September 23, 2005

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Publication Date: Friday, September 23, 2005

Best of Pleasanton - 2005-2006

Thanks to all the readers who took time to give us their nominations. With so many ballots and varying favorites, we enjoyed reading the many marked choices in this year's "Best of ..." contest, as well as those who wrote in other candidates.

Some of you suggested new categories for next year. Dodie Arterburn of Via Del Cielo wants us to ask readers to name their friendliest religious facility. She'd pick St. Clare's Episcopal in a heartbeat. Joy Peterson wants a vote on "Best Neighborhood." She likes Golden Eagle, which her husband also favors. Guess where they live? Others hope we'll add salad bars and barbecue eateries to our best dining out list next year, and others want categories for best car dealers and schools. In the Best Cat category, which we also didn't have, Jennifer Bower voted for "Bithy." We assume that's hers.

If you have a favorite you'd like us to consider for Best of Pleasanton 2006, send us a note at Editor@pleasantonweekly.com.

When it comes to reader comments, our whole city won out again.

"Just living here is the best," wrote Emilie and Howard Seeback of Calle Alegre.

"Great schools, great people, great atmosphere. Pleasanton is God's world," said Benny Suarez who lives on Crellin Road.

"My favorite thing about Pleasanton is its community street fairs and festivals," wrote Dublin resident Dorothy Bedrin.

One other category we didn't list, but are proud to report, was for best newspaper, where the Pleasanton Weekly continues to be the clear choice with readers.

Now on with the winners.

AROUND TOWN

With a pleasant sitting area and easy viewing of Main Street, Pleasanton residents agree that Tully's Coffee makes for the best place to people watch in town. Located on the corner of Angela and Main streets, "Tully's Plaza" as the locals call it, is a favorite spot to hang out, sip some coffee and see who stops by. At almost any hour of the day, the plaza is filled with people ranging from moms out with the kids to businessmen taking a quick break to motorcycle enthusiasts. With three other restaurants in the same location - High Tech Burrito, Cold Stone Creamery, TortaBella (all of which made it onto the "Best of Pleasanton" list) and Fontina - there is a huge draw for residents to swing by the plaza and see who's out. Take kids - Hansen Park

In a city with as many wonderful places to take kids as there are in Pleasanton, how do you pick the best one? Our readers this year picked Hansen Park. Along with all of our fine neighborhood parks, Hansen Park has lots of open space and a recently updated children's play area. Perhaps Hansen was picked "best of" by our families with younger children for the alien-themed children's play structures. This park and all the parks in Pleasanton are truly out-of-this-world! Get Spoiled - Pleasanton Spa

Want pampering on an imperial scale? The Weekly's readers say the best place for that is the Pleasanton Spa. From a massage by a certified massage therapist to facials, manicures, pedicures and more - the Pleasanton Spa is the place to go for blissful relaxation. Located at 6155 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 150, the spa is open Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday and Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Services include eyebrow and bikini line waxing, microdermabrasion, hair treatments and scalp massage, an anti-aging hand treatment, lip plumping treatment - even a facial for men. Sell a used car - along Santa Rita Road in front of Amador Park

In case you thought the best place to sell a used car was the traditional way - a sign in the window or a classified ad, by a huge majority our readers say, no, the best place to unload the old jalopy is along Santa Rita Road in front of Amador Park by Safeway. We suggest before you get towed or ticketed you find a better way to sell your car. Get a Traffic Ticket - Santa Rita Road

While the CHP keeps a keen eye out for speeders on I-580 and 680, especially on holiday weekends, people in Pleasanton know the best place to see flashing red lights in your rear-view mirror is Santa Rita Road. When we asked, "Where's the best place to get a speeding ticket?" the majority of those who voted pointed to Pleasanton's in-town mini-freeway. However, Main Street, too, had its ticket gripers. Have a First Date - Pleasanton Hotel

Perhaps the biggest surprise for those who found their first love on the high school campus was our readers' pick of the Pleasanton Hotel as the best place for a first date. Hotel owner Bill Laube said the hotel doesn't cater to younger crowds - those in their early 20s - but would be glad to see more of them stop in for a drink or dinner. Those he sees holding hands and sitting back in the comfortable lounge chairs are a bit beyond "first-date" age, but they almost always have that same special gleam in their eyes as they get to know each other for the first time. The Pleasanton Hotel is located at 855 Main St. downtown. Have a Romantic date - Claude and Dominique's Bistro

Always rated one of the best, Weekly readers have voted Claude and Dominique's Bistro the best place to go for a romantic date in Pleasanton. Chef-owner Claude Lejeune specializes in authentic French cuisine. Tucked away at 210 Rose Ave. just off Main Street downtown, the charming "old world" Bistro is open every day except Sunday and Monday. Have a wedding/reception - Pleasanton Hotel

The Pleasanton Hotel won hands-down as our readers' choice for the best place to have a wedding and reception. Brides and their parents (we didn't hear from grooms) praised the ambiance of the spacious Victorian banquet room, the separate Garden and Fireside rooms for break-away chats and refreshments, and the hotel's private, exquisitely landscaped outdoor patio, with ample room for photos and dancing. Owner Bill Laube said wedding parties and their guests particularly like the convenience of holding both the wedding and reception in an historic downtown facility that doesn't look like a banquet hall. More than 75 percent of wedding receptions booked at the hotel this year have also included the wedding itself, with the others held there after church weddings nearby. The Pleasanton Hotel is located at 855 Main St. downtown. Best Hairdresser/Barber - Cosmo's Barber Shop

Cosmo's Barber Shop at 4275 First St. seems to be open all the time and is a long-time Pleasanton favorite. Operating seven days a week since 1974, hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sat. and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Voted best place to get your hair done, owner Cosmo Panetta says he does "everybody's hair" - men, women and children. Services offered include perms and coloring. Walk-in cuts start at $10, with a special $9 rate for senior citizens. And how old is a "senior citizen?" Cosmo jokes, "Ninety-five years old and they must be accompanied by their mother and father." Retired or age 62, he adds smiling. Cosmo, a congenial character, recently turned 61. Free entertainment - Friday Concerts in the Park

Pleasanton residents love their music, so it is no wonder they named the Pleasanton Downtown Association's Friday Concerts in the Park series as the best free entertainment in town. Starting in May, PDA brings a variety of bands to perform at Lions Wayside Park every Friday night through September. Past groups include Red Di, Magic Moments and Blair Hansen, ranging in styles from reggae, 50s rock and modern acoustic. The show starts at 7 p.m., but to get a good seat people lay down their blankets and chairs as early as 8 a.m. While it is BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket), the PDA does sell food and soft drinks during the event. The good music mixed with the fun family atmosphere on a warm summer night are what truly make this Pleasanton's best free entertainment. Public event - First Wednesday

The Pleasanton Downtown Association showed once again that it knows what the people want with its First Wednesday street party winning as best public event. The event can pretty much be summed up by its name. On the first Wednesday of the month from May to September vendors set up along Main Street and the crowds come out. From 6 to 9 p.m. Main Street is packed with people who sample the food, dance to the live music, indulge in the beer and wine garden and enjoy running into friends and neighbors. Even though First Wednesday was a clear winner this year, other popular events such as the Alameda County Fair and the Farmer's Market also received many votes. Architecture - Rose Hotel

Downtown Pleasanton is always the focus of our readers for the "best of" pick for architecture. Your favorite this year is the Rose Hotel and no wonder! The Rose Hotel is a fabulous addition to downtown as an anchor for the north end of Main Street. While not copying the original Rose Hotel of yesteryear, the façade and many of its features emulate the look and feel of the Rose Hotel as it would have appeared to Pleasantonians decades ago. Of course, the updated version with all of its first-class amenities is one of the finest boutique hotels in the Bay Area. Thanks are owed to the Madden family for investing in a true luxury hotel for our downtown. The Rose Hotel is located at 807 Main Street downtown.

DINING OUT

If your idea of a good breakfast is one that features down home cooking, you may agree with our Readers that Jim's Country Style Restaurant, 5400 Sunol Boulevard, is the best place to go. Dean's Restaurant downtown on Main Street has loyalists, too, but Jim's got the most votes from our readers. If you like steak and eggs, the steak at Jim's is tender and you can have eggs cooked to order and add a fresh-baked biscuit. The atmosphere is cheerful and the servers fast and friendly. Bakery - TortaBella Bake Shop

TortaBella Bakery at 349 Main Street is both a retail shop and full bakery operation. Open seven days a week - Monday through Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - baked goods, breakfast and lunch are gourmet-to-go and win top honors from Weekly readers. A courtyard fronts on Main Street and is a prime spot to watch people. TortaBella prides itself on using only the "real thing" in its products, from butter to vanilla to liqueurs. Goods are baked daily. Leftover pastries and breads are recycled into the bake shop's next-day delectable bread pudding. A Bay Area restaurant favorite for years, the bake shop's cheesecake is a real crowd pleaser. The shop also offers custom creations, including wedding cakes. Orders can be sent by e-mail: orders@tortabella.com. Sushi - SOZO

SOZO Japanese restaurant at 2835 Hopyard Road has a sushi-to-go menu and was voted best sushi in Pleasanton. Open from lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m-2:30 p.m., SOZO offers casual dining and even catering. In Japanese, SOZO means "creative" and the restaurant features 50 creative maki rolls on its to-go menu. Dinner entrees include chicken, beef or salmon teriyaki which can be combined with tempura. Italian - Pastas Trattoria

What is it about Pastas Trattoria that makes it Pleasanton's best Italian restaurant? Perhaps it's the variety of dishes that include steaks, chicken and, of course, pasta. Or maybe it's the indulgences it offers with a fine wine selection and luxurious desserts. Some may say it's the great ambiance created with the outdoor patio on Main Street. Here at the Weekly, we figure it must be all three that make Pastas a fixture on the Best of Pleasanton list. Mexican - Alberto's Cantina

With picturesque outdoor dining overlooking Main Street downtown, Alberto's has been voted best Mexican restaurant in Pleasanton. Specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, Alberto's offers takeouts - you can even fax in your order to (925) 462-3173 - and a popular sports bar. Alberto's boasts "rare and unique tequilas." Chinese - The Panda

The Panda, voted best Chinese restaurant, is located on the downtown side of the tracks at 30 West Angela Street. It specializes in savory delights of Northern China at reasonable prices. Friendly fast service and tasty entrees greet lunch patrons Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2 p.m. and dinner guests who love a broad selection of Mandarin cuisine. Dinner is served from 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and from 5-10 p.m. on Fridays. Closed on Sundays. Take-out: Vinny's 2 Go

Vinny's 2 Go, an Italian pizzeria that has continued to gain reader votes since it opened two years ago in the Rose Pavilion, was the overwhelming favorite in this year's "Best of Dining Out" Take Out category. Chief pizza-tosser and owner Vinny La Rosa customized his restaurant with an array of freshly prepared pasta dishes, pizza and Panini to meet the active lifestyles of Pleasanton residents. "Our vision is to help people by offering flavorful, healthy options to fast food," La Rosa explained. "When mom or dad is working, then carpooling to soccer practice, it's hard to put a quick, delicious dinner on the table." Readers agreed, pointing out that Vinny's 2 Go is about as authentic as you can get this side of Rome. "Vinny's has the best pizza and Italian food in the Valley," commented Ken Mudge of Mirador Drive. Atmosphere - Pleasanton Hotel

Nestled in downtown Pleasanton amongst the charm and nostalgia of Main Street, the Pleasanton Hotel was voted the place with the best atmosphere. Readers said the hotel's recently redecorated historic property with a private outdoor garden patio and its turn-of-the-century Magnolia tree create the perfect setting for a bit of rest and relaxation from the stress of work and traffic outside. Readers' ballots for the Blue Agave and Barone's make these two restaurants close runners-up. The Pleasanton Hotel is located at 855 Main St. downtown. Solo dining and Best Burrito - High Tech Burrito

Wanna know why you see people dining alone? Because they think it's better. The Solo Diner never needs to consider someone else's finicky, funky or pathetically plain palette? The Solo Diner will never hear "but I just had that for lunch?" or "gosh darn, I forgot my wallet. I'll pay next time." So when the people of Pleasanton picked High Tech Burrito as the best burrito for the second year in a row and 2005's Best Solo Dining, we thought - not only are there those who find comfort in that perfectly empty chair on the opposite end of the table - they also have great taste. We all know that High Tech is reliably good. Burritos are as big and as spicy as your stomach can stomach. But perhaps what you didn't know, it's easy to eat alone at High Tech. If you're looking to break into the world of solo dining, you can take baby steps here. First and foremost, it's casual. If you must talk on your cell phone, no one will think it's terribly annoying. You don't have to stand by yourself too long waiting for your food. There's a big window to people watch, or a big mirror if you seek the comfort of a familiar face. But the best thing about eating one of High Tech's gourmet burritos - dining alone, that is - you won't have to spend your entire meal wondering how (or if ) you should tell that person you're eating with about the piece of cilantro stuck in their front teeth. Beans can fall down your front and nobody cares. Solo diners eat what they want, when they want, stay as long as they want and without ever, ever having to hear a single complaint or contemplate a compromising cuisine. So, don't feel sorry for The Solo Diner - and by all means, please don't ask to join them. High Tech Burrito is located at 349 Main Street Suite 120. New Restaurant - Silver Palate

The Silver Palate was voted the best new restaurant in Pleasanton. The Silver Palate specializes in California cuisine. Silver Palate, located at 680 Main St. downtown, uses the most natural ingredients available. With the light-filled expanse of a European marketplace, the restaurant's ambiance includes an outdoor patio that captures the best in al fresco dining. Silver Palate will tide you over when you can't get to Europe. Get in line, though, the restaurant is already very popular. Open seven days a week, Silver Palate offers a country brunch buffet every Sunday.

Running a close second was Mahalo's, located downtown at 425 Main Street. Mahalo's could be described as a Hawaiian vacation without leaving home. Emulating the look and feel of "Tommy Bahama's" - Mahalo's menu rivals any great restaurant on the islands. At Mahalo's, as you savor macademia-encrusted fish, you can almost hear the ocean. Eat with Kids - Red Robin

Once again, our readers picked Red Robin on Owens Drive as the best place to eat with kids. It features a huge menu, with 25 different burgers, including a soy burger, half a dozen chicken burgers and a fish burger. There is also a kids' menu. The festive atmosphere is a real draw for parents and children. Encouraged by an enthusiastic staff and lively décor, kids are free to be kids while enjoying the culinary delights of a "carnival corn dog." Although a bit noisy, Red Robin never claimed to be a place for solitude or working a crossword puzzle. With giant portions, the kids leave well-fed and worn out from the excitement, leaving parents a chance to enjoy the rest of the evening more quietly. Place to Splurge - Haps Original - Steaks, Seafood and Chops

Located at 122 W. Neal St., the Weekly's readers say this is the place to go when money's no object. Haps is an authentic New York-style steak house that features USDA dry-aged certified Angus beef. Also on the menu daily: seasonal fresh fish specials and lobster prepared to order. Haps also boasts an award-winning California wine list, good service and comfortable décor. Open for dinner from 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and Sunday from 5-9 p.m., the lounge at Haps opens each day at 4 p.m.

STEPPING OUT

The historic design and décor of the Pleasanton Hotel, with its wood bar and always-friendly bartenders and staff have made this a great place for a relaxing after work drink, and maybe even dinner across the hall right after. Our readers voted the hotel best in the after-work drink category, citing the comfort and quiet as well as generous drinks that help soothe those stopping by after a hectic, stressful day. It's possible, too, that the hotel bar's wide variety of sumptuous appetizers adds to its appeal for our voters. "Happy Hour" starts at 4 p.m. weekdays. For $10, you can have a multi-course meal. The Pleasanton Hotel is located at 855 Main St. downtown. Girls' Night Out - John DeKoven Comedy Showcase at the Main Street Brewery

Looking for a great night out with the girls? Our readers recommend an evening of comedy with John DeKoven at the Main Street Brewery, 830 Main St. For a $7 cover charge and two drink minimum (waived if dining), DeKoven, producer of Laugh-A-Lot Productions, brings his special brand of standup comedy and an assortment of other headliners on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays starting at 8 p.m. DeKoven abandoned a business career to pursue comedy full time in 2001. Since then, his marketing and comedic skills have made his showcase one of the best comedy venues in the Bay Area. The Main Street Brewery is located in the old cheese factory across from the Pleasanton Hotel. Boys' night out - Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill

The Hop Yard American Alehouse and Grill is a consistent watering hole winner. Located at 3015H Hopyard Road, the Hop Yard offers 30 beers on tap and a variety of great food, everything from finger food to full blown meals. With its new banquet menu, the Hop Yard's food, drink and ambiance made it the top pick for a night out with the boys. A picnic - Pleasanton Ridge

If it involves going outdoors, Pleasanton residents agreed that they want to do it at the Pleasanton Ridge, so it's no surprise this location won for best place for a picnic. Parking is free and residents can enter the park through the entrance on Foothill Road This makes for a lovely walk where you can enjoy the natural surroundings before laying down your picnic blanket. With views of both Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley, Pleasanton Ridge offers picnic-goers beautiful surroundings in which to enjoy their meal. For those who are looking for a quiet picnic, go higher up the ridge where there are fewer people, and don't forget to stop and smell (but don't pick) the wildflowers. Get-together with friends - Baci

Many people rave about the food at Baci, which, with its array of soups, pastas and sandwiches, is quite good. But what really stands out to Pleasanton residents is the inviting ambiance and casual dining atmosphere. That's why Pleasanton Weekly readers named Baci as the best place in town to get together with friends. Whether it is a lunch time rendezvous or an evening dinner, people love to go to Baci when they want to catch up. With its location on the corner of Main Street and Neal Avenue, Baci is also the perfect place to run into friends and neighbors downtown while enjoying a nice meal on its curbside patio. The food, location and ambiance make this a Pleasanton favorite and adds to the charm of the downtown area. Baci also has a second location at



Watch a sunset - Pleasanton Ridge

With a ridgeline that nears 1,500 feet, Pleasanton Ridge offers residents a clear view of the horizon, which is why readers named it the best place in Pleasanton to view a sunset. The park opens at 5 a.m. and doesn't close until 10 p.m., making it available for both sunrise and sunset watching, whether it's late summer or early winter. The beautiful flowers and pleasant trails make this a great location to take a date for a romantic moment or for parents to share the beauty of nature with their children. Buy a book - Borders

Just squeaking by downtown Pleasanton's Towne Center Books in the voting, Borders has been voted Pleasanton's best book store. Offering more than 200,000 books, CDs and DVDs, Borders also includes a café where browsers can relax and enjoy their purchase. In Pleasanton, Borders Books, Music and Cafe is located at 4575 Rosewood Dr. There is no extra charge for special orders.

QUICK FIXES

Burrito buffs are big on High Tech Burrito. Fans call its burritos big and spicy - from flame-broiled steak to the chicken-packed Godzilla. The Mangia burrito's a favorite, too, and is made with either tiger prawns or chicken breast. Prices are reasonable: Pick a hearty burrito made with flame-broiled steak regular-size, black beans and rice with chips, salsa and a drink and pay just $8.16. Easy to see what makes High Tech Burrito, located at 349 Main Street, Suite 120, "numero uno." Ice cream - Cold Stone Creamery

Have you ever been in the mood for coffee ice cream mixed with coconut? How about mint mixed with peanut butter cups? Well at Cold Stone Creamery, you can have that and any other sweet concoction you can imagine, which is why Pleasanton Weekly readers voted it the best ice cream in town. The main draw of Cold Stone is that patrons get to pick what ice cream they want along with a "mix-in" of their choosing that can be anything from strawberries to graham crackers to chocolate chips, that all gets mixed together on a cold stone (hence the name). Located in Tully's Plaza on Main Street, Cold Stone is always packed, especially during the hot summer months, but even as the weather turns cold. After all, who can ever pass up ice cream? What keeps the shop interesting is that it not only has regular chocolate and vanilla ice cream flavors, but also features special "Red Pan" flavors that are unique only to them. These specialties include cake batter, oatmeal cookie and wasabi ginger, just to name a few. Between the many different ice creams and huge variety of mix-ins, Cold Stone Creamery can satisfy any sweet tooth. Coffee - Tully's

Coffee aficionados in Pleasanton have voted - and say Tully's is the place to go for excellent coffee and espresso drinks offered. And it's not just the coffee that brings people into the shop. With an inviting counter and comfortable chairs, Tully's is a great place to take a 15-minute break (better make that a 20-minute break) and enjoy a nice afternoon latte. A kid's corner filled with games and toys and a community board with information on upcoming local events help to make Tully's a central part of the community. You'll go there for the coffee, but stay for the atmosphere. Hamburger - In-N-Out

Although Bob's Giant Burger, 4223 1st St., ran a close second, the In-N-Out at 6015 Johnson Dr. took top honors with Weekly readers for "best burger." Started as, literally, a mom 'n' pop operation - California's first drive-thru hamburger stand went from one drive-thru in 1948 to 140 in three states by 1999. Fresh ingredients that are never frozen are delivered daily and no burger hits the grill before it's ordered. Fries start out as hand-diced fresh whole potatoes and shakes are made from real ice cream. Although a multi-outlet chain, In-N-Out Burgers is still privately owned by the descendants of California founder Harry Snyder. Sandwich - Gimanelli's Delicatessen and Togo's Eatery

For the past five years, Togo's Eatery has won hands down as the best place for a sandwich in Pleasanton. But this year Togo's was given some stiff competition by Gimanelli's Delicatessen, located at 915 Main St. The two shops tied for best sandwich in town. Togo's is nationally known for its fresh ingredients and tasty subs, especially the turkey avocado which is a favorite. Gimanelli's, on the other hand, is a local deli that residents love for its big sandwiches made with quality meat, bread and condiments. The shop, owned and managed by Carol and Sal Syriani, also has other specialties, including homemade sausages, dolma, hummus and garlic cheese dip. The garlic cheese dip is especially popular with Amador Valley High School students who stop at the shop on their way home from school and pick up some dip and bread as an afternoon snack. "We always know when it's break time at the colleges because many Amador grads come back and get their cheese dip before leaving again," said Sal. The Syrianis take care to know their customers, particularly Carol who Sal said "really runs the place." Either way you slice it, Pleasanton residents have two great options to get their sandwich fix. Pizza - Gay Nineties

Gay Nineties pizza is more than a pizza place, it's a Pleasanton institution. Located at the corner of Main and Abbie streets, the restaurant is a fixture of the downtown and a great place to stop for any meal. After all, who says you can't have pizza for breakfast? With fresh sauces and thick crusts, not to mention traditional Italian seasonings and quality toppings, it is safe to say Gay Nineties has the best pizza in town. Pleasanton residents also love the pizza parlor for its tasty pastas and other Italian favorites. Whether its pizza or pasta, if you're eating at Gay Nineties, it's sure to be good.

LET'S GET PHYSICAL

A half hour to an hour and a half under the skillful hands of a certified massage therapist versed in various types of massage is a service offered by the Pleasanton Spa. Readers have rated massages at the Pleasanton Spa the best in the city. From Hot Stone therapy to Deep Tissue massage, the magic hands at the Pleasanton Spa work out the kinks of day-to-day stress. The Swedish massage comes complete with Aromatherapy oils, and the spa even offers special massage for expectant and new mothers. Located at 6155 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 150 - the spa is open Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday and Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Place to jog/public park - Sports Park

Once again Pleasanton Sports Park tops the "best place to jog" category and also best public park. The Weekly's readers enjoy the safe, friendly environment at the Sports Park as well as the scenic setting. Located at 5800 Parkside Drive, the 105 acre park offers sports fields, play areas and a popular skate track. The 8,000 square feet track is available to skateboarders and in-line rollerbladers. Proper equipment - including helmets, elbow and knee pads - is required. The track is open during daylight hours. To learn more about this and other parks in Pleasanton, visit www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us. Bike/walking trail - Pleasanton Ridge

Pleasanton is fortunate that even though it is a developed city it still has many parks and green spaces, which is why it was tough to select the best trails in town. However, residents were able to decide that the Pleasanton Ridge, once again, is worthy of the title. The variety of trails offered at the ridge can accommodate walkers or bikers of any level, from leisurely strolls to intense bike rides. Dogs are allowed in the park for no extra fee, so people can take their dog for a walk while enjoying their own exercise. The 3,163-acre park boasts a 5.9-mile hiking loop that will give anyone a great workout whether they complete the whole thing or only make it up part of the path. Health/fitness center - TIE: Club Sport and 24-Hour Fitness

Pleasanton residents are a fit bunch of people, so it's no wonder they couldn't pick just one fitness center as the best in town. The results came in, and it was a tie between ClubSport Pleasanton and 24-Hour Fitness. Located at 5860 W. Las Positas Blvd., 24-Hour Fitness offers weight training and cardio machines for those who want to do an individual work out, as well as group classes such as turbo kickboxing and aerobics. The facility also offers a child care center and tanning booths. ClubSport, which won this category last year, is at 7090 Johnson Dr. and offers members a first rate facility. With exercise classes such as cardio tennis and belly dancing, this club makes sure working out never gets dull. Called a "fitness resort," the facility offers the usual treadmills and barbells, but also boasts a deli with full wireless internet, intramural sport leagues, nutrition and wellness classes and live jazz on Tuesday evenings, for those who are tired of their work out play list. Whether lifting weights or working up a sweat, Pleasanton residents are sure to keep fit at either of these gyms. Best Coach - Maddens

Mention the name Madden, and most of us think of football, coaching and the Raiders. This year, readers selected three: John Madden and his two sons, Joe and Mike. John Madden has lived here for 35 years from the time he was coaching the Oakland Raiders. He's just been selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Seniors Committee as a finalist for election into the Hall of Fame with the Class of 2006.

As for the sons, who both played football at Foothill, readers picked them as best coaches for their work with the Foothill freshmen boys football squad. Over the last 13 years, they've helped more than 700 boys learn the skills and techniques of the game, with many of those going on to varsity play and championship games. Joe owns Goal Line Productions, located in the Hacienda Business Park, a nationally-known commercial video production studio. Mike, a 1982 graduate of Foothill, is the owner of Red Bear Inc. and a downtown property owner and businessman. He's also this year's president of the Pleasanton Downtown Association.
You're the winner!

And now for winning readers. The dinner for two for the best written response goes to Kathryn Meier of Second Street who wrote, "The best of Pleasanton isn't the shops and restaurants. It's the people that care and make this town, schools and community a great place to be."
The 10 winners of the random drawing for T-shirts are: 1. Julie Raven, Springdale Ave. 2. Dona Bell, Livermore 3. Ruthy Snyder, Holly Circle 4. Denis Telgemeier, Elmwood Circle 5. Matt Weiss, Melo Court 6. F. Cassell, Black Avenue 7. Ismael Saldana, Menlo Court 8. David Snyder, Joanne Circle 9. Diane McRae, Prairie Dr. 10. Beverley McCauley, Beachwood Way

Thank you, everyone, for your entries.

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