03-01-22 Articles

Veteran officer retires after storied career

Submitted by Milpitas Police Department

After serving the Milpitas community for more than 26 years, Milpitas Police Officer Derek Yamamura retired on Wednesday, February 23.

Yamamura joined the Milpitas Police Department on July 21, 1993 as a patrol officer and later was appointed to the position of police officer. During his career Yamamura worked in many capacities and specialized assignments including Mobile Field Force member, Arrest and Control Tactics instructor, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot.

One of the Yamamura’s most notable accomplishments was receiving a Lifesaving Commendation in 2016 for his actions in resuscitating a 2-year-old girl at the Great Mall who was not breathing. His composure and quick thinking during this incident resulted in the best outcome for the girl and her family.

During a ceremony celebrating Yamamura’s career with the department, Milpitas Police Chief Jared Hernandez presented him with a commendation of thanks.

Hayward Police Department launches Virtual Academy Program

By Alfred Hu

Hayward Police Department (HPD) is offering the Virtual Academy Program, a free four-week seminar via Zoom for interested viewers to gain insight into how the police force works. Seminars are on Wednesdays during February 2022 from 6:00 p.m. till 8:15 p.m. Community leaders, neighborhood watch leaders, elected officials and students pursuing a career in criminal justice have joined the course in the past.

For the February 23, 2022 seminar, the speakers included Ofc. Justin Ferreyra, Jennie Comstock, Lynnette Davis and Det. Chris McGiboney.

This is the fourth and final installment of our coverage of the program.

Topics covered:

1). HPD Traffic Bureau currently has one lieutenant, one sergeant, five motor officers, one traffic officer and an administrative assistant. Primary functions include reducing vehicle collisions through education and enforcement of the California Vehicle Code and Hayward Municipal Code, investigating fatal collisions and serious injuries as well as collisions involving on-duty city employees, responding to community concerns, and coordinating traffic related ancillary duties (tow contracts, taxi cabs, state mandated traffic statistics, vehicle permits).

To become an officer in the Traffic Bureau, a candidate must demonstrate a desire to investigate complex collisions, have an excellent work ethic and reputation, undergo training in traffic and collision related matters including radar operations, and successfully pass an oral exam. Fewer than 3% of sworn officers become traffic officers. After being accepted, traffic officers are given over 400 hours of specialized instruction. While issuing tickets is a primary task, traffic officers also monitor high accident intersections, run DUI checkpoints, and check license status. A DUI case can result in a murder charge if someone is killed due to drunk driving. To report a traffic problem in Hayward, call (510) 293-7099.

2). Hayward Animal Services Bureau offers a variety of services including caring for stray, abused and surrendered pets; finding adoption for homeless pets; investigating reports of animal cruelty and animal attacks; rescuing animals in distress; handling wildlife problems; setting up animal quarantines; and controlling rabies.

It also runs open-door shelters such as Hayward Animal Shelter, which takes in animals regardless of breed, age, medical or behavioral condition. These shelters are funded by the city and care for 2,200 – 2,700 animals a year. These include dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, reptiles and amphibians. In cases of overpopulation or if the animal poses danger to the community, euthanasia is applied. Furthermore, Hayward Animal Services has three Animal Control Officers who enforce the federal, state and local animal ordinances and make sure that public safety comes first and foremost. To report non-emergency concerns people can call (510) 293-7200. For in-progress emergencies such as animal attacks or animal abuse, call 9-1-1.

3). Youth and Family Services Bureau (YFSB) is a unit within the HPD Investigations Division. For more than 40 years it has worked to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system, create opportunities for kids to grow up in safe and healthy neighborhoods, and help families succeed at home, school and in the community. These efforts allow police and YFSB counselors to work together to determine how each family’s needs can be assessed. In order to reduce juvenile delinquency, the YFSB also offers various programs and services such as free mental health services, Family Counseling and Crisis Intervention, School-Based Counseling program, Youth diversion Program, and Summer Fun Recreational Program. In addition, walk-in crisis counseling and suicide/homicide assessment services are available. Approximately 115 youths have been served a year.

4). Special Response Unit (SRU) is a critical incident response team consisting of tactical officers, a crisis negotiation team, tactical support officers and a rescue task force. SRU is employed whenever a situation requires specialized training and equipment beyond what Beat or Patrol officers can provide. One type of incident handled by the team is an Active Shooter Incident. In such cases the SRU team may arrive one at a time, some in plain clothes and others in full tactical gear, negotiate with the individual(s) and attempt to de-escalate the situation, determine the status of the individual(s) (dead, alive, escaped), search the area until the threat is gone, deploy a rescue task force to treat injured victims, and begin evacuations.

During these incidents, it is important to follow work/school protocols, find nearest exit, lock or barricade doors and turn off lights if escape is not possible, cover all windows, silence all phones, call 9-1-1 and be as descriptive of the situation as possible. Anyone can be an attacker. To prevent and detect potential Active Shooter incidents, the SRU emphasizes pay attention to surroundings and be aware of bullying and those showing interest in terrorist groups and assault weapons. The SRU team also handles other high stress situations such as crowd control, protection of dignitaries, and natural disaster events. Officers assigned to the SRU receive an additional 160 hours of specialized training each year.

To learn more visit, hayward-ca.gov.

Suspected thief parks stolen car at retired officers’ home

Associated Press

PAUL, Minn. (AP), Feb. 19 — A Minneapolis man is in trouble with the law after he allegedly stole a car and tried to hide it at the home of two retired police officers. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Feb. 18 that Alexander John Thompson was charged Jan. 31 with auto theft in Dakota County.

According to police, Thompson stole a car in Lakeville the morning of Jan. 30. He parked the car in a pole barn at a Greenvale Township home later that afternoon. The home is owned by a retired Prior Lake police officer and her husband, a retired New Mexico police officer. The couple saw Thompson, handcuffed him and called police, according to a criminal complaint.

It’s not clear why Thompson allegedly put the car in the barn. Dakota County Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Leopold said Thompson said he parked the car there because it was starting to break down. Leopold said investigators aren’t sure that’s true because Thompson’s story kept changing.

Thompson faces a separate auto theft charge in Dakota County for allegedly stealing an SUV from a Hastings, Minnesota Walmart on Jan. 27

DUI and license checkpoint

Submitted by Hayward Police Department

Officers from Hayward Poli
ce Department (HPD) will conduct a Driving Under the Influence checkpoint starting at 8 p.m. Friday, March 4 and continuing until 2 a.m. the next day at an undisclosed location in the city.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and will check drivers for proper licensing. The primary purpose of the checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring motorists from driving impaired.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sergeant Tasha DeCosta said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

HPD officials are reminding the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Anyone that is planning on drinking or taking medications that can affect their ability to drive, should follow these precautions to avoid a DUI charge:

Always use a designated sober driver — a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation — to get home.
Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.
Report drunk drivers by calling 911.
Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from California Office of Traffic Safety, through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hayward Police Department launches Virtual Academy Program

By Alfred Hu

For the February 23, 2022 seminar, the speakers included Ofc. Justin Ferreyra, Jennie Comstock, Lynnette Davis and Det. Chris McGiboney.

This is the fourth and final installment of our coverage of the program.

Topics covered:

To learn more visit, hayward-ca.gov.

Veteran officer retires after storied career

Submitted by Milpitas Police Department

After serving the Milpitas community for more than 26 years, Milpitas Police Officer Derek Yamamura retired on Wednesday, February 23.

Yamamura joined the Milpitas Police Department on July 21, 1993 as a patrol officer and later was appointed to the position of police o
fficer. During his career Yamamura worked in many capacities and specialized assignments including Mobile Field Force member, Arrest and Control Tactics instructor, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot.

During a ceremony celebrating Yamamura’s career with the department, Milpitas Police Chief Jared Hernandez presented him with a commendation of thanks.

Newark Police Log

Submitted by Newark PD

Friday, February 4

At 8:02 a.m. officers located a stolen vehicle in the 5000 block of Thornton Ave. Officers arrested two Hayward men, ages 39 and 36 on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, possession of identity theft materials with intent to defraud, and receiving stolen property. Both were booked at Santa Rita Jail.

At 5:00 p.m. officers responded to a “dine and dash” report from an eatery on the 34000 block of Newark Blvd. The suspect, a 50-year-old Oakland woman, was located by an officer nearby and was arrested on suspicion of defrauding an innkeeper and possession of identity theft materials with intent to defraud. She was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Saturday, February 5

At 8:23 a.m. officers responded to a report of suspicious activity in the 7000 block of Mowry Ave. While investigating the call, they located a stolen vehicle with a firearm in view on the rear seat. The firearm was recovered and the vehicle was towed.

Sunday, February 6

At 11:46 p.m. Officer Kapu investigated an armed robbery that occurred in the 7000 block of Jarvis Ave. Loss was a cell phone, $200, four bottles of alcohol and cigars.

Monday, February 7

At 11:51 a.m. officers responded to a report about an unwanted guest in the 5000 block of Cedar Court. Upon arrival, officers arrested a 26-year-old Union City man on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

At 11:02 p.m. officers responded to a disturbance in the 5000 block of McDonald Ave. Upon arrival, officers tried to contact a 40-year-old woman at the scene, but she refused their commands and assaulted an officer. Officers safely detained and arrested her on suspicion of vandalism, battery on a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer. She was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Wednesday, February 9

At 9:15 p.m. Officer Johnson stopped a 19-year-old man for speeding in a vehicle in the area of Thornton Avenue and Mayhews Landing Road. During a search of the vehicle officers recovered a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. The man was arrested.

At 3:18 a.m. officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 36000 block of Cherry St. Upon arrival, they found a 24-year-old man holding a firearm and ordered him to drop it. The man complied and was taken into custody. He later was arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in public, carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony, and being too inebriated to care for himself or others. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail. Another 24-year-old man nearby also was arrested for outstanding warrants and public intoxication. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Thursday, February 10

At 10:22 p.m. Officer Rivas investigated an attempted robbery in the 5000 block of Mowry School Road. The suspect fled before police officers arrived. While checking the area, Officer Frentescu located and arrested a 20-year-old Fremont man on suspicion of robbery, obstructing a peace officer, and probation violation. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Sunday, February 13

At 2:40 a.m. during a security check in the 39000 block of Cedar Blvd, officers saw a man dressed in all black riding around on a bicycle through a business alleyway. An officer gave chase as the man attempted to evade the officer. Officers caught the man, identified as a 28-year-old Fremont resident and arrested him on suspicion of possessing burglary tools and loitering on private property. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Bulletproof vest saves Philadelphia officer

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP), Feb. 11 — A bulletproof vest likely saved the life of a SWAT officer who was shot in the chest while helping to serve a warrant for a drug suspect on Feb. 11.

The gunfire took place as the officer joined the police department’s gun violence task force as they approached a third-floor unit, authorities said. Someone inside opened fire through the wall and the officer was hit in the chest, but the bullet did not penetrate the vest, police said.

The officer was taken to a hospital for examination and released, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. “Thank God no one was injured today, thank God the officer was able to walk out of the hospital,” Outlaw said.

An armed suspect jumped out a window and landed on a second-floor roof, police said. Outlaw said officers opened fire on the suspect, who was not hit. He was taken into custody and a gun was recovered. The names of the officer and suspect were not released.

“I have met with you all outside this hospital I don’t know how many times to discuss an officer either being shot at or being shot,” Outlaw said. “It’s sickening.”

Bulletproof vest saves Philadelphia officer

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP), Feb. 11 — A bulletproof vest likely saved the life of a SWAT officer who was shot in the chest while helping to serve a warrant for a drug suspect on Feb. 11.

“I have met with you all outside this hospital I don’t know how many times to discuss an officer either being shot at or being shot,” Outlaw said. “It’s sickening.”

Veteran police captain remembered

Submitted by Fremont Police Department

Members of Fremont Police Department (FPD), along with city officials and mourners, gathered on Tuesday, February 22 outside the police department building to remember Captain Frederick “Freddie” H. Bobbitt Jr. who unexpectedly died February 21.

In a post on its Facebook page, FPD officials said Bobbitt, 54, had been with the department for more than 32 years and was well-known and respected in the community. The remembrance was held at the flagpole outside the police headquarters on Stevenson Boulevard and was open to anyone who wanted to share their memories of Bobbit or leave personal cards or flowers for his family.

For those who missed the event, police said the memorial items would be displayed inside the police department lobby at 2000 Stevenson Blvd. and would be availab
le for viewing during weekday business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Union City Police Log

Submitted by Union City PD

Friday, February 18

Night shift officers responded to a call about a parked vehicle with a gun visible inside of it on the 33300 block of Dowe Ave. Upon arrival, officers inspected the vehicle and saw an assault rifle with an attached silencer. They spotted the car’s owner nearby, who fled on foot when he saw officers. Officers caught up and detained him and uncovered a loaded handgun in his waistband. A record check showed the suspect was a former felon. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms and on seven additional felony charges.

Cougar athletics winter wrap-up

Submitted by Rachel Kahoalii

Newark Memorial High School’s (NMHS) winter sports season is wrapping up and we have some exciting news.

We are proud to announce that senior, Nico Barajas, won 3rd place in the North Coast Section (NCS) Championships held February 18. This has earned Nico a spot to compete in the state wrestling championship tournament. This is no easy feat, as wrestling has been very difficult to navigate during the pandemic. We are so proud of Nico! We would also like to share that senior, Taka Barberi, placed 6th at the NCS Championships. Congratulations to all of the Cougar wrestlers and coaching staff.

NMHS junior varsity and varsity boys’ soccer teams are Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL) Champions. Both teams finished impressive seasons last week. The varsity team made it to the quarterfinals of the NCS Championship Tournament, but had a tough lost to Richmond High School.

All seven soccer players who were nominated for Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL) All-League Awards were selected by opposing coaches. And a special congratulations to the MVAL Boys Soccer League MVP, Diego Ochoa.

1st Team All-League:

Diego Ochoa

Brayan Godinez

Nate Medrano

Nick Medrano

Wahid Salemi

Fabiano Guzman

Talha Ahmed

NMHS girls’ soccer team also had All-League selections.

1st Team All-League:

Kiara Gutierrez

Ashley Amaya

2nd Team All-League:

Lainee Lombana

Kylie Gutierrez

Sofia Lowe

Mikaila Soriano

Curious about curling?

By April Ramos

Over the past two weeks, many were captivated by this year’s winter Olympics in Beijing. In contrast to the summer Olympics with golf, tennis, and track and field, winter Olympics showcases sports that many in the Bay Area are not used to seeing on a daily basis. One example of this is curling.

Curling consists of two teams of four. The game is played on a flat sheet of ice, 150 feet long and 16 feet wide. At both ends of the ice is a painted bullseye, or the “house”. One player of each team, slides a 44-pound granite stone to the center of the house. The other three team members sweep the ice in front of the stone with a broom as it glides down the ice. Sweeping alters the speed of the stone and makes it curl. Hence, the name.

The team captain or ‘skip’ strategizes the best approach of obtaining points. Some basic examples are to aim straight for the target, choose to block the opposing team’s stone or knock them out. Curling requires a lot strategy, so much so, that it has been dubbed ‘Chess on ice.’ Although curling is not a common sport, it may be closer to you than you think.

Silicon Valley Curling Club (SVCC), a non-profit recreational curling league, can be found playing at Solar4America Ice (formerly Sharks Ice) in Fremont and San Jose. The club is made up of 120 members and hosts league games with up to 40 players on the ice at a time. Every SVCC league season lasts about 12 weeks and continues all year round.

For those who are curious about curling, SVCC hosts “Learn to Curl” sessions. Whether you are an aspiring curler or just want to try the sport that captivated your interest while watching the winter Olympics, a Learn to Curl session is the place to start. This two-hour co-ed clinic includes a safety talk, the fundamentals of curling, game rules and a chance to play the game.

Following the clinic, players are invited to participate in ‘broomstacking.’ “On the curling culture side of things, [broomstacking] is the act of socializing with the team you just played against. The tradition, especially in leagues, is that the winning team always buys the losing team the first round [of hot chocolate, water or a beer… that’s your choice.]” explains David Steele, SVCC Vice President and Learn to Curl Coordinator. “Most people don’t believe me but, after the Learn to Curl session, you have enough knowledge of curling to play in the league.”

For more information about Learn to Curl and SVCC, visit: https://siliconvalleycurling.com/ltc/.

Learn to Curl Sessions

Sundays through March 27

4:45 p.m. – 7:00p.m.

Solar4America Ice Fremont

44388 Old Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont

$40/ session

Logan wrestling continues

Submitted by Roberto Flores

On February 18, the James Logan High School girls’ wrestling team (Union City) traveled to Albany High School for the North Coast Section (NCS) Girls Wrestling Tournament. The team of six included Marisol Rodriguez (senior), Mikayla Garcia (sophomore), Rehmat Gill (junior), Carmella Foley (junior), Nhu Tran (senior) and Daniela Gomez (freshman). After facing fierce competition from all over the North Bay, every member of the Logan Colts team placed in the top five of their weight class.

Marisol Rodriguez – 103lbs – 1st

Mikayla Garcia – 108lbs – 1st

Rehmat Gill – 113lbs – 4th

Carmella Foley – 118lbs – 1st

Nhu Tran – 133 – 2nd

Daniela Gomez – 235 – 5th

The Colts, not only placed individually, but also took second-place as a team. Rodriguez, Garcia, Gill and Foley will continue on to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Wrestling State Championships in Bakersfield on February 24-26.

For more tournament information, visit: https://bit.ly/3BQYU1i

History for Humphries, who wins Olympic monobob gold for US

By Tim Reynolds

AP Sports Writer

BEIJING (AP), February 14 – Kaillie Humphries crossed the finish line, jumped from her sled and hoisted an American flag that someone had just handed her into the frosty air.

“U-S-A! U-S-A!” she chanted.

Four years ago, nobody would have seen that coming. The former Canadian bobsled heroine is an Olympic gold medalist for the third time – and for the first time, as a U.S. citizen.

Humphries is monobob’s first Olympic champion, finishing off a surprisingly easy win at the Beijing Games on Monday, February 14. She completed four runs in 4 minutes, 19.27 seconds to lead a gold-silver finish for the U.S. women’s program, with teammate Elana Meyers Taylor placing second.

“As I age, I’ve learned life is very unpredictable and we don’t always know our path forward and what the future holds,” Humphries said. “We do the best we can with each and every obstacle or path change that gets thrown at us. What’s important is to fight for ourselves.”

Meyers Taylor was second in 4:20.81 – 1.54 seconds back – for her fourth Olympic medal, one that came after she took a year off following the Pyeongchang Games to become a mother. Christine de Bruin of Canada was third in 4:21.03.

Humphries gave the medal a big kiss as she put it around her neck, then put her hand over her heart and sang along with “The Star-Spangled Banner” as it blared in her honor.

Humphries became the first woman to win Olympic gold for two different countries, and the first Olympian to win gold for both the U.S. and Canada. She also is the first woman to win three golds in bobsledding, with a chance for a fourth in the two-person event.

“I give so much credit to the coaches, the staff, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee for thinking about everything that can possibly go into supporting both Elana and Kaillie,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire said. “And it worked out. Certainly, a storybook ending.”

It was the biggest winning margin by far in any of the six Olympic bobsled races that have been contested by women, smashing the 0.85-second victory that Humphries enjoyed at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

And the last time any Olympic bobsled race saw such a margin between first and second place was 42 years ago, when Erich Scharer of Switzerland won the two-man event at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics by 1.57 seconds.

“I’m one small piece of what this medal means,” Humphries said. “It’s taken a lot to get to this point.”

Meyers Taylor is now a four-time medalist, giving her the most in USA Bobsled history – breaking a tie with three others, the great Steven Holcomb among them – and tying her for sixth most in U.S. Winter Olympic history.

Apolo Ohno (eight), Bonnie Blair (six), Bode Miller (six), Eric Heiden (five) and Chad Hedrick (five) are the only U.S. winter athletes with more medals. Meyers Taylor will vie for a fifth medal in the traditional two-person women’s bobsled event.

“It’s bittersweet because I would have loved to see Holcomb win another one in 2018 and I know he would have, another two probably,” Meyers Taylor said. “I think Holcomb’s records are precious.”

Like Humphries, Meyers Taylor also went through struggles to get here. Concussions nearly derailed her career, then she took a year off to have her first child, a boy born with Down syndrome and significant hearing loss. And in Beijing, she did a stint in isolation – spending more time away from her son than she ever had since his birth two years ago – after testing positive for COVID-19.

But it was fitting that Humphries and Meyers Taylor finished 1-2 – the first gold-silver finish for the U.S. in an Olympic bobsled race since 1932 – because they were the ones who championed a second medal event being added to the women’s bobsled Olympic program.

“I am to the moon with this medal,” Meyers Taylor said. “I was, at one point, just trying to make it to the race. So to be here now, a silver medalist, it feels so amazing.”

Humphries won three women’s bobsled medals – two gold, one bronze – for Canada, then joined the U.S. team in 2019 after saying she had suffered mental and emotional trauma and no longer felt safe being a part of that program.

She made the switch knowing the Beijing Games were not guaranteed: A passport is required in almost all circumstances to compete at the Olympics, and Humphries was told it could be a four-year process. She had 2 1/2 years to get it done.

Humphries became a citizen in December after acing her final interview in San Diego, then flew back halfway across the world the next day to rejoin the World Cup circuit. More challenges awaited: A hamstring injury slowed her down at the end of the World Cup season, and then she tested positive for COVID-19 – a hurdle she didn’t fully clear until earlier this month.

All good now. Good as gold.

“We’ve worked so hard for this and been through so much,” said Travis Armbruster, Humphries’ husband, as he watched from their San Diego home. “I couldn’t breathe until she crossed the finish line.”

Humphries controlled the whole race: up by 0.30 seconds after the first run Sunday, then 1.04 seconds at the midpoint and kept pulling away Monday.

De Bruin started the day second and ended up third. Laura Nolte of Germany started the day third and finished fourth, making this the first of seven sliding races so far at the Beijing Games that the Germans – who had won golds in the other six – didn’t even medal. Meyers Taylor was the only medal contender who moved up Monday, going from fourth to second.

The only drama at the end was who would get the silver.

Gold had been won. Humphries made history. America had a new champion.

“I chose a nation,” Humphries said. “And it chose me back. To know that we could do this together as a team, it’s a huge honor.”

Olympic power couple

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

Mt. Eden High School graduate Nic Taylor makes up one-half of a team USA power couple that has won bobsledding medals around the world.

A world-class bobsledder and an alternate for the men’s Olympic team at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, Nic is also the trainer for his wife Elena Meyers Taylor. After winning a silver medal in the monobob and bronze in the two-woman bobsleigh event in Beijing, Elena became the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history, with five medals in four Olympic Games.

In Beijing, members of the U.S. Olympic team voted to have Elena, 37-year-old mother of 2-year-old Nico, serve as flag-bearer for the United States in the closing ceremony.

Elena says she owes her successes to Nic, who last December earned his doctor of chiropractic degree from Life University School of Chiropractic in Atlanta. “Nico and I are incredibly proud of Nic for all that he’s gone through the past four years to get this degree,” she said in a Facebook post. “He’s incredible and I’m insanely inspired by his perseverance to go after his goals.”

Growing up in Hayward, Nic participated in as many sports as he could, including taekwondo, football and wrestling. His goal, however, was to be a sprinter. He was a 2006 junior national qualifier and, after graduating from Mt. Eden, became captain of the Cal State Northridge team that won two conference championships. However, at the end of his senior year, he tore a hamstring while trying to qualify for the Olympic trials.

He earned an engineering degree at Arizona State and coached track and field at UCLA. That’s where he met an Austrian athlete who encouraged him to train for bobsled competition at the US training center. He was a natural, helping team USA’s four-man bobsled win America’s Cup twice and a bronze medal during the 2012-13 season. Since then, he has won medals worldwide.

That’s how he met fellow bobsledder Elena, who he married in 2014. They support each other in bobsled team competitions around the world, even competing together in four-man events.

Team Meyers Taylor was challenged when, on landing in Beijing for the Olympics, Elena tested positive for covid, meaning she had to isolate from Nico. Nic, an alternate on the U.S. men’s bobsled team, cared for Nico until she tested negative and was cleared to make history.

The couple’s nonprofit efforts include support for Classroom Champions and Women’s Sports Foundation. Elena auctioned off the jacket she would have worn during the opening ceremonies in Beijing, had she not been in quarantine, with proceeds going to National Down Syndrome Society.

Nic has won medals around the world, but in an interview with a Georgia newspaper said that despite his accomplishments, “the best job I’ve had in my entire life …. is being a dad.”

Pioneers win relay title

Submitted by Eric Harding, Cal State East Bay Sports

The Cal State East Bay swim team finished off the 2022 Pacific Coastal Swim Conference Championships with a 400-yard freestyle relay title and finished second overall.

Cal State East Bay (CSUEB) earned 1,370 points, f
inishing second behind Pepperdine (1,476.5). The Pioneers are coming off winning two consecutive conference championships in 2019 and 2020.

The East Bay 400 free relay team comprised of Brooklyn Dressel, Olivia Parham, Jacqueline Feurtado and Delaney Carlson. The team won first place by a wide margin with a time of three minutes, 25.14 seconds. Pepperdine’s second-placed team finished in 3:28.50.

It was part of another big event for Dressel, who finished a close second in the 100 free with a time of 51.30. Alondra Ortiz added another medal this weekend by winning the 200 backstroke with a time of 2:01.43, while Peyton Waymentwon the 1650 free at 17:42.26, for her second individual title of the week.

Take a trip around the world

Submitted by Livermore Arts

Bankhead is set to take its audiences on a trip around the world this month. From an impressive melange of countries represented with International Guitar Night, to the stunning choreography of Ballet Folklórico de México, to the mind-boggling speeds of Velocity Irish Dance, Bankhead is celebrating beautiful cultures with artists from all over the globe. All of these international performances will be right in the Tri-Valley at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.

Kicking off this journey around the world, on March 4 the Bankhead will be presenting International Guitar Night (IGN). The 22nd edition of this annual tour is returning to North America’s finest venues this winter after taking a hiatus in 2021. IGN is back with a brand-new lineup, featuring acoustic rock sensation Luca Stricagnoli (Italy), progressive classical guitarist Thu Le (Vietnam), Slack Key master Jim Kimo West (Hawaii), and Latin Swing pioneer Lulo Reinhardt (Germany).

A week and a half later, Bankhead will be presenting Ballet Folklórico de México. Following their coast-to-coast success in 2018, Ballet Folklórico de México returns with their thrilling, colorful and classic choreography. Founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico brings together the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the modern era.

At the end of the month, Bankhead present the breathtaking Velocity Irish Dance, a show that earnestly traces its evolution while toying with tradition – a high-octane celebration of the past, present, and future of Irish dance. James Devine from Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare in Ireland, is the World Record holder for the fastest feet in the world with an astonishing 38 taps in one second. A three-time World Champion Irish dancer, former lead in Lord of the Dance, choreographer and teacher, Devine is renowned for his incredible fast feet. Catch Devine, along with a motley crew of mind-blowing musicians and an old school scratch DJ, at the Bankhead on March 30, as they break away from the idea of what an Irish dance show is to create one that is expressive, free, fast-paced and edgy, driven by passion and pride.

In addition to this exciting month of events, Livermore Arts continues its current exhibition at Bankhead Theater Gallery, “Double Take: Art and Literature Side by Side.” With artworks by East Bay artists and poetry by Tri-Valley poets and writers, some of the artwork has a phrase or poem embedded in these works of art, and a few of these pieces are even close collaborations between artist and poet, and reflect a personal as well as artistic relationship. Viewers can experience this beautiful synthesis of word and art at Bankhead through March 27, during performances or Thursdays through Sundays from 1pm – 5pm (free admission).

Bankhead Theater continues to keep COVID safety protocols in place with enhanced air circulation and no touch ticketing. Until further notice, proof of vaccination will also be required for entry. Tickets for all shows in the 2021-2022 Bankhead Presents season are available online at livermorearts.org, by calling (925) 373-6800, or at the box office windows. For a complete list of events visit LivermoreArts.org.

International Guitar Night

Friday, March 4

8 p.m.

$20-$58 ($20 student/military personnel)

Ballet Folklórico de México

Monday, March 14

7:30 p.m.

$20-$98 ($20 student/military personnel)

Velocity Irish Dance

Wednesday, March 30

7:30 p.m.

$20-$98 ($20 student/military personnel)

Double Take: Arts and Literature Side by Side

Thursdays – Sundays, January 20 – March 27

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Bankhead Theater

2400 First St, Livermore

(925) 373-6800

Grand Opening for City Center Apartments

Submitted by City of Fremont

Fremont is excited to announce more affordable housing in the city – City Center Apartments!

This new apartment complex, located at 38631 Fremont Blvd. in Central Fremont, provides 59 units of permanent and supportive affordable housing for some of the community’s most vulnerable members, including low-income households and individuals who have experienced homelessness. City Center Apartments is also certified as GreenPoint Rated, California’s most trusted rating for green, energy efficient homes.

Fremont provided $7.5 million in funding (generated from fees paid by market rate housing developers and federal Community Development Block Grant funding) and worked with Abode Services, Allied Housing, and their partners to help make City Center Apartments possible. The city would like to welcome these new families home and looks forward to creating more affordable housing opportunities for Fremont in the future.

Descendants The Musical

Submitted by Vince Collantes

Milpitas Community Theater explores what happens after some well-known happily ever afters. See “Descendants: The Musical” on Fridays and Saturdays, March 4 – 12.

It is present-day, and in the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the terrifying villains and troublesome sidekicks they have banished to the magic-free Isle of the Lost. That is until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of the evilest villains. Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos – the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar – are welcomed to Auradon Prep to attend school with the children of their parents’ sworn enemies. Now entering a completely foreign world and way of life, the four Villain Kids have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

Descendants The Musical

Friday, Mar 4 – Saturday, Mar 12

Fridays: 7 p.m.

Saturdays: 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Milpitas Community Center

457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

https://bit.ly/3vjOkP2

(408) 586-3210

Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com

Tickets: $15-18

First Friday: Into the Redwoods

Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center

March’s First Friday at Chabot Space and Science Center will be rooted in local n
ature. On Friday, March 3, get up close and personal with live appearances by ladybugs, newts and banana slugs; discover mycelium networks; take a guided hike in Redwood Regional Park with a naturalist; and meet volunteer groups dedicated to beautifying and restoring our parks.

Schedule:

KQED Deep Look: Exploring the Redwood Forest, Studio 3

7 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

Join KQED’s nature series Deep Look for an evening exploring the redwood forest! Deep Look’s four-minute videos about small animals and plants are filmed very close up in beautiful ultra-high-definition.

Fantastic Fungi, The Theater

8 p.m.

Through the eyes of scientists and mycologists like Paul Stamets, we become aware of the beauty, intelligence and solutions that fungi kingdom offers in response to some of our most pressing medical and environmental challenges.

Community Resources for Science, Rotunda

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Hikes at 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m. – limited capacity. Sign up in the Rotunda

Community Resources for Science for a 30-minute guided hike in Oakland’s redwood ecosystem. We’ll explore the park’s history and how the plants and animals are uniquely adapted to our Mediterranean style climate.

Friends of Joaquin Miller Park, Rotunda

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Catch up with Friends of Joaquin Miller Park volunteers in the Rotunda. Find out about the Oakland Park that is home to the largest urban redwood forest in the world!

Friends of Sausal Creek, Pallid Manzanita Restoration, Rotunda

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Friends of Sausal Creek restore, maintain, and protect the Sausal Creek Watershed. Learn more about the native plants of Sausal Creek including the endemic pallid manzanita which can be spotted below Chabot Space and Science Center.

Bay Aerial & Solar Quest, Planetarium

6:30 p.m.

Bay Aerial is a ten-minute flight from Chabot to Mount Diablo in the east, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, Point Reyes up north, and back home again across the East Bay. Solar Quest tells the lifecycle of the Sun.

Live Creature Exploration with East Bay Regional Park District, Studio 3

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Naturalists from EBRPD will be displaying live banana slugs and newts and speaking as part of the Deep Look program.

Six-Legged Stars with Ralph Washington Jr., Mezzanine

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The area around Chabot has some of Oakland’s most popular trails. With entomologist Ralph Washington, Jr., learn about the peculiar habits of local insect life and appreciate how we can often nourish our curiosity by looking at the ground just as much as we can by gazing at the night sky.

Zeiss Astronomy Presentation, Planetarium

7:30 p.m.

Explore the cosmos as a Chabot Astronomer leads you through the galaxy using a Zeiss Universarium Mark VIII Star Projector.

Telescope Makers Workshop with Eastbay Astronomical Society

7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Open to all ages, Telescope Makers’ Workshop is an all-volunteer group committed to helping people build their own telescopes.

Telescope Viewings, Observatory Deck

7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

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

Tales of The Maya Sky, Planetarium

9 p.m.

Learn how the Mayans understood the world through their advanced knowledge of space, time and mathematics.

First Friday: Into the Redwoods

Friday, Mar 3

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

chabotspace.org

$15 adults, $10 kids/seniors, $5 members

Walk, roll and step to school

Submitted by Maisha Everhart

As part of the 2022 Golden Sneaker Contest, students, parents and staff from more than 75 schools in Alameda County are walking, riding, rolling and even scooting to school to promote healthy travel options.

The annual contest is held in conjunction with Alameda County Transportation Commission, and its Safe Routes to Schools program and continues through Friday, March 11. Participants track their travels to see who can use active and shared transportation the most, and receive points every time they walk, roll, ride a bicycle, scooter or skateboard, take transit, or use a supportive mobility device such as a wheelchair. Caregivers may also park a few blocks away and allow their student to walk or roll the rest of the way to school.

Students work with classmates as a team to track their active and shared travel each day with their teacher or family, giving classrooms and families a special time to share and celebrate together. At the end of the contest period, the classroom at each school with the highest rate of active and shared travel will win a trophy made from a Golden State Warrior’s sneaker. Every student in a winning classroom will also receive a pair of golden shoe laces.

The ultimate prize — the Platinum Sneaker Award — will go to the classroom with the highest participation in all of Alameda County. This award will be presented to a representative from the winning school by Alameda County Transportation Commissioners at their April meeting.

While the registration date to participate in this year’s contest is past, a link to more information about the annual event is posted on Alameda County Safe Route to Schools webpage at https://alamedacountysr2s.org.

HIV self-test kits

Submitted by County of Santa Clara

A new program to provide free HIV home self-test kits is now available to eligible people in Santa Clara County. According to county health officials, the goal of the program is to increase access to HIV testing for those disproportionately impacted by HIV. The program plans to distribute 850 tests in its first year.

State funding of $20,000 from California Department of Public Health covers the costs of the kits. In addition, for people with health insurance, a new state law requires health plans to cover at-home test kits for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

“The most common STD symptom is no symptom at all, so getting tested is one of the most important things an individual can do for their health and the health of their partners,” said Public Health Department STD/HIV Controller and Assistant Health Officer Dr. Sarah Rudman.

To receive a self-test kit in the mail, eligible, people must live or work in Santa Clara County, be 17 years or older and identify as a member of a population highly impacted by HIV, such as men who have sex with men, LGBTQ+, Hispanic/Latinx, or African American/Black.

Here’s how it works:

Individuals complete an initial, anonymous pre-screening to determine eligibility. The registration is available in both English and Spanish.
Those who meet eligibility criteria then complete a confidential survey to provide information about demographics, risk factors, name and mailing address.
A discreet package arrives in the mail at the person’s address along with additional information and resources.
One month after receiving a self-test kit, individuals receive a follow-up survey on their experience, need for additional public health services and a voluntary reporting of their test result.
People can also opt in to receive a self-test kit once every three months.
Those who test negative receive follow-up HIV prevention services.
Anyone who tests positive will receive additional support from the Public Health Department’s Positive Connections team.

Since 2014, Santa Clara County has had consistently better success in getting people with HIV early access to medical care compared to the national average. When HIV pos
itive people learn about their infections early and connect to the necessary medical care early on, they live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives free from stigma and discrimination.

More information about the free HIV Self-Testing program, including links to a Q&A page, eligibility survey and resource guide, is available online at GetTestedSCC.org.

Community service days

Submitted by Milpitas Cares

The largest community service event in and for Milpitas returns March 18 – April 3. Volunteers will complete service projects for our schools, parks, recreation centers and community service groups throughout Milpitas. Everyone in the community is welcome to join us. Volunteers choose the project or projects they would like to join by going to www.MilpitasCares.org and clicking on the Ways to Care page. They can click on any project for more details and to sign-up online. They will receive additional details, as the project date gets closer, from the site project coordinators.

Over the past nine years, Milpitas Cares has completed hundreds of service projects at virtually every school, park, recreation area and community service group in Milpitas. Over 15,000 hours of labor have been provided by people in the community. We’ve also held various collections for those in need in our community and out of our abundance, people in need in other parts of the country or world. We’ve provided coats, sweaters and blankets for those in need. Every year we have a collection for the Milpitas Food Pantry. They tell us what they need and the community responds.

Milpitas Cares Community Service Days

Friday, March 13 – Sunday, April 3

(408) 240-7915

www.MilpitasCares.org

Northern California Signature Robotics Competition

Submitted by India Community Center (ICC)

On February 19th and 20th, 73 high school teams from 12 states across the United States, three teams from Canada, and 43 middle school teams were lined up at the doors of ICC with their robots and toolkits. The air was full of excitement as the students, mentors and parents waited patiently in line for registration, temperature check, and vaccination card check. Once inside, the teams quickly found their rooms – Obi Wan, Yoda, and Chewbacca. It was a Star Wars themed event after all!

The event started with the opening ceremony, and our Robotics leader Shiv Venkataraman welcomed all the teams and wished them luck, introduced the VP of Programs for the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation Lisa Schultz, and ICC CEO Raj Desai.

In the 40,000 square foot ICC facility, one could see the teams either on the practice fields or in the pits working together. In between the matches they stood in line to meet the judges. The group of six judges were impressed with all the teams.

As the elimination matches were being played, members from all teams, including those that were eliminated, stayed to watch. ICC was true to its motto of uniting teams from different states. Volunteers served the teams with a smile and in the end, we celebrated, despite who won and lost. This is a reminder to us that such events keep the students active, encouraged and confident.

One of the members from the organizing committee commented that ICC has raised the bar and that the team and volunteers worked very hard under the guidance and leadership of our CEO, Raj Desai. Many parents commented that they have attended many Robotics competitions, but this one was one of the most organized and memorable one.

It takes a village and indeed it has taken a community of more than 100 committed volunteers to make this event a success.

A big congratulations to all the teams for participating in the National Championship and to our winning high school teams – 11101A and 11101B – Barcbots Speed Demons from Cupertino. The Middle School Tournament Championship was won by teams 95070A and 95070C – Redwood Robotics from Saratoga. The Excellence Award was given to 315 B – Paradigm from Cupertino and 80708X – Exobytes from Montclair, Virginia.

Finding Unity through celebration

By Fatema Bhaiji

Photos courtesy of In Focus Photography

Indo-American Community Federation (IACF) of Northern California will host their in-person Unity Dinner on March 11—for the first time since 2019.

The first ever Unity Dinner was in January of 2002, a year after the attacks in New York on September 11, 2001. This year, IACF is able to celebrate their 21st annual event. The organization created this dinner to unify different cultures and groups after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In order to make the event a true celebration of diversity, Jeevan Zutshi, the leader of this organization, explains that the point of the event is to “make some effort to address issues that separate us.” Unity, especially in times of hardship, is the theme of every annual event, but this year’s event focuses on unity’s connection to diversity.

After being held on Zoom for two consecutive years, the event is finally able to bring Northern California’s diverse community together in person. The event will start with a social, and progress into a panel discussion. While previous discussions have been on topics such as the effect of Covid-19 on various communities, this year’s panel discussion will be on recent hate crimes and their respective national movements such as Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate. Zutshi explains that this year’s panel discussion is incredibly important because it details concepts that “create [the] polarization of communities.” Various local leaders will be part of the discussion such as Police Chief of Fremont Sean Washington, Ohlone College President Eric Bishop and Alameda County District Attorney.

After the discussion, the program will start with the National Anthem and then proceed with the keynote speaker, Congressman Ro Khanna. Elected officials will also be attending such as assembly members and senators. In addition, the Consul General of India will be the guest speaker. During the event, awards will be given out for entrepreneur of the year, educator of the year, and for various community involvements. Entertainment embodies the concept of diversity and includes festive traditional Hispanic and Indian dances. Food will be provided by Indian restaurant Jalsa.

Tickets are necessary for entrance. Pricing is as follows: individual seats are $85, and a V.I.P. table of 8 seats is $1,000. In order to pay, go to their website, and donate the amount of money you wish to spend on tickets in order to be contacted with an invitation to the dinner.

Unity Dinner

Friday, Mar 11

5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fremont Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 589-3702

http://indocommunity.us/index.html

Tickets: $85 individual; $1,000 VIP table for 8

Ohlone Humane Society needs you!

Submitted by Susan Montana

Help care for the many injured and orphaned critters Ohlone Humane Society’s (OHS) Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will take in during the 2022 season.

This opportunity is a wonderful introduction to wildlife rehabilitation and valuable experience for anyone interested in pursuing work with wildlife. Our training will begin in April. Responsibilities include preparing species-specific meals for our patients, laundry, and dishes. Most of your time will be spent cleaning our animal dwellings. Our goal is to provide healthy, nurturing environments and optimal care for a variety of animals and return them to their native habitat.

If you are 18+ years of age and have an interest in helping our urban wildlife, you are invited to apply. Our animals need consistent care throughout the six-months-plus busy seas
on, and we ask for your commitment to work at least one three-hour shift per week. Talk to us about specific needs during orientation. Shifts are divided into two time slots: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, and 12 noon – 3 p.m. every day of the week, including weekends. We welcome college students who may be available for only the summer months but can work several shifts per week.

This is a very physical volunteer position and a very rewarding one. Enjoy the comradery of our dedicated team doing good work for a good cause. Email us to request an application at [email protected]. Training dates and times will be set after approval of applications.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteers

Training starts in April, 2022

One three-hour shift per week

9 a.m. – 12 noon / 12 noon – 3 p.m.

(510) 797-9449

[email protected]

California plan would streamline housing laws for colleges

By Janie Har

Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Feb. 22 — California Sen. Scott Wiener introduced legislation on Feb. 22 that would exempt the state’s public colleges and universities from an environmental review process that often slows construction in the state, as the University of California fights a ruling that would force its Berkeley campus to limit enrollment.

The legislation would exempt on-campus student and faculty housing projects at the UC, California State University and California Community College systems from the California Environmental Quality Act.

The 1970 law requires state and local agencies to evaluate and disclose the significant environmental effects of projects and to find ways to lessen those effects. It’s aimed at protecting the environment, but critics say it’s often used to delay projects and boost construction costs, even for environmentally beneficial projects.

Wiener said the state has to make it easier to build student and faculty housing in the face of legal challenges from neighbors who don’t want new housing in their neighborhoods. California’s public colleges drive the state’s economy and provide upward mobility for young people, the Democratic senator from San Francisco said.

“We’re at risk of losing that if our students can’t afford college because they can’t afford housing,” Wiener said at a news conference at San Francisco State University, surrounded by two dozen student advocates.

Even if approved by the state Legislature, the legislation would not come in time to resolve the enrollment situation at UC Berkeley, which is being sued by a group called Save Berkeley’s Neighborhoods for violating California Environmental Quality Act regulations and failing to address the effect of increased student enrollment on housing, homelessness, traffic and noise.

An Alameda County Superior Court in August sided with Berkeley residents, suspending a proposed faculty housing and classroom construction project and ordered the campus to limit enrollment to its 2020-2021 level of just over 42,000 students.

The school sent letters to applicants saying it would need to cut undergraduate enrollment by at least 3,000 students, sending prospective students and their families into a panic. An appeals court in February denied UC’s request to lift the enrollment freeze as the case continues.

In late February, Gov. Gavin Newsom filed a friend of the court brief asking the California Supreme Court to block the enrollment cap, saying in a statement that a lawsuit should not “get in the way of the education and dreams of thousands of students who are our future leaders and innovators.”

Election workers needed

Submitted by ROV Media

With local, state and national elections coming in the next several months, election workers are needed to help local precincts prepare.

County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters’ office is accepting applications for election workers for the June 7, 2022 Statewide Direct Primary Election. About 2,000 election workers are needed to assist at the Registrar of Voter’s office and at more than 100 vote centers throughout the county.

“Election workers do a tremendous service for their community and for democracy,” said Shannon Bushey, Registrar of Voters. “There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from providing such a vital function in the election process.”

Various positions are available including Elections Aide, Vote Center Lead, Assistant Trainers, Office Extra Help and Couriers. Opportunities are also available for volunteers and high school students. Volunteers will receive a fixed stipend, while high school students may opt for either a stipend or community service credits. Both English and bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply.

All new hires will receive paid, mandatory training classes to ensure elections are administered in accordance with California Elections code. The classes will be held in-person with proper social distancing. For details, call the Registrar of Voters’ Office at (408) 918-9169 or visit their website at www.sccvote.org/now_hiring.

USPS gets OK to order new delivery vehicles

By David Sharp

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Me. (AP), Feb. 23 — The U.S. Postal Service said on Feb. 23 it cleared the final regulatory hurdle to placing orders for next-generation mail vehicles — and getting some of them on delivery routes next year — despite pushback from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said the completion of an evaluation required by the National Environmental Policy Act is an important milestone for postal carriers who have soldiered on with overworked delivery trucks that went into service between 1987 to 1994.

The U.S. Postal Service’s fleet comprises more than 230,000 vehicles, including 190,000 local delivery vehicles that are due to be replaced. “The men and women of the U.S. Postal Service have waited long enough for safer, cleaner vehicles,” DeJoy said in a statement.

Environmental groups have pushed back because only 10% of the vehicles would be electric-powered under the Postal Service contract with the manufacturer, Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense.

The decision published in the Federal Register allows the Postal Service to proceed with placing the first order that will include at least 5,000 electric-powered vehicles, along with an undetermined number of gas-powered vehicles, Postal Service spokesperson Kim Frum said.

The Postal Service believes it has met all its obligations and is moving forward despite criticism by the Environmental Protection Agency over the adequacy of the environmental review. “After signing the contract to procure these vehicles one year ago, the Postal Service conducted a fundamentally flawed environmental analysis that underestimates the costs of gasoline-fueled vehicles and overestimates the costs associated with electric vehicles,” Vicki Arroyo, EPA’s associate administrator for policy, said in a Feb. 23 statement.

Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality, criticized the Postal Service as “out of touch” with technology, putting itself at a disadvantage compared to competitors. Environmental groups joined in the criticism.

“Neither rain, nor sleet, nor financial good sense will stop the leaders of the U.S. Postal Service from trying to buy dirty, polluting delivery trucks,” Patricio Portillo of the Natural Resources Defense Council said.

But DeJoy, an ally of former President Donald Trump, said more of the electric vehicles can be purchased under the contract if additional funding “from either internal or congressional sources becomes available.”

It would cost an extra $3.3 billion to convert the enti
re Postal Service fleet to electric vehicles. Money is included in Biden’s Build Back Better plan, but that proposal remains stalled in Congress.

The new vehicles are more environmentally friendly and boast modern amenities like climate control and safety features like air bags, backup cameras and collision avoidance — all currently lacking on the aging Grumman Long Life Vehicles.

The vehicles are also taller to make it easier for postal carriers to grab packages and parcels that have been making up a far greater portion of their deliveries, even before the pandemic.

Associated Press writer Matthew Daly in Washington contributed to this report.

San Leandro City Council

February 22, 2022

Recognitions:

Mayor’s Award for Kindness to Sulema Hernandez for her volunteer work at James Madison Elementary School.
Proclamation declaring February 22, 2022 as Emile Awwad Day in San Leandro.
Proclamation declaring February 2022 as Black History Month in San Leandro.

Public Comments:

Move forward as quickly as possible on the Steven Taylor Sanctity of Life Memorial Park project.

Councilmember Announcements:

Councilmember Azevedo met with San Leandro Police Chief Pridgen and the Grant Avenue Foundation on February 17 to continuing planning a project to distribute care packages to homeless people. He is co-hosting a community cleanup with Councilmember Simon on February 26 starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Porky’s Pizza Palace parking lot on Manor Boulevard.
Councilmember Lopez reminded the council and community that it is important to be vigilant and stand up against racism and to embrace everyone in the community.
Vice Mayor Ballew expressed concern about recent violence at Memorial Park. He also expressed concern that Alameda County seems to be having trouble hiring social workers which can impact services for homeless and mentally ill people in the community.
Councilmember Simon reminded the council that a community forum to discuss possible tiny home villages to house homeless people is set for 10:00 a.m. March 19 in the Surlene Grant Community Plaza and Room at San Leandro City Hall.
Councilmember Cox said the San Leandro Education Foundation was able to sponsor more than 30 students to attend the recent “Not a Genuine Black Man” program with Brian Copeland.
Councilmember Aguilar expressed concern about recent violence at Memorial Park and that hate crimes are not tolerated in San Leandro.

Presentation:

San Leandro Police Chief Pridgen delivered a presentation on a study proposing the installation additional surveillance cameras with license plate readers throughout the city to help stem crime and increase public safety.

Consent Calendar:

Approve minutes of the regular February 7, 2022 City Council meeting.
Approve amendment No. 4 for $528,584 to an existing consulting services agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers for design services on the annual street overlay/rehabilitation 2019-2021 project.
Accept work completed through December 31, 2021 on the annual street overlay/rehabilitation 2018-2020 project.
Accept a Library Services and Technology Act CopyCat grant award from the California State Library to receive $19,320 for the library to purchase equipment and provide training to establish a memory lab.
Approve a CalRecycle grant application in the amount of $115,507 for local assistance grant program funding for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
Resolution opposing Initiative 21-0042A1, a state ballot measure restricting voters’ input and local taxing authority.

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye

Vice Mayor Pete Ballew Aye

Victor Aguilar Aye

Bryan Azevedo Aye

Fred Simon Aye

Deborah Cox Aye

Corina Lopez Aye

City Government and You! – A Series Exclusive

Gathering and engaging in civic discourse dates back to the founding of this country. It speaks to the democratic core of our society, and is the method by which laws are made to this day.

In this special series, we take a deeper look at city government and, in particular, we explore the many advisory boards, committees and commissions that exist at a local level. Who resides on these boards? How long are their terms? Where and when do they meet? What do they do? How do they feel about what they’re doing?

If you’ve ever wondered how cities operate, then this is the series for you. Our goal is to help demystify the process and encourage active participation. Join us as we pull back the curtain on democracy.

The E-Team

By Hugo Vera

This issue in our “City Government and You Series,” we take a look at Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force. Founded in 2007 by then-mayor Michael Sweeney, this task force was the result of years of growing concerns from Hayward citizens over the environmental state of their city. Rising pollution, illegal dumping and littering were among the issues that motivated residents and city officials to act, resulting in this hybrid branch of the Hayward city government.

The task force is composed of a core chair of members selected by City Council and resident volunteers totaling no more than 30 task force members at a time. Each member’s term lasts four years, but there are no limits as to how many terms one can serve. This makes the task force one of the most accessible branches of city government at the grassroots level in the entire East Bay. All task force prospects, whether recruited or seeking out membership on their own, must plead their case with the task force’s chair and vice chair for entry into the force. All prospects must list their first, second and third choice (similar to ranked-choice voting in elections) which ensures that residents who can’t be accepted into the task force at the time of their application can still be sorted into another volunteer force with the City of Hayward in the interim.

“Historically, residents who got tired of litter and illegal dumping in the city would voice their grievances at city council meetings which then became a sounding board to the wider issue,” says Keep Hayward Clean and Green Maintenance Services Director Todd Rullman. “The task force became a way of not just voicing those concerns, but being able to roll up one’s sleeves and actively confront the problem.”

The task force meets on the fourth Thursday of every month and per the Brown Act, all meeting and agenda items are made accessible to the public. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, meetings will remain virtual for the foreseeable future, but residents can access all pertinent files relating to the task force’s operations at www/hayward-ca.gov.com. Typical meeting items include the planning and execution of clean-up days and brokering partnerships such as the one the task force currently has with Tri-City Recycling.

In addition to coordinating clean-ups, the task force has also reached out to various landlords of rental properties throughout Hayward to combat the growing issue of displaced furniture.

“Typically, what you might see is a sofa or desk or some other large piece of furniture placed on the curb of a property with a sign saying ‘free.’ The assumption might be that the city will pick it up, but that’s not necessarily the case,” adds Rullman. “What we’ve set out to do is not to come at landlords and tenants who leave trash on the curb from a punitive
standpoint, but rather to work with them and to empower them with the resources and information on how to dispose of these items responsibly.”

In addition to providing information on legal waste removal services, the task force has provided residents with “Dump Coupons,” vouchers that can help them get large items that they wish to discard collected for free or at a reduced cost. Another major achievement of the task force is its “Adopt a Block” program in which residents can claim stewarding rights over their immediate block and get materials such as trash bags, scoopers and sanitary gloves from the city to aid them in their cleanup endeavors. Since 2010, Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force has picked up more than 1,118 cubic yards of litter off Hayward streets, but the force’s mission is far from accomplished.

“Our message to anyone who wants to get involved in their community, but doesn’t think it’s feasible is this: You can,” concludes Rullman. “Whether you officially make the task force or not doesn’t matter. If you want to help, we’ll provide the materials and the resources. All we need is you.”

Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force’s next clean-up event (which is open to the public) will be on Saturday, March 26 at Mt. Eden Park from 8 a.m. until noon. Those who want to get more information on the force can access https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/keep-hayward-clean-green-clean-ups.

Union City City Council

February 22, 2022

Proclamation:

Proclamation recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Public Comment:

A written submission concerning debris from a homeless encampment that is accumulating behind a building at 34585 Seventh St. and near a Public Works Department wall.

Consent Calendar:

Approve minutes from the February 8 City Council meeting.
Resolution authorizing signatories and funds transfers for Fremont Bank accounts.
Resolution to submit a grant application to CalRecycle for $96,476 for SB 1383 funds for organic waste collection education.
Resolution to file annual funding applications with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to allocate funds to operate Union City Transit and Paratransit for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
Resolution appointing individuals to serve on the Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and Senior Commission.

Public Hearing No. 3 of 4:

Receive community input regarding district boundaries for district-based elections pursuant to Elections Code Section 21607.1 and to introduce an ordinance adopting the final map of district boundaries for district-based elections of City Council members.

City Manager Report:

Accept the Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s recommendations to proceed with a community survey to extend the one-half cent sales tax and to continue analyzing a proposed update to the business license tax for consideration at a future election cycle. Motion adopted 4-1; Vice Mayor Patiño voting no.
A resolution to approve an amendment to the city’s classification plan and amending the compensation and benefit plan for unrepresented employees to create the position of Information Technology Director, and approve an amendment to the city’s compensation plan and salary schedule to comply with state regulations. Motion unanimously adopted.
Waive a full reading and introduce by title only an ordinance amending a section of the city’s municipal code “Arts & Culture Commission” chapter. Motion unanimously adopted.
Resolution approving an employment agreement with Jared Rinetti as Police Chief and approving an amendment to the city’s salary schedule in conformance with state regulations. Motion unanimously adopted.

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci Aye

Vice Mayor Jaime Patiño Aye; 1 Nay

Pat Gacoscos Aye

Emily Duncan Aye

Gary Singh Aye

Rocks, gems and crystals to dazzle fans

By Rob Klindt

If you’re a fan of gemstones, minerals, crystals, beads and custom jewelry, you know when Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley (MGSCV) has a show, it’s an affair not to be missed.

After taking a year off because of COVID-19 restrictions, the annual MGSCV event is returning March 5 and 6. Visitors will find a dizzying assortment of bright and colorful rocks of all kinds, crystals, petrified wood, fossils, artifacts and even meteorites on display. Dealers also will be there to sell hand-made items, polished stones and unusual collectibles.

“Over 35 quality jewelry, mineral, gem, rock, bead, and fossil dealers [will] display these items and more,” said Cathy Miller, show chair. She added that the show is considered by many people in the mineral and gem world to be one of the best of its kind in Northern California. It’s also the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

MGSCV is a non-profit educational corporation that started in 1948 and boasts about 100 members. It has hosted an annual show for more than 70 years in various East Bay communities. Since 2010 it has been held at Newark Pavilion.

Family-friendly fun

Numerous activities are planned at this year’s show, including:

A geode cracking demonstration where crystals or rocks will be revealed.
A spinning wheel game for kids with special prizes.
Door prizes will be given away to ticket holders every half hour.
Food trucks will be available.

“We also will have a live auction of handmade items that club members have donated,” said Neil Delfino, MGSCV president. Proceeds from the auction will be used to fund two scholarships the group awards annually to students studying geology at Cal State East Bay in Hayward.

Visitors who have a gemstone or mineral tucked away at home, but don’t know what it is, are encouraged to bring it to the show. “We have a lot of our dealers and members who can identify rocks and minerals,” Miller said, adding that a Gemological Institute of America certified person will also be there to examine gemstone faceting grades.

Workshops and education

Among the goals of MGSCV members is to preserve the art of lapidary, the process of grinding and polishing stones for jewelry. “We teach lapidary to people,” Delfino said, adding that the group has a workshop with equipment in Hayward. Members can hone their skills by cutting slabs from large rocks, cut and polish cabochons, make jewelry to set their stones, and facet their own gemstones.

In addition, Delfino said group volunteers teach children and community groups about stones, minerals and geology at schools and community centers throughout the East Bay.

Individual MGSCV membership is $45 per year or $80 for a couple. Funds cover the cost of maintaining the workshop, equipment and buying supplies.

Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show & Sale

Saturday, Mar 5 – Sunday, Mar 6

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Newark Pavilion

6430 Thornton Ave., Newark

Tickets: $6 one-day pass; $10 two-day pass

Free to children under 13

www.mgscv.org

Email: [email protected]

Music at the Mission: Reflections

Submitted by Vickilyn Hussey

Brilliant, yet poignant and contemplative, Music at the Mission’s upcoming concert, Reflections, will be as delightfully entertaining as it is tho
ught provoking. The Ledge Trio of Rhonda Bradetich (flute), Bill Everett (bass), Aileen Chanco (piano) with Katherine Lee (piano) will be performing a compelling program that includes the world premiere of The Great Indoors by classical composer Mark Fish.

“The Great Indoors is somewhat programmatic and autobiographical. The first movement, ‘Going Home and Staying There,’ concerns the peculiar nature of how COVID-19 interrupted my own life, bringing my daughter home unexpectedly from college in March 2020; we loved having her home, of course, but not given the circumstances – and always having to remain inside,” explained Mark Fish. “As a result, there are waves of sound that build up to an ‘explosion,’ followed by a very quiet and discombobulated-sounding environment.”

“Also, with this particularly unusual combination of instrumentalists – a flutist, pianist, and double bassist, I purposely had the flutist play, not flute, but piccolo in the first movement, setting these instruments even farther apart in range. The second movement, ‘Another Walk (Dog Encounter)’ describes the only outdoor activity our family could count on doing practically every day – walking our very small dog, Taffy.”

“Taffy is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a chihuahua, and weighs about 10 pounds. Every time Taffy encounters another dog, she gets riled up and charges her enemy, while that enemy is completely oblivious and does basically nothing. The size of the other dog makes no difference to Taffy, as she tries to go after dogs practically four times her size. Taffy is represented by the flute in a frazzled state, and the other dog by the bass, which simply plays one note over and over for quite some time. The jazzy tune that starts the movement and returns several times is the otherwise unperturbed Taffy before she loses her cool.”

“The third movement, ‘Endemic,’ is more solemn, and describes this disease which we now think will never go away, as a very brief ritornello that comes back several times in the piano. In this last movement of the set, the flutist plays alto flute, lower and a little darker in sound quality than the other flutes. By moving from the smallest, highest flute to a mid-range instrument, and finally the lowest-sounding of this family, the flute has in a sense ‘grown’ towards the end of the piece. The endemic has an ending, of course, but feels in a sense that it will never end at all.”

Scarlatti Sonatas for solo piano, Beethoven’s Seven Variations for cello and piano, Eldon Burton’s Sonatina for Flute and Piano, Rachmaninoff’s Trio Elegiaque No. 1, and Miguel Del Aguila’s Malambo round out this exceptional concert experience that includes an engaging Pre-Concert Chat hosted by David Bonaccorsi, who will be interviewing composer Mark Fish.

The Great Indoors was made possible through the Musical Grant Program which is administered by InterMusic SF, and supported by Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, and San Francisco Grants for the Arts.

Tickets to Reflections are available through www.musicatmsj.org/tickets or at the door on the night of the performance.

Music at the Mission: Reflections

Friday, March 11

8 p.m.

7:15 p.m. Pre-Concert Chat

Old Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 402-1724

Premium Seating $45

General $35

Newark Symphonic Winds Spring Concert

Submitted by Jim Carter

Enjoy an evening of wonderful symphonic music, free of charge, provided by Tri-Cities’ own 50-musician symphony – Newark Symphonic Winds – directed by Richard Wong.

We’ll begin this performance with a medley of the most loved tunes by Frank Sinatra. This will be followed by selections from the musical “Sweeney Todd” composed by Stephen Sondheim. Next, we’ll feature our talented trombone section performing “Lassus Trombone.” We’ll close out the first half of our performance with selections, arranged by Paul Murtha, from the film “The Greatest Showman.”

After intermission, we are proud to present the music of Montecito Brass. Their talented musicians include Doug Brown (trombone), Raul Dingle (tuba), Alan Osofsky (trumpet), Mike Peterson (trumpet) and Blossom Santiago-Dingle (horn). They’ll begin with the “Marvel Theme” by Michael Giacchino, arranged by Brian Hobbs. Next will be “The Mandalorian” by Ludwig Göransson, arranged by Brian Sadler. That will be followed with a composition from 1684 Germany, “Sonata” from “Die Bankelsangerlieder.” They’ll end with the familiar – “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, arranged by Craig Garner, so have your singing voices primed.

The symphony will then return to the stage and perform the inspiring music of Trevor Jones from the movie, “Last of the Mohicans” – if you have seen the movie, you’ll surely be able to envision Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) running through our northeastern landscape. Our next medley is comprised of the greatest, most memorable tunes by the “Count” – Count Basie that is. We’ll follow that with the frenetic “Powerhouse” by Raymond Scott, which you’ll recognize if you spent time watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. We’ll end the evening jiving out with “The Queen of Soul” – from the great Aretha Franklin.

This free performance (no tickets are necessary) is sponsored by Fremont Bank Foundation.

Newark Symphonic Winds Spring Concert

Saturday, Mar 12

7:00 p.m.

Newark Memorial High School Theatre

39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 552-7186

https://newarksymphonic.org

Free

IAD030122

CONTINUING EVENTS:

Tuesday, February 8 – Monday, April 4

Climate Change Art

M – T: 12 noon – 8 p.m.

W-Th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Learning Center Windows (thru 3/31)

Gallery Wall (thru 4/4)

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

www.aclibrary.org

(510) 667-7900

Thursday, January 20 – Saturday, April 2

Journey of Color

Virtual Exhibit: 1/20 – 4/2

In-Person Exhibit: 1/27 – 4/2

Gallery Hours: Thurs – Sun, 12 noon – 5 p.m.

Reception: 3/4 @ 7 p.m.

Asian painting techniques with contemporary processes

Olive Hyde Gallery

123 Washington Blvd, Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.olivehydeartguild.org

https://fremont.gov/3065/Current-Exhibition

Thursday, January 20 – Sunday, March 27

Double Take: Art and Literature Side by Side

Thurs -Sun, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Art Reception: 3/19, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Blending together of word and art

Bankhead Theater

2400 First St, Livermore

(925) 373-6800

www.LivermoreArts.org

Friday, February 4 – Tuesday, March 1

Celebrating Black History Month

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Art exhibit showcasing unity in community

Studio 11 Gallery

34626 11th St., Union City

(510) 675-5445

[email protected]

Saturdays and Sundays, February 12 – April 17

Niles Canyon Railway Train Rides $

Departure
s from Sunol Depot at 10:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

$25.00 – adults

$15.00 – Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12)

6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol

https://www.ncry.org/

Sunday, February 13 – Sunday, April 17

Dove Gallery Annual Juried Art Exhibit

Gallery Open Sundays from 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Artworks of various media and style by 80 artists

Park Victoria Church back parking lot

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

[email protected]

Friday, March 4 – Saturday, April 16

Painting Through the Pandemic: Artwork as a Relief

Fri – Sat: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pandemic era art from Sun Gallery

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

http://www.sungallery.org/

Saturdays and Sundays, March 5 – March 13

Verdi’s Otello $

Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2:00 p.m.

Adaptation of Shakespeare’s story of deceit, jealousy and rage

Bankhead Theater

2400 First St., Livermore

www.LVOpera.com

(925) 373-6800

Saturday, March 12 – Sunday, April 10

Villainy in the Vineyard $

Fri: 8 p.m., Sat: 8 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m.

Family musical play

$20 general; $15 seniors & under 12

San Leandro Museum/Auditorium

320 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 895-2573

www.slplayers.org

Sundays: March 6, March 13

Virtual Tour of Israel $R

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Israel tour leads you through the city

Pay: tinyurl.com/virtualtourpayment

$18 per tour; $50 for full series

UPCOMING

Tuesday, March 1

Redistricting Public Hearing

7:15 p.m.

City of Fremont discuss revisions to district map

Via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91401080991

www.redistrictfremont.org

Wednesday, March 2

Fremont Art Association general meeting/demo artist

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Guests demo the process of creating ceramic works

Via Zoom; link will be provided upon registration

https://www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo

Thursday, March 3

Twilight Tasting

4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Proceeds help underserved families and seniors

Page Mill Winery

1960 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore

www.pagemillwinery.com

www.spectrumcs.org

Tasting Fee: $15

Friday, March 4

First Friday: Into the Redwoods $

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Workshops, hikes, and videos about local nature

$15 adults, $10 kids/seniors, $5 members

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

chabotspace.org

Friday, March 4

22nd International Guitar Night $

8 p.m.

Featuring Luca Stricagnoli, Thu Le, and Jim Kimo West

$20 – $58 ($20 student/military personnel)

Bankhead Theater

2400 First St., Livermore

(925) 373-6800

www.LivermoreArts.org

Saturday, March 5 – Sunday, March 6

Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show & Sale $

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gem, mineral dealers, live auction, kids’ activities

Newark Pavilion

6430 Thornton Ave., Newark

Tickets: $6 one-day pass; $10 two-day pass

Free to children under 13 accompanied by an adult

www.mgscv.org

Email: [email protected]

Saturday, March 5

Managing Climate Anxiety for Tweens R

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Understand and manage feelings of anxiety and grief

Via Zoom

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

Saturday, March 5

Welcome to Meek Mansion $

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Guided tour at the Meek Mansion

https://bit.ly/3t2F9Q7

Meek Mansion

17365 Boston Rd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

Saturday, March 5

City of Fremont Parks & Recreation Summer Job Fair R

12 noon – 4 p.m.

Job opportunities, meet with staff and receive a screening interview

https://www.fremont.gov/336/Jobs

https://fremont.workbrightats.com/jobs/

Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 494-4327

Saturday, March 5 – Sunday, March 6

Acorn Grinding

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Learn about this food source for the native Ohlone people

Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont

(510) 657-1797

https://missionsanjose.org/

Sunday, March 6

Wild Food

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Look for edible native plants

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

Tuesday, March 8

Understanding the Value of Connections and Health Maintenance R

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Take steps towards maintaining your wellbeing

Age Well Center South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

http://bit.ly/AgeWellClasses

The basics of biodynamic gardening

By Daniel O’Donnell

A group of German farmers in 1924 noticed that synthetic fertilizers were degrading the health and quality of their crops and livestock. They believed that the condition of the soil was also deteriorating. They asked Dr. Rudolf Steiner, a well-known philosopher/scientist/social reformer, for advice. He wrote and conducted a series of lectures in response that outlined what he called biodynamics. This was the modern-day beginning to the concept of organic farming and gardening. However, he added another dimension that tuned into the rhythms of nature including ecosystems here on earth and the sun, moon, planets and stars.

Biodynamics considers the garden to be an individual organism. The goal is to maximize the health and wellbeing of everything in it, including the plants, beneficial insects, wildlife, soil and all microbial life in it, and the gardener. This is done by following rules that mimic the natural workings of an ecosystem, taking into account the local community, and applying a spiritual and astrological view towards improving humanity. Following this philosophy, a meaningful and spiritual relationship will develop between the gardener, garden, and the world outside.

Guidelines include the nonuse of chemical pesticides and herbicides, attracting wildlife through a diverse variety of plants, using collected rain water as much as possible, no tilling of th
e soil, and tolerance of certain weeds that have beneficial attributes. There are nine specially formulated biodynamic preparations for soil revitalization and fertilization. They are labeled 500 through 508. These unique concoctions consist either of plant extracts, minerals, or manures and have specific times of day and year when they should be started and used.

500 and 501 are field preparations for stimulating humus formation in the soil. They can be purchased online or created from a recipe—as can all the preparations. 500, or horn manure, is made in the fall by filling a cow horn with manure and burying it until spring when it can be used as fertilizer. 501, or silica manure, is made from placing crushed quartz into a cow horn and burying it. When ready, it is hand mixed with warm rainwater before sunrise for an hour. It is believed to enhance plant’s ability to utilize sunlight when sprayed on the foliage.

The remaining seven are compost preparations based on individual plants and are added to the center of a compost pile at a specific time to act as catalysts for maximal microbial growth. Each has a very specific creation procedure. Yarrow blossoms, for example, are placed in a red deer bladder, dried in the sun during the summer, buried in the winter, and used in spring. A full stinging nettle in bloom is pulled and covered with peat for a year before it is ready. The five other plants that have their own specific procedures include Chamomile, Oak bark, Dandelion, Horsetail and Valerian flowers.

A cornerstone of biodynamic gardening is the belief that astrological factors such as cycles of the sun, moon, planets and stars affect plants. There are many biodynamic calendars that provide detailed astronomical data for when to sow, plant, transplant, cultivate, harvest and apply biometric preparations. A basic lunar planting calendar for example, might call for sowing seeds a week before a full moon to capitalize on moonlight for better germination. A more detailed lunar planting calendar will take into account what planets are in the nighttime sky and suggest what seeds to sow based on how those planets’ orbits align with the shape of the flower. There are even biodynamic calendar apps now.

The size of a garden does not matter in biodynamic gardening. Principles can be applied to farms, large yards or to potted plants on a balcony. Each is its own living organism according to biodynamic philosophy. Biodynamics also considers the wellbeing of people associated with agriculture. Living wages for farm workers, local produce for consumers, and sharing with neighbors are core concepts. Ethical treatment of animals, whether farm animals, wildlife, or food-producing pets is also highly valued.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner welcomed scientific inquiry into the ideas of biodynamics. This is still the case today. There are biodynamic principles that are rooted in sound science, and other astrological and folkloric ones that have not been scientifically supported. Science moves slowly. So far, there have been no differences in studies of the outcomes between biodynamic and organic gardening. However, biodynamic techniques bring another dimension of enjoyment by building a spiritual connection to the garden and the greater universe.

Daniel O’Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com

Honor Roll

Rockford University, Illinois

Fall 2021 Distinguished Scholar

Kaeleigh Taylor of Newark

Ohio University

Fall 2021 graduates

Nabeel Ahmad of Fremont
Sabrina Gonsalves of Hayward
Nicole Miller of Hayward
Kieu Nguyen of Hayward
Dimple Singh of Union City

Letter to the Editor

A wonderful addition

I am so glad that at long last the Dusterberry Neighborhood Park will begin construction. It will be a wonderful addition to the area. But I am also in great fear that the businesses in the area will be forced out because of a manufactured fear of ‘dirty, scary buildings and people frightening children’. This is what happened to the historical Centerville Fire Station with untrue stories driven by the Silicon Sage Company.

A unique building with a future as a much-needed community resource was destroyed. But now what should replace these businesses on Peralta? Why, another multi-story developer driven project with inadequate parking. This will just add to the increasing congestion of area and be dangerous to park users.

I hope that the city will be sure that tax dollars generating small businesses and employers will continue to serve the public in this area, especially since they are by busy railroad tracks where residential dwellings should not be allowed.

Patty Lacy

Fremont

EARTHTALK

Environmental podcasts for everyone

From the editors of E – The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What are some of the leading environmental podcasts out there these days?

— Jane Mitchell, Boise, Idaho

Given the popularity of podcasts these days, it’s no surprise that several have popped up on environmental topics. Whether you are interested in green tech, environmental justice or climate change, there’s no doubt a podcast (or two) for you. Here is a rundown of some of the leading offerings.

Investigative journalist Amy Westervelt’s podcast company, Critical Frequency, has launched some of the most engaging eco-podcasts out there today. One is Inherited, a reported, narrative podcast by, for and about youth climate activists. Each explores a different facet of what the next generation plans to do with the climate-compromised world it is inheriting. Another great listen from Critical Frequency is Drilled, a narrative, investigative climate accountability podcast reported, hosted and produced by Westervelt herself. The most downloaded climate podcast of all time, Drilled, tackles the fossil fuel industry’s role in spreading climate denial. Lastly, the latest offering from Critical Frequency is Damages, a courtroom drama podcast that follows hundreds of climate lawsuits currently underway around the world in order to highlight activists’ quest for justice in perhaps the largest crime against humanity of all time, human-induced climate change. The first season explores “rights-of-nature” laws, which bring Indigenous approaches to nature into Western judicial systems by giving ecosystems the same rights as individuals.

Sea Change Radio is another great source for long-form audio on green topics. This nationally syndicated radio show and podcast — with an archive of 700 shows spanning the last 16 years — focuses on the shift to environmental and economic sustainability. Veteran host Alex Wise interviews activists, entrepreneurs and policymakers to get the inside scoop on various climate and other initiatives in the U.S. and globally. If you’re fascinated with the science of nature, the weekly Nature Podcast highlights research from a recent issue of the scientific journal Nature. Each weekly edition features interviews with the scientists behind some of the most striking environmental research currently underway, with topics ranging from astronomy to zoology.

Another great podcast for keeping your finger on the pulse of environmental activism is How to Save the Planet, a weekly podcast from leading non-profit Friends of the Earth that features stories from the front lines of the climate movement while explaining complex issues — environmental racism, eco-anxiety, fracking, etc. — in language anyone can understand. Yet another, Sustainababble, infuses coverage of climate and environment with humor thanks to the witty repartee of hosts Oliver Hayes and David Powell as they interview a wide range of expe
rts to untangle confusing environmental concepts and highlight the greenwashing that pervades so much of the information sphere.

For those listeners with shorter attention spans, the Climate Connections Podcast might be just the ticket. This daily 90-second audio drop hosted by Anthony Leiserowitz, a human geographer at Yale University who studies public perceptions of climate change, details how the climate crisis is already shaping our lives and what we can do about it. The show aims to highlight positive solutions to reduce climate-related risks and wasteful energy practices.

ONLINE CONTACTS:

Inherited: podlink.to/inherited
Drilled: drillednews.com/podcast-2
Damages: audible.com/pd/Damages-Podcast/B09QRFHK9X
Sea Change: cchange.net
How To Save The Planet: friendsoftheearth.uk/about/how-save-planet-friends-earth-podcast
Sustainababble: sustainababble.fish
Climate Connections: yaleclimateconnections.org/the-climate-connections-podcast.

EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to: [email protected].

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

The snow monsters of Japan

It’s that time of the year when the snow monsters, those awesome but not-so-scary creatures of nature, return to the heights of Mount Zao about 220 miles north of Tokyo, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. The “monsters” are formed when high winds blow frozen droplets of water from a nearby lake across the terrain. The droplets freeze, snow falls and they cling to trees, branches and the surrounding terrain turning the snowscape into a wonderland, attracting thousands of tourists each year from January to mid-March. See “Snow Monsters” video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGK-IIVr1I.

A pricey cigar butt

Paraphernalia of all sorts belonging to Michael Jordan is offered at auction frequently, reports AMAC. Not long ago a bidder paid $57,068 for a photocopy of the contract he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. It makes you wonder what the actual contract might bring. A game-worn, Dream Team Jersey signed by Jordan went for a whopping $216,000. And so, one can only imagine what the final bid will be for a half-smoked cigar butt that is being offered by the auctioneers art Lelands; the starting bid for the stogie is a mere $500. Its owner is a woman who had her picture taken with the b-ball star. Lelands says that “Before taking the photo, he put out his cigar in the ashtray, snapped a quick picture and went about his day. After noticing Michael had left his cigar in the ashtray, our consignor decided to take the cigar along with her.” Place your bid online: https://auction.lelands.com/bids/bidplace?itemid=108062.

A tall tale

His mom is 6 feet 2, his dad is 6 feet 8 and their son, Olivier Rioux of Beloeil, Quebec, stands tall at 7-feet, 5.33-inches. According to AMAC, boys don’t stop growing until they are 16 years old and so it is possible that Olivier can inch up a notch or two since he’s only 15. Oliver is officially the world’s tallest teenager declare the folks Guinness who keep track of such information. “When I was 10, 11, 12, I started growing and it was getting fast,” Oliver said. “Every week, I was like getting height. I was taller than every kid in my school.” And, if you are interested, Guinness said an 8-feet, 2.3-inch-tall Kurdish farmer by the name of Sultan Kosen ranks as the world’s tallest man. See video of Oliver on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-gZSFhX4xw.

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

Embracing the Equinox

By David Prosper

Depending on your locale, equinoxes can be seen as harbingers of longer nights and gloomy weather, or promising beacons of nicer temperatures and more sunlight. Observing and predicting equinoxes is one of the earliest skills in humanity’s astronomical toolkit. Many ancient observatories around the world observed equinoxes along with the more pronounced solstices. These days, you don’t need your own observatory to know when an equinox occurs, since you’ll see it marked on your calendar twice a year! The word “equinox” originates from Latin, and translates to equal (equi-) night (-nox). But what exactly is an equinox?

An equinox occurs twice every year, in March and September. In 2022, the equinoxes will occur on March 20, at exactly 15:33 UTC (or 11:33 a.m. EDT), and again on September 23, at 01:04 UTC (or September 22 at 9:04 p.m. EDT). The equinox marks the exact moment when the center of the Sun crosses the plane of our planet’s equator. The day of an equinox, observers at the equator will see the Sun directly overhead at noon. After the March equinox, observers anywhere on Earth will see the Sun’s path in the sky continue its movement further north every day until the June solstice, after which it begins traveling south. The Sun crosses the equatorial plane again during the September equinox, and continues traveling south until the December solstice, when it heads back north once again. This movement is why some refer to the March equinox as the northward equinox, and the September equinox as the southward equinox.

Our Sun shines equally on both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during equinoxes, which is why they are the only times of the year when the Earth’s North and South Poles are simultaneously lit by sunlight. Notably, the length of day and night on the equinox aren’t precisely equal; the date for that split depends on your latitude, and may occur a few days earlier or later than the equinox itself. The complicating factors? Our Sun and atmosphere! The Sun itself is a sphere and not a point light source, so its edge is refracted by our atmosphere as it rises and sets, which adds several minutes of light to every day. The Sun doesn’t neatly wink on and off at sunrise and sunset like a light bulb, and so there isn’t a perfect split of day and night on the equinox – but it’s very close.

Equinoxes are associated with the changing seasons. In March, Northern Hemisphere observers welcome the longer, warmer days heralded by their vernal, or spring, equinox, but Southern Hemisphere observers note the shorter days – and longer, cooler nights – signaled by their autumnal, or fall, equinox. Come September, the reverse is true. Discover the reasons for the seasons, and much more, with NASA at nasa.gov.

This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov to find local clubs, events, and more.

Park It

By Ned MacKay

The top of Red Hill, one of the highest points at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, is the destination of a strenuous hike from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, led by naturalist Natasha Anderson. While ascending the rugged terrain, the group will learn about some of the park’s features, and be rewarded at the top by panoramic views of South San Francisco Bay.

This is a free activity and registration is not necessa
ry. Hikers must be at least eight years old, and parent participation is required. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required and social distancing must be maintained.

If you prefer a less strenuous activity, stop by the Coyote Hills visitor center any time between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday for Discovery on Demand. The free program is a series of hands-on activities highlighting the natural and cultural history of the park.

Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For more information on either program, call (510) 544-3220.

Nearby at Ardenwood Historic Farm, you can use cornhusks and feathers to make a Pokean ball. Pokean is a southwestern Native American game similar to hacky sack or badminton. The program is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, with naturalist David Cohen. No registration is required.

There are lots of other things to see and do at Ardenwood, which is a restored, 19th century farming estate. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84 in Fremont. For information on programs and fees, call (510)544-2797.

It’s always hard to predict when the spring wildflower season will start, how abundant it will be, and when it will reach its peak, because there are so many variables involved. This year is no exception, because winter began so wet and then became so dry.

Even though it’s really early, wildflowers are starting to appear because of recent warm weather. First blooms include Indian warrior under the manzanitas, shooting star, red maids and buttercups. So if and when the wildflowers spring up in numbers, here are some suggestions for potential viewing.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch: The Manhattan Canyon and Chaparral Loop Trails are generally reliable wildflower venues.

Briones Regional Park between Orinda and Martinez: Look for poppies on the hillsides above Old Briones Road Trail. Or take the steep climb up Briones Crest Trail from the Bear Creek entrance.

Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve in El Sobrante: Right now, the Indian warriors are profuse along Manzanita Loop Trail.

Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in Pleasanton: Check out Ridgeline Trail. Even if the wildflowers are sparse, the views are beautiful.

Vargas Plateau Regional Park on Vargas Road in Fremont can have extensive poppy displays. But you have to arrive early; parking is very limited.

Sunol Regional Wilderness, southern Alameda County: Walk Camp Ohlone Road to Little Yosemite, return on Canyon View Trail.

Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore: Rocky Ridge on Ohlone Wilderness Trail can have beautiful wildflower displays, but you have to work to get there. It’s a steep two-mile climb from the Lichen Bark picnic area, and you need a trail permit, which is available at the entrance kiosk.

Wildflowers or none, there’s still lots going on in the regional parks. Check out the website, www.ebparks.org.

THE ROBOT REPORT

New tactile sensor helps robots handle delicate objects

By Brianna Wessling

Melexis, a global design and engineering company, recently announced Tactaxis, a fully integrated tactile sensor. The company said the sensor can provide robots with a sense of touch.

The Tactaxis sensor has multiple 3D magnetometer pixels that use the company’s Triaxis technology. It has a magnet embedded in an elastomer material. This combination gives the robot a soft feel, like human skin, and high sensitivity to small amounts of force. The sensor can detect weight changes down to a fraction of a gram, according to Melexis.

“Robots need the sense of touch to manipulate fragile objects. For such applications, we have developed a novel magnetic sensor to accurately measure the contact force — while being robust against disturbances,” Gael Close, global innovation manager at Melexis, said. “By exploiting the capabilities of our Triaxis magnetic sensor technology, we have made a significant step forward in robot tactile sensors, providing a rugged and competitive multi-axis sensing solution. We will now use the Tactaxis prototype as the foundation for further development work.”

Because Melexis took a gradiometric approach, the sensor isn’t affected by magnetic stray fields. This reduces possible measurement errors. The sensor is completely integrated, giving it an edge over optically-based tactile sensors.

Melexis has put its sensor, measuring in at just 5 mm x 5 mm x 5 mm, into a working prototype. According to the company, the sensor is able to withstand harsh weather conditions like temperature changes.

The company will face competition from companies like Meta, previously Facebook. Meta announced its tactile sensor DIGIT in November 2021. DIGIT is open-sourced and is advertised by the company as low-cost. Like Tactaxis, DIGIT is compact enough that it could be mounted on a multi-fingered hand.

Melexis was founded in Belgium over 30 years ago. It currently has 19 locations on three continents. The company specializes in micro-electronic solutions.

Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She can be reached at [email protected]

Trash Talk

By The Pickup Artist

This is the fourteenth edition of Trash Talk, a column devoted to cleaning up our neighborhoods.

Update on dual-flush toilet valve kits

In January, I mentioned using dual-flush valves to conserve water. I have since installed one kit, and have some thoughts to pass along. When shopping, the first thing to look for in the toilet tank is the size of the pipe between the tank and bowl. Most are probably 2” in diameter. Some newer toilets are 3”, which can push more water through to help prevent blockages. Check this measurement first because kits are not interchangeable! Also pay attention to the flush actuator. Some have a lever on the side of the tank, but some use a push-button on the lid of the tank.

Next, check reviews online or do some research. There are several manufacturers: Kohler, Fluid Master and NuFlush. Some are much simpler to install; some even say no tools are needed. I installed a kit from Danco, which included a new fill-valve as well as the dual-flush mechanism which controls how much water is directed into the bowl. I found it well-engineered with push-on connectors and adjustments for the amount of water used during a full-flush and half-flush. The only tool I needed was a wrench to remove the existing mechanism. I did not have to remove the toilet or separate the tank from the bowl.

Some older toilets use 3.5 to as much as 7 gallons per flush. The new standard is 1.3 to 1.6 gallons. That’s still a lot of water to flush away one-half quart of urine. Dual flush conversions advertise they can save about 67% of water used. Certainly worth considering. Kits run about $25-30.

Some people dump the weirdest things

In previous articles, I mentioned some of the unusual things I have found dumped on public property. These items included a garage door opener, complete with motor and track; auto parts including disc brakes, radiator, bumper covers and rear axle; a toilet brush in a park that had no restrooms; and a motorized massage table. Last week I found a child’s book “Learn to potty with Dino.” Today I saw a camper shell for the bed of a pickup truck.

I want to reiterate that you don’t need to dump your trash and make it someone else’s problem. Call your waste management service supplier and ask for a FREE bulky pickup. You get two (in some area
s four) per year. Bulky pickups are offered by Waste Management for the residents of Hayward, Fremont and Newark. Residents of other cities can contact Republic Services, or whoever picks up your trash. Using these services could go a long way to reducing or even eliminating illegal dumping.

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