TAMPING OUT FIREWORKS TALK -- Rumors had been circulating around town recently that the city was going to do away with the safe and sane fireworks booth concessions, which are a major source of funding for a number of Dublin nonprofit groups.
Although I normally don't write anything about the many rumors that come across my desk, I thought this one was worth sending to her mayorness Janet Lockhart.
"The council has had no interest in changing our fireworks ordinance," she said, emphasizing "no." "The community has voted and supported the ordinance three separate times."
As you well know, Dublin is one of a handful of Bay Area communities that allow legal fireworks. And each year, there is the usual nonprofit high-stakes drawing to determine which local organizations are given a coveted booth. They, in turn, have to lobby the fireworks company to try to get the prized locations.
All in all, it's a lot of work and angst, but well worth it to nonprofit groups who otherwise have to scramble for funding if they can't sell sparklers, smoke bombs and fountains.
"We do understand the value to our nonprofit groups. As long as residents continue to behave responsibly with 'safe and sane' fireworks, then I believe the city will support their interest," the city says.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING: Speaking of the City Council, it will be taking part in a special planning meeting Friday to take a hard look at the current version of the city's 10-year strategic plan, which includes all areas of city government, including development and the purchasing of additional lands for open space and parks.
The meeting, from 1 to 5 p.m., will be held in the Dublin Library's Community Room.
ART EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS: If you have a budding artist in the house, you might want to consider enrolling little Picasso in an upcoming Art Experience course.
According to the city, the courses cover fundamentals of drawing and coloring, learning to mix colors, learning to use different media, and learning to draw people and animals, among other things.
There are two upcoming four-class sessions that have openings. One starts Feb. 6; the other March 6. All classes are held Tuesday evenings and the Dublin Senior Center and cost $75.
Log on to www.dublinrecguide.com for more information or to enroll.
TEEING IT UP FOR DUBLIN HIGH ATHLETICS: Like nearly all California public school athletic departments, money to run programs, purchase equipment and maintain fields in Dublin is almost always in short supply. At Dublin High, the Athletic Booster Club is gearing up for its annual fundraising golf tournament.
This year's tournament has been set for April 20 at the Sunol Golf Course. Boosters are looking for players ($175 per person) as well as sponsors who can step up to the tee box and lend a hand to the Gaels' athletic department.
"The Boosters support all student athletes from all sports with an athletic trainer, uniforms, equipment, scholarships and much more," says booster Sandy Changyee.
You can get all of the information you need about the tournament at http://dublinhighathletics.olinesports.com.
YMCA PINEWOOD DERBY: Fallon School is the track location for the Tri-Valley Y's upcoming Pinewood Derby.
More than 200 kids with the Y-Princesses and Y-Guides are expected to converge on the school Jan. 20 from noon to 3 p.m., and the public is invited to catch all the exciting action.
Although I normally don't write anything about the many rumors that come across my desk, I thought this one was worth sending to her mayorness Janet Lockhart.
"The council has had no interest in changing our fireworks ordinance," she said, emphasizing "no." "The community has voted and supported the ordinance three separate times."
As you well know, Dublin is one of a handful of Bay Area communities that allow legal fireworks. And each year, there is the usual nonprofit high-stakes drawing to determine which local organizations are given a coveted booth. They, in turn, have to lobby the fireworks company to try to get the prized locations.
All in all, it's a lot of work and angst, but well worth it to nonprofit groups who otherwise have to scramble for funding if they can't sell sparklers, smoke bombs and fountains.
"We do understand the value to our nonprofit groups. As long as residents continue to behave responsibly with 'safe and sane' fireworks, then I believe the city will support their interest," the city says.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING: Speaking of the City Council, it will be taking part in a special planning meeting Friday to take a hard look at the current version of the city's 10-year strategic plan, which includes all areas of city government, including development and the purchasing of additional lands for open space and parks.
The meeting, from 1 to 5 p.m., will be held in the Dublin Library's Community Room.
ART EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS: If you have a budding artist in the house, you might want to consider enrolling little Picasso in an upcoming Art Experience course.
According to the city, the courses cover fundamentals of drawing and coloring, learning to mix colors, learning to use different media, and learning to draw people and animals, among other things.
There are two upcoming four-class sessions that have openings. One starts Feb. 6; the other March 6. All classes are held Tuesday evenings and the Dublin Senior Center and cost $75.
Log on to www.dublinrecguide.com for more information or to enroll.
TEEING IT UP FOR DUBLIN HIGH ATHLETICS: Like nearly all California public school athletic departments, money to run programs, purchase equipment and maintain fields in Dublin is almost always in short supply. At Dublin High, the Athletic Booster Club is gearing up for its annual fundraising golf tournament.
This year's tournament has been set for April 20 at the Sunol Golf Course. Boosters are looking for players ($175 per person) as well as sponsors who can step up to the tee box and lend a hand to the Gaels' athletic department.
"The Boosters support all student athletes from all sports with an athletic trainer, uniforms, equipment, scholarships and much more," says booster Sandy Changyee.
You can get all of the information you need about the tournament at http://dublinhighathletics.olinesports.com.
YMCA PINEWOOD DERBY: Fallon School is the track location for the Tri-Valley Y's upcoming Pinewood Derby.
More than 200 kids with the Y-Princesses and Y-Guides are expected to converge on the school Jan. 20 from noon to 3 p.m., and the public is invited to catch all the exciting action.
