Homeowners in Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore, CA can now take advantage of additional incentives for energy-saving home improvements through the recently launched Tri-Valley Energy Challenge. As part of their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the three cities are working together to ensure Tri-Valley homeowners can make the most of the available rebates from Energy Upgrade California, a statewide program that offers rebates and incentives for homeowners to make energy-efficient home improvements. Additional rebates may be available through local cities. The rebate can now be up to $6,000.
The honorable Dublin City Council will be holding a special meeting to review the grand vision for the development of Downtown Dublin on Monday, October 24th, at 5:30PM in the Regional Room of Dublin City Hall. Councilmembers will discuss key recommendations from the Urban Land Institute(ULI)‘s panel of esteemed development experts. Highlights from the ULI’s One Dublin Downtown plan include siphoning funds from East Dublin to pay for development in the West Dublin Downtown and building an entertainment and civic center to revitalize the area. While most people in the Tri-Valley are surprised to learn that Dublin has a downtown, City Hall considers the Dublin Downtown District to be the area bound by San Ramon Road to the west, Village Parkway to the east, I-580 to the south, and Amador Valley Boulevard to the north.
The Tri-Valley area has experienced several catalytic converter thefts in the last few weeks. The thefts in Dublin are occurring during the hours of darkness. The suspects are targeting Toyota Trucks and 4runners manufactured in the mid 1990s to early 2000s. The Crime Prevention Unit of Dublin Police Services is asking residents to be aware of suspicious people in the area. Individuals staying inside their parked vehicles for long periods of time, wandering around furtively, or tampering with vehicles are all considered suspicious. Unusually loud banging and metal-cutting sounds should be reported immediately to the police.
AT&T recently announced network upgrades in Dublin, CA designed to provide its customers faster speeds, increased reliability and best-in-class wireless service. The enhancement came just in time before the release of the much anticipated release of the new iPhone 4S. AT&T’s network enhancements include a new Dublin cell site intended to improve coverage from the intersection of Alcosta Boulevard and I-680 to Alcosta Boulevard and the Iron Horse Trail. It is also expected to bolster service on Village Parkway from Alcosta Boulevard to Tamarack Drive, including the surrounding neighborhood.
“In addition to minimizing dropped calls, these upgrades are specifically geared to enhance the smartphone experience for Dublin residents. Dublin has seen a dramatic increase in smartphone use over the past several years, and AT&T is ensuring our network is equipped to handle that increase,” said AT&T spokesperson George Ross. “With its close proximity to two major highways and BART, Dublin is a critical Bay Area nexus. AT&T recognizes the importance of maximizing our network strength here so that the residents, small businesses and commuters can always count on excellent service,” continued Ross.
Foodies in and around Dublin, CA rejoice. The Gourmet Food Truck Festival will be paying Alameda Fairgrounds in Pleasanton a return visit on Saturday, October 15th from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children. For those who missed this highly popular even the first time back in mid-September, here is the chance to experience what people have been buzzing about first-hand. The festival is organized by The Mobile Gourmet.
The Mobile Gourmet is the brainchild of Jill Horn and Lorring Jones, two local women who retired early from their high-tech careers to follow their true passion in life. The mission of this lean startup is to introduce the joys of the urban food truck phenomenon to the suburbs throughout the Bay Area.
Acccording to Jill Horn, chief marketing officer of The Mobile Gourmet, the Saturday event will have Nom Nom, Chairman Bao, and 20 other beloved food trucks. The number of vendors expected at this festival will help shorten the lines and diversify the menu. For those who are new to the gourmet food truck movement, the video below by the wonderful folks at the Nom Nom Truck should help explain why mobile kitchens like theirs are commanding such devotion from a growing legion of fans.
The California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) recently named Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert as the Ronny Jack Coleman Fire Chief of the Year during its annual conference in Riverside, CA. Gilbert commands about 405 firefighters in 28 stations covering some 506 square miles serving 384,000 people in the unincorporated portions of Alameda County along with the cities of Newark, Union City, San Leandro, and Dublin. Alameda County Fire Department also serves the Lawrence National Laboratories in Berkeley and Livermore. In addition to suppressing fires, the department has an impressive list of services including advanced life support rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, urban search and rescue, water rescue, community education, disaster preparedness, fire prevention and code compliance, and regional dispatch.
Chief Gilbert was praised earlier this year by the Around Dublin Blog for his running the Alameda County Fire Department like a fiscally prudent business that is focused on serving customers and gaining efficiencies wherever possible. “Chief Gilbert’s demonstration of creativity, dynamic leadership in challenging economic times and sound vision has benefited the California fire service as a whole,” said CFCA President and ACFD Deputy Chief, Demetrious Shaffer. “This prestigious award puts him in an elite group of fire chiefs who have made a significant impact on the California fire service’s ability to meet the unique risks and challenges that are present within California.”
Free tutoring, homework help, museum passes, online classes, and SAT prep courses are among the many services available for free to residents in Dublin, CA. All you need to access these treasures is an Alameda County library card. The Alameda County Library system is moving aggressively into the Digital Age, as its brick-and-mortar branches evolve from a place of research and reading to a community gathering place.
Can your kids use a little guidance with their math homework assignments or benefit from having an expert critique their writing? Brainfuse’s online tutoring service can help with math, social studies, writing, English, science, and just about any school subject. Brainfuse also provides free online exam prep and other learning resources to complement the classroom experience.
Museums throughout the Bay Area recognize today’s economic challenges and remain more committed than ever to making access affordable to as many patrons as possible. Families in Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore can get free museum passes to destinations such as the Asian Art Museum, Cartoon Art Museum, Exploratorium, and Oakland Zoo. Discounted passes are available to hot spots such as the Tech Museum of Innovation. Please check the Discover & Go web site for more details.
The Hindu Community and Cultural Center at the Shiva Vishnu Temple at 1232 Arrowhead Avenue in Livermore, CA will be hosting its free Annual Senior Day on Saturday October 8th from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Seniors throughout the Tri-Valley and beyond are invited to come and enjoy a day of full of activities, including a talent show, games, a sumptuous lunch, and more. The talent show will have five minutes for bhajans(songs), 10 minutes for drama, and 7 minutes for dance. Please register by October 4th to participate in the performance.
As the I-680 Express Lane celebrates its first anniversary today, almost half a million drivers have paid a toll electronically for a faster trip over the Sunol Grade. Transportation officials are pleased with the results so far. “Usage is rising. More drivers each month are choosing to use the Express Lane to avoid traffic congestion,” said Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Chair of the I-680 Express Lane Authority Board of Directors. “Hundreds of commuters use this facility everyday. The facility provides a reliable option for commuters who need the dependability in their travel times through the corridor.”