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Pleasanton Weekly 07.01.2011 - Section 1
Section 1 of the July 1, 2011 edition of the Pleasanton Weekly
Pleasanton Weekly Community invited to Pleasanton's Fourth of July Celebration [14] WWW.PLEASANTONWEEKLY.COM Independence ay 2011 D JOIN NOW! SEE PAGE 11 INSIDE THIS WEEK NEWS: 23 arrested in Castlewood protest NEWS: Swimmer sentenced in assault case LIVING: Women's roller derby now in town 5 5 21 MEMBERSHIP INVITATION 40% - 80% OFF BRAND NAMES SAVE Kids Love Castlewood -- Try Us On For Size! INTRODUCTORY SUMMER MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE!! SIGNUPS FOR TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS END ON JULY 31ST! HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO "TRY ON" A MEMBERSHIP -- BRING THE KIDS AND ENJOY THE SUMMER AT CASTLEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB! Extra 50% OFF ALL WALL ART Enjoy HUGE savings on a wide variety of custom wall art. Quantities limited. Ashton has provided high quality designer framed art and mirrors at a tremendous value. Ashton offers cutting-edge designs, the largest selection of prints and mirrors, and Limited quantity. 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TAX Located inside Patio Most Energy Efficient Spas Made -- Lowest PG&E Built for a lifetime or relaxation. � Hot Spring Aria Grand Opening! 3815 REDWOOD HIGHWAY | www.YourHotTubStore.com Since 1975 Page 2 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly AROUND PLEASANTON BY JEB BING BEST-IN-CLASS COVERAGE PLAN FROM VOLVO SAFE SECURE 5 YEAR WARRANTY + 5 YEAR WEAR & TEAR 5 YEAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE + 5 YEAR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE For further details, please contact our sales department Well-known caregiver to seniors retires B ruce Fiedler, a friend and caregiver to Pleasanton seniors for the last 26 years, is retiring as administrator of Pleasanton Gardens, the Tri-Valley's oldest affordable elder housing community. After an earlier career that included stints as a youth and disabled services coordinator, a classroom teacher and a school administrator, Fiedler took the Pleasanton job in 1985. The facility has been in operation for 42 years and is one of the last small, freestanding and self-managed elder care complexes in the country. Under Fiedler's leadership, it is also one that has consistently received superior ratings for its management and operations. Fiedler was approached frequently by larger organizations during his tenure, but preferred to stay at Pleasanton Gardens where he knew all the residents and could see the results of his work. In addition to the day-to-day administration, Fielder also handled most maintenance. But he was much more than the Pleasanton Gardens administrator. He has also served on the city's Human Services Commission and the Housing Commission. A bronze plaque by the front door of the Pleasanton Senior Center lists his name among the task force members who participated in the eight-year process to plan, finance and construct that facility on Sunol Boulevard. He has also served as a member of the Wheels bus line's Senior and Disabled Advisory Committee and the Alameda County Senior Needs Committee that first allocated funds for Dial-a-Ride and other direct services in the TriValley. At an early planning meeting about extending BART to Pleasanton, when it was evident that there was not sufficient funding to build two stations here, Fielder persuaded planners to build the east station first, but to also add the essential infrastructure during that construction to accommodate what is now the West Dublin/Pleasanton station. In 1992, Fiedler was part of a grassroots effort that banned tobacco smoke from all restaurants in the Tri-Valley, a movement that later became the law throughout California and beyond. In 2003, he made Pleasanton Gardens a smoke-free campus. Since then, he has been a frequent public speaker on making apartments and condos smoke-free as well. Bruce Fiedler Although Fiedler is nationally known for his advocacy of eldercare facilities, he was never able to expand his own although he served on a committee that has worked on adding more senior housing here for years. The Kottinger Place Task Force on which he served has considered a plan to replace the city's 50-unit Kottinger Place, also a low-income senior housing complex across Kottinger Drive from Pleasanton Gardens, with a new two- and three-story 150-unit affordable housing complex. The project could include adding the 40 low-income senior housing units now at Pleasanton Gardens. The board of directors that operates Pleasanton Gardens has agreed to be part of the planning process as long as the total number of units stays at 150 or more. If not, the board would reconsider its involvement. Politically, the expansion plan appears to be stuck in limbo while planners and elected officials decide whether it's cost-effective to renovate the two aging facilities or tear them down and build new. Pleasanton Gardens currently is facing a timeline for continuing its Section 8 low-rent status, which is scheduled to end in August 2014. If the new Kottinger Place complex is built and available by then, it's expected that the Pleasanton Gardens property would be sold to the city of Pleasanton for possible redevelopment by a private contractor. In the meantime, the Pleasanton Gardens board of directors has entered into a one-year management contract with American Baptist Homes of the West, which is based in Pleasanton. ABHOW, in consultation with the directors, has hired Ron Dirks as the new site administrator to succeed Fiedler. Although it will be tough to fill Fiedler's shoes, Dirks, who has spent the past seven years managing property for nonprofit companies and almost 20 years as a pastor before that, has the credentials and support to serve the seniors living at Pleasanton Gardens. THE NEW 2012 VOLVO S60 925.939.3333 2791 North Main St., Walnut Creek, CA www.lawrencevolvo.com Get All of This Plus More Great Offers from Volvo! About the Cover Uncle Sam wants YOU to have a happy Fourth of July. Pleasanton resident Scott Belding will again this year portray Uncle Sam at "Celebrating Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution," from noon-1:30 p.m. on July 4 at Lions Wayside Park. Photo by Lisa Lorentz. Design by Lili Cao. Vol. XII, Number 25 Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 3 THE INDEPENDENCE YOU WANT, THE ASSISTANCE YOU NEED. TOM LEW DICK Streetwise FRED BILL TOM ASKED AROUND TOWN EUGENE What are your plans for July Fourth? Colleen Kinney MIKE JIM I BECAME TOO DIFFICULT, I KNEW I NEEDED A CHANGE. AS MUCH AS I LOVE MY CHILDREN, MOVING IN WITH THEM SIMPLY WASN'T AN OPTION FOR ME. I LIKE THE PRIVACY OF MY OWN APARTMENT. I'VE BEEN INDEPENDENT ALL MY LIFE, AND I PLAN TO STAY THAT WAY. WHEN LIVING ALONE ndependence is all about choice. In how you grow your mind...In how you relax your body...In how you nurture your spirit. The Parkview is all about choice. Because you're old enough to do whatever you choose. The Parkview features apartments with kitchenettes and an array of amenities. Separate memory care accommodations are on-site. Call today for more information or to schedule a tour. CHUCK DAVE PROPANE TANK EXCHANGE $ 19 99 Karyn Hilton Teacher We are going to escape the fireworks and head to Twain Harte with friends. I'm looking forward to getting out of town and relaxing at Pinecrest Lake, and I really love the fresh air and beautiful trees. We might even sneak in a little wine tasting. (Some Restrictions Apply) 100 VALLEY AVENUE (FORMERLY JUNIPERO ST.) PLEASANTON 10% OFF Taste of The Wild Dog food Limit 3 bags. Expires 7/30/11 License #015601283 925-461-3042 WWW.ESKATON.ORG MANAGED BY ESKATON Retired I'm spending the day with my family and their friends. I will be surrounded by kids, and they make the Fourth of July all that it is supposed to be. Eric Wayne 1807 Santa Rita Rd, Pleasanton Phone (925) 846-0660 www.truevalue.com/pleasanton Between jobs We're going to get fireworks in the Central Valley and bring them back home to enjoy. Gangashree Somayajula Elementary school aide For nearly 20 years, we've spent the day at a friend's house in Livermore. We all have dinner and sit in the back yard and enjoy the fireworks. It's a wonderful time, and everyone looks forward to it. Over 20 years of Melanie Sohn Mom We will be watching the Fairground's fireworks show on the 1st, and we'll have a traditional Fourth of July celebration, complete with games, barbecuing and lots of fun with family and friends. We also do... --Compiled by Kerry Nally Have a Streetwise question? E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. Print subscriptions for businesses or residents of other communities are $60 per year or $100 for two years. Go to www.PleasantonWeekly.com to sign up and for more information. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. � 2011 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Showroom and Factory located at 4225 Stanley Blvd near downtown Pleasanton 925.462.1207 www.window-ology.com Contractor's License #904282 Page 4 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly Newsfront DIGEST Going purple Today volunteers from the Pleasanton Relay For Life team are using the color purple to decorate several blocks of Main Street, from noon-2 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Purple is used to bring good news to cancer survivors and attention to the American Cancer Society's programs and services. "We received a Proclamation from the Mayor and City Council last week proclaiming July 1 as Paint the Town Purple Day," said event chairwoman Florine Johnston. Purple-clad volunteers from the American Cancer Society will put up purple ribbons and ties on trees, poles and posts, pass out purple treats and bring awareness to the Relay For Life event being held July 23 at Pleasanton Middle School. The theme is Purple Rain and Purple Haze. Businesses owners are encouraged to place something purple in their store windows. 23 protesters arrested after blocking Castlewood Drive Lockout of Country Club staff entering 16th month Twenty-three people protesting the ongoing lockout of Castlewood workers were arrested June 23 for blocking Castlewood Drive in what organizers described as an act of civil disobedience. The protest drew close to 100 demonstrators and nearly 50 police officers from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office and Pleasanton. Castlewood Drive was blocked from just before 8 a.m. until about 11:15, when the protesters blocking the road were taken into custody. It seemed to be a cooperative arrest; the arresting officers were polite and none of the demonstrators offered any resistance. In fact, the crowd ceased its chanting each time an officer from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office made the required announcement: "On behalf of the state of California, I demand that you leave immediately. If you fail to leave, you will be arrested." The lockout of union workers from Castlewood Country Club is entering its 16th month, with neither side budging. Bartenders, kitchen helpers, waiters and other hourly full-time and part-time employees, about 60 in all, were locked out of the country club on Feb. 25, 2010, in a dispute over health care costs. On the day of the protests, the country club was hosting its largest golf tournament of the year, the Men's Invitational. Golfers were delayed about 20 minutes because of the protesters, and a brief scuffle broke out between the two groups. The road blockage, with protesters holding a duct-tape-wrapped cardboard chain across the road, came just in time to complicate life for morning commuters leaving Castlewood and forced cars to detour around the section of Foothill Road near the country club as well. At one point, a half dozen or so golf carts were halted around the crowd. Golfers seemed unperturbed by the protest, although at one point golfers were taunted by a couple of demonstrators; the bulk of the crowd occasionally broke into the chant: "All you golfers look around, we need justice in this town." The union events began with some demonstrators blocking the road while others stood BY GLENN WOHLTMANN Red, white and blue First Wednesday The Fourth of July celebration continues July 6 at First Wednesday with a red, white and blue street party. July's featured band is Houserockers in the Beer and Wine Garden with beverages from Livermore Valley Wine Country. The side stage band performance will be the Dave Crimmen Band in front of the Pleasanton Hotel. The street party takes place 6-9 p.m., and Main Street is closed from Del Valle Parkway to Bernal Avenue from 4:30-10 p.m. For more information, call the Pleasanton Downtown Association at 484-2199. GLENN WOHLTMANN Alameda County sheriff's deputies keep watch as demonstrators from unions across the Bay Area protest the ongoing lockout of Castlewood workers. Living with yellowjackets If yellowjackets are ruining your backyard barbecues, note these tips from Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control: Don't swat at or kill yellowjackets. This makes them release a pheromone that signals to all the other yellowjackets that there is trouble. Soon, their comrades will arrive to help. Yellowjackets are beneficial insects. They not only help to pollinate plants, they eat pest insects. If you must use a trap, place it at the far end of your yard, away from your eating area. Make yellowjackets their own plate of food with all the fixings and place it at the farthest part of your yard before your barbecue begins. Include that can of soda since they are searching for meats or sugars. They are usually satisfied with their find and feast without bothering your human guests. behind them or along the side of the intersection of Castlewood Drive and Foothill Road while organizers led the crowd in chants. After that, about 40 protesters marched, continuing their chants, with speeches by union organizers from a half-dozen unions who came out to support the locked-out workers. Wei-Ling Huber, president of UniteHere local 2850, which represents the workers, told the crowd that during the last year, Castlewood Country Club has spent three times as much as it would have paid the workers, the money going for lawyers, security and the new staff See PROTESTERS on Page 9 Swimmer charged in sexual assault gets felony conviction Ordered to serve 150 days under plea deal that keeps victim from having to testify A 21-year-old Pleasanton man and former swimmer at UC Davis has been convicted of a felony in connection with an attack on a young woman in her dorm room last year. Pierce Hunter accepted a plea deal that spared the victim from having to testify and avoided a jury trial. Hunter pleaded no contest -- admitting that the prosecution had enough evidence to convict him but not admitting guilt -- to a single felony count of dissuading a witness after threatening the victim following the attack. As part of the plea deal, Hunter was ordered to serve 150 days in the county jail; a charge of sexual battery will remain on hold for the five years Hunter will be on probation following his stay in jail. During his probation, he will have to register as sex offender, receive sex offender counseling, and attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. The sexual battery charge will be dismissed if Hunter successfully completes probation. Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Clint Parish told the court the attack took place in January 2010. "Hunter entered the dorm room of the victim. According to the victim, after a short discussion, Hunter took off most of his clothes and began to force himself on her," Parish told the judge. "During the struggle, Hunter took the victim's pants off of her as well as her underwear. Because of the vast difference in size between Hunter and the victim, he was able to keep her pinned down while he continued to assault her." The victim, who lives in the San Ramon Valley, also attended UC Davis at the time and was a member of the swim team there. At his sentencing hearing earlier this month, her mother read a prepared statement written by the victim. "I have asked for this to be read on my behalf by my mother because I do not want to see or speak to Pierce Hunter ever again," the woman's statement reads. "Pierce Hunter set out to deliberately hurt me when he came to my dorm room uninvited and tried to rape me." The woman said her roommate came to her rescue. "After my roommate helped me fight off Pierce See ASSAULT on Page 6 Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 5 NEWS County moves to place Pleasanton in Supervisor Miley's district Action comes after objections to Haggerty's plan to split city into 2 districts Responding to an appeal by Pleasanton leaders to keep the city in a single supervisor district, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to proceed with boundary changes that would move Pleasanton into District 4, which is represented by Supervisor Nate Miley. For years, Pleasanton has been part of District 1, represented by Supervisor Scott Haggerty. His plan to split the city into two districts -- his and Miley's -- was opposed by the Pleasanton City Council and business groups. But Haggerty said population shifts in the county required boundary changes and his plan to split Pleasanton would help even out supervisor districts. In a recent meeting, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce's government affairs committee endorsed the single-district plan, arguing that BY JEB BING JAY FLACHSBARTH Walking in the rain Sisters Heather and Hanna Youn visiting from Washington State talked Pleasanton resident Amy Cho (right) into taking a stroll through downtown Pleasanton during a record-setting rainstorm Tuesday. "We're used to this type of weather so why not go for a walk," said the sisters. The three-quarters inch of rain set a record for June 28, but the cooler, wet weather was brief. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s for this Independence Day weekend. McNerney to hold `Congress at Your Corner' today 65th one-on-one discussion meeting held by congressman Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) will hold a "Congress at Your Corner" discussion from 2-3 p.m. today at the Pleasanton Public Library. "I'm firmly committed to being accessible to the people I represent," McNerney stated in a press release. "Over the past four years, I've held dozens of these events and always enjoy the opportunity to hear directly from the people I represent. I encourage people to come share their thoughts and ideas with me." The event will mark the 65th Congress at Your Corner hosted by McNerney. Hundreds of people have attended these events to share their opinions and ask for assistance resolving issues with a federal agency. At this Congress at Your Corner Rep. McNerney will meet with small groups of people in 30 minute segments based on the order in which they arrive. The Pleasanton library is located at 400 Old Bernal Ave. --Jeb Bing two supervisors with only half of Pleasanton would "marginalize" the city's influence on issues before the county board. However, city officials said yesterday's decision by the board to place Pleasanton in Miley's district, which includes Castro Valley and parts of Oakland, isn't what they had in mind. In a letter to the board, they asked that Haggerty's District 1 be restructured to include the Tri-Valley cities of Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton. New boundary changes affecting Fremont, Castro Valley and cities to the west could accommodate the population shifts needed to meet redistricting changes that are required based on the 2010 census. The county board is expected to vote on the redistricting plan on July 12 with a final reading of the ordinance that's passed to be held on July 26. In reviewing population changes in Alameda County, the cities with the largest gains in the last 10 years are Dublin, up 53.6% to 46,036; Emeryville, up 46.5% to 10,080; Albany, up 12.7% to 18,539; and Livermore and Pleasanton, both up 10.4% to 80,968 and 70,285, respectively. Oakland, Fremont, Hayward and Berkeley, the largest cities in the county with populations above 100,000, grew only modestly or not at all. Oakland, in fact, saw a 2.2% population loss with 8,760 leaving the city to drop its population to 390,724. Of these larger cities, Berkeley grew the most, up 9.6% to a new population of 112,580. Fremont saw a 5.2% gain to 214,089, and Hayward's population rose by 3% to 144,186. Hope Hospice names new chief executive Larry Lakes succeeds Helen Meier, who retired Larry R. Lakes has been named chief executive officer of Hope Hospice, succeeding Helen Meier, who retired June 10 after serving the organization as executive director from 2002 to 2011. Lakes moves to Hope Hospice from his current position as executive director of a Catholic Charities division in Sonoma County, the largest homeless services provider north of San Francisco and south of Portland. In addition, Lakes worked with an agency that provided 33 services in six northern California counties. "Larry comes to us with a unique combination of private-industry and nonprofit experience," said Charles Crohare, president of the Hope Hospice board of directors. "His prior experience in the healthcare industry, financial management and the last six years with nonprofit agencies provided the foundation the board was looking for to ensure that Hope Hospice continues to innovate and emphasize high quality care for our patients and their families as we deliver vital services to those at the end of life." Lakes' career has taken him across the U.S. in executive positions for companies that included Johnson & Johnson, Sanus/ New York Life, Kestrel Group Companies and others. Lakes originally is from Dallas. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master's in business administration from the University of Dallas. "What I bring to Hope Hospice is my wide range of experience in several industries and in many complex operating situations," Lakes said in a statement. "I understand the success of a nonprofit agency is due to the daily work and support of all the people and volunteers whose collective efforts provide the services." Hope Hospice serves families in Alamo, Blackhawk, Castro Valley, Diablo, Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Sunol and the surrounding communities in the East Bay of San Francisco. --Jeb Bing ASSAULT Continued from Page 5 IMAGE YOUR IMAGINATION DESIGN & COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS Hunter, he then threatened me, my roommate and later my sister's safety to keep me from talking about it," the woman's letter to the court continued. "It took me awhile to have the courage to come forward about the attack which I was able to do after I learned about Pierce Hunter's violent behavior towards other swim team members and a threat was made against my sister's and my life. In one of the other attacks Pierce Hunter sexually assaulted another female swimmer in her dorm room in a most brutal and disgusting fashion. "Unfortunately, she did not have a roommate to save her or be a witness for her. Pierce Hunter also assaulted a male swimmer and was so violent that he had to be Tasered by the Davis police before he was taken into custody." Yolo County District Attorney Jeff W. Reisig confirmed that following the young woman's report of the attack, two other women came forward with similar stories. The young woman attacked by Hunter also said in her statement that his family tried to cover up the incident and enlisted the help of his swim coach as well. "This is a problem because it helped hide his true nature from innocent people. Pierce Hunter's family members have been enablers of his anti-social behavior and they have enlisted others in the swimming community to help trivialize his violent behavior," the woman's statement reads. Hunter is currently living in the area and has since become a member of the Diablo Valley College swim team, where he competed in the men's 100-yard freestyle and the 800-yard freestyle relay. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff W. Reisig called the plea deal "an excellent outcome for the victim, the prosecution and citizens of Yolo County." "The defendant now has a felony strike on his record and must register as a sex offender for a minimum of five years while on probation," Reisig said. "He will undergo sex offender counseling after serving his jail term. His probation officer will keep tabs on him to prevent him from reoffending." The district attorney also acknowledged it can be difficult to get a conviction in cases like this. "Jury trials in rape cases often result in the victim being put on trial and being retraumatized. Or, it's not uncommon to see defendants in these cases go unpunished, leaving the victim in both a physical and emotional mess," he said. "We avoided all of this and justice was served." --Glenn Wohltmann Page 6 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly NEWS Dual convictions in 2009 Dublin murder of 91-year-old Woman, mother face life without parole A woman and her mother were convicted Monday of first-degree murder and premeditated attempted murder for an attack two years ago in which her husband was wounded and his 91-year-old grandmother was killed. Jurors deliberated for three days before delivering their verdicts against Rosa Hill, 36, and her mother, 57-year-old Mei Li of Antioch, for the January 2009 incident in which Selma Hill was killed at her home in Dublin and her grandson, Eric Hill, was wounded. They both face life in prison without the possibility of parole when they are sentenced by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Burr on Aug. 29. Rosa Hill, who was dressed in black pants and a burgundy jacket and wore her long black hair in a ponytail, rested her chin on her hand after the verdicts were read but otherwise showed little emotion. Mei Li looked straight ahead as she listened. Eric Hill, who was seated in the second row of the courtroom, breathed a sigh of relief and stretched his neck after the verdicts were announced. In his closing argument in the lengthy case, which began April 13, prosecutor Casey Bates said Rosa Hill and Li went to Selma Hill's home in the 7700 block of Peppertree Lane, where Eric Hill and the couple's then-2-year-old daughter also lived, as part of a plot to kidnap the daughter. Rosa Hill and Eric Hill, who later divorced, were separated at the time and he had been awarded sole legal custody and 85 percent physical custody of the daughter, which meant that Rosa Hill only got to see her 15 percent of the time. Prosecutors said Selma Hill was killed the morning of Jan. 7, 2009, and Eric Hill was wounded in an attack by Rosa Hill and her mother when he returned to the home with the couple's daughter later that day. Bates said notes later recovered by police showed that Rosa Hill and Li called their plan "Operation Custody" and purchased a cache of weapons worthy of a small army, including guns, stun guns, a sword, a hammer tool, a crossbow, a throat cutter, a knife and a baton. In addition, Bates said that when police investigated a computer that Rosa Hill and her mother used, they discovered that the two women had conducted Internet searches on how to get away with murder and how to strangle someone. They had also researched deadly substances such as arsenic, cyanide, strychnine, mustard gas and ammonia, he said. Hill's lawyer, Bonnie Narby, said Hill went to Selma Hill's home to check on her daughter, and had no plan to kill anyone. Narby said Rosa Hill was concerned about her daughter, in part because she thought her husband was molesting the girl -- an allegation Hill has denied. The defense attorney said Rosa Hill was also frustrated that the family court system had had awarded her husband the primary custody of their daughter. He said if Rosa Hill and her mother had planned to commit murder, they wouldn't have left any evidence behind. Narby said the fact that Selma Hill suffered 23 wounds, including injuries inflicted by a Taser, indicates that Rosa Hill killed the 91-year-old woman in a sudden confrontation rather than as part of a thought-out plan. He said Rosa Hill "snapped" when she tried to talk to Selma Hill about her concerns that day, and that the elderly woman had told her that she would try to stop her from seeing her daughter again. Li's attorney, Barbara Thomas, admitted that Li came to Selma Hill's house on Jan. 7, 2009, but said Li only went there because her daughter asked for help and that Li arrived after Selma Hill was dead. Narby said her only comment on today's verdicts is, "This was a tragic situation I wish could have been avoided." Thomas blamed the family court system. "The family court mediator and Child Protective Services are mainly responsible for what happened," she said. Thomas said the family court system "completely failed everyone and destroyed two families with their incompetence and left a 2-year-old girl with a legacy that she'll probably never deal with." --Bay City News AVHS teacher wins state award Cutter credited with steering students toward science Beth Cutter of Amador Valley High School has been selected as the 2011 California outstanding biology teacher. Cutter, a biology/life science teacher currently teaching chemistry and biological science at Amador Valley High School, was a life sciences scholar at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1999-2002. She's been teaching at Amador since 2006 and is a member of the teacher committee that organizes the Science Extravaganza for K-4 grade students, providing more than 30 hands-on science stations where high school students lead lessons for youngsters. One of her colleagues, Heather Pereira, who also teaches biology and chemistry, called Cutter "an active collaborator." "She regularly meets with me and other biology teachers to develop new curriculum and come up with new ways to keep kids interested and engaged in biology," Pereira said. Former student Ellora Staker said Cutter awakened a passion for science in her. "After one year and two classes with Mrs. Cutter, I have decided to pursue this interest instilled by her; I am majoring in biochemistry at Brigham Young University, and a large part of that decision was her influence as an educator and mentor," Staker said. A special presentation will be made by the National Association of Biology Teachers at its National BY GLENN WOHLTMANN Zone 7 goes solar at treatment plant System will reduce costs, says water agency Zone 7 Water Agency, which supplies water to eastern Alameda County including Pleasanton, held an open house last week of the new solar power project at its Del Valle Water Treatment Plant in Livermore. The 348-watt photovoltaic system was designed and built by Borrego Solar Systems Inc., which will continue to operate and maintain it, in partnership with Zone 7. The water agency will then buy all of the electricity the plant produces at a fixed rate. "This is a win-win for our water ratepayers and for the environment," said John Greci, president of the Zone 7 Board of Directors. "Zone 7 is trying to set an example, to set a green footprint and be responsible to our ratepayers at the same time." The solar panels will produce about a third of the energy Zone 7 uses in water treatment and other operations at the Del Valle plant. The savings in energy costs is expected to be greater than $800,000 for the 20-year term of the agreement, although they could be higher if power costs go up. Greci also said that Zone 7 continues to explore more ways to "optimize its energy use" in water treatment, groundwater pumping and overall operations. The project was financed with a Power Purchase Agreement with Borrego, which designed, built, owns and maintains the solar power installation on Zone 7 property. In return for use of the land, Borrego agreed to sell the solar energy to Zone 7 at pre-determined rates for 20 years. This is currently 28 percent less per kilowatt-hour than the PG&E grid rate. The agreement did not require any upfront costs for Zone 7, and it allowed Borrego to take advantage of federal tax credits. --Dolores Fox Ciardelli Professional Development Conference in October in Anaheim. In addition to the certificates awarded, Cutter will be given a microscope from Leica Microsystems Inc. Cutter has been the advisor for the school's science team since it began in 2008 and supports student participation in the Science Bowl, and Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Science Olympiads. For the past three years Cutter has advised an individual student and a team of students with independent research projects, which received the Sweepstakes award at the local Tri-Valley Intel Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), earning them a place at the International ISEF . The award will be given by one of Pleasanton's own, Heidi Haugen, who is head of the committee that searches for outstanding biology teachers. "I am especially excited to be able to present this award to a teacher from my own alma mater," Haugen said. "I grew up in Pleasanton and my mother, Juanita Haugen, was a well-known school board member and proponent of a quality education for all children. "I graduated from Amador Valley High School in 1982 and attribute my passion for teaching to my excellent teachers from Amador and also Pleasanton Middle School (Mr. Bill Bowen). It's excellent teachers like these and Beth Cutter who help mold our future scientist, engineers, biologists, etc., and future generations." $10.00 Per Unit Botox� Treatment Always!!! Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better NOW OFFERING ZERONA� BODY SLIMMING Zerona� is the only clinically-proven non-invasive laser slimming treatment that removes fat and reduces inches with: Lose 1 dress size in 2 weeks! Before After Before After Special torch runs through town Pleasanton police Officer Anthony Pittl (left) runs alongside Officer Erik Silacci as he carries the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" along Owens Drive last week. Each year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run makes its way though communities in the Bay Area in advance of the Special Olympics of Northern California Summer Games, which were held at UC Davis last weekend. GLENN WOHLTMANN NORCAL Weight Loss Center Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 7 NEWS THIS SUMMER'S FASHIONS COULDN'T BE AT FOOTHILL OPTOMETRIC GROUP'S HOTTER SUMMER STYLE SHOW! This year a mama hog has her babies lined up by her side for feeding. Fun at the Fair farm COME SEE THE LATEST IN EYEWEAR BY COACH - NIKE - DISNEY JULY 14TH FROM 4:00 � 7:30 PM The 2011 Alameda County Fair has the usual livestock exhibits and more in its AgVenture Park. In the barnyard folks can get up close and personal with the livestock, including hogs, beef, lambs and goats. The livestock are projects of 4-H club members and Future Farmers of America (FFA) and will go to the highest bidder in an old-fashioned auction on the last day of the Fair. The money goes to each young owner to support next year's project. The small animal exhibit area features rabbits, poultry and small pets raised by youths and adults. This is a good place to ask owners about their goats, English budgies, chicks and ducklings, peacocks, rabbits, hens, quail swans, chickens, ducks, geese, cuckoos and roosters. Nearby is a petting zoo, a chance to touch and enjoy domesticated animals. PHOTOS BY CAMMIE CLARK Also in the AgVenture Park are Kids Phaedra Hageman portrays a lamb while another girl sings "Old MacDon- Pedal Tractor Pulls, the Let's Pretend ald Had a Farm" in the Let's Pretend Farm Tour that has kids becoming Farm Time Tour, and the Alaskan Potfarm animals, farmers and cowboys in a fun audience participation show. belly Pig Races. Serving the Tri-Valley for 28 years 463-2150 6155 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100, Pleasanton (at the corner of Stoneridge & Franklin, between Hopyard & I-680) Page 8 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly NEWS PROTESTERS Continued from Page 5 brought in by the club. "This has always been about power," Huber said. "They thought we would cave in. ... They were absolutely wrong. "We're going to go back, we're going to go back with a contract, and we're going to go back with a union." Huber was joined by members of the faith community, a group of Democrats from Hayward and other union leaders, including some from UniteHere local 2, based out of San Francisco, which in March reached a deal with Hilton Hotel after an 18-month labor dispute. Club Manager Jerry Olson watched on the sidelines for a time, chatting with golfers and residents. He said both sides are taking the issue seriously. "I think we're both committed to our positions," Olson said. He refused to comment on the status of negotiations between the club management and the union. During the chants and march, while some protesters blocked the road, police directed traffic and provided crowd control. After about three hours, a bus arrived to transport those to be arrested, along with more than a dozen officers in riots gear: helmets, batons and body armor. None of that was needed however, and the arrests, handled by other officers, seemed to go smoothly with officers actually helping one protester on crutch- PHOTOS BY GLENN WOHLTMANN From left: Police arrest one of the 20 demonstrators who blocked Castlewood Drive in protest of the ongoing lockout of country club employees. Alameda County sheriff's deputies arrive in riot gear as police prepare to arrest protesters blocking the road leading to Castlewood Country Club, where workers have been locked out for nearly 16 months. Club Manager Jerry Olson watches from the sidelines as about 100 protesters demonstrate against the club's lockout of workers. The lockout began in February 2010 with neither side willing to budge. es as he walked to the bus. The 23 protesters were charged with two misdemeanors apiece: refusal to disperse and obstructing movement on a street or public place. They were cited and released. Despite the animosity between the union and many of those who live in the Castlewood community, there seemed to be support from some residents. One entered the long driveway up to the club with a handmade sign taped to his car that backed the locked-out workers, and another in a Corvette stopped to drop off water to the workers. The sides on the lockout remain at the same stalemate they've been at for months. Originally, management offered a contract that would have to shift workers from a unionsponsored health plan to one controlled by Castlewood. Monthly fees would jump from zero to $366.93 a month for single policies and to $739.08 for families. After months of talks, management offered to bring the workers back -- as long as the club managers could fire or lay people off without taking seniority into consideration. The union has proposed a contract that would raise health care to $225 a month, restrict health benefits to full-time employees, and accept a wage freeze in the first year and very low raises in later years, which the union said would more than offset any costs to Castlewood. Labor union debates have sprung up across the U.S. in recent months, beginning in Wisconsin, after the introduction of a bill which would strip most public workers of nearly all union bargaining rights. The debate spread to Ohio, Oklahoma and South Carolina, and has become a local issue as well, with activists campaigning against rising retirement costs for city workers and automatic pay increases for teachers. Shop Local Discover and enjoy the rich diversity of Pleasanton businesses at ShopPleasanton.com, the new online guide to all local businesses featuring listings, customer opinions, web links, photos, maps, coupons, special deals, gift certificates, promotional event listings and much more. Good for Business. Good for You. Good for the Community. You reduce your carbon footprint by not driving outside the community to shop. And when you shop at locally owned businesses, you also support our friends and neighbors who are running these businesses, donating to community events and causes, hiring our kids and getting involved in making Pleasanton a better place. When you shop locally, good things happen to make our community stronger: Sales tax dollars, which fund schools and local services, stay in the community. You help to sustain the unique and diverse businesses that make our shopping areas vibrant. You show how much you value the expertise of these businesses and the quality service they offer their customers. Introducing Connecting local residents with local businesses Learn more about the value of locally owned businesses at ShopPleasanton.com ShopPleasanton is also available in a mobile version. A community collaboration brought to you by Pleasanton Weekly Print & Online For more information e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com or call 925.600.0840 ext. 123 Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 9 Are you paying too much for COBRA? Or do you just need individual, senior, family or group health coverage at affordable rates? Call Today to save money! Ask about my low rates for life insurance. Opinion EDITORIAL THE OPINION OF THE WEEKLY Charlene Beasley Lic#0C26292 Beasley Insurance Services www.beasleyinsurance.com 925-803-9799 New fiscal year shows gains for Pleasanton Pleasanton Weekly PUBLISHER Gina Channell-Allen, Ext. 119 EDITORIAL Editor Jeb Bing, Ext. 118 Managing Editor Dolores Fox Ciardelli, Ext. 111 Online/Community Editor Jessica Lipsky, Ext. 229 Reporter Glenn Wohltmann, Ext. 121 Editorial Assistant Amory Gutierrez, Ext. 221 Contributors Jay Flachsbarth Deborah Grossman Jerri Pantages Long Kerry Nally Joe Ramirez ART & PRODUCTION Lead Designer Katrina Cannon, Ext. 130 Designers Lili Cao, Ext. 120 Kristin Herman, Ext. 114 ADVERTISING Account Executives Carol Cano, Ext. 226 Lorraine Guimaraes, Ext. 234 Karen Klein, Ext. 122 Real Estate Sales Andrea Heggelund, Ext. 110 Ad Services Cammie Clark, Ext. 116 BUSINESS Business Associate Lisa Oefelein, Ext. 126 Circulation Director Bob Lampkin, Ext. 141 Front Office Coordinator Kathy Martin, Ext. 124 HOW TO REACH THE WEEKLY Phone: (925) 600-0840 Fax: (925) 600-9559 Editorial e-mail: email@example.com email@example.com Display Sales e-mail: email@example.com Classifieds Sales e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Circulation e-mail: circulation@ PleasantonWeekly.com Plans as low as T *Based *Based on HealthNet PPO on HealthNet PPO Optimum Advantage 4500 Optimum Advantage 4500 Single Plan for Singles age 25 Single Plan for Males age 25 $61 $55 00 00 per month per Free Quote go to www.beasleyinsurance.com Alamo Store 820-4731 Alamo Plaza Shopping Center Stone Valley Rd. 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Expires 7/7/11 All Spring Floral 50% OFF Sign Up For Special E-Mail Offers at: www.ShopRichards.com or below @ Thank you for supporting local family business PW-7.1 Page 10 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly oday marks the start of a new fiscal year which for the city of Pleasanton also brings a new municipal budget that for the first time in several years offers a glimmer of fiscal relief from a troubling recession. Actually, the budget approved by the City Council June 21 has a two-year life span, covering operations totaling $87.3 million for fiscal year 2011-12 that starts today, and $89.7 million for FY 2012-13. The current operating budget is expected to close on target at $86.1 million when a full accounting of receipts and expenses is completed in about six weeks. Although Finance Director Emily Wagner has said Pleasanton is "not out of the woods yet when it comes to economic concerns," she is also seeing a slight uptick in sales and hotel/motel tax revenue along with sustained property tax receipts. It's a different story in neighboring cities where foreclosed properties and homeownertriggered reassessments have lowered property tax valuations and tax receipts. The state's new fiscal year budget with its gutting of redevelopment agencies is also expected to cut deeply into those cities that rely on these agencies for major development, especially Livermore. Pleasanton wisely decided against forming a redevelopment agency years ago. Because of the "glimmer of hope" Wagner and her finance department colleagues see in the new fiscal year, the balanced two-year budgets are higher than the one that closed yesterday and well above the $84.7 million budget for FY 2009-10, which was the lowest operating budget in years. Both still fall behind the record-high $91.0 million operating budget Pleasanton claimed in FY 2007-08. Still, this year's new budget and the one for FY 2011213 will be closely monitored by Wagner and the City Council on a quarterly basis starting in October with a detailed analysis in the city's customary mid-year budget review in January. If the guarded economic improvement turns south again, adjustments can be made to meet the new conditions without impairing services or key operations. The new FY 2011-12 budget maintains the city's reserves of $25.3 million. Employee salaries continue to be frozen, with a hiring freeze also continuing through the two-year period. In the last two years, the city has eliminated 40 positions through attrition, which has resulted in $6 million in savings. Non-essential spending through reductions in travel and training and delays in non-essential capital projects have also cut costs. Consolidations and reorganizations within the municipal government have trimmed costs, too. Separate departments for planning, building and engineering were combined into the Community Development Department under a single director, Brian Dolan. The parks division was transferred from Community Services to the Operations Service Center, along with utility billing services. Business licenses were moved out of Finance to the Economic Development Department. Even the issuance of dog licenses will soon be moved out of City Hall to be handled by the Valley Humane Society or the county animal shelter in Dublin. Bike licenses, once handled by city staff, must now be obtained online at a national registry. Perhaps the biggest unknown rests in Sacramento where Gov. Jerry Brown and his Democratic-controlled Legislature have crafted a state budget that could affect municipal revenue sources, including Pleasanton's. Although a voter-approved measure blocks the state from directly grabbing money from city coffers as it has done repeatedly in the past, there's talk of legislators "adjusting" the formulas for collecting and distributing property and sales taxes. Some have suggested that the distribution of these taxes be based on population instead of where the taxes are collected, formulas that might not bode well for Pleasanton. For now, at least, Pleasanton's new fiscal year looks promising with increased revenue that can be applied to its major challenge of reducing its overall employee pension liability. That's on the council's agenda in the coming months. The Pleasanton Weekly is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566; (925) 600-0840. Mailed at Periodicals Postage Rate, USPS 020407. The Pleasanton Weekly is mailed upon request to homes and apartments in Pleasanton. 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Pleasanton Weekly Print and Online Pleasanton Weekly Today's top stories & hot picks 5506 Sunol Boulevard, Suite 100, Pleasanton (925) 600-0840 Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 11 Community Pulse POLICE BULLETIN Cameras, watches, gaming systems taken in recent burglaries Camera equipment and televisions were among the items stolen in a residential burglary in the 6900 block of Riddell Street, according to a police report. An $800 42-inch LCD TV and a $100 LCD TV were stolen, according to the report, along with a $500 iPad, a $125 blu-ray DVD player, two digital Olympus cameras valued at $150 and $100, a Kodak digital camera worth $100, and a piggy bank containing about $125 in coins. The theft took place between 10:30 and 11 a.m. June 25; the pet door of home was broken to provide entry, the report said. In other police reports: A woman's Rolex watch valued at $4,500 was stolen from a structure in the 4100 block of Stanley Boulevard between June 25 and June 28. A Breitling titanium watch valued at $4,000 and a $30 belt pack were stolen from a vehicle at McDonald's in the 6800 block of Santa Rita Road. The theft took place between 3:45 and 7 a.m. June 22. A residential burglary in the 3800 block of Vineyard Avenue netted three gaming systems and a laptop. A Sony Playstation worth $300, an Xbox 360 worth $300 and a $200 Nintendo WII were stolen, along with a $500 laptop and a wallet containing $25 in cash and a $40 bag. The theft occurred between 10:30 p.m. June 23 and 11:46 p.m. June 24. Goods and cash worth nearly $2,200 were taken in an auto burglary at the Marriott Residence Inn in the 11900 block of Dublin Canyon road on June between 7 p.m. June 25 and 1 p.m. June 26. A door lock valued at $500 was punched out to provide access. Taken was a $895 laptop, CDs and a case valued at $1,500, a $179 voltmeter, a hard cover dictionary worth $279, a $10 backpack and a Garmin GPS system valued at $500 along with $30 in coins. The center console was broken, resulting in $1,200 in damage. Tools worth nearly $3,700 were stolen from a vehicle parked in the 7600 block of Canyon Meadows Circle. The theft occurred between 11:30 p.m. June 21 and 8 a.m. June 22. A home burglary netted a $500 speaker box and a $250 Kenwood amplifier. The theft occurred between 12:30 and 1 a.m. June 26; a window was smashed to gain access. The Pleasanton Police Department made the following information available. Under the law, those charged with offenses are considered innocent until convicted. POLICE BULLETIN & LOG POLICE REPORT 1:28 p.m. in the 6600 block of Owens Drive; grand theft 3:05 p.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft 4:20 p.m. in the 6800 block of Santa Rita Road; forgery Vandalism 12:12 a.m. in the 2100 block of Rheem Drive Auto burglary 9:17 p.m. in the 7300 block of Johnson Drive Drug/alcohol violations 2:19 a.m. in the 3700 block of Hopyard Road; under the influence of a controlled substance 7:29 p.m. in the 3100 block of Santa Rita Road; DUI 3:10 p.m. in the 3900 block of Valley Avenue; DUI 9:47 p.m. in the 100 block of Neal Street; public drunkenness June 22 Theft 5:47 a.m. in the 4000 block of Vineyard Avenue; theft 7:52 a.m. in the 7600 block of Canyon Meadows Circle; grand theft 8:48 a.m. in the 6800 block of Santa Rita Road; grand theft 7:12 p.m. in the 1700 block of Santa Rita Road; petty theft Burglary 4:02 p.m. in the 1400 block of Whispering Oaks Way Battery 2:32 a.m. in the 3600 block of Andrews Drive Auto Burglary 6:59 a.m. in the 7500 block of Olive Drive 7:21 a.m. in the 7800 block of Canyon Meadows Circle Drug/alcohol violations 4:20 p.m. at the intersection of Abbie Street and First Street; DUI, possession of a non-narcotic controlled substance, paraphernalia possession 4:48 p.m. in the 400 block of Rose Avenue; minor in possession of alcohol 6:41 p.m. in the 6000 block of Johnson Drive; possession of a nonnarcotic controlled substance, paraphernalia possession 9:22 p.m. in the 5500 block of Johnson Drive; possession of a nonnarcotic controlled substance, paraphernalia possession June 25 Theft 1:47 p.m. in the 1400 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft 3:38 p.m. in the 3600 block of Bernal Avenue; grand theft 5:52 p.m. in the 1700 block of Santa Rita Road; theft Burglary 8:47 a.m. in the 6600 block of Owens Drive 4:44 p.m. in the 4500 block of Rosewood Drive Battery 1:40 a.m. in the 6600 block of Arlington Drive 3:08 a.m. in the 6400 block of Owens Drive Drug/alcohol violations 1:21 a.m. at the intersection of Laurel Creek Drive and Foothill Avenue; DUI June 24 Theft 8:23 a.m. In the 4800 block of Bernal Avnue; grand theft 8:44 a.m. In the 11900 block of Dublin Canyon Road; theft of service 4:37 p.m. in the 1000 block of Harvest Circle; theft, misappropriation of property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic needle, under the influence of a controlled substance 7:08 p.m. in the 4500 block of Pleasanton Avenue; theft, possession of stolen property 8:27 p.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; theft 10:58 p.m. in the 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft Burglary 12:51 a.m. in the 3800 block of Vineyard Avenue 2:42 p.m. in the 1700 block of Santa Rita Road; burglary, conspiracy Vandalism 11:06 a.m. In the 6700 block of Hansen Drive 10:07 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Rita Road and Valley Avenue Drug/alcohol violations 2:02 a.m. in the 5800 block of Parkside Drive; DUI June 26 Burglary 12:14 p.m. in the 3700 block of Hopyard Road Vandalism 12:04 a.m. in the 3800 block of Vine Street 12:34 a.m. in the 3800 block of Vine Street 12:34 a.m. in the 3800 block of Vine Street 1:06 a.m. in the 3800 block of Vine Street 1:30 p.m. in the 4100 block of Francisco Street 11:49 p.m. in the 4800 block of Bernal Avenue Auto burglary 1:33 p.m. in the 11900 block of Dublin Canyon Road Drug/alcohol violations 1:02 a.m. in the 1800 block of Santa Rita Road; public drunkenness 5:58 a.m. at the intersection of Santa Rita Road and Francisco Street; DUI, under the influence of a controlled substance June 23 WEEKLY MEETING NOTICES General Information The July 5, 2011 City Council meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be on July 19, 2011. The July 4, 2011 Civic Arts Commission meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be on August 1, 2011. The July 6, 2011 Human Services Commission meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be on August 17, 2011. The above represents a sampling of upcoming meeting items. For complete information, please visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/calendar Theft 10:59 a.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft 12:59 p.m. in the 4800 block of Pleasanton Avenue; petty theft Auto, Home, Umbrella and Business Insurance As an Independent Insurance Agency we represent a carefully selected group of financially sound, reputable insurance companies. We place your policy with the company offering the best coverage at a competitive price with no broker fees. June 27 Theft 11:43 a.m. in the 4600 block of Chabot Drive; theft, battery, vandalism 7:27 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; petty theft 7:34 p.m. in the 5500 block of W. Las Positas Boulevard; petty theft Drug/alcohol violations 9:48 p.m. in the 1600 block of Whispering Oaks Way; public drunkenness Retaining Walls Ornamental Iron June 28 Theft 8:59 a.m. in the 5600 block of Springhouse Drive; petty theft 11:15 a.m. in the 4100 block of Stanley Boulevard; grand theft Battery 3:12 p.m. in the 800 block of Sycamore Road Drug/alcohol violations 6:36 p.m. at the intersection of Stoneridge Drive and Denker Drive; DUI, under the influence of a controlled substance, paraphernalia possession 7:36 p.m. at the intersection of Hopyard Road and Hansen Drive; DUI Your local fence company for over 13 years 575 Boulder Court, Pleasanton 925.426.9620 Let us provide you with a no obligation review of your current insurance! 925-417-0460 email@example.com 260 Main St., Downtown Pleasanton www.BorgFence.com Page 12 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly Transitions OBITUARIES Joann Rasmussen Joann Rasmussen died June 25 at the age of 79 after a short hospital stay. She was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Livermore and lived most of her life in the Tri-Valley, which she called "God's Country." She was the oldest of four children of Ed and Selma (Sally) Rasmussen. She was a cattleman's daughter and remembered ranch life and the single-room school she attended, walking up hill both ways, so she told her children. Many family members were pioneers of Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley. Her greatgrandfather lived on Main Street in Pleasanton in the 1870s (where the museum stands now) and her mother was the first person to graduate from Amador High. After high school, Ms. Rasmussen received her R.N. degree and worked at local hospitals, ending up at General Motors for many years. She was Santa Clara County's Nurse Consultant and after retiring from nursing still filled in at hospitals in emergencies. She combined the two things she loved -- this valley and the people who live here -- into a successful real estate business. In 1955, she had the first of three children and found ways to stretch a dollar and show them their beautiful country. She loved to travel the world, meeting many friends along the way. She enjoyed reading, especially newspapers, visiting with friends and relaxing watching TV. After finding her true love, she lost him three years later to cancer. Ms. Rasmussen is survived by her children Bruce Corcoran of Pleasanton, Diane Corcoran of Vacaville and Wayne Corcoran of Pleasanton; and three grandchildren. She requested to be cremated and will rest in the Sierra where her former spouse, Richard J. McSwiggin, was placed. A celebration of her life will take place at her home at 2 p.m. July 5. WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS OBITUARIES BIRTHS Clark Ave., Suite 100, Dublin 94568. A funeral Mass was celebrated June 26 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Pleasanton, with interment at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara on June 29. Madeline Margaret Tonda Madeline Tonda died June 21 in the company of her family in Pleasanton, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia. She was 88. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara, the youngest of five children of Henry and Eugenia Favro. She graduated from Santa Barbara High School and worked in Los Angeles as a secretary during World War II. She met her future husband, Oliver from Renton, Wash., through a blind date arranged by family friends. They married in 1942 and moved to Washington for a brief time before settling in Alhambra, Calif., to begin a family of their own in the 1950s and '60s. Over time they returned to Santa Barbara and celebrated their 50 th anniversary in 1996. She was an avid tennis player, swimmer and an enthusiastic bowler. She also loved to travel and made several trips to Italy to visit relatives. Family and friends meant everything to her, as well as her Catholic faith. Ms. Tonda is survived by her two children, Kathy Helfrich of Pleasanton and Gary Tonda of New York City and their spouses Joe and Linda; four grandchildren and their spouses, and two great-grandchildren. Donations can be made to Hope Hospice, 6377 Ruth E. Schaefer Pleasanton resident Ruth E. Schaefer died in her sleep June 24 at the age of 87. She was born Nov. 5, 1923, in Berlin, Germany, and moved with her family to Sacramento and then settled in Livermore. She loved animals and enjoyed taking her dog for walks in the park. She supported the Nature Conservancy and the Tri-Valley Haven women's shelter. She also loved her weekly German newspaper and especially doing German crossword puzzles. She is survived by her children Wolf, Art and Brigette; daughter-in-law Ellen; three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. Family and friends gathered for a Shiva memorial service at the home of Wolf and Ellen Schaefer on the evening of June 26. Memorial gifts may be sent to either the Nature Conservancy or the Tri-Valley Haven. Alameda County est. 1912 FREE CONCERTS Two Shows Nightly - 6 pm and 8 pm (With Fair Admission) HEARING SERVICES A Sound Approach to Hearing Care Kenneth D. Billheimer, Au.D. Jacque Pedraza Two Locations to Serve You Livermore 925-960-0391 Pleasanton 925-484-3507 1524 Holmes, Ste. D 4460 Black Avenue, Ste. F www.pleasantonhearingservices.com Your local professionals, providing high-quality hearing health care to the Tri-Valley area since 1986. N.E.A.T Award Neighborhood Environment Attractiveness Team Me and My Friends Cafe, This "Neighborhood Environment Attractiveness Team" award is given quarterly to the downtown business or property that has been improved or is considered unique in design, architecture, or style. The My Friends Cafe provides an attractive environment with outdoor seating along First Street. JUNE 22 - JULY 8 $10,000 Putting Contest. JUNE 23 T-Shirt Giveaway First 1,000 people who enter Win, Place & Show- Opening Day of Racing 417-2001 www.meandmyfriendscafe.com 4713 First Street, Pleasanton The "NEAT" Neighborhood Environment Attractiveness Team award is designed to highlight a particular downtown building or property that has been improved or that is considered unique in design, architecture or style. JUNE 25 Opening Weekend of Racing Hat Contest JULY 8 Secretariat Ball Cap Giveaway First 1,000 people who enter Win, Place & Show Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 13 COVER INDEPENDENCE Community invited to Pleasanton's Fourth of July Celebration WHERE TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS The Alameda County Fair will showcase its glistening display of fireworks this evening on the racetrack, continuing its annual celebration near, but not on, the Fourth of July. Great views of the dazzling illuminations can be found in the Grandstand, at the outskirts of the Fair's fence on Rose Avenue, and from the highpoints of the Vintage Hills area and Bernal Avenue. Livermore will no longer host its OldFashioned Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks; the city concluded with its 27th year in 2010 due to budget limitations. Look for other firework appearances at these Bay Area locations: ay D D 2011 SAN RAMON BY on't miss the 13th annual all-volunteer Fourth of July celebration in Lions Wayside Park. The free event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday, July 4. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, and to wear red, white and blue. Providing the music will be the Pleasanton Community Concert Band, under the direction of Bob Williams. The band has been performing for 36 years at the Lions Wayside Park bandstand. Vocalist Ward Belding, as "Uncle Sam," will be featured (and available for popular photo opportunities). Pleasanton Poet Laureate Deborah Grossman has composed an original poem for the occasion, entitled "The Sounds of Freedom." Entitled "Celebrating Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution," the program this year will commemorate the sesquicentennial of the beginning of the Civil War. Special guests will be historian Ernie Manzo, in a Civil War uniform, and reader Ann Collins. They will provide perspectives of the impact of the war, on soldiers and civilians, interwoven with music from the era performed by the band. Master of ceremonies is Ken McDonald. Tribute will be paid to military personnel, past and present, at the beginning of the program. The color guard will be comprised of members of the American Legion Post No. 238 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6298. Members of Boy Scout Troop No. 908 will assist with set-up and clean-up as part of their community service. City staff members also assist with advance set-up. Recipients of the 2011 Ed Kinney Community Patriots Award will be introduced at the celebration. They are Chuck Deckert, Joanie Fields, and Pat and Bob Lane. This is the sev- BY DENA BEHNAM BERKELEY The Berkeley Marina's south shore at the end of University Avenue will host its Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks from noon to 10 p.m. The event will feature an Adventure Playground, sack races, face painting, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, massages, free sailboat rides from 1-4 p.m., dragon boat rides from 2-6 p.m. and more. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. SAN FRANCISCO The Star-Spangled Spectacular will be held from 1-10 p.m. in San Ramon's Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., with music and entertainment including a Kid's Activity Area. Parking is $10 in lots around Central Park. The fireworks show, which will be synchronized to music, begins at 9:30 p.m. The music will be broadcast on KKIQ's 101.7 radio station. Pier 39's Fourth of July C starts at noon with live mus performances and entertain fireworks show put on by th San Francisco will begin at over the Bay. Page 14 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly STORY PHOTOS BY LISA LORENTZ Below: Ward Belding, at 6 feet 7 inches before donning his hat, makes an impressive Uncle Sam, plus he's a vocalist and will lead the audience in the Star-Spangled Banner and other patriotic songs. From left: At last year's Fourth of July celebration, Bob Williams directs the Pleasanton Community Concert Band; festive hats protect patriotic misses from the sun and add color to the occasion; American flags set the tone, as do red, white and blue fans that are given out to help folks stay cool; Lions Club members sell a hotdog and a drink for $1. JERRI PANTAGES LONG enth year that the awards have been presented in memory of the former emcee -- and former mayor -- Ed Kinney. Pleasanton's Fourth of July event was founded in 1991 by W. Ron Sutton. "Fourth of July should be more than barbecues and fireworks," explained Sutton. "I would like for everyone to leave Lions Wayside Park understanding and appreciating our freedom just a little more." Some shade canopies will be provided through a grant from Wal-Mart, and free fans will be distributed to help audience members stay cool. Families may bring their own picnic lunches or purchase "A Dog & a Drink for a Dollar," the popular hot dog lunch prepared by the Lions Club. The park is located adjacent to Meadowlark DriveThrough Dairy, for those wishing to purchase ice cream cones. Lions also provides hand-held flags on a firstcome, first-served basis. Last year, more than 800 people attended. Event sponsor is Heritage Bank of Commerce, located on Main Street. Music sponsor is ACCUSPLIT, makers of pedometers and stopwatches. Food sponsors are Pleasanton Lions Club and Raley's Market. Lions Wayside Park is located at the corner of First and Neal streets, one block east of Main Street. Join your neighbors to celebrate Independence Day, Pleasanton-style. USS HORNET The aircraft carrier USS Hornet Museum in Alameda will host its July Fourth Family Party fundraiser celebration from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The event includes live music and entertainment, family activities, three decks of the ship to tour, food and beverages, and a view from the flight deck of other Bay Area fireworks beginning at around 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults (at the door, $25) and $10 for kids ages 5-17. Parking is free. Go to www. uss-hornet.org for more information. Celebration sic nment. The he city of t 9:30 p.m. Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 15 ON THE TOWN AMERICAN Eddie Papa's American Hangout 4889 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 469-6266. Winner of The Pleasanton Weekly's Reader Choice Awards for "Best American Food Restaurant" and "Best Meal under $20," Eddie Papa's American Hangout celebrates the regional food and beverage cultures of America. Bring the whole family to enjoy iconic dishes from across the United States, Old World Hospitality, and hand crafted artisan cocktails. www. eddiepapas.com. BREWPUB/ALEHOUSE The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill 3015H Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 426-9600. Voted Best Watering Hole in Pleasanton, The Hop Yard offers 30 craft beers on tap as well as great food. The fullservice menu includes appetizers, salads and grilled fare that will bring you back time and again. Banquet facilities available. On the web at www.hopyard.com. 470 Market Place, San Ramon, 277-9600. Featuring a giant 8-foot projection screen for major sporting events, they also feature 30 beers on tap and a great grill. Go in for the beer, go back for the food. More at www.hopyard.com. Main Street Brewery 830 Main St., Pleasanton, 462-8218. Pleasanton's only BrewPub since 1995. Try one of our 6 House Beers brewed FRESH weekly. Full bar and daily happy hour! Watch all sports with friends on our multiple screens. We feature a full menu including lunch and dinner specials. To-go orders are welcome. Facilities available for parties up to 100. Live music every Friday and Saturday. Visit www.mainstbrewery.com for activities and special events. ITALIAN Pastas Trattoria 405 Main St., Pleasanton, 417-2222. Pastas Trattoria has an elegant atmosphere and a one-of-a-kind menu. We feature steaks, seafood and our famous pasta, plus a superb selection of spirits and fine wines. Reserve our banquet facilities for large parties, up to 70 guests. Join Vic's VIP Club When You're Here, You're a VIP! � Free Reward on Each Visit! � Great Rewards of Free Food and Drink � Free Birthday Dessert Sign up in the restaurant or on our website *Rewards cannot be combined with any other discount, coupon or special offering Serving BREAKFAST & LUNCH BARBECUE Red Smoke Grill 4501 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton, 734-0307. Home of the Tri Tip and Blue, Red Smoke Grill was Voted Reader's Choice Best 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010. 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. To have your restaurant listed in this dining directory, please call the Pleasanton Weekly Advertising Department at (925) 600-0840 Voted Best Diner/ Coffee Shop 484-0789 201 Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton Open 7 days a week, 7am-2pm See our online coupon...www.vicsallstar.com Handcrafted Fresh Italian Join long-time Pleasanton residents and experience Our Families' Authentic Italian Culinary Heritage Enjoy family recipes, house-made pastas and desserts. A unique downtown experience! Winner of Bon App�tit Best Dessert in October PATIO OPEN!! Aug. 08 2011 Aug. 08 2011 Sentite L'amore! House-made Pastas Forno Vecchio's Concert in the , Focaccia Bread � $15.00 The Bookstore Used Books � Gift Items Call us to preorder 425-0099 www.FornoVecchio.com 7 Consecutive Years! Buy One, Get One Half OFF Book of equal or lesser value half off. Coupon must be presented at purchase. One coupon per person. Exp 12.31.11 2010 Seniors and Teachers 15% discount www.thebookstorepleasanton.com PLEASANTON 426-8255 2911 Hopyard, Pleasanton (next to Gene's Fine Foods) (925) 426-9600 3015-H Hopyard Road Looking for furniture, electronics, sporting goods, household items freebies? Browse classifieds online or place an ad today! or www.hopyard.com fogster.com Page 16 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly ON THE TOWN CALENDAR IN THE SPOTLIGHT BALLOONS AND BEYOND Specializing in: � Corporate Events � Birthdays � Weddings � Proms � Bridal Showers � Welcome Homes � Get Wells � Anniversary � Graduation � Or any party Unique & Custom Arrangements Eco-Friendly 25% your 4th of July balloons with mention of this ad off We Deliver CAMMIE CLARK Celebrate July 4th weekend at the Fair "As American as a hotdog" goes the saying, so what better way is there to celebrate the country's independence July 4 than by joining in on the fun of the third annual Hotdog Eating Relay Contest at the Alameda County Fair? The fun but messy contest takes place at noon at Festival Square, with 10 teams, each with four participants. There will be prizes for the top three winners. In other food fun at Festival Square, the BBQ Pork Rib and Chicken cook-off began June 30 and three winners from each day are advancing to the grand finals to be held at 7 p.m. July 4. The grand prize for the top winner is a prize worth $2,000 and a blue ribbon; second prize is $500 cash and a red ribbon; and third prize is a gourmet food appliance and a white ribbon. The final judging will be around 1:30-2 p.m. The Ghiradelli Chocolate Contest begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow, and the Gumbo Contest is a noon and offers bowls of the New Orleans delight for sale throughout the day. The judging will be at 2 p.m. Festival Square hosts international cuisine and fun throughout the Fair but this weekend the stage will feature Made in Americana Music. 925-249-1800 610 Main Street, Pleasanton www.balloonsandbeyond.biz --Dolores Fox Ciardelli Class Reunions AMADOR VALLEY 1981 CLASS REUNION Class of 1981's 30-year reunion will be July 29-31. To be on the mailing list or get more details about the reunion weekend, follow them on Facebook at Amador Valley 1981. Go Dons! discoveries using his own research and documentation. The class is at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at Congregation Beth Emek, 3400 Nevada Ct. For any additional information email Richard Finn at firstname.lastname@example.com. Events `BE A HERO' Pleasanton Public Library will host "Be a Hero," its adult summer reading program for library patrons ages 18 years and up, from June 11-July 30. Read or listen to three books or attend three library programs, or any combination of the two, and enter a weekly drawing for prizes. The library is located at 400 Old Bernal Ave. Call 931-3400 or visit www. adultsummerreading.wordpress. com. 11TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SUMMER WINE STROLL Pleasanton Downtown Association is presenting over 20 wineries from Livermore Valley and the East Bay area to showcase their wines at 32 downtown Pleasanton locations in this year's Wine Stroll. Patrons will have the opportunity to learn more about local businesses, taste a variety of wines, and sample small bites at each location. Each guest will receive a commemorative wine glass and event map. The stroll is from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, July 14, in downtown Pleasanton. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through July 14 at the Berry Patch, Studio Seven Arts, Towne Center Books, Clover Creek and the Rose Hotel. Any remaining tickets will be sold the day of the event at the Firehouse Arts Center for $30. For more information, call Kelly Foulk at 484-2199. Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 17 Concerts ART UNDER THE OAKS Pleasanton Community Concert Band presents its Art Under the Oaks Concert from 2:30-4 p.m., Sunday, July 24, at Alden Lane Nursery, 981 Alden Ln., Livermore. This concert is free, but donations are appreciated. Call 846-5897 or visit www.pleasantonband.org. ICE CREAM SOCIAL Pleasanton Community Concert Band presents its Ice Cream Social Concert from noon-4 p.m., Sunday, August 14, at Ravenswood, Livermore. This concert is free, but donations are appreciated. Call 846-5897 or visit www.pleasantonband.org. POP MUSIC ICON MELISSA MANCHESTER Grammy Awardwinning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester will perform in an intimate midsummer evening show at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. Tickets are $35-$45. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. Classes MEDITATION Whether you are already meditating or feel it's time for you to begin, join this free interactive workshop series. In this informal setting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your meditations so that any difficulties or obstacles you are encountering can be overcome, allowing you to have a deeper, and more rewarding meditation. Classes are at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, July 18, Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15 at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. For more information, contact Mary Langevin at 830-2975. THE SURPRISING WILKES FAMILY OF TASSAJARA Learn about one of the most interesting local early pioneering families, their son Joseph who was the only one from the Tri-Valley to join the Union Army, and the great contributions the family made to the area. Also, learn some little known facts about the family and how Mr. Stephenson made these ON THE TOWN CALENDAR ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR The Alameda County Fair runs through July 10. It is closed on Tuesdays. Horseracing is available and free concert series. For more information visit www.alamedacountyfair. com. ALVISO ADOBE TOURS Learn about what happened in the past on the site that is now Alviso Adobe Community Park, 3465 Old Foothill Rd., from 3-5 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 28. You'll also hear about opportunities to be part of the volunteer team. Call 931-3485 or visit www. ci.pleasanton.ca.us. CALIFORNIA GLOBAL VILLAGE International Culture Exchange Group will host a new summer family event, California Global Village, from 2-11 p.m., TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday-Sunday, July 29-Aug. 14, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The village is a one-of-a-kind event with one-part Disneyland, onepart Olympics opening ceremony and one-part multi-cultural fair. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors; $6 for youth ages 5-12; and children under 4 are free. Parking is $8. FARMERS MARKET Island Earth's farmers market is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays in the parking lot between Macy's and Sears at Stoneridge Shopping Center. It features organic produce, artisan wares, fresh flowers and more. Call 510-769-1525 or visit islandearthfarmersmarket.org. FIRST WEDNESDAY'S STREET FAIR: RED, WHITE & BLUES First Wednesday will take place from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, in downtown Pleasanton. Houserockers will be performing at the Beer & Wine Garden Stage; Dave Crimmen Band will be at the North Stage. For more information, contact the Pleasanton Downtown Association at 484-2199 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. HERITAGE PARK OPENING Celebrate the Grand Opening of the city of Dublin's Heritage Park and Museums from noon-4 p.m., Saturday, July 2, at 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin. Enjoy free German food and entertainment featuring the Karl Lebherz Band & plenty of hot dogs, root beer, pretzels & more! Call 556-4508 or visit www. dublin.ca.gov. of art. Call 846-4322 or visit www. studiosevenarts.com. Film MOVIES IN THE PARK SUMMER SERIES Residents are invited to enjoy free movies during six Thursday evenings this summer at the Amador Valley Community Park, 4301 Black Ave., compliments of the City of Pleasanton. All films will be shown at dusk. Summer film series kicks off on July 14 with "Despicable Me," the charming tale of a criminal mastermind who uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, only to find that their love is profoundly changing him for the better. The film is rated PG. Seating will be cordoned off in sections with blanket seating in the front, low-back beach chairs in the center and camp chairs and other higher positioned seating in the rear to accommodate for the best viewing. Do not place blankets or chairs on the lawn area prior to 10 a.m. Impressive lock. Impressive warranty. Remodeling Made Easy... Done Right! We love Milgard Tuscany's SmartTouchTM lock with its sleek, low profile; so effortless to use it received an Arthritis Foundation� Ease-of-Use Commendation. And Milgard backs every window with an impressive Full Lifetime Warranty that includes glass breakage for as long as you own and reside in your home. FREE Upgrade to Pureview Screens! Call today for a complementary in-home quote. Don't forget to mention this ad for your free upgrade. 2677 Old 1st St. Livermore, CA 94550 License # 573470 925-449-5643 www.cwdinc.com Amador Valley Optometric Fundraisers HORSING AROUND The Foundation for Axis Community Health invites the community to an afternoon of fun at the races from noon-6 p.m., Saturday, July 9, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave. Activities will include, in addition to the full schedule of horse races, a catered buffet lunch, a "Best Hat" contest, prize drawings and silent auction, and a no-host bar. Tickets to the event are $50 and include admission to the Fair. Call 201-6017 or visit www.axishealth. org. RELAY FOR LIFE The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Pleasanton, which takes place at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 23, is a "celebration of life" that brings the community together in a united effort. Teams are being organized now to take turns walking around the track, and fundraisers are being held. Visit www.relayforlife.org/pleasantonca. Exhibits For the Professional Attention Your Eyes Deserve Prescription Sunglasses ` A DIFFERENCE OF PERCEPTION' The Harrington Gallery will display surrealistic works of three prominent artists from June 9 through July 7, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. The exhibit showcases the artwork of Bill Weber, Bill Sala and others, along with a new collection of hyper-realistic renderings by Ron Norman. Gallery hours are WednesdayFriday noon-5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. A donation of $2 is suggested. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. ARTIST LU JIAN JUN The artwork will be on display from June 1 through July 4 at Studio Seven Arts, 400 Main St. His paintings featuring symmetry and distinctive insight into the human condition that stands alone in today's world TAKE US ALONG Keep Your Eyecare Local! Serving Pleasanton for more than 30 years Faculty, UC Berkeley School of Optometry Dr. Barry C. Winston Certified in the Treatment of Ocular Disease Black Avenue Professional Offices 4450-C Black Avenue, Pleasanton IMAGE YOUR IMAGINATION DESIGN & COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS off Santa Rita Road behind Lynnewood Methodist Church 925.462.2600 That's some kiwi! Valerie Joyce and Ken Trombadore enjoy their Weekly while in Queenstown, New Zealand, near the giant Kiwi bird statue. Page 18 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly ON THE TOWN CALENDAR Health SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR BREAST CANCER Dr. Vanni Manthiram will speak on surgical options for breast cancer, from 11:30 a.m.12:45 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, at ValleyCare Health System, 5725 W. Las Positas Blvd Suite 240. All registered participants will receive a free-boxed lunch. Call to register, 734-3319. Live Music FREE CLASSICAL CONCERT Clarinetist Joe Bonfiglio joins Micah and Danielle Naler for a free concert of classical music at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 10, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. The program will begin with the "Trio" K.498 for clarinet, viola and piano by W.A. Mozart and continue with works by Max Bruch, Amilcare Ponchielle, Igor Stravinsky, Andre Messager, George Gershwin and Charles Hoag. Open seating. Call 931-3405. NEELY'S RHYTHM ACES Dan Neely, vocalist Carla Normand, and Neely's Rhythm Aces, the sextet from the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra of San Francisco and renowned for its Hot Syncopated 1920s jazz, 1930s and 1940s swing blues, Dixieland, vintage jazz and traditional jazz, will perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 24, at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. The concert is free. Call 931-3405. STOMPY JONES `ROMPIN', RETROSTYLE JAZZ' Stompy Jones, who is renowned for its rhythm, improvisations, charm, retro style and explosive stage show, will perform at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 17, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. The six-piece band strives to recreate the small group sounds of the 1940s and, in addition, to combine those vintage musical elements with a contemporary sensibility to present the signature Stompy Jones sound. Tickets are $12-$22 for adults, $12 for children and $16 for seniors. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. Patterson Ranch in the 1800s, now Ardenwood Historic Park in Fremont. A private tour of the Patterson home and garden; box lunch is included. The event is from 9:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Saturday, July 9; it leaves from the Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., roundtrip transportation included. Moderate walking. Cost is $28 for resident and $30 for non-resident. Call 9315365 or visit www.pleasantonseniorcenter.com. downs of life! A place where you can be yourself and feel safe. The group meets from 7:15-8:45 p.m. every Wednesday, at St. Claire's Episcopal Church, Classroom 1, 3350 Hopyard Rd., although it is not affiliated with the church. No charge for meetings. Call 462-6415 or visit www.dbsalliance.org/pleasanton. EAST BAY ESSENTIAL TREMOR SUPPORT GROUP If you have recently been diagnosed with ET or would like to learn more about this common movement disorder in a safe and supportive environment, please join us from 10 a.m.noon on the third Saturday of each month, in the Blackhawk A and B conference rooms at San Ramon Regional Medical Center, 6001 Norris Canyon Rd. Call 487-5706 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. HOPE HOSPICE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS Hope Hospice offers ongoing grief support services for adults, teens and children including a Transitions Support Group; Tragic Loss Support Group; individualized grief support; caregiver support; on-site support for schools; youth organizations and the workplace; community support services; a resource library; and more. For more information or to register, call 829-8770. INTEGRATED MIND AND BODY GRIEF SUPPORT This comprehensive set of grief support services is offered at the Hope Hospice Grief Support Center from 5-7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Ave., Ste. 100., Dublin. Services include various forms of gentle touch as well as guided imagery, meditation and stress management. Restore the energy depleted by grief. No charge. Call 829-8770 or visit www. hopehospice.com. NEWLY DIAGNOSED BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP For women who are in or just starting treatment for breast cancer, this support group offers a safe place to express and share, get information of what to expect, and learn coping skills to assist with the side effects. The group is facilitated by Mary Prishtina, RN, and Estee Goren, MFT Intern and meets from 10 a.m.-noon the second Thursday of the month at ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center, 5725 W. Las Positas Blvd. Suite #270. Call 399- 1177 or email firstname.lastname@example.com. PLEASANTON MILITARY FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP Formed in 2003 this group provides support and comfort to the Pleasanton families whose loved ones are deployed in the combat zones of Afghanistan and Iraq. The group has monthly meetings and other events such as "pack outs" of comfort and care items for deployed members of the armed forces. The group also sponsors the Yellow Streamer program on Main Street where streamers are displayed with the name, rank and branch of service of Pleasanton military personnel. Learn more at www. pleasantonmilitaryfamilies.org. TRI VALLEY SUPPORT GROUP FOR FIBROMYALGIA, LUPUS AND ALL FORMS OF ARTHRITIS This group meets from 6:30-8 p.m., on the fourth Monday of every month, at the Groves at Dublin Ranch in the Clubhouse, 3115 Finnian Way, Dublin. It hosts special speakers like doctors or specialists. For more information, call JoAnne at 8750960. Kids & Teens A-TISKET A-TASKET,, A GREEN AND YELLOW BASKET The Northern California Natives who inhabited this area before us were expert at making baskets, to gather acorns, transport water, and to trap animals. Explore the many uses these native cultures had for baskets and how they made them, and then you'll make your own. Class is from 11 a.m.-noon,, Saturday, July 9, at Alviso Adobe Community Park, 3465 Old Foothill Rd. Ages 6 and up. Cost $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Call 931-3485. CALICO CRITTER TEA PARTY It's Tea Time for girls who love Calico Critters from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at Golden Apple Learning Store, 4807 Hopyard Rd. Win prizes, play bingo, make a tiara and fan. Photos with Mrs. Cat. Don't worry if you have to bring your brother...there's the build-a-rama corner for citi-blocks. Prize drawing for Town House. Camper Caravan, too. This is a free event. Call 4605163 or visit www.goldenappletoys. com. ICE CREAM SOCIAL Using timetested recipes and human energy, participants will concoct yummy ice cream the old-fashioned way; right here where it all started, at the original location of the Meadowlark Dairy! The social is from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 3, at Alviso Adobe Community Park, 3465 Old Foothill Road. Cost $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Ages 3 and up. Call 931-3485. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME Story time will be held from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wednesday mornings now through July 27 at Golden Apple Learning Store, 4807 Hopyard Rd. John dazzles you with his story reading style. Then you all play a learning game with Miss Susan. Lots of laughter and learning for kids and moms. No reservations required and the event is free. Call 460-5163 or visit www.goldenappletoys.com. Sports MORNING GROUP RIDE - CYCLING A group ride starts at 8:30 a.m. every Saturday from Cycle Pros Bike Shop, 728 Main St., and meeting in the parking lot. The ride breaks into groups based on skill and distance. The regular ride usually covers 25-40 miles at speeds of 14-18 mph. The long ride covers 35-60 miles at a brisker pace. Routes vary each week. On Sundays mornings, there is a group ride for everyone, same time, same place, broken down into levels based on ability and distance. Call 400-4336 or visit www.thecyclepros.com. Support Groups BEYOND TREATMENT BREAST CANCER This group provides a safe place to express and share thoughts, concerns and experiences of living with the uncertainty, the physical effects and problems related to intimacy, marriage, reproduction and employment. The group meets from 6-8 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center, 5725 W. Las Positas Blvd, Suite #270. The group is facilitated by Mary Prishtina, RN, and Estee Goren, MFT. Call 399-1177. BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP The American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Support group meets from 7:30-9 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at LifeStyleRx, 1111 East Stanley Blvd., Livermore. Call 833-2784 or visit www.valleycare.com. 7:30-9 p.m. Free CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caring for a loved one is challenging physically and emotionally. Join this support group to explore resources and generate problem-solving ideas from 1-3 p.m., on the second Monday of every month, and from 7-9 p.m. at 5353 Sunol Blvd. Get the support you deserve at the Senior Support Program of the TriValley. Call 931-5389. CLUTTERLESS SELF HELP GROUP Overwhelmed by clutter? Learn how to deal with it by attending this support group, which meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Monday at St. Mary & St. John Coptic Orthodox Church, 4300 Mirador Dr., Rm. 7. Call 200-1943 or visit www.clutterless.org. DEPRESSION & BIPOLAR Depression Bipolar Support Alliance, DBSA, is a support group for people who live with depression, bipolar and other disabilities. They can help each other navigate the ups and Volunteering AMERICAN RED CROSS ORIENTATIONS Tour the Pleasanton Blood Donation Center and learn ways to greet, inform and thank the community's blood donors. The tour is from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, July 14, at the Pleasanton Blood Donation Center, 5556-B Springdale Ave. Advanced sign-up required. Call Anne at 510-5945165. AMERICAN RED CROSS PUBLIC BLOOD DRIVE At the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1-7 p.m., Friday, July 15, at 3574 Vineyard Ave. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org (Sponsor Code: INTERFAITHCOMMUNITY) to schedule an appointment. GARDEN CHORES AT ALVISO ADOBE Be a steward of the land as you plant, water and weed the garden at Alviso Adobe Community Park, 3465 Old Foothill Road, from 10-11 a.m., Saturdays, now through Aug. 27. Ages 5 and up. No charge. Call 931-3485 or visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/. Native plants help native animals find food and shelter; stop by and sift the soil through your fingers On Stage `CYMBELINE' - SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK Shakespeare's inventive fairytale of Princess Innogen's journey includes forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion. Performances are from 7:30-9:30 p.m., SaturdaysSundays, July 23-Aug. 7, at Amador Valley Community Park, 4301 Black Ave. There is no charge for this production. Call 931-5340 or view www.firehousearts.org. `SUNSHINE' Singer and songwriter, Jonathan Edwards, will perform "Sunshine" at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 9, at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. Tickets are $$16, $22 and $28 for adults; $22 for seniors and $12 for children. Call 931-4848 or visit www.firehousearts.org. Lectures/ Workshops WALK AWAY THE PAIN Walking is one of the most repetitive activities that we do throughout our lives. Poor walking habits can lead to injury. Learn how to walk correctly to improve your strength, mobility, overall health and to get rid of pain. The lecture is from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14, at the Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Cost $1.75 for residents and $2.25 for non-residents. Call 931-5365 or visit www.pleasantonseniorcenter. org. Seniors CANE-DO WORKSHOP An introduction to a specialized self-defense and exercise class that incorporates the use of a cane. Learn how to hold, twirl, strike, poke, jab and block all while exercising with your cane. The free class is from 1-2:30 p.m., Thursday, July 21, at the Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. Call 931-5365 or visit www.pleasantonseniorcenter.org. DAY TRIP - ARDENWOOD HISTORIC PARK Journey back in time and experience what life was like at BLINDS SHADES SHUTTERS ROLLER SHADES ROMAN SHADES MOTORIZED BLINDS FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS 925.989.4734 Custom window treatments to fit any budget Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 19 Pleasanton Weekly Marketplace To advertise in the Marketplace call Karen at 925.600.0840 x122 or email email@example.com TAILLIGHTS, custom 90-93 Acura Integra - $65 for bo Real Estate Accounting/Bookkeeping Handyman Services Mike Fracisco REALTOR � Fracisco Realty Residential, Commercial & Property Management www.MikeFracisco.com DRE#01378428 direct: 925-998-8131 No job too big or too small!!! Over 23 years experience in all aspects of bookkeeping. NEED HELP WITH QUICKBOOKS? 10% OFF ALL SERVICES THRU 7/31/11 SPECIAL Electrical, Flooring, Hauling, Painting, Drywall, etc. Call Linda 925.918.2233 Pleasanton Get daily local stories and hot picks sent to your email FREE ESTIMATES CAN DO MAN Handyman Services 510-305-8938 fogster.com THE BULLETIN BOARD 115 Announcements PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby's One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-6293 (Void in Illinois) (AAN CAN) lioness Club seeks New members SHARPEN UP AT THE FARMERS' MRKT Stress and Pain Mgmt Free Class TRI-VALLEY'S CLASSIFIEDS WEB SITE 330 Child Care Offered Live in AuPair Childcare 202 Vehicles Wanted Donate Vehicle Receive $1000 Grocery Coupons. National Animal Welfare Foundation. Support No Kill Shelters, Help Homeless Pets. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted. 1-888-912-GIVE (Cal-SCAN) Donate Your Car Children,��s Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child,��s Life Through Research and Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy and Tax Deductible. Call 1-800252-0615. (Cal-SCAN) Donate Your Car, Truck, or boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-902-6851. (Cal-SCAN) 345 Tutoring/ Lessons High School Tutoring High school math/English tutoring. Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calc. Prepare for finals. Essay Writing/College Application essays. SAT/ACT prep. Retired teacher, Cal credential, 925-462-3807 How to get into College Complete, free resource for all parts of the college admissions process. High school prep, testing, college search, applications, athletics, financial aid, free money and more: http://www. Everything-about-college.com ACTORS/MOVIE EXTRAS Needed immediately for upcoming roles $150-$300/day depending on job requirements. No experience, all looks. 1-800-560-8672 A-109. For casting times/locations. 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Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.BuyATimeshare.com Call (877) 554-2098 (Cal-SCAN) 120 Auctions Advertise Your Auction in 240 California newspapers for one low cost of $550. Your 25 word classified ad reaches over 6 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Maria Rodrigues (916)288-6010. (Cal-SCAN) Major Live Auction Name Brand Manufacturer Close-Out / Overstock! Too Much To List! Wed, July 6 @ 10:00 AM. Barstow Outlet, 2552 Merchantile Way, Barstow. www.AuctionExpo.com / (562) 5921500. Robert Storment, Auctioneer 70489169. (Cal-SCAN) 210 Garage/Estate Sales Pleasanton, 3231 Vineyard Ave, Current Pleasanton, 472 Tioga Ct., Fri. July 1st & Sat. July 2nd 8:00-1:00 Garage Sale Kids & Women's clothes, toys, Kid dvd's, books, puzzles, sand box, bb hoop, work bench,table/chairs San Ramon, 2920 Sombrero Circle, July 2, 7:00am to 1:00pm 757 Handyman/ Repairs A+ Home Services General home repairs and remodeling: including plumbing, electrical, painting, tile and hardwood floor installation, etc. Exceptional quality and service. Lic. #956837. (925) 785-7652 850 Acreage/Lots/ Storage Arizona: Log Cabin on 8+ acres, $99,900. Deep Discount. Owner must sell, beautiful whole log cabin on 8+ acres at Windsor Valley Ranch. Additional acreage available at cool 7,000 feet elevation outside Show Low, AZ. Financing and ADWR available. Call AZLR (866) 552-5687. (Cal-SCAN) Lender Ordered Sale - Nevada Notice: Nevada,��s 3rd largest lake 1.5 hours south of Lake Tahoe. 8 Lake View parcels - all $19,900. 2 Lake Fronts both $89,800. Lender ordered short sale. Buy at less than bank owned. Buy at less than 50% replacement cost. 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SCHEV certified. Call 800-481-9409. www. CenturaOnline.com (Cal-SCAN) Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888-210-5162 www. Centura.us.com (Cal-SCAN) HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in just 4 weeks!!! FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-532-6546 Ext. 97 www.continentalacademy.com (AAN CAN) High School Diploma! Graduate in 4 weeks! FREE Brochure. Call Now! 1-866-562-3650 ext. 60 www.SouthEasternHS.com (Cal-SCAN) 215 Collectibles & Antiques We Are Hiring Asim111 220 Computers/ Electronics 3 PANASONIC TV'S - $100.00 240 Furnishings/ Household items ASST. 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(Cal-SCAN) BUSINESS SERVICES 605 Antiques & Art Restoration ANTIQUE RESTORATION "A Labor of Love" Impeccable Quality Integrity of Workmanship 925-462-0383 or 925-216-7976 All inclusive License #042392 REAL ESTATE 809 Shared Housing/ Rooms PLACE AN AD ONLINE fogster.com PHONE (925) 600-0840 245 Miscellaneous Omaha Steaks Everday 2011. 100% Guaranteed Omaha Steaks - Save 64% on the Family Value Collection. Now Only $49.99 Plus 3 Free Gifts and right-tothe-door delivery in a reusable cooler, Order Today. 1-888-461-3486 and mention code 45069KZH or www. OmahaSteaks.com/value38 (Cal-SCAN) Vonage Phone Service Unlimited Calls in U.S. and 60 Countries! NO ANNUAL CONTRACT! $14.99 For 3 Months! Then Only $25.99/mo. Plus Free Activation. Call 888-860-6724 (Cal-SCAN) Boys Clothes RED WORMS FOR COMPOSTING - $25 135 Group Activities Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club CLUTTERLess (CL) Self Help Mon.s Roller Derby in Tri-Valley SEWING CAMP! www.KidzKraftz.com 560 Employment Information Paid In Advance! Make $1,000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram. net (AAN CAN) $$$HELP WANTED$$$ Extra Income! Assembling CD cases from Home! No Experience Necessary! Call our Live Operators Now! 1-800405-7619 EXT 2450 http://www. easywork-greatpay.com (AAN CAN) PET OF THE WEEK Eye-catching Kirby Are you interested in a spunky kitty that enjoys the warm summer weather and long conversations? If so, we have the MORGAN FAMILY perfect cat for you! Kirby is an eye-catching feline with gorgeous markings. She is about 1 year old and is waiting for her Prince Charming to come take her home. To learn more about the adoptable animals of the Valley Humane Society, call 426-8656 or visit the www.valleyhumane.org. It is located at 3670 Nevada St. in Pleasanton and is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 645 Office/Home Business Services Advertise A Display business card sized ad in 140 California newspapers for one low cost of $1,550. Your display 3.75x2,�� ad reaches over 3 million+ Californians. Free brochure call Maria Rodrigues (916)288-6010. (Cal-SCAN) Accident & Injury Center Space sharing w/Chiropractor Pleasanton area. Medical, Professional, Physical therapist, Herbalist, Massage. 928-380-8060 FOR SALE 201 Autos/Trucks/ Parts Taillights 92-95 Mercury Sable - $15 each SOLD KID STUFF Page 20 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly Living ROLLER DERBY Rough and tumble sport skates into the Tri-Valley PEOPLE AND LIFEST YLES IN OUR COMMUNIT Y OF THE What's got eight wheels and flies? Any of the 26 or so women now part of Pleasanton's newest professional sports team, the Golden State Roller Girls. The team is the brainchild of Jennifer Banks, who's also president of the newly formed business. "I moved back to the Bay Area last year and I lost my Mom on Aug. 26. I needed an outlet," Banks said at a recent practice. "I knew I wasn't qualified to make it on the established teams because I wasn't at the skill level at that time." While she may not have had the skill -- then, anyway -- she had the desire and the motivation to start a team from scratch, inviting any woman interested in joining, whether they had experience or not. What Banks -- whose roller derby name is Jennifer Love Screw-IT -- came up with is a team that's owned and operated by the skaters themselves. They rent a rink at Val Vista Park in Pleasanton three times a week for practice, and the women pay $45 monthly dues that go for rink rental and for liability insurance. All the executives are skaters themselves. The first goal of the team is to be ready for the 2012 season, which begins in January, but Banks and the other team members have bigger dreams in sight: the national championships in three years. Team members come from as far away as Tracy and Moraga for the practices. Most of the members haven't been on skates since they were in their teens. And with the exception of Banks and a few others, none has been involved in roller derby before, although most say they've been fans. "There are skills we have to have," said Renee Henderson, whose roller derby name is Tuthy Max. The team skates under Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) rules -- although it hopes to move to a banked track in the future -- and Henderson said required skills include doing single-footed glides for the length of the straightaway, 35 feet, and being able to do 25 laps around the track, which has an outside circumference of 238 feet, in five minutes. This is not the '60s- and '70s-era roller derby with alligator pits and wrestling-style theatrics. This is a See ROLLER DERBY on Page 22 STORY AND PHOTOS BY GLENN WOHLTMANN She's a lady, she's quiet and shy. Makes me feel good in this heart of mine. She's my love she's my lady, she's my Queen of the Roller Derby. From "Queen of the Roller Derby" by Leon Russell The Golden State Roller Girls practice on a hot Sunday afternoon in the outdoor rink at Val Vista Skate Park in Pleasanton in preparation for their first scrimmage. Top: Jennifer tries to get past Renee and Lindsay; far left: Kim and Kristy practice blocks; left: Molly, Tina, Renee Katy and Lindsay stay tight and low around a turn. Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 21 LIVING Looking good at 50 AVA TUNE `Girls' group going strong More than 115 members of Girls Night Out Networking (GNON) celebrate the group's three-year anniversary at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore. GNON is open to any woman in the Tri-Valley who is looking for networking and camaraderie with others in fun and informal settings. They get together once a month at various businesses throughout the Tri-Valley. For further information, visit www.gnontrivalley.com or call 487-4748. Valley View Elementary School turned 50 in style as students, parents and community members came together for the school's "We Are Valley View" celebration. The event included multicultural dances performed by students, food prepared by Valley View's ELAC (English Language Advisory Committee) parent group and the unveiling of Valley View's new beautification project. Valley View now sports five new tile walls (see above) painted by staff and students, fingerprint canvas artwork sponsored by Club 40 -- the school's group that promotes 40 essential aspects for healthy growth -- along with new trees, plants and ground cover. In other Valley Views news, first-grade dual immersion teacher Christie Carnahan is one of five teachers in Alameda County to be awarded $25,000 by the Chevron Classroom Challenge. The grant is intended to reward projects emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM). Carnahan is using funds from the grant to develop and implement a school-to-home program that connects parents as partners in the education of their children. ROLLER DERBY Continued from Page 21 sport, with 40 pages of rules; players have to pass a verbal test as well as three physical assessment tests, and these women either are or are on their way to becoming athletes. That's part of the draw. "I always played competitive sports in high school," said Samantha Christy of Danville, a relatively new skater who's yet to pick a derby name. "I tried softball and kickball. They were just a little too lax for me. I wanted something that's more competitive." Banks, like other team members, wasn't happy about going to the gym to stay in shape. She said she's lost 30 pounds since starting the team. Kristy Blackstock, also known as Mystic Blaze, said joining the team has given her discipline. "It's such an extreme sport, we're constantly exercising, three days a week," Blackstock said. "At least I'm not sitting on my couch." Members warm up before practice and the team as a whole goes through a stretching routine before and after. Practice itself is enough to leave the members' legs, thighs, ankles and backs sore, as they move through drills that focus on developing core strength and endurance. Banks, who's watched other teams fade because they weren't strong enough, said at this point she's less concerned about the finer points of the game than she is in making sure everyone can last the fast-paced hour-long bouts. The phrase "rough and tumble" may have been coined with roller derby in mind. Players use their upper arms, hips, torsos and thighs to block opponents. FallPage 22 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly ing is part of the game. "You have to be fully protected to get out there, even for practice," Henderson said. That means helmets, wrist protectors and elbow and knee pads. Members point to their bruises and scrapes as badges of honor. It's unlikely that many of the women involved would have met had it not been for the team. They range in age from those barely old enough to play -- the minimum age is 21 -- to women in their 40s; one joked she was worried about breaking a hip. Members include teachers, a veterinarian, a Web designer and a cosmetologist, to name a few; many, if not most, are mothers. "I needed an outlet," said Krissa Nelson of San Ramon, who pointed to the other aspects of her life as a mother, spouse and worker. "I felt like I lost my identity. This is me." Being on the team means becoming a member of an extended family, regardless of skating ability. That's another attraction for some of the women involved. "I think it's women empowering each other. We encourage each other," said Lorraine Vegas of Dublin, also known as Lo-Lo Down-Dirty. "There's a cool factor to it. When I talk to people, they say, `You're doing roller derby? That's so awesome.'" There are aspects of punk and burlesque to roller derby that allow the women involved to wear clothing, adopt attitudes and express themselves in ways they might not be able to in their non-derby lives. Tattoos and fishnet stockings are as common as elbow pads, and derby names like Trixie Coldblood, Mollytov Cocktail and Mercy Me are ways the players can adopt a personality on the track that might not be acceptable to an employer or a room full of students. The local team is not just about thrills and spills. Banks has been working with the San Ramon based National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse and hopes to set up a junior league for girls 12 to 18 within the next couple of months to steer them away from drugs and into a healthier, if slightly more risqu�, lifestyle. Banks said she hopes to have a business license in the next couple of weeks and for the team to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by the end of the year. The team is looking for an indoor track for practices when it gets too hot or cold for outdoor play, and for sponsors, too. Golden Skate Roller Girls is still recruiting members, and women interested are invited to attend one of the three weekly practices, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The biggest draw of all may be that it's a socially acceptable way of channeling aggressions. "I like the roughness," said Jackie Nefdt -- Invader Jax -- of Moraga. "I like that we're allowed to `beat each other up.' It's not ballet class." Roller derby rules A roller derby takes place on a circuit track, on which players travel counterclockwise. The two teams each send five players onto the track -- one jammer (scorer) and four blockers (defense), one of which plays as a pivot, the leader of the blockers, who shouts out instructions to teammates as needed during the jam. The jammer scores points for her team by lapping players from the opposite team while opponents try to block, either by putting themselves in front of the jammer or other blockers, or by hitting or "checking" the other skaters. Skaters who are knocked down or forced out of bounds must return to play behind the player that sent them out. Play is for two 30-minute periods. Real Estate More than 30,000 California families will face higher down payments, higher mortgage rates and stricter loan qualification requirements if conforming loan limits on mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac are reduced beginning Oct. 1, according to analysis by the California Association of Realtors. "By reducing the conforming loan limit, thousands of California home buyers will be shut out of homeownership," said CAR President Beth L. Peerce. "The higher mortgage loan limits are critical to providing liquidity in today's housing market and are essential to our housing recovery," she said. "We urge Congress to maintain the current limits and make them permanent to provide homeowners and home buyers with affordable financing and help stabilize local housing markets." Barring congressional action, the maximum FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limit will decline to $625,500 beginning Oct. 1 from the current $729,950 limit, though the majority of counties will fall far below the $625,500 maximum. The conforming loan limit determines the maximum BY JEB BING DISCOVER HOW TO GET MORE FOR YOUR HOME. DISCOVER J. ROCKCLIFF REALTORS. OPEN HOME GUIDE AND REAL ESTATE LISTINGS View all East Bay Homes for Sale At W W W Higher down payments, mortgage rates forecast for October Thousands could be shut out of homeownership, Realtor group warns size of a mortgage that FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) can buy or guarantee. Non-conforming or jumbo loans typically carry a higher mortgage interest rate than a conforming loan and require a higher down payment, increasing the monthly payment and negatively impacting housing affordability for California home buyers, CAR said. Under the new GSE loan limits, Monterey County would see the greatest drop in the loan limit at $246,750, followed by the counties of San Diego ($151,250), Sonoma ($141,550), Solano ($140,500), and Napa ($137,500). Under the new FHA loan limits, Monterey County would see the greatest drop in the loan limit at $246,750, followed by Merced ($201,450), Riverside ($164,650), San Bernardino ($164,650), Solano ($157,300), and San Diego ($151,250) counties. CAR and the National Association of Realtors have long advocated making permanent higher conforming loan limits. As a result of CAR's and NAR's efforts, in 2008, Congress temporarily raised the conforming loan limits from $417,000 to $729,750 and has See PAYMENTS on Page 24 . R O C K C L I F F . C O M Get Instant Mobile Access! Using your smart phone, scan the QR-Code featured. You'll receive instant mobile access to rockcliff.com and plenty of useful buyer and seller tools.s. T H E E A S T B A Y 'S P R E M I E R R E A L E S T A T E C O M P A N Y . W W W . R O C K C L I F F . C O M 5075 HOPYARD ROAD SUITE 110 PLEASANTON, CA 94588 | 925.251.2500 1983 SECOND STREET LIVERMORE, C A 94550 | 925.667.2100 BLACKHAWK | BLACKHAWK WEST | DANVILLE | LIVERMORE | LAFAYETTE | MONTECLAIR / PIEDMONT | PLEASANTON | ORINDA | WALNUT CREEK Happy 4th of July OPEN SAT 1-4 from the realtor that knows how to produce results! JUST LISTED! 7859 Creekside Dr, Pleasanton Listed at $514,950 3856 Appian St., Pleasanton This home is the largest floorplan in the Valencia development with 2321 sq ft sitting on a 3906 sq ft lot. It has 4bd/3 full baths, 1bd/1 bath downstairs plus office/den in an excellent location. Light, bright with new interior paint and designer carpet. Call for price information. 22062 Cameron St., Castro Valley Listed at $564,950 G DIN PEN 1109 Donahue Dr, Pleasanton Listed at $514,999 ING D PEN 5501 Demarcus Blvd. #266 Dublin 22766 Olive Pl., Hayward Listed at $424,950 2108 Alexander Way Pleasanton Sonali Sethna 925.525.2569 REALTOR� Lic#01194792 www.SonaliSells.com Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 23 REAL ESTATE California home sales down 14% from year ago Buyers weary of delays, economic uncertainties, Realtor group says A weak economy and tightened financing conditions contributed to a slowdown in California home sales and median price during May, the California Association of Realtors reported this week. Closed escrow sales of existing, singlefamily detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 471,840 units in May, according to information collected by CAR from more than 90 local Realtor associations and MLSs statewide. May home sales were down 5.8% from April and down 14.4% from the previous year. The statewide sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2011 if sales maintained the May pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales. "Market demand has been sluggish as would-be home buyers remain concerned about the direction of the economy. They may also be weary of delays in the buying process and difficulty in getting a home loan," said CAR President Beth L. Peerce. "This, combined with lenders putting distressed properties on the market at a more deliberate pace, is contributing to homes sitting on the market longer," she added. The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home sold in California edged down 0.7% in May to $291,760 BY JEB BING OPEN HOMES THIS WEEKEND Alamo 6 BEDROOMS 1311 Laverock Lane $3,199,000 Sat/Sun 1-4 Michael Hatfield Broker 984-1339 4290 Croce Ct $759,000 Sat/Sun 1-4 Keller Williams Tri-valley 397-4200 18 Castlewood Dr $1,375,000 Sun 1-4 Keller Williams Tri-valley 397-4200 5 BEDROOMS 335 Del Sol Avenue Sun 2-4:30 Alain Pinel Realtors 6 BEDROOMS 35 Golf Rd Sun 1-4 $470,000 314-1111 Keller Williams Tri-valley $1,599,888 397-4200 $939,500 251-1111 from a revised $293,800 in April. May's median price was down 10.9% from the $327,460 recorded in May 2010. "May's sales decline was not unexpected because of a sharp decrease in April pending sales and an unusually strong performance last May, when expiring tax credits pushed home sales and prices to extremely high levels," said CAR Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. "The monthly decline in sales and the median home price reflect the slowdown in the economic recovery over the past couple of months, which has affected virtually all aspects of consumer spending," she said. Other highlights of CAR's resale housing report for May 2011: The Unsold Inventory Index for existing, single-family detached homes was 5.4 months in May, unchanged from April, but up compared with May 2010's 4.5-month supply. The index indicates the number of months needed to deplete the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate. Thirty-year fixed-mortgage interest rates averaged 4.64% during May 2011, down from 4.89% in May 2010, according to Freddie Mac. Adjustable-mortgage interest rates averaged 3.13% in May 2011, compared with 4.01% in May 2010. The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home was 51.8 days in May 2011, compared with 37.8 days for the same period a year ago. Livermore 5 BEDROOMS 1673 Prima Dr Sun 1-4 Keller Williams Tri-valley $878,000 397-4200 Pleasanton 3 BEDROOMS 4031 Peregrine Way Sun 1-4 Alain Pinel Realtors 4 BEDROOMS 3298 Monmouth Court Sun 2-4 Alain Pinel Realtors $749,000 251-1111 San Ramon 5 BEDROOMS 909 Bentley Oaks Ct $1,169,000 Sun 2-5 Keller Williams Realty 855-8333 For more open homes and listings go to www.pleasantonweekly.com/real_estate/ For marketing opportunities contact Andrea Heggelund at (925) 600-0840 x110 or e-mail email@example.com. PAYMENTS Continued from Page 23 extended them annually through fiscal year 2011. Regionally, Marin County would be impacted the most, with more than 12% of home sales rendered ineligible under the lower GSE loan limit, followed by Contra Costa (11.5%), San Mateo (10.7%), San Francisco (9.9%), Monterey (8.8%), San Diego (8.2%), Sonoma (7.9%), and Santa Clara (7.8%) counties. Under the lower FHA loan limit, San Francisco County would be impacted the most, with more than 14% of home sales rendered ineligible, followed by Santa Cruz (13.9%), Orange County (13.3%), Marin (13.2%), San Mateo and Ventura (both at 12.7%), Santa Clara (12.2%), San Diego (11.9%), Alameda (11.8%), Riverside (11.5%), and Contra Costa (11%) counties. Available Listings Recently Sold's 2359 Greenberry Ct, Pleasanton 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Expanded Monterey Fabulous Remodel Represented the buyer 5722 Springdale, Pleasanton 603 Blossom Court, Pleasanton 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, Bonus, Office and Spa room - rare flat 31,080 sq.ft. lot $1,668,000 533 St. John Street, Pleasanton 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, 1 car attached garage walk to shops/restaurants $392,000 3 bedrooms. 2.5 baths 1534 sq. ft. Totally updated townhouse 450 Bonita Ave, Pleasanton 4 bedrooms, 3 baths Nicely Remodeled If you are thinking of selling, call today for a free no obligation market analysis. 7502 Stonedale Drive, Pleasanton 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Master down- Westside Beauty $515,000 4691 Finch Way, Dublin 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Office, Loft (4th bedroom) and Bonus room $710,000 For more information about these homes and current MLS Listings go to: deloresgragg.com D elores Gragg KELLER WILLIAMS� Tri-Valley Realty is Independently Owned and Operated. REALTOR� Lic#01206964 firstname.lastname@example.com Page 24 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly 925.989.6500 www.DeloresGragg.com AVAILABLE LIST UST J ED CED EDU T R K JUS 50 Julia Murtagh 925.997.2411 email@example.com JuliaMurtagh.com DRE #01751854 6432 INGLEWOOD DRIVE Open Saturday 1-4 p.m. Great home in Val Vista, 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom 1555 sg ft. Super cute home with upgraded gourmet kitchen, huge park like backyard, great curb appeal, walk to schools, shops and great freeway access LISTED AT $585,000 5071 MONACO DRIVE Pleasanton Hills � one of Pleasanton's favorite neighborhoods 4 bedroom / 3 bath "Harrington Model" 3000 sq ft � Upgraded throughout Crown molding � French doors Granite kitchen � Stunning views LISTED AT $995,000 COMING SOON IN JULY Beautiful family home, close to downtown, with 4 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms. Private large backyard with pool/ lawn. Great for entertaining. Call Julia for more details. BUYERS' NEEDS � Moller Ranch home, buyers ready, looking for the 4 bedrooom or larger 3 bedroom � West side of Plesanton, 4 bedroom home, 3 car garage, pool, price range 800-950k � "Preserve "neighborhood of Pleasanton, larger family home, price range 1.1-1.5 E ENT RES REP BUYER D JULIA'S RECENT SALES TED R SEN E PRE & SELL RE R YE BU E ENT RES REP SELLER D E ENT RES REP BUYER D 4457 Arbutus Drive Pleasanton West Side Home $685,000 ED ENT RES REP BUYER 2350 Meadowlark Drive Pleasanton Short Sale $705,000 ED ENT RES REP BUYER 8145 Mountain View Drive #C Canyon Meadows $265,000 ED ENT LLER RES REP R & SE E BUY 5611 Highland Drive Danville Country Estate $1,935,000 ED ENT RES REP BUYER "Bringing Integrity to Your Front Door" 5179 Muirwood Drive Pleasanton West Side Home $915,000 3524 Milleford Drive Pleasanton Laguna Oaks $1,225,000 2474 Tapestry Way Pleasanton Windsor $685,000 5175 Oakdale Court Pleasanton Stoneridge Townhomes $469,000 FOR DISTRESSED SELLERS Today, nearly 1 out of every 4 homeowners in America is behind on mortgage payments. These are tough and frustrating times. Now more than ever, it's important to identify your options. Foreclosure can be avoided, your credit can be saved, and your financial future can be salvaged. Please review my dedicated website for more information. JuliaHelpsDistressedSellers.com Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 25 Joyce Jones, REALTOR� DRE#01348970 925.398.6706 firstname.lastname@example.com www.joyceandrick.com NEW LISTING! COMING SOON! 3148 Weymouth Court Pleasanton Meadows... Beautiful 4 bdrm (possible 5th bd), 3 ba (1 bd and full ba downstairs), no rear homes, new carpet, sky light, family room/kitchen combo, culde-sac location with extra parking. Close to green belt, community pool, playground, tennis courts, shopping, business park, BART, highways and MORE. Price to come. SOLD OPEN SUN 2-4 3298 Monmouth Court Pleasanton Meadows...4 bdrms, 3 full baths (1 bd & ba downstairs), updated kitchen, solar panels, end of cul-de-sac, backs to greenbelt w/ playground and community pool. Offered at $749,000 PENDING SOLD 7881 Knollbrook Drive - West Pleasanton...3 bdrms, 2 baths, updated kitchen w/ granite counter tops & stainless appliances. Three skylights, hardwood flooring, bay window, huge side yard access. Offered at $649,000 450 Bonita, Pleasanton - Downtown Pleasanton... 4 bedrooms, 3 updated baths, updated galley kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood flooring, MORE! Offered at $739,000 3923 Pestana, Livermore - VERY HAPPY BUYERS....4 bedrooms, 2 baths, updated kitchen with stanless appliances, granite counters, step down family room, living room with brick fireplace and more. Sold $356,000 apr.com | PLEASANTON 900 Main Street Tim McGuire 925-462-SOLD WWW.TIMMCGUIRE.NET DRE#01349446 Beyond Full Service--A Concierge Approach to Real Estate COMING SOON 1608 Loganberry Way, Pleasanton Absolutely turnkey "Terrace" model, remodeled throughout, 3bd/2ba, 1,377+/-sq. ft, walnut kitchen, SS appliances, custom tile baths, hardwood floors, park-like back with hot tub, new paver patio and pergola. Offered at $685,000 4649 Klamath Court, Pleasanton Charming single story, 3bd/2ba home with new roof, carpets, baseboards, paint, windows, garage door, plus large landscaped backyard and RV parking. Offered at $525,000 4483 Shearwater Court, Pleasanton 4bd/2ba "Colony" model, 1,923+/-sq.ft on a 6,825+/-sq.ft lot, remodeled eat-in granite kitchen, oak hardwood floors, Travertine gas fireplace and mantle, dual pane windows. Offered at $779,000 Several single story models in Birdland/ Pleasanton Valley. Call for details. SOLD PENDING IN 3 DAYS PENDING SOLD 1515 Greenwood Road, Pleasanton 3bd/2ba "Country" model in Pleasanton Valley, 1,854+/-sq.ft on a 6,858+/-sq.ft lot, remodeled kitchen, hardwood floors, newer windows, roof, remodeled master, walking distance to K-12 schools and shopping. Offered at $709,000 2689 Buena Vista, Walnut Creek Single story home, 1,690+/-sq.ft, 2bd/2.5ba, hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, dual vanity baths, inside laundry, � acre lot with workshop and side yard access. Offered at $459,000 3279 Picadilly Court, Pleasanton Great location, 4bd/3ba, 1970+/-sq.ft on a court, backing to Greenbelt and Cabana Club, new kitchen, windows, inside laundry, side yard access. Sold for $655,000 2375 Fairfield Court, Pleasanton 4bd/2.5ba, "Monterey" model, 2,101+/-sq.ft, granite kitchen, newer appliances, hardwood floors, newer windows, remodeled baths, inside laundry, pool and side yard access Sold for $779,000 apr.com | PLEASANTON | 900 Main Street | 925.251.1111 Page 26 July 1, 2011 Pleasanton Weekly www.blaiselofland.com firstname.lastname@example.com 925.846.6500 DRE# 00882113 a p r. c o m VINTAGE HILLS COMING SOON DOWNTOWN JUST LISTED OPEN SUN 2-4:30 PHEASANT RIDGE JUST REDUCED OAK MANOR Beautiful Single Level in Quiet Court Location. Excellent Condition. Four Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, 1766 Square Feet. Remodeled Gourmet Kitchen with Silestone Countertops, Custom Backsplash, New Cabinetry and Stainless Appliances. Wood Flooring, Fully Cased Windows, New Light Fixtures, New Hardware, Upgraded Bathrooms with Silestone Countertops. Private Premium .26 Acre Lot with Large Park-Like Rear Grounds. Pebble Tech Free Form Pool, Brick Patio, Covered Patio Area, Wood Deck and Spacious Lawn Area. Walk to Great Neighborhood Parks. Convenient to Downtown. Award Winning Pleasanton Schools. OFFERED AT $729,500 3593 ARBOR COURT, PLEASANTON 335 DEL SOL AVENUE, PLEASANTON Location, Location, Location. Desirable Downtown Quiet Court Location! Beautiful Upgraded Home, 5 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms with 2350 Square Feet. Remodeled Kitchen with Granite Slab Countertops, Custom Backsplash and Stainless Appliances. Newer Upgraded Hardwood Flooring, Plantation Shutters, Dual Pane Windows, Newer Brushed Nickel Hardware and Fixtures. Lots of Upgrades Including 30 Year Roof. Elevated Lot with Private Secluded Tranquil Grounds Includes Timber Tech Deck, Mature Trees. Walk Around the Corner at Neal and in One Minute You Are at the Farmers Market and Can Also Enjoy All the Other Downtown Amenities! Award Winning Schools! OFFERED AT $939,500 933 LAGUNA CREEK LANE, PLEASANTON Beautiful Pheasant Ridge home on professionally landscaped .30 acre lot. Panoramic views of Pleasanton Ridge. This semicustom built by Greenbriar in 2007 has a total square footage of 5,096. Six bedrooms plus bonus (media prepped) (7th), six bathrooms. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with granite and stainless appliances, three car garage, beautiful grounds include built-in BBQ, outdoor fountain, large lawn area & slate meditation area. Walk to neighborhood park, convenient to downtown and award winning Pleasanton schools. OFFERED AT $1,439,000 819 OAK MANOR COURT, PLEASANTON As soon as you enter you will be impressed with the unique elegance. Gorgeous custom home on private .62 acre lot. Approximately 4,541 square feet, four bedrooms (two master suites) plus office/wine room and bonus loft area and 5.5 bathrooms. Quality, high end equipment and finishes throughout. Gourmet kitchen with granite slab counters and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors. Oversized four car garage. Beautifully landscaped Tahoe-like grounds with mature trees. Two minutes to Castlewood Country Club. OFFERED AT $1,649,000 FOOTHILL KNOLLS PENDING CHARTER OAKS PENDING RUBY HILL JUST CLOSED SAN RAMON JUST CLOSED 7863 FOOTHILL KNOLLS, PLEASANTON Beautiful single story on private premium .35 acre lot. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, approximately 2150 square feet. Completely remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, custom backsplash, custom cabinetry and high end European appliances. Hardwood flooring, French doors, vaulted ceilings, newer windows, newer tile roof. Master suite includes custom built-in closet/dresser area, French doors to rear grounds, private bathroom with dual sinks. Very private professionally landscaped rear grounds, with no rear neighbors. Recently re-plastered and tiled pool/spa with new equipment. Built-in kitchen/BBQ island with refrigerator. Mature trees, patios and lawn areas. OFFERED AT $949,000 1549 MAPLE LEAF DRIVE, PLEASANTON Highly upgraded four bedroom, plus bonus/teen room, three bathrooms. Approximately 2,541 square feet. Completely remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, custom backsplash, custom cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring, upgraded carpet & remodeled master bath. Newer interior paint. Three car garage. Completely re-landscaped private rear grounds with built-in BBQ/kitchen, custom fire pit/sitting area, slate patio, garden and play areas. Tile roof. Convenient to downtown, neighborhood park and awardwinning schools! OFFERED AT $899,500 4355 CAMPINIA PLACE, PLEASANTON Gorgeous upgraded single level home on .60 acre premium lot. Located in the desirable Ruby Hill private gated community. Four bedrooms, plus private office, three bathrooms, custom gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Extensive crown molding & built-ins, Brazilian cherry flooring, expansive master suite. Professional landscaping includes: built-in BBQ, viewing/sitting area, views of surrounding hills & vineyards, covered patio and extensive lawn area. 3 car garage. Ruby Hill community amenities: *clubhouse, golf course, swimming pool, *tennis courts, large park and greenbelts (*discounted memberships now available). Close to several wineries. SOLD FOR $1,382,500 215 KITTERY PLACE, SAN RAMON Excellent quiet court location. Four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with 2008 square feet. Spacious kitchen, large living room & family rooms. Lots of picture windows for viewing & natural light, vaulted ceilings. Spacious master suite with retreat and his & hers closets. Newer roof. Large rear yard with two patios (one covered), covered side yard access. Large 6,958 square foot lot. Walk to Walt Disney Elementary, Pine Valley Middle School, California High School and great neighborhood parks. Great curb appeal. SOLD FOR $559,000 KOTTINGER RANCH JUST CLOSED SYCAMORE HEIGHTS JUST CLOSED PONDEROSA SOLD CANYON MEADOWS SOLD 4241 GARIBALDI PLACE, PLEASANTON Highly upgraded Kottinger Ranch duet with four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops & custom backsplash. Completely remodeled bathrooms. Plantation shutters, crown molding, hardwood flooring and upgraded carpet. Professionally landscaped private backyard includes aggregate patio and mature trees. Excellent quiet location on private 4,014 square foot lot with no rear neighbors. Community amenities include: pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, park and open space. Walk to downtown, Kottinger Park & award winning Vintage Hills Elementary. SOLD FOR $595,000 1092 SYCAMORE CREEK WY, PLEASANTON Wow! Private premium 20,180 sq ft estate lot. Panoramic views of Pleasanton Ridge, the valley and Mount Diablo. Large rear grounds with expansive lawn area and patio. Backs to open space. Five bedrooms, plus den, bonus room option (5th), five and a half bathrooms. Approximately 5,000 sq ft. Large gourmet kitchen with granite slab countertops and stainless steel appliances. Crown molding throughout, new custom flooring, extensive upgraded light fixtures, new interior paint throughout. Close to downtown, Castlewood Country Club, Oak Hills Shopping Center, and Mission Hills Park. Award winning schools! SOLD FOR $1,490,000 6914 CORTE MADRID, PLEASANTON Beautiful single level, extensively remodeled home in Ponderosa. Three bedroom, two completely remodeled bathrooms. Remodeled gourmet kitchen with granite slab countertop, expansive center island/breakfast bar and stainless appliances. Hardwood flooring, crown molding and upgraded fixtures. 1,612 square feet. Newer roof. Professional landscaping with brick trimmed aggregate patio and lawn area. Across from Del Prado Park. Close to Pleasanton's Sports Park and minutes from downtown. Award winning schools. SOLD FOR $645,000 7860 - G CANYON MEADOWS CIRCLE, PLEASANTON Beautiful Pleasanton single level condo, spacious floorplan with three bedrooms, two remodeled bathrooms, 1,257 square feet. Excellent condition, completely remodeled kitchen with granite slab countertops, tile & laminate flooring, updated light fixtures. Patio with storage. Walk to community clubhouse, pool/spa, gym/exercise facility & tennis court(s). Close to award winning schools and Stoneridge Mall. SOLD FOR $312,000 NEW CUSTOM SINGLE LEVEL SOLD KOTTINGER RANCH SOLD DANVILLE RANCHER SOLD � REPRESENTED BUYER GREY EAGLE ESTATES SOLD � REPRESENTED BUYER 1588 FOOTHILL ROAD, PLEASANTON New custom single level home on private country lane off of Foothill Road. This private half acre lot is located adjacent to Golden Eagle with ridge views. Four bedrooms, bonus room/ guest quarters, home theater room, private office, lockable 400 bottle wine cellar, 4.5 bathrooms, 4,762 sq. ft. Gourmet kitchen with granite slab countertops, top of the line appliances. Oversized three car garage (4th car option). In-ground pool, detached permitted room (office/workout room) seller to credit buyer for brand new landscaping. Near Castlewood Country Club. SOLD FOR $1,625,000 1327 HEARST DRIVE, PLEASANTON Great location! Beautiful semi-custom home on .40 acre lot. Expansive deck with panoramic views! Private rear grounds. Five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 4,026 square feet. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, newer paint & carpeting, extensive hardwood floors. Expansive master suite. Community pool, park, tennis courts and open space. Walk to Main Street and award winning schools! SOLD FOR $1,163,500 752 TURRINI DRIVE, DANVILLE Large beautifully updated ranch style home on over 1/3 acre premium lot in Danville! Three bedrooms, private office (4th), three bathrooms. Gourmet kitchen with granite slab countertops and stainless appliances. Large master suite and bath, professionally landscaped with outdoor kitchen, in-ground pool, boat/RV parking, and side yard access. SOLD FOR $900,600 27 GREY EAGLE ESTATE, PLEASANTON Secluded 5,904 sq ft. custom home on premium 5.3 acre estate in desirable, gated Grey Eagle Estates. Panoramic views of the valley and Mt. Diablo. Five bedrooms, plus bonus room, office, 2nd office/hobby room, 3.5 bathrooms. Four car garage. Beautiful grounds include private vineyard, in-ground pool and spa. SOLD FOR $1,900,000 PLEASANTON 900 Main Street Pleasanton Weekly July 1, 2011 Page 27 2010 #1 Office in Pleasanton in Volume and Sales www.KW-Trivalley.com Broker License #01395362 18 Castlewood Dr., Pleasanton Absolutely stunning! 4BR, 4BA, Media Room, Wine Cellar, and Studio. Spectacular remodel. Multiple decks and patios. Enjoy expansive valley views from almost every room. Offered at $1,375,000 35 Golf Road, Pleasanton Stunning 6 BR & 4.5 BA Craftsman style home built in 2010. Hillside home boasts quality construction, luxurious detailing, and secluded location. Features expansive valley views. Offered at $1,599,888 J.D. Power & Associates' award 3 years in a row Keller Williams Realty is proud to be the second largest real estate firm in North America Open Sun 1-4 www.1673primadrive.com Open Sun 1-4 DeAnna Armario REALTOR 925.260.2220 www.armariohomes.com DRE # 01363180 � Cindy and Gene Williams REALTORS� 925.918.2045 www.williamsteam.net DRE # 01370076 and 00607511 1673 Prima Drive, Livermore - Open Sun 1-4pm "Gorgeous 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, over 3300 square feet with upgrades galore. 1 bedroom/full bath downstairs!" 4276 Churchill Drive, Pleasanton 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Community pool, tennis, park side access. One block to Fairlands school. $709,000 3159 Lansdown Court, Pleasanton Pleasanton Meadows Cortez model on a cul-de-sac near the greenbelt, cabana and Fairlands Elementary. 4 BR, 3 BA. Priced low � buyer can do own upgrades. $565,000 Just Listed New Listing Tom Fox Broker Associate 925.872.1275 www.TomFox.com email@example.com DRE # 00630556 REALTORS�, GRI, CRS, SRES 925.463.0436 www.SoldinaFlash.com Pretty in Parkside! Beautiful 4 bdrm, 3 bath Parkside home in Pleasanton. Sunny granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances overlooking a sparkling pool. Remodeled bathrooms. Just a short stroll to Sports Park! Downsizing in Pleasanton Isn't Easy until you see this fabulous one level Vintage Heights home! 4 bdrms, 2.5 baths, almost 2900 sq ft with a 3 car garage. New cement roof, windows, central heat & air. Call for a private showing. Jo and Carla Hunter REALTOR� Jo: 413.4278; Carla: 200.2142 firstname.lastname@example.com email@example.com DRE # 00692588 and 01463436 3231 Vineyard Avenue #53, Pleasanton 3 BD, 2 BA, 1404 sq.ft. Beautiful manufactured home in scenic and tranquil senior park (55+). The home for sale has never been lived in. The large kitchen features a gas range, walk-in pantry and solid surface work island. Financing available. Price reduction $139,000 Natalie Kruger REALTOR� 925.847.7355 www.krugergroup.com DRE # 01187582 2421 Livorno Court, Livermore Discover a trail into Tuscany. This stunning home features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 luxurious bathrooms, approx. 3,573 sq.ft. of living space on an expansive approx. 11,411 sq.ft. lot. Over $250K in upgrades -- owned by a contractor! This is a must see! Offered at $969,950 SOLD! Represented buyer Dennis Gerlt Broker Associate 925.426.5010 www.dennisgerlt.net DRE # 01317997 215 Obsidian Way, Livermore Beautiful, must see executive home with designer touches, gourmet kitchen, formal dining, crown molding, expansive patio for entertaining with pool and spa. Located in Sandhurst neighborhood. Full bedroom and bath on main level with door to pool area. Offered at $765,000 Gail Boal REALTOR 925.577.5787 www.gailboal.com DRE # 01276455 � 2765 Camino Casa Buena Stunning Ponderosa! Featuring beautiful wood floors throughout most of the home, remodeled baths, 4bed/3baths, 1bed/1bath downstairs, gourmet kitchen, plantation shutters, 3 car garage, pool/spa. Move in now! Offered at $890,000 5994 W. Las Positas, Suite 101, Pleasanton | 459 Main Street, Pleasanton | 2300 First Street, Suite 216, Livermore

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