Pleasanton|News|
How to Prepare Your Home for Heavy Rain
Tip: Clearing the gutters of leaves BEFORE it starts to pour may save you some headaches.

I've been a reporter and editor since 1991, mostly in the Bay Area, where I've written news and feature stories about numerous issues and towns.
Before I came to Patch I was features editor for the Oakland Tribune and online breaking news editor for InsideBayArea.com, where I launched an experimental website about local bands called bandsofthebay.com. I've also worked as a reporter, copy editor and page designer for daily papers in Oregon and Nebraska.
I'm a native of Omaha, Neb., where I come from a long line of newspaper men and women. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from San Francisco State University, where my claim to fame is writing the lead story in the college paper about the Loma Prieta earthquake, which I incidentally sat through while conducting an interview in our student newsroom.
I live in Pleasanton with my two great kids and lots o' animals. My idea of happiness is to be climbing hills in remote East Bay Regional Park spaces.
Tip: Clearing the gutters of leaves BEFORE it starts to pour may save you some headaches.

Post your memories of this East Bay institution, which is closing in December, joining the ranks of classic shuttered eateries such as Banchero's.
Post your memories of this East Bay institution, which is closing this week, joining the ranks of classic shuttered eateries such as Banchero's.
There were no injuries reported in the incident
Spaces still available in Dec. 13 social media class. RSVP below.
Facebook fans of the veteran congressman offer a mix of condolences and "good riddance" messages.
The veteran congressman's Facebook fans offer a mix of condolences and "good riddance" messages.
Fewer people expected to cast votes compared to 2008.
The Dublin-San Ramon Services District provides potable and recycled water service to Dublin and the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon and wastewater collection and treatment services.
The readers have cast their votes in the Bishop Ranch-Patch Spooktacular Pet Halloween Costume Contest.
To learn more about how to use Patch and other social media to promote your business, RSVP for our Oct. 29 workshop.
Enter the Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center and Patch pet costume contest and you could win a $25 gift certificate. Readers will start voting on Halloween.
Registration is now closed for our Nov. 28 workshop about how to use Patch and other social media.
To learn more about how to use Patch and other social media to promote your business, RSVP for our Oct. 25 workshop in Roseville. Scroll down to read all about it.
Saturday's show in Oakland will be a night to remember on the 11th birthday of one Pleasanton girl. Share your concert story, too!
Saturday's show in Oakland will be a night to remember for one Pleasanton girl on her 11th birthday. Share your concert story, too!
Do you think women can hold their own on the battlefield with men?
Find out how to save 20 percent on your PG&E bill.