The city of Pleasanton can be really prejudiced to drug abusers an make them feel awful about addiction. Their was that girl that graduated in 2010 from avhs she was an alcoholic an sought help instead many wrote her off disrespected her and made her embarrassed of her disease. She eventually left an went to Mexico after she graduated high school she tried to start over an come back but the shame didn't leave her. She relapsed and moved away again I haven't herd from her since. I felt so bad for her I did everything I could to make her feel welcome at aa/na but people didn't like how she wasn't 21 in the groups. I tried defending her cause I really cared she was so funny and nice infact I think she was voted class clown in her graduating class I remember her showing us a picture in the year book at a meeting. My point is respect people and be nice kids these days start so early and their is a lot of pressure to do well in our town an I think the kids can feel the stress an pressure more than we can imagine.
Ps. I don't have a drinking problem I had a duI in 2008 followed by another in 2010. One time it was for alcohol I didn't hit anything was just swerving apparently and barrely failed the breathalizer. The second time was for taking my prescriptions my doctor wrote me for pain killers and fast acting anxiety pills....again didn't hit anyone or anything just fell asleep at a stop light while driving it was red. (the cop could have just honked or reminded me to go. I wold have woken up they can be so rude here an over dramatic as a result of nothing better to do.) Anyways the judge ordered me to a bunch of house of aa/na and hundreds of hours the second time plus a breathalyzer installed in my brand new Mercedes it's so stupid. I literally leased a new car through my work (CEO privelages!) including insurance so I wouldn't have to blow in that thing it was so akward whenever I went out to diner and have drinks with friends I would have to park far away an call a taxi or escort cause it won't let you drink an drive even a little. Oh and the judge informed my doctor of the misunderstanding with the prescriptions and he cut me off. I had to get a new doctor! This town Is so strict I feel like I'm Anne frank trapped and taken of my freedom for no reason! While all these Casey Anthony's walk freely everywhere else. I hired a lawyer both times with a nice pricetag tag for each one and the judge wasn't flattered either. I even took the time and wrote a letter saying sorry. I feel so bad for the children here they don't deserve a corrupt legal system and strict parents they need love an understanding (Sorry about the spelling and punctuation I'm waiting to take off in livermore and I'm on my phone happy Saturday Pleasanton! ).

(Comment deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)

Anonymous ..or should I say Coward. Trying to rationalize a DUI, let alone two, is ridiculous. You are what is wrong with society. You think you are special when you are not. You blame the police for arresting you. You blame the judge for taking the appopriate steps. Shame,shame,shame. You need to loose your license for years and take abus. Driving is a privilege not a right. I hope you get the he you need before you kill someone you loser.

My son is a recovering drug addict at the age of 20. This addiction affects everyone. It does not matter who you are or how much money you have. Drugs have destroyed my son who continues to struggle with his addiction each day. It is heart breaking to know his pain. My advice is know your kids friends and have honest talks with them.

I found it very interesting to see Alameda County Deputies at the Vigil and no Pleasanton Police Officers to be found. This took place in our downtown and no city officials. This is a community epidemic, would of been nice to see local police, city officials on hand. We all need to be involved.

Sara,
Just an FYI, there were two Pleasanton Police officers at the vigil. I have to say that the Pleasanton Police Department has been a big advocate of Mohters witha purpose and have been very involved in battling the issue of drug abuse in the city, as has the Alameda County District Attorney,.

Dave,
The two men in uniform were from the Alameda County they are both deputies. I spoke to all three that were there from the county. There were no Pleasanton Police Officers represented at the vigil. The third officer is actually the Chaplin for Alameda County Sheriffs Department.

Sara,
I see. I didn't speak with them but I did see the Alameda Coroner. I will say that the Pleasanton PD has been very supportive of Mothers with a Purpose.

i feel sorry for anonymous..obviously has issues & needs help. i understand what he/she is
trying to say about being understanding to the kids in this town or anywhere else for that matter.they are under more pressure and some get addicted to drugs and we need to be more involved as a community to help these kids. I admire Mothers with a Purpose and think they are doing a great job. I have seen Pleasanton Police at some of the meetings they host in town and have heard them speak at these meetings. They did a great job. I, too, have an addicted son and he is in recovery right now. I think he will be in recovery forever. It is so sad people. Stop judging and realize this can happen to anyone. These young people, like my son, never set out to get addicted. That is not the intention. It is what happens after they start using and then it is too late, the addiction sets in. Prayers for all who are affected, it is not fun and it hurts the entire family.

I have great respect for Mothers With A Purpose. The organization is an awareness and advocacy support group.

I would guess that the Pleasanton PD's absence was a sign of sensitivity. Families dealing with substance abuse and recovery issues understand that it is a medical and counseling issue. The last thing they need is to be dealing with the justice system also. The PPD has supported the organization and we know how to contact them if we need them. Many family members would not want to be there if the police were there and risk inadvertently putting a loved one on their radar.