Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

Backing up for just a minute, last month the annual Alameda County Fair took place in Pleasanton. While it's a bit of a drive to attend the fair there, my family and I always feel transported to a kinder, gentler time and place. Both my wife Marge and I have often entered collectible or historical exhibits along with plants we've grown in the garden, and my daughter always enters items she's sewn at home. Other Leona Heights residents also take pride in sharing things they've made or animals they've cared for. So if you missed it this year, keep your eyes open for the fair next year, right around the last week of June. It's a great way to get into the spirit of summer.

Meanwhile back at the ranch here, it's still a great time of the year to get out and explore the neighborhood by going for walks when you get the chance. Leona Canyon, just off of Mountain Blvd. by Leona Lodge, is a hidden jewel along with the trout ponds off of Carson. Of course its just a hop, skip, and a jump up Redwood Rd. to Skyline Blvd. and all the hiking trails there. And I'll add as a reminder, we're into the summer season of musicals performed at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. I hope you all get a chance to get up there for at least one show. My family's been associated with the theater there for over 25 years.

My hat's off to all of you who have put effort into maintaining and improving your homes lately. I've noticed a number of neighbors who have put in new gardens, replaced old roofs, or renovated patio areas. There's no place like home, and it always gives me a good feeling to continue improving mine here in our wonderful neighborhood of Leona Heights. A great remainder of the summer to you all!

'Gordon Laverty can be reached at lavertyhillmob2\@sbcglobal.net.