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Simon Cohen said Chabad has brought wonderful events to the entire Tri-Valley community <br /> that have enriched and educated residents. Their passion, concern and appreciation for the <br /> well-being of the valley are immeasurable and he quoted a supporter's comments. The <br /> distance of the facility relative to houses is indistinct from other preschools and churches in the <br /> area and limiting activities or restricting Chabad in any way distinct from others will awaken the <br /> entire community to fight such an injustice. He spoke of anti-Semitism and limits on freedoms, <br /> stated he lost many family members in the Holocaust and cited draconian conditions. <br /> Stan Himowitz stated the Resnick family has the highest ethics and moral values and he could <br /> not imagine they would tell anyone to move away if they do not like the facility. They are great <br /> communicators and any events have a high religious component with no drugs, alcohol or loud <br /> music, and he hoped the CUP could be approved and that people continue to respect <br /> Chabad's contribution to the Pleasanton community. <br /> Ryan Ball voiced perplexity that this daycare center is a point of contention given St. Clare's <br /> Church hosts non-religious social events for over 200 Boy Scouts weekly for 15 years. He <br /> suggested a comprehensive review of what is occurring at St. Clare's Church, stated his <br /> Jewish education and community largely comprised of Chabad has been a large part of who <br /> he is today and it would be sad if kids would not be able to have the same experiences he has <br /> benefitted from. <br /> Pierre Dutcher stated on behalf of Valley Trails residents who could not attend most of their <br /> concerns are increased traffic and noise violations. He cited arguments of unfairness as <br /> unsubstantial, said the Millers have shown the same concern about the previous groups who <br /> had caused noise outside, and said there are limitations with religious freedoms which are <br /> accepting unless they harm others. <br /> Bennett Copeland, Sunol, supported staff's recommendation, thinks if an activity was being <br /> held at Chabad when noise exceeded the code, residents could call the police as is done <br /> normally. He asked if outdoor playground noise will be enforced throughout the City, noting this <br /> will include all schools, daycare centers, and other places where kids play outside. He is a <br /> retired pediatrician and stands for children and believes restrictions were terrible to require kids <br /> be kept in a glass cage. <br /> Adam Falcon, Danville, echoed points of Geoff Falcon and Ryan Ball and stated he was once <br /> a Patrol Leader for Troop 908 and was never once alerted to any complaints or advised to be <br /> considerate of noise. <br /> Helen Princavie said she has been a neighbor of Chabad for 10 years prior to moving to <br /> Pleasanton and commented that she contacts the City Manager regularly to apprise him of her <br /> observations and never had a problem with noise. Her experience has been that there are <br /> many events and at times traffic has gotten busy, but things are always managed and people <br /> have always been polite and neighbors never complained about Chabad. <br /> Dr. Jason Belk, Livermore, stated the original restrictions were put in place for the Masonic <br /> Lodge which is not a religious congregation. He asked that the synagogue be treated equally <br /> with all other religious organizations and said freedom of religion means that one does not <br /> have to restrict their practice indoors. He noted that other religious organizations do not have <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 27, 2018 Page 6 of 15 <br />