Funny you should mention BRENDON Rose. His parents still believe he received an overly harsh sentence. Prime example of the denial that lives in P-town.

Question. When you noticed the "mob scene" of about 100 or more kids leaving AVHS after school, did you pick up the phone and call the Pleasanton PD? Or did you ignore the problem and decide to post here hours later?

I don't know the Rose family personally but I believe Brendon received an overly hash sentence as well. Did you watch 20/20 last night? There is a real anti boy mentality. Each case should be evaluated individually and kept in perspective. It is not denial but a recognition of we have all made bad judgment calls or stupid mistakes. If someone is harmed there must be appropriate consequences. Not consequences born of political backlash.

Barbara -- Trust me -- what is being "sold" about Brendon is not all meets the eye. Brendon, saw his twin brother Adam being beat at a party turned brawl. He pulled off one of the attackers, punched him, then kicked him IN THE HEAD when he was down. Brendon entered a plea of "no contest" and was sentenced to eight years in state prison. Now his parents claim "no contest" was "ill advised."

While I understand their pain, I don't agree with crying "justice system foul" when you don't like the outcome your attorney apparently felt he could deliver.

As for the kids heading off to a fight in Orloff Park -- pampered kids breed poor behavior. Frankly, I'm surprised these kids were walking and not driving their BMWs to the fight.

To SaveOurRose: Good question, as some people do just post and complain and do nothing. As a matter of fact, I did call AVHS to advise the school resource officer that there was a mob & something was about to happen and the location. That was the phone number I had programmed into my cell phone, and I couldn't remember the Pleasanton P.D. "non-emergency" number, or I probably would have called that number first. Whether or not the school sent over the officer, I cannot say. My kids are hearing that the fight took place, and they have also viewed a video of another fight that took place Thursday after school, under the bridge by the Cheese Factory. They say it looked pretty brutal. I hope these kids are okay. Hopefully, we don't lose another kid to a senseless act of violence from a mob gone mad! It was disturbing to see the excitement on the kids faces! And with the age of texting, a mob can become huge & out of control, in a matter of minutes.

Anne -- Thank you for responding and for taking some action. Interesting this "situation" didn't make the evening news.

Regarding the Brendon Rose issue, it is my understanding that due to mandatory sentencing laws the judge's hands were tied. In my opinion, the problem lies therein. Does the punishment fit the crime? How can a judge provide justice in such a situation?

Stacey;

The specifics regarding mandatory sentencing for Brendon Rose are as follows:

On May 10, 2004, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Diane Northway gave Rose three years in state prison for the assault charge, which resulted in great bodily injury to Jed Bober. Judge Northway then added a five-year enhancement related to the "type" of assault. The additional 5 years was the portion of the charge was mandatory.

Had the charge of assault been less serious, the mandatory additional 5 years would not have been applicable.

Keep in mind the cruelty of the attack on Bober and the severity of the injury made the incident more than just the kind of thing that can (and does) occur when kids get totally out of control on booze. This was a vicious attack, and that caused it to become elevated way above a ‘boys will be boys’ type of fight.

IMHO, the Rose Family should feel blessed this KICK TO THE HEAD didn't cause Jed Bober's death. Had it, we'd be talking murder charges instead and I would venture to guess the Roses would still be singing the same tune.

"pampered kids breed poor behavior"...c'mon people, this type of thing has been going on for years....Remember when we were teens back in the 70's, they called it "calling someone out"...it hasn't changed over the years, just the mentality that violence is accepted.

Chris;

I disagree with your perspective of "it hasn't changed over the years, just the mentality that violence is accepted." That in itself is a change.

My point was this -- P-town parents believe their kids are above the rest -- Upper crust if you will. They believe drugs don't exist in their schools. They believe the more you give kids, the more they will excel and do well. That's all bull and we know it.

When one of my neighbor's kids refused a perfectly good Honda Accord for their first car because their friends parent's were coughing out for BMWs, the attitude of entitlement became crystal clear. I graduated in the late 70's. My first car was a 1967 Mustang, over ten years old, and I was pleased as punch to get it. Turning it down would have never entered my mind. FYI -- I also had to pay my parents back for it and get a job to cover gas and insurance.

Please, kids today are pampered and it shows in their level of (or lack thereof) of responsibility.

SaveOurRose, I stand corrected. I agree with your perspective. I too graduated in 79', my first car was a Maverick (now this was not a stylish car) but I was grateful to have it, had to pay for it, gas, everything and never complained.

Chris;

Thanks for the response. Maverick, huh? Hey -- it ran and had 4 tires. It got you from Point A to Point B. It was transportation. Wheels. Those that didn't like it didn't have to ride in it! *LOL*

I actually had one friend tell me years back that my 'stang wasn't up to her standards. Guess what? She walked all the way up the Ralston Avenue hill in Belmont when she could have been riding. Needless to say, I asked her if my tail lights were up to her standards the next day.

To those that feel the need to constantly bash Pleasanton parents and children:
I think that your generalizations about Pleasanton kids and parents are irresponsible, without merit, hurtful and quite frankly, an insult to my intelligence. (as I am a parent to 4 wonderful Pleasanton kids) While there are parents everywhere who overindulge their kids, there are also plenty who are teaching their kids (even here in beautiful Pleasanton) to be kind, trustworthy, responsible and to work for what they want. Just ask my teenager who paid for his $200 retainer when he lost it. It wasn't mama.
All I'm saying is I get real offended by the constant generalization that ALL kids in Pleasanton are (fill in the blank), or ALL parents in Pleasanton are....
When you have a valuable contribution to make- go for it. Didn't YOUR parents ever teach you the old saying, "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all"?!?! Where are YOUR manners? ha ha ha- it's quite comical looking at it now. YOU are the ones who sound like the spoiled brats with nothing better to do....

One damn good Mom,

You go girl! I could not agree more!!!!

I have raised three great Ptown kids and I know many more.

Damn good mom and another good mom,
Hooray for your comments! I'm a great mom, too and couldn't agree more with both of your comments. There are always the good and the bad and those in between, tis life. I was deeply connected with the teachers, administration and the police department while my three kids went through middle and high school. It was our "partnership" that helped to show my children that we adults are in this together to raise responsible kids with character. They got the message and I am proud of that. Yes, there is a lot of spoiling going on here and one can easily see how the kids are affected...but...there are exceptions there too. One of my other 'sons' from a filthy rich family is about the most responsible, respectable, likeable and contributing young adults now in this community. And, he was also one of those who received a hugely expensive car when he turned 16. There ARE cases where the money doesn't ruin the person.

You against Rose,

Your comments: "Keep in mind the cruelty of the attack on Bober and the severity of the injury made the incident more than just the kind of thing that can (and does) occur when kids get totally out of control on booze. This was a vicious attack, and that caused it to become elevated way above a ‘boys will be boys’ type of fight."

You've obviously unaware that it was Bober that began a rather vicious attack upon Adam (the brother) and that there were multiple boys attacking Adam. Brandon's response to yank off one of the attackers was quite normal and viserol, I'm sure, and it's conceivable that his adrenaline added to him throwing in the kick to Bober. Brandon had no intention of causing him 'great bodily harm', rather wanted to stop the bodily harm being reaped upon his twin.

Your other comment: "IMHO, the Rose Family should feel blessed this KICK TO THE HEAD didn't cause Jed Bober's death. Had it, we'd be talking murder charges instead and I would venture to guess the Roses would still be singing the same tune."

You are right about this factor and the family does feel greatful that Bober's injuries weren't worse and that he's healthy once again.

It appears you don't know Brendon or his family and are drawing some unnecessary, uninformed and offensive opinions here. While that's normal and human nature for some to do so, it only adds to frustrations within our communities and our society.

For the record, I knew Brendon personally during highschool and after and he was quite likeable, friendly and positively interactive with kids and adults within our community. I've worried sick about him under the circumstances.

1. I agree with SaveOurRose regarding Chris' comment. The attitude towards violence is a change. Also you guys forgot to mention that back in the '70s you didn't have text messaging.

2. I think the moms need to pull their heads out of the sand. If you aren't pampering your kids, no need to feel offended by the comments, but you must realize the stereotypes of Pleasanton parents and kids exist for a reason. What I'm finding offensive is that anyone who tries to bring up the issue is put down as if we're somehow all supposed to pretend that the problem doesn't exist. So please, Chris and SaveOurRose, feel free to continue writing about your observations regarding the Pleasanton parent and kid stereotypes.

"What I'm finding offensive is that anyone who tries to bring up the issue is put down as if we're somehow all supposed to pretend that the problem doesn't exist."
Watch it there Stacey! You might start showing how destructive of society you are...SHAME ON YOU!!!
"These last posts are destructive for our Community. Shelley, you are right, it would be less expensive walking around stadium doing drugs than driving your car, wasting gas, with the possibility of being stopped, busted, and perhaps, Mom And Dad having to drive you around for the next couple years. Start a new thread, with your own topic of concern. It could be about, Todays parents in Pleasanton are a laughing stock. Go for it. You may be the only post. Web Link">Web Link
"No need for the "Stacey's" and "Shelley's" of this world to have any more say on something that has been resolved. Wreaking havoc seems to be their fun and I agree that it is just destructive. Either be a part of the solution, or keep your nose out of it. Web Link">Web Link

Mac;

FYI - I was a neighbor of the Rose Family prior to their divorce. I do know Brendon and I know there are folks that attended Amador who have opinions that differ from yours.

I am also aware of Bober's actions and that his friends might have contributed to his injury by moving him and not getting him medical help immediately. However, Jed Bober didn't kick himself in the head, nor did his friends. And the information I have indicates Adam walked away from the fight. Bober did not.

Stacey;

I agree with your position. If it helps, I know of many GREAT parents in Pleasanton. But I know of far more who are simply "paying" for their child's existence. They aren't really PARENTS.

To One damn good Mom, another good mom, and mac;

Nurture the children you brought into the world via nature. If you can honestly say you're doing that, then you are the exception, not the norm in Pleasanton.

Ha -- see, my parents did teach me manners.

Ok....so we all get the point that there are GOOD parents and BAD parents in Pleasanton. But that is also the case in ANY city you go. Pleasanton tends to stand out more due to the amount of money people seem to have in this city. You can take a well off family in Pleasanton who gives their kid a brand new BMW who wrecks the car a week later. That will be all over the papers and online message boards. Take the same incident and move it about 40 miles East to manteca and nobody cares. In Pleasanton...it takes a group of spoiled rich mothers gathering at Starbucks talking about how great their kid is to label all parents in Pleasanton as BAD ones. Pleasanton is labeled that way....always has and always will be. It takes a GREAT person to see how Pleasanton is labeled and raise their oen kids to not fall into the sterotype.

As for the fights....I went to Amador. I remember the after school fights and how it was never 1 on 1 because of the large gathering...usually the large amounts of kids attract the attention of the PD so the fights never took off. Instead of sitting on here wasting time discussing the past with Brandon...why don't you use that time to find out what sparked the initial incident? Prevent the anger at home or at the school so it doesn't go any further than that. Anyone remember Hiro and that stabbing that took place at the burrito stop?

OSL;

Bravo! Great Post.

And FWIW, I didn't leverage Brendon Rose as an example. The original poster (Anne, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood) did. Barbara then posted inaccurate details about the sentencing. I clarified to ensure folks unfamiliar with the case were accurately informed of the sentence. The discussion went from there.

Thank you for providing "first hand" Amador input and your perspectives!

To Save Our Rose,

It's questionable that your parents did teach you manners and even more questionable that you are able to fully read and comprehend the comments you've responded to. Your response is apples to oranges. It's difficult to glean anything fruitful(totally NON-intended pun) in this manner.

Enjoy your day.

Mac;

I enjoy every day. Each is a gift.

SaveOurRose,

You have no right to use that name. You are misrepresenting yourself as a supporter of Brendon and clearly you are not. I have known Brendon since elementary school. He is a good person with a kind heart, always has been. You may have been a "neighbor" but clearly you don't know them. I don't believe there was a person in school that didn't like Brendon.

Mac- I couldn't have said any of it better myself!

Am;

The name is not trademarked, service marked, or copyrighted based on what I found on the Save Our Rose web site.

As for being a supporter, it depends on perspective. I support Brendon Rose paying for his crime. I support his continuing growth while serving his sentence and to being released when appropriate to become a contributing member of society.

I do not support the concept of crying "justice system foul" when you don't like the outcome your attorney apparently felt he could deliver yet did not.

It always warms my heart to see the passion displayed for our community and for our kids. I have comments I would like to share with everyone.
My son graduated from Amador some years ago, and thankfully did not participate in any after hours brawls, however there were many on and off campus. Although cell phones were available, camera phones and text messaging was not available then to entice kids into turning a horrible fight into a "smack down" main event".
As far as the Brendon incident, everyone who was involved in that incident, their lives have been changed forever, so laying blame is not healthful.
My dismay goes to the post stating that her children were exposed to a fight on a video made by kids at this fight. Did you or your children feel any repsondsibilty to let the SRO or the school admin know that this video exisited and where they could find this video? It's not ok to remain silent if this video could be turned into the authorities. This video is evidence if any legal action needs to be taken. Also, it sets the idea in the minds of children, that beat down videos are funny and are a normal part of life.
These beatings and the videos taken are not funny and are not normal for our Pleasanton kids to behave. These kids who fight have issues and need help, not giving them a venue for 15 minutes of fame.
One last comment. I worked for Pleasanton School District for many years. The responsibility of the welfare of students lies with the school district until the student returns home. The high schools have a huge responsibility to make clear to students that violence of any kind is wrong and major action will be taken against them if it occurs on and off campus. I have found though in my years, that the district is more directive to the police to handle this matter than owning up to their responsibility. My two cents in closing, for the majority of the time our kids are good kids no matter what the cost is of
the car they drive. But fights do happen, tempers flare and because kids use the technology given to them, these fights escalate into an event. As community members, when these fights, videos happen we need to turn to each other to help curb this violence. We as community members also need to communicate with the district to do their job.

Good kid or not, if Brendon were not white, nobody would be saying that his sentence is too harsh.

Good kid or not, if Brendon were not white, nobody would be saying that his sentence is too harsh.
Posted by colorblind, a resident of the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood

--------------

You are most probably correct, colorblind. That in itself says volumes about our community.

Last time I checked violence did have a color. Just a closed minded statement to make. Is there something else you want to talk about? You can start your own thread if you do. I'm willing to listen.

colorblind:

And what of Bober? He and friends "gang jumped" Adam which led to Brendan's response. Are we not allowed to defend our or our family's safety? Bober gets nothing for his quite "unfair and vicious" attack on a single individual? Maybe his injuries led to leniency. Is this how justice works? So you can group attack someone so long as you come out worse in the end...hmm...I'm just not getting it.

By the way, I'd like to ask a question yet do not want to offend anyone. Kids and fighting go on everywhere, inside and outside of Pleasanton and at each school. However, AVHS has long had the nickname "ghetto school" because of all the attitudes flying about and "dissing" going on between a good number of students. It's otherwise a great school. Why, then, don't parents and administrators address this issue in some productive manner. Years ago they were in heavy denial and I wonder if it has changed.

Again, this is not to offend anyone, but how do we change or alter this problem?

Color has nothing to do with violence. What people need to understand is that there is a large "mix" of cultures that attend AVHS and with that there will always be confilcts of interest. What we need to focus on is how to curve these kids anger into something productive. I know....sounds Hollywood and there are a TON of movies out about doing stuff like this. Pleasanton is a GREAT town to grow up in...i have been here for 25 years and went to Vintage Hills...PMS....AHVS and am now an adult with kids myself. What needs to happen is a mandatory class at Amador that runs for Freshman and Sophmores which helps them deal with anger issues or even gang issues. I found that I was angriest Fresh - Soph years and matured by Jr. Sr. years. I grew up in Pleasanton and trust me....there are no gangs in this town. The only "gang bangers" here are the wannabe ones that couldn't survive a weekend in any other city.

A mandatory class cannot happen due to the state guidelines set for what a mandatory class is. AVHS does not have large assemblies due to the destraction and out of class time lost to assemblies. What they do do, is sent the leadership teams to the freshman classes and talk to them about any problems or issues they think the freshmen need to know. AVHS that pier on pier is more effective. As far as off site assemblies and information meetings put on by the district with partnership of the PPD in not well attended. A statement from one officer about these meetings was that unless there is a crisis with kids in the town, everybody just goes on with their lives. Ongoing organized community input in these causes, is a lost cause.
Sad but true.

Speaking of videos... Just do a search for "amador fight" on YouTube. What is sad is the comments left by the teens about how cool the videos are. If Pleasanton parents are so great, how come they are letting their kids post these videos? They probably don't know the videos exist!

I'm with you on that one, Stacey. The very parents who "are" needed are the ones in the dark.

"And what of Bober?"
I'm not talking about Bober. As far as I can tell, justice worked. White kid gets same sentence that non-white kid would get.

Those of you who think Brendon Rose is deserving of the unjust sentence are ignorant to two facts which have been brought up already:

1. Bober started the fight therefore he got what was coming to him.

2. Brendons first lawyer was truly incompetent to advise a no contest plea and neither the lawyer or the defendant understood this would result in a mandatory sentence of 8 years. Had this case gone to trial, he would have most certainly been acquited due to the fact that Bober started the fight. It is likely that the poster SaveOurRose is in fact the incompetent lawyer or at least about as intelligent as that boob.

The above poster stated some opinions as facts. They are not facts. They are opinions hidden behind facts. For instance: "Bober started the fight" is a fact. "...therefore he got what was coming to him" is an opinion. An opinion that really means: Bober started the fight, therefore the kick in the head while he was already knocked down was something that he deserved. Look at this line of thinking. Then ask yourself how this rubs off on your kids. Then ask yourself why we keep hearing about radical, violent, and self-destructive behavior from kids in Pleasanton.
I wonder if the kick to the head was a curb stomp. Curb stomps have deadly motives.

Hmm interesting, this thread has turned into a Rose discussion. Somebody may have already said this, as I didn't read everyone's lenghty responses that were probably a little over the top, but the Rose kid should be happy the other kid didn't die. It's not all that hard to kick someone hard enough on the back of the neck/head area, where it's softer than the top, and kill a person.

Now I'm not going to judge the Rose kids as he was a few years younger than me, but I do know there were some nasty kids at AVHS my grad year and the year before me. Nasty to the point of always shoving kids into the lockers or making nasty, derogatory comments to them. To an extent, I think some (not all) parents are blind to the fact that their children are not perfect prizes. Living in a small, safer community has let many parents believe that if "Bobby Joe" goes home with a group of friends, they are safe and out of harms way. What happens when kids/teens are together without adult supervision? Experiementation that leads to other events such as drugs or fights breaking out or kids making those weird home movies where someone jumps off a roof and gets hurt. Now I'm not saying every family/child/teen etc has these expereiences, but one would think it happens more often here in the suburbs because so many people place a HUGE safety factor on our community and believe everything is ok or it doesn't happen.

Anyway those are my thoughts. And please people- feel free to respond as that's what this is for, but don't get all weird and have this thread close because of being a boob.

PToWN94565;

I posted exactly that thought relative to the kick. In fact, my exact words were:

"IMHO, the Rose Family should feel blessed this KICK TO THE HEAD didn't cause Jed Bober's death. Had it, we'd be talking murder charges instead and I would venture to guess the Roses would still be singing the same tune."

Thank you for lending your perspective to the discussion.

Rose Supporter;

I echo Shelley's statement about your comment being based in fact but diminished by the supporting opinions.

Yes, Bober started the fight. However, many kids start fights and do not end up getting their head kicked and placed into a coma -- medically induced or otherwise.

If Brendon's first lawyer was truly incompetent, I have to ask why the Roses have not taken that to the California Bar Association or filed Legal Malpractice against him.

And FYI - the no contest plea did not result in the mandatory sentence of 8 years. The actions of Brendon resulted in great bodily injury to Jed Bober. Judge Northway then added a five-year enhancement related to the "type" of assault. The additional 5 years was the portion of the charge was mandatory. Had the charge of assault been less serious, the mandatory additional 5 years would not have been applicable.

Furthermore, you can not say that had this case gone to trial, Brendon "would have most certainly been acquited due to the fact that Bober started the fight." A jury is made up of 12 individual thinkers. You can not possibly know 12 people would all come together to acquit Brendon.

Lastly, I was a neighbor of the Rose Family prior to their divorce. I am not an attorney.

PToWN94566 thanks for your posting. Making your points about the climate at the high school and the" party mentality "of the kids in Pleasanton should be a call to parents to step up and help the kids in Ptown to make better choices in and out of school. It's a shame graduates and those attending high school who are now out in the world could come together and address the powers who could make a difference to make changes. No one at at any time be bullied or attacked. It doesn't matter how old you are.

To all of those on this thread who persist to talk about the Brendon issue, please start another thread. This thread has nothing to do with the particulars of this incident. Thank you.

"It's a shame graduates and those attending high school who are now out in the world could come together and address the powers who could make a difference to make changes. No one at at any time be bullied or attacked. It doesn't matter how old you are."
I'm not sure what is meant by that statment. I think it means that it's a shame when people who went to the high schools here, come back after college to live in Pleasanton, talk about the violence and drug usage by Pleasanton teens that they witnessed while attending school here, and then are told by parents to sod off. It _is_ a shame. I was called being destructive to society by some. I went to AVHS 8 years ago. Nothing's changed, just the buildings. I'm a product of PUSD and when I say teens here lead double lives their parents don't know about, I and other products of PUSD get shunned and told we're horrible people. A girl got curb stomped at Harvest Park like 10 years ago. A boy got stabbed by a pencil at Harvest Park like 15 years ago and nothing was done to discipline the attacker, even when it happened during school hours. The attacker went on to perform even more violent actions. I wonder if things might have changed if he was heavily disciplined. Then again, some kids don't get disciplined because their parents work in the school or district. Preferential treatment harms everyone. Kids at PMS smoked pot before going to class in the morning like 12 years ago. I bet all this is still happening today, with the same oblivious parents troddling along talking about how wonderful Johnny is, while he terrorizes some unsuspecting kid at school.

It is very evident from your posting that the years haven't changed how the school district doesn't take care of incidents like they should. I do agree that time hasn't changed the mentality of a lot of parents about their kids, but I always hold out hope for someone to speak out for the rights of all students and have a following of community members to back that person up.
Thanks for the posting.

Well said Shelley!

so by protecting his brother, not a friend but family from being beaten to death he desevers 8 years? What about all those kids that were beating the crap out of his brother? nothing right just a stern look and Dont Do it Again, right? you can not be happy with eithersides but if it came to protecting my brother or sister i'm not just gonna sit there i would call the cops then go and kick some people in the head too. Half the parents in this town know nothing about there kids and what they do when no adults are around. So dont think your kid is up with the Gods. Look at things from both sides not just your way.

Shelley,

As you suggested, I analyzed my comment to see how such an attitude might rub off on my children. My conclusion is: If you don't want a kick to the head, don't start fights. Therefore, it is a message of non-violence - don't start fights.

Also, just like the attacker from Harvest Park you mentioned, I'll bet Bober has initiated previous fights and goes on to more violence as well.

Little help here - what the devil is a "curb stomp"? From the sound of it, it doesn't seem to be something one would relish having done to them.

Many, many years ago when I was a teenager most after school fights consisted of rolling around on the ground until the contestants were exausted or clothes were torn. Next day we were friends again........

Our kids would not learn how to walk if we always held them. We let them walk knowing they will fall but we are there to help them.

Adolescence is a frightening time for parents. I never go to bed until I know everyone is home for the night. I always sleep with an ear open in case anyone decides it is a good night for an adventure. It is a challenge to find the balance between healthy parental control and a teenagers independence, transitioning toward becoming an adult.

We do everything reasonable to teach them, guide them, and give them consequences for poor choices.

We don't raise our kids on a leash, we know they will be out of our view and participating in risk taking behavior. Some more than others but it is a part of the journey of growing up. I was a "good kid" but by the grace of god I survived my bad choices.

With little exception the families I have known in this community (3 kids and 20 years in Ptown) are comprised of good parents and good kids. I have seen many of those good kids become great adults.

We choose to live here because we share similar pro-family values. I know we are doing a good job.

The negative generalizations get old.


P.S. I also believe Brendon received an overly hash sentence.

I rather not describe what I curb stomp is because it's rather gruesome. An example of one apppears in the beginning of the film American History X.

I am surprised that people think Pleasanton is so expensive.. WE do live in the Bay Area, which is comprised of many much more expensive areas. We just moved to pleasanton because it was more affordable than anything comparable on the peninsula or southbay which is where we were before. I suppose that Pleasanton is one of the most expensive area's in this general area, but it's not even the most expensive place in the east bay. I don't get it. It's not like everybody who goes to amador lives in ruby hills. The spoiled teenager thing is rampant all over the bay area, and pleasanton teens are not even close to being the most spoiled.

Gina,
Check out the results from the 2005 Census...
"A Pleasanton surprise: richest midsize city." Web Link

I read the Brendan Rose case. Yes, he defended his brother, but then he kicked an unconscious person, already on the ground, on the head, and that is not something a decent person does. I agree Brendan had to defend his brother, and the fighting up until the person fell to the ground, unconscious, is justifiable. But kicking this person on the head while lying on the ground unconscious is just terrible and deserves a good punishment, because it shows that Brendan needs to learn a lesson and perhaps develop moral values he lacks.

I see the census report, but isn't that because of the building of Ruby Hills and some other smaller very expensive areas. It has brought up the median income??... I am trying to understand that, because believe me, I have shopped for houses in many places in the bay area, and Pleasanton is not even close to the most expensive when you look at a 4 bedroom house, of equal quality, in an equal type of neighborhood. I could be wrong, but my understanding is that the development of Ruby Hills has drastically changed the median income of the city, but it doesn't mean that the other people of Pleasanton (many it seems have been here a looonngg time) are any wealthier.

I don't know much about US Census and what city houses more "richer" people than others, but I don't think Ruby Hills played as big of a roll as you think. It's farther out than majority of the houses in Pleasanton and I would suspect that residents can send there kids to any school or district they please too. Don't forget about houses on the hill and along Foothill Road. Also, houses that are close to schools will pay off more.

(sorry I don't think my post is following the original topic but my damn allergies are really bad. my head is foggy- cheers to summer coming soon!)

In looking at the information we need to pay more attention to numbers, analytical thinking, research skills, etc. Or for sure all those Asian nations who score higher in these departments will surely eat our lunch.

The web link on 2005 census data clearly defines mid-size city as 65,000 to 249,999 thousand population. We are a bit over 65,000 thousand, while expensive places like Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, and Atherton are much smaller. So, what about Palo Alto? Well, in 2005 the population appears to be a bit below 65,000. It would not have made the cut for the web link definition.

So, yes, there are more expensive areas around the Bay with higher average and/or median income, but they are not as large as Pleasanton in population.

How did Pleasanton get here? Well, it is reasonable to assume Ruby Hills plus other large home developments contributed substantially by bringing into the city high income earners. Look back over the last 15 to 20 years and consider what housing has been built. Mostly large, and expensive.

Palo Alto is a good comparison. The housing stock has been mostly what we would consider "cheap". The community is old and built out. So, it has a lot of long time residents who are not considered wealthy. But the community has high wealth numbers, like Pleasanton. Location, location, location are the three factors that make it so. High income earners for years have competed for these cheap houses and have driven the community's aggregate numbers up. Because of the build out, it became common to bulldoze the house and replace it with mega. This also goes on in Menlo Park and Atherton. This phenomenon has become the big deal in those communities their planning commissions are very active in this regard.

Here in Pleasanton, we have yet to reach build out. That's the big difference. We just grew in population with mostly high income earners moving into the areas accommodated by developers willing to put in high end housing developments.

Frank;

I'm not sure how well you know the Peninsula, but having grown up there I would NOT consider Palo Alto a good comparison point to Pleasanton. Belmont would be a much better "like for like" comparison when looking at an aging community and one that is at build out. The home I grew up in there is the same age as the Pleasanton Valley area homes and much alike in style. Belmont once was considered a "sleepy bedroom community" and "family oriented." It is also valued where it is due to "location, location, location." The resident demographics are much like what you describe for Pleasanton and homes 30+ years or older are being bulldozed (all but one wall) for the purposes of extensive remodeling -- pushing lots to their limits. Oh, and let us not forget the "holier than thou" attitudes that spawned from elevated housing prices and the feeling of zip code entitlement.

And FYI -- Pleasanton's growth is also a direct result of people like myself leaving the rat race on the West Bay and moving out here for work and for the "feel" of the community we grew up in. In the early 1980's, I wasn't a "high income earner." All I could afford was a crappy little townhouse in Indian Village. But I came with the work that was being relocated to Bishop Ranch because Pleasanton felt like Belmont used to feel when I was growing up.

Ya know what? On the RARE occasion I go back to Belmont, I now see little difference between the two communities. They look very much the same, although housing hasn't taken the same value bath that Pleasanton has in the last year. But most striking is the entitlement attitude that now oozes from both communities. Sad, but true. And we're seeing it surface in our kids.

I don't think anything I wrote disagrees with what Weighing In has wrote.

I simply pointed out that Pleasanton got ranked as it did regarding median income in the web link and others on the Peninsula did not because it has now grown past 65,000.

The other point where Pleasanton differs from any community on the Peninsula, and why it has shot up to where it is, is its available land on which to build houses is only beginning to near its end. When was the last time, for example, that Belmont or Palo Alto built a development equivalent to Ruby Hills? The last two decades in Pleasanton have been mostly high end homes. That's a big reason its median income has grown.

I fully agree that Pleasanton does not really compare to Peninsula cities which have been built out long ago. That's why I bought in Pleasanton 29 years ago. Could not afford the Peninsula, and it with all of that old junky housing.

The whole point of sending someone to prison is for rehabilitation. That is why it is called CDCR (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation). As a friend of Brendan's, I know he does not need to be rehabilitated. He was and I am sure will remain a great person. But, there are times where excessive jail time is counter-productive. There is no doubt that some prison time needed to be served. But 8 years of a young mans life is way to excessive for someone who was DEFENDING his brother. If you want to discount the incompetence of his lawyer, that is extremely naive of you. Our whole justice system is centered around the right to a fair trial, and clearly, he did not receive one. Oh, and by the way, even the judge questioned his lawyers competence.

I graduated from Foothill High in 2003. I remember very well meeting the Rose twins. They stood out from the rest of the crowd as people who had great personalities and high values. I was shocked by the twisted turn of events that left Brendon as the victim of this horrible incident.

In an unrelated topic...Around 2003, it seemed like NO parents were paying attention to what was going on with their teenagers. We were getting away with so much! Things have really slowed down around here since I was in high school. The kids are much better now.

Two points:
1. Convicted rapists, repeat drunk drivers who cause accidents and injuries, etc. frequently serve less time.

2. This should scare ALL parents and kids -- what starts out as nice young people looking for "fun" can so easily end tragically for both the injurer and the injured

I was "googling" Brendon Rose because he is my cousin's grandson.

To everyone who says Bober started the fight and that Rose was just saving his brother: that is a lie concocted by the family and brothers to try and get Rose out of jail.

The fight was started when the Rose brothers and friends began to beat up a total stranger for bumping into them when he was walking down the sidewalk. Bober and his friends tried to come to the aid of that young man and paid a very dear price for that.

Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?