Remote Surveillance Trailer in Livermore, CA

Christie Carnahan has spent more than 30 years going above and beyond to support children and families in Livermore schools.

Livermore, CA — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Livermore is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.

From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.

This submission comes from Todd Carnahan, who nominated Christie Carnahan of Valley View Elementary.

What is the school hero’s name?

Christie Carnahan

Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.

Christie Carnahan is a dual immersion kindergarten teacher that works for the Pleasanton Unified School District. For over 30 years she has gone above and beyond the call of duty for her students and their families. She truly believes in the success of each and everyone of her students. One only needs to see her classroom in person to truly get a sense of her passion for children. While the typical school day is over at 2:50pm it is not uncommon for her to still be at school until 6:00pm on a nightly basis planning for the next day, helping students, helping parents of students, helping fellow staff members, or even running books and or supplies to her students homes. Over the years I have seen her hold evening zoom sessions with many of her students that were unable to attend class for numerous reasons. When I asked her why she does this she simply stated "I want my students to know that I love and care for them and their success". In addition to her teaching skill she has been fortunate to win many grants for both her classroom and her school totaling well into the hundreds of thousands range. Even though she is driven by the success of her students she teaches with a kind, loving, passionate, and humble heart. I can tell you from first hand experience that she has cancelled or changed many family (date night) plans when a student need arises. It takes a unique individual to truly put their students needs first. These are just a few examples that I have highlighted about Christie. I have over 30 years worth and could go one for days about her passion for the classroom. I would invite anyone reading this to stop by her classroom - watch her teach, see her passion, and take a few moments to look at how her room is decorated with love. Its truly amazing to see the eyes of her kindergartens open wide when they walk in the classroom.

How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?

Im her husband

What should your community know about this person?

Christie became a teacher in order to pass on her family's history of biliteracy and bilingualism to her students and to the future generations. She believes that education is one of the most valuable gifts she can give to her students and their families. She was very instrumental with the launching of Valley View Elementary's duel immersion program back in 1998, which consisted of one small class of 18 first graders who wanted to learn two languages. Since then, the program has expanded to at least 15 classes with over 350 students involved each year.

What three words best describe the school hero?

Loving Passionate Humble

If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Thrifters can score big this weekend. Salvation Army Thrift Stores are offering 50% off, and Goodwill boasts special deals.

LIVERMORE, CA — If you love a good bargain, hunting for vintage treasures, or giving new life to gently used items, you’ll want to mark your calendar for National Thrift Shop Day this Sunday, Aug. 17.

The annual celebration is a chance to explore second-hand stores, support local nonprofits and score deals in and around Livermore.

Thrift shopping isn’t just about saving money: it’s also about sustainability. Buying second-hand keeps usable items out of landfills and reduces the demand for new goods, which means less waste and fewer resources used in manufacturing. Plus, many thrift shops are run by charities, so your purchase may help fund job training, shelters, community programs or other local services.

Goodwill in Southern California is marking the occasion with a weeklong promotion that kicked off earlier this week and will continue through Sunday. Shoppers can visit a local Goodwill store to enter for a chance to win “fabulous prizes.”

“There’s no better time to find unique treasures and support your community,” Goodwill officials said.

In the Bay Area, Goodwill is offering 50 percent off in-store items on Saturday, Aug. 16. The chain is also offering ideas in several areas of Northern California on how to spend a low-cost day after shopping.

“After you’ve bagged your treasures, round out the adventure with a few no-cost ways to enjoy the local scenery, share time with family or friends, or impress your out-of-town guests,” Goodwill San Francisco Bay said.

From Friday through Sunday, Aug. 15-17, The Salvation Army Thrift Stores in California will celebrate National Thrift Shop Day with a weekend-long sale offering 50 percent off all regular-priced clothing.

Shoppers can browse racks of unique and affordable finds while enjoying savings on everything from dresses and tops to jeans, the chain said.

Here are a few local thrift shops in and around Livermore you can check out this week:

Livermore

Dublin

Danville

Walnut Creek

Pleasant Hill

Alameda County authorities found two Aedes aegypti mosquitos at two locations in Livermore, and are asking for inspection cooperation.

LIVERMORE, CA — The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement said that it discovered two adult Aedes aegypti mosquitos in two sites in Livermore August 8.

The mosquito is not native to California, and can spread diseases such as dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. It is an aggressive mosquito that bites throughout the day, often near the ankles. They lay their eggs just above the waterline in small, artificial water sources like buckets, pet dishes, fountains, bird baths, plant saucers, and old tires.

One mosquito was found in an industrial area near the Livermore Water Reclamation Plant, between Isabel Avenue and Jack London Street, according to the district. The second was identified southeast of Jack Williams Park, between Holmes Street and Alden Lane.

This is the first detection of the species in Livermore. In July, larvae were detected in a trap at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

District staff are inspecting public and private properties in Livermore, in cooperation with resident, businesses, and the city.

"The quickest way to prevent this annoying and potentially dangerous mosquito species from becoming established is to act now," Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District General Manager Ryan Clausnitzer said in a statement. "We urge residents to grant yard access so we can ensure no one is accidentally breeding mosquitoes.”

Residents of Livermore and Alameda County are urged to inspect their properties for standing water, a breeding habitat for mosquitos. The mosquito can grow from an egg to an adult in areas as small as a bottle cap of water. An adult mosquito is slightly less than a quarter-inch long, with black and white stripes on its back and legs. They are known to be highly aggressive and active during daylight hours.

To protect yourself from bites:

If you develop symptoms like a fever, headache, or joint or muscle pain, contact your doctor.