HealthySTAYING

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SUMMER 2013

Eating ‘close to the earth’ getting

easier in Pleasanton PAGE 2

Running groups help you stick to your exercise regimen PAGE 4

Sleep is important for health, looks,

memory retention and more PAGE 5

The skinny on lighter fare for summer PAGE 6

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NEWSMore high density apartment complexes coming5NEWSParents still pushing for smaller 2nd grades5LIVINGHosts needed for visiting European teens14

Principals

and students

reflect on

their time at

Pleasanton schools 12

Page 2 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

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I’ve known Jeanette Ricafrente since 2001 when she joined the Pleasanton Weekly. She was one

of our very productive, energetic advertising representatives, leaving after three years to focus on her growing family and her new duties as a stay-at-home mom when her husband Erwin’s Army reserve unit was activated. That’s also the time she joined the Pleasanton Military Families organization and its efforts to help mothers and wives like her-self who were left behind as Pleas-anton soldiers served in Iraq and more recently in Afghanistan. Erwin, now 43 and a master sergeant stationed in Afghanistan, has been in the Reserves since 1988. On active duty since 2004 when the couple’s first child, son Mikkel, was born, he’s been on distant stateside assignments or overseas most of the years since. Jeanette says he’s been on leave or stationed nearby and home about one-and-a-half years as Mikkel and his younger sister, Amalie, 4, have been growing up in their home on Bonita Avenue near St. Augustine Catholic Church. Later this month, he’ll be deactivated and back home to stay, looking for a job as he re-starts his civilian life. Jeanette has been active in her work with the military families group for nearly 10 years and she plans to continue this effort. She’s been part of every fundraiser, every packout when the group sends “CARE” packages to Pleasanton troops and at public events, includ-ing the Veterans Day parade and last month’s Memorial Day tribute at the Veterans Memorial Building. Last Friday, she led the effort ini-tiated by Mikkel in his third-grade class at Valley View Elementary School and the school’s counselor Abby Johnson to make 13 more tie blankets for seriously wounded soldiers being treated at a veterans clinic in Palo Alto. When Mikkel suggested the project to Johnson, she helped secure a $300 grant from the Pleasanton Partners in Ed-ucation (PPIE) Foundation to buy the yards of fleece material to make the blankets. Parents and students pitched in during the school’s mul-ticultural fair, no doubt spurred on by a photo from Vietnam veteran Charles Simmon holding an earlier blanket the Ricafrentes had made. Recovering at the Palo Alto clinic from a stroke, Simmon posed with his dog in a picture the students posted at the fair as new blankets were being made. For many students at Valley

View, as is true across the country, Afghanistan and the U.S. soldiers stationed there are scenes they’ve seen on television but have little direct knowledge of. As Pleasanton American Legion post commander Rich Ghera told those at a Memorial Day ceremony May 27, fewer than 1% of the 300 million Americans serve in the military forces today and fewer than 5% even know a military family. Mikkel, with the help of his teachers and counselor Johnson have changed that, with scores of students and their parents asking Mikkel about his father and contributing fleece and funds to the blanket-making project. Pat Frizzell, chairwoman of the Pleasanton Military Families Sup-port Group, acknowledged that work. She told Mikkel: “I am very proud of your teacher and counsel-or and whole class for doing such great work for our troops. I am especially proud of you for writing a grant to get money to make more blankets. I know your dad must be smiling so big telling all his soldiers what a fine son you are.” Mikkel wrote his own letter that is now being sent along with the blankets to wounded soldiers in Palo Alto. It reads: “Dear Soldier, Hi, my name is Mikkel Ricafrente, son of MSG. Ricafrente. On the picture, I am the one at the bottom right. One day Ms. Johnson, the school counselor, thought we should make a project for soldiers. I sug-gested weaving on looms, but then Ms. Johnson had an idea. We could make tie blankets and sign them! My Teacher gave my mom the Email addresses to all the parents to tell them to bring fleece. After a few days, donations came rolling in. Some people donated fleece, others came with money. Finally, the big day ar-rived! We tied a double knot then signed them. I also wrote a grant. The grant was for making more tie blankets. Now we will offer them to you. Thank you.”

AROUND PLEASANTON

BY JEB BING

Mother, Army wife is also all soldiers best friend

About the CoverThree veteran principals are leaving the district. Amador Valley Principal Jim Hansen, at left, is retiring, along with PMS Principal John Whitney, right. Foot-hill’s Principal John Dwyer is headed to a district in west San Jose. Photo by Mike Sedlak. Design by Kristin Herman.

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Food allergies, particularly in children, are clearly on the rise. According to Dr. Hugh Sampson, a food allergy specialist at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in N.Y. “We are certain that in the future the number of food allergies are going to increase.”

Many food allergies are classified as “hidden” allergies due to the fact that an individual may be consuming a food, often times on a daily basis that they have no idea they are allergic to. Frequently, symptoms such as stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn, excessive gas and bloating are directly related to food allergies.

Additionally, conditions such as migraine headaches, chronic sinusitis, post nasal drip, rashes, eczema, chronic fatigue, ADD/ADHD, mood swings and difficulty losing weight in many cases can be caused by food allergies.

Fortunately, a new, advanced method of treating allergies is now available in the United States. Developed over a ten year period in Australia, a new technology called Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) is giving new hope to millions of allergy sufferers.

AAT is a holistic, alternative method of treating allergies of all kinds including not only food allergies, but airborne allergens such as pollens, grasses, weeds, trees, molds, dust and dust mites as well as pet/animal/insect allergies, chemical sensitivities and physical contactants. Both the testing and treatments are 100% pain free and non-invasive, and is the ideal choice for those who would prefer not to take drugs, use steroidal inhalers and sprays or go through years of allergy shots. Children especially appreciate the AAT approach over the traditional medical procedures that involve piercing the skin. AAT is safe and effective for people of all ages including infants and produces zero side effects.

AAT is now available in Pleasanton near Stoneridge Mall at Allergy Relief Centers, office of James W. Stalker, DC. Doctor Stalker is offering the initial consultation and complete testing protocol, normally a fee of $125, for only $25 for anyone who would like to experience relief from their allergies without using drugs or shots. A limited number of appointments are available, so call 925-243-7168 today. For more information please visit AllergyReliefCenters.com and for the latest up to date info on allergies visit facebook.com/allergyreliefcenters.

Food Allergies?

AMALIE RICAFRENTE

Jeanette Ricafrente and her son Mik-kel, 9, hold one of 13 fleece tie-blan-kets they made last Friday to send to wounded soldiers.

Page 4 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

StreetwiseASKED AROUND TOWN

What is your favorite famous quote?

Sue Worth Senior sourcing manager, AAA

I love the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” It is such a good reminder that each new day always brings a fresh perspec-tive.

Jordan Feldman Middle school student

“All the world’s a stage” is a quote by William Shakespeare. It is my favorite because I’m very theatrical and love to perform. When I think of this quote it just makes me feel like I can sing or act or dance wherever I happen to be at the moment.

Martha JensenRetired therapist

“It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.” I like this quote because it comes from the Talmud and because it reminds me that the most important thing is to start. It doesn’t matter if the job seems too big, I just have to start.

Steve Worth Security company sales, customer service

Wayne Gretzky, the professional ice hockey player has said, “You are certain to miss 100% of the shots you never take.” I like this quote because it is so true about everything in life. You’ll never know what you are capa-ble of doing if you don’t at least try.

Alex ChinMath teacher

I don’t know who said it first but I really like the quote “Appreciate what you have before it becomes what you had.” We often get so caught up in what may happen in the future, instead of focusing on what we have in the moment. But it is only what we have in the moment that is real.

Have a Streetwise question? E-mail editor@PleasantonWeekly.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 informa-tion. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pleasanton Weekly, 5506 Sunol Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566. © 2013 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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NewsfrontRoad closing to lay railroad tracks The Union Pacific Railroad will close its busy crossing at downtown Santa Rita Road to vehicles and pedestrians for two days to install new tracks and make other major improve-ments. The crossing will be closed starting at 6 a.m., Mon-day, June 17, and is scheduled to reopen at 5 p.m. the follow-ing day. Union Pacific representa-tives said the rail crossing will be completely reconstructed. Work on the tracks will start after the last morning Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) train passes through, and the tracks will be re-installed in time for that afternoon’s ACE train. Detours were designed to minimize traffic on residential streets. During the road closure, southbound Santa Rita Road through traffic will be detoured via Valley Avenue to Stanley Boulevard, and back to Santa Rita Road/Main Street. Santa Rita Road will be open north of the Union Pacific crossing for traffic to residential areas and Amador Valley High School.

BART extends bike trial The BART Board of Direc-tors voted to allow bikes during commute periods for a five-month trial period from July 1-Dec. 1. Starting July 1, bikes will be allowed on all trains, including during commute hours; how-ever, bikes are not allowed on the first three cars of any train to provide options for those who want to avoid them. Other safety rules relating to bikes will still apply: Bikes are never allowed on crowded trains; priority seating goes to seniors and those with dis-abilities; bikes cannot block doorways or aisles and are not allowed on escalators. Folding bikes are still allowed on all trains at all times. According to customer sur-veys, 76% of respondents sup-port allowing bikes during com-mute hours, 7-9 a.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. A bike etiquette campaign will begin in July to encourage safe and courteous practices. BART is also working to double the number of secure bike park-ing spots at stations.

Correction An item in the police bulletin May 24 incorrectly identified the hotel where a woman had skipped out on a $1,300 bill. The hotel was the Four Points Sheraton.

DIGEST

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 5

BY JEB BING St. Anton Partners, a California-based owner-driven, privately held, multifamily development and investment company, is expected to receive final approval Wednesday from the Pleasanton Planning Commission of its bid to build a 168-unit, three- and four-story complex on West Las Positas Boulevard near Stoneridge Drive. The City Council has already approved the project, but the developer is also seeking a de-velopment agreement that will “memorialize” some of the commitments St. Anton has made in exchange for a longer expiration date on the project approval. The St. Anton Partners project is the third in a series of high density housing developments approved by the council with two similar pro-posals to follow shortly. All are part of the settle-ment agreement between the city and Urban Habitat, an Oakland-based affordable housing coalition that successfully sued the city over its 1996 housing cap and lack of adequate afford-able, workforce housing. The St. Anton site is 5.6 acres at 5729 W. Las Positas Blvd. in the Hacienda Business Park. It is one of nine sites included last year when the City Council rezoned 73 acres in various parts of the city to accommodate high density housing following the court settlement. Last year, the council approved a project by BRE Properties for high density apartment buildings with 498 units, also in Hacienda Busi-

ness Park. The developer is expected to break ground on those apartments later this summer. The two building sites include mixed-use, high density residential and commercial developments containing residential units, live/work units and ground-level retail space at the southeast corner of Owens Drive and Willow Road and at the north-ern corner of Gibraltar and Hacienda drives. The planned projects will provide more than 70 units that will be available to lower income households. In April, the council also approved a new multi-story, high density apartment project and adjoin-ing retail center for a section of California Center that has until now has been one of the city’s major office centers. That project will include two-, three- and four-story buildings and a two-building retail center on a portion of the office building site at Rosewood and Owens drives that the developer, Pleasant Partners, has acquired from California Center, formerly called CarrAmerica. The project, on 8.4 acres, will include five residential buildings with the two-story build-ings facing the streets and the taller buildings in the back. Of the 305 studio and one-, two- and-three bedroom apartments planned for the development, just under 50 will be in the “af-fordable” classification, well under the 15-20% rate once required under the city’s now-invalid inclusionary zoning ordinance. St. Anton Partners, on the other hand, has agreed to make at least 20% of its units avail-

able at low, subsidized rents to low- to very-low income tenants. In addition, three of these units will be designed for tenants with severe mobility issues, with door knobs, drawers and switches lower to the floor to accommodate the needs of those in wheelchairs. St. Anton is drawing on $40 million in tax exempt bonds from the state of California to be used to finance the development. Those funds are available at low interest to developers such as St. Anton who pledge to make the affordable units available in perpetuity and also to provide other amenities. In St. Anton’s case, it will offer educational services and other specialized pro-grams for low-income tenants in the complex, programs and services that will be available to its other tenants as well. Plans for two more high density housing proj-ects have been submitted to city planners. South Bay Development, which sold part of its 35-acre site at the corner of Bernal and Valley avenues to Safeway, which is now the Pleasanton Gateway retail center, plans to build 97 single family homes and apartment buildings to ac-commodate 210 units on its remaining property south of the Safeway site. Scott Trobbe, who represents South Bay, re-viewed those plans with the Planning Commis-sion on May 22. A public hearing on the project is expected to be held later this month or in July. Also pending is a 345-unit apartment

More high density apartment complexes comingCouncil OKs West Las Positas project with 2 more developments planned

PUSD will hear plea for smaller

2nd-grade classesChange unlikely without more information on state funding

BY GLENN WOHLTMANN About 20 parents hoping for smaller classes for second-graders were out again at the Pleas-anton school board meeting Tuesday night, and they will get their request for an agenda item on the issue. Even as they agreed to discuss it as part the district’s priorities, board members made it clear that adding the teachers needed for smaller classes is unlikely. “The possibility of us being able to change things,” Board President Jeff Bowser said, “is slim to none.” He said the district is “still in cardiac arrest.” Susan Case was among the nine parents who spoke at the meeting asking for smaller second-grade classes. “We’re a handful of people that are here today, but behind us there are 10, 12 people willing to put their money behind it, their hearts behind it,” Case told the board. Emmeline Chin said her grassroots fundrais-ing effort begun last month has raised $42,000 for smaller classes in second grade, along with $7,000 for smaller kindergarten classes and $5,000 for smaller third-grade classes. “These numbers communicate the high value priority of CSR (class size reduction),” she said. Last month the board voted to contribute $112,000 to reduce class sizes in first grade after Pleasanton Partnerships in Education donated $213,000 toward the reduction. While the board is barred by law from

Grab your blanket and put together a meal — it’s time for Concerts in the Park, Pleasan-ton’s favorite picnicking and live music venue. The Pleasanton Downtown Association’s popular Concert in the Park series will take place every Friday night from June 7 through Aug. 30, featuring an eclectic mix of music from rock, blues and big band to ‘50s and ‘60s oldies, soul and Latin rock. The free concerts run from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lions Wayside Park, on the corner of First and Neal streets. The line-up is as follows:■ June 7 — OTR, Classic Rock■ June 14 — The CoolTones Big Band, Swing■ June 21 — Ruckatan Latin Tribe, Latin Rock■ June 28 — The Crisis, Eclectic Rock■ July 5 — James Nagel Band, Rock & Soul■ July 12 — Bacchus Brothers, Folk Rock■ July 19 — West Grand Boulevard, Classic Soul

■ July 26 — Pladdohg, Celtic Rock■ Aug. 2 — Finding Stella, Modern/Alt Rock■ Aug. 9 — Burton & Co., Rhythm & Blues■ Aug. 16 — Synaptic Gap, Modern Rock■ Aug. 23 — Magic Moments, Hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s■ Aug. 30 — Public Eye, High Energy Rock & Roll Concert-goers can put out blankets and chairs — at their own risk — in Lions Way-side and Delucchi parks, but are asked to wait until the morning of the concert to do so. The use of rocks to hold down blankets is prohib-ited, as large rocks can damage lawn-mowing equipment. Also, the use of plastic tarps is not allowed, since they can burn the grass. Safeway is the presenting sponsor for the 2013 Concert in the Park season, the Pleasanton Weekly is the media sponsor, plus each concert is sponsored by a different local business.

Concerts in the Park begin tonight2013 season kicks off with classic rock

JEB BING

Crowds gather at Lions Wayside Park on First Street each Friday evening during the summer to enjoy Concerts in the Park, friends, food and good weather.

See CLASSES on Page 8

See APARTMENTS on Page 6

Page 6 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

NEWS

Hear voices from the Civil War Pleasanton’s Museum on Main kicks off a Civil War related ex-hibit and programs with “An Eve-ning with Voices from the Civil War,” beginning at 7 p.m. Tues-day. This program is part of the monthly Ed Kinney Speakers Se-ries at the Firehouse Arts Center and will include two portrayals of Civil War characters that all ages will enjoy. Alyssa Foster will step into the spotlight as abolitionist and Yan-kee spy Elizabeth Van Lew. Ernie Manzo, a member of the Ameri-can Civil War Association, takes the stage as a Civil War soldier to display the uniform pieces and weapons, and talk about life in the soldier encampments. Due to a scheduling change, Ethan Foster will be unable to perform in the role of politi-cian and political theorist for the

South, John C. Calhoun. Tickets are $10 general, $5 mu-seum members and seniors, and $3 students and teachers, with seating first come, first served at the Fire-house Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. Purchase tickets at 462-3766. The traveling exhibit, “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” will be on display at the museum from June 12 through July 28. Museum on Main is one of the venues selected for this exhibition, which examines Abra-ham Lincoln’s struggle to meet the constitutional challenges posed by the American Civil War. It was organized by the National Consti-tution Center and the American Library Association Public Pro-grams Office. The Museum on Main is located at 603 Main St. For more informa-tion, visit www.museumonmain.org or call 462-2766.

BY GLENN WOHLTMANN A Pleasanton man faces a July 30 sentencing after admitting to stealing iPhones and iPads from a number of San Mateo County businesses. Nicholas Anthony Simat, 26, pleaded no contest to four fel-ony counts of commercial bur-glary, prosecutors said. In a plea deal, nine additional counts were dropped against Simat, although those crimes will be considered when he’s sentenced next month. Simat was identified as a sus-pect in a string of burglaries dat-

ing back to late February in South San Francisco, Burlingame and Daly City after police released surveillance photos and a suspect description, according to South San Francisco police. He told police he was addict-ed to heroin and OxyContin and stole the electronics to pay for his drug habit. In the thefts, Simet entered nu-merous businesses and engaged employees in long conversations. He introduced himself as “Mike” or “Michael” and told employ-ees at the businesses that he was

a “computer guy” who had just inherited a sum of money, police said. When the employees were dis-tracted or called away — some-times when Simat asked for a glass of water — he stole their phones and tablet computers, po-lice said. Simat was found at a friend’s house in Pinole and arrested after he admitted to detectives that he was responsible for the thefts, ac-cording to police. He remains in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Pleasanton man cops plea in string of thefts26-year-old stole electronics to fund his drug addiction

TAKE US ALONGShark sighting: The Pleasanton Meadows Sharks swim team — and their Weekly — headed south of Santa Cruz for some fun in the sun before preparing for Champs. Thankfully, they reported, there were no other shark sightings on the beach that day. The Sharks placed second out of eight teams in August, capping off an awesome 2012 summer of swimming.

complex on 16 acres of undeveloped land at Bernal and Stanley Boule-vard, across from McDonald’s . The property is owned by Frank Auf der Maur and Konrad Rickenback. The developer is E&S Ring Management.

Preliminary plans filed with the city planning staff also call for a cor-ner retail center at Bernal and Stan-

ley with a small grocery store and a coffee shop, possibly a Starbucks. Those plans will go to the Planning Commission for consideration later this year. The Auf der Maur site once was considered for a second Home Depot store in Pleasanton, but the devel-oper declined to pursue the plan after no one on the City Council at the time expressed an interest in ap-proving the bid.

APARTMENTSContinued from Page 5

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Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 7

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BY JEB BING The Pleasanton City Council on Tuesday night ratified a new three-year agreement with its city employee union, a move that by the end of the year will have all employees contributing at least 8% of their wages toward pension ben-efits. The agreement with the union representing 220 regular city em-ployees will raise individual pen-sion contributions and reduce floating holiday hours while also granting modest wage increases over the life of the new contract, the first pay increase these employ-ees have had in three years. Overall, City Manager Nelson Fialho told the council, the new agreement conforms to sweeping pension changes that are already in place for unionized police and fire-fighters and those made last year by Gov. Jerry Brown that reformed pension benefits for public employ-ees hired after last Jan. 1. That change raised the retire-ment ages from 55 to 67 and trims their pension benefit from 2.7% to 2.5%. Additionally, for those employees hired after Jan 1, the city changed retirement medical benefits from two-party coverage to one-party coverage, with an additional sunset at age 65 when the employee be-comes eligible for Medicare. Also, in a meeting that lasted past 11 p.m., the council tabled any further consideration of final action on an ordinance restricting residential and commercial devel-opment on Pleasanton hillsides. That decision came on the advice of City Attorney Jonathan Lowell

who said the ordinance would be considered at a later date after the council reviews threats of litigation over the measure. Attorneys from Oakland and San Francisco, who say they represent Pleasanton residents, want the original Measure PP ordinance to be reevaluated because of changes made by city staff and others since it was approved by voters in 2008. The council also sent back to its Historic Preservation Task Force comments on a “check in” plan the group presented Tuesday night that suggested establishing an official “Historic District” in and around downtown Pleasanton. The council’s action came after a two-hour-long public hearing where 24 speakers voiced their opinions on the plan, with some on the task force and others who live in the affected area praising the plan or complaining that it would add more regulations to those seek-ing to build or expand their homes and businesses in the area. Most adamant was Brad Hirst, who owns Equity Enterprises in Pleasanton. He said downtown businesses continue to face eco-nomic challenges as they recover from the recent recession and that new rules and regulations proposed by the Historic Preservation Task Force could adversely affect that recovery. In other action, the council ap-proved a two-year annual work plan that prioritizes proposed capi-tal improvement projects with the continued development of more sports fields and other amenities on the city-owned Bernal Community Park topping the list.

City OKs 3-year agreement with employee union

Council postpones again final action on hillside development ordinance

Page 8 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

NEWS

$25,000 in vandalism at Harvest Park Middle School

Perpetrators found but police will not seek charges

commenting on non-agenda items brought to meetings by the public, it added a discussion of bringing the issue up at its June 18 meeting.

Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi said the district will probably not be able to make budget decisions at that meeting.

“We expect the budget to be approved in June,” Ahmadi said. “That doesn’t mean it will get passed. On June 18, we won’t have any more information, I believe.”

Bowser and Board Member Valerie Arkin said they support the idea of smaller classes. Member Joan Laursen said she wanted to see the impact of a new state funding formula before making decisions, and Member Jamie Hintzke said she wanted the board to look at all its priorities before making a decision about smaller classes. Board Member Chris Grant was absent.

The June 18 meeting is the last before the school board breaks for the summer. Its next meeting is set for Aug. 20, eight days before school starts, Hintzke said.

“There’s no way we could add another grade level (for smaller classes) even if we wanted to,” she said.

In other issues at its meeting, the board learned that the bulk of its stu-dents are college ready. Some groups, in-cluding African American and Hispanic students are less prepared for college than their classmates, with 67% of black students and 47% of Hispanics deemed unable to do college math, for example.

The board also discussed the possibil-ity of eliminating class rankings. Kevin

Johnson, senior director of pupil services, said high achieving high schools are already doing away with rankings, and that many colleges consider activities and service among other things in deciding whether to take an applicant. In addition, some students are disap-pointed when they learn that, for instance, someone with a 4.0 grade average at Ama-dor would be ranked 92nd in the class. “The bottom line is this — more of your students will get accepted to four-year schools if you eliminate class rank,” Johnson said. The board also heard about a plan to make students more fit, by making the district’s physical education standards more stringent, by more closely moni-toring student fitness, and by better communication with parents. PE teacher Terry Drain told the board that 19% of students fall into the cat-egory “needs improvement, high risk,” which means they could be at risk for diseases later in life. Drain said only 32% of fifth-grade students are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physi-cal activity every day. The board also heard a report on maintenance that’s been postponed for years. The current estimate is that it would take more than $2.7 million to do the repairs that are needed. Director of Maintenance Larry Lagatta said the highest priorities at the moment are to replace carpet at a cost of $245,000 and to do $145,000 in roof work. “We’ve been trying to hold the ship together, but it’s getting kind of rick-ety,” Lagatta told the board. “If we have money, we need to put it into roofing and carpeting.”

CLASSESContinued from Page 5

BY GLENN WOHLTMANNSchool officials confirmed a break-in at Har-

vest Park Middle School over Memorial Day weekend that resulted in thousands of dollars in damages, but they are saying little else about the incident.

Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi estimated the damages at $25,000.

“We are working with the police,” Ahmadi said. “We do our part and they do theirs.”

Police last week confirmed that juveniles broke in and defecated on computers in the school’s library. No one would confirm how the juveniles entered or what other vandalism was done.

None of the juveniles in the case has been arrested, and police will not be seeking charges against them, Sgt. Kurt Schlehuber said.

“It’s basically juvenile mischief. The elements of vandalism weren’t there,” Schlehuber said.

Ahmadi said all of those involved have been taken out of school. No suspensions or expul-sions were on the Tuesday night school board agenda, and Adhmadi said, “We’re in the disci-pline process.”

Police and school district authorities are also investigating threatening graffiti found on a wall in a girl’s bathroom at Pleasanton Middle School. The district warned parents in an email about the graffiti May 30.

“Because this graffiti included a threat toward the school, the Pleasanton Police Department is investigating this incident along with school officials,” the district stated in an email.

“The graffiti has been photographed by students and shared with others so there are rumors circulating. We want to assure all Pleasanton Middle School students and fami-lies that appropriate precautions are being taken to ensure a safe and secure campus for all students. We will continue to work with Pleasanton PD on this matter,” the email said.

It asks any parent or student who might have information about the graffiti to contact the school or Pleasanton police. The district’s anonymous tip line is 417-5199, and will accept voice mail or texts. The Pleasanton police non-emergency number is 931-5100.

Schlehuber said police are continuing to investigate the incident, the third in three months.

In March, graffiti at Foothill nearly closed the school, with police, plain clothes officers and school district security swarming the campus.

The Foothill graffiti, which started with an expletive and added, “Watch me shoot everyone on March 14,” was written on a girls’ bathroom wall Tuesday and quickly photographed by several students who then posted the message on Facebook and other social media.

Later that month, graffiti was discovered at Amador, but it was found at the end of the day and not deemed a serious threat.

No arrest has been made in any of the graffiti incidents.

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 9

Avoiding hidden flight, hotel feesSome notorious for tacking extra charges onto bills

Pleasanton-based Cooper to sell its Japanese

contact lens operationFirm will focus on ‘delivering shareholder value’

through U.S. business, CEO says

BY JASON ALDERMAN The last few years have been tough economically for many people. Unemployment fears combined with plunging home, stock and retirement account val-ues caused many to forgo big vacations, even though stressful times are when we most need to recharge our batteries. But with the economy turn-ing around, many families are cautiously dipping their toes in the travel pool once again. Hotel oc-cupancy rates have risen in many areas and airports are as crowded as ever. Airlines and hotels are notori-ous for tacking extra charges onto their bills. Here are a few to watch out for:■ A few airlines allow one free checked bag (Southwest still al-lows two), but most charge up to $25 for the first checked bag each way, and even more for addi-tional pieces. Plus, most now tack on hefty fees for overweight and over-sized checked and carry-on luggage, so measure and weigh your luggage carefully.■ Expect to pay extra for things like changing flights, extra leg room, priority boarding, unac-companied minors, pets, Wi-Fi access and food. Some airlines even charge extra to speak to

a live person or to buy your ticket at the airport counter or by phone.■ Airfarewatchdog.com, Travel-nerd.com and Kayak offer great fee comparison charts for various airlines; but always double-check the airline’s own posted rules be-fore booking your flight.■ Some hotels charge extra if you check in before a certain time. Ask whether they’ll store your luggage for free until check-in so you can begin sightseeing unen-cumbered.■ Many hotels charge a hefty penalty if you don’t cancel a res-ervation 24 to 72 hours before-hand and some also charge an early-departure fee — sometimes the equivalent of one night’s lodg-ing. Read the hotel’s cancellation policy before booking, especially if you’re looking at a discounted, non-refundable rate.■ Minibars often have electronic sensors that trigger a charge if you simply move the contents. Also, water or snacks sitting on the dresser may appear to be complimentary, but double-check before consuming.■ Hotel parking in major cities can cost up to $50 a day, and many have mandatory valet park-ing, which means adding a tip on top of that. Research nearby municipal parking lots before-hand, or check the city’s tourism bureau for hotels offering park-ing promotions. Sometimes using public transportation and taxis is cheaper overall than paying for

parking.■ Some hotels and resorts auto-matically add housekeeping or spa gratuities to your bill, so ask first before leaving your own tip — unless of course the service was terrific.■ Most hotels charge exorbitant amounts for local and long-distance calls made from room phones, so use your cellphone.■ Resorts often charge extra for services they offer — such as gym access or daily newspaper delivery — even if you don’t use them. Find out the policy ahead of time and scrutinize your bill for unused services.■ Ask to see your bill the night before you check out, so you can review it carefully for over-charges. If you’re traveling abroad, be aware that using your cellphone can be mighty expensive. Re-search your carrier’s internation-al calling plan and ask whether your phone is compatible with foreign networks. You may need to rent an international cell-phone, or buy or rent an un-locked phone and international SIM card. If your budget’s in good shape and you’re getting wanderlust, maybe it’s time to venture out into the world again. Just be cautious about how hidden expenses can add up.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s fi-nancial education programs.

The Cooper Companies, a glob-al medical device and vision care company headquartered in Pleas-anton, has reached an agreement to sell Aime, its rigid gas permeable contact lens and solutions business in Japan, to Nippon Contact Lens Inc. Financial terms of the transac-tion were not disclosed. Commenting on the transaction, Robert S. Weiss, Cooper’s president and chief executive officer, said the decision to divest Aime “is consis-tent with CooperVision’s strategy to focus on its core soft contact lens business.” “Additionally, Aime has declin-ing revenue and lower than aver-age company margins,” he added. “The business was obtained in

2010 as part of a very successful acquisition which included ob-taining the rights to sell Biofinity in Japan.” The divestiture is subject to nu-merous conditions but is expected to close during Cooper’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Cooper ex-pects the related charge to nega-tively impact its fiscal 2013 GAAP earnings per share by $0.25-$0.35. This charge will be excluded from its fiscal 2013 non-GAAP earnings per share. Post divestiture, Cooper ex-pects the transaction to be neu-tral to earnings per share. Aime revenues for fiscal 2012 and the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were $32.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

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Page 10 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

Don’t fix parks that aren’t broken

Dear Editor, Like us, Pleasanton citizens may not be aware of major renovations planned for the First Street parks. A glimpse of the proposals at the last Parks and Recreation Committee meeting brings forth some com-ments. For starters it appears that both parks will no longer be open space, but a forest of trees around smaller open spaces, and that De-luchi Park will no longer work well with Friday night Band Concerts in Wayside Park. Other issues could be talked about as well, such as covering over the wildlife ditch that children enjoy playing in during the con-certs. We prefer to point out that these two parks were built by vol-

unteers and have worked well for over 50 years. It is now proposed that they be fixed when they are not broken. Rather than spend sev-eral million dollars on unneeded redoes, perhaps we should just build an up-to-date band stand and sound system, and put taxpayer moneys elsewhere for better uses.

J. Jack and Florence L. Bras

LETTERS

Opinion

Years of effort to restrict residential and commercial development on Pleasanton hillsides ground to a halt again Tuesday after the Pleasanton City Council, faced

with threats of lawsuits by attorneys from Oakland and San Francisco over Measure PP that was approved by voters in 2008, tabled any further consideration of the proposed law indefinitely. The move came on the advice of City Attorney Jonathan Lowell who said the ordinance would be consid-ered at a later date after the council reviews threats of litiga-tion over the measure. The attorneys, Stuart Flashman of Oakland, and Kristina Lawson of the San Francisco law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, made different points in their letters to Lowell but basically contend that there’s been so much tinkering with the original Measure PP that environmental reviews and pos-sibly a new vote may be needed. Whether their arguments would ever hold up in court if either of them actually files a lawsuit would be decided then, but they’re on the mark when it comes to “tinkering.” Actually it was understood and publicly stated both before and after Measure PP went to voters that the document was vague in many of its asser-tions and applications and “needed work,” a term used at the time. Since then, the authors of Measure PP and others, along with Pleasanton city staff, carefully scrutinized the language in the document and various committees and commissions held discussion meetings. In one glaring difference over one aspect of Measure PP, the city Planning Commission voted unanimously to include streets and roadways as being subject to the hillside ban while a few weeks later the City Council voted 3-1, in agreement with its city staff recom-mendation, to define roads as infrastructure, not structures, that would be exempt from the new law. That change infuriated many in the community who packed the City Council chambers two weeks in a row to insist that no roads ever be built on the hillsides, a viewpoint both Flashman and Lawson also make in their letters threat-ening lawsuits. If enforced, such a ban would hamper further residential development in the southeast hills and along parts of Sunol Boulevard where roads on steep hillsides and ravines would be needed to reach new homes that are currently allowed on flatter land sites that the roads would serve. In the so-called Oak Grove acreage on level land above Kottinger Ranch, for example, landowners Frederic and Jen-nifer Lin have the right to build homes on 10-acre lots on much of their 600-acre property, but a no-road provision in Measure PP would mean there would be no roads to reach those homes. Neither Flashman nor Lawson are bashing the intent of Measure PP. They just argue that so many changes have been made to the proposed ordinance since its approval that voters may need to see it again. In any event, Flashman contends that the ordinance, as it now stands, also should undergo an analysis under rules covered in the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, a costly and time-consuming process that the Pleasanton city attorney at the time said was unnec-essary because citizen initiatives, such as Measure PP, are not subject to a CEQA evaluation. In the meantime, development plans that cold be affected by a road-ban ruling under Measure PP continue in the city and public approval process.

Lawsuit threats table hillside protection ordinance indefinitely

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Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 11

POLICE REPORT

The Pleasanton Police Department made the following information available.

May 30Theft from structure

■ 12:29 p.m. in the 4700 block of Willow Road

Auto burglary

■ 9:41 p.m. at the intersection of Canyon Meadows Road and Dublin Canyon Road

May 31Theft

■ 10:06 a.m. in the 5600 block of Owens Drive; bicycle theft

■ 12:01 p.m. in the 4500 block of Rosewood Drive; shoplifting

■ 1:55 p.m. in the 4500 block of Hopyard Road; theft from structure

■ 6:49 p.m. in the 4300 block of Foothill Road; bicycle theft

■ 9:46 p.m. in the 500 block of Touriga Court; fraud

Vandalism

■ 2:08 p.m. in the 3200 block of W. Las Positas Boulevard

Drug violation

■ 10:12 p.m. in the 4800 block of Bernal Avenue

June 1Theft

■ 1:48 & 3:27 p.m in the 4500 block of Pleasanton Avenue; auto theft

Auto burglary

■ 2:22 p.m. in the 4900 block of Owens Drive

June 2Theft

■ 10 a.m. in the 2200 block of Segundo Court; auto theft

■ 1:40 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplifting

■ 4:37 p.m. in the 1500 block of Stoneridge Mall Road; shoplifting

Vandalism

■ 8:31 p.m. at the intersection of Santa Rita Road and Mohr Avenue

DUI

■ 2:17 a.m. at the intersection of Bernal Avenue and Oak Vista Way

June 3Theft

■ 7:52 a.m. in the 5100 block of Mt. Tam Circle; auto theft

■ 9:34 p.m. in the 4700 block of Willow Road; theft from structure

Auto burglary

■ 8:55 a.m. in the 5100 block of Mt. Tam Circle

Drug/alcohol violations

■ 5:11 p.m. at the intersection of National Park Road and Sequoia Court; possession of a controlled sub-stance, paraphernalia possession

■ 11:04 p.m. in the 1800 block of Valley Avenue; DUI

June 4Theft from structure

■ 11:58 a.m. in the 6000 block of Sunol Boulevard

■ 12:24 p.m. in the 4900 block of Valley Avenue

■ 1:07 p.m. in the 7000 block of Koll Center Parkway

Vandalism

■ 8:26 a.m. in the 7700 block of Highland Oaks Drive

■ 8:08 p.m. in the 1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road

DUI

■ 1:07 a.m. in the 4300 block of Second Street

New details released about May 29 holdup

Police have released a new de-scription of the man in last week’s armed robbery at Golden Chop-sticks in the 3100 block of Santa Rita Road.

The suspect is described as a His-panic or light-skinned black male, 18 to 20 years old, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a slender build. He entered the restaurant with a black handgun and demanded money from the restaurant employee.

After receiving cash, the suspect ran out the front door headed east-bound on West Las Positas Boule-vard and got into a car parked on Weymouth Court. The suspect was last seen driving away eastbound on West Las Positas in an older model ‘80s-era four-door Toyota Camry that was described as dirty and “beat-up looking.”

At the time of the robbery, the suspect was wearing a gray shirt, dark pants and a backward dark-colored baseball style hat, with sunglasses and a black backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Pleasanton Police Department at 931-5100.

In other police reports:

arson, this time on Hometown Way near Wat Court in which a patch of grass was set on fire. The incident was reported at about 6:52 p.m. June 2. There have been at least four other recent arsons, including a late April arson near the intersection of Main Street and Del Valle Parkway along the arroyo trail, and two in March at Dumpsters at Valley View Elementary and at Vintage Hills El-ementary. Police have suspects. In an apparently unrelated March arson in the 700 block of Pietro-nave Lane, a car that had been stolen in San Jose was set on fire.

p.m. May 30 at Nations restaurant in the 5300 block of Hopyard Road on felony assault with a stun gun.

man after an argument there.

of Dublin was arrested at about 8:28 p.m. June 1 at Macy’s Wom-en’s in the 1300 block of Stoneridge Mall Road for felony theft of mer-chandise. A lengthy list of property was recovered, including clothing and jewelry worth about $1,700.

Leandro was arrested at about 5:35 p.m. at the Apple Store in the 1600

block of Stoneridge Mall Road on felony theft and identity theft for illegal use of an access card for at-tempting to use a fraudulent Visa debit gift card under a false name.

was arrested for misdemeanor pros-titution at about 2:30 p.m. May 29 at Natural Massage in the 7100

a search warrant.

Medallion Court reported a fraud in which she wired $1,800 after a call from someone claiming to be a special agent from the DEA with a warrant for her arrest. The incident

May 31.

1000 block of Stoneridge Mall Road netted a book on skin care valued at $1,500 along with $220 sneakers, $200 cash, a $50 duffle bag, a $50

Entry in the break-in, which oc-curred between 7:55 and 8:05 p.m., was by breaking a window.

$500 and a soda vending machine door lock valued at $500 was dam-aged at Foothill High School in the

unknown if any money was taken in the incident, reported at about 2:53 p.m. June 1.

Birch Creek Terrace reported some-one had applied for a credit card in

incident was reported at about 8:19 a.m. May 29.

about 1:05 p.m. May 29 that some-one had used a false prescription to obtain a controlled substance.

5700 block of Stoneridge Mall Road reported that miscellaneous items, including an Apple iPod worth $50, a laptop computer and projector, tennis shoes and keys, were stolen in a break-in, reported at about 10:30 a.m. June 3. Entry was gained through a rear exit door. Under the law, those arrested are considered innocent until convicted.

POLICE BULLETIN

COMMUNITY PULSE ● TRANSITIONS

The above represents a sampling of upcoming meeting items. For complete information, please visit

www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/community/calendar

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND PUBLIC COMMENT IS WELCOME

Planning CommissionWednesday, June 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.Council Chamber, 200 Old Bernal Avenue

P13 0543, Brixmore Rose Pavilion Application for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a veterinary hospital for dogs and cats only at 3901 Santa Rita Road, Suite A, within the Rose Pavilion shopping center.

Tract 8139, Lynn Jansen, Roselyn Estates II Application for Vesting Tentative Map approval to subdivide an approximately 3.71 acre lot, generally located north of the present terminus of Calico Lane and east of the present terminus of Lynn Drive (APN 946 4610 014 00), into seven single family home lots plus two common area parcels.

P13-1944, St. Anton Partners Application for a Development Agreement to vest the entitlements of the project PUD 81 30 87D consisting of 168 apartment units and related site improvements located at 5729 West Las Positas Boulevard.

Library CommissionThursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.Library Conference Room, 400 Old Bernal Avenue

Joanne Boucher Griffith

Feb. 26, 1943- June 4, 2013 Joanne Boucher Griffith, also known by ‘Jo-mamma,’ ‘Grandma Jo,’ or Mom, was an amazing per-son who passed away at the age of 70 this week from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis while at Kaiser Hospital in Roseville. She was born in Philadelphia on February 26, 1943 and grew up in Pennsylva-nia. She married Dave Griffith in 1965 and in 1969 they moved to California to raise their family. In addition to being a caring and nurturing wife and mother, Joanne was a passion-

ate educator and nurse and an out-spoken human rights advocate with a strong sense of humor. Joanne had a lifelong love of learning. She constantly read and considered the world and current issues around her. She supported causes that gave opportunities for women and chil-dren and took in teens who were having trouble in life. Joanne and Dave sponsored Diana Makkonen to come to the United States from Ethiopia as a young girl to pursue high school and college educations. Joanne was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Loomis as well as Pleasanton Pres-byterian Church. She was a fantas-tic cook and enjoyed hosting friends and family for good food and lively conversation. She was always in-clusive of others both at home and abroad, and her warm presence will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her hus-band Dave, her four daughters, and eight grandchildren.

OBITUARIESPAID OBITUARIES

DOWNTOWNASSOC I A T I O N

Page 12 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

COVER

Principals reflect on their time at Pleasanton schools

BY GLENN WOHLTMANN Pleasanton’s three departing veteran principals all have different backgrounds, but they share a common message: The key to their success is building relation-ships. “The way we’re most successful with students is getting to know them and get-ting them to connect with us,” said John Whitney, who’s retiring after 14 years at Pleasanton Middle School. He was princi-pal at Donlon Elementary before that, and served as dean at PMS before moving to Donlon. One of the ways Whitney’s been known to reach out is through music, playing guitar with students and getting others to dance. Both high school principals, Foothill’s John Dwyer, who’s headed to a high school in west San Jose, and Jim Hansen, who’s retiring, agreed that success is about more than just the students. Dwyer is leaving after spending nine years at the school, where he started as a vice principal. He’s been principal for six years. “Everything is built on relationships,” Dwyer said. “You need to build solid rela-tionships with staff, parents, kids and the community.” Hansen has been principal at Amador since 2010, and spent 11 years before that as principal at Harvest Park Middle School. Give him five minutes, and he loves to talk about accomplishments — not his own, but those of his students. “It’s pretty exciting when, for example, our baseball team won Saturday,” he said. “They’re moving on to the next level of North Coast Section play. It’s kind of cool to see how excited the kids get and be able to be involved in that, to see the excite-ment of the kids that came in second in the nation in ‘We the People,’ just how hard they worked to get there. “It’s just gratifying as a principal to see kids doing so well and thriving.” Hansen also complimented the school’s drama and mock trial team. “In this school, excellence in the class-room is the norm, but even beyond the classroom, just being able to watch kids excel. Not only do they excel in competi-tive environments, but they excel in com-munity service,” he said. Whitney said the best part of the job is being part of a team. “Being part of a large team of dedicated, passionate people who want to make a

difference in the lives of kids — that’s awesome,” he said. Dwyer agreed. “You get to work with wonderful kids, great teachers and faculty,” Dywer said. He said the hardest part of being a prin-cipal is trying to achieve balance. “Between the time you spend at school and the time you want to spend at school, because it’s a great place to be, but also looking at your own personal family life and trying to find that balance, it’s a time consuming job,” he said. “For your per-sonal health and sanity, you’ve got to find that balance. We’re all challenged by that, trying to find balance in our lives.” Both Whitney and Hansen touched on recent economic struggles as among the

hardest parts of the job. “Overall, the funding situation has been so unpredictable,” Whitney said. “We’re used to doing educational instruction at certain levels of staffing and financial sup-port. With the budgeting challenges, we were bound and determined to continue that. We did everything we could to con-tinue the highest levels of quality.” For Hansen, less money meant having to say “no” more often. “If there’s a request for funding a project or funding an event or something that’s near and dear to the staff or the students and the funds aren’t there to do that, that’s difficult,” he said. They said working with problem stu-dents can be tough, too.

“Once in a while, you try everythyou can for a specific student but thesomething in the way of getting thwhere they need to be,” Whitney said. Hansen said his approach to disciplhas always been less about punishmthan it is about helping a student reathe consequences of her or his actions “Having that conversation with a sdent about what they did and what consequences are — involving the faily in that conversation, typically —know that I’ve been successful if the chdoesn’t do it again, if there’s a sense the understands,” he said. “When a walks out of the office after you’ve hthat conversation and after you’ve givhim the consequence and he says, ‘Thayou,’ or she says, ‘Thank you’ — and thusually do — I think it’s been successf “There are times you have to be hehanded with suspensions and expulsibut I really think kids come away frthose experiences having learned a hulife lesson, so it’s really about the life son.” All three offered simple advice for next person to step into their job. “Establish a real solid foundationpositive relationships with all staff teaching staff, classified staff, kids, comunity. When it comes time to mchanges, that becomes much more dcult, I think,” Dwyer said. “If you wanbe successful with the changes you wto make or moving the school forwayou have to spend a lot of time buildthose relationships.” Jason Krolikowski, an assistant prinpal from the San Ramon Valley UnifSchool District, was hired as FootHigh’s new principal. Hansen’s successor at Amador Vahas yet to be selected. His advice for the next principal“learn the culture, get to know the sand the students and the parents and derstand what this community is abowhat direction it’s already going. “Obviously,” he said, “that persongoing to want to add his own ideasterms of that, but make sure he undstands the direction the place is alregoing before implementing any change Whitney said he’s already confident incoming principal at PMS, Aileen Psons, will do a great job. “She knows our school well,” he saHis single piece of advice: “You just hto enjoy the moment.”

All three agree building relationships is paramount

MIKE SEDLAK

Three Pleasanton principals are moving on: Amador Valley’s Jim Hansen, left, and Pleasanton Middle School’s John Whitney, center, are retiring, and Foothill’s John Dwyer is headed to a new post.

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 13

STORY

Graduating students answer the question:

‘How has high school prepared you for the future?’

The outside world doesn’t define you — it reveals you.

For me, high school tore off any confidence I had and replaced it

with rags of self-deprecation, fear and endless questioning. However,

my experience was not poor in the smallest sense. I am rich in experi-

ence, young as I am, simply by having made the choice to dive into the

worlds of those around me. We all drift from one perspective to another. It’s

hard to remember that sometimes — especially

when a student’s nervously tapping their desk in

front of you for an interminable hour, or when

someone sneers and spews profanity onto innocent

victims. But these are the times I learned the most. High

school would have been miserable if I had not taken

each sleepy, hyper, kind and mean face as a prophet

on my life’s journey. I learned that underclassmen carry their fragile hearts like baby birds

first sent out to fly. We trembled from our fear of heights, our fear of fall-

ing. It was imminent in our fortified cliques, our perfectionism, or our

lack thereof, as a barrier against more pain. I met people who shielded

their identity from the world and crushed it by doing so. I learned, most

importantly, to reveal myself, to expose myself in uncomfortable yet

valuable ways. I loved, and I loved, and I didn’t stop. I chose to love and accept

whomever I met because this marathon of emotions only gets better if

you train for it. There is no other way to describe my four years except: “I have done

it.” You have done it. All of us have endured the pit of despair and the

paragon of happiness in these four influential years.

You have shown me that feeling something is the best thing in the

world. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

What do you want to do when you grow up? That is the question students are asked starting from kindergarten and then forever throughout our educa-tional career. When we reach high school we are supposed to know or begin to figure out what it is we want to do. I found my calling through preparation and motivation. For some, it takes several years to figure out a path for their future while others know right away from day one what they want to do. It was not until my senior year that I realized what I wanted for my future. Kit Little, my catering teacher, had much to do with that decision. Being a part of her class and catering busi-ness taught me how to get organized, improvise when something goes wrong, not to overbook events, and how to keep the customer coming back. These are all skills that I learned for running a successful business, and I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to do so at Village High School. Now I know I want to go into the catering business in the fu-ture. As I mentioned earlier, I now possess the motivation to move forward in life and now that I have found something I enjoy I want to continue learn-ing. High school has taught me so much, and with all I have learned I feel prepared to take on whatever life throws my way. I am ready to take the next step into the world and could not be more excited.

hing ere’s hem

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There will be very few times in the “real world” where I will need to solve the integral of a polynomial or recite verses of the “Odyssey.” I entered high school as a typical freshman — eager to become a teenager — and this coming fall I will be starting over as a freshman at UC Davis. In high school, I realized that it’s not always about what I learned, but more so about how I learned it. My experience at Amador Valley High School has given me a steady foundation as I pave my way forward. As a student, cheering in the Purple Pit, I discovered what I treasure most: love, spirit and companionship. It does not matter what grade you are in, what you look like, or whom you are friends with because we were all there for the same reason: to cheer on the home team. The environment of high school encouraged the personal drive, passion and community spirit within me. High school taught me how to build connections and how to interact; through my involvement in the leadership program, I learned to plan, fundraise and inspire others. Within the classroom, I learned to compete and push myself past expec-tations. With encouragement from my parents and teachers, I learned what it means to try and try again, because eventually somehow, somewhere it will pay off. I do not remember all 500 Latin root words I once had to memorize, but I do recall the discipline and determination it took to do so. Once again, it was not always about what I learned, but more about how I learned it. I do not, by any means, suggest that every second of high school was amazing. While going through hardships, the most important part was that I had a community, my own Purple Pit comprised of classmates, my parents and, most of all, my teachers to support me. As I carry on at Davis next year and to my career after, I will always cherish Amador and its beautiful mes-sage it has bestowed upon me.

BY ALEXIS FARIA

AMADOR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2013

BY KELLY MCDEAVITT

FOOTHILL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2013

BY MARINA MADRIGAL

VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2013

“THE SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY SCENE:

GARAGE BANDS FROM THE 60’S THEN

AND NOW”

Jim Whitney, center rear, was

guitar player in a popular Bay

Area band, the Spyders, in

the ‘60s. Whitney still plays

and is looking forward to

performing more after

he retires.

A complete list of graduates will run in next week’s issue.

Page 14 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

“My kids’ lives have been changed. They both studied abroad, they are both world travelers.

“We have friends all over the world,” she continued. “We went to the wedding of someone we hosted, in Germany. A student from Japan brought her baby to visit us.

“The world is so much smaller when you know people from other countries. It opens your eyes in a way that isn’t possible just by reading a book or going to school or to a movie.”

Hornig said her family would love to host another student but their summers have been too busy. She highly recommends the experience.

“I wish more people would just try it out. It’s not as intrusive as you might think, it doesn’t disrupt your family routine,” Hornig said.

“The saddest day was when they were all getting on BART, getting ready to go home. I think they all bonded together, it was just really a lot of fun,” she added.

“We get in our own little bubble

here in Pleasanton, and that was one of the best things we’ve done. I’d recommend it for anyone, especially if you have kids.”

TriValley LifeWHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY — MUSIC, THEATER, ART AND MORE

PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLES IN OUR COMMUNITY

When the Yvette and Phil Hornig family hosted an exchange student from Spain a few years ago, offspring Brett and Brie weren’t sure what to expect.

“They said, ‘This person that we don’t know, they’ll live in our house?’” Yvette Hornig remembered with a laugh.

Pleasanton residents Yvette and Phil both had foreign exchange students in their homes as teenagers in Hayward and Castro Valley so they anticipated a good experience.

“We explained, ‘They’re high school students. They’re screened. We’re not just picking up a random person off the street,’” Hornig recalled.

“If they get hungry, do they get to get up and just rummage through the pan-try?” the kids also asked.

“Yes, we want to make them part of the family,” Hornig explained. “Until that first night he was here, I think they were a little nervous. Then, when he was here, they thought, ‘Holy cow, he’s just like us.’”

Jon Zubeldia, 15, turned out to be from the Basque region, which made it interesting for all of them as he spoke three languages. He was a year younger than Brett and four years older than Brie.

“Age-wise it worked out perfectly,” Hornig said. “One thing he wanted to do first was go through a drive-through and get a hamburger. They really want to do teenage things, they want to do things your own kids want to do.”

Brett was a runner at Amador Valley High and Jon, a soccer player, accompa-nied him on his runs.

The Hornigs hosted Jon through Edu-Culture Immersion, a company started in Pleasanton in 1998 by Phyllis O’Neill, who is still executive director. The host family coordinator was taken ill this year so O’Neill herself is now searching for homes in Pleasanton -- and many more are needed. Students will arrive from Spain and France starting June 24 for three to four weeks.

“Everybody’s schedules are so busy, it gets harder every year,” said O’Neill.

Hosts have to provide a bed for each visitor, breakfast, sometimes a lunch to go and dinner. Edu-Culture has Ikea beds it can loan to host families.

Families benefit incredibly by sharing their homes and their lives with these students, O’Neill said, noting that hosts do not need to have children at home.

“Empty-nesters can take two kids,” she suggested. “Working families are fine.”

The teens will be busy each weekday with activities ranging from swimming to touring the Pleasanton Police Department and having lunch downtown. Excursions include BART rides to San Francisco for several days, a day at Santa Cruz, a tour of UC Berkeley and an overnight in South-ern California.

“One thing that also makes it fun being a host family is if there’s room on the bus your kids can go along as well,” Hornig said. “Other students from France and Austria and Spain, myself and two kids went to a Giants game and a tour of San Francisco. It was just a lot of fun.” “During weekends and evenings they will have done a lot of activities so people don’t have to feel they have to entertain them,” O’Neill said, explaining that they like to experience everyday life in America. Hornig said Jon was fascinated by the wide array of cereals here and tried them all. “He loved going to grocery stories. Ours are just enormous and open 24 hours a day, that’s a weird thing for them,” she said. “He packed his luggage with cereals he’d tried here.” Edu-Culture interviews the host families before placing the visiting teens, provides chaperones and guides, and is available to help with any problem or emergency. O’Neill said she has hosted students about 20 times and consequently has friends around the world. “It’s a way of traveling without leaving home, a sharing of language,” she said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOSLeft and above: Different groups of students staying locally enjoy a day trip to San Francisco. Below: The Hornig family in 2008 with Jon Zubeldia, their visiting student from Spain: (l-r) dad Phil, Brie, mom Yvette, Jon and Brett.

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

To learn about hosting a teenCall Phyllis O’Neill, executive director of Edu-Culture Immersion, at 596-1925, or visit educulture.com.

Hosts needed for European teens — now

Make friends from all

over the world through

exchange program

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 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,” “Best Meal under $20” and “Best Kid Friendly Restaurant,” Eddie Papa’s American Hangout celebrates the regional food and beverage cul-tures 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.

ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR

Author VisitsSARAH DESSEN AT TOWNE CENTER BOOKS Young adult author Sarah Dessen will answer questions, read from her new book, “Moon and More,” and sign copies at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at Towne Center Books, 555 Main St. Numbered tickets are $5, with the number as your place in line and seating choice. Call 846-8826 to reserve your ticket.

ClassesCOMPUTER TUTORING Need help with downloading E-books from the library to your E-Reader, sending e-mail attachments, social networking, blogging, general Internet questions? Drop-in classes are from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays at the Pleasanton Public Library, 400 Old Bernal Ave. Call Mary Luskin at 931-3400, ext. 7. Free and open to all.

ClubsLIVERMORE AMADOR VALLEY GARDEN CLUB The Livermore Amador Valley Garden Club will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 13, at the Alisal School multipurpose room, 1454 Santa Rita Road. Charles Crohare will speak on olive growing and selling. Potluck at 6:30 p.m. Visitors wel-come. Call Bev at 485-7812 or visit www.lavgc.org.

SHE SPEAKS FOR SENIORS TriValley Democratic Club presents Hene Kelly, vice president of California Alliance for Retired Americans, telling congress hands off Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, from 7-9 p.m., Monday, June 17, at IBEW 595, 6250 Village Pkwy., Dublin. Contact 451-4303 or go to trivalleydems.com/Calendar.htm.

SPEAKER ERIC GOLUB AT TRI-VALLEY REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED DINNER Humorist and author Eric Golub will speak at the Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated Dinner at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13, at Cattlemens Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore. Cost is $26 members, $30 guests. Contact Phyllis Couper at coupclan1962@pacbell.net or 462-4931.

TRI-VALLEY COMMUNITIES AGAINST A RADIOACTIVE ENVIRONMENT Tri-Valley CAREs monitors nuclear weapons and environmental clean-up activities throughout the US nuclear weapons complex. Join the monthly meeting from 7:30-9 p.m., Thursday, June 20, at the Livermore Library, 1188 S. Livermore Ave. Call 443-7148 or go to trivalleycares.org.

EventsADULT AND TEEN SUMMER READING “Explore Reading,” Pleasanton Public Library’s Summer Reading Program for adults of all ages and teens in high school will take place June 15 to Aug. 4. Read or listen to books, attend library programs and write book reviews to be entered into weekly drawings for fun prizes. Free. 925 931-3400 ext. 4. www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/services/library

BEERS AND BRATWURST BBQ Purchase a plate of delicious barbequed bratwurst for $5 and enjoy a complimentary beer tasting, from noon-3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at New Leaf Community Market, 3550 Bernal Ave. Call 621-7660, x120.

JUNE TEA DANCE Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6298 proudly presents the June Tea Dance with live music, from 1-3:15 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, at Veterans Hall, 301 Main St. Donation of $7 includes a light lunch. Proceeds used to help veterans and their families. Contact 443-222 or Joephylb@att.net.

ExhibitsCONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE EXHIBIT The Contemporary Landscape Exhibit, featuring five artists from abstract to conceptual, runs June 7-July 19 at Harrington Gallery at Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. An opening reception with artists will be 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 12. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

Film‘WAR ON WHISTLEBLOWERS’ Robert Greenwald’s new film “War on Whistleblowers,” exploring the role of whistleblow-ers in a democracy, will be showing on Saturday, June 8, at IBEW Hall, 6250 Village Pkwy., Dublin. Potluck at 6:30 p.m., followed by the film and discussion. Call 462-3459.

FundraisersPANCAKE BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT SERVICE MEMBERS The Pleasanton Veterans of Foreign Wars and other service

4501 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton

734-0307Open daily from 11am

www.redsmokegrill.com

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Meet little MaxThis is Max, an adorable little Siamese mix who’s about 10 weeks old and fi lled to the brim with cuteness, energy and playfulness. He enjoys sitting on laps and soaking up plenty of good, old-fashioned attention. Max has been raised in a foster home with adult cats, so he’s learned how to get along with grown-up kitties. Max is neutered, microchipped for identifi cation, up-to-date with his kitten vaccinations, negative for FeLV and FIV, and treated for worms and fl eas. He’s available for adoption through TVAR, and will go home with all sorts of great things, including toys, food, litter and a certifi cate for a free vet check-up. Want to meet Max? Contact his foster mom, Terri, at terrilduncan@yahoo.com or call 487-7279.

PET OF THE WEEK

clubs will host a free pancake breakfast to raise donations for the Pleasanton Military Families Support Group. Breakfast will be served between from 8:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 8. Call Doug Miller at 998-9905.

HealthCANCER SURVIVORS INVITED TO CELEBRATION OF LIFE Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to “Celebrate Our Future Birthdays with Humor and Hope.” Rakesh Patel, M.D., radia-

Page 16 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

ON THE TOWN ● CALENDAR

Bay Area News Group has been asking readers to vote for their Best of the East Bay shops, eats, and activities for a quarter-century.

Chianti’s Ristorante is a double-category winner for 2013.See for yourself and let us know what you think! Check out our menu and specials

at www.chiantisristorante.com.

We are proud to have been voted the Best Italian and Best Seafood by East Bay readers.

484-3877 |

Superb Quality at Affordable PricesOver 11 Seafood Specialty Entrees Vegetarian Dishes Lunch Specials

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With purchase of a 6” regular sandwich, chips and 20 oz. fountain drink

Valid only at participating Togo’s locations: 3120 Santa Rita Rd and 5556 Springdale Ave, Pleasanton, CA. One coupon, per customer, per visit. Must present and surrender coupon at time of purchase. Plus tax, where applicable. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount or promotion. May not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Expires 6/21/13. © 2013 Togo’s Eateries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Monday-Friday, 5pm-8pm 6” regular sandwich, chips & 20 oz. fountain drink

Valid only at participating Togo’s locations: 3120 Santa Rita Rd and 5556 Springdale Ave, Pleasanton, CA. One coupon, per customer, per visit. Must present and surrender

coupon at time of purchase. Plus tax, where applicable. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount or promotion. May not be reproduced, copied, purchased,

traded or sold. Expires 6/21/13. © 2013 Togo’s Eateries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.3037-G Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton

(At Valley Ave in Hopyard Village)

925-485-4500www.LaViteRestaurant.com

“THE EUPHORIA OF FINE ITALIAN FOOD.”

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Buffet at 6:30$25 per person

tion oncologist, will present “Good News about Cancer Survival,” and Michael Pritchard, comedian, will present “A Dose of Laughter,” from 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, at Faz Restaurant, 5121 Hopyard Road. Space is limited. RSVP by June 7 to 934-7640, ext. 305, or juliane.lee@cancer.org.

LOW COST HEALTH SCREENINGS Heart Watch, a mobile, certified laboratory that provides the most up-to-date screenings with results within minutes, will be at at New Leaf Community Market, 3550 Bernal Ave., from 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, June 12. No appointment necessary. Contact Heart Watch for fasting and cost info at (800) 549-0431.

Kids & Teens‘AHOY MATEYS!’ WITH M.O.M.’S READING TIME All swashbuckling preschoolers are invited to “Ahoy, Mateys!” reading and activities as part of M.o.M.ís Reading Time. Begins at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, at Museum on Main, 603 Main St. Free, donations

appreciated. No reservations required. Contact 462-2766 or education@museumonmain.org.

FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER FREE SUMMER FIRST FRIDAYS Firehouse First Fridays will be held 5-8 p.m. the first Friday of the month, starting off today, June 7, at Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. Free Summer Open House Events, including open mic with guest acts, art demos, art projects for youth, face painting and more. Call 931-4848 or go to www.firehousearts.org.

Lectures/WorkshopsCRAFTING A POWERFUL STORY ONE SCENE AT A TIME Jordan E. Rosenfeld, author of “Make a Scene” and “Forged in Grace,” will be the guest speaker at the next monthly meeting of the CWC Tri-Valley Branch, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at Four Points by Sheraton, 5115 Hopyard Road. Cost is $15 for non-members, $10 for members. Contact 216-5238 or reservations@trivalleywriters.org.

925-460-50005575 W. Las Positas Blvd. #240, Pleasanton

925-449-400028 Fenton St., Livermore

www.ValleyEyeCareCenter.comCaring for the Tri Valley Since 1975

Jonathan Savell, M.D., Michael Gagnon, M.D., Stanford Medical School FacultyKala Swamynathan, M.D.,Gina Trentacosti, O.D., Jimmy Yip, O.D., Kien Ngo, O.D.

See Your Best! Look Your Best

Want to Get Dad a Pair of Cool Sunglasses this

Father's Day?

Come in or call to purchase Dad a gift certificate, or stop by Valley EyeCare Center to discover how our optical department can help Dad look and see his best! Valley EyeCare Center has a variety of popular sunglasses brands

and styles to give the man in your life a sharp new look!

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 17

Sports

BY DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI Tri-Valley Community Televi-sion recognized outstanding high school athletes last Thursday at an event with guest speaker legendary Major League Baseball pitcher Vida Blue. Each of the 46 teens was a 2013 Athlete of the Week on TV30’s Sports Final, featuring George “Dr. B” Baljevich, Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti, Ian Bartholomew and Anna Kagarakis. Blue, who was a star pitcher for the Oakland A’s as well as the San Francisco Giants and the Kansas City Royals from 1969-86, grew up and played ball in Louisiana before he was drafted by the pros. “I didn’t know they were going to pay me,” he recalled. “I would have played for free.” Blue, 63, who now lives in Tracy, said he occasionally pitches at Little League practices for fun. “I can still get those kids out,” he commented. But the evening was about the young athletes, not about him, he noted. “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t accomplish your dream be-

cause you can,” he said. “I’m from Mansfield, La. — who knew I would play 17 years of professional baseball and win three World Series (1972, 1973, 1974 with the A’s).” He concluded, “Congratulations to all the recipients — play hard, play fair and play clean.” Willie Harper, a former lineback-er for the 49ers, complimented the

event and the recognition of the high school athletes. “Someone has taken notice,” he told the athletes,” and it up to you to exploit these gifts and talents.” The awards were presented by Dr. B, Sbranti, Mayor Jerry Thorne of Pleasanton, Mayor John March-and of Livermore, Supervisor Scott Haggerty and Malcolm Brudigam of

state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier’s office. Each awardee stepped onto the stage to be handed a trophy and congratulated by Dr. B while vid-eos showed them playing their sport. Then each athlete proceed-ed across the stage for further congratulations from Vida Blue and the others. Athletes from Amador Valley High

honored were Iris Brand, swimming; Kristina Dunworth, volleyball; Ryan Genn, volleyball; Johanna Grauer, softball; Alysse Ketner, basketball; Kimberly Liu, golf; Grant Miller, football; Kyle Moreno, football; Jena Pianin, cross country; and Marisol Tracy, volleyball. Athletes from Foothill were Grif-fith Gates, football; Jamirr Holland, football; Ray Hudson, football; Celina Li, swimming; Steven Pat-rick, basketball; Alex Sborov, golf; Katie Sborov, golf; and Amanda Tuazon, volleyball. This was the eighth year for the Tri-Valley Community Television Athlete of the Week awards, and the third year for the Outstand-ing High School Athletic Awards event. “Our leagues are doing so well in sports that it’s made our job really easy,” said Dr. B. More than 200 people attended the awards ceremony, which was held at the Robert Livermore Com-munity Center in Livermore. It will be shown on TV30 and TV28 start-ing in mid-June. For a schedule or to buy a DVD of the event, go to www.trivalleytv.org.

TV30 gives awards to high school athletes‘Play hard, play fair and play clean,’ says speaker Vida Blue

DOLORES FOX CIARDELLI

Grant Miller, a football player from Amador Valley High, is congratulated by Mayor Jerry Thorne and baseball great Vida Blue. At right, Amanda Tuazon from Foothill High watches a video of her exploits on the volleyball court with TV30’s George “Dr. B” Baljevich.

fogster.com THE TRI-VALLEY’S CLASSIFIEDS WEB SITE

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130 Classes & Instruction

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer

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SUMMER WORD POWER WRITING GROUPS

Six one-hour meetings will *RAISE SAT SCORES* make *ESSAY WRITING EASY* Bring up grades in English,

History, Social Studies. Groups limited to 3 students for individual attention. For details contact: Adam Donovan *Coaching to Win* adam.donovan@

yahoo.com/650-440-1150

135 Group ActivitiesFREE FIT CAMP

FREE WORKOUT at MISSION HILLS PARK in Pleasanton 8-9:30AM every

Saturday, all experience levels Suzanne 925-322-7702

140 Lost & FoundLost Family Cat- Reward

Lost in Livermore-Orange tabby with chip, front claws de-clawed. App. 18 lbs. 5 yrs. old with orange eyes.Mom needs you dearly, so God watch over“Tigger”. Due to family illness mom is back in Arizona, Please help reunite

us with our beloved cat. Can call AVID Microchip (800) 336-2843, Amanda (925) 922-4893, or Dee (928) 897-

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145 Non-Profits Needs

DONATE YOUR CARFast Free Towing 24 hr. Response Tax Deduction. UNITED BREAST

CANCER FOUNDATION. Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info

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FOR SALE

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202 Vehicles WantedCASH FOR CARS

Any Car/Truck. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3808 www.

cash4car.com (AAN CAN)

210 Garage/Estate Sales

PA: Citywide Yard Sale, June 8 Helping the environment and mak-

ing money has never been so easy. Reusing - whether you donate, buy, or sell - is one of the best ways to

reduce waste and keep usable stuff out of the landfill.

Join us for the Palo Alto Citywide Yard Sale on June 8. Details will be posted on http://www.

PaloAltoOnline.com/yardsale/

The map and listings will be upload-ed to this page and be printed in the June 7, 2013 edition of the Palo

Alto Weekly.

Pleasanton, 4613 Mirador Drive, June 8 & 9, 8-2

Garage sale-moving Frig,couch & chairs, cribs, housewares, Xmas decorations, crafts, home builder items, toys & games, Precious

Moments dolls & accessories,tools, and lots more!

235 Wanted to BuyCA$H PAID FOR DIABETIC STRIPS!Don't throw boxes away-Help others.

Unopened /Unexpired boxes only. All Brands Considered! Call Anytime!

24hrs/7days (888) 491-1168

240 Furnishings/Household items

Moving Sale-Like New Furniture!Oak China Hutch/$299 (40Wx75Hx17D),

Oak Coffee Table/$150 (46Wx16Hx281/2D), Oak End Table/$125 (22Wx23Hx27D), Solid Oak Entertainment Center $525 (65Wx67Hx22D) *Beveled glass doors, Stained glass lamp $165 (19”dia.12”H), Walnut Computer Desk/

Hutch/$200 (60Wx77Hx29D) *2 pieces... lots of space! All in excellent condition!

Call 461-8704.

245 MiscellaneousAT&T U-Verse

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Motorcycle TrailerHolds 3 motorcycles. Like new. Extras.

$1200. (925) 426-1065.

MIND& BODY

425 Health ServicesATTENTION SLEEP APNEA

SUFFERER with Medicare. Get CPAPReplacement Supplies at little or NO

COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888-699-7660.(Cal-SCAN)

Canada Drug Centeres tu mejor opcion para ordenar

medicamentos seguros y economicos. Nuestros servicios de farmacia con

licencia Canadiense e Internacional te proveeran con ahorros de hasta el 90 en todas las medicinas que necesites.

Llama ahora al 1-800-385-2192 y obten $10 de descuento con tu primer orden ademas de envio gratuito. (Cal-SCAN)

Canada Drug Centeris your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call today 1-800-273-0209, for $10.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

NEED VIAGRA?Stop paying outrageous prices! Best prices ... VIAGRA 100MG, 40 pills+/4

free, only $99.00. Discreet shipping, Call Power Pill. 1-800-374-2619 (AAN CAN)

THE TESLA SHIELD™The #1 personal energy enhancement device. Transformational technology

for mind body and soul. Visit www.tes-lashield.com for information and ordering.

EMPLOYMENT

560 Employment Information

$$$HELP WANTED$$$Extra Income! Assembling CD cases

from Home! No Experience Necessary! Call our Live Operators Now! 1-800-405-7619 EXT 2450 http://www.easywork-greatpay.com (AAN CAN)

AIRLINE CAREERSbegin here. Get FAA approved Aviation

Maintenance Technician training. Financial Assistance available. Job

placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-242-3382

AIRLINES ARE HIRINGTrain for hands on Aviation Maintenance

Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of

Maintenance 877-804-5293 (Cal-SCAN)

ATTN: COMPUTER WORKWork from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo. Full Time. Training provided. www.

WorkServices5.com (Cal-SCAN)

DRIVERS:A few Pro Drivers Needed! Top pay & 401K, recent CDL grads wanted. Call 877-258-8782 www.addrivers.com

EARN $500 A DAYAirbrush & Media Makeup Artists

For: Ads - TV - Film - FashionTrain & Build Portfolio in 1 week.

Lower Tuition for 2013. www.AwardMakeupSchool.com (AAN CAN)

Help Wanted! make extra money in our free ever

popular homemailer program, includes valuable guidebook! Start immediately! Genuine! 1-888-292-1120 www.easy-

work-fromhome.com (AAN CAN)

Paid In Advance!MAKE up to $1000 A WEEK mailing

brochures from home! HelpingHome Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No Experience required.

Start Immediately!www.mailing-station.com (AAN CAN)

BUSINESSSERVICES

601 Accounting/Bookkeeping

NEED HELP WITH QUICKBOOKS? Over 18 years experience in all

aspects of bookkeeping.No job too big or too small!

Call Linda at 925-918-2233

605 Antiques & Art Restoration

615 ComputersMY COMPUTER WORKS

Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet con-

nections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call

for immediate help. 1-888-865-0271

624 FinancialEver Consider a Reverse Mortgage

At least 62 years old? Stay in yourhome & increase cash flow! Safe &

Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-698-3165.(Cal-SCAN)

GET FREEOF CREDIT CARD DEBT NOW! Cut pay-

ments by up to half. Stop creditors from calling. 888-416-2691. (Cal-SCAN)

636 InsuranceSAVE $$$ on AUTO INSURANCEfrom the major names you know and trust.No forms. No hassle. No obliga-tion. Call READY FOR MY QUOTE now!

CALL 1-888-706-8325. (Cal-SCAN)

HOME SERVICES

751 General Contracting

NOTICE TO READERSIt is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project valued at $500.00 or more

in labor and materials. State law also requires that contractors include their

license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at

www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500.00 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

A NOTICE TO READERS:It is illegal for an unlicensed person

to perform contracting work on any project valued at $500.00 or more in labor and materials. State law also requires that contractors

include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contrac-

tor’s status at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500.00 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State

License Board.

759 HaulingBig C Hauling

Home & Business clean-up appliance, furniture, yard waste removal.

Construction demolition, tree and shrub removal. Recycling. Low rates. Free estimates. 925-899-5655

REAL ESTATE

809 Shared Housing/RoomsALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of the mouse! Visit: http://www.Roommates.com. (AAN CAN)

825 Homes/Condos for Sale

Woodside, 3 BR/2 BAExcellent location with easy access to downtown Woodside. For detailed infor-mation go to http://www.zillow.com/

homedetails/132-Audiffred-Lane-Wood-side-CA-94062/2112755813_zpid/

840 Vacation Rentals/Time Shares

$399 Cabo San LucasAll Inclusive Special - Stay 6 Days

In A Luxury BeachFront Resort With Unlimited Meals And Drinks For $399! www.luxurycabohotel.com 888-481-

9660 (Cal-SCAN)

850 Acreage/Lots/Storage

20 ACRES FREE!Buy 40-Get 60 Acres. $0-Down $198/

mo. Money Back Guarantee, NO CREDIT CHECKS, Beautiful Views.

Roads/Surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.

com (Cal-SCAN)

995 Fictitious Name StatementERNIE REYES’ WEST COAST MARTIAL ARTSFICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENTFile No.: 478548 The following person(s) doing business as: Ernie Reyes’ West Coast Martial Arts, 5684 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Tribe Strength and Conditioning, 5684 Stoneridge Dr., Pleasanton, CA 94588. This business is conducted by a Corporation. Registrant began transacting business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein 05/16/2013. Signature of Registrant: Brian Go, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on 05/16/2013. (Pleasanton Weekly, May 24, 31, June 7, 14, 2013)

DI MEDICALFICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENTFile No.: 477845 The following person(s) doing business as: DI Medical, 1807 Santa Rita Road Suite D254, Pleasanton, CA 94566, is hereby registered by the follow-ing owner(s): Dunkel International, 1807 Santa Rita Road Suite D254, Pleasanton, CA 94566. This business is conducted by a Corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed herein. Signature of Registrant: Brian Dunkel, President. This state-ment was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda on 05/02/2013. (Pleasanton Weekly, May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 2013)

997 All Other LegalsSUMMONS - FAMILY LAW (Citacion Judicial-Derecho de Familia) Case Number: FL11-0618 (Numero del Caso) NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (Aviso al Demandado): LANCE GRENAMYER: You are being sued. A usted le estan demandando. PETITIONER’S NAME IS (El nombre del demandante es): Heather Grenamyer You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form 1282) at the court and serve a copy on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Usted tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIOS despues de recibir oficialmente esta citacion judicial y peticion, para completar y presentar su formulario de Respuesta (Response form 1282) ante le corte. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no le ofrecera proteccion. Si usted no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede expedir ordenes que afecten su matri-monio, su propiedad y que ordenen que usted pague mantencion, honorarious de abogado y las costas. Si no puede pagar las costas por la presentacion de la demanda, pida al actuario de la corte que le de un formalario de exoneracion de las mismas (Waiver of Court Fees and Costs). Si desea obtener consejo legal, comuniquese de inmediato con un abogado. NOTICE: The restraining orders on the back are effective against both husband and wife until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. AVISO: Las prohibiciones judiciales que aparecen al reverso de esta citacion son efectivas para ambos conyuges, tanto el esposo como la esposa, hasta que la peticion sea rec-hazada, se dicte una decision final o la corte expida instrucciones adicionales. Dichas prohibiciones pueden hacerse cumplir en cualquier parte de California por cualquier agente del orden publico que las haya recibido o que haya visto una copia de ellas. 1. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de las corte es) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO SUPERIOR COURT, 1035 Palm Street, Room 385, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. 2. The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without any attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado es): Law Office of Lisa Ramsey, Lisa Ramsey, 761 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, CA 93449. Date (Fecha): May 10, 2013 /s/Lisa Marie Jordan, Deputy Clerk (Actuario) (seal) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual. (Pleasanton Weekly May 24, 31; June 7, 14, 2013

w

TO RESPOND TO ADS WITHOUT PHONE NUMBERS GO TO FOGSTER.COM

ANTIQUE RESTORATION“A Labor of Love”

Impeccable QualityIntegrity of Workmanship

925-462-0383All inclusive License #042392

LEGALS

Page 18 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

Senior Software Engineer in Pleasanton, CA. Analyze, design, develop, deploy, test, & debug complex, scalable enterprise apps. Requires Bachelor’s in Technology or Comp. Sci. + 5 yrs. Java, J2EE, SOA-Webservices & Java Portal-related exp. Mail resumes to Luitporia Software Consultancy, 435 Boulder Ct., Ste. 500, Pleasanton, CA 94566, Attn. Jugma Bora.

No phone number in the ad? GO TO fogster.com

for contact information

The online guide to Pleasanton

businesses

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 19

Real Estate Directory

Teresa M. ConnorsREALTOR®

Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty

(925) 315-9616teresaconnors@kw.comteresaconnorshomes4u.comLIC# 01369799

5950 Stoneridge Drive, Pleasanton

Rebecca Bruner Sales Manager/REALTOR®

Direct: 925.730.1628 Cell: 925.577.8802 rebecca@remaxaccord.comwww.rebeccabruner.comDRE #909264

Cindy GeeREALTOR® Notary, GRI, CDPE(925) 963-1984cindy.gee@BHGHome.comDRE# 01307919

Lorraine Davis & Kim Grass REALTORS®

Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty510-421-2836www.davisandgrass.comLIC# 01149252

925-699–4377 dcrane@opesadvisors.comwww.darlenecrane.com

Darlene Crane, Real Estate Mortgage AdvisorO P E S A D V I S O R S

NMLS 30878 License 00907071349 Main Street #203, Pleasanton

direct: 925.397.4390cell: 408.476.7118 ilopez@rpm-mtg.com

Irma LopezSenior Mortgage Advisor

www.LoansByIrma.com DRE # 01296953, NMLS # 254790

Eva Deagen, GRIREALTOR®

phone: 925.699.2133homes@EvaDeagen.com www.EvaDeagen.comDRE# 01291142Ich spreche Deutsch

Jan PeglerREALTOR®

Better Homes and Gardens(925) 519-1455www.bhghome.com/janpeglerDRE# 01384196

Brett Junell REALTOR®

Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty

direct: 737-1000email: brett@teamjunell.com

www.teamjunell.comLIC#: 01366015 & 01290379

Will DoerlichBroker Associate, MBAKeller Williams Realtycell: (415) 860-3609offi ce: (925) 855-3415www.WillDoerlich.comLIC# 00597229

Personalized Service...

Professional Results!

office: 925.397.4188cell: 925.998.6173DBellinger@rpm-mtg.com

David Bellinger, MBABranch Manager

www.davidbellinger.comCA DRE # 01725157, NMLS # 450858

Janice HabluetzelREALTOR®

Re/Max Accordphone: (925) 699-3122www.JaniceTheRealtor.comDRE# 1385523

direct: 925.397.4141 cell: 925.381.8190Tgalde@rpm-mtg.com

W. Todd GaldeBranch Manager / Mortgage Advisor

www.AdvisingSmartFinancing.comCA DRE #01505858, NMLS #256864

Tom MontanoREALTOR® Since 1978Re/Max Accord(925) 730-1668www.TomMontano.comDRE# 00661426

• CONVENTIONAL, FHA & VA LOANS• JUMBO LOANS• REVERSE MORTGAGES...CAN CHANGE LIVES

Call for a Private Consultation(925) 474-1112

dmcglinchy@ccmclending.com

4301 Hacienda Dr., Ste. 120, Pleasanton, CA 94588CA-DOC256571

Don McGlinchyASK ABOUT MY LOAN APPROVAL

GUARANTEE PROGRAM

BUY AND RENOVATE WITH ONE LOANREFI AND RENOVATE WITH ONE LOAN

• First Time Buyers Programs• Conventional, FHA & VA Loans• Reverse Mortgages • Remodeling & Renovation Loans:

Letʼs Talk Today!(925) 474-1126

cthomas@ccmclending.com

4301 Hacienda Dr., Ste. 120, Pleasanton, CA 94588CA-DOC 256827

Carolyn ThomasIt Starts with a Conversation

Julie Hansen-OrvisREALTOR®

Re/Max Accorddirect: (925) 980-4925www.JulieHansenSellsHomes.comDRE# 00934447

Rated A+ Since 2005

Andrew LiuLiu Management Services“We take away the headache of managing your investment properties.”O: 925 461 0500aliu@liuproperties.comDRE # 017626475506 Sunol Blvd., Ste 200

OPEN HOMES THIS WEEKENDAlamo6 BEDROOMS

1801 Green Valley Rd. $1,699,000Sun 1-4 Alain Pinel Realtors 314-1111

Danville3 BEDROOMS

486 Freitas Rd $799,950Sun 1-4 Kathy Westernoff 577-2600

4 BEDROOMS

369 Highland Dr $1,288,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Coldwell Banker 837-4100

5 BEDROOMS

2136 Red Oak Pl $1,599,000Sun 2-5 Alain Pinel Realtors 314-1111

Dublin3 BEDROOMS

10738 Dulsie Ln $499,000Sat 1-4 Coldwell Banker 847-2200

4 BEDROOMS

2327 Capistrello St $929,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Tim McGuire 895-995011707 Harlan Rd $749,000Sun 1-4 Coldwell Banker 847-2200

Livermore2 BEDROOMS

790 N St. $249,900Sun 1-4 Alain Pinel Realtors 251-1111

3 BEDROOMS

1045 Livermore Ave $449,900Sat/Sun 1-4 Keller Williams Tri-valley 397-4200

1064 Hollice Ln $624,950Sun 1-4 Kathy Westernoff 577-26001775 Rose Gate Common $625,000Sun 1-4 Karen Crowson 784-6208

4 BEDROOMS

32 Mosswood Ct Call for pricingSat/Sun 1-4 Coldwell Banker 847-22006477 Pheasant Ct $694,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Katie Moe 216-9083361 Garden Common $458,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Louise Davis 200-2457

Pleasanton3 BEDROOMS

2115 Alexander Way $700,000Sat 1-4 Julie Lauer 963-28424432 Del Valle Pkwy $389,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Tim McGuire 895-9950

4 BEDROOMS

2104 Armstrong Dr $639,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Tim McGuire 895-99505332 Brookside Ct $574,900Sat/Sun 1-4 Tom Fox 872-12751512 Oak Vista Wy $969,000Sat/Sun 1-4 Doug Buenz 463-2000

5 BEDROOMS

4975 Middleton Pl $1,299,950Sat/Sun 1-4 Connie Cox 766-3198959 Oak Manor Wy $2,199,000Sun 1-4 Tom Fox 872-12758013 Regency Dr $1,448,000Sun 1-4 Cindy Gee 963-198422 Castlewood Dr $1,575,000Sun 1-4 Mark Kotch 989-1581

Real Estate OPEN HOME GUIDE AND REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

BY JEB BING Local realtors America Foy and Remy Weinstein are inviting East Bay homeowners to shine a light on an area of California that often goes overlooked by submitting their unique and luxurious homes to the Epic Homes of the East Bay Contest. Residents who submit are given the chance to receive a design consultation from HGTV star Cora Sue Anthony and be featured in her upcoming book: “Cora Sue Anthony’s Epic Homes of the East Bay.” The contest is open to owner occupied one- to four-unit residential properties lo-cated within the East Bay. Submissions will

be judged on the following criteria: size, location, view, yard, uniqueness, architec-ture, history, details, amenities, convenience, functionality, floor plan and curb appeal. Judges confirmed for the contest include Cora Sue Anthony; East Bay Realtors Foy and Remy Weinstein; Architects Ron Herman and Bob Smiley; and professional photographer Britta Stratton. Submissions must be made by July 15. Cora Sue’s Epic Homes of the East Bay will feature 28-40 East Bay homes when it goes on sale over the Christmas holiday season. Homeowners can submit their home to http://epichomecontest.com/

HGTV star seeks homes to promote in new book

Deadline July 15 in Epic Homes of the East Bay Contest

SALES AT A GLANCE

Source: California REsource

Dublin April 11-24Total sales reported: 8

Lowest sale reported: $447,500

Highest sale reported: $1,149,000

Average sales reported: $662,188

Livermore April 11-24Total sales reported: 25

Lowest sale reported: $310,000

Highest sale reported: $875,000

Average sales reported: $515,180

Pleasanton April 11-24Total sales reported: 27

Lowest sale reported: $340,000

Highest sale reported: $2,325,000

Average sales reported: $996,907

San Ramon May 4-15Total sales reported: 26

Lowest sale reported: $324,000

Highest sale reported: $1,245,000

Average sales reported: $788,731

Page 20 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

#1 Office in Pleasanton

in Volume and Sales3 years in a row!

201020112012

5994 W. Las Positas, Suite 101, Pleasanton | www.KWTrivalley.com | 459 Main Street, Pleasanton Broker License #01395362

Melissa PedersonREALTOR® LIC # 01002251

925.397.4326melissapedersonhomes@gmail.com

www.melissapederson.com

7976 Limewood Court, PleasantonConsistently a Top Producer with over 24 years of experience

I bring the highest level of expertise to every home I sell.Whether you are buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I would be happy to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Another Home SOLD!

Service, Trust, Results

361 Garden Common, LivermorePerfect Fit!! See it Now!

Open Sat and Sun 1-4 p.m.

Louise DavisREALTOR® LIC # 00551850

925.200.2457 www.LouiseDavis.com

Offered at $458,000

925.463.0436 | www.SoldinaFlash.comREALTORS®, GRI, CRS, SRES

Downsizing Isn’t Easy…Until you see this beautiful one level home located in the heart of Livermore’s wine country. Stunning one level home with over 2500 interior sq ft. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 3 car garage. Gourmet granite slab counters, stainless steel appliances and a center island. Priced in the mid $900,000’s

3108 Tokay Ct, Pleasanton Views, views, views! Stunning 5 bdrm, 3 bath home nestled in the hills of Pleasanton. Gourmet granite slab & cherry wood kitchen with upgrades galore! Family rm with custom cabinetry overlooking beautiful backyard with sunset views. Built in BBQ and spa. Master bdrm with panoramic views! $1,225,000

SALE PENDING - VINTAGE HILLSCOMING SOON - THE OAKS

959 Oak Manor Way, Pleasanton

5 Bedrm/5.5 Baths, 5389SqFt,

Custom. Private court.

Elevator, great views.

Offered at $2,199,000

Open Sun 1-4

Tom FoxBroker Associate LIC # 00630556

925.872.1275www.TomFox.com Tom@TomFox.com

5332 Brookside Court, Pleasanton

4 Bedrm/2.5 Baths, 2119SqFt,

Spacios Townhouse, Great Garden

patio. Upgraded.

Offered at $574,900 - New Listing

Open Sat & Sun 1-4

5208 Kenilworth Way,

San Ramon

3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,379

sq. ft., 6200 sq. ft. lot.

Built in 2007.

Call us for more information about this fabulous home!

Coming Soon! Sellers! I have buyers looking in all price ranges! If you are thinking of selling your home,

please call me or email me for a

complete market analysis of your home.

This is a great time to move up or down or out of the area!

Gail BoalREALTOR® LIC # 01276455

925.577.5787www.gailboal.com

Cindy and Gene WilliamsREALTORS®

DRE # 01370076 and 00607511 925.918.2045

www.williamsteam.net

Buying or Selling your home?Call us today for more information!

TOP REALTORS in the Tri-Valley Area

Mike Chandler

LIC #01039712

925-426-3858 MikeChandler.kwrealty.com

Jill Denton

LIC #01804876

925-998-7747JillDenton.kwrealty.com

1521 Oxsen Street, Pleasanton

Single Family Home Duet Style in

‘Danbury Park’• 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath

• 1731 sqft• Well Maintained Home with Newer

Roof, Furnace, AC, etc ...ready for you

to make your own!

PENDING!1142 Mataro Ct, PleasantonBeautiful Vintage Hills home backing to open space. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2673+/- sq. ft. Updated kitchen with granite counters, updated bathrooms, main floor bedroom and bath, master suite with balcony, new carpet, indoor laundry, pool with waterfall, 3 car garage. Offered at $1,120,000

Pending in 5 days with multiple offers!

Liz Venema & DeAnna ArmarioREALTORS® LIC # 01922957 and 01363180

925.413.6544 925.260.2220Liz@ArmarioHomes.com DeAnna@ ArmarioHomes.com

ArmarioHomes.com

Andrew GreenwellTeam Leader/CEO

AGreenwell@kw.com

Amazing Agents... Doing Amazing Things“We are enjoying home ownership for the first time

and are so grateful that we found our KW Agent

to help us. Their insight, excellent negotiations, and

knowledge of the Tri-Valley was amazing!

Thank you for being there for us during

the entire process.”

— Janice & Ryan Spuller

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 21

PHYLLIS WEINER, REALTOR®

PWEINER@ROCKCLIFF.COM 925.251.2585

PETER MCDOWELL, REALTOR®

PMCDOWELL@ROCKCLIFF.COM925.251.2550

w e i n e r m c d o w e l l . c o m CA BRE #00673849 / 01361481

weinermcdowellLuxury Real Estate and Lifestyle in the East Bay J. Rockcliff

Realtors

JR

Pleasanton/ Dublin/ Livermore Valley Office5075 Hopyard Rd., Ste. 110, Pleasanton, CA. 94588

Castlewood4 8 8 B U N K E R L NC A S T L E W O O D C O U N T R Y C L U B , P L E A S A N T O N

Castlewood4 9 6 B U N K E R L NC A S T L E W O O D C O U N T R Y C L U B , P L E A S A N T O N

Kottinger Ranch37 8 5 S M A L LW O O D C TK O T T I N G E R R A N C H , P L E A S A N T O N

5 bedrooms plus Bonus Room, 3886 sq ft.

Wonderful Mediterranean style semi-custom home on 2/3

acre with gorgeous views! Feels like your own tropical para-

dise, featuring Master Suite plus another large Guest Suite on

the main level, plus 3 more bedrooms, and huge Bonus/ Rec

Room downstairs. Offered at $1,598,000

Beautifully designed and decorated Traditional style, semi-

on the main level plus Master Suite and 2 additional Bed-

rooms plus Den downstairs. Offered at $1,550,000

5 bedrooms and 5 ½ baths, 5800 sq ft., .60 arce lot

This custom home located in the hills above Kottinger

Ranch, one of Pleasanton’s premier locations, with 360

degree views over the Pleasanton Valley to Mt. Diablo. Fea-

tures European architecture with the highest level of aes-

thetics and durability on every level. Offered at $2,399,000

PENDING/ MULTIPLE OFFERS/ OVER LIST PENDING/ MULTIPLE OFFERS/ OVER LIST PENDING/ EXCELLENT PRICE

PROVEN RESULTS! Don’t hesitate to call us first!

Love Where You Live

KATIE MOE 925-216-9083KATIE@KATIEMOE.COMDRE: 01507863

6477 Pheasant CtLivermore

Gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with spacious living and vaulted ceilings.

With a bedroom and full bath downstairs as well as a large loft area, this home

offer multiple options for family living. The backyard is open and spacious with

mature fruit trees and room for a garden. Walking distance to school and located

on a private court. Move your family right in! Asking $694,000

Just Listed in Maralisa EstatesOpen Sat and Sun 1-4pm

Traveling Notary services available. Call for pricing.DRE# 01307919 Customer service is #1...

TOP PRODUCER Caring Professional Hardworking

Pending!

Pending!

Pending!

5770 Stonecliff

Vista

8005 Regency

Drive

2577 Arlotta Place

3128 Devereux

Court

8013 Regency Dr.Gorgeous updated one story in desirable Laguna Oaks. Granite kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and 3300+ sq. ft. with views of the Pleasanton Ridge.

LAGUNA OAKS, RESORT STYLE LIVING. Pool, Tennis, Parks and more!

Realtor, Notary925.963.1984

cindy.gee@bhghome.com

Cindy Gee

Pending!

REAL ESTATE

This lovely custom home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Pleasanton’s prestigious gated community, Ruby Hill. The 4,336 sq.ft. home sits on a 20,750 sq.ft. lot (.47 acre). It offers an updated kitchen with newer appliances, gorgeous granite counters and glass tile backsplash. The 4 bedroom home also features a bonus room, 3 full baths and open and light spaces, perfect for entertaining. The resort-like backyard is private and enormous, with a beautiful salt-water pool, hot tub, stone waterfall and expansive lawn area.

Sold by the Fabulous Properties Team at Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty

Donna Garrison (925) 980-0273 and Susan Schall (925) 519-8226

665 VARESE CT., PLEASANTON, $1,660,000

HOME SALE OF THE WEEK

Page 22 June 7, 2013 Pleasanton Weekly

Doug BuenzThe 680 Group

Office 925.251.1111

Direct 925.463.2000

680Homes.com

apr.com | PLEASANTON | 900 Main Street 925.251.1111

CA DRE# 00843458

A Wide Range Of Inspections Available for Real Estate Transactions

Go to 680Homes.com for more information on these homes and other properties.JUST SOLD!

Stunning Sycamore Heights former model home with 5 BR, 4.5 BTHs, spacious granite/stainless kitchen, custom wood work & trim, and private yard with panoramic views of the Pleasanton Ridge! $1,729,000

JUST SOLD! Fabulous 4 BR, 3.5 BTHs luxury home backs to open space with hardwood floors, granite & stainless kitchen, soaring ceilings, and private 1/3 acre lot with pool & spa! Sold for $1,300,000

JUST SOLD! Gorgeous Castlewood home with upgrade finishes throughout! 4 BR plus bonus room, 4 full baths, pool, gated entrance, sweeping views, 3 car garage, hardwood floors, and more! $1,425,000

SOLD!

Custom home on Incredible 70 acre site on top of the Pleasanton ridge with sweeping views of oak studded canyons. 3 BR, 2.5 BTHs, guest house, 7 car garage, and more! $2,620,000

OPEN SAT & SUN 1-4 PENDING SALE!Fabulous 4 BR, 2.5 BTHs, with gourmet granite & stainless kitchen, luxuri-ous master suite with inviting bath, custom tile flooring, 3-car garage and more! $969,0001512 Oak Vista Way

Luxurious single story home in the Castlewood area featuring 4 BR, 4 BTHs, gourmet kitchen, 7+ car garage, and a private almost 3 acre lot with sweeping views! 979 Oak Manor Way

Most participants in a real estate transaction are aware that inspections are a normal part of the process. Indeed most transactions include a termite inspection, a general home inspection, and a roof inspection. And if there is a pool, there is normally a pool inspection as well. And the importance of having these inspections can not be overstated. It is important for all participants that the condition of the property be ascertained, and that the buyer gets a clear idea of exactly what they are buying. And while these normal inspections are a well established part of the process, there are several other inspections that are available as well. Some are situational, and some are a good idea in most circumstances. Here are some other inspections that you might want to make part of the process:

Solar Inspection. If the property has a solar system to heat the pool or to generate electricity, it is a good idea to have the solar system inspected as part of the transaction. Be sure the solar company is qualified to inspect the system and undertake the repairs. Solar inspectors can be somewhat difficult to find and schedule.

Chimney Inspection. A chimney inspection is conducted by a licensed chimney sweep, and I generally recommend them, especially on masonry or brick fireplaces. The biggest threat is broken flue tiles and/or cracked chimneys, which present a fire hazard and can require a $2000 to $3000

repair. On newer non-masonry fireplaces, the most common issues are related to separation of the panels or pre-mature aging of the refractory panels, both of which competent home inspectors will comment on. The other common finding is a build up of soot and creosote, a waxy residue that is the result of burning artificial logs such as duraflame, etc. Even newer gas fireplaces should be checked to make sure they can be operated safely.

Furnace and Air Conditioning Inspection. A detailed inspection of the furnace and air conditioning system by a licensed HVAC contractor. They will run the system, test for output and temperature differential, and check the integrity of the ducts, the furnace, and the air conditioning compressor. Definitely recommended on homes with older systems and/or ducts. Better to find out ahead of time if the system is operating efficiently.

Radon Gas. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is produced by the decay of the >> Go to www.680homes.com to read the rest of this article.

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PLEASANTON3023 BADGER DRGORGEOUS HOME! $679,0003 BR 2.5 BA Updated Kitchen w/Island, Garde window, & hrdwd flrs. Gas Stove.Washer, Drye, Refrig stay! 925.847.2200

7910 CASTILLIAN RDDESIRABLE WEST DUBLIN HOME! $759,0004 BR 2.5 BA +Additional Loft.Kit/Fam/Nook Combo.Side yard access.1 block from Dolan Park. Close to BART 925.847.2200

SUN 1 - 4 11707 HARLAN RDWEST DUBLIN SINGLE STORY HOME $749,0004 BR 2 BA Open flrpln w/vaulted ceilings.Valley views off the back deck.Quiet location. 925.847.2200

7031 DUBLIN MEADOWS ST #UNIT GEND UNIT CONDO $435,0003 BR 2 BA Private patio,central heat & air, wood burn-ing fireplace,in-unit laundry, & garage. 925.847.2200

4086 LOCH LOMAND WAYGREAT OPEN FLOOR PLAN $765,0004 BR 3 BA Formal Living & Dining Rm. Entry w/

high ceilings.2 wood burning fireplaces.A Must See! 925.847.2200

4755 LANTANA AVEEXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED! $439,9003 BR 2 BA Neutral paint. Custom woodwork. Remod-eled kit. Dual pane windows. Newer carpet. Lrge backyard 925.847.2200

1544 69TH AVEALMOST LIKE BRAND NEW! $249,0003 BR 1 BA Hrdwd flrs, formal Dining Rm, Dual Panes; Handcrafted Tile,Kit w/Granite & Double oven 925.847.2200

2415 POMINO WAYHIGH QUALITY HOME! CALL FOR PRICING6 BR 5 full BA + 2 half Ruby Hill Stunner w/

Nanny Ste, Lg.Mstr Ste., Office, Rec/Game Rm, Wine Cellar,Interior Ctyrd. 925.847.2200

7710 CANYON MEADOW CIR #APT. EBEAUTIFUL UPDATED CONDO! $269,0001 BR 1 BA Updated Kitchen. Hill Views.Walk-in Closet. Recreation center.1 Car garage+1 parking space 925.847.2200

173 N. 31ST STREETMEDITERRANEAN STYLE HOME! CALL FOR PRICING3 BD / 2 BA Hrdwd Flrs. Breakfast nook. Separate laundry rm. New carpet. Walk-In Closets. 2-car garage 925.847.2200

SAT/SUN 2 - 5 896 CATKIN CTMOVE IN READY CONDO! $399,0002 BR 2 BA Kitchen w/granite counters & stainless steel appl. & ample cabinet space. Close to schools. 925.847.2200

3901 LICK MILL BLVD #211MIRAVAL CONDO DEVELOPMENT $560,0002 BR 2 BA Kit w/granite & gas stove. Tile flrs. Bth Rm w/granite counters & shower stall. Covered patio 925.847.2200

764 PRESIDIO PLOUTSTANDING FLOORPLAN $419,0004 BR 3.5 BA Lots of Light.Laminate Flrs. Formal Din.Kit w/Island & ample cabinet space. Fam w/Fireplace 925.847.2200

DUBLINSAT 1 - 4 10738 DULSIE LANE

CALIFORNIA HIGHLAND TOWNHOME $499,0003 BR 2.5 BA Over $40k upgrades.2-car garage.Nice-ley landscaped patio area.Walk to the community pool. 925.847.2200

FREMONT41615 CARMEN STMISSION SAN JOSE RANCHER $898,8884 BR 3 BA Remodeled Home.Mstr Ste & Guest Ste.Formal Liv & Din Rm.Copper Plumbing. Dual Pane Windows. 925.847.2200

LIVERMORESAT/SUN 1 - 4 32 MOSSWOOD CT

BEAUTIFUL HOME CALL FOR PRICING4 BR 3 BA 1 Bd & Ba on 1st Flr.Hrdwd flrs. Gorgeous bckyd w/pool, spa waterfall-Must see to believe! 925.847.2200

PLEASANTON CaliforniaMoves.com

DUBLIN

925.847.2200 | 5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122

LIVERMORE

TRACY

PLEASANTON

OAKLAND SAN JOSE

SANTA CLARA

Pleasanton Weekly June 7, 2013 Page 23

p

PLEASANTON 900 Main Street

BLAISE LOFLANDProfessional Real Estate Services

DRE# 00882113

BlaiseLofland.com BLofland@apr.com 925.846.6500

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Connecting People and Property

PRIMA

176 PRATO WAY, LIVERMORE Upgraded 5 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, approximately 3325 square foot Centex home. Spacious gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island, and breakfast bar! Expansive master suite with spa tub and walk-in closet. Plantation shutters, crown molding, custom tile and Brazilian cherry hardwood fl oors throughout downstairs. Dual heating & air conditioning. Beautifully landscaped front and rear yards, in-ground pool/raised spa and private courtyard area, three car garage with electric gated private driveway. Close to golf-ing, Ruby Hill Country Club, renewed downtown and adjacent to the Livermore Wine Country! SOLD FOR $850,000

BRIDLE CREEK

5206 SELENA COURT, PLEASANTON Check out this double sized lot (.56 acre). Premium private court location for this quality built Greenbriar home (2000), includes 4 bedroom (1 down), 3 baths, and bonus room. Beautiful professional landscaping with in-ground pool/spa in this expansive private backyard including multiple sitting areas, adjacent beautiful Heritage Oak tree, elevated ridge viewing deck. Upgraded gourmet kitchen, with granite counters, marble heated fl ooring and stainless appliances. Comprehensive audio/video system included. Three car garage. Great home for entertaining! Attendance area for great schools. Walk to Mission Park & Downtown Pleasanton! OFFERED AT AND SOLD FOR $1,399,000

RUBY HILL

4355 CAMPINIA PLACE, PLEASANTONGorgeous custom single level on .60 acre premium lot in desirable Ruby Hill private gated community. Beautiful views of surrounding hills and vineyards. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, custom gourmet kitchen with granite slab countertops. Extensive crown molding, Brazilian cherry hardwood fl ooring, expansive master suite. Completely fi nished three car garage. Beautiful grounds include mature professional landscaping, built-in BBQ, viewing/sitting area, large covered patio and extensive lawn area. Ruby Hill community amenities include country club, golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, dining and greenbelt. SOLD FOR $1,450,000

SOLD!

CUSTOM

3834 ORION COURT, PLEASANTON Quiet court location near downtown, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2800 plus square feet. Lot size is 9074 sq. ft. Highly upgraded custom home, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, expansive master suite with retreat, fi replace and upgraded bathroom. Large family room with fi replace, plantation shutters and crown molding. Newer landscaped private rear yard with built-in BBQ, refrigerator, sitting area, fi re pit and beautiful stone patios and landscaping! SOLD FOR $958,000

SOLD!

SOLD!

A realtor in Pleasanton since 1986, Blaise has participated in over half a billion in property transactions!

1416 CALLE ENRIQUE, PLEASANTONBlaise represented the buyer in the purchase of this charming townhome. Two bedrooms and one bath with a two car garage, 941 square feet. Newer paint and carpets throughout home. Hardwood fl oors in living area and laundry in two car attached garage. Private enclosed patio and large community pool and clubhouse. This home offers a great location convenient to downtown and parks! OFFERED AT AND SOLD FOR $400,000

DEL PRADOSOLD!

SOUTH LIVERMORE

1210 SANTORINO COURT, LIVERMORE Blaise represented the buyer in the purchase of this beautiful South Livermore home located next to Independence Park. Large fi ve bed-room, four and a half bath, 4,149sf. house with Brazilian wood, tile and carpeted fl oors. Large kitchen with granite, cherry cabinets and Wolf appliances. Spacious family room, full bath/bed 1st fl oor, large master suite with sitting area. Three car garage all on a spacious 12,686sf. lot located in a small private court location.SOLD FOR $1,055,000

SOLD! SOLD!

DANVILLE

752 TURRINI DRIVE, DANVILLE Remodeled, upgraded single level on a premium .35 acre lot with in-ground pool and outdoor kitchen. Four bedrooms, three baths, 3,114 square feet, side yard access and three car garage with extra workshop area. Upgraded gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Remodeled bathrooms with custom tile fl ooring. Spacious family room, living room and master suite. Separate studio in rear yard with sink. Beautiful views of the ridge and a ten minute walk to Downtown. Great schools!SOLD FOR $1,300,000

SOLD!

1141 RIESLING COURT, LIVERMOREBlaise represented the buyer in the purchase of this custom built home. This home offers vaulted ceilings and an open fl oor plan as well as refi nished hardwood fl oors throughout. Kitchen offers a gas range and views of the beautiful rear yard. Master suite is spacious and offers dual closets and vaulted ceilings. Master bath has an oversized tub and separate stall shower. The beautiful and spacious rear yard includes a stamped concrete and covered patio perfect for entertaining. SOLD FOR $775,000

SOUTH LIVERMOREJUST CLOSED!

5731 DAKIN COURT, PLEASANTONNewer Summerhill home on premium private lot in Sycamore Heights. Secluded location with private backyard and panoramic views! Professionally landscaped! 5BD, 4.5BA, activity/hobby room, 4,021 sq. ft. Lots of custom woodwork, including fully wrapped windows, wainscoting and built-ins. Gourmet kitchen open to large family room includes granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Large master suite, spacious bathroom with large tub and separate shower. Great location, walk to downtown and neighborhood park! Less than 5 minutes to Castlewood Country Club. Don’t miss this one! SOLD FOR $1,729,000

SYCAMORE HEIGHTSSOLD!

PLEASANTON/ LIVERMORE VALLEY | 900 Main St 925.251.1111

EXPLORE THE NEWapr.com Where people, homes and a bit of imagination intersect

PLEASANTON $2,149,000 Beautiful Castlewood, remodeled 2011, Craftsman style ,14th fairway, great view,custom metal fencing, amazing gourmet kitchen, Landscaping with rear yard fire feature reminiscent of Sunset Gardens. 15 FAIRWAY LN

DEAN WAGERMAN BY APPT

PLEASANTON $1,575,000 Custom built, 5bd, 4ba, 5,217+/-sf, elegant formal dining and living rooms, downstairs family room with 2nd kitchen, expansive master suite with hidden retreat, great yard for entertaining and more! 22 CASTLEWOOD DRIVE

MARK KOTCH OPEN SUN 1-4

PLEASANTON $1,045,000 Custom 4 bdrm/2.5 bath home. Expansive kitchen w/ granite. Vaulted ceilings. Lrg mstr w/bay windows. Backyard has deck, covered patio & grass. Close to downtown, schools & close to Highway 84 & 680. 664 ROWELL LANE

SALLY MARTIN BY APPT

PLEASANTON $999,950Glistening HW floors, granite and stainless kitchen, custom cabinets, renovated granite baths, custom tile, all new fixtures, plantation shutters, professionally landscaped, views and more! 2604 CAMINO SEGURA

TIM MCGUIRE BY APPT

DUBLIN $929,000 4bd/3.5ba, 3,027+/-sf, gourmet granite kitchen, full bed/bath downstairs, hardwood floors, master suite has walk in close plus huge retreat/office. 2327 CAPISTRELLO ST.

TIM MCGUIRE OPEN SAT & SUN 1-4

PLEASANTON $969,000Charming 4 BR, 2 1/2 BTH, gourmet granite kitchen custom tile flooring 3 car garage. Luxurious master suite and more! 1512 OAK VISTA

DOUG BUENZ OPEN SUN 1 - 4

DANVILLE $675,000Darling 3bd,+large loft, desirable neighborhood surrounded by redwood trees, spacious, clean and great floor plan. close proximity to Blackhawk Plaza and shopping. 113 HERITAGE PARK DR

TIFFANY ROSE BY APPT

LIVERMORE $625,000Built in 2004, this home has a beautiful and spacious kitchen with cherry cabinets and stainless appliance. Large family room with fireplace. 3 bedrooms plus a loft. Outdoor grill and patio overhang. 1775 ROSE GATE COMMON

KAREN CROWSON OPEN SUN 1-4

PLEASANTON $639,000 4bd/3.5ba, 1700+/-sf,updated kitchen and baths, wood flooring, new windows & paint, large backyard, patio, hot tub, walk to award winning Mohr Elementary school. 2104 ARMSTRONG DR.

TIM MCGUIRE OPEN SAT & SUN 1-4

PLEASANTON $389,0003bd/1.5ba, 1.280+/-sf townhome, new wood flooring, carpet, paing & custom baths w/pedestal & claw foot tub, new windows, HVAC equipment, appliances included, walk to downtown and more! 4432 DEL VALLE PKWY

TIM MCGUIRE OPEN SAT & SUN 1-4

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