Archive for 2009
by Tassajara Prep on December 31, 2009 | 
38 Comments | Topics: Opinions
The founders of Tassajara Prep strongly believe in the positive impact a charter public high school will have on the education of all students throughout Dublin. Tassajara Prep will receive money from the same funding sources as Dublin High School. That money belongs to the students and should, therefore, follow the students to the school that best meets their needs. The competition for enrollment will naturally motivate both the charter public school and traditional public school to focus on the students. Cities like Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Danville have thrived with two public high schools, and Dublin will be no different. In fact, the founders are delighted that Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) is already responding constructively to the competitive pressure exerted by Tassajara Prep, long before the school’s grand opening.
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by John M. Zukoski on December 30, 2009 | No Comments | Topics: Sustainability · Things To Do
When people visit the Oakland Zoo during the last few days of December, they will not only be able to participate in an innovative benefit for the Zoo, but they will also help save area landfills from processing approximately 30 tons of old pots and pans thanks to Cook’sware àFaire’s “Ultimate Cookware Event” – open from 10AM to 7PM until December 31st. ADMISSION IS FREE.
The first ten(10) visitors to tell the cashier the city that they are from and that they follow the “Around Dublin Blogger” will get one(1) Rachael Ray 12″ orange skillet (retail value of $44.95) for FREE!
This environmentally-focused event is being held during the Zoo’s annual ZooLights festival and will give Bay Area residents an opportunity to purchase a wide assortment of brand-name cookware from Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, KitchenAid, and many more at huge discounts, while turning in their old pots and pans for recycling by Aaron’s Metals of Oakland. In addition to a catered lunch that includes hot dogs from Katz’s Deli of New York and drinks from local beverage companies, guests will also get the chance to see cooking demonstrations by local chefs like Paula LeDuc, Amy Klein, Mike C, Chef Oliver, Jo Jones, Kevin Bressani, Renee King, Emily Dellas, Gregg Man, and Mieko Ramyer, Twyla, and Caitlin Carnes.
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by John M. Zukoski on December 29, 2009 | 2 Comments | Topics: Announcements · Things To Do
An Eisteddfod (pronounced “eye sted fud”) is a century-old Welsh competitive festival of literature and the performing arts. Capturing the essence of this ancient Welsh tradition, the Tri-Valley Eisteddfod aims to provide kids K-12 an opportunity to share their arts and learn from one another. Young artists may enter to compete in a variety of categories that includes singing, dancing, instrumental performance, and poetry and be judged by esteemed community members and qualified experts from the Tri-Valley. The competition will be held at the Windemere Ranch Middle School Multi-purpose Room on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 4:00PM to 9:00PM. The deadline for registration is January 22, 2010, and the entry fee is $2 per participant. The cost of admission to the event is $3 per person. For more information about this exciting performing arts competition, please visit the Tri-Valley Eisteddfod website.
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by John M. Zukoski on December 27, 2009 | 13 Comments | Topics: Development
As the image of the sign notes above, Sprinfield Montessori is planning to open their new Dublin facility in the spring of 2010. Construction crews have been working Saturdays to keep on schedule in anticipation of the grand opening. Somewhat surprisingly, Springfield Montessori hasn’t updated their website to reflect the anticipated grand opening of the Dublin location.
This is a picture taken in mid-December of the future Dublin Springfield Montessori:
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by Tassajara Prep on December 25, 2009 | 15 Comments | Topics: Schools
The founders of Tassajara Prep would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend the recent town hall meetings. We received tremendous feedback from supporters who are excited about the promise of Tassajara Prep and stakeholders who expressed concerns. The concerns raised fall into four distinct categories:
- Harm
- Adequacy
- Need
- Affordability
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by John M. Zukoski on December 23, 2009 | 12 Comments | Topics: Schools
In its seventh year, the Pathways Program at Murray Elementary is a free K-3 school program run by visionary founder Sharon Kovalevsky. Based on the Reggio Emelia Approach to education, Pathways’ philosophy is encapsulated by these four principles:
- Multi-age Learning Environment: Mixed age classes provide the opportunity for all children to nurture, mentor, and respect others for their unique strengths and talents.
- Parent Participation: Parents work in the classroom 1.5 hours/week per child, participate on a committee, participate in evening parent meetings, and drive or chaperone on field trips.
- Mutual Respect: “There aren’t any barriers between students or teachers based on gender, age, or anything else,” explains Kovalevsky. Everyone has something to contribute, and everyone has something to learn.
- Student Interest: Pathways students and teachers view the world as their classroom. Projects and events are student-driven. For example, when the news had stories about water on Mars, some students suggested that the class research and report on Mars. In another instance, when one student found some interesting rocks, the students were inspired to report on geological phenomena.
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by John M. Zukoski on December 21, 2009 | 17 Comments | Topics: Development
Alameda County Property Sign in Front of Future Dublin Courthouse Complex
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors recently approved construction of a $136M county court complex on Gleason Drive in Dublin near the Santa Rita Jail. Many parties are involved with the development and the final agreement is expected to be signed by March 2010.
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by John M. Zukoski on December 19, 2009 | 4 Comments | Topics: Parks
The Dublin Planning Commission recently approved Discover Builders’ plans to build a 1.9 acre trail head and staging area with restrooms for the Dublin Hills regional park. Spread over a majestic 600-acre open space preserve, Dublin Hills was created using land dedicated by developers in exchange for approvals to build homes on agricultural land and natural habitats.
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by John M. Zukoski on December 18, 2009 | No Comments | Topics: Things To Do
Shakespeare In the Vineyard Package
Looking for a unique and personal gift for your parents or children from out-of-town? How about a visit with you this summer and a family gathering at the Livermore Shakespeare Festival?
As the sun sets on your picnic in the vineyard, you’ll enjoy a magical performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet or The Real Thing at the Livermore Shakespeare Festival, performed under the stars at the beautiful Concannon Vineyard. This package includes everything you need to have the perfect wine country experience.
Package includes:
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