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Local singer’s
‘Lifetime’
of inspiration
Page 14
VOL. XXII, NUMBER 30 • AUGUST 20, 2021 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
School is in session
Students return to campus for full-time learning at Pleasanton Unified
Page 12
5 NEWS Council confirms Weekend on Main end date
10 PULSE No charges pursued in February fatal crash
17 SPORTS Remembering my dad, coach Harry Miller
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Page 2 • August 20, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
WHAT A WEEK BY JEREMY WALSH
To mask, or not to mask
O ur editor emeritus Jeb Bing
suggested on more than one
occasion this spring, in our
weekly Zoom staff meetings, that I
take on the topic of face coverings.
reform movement or agencies issuing
fine-based citations to residents en
masse in the middle of a pandemic
would have been nonsensical.
But if we’re going with “mandates”
I balked. The timing didn’t seem
right with the state’s June 15 “reopen-
again, we need conversations on ef-
fective enforcement soon.
522 HEMME AVE, ALAMO - $4,980,000
ing” date nearing and it appeared And to be fair, as useful a tool as
more and more likely we’d be saying they may be, masks would rank low-
goodbye to masks in most situations est on my top-3 list for ending the
for good. pandemic, limiting the variants and
Or at least that’s what I told myself. eradicating COVID-19 for good.
With some truth, sure, but holding First is clearly the innovative in-
off was also a calculated decision oculation we’re fortunate enough
with probably a hint of cowardice. to have. I’m on-record there: Pfizer
My words have weight (and reper- double-tap for me.
cussions) in this role, and it’s daunt- No. 2, and not talked about nearly 4 Bedrooms - 5.5 Bathrooms - 6,224 Sq Ft - .98 Acre Lot
ing to have to deal with discussions enough in public discourse, is stay-
so unnecessarily politicized. ing home and isolating if you feel Magnificent westside Alamo estate home on one of Alamo’s most
There’s no avoiding it now. sick. And not just for a confirmed coveted private streets.
Masks are back, with local health COVID-19 case; with any symptoms
officers requiring people to wear likely contagious. VOTED BEST REALTOR & REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE IN PLEASANTON
them in public indoor settings and I was among the worst offenders AND BEST REALTOR IN THE EAST BAY IN 2021!
urging them in crowded outdoor there before the pandemic, going
settings, amid the delta variant and to work with cold or flu-like symp-
rising COVID-19 hospitalizations
almost exclusively among unvacci-
toms. I think I’m being selfless sit-
ting at my desk and “doing my
Gina Piper
nated residents. job” when I’m not feeling well. 925.200.0202 • DRE #01201349
I’m not here to convince anybody. I’m not. It’s honestly more selfish, gina@elationre.com
Just sharing my perspective, as one likely done out of personal pride ElationRE.com
example, like we might ask you to or self-importance. I should not
do if we were interviewing you for a expose people to illness germs, and
story. I’m probably not working at best
I support mask guidelines in con- anyway.
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR AN AMAZING EVENING OF
cept. I wear masks in public set- I also get a kick out of the current
tings, indoors and often outdoors. opposition to schools requiring stu-
Basically, I view masking as some- dents and staff to don masks. They
thing I can do to help. I well know regulate what kids wear every day in
the masks I most commonly use the dress code. And those rules exist,
only serve to limit the spread of my for what, uniformity reasons? Masks
respiratory droplets to others as op- are a question of communal health,
posed to protecting me from strang- and individual health.
ers. Although if they’re masked too, The same logic applies to busi-
I’m in better shape. nesses, for employees as a uniform or
It boils down to me internalizing health requirement.
responsibility (to a fault, sometimes). Customers too though. I respect
I just don’t want to face a reality the letter and spirit of “No shirt,
where I didn’t do everything I could
before unknowingly exposing a
No service” rules — even though
I think those primarily have to do
In support of
loved one, a colleague or a bystander with public decency standards, not
to COVID-19. actual health impacts like face cover-
That’s the way it was pre-vaccina-
tion, and now with the delta variant,
ings in the age of COVID. You know
though, come to think of it, I’ve
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH, 6-10 PM
such transmission seems back in
play.
never really been a big fan of wearing
shirts... McGrail Vineyards and Winery • 5600 Greenville Road, Livermore
So masking makes sense to me. In the end, a sign I read outside
I do hesitate at the term “man- a Pleasanton grocery store Tuesday Live music by The Bell Brothers • Delicious catered BBQ
date.” Not because the government pretty well sums up my approach to
is defining something as mandatory, masking in public this summer: Silent auction • Games, prizes and more!
which sure just sounds like their “Wearing a mask shows we’re all
CULINARYANGELS.ORG/COWBOYS-CABERNET
charge to me, but because unen- in this together. Spread kindness,
forced and unfunded mandates are not the virus.”
pet peeves of mine. Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh has been the
I get it. There was probably no editor of the Pleasanton Weekly since
practical way to enforce mask man- February 2017. His “What a Week”
dates in 2020. Police making misde- column runs on the first and third
meanor arrests amid the social justice Fridays of the month.
About the Cover
PUSD Superintendent David Haglund visits with the second-grade class of
Vintage Hills Elementary teacher Sophie Loughran-Smith on the first day of We will continue to be in compliance with all state, local and CDC guidelines.
school Aug. 11. Photo courtesy of PUSD. Cover design by Paul Llewellyn. Culinary Angels is a registered 501c3. Tax ID# 84-2906765
Vol. XXII, Number 30
Pleasanton Weekly • August 20, 2021 • Page 3
Streetwise ASKED AROUND DOWNTOWN PLEASANTON
How do you typically respond when
a stranger approaches you and tries
to engage you in conversation?
Joanne Lind
Retired
It’s very situational for me. As long as
I feel comfortable with the situation
and the person, I love to engage with
strangers. I’ve actually made many new
friends that way.
65 Bay Area locations.
66 if we count your couch. Scott Lind
Retired
In-person or virtual visits at I’m a quiet person and don’t typically
approach strangers myself. But if a
LPSR Pediatrics stranger approaches me, I will happily
engage with them.
Carol Jones
genpeds.stanfordchildrens.org Event planner
I am pretty cautious about conversing
with a total stranger and usually won’t
engage with one who approaches me
www.LivermoreArts.org TICKETS or call 925.373.6800 unless I feel totally comfortable with
my surroundings or am surrounded by
friends and family and therefore feel very
safe and protected.
Joe Jones
Home remodeling
It depends on the situation. Most of
the time I feel pretty comfortable when
approached by a stranger. So I will
Starring usually acknowledge and listen to them
and respond back if a response would be
VANESSA appropriate.
WILLIAMS
accompanied by the
Brittany Jones
Account executive
If someone is suspicious looking, I
won’t engage with them but will instead
Livermore-Amador walk away. But if someone seems more
genuinely interested in just talking to me
Symphony in a way that I don’t feel threatened or
afraid, I will take a few minutes to talk
with them. I’ve actually learned a lot
from strangers.
saturday —Compiled by Nancy and Jeff Lewis
SEP 11 Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
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Page 4 • August 20, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST Council confirms Weekend on Main
SCS Property vision
Dublin city officials are host-
ing a virtual meeting next week
to end downtown on Labor Day
as a first visioning session on the Parking, traffic, retailer concerns among reasons; program could return in some form next year
future land-use and preferred
development for the SCS Prop- BY JULIA BAUM Pleasanton Main Street and our en- has been “really incredibly positive “Some of those are traffic and cir-
W
erty, located between Tassajara eekend on Main will tire downtown, and let’s keep these for this event,” particularly the “ap- culation; we’re now seeing increased
Road and Brannigan Street. come to a close at businesses alive and thriving, year preciation for the experience and commute and personal travel,” Ott
The 77-acre site has been
the end of Labor Day after year,” Mayor Karla Brown said the vibrancy,” deputy city manager said. “Some of our key intersections
the subject of local debate for
some time, including with the weekend after the Pleasanton City before voting. Pamela Ott told the council, but she are now nearing their pre-COVID
ultimately rejected At Dublin Council unanimously agreed on The Weekend on Main season said city staff also grappled with a volumes ... and traffic is getting
project concept. Tuesday to make way for other is scheduled to conclude on Sept. number of “other considerations” for heavier. That is a consideration as
The city has contracted with a events and activities downtown 6, while last month the council ex- potentially extending the street clo- we think about keeping Main Street
design team, led by ELS Archi- like Concerts in the Park and holi- tended a separate parklet program sures which prompted their recom- closed every single weekend.”
tecture and Urban Field Studio, day shopping in the not-too-dis- in downtown through the end of the mendation that the council confirm Deliveries started being rerouted
to conduct the outreach efforts tant future. year. the originally planned Sept. 6 end
and develop ideas for a feasible “Shop small, shop local, shop Feedback from the community date. See WEEKEND on Page 9
plan with community support.
This first of three meetings will
cover background on the site
along with an interactive brain-
storming session.
Teacher
The session is set for Wednes-
day (Aug. 25) at 7 p.m. Visit
https://courbanize.com/
contract
scsproperty.
talks stall
Meet with Swalwell PUSD, APT negotiators
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-
Livermore), whose district in- head for mediation
cludes much of the Tri-Valley, amid recent impasse
is holding a town hall meeting
for his District 15 constituents BY JULIA BAUM
next Saturday (Aug. 28) from After finalizing a contract with
9-10:30 a.m. in Castro Valley. their classified staff bargaining
“It’s been too long since we
unit several weeks ago, Pleasanton
were able to gather and talk
about what’s happening in Unified School District negotia-
Washington, DC, across the na- tors are now scheduled to try to
tion, and right here at home,” hash out an agreement with the
Swalwell said in a statement. Association of Pleasanton Teachers
“In order to be as safe as possi- at a mediation session right before
ble from COVID-19, we’ll hold Labor Day weekend.
this meeting outdoors, with dis- The Public Employment Rela-
tanced seating, and with masks tions Board “determined the ex-
required. I look forward to pro- istence of an impasse” between
viding my friends and neighbors
APT and PUSD several weeks ago,
with an update and taking their
questions.”
GOODGUYS and a mediator has been assigned
Goodguys car shows are back at the Pleasanton fairgrounds from Aug. 27-29 for the 34th West Coast Nationals, for a Sept. 1 meeting date, ac-
Masks will be required. At- also known as the association’s “crown jewel” event.
tendees should dress for out- cording to APT President Michelle
door conditions. The town hall VerKuillen.
will take place at the Castro
Valley High School football sta- Goodguys returning next weekend District spokesman Patrick Gan-
non told the Weekly, “We are at
dium at 19400 Santa Maria Ave. an impasse with APT but eager
34th West Coast Nationals is first show in Pleasanton to continue our conversations to
New distribution site in nearly two years amid pandemic impacts reach a resolution.”
Open Heart Kitchen is relo- Besides scheduled increases
cating its site for distributing BY CIERRA BAILEY a very strong hot-rodding fol- really well; we’re way over where from movement in the salary
grocery care packages from the The Goodguys Rod and Cus- lowing here.” our numbers were at the same schedule, no pay adjustments have
Alameda County Fairgrounds to tom Association car show is re- The family-friendly show time for our 2019 event, and been made yet for APT, which
the Pleasanton Senior Center turning to the Alameda County returns next Friday through that’s a good indication that the represents the district’s certificated
on Sunol Boulevard effective on Fairgrounds this month for the Sunday (Aug. 27-29) for the car enthusiast community is staff, including teachers.
Tuesday (Aug. 24).
first time in nearly two years 34th West Coast Nationals, also ready to come on out. And we’re “The Association of Pleasanton
The fairgrounds, which has
served as the home of the OHK since the group’s Autumn Get- known as Goodguys’ “crown hearing a lot of great things, Teachers believes that Pleasan-
food distribution operation in Together before the COVID-19 jewel” event. The show will fea- too, from the local spectator ton students deserve the best,”
partnership with the Alameda pandemic in November 2019. ture a number of exhibits and community.” VerKuillen said in a statement.
County Community Food Bank Goodguys COO Andrew Ebel activities including, the hot rod Ebel said that Goodguys and “The social-emotional well-being
and Tri-Valley Haven since last told the Weekly that the team display, an autocross racing com- the Alameda County Fairgrounds of our students is our priority,
November, needs free up space is looking forward to bringing petition, a burnout competition, will be prioritizing safety and as well as having highly quali-
due to increased number of out- events back to Pleasanton, where a swap meet and “Cars 4 Sale following health officials’ guide- fied, fully staffed schools provid-
door events, including the up- they are headquartered. Corral” and a Kids Zone with lines for the event. ing support to ensure our students
coming 2021 county fair. “We were founded here many, free arts and crafts, games and “The cool part about our event thrive.”
The free groceries will be
many years ago, so we’re just prizes. There will also be auto- — and why I think people get VerKuillen added that APT held
available at the Senior Center
via drive-thru curbside pickup excited to be back in our home- motive and food vendors on site. so excited about it — is that an all-member meeting on Aug.
on Tuesdays and Thursdays town and to be able to put on “We’ll probably have close maybe 95% of the footprint is all 9 “where a supermajority of our
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn shows for our community,” Ebel to 3,500 cars,” Ebel said. “Our membership attended to support
more at openheartkitchen.org. Q said. “We have traditionally had pre-registration on cars is doing See GOODGUYS on Page 6 our students.” Q
Pleasanton Weekly • August 20, 2021 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
KaiserAir granted new deadline to apply for move to Livermore
Pleasanton council debates noise complaints amid airport expansion plans in neighbor city
BY CIERRA BAILEY The proposed development is the Livermore Airport, including joint resolution adopted in 2010 to reach a solution that they think
The city of Livermore approved planned for a 45-acre vacant parcel recent findings of the first phase of pursue various avenues to resolve residents can feel comfortable with.
an agreement that gives KaiserAir north of West Jack London Boule- noise studies. airport noise issues, including a During his first State of the City
until July 2022 to submit a formal vard and south of Taxiway Lima. In his report, assistant city man- commitment to quarterly meetings address in June, Woerner briefly
application to develop air facilities In addition to the FBO facility, ager Brian Dolan said the city had of the Livermore-Pleasanton Liaison addressed the noise issue by high-
that could accommodate Boeing the project includes offices, aircraft received 85 emails from 57 different Committee. lighting that although no changes in
737s at the Livermore Municipal maintenance facilities, fuel farm, people with concerns and com- “We’re not done with this,” operations have occurred at the air-
Airport. self-service aircraft fueling facility, plaints about airport noise. They Brown said. “This is one of many port, noise complaints have largely
According to city staff, the Oak- corporate hangars, parking spaces also received a petition with 6,100 numerous meetings that we will increased in the midst of conversa-
land-based charter airliner initially and box t-hangars. signatures from residents affected have, including with the city of tions about possible expansion.
submitted a letter of interest (LOI) The proposal received an initial by airport noise. Additionally, 10 Livermore,” she continued, adding “Physically, nothing has changed
and $1,000 deposit to propose a stamp of approval from the Air- speakers addressed inconveniences that she had an individual conver- but the perception — just because
fixed-base operator (FBO) devel- port Commission back in February, associated with airport noise dur- sation with Livermore Mayor Bob we’re talking about the airport —
opment at Livermore Airport in and if the forthcoming application ing public comment at the council Woerner on the topic and will con- has increased complaints by a factor
January 2020. The first LOI was set makes it past the Planning Com- meeting, tinue those discussions until they of 10,” he said. Q
to expire after one year but in Sep- mission, the City Council would “This is really a quality of life
tember 2020, KaiserAir received an ultimately make the decision to ap- issue for the residents and I live
extension that pushed the deadline
to July 2021.
prove or deny the 45-year lease.
If approved, the project would
on the west side and I can tell you
that every now and then we are
GOODGUYS hand-washing and sanitizing sta-
tions placed throughout the fair-
Continued from Page 5
Last month — just before the house KaiserAir’s corporate offices awakened by a noisy, what I believe grounds and staff will be making
extension deadline — the company and provide space for approximate- to be more of a single engine plane outdoors, so it’s a very safe environ- sure that bathrooms and other com-
submitted a new LOI along with the ly six KaiserAir corporate aircraft, as opposed to a jet, and it’s not a lot ment for people to come out to,” he munal areas are cleaned frequently.
required $1,000 to reserve devel- including one or more of the com- of fun,” said Councilmember Kathy said. This will be Goodguys’ first show
opment rights on the same parcel, pany’s Boeing 737 aircraft. Narum. He added, “We’re excited about in California this year and although
which was approved by interim There has been some debate sur- In addition to noise impacts, being able to provide an atmosphere Ebel said he’s unsure what to ex-
airport manager Sean Moran and rounding the proposed expansion Mayor Karla Brown addressed a and an environment where people pect from the spectator turnout, he
public works director Scott Lan- as residents of Livermore, Pleas- concern about contamination from can really spread out if they want is very optimistic as recent shows
phier, giving KaiserAir until next anton and Dublin who live near aircraft that use leaded fuel flying to but still yet come together as an held in other states have had strong
July to complete their application. the airport have expressed concern over the community. automotive community.” attendance.
City staff said that KaiserAir did about noise impacts, safety and the The council recommended that In addition to being outside, Ebel “I think our tagline says it all. It’s
not provide a detailed explanation possibility of diminished property city staff identify and track how to said organizers and staff will be all about getting back to cool cars,
for requesting additional time but values. remove leaded fuel from the air- encouraging social distancing and cool people and good times,” he
lingering pandemic impacts have At its regular meeting Tuesday port. Council also directed staff to requiring face coverings for all in- said.
played a role in slowing overall night, the Pleasanton City Council draft and send a letter to Livermore door exhibits during the three-day For tickets, times and other infor-
progress. received a status update regarding officials requesting to resurrect a event. There will also be several mation, visit www.good-guys.com. Q
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Page 6 • August 20, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
Lab scientists find heat
can decontaminate N95
masks for reuse
Livermore research began in response to mask
shortage in health care industry
BY CIERRA BAILEY
Researchers at Lawrence Liver-
more National Laboratory have dis-
covered a method to decontaminate
N95 respirator masks without com-
promising their facial fit and ability
to filter airborne particles.
The scientists determined that
heating the N95 respirators up to 75
degrees Celsius (167 degrees Fahr-
enheit) for 30 minutes deactivates a
surrogate coronavirus, lab officials
said in a statement.
According to the lab, this tem-
perature can be easily achieved in LLNL
hospitals and field settings, allow- Lawrence Livermore National
ing for the N95s to be reused once Laboratory scientist Kyle Fuhrer
decontaminated. The heat treatment prepares an N95 mask for a fit test
can be applied at least 10 times on an post-decontamination.
N95 respirator without degrading its
fit. that most viruses can be inactivat-
“These results suggest that thermal
inactivation of coronaviruses is a po-
tentially rapid and widely deployable
ed with some modest temperature
(about 70-75 degrees Celsius), but
according to Baxamusa, what other
hibernation is finally over.
method to reuse N95 respirators in people had not looked at was wheth-
emergency situations where reusing er that temperature could kill viruses
the respirators is necessary and ster- that had been deposited onto a filter,
ilization is unavailable,” said LLNL
electrical engineer Travis Massey,
like with N95 respirators.
In the testing experiment, the team head to the beACH.
who is the lead author of the An- used a mouse coronavirus that does
nals of Works Exposures and Health not cause disease in humans as a
where the research appears. surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 (the novel
N95 respirators are protective de- coronavirus).
vices that filter airborne particles.
The “N95” designation means that
The team enlisted two volunteers
who were briefly fitted a new, unused
GO CITY-HOPPING. DINE OUT.
the respirator blocks at least 95% N95 to their faces and noses to simu-
of very small (0.3 micrometers or late a first-time use. The 3M Model
larger) test particles, according to the 8210 N95s were used for all the heat
lab.
They are typically used a single
time in health care settings because
treatment tests. The model is one
of the most widely recognizable, is
used in the industry and is available
SHOP LOCAL. GO WINE TASTING.
the respirators can be contaminat- in one size as it was designed to seal
ed when treating infected patients, effectively against most human faces,
thereby posing a risk to caregivers lab officials said.
who continue wearing a contami-
nated device, as well as other patients
“By checking the viral activity be-
fore and after temperature treatment, GET SOME R&R IN THE
treated by the provider. we found that, yes, the virus is in-
“In March of 2020 the world activated even when it’s dried on a
turned upside down,” said LLNL ma- filter as opposed to sitting in a vial —
terial scientist Sal Baxamusa, a senior which is what most other studies had
author on the paper. He added that
at that time, lab researchers began
done up to that point,” Baxamusa
said.
NAME OF RECOVERY.
discussing and exploring how they “The other thing we found was
could help. that at those temperatures and those
“I think we clearly recognized that times, 75 degrees Celsius for 30 min-
health care workers were going to be utes, the mask can be re-worn and it
on the frontlines and the question still fits properly. It seems like a little
was whether there was any technol- thing but, incredibly, nobody really
ogy development that could be done knew the answer to that,” he added.
to help support them,” he said. “It was exciting for me that this ~ support your state by vacationing here ~
After a team formed and started team sort of formed organically
getting together virtually to brain- amongst staff at the laboratory and
storm, Baxamusa said they identified everybody sort of rallied together in
a knowledge gap about N95 respira- the very early days of the pandemic
tors and recognized that at the height — which seems like a lifetime ago
of the pandemic, there was going to now — but I think back to the un-
be a shortage of them in the health certainty and the fear that was going
care environment, largely because on at the time and it was pretty re-
they are designed to be used only markable that folks were able to rally
once. around and get this project done,”
Other studies have determined Baxamusa said. Q
Pleasanton Weekly • August 20, 2021 • Page 7
VCA_CAC_PaloAlto_07-23.indd 1 7/19/21 12:28 PM
NEWSFRONT
Seahawks coach reprimanded for conduct at swim meet
Statement comes after video of coach throwing cone at swimmer makes waves on social media
BY JULIA BAUM Concord Terrapins (TERA) and According to officials, Morsilli swimmer in the water to get his at- coaches downloaded their entries
A year after being criticized in Livermore Aquacowboys (LAC). threw a plastic cone at a competitor tention,” according to officials. from the FastSwims platform and
multiple news reports for alleged After the video posted by anony- during the meet and “interfered with Video footage of the incident ap- received heat sheets from the Terra-
behavior on the job, a nationally mous accounts made the rounds the meet operation in order to stop a pears to corroborate Pacific Swim- pins, with both data sources had the
renowned swimming coach from on social media starting in late-July, swimmer from participating during ming’s narrative of the event. The swimmer in question listed incor-
Pleasanton is back in hot water again. Pacific Swimming — one of USA an event.” cone landed close to the swimmer rectly under “PLS.” Morsilli said he
Earlier this month, Pacific Swim- Swimming’s 59 regional associa- Officials added, “This behavior as he approached the pool wall; it knew the swimmer had not been on
ming publicly reprimanded Steve tions across the country — issued a was an unacceptable interaction be- was unclear in the video whether the the Seahawks “for a while” and was
Morsilli, the longtime head coach statement on Aug. 6 addressing the tween an adult coach and an ath- cone made contact with the boy. told by team members that the boy
for the Pleasanton Seahawks club, incident and acknowledging it op- lete and violates the (Minor Athlete In a statement, Morsilli said he was was currently on a different team.
after video footage surfaced depict- posed the behavior while Morsilli Abuse Prevention Policies) MAAPP under the impression that the swim- “The registration check from Pac-
ing Morsilli throwing a plastic cone had apologized for his actions. policy of USA-Swimming.” mer — a former Seahawks member Swim came in noting that one of our
toward an underage competitor in “Pacific Swimming does not con- When the coach initially failed now with the Terrapins — had “il- other swimmers (who scratched) was
the pool during a recent meet. done the behavior of the coach in to get the swimmer’s attention after legally” entered the race. not registered” but did not mention
The competitor’s father recorded this instance and the coach should “assuming the swimmer was trying “As it turns out, this was not the the Terrapins swimmer, according to
video of the incident, which took have worked with the Meet Referee to cheat the restricted team entry case, but I was unaware of the back- Morsilli.
place at a May 21 meet in Con- to resolve the issue instead of the ac- criteria of the meet,” he then “threw ground at that time,” Morsilli said.
cord between the Seahawks (PLS), tion he took,” officials said. a plastic lane marker cone at the Prior to the beginning of the meet, See COACH on Page 9
Lambda COVID variant is in California: 5 things to know
No evidence so far that it’s as infectious as now-dominant delta variant
BY BARBARA FEDER OSTROV / What is the lambda variant? “variant of concern” by both WHO first case, from a woman who arrived How does the lambda variant
CALMATTERS and CDC, in part because it’s much from Peru on July 20. compare to other known
A new COVID-19 variant — The lambda variant — also known more infectious than the original More recently, two highly publi- variants?
named lambda — has arrived in as “C.37” — was first reported in virus. cized laboratory studies from Japan
California. Peru a year ago and it’s now spread- and Chile — both in preprint and Scientists believe lambda is less
Why am I hearing about
The emerging lambda variant has ing across South America, according lambda now? not yet peer-reviewed — have sug- infectious than the delta variant but
been popping up in the news as it to the World Health Organization. gested that lambda may be more more infectious than the original
spreads rapidly throughout South Researchers say its unique new gene Lambda sparked headlines this infectious and less susceptible to “wild-type” virus — at least in labo-
America. In California, at least 152 deletions and mutations signal that summer after the WHO noted its current vaccines than the original ratory tests.
cases have been reported, the first as lambda may be more infectious than rapid spread in South American coronavirus. The Japanese research- But they don’t yet know how
early as September 2020, according the original “wild type” coronavi- countries, including Peru, Ecuador, ers suggested that WHO’s current lambda’s different genetic profile will
to state public health officials. rus and may be potentially resistant Argentina and Brazil. It’s since been “variant of interest” designation for affect community transmission, se-
Experts say lambda could be more to current vaccines, although more detected in 29 countries, according lambda may underplay its potential verity of symptoms or vaccine resis-
infectious and resistant to vaccines studies are needed. to the WHO, including Germany, threat. tance around the world. Some early
than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Because of those new genetic Spain, the United Kingdom and the clues are emerging.
Is lambda here in California?
But there is no evidence, at least markers, the WHO in mid-June de- United States. What about other states? The Chilean researchers tested
so far, that it’s as infectious as the clared lambda a “variant of interest.” While WHO considers lambda a lambda against antibodies from
delta variant that now dominates The U.S. Centers for Disease Control “variant of interest,” the CDC and Yes and yes. Since September 2020, health care workers who received
California. and Prevention has not yet done the California’s public health agency the lambda variant has accounted for the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine,
So do Californians need to worry same, in part because so few cases have not followed suit. 152 genetically sequenced COVID- finding that the vaccine failed to
about this new variant? Not just have been reported nationwide. In late July, Houston Methodist 19 cases in California, according work as well as it did with the origi-
yet, infectious disease specialists The delta variant dominating U.S. Hospital reported its first lambda to the state Department of Public nal virus.
say. Here’s what you need to know. COVID-19 cases is considered a case. Japan this month announced its Health. The first case was found Also, New York University re-
in September, with another 10 in searchers tested lambda against the
March, 88 in April, 43 in May, eight vaccines authorized in the United
Father — Daughter in June and, most recently, two cases States and found that the Johnson
in July. and Johnson one-dose vaccine was
Estate and Trust Law Firm The state agency declined to iden- less effective against it and the delta
tify the counties where the cases variant compared to the Pfizer and
Phillips & Phillips occurred.
Commercial and government lab-
Moderna two-dose vaccines.
Again, these are studies in test
oratories test for variants by sequenc- tubes that have not been peer re-
A Professional Corporation ing the genome of the coronavirus viewed, scientists caution.
that caused a particular COVID-19 Just because vaccines appear less
Practice Areas case and looking for mutations and effective when pitted against lambda
changes in the virus’ characteristic in a test tube doesn’t mean they won’t
• Trust & Estate Planning spike protein. protect against severe illness, said
• Trust Administration & Probate Still, not every COVID-19 case is Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a University of
James J. Phillips* Katelyn M. Phillips genetically sequenced to determine California, San Francisco infectious
• Conservatorship & Elder Law
whether it was caused by a variant, disease specialist. Nearly all hospital-
so the number of lambda-caused izations and deaths in California and
James J. Phillips & Katelyn M. Phillips cases could be higher. Nationwide
only about 15 of every 1,000 cases
nationwide have occurred in unvac-
cinated people.
30 Years in the Tri Valley are sequenced.
At least 1,311 sequenced lambda
Do I need to worry?
*Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law cases have been reported in at least Not for now, Chin-Hong said.
State Bar Board of Legal Specialization 40 states since the start of the pan- Lambda has been around for months,
demic, with 18 cases identified in yet it hasn’t gained a foothold in Cali-
LL.M. in Taxation the past four weeks, according to fornia and other states so that should
the public virus genetic sequence be reassuring, he said.
database GISAID. Just one-tenth of “Delta’s aggressive all over the
4900 Hopyard Rd., Suite 260, Pleasanton • (925) 463-1980 1% of the cases that are genetically world and lambda hasn’t really taken
www.phillipslaw.us sequenced involve lambda, accord- off,” Chin-Hong said. “At the end of
ing to GISAID. the day, it’s survival of the fittest.” Q
Page 8 • August 20, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
WEEKEND footprint, yes, but it gets away from “the retailers have suffered more neg- Enjoy a Career as a
the theory that we were trying to be ative impacts because of it” and that
Continued from Page 5
last year, and “when that street is
equitable to all of the merchants that
we thought wanted to participate in
ending on Sept. 6 is “the right thing
to do.” Black Tie Chauffeur
closed, it means many of those deliv- the event, and that’s why we haven’t “With holiday shopping coming
ery trucks that are bringing the sup- changed that footprint yet.” up, inclement weather coming up
plies to our businesses, particularly While local restaurants benefited — hopefully, anyhow — and the fact We train you to become a Professional.
for weekends, can’t get downtown,” from the weekly event during the that we did give our word that we
Ott said. “They struggle to do that, pandemic, one retail merchant dur- were finishing this on Labor Day, I’m
Full-Time positions available. Flexible
so they either can’t get here and they ing public comment said they were in favor of staff’s recommendation,” schedule. Stay connected with
can’t make their deliveries or they’re “not comfortable with the closure Arkin said.
being rerouted onto side streets that of Main Street” and “do not see the Councilmember Kathy Narum
your community and enjoy a
were never intended to accommo- vibrancy you’re all mentioning, and also said it’s imperative that the city career driving for our elite
date delivery trucks.” our customers are frustrated, they “support the retailers as they go into
The return of Concerts in the Park cannot get to us.” the fourth quarter, which is their Chauffeur Team.
and other planned events also pre- Another business owner said their busiest season, and they’re compet-
sented various challenges to extend- customers who are unable to visit ing with internet sales and we need
ing Weekend on Main. on weekdays cannot do curbside to do everything we can to support
“To be able to do that alongside pickup when Weekend on Main is them.”
or at the same time as Weekend on happening. Complaints about people Between more parklets occupy-
Main puts incredible pressure on the vandalizing property, throwing trash ing downtown streets and reduced
downtown, and not just the down- and urinating in alleyways during the parking due to the railroad corridor
town but on the residential areas that event were also mentioned. improvements, Councilmember Jack
surround the downtown that would Particularly, retailers voiced con- Balch said “our businesses and resi-
have to accommodate all of that ad- cerns that the closures would affect dents have done an outstanding job
ditional parking and traffic,” Ott said. them during the holiday season, po- trying to be polite and adjust to the
This year’s Weekend on Main tentially ruining a prime opportunity realities on the ground.”
season generated approximately to recover revenue lost during the “It does not go past me that we
$125,384 in direct expenses for the pandemic. need to look for parking immedi-
city, according to Ott. Barricade rent- Marketing and promotion efforts ately,” Balch said. “I think that we
als, staff time, and cleaning and event on behalf of the city and Pleasanton understand that we enjoy promenad-
management were among the ex- Downtown Association have boosted ing down Main Street in a safe way
penses, with each additional week- support and visibility for downtown and that our popups are assisting our
end of closure costing approximately businesses, but staff said the effects restaurants further.”
$7,000. The city estimated that it aren’t enough to counter the weekly After hearing local merchants Call 925.487.7741 or
“would incur similar costs per week-
end in 2022.”
street closures.
“Is it fair to say these retail shops ...
“loud and clear,” Brown said ending
the Weekend on Main season on
Email your Resume to
Vice Mayor Julie Testa supported
the closures “reluctantly,” but asked if
this is a make or break time for them,
they need those holidays to do those
Sept. 6 is “something I could easily
support.”
hiring@blacktietrans.com
it would “really be that hard to find a sales?” Brown asked. “That fourth quarter — 50% of
‘win-win’” by modifying the event to Ott replied, “Yes; when I’ve talked your business,” Brown said. “And
take up less space. to some of our retailers, they have that’s tremendous when you think
“What happens if we start to shrink shared with me how important this that these are our small businesses,
the footprint of Weekend on Main is fall and holiday season is, which is these are our residents that live here,
we create businesses that get left out one of the factors that influenced they own a home and they need to
of the opportunity to participate,” Ott
replied. “When we created Weekend
PDA’s recommendation to end the
season on Sept. 6, because this is a
continue to support their families.”
The council also voted to incor- LIVE AT THE BANKHEAD
on Main, we were really thoughtful significant time for them.” porate next year’s Weekend on Main
and wanted to make sure that every- Councilmember Valerie Arkin season into the Pleasanton Down-
body could participate equally.” agreed the closures have “really town Association’s annual events
Ott added, “Could you change the helped out our restaurants,” but said programming. Q
RYAN
NIEMILLER
COACH PLS cap or a TERA cap.”
Feeling “offended and victimized
USA Swimming, officials said, “USA
Swimming did not recommend that FINALIST IN
Continued from Page 8
that a swimmer would illegally enter Pacific Swimming take any further “AMERICA’S
Morsilli said he’s “since learned my team name to gain entry to a action at that time.” GOT TALENT”
that the Fastswims coordinator closed meet in which he did not Morsilli acknowledged that he
changed his entry from UN-CROW belong,” Morsilli said he approached “clearly frightened (the boy) and an-
(4+#7)r2/
to PLS,” adding he didn’t know why officials about the matter “but they gered his father and his coaches and
the coordinator did so. “UN” refers to were busy counting.” I am sincerely sorry for that.”
the designation “unattached.” At that point, Morsilli walked to- “I offered at the time to pay for his
“Since we have had problems in ward the boy’s lane and then threw entry fees, and I am still willing to do BUY TICKETS NOW
some of our intrasquad meets with the orange plastic lane marker in the that,” Morsilli said. “Other than that, LivermoreArts.org
former swimmers entering our meets water toward the boy. The coach said all I can offer is a heartfelt apology.” 925.373.6800 | 2400 First Street, Livermore
to get a chance to swim even though he “interrupted his swim and chal- The swimmer’s father contacted
they are no longer with us, I was lenged him as to why he was in the the Weekly prior to the publication
concerned that the system was once meet representing my team.” of this story but declined to speak LIVERMORE’S OWN
again being abused,” Morsilli said. Coaches from the Terrapins then publicly about the incident. LUNAFISH
After notifying the meet entry per- came over and informed Morsilli that The viral video of the cone-throw- AUTHENTIC PSYCHEDELIC
son via email that the swimmer “had the boy had transferred to TERA and ing incident came almost exactly one ROCK SOUND
entered as part of my team but “was actually UN, not PLS as the heat year after Morsilli was cast in the SAT AUG 21 at 8pm
was not a member and should be sheets stated.” spotlight in 2020 for past actions
scratched from all events because Officials said the incident was “im- — from a prominent ex-club swim-
this was a closed meet for PLS, TERA mediately addressed and resolved by mer alleging physical and emotional
and LAC only,” Morsilli said he “pre- the meet referee, coaches from the abuse while she was in the Seahawks CRUZANDO
sumed that this had been done.” host team (TERA) and the PLS coach program as well as from a group of FRONTERAS
After noticing two Seahawks following the incident” and that Pa- abuse survivors who allege Morsilli Featuring
swimmers were listed “in the heat cific Swimming “took immediate and did not properly report complaints JARABE MEXICANO
according to the heat sheet I had appropriate actions.” of sexual abuse made against another & BALLET FOLKLORICO
received” from the Terrapins, Morsilli After reporting the incident to coach. Morsilli has denied allegations DE LOS ANGELES
then saw the boy “was not wearing a the Safe Sport contact person of of wrongdoing in both instances. Q SUN AUG 22 at 7pm
Pleasanton Weekly • August 20, 2021 • Page 9
Max Arlen Allison
July 2, 1933 – August 15, 2021
Max Arlen Allison
Community Pulse
passed away peacefully
on Sunday, August 15, POLICE BULLETIN evidence in the case, according to
Silacci.
The department did not immedi-
22 other DA’s offices in California
after allegations its plastic waste bags
and other products were mislead-
in his sleep. He touched ately release the driver’s name when ingly marketed as biodegradable and
many lives with his No charges pursued asked on Tuesday, citing policy for environmentally friendly.
positive outlook and his in February crash that privacy in situations with no criminal Target Corp., Chewy Inc., PetSmart
words of wisdom. killed man in roadway charges. “We don’t necessarily volun- LLC, Petco Animal Supplies Inc.
Some of his favorite teer the name when charges are not agreed to monetary settlements and
The Pleasanton Police Department
filed. It’s obviously traumatic for all took steps to prohibit future sales of
pass times were music, closed the books earlier this summer
of those involved,” said Silacci, who the products with “greenwashing”
Dixie Land Bands, danc- on the investigation into a February
did confirm the driver was a woman marketing, Alameda County District
ing, golfing, and party- fatal traffic collision without seeking
with a valid license. Attorney Nancy O’Malley announced
criminal charges after determining
ing with his friends and the Dublin man who died was at
The crash occurred around 7:40 last week.
family. He started every p.m. Feb. 19 when a sedan traveling “Dog lovers who care about the
fault for walking unsafely in the
morning with his cup of southbound on Johnson Drive, near environment are often targeted by
roadway, the Weekly has learned.
the traffic light intersection at Owens deceptive advertising about the envi-
coffee and a Cryptoquip. In a series of interviews in re-
Drive, collided with a pedestrian ronmental benefits of certain single-
Max is survived by his wife Linda; daughters Eve cent days, police officials confirmed
who was walking in the roadway, use plastic bags,” O’Malley said in a
the conclusion of their nearly four-
Dulay, Vicki Hallett, Priscilla McRae; son Greg Allison; month probe into the crash on John-
police said. statement. “These settlements are a
nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one The pedestrian — later identi- win for California consumers who
son Drive that killed pedestrian Mi-
great great grandchild and many friends. Preceded in fied as Watson — was treated by want accurate information about the
chael B. Watson on the night of Feb.
paramedics and then transported to environmental impact of the plastic
death; daughters Paula Blackwell and Pam Gallatin. He 19.
Eden Medical Center in Castro Val- bags and other plastic products they
will be missed by all. “No charges were filed against the
ley, where he died from his injuries, buy.”
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date. driver. The investigation determined
according to police. Plastic dog-waste bags are mar-
Watson was found to be at fault in
The driver immediately called keted as being biodegradable yet
PAID OBITUARY the collision,” Sgt. Marty Billdt told
9-1-1 to report the collision, re- are disposed of in landfills where
the Weekly.
mained at the scene and fully coop- biodegradation does not occur, ac-
The circumstances of why 53-year-
erated with investigators, police said cording to the DA’s office. Moreover,
old Watson was in the roadway not
at the time. The collision occurred in dog-waste bags cannot be composted
Gary Purnell
near a crosswalk remained unsolved
nighttime visibility, with streetlights as dog waste can contain harmful
due to a lack of witnesses and video
functional in the area. contaminants such as E.coli or other
footage, but the evidence warranted
May 15, 1942 – August 14, 2021 clearing the driver of any criminal
—Jeremy Walsh harmful bacteria or viruses. In other
cases, the bags have also been mar-
wrongdoing, Lt. Erik Silacci said. In other news
Gary Jay Purnell passed away keted as being ‘plastic-free’ yet are
The investigation concluded in
Saturday, August 14 after a long bat- • Four pet supply retailers will composed of plastic.
June without police forwarding to
tle with Interstitial Lung Disease. pay hundreds of thousands of dol- With increased consumer concern
the Alameda County District Attor-
Gary loved his family, the outdoors, lars in settlements with the Alameda and awareness of the environmental
ney’s Office for review because of
County District Attorney’s Office and impact of buying a product, false
and sports, especially running track a lack of probable cause given the
advertising deceives consumers to
and playing basketball. He was a spend more with the belief that their
good cook and an avid gardener.
Doris Jean Selby
purchased products are more envi-
For over 50 years he made yearly ronmentally friendly, the DA’s office
trips to Pinecrest Lake and shared said.
his love of the area with his family. May 20, 1933 – August 4, 2021 All four companies will pay a
Gary was born in Oakland, monetary settlement: $600,000
California and graduated from for Chewy, $500,000 for PetSmart,
Fremont High School. Gary started $375,000 for Petco and $300,000
out as a Groceryman at indepen- for Target — for a combined total of
nearly $1.8 million. Q
dent grocery stores Sid’s and the —Anna Hsu
Co-Op. He also served as a member
of the National Guard for 5 years. POLICE REPORT
Following his service, he found
what would be his calling and was The Pleasanton Police Department made
hired by the City of Alameda Fire the following information available.
Department in 1971. He was pro- Aug. 10
moted to Lieutenant in 1978, and to Domestic battery
Captain in 1989. He retired from the Our dear mother, Grammy, Great Grammy died peacefully, Q 8:17 a.m. on Camino Del Lago
Fire Service in 1998 after a 26-year- surrounded by her entire loving family on August 4, 2021 after Q 1:55 p.m. on Owens Drive
long career. a brief and sudden illness. Her incredible wisdom, insightful- Theft
Gary continued his service to others through volun- ness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, generosity, integrity, busi- Q 8:30 a.m., 6100 block of Via De Los
teer work. He was a regular at the City of Alameda Fire ness sense, and compassion touched any who crossed her path. Cerros; theft from auto
Department’s Food Bank, Annual Pancake Breakfast, and After a childhood in Washington, Colorado, New Mexico and Q 8:35 a.m., 7500 block of Trotter Way;
Toys for Tots. At age 65 he became a regular on the soc- California she settled in Hayward, then San Leandro where she auto theft
was wife to Pete Seymon (Fabric Lane) and raised her three chil- Q 1:08 p.m., 1300 block of Stoneridge
cer field for BUSC when his grandsons started playing. He Mall Road; shoplifting
helped coach and referee and continued on even after his dren. She worked at Bancroft Junior High School and Chabot
Fraud
grandsons were no longer playing as he enjoyed being part of College before joining her father, Eirwin F. Selby, to run their real
Q 11:17 a.m. on the 4300 block of
the local soccer community and staying active. estate business on Jackson Avenue in Hayward. She later moved Rosewood Drive
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Peggy; de- to Pleasanton, retired, and shared a household for her last 20 Drug violation
voted son Mark, daughter-in-law Audrey, grandsons Riley years with her two daughters. Here she consumed herself with Q 7:08 p.m. at Sonoma Drive and Sunol
and Mason, and sister Cheryl Lacombe. quilting, gardening, cooking (amazing soups!), reading, play- Boulevard
He will have a private service, and his ashes will be scat- ing Scrabble (especially with her son with disabilities), enjoying Assault/battery
tered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. grand and great grandchildren, and promoting her daughters’ Q 10:21 p.m. on the 4800 block of
teaching careers, all with her graceful energy. She is survived Hopyard Road
In lieu of flowers, we believe that Gary would want you to
volunteer for or donate to a charity that you care about. by her three children: David Seymon (Mary Jo Seymon), Leni Aug. 9
“For the rest of our lives, whenever we fall down, we get Seymon, Gail Myers, three grandchildren: George Myers (Julie Theft
back up. Myers), Gwen Anaya (Jason Anaya), Conrad Myers (Katelynn Q 6:42 a.m., 2200 block of Segundo
Whenever we are hurt, we drive on. Myers), and seven great grandchildren: Ivy Myers, Austin Court; theft from auto
Myers, Olivia Myers, Cruz Anaya, Ruby Anaya, Grayson Myers, Q 1:14 p.m., 6200 block of Franklin
Whenever we are brought low, we rise. Drive; auto theft
That is not because we are virtuous, strong, resilient, and Harper Myers. At her request, no services will be held, but
Q 3:47 p.m., 1000 block of Stoneridge
it is simply because (Gary) was.” she will be honored and remembered forever in our hearts. Mall Road; theft from auto
PA I D O B I T U A RY
PAID OBITUARY Q 5:16 p.m., 5800 block of Owens
Drive; theft from auto
Page 10 • August 20, 2021 • Pleasanton WeeklyCOMMUNIT Y PULSE
Q 9:22 p.m. on the 4400 block of Sutter Verbal threats Q 5:02 p.m., 4800 block of Owens Stolen property Vandalism
Creek Avenue Q 3:19 p.m. on the 5500 block of Drive; bicycle theft Q 2:46 p.m. on the 4400 block of Mohr Q 4:59 p.m. on the 200 block of Main
Burglary Springhouse Drive Q 10:32 p.m., 5200 block of Hopyard Avenue Street
Q 1:19 p.m. on the 3100 block of Valley Drug violation Road; shoplifting
Avenue Q 9:51 p.m. on the 5700 block of Burglary Aug. 5 Warrant arrest
Burglary Q 5:47 p.m. at Stoneridge and Gibraltar
Warrant arrest Johnson Drive Q 5:34 p.m. on the 4000 block of
Vineyard Avenue drives
Q 3:13 p.m. on the 4300 block of First Q 7:47 a.m. on the 6100 block of
Street Aug. 7 Domestic battery Stoneridge Drive Stolen property
Vandalism Drug violation Q 11:58 p.m. on Pleasanton Avenue Theft Q 10:57 p.m. on the 1700 block of
Q 1:22 a.m. on the 3100 block of Bernal Santa Rita Road
Q 4:27 p.m. on the 4700 block of Q 10:18 a.m., 7000 block of Johnson
Chabot Drive Avenue Aug. 6 Drive; theft from auto
Fraud Fire Theft from auto Aug. 4
Q 1:58 p.m. on the 5500 block of West
Q 1:50 a.m. at Stanley Boulevard and Q 4:34 a.m. on the 6200 block of Warrant arrest
Q 10:51 p.m. on the 5200 block of Las Positas Boulevard
Hopyard Road Valley Avenue Inglewood Drive Q 8:09 a.m. on the 3000 block of Bernal
Q 3:38 p.m. on the 7500 block of
Vandalism Q 10:42 p.m. on the 1000 block of Avenue
DUI Homewood Court
Q 4:18 a.m. on the 3900 block of Stoneridge Mall Road
Q 11:05 p.m. at Hopyard Road and Q 4:34 p.m., 3400 block of Old Foothill Theft
Clorox Way McKinley Court Drug violation
Road; theft from auto Q 10:30 a.m. on the 1400 block of
Theft Q 5:23 a.m. on the 4000 block of Page
Aug. 8 Court Q 7:44 p.m., 11900 block of Dublin Calle Enrique
Q 9:38 a.m., 1000 block of Stoneridge
Canyon Road; theft from auto Robbery
Burglary Mall Road; theft from auto Verbal threats
Q 8:03 a.m. on the 4100 block of Mohr Q 4:04 p.m., 2100 block of Stoneridge Q 11:41 a.m. on the 4600 block of
Sex offenses Q 4:43 p.m. on the 4500 block of
Avenue Mall Road; shoplifting Willow Road Q 11:54 a.m. on Churchill Drive Rosewood Drive
Mary Valeria Barsotti Harry Franklin Miller, Jr.
September 5, 1925 – August 11, 2021 August 4, 1935 – August 10, 2021
Mary Valeria Cerro was born Harry Miller was born to coach young people. coaches got so tired losing to Mr. Miller that
on September 5, 1925 in Redding, And coach he did. they would spend time with him to learn about
CA to Agnes and Joseph Cerro, He coached football at Salesian High in his methods. In the end, Mr. Miller’s teams
immigrants from Italy. Over Richmond and started the Pop Warner foot- built the brand and reputation of Ballistic,
the next five years she became a ball program in Contra Costa County. He also within California, the U.S. and Internationally in
big sister to Aurora, Alfred and coached football at Cal State Hayward (now East Canada and Mexico.
Lena. Her family shared a ranch Bay) and Whitworth College in Spokane, WA. “His team simply won everywhere they trav-
with Mary’s uncle and his family. Turning to youth sports, he coached soccer, Little eled! He left his imprint on the game, the club,
She grew up with her five cous- League baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, CYO bas- and the many players that were fortunate and
ins, Louie, Pete, Charlie, Gemma ketball, and Police Athletic proud to have played for him.
and Amelia, who she thought League basketball. His winning record has stood
of as siblings. After graduating But he is best known as the the test of time and his play-
with honors from high school, co-founder of Ballistic United ers will remember the positive
she got a job in the steno pool Soccer Club of Pleasanton impact he had on their lives
at McClellan Field in Sacramento during World War II. In and the coach of its Under-12 forever!”
May 1945, she took a job at the Bank of America in Redding soccer team. It was with the With the rigorous travel
as the bank manager’s secretary. Eventually she transferred to Ballistic United Under-12 weekend travel schedule,
the Bank of America in Burlingame, CA where she enjoyed her team that he built both the Miller also mastered the art
job very much. In 1954 she met Leo Barsotti at a Young Italian soccer program and his of ensuring that the parents
Catholics dance in San Francisco. On January 29, 1955 they reputation. both had a good time on those
were married. Within a few years their family expanded to five He coached the team to trips and supported the team.
with the births of Cathy, Peggy and Jim. multiple state titles, Western Miller was born in
As a fulltime mother and homemaker (era una buona cuoca Regional titles and interna- Pittsburg, California to Harry
Italiana!), her kind and giving character was evident also out- tional tournament titles. He and Hilda Miller. He played
side of their home. She loved welcoming her children’s many was named state Coach of the football and graduated from
friends into their family. Together with other early volun- Year. He was honored with Mt. Diablo High School. He
teers, she helped families in Pleasanton who needed hospice the Ed Kinney Patriot Award in Pleasanton. attended Chico State University and later gradu-
services. This small volunteer organization grew into what Miller has been inducted in three soccer Hall ated from Cal State Hayward (now East Bay). He
today is Hope Hospice (which provided wonderful care for of Fames. After being in ill health for a few years, married Georgianne Miller in Reno in 1960 and
Mary, and Leo in their last days). A member of the Catholic he died Aug. 10, 2021 in his Pleasanton home. He they had two children, Dennis and Pam.
Community of Pleasanton, St. Augustine Church, for 56 was 86. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, fishing with
years, she often attended daily mass. Miller coached the Ballistic United Under-12 his son, Dennis and watching Pam play soccer.
Throughout the years, she traveled with Leo to many places soccer team for more than 25 years and took Several times he took Dennis along on business
near and far. She was an avid walker, especially in local parks them all over California to play. His teams often trips to Alaska where they would fill a cooler
where she enjoyed greeting every dog or young child she played more than 100 games during their seasons with frozen salmon and halibut steaks. He and
came across. She also enjoyed spending time with family that routinely included four games over a week- Georgianne enjoyed a midweek trip to Cache
and friends, especially her donut shop buddies and Spanish end. He was known for his signature black nylon Creek Casino Resort for many years in retire-
Club ladies. Family was a priority to her, especially her grand- coaching shorts, which he wore regardless of the ment. A regular treat was a good cigar.
daughters, who were amongst some of her greatest joys in life. weather. During one dinner celebrating his ac- Miller is survived by his wife of 61 years
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Leo, her complishments, the dress was tuxedo shirt, black Georgianne; his son Dennis (Coni) Miller of
beloved parents, her three wonderful siblings and Redding bow tie and black coaching shorts. Pleasanton and daughter Pam (Chuck) Rasbold
cousins. She is survived by her children Catherine (Robert He was laid to rest in the Pleasanton Pioneer of Livermore; his grandchildren Brian Bennett,
Johnston), Peggy (Marty McCaslin), James (Carme Barsotti); Cemetery wearing his favorite coaching shorts, a Brad Bennett, Emily Bennett, Paisley Miller,
four granddaughters Rachel Seymour (Kaleb Seymour), Ruth coaching shirt and his coaching jacket. Kevin Miller, Josh Miller, Montana Branco and
Barsotti, Rebecca Barsotti and Faith Barsotti; brother-in-law, Miller worked professionally as a medical mal- Calvin Rasbold; and great grandchildren Aubrey
Frank Venturelli; and many nephews and nieces. She also practice investigator, a job that freed him up in Carroll, Savannah McLean, Hunter McLean, and
leaves behind some very dear friends that she kept in contact the afternoons to coach. Zachary Branco; his brother Ed Miller of Boise,
with until the end and the many nurses and caretakers she Kevin Crow, Ballistic’s executive technical Id, and sister Karen Clayton of Pittsburg.
befriended in her retirement community. While mom will be director of playing and coaching development Internment will be private.
greatly missed, we celebrate that she is reunited with dad and and an alum of the program and Miller’s team as Friends are welcome at a viewing from 2-5 p.m.
her big Italian family she has missed so dearly. well as Amador Valley High, wrote in an email, Saturday, Aug. 21 at Graham Hitch Mortuary,
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on August 20, “Ballistic United and Cal North (youth soccer) 4167 First St., Pleasanton. A celebration of his life
2021 at St. Augustine’s Church, 3999 Bernal Ave, Pleasanton, just lost one of the most important individuals will be scheduled later in the fall.
CA, followed by interment at Skylawn Memorial Park in San that helped shape both organizations and the The family prefers contributions in his memo-
Mateo, CA. youth soccer landscape in Northern California. ry to the Harry Miller Coaching Endowment at
The family has asked that memorial donations be made to “He was a pioneer and led the way for over 25 Ballistic United. Please contact Ballistic President
Hope Hospice or a charity of your choice. years dominating the U12 landscape. Opposing Scott McMillin at scottmcmillin@busc.org
PA I D O B I T U A RY
PA I D O B I T U A RY
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