Rock out in the park Around Town, posted by Editor, Pleasanton Weekly Online, on May 31, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Dust off your blankets and pull out your lawn chairs, because it's time for the first installment of the Concerts in the Park. From June 6 through Sept. 5, bands will rock out the Lions Wayside Park stage, at the corner of Neal and First streets.
Read the full story here Web Link posted Thursday, May 29, 2008, 4:36 PM
Posted by frank, a resident of the Pleasanton Heights neighborhood, on May 31, 2008 at 8:59 pm
The most significant point in this article is:
"Concert-goers have been known to claim their spots on the grass hours in advance of the Friday night shows"
Since ten years ago, when my wife and I would go to watch Amador band play on one of the Fridays(our daughter played oboe and Mr. A was director), I have been amazed at how blankets and chairs put out as claims to "their spots" have taken precedent over real people being present wanting to sit in those spots. Inanimate objects win over real people in our society. And we seem to obey this rule. Strange.
We quit trying to go to these long ago..... It's not worth the hassle unless you are one of those who can put your blankets and chairs out about 2 in the afternoon. Otherwise you will be relegated to "space across the street", during rush hour on First.
Posted by Mary, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on May 31, 2008 at 9:40 pm
If not by "about 2 in the afternoon" is too generous a statement. On my way out to the freeway and work on Friday mornings, I already see spots staked out for the evening. It has become very territorial, as if anyone dares to take a spot which is normally reserved by a certain family/tribe, steely glares and a cold shoulder "welcome" the intruders.
Posted by Mr. Wilson, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jun 1, 2008 at 7:20 am
How might you pretend to organize concert event? My Son(living o/s Pleasanton) is from the tribe of "Good Seat" and my Daughter(living o/s of Pleasanton is from the tribe of "Nice to be with Family". When one area of comfort can be arranged early, in the morning, that is called planning.:) Parking is a bit more tricky. Nevertheless, friends/family often gather to enjoy one another,dance and talk. There are many people who would enjoy dancing in their territory, they should just go for it! I for one, would gladly, set in place, a blanket to welcome Frank(a real person) and Mary(close your eyes and dance girl, lighten up), freedom is a bitch!
Posted by Stacey, a resident of the Amberwood/Wood Meadows neighborhood, on Jun 1, 2008 at 9:10 am
Another Pleasanton event that has become a victim of its own success...
"2pm in the afternoon" _is_ too generous. I've seen blankets laid out the night before or early in the morning.
Haha Mr. Wilson! Can I PLAN to show up early to a show, take over your blanketed territorial claim, and be welcomed with open arms? Or will I receive steely glares and cold shoulders at the invasion from this stranger?
Posted by Mr. Wilson, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jun 1, 2008 at 9:45 am
Of course Stacey! Take my spot. I am approx. 30ft. right of the stage, middle section. It doesn't bother me or the persons I'm with. We find another spot. Seems simple, doesn't it? It is. I go along for the ride. Stacey, believe me, you are no stranger, than most.
Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore, on Jun 1, 2008 at 11:39 am
Dawn, I've heard that a small bowl of HOT "menudo" is a good folk remedy for a morning hangover!
However, don't ever buy any from me because I might add a pinch of hay and a tablespoon of Elmer's Glue...buy the time you're done, you'll think that you've just eaten a nice fresh fish taco...tee hee hee, tee hee hee...
Posted by frank, a resident of the Pleasanton Heights neighborhood, on Jun 1, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Mr. "planner" asks the salient question:
"How might you pretend to organize concert event?"
No pretend. It's simple. The city, which owns the park, should simply post the following policy notice:
"Seating at events is on a first-come, first-server basis. You must be present and occupying your seating space for this policy to apply. If a position or area is unoccupied in which you wish to seat, please carefully fold any blankets, chairs, and move them along with other unclaimed items to the area so designated for later claim by their owners."
A designated area can easily be defined and posted.
Actually, the above goes further than it needs to. The posting can stop after the first two sentences. Now, that's common sense! Empty blankets and chairs driving people to sit across the street is simply ridiculous!
Posted by Laurie, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Jun 2, 2008 at 9:44 am
I agree with Frank.
"All items left unattended will be considered abandoned." If you want to 'plan ahead' Mr. Wilson, have your clan show up early to stake out your area in person. The blanket reservation thing is unfair to all the rest of us.
Posted by Mr. Wilson, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jun 2, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Fair? Perhaps the City could hold a lottery the night before to establish squares. Say, 16 sq. ft. per person would be adequate. We will paint these squares different colors, # them. Maybe the PDA could hold a drawing to give away a free car and a bunch of ice cream cones from the dairy. I trust Stacey and Frank draw fairly. The City is retiring two trucks soon, I believe, raffle these off and generate revenue for a local school. Oh well, enjoyed whatever we are writing about, see you at the concert.
Posted by chris, a resident of the Amberwood/Wood Meadows neighborhood, on Jun 3, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Human nature to be territorial, but once the pleasatonians get their their wine and start letting loose everyone seems to get along....alas, this is not the biggest issue, the bigger issue here is that I live down Vineyard and on these nights when the moms and dads are getting sloshed making new "friends" little ones are everywhere, the traffic is horrible and a tragedy waiting to happen...That is great to be close to downtown, but bad spot there....
Posted by Mr. Wilson, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jun 4, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Why WOW? The parameters were set in motion long ago. Could it be that the Concert in the Park outgrew itself? Could it be that the existing concert goers are not patronizing our Downtown, as others would like? Is there an adequate relocation, in the works? There might be some silliness from a few comments. Frank even makes some good points, others as well. Your right WOW, we all sometimes sound like politicians. People vent, go enjoy the concert. You are completely over stating the situation. In my opinion, creating a list of constructive action, of improvements(sound system week to week) could enhance concert further. Even if you have an attentive ear, it is difficult to understand dialogue during affair. Maybe an alternative, lease the property,across from the Pleasanton library and expand as needed. We already have a parking lot there. This is probably not feasible, people would complain about trains, among other things. Nothing is perfect, fill out the questionaire card the PleasantonWeekly sent you and voice your comments. Oh WOW, a thought just popped into my brain, damn, it left, it's back, A VOICE to me is "A Volunteers Ongoing Inspired Conscious Effort" See Ya! Communicate!
Posted by Jeanne, a resident of the Country Fair neighborhood, on Jun 4, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Get over yourselves people! Who cares about blankets and saving space. It evolved into a tradition and MOST people never seemed to mind. I lived in Pleasanton for 30 years and moved away (not my choice) 6 years ago. Be happy that you have that park and the music and the great town that you enjoy. It is like nowhere else. Leave for awhile and just see what you are missing.
Posted by chris, a resident of the Amberwood/Wood Meadows neighborhood, on Jun 6, 2008 at 10:04 am
Cholo, you just made me laugh out loud, thank you...what a way to start a Friday, seriously, that was funny.....how come you are so mad at the world..? Silly! Happy TGIF!!! Oh, by the way, I take public transportation and ride my bike whenever I can on the weekends...Have a great day!!!
Posted by 5.0, a resident of the Bridle Creek neighborhood, on Jun 7, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Cholo I find it very ironic that you of all people on the face of this plant think you are standing up to bullies when you are one of the worst offenders here.
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