December 2022

Welcome to the December 2022 edition of "The Backyard Brief." Where did 2022 go? This year has been a year full of great achievements, wonderful events, and making plans for the future of our city. In this edition of "The Backyard Brief," you'll find important information about protecting yourself and your valuables during the holiday season; how to prepare for winter storms; Dublin Police community engagement opportunities; remembering a fallen hero; supporting Dublin businesses this holiday season; recycling your Christmas tree and used textiles; and the installation and recognition of Dublin City Councilmembers.

City of Dublin Breaks Ground on the Future Cultural Arts Center

On Tuesday, November 1, the Dublin City Council held a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Cultural Arts Center at the Dublin Civic Center. With Dublin Police Services moved to its new home at the Public Safety Complex, plans were made to renovate the 13,000-square-foot space at the Civic Center and convert it into a Cultural Arts Center.

A needs assessment was conducted in 2016, and further input was provided by residents at a community workshop in early 2020. A concept plan was approved by Dublin City Council in May 2020, with the space to include an art gallery, a Black Box theater, and multi-purpose art and music classrooms. The $11.8 million project has a projected opening of Summer/Fall 2023.

Join the City of Dublin for City Council Recognition and Installation

Join the City of Dublin on Tuesday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m., for the installation of Mayor Melissa Hernandez and Councilmember Jean Josey and Councilmember-Elect Kashef Qaadri to the Dublin City Council. The event will take place during the Dublin City Council's regularly scheduled meeting.

During the meeting, outgoing Councilmember Shawn Kumagai will also be recognized for his years of thoughtful service to the Dublin community. Councilmember Kumagai was elected to Dublin City Council in November 2018.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the City of Dublin!

39th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Dublin has several plans in store for the holiday season. Tonight, December 1, beginning at 5:00 p.m., come out to Dublin Civic Center (100 Civic Plaza) for a new take on the traditional Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony! Santa's elves have been busy decorating the Civic Center parking lot and turning it into Dublin's very own Winter Wonderland. Entertainment will include a Bollywood performance, a Chinese dance group, and other performances from the Stratford School, Quarry Lane School, Radiance Ballet, and more. Dinner may be purchased at one of the many food trucks available on site. The tree lighting, featuring a new 28-foot tree, will take place near the Civic Center clock tower at 7:00 p.m. Of course, children should be on the lookout for a very special visitor from the North Pole! Free to attend.

Breakfast with Santa

Santa Claus is coming to Dublin! On Saturday, December 3, families are invited to enjoy a delicious hot pancake breakfast served with sausage, fruit, coffee, and juice, followed by the arrival of Santa Claus! This event benefits the Dublin High School Music program, which will provide lively holiday music during the event. Santa will also pose for photos following each breakfast. There are three time slots available - 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. The cost is $15 for residents/$18 for non-residents, per person, all ages. Register here.

"The Cobbler's Gift" Ballet

Join the City of Dublin and Radiance School of Ballet at a presentation of, "The Cobbler's Gift," on Saturday, December 3, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 4, at 2:00 p.m. Performances will be held at the Dublin High School Center for Performing Arts and Education (8151 Village Pkwy.) This Christmas ballet weaves the tale of a good and kind, yet poor cobbler, struggling to survive the holiday season. The story is inspired by the Brothers Grimm classic, "The Elves and the Shoemaker." Tickets are $17 - $26, and can be purchased at www.radianceballet.com.

"Deck the Homes" Holiday Decorating Contest

There's still time to register for the "Deck the Homes" Holiday Decorating Contest! This year's contest will feature the following categories:

-Seen from Space Award (Best Use of Lights and Color)

-Winter Wonderland Award (Best Use of Music, Movement, and Technology)

-Gingerbread House Award (Best Use of Homemade Decorations)

-Over Inflated Award (Best Use of Inflatables)

-Deck the Halls Award (Best Apartment/Condo/Townhome)

-Candy Cane Lane Award (Best Neighborhood) - Three or more homes on a neighborhood block, promoting cooperation in their efforts.

The deadline to apply is Friday, December 9, at 4:00 p.m. The Parks and Community Services Commissioners will serve as the judges, with judging taking place December 12 - 16, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The category winners, along with a grand prize winner, will be selected at the December 19 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission. Category winners will receive a yard sign to display, along with a $50 gift card to a local Dublin business. Winners will also be recognized at a January meeting of the Dublin City Council. A map showing all entries will be available in early December so that residents can visit the many decorated homes all around town. Enter the contest.

Holiday DancEscape

Celebrate the holiday season with friends at the City of Dublin's annual Holiday DancEscape on Friday, December 9, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., at the Dublin Senior Center (7600 Amador Valley Blvd.). You'll dance the night away to the sounds of a live, big band orchestra. This event is for ages 21+.

Tickets are $10/residents; $13/non-residents. Register here.

Guests may also pay $15 at the door on the evening of the event.

Weekend Wonders: Winter Wreaths

Bring the kids out to Dublin Heritage Park and Museums on Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. to noon, for "Weekend Wonders." This monthly program features fun, family-friendly activities and events on select Saturdays. Local history is discovered through guided activities, adventures, and crafts that spark exploration into the past and present. This month, families can create a winter wreath to display at home. Hot chocolate will be provided for all guests. Register here.

Holiday Tree Collection

It's not too early to start thinking about how to recycle your live Christmas tree after the holidays are over. You can give your tree new life by recycling it! For a donation of just $10 per tree, local Boy Scout Troop 905 will pick up holiday trees from Dublin residences on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Reservations are required and accepted until 3:00 p.m. on December 31, 2022. To make a reservation, please visit https://www.dublintroop905.org. Only clean trees will be accepted; no flocking or tinsel allowed. Please remove the tree base or stand.

Amador Valley Industries (AVI) will also provide special holiday tree pickup on your regular service day, January 2 - 13. Two large bins will also be available at the Dublin Sports Grounds parking lot between December 30 and January 16 for residents to drop off their trees for recycling. Only clean trees (no flocking or tinsel) are accepted. Information on reservations and requirements can be found at https://amadorvalleyindustries.com/collection-schedule/.

The 2022 Dublin Holiday Gift Guide Has Arrived!

The City of Dublin’s inaugural Holiday Gift Guide features gift ideas and promotions from more than 50 local businesses, and will be distributed to more than 34,000 households in Dublin and Pleasanton through the December Your Town Monthly publication. A digital version is now available, and printed copies will be available at the Dublin Civic Center (100 Civic Plaza) while supplies last.

The Holiday Gift Guide is part of the strategic initiatives listed in the City’s Business Recovery Playbook to support local recovery efforts for the Dublin business community following the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the Holiday Gift Guide

To support local businesses, the City of Dublin contributed to the overall cost of developing a local 24-page holiday gift guide to showcase the best Dublin has to offer. Local brick-and-mortar retail, restaurant, personal service, fitness, and entertainment small businesses were invited to purchase an ad at a significantly reduced rate.

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