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Our Neighborhoods
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
VOL. XXIII, NUMBER 5 • FEBRUARY 25, 2022 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
5 NEWS Happy Valley development earns council approval
5 NEWS Police fatally shoot man outside apartment
16 SPORTS Foothill girls’ soccer loses heartbreaker in PKs
Moving forward, together.
Right now, in these times of uncertainty, there’s a
promise we can count on: together, we’ll continue to
rise to the challenge and find a way forward.
Stanford Medicine, comprised of Stanford Children’s
Health, Stanford School of Medicine, and Stanford
Health Care, is working to end this pandemic with
vaccines, boosters, and state-of-the-art testing.
We’re responding to uncertainty with an unwavering
commitment to our community and meeting this
moment with courage, compassion, and innovation.
Thank you, Bay Area, for standing with us, together.
Today. Tomorrow. Always.
We are here for you.
Page 2 • February 25, 2022 • Pleasanton Weekly
WHAT A WEEK BY JEREMY WALSH
Elections ... already?!
T ime for the fun to officially
begin. The candidacy nomi-
nation period for the June 7
statewide primary election opened
earlier this month and continues
Councilmember Shawn Kumagai,
who works for Bauer-Kahan’s of-
fice, has indicated his intent to run
for that District 20 seat and has
racked up public endorsements, but
until March 11. he hasn’t qualified for the ballot yet,
Of course we’ve all heard rum- according to the Alameda County
blings from local officials and regular Registrar of Voters’ Office.
residents in recent months about Six countywide positions will be
their potential interest or even intent on the ballot.
to run for certain elected offices this Particular attention will be paid to
spring, but now is when we find out the district attorney’s seat with Nancy
if that was just talk or if they really O’Malley not seeking re-election, as
have the goods. well as Sheriff Gregory Ahern poten-
And there are plenty of important tially facing multiple challengers, but
positions up for election on the June you can trust we’ll also be covering
ballot — even though midterm elec- county superintendent of schools,
tions have notoriously less participa- assessor, auditor-controller and trea-
tion than presidential years, with the surer-tax collector too.
primary election having even worse It appears at least two Alameda
turnout rates, traditionally. County Superior Court judgeships
I hope to see that change in 2022, could be contested as well.
but I’m realistic based on years and Remember, a county candidate
years of voter participation data. could win the position outright in
Still, I’ll make my pitch here that the primary election if they earn more
people should start getting geared up than 50% of the vote. If no one wins
for the 2022 election season now. a majority in June, then the top two
Our coverage strategies are already finishers would advance to a runoff to
being carefully delegated among our be held during the general election.
staff behind the scenes. You won’t In terms of hyper-local contests, it
see much from us on the statewide will be nothing like November when
candidates on the June ballot, unless every city and school district will
a local resident jumps into a race. have seats on the ballot. That said,
Those nine seats include U.S. senator there is one important contest for the
and California’s governor, secretary of Tri-Valley now: Four positions on the
state, attorney general and treasurer. Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Direc-
These are important elected of- tors are up for grabs. That’s a majority
fices, no doubt, but I feel like our of the board to be decided in June, in
readers really only look to us for Tri- a drought year.
Valley candidate coverage. Plus, we The Tri-Valley will also vote for
have to be realistic about our staffing their regional representative on the
levels and bandwidth to source state- Alameda County Board of Education,
wide or national stories. for Trustee Area 7.
So we turn our full attention to I acknowledge too that voters in
the U.S. House of Representatives the Livermore Valley Joint Unified
and State Assembly, which will be on School District will vote on a parcel
the ballot in the wake of redistrict- tax renewal on May 3. The renewal
ing. (The Tri-Valley was also majorly question, which asks to extend the
affected when the State Senate lines existing $138 per parcel tax rate for
were redrawn, but those seats won’t seven more years, was quietly ad-
be on local ballots until 2024, al- vanced for a special mail-only ballot
though we’ll watch for the outcome with frankly little direct public com-
in the new neighboring District 10.) munication from the district. We’ll
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Swal- see how that apparent strategy plays
well (D-Livermore) has pulled pa- out.
pers to run for the new District 14, I’ll end with this (admittedly unso-
with potentially seven challengers at licited) advice: Vote because you want
this point. It appears Assemblymem- to vote; that’s why I engage that civic
ber Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orin- responsibility. Make sure you’re cor-
da) has not yet taken out re-election rectly registered. Make sure to know
papers to run in redrawn District 16, which districts you live in. Make sure
but she would have more than two you educate yourself. Make sure you
weeks still left to go. actually cast your ballot.
I also know the new Assembly Oh, and if you want to be a can-
District 20, which will include a didate in the primary, you better get
portion of western Dublin and Pleas- a move on. The deadline fast ap-
anton, will be heated. Dublin City proaches. Q
About the Cover
Participation was strong at the public input session on Feb. 12 seeking
feedback about proposals to potentially bring a cricket pitch and pickleball
courts to Muirwood Community Park. Respondents thus far have been
overwhelmingly against the cricket plan, according to city staff. Photo by
Chuck Deckert. Cover design by Paul Llewellyn.
Vol. XXIII, Number 5
Pleasanton Weekly • February 25, 2022 • Page 3
Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN
What measures do you take to avoid ‘sweating the small stuff’?
Janet McCarroll Amanda Lezcano
Author/business owner Office manager
Mostly I try to have a good sense of humor, and I really think about and process all of the small stuff, and
also, I talk to friends that I trust because they help try to come to some kind of solution or resolution about it.
me to change my perspective on things so that I feel Once I do that, I try to put it behind me and move on, so
like whatever the situation I’m in is part of a comedy that I don’t have to sweat it anymore.
show, rather than feeling as though I’m stuck in a
nightmare.
Joe Lezcano Madeline Secundy
Business owner Product specialist
Well, if something or someone upsets me, the first I really try to not sweat any of the small stuff that is beyond
thing I do is to let that be known. Even if it’s “small my ability to control. My philosophy in life is to let go of
stuff”. I’m just the kind of person who really needs to the things that I cannot control and to focus my energy,
rant and vent. Once I let it all out, I let go, forgive and attention and efforts on the things that I can.
move on.
Alex Rockwell —Compiled by Nancy and Jeff Lewis
Logistics manager
I have all sorts of great hobbies that engage my mind Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
and body, and that make me happy and distract my
attention from all of the small stuff I might otherwise The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 203, Pleasanton, CA
stress over. 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407.
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Go to www.PleasantonWeekly.com/subscribe to start supporting the Pleasanton Weekly today.
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Page 4 • February 25, 2022 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST Changes contemplated at Muirwood Park
COVID testing site Plan to add cricket pitch faces big pushback; pickleball courts could be on horizon too
KindlyTest has opened a new
COVID-19 community test- BY JEANITA LYMAN this month, has garnered significant cricket field on April 28, 2021, decid- In looking for a “near-term solu-
ing site at the Alameda County
Fairgrounds in Pleasanton de-
signed to serve the Tri-Valley
community.
Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
F ollowing months of research
into potential sites for a long
sought-after cricket pitch in
Pleasanton, city staff are considering
how to move forward with the next
pushback from neighboring resi-
dents on the former.
“So far, feedback has been almost
100% negative, so that will definitely
weigh in,” said Heidi Murphy, Pleas-
ing to make it an “A-list” rather than
a “C-list priority,” with $250,000 in
the city’s capital improvement project
subsequently being allocated for the
research, design, and construction
tion,” staff sought to identify sites
with criteria including a minimum
180-foot radius, at least five to 10
parking spots, access to restrooms,
and that could accommodate a syn-
seven days a week, the no-cost
steps of the process amid a surge of anton’s director of library and recre- costs necessary for a cricket field. thetic pitch and shorter grass. Sites
test site is open to everyone age
2 years old and up (insured or negative feedback from community ation. “It was very different than we The process escalated later last that were reviewed along with Muir-
uninsured) and no appointment members on the recommendation of expected, so our plans may change.” year, however, and raised concerns wood included Ken Mercer Sports
is necessary. The company part- Muirwood Community Park as a site Cricket has been on the horizon from neighbors, when city staff rec- Park, Amador Community Park, Ber-
ners with a certified laboratory several months ago. for Pleasanton since 2014, when the ommended Muirwood as the most nal Community Park, and the as of
in Hayward to process results At the Parks and Recreation Com- Parks and Recreation Master Plan appropriate site for a cricket pitch in yet undeveloped Staples Ranch.
within 24 to 36 hours. mission meeting on Nov. 18, staff specifically mentioned it as one of the immediate future, with an eye to- Sports Park and Amador Commu-
“At multiple test locations recommended Muirwood Park as the programs the city should seek ward hosting a cricket field at Staples nity Park were eventually deemed to
across the Bay Area, KindlyTest the site for two proposed sports to facilitate, in cooperation with Ranch in the longer-term. have too many conflicting activities,
partners with schools, business- facilities at the top of the city’s agen- youth sports organizations. In Janu- Following several months of re- and were ruled out. Muirwood was
es, organizations and commu-
da: a cricket field and pickleball ary 2021, the commission named a search and meetings on the matter, recommended by staff as the site for
nity centers to improve access to
COVID-19 testing for everyone. courts. While the commission voted cricket field as its No. 3 priority, with staff recommended that the city look the near-term facility, with Staples
The company is currently com- unanimously in favor of both items, support from a number of residents. toward both “near-term” and “long- Ranch being eyed for the long-term
pleting more than 5,000 COVID- the public input process, including The City Council unanimously term” solutions to Pleasanton’s lack
19 tests in Pleasanton each several community meetings earlier supported the construction of a of cricket facilities. See MUIRWOOD on Page 8
month to help reduce the spread
of COVID-19,” fairgrounds of-
ficials said.
To access the site, enter the
Police
fairgrounds off Valley Avenue
through Gate 12 and follow the
fatally shoot
KindlyTest signage.
man in
Sponsor a banner
Dublin city officials are now Pleasanton
accepting applications from resi-
dents interested in sponsoring a Man in domestic
banner to honor a local service
member or military veteran to dispute allegedly came
be displayed along Dougherty at officers with knife
Road between Memorial Day and
Veterans Day. BY JEREMY WALSH
“Each custom banner features Police officers fatally shot a man
a photo of the honoree; name, who allegedly approached them
rank, and branch of the military with a knife in hand after initially
served; and if they are active duty barricading himself in an apartment
or a veteran,” city officials said. amid a domestic violence investiga-
The deadline to apply is March
tion in Pleasanton last week.
31. The $200 sponsor fee is not
due until after the application The Pleasanton Police Depart-
COURTESY OF CITY OF PLEASANTON
is approved — and financial as- ment had not confirmed the identity
Rendering depicts overhead view of the proposed layout of the new neighborhood in Happy Valley that received
sistance could be made available of the man who died in the Feb. 17
approval from the Pleasanton City Council on Feb. 15.
if needed. Contact the City Man- encounter, as of press time Wednes-
ager’s Office at 925-833-6650 or day. The names of the officers, who
visit dublin.ca.gov.
Happy Valley development plan were said to be uninjured, have also
not been revealed publicly.
The Golden Sneaker
Many schools throughout the earns approval from City Council “We know the public wants to
know more, which is why we’re
moving quickly to gather the facts,”
county are participating in the
Alameda County Transporta- Project includes 22 houses plus 22 ADUs; Lt. Erik Silacci said in a statement
tion Commission Safe Routes to Balch recuses due to family property nearby on the evening of the fatality.
Schools Program’s 2022 Golden According to Silacci, the situa-
Sneaker Contest now through BY JULIA BAUM being approved for construction. city will be retained by the Spot- tion began unfolding at 11:51 a.m.
March 11. A planned unit development The plan earned 4-0 approval orno family, which owns the land, Feb. 17, when emergency dispatch
“During this beloved event,
plan to construct 22 single-family at the Feb. 15 council meeting, and two common area parcels will received a call from a victim in a do-
Alameda County students, class-
rooms, and schools will partici- homes and 22 accessory dwelling with Councilmember Jack Balch be owned by the future home- mestic violence incident at an apart-
pate to see who can use active units in the Happy Valley area recusing himself from both the owners association. ment complex on Willow Road,
and shared transportation the received approval from the Pleas- discussion and subsequent vote, Based on “the desirability, great near the Owens Drive intersection
most, receiving points every time anton City Council last week. based on direction from the Fair location and current robust real across the street from the eastern
they walk, roll, bicycle, ride a Called the Flat at Spotorno Political Practices Commission estate market here in Pleasanton,” Dublin-Pleasanton BART Station.
scooter or skateboard, take tran- Ranch, the project is proposed for (FPPC) last month. John Spotorno told the council Pleasanton officers arrived to
sit, or use a supportive mobility construction on an approximately Balch disclosed that his aunt that his family “believes this is the find a man inside an apartment
device such as a wheelchair,” of- 112-acre vacant parcel adjacent and uncle “live adjacent to the right time to move forward with refusing to come out, Silacci said.
ficials said. to 1000 Minnie Drive, one mile subject property,” and “are an in- this project.” After initially barricading himself
Students work to track their
south of Sunol Boulevard and also direct source of income to me, to An affordable housing agree- inside, the man “exited the building
progress and compete for prizes
in the contest that aims to re- located in the Happy Valley Spe- a sufficient level that requires my ment was also reached in conjunc- armed with a knife” in the afternoon
duce schools’ carbon footprint cific Plan. Each house built with- recusal from this item.” tion with the project. Spotorno and “an officer-involved shooting
and promote a safer, more active in the development will undergo An agricultural/open space par-
lifestyle. Learn more at alamed- individual design review before cel deemed undevelopable by the See HAPPY VALLEY on Page 7 See SHOOTING on Page 6
acountysr2s.org. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • February 25, 2022 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
Memorial service marks life of late Deputy Aubrey Phillips
Community rallies to support family, honor Phillips’ memory through donations
BY JEREMY WALSH “We are humbled that we had her family as well as set the stage
Family, friends and the law the privilege to be such a big part for future support of other Dublin
enforcement community joined of her life,” sheriff’s officials added. police officers who die on duty.
together last weekend to com- “She truly loved being a Deputy The Peace Officers Research As-
memorate the life and service of Sheriff and serving her commu- sociation of California (PORAC)
Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy nity ... We will never forget Aubrey last week established an online
Aubrey Phillips, who died follow- and her purposeful and meaning- fundraiser to assist Phillips’ family
ing a medical emergency on duty ful life. She was truly an inspiring “with the considerable expenses
in Dublin earlier in the month. person.” they will incur in the wake of this
Phillips, a Phillips, 36, had worked for tragedy.” The effort is more than
mother of three the past five years as a sheriff’s halfway to its $50,000 goal.
young children deputy, most recently assigned to Additionally, the city of Dublin
whose husband Dublin Police Services under the has partnered with the Three Val-
is also a sheriff’s city’s contract with the sheriff. She leys Community Foundation to
deputy assigned had come from a law enforcement create a new “Dublin Fallen Of-
to their home- family as well, as the daughter of a ficers Fund”, with donations to be
town of Dublin, former county deputy-sheriff. provided to the Alameda County
was laid to rest Phillips was in her patrol vehicle Sheriff’s Office Charitable Founda-
Aubrey
after a memorial Phillips after making an arrest while on tion in Phillips’ name.
service at the duty in Dublin at around 1:45 “I want to thank the Three Val-
Oakland California Temple of The a.m. Feb. 12 when she suffered a leys Community Foundation for
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- serious and sudden medical emer- swiftly pulling together this fund
day Saints on Feb. 19 that in- gency that was later diagnosed to support the Phillips family,”
cluded a motorcade from Lafayette as an aneurysm, according to the Dublin City Manager Linda Smith
to Oakland as well as full police sheriff’s office. She later died at a said in a statement. “Many mem-
honors. hospital in Walnut Creek. bers of our community want to do
“Speakers paid tribute to Au- In mourning the loss of Phillips, what they can to help the family
brey’s spirituality, passion for life, Sheriff Gregory Ahern noted that of Aubrey Phillips, and we knew
family and her community. Aubrey the deputy was a registered donor that establishing this fund would
made each day in her life count whose organs would go on to be ensure that the greatest number of
and never missed an opportunity given to patients in dire medical people who want to help, could do
to be a brilliant woman. She was need. so.” ACSO
an amazing wife, mother, daughter, Following the deputy’s unexpect- To contribute or learn more Memorial service at the Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus
sister and friend,” the sheriff’s of- ed death, the community has been about the respective fundraisers, Christ of Latter-day Saints on Feb. 19 honors Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy
fice said on social media. inspired to raise money to benefit visit porac.org and 3vcf.org. Q Aubrey Phillips, who died one week earlier after suffering an aneurysm on duty.
Livermore Downtown Inc. hires new executive director
Longtime city resident, former staffer Lopez-Villarreal returns to lead LDI
BY CIERRA BAILEY the business community will see She also previously hosted a local circle’ in my career and back in fit for this position for many profes-
Livermore Downtown Inc. (LDI) a huge expansion of outreach and lifestyle show for the city of Walnut the community that I love and am sional skill reasons. Another great
has announced that longtime Liver- marketing programs that will assist Creek. so passionate about. My decision advantage is that Ruby grew up in a
more resident and marketing pro- in the post-Covid comeback under- In a full circle moment, Lopez- to join LDI was greatly influenced family where her parents owned and
fessional Ruby Lopez-Villarreal will way. Creativity, innovation, and JOY Villarreal now returns to lead LDI by the support and kindness ex- operated two different businesses.
replace Rachael are all part of Ruby’s DNA. Get ready — which, like its fellow downtown emplified by the Board of Direc- This provides her great insight and
Snedecor as Livermore! It’s going to be a great organization in neighboring Pleas- tors through the selection process,” valuable knowledge as she con-
the organiza- ride!” anton, had been recruiting for a new Lopez-Villarreal said. nects with and supports our busi-
tion’s executive Lopez-Villarreal previously worked executive director since the fall. She added, “As professionals, ness owners. Her bilingual skills will
director. with LDI as the marketing director “I am honored and grateful for the being in an organization where you be a great asset in increased com-
Snedecor an- and event coordinator from 2008 wonderful opportunity to serve as feel valued as a team member is munication amongst our valuable
nounced in No- to 2009. She was also the TV30 the executive director of Livermore tremendous. I’m excited to part- work force,” Allen said, adding that
vember that after producer who directed the Livermore Downtown Inc.,” Lopez-Villarreal ner with Livermore community Lopez-Villarreal was “highly recom-
21 years, she is Downtown Inc. lifestyle show said in the LDI statement. “I am so stakeholders to continue to move mended” for the position by several
stepping away Ruby Lopez- “Livermore Life” in 2007. thrilled to be able to join the LDI Livermore Downtown Inc. into the board members who had worked
Villarreal
from LDI to pur- In the years since her depar- team once again and I’m looking future. A future where LDI and all of with her in the past.
sue a new entrepreneurial venture. ture from LDI, Lopez-Villarreal has forward to carrying the torch that our partners continue to thrive and “Our goal is to provide the sup-
“Having worked with Ruby in the pursued opportunities in market- Rachael has carried so brilliantly.” a future where we continue to nur- port necessary for Ruby to build
past and having watched her contin- ing, community engagement and Lopez-Villarreal’s connection to ture the joy that Downtown sparks on the many successes Rachael has
ued success and growth in a stellar project management. She’s worked Livermore extends beyond her pre- in all of our community.” achieved and help our beautiful
career path, I am so thrilled to leave for Yahoo, Intel and she was an in- vious work with LDI. She’s been In LDI’s statement, board presi- Downtown become more vibrant
the LDI Association in such talented game host and reporter for the Oak- a Livermore resident for 25 years, dent Mike Allen expressed his sup- than ever!,” Allen said.
and capable hands!,” Snedecor said land Athletics. She worked for the where she is also now raising her port of Lopez-Villarreal in this new Snedecor’s official last day is set
in a statement from LDI. Golden State Warriors in game op- two children with her husband Joel. role. for Feb. 28 after which Lopez-Vil-
She added, “I am confident that erations and as a host/spokesperson. “It truly feels like coming ‘full “We believe Ruby will be a great larreal will take the reins. Q
Pleasanton PD and the Alameda 2017, when an officer shot and The DA’s Office cleared Pleasanton confrontational arrest in which he
SHOOTING County District Attorney’s Office are killed Shannon Edward Estill after PD Officer Keith Batt of criminal was physically restrained by officers
Continued from Page 5 conducting separate investigations the Pleasanton man charged out of wrongdoing, deeming it justifiable in August 2018, also resulted in
of the fatal encounter, Silacci said. his garage toward the officer with an self-defense. the DA’s Office clearing city police
occurred,” according to lieutenant. The DA’s Office investigates all use- apparent weapon later deemed to be The most recent in-custody of criminal wrongdoing. A lawsuit
The man was pronounced dead at of-force fatalities involving police in a black, pistol-sized BB gun. death involving Pleasanton po- brought by Bauer’s parents against
the scene, according to Silacci. Addi- the county. Estill had holed up in his house lice, in which local resident Jacob the city was settled before trial for
tional details about the standoff and This marked the first fatal police while officers responded to a do- Bauer died at a hospital hours after $5.9 million and no admission of
shooting have not yet been revealed. shooting in Pleasanton since May mestic incident, authorities said. becoming unresponsive during a fault or liability by police. Q
Page 6 • February 25, 2022 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Report sheds light on enrollment decline at PUSD
Officials say K-1 enrollment are ‘depressed’ compared to previous years
BY JULIA BAUM in elementary at PUSD (about 300 has declined by about 100 students those numbers will increase and so Laursen also requested “some ad-
Pleasanton Unified School Dis- fewer than was expected). since then to a current enrollment of forth.” ditional information about the sta-
trict has lost approximately 700 When the pandemic hit during 5,004 students. Current racial and ethnic data tus of our Spanish dual immersion
students over the past five years, the 2019-20 school year, 102 stu- Transitional kindergarten (TK) also shows exactly half of the dis- program as we move forward, and
particularly at the elementary and dents unenrolled from PUSD, and enrollment has stayed level over the trict’s students are Asian, while what are the plans for that,” as well
middle school levels, according to since then has lost nearly 800 more past five years, with 171 students white students make up 30% of the as plans for a Mandarin dual immer-
an annual enrollment presentation students. Last year 414 more stu- currently enrolled. At its peak dur- population, followed by Hispanic sion program.
delivered at a recent Board of Trust- dents left the district, followed by ing the 2019-20 school year, TK had students (10%), students identifying Trustee Kelly Mokashi noted that
ees meeting. another 376 students during the 184 students enrolled. as two or more races (6%), Filipinos in the district’s choice areas for en-
According to the report given current school year. Trustee Steve Maher asked about (2%), and African American stu- rollment “there’s a higher percentage
on Feb. 10, enrollment at PUSD Elementary enrollment peaked projections for TK enrollment, and dents (1%). Another 1% of students of students choosing Amador ver-
fluctuated over a five-year peri- with 6,252 students enrolled in assistant superintendent of student declined to state their racial or eth- sus Foothill” high school. Though
od spanning 2017 to 2022, but grades 1 to 5 in the 2018-19 school support services Ed Diolazo said, nic makeup. PUSD does not collect information
has dropped off significantly over year. There are 5,677 elementary “Usually we can get a little bit of Trustee Joan Laursen said the about why students choose what
the past two years. Peak enroll- students currently enrolled for the an estimate as to who’s coming in district seemed “under-enrolled in school they attend, student board
ment during that same period 2021-22 school year at PUSD. but this year it’s really been difficult, our dual immersion program, and member Saachi Bhayani offered
was 14,958, with an increase of Middle school enrollment has de- that’s my honest answer, in terms of that’s quite a change since we used some insight.
112 students during the 2018- clined steadily since 2016, when what the TK numbers will look like.” to have a long, long waiting list for “The Fairlands neighborhood, a
19 school year, then dropping off 3,715 students were enrolled in “We hope and anticipate that that program.” lot of those kids choose to go to
every year since. middle school. When schools re- there will be more TK and K stu- “I’m wondering if this has some- Foothill because they’re going to
A demographer’s enrollment fig- opened for in-person learning last dents that come in but ... it’s hard to thing to do with the changing of our Hart, so then most of Hart goes to
ures from January 2021 projected year, 3,412 students were enrolled project when the numbers were so ethnicity,” Laursen said. “When you Foothill, so everyone they know
an additional approximately 400 in middle school at PUSD — a depressed this year for TK and K be- look back 10 years, we had a higher is going to Foothill,” Bhayani said.
students — a total of 14,403 stu- slight decrease from 3,541 students cause those kids are what we use to proportion of white students who “But a lot of people do keep the
dents — for districtwide enroll- that were enrolled the year before. project the next year,” Diolazo said. maybe wanted to be participating same friend groups from elemen-
ment in fall 2021. The district Enrollment is currently at 3,385 “Our kinders and our first grade in our Spanish dual immersion pro- tary school in the Fairlands friend
originally anticipated receiving middle school students. are a little bit depressed in terms of gram versus today we have a higher group, which are all in the same
5,975 students for elementary in- High school enrollment peaked what we’re projecting because if the percentage of Asian students who choice area, so they all go to Ama-
struction this year, but there are during the 2019-20 school year kids come back to what we’re used may or may not be interested in that dor because Amador is significantly
currently 5,677 students enrolled with 5,133 students enrolled, and to from a couple years ago, then program as much.” closer.” Q
Well project coming to Amador Valley Park
Groundwater monitoring well being installed as part of city’s PFAS response
BY JEREMY WALSH monitoring well at approximately the viability of this location as a advance work toward treating and being installed at Amador Valley
Crews will begin installing a $180,000 is a “vital step in the city’s source of potential water supply to rehabilitating city wells, especially Community Park between the Do-
monitoring well at Amador Valley PFAS Treatment and Wells Rehabili- continue to deliver safe and reliable in the context of contamination lores Bengtson Aquatic Center and
Community Park next month as tation Project,” according to Kath- drinking water,” Yurchak told the from per- and polyfluoroalkyl sub- Gingerbread Preschool. There will
part of the city’s efforts on water leen Yurchak, director of operations Weekly. stances (PFAS) — chemicals once be heavy equipment for drilling
supply planning and groundwater and water utilities for the city. With city-operated wells ac- used prevalently for surface coating onsite, but residents will continue
basin assessment. “The monitoring well will allow counting for about 20% of Pleasan- as an oil and water repellent as well to have access to the park and its
Expected to last most of March, for the collection of groundwater ton’s potable water source, the City as in firefighting foams. facilities, other than the worksite
construction on the groundwater data to help the city determine Council has made it a priority to The new monitoring well is itself, according to city officials. Q
applicant, and include sidewalks,
HAPPY VALLEY curbs, gutters, trails, stormwater re-
20 21
PLEASANT
O
Continued from Page 5 W E E K LY N
tention areas, and water and sewage
said that “each site must include an facilities.
accessory dwelling unit, in addition Community development direc-
to paying the full in lieu of afford- tor Ellen Clark said “the project is
able housing fee currently estimated adding a small increment of traffic
in excess of a million dollars.” and traffic safety improvements,”
“Although this project represents and that trail upgrades should help Where the Client-Caregiver
Relationship is Everything.
a minuscule percentage of Pleasan- keep bicyclists and pedestrians “sep-
ton’s housing stock, this infill proj- arated and distanced from traffic
ect within two miles of downtown that exists today” on Happy Valley
adjacent to the already developed Road, where some residents have
Callippe (Preserve) Golf Course does expressed concerns about speeding
add to the housing inventory in motorists.
a manner consistent with adopted Mayor Karla Brown told the
plans for this area,” Spotorno said. Weekly that the 44 total units will
In December, the project was apply to the city’s sixth cycle Re-
unanimously approved as proposed gional Housing Needs Allocation
by the Planning Commission, which (RHNA), and said the project
also “emphasized that the section of “will fit well in that part of the
the proposed Happy Valley Loop community.”
Trail along Alisal Street should be As someone who started her po-
constructed as part of the subdivi- litical career with a focus on pre-
sion improvements prior to con- serving hillsides and open space,
struction on any residential homes,” Brown said “the land that’s being
according to a staff report. used and protected against develop-
Other on- and off-site improve- ment, that hillside will be important
ments will also be paid for by the for the area.” Q
Pleasanton Weekly • February 25, 2022 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Remembering Carlo Vecchiarelli also an inductee into the Chabot
Sports Hall of Fame in recogni-
tion of meritorious services to
Former community college dean, trustee also owned shop downtown for years student-athletes.
Family confirmed Vecchiarelli
BY JEREMY WALSH Chabot College who would go on Board of Trustees who succeeded trustee representing parts of the died on Feb. 12 “after a short but
Longtime Pleasanton resident to become dean of admissions and Vecchiarelli in the Trustee Area 5 Tri-Valley in 2004. He would hold strong battle with cancer.”
Carlo E. Vec- records at the Hayward campus for seat after his retirement in 2019. the position for nearly four terms, He is survived by his wife of 53
chiarelli Jr., who nearly 30 years, Vecchiarelli was A San Leandro native who grad- including three turns as board years, Geri Keele-Vecchiarelli, chil-
held leadership also known in his hometown for uated from Bishop O’Dowd High president, before resigning in Janu- dren Carlo “Chuck” Vecchiarelli III
roles within owning the old Dolls and Ducks School in Oakland, Vecchiarelli ary 2019 at the age of 76. and Veronica “Rocky” Vecchiarelli-
the Chabot-Las collectibles shop in downtown began his career at Chabot as a All told, Vecchiarelli worked or Valleau, five grandchildren and
Positas Com- Pleasanton for years with his wife faculty member in the science de- served with the college district for three great-grandchildren.
munity College Geri. partment in 1968, according to his more than five decades. A memorial service and funer-
District for de- “The passing of Mr. Vecchiarelli family obituary. He was elevated to In addition to the running the al mass for Vecchiarelli has been
cades including represents an enormous loss to our admissions dean seven years later, retail shop on Main Street for scheduled for March 11 at 11 a.m.
15 years as an Carlo community. He was beloved for a position he held until retiring in 15 years, which capitalized on at St. Michael’s Catholic Church
elected trustee Vecchiarelli his unwavering commitment to the 2003. his passion for duck stamps and in Livermore. In lieu of flowers,
representing the district, and his legacy will have a But his leadership with the col- other collectibles, Vecchiarelli was the family has asked for donations
Tri-Valley, died earlier this month lasting impact on our students and lege district didn’t end there. Vec- known in the community for his to either The Friends of Chabot
after battling cancer. He was 79. staff,” said Trustee Tim Sbranti, chiarelli ran for and won election years as a baseball and softball College or The Las Positas College
A former science instructor at current president of the CLPCCD as the Chabot-Las Positas board umpire for youth games. He was Foundation in his honor. Q
MUIRWOOD Muirwood as the near-term site for people typically use the park for
Continued from Page 5 cricket, and Staples Ranch for the beyond sports, particularly when she
long-term, offering suggestions for saw a picture of just how much space
facility. Bernal was also eyed for the how community feedback that eve- the field would take up.
latter, but staff determined that fur- ning might be incorporated into the “They showed us this map of what
ther legal analysis into whether this final plan. it was supposed to look like, and we
would be consistent with the park’s Cynthia Shon, who lives two realized this field was going to take
master plan posed an obstacle. blocks from Muirwood, said that she up a huge section of Muirwood Park
A handful of public commenters first became aware of the potential that is the only section of flat grass
at the November meeting raised con- for a cricket field there in a notice area,” Shon said.
cerns, including about parking in from the city about public feedback Shon said that upon seeing the
the area, the potential safety hazard sessions on the potential plan earlier breadth of the potential cricket pitch,
of flying cricket balls, and the loss this month. she was certain that this wouldn’t be
of green space for picnics and pick- She said she was immediately what park-goers wanted, and made
up games. However, the commis- concerned that the recommenda- the effort to spread the word to
sion voted unanimously to approve tion hadn’t taken into account what neighboring residents. CHUCK DECKERT
“My main concern is that it re- City officials collect input about the Muirwood Park amenities at the
ally is inappropriate for this type of Pleasanton Farmers’ Market.
park, and I know the neighbors don’t surrounding area would be worth. suggestion of higher fences, with a
want it. So after hearing about it, I Murphy, said that while commu- lack of fencing being both a cen-
was concerned that the neighbors nity input was a central and valuable tral feature and concern behind the
wouldn’t hear about it and wouldn’t part of the proposal and planning cricket field suggestion.
have a say so, so it would just go process for new projects, the over- According to Murphy, the lack of
through,” Shon said. whelmingly negative feedback from fencing planned for the near-term
HIGHLIGHTS After outreach efforts that includ- community members surrounding cricket field at Muirwood was meant
ed distributing 400 flyers, Shon said Muirwood had come as a surprise. to be a feature rather than a bug,
City Council Meeting that quite a few residents took notice, In contrast, the commission’s vote and to have less impact on the park
Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. and joined her in voicing concerns to recommend that two tennis courts than a fenced facility would. As resi-
On March 3, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of over the project during the city’s at Muirwood be replaced with pick- dents such as Dissai have pointed
Emergency due to COVID-19 and has issued Executive Order community input sessions. leball courts has not garnered the out, however, cricket balls can be
N-29-20 and approved AB 361 suspending provisions of the She tried to emphasize that push- same kind of community pushback. just as dangerous as tennis balls or
Brown Act allowing meetings via teleconferencing and members back from herself and others in the Like cricket, pickleball was identi- pickleballs.
VM[OLW\ISPJ[VVIZLY]LHUKVќLYJVTTLU[Z[LSLWOVUPJHSS`VY community wasn’t driven by any fied as a sport that the city should Murphy said that typically at this
electronically. The virtual meetings will be streamed at https:// general opposition to having cricket seek to establish dedicated facilities point in the process, the Parks and
www.youtube.com/user/TheCityofPleasanton and https://www. in Pleasanton, or reluctance to see for, based on community need and Recreation Commission’s recom-
tri-valleytv.org. the city change, but specific concerns demand, according to its most recent mendation, along with communi-
• Adopt a resolution accepting the midyear FY 2021/22 operating about the choice of Muirwood. CIP work plan. ty feedback, would be sent to the
budget and amending the FY 2021/22 operating budget Vikrant Dissai, another resident Unlike plans for a cricket field, City Council, for consideration at a
accordingly
of the neighborhood surrounding no funds were allotted for the con- meeting in the late spring or early
• PUBLIC HEARING – Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Muirwood, and a longtime cricket struction of new pickleball facilities, summer.
denial of design review application (P20-1053) to construct a
player, said that the lack of fencing leading staff to seek already estab- While she said that might still be
new 1,069-square-foot two- story residential unit behind an
existing commercial building located at 218 Ray Street proposed for the field, where tourna- lished tennis courts that could be the path staff elect to take, the scope
ments using a hard ball rather than a converted to pickleball courts as part and breadth of community concerns
Human Services Commission Meeting soft ball would be slated to play, was of the city’s annual court resurfacing on the item meant that more research
Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 6 p.m. particularly concerning. project. was necessary before confirming next
• Review and Allocate Housing and Human Services Grant Funds “Playing with a hard ball on a After researching several potential steps.
for Fiscal Year 2022/23 and Recommend City Council Approval shared field is kind of never heard sites, staff recommended Muirwood Murphy noted that while remov-
• Review and Comment on the 2021 Library and Recreation of,” Dissai said. “There is nowhere as the location for new pickleball ing Muirwood Park as a site to be
Department Annual Report hardball cricket is played when peo- courts at the same Nov. 18 meeting, considered for a near-term cricket
ple are in the vicinity walking or citing advocacy from a resident in pitch before bringing recommenda-
Library Commission Meeting doing something else.” the neighborhood, and Muirwood’s tions to the council could be an op-
Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 7 p.m. Dissai said that he was among four total tennis courts, which would tion, this would mean councilmem-
• Select Two Library Commissioners for the Library Card Design those who had been excited about leave at least two remaining for ten- bers wouldn’t have the opportunity
Contest and Library Card Sign-up Month subcommittee the city’s prioritization and com- nis, amongst the reasons for the to weigh in. However, she added that
• Review the Library and Recreation Department Annual Report mitment to building a cricket recommendation. regardless of what the next steps
field, but that a field at Muir- Also unlike the cricket pitch rec- were, community feedback would
To explore more about Pleasanton, wood Park would be more trouble ommendation, the idea of pickleball be incorporated into any decisions
visit us at www.cityofpleasantonca.gov than the sacrifice of the field and facilities at Muirwood included the going forward. Q
Page 8 • February 25, 2022 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
No end in sight: California drought on course saw substantially less runoff than
expected last year.
“The good news is there’s room in
to break another record the reservoirs to capture what does
make it to the streams and come
down,” he said. “The challenge is
Despite big early snowfall, January and February on track to be driest ever that if we’re dry this early, the de-
BY RACHEL BECKER / CALMATTERS water suppliers leaning more on The drought has collided with 2013 and 2015 during the last re- mands for water start earlier.”
The first two months of 2022 are their stored water supplies or earthquake retrofits that required cord-breaking drought. Most of the state’s reservoirs are sit-
shaping up to be the driest January shifting to other sources, such as almost completely draining the ar- “The challenge is, this is year three ting below historic averages despite
and February in California history, groundwater. ea’s largest reservoir, knocking out of the drought rather than year two,” the December deluge, with some
prompting state officials to warn of Jennifer Pierre, general manager of more than half of the storage capac- Anderson said. “And in terms of a notable exceptions, such as Folsom
dire water conditions ahead. the State Water Contractors, an asso- ity serving 2 million people in and three-year period, we’re likely going Reservoir — “the breadwinner of the
“There’s no precipitation forecast ciation of water agencies in Southern around San Jose. to set a new record for a three-year storms,” Michael Macon, who works
through the remainder of February. and Northern California and the San In June, Valley Water’s board man- window of drought.” with the water board’s Division of
And there’s very little precipitation in Joaquin Valley that receive supplies dated a 15 percent cut to water use The snowpack, too, hasn’t in- Water Rights, said last week.
the long-range forecast for March,” from the State Water Project, called from 2019 levels, to be implemented creased. A critical water supply, the Lake Shasta is about half a mil-
Erik Ekdahl, a deputy director with the storms late last year “a blip” by the local water agencies it sup- Sierra Nevada snowpack was mea- lion acre-feet — enough to sup-
the State Water Resources Control that meant little to California’s water plies. Board chair Gary Kremen said sured at 72% of normal for Feb. 15, ply 1.5 million households for one
Board, said at a board meeting on supplies. he wouldn’t be surprised to see an but only 55% of the seasonal average year — short of where it stood last
Feb. 15. “All this is pointing to, The agencies are getting 15% of update to the restrictions and rebate measured on April 1. And in parts of year. Oroville has climbed above
again, some pretty dire conditions their requested supplies from the programs come up for another vote. the state, the snow is already melting. last year’s levels, but the amount
statewide for drought.” state aqueduct, which carries water “You use the word dire,” Kremen “You’re in this window where of water flowing out is starting to
After record-setting storms in Oc- from Northern California rivers said. “But for us, it’s kind of worse you’re still expecting to be building match water flowing in following a
tober and then December, the past south. Initially, the allocations were than dire.” (snow)pack, but it’s already starting dry January, Macon said.
six weeks — usually among the set at zero, which meant deliveries The storms early in the rainy sea- to melt,” Anderson said. “The chal- Looking ahead, Anderson says it’s
wettest months in California — have would only cover enough for public son mean California’s water supplies lenge will be how much snowpack a matter of waiting and watching
seen precipitation totals plateau at health and safety. are in better shape now than last makes it to spring, and how much whether spring brings more rain
roughly half the yearly average in the For residents of the Silicon Valley, year, said state climatologist Michael shows up in the reservoirs.” and snow, and how quickly summer
state’s major watersheds. the conditions could mean tighten- Anderson. Nearly the entire state Anderson is keeping an eye on heats up.
The dry spell follows the driest ing restrictions and increasing re- is in moderate drought, with about the months ahead, and hopes that “The challenge then becomes,
year in California since 1924, as bates to reduce water use. In San two-thirds in severe drought. But if March will bring more rain and well, what does summer look like?
aridity continues to dominate the Jose, customers who exceed limits precipitation totals hold, he expects snow than anticipated. A big ques- Does it heat up really fast? Do we
West. — based on a 15% cut in amounts this year to round out the driest tion will be how much runoff from end up with a lot of heat waves?” he
The prolonged drought, which of water they used in 2019 — al- three years on record — even drier snow melt in the Sierra Nevada will said. “Or do we get a little bit of a
began in early 2020, leaves many ready have to pay extra fees. than the three-year span between reach California’s reservoirs, which break with some cooler weather?” Q
was selected for the position after
Embattled Chancellor Reece resigns from CCCCD the only other finalist withdrew from
consideration and the district’s search
Separation agreement pays remainder of year’s salary for a permanent chancellor was inter-
fered with by the pandemic.
BY JEANITA LYMAN Feb. 2, in another unanimous vote updated contract. for meeting or exceeding minimum The chancellor position was pre-
After being placed on paid ad- by the board. Under the terms of Reece’s most requirements of the job, according to viously filled, on an interim basis,
ministrative leave two weeks ago for Previously, he was put on paid recently amended contract, approved his performance evaluation. by executive vice chancellor Eugene
the second time administrative leave on Sept. 14, by the board last October, he re- While district officials continue Huff, who filed a complaint against
in his tenure, the then reinstated, following more than ceived a 2% pay increase from his to decline to provide further infor- the district, and later joined two
embattled chan- an hour of public comments on the first year on the job, putting his mation on why Reece was put on other former district administrators,
cellor of the Con- matter, on Oct. 1. Both decisions salary at $321,300 annually. The leave, and ultimately resigned, his Dio Shipp and Jonah Nicholas, alleg-
tra Costa Com- were made in 3-2 votes by the board, 2% pay raise was slightly less than tenure in the district began under ing public records act violations and
munity College with district officials citing an inves- the terms of his contract stipulated rocky circumstances, in which he discrimination. Q
District has made tigation into undisclosed personnel
his exit, follow- matters.
ing just over a Bryan Reece In addition to accepting Reece’s
year on the job. resignation, the board also formal-
The district’s five trustees voted ly voted to appoint executive vice
unanimously on Feb. 16 to accept chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as
a resignation agreement with Bryan interim chancellor, and to amend her
Reece, which will see him paid out contract accordingly on Feb. 16.
the remainder of the salary dictated “With more than 30 years of ex-
by his contract, more than $133,000, perience at the District, mostly in
with other benefits such as health executive leadership roles, the Gov-
insurance set to continue for the erning Board is confident Mojdeh
remaining seven months of his term. provides the steady and stable lead-
An additional term of the agree- ership needed to help advance the
ment is that Reece and the district District’s mission and vision,” said an
refrain from seeking damages against announcement from the district on
one another. Feb. 17.
“The Governing Board and Dr. Mehdizadeh’s contract as interim
Reece have mutually decided to part chancellor sees her paid a salary of
ways,” Governing Board President $357,714 annually, with two weeks
Judy E. Walters said in a statement of retroactive pay for her time as act-
after the meeting. “We thank Dr. ing chancellor during Reece’s prior
Reece for his service to the District, leave last September.
and wish him well as he relocates to Her appointment as interim
Southern California to spend more chancellor formally commenced as
time with his family.” of Feb. 16, and the contract runs
Reece, who started with the dis- through June 30, 2024, unless re-
trict in November 2020, had been placed by a permanent chancellor.
on paid administrative leave for un- If replaced, she would return to
disclosed personnel reasons since a her executive vice chancellor posi-
special governing board meeting on tion through 2025, according to the
Pleasanton Weekly • February 25, 2022 • Page 9
Community Pulse
POLICE BULLETIN the winner of the financial pot is the
last person standing.
to in a timely manner. Furthermore,
in the eyes of a startled homeowner
Around 7 a.m., officers responded
to a report of a commercial burglary
Jan. 22. However, local sites were
allowed to resume operations inde-
The manner of play, which often protecting his or her family or prop- at Legacy Ink on the 1600 block of pendently by severing ties with the
Citing dangers, officials takes place throughout the commu- erty, a violent response to a player is North Vasco Road. After gaining ac- main company.
urge high school seniors nity in public, can be far from safe quite possible,” they added, while cess into the property by smashing While this led to most sites to
though — especially for how the also warning: the front glass door with a hammer, shutter or pause operations, with
not to play ‘Assassin’ encounters are seen in the eyes of “Parents and students need to be Carson took T-shirts and body pierc- the San Ramon location being listed
School and police officials in the bystanders, according to the joint aware that this activity can look like ing jewelry from the establishment, as “temporarily closed” for several
Tri-Valley say it’s that time of year advisory from Dublin Police Services, a realistic violent crime. If a police police said. weeks, the site appeared to be open,
again for some high school seniors, Dublin Unified School District and officer or another person is injured A burglary occurred at Popeye’s according to its web listings last
and they’ve put out their annual call Dublin High School administration. during the response to that incident, Chicken in the 2300 block of Las week. Contact information and a link
to just say no. Some strategies for students in the people involved, including the Positas Road at around 9:30 a.m. the to the CCC website were no longer
“Assassin” contests, which often “Assassin” include disguising the parents of the minor taking part, same day. The owner said the suspect listed.
crop up at this time in the spring se- toy weapons to make them look could be held liable.” shut the power off, according to the On Feb. 10, Bonta sent a letter to
mester, see participating students as- more realistic, reaching for concealed Officials in Dublin — like their Livermore Police Department. the company requesting additional
signed “targets” of whom they must weapons in public places, lying in counterparts in Pleasanton, Liver- Through their investigation, of- information that could substantiate
“assassinate” using toy weapons, wait around the neighborhood or more and the San Ramon Valley ficers determined both burglaries claims that have been thrown into
often Nerf-type guns that fire foam hiding on another’s property, wearing often do each year — reminded too were carried out by the same person. question by consumer complaints.
darts — but the endeavor is far from dark or camouflaged clothing, jump- that students could face additional Video surveillance also showed the Specifically, the company is facing
a harmless game, presenting unin- ing out of moving vehicles to attack disciplinary action if any weapons, suspect’s car was a white convertible numerous reports of failing to pro-
tended consequences that can be or flee from competitors and even even toy guns, is brought onto cam- Ford Mustang. With help from LPD’s vide test results in the timeframe
very dangerous, according to public conducting “drive-by” operations on pus or administrators discover any real time crime analyst, investigators advertised, concerns about accuracy
safety officials. a target in public, officials said. other evidence that the game is being determined the car had been stolen of test results, and handling of test
“This activity is of significant con- “When viewed through a non- played at school. from Avis Rental Car at the Modesto samples.
cern because students have, in the participant’s eyes, the behaviors look “The safety of our students is al- Airport. Bonta is requesting that the com-
past, engaged in risky behaviors for and have all the elements of an actual ways our top priority,” Dublin of- In addition to the burglaries in pany provide information substanti-
the sake of the game. Quite often, threatening or violent event unfold- ficials said. “We encourage you to Livermore, further investigation re- ating claims about turnaround time
the thrill of the game can override a ing. They often prompt multiple calls speak with your child regarding the vealed Carson was involved in two for test results, including claims of
teen’s common sense,” said officials to police who respond to what they game and ask them to refrain from commercial burglaries in Merced, rapid test results being available
from Dublin, who were the first in believe to be a violent incident in participating. We hope this informa- one in Tracy and five burglaries in within 15 minutes in person or three
the area to issue their annual advi- progress,” officials said. tion will help families stay informed.” Modesto, according to police. hours via email, and PCR test results
sory against “Assassin”. “Not only does this consume sig- —Jeremy Walsh —Cierra Bailey being available within no more than
The popular but unsanctioned nificant time and resources of emer- 48 hours.
contest generally sees students pay gency personnel, it also jeopardizes • California Attorney General “Today’s letter to Center for Covid
In other news
to participate, and over the course of the safety of our community when Rob Bonta recently demanded ad- Control serves as a warning to all
multiple rounds and weeks of play, actual threats cannot be responded • A Modesto man was arrested in ditional information from a COVID other COVID-19 testing sites operat-
Salida earlier this month in connec- testing company facing a federal in- ing in the state of California. If you
tion with a series of commercial bur- vestigation amid waves of customer are operating a testing site that is
Join our team! glaries in Livermore and the central
valley, according to a statement from
Livermore police.
The man, identified as 31-year-old
Steven Russell Carson, has since been
complaints and concerns, and unan-
swered questions into their business
practices and motives.
The Illinois-based company
Centers for Covid Control (CCC)
making false claims, failing to pro-
vide promised test results, or stealing
people’s information, we will hold
you accountable,” Bonta said in a
statement. “My office is responsible
Seeking passionate, experienced charged by the Alameda County Dis- launched and operated numerous for keeping individuals safe from
multimedia news reporter trict Attorney’s Office with several pop-up testing sites, including one false or misleading business prac-
counts, including two felony counts in San Ramon at 9110 Alcosta Blvd., tices, and we are committed to doing
Embarcadero Media Group’s East Bay Division – which includes
Pleasanton Weekly, PleasantonWeekly.com, DanvilleSanRamon.com and
of burglary, two felony counts of amid the early omicron surge and in- just that.”
LivermoreVine.com — is seeking an enthusiastic and talented staff news vandalism and one felony count for creased demand for testing as a result. Bonta added that he encour-
reporter with previous journalism experience working in print and digital driving or taking a vehicle without The company was ordered to close aged anyone who suspected being
news environments. The reporter will cover and edit stories ranging from consent. last month, amid a federal investiga- scammed by a testing site to report it
meetings to breaking news to features for our award-winning print and The two Livermore burglaries oc- tion and FBI raid of the company’s to his office via oag.ca.gov/report. Q
digital publications. curred on the morning of Feb. 5. headquarters outside Chicago on —Jeanita Lyman
At least three years of experience in news reporting is required.
Beyond excellent reporting and writing skills, a bachelor’s degree in POLICE REPORT
journalism or a related field, previous experience in a newsroom setting,
demonstrated news judgment and the ability to prioritize tasks and handle The Pleasanton Police Department made
Feb. 16 Q 1:24 p.m., 1500 block of Stoneridge
stress of daily deadlines and multiple priorities are required. The ability to the following information available Mall Road; shoplifting
Auto theft
deliver clean, vibrant copy while working to very tight deadlines is crucial. Q 3:22 p.m. on the 4700 block of
Feb. 18 Q 6:13 a.m. on the 5300 block of Willow Road
Photography skills, social media and copy editing experience are a plus. Theft from auto Owens Court
Robbery
The candidate must also be able to work the required hours, which include Q 8:04 a.m. on the 4800 block of Bernal Q 7:24 a.m. on the 5300 block of
Q 1:26 p.m. on the 4700 block of
some night assignments and occasional weekend hours. Avenue Owens Court
Muirwood Drive
Weapons violation Shoplifting
Bay Area candidates only; preference given to those with knowledge of the Q 2:38 p.m. on the 1000 block of
Q 10:03 p.m. on the 4400 block of Q 7:26 p.m. on the 4500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road
Tri-Valley. Reporters work remotely; however, there will be rare occasions Mohr Avenue Rosewood Drive
when reporters will need to be in the field. Graffiti offense
Q 8:55 p.m. on the 1400 block of
This is a full-time position that might require some field work. We offer
Feb. 17 Stoneridge Mall Road Q 3:20 p.m. on the 3400 block of
National Park Road
benefits including medical/dental, a 401(k) plan, vacation and holiday pay. DUI Assault/battery
Drug violation
Q 2:00 a.m. on the 4100 block of West Q 2:14 p.m. on the 2200 block of
Send a cover letter that details how your experience fits the needs of the Q 3:26 p.m. on the 3000 block of
Las Positas Boulevard Delucchi Drive
Hopyard Road
position and includes your salary requirement. Also attach your resume and Theft Burglary
Q 5:37 p.m. on the 4500 block of
at least three clips/links that demonstrate your journalism and multimedia Q 6:23 a.m., 5400 block of San Juan Q 8:46 a.m. on the 4300 block of Rosewood Drive
skills. Email the materials, with “Multimedia Journalist” in the subject line Way; auto theft Mirador Drive
Burglary
to Gina Channell Wilcox by 8 a.m. Feb. 28. No calls please. EOE. Q 4:46 p.m. on the 6000 block of
Johnson Drive Feb. 15 Q 7:36 p.m. on the 4800 block of Arlene
Place
Vandalism
Danville Q 5:04 p.m., 7300 block of Elmwood
San Ramon Circle; auto theft Q 2:17 a.m. on the 6700 block of Santa Feb. 14
.com Alcohol violation Rita Road
Theft from auto
Q 11:16 p.m. on the 5300 block of Theft
5 5 0 6 S U N O L B O U L E VA R D , S U I T E 2 0 3 | P L E A S A N T O N Q 4:16 p.m. on the 4600 block of First
P L E A S A N T O N W E E K LY. C O M
Hopyard Road Q 11:59 a.m. on the 1600 block of Street
Lexington Lane
Page 10 • February 25, 2022 • Pleasanton WeeklyYou can also read
