Posted by Tim, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 8:18 am

Really? "warmest winter coats, mittens and beanies" were needed? Why it must have been 55 degrees out last night. Better stay away from tahoe!

Must be an example of "poetic license".

Posted by Sue, a resident of another community, on Nov 20, 2009 at 8:50 am

Always have to have someone making snide comments.

I think it's nice that they even have gone out of their way to bring the East Bay a fun event!

Happy Holidays....

Posted by Rick, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 8:53 am

No that Californicator uneleted bureaucrats are starting to regulate what electricity-using devices you can buy, such as large TVs; and installing electric meters that can shut of your electricity whenever they want; it raises the question: Why are we putting up ice rinks in our warm climate? How much juice does it require to keep that large slab of ice frozen?

Posted by Andy G., a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 8:58 am

Fantastic night of skating! Both my two girls had a chance to make a dozen or so laps of the ice, take a picture with Sharky & the skating girls, drink some cocoa, it was a nice prelude to the X-Mas season. All in all a really well run event, great (albeit smallish) rink & to our amazement parking was not much of a problem.

Posted by chico, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 9:36 am

what a great night! thanks Pleasanton and Sharks. there were so many smiles on the kids and grown-ups too!

Posted by Patriot, a resident of the Carriage Gardens neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:01 am

It was a great night for the opening of the rink--the Sharks did a nice job of bringing all the young skaters from the San Jose area to put on a nice skating show. I hope that many in our community get to do some ice skating over the next 2 months--way to go Pleasanton.

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:06 am

I agree with Tim, "warmest winter coats, mittens and beanies" were needed? That just goes to show you how stupid and out of touch with reality that the people of Pleasanton really are. People in other states would laugh at you if they saw that. Maybe if it was 40, 30, or 20 degrees. If it had been 70 degrees that night, people in this town would still wear their "warmest winter coats, mittens and beanies". Wake up and start living in the real world.

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:09 am

And just to let you all know, after this afternoons storm, the ice rink will be closed for about 3 days cuz if you get a good rain, it will melt the ice. Any good rain will do it. Its takes them about 2 to 3 days to start from scratch.

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:23 am

I agree with Tim, "warmest winter coats, mittens and beanies" were needed? That just goes to show you how stupid and out of touch with reality that the people of Pleasanton really are. People in other states would laugh at you if they saw that. Maybe if it was 40, 30, or 20 degrees. If it had been 70 degrees that night, people in this town would still wear their "warmest winter coats, mittens and beanies". Wake up and start living in the real world. And just to let you all know, after this afternoons storm, the ice rink will be closed for about 3 days cuz if you get a good rain, it will melt the ice. Any good rain will do it. Its takes them about 2 to 3 days to start from scratch. I asked one of the set up crew guys earlier this week what would happen if it rained.

Posted by trekmtb, a resident of the Heritage Oaks neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:26 am

D, you're rambling...

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:42 am

I'm rambling? Since when is telling the truth rambling?

Posted by DJ, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:43 am

Why are people so mean and really have to spoil it for all who enjoy the simple pleasures in life? If people want to bundle up because they are cold, so be it. It is sad that someone always have to find a negative element to anything instead of counting the sweet blessing they have of being alive. I wish more people would try and Lighten up and ENJOY life. Can't we all see the light of God in each other? Peace and Have a Happy Healthy Holiday Season!

Posted by Sarah, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:43 am

Hey D,

I have a great idea! Since this is the "season for giving", why not help restore the ice rink if the rain does come and slow down...

You will feel so good about stuff....really!!

Posted by Unscrooge, a member of the Pleasanton Middle School community, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:49 am

The warmest coat here is not that heavy. Mittens are a good idea because ice is cold.Be happy. Happy Holidays to all. This just makes it more merry.It is absolutly beautiful. Thank you City of Pleasanton and the Sharks for a great community activity. My kids will be there tonight. In the real world I am going skating in Pleasanton....Hooray

Posted by Bruce, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:53 am

I don't see any beenies in the pictures. Drop it D. Merry Christmas. God Bleass our Troops.

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:54 am

They should have done what Dublin did, put a big white tent over it so there would never be a problem when it rain. Then there would never be any down time and people can keep skating! I'm for the skating but not the way its been planned. With all the rain we're supposed to have, this could be closed for days on end. Another question, why would you open it every day at 10:00am during the week when the parents are at work and all the kids are at school or should be till around 2:30 or 3:00? Who's gonna use it?

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:55 am

Yes, god bless our troops!!!

Posted by A, a resident of the Civic Square neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:57 am

D for Mayor. We need someone who knows everything.

Posted by Gordon, a resident of the Del Prado neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 11:02 am

Stupid Pleasanton complainers need to be transformed to Africa and see how Blessed they are to have what they have no matter what the economy deals out. Shame on those who are so negative. All mouth, no action to make things better.....

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 11:03 am

I don't know everything but do ask a lot of questions. I also would never want to be Mayor. You'll always have people hating you. All I'm saying is we need to plan things out a lot better in this city. Bruce, I didn't see any beanies in the pics either but I was taking a quote from the writer of this article. The very first lines says "Several hundred bundled up in their warmest winter coats, mittens and beanies to help usher in the opening of the city's first holiday ice rink last night."

Posted by Jake, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 11:08 am

I agree with D on that the city needs to plan things out a lot better. Also having a tent over the rink makes sense, maybe just the top and keep the sides open.

Posted by DJ, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 11:26 am

Really I would not want to see if you all were dealing with a real life crisis. Like Gordon stated, go live in a third world country for a while. We are all so blessed here in America and still so ungracious for all the wonderful blessing, Does it really matter about the warmest coat? Not unless you have been homeless and cold. Does it matter waht time it opens? Not unless it is a soup kitchen and you are in line without a coat. Does it matter about a beanie? Not unless you are undergoing chemo and waiting in a soup line without a coat. God Bless you.

Posted by DJ, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 11:36 am

I feel so embarassed to live in a community of such shallow people. We are so blessed here in America t have it all and still so very ungracious. Like Gordon stated, go live in a third world country and then lets talk. Does it really matter about the warmest coat? Only if you are homeless. Does it really matter about the opening time? Only when you are waiting in line for food. Does it really matter if beanies were worn? Only after chemo and waiting in line for food witout a coat. God Bless.

Posted by Curious, a resident of the Del Prado neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 1:10 pm

My family and I rode our bikes downtown to avoid the predicted parking nightmares and it turned out there were none. We really enjoyed the ice skating show and my boys were very delighted to see Sharky (now I have to find stuffed Sharky dolls). Thank you City of Pleasanton and Sharks Ice.

@ D - I would not want a tent over the rink. One of the pleasures of skating outdoors is to be able to see the stars and moon and pretend you are skating on a pond in the great white north. And seriously, you are criticizing the writing in a free local weekly newspaper because they added a little flourish and embellishment to the story. Really? If you feel you can do better, maybe you can contribute to the paper?

Posted by Beanielover, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 2:05 pm

My wife wore her beanie. I like her beanie. Do you like her beanie? It is a nice beanie. If we see each other again I'll wear my beanie. Will you like my beanie then? If you wear a beanie I will like it.

Posted by J, a resident of the Kottinger Ranch neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 3:30 pm

D needs to learn a thing or two about ice rinks. Rain won't ruin the rink. A simple resurfacing will put it back in skating condition.

Posted by Ann Pfaff-Doss, a resident of the Val Vista neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 4:30 pm

I for one am delighted that the rink will be open when the kids are in school. It means that the old geezers like me can have a chance to skate without dodging a bunch of little ones. Also, kudos to the Sharks for having a senior rate.

Posted by D, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 4:31 pm

J, i do know a thing or two. i was just out there and now they may have skating at 8:00 or maybe not till tomorrow. the rink is a pond.

Posted by Ptowner, a resident of the West of Foothill neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 6:45 pm

Every one just needs to CHILL OUT! Pleasanton is a NICE place, not necessarily "the nicest",but at least it does try...even with a few glitches, there are those who are trying to make it a decent, safe, fun community. After living in a third-world country, where the biggest worry is usually if they will have enough food in any given day, perhaps we should all be glad that all the snipping about a skating rink, lack of parking, too-warm-for-a-beanie weather is the biggest issue most of us are dealing with lately? It's a good thing that there are those who bring out the not-so-nice side of situations. It gives everyone, especially those who think everything here in Pleasanton is just "P-town perfect", a chance to think and consider the other side, if nothing else. It's just as bad to label these people with the "negative" label, just because they have a differing opinion than your own. Let's see, should I go skating for $15 or donate $15 to a third world country where they could probably eat for a month? I think I'll do both.

Posted by Pete, a resident of the Kottinger Ranch neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 7:37 pm

It is amazing that someone would complain about an holiday ice rink ... cheer up your life will get better some day

Posted by Local Neighbor, a resident of the Kolb Ranch Estates neighborhood, on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:43 pm

I think the rink is a great idea. Everyone needs to get in the spirit of the holidays and this is a great way to do it. Thank you Pleasanton and SJ Sharks for joining together to make this happen.

Posted by BigMAC34, a resident of the Vineyard Avenue neighborhood, on Nov 21, 2009 at 10:02 pm

DJ - All very good points that you made.

D - Why are you so bitter and negative???????? It sounds like you need a little bit of enjoyment and happiness in life. You ought to try out the new ice rink.....it might make you smile, just be sure to wear your warmest clothes.

We should all be happy and proud of our amazing community and the really neat things that happen here. We're very lucky to be a part of Pleasanton!

Posted by Qwerty, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 21, 2009 at 10:46 pm

If people get snarky, they will be fed to Sharky

Posted by anon, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Nov 21, 2009 at 11:00 pm

P-Town happens to be a REPUBLICAN hot bed unlike no other local community.

Republicans truly believe Glenn Beck and fatalists of the same thinking and are PARANOID that a person of color may be turning the Country into a communist Country!

Posted by Santa Claus, a resident of Livermore, on Nov 22, 2009 at 12:19 am

P-Town: Anger you feel but wrong you are. Go to the dark side you will. Let go of your hate you must. Lost the force you have. Drunk you must be. Stay out of Redcoats you should.

Posted by Pleasanton Resident, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 22, 2009 at 1:05 pm

The ice rink is a great idea in the wrong location. I hope it gets moved somewhere else next year.

How about the Sports Park?

Posted by Let's see ..., a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 22, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Let's see ..

Hosterman wants to run for congress .... free PR.

The Shark's want to build a mega-ice-rink on Staples Ranch - free PR.

The downtown merchants want customers on the city's dime ... free PR.

The Chamber of Commerce wants to run the town .... oh, I forgot, they already do!

Ice skating is fun, but let’s understand the real motivation from our City Mothers and Fathers, please!

Do you know how many taxpayers dollars went toward this boondoggle?

Posted by Marcia, a resident of another community, on Nov 22, 2009 at 10:06 pm

To "Let's See": bet you don't have answers to your own quetions. hmmm. Difficult problem you have before you. Give this a try: enjoy life, what little we have left. You might find some enjoyment in there. Thanks to SJ Sharks and the city of Ptown for giving us a chance to enjoy what used to be...support...like building a barn via a community.

Posted by Disappointed, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 22, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Went over to a holiday ice rink in Dublin at the Hacienda Crossings at Dublin Toyota.

Unbelievable. Blows the Sharks Ice out of the water. Skated while it was raining under the covered ice area! Best place to skate and cheaper. Our kids loved it with all the video etc. The place is over the top! We're booking our party over there where we get hot food served professionally. Wow, what a deal.

Posted by FedUp, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 8:09 am

As predicted, parking at the library now has been a nightmare.

Posted by J K, a resident of the Lemoine Ranch neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 5:19 pm

Romance has its place, but how far do things have to go before someone blows the whistle on city hall and the city manager for lying to us taxpayers about costs? According to some insiders at the city offices, Mr. Fialho has now issued a gag order to city workers and departments regarding the ice rink. Yes, they can discuss the basics, such as hours of operation, skate rentals etc., but NONE of the issues regarding what the REAL cost of this rink is to residents, or who's funding much of the raw material, or who provided the lion's share of the labor. Hint: The $20 thousand initially reported is FAR, FAR off, because it is now expected to exceed $100 grand! The Sharks are paying but a splinter of what it costs to run that rink! And as I'd mentioned in previous posts, if you REALLY want to get worked up over something far MORE deceptive, take a good look at the Firehouse Art Museum project... this info is all available (including the ice rink) under the public information act!

Posted by LiUs, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 5:58 pm

Maybe once the Sharks build their stadium they can have a rink in that area, far from the library. It'll be a blessing.

Until then, they should put the rink somewhere else. Maybe the Bernal Property or the Sports Park.

Posted by Brian Boitano wanna be, a resident of the Old Towne neighborhood, on Nov 25, 2009 at 10:25 am

The Dublin Rink is half the size.

Posted by J K, a resident of the Lemoine Ranch neighborhood, on Nov 26, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Boitano, have you actually gone to look at both rinks in person? Or are you simply going by what was misrepresented in the press? According to the heavily exaggerated figures released by Pleasanton, theirs is about 14,000 sqft, with Dublin's being just over half that. Someone's got it backwards. Go see for yourself! The residents were sold a bill of goods by either the Sharks, the city council, the city manager, or all three! That's nothing new in our city, though, they've been snowing the residents (no pun intended in this case) on a variety of issues for years!

Posted by LiUs, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Nov 28, 2009 at 10:36 am

I have contacted the city, and I urge anyone who feels the same way to go to

Web Link

and voice your concerns about the present location of this rink, and the nightmare it is creating for people trying to use the library.

There are many alternatives for location, but only one library in town.

Posted by Senior Library User, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Dec 1, 2009 at 11:26 am

The whole thing is a joke on the library users. It has made it very difficult for me to carry a pile of books to my car now, since I have to park so far away.

With so many other locations available, why punish library users?