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Afghan Elderly Association gives – and receives – new life
By Stephanie Gertsch
Fremont is home to many communities; it’s a point of civic pride. What’s harder to talk about is how many of those communities can remain invisible—due to language barriers, lack of transportation, lack of money, or simply age. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
In 1995, Najia Hamid founded the Afghan Elderly Association (AEA) with the goal of supporting elderly Afghani women, many of whom had fled their home country during the 80s. Starting with seven members, the program would combat isolation and offer health and nutrition education, advocacy work, and refugee support.
Rabia Shah, who has been on the board for over 20 years, recounts how her team built the association from the ground up. “At the time we started, we didn’t have anything. So we had to do everything. To put out the chairs, to make food, to wash the dishes. We had no food. We had to bring it from home. We had to provide everything just to get these people out of their homes because they were home alone. That’s not good for them, physically and mentally.”
Now the program serves over 400. For member Saliha Amin, Wednesday lunches are the highlight of her week. “I can’t wait from one Wednesday to another Wednesday to get here. When I get here, I feel like I’m at home.” She laughs, noting, “Sometimes family gets boring. Here I learn a lot. Because we talk about nutrition, about health, about what is going on in the world [and] Afghanistan which is our home country.”
Joining was simple. Amin remembers, “I talked to some friends and found out that there was this association of elderly people getting together. Then I came to the office and talked to Hamida [Obeid, Executive Director], and they welcomed me really easily. And I joined the group.”
Amin has been with AEA over 10 years. In that time, they helped her become an American citizen, doing all the paperwork and driving her to the consulate in San Francisco. They also helped Amin through a scary time when she was struggling to get a diagnosis from a doctor who wouldn’t take her concerns seriously. “Hamida was really concerned about me, and took me at 1 o’clock in the morning and stayed until 6 a.m. to get all the labs done and the mammogram, and then I found out I had cancer.” Now Amin has completed her treatment and is in good health.
It’s not always serious. A lot of the time, the ladies are just having fun: gossiping, celebrating holidays like Mother’s Day, doing arts like Henna, and holding barbeques outdoors when whether permits. They used to go much further. Amin recalls, “Before the pandemic, we used to go to Los Angeles or Las Vegas, or Monterey for a few nights. I can’t forget those memories. This association helps us with all aspects of our lives, so we are very happy.”
Rabia Shah also remembers the trips fondly, saying, “When you saw the ladies at those places, they were like beautiful children.”
Unfortunately, the program that expanded under community need dwindled again during the pandemic, when the Healthy Aging Program was put on pause and funding was diverted to meal delivery programs. Now AEA’s social meal service has been reinstated, but lack of funding limits the number of those who can attend. Hanifa Tokhi, a former health promoter for AEA and current director of the Healthy Aging Program, says, “The money is scarce these days after the pandemic. Hamida [Obeid] is trying to do her best. She’s running here and there to get a little money to provide services for these ladies.”
She continues, “The food used to be three dollars. Now it’s eight dollars. And sometimes they come by paratransit and then they pay paratransit, so it costs a lot. But it’s amazing that still they are willing to pay the little money they have to come to this program because it’s very important to them to get out of the house.”
Space is also a concern. The group used to have a second meetup location with an industrial kitchen, and were able to book their room at the Age Well Center from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Now they only have one location, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. It’s not enough time, Shah notes. “Because they’re chatting with each other, and suddenly they have to empty this place at 4 o’clock. So they’re not happy. Because they want to stay more.”
Now the Leadership Fremont Class of 2024, a program of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, has stepped up and is working to raise $40,000 for the social meal portion of AEA. On May 16, they will hold a Donor Recognition Night to thank their supporters. The public is invited to attend to meet those involved and learn more about AEA’s role in the community.
Afghan Elderly Association
https://linktr.ee/afghanelderlyassociation
Leadership Fremont
www.fremontbusiness.com/leadership-fremont.html
How K.I.D.S. like Aydin Rizqi make a difference
By Marc Vicente
Photos provided by Aydin Rizqi
Anybody at any age can achieve anything if they put in the hard work. These words are what helped propel 14-year-old author Aydin Rizqi into publishing his two children’s book series.
“Ever since I was able to hold a pencil, I’ve had a big imagination,” Rizqi says about the start of his writing journey. “Writing helped me express my ideas into stories, since they usually played out in my head like a movie.”
Starting his journey as a writer at age seven, Rizqi wrote stories for fun and created the illustrated covers for his own works by using Google Docs. Superhero stories like Batman, Spiderman and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man helped cultivate his ideas, and helped him decide to take his ideas to the next level by writing for more audiences. With his family’s support and through websites like Upwork and Fiverr, he was able to find dedicated illustrators to help create vibrant covers and editors who could help format his work, correct any grammatical errors and also pitch his works to others. Through Barnes & Noble’s publishing services, Rizqi released five books in his first published book series Ethan Andersen and the Wielders, which was inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians. He also released three books for his second series titled K.I.D.S., which follows a diverse group of superpowered children who come from different backgrounds.
Through both of his book series, Aydin Rizqi has sold over 1,200 copies of his books and has garn
ered attention not only from Kron 4 News, but from many prominent authors, such as Stuart Gibbs, James Riley, Stacey Lee and Eragon author Christopher Paolini. His books also gave him an opportunity to be part of OPEN Silicon Valley’s Rising Stars Program, and through K.I.D.S. Book 1 Rizqi was given an honorable mention for The Book Fest Award on October 21, 2023.
Before attending American High School, Aydin started the Young Authors Writing Group, a club he opened at his middle school where he helps his classmates develop their writing skills and understand the tools needed in order to publish books. On top of his plan to eventually continue running his club at his new school, Rizqi also plans to attend San Jose’s Youth Creative Futures Fair on Sunday, March 17 to sign copies of his book. Additionally, his latest book The Last Mage: The Book of Spiders will be released in around May 2024 as the first of a follow-up book series to Ethan Andersen and the Wielders.
“My main goal with writing my books is to inspire not just kids, but pretty much anyone who reads them,” Rizqi says. “People usually say things like ‘You can never write a book,’ but my advice for that is to never let such criticism put you down, and instead let it make you more determined to reach your goals. I’ve reached out to a bunch of people about my book series over the years, and I got rejected a lot. On top of knowing the right people to help you out, you also need to have persistence to reach your goals.”
Find Aydin’s books online through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or his website aydintheauthor.com, and in stores at Banter Bookshop in Fremont and the Books Inc. in Campbell. His Instagram @aydintheauthor has more information on upcoming releases as well.
aydintheauthor.com
Instagram @aydintheauthor
San Jose Youth Creative Futures Fair
Sunday, Mar 17
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Yerba Buena High School
1855 Lucretia Ave., San Jose
Locomotive’s Centenary Birthday Draws Railway Lovers to Sunol
By Victor Carvellas
On Saturday, March 3, visitors to the 100th birthday celebration in Sunol of one of Niles Canyon Railway’s star locomotives were treated to a thrilling, albeit rainy, 11-mile ride through the canyon. In March of 1924, the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia released the engine that became the Clover Valley Lumber Company #4.
The logging locomotive spent its working life on a single rail line delivering 30 to 40 carloads of lumber at a time to Clover Valley’s mill in Oregon’s Feather River Canyon until 1957 when the railway closed. It didn’t cease operation entirely, as its boiler was pressed into service for producing steam at a lumber mill near Sparks, Nevada. That somewhat ignominious duty saved the engine, though, preventing it from being scrapped like so many others of its age. That mill was later closed and torn down, leaving the engine to the elements in an empty field. In the early 1970s, the PLA offered to take it away and the owners gladly donated it.
From Nevada it was moved to PLA facilities then located on Navy property near the Richmond Bridge, where it remained until 1985 when the Navy developed other plans for the area. Fortunately, the abandoned railway through Niles Canyon offered prosects of a new home for the locomotive, but the engine would sit in storage in Fremont until 2005 when the PLA gained a rail connection that allowed them to move Clover Valley Lumber #4 to the Sunol – Niles Line known as the Niles Canyon Railway. Volunteers worked from 2007 to 2012 restoring the engine to pristine working order.
The engine is a 2-6-6-2 Mallet covered tanker, which means there are two pilot wheels in front, two six-wheels driver sets, and two trailing wheels. The covered boiler and oil tanks sit above the driving wheels, providing superior traction on Clover Valley’s steep mount railway.
The locomotive’s jointed configuration was invented by Swiss engineer Anatole Mallet (1837-1819). It is an efficient design that employs high- and low-pressure cylinders that make the best use of the boiler’s steam. The front set of driving wheels are on a separate swiveling assembly that allows the engine to negotiate the tightly winding tracks of mountainous terrain.
One of the problems facing earlier articulated designs was connecting high-pressure steam lines to the cylinders mounted on the swiveling truck, as the pivoting joints were prone to leaks. By equipping the front drivers with large cylinders, the reduction in pressure meant the steam connections were more reliable.
When the PLA began running its trains from Sunol to Niles in 1987, the historic canyon had already seen train traffic for over 100 years. In 1869, just months after the coasts of the country were joined with a golden spike in Promontory Utah, the Central Pacific bought Western Pacific and completed a line all the way to Alameda, the final leg of the First Transcontinental Railway. Niles Station was soon constructed (named after Central Pacific attorney Addison C. Niles, who later became a California Supreme Court judge) and the new town around it took the station’s name.
Southern Pacific eventually absorbed the Central Pacific but invested most of its resources in the northern mainline to Benicia and Martinez. Consequently, less investment in the south meant that the tunnels and original gradings of the Central Pacific era survived to contribute to the nostalgic feel of the Niles Canyon route. Southern Pacific deeded the rights of way to Alameda County in 1984 and in 1987 the PLA entered into an agreement with the county, after which Association volunteers worked for over a year on the first part of the track reconstruction between Sunol and Brightside.
The Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and provides train rides to the public year-round.
For more information, visit ncry.org and the National Park Services website, https://www.nps.gov/places/niles-canyon-transcontinental-railroad-historic-district.htm
2nd Holi Festival
Submitted by Milpitas Recreation and Community Services
The annual Holi Festival is back by popular demand! Entertainment will include the Raga & Blues Band, cultural dancing by Nrityami Kathak Dance Academy, Dhol Drummer Gurdeep Hira and DJ S
hem. Delicious food is available for purchase.
Colors to throw at your fellow attendees will be available for purchase onsite. No outside colors will be allowed into the park. This is a family event, no alcohol, drugs or smoking.
Holi Festival
Saturday, Mar 16
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cardoza Park
Kennedy Dr. & N Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas
https://www.milpitas.gov/1180/Holi-Festival
Bay Philharmonic Presents Celtic Celebration
Submitted by Karin Conn
Bay Philharmonic is excited to announce Celtic Celebration on Sunday, March 17, at 3 p.m., at Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with an exciting, lively, soulful, educational, and entertaining experience. This concert will get the entire family in the Irish spirit.
Bay Philharmonic’s artistic director and conductor, Jung-Ho Pak, will share colorful stories about the Celtic culture and traditions. Notable performances by Annie Dupre (vocals/violin), Caroline McCaskey (award-winning Scottish fiddler), Culann’s Hounds (Irish band), San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers (beloved Bay Area fiddle group), Todd Denman (Irish uilleann pipes), Bill Wolaver (piano/arranger), Kennelly School of Irish Dance (Irish dancers), and Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers, along with the entertaining 50-piece Bay Philharmonic orchestra.
“We are pulling out all the stops to bring you an extraordinary and unique St. Patrick’s Day celebration with wonderful Celtic musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers,” says Jung-Ho Pak. “Along with engaging video, gorgeous lighting, and stunning sets, concertgoers will get a true immersive Celtic experience. If you’re looking for luck o’ the Irish, this show will fill your pot of gold!”
Festivities start at 2 p.m. when the doors open, welcoming all guests to enjoy pre-show Celtic music and festive beers (including Dokkaebier’s Milk Stout and other craft beers), beverages, and snacks (available for purchase). The primary performance begins at 3 p.m.
Bay Philharmonic’s esteemed Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak has been described by The New York Times as a conductor who “radiates enthusiasm” and the LA Times as “a real grabber.” Jung-Ho Pak is known for his unique approach and vision for symphonic music. Pak brings over 35 years of experience conducting acclaimed professional and conservatory orchestras worldwide. As with every show, Pak will infuse his style of creativity, knowledge, connections, passion, and enthusiastic conversational personality.
Individual show tickets are $25 to $67 and are available on the Bay Philharmonic website. Ticket purchasers are automatically entered into a raffle to win a pair of round-trip tickets to Ireland, courtesy of show sponsor Aer Lingus. Tickets are round-trip tickets from SFO to Dublin (Blackout Dates Apply). Additional Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the Celtic Celebration show.
Bay Phil Presents Celtic Celebration
Sunday, Mar 17
2 p.m. Reception in lobby
3 p.m. Concert Starts
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
2555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
(510) 723-6976
bayphil.org
Tickets: $25 – $67
GRM Information Management, of Fremont, Says There are Personal Lessons to Learn From Corporate Cyber Attacks
Submitted By Mike Aaron
The number of cyberattacks is growing exponentially and what’s accounted for is just the tip of the iceberg, as most attacks go unreported.
GRM Information Management, a national document and data management firm, with operations in Fremont, is one of thousands of businesses that have been the target of a cyberattack. As GRM specializes in data security and maintains all required industry security certifications, including SOC II Type 1 and Type II, they were unusually well-prepared to respond to an attack of their systems that took place in 2019. GRM was able to deploy corporate resources and engage external experts to assess the scope and assist in quickly resolving the attack and disabling specific systems. In large part as a result of these actions, the available information indicated that no customer data was accessed, viewed, or exfiltrated. Just this month, years later, GRM was informed by its external, professional dark web monitoring experts that there is no evidence of any GRM data being disclosed.
The fact that a company like GRM was attacked is a good reminder that no business or individual is immune to online intrusions and many of the actions GRM employed to thwart the attack translate to how individuals should attempt to prevent attacks on their personal accounts and data. Specifically, GRM experts recommend that individuals focus on some key security practices that dramatically improve your chances of preventing an attack from taking place. A few of the most critical practices are:
1) Create strong passwords and change them frequently. This will help prevent attackers from guessing your credentials.
2) Do not click on links, attachments or downloads if they look suspicious or are from an unknown party. Clicking on these things can immediately open the door to harm; allowing malware to be downloaded to your computer, directing you to a fake site or result in the unintentional sharing of your information with a malicious party.
3) Only share data and information on sites whose URL begins with HTTPS. The presence of the “S” indicates that the site owner has implemented an enhanced level of security on their site.
4) Always keep your computer updated with the most recent versions of anti-virus software. This will help prevent new viruses and malware from infiltrating your computer and exposing personal information.
5) Be prepared to freeze your accounts. In the unfortunate event that you do suffer a cyberattack, have the necessary information at hand to quickly contact and freeze key assets like your bank account and credit card accounts.
Mike Aaron
Vice President, Marketing
GRM Information Management
215 Coles Street
Jersey City, NJ 07310
So Much to Discover About Climate Change on Discovery Day!
Submitted by Shirley Gilbert
Girls’ eyes and minds will light up while experiencing all the educational delights of AAUW’s Discovery Day, according to member and event organizer Randy Fewel.
The special day will take place on March 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Middle School in Union City. Third, fourth, and fifth graders from New Haven Unified, Fremont Unified, and Newark School Districts are cordially invited. The theme this year is climate change. New Haven School District has donated the site.
The young people will discover how climate change affects bee habitats and populations, learn about how textile waste causes pollution, understand the effects of climate change, develop their own models designed to recognize and classify different recyclable materials using Artificial Intelligence, and more.
AAUW (American Association of University Women) has brought Discovery Day activities to young girls in our area for 35 years, and Fewel has organized the day for two years. She believes the idea is a perfect fit for the AAUW Fremont Branch. “Our mission,” she says, “is to advance gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. Generally, girls have a tougher time getting into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers, and our goal with Discovery Day is to spark their interest early.”
Children must be accompanied by a mother, grandmother, aunt, or adult female caregiver. The fee for Discovery Day is $30 for each mom and daughter and $20 more for each additional daughter.
There will be beverages, snacks and several door prizes donated by members including passes to Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos; the Exploratorium in San Francisco; and the Triton Museum in Santa Clara. Financial assistance is available for qualified students; contact Fewel at ja*********@co*****.net.
Reserve your space on Eventbrite. Search “2024 Mother/Daughter STEM Discovery Day by AAUW and NHUSD.”
Mother/Daughter STEM Discovery Day
Saturday, Mar 23
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cesar Chavez Middle School
2801 Hop Ranch Rd., Union City
Tickets: $30 for one student + caregiver; $20 for each additional student
Spring Egg Hunt at Fremont Age Well Center
Submitted by City of Fremont
Come and hunt some spring eggs at the AWC. We don’t have a bunny, but we will be hiding eggs for you to find. Some may even have a treat inside! This is a free event. Online registration: city.fremont.gov/awcclasses
Age Well Egg Hunt
Friday, Mar 29
10 a.m.
Age Well Center
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6600
Free
Flash Fiction deadline extended – more time to dream!
By Arathi Satish
The spring “Flash Fiction Writing Contest” held by Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC) and Half-Price Books will be pushing its deadline and voting day back one week. Now the deadline to submit is Monday, April 15, and people will be able to vote for their favorites on Saturday, April 20. Over $150 in cash and gift card prizes will be awarded to the winners.
As always, entries must be 300 words or less (including title), and fit on one side of an 81/2 x 11” sheet of paper in 12 pt or larger font. To submit by post, mail your entries to: Writing Contest, Fremont Cultural Arts Council, P.O. Box 1314, Fremont, CA 94538. Write the author’s name and contact information on the back or separate sheet of paper. To submit by email, send your entry as a Word or PDF compatible attachment to FC*********@gm***.com. Include the author’s name and contact information in the body of the email message. You can submit up to three entries.
Al Minard, FCAC board member conducting this event pointed out, “This is one of the Fremont Creates events in April, which is turning out into a fun activity to showcase all the creative people in Fremont and the immediate area. The theme of this year’s contest is DREAMS, this could be your dream, your pet’s dream, the dream of some inanimate object or whatever kind of dream you can think and write about. We are looking forward to enjoying these stories.”
Flash Fiction Writing Contest: “Dreams”
Saturday, Apr 20
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Judging
5:30 p.m. Awards
Half-Price Books
39152 Fremont Hub, Fremont
(510) 552-4839 (Al Minard)
www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org
Annual Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade at Kennedy Park
Submitted by Yadira Ayala
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is thrilled to invite the community to its 79th Annual Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade. Rain or shine, this spring tradition will take place at Kennedy Park in Hayward on Saturday, March 30.
The Bonnet Parade, led by the Bunny, will begin right after the Egg Hunt. Bonnet Parade participants must be 6 years and under. All bonnets must be homemade and be worn by the participants during the parade to qualify. Participants will have their homemade bonnets judged in the following categories: the prettiest, most unusual, and most colorful. Registration for the Bonnet Parade will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.
The Egg Hunt will start at 10 a.m. This year, there are four egg hunt age categories: 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, and 7-9 years. New this year, H.A.R.D. will also host a hunt for participants with special needs.
Email Jessica Hallowell for more information Ha**@Ha********.org
79th Egg Hunt & Bonnet Parade
Saturday, Mar 30
9 a.m.
Egg Hunt: 10 a.m.
Kennedy Park
19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Celebrate Black History and Women’s History Month with chamber music
Submitted by Jui-Lan Liu
Come celebrate Black History and Women’s History Month with chamber music at Fremont Main Library Monday, March 25 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In celebration of both Women’s History and Black History Month, Benicia Chamber Players, with the support of the AFM Music Performance Trust Fund, presents “A Celebration of Four Voices,” a free classical string quartet concert at the Fremont Main Library.
Program includes selections from string quartets by Fanny Mendelssohn, Jessie Montgomery, Florence Price, and Ethel Smyth. All are welcome!
The Fremont Main Library is a branch of the Alameda County Library system. An ASL interpreter will be made available with seven days’ notice. The library is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit our website at www.aclibrary.org or call (510) 745-1401.
Benicia Chamber Players
Monday, March 25
12 noon – 1 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
Fukaya Room A & B
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1401
Niles Canyon Railway Update
Submitted by ncr.org
We are pleased to announce that we are operating our Saturday and Sunday steam and diesel-powered train rides during the second and third weekends through October 2024 with March through June tickets on sale now. Two ride times per day (10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) with a train of both open and enclosed cars. Sunol departures only. Please come enjoy a 1.5 round-trip ride through Niles Canyon! All of the details are available on our website including links to purchase your tickets online www.ncry.org/ride/2024-train-rides/
We hope to see you on the train this year!
Speeder rides are back in April!
One day only, Saturday April 6, 2024.
Five ride times are available: 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rides will depart from our Niles station and will be a round trip to our Brightside yard through the heart of Niles Canyon where the speeders will be turned for the return trip to Niles.
Currently we have TEN tickets total available for each departure. Do not miss this unique chance to ride our Niles Canyon Railway and see our Niles Canyon from a different perspective. Cost is $35 per person.
Rider requirements.
- No riders under 5 years old.
- Rider must sign release forms.
- Passengers are required to wear close-toed shoes that fully cover the entire foot.
Clover Valley Lumber Co. #4 turns 100 in March
The #4 was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Clover Valley Lumber Company in 1924.
Come wish the #4 a Happy Birthday by riding our steam powered trains this month! We have a limited number of replica #4 Builder’s Cards which will be given to ticket purchasers in March while supplies last.
You can learn more about Clover Valley Lumber Co. #4 and our Steam Department by visiting: www.ncry.org/about/steamdepartment/
Volunteers needed!
We have many different opportunities to volunteer this year for our Niles Canyon Railway. If you are interested, we encourage you to learn more on our Volunteer page on our website and then contact us to help you get started. www.ncry.org/volunteer/
Niles Canyon Railway
Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol
www.ncry.org/ride/2024-train-rides/
Fremont Education Foundation Excellence in Education Gala – ‘Roundup for Education’
Submitted by Kathy Kimberlin
On Friday, March 22, The Fremont Education Foundation (FEF) will be holding their annual “Excellence in Education” dinner gala. FEF is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities of students within the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD). “Roundup for Education” is the theme of this year’s event, which will honor the Candle Lighters and the FUSD Student Support Services department. Wear gala/party attire or put on some fancy western wear and giddy up to the gala!
About the Honorees:
Community Honoree: Founded in 1969, the Candle Lighters is a non-profit organization of nearly 100 volunteers dedicated to raising funds for non-profit groups and community-based projects in Fremont, Newark, and Union City. The Candle Lighters are known for hosting the Ghost House every October, which raises funds for a number of local non-profits and is a vital source of funds for those organizations.
FUSD Honoree: The FUSD Student Support Services department is tasked with providing an array of services to students and families within the FUSD. They welcome and register new students from our community and from around the world. This team was instrumental in providing critical services to many students and their families who were facing considerable hardships during the Covid crisis.
Huge thanks to our “Spur” sponsors: Fremont Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Washington Hospital, Alameda County Supervisors Haubert and Marquez, Fremont Fire Local 1689, FUDTA and Citizens for Better Community, and more.
The foundation provides additional resources, numerous services, and much-needed funding for a wide range of valuable programs. These
include teacher grants to support innovative learning within the classroom, sports grants to enable greater participation in school-sponsored sports and physical activity, funding for elementary school music partnered with Music for Minors II, and more.
To attend the Round Up for Education and support the mission of the Fremont Education Foundation, visit their website at: https://www.fremont-education.org/excellence-in-education-gala
Roundup for Education Gala
Friday, Mar 22
6 p.m. Social hour, Food & Drinks
7 p.m. Program
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
(510) 552-0221
Tickets: $50 FUSD staff / $80 General
Senior Peer Counselors Needed
Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department
Aging and Family Services is seeking warm and compassionate volunteers to assist older adults in its Senior Peer Counseling (SPC) Program. SPC Program assists Tri-City elders, 55 years or older, facing moderate mental health issues. A licensed professional therapist supervises the program. Interviewing now!
WHY?
Many of our elder friends and neighbors suffer from depression, isolating illnesses, grief due to the loss of a loved one, and loneliness.
WHO?
The Tri-Cities Senior Peer Counseling Program is seeking warm and compassionate volunteers to assist seniors in our community. We are looking for people at least 50 years of age and older to participate in a 36-hour training. There are no educational requirements — we believe life has been your teacher.
WHO SPONSORS THIS PROGRAM?
The Tri-Cities Senior Peer Counseling Program is sponsored by the City of Fremont’s Human Services Department.
SOUNDS GOOD BUT DOES IT WORK?
Yes! We hear from the people we serve that they feel they have found someone who truly cares. The Senior Peer Counselors report that they get back more than they give.
HOW TO APPLY
For more information or to sign up now email Jesleen Singh, MSW at Je*****@fr*****.gov or call 510-574-2064
Synopsys champions
Ashraya Siruvole, Arisha Jain, and Aiden Yang students at Stratford Middle School, were recognized by Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano and City Council Members for their achievements in the 2023 Synopsys Championship.
Culture Fest is back in Union City
Submitted by Union City Recreation Department
Union City is ready to kick off its 2nd Annual “Culture Fest!” Organized by the city’s youth commission, the event brings together and celebrates the different cultures of Union City. The event will be held on Saturday March 16 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Charles F. Kennedy Park.
Community performers from a variety of arts including Bollywood dance, classical Chinese dance, and martial arts will put their skills on display for free. Drinks will be available for purchase—it’s a way to support the youth commission and help them put on next year’s festival.
For other information, contact Trish Heuer (Tr****@un*******.org). This is a free event and all are welcomed. Visit the event page: www.unioncity.org/650/Youth-Commission.
Union City Culture Fest
Saturday, Mar 16
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Kennedy Park
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
Local Authors and Illustrator named Independent Press Award 2024 Distinguished Favorite
Submitted by Linda Drattell
The Independent Press Award (IPA), one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized Who Wants to be Friends With a Dragon? in the category of Children’s Fiction as a 2024 Distinguished Favorite.
The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.
“Eve and Marc and I are thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Drattell, co-author of the book. “We have been so happy with the response to our book, and this adds to the excitement and continues all the momentum that we’ve seen for it.”
Who Wants to be Friends With a Dragon?, is the story of a dragon who hides each day in the forest, watching as children and animals play together. He wants to join them but fears they will reject him because of the size of his wings, the sharpness of his nails, the power of his tail, and the fact he can blow fire. One day, a boy approaches the dragon, accepts their differences, and invites him to play. The dragon musters up the courage to attend the boy’s birthday party and, by trial and error, learns that his differences make him fit in!
In 2024, the Independent Press Award saw participation from authors and publishers across the globe, including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, Germany, India, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and The Netherlands.
Independent Press Awards
https://www.independentpressaward.com/2024df
Plug-in Hybrids Are Trending—Ford Escape PHEV
By Michael Coates
Timing is everything. With a softening of demand for full electric
vehicles, some automakers have declared 2024 the year of the plug-in hybrid—an EV with a back-up plan. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is the perfect example of the genre. It’s got all the right things for this resurging market segment—name brand (Ford), popular configuration (compact SUV), track record (the current Escape model has been around since the 2020 model year; Ford has offered an Escape model since 2001).
The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is one of 10 PHEV models that Consumer Reports recommends considering. That group spans luxury and more affordable models, sedans and SUVs, but the Escape is right in the mix of the most popular models, such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tucson PHEV and two Kias—the Niro and Sportage PHEVs (the latter of which we reviewed last month).
The Escape offers 37 miles of pure electric range, enough for most daily driving, but it also defaults to 40 mpg in hybrid mode when the 14.4 kWh battery is depleted. When the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cuts in, it’s fairly seamless. The gas engine combines with an 88 kW electric motor to produce 210 horsepower, more than enough to make merging on an uphill on-ramp to the freeway an easy task.
Counterintuitive reliability
According to Consumer Reports’ data, the Escape’s reliability gets better as you move from gas to hybrid to plug-in hybrid. It’s not what you’d expect as the complexity of the vehicle’s powertrain increases, but this is the way it’s working out in the real world. Another factor might be that this fourth generation Escape was the first designed to accommodate a plug-in powertrain.
The PHEV starts at $40,500 (our test model had extra equipment that bumped that up to $46,815), roughly one-third (~$10,000) more than the base gas-only version and about $6,500 more than the least expensive hybrid model. It is a little frustrating that the most expensive Escape lacks one of the most-desired (if not always most needed) options—all-wheel drive.
What we’re left with is a very competent compact SUV. It boasts 60.8 cubic feet of space when you fold down the back seat. It will seat five comfortably (not something every model in this class can claim). You can pull a 1,500-pound trailer with the optional towing package.
The Escape has a full complement of advanced technology, designed to make your drive safer. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist (automatic emergency braking), lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic braking, remote start and push button start. The end-result is the Escape received a 5-Star safety rating in government testing.
More Tech
Even more tech showed up on our fully loaded tester, including active parking assist, a 360-degree view camera, head-up display (a neat pop-up number), wireless charging for your phone and a panoramic sunroof that really adds to the spacious feeling when inside.
The Ford Escape PHEV comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five years (or 60,000 miles) of roadside assistance. The hybrid components are covered by an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Reflecting on a week with the Escape, run on a mixture of electrons and gasoline, it felt like the car was up to any on-road task presented to it. The ride was comfortable and the highway ride was smooth and quiet. Everything inside the cabin seemed to be where it was expected to be and functioned as predicted. With the current variety of cars on the market, that is not always the case. Score one for familiarity to go along with the car’s measured reliability, zero-emission capability and all-round efficiency.
EARTHTALK Q&A
Using Wildlife To Track Environmental Conditions
By Taylor Connelly
Dear EarthTalk: How are researchers using wildlife to track environmental conditions and monitor climate change? —Jane P., South Bend, IN
Scientists currently rely mainly on a complex network of satellites, ocean buoys, weather stations and balloons to help predict the weather and the effects of climate change, but it might not be the best solution. What if instead of using satellites and weather stations to study the planet, scientists used animals? Imagine a world where a pigeon could help gather information on air pollution.
That world already exists. In Mongolia, pigeons equipped with sensors fly around the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and help measure the air quality. Tagged elephant seals help provide nearly 80 percent of all available information on ice depth and ocean salinity in Antarctica. Geolocation sensors, often attached to animals via collars or tags, can provide scientists with near endless amounts of information on wildlife and the environment. The sensors, equipped with GPS and other advanced technology, offer a lens directly into the habitats that animals inhabit.
Using wildlife to track environmental conditions only highlights the shortcomings of current methods of collecting climate data. While satellites can gauge temperatures at the surface of a cloud-covered jungle canopy, they cannot reveal the conditions on the ground. Not the way that a monkey would be able to. Most weather stations are built on flat land and in developed areas, not in the mountainous regions that are heavily affected by climate change. However, mountain goats or birds with sensors can easily monitor the temperatures of the region. Wildlife geolocation sensors can help fill critical data gaps, particularly in more remote areas of the planet.
Equipping fish, birds, seals and other animals with sensors can offer highly localized and timely data that current tech cannot. The sensors can provide data on animal behavior and migration patterns along with data on environmental conditions impacted by climate change. They can improve scientists’ measurements on air temperature, ocean salinity, air pollution and biodiversity. Rather than using satellites to capture images of the planet’s surface, scientists can study animal decisions and preferred conditions to sense the quality and health of ecosystems. Studying the environmental conditions that drive animals’ movements can offer a lens directly into the habitats themselves.
Thanks to action by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, thousands of birds and animals are already outfitted with sensors, but the opportunities that wildlife tracking presents have not yet been fully realized. To implement geolocation sensors on a wider scale there must be collaboration between government agencies and the science community. The data that the sensors could provide the scientific world would be more accurate, timely, cost-effective and non-invasive than the more popularized current methods. Wildlife tracking provides an opportunity for revolution in conservation
efforts, environmental monitoring and research on climate change.
ONLINE CONTACTS
- Biological Earth observation with animal sensors
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534721003165
- Animals may be the best monitors of global climate change
www.mpg.de/20828038/0912-ornr-animals-may-be-the-best-monitors-of-global-climate-change-987453-x
- Gauging the role animals can play in monitoring climate change
https://news.yale.edu/2023/09/18/gauging-key-role-animals-can-play-monitoring-climate-change
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: qu******@ea*******.org.
Beets
By Pat Kite
I tried to find something exciting about Beets. Their red color was a starter. Apparently beets, being red, would make your heart go pitter-patter. If two people ate of the same beet, they would certainly fall in love. This ancient malarky was part of the Aphrodite legend. (Aphrodite being the Greek goddess of love). If eating a beet made a person feel sexy, but the beet wasn’t shared, in Pompeii you could meander over to one of the many local brothels. They had murals on the walls demonstrating how beets could inspire various passions.
Now if you had a passion for beets, unlike mine for donuts, you could grow your own. And why think small? Think huge. Super beets are prize winners at 156 pounds. So how do you grow a beet? First buy some beet seeds (sometimes titled beetroot). Most garden centers have them. Put seeds in sandy soil about two inches apart and a half-inch deep. Use a good size pot or garden space. The seeds will germinate within 10 days. Sun is necessary. Thin to about five inches apart. You can also make successive plantings.
For gourmet chefs, remember that all parts of a beet are edible. The top leaves, called chard, are super in salad. The part normally called “beet” (taproot) grows underground, like a carrot. While there is a white beet, and a golden Detroit heirloom beet, most are reddish. The Chioggia is an Italian heirloom. Its innards have red and white rings like a candy cane. Cylindra is a Danish heirloom, long like a carrot. Okragly Ciemnoczerwony originated in the old Soviet Union. Crapaudine beets are dark purple, long and skinny.
Some date beet’s ancestors back over 1,000 years. The green leaves were eaten over 2,000 years ago. Taproot beets were only later discovered by chefs. According to the USDA, beets contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, sodium, iron, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and B vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and riboflavin.
Beet juice is sold in grocery stores. Always check the label to see what’s in the mix. Look for beets, not sugar. Beets already are sweet. For fun, you can slice beets thin and make beet crisps. Try planting, it’s springtime. Happy day.
THE ROBOT REPORT
Autonomous vehicles drove more than 9 million miles in California in 2023
By The Robot Report Staff
Autonomous vehicle (AV) companies, with the proper permits, drove 9,068,861 test miles in autonomous mode from Dec. 2022 – Nov. 2023, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The organization recently released its annual disengagement reports.
The DMV’s annual reports summarize when vehicles disengaged from autonomous mode during testing, based on the companies’ self-reported data. Of the over nine million miles recorded, 3,267,792 miles were completely driverless, and 5,801,069 were with a safety driver. In total, California saw an increase of about 3.3 million autonomous miles driven from the previous reporting period.
While the reports can provide insights to better understand the scale of autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in the state, they’re not a good indicator of how these companies’ operations compare to each other. The numbers are all self-reported and don’t include insights about what kind of driving these AVs are doing. For example, some companies are testing their vehicles on less dynamic public roads, so they run into fewer issues than a company testing in busy downtown areas.
There are currently 38 companies with valid permits to test AVs with safety drivers. Six of them — Apollo, AutoX, Nuro, Waymo, WeRide, and Zoox — can test without safety drivers. Pegasus Technology Holdings failed to submit a disengagement report, and the DMV says it is suspending the company’s permit.
Autonomous vehicle disengagements in 2023
A disengagement occurs when a failure of the technology is detected or when the safety driver takes immediate control of the vehicle. The report includes the total number of disengagements for each company, the circumstances or testing conditions, the location, and the total miles traveled in autonomous mode on public roads for each permit holder.
Disengagements can be a tricky metric to keep track of. Each company is left to determine what a disengagement is for them and reports accordingly. For example, safety drivers may take control of a vehicle in times when they think the AV system is failing, but simulations of the incident show the vehicle would have responded appropriately. In this case, some companies might report the disengagement, while others may choose not to.
AV companies reported 6,570 disengagements in 2023, with three companies, AutoX, Cruise, and Mercedes-Benz, reporting none. It’s unclear why these companies reported no disengagements for the year, and it doesn’t necessarily mean their systems had no disengagements during the reporting period. If you’ve followed Cruise, for example, you’re well aware of its struggles.
Of the companies that did report disengagements, Zoox vehicles averaged the most miles driven per disengagement at 177,602 miles. Following Zoox is WeRide with 21,191 miles, and Waymo with 17,311 miles. It should be noted that of these three companies, Waymo has the largest and most varied service area, which could contribute to a larger number of disengagements.
For the first time, AV companies reported how many disengagements came from a safety driver, how many came from the AV system itself, or both. Zoox, for example, reported only four disengagements, all coming from a safety driver.
Waymo reported 191 disengagements from a safety driver and 21 from the AV system. Apple, which greatly ramped up its AV testing in 2023, reported 2,391 disengagements from a safety driver and 803 from the system.
Waymo, Cruise, Zoox have largest fleets, most miles
In total, there were 1,603 autonomous vehicles in operation in California during the 2023 reporting period. Around 76% of those vehicles were operated by three companies: Cruise with 510, Waymo with 438, and Zoox with 281. Cruise’s permits were suspended in October, a month before the recording period ended.
Despite Cruise having the most vehicles, Waymo covered the most distance in 2023. In total, Waymo vehicles traveled 4,858,890 miles. Of those, 3,669,962 miles were with a safety driver and 1,188,928 miles were driverless.
Cruise came in second. Its vehicles traveled 583,624 miles without a safety driver and had the most driverless miles at 2,064,728 miles. Zoox vehicles traveled 710,409 miles with a safety driver, and 11,263 without.
With only 67 vehicles on the road, Apple greatly increased its miles driven in 2023. During the reporting period, its vehicles traveled 452,744 miles with a safety driver, an over 261% increase from the 125,096 miles it covered in 2022. Apple does not have a permit for driverless testing.
THE ROBOT REPORT
Robotics companies raised $578M in January
By Dan Kara
Robotics investments totaled $578 million in January 2024 as the result of 46 funding rounds. This figure was substantially lower than the trailing twelve-month average, but in line with January 2023’s figure of $523 million.
The largest robotics investment in January 2024 was a $100 million round secured by Norway-based 1X, a developer of humanoids. Chinese humanoid developer Robot Era raised $14 million in February.
Makers of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for agricultural operations were well represented among February robotics investments. Examples include Bluewhite ($39 million), Burro ($24 million), Saga Robotics ($11.5 million), farm-ng ($10M), and Ant Robotics ($2 million).
Companies based in China attracted the greatest investment amount ($229 million), the result of 17 rounds. The leading investments among Chinese firms included Zhuoyi Intelligent Technology, a developer of drones and other classes of unmanned systems, autonomous truck developer Senior Automation, and GUOZI, a producer of AMRs.
Companies based in the United States raised $154 million in January 2024, while Norway, buoyed by the $100 million 1X investment, placed third among countries with $113 million in funding.
While Series B rounds attributed for most of the January investments, all funding types were well represented in January 2024.
Editor’s note
What defines robotics investments? The answer to this simple question is central in any attempt to quantify them with some degree of rigor. To make investment analyses consistent, repeatable, and valuable, it is critical to wring out as much subjectivity as possible during the evaluation process. This begins with a definition of terms and a description of assumptions.
Investors and investing
Investment should come from venture capital firms, corporate investment groups, angel investors, and other sources. Friends-and-family investments, government/non-governmental agency grants, and crowd-sourced funding are excluded.
Robotics companies
Robotics companies must generate or expect to generate revenue from the production of robotics products (that sense, analyze, and act in the physical world), hardware or software subsystems and enabling technologies for robots, or services supporting robotics devices. For this analysis, autonomous vehicles (including technologies that support autonomous driving) and drones are considered robots, while 3D printers, CNC systems, and various types of “hard” automation are not.
Companies that are “robotic” in name only, or use the term “robot” to describe products and services that do not enable or support devices acting in the physical world, are excluded. For example, this includes “software robots” and robotic process automation. Many firms have multiple locations in different countries. Company locations given in the analysis are based on the publicly listed headquarters in legal documents, press releases, etc.
Verification
Funding information is collected from several public and private sources. These include press releases from corporations and investment groups, corporate briefings, market research firms, and association and industry publications. In addition, information comes from sessions at conferences and seminars, as well as during private interviews with industry representatives, investors, and others. Unverifiable investments are excluded and estimates are made where investment amounts are not provided or are unclear.
Dan Kara
Dan Kara is Vice President, Research & Analyst Services at WTWH Media. He can be reached at dk***@wt*******.com.
Corned Beef and Cabbage: An Irish-American Favorite
By John Schinkel-Kludjian
You might be shocked to know that Corned Beef and Cabbage, the notorious dish on St. Patrick’s Day, isn’t at all Irish. Even if you visited Ireland on March 17, finding this dish available in abundance would be highly unlikely. Traditionally, an Irish St. Patrick’s Day meal would more likely be a beef or lamb stew, or some kind of beef pie. Corned Beef & Cabbage was a dish created by Irish immigrants, paying homage to the Irish dish Bacon and Cabbage.
Authentically Irish or not, Corned Beef and Cabbage is a delicious meal enjoyed by millions every March. Like many braised meals, there are countless recipes and ways to prepare a fantastic hunk of corned beef, including baking, braising, and boiling. Each has a slightly different finish, with baking having the most intense and salty flavor, braising having a very fatty and tender flavor, and boiling having the least salty, most-aromatic flavor.
So, why is it called corned beef anyway? Corned beef does not contain any corn, but rather, the name comes from the old-fashioned curing method where large, coarse pellets of curing salt were used to cover pieces of
beef. Today, beef is usually cured with a fine powder known as pink curing salt. This is not to be confused with Himalayan Pink Salt, as curing salt contains sodium nitrate. (The pink color is added artificially as a safety measure to not be mistaken with table salt)
Common additions include beer, wine, pickling spice, herbs, and other spices. However, if you ever come across a recipe for corned beef that calls for salt or sodium-containing broth: ignore it. Corned beef needs to have salt extracted from it in order to taste edible; it is one of the few times you’re actually wanting to remove sodium when cooking a piece of meat. Your guests, and your heart, will thank you.
My recipe for corned beef and cabbage was developed from a recipe a local winery published several years ago. The unique ingredient: red wine. In addition to a great flavor, cooking corned beef with red wine also enhances the deep red color, making the final product beautiful, and delicious!
Wishing you a very happy St. Patrick’s Day. Éirinn go Brách!
Red Wine Corned Beef & Cabbage
Level: Easy
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
- 1 Corned beef (round or brisket, about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 Bottle of full-bodied red wine
- 2 Tbsp pickling spice
- 3 Large onions, quartered (you can leave the skin on, just remove the root tip)
- 1 Head of garlic cut in half
- 5 Large carrots peeled and chopped (or small bag of baby carrots)
- 6 Red potatoes, cut in half
- 1 Head cabbage, chopped into large strips
Directions:
Rinse the corned beef, then place in a large stock pot with red wine, pickling spice, onions, and garlic. Cover with water until covered by two inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 hours, until corned beef is fork tender. Remove corned beef and wrap tightly in foil to rest. Bring the cooking liquid back to a boil and add the carrots and potatoes. Cook until tender, and add cabbage to cook for five minutes or until desired texture is reached.
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price Announces Felony Fraud Conviction of Former Fremont City Manager
Submitted by Alameda County District Attorney’s Office
On March 7, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price announced the conviction of former Fremont City Manager Mark Danaj, who pled guilty to felony fraud against the City of Fremont. The investigation and prosecution arose after it was discovered that Danaj had misused his Fremont City-issued credit card for personal expenses. The plea agreement requires Danaj to serve 90 days at Santa Rita Jail, serve two years on formal probation and pay $316,978 in restitution to the City of Fremont.
In 2021, Danaj was fired from his job as City Manager, and while negotiating his severance package, he failed to disclose that he owed the City money on its CalCard. It was only after receiving the $316,617 severance package that Danaj informed officials that he owed $6,873 on the credit card. The omission of that information during negotiations is considered theft by false pretense, as it was Danaj’s duty as City Manager to disclose the debt.
“This resolution brings accountability and closure to the citizens of the City of Fremont, which has long been overdue,” said District Attorney Pamela Price. When a public official abuses the public’s trust and position of authority and uses it to steal taxpayer resources for his own personal gain, it erodes the framework upon which our government is based.”
In the plea agreement, Danaj stipulated that he owes the City of Fremont $316,977.74 in restitution, comprised of $360.74 of CalCard charges for Danaj’s personal expenses and the $316,617 severance.
“When my administration took over in January 2023, we found that this case was under-charged. My predecessor had filed felony charges against Mr. Danaj for his misuse and embezzlement of public funds. However, it was still unclear why the City of Fremont had paid Mr. Danaj a severance valued over $300,000 at the time of his termination in September 2021. Further investigation and analysis by my Public Accountability Unit revealed that the City had only agreed to pay Mr. Danaj the severance because Mr. Danaj had committed fraud. Additionally, [former District Attorney Nancy O’Malley’s] brother was representing the defendant which presented an obvious conflict of interest. If my administration had not taken over this case, Mr. Danaj would not have been convicted of defrauding the City of Fremont, and the public’s valid questions about Mr. Danaj’s severance would never be answered.”
Hayward City Council
March 5, 2024
Consent Items
- Award up to $627,554 in Community Development Block Grant Funds for the City’s approved annual action plans and execute agreements to complete three public facilities improvement projects.
- Amend resolution numbers 23-154 and 22-299 to clarify that the City’s Homekey Partnership is with Bay Area Community Services Housing Corporation and to specify that council authorizes documents related to the Homekey Program.
- Approve plans and specifications and call for bids for the FY24 Pavement Improvement Project.
- Authorize an assignment/assumption of ground lease with signature flight support located at 1 Tuskegee Airmen Drive.
- Accept and appropriate an amount not- to-exceed the 18-year estimate of $1,349,312 in funding associated with the distributor settlement agreement for Opioid Remediation and to allocate the funds in accordance with eligible uses specified in the Distributor Settlement Agreement.
- Authorize application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program.
Mayor Mark Salinas Aye
Angeles Andrews Aye
Ray Bonilla Aye
Dan Goldstein Aye
Julie Roche Aye
George Syrop Aye
Francisco Zermeno Aye
The First Amendment: Our Most Fundamental and Contested Right Panel Discussion
Submitted By Christianne Selig, Adult Services Librarian
While most people agree that our First Amendment rights are important, there is considerable disagreement on whether all forms of expression, and all people, deserve protection.
Join the Castro Valley Library and the League of Women Voters of the Eden Area as a panel of experts from fields such as education, journalism and the law help us understand the enduring legacy of our First Amendment rights and our contemporary debates.
The discussion will take place on Tuesday, March 19 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Register at www.aclibrary.org or call (510) 667-7900.
Panelists:
Nia Rashidchi
Nia Rashidchi is the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Castro Valley Unified School District. She has served in education for 28 years in various leadership roles, such as teacher, principal, coordinator, and executive director.
Katherine Ann Rowlands
Katherine Ann Rowlands is a longtime champion of local journalism, having worked as a leader for three decades in newsrooms before becoming Owner and Publisher for the regional newswire Bay City News. Ms. Rowlands serves as President of the board of the First Amendment Coalition.
David Snyder
David Snyder is the Executive Director of the First Amendment Coalition, which educates, advocates and litigates to advance government transparency and First Amendment protections for all. Before leading FAC, David represented journalists and news companies as a lawyer. David also worked as a journalist for the Dallas Morning News and The Washington Post.
The Castro Valley Library is a branch of the Alameda County Library system. The library will provide an ASL interpreter for any event with at least seven working days’ notice. Please call 510-667-7900 or TTY 888-663-0660.
The First Amendment: Our Most Fundamental and Contested Right
Tuesday, Mar 19
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
An interview with San Leandro’s Mayor Juan Gonzalez
By Jack Alcorn, Government Editor
Mayor Juan Gonzalez III provided Tri City Voice a recent interview. He shared the work of his administration, future development in San Leandro and some of his thoughts about the city.
The Mayor shared his vision for San Leandro. “I want a vibrant city. A family friendly city, an age friendly city that not only encourages the business community but actually enables that community to flourish. Innovation, innovation to flourish. And I think that if we’re able to do that, we will continue to attract individuals and businesses to our city and drive sustainability and vibrancy.”
Mayor Gonzalez spoke with pride and enthusiasm for his city when asked to name San Leandro’s greatest strength. “One of its key strengths is diversity. I think that it brings an originally diverse community, there is no single ethnic or racial group that kind of dominates the landscape. So it inherently involves people having to work together, to understand each other, to embrace each other to be successful as a city,” said the Mayor.
The Mayor explained that San Leandro’s location has many benefits.
“Our location is incredibly powerful. We’re equidistant from San Jose and San Francisco. We’ve got access to multiple airports. We have two highways that go through San Leandro. We’re adjacent to the Port of Oakland. We have two BART stations in San Leandro,” the Mayor said.
Name recognition was a challenge the Mayor expressed about the city.
“Even within the Bay Area, people say, ‘Where is that? Where’s San Leandro?’ It’s inherently problematic. You’ve got this neat place, with the benefit of hills, parks, beautiful things – we’ve got the waterfront, but nobody knows about it. So part of what I’ve taken on is to really be a much more active spokesperson for the city and offer a lot of encouragement and guidance to our communications team about how to do a better job of sharing the San Leandro story,” shared the Mayor.
Mayor Gonzalez is a data driven leader. An economist with a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Gonzalez has worked professionally on business problems such as banking regulations compliance, intellectual property challenges, and environmental concerns. The white board in the Mayor’s City Hall office was filled with metrics, outputs and other evidence-based accountability.
The Mayor cited the redevelopment of Bay Fair Mall as the ‘A-#1’ opportunity for the City of San Leandro. “We have a lot of space there that’s immediately adjacent to the BART station and easy access to two freeways. We have a new investor at the mall who is bringing innovative thinking about how to repurpose that space.”
“A second phenomenal opportunity is the redevelopment work at the [San Leandro] Marina… bringing more access to the Marina area so that people can really avail themselves of that area…make it easier to get there, not just by vehicle but also by bicycle, walking – supporting active transportation,” said the Mayor.
Regarding the work of San Leandro’s City Council, the Mayor said, “I think I’m proudest that our Council has developed focus… We voted to dedicate ourselves to three focus areas. The first one was focusing on public safety. The second one was focusing on homelessness and housing – the affordability of housing. And the third one was infrastructure.”
A large grant from the State’s Homekey project is funding development of San Leandro’s Navigation Center at the Nimitz Motel on Lewelling Boulevard. “You can give them [homeless people] a single point where they can go and get behavioral services at a known geographic location, not from just rolling around, and that then transitions into permanent supportive housing as we then build another facility,” said the Mayor.
The Mayor mak
es time to go into local classrooms to talk about how government serves people and how we work together to make a difference. Fifth grade drawings and paintings of the ideal San Leandro decorate the Mayor’s office.
“There is a large Hispanic community here. It’s happened several times that I’m hearing a young Latino child say something about ‘the mayor is Latino.’ The concept that children can see themselves in leadership is very powerful,” shared the Mayor.
Mayor Gonzalez has a long history of public engagement, including serving food for the San Leandro warming shelter, helping Big Brothers Big Sisters East Bay as a board member, and serving as President of the Bancroft Parent Teachers Association (PTA).
Over the last 30 years, Gonzalez and his wife have made San Leandro their home where they raised four children, each attending San Leandro public schools during that time. They have been active in the San Leandro community since moving here and are grateful for San Leandro’s welcoming and inclusive environment.
“San Leandro is a really neat city. It has a rich history. It has people that genuinely care about the city and are willing to roll up their sleeves to be involved. It’s been fantastic getting out there and working at community clean-ups…To have people call me regularly and say, ‘How can I help my city?’… it genuinely warms my heart,” said the Mayor.
Milpitas City Council
March 5, 2024
Consent Calendar
- Amend the Milpitas Municipal Code to prohibit and regulate cannabis uses, establishments, and operations to the fullest extent allowed by state law.
- Initiate proceedings for the Annual Levy and Collection of Assessments and Ordering the preparation of the Annual Engineer’s Report for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 95-1 (McCarthy Ranch) and District No. 98-1 (Sinclair Horizon)
- Authorize the purchase order with Econolite Controllers, Cabinets, and Battery Backup Systems.
- Receive an update on Storm Drain System Emergency Repairs and Improvements at Evans Road and Piedmont Creek and determine that the condition continues to constitute an emergency.
- Adopt a resolution to approve project plans & specifications; and award construction contract to A&B Mechanical Inc, for Alviso Adobe House HVAC System.
Mayor Carmen Montano Aye
Evelyn Chua Aye
Gary Barbadillo Aye
Hon Lien Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
San Leandro City Council
March 4, 2024
Recognitions
- Swearing-in of Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton to City Council District 1
Consent Calendar
- Approve an agreement with Pacific West Communities and Bay Area Rapid Transit District, submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program Funds, and execute documents to accept the program funds.
- Approve a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Impec Group for citywide janitorial services for a term of five (5) years with two (2) one-year extension options for a cumulative 5-year total not to exceed $5,014,614.
- Increase the Consulting Services Agreement Amendment Cap Authorization from 15% to 40% (from $54,300 to $144,795; an increase of $90,495) of the original total not to exceed amount of $361,998 with Lee & Ro, Inc., for the design of the Secondary Effluent Line Replacement and Davis Street Manhole Replacement, Project No. 2018.6000.
- Approve the First 5 Alameda County Memorandum of Understanding that provides funding to the San Leandro Public Library in the amount of $10,200 and appropriate funds for early childhood learning community events and multilingual programming and materials in celebration of Dia de Los Ninos.
- Authorize a legal services agreement with Redwood Public Law LLP, for Richard D. Pio Roda to continue serving as City Attorney, and Kristopher J. Kokotaylo to continue serving as Senior Assistant City Attorney.
Mayor Juan Gonzalez Aye
Victor Aguilar Aye
Bryan Azevedo Aye
Pete Ballew Aye
Xouhoa Bowen Aye
Fred Simon Aye
Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton Aye
Alameda County Fire Log
Submitted by ACFD
Tuesday, March 5
- At 1:16 a.m. the Alameda County Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire in the 1900 block of E.14 Street in San Leandro. The San Leandro Police Department was the agency that notified the fire department. Close to two dozen firefighters arrived and aggressively put out the fire. No community members or crew members were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
BART Police Log
Submitted by BART PD
Tuesday, February 27
- At 10:30 a.m. a woman identified by police as Caitlin Fox, 29, from Hollister was contacted for fare evasion at the Milpitas station. She had a $10K arrest warrant for child endangerment and obstructing a peace officer. Fox was transported to Santa Clara Jail.
- At 9:29 p.m. a man identified by police as Zeke Sizemore, 41, from Oakland was contacted after he fare evaded into the Bay Fair station. Sizemore was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; drug paraphenalia, and failure to register as a sex offender. Sizemore was transported and booked into the Santa Rita Jail without incident.
Wednesday, February 28
- At 6:16 p.m. a person identified by polic
e as Angela Koontz, 39, from Nevada was contacted for fare evading out of Hayward station. Koontz was arrested, transported, and booked into the Santa Rita Jail for possession of drug paraphenalia and failure to register as a sex offender.
- At 6:17 p.m. a man identified by police as Michael Woods, 31, from Antioch was detained for fare evasion at Milpitas station. Woods was arrested on two active warrants. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail.
Friday, March 1
- At 8:41 a.m. a man identified by police as Kyle Moss, 35, from Dublin was placed under arrest at Castro Valley station for aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury. Moss was issued a BART Prohibition Order and transported to Santa Rita Jail where he was booked.
Saturday, March 2
- At 8:25 a.m. a man identified by police as David Camet, 44, from San Francisco was detained for fare evasion at Hayward station. Camet was arrested on an active warrant and for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and for possession of drug paraphenalia. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Monday, March 4
- At 10:30 a.m. a man identified by police as Philip Cutting, 40, from San Jose was contacted for fare evasion at Bay Fair station. Cutting was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant and booked into Almeda County Jail in Dublin.
- At 6:40 p.m. a person identified by police as Sau Le, 62, from Hayward was detained for fare evading out of Bay Fair station. Le was subsequently arrested for possession of a controlled substance and was booked into the Santa Rita Jail.
California Highway Patrol Log
Submitted by CHP Hayward Area Office
Saturday, February 24
- While working RESET (Regional Sideshow Enforcement Team), Sergeant Edmon along with Officers from San Leandro PD conducted a high risk stop on two suspects who fled from a stolen car after the suspects were followed by an Alameda County Sheriff’s Office airplane.
Fremont Fire Log
Submitted by FFD
Tuesday, March 5
- At 12:04 p.m. Fremont firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 39169 Fremont Blvd. Crews located a small cooking fire that caused damage to the front porch area and front door of the Carriage House, and was extinguished by the automatic sprinkler system. Although there was some smoke extension into the building, there was no fire extension to the interior. There were no reports of injuries.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Fremont PD
Wednesday, February 28
- Officers responded to a hit-and-run collision near Gateway Blvd. and Lakeview Blvd. A bicyclist was lying unresponsive on the ground. Investigation revealed the bicyclist had suffered a medical emergency and collapsed while riding. Emergency medical services declared the cyclist deceased, and the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau responded.
Thursday, February 29
- Officers responded to a nail salon on Grimmer Blvd. regarding two subjects who had assaulted a victim when he went outside to lock up his bicycle. The victim had run away to the nail salon for help. Officers arrived and arrested both subjects.
- Officers followed up on an ongoing case involving a series of residential burglaries in the Ardenwood area. The two subjects under surveillance were seen committing a residential burglary. After emerging from the residence, the subjects were arrested.
- Officers responded to an apartment complex on Fremont Blvd. regarding a subject found bleeding and vomiting in the hallway. The subject was transported to a hospital, where he admitted to using narcotics earlier that day. He was unable to articulate the cause of the injury and was making nonsensical statements.
- A subject at Paseo Padre Pkwy and Fremont Blvd. began doing pushups in the middle of traffic. The subject was in danger of being run over as traffic maneuvered around him. He ignored an officer’s attempts to stop him. The subject was also found to have an outstanding warrant and was arrested.
Friday, March 1
- Officers responded to an indecent exposure incident at a pediatric center on Mowry Ave. A subject in the parking lot was walking around with his pants down and exposing himself. Officers detained the subject and issued him a trespass notice before ensuring he left the property.
Saturday, March 2
- Officers responded to a shooting at a church on 2nd St. The victim had suffered a gunshot wound to his forearm and was bleeding from his head and shoulder. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment, and officers located three shell casings nearby. The victim was not cooperative and provided limited details. This case remains under investigation.
- Officers responded to a robbery at a grocery store on Walnut Ave. Two subjects entered the store together, and one began filling a shopping cart with kitchen knives. The subject then attempted to push the cart out of the store. When confronted, the subject pushed the cart into store personnel, and the cart tipped over. The other subject picked up some of the knives, and both fled in separate directions. Officers detained both subjects in the area and arrested them.
- Officers responded to a vehicle theft at a residence on Fernwood Ct. In the early morning, the victim was woken by a loud bang and saw two subjects stealing his vehicle. The victim’s father shouted at the subjects from the balcony to scare them away, and one subject brandished a firearm at him. The subjects left with the victim’s vehicle.
Sunday, March 3
- Officers responded to a residence on Sanborn Ter. regarding a subject who was attempting to light her clothes on fire. Officers placed the subject on a mental health hold.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Monday, February 26
- 10:48 p.m.: Officers responded to the area of Zulmida Avenue and Deborah S
treet. A 50-year old male from Newark was arrested for corporal injury and transported to Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, February 27
- 7:48 a.m.: Officer Orozco responded to the 36000 block of Deborah Street regarding a disturbance. A 54-year-old unsheltered male from Newark was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail for trespassing and theft.
- 10:50 p.m.: Officer McCuin investigated a court order violation at the Newark Police Department. A 45-year-old female from Fremont was arrested and transported to Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, February 29
- 4:01 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of Thornton Avenue regarding a disturbance. A 42-year-old unsheltered male from Newark was arrested for possession of narcotics paraphernalia. He was issued a citation and released on scene.
Friday, March 1
- 3:09 p.m.: Officer Quinonez was dispatched to the 37400 block of Cherry Street regarding an assault. A 51-year-old male from Newark was arrested for battery, resisting and delaying arrest. The person was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Saturday, March 2
- 1:13 a.m.: Officer Medina observed a disturbance on the 39200 block of Cedar Boulevard. A 46-year-old female from Fremont was arrested for corporal battery and transported to Santa Rita Jail.
- 3:19 a.m.: Officers located a 27-year-old unsheltered male from Newark at the area of I-880 southbound and Thornton Avenue with a warrant for his arrest. He was transported and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- 10:08 p.m.: Officers responded to a vehicle facing the wrong way on the 35100 block of Newark Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers located a driver asleep behind the wheel. A 35-year-old male from Newark was arrested for driving under influence and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, March 3
- 8:50 a.m.: Officers conducted a probation search on the 8200 block of Gateway Boulevard. Multiple subjects were arrested for narcotics, identity theft, burglary tools, and probation violations. All arrestees were booked into Santa Rita Jail, including a 30-year-old male from Manteca; a 32-year old female from Newark; a 47-year-old female from Newark; and a 33-year-old female from Newark.
San Leandro Police arrest man in connection with the shooting of a 4-year-old child
Submitted by San Leandro PD
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, just after 2 p.m., San Leandro Police responded to the 400 block of West Juana Avenue regarding a shooting at a residence. Arriving officers and detectives located a 4-year-old victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the leg. Police personnel provided first aid measures before the young boy was medically transported by ambulance.
Fortunately, the child’s injury was not life-threatening.
The ensuing investigation established that a single shooter, later identified as 33-year-old Adam Johnson of Oakland, stood in the shared driveway of a multi-unit residential property, and fired around 5 shots in quick succession with a handgun into one of the residences. Johnson then fired a single shot into an adjacent residential unit, striking the 4-year-old. Officers conducting a protective sweep of the first targeted residence located the intended victim inside uninjured.
Investigators believed Johnson arrived at the target residence intending to recover a vehicle he had reported stolen earlier.
Utilizing surveillance footage, Flock Public Safety Cameras, and law enforcement intelligence sources, Detectives were able to identify the shooter as Adam Johnson. Johnson was safely taken into custody on February 29th.
Johnson has been charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s office with two counts of attempted homicide plus a litany of enhancements and special circumstances relating to firearm use and great bodily injury.
While criminal charges have been filed, SLPD continues to urge anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact us via any of the following methods: Detective T. Perry at (510) 577-3235, anonymous tip line at (510) 577-3278, or Text-to-Tip at 888777 (keyword: TipSLPolice).
Alameda County Sheriff’s Log
Submitted by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
Saturday, February 24
- Around 3:30 p.m. Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Eden Township Substation patrol deputies responded to the 2000 block of Miramonte Avenue and Foothill Boulevard in unincorporated San Leandro for reports of a shooting.
Deputies located an unresponsive adult male suspect in his 30s down outside of the complex. Deputies rendered aid, but he succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene. Two adult male victims who were located in a nearby apartment at that location, also suffered gunshot wounds. Deputies performed life-saving measures on both before paramedics arrived and transported them to a nearby hospital. One victim is a 55-year-old male who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The second victim was a male in his 30s who was critically injured and later died at the hospital.
Investigators are working with the family to sort out the details of the shooting, which they have determined resulted from a family disturbance that occurred at that location. There are no outstanding suspects and no known threat to public safety.
Cal State East Bay All-CCAA Honors for 2023-24 Season
Submitted by CSUEB Athletic Communications
The CCAA announced its postseason awards for the 2023-24 men and women’s basketball season. Five members from Cal State East Bay were recipients of honors from the conference. Named to the All-CCAA First Team were Dimitrios Klonaras and Grady Lewis, while Tyree Campbell was named All-CCAA Honorable Mention from the men’s team. Payton Sterk was named to the All-CCAA Second Team and Jaela Richardson was named All-CCAA Honorable Mention from the women’s team.
Dimitrios Klonaras – All-CCAA First Team
Klonaras was a leader in several categories for the Pioneers, including points-per-game (15.3), rebounding (7.6 per game), assists (80), 3-pointers (31), free throw percentage (.800) and steals (50). Among the CCAA statistical leaders, Klonaras was third in rebounds-per-game, fourth in points-per-game and second in steals. Following the week of Nov. 7-Dec. 3, Klonaras was named CCAA Player of the Week. The postseason honor from the conference was the second in his career as in 2022-23, he was named All-CCAA Honorable Mention.
Grady Lewis – All-CCAA First Team
For the second consecutive year, Lewis was an All-CCAA First Team selection as a sophomore. His .694 field goal percentage was highest in the CCAA among qualifying players. Defensively, he had 28 blocks to lead the Pioneers and had the second most in the conference. He had seven double-doubles during the season.
Tyree Campbell – All-CCAA honorable Mention
Campbell averaged 12 points-per-game (third on the team) and 3.6 rebounds per game. His season high for scoring with 28 points was on January 4 against Cal Poly Humboldt.
Payton Sterk – All-CCAA Second Team
Sterk had an outstanding sophomore season with the Pioneers. She led the CCAA with 18.5 points-per-game in the regular season. She also led the conference in 3-pointers with 83, shooting .372 from beyond the arc. Three times during the season, she tied a school record for 3-pointers in a game with seven. Her career-high 36 points on December 9 was the most by a Pioneer since joining the modern CCAA in 2009.
Jaela Richardson – All-CCAA Honorable Mention
In her senior season, Richardson had a .471 field goal percentage which was fifth highest among qualifying players in the CCAA. She averaged 11.5 points-per-game and had five double-doubles during the season. Her season high in scoring was 29 points on February 24 against Sonoma State. Her 29 total blocks were fifth-most in the CCAA. Following the 2022-23 season, Richardson was named to the All-CCAA Second Team.
Newark Memorial Athletics Crab Feed
Submitted by Newark Memorial Athletics
Newark Memorial High School Athletics is proud to announce we are hosting our Crab Feed on Saturday, March 16.Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. at Swiss Park in Newark.
All proceeds support Newark Memorial High School Athletics. There are about 750 athletes, and they need your support now more than ever. From equipment to uniforms and more, your donations are gratefully received. To purchase tickets go see any NMHS Coach or email Athletic Director Coach K at rk*******@ne***********.org
NMHS Athletic Booster Carb Feed
Saturday, Mar 16
Doors open: 5 p.m.
Dinner served: 6 p.m.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
Tickets: $75
Pioneer Baseball Finishes Series at Cal Poly Pomona with 5-4 Victory
Submitted by Cal State East Bay Athletics
Cal State East Bay baseball completed a four-game CCAA series against Cal Poly Pomona on Sunday, March 10 at Scolinos Field. The Pioneers won 5-4 over the Broncos as both teams split the series with two wins apiece.
The Pioneers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a Luke Novitske RBI single through the left side that drove in Luke Brown.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Pioneers scored two runs on a Matthew Mandeville single down the right field line that drove in Brenden Bell and Niko Mollat for a 3-0 lead.
The Pioneers added two more runs in top of the seventh inning – one coming on a Bell RBI single to left field that scored Matthew O’Mahony and Sam Gilliam scored on a passed ball.
Cal Poly Pomona got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh inning with three runs, trimming CSUEB’s lead to 5-3. In bottom of the ninth inning, the Broncos would score a run and would have the tying run in scoring position but Drake Richardson struck out the next batter for the final out as the Pioneers prevailed 5-4.
Notable Stats:
- Derek Murphy picked up his first win of the season with 5.0 innings on the mound allowing no runs and only two hits.
- The save went to Richardson, which was his third of the season.
- Mandeville led the Pioneers’ offense going 3-for-5 with two RBIs.
- O’Mahony had two hits on Sunday. He has at least one hit in 18 of the 20 games played this season.
Cal State East Bay: 12-8, 4-4 CCAA
The Pioneers host San Francisco State for an upcoming four-game CCAA series that starts on Friday, March 15 from Pioneer Baseball Field. First pitch of the series opener is set for 3 p.m.
City of San Leandro Appoints First-Ever Recreation and Parks Director
Submitted by San Leandro Public Information Officer Paul Sanftner
Photo credit City of
San Leandro
The City of San Leandro is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicente Zuniga as its first-ever Recreation and Parks Director. Zuniga brings a wealth of experience and a demonstrated commitment to community enrichment and partnerships to this newly created position. His first day in the new position is March 16th.
“We are thrilled to welcome Vicente to our team,” said City Manager Fran Robustelli. “His extensive experience, collaborative leadership style, and deep roots in San Leandro make him the perfect person to lead our new Recreation and Parks Department. We are confident that he will create innovative and inclusive programs that serve the needs of all our residents.”
Zuniga joins the City of San Leandro from the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, where he served for twenty-two years. In this role, he managed a diverse range of programs serving over 300,000 residents, overseeing policies and procedures, facility usage and access, ensuring seamless service delivery, and facilitating the development of impactful programming.
“I am honored to be appointed as San Leandro’s first Recreation and Parks Director,” said Zuniga. “I am passionate about creating vibrant and accessible parks and recreation opportunities for all residents. I look forward to collaborating with the community and staff to develop innovative programs that meet the diverse needs of our city.”
Zuniga is a lifelong resident of San Leandro, where he lives with his wife and three sons. He is a member of the California Recreation and Parks Association (CPRS) and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from California State University East Bay.
Visiting Angels Fremont Receives 2024 Best of Home Care® – Provider and Employer of Choice Awards
Submitted by Amma Akwabi-Ameyaw
Visiting Angels Fremont announced today that it has received both the 2024 Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from Home Care Pulse (HCP). These awards are granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on client and employee satisfaction scores gathered by HCP. Visiting Angels Fremont is now ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees, and the highest quality care to clients.
“We want to congratulate Visiting Angels Fremont on receiving both the Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award and the Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “Since these awards are based on real, unfiltered feedback from clients and caregivers, Visiting Angels Fremont has proven their dedication to providing a great work environment and solid training to employees, while maintaining their focus on client and caregiver satisfaction. We are pleased to recognize their dedication to quality, professionalism, and expertise in home care.”
Best of Home Care providers have contracted with HCP to gather feedback from their clients and caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because HCP is an independent company, it can collect honest and unbiased feedback.
“We are honored to receive these awards as they demonstrate our dedication to providing excellent in-home care in our community,” says Amma Akwabi-Ameyaw, Executive Director of Visiting Angels Fremont.
At HCP, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations; ultimately improving outcomes for all stakeholders in the care continuum,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “We’re thrilled to recognize Visiting Angels Fremont as a Best of Home Care award-winning provider and celebrate their accomplishments in building a team of happy, qualified caregivers who provide outstanding care for their clients.”
To find out more about Visiting Angels Fremont’s commitment to excellence, please visit www.visitingangels.com/fremont or call (510) 284-0000.
Thomas Russell Middle School selected as 2024 California Distinguished School
Submitted by Scott Forstner
Thomas Russell Middle School (TRMS) was one of only 16 secondary schools in Santa Clara County (and 293 middle schools and high schools throughout the state) honored as a 2024 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education.
“This is a testament to the years of hard work and diligence of our Russell staff, families, and other community members,” said TRMS Principal Shangrila Mia-Ramzan. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be a member of such an amazing team. It truly takes a village, and the WOLVERINES know how to do it!”
The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.
“The CA Distinguished School award reflects our commitment to establishing learning environments that foster a belief that through perseverance and teamwork, we can achieve remarkable outcomes,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “TRMS celebrates community through its signature practices of interdisciplinary team and personalized learning platform strategies for learner pathways.”
Former TRMS Principal Sean Anglon credited those signature practices such as Agency Building, Math Intervention and Reading Intervention as key factors in the increased student achievement. Additionally, once returning full-time from COVID years, teachers were able to again benefit from the signature practice of team tutorials.
TRMS has a student body of 795 and a staff of 52. Along with Rancho Milpitas Middle School, it was also a 2021 recipient of the California Distinguished Schools Program.
Continuing Events:
Mondays and Thursdays
Food Garden Volunteer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learning from experienced gardeners.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
vo*******@fr*********.org
Volunteer agreement form is required.
Tuesdays
East Bay Games Meet
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
German/Euro style board games and card games.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 936-2523
meetup.com/east-bay-games
Tuesdays
LEGO® Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Drop-in. For everyone.
Tuesdays
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for stories, music, and movement.
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
For babies, toddlers, kids, and preschoolers.
Tuesdays
Comfort & Joy Ukulele R
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
A group of ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs as well as learning new.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Tuesdays
East Indian Seniors R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Anyone who is retired and of Indian origin or interested in Indian culture is welcome to join us.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month
Wednesdays
Folk Dancing Social R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join together in the wonderful spirit of dancing and savor the beautiful music from all over the world.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays
Book Club AWC R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The book club meets for stimulating discussions.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Thursdays
International Folk Dancing R$
11:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Celebrate the cultural roots and traditional life of various countries.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
In English and Chinese.
Thursdays
Bocce Ball Class R
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to play Bocce Ball.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Rain will cancel class.
Thursdays
Chinese Calligraphy Social R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bring your own supplies and socialize and have fun while doing calligraphy.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
There is no teaching on site.
Thursdays
Chinese Music Ensemble R
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Open to all who are interested in performing traditional Chinese music.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Thursdays
Family Board Game Night
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Play together with family and friends, or make some new friends at the library.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Board games will be provided.
Thursdays
The Peaceful Poets
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join a Milpitas-based group of writers and appreciators of poetry.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
For teens, adults, and seniors.
Last Thursdays of the month
Thursdays and Saturdays
Story Time
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Picture book story time
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
bit.ly/3VFpbcz
Thursday, January 25 – Saturday, March 16
Children’s Book Illustrator show & API Exhibition
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(5
10) 581-4050
Fridays, December 29 – May 10
Go: The Game R
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Go is an ancient game of strategy. To learn the game or to play it.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
All ages and levels
Friday – Saturday, through April 27
‘Birds! Birds! Birds!’ exhibition
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Exhibit celebrates beauty and diversity of birdlife
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward
(510) 670-7270
Fridays, January 12 – March 29
African Dance and Culture R$
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Experience the joy and vitality of African Dance!
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Fridays, January 12 – March 29
Aloha Vibes R
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
A group of musicians (all instruments welcome) who wish to share multi-cultural and familiar music with others.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Second and fourth Fridays of the month
Fridays and Saturdays
Free Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing!
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/calendar
Weather permitting.
Friday – Sunday, March 15 – March 23
Superhero Melodrama
8:00 pm
The 41st season of the Sunol Repertory Theatre brings you a two-act superhero melodrama that runs through March 23rd.
Written by Marty Matthews, The Rise of the Superheroes is filled with 1980s references, drama, and plenty of laughs. In this play directed by Klay Kunkel and Robin Spindler, a master criminal Elementis escapes from prison and a new, mysterious villain emerges. The main characters, Possum Girl, Blackfly, and Tremendous Man open a detective agency, in an attempt to become relevant again and need to face off with the city’s villains.
Sunol Glen School Theater
11601 Main Street, Sunol
https://sunol.net/srt/index.html
Tickets: $20 -$30
Saturdays
Laugh Track City R$
8:00 pm
Series of improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Saturdays
Free Beginner Pickleball Lesson
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Free pickleball lesson taught by a USPA professional.
Hall Memorial Park
304 La Honda Dr, Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
Drop-in. Weather permitting.
Saturdays, January 13 – March 30
History Museum Visit $
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Visit the various halls that highlight the fossils of the San Francisco Bay area.
Children’s Natural History Museum
4074 Eggers Dr., Fremont
(510) 790-6284
Saturdays
Teen Cohort for Outdoor Education R$
10 am – 4pm
Together, we can explore local parks and learn about nature, environmental stewardship, and careers in Recreation. Meet new friends, build outdoor skills, and get to know your community as we participate in activities, such as Hayward Shoreline Hike and Clean-Up, Quarry Lakes Excursion; Coyote Hills Excursion; fishing; rock climbing on our 28-foot rock wall, hiking; and a Sulphur Creek Guided Tour.
Ashland Community Center
1530 167th Avenue, San Leandro
Noel Munivez: (510) 317-2303
Sundays
Weekly meditation Session R
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss.
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
samarpanmeditationusa.org
in**@in*****.org, in**@sa*******************.org
Sundays – Saturdays
Recreational Swim $
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Attractions may vary.
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 578-4620
bit.ly/3nxo0is
Sundays
Larry “O” Teen Workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Used bikes, bike parts for sale and bike repair.
Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
33623 Mission Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5487
www.unioncity.org/723/Larry-O-Teen-Workshop
Ro*****@un*******.org
Donation accepted.
Second and fourth Sundays of the month
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, March 13
St. Patrick’s Day Craft
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Celebrate with a St. Patrick’s Day craft at the Centerville Library! This program is intended for kids ages 5 and up. Children under 9 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Wednesday, March 13
Chinese Calligraphy and Beyond
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey as we explore the rich tradition of Chinese calligraphy and beyond. In this interactive class, kids will learn the basics of brush strokes and characters.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
510-745-1400
Wednesday, March 13
Art X Mental Wellness Workshops
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Children in grades 1-6 are invited to join this series of enjoyable special workshops to learn about various mental health topics such as mindfulness, stress/anxiety, emotions, and more.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1444
Thursday, March 14
Acrylic Space Paint & Sip: Orion Nebula
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Join us for a transitional instructor-led space-themed acrylic Paint & Sip party for adults. No skill required. Great experience for friends, couples or corporate groups. Includes two drink tickets for beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages, and a charcuterie board.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland
(510) 336-7300
Thursday, March 14
Cover To Cover Book Discussion Group
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Do you enjoy reading across genres, like sharing your thoughts on the book, enjoy hearing others’ perspectives? Then drop by the Cover To Cover Book Discussion
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd. Newark
(510) 284-0675
Saturday, March 16
Culture Fest ‘24
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Food vendors, performers, and Bay Area community members celebrate our cultural diversity.
Kennedy Park
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
www.unioncity.org/650/Youth-Commission
Saturday, March 16
Irish & Celtic Concert with Chris Waltz
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us and Chris Waltz on St. Paddy’s Day eve as he shares Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. This program combines Celtic music (both traditional Irish and Scottish) on vocals, guitar, bouzouki/octave
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Saturday, March 16
Digitize and Document Your Family History
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Are you overwhelmed with binders and bins full of genealogy notes and family photographs?
In this workshop learn how to: Create your own digital family history, create an oral history using artificial intelligence, scan and photos with free or cost-effective resources.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 750-1444
Saturday, March 16
Marsh Madness
10:00 am – 11:30 pm
Take a stroll through our marsh and learn more about the plants & animals that call it home. Get to know their unique traits and environments while you play a game of storytelling and science. Parent participation required. Parking fees apply where charged. Wheelchair accessible. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
Saturday, March 16
Wake up the Farm
10:30 am
Say ‘Good morning!’ to the sheep and goats and lend a hand as we prepare a morning snack for the farm animals. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Saturday, March 16
Space for Her: Celebrating Women in Space Science
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
This Women’s History Month, come hear from some phenomenal women and gender minorities working in space science today!
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland
(510) 336-7300
Saturday, March 16
Being Good Neighbors
4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Interfaith symposium seeks to foster understanding and neighborly relationships in the Tri-City community amidst rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Interactive “Meet Your Neighbor” Conversations.
Vegetarian Community Dinner to Break Ramadan Fast. Registration is required by Tues
day, March 12 at https://bit.ly/BeingGoodNeighbors
Washington Hospital West
2500 Mowry Ave. Fremont
Free to attend
Saturday, March 16
Women’s History Month – Henna, Art, and Open Mic
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us for a celebration of Women’s History Month at the Fremont Main Library!
Narika and SAVE are partnering with the Fremont Main Library to create a gathering space for those wishing to celebrate Women’s History Month!
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 750-1444
Saturday, March 16
Food Painting Fun
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how you can make paint from some of our farm foods and try using them to create your own masterpiece. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Saturday, March 16
Stilt Walking
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Give stilts a try. It’s fun. Guess why farmers used these fun tools in the past. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Saturday, March 16
Bubble Extravaganza Show
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Join us for a whimsical and interactive bubble event designed especially for kids. The Bubble Lady, a master of bubble artistry, will captivate young minds with her dazzling display of giant bubbles, rainbow swirls, and mesmerizing bubble sculptures.
Hayward Senior Center
22325 North 3rd St., Hayward
Saturday, March 16
Newark Memorial Athletics Crab Feed
6 pm – 11 pm
Help raise money for the NMHS Athletics club while enjoying a crab dinner
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
Tickets: $75
Saturday, March 16
Holi Festival
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Holi Festival is back by popular demand, celebrate with colors and musical entertainment.
Cardoza Park
Kennedy Dr. & N Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas
https://www.milpitas.gov/1180/Holi-Festival
Sunday, March 17
Farmyard Games
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us for some old-fashioned fun! Try your hand at classic American pastimes including stilts, sack races, and the potato-spoon race. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Sunday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Snakes
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
St. Patrick is famous for chasing the snakes away from Ireland. Learn the lore of this amazing feat and how the truth may be more important than you realize for the future climate in the Bay Area. All ages welcome. Parent participation required. Parking fees apply where charged. Wheelchair accessible. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
Sunday, March 17
Celtic Celebration
3:00 pm
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
Bay Philharmonic presents all of the beauty, culture, and passion of Celtic music and dance in one unique show. You’ll see fiery Irish step dancing, soulful Scottish fiddlers and singers, and colorful Celtic storytelling.
25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Monday, March 18
Ohlone College Information
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Interested in furthering your education? Stop by the Fremont Main Library’s Lobby to learn more about Ohlone College’s offerings and get your questions answered.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1444
Tuesday, March 19
Face Job & Resources Fair
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
FACE – Fremont Adult and Continuing Ed
Multi-Purpose Room
4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont
(510) 793-6465
www.face.edu
Tuesday, March 19
Age Well/Drive Smart
Senior Driver Traffic Safety Seminar
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Stay safe and save money! Conducted by the California Highway Patrol, this seminar will include compensating for age-related changes, tune-up your driving skills, rules of the road, safe driving tips; and more! Participants will receive a certificate for completing this FREE course which may lead to an insurance discount. You must be 65 or older to qualify. Registration is required.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
For more information, call the library at (510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv.
Tuesday, March 19
The First Amendment: Our Most Fundamental and Contested Right
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the Castro Valley Library and the League of Women Voters of the Eden Area as a panel of experts from fields such as education, journalism and the law help us understand the enduring legacy of our First Amendment rights and our contemporary debates.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Av., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Register at www.aclibrary.org
Tuesday, March 19
Read to a Dog
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Volunteers from the Ohlone Humane Society and Alliance of Therapy Dogs will be at the library with Sophie, Hana and other trained therapy dogs. They are very friendly and are so excited to hear all kinds of stories!
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 750-1444
Wednesday, March 20
Job Fair – Fremont Unified School District
11:30 am – 3:30 pm
We are looking for teachers all grade levels, special education teachers all grade levels, also speech language pathologist and school psychologists, van drivers, bus drivers and special education para educators, child nutrition assistant.
Fremont Unified School District Office
4210 Technology Drive, Fremont
Professional Development Center
Wednesday, March 20
Career Ready – Job Search
Workshop
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center presents the third of three workshops geared toward getting you career ready! Got the job seeker blues? Learn about the “hidden job market” and job search techniques that will increase your chances
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 750-1444
Wednesday, March 20
Starlight Storytime
7:00 pm – 7:30pm
Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite bedtime stuffed animal and/or blanket. We will get ready for bed through stories, songs, and movement activities.
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Thursday, March 21
Gardening 101 – Workshop
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the Union City Library as we welcome Lori Caldwell to teach us the basics to be a successful first-time gardener. No registration required. All library programs are free!
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City
https://aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events
Friday, March 22
Roundup for Education Gala
6:00 pm Social hour, food & drinks
7:00 pm Program
The Fremont Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves the greater community and is dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities of students within the Fremont Unified School District.
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
Saturday, March 23
Meet Women Making History
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
In honor of Women’s History month, Newark Library is pleased to introduce you to women making history locally at Newark.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Saturday, March 23
Beginning Embroidery
1:00 pm
Victorians loved to embroider, and you will too! Learn some basic embroidery stitches and you will be able to decorate all sorts of cloth objects. Training materials supplied. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Saturday, March 23
Rocketfest
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Center is hosting our first-ever Rocketfest. These feats of engineering allow us to send satellites into orbit, study Earth’s upper atmosphere and eventually send humans to other planets. Discover more about rockets through hands-on activities, live science demonstrations, special guest speakers and more!
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland
(510) 336-7300
Sunday, March 24
Fremont Adult Tabletop Gamers
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Fremont Adult Tabletop Gamers is a new event where adults come to play various card games and board games! You can bring your own game or try one of ours.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 750-1444
Monday, March 25
Celebrate Black History and Women’s History Month with Chamber Music
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
In celebration of both Women’s History and Black History Month, Benicia Chamber Players, with the support of the AFM Music Performance Trust Fund presents “A Celebration of Four Voices”
Fukaya Room A&B, Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 750-1444
Wednesday, March 27
Morning Book Club
9:30 am – 10:30 am
W
e are excited to announce that our Morning Book Club selection will be The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. The Thursday Murder Club was originally published in the UK in 2020 but quickly became an International Best Seller and remains on the New York Times Best Seller list today.
Banter Bookshop
3788 Capitola Ave., Ste. F, Fremont
(510) 585-1004
Wednesday, March 27
Spring Into Steam Event
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Free, family-friendly evening with fun STEAM activities, giveaways, FUSD’s STEAM Scavenger Hunt, food trucks, music, free raffle prizes, and more.
Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
Saturday, March 30
National Poetry Month Workshop
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join us for a special workshop for kids and teens to celebrate National Poetry Month.
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Saturday, March 30
Egg-Cellent Eggs
11:00 am
Discover the amazing diversity of bird eggs and how they are adapted for different environments, then make and decorate your own wild bird egg model to take home and fill with treats! All ages. Parent participation required. Parking fees apply where charged. Disabled accessible. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
Saturday, March 30
Meet the Bunnies
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Come meet the farm rabbits. Learn why they have big ears, their favorite food and how they communicate. See if you can find the softest part of a bunny. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Saturday, March 31
Old Fashioned Butter Makin’
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Discover an easy way to make butter from cream then sample your tasty concoction on crackers! This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Friday, April 5
Historic Days
10:00 am
Ride a narrow-gauge train, tour the beautifully restored Patterson House Museum. Every historic day ends with an animal feeding at 3 pm.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
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