News Digest News Digest (December 08, 2000)

City OKs officers at high schools City OKs officers at high schools (December 08, 2000)

The City Council on Tuesday OK'd hiring two new police officers to serve at the high school campuses. A federal "Cops in the Schools" grant will fund the officers for three years at $250,000.

"We're being proactive," Police Chief Tim Neal told the council. "Usually school resource officers are used in response to problems at schools. We don't have that in Pleasanton."

The uniformed officers will be stationed at Amador Valley and Foothill high schools and their duties will include Village High and the D.A.R.E. programs at the middle schools.

Police are most often called to Pleasanton campuses to deal with traffic, trespassing and loitering complaints, disturbances and crowd control for especial events. But beyond policing, this program creates the chance for informal daily interaction between police and students.

"The plan is to make them part of campus life," Neal said. "We need a better working relationship with the youths in this community."

The schools had eight interviews for the positions set up for Wednesday, Neal said. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Seniors gift wishes Seniors gift wishes (December 08, 2000)

A survey of 647 seniors found the No. 1 gift choice was a large-print calendar, marked with the birthdays and anniversaries of family members. Other preferred gifts were framed, enlarged family photographs; a large-numbered television remote control; gift certificates to a grocery store, pharmacy or favorite restaurant; a cordless telephone; and a box of assorted greeting cards and postage stamps.

"Even though the results represent a national survey of respondents, the average age of whom is 82 1/2, they accurately reflect the thoughts and desires of seniors in our community," said Stephen Wong, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care Office, which serves Pleasanton and other cities in the East Bay.

Least preferred gifts included replacing a piece of china or silverware; appraisal of antiques; coupon organizers; a long-handled shoe horn; and a book of personal service coupons from grandchildren to do chores around the house.

Fifty-seven percent said a gift of $25 or less was the most appropriate. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli