Year in Review: Part II - Pleasanton Weekly
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Donate to the Holiday Fund Page 8 VOL. XXI, NUMBER 39 • JANUARY 1, 2021 WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM W Year in Review: Part II Last six months of 2020 went from fortitude to longing to hope | Page 12 5 NEWS COVID-19 spreads in group housing in Tri-Valley 5 NEWS Three fatal crashes in 33 hours in Livermore 5 NEWS Janitor dead, another ill at Fallon Middle School
COMING SOON IN PLEASANTON TIM TALK BY TIM HUNT Many more questions than answers for 2021 Highly Desired Foothill Knolls Huge Backyard w/ Pool A s the New Year dawned at midnight, I’m hard pressed to find a time with so many more questions than answers. Yes, there’s great news about vac- The other big question facing Pleasanton is what the new majority on the City Council will do about housing. The prior City Council established the two-year work plan 7812 FOOTHILL KNOLLS DRIVE 5 Bedrooms / 6 Bathrooms, 4,304 Square Feet, 17,806 Square Foot Lot cines against the COVID-19 virus that included as a high priority re- Nicely updated and expanded home with pool and detached unit. This and health care workers already are suming planning on the east side. It lovely home is perfect for multi-generational living and provides plenty being immunized. That’s an amaz- was suspended during the drought. of space for those working and schooling from home. ing tribute to the scientists and Ponderosa Homes has optioned one other researchers in Big Pharma and key parcel land and worked out a some of their partners that deliv- contract with the other big land- 3183 CONTI COURT, PLEASANTON ered a safe vaccine years earlier than owner to master plan the area. 4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms, 5,799 Square Feet, 27,956 Square Foot Lot skeptics predicted. Go back and The concept for the 1,100 acres look at some internet news clips includes a school site, an exten- Gorgeous custom home in Ruby Hill on a lovely court with a large lot backing when Operation Warp Speed was sion of the popular Ironwood active to the golf course. This beautiful home features a theatre room, private office announced — the president and his adult community and more than and separate library. administration deserve lots of credit 500 affordable housing units. City as well. staff leadership held the agreement But big questions remain as more with Ponderosa through the elec- 7TIME WINNER AS PLEASANTON’S BEST REALTOR & HALL OF FAME MEMBER and more people are immunized. tion season, and now it’s a question When will people be comfortable of what new Mayor Karla Brown flying on airplanes, particularly on the long-haul international flights and councilwomen Julie Testa and Valerie Arkin will do about it. Gina Piper that have been the bread-and-butter They will face significant pres- 925.200.0202 • DRE #01201349 for the airlines? Has business travel sure from the state. The governor gina@elationre.com — a lucrative revenue source for promised, pre-pandemic, aggressive ElationRE.com airlines — shifted forever? action to address the state’s chronic Will employers continue to allow housing shortage. That got derailed, their employees to work remotely, but, as the pandemic eases, it will whether full-time or part-time? be back on the front burner in What will that mean for the “class A” office space in San Francisco and Sacramento. Testa is a founder of California Tri-Valley readers, what is other job hubs? The San Francisco Alliance of Electeds, as well as ac- Business Times reported Monday that leasing activity in San Fran- tive in Liveable California, both groups that are committed to local local journalism worth to you? cisco is down 75% year-over-year, control. In this case, you can trans- hitting a low last seen 20 years ago. late local control to strict limits on Here in the Tri-Valley, an area housing. known for its quality of life and as That will run afoul of the upcom- an ideal place to raise a family, the ing new regional housing goal num- business future also has plenty of bers that are due this year. Pleas- questions. anton’s goal is expected to be in The Livermore Valley will benefit the 4,000-unit range, significantly from its strong cluster of life sci- more than the current cycle. With ence and advanced manufacturing its strong job base and two BART companies. The life science firms stations, Pleasanton is exactly the require lab space so remote work type of community where regional for the entire employee pool doesn’t planners expect more high-density play — the same for manufacturing housing to be built close to public facilities such as Topcon, Gillig and transit. The city, with the ACE train Lam Research. and its downtown station is correct- Keep strong journalism alive in your community. What the lessons learned this ly concerned about high-density in year will mean for the valley’s strong a single-family neighborhood. With local retail advertising steadily declining around the nation, software companies and demand 2021 brings lots of questions the future of local journalism is in the hands of our readers. Only for office space is a big question. with a fuzzy crystal ball when it Workday gave an early hint this comes to answers. Q with your direct support as a subscribing member can we retain year after the pandemic hit when it Editor’s note: Opinion columnist Tim our professional journalists and continue to provide insightful and walked away from a deal to take the Hunt has written columns on the engaging coverage of the community. 14-acre retail site next to Stoneridge Tri-Valley community for more than Shopping Center. 10x Genomics, 40 years. He grew up in the valley with its headquarters a block away, and lives in Pleasanton. His “Tim For just $10 a month, or 33 cents a day, you can do your part to scooped it up and has submitted Talk” blog appears twice a week at ensure that a free and responsible press continues to hold institutions plans to the city. PleasantonWeekly.com. accountable. Sign up for membership at pleasantonweekly.com/join About the Cover We’re back with the second half of our annual retrospective. Reflect on all the Danville big news in the Tri-Valley from July through December in our Year in Review: San .com Ramon Part II, inside from Pages 12-18. File photos. Cover design by Paul Llewellyn. Vol. XXI, Number 39 Pleasanton Weekly • January 1, 2021 • Page 3
Streetwise ASKED AROUND TOWN What are you looking forward to doing in the new year? Marie Riccio Law school student I am looking forward to doing everything I haven’t been able to do since March +$33
Newsfront DIGEST COVID-19 spreads in group housing Tree disposal Signups are underway for the Tri-Valley nursing homes grapple with virus; outbreak at Dublin women’s prison annual Christmas Tree Pickup and Recycling Day this month BY JULIA BAUM on the Alameda County Public Tri-Valley currently in the top 10 cases in the facility this summer. benefiting Boy Scouts Troop 941 The Vineyards Healthcare Cen- Health Department website as of for most COVID-19 cases among More recent cases have been in Pleasanton. ter in Livermore was No. 9 among Monday afternoon. residents in skilled nursing fa- reported, but Pleasanton Nursing Money raised by the effort is skilled nursing facilities with the There has been at least one cilities countywide, several other and Rehab officials had not re- used to help buy camping equip- most resident cases of COVID-19 resident death at the facility at- nursing homes in Livermore and sponded to a request for comment. ment and fund the troop’s scout- in Alameda County, according to tributed to COVID-19, but none Pleasanton have reported cases Twelve resident deaths are also ing activities such as summer camp and weekend outings. data from local public health of- among employees to date. The and deaths as well. In all but one documented for Pleasanton Nurs- The Scouts’ holiday tree pick- ficials on Monday. public data does not include an facility, resident cases outnum- ing and Rehab, which date back to ups will take place Jan. 9 between The rising totals at the facility exact number of cases or deaths if bered employee cases. the summer outbreak. The death 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and are re- on Fenton Street come as other a facility has 10 or fewer on record Pleasanton Nursing and Reha- of one employee due to COVID-19 stricted to Pleasanton addresses. group living settings in the Tri- (otherwise it is tracked as “less bilitation Center remains just out- was confirmed around the same All trees must be curbside when Valley face the winter trend of than 11,” with no precise number side the top 10 most COVID resi- time; the facility’s death count is pickups start that morning, and increased COVID-19 cases, in- as a “de-identification” strategy). dent cases in an Alameda County still reported as less than 11 so an all ornaments, lights and tree cluding an ongoing outbreak at Representatives of The Vine- skilled nursing facility. The center exact total remains unclear. stands must be removed. No the federal prison for women in yards did not respond to re- is currently No. 11 with 51 resi- Four other Tri-Valley skilled flocked or artificial trees will be Dublin. quest for comment as of Monday dent cases and 49 employee cases nursing facilities are listed farther picked up. Register by Tuesday (Jan. 5). To In total, 53 resident and 38 staff afternoon. — most of which happened dur- sign up, visit www.Troop941.org. cases at The Vineyards are listed Though the only facility in the ing an outbreak of more than 90 See COVID-19 on Page 9 Talk Hawks Las Positas College’s champion forensics team, Talk Hawk, won Janitor dead, first place and took second in two tournaments in December. another ill The team attended the 2020 Off Broadway Swing, which was held virtually over the weekend at Fallon MS of Dec. 5, in two tournaments. Strange chemical odor, Overall, Talk Hawk received sec- ond place at the Nassau Com- fentanyl at scene, munity College tournament — per Dublin police beaten out only by Cornell Uni- versity — and won first place in the other tournament held by BY JEREMY WALSH Hofstra University. Dublin police continue to in- Both tournaments were held vestigate the death of a Fallon virtually this year, allowing the Middle School janitor and the entire Talk Hawk team to par- illness befalling his fiancee, also a ticipate, and featured competitors custodian at the school, when the from 30 colleges and universi- engaged couple were found by ties from 15 different states. The police in severe medical distress team’s novice competitors were in the library early in the morn- also able to compete in open level ing after not returning home after competition for the first time. In a statement, Talk Hawk their shift last week. coaching staffer and LPC com- The decedent has been identi- munications studies instructor fied by the Alameda County Cor- Jim Dobson called his students oner’s Bureau at James Coving- “amazing.” ton, 32, of Pittsburg. His fiancee “We are certainly making a CIERRA BAILEY and colleague, identified online lot of noise around the country,” Memorial display alongside Las Positas Road honors three teenage boys from Livermore who died in a crash with as Shameka Wilbon, had been Dobson said. “This small commu- a big-rig on the night of Dec. 21. treated at a local hospital and was nity college is doing something expected to make a full recovery. very unique. We just went against an Ivy League school in an aca- demic activity and won.” Fatal crashes rock Livermore Investigators are still unsure what caused both to be left ail- ing at Fallon on the morning of Memorial honors teens killed on Dec. 21, Dec. 23, as well as the source of Nonprofit of the Year Tri-Valley State Senator Steve among three deadly collisions last week the strange chemical-like odor responding officers reported Glazer (D-Orinda) this fall award- BY JEREMY WALSH around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. outside the city limits. smelling in the library. Officers ed the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year honor for his District 7 to Trin- The Livermore community is It was the second of the three The crashes have left family, did locate apparent fentanyl at ity Center, a nonprofit organiza- reeling after three separate traf- fatal crashes in Livermore be- friends and colleagues mourning the scene later that day, Capt. tion based in Walnut Creek that fic collisions killed five people tween Dec. 21 and 22. during the holiday season — Nate Schmidt told the Weekly on supports homeless and very-low- within a 33-hour period last Earlier on Dec. 21, Livermore and the three incidents occurring Monday. income individuals. week, including the nighttime resident Christine Boyle died at a in seemingly rapid succession The pending results toxicology Trinity Center served 970 dif- crash along Las Positas Road that nearby hospital hours after being rocked the Livermore Valley. testing, which could take several ferent individuals and provided claimed the lives of three teenage hit by a gravel truck while trying weeks or more to process through more than 56,000 services in Three teens killed boys. to ride across an intersection on external laboratories, will shed 2019-20. It operates during the Rahul Brar, 18; Shej Kumar, her bicycle on Stanley Boulevard Brar’s family said on so- more light on exactly what took day and offers services such as 16; and Ian Ericksen, 16 — that morning. cial media that the 18-year-old place, according to the captain. meals, showers, laundry, cloth- ing, and mail and telephone ac- all Livermore residents — died And the next evening, Stock- was driving his cousin Kumar “No matter how you look at it, cess, coupled with case man- after their vehicle struck a big-rig ton school teacher Julie Ownbey and friend Ericksen home after this is very, very sad,” Schmidt agement for benefits, housing, trailer that was blocking the in- died in a solo-vehicle rollover employment and substance use tersection at a business driveway along North Livermore Avenue See CRASHES on Page 10 See JANITOR on Page 7 counseling. Q Pleasanton Weekly • January 1, 2021 • Page 5
NEWSFRONT County delays appeal hearing for Aramis solar plant project Postponement gives Haubert more time for community meetings BY JULIA BAUM Friends of Livermore solar com- chairman for Save North Livermore One month after a 410-acre solar mittee chair Michael Fredrich and Valley, said in a statement, “We are power plant north of Livermore was Tamara Reus, president of Friends pleased that Intersect Power will no initially approved, Alameda County of Open Space and Vineyards, said longer be allowed to rush the review officials have postponed an appeal in a joint letter to county planning of its massive Aramis industrial solar hearing for the project until early director Albert Lopez that they only power plant proposed for the scenic February. learned about the original Aramis North Livermore Valley, an area spe- Proponents and opponents of the appeal hearing date informally from cifically designated by voters for the Aramis solar project both recently county staff on Dec. 11. preservation of agriculture and open requested to delay the originally Fredrich and Reus argued hold- space.” scheduled Jan. 12 hearing before the ing a hearing in mid-January also The organization also supports county Board of Supervisors, accord- SNLV would have placed “a significant Haubert’s call for a moratorium on ing to Shawn Wilson, chief of staff for Project areas of the Sunwalker industrial solar power plant in the foreground burden” on volunteers for both reviewing new solar plants on agri- outgoing Supervisor Scott Haggerty, (in orange) and the larger Aramis solar plant (in red), totaling 700-plus acres. groups to prepare, especially during cultural land “until the county com- whose District 1 includes the project the holidays. pletes a comprehensive study and area. the new supervisor and let’s talk to members. “The compressed time frame in mapping project on the appropriate The postponement “makes more him,’” Wilson told the Weekly. “It’s not something that deserves which the solar hearings have oc- siting, scale, and operation of solar prudent sense,” Wilson said, not- Instead, the Board of Supervisors to be rushed. We’re talking about a curred has put additional pressure power plants, if any, on agricultural ing that Haggerty’s successor, former will consider the proposal at their 400-plus acre project,” he added. on us to be able to keep up with the land, and incorporates this work in Dublin mayor and now Supervisor- next meeting in February, Wilson In late November, the East County applicants and the county,” they said. a solar ordinance and General Plan elect David Haubert, will have more said. Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) Another grassroots organization Amendment,” O’Brien said. time to become familiarized with With only a week between Hau- approved the Aramis solar project also fighting both projects, including Aramis developer Intersect Power plans after being sworn in Jan. 4. bert’s induction and the original hear- by Intersect Power in the north- appealing the recent zoning board’s also filed an appeal, challenging “The neighbors in particular that ing date, Wilson said there would ern Livermore Valley — a separate decision on Aramis and request- county-imposed conditions of ap- live in close proximity and also some have been little time for the new su- smaller solar power plant by Sun- ing time extensions for the hearing, proval around increased wildlife of the Livermore organizations said pervisor to meet with the applicants, walker Energy in the same area was praised the delayed hearing. buffer, setbacks and agricultural ‘let’s take some time and meet with neighbors and other community approved weeks later. Chris O’Brien, steering committee plantings. Q DUSD invites public to apply for superintendent’s Interview Committee Members will ‘play a key role’ in selecting the district’s next permanent leader BY JULIA BAUM Trustees with feedback that will be process and approved by the trust- year so the district would have suf- • Jan. 25: Deadline to submit ap- The Dublin Unified School Dis- used when making the final hiring ees. Prospective candidates must ficient time to find a permanent plication form trict is creating a committee of com- decision. complete and submit an application superintendent. • Feb. 23: Board appoints com- munity members in its search for Each of the five Board of Trustees form by Jan. 25. It was the second time in over a mittee members the next permanent superintendent, members will appoint one member, The search process has been con- year that a superintendent suddenly • March 25: Committee orienta- with the hopes of selecting a vi- as well as the Dublin Teachers As- tinuing amid the COVID-19 pan- left DUSD. Prior to Marken’s tenure, tion session able candidate before the 2021-22 sociation, California Schools Em- demic and in the wake of former Leslie Boozer and the board mutu- • April 22: Committee interviews school year. ployees and student school boards short-term superintendent Dave ally parted ways in March 2019. superintendent candidates and pro- The Community Interview Com- representing Dublin and Valley high Marken abruptly giving his resig- Interim Superintendent Daniel vides feedback mittee’s 15 members will “play a schools. nation to the board in late June. Moirao has been leading the district • May 11: Board hires new su- key role” in the district’s recruit- The remaining six committee Marken came out of retirement in since Marken’s departure. perintendent (tentative). ment process by interviewing can- members will be selected through April 2019, and later agreed to Key dates for the superintendent For more information, visit dub- didates and providing the Board of a board subcommittee application stay on through the 2020-21 school search process include: lin.k12.ca.us. Q LAVTA seeks input on pandemic service changes Residents have through Jan. 20 to submit comments Community feedback is six routes has been reduced. wanted on the Livermore Ama- All service after 11 p.m. is dor Valley Transit Authority’s discontinued. changes to service that were Details about LAVTA’s actions brought about by the COVID- to operate during the pandemic 19 pandemic. and emergency service changes, The public input process is as well as the public input pro- required “when emergency ser- cess, are available at wheelsbus. vice changes have been in place com/covid. for more than 180 days,” of- Comments received will be ficials said. summarized and given to the LAVTA was forced to reduce Board of Directors. Submit or eliminate services with low comments by email to info@ use in order to maintain es- lavta.org or by postal mail to sential functions after overall COVID Service Change Com- ridership plummeted by ap- ments, LAVTA, 1362 Rutan proximately 90% during the Court, Suite 100, Livermore. first week of Alameda County’s Comments may also be faxed: HIVELY shelter-in-place order in March. 443-1375. Currently, two regular and The deadline to submit com- Hively helps this holiday season three express routes have been mentary is Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. Q Staff from local nonprofit Hively, along with 40 volunteers, distributed items outside its offices in Pleasanton to discontinued, and service on —Julia Baum more than 600 children living throughout Alameda County, including toys, warm clothing, food, diapers, baby wipes, children’s books and gift cards to purchase essential items. Page 6 • January 1, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT Italian Style Spaghetti & Ravioli HALL OF FAME PLEASANTON W E E K LY 2015 2014 2013 2012 2018 PLEASANTON W E E K LY 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 O p en Early Bird Special 7 Da ys (Served from 4-6 daily) Any Large Two-Topping Pizza and a Pitcher of Soda for only $30.00 (plus Tax) Additional Toppings Available • Dine-In Only Lunches • Dinners • Beers on Tap • Orders to Go 288 Main Street • 846-2520 • www.gayninetiespizza.com Pleasanton native Aaron Gnagy serves in the U.S. Navy at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. NAVY/COLIN SENS We buy gold, silver & platinum jewelry Navy spotlights Pleasanton sailor for service in East Africa Gnagy currently serving at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti BY RYAN J. DEGAN in December, which seeks out to tell and for coordinating with foreign and Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class the stories of the average service coalition air operation controllers.” Aaron Gnagy, a Pleasanton native member stationed abroad, bringing “I’ve made many sacrifices, such as serving in the Navy at Camp Lemon- to light their backgrounds and cur- time away from my family and events nier in Djibouti, has been featured rent activities. in life that I’ve missed, while being in recently by a national military news Gnagy is the ground control tower the Navy,” Gnagy told DVIDS. “How- service that shines the spotlight on liaison for air operations at Camp ever, I’m proud of the qualifications U.S. service members working to protect their country around the Lemonnier Djibouti — a U.S. Naval Expeditionary Base near the intersec- that I’ve earned as well as the friends that I’ve made during my time in the We buy & globe. Gnagy was featured in the Defense tion of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in eastern Africa — where DVIDS Navy.” Interested residents can read the sell gold and Visual Information Distribution Ser- officials say he is responsible for “is- whole profile on Gnagy online at silver coins vice’s (DVIDS) Spotlight series earlier suing ground movement instructions www.dvidshub.net/news. Q back of the school, and began officers to discover a substance JANITOR searching the school. A cellphone that tentatively tested positive for Continued from Page 5 ping soon identified one victim’s fentanyl at an unidentified location said. “Our hearts go out to the cellphone as being in the library, on campus, according to Schmidt. family. Horrible.” according to Schmidt. The cause of the janitors’ medi- High end Dublin Unified School District Interim Superintendent Daniel The officers located the missing man and woman in the library cal issues has not been determined, nor has the cause of Covington’s watches, coins Moirao issued a statement late on the afternoon of Dec. 23 confirm- suffering from unknown medi- cal issues. They also detected “an death, according to Schmidt. The case remains under investigation. & diamonds ing the on-campus death of an unknown chemical smell” in the Moirao told the school com- unnamed member of the Fallon room, Schmidt said. munity last week he had no new site custodial team and offering Officers carried both ailing peo- information about the incident to FREE quotes • A+ Rating with BBB condolences to their family. ple outside to the school courtyard, share beyond what Dublin police “Our deepest sympathies go out but the man — later identified as released publicly. to the family and friends of our lost colleague and also to the students, Covington — succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead “As we stated earlier today, you may not have all the information SILVER & GOLD staff and community of Fallon Mid- dle School,” Moirao said. “No mat- ter how strong the Fallon Mustang at the scene, according to Schmidt. The woman — later identified as Covington’s fiancee and colleague you’d like, but we ask that you avoid speculation and allow our partners at the Dublin Police De- EXCHANGE family is, losing a family member at — was treated at the scene by partment to provide us with the 4211-3B Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton any time is tragic, but during this Alameda County Fire Department facts. Speculation helps no one,” he 925.463.2274 time of year, it is devastating.” and Faulk Ambulance Services and said. Police responded to the school on Kohnen Way around 7 a.m. then transported to a local hospital for further treatment, the captain Moirao also encouraged any stu- dent or staff member struggling www.silverandgoldc4g.com Dec. 23 after a caller reported two said. She was expected to make a with the news of the custodian’s people missing after saying they full recovery. death to contact the district’s coun- didn’t return home after their shift ACFD’s hazardous material sup- seling team for assistance. providing janitorial services at Fal- lon the day before, according to port unit was called in to investi- gate the chemical smell, but after “Finally, I know that this has been a tough year for our commu- VERY Print or online subscription starts at only $5/month Schmidt. The pair had been sched- uled to work a normal afternoon- an extensive search of the area, “no toxic chemicals were found, noth- nity. If we have learned anything in 2020 it is to appreciate what REAL Visit: PleasantonWeekly.com/join into-evening shift at Fallon on Dec. 22. ing that could cause the medical issues the victims were experienc- we have and to remember to tell our family and friends that we love LOCAL Officers found a vehicle belong- ing to the missing couple at the ing,” Schmidt said. A subsequent school search led them,” the interim superintendent said. Q NEWS #PressOn Pleasanton Weekly • January 1, 2021 • Page 7
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Box 45389 Cindy & Bob Gee..............................................100 Sharon Piekarski ...............................................250 San Francisco, CA 94145-0389 Joe & Sue Silva ...................................................** Bob & Betsy Harris ............................................400 Garrett Holmes & Angela Ramirez Holmes .......100 Patricia Bacon ...................................................100 Jeff & Jeri Oh ......................................................** Peggy Bryant ....................................................100 Kevin & Sandra Ryan ........................................100 Bob & Debbie Rycerski .....................................100 In partnership with: Sue Compton ...................................................250 The Jolley Family.................................................** Rebecca Dennis ................................................100 Edward Herman .................................................** Madhusudan Vishwanath ................................100 Jack Balch.........................................................100 Jill Buck ............................................................200 Terry Gianatasio..................................................50 Page 8 • January 1, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
NEWSFRONT Peter MacDonald........................... 200 Jeff Christensen ............................. 300 Charles Soule, from Dorothy Soule .....** Charles J. Sebahar & Charles J. ‘Save Scrooge’ in online escape room James Price ................................. 5,000 Sebahar, Jr., from Karen Sebahar .....100 Nancy Allen ................................... 500 Lana Vigallon .......................................** Virtual activity offers family-friendly puzzle solving fun Linda Mullineaux ........................... 100 Lee B. Young, from Marsha Young.....** Marilyn Duman ............................. 500 Karen Milelli.........................................** BY RYAN J. DEGAN Johanna Prevost .............................. 30 Bob Williams........................................** Infamous misanthrope and The Morgenstern Family.................. ** William C. “Bud” Lunde, cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Kelly & Steve Kanty ....................... 200 from Louise Lunde...............................** Scrooge is back to his holiday- Nancy Page ................................... 500 Margaret Hale & Helen Martin, hating ways, and Tri-Valley resi- Michael Siegling .............................. 25 from Dave & Roz Gamble ...................** dents may be the only ones who Ana & Michael Fong...................... 150 Moms-Mary Britto & Lee Gagnon, can help by signing up for the from Carl & Maggie Britto.................100 virtual adventure “Saving Scrooge: Praveen Sampat ............................ 100 Hathily P. Johnson & Marcus E. Peterson, A Holiday Haunt.” Peter Schulze ................................. 250 from Hathi Winston & Created by Fantasy Escape Stacey Ristow ................................ 500 Jerry Prettyman..................................200 Leah Anderson .............................. 200 Games, Saving Scrooge takes in- Grandpa Tom & Grandma Marge, from Deborah Wallace ........................... 100 Jeff & Nina .........................................150 spiration from Charles Dickens’ Ron & Kathy Anderson.................. 200 famous novella “A Christmas Grandpa Ray & Grandma Terry, from Dorothy Maddox ............................. ** Kevin & Annie....................................150 Carol,” blending together tradi- Carole Peterson & James Brice ........ ** Vicki Marien & Claude Ganage...........** tional escape room puzzling and Elise & Jeremy Walsh ..................... 100 Brien Dowdakin, from Sean Chase .....** problem solving with interactive CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Robert Widmer ............................... 50 My two wonderful dads-Rick Aguiar & narrative adventure in an online Residents are invited to a virtual holiday-themed escape room challenge for the Kathleen Kearney ............................ 25 George Fargis, from format. “Saving Scrooge: A Holiday Haunt.” Donald & Julie Lewis ....................... ** Marianne Ottaway ............................200 An entirely virtual experience, Michael Montoya .......................... 300 Dr. Donald R. Gardner, DVM, from the game allows groups of par- from disturbing him. Players act as and interactions with characters. Wendy Wong & Matt Traini ................** ticipants to work together to solve the Christmas spirits and will work The virtual experience allows for Todd Miller .................................... 250 Chris Beratlis, from Vic’s Coffee Shop puzzles during a one-hour private together, along with a Game Master limitless creative choices that can Robert Sygiel ................................. 200 Guys ..................................................260 experience held over Zoom. Guide, to solve puzzles and help change the course of players’ ad- Elizabeth D. Beebe ........................ 500 Alex V. Spotorno, from “The game was so much fun Scrooge learn the true meaning of ventures,” McCarthy said. Jorge Victoria ................................ 100 Alex Spotorno Family ..........................** The Ramkissoon Family ................. 200 to design. The story is inspired the holiday season. Puzzle difficulty is adjustable, Bernadette Dantzig-Leo Barsotti, from Lola Malatesta ................................. 50 by Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ The Game Master will serve as making it an experience accessible Terry & Judy Scavone ...........................50 Smita & Ranjit................................ 100 where grumpy old Scrooge refuses facilitator of the game and act as for kids as well as adults. Van Gilbert ..........................................** George & Hilary Strain..................... ** to participate in the holiday season. different characters to set the tone Tickets are between $15 to $18 per Gretchen Clatworthy, from Deborah & Barbara Hollingsworth..................... ** Michael Grossman ..............................50 But this has a twist,” said Jack Mc- of the adventure while displaying person, and private group games are Tom & Saral Catalano .................... 100 William & Emily Hirst, from Bill Hirst....** Carthy, a local escape room design- puzzles on their screen for players available seven days a week, includ- Owen Saupe, from Rebecca Saupe...100 er and director at Fantasy Escape to solve. ing the weekend. Saving Scrooge: IN MEMORY OF Games. “Alongside using their logical A Holiday Haunt is set to run Jerry Lemm, from Marilyn, Mark & Janet Reichlin, from Mike, Lori & Michele Lemm...................................200 In this version, Scrooge has cast skills to solve puzzles, players use through Jan. 10. Residents can pur- Michael Reichlin.................................200 away the Christmas spirits and this their creative instincts to navi- chase tickets or learn more online at Steve DeCoite, from Jane DeCoite......** Gam & Papa Abbot, from the time has magical traps to stop them gate the realities of being a spirit www.fantasyescapegames.com. Q Casey Family ........................................** Our parents - Les & LaVergne Fields & Harold & Gen Malmquist ....................** Robert Himsl, from Charlotte Himsl...200 Bill Haraughty, from Richard Del Tredici, Anita Haraughty ..................................** from Judith Del Tredici .......................100 Cora L. Maille, from COVID-19 Coach Tony Costello, from Michael & Continued from Page 5 Maille/Massingham ...........................500 Cheryl Costello ....................................** Jordan Bibbs, from Frank & down on the list of more than Beloved Xiaofan Han, from Xiaojun Mo’s Family ..................................................** Teresa Morgan...................................200 70 in Alameda County, includ- Hank Gomez, Robert & Donna Williams, Carol Emmett, from George & ing Stratford Villa Post Acute in from Frank Gomez and Jeannie Emmett..............................2,500 Livermore at No. 32 with 22 resi- Maureen Nokes .................................200 dent cases and less than a dozen IN HONOR OF Carl W. Pretzel, from Marilyn Pretzel...** employee cases. Stratford Villa has Our “Fabulous” 5 Grandkids, from Betty Patrick, from Charles & R&G Spicka....................................** had at least one resident death, Joan Brown .......................................100 Our Loved Ones, from William Wayne however, but none among staff Woody Pereira, from Slivia & Family..200 Emery & E. Anne Emery ..................** members. Lynne & Liane Pruiksma, Our granddaughters: Norah & Valley Memorial Hospital from C. Heller ......................................** Savannah Huff, from Kay & Skilled Nursing Facility — also Dr. Gerald L. Severin, Charles Huff ..................................** from Charlotte W. Severin.................100 in Livermore — was listed at No. Everyone hurting during Covid-19, Rick Aguiar & George Fargis, Jr,. from from Sue King-Irwin & 42, but had no recently reported Nancy Aguiar Fargis...........................100 Hank Irwin ...................................100 COVID cases for any residents or at the Federal Correctional In- located not far from the Santa Steve DeCoite, from Frank & Our wonderful parents, Jeb & Jan staff. In Pleasanton, CreekView stitution in Dublin — which Rita Jail. Its inmate population Muriel Capilla ......................................** Bing, we love you very much, from Health Center made the list at No. climbed to 185 inmates and three sometimes includes celebrity con- Brenda Lathlean Faggiano, from Ellen & Kerry, Chris & Jenny .....................150 60 with at least one resident cases, staff members as of Dec. 23 — victs; TV actress Lori Loughlin this Bill Lathlean .......................................150 Trudy Fabian, from Lisa Fabian .....100 16 employee cases and no deaths stood at 169 inmates and three week just completed a two-month Karl K. Witze .......................................** Fabian, Inc. Siblings, from at all. staffers as of Monday afternoon, sentence stemming from her con- Bert Brook, from Dee Brook..............200 Lisa Fabian ...................................100 There are 1,645 skilled nursing according to the Federal Bureau viction in the college admissions June & Harry Pantages ........................** AS A GIFT FOR facility resident cases in Alameda of Prisons. bribery scandal. Her COVID-sta- Too many to list. In my heart and prayers, from Howard Merrill ............100 Our grandsons Benny & County, as well as 187 resident FCI Dublin is housing approxi- tus was not known. Tracy, from Vernon Cink ......................** Teddy Threshie ...............................** deaths attributed to COVID-19. mately 865 prisoners between its All visitations at FCI Dublin Elizabeth Ng, from Chris & Those in need this holiday season, Sunrise of Pleasanton adminis- main facility and adjacent satellite have been suspended indefinitely, Linda Coleman ...............................1,000 from Mark & LaRene Kidd............250 tration informed resident families camp, according to the prisons according to prisons bureau. Erik Lemoine, from the last week that one employee as- bureau. More broadly for the Tri-Valley, BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS signed to the Terrace Club Neigh- There had been no COVID-19 the overall number of COVID- Lemoine Family..................................200 Time 4 Order - Professional borhood tested positive for the deaths reported among inmates or 19 cases in Livermore, includ- Jim Snodgrass, Organizing...................................100 from Virginia Snodgrass ......................** virus. No other residents or em- staff at the Dublin prison through- ing skilled nursing facilities and Robert C. Bush, from Arlene Bush ....100 DeBernardi Develoment Construction & Remodeling ................................** ployees had symptoms, and all out the pandemic as of Monday, other residents, is nearly double Bob Griffitts, from Sharon Morrison ...50 were set to be tested. according to federal officials. They that of Pleasanton. The count was J.E. Moore Air Conditioning Inc. ..500 Bill & Alice Marsh, from Bill & Meanwhile, one in five inmates said previously 115 inmates and 2,520 cases compared to 1,306 Audrey Sears .......................................** Rita CPA ......................................251 incarcerated at the low-security seven staff members have recov- in Pleasanton, while the city of Betty Dawson, from Dan Dawson ......** Fabulous Properties......................250 women’s federal prison in Dublin ered from COVID-19 over the Dublin had 1,113 as of Monday Sarah Anne Lees, from Donald & Tim McGuire Team/Compass ....2,000 had tested positive for COVID-19 course of the pandemic. afternoon. Q Judy Person........................................200 Pleasanton Newcomers Club ....1,000 last week. FCI Dublin is a minimum-se- Editor Jeremy Walsh contributed ** Donor did not want to publish the amount of the gift. The active coronavirus outbreak curity facility for female inmates to this story. Pleasanton Weekly • January 1, 2021 • Page 9
NEWSFRONT CRASHES The MUSD statement did not Continued from Page 5 identify Ownbey by name for pri- vacy reasons. But Ownbey had been picking up the pair after their shift listed as a teacher at August Knodt ended at a local Baskin-Robbins ice Jr. School, a K-8 school in the cream store on the night of Dec. 21. Weston Ranch area of Stockton The collision happened around served by Manteca Unified. 10:30 p.m. when a semi-truck driv- “We encourage families to be er turned into a business driveway especially sensitive and prepared in the 5600 block of Las Positas to offer support to their children Road but left the trailer stopped during this time. District Health blocking the roadway. The east- Services staff and Valley Commu- bound passenger vehicle carrying nity Counseling are available to the three teens then struck the big- offer support for students and staff,” rig, according to Livermore police MUSD officials said. Sgt. Steve Goard. Excessive speed and the lack of a Two of the victims were pro- seatbelt were key factors in the fatal nounced dead at the scene while crash, according to Officer Tyler the third occupant succumbed to Hahn of the CHP-Dublin office. his injuries at a local hospital, ac- The situation unfolded at ap- cording to Goard. proximately 5:25 p.m. Dec. 22 after Speed and impairment are not the driver of a 2006 Lexus ES 330 considered to be factors at this — later identified as Ownbey — point, but the investigation is still traveling at a high rate of speed pending and police have not made southbound on North Livermore CONTRIBUTED PHOTO a final determination about the Avenue, south of Hartman Road, Christine Boyle, shown here in a previous photo while cycling in Lake Tahoe, died on Dec. 21 after a crash on Stanley cause and probable factors, Goard Boulevard. The Livermore resident was 63. failed to negotiate a right-hand said. The name of the truck driver curve in the road, according to has not yet been released publicly. It had generated just over $29,000 The sergeant said the collision mergers — taking trouble calls from Hahn. Ericksen was a junior at Liver- as of Monday afternoon. occurred just after 8 a.m. Dec. 21 technicians in the field until retir- Out of control, the Lexus went more High School, Kumar attend- The situation left the Tri-Valley along eastbound Stanley Boulevard ing, according to Clibbens. across the northbound lanes, off ed Del Valle Continuation High reeling as the loss of three students within the Livermore city limits. She is survived by her adult son the roadway and into a barbed- School, and Brar was an alumnus of in one night during the holiday A gravel truck with trailer was Colin, whom she loved deeply and wire fence. “After colliding with the Vineyard Alternative High School. season was all too familiar — eerily making a right turn toward the cared for as he lived with autism, fence, the vehicle began to overturn A roadside memorial has been reminiscent of a similar tragedy that Isabel Avenue/Highway 84 connec- according to Clibbens. and cartwheeled into the field to put up in recent days with flowers, occurred in Pleasanton on Christ- tor, when at the same time, Boyle the east of the roadway,” eventually Teacher dies in rollover balloons, handwritten messages and mas Night the previous year. was riding off the sidewalk to cross coming to rest on its roof about 50 other items of remembrance at the It was around 10 p.m. on Dec. straight at the intersection within On the evening of Dec. 22, Own- feet away from the road, according crash site in eastern Livermore to 25, 2019, when a car carrying the crosswalk. A final determina- bey was driving on North Liver- to Hahn. honor the two high school juniors five Dublin teens lost control and tion about who was at fault is still more Avenue when she lost con- Ownbey, who was unrestrained and recent high school alumnus. crashed into a power pole and pending as the investigation contin- trol for unknown reasons and was in the sedan, was ejected and land- “At this time of year when we then a large tree alongside Foothill ues, Goard said. thrown out of the sedan as it rolled ed in the field as the vehicle flipped take time to celebrate, appreciate Road. Dublin High students Javier Clibbens said a witness told end-over-end into a nearby field, over and over. She was pronounced and cherish our family and friend- Ramirez and twin brothers Mark the family that Boyle attempted to according to the California High- dead at the scene, according to ships, it is particularly somber that Anthony Urista and Michael Angelo avoid a serious collision by push- way Patrol. The 52-year-old was Hahn. we instead acknowledge such a Urista (all 16 years old) died at the ing off the truck but she fell and pronounced dead at the scene. CHP officials identified the driver devastating loss to our schools and scene. was run over by the tires. Boyle Her LinkedIn profile confirmed as from Stockton, but the coroner’s community,” Superintendent Kelly (Note: When confirming the was treated at the scene and trans- Ownbey worked as a fourth-grade bureau said Ownbey’s residence Bowers, of the Livermore Valley Livermore victims’ identities this ported to Eden Medical Center in teacher in the Manteca Unified was listed in Antioch. Joint Unified School District, said week, the Alameda County Coro- Castro Valley, where she died that School District. Anyone who may have witnessed in a statement to the school com- ner’s Bureau said Brar’s first name afternoon. “We are deeply saddened by the the crash or has other relevant munity last week. was officially listed as Rahal — “She held on; she tried to fight as death of one of our beloved teach- details can contact CHP-Dublin at “As always, during periods of though family and other sources long as she could,” Clibbens said. ers from August Knodt Elementary 925-828-0466 and ask for Hahn. crisis, the LVJUSD and our entire said his first name was Rahul.) “She fought with everything she School,” Manteca Superintendent “This is a sad reminder that ex- Livermore community will pull to- had for (her son).” Clark Burke said in a statement to cessive speed combined with not Truck strikes cyclist gether. We have built a strong net- The niece said the family was media the next morning. wearing your seatbelt can be dead- work of support at Livermore, Del On the morning of Dec. 21, especially grateful for the support “The elementary school staff, stu- ly,” the officer said. “It is also a Valle and Vineyard High Schools. Boyle was riding along Stanley Bou- provided by bystander Jessica Bena- dents and entire school community reason why we, as law enforcement, I know we will come together dur- levard when she collided with a videz, who stayed with Boyle at the are deeply saddened by this news. are out enforcing traffic violations ing this time to bolster and comfort gravel truck that was making a scene until first responders arrived. Our thoughts, prayers and condo- that cause deadly collisions. As we one another. We are mobilizing our right-hand turn at an intersection. Livermore police are continuing lences are with the family during enter the holiday season, please, as district crisis team to provide grief The Livermore resident sustained to investigate the crash and locate this difficult time,” August Knodt always, don’t drink and drive, slow and trauma counseling to students, serious injuries, and died at the potential witnesses to interview. In- principal Jillian Friend added. down and wear your seatbelt.” Q faculty, and support staff,” Bowers hospital hours later. vestigators are also still working continued, adding: Boyle, 63, was a mother and re- to identify the trucker, who drove “Let’s keep their families in our minds and hearts, as they have tired phone company worker who loved the outdoors and her daily away from the scene without stop- ping, and “it is unclear if the driver PET OF THE WEEK suffered such an unimaginable and bike rides, according to family. was aware of the collision or not,” Rockin’ Robyn heartbreaking loss. Our commu- “Just a tragedy,” Barbara Clib- Goard said. Robyn is a female bully nity’s strength and sheer love will bens, Boyle’s niece, told the Weekly Clibbens implored the truck mix puppy; puppies are a help them through.” on Monday. driver to come forward. “If it was handful but they can bring Investigators continue to actively “She was a good person, just a just a horrible accident and he your family lots of joy and search for information, and anyone wonderful person,” Clibbens said of didn’t know, that’s OK; we un- years of companionship. If who witnessed the crash or has her aunt. “She loved her son, Colin. derstand,” she said. “But if he left your New Year’s resolution relevant details about the case can Family was everything to her ... She for another reason ... we want to is to add a canine to your household, check out contact Sgt. Justin Lash at Liver- loved to do photography. She loved know.” Robyn and other adoptable more PD, 925-371-4857. to ride her bicycle. She loved being Boyle, who was one of 11 chil- dogs at valleyhumane.org. If Brar’s family has started a Go- outdoors. She loved exploring. She dren, grew up in Mount Washing- you are interested adopting FundMe page to raise funds for was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.” ton in Pittsburgh, Penn. She moved Robyn, contact Valley funeral and related costs for all Livermore police are still working to California in her early 20s and Humane Society via email at three teenagers, vowing to split the to locate the truck driver, who left worked for years at Pacific Bell -- info@valleyhumane.org. money equally among the families. the scene, according to Goard. and its subsequent companies after VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY/J. SAMPAT Page 10 • January 1, 2021 • Pleasanton Weekly
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