01-16-24 Articles

In Hayward, January is Restaurant Month!

Submitted by City of Hayward

Photos Courtesy of restaurants’ social media

 

Indulge your senses and embark on a culinary journey through the Heart of the Bay during Hayward’s inaugural Restaurant Month in January 2024!

 

Savor the diverse tapestry of flavors that define our vibrant community. Participating restaurants offer specially-created menu items and/or discounts to showcase the diverse culture and cuisine of this incredibly city.

 

A list of the fifteen participating restaurants, along with their locations and menus, is available on the Hayward city website. Options include: Metro Taquero, Marley’s Treats, Snappy’s Café, Sushi Ichimoto, Buffalo Bills Brewery, Unique Ice Cream, and many more!

 

As an added bonus, purchase a $100 Together for Hayward Gift Card between January 1 and January 26 to be entered into a weekly drawing where 16 lucky winners will receive a $100 bonus card to spend in Hayward. All participating restaurants accept the Together for Hayward Gift Card. (Winning bonus cards are limited to one per person. Winners will be notified via the email used for the purchase of the initial $100 card.)

 

Come, dine, and discover the extraordinary tastes that make Hayward truly remarkable during this special month dedicated to celebrating the culinary treasures that make us unique.

 

 

Hayward Restaurant Month

Through January 31, 2024

Weekly gift card drawing: Through January 26

Various participating locations (check website)

https://www.hayward-ca.gov/business/hayward-restaurant-month

 

 

 

Discover Hidden Treasures, Local Talent at City of Fremont’s Olive Hyde Art Gallery

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

The City of Fremont’s historic Olive Hyde Art Gallery proudly presents its biennial “Hidden Treasures, Local Talent exhibition” featuring artwork in all mediums by artists local to Fremont and the Bay Area. Over 90 pieces by 44 artists will be showcased in this year’s exhibition. Artwork will include watercolor, photography, fiber, sculpture, paintings, poetry, and more!

 

Several new and upcoming local artists will be participating in this year’s exhibition including students from Washington High School’s Creative Writing Club of Fremont. Led by youth poet laureate Nitika Sathiya, the group will be giving an in-person poetry reading during the opening reception. The reception will be Friday, January 26 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. and the reading will begin at 8 p.m. This is a free event open to all and membership is not required to attend. All are invited to celebrate and enjoy the night with fellow art enthusiasts.

 

Participating artists include: Rebecca Abraham, Vimal Advani, Rania Ahmad, Hetal Anjaria, Mel Beach, Nancy Benton, Grace Borchardt, Ann Boylan, Scott Capen, Allen Chan, Thomas Cory, Vanessa Cudmore, Luigino De Grandis, Adriane Dedic, Joan Clair Di Stefano, Randy Garber, Dmitry Grudsky, Glenn Hernandez, Jeff Ishikawa, Maureen Langenbach, Peter Langenbach, Brooke Mapelli, Julianna Martinez, Susan McGuire, Denise Oyama Miller, Jocelyn Munoz, Gail Noeth, Youngmi Angela Pak, Meghana Paranjpe, Preetha Perikkathara, Janine Pitta, Emelie Rogers, Sethu Sankar, Divya Dharshini Sankaran, Natalie Sapantay, Karina Sapkota, Nitika Sathiya, Arathi Satish, Durba Sen, Nimre Shahzada, Lynne Shephard, Lisa Stambaugh, Dan Strauss, Ella and Yang.

 

 

Hidden Treasures, Local Talent

 

Virtual Exhibit:

Thursday, Jan 11 – Saturday, Mar 16

Visit exhibit at bit.ly/FremontOHAG

 

In-Person Exhibition Dates:

Thursday, Jan 18 – Saturday, Mar 16

Thu-Sun; 12 noon – 5 p.m.

 

Opening Reception:

Friday, Jan 26

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

8 p.m. Poetry Reading

 

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

olivehydeartguild.org

 

 

 

The Ghosts of Mission Coffee

By Stephanie Gertsch

 

Even while Gael Stewart sits in the now-empty Mission Coffee Roasting Company, a few passers by peer in through the glass, as if hoping for a resurrection of the beloved shop. “You’d think by now, people would have figured it out,” Stewart remarks. “But they still haven’t. They want it to be open.”

 

Known as “Fremont’s Living Room,” Mission Coffee Roasting Company has been a fixture on the corner of Washington and Mission Boulevards for the past 23 years. Gael and Don Stewart, hosted live concerts and served very good tea and coffee.

 

The idea had its inception in the early 90s. Don had just been laid off, and Gael, currently working at a nonprofit, got the idea of starting a coffee shop from watching her college-age offspring at their barista jobs. According to Gael, it was “the classic ‘Oh, I could run this better!’”

 

For two years, the Stewarts did research, developing relationships with shops such as Las Gatos Roasting Company and Willow Glen Coffee, and making trips to Seattle and Hawaii. “You can’t just get this by osmosis,” Gael Stewart explains. “You’ve got to learn.” A contact gifted her a stack of books on coffee making–and two decades later she still had them in the back of the shop.

 

Mission Valley Coffee near Kimber was the predecessor. The location (which closed in 2005) boasted tea and coffee sides, as well as a conference room where local nonprofits HERS and SAVE held meetings.

 

Getting into the swing, Gael and Don attended chamber mixers and events–with coffee samplers in tow. Gael reminisces, “People were going, ‘You’re willing to donate it?’ ‘Yeah, it’s my advertising!’…We were everywhere. We were guerrilla marketing up the wazoo.” Other local favorites such as Papillon and Fredericos’ were doing the same, and the owners all became friends. “We’d all hang out at these things. It was a great little community. That was the best part.” She repeats, “That was the best part.”

 

Around 2000, it became clear that Starbucks was coming to the Mission Valley Shopping Center, and the Stewarts would lose their lease. So they looked into a new location, eventually renting from the McIvors–a family that had been in Mission San Jose since 1926.

 

The process was informal. “My husband and I went to the McIvors and said, ‘We have to have a lease or we can’t move the roaster,’” says Stewart, nodding to the old-fashioned roaster still sitting in the corner. “So, they gave us the lease. After two years, it just went month to month. As long as [Bob and Pauline] were alive it wasn’t an issue.”

 

It was a business built on a relationship.

 

“The place is haunted,” Gael remarks, quickly adding, “They’re good spirits…Staff wouldn’t last here if they weren’t.” Even during this interview, the creaky old building–or perhaps its occupants–chimed in from time to time. “They’re just letting me know they’re here,” Stewart clarified.

 

For the skeptical, a professional medium did perform a seance at Mission Coffee. The group went out to the back patio where [Burton McIvor] used to shoe horses. The spirits of McIvor and a small girl made themselves known. Stewart reflects, “I guess spirits migrate to where there’s life and activity, and they like that energy so they want to be around it.”

 

More recently, Mission Coffee weathered the pandemic, turning lockdown into a way to connect. Stewart recounts, “We did a dinner once a week because people were lost…They were afraid, they were lonesome.” Customers would sit at their computers, waiting for orders to open on Monday. “I didn’t know that until they started telling me the stories!” Stewart says. “I could hear the [point of sale] machine going rrr rrr rrrr. The first couple of weeks, we did, eh, 25, 30 dinners. Then before we knew it, we were up to 65.”

 

The pandemic was a way to reconnect with locals–a trend that continued in 2022 with a series of Street Fairs put on by City of Fremont and the organization Better Block Foundation, where the Mission San Jose district could gauge community needs and support local businesses.

 

For Stewart, the memory is vivid. “That Friday night we had music on the back patio, rolled up the door, and had beer, wine, and appetizers. It was everything that I knew this place could be. And I was hoping that my landlady would see this, be a part of it…But we found out we were sued just as the Better Block was going on.”

 

A lawyer was making the rounds looking for ADA lawsuits, hitting many Fremont businesses. For Stewart, ADA compliance is an inevitable part of running a business out of an old building. She renovated where feasible, in accordance with the 1990 law. However, the current landlady, the daughter of the McIvors who worked with the Stewart back in the 90s, had a different reaction. Stewart shares, “It changed her whole mindset about life. She wouldn’t get permits. She wanted to continue to operate in an old-school manner and didn’t realize she couldn’t operate like her dad anymore.”

 

Remember Gael Stewart owns Mission Coffee Roasting Company–not the building. Where once the month-to-month lease represented trust, it now became a liability. After drama with a buyer materializing and dematerializing, Stewart was given the order to vacate at the end of January, 2024. It’s a scary prospect to be suddenly shoved into retirement after 30 years as a small business owner. Likely, Stewart will need to move away from the Bay Area.

 

“I really don’t want this community to not have a place to come,” she says. “And that’s where the emotional part comes in.”

 

After originally closing in November, 2023, Stewart briefly rebooted Mission Coffee for a holiday run. Her daughter and grandkids were around, and she wanted to use the kitchen to cook the family’s traditional Thanksgiving cranberry bread. However, when the family approached the shop, there was a surprise. In the chaos, Stewart had forgotten to tell the artist who always did the window drawings, not to show up. She was greeted by an illustration of an angel flying over the world, with the message “Good Will Toward All,” and right below, simply, “To Gael.”

 

She tears up, recounting the moment. “I drove up and this was in the window. I had forgotten to call him and tell him that we were closed…And I was like this…My daughter said, this isn’t a good place for you to be, Mom. And I said, Yes it is, it’s just very hard.”

 

No one knows what will be in this location next. But it’s not too strange to think that the patrons will occasionally hear the distant whirr of a latte maker, the strum of a guitar, or the chatter of friends. Maybe we’ll be the spirits haunting the next generation.

 

 

 

Black History Month Showcase

Submitted by Erin Ewing

 

In honor of Black History Month 2024’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” Union City Community & Recreation Services is celebrating The Art of Hip Hop with a special showcase on Saturday, February 17.

 

All artists and mediums are encouraged to submit! The event will include both visual art and performance art. The submission deadline for performers is January 19, and for artists the deadline is February 2.

 

 

Black History Month Showcase

Saturday, Feb 17

3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Studio 11

34626 11 St., Union City

(510) 675-5445

https://www.unioncity.org/589/Arts-Culture-Studio-11

Artist submission deadline: February 2

Performer submission deadline: January 19

 

 

 

Not In My Backyard: Union City Residents Protest Cannabis Business License

By Connie Cheung

 

Quiet, uneventful city council meetings in Union City have recently been jolted awake by impassioned pleas from locals protesting a commercial cannabis business application in their neighborhood. Citing concerns about crime and the location in a residential area, dozens of residents showed up at meetings in the past month with picket signs and prepared speeches.

 

The location listed in the application, filed by an entity called Embarc, is in the Cherrywood Center on Decoto Road – a small shopping complex that’s roughly a 15 minute walk from James Logan High School and currently includes a cafe, a 7-Eleven convenience store and a liquor store, among other retailers.

 

The dispensary would be behind the backyard of Mike Garcia, a longtime Union City resident. “It’s 36 feet from our back bedroom window to the wall behind where the dispensary would be,” he said in a phone interview, with sounds of his grandchildren playing in the background.

 

Neighbors are concerned that cannabis dispensaries attract crime. Weeks ago, an Oakland police officer was fatally shot while responding to a burglary at a marijuana dispensary, hours after another theft was reported at the same place. Closer to home, Union City police responded in November to robberies at the two existing dispensaries in town, Lemonnade and Flor, where the suspects were all juveniles.

 

Wendy Huang, a frequent attendee of City Council meetings, feels a personal duty to advocate against the new store. “I’m a descendant of the Opium Wars in Asia. We’ve seen how psychoactive drugs can have an effect on people,” she said, adding that she’s not against responsible adults over 21 using marijuana, but is concerned about its impact on youth.

 

Although dispensaries have strict protocols about checking ID and selling only to adults aged over 21, increased prevalence in marijuana products could have unintended effects on minors. According to the CDC, recent years have seen “large increases in cannabis-involved emergency department visits” among children aged under 10 years and between 11-14 years old.

 

However, some locals support retail cannabis shops. Lemonnade and Flor both have over 600 reviews on Google Maps, with average ratings of more than 4.5 out of five stars. One local described Flor as being set up “like an upscale jewelry or electronics store,” and the dispensary’s website describes a “purpose of elevating the conversation around and perception of cannabis.”

 

Access to recreational marijuana remains controversial. Today, 60% of the state’s cities and counties ban retail cannabis businesses, according to the California Department of Cannabis Control. These cities include Fremont, Newark and Milpitas, who all prohibit the sale of cannabis, with Milpitas only recently voting to allow the delivery of medical marijuana.

 

These bans could mean lost tax revenue, especially at a time of fiscal pressure across state and county budgets. In the third quarter of 2023, San Jose alone logged over $47 million in taxable cannabis-related sales, based on figures from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

 

Union City generated over $900,000 in tax revenue from its two cannabis businesses in fiscal year 2022-2023, according to the City Manager’s office. According to a proposal presented at a council meeting last July, projected tax revenue from Embarc would have amounted to nearly $4 million dollars over the next five years.

 

When reached for comment over email, Union City Councilmember Jaime Patino shared that the city faces “a potential budget shortfall of $3 million in the next few years,” adding, “the additional $1 million of the Embarc location would help us a lot to close the funding gap.” Since most residents are against being taxed more, revenue from a new business could be a more palatable alternative.

 

Patino also cited the large margin by which Union City residents passed the 2018 measure to legalize cannabis sales. Even Mike Garcia, in rallying his neighbors to petition against the proposed dispensary, recalled meeting community members who supported recreational marijuana and told him that “a dispensary is just like a liquor store.”

 

With each passing day, the debate grows more heated. In a December 12th meeting, Councilmember Scott Sakakihara commented publicly about the tactics employed by some protestors, including being followed to his car and unexpected visits at his home over the weekend. Councilmember Patino also described being “disheartened” by the “name calling”, the signs placed without permission in his and his neighbors’ front yards, including flyers on his and his neighbors’ vehicles.

 

For now, protest efforts seem to be working. Embarc requested a pause in its application to “evaluate their proposed location and to continue their engagement with the community.” Council members also cite the importance of neighborhood safety and awaiting guidance from the police department, while proposing revisions to the application process to ensure adequate community outreach and protections for sensitive areas.

 

“At this point there is no Cherrywood location,” Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci said at Tuesday’s meeting, emphasizing the need to find a location “deemed acceptable for a cannabis shop.”

 

Meanwhile, certain residents are taking a harder line. “Your yes vote will basically end your political career,” Huang told city representatives in the January 9 meeting, a comment met with bursts of fervent applause from protestors in the audience. Another speaker threatened that if officials support the new cannabis store, “You. Will. Be. Recalled.”

 

 

 

New Haven Schools Foundation Announces 2024 Diamonds in Education Gala

Submitted by New Haven Schools Foundation

 

The New Haven Schools Foundation (NHSF) is thrilled to present its highly anticipated annual fundraiser, ‘Diamonds in Education’ which supports student scholarship and teacher grant programs. The event will take place Saturday, January 20, and for 2024 we’re returning to the Paradise Ballrooms in Fremont with live and silent auctions, casino games, and more.

 

To purchase tickets and VIP Tables and to bid on prizes go to: diamondsineducation.com.

 

Fatima Silva, NHSF Board Member and star of Reasonable Doubt on Discovery+ will emcee the event. Silva, a James Logan High School graduate, is a real-life trial attorney who also stars in the highly acclaimed true-crime docuseries.

 

The 2024 auction features the talents of Ellen Toscano, the Singing Auctioneer. Toscano, a Sonoma native, was a long-time performer in Beach Blanket Babylon. Her roles included the cheeky Pineapple Princess, the sultry Chiquita Banana as well as her favorite roles, Amy Winehouse and Sarah Palin.

 

Donations and auction pledges to NHSF continue to make a difference for the students and teachers of the New Haven Unified School District. NHSF student scholarships are helping aspiring teens achieve their dreams of attending college and pursue careers in healthcare, teaching, science, and law enforcement. NHSF teacher grant programs have funded books, gardening supplies, music programs, emergency supplies, accelerated or special experience education programs and more.

 

NHSF will honor two long-time supporters of the Foundation at the Gala. The Tom Kitayama Business Award recognizes Republic Services, and the Guy Emanuele Service Award will be presented to Michael Ritchie.

 

Many auction items are up for bid. Online bidding is also available for all but live auction prizes.

 

Auction Items:

Golden Ticket Raffle – winner chooses one of four destinations

Magic of Mexico Vacation

Weekend of Fun in San Francisco

Paella Party for Six

Gold Country Wine Weekend

Custom Painting from Burning Man Artist Andrew Johnstone

Electronics, Gift Cards at top Bay Area restaurants, Jewelry, events and more

 

Featured event details:

Celebrity event emcee, Fatima Silva

Singing Auctioneer, Ellen Toscano

Live and Fund-a-Need auctions to fund programs in our classrooms and scholarships for graduating seniors

Casino Games by Aces Up

Music and dancing

 

“Financial support is making a real difference for the students and teachers of New Haven Unified School District. These programs are why fundraising events like the gala are so important,” commented John Shockley, NHSF President.

 

Diamonds in Education sponsors and supporters include Fremont Bank, Republic Services, TriCed Community Recycling, Subru Bhat, Albert and Marsha Badella, IBEW Local 595, Alameda County, Washington Hospital Healthcare System, Washington Township Medical Foundation, and Masonic Homes.

 

 

Diamonds in Education Gala

Saturday, Jan 20

Cocktails: 6 p.m.

Buffet: 7 p.m.

Paradise Ballroom

4100 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 909-9263

https://nhsfoundation.org/

Tickets: $150 – $1,750

 

 

 

Donations Still Needed

Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department

 

Thank you to those who have given needed items for our homeless programs. We have received dozens of donations of items that are already being distributed to our unhoused neighbors. Items like the hand knitted beanies donated by the Indo-American Seniors Association Fremont are helping people stay warm during this cold weather. There is a high demand for the items on the needs list during the colder months. We are still accepting donations for the following items:

 

• Coats / Jackets / Beanies / Gloves / Handwarmers / Ponchos / Umbrellas / Thermal Shirts & Pants / Sweatshirts & Pants
• Tents / Tarps / Sleeping Bags / Flashlights & Batteries / Bike Locks / Backpacks / Reusable Bags / Phone Chargers
• Dental Supplies / Feminine Hygiene Products / Body Wipes / Deodorant / Hair Brush & Combs / Shaving Kits
• Men’s & Women’s Underwear / Sports Bras / Camisoles / Men’s Undershirts
• Blankets / Sock

Currently men’s jackets sizes XL-XXL are highest need.

 

If you have any questions or would like to coordinate a delivery please contact: Paula Manczuk-Hannay at donate@fremont.gov

 

 

BACS Wellness Center

40963 Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

City of Fremont

Human Services Department

3300 Capitol Ave., Building B

Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

City holidays excluded

 

 

 

English Second Language Chat Program

Submitted by Alameda County Library

 

After the holiday break, the ESL (English as a Second Language) Tuesday Chat program at Fremont Main Library is resuming at 4 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, at Fukaya Room A.

 

This weekly ESL Tuesday Chat has been running for years. People from around the globe have improved their spoken English by chatting about everyday topics with native speakers. These tutors are caring and devoted, and the chat takes place in a friendly, welcoming setting.

 

Please note the following room change:

• Fukaya A, 1/16-1/30
• van Doorn, 2/6-4/30

 

The Fremont Main Library, a branch of the Alameda County Library system, is located at 2400 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont. An ASL interpreter will be made available with seven days’ notice. The library is wheelchair accessible.

 

For more information, visit our website at www.aclibrary.org or call (510) 745-1401.

 

 

ESL Tuesday Chat

Tuesdays 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

Fukaya Room A

(510) 745-1401

JLiu@aclibrary.org

 

 

 

Study floral arrangements (and starting a business) with Raquel

Submitted by Wendy Spellman

 

For those aspiring to dive into the captivating world of floristry, look no further! Meet Raquel, a Fremont local with roots in the Tri-City area. Raquel has transformed a passion for gardening and the arts into a thriving flower shop on Mission Blvd., in the Niles area. Specializing in custom hand-tied bouquets, sympathy arrangements, and creating for weddings and corporate events, their creativity shines through.

 

Now, Raquel is excited to share her wealth of knowledge in flowers and events with budding enthusiasts. On Thursday, January 25, Raquel will host a workshop at Olive Hyde Art Gallery to talk both about floristry and her experience turning her passion into a flourishing business.

 

Raquel’s journey began with majoring in Hospitality at Cal State University East Bay, where she honed her skills during an internship at The Fairmont San Francisco Banquets Department. Post-graduation, Raquel ventured into banquet management and later explored the realm of wedding coordination for two years. However, it was in corporate event planning that she discovered her true passion. Throughout her extensive years in the Hospitality industry, Raquel’s love for flowers flourished. Balancing part-time floral arrangements, her passion blossomed into the establishment of Chicky Blooms Flower Shop (chickyblooms.com).

 

If you’re eager to learn the art of floristry and gain business insights, join Raquel at Olive Hyde on Thursday, January 25 and discover the artistry and dedication that goes into every floral creation!

 

 

Floral Arrangements with Raquel

Thursday, Jan 25

10 a.m.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

http://olivehydeartguild.org/

 

 

 

FOG Republic Day of India Celebration

Submitted by Ritu Maheshwari

 

Celebrate the 75th Republic Day of India, the “Celebration of Democracy” on Saturday, January 27 at Bishop Elementary School in Sunnyvale. Get a flavor of India with vibrant cultural performances, patriotic songs, and flag hoisting with invited dignitaries. Dr. Srikar Reddy, the Consul General of India is the chief guest at the event.

 

This celebration is being organized by Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA) of Northern California, Festival of Globe (FOG), and Fremont Hindu Temple.

 

 

FOG Republic Day of India Celebration

Saturday, Jan 27

11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Bishop Elementary School

450 N Sunnyvale Ave., Sunnyvale

Purchase tickets at Sulekha.com, Eventmozo.com, or FOGSV.org

Entry: $5

 

 

 

Fremont Creates 2024

Submitted by Phyllis Wood for Fremont Creates

 

April is Arts, Culture & Creativity Month! Fremont Creates was organized to celebrate this statewide proclamation, and our Fremont Creates 2024 calendar is filling up! April is only three months away, and our Artists and Culture Keepers are planning a variety of informative, entertaining, and participatory programs to share with the Fremont Community.

 

For artists (visual, performance, musical, literary) who are interested in learning more about the celebration throughout the month of April, join us on Thursday, January 18, at Artist Walk in Centerville from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. We will be providing information on how you can participate and will answer any questions you have. Artist Walk is located at 3888 Artist Walk Common (Post St. off of Thornton Ave., across from Dale Hardware). Parking is available on Post St. and within Artist Walk Apartment Complex. Look for balloons to direct you to the meeting room.

 

We invite those who would like to be a sponsor of Fremont Creates to join us. Visit our website at https://FremontCreates.com/ to view our calendar of events, access the participation application, and view our sponsorship opportunities.

 

And finally, SAVE THE DATE: April 27 for the Fremont Creates 2024 ACCM (Arts Culture & Creativity Month) Grand Finale at the Downtown Event Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

A special thank you to our current sponsors:

City of Fremont

Supervisor David Haubert, District 1

Brandon T. Sass, Primerica Investment Advisor

Scott Capen Photography

Niles Rotary of Fremont

Olive Hyde Gallery

Fremont Bank

Fremont Cultural Arts Council

Tri-City Voice

Collective Discovery

Washington Hospital Healthcare System

 

 

Fremont Creates information session

Thursday, Jan 18

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Artist Walk

3888 Artist Walk Common

Post St. off Thornton Ave., Fremont

Parking available on Post St. and within Artist Walk Common

 

 

 

Preparing for the upcoming March 5th Primary Election

Submitted by Jo A.S. Loss, President, League of Women Voters Eden Area

 

The League of Women Voters Eden Area wants to share ways for you to prepare for the upcoming Primary Election. It is earlier this year than before and ballots will be mailed on February 5, so it is time to start becoming an educated voter.

 

The League of Women Voters California has published an Easy Voter Guide. It can be downloaded from https://lwvc.org/easy-voter-guide-primary-2024/. The guide contains information on how to register and vote. It reviews how to vote for a Presidential candidate on March 5th. The guide also tells you all about Proposition 1: Mental Health Care and Addiction Treatment Reform & Bonds to Build Places for Treatment and Housing.

 

The Easy Voter Guide is available in Spanish, English, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

VOTE411 is also now available for you to learn more about the votes you will make in March. VOTE411 is an unbiased online guide to elections covering federal, state, and local races in California. www.VOTE411.org.

 

To use VOTE411, you enter your address, and you will see your full, personalized ballot. You will hear directly from the candidates about their positions on critical issues, and their vision for their communities. Local Leagues have prepared specific questions that apply to that position to give you detailed information on the candidates’ knowledge and plans. This allows you to compare candidates side by side before making your selections.

 

There will be clear explanations of ballot measures and their funders. In addition, VOTE411 will allow you to check where, when, and how to vote, including your polling place. There will be an option for you to keep track of your choices to make voting easier.

 

The new VOTE411 platform is user-friendly and mobile-responsive. It will offer a variety of features tailored to the unique needs of California voters. VOTE411 will be accessible across all devices and will continue the League’s rich history of providing voters with non-partisan, factual, and trusted electoral information.

 

Please vote on March 5th!

 

 

 

5 Morning Habits Everyone Should Be Doing

By Michael Nordine

 

Even if you aren’t a morning person, you still have a morning routine. It could be as simple as sipping a cup of coffee or enjoying a hot shower when you wake up, or as complicated as an hour-long workout followed by a very specific breakfast. Either way, we've all formed certain bleary-eyed habits by now. Some are more conducive to feeling good for the rest of the day than others, of course, and these five habits will go a long way toward making your mornings more enjoyable and productive.

 

Skip the Snooze Button

As tempting as it can be to get a few more minutes of sleep, there’s something to be said for waking up as soon as your alarm goes off. That’s easier said than done for many of us, but hitting the snooze button once can easily turn into hitting it two or three times, giving you less time to start your morning routine without actually helping you feel more rested. Waking up and falling back asleep every five or 10 minutes isn’t exactly restful, and having to rush through the shower, breakfast, and everything else you do before starting your day.

 

Start a Dream Journal

While it may be all but impossible to understand the exact meaning of a given dream, especially if you’re the type of person who has especially strange and/or vivid ones, it’s possible to track patterns over time. Unless you’re keeping a dream journal, you’ll probably forget most of the details that could shed some light on what’s going on in your unconscious mind. Plenty of sleep experts recommend starting a dream journal, both as a way of centering yourself in the morning and coming to a better understanding of what’s truly going on up there.

 

Eat the Frog

According to a famous quote attributed to (but probably not actually spoken by) Mark Twain, “If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long.” Put in simpler (and less gross) terms, get your most difficult task out of the way as early as possible so that it doesn’t hang over your head all day and you know, even on an off day, that you accomplished something. What that task is is up to you — if you work from home and are prone to being sedentary, maybe it simply means working out shortly after waking up rather than waiting until the evening. The truly important thing is to start your day with a feeling of accomplishment rather than procrastinating for as long as possible.

 

Play a Brain Game

The morning is, in many ways, a time of transition — from sleep to wakefulness, from yesterday to today. How you make that transition sets the tone for the rest of the day, and for some that effort is hampered by the usual brain fog that comes from still feeling half-asleep. A great way to clear that fog is with a brain game: sudoku, Wordle, a crossword, or anything else mentally stimulating that will get the gears turning and help you wake up.

 

Meditate

If you’ve never meditated before, it can sound like a strange practice. How do you actually think about nothing, and doesn’t it seem certain people enjoy telling others about it more than they actually enjoy doing it? But meditation is popular the world over for a reason, and first thing in the morning is an especially good time for it. If caffeine doesn’t have much of an effect on you and you’d like to be more alert and energized when you wake up, try a quick meditation and see how much better you feel — you might be pleasantly surprised by the results.

 

 

Michael Nordine is senior writer and editor at Optimism Media. A native Angeleno, he lives in Denver with two cats but wishes he lived in Tokyo.

 

 

 

Acrylic space paint & sip: the Hourglass Protostar

Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center

 

Meet up at Chabot Space and Science on Thursday, January 25 for a transitional instructor-led space themed acrylic Sip & Paint party for adults 21+. At this edition of Paint & Sip, you’ll have the chance to create your very own Hourglass Protostar art piece. No skill is required for this event. This is a great experience for friends, couples or corporate groups.

 

Tickets include two drink tickets for beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages, and a charcuterie board.

 

 

Thursday, January 25

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

https://chabotspace.org

Tickets: $40

Adults 21+

 

 

 

 

Will Francis and the Art of the Family

By Victor Carvellas

 

The bright colors, abstracted figures, and playful, dynamic compositions Grenada-born artist Will Francis both tell the stories of his past and illuminate the joys of his present.

 

His beginnings were not promising. Though he confesses to having “always been an artist,” it was a flash of inspiration in 1997 that resulted in three back-to-back paintings. “Then,” says Francis, “I stopped for the next 20 years.” He would have more living to do before his subjects would appear.

 

In the meantime, Francis started both a family and a transportation business. “We were doing really well,” he says, “we had clients all over the Bay area.” When a New York account wanted him to expand to the East Coast, he realized he was already spending more time away from his family than he cared for. Then COVID struck, business evaporated, and he sold the company. “My wife said, ‘now’s your opportunity; start your art business.’”

 

“Art is my career now, so it blends in with my regular routine. I drop the kids off at school, go to the gym, then come back and paint for a few hours until I pick them up.” The Union City-based artist is prodigiously productive. “The creative process would come to a halt if I wasn’t painting every day. The ideas just keep flowing, so I’m able to finish four or five paintings a week.”

 

For this article, Francis chose some recent works representative of the subjects and themes that inspire him:

 

Do I Love You

“I visited my mom some time ago and I realized something I hadn’t known before—that she loves dogs. The person holding the dog in her picture is her husband. He had a stroke and has been unable to move for the last 10 years, so the dog, playfully frisking about, compensates for the lost mobility and acts as an intermediary, a sort of vessel that shares and embodies the love they have for each other.”

 

Chapters of Me

“It’s about different phases of my life. Different times. The grids there represent the buildings and streets of New York, an important time in my life. That red represents how I see the world today. So many disparities. The space is so polarized with people fighting for the wrong thing. The red is the blood; it’s the suffering of people, especially in places like the Ukraine. The blood that is behind the scenes is now up front and represents how front and center that suffering is to me.”

 

Family Time

During the pandemic, we spent so much time together. I was trying to be creative but also focus on the kids. I was the primary caretaker since my wife was working. My business had to shut down. I had to figure out homeschooling, then paint for 20 minutes. It was a lot of time together, going to the park, taking walks. There’s a lot of colors in there. You see, we had just bought the house and there was all this tall grass and wildflowers in the back. They just ran around in it and had so much fun. Those wildflowers are where all the colors came from. For me, the structure of the piece suggests support and strength. The grids at angles suggests order amid the spontaneity.”

 

Aunties

“I grew up in Grenada and across the street from us was this big house. They were very affluent, while we were quite poor. There was a lady there from Venezuela, and she used to call me over and give me food. She’d watch us play. The yellow and black line of the painting is the street. Her husband watched us too. They never had kids, so I think watching us meant something. As to the title, I could have used the apostrophe, but the truth is there were two people there, so I dropped the apostrophe as a kind of play on the words, to signify the pair of them.”

 

Nothing Else Matters

“It’s all about family, about what you cherish most, what you think is most important. My first business was as an owner of a car service. I spent a lot of time away, often coming home just in time to put my daughter (we only had the one child) to bed. Now what happened was that I could have been a subcontractor for this huge company in New York with rights to the entire West Coast. It would have been huge for the business, but I was all over the place at all times of the day and night. My wife said to me, ‘Your daughter is only a few months old. What are you going to do?’ I realized how much I was missing, and I let the account go. I didn’t want to miss that time in their young lives. It was just in time, though, because Uber and Lyft came on the scene and that would have been my competition.”

 

Will Francis is hoping to have a new show opening in San Jose very soon. You can find out more about him and his work at willfrancisart.com.

 

 

 

Networking for the Shy and Introverted Part I

By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT

 

Happy New Year to you, Tri-City Voice readers! If your New Year’s resolution is to land a better job, make more friends, find a partner, or be more successful and fulfilled in your career, you will have to meet new people and do some networking. The importance of networking cannot be overstated—numerous studies have shown that networking is vital to professional advancement and career satisfaction. However, if you have social anxiety, the very thought of networking may make your stomach turn. So how can a shy, anxious, or introverted person network?

 

First, know that you are not alone in feeling an aversion to networking. Many dislike networking because they do not know what to say, feel like they are being fake, or believe they are out of practice from the pandemic shutdown. A significant percentage also suffer from social anxiety, which causes psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms such as embarrassment, fear of rejection, sweatiness, dry mouth, shallow breathing, rapid heart rate, nausea, and feeling at a loss for words.

 

Studies have shown that younger people (teenagers to late 20s) are especially likely to experience social anxiety symptoms. Almost a third of this age group report having social anxiety. In addition, a National Institutes of Health study found that at least 10% of adults in the United States suffer from social anxiety.

 

The good news is that there are many things you can do to overcome your shyness or social anxiety and learn to be a great networker. Of course, it does take time and effort. Here are some key strategies to implement before you start:

 

Know Your Purpose

Before you do anything, think deeply about your life values. Perhaps you want a meaningful job in this industry. Or you want to be a person who lives courageously. Or perhaps you value giving your all. Identify your core values and understand how networking ties into them. This will help you be clear about your purpose as well as your motivation to network.

 

Identify Positive Reasons for Networking Beyond Benefitting Yourself

Networking becomes more meaningful if you know that you aren’t going to an event just for yourself. Find higher purpose for your presence. Perhaps you are there to represent your company or to express the voice of a minority group. Having a higher purpose can help you get over shyness.

 

Watch Your Self-Talk

When you think about networking, you might have an automatic negative reaction and feel like it’s fake or too difficult. Try to adopt a growth mindset—seeing experiences like networking as opportunities rather than negative events. Make a note to yourself when you say or think something negative about networking. Instead of automatically saying “Ugh! I can’t do it,” try telling yourself that this is a growth and learning opportunity.

 

Prep Your Brain

Those with social anxiety tend to ruminate on worst-case scenarios. However, we rarely think of the most likely or positive outcomes. If we fill our mind with encouraging scenarios, these images will help us gain confidence for the real event. This is training our brain muscles to stay calm rather than go immediately into panic mode. You can visualize yourself at the networking event, perhaps saying hello to the person at the door, or introducing yourself to a friendly-looking person. Imagine that each interaction goes smoothly and that people respond kindly to your enthusiasm and approachability.

 

Prep What to Say

It isn’t easy to walk into a roomful of strangers and know what to say. Few of us have this ability, so please be kind to yourself. This is totally normal! I recommend that you write out things to say for different scenarios. A sample introduction script could be sweet and simple like: “Hi! I’m Sam. I work at XYZ company. I’m here because I wanted to . . .What brings you here today?” Practice saying these things. This will help your brain get comfortable saying these words. Do not worry that practicing will make you sound rehearsed. Quite the opposite—practicing will help you feel less awkward, and you will sound smoother. This tip is especially helpful for those going to an event where the language spoken is not in their native tongue. If this is your situation, do not worry about using flawless grammar or having a perfect accent. Aim simply to communicate in a friendly way. Most native speakers are pleased when someone attempts to speak their language.

 

Set SMART goals for the event

SMART is an acronym for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Don’t reach for an unattainable goal like “I will have a meaningful conversation with 100 people in one evening.” Instead, aim for goals that are doable, yet will give you a sense of accomplishment. A SMART networking goal could be “I will introduce myself to five people and get their business cards.”

 

Practice, Practice, Practice

You can practice networking with folks whom you are likely not to see ever again, e.g. on BART or waiting at the checkout line. Knowing that you will never see them again will help take the pressure off.

 

The above are strategies to do before you embark on an actual networking event. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training. Similarly, I recommend that you prepare and practice for at least a couple of weeks before launching into networking. Next time, I will provide tips to help with shyness and anxiety during a networking event. Stay tuned!

 

 

Anne Chan is a career consultant and licensed psychotherapist in California. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at annechantcv@gmail.com. © Anne Chan, 2024

 

 

 

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

 

Puppy love

Household puppies can do the strangest things. Take Clayton and Carrie Law of Pittsburgh, PA. They put $4,000 in cash in an envelope and put it on the kitchen counter to pay workers who were expected at their home. When they returned to the kitchen there was Cecil, their 7-year-old Goldendoodle puppy, chewing away at the envelope and the money. As Clayton put it to KDKA-TV, “He ate the money, he ate $4,000.” Mr. and Mrs. Law wasted no time; they gathered shredded cash on the floor, put together some of the bills but had to wait for Cecil to vomit and poop to get the bulk of the money—about $3,550. See the story on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=meEK9WZophk

 

Outdoor living room

Potholes can be fun? When an unknown resident of Grand Haven, MI planted a leather recliner in a pothole in a nearby road it didn’t take a long time for someone to come along, steal it and put it up for sale online. A neighbor replaced it with another armchair. Soon, other nearby residents added other pieces of furniture, creating what turned out to be an “outdoor living room” that went viral online. View the pothole on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWc1-tbDJ9g

 

Neither snow nor rain

According to the Postal Service, on average mail in the U.S. is delivered in a day or three. But sometimes it can take a bit longer, particularly when the address is incomplete. For example, a letter misaddressed to a family in DeKalb, Illinois in 1943 was finally delivered 80 years after it was posted. It took a dedicated post office employee to track down the George family now living in Portland, OR. The postman lived up to the motto that promises “the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” See the story on UPI: www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/01/04/DeKalb-Illinois-Post-Office-long-lost-letter/1481704392733/

 

 

The Association of Mature American Citizens is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing membership in Washington, D.C. and in local congressional districts nationwide. More information is available on its website at www.amac.us.

 

 

 

Boost Your Mood with Fragrant Indoor Plants

By Melinda Myers

Photos courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

 

There’s no need to visit a spa for a bit of soothing aromatherapy. Grow fragrant plants indoors to improve your mood and promote a sense of relaxation.

 

Gardenias may be the first fragrant flowering plant that comes to mind. They can be challenging but are worth the effort. Grow them in moist acidic soil, in bright light, and surrounded by other plants or on a gravel tray to increase the humidity.

 

Jasmines are known for their sweet fragrant flowers. Arabian jasmine (Jasmine sambac) will flower indoors several times throughout the year if it receives sufficient light. Consider adding artificial lights to boost flowering. Grow this plant in a warm draft-free location and allow the soil to dry several inches below the surface before watering again.

 

Citrus are valued for their fruit, but they also produce fragrant flowers. Give them bright light and keep the soil slightly moist for the best results.

 

Stephanotis floribunda was frequently used in wedding bouquets. Grow it in a sunny window and watch for flowers to appear in spring on new growth. Complete all necessary pruning as soon as the plant stops flowering.

 

Plumeria are the fragrant flowers often used in Hawaiian leis. Provide bright light, moist well-drained soil, and fertilize throughout the summer to promote flowering. Allow the soil to go a bit drier during the winter. Don’t panic if the plants go dormant and drop their leaves in winter. New leaves will appear as temperatures warm.

 

String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent with leaves that resemble peas. Grow these in a brightly lit location that is a bit cooler in the winter. This along with slightly drier soil in winter can promote flowering. Its cinnamon fragrance is one you’ll remember.

 

Another succulent that may reward you with flowers is hoya. Keep the soil a bit moister during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Allow the soil to dry slightly when the plant is resting during the winter. High humidity in spring and summer followed by cooler temperatures and drier soil in winter will encourage potbound plants to flower. Watch for fragrant flowers to form on the long leafless stems.

 

Give the leaves of scented geranium (Pelargonium) a pet and enjoy the lemon, rose, apple, peppermint, or pine fragrance. Although grown for their scented foliage they also produce pretty but less showy flowers. Place the plants in areas where you brush past the leaves or can easily give them a pat to release and enjoy the fragrance.

 

Find a cool spot in your home away from drafts of hot and cold air for your lavender plant. Make sure the plant receives plenty of sunlight from a south-facing or similar window. Consider adding artificial lights to increase your success. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.

 

Visit your local independent garden center or reputable online plant retailers that are more likely to sell these in winter. Then clear out some space on a sunny windowsill or invest in a few plant lights and start growing some fragrant plants.

 

 

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2^nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

 

 

 

Tax on Extreme Wealth

Submitted by Nicholas Chan, Communications Director for California State Assembly

 

Assemblymember Alex Lee released the following statement after the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee decided to hold his proposed wealth tax, AB 259. “California has one of the highest rates of people living paycheck to paycheck while also having more billionaires than any other state and country, except for China. 99.9% of people would not be impacted by the wealth tax, yet it could generate over $20 billion in revenue for our schools, roads, and essential services. Mega millionaires and billionaires need to pay their proportionate share of taxes. The average person’s true federal tax rate is about 14%, while the wealthiest 25 people in the U.S. have a true tax rate of 3.4%.

 

The wealth tax is a common-sense proposal that’s a drop in the bucket for the ultra-rich. It would affect less than 0.1% of people – those who enjoy the most extreme wealth in our society. Despite the outcome of AB 259, I’m committed to creating a more equitable system, and protecting our working-class families.” Assemblymember Alex Lee represents the 24th Assembly District which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose, and the community of Sunol.

 

 

 

Presentation of statewide strategies for protecting communities, fish and wildlife during drought

Submitted by California Water Commission

 

As part of the California Water Commission’s work in support of Water Resilience Portfolio Action 26.3, Commission staff will present a white paper containing potential strategies to protect communities and fish and wildlife in the event of drought at the January 17 meeting. The Commission will be asked to approve the paper. If the paper is approved, it will be shared with the Secretaries for Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Food and Agriculture, who requested the Commission’s engagement on this topic.

 

The Commission’s work intends to inform the Secretaries as they prepare for and navigate future droughts and to position the State to better protect some of its most vulnerable water users: fish and wildlife and communities. At its November 2023 meeting, the Commission reviewed a draft version of this paper. The final paper incorporates public comments. The white paper can be viewed at https://cwc.ca.gov/-/media/CWC-Website/Files/Documents/2024/01_January/Drought-Strategies-White-Paper_Final.pdf.

 

California Water Commission Meeting

Wednesday, January 17

9:30 a.m.

CNRA headquarters, Room 221B

715 P Street

Sacramento

 

You may join the meeting on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85615855471?pwd=aDBtRENvZXMrSmhScngvTmJ4Z0xndz09). More detailed instructions on how to use Zoom and participate in the meeting can be found on the Commission website at https://cwc.ca.gov/

 

Offer verbal comments by telephone by calling one of the numbers below:

(408) 638-0968

(669) 900-6833

Meeting ID: 856 1585 5471

Password: 515584

 

Individuals who only want to watch or listen can view the live webcast at: https://www.water-ca.com as it preserves interactive meeting resources for those who are commenting on items.

 

 

 

Become a Fremont Commissioner

Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department

 

We are looking for new commissioners for our Senior Citizens Commission and Human Relations Commission. Commissioners are appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council to serve a four-year term and may serve two terms. Before applying, you are encouraged to attend a commission meeting to see if it's a good fit.

 

Senior Citizens Commission (2 vacancies)

Interested in serving older adults in Fremont? The Senior Citizens Commission assesses the needs of the senior community, works with public and private agencies to coordinate senior services, and monitors legislation of interest to seniors.

 

If you are interested, contact Karen Grimsich, Aging Family Services Administrator at (510) 574-2062.

 

Human Relations Commission (3 vacancies)

Interested in serving the whole Fremont community? The Human Relations Commission promotes, supports, and helps create a compassionate community environment where diversity is honored and respected, neighbors reach out and support each other, and the most vulnerable receive services to allow all a high quality of life in a community where we live, learn, work, and play in peace and harmony.

 

If you are interested, contact Noelle Tolentino, Secretary to the Commission,

at (510) 574-2088.

 

 

For more information on these commissions visit www.fremont.gov/government/departments/city-clerk/boards-commissions-committees

 

 

 

$15 million grant to enhance Bay Area electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Submitted by Bay Area Air Quality Management District

 

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has been awarded $15 million in federal grant funding to spur the creation of a more robust, accessible and equitable electric vehicle charging network across the nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. Funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program will add hundreds of EV charging ports to the region, with an emphasis on serving disadvantaged communities.

 

“This generous federal award will be indispensable to the Bay Area’s efforts to transition to a cleaner transportation network with both immediate and long-lasting benefits in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and the reduction of toxic air pollution burdens in our most impacted communities,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. “We are extremely grateful to the Biden administration and for the support of Congressman DeSaulnier, Senator Alex Padilla and others who helped us secure this crucial funding that will enhance our in-demand electric infrastructure grant programs and provide healthier air quality for every Bay Area resident.”

 

This program will help foster deployment of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in publicly accessible locations throughout the region, such as local businesses, retail centers, municipal and local community sites, intermodal transportation facilities, parking facilities, workplaces, commercial districts, public parks, and other sites in Bay Area communities. The grant funding will help improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and aid the Air District in its efforts to establish a regional charging network that will support and encourage continued growth in electric vehicle adoption. The Air District will emphasize equity considerations in distributing the grants, to ameliorate existing disparities in the transportation system and to promote a convenient, reliable and affordable charging experience for all users.

 

 

 

Hayward City Council

January 8, 2024

6:00 p.m.

 

Consent Calendar

• Adopt resolutions pertaining to: City of Hayward authorizing conveyance of funds to the Hayward Economic Development Corporation (Corporation); Hayward redevelopment successor agency approving the conveyance agreement and consenting to the transfer of the property located at 22631- 228522 Foothill Blvd., and the assignment of the seller’s rights, duties, and obligations to the corporation; and corporation approving the conveyance agreement and assignment of enforceable obligations; and finding the action is exempt from CEQA review.

 

 

Mayor Mark Salinas               Aye

Angela Andrews                     Aye

Ray Bonilla                             Absent

Dan Goldstein                         Aye

Julie Roche                             Nay

George Syrop                          Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye

 

 

 

Hayward City Council’s Sustainability Committee

January 8, 2024

5:00 p.m.

 

• Proposed PG&E Transmission Line Over Highway 92: Discussion and Recommendation to Council

 

PG&E has proposed a new electrical transmission line that would cross Highway 92 to serve a new data center located on Clawiter Road. The crossing is part of a large industrial project that was approved by the Planning Commission in 2021. The proposed alignment of the transmission line would require the removal of several additional mature trees. PG&E is offering mitigation funds to Caltrans, however, by law, Caltrans cannot enter into agreements with private entities.

 

Therefore, Caltrans has requested that the City serve as an intermediary and enter into an agreement with PG&E to accept the funds and an agreement with Caltrans to transfer the funds to Caltrans for tree mitigation. The project consists of four industrial buildings, including a three-story data center, on an approximately 26-acre site located at 25800 Clawiter Road. The site is also adjacent to the California State Route 92 (SR92) highway Staff is seeking the Committee’s direction to negotiate the necessary agreements, which would be presented to the full Council for approval.

 

Committee members directed staff to work with PG&E and CalTrans to prepare the agreement for Council approval with efforts to identify alternatives to removal of 8 Redwood trees.

 

 

• City Fleet Electrification & Electric Vehicle Charging – Discussion and Direction to Staff

 

In October 2022, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted new rules for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The regulations require that, effective January 1, 2024, at least 50 percent of annual vehicle purchases must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and beginning January 1, 2027, 100 percent must be ZEV.

 

The City currently spends approximately $3.2M on its non-emergency fleet, including new vehicle purchases and the operation and maintenance of existing vehicles. Transitioning to electric vehicles is estimated to cost approximately $5.5M per year.

 

Committee members directed staff to present a report to Council, which could include a request to allow staff to continue to work with Ava Community Energy to explore the possibility of a “charging-as-a-service” arrangement or a request to pursue an RFP to prepare construction-level plans for charger installations. Finally, staff will seek Council support for EV purchases in the FY25 operating budget to be approved in the spring of 2024.

 

 

• Compliance with Stormwater Trash Reduction Requirements – Information and Discussion

 

The City is currently 97.7% compliant with C.10 requirements and staff is confident that 100% compliance will be achieved by the July 1, 2025 deadline. Full compliance will be possible with a final full trash capture device installation planned for the spring of 2024 and a robust inspection program for non-compliant private properties with direct discharge to the City’s storm drain system.

 

Staff has been working toward compliance with Section C.10 of the MRP and has taken several steps to achieve 100% trash reduction to eliminate trash from impacting the City’s storm drain system and the San Francisco Bay. In 2012, the City installed its first continuous deflective system (CDS) unit on Tennyson at Tyrrell Avenue as well as 80 small trash capture devices in storm drain inlets. (Report presented by the Public Works Department)

 

 

Angela Andrews

Julie Roche

Francisco Zermeno

 

 

 

San Leandro seeks new council member

Submitted By City of San Leandro

 

The San Leandro City Clerk’s Office is accepting applications to fill the vacant seat in City Council District 1. Applicants must be a registered voter and reside in District 1. The term of office will be ten months and expires on December 31, 2024.

 

Online Application: www.sanleandro.org/DocumentCenter/View/9880/2024-D1-Council-Vacancy-Application-2?bidId=

 

A list of supplemental questions is forthcoming. If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk at clerk@sanleandro.org or (510) 577-3366.

 

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024, by email (clerk@sanleandro.org) or in person at:

 

The City of San Leandro

835 East 14th Street

San Leandro, CA 94577

 

 

 

Union City City Council

January 9, 2024

 

Consent Agenda

• Execute the Consulting Services Agreement with Apex Strategies, in the amount of $147,840, for a total contract amount of $498,190, for transportation strategies support for the Quarry Lakes Parkway Project
• Execute the Consulting Services Agreement with VSCE, Inc., in the amount of $434,000, for a total contract amount of $883,100, for project management services for the Quarry Lakes Parkway Project.

 

 

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci   Aye

Vice Mayor Gary Singh         Aye

Jamie Patino                           Aye

Scott Sakakihara                     Aye

Jeff Wang                               Aye

 

 

 

Valley Water Board of Directors appoints Nai Hsueh as 2024 chair

Submitted By Santa Clara Valley Water District

Photos Courtesy of Valley Water

 

On January 9, 2024, the Valley Water Board of Directors elected Nai Hsueh, District 5 representative, as board chair in 2024. Richard Santos, representing District 3, was elected vice chair. The board vote launches Director Hsueh’s third tenure as chair. Director Hsueh served as board chair in 2013 and 2020.

 

Chair Hsueh, a registered civil engineer in California, worked at Valley Water for three decades. Chair Hsueh takes the leadership role as Valley Water faces challenges such as climate change, inflation and aging infrastructure.

 

“We are here to do good things for the community,” Chair Hsueh said. “I see the role of the chair not as a person with more authority than other board members, but as the coordinator and doer for the board, working with everybody to make sure things happen. With a functional board, we will continue to be a high-performing organization, which will benefit the community.”

 

Chair Hsueh was first elected to the Valley Water Board of Directors in November 2012 to represent District 5, which includes the cities of Cupertino, Saratoga, areas of Sunnyvale and southwest San Jose. Chair Hsueh was re-elected in 2016 and 2020.

 

Vice Chair Santos is embarking on his fourth tenure as Vice Chair, previously serving in 2004, 2009 and 2017. Vice Chair Santos, a retired firefighter and native of Alviso, represents District 3, which includes Alviso, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Milpitas and Berryessa/Alum Rock.

 

Immediately following the handing over of the gavel, board members praised outgoing chairperson John L. Varela for his leadership as Chair Pro Tem in 2022 and Chair in 2023. Director Varela’s service was highlighted with a video featuring some of the agency’s key achievements during his tenure as board chair.

 

Visit www.valleywater.org for more information on the Board of Directors.

 

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted By BART PD

 

Friday, January 5

• At 7:33 a.m. a man identified by police as Vincent Tavares, 37, from Boston, MA was contacted on a train at Bay Fair station. Tavares was arrested for giving false identification; possession of a controlled substance; and drug paraphenalia possession. Tavares was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• At 10:25 p.m. a woman identified by police as Jacklyn Garcia, 43, from San Francisco was contacted at Warm Springs station for smoking on a train. Garcia was arrested for possession of drug paraphenalia and booked into the Santa Rita Jail.

 

Saturday, January 6

• At 1:30 p.m. a man identified by police as Michael Chassereau, 38, from Oakland was taken into custody at Castro Valley station. Chassereau was booked into Alameda County Jail for an active arrest warrant.

 

Monday, January 8

• At 6:34 a.m. a man identified by police as Carl Williams, 60, from Oakland was contacted on a train at Fremont station. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphenalia. Williams also had an active warrant.

 

Tuesday, January 9

• At 7:20 p.m. a man identified by police as Kevin Tobie, 37, from San Francisco was contacted for fare evasion to exit San Leandro station. Tobie was and taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance. Tobie was booked into the Alameda County Jail.

 

Wednesday, January 10

• At 7:47 a.m. man identified by police as Emanual Easter, 36, from Oakland was contacted on the platform of Castro Valley station. Easter was arrested for an active warrant and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

 

Fremont Fire Log

Submitted By Fremont FD

 

Thursday, January 4

• At 10:41 a.m. Fremont firefighters were dispatched to a commercial structure response for a single-story strip mall-type dwelling with multiple businesses and a report of a dryer fire that was spreading.

 

The location of the fire was found in one of the suites and was contained to the room of origin. Business owners and bystanders used two fire extinguishers and some buckets of water to try and extinguish the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters, but smoke filled the entire business and reached the shared attic space which started to impact other businesses in the strip mall.

 

After entry was made, firefighters worked to make sure the entire building was evacuated of business owners, personnel and customers.

 

Crews then made sure the fire was confined to the room of origin, checking beneath the subfloor of the structure and all throughout the attic space. No further flame impingement was found and thermal imaging (TIC) cameras were used to confirm this.

 

The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes. The Fremont Fire investigator at the scene determined the fire started in the dryer. There were no injuries reported from community members or first responders.

 

Friday, January 5

• At 10:32 a.m. Fremont firefighters responded to Arctic Glacier Ice (43960 Fremont Blvd) for a report of an ammonia leak. Firefighters arrived to find a large cloud above the building and Arctic Glacier Ice personnel evacuating the building.

 

The Fremont Fire Department (FFD) Special Operations Task Force, inclusive of the FFD Hazardous Materials Team was immediately requested to respond in order to address the hazardous materials leak.

 

Just prior to 12:00 p.m. a Shelter-In-Place order for the area west of Fremont Blvd., north of S. Grimmer Blvd., east of Grimmer Blvd., and south of Automall Pkwy was called for by the Incident Commander and issued by the Fremont Police Department until approximately 1:00 p.m.

 

Firefighters in Level A suits, personal protective equipment specific for hazardous materials responses, confirmed the leak was limited to ammonia and terminated the exterior leak. The cause of the ammonia release is under investigation. There were no reports of injuries to community members, business personnel or first responders.

 

 

 

Hayward Police Log

Submitted By Hayward PD

 

Sunday, December 31

• At about 12:47 a.m. officers responded to the report of a man lying in the roadway near the intersection of Skywest Drive and Sueirro Street. Officers arrived on scene and located an unresponsive male, suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical personnel responded and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The victim’s identity is known but is being withheld at this time. There is currently no one in custody for this incident.

 

This is an active investigation, and more details will be released when they are available.

 

Anyone with information related to the homicide is asked to call Detective Niedenthal at (510) 293-7176. The Hayward Police Department case number is 2023-74047. This was Hayward’s 10th homicide for 2023.

 

Friday, January 5

• Officers were asked to check a man’s welfare after family said he was acting agitated and paranoid. Officers saw him driving near his house and did a traffic stop to investigate and see if the man was okay.

 

The man did not appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis, but instead showed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The man was arrested on suspicion of DUI. During an inventory search of the car, a handgun, large quantities of cash, suspected narcotics, and Molotov cocktails were found.

 

To ensure there was no other contraband inside the man’s home, officers authored a search warrant of his house, which was approved by a judge. Officers searched the home and found no other suspected narcotics, weapons, or Molotov cocktails.

 

 

 

Newark Police Log

Submitted By Newark PD

 

Monday, January 1

• 12:30 p.m.: Officer Frentescu was dispatched to a parking lot on Newark Boulevard for a vehicle that had front-end damage and a shattered windshield. Officer Frentescu arrived and discovered the vehicle occupied by a 43-year-old male out of San Pablo. He was found to have two felony warrants and was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• 4:29 p.m.: Officers were alerted to a wanted vehicle entering Newark. The vehicle was wanted for evading a neighboring police agency. Sergeant Warren located the vehicle turning westbound onto Central Avenue from Cherry Street and conducted a high-risk stop. Three juveniles were safely detained. The driver, a 16-year-old male out of Newark, was identified and released to his parents. The vehicle was towed pursuant to a vehicle seizure warrant with a 30-day hold.

 

• 8:14 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to a fast-food establishment where the employee was battered by the suspect, a 34-year-old unsheltered male. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect in the area. Officer Swadener arrested him for battery and an outstanding warrant. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• 9:32 p.m.: Officer Riddles attempted a traffic stop on Mowry Avenue near Rockrose Drive. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield, while doing 20 MPH for a couple of city blocks. He was ultimately pulled over on Cherry Street, which resulted in a high-risk stop. The driver, a 19-year-old male out of Fremont, stated he was young and too afraid to pull over after taking his mother’s vehicle without permission. He was arrested and released from the scene with a citation for evading and running a red light.

 

Tuesday, January 2

• 12:00 a.m.: Officers were dispatched to a court order violation at a residence on Port Sailwood Drive. The suspect, a 22-year-old female out of Newark, fled in a blue sedan prior to police arrival. Officer Riddles located the blue sedan driving recklessly away from the area at a high rate of speed, which turned out to be driven by a 62-year-old female out of Newark, and the 22-year-old suspect was located hiding in back seat. Officer Riddles determined the driver was under the influence of drugs and arrested her for DUI. Officer Townsend arrested the 22-year-old suspect for the court order violation. Both were booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• 2:28 p.m.: Officer C. Torres located the brown colored Kia that fled from Officer Williams (01/01/2024) on Dairy Avenue at Cherry Street, now without license plates affixed to it. As Officer Williams responded to the stolen vehicle, he spotted the driver of the Kia walking in the area. Officers located the subject, a 28-year-old male out of Hayward, and was arrested for felony evasion and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

Wednesday, January 3

• 9:44 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to the area of Spruce Street and Hermitage Avenue for a report of an in-progress auto burglary or possible vehicle theft. The reporting party stated two suspects were inside a neighbor’s vehicle. The suspects were associated with a silver Honda Civic with rust spots. Sgt. Mapes arrived on scene and spotted the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic enforcement stop. The vehicle fled the area at a high rate of speed and was last seen on eastbound SR-84. No pursuit was initiated. Officers located (2) auto burglary victim vehicles in the area.

 

• 10:32 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to Thornton Avenue and Gateway Boulevard for a report of a robbery. The victim was out for a walk when he was punched and had his wallet and cell phone taken. The suspects fled the scene. Case investigated by Officer Townsend.

 

Friday, January 5

• 9:46 a.m.: Officer Stevenson responded to a noise complaint at an apartment on Bettencourt Street. During her investigation, she located an occupied stolen vehicle in the parking lot and arrested a 37-year-old female out of Elk Grove for possession of a stolen vehicle and carrying a loaded concealed firearm. She contacted and arrested a 37-year-old male out of Newark for felony warrants. They were both booked into Santa Rita Jail. She also contacted a 38-year-old male out of Newark who was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was issued a citation and released on scene.

 

• 10:46 a.m.: During a proactive security check at a motel, Officer Lara conducted a probation search of a known probationer in the parking lot. That led him to an associated motel room, where he contacted and arrested a 34-year-old male for outstanding warrants and a 30-year-old female out of Fremont for possession of drugs and paraphernalia. The male was booked into Santa Rita Jail, the female was issued a citation.

 

Sunday, January 7

• 12:17 a.m.: Officers responded to a bar for a report of subjects fighting with security. Officer Swadener arrived on scene and detained two subjects. Both subjects were extremely intoxicated and refused to identify themselves. Security declined to press charges. Officer Swadener arrested the two subjects for being drunk in public and booked them into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• 8:02 a.m.: Officer Williams conducted a security check at a Motel on Cedar Court. He located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the parking lot. Further investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, both were on probation for vehicle theft. A probation search of their shared motel room revealed several credit cards and ID’s not belonging to them, multiple ignition keys to different types of vehicles and 2.4 grams of methamphetamine. Both suspects, a 35-year-old female out of Oakland and a 32-year-old male out of Hayward, were arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail for the listed crimes.

 

 

 

Alameda County Program Launched to Combat Real Estate Fraud

Submitted by Office of the Alameda County District Attorney

 

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price’s Consumer Justice Bureau launches the ‘Real Estate Fraud Notification Program.’ It is an innovative, proactive, free program to combat real estate fraud and is designed to protect homeowners from potential fraudulent activity affecting property ownership.

 

Here is how it works. When the title of a property is transferred to another person, from the filing of a Grant Deed or Quitclaim Deed at the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder Office, a letter from the District Attorney’s Office is automatically generated and mailed to notify the owner of the transfer. The letter also includes a copy of the first five pages of the document which triggered the notification. Homeowners who are not aware of the transfer are able to contact the District Attorney Real Estate Fraud Unit at www.alcoda.org/cewpd/real-estate-fraud/ to have the matter investigated, prosecuted, and ultimately voided by the Court.

 

“The goal of this program is to protect the most valuable asset a person in Alameda County can have, and that’s their home. All too often, white-collar thieves target the equity earned by seniors in our community who purchased their homes many years ago,” said District Attorney Pamela Price. “This free program is designed to proactively investigate, prosecute, and void any fraudulent transfer.”

 

 

 

Rampant Retail Theft Pushes Newsom to call for new CA Crackdown

Submitted by San Leandro Patch

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom, on January 9, called for new laws to crack down on property crime and retail theft after countless reports of organized retail crime, car burglaries and smash-and-grabs throughout the state. Newsom released a framework that aims to expand and stiffen criminal penalties and bolster police and prosecutor tools to combat theft and take down thieves.

 

He wants the bill to increase felony penalties and prison time, as well as ensure police can arrest suspects of retail theft, even if they don't witness a crime in progress. He also wants to allow law enforcement to combine the value of multiple thefts, create new penalties for organized auto burglary, eliminate the sunset date for the organized retail crime statute, and increase penalties for large-scale resellers of stolen goods.

 

“Building on California’s existing laws and record public safety investments, I'm calling for new legislation to expand criminal penalties for those profiting on retail theft and auto burglaries,” Newsom said in a statement. “These laws will make California safer and bolster police and prosecutor tools to arrest and hold professional criminals accountable.”

 

A surge in organized retail crime and thefts throughout the state has prompted some companies to close stores, citing the safety of customers and workers. Last spring, a Home Depot employee was fatally shot while trying to stop a theft from a store in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the fall, Target closed nine stores across four states, including three high-profile stores in the Bay Area. “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” the company said in a statement at the time. “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”

 

California has the 10th lowest threshold nationally for prosecutors to charge theft suspects with a felony. Under current state laws, shoplifters who steal less than $950 face a misdemeanor charge.

 

 

 

Pioneer of the Month: Dimitrios Klonaras

Submitted by CSUEB Athletics Communications

 

For December 2023, Dimitrios Klonaras, from Cal State East Bay men’s basketball, was named Pioneer of the Month.

 

As the Pioneers went 5-0 in December, Klonaras averaged 18.2 points per game and had 16 total steals during the month. His double double on December 2 was part of a week in which he earned CCAA Player of the Week honors (games played on Nov. 31 and Dec. 2). Throughout the entire season through December, he was the leading scorer in the CCAA with 16.2 points per game. His 30 steals on the season after December’s competition also led the conference by the end of the month.

 

 

Previous athletes of the month:

 

November 2023: Tehani Kong – Swimming

October 2023: Mika Sayfurahman – Women’s Soccer

August/September 2023: Aaron Farnan – Men’s Soccer

 

 

 

Super Hero Run

Submitted by Newark Recreation Department

 

Family, friends, walk or run, all are welcome to the Super Hero Run! The Super Hero Run will have oversized games, music, giveaways, plus it’s a healthy way to kick off your weekend. The run will take place at Lakeshore Park with the race beginning promptly at 5 p.m. One registration required per person (2 years and under free).

 

Spots fill up quickly, so make sure to register early. Register at newarkca.activityreg.com. Questions? Email jessennia.taimani@newark.org.

 

 

Super Hero Run

Friday, Feb 16

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Lakeshore Park

Lake Blvd., Newark

newarkca.activityreg.com

jessennia.taimani@newark.org

 

 

 

Tumlin Soars in Gladiators’ Triumph

Submitted by Chabot College Athletics

 

Chabot women’s basketball star, Kelly Tumlin, ushered in the New Year with a landmark performance, tying the school record with 38 points in a 57-49 win over visiting Shasta Thursday, January 4.

 

Tumlin amassed nine 3-pointers as the Gladiators, ranked 14th in the CCCWBCA State Poll, improved to 12-5. Alexa Pletschette added nine points, with two 3’s for Chabot.

 

Chabot wrapped up nonconference play at Redwoods on Monday, January 8 with a loss at 62-57.

 

 

 

Skateboarding Sessions for Women and/or Trans People

Submitted by Skate Like a Girl

 

Women and/or trans people sessions offer an exclusive space for skateboarders who identify as girls, women, trans, non-binary, and/or gender expansive to build community through skateboarding.

 

Ages five and up are welcome and all skill levels are encouraged to join. Helmets are mandatory for any skaters under the age of 18. Both skate lessons and open skate are available, however space is limited so pre-registration is required. Skate lessons are $15 and open skate is $10. A 10% discount is given when registering two people, scholarships are available.

 

 

Women and/or Trans people Skateboarding Sessions

Wednesdays through Mar 27

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Rob Skate Academy

14492 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro

www.skatelikeagirl.com

Lessons: $ 15, Open skate: $ 10

 

 

 

Mission San Jose Warriors outlast Newark Memorial Cougars in midseason duel

By Vidyuth Sridhar

 

On January 13, Mission San Jose High School Varsity Basketball Warriors (Fremont) battled the Newark Memorial High School Cougars (Newark), triumphing 69-60.

 

On the heels of their first regular-season league victory on January 11 against the Irvington High School Vikings (Fremont), the Warriors appeared poised from the tip-off. Early contributions from guards Shlok Prabhu and Darsh Jayaram forced the Cougars to call a timeout early in the first quarter. However, a multitude of Newark defensive stops and offensive turnovers stifled Mission’s strong start — the Warriors only scoring on three more possessions to end the quarter up 17-10.

 

The Cougars continued to rally in the second quarter, taking advantage of their size and strength to punish the Warriors’ interior defense. Forwards Kyle Hopkins and Cristian Failla continued to grab rebounds and draw fouls, extending and generating Newark’s offense to reduce the Warriors’ lead to two points at halftime.

 

With the game still in the balance, Mission San Jose looked to rekindle their offensive spark — largely through their captain, guard Brandon Bao. Bao, who posted a career-high 31 points, notched 13 in the third quarter, repeatedly slashing into the paint to frustrate and tax the Cougar defense. Additional scoring bursts from Jayaram and Prabhu bolstered the Warriors’ run, widening their lead to 47-38 entering the fourth quarter.

 

However, Mission continued to commit fouls whilst on defense, keeping them from definitively sealing the game; Failla’s commanding rim presence, coupled with inside shots from guards Jacob Libiran and Damario Pride, saw the Cougars cut their deficit to six points in the closing minutes. But a late midrange score from Bao finally iced Newark’s attack — Mission hanging on to prevail 69-60.

 

Reflecting on the match, Bao and the Warriors remained confident and jovial. “I think my coach summed it up well pre-game; all we need to do is play our own game and we will be fine … we know that we can outmatch them,” Bao said.

 

The Warriors compete next against the James Logan High School Colts (Union City) at 7 p.m. on January 16 at Mission San Jose High School. Meanwhile, the Cougars will face off against the Washington High School Huskies (Fremont), in Newark Memorial High School on January 16 at 7 p.m.

 

 

 

Become a Part of a New World at StarStruck’s The Little Mermaid

By Hugo Vera

Photos by Rosaura studios

 

StarStruck Theatre’s production of The Little Mermaid is an ambitious undertaking that fans of the original 1989 animated Disney classic will enjoy as well as fans of the Broadway musical version. Coming fresh off the heels of last year’s live-action film adaptation and the 2019 live television special (both of which received polarizing reviews), director Courtney Stokes and producer Lori Stokes (a mother/daughter team) have taken the classic story based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale to literal new heights in a spectacle of song, dance, practical effects and top-tier production design.

 

For those unfamiliar, the musical follows the plight of a young mermaid named Ariel whose father King Triton rules over the seven seas. When Ariel rescues the seafaring Prince Eric of the surface world, she soon becomes torn between satisfying the wants of her protective father while also yearning to explore the surface world. All the while, the wicked sea witch Ursula (the jealous and disgraced sister of King Triton) aims to exploit Ariel's newfound love for Prince Eric in this emotional tale of belonging, love and family. The decision for the plot of this production to blend the storylines from the animated and stage incarnations of the story (as opposed to following just one) makes for a refreshing experience from what could have otherwise been oversaturated intellectual property.

 

The crux of the show lies within the performances from the titular character of Ariel (played by Lila ten Bosch) and her counterpart Prince Eric (Hayden Wood). Ten Bosch and Wood’s on-stage chemistry is matched only by their vocal ranges as their renditions of tracks such as “Part of Your World” and “Her Voice” paint a vivid picture of their respective characters’ motivations. Another stand-alone performance is that of the sea witch Ursula (played by Lici Carey). Carey’s make-up is a subtle nod to the famous drag queen Divine (who was the inspiration for the 1989 depiction of Ursula) while her performance seamlessness juxtaposes malice with charisma, which makes the character simultaneously repulsive yet understandable in her motives. Other notable performances include those of Sebastian (Russell Lym), Flounder (Isabella Dong), Scuttle (Kamran Motahari) and Grimsby (Jai Kaushik) whose neurotic handlings of Ariel and Eric’s courtship provide laughs and colorful insight throughout the show.

 

Merging the animated classic with the musical adaptation is no easy feat, but the cast and music ensemble effortlessly coalesce the two as seen with Lym’s Sebastian leading, “Under the Sea” and Kaushik leading “The Contest.”

 

Much praise is due to the production team who have delivered some of the most impressive set pieces in StarStruck’s history this time around. The use of collapsible Roman-style arches, seaside cliffs, 60-foot-wide painted backdrops, flowing blue ribbons, blacklights and other practical effects fully transport audiences from life on the deck of Prince Eric’s galleon, to the murky depths of Ursula's macabre lair, to the sanctuary of Ariel's treasure grotto. The use of harnesses, roller blades and cables to lift and lower various members of the cast also aid in the audience’s suspension of disbelief as characters swim up and down the underwater settings.

 

For fans of the Disney adaptations, as well as the Broadway show and for those who love both, StarStruck’s production of The Little Mermaid is a mesmerizing spectacle family members of all ages will most definitely enjoy this winter.

 

The show is roughly two hours, 45 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.

 

 

The Little Mermaid

Friday Jan 12 – Sunday, Jan 29

Fri/Sat: 7:30 p.m.

Sun: 2:30 p.m.

Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-1319

StarStruckTheatre.org

Tickets $25 – $35 + ticketing fee

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

 

Congratulations! You have done it again, Father Anthony.

 

Even at the planning stages of the renovation project for our St. Joseph Church of Fremont, you had already encountered several concerns from the parishioners and from the city’s Building Regulatory Board. Fortunately, with God’s blessing and guidance, together with the strong support of our very own Bishop Michael Barber, Monsignor Manny Simas, community groups, and our parishioners’ prayers, your leadership took this project above and beyond the expectations of everyone, leaders, parishioners, and non-parishioners alike.

 

The renovation project went smoothly, with only minor hiccups, from its time of conception in June 2023 until its completion six months later just in time for the anticipatory celebration of the nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

The dedication of the renovated St. Joseph Church and altar was honored with a solemn mass on December 23, 2023 with Bishop Michael Barber and our own parish priest, Father Anthony Huong Le as principle concelebrants. All attendees—including parishioners, community members, family, friends and visitors totaling almost 1,000 people—were enraptured with the reinvigoration of our parish church. They were so jubilant to have witnessed and participated in the divine dedication mass as well as the community celebration of the beautiful and spiritual renovated House of God.

 

Once again, Thank You and Congratulations, Fr. Anthony! Your esteemed and revered leadership have elevated our parish church to be widely known, and a more inspiring and blessed place to worship God.

 

Wilma Cabantac

Fremont

 

 

 

Honor Roll

 

Southern New Hampshire University

Fall 2023 Dean’s List

• Sean O’Neill of Hayward
• Fernando Layog of Hayward
• Azja Walker of Hayward
• Brejonne Clinton of Fremont
• Vicky Prabhakar of Union City
• Ryan Santos of Milpitas
• Emily Olivo of Milpitas

 

DeSales University

Fall 2023 Dean’s List

• Diya Stephen of Fremont

 

Palmer College of Chiropractic San Jose

2023 Graduate

• Tatsuya Ishikawa of Milpitas, Doctor of Chiropractic

 

Hofstra University

Fall 2023 Dean’s List

• Alyssa De La Torre of Union City

 

Hofstra University

Fall 2023 Provost’s List (4.0 GPA)

• Varun Sridhar of Fremont

 

 

 

Hayward CHP welcomes 95 new officers

Submitted By California Highway Patrol Hayward Area Office

 

California Highway Patrol is regarded as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the nation. At the California Highway Patrol we set a very high standard. Our job is critical and we take an oath to stand for something bigger than ourselves – to provide safety, service and security to all the citizens and visitors of our state. It is this same courage and honor of duty we seek from new recruits.

 

CHP is embarking on a mission to fill 1,000 officer positions by hiring qualified individuals from California’s diverse communities. We are husbands, mothers, daughters, athletes, military… but there is one thing we all have in common – we make a difference. We strive to be the best. The average career just won’t do. We are made for more – we are CHP.

 

Congratulations to our 95 new officers who have completed their training and are now ready to serve their communities across California.

 

To learn about a career with the CHP, visit us at chpmadeformore.com

 

 

 

Park District announces new Assistant General Manager of Public Safety/Police Chief

Submitted Dave Mason

 

After a nationwide search, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is announcing the appointment of Chief Roberto Filice as its new Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Police Chief at the public agency. The East Bay Regional Park District’s mission is to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provide open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. Chief Filice will be sworn in and begin the role on January 22, 2024.

 

As the largest regional park district in the country, the park system spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties and serves an estimated 30 million visitors a year through park and trail access, visitor centers, and programs. Its workforce provides services that encompass 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails. The Park District’s Public Safety Division comprises Police, Fire, and Lifeguard Services. The Police Department includes the Air Support Unit, Marine Patrol, Equestrian Patrols, Investigations Unit, and a 24-hour per day 9-1-1 Communications Center.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Roberto Filice,” said Sabrina Landreth, General Manager at the East Bay Regional Park District. “We look forward to his leadership and strong sense of community service in this important role that prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and exceptional park experiences.”

 

Chief Roberto Filice said, “With a community-focused and team-oriented approach, I am ready to build partnerships, mentor and support career development opportunities, collaborate to enhance our work, and commit to serving the public in my role at the East Bay Regional Park District.”

 

The Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Police Chief position will further enhance the vital work of Fire, Police and Lifeguard Services, knowing that public safety and quality of life are both personal and shared responsibilities for all community members.

 

Chief Filice has served as the Chief of the Salinas Police Department since 2021, following his tenure there as Assistant Chief for four years. During his tenure, his strategic vision was centered on crime reduction, fostering new opportunities for officer career development, enhancing organizational efficiency through technological advancements, and a steadfast commitment to refining and cultivating community relationships.

 

Chief Filice’s academic achievements include the successful completion of the FBI National Academy (Session 255), Senior Management Institute in Policing (SMIP), FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS), Peace Officers Standards and Training Executive Certificate, a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration, and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Additionally, Chief Filice holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mountain State University and is currently attending the prestigious Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

 

Chief Filice actively participates in various professional associations, reflecting his commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Salinas Faith-Based Organizations, California Police Chiefs Association, FBI National Academy Associates, serves as the Central California Representative on the CalChiefs Board of Directors, and is a Board Member of the Marina Police Activities League.

 

 

 

Continuing Events:

 

Tuesdays

East Bay Games Meet

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

German/Euro style board games and card games.

Swiss Park

5911 Mowry Ave., Newark

(510) 936-2523

meetup.com/east-bay-games

sfdavidkaye@yahoo.com

 

Tuesdays, September 19 – May 28

It's Storytime

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Stories, finger plays, nursery rhymes, songs, and musical instruments.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org

For ages 18 month- 6 yrs.

 

Tuesdays, January 2 – April 30

Bilingual Family Storytime / 中英雙語故事時間

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Features movement, singing, and action!

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

For babies, preschoolers, and toddlers.

 

Tuesdays, January 9 – March 26

Music and Storytime

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

For stories, music, and movement every Tuesday morning.

Cherryland Community Center

278 Hampton Road, Hayward

(510) 626-8522

aclibrary.org/locations/CHY/

sanlorenzo@aclibrary.org

For babies, toddlers, preschoolers.

 

Tuesdays

Mobile Food Distribution with Tri-City Volunteers

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Bring your own bag.

Fremont Adult and Continuing Education

4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont

(510) 793-6465

tri-cityvolunteers.org/food

First and Third Tuesdays of the month

 

Wednesdays

Ping Pong

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Activities for people with Parkinson

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

issuu.com/hsdept

mtorrez@fremont.gov

 

Wednesdays

Tropics Bingo

7:00 pm

Flash games

Tropics Mobile Home Park

33000 Almaden Blvd., Union City

(510) 471-8550

the-tropics.net/activites

 

Wednesdays, January 10 – March 27

Drop in Technology R

3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

Local teens from high schools that volunteer to assist with your tech needs.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

Drop-in.

 

Wednesdays

Free Hot Meals – Eden Greenway

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Food truck to distribute meals and books to the community.

Eden Youth & Family Center

680 W. Tennyson Rd., Hayward

(510) 881-7535

lindsey.vien@hayward-ca.gov

First and Third Wednesdays of the month

 

Wednesdays, December 20 – December 18

Genealogy Study Group R

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Family history research or just the companionship of others with the genealogy bug.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

First and Third Wednesdays of the month

 

Wednesdays, January 17 – March 20

Celebrating Diversity Circle R

10:00 am – 12:30 pm

The diverse individuals walking through the same stage of life together.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

First and Third Wednesdays of the month

 

Wednesdays and Saturdays, January 10 – December 20

Free Open House Nature Learning Center & Pollinator Garden

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Sat: 10 am to 2 pm

See native mammals and birds, explore a compost worm bin and more.

Nature Learning Center at Central Park

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

https://www.fremont.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11557/638213003756970000

Check availability.

 

Thursdays, December 28 – January 25

Stay N' Play! R

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Make friends, play with toys, explore arts and more.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

Ages 12 – 36 months. Free tickets.

 

Thursdays, January 4 – December 26

CleanStart Mobile Hygiene Unit Visit

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

At the library's parking lot to provide hygiene services to the unhoused.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

Recommend checking for availability.

 

Thursdays, January 4 – March 28

International Folk Dancing R$

11:15 pm – 1:00 pm

Celebrate the cultural roots and traditional life of various countries.

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

In English and Chinese.

 

Thursdays, January 11 – March 28

Chinese Music Ensemble R

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Open to all who are interested in performing traditional Chinese music.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

 

Thursdays, January 18 – February 22

Family Board Game Night

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Play together with family and friends or make some new friends at the library.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

Board games will be provided.

 

Thursdays, January 11 – March 21

Homeschool Pre-Teen Social Hour

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Making new friends and sharing your interests with other homeschoolers.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

lisacarter@aclibrary.org

For homeschoolers ages 9-13. (510) 284-0675.

Second and third Thursdays of the month

 

Thursdays, January 18 – May 16

Learn through Play (Special Needs Friendly)

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Designed for children with special needs, open to children of all abilities.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

For age 5-14. Check for availability.

Second and third Thursdays of the month

 

Thursdays – Sundays

Animal Feeding

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Feed livestock and learn about their favorite food.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events

 

Thursdays, December 21 – May 16

Book Club for Grades 3 & 4 R

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

This program will be facilitated by an adult volunteer from Read to Thrive.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

Third Thursdays of the month

 

Thursdays and Saturdays

Story Time

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Picture book story time

Banter Bookshop

3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F., Fremont

(510) 565-1004

bit.ly/3VFpbcz

 

Thursdays and Tuesdays, November 9 – May 23

Literacy Enrichment Program R

4:00 pm – 5:45 pm

Support struggling readers through personalized lesson plans and dedicated tutoring.

from enthusiastic volunteers

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org

Email to register.

 

Thursdays – Saturdays, January 18 – March 16

Hidden Treasures – Local Talent

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Art exhibition – Showcase artwork by local Fremont and Bay Area artists.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

olivehydeartguild.org

Check gallery open schedules during exhibitions.

 

Fridays, December 29 – May 10

Go: The Game R

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Go is an ancient game of strategy. To learn the game or to play it.

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

All ages and levels.

 

Fridays, December 29 – November 29

Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Class

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Falun Dafa classes provided by the Classical Arts Foundation.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

Language: English, Mandarin, Vietnamese.

 

Fridays, January 12 – March 29

African Dance and Culture R$

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Experience the joy and vitality of African Dance!

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

 

Fridays and Saturdays

Free Telescope Viewings

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing!

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

chabotspace.org/calendar

Weather permitting.

 

Saturdays

Free Beginner Pickleball Lesson

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Free pickleball lesson taught by a USPA professional.

Hall Memorial Park

304 La Honda Dr, Milpitas

(408) 586-3210

Drop-in. Weather permitting.

 

Saturdays

Laugh Track City R$

8:00 pm

Series of improvised games and scenes

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont

(510) 573-3633

madeuptheatre.com

 

Saturdays, January 6 – May 25

Family Storytime

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

The story time features lots of movement, singing, and action.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

For babies, toddlers, preschoolers, family events.

 

Saturdays, January 6 – December 28

Computer Crew: Teen Tech Help

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Meet with a tutor to get assistance with basic tech issues.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

Check for availability. For adults, seniors.

 

Saturdays, January 13 – March 30

History Museum Visit $

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Visit the various halls that highlight the fossils of the San Francisco Bay area.

Children's Natural History Museum

4074 Eggers Dr., Fremont

(510) 790-6284

Self-guided tour.

 

Saturdays, January 27 – February 10

Fremont Neighborhood Tree Plantings R

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Planting 15-gallon street trees in front of homes in several Fremont neighborhoods!

www.urbanforestfriends.org/

Signed waiver. Age 15+.

 

Saturdays

Pacific Bus Museum $

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Open house

Pacific Bus Museum

37974 Shinn St., Fremont

pacbus.org

info@pacbus.org

First and third Saturday of the month

 

Saturdays, September 2 – February 17

Book Sale

10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Pop into the bookstore on the first floor for some great deals!

Hayward Public Library

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 293-8685

hayward.librarycalendar.com

First and third Saturday of the month

 

Saturdays, January 20 – May 18

Chess for Kids

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Have fun with the philosopher’s game—chess!

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

For kids under 10 yrs. Space is limited.

Third Saturday of the month

 

Sundays

Weekly meditation Session R

8:30 am – 9:30 am

Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss.

India Community Center

525 Los Coches St., Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

samarpanmeditationusa.org

info@indiacc.org

info@samarpanmeditationusa.org

 

Sundays, January 7 – April 14

English Conversations at the Library R

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Open to learners of any English skill level.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

Recommend checking availability.

 

Sundays, January 7 – February 25

ICC Chess Classes R$

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Kids will learn the fundamentals of chess.

The India Community Center – Table Tennis Center

1507 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas

(408) 945-9556

Age 5+. Entry/Beginner Level

 

Sundays – Saturdays

Recreational Swim $

12:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Attractions may vary.

Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center

6800 Mowry Ave., Newark

(510) 578-4620

bit.ly/3nxo0is

 

Mondays, December 18 – May 20

Advanced Math + Science Tutoring

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Offering free high school and college-level tutoring.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

nsilva@aclibrary.org

 

Mondays, January 8 – March 25

Beginning Zumba Gold R$

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

This is a dance fitness program.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

 

Mondays, January 22 – March 25

Monday English Conversations at the Library R

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

Check availability.

 

Mondays, January 8 – May 13

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Members advise the library on the best way to connect with and serve teens.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/658773781abde542006542b2

Application is required. Checking availability.

First and Fourth Mondays of the month

 

Mondays, January 22 – April 22

Paperwork Clinic

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Had a brush with the law? Our team provides support services.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

jrogers@aclibrary.org

Check availability

Fourth Monday of the month

 

Mondays – Fridays, January 16 – March 7

“Something Minimal” Art Exhibition

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

HAC member exhibition.

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B Street, Hayward

Located within Hayward City Hall.

 

Mondays – Thursdays, December 5 – May 23

Homework Help Center

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Offer primary and secondary students FREE homework assistance.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/

nsilva@aclibrary.org

For kids, teens. Recommend checking availability.

 

Mondays – Thursdays, December 5 – May 30

Homework Help Center

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Get your homework questions answered for grades K-8 during open hours.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/

sanlorenzo@aclibrary.org

For kids, teens.

 

Mondays and Thursdays, December 21 – May 23

Homework Help Center

3:45 pm – 5:45 pm

Students in grades K – 8 can get help with their homework questions.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

Drop-in.

 

Mondays and Thursdays

Fruit Tree Gleaning

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Donate fresh fruits from your garden.

LEAF CR Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave., Fremont

fremontleaf.org/glean

info@fremontleaf.org.

 

Mondays and Thursdays

Food Garden Volunteer

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Learning from experienced gardeners.

LEAF CR Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave., Fremont

volunteer@fremontleaf.org

Volunteer agreement form is required.

 

Mondays and Thursdays

Free Hot Meals – Eden Greenway

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Food Truck to bring FREE hot meals to South Hayward.

Eden Greenway Park

25625 Cypress Ave., Hayward

(510) 881-7535

lindsey.vien@hayward-ca.gov

On the corner of Harder and Cypress Avenue.

 

Mondays and Wednesdays, January 8 – May 29

Homework Help for Grades K-6

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Receive homework help from the tutors.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

dlara@sccl.org

 

Tuesdays, January 23 – May 28

LEGO® Time

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

Drop-in. For everyone.

 

Tuesdays, January 23 – March 26

Comfort & Joy Ukulele R

1:30 pm – 0:00 pm

A group of ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs and learning new.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Tuesday, January 16

Tech-Artificial Intelligence R

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Learn what is artificial intelligence. Space is limited.

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

 

Tuesday, January 16

Android Phone Training R

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

FREE training – make your Android phone work better for you!

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

 

Tuesday, January 16

Booklegger Volunteer Orientation R

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Volunteers visit 2nd – 5th grade classrooms throughout the Fremont Unified School District.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

 

Wednesday, January 17

Comedy at the Stage Door Lounge $R

7:30 pm

Prepare to be rolling on the stage laughing.

Bankhead Theatre

2400 First St., Livermore

(510) 373-6800

 

Wednesday, January 17

Open House Breakfast $R

8:00 am – 11:00 am

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

Registration: (510) 742-7540.

 

Wednesday, January 17

Career Ready – Dynamic Resume Workshop R

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Presented by Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

 

Thursday, January 18

Teen Gamers Club R

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

 

Thursday, January 18

Digital Art Class $R

4:00 pm

Learn the fundamentals of creating digital art using the state-of-the-art Procreate app.

Imaginook Art Studio

39675 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(214) 864-5133

www.imaginook.us/teens-adult-classes

For 10 – 16+

 

Thursday, January 18

CVUSD Special Education Paraprofessional Job Fair

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

CVUSD is hiring Special Education Paraprofessionals

Castro Valley Unified School District

4400 Alma Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 537-3000

www.cv.k12.ca.us/SPED_jobfair/

Pre-register for interview.

 

Friday, January 19

Terrarium Workshop

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Learn how to make a happy and healthy home for your plant.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

For age 6+. First-come, first-served basis.

 

Friday, January 19

Mobile Food Distribution

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

By the Tri City Mobile Food Pantry. Food is available for the first 80 families in attendance.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

Please bring your own reusable bag.

 

Friday, January 19

Terrarium Workshop

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Learn how to make a happy and healthy home for your plant.

Irvington Library

41825 Greenpark Drive, Fremont

(510) 795-2631

First-come, first-served basis.

 

Friday, January 19

Friday Night Features! $R

8:00 pm

An improv comedy show featuring in-house and visiting improv comedians.

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont

(510) 573-3633

 

Saturday, January 20

Candle Dipping

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Learn the traditional Victorian art of beeswax candle making and make your own.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

All ages.

 

Saturday, January 20

Make a Bracelet $R

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Learn the basics of jewelry making while creating beautiful seed bead bracelets.

Michaels Store – McCarthy Ranch

153 Ranch Dr., Milpitas

Beginner level. Age 13+.

 

Saturday, January 20

Alameda Elks Annual Crab Feed $R

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

All-you-can-eat crab feed includes pasta, garlic bread, salad, wine, and dessert.

Alameda Elks Lodge #1015

2255 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda

(510) 522-1015

 

Saturday, January 20

Comedy Shorts Night $R

7:30 pm

Caught in the Rain (1914, Keystone) – Charlie Chaplin,

The Rounders (1914, Keystone) – Roscoe Arbuckle, Charlie Chaplin and more…

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-1411

 

Saturday, January 20

My First DIY Toolbox Workshop at Lowe's R

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Workshops hosted by the Red Vest expert.

Lowe’s Union City

32040 Union Landing Blvd., Union City

www.lowes.com/diy-projects-and-ideas/workshops

For kids. Register now.

 

Saturday, January 20

DIY Craft Day: Bookmarks

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Children will get to decorate their very own custom bookmarks!

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

For kids. Drop in and at your own pace.

 

Saturday, January 20

Cave Exploration with CaveSim

10:30 am – 4:30 pm

To explore 60+ feet of tunnels and a 12′ vertical caving tower.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

For age 3+.

 

Saturday, January 20

Storytime with AAC (Special Needs Friendly)

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Build your child’s communication skills through shared reading!

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

prubanova@aclibrary.org

Contact Polina at (510) 745-1464, ext. 6.

 

Saturday, January 20

Making Tracks

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Look for animal tracks in the marsh, explore animal track molds, and make your own.

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

All ages. Drop-in.

 

Saturday, January 20

Diamonds in Education Gala 2024 $R

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Raise funds for students and schools in NHU School District.

Featuring celebrity emcee Fatima Silva, live auction, casino games and prizes, and more.

Paradise Ballroom

4100 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 350-3177

nhsfoundation.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/DiamondsinEducation2024/tabid/1391544/Default.aspx

 

Saturday, January 20

Dinosaur Science: What are dinosaurs? $R

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Will learn the basics of dinosaur science, from geologic time to classification.

Children's Natural History Museum

4074 Eggers Dr., Fremont

(510) 790-6284

Age 7 – 10.

 

Saturday, January 20

Canine Capers

9:00 am – 11:00 am

Learn about the natural world around us as we hike park trails.

Sunol Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

For age 8+.

 

Saturday, January 20

Portuguese-American Fraternal Benefit Society 5/36 Crab Feed $R

6:00 pm

All-you-can-eat crab feed, includes hot and cold crab, salad, bread, spaghetti, and more.

I.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall of Hayward

1105 C St., Hayward

(510) 461-5757

Neuze Garcia @ (510) 566-9040.

 

Saturday, January 20

Introduction To Herbalism R

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

An interactive class on herbal medicine as an ancient, holistic practice.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

amoffett@aclibrary.org

 

Sunday, January 21

Native Plant Uses R

The native plant hike where to learn their traditional uses.

Sunol Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

Age 18+.

 

Saturdays, January 20 – February 3

Dinosaurs!

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Take a class with a researcher to learn about the dinosaurs!

Children's Natural History Museum

4074 Eggers Dr., Fremont

(510) 790-6284

Age 7-10.

 

Saturdays, January 20 – January 27

Fiber Art Makers

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join fellow fiber art makers in this open space to work on a current project.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

For teens and adults.

 

Sunday, January 21

Popeye the Sailor 90th Anniversary Showcase $R

3:00 pm

This program was assembled by Fabulous Fleischer Cartoons Restored in 2023.

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-1411

 

Sunday, January 21

Bath Bomb Bliss $R

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Learn to create your own bath bombs to give as gifts or to pamper yourself.

Michaels Store – McCarthy Ranch

153 Ranch Dr., Milpitas

Beginner level. Age 13+.

 

Sunday, January 21

Towhee Trek

9:30 am – 1:30 pm

The hike is 6 2/3 miles, through some very beautiful country.

Lake Chabot Regional Park

17600 Laker Chabot Rd., Castro Valley

EBMUD Chabot Staging Area.

(510) 544-3187.

 

Sunday, January 21

Modern Embroidery Workshop Brooch $R

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Learn basic embroidery stitches, and more.

Imaginook Art Studio

39675 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(214) 864-5133

www.imaginook.us/embroidery-workshop

All the materials are included.

 

Sunday, January 21

Sunday Make Break: Watercolor Frame R

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Come in-store and make a fun free craft!

Michaels Stores

Fremont, Milpitas, San Leandro, Union City

All ages. Completely free.

 

Sunday, January 21

What is ChatGPT? R

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

An introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence models like ChatGPT, Bard and Claude.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

For teens and adults.

 

Sunday, January 21

Paint in Color

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

To foster your inner artist by water coloring in the tranquil butterfly garden.

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

Drop-in. All ages.

 

Monday, January 22

KidsConstruct

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

To build and play with LEGOs, blocks, magna-tiles, and more.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

 

Tuesday, January 23

Prompt-Engineering for Open-Source LLMs R

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Examine what it takes to prompt-engineer on an open-source LLM with RAG to boost performance.

Online Events

www.eventbrite.com/e/prompt-engineering-for-open-source-llms-tickets-791669814727?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse

 

Tuesday, January 23

Online Author Talk with Rajiv Nagaich – “Your Retirement: Dream or Disaster?” R

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Learn how to avoid the hidden traps in retirement planning advice!

Online Events

hayward.librarycalendar.com

michelle.nogales@hayward-ca.gov

Registration: libraryc.org/haywardlibrary/37395

 

Tuesdays, January 23 – January 30

Let's Art – Botanical Printing

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

From treating the paper with alum water, to making greeting cards out of your masterpieces.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

For teens and adults, and at all levels.

 

Saturday, January 27

Boys & Girls Clubs Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser $R

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Meet the kids, learn our programs and indulge in great crab, pasta, salad and more!

Dinner is on 1/27/2024.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro

2200 San Leandro Blvd., San Leandro

(510) 483-5581

Ticket/Registration: https://tinyurl.com/CrabFeed24

 

Saturday, January 27

Newark Holy Ghost Crab Feed $R

3:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Annual crab feed – all you can eat.

Newark Pavilion

6430 Thornton Ave., Newark

(510) 793-4062

Ticket: (510) 203-3825, (510) 455-6386.

 

Sunday, January 28

Paint ‘n' Sip Fundraiser $R

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

All profits go to local domestic violence intervention nonprofit, SAVE.

Women of Temple Beth Torah

42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont

(510) 656-7141

www.bethtorah-fremont.org/wtbt

womentbt@gmail.com

Age 12+.

Register by 1/21/24

 

Sunday, February 4

Castro Valley Reads 2024 R

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Cold Millions by Jess Walter – highlight the history of unions and the rights of workers.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

Registration has started.