Aaron Ortiz: Business Person of the Year
Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce
La Familia CEO Aaron Ortiz, whose nonprofit has tested 86,000 persons for COVID-19 and vaccinated 20,000 more, has been named 2021 Hayward Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.
Oritz' affiliation with La Familia goes back to 1992, where he started as a youth mentor. He later served on the board of directors, worked for the state Employment Development Department from 1997-2007, then for Hayward Unified School District, East Bay Youth and Family Initiatives, and East Bay Community Services. He became CEO of La Familia in 2014.
Orchestrating mergers with other agencies to make their overall efforts more cost-efficient and to serve more people, he transformed La Familia from a small community-based organization to one that has a budget five times bigger and a staff of 200.
The announcement was made at a virtual holiday gathering of La Familia staff, after which Ortiz expressed that none of the organization's accomplishments would have been possible without the hard work of staff. He said he would accept the honor in recognition of their achievements.
2022 Toyota Corolla–totally competent
By Michael Coates
Photos courtesy of Toyota
In automotive circles, calling a car competent can be seen as disparaging. That’s a shame because competence—the ability to do well everything expected for the consumer—is not a low bar in cars. Most cars, particularly affordable cars, are usually seen as compromises. The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the one of the most competent vehicles I’ve driven.
Let’s check through the list that makes car stand out as a great example of competence.
Reliability
The Toyota brand has a well-earned reputation as a home of well-built cars designed to give an owner a long-lasting, relatively trouble-free vehicle. Consumer Reports, in its most recent Buying Guide, had a Toyota among cars in the “Best Overall” in almost every category, including the Corolla Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient. The magazine bases its ratings on its own road tests and heavily weighs owner surveys when measuring reliability.
Toyota has mastered the art of building cars that are well put-together when produced and stay that way. I spent a tough week with the Corolla Hybrid, subjecting it to high-speed highways, mountain roads in the rain and even a short drive on a muddy patch of dirt. The car never flinched or felt out of its element, although a nighttime stretch up Interstate 5 along the big rigs was a challenge for the Corolla, which was slightly underpowered.
Performance/Fuel Economy
Despite only having a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (putting out 121 horsepower when pushed) and continuously variable transmission, the Corolla never left me feeling like I couldn’t perform a maneuver. Even cruising at highway speeds, the front-wheel drive Corolla was able to pull a few extra horsepower to make a pass.
Where the Corolla (and Toyota generally, but especially with its hybrid models) really shone was in fuel economy. The Monroney label that comes on the window claims the average Corolla Hybrid owner will save $3,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average compact sedan owner. That same label said the EPA measured the car’s fuel economy at 53 mpg city, 52 highway and 52 combined. My numbers after more than 1,000 miles of less-than-conservative driving the Corolla Hybrid averaged right at the 52 mpg mark, but with a little more judicious driving I was able to hit 55 mpg regularly.
Technology
Toyota has made a concerted effort at democratizing its advanced technology, pushing things like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracking assist with steering assist, automatic high beams and a pre-collision system as standard equipment on this modestly priced model. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are both compatible with Toyota’s 8-inch touchscreen. Actuation of this technology was either transparent or intuitive, another sign of Toyota’s long-standing customer orientation.
While a compact, the Corolla has a 60/40 split fold down rear seat that expands an already sizeable trunk. When up, the rear seat will easily handle two adults and can squeeze in a third for short trips. The only suggestion I would make is that Toyota ought to offer a hybrid version of the Corolla Hatchback, which to me would be a step up in space efficiency.
Price/Value
The 2022 Corolla Hybrid has a base price of $24,675 (including destination charges), a $3,500 premium compared to the base Corolla, but about $3,000 more than the comparable LE model (the only option for the Hybrid). Of course, this coincidentally is the savings you can expect from the enhanced fuel economy of the Hybrid.
I would argue that, given the volatility of gas prices and the good feeling you get from less frequent trips to the gas station, the premium is well worth it. Keep in mind the Corolla Hybrid’s price is about $10,000 below the average price of a car in 2022.
My test car had the only two options available for the Hybrid—blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert (a highly recommended $500 option) and an upgraded interior, which added real and fake leather and power to the driver’s seat with lumbar support (at $1,525, it’s more of a personal choice).
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid takes competence to a new level. It’s not a flashy car, but presents itself with enough style, technology and fuel efficiency that it should find its way onto the shopping list of a sizeable portion of new car buyers.
Looking forward to the new year
By Ayn Wieskamp, Board of Directors, East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Regional Park District has resumed in-person, naturalist-led programs in the regional parks, while still offering some on-line activities at its website, www.ebparks.org. Incidentally, the website has been redesigned. By all means, explore it and discover that it is a treasure trove of useful information, recipes and event announcements.
For an excursion into the actual regional parks, check out the programs at Coyote Hills in Fremont. Coyote Hills Visitor Center has two recurring free programs of interest. One is “Discovery on Demand,” from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. You can experience all kinds of hands-on activities, investigations and crafts projects, watch a live animal feeding, and learn more about habitats and how to protect them.
The other program is a nectar garden exploration, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon every Saturday and Sunday. The garden has a vivarium with butterflies. You can also find out how to create your own home native plant garden. Both programs are open to all ages, though parent participation is required. Due to continuing COVID-19 precautions, masks are required and social distancing must be maintained.
Coyote Hills is located at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3220 or toll-free (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4519.
Sunol Regional Wilderness is another great park for outdoor adventure and nature study. There’s abundant wildlife, and miles of trails leading into some of the park district’s most remote and wild open spaces. A walk on Canyon View Trail from the visitor center leads to Little Yosemite, a rocky defile on Alameda Creek. After rains, trails can be muddy, so it’s good to have an extra pair of dry shoes at the car for the trip home.
Sunol’s visitor center has exhibits and programs highlighting the park’s natural and cultural history. Sunol is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3249 or toll-free (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4559.
If your New Year’s resolutions included becoming involved in volunteering, East Bay Regional Park District has lots of opportunities. To see the options, move your cursor to “Things to Do” at the top of the district website home page. On the drop-down menu, click on “Get Involved.”
Volunteers help the district in many ways, including trail maintenance, shoreline cleanup, habitat restoration, and as docents assisting the naturalist staff with nature education programs. Being a volunteer is very rewarding, in the view of author Amelia Marshall. She is co-chair of the Volunteer Hiking Patrol, and also helps out at the park district archives.
“Volunteering for the park district is always fun, never stressful, and absolutely free,” Amelia says. “You get to meet the most interesting, civic-minded people in the course of trail safety activities. Best of all, we can provide some public service by handing out maps and helping visitors find their way around an unfamiliar park. Our magnificent open spaces are a key reason why people in the East Bay enjoy such a great quality of life.”
Park It
By Ned MacKay
If getting more outdoor exercise was one of your New Year’s resolutions, or even if it wasn’t, consider taking up East Bay Regional Park District’s 2022 Trails Challenge. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s free, and annually for almost three decades, more than 10,000 people have participated.
Here’s how it works. Go to the park district website, ebparks.org/TC. Download the 2022 Trails Challenge Guidebook, which describes 20 hikes within the regional parks, designed for all levels of fitness from easy to challenging. There are trails for hikers, bicyclists, dog walkers and equestrians; some are wheelchair accessible.
To complete the challenge, hike or ride any five of the 20 listed trails, or 26.2 miles of trails within the park district. Submit your trail log online or through the mail by December 1, 2022 and receive a commemorative pin, while supplies last.
All 20 of the trails are available on the AllTrails app. First download the free app, sign up and log in. Then go to www.alltrails.com/lists/ebrpd-trails-challenge-2022 and click on “Copy to my lists,” followed by “Continue in App.” The featured trails will show under “Lists” in “Plan.” The app indicates where you are on the trail, enabling easy return to the trail if you stray from it. You can also record your hikes, and share your photos and comments with other park users.
To offer some examples, easy trails listed on the challenge include Alameda Creek Regional Trail in Fremont and Bollinger Creek Loop at Las Trampas in San Ramon. One of the longer trails is Brushy Peak Loop Trail near Livermore. And one of the strenuous ones is a trek at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve east of Mt. Diablo.
Besides trail maps and descriptions, the Trails Challenge guidebook contains lots of other useful information, such as outdoor safety tips and equipment recommendations. The 29th annual Trails Challenge is sponsored by Regional Parks Foundation, Kaiser Permanente HMO and the park district.
Apart from the Trails Challenge, park district naturalists are offering lots of programs that highlight the cultural and natural history of the regional parks.
Appropriately, rain and its impact is the theme of a program from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 15 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch with naturalist aide Aki McKinzie. Bring binoculars and meet at the uppermost parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. Find out how the park environment changes in the wet season.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, call (888) 327-2757 and select option 2. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended.
Or you can join naturalist Kevin Dixon to explore the trails and dramatic rock outcrops at Diablo Foothills Regional Park during a hike from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 16. Meet at Orchard Creek Staging Area near the end of Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. Bring a snack, dress for the weather, and expect possibly wet and muddy trails.
The program is free, but registration is required. Minimum age is seven and parents must participate. To register, call (888) 327-2757.
This is just a sample. For the full list of programs and their availability, visit apply.ebparks.org.
HISTORY MATTERS
By John Grimaldi and David Bruce Smith
January 1 through 16
A turncoat turnaround
At first, Benedict Arnold was a hero in the Revolutionary War. He participated in the 1775 capture of Fort Ticonderoga; the following year, he was part of the posse that protected New York from a British invasion, and in 1777 he savored the surrender of General Burgoyne in Saratoga.
But the enthusiastic patriot did not feel appreciated. And so, he switched sides, betrayed his brothers in combat, and offered to hand over the Continental Army’s most strategic outpost — West Point — in exchange for cash, and an enemy command. His disloyalty was revealed, but not quickly enough to garner an arrest. Arnold escaped behind British lines, catapulted to the rank of Brigadier General, and proved to his former rivals that he was a terrific turncoat.
According to History.com, Arnold fought well for the British, achieving “his greatest success as a British commander on January 5, 1781” when he seized Richmond, Virginia. After the war, Arnold’s military accomplishments on behalf of the British did not convey forward. Within 10 years, he died in London — poor — buried in his Colonial Army garb, and forever remembered as a “traitor.”
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends “The Tragedy of Benedict Arnold,” by Joyce Lee Malcolm.
Paid to the penny
The national debt is an indicator of the amount a government owes its creditors, but the ratio of liability to gross domestic product (GDP) is sometimes a more significant measure used to leverage economic growth and reflect the creditworthiness of a nation.
At present, the U.S. government carries approximately $30 trillion in unpaid obligations.
Throughout the centuries, myriad people have concluded that deficits generate jobs and income, but President Andrew Jackson was not one of them; for him, encumbrances were “a moral failing.” During an eight-year presidency, he vetoed spending bills, halted infrastructure projects, and “…[sold] off vast amounts of government land in the West.” On January 8, 1835, he declared America’s liabilities were paid to the penny — the only time in history.
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends “White House Burning: The Founding Fathers, Our National Debt, and Why It Matters to You,” by Simon Johnson and James Kwak.
American loyalty
America’s ethnic and religious diversity began with the founding of the nation. Between the end of British rule and the start of the American Revolution, Francis Salvador was chosen — on January 11, 1775 — to serve in the South Carolina Provisional Congress. He was also the first Jewish American to win an election.
History.com says Mr. Salvador “was descended from a line of prominent Sephardic Jews who made their home in London…His great grandfather, Joseph, was the East India Company’s first Jewish director. His grandfather was influential in bravely moving a group of 42 Jewish colonists to Savannah, Georgia in 1733 despite the colony’s prohibition on Jewish settlers. The Salvadors then purchased land in South Carolina.”
Salvador was a peppery proponent of American independence on the battlefield — and — government. He died in 1776 fighting against the British loyalists and their Cherokee allies.
For more information, The Grateful American Book Prize recommends “The Jews in Early America,” by Sandra Cumings Malamed.
This feature is courtesy of The Grateful American Book Prize, which is an annual award given to authors who have created outstanding works of historical fiction or nonfiction for seventh to ninth graders.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
Another fish story
We all know what to do when it’s raining cats and dogs. You open your umbrella. But asks the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), what do you do when it’s raining fish? You’ll have to ask the residents of Texarkana, Texas what they did when the raindrops during a recent storm were mixed in with a lot of small fish falling from the sky. The city posted this explanation on social media: “Animal rain is a phenomenon that occurs when small water animals like frogs, crabs, and small fish are swept up in waterspouts or drafts that occur on the surface of the earth. They are then rained down at the same time as the rain.”
Home sweet home
New York City is known for its lavishly roomy apartments for those with enough bucks to afford one. If not, there are plenty of affordable, but not so roomy, flats like the 100 square foot apartment that Axel Webber calls home, reports AMAC. In fact, Webber boasts that it just might be the “smallest apartment” in the Big Apple. It’s cramped, to say the least. But it’s also relatively inexpensive, by New York City standards, at $1,200 a month. He posted a video tour of his accommodations on social media recently and so far it has been viewed more than 20 million times. See the apartment on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@axelwebber/video/7042002245252042030.
Weight watcher’s delight?
Crave a Big Mac at McDonald’s but you made a New Year’s promise to watch your weight? Not to worry, says AMAC, the international burger chain may have a way to offset unwanted calories. The company is testing them in stores that offer the use of stationary exercise bikes while you munch away. But McDonald’s says that, while it might attract weight watchers, it’s actually a “green initiative” that allows customers to charge their phones.
The Association of Mature American Citizens is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing membership in Washington, D.C. and in local congressional districts nationwide. More information is available on its website at www.amac.us.
Guppies
By Pat Kite
At age 14, my cousin Les gave me a pair of guppies. They were my very first pets, and I was so excited. If you have never had tropical fish before, guppies are about 1 1/2 inches long. The females are plain beige, the males quite colorful. I bought a biggish bowl, fed them at least three times a day and watched them constantly. Imagine how excited I was the morning I looked in the bowl and saw five teensy tiny baby guppies. I had read that the parents would eat their young, so immediately I got another bowl and rescued the babies.
In another month, there were six more baby guppies. I put them in another bowl. This went on for several months and my bedroom had guppy bowls hither and yon. So I expanded, especially when the initial group of youngsters began providing teensy tiny baby guppies. I was still rescuing, after figuring out that my guppy parents did not eat their young like they were supposed to.
Having reached guppy bowl capacity, I put a batch in the water container in the back of the toilet bowl. This was way before limited capacity toilets, and despite my beginning to hope that flushing would take care of this fishy explosion, the guppies thrived. Something had to be done. In our garage, my mother, never one to throw anything out, there was an old washing machine. I filled it with water, and installed a legion of guppies. Despite heat and winter cold, they thrived. By now I was in high school. One morning, before I dashed off to school, I discovered a few teensy tiny baby guppies in one of my room-bowls. Without time to spare, I got a drinking glass from the kitchen, rescued the babies, and departed. When I came home, I looked around for the guppy infused glass. My father looked at me very strangely. Apparently, he drank the water with the guppies.
Time passed. Somebody once told me that with age comes wisdom. Oh well. When my once-husband’s office was closing, his secretary telephoned. Apparently, the big fish tank had to go. There are just 17 guppies left, she said. Do you want them? I remember being sorry for the guppies. At a Niles estate sale, I got a big tank. In went the Guppies. I didn’t rescue the babies, but they multiplied anyhow. I started offering them to local teachers. I even bought bowls. One afternoon a local teacher came storming up to me. “You have to take them back!” She proclaimed. I can’t have sex fiends like that in the classroom.”
Male guppies are noted for their amorous courting behavior. I did not take them back. I do not know what became of them. But in my computer room, there is a big tank. It has been 45 years since I rescued that office batch. I still have guppies.
Happy new year to all my nice readers who wanted a story.
Brazen Racing: Coyote Hills
Submitted by Brazen Racing
The low-lying Coyote Hills rise as a prominent landmark on the eastern shoreline of San Francisco Bay, along the western edge of southern Alameda County. From fire trails to single track, pavement to wooden boardwalks, these courses have it all. Brazen Racing’s 2022 Coyote Hills runs on Saturday, January 22 is the perfect setting for a winter run. Hikers/walkers are always welcome!
Don’t be too scared of the hills. Coyote Hills is the name of the park, but the hills are small.
For half marathon participants who wish to walk/hike the course and expect to take more than 3.5 hours, we offer a “Hiker Division” start at 8 a.m. Hiker starts will not be eligible to win the race or for age group awards, but will be listed as official finishers in the Hiker Division results and will still receive finisher medals.
The half marathon will start at 9 a.m. and the course will have a time limit of 4 hours. Runners must finish their first loop and reach Aid 3 (mile 6.54) by 10:45 a.m. as well as reach the Apay split (mile 9.6) by 11:30 a.m.
Water stations will be fully stocked with water, sports drink, gels, pretzels, candy, etc. The 5K will have 1 aid station, 10K will have 2 aid stations and the half marathon will have 5 aid stations. Runners who may need more water, should carry their own water bottle/hydration pack.
New for 2022: all courses will begin and end at the new camping area (9400 Quarry Road, Fremont). Runners will be allowed to park there for no extra charge.
Brazen Racing Coyote Hills
Saturday, January 22
8 a.m. Half hikers
9 a.m. Half marathon
9:15 a.m. 10K
9:30 a.m. 5K
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
Registration: $45-95
Martin Luther King, Jr. – an eternal icon
By Suzanne Ortt
Photos courtesy of Associated Press
Take a step back in time…to the twentieth century. Envision the history of African-American oppression, particularly in much of the southern United States. Dissension is brewing. In the midst of these tumultuous times emerges a leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., an exceptional and complex man.
King was a family man and a spiritual teacher. Born in 1929 to Martin and Alberta King, Martin, Jr. had two siblings, a sister Willie Christine King and a brother, Alfred Daniel Williams. The nineteen-fifties were busy for him. He graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1951 and as his father before him, he became a Baptist minister. In the next few years following his marriage to Coretta Scott on June 18, 1953, the Kings had four children: Yolanda, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice. Martin Jr. became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama in 1954. On June 5, 1955, he received a doctoral degree.
Dr. King became a phenomenal orator and a prolific writer, heavily influenced by the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, the Hebrew prophets, and the non-violent principles and practices of Mahatma Gandhi. Many of his sermons and speeches were published and numerous volumes are in local libraries. His ‘I Have a Dream' speech, given at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963, is still widely disseminated as a defining moment of the civil rights movement.
As the battle for racial equality gained momentum, Dr. King became a dominant leader from 1955 to 1968. Before his emergence on the scene, segregation was already being challenged in the American south. During WWII, the repressive status quo was eroding. In 1941, a presidential order ended discrimination in federal and defense employment, although it continued in the military. The United States Supreme Court heard the Morgan v. Virginia case in 1946 and banned segregation in public transportation. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) founded in 1909 and originally known as the National Negro Committee led these two efforts.
Real change gained traction in the mid-fifties. One sweeping landmark action was the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision by the Supreme Court. As a consequence, school integration was mandated. Policies promoting “separate but equal” no longer applied. The next year 1955, Rosa Parks refused to relinquish her seat on a bus in Montgomery. This sparked a yearlong bus boycott led by Dr. King and the beginning of his prominence in the civil rights movement.
A group of sixty African-American ministers and leaders, invited by Martin Luther King, Jr., gathered early in 1957 and formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Dr. King was chosen as its first president. The organization's initial focus was to support nonviolent action for desegregating bus transportation. Later it expanded its purpose but remained committed to nonviolence.
African-American civil rights advocates and supporters faced continued repression and frequent violence during protests and marches. Pro-segregation forces dominated the news. ‘Bull' Connor, commissioner of public safety in Birmingham, Alabama, a renowned racist, was responsible for the use of police dogs and powerful water hoses against the peaceful demonstrators by Birmingham police. Powerful media images prompted President John F. Kennedy to begin supporting civil rights legislation in 1963. The following year, President Lyndon Johnson advocated for the Civil Rights Act which was passed by the United States Congress.
Two southern governors, Orval Faubus of Arkansas (1957) and George Wallace of Alabama (1963), used extreme tactics to block school integration. President Dwight Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas to enforce integration in Central High School and stymied Faubus' efforts. Wallace is famous for his ‘stand in the school house door.' Lester Mattox of Georgia, a private citizen who later became governor, also contributed to the anti-integration fervor.
Equally aggressive controversy surrounded James Meredith's attempts to enter ‘Ole Miss' (the University of Mississippi). Meredith, a determined African-American student and activist, persisted against Governor Ross Barnett until the Supreme Court intervened. On October 1, 1962, Meredith was admitted. He graduated from the university on August 18, 1963. Folksinger Bob Dylan even wrote a song about this, ‘Oxford Town.'
Although Dr. King and his followers practiced non-violence, brutality by the opponents did not stop. The abduction and murder of Emmett Till in Mississippi, in August of 1955, galvanized the nation to confront the horror of racism. The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing caused the deaths of four young girls in 1963. Three civil rights workers were jailed and then killed in Philadelphia, Mississippi in 1964. A fictionalized account is told in the movie, ‘Mississippi Burning.' Incidents of violence were perpetrated when activists tried to integrate lunch counters and to register voters. One positive result was the elimination of the voter poll tax by the 24th amendment on January 23, 1964.
In addition to racial equality, Dr. King was concerned about poverty and the Vietnam War. His final effort was a visit to Memphis to support a sanitation workers' strike. While standing on a motel balcony with Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy, he was assassinated by James Earl Ray. King and died on April 4, 1968.
Accolades were accorded to Dr. King during his 13-year civil rights struggle. He was Time magazine's Man of the Year (1963) and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King fulfilled the maxim, “Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk.” His courage was phenomenal and his legacy lives on. ‘We Shall Overcome', an inspirational spiritual, became the anthem of the non-violent civil rights movement. It still is today.
In King's ‘I Have a Dream' speech, this quote is memorable: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” His dream resonates today, as it did in 1963.
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor Dr. King. Communities commemorate his memory annually on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday of January, which this year falls on Monday, January 17.
Local commemorative events include:
Art of Reparations showcase
Monday, January 17
12 noon – 3 p.m.
Speakers, artwork and resource tables
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St., Oakland
www.eventbrite.com
I Have a Dream virtual run
Monday, January 17 – Monday, January 31
15% of proceeds donated to Equal Justice Initiative
www.eventbrite.com
$16
Stop the Violence talent & fashion show
Saturday, January 15
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Student-led event to promote diversity and equity
Sonesta Silicon Valley
1820 Barber Ln., Milpitas
www.eventbrite.com
$12-45
King and Faith Symposium
Saturday, January 15
Interreligious scholars discuss themes of justice
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Memorial Church
450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford
www.eventbrite.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 17
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Honor Dr. King through a day of service
Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline
1 Swan Way, Oakland
Free; Pre-registration required
Ebparks.org
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, January 17
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Drop-in online event
Ebparks.org
Monarch Butterfly count
By Fatema Bhaiji
Monarch Butterflies have visited the East Bay for centuries, but have been on a steep population decline for the past 20 years… to the brink of extinction. Last year compared to 2020 has been much better overall for the population; a count of approximately 200,000 Monarch Butterflies so far. However, this is still far from normal population numbers. Christina Garcia, a naturalist at Ardenwood Historic Farm, explains how “[200,000 Monarch Butterflies] sounds good, however when you compare that to the numbers we had 30 years ago…[it’s] a small fraction of the [past] population.”
In order to account for population shifts that occur due to environmental problems, volunteers and regional parks staff members perform a count of Monarchs around California; the most recent, a “New Year’s Count,” for a two-week period beginning on Christmas day through January 5.
Historically, Monarchs migrate from colder areas to places with warmer temperatures during the winter season. They wait for spring because they are unable to function normally during winter’s cold conditions. In California, butterflies migrate to coastal areas and near bodies of water to survive. Once winter is over, they disperse again in order to resume their life cycle.
Most Monarchs in California spend the winter in areas such as Santa Cruz and Ventura County due to their proximity to the ocean. Water has the ability to hold larger amounts of heat compared to land; this increases the temperature in surrounding land and attracts Monarch Butterflies. Even though Alameda County is more inland than areas such as Santa Cruz, the county still has a decent Monarch Butterfly population due to its proximity to the San Francisco Bay which has warmer temperatures than inland.
Monarchs’ migration patterns have been similar for centuries, but climate change is slowly affecting these patterns and is one of several theories for the sudden population decrease. Other theories include pesticide use for commercial agriculture, habitat loss and ravaging fires that occurred in Northern California. Although these problems are large-scale, every individual can help Monarch Butterflies by planting milkweed in their garden. Since food is scarce during the winter, this small act goes a long way to increase their food supply.
Viewing thousands of Monarchs in one place is an amazing opportunity. Garcia describes this experience as similar to “being in a snow globe full of butterflies.” She urges people to take any occasion available to experience this wondrous spectacle.
Learn more about Monarchs and how to help them at:
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
www.monarchmilkweedmapper.org
River Partners
Monarch Joint Venture
https://monarchjointventure.org/
Helping homeless in a rainy season
By Richard Sekar
Californians longed and prayed for rain—and now it is here. While many enjoy the heavy rain, a group of people are suffering… homeless people living in small tents on wet ground in parks and other public lands.
During a rainy-day trip to distribute food bags from St. Vincent de Paul to homeless people, these conditions became evident. Initially, our group was more worried about getting our shoes dirty when approaching these tents to drop off the food bags. However, we soon realized that this was a minor discomfort compared to what many experience on a daily basis. We decided to do something about these conditions.
A team of volunteers in Fremont formed “Project – Portable Platform for the Homeless.” The group designed and built raised platforms to donate to the homeless. These platforms, using wooden pallets and a flat wood layer on top, make a smooth and strong surface to install tents for relief from soaking wet ground.
Organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul in Oakland and Home Depot in Fremont have donated wooden pallets to get this project started, while volunteers pitched in money to purchase wooden slats for the smooth top surface. The cost of these platforms is only $80 each.
The team built and donated the first Portable Platform to a person in need on January 1, 2022 and continues to build more. Project-Portable Platform for the Homeless has attracted many additional volunteers who want to help. If you would like to help, contact us to either join our group or form your own. Our team will be more than happy to train volunteers on how to build the platforms. Come join us and together we will make a difference.
Project-Portable Platform for the Homeless
rsekar_2005@yahoo.com
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Adrian Peter and Aaron Peter contributed to this article
City Hall limited access
Submitted by City of Hayward
As a temporary COVID-19 response measure, Hayward City Hall is closed to the public each Friday during January.
In a Thursday, January 6 announcement, Hayward officials said the closure is an extra measure to help prevent workplace transmission of coronavirus while still maintaining telephone and online access and customer services.
On Fridays, members of the public who need help or want information about Hayward city government services, programs and operations are encouraged to visit the City of Hayward’s official website at www.hayward-ca.gov. Community members also can call the City Manager’s office at (510) 583-4300 for information. Meanwhile, some departments will have in-person appointments available on Fridays upon request.
Non-emergency safety issues and concerns can be reported by calling Hayward Police Department non-emergency line at (510) 293-7000. To report emergencies, call 911.
Meet new Fremont city manager online
Submitted by Fremont Chamber of Commerce
As part of its “Coffee Series” of events, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce is hosting an online meeting with new Fremont City Manager Karena Shackelford.
The free one-hour “Coffee with Karena” program will start at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 12 and will be held using the Zoom app. Participants will have a chance to hear Shackelford’s views about the city and ask questions or share concerns.
As City Manager, Shackelford oversees the day-to-day operations of the City of Fremont. Serving as Chief Executive Officer, she is responsible for providing leadership and direction to city staff and for providing information, advice, and assistance to the City Council. She is also responsible for public relations, the city budget and ensuring operations function efficiently.
Coffee with Karena
Wednesday, Jan 12
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Informal meeting with Fremont City Manager Karena Shackelford
Online via Zoom app
Register at https://tinyurl.com/karenajan12
City Government and You! – A Series Exclusive
In this special series, we take a deeper look at city government and, in particular, we explore the many advisory boards, committees and commissions that exist at a local level. Who resides on these boards? How long are their terms? Where and when do they meet? What do they do? How do they feel about what they’re doing?
If you’ve ever wondered how cities operate, then this is the series for you. Our goal is to help demystify the process and encourage active participation. Join us as we pull back the curtain on democracy.
Fremont Board of Education
By Hugo Vera
Fremont Board of Education is an interdisciplinary agency that services the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) by overseeing a plethora of crucial matters pertaining to maintaining equitable educational opportunities. The board is comprised of six core members, listed below:
- President Larry Sweeney, who was first elected to the Board of Education in 2002
- Vice President Dianne Jones
- Board Clerk Vivek Prasad
- Board member Yajing Zhang
- Board member Desrie Campbell
- Student board member Tushar Dalmia.
Auxiliary members who sit alongside the board at meetings also include:
- Superintendent CJ Cammack
- Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education Patty Sandoval
In keeping with the tradition of having one designated member of the board be an actual student from FUSD, Tushar Dalmia serves as the eyes and ears of the current FUSD student body and champions their causes at board meetings. Another board member who has distinguished herself, in the past year in particular, is board member Desire Campbell. The only African American member of the board, Campbell has been a champion for social justice in and around Fremont. During last summer’s Black Lives Matter protests, Campbell marched with protestors to the Fremont Police Department headquarters and gave a passionate speech emphasizing the importance of organization and racial solidarity among youths in Fremont.
The Board of Education meets at the FUSD main offices located at 4210 Technology Drive. Meetings are typically held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm on a biweekly basis, with designated “retreat” periods scheduled throughout the year. Each board member’s term lasts four years and, like most elections in the United States, are decided during the month of November on even-numbered years.
Every member must campaign for their seat with the exception of the student-representative, who is elected by their fellow students. Elections for seats on the board of education are also staggered to ensure that at least two to three spots are obtainable per election.
The Board of Education is of paramount importance when it comes to the education of Fremonters in the K-12 system as the board oversees everything from reform in adult and special needs education, making educational resources available to underserved and non-English speaking families, and ensuring students are attending schools in a safe setting.
The 2020-2021 school year has already proven to be one of the most challenging times for the Fremont Board of Education thus far, as both the board and district have had to grapple with the many logistical and day-to-day challenges stemming from reopening schools safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the implementation of mask requirements, capping class sizes to foster social distancing and spreading out school lunch distribution points, the board has had to come to terms with the ever-changing social and political interests of the FUSD student body.
Fremont has had the highest concentration of Afghan-American residents in the United States stemming back from the Cold War. The city has once again had to find ways to show support and solidarity to Fremont’s Afghan community following the United States’ recent withdrawal from the war in Afghanistan. Student leaders from Fremont public schools have called on the Board of Education to act. The response was a special meeting called to order by President Sweeney intended specifically to address this issue.
“The reason that I requested a special meeting was that it seemed to hit a nerve with so many people. It elevated itself to an opportunity for the board to present a united front,” said President Sweeney during the special October 20, 2021 meeting to address ways the FUSD will support its Afghan community. “At times like this, when it’s obvious that the community feels a certain way and wants the board to represent that feeling, then that’s what a special meeting is really for.”
Fremont Board of Education is far from the only agency of its caliber in the East Bay. Listed below are the respective counterparts to the board located in Fremont’s neighboring cities:
- Newark Board of Education, servicing Newark Unified School District
- Union City Board of Education, servicing New Haven Unified School District
- Hayward Board of Education, servicing Hayward Unified School District
- Milpitas Board of Education, servicing Milpitas Unified School District
- San Leandro Board of Education, servicing San Leandro Unified School District
- Castro Valley Board of Education, servicing Castro Valley Unified School District
Those wishing to get in contact with members of the Fremont Board of Education can do so via the contact information below:
- President Sweeney, email: lsweeney@fusdk12.net
- Vice President Jones, email: djones@fusdk12.net
- Clerk Prasad, email: vprasad@fusdk12.net
- Board member Zhang, email: yzhang@fusdk12.net
- Board member Campbell, email: dcampbell@fusdk12.net
- Student board member Dalmia, email: surfboarde@fusdk12.net
Phone number: (510) 657-2350
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
School district distributes COVID test kits
Submitted by Fremont Unified School District
Fremont Unified School District hosted the first of two optional drive-thru events on January 5 to distribute at-home COVID-19 test kits to our students and staff. The event led to long lines and dense traffic in the area surrounding FUSD District Office.
“The high demand for these tests demonstrates both our community’s commitment to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the scarcity of these tests,” said Superintendent CJ Cammack. “FUSD regrets and takes responsibility for not having a more efficient process for distribution. I apologize that our staff and families waited longer than was reasonable, and for the inconvenience this caused our families, staff and neighbors in the Fremont community. I also extend my gratitude to the Fremont Police Department for their cooperation and support in the distribution.” In an effort to better serve the community, FUSD planned adjustments for the January 6 distribution event.
Participation in this testing program was optional for staff and parents/guardians on behalf of their FUSD students. Each test kit contained two tests, which were meant to be taken January 7 and 9 to best prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campus when schools and offices reopened January 10. Those opting in to this program were asked by California Department of Public Health, which provided these kits, to report the results of their tests through an online portal or by phone.
FUSD did not require proof of a negative test for students or staff upon return from winter break. However, students or staff with a positive test result, any COVID-19 symptoms, and/or a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 must follow our established protocols before returning to campus.
Since August 2021, FUSD has offered PCR testing for students and staff every week at each school, and every weekday at FUSD District Office while school is in session.
California bill would make it easier to sue gun-makers
By Adam Beam
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan. 4 — Some Democratic California lawmakers want to make it easier for people to sue gun companies for liability in shootings that cause injuries or deaths, a move advocates said on Jan. 4 is aimed at getting around a U.S. law that prevents such lawsuits and allows the industry to act recklessly.
But critics call the bill, which is modeled after a New York law passed last year, an illegal overreach. They say its true purpose was to force gun manufacturers out of business.
In general, when someone is injured or killed by gunfire it's very hard for the victim or their family to hold the gun manufacturer or dealer responsible by suing them and making them pay for damages. A federal law prevents most of those types of lawsuits, which advocacy groups say is unique to the gun industry.
But the U.S law does permit some types of liability lawsuits, including when gun-makers break state or local laws regarding the sale and marketing of their products. Last year, New York approved a first-in-the-nation law declaring such violations a “public nuisance,” opening up gun-makers to lawsuits.
California Assembly member Phil Ting of San Francisco unveiled a bill on Jan. 4 modeled after the New York law, which is being challenged in court by gun-makers. “Almost every industry in the U.S. is held liable for what their products do…. The gun industry is the one exception,” Ting said. “Financial repercussions may encourage the firearms industry and dealers to be more responsible.”
The bill is co-authored by Assembly members Chris Ward of San Diego and Mike Gipson of Carson. Gipson's son, his son's fiancé and another man were shot in Los Angeles in April 2020. Gipson's son and fiancé survived. But the other man, Gary Patrick Moody, was killed. “This is absolutely personal to me,” said Gipson, a former police officer.
Gun advocates quickly denounced the bill, known as AB 1594, as a smokescreen for another attempt by California progressives to ban guns. Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, compared it to suing Gov. Gavin Newsom because he owns a winery and people have misused his products by drinking and driving. “He can't ban guns, but he's going to try to bankrupt lawful firearms-related businesses,” Paredes said.
California has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, including a ban on most assault weapons that has been in place for decades. But last year, a federal judge overturned California's assault weapons ban, prompting a lengthy appeals process.
Angered by the move, Newsom last month asked the state Legislature to pass a law allowing citizens to enforce the state's assault weapons ban through lawsuits. The idea is similar to a Texas law that bans most abortions but leaves it up to private citizens to enforce the law by taking offenders to court.
The bill announced on Jan. 4 would not do that. Instead, Ting said it would let people and governments sue gun manufacturers or dealers for liability in shooting deaths or injuries. That's a key distinction from the Texas abortion law, which is only enforceable by private lawsuits.
It's unclear what these potential lawsuits against gun makers could include. The bill filed in the state Legislature is just one sentence long, declaring gun manufacturers have created a public nuisance if their failure to follow state and local gun laws result in injury or death. The bill will likely be changed several times as it moves through the legislative process.
Tanya Schardt, senior counsel for gun control group the Brady Campaign, said lawsuits could include suing gun dealers who knowingly sell weapons to people who then sell them illegally to others who are not allowed to own them. Or it could mean suing a gun manufacturer that supplies dealers they know are selling guns used in crimes. The goal is to “create an environment where the gun industry is held accountable,” Schardt said.
Chuck Michel, a civil rights attorney and president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association, said that goal will likely backfire by making it harder for law-abiding citizens to have guns for self-defense. “As a matter of policy, to try and shift the blame for the criminal misuse of a lawful product that is used far more often to save lives and protect lives than to take them is a terrible idea,” he said.
New county executive
Submitted by County of Santa Clara
Kasey Halcón, an established leader in victims' services and advocacy, has been appointed Deputy County Executive for the County of Santa Clara, effective February 7.
Currently, Halcón is Director of Victim Services at the District Attorney’s Office where she leads victim services coordination and mass victimization-related programs including the Victim Services Unit, Children’s Advocacy Center, Gilroy Strong Resiliency Center, and VTA Resiliency Center. She has worked in victim advocacy for more than 15 years, providing services to victims of crime and their family members.
“I fought for years to give voice to those who don’t easily have one and worked to develop programs designed to improve access to services for our most vulnerable community members,” Halcón said. “These same goals will stay with me as Deputy County Executive. Every decision I make and every project I champion will be guided by this vision.”
Before joining the county, Halcón was Director of the Victim Witness Assistance Program for Silicon Valley FACES and a victim advocate for the County of Sonoma’s Office of the District Attorney.
Halcón holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sonoma State University and is on professional boards for the California Crime Victims’ Assistance Association, Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Council, Santa Clara County Community Corrections Partnership and other organizations.
San Leandro City Council
January 4, 2022
Announcements:
- City Manager Fran Robustelli gave an update on efforts to assist homeless people in San Leandro.
- Police Chief Abdul Pridgen gave an overview of a non-lethal officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday, January 2 at a cannabis dispensary. He noted an investigation is ongoing.
Recognitions:
- Mayor’s Award for Kindness to Hazel Rosales for her work with the Corvallis Elementary School PTA.
- Proclamation honoring late Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan.
- Resolution appointing Mary J. Gordon as an at-large representative to the Humane Services Commission for a term ending December 31, 2022.
Public Comments:
- Inquires about the status of a neighborhood request for residential parking permits on Blossom Way.
- City Council should consider a new resolution banning the sale of new gasoline powered vehicles.
- San Leandro should ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and menthol flavored products.
- Support for a navigation center to serve the homeless population and provide services for them.
Councilmember Announcements:
- Councilmember Azevedo said he will be meeting with the police chief to discuss safety issues around the city.
- Councilmember Lopez has asked the city manager to communicate with the public the status and issues associated with a warming shelter for the homeless population.
- Vice Mayor Aguilar suggested bringing back mandatory proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for indoor dining. He also announced this was his last meeting serving as vice mayor.
- Councilmember Simon cited tiny homes some neighboring communities have that provide shelter to homeless people as they transition to permanent housing and said San Leandro should look into it. He is planning a rally on February 19 focusing on tiny homes with the theme, “San Leandrans Unhoused No More.”
- Councilmember Ballew expressed concern about recent gunfire at a cannabis dispensary.
- Councilmember Cox said she has talked with city staff about the parking issues on Blossom Way and acknowledged the resident’s concerns.
- Mayor Cutter said efforts are underway to address parking and traffic issues on Blossom Way. She also reiterated that she supports the police department and its efforts to provide service and safety to the community.
Public Hearing:
- Ordinance to adopt a zoning code section update on standards for multi-family and mixed-use residential development, and miscellaneous zoning code amendments related to development standards for this type of housing throughout the city. Parking component decoupled for later analysis and discussion. Motion unanimously adopted.
Consent Calendar:
- Approve minutes of the regular City Council meeting on December 6.
- Approve minutes of the special City Council meeting on December 13.
- Approve adding city councilmembers to various internal committees. Disaster Council: Cutter, Aguilar, Ballew; Facilities and Transportation Committee: Cutter, Azevedo, Cox; Finance Committee: Cutter Ballew, Lopez; Rules Committee: Cutter, Aguilar, Simon.
- Approve the cancellation of the January 10, 2021 City Council work session meeting.
- Authorize a project funding agreement with Alameda County Transportation Commission for grant funding for the design and installation of Class IV protected bike lanes on Hesperian Boulevard and Fairmont Drive; and to appropriate $1,479,000 in grant funds.
- Approve a subrecipient agreement for $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year 2021-2022 funds between the City of San Leandro and Rebuilding Together Oakland-East Bay for the provision of lead-based paint assessments of residential rental properties that received city emergency rental assistance payments and appropriate funds to the CDBG Fund 165.
- Approve a right of entry agreement between the City of San Leandro and Sail Internet, Inc. for the construction and maintenance of a wireless communications site at Marina Community Center.
- Authorize Amendment No. 1 to a consulting services agreement with SWCA Environmental Consultants for on-call planning services by $115,000 to an amount not to exceed $150,000.
- Accept the annual report on receipt and use of Development Impact Fees for Year Ended June 30, 2021.
- Approve a master services agreement with Visionary Integration Professionals, LLC for development and improvements to the Accela Permitting System in an amount not to exceed $600,000.
- Approve a consulting services agreement with Accounting Principals for $100,000 for financial services at the San Leandro Police Department.
- Approve a memorandum of understanding between the City of San Leandro and the San Leandro Management Organization for the period January 1 through December 31, 2022.
- Extend the State of Emergency proclamation to continue conducting all San Leandro City Council and all legislative bodies in the city remotely due to COVID-19 pandemic health and safety concerns for the public, effective another 30 days beginning January 4, 2022.
Pulled From Consent Calendar:
- Accept an amended staff report for informational list of recurring annual proclamations. Motion unanimously adopted.
- Adopt a modified standard order of agenda topics for City Council meetings. Motion unanimously adopted.
Action Items:
- Resolution adopting a recognized obligation payment schedule and administrative budget for July 1, 2022 — June 30, 2023, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34177(l). Motion unanimously adopted.
- Motion designating vice mayor to serve for a period of one year pursuant to City Charter Section 310. Councilmembers Azevedo and Ballew were nominated. Ballew was selected by a 4-3 vote with outgoing vice mayor Aguilar and Councilmembers Azevedo and Simon voting no.
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye
Pete Ballew Aye
Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar Aye, 1 nay
Bryan Azevedo Aye, 1 nay
Fred Simon Aye, 1 nay
Deborah Cox Aye
Corina Lopez Aye
Winter-blooming bulbs
By Melinda Myers
Photo courtesy of Longfield-Gardens.com
Give a gift that is guaranteed to bring joy and feelings of well-being. Research by Rutgers University found the gift of flowers generates a smile, elevates the recipient’s mood and provides feelings of happiness that last for days. Amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs make it easy for anyone to enjoy these benefits by growing their own living bouquet of flowers.
Non-gardeners will appreciate receiving an amaryllis or paperwhite gift kit that includes the bulb, soil and pot. All they need to do is open the box, water the soil, and wait for the beauty to unfurl. Or make your own ready-to-grow gifts by purchasing bulbs and planting them in decorative pots.
Each amaryllis bulb sends up multiple stems topped with flowers that can measure up to eight inches across. Nurturing amaryllis or paperwhites from bulb to bloom requires no experience or special care, but answers to any questions can be found at Longfield-Gardens.com.
Are there gardeners on your gift list? Keep it simple by selecting some winter-blooming amaryllis or paperwhite bulbs and tucking them into an attractive gift bag. While most people are familiar with the classic red amaryllis, there are many other colors and flower styles to choose from. Make your gift extra special by ordering some of these less-common varieties.
Elvas is a double white amaryllis with petals outlined in red. As flowers mature, they gradually open wider and the red highlights become more apparent. Giant Amadeus features layers of petals that start out white and blush to pink, coral and salmon. The color and intensity increase as the petals open.
For a twist on traditional red, consider Magical Touch. Its cherry red blossoms have broad, ruffled petals edged in white. When the flowers are fully open, they are flat rather than trumpet shaped. Ruby Star is another uncommon amaryllis. Classified as a papillon or butterfly amaryllis, it has large, irregular-shaped petals in a striking color combination of wine red and apple green.
Brighten dark winter days with the cheery, lemony yellow flowers of amaryllis Yellow Star. Each bulb will send up multiple stems topped with four to six long-lasting flowers. The flowers of amaryllis Cape Horn feature big, rounded petals in a lovely shade of rose-pink. Each blossom has a white star at the center and a lime green throat.
Most amaryllis bulbs begin flowering eight to ten weeks after planting. Paperwhite narcissus bulbs bloom in half the time and can be grown in soil or a shallow bowl of stones and water. For maximum fragrance, plant Ziva paperwhites. Varieties such as Nir and Inbal produce the same snowy-white flowers, but have a much lighter fragrance.
Store winter-blooming bulbs in a cool, dry and dark place until you are ready to plant. Once you pot up the bulbs and place them in a warm, bright location, they will break dormancy and begin to sprout. Watching as the stems emerge, buds develop, and flowers appear is all part of the fun.
Be sure to order a couple extra bulbs for yourself. You will enjoy the stress relief and cheer these beautiful winter bulbs provide during the long winter months.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
IAD011122
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Mondays January 3 – February 7
Introduction to Drawing$
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Increase your ability to draw
Age Well Center Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
Monday – Saturday, January 1 – January 31
From Bay to Coast – Celebrating Local Beauty
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pastel painting exhibit by Jan Prisco
Portola Art Gallery at Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park
http://www.portolaartgallery.com
First Tuesdays, December-January
Exploring the World of Wine $
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn more about wine and its origination
Age Well Center South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
http://bit.ly/AgeWellClasses
Tuesday – Sunday, October 9 – February 13
Color into Line: Pastels from the Renaissance to the Present
9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
More than 80 works spanning five centuries
Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave., San Francisco
Legionofhonor.org
First Wednesdays, November – April
Talkin’ Dirt
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free webinar on gardening, hosted by LEAF
Via Zoom
RSVP at Fremontleaf.org/talkindirt
Wednesday – Sunday, January 1 – February 27
Art of the Brick $
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Over 70 LEGO sculptures
1 Grant Ave., San Francisco
https://artofthebrickexhibit.com
Wednesdays, January 12 – February 16
‘Train Your Brain’ Virtual Book Club
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Discuss books on Parkinson’s Disease
Via Zoom
(510) 675-5600
Thursdays
Beginner Guitar Class
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Learn the basics of guitar
Age Well Center South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
http://bit.ly/AgeWellClasses
Second Thursdays, September 9 – June 9
Cafe Dad
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Program for fathers to support each other
Via Zoom
https://husd-us.zoom.us/j/91644497730
Contact: ep101@husd.k12.ca.us
Thursday, March 18 – Sunday March 6
Immersive Van Gogh$
9 a.m. – 11 p.m. (times vary)
Walk-in exhibit with digital projections and music
SVN West San Francisco
10 South Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Tickets: $24.99 – $39.99
Fridays
Ballroom Line Dancing $
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Learn basic steps and enjoy music
Age Well Center South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
http://bit.ly/AgeWellClasses
Fridays and Saturdays
Dance the Night Away
Live music and dancing
Bistro 880
Doubletree Hilton Newark/Fremont
39900 Balentine Dr., Newark
(510) 413-2300
Saturdays & Sundays in January
Paul Family Lego Model Train Exhibit
Local resident’s running LEGO trains
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
5007 Winsford Ct., Newark
https://www.facebook.com/NewarkLEGOTrain/
UPCOMING
Thursday, January 13
How to Manage Weeds R
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fewer weeds without toxic herbicides
Cleanwaterprogram.org
Free Webinar
https://bit.ly/3HFAXeJ
Thursday, January 13
Join the MFMII Kids Choir $
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Audition with one song a cappella
Via Zoom
510-733-1159
Thursday, January 13
Hiring and Working with a Caregiver
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Skilled and personal care explained
Age Well Center South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
Thursday – Saturday, January 13-15
Roller Derby Training $
Thur and Fri: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Skate on a professional roller derby track
Bring skates, proof of vaccination and mask
Alameda County Fairgrounds
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton
Skatingderby.com
Friday – Sunday, January 14 – 16
Fremont Friends of the Library Book Sale $
Fri: 2p.m. – 7 p.m.,
Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ($1 per inch)
Sun: 12 noon – 3 p.m. ($5 per bag)
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
Friday – Sunday, January 14 – January 23
Frozen Jr.
Fri: 7:30 p.m.
Sat: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sun: 2 p.m.
Performance by Starstruck Theatre
Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
StarStruckTheatre,org
Saturday, January 15
Plethos Annual Season Announcement Soiree $
8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Stand-up comics, performances and games
Castro Valley Marketplace
3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
https://www.plethos.org
Saturday, January 15 – Sunday, January 16
NorCal Reptile Expo $
Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Specialized breeders, supplies and more!
Enter Gate 8 or 12 off Valley Avenue
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
Sunday, January 16
Farm Walkabout
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Explore the farm on a guided walk
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
ebparks.org
Sunday, January 16
Homes for Bumblebees
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Make a bumblebee hotel
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
ebparks.org
Tuesday, January 18
Covid and College: Test Optional Admission R
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Navigate admissions and testing
Via Zoom
(510) 667-7900
Thursday, January 20
Family Caregiver Education Series: Wellness Guide 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Improve your wellness
Via Zoom
Friday, January 21
Jeremy Stolle’s No More Talk of Darkness R$
8 p.m.
The Phantom sings musical favorites
Tickets: $20-$68
($20 student/military personnel)
Bankhead Theatre
2400 First St., Livermore
www.LivermoreArts.org
January 22 – January 30
RV Super Sale $
Sat: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
M – F: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Gas and Diesel, Travel Trailers, etc.
Enter Gate 8 off Valley Avenue
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
https://rvshows.net/
Saturday, January 22
Virtual Diamonds in Education Gala
Pre-show: 5:30 p.m.
Show starts: 6:00 p.m.
Via YouTube and Facebook livestream
Saturday, January 22
Brazen Racing Coyote Hills R$
8:00 a.m. Half hikers
9:00 a.m. Half marathon
9:15 a.m. 10K
9:30 a.m. 5K
Registration: $45-95
Race or hike along the bayside views
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
https://brazenracing.com/coyotehills/
Sunday, January 23
Castro Valley Reads 2022 Virtual Kick-Off
1 p.m.
Interview with author N. Scott Momaday
Via Zoom
Wednesday, January 26
Financial Bootcamp Part I
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Small business financial bootcamp
https://zoom.asksbdc.com/bootcamp-jan
Wednesday, January 26
The Queen’s Cartoonists $
7:30 p.m.
Musicians play classic cartoon music
Tickets: $20-$78
($20 student/military personnel)
Bankhead Theatre
2400 First St, Livermore
Letter to the Editor
Fremont Needs More Cops
During the past two years of the Pandemic (COVID-19), as a resident of Fremont, I noticed more crimes have occurred in the city including thefts, robberies, purse snatching from senior citizens, vehicles stolen, burglaries, and assault with deadly weapons. And last but not least, two recent major shootings; tragedy at the Tesla plant (Fremont) and also a possible daytime shooting near a restaurant on a busy street.
I also have observed more traffic accidents/violations due to a large number of vehicles that are taking the shortcut from freeways 680 & 880 onto Mission Blvd or Auto Mall Parkway heading either toward Silicon Valley/San Jose and/or Oakland International Airports. This is why our inner-city traffic is experiencing a bottleneck with fender-bender red light violations. One can imagine this city has an estimated population of 247,000, according to the 2021 census report, and is also the 4th most populous city in the Bay Area. And everybody has a car. Professionals don't take public transportation, even if just going to the BART station.
My concern is if the city of Oakland can hire additional officers to control increasing crimes and killings, then why can’t the Fremont police department bring in a few more good cops to make this city much safer. This is my suggestion.
Zafar Yousufzai
Fremont
Honor Roll
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Pennsylvania
Winter 2021 graduate
- Ryan Sankar of Fremont
Ohio Wesleyan University
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- Bella Hintzman of Fremont
- Jasmine Lew of Fremont
University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
Fall and Winter 2021 graduates
- Sai Abhishek Somagouni of Fremont
- Jeevana Kala Bommannagari of Fremont
- Praneeth Reddy Thaduri of Fremont
- Taqi Abedi Syed of Hayward
- Ankita Shethna of Newark
- Rakesh Reddy Manne of Newark
- Sowmya Pachal Katherla of Fremont
- Radhakrishna Talluri of Union City
- Anoop Moturi of Fremont
- Syed Najamuddin Aftab of Fremont
- Edukondalu Alampally of Fremont
- Ravi Teja Gollapudi of Milpitas
- Shiva Kumar Reddy Bandi of Fremont
- Tejaswini Dondapati of Fremont
- Venu Sharath Kumar Kasula of Fremont
- Abrar Sohel of Fremont
- Tariq Quadri Syed Mohammed of Fremont
- Suchit Kumar Botumanchi of Fremont
- Mounika Bandaru of Fremont
- Srinivas Thota of Newark
- Darshita Mukeshbhai Rajput of Fremont
- Bhanukiran Reddy Allam of Fremont
- Taranveer Kaur of Union City
AC TRANSIT – COVID-19 impacting service systemwide
Submitted by AC Transit
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is currently navigating the same health outcomes of our region; a spike in both COVID-positive frontline workers and frontline workers identified as close contacts.
Although this spike in positive diagnoses has been reported throughout our employee ranks since the New Year holiday, COVID-related sick calls amongst Bus Operators, Mechanics, and Service Employees now create a discernable impact on our service. That is because our transit district is continuing its practice of COVID-19 health safeguards: testing employees who present with COVID-related symptoms and requiring home isolation for any employee experiencing symptoms of illness, those testing positive, and close contacts.
Consequently, AC Transit is now alerting riders to prepare for bus line delays, beginning Friday, January 7.
Effectively, this means a route scheduled for 15-minute frequency may now mean a 30-minute wait for riders. In isolated instances, we may be forced to temporarily cancel a bus line. Nevertheless, in keeping with our pandemic policies, we will equitably prioritize bus lines, including those to under-resourced, transit-dependent, and high-demand communities.
Before planning the next commute, riders are asked to check www.actransit.org/actransit-realtime for bus predictions. Rider assistance is also available through our Customer Service Center by calling (510) 891-4777.
AC Transit extends our advance apologies for any inconvenience and appreciates your continued support. We assure our East Bay communities that we continue to work around the clock to deliver our trusted service.
Musical Flair from New York
Submitted by Livermore Arts
Livermore, CA – (January 4, 2022) – The Bankhead Theater will follow up its sold-out first performances of 2022 with two New York musical acts who will be bringing musical genius, inventiveness, and flair at the end of this month.
On Friday, January 21, Broadway star Jeremy Stolle – who has been with The Phantom of the Opera for more than a decade – will bring his show No More Talk of Darkness right to the Tri-Valley for an evening filled with show-stopping Broadway songs, soaring high notes, classic music, and hilarious stories of making a life on the stage.
Performing the Phantom like you have never heard it before, Stolle also brings much more beyond the darkness of the Phantom’s lair. With his unparalleled voice and extensive musicianship, Stolle brings together a team of musical artists to deliver a unique look at your favorite musicals: one may just find themself singing along to The Greatest Showman or tearing up to the classic ballads of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Stolle’s approachable, energetic demeanor and comedic charm has enchanted audiences worldwide. A heartfelt concert – about life, love, and the perseverance it takes to make it on Broadway – that’s perfect for all ages.
The next week on Wednesday, January 26, The Bankhead will be presenting The Queen’s Cartoonists, who will be bringing an infectious mix of classic and contemporary cartoons, live music, and comedy. Their performances are synchronized to video projections of the animated original films, and the band leads the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy.
Behind the project is a single question: is it possible to create jazz and classical music in the 21st century that appeals to everyone? Even people who normally wouldn’t go to concerts? The Queen’s Cartoonists present a cross-generational concert for everybody – regardless of age, gender, or familiarity with the concert hall. Tying this diverse concert together are comedic anecdotes involving the cartoons and their composers. The band is on a musical mission of equal parts performance, preservation, and education. Expect the unexpected from repertoire that includes the Golden Age of animation, cult cartoon classics, modern animation, and elements of a musical circus!
Both events will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore. The Bankhead Theater continues to keep COVID safety protocols in place with enhanced air circulation, no touch ticketing, and masks required in the theater. Until further notice, proof of vaccination will also be required for entry.
Tickets for all shows in the 2021-2022 Bankhead Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at the box office windows. For a complete list of events visit livermorearts.org
Friday, January 21
Jeremy Stolle’s No More Talk of Darkness
8:00pm
Tickets: $20-$68 ($20 student/military personnel)
Bankhead Theatre
2400 First Street, Livermore
Wednesday, January 26
The Queen’s Cartoonists
7:30pm
Tickets: $20-$78 ($20 student/military personnel)
Bankhead Theatre
2400 First Street, Livermore
Cal State East Bay goes virtual
Submitted by CSU East Bay
Cal State East Bay will temporarily begin the first two weeks of Spring 2022 semester with fully remote instruction. Classes and labs offered between January 18 through January 28 will be delivered via remote modalities. On Monday, January 31, classes and labs will return to the instructional modality as stated in the Spring 2022 schedule.
“We have made the decision to start the Spring semester virtually to greatly reduce
population density on our campuses,” said Cal State East Bay President Cathy
Sandeen. “Our students, staff and faculty have done a commendable job in preventing
the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses through vaccination, regular testing and
following public health guidance. To date, we have not had any community transmission
and this latest decision will help us maintain a high level of safety.”
Remote operation will pertain to instructional activities only. The Hayward, Concord and
Oakland campuses will remain fully open for services for the start of the Spring
semester on January 18. Cal State East Bay continues to monitor public health data and recommendations.
For more information:
Kimberly Hawkins, Cal State East Bay News and Media Manager, kimberly.hawkins@csueastbay.edu 415.793.9219
Lori Bachand, Associate Vice President of Communications and Marketing,
lori.bachand@csueastbay.edu 916.969.6930
Castro Valley Reads 2022
Submitted by Castro Valley Library
Castro Valley Reads is back! Join us for the Kick-Off Event on Sunday, January 23 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Castro Valley Reads seeks to get hundreds of community members to read and discuss the same book. We celebrate reading and great books, and we build community through a thoughtful exchange of ideas. Castro Valley Reads is generously funded by Friends of the Castro Valley Library.
For 2022, our theme will be climate change. And because climate change is a politically and emotionally fraught topic, we are offering participants a choice of two books.
One of our books is “Fire in Paradise: An American Tragedy” by Alastair Gee and Dani Anguiano, reporters for The Guardian. The book is their dramatic narrative of the 2018 Camp Fire on Paradise Ridge and an unforgettable story of an American town at the forefront of the climate emergency. They bring to life the effects of the fire through intimate portraits of local residents and the landscape, and they give all California residents much to consider as we seek to mitigate risks from wildfire and drought.
The other book is “Earth Keeper: Reflections on the American Land” by N. Scott Momaday, a Pulitzer-prize winning Kiowa poet, novelist and Native American scholar. In “Earth Keeper”, a book of free-verse poetry, Momaday reflects on his sacred connection to the American landscape and its influence on his people. He shares his reverence for the natural world and calls on all of us to protect the Earth's wonders and beauty.
Just as in other years, we will be offering a number of discussion opportunities, informative programs, author events, and free copies of the books for registrants, while supplies last.
We are very excited to announce that we will do a live interview with N. Scott Momaday via Zoom from his home in New Mexico. The 2021 Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate and Castro Valley High School student Zoe Dorado and Castro Valley Librarian Chris Selig will be facilitating the event.
Discussion group registration is open now. You can register for a Library-facilitated discussion or form your own group with three or more people. To learn more and register, visit aclibrary.org/castro-valley-reads.
Book distribution will begin on Sunday, January 23 after the kick-off event. We have free copies of both books, while supplies last. You can reserve copies today when registering your own discussion group or joining one of the library discussions.
The library will provide an ASL interpreter for any event with at least seven working days' notice. Please call (510) 667-7900 or TTY (888) 663-0660.
Castro Valley Reads
Sunday, Jan 23
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Via Zoom
Register at:
aclibrary.org/castro-valley-reads
Diamonds in Education Gala
Submitted by New Haven Schools Foundation
This annual fundraiser to support New Haven Unified School District (NHUSD) students and schools will be held on January 22. Our winter event streams live telethon-style on YouTube and Facebook and features fabulous auction prizes. We’ll also honor our 2021 “Diamonds in Education.”
The program will be emceed by Brian Copeland—author, comedian, TV personality, actor and playwright. A live auction will fund programs in our classrooms and scholarships for graduating seniors. Items to bid on include introductory flying lessons, getaways in Tahoe and Gold Country, restaurant gift cards, Golden State Warriors tickets and more.
This year’s award winners are:
Tom Kitayama Business Award – Lions Club of Union City
Guy Emanuele Service Award – Cathie Kelly
Special Recognition – Fremont Bank
Virtual Diamonds in Education Gala
Saturday, Jan 22
Pre-show: 5:30 p.m.
Show starts: 6:00 p.m.
Online via YouTube and Facebook livestream
https://bit.ly/3zCMWHl
15 awarded at Eagle Court of Honor
Submitted by: Vidyuth Sridhar
Photo Credit: Heechan Kim
Fremont-based Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 111, held a Court of Honor on December 22 to recognize its 15 newest Eagle Scouts. Taking place in Centerville Community Center, the recognition ceremony saw both youth and adult leaders reflecting on the experiences that allowed them to attain Scouting’s most prestigious rank.
The event marks the largest Eagle Scout Court of Honor in the unit’s 60-year history, and featured past alumni. While working toward the rank, Scouts led community service projects, such as building Little Libraries across Fremont, conservation efforts in Tule Ponds, and constructing benches for nearby elementary schools.
Working throughout the pandemic, some Scouts led efforts to help essential workers, sewing over 250 masks and building face shields. In addition, Scouts also gained exposure in a variety of fields while earning merit badges from finance to cooking and communications. Planned by a coalition of parents, the event was pushed back from August 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns, and operated under limited capacity. Despite these alterations, spectators praised the event for its smooth and comprehensive planning. “The [parents] put a lot of effort to pull this off, and I think they did a fabulous job,” Troop 123 Scoutmaster Satish Anupindi said.
In addition, Scouts vowed to uphold several morals in their lifestyle, such as loyalty, and aiding the hapless. Troop alum and Eagle Scout Paul Acosta shared his experience on how Scouting shaped his life, and provided a glimpse into how the troop operated 20 years ago. The camaraderie among Scouts was on full display during the ceremony, with many cracking jokes and reminiscing on past adventures.
The Court of Honor also gave Scouts a chance to share their accrued wisdom with the audience. They made posters detailing their Scouting journey, and gave speeches encouraging younger members’ progress.
Troop Scoutmaster Bob Crocker was also awarded by the Scouts for his guidance and insight throughout their journey, receiving a plaque and heartfelt ovation from the audience. Bestowed with a collection of visual mementos along with a certificate signed by the President of the United States, many Scouts bore wide smiles as they celebrated the honor with their friends and families.
“I’ve been involved in Scouting since I was in first grade and finally reaching this milestone just fills me with pride and gratitude.” Eagle Scout Shubham Pruthi said.
Find more information at the Troop’s website at: https://www.troop111.net/
Call for artists for Annual Juried Photography Exhibit
Submitted by Arathi Satish
It is that time of the year again. The 27th Annual “Juried Photography Exhibit” will be held from March 19 to April 23, 2022. The event is a joint venture of Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC) and the City of Fremont. Photographs selected by a panel of judges will be on display at the Fremont Main Library. Opening night reception will be held on Saturday, March 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This is a juried photography show, open to Fremont residents, students, employees of Fremont businesses and members of FCAC and Fremont Photographic Society. Images submitted may be manipulated, but all contents must be the creation of the photographer and the image must be primarily photographic in nature. Entries must also be acceptable for general viewing. The special category this year will be “scenes of Fremont,” with photographs that depict people, places and events that celebrate the city. Single subject photographs that are colorful and can be viewed from a distance are recommended, as selected photographs will be displayed on FCAC’s office windows.
Entries by minors under the age of 18 must have the approval of a parent or guardian. Entries must be submitted by the original photographer who is the sole owner of the copyright of any image submitted. The entry fee is $6 per photograph, with a maximum of five prints per entrant. There are two categories for submissions: Open and Student (limited to full-time students under the age of 25).
Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality, and effectiveness in conveying beauty or a concept.
Photographers retain copyright to their photographs. Please include a photographer credit in the entry form. By entering the contest, photographers agree to have submitted photographs, including non-winning entries, displayed on the FCAC website, used to promote the show, and retained for archival purposes.
Submissions must be high-quality JPG files with a maximum size of 5MB. (No watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices.)
All accepted prints must be at least 5”x7”(with frames no smaller than 8”x10”) and no larger than 16”x 20” (with frames no larger than 20”x24”). Prints must be framed, under glass or acrylic, and ready for hanging with wire on the back (no saw tooth hangers). Eye screws must not protrude beyond the frame back. To reduce weight, frames larger than 16”x 20” should be covered with acrylic and not glass.
Judges will select images for the show, and a list will be posted on the FCAC website and emailed to entrants. Judges will also select winners for the Open and Student categories. In addition, visitors at the opening night reception will vote for the “People’s Choice Award.”
Specific details and information along with the entry forms can be downloaded from www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org.
Submission deadline: Sunday, February 6 by Midnight
Entrants will hear back by: Sunday, February 13
Drop off prints on Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13 at the FCAC office, 3375 Country Drive, Fremont, CA 945638. Prints can be picked up after the show ends at the FCAC office during normal business hours.
Fremont Cultural Art Council Juried Photo Exhibit
Saturday, Mar 19 – Saturday, Apr 23
During library hours
Opening Reception: Saturday, Mar 19; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
Exhibit Chairperson Rajeev Shankar: (510) 399-3049
https://fremontculturalartscouncil.org/
Choir Auditions
Submitted by MFMII
Love to Sing? Join the Music for Minors II (MFMII) Kids Choir auditions on Thursday, January 13 via Zoom. Auditions for session two will be held at 3:30 p.m. and are open to all 1st – 6th graders.
Please prepare one song to be song a cappella. (Returning members do not need to audition.) A maximum of 40 members will be accepted for the upcoming session. Weekly rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., January – May, 2022. Kids can expect to perform at the Fremont Council PTA Celebration at the end of March, and for their Sing For Spring concert and MFMII’s Got Talent in May.
Sign up for an audition slot at: https://tinyurl.com/c6nk9pri
MFMII Auditions
Thursday, Jan 13
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
(510) 733-1189
$125 per semester
Attention Students
Submitted by The Newark Optimist Club
The annual Newark Optimist Club (Club #20261) Essay Contest is now underway. The Club is encouraging Tri-City area students to contemplate the phrase:
“How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?”
The contest is now open to Newark, Fremont, and Union City students who are under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2021, and have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age.
The top-3 Club essays will receive cash prizes ($200, $100, $50) and medallions, with the first-place essay advancing to the District Level competition for an opportunity to win a $2,500 college scholarship.
“Students today have many new ideas about the world, our country, and their future,” Essay Contest Chairman Darryl Reina said. “As Optimists, it is our goal to encourage them and do what we can to bring out the best in each of them. This gives them an excellent opportunity to tap into their creativity and pursue possible scholarships at the same time.”
For more information and application, that includes the official rules, students may go to:
optimist.org/Forms/21-22_Essay_Application.pdf
Completed Essays and contest applications must be received by 12:00 midnight, January 21, 2022. The Essays and applications can be sent to Darryl Reina, Chairman, at
darryl14r@aol.com or mailed to the Newark Optimist Club, P.O. Box 402, Newark, CA 94560. For more info: (510) 917-4060.
Winners will be notified and recognized at an Optimist Club meeting on February 9.
Local Catholic school reopens
By Hugo Vera
With the emergence of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, the world faces yet another hurdle in the race to get back to normalcy. The effects of back-and-forth closures have taken their toll on everyone, but one of the institutions hit hardest has been schools. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, skyrocketing inflation and controversies surrounding the Catholic Church, one of Fremont’s oldest schools is coming back to full operations, stronger than ever.
Founded 57 years ago, Our Lady of Guadalupe School (OLG) located at 40374 Fremont Blvd is Fremont's oldest Catholic private school serving grades K-12. The school was founded when the Archdiocese of Oakland oversaw the merger of two smaller Catholic congregations: Church of Santa Paula and St. Leonard’s Church. The merger was seen as a major turning point for Fremont’s Catholic community in the 1960s-70s as it was the first time a predominantly white Catholic congregation merged with one that was predominantly Latino to form what is now the Our Lady of Guadalupe School.
“As I always like to say, the legacy of this school is embedded in these cinder blocks,” says OLG Principal Sister Janice Therese Wellington. “The legacy of our school has become generational as we’ve become sort of a second family to our students while also striving to make Catholic education tangible.”
Despite recent controversies such as a Vatican official removing a link to LGBT resources on the Vatican’s website (which he later apologized for) last month, the faculty of OLG in Fremont have made it their mission to embrace new societal changes rather than to cower from them. Although the school entails a secular curriculum while also having its students regularly attend Catholic mass, a sizable portion of the student body come from Hindi, Jewish and other non-Catholic backgrounds. Additionally, the OLG community has been accepting of its LGBT members, a move that Sister Janice sees as the naturally right thing to do.
“One of the hallmarks of our faith is acceptance. We’ve been very blessed to operate in a town as diverse as Fremont for all these years. Even though we’re a Catholic school, we welcome students from Buddhist, Muslim and agnostic backgrounds as well as many others because we use Christ’s teachings a model to have a respectful dialogue about our differences,” adds Wellington.
Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in mid-March 2020, OLG switched to remote learning before making the decision to reopen for the 2021-2022 school year. Among some of the most notable changes to everyday school life have been mask mandates for students and faculty, an overhaul of the school’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system with state-of-the-art air filtration equipment and social distancing in the classroom and church. The school has also advocated for all of its members to get vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible.
“Despite the politicization of acts such as getting vaccinated and wearing a mask, we are a school based from the Dominican Order which knows the importance of truth and science,” says Wellington. “As a school, we are responsible for the safety of our students and our community and that means listening to the experts and trusting the science. If our kids can wear a mask indoors all day long with no issue, then I hope that they can set an example for those still unsure.”
In addition to fluctuating progress and protocols in the campaign to end the COVD-19 pandemic, OLG returns to in-person operations with a plethora of other challenges. Factors such as the increasing cost of living in the area and a subsequent dwindling of the city’s Catholic community have substantially lowered the school’s enrollment. However, Wellington’s mantra is that the school and the community will overcome COVID-19 and other problems that have been intensified by the pandemic the same way they’ve overcome everything else: together.
“Through our faith and through our teachings, we’ve been ready to meet the challenges of society through inclusion, respect and the resilience of our children is proof of that,” concludes Wellington. “God is with us, and with persistence we will overcome.”
For more information on Our Lady of Guadalupe School and its community involvement, visit www.olgweb.org.
Silicon Valley winter reading
Submitted by Mariana Walker
Officials from Santa Clara County Library District want to spread the word that their newest online and in-person community engagement program, Silicon Valley Reads is coming soon.
The county-wide community program offers free events and activities for readers of all ages and is centered around books with a different theme every year. This year’s theme is “Harnessing the Power of Kindness, Resilience & Hope.” The program will have a virtual kickoff on Thursday, January 27.
Three memoirs were selected for 2022, with each embodying this theme from a different perspective:
- “See No Stranger” by Valarie Kaur: A synthesis of wisdom and a chronicle of personal and communal history, the book is part memoir, part practical guide to changing the world. Author Valarie Kaur, renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer shares her compelling story and declaring Revolutionary Love as the call of our times: a radical, joyful practice that extends to others, to ourselves, and to our opponents. Note: it includes adult content.
- “Enough About Me” by Richard Lui: The author made the difficult decision to leave his dream job as an NBC News/MSNBC anchor to help care for his ailing father in San Francisco. It was a difficult time, and through the challenge he realized that doing this selfless act had a positive overall impact on his well-being. He decided to dig deep into exploring acts of compassion from the lens of a reporter. Part scientific, part emotional, his journey is one that many will relate to.
- “A Dream Called Home” by Reyna Grande: A beautifully written immigrant’s story that quickly engages the reader. Grande crosses the border at age 9 and perseveres through many difficulties to find her way to UC Santa Cruz. With a passion for writing and the resilience to push forward, her story enlightens readers to the challenges so many confront in making a home in America.
All three award-winning authors will participate in a virtual panel discussion hosted by the Commonwealth Club of Silicon Valley and moderated by Sal Pizarro from San Jose Mercury News starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 27. The event is free, but pre-registration is required and can be made online at www.siliconvalleyreads.org/events.
For young readers, four books were selected to accompany the main selections. “The Big Umbrella,” by Amy June Bates (pre-k through kindergarten); “The Girl in the Gold Dress,” by Christine Paik (1st-3rd grade); “SHINE!,” by JJ and Chris Grabenstein (4th-8th grade) and “Darius the Great is Not Okay,” by Adib Khorrum (High School). Schools and libraries will be hosting virtual visits from three of these authors.
This year, events will be a combination of both virtual and in-person, as guidelines allow. Partnering with libraries, schools and community organizations, more than 130 free events are scheduled and accessible to the public during February and March.
Events for all ages include author visits, book discussions, meditation, yoga, tai chi and compassion classes, teen conversations, and arts and crafts for children. Also planned are explorations of faith including a tour of San Jose Sikh Gurdwara, story walks, art exhibits, museum tours, read aloud programs in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin. In addition, there will be celebrity readings by Santa Clara County Supervisors, an in-person movie screening of “Sky Blossom” followed by a discussion with director/author Richard Lui, and many more programs around kindness, resilience, hope, and the 2022 book selections.
Silicon Valley Reads is presented by Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San José Public Library. See the full schedule of events and register online at www.siliconvalleyreads.org/events.
Silicon Valley Reads
Thursday, Jan 27
6:30 p.m.
Free; online registration required
www.siliconvalleyreads.org/events
Singers Wanted!
Submitted by The Valley Concert Chorale
Livermore, Calif. – The Valley Concert Chorale, the Tri-Valley's premier chorus for over 50 years, has returned to in-person rehearsals and seeking new singers. Auditions are available by appointment on January 17 and 24. Details are as follows:
The Chorale is seeking experienced singers with sight-reading skills who enjoy singing exciting and challenging music. The Chorale performs three concert sets a season with a wide variety of music ranging from classical to contemporary, and folk to jazz. The Chorale's next performance is March 12 and 13 entitled “Celebrate the Night: Songs of Dreams, the Moon and the Stars.”
The 10 minute appointment will include vocalizing (to determine range), reading from one page of a motet, and a clapping exercise. Singers must commit to the season with Monday evening rehearsals held at the First Presbyterian Church of Livermore.
Mondays, January 17 and 24
Auditions by appointment. Full vaccination required and mask
First Presbyterian Church
2020 Fifth Street, Livermore, CA 94550
Call (925) 866-4003 or text (925) 216-7084
More information about the Valley Concert Chorale is available at www.valleyconcertchorale.org or by calling the general information line at (925) 866-4003.
Local Rotary provides $150,000 to non-profits
Submitted by Marguerite Padovani
The Covid pandemic did not prevent Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation (www.sjrotary.org) from supporting local non-profit agencies in the Bay Area. Rotary Club of San Jose provided $150,000 during 2021 through its grant funding program to 18 local non-profit agencies.
“This is the largest allocation of funds we’ve had to distribute in many years,” said Clarence Stone, president of The Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation.
“Our goal is to support the community, especially now, during the Covid pandemic. These organizations need finanical support to keep their much needed programs active. Our grant application cycle opens on July 1st each year and closes October 1st. The Foundation Board of Trustees approved the funding at their November 2021 meeting. We typically start seeing requests for reimbursement starting in January, and the organizations have until mid-June to spend the funds,” he added.
“Teens often find themselves with very few places to call their own. With the generous support of Rotary Club of San Jose, we will be able to provide a safe, positive space for our teens to interact, learn and belong,” said Mark Washbush, Chief Operating Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley.
If you are a non-profit and wish to learn more about our Grant Program, or are curious about our club in general, please visit our website at www.sjrotary.org
Stand Pup Comedy
Submitted by Alyse Lui
What could be better than comedy and cute puppies?
That’s the theme of Hayward Animal Shelter’s annual Stand-Pup comedy fundraiser. This year it’s virtual, but that won’t take away from the fun. First-rate entertainment will be available to all through the magic of Zoom.
Join Magician, Kayla Drescher, from Penn & Teller's Fool Us, Post-Modern Vaudevillian, Michael Rayner, from America's Got Talent, Comedian Al Jackson, from Comedy Central, and Host Richy Leis, from MTV for an interactive evening of laughter and mind-bending entertainment in support of your favorite animal rescue or shelter.
Half of all ticket sales will go to Hayward Animal Shelter, and donations are welcome.
Stand-Pup Comedy
Tuesday, Jan 25
5 p.m.
Via Zoom
Tickets available at:
https://standpupcomedyjan25.eventbrite.com/?aff=HAS
(510) 293-7200
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Friday, December 31
- At 8:52 a.m. a man identified by police as Eduardo Chavez, 58, of Hayward was arrested in the bus zone at Union City station on suspicion of carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and parole violation. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, January 2
- At 12:48 p.m. a woman identified by police as Andrea Denice Johnson, 23, of Oakland was arrested at South Hayward station on suspicion of domestic battery and violating a court restraining order. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Monday, January 3
- At 4:24 p.m. a person identified by police as Eliyam Francisco, 27, of Oakland was arrested at Fremont station on two outstanding warrants and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 9:00 p.m. a man identified by police as Marcus Strong, 33, of Oakland was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of violating a court order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, January 4
- At 4:16 p.m. a woman identified by police as Lynette Andriani, 45, of Castro Valley was arrested at Hayward station on an outstanding felony warrant. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 6:07 p.m. a man identified by police as Demarr Carney, 36, of Richmond was arrested at San Leandro station on suspicion of brandishing a deadly weapon, making criminal threats and parole violation. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Fremont Fire Department Log
Submitted by Fremont Fire Department
Friday, December 31
- At 8:05 p.m. firefighters responded to a working fire at a two-story residence in the area of Ponca Court and Parkmeadow Drive. The one-alarm fire was mainly located in the attic, but caused significant damage to the second floor of the dwelling. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters, but a dog suffered minor injuries and was taken to a vet by the homeowners. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Online Police Community Academy starting soon
Submitted by Hayward PD
Citizens who are interested in learning how the Hayward Police Department (HPD) works and getting an insider’s view of daily operations are invited to apply to be part of the department’s upcoming Virtual Community Academy.
To prepare for the online program, HPD personnel have compiled an educational and fun set of live virtual-classroom instructions, designed for participants to develop a better understanding of the Hayward Police Department’s operation. Education, community leaders, neighborhood watch leaders, elected officials or students pursuing a degree in criminal justice have found this course to be an excellent resource.
Topics covered during the four-week program are:
- Patrol structure
- Recruitment
- Crime Prevention
- Internal Affairs
- Special Victims Unit
- Robbery and Property Crime
- Homicide and Assault
- VICE/Intelligence and Gangs
- Traffic Enforcement
- Use of Force
- Active Shooter/SWAT
- 911 Dispatch
- Crisis Negotiation/De-Escalation
The deadline to sign up is Friday, January 28.
The virtual classroom sessions will meet using the Zoom app Wednesday evenings, February 2, 9, 16 and 23. Because of the sensitivity of the information presented, participants must be 18 or older and pass a background check. Hayward residents are given first preference to participate; there is no cost.
Hayward Police Virtual Community Academy
Wednesdays, Feb 2 – 23
6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Get an insider’s view of how the police department works
Online via Zoom
Free; registration deadline is January 28
www.surveymonkey.com/r/community-academy
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Milpitas PD
Sunday, January 2
- At 12:42 p.m. officers responded to a phone call requesting a welfare check on a woman in the area of Dixon Road and Milpitas Boulevard. The caller reported that the woman said that her ex-boyfriend may have been following her. Upon arrival, officers saw the woman’s vehicle being driven at a high rate of speed out of a parking lot in the 1200 block of N. Milpitas Blvd.
Officers attempted a vehicle stop, but the driver sped away with officers in pursuit. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed near Warren Avenue in Fremont. The suspect, identified by police as Anthony Jon Juco, 42, of San Jose was injured in the collision and also appeared to have self-inflicted injuries. He was taken to a hospital for emergency medical treatment. Officers found the woman in the back seat of the vehicle, but she was dead and appeared to have been stabbed with a knife.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office later identified the woman as Christina Raymond, 35, of Livermore. Following up on interviews, video surveillance and physical evidence, detectives arrested Juco’s mother, identified by police as Simona Marie Atondo, 60, of Concord at 9:46 p.m. She is suspected of aiding Juco’s escape from the Milpitas parking lot; she was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
When medically cleared, police said Juco will also be booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail and face homicide charges. Meanwhile, detectives are asking that anyone who has information about the incident to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can also be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department website at: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip.
Milpitas welcomes two new police officers
Submitted by Milpitas Police Department
Soon after the new year arrived, officials from the Milpitas Police Department (MPD) welcomed two new officers to the force.
During an internal ceremony on Thursday, January 4, Chief Jared Hernandez swore in Officers Diana Li and Thiha Zaw. Li came to MPD from the San Jose State University Police Department where she served as an officer for four years. Zaw served the past two years as an officer with the San Bruno Police Department.
A formal badge pinning ceremony for them will be held in February.
Seminar on Law Enforcement Oversight
Submitted by Alameda County
In December 2021, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, held three community engagement meetings to obtain input on the public’s desire to establish a Sheriff’s Oversight Board and/or an Office of the Inspector General.
In advance of our second round of community engagement meetings, you are invited to an educational seminar with Ms. Cameron McEllhiney, national expert on the topic of civilian oversight.
Please join us Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 5:30pm – 8pm.
For general questions or additional information regarding the Civilian oversight for Law Enforcement please visit: ACOversight.acgov.org.
To register for the educational seminar visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-engagement-educational-seminar-on-law-enforcement-oversight-tickets-235637828087
Free lacrosse clinics
Submitted by Greg Mengis
Spartans Lacrosse, serving Tri-City, will host free clinics for beginners and experienced players. Clinics will include drills focused on stick and foot work for all skill levels.
Boys and girls from ages six through high school are welcome. This is a great opportunity for returners to shake the rust off and start getting ready for spring season and for new players to check out this fast-paced sport in a great learning environment!
Sticks for beginners and some loaner gear will be available.
Spartans Lacrosse clinics
Saturday, Jan 15
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Irvington Community turf field
Editorial
The Great Divide
January… the first month of the calendar year is believed to be named for the Roman god Janus. Depicted as two-faced, looking both forward and backward, Janus is associated with the transition between past and future. It can be said that we all live in a constant state of the present, neither past nor future. This situation, while possibly disconcerting, offers an opportunity to assess and learn from past experiences while planning a promising future.
Reaping lessons of the past, this month celebrates the birthdate of Martin Luther King, Jr. whose words and actions inspired the powerful force of nonviolent resistance to injustice and racial prejudice. He dreamed of a society in which all would hear freedom ring in “every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city.” In defiance of extreme and vicious tactics, civil rights activists were able to share Dr. King’s vision and further the struggle for equality and voting rights.
In contrast, we have just passed a date of remembrance of a very different experience. Raw hatred and emotional mayhem ruled the day of January 6th, just one year ago. Dr. King’s words from decades ago were prescient of the battles to come. Speaking of the danger posed by bigotry and rampant individualism. “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” He noted that those who endeavor to isolate and divide, ignore the basic tenet that “We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.”
Those who envision the uprising of January 6, 2021 as a noble, existential battle for the nation are in danger of becoming entrenched in an ideology reminiscent of previous historical hyper partisan, nationalistic fervor that separates rather than unites. It is incumbent on each of us to remember that strength is derived from solidarity of purpose and an understanding that ultimate goals are often similar: peace, security and confidence in the future.
Niccolo Machiavelli, a 16th century diplomat and writer advanced a political theory of amorality and philosophy that the end result justifies any means, no matter how deceitful and unscrupulous. Those with Machiavellian tendencies are driven to accumulate money, achieve power, and win competition with little regard toward community, self-love, and family concerns. Most in our communities do not subscribe to such ideology yet, in times of distress, can succumb to the siren sounds of nationalism and xenophobia. The ancient Greeks subscribed this tendency to enchanting winged creatures (Sirens) who lured sailors toward deadly shoals with beautiful songs. They understood that serious, well-meaning souls are susceptible even at the risk of their own existence.
As Janus’ view of the past is evident during the first month of a new year, his alter ego looks in the opposite direction… the future. Taking note of the past including its flaws and inconsistencies, offers a chance for modifications and corrections to avoid the errors and mistakes of past generations. It is through optimistic civil discourse and common goals that we can progress, thrive and mature. Inflammatory rhetoric of sirens obscures our natural inclination to hope and strive for positive goals… for ourselves and our children.
There is a cure for the malady of Machiavelli. Although some are hopelessly entwined in a negative and destructive narrative, I believe the majority simply need to be reminded of the power of unity and educated beyond personal prejudice and sincere ignorance.
Words such as “freedom” and “democracy” have been linked to particular ideologies that stray from the intent woven into the Constitution of the United States of America. Misrepresentation and fraudulent use of these words as well as malevolent goals have misled a significant segment of society. The month of Janus illustrates two opposing views: to incite toward peace and harmony or pillage and destruction.
Will Janus 2022 reflect a difficult past or a renewed commitment to a better future?