Pleasanton's pandemic response takes focus at State of the City - Pleasanton Weekly
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A stroll
downtown
Page 3
VOL. XXII, NUMBER 8 • MARCH 19, 2021 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
Pleasanton’s pandemic
response takes focus
at State of the City
‘We are in this together, and we are stronger
as a team,’ Mayor Brown says | Page 12
5 NEWS Pleasanton could appeal housing allocation
5 NEWS Barone’s site eyed for redevelopment
16 OPINION Reacting to Livermore solar project approval
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Page 2 • March 19, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
WHAT A WEEK BY JEREMY WALSH
A stroll downtown
W
downtown.
ith Pleasanton entering
the red tier last week,
I was curious to know
how the first few days would look
The vast majority of diners sitting at
outside tables were not, regardless
of whether they had food in front of
them or drink in hand.
Plenty of people took advantage
So my wife and I walked the com- of the long-desired return of indoor
mercial core last Friday evening after dining. Many restaurants, to my eye,
grabbing some fried bites (plus a Dole were following the 25% capacity limit
Whip) curbside at the fairgrounds’ inside. A couple were not.
Grab-N-Stay Fair Food Feast. A I continue to be struck by how
nice reminder of what we missed well-embraced the outdoor dining
with the 2020 Alameda County Fair experience has been during the pan-
cancellation. demic. Block after block of down-
Really, it’s probably a good thing town Pleasanton have canopies and
we didn’t eat downtown. Just imag- tents temporarily replacing parking
ine the hell I’d be put through, the spaces to give restaurants more room
favoritism complaints, if I talked here for patrons outside.
about what restaurant we picked. Of course, I also can’t help but
I mean, what if I said that the best think of the times in 2017, 2018
ramen shop in the East Bay, in my or 2019 when I saw a city staffer or
view, is on Main Street, or that her resident promote the idea of add-
favorite store in all of Pleasanton is in ing parklets downtown or have the
downtown? Could you imagine? audacity to suggest a street be closed
Pleasanton’s phased public re- off to cars permanently in the future,
opening is progressing in lockstep only to be essentially shouted down.
with the rest of Alameda County, Surely no one saw this pandemic
so the news March 9 meant indoor coming to boost that argument, but
dining could return on a smaller now I wonder if the tables in parking
scale, retail shops could expand cus- spots will be here to stay.
tomer capacity and fitness studios Speaking of new developments,
could restart inside — among other work continues on the addition to
key changes. the Bank of America building, due to
I have deep respect for the busi- be completed in late spring to house
nesses and employees across the Tri- Zachary’s Chicago Pizza. That’s next
Valley who have worked so hard to
remain in operation and adhere to
to the Veterans Memorial Building,
which with a prominent sign is help-
3 Winding Oaks Drive, Pleasanton
fair rules and guidelines during this ing VFW Post 6278 mark its 75th
health pandemic. anniversary this month.
Magnificent estate home built in 2018 with unsurpassed craftsmanship and
It’s been tough out there. It is tough The Planning Commission, at a superior quality finishes. Hand crafted tresselwood beams and framing adorn
still. public workshop next Wednesday, the home throughout. The soaring ceilings and dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone
We need employers to be safe and will talk about initial plans for poten- fireplace adds to the grandeur of this stunning home. The chef’s kitchen
thrive. We need employees to be safe tially tearing down Barone’s restaurant
and thrive. We need patrons to be on St. John Street and adding homes
features high end appliances and three islands topped with one-of-a-kind
safe and thrive. there and the next-door property. granite quartzite. The backyard entertaining space includes a travertine patio,
Here are my quick-hitting observa- Middle 8 owners say the new bar massive stone fireplace, built-in gas fire pit table and stunning pool with spa.
tions from our Friday evening stroll... is close to opening on the south end
The crowd levels were strong — of Main Street, and a Gilman Brewing Ɣ 4 Bedrooms Ɣ 5,197 Sq Ft Ɣ 3-Car Garage
but not overwhelming — on that Company taproom is coming fully
crisp and clear night, creating what I online soon on the north side.
Ɣ 4.5 Bathrooms Ɣ 1.97 Acre Lot Ɣ Valley Views
thought was a fairly comfortable envi- Pleasantly surprised by how few *Information is deemed to be correct, but not guaranteed. Buyer to verify all data*
ronment on the whole, especially for business vacancies there are despite
someone who takes COVID spread the difficult conditions. Also have to
prevention seriously like me. wonder what kind of movement, if
It seemed as if many restaurants any, will there be to fill the open spots
were having a good evening, long- at the old Dean’s Cafe and Cafe Main
time favorites and newer offerings — plus the newer two-story building
alike, buoyed by the return of indoor that replaced Union Jack Pub.
tables to supplement popular out- Not business news, but also very
door dining and take-out. The few exciting for downtown: The Pleasan-
retail stores still open at that hour also ton Library welcomed back indoor
all appeared to have customers. patrons this week. The Museum on
Looked like many residents were Main is reopening its halls next Tues-
out to “Shop Small-Support Local,” as
the Pleasanton Downtown Associa-
day. Hopefully conditions will allow
the Firehouse Arts Center to join www.3WindingOaks.com
tion promotes. soon.
The vast majority of people walk- After all, if the COVID-19 trends
ing the sidewalks were wearing face
coverings. All of the restaurant and
and vaccinations continue, the or-
ange tier won’t be too far away. Yellow Gina Piper
retail workers I saw wore masks. and green too, for that matter. Q
Gina@GinaPiper.com
About the Cover 925-200-0202
Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown poses outside the Civic Center complex one
week before delivering her first State of the City address. Photo by Mike Sedlak. DRE #: 01201369
Cover design by Paul Llewellyn. Vol. XXII, Number 8
Pleasanton Weekly • March 19, 2021 • Page 3
Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN
How are you feeling about children returning to school in the midst of the pandemic?
Melissa Vickers Evan Finocchio
Teacher Lawyer
I’m a kindergarten teacher and have never felt better My kids are really happy to be physically back in school,
about anything in my entire life. It has been so together with their friends and their teachers. They are
difficult this past year, trying to teach my kids virtually. really resilient and don’t seem to mind having to follow
I really did do the best that I could. But there is just a whole bunch of COVID protocols if it means they can
no substitute for students and their teacher all being actually go to school.
together in a real rather than virtual classroom, in
the same physical space. Everyone seems to learn and
absorb better, including me.
Claire McLaughlin Jazmin Sanchez Campos
Reading specialist Special education aide
I am so happy to be back in school and so are my We are feeling very positive about how PUSD is making
students. We did the Zoom thing for so long and this easy for us as parents and is always willing to help
the kids were really cooperative, but there is just no in any way. My daughter, who is in fifth grade, was
substitute for teaching in person, face to face. We are looking forward to getting back to school because she
all better off for it. missed her school, teacher and friends. She is so happy
to be back.
Samantha Chao Thomas —Compiled by Nancy and Jeff Lewis
Patient care coordinator
My freshman enjoyed his first day on campus at Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
Foothill last week. He didn’t feel restricted by the
different safety protocols the school had in place. The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 203, Pleasanton,
Instead he focused on the positives of being in school. 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
He felt more motivated and enjoyed the in-person year or $100 for two years. Go to PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information.
interactions with his teachers and other students. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly,
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 19, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST Pleasanton council may appeal potential
Museum reopening
The Museum on Main is set to
reopen to the public on Tuesday
regional housing allocation
(March 23) with “The Newest
Americans: New Citizens Re-
An adjustment is possible but a ‘large shift’ is unlikely, staff said
flect on What America Means to BY JULIA BAUM RHNA count of 4,900 new residen- according to staff. That includes housing growth in the Tri-Valley.”
C
Them.” ity leaders are consider- tial units for the upcoming Housing 353 affordable (very-low, low- and Councilmember Kathy Narum
The traveling exhibit offers a ing an appeal of Pleasan- Element cycle in September, a 2.3 moderate-income units), according wondered if other cities are suc-
unique look at U.S. citizenship
ton’s currently estimated fold increase since the last hous- to city staff. cessful pursuing an appeal, wheth-
and the immigration process
under national policy during regional housing needs allocation ing cycle. But a more recent draft “In contrast, 1,310 above-mod- er their numbers could be redis-
the past four years. It features (RHNA), following a lengthy dis- RHNA methodology — submitted erate (market rate) units have been tributed to Pleasanton. Clark said,
29 portraits and interviews, cussion on Tuesday during which last month by the Association of produced to date, more than twice “If it’s sort of a zero-sum game,
capturing the experiences of staff said an adjustment to the Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the RHNA allocation of 553 units,” there’s a total allocation and it gets
immigrants from 23 countries number of housing units ultimate- which determines the RHNA total staff said. “Meeting the RHNA for moved around, so someone has to
and promoting discussion of ly assigned for the city is pos- for each Bay Area community — below-market-rate units, given past absorb someone else’s reduction.”
America’s legacy as a nation of sible, but not to expect significant projects 5,965 units, nearly triple production trends and the large in- Concerns about the methodol-
immigrants. changes. the number from the last estimate. crease in these categories, is going ogy include how it “overlooked
The front door will be locked, Community development direc- The addition of another 1,000 to continue to pose a significant issues of significance or jobs pro-
and visitors must knock for
tor Ellen Clark told the council units is based largely on Plan Bay challenge.” duction the South Bay, in particular
entry, which will be limited to
10 at a time. Masks are required. that “a large shift in the city’s RHNA Area 2050 figures, and increases A final methodology report over the past decade, and really
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. allocation is unlikely as a result of Pleasanton’s very-low and low-in- was submitted by ABAG sev- seem to fail to allocate the sorts of
Tuesdays through Saturdays. the appeals process,” but said it’s come allocations more than 1,600 eral months ago; during that housing numbers that would cause
Museum on Main is located “important to go through the pro- units, and the above-moderate in- time, ABAG and the Metropoli- some communities in South Bay
at 603 Main St. “The Newest cess” and exhaust available avenues come category by over 1,700 units. tan Transportation Commission counties to have to build housing
Americans” will be on display to “get to a number that’s more fair About 23% of the total alloca- also released the final draft Plan to meet the needs of the jobs that
until April 30. for the city.” tion of 1,514 units have been pro- Bay Area 2050, which showed “a
Pleasanton had an estimated duced in the current housing cycle, significant increase in projected See COUNCIL on Page 10
Affordable project
Dublin officially moved for-
ward Tuesday with nonprofit
developer Corona Ely Ranch to
Christmas
develop a downtown housing
project for low-income seniors
and special needs residents.
fatal crash
The City Council unanimous-
ly approved entering the agree-
ment and directing $5.01 million
spurs legal
from its affordable housing fund
for the project, to be built on 1.3
actions
acres at 6541-6543 Regional St.
The development would fea- Families clash, public
ture 70 to 144 affordable units agencies sued over
and fall within the city’s Transit
Oriented District of the Down- 2019 wreck on Foothill
town Dublin Specific Plan. It’s a
property the city has been trying
BY JEREMY WALSH
to use for housing since 2018.
“I’m actually excited to see this The scene in Pleasanton on
finally move forward,” Mayor Christmas night 2019 sent shock-
Melissa Hernandez said. “Proj- waves through the region as three
JEREMY WALSH
ects do take a long time — they Dublin teenagers were killed and
The Pleasanton Planning Commission on Wednesday is scheduled to discuss the owners’ concepts for
don’t happen overnight.” two others seriously injured in a
redeveloping these two properties on St. John Street. Both scenarios currently on the table include tearing down
Other project details like park- solo-vehicle crash along a narrow
the Barone’s restaurant (right) and retaining the two-story house next door, with primarily new residences being
ing and building heights haven’t stretch of Foothill Road.
added across both parcels.
been finalized. Once Corona Ely Now, more than a year after the
Ranch gets the necessary per- violent crash that gripped the Tri-
mits, it would come back to the
city for final approval. Barone’s site eyed for redevelopment Valley as a holiday tragedy, a series
of lawsuits and claims also paint
—Bay City News Foundation
A proposal includes 11 single-family homes, with 7 ADUs the picture of a preventable acci-
dent with plenty of culpability to
Pool incident BY JULIA BAUM An alternative option for an spread across the neighboring go around, targeting the city, coun-
A student was taken to the A proposal to redevelop the 1,988-square-foot commercial/ parcels. ty and state governments, family
hospital last week following
site where Barone’s Restaurant office building on one of the lots The commission and city staff members of the teen driver who
an apparent pool accident on
the Amador Valley High School currently stands downtown will fronting St. John Street (with one expect and encourage input from died and even one of the surviving
campus. be the subject of a public work less residential lot) has also been the public on the types of uses on passengers.
Livermore-Pleasanton Fire De- session with the Pleasanton Plan- proposed by the applicant. the site, “particularly the amount Dublin High School student Ja-
partment personnel responded ning Commission next week. “The commercial building and type of commercial” as well vier Ramirez Jr., 16, was behind the
to Amador on the evening of Ellen Clark, the city’s commu- would retain the appearance of as the type and density of new wheel of the vehicle carrying four
March 9 after a school repre- nity development director, con- a residential structure, but would residential units, that are appro- teenage passengers when it crashed
sentative called 9-1-1 to report firmed to the Weekly that plans be configured inside to accom- priate for the location and that into a pole and then a large tree,
a medical issue with a student to build an 11-unit detached modate office uses,” Clark said. best meet the goals and priorities ripping the car in half just north of
in the swimming pool. LPFD single-family residential project Under both scenarios, the ex- laid out in the Downtown Spe- the entrance to The Club at Castle-
arrived to find one patient in
— seven of which would also isting restaurant building (475 cific Plan, Clark said. wood on Dec. 25, 2019, according
need of medical assistance. The
student, who was transported by include accessory dwelling units St. John St.) would be torn down Clark added that “things to court records.
ambulance to an area hospital for (ADUs) — at the properties at while the two-story house next like the overall site plan, street Ramirez died at the scene, as
treatment that night, has since 475 and 493 St. John St. will be door (493 St. John St.) would
recovered. Q discussed at the meeting. be retained, with redevelopment See BARONE’S on Page 6 See CRASH on Page 9
Pleasanton Weekly • March 19, 2021 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
PUSD enrollment down more than 400 students this year
Student population will be flat in short-term but should eventually recover, staff say
BY JULIA BAUM be somewhere between 2019 and Mall have “stalled,” which the de- have plans to try to get that in place?” enrollment, we might be looking at a
Pleasanton Unified School District 2020 projections.” mographer adjusted for accordingly. “That is the million-dollar ques- $1.2 million loss of revenue.”
enrollment this year shrank by more “Much of the changes in the pro- Looking ahead, both the East tion,” Sheikholeslami replied. “It’s Trustee Kelly Mokashi inquired
than 400 students and is expected to jections are related to the loss of en- Pleasanton project and the city’s fu- not going to be an instantaneous re- about key strategies to address that
remain flat for a while but eventually rollment in 2020-21 and the impacts ture housing requirements brings the covery.” With some students having loss, and Sheikholeslami answered
recover, according to a staff presenta- of the COVID-19 pandemic,” staff number of future new housing to left the state or country, “how those the district’s brand “is key to being
tion at the Board of Trustees’ regular said. “about 6,000 units.” choices are reversed and how those able to rebound and attract students
meeting last week. Though “it’s very difficult to really “There’s a lot that has to go from families come back is a factor.” back to our schools.”
There were 410 fewer students know where our enrollment is head- that draft report until the city then “There’s not a lot of houses on “The key to that is creating oppor-
enrolled this year in PUSD compared ed,” assistant superintendent of busi- gets their allocation, and then what the market, you’re not getting new tunities for students who have differ-
to fall 2019, especially in transitional ness services Ahmad Sheikholeslami type of housing that will actually be families coming in, right?” Sheik- ent needs,” he said. “The indepen-
kindergarten and kindergarten class- told the board on March 11, “In the and how they will be zoned,” Sheik- holeslami said. “I think it’ll take a dent study and Virtual Academy can
es. According to the district, a recent short-term, I think we’re going to be holeslami added. “But at least we little bit of time. I do think there will be a great leverage for those students
follow-up to a demographer’s report flat with hopefully a rebounding of know in the long term there needs be a little bit of rebound if things get who really find that as the pathway.”
from last year forecasted “a declining/ enrollment, and hopefully our enroll- to be new housing in the commu- back to more normal, but the level Continued outreach to PUSD
flattening of enrollment with growth ment will increase in the next couple nity, and that will increase student of rebound is really, really hard to families and taking advantage of cer-
occurring at a modest rate and later of years.” generation from that, we just don’t predict right now.” tain factors “that are in our control”
point.” “In the short- and medium-term, know the specifics of it because that Because funding is based on last could also help leverage the district’s
The original report anticipated there’s a flattening of our enrollment information is not available at this year’s enrollment levels, it will not branding. However, Sheikholeslami
“continued enrollment growth and as it relates to kids coming from new time.” be impacted in the coming year, but explained that the Pleasanton Virtual
increased growth from potential new housing,” Sheikholeslami said, not- Trustee Mary Jo Carreon asked Sheikholeslami warned the district’s Academy could help increase rev-
housing projects,” but now staff is ing that some developments such if the district’s enrollment numbers 2022-23 funding will “be based on enue for the district.
predicting that actual enrollment in as the East Pleasanton project and would rise if there were a plan to go its actual enrollment for that year,
the short term “will remain flat and multifamily housing near Stoneridge back full-time next year, “and do we and so if we do lose that projected See ENROLLMENT on Page 8
KaiserAir to take next steps toward seeking move to Livermore
Opponents form citizen group, voice displeasure to Airport Commission
BY CIERRA BAILEY division, according to assistant air- comprised of 30 to 40 employees Citizen’s Group (LACG). Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood,
The Livermore Airport Commis- port manager Sean Moran. There is and provide space for approximately “This has actually gotten worse said his home is roughly two miles
sion heard a verbal update from no deadline associated with the ap- six KaiserAir corporate aircraft — over the last year. Some may say away from the Livermore airport.
city staff and disapproval from some plication; however, the project can’t including one or more of the com- it’s because we are home longer — “737s are inherently much, much
resident speakers Monday about the move ahead to the Planning Com- pany’s Boeing 737 aircraft. that’s why we notice more. And that louder than the double props that
proposal to relocate the corporate mission or to City Council until the Several residents attended the vir- is also true, but at the same time currently fly out,” he said, describing
offices of Oakland-based charter air- documents are submitted. tual Airport Commission meeting what we understand is that (the that the double prop planes — also
liner KaiserAir to the Livermore Mu- The proposal already received Monday night to express concerns airport) is trying to accommodate known as twin props — sound more
nicipal Airport, which would also an initial stamp of approval from during public comment about po- more planes.” He added that pilots like a lawnmower, whereas 737s
include the development of air facili- the Airport Commission back in tential noise impacts. appear to be flying in a direction sound more like thunder.
ties that could accommodate Boeing February, and if the forthcoming “At times there’s a plane every over residential neighborhoods as In addition to noise, the group’s
737s. application makes it past the Plan- five minutes or every 10 minutes,” opposed to a different route over the website cites safety and the possibil-
Still in the early stages, Kaiser ning Commission, the City Council said Kamal Aggarwal, a Pleasanton San Francisco Premium Outlets. ity of diminished property values as
Air is currently working with city would ultimately make the decision resident who attended the meet- LACG is comprised of Livermore, concerns surrounding the KaiserAir
building and planning staff on com- to approve or deny the 45-year lease. ing along with other members of a Pleasanton and Dublin residents project.
pleting a planning general applica- If approved, the project would recently formed community coali- who regularly experience planes The proposed development is
tion to submit to the city’s planning house KaiserAir’s corporate offices tion called the Livermore Airport from the Livermore airport flying planned for a 45-acre vacant parcel
over their homes. north of West Jack London Boule-
The group’s organizers launched vard and south of Taxiway Lima and
livermoreairportnoise.org, a website includes a “fixed based operator”
20 19
PLEASANT
O
W E E K LY N
where they explain their opposi- (FBO) facility, offices, aircraft main-
tion to the proposed project along tenance facilities, fuel farm, self-ser-
with a link to a change.org petition vice aircraft fueling facility, corporate
where they are collecting signatures hangars, parking spaces and box
in an effort to thwart the KaiserAir t-hangars.
expansion. The petition had reached The Airport Commission will con-
nearly 4,000 signatures toward its tinue to receive verbal updates about
goal of 5,000 names, as of Tuesday the project during their meetings to
Where the Client-Caregiver evening. keep abreast of its progress, Moran
Relationship is Everything. Aggarwal, who lives in the said. Q
BARONE’S so in their proposed alternative
plan, and we look forward to the
Continued from Page 5
commission and public’s input on
frontage/character, relationship to the proposal.”
surrounding uses and develop- The Planning Commission
ment, parking and circulation, and meeting, designed as a workshop
so on, are of interest.” to receive feedback on the initial
In the past, the Pleasanton City project concepts without any final
Council discussed the policies decisions to be made, is sched-
that mention commercial uses on uled to be held virtually next
downtown sites like the one for Wednesday (March 24) starting
Barone’s, “and with those policies at 7 p.m. The city staff report
in mind, staff has strongly en- had not been made public as of
couraged the applicant to include press time this week. Once posted,
a commercial component in this it can be viewed at www.cityof
project,” Clark said. “They’ve done pleasantonca.gov. Q
Page 6 • March 19, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Tri-Valley students Library reopens for in-person visitors
bring home C-SPAN Coincides with new ‘Take-Home Laptop Lending’ service
BY RYAN J. DEGAN
documentary awards Residents who have missed going
inside their local library are in luck
staff said in a statement.
“Library staff have reported an
uptick in the number of phone calls
20 visitors will be allowed in the
building at any one time.
While residents will once again
Amador’s Avdey takes 3rd for ‘Frontier’ because the Pleasanton Public Li- requesting internet access these past be able to rent physical books and
brary has opened its doors for a few months. Callers report need- movies, access public computers
Tri-Valley student filmmakers an honorable mention recipient, new “Grab and Go” service, allowing ing to look for new jobs, apply for and even obtain a library card in-
won big last week at C-SPAN’s “Crumbling Foundation: Ending patrons entrance to the building for unemployment, and seek applicable side, in order to ensure the safety of
national 2021 StudentCam the California Housing Crisis.” the first time all year. resources, yet the inability to pay for visitors and staff library staff did note
competition. Aidan Gleason, Julia Dashzeveg Officially reopening indoor opera- access to technology also looms large that chairs and tables for reading or
Now in its 17th year, the na- and Oliver Cantal brought home tions on Tuesday, the move coincides with callers, even those who have studying won’t be available, nor will
tionwide cable network’s contest $250 for their work. with the library’s new “Take-Home not actually lost their job or those extended research assistance, used
invites middle and high school More than 2,300 students across Laptop Lending” service, which who have been able to receive unem- book sales and interactive toys for
students to make a short docu- the country submitted more than enables visitors the opportunity to ployment benefits,” they added. children.
mentary. This year’s theme was 1,200 films. The most popular check out LTE-enabled Chrome- An initial $5,000 innovation and All children under the age of 12
“Explore the issue you most want topics were health care, environ- books from the library’s sidewalk technology grant application written must also be in direct supervision of
the president and new Congress mental and energy policy, equal service. by library staff was accepted by the an adult.
to address in 2021.” rights and equity, criminal justice “Providing a safe environment for Pacific Library Partnership in late For residents not yet ready to
Agamroop Kaur, from San and policing, and education. patrons and staff members has been 2020 to help fund the Grab and Go return to in-person visits, the library
Ramon’s Dougherty Valley High “With the continual shift in the — and will continue to be — our No. service, with additional funding to is still offering its sidewalk service,
School, earned $1,500 for the educational landscape, it is dif- 1 priority throughout this phased re- be provided by the Friends of the which offers residents to drive by
second-place documentary (West ficult to overstate just how chal- opening,” library spokesperson Nick Pleasanton Library — funding that and pick up their rentals without
Division) “BIG Tobacco BIGGER lenging the pandemic has proven Binzoni told the Weekly. will continue for at least the next two having to enter the building.
Epidemic,” on youth vaping, for schools across our nation,” Launched in order to help provide years, according to staff. Residents who want to learn more
which will air throughout the day said Craig McAndrew, director, residents who previously relied on In order to accommodate visitors about library services or how to
on April 6 on C-SPAN. C-SPAN education relations, in a the library for computer and internet during the ongoing coronavirus pan- checkout a laptop can visit the library
Another Tri-Valley student, statement. “We are so impressed access, staff say the laptop lending demic, the library has started using in-person or check the city’s website,
Philip Avdey from Pleasanton’s by the resilience and ingenuity of service will provide users internet a “COVID-19 Code of Conduct www.cityofpleasantonca.gov.
Amador Valley High School, this year’s prize-winning students access anywhere a cellular signal is Addendum” that requires a health The Pleasanton Library, at 400
earned $750 for a third-place doc- who have delivered among the present. screening prior to entry, face cover- Old Bernal Ave., has reopened in-
umentary (West Division) about finest short films in the history of “Access to the internet and ings are mandatory for all patrons doors with hours of Tuesdays
space exploration, “Frontier.” the StudentCam competition.” technology has been one of the ages two and up and mandatory through Thursdays, 12-6 p.m., and
A trio of students from Alam- The prize-winning videos can biggest equity gaps for library social distancing of at least six feet. Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.
eda Community Learning Cen- be seen at www.studentcam.org. Q users to emerge from the COVID- Patrons must also keep their visit to 5 p.m. It is closed Sundays and
ter in Alameda collaborated on —Tony Hicks, BCN Foundation 19 library facility closure,” library limited to one hour or less and only Mondays. Q
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Pleasanton Weekly • March 19, 2021 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Officials emphasize safety of each available COVID-19 vaccine
Health officers in 10 counties in “What we can say with certainty is at preventing deaths and hospitaliza- of a prior announcement and imple- “With COVID-19 continuing to
the greater Bay Area on Monday that all three vaccines provide levels tions, according to the company. mentation of 94 and 95% efficacy circulate as we work toward commu-
emphasized the safety of the three of protection that are comparable to The two-dose vaccines developed (vaccines), one would have said this nity immunity, our collective medical
available COVID-19 vaccines in an some of the best vaccines we have by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech was an absolutely spectacular re- advice is this: the best vaccine is the
effort to curb skepticism and encour- for other serious infectious diseases showed slightly higher effectiveness sult,” National Institute of Allergy one you can get the soonest,” the
age residents to get vaccinated. for which we routinely vaccinate at 95%, leading to some concern that and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. health officers said.
The health officers in Alameda, people,” the health officers said. the J&J vaccine is undesirable. Anthony Fauci said about the J&J Residents in each of the 10 coun-
Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Concerns about the Johnson & The health officers argued, how- vaccine during a media briefing in ties are encouraged to contact their
Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Johnson vaccine stem from its per- ever, that the clinical trial results are January. medical provider or public health
Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma ceived lack of effectiveness in clinical not perfect comparisons due to their In addition, the J&J vaccine has department if they have questions
counties as well as the city of Berke- trials. different trial populations and the several benefits that those from Pfiz- about the vaccines.
ley issued the joint statement as In phase three clinical trials, which different phases of the pandemic in er and Moderna do not, including Residents can visit https://my-
vaccine hesitancy has ticked up fol- included some 40,000 participants, which trials were completed. much less cumbersome storage re- turn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to
lowing the federal approval of the the J&J vaccine was roughly 66.1% The three vaccines have also not quirements and the need for only find out if they are eligible for a vac-
vaccine developed by Johnson & effective at preventing symptoms after been studied head-to-head, the one dose, eliminating the need to cine or sign up to be notified once it
Johnson, which requires just one four weeks, 85.4% effective at block- health officials said. return for a second dose three weeks is their turn. Q
dose. ing severe cases and 100% effective “If this had occurred in the absence after the first. —Eli Walsh, BCN Foundation
Tri-Valley area that feel (Virtual Acad- retention,” he added. “It can play an day class and out-of-district students, Sheikholeslami said, “It’s very typical
ENROLLMENT emy) is the right fit for them, if they important role in bringing some stu- came to a total of 5,948. 1,202 of that school districts of our size need
Continued from Page 6
were to attend our school district, dents back who have left, and it could those students are enrolled but not to recalibrate every so often, it’s just
For every student who attends, we would get the revenue for them play a role for students in our local living in the attendance area. the way it is.”
stays with or returns to PUSD, attending our school district as well,” area who would find this as a good The number of middle school stu- “If you don’t recalibrate, you’re
the district receives state funding, Sheikholeslami said. education model for them, and then dents enrolled but not living in their going to have to shift students
“and for students within the greater “It can play an important role in that would be a net add of students” respective attendance area was much around because you can’t just keep
Another staff recommendation lower, at just 261. Total enrollment building in one (area) and one school
FUN STUFF FOR KIDS OVER THE SUMMER that Mokashi asked about is re- for grades 6 to 8 this year is 3,420, being low,” he added. “Student ser-
considering the school enrollment and almost evenly split among all vices (department) has done a really
Camp Connection
boundaries. The enrollment areas three middle schools — 1,167 stu- great job of doing that over the years.
for TK through fifth grade projects dents at Hart and Harvest Park, each, However, it does leave families in
expected to grow the most are Alisal and 1,064 at Pleasanton Middle. difficult situations when they can’t
Summer 2021 Elementary School with 216 addi- Amador Valley High has 2,700 attend their local school.”
tional students, 193 at Lydiksen, 89 students enrolled this year — nearly Mokashi replied, “The sooner we
at Hearst, 87 at Donlon and 81 at 500 more students than at Foothill. can focus on that (boundary issue), it
Fashion Design & Sewing Camp @ KIDZ KRAFTZ! Vintage Hills. The alternative site Village High has might help the mobility issues of the
7690 Quail Creek Cir. | Dublin | (925) 271-0015 | KidzKraftz.com The Mohr Elementary enrollment 103 students, while other programs students.”
Focus on sewing stylish, wearable clothing, accessories, craft and jewelry area is expected to lose the most stu- including independent study and Staff will present a plan in April to
projects, while introducing children to fashion design concepts, sewing dents (106). Otherwise, Valley View’s Middle College have between 15 to form several committees “that would
techniques, basic pattern manipulation and fashion illustration. Sewing east and west enrollment boundaries 45. start to look at that process and bring
machines and notions provided. FREE fabric for first day of the camp. Pizza are both projected to decrease by “The city’s plan for housing for recommendations back.” Sheikholesl-
party on last day of the camp. Early Bird Registration Special, as well as 29 students each, followed by 28 2023 hasn’t been started yet,” Mo- ami said the boundary changes “will
many discount options available. for Walnut Grove and just 8 in the kashi said. “What timeline would we probably be next year’s work,” and
boundary area for Fairlands. want to think about that boundary the district will “also synchronize with
Stratford School A count of students living in the change?” the city and work with them as they
http://stratfordschools.com/summer district’s elementary school atten- The enrollment boundaries develop their RHNA (regional hous-
Rediscover Summer@Stratford dance areas, as well as TK, special haven’t changed since 2000, and ing needs allocation) plan.” Q
Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and all
NEW day camp programs! This summer, children will have a wide range
of options to explore new interests, discover a world of wonder, make
new friends, and expand their horizons. It all starts with our outstanding
Summer Team, whose talent, creativity, and leadership set the tone for an
unforgettable experience. Get ready to rediscover the fun of learning and
give your child a summer to remember at Stratford!
Academic Camps — Stratford’s Academic Camps are the perfect way
to enhance your child’s love of learning while focusing on a specific
subject. From math and robotics to literature and creative writing, we
have something for every student. Working independently and in small
groups, students will apply real-life experiences to lessons learned in the
classroom.
Day Camps — All NEW Day Camps. Each week, students in Kindergarten
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
experiences throughout each camp day.
Specialty Camps — Add even more fun with Specialty Camps — packed
with hands-on experiences. Stratford’s Specialty Camps provide campers
with a variety of activities including robotics, to explore while discovering
new STEAM skills and talents!
These innovative camps are available for children ready for Preschool, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Elementary, and Middle School. Give your child the Summer@Stratford
experience they deserve and secure your space today!
High schools welcome students back
This was the scene outside Foothill High School on the morning of March 11 as all Pleasanton Unified
School District middle and high schools reopened for their first day of in-person instruction of the 2020-21
Visit pleasantonweekly.com/camp_connection/ academic year. After Alameda County entered the state’s COVID-19 red tier on March 9, PUSD became the
first public school district in the county to fully reopen for all grade levels two days later. A hybrid learning
To advertise in the April Camp Connection, call (925) 600-0840 ext. 1177 system, with both on-campus and remote-based instruction offered, will remain in place through the end of
or email kklein@pleasantonweekly.com the school year amid the pandemic.
Page 8 • March 19, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
CRASH also pursued individual claims related to allowing the potentially “dangerous and defective condi- — and the result of not doing so
Continued from Page 5
with the city of Pleasanton over the unlicensed Ramirez to drive the car tion” of Foothill Road contributing was catastrophic. They see Arceo’s
road conditions, but their claims that fateful Christmas night with to the crash. actions as “malicious and oppres-
did twins Mark and Michael Urista — like Arceo’s own claim — were passengers, which is not legal until Lack of nighttime lighting, poor sive” and ask the court “to make
— also 16-year-old Dublin High denied in August based on the the age of 18. roadway design, insufficient safety an example of her ... to deter her
students. Jared Reynoso, a cousin fact the stretch of Foothill Road is The situation unfolded just be- signage, unreasonable speed limit, and others from engaging in such
of the Urista brothers, and Dub- in unincorporated Pleasanton and fore 10 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2019 no shoulder, and the location conduct in the future.”
lin High student Samantha Vargas thus in the county’s jurisdiction, with a vehicle carrying all five oc- of utility poles and trees were The complaint also lists Javier
Arceo survived but sustained seri- not the city’s, according to city at- cupants traveling southbound on a among the reasons they argue that Ramirez Sr. and Zuleika Ramirez
ous injuries. torney Dan Sodergren. narrow, windy stretch of Foothill the stretch of Foothill Road was as defendants, along with the es-
The school and Dublin commu- A claim typically precedes a law- Road several blocks south of the unsafe. tate of the late Javier Ramirez Jr.
nity at-large mourned together in suit against a public agency, pend- Pleasanton city limits. The suit also named the owner It is not clear whether they have
what seemed at the time like a very ing the agency’s rejection, but thus The CHP reported at the time of the car, Marco Antonio Lopez, attorneys.
public grieving process in the days far only Arceo has sued the city of that, according to witness and on- as a defendant, for entrusting his The suit seeks compensatory
after the horrific wreck. Pleasanton. The Alameda County scene evidence, the vehicle crossed vehicle to Ramirez and thereby and punitive damages for wrongful
The legal fallout may well play Counsel’s Office did not respond to into the northbound lane of Foot- allowing it to be driven “in such death, personal injury and proper-
out in a very public fashion, too. a request for comment on whether hill Road for unknown reasons a careless, negligent and reckless ty damage. The extent of Reynoso’s
The Uristas’ parents, along with claims were filed with its office and then struck a power pole and manner as to cause it to leave the physical injuries was not specified
Reynoso’s family, filed a civil com- over the crash. a large tree on the side of the road, roadway, strike objects and split in in the complaint.
plaint in Alameda County Supe- Attorney Bill Berg of the Alam- feet away from Castlewood’s Valley half.” Sodergren told the Weekly that
rior Court in November seeking eda-based Berg Injury Lawyers, (Golf) Course. The complaint seeks unspecified the city had not been served with
damages for wrongful death and which represents the twins’ parents The force of the crash tore the monetary damages as well as a jury any lawsuit related to the triple-
personal injury against Ramirez’s Andrew Urista and Ana Reynoso vehicle in half, ejected two of the trial. fatal crash as of Monday afternoon.
family, the dead teen’s estate and and Jared Reynoso and his guard- occupants and trapped three oth- It’s unclear whether Lopez is He said the city denied all of the
the owner of the car. They’ve ian Angelica Reynoso, declined to ers inside the vehicle, according to represented by an attorney. claims filed in this case because
also named Arceo as a defendant, comment when contacted Mon- the CHP. The Urista brothers and Also unspecified is the relation- “the segment of the street where
for failing to intervene and stop day because the litigation is still Ramirez were pronounced dead ship between Lopez and the Arceo the accident occurred is located
“a dangerous and incompetent pending. at the scene. Reynoso and Arceo family because the Reynoso/Urista within the county of Alameda.
driver.” Attorneys with the Bond Legal were both hospitalized with seri- lawsuit labels Lopez, Arceo Garcia Because the city did not design,
Meanwhile, in a separate law- Group out of Irvine, which repre- ous injuries. and young Arceo as the defendants control, own or maintain the road-
suit filed in the county court this sents Arceo and her family, had not In a claim filed with the city, responsible for entrusting the car way at issue, the claims have been
January, Arceo — via her guard- responded to a request for com- Arceo’s lawyers revealed the now- to Ramirez. denied.”
ian — has also sued the owner of ment as of Tuesday afternoon. 17-year-old broke her legs, ankles, The Reynoso/Urista attorneys al- The claims, which were denied
the car, but their lawsuit further The results of the California hip, nose and vertebrae in the lege that Ramirez did not have a on Aug. 5, were listed among 12
seeks judgment against the city Highway Patrol’s investigation crash. driver’s license and was known to separate cases of litigation listed
of Pleasanton, Alameda County into the triple-fatal crash have not Their subsequent lawsuit, on drive recklessly at high speeds. on the Pleasanton City Council’s
and Caltrans, alleging unsafe road been shared publicly to date. It the girl’s behalf via her guardian, To that end, they argue the girl closed-session agenda for Tuesday
conditions. is also unclear whether any adult Hilda Arceo Garcia, places blame should have confronted Ramirez in evening. The reason for the discus-
The Urista and Reynoso families faced potential criminal charges on the city, county and state for the the car as he allegedly drove wildly sion was not specified. Q
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Apply TODAY: Questions? Contact Andi Antypas,
Visit edjoin.com and search aantypas@pleasantonusd.net or
'Pleasanton' (925) 462-4348
Pleasanton Weekly • March 19, 2021 • Page 9
NEWSFRONT
Alameda County set to receive $324M $13 an hour of additional pay for
workers who during the pandemic
are performing essential work, as
in federal COVID relief funding determined by the city or county.
Money can be used to provide
government services that were af-
Priorities are health, food security, housing for residents, Supervisor Carson says fected by a reduction in city revenue
California’s counties and large cit- security. Supervisors will be putting caused by the pandemic.
ies can expect to receive money together a three-year spending plan Cities and counties can use the
from the American Rescue Plan for the relief the county is receiving, money to invest in water, sewer,
Act of 2021 in two parts with the he said. and broadband infrastructure or
first coming in 60 days from last Some of the money from the transfer the money to a private
week, according to preliminary in- American Rescue Plan will likely go nonprofit, public benefit corpo-
formation provided by U.S. Rep. Ro toward extending existing contracts ration or tribal organization “in-
Khanna’s office. established with funding from the volved in the transportation of
The U.S. Treasury will disburse previous COVID-19 relief act, Car- passengers or cargo.”
the second part one year later. Cities son said. Also, the money may be trans-
with fewer than 50,000 residents A fact sheet from Khanna’s office ferred to a special purpose unit of a
will receive the money from the says how the money can be used by state or local government.
state following a disbursement from a more urgent need for massive better safety measures for in-person cities and counties. Recipients must use the money
the Treasury. investment in our local and state learning in our public schools, dis- Broadly, it can be used “to re- in the same way cities and counties
Alameda County will receive governments. tributing additional relief for our spond to the pandemic or its nega- must. Periodic reports must be sent
$324 million while Oakland will get “The American Rescue Plan Act small business owners and so much tive economic impacts, including to the Treasury describing how the
$192 million. Berkeley will receive is a once-in-a-generation opportu- more.” assistance to households, small money was used.
$68.3 million. nity to meet the severe needs of this Alameda County Board of Super- businesses, and nonprofits.” The bill prohibits cities and coun-
Khanna (D-Santa Clara) and rep- economic and public health crisis.” visors President Keith Carson last It can also aid impacted indus- ties from depositing the money into
resentatives from the East Bay and Khanna and the others said, “We Friday said the board’s priorities for tries such as tourism, travel, and a pension fund or using it to offset a
South Bay, said in a joint statement are eager to get to work sponsoring spending the money are the health hospitality. tax cut implemented after March 2. Q
on March 11, “There has never been more vaccination sites, instituting of residents and food and housing Money can be used for up to —Eli Walsh, BCN Foundation
COUNCIL arguments to bring to the table in updating the housing fee struc-
Christopher David Pope Continued from Page 5 an appeal,” Clark added.
Councilmember Jack Balch
ture, “because to the extent that we
buy the workforce housing that we
October 6, 1952 – February 27, 2021 they’ve allowed for over the past asked if a change of 1,000 units is need, we can basically open that up
few years,” Clark said. possible, to which Clark replied, more to the workforce locally and
Christopher David Pope, On the flip side, she noted that “There’s not been a significant shift we can get some good credits for
68, of Pleasanton, Ca., died “those same housing units seem in the numbers, so a handful to that.”
February 27, 2021 at the to flow out to other parts of the maybe a couple hundred seems An appeal is still on the table but
Kaiser Permanente South region, and particularly to the like the sorts of order of magni- staff said only a “very low propor-
Sacramento Medical Center East Bay and North Bay” — es- tude that have been granted in tion of (RHNA) appeals are ulti-
of cancer. Pope was born pecially rural and small commu- appeal.” mately granted,” and recommended
Oct. 6, 1952, in Bonne Terre, nities — and show “a pattern of During public comment, former using the most recently published
Mo., the son of William H. land use that’s really counter to councilmember Becky Dennis said estimate as a working number while
and Carmen Perrier Pope. He what the state has been attempt- she didn’t “buy the state’s numbers the Housing Element update moves
attended St. Joseph Catholic ing to achieve” of concentrating about what housing we should forward, to give sufficient time to
grade school in Bonne Terre, housing near jobs and public build.” complete the update.
St. Joseph Catholic High transportation. “We should try to fully mitigate Review and approval of the
School in Farmington, Mo., and graduated from North “The methodology seems to have our own housing impacts,” Den- RHNA methodology is expected to
County High School in Desloge, Mo., in 1971. failed on many of those points. nis said. “The appeal that we want be completed by the beginning of
Pope worked at Thomure’s Standard station and Those are some really compelling to make about our numbers, I April, with draft RHNA allocations
Merchants Wholesale in Bonne Terre during high school. would really focus on the above being issued to local jurisdictions
Following graduation, he attended Southeast Missouri moderate-income numbers even. by May. Final allocations will be
State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo., for a year. That’s really going to kill our ability issued by the end of the year.
He joined the United States Navy in October of 1972. FD #429 to meet state climate goals, so that’s Along with the report, the coun-
He served on the USS Vreeland and the USS Albany, LOCALLY OWNED in conflict.” cil also approved two contracts
AND OPERATED SINCE 1891
spending most of his naval career in the Mediterranean. Dennis added, “It would be bet- related to the Housing Element
He earned the rank of Postal Clerk Petty Officer 3rd Class Burial & Cremation ter really to take, even if you added update on Tuesday night.
and received the National Defense Service Medal. numbers in low and very low in- Because of “the extensive chang-
With an honorable discharge from the Navy in May of Celebration of Life come housing, and sort of let the es to state law and the strict dead-
1974, Pope moved to California and worked at National Services above moderate folks take care lines posed by these laws,” the city
Semiconductor in Santa Clara, Ca. He married Evette Reception Facilities of themselves. Because if we do has entered a $302,001 contract
LaPoint in 1985 and they had two children, Tyler and manage to convert some commer- with Lisa Wise Consulting, and a
Danielle. The family made their home in Pleasanton, Advance Planning cial properties to housing, we’d be $343,170 contract with First Car-
Ca., for 35 years. Pope worked for Cal-Steam and Diablo Made Easy lowering our own housing demand bon Solutions. The totals include a
Plumbing. He coached his son’s CYO basketball team as for a free consultation that is shown in our nexus studies.” 15% contingency for general work
well as his daughter’s softball team for many years. Chris or in-home visit call Emphasizing the need to main- under each contract.
loved his family, his friends and music. tain a balance between jobs and Most of the cost for both agree-
Pope was preceded in death by his parents and one housing locally, Dennis suggested ments will be paid by approved
sister, Jennifer Pope Heligman. He is survived by his wife the city “look for some legal ref- Local Early Action Planning (LEAP)
Evette LaPoint Pope of Pleasanton, Ca.; his son Tyler Pope uge in a superior goal” and base and Regional Early Action Planning
of Pleasanton, Ca.; his daughter Danielle Pope Barnes their appeal on that instead of the (REAP) grant funding — $300,000
(David) of Sacramento, Ca.; and one granddaughter, methodology. and $61,755, respectively — with
Kamryn Aubree Barnes. He is also survived by seven “Which is to say: We aren’t going the remaining (up to $283,416)
siblings: Carmen Pope Burrows, Gregory Pope (Holly), to be like the communities around to be paid by the lower income
Francesca Pope Zielinski, Kate Pope Hodel (Tony), us, we are going to take care of our housing fund, as the city has done
Deanna Moser
Suzanne Pope Ferguson, Timothy Pope, Joseph Pope own needs, and that involves X during prior Housing Element
(Melissa), and Julianne Pope Edgar (Randy) as well 925.846.5624 many units of affordable housing updates.
as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- to view our facilities visit: in these income levels, and we can The city also applied for an ad-
nephews. www.grahamhitch.com prove that all through our nexus ditional $100,000 in competitive
Private services will be held at a later date. study,” Dennis said. grant funding, which has not yet
4167 First Street,
Dennis concluded by suggesting been approved. Q
PA I D O B I T U A RY
Pleasanton FD#429
Page 10 • March 19, 2021 • Pleasanton WeeklyYou can also read
