News Digest: Sheet mulching party

Sheet mulching party

The city of Pleasanton is hosting a "Lawn Conversion Sheet Mulching Party" free for residents at the Pleasanton Civic Center, 200 Old Bernal Ave., this Saturday (June 24) from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

"You will learn about the environmentally friendly process of sheet mulching as a lawn conversion method and have a chance to 'dig in' and help us convert a section of lawn outside of the City of Pleasanton Civic Center," city officials said.

The event is "BYOGG" -- "bring your own garden gloves". To register, visit cityofpleasantonca.gov or search for title on Eventbrite.

Regional agency StopWaste also promotes the sheet mulch process for removing lawns without grass-killing chemicals. Obtain a sheet mulch party toolkit at stopwaste.org.

Cone with a Cop

Hundreds of residents of all ages turned out to Meadowlark Dairy in downtown on May 31 to interact with Pleasanton police personnel and learn more about the department while enjoying a sweet treat as part of the city's annual Cone with a Cop community engagement event.

Here are a couple of the photos captured that day by our freelance photographer Chuck Deckert.

Movies in the Park

Pleasanton is welcoming back its free Movies in the Park series at Amador Valley Community Park, behind the Dolores Bengtson Aquatic Center.

The series opens with the Disney animated classic "Aladdin" next Thursday (June 29), with the screening to begin at dusk.

"Grab a picnic dinner, blanket and low beach chairs to enjoy family film favorites every Thursday," city officials said. "Be prepared for some fun activities and games for the whole family."

The rest of the schedule features "Minions: The Rise of Gru" on July 6, "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" on July 13, "Angels in the Outfield" on July 20, "Turning Red" on July 27 and "Jumanji" (1995) on Aug. 3.

Winemaker Project 2020

The results of a special initiative among winemakers in the Livermore Valley will be unveiled in the Bankhead Theater lobby this weekend: The Livermore Valley Vintners Collective will be celebrating the release of its fourth vintage of the Winemaker Project 2020.

"Driven by collaboration and inspiration, the group decided to begin a winemaking project based on a central question: What would happen if you give a group of winemakers a framework of varietals and ask them to make a wine?," officials said.

"One that is totally unique, accessible and interesting. A representation of the specified grapes from the appellation, but with the fingerprints of each personality. Would you end up with similar wines? Would they be drastically different?" they added.

Tickets for the event Saturday (June 24) from 1-4 p.m. remain available. Visit livermorearts.org.