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Erin Steffen

From: Neighborhood ResourcesSent: Friday, June 21, 2013 12:01 PMTo: Erin SteffenSubject: Dublin Community Connection

  

DUBLIN COMMUNITY     CONNECTION            

Linking YOU to City Resources Summer 2013

In July 2012, the City of Dublin launched the Neighborhood Resources Unit to build and strengthen relationships with the Dublin community. The Dublin Community Connection is one way that Neighborhood Resources brings Dublin to your doorstep, with information on upcoming events and activities, a deeper understanding of how the City provides community services, and opportunities for you to get involved in your Dublin hometown.

Neighborhood Watch 2.0

The Dublin Neighborhood Watch program recently moved from Dublin Police Services to Neighborhood Resources. Neighborhood Resources staff spoke with Neighborhood Watch group members, reviewed existing events and brainstormed new activities to meet program needs. The updated program has been launched and the Neighborhood Watch program has received a makeover, with new events, programs and resources!

The Neighborhood Watch program is a partnership between residents and the City that uses shared resources, grassroots organizing and community engagement to unite residents, strengthen neighborhoods and increase safety. Residents can get to know their neighbors, share timely information and raise the general awareness of safety in their neighborhood using the Neighborhood Watch program. During the past few months, the City has worked with existing groups, local public safety officials and other Neighborhood Watch organizations to increase and expand Neighborhood Watch in Dublin. Dublin has created a new, expanded Neighborhood Watch website with informative handouts and helpful resources for group members. The City will send regular safety tips and reminders about upcoming Neighborhood Watch events. This is in addition to regular communication on crime trends in Dublin.

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In order to help Neighborhood Watch members prepare for possible emergencies, Public Safety Seminars will be held in locations throughout the City. The next seminar, "Handling Utilities During an Emergency," is on June 26. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Group leaders will be able to participate in a Block Captain's Academy to help them manage their groups effectively, learn more about the resources available to them and plan events for their group. Block Captains also will receive a list of nearby Neighborhood Watch groups, to help them build a network with adjacent Block Captains. The first Academy was held in May and was well-received by Block Captains; the next Academy will take place later this fall.

The annual National Night Out event empowers residents to display their neighborhood unity through events and activities; this year's National Night Out celebration will be bigger and better than ever. At the Kickoff Party & Ice Cream Social on July 17, Neighborhood Watch members can register for National Night Out, visit with Public Safety Officials, and enter for a chance to win a visit from local officials, a fire truck, or a police vehicle at their National Night Out party! On August 6, Neighborhood Watch groups will take a stand against crime by hosting National Night Out block parties in their neighborhoods. To launch a Neighborhood Watch group in your neighborhood or to learn more about Neighborhood Watch, contact Neighborhood Resources.

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When does the City Council Meet? The City Council meets at 7:00 pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Are fireworks allowed in the City of Dublin? Safe and sane fireworks are permitted only on July 4 from 10 AM -10 PM at single family homes, private properties and the following designated City parks: Emerald Glen Park, Alamo Creek Park and Dublin Sports Grounds. NO fireworks of any kind are allowed in multi-family housing communities or

at any other City facility, park, or public school.

FREE Energy and Water Conservation Upgrades for Dublin Residents

This summer the City of Dublin is working with Rising Sun Energy Center to promote energy conservation and sustainable living through a youth employment program known as California Youth Energy Services (CYES). CYES trains and employs local youth to provide conservation audits and retrofits to Dublin residences in the form of a Green House Call. Green House Calls are available for both homeowners and renters.

A CYES Green House Call consists of:

A walk-through energy assessment of the house; Installation of free energy- and water-saving measures

such as efficient-flow faucet aerators, screw-in CFL lighting and a hot water heater blanet;

Insulation check of attic and pipes; Flow rate tests on water fixtures including sinks,

showers, and toilets; Assessment of refrigerator and water heater temperature

settings; and General energy and water conservation education

If you are interested in learning more about this great opportunity contact Dublin's Environmental Services staff at 925-833-6650 or visit the Rising Sun Energy Center's website to schedule your appointment.

Calling for Service: 9-1-1 or 462-1212?

Increased use of cell phones has changed the general practice of calling 9-1-1 in an emergency: the range of mobile devices, cell tower locations, and interference from existing infrastructure or weather can impact call transmissions. As a result, 9-1-1 calls from a cell phone may be routed to the California Highway Patrol rather than Dublin's own dispatch center, costing callers valuable time.

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Program Dublin's dispatch number (925) 462-1212 on your cell phone and use the general guideline below to help you get the quickest service possible when calling for help.

When do I call... 9-1-1

When calling from a landline in an emergency

When calling from a landline and you are not sure if it's an emergency or not

When you are in another city calling for police or fire service from a cell phone

(925) 462-1212

Anytime you call for police or fire service from a cell phone

When calling from a landline or cell phone for a non-emergency

Examples of Emergencies: crimes in progress, situations involving physical injury, cries for help, or any time you can't decide Examples of Non-Emergencies: loud parties, lost/stolen mail, theft with no witnesses or suspect information

Can I park my recreational vehicle on my residential property? Yes. The City has adopted Off Street Parking Regulations in order to maintain the attractiveness and safety of our community. For additional information review the Residential Recreational Vehicle Parking Regulations Brochure, Dublin's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 8.76 Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations), or contact Code Enforcement at (925) 833-6610.

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Dublin Working for You This section seeks to introduce some of the many services provided to Dublin residents. In each edition of the Dublin Community Connection a different City position will be highlighted.

Neighborhood Resources Technicians Neighborhood Resource Technicians are the backbone of Neighborhood Resources: they respond to resident inquiries by coordinating with other City departments, prepare and distribute information on subjects that matter to Dublin residents, organize and host community outreach and educational events, and help Dublin residents get in touch with the City resources they need. Dublin's Neighborhood Resources helps build and strengthen relationships with the local residential community. Some of the City programs located in Neighborhood Resources include community outreach (such as this newsletter!), Neighborhood Watch and Code Enforcement.

Say hello to Dublin's Neighborhood Resource Technicians:

Laura Correa-Hernandez and Val Ridad

Citizen Highlight

This section of the Dublin Community Connection recognizes residents who exemplify the compassion, generosity, and integrity of the Dublin community. Dublin certainly doesn't suffer from a shortage of good citizens - every day, we are surrounded by individuals who go the extra mile to help a neighbor, support a cause, or make the community a better place to live. Mary Verstraete and Daniel Yee, block captains in North Dublin Ranch and Positano, caught our attention as two of Dublin's "Good Citizens."

As Neighborhood Watch block captains, Mary and Daniel promote safety in their neighborhoods by engaging other residents and sharing safety information. They also find time in their active schedules to participate in programs such as the Citizens' Academy, coordinate neighborhood festivities for National Night Out, and assist with community events. At the Public Safety Open House in April, they helped to promote the Neighborhood Watch program by distributing information and speaking with Dublin residents. Their experience and involvement in the program reinforced Neighborhood Watch as a crime prevention tool, and each contact they made demonstrated their support for a cause they believe in: neighborhood strength and unity.

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Thank you, Mary and Daniel for lending a hand and contributing to a safer Dublin community.

Help Save Lives with PulsePoint

The Alameda County Fire Department, who provides fire services for the City of Dublin, has joined a new smart phone application called PulsePoint. PulsePoint allows community members to provide life-saving assistance to victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

How it works: if someone is having a cardiac emergency in a public place, the app will notify registered community members in the vicinity of the need for CPR. The app also directs members to the exact location of the closest publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED). According to Fire Chief Demetrious Shaffer, "[The Fire Department quickly realized] the value of this app: how many people it reaches out to instantly, the ability to reach out to the community. Saving lives is the end result." To find out more information about this life-saving app or to sign up, visit PulsePoint.

Walking and Biking to West Dublin BART Easier than Ever

Dublin is boosting the travel experience for pedestrians and cyclists who wish to use the West Dublin Pleasanton BART station; pedestrian and bicycle improvements have been installed along Golden Gate Drive and St. Patrick Way, including enhanced crosswalks, wider sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, benches and on-street color bicycle lanes. The street also received "green" upgrades, including permeable pavers at the roundabout, street trees and trash and recycling receptacles. Additional streetscape improvements will be completed during development of the former Crown Chevrolet properties, scheduled to take place in the near future. This new look enhances pedestrian and bicycle safety in an area that is anticipated to have more residential development and commercial activity, creating a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Downtown Dublin.

2-1-1 / Eden I & R Linking Families and Residents to

Resources

2-1-1 is a county-based telephone referral service available throughout the United States that connects

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individuals to human services resources. In Alameda County, 2-1-1 is also known as "Eden Information & Referral (Eden I&R). At 2-1-1, a referral specialist is available 24/7 to direct you to local community organizations that can help with employment, housing, health, or other human service needs. Whether you are at-risk, unemployed, ill, or in need of housing assistance or childcare, Eden I&R is there to help. Callers can rest assured that their calls are confidential. If you are calling from outside Alameda County or on a cell phone, dial 1-888-886-9660. Assistance is literally a phone call away.

Dublin's Newest Golden Eagles The City of Dublin is home to a golden eagle known as Bella, who returns each year to a nesting spot in Dublin. This year, two of Bella's babies have successfully hatched! The City received over 230 entries in a "Name Bella's Baby!" contest held at the St. Patrick's Day Festival in March. The City of Dublin is proud to introduce Bellaboo & Coco, our newest resident golden eagles. Check out the City's eagle webcam online, or learn more about Bella and golden eagles in Dublin.

Make a Difference in Dublin

The Senior Center is a place where seniors in the community can go to participate in a variety of classes, activities, and programs that engage the mind, body and spirit. The Center is always looking for volunteers to apply their talents and skills by working as a kitchen or office assistant, a greeter, or teaching new activities. "It's a wonderful feeling to be able to help others and meet interesting people," says Recreation Coordinator Anna Hudson. "The Senior Center] provides training for all positions." If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the online form and email it to the center or stop by the Senior Center reception desk, 7600 Amador Valley Boulevard.

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Emerald Glen Park Farmers' Market Returns The Farmers' Market at Emerald Glen Park is back for the third year in a row. It began on Thursday, April 18 and will take place every Thursday until September 26. In addition to having a wonderful selection of fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and hot food, the Dublin Farmers' Market will also continue to feature weekly special events, including: musical performances, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, cook-offs, and children's games and activities.

"We'll feature some additional special events at the Farmers' Market this year, which will involve community participation," says Shari Jackman, coordinator of the Farmers' Market for the City of Dublin. "We'll have additional community cook-offs, including a 'Cabernet Cook-Off' in August, where residents can try to find the best food pairing to go with an Auburn James Winery cabernet. We're also expecting a great crowd on September 5 when Evolution (a Journey tribute band) performs."

Congratulations to 2012's Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients

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Every year the City of Dublin hosts a Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony that pays homage to our community's greatest asset - the citizens who help make this city worthy of the "All-America" title. Meet this year's award recipients:

Janet Lockhart Former Dublin Mayor and Councilmember Janet Lockhart is busy as ever. Janet continues to promote education and the advancement of students in the Dublin community through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education for Innovation Tri-Valley, and Dublin Partners in Education. She also volunteers for various causes and community events, serving students with disabilities at the Ala Costa Center and working with the Alameda County Fair Board to create a successful day program for the sight- impaired. In the words of her husband Steve, "[Janet's] actions and support of our community represent not only Dublin's expressed values, but she also serves as a great role model."

Camille Chabot

Dublin High School Senior Camille Chabot has had quite a year. According to Irish dance teacher Valerie Deam, Camille has combined her passion for Irish dance with her love for her community to not only "dedicate many weekends to teach the heritage of the dance to Dublin's youth," but also represent the City at Parks & Recreation events or at Bay Area team sport events. Most Notably, Camille joined City staff and officials in Kansas during the City's 2011 bid for the "All America City" title; she choreographed and performed an impressive routine in the National Heritage Showcase Event. Camille manages to volunteer 3 days a week at Green Elementary in a 2nd-grade classroom, where she serves as a great role model for Dublin's future.

Tri-Valley Youth Court The Tri-Valley Youth Court was selected as the "Organization of the Year" for their restorative justice program involving Tri-Valley teenage youth. Since 2008, the Tri-Valley Youth Court has provided the opportunity for teenage offenders who have committed acts of juvenile delinquency to be brought before a jury comprised of local teen volunteers and given constructive sanctions. Youth advocate volunteers learn how to interview, prepare a case for court and cultivate public speaking and presentation skills; teen jurors listen to the experiences of other youth and work together as a team to develop sanctions that give back to victims of the offense and help the offender learn from the experience.

Mayor's Award - Edy Coleman Additionally, each year the Mayor selects a Dublin resident to receive the Mayor's Award for contributions to the Dublin Community. This year, Mayor Tim Sbranti selected Edy Coleman to receive the Mayor's Award for her years of service to the Dublin School Board, American Cancer Society, Heritage Guild, and other organizations. Read more about the award recipients' contributions to Dublin on the City's Volunteer Recognition Event webpage.

We hope you enjoyed the Dublin Community Connection!

Have a question or suggestion? Contact Neighborhood Resources!