A Pleasanton dentist is hoping to help prevent cavities by buying back candy from kids, and sending it to our troops overseas.

Dr. Steven Nerad is offering $1 a pound for the treats, with money going to local schools.

"They say cavities are the most prominent chronic childhood disease," Nerad said. "Halloween candy, if you have a bag of it, it encourages kids to pick a little bit here and there."

Nerad said the buyback will start Nov. 2, to give kids some time to enjoy a bit of their treats. He said the buyback has been in PTA newsletters and several middle and elementary schools are involved.

"We're keeping track of the pounds donated by the kids according to their school," Nerad said. "For first place we'll match that up to $250, second place is $100, and third is $50.

Asked if shipping candy to soldiers would create problems for them, Nerab joked, "Maybe we can send some toothbrushes."

He added that the soldiers are adults and so will likely be able to make wiser choices about eating sweets.

Climate Action Plan

Pleasanton will host a free community workshop about its Climate Action Plan (CAP) from 6-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd. The workshop will feature CAP experts who will provide an overview of the project, then lead group work sessions to discuss goals and targets.

The CAP will serve as a roadmap to reduce the carbon footprint of the collective community, which includes residents and people who work in Pleasanton. Through a series of workshops and special events, CAP will focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, land use, transportation alternatives, green building, water conservation and waste reduction. Go to www.PleasantonGreenScene.org.

Rotary World Polio Day

Pleasanton's three Rotary Clubs are joining in observing Rotary International's World Polio Day on Sunday. Members of Pleasanton Rotary, Rotary North and Tri-Valley Rotary were honored for their efforts Tuesday with a proclamation by the Pleasanton City Council.

When Rotary began its mission to eradicate polio, more than 350,000 children were stricken with polio annually, said Tom Fox, president of the downtown Rotary Club. Since then, polio cases have been reduced by 99% to fewer than 1,700 cases last year.