Week in Review: Sexual Assault on Madrone Trail, Newtown Memorials, Class Fights Mock Kidnapper

Rancho Grande Taqueria to Reopen

Pleasanton residents will be happy to know that Rancho Grande Taqueria will soon be reopening. The popular restaurant has been closed since a fire in September. Read the full story here.

Remembering Newtown

This week the country came together in different ways to remember and support the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. At Mohr Elementary in Pleasanton, the community held a vigil on Tuesday. The California PTA is calling for the nation to send snowflakes to help decorate the school and on Friday, the nation had a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. to remember the victims. See how you can help by clicking here.

P.E. Class Fights off Mock Kidnapper

Students at Amador Valley High School are learning to fight thanks to their P.E. class. The class has been taking the S.A.F.E K.I.D.S. program at Esteller Martial Arts in Pleasanton. According to Esteller, "S.A.F.E stands for 'survey, avoid, flee and engage' and K.I.D.S is an acronym for 'kids in danger survive'." The kids featured in this video get a taste of what it feels like to fight for their lives.

Sexual Assault on East Bay Regional Parks Trail

A woman was sexually assaulted on Madrone Trail in the Las Trampas Regional Park on Dec. 12. The East Bay Regional Parks Police released a statement about that attack and said they are in increasing police patrols in the area.

Blue Star Moms Ship Holiday Care Packages to Troops

Moms from Danville, San Ramon, Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek shipped to troops deployed in Afghanistan, Kuwait and other posts worldwide. For additional details on contributions, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, view the Blue Star Moms' website at www.bluestarmoms.org. 

Other news you need to know:

• Alameda County Fair Rises to 33 in Top 50 Fairs in North America
  
• Livermore Pleasanton Fire Deputy Chief Jane Moorhead Retires
• Shadow Cliff Lake Being Stocked With Trout 
• Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Seeking Award Nominations 
• The holidays are here: Check out our holiday topic page for shopping ideas, safety tips and local holiday events like seeing your house in a snow globe, post office holiday hours, holiday happy hour treats.
• Weekly Grocery Specials and Coupons on Patch

Congratulations:

• RAGE U13 NorCal Premier League Champions
• Foothill Competition Cheer Wins at Southern California USA Regional Competition

Blog of the Week: Six Steps to Embrace Change in the Workplace

Take our Poll: Guns – Time for More Controls? A Ban?

What do you think of this week's top stories?

Patch us your comments in the comments section below or in the comments section of a specific story.

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