News Digest News Digest (January 09, 2004)

Citizens' Police Academy

The Pleasanton Police Department is accepting applications for its ninth semi-annual Citizens' Police Academy, to begin March 4. Classes will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday through June 10, except for April 15. Applicants must not have any felony convictions; have no misdemeanor arrests within a year of the application; successfully complete a background investigation; and be approved by the police chief.

The academy's goals are to create a partnership between the police and the community while explaining law enforcement procedures and the importance of public involvement. Topics include Community Policing, SWAT, narcotics investigations, traffic enforcement, K-9, evidence collection and use of force issues. Applications are available in the department's lobby or call Sgt. Michael Collins at 931-5230. Madden to speak

The Livermore-Pleasanton-Dublin branch of the American Association of University Women is hosting a speech by Virginia Madden to benefit its education foundation, on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Pleasanton Hotel, 855 Main St. Her topic is "Why didn't someone tell me?" in relation to her life as the wife of a famous football commentator, about aging and maturity, and about raising a family in Pleasanton.

The cost is $35 and includes a buffet lunch. A non-host social begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Call Marge Johnson at 846-6084 to see if there is space available. Pico campaign tops quarter million dollars

Democratic candidate for State Assembly and Pleasanton Mayor Tom Pico has raised over $251,000 in his campaign to win his party's nomination for the 20th District Assembly nomination in the March 2 primary.

He said nearly 500 individual and business contributions have been made to the campaign, with the average contribution about $200. This total includes contributions received by the Dec. 31 filing deadline and so-called "late contributions" made in the first week of 2004.

"I thank the teachers, firefighters, engineers and business people who are supporting my campaign through their generous contributions," Pico said.

His opponents for the 20th District Democratic nomination are Milpitas Mayor Henry Manayan, Newark City Councilman Albert Torrico, former Department of Fair Employment and Housing Director Dennis Hayashi, and former San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Ashik Bhatt.

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