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Alameda County
moves into red tier
Page 5
VOL. XXII, NUMBER 7 • MARCH 12, 2021 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
c k
Bampus o n
caPleasanton public schools reopen for
in-person learning under hybrid system
Page 12
5 NEWS County approves Livermore solar project
5 NEWS 10x Genomics unveils expansion plan
16 TRI-VALLEY LIFE ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’
exceptional
health care in
the new normal
Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare is ready to care for you, now and always.
Star
We continue to adapt and adhere to the most up-to-date safety guidelines,
so you can feel confident getting the care you need.
QUALITY
RATING
RATED BY THE CENTERS for To ensure your safety, we are:
MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
• Screening both staff and patients for COVID-19
Awarded the highest quality
ranking by the Centers for Medicare • Requiring and providing masks for all
& Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Staggering visits to allow for physical distancing in common areas
• Ensuring separate screening areas for symptomatic patients
• Sanitizing exam rooms after every patient
• Scheduling urgent care video visits in addition to in-person care
Don’t delay your care. Appointments are available at our locations across
the Tri-Valley and remotely by video visit.
stanfordhealthcare.org/resumingcare
Page 2 • March 12, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
VALLEY VIEWS BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI
Cookies for a cause
J ust when I’d convinced myself
it was my civic duty to gorge on
Girl Scout cookies once a year,
my granddaughter decided not to
join a troop. This didn’t matter to me
until cookie season recently started,
pandemic-style, with no Scouts of-
fering sales in front of grocery stores.
But I have discovered another
source of cookies that benefits a wor-
thy cause. Sara and Mateo Molina
spend each weekend in their kitchen
baking their mother’s famous cookie
recipe, which they deliver to buyers
in festive boxes to raise money to buy
groceries for low-income families in
Mateo and Sara Molina make cookies
Cali, Colombia.
to raise money to buy groceries for
Their parents, Maria and Mauricio, those in need in Colombia
are from Colombia, and normally all
of them enjoy frequent trips to enjoy gloves, and everything is super sani-
their large extended family. While tary,” Sara said. “We have no-contact
there, Sara and Mateo also discovered deliveries.”
Casa San Jose, a foundation that Their parents donate the ingredi-
focuses on the city’s recyclers, who ents for the cookies and cover other
are the lowest-paid workers in the expenses, so with no overhead, Sara
country. It provides food and access and Mateo have been able to send
to health care, and also has programs $8,000 to Casa San Jose.
for the elderly and for youths. “This has funded more than 9,000
“We were seeing the poverty first- pounds of food for these families,”
hand, and we saw how drastically Sara said. “It’s just incredible how
different it is from here,” said Sara, much support we’re getting from our
16, a junior at Foothill High School, amazing community.”
who called the need “staggering.” A family of four in Colombia can
“Last spring break (2019) I was buy a week of basic groceries for $15,
able to work with them for a little bit. so the $5 cookie price goes a long
They are really good people, hard- way.
working and deserving,” she said. “They send photos and videos,
“We were planning on going to and they’re so heartwarming,” Mateo
Colombia last summer with some of added.
my sister’s friends but with COVID The sister and brother also help
we couldn’t travel,” Mateo, 13, an out closer to home and rallied friends
eighth-grader at Pleasanton Middle to raise money for downtown Pleas-
School, recalled. “So we wanted to anton restaurants struggling during
help from here.” the pandemic. After taking up a col-
“Before COVID they had banquets, lection from family and friends, they
food and afterschool care programs divided $2,000 among Wild One,
for families, but with the pandemic, McKay’s, Salt Craft, Brava and Patio.
providing food became difficult and Also they have come together under
they are really struggling,” Sara said. the name Humankind Together to
Sara and Mateo — and their support Bottle Taps, Open Heart
friends — had always loved their Kitchen and Valley Humane Society.
mother’s special cookies so they de- The Girl Scouts, on their website,
cided to bake and sell them to benefit list many ways to find cookies, from
Casa San Jose. downloading the Cookie Finder app
“The cookies are very chocolaty to directly texting a local seller. But
and sweet, and the walnuts counter- their cookie season ends this month,
act the sweetness,” Mateo explained. so check out humankindcookies.org
The endeavor, which they dubbed to try a new homemade sweet — and
Humankind Cookies, offers pack- to help a sister and brother make a
ages of six Originals or 15 Minis, de- difference. Q
scribed as a “combination of crunch Editor’s note: Dolores Fox Ciardelli is
and chocolate bliss that will make Tri-Valley Life editor for the Pleasanton
your day,” for $5. They take orders on Weekly. Her column, “Valley Views,” will
their website as well as Instagram. appear in the paper on the second and
“We always cook with masks and fourth Fridays of the month.
About the Cover
Alisal Elementary first-grader Brandon Pedersen was among the students in
Pleasanton to return to in-person instruction on March 4 after months of
remote-only education due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo by Ryan J.
Degan. Cover design by Paul Llewellyn.
Vol. XXII, Number 7
Pleasanton Weekly • March 12, 2021 • Page 3
Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN
If you could make yourself invisible for a day or so, where would you go?
Lakshmi Rajagopalan Terri Smith
City planner Medical office manager
I would just hang out at the beach the whole day, I would go to the Louvre Museum in Paris. I’ve never been,
read a book and relax. I would find it very amusing but there is so much there that I want to see. I would cut
and recuperative to watch people staring at my book to the front of every line because no one would be the wiser
appearing to turn its own pages. for it, and doing that would enable me to see absolutely
everything in a short period of time.
Daniel Curtis Maddie Gallagher
General contractor Restaurant/bar manager
If I could be invisible for the day, I would go to Area I would sit in on a meeting inside of the Oval Office. I’ve
51 and we all know why. I would also go to the always been so curious to get the inside scoop of what
Library of Congress to see how many shooters were really goes on in there, and I would love to learn some
involved in the Kennedy assassination. And then, highly confidential secrets.
since there would be a bit of time left in my day of
invisibleness, I would also race over to Fort Knox in
order to surround myself in gold.
Tim Smith —Compiled by Nancy and Jeff Lewis
Firefighter
I would go backstage at a concert put on by my Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
favorite band. I would really love to get that behind-
the-scenes perspective of what goes on before the The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 203, Pleasanton,
concert starts, and after it’s over. I assume it is CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to
homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per
exciting backstage before the concert starts, and year or $100 for two years. Go to PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information.
relaxing once the performance is over. Lots of fun POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly,
either way and so very interesting. 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 203, Pleasanton, CA 94566. ©2021 by Embarcadero Media.
All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
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Page 4 • March 12, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
Daylight Saving Time is starting.
Set your clocks ahead one hour
at 2 a.m. this Sunday
DIGEST County OKs Livermore solar project
EBCE webinar
Pleasanton residents with ques-
tions about electrical service from
East Bay Community Energy are
after marathon appeal hearing
invited to attend a community Developer lauds decision for renewable energy proposal; ‘disappointed’ citizen group plans to sue
Zoom webinar next Wednesday
(March 17) from 12-1 p.m. BY CIERRA BAILEY ultimately voting to deny all ap- that both proponents and oppo- that filed appeals opposing the
Representatives will be on hand
that day to answer questions
about the upcoming transition to
renewable energy from EBCE, the
not-for-profit public agency pro-
T he Alameda County Board
of Supervisors unanimous-
ly approved the conten-
tious Aramis solar energy project
planned for north Livermore after
peals and uphold the East Coun-
ty Board of Zoning Adjustments’
approval of the 410-acre project
north of the city limits.
“It seems that the need for cli-
nents of the project argued their
points “very convincingly.”
Supervisor Richard Valle echoed
similar sentiments. “It’s a very con-
tentious issue — I understand that
project — Save North Livermore
Valley, Friends of Livermore and
Friends of Open Space & Vine-
yards — were each given 20 min-
utes to share presentations detail-
viding renewable electricity in Al-
ameda and San Joaquin counties. nearly 10 hours of presentations, mate change trumps the need for — open space vs. the future of our ing the grounds for their appeals.
The city of Pleasanton will discussion and deliberations last open space in terms of the balanc- planet but for me it’s the future of The developer, San Francisco-
begin receiving electricity via week. ing of the equities,” said Alam- the planet and the future of my based Intersect Power, was given
EBCE in April, after joining the The marathon meeting on March eda County Supervisor Nate Miley, grandchildren and their children 10 minutes to present its appeal
agency in late 2019. All residen- 4 saw the supervisors hear all four whose District 4 includes Pleasan- that’s paramount and that’s the pri- related to multiple conditions of
tial, business and municipal elec- appeals filed over the project — ton. “I’m always looking at how mary reason why I think we need approval imposed by the zoning
tricity customer accounts will be
three by Livermore-area citizen to balance the equities, and in this to move this forward.” board in November.
automatically enrolled and start
receiving EBCE electricity at that groups and one by the project de- case it looks like climate change During last week’s meeting, the
point, but have the choice to opt veloper, Intersect Power — before wins out,” he continued, adding three community advocacy groups See SOLAR on Page 10
out and continue with service
from PG&E.
For more information, visit
www.cityofpleasantonca.gov or
call 1-833-699-EBCE (3223).
Alameda
State of the District
County
Alameda County Supervisor
Nate Miley, whose district in- moves to
cludes Pleasanton, is set to deliver
his annual State of the District
address virtually next Wednesday
red tier
evening.
Miley is expected to update the Ushers back indoor
community on happenings from dining, movie theaters,
the past year, as well as goals for
the year ahead, for the county gyms, secondary
and his District 4, which in addi- schools
tion to Pleasanton includes East
Oakland, Montclair, Castro Valley, Alameda County was among the
Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview three latest counties in the greater
and El Portal Ridge. Bay Area to fall out of the state’s
The web event will begin at most-restrictive coronavirus re-
6:30 p.m. Wednesday (March opening tier Tuesday, bringing the
17), livestreaming on his offi-
number of the region’s counties in
cial Facebook page (https://
bit.ly/3841y5N) or via Zoom 10X GENOMICS
the red tier to eight.
(https://bit.ly/2PxEsyj). Preliminary design rendering of 10x Genomics’ planned development at the former Pleasanton Plaza site, which Alameda, Santa Cruz and Solano
the company purchased for $29.4 million to expand its corporate presence in the city. counties all moved out of the pur-
DPS Citizens Academy ple tier of the state’s Blueprint for a
Safer Economy following declines
Registration is open for the
Dublin Police Services 2021 Citi-
zens Academy, which runs each
10x Genomics unveils in their case and test positivity
rates.
Whereas most business sectors
Wednesday for 10 weeks begin-
ning March 31.
For adults who live or work
expansion plan were required to operate outdoors
or remain closed under purple tier
in Dublin, the Citizens Academy Company doubling down on HQ presence near mall restrictions, the tier changes that
aims to teach participants about took effect Wednesday allowed Al-
law enforcement operations, fos- BY JULIA BAUM forward to our continued part- well as office space. ameda County to resume indoor
ter positive relationships and pro- Local biotech company 10x nership in working with 10x The rezoning and redevelop- operations at 10%-25% percent
mote community policing with Genomics announced on Tues- Genomics on this project.” ment plan was initially reviewed capacities for businesses like gyms,
active citizen involvement.
day new details about expand- The former Pleasanton Plaza by the Pleasanton Planning Com- restaurants, movie theaters, muse-
The format will be Zoom-based
until COVID-19 restrictions allow ing its footprint in Pleasanton retail complex just south of mission in November, and staff ums, zoos and aquariums.
otherwise, DPS officials said. by leasing a second building in Stoneridge Shopping Center at reported comments about the The move also kept the Pleasan-
The program is limited to the the same complex shared by its 1701 Springdale Ave. will under- project were “generally positive.” ton Unified School District on track
first 20 registrants who qualify current headquarters and pay- go “a significant transformation,” As a planned use development to reopen middle and high schools
due to the pandemic. In addition ing $29.4 million to buy the old 10x Genomics representatives proposal, the Pleasanton City effective yesterday — which was
to age and residency/work re- Pleasanton Plaza site nearby. said. Council would have final ap- due to take place after the Weekly’s
quirements, applicants must suc- Mayor Karla Brown said in After the existing single-story proval of the concept. A formal press deadline.
cessfully complete a background a statement that the company’s buildings are demolished, three hearing is expected to take place “I want to express my grati-
check, sign waiver forms and be “investment in new facilities to new buildings totaling 381,000 in the spring. tude for the PUSD elementary team
approved by Police Chief Garrett
expand its headquarters and re- square feet and a parking garage While construction is un- members who worked diligently
Holmes.
Applications are due by 5 search presence further demon- will be built across the 14.6- derway on the second campus, to get schools ready for the return
p.m. March 22; visit dublin. strates that Pleasanton is a flag- acre site. The first building is another building at Pleasanton of students and staff beginning last
ca.gov or contact Deputy Paula ship city for life sciences com- scheduled to open next year, and
Greenbaum at 925-833-6622 or panies,” adding that “we look include clean rooms for labs as See 10X GENOMICS on Page 7 See RED TIER on Page 9
pgreenbaum@acgov.org. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • March 12, 2021 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
JACQUI HATZIKOKOLAKIS
Officials and families celebrated the opening of Dublin’s Imagine Playground last week, which has received recognition
as the Tri-Valley’s first all-abilities playground that offers a fun space for all kids to safely enjoy playing outdoors.
Region’s first all-abilities
playground opens in Dublin
$5.06 million Imagine Playground offers facilities for all residents
BY RYAN J. DEGAN being used and enjoyed.” Imagine Playground was de-
Dublin achieved a major feat Breaking ground in October signed with input from a number
toward its goal of making city rec- 2019 as an all-abilities space at of individuals and organizations
reation facilities more accessible to the popular Dublin park, the throughout the region who work
all residents last week when it offi- Imagine Playground includes an with people with special needs,
cially opened Imagine Playground, all-inclusive picnic area, upgrad- including Dublin Unified School
the Tri-Valley’s first all-abilities ed landscape, parking facilities, District special education teach-
playground. and pathways to improve acces- ers, sports field user groups, Little
Located at Dublin Sports sibility and connectivity to other League Challenger Baseball and
Grounds on Dublin Boulevard park features including various the School of Imagination, accord-
and Civic Plaza, the $5.06 million sports fields and a new Ameri- ing to city officials.
project was unveiled at a grand- cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Popup booths were also strategi-
opening ceremony on March 6, compliant restroom facility, city cally placed at Dublin events in
where local officials and commu- officials said. late 2018, to gauge the pulse of
nity members alike gathered to To complement the new fa- the community and gain input on
mark the occasion and appreciate cilities, a new public art piece what the all-abilities space should “Every year at this stage we get playgrounds watching my kids
the new facilities. “Conversation” by artist Barbara include. to decide where our hard earned play and learning what it means
“The city saw a tremendous need Grygutis has been installed near Staff added that $1.4 million of dollars go, and there is no ques- to play with one another and that’s
for this project, not only in Dublin, the playground, which will be the funding needed to create the tion that a first-of-its-kind play- what we need so much right now
but in the greater Tri-Valley re- illuminated every evening for visi- playground was secured by State ground like this in the Tri-Valley with the kids out of the class-
gion,” Dublin Mayor Melissa Her- tors. City staff said the piece is in- Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer- is something that I as a mother of room,” she added. “The openings
nandez said in a statement. “The tended to emphasize the “unique- Kahan (D-Orinda), who acquired three ... wanted to participate in,” of projects like this is what’s going
feedback from the community has ly human ability to transcend dif- the funds through a California De- Bauer-Kahan said at the opening to bring our communities together
been overwhelmingly positive. I ference and find common ground partment of Parks and Recreation ceremony for the playground. and give our children the child-
can’t wait to see this playground through conversation.” grant. “I’ve spent endless hours on hood that they need.” Q
Goodwill closing Dublin, Livermore stores
Nonprofit cites ‘economic reasons’ in shuttering 8 shops, laying off 61 workers
Goodwill Industries of the Great- Berkeley, Dixon and Vallejo. remaining stores and facilities.” Revenue from sales of donated veterans and military families, older
er East Bay last Friday announced “We have had to make a dif- The nonprofit organization said goods at its stores are used to pro- workers, and young adults,” it said
the closure of eight retail stores in ficult decision for economic the laid off workers “will receive vide jobs for vulnerable members of in a news release.
Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano reasons,” said Mike Keenan, a separation package that will in- the community, Goodwill said. “But because our stores have been
counties, and the layoffs of 61 em- president and CEO of Goodwill clude one week of pay, a month The organization provides no-cost shut down for most of the last year
ployees, citing the economic conse- Industries of the Greater East of health benefits, and individual training, employment placement ser- due to the pandemic, it has created
quences of the ongoing COVID-19 Bay. “Our employees are our first career services including: resume vices and support services to those a tremendous fiscal challenge and
pandemic. priority and we will continue to development and assistance, mock in need, ‘including people with dis- we must make a challenging busi-
The locations closing are in do everything we can to support interviews, job search and potential abilities, people impacted by the ness decision in order to sustain
Dublin, Livermore, Oakley Du- them at this difficult time and ful- placements, and assistance applying criminal justice system, people who mission services,” Goodwill said. Q
rant Square in Oakland, Albany, fill the Goodwill mission in our for EDD benefits.” are unemployed or underemployed, —Bay City News Service
Page 6 • March 12, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Condos damaged in overnight fire
At least four people displaced; no injuries reported
BY JEREMY WALSH HIGHLIGHTS
A condo fire in Pleasanton seri- On March 3, 2020 Governor Newsom proclaimed a State
ously damaged two units and dis- of Emergency due to COVID-19 and subsequently issued
placed at least four residents after Executive Order N-25-20 suspending provisions of the Brown
breaking out in the early-morning Act allowing meetings via teleconferencing and members of
hours last Saturday, according to [OLW\ISPJ[VVIZLY]LHUKVќLYJVTTLU[Z[LSLWOVUPJHSS`VY
the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire electronically. The virtual meeting will be broadcast live on
Department. Channel 29 and streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/
The situation unfolded around TheCityofPleasanton and https://www.tri-valleytv.org
1 a.m. when firefighters received
a call about a fire in a condomin- City Council
ium complex in the 3800 block Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
of Vineyard Avenue, according to • Approve agreements with 1) Lisa Wise Consulting in
deputy fire chief Joe Testa. The the amount of $302,001 for the preparation of Housing
building features separate second- Element for 2023-2031 (6th RHNA Cycle); and 2) First
and third-floor units above ground- Carbon Solutions in the amount of $343,170 for the 2023-
level garages. 2031 Housing Element Environmental Impact Report
After igniting on one of the LPFD 3VJHSJHTWHPNUÄUHUJLVW[PVUZ"YL]PL^UL^:[H[L
outdoor balconies, the fire spread Firefighters work to gain control of the upper-floor fire in this condo complex contribution limits and existing City of Pleasanton voluntary
among two upper-floor units, ac- on Vineyard Avenue early Saturday morning. expenditure limit
cording to Testa. In the multi-unit
building, the third-story condos the entire building to be evacuated The cause and source of the
have a loft space that acts like a for over an hour. fire were still undetermined as of To explore more about Pleasanton,
partial fourth story; the heaviest The two damaged units were Monday. “The amount of damage visit us at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov
damage was concentrated to the left uninhabitable, displacing at in the area of origin has left the
two loft spaces. least four residents for the time cause undetermined as of now,” FUN STUFF FOR KIDS OVER THE SUMMER
Firefighters gained control of the being, Testa said. No injuries Testa said. The incident is under
Camp Connection
fire within about 20 minutes, ac- were reported among residents or joint investigation by LPFD and the
cording to Testa. The blaze forced firefighters. Pleasanton Police Department. Q
Pleasanton approves legislative Summer 2021
framework for 2021 Fashion Design & Sewing Camp @ KIDZ KRAFTZ!
7690 Quail Creek Cir. | Dublin | (925) 271-0015 | KidzKraftz.com
Council members also take positions on housing and local control Focus on sewing stylish, wearable clothing, accessories, craft and jewelry
projects, while introducing children to fashion design concepts, sewing
BY JULIA BAUM Jack Balch said before voting at the recycle beverage containers,” Brown techniques, basic pattern manipulation and fashion illustration. Sewing
In addition to taking stances on March 2 meeting. commented before asking assistant machines and notions provided. FREE fabric for first day of the camp. Pizza
a number of proposed state initia- Among the city’s focus areas for to the city manager Becky Hopkins party on last day of the camp. Early Bird Registration Special, as well as
tives, the Pleasanton City Council 2021 are COVID-19 response and to tell residents “how this may or many discount options available.
unanimously approved the city’s recovery, housing, fostering eco- may not help their situation, where
legislative framework for 2021 at its nomic prosperity, mental health, they’ve got cans and bottles that Stratford School
regular meeting last week. and the city’s infrastructure in- they’ve paid a nickel in recycling http://stratfordschools.com/summer
Every year, after reviewing and cluding streets, water, sewage and fees and they want to get their Rediscover Summer@Stratford
discussing proposed state and fed- telecommunications. nickel back. How do they do that?” Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and all
eral legislation, the council’s Legisla- Senate Bills 5 and 15, which Hopkins explained that SB 38 NEW day camp programs! This summer, children will have a wide range
tive Subcommittee develops policy involve housing and development, proposes a program modeled after of options to explore new interests, discover a world of wonder, make
recommendations for the council. received council support, as did the mattress industry program new friends, and expand their horizons. It all starts with our outstanding
Since 2016, those legislative advo- SCA 2 on public housing projects. where, “when you buy a mattress, Summer Team, whose talent, creativity, and leadership set the tone for an
cacy efforts have been expanded Another bill that had “condi- you pay a fee, and the industry has unforgettable experience. Get ready to rediscover the fun of learning and
to include a legislative framework tional support” from staff and also to run this program to make sure give your child a summer to remember at Stratford!
with annual legislative “focus areas” caught the attention of Mayor Karla those materials are recycled. When
Academic Camps — Stratford’s Academic Camps are the perfect way
for the city. Brown was Senate Bill 38, concern- you buy a new one, the old one is
to enhance your child’s love of learning while focusing on a specific
“I have watched the Tri-Valley ing beverage containers — a topic properly recycled.”
subject. From math and robotics to literature and creative writing, we
framework that has been put out of interest for many Pleasanton resi- In this instance, the beverage
have something for every student. Working independently and in small
by prior councils and I believe that dents since the buy-back center at container industry would be re-
groups, students will apply real-life experiences to lessons learned in the
this is a continuation of that, and Pleasanton Garbage Service folded quired to create and fund a self-
classroom.
can allow our regional partners and last year. recycling machine program, which
us to have a unified voice on these “We’ve been hearing a lot of Day Camps — All NEW Day Camps. Each week, students in Kindergarten
important topics,” Councilmember concerns about there’s no place to See COUNCIL on Page 9 through 5th grade will jump into action as they explore science and
nature, discover creative and performing arts, participate in sports and
games, and so much more. Activity blocks give campers a variety of
than 900 employees around the said in a statement. “We look for- experiences throughout each camp day.
10X GENOMICS world, including in Singapore, ward to extending our headquar- Specialty Camps — Add even more fun with Specialty Camps — packed
Continued from Page 5
China, the Netherlands, Copen- ters in this city and staying here for with hands-on experiences. Stratford’s Specialty Camps provide campers
Corporate Commons will help 10x hagen and Sweden, the company years to come.” with a variety of activities including robotics, to explore while discovering
Genomics grow its operations. The said these decisions “reaffirm” their In recognition of the long-term new STEAM skills and talents!
building at 6210 Stoneridge Mall commitment to Pleasanton, where investment in the community, These innovative camps are available for children ready for Preschool,
Road is booked for “an extensive it has called home for nearly a the currently-named street Fa- Elementary, and Middle School. Give your child the Summer@Stratford
interior buildout to enhance the decade. bian Court connecting the 10x experience they deserve and secure your space today!
company’s research and develop- “Pleasanton has been an incred- Genomics building on Stoneridge
ment capabilities,” company of- ible base for us since our start in Mall Road to the new campus
ficials said. The new space will be a garage almost 10 years ago with on Springdale Avenue will be re- Visit pleasantonweekly.com/camp_connection/
occupied in phases, and is expect- its great talent, affordable cost of named by the city to “Genomics To advertise in the April Camp Connection, call (925) 600-0840 ext. 1177
ed to be fully completed by 2023. living and vibrant community,” co- Place” later this year, company of- or email kklein@pleasantonweekly.com
Though now grown to more founder and CEO Serge Saxonov ficials said. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • March 12, 2021 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Swalwell sues Trump, allies over Jan. 6 Capitol riot award of attorney fees and related
costs. He also asks for a court order
requiring any of the defendants to
Tri-Valley congressman seeks damages, findings of law violations notify Swalwell in writing at least
BY JEREMY WALSH at the rally, a violent mob attacked Democrats, plus their staffs, forced including screengrabs of dozens of seven days in advance before they
Local U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D- the U.S. Capitol and stopped Con- to flee for safety as rioters supporting social media posts. hold any rally or public event in
Livermore) sued former President gress’s counting of electoral college Trump stormed the Capitol build- “As a direct and foreseeable con- Washington, D.C., “on a day when
Donald Trump, his son and two votes. The defendants assembled, ing and halls on Jan. 6 as Congress sequence of the Defendants’ false significant election or election certifi-
allies in federal court last Friday, al- inflamed and incited the mob, and gathered to certify now-President Joe and incendiary allegations of fraud cation activity is taking place.”
leging their words and actions before as such are wholly responsible for Biden’s victory in the Nov. 3 presi- and theft, and in direct response A hearing schedule is not yet
the 2020 election certification make the injury and destruction that fol- dential election. to the Defendants’ express calls for known.
them liable for the rioting at the U.S. lowed,” the congressman said. Five people died during the riot, violence at the rally, a violent mob The insurrection charge marked
Capitol in January. In addition to the Republican for- including a U.S. Capitol Police attacked the U.S. Capitol,” Swalwell’s the second time President Trump
The civil complaint filed on behalf mer president, the civil complaint officer. attorneys wrote in the lawsuit. was impeached by the House and
of Swalwell, a fifth-term congress- names Donald Trump Jr., former One week later, the Democrat-led “The harm suffered by the Plain- then acquitted by the Senate, follow-
man who served as one of House Trump attorney and ex-mayor of House impeached Trump in a mostly tiff (Swalwell) was reasonably fore- ing the Trump-Ukraine scandal in
Democrats’ impeachment managers New York City Rudy Giuliani and party-line vote (232-197) on one seeable given the Defendants’ state- January 2020. In both cases, Swal-
in Trump’s Senate trial that ended current U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R- article of incitement of insurrection ments on January 6, considering well voted in favor of impeachment.
with acquittal last month, seeks a Ala.), citing their words and actions in the wake of the mob breaching the the magnitude of the wrong they Suing the former president adds
jury trial against the four defendants, in attempting to overturn the presi- Capitol. had said for weeks was happening to Swalwell’s national profile, which
award of damages and a declara- dential election results, including A four-day trial — at which Swal- and their knowledge of past violent was initially buoyed by his frequent
tion that they committed violations comments at a Trump rally in Wash- well served among nine impeach- reactions in response to the same appearances on television news
including inciting a riot, negligence, ington, D.C., on Jan. 6 just before the ment prosecutors — followed in message,” the lawsuit later stated. networks and active social media
aiding and abetting assault, and in- deadly breach of the U.S. Capitol. front of the Senate after Trump left Swalwell’s complaint alleges nine presence.
flicting emotional distress. Jason Miller, a spokesman for for- office. On Feb. 13, the Senate acquit- specific violations against all four de- The Tri-Valley congressman’s name
“Unable to accept defeat, Donald mer President Trump, hit hard at ted Trump with 57 guilty votes and fendants: conspiracy to violate civil recognition grew after a short-lived
Trump waged an all out war on a Swalwell in a statement to the As- 43 not-guilty votes (with a two-thirds rights (interference with official du- run at the Democratic presidential
peaceful transition of power,” Swal- sociated Press about the new lawsuit, majority required for conviction). ties), neglecting to prevent interfer- nomination early in 2019 and again
well said in a statement announcing calling the Tri-Valley congressman “a Seven Republicans joined the Demo- ence with civil rights, incitement to after he released a book last April
his lawsuit Friday morning. low-life” who has “no credibility.” cratic caucus in voting for conviction. riot, disorderly conduct, bias-related detailing his perspective on the first
“He lied to his followers again “Now, after failing miserably with Swalwell’s lawsuit appears to be violations (inciting assault, inciting to Trump impeachment case.
and again claiming the election was two impeachment hoaxes, (Swalwell the second filed by a House Demo- riot, disorderly conduct and terror- Swalwell then found himself in
stolen from them, filed a mountain is attacking) our greatest President crat against the former president for ism), intentional infliction of emotion- international headlines last Decem-
of frivolous lawsuits — nearly all with yet another witch hunt,” Miller actions leading up to and through al distress, negligent infliction of emo- ber when an Axios expose story
of which failed, tried to intimidate said, according to the AP. “It’s a dis- the Jan. 6, following the civil com- tional distress, aiding and abetting chronicled the actions of Chinese na-
election officials, and finally called grace that a compromised Member plaint lodged on Feb. 16 by Rep. common-law assault, and negligence. tional Fang Fang, who was accused
upon his supporters to descend on of Congress like Swalwell still sits on Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), accord- The lawsuit demands a jury trial in of being a covert spy targeting young
Washington D.C. to ‘stop the steal,’” the House Intelligence Committee.” ing to the AP. federal court. American politicians between 2011
Swalwell added. Brooks cast the lawsuit off as frivo- The 65-page complaint, filed in Swalwell, a Dublin native and for- and 2015, including Swalwell. Axios
“As a direct and foreseeable con- lous and “a meritless ploy,” in a state- U.S. District Court for the District mer city councilman and county reported there had been no evidence
sequence of the defendants’ false and ment to the AP. of Columbia last Friday on behalf of prosecutor, seeks unspecified money of illegal campaign contributions or
incendiary allegations of fraud and Swalwell was among the scores of Swalwell, lays out allegations against damages and punitive damages, a wrongdoing by Swalwell, but the
theft, and in direct response to the House of Representatives and Sen- Trump and his three associates finding that the defendants com- revelations became a source of verbal
defendants’ express calls for violence ate members, both Republicans and mainly by using their own words, mitted all of the law violations, and ammunition for many of his critics. Q
Local businesses connect students to new learning opportunities
BY JULIA BAUM easily staff can meet students dur- career paths into the field. The Foothill DECA students. Over the diagnostics, industry product de-
During the pandemic, employ- ing the workday,” Buser said. “Our company also developed a men- course of several sessions, Mia Ro- velopment process, and more.
ees from local companies are work- students and teachers love how torship for the Foothill Robotics driguez worked with the class to STEM career mentorship panels
ing with the Pleasanton Partner- easy it is to connect with the out- Club, providing design direction develop a marketing plan meant will also be offered to students en-
ships in Education Foundation to side world. In other words, virtual and feedback while the students to solve a problem for a local cof- rolled in advanced courses.
enhance learning for secondary connectivity is making real world develop their robots. fee shop, and gave feedback after PPIE is also hosting its fourth
students through virtual presen- connections so much easier.” “While distance learning has pro- reviewing their presentations. annual Speed Interview program
tations and offer valuable career Recently, engineers from Omron vided challenges to many, it does Roche Molecular is also pre- next week, from March 17-19.
advice. Robotics engaged with middle and open more opportunities for busi- paring two upcoming career fair The Business-School Liaisons
Better known as “Business- high school robotics clubs and ness volunteers to virtually enter days customized for students in Program is supported through
School Liaisons,” the pilot pro- engineering students, and demon- the classroom and connect with advanced biology and anatomy multiple donations, including from
gram’s results are “a true win- strated different types of models students,” PPIE Executive Director classes at both Foothill and Ama- Roche Molecular, Lawrence Liver-
win for everyone,” said program the company produces. Steve McCoy-Thompson said. dor Valley high schools. more National Laboratory, Oracle,
coordinator Tasha Buser in a The engineers explained how A Salesforce product marketing The biotech company will pres- the Safeway Foundation, and “a
statement. the robots are used and the design manager also recently presented ent on topics including genetics, very generous anonymous donor,”
“Our business partners love how process, and discussed different a real-life marketing project to genetic mutations, SARS-CoV-2 according to PPIE. Q
Del Valle named Model Continuation High School
A Livermore continuation high School in Concord and San An- deemed at risk of not completing difficult — especially for students State Assembly, highlighted Delta
school is one of four in the Bay dreas High School in Larkspur their education.” who struggled with attendance is- Continuation High School for its
Area and 27 statewide to receive were the other three recognized in Students who attend continu- sues before the pandemic,” Thur- programs, including a crisis in-
Model Continuation High School the region. ation high schools must spend at mond said March 4. “These model tervention consultant and school
recognition for 2021, California There are more than 400 contin- least 15 hours per week at school schools have been able to keep at- psychologist.
Superintendent of Public Instruc- uation high schools serving about and also receive guidance and ca- risk students on track using social According to the state Depart-
tion Tony Thurmond announced 50,000 students ages 16-18 state- reer counseling, with some pro- and emotional learning, mentor- ment of Education, the schools
last week wide. The California Department grams offering independent study, ship programs, restorative justice are selected for recognition based
Del Valle Continuation High of Education describes continu- job placement services and con- practices, and other innovative on data and assessments including
School in Livermore was among ation education as a high school current enrollment in community methods.” a peer review panel and on-site
the four Bay Area schools to re- diploma program designed to college. Thurmond, who previously visit, although this year’s visits
ceive the honor. Delta Continu- meet the needs of students who “Student attendance and en- served on the Richmond City were done virtually due to the
ation High School in Richmond, “are not exempt from compul- gagement in distance learning dur- Council, West Contra Costa Uni- pandemic. Q
Olympic Continuation High sory school attendance, and are ing the school closures has been fied school board and in the —Bay City News Service
Page 8 • March 12, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Pleasanton PD promotes next captain
Schlehuber has been with department since 2003
The Pleasanton Police Depart- Chief David Swing said to Schlehu- He was promoted from sergeant to
ment found their next captain from ber during the promotion ceremo- lieutenant in December 2015.
within, promoting Kurt Schlehuber ny, held privately with COVID-19 Schlehuber earned a master’s de-
to the role earlier this month. precautions in place. gree in public administration from
Capt. Schlehuber, who will Schlehuber then received the cer- Cal State East Bay and a bachelor’s
oversee investigations and support emonial pin, and a congratulatory degree in criminal justice from Cal
services, has worked for the de- hug, from his father Dave Kenner. State Sacramento. He also attended
partment since joining as a police First joining the department the FBI National Academy.
officer in 2003, including the past 17 years ago, Schlehuber initially As captain of investigations and
five-plus years as a lieutenant. served as a patrol officer, bicycle support services, Schlehuber leads
“I am confident that with your officer, field training officer, SWAT more than 40 first responders and
leadership, we will continue down operator and child abuse detective. professional staff members within
the path that we’ve been on for pre- While climbing the ranks, he also PPD. He succeeds Craig Eicher,
PPD
vious years and also take us to new worked as a watch commander, who retired toward the end of New Capt. Kurt Schlehuber (left) takes the oath of office delivered by Police
heights. I’m looking forward to field training manager and PPD January. Q Chief David Swing during a promotion ceremony at the Pleasanton Police
what that future will hold,” Police Technology Committee member. —Jeremy Walsh Department.
Lavonna Martin named Woman of the Year
Glazer grants award for official’s homeless services advocacy
BY JULIA BAUM the pandemic.” She also manages streets, especially during the pan- eventually became chief and then housing or substance abuse treat-
Tri-Valley State Senator Steve a homeless service delivery system demic,” Glazer said last week. “She director of the Health, Housing and ment programs.
Glazer (D-Orinda) has proclaimed that includes street outreach, respite is worthy of this award in every Homeless Services Division when it Martin also has overseen the
Lavonna Martin, director of Con- and emergency shelters, as well as respect.” was formed in 2016. mobilization of hand-washing sta-
tra Costa County’s Health, Housing independent living programs for Dedicated to working with the During the pandemic, Martin tions and porta-potties for those
and Homeless Services Division, as transition-age youth, and connect- homeless since starting her career and her team have secured more living outside in the cities of Wal-
the 2021 Senate District 7 Woman ing community members with per- years ago at the Homeless Prenatal than 600 hotel rooms for unhoused nut Creek, Concord, Richmond,
of the Year. manent supportive housing. Program in San Francisco, Mar- residents at most risk of contract- Antioch, and more. She and her Di-
Martin is responsible for pro- “Lavonna’s selfless leadership and tin has worked for Contra Costa ing COVID-19, with nearly 1702 vision CORE Team has also provid-
viding services to unhoused in- passionate advocacy for those in Health Services for the past 21 families and individuals served to ed unhoused residents with food,
dividuals which, in a statement, need have been a lifeline to so many years. Beginning as deputy direc- date. More than half (54%) have hand sanitizer, face masks and solar
Glazer called “a rising crisis during people who have suffered on the tor of homeless services, Martin successfully transitioned to other battery chargers. Q
in PUSD that makes Pleasanton Santa Cruz County Health Of- • Grocery stores can expand to each tier of the blueprint in the
RED TIER a place that inspires students to ficer Dr. Gail Newel said that while full capacity while following retail coming days, based on the number
Continued from Page 5
make a better world.” the pandemic has not completely industry guidance. of vaccines administered in the
Alameda County Health Officer abated, the tier change and the • Movie theaters can reopen at state’s hardest-hit communities.
week, as well as to our secondary Dr. Nicholas Moss also warned county’s vaccination progress offer 25% maximum capacity or 100 The threshold changes — which
school teams who are working to that the risk of contracting the a clear path to recovery. people, whichever is fewer. would include pushing the num-
be ready for our middle and high coronavirus still requires residents “This change is a sign of our • Museums, zoos and aquari- ber of cases per day per 100,000
school students,” PUSD Superin- to take caution, especially with the community’s commitment to health ums can reopen at 25% maximum residents required for purple tier
tendent David Haglund said in a majority of county residents not yet and to each other,” Newel said. capacity. assignment from seven to 10 —
statement Tuesday evening. receiving a vaccine. “The light at the end of the tunnel • Gyms, fitness centers and stu- could potentially keep the Bay
“I am grateful for each of you, “Alameda County’s case rate is is getting brighter.” dios (including at hotels) can open Area’s red tier counties out of the
as we all have important roles to on the decline and vaccinations Key restrictions lifted in Pleasan- indoors at 10% maximum capacity. purple tier for much longer.
play in the days and weeks ahead. of vulnerable residents and our ton and the rest of Alameda County Climbing walls are permitted. As of Tuesday, only Contra
Let’s continue to collaborate and frontline workers are progressing due to the red tier status include: Recent changes to the state’s Costa, Monterey and Sonoma
do what we need to do to keep our but the COVID-19 pandemic is • Restaurants can offer indoor guidance on crowds at large out- counties remain under purple tier
community safe — and our schools not over,” Moss said in a state- dining at 25% maximum capacity door venues will allow the Santa restrictions in the 11-county great-
open,” he added. “I am incredibly ment. “As more activities and busi- or 100 people, whichever is fewer. Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the er Bay Area. Q
proud of us. Specifically, how we nesses open indoors and more • Retail stores expand to 50% Oakland Coliseum in Alameda Editor’s note: Story by Bay City News
all have come together — to show people from different households maximum capacity and food courts County to reopen after April 1. Service, with Pleasanton Weekly editor
up and to be there for our students mix, the risk of becoming infected permitted with indoor dining The state also planned to modify Jeremy Walsh contributing localized
in a time of great need. It’s the US increases.” restrictions. the thresholds for assignment to information.
COUNCIL amended, but Hopkins said it has
“conditional support” from staff
that benefit from that redemption
value money,” Hopkins added.
Originally scheduled for dis-
cussion last month until time ran
designed to end single-family zon-
ing across the state, which is the es-
Continued from Page 7
because “it’s not clear if it’s going Most of the other bills rejected out, the resolution states the city sence of an assault on local control.”
would be enforced by CalRecycle. to fully replace what’s in existence by staff concerned housing devel- “supports legislation that provides, “I think that we all recognize that
Current law requires an atten- now — does that mean that re- opment and planning and zoning, promotes and protects affordability there is an appropriate need and
dant to be present at California cycling centers that are currently including Assembly Bill 115 and in the housing stock,” and is also place for different types of housing
recycling stations but Hopkins said operating go away, such as we had Senate Bills 6, 9 and 10. The issue “context-sensitive, that does not throughout our community, but
“in other parts of the country you a buy-back center here, to just this of local control over density and take a one-size-fits-all approach and it should be each community that
have a vending machine, you go vending machine model?” housing carried over into the coun- allows the city to exercise its local makes the decision of how that’s
and you can deposit and then you Without any clarity about other cil’s next discussion right after vot- control developing locally appropri- going to be done and where that
get your money back.” options for residents, Hopkins said ing on the legislative framework. ate plans that meet state objectives.” housing goes, and how it fits to-
“Think about the Coinstar (ma- staff is “waiting to see what will Continuing with a related item “The draconian usurping of local gether,” Testa said.
chine), where you go and dump happen there in regards to that bill.” from their Feb. 16 meeting, the authority is becoming so intense, The council also authorized
all of your change in and you “The funding for the California council unanimously adopted the agenda of eliminating single- Brown to send a letter of response
get money back,” Hopkins said. redemption value funds other pro- a resolution expressing the city’s family zoning across the state,” Vice concerning Gov. Gavin Newsom’s
“It’s kind of the self-vending idea grams as well, and it’s not contem- position on housing and preserv- Mayor Julie Testa said. budget measure to add a “Housing
and that’s really what this bill is plated in the bill of how those recy- ing local control, pushing back Testa added that Senate Bills Accountability Unit” to the Cali-
contemplating.” cling programs would be impacted, on state-level efforts to end single- 10 and 98 “are touted, they are fornia Department of Housing and
The bill has been minorly that aren’t the buyback centers but family zoning across California. celebrated as being bills that are Community Development. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • March 12, 2021 • Page 9
NEWSFRONT
Livermore holds youth spelling bees remotely
Exciting competitions go down to the wire
“N-I-H-I-L-I-S-M” gave the win
in one age group while a four-way
tie for first place after extended
rounds was the result in another
during the Livermore Valley Joint
Unified School District’s virtual
spelling bees last month.
The two LVJUSD competitions
were held Feb. 17 for grades 4-6
and Feb. 24 for grades 7-8, under
the guidance of “Spell Master”
Philomena Rambo. Each elemen-
LVJUSD
tary and middle school sent their
The finalists in the 4-6 Grade (left) and 7-8 Grade (right) Spelling Bees.
top spellers to the district-wide
contests, where the students competitions,’’ Superintendent did not disappoint. Congratula- first place. School seventh-grader Isaac Yee,
competed in a live setting from Kelly Bowers said in a statement. tions to all of the students that The “Final Four” co-champions who was crowned champion after
home. “The virtual spelling bees were participated in such exceptional were sixth-graders Lily Feng and seven rounds when he correctly
“I am so proud that our district so much fun,” added Brett Chris- competitions.” Brayden Kreitzman from East Av- spelled the word “nihilism.”
was able to continue the tradi- topher, Livermore High vice prin- Excitement was especially high enue Middle School, sixth-grader Rounding out the other top fin-
tion of hosting our annual spell- cipal and emcee for both events. in the 4-6 Grade Spelling Bee. Anaya Menon from Mendenhall ishers in the older division were
ing bees, despite the constraints “We had a great collection of After 12 rounds and nearly four Middle School and fifth-grader eighth-graders Sameer Dhanvan-
of the pandemic. Our students’ students who all did an amazing hours of tough spelling, Rambo Mahathi Kamalanathan from Al- tari from Joe Michell TK-8 School
and staff’s proficiency in the use job. Every year I’m amazed by the in consultation with the judges tamont Creek Elementary School. and Amelia Paradise from Junction
of online webinar platforms re- words that these students are able called time on the competition The 7-8 Grade Spelling Bee vic- Avenue Middle School. Q
sulted in two exciting and intense to spell and this year definitely and awarded a four-way tie for tory went to Mendenhall Middle —Jeremy Walsh
Community Energy, local environ- Measure D — and reliant upon my north of Manning Road at its intersec- doctrine of anything that saves the
SOLAR mental and agricultural experts and colleagues here, again — it’s clear tion with North Livermore Avenue. planet must be good,” Basu added,
Continued from Page 5
the active members of the commu- support for this project and I respect The three local resident groups continuing:
Following the presentations and nity that has allowed for the devel- each and every one of you and am that filed appeals against the project “I think we’re smarter than this.
after hearing from more than 50 opment of a solar and energy storage willing to support as well,” he added. expressed concern about the solar Let’s take this back to the drawing
speakers during public comment, the project that truly goes above and be- County staff recommended deny- energy plant potentially causing board and develop and apply a 21st
board decided to follow county staff’s yond,” said Marisa Mitchell, head of ing the three resident group appeals harm to wildlife in the area. century fair-minded, holistic solution
recommendation to deny the three environmental and permitting with in their report because “the project As an additional step to protect that takes into account that this open
community group appeals and they Intersect Power, in an email to the has been under review for more than biodiversity at the site, Intersect space is already part of the solution
voted to deny all of the components Weekly. two years and given the goals of the Power announced a new habitat to climate change and preserving the
of the appeal from Intersect Power. “The Aramis Renewable Energy project, the EIR has appropriately conservation plan days before the environment.”
Supervisor David Haubert, who Project will benefit East Bay citizens determined that — except for the hearing that would include pursuing Despite the issues raised by op-
represents District 1 which includes through employment, environmental scenic resources — the project can voluntary incidental take permit cov- ponents, the project has amassed a
the area of the project site, said that justice, recreation, education, habi- mitigate any impact to less than sig- erage from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife large backing of supporters as well,
this was a “tough decision” for him tat, pollution reduction, regenerative nificant level.” Service and California Department including Livermore residents and
in balancing open space, the environ- agriculture, and by enhancing local Staff also contended the use of of Fish and Wildlife as well as es- environmental organizations.
ment and the need for clean energy. electrical reliability. Its approval dem- the land for a solar energy farm can tablishing a conservation easement “I moved to Livermore in 1987,
“As mayor (of Dublin), I voted onstrates Alameda County’s commit- be permitted with a conditional use in an offsite location to make up for raised two kids here and will be here
many times to preserve thousands of ment to addressing the climate crisis permit, and overall, the appellants possible short-term loss of marginal for the rest of my life,” David Nelson
acres of open space,” said Haubert, by acting locally.” “did not provide any additional in- habitat during construction. said. “I love this valley and I’m also
facing one of his first major local Chris O’Brien of Save North Liver- formation or persuasive arguments The size of the project was also an a resident of the North Livermore
decisions since joining the board more Valley said that the group was in their appeal letters that would issue raised by residents who ques- area. I am in support of the Aramis
in January. “I have voted and held “very disappointed in the outcome” lead to reconsideration of the staff tion the need for utility-scale solar in project.”
developers accountable to mitigate of the hearing. conclusions.” the proposed area. Currently, there “It seems to me they have shown
the impacts of wildlife. There’s no He said the group plans to con- In regard to Intersect Power’s ap- is no policy in place that specifically that they would work with the com-
denying what this project will do tinue the fight against the project by peal, staff recommended that all addresses projects of this nature and munity. I specifically like the lan-
from an environmental perspective. I moving forward with a lawsuit on of the zoning board conditions be some opponents believe one should guage of local hire and the use of
would also like to echo, however, the the grounds that the board’s deci- maintained; however, they agreed to have been implemented before of- apprentices from a certified appren-
amazing public comments very well sion violates the county’s own zoning sustain one aspect of the developer’s ficials moved forward with Aramis. ticeship program. It’s time to stop
articulated by members of the public code and General Plan as well as state appeal that argued plantings along “I’m a supporter of solar power saying ‘not in my backyard,’ this is
on both sides, by applicants and ap- law as it relates to Measure D, which the western boundary of the site but I urge you today to not approve in my backyard and I support this
pellants on both sides.” was passed by voters in 2000 and wouldn’t be necessary as it is not vis- this project,” Livermore resident project,” he added.
The board imposed some condi- aims to preserve agricultural land ible from any public roads. Priya Basu told the supervisors. “I Following the board’s approval,
tions of approval of their own, in- and open space in eastern Alameda In their recommendation, they in- can’t add or take away from any of the Sierra Club issued a statement
cluding a condition to work with the County. cluded the condition for Intersect the legal or scientific arguments that celebrating the decision.
county agricultural commissioner to For his part, Haubert argued Mea- Power to work with the O’Brien fam- have been made but instead I urge “We applaud Alameda County for
modify language in the project’s ag- sure D as it is written is problematic. ily, who own the residential property you to look at this project from the its unanimous approval of Aramis,”
riculture management plan as well “It’s prohibitive, it’s caused conster- along the western border, to deter- perspective of 50 years from now — Sierra Club senior campaign repre-
as implementing an easement of nation, it’s not clear on this issue,” mine the best screening measures. from an environmental and a cultural sentative Luis Amezcua said in the
land for a public hiking trail, among Haubert said of the legislation. “We Many opponents of the project perspective.” statement. “As one of the largest solar
others. have some that say this project com- maintained that they are not against “The area that we are talking about projects in Northern California, Ara-
The decision on the evening of plies, some that say it doesn’t. I have solar energy, but they have serious industrializing is a majestic, open mis is well-sited and will be critical to
March 4 was met with enthusiasm to say that I rely and appreciate and concerns about this project mostly space range of lands that are func- aiding the local economy and achiev-
from developer Intersect Power, trust our staff to do the very best that related to perceived environmental tioning ecosystems and they are a ing California’s clean air and energy
while appellant Save North Liver- they can do, the very best that can be impacts at the chosen site — located dwindling natural resource in the goals. We look forward to continuing
more Valley vowed to challenge the done.” partly at 1815 Manning Road and Bay Area. With this solar project, we our work with Alameda County and
approval in court. “And so, when they say that this 4400 N. Livermore Ave., both south are justifying the 19th century’s prac- other stakeholders in building local
“We are incredibly grateful for the project is eligible for making overrid- of Manning Road and west of North tice of colonialism to steal from the clean energy that is consistent with
many years of collaboration with ing considerations and when they say Livermore Avenue, and partly on two land its viability under the well-in- our support for Measure D and will
county planning staff, East Bay that this project meets the legality of other parcels without street addresses tentioned but misused 20th century create good, union jobs.” Q
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