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Dublin High School Class of 2010 Students, school mark milestone – 302 students graduate Thursday, June 10 marked a major milestone not only for the for the 302 students in Dublin High School’s class of 2010, but for the school itself. After 12 years of work, not only by the students, but with the help and support of family, friends and the school district staff, graduates had their moment as they walked on stage to receive their diplomas. The commencement, themed “Let it Shine,� marked the 40th graduation at Dublin High. Coincidentally, this is the fourth year for Stephen Hanke, who became the superintendent of the Dublin Unified School District when this year’s graduates were freshmen. — Glenn Wohltmann The 2010 graduates are: Jordan Abercrombia Zachery Acker Abdulaziz Al-Khawaled Anne Arcuri Omid Asem Malynn Ashton Cathryn Ault Talyn Austin Zena Aziz Amit Bangar Bryan Banks Jonathan Banuelos Monica Barbadillo Amanda Barbier Andrew Barlow Amanveer Basati David Bassily Brianna Batchelder Lauren Baumann Elizabeth Beasley Nikki Beckman Lessia Bemmel Brian Bettencourt Gabrielle Bettis Mia Biagini Timothy Blair Brandi Blaylock Aymeric Botella Stephanie Bowman Kyle Brassea Amanda Briones Alejandro Bueno Terri Burgess Austin Burns Brian Cahn Kenny Caldira Danielle Caoili Kevin Cappa Sean Cerruti Zachary Chabre
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Off to the races: Horse racing’s all-time leader kicks off county fair PAGE 4
Autumn Chaparro Richard Chavez Tyler Cheda Kira Chinkonsung Geoffrey Choy Katie Cline Tyler Conley George Corredoura Victoria Cota Kevin Cruz Brandon Cunningham Keeler Curtice Peter D Gracia Lap Dang Ron Daniel Jasmine Davidson Ross Davidson Natalie Dayton Brent Deaver Devin DeCarie Samantha Deering Dustin Delgadillo Courtney Dewitte Angel Diaz Angel Duarte Liza Dunlap Jordyn Elliott Craig Espinda Christian Gage Estropia Richard Fang Garrison Feil William Fontes Dominique Foxall Amy Frantz Tyler Fulton Taylor Fulwiler Vijay Ganesan Brayan Garcia Irvin Garcia Joseph Garza James Genzale Joana Marie Geronimo Ryan Glushenko Matthew Godwin Kaitlin Goins Andriana Gomez Haley Haggerty Colin Hagmann Taylor Hall Tyler Hamrick Caitlyn Hanan Moitoza Paul Hanhan Nicole Hans Joseph Harris Niki Harris Sarah Harris Justin Hart Kristian Hayden Kayla Haynie Hayden Heigel Christopher Hendrix Jacqueline Hernandez David Hoang Samara Hoffman Deanna Hong Rachel Hood Cody Hoster
Amisha Hudson James Hur Tony Ippolito Omar Iqbal Jasmine Jackson Symone Jackson Shane Jay Morjen Jean Danecia Jennings Jasmine Jones Lauren Jose Johnny Juarez Joey Kamen Amir Kandahari Andrew Karpinski Nathan Kay Andrea Kelly Ann Kenney Kara Khan Gee Lim Kim Kirsten Koa Shelby Koeplin Nicholas Kouri Abigail Krueger Danielle Lacsamana Van Le Caroline Ledeboer Brandon Lee Jason Leung Margaret Ligeti Keith Lin Jaclyn Liu Melissa Lloyd William Lo Irvin Lopez Kamille Lopez Crysta Lucas Patrick Luntey Jennifer Ly Jordan Mafnas Meghan Magallanez Michael Magee Sara Mahar Ryan Malaeb Alyssa Malfatti Melissa Marasigan Stazie Marquez Aaron Martinez Francheska Martinez Sarah May Kyle McClain Sarah McCorriston Edward Mendoza Chelsea Meyer Tomohiko Minase Alec Minnick Justin Minor Nicolette Moghadam Ashleigh Montgomery Cynthia Moore Christy Morales Nicole Morano Kaylee Moser Kristi Nacino Thomas Nelson Trang Nguyen Vinh Nguyen
Alyssa Nichols Beverly Non Kassandra Nordbruch Jennifer Normart Eric Nubla Kaelen O’Connor Chelsey O’Laughlin Cassie O’Sullivan Janelle Oto Paneet Pabla Julia Pak Nicholas Palomares Alka Pande Jessica Park Myles Parrish Makayla Partridge Kaitlyn Parvin Christine Pastran Santhosh Pawar Matthew Pecota Alejandra Pena Amanda Perry Robert Petracek Ethan Phan Trang Phan Alex Plencner Nicolas Portugal Richard Pratap Joshua Pride James Pugh Nicole Pullen Hannah Pulliam Jasmine Quinones Ravali Reddy Brent Reed Zachery Rehman Alyssa Reid Max Rhoads Nicky Roberson Alexous Robinson Samantha Robinson Vasiliy Rodin Natalie Roufchaie Jacob Rubert Daniel Ruiz Paige Rutledge Alberto Alejandro Rynda Sarah Sahota Alexis Sanchez Tara Sanders Jasmine Sandhu Omar Sayij Alaina Schofield Jessica Schuler Drake Schullerts Regina Seiler Markus Short James Sievers Robert Silky Alexander Simcock Terrance Simpson Ashley Singh Balwinder Singh Ramandeep Singh Yevgeniy Sirovskiy Nicole Skubic Gabrielle Smith
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Page 2ÊUÊJune 28, 2010ÊUÊTriValley Views
AROUND THE TRI-VALLEY Trim agencies to curb water costs
P
leasanton Councilman Jerry Thorne may not win any popularity contests at the Livermore-Amador Valley Water Management Agency (LAVWMA), where he is a member of the board of directors. He wants to ax the agency as a first step toward streamlining the Tri-Valley’s water delivery and sewer services system. Responding to a Pleasanton City Council decision to raise water and sewer rates by an average of $10.40 on a bi-monthly period billing, Thorne agrees Jerry Thorne that water is a finite commodity and no doubt will cost more as time goes on, rising by another 6 to 9 percent over the next several years in his city, alone. But it’s not all due to water shortages or the high cost of finding and pumping water for Tri-Valley users. He thinks there are just too many agencies and “middle-men� involved in the process. The LAVWMA board, he says, meets once every other month and meetings last about 15 minutes. Its meeting for June, for example, was cancelled. He suggests the work of that agency could be handled by others with the Tri-Valley cities it serves sharing the workload and expenses. Another joint-powers agency, the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) already handles maintenance work on the 16-mile wastewater pipeline that LAVWMA operates from Dublin to San Leandro where the effluent is discharged into the Bay. LAVWMA’s facilities span from Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton to the Bay for the sole purpose of pushing the wastewater through pipelines over the Dublin grade, through Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and into an outfall owned by the East Bay Dischargers Authority (EBDA), another agency that adds
BY JEB BING
to a consumer’s bill for water and sewer services. Although Livermore and Pleasanton council members sit on the LAVWMA board, Pleasanton has no representation on DSRSD, which is also funded by business and household consumers. Years ago, when Pleasanton found itself woefully understaffed and underfunded in operating its own sewage treatment plant near where the Senior Center is now located, it contracted with DSRSD to handle the load. As a contractor instead of a member partner of the organization, Pleasanton has no representation on the DSRSD board, which is run by elected representatives from Dublin and San Ramon. Thorne suggests taking another look at that arrangement and, in the meantime, wants residents throughout the Tri-Valley to show up at meetings to let the DSRSD management know the taxpaying public is watching what they do and how much they spend. Also part of the rising cost factor for water in our local cities is the Zone 7 Water Agency, a more visible water supplier. Its seven member board of directors is elected by the area it serves and provides strategic guidance for a staff of engineers, program planners and finance officers. More than 80 percent of our water comes from Zone 7 which, as Thorne says, is yet another agency, board and staff financed by residential and business water customers. From Zone 7, water responsibility moves to the Delta with all of its financial issues and to the State Department of Water Resources, a major state agency that assigns water sourcing and delivery volumes. Thorne wants the Tri-Valley to take the lead in streamlining the water and sewage disposal process, possibly moving toward a single agency that would do it all. As it is, with little control over all the costs associated with water, it’s the city councils of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton that have the responsibility and take the blame when supply and delivery factors well beyond their control cause rates to rise, which they then get blamed for. Thorne wants to change that. N
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Russell Baze will be on racetrack through July 11
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Top jockey highlights county fair’s racing schedule
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While some horse racing purists may look down their noses at California’s Summer Fair circuit, no less an authority than Russell Baze, horse racing’s all time leader in wins and a member of the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, enjoys the annual summer tour. “It really helps sharpen your wits when you have to adjust to a new track every two to Russell Baze three weeks,’’ said the 51-year old Baze, of the short term Fair meets. “You also get to ride a lot of different horses. It’s an available tool for a rider to stay sharp.� Baze, who as of June 16 was leading the nation in wins again — he’s been the top rider 11 times nationally and has won 400 or more races in 13 of the last 18 years (no other jockey has won 400 in a year more than three times) — is taking on allcomers at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, where racing kicked off last week. Racing will run through July 11, with 16 days of racing overall. The track was dark on Monday June 28,
and will be again on June 29 when the Fair is closed. The Fair will also be closed Tuesday, July 6. Part of the attraction to riding in Pleasanton is the atmosphere of Fair racing, where the fans are excited to see horse racing live, which for many of them is the only time in the year they venture out to the track. “(The fans) are not there just for the races — they are there for different things,� said Baze. “It’s a fun Fair and they’re there to have a good time.� Which wasn’t always the case for Baze and the other jockeys. “The crowd (at Pleasanton) is not as boisterous as it used to be,� said Baze, who drew his fair share of razzing over the years when he didn’t win a race. “They loved to offer their viewpoint on a particular ride you just had. It wasn’t just me, it was anyone they weren’t happy with. But recently, they have been much kinder.� Another thing which changes for Baze when the Fair circuit rolls around is how he rides during a race. The fair often features young, inexperienced riders getting their first prolonged exposure to racing. “The young riders we have here are pretty good group of guys,� explained Baze. “There are some riders, who are a little bit more inexperi-
enced and you have to be aware of that. Sometimes they ride more aggressive than they need to, so you might have to be a little more aggressive in return. But for the most part, I don’t have to change what I do.� Working with the younger riders is something Baze enjoys and he tries to be as helpful as possible, much the same way his uncle Gary Baze was when Russell started racing. “Most of the bug boys (rookie jockeys) will ask me if I see something they are doing wrong to let them know,� said Baze. “It’s great that they ask me and they are willing to take advice. This is a teachable group of young riders.� The casual Pleasanton Fair horse racing fan knows Baze as one of the best riders, but few probably realize exactly what Baze has accomplished in his career. The son of Joe Baze, who won riding titles at Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields and Longacres (Washington), Russell rode his first winner at Yakima Meadows in Washington in 1974. Since then it’s been one win after another. On Dec. 1, 2006, Baze overtook Laffit Pincay as the nation’s all-time leading jockey when he recorded win No. 9,531. In February of 2008, Baze became the first rider See BAZE on Page 5
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Recycling just got more rewarding in Dublin, where StopWaste. Org has started a recycling contest that gives residents a chance to win prizes for keeping their trash free of recyclables and compostables. During regular garbage collection days through July 31, the prize crew will select random garbage carts and separate the contents into three categories: recyclables, compostables and garbage. Five households with the least amount of recyclables and compostables in their garbage relative to the whole cart will be declared the winners. They will receive their choice of $50 in cash or gift vouchers for BART or Safeway.
The grand prize winner with the least amount of recyclables and compostables in their garbage overall will receive an additional $250 in cash and the title of being their city’s best recycler. “Alameda County has already reduced the amount of materials it sends to the landfill by approximately one third since 2000,� said Brian Matthews, senior program manager at StopWaste.Org. “Our goal is to divert 75 percent of waste by the end of the year, and residents participating in the ‘Ready, Set, Recycle’ contest will help their communities make strides in achieving our goal.� StopWaste is conducting a similar program in Fremont. Residents
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Page 4ĂŠUĂŠJune 28, 2010ĂŠUĂŠTriValley Views
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in both cities can also make an online pledge to recycle and compost on www.ReadySetRecycleContest. Org and enter to win a $15 gift card to Starbucks, BART or movie theaters of their choice. “Ready, Set, Recycle is a fun way to encourage residents to do their part by sorting their recyclables and organics,� Matthews said. “We hope that selected participants will share their recycling tips with friends and neighbors and encourage each other to properly sort their waste every day. Reducing waste from the landfills benefits everyone in the community and the environment.� The winners will be announced in mid-August and recognized again at the first city council meeting in each city following the summer recess (scheduled for September 7 in both Fremont and Dublin). For more information about recycling, the contest and the winners, visit www.ReadySetRecycle.Org Matthews said StopWaste.Org is the Alameda County Waste Management Authority and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board operating as one public agency. StopWaste.Org’s mission is to achieve the most environmentally sound solid waste management and resource conservation program for the people of Alameda County. Within this context, the agency is committed to achieving a 75 percent and beyond diversion goal and promoting sustainable consumption and disposal patterns, he said. N
98th annual Alameda County Fair under way Performance in 2009 places Chris Kamali in the Top 1% of all Prudential California Realty Agents
At 30,000 a day, attendance records could set new record BY JEB BING
The 98th annual Alameda County Fair is under way with a 17-day assortment of fair festivities and a multitude of events, shows and unique surprises, including the late night fireworks show that starts at dusk Friday night, July 2. Fully able to accommodate the average of 30,000 daily visitors, the fair encompasses some 268 acres, making it one of the largest of the 84 fairs in California. Nationally, the Alameda County Fair ranks 41 in attendance among all fairs in the U.S. The fair runs through July 11, but will be closed on Tuesdays. The theme, “Come Out And Play!� is a playful challenge to the residents of Dublin, the Tri-Valley and the greater Bay Area to visit the fairgrounds. From fantastic food, exhibits, and entertainment, there is something for everyone at the fair. Families who are looking for a bargain will find fun, food, and folly at a fair price: right in their own back yard. Budgetconscious offerings are plentiful, from food-eating contests to pig races and all things fun in between, April Mitchell, manager of Event Sales and Marketing, said. This year’s fair is also offering special admission prices, including “Kids Free Fridays,� “$3 Wacky Wednesdays� and “Seniors Free Wednesdays. Military Appreciation Day is scheduled for Friday, July 2, when all those with a valid military I.D. will receive free admission along with one guest. Veterans are welcome. Among new activities and attractions this year are: Puppy PartyPalooza! This hands-on, interactive and fun-filled learning exhibit brings families and Fidos together! Learn everything you need to know about dogs and view demonstrations on dog grooming and heath care. Check out the popular “Pup-E-Harmony� to help match your family with the perfect dog! Mutton Bustin’ World Championship Mutton Bustin’ is “The Toughest Sport on Wool!� Boys and girls, three to six years old, weighing less than 60 pounds, try to ride a sheep for a full six seconds. If they make it six seconds they get a score just like a bull rider would! Don’t miss the antics and fun from mascot “Buster Mutton� as he interacts with kids and adults alike. Super Science Come join all the Fun with Physics testing your ability to solve brain racking challenges and mind bogglers. Use your imagination to solve puzzles with the Bernoulli principal and Newton’s Laws of Motion. New Foods at the Fair Check out the World’s Largest Waffle Cone filled with yummy gelato and the all new, sure to be a favorite Chocolate Covered Bacon. Returning Favorites include Kid-Friendly/ FamilyFriendly Fun such as: AgVenture Park — This interactive and educational area features fun for the farmer in all of us. Experience simulated cow milking, pony saddling and the kid’s corn box play area. Don’t forget to check out all the great attractions including the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, Petting Zoo and so much more.
BAZE Continued from Page 4
in North America to win 10,000 races when he crossed the line with Two Step Cat in a race at Golden Gate Fields. As of June 15, he had 10,941 wins. He has won 37 riding championships at Golden Gate Fields and 40 at the now closed Bay Meadows. In addition to leading the nation 11 times in wins, he was honored with a special Eclipse Award (horse racing’s annual symbol of excellence) in 1995 for being the first jockey to win 400 races or more in four consecutive years. Baze is also a 14-time winner of the Isaac Murphy Award, a national honor given annually to the jockey who rides the highest percentage of
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Midway games and rides are among the attractions at the alameda County Fair, which runs until July 11.
Kids Park — Families will enjoy this fun place with kid-sized rides and games, including the Balloon Samba, a ride from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Pig Races — The only place to see the ever popular pig races, they are a fair favorite and the most taken picture spot at the Fair. Carnival Rides — Grand Carousel, Himalaya, Cyclone, Wacky Worm, Fun Mardi Gras, Orient Express are among rides ridden over and over again by the thrill seekers. Live Horse Racing — With the view of the gorgeous golf course and palm trees waving in the wind, nothing beats the crowd cheering when a favorite wins at break neck speed on the oldest one-mile race track in America. Live Roller Derby — Rough, tough and tumble entertainment with crowd pleasing jabs, shoves and maybe even some hair pulling action. Besides all the rides and entertainment, the fair promises to give a boost to the local economies in Dublin, the Tri-Valley and Alameda County, adding millions of dollars in revenue as a record number of patrons — possibly more than 500,000 — pour through the gates for a day of fun, entertainment and the special foods only county fairs serve. Pleasanton Finance Director Dave Culver finds it hard to separate out sales tax revenue that comes to that city from the fair, but his tax reports spike in June and July when the fair is on. Fairgoers generally come for the day and many are from Dublin, but Hacienda Crossings and other local stores see larger crowds, restaurants are usually filled and local gas stations do a brisk business on fair days. Heavier traffic is seen across the Tri-Valley, showing the benefits of the fair spread well beyond Dublin. N
winners from mounts (minimum 500 mounts) during the year. The Isaac Murphy was started in 1995 and Baze has won the honor every year with the exception of 2004. In 2002, Baze was honored with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, a prestigious honor awarded to him by his fellow riders. The Woolf Award pays tribute to those whose careers and personal character reflect positively on themselves and the sport of Thoroughbred racing. All in all, it’s been a great career for Baze. “The Hall of Fame was special,� said Baze. “The Eclipse award and the winning the George Woolf were also both pretty special. I’ve had some great moments and ridden some great horses like Lost In the
Fog and Bold Chieftain.� But at an age when many of the top jockeys in the country retire from riding, Baze is no where near ready to step away from the sport he loves. And he’s showing no signs of slowing down. “I think I’ve got 2-3 years left in my career,’’ said Baze. “I’m leading the nation in wins right now, right? I think I will know when (it’s time to retire) comes, but it isn’t in my mind right now. I’m having too much fun.� When the time comes, how does Baze want people to look at back at his career and remember him by? “I just hope people will remember that I tried hard on all of them,� said Baze. “Whether it was a stakes race or claiming, I rode hard every time.� N
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Best Barbecue
Best Bicycle Shop
Armadillo Willy’s Real Texas Barbecue 4480 Tassajara Road (925) 833-0400 www.armadillowillys.com
Dublin Cyclery 7001 Dublin Boulevard (925) 828-8676 www.dublincyclery.com
Best Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop
Best Health Club
Blush Organic Frozen Yogurt 4640-A Tassajara Road (925) 556-0900 www.blushyogurt.com
Fitness 2000 7373 Village Parkway (925) 828-1234
Best Place To Get Together With Friends Bunjo’s Comedy Club 6513 Regional Street (925) 264-4413 www.bunjoscomedy.com
Best Thai Restaurant Little Home Thai Cuisine 6601 Dublin Blvd, Ste. B. (925)828-8218 www.littlehomethai.com
For a complete list of winners visit TriValleyViews.com TriValley ViewsĂŠUĂŠJune 28, 2010ĂŠU Page 5
PTAs, state school districts sue state for under-funding California’s education system Dublin part of statewide effort to solve worsening financial woes BY JEB BING
A group of individuals, state education associations, and school districts throughout California have filed a lawsuit against the state claiming the current education financial system is unconstitutional. They are requesting that the state be required to establish a new financial system that provides districts with adequate resources to meet the academic goals set by the state. “This lawsuit is a last resort,� said Frank Pugh, president of the California School Board Association. The lawsuit was filed in Alameda County Superior Court. Pugh added that both the governor and the state Legislature have failed to act on this issue despite the abundance of evidence suggesting it
should be a priority for the state. Plaintiffs in the case include a number of Bay Area representatives, including both the Alameda and San Francisco county school districts. The lead plaintiff in the case, Maya Robles-Wong, is an 11th-grade student at Alameda High School. Sixty other individuals are named as plaintiffs in the suit, along with nine school districts, the California School Board Association, the Association of California School Administrators and the California State PTA. The suit has received some funding from the various associations involved, but law firms up and down the state, such as the Stanford Youth & Education Law Clinic, have been working on the case pro-bono. The complaint claims that the state has cut nearly $17 billion from education in recent years, and that Proposition 98 — which was supposed to protect the state’s
education funding — has failed to solve worsening financial woes. “Sadly, these cuts are just the tip of the iceberg,� said Pugh. In 2008-2009, California was ranked 44th in the country for student spending, dishing out roughly $2,131 less than the national average per pupil, per year, according to the complaint. In comparison, New York spent about $6,000 more per pupil, and Rhode Island and Vermont each spent double the amount that California spent per pupil. The complaint cites a long list of dismal statistics as evidence that these economic deficiencies are having a detrimental impact on achievement. For instance, fewer than 70 percent of California students graduate from high school, half are proficient in English language arts, and less than half are proficient in math. Statistics worsen for disadvantaged students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
“The governor will oppose this lawsuit and believes the state will prevail,� said Bonnie Reiss, California’s Secretary of Education, in a statement. “The funding of public education in California has long been and continues to be a top priority of California, even in bad economic times,� she said. California currently ranks among the lowest in the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, taking 49th in studentteacher ratios, 48th in total school staff, 49th in guidance counselors, and 50th in librarians. “The time for patience has passed,� said Jo A.S. Loss, president of the California state PTA. “We must have a school finance system that allows schools to deliver a high-quality education for all children — in good times and in tough times,� she said. She said that California’s constitution requires a school system that prepares students to become informed citizens and productive
members of society. The state has set clear requirements for what schools must teach and what students must learn. The state has an obligation to provide the resources necessary to meet the required standards, but the state has failed to do so. This lawsuit seeks to remedy the broken school finance system by (1) declaring that it is unconstitutional and (2) requiring state lawmakers to uphold their constitutional duty to design and implement a school finance system that provides all students equal access to the required educational program. The group’s statement said. It added: “The lawsuit declares that the “unsound, unstable and insufficient school finance system is neither aligned with required educational programs nor with student needs.� For more information on the lawsuit and to read the complete complaint, visit www.fixschoolfinance.org. N
Finalists in Bunjo’s Comedy Lounge ‘Killer Laughs’ contest Finalists in the Killer Laughs comedy competition at Bunjo’s Comedy Lounge in Dublin this month are (from left) Mark Zhang, 2nd place; Chris Remmers, 3rd place; Phil Johnson, 4th place, and 1st place winner Rachel McDowell. They are joined by the club’s owner John DeKoven. “It was a great contest and the people that came out had a great time,� said DeKoven. Bunjo’s is located at the Willow Tree Restaurant, 6513 Regional St. in Dublin. BUNJO’S COMEDY LOUNGE
JEB BING
This new pedestrian walkway was installed early Sunday morning, connecting the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station to Dublin. Walkway on Pleasanton side will be installed in mid-July. BART plans to open station late this year.
Dublin walkway installed to new BART station Pleasanton side next as station readies for opening
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The long-awaited pedestrian walkway connecting Dublin to the new West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station opened this month after crews closed the westbound lanes of I-580 briefly to lift the pre-manufactured steel structure in place. The work marked the first of a two-phase final connection that will allow passengers from both Pleasanton and Dublin to access the station. If all goes well, the station could open by year’s end. Although the steel pedestrian pathways were manufactured and ready two years ago, Caltrans, which has oversight for the project, determined that the welds didn’t meet the proper safety requirements and could not be repaired. The state transportation agency’s standards were different than BART’s, which provided the
contract specifications. A BART spokesperson said at the time that it didn’t appear the weldings were unsafe, but the agency accepted Caltrans requirement and rebuilt the walkways, which motorists could see rusting by the side of the freeway for more than a year. The cost of rebuilding them is estimated at $2.5 million. Installation of the pedestrian walkway on the Pleasanton side will take place over two weekends — July 10-11 and again on July 17-18 — with eastbound lanes affected at Foothill Road, where traffic will be directed to Stoneridge Drive to the northbound I-680 ramp and then back onto I-580, according to Allyn Amsk, public information officer for Caltrans. — Jeb Bing
Goings On a calendar of TriValley
events worth a look
Marketplace Real Estate
General Contracting
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Events ART, CRITIQUE & COFFEE Art, Critique & Coffee (ACC) meets from 10 a.m.-noon every Friday at Borders Cafe, 4575 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton. Artists and art lovers are welcome to view latest works as they discuss how to better each piece before it is released to the public. Call 461-5084. FARMERS MARKET Island Earth’s farmers market is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays in the parking lot between Macy’s and Sears at Stoneridge Shopping Center. It features organic produce, artisan wares, fresh flowers and more. Call 510-769-1525 or visit islandearthfarmersmarket.org. A DAY AT THE RACES Foundation for Axis Community Health will sponsor “A Day at the Races� from noon-6 p.m. July 10 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Tickets for $50, including admission to the fair, a buffet luncheon, a lesson on placing bets, an afternoon of horseracing, a “Best Hat� contest, prize drawings and a nohost bar. Purchase tickets at www. axishealth.org. Call 426-2347. CLOTHING DRIVE FOR FOSTER KIDS Sleep Train is holding its annual Clothing Drive for Foster Kids from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. until July 11. Drop off new clothing items at Sleep Train, 6050 Johnson Dr. Ste. C. Donations will be distributed among Sleep Train’s partner foster care organizations. Call 800-3782337 or visit www.sleeptrain.com.
Seniors DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER DANCE CLASSES Seniors are invited to a Beginning latin line date from 1-2:15 p.m. Tuesdays; cost is $12 for four classes per month or $15 for five classes per month. Beginning line dance from 10:2511:25 a.m. Thursdays, cost is $1.25 per class; beginning-intermediate line dancing from 10:15-11:15 a.m., Tuesdays, cost is $2 drop-in, or from 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, cost is $3 drop-in; easy and intermediate line dance from 2-4 p.m. Thursdays, cost is $3 per class; intermediate line dance from 10:4511:45 a.m. Fridays, cost is $1.25 per class; advanced line dancing from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays, cost is $3 per class; or social line dance from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, cost is $2 for drop-in or $6 for four classes per month or $7.50 for five classes per month; all at the Dublin Senior Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd. Call 556-4511. DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER OFFERS MUSIC CLASSES Dublin Senior Center offers two music classes including Sing-a-longs with Judy Kuftin and Merrill Ito at 10:30 a.m., Thursdays; and Ukulele Beginning Instruction with Judy Kuftin and
Merrill Ito at 1 p.m., Tuesdays, both at the Senior Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin. Cost is $1.25 for each class. Call 556-4511.
at St. Mary & St. John Coptic Orthodox Church, 4300 Mirador Dr., Rm. 7, Pleasanton. Call 2001943 or visit www.clutterless.org.
MILLS LINE DANCE SOCIAL DJ Millie Dusha will play tunes from the classic oldies at the Mills Line Dance Social on the first Thursday of every month at the Dublin Senior Center, 7600 Amador Valley Blvd. All level of dancers are welcome. Cost is $3. Call 556-4511.
TRI VALLEY SUPPORT GROUP FOR FIBROMYALGIA, LUPUS AND ALL FORMS OF ARTHRITIS This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m., on the fourth Monday of every month, at the Groves at Dublin Ranch in the Clubhouse, 3115 Finnian Way, Dublin. It hosts special speakers like doctors or specialists. For information, call JoAnne during the hours of 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at 875-0960.
Spiritual MEDITATION STUDY GROUP Practice new meditation methods, based on teachings of Shinzen Young, using audio, video and handouts from 7:15-8:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, at Tri-Valley Unity’s gathering place, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. Contact Gayle at gstaehle@comcast.net. PRAYER CIRCLE Tri-Valley Unity Church hosts prayer, meditation, study and sharing from 7:15-8:30 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of every month, at the church’s gathering place, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd., #120, Dublin. For information, e-mail Bob at hardyco1@comcast.net.
Sports BASKETBALL CAMP Las Positas College is holding Basketball Camps for boys and girls at its campus, 3000 Campus Hill Dr., Livermore, Monday-Friday, July 19-23 and July 26-30. Times are 9 a.m.-noon for grades 3-5; 12:303:30 p.m. for grades 6-8, taught by college basketball staff. Cost is $79 per camper. Call 424-1467 or visit www.laspositascollege.edu. BOY’S SUMMER LACROSSE SIGN UP Pleasanton Lacrosse Club has opened registration for its summer program. It is open to new and experienced boys in age groups: H.S., U15, U13, U11, U9. Wednesday evening instruction and Saturday morning scrimmages from July 7-Aug. 7. Cost $85. Call (408) 203-6397 or visit www.pleasantonlacrosse.com.
WIDOWS & WIDOWERS GRIEF RECOVERY Have you or someone you know experienced the death of a spouse within the last few years? Find hope, support and successful ways to process this significant life event as we share our experiences during a 10-week class, 7-9 p.m. July 14 through Sept. 15 at Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Pkwy. Registration is required. Cost $10. Call 833-9013 or visit www. valleycommunitychurch.org.
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Volunteering AMERICAN RED CROSS VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION American Red Cross is holding a volunteer orientation from 3-5 p.m. July 15 at Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5556-B Springdale Ave., Pleasanton. Tour the center and learn about ways to greet, inform and thank blood donors or help post fliers at key locations. Advanced sign-up required. Call (510) 594-5165 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
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Support Groups CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caring for a loved one is challenging physically and emotionally. Join this support group to explore resources and generate problem solving ideas from 1-3 p.m., on the second Monday of every month, and from 7-9 p.m., on the second Wednesday of every month, at 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton. Get the support you deserve at the Senior Support Program of the TriValley. Call 931-5389. CLUTTERLESS SELF HELP GROUP Overwhelmed by clutter? Learn how to deal with it by attending this support group, which meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Monday
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THIS SUMMER, SAN RAMON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER WANTS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM SAFETY. SUMMER IS THE PEAK ACCIDENT AND INJURY SEASON FOR CHILDREN. THE MOST FREQUENT INJURIES ARE DROWNINGS, FALLS, AND BICYCLE, CAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS.
Summer Safety FOR YOUR KIDS. WATER SAFETY UÊNever leave children unattended around a pool or water – not even for one minute. Accidents occur fast.
PREVENT FALLS UÊMove beds and chairs away from windows. Children may jump and play, and could fall through open windows.
UÊFlotation devices are not drown-proof.
UÊMake sure low windows are closed to prevent young children from falling out.
UÊChildren should always wear a life vest while boating and near open water. UÊAlways close your pool gate. Double-check the gate after people have been in the pool area. UÊReview your pool rules and safety with family, friends and babysitters. UÊLearn CPR. You could save a life.
SUN SAFETY UÊAlways use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. UÊMake sure youngsters drink enough water. UÊWatch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: dizziness, nausea, rapid heart beat.
PREVENT BURNS UÊWatch toddlers closely near barbecues, campfires or outdoor fireplaces. Burns are common injuries.
UÊInstall gates at the top of stairs or decks to prevent falls.
ROAD SAFETY UÊAlways wear helmets and protective gear while biking, skating or skateboarding. UÊDiscuss bicycle and road safety with your children. UÊReview pedestrian safety with children as well as adolescents. UÊNever leave a child alone in a car. Temperatures quickly reach over 100 degrees. UÊDrive cautiously. Children move quickly and may be difficult to see, especially when backing up. You may not see toddlers and older children playing behind a car. UÊAlways put your children in car seats or seat belts.
UÊInstall screens or some type of barrier where appropriate. UÊMetal playground equipment can get hot enough to cause burns on hot days.
Safety tips are brought to you by the Pediatrics Department at San Ramon Regional Medical Center: Tracy Trujillo, M.D. Pediatric Department Chair Nick Giardini, M.D. Director, Inpatient Pediatric Services Vicki Starr, R.N., CPNP Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist & Assistant Director
The Pediatric Program at San Ramon Regional Medical Center has a pediatrician in the hospital 24 hours of every day from Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland.
6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon | 800.284.2878
www.OurSanRamonHospital.com