October 2021
Welcome to the October 2021 edition of "The Backyard Brief." In this issue, you'll find articles about new passport services available at the City of Dublin; details about the proposed BRIDGE Housing project in Downtown Dublin; Dublin Police Services' "Coffee with a Cop" and Prescription Drug Take-Back events; upcoming fall family events; how you can watch the "State of the City" Address; and more!
City of Dublin Now Offering Passport Services
The United States Department of Passport Services has designated the City of Dublin as an authorized Passport Acceptance Office. Passports are issued only to United States Citizens or Nationals.
Passport applications are accepted by appointment only. There is NO walk-in service available. Appointments are for one passport applicant, up to a maximum of six passport applicants per appointment (i.e., six members of one family).
Appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., at Dublin Civic Center (100 Civic Plaza). Book an appointment here or visit www.dublin.ca.gov/passports for more information about requirements, fees, and additional resources.
The City does not accept applications for adult renewals that are going to expire or have expired within the past five years. For renewals, please complete this form, issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Dublin "State of the City" Address Now Airing on Tri-Valley Community Television
On Wednesday, September 22, Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez presented the 2021 State of the City Address at an event hosted by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Mayor provided details about the City's financial affairs, a recap of the City's efforts to help local businesses and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as information on current and future development projects, updates on future City parks, and more. The State of the City Address can be viewed on the following days and times throughout the month of October:
TV30:
Sundays, 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Mondays, 11:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Fridays, 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
TV29:
Sundays, 11:00 p.m.
Mondays, 9:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 3:00 p.m.
Fridays, 8:00 a.m.
Saturdays, 12:00 p.m.
Dublin City Council Approves Community Benefit Agreement with BRIDGE Housing for Amador Station Project in Downtown Dublin
The City Council recently approved a Community Benefit Program Agreement and
Affordable Housing Assistance Agreement with BRIDGE Dublin LLC (the applicant) for the development of Amador Station, 300 units of affordable housing on a 3.6-acre site located on Golden Gate Drive adjacent to the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station within the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan Transit-Oriented District. A Community Benefit Program Agreement is required in order to allocate
units from the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan’s Development Pool.
BRIDGE will build an affordable housing project in two phases. As part of the agreement, the applicant will provide the following:
• At a minimum, Phase A of the project will include 136 units (excluding two property manager’s units) that are affordable to households earning an average of no greater than 43% area median income (AMI), and Phase B will include the remaining 164 units (excluding two property manager’s units) that are 100% affordable and may include moderate-income units.
• Upon occupancy of Phase A of the project, fully furnish, at its sole cost and expense, a minimum of 41 units for homeless persons, persons at risk of becoming homeless, and persons with special needs, with appropriate appliances, furniture, and basic kitchenware/dishes.
• Prior to occupancy of Phase A of the project, provide plaza enhancements to improve pedestrian access to the connection of the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station to the satisfaction of BART and the Dublin City Manager.
Flags to Fly at Half-Staff on October 3 in Honor of National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Service
On Sunday, October 3, the City of Dublin will lower its flags to half-staff, in honor of the 40th Annual National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Service. At the Memorial Service, the U.S. Fire Service will pay tribute to the lives of 215 firefighters who died in the line of duty in the past year. The annual recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial began with legislation signed by former President Bush in 2001.
The event coincides with the start of National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 3-9. This year's theme is, "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!" The campaign works to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to rehearse what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a house fire.
For valuable fire safey information, and activities for the family, visit https://www.nfpa.org/FPW.
The City of Dublin would like to acknowledge and thank the Alameda County Fire Department and all Public Safety personnel who often risk their lives in service to the Dublin community.
Dublin Police Services to Form a Behavioral Health Unit
At its meeting held on Tuesday, September 7, the Dublin City Council approved the Revised American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22. ARPA will provide the City of Dublin with $7,088,512 over the next year, which will be used to support the City's response to COVID-19, including funding community recovery and support services and small business support programs. The City Council also directed Staff to use the funds to support the establishment of the Dublin Police Services Behavioral Health Unit.
Recognizing that the pandemic exacerbated mental health and substance abuse issues, the U.S. Treasury Department considers mental health and other behavioral health services to be eligible public health expenditures under ARPA. At its September 7 meeting, the City Council received a presentation from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Youth and Family Services Bureau on establishing a Dublin Police Services Behavioral Health Unit. This newly created unit would be staffed by licensed therapists dedicated to working with youth, children, adults, couples, and families on immediate mental health-related issues.
In the meantime, individuals and families in Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton with urgent mental health needs are able to contact the AXIS Bridge Mental Health Urgent Care Center in order to receive rapid access to mental health treatment. Services are available regardless of insurance type or lack of insurance. The program offers same-day services for individuals, families, and anyone who is impacted by mental health concerns. This free service is available by calling (925) 568-2080, Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This program is a pilot project by Axis Community Health and was developed in conjunction with the Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and the County of Alameda.
Enjoy "Coffee With a Cop" on Wednesday, October 6
National Coffee With a Cop Day is on Wednesday, October 6. Join your neighbors and officers from Dublin Police Services at Peet's Coffee (4620 Tassajara Road) from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on October 6 and share in a bit of conversation.
National Coffee With a Cop Day is a day dedicated to encourage communication and positive interactions between law enforcement agencies and the public. The day began as part of National Community Policing Week in 2016 and now continues each year on the first Wednesday in October, furthering efforts nationwide to bridge the gap between the community and the law.
Dublin Police to Hold Drug Take-Back and Document Shredding Event
On Saturday, October 23, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Dublin Civic Center (100 Civic Plaza), Dublin Police Services will take part in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back event. This event will also include document shredding services.
The goal of the drug take-back event is to collect potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. It is a free and anonymous collection. Dublin Police officers will collect tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage form of prescription medications, no questions asked. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted.
The Drug Take-Back event addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, usually by people raiding medicine cabinets. Additionally, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicines, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - both potential safety and health hazards.
With the uptick in identity theft, City of Dublin residents are also encouraged to bring any type of documents containing personal or sensitive information to be professionally shredded on-site. Residents participating in the shredding event must provide a valid I.D. with a Dublin address. For more information, please call the Dublin Police Crime Prevention Unit at 925-833-6686.
City of Dublin to Celebrate Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day pays tribute to the work that manufacturers do every day to create a safe and robust Bay Area throughout each year. Manufacturing is part of the bedrock of the Bay Area's economy - employing more than 300,000 persons in the region and supporting all the other industries that make the Bay Area the vibrant and diverse region it is: from technology to agriculture to art.
In past years, Dublin has partnered with the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton and educational institutions to host an in-person Tri-Valley Manufacturing (Mfg) Day event, including tours of local facilities to celebrate and to raise awareness of our manufacturing businesses and the career opportunities available in the manufacturing industry.
In lieu of holding an in-person event this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dublin, in collaboration with Livermore and Pleasanton, will host a Tri-Valley Manufacturing Day panel discussion webinar with Tri-Valley manufacturing leaders in celebration of manufacturing in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area. The event will be held on Thursday, October 7, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. In addition, Dublin will show our support and raise awareness about local manufacturing businesses on the City's official Twitter account during the month of October. If you would like to participate in the Tri-Valley Mfg Day event, please register here.
Senior Info Fair Returns to the Dublin Senior Center on Saturday, October 2
In cooperation with senior service professionals, the City of Dublin will host a Senior Info Fair on Saturday, October 2, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., outdoors at the Dublin Senior Center (7600 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin).
A variety of agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide valuable information, referrals, and health services for adults, age 50 and older, plus their families, caregivers, and friends. Admission is free, and door prizes will be awarded.
For more information, please contact the Dublin Senior Center at [email protected].
City of Dublin Seeking Submissions for the Senior Center's Annual "Wall of Heroes" Display
Each November, the Dublin Senior Center celebrates the dedication and bravery of our veterans with a photo display that runs through Veterans Day. Veterans or family members are invited to submit a photo and a military biography by Monday, October 25, at 4:00 p.m.
To be included in the display, veterans (or their families) may submit a photo of the veteran in uniform (from any branch of military service) and a short biography about their military experience, along with a registration form, to the Dublin Senior Center. For more information, please email [email protected].
Left to Right: Councilmember Sherry Hu, Councilmember Jean Josey, Mayor Melissa Hernandez, Paul McCreary, Councilmember Michael McCorriston
City of Dublin Renames Outdoor Pool at The Wave in Honor of Former Dublin Parks and Community Services Director Paul McCreary
On Monday, September 27, the City of Dublin reamed the outdoor pool at The Wave in honor of former Dublin Parks and Community Services Director, Paul McCreary. Paul started his career in Dublin in aquatics and dedicated over 20 years in valuable service to the City. The pool will now be known as the Paul McCreary Sports Pool at The Wave.
Paul began his distinguished service to the City of Dublin in 1991 as a Pool Manager. His hard work and dedication allowed him to rise through the ranks, becoming Parks and Community Services Director in 2011. He served in that role for five years. Paul had a hand in many significant projects including the Dublin Senior Center, Shannon Community Center, Fallon Sports Park, Heritage Park and Museums improvements, the creation of the Splatter festival, Positano Hills Park, Schaefer Ranch Park, Passatempo Park, Jordan Ranch Park, Sean Diamond Park, the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and, most notably, the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatics Complex (The Wave). We can’t thank Paul enough for his valuable service to our community and are delighted to name the outdoor pool at The Wave in his honor.
"Fall" Into Fun at the City of Dublin Harvest Fair
Join the City of Dublin for an afternoon of old-fashioned fall fun at the Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 9, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Dublin Heritage Park and Museums.
Bring the kids and enjoy some of your favorite fall foods in addition to activities such as a pumpkin ring toss, apple crate toss, hay bale maze, pumpkin golf, face painting, a photo booth, pumpkin decorating, gold panning, calf roping, and more. Local bluegrass musicians will be performing for your enjoyment and farm vendors will sell arts and crafts as well as delicious fall foods.
Visitors can also tour the 1910 Kolb House and learn what it was like to live as a farming family in the early part of the 20th Century. The Murray Schoolhouse will also be open, where you can see many exhibits on Dublin's immigrant founders.
Admission to the event is free, but attendees can purchase activity wristbands for $9 per person at the event or $7 in advance at www.dublinrecguide.com. Tickets for the wagon rides will be sold at the event for $2 per person for those who have not purchased an activity wristband.
Find Your Perfect Halloween Pumpkin at The Wave's Floating Pumpkin Patch
Find the perfect Halloween pumpkin this year at the City of Dublin's Floating Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 23, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at The Wave (4201 Central Parkway).
After the kids choose their own pumpkin, they'll be able to decorate them and then return to the pool for recreational swimming. Entry fee includes one regular-sized pumpkin, decorating materials, and entry into Recreational Swimming.
Pre-registration is required by October 20 to receive a pumpkin. This event is for ages 3 years and older. The cost to participate is $20 for residents and $26 for non-residents. Purchase tickets online at www.dublinrecguide.com.
Spooky Fun Awaits You at "Ghosts of Dublin"
"Ghosts of Dublin" returns to Dublin Heritage Park and Museums on Friday and Saturday, October 22 and 23.
Have you ever been tempted to walk through a cemetery in the black of night? Well, brace yourself for an evening of spooky fun. You'll take a flashlight tour through the historic Dublin Pioneer Cemetery, where Dublin's buried past comes alive. Hear haunting stories of ghosts thought to be lurking in Dublin, including news of recent experiences. See ghostly images of long-dead pioneers in Old St. Raymond Church, and peek inside the Kolb House, where you may have to look twice at the eerie shadows in the corners. Make your way through the dark and creaky 165-year-old Murray Schoolhouse with only a flashlight to guide you.
Tours last approximately one hour; tours departing at 9:00 p.m. and later are reserved for older teens and adults only. To register, visit www.dublinrecguide.com.