When it comes to restoring an historic dairy, if it's not one thing, it's the udder. This prominent part of a dairy cow is memorialized with "The Udder Event," a party to benefit the restoration of the historic Francisco Solano Alviso Adobe on Foothill Road. The fiesta will be held from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. June 9 at the Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd.

So what's the udder connection? The fine group of old buildings at the Alviso Adobe, a California State Historic Landmark, was the home of Meadowlark Dairy from 1919 to 1966, the first certified dairy in California. Meadowlark is still an important name in Pleasanton with a popular drive-in dairy downtown.

The Alviso Adobe is part of what will be a community park. It has a rich history dating back to the forebears of the Ohlone Indians, through the Spanish period in the late 18th century, up to the Meadowlark era.

Udder coordinator Joanie Fields is enthusiastic about the restoration. "We hope to get more people interested in the Ohlone Indians and the Spanish era." She said that many people are not aware the Adobe's full history.

The Udder event is sponsored by the Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society, City of Pleasanton, and the Tri-Valley Herald. Proceeds will be used for an interpretative center located in the re-constructed milking barn that will also house historical exhibits on the three eras. Tickets are $40 and include a one-year membership in the historical society. There will be a tri-tip and chicken barbecue, no-host bar, dessert by Dreyers Ice Cream, a slide presentation looking back at Pleasanton events and people, a vintage car display, and silent auctions of custom gift baskets.

A personally-guided "Behind the Scenes Tour of San Simeon" for four will be the featured live auction item. San Simeon chief curator Hoyt Fields will give a tour that includes a private screening of "Hearst Castle - Building a Dream;" a visit to subterranean vaults to see valuable textiles and artifacts; an opportunity to see in-progress restoration of priceless artworks; a complete tour of Castle interior and admittance into areas off-limits to the public; and luncheon on La Casa Grande's private West Veranda.

To get into the spirit of the Udder Event, Pleasanton City Council members will do a preview kick-off at the 1st Wednesday Street Party on May 2 with a contest of "cow milking" of the wood cutouts augmented with latex gloves filled milk. The contest will be in front of the museum, 603 Main Street. A children's "cow milking" contest will be held on June 2 during the Children's Art Festival.

The public is invited. Sponsor tables for 10 people and mention in the program are available. For tickets and information call Joanie Fields (925) 462-4312.

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