PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLEASANTON, CA PERMIT NO. 548
Vol. I, Number 12 • September 25, 2009
DUBLIN EDITION
INSIDE
Getting schooled: Dublin group plans for new prep academy PAGE 5 Nouveau Concannon: Winery lauds tasting room opening PAGE 5
www.trivalleyviews.com
West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station delayed another year Project setback due to faulty steel weldings in pedestrian walkways page 4
HANDLE ANGER POSITIVELY. . . IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS. . . RESOLVE CONFLICTS. . . REDUCE STRESS Teen Males Anger Management Series Mondays, Sept. 21st - Nov. 30th (except Nov. 23rd), 4:00 - 5:15pm
A x i s B e h avi o ral H e al t h 6666 Owens Dr., Pleasanton
IdbVi^cV hZgkZh je [gZh]! ]dbZbVYZ e^ooV! eVhiV VcY hVaVYh ^c V XVhjVa! [Vb^an"[g^ZcYan Vibdhe]ZgZ# I]ZgZÉh V eaVXZ [dg ndj Vi djg iVWaZ###
For information or to register please, contact Amanda Goletto at (925) 201-6213 or agoletto@axishealth.org.
Axis Community Health...here when you need us.
www.axishealth.org
GOING STRAIGHT
'% GZYZZb Vi IdbVi^cV [dg '% d[[ Vcn [ddY '% ^iZbh dgYZgZY VcY XdchjbZY Vi djg Ã&#x2019; cZ gZhiVjgVci# <ddY [dg eVgi^Zh je id h^m eZdeaZ! XVccdi WZ XdbW^cZY l^i] Vcn di]Zg Y^hXdjci# 9jWa^c adXVi^dc dcan#
at Dr. Sjobergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Children & Adults Custom Orthodontics Full Service Dentistry in one GREAT office!
IdbVi^cV )*.% 9jWa^c 7akY#! 9jWa^c! 86
s &AMILY $ENTAL 3ERVICES Now s #OSMETIC 3URGERY Accep New P ting atients s )MPLANTOLOGY s /RTHODONTICS s 5NIQUE 3TATE OF THE !RT &ACILITY s )NTEREST &INANCING !VAILABLE s &RIENDLY 0ROFESSIONAL 3TAFF s 3PECIAL $ISCOUNT 0LANS REBATES
.'*"-%("..., K^h^i jh Vi lll#idbVi^cV#Xdb
Oral Sedation Certified Dentistry. Creating a calm, safe, welcoming experience!
CALL FOR DETAILS
AMADOR DENTAL & ORTHODONTIC CRAIG C SJOBERG BS DDS & ASSOCIATES
5000 Pleasanton Ave Suite 110 Pleasanton
WWW !MADOR$ENTAL COM Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet
She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t endure another boring weekend! She longed to....
! E P ton! n A a s S C Plea
Complimentary Evening social hour
E o Downtown
Complimentary Wireless Internet
T
Complimentary Shuttle service to local companies
E=@:2 1:/AA
@3AB/C@/<BA A6=>>7<5 /@B 5/::3@73A
Large one and two bedroom suites
Pleasanton
C<7?C3 A>317/:BG
/>>/@3:
4545 Chabot Dr. Pleasanton | CA | 94588
(925)730-0070
>/;>3@ G=C@A3:4
www.pleasanton.summerfieldsuites.hyatt.com
¦
>3@A=</: A/:=< A3@D713A ONLINE NOW
Town Square Forum TriValleyViews.com | LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD Posting an item on Town Square is simple and requires no registration! Page 2 â&#x20AC;¢ September 25, 2009 â&#x20AC;¢ TriValley Views
" AB/@ C<7?C3
43AB7D/:A 3D3<BA Â&#x2019; E7<3 AB@=::A Â&#x2019; AB E32<3A2/GA AB@33B >/@B73A A/BC@2/G 4/@;3@Ã&#x201A;A ;/@93B Â&#x2019; 1=<13@BA 7< B63 >/@9
Around the Tri-Valley Dublin schools could benefit from farmers’ market model
H
ere’s an idea for Dublin schools. While out for a walk on the Upper East Side of Manhattan two weeks ago, I stopped at the East 67th Street Market, a weekly antique, flea and farmers’ market held each Saturday since 1979 on the concrete school grounds of P.S. 183, a typical big city, five-story old brick elementary school between York and 1st avenues. Operated by Bob Ditroia since 1982 and open year-round, rain or shine, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., the market differs from those we have in the Tri-Valley in that it incorporates vendors selling collectibles and antiques as well as fruits, vegetables, nuts and baked goods from outlying farms and the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities. It also brings a lot of money to the school, providing P.S. 183 and its PTA with $75,000 to $100,000 in space rental fees each year. Ditroia says his business model could work anywhere and he’s frankly surprised that more schools haven’t jumped on the opportunity to put their facilities to a quasi-commercial/fundraising use on weekends. Most elementary and middle schools have ample grounds and multipurpose rooms that, unlike high schools, are generally not used on Saturdays and Sundays. Ditroia’s market attracts hundreds of shoppers from the surrounding Manhattan high-rises who welcome a chance to buy fresh produce direct from the farms while also navigating their way through 70 booths or more inside the school’s gymnasium to sort through the tables of jewelry, bracelets, watches and clothing. Much of it is from estates in the high end residential area, including one vendor who was selling off 100 scarves she had been given by one heiress. Another vendor, Scott, who’s been selling at Ditroia’s 67th Street Market for seven years, offered a variety of British collectibles, including a photo of Britain’s
SmartSense. Heath Care plans that make sense in so many different ways. By Jeb Bing
Queen Elizabeth. Ditroia says the advantage of mixing the farmers’ market with the antique and flea markets are that the combination draws more shoppers who stay longer and buy more. All day long, people are seen leaving with bags of groceries while also carrying old clocks or framed artwork. Located near four major medical establishments — New York Presbyterian, Memorial SloanKettering, the Hospital for Special Surgery and New York Hospital — it’s the largest market of its kind in New York. Annual receipts have run as high as $250,000 with vendors taking home several thousand dollars each Saturday. One farmer, who sells everything from fruits and vegetables to free range chickens and Amish baked goods, earns $12,000 to $15,000 on a decent day. With New York just ending one of its rainiest summers in recent memory — only three weekends without rain since April, according to Ditroia — sales are down this year. But he adds that shoppers keep coming because in the recessionary market, they might save on the 67th Street Market’s bargains. Ditroia believes markets like his can bring financial rewards to schools, which is why another school in a high-traffic location has contracted to provide him space for another market. He’s also branching out to hospitals, where he’s being given space to bring his farmers’ market to courtyards and pavilions. The Fiore Medical Center in the Bronx just signed with Ditroia to set up a market at least once a week to serve its thousands of employees during their breaks and he’s negotiating with two other hospitals in the Bronx and Queens, where he lives, for more extensive markets. The hospitals, like the schools, Ditroia says, are recouping thousands of dollars in funds from the contracts which are contributing to their fundraising efforts. At P.S. 183 and at I.S. 44, an intermediate farther north in the wealthier museum district neighborhoods where Ditroia also has a thriving weekday market, farmers’ markets like his are seen in New York as a fresh source of needed funds for a school system faced with ongoing budget shortfalls. n
With SmartSense, you get just the benefits you want and need. At affordable rates. Don't need maternity benefits but want reliable, basic protection? Then SmartSense makes sense for you. This is just a sample of our low monthly rates:*
Smartsense 1500 Deductible Generic Rx Area 3
SmartSense 5000 Deductible Generic Rx Area 3
Age
1 member
2 members/family per member
1 member
2 members/family per member
20 30 40 50
$104 $112 $161 $216
$104 $112 $141 $194
$80 $86 $124 $166
$80 $86 $114 $156
Want more information on SmartSense? Call me today!
Charlene Beasley Authorized Independent Agent
925-803-9799 Located in Pleasanton, CA beasleyinsuranceservices@comcast.net
www.beasleyinsurance.com CA Insurance License #0C26292
HEALTH
|
LIFE
|
DENTAL
Blue Cross
SmartSense PPO is offered by Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company. * The level 1 monthly rates shown are per person and effective 3/1/09 for counties in Area 3: Alameda (except ZIPs starting with 945, 946 and 953 and including 94505, 94514), Alpine, Amador, Colusa (95957 only), Contra Costa (except 94551), El Dorado, Inyo (except 93527), Mono, Napa (94589 or 94590 only), Nevada (95602 only), Placer (except 95692 and 96161), Sacramento (except ZIPs starting with 958), San Francisco, San Joaquin (94505, 94514, 95632, and 95690 only), San Mateo (94303 only), Santa Clara (ZIPs starting with 940 and 943), Solano (except 94503, 95616, 95618, and 95694), Sutter (except 95645, 95692, 95836, 95837, 95948). Rates are illustrative only and are subject to change. Your rate may be higher or lower depending on your area, gender or age. Actual rates are also based on underwriting classification. This is a PPO plan with substantial financial incentives for using independently contracted Network providers. You may be subject to a pre-existing condition limitation of benefits for up to six months. Refer to the plan for a more complete list of coverage, conditions, restrictions, limitations and exclusions. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. © 2009 Anthem Blue Cross. CAN181
Free Quote go to www.beasleyinsurance.com
C
M
Y
CM
ABOUT THE COVER A new BART station located in the median of Interstate 580 MY
just east of the San Ramon/Foothill Road exit is nearing completion, but it won’t open CYfor another year due to welding problems in the pedestrian walkways that will connect riders from both the Pleasanton and Dublin sides of the highway. Photo by Janet Pelletier. CMY
ViewS TriValley
K
TriValley Views and TriValleyViews. com are products of Embarcadero Publishing’s East Bay Division, which publishes Pleasanton Weekly and Danville Weekly. ©2009 Embarcadero Publishing
Publisher Art & Production Gina Channell-Allen Lead Designers Trina Cannon Editorial Designers Editor Lili Cao Jeb Bing Kristin Herman Managing Editor Manuel Valenzuela Janet Pelletier Marcus Woodworth Living Editor Ad Services Emily West Sandy Lee
Advertising Advertising Manager Esmeralda Escovedo-Flores Advertising Account Executives Paul Crawford Karen Klein Circulation Manager Bob Lampkin
TriValley Views • September 25, 2009 • Page 3
West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station delayed another year By Janet Pelletier Dublin residents who have witnessed the new West Dublin/ Pleasanton BART station taking shape in the middle of Interstate 580 will have to wait another year for it to open. Transit officials are now saying the weldings of steel pieces to be used in the pedestrian walkways aren’t up to standard. Initially slated to open later this year, the station is now looking at a late 2010, early 2011 completion and an additional $2.5 million added to the total cost due to welding problems. The problems lie in the welding of the metal that will be used in the walkways connecting riders from both the Pleasanton and Dublin sides of the freeway to the station. It was discovered in June 2008 by Caltrans, which has oversight for the project, according to BART spokeswoman Luna Salaver. Caltrans determined that the welds didn’t meet the proper safety requirements and could not be repaired. The state transportation agency’s standards differ from BART’s, and it doesn’t appear the weldings were unsafe, but rather they didn’t meet the stricter standards. Two of the steel trusses currently lie near parking structures on the Pleasanton and Dublin sides and another two are located near the I-580-I-680 interchange. “The delay started in June 2008, so we worked with the contractors, the inspectors, Caltrans and the developers to do a complete analysis of this weld situation, and only after that thorough analysis was done, there was a decision made that the most cost-effective path forward would be to rebuild the
trusses,” Salaver said. New steel products will cost up to $2.5 million. Salaver said BART has hired a contractor to oversee the construction of the walkways to make sure they meet standards. “They’re going to construct new walkways and as the welds are done, BART and BART contractors as well as Caltrans will be monitoring quality control and quality assurance,” she said. It’s unclear who is paying for the additional cost to the $87.5-million project. Salaver said BART is working with all of the agencies involved to determine who will be held financially responsible. “It’s not settled at this point in time, but we are working diligently so it doesn’t affect the taxpayers,” she said. The project was developed as a public-private partnership, with $57.5 million stemming from bonds BART sold, $14 million in grants and $15 million in landgenerated revenues, Salaver said. The cities of Dublin and Pleasanton entered into a funding agreement in 2006 along with the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority that allows BART to draw from a reserve fund at the time the transit agency was selling construction bonds, according to Dave Culver, who is Pleasanton’s finance director. “What this agreement calls for is it obligates each entity for providing some reserve funding that BART can access should their operating revenues fall short of their expenses, including debt service,” Culver said. Out of a total commitment of $8 million between all of those agencies, half has been set aside to BART. The
JANET PELLITIER
Project setback due to faulty steel weldings in pedestrian walkways
A large part of the Las Positas College campus expansion has been in adding more physical education and sports complexes. Recent additions include the aquatics center, gym and lighted soccer field.
remaining $4 million will be allotted when the project is completed. “Up to this point, since (the project) didn’t open on time, (BART officials) have notified everyone that they will draw down $1.5 million from that reserve fund for debt service on their bonds,” Culver said. The station is now 75 percent complete. The walkways had been less than 10 percent complete, Salaver said. Two parking structures, one on each side of the freeway in Pleasanton and Dublin, are 95 percent finished. Once fully built, the new station, located in the median of I-580 between Golden Gate Road in Dublin and Stoneridge Mall Road in Pleasanton, will provide an additional stop in the current 10-mile gap
between the East Dublin/Pleasanton and Castro Valley stations. As part of the station project, a new transit village was planned on the Dublin side to include a 150-room hotel, 210-unit apartment complex and retail/office space. On the Pleasanton side, the City Council approved last September a 350-unit apartment complex described as a transitoriented development to reduce freeway congestion that was slated to coincide with the opening of the station. Part of that development also included 14,000 square feet of retail space, where developers had hoped to house a grocery store. But earlier this year, the developer of those projects, San Diego-based Windstar Communities, said those
would be pushed back due to the economic downturn. Windstar Vice President Eric Heffner said the hotel may not be a viable option anymore. Bob Russell, a principal for Oakland-based Ampelon Development Group, which acted as the master developer on the project, said a portion of land in Dublin that was slated for the apartments has now gone back to a lender, but the parcel’s status is unclear. Windstar still controls the other portions of the project including the hotel and retail space in Dublin and the residential development in Pleasanton, but is holding off for now on developing it. “Like anyone, they’re waiting for better market conditions to start with new construction,” Russell said. n
The Perfect Blend
THE INDEPENDENCE YOU WANT, THE ASSISTANCE YOU NEED.
BEST-IN-CLASS COVERAGE PLAN FROM VOLVO 5 YEARS 60,000 MILE WARRANTY 5 YEARS FACTORY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE 5 YEARS WEAR & TEAR COVERAGE
Purchase or Lease Any New 2009 August 31st,30th, Purchase or Lease ANY New 2009 orVolvo 2010 by Volvo by Sept 2009and andenjoy enjoyaaworry-free worry-freeownership ownershipexperience experiencewith withthe the 2009
Get All of This Plus More Great Offers from Volvo!
For more details visit www.volvocars.us/safeandsound
925.939.3333 2791 North Main St., Walnut Creek, CA www.lawrencevolvo.com Page 4 • September 25, 2009 • TriValley Views
D I AM A STICKLER FOR FRESHNESS. AND I FANCY MYSELF A PRETTY GOOD COOK. WHEN I FOUND THAT THE PARKVIEW OFFERS A MENU THAT HAS MORE THAN ONE ENTRÉE, FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AND CHANGES EVERY DAY —MY DECISION ON WHERE TO LIVE WAS EASY.
iscover private apartment living in Pleasanton with views of the surrounding hills…Freedom from the time and expense of housekeeping, home maintenance, menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking and clean-up…Neighbors and staff who become friends before too long. Discover assisted living and memory care services as comforting and energizing as your first cup of coffee in the morning. Call today to schedule a tour.
100 VALLEY AVENUE (FORMERLY JUNIPERO ST.) PLEASANTON
925-461-3042
License #015601283
WWW.ESKATON.ORG
MANAGED BY
ESKATON
New Concannon tasting room open and buzzing with activity
Dublin charter school planned to open in 2012 Town hall meetings held next month
By Janet Pelletier As wine grapes spent their last few days attached to vines lining the Concannon Vineyards entrance in Livermore before the fall harvest got under way for the 126th year, the historic winery celebrated the rededicated of its new tasting room. Part of a $30-million revitalization effort, the new tasting room took shape through bricks laid to the existing winery, where the original tasting room was knocked down. In the interim, visitors have been sampling the vineyardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature petite sirah and other blends in a portable structure in the parking lot. To celebrate the long-awaited project, the Las Positas branch of the Native Sons of the Golden West reenacted the original dedication ceremony performed on Concannon 51 years ago, when the tasting room was declared an historic landmark by the California State Park Commission. Other speakers included Garrett Drummond, a Livermore Valley historian, thirdgeneration family vintner Jim Concannon and Livermore Mayor Marshall Kamena, who recalled
JANET PELLITIER
Coming soon will be second tasting room, wine library
A Concannon employee pours wine for a customer inside the new tasting room, which features an old-style stamped tin ceiling.
the Concannonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; long history with the city. The new tasting room will soon be joined by a connecting wine library and a second tasting room that will be a wine lounge. Those are expected to open in the next few weeks Outside the tasting room, which is double the size of the previous one, is a courtyard with a fountain built from historic Livermore-stamped bricks. The
restoration includes both old and new resources. Redwood staves from large vintage redwood casks previously used for wine aging were reclaimed for the new tasting bar area and used as wood panel accents throughout the tasting room. The ceiling is made of a stamped tin in a nod to the Concannon familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish roots. Outside are century-old planks from the old tasting roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceiling. n
By Emily West In efforts to meet the needs of a growing population, the Dublin Learning Corporation recently announced plans to open a charter high school in Dublin. The independently operated public school would be designed to offer a unique, challenging education program, according to DLC president Rully Kusuma. Although he has no background in starting schools, he said that all members of the organizing group are from Dublin and are meeting with experts in the field to get the project moving. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only one high school in Dublin and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the other side of town,â&#x20AC;? Kusuma said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Statistics and projected growth show itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to have another high school.â&#x20AC;? In describing the school, he said it would have a high level of community involvement, offer more Advanced Placement (AP) classes and be a collaborative learning environment different than is offered by the Dublin Unified School District. The nearest school of its kind is Livermore Valley Charter School, which has programs for kindergarten to middle school. The four-year-old school also has announced plans to open a high school in the fall of 2010. While Tassajara Prep would be
tuition free, with funding from the state and community, other secondary school options for parents include private high schools such as Valley Christian at 7500 Inspiration Dr., Dublin, Athenian in Danville, and Carondelet and De La Salle Catholic in Concord. The project is in its early planning stages, with charter school organizers now submitting petitions to the local school district as well as meeting with the public to gauge interest and gain feedback. Having had a booth at the Day at the Glen festival at Emerald Glen Park, they have also planned three town hall meetings. To learn more visit www.tassajaraprep.org. n
Tassajara Prep town hall meetings n 7 p.m. Oct. 20 Dublin Library Community Room, 200 Civic Plaza n 7 p.m. Oct. 27 Dublin Civic Center, Regional Meeting Room, 100 Civic Plaza n 7 p.m. Nov. 3 Dublin Civic Center, Regional Meeting Room, 100 Civic Plaza
ValleyCare Medical Center in top 10% for U.S. hospital heart care Pleasanton facility honored by American Heart Association, U.S. News and World Report Pleasanton recently received the AHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get with the Guidelinesâ&#x20AC;? Gold and Silver Performance Achievement awards. These honors recognize the implementation of higher standards of cardiac care in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitals.
It is the fourth year that ValleyCare has received the award, which is given to the top 500 of the 5,000 hospitals nationwide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ValleyCare is dedicated to making our cardiac unit among the best in the country, and the American
PLEASANTON ORTHODONTICS Marzie Karkhanechi D.D.S.
Heart Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Get with the Guidelines program is helping us accomplish that by making it easier for our professionals to improve the long-term outcomes of our cardiac patients,â&#x20AC;? said ValleyCare CEO Marcy Feit.
S
According to the American Heart Association and the U.S. News and World Report publication, TriValley residents are in good hands at ValleyCare Health System. ValleyCareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical center at 5555 W. Las Positas Blvd. in
In addition, U.S. News also recently listed ValleyCare among the top hospitals in the nation. For information about ValleyCare, visit www.valleycare.com.
o omething to crow ab
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Emily West
u t!
No Ope w n!
Specializing in Othodontics for children, adolescents, and adults.
Beautiful Smiles Start Here...
Summer Special
25% OFF Your Treatment
c "GE=E9<= 9EADQ ,=;AH=K c &GN=DQ !9J<=F *9LAG c -=JNAF? #FKA<= 9F< )ML c -MF<9Q JMF;@ A? -;J==F .0K AF GMJ &GMF?= >GJ -HGJLAF? N=FLK
Expires 09/30/09
925-846-2222 4466 Black Ave. Suite B Pleasanton, CA 94566
www.pleasanton-orthodontics.com
Conventional braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign Free Consultation 0% Interest In House Financing
AFAF? b .9N=JF 9F;AF? b 9FIM=LK 1=<<AF?K
Down home cooking in a fun and comfortable atmosphere
Every weekend LIVE MUSIC at The Farmer! FRI 10/2 Michael Paul Band â&#x2DC;&#x2026; SAT 10/3 DANCE PARTY BAND â&#x2DC;&#x2026; SUN 10/4 NORTHERN STATIC â&#x2DC;&#x2026; FRI 10/9 RODEO HOUSE Country/Sourthern Rock â&#x2DC;&#x2026; SAT 10/10 HURRICANE BAND ROCK & BLUES â&#x2DC;&#x2026; SUN 10/11 FABULOUS CRUISE TONES
855 Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton 925.399.6690 / www.thefarmerrestaurant.com TriValley Views â&#x20AC;˘ September 25, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 5
Las Positas College sees surge in enrollment as campus continues to expand Fresh off completion of new aquatic center, school working on new center for the arts
Carden West School
CARDEN WEST SCHOOL Success for every child, every day
School Tours Every Wed. & Sat. 10 am to 12 noon or by appointment at (925) 463-6060 or www.cardenwest.org
s ST TH 'RADE s &ULL $AY +INDERGARTEN s 0RE +INDERGARTEN s 0RESCHOOL s 4ODDLER 0ROGRAM s %XTENDED #ARE s 3UMMER #AMP
Providing high academic standards for over 30 years in Pleasanton
s Licensed s Nonsectarian s Nonprofit 4576 Willow Road, Pleasanton info@cardenwest.org
center, the next big project is the 55,000-square foot College Center for the Arts. Campus construction is funded through Measure B, a $498-million facilities bond. Buildout is expected to be completed in 2011 to serve 12,000 students. With several projects in the works and some just getting started, as well as new academic and athletic programs, the growth couldn’t have come at a better time. Even with budget cuts coming from the state, Pollard said that she and her staff are refusing to be fearful, but instead be creative in finding ways to meet the needs of the students and the community.
Who is hitting the books? In times of economic hardship, both young and old are looking to advance their education and build career skills. Graduating seniors from the TriValley make up 53 percent of the first-time freshman population. It also attracts young students from outside of the area, including 9 percent from Contra Costa County, 3 percent from other Alameda County high schools, 20 percent from other California high schools (excluding the Bay Area), and even graduating high school seniors from other states (2.3 percent) and countries (3.5 percent). One reason to choose a community college is for affordability. It is $26 per unit at LPC, with a year’s fees ranging from $600 for residents to $5,190 for non-residents (including school, materials and living expenses such as off-campus rent), compared to $3,797 to $10,170 for California State Universities and $8,007 to $20,000 for University of California schools. Plus LPC has the seventh highest transfer rate of all 110 California community colleges. According to the Las Positas, most students transfer to UC Berkeley, Cal State East Bay, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, San Jose State, Cal State Monterey Bay, UC Riverside and St. Mary’s College. Younger students continue to be the largest age-group population in California community colleges, yet the older set has strong numbers. Throughout the state last year, nearly 400,000 people 30 to 39 were enrolled, plus more than 324,000 students were over the age of 50. People in search of career skills can find help with the one-stop career center as well as the job and transfer center. “We have the ability to counsel workers who are dislocated, shifting careers, and unemployed and looking for options in education and training,” Pollard said. In addition to the guidance of counselors and staff, she also said that they have partnerships with the county to help this portion of people. “At our job and transfer center, we help students prepare to transfer by spending time developing a
Page 6 • September 25, 2009 • TriValley Views
EMILY WEST
By Emily West In 1975, Las Positas College started as the valley campus of Chabot College in Hayward. Located in the northwestern hills of Livermore, the four-building campus grew from an enrollment of 810 students with 38 staff members. It eventually became the 107th community college in the state in 1988 and received full accreditation and had its first graduation ceremony in 1991. The campus is in the age of growth and there are no signs of stopping soon. LPC President Dr. DeRionne Pollard said that in just the first week of classes, enrollment increased. “On the first day of school last year, we had 7,900 enrolled,” she said. “This fall, our head count was 8,800. By the end of the first week, our enrollment is at almost 9,200.” “I would say three things are driving this,” Pollard continued, “Reputation of the phenomenal instruction here at Las Positas College in general, new programs of study in careers leading to employment and reduction in admissions in both the UCs and CSUs.” LPC’s expansion may come as a shock, even to those who have been on the campus in the last couple of years. Fresh off the completion of the two-pool aquatic
Construction continues on the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, located in the median of Interstate 580 near the San Ramon Road exit, but the station’s opening will be delayed a year due to issues with the pedestrian walkways connecting riders from both the Pleasanton and Dublin sides of the freeway.
plan for the college they want to go to. We also prepare them for work with how to write a resume, interview and all those skills we all know are so important.” Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman has long supported Las Positas College’s programs. As a product of the school system, she went on to complete her degree from the University of San Francisco. Saying she didn’t feel as confident in going back to school, it was getting an “A” in ecology that spurred her on to complete her degree. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without our local college,” she said at the school’s recent Community Day. “Las Positas College opened doors for me.” Another growing group of people seeking education is veterans. This program has been getting a lot of attention, being touted as the most comprehensive veterans program among the state community colleges. GI Jobs Magazine also deemed LPC as a “Military Friendly School for 2010.” Men and women returning from duty can expect specialized orientations, benefits, counseling, a mentor program, their own student organization and health support. Pleasanton native Jim McGuirk said ever since he was a kid, he wanted to be a scientist and a GI Joe. He graduated from high school in 2001 and enlisted just days before Sept. 11. Having served two tours in Iraq, he’s studying mechanical engineering at Las Positas. In describing the tough transition to civilian life, McGuirk said the veterans program allowed him to find a “second home” at the school, as well as be a part of a network of people who have gone through the same experiences.
‘A’ for athletics Newly added to the growing athletics complex is the $11.5-
million aquatic center, featuring a competition pool, recreational pool and a 2,800-square-foot pool house. They sit next to the new lighted turf soccer field and gym, with basketball courts, a jogging ring, classrooms, a weight room, offices and locker rooms. The area is also used by students and rented by community groups. It is facilities like these that help in attracting athletes and growing the competitive program. “The state-of-the-art facilities allow athletes to see what the next level is like, athletically and academically,” said Athletic Director Dyan Miller. “On the first day of class, the classes have been pretty robust. People were excited to finally be able to use the facilities.” With the addition of a swim coach, the school hopes to soon add a swimming and diving team to join its cross country, soccer and basketball programs to compete in the Coast Conference in the California Community College Athletic Association. By the start of school next year, Miller said that the track and field construction should be completed and they would be recruiting for an accompanying team. With the gridiron in the center, she said it’s likely that the school would develop a football teams as well.
Coming up next The next milestone in the Las Positas College journey to buildout is the completion of the College Center for the Arts. The $37.3-million project at the west end of campus, near the old Collier Canyon entrance, is scheduled to be completed for the fall 2010 semester and will include a 500-seat main theater, a formal lobby, faculty offices, outdoor amphitheater with seating for 1,500, two parking lots and a plaza. Science is also a big part of the
future for Las Positas, as designing is under way for a new 20,000square-foot science building. Adjacent to the current science building, it would house four “wet labs” for biology and two “dry labs” plus a classroom and ecology lab. Most of these new buildings are utilizing eco-friendly building practices and will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified through the United States Green Building Council. “We are very much committed to exploring ways in which we can become grid neutral,” Pollard said. “We’re exploring options that allow us to put turbines on campus to put energy back on the grid.” The school also has a sustainability committee that is looking into more efficient uses of water as well as reducing the use of bottled water and plastic. They are currently replacing the red roofs as well. While somewhat of a campus trademark, the signature color is being replaced with white, to help reduce the amount of energy used to cool the buildings. Creative ways to be energy efficient, like solar shade structures in the parking lot, help the school save money and these days every dollar counts. Pollard said the school is cutting back like everyone else by not filling vacant positions and looking for ways to support programs through partnerships. While they have made reductions for hourly staff, she said the school was committed to keep the schedule that was promised to the community. That doesn’t mean Pollard isn’t concerned. “I’m concerned about what will happen in January,” she said. “The budget scenarios aren’t going to be sufficient.” Instead of adopting a mindset of fear, which she said makes people reactionary and hasty, Pollard instead is meeting with staff early to proactively discuss the budget. n
Goings On Oct. 2-4 23rd Annual Alameda County Fall Home & Garden Show The Tri-Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home improvement show is at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, from Oct. 2-4. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Visit www.capitalshowcase. com.
Oct. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sweet Old Songâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dublin Reads presents a showing of the film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sweet Old Songâ&#x20AC;? from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Dublin Library, 200 Civic Plaza. This film chronicles the courtship and marriage of musician Howard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Louie Bluieâ&#x20AC;? Armstrong and artist, Barbara Ward. Filmmaker Leah Mahan will offer commentary. Call 803-7266.
E-Waste Fundraiser for Humane Society Valley Humane Society is hosting an electronic waste recycling event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at 4 California Ave., Pleasanton, about one block from VHS. Proceeds benefiting homeless pets. Most items are free to recycle, but some require a small fee that will be donated to VHS. Call 426-8656 or visit www. valleyhumane.org.
Oct. 4 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Three Musesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; poetry event The city of Dublinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poet Laureate Ronnie Holland will host three poets for a special event that will tap deeply into the rhythm of life, healing and mystic traditions. There will also be an open mic (poems should be one page and 40 lines or less). The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. at Old St. Raymondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, 6600 Donlon Way. Admission is $5 at the door, free for students with I.D. To register in advance, call 556-4500 or reserve a seat online at www.dublinrecguide.com (activity #22010).
Growl, Meow & Wine This benefit event for the East Bay SPCA is Oct. 4 at the Tri-Valley branch, 4651 Gleason Drive. A preparty with the board of directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; champagne reception is from 1-2 p.m., followed by wine, music, hor dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and silent auction from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $75 for both events or $40 for general celebra-
events worth a look
tion. Must be 21 to attend. Call 563-4605 or visit www.eastbayspca. org/events.
Walk to the Water Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser Family Event to benefit oppressed women and children in India is from 12:303 p.m. Oct. 4 at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, 2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton. Choose your own time and distance options among three trails while you carry water by pail or yoke. Enjoy music and games in a shady picnic area. Sponsored by Sisters In Service East Bay Chapter. Suggested registration, which includes lunch, is $15 or $30 for families. Call 998-3785 or visit www.sistersinservice.org.
Oct. 10 Blessing of the Animals Valley Humane Society is hosting a Blessing of the Animals event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 10 at 3670 Nevada St., Pleasanton. All pets are welcome on a leash or in a carrier. Pets will receive a blessing from the friar and a St. Francis medallion. Blessing is free. Donations appreciated. Call 426-8656 or visit www. valleyhumane.org.
Lobster Feed and Silent Auction Dublin Rotary Club will host the second annual Lobster Feed and Silent Auction from 6-10 p.m., Oct. 10, at Shannon Community Center, 11600 Shannon Ave. Tickets are $75. Proceeds benefit the good works of the Dublin Rotary. Call 875-1880 or visit www.dublinrotary.clubexpress.com.
Oct. 17 Amore Goes Hollywood! Tri-Valley Animal Rescueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th annual dinner and auction will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Goal Line Production Studios, 5959 Coronado Lane, Pleasanton. It includes dinner, a no host bar, live and silent auctions, raffle baskets and a grand prize drawing. Tickets are $60. Visit www.tvar.org.
Oct. 25 Trick or Treat at the East Bay SPCA The East Bay SPCA, Tri-Valley hosts a trick-or-treat event from 3-5 p.m. Oct. 25 at 4651 Gleason Drive in Dublin. The free event includes candy, games, crafts and visits with the animals. Costumes are optional.
All ages welcome. Call 479-9670 or visit www.eastbayspca.org/events.
Ongoing The Parent Project This 12-week program is open to Tri-Valley parents who wish to improve their relationships with their teenage children. Meetings will be held at Valley High School, 6901 York Drive, Dublin. Sessions will meet at 6 p.m. on consecutive Wednesdays through Nov. 25. The goal is to assist parents in helping their teens improve school attendance and performance, avoid alcohol and other drug use, have a happier family life and stay safe. The cost is $150 or $200 per couple. Payment plans are available. To register, call Amie Sousa, 201-6201.
P RI NT & ONLI NE
is a weekly update from the Tri Valley Views delivered via e-mail every Friday. provides the perfect quick-read digest of local news and events in Dublin from the last week to the next. And all without any environmental impact. You will want
in your e-mail inbox every Friday morning.
TriValleyViews.com offers 24/7 coverage of everything local: t CSFBLJOH OFXT t TFBSDIBCMF SFTUBVSBOU BOE NPWJF SFWJFXT t DPOWFSTBUJPOT BNPOH DPNNVOJUZ members on Town Square t BOE NVDI NPSF
Sign up to try
at
www.TriValleyViews.com
YMCA Model Court/ Legislature YMCA Youth & Government program is open to high school students this year. Teens will have fun learning and meeting people from all parts of California. Call Jeff, 475-6108, or visit www.calymca. org/mlc.
Little Home Thai Cuisine
Best Thai Food in the Bay Area Since 1996
Animal Fosters Needed Tri-Valley Animal Rescue is looking for fosters for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies. TVAR provides training on how to be a foster, food and vet care; volunteers provide love and a place for animals to stay until they are adopted. For cats/kittens call Linda 961-0260 for dogs/puppies call Lisa 355-9039. Visit www. tvar.org.
Dublin Senior Center Ride Match Program
N
Journaling: Gateway to Self Discovery Author B. Lynn Goodwin will facilitate a workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Dublin Senior Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd. It will be a safe atmosphere to write, share and receive feedback on what is strong, effective and memorable for caregivers. Cost is $20 for four classes. Registration required. Call 556-4511 or email seniorctr@ ci.dublin.ca.us.
Pimlico Dr.
Fax (925) 251-9881
Dinner Special
6601 Dublin Blvd., Ste.B Dublin ( 925 ) 828-8218
2 entree minimum. Not valid with any other offer or on take out. One coupon per table. Expires 10/31/09
Fax (925) 825-8221
www.littlehomethai.com Mon-Sun â&#x20AC;˘ Lunch 11am-3pm Dinner 5-9:30pm
揣č&#x160;˝ĺ¸ć Ą
McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
4000 Pimlico Dr., Ste. 106 Pleasanton ( 925 ) 251-9877 GRANDG OPENIN
The staff will maintain a list of interested drivers and riders who will be able to access the service, and visually find riders with similar transportation needs. Sign up forms are available on line or pick one up at the Dublin Senior Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd. Call 556-4511 or visit www.dublinseniorcenter.com.
580
Santa Rita Rd.
a calendar of TriValley
VIEWS TriValley
15%
Off
Voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Thai Restaurantâ&#x20AC;?
2009
State License
Preschool/JR K Full/half Day Afterschool Programs/Care Chinese School Summer Camp www.Seed2Sprout.org 925.828.2468 7485 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA TriValley Views â&#x20AC;˘ September 25, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7
Tri-Valley tourism taking a hit, but keeps on ticking by Janet Pelletier Increasing tourism during an economic recession may not be a realistic goal, but waving the white flag isn’t going to solve anything either. That was the message the head of the San Francisco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau gave to a few hundred attendees at the Tri-Valley bureau’s annual partnership meeting recently. Amy Blaschka, president and CEO of the Tri-Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau told the audience, gathered at the newly renovated Shannon Community Center in Dublin, that “things are looking up” for the bureau. Dublin will play host to the Earl Anthony’s Professional Bowler’s Association Tournament at the bowling alley in mid-January, an event that will be broadcast live on ESPN. Pleasanton can look forward to a San Jose Sharks affiliate-sponsored complex on the Staples Ranch property, Danville will again welcome the LPGA women’s golf tournament this fall and Livermore will be home to a premium outlet center off El Charro Road, she added. And maybe the most promising in drumming up local sales dollars, Blaschka said, will be a
new California Welcome Center in Livermore. “This is really exciting,” she said. “They have one in Pismo Beach. They’ve owned and operated one there for several years. With that track record, Livermore and the entire Tri-Valley stand to benefit with increased awareness and exposure.” There are also new developments to one of the Valley’s biggest draws — wine country. “Concannon Vineyard just opened its brand new tasting room and Wente is working on a new event space on its Tesla (Road) location,” Blaschka said, adding that Livermore Valley’s marketing tactics have Napa taking notes. But while much of that news was rosy, Blaschka acknowledged the tough times the tourism and hospitality industry is in and as she put it, “we’re a victim of our own success.” Charged with higher expectations and goals, sales are still looking positive though, she said, and much of that is due to the CVB team cultivating relationships. “We know that everyone benefits,” she said. “It’s not just one city. They all work together to make it happen.” And no one perhaps knows that
better than the event’s keynote speaker, Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco bureau, who stressed to the audience made up of business owners and city leaders that there is strength in numbers. “No destination, as compelling as it is, can do it alone,” he said. “We’re in an extremely competitive marketplace. We are working not only against Los Angeles and Southern California, but New Orleans, the East Coast and Canada and the Northwest, China, Europe, the whole world.” D’Alessandro said the San Francisco Bureau strives to work regionally with the Tri-Valley, Napa, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Monterey, Carmel and the Central Valley because most tourists don’t travel to one county, but rather a region. Saddled with one of the worst economic downturns in generations, D’Alessandro said a turnaround isn’t happening in the very near future. “We have declining occupancy, lowered rates, declining revenue for our hotels,” he said. “We have hotel owners with investors who are panicking. Many people think
JANET PELLITIER
CEO of San Francisco visitor’s bureau says Bay Area bureaus need to work together, remodel business strategies for current times
Amy Blaschka, CEO of the Tri-Valley Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, said while the economy has dampened sales, “things are looking up.”
that the sky is falling.” And, he said, that’s just the part of the story. As homeowners have already watched their house values decline, so will owners of commercial real estate, which is the next wave hitting right now. But despite a dour economic outlook, there are ways business owners and the bureau can take to stay competitive, he said. “It’s no longer business as usual,” he said. “We are in a time change and we can make a choice. Embrace the change and go along with it and become stronger. Change to the adapting marketplace, consumer.” This year, the San Francisco bureau celebrates its 100th anniversary, forming just three years after the devastating 1906 earthquake. This year, D’Alessandro said the
bureau has made staff changes, marketed differently via social networking sites and taken a new approach to partnerships and its members. “We know that you have to market aggressively in a down time,” he said. “The worst thing that you can do is back off and say you’re afraid.” Park of that marketing sought to highlight more of San Francisco than usual hotspots like Chinatown and North Beach, focusing also on the Castro and the Haight neighborhoods, the arts, culture and culinary offerings, he said. Making a long-term investment is also expected to pay off, D’Alessandro said. After hearing from visitors that the conditions of the 30-year-old Moscone Convention Center were poor, the bureau elected to invest in its restoration. n
COMMUTER CHOICE TRANSPORTATION FAIR Thursday, October 1, 2009 CarrAmerica Corporate Center 4400 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Over fifty organizations will provide comprehensive coverage of transportation services available throughout the Bay Area that
The first 250 people attending the fair will receive a free carabiner Commuter Choice gift wallet. Drawings will be held to
connect with the Tri-Valley. The fair is a virtual
award prizes such as gift baskets, commuter
one-stop information “shop” for commuting
passes and this year’s Grand Prize is a
Tri-Valley residents and employees!
Broadway show in San Francisco for two that includes car-free transportation.
Contact Vicki Salinas at the Hacienda Owners Association,
FREE ADMISSION Call (925) 734-6500 for details Page 8 • September 25, 2009 • TriValley Views
vicki@hacienda.org or (925) 734-6535, or Lisa Adamos at the City of Pleasanton, Ladamos@ci.pleasanton.ca.us or (925) 931-5039, for additional information or materials.