Spotlight on High School Journalism
The Eagle Era: American High School
By David R. Newman
The newspaper industry is in trouble. According to the Pew Research Center, U.S. daily circulation is at an all-time low. Readers and advertisers have been migrating to digital news sources en masse, which has everyone wondering about the future of traditional print media.
We here at the Tri-City Voice see another picture. Seldom included in these reports is the high school newspaper scene, where journalism students are working hard on important stories that shape the way they view the world. Climate change, artificial intelligence, gender fluidity, systemic racism…these are issues that affect us all.
In this series, we take a peek at this new generation of journalists. Each month we will focus on an East Bay high school to see what goes on in their newsroom. How do they operate? What stories are they working on? What skills are they learning?
It’s a story of hope and resilience. And an eternal truth…that good journalism matters, now more than ever.
Just north of Centerville sits American High School, a nondescript collection of classrooms and sports fields that is home to a predominantly Asian student body of roughly 2,500. Of the nine high schools in the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), it is ranked second in academic excellence and popularity.
A glance at American High’s student-run newspaper, the Eagle Era, shows why. Each issue is packed with articles highlighting school achievements, from an undefeated girls’ soccer squad, to an award-winning marching band, to a high-placing robotics team. A closer look, however, will reveal more than just accolades. Opinions, reviews, satire, features, humor, and investigative reporting—student voices shine a light on American High culture and reveal truths that might otherwise stay hidden.
“It’s a big responsibility,” says senior Ananya Bali, co-Editor-in-Chief (EIC). “We’ve got our hand on the pulse of the community and we have a moral imperative to report fairly and honestly.” Arts & Entertainment/Politics Editor Surya Chelliah (senior) agrees. “Since we’re not bound by school or district policy, it’s up to us to get the facts out there. It feels good to have this sense of agency.”
“Obviously I’m a free press advocate,” says Advisor William Savoie, now in his 8th year at American High. “Having that conversation, that is ultimately our goal. We’re supposed to be poking and prodding and pushing, asking questions. Better to have it out in the light than to force it underground, where rumor reigns supreme.”
Savoie alludes to a recent story they ran on David Biblin, a math teacher who allegedly displayed inappropriate behavior. His sudden absence was questioned by the student body, with no answers forthcoming from school administration. The assumption is that he has been placed on leave pending further review.
“It seems like every other year now we run a story on a touchy subject,” says Savoie. “Sometimes other teachers say to me that I shouldn’t have done this, shouldn’t have done that, but ultimately, it’s up to the students, and I will support whatever decisions they make. They value transparency; it’s an ascendant quality in young people. They want to see how things work, to shine a light on these large, mysterious institutions that just seem to be humming along.”
Another issue highlighted by Eagle Era staff is the closed campus policy. Originally enacted in the mid-1990’s as a response to gang-related incidents, the outdated rule frustrates many students during lunchtime, when boba and pizza are a mere five-minute walk away. As a result, the campus has been inundated with Door Dash deliveries, raising concerns over traffic and safety.
Savoie is motivated primarily by curiosity, and often teaches by instinct. With no formal journalism training (his degree and credential are in English), he lets each year’s staff drive the class. And while he continuously seeks to improve the program that he inherited in a spur-of-the-moment decision, he makes it clear that the product they create every month is not his. It’s theirs.
“I’ve tried to create a space where the students can feel that weight of responsibility, where they’re free to decide their own path, and I’m just the guide on the side. When they feel that I trust them in a real way, they take ownership. At some point the trapeze artist has to perform without a net. That’s the spectacle! That’s the show!”
This year’s staff numbers around 35, mostly juniors and seniors. EICs Vincent Nghiem and Ananya Bali have worked hard to make changes, adding sections, more robust editing, and a new code of ethics. Says Bali, “We’ve been very motivated to improve the Eagle Era, so that future staffers and editors inherit a newspaper that is better than the one we started with.”
On distribution day, the entire class fans out across campus, passing out over 700 issues to teachers and students. Says Chelliah, “Readership has been a bit of a challenge. Even though newspapers may be a dying media, it’s still important to get it out there.” Savoie realizes that they can do a lot more with their online content, including a website, social media apps, and a podcast.
“We’re not going to reach everybody,” admits Savoie. “That’s ok…We’re experimenting a lot too. This is a safe space where students can explore their own interests, whether its politics or videography or broadcasting. They can stumble and make mistakes without the fear of getting a bad grade. Sometimes a story idea doesn’t pan out and they realize there was never a story there in the first place. It’s all part of the process.”
Nghiem is grateful for the opportunities the class has given him. “It’s cool to be exposed to other writing styles. My own writing has definitely improved. As well as my time management skills. We work at such a fast pace. It’s challenging but very rewarding.”
The Eagle Era
Cooking up Community at the Marketplace
By Stephanie Gertsch
Castro Valley has the reputation for being a small town, so who better to raise community spirit than Smalltown Society?
Born out of the vision of Paul Keim, Smalltown Society started as a band in 2012, and acquired its first space (The Space) in 2016, which became a base for local artist displays, a production of “In the Heights” by local theater group Plethos, and their closed artist workshops dubbed “the LAB.” In February 2024, Smalltown decided to hold the first public version of the event at Castro Valley Marketplace. Themed for Black History Month, the event featured The Black Excellence Band, and took place in the underground cellar and lounge space for Cordial Bottle Shop.
Peter Goett, program lead for Smalltown Society, said, “A lot of us grew up doing DIY, punk, and things like that. We were used to playing in pizza parlors, and weird stuff when we were younger. The cellar’s got a cool vibe. It’s almost like a club. It kind of works perfectly for something like this.”
The event created some buzz. Goett remembers, “Afterwards, I’ve gotten a ton of stories like, ‘I was at the butcher, and the butcher came to me and said, “You were at Smalltown, that was so cool!”’” He concludes, “I was surprised how many people came, and it was a good vibe. Building on that momentum, we’re trying to launch something more regular.”
Starting April 11, Smalltown Society and CV Marketplace will soft launch an ongoing version of this artist showcase. Held every second Thursday, the Marketplace Monthly Mixer (MMM) will have artists performing alongside small business vendors in an event that will be fun for attendees and good business for participants. For the April event, Smalltown will be out of the cellar and curating live jazz music on the mezzanine. Kids can tap into their own artistic spirit by contributing to a mural upstairs.
Lisa Carmack, who is doing marketing for Smalltown Society around MMM, fortuitously had already worked in marketing for CV Marketplace before joining the Smalltown Society team. She recalls, “[The two organizations] were actually talking about it totally outside of me and they didn’t know I was involved until later.”
A lifelong CV resident and CV High School graduate who has taught journalism and photography to local students, Carmack hopes that the events will strike a chord. “Castro Valley is a small place. And having grown up here and been a part of this community for a while, it really does make a big splash when something small happens. Especially, there’s such a hunger to have more arts and more outlets for people to express themselves.”
In fact, some of her students were at the February LAB at the Marketplace. “They actually came and took pictures and they showed me the next day…They thought it was the coolest thing ever, and that reminded me how rare it is to have this kind of thing when you’re a kid.”
With the departure of The Cannery Kitchen and Tap in Fall 2023, it’s nice to see that live music will continue to be a part of CV Marketplace. And though their beers and locally-sourced bites, will be missed, the space won’t stand empty. Future tenant (and business returning to Castro Valley) Slice House will be at the event with preview samples.
The April 11 event is free to attend, although small donations for the artists are encouraged. For more details, check the CV Marketplace Instagram at @castrovalleymarketplace.
Marketplace Monthly Mixer
Thursday, Apr 11
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Castro Valley Marketplace
3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
castrovalleymarketplace.com
smalltownsociety.com
Climate Justice: World Peace & Security
Submitted by Paki Ahkoi
Sun Gallery’s 11th Annual Climate Show will open April 4 with dozens of local artist submissions of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces with the theme “Climate Justice: World Peace & Security.” Modeled after a recent United Nations Report, the show includes pieces that draw attention to the climate crises affecting our environment as well as pieces that remind us about the beauty and benefit of a clean, accessible environment.
Kwaku Afriyie, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ghana, said the strong link between climate change and international peace and security can no longer be denied or ignored. He called on the international community to harness global and regional instruments to reverse climate change and its security impacts.
The Sun Gallery Maker Space is also installing an ocean mural as part of the Climate Justice exhibit, showcasing work from the Upcycle Ocean series of free STEAM art Saturdays. For the last two Saturdays in March, and each Saturday in April, Sun Gallery is holding an open studio where anyone can make ocean-themed art from recycled materials. Subsequently, each art piece will be added to the installation in front of the mural.
Marine Biologist Jacqueline Rajerison says this about her mural installation for the climate exhibit: “My enthusiasm gets ignited by projects that bring art, nature, and people together. Observation is usually the first step of a science journey. Through this mural, I hope to engage with your inner scientist. I hope you are dazzled by the many forms, shapes, and ways of existing seen in the ocean.”
Participating artists for this event are:
Jon Kerpel, Sharon DeVetter, Dorsi Diaz, Christa Schanda, Peter & Maureen Langenbach, Jerrald Loche, Antonia Olivares, Sarah Sammis, Hollie Adamic, Ruey Syrop, Maria Luisa Escalambre, Claudia Schwalm, Christine Bender, Karol Hilker, Robert Ribeiro, Josefina Martinez, Laura Amador, Andrew Kong Knight, Marjorie Wagoner, Bruce Cassady, Susan Thompson, Carla Dozier, Erin Cherniss, Alicyn West, Paki Ahkoi, Tiffany Chou, Azar Vaghefi, and students of the Sun Gallery Maker Lab Family Classes.
See the Climate Justice exhibit at the Sun Gallery from April 4 – June 1, 2024. There will be an Artists Reception on April 13. All are welcome. Look for an encore presentation of this exhibit at the John O'Lague Galleria inside Hayward City Hall from June 17 – July 25, 2024.
Climate Justice
Saturday, Apr 4 – Saturday, Jun 4
Gallery Hours
Thurs, Fri, Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Artists Reception
Saturday, Apr 13
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Is Article 30 Fair? Examining a Controversial Clause in the FUSD Teacher Union Contract
Submitted by FUSD parents
Fremont parents are expressing outrage about the continued inclusion of Article 30 in the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) contract with the Fremont Unified District Teachers Association (FUDTA). Article 30 is the section of the FUSD teachers union contract that lays out the complaint process minor students must follow when they have an issue with a teacher or another union member.
For many parents, Article 30 represents the silencing of community voices by an unfair process. As FUSD negotiations with FUDTA progresses, the call for significantly revising Article 30 is growing. The greatest concern is that problems in the classroom will remain unaddressed.
In 2020, a former Mission San Jose student wrote an article on Medium.com about his experiences at the school. Issues included lack of instruction, excessively harsh classroom policies, erratic enforcement of rules, and bullying by certain teachers who evaded consequences for years. Complaints to administrators led nowhere, and parents felt fear and helplessness.
Nishant S., a parent of two FUSD kids, expressed concerns that repeated complaints about the same teacher were being masked by this complicated process. “A few months ago, the Irvington PTSA arranged a Q&A with the principal. During that event, parents who were having serious issues with a teacher found out that they weren’t alone. There were 18 other parents complaining about the same teacher. At that point, this is no longer an issue that one student should have to confront a teacher about; it instead becomes a school problem. Article 30 prevents these patterns from being discovered by the administrators.”
What are the main issues with Article 30?
- The process is intimidating. A student/family must confront the teacher before approaching a supervisor. If they are unwilling to do so, the district considers the complaint resolved. In other districts, if a student and/or their family is unwilling to confront the teacher directly, they have alternative avenues available such as consulting with a counselor or supervisor. However, the FUSD approach creates a power imbalance. Many cases fail to overcome this barrier and thus never get meaningfully resolved.
- There is inadequate protection against retaliation for minors who lodge complaints against union-represented adults.
- While the teacher can have their union rep accompany them to every meeting, the parent, often a first-generation immigrant who is unfamiliar with the system, must advocate for their child alone.
- There is no confidentiality clause, allowing the identity of the complainant to be freely circulated within and beyond the school. This leaves minors who voice complaints vulnerable to targeting.
- The complaint process consists of five steps, each with its own timeline. This process can take months, during which the student must continue attending classes and face the teacher daily. Many who initially step forward ultimately give up after completing one or two steps or opt to transfer. For this reason, issues are erroneously deemed resolved when in reality families have given up.
Unlike other districts where the complaint process is not governed by the teachers’ union contract, Fremont has embedded it within the contract, giving the union no reason to alter it. Other Bay Area school districts usually permit direct complaints to administrators, and often accept anonymous complaints for investigation.
This system seems designed to silence the complaints of kids, allowing teachers to act with impunity. The FUSD Wellness Committee has specifically identified Article 30 as a contributing factor to student anxiety. An 8th grade student at Thornton recalled an incident about one of his teachers. “From day one, it felt like my teacher had a personal dislike for me. She would frequently call me out in class and criticize me if I didn’t know the answer. I felt incredibly isolated during those first few weeks of school. My parents noticed that I had become withdrawn, and I finally told them what was going on. Despite their efforts to arrange a meeting, the teacher initially refused. In frustration, my parents got me admitted into a private school. Fortunately, the school administrators agreed to switch me to another teacher for that subject so I didn’t have to leave the school. It was the worst feeling having to suffer through a class every day with such a mean teacher.”
A group of parents across schools in FUSD are working to amend this process through community mobilization, online petitions, and active participation in school board meetings. Fortunately, FUSD currently benefits from board representatives and leadership who prioritize understanding community viewpoints. While FUSD has agreed to discuss renegotiating Article 30, the teachers union has unfortunately displayed no willingness to engage in renegotiation.
References
Medium.com article
https://ankushsw.medium.com/an-open-lett er-to-msjhs-23c2333f7f84
FUSD-FUDTA contract
https://tinyurl.com/293w62ev
Petition to negotiate Article 30
https://tinyurl.com/ydbbex4s
Comparison with other school districts
Boy Scout Troop 176 (Fremont) – Celebrating 65 Years, April 27
Submitted by Veera Kazak
Were you part of Boy Scout Troop 176? We met at the CPC in Fremont. Troop 176 in Fremont was chartered in 1959, so we are celebrating the 65th Anniversary of this special troop. There are so many great memories, and we want to get former/current scouts and/or their families together to celebrate all of them.
Join us for games, skits, photos and lunch (bring a potluck item if you would like). Also bring non-alcoholic beverages for you and your family—plus bring your plates, utensils, mug (basically your mess kit), and an appetite. Hope you can make it!
The celebration will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in Fremont. Join the Troop 176 Reunion 2024 Facebook page for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/384269350885661/.
Call for art! (AANHPI) Heritage Month Art Showcase
Submitted by Erin Ewing
In honor of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders—for AANHPI Heritage Month in May—Studio 11 will be showcasing art of all mediums celebrating these cultures.
Artists who work in the following media are encouraged to submit: Photography, mixed media, painting/drawing, ceramics/sculptures, installation art, cultural fashion/fabrics.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: April 24, 2024
AANHPI Showcase Event
Saturday, May 12
12 noon – 4 p.m.
Studio 11
34626 11th St., Union City
www.unioncity.org/589/Arts-Culture-Studio-11
Union City Compost Giveaway Event is Back Sunday, April 14
Submitted by Maria Mendoza
Join Republic Services and the City of Union City at the “Compost Giveaway Event” on Sunday, April 14! It’s our way of thanking you for properly recycling your food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings in your green compost cart.
Union City residents are eligible to receive two (2) FREE bags of compost from 8 a.m. – 12 noon (while supplies last). Bring the Compost Giveaway Event postcard you received in the mail or other proof of residency such as a utility bill to the Union City BART Station Parking Lot #1 on the Southwest corner of Decoto Road and 11th Street during your household’s designated time slot. Please refer to the schedule below.
Food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings collected from the curbside compost collection program are sent to a composting facility where the materials are turned into compost. Compost is a valuable soil conditioner used by gardeners, landscapers, and farmers to enhance soil structure, improve nutrient and water retention, reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and encourage healthy plant growth.
To participate in the Compost Giveaway Event, Union City residents must present the mailed Compost Giveaway Event postcard or an alternative proof of residency such as a utility bill.
Last name starting with:
A – G: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
H – M: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
N – S: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
T – Z: 11 a.m. to 12 noon
Compost Giveaway
Sunday, Apr 14
8 a.m. – 12 noon
Union City BART Parking Lot #1
SW corner of Decoto Rd. & 11th St., Union City
(510) 657-3500
RepublicServicesAC.com
UnionCityRecycles.com
Correction:
In the March 19 issue on page 25, for the article titled “City of Newark Appoints New Police Chief” the byline should read “Submitted by Laurie Gebhard, Assistant to the City Manager” (not “Assistant City Manager”). We apologize for the error.
Douglas Morrison Theatre Chorus Concert
Submitted by Erma Smith
In April, the Morrisson Theatre Chorus (MTC) will present “Stage and Screen,” showcasing music from movies, Broadway, and opera. Take a trip down memory lane with favorite tunes by Cole Porter, Stephen Sondeim and George Gershwin, to name a few. This popular concert will also feature talented soloists. And you won’t want to miss the MTC men as they swing to “Jailhouse Rock!” Director Cesar Cancino’s musical knowledge and witty anecdotes will enhance the evening. Be ready for a concert of memorable, romantic and toe tapping music.
Showtimes are Friday, April 12, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward.
For tickets, go to douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com. Tickets are also available at the HARD office at 1099 E St., Hayward. Tickets will not be available at the door.
‘Stage and Screen’
Friday, Apr 12; 8 p.m.
Sunday, Apr 14; 2 p.m.
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
22311 Third St., Hayward.
douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com
FAA Juried Show
Submitted by Susan Helmer
Fremont Art Association (FAA) invites you to its “56th annual Juried Art Show.” The show runs from April 6 until April 28 at the gallery located at 37697 Niles Boulevard in Fremont. The reception is on Sunday, April 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 pm. The gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
This is a very strong show with both 2- and 3-dimensional works of art from artists all over the bay area. You won’t want to miss the latest creations from Peter Lagenbach and the meticulous watercolors of his wife Maureen. From sculpture to plein aire paintings, this show has it all.
Our juror this year was Juanita Hagberg, best known for her works on Yupo, a type of synthetic paper that offers many possibilities. Her journey to become a watercolor artist began following a career as a public-school teacher. She was self-taught, and fortunate to have had two inspiring mentors. Experiencing nature is paramount to her, and loves painting “en plein air.” Those impressions become the genesis for her abstractions.
Awards were decided on by the Juror based on the actual artwork prior to the show opening. The artists were awarded a total of $1,200 in cash prizes. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. during the reception.
Fremont Arts Association Juried Show
Saturday, Apr 6 – Sunday, Apr 28
Gallery Hours: Sat & Sun; 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Reception
Sunday, Apr 7
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
FAA Gallery
37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 792-0905
Facing the Climate Challenge
Submitted by Shirley Gilbert
You are invited to join the League of Women Voters Fremont, Newark, and Union City on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Niles Discovery Church in Fremont to hear international and local climate activists pass along steps each of us can take to help save our planet. The program is free, and everyone is welcome.
Bill McKibben, an international climate activist, educator, and author, has recorded a special presentation for Tri-City residents expressly for this event. He recently helped found Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 to work on climate and racial justice. He is a contributing writer to the New Yorker and serves as the Schumann Distinguished Professor in Residence at Middlebury College in Vermont. In 2014, he was awarded the Right Livelihood Prize, sometimes called the ‘alternative Nobel,’ in the Swedish Parliament. He’s written over a dozen books about the environment and won the Gandhi Peace award and honorary degrees from 19 colleges and universities.
Amos White is founder and Chief Planting Officer of 100K Trees for Humanity, a Black-led urban reforestation nonprofit. 100K Trees organizes cities and communities to plant trees for climate, equity, and public health. Since its founding in 2019, the 100K Trees organization has raised over $2.5M for tree planting. White was appointed to CALFIRE’s Urban Forestry Advisory Committee in 2021 and the Alameda County Agricultural Advisory Committee, where he presently serves as Urban Ag Chair. He is a 2023 Recipient of the Jefferson Award, a recognition that is given to citizens who have done extraordinary things.
Representing environmentally conscious students at two of our local high schools are: Jasmine Grisanti, founder, and president of the Washington High School Ecology Club; Jyoshika Balaraman, captain of the Climate Science Olympiad at American High School, and Sharva Parma, treasurer of the Science and Eco Club also at American High School.
This is a climate imperative you won’t want to miss.
Facing the Climate Challenge
Saturday, Apr 6
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Arts & Culture Month
Submitted by Phyllis Wood
April is here! This is what we have all been waiting for –a month of events celebrating art and culture in Fremont. Visit FremontCreates.com for the full calendar of dates, times, and locations of all of the events scheduled for Arts, Culture & Creativity Month.
Stop by Jack’s Brewing Company for pub songs from Mission Peak’s Annual Beer Choir. Grab paper and pen and enter the Flash Fiction Writing Contest. How about a ceramics class or dance workshop? Then the second and fourth weekends in April, explore Open Studios throughout the city, where artists will exhibit and sell at their own studios. This is a rare opportunity to see where the creative process takes place! (Learn more details at: https://fremontcreates.com/event/fremont-open-studios)
The following exhibits will continue at Fremont Main Library:
Fremont’s Dragons
Annual Juried Photo Exhibit
Imaginook Kid’s Art Show
Visit the Olive Hyde Gallery to enjoy the current exhibit, HumanEssence.
There is lots to do, see, and enjoy!
To cap off the month’ events, join Fremont Creates’ free Grand Finale on April 27, at the Downtown Event Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local artists will present music, vocal, dance, and spoken word performances as well as the culinary artistry of food trucks.
We are still in need of volunteers for the event; sign up at Fremont.Creates.com. Volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and we’d love to have you join us.
Thank you to our sponsors:
City of Fremont
Supervisor David Haubert, Alameda County Supervisor, District 1
Niles Rotary Foundation
Brandon T. Sass, Primerica Investment Advisor
Scott Capen Photography
Olive Hyde Art Guild
Washington Hospital Healthcare System
Earth Day Event in Hayward
Submitted by Jim Cauble (The Pickup Artist)
On Earth Day, join a gang of Garbologists and Earthletes to help keep Hayward Clean and Green, and compete in the Grabber Games! From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20, volunteer at Weekes Community Center Park using a city-supplied grabber to collect litter and make Hayward more beautiful. After the cleanup event, we will hold the first ever Grabber Games, to have fun with it. Prizes will be awarded.
To register or for more details, go to https://hayward-ca.gov/earth-day. Send comments or questions to ThePickupArtist-KHCG@outlook.com
Earth Day Event in Hayward
Saturday, Apr 20
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Weekes Park
27182 Patrick Ave., Hayward
Annual Juried Photography Exhibit Results
By Arathi Satish
The 29th Annual Juried Photography Exhibit reception was held on Saturday, March 23 at the Fremont Main Library. The photographs will be on display at the library through Saturday, May 4. Julie Gilson, President, Fremont Cultural Arts Council, said, “I very much enjoyed our opening reception, visiting with the photographers, watching attendees react to the images, and seeing the photos on display. My congratulations to all. Everyone’s a ‘winner’ in my opinion, as it is a juried show and all the submissions must exceed a certain ‘bar’ in order to be invited for display.”
Exhibit Chair Rajeev Shankar said, “The FCAC photo contest illuminated the Fremont community with a kaleidoscope of captivating images, from stunning nature shots to human interest stories to expansive landscapes. Hosted at the Fremont Main Library, the event not only showcased the remarkable talents of adults but heralded the ingenuity of young photographers.”
In the Student Category, first prize went to Dhanush Balusa for “Shoreline Heights,” second prize went to Radhika Shah for “Sweet Childish Days,” and third prize went to Sireesh Pedapenki for “Foraging through the Fog.” Honorable Mentions were awarded to Dhanush Balusa for “Mother Earth’s Palette,” Veda Jadaprolu for “Nature’s Ballroom
Gown,” Siri Pedapenki for “Are the Stars Aligned,” and Radhika Shah for “Apple of my Eye.”
In the Open Category, first prize went to May Chen for “Egg Laying Happening Soon,” second prize went to Carol Zhang for “A Night at Badlands,” and third prize went to Jason Cheng for “Sunset Patrol.” Honorable Mentions went to Jason Cheng for “Black Skimmer in Flight” and “Out at First!”, David Fishbaugh for “Carrizo Plain Super Bloom,” Steve Naegele for “Along Alameda Creek Trail 4,” and Siddhartha Shome for “Sunrise Hikers on Mission Peak.”
The Alvin Docktor Nature Award was given to May Chen for “Egg Laying Happening Soon.” The President’s Choice Award went to Fred Hom for “Heron,” the People’s Choice award went to Jennifer Huang for “Fly Away,” and First Time Entrant Award went to Keith Westra for “The Farrier.”
Award winners shared the inspiration behind their photographs. May Chen who won first place in the open category and the Alvin Dockter Memorial Award said, “The presence of Great Blue Herons, or any thriving wildlife, among us is an indication our environment is reasonably healthy…I wish the Great Blue Herons, and wildlife, safety and ease in fulfilling the tasks in living their natural lifespan.”
Radhika Shah, who won two prizes in the student category, said, “My photo, ‘Apple of My Eye,’ is a close-up of an eye with the reflection of a phone in it. I clicked a picture of my sister and later realized the reflection of the phone in her eye. I tried a play on words to create the title for this photo. The second photo, ‘Sweet Childish Days’ is a picture of my sister climbing a tree, taken from above. This is another picture of my sister that I captured on impulse. I later converted it to black and white to capture the nostalgia of innocent summer days.”
Judge Len Cook pointed out, “It’s an honor to be invited back to judge the FCAC photo contest and a pleasure to view the images…A portrait of the Fremont region and our access to nature emerges as I look at the collection. Lovely landscapes and nature photographs illustrate how close we remain to open spaces and a variety of wildlife. The artists also show a nice range of interpretations in the work, from traditional black-and-white straight prints through dreamy and successful digital manipulation.”
As Rajeev Shankar said, “Each image, meticulously crafted and imbued with meaning, spoke volumes about the passion and dedication of its creator. Special commendation is due to the student participants whose photograph quality is improving leaps and bounds year over year while offering fresh perspectives on the world around us.”
Julie Gilson concluded by saying, “This event is a marvelous kick-off for Arts, Culture and Creativity month (ACCM) in Fremont.”
The title card with each photograph indicates whether it is available for purchase. Reference librarians have price and contact information. Any photographs purchased must remain in the exhibit until the end of the show.
For more information, visit www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org or contact Exhibit Chairman Rajeev Shankar at (510) 399-3049 or fcacphotoshow2024@gmail.com.
Juried Photography Exhibit 2024
Ongoing through Saturday, May 4
During Library hours
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org
Uniting for a greener tomorrow: Youth4Good and Fremont LEAF
By Olivia Ma
In our world where climate change, wealth gaps, and hunger are pressing issues, two local organizations have collaborated to foster a better world. Youth4Good, a volunteer group that serves the low-income community, has joined forces with Local Ecology and Agriculture Farm (LEAF), led by Elaine Owyang, to create a space in which volunteers can not only have fun, but also help promote environmentalism while helping the unhoused and fighting against hunger.
Under the leadership of Owyang, LEAF farms with regenerative agriculture, meaning that they focus on maintaining healthy soil, without the use of biocides, such as pesticides and herbicides. With a rich background that includes a career in high tech and a degree in horticulture, Owyang started her journey to LEAF fueled by a love for gardening and a desire to use her skills to make a difference. On top of farming to help the environment, LEAF also donates all its crops to local homeless shelters and food banks.
“I think about how cool it is, that we harvest and within two hours, they’re actually distributing the vegetables to people,” said Owyang, “and the crops are really fresh.”
Owyang sees gardening as a way for someone to experience a whole lifecycle, which, as she puts it, is an extremely rewarding process. This experience allows all volunteers to learn not just about growing food, but about the ecosystems that support life and how they can protect and enhance them.
Kevin Yan, vice president of Youth4Good’s LEAF Volunteering Department, first started volunteering with LEAF two years ago with little experience in agriculture. Yan believes that “all the experiences that [he’s] gathered here made [him] really appreciate gardening more.” His growth from a casual volunteer to a student leader within Youth4Good and LEAF illustrates how transformative the two organizations can be, and highlights how helping the environment and other people brings fulfillment and new experiences.
Kaiwen Sung, an Irvington High School Junior and another Youth4Good LEAF volunteer, has begun applying environmental principles to his own life. Sung believes that individuals can make a difference by “paying attention to what they do day-to-day, like trying to save water and reduce light usage,” proving that individual actions can contribute to a bigger movement, and how everything starts small.
Youth4Good and LEAF’s partnership is a testament to how environmental conservation can come hand in hand with assisting social welfare. By marrying the goals of environmentalism with the mission to feed the unhoused and underserved, they set a model for community-led initiatives.
Fremont LEAF
55 Mowry Ave, Fremont
Murder on the Orient Express
Submitted by Terry Guillory
On April 6, The San Leandro Players will present “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” adapted by Ken Ludwig; directed by Dana M. Fry, Ed.D.
Agatha Christie based her novel “Murder on the Orient Express” on the kidnapping and murder of the Lindberg baby in 1932. Two other notable events helped inspire her: her first Orient Express journey in 1928, and a 1929 blizzard in Turkey that stranded the Orient Express for six days! Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation boasts all the glamor, intrigue and suspense of Dame Agatha’s celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor to quicken the pace. All aboard the Orient Express–unless you have a secret you’re hiding!
The show features Dawn Cates, Daniel Dickinson, Charlie Esquivel, Nikolas Greene, Sara Guillen, Terry Guillory, Polina Litvak, Evan Mooney, Rob Mueller, Diane Thorne, Jim Woodbury.
Catch a performance on Saturdays at 8 p.m. & Sundays at 2 p.m., April 6 through May 5, plus two Fridays at 8 p.m. (April 26 and May 3) at the San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, next to the historic Casa Peralta and two blocks east of the San Leandro BART Station. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Tickets are $25 general; $20 seniors & under 12 (other discounts may apply). For info/reservations call (510)895-2573. Order tickets online at www.slplayers.org.
PLEASE NOTE: MASKING IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
“Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Murder on the Orient Express
Saturday, Apr 6 – Sunday, May 5
Saturday: 8 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m.
Friday, Apr 26 & May 3: 8 p.m.
San Leandro Museum/Auditorium
320 West Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510)895-2573
Tickets: $25 general; $20 seniors & under 12
Spring Showcase & free Ice Cream Social
Submitted by Joe Stoner
The Newark Educational Foundation is presenting a free ice cream social to showcase Newark Unified School District student STEAM activities – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The event is at Newark Memorial High School on Saturday, April 13. Everyone is invited!
The event will feature band, choir, and drama performances. Members of the nationally-ranked Newark Memorial High School Rocketry Club will be present to talk about their accomplishments. The Rocketry Club was invited to the NASA Student Launch Challenge in Huntsville AL.
The Newark Educational Foundation is holding this event to highlight how they financially support Newark USD students. See newarkeducationalfoundation.org for more information.
NEF Ice Cream Social
Saturday, Apr 13
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Newark Memorial High School
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
www.nef.support
newarkeducationalfoundation.org
SplashoMania Rain Dance Holi at Ohlone College
Submitted by Radio Zindagi & Aditya Patel Company
Photo courtesy of SplashoMania website
Holi isn’t over! On April 6, join a Holi festival at the Ohlone College Fremont Campus. Dance to Bollywood tunes and throw colored powder at your friends. Food trucks will be on site.
The event will take place in Lot G, and free parking will be available in several other lots at the college.
SplashoMania Rain Dance Holi
Saturday, Apr 6
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ohlone College Parking Lot G
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Tickets: $15 individual; groups of five or more, $13 each; free for kids under five
Rotary Club of Mission San Jose Donates to Ohlone College Nursing Department
Submitted by Dr. Celina Barrios
Ohlone College received an over $20,000 donation to benefit future nursing students, supporting education and healthcare in the Bay Area.
The Rotary Club of Mission San Jose proudly surpassed their fundraising goals in December 2023. The club’s fundraiser garnered an impressive $43,000, surpassing the initial $30,000 goal. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment to the community.
A significant portion of the funds raised, totaling $21,500, has been allocated to benefit the nursing department at Ohlone College. Four scholarships will be given to deserving students to meet their educational goals. These scholarships will specifically aid entry-level, low-income students, thus providing them with access to education that may have otherwise been out of reach. Additionally, a portion of the donation will contribute to the new trauma center at Washington Hospital.
Nursing programs play a crucial role in addressing the shortage of licensed nurses, particularly among low-income communities. According to a recent UCSF survey, California is facing a shortage of approximately 36,000 licensed nurses. The generous donation from the Rotary Club of Mission San Jose will help bridge this gap by empowering individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue careers in nursing, ultimately serving their communities.
“We are immensely grateful to the Rotary Club of Mission San Jose for their generous contribution to our nursing department,” said Binh Nguyen, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Ohlone College. “This donation will not only provide financial assistance to deserving students but will also help address the critical shortage of nurses in our state. It is through partnerships like these that we can make a real difference in the lives of our students and the broader community.”
The success of the fundraiser would not have been possible without the support of Washington Hospital, which provided the venue for the event, as well as the dedicated efforts of club members and donors. The Rotary Club of Mission San Jose extends its heartfelt appreciation to all those who contributed to this worthy cause.
Just as the Rotary Club of Mission San Jose remains committed to various community initiatives, Ohlone College believes in the power to change communities through access and education. Donations such as this help pave the way for future generations to create their own bright futures.
To become part of the mission to educate and uplift our communities, visit ohlone.edu/foundation.
Hayward City Council convenes work session for Russell City reparations
By Jack Alcorn
Russell City was an area in unincorporated Alameda County, whose land today lies in the City of Hayward. From 1963 to 1967, Russell City underwent a period of redevelopment where the residents of the city were displaced, the area razed, and sold to a property developer.
Russell City was bordered by the Hayward Shoreline on the west side and Hesperian Boulevard on the east. The district included 300 acres of land between Winton Avenue and what is now Hwy 92.
According to the 1960 census, Russell City had 1,549 people in the area, with 65% listed as White/Hispanic, 32% listed as Black and 3% listed as “other race.” Hayward was 97% White. Median income in Russell City was just over $4,000, compared with $7,300 for the City of Hayward.
Beginning in 1910, plots of land in Russell City ranging from small sub-acre lots to multi hectare farms were sold by local real estate magnate Frederick Russell. Russell sold these parcels at under market values to anyone with the ability to pay regardless of their identity.
The land in Russell City was undeveloped – no graded or paved roads and no infrastructure for water, power or sewer. Homes, farms and businesses grew in the area over the next few decades. Lack of infrastructure and services led to serious problems recurring in the growing district. Floods, fires, and disease outbreaks associated with sewage happened again and again.
Alameda County Board of Supervisors reports throughout the 1950’s repeatedly deemed Russell City a “slum”, the “shame of Alameda County.” The county lacked authority to use tax funds from all residents to improve conditions in an unincorporated district. The Alameda County Planning Commission made it official with a formal finding that Russell City was a blighted area in February 1962.
The same year, the county proceeded with self-financing plans for the redevelopment of Russell City into an industrial park. The Russell City Redevelopment Project was enacted by the County of Alameda in collaboration with the City of Hayward from 1963-1968. Public meetings revealed that opposition to the project were strong. At a public meeting in 1963, 230 attendees filled the supervisors’ chambers and the meeting had to be stopped and rescheduled to accommodate the overflow.
In March 1965, after monetary compensation to deed holders, the first demolition of the homes in Russell City began. By the end of the property acquisition stage of redevelopment, the county sold roughly half of the entire district to an industrial real estate developer.
In January 2022, Hayward City Council directed staff to work with the survivors and descendants of Russell City to determine appropriate restitution through a community-led process. San Francisco State University consultants were secured to conduct fact-finding and academic research. City staff and SF State researchers identified former residents and descendants and the Russell City Reparative Justice Project (RCRJP) Steering Committee was developed.
For over a year, Russell City residents and descendants have worked collaboratively with City of Hayward staff and consultants to identify reparative justice solutions. Input from a community-led and data-driven processes was used to generate recommendations on repairing harm caused to Russell City residents and descendants.
At the March 26 meeting of the Hayward City Council, a work session was held to receive the recommendations from the Russell City Reparative Justice Project Steering Committee. The session included presentations on the subject history; findings of the steering committee; public testimony; and a list of specific recommendations for reparative justice, aligning with current national trends.
The exhaustive list of 26 distinct recommendations included compensation and support for former Russell City residents; community and land trust funds; several cultural heritage preservation initiatives and policy changes as well as formal documentation of this history, memorials and commemoration for posterity.
During the March 26 work session, dozens of former Russell City residents, descendants, advocates and Hayward citizens spoke to a packed Council chamber. They voiced support for the work and recommendations of the steering committee. Several speakers shared personal memories and stories from Russell City.
The Council listened attentively to more than an hour of testimony. All recommendations were accepted by the Council and Council directed staff to continue to work with the Russell City community to consolidate the list of recommendations and to develop an implementation matrix.
The Council discussed including relevant recommendations from the list as part of planning efforts across city departments. Other Council suggestions were for the creation of citizen committees to collect stories and art from Russell City families and businesses, and for the creation of a Russell City Cultural Commission to pursue grant funding to further the intent of the recommendations.
Councilmember Angela Andrews spoke of the strength and enduring presence of the Russell City community, evidenced by an annual picnic. She said, “The City has to do something…”
“Governments sometimes, can be impersonal,” said the Mayor.
A compendium of detailed information regarding this issue can be found by reviewing the documents associated with the Russell City work session from the March 26 Hayward City Council meeting: https://hayward.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
San Leandro Announces Grant Opportunity for Youth Programs
Submitted by Mikayla Carter
The City of San Leandro’s Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) announces the release of the Youth Mini Grant for the 2023-2024 term. This innovative annual program provides grant funding to support organizations or programs that are youth-driven and have a positive impact on San Leandro youth.
The YAC raised the grant money by volunteering and implementing special fundraising events. Additional funds to support this program were generously donated by the San Leandro Optimist Club. The total funding available for this year’s Youth Mini Grant is $1,000; the amount per award will be dependent on the number of awards granted and their corresponding funding level.
Apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/91LgNBbTgt or scan the QR code to access the application. Applications must be submitted by May 6, 2024. Early applications encouraged.
For more information, visit sanleandro.org/YAC or email youth@sanleandro.org.
FREE E-Waste drop-off event at Logan High School
Submitted by Tri-CED Community Recycling
Tri-CED Community Recycling will host a FREE Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Drop-Off Event on Saturday, April 13 at James Logan High School’s main parking lot on Alvarado-Niles Road. Our E-Waste events are provided at no additional cost to residents on behalf of UC Recycles and held in partnership with Civicorps, a fellow local non-profit workforce training program for young adults. We welcome all Union City residents to participate in recycling their unwanted E-Waste safely and responsibly.
Acceptable E-Waste items for recycling include: Television sets (all sizes), computer monitors, laptop computers, computer hard drives, computer keyboards and mice, printers (excluding industrial size), cell phones/old phones, DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, and fax machines (excluding industrial size). For a full list of acceptable items, please visit: www.Tri-CED.org.
Please note that the following items are prohibited and will not be collected at this event: Household hazardous waste (HHW), kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, vacuum Cleaners, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Visit www.StopWaste.org/ReSource to learn how to properly dispose these items.
Tri-CED Community Recycling is a State-certified and designated E-Waste collection facility and has been handling E-Waste properly for almost 20 years. Residents are encouraged to drop off their E-Waste for recycling at our facility located at 33377 Western Avenue, Union City, throughout the year during operating hours on Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact Tri-CED at (510) 429-8030 or visit www.Tri-CED.org.
FREE E-Waste drop-off
Saturday Apr 13
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
James Logan High School
Main Parking Lot off Alvarado Niles Rd.
1800 H St., Union City
‘Stand Up and Speak Out’ Art Competition
Submitted by City of Fremont
Expanding on the Annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Art Competition that honors Children’s Mental Health Awareness each year in May, this year the City of Fremont has added a competition for older adults to celebrate Older American’s Month, also in May.
Tri-City artists between the ages of 3 and 21, and 55 or older, are encouraged to submit their original artwork by the April 12, 2024 deadline. Winners will be announced at an Art Show on May 9, which is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth.
Stand Up and Speak Out
Deadline to enter: April 12, 2024
Winners Announced
Thursday, May 9
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
https://www.fremont.gov/government/departments/human-services/events
Tri-City Band Corps Winter Championship Performances
Submitted by Charleen Pan, TBC Chief Publicity Officer
California Color Guard Circuit (CCGC) Winter Championships are quickly approaching! On April 6, Tri-City Band Corps (TBC) Imperialis and Immortalis will be performing at the event, which will also be the last competition of the season that they will attend. After several months of hard work and dedication, these two groups are ready to show everything they have learned at this performance to finish this winter season.
Immortalis is TBC’s beginning indoor winter guard. These students had little to no winter guard experience before this season and will be competing in the Independent Regional A category. Imperialis is TBC’s advanced indoor winter guard, with many talented students who have dedicated several years to the activity. They will be competing in the Independent National A category.
Both groups have dedicated countless hours to rehearsals and other competitions and have come very far in the last few months. Please support our groups as they wrap up the season with an exceptional performance at CCGC Winter Championships at Independence High School in San Jose on April 6, 2024. These students have worked hard to put together an amazing show, and there will also be many other wonderful groups performing.
For elementary students interested in learning about music and joining a band, please sign up for TBC’s summer Hastati Regiment program. For middle school students interested in learning more about the color guard, please sign up for TBC’s summer Cadet Regiment program. For high school students, please sign up for the summer Royal Regiment program. These programs allow aspiring guard students to gain experience, perform for audiences, and make new friends from all over the Bay Area.
In addition, after a successful season, TBC’s competitive indoor percussion group, Tri-City Percussion, will be performing at Northern California Percussion Alliance Championships in Stockton Arena on April 13, 2024, competing in the Percussion Independent Open category. Please support them at their final performance of the season!
Enrollment for TBC’s other summer programs has also opened, so if you are interested in learning more about them, please visit tricitybandcorps.org or email tbc@tricitybandcorps.org.
Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition’s presentation to focus on Social Media
Submitted by Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition
If your nonprofit social strategy is delivering less than desired results or needs a refresh, or if you’re just getting started with establishing a social presence, Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition (TCNPC) can help!
TCNPC is pleased to announce that its April 11 presentation will focus on social media marketing best practices. Muirgheal Forro, Operations and Community Outreach Manager at HERS Breast Cancer Foundation will review ways to highlight your mission and work on social channels.
Presentation topics will include developing brand-aligned strategic content, incorporating storytelling in a personal and engaging manner, structuring your online presence in a way that fosters collaboration, and using targeted social media advertising to reach and influence a broad audience.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Washington Hospital’s Anderson Auditorium in Fremont. This free in-person event will include networking and light refreshments.
Register today to join TCNPC in person at http://tinyurl.com/SMPresi2024.
About TCNPC:
Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition’s mission is to strengthen the ability of all Tri-City nonprofit organizations to successfully accomplish their respective missions by collaborating, sharing information, and raising community awareness. Resources include a nonprofit directory, a comprehensive event calendar, and more! Visit https://tcnpc.org for more information. Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID #86-3243537.
TCNPC April Meeting
Thursday, Apr 11
6:30 p.m.
Washington Hospital Anderson Auditorium
2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont
Registration: http://tinyurl.com/SMPresi2024
Career News Roundup for April 1 and Beyond
By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
In honor of the first day of April, I decided to put together a list of recent job and business updates that may (or may not) provide critical information for your career development. The good folks at Tri City Voice have kindly offered this space for your enjoyment and education – please do not write/complain/troll them if you spot any inaccuracies in this column.
Here is my roundup of the latest career news (circa April 1, 2024):
In an effort to stem the tide of AI-generated and fake resumes, tech companies are now mandating job candidates to submit handwritten resumes and cover letters. Candidates will be required to provide handwriting samples in person. These samples will be analyzed by expert graphologists. So forget fancy infographic resumes – it’s time to invest in pen, parchment and calligraphy lessons.
Trending in Silicon Valley is the requirement that all job candidates undergo facial analysis during a zoom interview and on the first day of the job. Candidates who do not pass this facial matching test will be terminated immediately. The use of this Facial Analysis Recognition Technology is an effort to curb the phenomenon of people using stand-ins (who are presumably smarter than them) during a zoom interview. As a career coach, I now recommend that job candidates postpone any plastic surgery procedures until they have completed the first day on the job.
Staff at the Richmond Wildlife Center in Virginia have been issued a new work uniform – a fox mask, complete with furry ears, big eyes, and snout. To ensure that a baby fox does not habituate to humans, staff taking care of the tiny fox have to don a Halloween-worthy fox mask. This workplace is definitely not for Red Riding Hood types. On the other hand, how often are you allowed to be foxy on the job?
Many companies have taken a hit in the past for one public infraction or another. To combat negative public perception and create a more wholesome, trustworthy image of themselves, the following companies announced that they will be changing their names:
Facebook, who has had too many data breaches to count, will henceforth be known as LoseFaceBook.
SalesForce, who had substantial CEO and layoff troubles, will now have the friendlier name of BakeSalesForce.
Microsoft has finally admitted its use of forced retention tactics with its new, tougher, no-nonsense name of MicroHard.
Google, with its new name Go-Ogle, is returning to its original mission of helping people ogle themselves and others.
Who says librarians are too strict? Au cat-traire. The Worcester Public Library in Massachusetts is allowing its patrons to wipe out their library fines, if they show a photo or drawing of a cat. Dog lovers are howling in protest, but the library believes this is a purr-fect way to draw patrons back to the library.
We do not have to worry about the incursion of AI into our lives. California lawmakers will be voting on a bill to outlaw all AI in all devices in California. Those who have Alexa installed need not worry – a special provision allows homeowners to retain their Alexa, as long as their devices were installed before 1995.
Employee perks like free food, game tickets, and foosball tables are the norm in big tech companies. But none of these address the loneliness and isolation that are prevalent in many people’s lives. Small startups that cannot afford to hire top chefs, masseuses, and concierges have turned to Hugh Anderson for a more personal approach. Anderson’s company (Hugh Anderson Hugs Association) provides in-house hugs for tech employees. Anderson assures that his staff are carefully trained in the art of warm, comforting, yet non-harassing hugs. Notes Anderson, “A hug is what you really need when you are trying to debug.”
Can you spot the real weird news from the fake weird news? Here is a hint as to which two of the above news items are real: Do not be outfoxed by the cat.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
Anne Chan is a career consultant and licensed psychotherapist in California. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at annechantcv@gmail.com © Anne Chan, 2024
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Photo credit: Pexels.com.
Dear EarthTalk: Why hasn’t biomass caught on more as a renewable energy source? – PJ, via email
Biomass is organic material derived from living or recently living organisms like plants, animals and microorganisms. It can be used as a renewable energy source via combustion, fermentation or conversion to biofuels. Some biomass sources, like oil or alcohol-rich crop residue and animal manure, are widely produced on an industrial scale. As we deplete and intentionally shift away from the pollutive natural gas, oil and coal, optimists believe that biofuel may become a viable widespread renewable alternative.
First-generation biofuels use food crops, like corn and sugarcane, but this diverts resources from food production. Instead, second-generation biofuel uses inedible biomass, like wood and agricultural waste. These are low-cost and can serve also to reduce waste, as they use animal and plant waste that would otherwise go to landfills. The U.S. Department of Energy says using up to a billion tons of biomass each year for biofuel could reduce petroleum consumption by 30 percent and create new domestic jobs.
Biomass proponents call biofuel carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during its combustion is offset by the amount that is absorbed by the plants during growth. Others believe this overlooks factors like land use change, biomass-processing emissions, and the methane released during decomposition. Biomass combustion also releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, highlighting the environmental and health risks associated with biomass utilization.
It takes decades for biomass-produced carbon to be removed from the atmosphere. Studies suggest that it may even be a dirtier business than fossil fuels, with wood and corn-based ethanol emitting from 1.25 to 1.5 times more CO2 than coal per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. Research conducted by Harvard's Jonathan Buonocore suggests that biomass combustion causes more health-related deaths than conventional coal-fired power plants. Moreover, biomass production can contribute to loss of forests and biodiversity, and indirect land use change. Burning biomass can cause significant public health issues, including asthma, heart and respiratory diseases, birth defects, and even death.
Mitigating environmental and health drawbacks and enhancing the effectiveness of current technologies can help make biofuel more viable. Investing in advanced biomass conversion technologies, such as gasification and pyrolysis, can reduce greenhouse gas and toxic byproducts during combustion. Promoting sustainable sourcing practices, including the exclusive use of agricultural and forestry residues rather than dedicated energy crops, can minimize deforestation and habitat destruction.
Biofuels today are more expensive than conventional fuels like natural gas and crude oil. Researchers aim to design processes that better utilize lignin and sugars in biomass. If this can be achieved, biomass-derived aviation fuel could potentially achieve a break-even price as low as $3.15 per gallon of gasoline-equivalent, offering a competitive edge against traditional jet fuel costs. If we can address these health, environmental and technological challenges, we may well realize the full potential of biofuels.
CONTACTS:
Health consequences of using biomass for energy
Biomass Energy: Climate Solution or Potential Catastrophe?
Inexpensive, carbon-neutral biofuels are finally possible https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240207120424.htm
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more athttps://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.
EarthTalk
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Photo via Pexels.com
Dear EarthTalk: What’s causing the decline in U.S. wild turkey populations?
Americans have always loved wild turkeys, perhaps too much. By 1900, we had nearly driven this close relative to the chicken to extinction as a result of unregulated hunting and habitat destruction. But thanks to conservation and relocation efforts, these big birds started making a comeback in the 1940s. Over the next several decades, thanks to a series of reforms and demographic changes, wild turkey numbers grew and the species hit its population peak in 2004 with as many as seven million of them across the U.S. All this made wild turkeys one of the biggest success stories in the history of American wildlife.
But will it last? Since that population peak, wild turkey numbers have fallen, declining some 15 percent between 2004-2014 and another three percent between 2014-2019. Biologists are struggling to determine why. Much of this decline has been in the South and the Midwest. Scientists have been investigating habitat loss, hunting, disease and climate change, as all possible causes of this population downturn.
One of the potential reasons causes for the decline is the rise in turkey-eating predators. Hawks, bobcats, coyotes and raccoons are among wild turkeys’ natural predators. Hawks and owls are protected species and have had significant rebounds since the federal government banned the use of the pesticide DDT. This protection has allowed populations of birds of prey to grow, but they are also key predators of turkeys. This increase in predators could be one of the sources of the turkey decline.
Turkeys have very specific requirements when it comes to their environment, so habitat loss could be another factor of their decline. Turkeys need areas of low, thick vegetation for nesting and raising chicks, and areas with mature trees to provide nuts to eat in the fall. As more natural areas are destroyed, turkeys may be having a harder time finding swatches of land that meets all of their needs.
Climate change is likely another factor. Turkeys may be experiencing a failure to respond to the environmental shifts of climate change. A study published in the journal Climate Change Ecology found that turkeys don’t shift nesting times much as temperatures and precipitation change. This can cause newly hatched turkeys to miss out on plant cover and edible bugs if the spring bloom starts earlier. In turn, this could affect the likelihood that turkey chicks survive into adulthood. We already know that rising temperatures affect over 100 bird species in the Americas; they might be harming turkeys too.
There is more research needed to find a definitive answer to the decline in turkey populations. It is most likely that the answer is the combination of a number of problems. As scientists look for solutions, many states have started to scale back on turkey hunting seasons in hopes of bringing population numbers up again.
Wild turkey population is declining rapidly, puzzling scientists: ‘It may be a bunch of things all adding together’, https://news.yahoo.com/wild-turkey-population-declining-rapidly-050000176.html
Wild turkeys are disappearing — but no one is sure why
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/11/23/wild-turkey-population-decline/
As the climate changes, wild turkeys aren’t keeping up – The Wildlife Society, https://wildlife.org/as-the-climate-changes-wild-turkeys-arent-keeping-up/.\
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more athttps://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.
Participate in Eclipse Science
By Kat Troche
April is NASA’s Citizen Science Month, and there is no shortage of projects available. Here are some citizen science projects that you can participate in on April 8, on and off the path of totality right from your smartphone!
Eclipse Soundscapes
Eclipse Soundscapes will compare data from a 1932 study on how eclipses affect wildlife – in this case, crickets. There are a number of ways you can participate, both on and off the path. NOTE: you must be 13 or older to submit data. Participants 18+ can apply to receive the free Data Collector kit. Learn more at: eclipsesoundscapes.org.
GLOBE Eclipse
Folks that participated in the GLOBE Eclipse 2017 will be glad to see that their eclipse data portal is now open! With the GLOBE Observer smartphone app, you can measure air temperature and clouds during the eclipse, contributing data to the GLOBE program from anywhere you are. Learn more at: observer.globe.gov.
HamSCI
HamSCI stands for Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation. HamSCI has been actively engaged in scientific data collection for both the October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse and the upcoming April 8, 2024, total eclipse. Two major activities that HamSCI will be involved in around the solar events will be the Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP) and the Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge (GSSC) which are part of the HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science. Learn more about these experiments and others at: hamsci.org/eclipse.
SunSketcher
If you’re traveling to totality, help the SunSketcher team measure the oblateness, or shape, of the Sun during the eclipse by timing the flashes of Baily’s Beads. You will need a smartphone with a working camera for this, along with something to hold the phone in place – don’t forget a spare battery! NOTE: The app will need to run from five minutes before the eclipse starts until the end of the eclipse. Any additional phone use will result in Sun Sketcher data loss. Learn more at: sunsketcher.org.
Don’t stop at the eclipse – NASA has citizen science projects you can do all year long, from cloud spotting on Mars to hunting for distant planets! By contributing to these research efforts, you can help NASA make new discoveries and scientific breakthroughs, resulting in a better understanding of the world around us, from the critters on the ground, to the stars in our sky.
We’ll be highlighting other citizen science projects with our mid-month article on the Night Sky Network page, but we want to wish all you eclipse chasers out there a very happy, and safe solar eclipse! For last minute activities, check out Night Sky Network’s Solar Eclipse Resources section!
This article is distributed by NASA’s Night Sky Network (NSN). The NSN program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov to find local clubs, events, and more!
The Robot Report
Separate fact from fiction about AI in the warehouse at the Robotics Summit
By The Robot Report Staff
Artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize robotics and industries including supply chain and logistics. For all of the hype around generative AI, robotics developers, integrators, and warehouse operators need to separate the facts from fiction. At the 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo, Locus Robotics will offer some help in demystifying AI in the warehouse.
Sean Pineau, head of third-party logistics (3PL) segments at Locus Robotics, will present a session on “AI in the Warehouse: What You Really Need to Know” at 1:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 1. He will discuss the considerations and potential benefits and impacts of implementing AI in the warehouse.
Pineau will also explain what “embodied AI” is, what is and is not AI, and how warehouse managers can optimize their operations with AI and robotics.
Pineau has a decade’s experience in leadership roles in the materials handling industry. He said his time at Dematic and Crown Equipment Corp. provided a deep understanding of automation.
In 2021, Pineau became an account executive focusing on the retail vertical market at Locus Robotics. The Wilmington, Mass.-based company is a leading provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
In recognition of his results-driven approach, relentless dedication, and strategic acumen, Locus recently appointed Pineau as head of 3PL segments.
The 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo will be the largest ever, according to WTWH Media, which also produces Mobile Robot Guide and The Robot Report. The event will be at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on May 1 and 2.
It will include up to 5,000 attendees, more than 200 exhibitors, various networking opportunities, a Women in Robotics breakfast, a career fair, an engineering theater, a startup showcase, and more!
New to the summit is the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala. It will include a cocktail hour, a plated dinner, photo opportunities, and the chance to hear from the Robot of the Year, Startup of the Year, and Application of the Year winners.
Each RBR50 winner will receive two complimentary tickets to the Robotics Summit and RBR50 gala. A limited number of tickets is available to attendees, but they’re selling fast!
The Robotics Summit will be co-located with DeviceTalks, an event focused on medical devices, and the inaugural Digital Transformation Forum. Registration is now open for the event.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – When should we claim Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am almost 63 and my husband will be 61 soon, and we are looking to see when our best time would be to start our Social Security benefits. We would like to know if one of us qualifies for benefits from a previous marriage from 1984 to 1995. And we are wondering if I can start drawing at age 65, in two years, or if it is better that I wait until 67 because my spouse is two years younger than me. Also, if I were to continue working limited hours after 65, what would my earning limit be? Signed: Almost Ready
Dear Almost Ready: The first thing to understand is that full retirement age (FRA) for both of you is 67. If either of you claim before that, your monthly benefit amount will be permanently reduced and, because you are working, you will be subject to Social Security’s “earnings test.”
If you claim your benefit at age 65 your monthly payment will be about 87% of what you would get if you claimed at age 67. If your husband claims at age 62, his benefit will be about 70% of his FRA amount. The only way to get 100% of the benefit you’ve each earned from a lifetime of working is to claim at your FRA. You can choose to claim at age 65 as long as you’re comfortable with the benefit reduction which will occur, and as long as your annual work earnings do not significantly exceed the earnings limit for that year. In any case, when each of you claims will not affect the other’s retirement benefit amount.
Social Security’s “earnings test” for those claiming before FRA sets a limit for how much can be earned before some (or all) benefits are taken away. The earnings limit for 2024 is $22,320, but it changes yearly. If you claim early benefits and your work earnings exceed that year’s limit, Social Security will take away $1 in benefits for every $2 you are over the limit. They take away by withholding future benefits long enough to recover what you owe for exceeding the limit. If you significantly exceed the annual earnings limit, you may be temporarily ineligible to receive SS benefits until you either earn less or reach your FRA (the earnings test no longer applies after you reach your FRA). I cannot predict what the earnings limit will be two years from now, but it will be more than the 2024 limit and published at that time. FYI, in the year you turn 67 your pre-FRA earnings limit will be much higher, and when you reach your FRA the earnings test no longer applies.
Regarding your previous marriage, you cannot receive spousal benefits from an ex-spouse while you are currently married. But when to claim may also be influenced by whether either you or your current spouse will get a spousal benefit from the other. If the FRA (age 67) benefit amount for one of you is more than twice the other’s FRA entitlement, the one with the lower FRA amount will get a “spousal boost” to their own amount when both of you are collecting.
Spouse benefits reach maximum at one’s FRA, but each person’s personal SS retirement amount will continue to grow if not claimed at FRA. Waiting past FRA to claim allows the SS retirement benefit to grow by 8% per year, up to age 70. So, with an FRA of 67, claiming at age 70 will yield a payment 24% higher than the FRA amount, 76% more than the age 62 amount, and about 37% more than the age 65 amount. But waiting beyond FRA is only smart if financially feasible and life expectancy is at least average (about 84 and 87 respectively for a man and woman your current ages). And, as a general rule, if one’s spousal benefit at FRA (50% of their partner’s FRA entitlement) is highest, then that spouse should claim at FRA to get their maximum benefit.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
Evoke positive emotions by adding the Pantone Color of the Year to your garden
By Melinda Myers
Photos courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company
Add a warm, cozy feel to this year’s gardens with the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. It was selected for generating a feeling of kindness and tenderness and encouraging sharing, community, and collaboration. Consider including this color in your garden to convey these emotions or as a good excuse to add more plants to your landscape.
This is the 25th year the Pantone Color Institute has selected a color that reflects the spirit of the times. These are colors you are likely to see in home furnishings, advertisements, and even our landscapes.
Peach Fuzz lies somewhere between pink and salmon. Many garden plants have flowers that fit into this color spectrum and can be used in containers and garden beds.
Vivacia™ Orange Dianthus is hardy to zone 7a but can be used as an annual in colder areas. The large double flowers top 10- to 16-inch-tall plants and are showy during the cooler months of the growing season. They combine nicely with other flowers and their sturdy stems make them suitable for cutting.
SuperTrouper™ Orange Dianthus has similar colored flowers that are about 20% smaller. It is hardy in zones 5 to 9 and has a spicy fragrance.
Celway™ Salmon Celosia has the same heat and drought tolerance as other celosias. The spiky blooms are held atop 40- to 48-inch stems, making them great additions to the middle or back of the border.
If you love salvias, you can find a variety of peachy-colored blossoms. These plants tend to be deer-resistant and hummingbird magnets. Just check the plant tag for more specific information on the mature size and hardiness.
Luxury Lace daylily has subtly fragrant star-shaped flowers. Hardy in zones four to eight it has the same low maintenance requirements as other daylilies. Just water thoroughly when needed.
Geum “Mai Tai” has vermillion red flowers that fade to a peachy pink early in the season. The 18-inch-tall burgundy stems are a nice contrast to the flowers. Grow it in full sun with moist soil in zones five to seven.
Last but certainly not least is threadleaf coreopsis “Crème Caramel” (Coreopsis verticillata “Crème Caramel”). Hardy in zones five to nine, it slowly spreads, making it a nice addition to a sunny slope or traditional border. The fine foliage blends nicely with other flowers, adding welcome texture to any planting. Watch the peachy-pink flowers deepen to salmon when temperatures cool.
Use the artist’s color wheel to find colors that pair well with these and other peach-fuzz-colored flowers and foliage. Then look for opportunities to add interesting texture for some additional pizzazz. You and your visitors will enjoy the cozy warm feeling when walking through your landscape.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
The First Amendment and the Iron Jawed Angels
Submitted by League of Women Voters Eden Area
The First Amendment text reads:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
This short statement was written and adopted in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was a compromise step to ensure the ratification of the Constitution throughout the states. James Madison was the primary writer of the ten amendments.
March, recognized as Women’s History Month, provides an excellent platform to examine the First Amendment. Throughout seventy-two years of suffrage, women challenged the citizenry and courts to interpret the First Amendment in their efforts to secure the vote.
There were many parades, rallies and events that were challenged in spite of the First Amendment. It was ignored by local governments and law enforcement to keep women from sharing their messages. Women were degraded and discouraged by the lack of recognition of their right to gather and exercise freedom of speech.
The most egregious of these acts were in 1917, when women demonstrated outside the White House. Standing for hours with signs asking the president to act, created the first protest in the history of the White House. There was vocal disapproval and attacks, but the women kept showing up. The women picketed for ten months, during which they were arrested for obstructing traffic and jailed. The prisoners were treated brutally and fed unfit food. They chose to go on hunger strikes and were force fed by the guards.
These women later became known as the “Iron Jawed Angels.” They are now credited with being the first political prisoners in United States history.
The League of Women Voters Eden Area honors these women and their courageous stand for suffrage.
Fremont City Council Awards $34 Million for Affordable Housing
Submitted by City of Fremont
As part of the City’s focused efforts to increase affordable housing in Fremont, the Fremont City Council awarded $34 million in funding on March 19, 2024. This funding will help support the construction of over 450 low-income rental units in Fremont.
The funding, secured mainly through development fees earmarked for affordable housing, will aid in the development of the three projects below. Although the funding award represents a significant milestone, these projects will still need to undergo a comprehensive development process before construction can begin.
- A 150-unit project located at 37440 – 37482 Fremont Blvd. in the Centerville District; proposed by USA Properties Fund, Inc. ($12.85 million in City funding)
- A 240-unit project located at 45021 Warm Springs Blvd. in the Warm Springs District; proposed by The Pacific Companies and Maracor Development ($12 million in City funding)
- A 96-unit project located at 39340 Fremont Blvd. in the Downtown District; proposed by Community Development Partners ($10 million in City funding)
The proposed projects will be located in three different districts, promoting geographic diversity in affordable housing options for Fremont. The units will cater to a range of income levels, including households with extremely low income (less than 30% of the area median income), very low income (less than 50% of the area median income), and low income (less than 80% of the area median income). All of the buildings will be constructed with energy-efficient, all-electric systems.
With these three projects, Fremont’s supply of new affordable housing continues to grow! Several projects are currently under construction, and some will be opening soon. To learn more about these upcoming opportunities, including details about income requirements, visit the City’s Upcoming Units webpage: www.fremont.gov/government/departments/housing/affordable-housing/upcoming-affordable-
To receive updates when new affordable housing opportunities become available in Fremont, sign up for the City’s Affordable Housing Interest List: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CAFREMONT/signup/37320
School District receives $500k grant for school safety measures
Submitted by Scott Forstner
Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was awarded a $500,000 grant from Representative Ro Khanna’s Office to support school safety. This grant is a contribution towards the cost of the installation of a traffic light and new sidewalk along Calaveras Boulevard between Park Victoria and Gadsen Drives. The total cost is $3.35M.
This project provides greater safety to the community upon entering, exiting or walking along the MUSD Innovation Campus. MUSD was the only school district among 15 municipalities to be allocated funding from $14,771,279 that Rep. Khanna secured from the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2024 bills.
“This funding will make a difference in the lives of people in California’s 17th Congressional District,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “These funds will help provide housing, tackle hunger, improve public safety, and address many other needs felt in our community. I was proud to secure $14.7 million in funding for these critical projects and I am thankful they have been signed into law by President Biden.”
MUSD Board of Education President Minh Ngo, whose children attend Alexander Rose Elementary School, noted: “The community vision to support a future-ready learner in MUSD would not be possible without the passage of the 2018 Measure AA Bond, our financial partners, and the various grants awarded such as [the] award from Congressman Ro Khanna. The investment into MUSD will carry our students to greater heights and innovation.”
Milpitas Unified School District
www.musd.org
Milpitas High NJROTC Program Continues for One More Year
By Roelle Balan
A Milpitas High School program meant to help students gain leadership skills and confidence may end soon.
That’s because the high school’s National Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC) program showed up in a list of potential cuts for the upcoming year during the Milpitas Unified School District meeting on February 13, 2024.
Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) Communications Specialist Scott Forstner said through email that the school’s NJROTC program needs to work on increasing enrollment to 100 students in order for funding to continue.
Forstner said the Navy funds part of one teacher’s full-time salary if enrollment is at least 100 students. He said the current enrollment is just over 50.
During the board meeting, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said they have until May to double their enrollment or else the Navy will not financially support the instructor’s salary for the program.
The NJROTC program currently has two instructors. Forstner said the second instructor, James Whitney, was just hired before the holidays this past year.
NJROTC students spoke against the potential termination of the new instructor during the meeting. “He has inspired, led and taught all of our cadets discipline, precision, skill, motivation,” one student said. “These are things that Mr. Whitney not only taught, but has exceeded at teaching. He is a great role model for all our cadets.”
Out of all the potential budget cuts, the Milpitas School Board ultimately decided to keep the NJROTC program for the 2024 to 2025 school year to see if enrollment increases. They also talked about exploring other funding opportunities and seeing what the funding requirements are from other military branches.
It was the only item pulled from the list of budget cuts. Other cuts include an unfilled staff secretary position and an administrator position. Staff members who were affected by the cuts were notified by March 15.
School board member Robert Jung said “It is worth exploring every opportunity we can get,” as they spoke about extending the program for another academic year. One includes how the program can be a possible pathway to the military.
A written public comment from Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee said he is urging the Board to keep the program. He said, “Students learn the value of giving back to their local communities through service and are more likely to stay engaged in their community after graduation.”
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Waitlist Opening April 2 – 5, 2024
By Jack Alcorn
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program run by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives financial assistance to people who are struggling to pay rent. Section 8 assistance is currently provided by the U.S. Housing Authority to approximately 3.3 million low-income families, the elderly, and disabled people in the U.S.
The Housing Authority of the County of Alameda (HACA) will be accepting online applications for its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and HACA-owned Project-based 3 and 4 bedroom units in Union City and Emeryville for families with very low income and extremely low income. Applications will be accepted starting Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. through Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
To qualify for a Section 8 housing choice voucher, a household must make a gross (total) income below 50% of the median for their area. For example, the median annual income for a family living in Union City is $127,828. To be eligible for a Section 8 voucher, a family’s gross annual income would have to be less than half that, or $63,914. Priority is given to families who earn less than 30% of the median area income, which, in this case, would be no more than $38,348 per year.
The Housing Authority defines rental payments equal to 30% of your income as fair and affordable.
So a Bay Area family that earns roughly $38,000 annually, or $3,167 per month is expected to pay $950 per month in rent. With a voucher from HUD and a housing unit that qualifies, the family would pay $950 per month in rent (30% of income) and no more. HUD pays the rest.
The online application will be available continuously 24 hours a day during the open application period. There is no cost to apply. You can apply using any device that has access to the internet including your mobile phone. The application will be available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
HACA is also working with community partners in Fremont to provide in-person application assistance to the elderly, disabled people, those with limited English, and the general public.
To get more information or to see if you qualify for Section 8 housing assistance in your area, contact your local housing authority, as policies and amounts vary from state to state and city to city. For more general information, go to the HUD website: www.hud.gov/programdescription/cert8
Cougars Report
Submitted by Rachel Kahoalii
Champions of Character
The following Newark Memorial High School athletes were recognized as Champions of Character by their teammates this week:
Sport
Baseball
Junior Mason Yusi is important to this team. He is a vocal, lead by example type of player and even though he isn’t actively participating, he still shows up and supports the team.
Freshman King Lopez-Archibald works hard every day and gives it his all. He is a great leader and holds people accountable. He motivates people when they do wrong to get back on the right path. He makes everyone better just by showing his effort and taking practice seriously.
Track and Field
Junior Grace Veloza is very hardworking. She's always there for anyone whether it be on or off the field. Every day she demonstrates compassion and patience towards her teammates. She is a great teammate. She will also go run 6-10 miles after practice. She is very dedicated.
Sophomore Indiana Moresi is a hard worker and a determined player. She pushes herself but by pushing her teammates. She is always striving to improve her skills individually and as a teammate. She always brings a positive attitude on and off the field.
Gladiators New Head Coach
By Phil Jensen
New Chabot College head baseball coach Paul Wiebens has a simple baseball philosophy. “Be you,” said Wiebens, a Chabot asistant coach last season. “I don’t need you to be someone else. … I don't need you to be Babe Ruth, I need you to be the best version of you. That's perfect.”
The team is evidently responding to that message. The Gladiators are 15-8 overall after a 5-0 shutout of Cañada on March 19. A major strength of the team is its offense – it is averaging over 9.5 runs a game after the Cañada victory.
“We do a really good job of pitch recognition and laying off the junk that’s not in the strike zone. And we steal a lot of bags,” Wiebens said. “We’re creating offense at a pretty good clip.”
Previous to last year, Wiebens was an assistant junior college coach for nine seasons – three each with Los Medanos, Napa and Diablo Valley. He also been a NorCal Baseball summer coach, and was the head coach at Alhambra High School in Martinez in 2014, when it reached the North Coast Section Division III championship game.
Wiebens described his first season as Chabot’s head coach as a learning experience. “I’ve learned what I need to do and what I didn’t need to handle as an assistant coach,” he said. “There’s never a point in baseball when you know everything. If you think you do, you’re already beaten.”
He also realizes that the team members are dealing with a lot outside of the field. “Baseball is a game when the outside world can affect your performance, so you are dealing with a lot of psychological things outside the field,” Wiebens said. “It’s a lot to deal with and sometimes it can affect you. It’s how you get out of the bad days that creates the better athlete. You can press through and put things to the side.”
Wiebens decided to come to Chabot after the hitting coach at that time, his friend Dylan Tashjian, reached out to him. Tashjian was about to take a position as a scout for the Minnesota Twins.
“I met Will (Tavis, the previous head coach) … and the amazing staff they had here. It was so fun,” Wiebens said. “It makes it easier that you have a group that really knows the game and loves to compete and wants the guys to move on.”
In its first 23 games this season, Chabot leads the Coast-North Conference in hits (230), RBI (204), on-base percentage (.435) and slugging percentage (.491), and is second in batting average (.289).
Sophomore outfielder Raoul Fabian Jr., who is San Jose State-bound, is tied for third in the state in stolen bases (18) and leads the Coast Conference-North in home runs (seven) and stolen bases and ranks fourth in the CC-North in batting average. (.390).
Teammate Emmitt Phinney, a sophomore first baseman/designated hitter, ranks second in the conference in batting average (.405). Noah Morton, a freshman designated hitter/first baseman, is tied for second with six home runs. Freshman second baseman Daniel Behrmann is tied for third in stolen bases with 14.
Chabot also has made its mark on the mound. Isaac Lucas, a freshman lefthander, leads the conference in strikeouts (50), and freshman righthander William Aviles is third in earned run average (2.10) and fifth in strikeouts (33). Xavier Marquez, a freshman lefthander, is tied for third in wins with three.
“We have a really good history at Chabot of players making their way in baseball,” Wiebens said. “I think it starts with Chabot. The school wants to be good, the school wants to support their athletes. Not all JC’s do that.”
Wiebens pointed out the jobs that assistant coaches Jack Delmore, Charlie Konstantinos and Frank Mathews have done this season.
“My assistant coaches are doing an amazing job,” Wiebens said. “I think what they are doing is helping us become a winning baseball club.”
Badminton officially underway at Ohlone
Submitted by Ohlone College Athletics
The Ohlone College women’s badminton team took to the court for the first time in school history on March 12 for a Coast Conference match at De Anza College.
The new program, led by head coach Albert Chow, continues to show improvement. The inaugural badminton team consists of student-athletes Paola Chan Fung, Savannah Le, Ada Chen, Sarika Rathi, Kate Intreasuwan, and Amber Krahenbuhl.
The Renegades played their first official home match on March 14 against City College of San Francisco. The squad will play its next two matches on the road before returning home on April 2 to take on Skyline College.
Union City Cornhole Tournament
Submitted by Union City Parks and Recreation
Get ready for the Union City Parks and Recreation Commission’s Cornhole Tournament! Enjoy an outdoor friendly competition at Birdhaus Beer Garden. Doubles Matches are available for ages 18 and over. Players are guaranteed two games for this tournament. To view cornhole rules visit www.americancornhole.com. Fees cover entry and one drink ticket per player.
Proceeds from this tournament will benefit Union City’s Daniel Camarillo Scholarship Fund. Register fast, space is limited! Only one person from the doubles team needs to register.
For more information call (510) 675-5801 or email trinityg@unioncity.org.
Union City Cornhole Tournament
Saturday, April 13
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Birdhaus Beer Garden
3821 Smith St., Union City
(510) 675-5801
Activity Code: SP24E-400
Fee: $50 resident; $60 non-resident
John Muragu Named Fremont Unified School District’s 2024 Teacher of the Year
Submitted by Laura Forrest
The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) proudly named John Muragu its 2024 Teacher of the Year. The official announcement came at the District’s Board of Education meeting on Wednesday evening March 27. Muragu was selected from an outstanding group of nominees from FUSD schools. Muragu is a Resource Teacher and the Special Education Department Chair at Washington High School, and has been an FUSD teacher since 2017.
“Fremont Unified is an exceptional school district because of our exceptional educators,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack. “John Muragu is an excellent teacher: He is creative, caring, and a role model for others. He brings his entire self to the classroom, and his students grow not only through his instruction, but also through the sincere interest he takes in supporting each student as an individual.”
Each FUSD school nominated an educator for Teacher of the Year consideration. After a committee scored each nomination on a rubric that measures instructional excellence, contributions to the District, and teacher leadership, the highest-scoring nominees were selected as finalists and participated in an interview process.
In addition to Muragu, the 2024 finalists were: Karli Valdez from Brier Elementary School, Renee Smith from Glenmoor Elementary School, Melissa Sides from Patterson Elementary School, Kathy Fields from Centerville Middle School, Kevin Salladay from Thornton Middle School, Belinda Musto from Robertson High School, and Adrianna Herrera from Fremont Adult & Continuing Education.
“As a Board Trustee and also as a parent, I want to thank all the wonderful teachers for all the work you have done, for all the hearts you have touched, and for all the lives you have transformed,” said FUSD Board President Yajing Zhang.
Muragu will represent FUSD in consideration for Teacher of the Year recognition in Alameda County, and then possibly at the state level.
Fremont Unified School District (FUSD)
Continuing Events:
Mondays and Thursdays
Food Garden Volunteer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learning from experienced gardeners.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
volunteer@fremontleaf.org
Volunteer agreement form is required.
Tuesdays
East Bay Games Meet
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
German/Euro style board games and card games.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 936-2523
meetup.com/east-bay-games
Tuesdays
LEGO® Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Drop-in. For everyone.
Tuesdays
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for stories, music, and movement.
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
For babies, toddlers, kids, and preschoolers.
Tuesdays
Comfort & Joy Ukulele R
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
A group of ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs as well as learning new.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Tuesdays
East Indian Seniors R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Anyone who is retired and of Indian origin or interested in Indian culture is welcome to join us.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month
Wednesdays
Folk Dancing Social R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join together in the wonderful spirit of dancing and savor the beautiful music from all over the world.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays
Book Club AWC R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The book club meets for stimulating discussions.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Thursdays
International Folk Dancing R$
11:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Celebrate the cultural roots and traditional life of various countries.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
In English and Chinese.
Saturday, April 4 – Saturday, June 4
Sun Gallery Climate Justice Exhibit
Thurs, Fri, Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Local artist submissions with the theme “Climate Justice: World Peace & Security.”
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Thursdays
Bocce Ball Class R
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to play Bocce Ball.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Rain will cancel class.
Thursdays
Chinese Calligraphy Social R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bring your own supplies and socialize and have fun while doing calligraphy.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
There is no teaching on site.
Thursdays
Historic Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ride a narrow-gauge train, tour the beautifully restored Patterson House Museum. Every historic day ends with an animal feeding at 3 pm. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Thursdays
Chinese Music Ensemble R
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Open to all who are interested in performing traditional Chinese music.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Thursdays
Family Board Game Night
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Play together with family and friends, or make some new friends at the library.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Board games will be provided.
Thursdays
The Peaceful Poets
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join a Milpitas-based group of writers and appreciators of poetry.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
For teens, adults, and seniors.
Last Thursdays of the month
Thursdays and Saturdays
Story Time
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Picture book story time
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
bit.ly/3VFpbc
Thursday, April 4 – Saturday, May 25
HumanEssence
12 noon – 5 pm
The Olive Hyde Art Gallery proudly presents HumanEssence ‐ a photography exhibition featuring portraits by Suszi Lurie McFadden paired with abstracts by Brandon Stauffer. All are invited to our opening reception on Friday, April 12, 7 – 9 pm to meet the artists and enjoy the night with fellow art enthusiasts. Join us for an artist talk April 19 at 12 Noon.
Olive Hyde Gallery
123 Washington Blvd. Fremont
(510) 791-4357
Fridays, December 29 – May 10
Go: The Game R
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Go is an ancient game of strategy. To learn the game or to play it.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
All ages and levels
Friday – Saturday, through April 27
‘Birds! Birds! Birds!’ exhibition
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Exhibit celebrates beauty and diversity of birdlife
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward
(510) 670-7270
Fridays and Saturdays
Free Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing!
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/calendar
Weather permitting.
Saturdays
Laugh Track City R$
8:00 pm
Series of improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Saturdays
Free Beginner Pickleball Lesson
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Free pickleball lesson taught by a USPA professional.
Hall Memorial Park
304 La Honda Dr, Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
Drop-in. Weather permitting.
Saturdays
Teen Cohort for Outdoor Education R$
10 am -4pm
Meet new friends, build outdoor skills, and get to know your community as we participate in activities, such as Hayward Shoreline Hike and Clean-Up, Quarry Lakes Excursion; Coyote Hills Excursion; Fishing; rock climbing on our 28-foot rock wall, hiking; and a Sulphur Creek Guided Tour.
Ashland Community Center
1530 167th Avenue, San Leandro
Noel Munivez: (510) 317-2303
Sundays
Farmyard Games
1:00 pm
Join us for some old-fashioned fun! Try your hand at classic American pastimes including stilts, sack races, and the potato-spoon race. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Sundays
Weekly meditation Session R
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss.
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
samarpanmeditationusa.org
info@indiacc.org, info@samarpanmeditationusa.org
Sundays – Saturdays
Recreational Swim $
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Attractions may vary.
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 578-4620
bit.ly/3nxo0is
Sundays
Larry “O” Teen Workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Used bikes, bike parts for sale and bike repair.
Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
33623 Mission Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5487
www.unioncity.org/723/Larry-O-Teen-Workshop
RobertS@unioncity.org
Donation accepted.
Second and fourth Sundays of the month
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 5
Family Movie Night
The Little Mermaid
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Gather your loved ones for an evening of cinematic delight in the cozy confines of the DMT for a family-friendly screening of The Little Mermaid (2023). Before the movie, we'll have a few activities for you to enjoy, including a photobooth with Ariel, underwater-themed crafts, and sea-themed snacks — this is an event you won't want to miss! Visit www.bit.ly/HARDMovieTLM to register.
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
2231 N Third St., Hayward
Saturday, April 6
VEX IQ Robotics Workshops: Tallest Tower
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Calling all young engineers and tech enthusiasts! Join us for a thrilling robotics workshop hosted by an amazing local youth robotics team! Get hands-on experience in assembling and programming the robot, guided by the talented Team 289X Blazing Bees. No prior experience is required – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Saturday, April 6
Meek Mansion Guided Tour: The Meek Family
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Are you interested in learning more about Meek Mansion? Guided tours cover various topics throughout the year. On this tour, learn more about the three generations of Meeks who lived in the mansion and their impact on the Hayward area. Tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and will take guests to the second floor. Recommended for ages 14+
Meek Mansion
17365 Boston Road, Hayward
Purchase tickets online or call (510) 581-0223.
Tickets: $15 general admission, Free for HAHS Members
Saturday, April 6
League of Women Voters of Fremont-Newark-Union City
10 am
Free event discussing the climate challenge actions to save our planet!
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Saturday, April 6
Community Closet – Studio 11 in Union City
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Free clothing and donation drop off – Free clothing for all!
Studio 11
34626 11th St., Union City
Contact, Creator, Sofia Dangerfield for questions: sofia@mindfulmami.com
Saturday, April 6
Plant & Cutting Swap
12 pm – 2 pm
Bring house plant cuttings, extra plants or seed starts, succulents, bulbs, or tubers to share and swap with other gardeners in our community. All types of plants are welcome. Please label each plant and be ready to share basic care information.Weather permitting, this even will be held outside in the library’s patio area.
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795.2629
Sunday, April 7
Hip Hop Dance for Teens
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Like to dance? Curious about hip-hop dancing? Come try it out. This class is for teens, taught by teens. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring water. Have fun!
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Sunday, April 7
Popcorn!
Sample some delicious Ardenwood popcorn made on the wood burning stove and learn some of the history of this all-American grain. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Monday, April 8
Solar Eclipse
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
All ages, family-friendly. This spring, catch our last chance to experience a solar eclipse in our own back yard until 2045! Experience this amazing celestial event from Chabot’s Observation Deck, where we’ll have a stellar view of the sun as it passes through 34% totality over Oakland. Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and eclipse crafts in our Astronomy Hall, catch the NASA livestream in our 20-inchTelescope, Rachel, and make your mark on the Center with interactive exhibitory.
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland
510-336-7300
$25 Adults, $20 Kids/Students/Seniors
Thursday, April 11
AP & Senior Showcase at MEGA
2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
MEGA, the Mt. Eden Gallery of Art, is proud to present the finest work from students in AP Drawing & 3D Design and Seniors in all art classes. This show features work from our top artists. If you miss the reception, the work will remain on display through May 2nd. Stop by to check out the show any day at lunch or on Thursdays until 5 pm.
Mt. Eden High School
2300 Panama St., Hayward
Friday, April 12 and Sunday, April 14
Theatre Chorus: Stage and Screen
Friday: 8 pm
Sunday: 2 pm
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre is thrilled to present Stage and Screen, a selection of music from movies, Broadway, and opera directed by Cesar Cancino. Come out and support the local arts and enjoy a magical night of music.
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
22311 N 3rd St., Hayward
douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com
Saturday, April 13
Sun Gallery Climate Justice Artists Reception
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Local artist submissions with the theme “Climate Justice: World Peace & Security.”
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Saturday, April 13
Groovin’ Back to the 60’s: Celebrating 60 years
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Groovy vibes, live and silent auctions, complete BBQ dinner, peace, love and rock n’ roll
Niles Canyon Mobile Home Park
711 Old Canyon Road, Fremont
Saturday, April 13
Spring Showcase & Ice-Cream Social
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The event will feature band, choir, and drama performances. Members of the nationally-ranked Newark Memorial High School Rocketry Club will be present to talk about their accomplishments.
Newark Memorial High School
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
Free
Saturday, April 13
Spring Pop Up On The Promenade
11 am – 4 pm
Join us for the last pop up of its kind! Shop local for homemade goods, art, plants, music, kids activities and more! And catch the of the “Black History Month- The Art of Hip Hop” for the last day on display!
Studio 11 Gallery
34626 11th St., Union City
Saturday, April 13
Ohlone College Super Saturday Open House
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Application workshops, campus tours, classroom/lab demonstrations join us at the Fremont Campus for a unique blend of exploration and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Contact Lauren Martinez at lmartinez41@ohlone.edu
(510) 979-7437
Sunday, April 14
Teen Figure Drawing
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Teen Figure Drawing is a weekly event where teens can practice their drawing skills! Volunteers pose as live figures for you to sketch, no artistic skill required. Hang out, chat, meet new people, practice drawing.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Monday, April 15
This is Who I am – Come and Hear My Story
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Come and hear the stories of those who lived in this area for over forty years and experienced misunderstanding and racism, hear the stories of those who had to flee their country when their life was in danger. We have so much to share with you. We will have a question and answer at the end of the presentation. Please bring your questions.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Tuesday, April 16
Creating Art with Eloise Shelton-Mayo (Oil and Cold Wax)
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Please join us for a relaxing night of creating artwork with a talented mixed-media artist and an art teacher Eloise Shelton-Mayo. She has taught for over a decade in the Hampton Roads area in Virginia, including teaching art and design at Tidewater Community College's Visual Arts Center. Her work is shown in various galleries and exhibitions.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Tuesday, April 16
Author Event – For Forks Sake
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Rachael J. Brown shares her family’s story, along with tried-and-true tips and tricks, to simplify the science of Whole Food, Plant-Based, No Oil (WFPBNO) and jump-start the journey to better health for you, your family, and the planet. With this 10-day guide, say goodbye to the Standard American Diet (SAD) and start eating better, feeling better, and saving more money with a HAPPY (healthy and plant-powered—yay!) diet.
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave., Ste F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
Thursday, April 18
Gardening Series: Big Gardens in Small Spaces
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Growing in containers is a great way to start a garden or add on to maximize your already existing garden possibilities! Topics will include: maintaining soil fertility, best plants for container gardens & succession planting will be covered. Drop in program. No registration required.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Blvd., Union City
(510) 745-7464
Friday, April 19 – Monday, April 29
Douglas Morrisson Theatre Presents: Anastasia
Tony Award-winning musical as a full-scale production. Anastasia is based on the 1997 animated film. The survival of Anatasia, the youngest member of the Romanov family, after the Bolshevik Revolution has long been part of Russian folklore. Anya (Anastasia), a Russian orphan, travels from Russia across Europe to Paris to discover the secrets of who she once was.
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
22311 Third St., Hayward
(510) 881-6777
Douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com
Saturday, April 20
Arab American Heritage Month- Egyptian Music
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join us for a trio of world-class musicians performing Egyptian music to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month. Registration recommended.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Earth Day
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join ForestR.org and other partners for an Earth Day celebration! Activities include: seeds from the seed library, plant swap, harvest swap, children's activities and revitalization of Sage Park (starting at 2:00 p.m.). All ages are welcome to join us for this fun and informative event.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Saturday, April 20
Explore the Paranormal at Meek Mansion and McConaghy House
Experienced investigators lead attendees through the properties with access to all non-restricted areas. Data collected on previous investigations include electronic voice phenomena (EVP), cold spots, touches, apparitions and much more.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Proceeds support the ongoing maintenance and preservation of these historic properties. Equipment is not provided. Ages 18+
Meek Mansion
17365 Boston Road, Hayward
(510) 581-0223
Tickets are $75
Saturday, April 20
Fremont’s Earth Day Fair
11:00am – 3:00 pm
Explore how you can contribute to a more sustainable future, while enjoying a day full of fun, learning, and community spirit. Dive into Earth Day-themed art, games, and creative activities.
Food Trucks, Confidential Document Shredding, Free Basic Bike Tune-Ups,
Eyeglasses Donation, and more!
Fremont Downtown Event Center & Plaza
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
Saturday, April 20
ART Inc.: Susan Chan art demo
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Her work has graced the halls of the De Young Museum, Liaoning Provincial Museum, Liu Hai-Su Museum, National Chiang Kia-Shek Memorial Hall. Bring your imagination and create the landscape of your dreams.
Adobe Art Gallery
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
Sunday, April 21
Piano Concert
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Join us as San Jose State University music students perform their spring piano recital! All ages are welcome.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Sunday, April 21
Wildflower, Art, & Garden Show
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Spring Wildflower Festival and Garden Tour is a Spring Festival where dozens of vendors showcase and sell everything from plants and flowers to seeds, bulbs, garden décor, art, quilts, and much more. Many homeowners in Niles also open up their gardens for public tours. The event is free to the public, but if you wish to take the garden tour you must purchase a ticket.
Garden tour starts outside My Friends and I store located at 37521 Niles Blvd, Fremont
Niles Town Plaza
37482 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 857-6512
Sunday, April 21
Earth Day Event
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
For over 50 years we have set aside time in April to bring attention to the climate issues facing our home planet. Earth Day is also a time to highlight the different ways we are combating climate issues around the world. Discover more about local organizations helping to fight climate change here in the Bay Area through hands-on activities, guest speakers and more. Spend the day learning about the different ways local organizations are helping conserve our home planet, Earth.
Chobot Space & Science Center
1000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
510-363-7300
Friday, April 26 and Sunday, April 28
1:00 pm – 4:00pm
Castro Valley Friends of the Library
Book Sale
Friday: 6 pm – 8 pm
Sat: 10 am to 4 pm
Sun: 1 pm to 4 pm
There will be an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction for all ages, as well as audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs, all at bargain prices. Fill a bag with items and pay only $5 per bag!
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
510-667-7900
Saturday, April 27
HERS Breast Cancer Foundation’s 15th Annual People with Purpose Gala
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Reception with a delicious signature pink cocktail and access to a full bar, fundraising games, silent and live auctions, a three-course dinner with wine, our HERS awards presentation and much more.
The Club at Castlewood
707 Country Club Dr., Pleasanton
Saturday, April 27
Fremont Stake Blood Drive
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Emergency preparedness and wellness convention. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Scott Creek Chapel
48950 Green Valley Road, Fremont
Saturday, April 27
New Haven Fun Run
7:00 Check in
8:00 am Races start
5K / Race, chip-timed, designed for serious runners, walkers, fitness-minded people, outdoor enthusiasts, and just for FUN!
James Logan High School Track
1800 H Street, Union City
Saturday, April 27
Fremont Creates Grand Final Event
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Four venues at Fremont Downtown Events Center (DTEC), multiple performances scheduled simultaneously, makerspace with activities for children, exhibits, food trucks. Informational space for sponsors, performers, organizations
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capital Ave., Fremont
Saturday, April 27
Lit Hop Downtown Hayward Day
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We'll hop from place to place to different venues near B Street to hear performances including the AfroSurreal Writers Association, students from Chabot College, a bilingual Spanish/English reading, the Queer Writers, local Horror Writers' and Mystery Writers' Association chapters, the Peer Writers' Group and much more. The event concludes with an afterparty at the Odd Fellows Lodge where we will have music, food and drinks.
Various locations
B St., Hayward
Haywardlithop.com
Saturday, April 27
Photo Day at the Museum
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
We are aiming to show the diverse stories of Hayward as we gear up for the City’s 150th birthday in 2026. Do you have family photos that show moments in time worth being remembered for generations to come? Bring them to the HAHS Museum on this day to be scanned and digitally added to our collection. You keep the original! Please limit to 12 photos per person.
Hayward Area Historical Society
22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
Saturday, April 27
Ohlone Games
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn to play games of skill and chance practiced by Ohlone people since time immemorial and to this day. Win prizes and make your own game to take home! All ages. Parent participation required.
Coyote Hills, Fremont
EBlackwood@ebparks.org
(510) 544-3213
Sunday, April 28
Stilt Walking
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Want to be taller? Improve your balance? Give stilts a try. It's fun. Guess why farmers used these fun tools in the past. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Sunday, April 28
Sunday Music at Garin
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bring your musical instruments to the Red Barn at Garin for some whimsical old-time feel and pleasant tunes to learn and play along to. Please bring your own string instruments. 10+yrs. Parent participation required. Parking fees apply where charged. Wheelchair accessible. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
Garin Regional Park
1320 Garin Ave., Hayward
(510) 544-3220
Sunday, April 28
The Soul of Chinese Cuisine
2:00 pm- 4:00 pm
Join us for an interactive event to learn the history and production process of a Chinese cuisine staple: soy sauce.
Participants will enjoy thematically related snacks and tea, make crafts, and explore the different types of soy sauces. This event is for adults only and will be presented in Mandarin with English interpretation available upon request.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
510-745-1400
Friday, May 3
Garden Club Plant Sale
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Many varieties of flowers, herbs, vegetables, succulents and other plants for sale. There will be house plants for indoor gardeners. Tips on maintaining your plants, ask the gardeners staffing the tables. Proceeds benefit garden club activities and Age Well Center
Age Well Center, Lake Elizabeth, Fremont
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont