Earth Day Events
This Earth Day marks 54 years since its inauguration in 1970. The first Earth Day saw 20 million Americans across the country fill streets and parks to show their solidarity to the important mission of taking care of the planet for, not only themselves, but for future generations. Below is a list of local events you can join to celebrate Earth Day and do your part for the community.
Citywide Cleanup and Community Fair
Saturday, Apr 20
8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Check in and litter pickup
11 a.m.: Catered lunch from Tacos Uruapan
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Community Fair
Weekes Park
27182 Patrick Ave., Hayward
www.hayward-ca.gov/discover/calendar
The annual Citywide Clean-Up and Community Fair is a litter pick up event where volunteers come together to collect litter and abandoned debris in neighborhoods throughout Hayward. After picking up litter, community members will meet back up at Weekes Park and be provided lunch. There will also be a Community Fair with sustainability themed booths hosted by community organizations and fun activities for all.
Sign up for the event on Eventbrite. Bring a pair of gloves and reusable water bottle.
Community Park Clean Up
Saturday, Apr 20
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Kennedy Park Amphitheater
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
www.unioncity.org/419/Community-Events
Volunteer a few hours to help clean up Kennedy Park. Everyone is welcome; please pre-register on the Union City website. Kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment will be provided.
Planet vs. Plastics
Saturday, Apr 20
9 a.m. – 12 noon
ebparks.org/we-celebrate/earth-day
Remove plastics from our shorelines and parks and various other earth day projects helping to build a plastic-free planet for generations to come!
Earth Day Dune Restoration
Saturday, Apr 20
10 a.m. – 12 noon
69 Big Break Rd., Oakley
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/big-break
Join us for our Earth Day Sand Dune Restoration program, where we’ll work together to revive and protect our historic ecosystem. Dig your hands into the sandy terrain as we remove invasive vegetation, fortify dune structures, and learn about this habitat’s vital role in safeguarding our shores against erosion. Celebrate our planet’s resilience and contribute to its preservation on Earth Day. This is a drop-in program.
Celebrate Earth Day
Saturday, Apr 20
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Calle Oriente Mini Park
1199 Calle Oriente, Milpitas
www.milpitas.gov/1104/Recreation-Community-Services
Celebrate Earth Day with a resource fair and sustainable activities. Admission to this event is free!
Go Green with Us! Earth Day Fair
Saturday, Apr 20
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Downtown Event Center & Plaza
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
city.fremont.gov/earthday
Washington Hospital Healthcare System and City of Fremont present the 2024 Earth Day Fair at the Fremont Downtown Event Center. The event includes food trucks, eco-tainment, Earth Day art, and games and activities. Learn about recycling and composting, saving energy at home, local sustainability programs, and eco-friendly gardening. Centripedal Bikes will provide free bike tune-ups.
Take advantage of free and safe drop-off for: document shredding (for Fremont residents), syringes and needles (in approved containers), Mercury thermometers, eyeglasses (for donation), extra medications, and condiments and packaged utensils.
Earth Day in the Bay
Sunday, Apr 21
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
For over 50 years Chabot Space has 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. This is an exciting way to be part of the solution and have fun while you’re doing it!
Earth Day Celebration
Monday, Apr 22
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Pacific Commons, near Koja Kitchen
43440 Boscell Rd., Fremont
This family friendly event features face painters and soap bubble artists. Kids can color their own take-home flowerpot and plant their own succulent in the pot (while supplies last). This event is free; no pre-registration required.
ImageCentral’s Spring Exhibition: Springing It Back!
Submitted by Frederick Watkins
The annual “Spring Exhibition” at the ImageCentral Gallery (formerly PhotoCentral) has bloomed once again. This exhibition showcases work from over 20+ artist from many walks of life: An eclectic group show with amazing images to match.
There will be a public reception on Saturday, April 27 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The event is free and the public is invited. Take in the imagery, meet the artists, make memories, and acquire some incredible art! Vote for your favorite image at the reception and help crown the People’s Choice Awards!
The exhibition runs from Thursday, April 18 – Saturday, June 8. The ImageCentral Gallery is located at 1099 E Street in Hayward. Come support your local Bay Area community events and art scene.
ImageCentral is proud to continue this cultivation of the visual arts community from the first Spring Exhibition in 1987. The gallery offers photographic and visual arts classes, workshops, memberships and events through the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) with a traditional darkroom and film development area, digital imaging space with scanners and large format printers, matting and mounting area, and more!
For more information, contact ImageCentral at imagecentral@haywardrec.org or (510) 881-6721. See ImageCentral classes and workshops or other H.A.R.D. programs at https://www.haywardrec.org.
Image Central Spring Exhibition
Thursday, Apr 18 – Saturday, Jun 8
Lower Gallery: Mon 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tues & Thur 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Upper Gallery: Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Opening Reception
Saturday, Apr 27
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
ImageCentral Gallery
1099 E St., Hayward
(510) 881-6721
Niles blooms in the spring
By Stephanie Gertsch
Photos courtesy of Niles Main Street Association
Niles is a small slice of Bay Area history: wedged between Fremont and Union City, but with century-old buildings and rural small-town vibe, feeling like it belongs to its own time and place. The upcoming “Wildflower, Art, and Garden Show” on April 21 weaves together three characteristic aspects of Niles: the natural landscape, local artists, and small businesses. At the 30th year of this well-loved springtime event, residents will open their gardens, vendors will line the main street and plaza, and artists will display in both locations.
Debra Telles of Niles Main Street Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that puts on the cycle of yearly events highlighting downtown Niles, says the show “gives people the opportunity to see some of the amazing gardens that we have in the homes here in Niles.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased ahead of the event at Keith’s Collectibles or My Friends & I on Niles Boulevard (or day of for $5 more). Attendees will receive a map of the off-main street locations, and a lanyard that marks them as part of the event to homeowners. In addition to 10 homes, specialty locations such as the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and California Nursery will also participate.
However, you don’t have to purchase a ticket to enjoy the art and vendors along the main street. Friends of Heirloom Flowers will be selling flowers and gardening supplies, and in general it’s a chance to stock on all things gardening related and even get advice on sustainable gardening practices.
For Telles it’s difficult to pick a favorite part of the event. She laughs, “Honestly, I’m really looking forward to all of it because it changes every year!” But she adds, “I like the home that will have the quilts in it because there’s always a story behind the quilts.” Art on display will also include painting, sculpting, and pottery.
In the last two years, the role of art in the show has evolved. While art used to be only present on main street and in the plaza, now Carol Williamson (owner of My Friends & I) is coordinating with homeowners and Fremont Art Association to bring art into the gardens themselves. In previous years, locals had already started showing their work—such as one who opened her pottery studio—so Telles calls the change “a natural progression.”
There really is a fourth element to the show that’s characteristic of Niles: community. Telles explains, “The fun thing about Niles, is we’re surrounded by cities—we’ve got Union City and we’ve got Fremont—but then Niles is a little gem unto itself. It’s really like a small town…When you walk down main street, the shop owners know everybody. They’re always very welcoming.”
Wildflower, Art, and Garden Show
Sunday, Apr 21
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Purchase tickets at My Friends & I
37521 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 857-6512
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 on the day
2024 Bay Philharmonic Young Recitalists
Submitted by the Bay Philharmonic Guild
The Bay Philharmonic is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Young Recitalist competition! The Young Recitalist competition is in its 6th year, and showcases exceptional local musical talent.
Soloist winners:
Jill Chen, Clarisse Chong, Cailey Chong, Johnny Du, Ethan Li, Haidi Lim, Evangeline Zou
Ensemble winners:
Perfect 4ths Quartet – Bhavya Babellapati, Adlai Hecker, Calvin Lacewell, Pooja Verma; Piano Ensemble – Jeremy Chen, Sarah Dailey, Stelly Fong, Chloe Truong; Chamber Trio – Bhavya Babellapati, Pooja Verma, Brayden Fung.
The 2024 competition took place on Saturday, March 23 at First United Methodist Church, Fremont. The competition was judged by Kathryn Juneau, principal violist for the Bay Philharmonic, Lawrence Rhodes, Bassoon player for the Bay Philharmonic, and Merna Morse, Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program liaison.
A program featuring the 2024 Recitalists will be held on Sunday, April 21 at First United Methodist Church in Fremont. The program will include works by Beethoven, Berkovich, Gaubert, Lalo, Lavignac, Liszt, Mozart, Muczynski, and Ravel. Tickets are available at the door (cash/check only): $20 for adults, $10 for students.
Bay Philharmonic Young Recitalists Program
Sunday, Apr 21
2 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
2950 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 371-4860
https://bayphil.org/
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students
Park District reaches key milestone for Borel Agricultural Park
Submitted by Jen Vanya
A unique stretch of land on the east side of Interstate 680 is poised to take the next step towards development as an agricultural park open to the community, as the property’s namesake desired. Armand Borel, a walnut farmer, left the property to East Bay Regional Park District in hopes to showcase his heritage walnut orchard and accompanying historic equipment. On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the sale and property transfer of 7.28 acres of the property in Danville to Trumark for $32 million was finalized, with the proceeds covering previously incurred debts and supporting development of a future park on the portion of the property retained by the Park District.
“We are excited that staff can now begin visioning and planning for what the park can look like for visitors and how it can best serve the public,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The proceeds from the sale of the property will cover debts and provide funds toward making the park accessible and open for the community. We accepted the Borel Property with the understanding that a sale of a portion of the property would be needed to pay off preexisting debts and support development of the agricultural park.”
Borel bequeathed his 17-acre Danville homestead and walnut orchard to the Park District to be preserved as an agricultural park where the public could learn about the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. Mr. Borel passed away in 2009.
The Borel Trust, which held the Borel Property before the Park District, faced considerable financial challenges. When the District received the property, it was saddled with several existing debts. To keep the trust solvent and prevent foreclosure, the District loaned the trust significant funds. At the time of sale to Trumark, the total amount of loans, plus interest that the District loaned to the Trust was approximately $9.5 million dollars.
The Park District’s land acquisition goals include developing trails and facilities to make parklands safe and welcoming, and protecting natural and cultural resources.
“The sale of the property is a major step that lets us move forward in providing public access to the future park, which we expect will be both a local and regional asset,” said Park District Board Director John Mercurio. “Obtaining the Borel Property and opening it up for public access and agricultural interpretation and education has been a longtime goal of the Park District and my predecessor on the Park District Board of Directors, Beverly Lane.”
Former Director Beverly Lane served 28 years on the Park District’s Board of Directors before retiring in 2022. Lane was a steadfast leader and advocate for turning the Borel Property into a Regional Park.
The Park District will begin the next phase, which includes the park planning process and assessing how existing facilities and structures can be used.
Candle Lighters honored at community gala
Submitted by Mary Lang
On March 22, 2024, the Candle Lighters were honored by Fremont Education Foundation as their 2024 Community Honoree at the Round up for Education Giddy-up & Gallop Gala. The Candle Lighters had many of their membersattending the Gala, dressed up in their best Western gear, hats, shirts, vests and boots.
The Candle Lighters were also presented with plaques from the following:
- Fremont Education Foundation, Excellence in Education Community Honoree
- State of California Certificate of Recommendation signed by Aisha Wahab, California State Senate
- California Legislature Certificate of Recognition, signed by Alex Lee, Assemblymember
- Commendation of Community Honoree, signed by Elisa Marquez, Alameda County Supervisor
Candle Lighters
Eid Celebration
Submitted by Dawoodi Bohras
The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community hosted Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Newark Mayor Mike Hannon and more than 30 other distinguished guests for a charitable event and special commemoration of Eid ul Fitr, welcoming the new month following the holy month of Ramadan. The event was held on April 9, 2024 at the Mohammedi Masjid in the picturesque Niles area of Fremont.
The event began with raising the American flag with public safety officials and Dawoodi Bohra children leading attendees in singing the Star-Spangled Banner. Then, community leaders delivered welcoming remarks followed by congratulatory sentiments expressed by mayors and various other guests. All were invited to join the community in assembling snack and hygiene packs for the unhoused throughout the region—part of a long-standing Dawoodi Bohra community partnership with Abode Services, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness. Procured by Dawoodi Bohra during the Holy Month, 400 snack and hygiene packets were donated to Abode Services as part of this annual initiative.
Staff from various Congressional, State, County, and public safety offices were also present at the gathering, including an Engine Company from Niles Fire Station 2.
“Eid ul Fitr marks the beginning of the new month following the Holy Month of Ramadan. It’s a time for togetherness but also an opportunity to reflect on the strong partnerships we have with our local leaders. This celebration is equally about them and their commitment to our community. We’re so grateful for the support and the opportunity to come together and make a difference on this auspicious day,” said Yusuf Asgerally, Community Outreach Lead for the Dawoodi Bohras of San Francisco.
“When we talk about building bridges, that’s what this community is doing. I’m so honored to be here and look forward to working with all of you to develop this even further. I really appreciate how your community has continued to reach out and connect with each of us, our friends and our neighbors. Eid Mubarak from all of us at the City of Fremont,” said Lily Mei.
“I’m so proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with all of you today. What we’re seeing here right now – this togetherness – is the meaning of community. The work Dawoodi Bohras are doing out there is tremendous, and I’m so pleased to be joining in this wonderful gathering today. Eid Mubarak on behalf of all of us in Newark,” said Mike Hannon.
Background on Ramadan:
Eid ul Fitr is among the most revered holidays of the Islamic calendar and marks the conclusion of the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar known as Ramadan. It is a time for community, family and partnership.
Ramadan is also the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. Its hallmark is the fast, which begins shortly before dawn and ends at sunset and can vary across the globe from being akin to missing lunch, to stretching to 20 hours in the northern hemisphere summer. Community members make it a point to gather in their local masjids and community centers for communal prayers in the early morning just before sunrise, in the afternoon, and immediately after sunset when they break the fast.
Ramadan’s spirituality inspires the Dawoodi Bohra community to actively participate in a host of social initiatives during the Holy month. Food drives and food rescue partnerships aimed at feeding the less fortunate, upliftment campaigns striving to provide community members with a better future, cleanliness drives that positively impact the health of the environment—all signal and enhance the heightened sense of self and spirituality.
Dawoodi Bohras
Flash Fiction: Dreams
Submitted by Arathi Satish
Dreams are stories and images that are created in a person’s mind while sleeping. We remember a few dreams vividly and forget others totally. Do they represent anything? Can there be a purpose behind dreaming? Do they indicate subconscious desires, wishes and thoughts?
If you are curious to know what people dream about, visit Half Price Books, Fremont Hub on Saturday, April 20. “Flash Fiction – Dreams” is a writing contest being co-sponsored by Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC) and Half Price Books. It will be exciting to read about the real or imaginary dreams of local writers.
Julie Gilson, President, FCAC said, “The Fremont Cultural Arts Council is pleased to present its contribution to Fremont Creates celebration of April as Arts, Culture and Creativity month: a special April Flash Fiction contest…The theme of ‘Dreams’ is wide open for our local authors’ creativity, and I expect some amazing stories. Hopefully, it will be a difficult decision for the public to choose their favorites.”
Stories about dreams of 300 words or less including the title on a single printed paper will be posted on the columns inside Half Price Books on Saturday, April 20th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No author information will be posted on the entries. Judging is done by the people who enter the store and fill out the ballot with their five favorite stories. There will be binders of all the stories for those who have difficulty reading the stories posted on the columns.
Voting closes at 5 p.m. The names of the winners will be announced around 5:30 p.m. and the details will be posted on the FCAC website the following week. Contestants do not have to be present to win, but they are definitely encouraged to be there in person to mingle with other writers and collect their prizes. Infinity Care LLC, an organization that provides a caring heart and quality service will help conduct the event and provide refreshments.
Al Minard pointed out, “In April 2023, the City of Fremont became one of the Arts, Culture and Creativity month participants in California. This month, we are once again participating in this celebration and having a closing ceremony on Saturday, April 27. At this ceremony, FCAC will have people reading some of the winning stories from one of our Flash Fiction Writing Contests. We have readers ready to read a few winning stories from this and previous year’s contests. Julie Gilson, further added, “There will be an ASL interpreter to share the author’s stories with the deaf audience. To learn more about the finale event, go to FremontCreates.com.”
Flash Fiction Writing Contest – Dreams
Saturday, Apr 20
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Half Price Books
39152 Fremont Hub, Fremont
www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org
Fremont Creates – mid-April
Submitted by Kavita Tipnis Rasal
April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month is in full swing. Visit our events calendar at FremontCreates.com for dates, times, and locations of all events scheduled throughout April. There are events for all age groups; a few coming up are:
- April 16: Mission Peak’s Annual Beer Choir at Jack’s, Fremont Hub
- Starting April 19: Washington High School presents CHICAGO Teen Edition Musical
- April 20: Flash Fiction Contest at Half Price Books, Fremont Hub
- April 20: Art Activities at the City of Fremont Earth Day Celebration
The Grand Finale Event is coming up soon at the Downtown Event Center 3500 Capitol Avenue in Fremont. A reminder that this event is FREE and open to the public from 11 AM – 3 p.m. We will have an ASL interpreter on site providing an inclusive experience for all members of our community.
Alongside great performers and food trucks provided by the Food Truck Mafia, we have an exceptional makerspace for all. Some of our participants include Janine Pitta Art, Piecemakers Quilt, Washington Township Museum of Local History, Music for Minors II, Playing at Learning and Madhubani Art.
It takes a village to bring an event like this together and we still need volunteers for the Grand Finale; sign up at FremontCreates.com. We’ll have a commemorative t-shirt for all volunteers, and we’d love to have you join us.
We thank our sponsors for their support:
- 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
Inclusion Innovators
Submitted by Unnati Seshadri
Inclusive Innovators is a non-profit organization from James Logan High School, with the goal of adapting interactive kids’ toys to make them more usable for children with disabilities, and delivering these adapted toys at no cost to students and families in Special Education Programs statewide.
Through the toys, educating fellow students at their high school, and promoting disability awareness on social media platforms, Inclusive Innovators amplifies toddler-sized voices that are so often disregarded. The organization holds free Adapt-a-Thons for community members to participate in. There the community learns to make simple electronic/robotic enhancements and co-create adaptive solutions for toys. In January 2024, Inclusion Innovators held their first Adapt-A-Thon, and it was a huge success.
Join the Inclusive Innovators on April 19, from 4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Union City Library for their next Adapt-a-Thon. The event is open to ages 13 and older, free of charge, with community service hours presented to attendees. Partner with them to help a community in need! You’re not just joining an organization; you’re joining a cause.
Inclusion Innovators Adapt-a-Thon
Friday, Apr 19
4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
Free Summer Music Program for Bay Area Students
Submitted by Jenny Lin Foundation
At its 30th anniversary, Jenny Lin Foundation continues to offer a summer program free of charge to young musicians in the Bay Area. Instrumental musicians currently in 8th grade or higher are welcomed to join the String Orchestra or Band; students currently in 7th grade and up may register for the Choir.
Participants meet in the evenings on Mondays, Wednesdays and some Thursdays for five weeks starting June 10. Rehearsals take place at Creekside Middle School, Castro Valley, and culminate with a large-scale community concert (co-sponsored by Chabot College) on Saturday, July 13, at Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward.
Based in Castro Valley, the Jenny Lin Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1994 after the brutal murder of 14-year-old Jenny Lin. It operates through volunteers and donations with a mission to promote child safety and youth music education. For the many scholarships, music and safety events that the Foundation has sponsored over decades, its founders (also Jenny’s parents) were honored in 2022 with the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the most prestigious and longest-standing public service award in the United States.
Through the annual Summer Music Program, Jenny Lin Foundation hopes to carry on Jenny’s passion—music and friendship—and extend her life in a unique fashion. Student-musicians are encouraged to take advantage of this exceptional program to help maintain their skills and to continue performing in a group during the summer. This is also an opportunity for students to meet and interact with peers from throughout the Bay Area, and cultivate and hone their leadership skills. Last summer, about 200 middle and high school musicians participated in the program.
Registration for 2024 is now open at jennylinfoundation.org. Please help spread the word as we look forward to welcoming many more of you this summer.
Jenny Lin Foundation Summer Music Program
Monday, Jun 10 – Saturday, Jul 13
(Monday, Wednesday & some Thursdays)
6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Creekside Middle School, Castro Valley
19722 Center St., Castro Valley
Free; registration required
Register at: jennylinfoundation.org
Moving Day San Jose raises funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
Submitted by Gena Lennon
The Parkinson’s Foundation will host the 10th annual “Moving Day San Jose” walk on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Lake Cunningham Regional Park. More than 400 people are expected to take part in movement demonstrations and a 5K walk to beat Parkinson’s. The family-friendly, in-person event is one of 45 Moving Days taking place across the country in 2024. Funds raised through Moving Day support cutting-edge research, quality of care initiatives and education programs to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
Moving Day is more than just a walk. It is a celebration of movement, which is critical in battling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The event in San Jose will include demonstrations of dance and other movement disciplines to warm up the crowd for the walk. It is estimated that one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s, with approximately 90,000 newly diagnosed each year. Moving Day events across the country have raised nearly $40 million supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation’s mission to make life better for people with the disease.
This year, the California Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation will honor Ann Boylan, a person living with Parkinson’s disease, and Robert Magbanua, Recreation Program Coordinator for the Mark Green Sports Center in Union City.
For Ann Igarashi Boylan, wife of forty-two years to the late William Boylan, mother of two sons, Daniel and Liam, and now grandmother of four, her diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2012 was her “retirement present after thirty-three years of public-school teaching.” Parkinson’s became the catalyst for exercise, learning, and activism. Boylan joined the Parkinson’s Foundation Women and PD TALK project, which addressed how Parkinson’s disease affects women differently from men. In 2014, she joined the grassroots organizing committee for the very first Moving Day San Jose walk. She runs a weekly support group called the Big Brain Book Club. In 2019, Boylan received the Parkinson’s Foundation Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award. Boylan has a B.A. from Grinnell College and an M.A. from Brown University. She lives in Union City.
Robert Magbanua has a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University. In his professional work, he coordinates fitness programs and events for the Union City Community & Recreation Services Department. He helped start the Parkinson’s Exercise Program in Union City in 2016, and ever since then, has been involved in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. He has always enjoyed pushing himself towards his potential in the gym, but what he finds most rewarding is helping others reach theirs.
When asked why he is supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation and Moving Day, Magbanua says, “The Parkinson’s community inspires me to become a better professional, coach, and person. I am so grateful to the Parkinson’s Foundation for the work that they do, and for events like Moving Day, an event that has provided people like me a chance to make a meaningful difference in the world through the community grants awarded to [Union City]. I want to thank the Parkinson’s Foundation, all of our coaches and assistants past and present, and the Union City Community & Recreation Services director Corina Hahn for her mentorship throughout the process of creating our exercise program.”
Robert Magbanua, Ann Boylan, and the All Aboard Our Union City A Train team have raised over $87,000 for Moving Day San Jose since 2016.
Fundraising at the walk is important, but so is the social aspect. “Moving Day is vital not only because it is our largest fundraising event of the year, but because it brings the Parkinson’s community together,” said Gena Lennon, Senior Development Director for PF’s California Chapter. “This community really supports each other and Robert does an amazing job bringing energy and hope to everyone who takes his Parkinson’s exercise classes.”
Moving Day San Jose
Saturday, Apr 20
9 a.m.
Lake Cunningham Park
2305 S. White Rd., San Jose
Oakland Zoo receives renewed accreditation
Submitted by Isabella Linares
The Oakland Zoo, managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC), has received accreditation from the independent Accreditation Commission of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). In December 2023, the Zoo underwent a thorough examination by leading experts, who determined that the Zoo has met the world’s most rigorous standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, husbandry, safety, staffing, education, conservation, and more.
“Congratulations to the staff at Oakland Zoo for achieving the world’s ‘gold standard’ for the zoological profession,” says Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s accreditation standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things.”
The Zoo was first accredited by AZA in 1988, emphasizing its commitment to the wellbeing of all animals in its care, including its residents and rescues. As an accredited member of the Association, the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Two hundred and fifty-one AZA-accredited zoos and aquarium institutions contribute over $160 million yearly to wildlife conservation.
“We take great pride in being an AZA-accredited facility,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo. “Being recognized at this high standard reinforces our commitment to animal wellbeing and conservation and is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team at the Zoo.”
The AZA accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the Oakland Zoo’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, staff training, safety for visitors, staff, and animals, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management, governance, and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from Oakland Zoo at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied. The Zoo had its official hearing in March of this year.
AZA member institutions must repeat the entire accreditation process every five years to ensure that they uphold the continuously evolving standards, incorporate the best modern zoological practices in animal welfare and management, and embrace modern AZA philosophies.
To learn more about Oakland Zoo and the Conservation Society of California, go to: https://www.oaklandzoo.org/about-us.
26th Spring Dance Production: ‘Instruments’
Submitted by Fred Alim
Ohlone College invites the community to celebrate the harmony between music and movement in its 26th annual “Spring Dance Production,” “Instruments.” This captivating performance will take place April 18 through April 20 at 8 p.m. at the Jackson Theater at Ohlone College.
“Instruments” explores the deep connection between music and dance. Through innovative choreography and a diverse range of musical styles, dancers will embody the energy and essence of various instruments. The audience will be transported on a journey where percussion becomes a rhythmic pulse, strings sing with lyrical grace, and wind instruments evoke swirling emotions.
“This production is a testament to the power of music to inspire movement,” says Lia Altan, dance teacher at Ohlone College. “Our dancers will showcase their artistry as they interpret the unique character and sound of different instruments.”
Tickets for “Instruments” are available online at https://www.ohlone.edu/smithcenter or by calling the Smith Center Box Office at (510) 659-6031. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a vibrant celebration of dance and music!
Spring Dance Production: ‘Instruments’
Thursday, Apr 18 – Saturday, Apr 20
8 p.m.
Jackson Theater at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6031
https://ohlonecollege.csstix.com/
Tickets: $15 General; $12 Staff / Student
Davis Street celebrates retirement of Rose Padilla Johnson and launch of legacy fund
Submitted by Grace LemMon
More than 200 attendees filled San Leandro’s Net Zero Building to honor and celebrate the retirement of Davis Street Community Center CEO, Rose Padilla Johnson. The sold-out event, presented by Sutter Health, was a heartfelt tribute to Rose’s remarkable career and leadership in our community. It also marked the launch of the Rose Padilla Johnson Legacy Fund.
The retirement celebration featured proclamations from Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam, and Assembly Member Liz Ortega. The event was a testament to Rose Padilla Johnson’s profound impact on countless lives and communities over her 32 ½ years of dedicated service. Guests were treated to an evening filled with touching tributes, heartfelt speeches, and fond memories shared by colleagues, friends, and community members whose lives have been touched by Rose’s compassion and leadership.
The event successfully raised an astounding $325,000 to launch the Rose Padilla Johnson Legacy Fund. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the outpouring of support from our community and beyond, reflecting the deep appreciation and respect for Padilla Johnson’s decades of dedicated service. These funds will play a pivotal role in furthering the mission of Davis Street and continue Padilla Johnson’s legacy of compassion and empowerment in our community.
Davis Street Community Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the retirement celebration and contributed to its success. Your support is instrumental in enabling us to continue our vital work of serving the needs of individuals and families in our community.
For more information about the Davis Street Foundation’s Rose Padilla Johnson Legacy Fund or to make a donation, visit davisstreet.org.
Stumpy Con debuts at fairgrounds
Submitted by Alameda County Fairgrounds
Photos courtesy of Corgi Con
Calling all short dog lovers and enthusiasts! On April 20, 2024, Corgi Con presents a furrbulous new dog event, “StumpyCon,” in honor of their 10 Year Anniversary. StumpyCon is an opportunity to celebrate all dogs of a shorter stature, so get ready to appreciate the little things and a tail-wagging, down-to-earth good time.
StumpyCon promises a day filled with fur, fun, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Whether you’re a proud stumpy dog owner or simply a fan, StumpyCon has something for everyone. Come experience what will truly be a dog lover’s paradise!
Stumpy Con
Saturday, Apr 20
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
2005 Valley Avenue, Gate 8 or 12
Alameda County Fairgrounds & Event Center, Pleasanton
Tickets: $15 General, $9 Child ages 7-12, Ages 6 and under free
Parking: $15 – Credit Card Only
EarthTalk
Dear EarthTalk: Why is protecting the greater sage grouse such a hot button issue across the American West?
Photo by Andrew Perilloux, Unsplash.
The greater sage grouse, best known for its unusual mating dance and bulky, turkey-like appearance, has long been an emblem of the American West. However, researchers have found that this iconic bird species is in jeopardy. The effects of climate change and habitat destruction have caused greater sage grouse populations to decline by 80 percent since 1965 and by 40 percent since 2002—and they will likely continue to decline if proactive conservation practices are not implemented to protect their habitats within the bioregion often referred to as the “sagebrush sea.”
But this issue extends well beyond protecting the greater sage grouse, as the health of sage grouse populations is a direct indication of their habitat’s health. The sagebrush sea is a critical bioregion that used to cover the vast majority of the American West, but millions of acres of sagebrush have become inaccessible to the greater sage grouse and hundreds of other native wildlife species. Large areas of sagebrush have been destroyed or fragmented for the sake of continued oil drilling, mining and other human development. The habitat has also been harmed by wildfires and invasive grasses such as cheatgrass, which can overgrow sagebrush. The decline of these habitats has dire consequences for cattle farmers and ranchers across the region as well, since they need healthy land for their livestock.
The best way to help sage grouse and their habitats is to put more restrictive policies on what can be done in those areas, and to replace previously destroyed or fragmented habitats whenever possible. A federal plan designed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to accomplish these goals has been in the works since 2015, but it was delayed due to the Trump administration’s heavy emphasis on energy development. Although the plan has finally been completed and approved by the Biden administration, many conservationists and scientists still feel that it needs work before being implemented.
A group of scientists recently stated in a public letter that the plan would likely “have severe consequences for sage grouse” in its current form. Specifically, they are concerned that the BLM’s proposal would still allow for mining and some forms of energy development within sage grouse habitat, and would not plan to restore any destroyed land. As a result, many feel that the current plan will not do enough to save the greater sage grouse or their habitat, and may serve to harm some landowners as well.
Western citizens and land stewards have a lot to gain if the greater sage grouse is protected. However, the government is still aiming for a proposal that can serve as a compromise between these citizens and the corporate and federal groups who want to prioritize energy development in these areas. The resulting friction between these two groups is practically unavoidable. If you would like to speak out on this issue, the BLM’s current proposal is available online and open to public comment until June 13th, 2024.
CONTACTS
Sage-Grouse: Why all the fuss?: https://rangelandsgateway.org/topics/uses-range-pastureland/sage-grouse-why-all-fuss
Biden administration proposes protections for US West sage-grouse, to divided response from conservationists: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4532643-sage-grouse-protections-proposed-biden-administration-conservationists-divided-response/
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Photo credit: Pexels.com.
Dear EarthTalk: Which are the greenest toilet paper varieties? – Sam Atkins, Poughkeepsie, NY
When thinking of ways to live a greener lifestyle, toilet paper isn’t usually the first thing on people’s minds, but the average American uses more than 50 pounds of tissue paper per year. Like other paper products, toilet paper is typically made from trees. As consumer demand grows, trees continue to be cut down at alarming rates. Between 1996 and 2015, loggers cut down around 28 million acres of woodland, an area roughly the size of the state of Ohio. Finding alternatives, or ways to cut down on paper use, is a great way to limit your impact on the environment.
As new companies emerge and come out with new toilet paper options, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has come up with a system to grade how sustainable certain toilet and tissue paper brands are. The grades rank from A+ to F and account for a variety of factors like the percentage of recycled material used in the toilet paper.
A grade of A+ means that the toilet paper was made entirely of recycled materials, used a chlorine-free bleaching process, and had the highest percentage of post-consumer recycled paper. Post-consumer recycled means that the recycled materials came from products that had reached the end of their life cycle and would have otherwise ended up in landfills. When going green it’s also smart to look for “processed chlorine free” papers over bleached and “elemental chlorine free” papers, because the latter can emit cancer causing dioxins into the air and water when they are processed. Toilet paper brands that were awarded an A+ grade by the NRDC include 365 by Whole Foods Market, Green Forest, Natural Value and Trader Joe’s.
A grade of A means that the paper brands contain 100% recycled material, but a lower percentage of post-consumer recycled paper. Some good A rated toilet papers include Seventh Generation Extra Soft & Strong, Who Gives a Crap, and Everspring. The B and B+ grade is typically reserved for the emerging market of bamboo-based paper brands. While bamboo is less environmentally friendly than recycled material, it is still greener than using pure forest fibers. The other catch is that the largest bamboo producers are in China, which does not have the best track record when it comes to environmental and labor rights. Amazon Aware and Caboo are both B rated bamboo toilet paper brands.
Paper brands with a grade of D or F rely entirely, or almost entirely, on forest fiber for their toilet paper. There is no recycled material used in their product. Most of the well-known toilet paper brands are rated D or F, including Charmin, Cottonelle, Angel Soft and Scott 1000.
More sustainable toilet paper is typically more expensive than the lower rated brands and not everyone can afford to change their lifestyle and buy more expensive products. However, there are other ways to live greener. One option is to simply reduce the use of toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. Use what you need, but avoid being excessive. It’s not like paper just grows on trees!
CONTACTS:
The Best and Worst Toilet Paper, Paper Towel, and Facial Tissue Brands https://www.nrdc.org/stories/best-worst-tissue-brands
What's the Most Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper?
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/ask-ms-green/whats-most-eco-friendly-toilet-paper
9 Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper Brands For A Planet-Friendly Potty
https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-living/eco-friendly-toilet-paper/
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.
Agility Robotics’ Digit wins inaugural Robot of the Year award
By The Robot Report Staff
2023 was the year that humanoid robots took big strides onto the public stage, and Agility Robotics pulled ahead in that race with Digit, which is our first-ever RBR50 Robot of the Year.
At ProMAT last year, Digit stole the show by demonstrating its ability to pick up totes from a shelf, walk over to a conveyor, and place the totes onto the conveyor. At the time, Corvallis, Oregon-based Agility Robotics said the demo was based on a real customer use case.
Later in 2023, the company announced pilots with two major customers: Amazon and GXO Logistics, which claims to be the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider. Digit is 5 ft., 9 in (175cm) tall, weighs 143 lb. (64.8 kg), and can carry up to 35 lb. (18 kg).
In October, Amazon and Agility said the humanoid robot was being tested at Amazon’s robotics research and development facility outside of Seattle. The initial use of Digit is to help employees with tote recycling, a highly repetitive process of picking up and moving empty totes once inventory has been completely picked out of them.
In December 2023, GXO announced that Digit is being tested for logistics tasks at a SPANX facility in Georgia. Digit is moving totes filled with products off of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and onto a conveyor. Agility said at the time that Digit will communicate with the AMR fleet manager in the future.
Adrian Stoch, chief automation officer at GXO, said Digit’s potential flexibility gives it a nod over other types of robots, including AMRs with top modules.
“The real application here is end-to-end product flow throughout the warehouse,” he said. “Until now, solutions have been mostly discrete applications: goods-to-person, sorters, wearable tech. Solving discrete problems in one part of the puzzle.”
For companies operating fulfillment centers with a wide product mix or fluctuating demand, the potential flexibility of humanoids could help fill the ongoing labor crisis.
Agility Robotics recently launched Agility Arc, a cloud platform for managing operations, and it partnered with warehouse management systems (WMS) provider Manhattan Associates.
We’ve never seen a humanoid perform real tasks in a commercial setting, until now. Humanoids have long been relegated to research labs, but the goalposts began to seismically shift in 2023.
Jonathan Hurst, co-founder and chief robot officer at Agility Robotics, will be keynoting the Robotics Summit & Expo, which takes place May 1 and 2 in Boston and is produced by The Robot Report and parent company WTWH Media. His talk, “Humanoid Robots Get to Work,” will explore the technological breakthroughs propelling humanoids like Digit into real-world use cases.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – When Should my Wife Claim Her Social Security Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I just saw an article which said that certain spousal options were going away, but there are still good options for when a spouse can claim. I am filing for my Social Security to start in October when I turn 70. My wife’s full retirement age (FRA) is in December, and she now plans to file then for half of what my FRA benefit would have been (our original plan was for both to file in August). My wife’s main reason for delaying until her FRA is to lock her into my maximum benefit if she has to someday change to Survivor’s Benefit. Will this be gone for us? Neither of us was born before January 1, 1954. Please advise. Signed: Planning for Both
Dear Planning: I expect that the article you refer to was speaking of the option to claim only a spousal benefit first and allow one’s personal SS retirement benefit to grow. That option was available only to those who were born before 1954 and had reached full retirement age. As you now know that option is not available to you.
Assuming your wife’s highest benefit entitlement will be as your spouse, your current strategy – you claim your maximum benefit to start in October at age 70 and your wife starts her benefit in December at her FRA – is a good one which will yield the maximum possible monthly benefit for both of you. But for clarity, your wife’s survivor benefit as your widow has nothing to do with when she claims her spouse benefits now.
The only thing which will affect your wife’s benefit as your surviving spouse is her age when she claims the survivor benefit. If she has already reached her FRA of 66 years and eight months when you pass, she will get 100% of the amount you were receiving when you died, instead of the smaller spousal amount she was receiving while you were living. Her survivor benefit would only be less than 100% of yours if she claimed it before reaching her full retirement age (which, of course, we hope would not to be the case).
Just so you have the complete picture, your wife could, if desired, claim her Social Security to start at the same time as you in October but, since that would be earlier than her FRA, the amount she would get would be less than 50% of your FRA entitlement. Her spouse benefit would be reduced by 0.694% for each month earlier than her FRA it starts. For example, if your wife starts her spousal benefit in October when your benefit starts, she will get about 98.6% of the amount she would get if she waited until December to start her benefits. That’s a permanent reduction, so if your wife’s life expectancy is at least average (about 87), it’s likely still wisest for her to wait until her FRA to start benefits. But in any case, when your wife claims her spousal benefit now will have no effect on the survivor benefit she will get as your future widow.
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.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Can I claim Social Security and still work?
Dear Rusty: I will be turning 63 soon. Can I apply for Social Security and continue to work? Would I be limited to how many hours or how much I could make? I know my monthly SS amount would be cut by 30%, or somewhere around there, but how would working affect me? I was trying to read up on this, but the $1 and $2 thing confused me. I have an offer to take a work-at-home position and need to decide soon, but it is a cut in income. The cut would be okay if I could draw my Social Security too. Signed: Wanting Work at Home
Dear Wanting: If you claim your Social Security to start in the month you turn 63, you’ll be claiming four years before your full retirement age (FRA) of 67, which means your monthly benefit at 63 will be about 25% less than it would be if you claimed SS at age 67. And if you are working before your FRA, you’ll be subject to Social Security’s “earnings test.”
The 2024 earnings limit for those collecting early Social Security benefits is $22,320 (this limit changes annually). If your annual earnings exceed the limit, Social Security will assess a penalty of $1 for every $2 you are over the limit. They will recover that penalty amount by withholding future benefits until they recover what you owe. If your work earnings are under the annual limit, you will get all your monthly SS benefits. But if you exceed the limit, they will find that out after you submit your income tax return (the following year) and issue you an overpayment notice, telling you how much you owe for exceeding the limit last year. They will then withhold your benefits until they get back what you owe, or you can repay them in a lump sum. To avoid the overpayment notice, it is best to inform Social Security in advance that you will exceed the annual earnings limit, and they will simply withhold your monthly SS benefits during the year for enough months to avoid overpaying you.
So, what you should do depends largely on how much your earnings from your new work-at-home position will be. If your earnings are below the annual limit, no penalty will be assessed. If you only exceed the annual limit by a little bit, then you can still work and earn and simply repay them what is owed for exceeding the limit (or have your SS benefit temporarily withheld). If you only exceed the earnings limit by a little, you’ll still get benefits for most months of the year. But if you significantly exceed the annual earnings limit, you could even be ineligible to receive SS benefits until you either earn less or reach your full retirement age (the earnings limit goes away at your FRA).
So, what you should do depends on what “a cut in income” means in terms of your expected annual earnings amount. If your total annual earnings will be under the annual limit, your SS benefit won’t be affected. If you only exceed the limit by a little bit, then you will get SS benefits for most months of the year. But if your annual earnings are significantly over each year’s annual earnings limit, then you won’t get SS benefits for most months of the year and may even be temporarily ineligible to receive benefits.
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.
Enjoy and protect hydrangeas from hungry deer
By Melinda Myers
Low maintenance, beautiful flowers, and plenty of varieties have made hydrangeas a favorite landscape plant. It seems you can’t visit a garden center or nursery without being tempted by one of the traditional favorites or newer hydrangea varieties.
Despite the plants’ easy-care nature, hungry deer can make it difficult to fully enjoy these plants. Rutgers University rates landscape plants based on their susceptibility to deer damage. According to Rutgers, hydrangeas are occasionally severely damaged by deer, meaning they are a plant preferred by deer and that protection is advised. Your experience may be different and can vary from year to year, but it is always wise to be prepared to protect key plants in your landscape.
Deer like to browse leaves, tender shoots, flower buds, and blossoms. Damage is worse when populations are high, food is scarce, and when environmental stresses like cold and deep snow are present. Once deer find a place to dine, they tend to return. Deer-produced damage has a rough or torn appearance as opposed to a clean cut like that made by a pruner. Preventing damage is always the best way to maximize your enjoyment of plants. Even if your plants have escaped damage in the past, continue to watch for deer tracks, droppings, and plant damage.
Fencing is one option but not always the most attractive or practical. An eight-foot fence is the recommended height for protecting large areas from deer. However, the University of Minnesota found deer can be kept out of small gardens that are 8 x 16 feet or smaller with much shorter fences. Sturdy decorative posts and somewhat invisible deer fencing tend to make a less obtrusive fence. Always check with your local municipality for any fencing restrictions.
Many gardeners report success using high-test fishing line. Create a barrier using strong five-foot posts with the fishing line spaced at two-foot intervals.
Scare tactics may provide some short-term help. Motion-sensitive sprinklers, noise makers, and smells are often used. Several gardeners reported success from inverting wine bottles over rebar posts. The rattling helped discourage deer browsing and added an ornamental element to the garden. Change scare tactics to increase success.
Place key plants closer to your home, in the back of large beds, or surrounded by less susceptible plants. Making it hard to reach the plants can help discourage damage to hydrangeas.
Repellents are another option. Treat susceptible plants before the deer start browsing for the best results. Look for a rain- and snow-resistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), which does not need to be reapplied often. That means you’ll save time applying and spend less money.
Maximize the results of a repellent by treating new growth according to the label directions. Most liquid repellents need time to dry and can only be applied when temperatures are above freezing. Always check the label for the product being applied and follow the directions for the best results.
Continue to monitor the landscape for signs of deer presence and damage and adjust your management strategies as needed. Be persistent so you can increase your success.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The 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 and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise in writing this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
The City of Fremont Community Survey
By Jack Alcorn
Fremont City Council has concluded a new assessment of public opinion. The revealing poll provides a good look at residents’ contentment with life and services in Fremont.
The results of the survey were presented to Fremont City Council at the April 9 meeting. The thorough, professional project was conducted by FM3 Research of Oakland. The report included data from previous Fremont Community Surveys to gauge changes in public opinion.
The demographic composition of the survey sample mirrored the diversity of the Fremont community, per census data: 36% over the age of 50; 56% Asian; 24% White; 13% Latino; 6% other. The multimodal survey approach included email, text messages, postcards and telephone calls. English, Spanish and Chinese were language options for survey participants.
Residents were asked a series of questions assessing their attitudes about quality of life in Fremont. The survey examined attitudes about city government accountability and openness; trends in perception on crime; and satisfaction with city services. Highlights from this community assessment are provided here:
- 79% of residents agree that Fremont is a great place to raise a family.
- The services most valued by City of Fremont voters included fire protection; 911 emergency response; and street maintenance.
- 15% of survey respondents had so much trouble paying for a mortgage or rent that they thought they might become homeless.
- 57% of Fremont’s population holds a college degree.
- The most commonly sighted ‘serious problem’ was cost of housing, followed by homelessness and freeway traffic.
- The overall job being done by Fremont City government in providing services to the City’s residents was rated as good or excellent by 41% of respondents. In 2018, 51% of respondents provided the same rating.
The survey also demonstrated that concern about homelessness has risen sharply in the past 5 years. This data point was accompanied by 46% of respondents stating that there are not enough police on the street. However, more than 75% of people reported feeling safe living in Fremont.
Fremont’s ‘Vision Zero’ Action Plan created more bike lanes and crosswalks, narrowed some streets and created traffic circles. More than 40% of those surveyed were not in support of these changes.
Regarding homelessness, more than 90% of survey participants expressed a desire to reduce the presence of homeless encampments. The same number of Fremont residents expressed concerns about trash, crime and sanitation problems associated with homeless encampments.
Residents largely reported satisfaction with parks, garbage and emergency response.
Ohlone Community College Makes Plans For On-Campus Housing
By Roelle Balan
It’s no surprise that housing costs in the Bay Area are high. This makes it difficult for people who want to attain a higher education but are worried about housing. Fortunately, an affordable student housing project is on its way at Ohlone Community College’s Newark Campus.
The Ohlone Community College Board of Trustees awarded a contract to Community Facility Public Private Partnerships during the March 13, 2024 board meeting. This is a pivotal step in the college’s plan to get affordable housing at Ohlone College.
Dr. Christopher Dela Rosa is Vice President of Administrative and Technology Services of Ohlone College. He said the next step is for the Board of Trustees to approve the “final design phase” which includes the size of the rooms. That will happen in a few months during a board meeting.
The on-campus student housing will be located on 6.69 acres of land on the Newark campus and has two building plans.
The first building plan is a Residence Hall style building with 424 beds. One unit will have three bedrooms with two students in each bedroom. Each unit includes a shared dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.
The second building plan includes 60 studio apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments. This building was designed for students with families. “Recognizing that our community college students are different from traditional four-year university students, wherein we have a lot of adult students with dependents,” Dela Rosa said. “We want to have a space for them as well.”
Dela Rosa said students would be able to sign up for housing as soon as the 2026-2027 academic year. Housing qualifications such as income level have not been set yet. Documents from the board meeting say construction is expected to be completed by Summer 2027. Students can move in by August of that year.
Dela Rosa said the college’s main purpose in attaining housing is to retain students, especially those who are at-risk of becoming homeless. “This project really started from an equity perspective,” Dela Rosa said. “We really wanted to have a space wherein, when a student comes here who is struggling not with their academics but with everything else, we would be able to help them in terms of providing shelter.”
Ohlone College will be the third community college in the Bay Area to have on-campus housing. Dela Rosa said the other two housing developments are in Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College.
According to the Ohlone Community College District Facilities Master Plan for the years 2022-2032, there are plans for another housing project in the Fremont campus.
The latest housing project comes just a few years after renovations were completed for the Academic Core Complex in the Fremont campus in 2020. The new buildings include the Science Center and the Arts and Learning Commons.
Dela Rosa said the purpose of on-campus housing is to address the roadblocks students may have when trying to reach their educational goals, including transportation. The project will include transportation to and from classes in the Fremont campus and a basic needs center to address food insecurity.
“And as we know, getting an Associate’s Degree at least is one step towards economic freedom – or difficulty in your finances, so that’s really the goal,” Dela Rosa said.
San Leandro City Council approves jail time and fines for sideshows
By Jack Alcorn
Tuesday, April 2 the City of San Leandro enacted an ordinance prohibiting participants and spectators at sideshows, street races, and reckless driving exhibitions.
Sideshows have become violent and dangerous. The risky events shut down intersections, neighborhood streets and parking lots to host dangerous driving acts. Social media often encourages popularity and attendance of these affairs.
The ordinance states, “Sideshows, street races, and reckless driving exhibitions impact public safety… promoters of sideshows, street races, and reckless driving exhibitions intend to attract hundreds of people from outside the City of San Leandro that have no stake in the community.”
Spectators at these gatherings leave empty bottles, food waste and other trash everywhere. Squealing tires form spinning cars increases noise pollution. The smoke released by burning rubber reduces air quality.
Sideshows cause significant damage to city infrastructure such as pavement, street signs, poles and utility equipment. Sideshows are associated with the discharge of firearms, resulting in higher violent crime rates and vandalism.
The risky exhibitions cause high numbers of emergency calls. Sideshows require a law enforcement response that diverts San Leandro Police Officers from responding to other emergencies.
“I think this is a strong ordinance, a good ordinance…to keep our community safe,” said Councilmember Pete Ballew.
California law prohibits drivers and passengers from engaging in sideshow events by criminalizing illegal street racing and illegal exhibitions of reckless driving. Police officers may arrest drivers and seize their vehicles.
A person who violates this new San Leandro ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not exceeding six months or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by both. The ordinance mirrors several other in Alameda County. It was adopted unanimously by the Council.
Bomb threat at John Muir Middle School
Submitted by Cheryl Hurd
Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) received a call to check a bomb threat at John Muir Middle School at around 1:50 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. The call came into the main office as students were being dismissed from school.
An evacuation took place. 942 students and 42 staff members were directed to Cherry Grove Park, located behind the school.
Alameda County Sheriff Department’s explosive detection dogs went through all the rooms at John Muir Middle School in San Leandro Thursday. The incident command gave the school the all clear at 4:15 p.m.
Nothing was found inside or outside the school.
Newark Police Investigate Arson
Submitted by Newark Police Department
On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, around 11:33 a.m., Newark Police Officers responded to a report concerning a vegetation fire in the 36000 block of Cedar Blvd. Arriving within minutes, officers found witnesses who had extinguished a small fire.
Evidence at the scene pointed towards deliberate arson, targeting both vegetation and a set of stairs leading to a building. Fortunately, the resulting damage was minimal, and the building was vacant at the time. Witnesses mentioned a suspicious individual wearing all black clothing seen riding away on a bicycle at the time of the incident. As the investigation progressed, officers learned of similar reports of fires in the nearby City of Fremont, all involving a suspect fitting the same description.
Over the next hour and a half, Fremont Police and Fire services responded to multiple small fires within their jurisdiction. At approximately 1:30 p.m., a Fremont sergeant, actively seeking the suspect, observed a man matching the description in the act of starting another fire. The sergeant intervened and detained the individual, later identified by police as Joseph Paulson, a 36-year-old Newark resident. Paulson was subsequently arrested on various arson-related charges. There were no reported injuries from the fires in Fremont or Newark.
We would like to thank the Fremont Police, Alameda County Fire and our own officers for their quick response and thorough investigation which led to the arrest of the suspect. We would also like to thank the witnesses whose quick action extinguishing the fires prevented further damage.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact Sgt. Yama Homayoun via email at yama.homayoun@newark.org or by phone at (510) 578-4920.
Information can also be left anonymously on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at (510) 578-4965.
Chabot Routs DVC in NorCal Tennis Quarters
Submitted by Chabot College Athletics
The No. 2-seeded Chabot men’s tennis team defeated No. 8 Diablo Valley 9-0 in the Quarterfinals of the Northern California Dual Team Playoffs. Chabot will host No. 4 Fresno City at 1 p.m. next Tuesday, April 16.
The Gladiators’ Elijah Cho cruised past DVC’s Josef Nunez 6-0, 6-1. Chabot is also hosting the Coast Conference Championships for men and women Thursday through Saturday this week.
Chabot will be represented in the men’s singles tourney by No. 1 seed Darian Quinonez, No. 4 seed Arav Waghray, No. 5 seed Elijah Cho; and in doubles by No. 2 seed, Quinonez and Waghray and No. 5 seed, Cho and Josh Fralick.
Chabot men’s season record, 12-7; Conference record, 5-1.
Dream Win: Four Gladiators Allow No Hits in Sweep
Submitted by Chabot College Athletics
Four pitchers combined on a no-hitter and the Chabot baseball team capped a resounding sweep of City College of San Francisco with a 13-1 romp on Saturday, April 6 in the Coast-North Conference.
Chabot has won 10 straight games after dropping their first two against College of San Mateo to open conference play.
Starter Daniel Hernandez went six strong innings at Steve Friend Stadium to get Saturday’s victory, striking out eight, walking four and allowing one earned run. Relievers Ty Hickling, William Aviles, and Kiefer Kiley each worked hitless innings and combined for six strikeouts.
The second-place Gladiators (24-8, 10-2) next have a huge series against first place Skyline, beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 on the road.
Chabot had many reasons to smile after sweeping an outmanned CCSF a combined 44-1 over three games last week.
Jalen Owens, the center fielder, highlighted the team’s 13-hit attack on Saturday with a three-run home run in the fourth inning and went 2 for 3 with five RBI. First baseman Emmitt Phinney also went deep and was 2 for 3 with two RBI. Noah Zertuche, Kolin Fukuki, Tyson Brown, and TJ Costello all had doubles.
St Edward 60th Anniversary 5K
Submitted by St Edward School
Bring your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues and join us in celebrating St Edward School’s 60th Anniversary. Start a team, join an already existing team or participate as an individual.
Run through a scenic 5K trail circling through Quarry Lakes Park. Please note that the course is not USATF certified. The distance has been measured and is approximate. No bikes or skateboards are allowed on the course. Walkers follow same course as runners.
All proceeds from this 5K will go towards our 60th anniversary effort to repair and upgrade the lunch areas in the school. St Edward School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 94-1535363). All donations to St Edward School are tax-deductible.
The St Edward School 5K Registration desk is located in the Ensenada South Picnic Area and there is a parking lot close to it. However, if the lot is full, there is additional parking close to Niles Beach.
You will need to come to the registration desk to pick up your race packet. We highly encourage you to pick up the race packet at the registration desk at least 15 minutes prior to joining. Your race packet will include: Race bib, safety pins to attach the bib to your clothing and a commemorative shirt.
Please present a copy of your order confirmation and an ID at the registration desk to pick up your bibs. You may also pick up bibs for another participant, but please make sure you present their order confirmation. You will be responsible for getting the bibs to the participant.
COURSE
- The 5K course runs through the packed gravel trails circling through Quarry Lakes Park. The distance has been measured and is approximate.
- Please make sure your bib number is clearly displayed on your chest before arriving at the assembly area near the start line.
- The start waves will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with short gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear, meaning walkers and runners have plenty of space along the course.
- Please stay on the trails, taking shortcuts can be dangerous and cause erosion.
- We encourage you to wear proper walking/running shoes and dress in layers.
- Please dispose of water bottles, cups and other waste at garbage bins throughout the trail.
- All dogs must be on a leash at all times for the safety of all participants. Please remember to pick up after your dog.
OTHER AMENITIES
Water stations will be located close to every mile marker. First aid will be available at every water station and also at the Registration/Check in desk. The park has several restrooms that will be available for your use.
SPECIAL RAFFLE PRIZE
Our 60th Anniversary raffle drawing will be held at 12 noon after the 5K. Raffle ticket holders need not be present to win. If the raffle winner is not present, they will be notified via email and phone call within the week after the 5K.
Please note this is our first ever 5K and is mostly volunteer run. It is our goal to ensure that you have a wonderful walkathon experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our volunteers. We appreciate your patience, kindness and co-operation during the entire event.
St Edward 60th Anniversary 5K
Saturday, Apr 20
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Quarry Lakes
2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont
Runsignup.com/Race/CA/Fremont/StEdward
Registration: $30-$45
Parking: $5
James Logan High School Colts overpower Mission San Jose Warriors 3-0
By Vidyuth Sridhar
Photos by Devang Raina
On Tuesday, April 9, the James Logan High School Colts (Union City) Varsity Boys Volleyball team faced off against the Mission San Jose High School Warriors (Fremont). Despite multiple late surges by the Warriors, the Colts’ stout defense and high-octane offense propelled them to a dominant 3-0 victory.
After battling the Warriors two previous times this season (prevailing 3-1 and 2-1 respectively), the Colts focused on improving their blocking heading into the match. “Logan’s game plan was [concentrating] on bunch blocking, which is where we work on blocking quicker attacks. Mission has a lot of quick attacks that we got killed on last time, so we thought this time we should prepare for it,” Team Captain Jensen Yabut said after the game. Logan’s defensive effort immediately paid off; the Colts repeatedly blocked and returned Mission’s attacks, starting the first set up 6-0.
However, Logan’s greatest advantage during the game was their powerful spikes. Fueled by middle blocker Micah Wallace and outside hitter Hank Doan, the Colts consistently drove the ball past Mission, frustrating the Warriors’ back line and enabling Logan to build several commanding leads. In one highlight instance during the second set, Doan’s shot landed in the middle of Mission’s defense before bouncing out of the gym — captivating the crowd and Logan’s bench.
Despite the Colts’ all-around prowess, the Warriors’ tenacious resolve enabled them to gain momentum in every set, extending the game and taxing Logan’s morale. Fueled by strong individual surges from outside hitter Naren Jegan, outside hitter Roman Suleman, and middle Prakhar Bhatia (as well as Logan’s intermittent serving miscues), the Warriors came back from respective six- and eight-point deficits in the first and second set. Trailing close behind 23-24 and 20-22, Mission’s late-set runs consistently kept them within reach. Ultimately however, Logan’s offensive firepower helped the team regain their resolve — winning each set 25-23, 25-22, and 25-17. “[Once] we got a good kill, we just had to use our energy and build off of it from there,” Yabut revealed.
With the regular season coming to a close on April 25, the Colts look to capitalize on their spirited performance heading into the postseason. “Throughout this game, we had a lot of energy, which is something we don’t usually have. Hopefully, we can maintain that energy going on into the rest of the season and the playoffs,” Yabut articulated.
The Colts compete next against the Washington High School Huskies (Fremont) on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Washington High School, whilst the Warriors will travel to Irvington High School (Fremont) to take on the Vikings at 6:30 p.m. on April 16.
Assemblymember Alex Lee Recognizes Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent as Woman of the Year
Submitted by Director Nicholas Chan
Assemblymember Alex Lee recognized Molleen Barnes as Assembly District 24’s Woman of the Year. She is currently the Sunol Glen Unified School District Superintendent and Principal.
Barnes, who will be retiring in June, has dedicated over 37 years in education. She started her teaching career as an English Teacher at Fremont Unified School District before becoming Vice Principal. She has also served as a Principal in Brentwood and the Director of Human Resources in Antioch Unified School District.
“As a lifelong educator, Molly has demonstrated her commitment to students, parents and staff,” said Assemblymember Lee. “From overseeing recovery efforts after the flooding of Sunol Glen School, to standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, Molly has gone above and beyond in her service to her community. It is my honor to recognize her as Assembly District 24’s Woman of the Year.”
Last year, like many communities in California, Sunol, including Sunol Glen School, was flooded due to the heavy rains. Barnes was on the front lines to safeguard the school. She joined forces with her community, local leaders, and Assemblymember Lee’s office to ensure critical resources were available to protect the school facility.
Barnes worked with state and federal agencies to oversee the flood recovery, and the FEMA application process to ensure the schools’ facilities are preserved. She also oversaw the successful passage of the Sunol Glen Facility Bond to improve the quality of education facilities.
Barnes has also been a firm ally of LGBTQ+ community members. She stood in strong support of the LGBTQ+ community when the Sunol School Board voted to ban the display of the pride flag on school property.
“Molly courageously spoke against the board’s decision, so that LGBTQ+ students and their families feel welcomed at the school,” said Assemblymember Lee. “I want to thank Molly for her hard work as an educator and her courage to stand with the LGBTQ+ community.”
Assemblymember Alex Lee represents the 24th Assembly District which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose, and the community of Sunol. He is Chair of the Human Services Committee, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. Assemblymember Lee serves on the Budget Committee, the Committee on Housing and Community Development, and the Committee on Labor and Employment. https://a24.asmdc.org/
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
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
Tuesdays
LEGO® Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Drop-in. For everyone.
Tuesdays
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for stories, music, and movement.
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
For babies, toddlers, kids, and preschoolers.
Tuesdays
Comfort & Joy Ukulele R
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
A group of ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs as well as learning new.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Tuesdays
East Indian Seniors R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Anyone who is retired and of Indian origin or interested in Indian culture is welcome to join us.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month
Wednesdays
Folk Dancing Social R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join together in the wonderful spirit of dancing and savor the beautiful music from all over the world.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays
Book Club AWC R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The book club meets for stimulating discussions.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Thursdays
International Folk Dancing R$
11:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Celebrate the cultural roots and traditional life of various countries.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
In English and Chinese.
Thursdays
Bocce Ball Class R
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to play Bocce Ball.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Rain will cancel class.
Thursdays
Chinese Calligraphy Social R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bring your own supplies and socialize and have fun while doing calligraphy.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
There is no teaching on site.
Thursdays
Historic Days
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
Thursday, April 18 – June 8
Image Central Spring Exhibition
Lower Gallery: Mon 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tues & Thur 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Upper Gallery: Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Annual Spring Exhibition at the ImageCentral Gallery (formerly PhotoCentral) has bloomed once again. This exhibition showcases work from over 20+ artist from many walks of life! An eclectic group show with amazing images to match. ImageCentral is proud to continue this cultivation of the visual arts community from the first Spring Exhibition in 1987. Come support your local Bay Area community events and art scene. Vote for your favorite image at the reception and help crown the People’s Choice Awards! Celebrate this fun extravaganza with us, take in the imagery, meet the artist’s, make memories, and acquire some incredible art! The event is free and the public is invited.
Image Central Gallery
1099 E St., Hayward
(510) 881-6721
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
Human Essence
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. 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.
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
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 – 4 pm
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
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 – Saturday, April 18 – 20
Ohlone College Department of Theatre & Dance Presents: Instruments
8:00 pm
“Instruments” explores the deep connection between music and dance. Through innovative choreography and a diverse range of musical styles, dancers will embody the energy and essence of various instruments. The audience will be transported on a journey where percussion becomes a rhythmic pulse, strings sing with lyrical grace, and wind instruments evoke swirling emotions.
Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Tickets: https://www.ohlone.edu/smithcenter, box office (510) 659-6031
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 and succession planting will be covered.
Drop-in program. No registration required.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Blvd., Union City
(510) 745-7464
Thursday – Sunday, April 18 – 28
Douglas Morrisson Theatre Presents Anastasia
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. In this version, there is no Rasputin and Bartok the Bat. Anya (Anastasia), a Russian orphan, travels from Russia across Europe to Paris to discover the secrets of who she once was. Though she struggles with memory loss, she keeps fear at bay and never loses sight of her self-determination.
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
22311 Third St., Hayward
Douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com or (510) 881-6777
Saturday, April 20
LOV Casino Night
Fiesta Fantastica!
Doors open 5:30 – No Host Bar
Dinner 6:00 Bingo 6:30 Casino 7:30
Live Music, thrilling casino games, karaoke and dining. Nonstop entertainment.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 793-6272
Saturday, April 20
Arab American Heritage Month- Egyptian Music
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Newark Library is hosting Music in-Takht, an instrumental ensemble dedicated to sharing and preserving Egyptian musical heritage around the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by violinist Basma Edrees, graduate of Juilliard, and featuring oud and Egyptian percussion, this trio of world-class musicians will perform Egyptian music to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. The group has performed at the DeYoung Museum and other prominent venues.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
510-284-0675
Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Earth Day
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
ForestR.org and others partner 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
Old World Bake Sale
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Featuring traditional Easter foods from Greece, Russian, Ukraine and the Middle East and more
St Christina Orthodox Church
3721 Parish Ave., Fremont
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
Sunday, April 21
Wood Stove Treats
Drop by the country kitchen and sample a baked treat fresh out of the wood-burning stove. See some of the challenges of cooking before the invention of modern appliances. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
(510) 544-2797
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Wednesday, April 24
Robotic Knee Surgery and Muscle-sparing Anterior Hip Surgery
Dr. Alexander P. Sah, Medical co-director of the Institute for Joint Restoration and research, will describe robotic knee technologies and the benefits of an anterior approach to hip replacement.
Washington Hospital
2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont
Anderson Auditorium
Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28
Castro Valley Friends of the Library Book Sale
Fri: 6 pm – 8 pm
Sat: 10 am – 4 pm
Sun: 1 pm – 4 pm
The Castro Valley Friends of the Library will hold a big book sale this weekend! With a member preview sale from 6 pm to 8 pm. You can join or renew your membership at the door to gain entrance. There will be an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction for all ages, as well as audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs, all at bargain prices. On Sunday you can 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
Event elements will include a 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 Drive, Pleasanton
Saturday, April 27
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fremont Stake Blood Drive
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
5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Races
7:00 am: 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
Saturday, April 27
Mission San Jose Chamber of Commerce presents: 2nd Annual Fair
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Arts, mosaic, celebrating arts, culture and creativity
Ellsworth and Washington Blvd., Fremont
msjchamber.org
Sunday, April 28
Are You Informed or Influenced? Evaluating Information in the Digital Age
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
In our 24/7 high speed digital age it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and mistrustful of all the information that flows your way. The ability to direct your attention and to find credible information sources are 21st Century super powers. Join us as we learn how to:
evaluate the credibility of news stories and sources, distinguish types of information and their purposes, deliberately seek a wide range of credible information sources
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Sunday, April 28
Ohlone College – Music Dept. Piano Concert
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Everyone is welcome to hear Ohlone College music students perform their spring piano recital for us!
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Sunday, April 28
United We Sing Children’s Showcase Concert
3:00 pm
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley
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.
(510) 544-2797
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
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.
(510) 544-3220.
Garin Regional Park
1320 Garin Ave., Hayward
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. 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. 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, Fremont
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
Saturday, May 4
Dahlia Tuber and Small Plant Sale
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
For spectacular summer color, it’s time to plant those dahlias. Tubers will sell for $7 and cuttings, small plants will sell for $9, including tax. Dahlia aficionados will be on hand to advise on planting and caring for the dahlias. With so many varieties, there is something for everyone!
Mulford Garden Improvement Clubhouse
13055 Aurora Drive, San Leandro
(across from Garfield Elementary School)
Sunday, May 5
Spring Fever Car Show
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
No car is too old or new! Car lovers have an opportunity to show off their shiny new toys. If you wish to participate in the event, please register here. Food and refreshments will be available, 50/50 Raffle (must be present to win), Live Band will perform, shops will be open for your shopping pleasure
www.niles.org
Niles Town Plaza
37482 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 1
Registration fee: $35