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SB 1193 is about transparency, accountability and public trust
Over the last decade, Alameda County has faced 10 Civil Grand Jury reports, 30-plus county-related Grand Jury chapters, a major State Auditor report, a DOJ investigation, multiple lawsuits, media investigations and now a $36 million settlement.
Alameda County residents deserve to know how all of their tax dollars are being spent, and that’s exactly what SB 1193 does: it brings the Supervisors’ discretionary funds into the light for public viewing.
Let’s be clear about what the bill does NOT DO…
SB 1193 does not CUT nonprofit funding.
It does not BLOCK community organizations from receiving support.
It does not STOP Alameda County from investing in programs that serve residents.
The bill still allows Alameda County supervisors to push out funding within 72 hours. SB 1193 guardrails are consistent with statewide practices and shouldn’t be controversial.
Alameda County cannot keep asking the public to trust a system that refuses basic transparency. We must step off the merry-go-round of excuses and begin this reform that residents know has been a long time coming.
The attacks on SB 1193 are a distraction. If people believe the current system is working, they should have no problem showing the public where the money goes.
Sunshine is not a threat. It is a safeguard.
– State Sen. Aisha Wahab
Palmer, Burnham, Badar for Zone 7 board
As a resident of the Tri-Valley, I’m endorsing Sarah Palmer, Alan Burnham and Seema Badar for the Zone 7 Water Agency Board. Being a director on the board, I know our most pressing challenges are water quality, flood management, reliable water supply and financial stewardship.
We have three members retiring with close to a century of professional experience; these three candidates are the best choices to continue their good work in these areas.
Sarah Palmer, the only incumbent candidate, is a skilled biochemist. She is a very engaged and active member in our meetings, workshops, committees and events. A previous board president, Sarah is often a spokesperson in Sacramento and D.C. She is a member of many regional committees and interests benefiting Zone 7. She was also the first to watchdog PFAS and support efforts to eliminate it. Sarah is a valuable member we need to keep.
Alan Burnham brings a new face with many decades of scientific experience. This includes hydrogeology and water contamination. A chemist, Alan has worked at all levels: technical, financial, managerial and as a business owner. He is also an engaged community member, e.g., director and a founding member of the Quest Science Center. Alan will be an important experienced addition.
Seema Badar will bring a combination of interest in water utilities and organizational skills to the board. She is a successful community leader and organizer. Seema has chaired several committees and boards with financial oversight responsibilities. She offers important skills like leadership, financial experience, demonstrated civic engagement and a work ethic to keep pace with the many facets of Zone 7. Seema will be a complimentary new voice.
– Laurene Green
Vote for Jim Lehrman
I am writing to express my strong support for Jim Lehrman in his candidacy for the Zone 7 Board of Directors.
Water policy in the Tri-Valley is too important to be left to passive oversight. It requires informed, technically grounded and locally committed leadership. Jim brings exactly that combination.
As a geologist and hydrogeologist, he has a deep, professional understanding of water systems, groundwater sustainability, and the long-term risks facing our regional supply. Just as importantly, he is a longtime Tri-Valley resident who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to this community.
Jim has not been a passive observer. He has actively engaged — writing letters, speaking at Pleasanton City Council and Zone 7 meetings, and organizing efforts like the Protect Tri-Valley Water petition. These actions show both initiative and persistence. They also highlight an important truth: meaningful change often requires a seat at the table.
Electing Jim Lehrman to the Zone 7 board would bring a knowledgeable and independent voice into decision-making — someone who understands both the science and the local stakes. At a time when water management is becoming increasingly complex, that perspective is not just valuable; it is necessary.
I encourage voters to support Jim Lehrman for Zone 7 Board of Directors.
– Deepti Pradhan
Attention seniors: Ask your kids!
Since the results of the upcoming election might have more impact on your kids, do the following if they are of voting age:
1. Tell them you plan to vote along with them this June.
2. Ask them to research the candidates and the issues.
3. Make suggestions to you as to their choices.
4. Tell them, “If they want to change the world, it starts with them.”
5. Then tell them if they vote you will match them, either in person or with a mailed-in ballot.
– Terrence J. McGrath
Cook-Kallio for county Board of Education
Cheryl Cook-Kallio deserves reelection to the Alameda County Board of Education. She has earned our trust with her high standards, deep knowledge of the school system, and active involvement in student learning.
Cheryl’s decades of classroom experience have taught her that all students can master a challenging curriculum. She still speaks with pride of the service projects her students initiated at Irvington High School, and she is delighted when a second language learner or a shy student develops the confidence to challenge assumptions in a discussion.
Cheryl is effective because she knows the institutions and people that run our schools. When explaining an issue, Cheryl often mentions people by name and even gives the back-story of those involved. She calls multiple times to advocate for schools, students, or programs that need attention. When a school district faces a conflict, she offers resources to remedy the problem.
Cheryl still supports the programs she loved as a teacher. She is a tireless advocate for civic education, organizing We the People competitions and recruiting teachers for Project Citizen training. Cheryl visits classrooms, judges for National History Day and responds when teachers need support.
Cheryl once told my students, “Why don’t you ask your (State Assembly) representative to come to your school? They work for you, the citizen.”
Students, teachers and leaders deserve a hard-working representative who understands and believes in our schools. Join me in supporting Cheryl Cook-Kallio for the Alameda County Board of Education.
– Robbie See
Freedom: 250 years and on
Cities gear up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4. Events and holidays, like Memorial Day, prepare us. For instance, the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton from June 19 to July 12.
When 16 in 1992, my life changed when a drunken driver hit me. Freedom and driving laws are linked to ensure public safety.
In 2024, California made 1,336 DUI arrests during their Fourth of July law enforcement period. They made 1,311 DUI arrests during the same period in 2025.
Sober driving protects everyone’s freedom. There is no legal “freedom” to drive drunk. Don’t enjoy America’s 250th birthday behind bars, in the hospital or dead.
If you see someone driving erratic on any road, like I-580, notify the law enforcement immediately. They will stop that driver.
Follow laws to stay true to the country we call home.
– Lori Martin
Burnham for Zone 7 board
As a Ph.D. chemist and longtime employee at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Alan Burnham has the technical expertise to assess the water reliability projects being considered by the Zone 7 Water Agency.
Alan has been involved with several community organizations, including Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group and Tri-Valley Conservancy, and has served on Livermore’s General Plan Committee. He has also founded nonprofit organizations including Quest Science Center.
Alan’s technical expertise and commitment to the community make him well qualified to serve on the Zone 7 board. Please join me in voting for Alan.
– Dennis Gambs
Vote for change. Vote for Steve Hilton.
California is being run as a one-party state with Democrats doing whatever they please without care for the residents of California for many years.
They have run down the state with homelessness, high taxes everywhere like the gas tax, high state taxes, and highest sales tax in the country.
When you look at roads, they are beaten. Where is the money going?
Houses being unaffordable, companies leaving California and there is no end to it unless we bring change.
We have a Democratic governor who is more into his image than running the state.
Steve Hilton brings a lot of experience and a fresh approach to running the state being more attuned to the residents needs, than currently residents are being told how to live their lives by the Democrats.
Hilton has said that he will bring down the gas prices when he is elected and take care of other residents’ needs.
Vote for change. Vote for Steve Hilton.
– Rajinder Ghatoaura
Why I’m voting for Tom Steyer
Tom Steyer has a long list of issues he plans to tackle if we are fortunate enough to have him as our next governor. Among them are housing affordability and the rapidly rising cost of living.
As governor, Tom will close a “Trump Tax Loophole” that lets the wealthiest commercial property owners avoid paying taxes based on what their properties are actually worth.
He will make it easier for the working class to participate in the housing market, but harder for institutions that own thousands of homes that crowd out families and buy up units only to rent. This will also help fix California’s rapidly growing homelessness crisis.
Tom will close out corporate loopholes, raising $20 billion a year of new revenue to fund education, health and childcare, which will lower the costs for the rest of us.
California private utilities (PG&E, SCE and SDG&E) have been raking in record profits because the rates they charge are tied to what they spend instead of performance. Tom will institute regulation that incentivizes innovation and efficiency that is built upon performance based technology powered by clean energy that will cut electricity rates by 25%.
At this unprecedented time in our country’s history, he will lead the way back to a government that is for the people and by the people. That is why I am voting for Tom Steyer for our next governor of the great state of California.
– Ron Sadler
Wear orange!
First, the bad news:
* The No. 1 cause of death of American children is gun violence. Not drowning, not car accidents, not cancer. Gun violence.
Now, the good news:
* This is totally preventable.
* The solution is no mystery. All peer countries of the world have found the answers.
* Parents and all caring adults are not having this.
* Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is spearheading actions to save the lives of children and adults.
To that end, the Livermore Valley chapter of Moms Demand Action is holding its fourth annual Wear Orange event on Saturday, June 6 at Lions Wayside Park in Pleasanton from 10 a.m. to noon.
This family-friendly community gathering will honor victims and survivors of gun violence and promote gun violence prevention actions. Bring the whole family to hear inspirational speakers, meet community partners and participate in fun arts and crafts activities. As always, attendees will enjoy the traditional array of tasty ORANGE SNACKS!
Everybody looks good in orange! Don’t have anything orange to wear? No problem. Free orange bracelets will be available. Join us!
– Laurie Herbert
Police response times and recent smash-and-grab
In a recent Pleasanton City Council meeting, our police chief publicly discussed police response times within city limits. Only a few days later, a smash-and-grab robbery occurred at the Zales jewelry store in Stoneridge Mall.
As a Pleasanton resident, I am wondering whether these two events should raise concern. Specifically: Did the individuals who carried out the smash-and-grab use the publicly discussed response-time information to plan or time their crime?
I am not suggesting a conclusion, but I believe the community deserves clarity. When operational details about law enforcement capabilities are shared publicly, it is reasonable to ask whether such information could unintentionally benefit criminal groups — especially given the rise in organized retail theft across the Bay Area.
I hope Pleasanton officials and the Police Department can address whether there is any indication of a connection, or whether the timing was simply coincidental. Transparency on this point would help reassure residents and strengthen trust in our public-safety communication practices.
– Michael Austin
Trump hates Rakhi Israni?
The mailman just delivered one of the most disgusting political flyers ever.
Rakhi Israni introduces herself as being “EVERYTHING TRUMP HATES” with a smug look of superiority on her face. On the reverse side, she boasts “RAKHI SCARES TRUMP”.
If you think our President is an overconfident BS’er, you might think twice about having the same personality disorder representing our district.
Does boasting to be hated and feared by Trump suggest anything in the way of actual qualifications? Should we reward such an evasive, purely emotional pitch? Do you want to be embarrassed again over who we send to D.C.? Another showboater who’ll do anything and say anything to gain publicity?
I’m still deciding. But Rakhi’s “vote-because-he-hates me” message smacks of unhinged bravado. Stylistically, it doesn’t fit our district. I’m looking for someone less boastful than Trump … someone less emotionally manipulative … someone more authentic.
We need a break from pyrotechnics.
– Pierre Bierre
Lehrman for Zone 7
I strongly urge you to support Jim Lehrman for the Zone 7 Board of Directors. Jim has worked tirelessly for the past many years to keep the Valley’s Drinking Water safe. His concern for the new groundwater wells has been ongoing, he has written and spoken about this often.
Jim’s background in hydrogeology will be invaluable on the Board of Directors of Zone 7. Please join me in voting for Jim Lehrman.
– Judith Scavone
Rodeo cruelty
Last weekend’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo in Castro Valley suffered yet another animal fatality. California Penal Code 596.7 requires that rodeo injuries be reported to the State Veterinary Medical Board (reports free upon request, email – enforcement.VMB@dca.ca.gov).
Dr. Tina Faulkner’s report states: “After the rider completed the 8-second ride in the arena, the horse fractured its distal right hind leg. He was humanely euthanized.”
And all in the name of “entertainment”. God forgive us. Nearly every animal welfare organization on Earth condemns rodeo for its inherent cruelty. As did Cesar Chavez, Dr. Jane Goodall and Pope Francis.
Rodeo is not a true “sport” – that term denotes willing, evenly-matched participants; rodeo does not qualify. Rather, it’s mostly hype, a macho exercise in DOMINATION. It needs to end.
The United Kingdom (England/Scotland/Wales) outlawed all of rodeo back in 1934. Can the U.S. and the rest of the world be far behind? Legislation is in order: local/state/federal. Let your reps hear from you!
– Eric Mills, coordinator, Action for Animals
A better way than Measure G is available
Why are we over spending for “capital improvement” projects by floating bonds? Since capital projects take years to complete, why not just have a sales tax for X years that directly pays for construction rather than gifting bond holders a huge cut of the total expenditures?
I’ve seen instances where the money actually spent on a capital project were only 65% of the money raised by the associated bond. The bank or other bond holder collected 35% of the total sales tax raised. Such a waste is why I never vote for a bond issue.
– Craig Bender
