A new look at the past A new look at the past (April 01, 2005)

Pleasanton library to host 'California Stories Uncovered' series

The Pleasanton Library is hosting a series of discussions and presentations during April centered on the theme, "California Stories Uncovered." The series will feature sessions on Pleasanton and Bay Area history, cultural experiences and a look at the Tri-Valley's current state. The library is able to host these events due to a grant from the California Council of the Humanities and matching donations from Friends of the Library.

Local historian Charles Huff will present the first event titled, "Pleasanton History Uncovered." The lecture will start with Pleasanton's beginnings in Mexican land grants and explore lesser-known stories of the town, such as its experiences with the film industry, bandits, brothels and speakeasies. The lecture starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 2.

A discussion and slideshow titled, "Fifty Years of Stories: The Origins of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory," is scheduled at 7 p.m., Monday, April 4. The presentation will discuss the history of the Lab and its impact on scientific advancement.

The library is also presenting a series of three successive discussions on the story collection, "California Uncovered." The discussions will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesdays, April 5, 12 and 19. Former Pleasanton Poet Laureate Jim Ott will lead the first discussion. Sandip Roy, the host of the radio show "Up Front," will host the second. The series will conclude with Tamim Ansary, author of "West of Kabul, East of New York," who will also lead a workshop that evening on memoir writing. A copy of "California Uncovered" is available at the Pleasanton Library.

The library also has an on-going display of residents' stories in the Reference section.

All the lectures are free and take place in the Pleasanton Library's meeting room. Visit the library's Web site at http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/library.html for a complete list of events. -Rebecca Guyon

E-mail a friend a link to this story.