No more tears

While regular readers of the Pleasanton Weekly may know about the JDEDZ, the greater public may only recognize "The Costco Project". In the Weekly's Aug. 19 Guest Opinion, Matt Sullivan went on at length in his criticism of the process followed by the Pleasanton City Council leading to the recent approval of the financing plan for infrastructure in and near the vacant 40 acres across from I-680.

Among other things, he seemed to suggest that subsidies for infrastructure improvement were somehow hidden from the public. But such information was put forth in great detail in the City council's public agenda and 265-page staff report.

Mr. Sullivan also referred to a "carbon bomb", which I took to refer to automobile emissions. I don't know if Mr. Sullivan is a Costco member, but if he is, going to either the Danville or Livermore store means 14 more round-trip miles than going to a Johnson Drive location. So maybe the opposition to this endeavor could be coming from owners of local gas stations concerned about lower-priced Costco gasoline and the loss of alcohol, tobacco and snack sales.

So, since Referendum MM failed by 26 points and the latest lawsuit has been rejected, it is time to let Costco members in Pleasanton and Dublin get a nearby store. And time to cease with the crocodile tears over increased infrastructure cost caused at least in part by years of lawsuits and delay.

-- Bruce Fiedler

Many thanks to the Assistance League

On behalf of the activities department at Pleasanton Nursing and Rehab Center (PNRC), we would like to thank and acknowledge the amazing coordinators and volunteers of Amador Valley Assistance League (AVAL) for helping us bring more joy into our residents' lives throughout the year.

The gift donations and facilitation of special events for significant holidays -- i.e. Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, etc. -- have truly made a difference in their lives. Holidays can be especially lonely for our residents sometimes. Receiving cards, letters, gifts, and coordinating social gatherings enable our residents to feel "at home" surrounded peers and staff who love them just as much as their own loved ones.

Words cannot describe the smiles, gratitude, appreciation, and acknowledgement our residents display during key holiday celebrations. We thank you AVAL for your continued outreach and support. You really do make a difference!

-- Stacey Boothe, activities director, PNRC

Save our Senior Center

All concerned Pleasanton residents: Please attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Pleasanton Civic Center to voice your concerns of the repurposing of office space, previously dedicated to providing services to older adults at the Pleasanton Senior Center. For more information, please email saveourseniorcenter@gmail.com.

-- Pam Silliman

How to reduce energy costs, bill fluctuations in summer

We understand no one likes energy bills that are higher than expected. Heat waves are causing customers to crank up their AC, which can lead to higher summer energy bills.

PG&E does not add any markup on the energy we buy for our customers' use, neither gas nor electric. What we pay, you pay. Yet, the market prices for energy supply costs, which account for about half of a customer's monthly electric bill, are expected to be about 75% higher this summer compared to last year.

Customers can take simple steps to improve energy efficiency in their home to help reduce energy usage and lower costs and sign up for programs to avoid bill surprises as the mercury rises.

* Pre-cool the home: use the AC in the morning or overnight.

* Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health-permitting, when home.

* Change air filters regularly: a dirty air filter makes the AC system work harder, using more energy.

* Close window coverings: keep blinds and curtains closed to prevent the sun's rays from heating the home.

Enroll in free programs, including "Bill Forecast Alerts" and "Budget Billing", to spread energy costs evenly throughout the year. For more tips on how to save this summer, visit www.pge.com/summer.

-- Aaron Johnson, vice president of PG&E's Bay Area Region