Here in the area we have two very similar shopping centers, Hacienda Crossings in Dublin and Union Landing in Union City both which are very popular.

Both Hacienda Crossings and Union Landing have a lot in common, both were built in the late 1990s, have multiplex theaters, hotels, very similar layouts and stores. They are both popular places to be for entertainment, shopping, and dining. When the weather is right, it’s a great place to be instead of being at an indoor mall.
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Hacienda Crossings is located in the newer, rapidly growing eastern side of Dublin, off Highway 580 and Hacienda Drive. It is home to the Regal Cinemas with an IMAX, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Five Guys Burgers & Fries, the rapidly growing chain of burger joints has a location in the center, with other locations in Hayward & Fremont. Hacienda Crossings contains a large number of restaurants and stores including the newest addition; Johnny Garlic’s, a restaurant opened by a well-known food superstar, Guy Fieri. Hacienda Crossings has grown to be the entertainment hub of the Tri-Valley area.

Union City’s Union Landing is located by the Hayward border off Alvarado-Niles Road and Highway 880. The land was the former home to the Union City Drive-In until it closed in the 1990s, replaced by Century 25 theaters, which gained much popularity in the area. From Century 25 the center has expanded to what it’s like today. Union Landing is also home to a number of restaurants and stores; Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, In-N-Out Burger, Texas Roadhouse, and the list goes on. Union Landing has much to offer on over 100 acres and is Union City’s highest profile retail entertainment center, according to the City of Union City.

Hacienda Crossings and Union Landing are very similar and have a lot in common, but each have their own vibe and feel. Both shopping centers are worth a visit when you are in the area. They are both public transportation friendly with Hacienda Crossings a few blocks from the East Dublin BART station with bus service from Wheels and Union Landing contains a transit center with bus connections to South Hayward and Union City BART stations.

Come check out what is going on at Hacienda Crossings and Union Landing. Whether it’s from seeing a movie, shopping, eating out, hanging out or even staying at the hotels at the center, there is always something going on.

The bright lights of fireworks is a large part of many childhood memories, but with so many incidents over the years cities and towns have had to crack down on their use.

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This year many may wonder where they are allowed to use fireworks.

In Alameda County “safe and sane” fireworks are currently only legal in Union City, Newark and Dublin. Fireworks are not permitted in Hayward or on the Chabot College Campus. In addition fireworks are not permited in most school campus, shopping centers, or city and state parks.

Instead of celebrating with fireworks many will opt for time with family and friends over a bar-b-q or pool party.

Though for many this doesn’t fill the void or desire for fireworks. Fourth of July isn’t the same without a big bang; those searching for a fireworks show will find them selves leaving the comfort of home.

Berkeley will be hosting a fourth of July celebration at the Berkeley Marina where there will be entertainment, food and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. and the event is free. For more information about Berkeley’s event call (510) 548-5335.

Livermore will host it’s own celebration with fireworks at sunset at Robertson Park; this event won’t be free though. $5 per person or $20 per car. For more information about the Livermore celebration go to www.larpd.dst.ca.us.

Similar events to these will be hosted all through out the bay including Jack London Square in Oakland, Pier 39 in San Francisco, Milpitas, and San Jose.

Remember that if you are choosing to do fireworks this year in the pre-approved areas that you have a bucket of water to extinguish used fireworks and that you don’t let any children handle the fireworks or match and lighters.

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July.

For a complete list of fireworks locations go to Channel 7 ABC local website.