www.trivalleyviews.com PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLEASANTON, CA PERMIT NO. 548 Vol. I, Number 16 • January 25, 2010 www.trivalleyviews.com Girl power: Tri-Valley businesswomen hit the town to network PAGE 4 Congressman’s trip: McNerney speaks with Afghan President Karzai PAGE 7 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PLEASANTON, CA PERMIT NO. 548 INSIDE Pro bowling comes to Dublin Live, ESPN televised Earl Anthony Memorial brings spotlight to alley where storied name lives on PAGE 4 DUBLIN EDITION
Transcript
www.trivalleyviews.com
Bold lead-in: Two lines of chatter with teaser go here and yada yada PAGE X
Bold lead-in: Two lines of chatter with teaser go here and yada yada PAGE X
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDPLEASANTON, CA
PERMIT NO. 548
INS
IDE
Vol. I, Number 16 • January 25, 2010 www.trivalleyviews.com
Girl power: Tri-Valley businesswomen hit the town to network PAGE 4
Congressman’s trip: McNerney speaks with Afghan President Karzai PAGE 7
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDPLEASANTON, CA
PERMIT NO. 548
INS
IDE
Pro bowling comes to Dublin
Live, ESPN televised Earl Anthony Memorial brings spotlight to alley where storied name lives on
PAGE 4
DUBLIN EDITION
Page 2 • January 25, 2010 • TriValley Views
Karaoke Night with Ed!
Girls Just Want to Have Fun! with DJ Baltazar ★ Starts Jan. 14th
Wednesdays 8 p.m.
Thursdays 8 - 12 p.m.NEW
At The Historic Pleasanton Hotel
925.399.6690 855 Main Street, Downtown Pleasanton ★ www.thefarmerrestaurant.com
At The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton HotelAt The Historic Pleasanton Hotel
TAILGATE PARTY MIAMI STYLEFEB. 7TH 11-3 ★ KICKOFF AT 3 PM
BEER SPECIALS ★ PRIZES ★ GIVEAWAYSSTEEL DRUM BAND - PAN ECSTACY
FRI 1/22 ★ Rodeo House
SAT 1/23 ★ Billy MaRtini
FRI 1/29 ★ Buck FoRd
SAT 1/30 ★ Jungle RoosteR
Live music & dancing Every Friday & Saturday Night
8 - 12 pm at The Farmer!
ROAD TO SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
Rising
Star
Our Last Champagne Sunday Brunch...Jan 24thuntil Easter & Mother’s Day
Regular Breakfast Menu
Need help iN buyiNg or selliNg your home?please call us 925.556.4400Are you considering a short sale?Facing a mortgage crisis? Need a solution?Buying your first home or REO?Don’t let your home sit on an active market!
We are 16 year residents of Dublin! We are committed to our community and our public schools.
Let us help you with your home purchase or sale.
FREE Confidential Consultation
John & Corey MitchellReal estate agents
selling Dublin One Home at a time! John - DRE# 01323444 Corey - DRE# 01348555
Jim Black, MBARetail Sales Manager FHA, JUMBO, REFINANCE and PURCHASE SPECIALIST925.285.4898james.tyler.black@bankofamerica.comwww.meetjimblack.com
2009
7 Railroad Avenue, Stes. 7&9Danville, CA 94526
AROUND THE TRI-VALLEY
BY JEB BING
Dee Wilson, who was the Tri-Valley’s oldest statesman when he died Jan. 11 at the
age of 90, was a special friend to all who knew him over the six decades he and his wife Shirley lived here, where they raised their four chil-dren. I knew him for only a few of those years. From the time this giant of a man — physically as well as his heart of gold — grabbed my hand with firmness I still remember, we became friends. A real estate devel-oper who with his partner Louie Costanza built numerous residen-tial subdivisions, apartments and commercial shopping centers in Union City and Fremont, he was best known in the Tri-Valley where he built over 400 homes.
He was a partner with the late George Spiliotopolous in the Cheese Factory in Santa Cruz and at the San Francisco Airport. He also participated in many projects and developments with his many friends throughout the Valley. He was always an honest, hardworking contributor in whatever he did. You could do business with Dee on a handshake.
A World War II naval veter-an, Wilson was stationed in the Solomon Islands preparing for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing the war to an end. After returning home, he attended San Jose State University, majoring in business and, later, Lincoln Law School in Oakland.
In 1966, Wilson and his wife Shirley came to the Tri-Valley to watch their son in a track meet. They liked the area and decided to move to Pleasanton in 1967. He served that community and Tri-Valley region in numerous capacities, including two years as a BART director (1973-1975); eight years on the Pleasanton Planning Commission (1978-1986); two years on the Pleasanton City Council (1986-1988), and 36 years as
a director of the Alameda County Fair Board, serving two years as president.
He was a member of the Alameda County One Hundred Club since its inception in 1971, a board member of the George A. Spiliotopoulos Invitational Golf Tournament since its inception, a founding member in 1987 of the Pleasanton Men’s Club and a long-time member of the Alameda County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association.
A few of those well-known in the Valley and who served with him were pallbearers at his funeral. They were Frank Capilla, John Ferrari, Bob Philcox, Brad Hirst, Ted Fairfield, Ken Mercer, Tony Macchiano and Frank Brandes. It was quite a dis-tinguished group: three Pleasanton ex-mayors, a former county com-missioner, a plumber, a garbage company owner, an engineer and a real estate developer — all of them at least 15 years younger than Dee who was in high school when they were born.
Described as intelligent, at times a grouch and very savvy business-man, Dee had a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a determined leader who kept the best interests of the Tri-Valley at the forefront of everything he did. When he devel-oped housing on land he acquired behind the Century House on Santa Rita Road in Pleasanton, he spared that historic house, restored it and gave it to the city as a park. When Pleasanton council meetings were disrupted in the meeting room it used at the Fairgrounds because of a leaky roof, Dee and his friends built as a gift to the city the council cham-bers that are still used, attached to the Pleasanton Civic Center.
He was also instrumental in the founding of a youth activity center, a recipient of the local Firefighters’ Award in 1974 and, later, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award. In 2006, he received the Western Fair Association’s Blue Ribbon Award.
Born in Oakland on Aug. 3, 1919 to Charles and Agnes Wilson, DeWitt Wilson is survived by Shirley, his wife of more than 60 years, and two of their four children: Tom Wilson of Capitola and Karen Williams of Santa Cruz. He was preceded in death by their two sons David and Robert Wilson. ■
ADVERTISINGAdvertising ManagerMary HantosAdvertising Account Executives Paul CrawfordKaren Klein
CIRCULATION MANAGERBob Lampkin
PUBLISHERGina Channell-Allen
EDITORIALEditorJeb BingManaging EditorJanet PelletierFeatures EditorEmily West
TriValley Views and TriValleyViews.com are products of Embarcadero Media’s East Bay Division, which publishes Pleasanton Weekly, Danville Express and San Ramon Express
ABOUT THE COVER Rookie Anthony LaCaze celebrates winning the Earl Anthony Memorial Title at the bowling alley that shares its name-sake. Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti, just left of LaCaze, cheers him on.
Page 4 • January 25, 2010 • TriValley Views
By Janet Pelletier Hundreds of bowling bags have
been wheeled out of Dublin as the Earl Anthony Memorial Classic Tournament wrapped up its week-long run at the alley that shares its namesake.
The tournament, part of the Professional Bowlers Association’s Lumber Liquidators nationwide tour, welcomed amateurs, rookies and pros.
It was a rookie who made a name for himself, winning the tour title and $25,000 prize Jan. 17. Twenty-seven-year-old Anthony LaCaze of Melrose Park, Ill. threw three clutch strikes in the ninth and 10th frames to defeat Michael Machuga for the title by a score of 214-206.
The title game was televised live on ESPN. Bleachers were installed on a carved out portion of the 40 lanes to seat approxi-mately 300 fans. Special lighting, a scoreboard and newly polished lanes completed the finishing touches. Also televised as part of the broadcast were the semifinal leading up to the title game and the PBA Women’s Series final, where Stephanie Nation topped Linda Barnes for the win and the $10,000 prize earnings.
The Earl Anthony Memorial was dedicated to the late bowling champion, who was recognized as the greatest player in PBA history in January 2009 during the PBA’s 50th anniversary celebration. Anthony won more than 40 titles and was the first bowler to earn $1 million.
As the excitement over at Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl has expect-edly quieted down, owner Ted Hoffman, Jr. will consider hosting the tournament again next year. Before this month’s play, the PBA hadn’t been back to Dublin since 1992.
Hoffman co-owned the bowl-ing alley with Anthony, who asked Hoffman to manage operations while he was touring on the bowl-ing circuit.
Earl Anthony purchased the 40-lane bowling center in 1980 and in 1985, asked Hoffman to be his partner. Anthony died in 2001 of a head injury after falling down a flight of stairs in a friend’s home. His wife Susie retains part owner-ship of the Dublin bowl.
The Earl Anthony Memorial Classic started in 2002 and was first held in Tacoma, Wash., where Anthony grew up. The opportunity to bring the event to Dublin came a year ago, Hoffman said.
“There was an opening for January of 2010 and Earl’s wife Susie and myself had dinner with the PBA commissioner and he wanted to know if we would like to host the tournament,” Hoffman said. “So, we made that decision last January.”
Anthony’s connection to the Tri-Valley region happened on acci-dent, Hoffman said. He was visiting friends in Moraga in 1979 when he had a heart attack. He spent a month recovering here and decided he liked the area, moving to the
Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville soon after. It wasn’t long before owners of bowling centers in Danville and Dublin approached him about taking over ownership. Anthony accepted, and later called on Hoffman to become his part-ner so he could handle operations while Anthony was touring on the bowling circuit. Hoffman, a mem-ber of the PBA Hall of Fame, was a touring pro from 1961-1968.
“I was finishing up my career when he was starting his career,” Hoffman said of Anthony.
When the receipts are totaled by a number of local businesses, the competition play was expected to have brought a mini stimulus to Dublin — hotel stays, restaurant and bar patrons and gas station purchases. While Hoffman said he was working on a $50,000 budget to host the event here, it will more than pay for itself.
“It’s a lot of work, more than I anticipated, but the rewards will be there,” he said just days before the tournament started. “We’re get-ting a lot of support from the city of Dublin. Mayor Sbranti is really high on this. He’s a big sports fan. And I’ve gotten a lot of support from my vendors, bowling centers in the area.”
Sbranti got in on the action him-self, bowling in the Pro-Am held Jan. 16, where people pay to play with the pros. Sbranti was on a team that included Susie Anthony, and Mike Anthony, Susie and Earl’s son.
To cover the cost, some 60 busi-nesses and organizations, includ-ing the city of Dublin, have paid $1,500 to have their name put up at the ends of the lanes.
While Hoffman is hoping the financial boost from national noto-riety won’t be short-lived, business at the lanes is fairly brisk as he estimates sales are only down 5-8 percent year-to-date, pretty good numbers in a struggling economy. Nearly half of the bowl’s income stems from league play (some 1,500 bowlers at junior, adult and senior levels) and the rest comes from corporate and birthday parties, fol-lowed by open bowling. The cen-ter is more than prepared for the pro event since it underwent an extensive $1-million renovation in 2003.
“To have an event of that stature in the house that Earl built, literally, is something that’s really exciting for our city,” Sbranti said.
“It’s exciting not only for Dublin, to have bowling returning to the Bay Area for the first time in almost 20 years,” he added. “There’s the LPGA in Danville and there’s been taped events, but to my knowledge, it’s the first nationally televised live event in the Tri-Valley, so for us, we think that’s pretty significant.” n
Spa BellaSpa BellaJacuzzi & indoor pool available for spa clients. 24 Hour Reservation line.
925.858.5778Gift Cards Available
2 hours $139
By emily West A glass of wine and gabbing with
the girls could help grow business. At least, that’s what Frances Hewitt is finding to be true for many women in the Tri-Valley.
In June 2008, Hewitt was looking for a new way to network. While she appreciated the more formal meetings typically held weekly and in the mornings, she was craving something more lighthearted and fun.
So she and about 15 friends met up for drinks and a bite to eat at Eddie Papa’s in Pleasanton to form a new women-only network-ing group. Calling themselves Girls Night Out Networking — or GNON for short — the group has since grown to include more than 200 members, with 50 to 60 women meeting monthly at vari-ous locations in the Tri-Valley.
While not intending to necessar-ily replace more formal network-ing groups, the idea is to com-bine a night out with friends and the benefits of networking. This, Hewitt says, takes place without an agenda. Instead, people gath-er after work (on a Wednesday or Thursday night) and the only thing planned is introductions around 6:15 p.m. Attendees can come and go as they please.
GNON appears to be thriving, particularly in an economy where many are looking for work or more clients and wanting to do business in their hometown. To join, there are only three require-ments: members must be female, want to meet friends and like to have fun.
Hewitt, an account executive at Pleasanton-based Allegra Print and Imaging, credits the informal and fun settings to fostering rela-tionships that often lead to grow-ing businesses.
“I carry around a special Rolodex with me of GNON mem-bers,” she said. “Whenever I hear someone say they need a service or product, I go there first.”
Members, or GNONers, range from being business owners to
a stay-at-home mom, some who may be looking for full- or part-time work.
Hewitt said some women with resumes in hand “working the room” have found job leads and offers.
“It’s a really diverse group,” she added. “We’ve got everything from a funeral director to a mas-sage therapist to doggie daycare.”
Even if a networking con-nection isn’t initially apparent, the GNONers will most often remark about the camaraderie found through the monthly mix-ers. Hewitt said she’s heard some hesitation from prospective mem-bers because they don’t know anyone, but said people are often surprised to see familiar faces and that meeting new people is the name of the game.
As the group grows into its second year, something Hewitt never imagined at the GNON’s first meeting, they have had to make certain changes. Now that the monthly meetings are so large, they now meet at the businesses of GNONers, instead of making a small reservation at a local restaurant or winery. Hewitt said she is also planning to have a $50 annual member-ship fee to help cover overhead costs. With the membership, she plans to include advertising in the GNON Gazette newsletter, the ability to host a mixer and access to members.
For those interested in learning more about the networking group should contact Hewitt at 487-4748 or [email protected].
Check out GNONWho: Women interested in networkingWhat: An informal night outWhen: after work Jan. 27 (introductions at 6:15 p.m.)Where: Hairlights Salon, 4307 Valley Ave., Ste. FDetails: Bring your own beverage and $5 for appetizers. Visit www. localmarket2me.com/business/gnon.html for more information.
Girls night out with a purpose
Women in the Tri-Valley hit the town in the name of networking
Pro bowling comes to Dublin
Live, ESPN televised Earl Anthony Memorial brings spotlight to alley where Anthony name continues on
Girls NiGht Out NetwOrkiNG
The women of Girls Night Out Networking meet for wine and a bite to eat at their December meeting at Crooked Vine Winery in Livermore. The groups meets to have fun and make connections once a month at a Tri-Valley location.
TriValley Views • January 25, 2010 • Page 5
BY JANET PELLETIER State insurance commissioner
Steve Poizner brought his cam-paign for governor to the Tri-Valley earlier this month, expressing his ideas on the public school system, a budget solution, the state water crisis, a constitutional convention and illegal immigration.
The Los Gatos resident, who is running in the Republican primary in June, spoke to a small group of about 20 people at the Livermore Chamber of Commerce.
It was a passion for public schools that Poizner said gave him the impetus for getting into poli-tics. As a teacher for two years at Mt. Pleasant High School in East San Jose, he said he saw the issues on a personal level.
“We’ve completely mismanaged schools,” he said. “I want to rip control of schools from the hands of Sacramento.”
“Hiring should be done at a local level,” he continued, adding that charter schools are a great example of that.
As the state is saddled with a $20-bil-lion budget deficit, Poizner offered his own way of reducing it: reworking the tax structure, putting a freeze on funding, spending and hiring and cut spending by 10 percent. To break
it down, Poizner said he would cut personal income, corporate and state income taxes by 10 percent and capital gains taxes in half. Matching that with less regulation and reworking the legal system would provide the recipe for a balanced budget.
“We want innovators and entre-preneurs to come back,” he said. “This is a lawsuit crazy state and we need some tort reform.”
After Poizner highlighted his plans, the group asked a range of questions on such topics as the state water system, a constitutional convention, energy development and illegal immigration.
Poizner’s only other opponent in the gubernatorial race for the Republican ticket is former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, who visited Pleasanton in September. ■
This information should not be considered as specifi c tax/legal advice. You should consult your tax/legal advisor regarding your own specifi c tax/legal situation. TR# 140420 DOFU 01/2010
Should I Convert to a Roth IRA?Get ready for the 2010 Roth Conversion! Beginning in 2010, the income limit on Roth IRA conversions is eliminated. Anyone regardless of income level, can convert IRA accounts to a Roth IRA. However, the decision involves important planning and tax considerations. Do you know the questions that you should be asking? Are you aware of your options?
Join the advisors from Summit Financial Group, LLC and learn:• When it might be appropriate to convert to a Roth IRA• The tax treatment of converted IRA accounts• Special tax consideration for IRA’s converted in the year 2010• Why Roth IRA conversions might be meaningful to your estate planning• Why some people should NOT convert today
WHAT: 2010 Roth Conversion Educational Seminar
WHEN: Tuesday January 26th at 7PM
WHERE: 2010 Crow Canyon Place Suite 130, San Ramon
RSVP: Please RSVP to Kimberlee McKinsey at 925-866-7800 or [email protected] by January 25th.
Comprehensive Financial Services 2010 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 120
San Ramon, CA 94583 www.summitadvisors.com
925-866-7800
Comprehensive Financial Services
Get All of This Plus More Great Offers from Volvo!Get All of This Plus More Great Offers from Volvo!
Fly & Drive in europe
All model year 2010 Volvos are now available for European pickup, including the new 2010 XC60, it’s simple, order your Volvo and drive it
in Europe on your vacation and Volvo will ship it back no charge!
925.939.33332791 North Main St., Walnut Creek, CA
www.lawrencevolvo.com
For further details, please contact our sales department at 925.939.3333 or visit our
website at www.lawrencevolvo.com
Poizner talks budget, schools, water crisis in campaign for governor
Insurance commissioner speaks to small group in Livermore
Lose Weight RapidlyGain Optimal Energy and Health
Easily Adopt New Nutritional Habits
Weight Loss and Wellness Center
You may qualify through your insurance
(925) 249-96424725 First Street #270Downtown Pleasanton
Visit www.taharacenter.com
FREE( )Body Composition Analysis!
Typical Medical Offi ce’s
Rate $80
LOSE 15 TO 30 LBS.
in 2 Weeks
Detox Weight Loss Center
Page 6 • January 25, 2010 • TriValley Views
925/461-3042100 Valley aVe Pleasanton
www.eskaton.orgmanaged by eskaton
The Perfect BlendThe independence you wanT, The assisTance you need.
License #015601283
Please Join Us for a Free seminar call To reserve your space!
• Refreshments ProvidedMichael Young, elder Law attorney
Monday, June 8, 2009 6-7pmtopics Include:
Elder law issues • Veteran’s Aid • Attendance Pension Benefits
Discover the advantages of The Parkview. Enjoy apartment living in Pleasanton
with stunning views… The peace-of-mind that comes with staff availability around the clock to assist as needed…A recreation program with opportunities to learn, create and regain self-confidence. Separate memory care accommodations are on-site.
Call today for more information or to schedule a tour.
at this age, i thought i knew eVerything about myself. little did i know that i had
more to discoVer
through all the
Programs offered
here. was i surPrised
to find that i had acreatiVe side?
in a word - yes!
schedule a tour.
100 Valley aVenue (formerly juniPero st.) Pleasanton
925-461-3042www.eskaton.org managed by eskaton License #015601283
The Perfect BlendThe Perfect BlendThe independence you wanT, The assisTance you need.
“Happy Hormones”
484-3955 • www.LifetimeWellness.biz4125 Mohr Avenue, Ste. K • Pleasanton
We Help With:• Natural Hormones Balancing and Infertility• Menopause and Peri-Menopause • PMS and PCOS
Signs of Hormone Imbalance:• Fatigue • Headaches • Irritability• Depression• Mental fog • Insomnia
• Hot Flashes / Night Sweats • Belly Fat• Sluggish Metabolism• Low Sex Drive• Panic Attacks/ Anxiety • PMS
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement TherapyA Natural Approach to Hormone Balancing
“Express your Full Potential”• Neurological Based Chiropractic • Homeopathy • Functional Medicine
Need help with Math or Language Arts?E.nopi can help your child
succeed in school!• Over 33 years of experience in educational services
(for K~12, founded in 1976 )
• Over 2.5 million students enrolled worldwide
• Develops critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Improves overall academic performance and builds confi dence at school
Call now to schedule a free diagnostic test!
FREE 1ST MONTH TUITION*Enroll by 2/5/2010. Valid only with this ad
*Valid only at E.nopi Learning Center of Pleasanton
Start the new year
with better grades!
FIND OUT WHY MORE THAN 2.5 MILLION STUDENTS ARE STUDYING WITH E-NOPI
Axis Community Health...here when you need us. www.axishealth.org
TEEN MALE ANGER MANAGEMENTFor high school students 13-18 years
Mondays, February 1 - April 19, 2010 • 4:00-5:15pmAxis Behavioral Health • 6666 Owens Drive, Pleasanton
Register Now!Contact Amanda Goletto at 925.201.6213
or [email protected] (Pre-registration and intake interview required)
Goings Ona calendar of TriValley events worth a look
Jan. 28RESUME & COVER LETTER WRITING WORKSHOPTri-Valley One-Stop Career Center, in partnership with the Dublin Library, will present a workshop on writing a resume and cover letter suited to today’s tough job market. The free workshop is from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Dublin Library Program Room, 200 Civic Plaza. Call 803-7286.
Jan. 31MOTHER-DAUGHTER WORKSHOP ON ‘GROWING UP FEMALE’Mothers and their fi fth- or sixth-grade daughters are invited to attend an uplifting workshop about body changes and the realities of being female from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Catholic Community of Pleasanton, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. Led by RN specialist Amy Sluss, this two-hour workshop explores the normal changes that occur in girls ages 9-16, offers tools and tips, and connects girls and adult women together in a power-ful and positive way. The cost is
$30. Register in advance by calling Sharon at 846-3531.
Feb. 65TH ANNUAL CLAWS FOR PAWS The fi fth annual Claws for Paws crab feed, sponsored by Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, is from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Shannon Community Center, 11600 Shannon Ave., Dub-lin. Tickets are $45 if purchased by Jan. 15 and $50 thereafter. Includes all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, Caesar salad, dessert and tea/coffee. A no-host bar available for wine, beer and soft drinks. Call 828-8664 or visit www.tvar.org.
Feb. 13A SMORGASBORD OF JEWISH COMEDYHeadlined by Samson Koletkar, the world’s only Indian Jewish come-dian, the event is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Bunjo’s Comedy Club, 6513 Regional St., Dublin. Also appear-ing will be David Kleinberg (The Old Jew), Kenny Altman (The Gay Jew), Carrie Gilbert (The Not So Nice Jewish Girl) and Joe Nguyen
(The Vietnamese Jew). Your host for the evening is John DeKoven (The Republican Jew). Call 264-4413 or visit www.bunjoscomedy.com.
OngoingDUBLIN FARMERS’ MARKET SURVEY NOW AVAILABLEAs the city of Dublin considers the possibility of creating a farmers’ market, it is asking residents to fi ll out a survey to assess the level of support. For a list of the 10 ques-tions, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/7GZGHWV. The City Coun-cil is expected to review the results once the survey closes and make a decision on the next steps.
BUSINESS BUILDER NETWORKINGA breakfast meeting is held at 7 a.m. on the fi rst and third Wednesday of every month, at the Radisson Hotel, 6680 Regional St., Dublin. This group of business persons is dedicated to enhancing careers through exchange of social/professional contacts. Each oc-cupation is represented once. First two meetings free. Call 829-5620.
TriValley Views • January 25, 2010 • Page 7
By Dolores Fox CiarDelli Afghanistan must end its cor-
ruption, and U.S. troops need to gain the trust of the people so they will not follow the Taliban out of fear, said U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) in a phone interview with reporters about his trip Dec. 28-29 to the war-torn country.
McNerney said he focused on corruption issues during a meeting with President Hamid Karzai on the first day.
“He is a warm and gracious per-son with a good understanding of American culture,” McNerney, said noting that Karzai speaks good English. “I focused on the corrup-tion issue, and he would not accept the fact that he is responsible for some of these problems.”
He also met with a task force on major crimes to discuss how to crack down on corruption and how to prosecute. One of the big corruption issues is extortion.
“In Kandahar, there are two syndicates that run the town,” McNerney explained. “Every busi-ness has to make payments to those syndicates. No wonder people turn from government.”
He was encouraged by the con-dition of Kabul although the air quality was poor and most of the buildings had been damaged by years of conflict.
“But it was very clear to me that the local markets were bustling,” McNerney said. “I didn’t see any fear or anything like that in the street.”
He was also positive about his meeting with Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan.
“He was unassuming and has a good knowledge and understand-ing of history and America’s place in the region and what it’s going to take to make our effort work over there,” said McNerney. “His big-gest mission is to protect citizens from the Taliban. That’s critical. We have to show people we can pro-tect them from extremists and the Taliban, and then they will support
us in that effort.” “Gen. McChrystal acknowledged
that there’s a long slog ahead of us,” he added. “Nonetheless the fact that we changed our tactics from seek and destroy have made a big difference.”
The poppy fields still are a main source of income, McNerney said, and if the U.S. poisons or bombs them it would only turn the peo-ple to the Taliban. To combat the problem, the U.S. is building roads.
“One challenge with the poppy is the bad guys take care of the trans-portation for the farmers,” said McNerney. “We want to put the infrastructure in place for them to take their produce to market.”
McNerney was also pleased to see the coordinated efforts by many nations.
“The Canadians, civilian agen-cies, they were integrated at every level, in the field working with people, delivering electricity to Kandahar for example,” he said. “They have a clear idea of what needs to be done. If we continue to move in that direction, we have a good chance to stabilize.”
McNerney traveled with three other Democrat congressmen and four Republicans.
“It was a great opportunity for us to work on bipartisanship,” said McNerney, who was the only one from west of the Mississippi. “It was a good chance to get to know the other guys. It was good for that reason alone.”
On his trip to a forward operat-ing base, McNerney met a para-trooper who told him that he hadn’t had a pay increase in a long time. To this end, McNerney reintro-duced the Combat Operations and Medical Benefit Authorization for our Troops (COMBAT) Act.
“I introduced it today to make sure these soldiers over there don’t have to worry about their families back home,” McNerney said.
He put forward a similar bill last year and surmises it did not succeed because it was late in the session. n
Get your local news delivered directly to your inbox
TriValleyViews.com
INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE
COMPANYMike Carey, Broker 925.963.0569 Cell
McNerney in talks with Afghanistan president on
war effort, corruptionBack home, Congressman seeks combat pay raises for soldiers
Congressman mCnerney’s offiCe
Congressman Jerry McNerney visits with a member of the Air Force on a recent trip to the Middle East.
Alameda County will receive $11 million in federal stimu-lus funding to help fight blight and stabilize neighborhoods that have been hit hard by housing foreclosures.
Under the grant, Alameda County’s Housing and Community Development Department will work with local nonprofit housing agencies to purchase and reha-bilitate at least 100 foreclosed, vacant homes and re-sell or rent them to eligible households.
The county is the lead agen-cy in the Alameda County NSP Consortium, which includes the cities of Dublin, Emeryville, Livermore, Newark, Pleasanton, Hayward, Fremont, San Leandro, Union City and the urbanized areas of the unincorporated part of the county.
The funds will be used through-out neighborhoods that have the greatest foreclosure and vacancy problems.
Under the rules of the pro-
gram, at least 25 percent of the funds will be used to purchase properties that will be rented to households with annual incomes at or below 50 percent of area median income, which currently is $44,650 for a family of four.
The remaining funds will be used to buy and rehabilitate homes that will be resold to households at or below 120 percent of area media income, which currently is $107,150 for a family of four.
Jeff Shuttleworth, Bay City News
County gets $11 million in stimulus funds to fight blight
Page 8 • January 25, 2010 • TriValley Views
SmartSense. Health Care plans that make sense in so many different ways.With SmartSense, you get just the benefits you want and need. At affordable rates. Don't need maternity benefits but want reliable, basic protection? Then SmartSense makes sense for you.This is just a sample of our low monthly rates:*
Want more information onSmartSense? Call me today!
www.beasleyinsurance.com CA Insurance License #0C26292
health | life | dentalBlue Cross
Smartsense 1500 DeductibleGeneric Rx Area 3
Age
20304050
1 member
$104$112$161$216
1 member
$80$86$124$166
2 members/family per member
$104$112$141$194
2 members/family per member
$80$86$114$156
SmartSense 5000 DeductibleGeneric Rx Area 3
Free Quote go to www.beasleyinsurance.com
410 Main Street ~ Pleasanton, CA ~ (925) 600-8925www.murphyspaw.com
We have the most unique and highest quality canine & feline products on the
market!
Pamper your pooch & make your cat purr!
2009
20% off with this ad!
*excluding food
Voted best pet store in
2008 & 2009
Too Young to Feel Old?Call Optimal Health Spectrums and Reclaim Your Zest for Life!
925-846-8000
Many factors can contribute to poor mood, brain function and lack of well-being...Sub-optimal hormone levels (even if your doctor checked and said they were “fine”), Adrenal fatigue, heavy metal toxicity, Chronic infections, yeast overgrowth, Vitamin & mineral deficiencies, Food intolerances and obesity.
A NEW YEAR... A NEW YOU! Optimize your health with Bio-identical Hormone Therapy from a local, licensed medical doctor
Dr. Lynne R. Mielke, M.D.Board Certified in
Anti-Aging Medicine
4463 Stoneridge Drive, Suite A Pleasanton, CA 94588
www.optimalhealthspectrums.com
Continue the lifestyle you love at about half the cost.
Great furniture has never
been cheaper.
Danville(925) 866-6164
1901-F Camino Ramon San Rafael: (415) 456-2765 Mountain View: (650) 964-7212
San Mateo: (650) 577-8979Saratoga: (408) 871-8890
www.TheHomeConsignmentCenter.com
Chinese Restaurant Serving Dim SumAll Day Long
Serving Dim SumServing Dim SumServing Dim SumWe Deliver!!
