Real Estate Preview 2020 - Pleasanton Weekly
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Real Estate
Preview 2020
Page 17
VOL. XXI, NUMBER
UMBER 1 • JANUARY 31, 2020 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
5 NEWS School board signs off on Donlon redesign plans
6 NEWS Meet the candidates for Zone 7 Board of Directors
10 OPINION Measure P in Livermore; Sunol, Dublin bonds
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Page 2 • January 31, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
VALLEY VIEWS BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI
Introducing Elation Real Estate!
After 25+ years of practicing real estate and building a
The fantastic fun of successful business, I finally made the leap and opened my
own boutique real estate company. I am happy and proud to
starting a paper introduce the official launch of Elation Real Estate!
Given the consolidating trend in the market with large
B y the end of 1999, the East
Bay newspaper world was
abuzz: A new publication
was about to hit town. I heard
the talk, and then I saw the ad:
hands and say, “Tell me I’m not
dreaming.”
My first day of work, Jeb and
I walked to City Hall where he
introduced me to City Manager
companies swallowing others and seemingly taking over, I
felt it a good opportunity to give consumers a different
choice. Our market lacks a small, boutique style luxury
The about-to-launch Pleasanton Deborah Acosta McKeehan and
brand with all the benefits and reach of a large company,
Weekly was searching for a manag- explained I would be covering and we are just the ones to fill that void.
ing editor. the City Council meetings. At my
Pleasanton had charmed me first meeting I chose a seat front
We are looking forward to growing the new, and soon to be,
from the time I was growing up and center not knowing the TV30 “Pleasanton’s Best Real Estate Company” and the Elation
in San Jose in the 1950s and my camera focused on that spot; after Real Estate brand.
Uncle Earl owned Pinard’s Jewelers that, I sat to the side.
on Main Street. I’d moved to south In my former job, I had done I am grateful to all of my wonderful clients that have made
Walnut Creek in 1982, but my in- the layouts, but at the Weekly we my success possible and look forward to serving you at
laws all settled in Pleasanton. have professional designers who Elation Real Estate in the future!
I was not really looking for a make it fun to write as they turn
job, as I was gainfully employed feature stories into works of art. I
as editor at the Contra Costa Times had never worked in proximity to
weeklies, five papers covering cit-
ies from Walnut Creek to Benicia,
advertising staff before, but now
I witnessed them in action, im- www.elationre.com
working at the Concord office. perative to keeping the business
But still. A chance to be in on the going.
ground floor of a fledgling news-
paper that focused on one place.
From office staff to ad reps to de-
sign to tech support to editorial to Gina Piper
925.200.0202
To discover the inner workings management, the entire enterprise
of Pleasanton, meet new people was, and still is, a group effort with
and join other professionals in this
exciting endeavor. And its par-
a tangible product that residents
responded to positively.
DRE# 01201349
ent company, which published the Staff members have come and
Palo Alto Weekly, had an excellent gone in the past 20 years, shar-
reputation. I sent in my resume. ing our personal joys and sorrows
My interview was soon set up as well as the work. Pleasanton
with president Bob Thomas. I left has continued to evolve, some-
work early to travel down Inter- times for the better (yay, Fire-
state 680, stopped at the Pleas- house Arts Center!), sometimes
anton Library to freshen up, then sadly (goodbye, Tully’s). Our office
continued on to the Weekly’s origi- has moved down the street, across
nal office on First Street right off from Richert Lumber on Sunol
Bernal. Boulevard.
As I was interviewing, a deliv- Twenty years ago, after we
ery truck pulled up with the first proofread printouts of the pages
issue of the Pleasanton Weekly — late each Wednesday, they were
Vol. I, Number 1, Jan. 28, 2000. driven with the computer disk to
Everyone rushed out to ooh and the printers. Today they are sent
aah over this product of many electronically.
months’ efforts. Within minutes, The staff now also posts news
community members were stop- continually online, with a daily
ping by to view the edition and Express edition delivering head- Norwegian Cruise Line
offer congratulations. lines to readers’ email inboxes. I
Eventually we settled back down
to the interview, and editor Jeb
currently work part-time as the
editor of the Tri-Valley Life arts and
You’re Invited!
Bing stopped in for a while, too. entertainment section. Thursday, February 6 | 6:00pm - 6:30pm
As Bob explained the mission and But the excitement has never
talked about all things Pleasanton, abated as each week a delivery Your Local Travel Agency — Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Pleasanton —
I was hooked. I wanted this job! truck pulls up in front of the of- and Norwegian Cruise Line Expert Tracey Brown cordially invite you to our CRUISE NIGHT.
I wanted to help provide the dy- fice and stacks of the latest edition Learn about how Norwegian’s latest cruise ship innovations and entertainment
namic, idyllic city of Pleasanton of the Pleasanton Weekly, hot off
can provide the best vacation experiences for the whole family.
with the best possible newspaper. the press, are delivered. Q
Soon I had a second interview Editor’s note: Dolores Fox Ciardelli
with Bob and Jeb, and provided is Tri-Valley Life editor for the We’ll share the hottest destinations and itineraries and explore
more samples of my work and Pleasanton Weekly. Her column, how you can get the best value for cruising.
references. The offer letter came “Valley Views,” will appear in the
late on a Saturday, and I rushed paper on the second and fourth Exclusive Onboard Savings, Raffle, Expedia Extras and so much more.
to thrust it into my husband’s Fridays of the month.
SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVP TODAY
About the Cover
The Pleasanton Weekly celebrates its 20th anniversary this week; our first (925) 621-8822
edition published Jan. 28, 2000. Check out a collage of our favorite cover 4811 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton
pages from the past two decades, inside on Pages 12-13. Cover design by
Doug Young. www.cruiseshipcenters.com/pleasanton
Vol. XXI, Number 1
Pleasanton Weekly • January 31, 2020 • Page 3
Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN
How do you like to read
the Pleasanton Weekly?
Kris Moxley
Realtor
It comes in my mailbox every Friday. I really
enjoy bringing it into my house and read-
ing it from cover to cover, with a nice cup
of coffee. I was one of the first people, 20
years ago, to advertise my Realtor services
in the newspaper. I continue to advertise in
the Weekly to this very day because people
really read this local newspaper.
David Fisch
High tech
90% of the time, I read the Pleasanton
Weekly online. But if I’m out and about
and see the hard, physical version of it,
I grab a copy and sit down and read
it. I really enjoy the physical sensation
of turning the actual pages of the real,
@jjz!Mx;M@mRmb_ paper, newspaper.
bTnM`U.M@]nq@qMmbrjÝ Chris Pescatore
Dentist
I pick up a copy on Main Street every
9do^zWsVtpà9do^zWsVsVOObMWbaWbMà week and sit down with it at Peet’s and
read it. I really enjoy reading about and
keeping abreast of what is going on in
Osdto oWMUO dBblodUoBasB^O|dtsd|dtobO{sl_BKO our town.
J|lodyWMWbUptTTWKWObsTtbMpsdltoKVBpO|dtobO{sVdaO
JOTdoOpO__WbU|dtoKtooObsà9WsVdtoO{K_tpWyOdlsWdbÛzO
zW__TodbstlsdpW{adbsVpdT|dtoJoWMUO_dBblB|aObspà
B__TdoMOsBW_pà
Rick and Amy Decker Residents
2dUOsVOoÛ _Osäp WbKoOBpO |dto lodlOos|äp aBo^Os yB_tO J| We read it when it comes in our mailbox
tsW_WWbU dto dbKWOoUO lodUoBa BbM aB{WaWWbU |dto every week. And we save all of the issues
because (Rick’s) mom lived in Pleasanton
oOstobà .OKOWyO Bb BMyBbKO sdzBoMp sVO Kdpsp dT VdaO for over 30 years but recently moved to
WalodyOaObspOoyWKOpzWsVbdWbsOoOpsÛOyOoà Placerville. So when we visit her, we bring
them, or when she visits us, we take them
dbpWMOoWbUBadyOWbá OsĆpaOOssdaB^OBl_Bbà out for her. She binge-reads them all and
!d+oOpptoOà/OoWdtp_|à is so happy to be able to catch up on all
that is going on in Pleasanton.
B__tpsdMB|Bsøøà
Shivendre Basnet
Restaurant owner
$40M+ vo_taOWb
I read the paper when it comes out every
Friday. I usually read it while I’m work-
ing at the register here at The Everest
Momo, so that I know what is going on
in and around town and can talk about
trBbpBKsWdbpWb
current events with my customers.
39İ years of local experience
Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
—Compiled by Nancy Lewis
The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd.,
Mohseni Real Estate Group Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate,
USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton.
àà Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100
for two years. Go to PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information.
ptlldosŒJB|BoOBVdaObMOoàKda POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly,
5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. ©2020 by Embarcadero Media.
. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Page 4 • January 31, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST Measure P asks Livermore voters to
JDEDZ back
The Pleasanton City Council is
scheduled to take up the revised
decide fate of downtown hotel
Johnson Drive Economic Devel-
opment Zone during its regular
Centerpiece of city’s redevelopment plan hangs in the balance on March ballot
meeting next Tuesday evening. BY RYAN J. DEGAN to the Bankhead Theater on the east Plan” initiative scheduled to appear conference space, a bar/lounge area,
W
Sent back for more environ- ith the presidential pri- side of Livermore Avenue. on the citywide ballot in November. fitness room, pool and a fully or par-
mental review after a lawsuit, maries stealing most One facet of the lengthy and com- For many voters, the Measure P tially public rooftop deck area cov-
the JDEDZ represents the policy
headlines for the upcom- plex downtown debate, at its most election on March 3 is seen as a way ering a total area of approximately
and regulatory project that would
lay the foundation for bringing ing March election, a years-long basic a Yes vote on Measure P would to endorse either the city’s downtown 70,000 square feet.
a Costco store, two new hotels battle over the future of downtown approve the downtown hotel agree- redevelopment plan (a Yes vote) or The approval of the hotel agree-
and other businesses to the north Livermore will have at least one ment while a No vote would deny the alternate concept introduced last ment — to be developed by Presidio
side of town near the I-580/I-680 aspect resolved with Measure P on that project proposal to leave the summer (a No vote) — through the Co. and operated by AC Marriott
interchange. the ballot. property available for other rede- lens of the hotel location. Hotels — has brought significant
City staff says the new “revised Placed on the ballot after a citi- velopment or even remaining as an Measure P will be decided by a debate at City Council meetings
final supplemental environmental zen-submitted referendum petition, open parking lot. simple majority. and other gatherings in Livermore
impact report” is ready to go, Measure P specifically relates to a The formal opposition campaign Proposed for 2205 Railroad Ave., due to it being the centerpiece of
recommending its approval along development agreement with a ho- disagrees with the hotel location and the project locating the downtown Livermore’s long-desired downtown
with the rest of the JDEDZ pack-
telier approved by the Livermore size under the city’s plan, preferring hotel next to the Bankhead calls redevelopment
age. The Planning Commission
agreed, endorsing the updated City Council last summer that would an alternate hotel concept for the for a three-story hotel consisting of Soon after the council approved
JDEDZ package on Dec. 11. advance the city’s plan to place a yet- west side of Livermore Avenue that is between 125-135 rooms, approxi-
The council meeting is sched- unnamed “wine country hotel” next key to the opponents’ “Central Park mately 1,400 to 2,000 square feet of See MEASURE P on Page 7
uled to start at 7 p.m. Tuesday
(Feb. 4) at the Pleasanton Civic
Center, 200 Old Bernal Ave. Supervisor
Mental health talk
Las Positas College on Tues-
candidates
day is set to host a lecture and
Q&A session with Dr. Shashank debate
V. Joshi, a mental health expert
and Stanford University profes- Bacon, Hernandez,
sor, speaking on the topic, “Pro- Wieckowski share ideas
moting Mental Health in School
Settings.” at Weekly forum
Joshi is the training director
and director of school mental
health services in the Division of BY RYAN J. DEGAN
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry The race to replace retiring Al-
at Stanford Children’s Health. ameda County District 1 Supervisor
The speaker event featuring Scott Haggerty heated up last week
Joshi will run from 7-8:30 p.m. when three of the four elected of-
Tuesday (Feb. 4) in LPC’s Mertes ficials vying for the position took
Center for the Arts, Main The- to the debate stage to talk the finer
ater, Building 4000, in Livermore. points of regional governance at a
There is no charge for admission.
PUSD candidate forum in Livermore.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. RSVP by
this Sunday at alanhufoundation. Rendering of the new E10 campus planned at the Donlon Elementary site, as seen from Denker Drive. The new Presented by the Pleasanton
org. campus would be for grades 4-5 only, while the current Donlon school would be redesigned as K-3. Weekly, the Livermore Valley Cham-
The event is presented by Alan ber of Commerce and Livermore In-
Hu Foundation and LPC Psychol- divisible, the public forum brought
ogy Club in partnership with Lyra
Ghose of Stanford Medicine.
Board OKs Donlon redesign plans candidates together at Granada High
School in Livermore on Jan. 23 to
Site to split into separate K-3, 4-5 schools discuss some of the most pressing
‘Screenagers’ sequel issues facing the local community
Axis Community Health BY JULIA BAUM spokesman Patrick Gannon told lunch area will be housed in two and wider county such as homeless-
is hosting three, free Tri-Valley The Pleasanton Unified School the Weekly that the new school other structures. ness, traffic congestion, public trans-
showings of “Screenagers NEXT District Board of Trustees unani- will increase the entire site’s ca- All of the buildings will be portation, infrastructure and the Bay
CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for mously approved a design pacity to approximately 1,200 one story but some rooflines Area housing crisis.
Stress Resilience,” a sequel to the scheme on Tuesday night for students. will be raised in certain areas to A contest that at least in recent
film “Screenagers: Growing up in the new fourth/fifth grade school Conceptual renderings pre- break up the elevation and add history has not been hotly contested
the Digital Age” that examines the that’s being planned on part of sented by staff Tuesday evening visual interest. The E10 Elemen- — Haggerty has run unopposed in
science behind teens’ emotional
the Donlon Elementary School show the new school will face tary School Committee, com- five of his past six elections — the
challenges and the interplay of
social media. site. the corner of Denker Drive and prised of PUSD staff and Donlon field is deep this year with four ex-
“The NEXT CHAPTER provides Since December 2018, the Payne Road, on the backside of families and neighbors, worked perienced elected officials running
solutions and tools that can be trustees and administrators have the existing Donlon property, with Campbell-based Sugimura for the seat.
useful for youth and adults alike. developed plans and a $49.5 and will be separated by a large Finney Architects (SFA) to come Those candidates campaigning
Skills for resilience can truly make million budget for a separate site playfield. up with the E10 design plan. for the 1st Supervisorial District are
a difference in people’s lives,” said at Donlon — currently called Five buildings will be con- Some modifications were Fremont City Councilman Vinnie
Emma Gil, certified health educa- “E10,” as the district’s 10th el- structed including three class- based on that feedback, like Bacon, Dublin Mayor David Hau-
tion specialist with Axis. ementary campus — that will rooms buildings with shared adding physical education space bert, Dublin City Councilwoman
The first showing is next exclusively serve about 500 stu- collaborative spaces, counsel- with a changing room for spe- Melissa Hernandez and State Sen.
Wednesday (Feb. 5) at 6:30
dents in grades 4-5. ing offices and a staff lounge. cial day classroom students, as Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), who
p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Cen-
ter in downtown Pleasanton. The existing Donlon school Administrative offices and stu- well as the placement of cer- is being termed out at the state level.
Registration requested; RSVP will convert to a K-3 school dent services such as a library tain facilities and services. The The district includes Livermore,
at www.eventcombo.com with a projected enrollment and media center, multipurpose
(search for “Screenagers NEXT of about 700 students. PUSD room, music room, and covered See DONLON on Page 6 See DEBATE on Page 8
CHAPTER”). Q
Pleasanton Weekly • January 31, 2020 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
Meet the candidates for Zone 7 Board of Directors
Three incumbents, two challengers vying for trio of seats on March 3 election ballot
BY JULIA BAUM clean, safe drink- the Chain of Lakes,” Quigley said.
Tri-Valley voters will decide how ing water.” Green “Those are two current pieces of
to fill three seats on the Zone 7 holds a master’s landscape that we have the ability
Water Agency Board of Directors in civil engineer- to put more water in.”
from among five candidates in the ing from Stanford The network of non-vehicular
upcoming March 3 primary election. University, and trails along the Arroyo Mocho and
The top three candidates with the also sits on the Del Valle that connect Livermore,
most votes will win the seats out- city of Pleasan- Pleasanton and Dublin, and se-
right; there will be no runoff election. ton’s Committee Hugh Bussell Sandy Figuers Laurene Dick Quigley Angela curing funding for various water
The at-large positions representing on Energy and Green Ramirez projects are just a few of the items
Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore the Environment. Holmes that Quigley said he’s proud to have
for four-year terms are currently If elected, Green said she will wise water use. eight years has changed dramatically helped lead or support while on
filled by directors Angela Ramirez make informed decisions about Unlike Green, Bussell wants to from outside forces, and because I’ve the board. Quigley also sits on the
Holmes, Dick Quigley and Sandy things like potable reuse — better “see more of an exploration” of re- been on the board so long, I’m able Zone 7 administrative and finance
Figuers, each of whom is running for known as the process of recycling cycling water; he also said flood to see some of the background of committees.
re-election. Two challengers are on wastewater for potable use, which control management and water what these changes are being driven Ramirez Holmes, who served as
the ballot as well: Laurene Green and Green said doesn’t have “the scien- storage would be top priorities of by, and some of the potential good president a little more than a year
Hugh Bussell. tific assurance I’d like to see, so I’m his, though maintaining good rela- points and pitfalls that are occurring ago, joined the board after being
Zone 7 was also set to hold an elec- not convinced right now” — as well tionships with various stakeholders from these changes,” Figuers said. elected in 2012. The Pleasanton
tion for a fourth board seat, a special as flood control management and should also receive attention. “I can understand the internal resident owns a campaign consult-
two-year term to complete the rest water storage. “Our No. 1 interest is making workings of the basin as well as ing firm, serves on the ad hoc,
of an unexpired term left vacant by Particularly, Green shared her sure we supply clean water to resi- understand the internal workings of finance and liaison committees, and
a midterm resignation last year. But concerns about PFAS, which are dents and that we’re looking out for the State Water Project” that Zone 7 is also well known for her nonprofit
Director Michelle Smith McDonald, chemical contaminants that pose a them,” Bussell said. “We also have receives their water from, he added. work.
the Dublin resident appointed by the health risk to humans and have to be sure we’re fairly allocating the “I’m the technical guy on the board. Ramirez Holmes is running for
board last spring to initially fill the been detected in some local under- cost of water. People that use potable I want to remain on because you re-election and said she also will
vacancy before the election, was the ground aquifers. “We need to find water have different requirements need all of these viewpoints and ask to remain on the finance com-
only candidate to file for that two- the sources (of PFAS) and remove than those that we give untreated right now I’m really the only techni- mittee to “ask those tough ques-
year position so it won’t appear on them, and that’s a chore in itself — water to — we need to have a fair cal guy on there.” tions and be sure the agency stays
the ballot, Smith McDonald winning that’s the sort of thing I’d be propos- way of allocating those costs.” First elected in 2004, Quigley is accountable.”
the term unopposed. ing,” Green said. The incumbent directors seeking another veteran of the Zone 7 board She said her “most proud project
Formally known as the Alameda She also wants to expand Zone another term this year each told the who decided to give it another shot. has been the increased transparency
County Flood Control and Water 7’s water capture and storage capa- Weekly that the board needs expe- “I thought about not running; I with the public” by broadcasting
Conservation District, Zone 7 is a bilities, “which we not only need to rienced members with deep knowl- gave it a lot of thought, but I thought meetings on cable access television,
public agency that acts as a water do but, relative to climate change, edge about Zone 7 and its history, I had unfinished business,” Quigley for example.
wholesaler for water service provid- definitely need to.” needs, priorities, partnerships and told the Weekly. “There are several “I think those things have been
ers in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore Bussell is a new challenger as various projects. very new and inexperienced board really critical for increasing trust
and San Ramon’s Dougherty Valley well, but he might be familiar to Figuers, who has been on the members in there, really good folks, with the public as an agency, and
along with providing flood protec- locals; the Livermore resident ran in board since 2008, and served 12 and ... I know how long it took me I feel that’s been a priority, my role
tion in the Livermore and Amador the 2014 congressional race as the years before then in the ‘80s and to learn about water.” as a board member, and I will con-
valleys. Republican challenger against Rep. ‘90s, said he brings that and decades The former board president tinue to do that, hopefully,” Ramirez
Challenger Green, a hydrogeo- Eric Swalwell. Though Bussell lost of hydrogeology experience. Figuers added, “I really believe water is a Holmes said.
logic engineer from Pleasanton, told that election, the tech industry pro- is the current board president and way to keep our eyes on the ball “It’s a really important piece to
the Weekly that she will use her fessional said that he’s now running sits on the ad hoc, finance and water for a better quality of life,” and that ensure trust with our public but
scientific expertise to “try to bring to for Zone 7 in the hopes of bringing resources committees. he wants to diversify Zone 7’s water also with our retailers,” she added.
a more significant level that we have a different perspective to issues like “The water business over the last portfolio and be better prepared for “When I first came on the board,
droughts. Zone 7 did not have a very good
“I’ve followed the opportuni- relationship with retailers. I am very
ties for storage; locally, in the val- happy to say those relationships
ley, we have two opportunities, in have improved, and our regular liai-
20 19
PLEASANT
O
W E E K LY N
my opinion — Lake Del Valle and son meetings are a piece of that.” Q
The PUSD trustees commended
DONLON security details such as making
Continued from Page 5
sure the classroom windows aren’t
multipurpose room will be strate- placed too low and that the play-
gically placed next to the service field can be fully closed off to
Where the Client-Caregiver road to allow easy for pick up, separate the two campuses.
Relationship is Everything. drop off and loading during after-
hours and weekend events.
Measure I1 bond revenue will
fund the project, though an ad-
A lot of student services like ditional $6.34 million for traffic
counseling offices were also mitigation or the kids club expan-
moved from the administration sion cost is not included in the
area and placed by the classrooms budget at this time. The project
after further input, according to now moves into design develop-
Jocelyn Martinez, one of the lead ment before it will be submitted
designers. for review to the Division of State
“One key element that staff talk- Architect by fall.
ed about was not excluding those Groundbreaking is scheduled
individuals that need that extra for summer 2021, with the school
help and sending them to the opening for the 2022-23 school
admin, and creating this environ- year. Gannon said students may
ment where everyone feels wel- need to be temporarily relocated
come and it’s part of the classroom while construction is underway
core,” Martinez said. “Everyone but that the district will “work to
feels united, like a part of the minimize impacts for our school
team.” communities.” Q
Page 6 • January 31, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Winter Pruning Classes
Former Rep. Pete Stark dies Saturdays at 11 am
m
Legislator represented Pleasanton, East Bay during 40-year tenure in Congress Feb. 1st Citrus and avocados
Feb. 8th *iÀi>Ã>`yÜiÀ}Ã ÀÕLÃ
ÕLÃ
Former U.S. Rep. Fortney “Pete” Wis., Stark served and Fremont, plus parts of Oakland
Stark, who represented Pleasanton in the U.S. Air and Pleasanton at the time he was Please join our own Lita Gates for an informative series of classes on Winter
during parts of his four decades in Force from 1955 unseated by Eric Swalwell. pruning. Pest control, feeding and general care will also be covered during the
class. No registration is necessary, but let us know if you plan to attend any or
Congress, died last Friday at his to 1957 and earned Swalwell weighed in Friday night all. All classes are free. Money saving coupon and prize drawing after each class.
home in Anne Arundel County, Md. a master’s degree on Stark’s death.
He was 88. from the UC Berke- “Pete Stark gave the East Bay de-
Tributes came in over the weekend ley’s Haas School of cades of public service as a voice in 2019
2756 Vineyard Ave. PLEASANTON
W E E K LY
from government officials in remem- Business in 1960. Congress for working people,” Swal-
brance of Stark, who was a congress- In 1963 he found-
Pete Stark
well said on Twitter. “His knowledge Pleasanton
man from 1973 until January 2013. ed Security National Bank in Wal- of policy, particularly health care, 925.462.1760
“My sympathies go out to the nut Creek, which eventually had and his opposition to unnecessary
Open Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Stark family. He was such a promi- branches in several cities in Alameda wars demonstrated his deep care
Sunday: 10am - 4:30pm
nent voice for the communities of and Contra Costa counties and still and spirit. Our community mourns
the East Bay and ably represented exists today. his loss.” www.westerngardennursery.com • facebook.com/wgnursery
our interests over a lifetime of pub- Originally a Republican, Stark — A former president also praised
lic service in Congress,” Pleasanton a strident opponent of the Vietnam Stark.
City Manager Nelson Fialho told the War — became a Democrat. As a “Pete believed in the power of
Weekly.
“Congressman Stark dedicated his
congressman, he was often blunt,
and made controversial and some-
government to make a real difference
in people’s lives. And he proved it
Howard G. Seebach
life to defending every American’s times indelicate statements. But his for 40 years,” former President Bill Howard Seebach passed
right to quality, affordable health fellow electeds said he always put his Clinton said, in part, in a statement away from heart failure
care,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D- constituents first. Saturday. in this home at Heritage
San Francisco) said in a statement. Stark represented different parts Stark is survived by his wife Deb- Estates, Livermore, CA, on
“Personally and professionally, I was of the East Bay throughout his four orah, seven children, eight grand- January 23. He was 89 years
proud to work with Pete to pass the decades in Congress, including parts children and two great-grandchil- old.
Affordable Care Act, which stands of Pleasanton, amid different redis- dren. Memorial service details are He was born in
as a pillar of health and economic tricting cycles. His district included pending. Q Germantown, PA, to Louis
security in America today.” Alameda, Union City, Hayward, —Story by Bay City News Service, with and Mildred Godfrey
Born Nov. 11, 1931 in Milwaukee, Newark, San Leandro, San Lorenzo Weekly editor Jeremy Walsh contributing. Seebach, the older brother
of George Louis Seebach.
Howard graduated from
undermine the right to have a offers more parking, retail, open Wilmington (DE) Friends
MEASURE P meaningful opportunity to vote on space and less dense housing than School, the University of
Continued from Page 5
the Central Park Plan,” she added. the Central Park Plan. Delaware and then Cornell
the hotel agreement in July 2019, “The people deserve to have an up “The wine country hotel at the University with a M.B.A. in 1960.
a local group named Citizens for a or down vote on the Central Park Bankhead is the anchor for Stock- He served in the Army for six years and was honorably
Livermore Central Park opposed to Plan without a conflicting develop- men’s Park which enabled the suc- discharged as Captain and Commanding Officer of a Basic
the city’s hotel plan started a refer- ment agreement that muddies the cess of the entire downtown proj- Training Unit in Fort Hood, TX. While in Germany, he
endum petition seeking to overturn waters.” ect,” added Asa Strout, co-manager served as 2nd Lieutenant, Company Commander, 510th
the decision. Opponents claim that not only of Unify Livermore — a resident Tank Battalion, 5th Corp. It was in Germany that he
Eventually garnering enough was the city’s approval of the hotel group in support of Measure P. married his first wife and mother of his four children,
votes to place the issue on the agreement done in order to block Alma Stevens Seebach, who was an American teacher on
March 3 ballot, opponents argue the Central Park Plan, but that ‘It would undermine the base. Howard later married Emilie Green in 1988 and
that not only would it be better to community input was not consid- enjoyed 24 years of marriage, until her death in 2012.
have a larger hotel consisting of up ered when approving the city plan. the right ... to vote on Howard worked with the DuPont Company for over 30
to 160 rooms and located on the Measure P supporters instead years in sales and marketing leadership roles and, after he
west side of Livermore Avenue, but argue the hotel plan has been well the Central Park Plan’ retired, produced Sales Meetings with his wife Emilie, as
the existing property next to the thought-out and analyzed through Seebach & Seebach.
Tamara Reus,
Bankhead could best be utilized as the city’s rigorous review process No on Measure P After retirement, Howard served as Pleasanton, CA
a multi-use parking structure that that included input from commu- Parks & Recreation Commissioner and later Civic
includes a first-floor restaurant. nity members, unlike the Central But still looming is the initiative Arts Commissioner. He was very active at Livermore
Opponents further disagree Park Plan and hotel idea that some measure scheduled to appear on Presbyterian Church, serving on Pastor nominating
with the hotel location due to it city leaders call a conceptual “draw- Livermore voters’ November ballot. committees and in the Session.
being the centerpiece of the city- ing” containing false claims created While Measure P relates specifically Howard loved a stage, an audience, a good story and
approved Downtown Specific Plan, by a small dissenting group. to the city’s development agree- a good joke. He loved his family and his friends from all
which Citizens for a Livermore “Voters should say Yes to Mea- ment for the downtown hotel next parts of his life. He loved an adventure. One of his favorite
Central Park oppose in favor of sure P because it will allow the to the Bankhead, November’s ini- quotations was “Life is not a journey to the grave with the
their own vision for downtown — city to make immediate progress tiative will ask residents to approve intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body,
their so-called “Central Park Plan.” towards building a beautiful wine or deny the resident-submitted but rather to skid-in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally
country hotel adjacent to the Bank- Central Park Plan alternative over worn out, proclaiming, wow what a ride!”
‘It will allow the city head Theater. It’s a thoroughly de- the council’s Downtown Specific Howard is predeceased by his brother George Louis
veloped plan with a reputable de- Plan. Seebach, his second wife Emilie and her two daughters,
to make immediate veloper, and is sized appropriately The initiative plan also involves Lisa Hector and Lori Tittle. He is survived by his children
for our economy,” Lori Souza, a placing the downtown hotel on Steven Seebach (wife Mary Jane), Cathy Seebach Rigl
progress’ leader of the Yes on Measure P the west side of Livermore Avenue (husband Ted), Jayne Seebach vanDusen (husband Tad)
Lori Souza, campaign, told the Weekly. instead of the city’s location on the and David Seebach, and stepson Ron Green (wife Donna),
Yes on Measure P According to the ballot argument east side. his 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, as well as
supporting Measure P, not only is The impact of the final Measure his first wife Alma Stevens Seebach Bergmann, 93, and,
“Practically speaking, Measure the hotel a fiscally responsible de- P decision on the November initia- lastly, his rescue dog Gomer.
P is about much more than a sign that will lead to greater traffic tive remains unclear, though Mea- The Celebration of Life service and reception will be
hotel. The City Council created circulation and benefits for local sure P supporters say a Yes vote in held on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1pm at Livermore Presbyterian
a downtown redevelopment plan businesses, but it was created using March will enable Presidio to begin Church. Online condolences may be made at https://
that overlooked the preferences input from thousands of Livermore the development process for the w w w.legacy.com/obituaries/name/howard-seebach-
of the majority of citizens who residents. hotel project. obituary?pid=195150171
participated in its public outreach The ballot argument adds that To learn more about Measure P, In lieu of flowers, please donate to a scholarship fund at
process,” No on P campaign leader the hotel is the crown jewel of including the full arguments for YMCA Camp Tockwogh, www.ymcacamptockwogh.org.
Tamara Reus told the Weekly. the city’s Downtown Specific Plan, and against, visit www.cityofliver-
PA I D O B I T U A RY
“If Measure P passes, it would which Measure P proponents say more.net/citygov/clerk/elections. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • January 31, 2020 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
DEBATE outreach and research are needed in
order to ensure that residents receive
people on 580 trying to get to their
jobs,” Hernandez said. “With regards
Continued from Page 5
support from the appropriate county to Valley Link, making sure that this
Dublin, Sunol and Fremont. Any services. Both candidates said that project gets accomplished is huge.”
candidate could win the District while some homeless residents may As the chair of the Senate Bud-
1 position outright in the primary be eligible to receive jobs support, get Committee on Transportation,
election if they earn more than 50% others may benefit more from coun- Wieckowski said transit projects are
of the vote. If no one wins a major- seling or addiction services. not just a passing interest for him
ity on March 3, then the top two Wieckowski agreed with this sen- and that he is all in favor of con-
finishers would advance to a runoff timent and added that in order to necting ACE, Valley Link and BART,
to be held during the general elec- ensure adequate funding for these taking cars off of the road and con-
tion on Nov. 3. services, an accurate count in the necting the region with communi-
On-hand to participate in the upcoming census is paramount. ties throughout the Bay Area.
Weekly’s forum were Bacon, Her- “One of the challenges we have, Bacon added that while he is
nandez and Wieckowski. Haubert just a pitch for the census, is that himself a big supporter of large
was unable to attend due to a 26% of the people in Alameda transit projects and supports Val-
scheduling conflict with the U.S. County are suspected of being un- ley Link, they are expensive and
Conference of Mayors in Washing- dercounted and if we don’t get the the real cause of traffic congestion
ton, D.C. — but the Dublin mayor right count, then we’re not going lies in “a massive housing jobs
did send representatives to share to be able to get the funding that imbalance.”
Janette Ann Pappas opening and closing statements on
his behalf.
we get from the federal and state
government” he said.
By incentivizing businesses to
place jobs closer to where people
July 18, 1947 - January 17, 2020 During the questions period, the Wieckowski further added that live, Bacon argued the county can
three candidates agreed on a variety as supervisor, he would push for reduce the amount of traffic in a
Janette Ann Pappas was of issues such as reducing traffic in local communities to streamline more affordable way.
the area, supporting homeless resi- the process for approving accessory The three candidates also an-
born on July 18, 1947 in
dents and promoting innovation in dwelling units (ADUs) in residential swered questions on how they
Stanley, North Dakota to the area, but they often disagreed on homes — saying that while it is not view the role of county supervisor,
Herman and Elizabeth the best way to achieve these goals. the final answer, it is an affordable supporting agricultural industries,
Dzubur. Jan passed away opportunity to increase the region’s Santa Rita Jail safety and criminal
Homeless support
peacefully at the home of supply of available homes. justice in Alameda County, afford-
her son on January 17th, When asked how to best support able housing solutions for specif-
Housing solutions
2020 surrounded by family Alameda County’s estimated 8,000 ic groups like adults with special
homeless residents, Hernandez said Piggybacking off the previous needs, military veterans and se-
and friends. Jan attended “it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, topic, housing solutions were an- niors, and how they would rep-
Arroyo High School in San not all people are homeless for the other top item of discussion, with resent the Tri-Valley at the county
Lorenzo where she met same reason.” Bacon and Hernandez advocat- level.
her husband, Tom Pappas. Bacon and Hernandez stressed ing for affordable housing, while Unable to participate in the
Tom and Jan were married in 1966 and had three that homeless residents are not a Wieckowski pushed for streamlined forum, Haubert was offered the
children, Thomas, Timothy, and Elizabeth. Tom and monolith, and that continued development processes and ADUs. opportunity to have proxies read
“We really need to look at more opening and closing statements on
Jan moved to Pleasanton in 1979. Jan retired from
affordable housing,” Bacon said. “I’ve his behalf.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in April of seen it over and over on the Fre- “We deserve a proven leader who
2019 after a wonderful 39-year career. Jan and Tom mont City Council: Developers want can work well with others, who
enjoyed traveling, attending their grandchildren’s to build market rate housing; they is trusted and well respected of
sporting events, and being with family and friends. don’t want to do affordable housing. the mayors and other community
A celebration of life will be held for Jan at the Sunol 2015
We need to push that more because leaders, we deserve a leader who is
event center, Saturday February 1st at 11am. what’s happening is ... we have a real truly community-oriented thinker,
dearth in affordable housing now.” putting the needs of us residents
PAID OBITUARY Wieckowski pointed out that as first, a leader with a proven track
he sees it, housing is in such short record of success who knows how
supply simply because not enough to get things done,” Len DiGiovan-
homes are being produced, and a ni, a supporter of Haubert, told the
Fred Arlt We Now big reason for that is because of the audience during closing remarks.
Sell Dog policies and fees imposed by local “A visionary recognizing potential
December 6, 1943 - January 12, 2020 governments. Through streamlin- solutions to reduce homelessness,
Food ing the review process and thus traffic congestion, upgrade our in-
Fred Arlt, 76, passed away January increasing the supply available to frastructure and improve our over-
12, 2020 at Stonehenge Skilled Nursing residents, both the shortage and all quality of life.”
of Cedar City, Utah. He was born pricing of homes can be improved, Haggerty was also in attendance,
December 6, 1943 in Farmingdale, NY Chip Car Key he argued. opening the forum with a brief
to Frederick and Amy Arlt, deceased. Hernandez pointed to Dublin’s overview of the District 1 supervi-
He grew up in Pleasanton, CA and
went to Humboldt State University
$
6999
(Some Restrictions
successful efforts to increase avail-
able affordable housing within its
borders and that local governments
sor position and the Board of Su-
pervisors as a whole.
The forum was moderated by
before being drafted to Vietnam. Fred Apply) should be encouraged to support Pleasanton Weekly editor Jeremy
served his country honorably. Fred
married Gwen October 28, 1989 in Ask Us About: developments and take advantage
of state and county funds to do so.
Walsh, with support onstage from
Dawn Argula, CEO and president
Rescreening Or New Window of the Livermore Valley Chamber of
San Ramon, CA. Screens, Sharpening Knives, Traffic and transit
Fred worked for GE Vallecitos Commerce. A video recording of the
Scissors, Chainsaws, Mower
Blades and Many Candidates generally agreed that forum produced by Amos Produc-
Nuclear, in Sunol, CA for 40 years. Fred is survived by his wife, supporting public transportation — tions is available for viewing online.
Garden Tools.
Gwen Arlt; sons Jeff of Livermore Ca and Brian (Temera) of with a particular concentration on Visit www.PleasantonWeekly.com. Q
Pioneer CA; step-daughter, Heather Bradshaw (Michael) of Valley Link — would be key in mit- Editor’s note: Livermore Indivisible
Parowan UT; four grandchildren; Logan, Ciarra, Evan and igating traffic congestion through- worked with the candidates to schedule
Leatrice; William (Sharon) of Los Gatos CA; sister Barbara out the region. the forum date. After Jan. 23 was agreed
Hartsell of Patterson CA and numerous others. Two Locations to serve you: “With traffic, Valley Link is obvi- upon, Haubert later realized he had
1807 Santa Rita Rd, Pleasanton ously the key for (Interstate) 580. a conflict with the U.S. Conference of
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s
Phone (925) 846-0660 The houses are going to be built, Mayors, but because the venue had been
Association in memory of Fred Arlt. A Celebration of Life will be they have already been approved secured and other logistics arranged,
652 Main Street, Pleasanton
held on May 16th. RSVP: bjharts@comcast.net Phone (925) 846-0727 and Tracy is the perfect example. So the forum was too far along to be
PAID OBITUARY
www.truevalue.com/pleasanton the traffic there will (mean) more rescheduled.
Page 8 • January 31, 2020 • Pleasanton Weekly
COMMUNIT Y PULSE
James Stewart Kane
POLICE BULLETIN according to authorities.
Police also reported the following
Kelly, who has addresses in New-
ark and Fremont, suffered a single December 14, 1925 – January 21, 2020
day that the Tesla’s battery reignited gunshot wound to his right leg and
after the car had been taken away was treated at a local hospital. James (Jim) Kane
Local attorney of Pleasanton died on
from the scene. Fire crews respond- Livermore police said that at
identified as victim in ed to contain the flames. about 3:25 a.m. on Jan. 22 two Tuesday January 21. Jim
fiery fatal crash A UCLA-educated attorney, Fres- officers pulled over a Toyota driver was born in the Bitterroot
chi focused on business clients with whom they suspected of driving Valley, in rural Montana,
The Alameda County Coroner’s franchise law and general counsel under the influence on southbound near the town of Corvallis,
Bureau on Monday confirmed the services, according to a professional Airway Boulevard south of Kitty on December 14, 1925.
identity of the Pleasanton man profile posted on the Hacienda web- Hawk Road near Interstate 580. He graduated from
killed in a fiery fatal crash at Ha- site from January 2015, soon after The officers walked the Toyota Corvallis High School in
cienda Drive and West Las Positas he moved his firm’s office to the driver off the roadway and onto a 1943 and enlisted in the
Boulevard more than a week earlier Pleasanton business park. It is un- private access road to conduct a Army in September of
as 58-year-old Joseph S. Freschi. clear where his practice was based sobriety check but several minutes that year, where he was
Freschi, who was a local attorney, at the time of his death. later they saw a black 2011 Kia Soul assigned to the Infantry.
was the only occupant of a 2018 He also had prior professional ex- traveling south on Airway Boule- He saw combat in Europe and was awarded battle
Tesla Model S that lost control and perience as a deputy city attorney in vard and then turning onto the ac- stars for the Rhineland and Central Europe as well
slammed into a traffic signal pole the city/county of San Francisco as cess road, according to police. as the Silver Star and the combat infantry badge.
and cement wall in front of the well as counsel for 24-Hour Fitness, The Kia Soul driver, later identi- His unit liberated the Nazi concentration camp at
Andares condo complex around 6 Planet Fitness and Rockin’ Jump, ac- fied as Kelly, accelerated directly Flossenburg, Germany. After the conclusion of the
p.m. Jan. 18. cording to the Hacienda profile. at the officers and the pulled-over war in Europe he served in the occupation of Japan.
The cause of the crash, as well as Freschi was listed as executive driver so the officers fired their guns He was discharged from the military service in
final determination of Freschi’s cause vice president and general coun- at him as he allegedly tried to run April, 1946.
of death, remain under investigation. sel for Rockin’ Jump, the indoor them over, police said. In the fall of 1946 Jim enrolled at what is now
The Pleasanton Police Department trampoline park company based in The officers and the pulled-over Montana State University, in Bozeman, majoring in
did not respond to requests for up- Pleasanton with dozens of franchise driver were able to avoid the Kia Chemistry. During the summers he worked for the
dates on the case this week. locations open nationwide. Soul, which Kelly then drove to the U.S. Forest Service as a lookout-smoke chaser in the
The fatal crash unfolded when end of the access road before making Bitterroot Forest of Western Montana.
In other news Upon graduating from Bozeman Jim was employed
the Tesla driver — later identified as a U-turn. The Kia Soul eventually
Freschi — lost control for unknown • A man with a previous convic- stalled at the entrance of the access as a process chemist, working for General Electric
reasons at the prominent intersec- tion for resisting arrest was charged road and other responding officers Company at the Hanford, Washington facility which
tion while traveling southbound on with three counts of attempted mur- took Kelly into custody, police said. produced plutonium.
Hacienda Drive, according to the der last Friday for allegedly trying to Kelly was charged with two counts In February 1952 Jim became a graduate student in
original police statement. strike two police officers and another of attempted murder of a peace of- Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.
The Tesla struck a traffic signal man in Livermore two days earlier. ficer for allegedly to strike Livermore He received his PhD in June of 1955. While at
pole and a cement wall, and then Matthew Kelly, 38, who was shot officers Kurt Cofer and Eric Santin, Berkeley he met Marilyn Murphy and in June 1954
caught fire, according to police. It by officers after he allegedly tried to and an additional attempted murder they were married. The following year the couple
took the coroner’s bureau several hit them, was arraigned on Friday count for allegedly trying to hit the moved to Livermore, where Jim joined what was
days to confirm the identity of the and is scheduled to return to court pulled-over Toyota driver. Q then UCRL, now the Lawrence Livermore National
driver because of the condition today to be assigned an attorney and —Jeremy Walsh and Laboratory. At the lab Jim would eventually become
of the body after the fiery crash, possibly enter a plea. Bay City News Service the Head of the Chemistry and Materials Science
Department. In 1963 Jim and his family moved to
POLICE REPORT Pleasanton, where all of his children attended public
schools. In the early 1970s Jim was a member of the
The Pleasanton Police Department made Q 11:26 p.m. on the 4200 block of First Q 11:53a.m. on the 000 block of
the following information available. Street
Pleasanton elementary school board.
Vintage Circle
In 1974, subsequent to the oil embargo by
Jan. 25 Theft
Q 6:23p.m., 1400 block of Stoneridge OPEC, Jim moved to Washington, D.C. where he
Q 8:43a.m., 5800 block of Owens
Auto theft
Drive; theft from auto
Mall Road; shoplifting organized and directed the first organization in the
Q 8:38 a.m. on the 4900 block of Federal government responsible for research and
Owens Drive Q 11:49 a.m., 5100 block of Oakdale Q 9:35p.m., 1000 block of Stoneridge
Sex offense Court Mall Road; theft from auto development on the conservation of energy. He was
Q 10:28 a.m. on Arroyo Drive
later appointed Deputy Director for Energy Research
Burglary in the Department of Energy.
Jim left government service in February,
Q 10:56 a.m. on the 2700 block of
Trevor Parkway Margaret ‘Peggy’ McLain 1985, and returned to work for the University of
Vandalism California as Special Assistant to the President of
Q 3:52 p.m. on the 3500 block of May 7, 1932 – January 24, 2020 the University, with responsibilities for assisting
Kirkcaldy Street
with the relationship between the University and
DUI
Q 10:15 p.m. at Bernal Avenue and Oak
the three National Labs for whom it was contractor:
Margaret ‘Peggy’ McLain the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the
Vista Way
Weapons violation
passed away peacefully at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Lawrence
Q 11:40 p.m. on the 4800 block of home after a long illness with Berkeley National Laboratory. He retired in 1991 and
Hopyard Road Parkinson’s disease. She lived lived first in his Pleasanton home and subsequently in
Drug violation in Pleasanton for 53 years the Parkview Assisted Living Facility until his death.
Q 11:40 p.m. on the 4800 block of
Hopyard Road and had many ties to the After his retirement, Jim was an active member of
community. She is survived the Livermore-Amador Valley Garden Club.
Jan. 24 His wife died in 2006, and in her honor, Jim
by her two daughters, Pamela
Theft
and Cynthia, granddaughter provided funding to the city of Pleasanton for the
Q 8:21 a.m. on the 1600 block of East construction of the Marilyn Murphy Kane Trail
Gate Way Nicole and many bonus grand
Q 10:33 a.m., 7700 block of Fairoaks
along the Arroyo de la Laguna west of town.
and great-grandchildren. Jim is survived by Tom (Diann Lewis), of Menlo
Drive; theft from auto
Q 1:53 p.m. on the 6500 block of
Friends and family are Park, Lisa (Richard) Walsh, of Orinda, and Bruce
Lansing Court invited to her memorial (Erica), of Chevy Chase, MD. Also surviving are
Q 4:27 p.m. on the 4300 block of service on Saturday, February seven granddaughters, Lindsay, Dana and Cameron
Foothill Road
Q 9:14 p.m. on the 4300 block of
1st at 1:00p.m. at Graham-Hitch Mortuary in Pleasanton Walsh; Allison and Amy Lewis; and Laurel and Holly
Clovewood Lane with a reception at Graham-Hitch following the service. Kane. Two sisters and a brother predeceased him.
Vandalism In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made Jim was a congenial and friendly individual, who
Q 4:53 p.m. on the 4100 block of
to either the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Wounded will be missed by his surviving family and by many
Vineyard Avenue coworkers and friends. Interment is scheduled for
Warriors in Peggy’s name.
Jan. 23 Friday January 31 at 11 am at the St. Augustine
Warrant arrest Cemetery in Pleasanton.
Q 3:58 a.m. on the 3300 block of PAID OBITUARY PA I D O B I T U A RY
Stanley Boulevard
Pleasanton Weekly • January 31, 2020 • Page 9
Opinion
EDITORIAL THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY
Vote Yes on Livermore’s Measure P, Sunol and Dublin school bonds
Here are the Pleasanton Weekly’s overwhelmingly endorsed vocal Measure O in Sunol students from other tax bases. More We hope district leaders realize
recommendations for Measure P in supporters of the city plan. In fact, importantly, the facility needs at the this too, and recognize the local
Livermore, Measure O in Sunol, the opposition couldn’t even re- Sunol Glen Unified School Dis- school are so striking, for current property tax base will not be an
Measure J in Dublin and Measure ally convince any candidate to back trict is asking its residents to ap- and future students in Sunol. open account to be tapped any
Y in Danville on the March 3 ballot their position against the city’s pro- prove a $9.5 million facilities bond Vote Yes on Measure O for time. So, we also encourage them to
in those respective Tri-Valley com- posal — even though one council measure. SGUSD. advocate legislators to fix the broken
munities. We reached our decisions seat was open for the taking by any We support Measure O. system for school facilities funding
after meeting with representatives of challenger. The district, which hasn’t seen that exists in California — that ex-
Measure J in Dublin
declared campaigns on either side. After that election, the newly a new bond measure since 1999, ists because of the State Legislature.
seated council worked to solidify is desperately in need of facility The $290 million Measure J bond But in terms of need that exists
a downtown redevelopment vision upgrades that effectively can only is another vital funding source for in Dublin, now, just look at the
Measure P in Livermore
vetted by the public. be funded through a local bond Dublin Unified School District as it second comprehensive high school,
Voters in the city of Livermore But the opponents are back again, issuance. continues to address facility impacts an estimated nine-figure project on
will again weigh in on the down- aiming to overturn the hotelier The bond resolution clearly out- of breathtaking enrollment growth the east side of town that is only
town redevelopment debate with agreement (so a Yes on Measure P lines the necessary facilities projects over the past decade or so. partially funded by previous bond
Measure P, a ballot issue resulting is in favor of the council plan, and a that the new property tax of $59 Central to DUSD’s new bond pro- money. Dublin High School is on
from a referendum petition chal- No is against it), along with a related per $100,000 of assessed valuation posal is dedicated money to com- track to have some 3,500 students
lenging the City Council’s approval initiative measure espousing their will fund at the nearly century-old plete the second phase of the future next school year; that’s three times
of a hotel development agreement “Central Park Plan” scheduled for campus, including classroom build- new comprehensive high school and as many students as the campus had
in the summer. the November election. ing upgrades, 21st century labs and construction of a new middle school in the early 2000s. Unsustainable.
The hotel agreement with devel- Despite efforts of initiative back- technology, modern infrastructure, on the Dublin Crossing site, as well Vote Yes on Measure J for DUSD.
oper Presidio calls for a three-story ers to argue contrary, it is hard to better accessibility and a brand-new as capacity relief at the elementary
hotel with 125-135 rooms next consider their “Central Park Plan” as multipurpose room to replace the level and upgrades to some existing
Measure Y in Danville
to the Bankhead Theater on the nothing more than an unvetted idea deteriorating 1950s-era cafeteria — school campuses.
east side of Livermore Avenue. The that hinges on an infancy-stage con- an MPR that will also be available These larger projects are para- We are also recommending a Yes
hotel project is the centerpiece of ceptual drawing — a smoke screen year-round for community rental mount, and seem to us to be the vote in Danville on Measure Y, in
the city’s downtown redevelopment conjured to confuse the citizenry and as an evacuation center. final key pieces to the overcrowding favor of the Magee Preserve residen-
plan. and conceal some yet-unclear true District leaders found broad sup- problems for the coming years. And tial development with 69 houses
The hotel location is a main source intent. port when polling voters earlier these projects cannot occur without clustered on a small portion of the
of disagreement for the No on Mea- We encourage Livermore voters in the bond consideration process Measure J. property and the remaining 381
sure P folks. They instead want a to seek out accurate information (66.7%-70.4% in favor, for a bal- The voter-approved local funds acres reserved as permanent open
larger hotel (up to 160 rooms) on and fair perspectives when research- lot measure requiring 55% voter are necessary to advance these con- space.
the west side of Livermore Avenue, ing Measure P. And we hope they approval). struction projects as quickly as pos- The project, championed by
in keeping with their alternative continue to see through the misin- We also recognize there is no sible, as well as position the district Davidon Homes and approved by
idea for downtown overall. formation — and disinformation formal opposition argument on the to potentially acquire matching dol- the Danville Town Council, would
We support the council-approved — pushed primarily by the interests ballot. lars from the state. accomplish key community goals
agreement in line with the city’s of a small faction of well-funded That said, earlier this week we DUSD has proven to be effective around hillside preservation, bicycle
Downtown Specific Plan that re- residents. heard from a Sunol resident critical stewards of local bond funds to date safety, emergency access and de-
ceived significant community sup- The city’s hotel agreement calls of Measure O, saying some town — of course, we recognize they’ve velopment in line with Danville’s
port, from widespread sources for an appropriately sized facility residents weren’t even aware of the had plenty of practice, to the tune character, as well as position pub-
throughout Livermore, during an in the best location to enhance the bond measure and are concerned of $566 million from three other lic agencies well for future traffic
extensive public outreach and re- vitality of downtown. And more about their tax burden given the bonds since 2004. improvements — contrary to mis-
view process. importantly, it is the first step in number of interdistrict transfer stu- We understand that the new leading statements from referendum
The city’s downtown planning bringing the community’s vision for dents at Sunol Glen School. property tax resulting from Mea- petitioners.
was the central issue of the Liver- redeveloping downtown to fruition. We disagree with the notion that sure J ($50 per $100,000 of as- Our full endorsement article on
more mayoral and council elec- Vote Yes on Measure P in the bond measure would result in sessed valuation) will impact Dublin Measure Y is available online at
tions in November 2018, and voters Livermore. Sunol residents unduly subsidizing residents. DanvilleSanRamon.com. Q
into district reserves. total of $1.2 billion for both bonds. seeing town halls or introductions themselves out of the road. And the
LETTERS The ballot language cannot cover
important details noted in the 14-
Pleasanton has shown generous
support for K-12 education; we
to the candidates for this districts
congressional seat.
most dangerous part is the goal is
not held down with nothing but a
When it’s time — page resolution or the references to also can give the gift of time. Judging by the negative opinions big brick.
Not the false choice of the bond project list that: The district needs at least two of Eric Swalwell, I would think —Gregory Ziegler
‘now or never’ • Are vague enough to be funda- more years to make progress on proj- serious contenders need to show us
mentally identical to the current ects from the current tax, to properly who they are and if they have any
Platelets and plasma
Dear Editor, bond. house our children and teachers, to real interest in helping our district
Measure M, a new tax proposed • State: “the Bond Project List is not focus on the productive use of funds and not just taking our money to Thank you for the article pro-
on the March 2020 ballot, asks for a guarantee that the project will be already raised or approved, and to promote themselves in Washington. moting Red Cross Blood donations.
$323 million in additional funding. completed, regardless of whether return to voters with the benefit of a Please introduce any serious They need all the help they can get.
Why should Pleasanton voters ap- bond funds are available.” track record of success. candidates. An article on donating platelets
prove another tax now? • State funds cannot be used Now is not that time; please vote —Ann Montgomery and plasma would also be very
Based on the progress of projects for current maintenance, opera- No on Measure M. helpful and informative. I have been
with the current $270M bond (Mea- tions, or repairs, but lists projects —Kathleen Ruegsegger, donating platelets for a long time.
Basketball goals
sure I1), with much of the money in to “renovate,” “repair,” and “for Former PUSD trustee (1990-93) The donation takes longer but you
reserve accounts and unspent, it is rehabilitation.” I have the same position; the goal are not losing any blood; therefore
unlikely the district can also collect A list with these caveats provides in my neighborhood is very, very you can donate much more often.
Swalwell challengers?
this new tax and complete the col- no guarantees or protection to de- close to the road. There be about 10 The platelets go to cancer patients.
lective list of projects all at the same liver tangible results for our invest- Who is seriously running for to 15 kids in the middle of the road Keep up the good work.
time. Passing Measure M now means ment. The district has estimated Congressman Swalwell’s seat as every day; cars must stop to let the —Rosmarie Tanner
money, well in advance of work, will passing M will have a payback obli- representative of our district? kids get out of the road and they
be collected from taxpayers and put gation of $661M — a breathtaking Wondering why we are not move very, very slowly removing See LETTERS on Page 11
Page 10 • January 31, 2020 • Pleasanton WeeklyYou can also read
