! Having a leader in the Presidio Hotel • The important question of the Chamber of Commerce Association (the people cred- Group, which has a develop- that downtown belongs to council members deserve the designated, sober driver is is whether the extra income ited for the inclusion of a park support of this community. would cover the additional them. It doesn’t. Or, that is, it within the development area). costs incurred by the Central doesn’t unless we relinquish These people and organiza- Park Plan. The three major our prerogative to determine tions support the city’s detailed An Exciting Opportunity costs are these: the future of downtown Liver- development plan that was Veronica Stewart, Livermore • Parking. Because the more. created through an open public Livermore is poised to put I’ve been told by city coun- (INLAND VALLEY PUBLISHING CO.) total number parking spaces process that included public itself in a class apart from ev- PUBLISHER: Joan Kinney Seppala for both plans is the about cil members that they balance review, public input, and pro- ery other town in the region. ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: David T. Lowell (In Memoriam) the needs of the residents and EDITOR: Janet Armantrout the same, the extra expense fessional review for local code We are incredibly lucky to still the business community. They THE INDEPENDENT (USPS 300) is published every Thursday by Inland Valley Publishing Company, 2250 First St., in the Central Park Plan of and regulations compliance. have a space to develop in the Livermore, CA 94550; (925) 447-8700. Mailed at Periodical Postage Prices at the Livermore Post Office and additional providing the same number don’t. The resident-voters In the other corner is a heart of our downtown. It is an entry office: Pleasanton, CA 94566-9998. THE INDEPENDENT is mailed upon request. Go to www.independentnews. of stalls in three garages – I choose the city council to im- group now calling themselves opportunity to do something com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Independent, plement the balance we want. 2250 First St., Livermore, CA 94550. Street, L Street and Livermore “Protect the Central Park amazing there. To fill the space We vote. And, Livermore is Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (925) 447-8700 Avenue garages – versus the Vote.” This group lists no with high-rise cookie-cutter during regular business hours or by fax: (925) 447-0212. same number of stalls in two out of balance. elected officials supporting buildings that are copies of Editorial information may be submitted by [email protected]. The businesses in Liver- the other high rises going in www.independentnews.com garages in the City’s Plan – I their plan and no local organi- Street and L Street – adds up more are here to meet the zations backing their efforts. needs of Livermore resi- (See MAILBOX, page 6) JANUARY 30, 2020 • The Independent 5
COMPARE & DECIDE
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la p le la a 6 The Independent • JANUARY 30, 2020 SPORTS NOTES
State Dual Meet Championship winners. Granada has been dominant in EBAL dual TV30 Sports hosts Dr. B & Ian Bartholomew. Tri-Valley Community Television provides meet competition this year, posting 50+ points in all three of their dual meet victories. commercial and industrial production at their studio located in Pleasanton. The facility also broadcasts programming over channels TV 28, TV29, TV30 on Comcast Cable State Dual Meet competition this year, posting via Channel 99 as well as and on AT&T U-Verse via channel 99. Live streaming is available on their website 50+ points in all three of their streaming live on the TV30 www.tv30.org. Championship dual meet victories. GHS takes- website at www.tv30.org. Play The first annual State Dual Meet on Livermore HS this coming by play and color announcing Championships were held in Wednesday in our final regular will include TV30 sports Clovis, CA this past weekend, season dual meet. GHS is aiming personalities Ian Bartholomew 1/25-26. The tournament to capture their second straight and George “Dr. B” Baljevich format was broken down into EBAL Dual Meet title this year. Games include: Dublin @ 4 divisions. Division-1 was GHS currently has 4 wrestlers Amador – Boys, Dublin @ comprised of the top teams in the ranked in State: Carter Bailey Livermore – Girls, Livermore state, most notably Buchanan #6, Jackson Morgan #38, Rylan @ Granada – Boys, Livermore HS (#3 in the Nation) who Matheson #32 & Ian Richardson @ Granada – Girls. Games will dominated the event. Granada #27. GHS has 7 ranked wrestlers air on TV30 multiple times HS was placed in the Division-4 in NCS: Jayden Namayan #9 including every Saturday and bracket, based on strength of (113), Carter Bailey #1 (120), Sunday night at 7 p.m. For team, and was the #3 seeded Jackson Morgan #2 (138), Rylan complete air dates and times, team in that division. GHS Matheson #3 (152), Edward visit the the TV30 website at dominated Corning HS in the Vilchis #6 (170), Ian Richardson www.tv30.org. first round, setting the stage for a #1 (182),Robert Porter #10 match-up with the #2 seed: Los (285). Go Matadors. Gatos HS. In a hard-fought dual Livermore Fusion meet, the Matadors were able to TV30 High School Soccer Club pull off the victory, winning 38- Livermore Fusion SC is 34! With that win GHS moved Basketball Coverage accepting registrations for into the Finals to face North TV30 will bring you the spring 5 versus 5 soccer. HS of Bakersfield. Granada excitement of local high school The program is open to wrestlers competed well in the basketball. TV30 will broadcast Recreational and Select finals, amassing 8 pins during four varsity basketball games players born 2008 through that contest! The final score was: this season including two boys 2013. The season runs from GHS 52 / NHS 28. And with games and two girls match-ups. mid-March through through that win Granada captured the Starting on Saturday, February the first week of May. Each first ever Division-4 State Dual 1st at 7 p.m., catch the Dublin team will participate in 6 Meet Championship! Granada boys varsity team facing off practice sessions and play 6 HS has had an amazing season against Amador Valley High matches, and will be coached so far, considering the fact that School. The games will be by Fusion's Premier coaching they are competing in one of tape delayed and debut every staff. Early bird rates are their toughest schedules ever. Saturday through February available through February 16. The Race to the Flagpole event took place on Jan. 25. For the full story, see page 6 Locally, Granada has been 15th. Watch on Comcast TV Register at fusionsc.org. dominant in EBAL dual meet Channel 30 and AT&T U-verse of Section A. (Photo - Doug Jorgensen)
MAILBOX (Continued from page 4) around the Tri-Valley area Livermore’s downtown area, adopting a downtown plan citizens during the outreach, (3) Ban the brutal "steer for planning and conducting would be a tragic loss. and I certainly don’t want any inconsistent with the public created a plan that respected tailing" event (banned in Al- public outreach. In actuality, the We could craft a place the eight-story behemoths over- outreach results and pretend them (minimal housing, lots ameda and Contra Costa coun- city has already done the out- likes of something never seen shadowing it, either. It makes the plan is in agreement. P is of parking, a westside hotel, ties in 1993; reach. The existing completed before using state-of-the-art sense, as Tara also said, to for Pretend. and a central park from the (4) Ban the rodeo's non- outreach is no less relevant methods in city planning, support Measure P because the Let’s allow more housing Bankhead to L) and moved sanctioned "wild cow milking to a westside hotel versus an building design, and technol- downtown businesses we love than is required, housing that ahead a whole lot sooner. Let’s contest" and children's "mut- eastside hotel. Indeed, both ogy. A place that reflects our and frequent support Measure takes up almost half of the pretend we just want progress. ton busting" event, cruel & were included in the original local culture, history, and P. There never will be a perfect downtown parcel. Let’s ignore P is for Pretend. Vote “No” on dangerous for all concerned. outreach, where the west side ecosystem, where residents plan that satisfies every single the fact that so much housing Measure P. All legislators may be writ- hotel was preferred. and visitors spend time enjoy- person, but Measure P is the is going up all over Livermore ten c/o The State Capitol, Interesting to note, Stock- ing it and each other. An iconic one true plan that exists, sup- and that housing was dead Freedom of Speech Sacramento, CA 95814. men's Park was not at all a place that would shape the ports local restaurants, and is last in outreach preferences. Equals Respect Email pattern for all: sena- part of the outreach process. identity of Livermore and pro- backed not just by Livermore’s Then let’s put a strip of grass Linda Knapp, Dublin [email protected] or Council felt confident moving vide stimulating experiences downtown businesses, but the between the four three-story assemblymember.lastname@ forward with Stockmen's Park where youth groups take field Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo affordable-housing projects Last night, I attended the assembly.ca.gov without further outreach. trips, senior citizens enjoy Association, as well. and pretend it is a park for town hall that Congressman As Gandhi famously noted, Technical analyses can be outings, young families meet Yes, there are other hotels public use. P is for Pretend. Eric Swalwell held at Dub- "The greatness of a nation conducted in parallel with oth- up, community groups gather, in Livermore, but for Bank- Let’s report the open space lin High School. Town halls and its moral progress can be er work. Items such as “enter and businesspeople enjoy a head performers and visitors of our plan (where the public are normally a chance for judged by the way its animals into agreements for develop- breath of fresh air. Creating in town for the Livermore Half can go that does not include elected officials to update their are treated." Words to live by. ment” can indeed take months this unique and special place Marathon, rodeo, festivals, buildings, including side- constituents on what they’ve or an ENRA can be completed is the best thing the city could weddings, graduations and walks, green space, etc.), and been working on, and for in weeks. Temporary parking constituents to interface with Leave Political Signs Alone do for the future of Livermore. such, it is more convenient and pretend it is all park space. Khati Pocha, Livermore solutions exists that can allow Everyone wants the project desirable to stay close to the Let’s add playground equip- their representatives and ask parking construction and hotel to move forward, but the city hub of activity. Our family’s ment to a corner of the grass questions. What happened last Last Monday, three friends construction to have signifi- has a plan that ignores the recent trip to Monterey con- around the old Carnegie Li- night was disgraceful. and I (four grey-haired ladies) cant overlap. amazing opportunity we have firmed that desire: We stayed brary and pretend it can be a A dozen hecklers in the went up and down Concannon While we appreciate that to do something spectacular. at the Portola Hotel and Spa in main park for a city of 90,000. back rows did their utmost to Boulevard putting up signs for planning is difficult and com- The current plan does not have [Old] Monterey, so we could P is for Pretend. prevent the congressman from the upcoming elections. By plex, we are confident that the the larger open space, and has walk the Christmas in the Let’s reduce the green being able to speak. They kept Friday, 70% of the signs had city is quite capable of doing an apartment complex 3-4 Adobes tour and not have to space of the Stockmen’s Park incoherently shouting all the disappeared, gone! it quickly, given the immense stories high on half of the large worry about parking, as in past property by surrounding it latest Fox News propaganda Come on Livermore resi- amount of work already done space – right across the street visits when we lodged further with buildings and hardscape on all the predictable topics. It dents, we are better than that! on this project. There should from the 3-story apartment away. My husband and I also to keep a westside hotel from was extremely difficult for the We can disagree and still be be no significant additional buildings under construction didn’t have to worry about being near Blacksmith Square. vast majority of the other 240 friendly and cordial. Let’s delay by proceeding with the on the former Groth Brothers driving anywhere after having Let’s separate Stockmen’s people to hear the congress- show a divided country how Central Park Plan. Vote “No” lot. The term “condo canyon” a few drinks. Besides, walking Park from the residential man. Their large Trump and not to be divisive. Getting rid on Measure P. comes to mind. The current around town took us past other housing projects with a wide NRA banners weren’t enough. of signs is just cowardly. I am They couldn’t be bothered not going to tell you what my plan has the hotel basically businesses where we – YES! – walkway, but let’s pretend Developer Sponsored the same as it was in the Len- spent extra money. it is a continuous park from to sign in and get a ticket to signs were for, I am better ask a question like everyone than that! Measure P nar development (which was A lot of downtown activi- Livermore Avenue to L. P is Doug Mann, Livermore stopped by citizens), and lacks ties take place at the Bankhead for Pretend. else. Congressman Swalwell an innovative design or feature and on the green, so it would Let’s have downtown mer- was very gracious in the face Future of News Livermore has a long his- that could set us apart from any be easier for hotel guests chants and wineries whine of this disruption and let the After Measure P tory of developers trying to other place. to just walk downstairs and about needing a boutique hotel hecklers have their say without Chris Ostlund, Livermore buy our elections, and right on consequence. He respected schedule, we have the Measure Our amazing town needs outside to Bankhead’s com- without a restaurant, room For more than a year now an amazing plan. In March, mon area, instead of walking service, on-site parking, or their freedom of speech, even P campaign. though they didn’t respect his the majority of The Indepen- To the astonishment of please vote NOPE – “No” a block and crossing streets. easy access for wine-country dent News has been about on P. To address off-site parking buses. Let’s pretend they are or anyone else’s. approximately no one, those The hecklers included a lo- the downtown development. campaign signs popping up and traffic concerns, could we the ones paying for all the I don’t know if most residents build any pedestrian bridges? development, especially if it is cal gun dealer, a guy who felt all over town are primarily “Yes” on Measure P is compelled to hide his face and care one way or another. My funded by the company that “Yes” for CommUNITY Some people fear change, unsuccessful. P is for Pretend. concern is this: After the elec- some are set in their ways, Let’s pretend each visitor head under a black scarf, and stands to gain financially. You Tania Panarello, Livermore believe it or not, a candidate tion, the Measure P issue will can read it for yourself in the and others just aren’t seeing will drive downtown from hopefully, finally be decided. I recently watched Mayor the big picture. Livermore Interstate 580 via Livermore running against Congressman fine print, at the bottom of John Marchand’s “Yes on Swalwell. Needless to say, she Will there be enough news in every one. We’ve seen these residents, I encourage you to Avenue in a vehicle with no the Tri-Valley for The Inde- Measure P” interview, a You- think about what you like to GPS. Let’s pretend it is vital will not get my vote, nor will developer-sponsored mea- Tube video that my friend, Phil I stoop so low as to follow the pendent to continue putting sures and propositions many do on vacation and apply that that they see their iconic hotel out a paper? Pierpont (of Sunrise Mountain to what type of businesses from the north side of a rail- precedent she and her cohorts times before, and we won’t be Sports), had shared on Face- you’d like to see downtown. A road trestle and ignore the fact set. That isn’t how democracy fooled this time either. book. works! Freedom of speech No Need for Lengthy Delay Not many years ago, Wey- candy shop, cheese shop, and that they will have no place to Loretta Kaskey, Livermore I haven’t always been the something for teens would be park when they get there. P is equals respect. erhaeuser tried a similar stunt. mayor’s biggest fan, but I desirable for me. Let’s bring for Pretend. City Council requested The company plastered our was impressed with how well back a crepe place, like we Let’s pretend Measure P is Rodeo Legislation - staff to report on how quickly streets with thousands of signs he expressed his points in the used to have! I also encourage just about a hotel. Let’s ignore Authors Needed the city could move if the to make it look like there was interview, especially the part you to vote “Yes” on Measure the over 7,000 voters who Eric Mills, Oakland Central Park Plan were a popular support for an un- about how Bernadette Peters priority. The requested staff wanted development project. P. Let’s see the big picture, signed the referendum know- Feb. 21 is the deadline for stayed in Pleasanton when move forward and leave dis- ing that if the eastside hotel report created a timeline of It was a manufactured mirage. the Bankhead Theater opened introducing new bills in the four or more years should Residents were outspent 10 to sension behind. A “Yes” vote (Measure P) wins, the Central California State Legislature. “because there wasn’t a place for Measure P is a “Yes” vote Park Plan will not be pos- the initiative pass. Indeed, if 1, but Weyerhaeuser lost in a for her to stay” in Livermore. Here are four "unbacked" this council wishes, it could landslide. for our commUNITY. sible. Let’s pretend all those rodeo bills in need of authors: I had previously been a pro- voters are stupid and misled stretch the timeframe to four The same pattern is playing ponent of a westside hotel, but (1) Amend state rodeo law, or more years. But that is not out today. We NoPers cannot P is for Pretend because the word “park” is not Penal Code 596.7, to require accepting of an eastside hotel, included in the document. P is necessary. match the resources of the pro- if it was built with character. Elizabeth Judge, Livermore on-site veterinarians at all The timeline allocates for ponents’ well-funded machine, Let’s do an outreach pro- for Pretend. rodeos. The "on call" option Tara Tramayne made a Let’s claim there is just a many unneeded activities. In but we won’t shrink from any great point in her Jan. 23 letter cess at public expense to let is not working; addition, various activities listed special interest with a profit Livermore citizens think we small group against us trying (2) Ban tie-down calf rop- about not wanting a parking to delay things. Let’s forget could occur concurrently, and motive in our elections. garage to be the first thing are interested in their opin- ing, allowing "breakaway" none of those were noted. The By voting “No” we can ions. Let’s surprise them by that we could have listened to roping only; she sees when she drives into staff report has eight months (See MAILBOX, page 8) JANUARY 30, 2020 • The Independent 7
DOWNTOWN SUNOL GLEN (Continued from first page ) (Continued from first page) agreement is not set aside legislation, SB 50, which is sence. I hope that we can all The pro-Measure O bal- Diane Evert in 2007, the purpose room, its major by voters on March 3. The highly controversial. It is still agree that it is best for the lot argument in the voter district served 205 stu- project. It would enable all residents’ group says people being shaped in Sacramento Bankhead Theater, and the pamphlet mailed out by the dents. Now attendance has 295 students to attend as- should have the chance to and no longer forces 8-story residents and businesses of county lists the projects the reached 295 students, with semblies together, since it evaluate both plans before housing projects on public Livermore, that a destination district wants to finance. a waiting list of 30. would be double the size they vote in November. If land close to busy transit hotel is built in the down- Some of the money The goal after Barnes be- of the room now used for voters approve the city’s hubs. It also provides flex- town without further delay. would go for a new roof came superintendent was to them. It would be a place development agreement in ibility for cities to find other Sincerely, Bob Woerner on the school building, but add money to the budget. where students could at- March, the November ini- areas in which to build af- Tammy Reus’ Statement because much of the rest of With about 90 more student tend PE classes on days of tiative will be meaningless, fordable housing. the structure is good, only slots, the extra $10,000 in inclement weather. they say. November’s ballot initia- To The Independent things like worn wood, and state aid per student enabled The multi-purpose room The residents’ alternative tive poses additional legal Legal Implications of proposal, called the Central risks, Woerner said. The old wiring and plumbing the school to add a Spanish would be a boon for com- AB1486, SB330, and SB50 would be replaced. program and various arts munity functions and could Park Plan, envisions a larg- state’s Housing Crisis Act of on the Central Park Plan er, higher-end hotel west of 2019 — SB 330 — would, Sunolians like the “May- classes. even be used as a refuge and Livermore Avenue looking he said, invalidate a portion Tamara Reus, President berry” look. It is what they The expansion also creat- staging area if a disaster oc- out on a landscaped park. of the residents plan that Statement of Protect the Cen- have called it over the years, ed an atmosphere in which curs in town, Barnes said. Tamera Reus, president of would decrease housing on tral Park Vote, No on P after the laid-back fictional teachers were excited about The building would also Support the Central Park, the downtown site. The city’s We are in the process of portrayal of a small rural teaching in Sunol, said include a new cafeteria, said that what Presidio is able plan calls for 130 housing evaluating the implications town in 1960s TV. Barnes, and that has im- twice as large as the current to build in the city’s plan, units. The residents’ plan of the Surplus Land Act, as Sunol Glen, both an el- proved the school’s results. one. “will not serve Livermore calls for 84 housing units. amended by AB 1486, on the ementary school and a Sunol Glen scores high on That would be welcomed and its wine country well.” Reus countered that SB Central Park Plan and down- middle school, was built in state testing with 84% of by the faculty, which now The quality hotel Presidio 330 does not allow reduc- town development, as well 1925, and has served for students proficient in Eng- can’t eat together at the originally proposed in the tions in the intensity of rede- as SB50. We need to learn decades as the town’s com- lish and 89% in Math. same time, because their city’s plan has been down- velopment, which refers to whether they are even rel- munity center for the local About 22% of the Sunol designated area is so small. graded; it is no longer full the amount of development evant to Livermore’s down- Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Glen students live in Sunol. Upgrading the cafeteria town development area, and service, no longer includes on a given space. Under the and other groups. Others come from Liver- would save money by in- a restaurant and there’s no residents’ downtown plan, if so, in what way. Reading the AB 1486 Sunol is protected from more, Pleasanton, Castro creasing efficiency of lunch nearby parking, she said. the dwelling unit density “ac- the kind of residential Valley and Hayward. The service, Barnes added. tually increases … beyond documents, our organization AB 1486 Now in Effect has learned that by its terms, growth that impacts other biggest contingent hails If the bond were ap- Woerner raised his housing the city’s current require- districts like Livermore, from Fremont, which is proved, the district would ments for the area.” State law parcels that are a half-acre or legislation concerns on Jan. less are not deemed appropri- Dublin and Pleasanton, be- connected by Interstate 680 try to get most of the new 13, in a letter to the nonprofit allows the city to add hous- cause of County Measure and Niles Canyon Road. construction completed ing elsewhere in the city, if ate for housing. Most of the LVPAC, which runs the city- sites in the Central Park Plan B, which is strict about Barnes acknowledged during summertime, but owned Bankhead Theater, voters approve the residents’ preserving open space and that in Sunol there is talk portable buildings could be plan, Reus wrote. fall within this exemption. and again at that night’s City In addition, the Act pro- agriculture in the Valley’s about Sunol people paying rented, if necessary, said Council meeting. He said he Delay is another concern, Woerner said. Even before vides a penalty of 30% of the unincorporated area. As a for capital improvements Sunol Glen board president worries the state law will af- purchase price of the land to result, the need for school for kids from other towns, Michael Picard. fect the Bankhead if residents the new state housing laws passed, supporters of the City be paid to the city's own af- expansion for population is but she noted that Sunol Endorsers include the vote against the city’s agree- fordable fund for the first modest. children benefit from a whole three-member Sunol ment with Presidio for its Council plan said adoption of an alternative plan would non-compliance, 50% for the However, a few years similar situation when they Glen school board, 1st dis- downtown project. Woerner second. ago, Sunol Glen decided to attend Foothill High School trict Supervisor Scott Hag- serves as a liaison between delay downtown’s revitaliza- tion. “If we don’t do Mea- So far, the City has not expand enrollment by re- in Pleasanton, where Pleas- gerty, 2nd District Supervi- the Council and the LVPAC required its Exclusive Ne- cruiting students from other anton residents are paying sor Richard Valle, Alameda board. sure P, we will be in court for years,” Woerner said. gotiating Rights Agreement nearby areas, under the on bonds for facility im- County School Superinten- The bill, AB 1486, was partners to pay high prices state’s inter-district transfer provements. dent Karen Monroe, and signed into law by Gov. But the citizen-led Central Park Plan initiative qualified for land. Moving a modest rules. When Superintendent Measure O would finance Assemblyman Bill Quirk. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 9, amount to the city’s afford- 2019. It strengthens the Sur- for the ballot before the re- Molly Barnes succeeded the construction of a multi- quirements of recent housing able housing fund may be plus Land Act, the law that a viable option in order to governs how cities and other legislation went into effect. According to Reus, “The preserve the elements of the public agencies must sell or Central Park Plan once ap- lease public land. initiative power is an im- portant right reserved to the proved by the voters. “Non-compliance with Also, the amendments pro- the new legislation would people under the California Constitution and is broadly vide an exception for former subject the city to lawsuits Redevelopment Agency land to force compliance that construed in the law. Laws that restrict this power may that is subject to an exclu- would likely result in years sive negotiating rights agree- of delay,” wrote Woerner in be challenged by local resi- dents and citizens’ rights ment by December 31, 2020, his letter to LVPAC. In com- provided the disposition is munity meetings, he said the groups.” ------completed by December 31, city will face lawsuits from Bob Woerner’s 2022. After approval of the Bay Area affordable housing Letter to LVPAC Central Park Plan initiative advocates who have threat- January 13, 2020 on November 3 this year, ened to sue the city in the such agreements can be ex- past. About $14.5 million in To: LVPAC Board Members Re: AB 1486 ecuted for the various com- funding restricted to afford- ponents of the Central Park able housing was used to ac- In my role as designated liaison between the City Plan within the allotted time- quire the bulk of the project frames. site. Council and the LVPAC Board, I would like to call The provisions of SB330 “The financial penalties do not allow downzoning. would be significant for not your attention to the recently enacted California State As- However, the Central Park complying with the new Plan actually increases the provisions, rendering a ho- sembly Bill 1486, especially Section 13, which revises the density of housing beyond the tel economically infeasible city’s current requirements without a significant taxpay- rules for the disposition of property acquired through a for the area. The Central Park er funded subsidy,” he said. Plan does lower the number Not so, Reus said. Under redevelopment agency. Giv- en the acquisition history of of units from 130 to 84, but AB 1486, parcels that are a units could be added else- half-acre or less are deemed the downtown catalyst site parcels, this new legislation where in the City. The mea- not appropriate for housing, sure allows the City to take and most Central Park Plan has very significant ramifica- tions for the revitalization of action so that there is no net sites fall within that exemp- loss in residential capacity. tion, she wrote in a state- Livermore's core. I believe it is incumbent Above and beyond these ment to The Independent. In considerations, it is not clear addition, an exception ex- upon you to understand the consequent potential impli- that the Surplus Land Act ists for former Redevelop- or the provisions of SB 330 ment Agency land if there cations for the Bankhead Theater and to deliberate on apply in this case, because is “an exclusive negotiating the citizen-led Central Park rights agreement by Dec. 31, the best course of action to further the interests of the Plan initiative qualified for 2020, provided the disposi- the ballot before the require- tion is completed by Dec. theater. I would like to help the LVPAC Board, in its role ments of AB1486 and SB330 31, 2022.” If voters approve went into effect. The initia- the Central Park Plan in No- as the operating lessor of the City owned Bankhead The- tive power is an important vember, agreements can be right reserved to the people signed by the deadline, she ater, to become accurately and fully informed as to the under the California Con- wrote. stitution and is broadly con- And penalties levied for facts. My understanding of the strued in the law. Laws that non-compliance under AB restrict this power may be 1486 are paid by the city into key consequences of AB 1486 for the downtown core challenged by local residents its own affordable housing and citizens’ rights groups. fund, she said. The penalty is are as follows: 1. On the portion of the site The claim that the city will 30% of the purchase price for face expensive lawsuits by the first violation and 50% west of Stockmen's Park and north of Veterans Way, hous- housing proponents for non- 12TH ANNUAL for the second. Livermore compliance is highly specu- has offered to sell parcels to ing is the only realistically viable option. The financial lative given these uncertain- developers at prices that are ties. Furthermore, we don’t below market rate, she wrote. penalties would be signifi- cant for not complying with think delay caused by litiga- So even if the city is fined, tion is an issue based on what “moving a modest amount the new provisions, render- ing a hotel economically in- we currently know about the to the city’s affordable hous- new legislation. ing fund may be a viable op- feasible without a significant taxpayer funded subsidy. In addition, concerns tion in order to preserve the that 8-story housing will be elements of the Central Park 2. Non-compliance with the new legislation would placed near the Bankhead be- Plan once approved by the cause it is within half a mile voters,” she concluded. subject the city to lawsuits to force compliance that would of a transit station are not OLLYWOO City Attorney Jason Al- well-founded. This appears B D cala’s analysis of AB 1486 likely result in years of delay. Further, breaching the exist- to be a reference to SB50, BY THE BAY concludes the city’s plan can which is currently pending proceed without violating the ing contract with our current affordable housing partner legislative approval. This new law under two excep- legislation has failed to pass at tions. His analysis, posted to would likely trigger the law- FRIDAY Casa Real suit already threatened by during several legislative the City Attorney’s website, sessions. It is highly contro- MARCH13 Ruby Hill Winery, is silent as to whether either housing advocates to force •2020• housing on the entire site. versial, opposed by many lo- Pleasanton of the carveouts would also cal jurisdictions, and is still apply to the initiative plan. 3. As to the lot next to the Bankhead, AB 1486 in subject to further amendment before it goes to a floor vote. How SB50 and SB330 conjunction with the trend PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY! Figure In in Transit Oriented Devel- Housing is limited to 4 to 5 Woerner said the city’s opment housing legislation, stories. Importantly, the cur- www.healingtherapiesfoundation.org plan is the only allowable op- increases the risk of letting rent version provides exemp- tion under the new laws. He the lot next to the theater re- tions for cities who move said the only viable option main fallow. The possibility the required housing out of a for housing is west of Stock- that an up to 8 story housing transit zone to another area in Benefitting the men’s Park and north of Vet- complex could eventually be the city. erans Way. The residents’ forced upon the city in that Given the complexities in plan could put the city at le- location should not be dis- these laws, and the extent gal risk, he said. That could missed lightly. Failure to act of uncertainty involved, it lead to the state seizing con- can have consequences. is premature to speculate on trol and, conceivably, putting I would welcome the op- their ramifications. The - in an 8-story housing project on portunity to discuss AB 1486 complete information is hav- a lot next to the Bankhead. at an LVPAC Board meet- ing the unfortunate effect of
Reus said Woerner is tak- ing to address questions or scaring the public before all Smiley): Geri Arata Artist (Mr. ing liberties with pending concerns. Time is of the es- the facts are known. 8 The Independent • JANUARY 30, 2020 MAILBOX (Continued from page 6) move the hotel from a pro- ors. These mayors know the Want the restaurant that we 16: Saving Butterflies. Once More into the Breach As far as the other housing posed location that’s way too kind of experience and skills were promised, not a snack The Calhoun sisters are to Owen Brovont, Livermore laws go, it appears that there small, to a larger parcel where needed to be a successful and bar? Want adequate parking be commended for their major As Shakespeare wrote in are exemptions and other the residents already decided locally focused supervisor. downtown? If so, the choice is step in protecting monarch “Henry the Fifth,” “Once more provisions within them that we wanted it. We can build simple: Vote “No” on Measure butterflies that come to our unto the breach, dear friends, would enable the city to imple- it just as quickly, bigger and Animal Pandemic P to keep the Central Park Plan area, whose numbers continue once more…” In the Jan. 23 ment the Central Park Plan. It better, and it won't cause traffic Strikes Again intact. The Central Park Plan to decline. Human-caused edition of The Independent, is also unclear whether these jams and parking problems. Lex Manwill, Livermore is the people's choice; this is climate change and habitat John Lawrence makes another laws would apply to an initia- Vote “No” on Measure P. Vote what the majority of Liver- loss are now threatening North sophomoric attempt to mislead tive measure that qualified for “No” on Presidio Corporation. Fifty million Chinese more residents want. This is American monarch butterflies the ballot before they went locked down! Fifteen coun- the readers by proposing the why more than 6,000 residents with extinction. This is a very ridiculous claim that my previ- into effect this month. These tries affected! Three confirmed signed petitions – for the will serious situation. Doing some laws may also be subject to Nobel Prize for cases in the U.S.! These dra- ous letter is in accord with his Pet of the Week of the people to be heard. research on these beautiful claim that opponents of the constitutional challenges for matic headlines announce one Don't be fooled by large creatures may be very en- restricting the people’s state Kelly Williams, Livermore more pandemic caused by our city’s development plan use ads and mailers sponsored by lightening. “… underhanded efforts with constitutional right to enact I follow the "Pet of the abuse of animals. Presidio. Of course, Presidio The ground the Calhouns laws by initiative. In short, Week” column, and though Indeed, 61% of the 1,415 negative attacks…” supports the City Plan; they have planted with milkweed How could he uninten- there is much uncertainty at the author is unfortunately pathogens known to infect will profit enormously. will attract these beautiful this time. anonymous, I wanted to ap- humans originate with ani- tionally misread the letter In the end, there is only one butterflies to our area, where that made the point that he, People are getting wrong plaud the recent entry on the mals. These so-called zoonotic choice for residents. The Cen- they can propagate in their and incomplete information. dog Einstein, with its mem- diseases, claiming millions of John Lawrence, was a clear tral Park Plan is the best and favorite, necessary habitat for example of the use of negative SB50 doesn’t even exist as a orable, “This one-year-old human lives, include Asian we can only achieve that with a their survival. law yet. It makes me wonder small breed mix is nominated flu, Hong Kong flu, West Nile attacks and bullying against “No” vote on Measure P. I