Feb. 28 to March 6: Scherer Trial Continues, Escapee Recaptured

Are you up-to-date on your Pleasanton news? Pleasanton Patch  published a number of news, features and columns last week. If you missed your daily reading, here are some highlights.

A judge sided with Pleasanton in the most recent lawsuit filed by Oak Grove property owners claiming that a  despite voters rejecting the plan in a referendum last year. Read more about the judge's decision . 

The trial in the murder of a  continued this week with Ernest Scherer III's testimony. On the stand, the poker player accused of the murder said he was asleep when it happened. In the first full day of questioning from a prosecutor, Scherer III to police during an initial interview.

A San Ramon man accused of shooting at someone over a botched robbery in Pleasanton last August is due in court on March 15 for a pretrial hearing., 20, has been behind bars since his August arrest. Police say he fired a couple of shots at someone, but missed by inches.

Officials from the  Alameda County Sheriff's Office Coroner's Bureau said the man found dead in February along an old railroad easement is 48-year-old . Petrovich is believed to be a transient. His body was discovered about 7:20 a.m. Feb. 21.

In sports news, the NCS Committee recommends a massive . The ACCAL, BSAL and HAAL are close to being disbanded in favor of two 12-team leagues.

This week's is on the topic of homework. Mothers from Pleasanton, Dublin and Livermore talk about how homework is handled in their districts.

During the March 1 , officials approved the 1.6-mile gap in the Iron Horse Trail and had a second reading of the Hacienda Transit Oriented Development Standards and Design Guidelines. The city of Pleasanton discussed American Disabilities Act guidelines  for truncated domes at intersections and walkways. Staff provided also an update on the Urban Habitat v. City of Pleasanton . There were 21 items that were part of a list of agreements. City staff said 18 of those items have been completed.

At a public meeting, residents discussed the through Livermore and Pleasanton. Plans call for running the rail system south of Livermore. The route would continue toward the southern border of Pleasanton and connect at a station where Interstate 680 and State Route 84 meet.

Alameda County deputies recaptured , an imate who escaped from the Santa Rita Jail. Cesda, a Pleasanton resident, managed to get to an area of the jail where inmates are released, but officials do not know how that happened. Cesda was arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and evading police.

Read about our Whiz Kid of the week. Jake Dronkers, an Amador sophomore, gave back to the community by donating to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland.