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The plaid is back
Page 14
VOL. XXII, NUMBER 31 • AUGUST 27, 2021 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM
5 NEWS Trustee files claim vs. DUSD in wife’s death
5 NEWS Missing runner likely died before search began
18 SPORTS High school football action returns tonight
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Page 2 • August 27, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
VALLEY VIEWS BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI
Back to school if not
quite back to normal
N ew clothes. New back-
packs. New lunch boxes.
Notebooks and markers.
The signs had been there for days.
Then it arrived: The new school
training to be back working in her
field again, although now juggling
child care had its challenges. But
she hasn’t had to call in the Marines
yet — meaning me — so it must be
year began. under control.
It was not back to school for me Through my years with newspa-
obviously. Not even for my chil- pers I have written back-to-school
dren. Now it’s my grandchildren stories and interviewed teachers at
experiencing the thrill of the new the beginning of the school year. I
school year and all it entails. also watch my friends who are re-
But I heard about the new shoes tired teachers. At this time of year
and the haircuts, and on the big they wistfully remember the excite-
day was texted the photo of the ment they experienced as summer
fourth-grader and the kindergart- vacation drew to a close. Do they
ner standing by their front door wish they hadn’t retired? No, it was
holding their cheery signs with the time, is always the response.
grade and the date — a wonderful “I miss it for a little bit, that sense
tradition I wish I’d thought to ob- of anticipation,” said my friend Pat,
serve with my own children. who taught second grade for 10
The fourth-grader has graduated years. “It’s always such an exciting
to a backpack so big it has wheels. time of year as a teacher. I’ve been
What in the world is in there, and out for six or seven years and I’m
why did I manage with a few books still aware it’s that time of year.”
and a sack lunch when I was her She said a friend with two young
age? boys told her they were really, re-
She also has a new multi-colored ally nervous about the new school
“hydro flask.” Not to be confused year.
with a water bottle. Although I am “I said, tell them that as a teacher
confused. I guess the difference I was nervous, too,” Pat said.
may be in the price. This year students have more
I am trying to recall what I drank to be nervous about of course. To
when I was in school. For lunch I think I only had to worry about my
remember a bologna sandwich on seat assignment, making friends
white bread with generous mayo and whether the teacher would
and iceberg lettuce (cheese on Fri- like me, not contracting a deadly
days) and an apple in a brown disease that I could then pass on to
paper bag. My beverage must have family members and friends.
been water from the school drink- In Pleasanton, all the schools are
ing fountain, which apparently was open and full-time, although some
enough to keep me hydrated. families have chosen to continue
This year going back to school remote learning. Superintendent
was more fraught than usual be- David Haglund has been making
cause everyone is returning with the rounds of the campuses and
fingers crossed that all goes well in looking forward to a successful
the face of the ongoing pandemic. year.
My grandchildren wear masks in “Our key focus in the coming
the classrooms but the distancing weeks will be to ensure a restor-
isn’t as rigid as it was in the spring, ative restart for staff and students,”
and they don’t have to wear masks he wrote the parents.
outside. Also they no longer have What a challenging time to be a
their temperatures taken upon leader — or a student or a parent.
arrival. But, while somewhat daunting this
My granddaughter, 9, observed time, the annual back-to-school
after her first day: “The classroom ritual gives a normalcy to our lives
doesn’t stink like sanitizer this year that we can cherish. Now let’s
like it did last year.” Ah, childhood crack open those books! Those
memories. computers? Q
This is a special year for my Editor’s note: Dolores Fox Ciardelli is
daughter, too, because she is re- Tri-Valley Life editor for the Pleasanton
turning to teaching after a few years Weekly. Her column, “Valley Views,”
off to launch her kids. She was appears on the second and fourth Fridays
excited during the two weeks of of each month.
About the Cover
A benchmark for new apartment construction in the Tri-Valley during the
current RHNA housing cycle, the city of Dublin is appealing its 3,719-unit draft
allocation for the upcoming cycle. Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville also
appealed their RHNA assignments, while Livermore did not. Photo by Mike
Sedlak. Cover design by Doug Young.
Vol. XXII, Number 31
Pleasanton Weekly • August 27, 2021 • Page 3
$125M+
volume since 2019
119
transactions since 2019
Streetwise ASKED AROUND DOWNTOWN PLEASANTON
41+ If you need to evacuate immediately due
years of local experience to a wildfire, and everyone is already out
safely with your go bag, what is the one
The Agent You Hire Matters! possession you would be sure to take if
It’s no question that the local real estate market continues to favor sellers & you had the time?
houses are STILL in high demand, however with the slight recent slowdown, Jessica Clinton
the time might be of the essence and hiring the right agent to sell your house Mom
Wp adoO WaldosBbs sVBb OyOoà #to pO__Oop JObOs Toda pVdosOo sWaOp db sVO I’d assume my husband is grabbing the
market, more exposure, more offers, less time in escrow, and a higher net hard drive with all of our photos, so I
proceeds as a result of our next-level marketing strategy. would take my memory box, which is filled
with cards and other sentimental things
** Call us today at 925-400-7533 for a complimentary consultation and references I’ve collected over the years.
of our past happy clients. **
en d
st Op pm Liste
Fir n 1-4 t
Jus
Su Louis Michaels
Small business owner
I would grab my computer. I have so many
important documents stored on it that are
not backed up anywhere, and that I would
lose forever. Thanks for that reminder. I’m
going to go home now and figure out how
5501 Bridgeport Circle, Livermore 424 Fitzwilliam Street, The Courtyards, Dublin
to back up my documents in the cloud
bsOosBWbOoĆp O_WUVsÝ ÛÛpTà BoUO ÛpTKdbMdÛøKBoUBoBUOà WUVsœ
9,185sf private lot with pool & more. Listed at Bright, nicely updated kitchen. Listed at $758,800...
somewhere.
$925,000! Call Steve @ 925.580.8011 for details showing now! Call Steve @ 925.580.8011 for details
lable iste
d Jenny Lindell Systems engineer
vai t L
St il l A Jus We have all of our photos and documents
digitally in the cloud, so I have no
attachment to those. I’d probably bring
my Kindle and my daughter’s beloved
stuffed bunny. She brings it everywhere
and can’t sleep without it. I’m not really
sure why, but she took to it a couple
of years ago and it’s been a constant
3420 Finnian Way, The Terraces, Dublin 5246 Riverdale Court, Pleasanton companion since then. I would want her
à ÛpTsdzbVdaOps|_OlObsVdtpO plBKWdtp Ûà ÛpTsdzbVdaO to have that if we were displaced.
unit. Investment property/Starter transparently $1,149,000 - Call Farida @ 925.784.2524
priced $748,800. Call Steve @ 925.580.8011 for for showings
pVdzWbUpœKBpVdzBbB_|pWp Demetra Jaffin Mom
Our fireproof safe, where we have lots of
important documents stored. I know that
d
Sol Sol
d makes no sense because it is very heavy
and it is supposed to be able to withstand
a fire and remain intact when we return
home, even if our house is no longer
standing. But my gut tells me that would
be a good idea. I always listen to my gut
because it is usually right.
3465 Ashbourne Circle, San Ramon 1262 Greenbrook Drive, Danville
OBtsWTt_ İ#TKOà ÛÛpTdT_t{to|_WyWbU Ûà ÛÛpTdbàKoO ds Andrea Bloom
space. Listed at $2,488,000 - Sold at $2,548,000. ĝÛÛÛ/d_MzWsVat_sWl_OdTTOopBsĝÛÛà Teacher
VOK^dtoaBo^OsWbUBszzzàpVJdtobOà Call Steve @ 925.580.8011 for details I have a book that I made up of my
com Call Steve @ 925.580.8011 for details
son’s art work from the first five years of
his life. I would grab that as we would
d
d Sol not be able to replace any of those very
Sol precious memories.
—Compiled by Nancy and Jeff Lewis
Have a Streetwise question? Email editor@PleasantonWeekly.com
6219 Augusta Way, Livermore
Û ÛÛpTÛ WpsOMBsĝÛ 932 Winsford Court, San Ramon
- Sold at $1.13M İÛà ÛÛpTœ8WOzpà The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd.,
Listed at $2.89M. Sold at $3.3M. Suite 203, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate,
Completely updated with no seller’s out of pocket USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton.
Call Farida @ 925.784.2524 for details /VdzWbUpb B|p#TTOop 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.
925.400.7533 | BayAreaHomeFinder.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly,
5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 203, Pleasanton, CA 94566. ©2021 by Embarcadero Media.
ptlldosŒJB|BoOBVdaObMOoàKdaŚ . All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Page 4 • August 27, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
Newsfront
DIGEST Staring down the housing crunch
Quest fair postponed
Local nonprofit Quest Science Why 4 Tri-Valley cities appealed their RHNA allocations (and why Livermore didn’t)
Center this week postponed its
fourth annual Tri-Valley Innova- BY JULIA BAUM Designed to hold California cit- its allocation, compared to “a zero- that 2,267 of the city’s 3,719 units
F
tion Fair from September until our Tri-Valley cities are ies accountable for their fair share sum game” where for every juris- assigned — 1,449 above-moderate
Jan. 15, citing projected health among the 27 Bay Area ju- of their region’s housing need, the diction that receives a reduction, units and 818 very-low, low and
and safety concerns due to the risdictions appealing their RHNA process requires Bay Area another sees an increase. moderate income units — should
COVID-19 delta variant and an- assignments for the next Regional cities to identify land sites to ac- Both the number of projected “be reallocated to other jurisdic-
ticipated impacts on the greater
Housing Needs Allocation pro- commodate their total of assigned housing units — 441,176 — and tions in the Bay Area.” They also
Bay Area.
“We have been working close- cess cycle, contending that the new housing units, but not to actu- appeals are much higher during said the draft allocation “fails to
ly with our site partner, the proposed housing unit allotments ally build the residential housing the current cycle than the previous consider our past performance and
Alameda County Fairgrounds, present too many obstacles. units. The 2023-31 cycle has an cycle in 2014, when the Bay Area lack of suitable land,” including
and monitoring qualified infor- Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton estimated 2.35 times more units was allotted 187,990 by the state. “allocating units to Dublin where
mation sources throughout the and San Ramon have each filed an than during the previous cycle. From 2010 to 2019, Dublin’s the city does not have land use
region and state,” Quest CEO individual appeal and are seeking All of the local appellants and population grew from 46,036 to authority.”
Monya Lane said Monday. “The to reduce their allocation from an others, including the counties of 66,147. The 44% increase made “This explosive growth was due
Quest team based our decision Association of Bay Area Govern- Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Marin it “one of the fastest growing cities to significant steps taken to facili-
upon the science, placing the ments appeals committee, made and Sonoma, questioned ABAG’s in California” at the time, which tate the construction of both mar-
health and safety of our spon-
up of local elected officials, before methodology in their appeals — Dublin officials said in their appeal ket-rate and affordable housing,”
sors, exhibitors and community
first. We believe this is the re- the final RHNA Plan is adopted which Livermore Mayor Bob Wo- should be considered.
sponsible course at this time.” this fall. erner, whose city did not challenge Dublin representatives argued See HOUSING on Page 12
COVID-19 testing
The city of Dublin has part-
nered with Curative to provide
Kreycik likely
free COVID-19 testing every
Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to died before
1:30 p.m. at the Dublin Senior
Center.
No appointment or proof of
search effort
insurance needed; open to all
ages. To learn more, visit https:// even began
curative.com/sites/31104.
GPS data suggests
Ready for election ultrarunner ‘had some
Many residents have already type of medical event’
received their mail ballots for the
Sept. 14 election over whether BY JULIA BAUM
to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. To Law enforcement authorities
help readers better prepare for for both Pleasanton and Alameda
their vote, the Pleasanton Week-
County told the Weekly on Tuesday
ly is featuring a range of election
coverage from CalMatters online that Philip Kreycik, the ultrama-
at PleasantonWeekly.com. rathon runner whose disappear-
The recall ballot has two ance sparked an extensive search-
parts. The first requires a Yes or and-rescue campaign, likely “died
No answer. It asks: “Shall Gavin before the search even got off the
Newsom be recalled (removed) ground” after going missing on his
from the office of Governor?” If FILE/DUSD run at Pleasanton Ridge Regional
more than 50% of voters say No, William Kuo, shown here taking the oath of office after being appointed to the Dublin USD Board of Trustees in Park last month.
Newsom continues as governor. May to succeed his late wife Catherine Kuo, who died after being pinned between two vehicles while volunteering The final coroner’s report from
If more than 50% say Yes, New- at Fallon Middle School on March 24. William Kuo and his two children have filed a negligence claim against the
the Alameda County Sheriff’s Of-
som will be removed from office. district of Catherine Kuo’s sudden death.
The second part allows a voter fice is still pending, but Lt. Erik
Silacci with the Pleasanton Police
to pick one replacement candi-
date from a list of 46 candidates,
primarily a range of Republi-
Trustee files claim vs. DUSD over Department said GPS data retrieved
from Kreycik’s smartwatch shows
cans. The list does not include
Newsom.
If the recall earns majority
wife’s death at campus event the Berkeley man strayed from his
intended course on July 10 and po-
tentially suffered from heat stroke
Yes in question one, then who- William Kuo’s attorneys decry lack of ‘basic safety protocols’; and heat-related exhaustion. His
ever has the most votes among
the replacement candidates (no superintendent says claim in Catherine Kuo’s death was expected body was found in a remote part of
the parkland 24 days later.
matter how few and even if they
don’t win a majority) will be- BY JEREMY WALSH distribution event created “an un- during an interview last Friday “It just looks like he missed a
come governor in late October Dublin Unified School District reasonable, foreseeable risk of se- morning. turn where he should’ve gone. It
for the rest of Newsom’s term Trustee William Kuo has filed a vere harm to volunteers” and was “Ultimately, it led to volunteers appears based on what we believe,
through January 2023. Q negligence claim against the dis- a “substantial factor that directly being placed in between cars that he had some sort of medical issue,
trict citing a lack of “basic safety and proximately” contributed to had ignitions on,” Casper added. most likely related to heat exhaus-
protocols” in place at the school Catherine Kuo’s death. “There are some kind of bed- tion or heat exposure,” Silacci said.
Correction volunteer event where his wife “Everything we have at this rock guideposts for safety, and you A 37-year-old married father of
Last week’s Streetwise column and then-trustee Catherine Kuo point is that there were no verbal don’t want to have people between two young children, Kreycik start-
layout inadvertently mislabeled was fatally pinned between two instructions, there were no written cars that are on, especially when ed his run around 10:49 a.m. July
two respondent photos. The cars in March. communications to the volunteers the cars are close together.” 10 at the Moller Ranch staging area,
Joanne Lind and Carol Jones The claim, which seeks an or the public, and there were no DUSD Superintendent Chris where he left his cellphone behind
photos should have been undetermined amount of finan- posted signage related to anything Funk confirmed that the district in his car, according to Alameda
swapped to run alongside their cial damages, alleges the setup at about safety,” Kuo family attorney
correct identifications and quotes. the Fallon Middle School food Nick Casper said to the Weekly See CLAIM on Page 11 See KREYCIK on Page 6
The Weekly regrets the error.
Pleasanton Weekly • August 27, 2021 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT
Anti-mask speakers urge Livermore school board
to drop mandate for students
Deputy superintendent says ignoring health officials would be ‘arrogant’
BY CIERRA BAILEY The mask policy was not spe- comfortable with — but that’s just City Councilmember Brittni Kiick, said.
A group of Livermore residents cifically an agendized item, so the it, everyone should have the right whose 6-year-old daughter attends “My children — ages 5 and 6
and parents addressed the Liver- board members said they could to choose,” she added. Junction Avenue K-8 School. “I — understand this very straightfor-
more Valley Joint Unified School not address the issue at length or Later in the meeting, while pro- would like to share my appre- ward concept and have no issues,
District (LVJUSD) Board of Edu- take any action due to Brown Act viding a status report on school ciation for your decision to follow whatsoever, with wearing masks
cation last week expressing their provisions. safety protocols, deputy superin- local guidelines to require masks at school. I cannot send them to
concerns about students being re- “I’m speaking tonight heavily ad- tendent Chris Van Schaack doubled for all individuals in schools,” Kiick school with other unvaccinated
quired to wear face coverings to at- vocating for the right for parents down on the district’s stance about wrote. children without masks. Please
tend school in-person once classes to choose whether or not their following the guidance of health “As a parent of young kids in- keep our children safe,” she added.
started this Tuesday. child is to wear a mask at school,” officials. eligible for vaccines, masks are During the meeting, in public
During the public comment por- stated one speaker, whose name “Our goal has been for quite a the only protection they have. comment on non-agenda items,
tion of the Aug. 17 school board was not immediately identifiable long time to open the fall with full- We know based on the data that several of the speakers argued the
meeting, some speakers dialed in on the meeting video but said she is time school for grades TK-12 and just masking my own child is not belief that masks are ineffective
to implore the board to allow par- the parent of two LVJUSD students so, that is what we intend to do,” sufficient to decreasing Covid-19 and could cause long-term conse-
ents to choose whether to send in fourth and seventh grade. “Right Van Schaack said. “In order to do transmission. We all need to come quences on a person’s health.
their kids to school with or with- now, our city, our county, our state, so — as safely and as effectively as together to protect our children,” “The school board members
out masks. Although the meetings our country as a whole and really possible — and to stay open fully she added. need to step up or step aside if they
are currently only available to the even our world is so incredibly di- as long as we can, we are adhering Jennifer Valentin shared similar can’t advocate for our children and
public virtually, the group gathered vided and it’s incredibly sad.” to the CDC, the Alameda County sentiments. stop using them as political pawns
outside of the board chambers and “I certainly don’t condemn those Public Health Department and the “The Delta variant is wreaking to keep their paychecks coming,”
cheered each other on as they each who choose to wear a mask — ev- California Department of Public havoc among the unvaccinated in said another speaker, whose name
spoke. eryone needs to do what they are Health.” the U.S. Children under 12 are was not immediately identifiable.
The board had received 160 not yet able to access the vaccine, “It leaves me completely baffled
emails from parents on both sides leaving them especially vulnerable. that we have elected officials who
Many of the debate ahead of the Aug. 17 Without being able to rely on the cannot comprehend basic common
WORLDS
meeting, according to district staff. vaccine, adults must do everything sense and are actually able to sleep
Among those who sent an email possible to keep them healthy, in-
in favor of the mask mandate was cluding wearing masks,” Valentin See MASKS on Page 12
One
MUSEUM ttm
m
KREYCIK he died before the search even got
off the ground.”
what happened, medically, but we
can use this data to at least get
Continued from Page 5
Community members rallied some idea of his final movements
Now Open
County sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly. around Kreycik’s family during and activity.”
Though initially off to a fast start the following weeks, with local Kelly added, “It leaves you with
and reaching a top speed of almost businesses and individuals lending a reasonable conclusion that he had
Fridays – Sundays 12 mph, Kreycik’s pace slowed
significantly after
aid to the search-and-rescue effort
with their time, money and re-
some type of medical event, and I
think that’s helpful to the family
about 45 min- sources. Heat-detecting technology and to the community to know that
Reserved Tickets Required utes, then briefly was used during nighttime aerial this was more along the lines of a
resumed his pace searches, while drones, canines and medical event than any criminal or
Available at blackhawkmuseum.org
before slowing to volunteers on horseback, bike and unforeseen type circumstance.”
World of Nature walking speed, foot navigated the park terrain by A pathologist will ultimately de-
Now Open authorities said daylight. termine the final cause and manner
citing the GPS The official search was scaled of death, which Kelly said “it’s very
data. Philip Kreycik back significantly after a couple likely that could be determined (as)
At this point, weeks, but residents continued to undetermined.”
Kelly said that look for Kreycik on their own time. “At the end of the day, it’s a very
Kreycik’s recorded movements on Plans were also in the works to sad situation for the Pleasanton
the smartwatch suggest he was move the search party base from community, obviously for the Krey-
potentially experiencing some type Foothill High School to the Alam- cik family, and for all of us that
of heat-related distress; July 10 was eda County Fairgrounds, but never worked on this case,” Kelly said.
Automobile Gallery one of the hottest days recorded materialized. “We really poured our heart and
in Pleasanton this summer. Silacci A volunteer searching on their soul into this. That being said, it’s
also confirmed that no water bottle own found a decomposing body on nice to get some answers for the
The Spirit of The Old West or water source was found with or the afternoon of Aug. 3 underneath family, for the community.”
near Kreycik’s body when it was a tree in a wooded area about 200 Silacci called the outcome “trag-
discovered on Aug. 3. yards off a game trail not intended ic” but hopes the investigation
“People who are affected by heat for human access in the northwest helps answer questions for Krey-
can have irrational behaviors in end of the expansive park, police cik’s family including his wife, two
a heat environment,” Kelly said. said. The family publicly confirmed children, parents and sister.
“They can hallucinate and get lost two days later that the body was “It’s tragic; it was obviously a
and become disoriented, and the positively identified as Kreycik. warm day that afternoon and we
data we have would show that Preliminary autopsy results re- felt we had a really good amount of
Art of Africa that’s consistent with what’s on the leased earlier this month showed resources that we were able to put
Into China sports watch.” no signs of foul play nor trauma to up on the hillside, and had high
The data also indicates that Krey- the body including an animal at- hopes of finding Philip,” Silacci
cik likely died about 75 minutes tack, and “no major broken bones, said. “Hopefully this will give the
after his wife Jen Yao reported him fractures, skull injuries.” family some closure.” Q
missing, around 2 p.m. July 10. “The preliminary exam was un- Editor’s note: This story clarifies the
“The search teams were not even remarkable in regards to any of reporting from police that Kreycik’s body
925-736-2277 out in full force, I don’t know if those significant types of events,” was found approximately 200 yards off
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle • Danville, CA anybody was deployed out at that Kelly said. “We don’t expect that the game trail.
point,” Kelly said. “There were a lot there will be much of a toxicol-
All COVID-19 protocols are followed. of factors at play, but it looks like ogy report. We’ll never really know
Page 6 • August 27, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
LAVTA Valley Humane Society
AWARDS Inspired to respond to PFAS
being found in Pleasanton ground-
water wells, Shah created the app
Agency, in partnership with the
White House Council on Environ-
mental Quality.
This summer the Livermore Ama-
dor Valley Transit Authority earned
Tri-Valley animal support non-
profit Valley Humane Society re-
CORNER “to promote proactive approaches to
conserve water, prevent water pollu- Sharon Kosch
the “Certificate of Achievement for
Excellence in Financial Reporting”
cently announced earning a $4,990
grant for staff training from the
tion, and secure clean water access Longtime Pleasanton resident for its fiscal year 2020 comprehensive California Animal Welfare Funders
Hiya Shah to communities,” officials said. Her Sharon Kosch earlier this year re- annual financial report, marking the Collaborative.
project also involved a youth-led ceived the Distinguished Service agency’s 25th consecutive year receiv-
Amador Valley High School se- outreach campaign, a full-length Award from the American Camp ing the award from the Government Pleasanton North Rotary
nior Hiya Shah was one of two documentary and designing a bio- Association, the group’s highest an- Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Richard Flanders, a member of
Northern California winners of the inspired PFAS removal and filtration nual award that honors “a lifetime of “The award program assesses Pleasanton North Rotary, was in-
President’s Student Environmental system. service to ACA and camp.” whether the financial statements of ducted July 1 for a one-year term as
Awards, earning the honor for her Shah, who also won the 15th Kosch, who serves as co-chair participating agencies provide the district governor of Rotary District
“Maji - Water Education and Secu- District Congressional App Chal- of ACA’s Northern California divi- detail necessary for users of the in- 5170, a branch of Rotary Interna-
rity” project that included develop- lenge earlier this year for her Maji sion, was among nearly 20 recipients formation to adequately evaluate the tional covering 61 Rotary Clubs
ment a smartphone app for real- app, received this recognition from across the country recognized in the financial health of the organization,”
time water quality information. the U.S. Environmental Protection 2021 ACA National Award program. LAVTA officials said. See AWARDS on Page 12
19th Annual Independent Watchdog Committee
Report to the Public FY2019-20
Measure B and Measure BB Sales Tax Activities Measure B and Measure BB Funded Programs
In November 2000, Alameda County voters approved Measure B, which extended Alameda CTC allocates approximately 60 percent of Measure B and
the County’s 1986 half-cent transportation sales tax to 2022 and set forth a 20-year 65 percent of Measure BB funds on a monthly basis by formula and through
Expenditure Plan to enhance the County’s transportation system. 2000 Measure B competitive grants to local jurisdictions and transit operators for ongoing
also established a Citizens Watchdog Committee (CWC) to review all Measure B maintenance, operations and small infrastructure or capital projects.
expenditures for compliance with the Expenditure Plan. In FY2019-20, Alameda CTC expended $86.5 million in Measure B funds and
In November 2014, Alameda County $106.8 million in Measure BB funds on programs, including local streets and
The IWC concludes that 2000 Measure voters approved Measure BB, which roads, mass transit, special transportation for seniors and people with
B and 2014 Measure BB tax dollars were increased the County’s half-cent disabilities, bicycle and pedestrian safety, community development and
spent in accordance with the intent transportation sales tax to one full cent, technology projects.
of the two measures during FY2019-20, extended the tax through 2045 and
except as noted on the last page of set forth a 30-year Expenditure Plan for Measure B and Measure BB Funded Projects
the full report. However, opportunities for essential transportation improvements
Alameda CTC allocates approximately 40 percent of Measure B and 35
improvement remain. in every city throughout the County.
percent of Measure BB funds to capital projects. In FY2019-20, Alameda
The 2014 Measure BB established CTC expended $34.8 million of 2000 Measure B funds and $90.9 million of
an Independent Watchdog Committee (IWC) that reports its findings annually to 2014 Measure BB funds on capital projects for transportation infrastructure
the public to ensure appropriate use of sales tax funds and provides oversight by improvements, such as BART rail modernization and improvements,
reviewing Measure B expenditures and Measure BB expenditures and performance express lanes, highway and transit improvements, local street and road
measures. The IWC replaced and assumed responsibility for CWC activities in July enhancements, intermodal projects and other local projects.
2015. The IWC does not opine on other funds the Alameda CTC manages and/or
programs. This 19th annual report reviews expenditures and IWC activities during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 (FY2019-20). The full report is available at
Independent Watchdog Committee Activities
www.AlamedaCTC.org/IWC2021Report. IWC members performed the following activities from July 1, 2019 through
June 30, 2020.
Summary of Revenues and Expenditures • Ongoing Programs and Capital Projects Monitoring: The IWC
monitors specific programs, capital projects and issues of concern.
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is responsible for administering the
Measure B and Measure BB transportation sales tax measures. In FY2019-20, Measure B revenues for • Independent Audit of Alameda CTC: The IWC reviews the independent
Alameda CTC totaled $155.4 million, and audited expenditures totaled $151.0 million. Measure BB auditor’s plan for the audit before it begins and reviews the draft audited
revenues totaled $154.9 million, and audited expenditures totaled $204.4 million in FY2019-20.1 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report regarding Measure B and
Measure BB revenues and expenditures.
General Administration
General Administration $3.0 million
Direct Program and Project • Audit and Compliance Report Review: The IWC members review
Management and Oversight
$2.5 million $3.7 million audited financial statements and compliance reports, including
Direct Program and Project
Management and Oversight performance measures, received from Measure B and Measure BB direct
Technology Grants
$0.7 million
$0.8 million local distribution (DLD) recipients to ensure expenditures comply with the
requirements in the applicable Expenditure Plan.
• Issues Identification Process: IWC members may request and receive
Community information if they have concerns regarding Measure B and Measure BB
Debt Development
Repayment Grants expenditures. In FY2019-20, the topics of reallocating Measure BB
$26.5 million $25.9 million Public project funds, City of Oakland local streets and roads performance and
Local Transportation
Transportation Public performance measure information for the public were addressed using
$55.0 million
$41.7 million
Transportation
$49.6 million this process.
Local
Transportation
• Annual Report to the Public: Each year, the IWC establishes a
Public $45.7 million subcommittee to develop the annual report to the public regarding
Transportation Measure B and Measure BB expenditures.
$45.4 million
Highways Highways
and Streets and Streets
$34.2 million $70.3 million How to Get Involved
Independent Watchdog Committee meetings are open to the public. If
you are interested in vacancies on Alameda CTC’s advisory committees,
contact Alameda CTC. Visit www.AlamedaCTC.org or contact the IWC
FY2019-20 Measure B FY2019-20 Measure BB at IndependentWatchdog@AlamedaCTC.org to learn more.
Project and Program Expenditures Project and Program Expenditures
1
Measure BB utilized sales tax funds received in prior years to pay for expenditures.
Alameda CTC • 1111 Broadway, Suite 8 0 0, Oakland, CA 94607 • 510.208.740 0 • w w w.AlamedaCTC.org
Pleasanton Weekly • August 27, 2021 • Page 7
NEWSFRONT
Board boosts Horizon fees to help
keep childcare program afloat
Pleasanton Unified officials say attendance is ‘not there yet’ but coming along
BY JULIA BAUM availability of child care, parents im- costs, we could be looking at 4-6%
Newly increased fees should help plored the district to consider alter- increases on an annual basis on sala-
keep the doors open at Horizon native solutions to layoffs at Horizon. ries, which is the main driver of our
Early Education Center but an atten- The board agreed to put the layoffs costs for this program,” Sheikholesl-
dance boost is also needed to sustain on hold, and asked staff for updat- ami told the board.
the long-running daycare program, ed information about the program’s Revenues have been tough the
according to a staff presentation at solvency. past few years but “those numbers
a recent Pleasanton Unified School Horizon is licensed for up to 26 are improving,” in part due to an
District Board of Trustees meeting. children, but currently has about account created by PUSD parents for
Fees for families with children en- 16 full-time attendees and has not accepting community donations and
rolled in Horizon will now increase reached enrollment capacity for the matching corporate funds, staff said.
for all age levels, from $1,920 to last three years. Because the district About $22,000 total has been raised
$2,300 per month, with preference must maintain daily required staffing so far and is scheduled to transfer
given to full-time students. Part-time ratios but not all of the children are to the district sometime this week,
fees are now $1,100 to $1,600 per enrolled full time, less revenue has according to Sheikholeslami, but
month, depending on whether the been generated in recent years. To there’s “no consistent data showing
student attends two or three days per run the program with the maximum the district can rely on those dona-
week. capacity, staff said the district would tions annually.”
The fee increases were unani- need 8-9 employees. Over the course of several town
mously approved at the Aug. 12 With increased tuition and 20 hall and community meetings in
board meeting to avoid staff layoffs children attending full time for 12 June, parents gave the district feed-
from the program, which has offered months, assistant superintendent back and recommendations for revi-
reduced and subsidized services for of business services Ahmad Sheik- talizing the Horizon program includ-
qualifying families for more than 30 holeslami said the program would ing increasing fees to local market
years. More recently, however, Hori- generate around $550,000 in annual rates, boosting full-time enrollment
zon has struggled to stay afloat due to revenue but still fall short of breaking with a “multi-prong strategy,” and
declining attendance and revenue. even, due to estimated annual expen- marketing and operating Horizon
“It’s not sustainable if it’s losing ditures of $600,000. and STEAM as a “comprehensive
money year over year, and is that “If we were able to sustain an aver- birth-to-kindergarten program.”
the business that the school district age of 24 students ... it could close In addition to raising tuition fees,
wants to be in,” Board President Joan that gap,” Sheikholeslami, adding staff also recommended continuing
Laursen said that evening. “We can’t the program “would probably also to enroll infants and toddlers, hiring
cannibalize another program to sup- require some additional hourly staff- staff, and improving marketing and
port this one.” ing to bridge that gap.” advertising to support the program.
In May district staff recommended “In the short term, we’re not there Trustee Kelly Mokashi asked,
Enjoy a Career as a cutting six classified staff positions
at Horizon — five full-time early
yet but I believe, given what we see
with Kids Club, that we’re going to
“Making a stronger connection be-
tween Horizon and STEAM, would
education positions including a lead get there with our enrollment com- that help with the revenue?”
Black Tie Chauffeur early educator, plus an early educa-
tion aide — citing continued low
ing back,” Sheikholeslami said.
Among the biggest cost factors for
Assistant superintendent of human
resources Julio Hernandez replied,
enrollment and annual budget defi- Horizon are salaries and benefits, and “If individual programs can sustain
cits, as well as an opportunity to save are likely to remain a concern in the themselves, that would be our goal,
We train you to become a Professional. approximately $470,000 based on future. but if not ... another program would
staffing allocations. “Depending on salary movements help.”
Full-Time positions available. Flexible With the pandemic impacting the and changes in both our benefits When STEAM initially started,
schedule. Stay connected with “one of the ideas was that we were
going to be able to offer this,” Laurs-
your community and enjoy a en said, but “we didn’t see an influx
career driving for our elite of children of our employees in the
STEAM program.”
Chauffeur Team. “If it’s a benefit to our employees,
something we would be able to use
as a recruitment tool ... that would
be a good thing,” Laursen said. “And
it might be worth being a little in the
red because it would be a recruit-
ment tool, but we cannot run the
program in the red for very long.”
Trustee Mark Miller said he wants
“to see the real intents of benefiting
the employees ... making sure we
have a clear path from Horizon to
STEAM.”
“But we’re not getting revenue
CIERRA BAILEY from the state to do this; we’re doing
Creating murals in Livermore it right now because out of the good-
ness of our hearts, quite honestly
The downtown Livermore mural festival returns for its second year, bringing
new public art displays to the city’s walls and buildings, such as this one and as long as we can pay for it ... it
being worked on by artist Cameron “Camer1SF” Moberg. A collaboration requires some thought,” Miller said.
The board asked if discounts for
Call 925.487.7741 or between creative arts agency OnlyUp and Livermore’s Commission for the
Arts, artists from all over the Bay Area come together to share their work employees or families with multiple
Email your Resume to and grow the local artist community. Mural tours will be offered on Aug.
28 with proceeds directed to the Livermore Valley Craft Beer Foundation
children enrolled in Horizon were
considered, to which Hernandez said
hiring@blacktietrans.com to support the new Goodness Village tiny home community. More
information is available at onlyupteam.com/muralfestival.
the district “discussed many options
and variables.” Q
Page 8 • August 27, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT
FDA issues full approval
of Pfizer-BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccine
Also: Feds announce plans for booster shots;
state tightens vaccine proof rules for events
BY ELI WALSH / BCN FOUNDATION While some 362 million vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Ad- doses have been administered in
ministration issued its full approv- the U.S. and more than 200 mil-
al Monday of the Pfizer-BioNTech lion Americans have gotten at least
COVID-19 vaccine, marking the first one vaccine dose, state and local
approval of a COVID vaccine outside officials expressed optimism that the
of its emergency use authorization. FDA’s full approval will spur more
An FDA advisory panel issued the people to get vaccinated in the com-
approval for people age 16 and up ing weeks.
based on clinical trial and follow-up “We hope this FDA approval re-
data on the vaccine’s effectiveness moves another barrier for vaccine-
from roughly 20,000 vaccine and hesitant members of our community
20,000 placebo recipients age 16 to protect themselves and their loved
and older. ones,” Santa Cruz County Health Of-
The FDA also analyzed safety data ficer Dr. Gail Newel said. “The Delta
from roughly 22,000 people who variant is significantly impacting our
received the vaccine and 22,000 unvaccinated population, and these
people who received a placebo. The vaccines, along with wearing face
trial data found that the vaccine was coverings in public, are the best tools
91% effective at preventing COVID- we have to protect ourselves.”
19 disease, according to the FDA. In California, just over 46 million
Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. vaccine doses have been adminis-
Janet Woodcock called the ap- tered to roughly 25 million residents.
proval a “milestone” in the ongoing Last week, FDA advisers and state of-
pandemic. ficials also issued their respective ap-
“While this and other vaccines provals of booster vaccine doses for
have met the FDA’s rigorous, scien- immunocompromised people who
tific standards for emergency use received the two-dose Pfizer and
authorization, as the first FDA-ap- Moderna vaccines.
proved COVID-19 vaccine, the pub-
lic can be very confident that this
“I encourage all Californians to
trust the science and protect them- HIBERNATION IS FINALLY OVER.
HEAD TO THE BEACH.
vaccine meets the high standards for selves and their community by get-
safety, effectiveness and manufactur- ting vaccinated,” Gov. Gavin New-
ing quality the FDA requires of an som said in a statement. “With more
approved product,” she said in a than 80% of Californians 18 and up
SHOP LOCAL. GO WINE TASTING.
statement. having received at least one dose, our
The Pfizer vaccine will now be work continues to close the gap in
GET SOME R&R
marketed as Comirnaty, according our most impacted communities and
to the FDA, and will continue to bring an end to this pandemic.”
be available to people ages 12 to
Plans for boosters
15 under the FDA’s emergency use
authorization. Federal health officials announced
IN THE NAME
The FDA is expected to issue a last week plans to offer COVID-
subsequent approval for the vac- 19 booster shots to fully vaccinated
cine developed by Moderna in the people in an effort to fortify their
coming weeks, while Johnson & immune response in the face of more
Johnson is expected to apply soon contagious COVID-19 variants.
OF RECOVERY.
for approval of the one-dose vac- A group of public health and med-
cine developed by its pharmaceutical ical experts from within the U.S.
subsidiary Janssen. Health and Human Services Agency
In California, state officials cel- issued a joint statement expressing
ebrated the Pfizer vaccine’s approval their support for the administra-
and urged people to get vaccinated if tion of booster shots roughly eight
they have yet to do so to drastically months after full vaccination with
reduce the likelihood of develop-
ing serious illness or dying from
the two-dose vaccines developed by
Pfizer and Moderna.
SUPPORT YOUR STATE BY VACATIONING HERE.
COVID-19. While the two vaccines remain
“We know the vaccines work. We highly effective at preventing serious
know vaccines are safe. We know infections and death, the officials
they save lives,” California Depart- argued that preemptively boosting
ment of Public Health Director and the immune response, particularly
state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomas among people with weakened im-
Aragon said in a statement. “If you mune systems and other high-risk
are not vaccinated, let this be the demographics like nursing home
milestone that gets you there.” residents, would maximize protec-
The FDA issued its original emer- tion against the delta variant and
gency use authorization for the Pfizer subsequent variants, which could be
vaccine Dec. 11, 2020, for people even more potent.
age 16 and up. In May, it expanded “Our top priority remains staying
that authorization to children ages
12 to 15. See VACCINE on Page 10
Pleasanton Weekly • August 27, 2021 • Page 9
VCA_CAC_PaloAlto_07-16.indd 1 7/7/21 1:44 PM
NEWSFRONT
State effort to decertify officers picks up political momentum
SB 2 would empower a panel to rule on stripping badges of officers with serious misconduct
BY GENNADY SHEYNER / decertification process gained mo- lose its infamous status as one of on that badge and do it in an honor- the bill, as well as three other bills
PALO ALTO WEEKLY mentum last year, after the murder only four states that does not have a able and respectful way.” that would, respectively, expand the
After pledging last year to enact of George Floyd by a Minneapo- process for decertifying officers. Even with the Senate’s vote, how- categories of police documents sub-
meaningful police reform only to lis police officer sparked national Democrats in the State Senate ever, the bill’s fate remains far from ject to public disclosure; require
fall well short of their goals, Califor- calls for police reforms. But while were mindful of the fact when they certain. Numerous Democrats who police departments to immediately
nia state legislators are now advanc- state lawmakers passed a few bills voted to support the legislation, voted for the bill criticized the com- report excessive force by an officer;
ing the most ambitious proposal pertaining to police conduct — easily overriding Republican oppo- position of the nine-member board and require departments to disclose
on the table — a bill that would including one that banned the sition. In describing the bill to his and conditioned their support on investigations into officer miscon-
permanently strip badges from po- carotid restraint and another that colleagues before the Senate vote, amendments to this portion of the duct even if an officer leaves the
lice officers found guilty of serious expands the state attorney gener- Bradford emphasized that SB 2 is legislation. They also reserved the department.
misconduct. al’s purview over deadly shootings not an “anti-police” bill but an “anti- right to vote against the bill after it Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jon-
Known as Senate Bill 2, the leg- by police officers — Bradford’s bad cop” bill. He noted that almost clears the Assembly — presumably sen said he supports SB 2, though
islation from Steven Bradford (D- decertification bill never got to a 1,000 people across the nation have with some changes — and returns he also said he would like to see
Gardena) would create a process vote. been killed by police officers since to the Senate for reconciliation. some refinements when it comes
for decertifying police officers who Things are looking considerably the murder of Floyd. Among the general public, the to the composition of the panel.
commit crimes, thus ensuring that more promising this year. Even as “It is unacceptable that officers idea of decertifying officers found The board, he said, should be well-
they would not be hired in another legislators continue to debate key can commit misconduct in one guilty of misconduct is broadly pop- trained and its members should
jurisdiction. Decisions on decerti- details of the legislation, most no- department and simply move to ular, according to a study released have the needed experience to make
fication would be based on recom- tably the composition of the review another one without any repercus- in March by California State Univer- informed decisions about decertifi-
mendation by a new nine-member board, SB 2 has already cleared sions,” Bradford said at the May 26 sity, Fullerton. The survey showed cation of officers.
panel known as the Peace Officer several significant hurdles. On May hearing. “This is not fair to the com- 88.3% of respondents saying they “I do think it would be great if
Standards Accountability Advisory 26, exactly a year after Floyd’s mur- munity, not fair to victims of police support such a reform. Only pro- we had a system that helped chiefs
Board, which will include officers, der, the State Senate voted 26-9 to abuse and, most importantly, unfair posals to require de-escalation train- keep officers that are found to
academics, members of nonprofits advance this bill, sending it to the to the majority of police officers ing (94.8%), equip officers with be convicted for misconduct from
and victims of police misconduct. Assembly. who do their jobs every day by the body-worn cameras (93.7%) and becoming eligible to come back
The movement to create a If the bill passes, California would book, who put on that uniform, pin use early-warning systems to iden- to a police department or a police
tify problematic officers (88.9%) agency anywhere in the state,” Jon-
scored higher. sen said.
directors of the park district must In the Bay Area, the Bradford bill The district attorneys in both San
East Bay Parks workers to call a special meeting. A spokesman has been relatively popular. Mateo and Santa Clara counties said
for the board did not immediately The Palo Alto City Council voted they support a process for removing
vote on whether to strike respond to a request for comment
Monday night.
unanimously on June 22 to support cops that engage in misconduct. Q
Demand fair wages, more respect Worker advocates said the district
has reserves of $140 million and last Vaccine proof rules
Park rangers, lifeguards, and edu- be announced Aug. 30. year had a surplus of $26 million.
VACCINE
Continued from Page 9
cators among other East Bay Re- East Bay park workers make 10% If workers are paid more, they will State public health officials tight-
gional Park District workers will de- less than people in comparable jobs buy products and services in the re- ahead of the virus and protecting ened vaccine verification require-
cide this coming weekend whether in the Bay Area, according to a gion, thus benefiting the economy, the American people from COVID- ments last week for large indoor
to strike, said the group People for report. If the workers authorize a advocates said. 19 with safe, effective, and long- events, requiring vaccine proof or a
East Bay Park Workers on Monday. strike, it would be the first in nearly The East Bay Regional Park Dis- lasting vaccines especially in the negative COVID-19 test for events
The 600 workers are demanding 50 years. trict consists of 73 parks in Alameda context of a constantly changing with more than 1,000 people.
more respect and fair wages. Results Advocates for the park workers and Contra Costa counties. Q virus and epidemiologic land- Starting Sept. 20, the California
of the vote on whether to strike will said to avoid a strike, the board of —Bay City News Service scape,” the group said in its joint Department of Public Health will
statement. require indoor venues to confirm the
Booster doses will also likely vaccination status of attendees or that
be necessary for those who have they’ve tested negative for COVID-19
gotten or will get the one-dose within 72 hours of an event.
Father — Daughter Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but Venues will also no longer be able
federal officials expect to have to allow event attendees and specta-
Estate and Trust Law Firm more data in the coming weeks tors to self-attest their vaccination sta-
since the J&J vaccine did not tus and are encouraged to utilize the
Phillips & Phillips become available in the U.S. until
March.
state’s digital vaccine record system.
Aragon cited the spread of the
The formal approval of booster ultra-contagious delta variant as well
A Professional Corporation shots remains subject to safety and as the COVID-19 vaccines’ success at
effectiveness evaluations by the preventing serious illness and death
Practice Areas FDA and a CDC advisory panel. as the main reasons for the verifica-
The CDC’s vaccination advisory tion requirements.
• Trust & Estate Planning panel already issued an approval “By requiring individuals to be vac-
• Trust Administration & Probate of booster doses the week before cinated, or test negative for COVID-
James J. Phillips* Katelyn M. Phillips for people with weakened immune 19 at large events, we are decreasing
• Conservatorship & Elder Law
systems who are more likely to suf- the risk of infection, hospitalization
fer so-called breakthrough COVID- and death,” Aragon said.
James J. Phillips & Katelyn M. Phillips 19 infections because their im-
mune response is not as robust as
The state had previously required
vaccine or negative test verification
30 Years in the Tri Valley that of people with fully functional
immune systems.
for events of 5,000 or more people
through at least Oct. 1. Until Sept.
*Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law State public health officials have 20, those rules will remain in effect.
State Bar Board of Legal Specialization also given the go-ahead to booster State public health officials touted
doses for immunocompromised support for the new guidelines from
LL.M. in Taxation people after the Western States entertainment event giants like Live
Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Nation Entertainment and AEG as
— which includes officials from well as Californians for the Arts.
4900 Hopyard Rd., Suite 260, Pleasanton • (925) 463-1980 Nevada, Oregon, Washington and The guidelines will keep the verifi-
www.phillipslaw.us California — issued its approval cation system in place through at least
last week. Nov. 1, according to the CDPH. Q
Page 10 • August 27, 2021 • Pleasanton WeeklyNEWSFRONT
CLAIM Dublin community after news broke volunteers to place food boxes in lives, plus the medical costs incurred “We can’t say at this time whether
Continued from Page 5
on March 24. a manner in which the volunteers as a result of the emergency treat- the USDA or federal government
Catherine Kuo, 48, was volunteer- would be between vehicles; failing ment before her death. would be a party in this case. We
received the claim on Aug. 16 — ing at Fallon to distribute prepacked to require members of the public As for whether the case will move would have to develop facts that
which was the first day of school food boxes avail- participating in the event to turn off forward to a lawsuit, if the claim they played a role, a substantial fac-
for Dublin students in the 2021-22 able to residents their vehicles’ ignitions; and failing is rejected by the district, Casper tor in the lack of instruction, the lack
academic year. on a first-come, to ensure that there was a minimum declined to specify but said based of warnings for this event.” Q
“We were expecting this claim as first-served basis safe distance between vehicles,” the on past experience, “most claims in Editor’s note: The Kuo family’s
a natural result of the tragic death through the U.S. claim argues. general, if there’s a willingness and claim, which can be accessed at
of Trustee Catherine Kuo. The claim Department of No individual DUSD employees interest in pursuing it, do end up PleasantonWeekly.com, does identify
has been submitted to our insurance A g r i c u l t u r e ’s or representatives are identified as becoming lawsuits.” the driver by name. The Weekly has
carrier. I can only imagine the grief “Farmers to responsible in the claim at this point He added, “If there is an eventual redacted the name from the claim at
that the Kuo family must still be Families Food Catherine
in the case. filing of a lawsuit we intend to hold this point, in line with Embarcadero
working through,” Funk told the Box Family.” Kuo The claim seeks unspecified mon- all parties that we deem played a Media’s policy on when to identify private
Weekly by email on Friday. The second- etary damages above the statutory part in, played a role in Catherine’s individuals in cases that do not result in
A tort claim is a required precur- year DUSD trustee was standing minimum for the loss of Catherine death, to be held responsible, and criminal charges. Our editorial board
sor before a lawsuit can be filed behind a parked Tesla sedan with Kuo’s love and companionship and that would likely include the driver plans to revisit the question if a civil
against a public entity in California. its trunk open to receive a food box her financial support from their of the BMW. complaint is filed against the driver.
The district has 45 days to accept, around 11:45 a.m. March 24 when a
reject or do nothing with the claim, BMW SUV in the designated pickup
which also lists the Kuos’ 15-year- queue behind them drove forward
old son Thomas and 11-year-old and hit her from behind, pinning 20 21
PLEASANT
O
daughter Natalie as claimants. the DUSD trustee between the two W E E K LY N
William Kuo, who was appointed vehicles.
by the other trustees in May to suc- Catherine Kuo sustained cata-
ceed his late wife in representing strophic injuries that would prove
Trustee Area 3, will recuse himself fatal. She was transported to Eden
from any discussions the board has Medical Center in Castro Valley,
about the claim, but he does not where she was pronounced dead
foresee this week’s filing having any that afternoon. Where the Client-Caregiver
other impacts on his service, accord- Dublin Police Services conducted
ing to his attorney. a nearly seven-week investigation Relationship is Everything.
“Simply, the fact he has a pending before concluding the BMW driver
claim against the district doesn’t bear — whom police did not publicly
on his ability to serve on the Board identify — inadvertently accelerated
of Trustees,” said Casper, who is a after failing to put her SUV into the
partner at the Walnut Creek-based park gear. The Alameda County Dis-
law firm Casper, Meadows, Schwartz trict Attorney’s Office reviewed the
& Cook. case and declined to file criminal
“He’s really committed to the mis- charges against the driver in May.
sion of the district. He’s honored to The Kuos’ claim states that just
serve as a trustee. But at the same before the forward acceleration and
time, he and his children intend to collision, an unnamed DUSD em-
hold the district accountable for its ployee approached and instructed
role in the death of Catherine. He’s the BMW driver to open the rear
placed in a difficult position, but it’s hatch of her SUV so he could load a
one he finds himself in,” Casper said food box into the trunk area.
of William Kuo. “DUSD’s failures that created an
The shocking circumstances of unreasonable risk of harm included,
Catherine Kuo’s death rocked the but are not limited to: instructing
TM
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