Editorials

2019

Did a bunny book really lead to Dublin superintendent's ouster?

After nearly 7 months, final batch of public records reveal little about Boozer's sudden departure back in March
It's difficult to believe that it took that long to find three documents. It's easier to believe it took that long to figure out how to hide a multitude of other documents via one of the plethora of exceptions to disclosure ...

December 5, 2019 | 2 comments

Be sure to 'Shop Small' in Pleasanton this season

Quality of life in a community like Pleasanton is closely tied to the local economy, which goes hand in hand with the health of the small businesses in our community.

November 24, 2019 | No comments yet

Dublin voters fail to turn out, again

Learn from DUSD residents' poor 2019 record. Get out and vote in every election
Public elections demand voter participation. Every vote matters is only relevant if every voter thinks every election matters. It's time for all of the Tri-Valley to always put their ballot where their mouth is.

November 13, 2019 | 1 comment

Let there be light (and power)

Thoughts on PG&E shutoffs, Amador parking lot & Livermore vaping referendum cancellation
Tens of thousands of Tri-Valley residents were without power during the weekend and into Monday because of a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff.

October 30, 2019 | 2 comments

Weekly among businesses marking milestone anniversaries

The city of Pleasanton recognized the Weekly and other businesses for their 20th year in operation with a plaque. Accepting ours were founding editor, Jeb Bing, and current editor, Jeremy Walsh.

October 23, 2019 | No comments yet

Livermore stands ready for vaping fight

It's a shame Livermore has to go up against Big Tobacco, with its deep pockets and dedicated spin doctors, in the city's effort to protect children.

September 11, 2019 | No comments yet

Editorial -- 9/11: Never forget

New York City is more than 2,500 miles from Pleasanton, but it didn't seem that far away on Sept. 11, 2001. Just about everyone lost something that day. The feeling of safety, belief in the invincibility of the U.S. and trust in others

September 5, 2019 | No comments yet

Labor Day origin a far cry from a fun day off

Ah, Labor Day. A three-day weekend full of barbecues and fun in the sun. The unofficial end of summer. But few people reflect on, or even know, the origin of the holiday ...

August 29, 2019 | No comments yet

Livermore downtown referendum raises serious questions

Don't sign a petition before doing your research, knowing the consequences
Aggressive signature-gatherers are everywhere, and the most recent campaign is to get Livermore voters to sign a referendum petition to, according to one signature-gatherer, "get a bigger park downtown." But there's more to the story.

August 20, 2019 | 17 comments

Pleasanton ready for 125th Anniversary Celebration

The 125th Anniversary Celebration will begin at 3 p.m. next Friday. Live music, family-friendly entertainment, a cornhole tournament with city staff and other fun activities will take place at Lions Wayside and Delucchi parks.

July 25, 2019 | No comments yet

Another successful County Fair in Pleasanton

We said a fond farewell to the 2019 Alameda County Fair earlier this month, with the 107th year seeing a spike in attendance, new cultural events and increased consumption of classic fair food.

July 18, 2019 | 6 comments

Nomination period starts for 2019 Tri-Valley Heroes

Awards honor residents who 'make a better world'
We are now accepting nominations online for the 2019 Tri-Valley Heroes awards in eight categories, open to all who live or work in the Tri-Valley communities

July 2, 2019 | No comments yet

Keep, or start, the tradition of visiting our county fair

As we prepare for the final eight days of the 2019 Alameda County Fair, we should reflect on what the fair brings to Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley.

June 27, 2019 | No comments yet

Crucial time for downtowns across Tri-Valley

A downtown has an important and unique role in a community's economic and social development. Downtowns are historically the epicenter -- the heart -- of a community and the hub of commercial, cultural and civic activities.

June 20, 2019 | No comments yet

District-based elections do not make sense here

Many municipalities in the Tri-Valley are being forced to adopt district-based elections or risk being sued, which could result in costs of millions of dollars from a likely unwinnable case.

May 26, 2019 | 8 comments

Pleasanton Weekly wins statewide journalism prize for online Coverage of Local Government

CNPA honors coverage of Ben Curry's death; awards also go to 'Around Pleasanton' columns, PUSD enrollment reporting, Chabad Center series
The Pleasanton Weekly took home seven awards, including first place for online Coverage of Local Government, for stories throughout 2018 when the California News Publishers Association handed out its annual California Journalism Awards last Saturday in Long Beach.

May 6, 2019 | No comments yet

Remember Ben Curry

Vigil to honor memory of teen who drowned in school pool; gov't agencies continue to deny public records requests
Accountability speaks of integrity, honesty and transparency, which is sorely lacking in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District and Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office in this case.

May 2, 2019 | No comments yet

Vote Yes on Measure E, Dublin Unified's parcel tax renewal

We recommend Yes on Dublin's Measure E. The annual tax of just $96 provides vital funding for Dublin students and school programs -- guaranteed revenue for DUSD that will be locally controlled over the next nine years, a time when federal and state education funding priorities could well change.

April 24, 2019 | 1 comment

Tri-Valley wisely teams up on housing legislation; state should listen

This banding together approach is unique to the Tri-Valley; we applaud our local councils for being pre-emptive, collaborative and creative in planning to combat this legislation that will give Sacramento control over land-use, with little or no input from the people we elected to represent our local interests.

April 11, 2019 | 9 comments

Amador Valley High School deserves stability

We encourage our school district leaders to have a frank, public discussion with Amador students, parents and community members how about stability and transparency will be addressed.

March 14, 2019 | 3 comments

Thanks to our 2018 Holiday Fund donors

Weekly distributes $68,416 to Tri-Valley nonprofits from annual fundraising drive
Thank you to the 256 donors to the Pleasanton Weekly's 2018 Holiday Fund. Your generous contributions allowed us to present at total of $68,416 to 15 deserving nonprofit beneficiaries last week at a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Pleasanton.

February 28, 2019 | No comments yet

Share your thoughts on city priorities

Pleasanton city officials are working to draft their recommended list of city priorities for the next two years, and now is the time to offer your input to city leaders during this important planning process.

February 7, 2019 | 21 comments

Time to watch what's happening at Chabot-Las Positas

The leadership future of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District has approached a critical juncture. As these conversations pick up again, we will be watching closely. We suggest you do too.

January 31, 2019 | No comments yet

Holiday Fund needs your help as 2018 campaign nears end

Even though the campaign will end next Tuesday, there's still time to contribute to the Pleasanton Weekly's 2018 Holiday Fund.

January 10, 2019 | No comments yet

2018

Charities see funding shortfall, look for help from Holiday Fund

Fifteen local nonprofits will benefit from this year's Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund -- up three from a year ago. Yet contributions are falling behind.

December 23, 2018 | No comments yet

School district, sheriff's office stonewalling unacceptable

The Tri-Valley community continues to mourn the death of Ben Curry, who drowned during PE class at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville on May 8. Curry's family and friends -- and the entire community -- are demanding answers they are owed.

November 28, 2018 | 5 comments

With holiday buying season upon us, be sure to 'Shop Small' in Pleasanton

Quality of life in a community like Pleasanton is closely tied to the local economy, which goes hand in hand with the health of the small businesses in our community.

November 22, 2018 | No comments yet

New chamber alliance will benefit entire region

The Tri-Valley is unique in that the five communities that comprise the region actually work together. Where oftentimes cities compete with their neighbors for resources and designations, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon and Danville partner to tackle issues that affect the region.

November 15, 2018 | No comments yet

Pleasanton Weekly endorsements recap

Here again are the Pleasanton Weekly editorial board's election recommendations:

November 1, 2018 | No comments yet

Re-elect Baker for Assembly, Swalwell for Congress

Also: Vote for newcomer La for County Assessor, incumbent Wieskamp for East Bay Parks board
We reached our endorsement decisions for regional representative seats after meeting with the candidates or questioning them during a public forum.

October 17, 2018 | 105 comments

Vote Narum, Streng for Pleasanton City Council

Mayor Thorne, unopposed on ballot, also has our support for re-election
We think Narum and Streng are the right community leaders to guide the City of Planned Progress through the next four years.

October 10, 2018 | 64 comments

Tri-Valley municipal election recommendations

Endorsements for Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville councils, plus No on Measure U
This is a vital local election season throughout the Tri-Valley. Accordingly, the Pleasanton Weekly editorial board is offering the following recommendations for the Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon and Danville council races as well as Livermore's health care cost initiative, Measure U.

October 4, 2018 | 3 comments

Celebrate, Tri-Valley is fastest-growing job market in Bay Area

Labor Day is a celebration of the men and women who contribute to the strength and prosperity of the country through work.

August 30, 2018 | No comments yet

Where were all the Pleasanton candidates?

Pleasanton mayor, school board incumbents go unchallenged
We waited with bated breath for the candidacy filing deadline to see how many candidates would file to run for Pleasanton mayor, city council and school board, and who the challengers would be. We were a bit disappointed with the outcome

August 23, 2018 | 4 comments

Your friend, not enemy

Unprecedented attacks on the media hit the very protectors of our democracy
In an effort to focus public attention on the dangers of the President Donald Trump's attacks, we join in an unprecedented coordinated expression of concern by newspapers across the country.

August 16, 2018 | 83 comments

Revisiting JDEDZ now is city's best option, given circumstances

Costco remains committed to bringing new store to Pleasanton despite delay
The City Council reversing its decision from last year to approve the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone would be a smart move.

August 12, 2018 | 26 comments

Campaign will fund much-needed stroke care program

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and every four minutes someone dies of a stroke, according to a 2017 report by the American Heart Association.

August 2, 2018 | No comments yet

Looking back on another fun-filled Alameda County Fair

We bid adieu earlier this month to the 2018 Alameda County Fair, another successful installment of Pleasanton's annual summertime showcase.

July 26, 2018 | No comments yet

Documents reveal little about Harvest Park principal resignation

When Robin Munsell announced in May she was resigning her position as principal of Harvest Park Middle School after just under two years, the obvious question was why. And Munsell wasn't saying. So the Weekly asked PUSD for all public records pertaining to her exit.

July 19, 2018 | 36 comments

Nominate 2018 Tri-Valley Heroes

This October we will name the seventh group of Tri-Valley Heroes, and it is a good opportunity to revisit why our staff launched this awards program in 2012.

July 23, 2018 | No comments yet

'Zero tolerance' for daycare's noise comes to Pleasanton

The Trump administration's zero-tolerance for anyone crossing the border illegally has also become policy for a Jewish religious center's use of its backyard for outdoor activities in Pleasanton.

July 5, 2018 | 15 comments

New coalition unites Pleasanton, four other cities

The Pleasanton City Council voted unanimously last week to endorse a new Tri-Valley coalition that binds it even more closely with neighboring Danville, Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon.

July 1, 2018 | 2 comments

Palmer, Gambs, Sanwong for Zone 7 Board of Directors

After sitting down with four of the candidates and reviewing the records of all five, it is clear to us that the best leaders to serve Zone 7 for the next four years are three-term incumbent Sarah Palmer, retired Zone 7 engineer Dennis Gambs and Pleasanton resident Olivia Sanwong.

May 3, 2018 | 2 comments

Vote in Readers' Choice 2018

Contest raises awareness, importance of local businesses
It's time once again to vote for your favorite spots to eat, drink, shop and play in Pleasanton. We have hundreds of Pleasanton places and businesses listed in dozens of categories on the online ballot

April 19, 2018 | No comments yet

Full BART to Livermore is the best option

Make no mistake: This spring marks the most critical juncture for the BART to Livermore project, and the potential of bringing a BART rail extension to Isabel Avenue is very much up in the air. So make your voices heard.

March 22, 2018 | 24 comments

Telling the difference between news stories and opinions

Comments regarding last week's 'Pleasanton Preps' column indicates some confusion among readers
The Weekly's "Pleasanton Preps" columnist, Dennis Miller, wrote last week about a situation in which a set of parents did an investigation of Amador Valley High School girls varsity basketball coach Al Chavira, which led to his being placed on leave. Other team parents felt the "dirt" dug up was benign and requested the coach's reinstatement.

March 15, 2018 | 4 comments

Don't tune out; turn out for the June 5 primary

Congress, State Assembly, Governor, county seats, Zone 7 among races
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, voter turnout in the June primaries hit an all-time low in non-presidential primary year of 2014. Lack of interest and time constraints were the top two reasons given by registered voters who said they do not always vote.

February 22, 2018 | 11 comments

Editorial - Black History Month: Knowledge is imperative to creating inclusive society

Black History Month, which celebrates achievements and contributions of African-Americans in our nation's history, is commemorated around the country every February since President Gerald Ford made it official in 1976.

February 15, 2018 | No comments yet

A bright day for Sunflower Hill

Proposed housing community for special-needs adults is win-win for everyone
The Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch residential community for adults with special needs just got one step closer to becoming a reality.

February 8, 2018 | No comments yet

Kudos to City Manager Nelson Fialho

Longtime city leader recognized for 25 years in public service
Nelson Fialho, Pleasanton's city manager since 2004 -- and, at the time, was California's youngest municipal executive -- was honored last week by the City Council, and for good reason: He was just recognized by the International City/County Management Association for having served in local government for 25 years.

January 25, 2018 | 7 comments

Make this the week you help schools through Holiday Fund

Annual donation campaign benefiting PPIE, other nonprofits runs until Jan. 12
With students heading back to school next week after a two-week holiday break, it's a good time to remember to give to the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund, which will benefit Pleasanton schools.

January 4, 2018 | No comments yet

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Editorials

Quality of life in a community like Pleasanton is closely tied to the local economy, which goes hand in hand with the health of the small businesses in our community.

Learn from DUSD residents' poor 2019 record. Get out and vote in every election Public elections demand voter participation. Every vote matters is only relevant if every voter thinks every election matters. It's time for all of the Tri-Valley to always put their ballot where their mouth is.

Thoughts on PG&E shutoffs, Amador parking lot & Livermore vaping referendum cancellation Tens of thousands of Tri-Valley residents were without power during the weekend and into Monday because of a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff.

The city of Pleasanton recognized the Weekly and other businesses for their 20th year in operation with a plaque. Accepting ours were founding editor, Jeb Bing, and current editor, Jeremy Walsh.

It's a shame Livermore has to go up against Big Tobacco, with its deep pockets and dedicated spin doctors, in the city's effort to protect children.

New York City is more than 2,500 miles from Pleasanton, but it didn't seem that far away on Sept. 11, 2001. Just about everyone lost something that day. The feeling of safety, belief in the invincibility of the U.S. and trust in others

Ah, Labor Day. A three-day weekend full of barbecues and fun in the sun. The unofficial end of summer. But few people reflect on, or even know, the origin of the holiday ...

The 125th Anniversary Celebration will begin at 3 p.m. next Friday. Live music, family-friendly entertainment, a cornhole tournament with city staff and other fun activities will take place at Lions Wayside and Delucchi parks.

We said a fond farewell to the 2019 Alameda County Fair earlier this month, with the 107th year seeing a spike in attendance, new cultural events and increased consumption of classic fair food.

Awards honor residents who 'make a better world' We are now accepting nominations online for the 2019 Tri-Valley Heroes awards in eight categories, open to all who live or work in the Tri-Valley communities

As we prepare for the final eight days of the 2019 Alameda County Fair, we should reflect on what the fair brings to Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley.

A downtown has an important and unique role in a community's economic and social development. Downtowns are historically the epicenter -- the heart -- of a community and the hub of commercial, cultural and civic activities.

Many municipalities in the Tri-Valley are being forced to adopt district-based elections or risk being sued, which could result in costs of millions of dollars from a likely unwinnable case.

We recommend Yes on Dublin's Measure E. The annual tax of just $96 provides vital funding for Dublin students and school programs -- guaranteed revenue for DUSD that will be locally controlled over the next nine years, a time when federal and state education funding priorities could well change.

We encourage our school district leaders to have a frank, public discussion with Amador students, parents and community members how about stability and transparency will be addressed.

Pleasanton city officials are working to draft their recommended list of city priorities for the next two years, and now is the time to offer your input to city leaders during this important planning process.

The leadership future of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District has approached a critical juncture. As these conversations pick up again, we will be watching closely. We suggest you do too.

Even though the campaign will end next Tuesday, there's still time to contribute to the Pleasanton Weekly's 2018 Holiday Fund.

Fifteen local nonprofits will benefit from this year's Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund -- up three from a year ago. Yet contributions are falling behind.

The Tri-Valley community continues to mourn the death of Ben Curry, who drowned during PE class at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville on May 8. Curry's family and friends -- and the entire community -- are demanding answers they are owed.

Quality of life in a community like Pleasanton is closely tied to the local economy, which goes hand in hand with the health of the small businesses in our community.

The Tri-Valley is unique in that the five communities that comprise the region actually work together. Where oftentimes cities compete with their neighbors for resources and designations, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon and Danville partner to tackle issues that affect the region.

Here again are the Pleasanton Weekly editorial board's election recommendations:

Also: Vote for newcomer La for County Assessor, incumbent Wieskamp for East Bay Parks board We reached our endorsement decisions for regional representative seats after meeting with the candidates or questioning them during a public forum.

Mayor Thorne, unopposed on ballot, also has our support for re-election We think Narum and Streng are the right community leaders to guide the City of Planned Progress through the next four years.

Labor Day is a celebration of the men and women who contribute to the strength and prosperity of the country through work.

Pleasanton mayor, school board incumbents go unchallenged We waited with bated breath for the candidacy filing deadline to see how many candidates would file to run for Pleasanton mayor, city council and school board, and who the challengers would be. We were a bit disappointed with the outcome

Unprecedented attacks on the media hit the very protectors of our democracy In an effort to focus public attention on the dangers of the President Donald Trump's attacks, we join in an unprecedented coordinated expression of concern by newspapers across the country.

Costco remains committed to bringing new store to Pleasanton despite delay The City Council reversing its decision from last year to approve the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone would be a smart move.

Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and every four minutes someone dies of a stroke, according to a 2017 report by the American Heart Association.

We bid adieu earlier this month to the 2018 Alameda County Fair, another successful installment of Pleasanton's annual summertime showcase.

When Robin Munsell announced in May she was resigning her position as principal of Harvest Park Middle School after just under two years, the obvious question was why. And Munsell wasn't saying. So the Weekly asked PUSD for all public records pertaining to her exit.

This October we will name the seventh group of Tri-Valley Heroes, and it is a good opportunity to revisit why our staff launched this awards program in 2012.

The Trump administration's zero-tolerance for anyone crossing the border illegally has also become policy for a Jewish religious center's use of its backyard for outdoor activities in Pleasanton.

The Pleasanton City Council voted unanimously last week to endorse a new Tri-Valley coalition that binds it even more closely with neighboring Danville, Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon.

After sitting down with four of the candidates and reviewing the records of all five, it is clear to us that the best leaders to serve Zone 7 for the next four years are three-term incumbent Sarah Palmer, retired Zone 7 engineer Dennis Gambs and Pleasanton resident Olivia Sanwong.

Contest raises awareness, importance of local businesses It's time once again to vote for your favorite spots to eat, drink, shop and play in Pleasanton. We have hundreds of Pleasanton places and businesses listed in dozens of categories on the online ballot

Make no mistake: This spring marks the most critical juncture for the BART to Livermore project, and the potential of bringing a BART rail extension to Isabel Avenue is very much up in the air. So make your voices heard.

Black History Month, which celebrates achievements and contributions of African-Americans in our nation's history, is commemorated around the country every February since President Gerald Ford made it official in 1976.

Proposed housing community for special-needs adults is win-win for everyone The Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch residential community for adults with special needs just got one step closer to becoming a reality.

Annual donation campaign benefiting PPIE, other nonprofits runs until Jan. 12 With students heading back to school next week after a two-week holiday break, it's a good time to remember to give to the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund, which will benefit Pleasanton schools.

Get daily headlines sent straight to your inbox.

Index

Learn from DUSD residents' poor 2019 record. Get out and vote in every election
Public elections demand voter participation. Every vote matters is only relevant if every voter thinks every election matters. It's time for all of the Tri-Valley to always put their ballot where their mouth is.

Thoughts on PG&E shutoffs, Amador parking lot & Livermore vaping referendum cancellation
Tens of thousands of Tri-Valley residents were without power during the weekend and into Monday because of a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff.

Awards honor residents who 'make a better world'
We are now accepting nominations online for the 2019 Tri-Valley Heroes awards in eight categories, open to all who live or work in the Tri-Valley communities

Also: Vote for newcomer La for County Assessor, incumbent Wieskamp for East Bay Parks board
We reached our endorsement decisions for regional representative seats after meeting with the candidates or questioning them during a public forum.

Mayor Thorne, unopposed on ballot, also has our support for re-election
We think Narum and Streng are the right community leaders to guide the City of Planned Progress through the next four years.

Pleasanton mayor, school board incumbents go unchallenged
We waited with bated breath for the candidacy filing deadline to see how many candidates would file to run for Pleasanton mayor, city council and school board, and who the challengers would be. We were a bit disappointed with the outcome

Unprecedented attacks on the media hit the very protectors of our democracy
In an effort to focus public attention on the dangers of the President Donald Trump's attacks, we join in an unprecedented coordinated expression of concern by newspapers across the country.

Costco remains committed to bringing new store to Pleasanton despite delay
The City Council reversing its decision from last year to approve the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone would be a smart move.

Contest raises awareness, importance of local businesses
It's time once again to vote for your favorite spots to eat, drink, shop and play in Pleasanton. We have hundreds of Pleasanton places and businesses listed in dozens of categories on the online ballot

Proposed housing community for special-needs adults is win-win for everyone
The Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch residential community for adults with special needs just got one step closer to becoming a reality.

Annual donation campaign benefiting PPIE, other nonprofits runs until Jan. 12
With students heading back to school next week after a two-week holiday break, it's a good time to remember to give to the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund, which will benefit Pleasanton schools.