03-28-23 Articles

Fairgrounds Welcome Cat Extravaganza

Submitted by Alameda County Fairgrounds

Photos courtesy of Loving Cats Worldwide

A Cat Extravaganza show like you’ve never seen before!

A new show to the Fairgrounds, this is a family furr-iendly event where you meet beautiful cats, getting up close to your favorite breeds. On the weekend of April 1-2, meet with local charities, speak to exhibitors, watch the international competition and enjoy a great lineup of speakers. Plus, shop great cat treats.

Our international judges will stage, reward and present these stunning felines. The most beautiful cats in the world will join under one roof to compete for the ultimate prize of Best Kitten, Best Cat, Best Alter and Best Household Pet. Visitors will have plenty of opportunities to get up and close with their furry friends and be able to learn more about our intelligent companions and what makes cats such amazing animals by observing one of our judging rings.

If you have questions about entering your cat, email ca*****@lc*******.com.

Loving Cats Worldwide (LCWW) is ALL ABOUT the CATS. We are a crazy bunch of cat-crazed individuals doing our part to increase the visibility of all cats. LCWW is Events, Registry, Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media and Education.

This event sells out ahead of time so book your ticket to avoid disappointment. Space is limited!

Cat Extravaganza

Saturday, Apr 1 – Sunday, Apr 2

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center

Gate 8, 2005 Valley Ave., Pleasanton

alamedacountyfair.com

www.lcwwgroup.us/pleasanton-01-02-april-2023

General $20; Child $15; Senior $18

Parking: $15 (Credit Card Only Online and at the Gate)

Easter Event Lineup

Get ready for bunnies, eggs, and bonnets! (And Jesus. He doesn’t have a fluffy white tail, though.) Here are some of the events scheduled around the East-er Bay Area.

Spring Egg Hunt

On April 1, Union City Community Recreation Services department is hosting the annual Spring Egg Hunt! Mr. and Mrs. Bunny are ready to meet and greet families. We will have egg hunts, preschool raffle baskets, and photo booths. Each child will receive a bag full of goodies. Look out for the golden egg during each egg hunt! Prizes will be given out to the lucky winners. Purchase tickets by March 30 at 4 p.m. for the pre-registration discount.

Spring Egg Hunt

Saturday, Apr 1

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Kennedy Park

1333 Decoto Rd., Union City

unioncity.org./reg

Registration: $7 in advance, $10 at the door

For kids ages 1-10

15th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza

Drop by the historic Meek Estate for self-guided tours, pre-decorated egg contest, egg hunts, egg roll (bring a hard-boiled egg), crafts, community booths, photos with the Easter Bunny (bring your own camera), and bonnet parade and contest. For the bonnet contest, kids must be 12 or younger, and hats will be judged in the categories of Victorian, most unusual, funniest, character, baby bonnet, and best in show. This event is free and will take place rain or shine.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Saturday, Apr 1

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Meek Estate Park

240 Hampton Rd., Cherryland

cc*****@gm***.com

For kids 12 and under

Egg Hunt

Bring your baskets and come ready for an EGG-citing time! The egg hunt will be divided into age-appropriate groups. Children under 10 years old are invited to this event; parent supervision is required. This event is made possible by a generous donation from the San Leandro Optimist Club.

Egg Hunt

Saturday, Apr 1

10 a.m.

Stenzel Park

15300 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro

www.sanleandro.org/377/Recreation-Human-Services

Big Bunny Scramble

Celebrate the arrival of Spring with this annual family fun event. Hunt for eggs and get your photo taken with the big bunny. Registration includes a picture with the bunny, face painting, egg hunt, goodie bag, kids craft activities, and egg decorating.

Big Bunny Scramble

Saturday, Apr 1

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Milpitas Civic Center Plaza

457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

(408) 586-3210

www.milpitas.gov/milpitas/departments/recreation-services/

Tickets: $12

Pacific Commons Easter Celebration

Pacific Commons will host an Easter Celebration with family-friendly activities, including selfies with the Easter Bunny (bring your own camera), children’s craft (while supplies last), face painting, and balloon twisting. Goodie bags will also be available while supplies last. This is a drop-in event; no registration required.

Pacific Commons Easter Celebration

Sunday, April 2

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Block Plaza, near Dick’s Sporting Goods

43440 Bosccell Rd., Fremont

www.pacificcommons.com

78th Egg Hunt & Bonnet Parade

Kids 6 and under can enter the bonnet parade; registration starts at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the prettiest, most unusual and most colorful entries. The egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. Children will be grouped by ages: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-9. This event is free and will take place rain or shine.

78th Egg Hunt & Bonnet Parade

Saturday, Apr 8

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Kennedy Park

19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 881-6700

haywardrec.org

Easter Sunday at the Farm

Pet a bunny, visit the hens at their coop and make your very own pair of rabbit ears. Wear them as you hop like a bunny in our sack course and then join in the search for the giant egg. This is a drop-in program; no registration required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.

Sunday, Apr 9

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

Park entry: $6/adults (18+ years), $5/seniors (62+ years), $4/children (4-17 years), under 4 years – free

Juried Photography Exhibit

Submitted by Arathi Satish

Juried Photography shows provide photographers exposure: opportunities to meet fellow photographers, curators, gallery owners and the local public. The 28th Annual “Juried Photography Exhibit” is being sponsored by Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC), Fremont Photographic Society and the City of Fremont. This year, the month of April is designated as Arts, Culture and Creativity month in California, and the Juried Photography Exhibit will be held in conjunction with the celebration.

The exhibit opening is planned for Saturday, April 1. After that, photographs selected by the panel of judges will be on display on the first floor of Fremont Main Library during library hours until Saturday, May 6. Julie Gilson, FCAC President said, “I’m very excited to see the photographs in the library, particularly because the number of entries this year was a new high. I have the honor of selecting the President’s Award, which will be a fun challenge because of the excellence of the images. This year, FCAC would like to thank Michaels located at Fremont Hub for supporting the event.”

A panel of judges selected photographs worthy of being displayed in the show. Quality, creativity, originality and the photographer’s skill played an important role in the selection. This year well over 200 photographs, which is the highest number of entries ever for the exhibit, were submitted, and around 120 of them made into the show. Rajeev Shankar, Chairperson of the exhibit said, “We are organizing this event as part of California Arts, Culture and Creativity month and it is heartening to see so many people participating, including many first-time contestants. It is truly great to see art is alive and well in Fremont.”

This is a well-known and popular event in the local community. The exhibit showcases the original photographs by Fremont residents, students, employees of Fremont businesses and members of FCAC or Fremont Photographic Society. There is both an open category and a separate category for students under 25 with separate prizes. Rajeev Shankar pointed out that, “This year some very creative images, especially from students, have been submitted. A lot of nature photographs, especially those of hummingbirds and dragonflies can be seen in the show.”

Judges selected the winning photos in the “Open” and “Student” categories. In addition, a few other awards will be given. Visitors at the opening night reception will vote to select the winner of the People’s Choice Award. The Alvin Dockter Nature Photography Award will be selected by the jury, and the President’s Award will be selected by Julie Gilson. The winning photographs, along with the photographer’s name and information about the photo will be displayed on the FCAC website.

Opening night reception will provide the guests an opportunity to talk to the photographers and mingle with community members. Visitors can also buy the prints that are available for sale, as indicated by a title card. A master list will also be kept at the library reference desk of items available for purchase and their prices. Interested visitors are given the photographer’s contact information. Sales are between the photographer and buyer. FCAC and the library are not parties to any sales. Any print sold will remain in the exhibit until the final day, Saturday, May 6. Participants can pick up prints after the show on May 6 at the library and at the FCAC building after Sunday, May 7.

More details can be found at www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org. For more information, contact Exhibit Chairman Rajeev Shankar at (510) 399-3049 or fc***************@gm***.com.

2023 Juried Photography Exhibit

Saturday, Apr 1 – Saturday, May 6

Opening Night Reception

Saturday, April 1

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont

(510) 745 -1400

www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org

EV charging comes home

By David R Newman

Photos courtesy of ChargePoint

When looking to purchase their next car, more and more consumers are considering an electric vehicle (EV). According to the California Energy Commission, the market share for EV’s in the state grew to just over 17% in 2022. There are a wide variety of models to choose from, prices continue to drop, and they’re quiet, speedy, easy to maintain, and good for the environment. What’s not to like?

Once you own an EV, the next step is figuring out how to charge it. All EV’s come with a Level I charger – an extension cord that can plug into any standard household outlet. Although, technically, it’s not a charger. The proper term is “electric vehicle service equipment,” or EVSE, and it feeds the actual charger which is attached to the car battery.

A Level I EVSE adds 2-3 miles of range to your car every hour. So, after being plugged in for 10 hours, you’ve added about 30 miles of range. It’s often referred to as a “trickle” charge because it’s so slow. For many urban drivers who don’t have far to travel it can be enough, especially if their workplace provides charging stations as well.

But for most people who want the option to charge faster, Level II EVSE is required. And if you own your own home, installing one of these in your garage is a fairly simple task. Level II runs on a 240-volt circuit like an electric range or dryer, not the 120 volts of a common outlet. You can either plug it in to an existing outlet, or an electrician can hardwire it for you.

Level II EVSE can add 12 – 60 miles of range to your vehicle per hour, depending on the amperage, which varies according to your service panel and the type of EV you own. And it’s important to note that this is generic AC power we’re talking about, so it doesn’t matter what brand EVSE you buy. They are all equipped with an SAE J1772 plug connector, which will service any EV, except for a Tesla, which has its own proprietary technology. Adapters are available.

Level II EVSE can cost anywhere from $500 – $800, and it’s super simple to mount yourself using a few screws. Electrical work can cost between $800 and $1,500 depending on your situation. Some people install EVSE outside, in which case hardwiring is recommended. Rebates and incentives exist for those interested in installing an EVSE, so be sure to check for those online.

There are several companies who make EVSE, such as Jukebox and Lectron. One of the largest is ChargePoint, whose system is controlled using an app on your phone. Says Wendy Wilson, Global Head of Residential, “One great thing about our app is you can plug in your rate plan and it will keep track of your usage and recommend when the best times are to charge. It’s very simple to use.”

The app can also help you find charging stations when you are on the road, not only in the ChargePoint network but also using partner networks as well (they boast the largest netw
ork in North America). It can also give you the charging speed, cost and availability of each station.

Wilson has been driving EV’s for 11 years and is a staunch supporter. “I love never having to go to the gas station,” she notes. She has seen the technology become more mainstream over the years and sees it growing more and more in the future. “We’re really about to see a boom in the 30-minute retail economy at road stops across the state, where people with EV’s can stop for a fast charge and eat or shop while they wait.”

For anyone considering EVSE for their home, Wilson offers this advice, “The easiest way for anyone to charge is where they park at night. Where they sleep determines where they charge.”

Gala set to benefit mental health awareness

Submitted by Boldly Me

A fundraising event to benefit Boldly Me, a nonprofit agency focused on supporting youth in mental health awareness, is set for Saturday, April 1 in Fremont.

The group’s 11th Annual – Boldly Me – Promise Event 2023 will meet in the Assembly Room at Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. The program will include dinner, music, live entertainment and a dessert auction.

Tickets start at $100; and can be purchased online by visiting www.eventbrite.com, then entering “Boldly Me Promise Event” into the search field, and then following the link that appears.

Boldly Me fundraiser

Saturday, Apr 1

5p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Circle, Fremont

www.boldlyme.org

(408) 768-9257

Tickets at www.eventbrite.com

Cohousing—An Educated Choice

Submitted by Evelyn LaTorre and Jane Mueller

An advertising phrase popularized in the 80’s declared, “Inquiring minds want to know.” With respect to cohousing, the statement is still relevant. People attracted to cohousing tend to be eager knowledge seekers who are practiced in acquiring information they need to enhance their lives. The people who are currently expressing interest in the Tri-Cities’ first cohousing project, Mission Peak Village in Fremont, are much like those who have already joined the fast-growing cohousing movement—people who take an active role in creating the type of home and neighborhood in which they can thrive.

In 1988, when the first edition of Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett’s book Cohousing was published, few people had heard of this concept of neighborhood, which had been pioneered successfully in Denmark decades before. McCamant and Durrett coined the term “cohousing” to describe an intentional community in which residents of all ages live in their own private households while sharing extensive amenities with their neighbors, such as a Common House (clubhouse), recreation space, pedestrian walkways, and gardens. Since that time, hundreds of cohousing groups have formed in North America and elsewhere.

The Mission Peak Village project is already bringing together group members as friends and future neighbors. They are a diverse group. One is a videographer and former journalist. Another is a beekeeper and fly fisherman. One is compiling a dictionary for Quechua, the language of the Incas. Another is a high school student gaining proficiency on both piano and ukulele. Three are Peace Corps alumnae. Collectively, Mission Peak Villagers have attended a selection of learning institutions: Ohlone College, Stanford University, UCLA, Pomona, Mills College, Texas Tech, Texas Divinity, Illinois State, San Francisco State, Santa Clara, Tulane, USF, Claremont, UC Davis, and Birmingham, England. Ten have graduate degrees in subjects as varied as library science, international development, psychology, social work, divinity, physics, electrical and mechanical engineering, policy administration, and multicultural education. They acquire and apply their knowledge in varied ways, but are united in their pursuit of creating an environment in which they will continue to learn in the coming years.

Many self-identify as introverts and others as extroverts, but what do “cohousers” have in common? They generally have inquiring minds, particularly when it comes to obtaining knowledge and taking action that can make a positive impact on their lives. As Mission Peak Village approaches city approval of its conceptual design this spring, perhaps it is unsurprising that potential members are joining as “Explorers” to add to their knowledge of this innovative way of living.

This article is part of an ongoing series on cohousing. To learn more on the topic of cohousing, visit www.cohousing.org. To learn more about Mission Peak Village, visit www.missionpeakcohousing.org.

Mission Peak Village is a group of friends forming Fremont’s first cohousing community. Explorers are welcome and memberships are still available. Call Kelli at (510) 413-8446 or visit Mission Peak Village on Facebook, Instagram, or the www.missionpeakcohousing.org website, where you can register for a monthly walk to explore the neighborhood around the future site in the Irvington district of Fremont.

How modernizing infrastructure can help to capture more storm flow

Submitted by Julie Spezia

The series of atmospheric river storms that brought record-breaking amounts of rain and snow in January had many Californians asking if our existing water infrastructure is able to capture and store flows from these extreme weather events. With climate change resulting in stronger storms carrying more water and the possibility of major flooding, the answer is more complicated than one might think.

“As the world gets warmer as a result of climate change, we see a change in the distribution of rain and snow,” said State Climatologist Michael Anderson. “This results in more runoff during the storm event itself, potentially creating a flood hazard and leaving less to run off from the snowpack in the spring for storage in our reservoirs.”

Whether it falls as rain or snow, the majority of that water flows through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta – the center of California’s water distribution system – on its way to the San Francisco Bay. From state and federal pumping facilities in the south Delta, water is lifted into the aqueducts that carry it to the Bay Area, Central Coast, Central Valley and Southern California, to be delivered to 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland.

Regulations govern how much water may be diverted to the aqueducts in order to protect water quality and fisheries. These regulations are based in part on the physical location of the facilities.

The Delta Conveyance Project is a proposed infrastructure modernization project outlined in Governor Newsom’s strategy to adapt California’s water supply for a hotter and drier future. The project is an essential climate adaptation strategy that will help adapt to climate change and aid the State Water Project in capturing, moving and storing water during extreme weather events like January’s nine atmospheric rivers.

For example, if the Delta Conveyance Project had been operational duri
ng the high rain events of January this year, the modernized conveyance system could have moved 228,000 acre-feet of water into San Luis Reservoir while still meeting fishery and water quality protections and regulations. That’s enough water to supply about 2.3 million people for an entire year and is equivalent to approximately 40 percent of the total State Water Project exports in water year 2022.

As encouraging as the recent rainfall and snowpack statistics are, state water managers note that drought conditions persist, and it will take years to replenish groundwater basins. While the winter season has been positive, the most important measurement of the year will be April 1 when the snowpack is typically at its highest.

“These storms made clear the importance of our efforts to modernize our existing water infrastructure for an era of intensified drought and flood,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “What we need to be positioned to do in California is move water when it’s available because moving and storing that water is going to help California weather longer and deeper droughts.

Learn more about California’s water supply strategy at: water.ca.gov/deltaconveyance

Earth Day Poster Contest

Submitted by Michael Ritchie

There’s still time to enter New Haven Schools Foundation’s 2023 Earth Day Poster Contest! The contest is free, and all New Haven Unified School District (NHUSD) students, grades kindergarten through eight, are eligible to enter. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 31.

Categories will be divided up into Grades K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, and 6th-8th.

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of independent judges consisting of NHSF board members. All decisions are final. First, Second, and Third Place winners will be selected from each of these grade categories. Each category-level winner will receive a $50 gift card. One overall winner will be selected as the best of the contest and will be awarded a $100 gift card. Second and Third Place winners will receive a certificate.

Entries may focus on one of the suggested themes on the submission page, or you may share your own ideas. Some suggestions are: Conserve Natural Resources, Reduce Global Warming, Compost Food Waste, Prevent Pollution, Alternative Energy, and Endangered Species.

Important dates:

March 31, 2023 – Deadline for submission. Entries are due by 11:59 PM PDT.

April 10, 2023 – Announcement of winners via our Facebook page.

April 22, 2023 – Winners will be recognized at New Haven Day

Earth Day Poster Contest

Open to New Haven Unified School District K-8th grade students

Deadline to submit: Saturday, Mar 31 by 11:59 p.m.

nhsfoundation.org/events/postercontest

Fremont Creates

Submitted by Annie Koruga

April, as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month is right around the corner, and Fremont Creates, an umbrella organization of many groups within the Fremont arts and cultural community, is coordinating festivities all month long!

The first part of April includes the Washington Township Museum of Local History, an organization which preserves the history of Southern Alameda County, showcasing historical art pieces in a new exhibit running from April 1 to September 30, 2023. This exhibit features creations by local women of the past, including mosaics by Alice Ebright, photographs of historic buildings taken by Julianne Howe, and writings by Milicent Shinn. Artist Nancy Pratt’s watercolors of the five villages of Fremont round out the exhibit. These pieces interpret many of the same sites throughout the Tri-Cities across multiple decades which showcase the multitude of possible interpretations of our local area.

Washington Township Museum of Local History will also provide an opportunity for children to try their hand at making art themselves at an April 15 Plein Air (outdoor painting) event for children nine years old and up at Rancho Higuera Historical Park. A $32 fee covers painting supplies and a small donation to the museum.

Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC) and Olive Hyde Art Guild (OHAG) are also integral in programming throughout April. FCAC is organizing its 28th annual Juried Photography Exhibit, with the exhibit running from April 1 to May 6 at Fremont Main Library. Additionally, OHAG is hosting its biennial Members Juried Show, running from April 6 to May 27.

The Fremont branches of the Alameda County Library system also have events starting the first week of April. At Fremont’s Main Library, families will enjoy “Fremont’s Dragons,” a collection of illustrations by Eva Demel. Also on exhibit is “My World: Ukraine” – images from young Bay Area artists. Music abounds as well, with “Music Hour” by Eternity Band, on April 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library. The Centerville branch is hosting the Dave Rocha Jazz Trio for a performance and lecture at 12 noon, also on April 8.

The Niles district is participating in April’s celebration of Arts, Culture and Creativity month with the Fremont Art Association’s (FAA) opening reception for its Annual Art Show at 1 p.m. on April 2 with the exhibition running weekends through April 30. Niles will also host a five-week children’s art class by Janine Pitta at her studio ($150).

Finally, in preparation for Earth Day on April 22, Grey Water Project’s juried art, music, dance and literature competition is open for submissions by students kindergarten through 12th grade. This year’s theme is Climate Change; the entry deadline is April 15.

Receptions with awards presentations for listed events:

Fremont Cultural Arts Council Juried Photography Exhibit

Saturday, April 1

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

fremontculturalartscouncil.org

Fremont Art Association Annual Art Show

Sunday, April 2

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

FAA Gallery

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

www.fremontartassociation.org

Olive Hyde Art Guild Members Juried Show

Friday, April 14

7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

olivehydeartguild.org

For more information about these and other events happening in April, including links to each organization’s event website, go to the Calendar at fremontcreates.com.

Citizens sought to join Civil Grand Jury

Submitted by City of Hayward

Officials from Alameda County Superior Court are looking for residents to apply to serve on the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury.

A Civil Grand Jury is impaneled each fiscal year to investigate local government for the purpose of ensuring public agencies are working in the
interest of the public and doing so effectively and efficiently.

Court officials are seeking a pool of 30 applicants — six from each of the county’s five Supervisorial Districts. Ultimately, 19 jurors will be selected randomly from this pool to be impaneled for the upcoming 2023-24 fiscal year starting July 1.

Among qualifications needed meet to be on the jury candidates must be:

• Citizens of the United States.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a resident of Alameda County for at least one year before being selected.

Participants also must attend at least two meetings per week for one year in Oakland. For full details, and information about the application process, visit the Alameda County Superior Court Website at www.alameda.courts.ca.gov, then enter “civil grand jury” into the search field and follow the link that appears.

For questions, send an email to ac**************@al*****.gov or call (510) 924-3800.

Magikid Robotics Fremont Lab opened with a blast!

Submitted by Olivia Ma

Photos by Angell Liao

Silicon Valley is full of magic. In late February, Fremont welcomed the K-12 Kids Robotics Education company, Magikid, to open its new Silicon Valley flagship lab right across the street from Fremont Main Library.

A soft opening party was held for local parents and children. They were treated with a robot dance and hands-on robotics activities. Many parents and children attended this two-hour-long event to hear presentations from robotic competition winners.

Fremont City Councilman Dr. Yang Shao attended the event as a guest speaker. He encouraged all students to explore their interest in STEM, including engineering, robotics and other technology driven subjects. “Fremont has a tradition in pursuing education excellence,” Yang said. “Our city encourages technology and education companies to set up a presence here, as we will give them the best support. I’m so glad that Magikid opened their flagship lab in Fremont, and I’m very confident it will bring great robotic education resources to our students and families.”

Founded by two women, Magikid Robotics Lab focuses on providing students and families with diverse education in STEM through their 12 locations in California alone. Furthermore, Magikid strives towards creating a sense of community and helping youth make their dreams come true.

On March 15, 2023, Magikid students were invited to the NASA International Space Apps Winners celebration in Washington D.C. “We would like to bring our expertise in kids robotics education to Fremont,” said co-founder and CEO Angell Liao. “Though we have many labs in California and other states, Silicon Valley has a special place in my heart. This is where new technologies are created, new companies are established, and young talents are excelled. This is where the dream comes true.”

Students and families are welcome to visit the Fremont Lab. Trial classes are available for kids 5-14 years old.

Magikid Robotics Lab

2675 Stevenson Blvd #101, Fremont

(510) 200-8221

www.magikidlab.com/Fremont

From Baking to Business: How a local teen’s passion bloomed into a venture

By Nanki Kaur

We grow up building the most intricate Lego bridges, designing and modeling creative clothing, and finger-painting masterpieces. But, as we get older, we tend to spend less and less time devoted to our passions, some of us losing sight of them entirely. That’s not the case for Katie Tang, a junior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont. Tang’s ever-growing love for baking began in elementary school with baking brownies, cupcakes and cookies for her friends. After discovering her passion, Tang realized the satisfaction and joy she got from baking for clients and decided to start a business, Mitai Bakery. “Giving a physical product to clients is rewarding for because I get to be part of a lot of different events. My cakes are part of birthdays and anniversaries. So, I think having it there as a key part of an event…And everybody gets to see it as a centerpiece which is really meaningful to me,” Tang describes.

Mitai Bakery has a variety of confectionaries to choose from, including cakes, macarons and Hawaiian butter mochi, all made with Tang’s specially made fresh cream. Customers can reach out through Instagram, Yelp, or her phone number to place orders and ask for all relevant information. Once orders are placed, customers pay a minimum deposit and schedule a pick-up date. As Mitai Bakery operates out of Tang’s kitchen, customers pick up orders at her Fremont home. Unlike other bakeries, Mitai Bakery custom makes every order, and customers can send in reference photos to ensure that their vision for their order is executed perfectly. “I think that because of this customization, it’s really fun for me because I never make the same thing twice. It’s always like a new challenge for me to take on,” Tang remarks.

As a proactive student and avid dancer, Tang often has much on her plate. As a student nearing the end of her high school years, juggling the responsibilities of academics and her other commitments can be a challenge. “Because I’m a student, I’m balancing academics. And I’m also a competitive dancer,” she explains. “So, I also balance dance practice. Every week I must limit myself to a certain number of orders, or else it will be overwhelming.” On average, Tang spends ten to fifteen hours weekly on her bakery, dedicating the rest of her time to other extracurriculars. With time, though, Tang has come to find that baking acts as a stress reliever, giving another meaning to her business. Finding support from her parents and close friends, who advise her on how to expand the bakery, has also helped Tang push through hard times.

With hopes to expand her business commercially, Tang has been reaching out to partner with local food influencers and Bay Area businesses like Teazen Tea and Brian Black Tea to promote her confections and even create specialized products with them. “Though making cakes for clients is really fun, I also think I would [like to] venture out and learn more about the retail space and learn more about how it is to sell in a physical storefront.” Her advice for others who’d like to start small businesses of their own is to “do something that you really like and enjoy,” nothing that though many are worried that their businesses may not take off, “if you’re doing something that you’re really passionate about, there’s always a market for it. And there’s always going to be people who are going to support you.”

Mitai Bakery

@mitaibakery

Plein Air at the Rancho…for KIDS!

Submitted by Kelsey Camello for the Washington Township Museum of Local History

Be a part of Fremont’s month-long celebration for their first Arts, Culture and Creativity – April 2023! Create your own plein air artwork at Rancho Higuera Historical Park! Plein air is derived from the French term for painting outside, and Rancho Higuera Park is the perfect setting for doing so.

All supplies will be provided upon arrival. Enjoy up to two hours o
nsite creating artwork and touring the grounds and interior of the adobe. This is an outdoor art event for up to 10 children, aged nine and up. Each participant must have a parent or guardian in attendance. An entry fee of $32 per participant pays for all art supplies plus a $5 donation to the museum.

A gallery viewing for the paintings done at the plein air event will take place at the Washington Township Museum of Local History (190 Anza Street in Fremont) in May/June 2023 (date TBD). Bring family and friends to view your artwork and tour the local history museum. Artwork will return home with participants after the viewing. There is no cost associated with the viewing.

IMPORTANT: Participants must sign up in advance. Sign up and pay by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/RANCHOPAINT. You can also scan the QR code.

You can also visit https://fremontcreates.com/ for more information about the month-long celebration.

Plein Air at the Rancho for KIDS!

Saturday, Apr 15

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Rancho Higuera Historical Park

47300 Rancho Higuera Rd., Fremont

(510) 623-7907

https://bit.ly/RANCHOPAINT

in**@mu******************.org

Handmade Lampwork Glass Landscapes

Submitted by Lina Melkonian

Fremont Art Association (FAA) is delighted to have Shelly Woollvin as the guest artist at its virtual General Meeting and Art Demo on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Woollvin is an accomplished, self-taught glass and jewelry artist. Her menagerie of spellbinding creations conveys her love of the natural world and her gratitude for the precious moments of life. In reference to her creative pursuits, Woollvin simply says, “I work in my home studio with a small torch, some glass and my imagination.”

Following a virtual tour of her studio, Woollvin will showcase two kinds of landscape beads in the style of Murano glass in her demo “Handmade Lampwork Glass Landscapes.” With the tide pool bead, consisting of a beach scene, she will demonstrate how to manipulate the shape of glass and add movement to it. With the second landscape bead, she will show the process of preparing and shaping its background and then drawing a silhouette on it with thin strands of glass.

Woollvin’s creative journey was catapulted in 2015 when her husband and son gave her a Hot Head Torch and some sticks of effettre glass. Immediately hooked, she honed her skills in making beads and then turning them into beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings. It didn’t take long for those around Woollvin to take notice of her alluring work. What started as a hobby would eventually lead to the launch of Perle di Vetro, her artistic practice. Today, in addition to her creations of wearable art, Woollvin mostly sells her magnificent beads to other artisans.

Woollvin’s evocative beads depicting ocean scenes, sea creatures, tidal pools, trees, wildflowers and celestial objects, give perfect form to feelings and experiences and compel us to marvel at the splendor of our natural world.

You may view Woollvin’s work at:

perledivetro.com

Etsy.com/shop/LePerleDiVetro

@leperledivetro

The demo (free to attend) will be held via Zoom. Participants must register in advance and will receive the Zoom link via email. All details may be found on the Fremont Art Association webpage: www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo.

Fremont Art Association

General Meeting and Art Demo

Wednesday, Apr 5

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Register at:

www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo

How do businesses become circular?

By Vandana Balakrishnan

Most businesses operate on a linear product life timeline. A product is designed for a particular use, resources are extracted for that use, the product is made, marketed and then distributed to its core commercial market. That’s it. This is sometimes referred to as the “take, make and dispose” model. Traditional business models don’t concern themselves with what happens to the product and resources embedded within after it has reached the customer and the business has profited from that sale. It is assumed that the customer, sometimes in conjunction with other parties or governmental agencies, will take care of how the product and respective resources will be disposed of, re-used or resold. The original producer of the product is cut off from much of the life of the product after the initial exchange of money between business and consumer.

It can be argued that this model has been used for ages, and hasn’t been particularly damaging, until recently. Imagine your provincial town maybe a century or two ago. Most products were made of high quality materials, and the philosophy of re-use and low waste were built into the fabric of life to a large degree.

All that has changed with the age of consumerism and convenience, and technology has risen to the challenge of meeting that demand for fast-paced convenience culture. The advent of plastics and low quality disposable materials has contributed hugely to this model becoming unsustainable and actively damaging to the environment. The scale at which economies have grown and globalized over the world only adds to the predicament. Something has to change.

The circular business model aspires to take the product end cycle into account when designing a product. This model mimics a more natural resource cycle seen in nature. Everything in nature that is created ultimately goes back into nature and regenerates. Circular and regenerative business models attempt to mimic natural life cycles when designing and manufacturing products. The goal is to create a business model that is ethical and sustainable, but also financially beneficial to the business. Quite an ideal to live up to!

This is sometimes also called “cradle to cradle,” as pioneered by Michael Braungart and William McDonough, who wrote a book by the same name in 2002. Products, services and value chains are designed in a manner that allows for the use and reuse of products and resources in smarter and more efficient ways. The designer of the product considers how the product can be re-used and how more value can be extracted even after the initial sale. One way could be for a company to take back materials after consumers are done, and re-use or recycle the resources for future uses.

There are many creative ways in which the circular economy model can be realized. However, for this model to have an impact, it is crucial that these businesses thrive both in popularity and profit. Happily, man
y enterprises have taken on the challenge and have managed to find profitability and circularity in tandem, as we will explore in future posts.

Sources: https://hbr.org/2021/07/the-circular-business-model

How the X-plane program is helping innovation in Aeronautics

Kailash Kalidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast

The NASA X Plane program highlights the “A” in “NASA” which is aeronautics. It is a series of research and development projects aimed at advancing aviation technology and improving the efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of air transportation.

The NASA X Plane program has been responsible for developing many famous examples of advanced aviation technology that have helped shape the future of air travel. Here are some examples:

X-1: The X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in 1947. It was a rocket-powered plane that had a distinctive bullet shape and was designed to fly at high altitudes. The X-1’s success paved the way for supersonic flight and led to the development of many other X Planes.

X-15: The X-15 was a rocket-powered plane that set several speed and altitude records in the 1960s. It was designed to fly at extremely high altitudes and speeds and was used to test materials and technologies for the development of the Space Shuttle.

X-29: The X-29 was a unique aircraft that had forward-swept wings and was designed to test advanced aerodynamics. Its wings were angled forward, which gave it a very distinctive appearance. The X-29 was used to study the effects of advanced aerodynamics on flight performance and handling.

X-43: The X-43 was an experimental aircraft that was designed to fly at hypersonic speeds. It was powered by a scramjet engine, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to Mach 9.6. The X-43 set a world speed record for a jet-powered aircraft in 2004.

X-59 QueSST: The X-59 is a supersonic aircraft that is being developed to fly faster than the speed of sound without producing a sonic boom. It has a long, slender shape and is designed to fly at high altitudes. The X-59 uses advanced aerodynamics and propulsion systems to reduce the noise of its sonic boom, which could pave the way for the return of supersonic flight over land.

The X Plane program has been instrumental in advancing aviation technology and shaping the future of air travel. While some have criticized the program for its high cost and focus on advanced technology, the program has already achieved many significant milestones, such as the successful test flight of the X-59 QueSST supersonic aircraft in 2021. It has the potential to continue to make a positive impact on the aviation industry.

  

Kailash Kalidoss is an aerospace enthusiast and educator serving the Bay Area. Kailash first fell in love with aerospace as a teenager when he learned about aviation from his father’s role as a Ground Operations Manager. Kailash has since spent his efforts sharing knowledge about aerospace, astronautics, aviation, science, technology, and of course, the night sky. Kailash also represents the Civil Air Patrol and NASA as a volunteer.

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

A rare bongo

The Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan described the bongo as “one of the most majestic and endangered members of the antelope family” in its announcement of the rare, recent birth of a female eastern bongo calf. How rare are bongos? According to the zoo, only about 100 eastern bongos remain in the wild and about 300 bongos are protected in accredited zoos; “their ornate horns and vibrant orange coat make them a target for hunting and poaching. See the baby bongo on Facebook: www.facebook.com/potterparkzoo/videos/568452475043569/

A rare tongue

Just a month ago the Guinness Book of World Records declared Nick Stoeberl of Salinas, California had the longest tongue in the world. He wasted no time to seek a second award, visiting the Guinness offices in an attempt to set the record for touching his tongue to his nose. He didn’t break that record and so he used his nearly four-inch-long lingua to set the record for removing five blocks from an unstable tower of 54 blocks in less than a minute. View the record maker on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=b50V3nke8dA

A rare catch

Fishing guides Dylan Wier and Blaine Kenny knew that the fish they had hooked on Orange Beach, Alabama on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico was a big one. They thought they might have a tiger shark on their hook. About a half an hour later they, indeed, found themselves reeling in a shark but it wasn’t a tiger shark; it was an eleven-foot great white shark, a species that is rare for the Alabama coast. In fact, the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resource, believes it might just be the very first great white caught off the Alabama coast. Watch video of the big fish on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LffStwR16RQ

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

Park It: Coyotes and You

By Ned MacKay

While visiting Briones Regional Park the other day, I had a conversation with another hiker about coyotes in the parklands. No more than five minutes later, a coyote crossed my path on the Briones Crest Trail. I took this as a sign that it’s time again to provide some information about these dog cousins. So, here’s some coyote lore, mostly from Park District naturalists.

Coyotes live throughout the western United States and beyond. You can see them in almost every East Bay Regional Park. Intelligent and adaptable, they also prowl nearby suburban neighborhoods, including mine in Pleasant Hill.

If you don’t see the animal itself, you may see its distinctive scat, which has a lot of fur from the small rodents that make up coyotes’ basic diet. Through their eating habits, coyotes help to control the population of rabbits, ground squirrels, skunks and raccoons. They are pretty much omnivorous and will prey on fish, birds, reptiles and even insects.

Although they look like skinny German shepherd dogs, coyotes are wild and may be aggressive, especially if protecting a den. If you are walking with your dog and see a coyote approaching, it’s best to call your pet back and leash it. If a coyote follows you, make loud noises to scare it away.

In 2021, a specific coyote was implicated in attacks on people in Moraga and Lafayette. Until those incidents, coyote attacks on people had been rare. I’ve heard of no attacks locally since then.

Cows do not differentiate between coyotes and dogs; they regard both as predators. This may account for cows’ sometimes-nervous behavior when you walk past with your dog. If there are cows nearby in a Regional Park, your dog should be leashed.

It’s best for both species if coyotes remain wary of humans. So don’t feed coyotes, or leave pet food or garbage where they can get to it. Esp
ecially if you live near open space, feed your pet indoors and use trash containers with lids that clamp shut.

It’s also advisable to keep small pets indoors, such as cats, rabbits and dogs. If allowed to run free outside, they can become coyote prey. Large dogs should be brought indoors after dark and should not be allowed to run loose.

For more information about coyotes, check out the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, www.wildlife.ca.gov. There’s also information at the Washington state site: https://wdfw.wa.gov/living/coyotes.html.

Saturday, April 1, is April Fools Day. However, Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont will offer a legitimate program, “Animal April Fools,” from 11 a.m. to 12 noon that day. Join naturalist Erin Blackwood to learn how various animals use camouflage and mimicry to fool predators and prey, then draw an imaginary animal of your own invention to take home.

The program is free and registration is not required. Parents must participate with their children. Meet at the visitor center. Coyote Hills is at 8000 Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3220.

Beetles will be the stars of a program on Saturday, April 1 near the visitor center at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County. No hiking is involved. Naturalist Erica Stephens will preside. Visit the beetle station any time between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., obtain a coloring sheet, and build a beetle.

Sunol Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle; the program is free of charge. For information, call (510) 544-3249.

“Historic Days” will be a recurring program every Thursday, Friday and Sunday beginning Sunday, April 2 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., activities will recreate life on a family farm circa 1890-1930. Ride a narrow-gauge train, tour the restored Patterson House Museum, and join park staff in historic costumes for activities throughout the day. Farmyard programs begin at 10:30 a.m. and end with an animal feeding at 3 p.m.

Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. Admission fees apply. Parking is free. For information, call (510) 544-2797.

“Insects (And Other Curious Phenomena)” is the theme of a program from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley with naturalist Anthony Fisher. On a casual stroll, the group will look for plants and animals, and bring some back to view under a microscope before releasing them back to the wild. The program is free; registration is not required.

Meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Central Park Drive. For information, call (510) 544-2233.

The Alameda whipsnake is a rare and seldom-seen reptile. Naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a hike through whipsnake habitat at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. The trek is for ages nine and older; parent participation is required. It’s free of charge and registration is not necessary.

Meet Kevin in the park’s upper parking lot on Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4 and a mile past the entrance kiosk. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is staffed. Heavy rain may cancel the hike. Call (510) 544-2750 for information.

These are just a few of the programs and activities planned in the East Bay Regional Parks. For the full story, go to www.ebparks.org/things-to-do. Check “alerts and closures” at the top of the home page before you venture out to a Regional Park, in case storm damage has resulted in limited access.

Tri-City History – Street Names #3: Mission Boulevard

By Kelsey Camello, for the Washington Township Museum of Local History

Mission Boulevard: A street that runs from Warm Springs Boulevard in Fremont (south) to East Lewelling Boulevard in Hayward (north), and for most of the way runs along the base of the East Bay foothills. Mission Boulevard itself stretches across three cities – Fremont, Union City and Hayward.

Mission Boulevard is named for the old mission in Fremont, which was established in 1797 as the 14th mission in Spanish-controlled California. In 1809, the original adobe church was built. That church fell due to an earthquake in 1868. In 1869, a wooden church was built in place of the original adobe. That church was sold for $1 in 1982, when plans were forming for the current reconstruction (still standing). An Anglican church in San Mateo bought the 1869 building, and it still resides there. The mission church that stands today is a reconstruction of the original 1809 church. It was dedicated in 1985. Four of the five bells used in the church are original.

Mission San Jose during its heyday was one of the most productive and prosperous of all 21 missions. There were cattle; and crops, such as pears, apricots, olives, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and apples, among many others. Mission San Jose was also known as the musical mission, as the choir and orchestra flourished under Father Duran, who served there for 27 years.

By 1830, close to 2,000 native people lived at the mission. Four years later, in 1834, the mission was secularized, with half of the ex-mission lands assigned to the native people. We know that very little land actually landed in their hands, and instead most of them went to work on Mexican Ranchos.

The stones at the base of the mission museum were originally part of the foundation of the 1809 adobe church. The mission museum itself is the only surviving original portion of the adobe quadrangle that made up the Mission San Jose compound. It remains the oldest existing structure in Alameda County, as Mission San Jose was the first Spanish outpost in the East Bay.

Visit the Old Mission San Jose Museum during their open days/times. You can find more information at: https://missionsanjose.org/

Let’s explore local history together! Have a topic or idea you’d like us to look into? Email us at in**@mu******************.org.

Water district rescinds drought surcharge

Submitted by Sharene Gonzales

At a special meeting on March 21, Alameda County Water District Board of Directors voted to rescind drought surcharges effective April 1 for its customers in Fremont, Newark and Union City.

The unanimous vote to roll back surcharges comes nearly three months sooner than prior assumptions based on financial planning and by recent significant local and statewide precipitation that points to lessening drought conditions in coming months.

“The rains have quenched our drought-stricken state, and for the first time in several years, we see California edging its way out of drought,” said ACWD Board President Paul Sethy. “On behalf of the board, I extend a big ‘Thank you’ to our customers who have done a tremendous job conserving water — because of their water-saving efforts and ACWD’s solid fiscal position, including reserves, the board can deliver on our promise to sunset drought surcharges,” Sethy added.

Temp
orary drought surcharges provide financial stability when revenues drop during a water shortage emergency and water demands are reduced. Since March 2022, surcharges have generated $11.6 million, covering increased costs for water supply, operations, and necessary capital improvements.

“The board’s action to rescind the surcharge signals that our water supplies are nearly sufficient to meet regular demands,” Sethy said. “We look forward to easing restrictions, but we know recurring drought is a reality in California, and we encourage customers to turn some of their water-wise habits into a permanent practice.”

Customer demands remain at 20% less compared to 2020, with a modest 3-year rebound projected beginning in 2024.

ACWD’s water use restrictions and ordinance prohibiting some types of water use remain in effect. Several criteria will be considered to determine ending the local drought emergency status, including the State’s drought emergency declaration and executive orders, associated State emergency regulations, and local and imported water supply conditions.

For more information on ACWD’s drought status, visit acwd.org/drought.

Fremont City Council

March 14, 2023

Consent Calendar

• Approve the closeout of completed capital projects and partial defunding of selected projects; and approve fund transfers and appropriations
• Accept the 2022/23 State of California Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) grant and spending plan
• Designate agents to act on behalf of City of Fremont for all matters pertaining to state and federal disaster assistance funding
• Authorize task orders to the joint powers agreement with the City of Newark for FY 2022/23 Paratransit Services.

Mayor Lily Mei           Aye

Raj Salwan                  Aye

Teresa Cox                  Aye

Yang Shao                  Aye

Teresa Keng                Aye

Jenny Kassan              Aye

Desrie Campbell          Aye

Federal judge blocks key parts of California handgun law

Stefanie Dazio

Associated Press

A federal judge on March 20 blocked key provisions of a California law that drastically restricts the sale of new handguns in the state, saying parts of the legislation violate the Second Amendment.

A lawsuit challenging the law was filed last year by the California Rifle & Pistol Association and other gun rights supporters following a landmark 2022 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that set new standards for evaluating firearm restrictions. The ruling left many laws aimed at regulating and limiting the sale and use of guns – in California and nationwide – at risk of being struck down.

U.S. District Court Judge Cormac Carney, sitting in Santa Ana, wrote on March 20 that California’s requirements for new handguns are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. Because of these restrictions, Carney wrote, no new models of semiautomatic handguns have been approved for sale since 2013 and Californians are forced to buy older and potentially less safe models.

He issued a preliminary injunction to take effect in two weeks, meaning the state would have to stop enforcing the law. The delay gives the state Department of Justice time to appeal. California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.

In California, state law requires new handguns to have three components: A chamber load indicator, which shows whether the gun is loaded; a magazine disconnect mechanism that will stop the gun from firing if the magazine is not properly inserted; and microstamping capability so law enforcement can more easily link spent shell casings to the guns they were fired from.

“No handgun available in the world has all three of these features,” the judge wrote. “These regulations are having a devastating impact on Californians’ ability to acquire and use new, state-of-the-art handguns.”

Older handguns have been grandfathered into what’s known as the “roster,” or a list of guns that pass a safety test under state law known as the Unsafe Handgun Act.

“Californians have the constitutional right to acquire and use state-of-the-art handguns to protect themselves,” he wrote. “They should not be forced to settle for decade-old models of handguns to ensure that they remain safe inside or outside the home.” Previous attempts to challenge the state law, filed before last year’s Supreme Court ruling, failed.

Chuck Michel, head of the California Rifle & Pistol Association, said the three requirements were “impossible to satisfy.”

“For decades this ‘roster’ law has deprived law-abiding citizens of the right to choose a handgun appropriate for their individual needs,” he wrote in a statement Monday. “If we can hold on to this great Second Amendment win, people will be able to choose from among thousands of the latest, greatest, and safest handguns made today.”

Only New York also has a similar microstamping requirement, according to gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry, hailed the preliminary injunction in a statement on March 20.

“For too long, the Second Amendment has been significantly infringed upon by elected officials who have taken every opportunity to put roadblocks in front of law-abiding citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence Keane, the organization’s senior vice president. “The order is the first step in what will be a protracted legal battle, but it is a significant win.”

Associated Press Writer Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington, D.C., contributed.

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Hayward City Council

March 21, 2023

Public Hearing

• Approve the FY 2024 Master Fee Schedule. Unanimously approved.

Council Referrals

• Report from Council Members Andrews and Syrop: Accelerating BART Transit Oriented Development in Hayward. Unanimously approved.

Consent Items

• Amend City of Hayward Salary Plan for Fiscal Year 2023
• Amend agreement with Dutchover & Associates for Landscape Architect Services
• Authorize a professional services agreement with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and the Pop Up Guide for the management and implementation of the Downtown Activation Pilot Program
• Authorize a partnership agreement for the operation of Family Education Program Services for Hayward Unified School District
• Accept the pieces of art donated to Hayward Public
  Library by Monica Chan and Dean Quock
• Authorize the purchase of a Telehandler Heavy-Duty Forklift for use at Hayward Fire/Rescue Training Center and during/to prepare for emergency disasters

Mayor Mark Salinas               Aye

Angela Andrews                     Aye

Dan Goldstein                         Aye

Elisa Marquez                         Aye

Julie Roche                              Aye

George Syrop                          Aye

Francisco Zermeno                  Aye

Fremont housing plan gets state approval

Submitted by Geneva Bosques

On March 22, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced that the City of Fremont’s updated 2023-2031 Housing Element, which is part of the city’s General Plan, is in full compliance with California state law — becoming the sixth city in Alameda County to receive state certification.

“HCD applauds the leadership of the city in taking significant steps to affirmatively further fair housing and accommodate the future housing needs of all segments of the community,” HCD’s Senior Program Manager Paul McDougall wrote in a letter to the city.

Key policy commitments in the city’s updated Housing Element include:

• Planning for approximately 300 units of housing on an 8.4-acre city-owned property at Fremont Boulevard and Decoto Road.
• Considering revisions to parking requirements in transit-oriented areas.
• Updating city ordinances and standards to maximize residential density in certain areas.

Under California law, all local governments are required to adopt a Housing Element and update it every eight years to help meet the housing needs of everyone in the community.

Fremont’s assigned share of the region’s housing need for the next eight years is almost 13,000 new residential units, over 7,000 of which are intended to be affordable. In 2022 alone, the city permitted 1,133 housing units, including 298 affordable units. An additional 947 units of affordable housing are currently under construction or in early phases of the development pipeline in Fremont.

According to the HCD website, other Alameda County cities to receive State certification include Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and San Leandro. To learn more about the City’s Housing Element, please visit fremont.gov/housingelement.

Milpitas Board of Education

March 14, 2023

Consent Items

• Accept County of Santa Clara Treasury second quarter investment report
• Approve kitchen equipment purchase for the Student Nutrition Program
• Approve purchase order report of March 14, 2023
• Approve field trip requests of March 14, 2023
• Approve RAFT Camp in a Box (CiB) Program
• Approve Right at School (RAS), 23-24 TK-6 after school program provider
• Approve San Jose State University Student Teaching Agreement
• Approve personnel report of March 14, 2023

President Chris Norwood                   Aye

Vice President Hai Minh Ngo             Aye

Kelly Yip-Chuan                                 Aye

Anu Nakka                                          Aye

Newark City Council

March 9, 2023

Business Items

• Approve a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a Multi-jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Passed 4-0 (Collazo absent)

Consent Calendar

• Approval of audited demands
• Amend the contractual services agreement with 4Leaf Inc. to provide temporary professional planning services
• Increase the salary range for the Community Preservation Manager

Mayor Michael Hannon                      Aye

Vice Mayor Sucy Collazo                   Absent

Luis Freitas                                         Aye

Mike Bucci                                          Aye

Matthew Jorgens                                 Aye

Ohlone College Board of Trustees

March 8, 2023

Consent Agenda

• Approval of February 2023 Payroll Warrants
• Approval of Personnel Actions
• Reports on the 2023 Community College League of California (CCLC) Effective Trusteeship and Legislative Conferences
• California Community Colleges Trustees Board Report
• Approval the English Learning Institute fee rate
• Approval of Student Health fee increase
• Approval to set up a student housing construction fund
• Review of purchase orders
• Measure G Project: Building 5 Renovation – Gilbane Building Company, revision #5
• Fund 41 Project: Smith Center Damage Restoration Project – agreement ratification of contracts
• Approval of Memoranda of Understanding for Retirement Initiative – California School Employees Association
• Approval of Retirement Incentive to be applied to unrepresented employees

Lance Kwan                Aye

Rakesh Sharma           Aye

Greg Bonaccorsi         Aye

Richard Watters           Aye

Suzanne Lee Chan       Aye

Elisa Martinez             Aye

Betty Ho                      Aye

Ayan Taylor                Aye

Santa Clara County Water District Board Meeting

March 14, 2023

Consent Calendar

• Declare March 26 through April 1, 2023 as a week of public service in honor of Cesar Chavez
• Nominate John H. Weed, Alameda County Water District Board Member, to the Executive Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority
• Extend the agreement with VNF Solutio
  ns, LLC., for Washington, D.C. representation and advocacy with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project
• Approve the Board of Directors’ quarterly expense report for the quarter

ending December 31, 2022

• Accept the CEO bulletin for the weeks of February 24, 2023, through March 9, 2023

John Varela                             Aye

Barbara Keegan                       Aye

Richard Santos                        Aye

Jim Beall                                 Aye

Nai Hsueh                               Aye

Tony Estremera                       Aye

Rebecca Eisenberg                  Aye

San Leandro City Council

March 20, 2023

Report On Closed Session Actions

• Approve payment of up to $500,000: Tanigawa/Bettencourt v. San Leandro, et al. 21-cv-04093-JSC., U.S. District Court. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments

• Dozens of homeowners voiced opposition to the extension of San Leandro’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium.

Action Items

• Amend the contract between the City of San Leandro and Board of Administration of California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide employee cost sharing for San Leandro Police Management Association (SLPMA). Passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Authorize a consulting services agreement between the City of San Leandro and WRT Design for the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan
• Authorize an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program Funds; and execute an agreement with BART District
• Accept 2022-23 City of San Leandro OPEB Trust and Pension Trust Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2022
• Amend the Confidential Employee Group salary schedule to add the classification of Executive Assistant to the City Manager
• Amend the consulting services agreement between the City of San Leandro and Robert Half International Inc. for staff augmentation services
• Accept grant funds from the California Humanities’ Library Innovation Lab (LIL) Grant to Fund Programming That Engages Youth Immigrant Communities Through Public Humanities Programs
• Approve 2022-2023 Budget Amendment for 2021-2022 Year-End, One-Time Appropriation of Surplus Funds for the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Improvement Projects Fund, and Fiduciary Fund
• Terminate City Council Referral to Rename the San Leandro Main Library

Mayor Juan Gonzalez             Aye

Bryan Azevedo                       Aye

Celina Reynes                         Aye

Victor Aguilar                         Aye

Fred Simon                             Aye

Xouhoa Bowen                       Aye

Pete Ballew                             Aye

City of Hayward Council Sustainability Committee

By Jack Alcorn

Hayward City Council maintains eight standing committees to support Council endeavors. Councilmembers Julie Roche, Angela Andrews and Elisa Marquez comprise the Council Sustainability Committee (CSC). Their efforts provide Hayward residents cleaner air, cleaner water and less litter on the streets. They also ensure clean and green practices for city services.

The CSC provides recommendations to Council. For example, the City of Hayward is expected to receive $197,040 from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program. The funds must be used on a project that reduces carbon emissions, improves energy efficiency, or reduces energy use. The CSC has identified several potential projects for consideration, including landfill diversion; planting 1,000 trees; and increased public transportation.

Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources wisely to support present and future generations. The CSC stewards a Climate Action Plan designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and put the city on the path to carbon neutrality. Hayward’s Environmental Services Division drafted the plan and provides direction to city staff for plan implementation. Many City of Hayward Departments, including Economic Development; Housing; Utilities; and Transportation, work collaboratively to realize the plan’s numerous strategies.

The Climate Action Plan includes potential regulations that could help to create a clean and green community for Hayward residents and businesses. Proposed ordinance changes include requirements for zero trash in stormwater by installing trash capture devices. Preventing pollution from entering the storm drain system will benefit Haywards’s aquatic ecosystems and improve the health of the San Francisco Bay.

The CSC is also considering amending the Building Code to require all electric new building construction without the use of natural gas, and an ordinance requiring existing single-family home heaters and appliances to become 100% electric. Electrification reduces greenhouse gas emissions, cleansing the air and slowing global warming.

CSC members are working with East Bay Community Energy to install 100 new publicly accessible electric vehicle charging hubs on municipal parking lots and garages. The Committee also works with PG&E to incentivize residential electric vehicle charger installations.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which collects data from cities and private companies, has awarded the City of Hayward an “A” rating for environmental sustainability – the highest rating given by the international organization. More information about Hayward’s Climate Action Plan and the work of the CSC can be bound @ hayward-ca.gov/your-government/council-standing-committees/council-sustainability-committee.

Alameda County Fire Department Log

Submitted by ACFD

Friday, March 17

• At 12:25 a.m. units responded to a house fire on Neptune Drive in San Leandro. Five adults were displaced by the blaze with one taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. Three dogs and seven cats were rescued from the home, but not all of them survived. An investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.
• At 10:21 a.m. units responded to a report about a vehicle colliding into a house on Edgemoor Street in San Leandro. No one inside the house was injured, but the driver had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken to a hospital. Assistance was provided by San Leandro Police Department. An
  investigation into the collision is continuing.

Monday, March 20

• At about 8:30 p.m. crews responded to a single-story commercial structure fire near Union City Boulevard and Whipple Road in Union City. The fire was held to one alarm which took 21 firefighters about 30 minutes to extinguish. No injuries were reported.

Tuesday, March 21

• In mid-afternoon firefighters responded to a rescue emergency report about two people trapped in a pickup truck after a large eucalyptus tree fell and crushed the vehicle. The driver’s legs were pinned by the steering wheel. Crews used a ram to stabilize the tree, then used a hydraulic cutting tool to remove the steering wheel. Both occupants were extricated from the vehicle; one of them was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Wednesday, March 22

• At about 2:20 a.m. units responded to a house fire on Begonia Street in Union City. The fire started outside, then spread into two homes and caused significant damage. Four adults were displaced; no injuries were reported.

BART Police Log

Submitted by BART PD and Les Mensinger

Monday, March 20

• At 8:54 a.m. a man identified by police as David Urie Jones, Jr., 41, of San Francisco stopped at Milpitas station on suspicion of fare evasion. He was subsequently arrested and booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail.

Tuesday, March 21

• At 12:16 a.m. Officers responded to a report about an unresponsive male aboard a train at San Leandro station who had reportedly overdosed. Before officers arrived, the male had received three doses of NARCAN. Officers administered CPR until medical personnel arrived; the man later died. No foul play is suspected; the case is under investigation.
• At 11:36 a.m. a man identified by police as Vincent Juarez, 53 of San Francisco was contacted onboard a train at Bay Fair station in San Leandro. A record check showed a warrant. Juarez was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• At 9:18 a.m. a man identified by police as Daniel Gallagher, 30 of Concord was detained on a train at Bay Fair station in San Leandro. A record check showed four warrants. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Amy Gee

Tuesday, March 7

• Officers responded to reports about gunshots fired near Central Avenue in the Centerville area. A witness at the scene described a group of people who appeared intoxicated in a parking lot. When an altercation ensued two people pulled out firearms. Groups of people then retreated into their vehicles and fired shots into the air as they drove away. Officers canvassed nearby homes and vehicles and found no bullet strikes, but they did find several casings of different calibers. The case is being investigated as an assault with a deadly weapon with shots fired.

Friday, March 10

• A female was driving near Lake Arrowhead Avenue and Shaver Lake Street in north Fremont when three unknown people surrounded the car, shattered its window and attempted to pull her out of the car. She was able to fend off the attack and drive away, but noticed the suspects followed her through a shopping center and southbound onto I-880 where she later lost sight of them. The case is being investigated as an attempted carjacking.
• Officers responded to a report about a carjacking at a gas station on Fremont Boulevard. A male was pumping gas when he was approached by an unknown person and hit in the head with a metal object. The victim fell to the ground and the suspect robbed him and took his vehicle. The case is being investigated as a robbery and carjacking.

Sunday, March 12

• Officers responded to a report about an armed robbery on Bonica Rose Terrace in the Irvington area. As a male victim arrived home and parked his vehicle, another vehicle stopped nearby and an unknown person exited the vehicle and demanded the victim’s watch and jewelry. The case is under investigation.
• Officers spotted a suspicious vehicle with a false license plate near Fremont Boulevard and Tamayo Street near the Brookvale area and made a traffic stop. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a concealed firearm under the driver’s seat. The driver, an adult from Petaluma, was arrested.

Monday, March 13

• Officers responded to a report involving three people at a retail store on Christy Street near Pacific Commons shopping center. The fight started when the store’s loss prevention team contacted a suspect over a loss at the store. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. The case is under investigation.

Wednesday, March 15

• Officers responded to a report about a person brandishing a firearm in a local medical center emergency room. Medical center staff were able to secure the firearm, which was determined to be a replica BB gun. Arriving officers detained the suspect. A record check showed the adult Fremont man had multiple warrants and an arrest was made.

Thursday, March 17

• Officers responded to a report about a robbery at a convenience store on Mowry Avenue. Two suspects took items from store shelves while a third suspect stood watch at the door. As officers arrived, the suspects fled westbound on Mowry Avenue. Officers checked the area and made security checks at other convenience stores and sent an alert out to other cities. The case in under investigation.

Hayward Police Log

Submitted by Hayward PD

Tuesday, March 7

• Officers arrested two women on suspicion of firing a gun into a car near A Street in north Hayward and then fleeing the scene in their own car. The driver of the car that was hit was not injured and reported the license plate of the fleeing car to CHP via a 911 call. Hayward officers spoke with the victim while CHP officers checked the area for the car. They soon found it parked nearby and unoccupied. Eventually two women approached the car, but fled on foot when they spotted officers, but were soon detained. A citizen’s surveillance video aided officers in locating two handguns that were discarded just before the women were detained. Both women were positively identified and arrested.

Thursday, March 23

• At about 5:05 p.m. officers responded to a report about a collision involving three vehicles near Industrial Boulevard and Baumberg Avenue. An 86-year-old woman in one of the vehicles was found injured and unconscious; she was taken to a hospital where she later died. Officers contacted a 54-year-old man in a second vehicle who cooperated with their investigation. The other vehicle was parked at the curb of Industrial Boulevard and unoccupied. Police said they don’t believe alcohol/impairment was a factor in the collision. The identity of the woman was not immediately released. An investigation is continuing.

City pays $750K after police accused of painting swastika

Associated Press

Mar 20, 2023

The Southern California city of Torrance has paid a man $750,000 after two police officers were accused of spray-painting a swastika inside his car three years ago.

The investigation into that incident led to the discovery of a trove of racist and homophobic text exchanges among police officers in Torrance, home to about 143,000 people south of Los Angeles. The resulting scandal prompted LA County prosecutors to toss dozens of felony cases.

The payout settles a federal lawsuit filed by Kiley Swaine, who discovered the swastika on his car’s back seat after he and two other men were arrested on suspicion of mail theft in Jan. 2020, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Swaine was later cleared of the mail theft charges.

Two Torrance police officers allegedly spray-painted the swastika, as well as a happy face, on Swain’s car seats before having the vehicle towed away, said Swaine’s attorney, Jerry Steering.

The officers, who have left the force, each pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial on conspiracy and vandalism charges.

An investigation by the Times in 2021 found that officers of the Torrance Police Department traded hateful comments via text messages about people of color, particularly Black people, as well as Jews and members of the LGBTQ community.

Other messages spoke about using violence against suspects and lying to investigators about a police shooting.

Union City Police Log

Submitted by Union City PD

Sunday, March 19

• At about 6:30 p.m. officers responded to several reports about a shooting in the 33000 block of Calistoga St. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of a shooting and learned at least one person was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a hospital. Police said the incident appeared to be an isolated incident. An investigation is continuing; anyone with information is asked to send an email to Detective Humberto Rodriquez at Hu*******@un*******.org or call (510) 675-5207. Anonymous tips can be sent via email to ti**@un*******.org.

Newark Unified School District Athletic Director selected as Athletic Director of the Year

Submitted by Josef Holper

Newark Unified School District proudly announces Newark Memorial High School (NMHS) Athletic Director Rachel Kahoalii “Coach K” as 2022-23 Athletic Director of the Year by the California State Athletic Directors Association (CSADA).

Coach K accurately represents the mission of Newark Memorial Athletics by instilling respect, pride and integrity through a team’s willingness. Her student-athletes demonstrate commitment, responsibility, and a solid academic work ethic while maintaining the highest level of sportsmanship. Her more significant impact on the community is by far the most admirable. Coach K established the Student-Athlete Advisory Council at Newark Memorial High School and the character development class “Champions of Character.” The program provides training to instill values that build character so students, coaches and parents know, do and value the right thing on and off the field. Furthermore, Coach K has also added a spotlight ceremony for college-bound student-athletes and award recognition for scholar-athletes.

“I was always impressed with the positive behavior of our student-athletes and the leaders they became on campus. As influential peers, they encourage others to do the right thing,” said Olivia Rangel, former Principal of NMHS. “Many were scholar-athletes who also held multiple responsibilities on site, such as ASB or club leaders. Coach K set this high standard and expectation by teaching them how to uphold the standard of a champion.”

Furthermore, Coach K’s impact on the students and families in our Newark community is remarkable. She partnered with a local restaurant during the pandemic to provide weekly dinners to needy families. Coaches and athletes came out to package and distribute meals to support families. She also led food distribution for holidays, gift-giving for Christmas and organized support when families were in need due to loss or financial burden.

“Rachel Kahoalii develops, not just strong student-athletes, but true champions of character. Every day, she models the commitment, teamwork, integrity and skills required to be successful in school and life,” said Nicole Pierce, Assistant to the Superintendent of Newark Unified School District.

“I am honored to be selected as the State Athletic Director of the Year. This award reflects the incredible work of our coaches, student-athletes and community volunteers,” said Rachel Kahoalii. “It gives me great pride to be the face of this award that honors the work of so many.”

Kahoalii will be honored with an award ceremony at the 2023 CSADA Conference in Santa Clara.

Track standout breaks 48-year-old record

Submitted by Chabot College Athletics

Muhammed Ahmed put his stamp in the Chabot College record books in his track 5k debut. Ahmed broke the record at Occidental College March 11, with a time of 14:30.19. The 48-year-old record was held by Chabot and Cal State Hayward legend Ted Quintana (14:30.44).

Ahmed, a Newark Memorial High School alum, sets his sights on significantly surpassing the college’s 10k record at the Mike Fanelli Invitational on March 30 to April 1 at San Francisco State.

The Gladiator’s sent a split squad to what was supposed to be sunny Southern California this past weekend. Sprints and hurdles spent the day at the Ben Brown Invitational hosted by CSU Fullerton. In what has been an extremely cold and wet start of the season, many seasonal best marks were achieved.

On the men’s side, the duo of Zion Mayo and Marcell Anderson dipped under 11 seconds in the 100-meter. Mayo had a time of 10.86 and Anderson at 10.97. Both would come back with strong 200-meter performances, Mayo (21.99) and Anderson (22.23). On the women’s side, freshman pair Egypt Hughes and Aniya Shields ran 12.72 and 12.75 for the 100.

Jumpers, vaulters and distance attended the Ben Brown Invitational. Rowen Connelly achieved a 12 second personal best in the 1,500 of 4:27. Freshman Tad Kawabata ran 4:05.71 over that same distance. Ariana Chavez and Mason Romant both ran seasonal bests in the 800, Chavez with a time of 2:22.38 and Romant 1:59.04. The evening would be capped off with some blazing times over the 5,000-meter distance. Logan Phulps posted a time of 16:20 and Daniel Trampe with a State A standard of 15:16.

Local athlete’s road to D1 soccer

By Eric Donato

Photos by Heather McDonnell

Fremont high school junior, Jenna McDonnell, from American High School and her family have much to look forward to. Jenna has accepted a collegiate sports scholarship and will join the Utah Tech soccer roster January 2024; an NCAA Division I team. Her road to becoming a soccer athlete playing at an elite collegiate division level has been paved with diligent hard work, family support, sacrifice and, most importantly, a true passion for soccer.

I sat in a cafe to interview Jenna and her parents, Heather and Tom. As Jenna described her soccer life, she exuded confidence and the competitive spirit that college sports teams thrive on. As Jenna spoke, her parents
beamed with pride and affection.

Tom dished out the genesis, “Part of our parenting style is sports. If your kids are busy with sports, they’re not busy with other things.” Jenna did not start out playing soccer, but was exposed early to many other sports starting at five years old. Her dad added, “We started them early and wanted them to try everything. We don’t want to pigeonhole them.” Jenna’s sports discovery in her early years led to her excelling in baseball and soccer. She pointed out, “Soccer is year-round where baseball wasn’t. So, I would get really good at soccer and then stop for half a year, and I’d lose everything.” At around eleven, Jenna decided to focus on soccer.

She played her early years in local soccer clubs in Fremont and Newark. Eventually, Jenna and her family realized that as good as the Newark team was, as a promising competitive athlete, Jenna required exposure outside the Tri-City to advance her playing skills. Acknowledging the limitations of what a small club can offer, the Newark club helped Jenna and other teammates by arranging an opportunity to play with a higher-level club in the South Bay. Tom said, “They contacted a bigger club, De Anza Force.” De Anza Force Soccer Club is part of the US Soccer Development Academy, which provided Jenna with the foundational training needed to advance her soccer skills to even more competitive levels.

With Jenna’s involvement with De Anza Force Soccer Club, she was coached by a former US Women’s national team player and two-time World Cup veteran superstar, Brandi Chastain. Reflecting on her development, Jenna noted, “Brandi’s a very technical coach. She taught me how to dribble, curve the ball, and how to run a play. A lot of these technical skills that you can only learn from a higher level.” Equally important, Jenna added, “[She even taught me] how to carry yourself as a person.”

The exposure to playing with the De Anza Force was also a humbling. Jenna reflected, “It’s a lot to overcome when you first come, especially if you’re coming from a team where you played every minute of every game. Now you’re coming to a new team where you’re not.” It was a reality that Jenna had to adapt to.

Her strength in the midfield position evolved from her early playing days as a center-back. She noted “I always had the mentality that the defense wins games. If they can’t score, they can’t win.” She added, “I now really enjoy playing midfield.” Jenna admits it’s a fun position that plays to her strengths, “I can make things happen. I’m everywhere and I get the ball so much more, it’s just more like action-packed.”

Soon to be college-bound, next on the family’s soccer agenda was to bring recruiting attention to her soccer capabilities. Tom explained, “You kind of have to get yourself onto the colleges’ radars. And that’s done through sending emails, showcases, camps, things like that.” Heather chimed, “We blasted emails to Division I colleges. Have you watched [Jenna] play? Here’s her schedule.” Heather further added “We also sent highlight videos, that’s a big part of it.”

Among many college team suitors, Jenna decided on Utah Tech after a school visit along with interactions with the team and staff. When asked about choosing Utah Tech, Jenna lit up and explained, “The coach, especially the team, reminds me a lot of the team I’m in right now where it’s more like a family.” She added, “A huge thing that stuck with me was that there are two types of coaching. One is where you’re urging the players to compete against each other. The other one is where players are helping each other to get better. And that’s how I feel Utah Tech is; everyone’s trying to elevate each other.”

On her Division I recruitment, her current Pleasanton Rage coach Walter Pratte remarked, “Not surprised at all. I mean, we knew that it would come. I’m happy for her that it came this fast, it was a matter of time because again, what I saw was a very talented player.”

As for the future, Jenna would like to pursue a career as a teacher and someday hopes to coach soccer. Jenna takes particular pride in the legacy that many of her family members are educators, including her mom Heather who teaches elementary school in Fremont. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in more ways. I first picked up this story when I met her mom Heather playing soccer with her local Fremont adult team.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Birthday of Cesar Chavez

March 31 is the birthday of Cesar Chavez (3/31/27 – 4/23/93), co-founder (with Dolores Huerta) of the United Farm Workers.

Chavez did not limit his concerns to only labor and civil rights. He was also an outspoken advocate for the welfare of animals. Consider this excerpt from a treasured 12/90 letter to action for animals.

“Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people. Racism, economic deprival, dog fighting and cock fighting, bullfighting and rodeos are cut from the same fabric: violence. Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well ourselves.” Words to live by.

President Biden has a bust of Chavez on display in the oval office. Chavez & Huerta deserve a national holiday.

Sincerely,

Eric mills, coordinator

Action for animals

Oakland

AC Transit bus operators honored

Submitted by Robert Lyles

Eleven veteran AC Transit bus operators are recipients of the transit agency’s 2022 Safe Driving Award. The award is given annually to bus operators who have maintained a minimum of five years safe driving with no preventable accidents.

That’s quite a feat, said transit officials, noting that bus operators navigate scores of challenges while safely maneuvering coaches that start at 40-feet-long, 11-feet-high, and nearly 31,000 pounds, all the while maintaining a timed schedule and avoiding unpredictable behavior from others sharing the road.

This year’s honorees have a combined safe driving service experience of 295 years. They include:

• Yolanda Lomax Binion, 20 years
• Deborah Scarbrough, 20 years
• Tony Simington, 20 years
• Cheryl Brown, 20 years
• Rogelio Barrientos, 20 years
• William Collins, 25 years
• Michael Winston, 30 years
• Claudia Waters, 35 years
• Ricardo Perez, 35 years
• Tejinder Brar, 35 years
• Jerry Strong, 35 years

This year’s Safe Driving Award honorees represent more than 1,000 AC Transit Bus Operators who serve riders in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Honor Roll

Seton Hall University, New Jersey

Fall 2022 Dean’s List

• Leo Chu of Castro Valley

Georgia Institute of Technology

Fall 2022 Faculty Honors

• Austin Peng of Fremont
• Vivek Vijaykumar of Fremont
• Alexander Wing of Fremont

Georgia Institute of Technology

Fall 2022 Graduates

• Ruqaiyah Chennault of Fremont
• Nirbhik Datta of Hayward
• Renmei Gao of Fremont
• Mahaveer Jain of Milpitas
• Rahul Jain of Milpitas
• Vonny Jap of Milpitas
• Harsha Nandini Jolepalem of Newark
• Vibhav Kapnadak of Milpitas
• Hongzhe Li of Fremont
• Xinyue Li of Newark
• Xiao Lin of Fremont
• Abirami Murugappan of Fremont
• Murat Parlakisik of Milpitas
• Sarnab Podder of Fremont
• Liang Qiu of Fremont
• Nishant Ravi of Milpitas
• Rajesh Shetty of Fremont
• Kethaki Varadan of Fremont
• Regina Wang of Fremont
• Alexander Wing of Fremont
• Xingye Zhang of Fremont
• Zhengyan Zhu of Hayward

Veteran educator honored in Fremont

Submitted by Fremont Unified School District

Rachel Brown, a longtime teacher with Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) has been named 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Brown, who has been with the district 24 years, was honored March 22 during the district’s Board of Education meeting. She is a 4th grade teacher at Mission San Jose Elementary School (MSJE). She was selected from a pool of six other district candidates from various schools.

“Being selected as district Teacher of the Year is such an unexpected honor, and I am so humbled and grateful to be chosen,” Brown said at the meeting.

In addition to Brown, the 2023 finalists included Melissa Auger, Thornton Junior High; Stephanie Keller, Mattos Elementary; Maria Dimitrova, Brier Elementary; Anjum Mujeeb, Glankler Early Learning; Jason Boyer, Parkmont Elementary and Ida Wong, Warm Springs Elementary.

“Rachel Brown is an exemplary representative of our outstanding district educators, who balance nurturing each student’s needs and strengths with challenging all learners to approach content with curiosity and a drive for deeper understanding,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack.

Katy Carter, principal at MSJE also praised Brown: “In all domains of her teaching and school leadership, Mrs. Brown provides a voice for student advocacy that is informed, data-driven, and thoughtful of the well-being of the whole child,” she said. “Mrs. Brown models kindness, empathy, compassion, and respect for all members of the MSJE community; this same display of upstanding character is mirrored by her students.”

Later this year, Brown will represent FUSD to be considered for Alameda County teacher honors, and then possibly state recognition.

Hayward Baseball falls to Pittsburg

By Andrew Joseph

The Hayward Farmers lost to the Pittsburg Pirates 8-0, Saturday, March 25 at home in a non-league game. This loss marks Hayward’s fifth straight loss falling to 0-8-1. They have yet to play a Western Alameda County – Shoreline League (WACC) opponent which gives them hope of still being able to win the league.

“We’ve had a tough start so far, so the mindset for today was to try to get the wheels back on the wagon,” said Hayward head coach Ceasar Brown. “We’re moving into a good stretch of our season getting into league play and the expectation is to keep battling to hopefully win some league games.”

Pittsburg began the first inning with a triple and later scored one run to go up 1-0. Hayward had two ground outs at first base and one strike out to finish the first inning. The Farmers’ starting pitcher, Fernando Ramos, pitched well in the second inning, denying any runs to be scored, but Hayward’s offense was unable to get on base. “My mindset for today was to focus on throwing a strike on my first pitch,” said Ramos. “Pittsburg’s hitters were aggressive, so I had to make sure not to pitch down the middle.”

Vic Valle had a base hit for the Pirates to start the third inning, later stole second base during a pitch, and also stole third base after a pass ball while Halen Guerrero was at the plate. Guerrero hit a triple which allowed Valle to score with no outs to give Pittsburg a 2-0 lead. Aaron Del Real then hit a double to drive Guerrero home to score with only one out to go up 3-0. Hayward was able to get on base in the third inning when Ryland Bueno was walked to first base, but was unable to score as the Farmers struck out.

Pittsburg added to their lead in the fourth inning when Devin Simonton hit a deep solo home run past center field to go up 4-0. Hayward’s Jeremiah Caldwell got on base with a ground ball to left field and then later stole second base. Jacob Lewis then hit a single to right field to put Caldwell in scoring position at third base, but he was later tagged out to end the inning.

Pittsburg scored again in the fifth inning as Octavio Lopez hit a sacrifice ball driving Guerrero in to score from third base giving them a 5-0 lead. Pirates’ Josh Painter hit a deep left field double in the sixth inning and later was drove in to score to go up 6-0. Simonton then had a single to left field and Antonio Moreira hit a double leaving two on base with only one out. Guerrero then stepped to the plate and drove in both runners giving Pittsburg an 8-0 advantage. “They were very quick with everything they did and they are a hardworking team,” said closing pitcher Caldwell. “We have to build and learn from this game.”

Hayward’s Jakye Smith and Nate Cordoba both hit singles in the sixth inning, but they were unable to score. The Farmers played good defense the remainder of the game and Caldwell didn’t allow any runs, though they were unable to drive in any runs on offense to get on the board.

“Their first pitcher was pretty dynamic, but we put the ball in play against him which is an improvement for us over the last few games which I see as a positive from today,” said coach Brown. “People looking at our record might say we can’t get it done, but I’m still very optimistic about our league play.”

The Farmers still have 15 games left in the season. With the rest of the teams in their league still winless, Hayward can move into first place in the WACC Shoreline and North Coast Section (NCS) Division 3 with a win in their next game against Mt. Eden Tuesday, March 28 to turn their season around.

Mission San Jose Tennis Victory

By Angela Xiong

Photos courtesy of MSJHS Tennis Team

On Friday, March 25, Mission San Jose High School Warriors (Fremont) went head-to-head against American High School Eagles (Fremont) in a fast-paced boys tennis game. The game consisted of multiple matches that took place simultaneously, with players facing off against one another in an excellent display of sportsmanship and skill.

At one court, American Eagles went against Mission San Jose Warriors Jayden Kim and Kevin Pan. Despite facing a formidable opponent, Kim and Pan worked together seamlessly, with impressive skills utilizing a combination of powerful serves and quick footwork leading them to a 3-6, 7-5, 10-5 victory. “One of the highlights was definitely our doubles 2 winning in the tiebreak third set. They were down a set and losing in the second, but were able to display exceptional teamwork and make a comeback.” Mission San Jose Varsity Co-Captain Junior Waylon Li said.

As the matches continued throughout the afternoon, the energy on the courts remained high, with students cheering on their teammates and coaches providing guidance and encouragement. In the end, the Warriors emerged victorious with a score of 6-1, maintaining their undefeated position thus far into the 2023 tennis season. “I think the game went really well overall. The other team changed their lineup from the last time we played them, but our team was versatile and able to adapt, only losing one match,” shared Li.

Fatal Collision

Submitted by Union City PD

On Friday, March 24, around 9:32 pm, Union City Police Officers responded to the area of Alvarado Niles Road and Dowe Avenue to investigate a major traffic collision. When officers arrived, they contacted a pedestrian who was unresponsive, and laying in the roadway. Paramedics arrived and pronounced the pedestrian deceased.

During the investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood, in Union City. Officers later contacted an adult male who is believed to be the driver of the vehicle involved in this incident. This individual has cooperated with this investigation, and did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was arrested for an unrelated crime but was not arrested for this incident.

Union City Police Department understands that this a tragic incident for everyone involved and would like to express our condolences to the families involved.

This is an active investigation, and it is currently being investigated by Union City Police Department’s Traffic Unit. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Traffic Officer Silva at (510)675-5222.

Oakland Zoo mourns loss of Lisa the African Elephant

Submitted by Erin Dogan

Photos courtesy of Oakland Zoo

After several years of chronic and degenerative health issues, despite progressive treatments and cutting-edge therapies, Lisa, Oakland Zoo’s elderly 46-year-old African elephant, was humanely euthanized on March 26 due to irreversible worsening of those health issues, compounded by recently developed ventral edema.

Lisa came to Oakland Zoo in 1979, and her decades-long residency has deeply impacted her dedicated keepers, veterinary team, staff, volunteers, and millions of Zoo guests. She was one of only sixteen female African Elephants 46 years and older in AZA-accredited zoos; her geriatric years brought age-related afflictions including ongoing eye ulcers, progressing degenerative arthritis, foot and nail lesions, and in the past few weeks, ventral edema causing excessive fluid retention in her belly which then caused ulcers.

“We are heartbroken. Over the years-long course of care and treatments to provide her a good quality of life through multimodal pain control, her disease progressed to a point where we didn’t want her last day to be her worst day, and it was time to do the most humane thing and to let her go,” said Dr. Alex Herman, VP of Veterinary Services at Oakland Zoo.

Lisa’s arthritis first presented itself in 2013, and with her care plan constantly evolving as her arthritis progressed, by 2021 a multimodal medical treatment plan was put in place. In the past several months her degenerative arthritis became debilitating enough to affect her mobility to the point she began avoiding bending her body to lie down and sleep in her heated elephant barn. Her care team provided modifications to her sleep area, but with limited success. Her increased standing brought about recurring foot and nail lesions.

Lisa’s care team has consisted of Oakland Zoo veterinarians, animal care staff, and experts in the field including ophthalmologists, physical therapists, arthritis researchers, wildlife behaviorists, and consulting veterinarians from other AZA-accredited zoos. Her medical care plan included physical therapy, pain medication, laser treatments, cryotherapy, and daily foot soaks in Epsom salt, and two cutting-edge stem cell procedures in October 2022 and January 2023, in partnership with researchers and veterinarians from Michigan State University. The procedures involved infusing stem cells from a healthy elephant into Lisa’s bloodstream in hope of alleviating arthritic inflammation, restoring cartilage, and easing her general discomfort. While Lisa showed some improved mobility, her limbs and joints remained stiff and continued declining in winter months.

Oakland Zoo staff and volunteers are mourning her loss. Elephant zookeepers recently arranged a celebration of her 46th birthday by presenting Lisa with a large spread of treats, enrichment, and piñatas filled with her favorite fruits.

“Lisa has been a deeply beloved part of our Oakland Zoo family since 1979. She was truly special to me, and to all of us here. Her loss is felt by so many, especially her closely bonded elephant keepers,” said Colleen Kinzley, VP of Animal Care, Conservation and Research at Oakland Zoo.

Lisa was transported to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine for necropsy.

Oakland Zoo has been a decades-long advocate for elephants in captivity and in the wild. Supporting elephant conservation partners and organizations, Oakland Zoo lobbied for the successful passing of SB 1062 and SB 313 in 2016 to ban the cruel use of bull hooks on elephants in California.

Continuing Events

 

Tuesdays

Practice Your English – Online Chat! R

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Improve your English by talking with native speakers

bit.ly/3jqnz86

jl**@ac*******.org

Tuesdays

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Tiny Tot Story Time

9:30 am – 11:00 am

Kinder readiness class for 0-5 years old

Union City Family Center

725 Whipple Rd, Union City

(510) 476-2770

bit.ly/3GaTamI

Wednesdays

Tropics Bingo

7:00 pm

Flash games

Tropics Mobile Home Park

33000 Almaden Blvd, Union City

(510) 471-8550

the-tropics.net

Wednesdays

Zumba Gold $

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Workout
while dancing

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont

(510) 742-7529

Thursdays

Chair Yoga R

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Breathing and stretching techniques

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont

(510) 742-7529

 

First Thursdays

Plethos Comedy Lab $

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Ever-changing lineup of Bay Area comics (18+)

Castro Valley Market Place

3295 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley

(510) 901-1001

castrovalleymarketplace.com, plethos.org

Thursday -Sunday

Animal Feeding

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Feed livestock and learn about their favorite food

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Thursdays

International Folk Dancing in Mandarin R$

11:30 am – 12:50 pm

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont

(510) 742-7529

Thursdays

Chronic Pain Support Group

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Group guidance from Stanford Pain Management Clinic

510.790.6600

Email for zoom link: ag************@fr*****.gov

Thursdays & Saturdays

Story Time

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Picture book story time

Banter Bookshop

3768 Capitol Ave Ste.F, Fremont

(510) 565-1004

banterbookshop.com

Tuesdays – Sundays

Nature tour

Tues: 10:30 am – 02:30 pm

Sat & Sun: 10: 30 am – 3:00 pm

Explore the beauty of the center

Sulphur Creek Nature Center

1801 D St, Hayward

(510) 881-6747

bit.ly/3JQ1me1

Fourth Fridays

Eden Night Live

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Futsal, music & dancing, food vendors, games, resource fair

Hayward Adult School

22110 Princeton St, Hayward

(510) 783-4001

acdsal.org/enl

Fridays and Saturdays

Telescope Viewings

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Experience the awe and wonder of the universe

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

(510) 336-7300

chabotspace.org

Saturdays

Laugh Track City $

8:00 pm

Series of improvised games and scenes

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

madeuptheatre.com

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays

Showers for Adults 55+ R

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

One shower per day

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont

(510) 742-7529

 

Mondays

Advanced Math + Science Tutoring

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Free high school and college-level tutoring

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org

ca**********@ac*******.org

Wednesdays, December 7 – November 22

Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Classes

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Relieve Stress and anxiety by joining Falun Dafa classes

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St, Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org

Thursdays, December 8 – June 8

Cover to Cover Book Discussion

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd, Newark

(510) 284-0675

bit.ly/3DyAJaM

Tuesdays, January 3 – May 30

Baby Bouncers Lapsit

11:30 am – 11:45 am

Nursery rhymes, lap bounce & picture books for 12 months & younger

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St, Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org

Thursdays, January 19 – April 20

Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Get help with checkup, medications, appointments & food assistance

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM

Fridays, January 20 – January 6

Knit & Crochet Circle

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn knitting and crocheting

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St, Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org

Last Wednesdays, January 25 – April 26

Learn through play (special need friendly)

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Practice fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination & social skills. Open to children of all abilities

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd, Newark

(510) 284-0675

bit.ly/3DyAJaM

Thursdays, February 2 – April 27

CleanStart Mobile Hygiene Unit

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Access to a shower & laundry for people experiencing homelessness

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM

Saturdays, February 4 – April 15

Free Tax Assistance from VITA

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Trained volunteers will prepare & file taxes for households earning less than $66,000 in 2022

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

earnitkeepitsaveit.org

Sundays, February 12 – April 9

Dove Gallery Competition Exhibit

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Eclectic showcase of local artist

Dove Gallery at Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

Do**@Pa**********.org

Wednesdays, February 15 – June 7

Youth basketball clinic R

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Free Basketball clinic for Hayward students ages 12 – 17

Matt Jimenez Community Center

28200 Russ Rd, Hayward

(510) 887-0400

hayward-ca.gov/pal

Tuesdays, February 21 – June 27

Erase Una Vez / Once Upon a Time

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Read & do an art project in Spanish

Cherryland Community Center

278 Hampton Road, Hayward

(510) 626-8522

haywardrec.org

Last Thursdays, February 23 – August 31

The Peaceful Poets

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Writers & appreciators meet

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St, Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org

Monday – Thursday, March 20 – May 31

Homework help center

3:45 pm – 5:45 pm

Homework help for students grades K – 8

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM

Tuesdays, March 21 – December 19

Chess Mix

12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Drop in for some casual chess games.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ

Tuesdays, March 21 – April 25

Stay and Play

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Variety of toys and activities with story, music, and snacks for 0 -5

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, March 21 – May 24

Homework help center

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Homework assistance for primary & secondary student

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org

ca**********@ac*******.org

Wednesdays, March 22 – April 26

Toddler Storytime + Stay N’ Play

11:15 am – 12:30 pm

Early literacy activities for toddlers ages 1-3 and their caregivers

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM

Thursdays, March 23 – May 11

Preschool Storytime

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Read book, sing songs, dance, and have fun

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM

Thursday – Sunday, March 30 – May 27

Member Juried Show

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Exhibition Starts: Thursday, April 6

Virtual Exhibition Starts from: March 30

Art reception: April 14, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd, Fremont

(510) 791-4357

olivehydeartguild.org

Saturday – Saturday, April 1 – May 6

Juried Photo Exhibit

During library hours

Images judged by professional judges with cash awards.

Reception: April 1; 6 pm – 8 pm

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 399-3049

fremontculturalartscouncil.org

Saturdays and Sun
days, April 2 – April 29

55th Annual Art Show

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Opening Reception: April 2; 1 pm – 3 pm

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 792-0905

fremontartassociation.org

Upcoming Events:

 

Tuesday, March 28

Game time for adults

4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Meet new people, make friends, and play variety of fun games

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ

 

Wednesday, March 29

Spring into STEAM

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Fun activities, FUSD science fair showcase, food trucks & more

Fremont Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont

(510) 742-7510

bit.ly/3Bnluib

Wednesday, March 29

Toddler Time

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Story time led with some chores and meeting farm animals

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Wednesday, March 29

Military Equipment Display

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Check out military equipment in the police department parking lot

Fremont Police Department

2000 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 790-6800

bit.ly/3LLQZsQ

Wednesday, March 29

Bingo Night

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Free to attend, food to purchase

Chick-fil-A Mowry Avenue

5245 Mowry Ave, Fremont

(510) 608-5771

bit.ly/3FIrR2A

Wednesday, March 29

Bingo

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Play bingo and win prize

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth, Wing A

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 790-6606

bit.ly/3Y6nvJO

Thursday, March 30

Pysanka Workshop $R

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Ukrainian easter egg decoration techniqueAges 7+

Imaginook

39675 Cedar Blvd, Newark

(214) 864-5133

bit.ly/3K2Q3iF

Friday, March 31

F4 (Fun, Fools, Fancy, and Frustration) $R

9:00 pm

Dance the night with south Indian & Bollywood tracks

Amnesia Lounge

200 Serra Way, Milpitas

(510) 578-8243

Tickets: bit.ly/40n6hIU

Friday, March 31 and Sunday, April 2

Douglas Morrison Chorus Concert $R

Friday: 8:00 pm

Sunday: 2:00 pm

Spring concert with music from Broadway and the movies

Douglas Morrison Theatre

22311 N 3rd St, Hayward

(510) 881-6700

Friday tickets: rb.gy/zkyfic

Sunday tickets: rb.gy/gkzl7j

 

Saturday, April 1

Niles Fremont Farmers Market Grand Opening

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Parking lot beside Niles Town Plaza

37592 Niles Blvd, Fremont

niles.org

Saturday, April 1

Yoga 4 Unity & Wellbeing $R

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Introduction to spectrum of yoga possibilities

SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre

585 Mowry Ave, Fremont

(510) 648-2937

heartfulness.us/yoga4unity

Saturday, April 1

Viva Lov Vegas $R

6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Casino night with live music, silent auction, fun drawing and more.

Swiss Park

5911 Mowry Ave, Newark

(510) 936-2523

bit.ly/3FmIlgm

Saturday, April 1

11th Annual – Boldly Me – Promise Event $R

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Dinner, music, live entertainment & desert auction

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd, Fremont

(510) 657-2468

boldlyme.org

Ticket: bit.ly/3znqVx3

Saturday, April 1

Simple Machines

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Learn about simple machines

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Saturday, April 1

Easter Traditions

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Explore the different traditions of Easter from history and today

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Saturday, April 1

Wildflower Walk $

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Stroll along during a guided wildflower exploration. Ages 4+

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd, Sunol

(510) 544-3245

ebparks.org/parks/sunol

Saturday, April 1

Spring Egg Hunt $R

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Annual spring egg hunt, preschool raffle baskets, and photo booths

Kennedy Community Center

1333 Decoto Rd, Union City

(510) 675-5329

unioncity.org/reg

Saturday, April 1

Beetlemania

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Learn about beetles

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd, Sunol

(510) 544-3245

ebparks.org/parks/sunol

Saturday, April 1

Bird Walk $

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Learn about birds and pollination of wildflowers. Ages 8+

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd, Sunol

(510) 544-3245

ebparks.org/parks/Sunol

Saturday, April 1

Wooly Lambs $

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Make your own wool lamb to take home with you

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Saturday, April 1

Storywalk Along the Marsh $

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Enjoy the stroll with stories, songs and movement

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

bit.ly/3UGfdGr

Saturday, April 1

Animal April Fools $

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Learn how animals use camouflage and mimicry to fool predators or prey.

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

bit.ly/3UGfdGr

Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 2

OMG Family Festival

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Celebrate Easter together!

Milpitas Square (Barber Lane), Milpitas

bit.ly/42EUR4T

Sunday, April 2

Birding for Beginners $

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Venture with us through the marsh to practice basic birding skills

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

bit.ly/3UGfdGr

Sunday, April 2

Spring Garden Stroll $

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Learn about flowers while wandering through the garden

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Sunday, April 2

Woodstove Cooking $

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

See the antique wood burning range in action

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Sunday, April 2

Historic Days $

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Explore Ardenwood Farm through programs and activities

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Sunday, April 2

Old World Bake Sale $

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Traditional easter foods from Greece, Russia, Ukraine, the middle east and more

St. Christina Orthodox Church

3721 Parish Ave, Fremont

(510) 739-0908

stchristinaorthodox.org

Sunday, April 2

Easter Celebration

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Selfies with the Easter Bunny, Easter craft, face painting & balloon twisting

Pacific Commons Shopping Center, Block Plazza

43440 Boscell Road, Fremont

(510) 770-9798

pacificcommons.com

Monday, April 3

Start smart: Teen driver program R

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Driver safety educational class ages 15 – 19

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

bit.ly/3lz8qlT

ca**********@ac*******.org

Monday, April 3

Build It

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join for a creative construction with blocks, Legos & more

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org

ca**********@ac*******.org

Monday, April 3

ADU Ordinance Community Meeting

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Learn about current laws governing the development of ADU & the need for chang
es to the ordinance.

Fremont Downtown Event Center, State room

3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont

(510) 494 – 4449

bit.ly/3Bnluib

jw*****@fr*****.gov

Saturday, April 4

Book Sale

10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Grab some great deals on bookstore at 1st floor

Hayward Public Library

888 C St, Hayward

(510) 293-8685

hayward-ca.gov/public-library

Tuesday, April 4

Storytime & craft

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Free to attend, food for purchase

Chick-fil-A Auto Mall

5539 Auto Mall Parkway, Fremont

bit.ly/3Ze84yP

Tuesday, April 4

Teen Drop-In $R

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Supervised activities, study space, computer lab and homework assistance

Kennedy Community Center

1333 Decoto Rd, Union City

(510) 675-5329

bit.ly/3EQqsq6

Tuesday, April 4

Calligraphy Workshop $

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Introductory workshop

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth, Wing B

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 790-6606

bit.ly/3Y6nvJO

Tuesday, April 4

Game Day

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Friendly competition in board & video games

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org

ca**********@ac*******.org

Tuesday, April 4

Bay Area Community Health – Health care & Enrollment

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Learn about the program and services available & get help on signing up for healthcare coverage

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM