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Barn transforms
Local downtown property owner Bruce Torquemada is once again bringing a piece of the North Pole to Pleasanton as part of his annual holiday themed transformation of the Kottinger Barn, which he owns on Ray Street.
Residents and members of the public can check out Torquemada’s full transformation of the historic barn and plaza, which includes hundreds of lights, a giant Christmas tree and — his newest installations — Disney and Marvel cutouts. Photo opportunities will also be available inside the fully decorated barn.
The proceeds from parking and other costs will go directly to local charities and organizations. Torquemada said the month-long effort has already raised $1,300 for Little Miracles, a nonprofit which provides free baby essentials to Tri-Valley parents in need.
Youth peace prize
Dublin High School senior Divyansh Agrawal was recently named a finalist for the 2025 International Children’s Peace Prize.
Although the climate justice advocate ultimately did not win the award last month, Agrawal said being named among the top three youth leaders from over 200 nominations worldwide was “surreal and incredibly rewarding”.
“To me, being a finalist isn’t ‘me being celebrated,’ it’s all of us being celebrated. Everywhere I go, I’m carrying years of support, encouragement and love with me,” Agrawal said. “It feels like a reminder that change is always a collective effort, and I’m honored to share this recognition with everyone who helped shape my journey.”
The Dublin Unified School District recognized Agrawal’s work at Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting.
‘The Nutcracker’
Valley Dance Theatre, a local nonprofit ballet company and school, will be returning to Livermore’s Bankhead Theater to put on eight full-length performances of Tchaikovsky’s legendary “Nutcracker”.
The Bankhead’s resident ballet company’s annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” will run from Dec. 13-21.
“Each December, the company transforms the Bankhead Theater into a winter wonderland with ‘The Nutcracker’, performed alongside the Valley Dance Theater Pit Orchestra and brought to life with lavish costumes and sets created by award-winning designers,” the ballet company stated in a press release.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.LivermoreArts.org.
