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Communally
I’m a sophomore at Amador Valley High School. This summer, my friends and I launched an app called Communally to solve a problem we kept seeing in Pleasanton: families need help with everyday jobs like lawn care, babysitting and tutoring, and teens like us want to work but don’t know where to start.
Communally is a neighborhood marketplace that connects the two. Every adult who posts a job verifies their identity through Stripe, payments are held safely until the job is done, and workers under 18 need a parent’s approval before they can accept anything. Jobs only show up within a five-mile radius, so everything stays truly local.
We built the app ourselves and it’s live on the App Store now, with our first jobs already completed here in Pleasanton. Our goal is simple: make it safe and easy for neighbors to help each other, and give local teens a real way to earn money and learn responsibility.
If you’re a Pleasanton family that could use a hand, or a teen looking for summer work, check out communallyapp.com. We’d love your feedback too, we’re students and we’re still learning!
– Shaurya Grover
Vote for Aisha Wahab
For the Aug. 18 special election, I am voting for Aisha Wahab for U.S. Congress in California’s 14th District.
As State Senate assistant majority leader, Wahab has demonstrated the legislative experience needed to tackle difficult problems and pursue practical solutions. She has shown a willingness to challenge powerful special interests while also earning respect from colleagues across the aisle through bipartisan legislation. Her record includes work on housing affordability, lowering costs, strengthening public safety and protecting our communities.
Beyond her legislative accomplishments, Wahab’s personal story is inspiring. She rose from humble beginnings, worked hard through education and built a career in public service. She has taken time to meet with Tri-Valley residents, answer questions directly and listen to concerns. I have found her approachable, candid and refreshingly straightforward.
Wahab has also earned endorsements from a broad coalition that includes labor organizations, law enforcement groups, health advocates, Democratic state and local leaders, and newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle and the Mercury News.
I received a campaign mailer from her opponent highlighting experience as a local mayor but omitting current service as BART board president. BART continues to face financial challenges, is seeking additional tax revenue, and has proposed service reductions affecting Tri-Valley stations. I believe voters should consider each candidate’s complete public record.
I am voting for Aisha Wahab because I believe she is the strongest candidate to represent our district and will work in the best interests of our communities.
Vote in the Aug. 18 special election.
– Gerry Gire
Elect Henry to EBRPD
Our East Bay regional parks are true gems, allowing people of all capabilities, income levels, and interests to enjoy the outdoors and to learn. In November, we have the opportunity to elect a board member for Ward 5, and I am supporting Bruce Henry to replace the incumbent, Olivia Sanwong, who ran unopposed during the previous election.
As an almost daily user of our parks, I want a board that ensures our beautiful parks are managed well. I know firsthand how passionate Bruce is about our parks, since he is also a frequent user of the parks and has a goal of responsible, cost-effective management in a way that optimizes public safety and accessibility. Bruce is the elected chair of the Park Advisory Committee, an appointed body that advises the board through community perspective, so he has the in-depth knowledge needed to be an effective member.
As a former elected school board member, I know how important critical thinking is in making balanced, thoughtful decisions and ensuring sound fiscal policy and Bruce will provide that. As well, I am concerned voters did not get to vet our current Ward 5 board member, since she ran uncontested, and therefore has no mandate.
We should decide which candidate best represents our needs. Bruce is my choice to do that, and I hope you agree when it comes time to vote.
– Mark Miller
Detour to nowhere
My wife and I were headed northbound on Valley and this was at cross-street Hansen on the east side (see photo). During dinner, what I thought would be funny was to put it in the Weekly, Take Us Along section, and caption it “Where to next?”
– Mick Hanou
