SEVEN YEARS AND YOU STILL ‘TAKE US ALONG’ · Software Developer I think that would be a good...

In the hot seatPanel interviews school board candidates

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Going once...Auctioneer goes from commercial to non-profit

Section 2

On the riseExisting- and new-home sales to improve

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E To the rescueSuper Franks means fun for parents, too

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Vol. VIII, Number 1 • January 26, 2007 www.PleasantonWeekly.com It’s all about Pleasanton

SEVEN YEARS AND YOU STILL ‘TAKE US ALONG’Weekly celebrates anniversary with readers’ travel photos page 12

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I f you think new police chiefs are being appointed more fre-quently in Pleasanton, you’re

right. This week, Capt. Michael Fraser was sworn in as the chief of the Pleasanton force, succeeding retiring Chief Tim Neal, 52, who’s been at the post for 7 1/2 years. Now 53, Fraser has been on the city’s force since 1980, making him eligible for retirement in just four more years. Since the statewide police pension system provides full retirement benefits and 90 percent of their highest pay to police who are at least 50 years old and have served 30 years in municipal police work, those who continue on would be working for 10-cents on the dollar. There’s even great personal risk to stying on the job even if you want to since the benefit and ongoing retirement pay package ends if you should die before retire-ing. The surviving spouse collects what’s been paid into the system and vested, but nothing ongoing. Fiscally and practically, the state pension plan works to discourage 30-year veterans from continuing in their job unlike in the private sector where junior executives just reaching their 50s and with 30 years of experience are prime can-didates for their companies’ top positions. Neal reached the 30-year point last fall, but stayed on through Jan. 31—next Wednesday—at the request of City Manager Nelson Fialho—until he had chosen and publicly named a successor. Of course, it will be up to Fraser to decide when he’ll retire, but it’s likely to be 2010. Few criticize a state retirement plan that tells cops 30 years is enough, go and enjoy your remaining years with-out risk. Fraser and Neal have both been on the front line, often in the line of fire during armed robberies and drug investigations and arrests. Neal still carries a bullet fragment

in an arm. The careers of police seeking the usually very competi-tive posts of police chief are far more hazardous than those work-ing their way up to corporate CEO, who are measured by their sales, engineering or financial skills. Fraser’s credentials are impres-sive. Besides his years on patrol and police beats, he holds bach-elor’s and master’s degrees, is a graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI National Academy and the Department of Justice’s Command College for police administrators. He also has had a top secret clearance from the FBI for the past two years and regularly works with the FBI on counter-terrorism issues. He is an active member of the California Police Officer’s Association and has brought contemporary train-ing to the Bay Area region for the past three years. Over the years, his responsibilities included the management of patrol, traffic, spe-cial events, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, canine, range, animal services, reserve offi-cers, parking enforcement, vehicle abatement and the Field Training Officer program. Historically in Pleasanton, police chiefs were appointed earlier in their careers and then served in the leadership post longer. Pleasanton’s first chief, the late John Delucchi, actually started out as the town mar-shal before being named chief of police in 1933. He served until 1954 when Walter McCloud was named chief, a post he held until 1976 and then again from 1978 to 1981. Bill Eastman became chief in 1981 and held the post until 1999, when Neal was hired. Neal’s last day on the job is Tuesday when Fraser, Pleasanton’s fifth police chief since the city was incorporated in 1894, formally takes over. ■

AroundPleasantonby Jeb Bing

Retirements coming earlier for Pleasanton

police chiefs

About the CoverAfter a 5-day trek climbing 19,340 feet in 12˚ C weather to the top of Uhuru Peak in Tanzania, known as the “Roof of Africa,” Alison Kruse rewards her-self by reading the Weekly. This was just one part of her seven week trip, which included stops in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Vol. VIII No.1

The Pleasanton Weekly is published weekly by Embarcadero Publishing Co., 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. USPS 020407. The Pleasanton Weekly is mailed free upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Voluntary subscriptions at $30 per year ($50 for two years) are welcome from Pleasanton residents. Subscription rate for businesses and for residents of other communities is $40 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. © 2006 by Embarcadero Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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Q: Should California take the lead in providing universal health care to its residents?Asked Downtown

Girish ChandranSoftware Developer

I think that would be a good idea. Healthy people make a healthy state. As an investment, it would be a great idea for the state to invest in those living here by providing health care for all.

Cheree HethershawRetired School Librarian

Yes, I think we need to do this. California is the most populous state in the union; we need to have a single payer program. Other nations of the world have these types of programs and we should be the model here in the U.S.

Tarun Rathor Software Professional

I partially agree with the idea. The state could provide coverage to those who cannot afford health insurance due to illness or lack of work. Those who can support them-selves should continue to pay for their own coverage.

Anuradha SahgalRetired Nurse

The state of California has taken the lead in many areas and issues so yes, I certainly do believe they should take the lead in health care. It benefits a vast spectrum of the social strata, especially for the elderly. Providing health care for yourself is expensive business. It would be wonderful.

Kevin MattosElectrician

Yes, why not? Everyone needs to be insured, especially families with kids. I have three kids myself. If I didn’t have the insurance I have now, I’d be up a creek without a paddle. Many jobs don’t offer insurance. A person can work 40-50 hours a week and still have no coverage. I’d be willing to pay more taxes so that everyone could have protection.

StreetwiseStreetwise

Have a Streetwise question? E-mail: [email protected] by Cybele Ryan

Please join us for an open house in celebration of the opening of ValleyCare’s Northern California Heart Center.

Free Education SeminarsSeminars on cardiovascular health will be offered

every Tuesday in February, 7–9pm, ValleyCare Medical Center Cafe. For more information, visit valleycare.com or call 1-800-719-9111.

Open HouseSaturday, February 10, 9am–2pm

Lobby, ValleyCare Medical Center, 5555 W. Las Positas, Pleasanton

• Tours of Open Heart Operating Room

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NewsfrontNewsfrontCash for college High school students planning to go to college and their parents are invited to learn more about financial aid. The workshop top-ics will cover common myths, deadlines, how to apply, hints for completing FAFSA and more. Hosted by Las Positas College, a workshop is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Village High School, 4645 Bernal Ave. For other workshop dates and loca-tions, visit www.laspositascol-lege.edu/financialaid.

Hearts and Minds The 1974 Academy Award-winning best documentary fea-ture is being shown for free at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 Village Parkway in Dublin.

Livermore Valley Golf Championship Passes for the four-day Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship at Wente Vineyards are available at the Museum on Main, 603 Main St. The tournament, held March 29 through April 1, will include wine and food tasting and dem-onstrations, and a tech exhibit. Tournament passes are $30 and can be used for all four days. Those purchased at the museum can be paid for with a check or credit card, and the musem will receive half of the ticket price for each sold. According to the Wine Country Championship website, the tournament is the only PGA TOUR Nationwide Tour event in Northern California. For more information, call 462-2766 or email [email protected].

Relay for Life needs volunteers Committee olunteers are needed for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event July 28-29 at the Pleasanton fair-grounds. The event is commu-nity owned and volunteer driven, and organizers also hope to find company sponsors and donations such as gift certificates or silent auction items. To learn more about the event, visit www.relay-forlife.org/relay. If interested in helping out, e-mail Rhonda at [email protected].

CorrectionsThe Weekly desires to correct all significant errors. To request a correction, call the editor at (925) 600-0840 or e-mail: [email protected]

News Digest Eight applicants remain as Jennifer Carolan

drops out

by Emily Atwood

Livermore teacher Jennifer Carolan dropped out of the race to for a Pleasanton school board seat that will be vacated by outgo-ing trustee Steve Pulido, leaving eight candidates to face questions by a 12-person panel last Monday night. Each applicant was interviewed individually and given 25 minutes to answer 10 questions—written by Superintendent John Casey and

approved by the trustees—which covered the applicant’s concerns, goals, skills and protocol. Follow-up questions from the panel were asked if time permitted. “I think [the 10 questions] hit the essential points pretty well,” Casey said. “It gave a the panel a chance to see their experience in addition to what was on their application, and also gave scenarios to show how they would think through the issues.” Overall, applicants Chris Grant, Jill Buck, Robert Gehl, Marti Scalise, Joseph Russo, Stephen Page, Shirley Herrera and Corine Fanene were impressed with the

district’s excellence study and the strategic plan, though a couple applicants weren’t entirely familiar with one or both. No one appeared to be dissatisfied with the district; instead they wanted to continue to improve on a good system. Most were also eager to serve the com-munity of Pleasanton out of grati-tude for their experiences with the school district. Some of the comments regard-ing establishing budget priorities favored allotting money to affect the greatest number of students, while others said every child should benefit, whether they have special needs or are in the majority.

One of the only candidates to speak about minority group needs, Modesto teacher Herrera said, “We all need to consider language learners and special education,” she said, adding that everyone has dis-abilities, though they may not all be identified. A controversial parcel tax that would fund such things as school improvements that was briefly con-sidered last year by the school board was brought up a couple times by Buck, who said appealing to the community for support on the tax wouldn’t be difficult if the

Fraser sworn in as ChiefFormer Captain Mike Fraser was sworn in as chief of police Monday

in a packed council chamber. With the badge pinned to his uniform, he said “I will do my very best to never disappoint you or let you down. As your police chief, it’s something you deserve and it’s the best I can offer you.”

Outgoing Police Chief Tim Neal said that this was his dream job and he appreciated his time serving Pleasanton. And as for the new appointment, he said, “Mike has a moral compass second to none ... I can’t think of anyone that could guide this organization in a steady, more responsible, more progressive way than Mike Fraser.”

Em

ily Atw

ood

Advocates discuss affordable housing needs

Solutions such as getting people involved and holding officials accountable among suggestions

by Janet Pelletier

P leasanton resident Sandra DeGregorio doesn’t imag-ine herself here for much

longer. The single mother who rents an apartment in town said if home prices stay the way they are and cities such as Pleasanton con-tinue to stall on efforts to provide affordable homes, she’ll have to leave the area in search of a better quality of life. “I told my son who’s lived in Pleasanton for the past five years that eventually, if things don’t change, we’re going to have to move,” she said. “It makes me so sad because he has made so many friends here.”

DeGregorio, an affordable housing advocate, told her story at a forum on the subject held last Tuesday night at Lynnewood Community Church. Representatives from the Tri-Valley Interfaith Poverty Forum, Citizens for a Caring Community, Greenbelt Alliance, Urban Habitat, Public Advocates and East Bay Housing Organizations offered their opinions and suggestions dur-ing a panel discussion. In a PowerPoint presentation by the Poverty Forum, John McIntyre and Maurine Behrend shared sta-tistics showing high home prices’

Start your enginesBoys and girls from Pleasanton, Livermore and Dublin competed in the Tri-Valley YMCA’s Pinewood Derby held Jan. 20 at Fallon Middle School in Dublin. Here, Valley View Elementary School student Sam Judd, 6, shows off his crafty car made from a block of wood, an axle, screws and wheels, which won the Most Original Design award. Every year, the Guide/Princess program of the Y, which includes K-5 children and their dads, holds the derby, with more than 300 children attending. Besides the race, other awards included Funniest Car and Coolest Car.C

orey

Tho

mp

son

Pleasanton Antiques and Collectibles to become

history with closing today Co-owner to show antiques at Cattelan’s,

which is now renting space to dealers by Janet Pelletier

I ts walls are as storied as the merchandise sold inside. The circa-1880 building located at

520 Main St. has been a harness store, a pool hall and a tea shop, among others. Nestled in the downtown between Baci Cafe and Round Table Pizza, it’s been known for the past six years as Pleasanton Antiques and Collectibles. But come tomorrow, the two-story building will change hands after its last day today. The antique shop, run by owners Judy Wright and Janis Devine, who rent the historic building, will open for the last time today from 11 a.m.

to 6 p.m. “It’s a big relief,” Wright said of the closing. “It’s been a lot of work.” The building will become Acc’sentials, an upscale men’s clothing store previously located on Angela Street and run by owner Bennie McKay. While Wright said she has enjoyed operating the antique store over the years, she looks forward to the future. That will include being a dealer at an antique store not too far away—Cattelan’s, which is located farther north on Main Street. “It’s been a pleasure doing busi-

(continued on page 8)

Candidates interviewed for vacant school board seat





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effects on traffic, the environment, jobs, businesses and families. McIntyre, who owns a small business in Pleasanton, said he has a hard time hiring and retaining employees because many can’t afford to live here. “Software engineers make good money—$80,000—but why aren’t they taking jobs here?” McIntyre said. “They have to have a second income to even think about getting into the housing market.” Behrend said she was alarmed to notice people with jobs starting to show up at local soup kitchens for free meals. Pleasanton has neglected the need to provide affordable housing, said Becky Dennis, a former Pleasanton City Councilwoman and member of local group Citizens for a Caring Community. “We’ve had a bit of a dry spell—affordable housing really hasn’t been built since 1997,” she said, adding that the city isn’t in touch with the residents who rent the approximately 3,700 apartments here. Advocates at the forum also brought up legal action that has been taken against the city. Public Advocates and Urban Habitat, with DeGregorio listed as a plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against the city a few months ago. The

city responded by asking a judge to dismiss the case saying it has no legal standing, among other reasons. The motion to dismiss it was heard Jan. 19, however the judge in the case has not yet made a decision. Richard Marcantonio, managing attorney for Public Advocates, said the city isn’t doing enough to help low-income families. “The city has been good about affordable housing for seniors....but they don’t provide it for fami-lies—the people who are driving in and out of Interstate 580 every day,” he said. During the panel discussion, advocates offered their suggestions for how Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley area can help alleviate the problem. “It’s very hard to change people’s minds,” said Amie Fishman of East Bay Housing Organizations. “Who wins if this fight gets delayed and delayed and delayed? We need to mobilize, get people registered to vote, get them engaged in debates, mentoring and to learn from cities that are providing housing such as Dublin.” “Continue to educate people. Get your friends together and change minds here in Pleasanton,” DeGregorio said. Behrend said it’s important that people be present at meetings such as City Council, when deci-sions affecting affordable housing are made, so their voices can be heard. ■

Affordable(continued from page 5)

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CHILDREN’S & MATERNITY CONSIGNMENTPleasanton fun center grand opening tomorrow

Super Franks marketing to adults as well as childrenby Janet Pelletier

Flat screen TVs playing the big game, free wireless Internet access, a Starbucks coffee station and healthier food choices are what Super Franks co-owner Frank Tate is hoping will attract adults to his new entertainment center. The fun center, housed in a 34,000-square-foot building at 5341 Owens Court that used to be Schoeber’s Athletic Club, also has plenty of offerings for kids, includ-ing a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course, video game arcade, a princess room with tables for tea parties and a powder and costume room, an arts and crafts area and a gymnasium for sports activities such as dodgeball. A communal eating area in the center marries the two age groups. The idea for Super Franks is an interesting one. “This whole thing started as a joke,” Tate said. One day in 2003, Tate had prom-ised his 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter he would take them to Chuck E. Cheese, which also hap-pened to be during a critical playoff baseball game when the Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees, eventually going on to win the World Series. The self-described baseball nut told his wife Liana that he couldn’t miss the game, which wouldn’t be playing at the kid-friendly place. It was after that incident that his wife challenged him to create a place that was fun for kids, but also fun for adults. One of Tate’s two business part-ners at Super Franks, Douglas Yates, encouraged him to take the plunge and start the business. Another co-owner, Sherman Balch, also joined the team. “We realized early in our research that kids already enjoy the fun cen-ter options that are available, but that most parents wanted more,” Tate said. After extensive research that involved polling his family, friends and team coaches, Tate learned that kids were easy to impress, moms

wanted a clean and safe place that served healthy food, dads wanted to be able to watch sports games while playing with their kids and coaches wanted to have a place for after their games and for their year-end sports parties. “I’ve really used my kids as a lit-mus test,” he said. “It’s been great.” Tate thought of every minute detail for the center, including add-ing 20 sanitation stations, 29 cam-eras for security, larger bathroom stalls for people with children to use, non-violent video games, a gymnasium with scheduled activi-ties because children aren’t getting enough exercise and healthy food options. No alcohol is served. “We felt if it had great food, it would sell itself,” Tate said, adding that the gym has been a sleeper hit

that his staff didn’t expect in the past three weeks that Super Franks has been open under limited hours. Super Franks also has a banquet room upstairs that can be used for corporate events. Tate, a Lafayette resident, said he, Yates and Balch chose Pleasanton for their business because it’s a growing community, family-ori-ented, has good schools and sports programs (a recipe for their audi-ence) and was close to Cornerstone Church in Livermore, where all three attend. If the business is successful, Tate said he’s looking to open more loca-tions in the Bay Area, possibly next in the Brentwood/Oakley area. For more information about Super Franks, call 271-5880 or visit www.superfranks.com. ■

Frank Tate, co-owner of new entertainment center Super Franks Fun Adventure, stands in a costume/powder area in the princess-themed room. Super Franks is having its grand opening tomorrow.

Janet Pelletier

A recent cold snap across the Bay Area that had even New Yorkers who were enjoying 70-degree temperatures scratching their heads made Pleasanton resident Deb Cilk’s effort to collect cold weather accesso-ries to give to homeless all that more relevant. “It’s just so important, espe-cially with these freezing tem-peratures,” Cilk said. The local realtor has begun collecting for the 7th Annual Warm Coat & Blanket Drive, seeking donations from the com-

munity such as coats, blan-kets, hats, scarves, mittens and socks. The donations will be distributed via a mobile out-reach van to homeless encamp-ments throughout Alameda County, along wtith a warm meal and medical treatment. New or “gently used” items can be dropped off at Cilk’s office, which she shares with her husband Bob, at 351 St. Mary St. downtown during business hours. For more information, call Deb or Bob at 417-7129.

—Janet Pelletier

Warm coat and blanket drive under way

Residents encouraged to donate cold weather items to be given to the homeless



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ness in Pleasanton and we thank all of our customers for their support,” Wright said. “All of the customers are definitely saying they’re going to miss us.” The antique market has been slumping for some time. Wright said she believes it’s because people have less spending money (discretionary income) to afford luxury items. Antique shows and fairs are also being affected by low attendance numbers and sales. The Pleasanton Antique Faire, which is held biannually in May and October, recently faced financial prob-lems and the show almost didn’t go on last fall until the Pleasanton Downtown Association granted fair owner Don Frate a loan for the street closure costs. “The business is just too poor to sup-port,” Wright said. “People have no money to spend on extra things such as antiques.” But Wright won’t have to travel far for a place to sell some of her historic piec-es. Cattelan’s Antique Furniture Market, owned by Ray and Sue Ann Cattelan, recently began accepting dealers to dis-

play and sell their merchandise in rented space in the store at 719 Main St. Two cases filled with china dinner-ware from Pleasanton Antiques and Collectibles are already displayed at the store and there are about 10 spaces total-ing half of the store’s floor room that will be showcased by dealers. Pleasanton Antiques and Collectibles’ closing and Wright’s move to be a dealer at Cattelan’s is a win-win for both par-ties. Ray and Sue Ann Cattelan are looking to retire in a few years and renting out space in the store to outside dealers not only varies merchandise selection but will save them from having to ship so many pieces of antique furniture from Europe to Pleasanton for sale. “It’s getting difficult to bring fur-niture overseas through customs because of Sept. 11,” explained Carmen Miecznikowski, a family friend and sales rep at Cattelan’s. Cattelan’s receives all of its antique furniture from France. She agreed with Wright that antiques are a tough sell for customers nowadays. “People are less likely to spend $2,000 to $3,000 on a piece of antique furniture than they are to spend $50 going out to dinner,” Miecznikowski said. ■

An antique tea set is displayed in the outdoor garden of Pleasanton Antiques and Collectibles on Main Street. The business, which has been open six years, will close today, with one of its owners moving to Cattelan’s Antique Furniture Market to sell her merchandise.

Janet Pelletier

Antiques(continued from page 5)

board maintained fiscal responsi-bility. She also said the tax dollars would help evaluate the needs of all students, allowing the district to provide a high-quality education for each student. “Look at how many people applied; that many people care about our kids,” she said. “We can ask the community to invest.” Asked about her future politi-cal plans, particularly running for a state assembly seat again, Buck answered, “No. I learned my lesson there, though I don’t regret it.” Discussing the needs of teachers also led to some differing views among candidates. Buck, Scalise and Grant said the biggest challenge facing Pleasanton teachers was meeting the needs of individual students during limited instructional hours. In his application, Gehl, a parent who organized after-school pro-grams at Walnut Grove, suggested eliminating teacher collaboration days and reducing the number of paid assistants. “Someone needs to convince me [collaboration days are] a good idea,” he said. With a strong district providing a good environment, teachers should be able to collaborate within the hours of a regular school day, he added. When it comes down to describ-ing the ideal candidate, Casey said it depends who you talk to.

“[It could be] someone who is a good communicator, open to ideas and thoughts,” he said. “We want someone who shares our belief of continuous improvement, and who is willing to work with other people as a team. It doesn’t help to vote with the majority, if they have ideas, express them and work together with the board to imple-

ment and improve things.” During the interviews, the panel members identified candidates’ strengths, weaknesses and areas needing further inquiry. Those notes will be given to the trustees to be considered for the board-run interviews on Jan. 30. After that, the board will name a candidate to fill the seat. ■


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Despite protests from homeown-ers and hikers concerned with traffic and teenage partying, the Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Commission has voted unanimous-ly to allow a developer to build 51 luxury homes in return for giving the city 497 acres of hilltop open space with trails and staging areas, including parking lots, rests areas and even water troughs for horses. The approval for the develop-ment called Oak Grove followed more than two hours of public hear-ings by the commission and its sub-unit, the ad hoc Trails Committee. Several speakers told of wild night-time partying on Hearst Drive, Benedict and Smallwood courts and other Kottinger Ranch streets that dead end at the proposed devel-opment. “This area is at the end of a long street in a very remote location,” said Carolyn Newton of Smallwood Court. “Already we are seeing peo-ple taking hikes into these steep hills to party and make campfires.” “We find cigarettes around our house all the time,” she added. “We’ve had two fires in Kottinger Ranch and I’m afraid this plan will encourage even more juveniles to go there. I’m concerned about the

increased fire risks.” Nevertheless, both the ad hoc committee and the fill commis-sion approved the plan, which cuts the number of homes first pro-posed from 98 to 51 and turns the remaining 497 acres over to the city free of charge. If ultimately approved by the City Council, the land grant would be the largest ever to Pleasanton. The project is being proposed by Jennifer Lin, Frederic Lin and Kevin Lin and James Tong of Charter Properties in Pleasanton. It marks the latest effort by the Lin family to develop the land, where they once proposed more homes and an 18-hole championship golf course that would have been open to the public. Although the City Council approved that plan in the 1990s, voters reversed that decision and denied the development in a referendum. Although members of both the ad hoc committee and Parks and Recreation Commission listened carefully to the reports and public comments, their decision had, for all practical purposes, been decided three days earlier when some com-mission members and city offi-cials met with the developers, envi-ronmentalists and the Kottinger

Ranch Homeowners Association leadership to reach a compromise. By the time the private, closed-door meeting ended at the city’s Operations Center, the group had a deal that will likely carry the pro-posal forward for approval by both the Planning Commission and City Council as early as next month. No notice was given to the public about the meeting, including mem-bers of the homeowners association who went to the public hearing to object to the plan, only to find their leaders had already approved the deal. Once approved, the developers could start work immediately, with one of the “deal’s” provisions that the trails be completed and in place before the fifth home lot is sold. The compromise agreement resolved differences over how hikers, equestrians and the public in general would reach the trails and open space, which Dolores Bengston, retired Director of the Parks and Community Services Department, described as some of the most beautiful and scenic land-scape in Pleasanton. The plan is scheduled to be considered at the public hearing before the Planning Commission on Feb. 14. ■

School board(continued from page 5)

Parks group OKs Oak Grove homes, public trails

Approval follows “deal” made at private meeting of officials, developers


5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100 Pleasanton, CA 94566

Phone: (925) 600-0840Fax: (925) 600-9559

The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Publishing Co., 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100 Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840.

Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Pleasanton Weekly is mailed free upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Voluntary subscriptions at $30 per year ($50 for two years) are wel-come from Pleasanton residents.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566.

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EDITORIALEditorJeb Bing, Ext. 18

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EditorialAt last, a chance for public debate on Iraq

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With the election of Cheryl Cook-Kallio to the Pleasanton City Council, Mayor Jennifer Hosterman and Councilman Matt Sullivan have found the third vote they needed to advance their more liberal agenda. This includes Sullivan’s push for a public forum on the Iraq war and pos-sible council action if constituents want Pleasanton to go on record with regard to U.S. involvement in the Persian Gulf. He and Hosterman sought the council’s approval in the past to host or at least sponsor such a debate, but for-mer Councilman Steve Brozosky was a staunch opponent, arguing that council members were elected to deal strictly with local issues. Council members Jerry Thorne and Cindy McGovern went along, pointing to already late-hour meetings and crowded agendas and questioning whether the council or city staff should or could squeeze another public hearing onto its plate without slowing down other deliberations. Now, with Cook-Kallio agreeing, the council is likely to proceed with a community meeting that will invite both sides—or the many sides—of the Iraq war debate to a forum where they can speak out and give their views on what they think the City Council should do, if anything. We like the idea and believe it could be the start of a number of ongoing public meetings on global, national and local issues that affect us as much as anyone. We especially like Cook-Kallio’s suggestion that the Advanced Placement “We the People...” classes from Amador Valley and Foothill high schools be asked to host the public forum, formally discussing and debating Iraq before an audience that could then have an opportunity to question them or state their own views. We’d also suggest asking the “We the People...” team from Irvington High in Fremont, which Cook-Kallio teach-es, to join in the effort. All three teams are among the top in the state and will compete in state finals in Sacramento next month, with the winner earning a trip to Washington, D.C. later in the spring to compete nationally. Last year’s Amador team finished second nationally in the “We the People...” finals. The flags flying downtown and banners lining Main Street that bear the names of Pleasanton’s military men and women who are serving in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan iden-tify Pleasanton as a community that takes its national pride, obligations and interests seriously. We frequently hear from veterans’ organizations and special groups such as Operation S.A.M. in Livermore and Pleasanton Military Families who to help troops in the field with care packages and their fami-lies left behind to pay the bills and maintain the home. Former Marine Fred Norman has long asked the City Council to “do something” about the war, whether it’s holding a meeting to discuss it, sending a resolution to Washington with its recommendations or simply offering a minute of silence at the start of each meeting to remember Americans who were killed in Iraq since the previous coun-cil meeting. Up to now, lacking support from a majority, the council rejected his requests. Instead, Norman uses a minute of his five allotted minutes of public speaking time at the start of each council meeting to offer prayerful silence on his own. Whether at the meeting or watching on televi-sion, many find this an emotional, thought-provoking 60 seconds that gives time to reflect on the war. Next month, the council will take up the community meeting proposal. We hope it takes place soon and we give Norman credit for his persistence in making it happen. ■

Thanks from O’Connor family

Dear Editor, Our family wanted to express our most sincere thank you and gratitude for all the love and kind-ness you have given us during this difficult time. The outpour-ing of support was incredible and we could feel your comfort and tremendous love that you had for Kyle and our family. We are so very grateful to all of you and we feel so blessed to live in such a lov-ing community. We want to thank the Pleasanton Police Department, Fire Department, EMT team and the doctors and nurses at Eden Medical Center for taking such gentle care of our son. To the Pleasanton Police Chaplain, St. Augustine Catholic Church clergy and staff, Graham-Hitch Mortuary, and the staff at St. Michael Cemetery, our sincere thanks for the kindness you showed us. We also want to thank the admin-istration, faculty, coaches, staff and students of Foothill High School for their outpouring of support and care for our family and most especially for their love for Kyle. Thank you also to Hart Middle , Lydiksen Elementary and Vintage Hills Elementary schools for giv-ing Kyle such a wonderful child-hood education and experience filled with so many fun times. To all of the friends and families of Pleasanton and the surrounding community for all the cards, calls, flowers, dinners and outpouring of love, we sincerely thank you. We also wanted to thank all of Kyle’s coaches who gave of their time to make Kyle the player and the person he became. He truly loved playing sports and being a member of the team. We especially want to thank all of Kyle’s teenage friends who have had to go through such a difficult time and through their own grief and loss, unselfishly supporting our family. We thank all of you and will forever be grateful. We hope your memories of Kyle will make you smile and remember what he brought all of us: his love of living everyday to its fullest, his funny grin, sweet sense of humor and kindness, and his loyalty to his friends. We thank you for making him so happy.

Steve, Linda and Sean O’Connor, Pleasanton

Fox didn’t refuse to approve minutes

Dear Editor, In response to your article (“Council OKs gym, parish build-ings at Elizabeth Seton,” News, Jan. 19) you write “The Planning Commission’s minutes of its Nov. 29 meeting almost caused the church to face another delay Tuesday after Fox refused to approve the official minutes of that deliberation...” I didn’t refuse to approve the minutes. After the draft minutes of

the Nov. 29 Planning Commission meeting became available, city planning employees (Donna Decker, Steve Otto) spent approxi-mately five weeks revising and adding to the minutes to reflect what they believed were significant discussions missed by the record-ing secretary in the draft minutes of Nov. 29 so that they were not made available to the Planning Commission during their two scheduled meetings in December. In the Jan. 10 meeting, when the minutes from Nov. 29 were first made available to the Commission, I also noted several other signif-icant discussions in addition to the ones that staff noted missing and suggested revising the min-utes with those additions. Another commissioner indicated with that extensive set of revisions, the tapes should be listened to again before those revisions were incorporated, thus the approval of the minutes should occur at the next meeting. It was city staff’s delays in get-ting the Planning Commission the draft minutes, the resolutions, etc. This is the first time in my four years that it has taken five weeks for the Planning Department to give the Planning Commission minutes for a meeting.

Anne Fox, Planning Commission Chairwoman

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Your Turn The Pleasanton Weekly encourages comments on our coverage or issues of local interest. Submit letters to the editor of up to 250 words to [email protected]. Include your name, address and day-time phone number so we can reach you. We reserve the right to edit contributions for length, objectionable content, libel and factual errors known to us. Anonymous letters will generally not be accepted. Submitting a letter to the editor or guest opinion con-stitutes a granting of permis-sion to the Pleasanton Weekly and Embarcadero Publishing Company to also publish it online, including in our online archives. For more information contact Editor Jeb Bing at 600-0840.


Cover

Jan. 28 marks the Weekly’s seventh anniversary and “Take Us Along” still remains one of the paper’s

most popular features. Ever since July 19, 2000 when we ran a photo of out-going-Police Chief Tim Neal reading the Weekly in front of the Statue of Liberty, readers have enjoyed sending their own photos of themselves reading the Weekly in many different locations across the country and the world. Since

that memorable day, we’ve published 879 photos and have a list of more than 100 waiting at any given time. In our seventh year it seems our readers have become more adven-turous, traveling to such exotic and remote locales as Mauritius, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lithuania, Thailand, Monrovia, Slovakia, Croatia, Tanzania, Myanmar, Malaysia and the Falkland Islands—all of which the Weekly vis-

ited for the first time this past ydespite this willingness to trastill can’t seem to get anyonethe Weekly to North Dakota. one state left before we can Weekly has been to all 50 stat As we embark on the upcomiwe look forward to all the newyou’ll go and continue to be hthat you “take us along.”

—The Pleasanton Wee

SEVEN YEARS AND YOU STILL ‘TAKE US ALONWeekly celebrates anniversary with readers’ travel photos

Celebrity judgeCarrie Gilbert and daughter Myla, runners up in the Weekly’s Mother-

Daughter Look-Alike Contest, along with father Dave, brought their copy of the contest issue on their trip to the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando, Fla. where they asked celebrity SpongeBob Squarepants to weigh in on what mother daughter pair looks the most alike. Carrie reports that SpongeBob was very “absorbed” in the paper.

Weekly ‘shrined’ in Japan

Kirsten Sundius and daughter Taylor Brinton read the Weekly while visiting Fushimi Shrine, a Shinto shrine, in Kyoto, Japan.

The perfect readiAnytime is the right tim

Weekly—at least that’s whathinks. Here he reads thehanging off of Half Dome i

Long hike for a family reunionAlvin and Patti Baer (right) of Pleasanton read the Weekly with

their daughter and son-in-law Carol-Ann and Michael Laughlin of L.A. (left) after touring Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city located high in the Peruvian Andes, along with 27 family mem-bers and friends.

No malaise in MalaysiaKristina Reeve (left) traveled with her husband David Reeve (right)

and father Willard Weiss (center) to Malaysia where Kristina, who is adopted, met her birth family for the first time. The family is located in the capital city Kuala Lumpur and after the visit the trio took a side trip to Pangkor Island to snorkel and read the Weekly.

Life-long learnersPassing along the joy of re

Rochon reads the Weekly wJacob while visiting the MLuis Obispo after touringcampus. College-bound Ran all out campus tour, stDavis, UC Santa Cruz aBarbara during the same tr

r Story


year. But avel, we e to take

It is the say the

es.ing year,

w places honored

ekly Staff

G’

Patriotic trioMichelle, 11, Rachel, 9, and Shari, 7,

share the Weekly with Lady Liberty dur-ing their trip to New York City before heading off to New Jersey to visit with family friends and former Pleasanton residents the Rubayo family.

Beach babyMatthew Sioson, 5, has fun reading the Weekly during a

family vacation in Kauai.

Can somebody lend a hand?We always said the Weekly was interesting, but Dave, Pati and Courtney Freitas really prove the

point as they read the Weekly at the edge of the Grand Canyon while son Brent slides down the side. Pati writes, “Please note that no one was actually hurt in the making of this photo!”

ing spotme to read the at Darren Angus e Weekly while n Yosemite.

Shocking newsTap dancers from The Dance Center in Dublin take a break from their

“Cast and Company” performance at the Hall of Fame Nationals in Las Vegas to read the Weekly, including Pleasanton residents (l-r, back row) Dannica Walker, Corina Cost, Emily Palange, (l-r, front row) Coco Bailey, Alyssa Greaney, Daniella Lyng and Lexie Maroglio.

Check out the viewTara Sweet and Lori Rivas-Huneke enjoy the view, and the Weekly, on the top of Half

Dome in Yosemite.

Mount Fuji familyGabe, Mineko, Simon and

Miyuko Carballo read the Weekly in front of the majestic Mount Fuji in Japan.

seading, Rosalia with her brother Mission of San g the Cal Poly Rosalia was on topping by UC and UC Santa rip.


Cover Story

Cambodian adventureDan and Betty Dawson read the weekly in front of Angkor Wat in

Cambodia. The temple was built in the 12th century as the temple and capital city for King Suryvarman II. The temple remained a significant religious center in the country, starting as Hindu and then switching to Buddhist, and today it is still a central feature as Cambodia’s main tourist destination.

Paddle out to sea

Mike and LuAnn Elliott take a break from paddle boating to read

the Weekly while floating in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mauritius,

an African island located east of Madagascar.

Making the trip to MyanmarMary Bjorkholm reads the Weekly at Mrauk U in Myanmar,

a place few Americans, let alone Weeklies, get to travel as the U.S. government discourages tourists from going to the country because of its military dictatorship. Undeterred, Mary decided to go, having wanted to travel to the country for a long time, and reports back that it was a fabulous trip—the people were friendly, the countryside beautiful and the country felt safe.

Weekly as strong as StonehengeXiaopei and Andrew Gelb attempt to read the Weekly despite

high winds in front of Stonehenge on the English Salisbury Plain.

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Thursday, February 8th

6-9 pmDowntown Pleasanton

For more information, contact Nickie Hoppe at [email protected] or (925) 484-2199

The Pleasanton Downtown Association presents

Over 25 members from the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association will showcase red and

white wines, ports, dessert wines & champagnes.

Tastings will be complemented by a variety of sweets, desserts & hors d’oeuvres

Rain or shine.No refunds.

Pick up your wine glass and event map between 5:45-7:30pm

at the Rose Hotel, 807 Main St.

Sponsors:

Price includes wine glass, event map and tastings

Truffles, Tidbits & Wine Tasting

TICKETS:$25 through February 7th$30 at the Door, IF NOT SOLD OUT

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WINERIES

A Touch of Elegance . . . . . . . . . . . Westover Winery & Event CenterAcc’sentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . el Sol WineryAlexander’s Main Street Gallery . . . Murrieta’s WellAll About Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitchell Katz Winery at Ruby HillAloha Island Trading Company . . . La Rochelle WineryApparel & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Little Valley Winery at Ellison

MansionBay Mortgage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palomares WineryBibiane Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chouinard VineyardsBicycles!Pleasanton . . . . . . . . . . . . Elliston VineyardsBlondie's Shoes & Accessories . . . Sweets from Gourmet WorksClover Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wood Family VineyardsDay Art Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tamas EstatesGift Baskets of Pleasanton . . . . . . . Fenestra WineryGourmet Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stony Ridge WineryGregory Frame Shoppe . . . . . . . . . Rodrigue Molyneaux WineryIt’s Only Natural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wente VineyardsJewelers Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-alcoholic Beverages

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WINERIES

Leslie Marie Body & Skin Care . . . Bodegas Aguirre WineryLily Ann’s Lingerie . . . . . . . . . . . . . Little Valley Winery at Ellison

MansionMD Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tenuta VineyardsMesa Trading Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-alcoholic BeveragesPans on Fire Productions. . . . . . . . Westover Winery & Event CenterSavvy Seconds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Crane WinerySincerely Yours Cards & Gifts . . . . White Crane WineryStudio 7 Fine Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retzlaff WineryThe Berry Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eckert Estate WineryThe Treehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big White HouseThree Dog Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crooked Vine WineryTowne Center Books . . . . . . . . . . . Bent Creek WineryValley Plumbing Home Center . . . . Livermore Valley CellarsWorthington Gallery West . . . . . . . John Christopher Cellars

“More Sweets, Treats and Refreshments (non-alcoholic)”


Cover Story

Beautiful CroatiaJoan and Gordy Pine read the Weekly above Dubrovnik, Croatia, overlooking one of the country’s

beautiful coastline.

Ancient Rome in FranceDiana Mendenhall and Vernie Laube read the Weekly

while in front of the ancient Roman aqueducts in France.

Weekly more fun than FantasylandLisa and James Thordsen let their daughter Kyra, 4,

read the Weekly while at Fantasyland Amusement Park in West Edmonton Mall located in Edmonton, Canada.

Peace offeringDee and Bert Brook make friends at

the Maori Village in New Zealand by offering the traditional gift of the Weekly.

Coronado crewBrooke, Joey and Aaron Silva enjoy

the beach and the Weekly during their family trip to Coronado.

Jolly old England

Brett, Andrew and Corey

Messenger read the Weekly in

London’s theater district after tak-ing in the musi-

cal production of “The Lion King.”

First trip to BhutanRudy and Marge Johnson read

the Weekly in Bhutan, a small king-dom high in the Himalaya Mountains between Tibet and India.

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Author VisitsLocal Writers Read at BordersPleasanton Poet Laureate Cynthia Bryant and local poet, essayist, and food and wine journalist Deborah Grossman will read from their current publications from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 28 at Borders, 4574 Rosewood Drive. The reading kicks off Borders’ Local Author Series. Call 227-1412 for more information.Persian Author Visits LibraryDr. Persis Karim will present her anthology “Let Me Tell You Where I’ve Been: New Writing by Women of the Iranian Diaspora” 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Pleasanton Public Library. She will be joined by authors Tara Fatemi, Esther Kamkar and Sanaz Nikaein. Admission is free. Visit www.persiskarim.com to learn more about the author. Call Penny Johnson, 931-3405, for more information.

ClassReunionsCastlemont High SchoolThe Castlemont High School Alumni Association will hold its annual meet-ing from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Francesco’s Restaurant, located at Hegenberger Road and Pardee Drive in Oakland. Lunch is $30. Call Greg Hickey, 461-1381 for reservations. The meeting is open to non-members and members of the association.

ClassesWidow/Widowers Grief Recovery ClassThis 10-week class for widows and widowers focuses on finding hope and providing support for successful ways to process this significant life event. The course is open to all widows and widowers. Winter enrollments are now being accepted. Pre-Registration required. The workbook is $5. Classes are held at Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Pkwy. Call Linda

Husted, 833-9013. Call Merrilee Harter Mitchell, (510) 482-5296 for a complete list of meetings in the East Bay Area.

ConcertsLivermore-Amador SymphonyThe Livermore-Amador Symphony will perform its second concert of the 2006-07 season with conductor Arthur Barnes 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and free for high school age students or younger. Visit www.livamsymph.org or call 373-6824 for more information.Red Priest PerformsRed Priest, a baroque quartet, will perform 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Fifth St., Livermore. The event is sponsored by Del Valle Fine Arts. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors 62 and older or full-time students. Tickets are free

for children and students through high school. Call 447-2752 or 443-5470 for ticket information. Visit www.del-vallefinearts.org.

EventsArt in the Heart of Pleasanton SubmissionsAlexander’s Main Street Gallery is ask-ing for submissions to its “Art in the Heart of Pleasanton” public art project. The project involves a collage of 20 to 30 canvas pieces consisting of 5-inch by 5-inch canvases that will be mount-ed and framed in an acrylic showcase in an effort to promote visual arts in the community. Artists may paint more than one piece, but each one must be different. Paintings must be of a red heart, should portray a positive outlook (e.g., no broken hearts), and cannot include any glitter or pastels. Deadline is Jan. 31. Call Rosalinda Herrera, 846-6015 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

CalendarCalendarStudents join symphony for performance

Violinist James Choi and pianist Max Loh, winners of the Livermore-Amador Symphony’s 2006-2007 Competition for Young Musicians, will be the featured performers at the symphony’s second concert of the season 8 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road. Conductor Arthur Barnes will lead. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and free for high school-age students and younger. Call 373-6824 for tickets or visit www.livamsymph.org.

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“Claws for Paws” Crab FeedThe Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) hosts the second annual fundraiser “Claws for Paws” Crab Feed from 6-10 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. The event, which includes dinner, enter-tainment and a silent auction, will raise funds to help with the rescue of countless animals. Tickets are $45 per person. For tickets go to www.clawsforpaws.com or send a check to TVAR P.O. Box 11143, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Call Jim Walker, 397-4300.Garre Winery Valentine’s Day DinnerGarre Winery will serve its Valentine’s Day dinner, accompanied with a live cellist, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and 14. Tickets are $108 per couple and include a complimentary glass of Red Velvet Port and dessert. Reservations are required. Call 371-8200 or visit www.garrewinery.com.Wine Release at Mitchell KatzMitchell Katz Winery at Ruby Hill, 1188 Vineyard Ave., is hosting a wine release event for its 2003 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and 2005 Sangiovese-Crackerbox Vineyard from noon to 5 p.m., Feb. 3. Cost is $15 per person. Call 931-0744 or visit www.mitchellkatzwinery.com for more information.

ExhibitsLuminescent WatercolorsStudio 7 Fine Arts opens its latest exhibit of 30 original watercolors and never-before-seen oil paintings by the late artist Hal Booth Jan. 27 with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will run through Feb. 18. Studio 7 is located on the corner of West Angela and Main streets. Call 846-4322 for more information.Up Close and Far AwayWorthington Gallery West is hosting “Up Close and Far Away,” a group

show featuring landscapes and still lifes by artists Uwe Bangert, Seamus Berkeley, Klaus Fussman, Tricia Leonard, Marc Velten and more. The show opens Jan. 27 with a free reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and closes Mar. 3. Call 485-1183 or visit www.worthingtongallerywest.com for more information.

FilmHearts and Minds“Hearts and Minds,” a film about the Vietnam War, will be shown 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the IBEW Hall, 6250 Village Pkwy., Dublin. A reception will start at 6:30 p.m. and a discussion will follow the screening. Admission is free, but a $2 donation will be accepted. Call 462-3459 for more information.

FundraisersHats Off America Red T-Shirt RunThe sixth Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Walk will start 10 am. Feb. 10 at Sycamore Valley Park, 2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville., rain or shine. Entry fee is $35. All runners and volunteers will receive a red T-shirt and barbecue lunch after the run. There is no entry fee for volunteers. HOA raises money for families of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Contact Sparky George, 855-1950 or e-mail [email protected] to register of volunteer. Visit www.hat-soffamerica.us.Moment By MomentMoment By Moment, a nonprofit orga-nization that provides in-hospital photo sessions and resulting photographs for families of terminally ill children at no

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Sprite up the dayNo, Sprite isn’t looking at

a bug on the end of her nose. She’s just natural-ly cross-eyed! Sprite is a spayed female housecat approximately 2 years old. She has beautiful green eyes, soft gray fur and a rust colored nose. Sprite is afraid of dogs and her ideal home would be as an only pet kept indoors. Sprite uses her scratching post and she enjoys attention. For more information about Sprite (pet # F67528), visit her at the East County Animal Shelter, 4595 Gleason Drive, Dublin, open 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Call 803-7040.

P E T O F T H E W E E K


cost, is hosting a fundraising benefit from 6 p.m. to midnight Feb. 3 at The Bridges in San Ramon. Tickets are $90 per person and include dinner, live music and dancing, as well as a live and silent auction. Visit www.moment-bymoment.org or call Karen Henrich, 984-94-54 for more information.The Princess Project Needs DonationsThe Princess Project, a Bay Area non-profit that provides prom gowns and accessories to high school girls who could not otherwise afford them, is kicking off its 2007 fundraising campaign. The project’s goal is to outfit 2,700 underserved girls for prom 2007. The dresses will be distributed free of charge to high school girls March 17 and 24 during the giveaway events. To make a monetary or dress donation visit www.princessproject.org. Businesses interested in sponsor-ship opportunities can contact Yvette Nichols, (415) 846-2784 or [email protected]’s H.O.P.E. DayPleasanton chiropractor David De Bonis is donating his chiropractic services all day Feb. 14 in exchange for non-perishable food donations for the Alameda County Food Bank. De Bonis’ services include consultations, exams and adjustments. Both new and existing patients are welcome. Food donations can be brought to his office from Feb. 12 to 16, 4625 First St., Ste. 100. Call 223-7143 to schedule an appointment.

Kids & TeensChickens and Books at the LibraryChildren’s author, illustrator and pho-tographer Jane Wattenberg will bring her art, humor and live chickens to the Pleasanton Public Library at 4 p.m. Jan. 26 as part of the library’s monthly Meet the Author series. The show is appropriate for all ages. Call 931-3400, ext. 8 for more information.Mad Science of Mt. DiabloThe Pleasanton Public Library pres-ents “Mad Science of Mt. Diablo” 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road. During the 50-minute program, students will learn the principals of air and pressure as the Mad Scientist makes a hot air bal-loon, creates giant smoke rings and demonstrates a hovercraft. The show is appropriate for students in grades 1-6. Admission is free. Call 931-3400, ext. 8 for more information.

Lectures/WorkshopsHomebuyer SeminarThe Bay Area HomeBuyer Agency is providing a free public homebuyer seminar from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Alameda High School, 2200 Central Ave., Alameda. Call (888) 572-1222, ext. 110 or visit www.myho-megateway.com for more information or to make reservations.Japanese Maple Pruning ClassesWestern Garden Nursery is offering free Japanese Maple pruning work-shops 10 a.m., Jan. 27 and 1 p.m., Jan. 28. Classes are held at Western Garden Nursery, 2756 Vineyard Ave. Call 462-1760.Loss and Healing Cycle WorkshopWomen who have or have had cancer are invited to attend Loss and Healing Cycle, a free workshop beginning 7 p.m. Jan. 30. The workshop meets every Tuesday through Mar. 13 at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 4001 Stoneridge Drive. The workshop is non-denominational and asks for a commitment to attend all sessions. Call Mary Merucci, 846-8436 or Helen Wirtenson, 462-3798 to sign up or to receive more information.Spring Legal and Legislative ConferenceThe Northern California Human Resources Association is hosting its 2007 Spring Legal and Legislative Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Radisson Hotel, 6680 Regional St., Dublin. Cost is $225 for NCHRA members, $295 for non-members. Call (415) 291-1992 or e-

mail [email protected] to register. Visit www.nchra.org for more information.

On StageFourth Street StorytellersThe Fourth Street Storytellers, a group comprising of actors and writers, pays tribute to Cask and Mask with a performance of “A Unique Unusual Evening in Our Town” 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Bothwell Art Center, 2466 Eighth St., Livermore. The show will introduce the community to the center as a performance space for intimate productions. Call 456-3100 for more information.Long Day’s Journey Into NightThe San Jose Repertory Theatre will perform Eugene O’Neill’s autobio-graphical play, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” Jan. 27 through Feb. 25 at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. For a complete list of times and ticket prices, visit www.sjrep.com.Once Upon A MattressThe Pleasanton Playhouse presents the musical “Once Upon A Mattress” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m., Sundays through Jan. 28 at the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road. Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors age 60 and older, and $20 for juniors 18 and younger. Call 462-2121 or visit www.pleasantonplay-house.com for more information.

ScholarshipsCash for College WorkshopsBay Area Cash for College workshops are being held until March 2 in vari-ous locations across the Bay Area. Workshops aid families in successfully completing the financial aid process for college. Visit www.calgrants.org for a complete list of workshop locations. Call Jessica Johnston, (213) 996-3784 for more information.

SpiritualEckankar Worship ServiceEckankar worship services are held 11 a.m. the third Sunday monthly at Four Points Sheraton, 5115 Hopyard Rd. Call 994-0118 for more information.Tu B’Shvat Seder and Global Warming TalkThe Tri-Valley Jews is hosting a seder for Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees” that has evolved into the Jewish Earth Day, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at The Bothwell Center, 2466 Eighth Street, Livermore. Following the seder, scientist Renee Tobis will discuss human impact on global warming and how to stop it. Cost is $5 for adult non-members of TVCJ. Reservations are required. Call 485-1049 or e-mail [email protected].

SportsMarathon/Half-Marathon Training ProgramEast Bay FIT will hold its first meet-ing 8 a.m. Jan. 27 at the Iron Horse Trail on the corner of Railroad and Prospect avenues, Danville. The club is part of the larger national program called USA FIT, which was developed to prepare people of all fitness levels to run or walk a marathon or half marathon using a 6-month training plan. East Bay FIT’s target marathon is scheduled for July 29. Call (866) 333-9828 or visit www.eastbayfit.net for more information.

TV30Community NewsCommunity News focusing on the Tri-Valley airs live at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and repeat broad-casts at 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on channel 30.Growing Old in a New AgeAward-winning documentary “Growing Old in a New Age” explores what it’s like to grow older in today’s world. The show airs on channel 30 at 8

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p.m., Monday through Friday.Tri-Valley Sports FinalThis weekly show covers team and individual high school sports in the Tri-Valley. It airs at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday on channel 30.

VolunteeringBookleggers Volunteer Training SessionPleasanton Bookleggers, a literacy program organized by the Pleasanton Public Library, is holding a volunteer training session 9:30 a.m. Feb. 8 at the library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. Volunteers present book programs to children in the schools. Call Booklegger Director Penny Johnson, 931-3405 for more information. Hats Off America Needs VolunteersHats Off America, a nonprofit organi-zation that raises money for families of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, is in need of volunteers to help at fundraising events held throughout the year. Events include a Casino Night in April; Muscle Car, Hot Rod & Art Fair in May; and the Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Walk in February, September and November. Call Sparky George, 855-1950 for more information.

Historical PerformersThe Museum On Main is looking for people who will attend the museum’s events, walk around the city and talk to visitors in the persona of someone living in the early 1900s. The museum will provide training, but is looking for someone who has their own costume. Call Rebecca Bruner, 577-8802 for more information.Student Exchange RepresentativesASSE International Student Exchange Programs is looking for volunteers to serve as area representatives. Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad, and super-vise visiting exchange students in their community. They are reimbursed for their expenses and are provided with some travel opportunities. Contact the regional office, (800) 733-2773 for more information.Tri-Valley Haven Volunteer TrainingThe Tri-Valley Haven’s direct-service volunteer training begins Jan. 30. The Haven is looking for volunteers to help with childcare, answering the crisis line, respond to sexual assault calls and assist clients with restraining order paperwork. Volunteers must complete 65 hours of direct service volunteer training. Classes meet Tuesday eve-nings at 6:30 p.m. Volunteers must be 21 years old or older. Contact Melissa, 449-5845, ext. 111 or [email protected] for more information.

Interest rates, which way will they go? As we start the New Year, many of you may be won-dering what will happen with interest in the comingmonths. The answer is that nobody knows the answerwith authority, but I am willing to give you some in-sight as to where I think they are headed.

The Federal Reserve has increased the “federal fundsrate”, which affects the prime rate, thirteen times, from1% to 5.1/4% in the last two years. This is done to keepthe economy from getting too strong and not allowinginflation to rise to a unacceptable level. Presently it ap-pears that the Federal Reserve is finished increasing therate and could begin reducing it by the middle of 2007.That process would begin because the economy is show-ing signs of slowing, especially in the manufacturingsector, and inflation is staying within acceptable levels.

What does all the mean? That we should see at leaststable interest rates with a possibility of lower rates bythe third quarter of 2007 with upward and downwardfluctuations intermittently during this period. Outsidefactors could affect this scenario, such as a strong hur-ricane season or a negative geo-political environment ofwhich either event could push oil prices higher than an-ticipated and reignite inflation.

That’s the way I see it.

Rick Kuhle is a mortgage broker with Diversified Capital of Pleasanton,

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Real Estate News

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Gerarda Stocking is the Owner/Broker of Stocking Realty.

As you probably know, thereis a report on the sales of existinghomes and the sales of new homesreleased every month. You wouldn’texpect them to differ very much, buttheir numbers are often far apart. How can that be? And which re-port should we believe if we’re toldthat the number of existing homessold last month rose by 3% but thenumber of new homes sold fell by16%? For its report on existing homesales, the National Association ofRealtors® compiles a huge amountof data regarding home sale clos-ings. For new home sales, theU.S. Bureau of Census gathers thenumbers and crunches them withits own formulae. Be aware that thedata is modified based on seasonaladjustments (because more homesget sold in August, generally, thanin October, for example), and eachorganization handles this fact in itsown way. Further, the Bureau of Census isgathering the data on contracts topurchase new homes, not on closed(or completed) sales. This makes ahuge difference. As we have notedin another column, a report onclosed sales tells us about the stateof the market two to three monthsago. A report on new contracts (orjust-opened sales) tells us moreabout what is happening right now,and what is happening right nowmay differ sizably from what washappening three months past. Be forewarned, too, that theNew Home Sales report is notablyvolatile, and is subject to potentiallylarge revisions over time. Thoughhelpful as an indication of thestate of the current market for newhomes, its figures should always betaken with at least a small grain ofsalt, and we need always to watchfor future revisions to today’s data.For real estate assistance, call Ge-rarda Stocking at 846-4000 or visither website at www.gerardastock-ing.com.

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WEEKLY MEETING NOTICES

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLICAND PUBLIC COMMENT IS WELCOME

The above represents a sampling of upcomingmeeting items. For complete

information, please visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/calendar

City Council & Planning Commission Joint WorkshopTuesday, January 30, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.Council Chambers, 200 Old Bernal Ave.

• Discussion on the Preliminary Results of the Traffic Modeling – Preferred Land Use Modeled on “Working Draft” Circulation Network

City Council Special MeetingTuesday, January 30, 2007Immediately following Joint City Council/Planning Commission Workshop Council Chambers, 200 Old Bernal Ave.

• Receive information on the status of the General Plan Update and Consider the Draft Community Character Element of the General Plan

February Meeting DatesCivic Arts Commission – February 5

City Council Meetings – February 6 and February 20

Human Services Commission – February 7

Library Commission – February 8

Parks & Recreation Commission – February 8

Youth Master Plan Implementation

Committee – February 12

Planning Commission – February 14 and February 28

Housing Commission – February 15

Trails Ad Hoc Committee – February 26

General Information

Fusion PleasantonThe Pleasanton Public Library and the East Bay Marathi Mandal present “Fusion Pleasanton”; a year of Indian cultural programming from June 2006 through June 2007, funded in part by a grant from the California State Library’s Cultural Crossroads Program. The cultural Crossroads Program is part of the State Library’s initiative to explore the state’s cultural diversity. Our logo is “Fusion Pleasanton” and our goal is to promote understanding and celebrate the diversity in our community. We will be examining the many ways that the Indian community has enriched Pleasanton. For additional information on the Pleasanton Library programs and events, please visit the Library calendar at http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/pdf/libcal-jan07.pdf

PLEASANTON COMMUNITY GARDENSSEEKING NEW GARDENERS AT VAL VISTACOMMUNITY PARK

Are you a gardener? Are you looking for space to grow a vegetable garden? The City of Pleasanton has a community garden program at Val Vista Community Park. Garden patches are 12’ 6” by 18’. The annual fee is $75 and includes water. There is also refundable deposit required for the patch.

Community gardens are an excellent way to learn about gardening and to share in the harvest and fun of gardening with others. It’s also a great way to get the kids outside and connect them with healthy food and nature. There is nothing better than the taste of fresh produce from your own garden! Become a part of this great community program, but hurry, there are a limited number of patches available.

Val Vista Community Park is located at 6701 Payne Drive. The easiest entrance to the community garden patches is off Johnson Drive, on the south side of Stoneridge Drive in Pleasanton, CA. For more information on the community garden patch program, visit the website at http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/recreation/comm-garden.html or contact Kathy Southern at (925)997-3186.

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The Pleasanton Police Department made the following information avail-able. Under the law, those charged with offenses are considered innocent until convicted.January 13•DUI: 1•Vehicular thefts: -10:20 a.m. in the 300 block of

Christina Way; worth over $400•Public drunkenness: -1:20 a.m. in the 1800 block of

Santa Rita Road -1:24 a.m. in the 1800 block of

Santa Rita Road•Unauthorized entry: -8:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of

Oak Vista Way•Explosives: -4:25 p.m. in the 7600 block of

Desertwood Lane -4:32 p.m. in the 7700 block of

Olive Drive•Assault: -10:00 p.m. in the 600 block of

Rose Avenue

January 14•DUI: 1•Found property: 1•Theft: -5:38 p.m. in the 1700 block

of Stoneridge Mall Road; from building, worth $50-199

•Public vandalism: -8:00 a.m. in the 7300 block of

Johnson Drive; worth $1,000 or less

•Assault: -2:00 a.m. in the 4800 block of

Hopyard Road

January 15

•Theft: -8:20 a.m. at the intersection of

Birch Creek Drive and Vineyard Avenue; worth over $400

•Residential vandalism: -12:59 p.m. at the intersection of

Bernal and Vineyard avenues; worth $1,000 or less

•Domestic violence: -12:46 a.m. in the 2800 block of

El Capitan Drive•Assault: -2:45 p.m. in the 7400 block of

Hill View Court -7:45 p.m. in the 4800 block of

Bernal Avenue•Unauthorized entry: -12:30 p.m. in the 5800 block of

W. Las Positas Boulevard•Explosives: -7:01 p.m. in the 7500 block of

Olive Drive

January 16•DUI: 1•Found property: 1•Thefts: -11:15 a.m. in the 600 block of

Oak Circle; from vehicle -1:43 p.m. in the 1800 bloc of

Valley Ave; worth $50-199 -1:45 p.m. in the 1700 block of

Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplift-ing, worth $50-200

-3:25 p.m. in the 1700 block of Santa Rita Road; forged bills/notes

-3:40 p.m. in the 4900 block of Hacienda Drive; credit card fraud

•Public vandalism: -9:00 a.m. in the 4100 block of

Morganfield Court; worth $1,000 or less

•Bomb threats:

-12:20 p.m. in the 4200 block of Hacienda Drive

January 17•DUI: 1•Thefts: -9:30 a.m. in the 5000 block of

Case Avenue; worth $50-199 -10:30 a.m. in the 7300 block of

Shady Mill Lane; identity theft -3:01 p.m. in the 1300 block of

Stoneridge Mall Road; identity theft

-3:26 p.m. in the 4400 block of Pleasanton Avenue; identity theft

-8:04 p.m. in the 1400 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplift-ing, worth over $400

-10:00 p.m. in the 2900 block of Yorkshire Court; from vehicle, worth less than $50

January 18•Thefts: -8:03 a.m. in the 3000 block of

Ferndale Court; attempted from vehicle, worth $50 or less

-8:57 a.m. in the 3100 block of Camdon Court; from vehicle, worth less than $50

-11:53 a.m. in the 3300 block of Touriga Drive; identity theft

-12:27 p.m. in the 1400 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplift-ing, worth $200-400

-3:35 p.m. in the 11900 block of Dublin Canyon Road; vehicle parts, worth $200-400

•Under influence of narcotics: -9:10 a.m. in the 5300 bock of

Owens Court•Animal nuisance: -4:00 p.m. in the 4700 block of

Golden Road

Community PulseCommunity Pulse

Police Report

BMW, other possessions stolen from residence Cameras, a DVD player, a Palm Pilot and a BMW were looted from a residence in the 3100 block of Boardwalk Street Jan. 19, according to Pleasanton police. Between 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., the burglar entered the home, took the keys to a 2003 BMW 530i that were in a coffee cup, as well as a DVD player, four cameras and a newly pur-chased Palm Pilot and took off in the BMW, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pleasanton Police Department at 931-5100.

Burglar takes advantage of unlocked home A computer, camera and jewelry were taken from a home in the 1400 block of Oak Vista Way Jan. 12, according to police. The suspect appears to have entered the home sometime between 6 and 10 p.m. through either the garage, which was left open or a back door, which was unlocked. Estimated loss is valued at $25,000. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Pleasanton Police Department at 931-5100.

Police Bulletin


SportsSports

Pleasanton Weekly • January 19, 2007 • Page 21

Amador wrestlingbattles on the mats

Men pound Monte Vista, lose to SRV in close match

Led by six-straight pins begin-ning from JR Souza (152), Brenden Hamilton (160), Aaron Diggins (171), Mike Lady (189), Mike Arnoff (215) and heavyweight Sean McVey, the Amador Valley wres-tling team pounded Monte Vista 54-15 for their first league victory to even their EBAL record at 1-1. Justin Maslana (119) of Amador also had a pin. The Dons were back in action this weekend in the Alhambra high school wrestling tournament. Two Amador wrestlers placed at the tourney—McVey nabbed third (4-1) and Hamilton was fifth (5-2). Amador then lost a tight match in EBAL wrestling at home, 38-36 on Tuesday night. They were down 32-24 with three matches left 152, 160, and 171 lbs. Pins by Souza and Hamilton put Amador in the lead 36-32.

This left seniors Diggins and Matt Rudow (SRV) to battle it out for the dual meet win. The seesaw battle at 171 pounds saw Diggins almost pin Rudow in the first period. The seesaw swung back to San Ramon in the third period as Rudow pinned Diggins to win the dual meet as time expired. Both teams sit at 1-2 in EBAL action.

Neves earns silver at CIF regionals

Amador Valley senior Lauren Neves headed for the mat in the CIF Northern Regionals last week, where she finished in second place. She wrestled in a tough 18-girl bracket, winning her first four matches. She fell a little short in the championship match, earning the runner-up silver medal. The CIF sanctions a Northern and Southern Regional wrestling tournaments for girls. Her second place finish earned Neves a spot at the California State Invitational wrestling matches next month. ■

Aaron Diggins from Amador Valley wins the match by pin at the Alhambra Invitational held last Saturday.

Boys basketball• Friday - Amador vs. Foothill, 7 p.m. at Amador• Tuesday - Foothill vs. Monte Vista, 7 p.m. at Foothill

Girls basketball• Friday - Amador vs. Foothill, 7 p.m. at Foothill• Wednesday - Foothill vs. Monte Vista, 7 p.m. at Monte Vista

Boys soccer• Friday - Amador vs. Livermore, 5:45 p.m. at Livermore• Friday - Foothill vs. Granada, 5:45 p.m. at Granada

• Wednesday - Amador vs. Monte Vista, 5:45 p.m. at Monte Vista• Wednesday - Foothill vs. Cal High, 5:45 p.m. at Foothill

Girls soccer• Friday - Amador vs. Monte Vista, 5:45 p.m. at Amador• Tuesday - Foothill vs. Cal High, 5:45 p.m. at Cal High

Wrestling• Fri-Sat - Amador at Ukiah Tournament• Thursday - Amador vs. Cal High, 7:30 p.m. at Cal High

Schedule

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AmericanVic’s All Star Kitchen201 Main St., Pleasanton, (925) 484-0789. Vic’s delivers a starry mix of American food, fast service and a cheery atmosphere. Owner Vic Malatesta teamed his love of sports with his pas-sion for good food to create a solid din-ing experience. Vic’s is open daily 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Evening banquets and daytime catering are available.Bridges44 Church St., Danville, 820-7200. Executive Chef Kevin Gin interprets California-American cuisine with European and Asian influences with expansive lunch and dinner menus. Add dessert, wine and cocktails and you have Bridges’ casual fine dining experi-ence. Visit www.bridgesdanville.com for event and private party details.

Asian-PacificMahalo Grille425 Main St., Pleasanton, 462-2800. Treat yourself to a taste sensation at

Mahalo Grille featuring a variety of Pacific seafood, Hawaiian fresh fish and shell fish, and “Mahalo” signature selections. Also try our various vegetarian-friendly offerings, California wines and island cocktails. Visit www.mahalogrille.com.

BarbecueRed Smoke Grill4501 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 734-0307. Home of the Tri Tip and Blue, Red Smoke Grill was voted best take out food by Pleasanton Weekly readers in 2006. Dine in or take out rotisserie chicken, ribs, prawns, salads

and tri tip, or pulled pork sandwiches. Relax with a beer or a bottle of wine. Visit www.redsmokegrill.com.

Brewpub/Alehouse The Hopyard American Alehouse and Grill 3015H Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 426-9600; and 470 Market Place, San Ramon, 277-9600. Voted Best Watering Hole in Pleasanton, the Hop Yard offers 30 beers on tap and a variety of great food--everything from

To have your restaurant listed in this dining directory, please call the Pleasanton Weekly Advertising Department at (925) 600-0840

DiningOutDiningOut

Stick to That New years Resolution!Looking to eat healthier in 2007?

Well, consider this. Fish & Seafood are natural sources of vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids that are necessary for a balanced diet. In addition, fish is lower in saturated fat, total fat and calories than the same comparable sizes

of poultry and meat products. And it tastes great too!At Mahalo Grille, we offer over 20 HEALTHY Fish and Seafood Menu Items. So what’s stopping you?

Come in and enjoy a healthy lunch or dinner at Mahalo Grille and stick to that New Year’s Resolution.

425 MAIN STREET

PLEASANTON, CA 94566(925) 462-2800

OpenTable.com for reservations

Elegant banquet room and wine bar combination ideal for all your special occasions.

Sits up to 60 people. Free delivery and set up for catered events with more than 25 guests.

Garlic Di Pasta is Changing it’s name to

LaVite“Grapevine in Italian”

Same Ownership ~ Same Great Food3037-G Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton • (Across from Valley Ave.)

925-485-4500 www.GarlicDiPasta.com

What’s for dinner?

Surprise a special Valentine with a personal “Love Lines”in our February 9th issue of the Danville Weekly

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Chinese SzechuanSzechuan Mandarin

3059 Hopyard Road #GHopyard Village @ Valley

Pleasanton

(925)846-5251

—No MSG—

“Open Since 1987”

Banquet Room Available

We also serve Brown Rice

LUNCH SPECIALS

Closed Mondays

DINE INFOOD TO GO

finger food to full-blown meals. Ask about our new banquet menu.

CateringFontina’s Catering349 Main St., Downtown Pleasanton, 462-9299. Fontina Ristorante’s award-winning menu can now be delivered to your home or office. Our lunch and dinner specialties feature homemade soups and pastas, premium seafood and meats, and a vegetarian menu. For parties of 10 or more, we’ll include free dessert or 10 percent off your total bill (excluding tax).

ChineseChinese Szechuan3059 Hopyard Road #G, Pleasanton, 846-5251. Chinese Szechuan is Pleasanton’s best-loved Chinese res-taurant. Family owned and run since 1987, it has friendly service, delicious food and great prices, including lunch specials from only $5.25.Panda Mandarin Cuisine30 W. Angela St., Pleasanton, 484-4880. Panda offers several delicious specials using fresh ingredients and spices that make traditional northern Chinese cuisine such a delight. Open

for lunch Monday through Friday, din-ner Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. A private banquet room is available. Visit www.pandapleasanton.comWillow Tree Chinese Cuisine6512 Regional St, Dublin, 828-9111. Since 1978 Willow Tree has offered authentic Dim-Sum and banquet buf-fet cuisine. We prepare each dish with the freshest ingredients and are dedi-cated to hospitality. View our complete menu at www.willowtreerestaurant.com

ContinentalBarone’s475 St. John St., Pleasanton, 426-0987. Pleasanton’s most romantic continental cuisine restaurant fea-tures innovative pasta, seafood and meat entrees, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Barone’s is open for din-ner seven nights and lunch Monday through Friday, with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Ask about our banquet facilities and spe-cial events.


Dining Out

Great New Menu Additions for the New Year.And Our Great Specials for January.

Including:Dungeness Crab Cakes with Dill Remoulade - Roasted Garlic & Gorgonzola Flatbread with Basil Marinara for Dipping

Parmesan Crusted Mussels - New England Seafood Chowder - Veal Parmesan - Center Cut Ribeye Steak - Lobster RavioliCapellini with Prawns & Scallops - Swordfish with Red Bell Pepper & Caper Salsa - New Zealand Lamb Chops

Poached Salmon with Sauteed Spinach and Herb Risotto

405 MAIN STREET

PLEASANTON, CA 94566(925) 417-2222

OpenTable.com for reservations

LUNCH . DINNER

925.314.09742416 San Ramon Valley Blvd.San Ramon

Chosen Best

Place for Dessert

by Diablo Magazine

Come experience our new menu and

Chef Esin's Desserts

Oasis

Authentic Afghani Dishes with a Mediterranean Flair

925. 417. 8438780 Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton

www.oasisgrille.com

Free Appetizer with any 2 entrees

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Discover a New Cuisine …Discover a New Cuisine …

Italian Style Spaghetti & RavioliLunches • Dinners • Beers on Tap • Orders to Go

288 Main Street • 846-2520Open 7 Days

Check out our new website atwww.gayninetiespizza.com

Savory Delights of Northern ChinaLUNCH SPECIALS: Monday-Friday 11:30-2:00

DINNER: Monday-Thursday 5:00-9:30Friday & Saturday 5:00-10:00Closed Sunday

PRIVATE BANQUET ROOM TAKE-OUT

30 West Angela St., Downtown Pleasanton925 484 4880 • www.pandapleasanton.com THE PANDA


Dining Out

FusionOasis Grille 780 Main St., Pleasanton, 417-8438. Visit downtown Pleasanton’s exotic dining destination. Oasis features kababs, rice and vegetarian dishes, to name a few. Check out our updated wine and exotic cocktail menus. We also cater! Visit www.OasisGrille.com.

ItalianFontina Ristorante349 Main St., Pleasanton, 462-9299. This popular downtown restaurant gets rave reviews from both locals and visitors. Fontina offers a changing, seasonal menu and daily specials--including homemade soups, pastas,

seafood, chicken and veal--served in a comfortably elegant atmosphere. We have indoor and outdoor seating. Join us for Saturday and Sunday cham-pagne brunch.Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too!11891 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, 828-9380. Lively chatter and the aroma of garlic fill this warm and friendly, classically “Italian” restaurant. Watch cooks hand toss dough at this Tri-Valley pizza Mecca. It’s perfect for romantic cou-ples and the entire family. Authentic Southern Italian cooking includes tradi-tional dishes such as Veal Scaloppini, Lamb Osso Bucco and Scampi.Garlic di Pasta3037-G Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 485-4500. Garlic di Pasta was rated “A” by the Contra Costa Times restau-rant critic and voted the best Italian res-taurant by the readers of the Tri-Valley Herald. We’re located off the beaten path of downtown Pleasanton in the Hopyard Village Shopping Center.Pastas Trattoria405 Main St., Pleasanton, 417-2222. Pastas Trattoria has an elegant atmo-sphere and a one-of-a-kind menu. We feature steaks, seafood and our famous pasta, plus a superb selection of spirits and fine wines. Live music will jazz up your Friday and Saturday evenings. The banquet facilities have wireless Internet for large parties, up to 70 guests.

JapaneseUme Sushi4855 Hopyard Road #7 in Gateway Square, 734-0996. Acclaimed chef David Win brings delicious Japanese cuisine to Pleasanton at an affordable price! We have a daily fresh fish deliv-ery, teriyaki and tempura. We are open Monday-Saturday, with lunch from 11:30-2:30 and dinner from 4:30-9:30, Saturday until 10 p.m. Party platters are available. Visit our website: www.umesushi.com.

PizzaGay Nineties Pizza Co.288 Main St., Pleasanton, 846-2520. Gay Nineties is family-oriented with an extensive menu, including our renowned pizza, Italian dishes, salads and sandwiches. We also have wine, beer, patio dining and games for kids. Come for groups, take out and call-ahead lunch orders. We’re open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Casual Lunches • Fine Dining Award Winning Margaritas • 200+ Tequilas

Just One Week Left!Chiles En Nogada: Week-End Seasonal Specialty!

• Best Atmosphere• Best Outdoor Dining

• Best Place to Have a First Date

925.462.9299349 Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton • www.fontinas.com

AWARD-WINNINGRESTAURANT FEATURING:

SPECIALS OF THE WEEK

Pumpkin seed crusted fillet of Mahi Mahi served with roasted red bell pepper sauce, basil oil, and sundried

tomato polenta

Fettuccine with chicken, artichoke pesto, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh herbs

Lemon-pepper linguine pasta wit smoked salmon, green peas, tomatoes, fresh dill in a lemon cream sauce.

www.hopyard.com

Pleasanton(925) 426-9600

3015-H Hopyard Road

Voted Best Place for an

After-Work Drink

30 BEERS ON TAPIncluding winter beers!

Neighborhood Brewpub

Your Hosts Since 1995Joseph & Maricela Barone

Barone’s Restaurant• Innovative Cuisine• Banquets• Rehearsal Dinners• Entertainment on Weekends• Full Bar

475 Saint John, Pleasanton

426-0987

Come Taste Our New Lunch

& Dinner Entrees

Private Studio DowntownPleasanton

Exclusive1 on 1 Guitar

Lessons

4625 First Street 417-0561

Adults and Kids Ages 10 thru 110

established in 1997

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