Archive for October, 2011
by John M. Zukoski on October 31, 2011 | 
13 Comments | Topics: Local Issues
As a follow-up to a program rolled out in July to provide qualified unemployed homeowners a one-year break from mortgage payments, the Obama Administration and a federal housing agency recently announced that an additional two million homeowners with underwater mortgages could get a chance to refinance at historically low rates under changes to a government program. This new program is welcomed news for many residents in Dublin, San Ramon, Pleasanton, and Livermore who bought homes a few years ago and now owe more than their homes are worth.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced it would scrap a 125 percent loan-to-value cap that is preventing many homeowners from refinancing mortgages backed by the government-controlled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This more ambitious refinancing program from the Obama Administration could enable more underwater borrowers who are not in default to obtain new loans. Those refinancings will reduce the returns that Fannie, Freddie and other investors stood to make from the loans, but such risk is standard for those who buy mortgage-backed securities. By cutting homeowners’ debt payments, President Obama can help improve consumer confidence and spur the economy.
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by Around Dublin Team on October 30, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Announcements · Things To Do
Dr. Janice Liao and Dr. George Shiao will be bringing back their highly popular Halloween Candy Buy Back at Dublin Smiles Dentistry in Dublin, CA. Why? Because they know very well the damaging effect of too much candy on children’s teeth. Dr. Liao and Dr. Shiao see firsthand how cavities can ravage both the enamel and the wallet. This Halloween they hope kids in Dublin and the Tri-Valley will pick out their favorite candy collected from trick-or-treating and turn the rest in for a nice cash price. In addition, the children will receive a new toothbrush and goody bag of gifts. This generous offer is limited to one goody bag per child, while supplies last. All the candy from this Great Halloween Candy Buy Back will be shipped to our troops overseas, so they may be reminded of home while serving our country.
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by John M. Zukoski on October 29, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Schools
According to a report released recently by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, California should retool its school construction process to foster 21st century learning, streamline school-building regulations to help create jobs, and change state law to encourage campuses to install solar and other renewable power systems. Torlakson announced the release of the Schools of the Future report and highlighted key recommendations at a ceremony to dedicate a solar power system installed at Aragon High School and the five other campuses in the San Mateo Union High School District. “Our students deserve to learn in schools designed for the 21st century—not relics of the past,” Torlakson said. “California can lead the way, and help our schools save money and create good jobs in the process. The solar power system coming online today at Aragon High School shows that the time to create the schools of the future is now.”
San Mateo Union Board President Stephen E. Rogers served as co-chair of Torlakson’s Schools of the Future Team, and helped lead the effort to install solar power at the district’s campuses, paid for by a local bond measure approved by voters. “Our project proves a central theme of the Schools of the Future Team’s report: that schools can embrace clean, renewable energy while putting more money into the classroom and creating new opportunities for our students to learn about the environment,” Rogers said.
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by John M. Zukoski on October 28, 2011 | 8 Comments | Topics: Local Businesses · Retail
High-profile public figures such as Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti, along with other special guests from the Tri-Valley and beyond, congregated Thursday night at the new Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) in Dublin for an exclusive store preview. REI’s arrival in the City’s historic shopping district has been in the works for over a decade. “We have been trying to get REI here for twelve years,” said Mayor Sbranti. The opening of the Dublin REI store represents the realization of a vision held by 42,500 REI members who live within a 15-mile radius of the store. REI will kick off its grand opening weekend festivities on Friday, October 28th, at 9:00AM with a free light breakfast for all visitors.
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by Around Dublin Team on October 27, 2011 | 6 Comments | Topics: Announcements
The Around Dublin Blog, an independent and not-for-profit hyperlocal website dedicated to everything Dublin, CA, turns four years old today. The Around Dublin Team started the blog as a way to share interesting information we have collected and digested from Dublin City Council meeting minutes, Staff Reports, and communication with City Staff. Initially we focused our reporting on new developments in Dublin. Over the years, we have expanded our coverage to include the other cities in the Tri-Valley, as we break down regional news and issues of interest from Dublin’s perspective.
The Around Dublin Blog has enjoyed sharing some of Dublin’s great successes this past year. Dublin made national news after being named an All-American City. The long-awaited Heritage Park and Museums finally opened against all odds. Following the grand opening of the West Dublin BART station, retailers like DSW, Half Price Books, and Sprouts Farmers Market have all helped breathe new life into Dublin’s historic big-box shopping district. Celebrities and other high-profile public figures came out in droves to join television chef Guy Fieri at the grand opening of his new Johnny Garlic’s in Dublin. Resident and teacher Roger Mueller-Kim also made All-American City Dublin proud when he won big on Jeopardy in February.
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by John M. Zukoski on October 27, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Announcements · Local Businesses · Retail
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) will celebrate the grand opening of its newest California location in Dublin‘s historic shopping district with co-op members and the local community on Friday, October 28th to Sunday, October 30th. A number of events and giveaways are scheduled throughout the weekend in honor of the store’s opening. REI kicks things off for early birds with a free light breakfast available at 9:00AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting one hour before the store opens.
The first 200 people (age 12 and older) who visit the store throughout the weekend will receive a limited-edition CamelBak water bottle with an REI gift card inside ranging from $5 to $100. Doors open at 10:00AM Friday through Sunday. Additionally, REI members and customers can enter to win a gear sweepstakes package, available only at the Dublin store throughout the grand opening weekend. Customers that ride their bikes to the opening will receive a special promotion and free bike maintenance check by REI techs. From 9:00AM to 1:00PM on Saturday, riders can also take advantage of the free bike valet parking provided by East Bay Bicycle Coalition.
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by John M. Zukoski on October 26, 2011 | 1 Comment | Topics: Opinions · Schools
According to a recent community survey conducted by the Dublin Unified School District (DUSD), students in Dublin, CA set high expectations for themselves and are supported by families that place a high value on their success in school. A little over 2,000 of out of the 6,700 students currently served by DUSD participated in the survey. DUSD also collected feedback from close to 360 parents in the same study. Not all schools participated in the survey, and students in kindergarten through third grade did not take part.
Along with the positive findings, the survey also highlighted two troubling spots for the District. School safety is a big concern for many students in Dublin. Based on survey responses, 22% of Dublin’s fourth and fifth grade students, as well as 31% of middle school students, do not feel safe at school. “Do we wonder why the rest don’t,” asked DUSD Board Trustee Greg Tomlinson. “I just don’t know what to do with this.”
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by John M. Zukoski on October 25, 2011 | No Comments | Topics: Local Issues
The Tri-Valley is well-known for its enclaves of luxury estate and executive homes. Blackhawk’s Eagle Nest is home to many captains of industry, Pleasanton’s Golden Eagle and Ruby Hill offer incredible views and distinctive architecture, San Ramon’s Santorini community at Windemere delivers large homes with timeless designs, and Dublin’s Inclined Place and Pinnacles at Dublin Ranch bring luxury living within reach for many aspiring Tri-Valley executives. Still, only Livermore can offer wine country living with the acreage and world-class amenities to boot. The rough patch in the residential real estate market has created phenomenal opportunities for the Tri-Valley elite to snap up palatial compounds in the southeastern region of Livermore.
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by John M. Zukoski on October 24, 2011 | 12 Comments | Topics: Local Businesses · Retail
The recent opening of the new Target store at Fallon Gateway in East Dublin has been a dream come true for many residents in and around Dublin, CA. The beautiful architecture, convenient location, plentiful parking, and promise of everyday products sold at a discount have helped the new East Dublin Target store become part of the weekly routine for many shoppers in the Tri-Valley. As excitement over this long-awaited grand opening event fades, a growing number of loyal Target customers have noticed something is not quite right with the new Target.
Around Dublin Blog reader Nicole Roy Borris, who is credited with suggesting the name of Dublin’s Positano Hills Park, recently visited both Target stores in Dublin and found that prices for randomly selected everyday items are priced more than 20% higher at the East Dublin store than at the West Dublin store. “The biggest percentage difference for me was the diapers – $19.79 at West Dublin and $24.49 at East Dublin,” shared Borris. “Many moms look at pricing for diapers, and that’s a big jump for the exact same size of box!”
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