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Credit union rebrand
Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union is now known as Sunward, with the financial institution that serves customers in New Mexico and Livermore unveiling its rebranded name and logo in the fall.
The shift to Sunward, which did not include any ownership change, aims to represent the credit union’s innovative, inclusive and forward-thinking mindset — ” the best of our past alongside our bright future,” according to President and CEO Steph Sherrodd.
“Our commitment to our 150,000 members, especially those from Sandia National Laboratories, our long-standing partner, is deeper than ever,” Sherrodd said. “As we strengthen these relationships with new offerings such as new member rewards programs, we are also investing heavily in our branch locations, digital tools, community partnerships, and products to become more inclusive and improve members’ lives through financial wellness.”
Sunward’s lone Tri-Valley branch is located at 39 S. Livermore Ave., Suite 101 in downtown Livermore.
Swearing in newest judges
The Alameda County Superior Court is welcoming four new judges in January, with Mark P. Fickes, Jessica Hawk, Jamilah A. Jefferson and Terry Wiley all taking the oath of office at various times this month.
Hawk and Jefferson were appointed to their positions by Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill retirement vacancies while Fickes and Wiley ascended after the primary election for six-year terms beginning in early 2025.
Fickes, a former court commissioner, defeated Michael Johnson in March for the seat being yielded by Judge Evelio Grillo.
Wiley, a former county prosecutor who gained prominence in losing the district attorney election to Pamela Price in 2022, was the only candidate to file for the bench position of retiring Judge Don C. Clay. After leaving the DA’s office upon Price taking the helm, Wiley had been leading the San Francisco’s Sheriff’s Department of Accountability – Office of Inspector General since December 2023.
The appointment of Jefferson, supervising deputy city attorney for Oakland since 2019, was announced by the governor in November to succeed retiring Judge Stephen D. Kaus. Hawk, a senior deputy state public defender who lives in Alameda County, was picked for the bench in July for the seat of retiring Judge Paul Herbert.
TK expansion in Pleasanton
Pleasanton Unified School District officials have expanded transitional kindergarten eligibility for the 2025-26 school year to students who turn 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2025, with a stated goal of giving “more families the opportunity to provide their children with a strong educational foundation.”
An informational meeting is set for Jan. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Fairlands Elementary School for parents and guardians. Enrollment for next school year is scheduled to open on Feb. 3. Learn more at pleasantonusd.net.
