August 12, 2002

A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN, as the saying goes, is what everybody needs, and Sunolian Barton Stillman can proudly state he has one. On August 16, Ohlone College will dedicate a classroom in Bart's name to honor his long and valuable service there during more than 30 years as a professor of Computer Studies. One of the founders of the department, he retired in 1994, and has maintained contacts and friendships with many of his colleagues and students. If you would like to attend the dedication, it will be from 5:30 and 7 p.m. at the Hyman Hall Computer Science building at Ohlone College. Congratulations, Bart!

RECYCLING UPDATE: The turn-out at the recent meeting in Sunol about getting a recycling program going here was, shall we say, light, but organizer Jim O'Laughlin has good news to report anyway. Gratifying evidence that the pen is a powerful tool, the info in this column accompanying the meeting announcement brought Sunol a viable offer for a recycling program from Pleasanton Garbage Service.

Jim had contacted Pleasanton Garbage Service some time ago when he was researching options for recycling here, but they were not in position to offer us program. Last week the company contacted Jim to let him know the time is right. "Your article is what got them going," Jim told me. "They have recently hired someone to work on recycling programs and they're ready to do something." Current customers in Sunol will be receiving a letter sometime this month describing Pleasanton Garbage Service's plan, which will involve no cost to the customers.

And now, I'm going to say something about showing up at meetings organized by hard working community volunteers trying to bring services here and/or provide opportunities for us to put in our two cents. Good things happen when we work together. Regularly check the bulletin board at the Sunol Post Office, check www.Sunol.net, read this column, ask at downtown businesses, jot down the date when a neighbor tells you about an event. Then come to the meeting, program or event and participate. No whining without participating, y'all hear?

CREEK ALLIANCE ANNIVERSARY: According to ACA Director Jeff Miller, the Alameda Creek Alliance will resume meeting after its summer hiatus on Sunday, September 15 in Niles. In addition to an agenda of important items, the meeting will feature a potluck barbeque and celebration of the ACA's fifth anniversary.

Topics at the meeting will include an update on the status of fish passage projects, moving forward with non-profit status and selecting a Board of Directors for the ACA, initiating a volunteer native plant propagation and re-vegetation program, and resumption of fish rescue efforts in the lower creek this winter. The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Dougherty property, which is ½ mile up Niles Canyon Road from Mission Blvd. on the north side of the road. The driveway will be marked with an ACA sign.

The Alameda Creek Fisheries Restoration Workgroup is moving forward on a Steelhead Restoration Action Plan, which will be used to identify and prioritize restoration projects, secure funding, and complement environmental review documents.

Jeff pointed out that the August issue of California Fly Fisher has a good article on the Alameda Creek restoration, "Saving Alameda Creek" by Tom Martens. It is available at numerous fly fishing shops around the Bay including Fish First in Albany and Walton's Pond in San Leandro.

TRAVEL THE INFO HIGHWAY TO SUNOL: Don't forget to check on-line regularly at www.Sunol.net for information on many of Sunol's organizations and businesses. Web Master Derek Johnson recently added a link for the Little Valley Vineyard Tasting Room and Espresso Bar. The bistro is gaining a loyal following and regularly selling out evening music events several times each month. There are also lots of music events at Bosco's Bones & Brew next door in the Cerny Building, including karaoke every Wednesday evening. You'll find the entertainment schedules, menus and more for both establishments on-line via www.Sunol.net.