At the recent Alameda County LAFCO hearing to consider Livermore’s request for Doolan Canyon to be considered part of its Sphere of Influence, the Commission unanimously voted to table the item and encouraged the City of Livermore to work amicably with the City of Dublin and the property owners on a mutually agreeable decsision. Staff from Alameda County will also participate in the discussions and will be working with all interested parties on developing a long term solution for the area. At the hearing speaking as an Alternate Commissioner, I expressed my support for the motion for cooperation and reiterated the fact that it has always been Dublin’s desire to have mutual discussions on the matter. I am looking forward to working with Livermore, Alameda County, and the property owners.

Despite the fact that Livermore developed right up to Dublin’s border on the south side of I-580 with the Paragon outlets with no open space buffer between our cities, I expressed my support for a significant open space buffer between eastern Dublin and north Livermore on the north side of I-580 that could include some trails and easements as part of an East Bay Regional Park with public access, along with areas left alone for environmental mitigation. In addition, despite the fact that Livermore has nearly double the population of Dublin (Dublin - 46,000; Livermore - 85,000), I expressed my desire to finalize an Urban Growth Boundary for Eastern Dublin similar to what is in place in Western Dublin to help calm the concerns Livermore has about possible growth for Dublin. Regardless of what happens in Doolan Canyon or any other growth in our City, Dublin will always remain much smaller than San Ramon, Pleasanton, or Livermore.

Currently, the City is waiting on Pacific Union Homes to determine whether it wants to move forward with its conceptual proposal for a senior housing community similar to Rossmoor. If Pacific Union and the property owners decide to move forward, they would pay City consultants and staff to conduct a thorough analysis of the project in terms of fiscal sustainability for the City along with a full Environmental Impact Report. The studies would likely take at least 18 months, followed by a comment period from the interested parties and the general public. Thus, although this topic has been in the news quite a bit, the reality is that any decisions or resolutions on the property is likely to be several years away.

Tags: Tim's Travels by Tim Sbranti
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The Dublin Gaels finished their best season since 2004 powered in large part by an impressive 6-1 record at home, including a 40-0 victory over its arch-rival Dougherty Valley and a 35-7 North Coast Section playoff victory over Ukiah.

It was a lot of fun serving as the team’s public address announcer and to see the record crowds all season enjoying the success of the team along with the excellent performances by our award-winning marching band and national qualifying cheerleading squad. In fact, considering that I also had the opportunity this year to serve as part of the TV30 broadcast team for the high school football game of the week, I attended games at high schools througout the Tri-Valley. I can honestly state that nothing rivals the atmosphere of Dublin High School. It has long been common knowledge that we have one of the most thrilling Homecoming festivities with the Parade down Village Parkway followed by the massive Carnival, but on a weekly basis nothing rivals the quality experience of attending a game at DHS. Starting with the impressive quality of the playing field and spectator sections, to the excellent snack bar, the noise and size of the crowd, and the excellent performances throughout the game by the band, cheerleaders, and football team, it is a great event for the entire community. If you didn’t catch the action this year hopefully you can make it out next season.

I want to wish the Gaels the best of luck as they advance in the North Coast Section playoffs, and since we’re talking DHS Athletics I also want to recognize the Girls’ Golf Team for winning the DFAL League title in only the 4th year of the program’s existence. Congrats!

Tags: Tim's Travels by Tim Sbranti
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The past couple of months have been particularly busy throughout the community, and I’ve had the privilege of attending several events. Some of them that I want to recognize include the Dublin Library’s “Dublin Reads” program, where I hosted a book discussion on this year’s selection “A Wrinkle in Time.” The Library does an excellent job hosting a series of activities surrounding one book each year that they encourage the community to read together. I also enjoyed serving as the auctioneer of the Dublin Partners in Education Celebrity Waiter Dinner and the Dublin High PFSO Raise Your Class events. I also want to recognize the Valley Childrens’ Museum for hosting a very enjoyable Open House event, along with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to participate on the panel of their annual Real Estate Tour and Luncheon. Finally, it was a real honor to be a part of three Veterans’ Day tributes, including a parade and reception at the VFW Hall in Pleasanton followed by our own Hometown Heroes event at the Senior Center. Another event that I could not attend but was well received by the community include the Heritage Days Festival at the City’s new Heritage Park and Museums. This will certainly become an annual tradition moving forward.

Tags: Tim's Travels by Tim Sbranti
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