Dublin in Action: Fall Update

Happy Fall!  We gained an extra hour last weekend and I could use it!  It’s been a busy time and there’s lots to report. In the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day, support Dublin Partners in Education’s Fifth Annual Celebrity Waiter event, and celebrate the Dublin Harvest Festival. This month, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving and spending time with my family.  While I’m proud of my little brother, Jacob, who recently became a deputy sheriff, I’m sad that his career commitment will mean he’s working that evening and will miss our family dinner. That’s a first for us, but it shows his commitment to public safety.  May all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy time with loved ones.

Fall Food and Wine Festival – Coming September 2012

A fall festival is returning to Dublin! When I elected to the council I was determined to have Dublin join the Livermore Valley Wine Region. I’m fortunate to have forward-thinking colleagues who joined me and made that commitment a strategic initiative for the city. That initiative will play itself out further next Fall as Dublin hosts a Food and Wine festival (the exact name is still undetermined). The festival will feature local wineries and restaurants. Stay tuned for more details and great wine! 

Veterans’ Day Celebrations

Veterans’ Day is a time to thank those who honorably served our country. Although Veterans Day is November 11, the Tri-Valley celebrated Veterans Day this past weekend with a parade in Pleasanton and the Hometown Heroes Celebration at the Dublin Senior Center. I was proud to take part in both events. I marched with a group called Veterans 4 Veterans Education, a newly formed group to educate veterans on benefits and opportunities available to them. Unfortunately, Vets are unemployed at a rate higher than the national average. We must take care of those who have fought to keep us safe and free! 

Veterans Administration Hospital Tour

Last month I had the opportunity to tour the VA Hospital in Livermore. I was disappointed to learn it is slated to close in 2017. Although this seems far off, it will be here before we know it. This campus is over 100 acres large with hundreds of thousands of square feet dedicated to serving Vets. While I was impressed with the staff at the facility and the care provided, I was disappointed to learn that there were over 50 people in the benefits eligibility office, with a chief complaint among Vets being too many barriers to care. That’s outrageous! If you’re a Vet, we should make it as easy as possible to take care of your health, NOT work against you! 

Urban Land Institute Downtown Study Session

I will not rest until Dublin has a downtown. So I hope this title didn’t turn you away. It’s actually VERY exciting. Late last month, the City Council met with the Urban Land Institute, a nonprofit outfit that works to improve downtown areas. If you’re thinking, “Dublin has a Downtown?” you’re not alone. But my colleagues and I are determined to change that. At this two hour meeting we worked to craft our vision of what Downtown Dublin will look like, and I can’t wait for it to take shape. 

The Downtown Corridor, if you will, is essentially among the four streets of: Dublin Boulevard, Amador Valley Boulevard, Village Parkway, and San Ramon Valley Road.  While this will not be a traditional downtown (Pleasanton Main St., Livermore, etc.), it will be unique to Dublin when it is developed. We all agreed we want more pedestrian-friendly areas, fewer big-box stores, and mixed-use development, especially around the Wests Dublin BART Station. This will not happen overnight, but the council is committed that every development project from here forward will bear in mind the need for a thriving downtown. 

Dublin Becomes a More Open and Transparent Government

As a prosecutor, when I try a case I live by the ethical canon that I have nothing to hide and my file should always be open to inspection for anyone to see. My colleagues and I agree that we too, should be above reproach when it comes to who lobbies us regarding pending agenda items. Last month, an initiative of mine passed unanimously that requires councilmembers to disclose any substantive contacts they have had for any of our public hearing matters where new information is learned. I STRONGLY encourage anyone to contact me or other councilmembers to discuss their positions. However, if a councilmember is acting in a quasi-judicial role, it’s only fair for the public and all sides and parties involved to know who is in the ear of the council and what new information was learned. 

New Arrivals 

After much anticipation, Dublin is now home to a brand new Target store! Tuesday, October 4th marked the occasion and also simultaneously put the Fallon Gateway Shopping Center on the map. Not only does this bring an economic boost to Dublin, but it also provides the residents of East Dublin with easy access to everyday items and one-stop shopping. The on-site Starbucks and snack bar only add to the convenience!

Dublin is also now home to a new REI store. Despite the obvious benefits (top notch camping gear!), this opening is symbolic and promising. REI is located in the former Honda dealership location. REI’s opening is more evidence that Dublin’s local economy is booming!

Update 

Alameda County, including Dublin, officially switched from American Medical Response (AMR) to Paramedics Plus for emergency response service on November 1st.  For years, AMR has serviced the county with emergency response services.  However, in the latest round of contracts, Paramedics Plus came in with the lowest, cost-effective bid. I have high expectations for Paramedics Plus and look forward to these new lifesavers working in our community. I’m also partial to the color of their ambulances, Dublin green and white!