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Japanese American Memorial Dedication in Hayward
Submitted by Robbin Kawabata
On February 4, dozens of Bay Area community members paid tribute to the 606 Japanese American residents of the Hayward area who were removed in 1942, dedicating a new public sculpture at the Hayward Heritage Plaza. The sculpture, designed by artist and historian Patricia Wakida, was commissioned by the City of Hayward nearly three years ago. It includes the names of persons of Japanese ancestry from the Hayward region who were forced into incarceration camps as a result of Executive Order 9066.
Over sixty Hayward city officials and guests attended the ceremony at Hayward Heritage Plaza—the same park where these Japanese American families were ordered to report with their baggage to wait for buses that would take them to the Tanforan detention center in nearby San Bruno.
Before the area was called Hayward, it had other geographical identifiers, including Eden Township, its most common name in the 1900s. At that time, the area was a largely agricultural, with fruit orchards, truck crop farms, and dozens of flower nurseries run by Japanese American immigrant families.
Following the passage of Executive Order 9066 in February, 1942, 108 Civilian Exclusion Orders were issued to remove Japanese Americans on the West Coast from their homes, under penalty of fines and imprisonment. Exclusion Order No. 34 affected the area of Alameda County from San Leandro to Warm Springs. It ordered Japanese Americans to register at the Civil Control Station on 920 C Street in Hayward on May 4, 1942, and then required about 600 of them to assemble at the Hayward Plaza on May 8.
Renowned photographer Dorothea Lange was hired by the Wartime Civil Control Administration agency to record the removal of the Japanese Americans in Hayward. Lange’s photoshoot has resulted in some of the most iconic government photos produced of the WWII camp experience, including portraits of the Mochida family, Aso family, Mae Yanagi, and Hisako Hibi with daughter Ibuki.
The new sculpture has been installed near historical markers describing the events that occurred there in 1942. The sculpture, fabricated of stainless steel, consists of three distinct layers, which represent “earth, man, and heaven,” according to artist Patricia Wakida.
“The largest metal cylinder references the surrounding geography and land, the ‘earth,’ where the names of the 606 people we are honoring and remember are etched. The uppermost cut edge of the cylinder echoes the undulating surrounding hills, with their spring streams and oak and bay laurel forests. The shape of the Hayward hills is meant to capture the vista, and root the names in this site to a specific place.
“The second cylinder, or ‘man,’ tells the story of the Japanese Americans who settled in this region and were predominately engaged in the floral industry, growing carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses among other cut flowers and plants for the booming flower industry. This image of the once ubiquitous greenhouse, that enabled the community to bloom despite a rampantly anti-Asian climate, is mirrored by an image of the stark barracks at Topaz—the roses of their labor transforming into lengths of barbed wire that would entwine in their lives during the war.
“The third and uppermost circle, or ‘heaven,’ features four circular motifs that represent peace, solidarity, Japan and the United States, and finally a remembrance of the day that the community was forced into exile by their own government.”
Honoree names on the sculpture (who were present that day or born in camp) are: Sumi Haramaki Lampert, Frank Koji Hashimoto, Ibuki Hibi Lee, Satoshi Hibi, Takeo Kato, Kayoko Mochida Ikuma, Tooru Mochida, Fred M. Shinoda, Aileen Yamashita Hisaoka, Jane Yanagi Diamond, and Mae Yanagi Ferral.
Speakers at the ceremony included Hayward mayor Mark Salinas, Memorial Art Committee project leader Robbin Kawabata, honoree Mae Yanagi Ferral, artist Patricia Wakida, Lois Oda from the Eden Township JACL Chapter, and Master of Ceremonies Victor Fujii. Musicians Peter and Wendy Horikoshi and Kyle Kashima performed the original song “Tanforan” at a reception held after the ceremony at the Hayward Library.
Funding for the sculpture was primarily from the City of Hayward with additional funding from the JACL Legacy Fund Grant.
Hayward Heritage Plaza
835 C St., Hayward
Jewelry, Gem, and Mineral Show
Submitted by Cathy Miller
The Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley (MGSCV), a nonprofit educational corporation, will hold its 72nd annual “Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show & Sale” from March 3 to 5 at the Newark Pavilion. This is a family-friendly, educational event. Over 40 quality jewelry, mineral, gem, bead, and fossil dealers display these items and more for sale at what is considered by many to be one of the best Society shows in Northern California. We have several schools and classes planning to bring children to learn more about rocks, gems, minerals, fossils, geology, and lapidary (working with rocks, gemstones, and fossils).
Members of MGSCV and guests will present about 25 displays of rocks, minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, and more. Lapidary processes, ways to work with rocks, how to clean fossils, and jewelry making (including beading, how to make your own settings, carving) will also be presented with live demonstrations throughout the weekend. Rocks of all kinds, crystals, petrified wood, fossils, artifacts, meteorites, fluorescent minerals, gemstones of all varieties and finished gems, beads, jewelry, lapidary and jewelry supplies, and more will be on display and/or for sale.
The Math-Science Nucleus of Fremont, will showcase an exhibit with a variety of local Irvington District Ice Age fossils on the main stage in Hall 1. A large collection of fluorescent minerals will be on display in a special dark room, presented by the Fluorescent Mineral Society.
Kids will be entertained by the spinning wheel where they can collect rocks or special prizes, for only 50 cents per spin.There will also be geodes available for purchase, with free cracking revealing the crystals or rock hidden inside.
Guests will have a chance to select door prizes every half hour from items donated by society members or from dealers. On Saturday at 2 p.m., items, most of which have been handmade by members, will be auctioned at our Live Auction. This year we have a “2-chance” raffle for a tanzanite ring and a jade-garnet-pearl necklace. Guests and members will be able to purchase raffle tickets for only $1 each, and the winning tickets will be drawn on Sunday at 4 p.m. (Winners need not be present to win.)
The auction and raffle fund scholarships which are awarded each year to two local geology major students.
The Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley began in 1948. Over the years, the society has had as many as 600 members and currently has about 85. The workshop is still considered to be one of the best-equipped shops in Northern California where members may cut slabs from large rock, cut and polish cabochons, make jewelry to set their stones, and even facet their own gemstones. The Society boasts an extensive library of informativ
e and instructional books and magazines. A variety of classes are taught by volunteers, and members enjoy sharing the knowledge about rocks and gemstones. Income generated by this show support our workshop, and guests will be invited to visit the workshop Sunday, April 30, from 9 a.m. – 2p.m.
Tickets for the Mineral, Gem, and Jewelry Show are $6 for a one-day pass; $10 for all three days. Under are 13 free with an adult. Parking is free; food trucks on site.
72nd annual Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show & Sale
Friday, Mar 3 – Sunday, Mar 5
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Newark Pavilion
6430 Thornton Ave., Newark
http://mgscv.org/
Tickets: $6 one-day pass, $10 all three days, under 13 free
The Primavera Century – Alameda County’s pre-eminent event cyclists
Submitted by Julie Gilson
The Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club’s (FFBC) annual “Primavera Century” will be held on April 23, starting at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont. Cyclists can register for two “century” distances: 100 miles or 100 kilometers (65 miles), or for the 25-mile Fun Ride. Cyclists on the longer routes will ride scenic roads from Fremont to Livermore vineyards, up challenging hills and along Calaveras reservoir. They will enjoy the spring wildflowers expected after this winter’s ample rain. After all, Primavera is Spanish for “springtime” and is synonymous with renewal and rejuvenation.
Cyclists and families who prefer a more relaxed, shorter and flat ride can register for the Fun Ride, a 25-mile scenic ride through Fremont’s Coyote Hills Park. The club wants to ensure that even those who have little or no experience biking can be part of the Primavera fun. Julie Gilson, one of the organizers, notes “We want to make sure everyone feels welcome to come out and have fun, even if you’re a novice-level cyclist.”
The Fun Ride is mostly flat, so most bicycles should suffice. Class 1 and 3 (pedal-assisted) e-bikes are welcome on the Century rides but not on the Fun ride due to restrictions imposed by East Bay Regional Park District for Coyote Hills Park. FFBC encourages participants looking to purchase a bicycle for the first time to support local bike shops in Fremont and the Tri-Valley area who are sponsors for the event.
Each ride is fully supported by volunteers who provide well-signed routes, food and drink at multiple rest stops along the route, professional bicycle mechanics at the rest stops, a post-ride meal and party at the end of the ride, medals for kids and support vehicles that patrol the course during the event to help with mechanical or other issues.
Registration is open now. Advanced registration is recommended since the rides have sold out in the past. To register and learn more, visit ffbc.org/primavera.
FFBC is also looking for volunteers to help out on the day of the event. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt with a commemorative 2023 design by a local artist and all the beverages and snacks they want! Go to the Volunteers link at ffbc.org/primavera to sign up.
FFBC was founded in 1972, when a group of East Bay cyclists and bicycle trail enthusiasts decided to form a non-profit organization to support their pastime. Gilson says “The FFBC was created to promote safe bicycling and for the cycling community to grow and support one another.”
Primavera Century
Sunday, Apr 23
Start point: Mission San Jose High School
Registration open now: ffbc.org/primavera
Long distance: $95
Fun Ride: $40 adults; $20 for 15 and under
ffbc.org/primavera
Tips for growing beautiful dahlias
By Melinda Myers
Photos courtesy of Longfield-Gardens.com
Growing beautiful dahlias is easier than you think. Proper planting and care will result in an abundance of beautiful blooms for you to enjoy in your garden and summer bouquets. Use these strategies to boost your dahlia growing success:
Start early for a long season of flowers
Dahlias grow from sweet-potato-like tuberous roots, often called tubers, that are usually planted in late spring. For earlier blooms, start your dahlias indoors about four to six weeks before the last spring frost. Use one- or two-gallon pots with drainage holes. Fill them with a damp growing mix and cover the tip of the tubers with one to two inches of soil. Water sparingly until the sprouts emerge, which can take two to four weeks.
Plant outdoors in late spring
Grow dahlias as you would tomatoes. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. To encourage healthy root growth, take time to loosen the soil in the planting area at least 12 inches deep. Don’t be in a rush to plant your dahlias. Wait until the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Good air circulation encourages strong, healthy growth. Space border dahlias 15 inches apart from the center of one plant to the next. Taller types should be spaced at least 18 to 24 inches on center. Plant so the top of the tuber is no more than one to two inches below the soil surface. It can take several weeks for the first sprouts to emerge, but once they do, plants grow very quickly.
Pinch for fuller growth and more blooms
When your dahlias reach a height of 10 to 12 inches, use scissors or sharp pruning shears to remove the top two or three sets of leaves. Pinched plants produce more side branches, resulting in sturdier growth and more flowers. Pinching will set the plants back by a week or two, but they will come back quickly.
Stake to avoid broken stems
Dahlias that grow more than three feet tall benefit from staking. This is especially true for varieties that produce large flowers. Staking helps plants stay upright, minimizes damage from wind and rain, keeps the flowers more visible, and makes it easier to deadhead. To avoid damaging the tubers, add stakes at planting time or soon after. For more information on staking and pinching dahlias to increase flower production, read Longfield Gardens’ “How to Pinch and Stake Dahlias” (Longfield-gardens.com) article.
Feed your plants and don’t let them go thirsty
Dahlias perform best when they receive a consistent amount of moisture throughout the growing season. Too much or too little water causes stress and can reduce flower production. When weather is dry, water deeply once or twice a week, using drip irrigation, a soaker hose, or a watering wand. Keep the foliage as dry as possible to minimize disease. Mulching soil with shredded leaves, evergreen needles, or other organic materia
l will conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Dahlias perform best when they are well-fed. Enrich the soil with compost and add a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Once plants are 12-18 inches tall, many gardeners boost performance with an additional slow-release fertilizer application or several liquid fertilizer applications every three to four weeks. Follow the label directions for timing and application rates of the fertilizers you select.
Pruning and deadheading
The more flowers you cut, the more flowers you’ll get. Harvesting flowers twice a week will encourage a plentiful supply of blooms. Spent flowers should be removed immediately (deadheading) to minimize pest and disease problems. Always use sharp bypass pruners or snips to make clean cuts. If you want flowers with long stems, be willing to sacrifice some side buds. Stems come back longer and stronger when you cut deep into the plant and close to a main branch.
Dahlias require a little more time and attention than many other flowering plants. But your efforts will be handsomely rewarded with a bounty of beautiful blooms and a sense of accomplishment.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Senior driver traffic safety seminar
Submitted by Nathan Silva
Stay safe…and save money! Registration has begun for the library’s popular senior driving program! Conducted by the California Highway Patrol, this seminar will include: Compensating for Age-Related Changes, Tune-Up Your Driving Skills, Rules of the Road, Safe Driving Tips; and more!
Participants will receive a certificate for completing this FREE course which may lead to an insurance discount. You must be 65 or older to qualify. Registration is required for this program. To register, call the Library Information Desk at (510) 667-7900.
This program will be held IN PERSON at the Castro Valley library in the Chabot/Canyon room.
Castro Valley Library is a branch of the Alameda County Library system. The library is wheel chair accessible. An ASL interpreter will be provided with ten days’ notice. For more information, call the library at (510) 667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv.
Senior driver traffic safety seminar
Monday, Mar 6
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Castro Valley Library
Chabot/Canyon room
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv
Call for Earth Day student artwork
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward is now accepting environmentally-themed works of art from kindergarten through 12th grade students for its annual Earth Day Poster & Writing Contest. Interested participants can submit an original poster, poem or essay about Earth Day for the chance to win up to $200 in gift cards.
The contest gives students the opportunity to express their views on water and energy conservation, renewable energy, active transportation, sustainable food, recycling, composting, litter prevention, environmental justice and related topics.
Two winners for poster entries and two winners for poem/essay entries will be selected for each of the following grade categories: K-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-5th Grade, 6th-8th grade, and 9th 12th grade. Entries will be judged on originality, clarity and expression of theme.
In each category, first-place winners will receive a $200 gift card and second-place winners will receive a $150 gift card. Teachers of the winning students also will receive gift cards. Students who submit winning entries will be invited to attend a City Council meeting to receive their prize and a certificate of achievement from Mayor Mark Salinas.
Poster & Writing Contest submissions are due Friday, March 17. To qualify, all entries must follow the contest rules, which can be found @ hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/awards-contests.
Bishop Jerry Macklin to speak at League of Women Voters meeting
Submitted by Shirley Gilbert
On Monday, February 27, Bishop Jerry Macklin will speak at a Zoom meeting for League of Women Voters (LWV) of Fremont, Newark, and Union City.
Bishop Macklin and his wife Vanessa established Glad Tidings International Church in Hayward in 1978. Since then, the church and the Macklins have brought help and hope to dozens of communities in crisis, both in our area and abroad. The Bishop’s global and caring reach extends to Haiti, Brazil, Germany, India, Nigeria, South America and Indonesia. In 1992, Bishop Macklin partnered with civic and community leaders to help revitalize South Hayward and bring about the development of more than 120 residential units in that city. Bishop Macklin has received numerous citations, honors and awards including the Bay Area’s Most Influential African American Clergyman award.
Register in advance for this meeting at the LWV website lwvfnuc.com. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
League of Women Voters Black History Month meeting
Monday, Feb 27
6:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Register at: lwvfnuc.com
New postage stamp honors novelist
Submitted by U.S. Postal Service
In recognition of Black History Month, the U.S. Postal Service is releasing a new postage stamp honoring African American novelist Ernest J. Gaines.
Born in 1933 as the son of sharecroppers on a Louisiana plantation, Gaines’ stories were often inspired by the untold stories of rural African Americans. Among his best-known novels are “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “A Lesson Before Dying.” In 2013, Gaines accepted the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama. He died in 2019.
Designed by Mike Ryan with art by Robert Peterson, and based on a 2001 photograph by Raoul Benavides, the Ernest J. Gaines st
amp is the 46th entry in the Postal Service’s Black Heritage Series.
The stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp in sheets of 20 at post offices nationwide or by visiting The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps. Individual stamps are equal in value to First-Class mail rates, currently 63-cents.
Mountain View cohousing celebrates an anniversary
Submitted by Evelyn LaTorre and Jane Mueller
Mountain View Cohousing celebrates its eight-year anniversary in 2023. Two of the original residents, Esther Erman and PatZy Boomer, have similar recollections. The very first move-in took place the last week of 2014, with most people moving in during early 2015. It was the culmination of years of planning, adjustments necessitated by the financial crisis of 2008, laying of groundwork with the City of Mountain View and the neighbors, and becoming a community of friends before they became a community of neighbors. Was it worth all the effort?
“OMG, I would not have survived COVID in our old house,” Boomer says, “where we had lived 19 years yet knew none of the neighbors! Being able to be out in the garden, socially distanced but working with the landscape team, was such a blessing.”
“My husband was the enthusiastic one,” Erman says, “He loves being on a team. Once I got involved and formed connections with several other cohousing members, it was like being part of a large family. I learned to appreciate others’ ways of communicating that were different from mine. The experience has been a welcomed growth experience for me.”
“My social connections are now so much richer than they had been,” says Boomer, “and we do watch out for each other. We’ve driven each other to the airport or appointments, watered each other’s plants when we’re out of town, taken each other meals…It’s so nice to live in a friendly environment where I know everyone, and they know me. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
She recalls a time when living in cohousing preserved a neighbor’s safety.
“One evening while walking by my neighbor’s kitchen window after dinner with friends here in our complex, I heard an exclamation and loud thunk. Looking in the window I saw legs on the floor. The window was open a bit so I asked, ‘Do you need help?’ and got ‘No, I’m okay,’ so I stepped into my front door and stopped to think. Then I went back to look, legs still on the floor, so upstairs I went to someone I knew who had a key. She went in and realized our neighbor wasn’t going to be able to get up on his own, so I went to another neighbor, a physical therapist, who helped us get him up and then got him a walker from our stash in the garage. He would have been on the floor all night had he not lived here.”
Beyond the safety aspects are some true pleasures. PatZy says the Mountain View residents take great pride in their community garden. She says there are always wonderful fruits and veggies on offer in the Common House. Currently, there are two kinds of lemons and one of limes, cauliflower, broccoli, fennel, lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, sugar snap peas, and carrots.
Mission Peak Village, which will be the first cohousing community built in Fremont, has looked to Mountain View Cohousing almost as a mentor. As Mission Peak Village has reached successive milestones, members have consulted Mountain View members for advice. For example, when Mission Peak first succeeded in obtaining its site and considering how many units to build, several members went over to Mountain View and spent an evening peppering the residents with questions. Among the valuable advice they received was that 30-35 units was ideal.
“The more households you have, the better you can not only cover the jobs that need to be done but also have enough bandwidth to plan social activities. Sometimes it’s a simple as a TGIF in the Common House or a barbecue on the roof deck.”
PatZy has assured Mission Peak Village that when the time comes, she can supply them with teaspoons. She ordered two dozen for the Mountain View Common House, and when the shipment arrived, it contained 24 dozen! “I could be the Goddess of Coho Teaspoons everywhere!” she says. “I lean towards that title.”
This article is part of an ongoing series on cohousing. To learn more on the topic of cohousing, visit www.cohousing.org.
Mission Peak Village is composed of friends forming Fremont’s first cohousing community. Memberships are still available. Call Kelli at (510) 413-8446 or visit Mission Peak Village on Facebook, Instagram, or www.missionpeakcohousing, where you can register for a monthly walk to explore the neighborhood around the future site
Drawbridge: History & Virtual Tour
Submitted by Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Cris Benton
Learn about the history of the Bay Area’s very own ghost town, Drawbridge!
Join Ceal Craig, Ph.D., a 20-year volunteer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for a unique opportunity to dive into the history of Drawbridge, a “ghost town” that once housed a thriving community on an island along the South San Francisco Bay. How did this community survive in the marshlands? Why is it now a ghost town? Answers to these questions and many more will be discussed on Sunday, February 26, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The presentation will take place via Zoom and will be just over one hour, with time for questions and discussion from participants. A direct link to the program will be provided via email after registration. Please register here: https://drawbridgewinter2023.eventbrite.com.
Questions: Email wa***************@sf*****.org
This program is brought to you by the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society (SFBWS) and the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP)
Drawbridge: History & Virtual Tour
Saturday, Feb 26
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
https://drawbridgewinter2023.eventbrite.com
Fremont Area Writers host audio book expert
Submitted by Knuti VanHoven
Ever wonder who makes those audio books that have become so popular? Or where you’d need to go to in order to have your book made into an audio book?
To find out, your best starting point might be the Fremont Area Writers’ Saturday, February 25 Zoom meeting, where you can learn from Speaker Susan Iannucci. Iannucci’s ever-expanding skillset includes the ability to create, produce, direct, engineer and star in audio productions ranging from audio books to industrial training tapes and radio commercials. She’s also established her own professional-grade home audio studio Voice to Remember.
With over 60 audio books to her credit, Iannucci has proved her expertise in both narration and audio theatre, along with her understanding of
how to increase, promote and monetize those skills.
What did it take to accomplish all this? Where is she going from here? What training would you need in order to make your book into an audio book?
Bring your questions the Fremont Area Writers’ February 25th meeting. It’s free of charge and open to anyone with a love of literature and writing. For more information contact Susan at (http://www.voicetoremember.com/) or Fremont Area Writers at (https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org/)
Fremont Area Writers’ February meeting
Saturday, Feb 25
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
Request link from: sc**************@ya***.com
https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org/
Fremont Artist Showcased
Submitted by Terry Liebowitz
Castro Valley’s newest art gallery, at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts invites everyone for a Meet and Greet on Sunday, February 26. The current exhibit features the works of Denise Oyama Miller and Lynne Shephard.
Miller’s show, Fantastic Fibers, features innovative work based on West Coast landscapes and designs based on Nature. She explains, “Nature is a source of constant inspiration, and I look for patterns, textures and color combinations that can be interpreted in fabric.” Miller has shown her work nationally and internationally, had pieces accepted at the Triennial of Tapestry in Lodz, Poland, Quilt National and Quilt Visions. Miller lives and works in Fremont.
Lynne Shephard is an abstract artist. “I am an artist. I am a journeyman. For me, the path through a painting is always a visual adventure. I strive for an expression of wonder and presence.” Shephard grew up in San Leandro, but has lived in Livermore for the past 50 years. She enjoys teaching private students.
Curator Susan Sarti, an artist herself, brings these esteemed artists to Castro Valley. “We have rotating exhibits in the Lobby and the Exhibition Room showcasing both Bay Area artists and Castro Valley High School student artists.” She adds that it is unusual for artists to have such a large space to exhibit multiple large scale pieces. Conducting Master Classes, the artists share their talents with CVHS teacher Jennifer Parker’s art classes. Parker comments, “It is fantastic for our students to meet real artists, learn new techniques and hear the artist’s personal journeys.”
Normally, access is limited to events within the Center for the Arts or by appointment. This is a special time, open to the public at large.
Meet and Greet
Sunday, Feb 26
12 noon – 2 p.m.
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 889-8961
https://www.cvcfa.com/
Interreligious panel: How to be a good guest at your neighbor’s house of worship
Submitted by Tri-City Interfaith Council
Islamic Networks Group (ING) and Tri-City Interfaith Council are cosponsoring an interreligious panel to coincide with World Interfaith Harmony Month. This event will be held on Zoom on Saturday, February 25, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Panelists from major world religions will discuss how to be a good guest at your neighbor’s house of worship, how to be a good host when welcoming people of other faiths into your house or worship, and teachings and traditions of hospitality from their religions. The program will include break-out groups for the audience to discuss and reflect upon these themes based upon their own experiences. Throughout the event the panelists will entertain questions and have a discussion with the audience.
If you would like to attend this event, please email ING’s Education Director Zachary Markwith at za*****@in*.org. You will receive the Zoom meeting link from him.
Interreligious panel
Saturday, Feb 25
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Via Zoom
Request link from za*****@in*.org
https://tcicouncil.weebly.com/event-announcements
Exploration of watercolor on YUPO, the synthetic paper
By Lina Melkonian
Fremont Art Association (FAA) is delighted to have Julia Cline as the guest artist at its virtual General Meeting and Art Demo on Wednesday, March 1, at 1 p.m.
Cline refers to herself as a writer who happens to paint. Her work both as a writer and visual artist is fueled by her deep love of the natural world and all the creatures that inhabit it. In her demo, “Exploration of Watercolor on YUPO, the Synthetic Paper,” Cline will take the mystery out of creating her brilliant watercolor paintings. She will show how to disturb and maneuver the flow of liquid on this non-porous surface and achieve interesting textures with found objects and absorbent substances using mists of alcohol and water, and occasionally, spray paint.
Although Cline embarked upon her artistic quest in her 40s, her interest in art was ignited at the age of 10 when she encountered a vivacious artist who taught her plein air painting. Similarly, her early fascination with illustrated children’s books turned into a pursuit later in life. As an undergraduate, Cline earned a degree in chemistry, followed by a master’s in theology from Columbia Seminary and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Georgia. Her background coupled with her interest in the social development of children and adults, inform her creative endeavors and convey her sense of openness, gratitude, and hope. Whether Cline is painting her cherished flowers in the yard, beloved felines or spontaneous abstractions, there’s always a touch of enchantment in her work.
When Cline decided to focus on her art nearly two decades ago, she found a nurturing community of creatives at East Valley Artists where she was also fortunate to be mentored by artists whose works influenced her, such as Claire Verbiest, Clyde Stout, and Sandra Jones. In turn, today Cline spreads her joy of life through writing, painting, and teaching. You may view Cline’s works at: www.juliaclinebooks.com
The meeting (free to attend) will be held via Zoom. Participants must register in advance and will receive the Zoom link via email. All details may be found on the Fremont Art Association webpage: www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo.
Fremont Art Association Gene
ral Meeting & Art Demo
Wednesday, Mar 1
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Zoom link will be emailed upon registration at:
https://www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo
Free
Muralist creates sign for local auto business
By Stephanie Gertsch
On Friday, February 17, muralist Andrew Kong Knight gave back to a business that has been supporting him for two decades, creating a new eye-catching sign for local mechanic Larry’s Automotive in Castro Valley.
Having a working vehicle is critical for Knight to transport equipment for his murals. Even when Knight was a teacher at Hayward High School, he would drop off his vehicle to be worked on in the morning, and Larry would give him a ride so Knight wouldn’t be late to teaching his classes.
Knight says, “A lot of people look for a mechanic they can trust. Because sometimes mechanics fix stuff you don’t really need fixed. Larry was never that way. He would always just fix what was necessary and give a report of the car.” Occasionally, it would be the opposite – with Larry doing extra small repairs for free, such as bending a dented bumper back into shape.
Although Knight now lives in San Jose, he stays loyal to Larry’s Auto. Because you don’t simply abandon a good mechanic.
Larry’s Automotive relies on word of mouth, Yelp reviews, and quality service to attract customers, operating out of an unassuming metal garage in a Castro Valley neighborhood. (The shop has been in that location since 2008, but Larry worked as a mechanic at a gas station for years before opening his own shop in 2001.) The new sign calls attention to the auto shop with a bright blue sign.
Knight explains, “I’m retired now, so I’m finally finding time for these things that I really wanted to do for people. It gives me a good feeling to do something for him after all these years of him doing such a nice job on my cars.”
Larry’s Automotive
20516 Stanton Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 276-2868
Tickets on sale for Niles’ Shamrock Shindig
Submitted by Niles Main Street
Join us for an evening of fun, food and drinks, music and entertainment, and all things green and Irish—including green beer and corned beef and cabbage. Bring your dancing feet and a pocketful of greens (aka dollar bills) for the silent auction, or enter the raffle. Who knows you may even find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
All proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit Niles Main Street Association. Online ticket sales end February 24.
Niles Shamrock Shindig
Friday, Mar 3
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Niles Veterans Hall
37154 2nd St., Niles
(510) 857-6512
Tickets on sale until Feb 24
Tickets: $50
Calling actors, singers for campy comedy
Submitted by Ohlone College
Auditions for the Ohlone College Summerfest production of “Little Shop of Horrors” are set for February 24-25 and March 3 on the college’s main campus in Fremont.
There are numerous roles available for actors, singers and dancers in the tragic comedy and campy horror/love story that will be performed July 7-15 at Ohlone’s outdoor Smith Center Amphitheatre. Those auditioning should bring with them sheet music from a musical theatre show in their key or an excerpt from one of this show’s songs. An accompanist will be provided.
Audition appointment times are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. February 24 and March 3; 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. February 25. Walk-ups will be scheduled as time allows. All participants must provide proof of COVID-19 full vaccination. For details, or to sign up for an audition time, go to www.ohlone.edu/auditions.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ auditions
Feb 24-25, Mar 3
Various times
Ohlone College Smith Center Jackson Theatre
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
www.ohlone.edu/auditions
(510) 659-6000
Plein Air at the Rancho…for KIDS!
Submitted by Kelsey Camello for the Washington Township Museum of Local History
Be a part of Fremont’s month-long celebration for their first Arts, Culture and Creativity – April 2023! Create your own plein air artwork at Rancho Higuera Historical Park! Plein air is derived from the French term for painting outside, and Rancho Higuera Park is the perfect setting for doing so.
All supplies will be provided upon arrival. Enjoy up to two hours onsite creating artwork and touring the grounds and interior of the adobe. This is an outdoor art event for up to 10 children, aged nine and up. Each participant must have a parent or guardian in attendance. An entry fee of $32 per participant pays for all art supplies plus a $5 donation to the museum.
A gallery viewing for the paintings done at the plein air event will take place at the Washington Township Museum of Local History (190 Anza Street in Fremont) in May/June 2023 (date TBD). Bring family and friends to view your artwork and tour the local history museum. Artwork will return home with participants after the viewing. There is no cost associated with the viewing.
IMPORTANT: Participants must sign up in advance. Sign up and pay by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/RANCHOPAINT or scan the QR code.
You can also visit https://fremontcreates.com/ for more information about the month-long celebration.
Plein Air at the Rancho for KIDS!
Saturday, Apr 15
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Rancho Higuera Historical Park
47300 Rancho Higuera Rd, Fremont
(510) 623-7907
in**@mu******************.org
Save Chanticleers theatre
Submitted b
y Chanticleers Theatre
We need help to Save Our Building (S.O.B.). Over the past month of winter storms, Chanticleers’ theater building has been hit pretty hard. Trees knocked out power lines, roofs leaked and our dressing room flooded. While preparing for the imminent opening of our first 2023 show Little Shop of Horrors, we were in a “pay now, figure out funds later” mode.
Now that it’s later, it’s time to officially start our S.O.B. Campaign. We are asking for help from you the public to help us keep our 70-year-old building operational. Money raised will go towards:
– Fixing the roof over the green room and auditorium
– Re-carpeting the dressing room
– Fixing decade old termite damage
– Replacing signage on the exterior of the building
– Commissioning a theater mural for the exterior wall of the theater
We can’t do it without you. Literally. Ticket sales for shows in our 90-seat theater won’t cover all the costs (especially if we want to keep ticket prices reasonable and theater accessible to all).
Chanticleers Theatre is a civic treasure and a registered non-profit. Your donations are not only tax deductible, but they will go toward keeping community theater in Castro Valley for the next generation. Click below to donate today.
Chanticleers relies on gifts and donations as well as ticket sales to keep the lights on.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.
To learn more and support the theatre, go to www.chanticleers.org/get-involved.
Start Smart: Teen driver program
Submitted by Nathan Silva
California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Castro Valley Library present “Start Smart: Teen Driver Program.” CHP officers will discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities, and seatbelt usage. Additionally, testimonies will be provided by officers who have investigated fatal collisions involving teens, and by family members who have lost love ones in traffic collisions.
The Start Smart program is a driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15 – 19 and their parents/guardians. A parent/guardian is required to attend the class with their teen.
Registration is required for this FREE program. To register, call the Library Information Desk at (510) 667-7900 or register online at www.aclibrary.org.
Castro Valley Library is a branch of the Alameda County Library system. The library will provide an ASL interpreter for any event with at least seven working days’ notice. Please call (510) 667-7900 or TTY (888) 663-0660.
Start Smart: Teen driver program
Monday, Mar 6
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv
Ask the DMV – Fall in Love with DMV’s Convenient Online Services!
Break up with in-person DMV visits and complete most of your DMV to-do list online instead! From renewing vehicle registration, to changing your address on your driver’s license or ID card, driver’s license renewal (and more), the DMV continues to expand its online services to help meet your needs.
Q1: I need to renew my vehicle registration; do I have to go into a DMV office?
A1: Most people can renew their registration without a trip to the DMV. Check your notice from the DMV to make sure you’re eligible.
The DMV’s website has a “service advisor” that can tell you what options are available, such as renewing online, at a certified business partner, at your local AAA, or at a nearby kiosk. Before you begin the renewal process, make sure you have:
- Your license plate number.
- The last five digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN) or hull identification number (HIN) for a vessel/boat.
- A renewal notice confirming your current address. If you have moved, update your address about one week beforebeginning your renewal application.
- Your payment information.
Q2: My driver’s license is about to expire; can I renew it online?
A2: For people who are not required to come to an office to take a test or eye exam, yes! With the DMV’s convenient online services, most people are eligible to easily replace their driver’s license or ID, or REAL ID online as long as you do not need to change your address or personal description, are not applying for a REAL ID for the first time, and are not renewing a commercial driver’s license.
If you want to upgrade your driver’s license or ID to a REAL ID during your renewal, then you can start the application online but will need to finish the process in a DMV office.
For more information about the DMV’s online services, visit www.dmv.ca.gov/online. Note: DMV offices are closed on weekends.
The article is distributed by the California DMV. For more information or answers to questions not listed here, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.
What Is Your Salary?
By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
Talking about salaries is like talking about sex. People tend to feel awkward, uncomfortable, and/or embarrassed if they bring up either topic. It is practically taboo to ask about sex or salary in most conversations. So, what are job seekers to do if they need to know how much an employer is willing to pay? There’s good news for all of us who want to know about salaries but are too embarrassed to ask. A big reveal happened in January this year when a new pay transparency law was signed into law. For the first time, companies with more than 15 employees will now have to disclose the salary range or hourly wage range for their posted jobs. This law pertains to both internal as well as external job postings. Finally, job seekers have a vital piece of information that has been missing in most California job postings.
This poses good news for both job seekers as well as those currently employed (more on that later in this article). If you are out looking for a job, you can now be assured that you are not wasting your time applying for a job that does not meet your salary requirements. However, there are several things to consider:
- The range posted on the job ad does not include financial incentives such as sign-on bonuses, stock options, commissions, pensions, number of paid time off days, 401(k) matching, and medical insurance.
Hence, even if the posted range does not meet your requirements, you might want to factor in other benefits that come with the job. - Even though employers are now mandated to disclose salaries, the salary range disclosed can be confusingly large. I have seen ranges as large as $100,000. Such crazy ranges don’t give job seekers a clear sense of what the employer is actually willing to pay. Despite the wage transparency, job seekers will still have to do their research about what the market is willing to pay. Candidates will also have to be prepared to negotiate for the salary they want. A key piece in salary negotiation is to know one’s worth. Be very clear about the unique value that you will be contributing to the company.
- Don’t assume that the top end of the range is what the employer will pay. For instance, if a job is posted at $60,000 to 90,000, don’t assume that the employer will happily pay you $90,000. I suspect that most employers would be offering the low to middle portion of the range. This does not mean that you should shy away from jobs where the top end of the range is your absolute minimum. However, you will have to be prepared to negotiate hard and to justify getting the top end of the range. You will also have to be mentally prepared for the employer to decline paying the top end of the range (even if it is stated on the job ad!)
- The range disclosure does not mean the end of salary negotiations. Most candidates fear the salary negotiation piece. The new wage transparency law, sadly, doesn’t take away the need for negotiation. The law does give the job seeker a little more information to go on and this bit of salary information can empower people to be assertive in asking for what they want, now that they know the salary range that the employer has in mind.
This salary transparency law is a boon for those currently employed as well. If you see a job posting from your company that alerts you to the fact that you are being underpaid, have a conversation with your boss about pay equity. Employers hate to lose good employees because it takes a great deal of time and money to hire and train a new employee. So, it would behoove you to keep a sharp eye on jobs being posted by your company.
Bottom-line, the new salary transparency law gives employees and job-seekers a slight advantage in salary negotiations. However, it does not eliminate the need to be savvy and knowledgeable about salaries. Taking the time to do your research and learning how to be comfortable with salary negotiation are still critical skills to possess.
Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Fremont. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at an*********@gm***.com © Anne Chan, 2023
HISTORY MATTERS
By John Grimaldi and David Bruce Smith
February 16 through 28
An audacious excursion
In May of 1801, the United States got tangled in the First Barbary War. Pirates perched along the North African states of Morocco, Algeria, Tunis and Libya were looting American ships in the Mediterranean; in June, President Thomas Jefferson deployed the Navy to provide protection. Two years later, the USS Philadelphia, — America’s state-of-the-art warship — was snatched when it ran aground near Tripoli and ramped up apprehension about whether the raiders would snag its advanced accoutrements to jazz up their vessels.
According to History.com, “hoping to prevent the Barbary pirates from gaining this military advantage, Lieutenant Stephen Decatur led a daring expedition into Tripoli harbor to destroy the captured American vessel on February 16, 1804.” Decatur and his marines and sailors managed to blow up the ship before its advanced features could be copied by the enemy. It was such an audacious excursion, famed British Admiral Horatio Nelson declared it to be the “most daring act of the age.”
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends “Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The War That Changed American History” by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger.
Florida changes hands
Florida became a Spanish colony in 1565; in 1763, the Treaty of Paris ended the French and Indian War, and the territory was ceded to Britain. Later gyrations of geography generated 1783’s Second Treaty of Paris, the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, and Spain’s re-possession of Florida.
“Spain’s hold on Florida was tenuous in the years after American independence, and numerous boundary disputes developed with the United States,” says History.com. On February 22, 1819, “after years of negotiations, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams achieved a diplomatic coup with the signing of the Florida Purchase Treaty, which officially put Florida into U.S. hands at no cost beyond the U.S. assumption of some $5 million of claims by U.S. citizens against Spain.”
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize suggests “A Voyage Long and Strange: On the Trail of Vikings, Conquistadors, Lost Colonists, and Other Adventurers in Early America” by Tony Horwitz.
Women’s vote
In 1919, Congress passed the 19th Amendment; a year later it was ratified, and women got the right to vote. Then, a Baltimore attorney, Oscar Leser, defied the law in 1922. He claimed that Maryland’s Constitution only endorsed suffrage for men. He sued to have two women stricken from the election lists. On February 27 of that year, the case went to the Supreme Court; it upheld the Amendment.
As Politico magazine put it, “In a 1,036-word opinion written by Justice Louis Brandeis, the court spurned Leser’s claims. Brandeis noted that the 15th Amendment, which guaranteed voting rights to African-Americans, had similarly expanded the electorate by that time for over 50 years — despite its having been rejected by six states, including Maryland.
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends “Votes for Women! American Suffragists and the Battle for the Ballot” by Winifred Conkling.
This feature is courtesy of The Grateful American Book Prize, which is an annual award given to authors who have created outstanding works of historical fiction or nonfiction for seventh to ninth graders. Visit them at gratefulamericanbookprize.com.
The Legacy of the US Space Shuttle program
Kailash Kalidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast
The US Space Shuttle program was a human spaceflight program developed and operated by NASA from 1981 to 2011. Its primary objective was to create a reusable spacecraft that could carry astronauts, satellites, and other payloads into space and then return them safely to Earth. The Space Shuttle was a major technological advancement in human spaceflight, and it made significant contributions to space exploration.
The program was beneficial in several ways. One of its primary benefits was that it enabled NASA to launch and repair many of its most important scientific instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope. This
allowed scientists to explore the universe in greater detail and gain new insights into its nature.
The Space Shuttle was also critical in constructing and maintaining the International Space Station, which has been a critical platform for scientific research. The Space Shuttle helped transport astronauts and supplies to the space station, and it played a critical role in constructing and connecting the station’s modules.
Overall, the US Space Shuttle program was a major achievement in human spaceflight, and it made significant contributions to scientific exploration and technology development. Its legacy continues to inspire new generations of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible in space. While the program achieved many significant milestones and advancements, it also faced criticism and scrutiny.
One of the primary criticisms of the Space Shuttle program was its high cost. The program was extremely expensive, with each launch costing billions of dollars. This high cost was due to a variety of factors, including complexity of the spacecraft, maintenance required for the shuttle fleet, and extensive infrastructure needed to support the program.
Another criticism of the program was its safety record. Despite extensive safety measures implemented by NASA, there were two catastrophic accidents during the program’s lifetime: The Challenger disaster in 1986, and the Columbia disaster in 2003. Both of these tragedies resulted in the loss of all crew members aboard the shuttles.
Additionally, the Space Shuttle program faced criticism for its lack of flexibility. The program was designed to be a general-purpose spacecraft, capable of performing a wide range of missions. However, this design also made the spacecraft less efficient and more difficult to modify for specific missions. This lack of flexibility led to several missed opportunities and delays in the program.
In conclusion, while the US Space Shuttle program faced criticism and challenges, it was a significant achievement in human spaceflight and made important contributions to scientific exploration and technology development.
Kailash Kalidoss is an aerospace enthusiast and educator serving the Bay Area. Kailash first fell in love with aerospace as a teenager when he learned about aviation from his father’s role as a Ground Operations Manager. Kailash has since spent his efforts sharing knowledge about aerospace, astronautics, aviation, science, technology, and of course, the night sky. Kailash also represents the Civil Air Patrol and NASA as a volunteer.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
It can get pretty chilly in Chile
Chilean swimmer, Bárbara Hernández, has broken the Guinness World Record for swimming a distance of 1.55 miles in the frigid waters of Antarctica, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). And she did it wearing nothing more than a simple one-piece swimsuit in the 2.2 degrees Celsius waters off the coast of Greenwich Island. She had a purpose in mind when she decided to take a dip in some of the coldest waters on the planet. As she put it, “Swimming in Antarctica has been a dream I’ve had for years, and part of my longtime ambition to swim in parts of all seven of the world’s oceans. Physically it has been incredibly tough, but all worth it if the message on the need for urgent action to protect these amazing waters reaches decision-makers.” See video of the swim on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J545yZH65bQ.
Woodpeckers love acorns
Exterminators were called in when the owners of a home in Sonoma County, California started seeing maggots and mealworms coming out of a bedroom wall. At first the pest control technician assumed that a small animal may have found its way into the wall. But he discovered that woodpeckers had been poking holes in the home’s chimney stack to stash acorns, according to AMAC. So, he went back inside and cut a hole in the wall and, sure enough, out came a lot of acorns — an estimated 700 pounds of acorns. He figured the pesky woodpeckers had been at it for several years. See video of the acorn stash on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvrK2pXXIPw.
A funny lady with a funny story
Diana Shulman, also known as D’yan Forest, is a multi-talented performer; she sings and plays several musical instruments. But, says AMAC, the Guinness Book of Records picked her for being the world’s oldest professional comedienne. At the age of 88, she’s been at it for more than 20 years. When is she going to retire? As she put it in a recent TV appearance, “it ain’t over until the fat lady is dead.” See video of D’yan Forest on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf9mXmoqIYQ.
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.
Park It: Park district receives critical funding
By Ned MacKay
Key funding for two East Bay Regional Park District programs is included in a bill signed recently by President Joe Biden: wildfire protection in the East Bay hills and the visitor center at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. The federal Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill provides $1.5 million for wildfire protection and $3 million for the visitor center.
Wildfire safety is one of the Park District’s top priorities. Year-round efforts include monitoring fire dangers and weather, staffing professionally trained full-time and on-call firefighters, maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, and removing flammable vegetation to reduce wildfire risks.
The funds secured for Thurgood Marshall Regional Park will be used to design a visitor center there offering programs and displays about the park’s natural and cultural history. The future visitor center, planned with the National Park Service, will highlight the history of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and the Diablo Valley, displaying the area’s agricultural history, natural history, and stories of the Chupcan people. The area including Thurgood Marshall Regional Park is the ancestral homeland of the Chupcans.
“The Park District Board and staff are grateful to U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier for their support. The funds they secured are extremely important for the District’s ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risks caused by climate change and years of severe drought, and to open up public access to our newest Regional Park,” said Park District Board President Dennis Waespi.
“Volcanoes, Labyrinths, Quarries and Newts” is the theme of a walk from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills, led by naturalist Michael Charnofsky.
This is a 2½-mile moderate hike through the park to explore its ancient geology, historic quarries, present-day la
byrinths and wildlife. It’s free and registration is not necessary. Meet Michael at the park’s staging area on Skyline Boulevard, about a quarter-mile south of the intersection with Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Oakland. For information, call (510) 544-3187.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch was once the location of Contra Costa County’s most populous communities. You can learn more about the now-vanished mining towns during a hike from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 25 with naturalist Katie Garchar. A mine tour is not included.
The hike is free and registration is not necessary. The minimum age is seven and parent participation is required. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water and a snack. Meet Katie in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, about 3½ miles south of Highway 4 and a mile past the park’s entrance kiosk. For information, call (510) 544-2750.
Even if you don’t see wildlife during a visit to a regional park, you can often see tracks the animals left behind. Learn more during a “Track Trek” from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday, February 26 at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton with naturalist Gisselle Hernandez. The program is for ages five and older. It’s free and registration is not required. Meet Gisselle at the Lakeside picnic area. Bring shoes that can get muddy.
Shadow Cliffs is at 2500 Stanley Boulevard east of downtown Pleasanton. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3249.
“Wednesday Walks” is a series of naturalist-led explorations of various regional parks and trails. The Wednesday Walkers will hike north on the Bay Trail from Hayward Regional Shoreline to the San Leandro Marina on a flat five-to six-mile round-trip from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 1, with the guidance of naturalist Susan Ramos.
The program is for ages eight and older; registration is not necessary. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water and a snack. Meet Susan at the park entrance at the bay end of Grant Avenue in Hayward. For information, call (510) 544-3182.
There are many other programs and activities available in the East Bay Regional Parks. For full information, visit www.ebparks.org.
California debates what to do with water from recent storms
By Adam Beam
Associated Press
Weeks after powerful storms dumped 32 trillion gallons of rain and snow on California, state officials and environmental groups in the drought-ravaged state are grappling with what to do with all of that water.
State rules say when it rains and snows a lot in California, much of that water must stay in the rivers to act as a conveyer belt to carry tens of thousands of endangered baby salmon into the Pacific Ocean.
But this week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked state regulators to temporarily change those rules. He says the drought has been so severe it would be foolish to let all of that water flow into the ocean and that there’s plenty of water for the state to take more than the rules allow while still protecting threatened fish species.
If Newsom gets his way, the state would stop about 300,000-acre feet of water from flowing through the rivers. One acre foot of water is generally enough water to supply two households for one year.
Environmental groups say pulling that much water out of the rivers would be a death sentence for the salmon and other threatened fish species that depend on strong, cool flows in the rivers to survive. They’re furious with Newsom, whom they view as a hypocrite for touting himself as a champion of the environment while disregarding the laws designed to protect it.
“This governor is the most anti-environmental governor, with respect to endangered species and California water, that we’ve had in my lifetime,” said Jon Rosenfield, senior scientist for the San Francisco Baykeeper, an environmental group that focuses on the San Francisco Bay and its watershed.
It’s one of the oldest disputes in California, a state that for more than a century has manipulated the natural flow of rivers and streams to transform the Central Valley into one of the most fertile stretches of farmland on Earth while also supplying some of the nation’s most populous coastal cities.
Those demands have threatened the delicate environmental balance of the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, one of the largest estuaries in the country. That has put multiple fish species at risk, including the Delta smelt, longfin smelt, Central Valley steelhead, spring-run Chinook salmon, winter-run Chinook salmon and the green sturgeon, according to Rosenfield.
Those rules protect more than just fish, including host of other rare and endangered species while also benefiting commercial and recreational fishing and other recreational pursuits.
The Newsom administration says a changing climate requires new rules. Historically, rain has been spread fairly evenly through the winter months. More water is typically left in the rivers when it rains because there’s an assumption that more rain will follow.
That’s not happening now. Scientists say climate change is contributing to so-called “ weather whiplash” when periods of intense rain are followed by extreme dryness. Newsom fears California’s intense January storms will be followed by an unusually dry spring.
That makes it more difficult to manage the state’s sparse water supply, especially “this early in the season before we’ve really had a sense of exactly how the water year is going to turn out,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources.
Jennifer Pierre, general manager for the State Water Contractors — a nonprofit association representing 27 public water agencies — said the proposed rule changes are an “appropriate action to help realign California’s water management decision making with the latest and most relevant science and the current hydrology.”
“California is still recovering from years of drought and water cutbacks,” Pierre said. “We must be nimble in ensuring responsible water management for both water supply and the environment.”
If the state doesn’t change the rules, Nemeth warned that would mean the state has far less water to make available in the spring and summer for farmers and major cities such as Los Angeles.
Nemeth said there’s plenty of water in the rivers to support fish, though the Newsom administration acknowledged in its proposal that it could lead to more deaths of baby salmon. The state would monitor the fish and “quickly respond,” if needed. For example, Nemeth said if state officials detect fish near the pumps in the river, they can turn the pumps down so as not to harm them. “That’s protective enough of the species,” she said.
Environmental groups argue that the administration’s plan for fish is not enough. Last year, the survival of winter-run Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River was the lowest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Once
state officials see fish near the pumps, that means many more have already been swept away, said John McManus, president of the Golden State Salmon Association.
Most of the state’s reservoirs — including the two biggest ones at Oroville and Shasta — are at or near their historic averages. Plus, the amount of snow in the mountains is nearly double what it has been historically for this time of year. That’s why McManus says Newsom is acting too soon to change the rules to store more water.
“The only real emergency that we’re facing is the collapse of our salmon runs in California and the family income jobs all up and down the coast and inland California tied to our salmon fishery,” he said.
Castro Valley Unified School District
February 8, 2023
Information
- Castro Valley High School (CVHS) Principal’s Student of the Year was awarded to Adora Bailey – talented actor.
- CVHS Parent Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Talia Benet – equal rights activist.
- Eden Area Regional Occupational Program (EAROP) celebrated 50 years of providing vocational training to over 20,000 students since their inception.
Consent Agenda
- Approve Purchase Order Report for January 12, 2023 through January 25, 2023.
- Approve new and closed positions on the Request for Personnel Action Board Report as of January 27, 2023.
- Approve contract with KNN Public Finance for financial advisory services related to existing, new or prospective election issuances.
- Approve lease – leaseback contract with Robert A. Bothman Construction for the Canyon Middle School Fields Project.
- Disposal of obsolete and/or surplus property.
- Declare March 2023 to be National Women’s History Month.
President Lavender Whitaker Aye
Michael Kusiak Aye
Dolly Adams Aye
Gary Howard Aye
Sara Raymond Aye
Hayward City Council
February 7, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Authorize the Extension of the Council Homelessness-Housing Task Force for an additional one-year period through March 2024.
- Temporarily suspend applicable local planning and zoning requirements for homeless shelters located on specified private property.
- Authorize the amendment to the Project Funding Agreement with Alameda County Transportation Commission; accept and appropriate an additional $1,662,000; approve plans, specifications, and call for bids for the re-bid of the Mission Boulevard Corridor improvements.
- Approve Garbage and Recycling Rates for 2023-2024.
- Authorize a Coordination, Resiliency, and Action Agreement with Russell City Energy Company, LLC, accepting and appropriating donations for a Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Vehicle and for the Russell City Reparative Justice Project (RCRJP) following the explosion that occurred at the Russell City Energy Center on May 27, 2021.
Mayor Mark Salinas Aye
Angela Andrews Aye
Dan Goldstein Aye
Elisa Marquez Aye
Julie Roche Aye
George Syrop Aye
Francisco Zermeno Aye
Governor Newsom Announces $825 Million to Build Affordable Housing
Submitted by The Governor’s Press Office
To continue expanding the state’s affordable housing stock and increase capacity for additional climate-smart infill housing, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the first funding awards under a new streamlined application process aimed at accelerating the development of new projects while saving time and money at the local level.
Approximately 58 communities across California were awarded more than $825.5 million to build 9,500 homes as part of a new funding approval process that eliminates the need for a developer to submit multiple applications. This includes roughly $700 million in funds for multifamily development and $125 million for infill development. Today’s funding announcement will ultimately benefit an estimated 187,500 people over the total lifetime of all projects combined.
The application process to receive state housing funding in California was needlessly complex, and time consuming, resulting in delayed projects and extra cost. Under Governor Newsom, this process has been overhauled. Now, what previously required four separate applications has been narrowed down to just one submission.
This new process was made possible when Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 434, which allowed for multiple housing applications to be narrowed down into a single award process. Under this new approach, requests for housing development funds have soared. The first round of new Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability (Super NOFA) received more than $3.5 billion in developer requests – a sharp contrast to years of undersubscription.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) last year combined state-funded multifamily housing programs to make them accessible to more communities, more equitable in serving the lowest-income Californians, and more targeted toward achieving better outcomes in health, climate, and household stability.
HUD awards $15 million to address homelessness in Oakland and Alameda County
Submitted by Andra Higgs and Andrew Ten
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that Oakland and Alameda County will receive grants and vouchers to address homelessness among people in unsheltered settings and rural communities. The national award total is nearly $315 million in grants to 46 communities. Oakland and Alameda County Continuum of Care (CoC) receiv
ed $15,061,753.
“This first-of-its-kind package of grants and vouchers will support proven and effective local strategies to address unsheltered and rural homelessness,” HUD Region IX Regional Administrator Jason Pu said. “This $15 million award…will support a range of permanent supportive housing options, new models of intensive case management services in partnership with health care providers, and rapid rehousing and crisis-response approaches for the most vulnerable in the community.”
In the coming weeks, HUD expects to award a second set of grants to additional communities, as well as allocate $43 million to fund Stability Vouchers. Together, these grants and vouchers comprise a first-of-its-kind package of resources. Communities were also asked to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness that involves coordination with health care providers, public housing authorities, and people with lived experience.
“I believe in a housing first approach to move our most vulnerable residents into shelter with support services to address people’s unique needs. This HUD grant accelerates our ability to do so with the development of 100 new permanent housing units for individuals with severe service needs including enhanced care to address chronic disease, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders,” said Nate Miley, President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. “The HUD grant also provides expanded street outreach and housing navigation serving individuals living in encampments and vehicles in five designated geographic zones, and specialized peer ambassadors who will outreach to seniors living in encampments, particularly in West Oakland.”
More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov.
Milpitas City Council
February 7, 2023
Public Hearing
- Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Vesting Tentative Map, Density Bonus Permit, Tree Removal Permit, and Environmental Assessment to allow the development of 78 townhome condominiums and 12 accessory dwelling units and associated site improvements on an approximately 4.1-acre site located in the High-Density Mixed-Use Zoning District with a Transit Oriented Development Overlay at 675 Trade zone Boulevard and 1951 Tarob Court. Approved 4-0, Phan absent.
- Milpitas Metro Specific Plan Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) and adopted the Milpitas Metro Specific Plan. Approved 4-0, Phan absent.
Consent Calendar
- Reconfirm continuation of virtual meetings of the City Council and legislative bodies.
- Declare weeds on specific properties to be public nuisances and set a public hearing for March 7, 2023.
- Receive a report on the local emergency relating to the severe weather event on January 4-5, 2023.
Mayor Carmen Montano Aye
Evelyn Chua Aye
Gary Barbadillo Aye
Hon Lien Aye
Anthony Phan Absent
Newark City Council
February 9, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Approval of audited demands.
- Authorize continued remote teleconferenced meetings of the legislative bodies of the City of Newark for the 30-day period beginning February 9.
- Authorize a contractual services agreement with Storm Water Inspection & Maintenance Services, Inc. to conduct installation, inspection and maintenance of full trash capture devices in the City’s storm drain system.
- Approve a contractual services agreement with Hinderliter De Llamas and Associates for Utility Users Tax (UUT) administration and audit services.
- Approve a second amendment to the consulting services agreement with Greensfelder Commercial Real Estate, LLC.
Mayor Michael Hannon Aye
Susy Collazo Aye
Luis Freitas Aye
Mike Bucci Aye
Matthew Jorgens Aye
San Lorenzo Unified School District
February 7, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Human Resources Reports
- Warrant Ratification
- Resolution No. 3764 – Compensation for Missed Meetings
- Ratification of the agreement with Cedar Mechanical for heating unit replacements at the Hesperian; Lorenzo Manor; and Barrett Campuses
- Addition(s) to the list of Non-Public School (NPS), Non-Public Agency (NPA) for
2022-2023.
- Agreement with Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) as Internet Service Provider.
- Request for Advanced Salary Step Placements: Graphics Production Technician; Paraeducator Special Education Level II; and Paraeducator Special Education Level I.
- Request for Advanced Salary Step Placement: Zasha Hodge.
- Overnight field trip request – Arroyo High School to YMCA Camp Campbell.
- College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnership agreement for dual enrollment between Chabot Community College and San Lorenzo Unified.
- Advertising signage in Southland Mall.
- Application/Permit for Use of Recreational Facility-Swim Center with Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD), use of Arroyo Swim Center.
President Kyla Sinegal Aye
Juan Campos Aye
Penny Peck Aye
Samuel Medina Aye
Alicia Gonzalez Aye
Sunol Citizens’ Advisory Council
January 18, 2023
Monthly Reports
- Alameda County Fire Department reported 63 calls for service (Station 14 Sunol); 66% were EMS related.
- Chair Connie DeGrange announced that the next Stroll and Roll event will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
Action Items
- Authorize teleconference meetings for the Sunol Citizens’ Advisory Council.
- Authorize application to allow continued operation of existing telecommunication facility (PLN2009-00051, T-Mobile), with modifications, in the Planned Development District located at 7820 Vallecitos Road.
Chair Connie DeGrange Aye
Gerry Beemiller Aye
Paul Dentinger Aye
Mary Conant Aye
Benjamin Harrison Aye
Union Sanitary District
February 13, 2023
Motions
- Approval of Debt Management Policy.
- Approval of side letter agreement between SEIU Local 1021 and the district regarding modifying sections in the MOU to include Classified Limited Duration Employees.
- Authorize an agreement with PG&E to relocate the existing primary electrical service for the Alvarado Wastewater Treatment plant site.
- Authorize staff to proceed with a long block exchange for Cogeneration Engine No. 2.
- Consider confirming and declaring the need to continue the emergency action to
repair two sewer lines in the City of Fremont damaged by fiber optic line installation.
- Authorize the use of teleconference meetings.
Manny Fernandez Aye
Pat Kite Aye
Tom Handley Aye
Anjali Lathi Aye
Jennifer Toy Aye
BART Police Log
Submitted by BART PD and Les Mensinger
Sunday, February 12
- At 7:29 a.m. a man identified by police as Christian Israel Garrido, 19, of Modesto was arrested outside Hayward station on suspicion of fleeing an officer in a vehicle, resisting arrest and a probation violation. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, February 15
- At 9:07 a.m. officers at South Hayward station administered three doses of NARCAN to an unresponsive 19-year-old man who appeared suffering from an apparent drug overdose. The man was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
Coffee with a Cop
Submitted by Fremont Police Department
Even if they’re not coffee drinkers, Fremont residents are welcome to attend a Coffee with a Cop meeting on Wednesday, March 1 to ask questions, voice concerns, share neighborhood complaints or even offer compliments to local police officers.
The free event is set for 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Starbucks, on Mowry Avenue, near Interstate 880 in Fremont. No formal presentation is planned so visitors can stop by to meet and greet officers anytime during the meeting.
Coffee with a Cop
Wednesday, Mar 1
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Starbucks
3950 Mowry Ave., Fremont
(510) 794-2927
Fremont Fire Department Log
Submitted by Fremont Fire Department
Monday, February 13
- At 8:44 a.m. firefighters responded to a report about a construction worker on a building project on Wisdom Road who fell and was unable to get down from the building using scaffolding. Firefighters used an aerial ladder and strokes to remove the worker who was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Arrest made in Fremont’s first homicide of 2023
Submitted by Fremont Police Department
Police in Fremont have a suspect in custody in connection with an altercation between two men on Thursday, February 16 which left one of them dead.
At about 4:10 p.m. a witness contacted Fremont Police Department after witnessing the altercation near Stevenson Boulevard and Paseo Padre Parkway. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a male lying on the ground suffering from severe injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts by officers and members of the Fremont Fire Department, the man died at the scene. Police did not specify what injuries that man had.
Investigators quickly went to work and cordoned off the scene and interviewed witnesses and searched for surveillance video. Police stopped southbound traffic on Paseo Padre Parkway south of Stevenson Boulevard during the initial investigation.
In a statement later that day, police said they located a lone suspect nearby and made an arrest. The identity of the victim and suspect were not immediately released. Police said the incident is the first homicide in the city in 2023.
An investigation is continuing and police are asking anyone with information to call Detective Brent Butcher at (510) 790-6900 or send an email to bb******@fr*****.gov.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Amy Gee, Fremont PD
Wednesday, February 8
- Officers responded to a vandalism report at an auto dealership on Fremont Boulevard. There was surveillance video of someone kicking the door of a vehicle and causing damage. The suspect was found and positively identified in the parking lot and arrested.
Saturday, February 11
- Officers responded to a robbery report at an apartment complex on Crawford Street. A person pointed a firearm at a male victim and demanded property and food. The suspect then fled on foot toward Mission Boulevard. The victim was not injured; an investigation is continuing.
- Officers responded to a report about a wanted pe
rson in the area of Bradley Street. As officers arrived, the suspect was fleeing out the back of a residence. Additional officers, including members of the K9 team and a UAV (drone) team, were called to help locate the suspect who soon was spotted running back to the residence. The adult male from Fremont surrendered to officers and was taken into custody.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Captain Jonathan Arguello
Thursday, January 12
- At 8:23 p.m. the entire shift of night officers responded to a report about a large group of cars in the area of Jarvis Avenue and Newark Boulevard. Officers from Fremont Police Department and CHP coordinated to divert most incoming vehicles from the area and eventually disperse the group of cars out of Newark.
Friday, January 13
- At 7:27 p.m. Officer Sanchez responded to a report about someone striking two vehicles and causing damage in the area of Central Avenue and Cedar Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers detained a 38-year-old man. Both victims declined to press vandalism charges. During the investigation, the man who was detained began to struggle and was taken into custody on suspicion of resisting arrest. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, January 17
- At 10:54 p.m. officers responded to a carjacking report in the 36000 block of Elm St. The next day, the unoccupied vehicle was recovered elsewhere in Newark. An investigation is continuing.
Wednesday, January 18
- At 9:08 a.m. officers responded to a battery report in the 35000 block of Newark Blvd. Upon arrival, officers arrested a 33-year-old Newark man on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm), possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Friday, January 20
- At 9:47 p.m. officers located an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of Central Avenue and Cedar Boulevard and made a high-risk stop. Officers arrested a 62-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, both of Newark, on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. The woman was cited and released; the man was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Saturday, January 21
- At 2:46 a.m. Officer Sanchez made a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Stevenson Boulevard and Balentine Drive. Sanchez arrested a 49-year-old Fremont woman on an outstanding warrant and suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia. She was booked at Santa Rita Jail. Additionally, Sanchez arrested a 52-year-old Fremont man on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia. He was cited and released.
Sunday, January 22
- At 12:12 a.m. officers responded to shots fired in the 5000 block of Mowry Ave. Additional officers arrived on scene and located multiple shell casings. No victims were located on scene. The incident is still under investigation.
Vehicle catalytic converter thefts:
- January 16: 39000 block of Seal Drive; 39000 block of Ebbetts St.; 37000 block of Marsten Drive. January 18: 5000 block of Elmwood Ave.; 5000 block of Lafayette Ave. January 20: Starting at 1:07 p.m. officers investigated multiple overnight thefts of catalytic converters throughout the city.
Fremont high school wins state award
Submitted by Fremont Unified School District
A prize of at least $12,000 in technology and school supplies is on its way to Mission San Jose High School as part of the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. The school was selected as State winner for California on February 15 for its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project submission.
For the competition, Mission San Jose High School is creating an energy-efficient drone delivery system to transport emergency medication.
As the State Winners continue toward the Nationals, each will receive a video production kit from Samsung to help document their STEM project. In May, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow will name three schools as National Winners, each of whom will receive $100,000 in prize packages comprised of Samsung Technology and classroom supplies.
Solve for Tomorrow challenges U.S. public middle and high school students to explore the role STEM can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their local communities. The competition engages students in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems — making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom.
More information about the competition and its phases is posted at www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow.
Honor Roll
Missouri State University
Fall 2022 graduate
- Gagandeep Gill of Hayward
University of Findlay, Ohio
Spring 2022 Dean’s List
- Elaine Ng of Fremont
Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania
Fall 2022 Dean’s List
- Aarati Sarikonda of Fremont
Ithaca College, New York
Fall 2022 Dean’s List
- Quinlan Barrie of Fremont
Kudos to Robertson High School
Submitted by Laura Forrest
For the fourth time in 10 years, Robertson High School in Fremont has been named a Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Robertson was among 37 schools honored in 2023 by the CDE and will retain the designation for three years. The latest announcement was made February 13. The school previously was honored with the designation in 2013, 2017 and 2020.
“We are proud of the Robertson staff, students and community for their work to once again be designated a Model Continuation High School,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack. “This designation underscores what we know about Robertson: it provides an outstanding environment for its students, both academically and socially. I congratulate Principal Salvador Herrera, Jr. and the team at Robertson for their professional excellence, and thank them for their unwavering dedication to our students.”
The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program identifies and recognizes continuation schools that use exemplary instructional strategies, flexible
scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.
Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students ages 16 through 18 who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education. Across California, more than 430 continuation high schools serve approximately 78,000 students.
The 2023 California Distinguished Schools will be honored during a California Continuation Education Association state conference April 27-30 in San Diego. A complete list of all 2023 winning schools is posted on California Department of Education website at www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr23/yr23rel11.asp.
Letter to the Editor
Join the Third Act
It’s time for the Third Act! That’s when older Americans perform and change some things
for the better. We have the life skills and resources to make huge positive differences.
If you have money in the bank or the bank bond system, chances are that your money is bankrolling climate destruction. That’s because some of our biggest banks are funding coal, gas and oil companies.
Chase, Wells Fargo, CitiBank and Bank of America have decided to continue these practices, but we can send them the message to STOP! How about transferring your credit cards to other banks? Maybe this ACT will wake them up to the changes they need to make to protect the future. Go to ThirdAct.org to learn more about the power of mature people who don’t want their
career money used to destroy our planet.
The Green Team
Niles Discovery Church
Incentive program offers PG&E customers bill credits
Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E
At a time when higher natural gas prices are driving up energy costs, the new Power Saver Rewards Program is providing more than $55 million in bill credits to participating Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers. PG&E thanks its customers for their significant conservation efforts, which helped avert rotating power outages during extended periods of record-setting temperatures in the summer of 2022.
Power Saver Rewards Program rewards residential participants for temporarily reducing energy use when the demand for electricity is high. Event days are triggered by the state’s grid operator, the California Independent System Operator, calling a Flex Alert and/or an Energy Emergency Alert Watch. Notifications to customers to reduce energy use as part of the program are sent out the day before an event. Over the ten event days in 2022, the average customer bill credit for program participants was $35.
Currently more than 1.6 million customers are enrolled in the program. Customers who reduced energy use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on event days will receive a bill credit on their February or March energy statement, depending on their billing cycle. The credit will be automatically applied; customers do not need to contact PG&E. Customers receive $2 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for decreasing electricity use during events. There is no penalty for not reducing energy.
The program, initiated by the California Public Utilities Commission, encourages energy conservation to lessen the overall strain on the grid and prevent the need for rotating outages. Customers successfully shifted energy usage away from the times of peak demand on event days. During peak hours, customers temporarily reduced usage by taking actions such as turning their thermostat to 78 degrees or higher (health permitting), turning off lights not in use, unplugging electric vehicles, and waiting until after peak hours to use large appliances such as washers, dryers and electric ovens.
PG&E electric customers with a SmartMeter not enrolled in a conflicting peak hour program are eligible to participate. Most customers enrolled in a Community Choice Aggregator can also join. Customers can disenroll from the program at any time through the program website.
It’s easy to enroll and get rewarded for reducing energy use next summer. Plan ahead by visiting powersaver.pge.com to learn more and sign up.
IRS won’t tax most relief payments made by states last year
By David Sharp
Associated Press
The IRS announced Friday, Feb. 10 that most relief checks issued by states last year aren’t subject to federal taxes, providing 11th hour guidance as tax returns start to pour in.
A week after telling payment recipients to delay filing returns, the IRS said it won’t challenge the taxability of payments related to general welfare and disaster, meaning taxpayers who received those checks won’t have to pay federal taxes on those payments. All told, the IRS said special payments were made by 21 states in 2022.
“The IRS appreciates the patience of taxpayers, tax professionals, software companies and state tax administrators as the IRS and Treasury worked to resolve this unique and complex situation,” the IRS said in a statement.
The states where the relief checks do not have to be reported by taxpayers are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. That also applies to supplementary energy relief payments in Alaska that were in addition to the annual Permanent Fund Dividend, the IRS said.
In addition, many taxpayers in Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Virginia also avoid federal taxes on state payments if they meet certain requirements, the IRS said.
In California, most residents got a “middle class tax refund” last year, a payment of up to $1,050 depending on their income, filing status and whether they had children. The Democratic-controlled state Legislature approved the payments to help offset record high gas prices, which peaked at a high of $6.44 per gallon in June according to AAA.
A key question was whether the federal government would count those payments as income and require Californians to pay taxes on it. Many California taxpayers had delayed filing their 2022 returns while waiting for an answer. Friday, the IRS said it would not tax the refund.
Maine was another example of states where the IRS stance had created confusion. More than 100,000 tax returns already had been filed as of Feb. 9, many of them submitted before the IRS urged residents to delay filing their returns.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills pressed for the $850 pandemic relief checks last year for most Mainers to help make ends meet as a budget surplus ballooned. Her administration designed the relief program to conform with federal tax code to avoid being subject to federal taxes or included in federal adjusted gross income calculations, said Sharon Huntley, sp
okesperson for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.
Senate President Troy Jackson called the confusion caused by the IRS “harmful and irresponsible.”
“Democrats and Republicans worked together to create a program that would comply with federal tax laws and deliver for more than 800,000 Mainers,” the Democrat from Allagash said in a statement Feb. 10.
Sharp reported from Portland, Maine. Associated Press writer Adam Beam in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.
Hayward Police Activities League Basketball Clinic
Submitted by City of Hayward
The new Hayward Police Activities League Program is tipping off with a 2023 Basketball Clinic taking place each Wednesday through June 7 at Matt Jimenez Community Center gymnasium. And there’s still time to join for free by registering at www.surveymonkey.com/r/pal.
During the weekly two-hour clinic every other Wednesday, participating youth ages 12-to-17 years old will meet with Hayward PAL activities coordinators and coaches to learn basketball skills, make friends, and improve overall fitness and health.
Police Activities Leagues (PAL) is a nationwide membership program dedicated to providing mentorship, service, athletics, recreational enrichment, educational opportunities and resources to kids in every community.
In the summer of 2022, the Hayward Police Department joined the over 140 cities and counties in California who are part of California PAL, the first state PAL Program and largest PAL Program in the country.
To learn more about Hayward PAL, the basketball clinic, its coaches and more, visit Hayward PAL at www.hayward -ca.gov/pal.
PAL Basketball Clinics
Every other Wednesday through June 7
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Matt Jimenez Community Center Gym
28200 Russ Rd., Hayward
www.hayward -ca.gov/pal
MVAL Girls Varsity Soccer Champions
Submitted by Newark Memorial Athletics
Newark Memorial Varsity girls’ soccer team are the 2023 Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL) Champions! The Lady Cougars finished league play with an MVAL record of nine wins, five ties and no losses to claim Newark Memorial’s first league championship in Varsity girls’ soccer in 15 years, with the last one in 2008.
Newark Memorial Athletic Crab Feed
Submitted by Rachel Kahoalii
Newark Memorial Athletic Booster is hosting a Crab Feed on Saturday, March 18. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at Swiss Park in Newark. Doors with open at 5 p.m. Tickets will be selling for $75 each. To purchase email Rk*******@ne***********.org.
Newark Memorial Athletic Carb Feed
Saturday, March 18
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Doors open: 5 p.m.
Dinner served: 6 p.m.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
Tickets: $75
Email Rk*******@ne***********.org for tickets
Newark boys’ varsity soccer win NCS playoffs
By Angela Xiong
On Wednesday, February 14, the Newark Memorial Cougars went head-to-head against the Santa Rosa Panthers in the highly-anticipated North Coast Section (NCS) Boys Soccer Division 2 Championship playoff game.
The intense game kicked off with both teams on the move as soon as the whistle blew. Santa Rosa was first in possession of the ball and moved quickly into Newark Memorial’s half of the field. Within the first five minutes of the game, the Santa Rosa Panthers took a long shot, which was blocked by Newark Memorial’s goalkeeper Eriberto Bermudez. The tides quickly shifted when Newark took advantage of Bermudez’s save and gained control over the ball. Halfway into the first half of the game, Newark Memorial received a penalty shot by junior Noel Cabrales who successfully made the goal, winning Newark Memorial the first point in the game.
After the Cougars’ goal, the Panthers began playing with powerful focus and determination. For over twenty minutes, the two teams were equally matched, with Santa Rosa focusing strongly on defense and Newark Memorial occupying the offensive. After numerous interceptions and passes, Newark Memorial made headway when junior Armando Rodriguez shot a fast high ball from the middle of the field, but the goal was blocked by Santa Rosa. The Cougars continued to maintain momentum and rhythm toward the end of the first half. Newark Memorial took powerful shots, dominating the field and forcing Santa Rosa into the position of tight defense. The first half ended with a score of 1-0, Newark Memorial leading.
Coming back from halftime, the two teams played with renewed energy, knowing that the next 40 minutes will determine the trajectory of the rest of their soccer season. Both teams placed great emphasis on their defense, and neither team scored a single goal for over 20 minutes. In the second half, Newark Memorial received two goal opportunities but was unable to achieve a successful shot.
Regardless, the Cougars continued to dominate the field, becoming more aggressive in their offense. Once again, junior Noel Cabrales scored a low ball from the left corner of the field, winning the Cougars their second point of the game. With less than two minutes left in the second half, junior Izeyah Romo scored a third goal with an assist by junior Armando Rodriguez, bringing the final game score to 3-0.
Disc Golf Brings Together Northern California’s Deaf Community
By Angela Xiong
Photos courtesy of NorCal Deaf Disc Golf Club
Northern California’s Deaf community has found a new way to come together and enjoy the great outdoors: disc golf. The Northern California Deaf Disc Golf Club (NorCal DDGC) is an affiliated non-profit 501(c)3 established in July 2017 to promote the interest in disc golf with a spirit of goodwill and friendship among Deaf people in Northern California. The club is inclusive and also encourages women, youth, and individuals proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) to participate in club-sponsored events.
Deaf Disc Golf is a variation of the sport of disc golf, which is played by individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. In disc golf, players throw flying discs into baskets, with the goal of completing each hole in the fewest throws possible. Deaf Disc Golf involves visual cues and hand signals to communicate on the course.
The club is led by a dedicated group of members who are passionate about promoting disc golf and creating an inclusive community. They host regular events and meetups for members to play together and participate in local and regional tournaments. NorCal DDGC also serves as a support network, providing a sense of belonging and a place where members can make new friends and connect with others who share their experiences.
“I feel that this club provides a good balance of positive experiences for the members. What I enjoy the most about the club is seeing club members improve their overall play and develop a new network of friends or playing partners,” NorCal DDGC President Jeff Bibb said.
The club has competed in numerous tournaments throughout Northern California and has established clubs in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Brentwood, Berkeley, and more. Most recently, the NorCal DDGC hosted the third annual Sabertooth Championship which consisted of events including Mixed Pro Open, Women’s Amateur 1, and Girls’ Junior 18. The club’s next big event is the Deaf Disc Golf Association West Open (DDGA) on April 28-30th.
In addition to providing a fun and inclusive environment for the Deaf and signing community, the NorCal DDGC is helping to break down barriers and promote inclusiveness in the broader disc golf community. The club is based on the California School of Deaf campus. NorCal DDGC is currently attempting to implement an official disc golf course in the City of Fremont and is seeking community interest and sponsorship support. To learn more about the club and get involved, additional information can be located at the NorCal DDGC website: http://www.norcalddgc.org/.
San Leandro advances in NCS Playoffs
By Andrew Joseph
The San Leandro Pirates girls’ varsity basketball team beat the Mt. Eden Monarchs 51-39 at home on Tuesday, February 14 in the first round of the Division 1 North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. “Our theme for this season is ‘carpe diem,’ ‘seize the moment’ and that’s what we talked about doing,” said Pirates head coach Dennis Flannery.
Geriah Bradley led the Pirates with 16 points, Lisette Lopez had 11 points, and Chozen Horn Young added seven points. The Monarchs’ leading scorers include Jackie Navarro with a game high 18 points and Annalyse Santos with 12 points.
“The mindset for this game was to play hard and come out with the good energy,” said Bradley. “Our shots started falling in the first half so that combined with our energy and our defense helped us get out to the early lead and maintain it.”
The Pirates never trailed at any point in the game, closing the first quarter with an 11-8 lead. San Leandro made three 3-pointers in the second quarter during their 22-6 run to end the first half. Their defense forced multiple steals that created opportunities for easy layups on the other end to add to their lead. The Pirates went into halftime with a 33-14 advantage and their largest lead of the night.
“Our coaches always have something inspirational to say at halftime, so everything they said just boosted us up in the second half and made us play harder,” said Lopez. “What worked well for us was our teamwork.”
San Leandro’s dominance continued in the third quarter as they drained three more 3-pointers and held their own defensively by holding the Monarchs to just seven points.
“We shoot the 3-point shot a lot so as soon as the first one goes in it’s contagious and everyone feels like they can make it too,” said coach Flanery. “I think we also did a very nice job on help defense forcing the Monarchs to kick the ball out and we got some steals that broke the game open.”
Mt. Eden’s defense held San Leandro to just five points in the fourth quarter. The Monarchs scored a total of 18 points in the final minutes led by their five 3-pointers. The early lead that the Pirates created proved to be too much for Mt. Eden to come back from as San Leandro gets the win. “This win just shows how much potential we have and how far in the playoffs we can possibly go,” added Bradley.
With the victory San Leandro advances in the NCS playoffs to play host to Alameda High in the quarterfinals. The Pirates’ record improves to 19-8 overall on the season and an even .500 in conference play at 5-5. If San Leandro wins the NCS title they will advance to the state playoffs.
“We would absolutely like to win the NCS championship, but we just want to take one game at a time,” said coach Flanery.
Teens unite for Charity Fashion Show
Submitted by Jackie Wang
Mission San Jose High School’s Leadership II Community Committee conducted their first Charity Fashion Show in four years on February 17, 2023! Over the past few years, this tradition was discontinued due to Covid-19, but students were so glad to put on this night filled with amazing performances, talented people, and so much more! Aligned with the theme of Palace of Hearts–the huge heart shaped balloons and huge banner was spot on! Proceeds from the event will go to the nonprofit Love 4 One Another.
San Leandro advances in NCS Playoffs
By Andrew Joseph
The San Leandro Pirates varsity girls’ basketball team beat the Mt. Eden Monarchs 51-39 at home on Tuesday, February 14 in the first round of the Division 1 North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. “Our theme for this season is ‘carpe diem,’ ‘seize the moment’ and that’s what we talked about doing,” said Pirates head coach Dennis Flannery.
Geriah Bradley led the Pirates with 16 points, Lisette Lopez had 11 points, and Chozen Horn Young added seven points. The Monarchs’ leading scorers include Jackie Navarro with a game high 18 points and Annalyse Santos with 12 points.
“The mindset for this game was to play hard and come out with good energy,” said Bradley. “Our shots started falling in the first half, so that combined with our energy and our defense helped us get out to an early lead and maintain it.”
The Pirates never trailed at any point in the game, closing the first quarter with an 11-8 lead. San Leandro made three 3-pointers in the second quarter during their 22-6 run to end the first half. Their defense forced multiple steals that created opportunities for easy layups on the other end to add to their lead. The Pirates went into halftime with a 33-14 advantage and their largest lead of the night.
“Our coaches always have something inspirational to say at halftime so everything they said just boosted us up in the second half and made us play harder,” said Lopez. San Leandro’s dominance continued in the third quarter as they drained three more 3-pointers and held their own defensively by holding the Monarchs to just seven points.
“We shoot the 3-point shot a lot so as soon as the first one goes in it’s contagious and everyone feels like they can make it too,” said coach Flanery. “I think we also did a very nice job on defense forcing the Monarchs to kick the ball out and we got some steals
that broke the game open.”
Mt. Eden’s defense held San Leandro to just five points in the fourth quarter. The Monarchs scored a total of 18 points in the final minutes led by their five 3-pointers. The early lead that the Pirates created proved to be too much for Mt. Eden to come back from as San Leandro gets the win. “This win just shows how much potential we have and how far in the playoffs we can possibly go,” added Bradley.
With the victory against Mt. Eden, San Leandro advanced in the NCS playoffs to play host to Alameda Hornets in the quarterfinals on Friday, February 17. After beating Alameda 44-25 the Pirates’ record improves to 20-8 overall in the season and an even .500 in conference play at 5-5. This is San Leandro’s fifth straight season with a 20-win season. They play at Monte Vista on Tuesday, February 21 in the semifinals with a chance to play in the league championship game. If San Leandro wins the NCS title they will advance to the state playoffs.
“We would absolutely like to win the NCS championship, but we just want to take one game at a time,” said coach Flanery.
Ocean City Fire Department introduces therapy dog
Associated Press
By Olivia Minzola, The Daily Times
The Ocean City Fire Department recently welcomed its newest member: 20-month-old black Labrador and certified therapy dog Max.
Max was greeted by town officials, first responders and students from Ocean City Elementary School and Seaside Christian Academy, all of whom gathered together at OCFD headquarters for his proud, red-carpet debut.
Max, handled by firefighters Ian Spice and Ryan Whittington, has undergone about 18 months of extensive training for his new role. He is highly motivated through contact with people, Whittington said, and is known for his affection and calm, quiet nature.
Chief Richard Bowers believes his department’s new furry friend is sure to lift spirits. Bowers formally welcomed Max to the fire department family by shaking his paw.
“He will bring something that this department and this city needs. Something as simple as petting a dog makes a big difference,” Bowers said. “Max is not just ours. He’s yours too.”
Max will remain at the OCFD, serving as a source of comfort, support and community engagement, Whittington confirmed. He will also make regular appearances at Ocean City Town Council meetings as well as other public, community-centered events.
“Therapy dogs, like Max, have been shown to have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-beings, especially for those in high-stress environments,” Whittington said. “I’m proud to say that this is just the beginning. Our department will continue to explore new and innovative ways to serve our community.”
Continuing Events:
Tuesdays
Bilingual (English/Spanish) Tiny Tot Story Time
9:30 am -11:00 am
Kinder readiness class for 0-5 years old
Union City Family Center
725 Whipple Rd, Union City
(510) 476-2770
bit.ly/3vcTYRA, bit.ly/3GaTamI
Tuesdays
Tot Time
8:30 am -9:30 am
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Kinder readiness program for 0-2
Barnard White Middle School, Room B8
725 Whipple Rd, Union City
(510) 471-5363
Tuesdays
Practice Your English-Online Chat! R
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Improve your English by talking with native speakers
bit.ly/3jqnz86
jl**@ac*******.org
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Spectrum Fall Prevention Presents “Enhance Fitness” R
9:30 am, 11:00 am
Program to energize & empower 60+ adult
San Leandro Senior Community Center
13909 E 14th Street, San Leandro
SpectrumCS.org
Register in person or call (510) 881-0300 x 270
Wednesdays
Zumba Gold $
11:30 am -12:30 pm
Workout while dancing
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Wednesdays
Tropics Bingo
7:00 pm
Flash games
Tropics Mobile Home Park
33000 Almaden Blvd, Union City
(510) 471-8550
the-tropics.net
Thursdays
Chair yoga R
10:00 am -11:00 am
Consists of breathing and stretching techniques
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Thursdays
International folk dancing in mandarin $R
11:30 am -12:50 pm
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Thursdays
Chronic pain support group
12:30 pm -2:30 pm
Group guidance from Stanford Pain Management Clinic
(510) 790-6600
Email for Zoom link: ag************@fr*****.gov
Last Thursday
The Peaceful Poets
5:30 pm -8:00 pm
Writers & appreciators meet
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org
Thursdays & Saturdays
Story time
10:30 am -11:00 am
Picture book story time
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave Ste.F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
banterbookshop.com
Thursday -Sunday
Animal feeding
3:00 pm -3:30 pm
Feed livestock & learn about their favorite food
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Fridays & Saturdays
Telescope viewings
7:30 pm -10:30 pm
Experience the awe & wonder of the universe
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org
Saturdays
Laugh Track City $
8:00 pm
Improvised games & scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Mondays
Advanced Math + Science Tutoring
5:30 pm -7:00 pm
Free high school & college-level tutoring
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org ca**********@ac*******.org
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Showers for Adults 55+ R
1:00 pm -2:30 pm
One shower per day
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Spectrum Fall Prevention presents “Enhance Fitness” R
9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm
Program to energize and empower 60+ adult
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
haywardrec.org SpectrumCS.org
Register in person or call (510) 881-0300 x 270
Wednesdays, December 7 – November 22
Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Classes
2:00 pm -4:00 pm
Relieve Stress and anxiety by joining Falun Dafa classes
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org
Thursdays, December 8 – June 8
Cover to cover book discussion
1:00 pm -2:30 pm
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 284-0675
bit.ly/3DyAJaM
Tuesdays, January 3 – May 30
Baby Bouncers Lapsit
11:30 am -11:45 am
Nursery rhymes, lap bounce, songs & picture books for 12 months & younger
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org
Tuesdays, January 17 – May 16
Read to a Dog
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Come and read to the therapy dogs
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Mask required for 2+
Thursdays, January 19 – April 20
Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
1:30 pm -3:00 pm
Get help with checkup, medications, appointments & food assistance
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Thursday – Saturday, January 19 – March 18
Tree talk
12:00 pm -5:00 pm
Art works & poems by Dotti Cichon & Nelly Capra
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd, Fremont
(510) 791-4357
olivehydeartguild.org
Monday – Thursday, January 23 – March 16
Embracing the World
9:00 am -5:00 pm
Multicultural & multimedia works from various artists
John O’Lague Galleria
Hayward City Hall
777 B street, Hayward
(510) 538-2787
hayward-ca.gov, haywardartscouncil.org
Last Wednesdays, January 25 – April 26
Learn through play (special need friendly)
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Practice fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, & social skills. Open to children of all abilities
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 284-0675
bit.ly/3DyAJaM
Saturdays, January 28 – March 25
Saturday English Conversation
10:00 am -12:00 pm
Open English conversation for all skill level
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 284-0675
bit.ly/3DyAJaM
Tuesdays, January 31 – February 28
Tag/Teen Tuesdays R
4:00 pm -6:00 pm
Join the teen advisory group, play, make art & poetry
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
bit.ly/3kO3Krm
Wednesdays, February 1 – February 22
Black History Month – Little Bookworms Storytime
11:30 am -12:00 pm
Read sing & honor black resistance together
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
haywardrec.org
Mask required for 2+
Thursdays, February 2 – February 23
CleanStart Mobile Hygiene Unit
12:00 pm -2:00 pm
Access to a shower & laundry for people experiencing homelessness
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Saturdays, February 4 – April 15
Free Tax Assistance from VITA
1:00 pm -4:00 pm
Trained volunteers will prepare & file taxes for persons/households earning less than $66,000 in 2022
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
earnitkeepitsaveit.org
Sundays, February 12 – April 9
Dove Gallery Competition Exhibit
12:00 pm -3:00 pm
Eclectic showcase of local artist
Dove Gallery at Park Victoria Baptist Church
875 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas
(408) 464-5011
Do**@Pa**********.org
Tuesdays, February 21 – June 27
Erase Una Vez / Once Upon a Time
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Read & do an art project in Spanish
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
haywardrec.org
Mask required for 2+
Last Thursdays, February 23 – August 31
The Peaceful Poets
5:30 pm -8:00 pm
Meet up of Milpitas based writers & appreciators of poetry
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, February 21
Stop Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate R
6:30 pm
Learn about how you can help stop hate
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
bit.ly/3RP1b55
ca**********@ac*******.org
Tuesday, February 21
House of Samba Kids Drumming R
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Interactive children’s music
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
bit.ly/3YCL38L
ca**********@ac*******.org
Tuesday, February 21 – Wednesday, February 22
Alameda county voter registration
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Assistance for voter registration
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ
Wednesday, February 22
Elder abuse & legal remedies R
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Presentation of elder abuse and the laws that address it
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
(510) 790-6606
bit.ly/3Y6nvJO
Wednesday, February 22
The Journaling hour (14+)
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Create calendars, trackers & other journaling basics
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave, Fremont
(510) 795-2629
aclibrary.org/locations/CTV
Wednesday, February 22
Bingo Night
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Mowry Avenue
5245 Mowry Ave, Fremont
(510) 608-5771
bit.ly/3WpRmw2
Thursday, February 23
Bocce Ball Tournament
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sons in Retirement vs AWCSF
Age Well Center, Bocce ball court
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Thursday, February 23
Gaming tournament for grades 4th – 8th R
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Join for video games
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
bit.ly/3xuII4o
Friday, February 24
Family caregiver film series R
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hello, my name is Doris
Fremont City Hall
3300 Capitol Ave, Fremont
(510) 742-7540
fremont.gov
fs******@fr*****.gov
Friday, February 24
Friday cinema
11 am: Pariah (R)
1 pm: Making Black America part III & IV (R)
3:30 pm: Kevin Hart’s guide to black history (PG)
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
haywardrec.org
Saturday, February 25
“Go West” $R
7:30 pm
Buster Keaton classic
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 494-1411
bit.ly/3JUWuVp
Saturday, February 25
Crab Feed $R
5:00 pm
Music, raffle prizes, auction
Southern Almeda County Buddhist Church
32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City
bit.ly/3Ec5TUP (tickets)
Li******************@wi*********.org
Saturday, February 25
Classic Car Show R
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pre -’75 makes & models, 2023 models, all other vehicles welcomed
Main street from C to A Street
hayward.org/events/car-show/register
Exhibitors enter at C & Main Street
Saturday, February 25
Comedy Night $R
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Standup comedy & amazing food
Spin A Yarn Steakhouse
45915 Warm Spring Blvd., Fremont
(510) 656-9141
bit.ly/3YCnkGe
Saturday, February 25
Plant & cutting swap
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Share & swap plant cuttings, extra plants, seed starts
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave, Fremont
(510) 795-2629
aclibrary.org/locations/CTV
Saturday, February 25
FAW Zoom General Meeting R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Susan Iannucci shares how to make an audio book
Zoom
Request link: sc**************@ya***.com
Saturday, February 25
Preschool & Enrichment Fair
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Showcasing Tri-City schools, camps, STEAM programs & more
Centerville Presbyterian Church
4360 Central Ave, Fremont
(510) 793-3575
funmothersclub.org
PS**@fu************.org
Saturday, February 25
Newt safari R
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Discover the secret life of newts
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/Sunol
Register: (1-888-EBPARKS)
SV****@eb*****.org
Saturday, February 25
Book Signing & Presentation
1:00 pm
Me, Mommy, Mantu
Niles Veterans Memorial Hall
37154 2nd St, Fremont
(510) 790-2853
acgov.org/veterans/fremont/index.htm
Sunday, February 26
Nectar Garden Tour
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Discover native plants & pollinators
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
bit.ly/3UGfdGr
Sunday, February 26
Black history month film
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Judas & the Black Messiah
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ
Sunday, February 26
Artist Open house
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Work of Denise Oyama Miller and Lynne Shephard
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley
(510) 889-8961
cvcfa.com, cvartsfoundation.org
Sunday, Feb
ruary 26
Guldasta Gulzar Ka $R
5:30 pm
Live musical tribute to Gulzar
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St, Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
indiacc.org, bit.ly/41398ry
Sunday, February 26
First glance: Member telescope viewing R
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Private telescope viewing for members
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org, bit.ly/3xp0whj
Sunday, February 26
Author meet (Judge Ladoris Hazzard Cordell) R
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Discussion about her new book & her legal career
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
bit.ly/3XAwzWf
ca**********@ac*******.org
Monday, February 27
LWV Black History Month meeting
6:00 pm
Bishop Jerry Macklin talks about Glad Tidings International Church in Hayward
Via Zoom: Register at lwvfnuc.com
Confirmation email after registering
Monday, February 27
Adult Tai Chi
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Modified Tai chi for enjoyment & health
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
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