1/14-3/31
Spring is just around the corner — time to stretch and tone, become more flexible, and get in shape. If you live in Pleasanton, that’s easy. Exercitement Cardio Cross Training classes are now going on at the Veterans’ Memorial Building. Anyone age thirteen and up can take the classes, which alternate weekly between aerobics, steps, aerobic interval, and step interval — to build cardiovascular and muscular endurance, strength, and flexibility. Classes cost $19 for residents, $22 nonresidents. Go to www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/parks.html to see the full range of classes. — Kelly Vance
The Harlem Globetrotters Credits: Al Cameron
SAT 1/17
Hot to Trot
Meadowlark vs. Kobe: the great debate
Sometimes when you watch an NBA basketball game, it’s easy to forget there was a time when every one of those men out on the court — yes, every last one of them — was nothing but a goofy-ass boy, hurling an oversized ball toward a rickety schoolyard rim, ignoring mom’s last call for supper, hoping to sink the last shot before sundown.
Yes, friends, long before Kobe Bryant steeled his victory-or-nothing death stare, he most likely worked on his “I’m pregnant” walk by stuffing a basketball beneath his shirt and waddling past a row of friends. Who among us hasn’t? So on Saturday night, give us the Harlem Globetrotters, for fun. As reliable as ever, the ‘Trotters are entering their 78th straight year as basketball’s Kings of Comedy. This year’s tour is billed as “Bigger, Better, and More Fun,” but it’s hard to see how, or why, the ‘Trotters need to super-size. Their shtick is timeless. The Harlem Globetrotters play the Arena in Oakland on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 510-762-2277. Tickets start at $11. — Justin Berton
1/14-3/10
Touché!
It may look easy, but fencing is not a sport for wimps. The stamina, agility, and competitive aggressiveness necessary for championship foil fencing take years to develop, but if you’ve ever looked at an old movie and decided that parry-and-thrust might be fun, Union City Leisure Services’ Beginning Fencing course could be for you. The ten-week course at Kennedy Community Center (1333 Decoto Rd., Union City) covers the history of fencing, footwork, offensive and defensive actions, and sparring, for youth and adults — taught by instructor Abdellah Habek. Three groups of Wednesday-evening classes begin today, January 14, and run through March 10. This is just one of the many sports instruction and recreational activities offered this winter by the city. Visit www.ci.union-city.ca.us/leisure/winter2004.html to see more. — Kelly Vance
