05-31-22 Articles

Butterfly and Bird Festival

Submitted by Dino Labiste

Photos by Victor Carvellas

On Sunday, June 5, “Butterfly and Bird Festival” will return to Coyote Hills Regional Park.

The special event is dedicated to increasing the number and species of butterflies and birds in our Bay Area landscape through wildlife-friendly gardens.

Enjoy talks from local plant and animal conservation organizations, crafts for kids, photo montage in the visitor center, music and nature songs by Betsy Stern, and nectar garden tours led by a Coyote Hills naturalist.

Participating organizations:

University of California Master Gardener Program

California Native Plant Society

Ohlone Audubon Society

Pollinator Posse

Insect Sciences Museum

California Bluebird Recovery Program

North American Butterfly Association

Johnny’s Bee Farm

Monarch Butterfly Conservation

East Bay Regional Park District Ambassadors

Craft activities for kids and families:

Color and fold a butterfly or bird origami book.

Make a pot out of newspaper and plant some garden seeds.

Create and color a butterfly clothes pin.

Nectar Garden tours are 30 minutes long, and will start at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Face coverings are required inside the visitor center. Face coverings and social distancing are not required for outdoor programming, although they are encouraged.

There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle for parking past the kiosk booth. Pay at the booth as you drive in.

Butterfly & Bird Festival

Sunday, June 5

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Coyote Hills Regional Park

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote-hills

Admission is free

Parking: $5

Cherry Parade

Submitted by City of San Leandro

We are happy to announce the return of “San Leandro Cherry Parade”!

As the City celebrates its 150th birthday, it is fitting to include this long-standing San Leandro tradition celebrating our past, present and future. Many things have changed over the years, but one thing remains the same: the strong sense of community, spirit, and pride the Cherry Parade and its festivities brings to San Leandro.

This year’s Cherry Parade will be held on Saturday, June 4 in historic downtown San Leandro on East 14th Street, running one mile from the BART South Parking Lot, down Parrot Street, heading North on E. 14th Street towards San Leandro’s City Hall. Various events will kick off throughout the San Leandro downtown area on the day of the Parade.

After the parade, attendees are invited to explore historic downtown San Leandro, enjoy lunch, and support our local businesses. There will be a special Farmers’ Market at its new location – San Leandro Main Library, featuring plenty of cherries!

The Cherry Parade is one of a series of micro-events occurring throughout the year to celebrate the city’s 150th birthday. More will be posted on the city’s website and social media as they come up.

San Leandro Cherry Parade

Saturday, June 4

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Parade start: BART South Parking Lot

San Leandro Blvd. / Parrott St.

(510) 577-3462

https://www.sanleandro.org/852/Cherry-Parade

Oakland Zoo faces the next 100 years

By Victor Carvellas

On Sunday, June 5, Oakland Zoo will observe 100 years of operation at its “Centennial Birthday Celebration” at Snow Park. It’s a good time to pause and consider what lies ahead for the next 100 years. Over the last few decades, Oakland Zoo has not only embraced huge changes in the care of animals and habitat design, but has also pursued a mission of conservation, education and community outreach. Where zoos once primarily displayed animals for entertainment’s sake, a steadily increasing awareness of the importance of the natural world has seen zoos take a leading role in efforts to improve the lives of animals both in their stewardship and in the wild.

Snow Park in Oakland (named for Zoo founder Henry Snow), was the original site of the Zoo when it opened in June of 1922, and is the perfect place to recognize its growth not only in size, but in importance to the community.

As the Zoo faces its next hundred years, issues of habitat destruction, poaching and global warming will continue to provide direction. While these are problems of a global scale, many of the solutions have a beginning in our own backyard. The Zoo’s educational curricula include, for instance, instructional videos on projects you can do right at home (https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/backyard-conservationist). More than that, the Zoo will continue to grow its community outreach and elementary school programs, highlighting at each turn the importance of our relationship to the natural world. “Are animals in our habitat,” asks CEO Nik Dehejia, “or are we in theirs?”

Other important local activities include public clean-ups, removing debris from our neighborhoods as well as the wild places still remaining in the Bay Area. Find out more about the Zoo’s opportunities and perhaps become more involved (https://www.oaklandzoo.org/you-can-too).

Conservation will continue to play a huge role for the Zoo. “Working with Yurok tribe and the California Department of Fish and Game, the Zoo has been a significant partner in the reintroduction of 45 California Condors,” says Dehejia. Another cause is the amphibian crisis, the decimation of mountain yellow-legged frogs by a fungal disease. The zoo is giving young frogs a head start in its facilities before restocking Northern California lakes. Likewise, animals such as mountain lions, who come into contact with urbanization, are often compromised and in need of rescue. Some of these animals can’t be released into the wild, but the Zoo can give them a forever home.

Looking to the future, it may fall more and more upon zoos to conserve dwindling populations, requiring participation from conservationists, teachers and scientists. Therefore, the Zoo will continue to play to its strengths, providing up-close experiences of animals (through its Animal Ambassador program, for example) that can inspire young and old alike to care more deeply about animal welfare. “The zoo’s animals are therefore really representatives of their species,” says Dehejia, “whose message is a simple one: A healthy environment isn’t just one where human concerns are prioritized, but one in which all life forms are respected and recognized.”

Individuals who feel they don’t have the tools themselves to address the large problems facing wildlife, habitat, and impacted ecosystems don’t have to do it alone. The Zoo has connections, partnerships, resources and programs that interested individuals can make use of. The Oakland Zoo of the next hundred years emphasizes the similarities between humans and wildlife and leads the way in providing the opportunities to optimize our common ecosystem.

Just a few of the groups joining the Centennial Celebration include East Bay Regional Parks, Oakland Public Library, Oakland Roots and Pollinator Posses. Don’t miss the all-day on-stage entertainment featuring performances from Children’s Fairyland, juggling and comedy from EarthCapades, and musical performance from Alphabet Rockers.

“Not everyone gets to go to Africa or Asia to experience these animals in the wild,” says Dehejia, “and the zoo is the opportunity to represent them and their concerns. Caring for animals is an indication of how we care for ourselves.” No doubt, that message will continue to guide the
Oakland Zoo for the next century.

Oakland Zoo Centennial Celebration

Sunday, June 5

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Snow Park

Downtown Oakland

Harrison and 20th St (next to Lake Merritt)

(510) 632-9525

https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/centennial-birthday-celebration-at-snow-park

Free

Oakland Zoo

Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland

www.oaklandzoo.org

Park District Receives Awards

By Dennis Waespi

In recognition of ongoing efforts to serve the public, East Bay Regional Park District, staff, and volunteers have received a sizeable bouquet of awards in recent times.

The District is especially proud of two that were received in 2021. One was the Excellence in Parks and Recreation Facility Award, which was conferred by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials. It cites three of the District’s regional shoreline projects designed to increase public access, mitigate sea level rise, and restore habitat. The projects were completed at Judge John Sutter Shoreline in Oakland, San Francisco Bay Trail at Albany Beach, and Bay Point in East Contra Costa.

Another honor in 2021 was the Global Citizen Award from the United Nations Association USA’s East Bay and Silicon Valley Chapters. It commended the District for keeping parks running and opening three shoreline parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More honors have accumulated so far this year. Three Awards of Distinction have been conferred by the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD):

My colleague, Director Ayn Wieskamp, received a well-deserved designation of Outstanding Board Member for her many years of service. She also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals.

Carl La Rue and Ned MacKay were named Outstanding Volunteers. Both have served for many years on the District’s Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol, whose members patrol the regional parks on foot, bicycle and horseback, reporting on trail conditions and assisting park visitors.

CARPD also designated Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay in Fremont as an Outstanding New Facility. It is the District’s first full-service shoreline campground. The campground also received an Outstanding Achievement in Parks and Recreation award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.

Bart O’Brien, manager of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden at Tilden Regional Park, received the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award from the American Horticultural Society. The award recognizes great American gardeners.

The California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 3 has given two awards to the Park District this year:

One award recognizes the Park District’s dedication to policies promoting Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). It cited numerous programs the District has carried out promoting and practicing JEDI principles, including staff training and the naming of Thurgood Marshall Regional Park, Home of Port Chicago 50. CPRS also presented an Outstanding Park Award to Dumbarton Quarry Campground.

Two individuals were honored by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), Region 9.

One is Ira Bletz, the District’s regional interpretive and recreation services manager. He received the Master Interpretive Manager Award. He has served as a nature educator and interpretive services manager at the District for many years. Among other assignments, he is the former supervisor of Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

And Ed Valenzuela was recognized by NAI as an Outstanding Interpretive Volunteer. Valenzuela is an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, where he helps with school programs and acts as a greeter in the visitor center.

Last but not least, the District’s San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan received a Merit Award – Planning from California Trails & Greenways.

The Park District board, staff and volunteers all greatly appreciate the honors conferred by these organizations. And we don’t plan to rest on our laurels; we never stop working to improve and enhance your regional parks and the great variety of programs and facilities that they offer.

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

The grunge look is back in vogue

“With the world’s love for ’90s fashion at an all-time high since the decade itself, it’s no surprise that grunge has made a comeback,” according to the Trend Spotter website. But says the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), trendy can be costly. Take the newest offering from the luxury fashion house Balenciaga — a pair sneakers that will make you the grungiest fashionista in your town if you’ve got dough to spare. The “Paris High Top” fully destroyed footwear is available on Balenciaga’s online store at www.balenciaga.com/en-us for a luxuriously steep $1,800 per pair. They look like they are falling apart but they bear the name, Balenciaga, seemingly printed with a marker and large enough to be noticed from afar. They’re sure to impress your friends and family.

What are the odds?

The notion that identical twins are of one mind and are always doing the same things at the same time is perhaps proven by sisters Jill Justiniani and Erin Cheplak of Anaheim, California. Officials from AMAC report that the sisters each recently gave birth on the same day, in the same hospital to baby boys. Erin told Good Morning America that “throughout our pregnancies, it’s always kind of been the run on joke between Jill and I and our husbands that the boys would come on the same day.” See the sisters’ pregnancy journey on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqAhFtsS99Y.

A ‘Tasty Tape’ way to eat messy food

At last, someone has come up with a way to eat a burrito without it falling apart, reports AMAC. It’s a simple solution that makes you wonder why someone hasn’t thought of it before now. All you need to do is secure the empanada with some tape — not your run-of-the-mill scotch tape; that’s unhealthy of course. You need to use newly invented, edible “Tasty Tape.” It was invented by students at Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering. Student Tyler Guarino, explained that “First, we learned about the science around tape and different adhesives, and then we worked to find edible counterparts.” Guarino who said he couldn’t go into much detail because the team is in the process of obtaining a patent for their invention. “What I can say is that all its ingredients are safe to consume, are food grade, and are common food and dietary additives.” See the “Tasty Tape” on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5PC8YcBQ-c.

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

Park It: Coyote Hills Butterfly and Bird Festival

By Ned MacKay

The beauty of things with wings will be celebrated during the Butterfly and Bird Festival from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. The festival promote
s the idea of increasing the population of butterflies and birds in the Bay Area. Activities will include garden tours, educational speakers, and family hands-on activities. Visitors can learn how to create wildlife-friendly habitat in their own backyards.

The festival is free and open to all ages, though parent participation is required. Registration is not necessary. The Coyote Hills Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible. Due to COVID concerns, masks are required indoors and optional outside. Social distancing must be maintained.

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

Nearby at Ardenwood Historic Farm, there’s a bird-watching program in observance of Black Birders Week, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4. The group will roam the farm in search of migratory birds in the gardens, groves and fields. Everyone is welcome. No registration is necessary and the program is free. Coffee and snacks, binoculars and birding books will be provided. Meet at the park’s front entrance.

Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. For information call (510) 544-3187.

There’s also a bird-watching walk from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton for ages eight and up with naturalist Kristina Parkison. Both beginning and experienced birders are welcome. Shadow Cliffs is at 2500 Stanley Boulevard. The program is free, but registration is required. Call (888) 327-2757, option 2.

Butterflies also will benefit from a program scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. Participants will help prepare the center’s butterfly and native plant gardens for summer. Volunteers can choose between weeding, pruning, mulching and general cleanup. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, go to https://ebrpd.samaritan.com/custom/501/opp_details/3319?slotId=13974. For information, call (510) 544-3187.

And from fliers to floaters: jellyfish are the topic of a free program at the center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. the same day at Family Nature Fun Hour.

Crab Cove Visitor Center is at 1252 McKay Ave. off Alameda’s Central Avenue.

“Rock’n’ Reptiles” describes a free program from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday, June 5 at the Environmental Education Center in Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, with naturalist Jenna S. Collins. Find out what a turtle eats, how snakes move and what scales feel like.

The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. Masks are required. For information, call (510) 544-2233.

“Little Things, Big Deal” is the theme of a program from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, with naturalist Wyatt Moore. The topic is plankton, the microscopic plants and animals that Delta communities and wildlife depend on, but which are being impacted adversely by human actions. The program is free; masks are required indoors for everyone aged two and older.

Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call (510) 544-3050.

There’s always something interesting going on at park district visitor centers. For a full list of programs, visit the website, www.ebparks.org, and click on “Things To Do” at the top of the home page.

Art out of Balance

Submitted by Bruce Roberts

In 1972, in New York City, a women’s art organization was formed. Now, 50 years and hundreds of achievement awards later, California Peninsula Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art has set up a terrific display of talent at John O’Lague Gallery at Hayward City Hall.

Art in twelve different mediums makes up this varied show. Oils are very familiar, but oil mixed with pastels? Resin? Cold wax? Watercolors are common, but watercolor on Yupo Paper? What about “encaustic,” the mixing of paint with hot wax? Acrylics, black and white photography, ceramics, collages, and a variety of mixed media make up this amazing show.

The art itself is just as varied, some of it quite timely. Christine Cianci’s ceramic— “Cal Summer”—shows a lady hugging her pet, as wildfire flames streak behind them. The national crisis over baby formula is reflected in a dress made entirely of baby bottle nipples titled “Transitional Ware” by Lynn Dau.

These are just two examples of world class art—beautiful and brilliant—now appearing in Hayward’s O’Lague Gallery, until June 23.

John O’Lague Galleria at Hayward City Hall is open to the public, with a reception on Friday, June 3, all art fans invited.

Art out of Balance

Friday, June 3 – Thursday, June 23

Monday – Friday; 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Opening reception

Friday, Jun 3

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

John O’Lague Galleria at Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 538-2787

haywardartscouncil.org

January 6th trail watch event

Submitted by Joanne Hoemberg

Our democracy was sorely tested by the events of January 6th. The investigations surrounding this are nearly finished, and the hearings stating their findings will air on national TV in early June. While many or all of the hearings will be broadcast, Watch Events are being organized all over the U.S. where groups are encouraged to gather virtually or in person. The intent is to draw attention to the proceedings and maximize their impact.

The first of these is scheduled for June 9th when the hearings will be going on in Washington D.C. You are invited to join us in person at Bronco Billy’s Pizza in Fremont. We can purchase pizza ahead of time and watch the proceedings in the adjoining room.

Prior to the televised event, our guest speaker will be David Bonaccorsi, a former Fremont City Council Member and a prominent local attorney. We can expect interesting comments from him and perhaps get some questions answered as well.

These are extremely important sessions, and it should concern all of us in America. We need to find out the circumstances and people who were involved in the Insurrection against our government.

To sign up for the event, please go to: https://www.mobilize.us/jan6hearings/event/457173/?

January 6th trial watch event

Thursday, June 9

4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Bronco Billy’s Pizza

41200 Blacow Rd., Fremont

https://www.mobilize.us/jan6hearings/event/457173/?

Rotary Clubs Collaborate with American Red Cross Blood Drive

Submitted by Marguerite Padovani

 

Rotary Clubs are collaborating in support of the American Red Cross Blood Drive by partnering with the Crossroads/Echo Church in Fremont, Thursday, June 2.

Rotary Clubs volunteering include:

Fremont Rotary Club

Fremont Bridge Rotary Club

Fremont Morning Rotary Club

FUN Sunset (Fremont, Newark, Union City)

HuaRen Rotary Club

Mission San Jose

Newark Rotary Club

Niles Rotary Club

Rotaract of Greater Fremont

For more information about the Blood Drive and a link to other locations, go to: redcrossblood.org.

Community Blood Drive

Thursday, Jun 2

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crossroads Church

Building A – Worship Center

41386 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Children’s Mental Hea
lth Awareness Month

Submitted by the City of Fremont Human Services Department

To celebrate the art, creativity, and resiliency of Fremont students, the City of Fremont Human Services Department, Youth and Family Services Division in partnership with Fremont Unified School District, hosted the 5th annual Children Mental Health Awareness Art Competition to celebrate National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

This year the City is also launching a video as part of the Youth and Family Services’ Motivate Café series about mental health awareness. The video spotlights all of the work submitted by students and includes personal interviews with the winners of the competition. You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/uklS2m3j5S8

This year, the City received almost 100 submissions to the competition from Fremont Unified School District students. Digital media entries and poetry were accepted in addition to traditional art mediums. The theme was “My Courage and Strength.” The event was generously supported by Kaiser Permanente and Fremont Olive Hyde Art Guild, and other individual community donors.

Founder’s Weekend Festival is Coming!

Submitted by Gary Dorighi

 

June 11th opens our two-day Festival on the grassy area behind the historic Mission Museum in the Dominican Sisters’ of Mission San José Olive Grove. Bring your families to enjoy food, live music & entertainment, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, beer & wine, as well as a raffle for a 1st place cash prize of $2,000.

Join one of our knowledgeable docents for a guided tour of the Mission. Shop for everything from olive oil and olive wood products to religious gifts, educational material, apparel, and souvenirs. Hungry? Enjoy a delicious variety of international food from India, China, Vietnam, Portugal, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico, as well as hot dogs and hamburgers. And don’t forget local craft beer, assorted wines, water, and sodas.

See our complete Schedule of Events at mission225.org/founders-weekend-festival.

Founders Day Festival

Saturday, June 11 – Sunday, Jun 12

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mission San Jose

4300 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 657-1797

mission225.org/founders-weekend-festival

Admission is free

Journey to the Symphony

Submitted by Barbara Gorsuch

Under the leadership of Judy Lam, Artistic Director of Fremont Youth Symphony Orchestra (FYSO), and the artistry of her students and Fremont Symphony musicians, a presentation of “Journey to the Symphony” was held on May 14, 2022 at Irvington Presbyterian Church in Fremont. The event allowed students to play alongside Fremont Symphony musicians, which is an invaluable learning experience that FYSO students will always treasure.

The event had a full house attendance and honored guests: Alameda County Fremont Field Representative Kathy Kimberlin; Fremont Mayor Lily Mei; Vice Mayor Raj Salwan; and Councilmembers Yang Shao, Jenny Kassen and Teresa Keng. Mayor Mei presented a Certificate of Appreciation. Kathy Kimberlin also presented a Commendation with sponsorship on behalf of Supervisor David Haubert and Alameda County.

The concert started with a performance by Melodia, the preparatory ensemble conducted by Marcella Schantz, FYSO Conductor. Proud parents responded enthusiastically, which set the mood for the entire program. Following was the intermediate ensemble, Bravi, conducted by Grace Lai, FYSO Associate Director. Bravi’s beautiful performances included an arrangement of Offenbach’s Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld to which the audience clapped along with vivacious energy.

Virtuosi, the advanced ensemble conducted by Judy Lam, FYSO Artistic Director, captured the audience with their delightful performances on works by Schubert and Chopin. Also featured was Harmonious Four, a quartet that won the Fremont Symphony Young Recitalists Competition. The performance skills of these young musicians inspired all aspiring musicians in the audience.

The grand finale, Let There Be Peace On Earth, was a combined performance with all musicians. Lyrics were sung by Antara Raja and Rachel Lee. In a time when there are so many conflicts and so many people suffering in the world, this song brought the audience to tears.

All in all, under the leadership of Judy Lam, the event was amazing and extremely entertaining.

Fremont Youth Symphony Orchestra

https://www.fremontyouthsymphony.org/

Public welcomed to historic Palmdale Gardens

By Chahak Gupta

On May 21, board members of The Garden Conservancy held a public grand opening of the Gardens at Palmdale, a five-acre meditative park located alongside Avenida Palmdale in Fremont. They were joined by Guest Speaker Raj Salwan, Vice Mayor of Fremont’s District 5, along with several local environmentally-friendly organizations.

Originally inhabited by Ohlone tribes in the 18th century, the Mission San José gardens harbored native trees and plants; and olive trees, fruit trees and vines introduced by Franciscan missionaries. Canary date palms, which gave the gardens their name, were planted in the early 19th century. The gardens changed hands many times during the 19th and 20th centuries, from the Costa Rican Gallegos Family who gave neighboring residences an Italianate Victorian style, to the Best and Starr Families who introduced diverse plants to the gardens including Japanese maples and Indian gingkoes. Finally, the lot was sold to the Sisters of the Holy Family in 1948. In 2019 they transferred maintenance responsibilities to Gardens at Palmdale Inc., which, under The Garden Conservancy, aims to “preserve, share and celebrate America’s gardens,” according to their website, gardenconservancy.org.

The gardens’ opening ceremony aimed to encourage the public to visit after footfall decreased during the pandemic. Board Member Don Kaefer commenced the address, emphasizing the exclusivity of the gardens to pedestrians. “This garden is one phenomenal place to relax and to take beautiful walks. It’s not for driving. It’s not for bicycles. It is a serene place to meditate and enjoy,” he said. Board Member Bob Tavares echoed Kaefer’s sentiments and elaborated on the board’s role in maintaining the gardens. “These gardens are envisioned to help all who visit to slow down, meditate, and smell the flowers. The board’s mission is to maintain the gardens in the style they deserve and to promote their use by the public,” he said.

Sister Gladys Guenther, Congregational President of the Sisters of Holy Family, delved into the history of the gardens and elaborated on the Sisters of the Holy Family’s involvement. “In 2007, we began looking at how we could preserve the past for future generations to enjoy,” she said. “Inspired by the [United Nations] Earth Charter, we made the commitment to preserve and endow 5.5 acres of the park’s core area—which included a treasury of 250 trees, the water rights coming from the hills and many historic features—to the Gardens of Palmdale Inc. and its Board of Directors…Rather than being addressed as the founders of the gardens, I see us as the inheritors of a treasure. We chose to preserve that inheritance for the common good of future generations.”

Later, Guest Speaker and Vice Mayor of District 5, Raj Salwan, shed light on the approval process of the gardens’ developmental restrictions. “It’s very rare that we’re able to get the appropriate funding for these kinds of projects. But the developers stepped up and allowed us a way to maintain these gardens without using public resources or tax money. These gardens will be here for generations, and we can all benefit,” he said.

As the address neared an end, visitors were encouraged to enjoy refreshments, take sunflower seedlings, and visit booths of local eco-friendly organizations. Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a non-profit aiming to push Congress to pass strong climate legislation, touted its Carbon Fee and Dividend policy, which encourages consumers to switch to renewables by slowly increasing the prices of fossil fuels. Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont’s booth, dedicated to promoting sustainable alternatives to daily necessities, boasted batches of free handmade soaps and packets of plant seeds. Friends of Heirloom Flowers, a gardening group partnering with City of Fremont to maintain Fremont’s Shinn Park, sought volunteer signups. Urban Forest Friends, previously Tri-City Urban Forest Alliance, promoted their past reforestation projects with local high schools and churches. All of these organizations fundamentally served the same purpose as the Gardens at Palmdale: to preserve nature’s serenity for future generations to relish.

Gardens at Palmdale

43202 Calle Dolorosa, Fremont

https://www.gardensatpalmdale.org/

58th Hayward Air Rally

Submitted by Hayward Air Rally

The 58th “Hayward Air Rally” is a day of skill, aviation, and fun! This is the longest continually held proficiency flying event in North America. Having grown out of a personal challenge between Hayward city officials in 1965, the rally has now been flying for 57 years. 2022 Hayward Air Rally will take place June 3 – 6.

The rally is a 500-mile VFR cross-country challenge, flown in two legs, taking pilots from Hayward, California to Bend, Oregon, and back. It is not a speed event; fuel management and navigation skills determine your score. After a day of activities in Bend on Sunday, pilots enjoy a party with food, trophies and awards.

All types of piston aircrafts are accepted, and all certificated pilots and guests are welcome. This is a great opportunity to test your flying skills for prizes and trophies or just have fun and enjoy the camaraderie. Those trying out the rally for the first time this year have an option to do a smaller practice run where they fly just the first leg to Redding, get a practice score, refuel and fly home.

Rally proceeds fund up to three EAA Air Academy Scholarships for deserving students.

Hayward Air Rally

Friday, Jun 3 – Monday, Jun 6

Friday: Impound and Course/Safety Briefing

Saturday: Fly!

Sunday: Fun day and Awards Dinner

Monday: Head Home

Hayward Airport

20301 Skywest Dr., Hayward

(530) 621-1049

www.hwdairrally.org

Entry fee: $350, practice only $25

Homeless data count released in San Leandro

Submitted by Paul Sanftner

New data from a recent countywide homeless count shows that that homelessness has increased by 22% in Alameda County while it has dipped by 2% in San Leandro.

The information, from the 2022 Alameda County Homeless Point-in Time Count, was released Monday, May 23 by non-profit organization EveryOne Home. The count was conducted in-person February 22 and 23.

Though the data recorded shows a slight reduction for San Leandro, city officials are continuing to address the impacts of the 22% increase seen overall in the county. San Leandro plans to use information from the count data to identify safety net funding and service-delivery decisions.

“For me, each number in the 2022 Point-in-Time Count represents a person, their story, and the needed social services that enable them to thrive in our community,” said San Leandro Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter.

Cutter added that the city will continue to provide funding to non-profit organizations that provide critical services such as food, a warm shower and outreach services to the homeless population.

“We’ve also redoubled our focus on serving our most vulnerable residents through the new stand-alone Human Services Department and our recent efforts to purchase a hotel and convert it into a navigation center,” Cutter said.

EveryOne Home will release the full 2022 Alameda County Homeless Point-in-Time Count report in July. Meanwhile, more information about homelessness in Alameda County is available on the organization’s website at everyonehome.org/main/.

Free Art Demo: Learn to Paint Birds

Submitted by Winifred Thompson

A.R.T., Inc. is proud to present a free online demo featuring mixed media artist Colleen Gianatiempo on Saturday, June 11. Register by June 9 on the www.artinc.org website. Using mixed media, Gianatiempo will show how to paint birds.

Gianatiempo, who now lives in St. George, Utah, approaches life in the same way she paints—by being courageous, honoring her intuition, trusting the journey, and embracing the mystery. This mindset enables her distinctive style. In 2017, she earned an MFA from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Because her art was selected for Hearts of San Francisco and the Small Town with a Big Heart Mural in Martinez, she has earned the reputation of being the “Artist with a Heart.”

Suppy List

• small Canvas –wood or paper- grocery bag 12” x 12” is a good size
• paint brushes
• acrylic or house paint (3 colors minimum) &/or any colors of your dreams
• mod podge, matte medium or gel medium. Or you can make your own w/ Elmer’s glue -1 cup glue & 1/3 cup water)
• black & white collage material (newspaper, old books, black & white laser prints, music sheets)
• colored collage material (gift wrap, colored tissue paper, stickers, greeting cards)
• 1 piece of laser paper (to make a stencil with)
• black or colored sharpies
• Any other ink pens in different colors (gel pens are great-especially white)
• Q-tips
• bubble wrap
• corks
• scissors
• spray bottle
• paper towels
• hairdryer
• rubbing alcohol for mistakes!
• bowl of water for cleaning brushes

Free Art Demo: Learn to Paint Birds

Saturday, Jun 11

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Via Zoom. Link will be provided upon registration

Registration deadline: June 9

Register at: https://www.artinc.org/

Local cartoonist illustrates a world of magic

By Fatema Bhaiji

Amanda Castillo is a cartoonist and illustrator who recently finished illustrating the first published book of the series Mapmakers and The Lost Magic. After going to art school in Maryland at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), she returned to her roots in Newark. Castillo just finished working on the first book of Mapmakers and The Lost Magicas an illustrator with her co-creator and writer, Cameron Chittock. Published by Penguin Random House Graphics, the story is about a young girl named Alidade and her adventures to save her home against an authoritative group, the Night Coats.

In elementary school, Castillo read a lot of manga, comics that originate from Japan; she believes her keen interest in the Japanese comics “was the start of [her interest for art]”. Going into high school at Newark Memorial, Castillo originally wanted to work in animation but realized this type of art wasn’t for her when she took her first animation class as a freshman. Outside of school, Castillo continued to explore her fervent love for art when she did two art summer programs, which allowed her to find a new interest in illustration. For Castillo, illustration “was less about the moving image, but about what story you can capture.” In one of her programs, she was assigned to make a comic, and thi
s jumpstarted her interest in drawing comics.

As illustrator, Castillo doesn’t have too much say in terms of the structure of the comic, but she is in charge of what the world and the characters look like. The fun part, she explains about being a co-creator for the comic, is that “we get to bounce ideas of each other” and “the script evolves through our conversations.” Once Chittock gives her the script, she roughly sketches it out to get an idea of what the scene looks like. From there, she makes edits and turns it into a final draft. Some of these edits range from doing line work to finishing up color.

Castillo felt that making comics was more in line with her personality and how she felt about art, so she continued to study it in college at MICA. After graduating and coming back to Newark, she started working on several projects. Mapmakers and the Lost Magic, was her first book, and that prompted a lot of challenges. For example, Castillo was unaware of how gauge the time certain stages of comic drawing would take. One of the stages, the inks and final line work, took her by surprise, and she ended up extending her deadline because of this. Although it was challenging, she was able to learn more about herself and what her artistic bounds were through the process.

Castillo’s work on this project is not her only impressive feat, as she previously worked with a publisher named BOOM! Studios on an anthology series for the cartoon, The Amazing World of Gumball. Castillo is continuing to work on the next two books in the Mapmakers series, but her biggest goal is to write and illustrate her own book in the future.

Amanda Castillo’s portfolio website: https://www.amanda-castillo.com/

Buy the comic book!: https://bit.ly/398SP5W

Looking back at Pop-Up on the Promenade

Photos by Victor Carvellas

On Saturday, May 21, Union City held their first Pop-Up on the Promenade of 2022 – Spring Edition! Vendors lined up at the Studio 11 plaza behind the BART Station, selling handmade goods, art, fashion and plants. Some exotic but friendly reptiles also came by to say hello!

Looking forward to more outdoor events in Union City as we transition into summer. To check for upcoming events, go to www.unioncity.org.

Rattlesnake Advisory

Submitted by East Bay Regional Parks

Park District staff and visitors have recently observed the re-emergence of snakes – most notably rattlesnakes – along some regional park trails that make up their natural habitat. Snakes emerge in warm spring weather to explore their environment, which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs. When visiting East Bay Regional Parks at this time of year, visitors are encouraged to keep in mind some snake safety precautions.

What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake

Leave it alone – do not try to capture or harm it. All park wildlife is protected by law. If you see a snake on a trail, wait for it to cross and do not approach. Then move carefully and slowly away.

Safety Tips for Visiting Regional Parks

Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency.

Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass.

Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.

Avoid placing your hands or feet where you cannot see clearly.

Keep dogs on designated trails and away from snakes if they see one.

What to Do If Bitten by a Snake

If bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and send someone to call 911. Remain calm by lying down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Getting medical attention quickly is critical – do not spend time on tourniquets, “sucking,” or snake bite kits. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run.

If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention.

If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattlesnake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain.

Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment. They are prime controlling agents of rodents, insects, and other reptile populations. Enjoy them from afar and leave them where they are found. It is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District. Please help us to protect wildlife and their environment for present and future generations.

To learn how to tell the difference between rattlesnakes and gopher snakes, download our Common Snakes brochure (https://bit.ly/3GkzlI4) or watch our Gopher Snake or Rattlesnake video (https://bit.ly/3LXSf8Y). Additional information is available at ebparks.org/safety/wildlife-encounters.

Capacity Crowds Celebrated 100th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo

Submitted by Alfreda Sebasto

It was a weekend of great weather and capacity crowds for the 100th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo celebration. The celebration of the historic California rodeo included great rodeo performances enjoyed by new and old fans to the sport.

“It was a celebration that Harry Rowell, Cecil Jones, and all of those great cowboys that made sure this rodeo is still here, would have enjoyed,” said Russ Fields, Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo Committee President. “The biggest compliment of the weekend for all of us on the committee was when a young family came through our gate on Sunday and the mother told one of our members that they had so much fun on Saturday at their first rodeo, they decided to come back. That enthusiasm, appreciation for our community and this piece of history is why we’re here.”

The weekend began with an 82-point ride for Hayes Thayne Weight (Goshen, UT) on the bucking bull. Bringin Joe B. Dalton Petersen (Livermore, CA) took second in the bull riding event with a 76.5, and NFR qualifier Roscoe Jarboe (New Plymouth, ID) came in third with his 74.5-point ride.

Friday night was followed by two days of full professional PRCA rodeo action highlighted with performances by award winning rope artist and horseman, Charro Tomas Garcilazo and the crowning of 2022 Miss Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo, Olivia Sherman of Castro Valley. Olivia will act as ambassador for the rodeo for the coming year in the community and throughout California.

Highlights for the weekend of rodeo action included the first year for the ladies’ breakaway roping event. Suzanne Williams (Winnemucca, NV) tied with California cowgirl Fallon Ruffoni (Arroyo Grande, CA) to take home the win with a 3.10 time. Matt Palmer (Claremore, OK) took home the bull riding with his 85-point ride on California Dreamin, and it was Jess Pope (Waverly, KS) who saw the win in the bareback event with his 86-point ride on Blue Indigo.

The 101st Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo will take place on May 19-21, 2023. Ticket sales and rodeo events will be announced throughout the year. Visit www.rowellranchrodeo.com for the latest news and events.

Sacred Songs: 500 Years of Motets

Submitted by Susan Swerdlow

Sacred texts have inspired centuries of composers to create beautiful music. The a cappella motet tradition, in particular, often harkens back to the genre’s Medieval and Renaissance originators. At a concert at Mission San Jose taking place on June 12, San Francisco Bay Area Chamber Choir (SFBACC) explores commonalities and divergences in motets from ac
ross the centuries.

The program comprises a wealth of composers and compositions. Duruflé pulls contemporary harmonies out of the Gregorian “Ubi caritas” chant. Poulenc’s “Timor et Tremor” and “Vinea mea electa” are harmonically wild in a similar way to Lassus’ “Timor” and Gesualdo’s “Vinea”. Sensibilities of Brahms’ motet “Warum ist das Licht gegeben” are evidenced first in the motets of Schütz.

Concert COVID protocols:

Audience members must be vaccinated and wear masks at all times. All SFBACC singers and the director have been vaccinated and boosted and will self-test on performance day. However, the choir cannot guarantee that all patrons will be vaccinated; unvaccinated individuals may be present as a result of, for example, exemptions or exceptions. None of these precautions eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Sacred Songs: 500 Years of Motets

Sunday, Jun 12

6 p.m.

Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont

http://www.sfbaychoir.org/june-2022/

Tickets: $20 general admission; $10 under 30

Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

Submitted by Santa Clara County Library District

Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) invites patrons of all ages to participate in the free Summer Reading Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” This two-month long event, from June 1 – July 31, encourages all readers to explore the world through reading and get out into the great outdoors. Go on a new adventure in the pages of a book or take the adventure outside. From camping to crafts – Summer is a great time to try something new!

“The pandemic has forced a lot of people to scale back family vacations or weekend trips, but SCCLD’s Summer Reading program can introduce you to free and simple ways to explore all of the wonders that Santa Clara County has to offer,” said Mike Wasserman, President of Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and Chair of Library Joint Powers Authority Board. “The library has planned wonderful in-person and virtual programs that can educate and entertain you – from guided hikes, learning about animals of the Americas, musical performers, book clubs and more!”

Read Beyond the Beaten Path is a great way to keep students engaged over the school break. Research shows it can help prevent “Summer Slide”, where students lose a significant amount of reading and math knowledge over the summer vacation. The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced school closures and distance learning, compounded the learning loss. The good news is, learning loss can be reversed by reading, enjoying the outdoors, smart play and being imaginative.

“Studies have found that students who participate in summer reading programs score higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year and they read with confidence,” County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said. “Libraries aren’t just a place to get books or other materials – they’re a place to have fun while learning. Join in something new this summer, like learning about “Van Life,” taking a discovery walk, hearing how to create a podcast, or trying your hand at painting.”

Sign up or log into Beanstack (https://sccl.beanstack.org/reader365) and register for Summer Reading. Patrons can download the Beanstack app on their mobile device. On Wednesday, June 1, start logging your progress. Participants can earn a reward for reading five books and completing one activity this summer. Completion rewards will be available starting on Monday, August 1.

Santa Clara County Library District summer reading program

June 1 – August 1

https://sccld.org/summer2022/

https://sccl.beanstack.org/reader365

San Leandro Remembers Slain Native with Park

By Hugo Vera

On any given day, the San Leandro Marina is bustling with hikers, runners, and people who just want to take in a beautiful view of the upper east bay. Situated on an empty piece of land just beyond the perimeter of the main Marina Park stands a sign announcing what will soon become the marina’s newest addition: The Steven Taylor Sanctity of Life Park.

Expected to begin construction in 2023, the park is named after San Leandro native Steven Taylor. Described by friends and family as a ‘bright and loving person,’ Taylor endured a life plagued by mental health crises stemming from family trauma and drug use.

“Growing up, Steven was just like any other kid,” says his grandmother and activist Addie Kitchen. “His mother was an addict and I think that took a terrible toll on him. Occasionally he would live with me, but ultimately, he was not able to get the help he needed.”

In April 2020, while battling chronic drug use and in poor mental health, Taylor entered the San Leandro Walmart on Hesperian Blvd where he underwent what many describe as a “manic episode.” After allegedly brandishing a baseball bat, Taylor was tased several times by San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) officers before he was ultimately shot and killed by now-former SLPD officer Jason Fletcher. Taylor was just 33.

“It took those officers just 40 seconds for them to find and kill my Steven,” adds Kitchen.

Taylor’s killing brought about countless protests from locals, including Kitchen, amplified all the more by the police killing of George Floyd just a month later. While Fletcher was charged with voluntary manslaughter and found not guilty, Kitchen called the killing a prime example of racially-motivated police misconduct and a failure to react to a mental health crisis. In the months that followed, San Leandro city leaders met with Kitchen and several other activists and from there the idea of dedicating a park to Taylor’s memory was born.

“What we try to always do is to listen to the concerns and needs of our citizens, even if that sometimes means addressing what some might call controversial or taboo topics,” says City of San Leandro Communications and Community Relations Manager Paul Sanftner. “We always want to facilitate conversations within our community and in the case of deciding on a proper monument for Mr. Taylor and what his life represents, it was necessary to have a healthy debate about it.”

On April 18, 2022, exactly two years to the day of Taylor’s killing, San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter issued a proclamation recognizing Taylor and dedicating part of the San Leandro Marina to be partitioned into a park named in his memory. While Taylor’s killing is just one of a plethora of killings in which officers gunned down a person of color undergoing a mental health crisis, Kitchen is hopeful that this new park will become a place of healing, especially after similar incidents keep occurring, such as the killings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Mario Gonzales.

“We want this park to be a safe space for all in which we can heal and honor all those who have had their lives ended and impacted by gun violence and poor mental health,” Kitchen concludes. “We must show that my grandson’s death was not in vain and it is my hope that this world doesn’t lose any more people to unnecessary violence.”

A sign honoring Taylor can be seen just past the playground of Marina Park located at 14001 Monarch Bay in San Leandro. Construction of the park is tentatively scheduled to start in 2023 but the city has yet to secure an architectural firm for the project.

From Seed to Bouquet – Grow Your Own Flowers for Cutting

By Melinda Myers

Photo courtesy of All-America Selections

You don’t need a lot of space or a big budget to grow and enj
oy garden-fresh bouquets. Just fill a few vacant spaces, add an extra row in garden beds or fill a container with easy care flowers started from seeds.

You’ll jump-start the season and enjoy earlier blooms by starting some of the seeds indoors to transfer into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. If you’re not in a hurry, want to stretch your budget and extend your garden’s bloom time, sow some seeds directly in the garden. Just follow the directions on the seed packet.

Annual flowers like these are known for season-long bloom and a long vase life. You’ll need to plant annuals each year, but you may decide the continuous bloom is well worth the effort. Supplementing them with perennial flowers and bulbs means you need to plant fewer annuals each year for a season filled with colorful garden-fresh bouquets.

Here are a few easy-care annual flowers that you can start from seed indoors or directly in the garden. These beauties will brighten those sunny spots in the landscape and bouquets in your home.

Start zinnia seeds indoors four weeks before the last spring frost or sow them directly in the garden. Either way, you’ll have flowers about eight weeks after planting the seeds. Grow taller varieties like Benary’s Giant for long stems, Queeny Lime Orange or Zowie! Yellow Flame for eye-catching color or Profusion and Zahara for small daisy-like flowers on compact mildew resistant plants in your low maintenance cut flower garden.

Like zinnias, cosmos make a great cut flower and both are heat and drought tolerant in the garden. Start cosmos seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last spring frost or directly in the garden. The fine foliage adds texture to the garden, and the white, pink, and lavender blooms light up the mid-summer through fall garden. Plant tall varieties en mass to eliminate the need for staking. Or grow shorter varieties like Sonata and Cosmic. Once you plant cosmos in the garden, you may be rewarded with volunteer seedlings in subsequent years.

Marigolds have long been favorites in the garden, but they also make great cut flowers. Like zinnias, you can start them indoors or directly in the garden and have flowers in about eight weeks. Include a variety of single, double, large and small flowers to create a marigold-only arrangement or mix with other flowers. The Gem series of marigolds have lacy leaves with a citrusy scent and small single flowers all summer long. Not only are these 12” tall plants great in arrangements, but the flowers are also edible and attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Include calendula, another edible flower, in your garden and arrangements. Plant seeds directly in the garden in fall through spring when growing in the Deep South, Gulf and Pacific Coast areas. Those in other regions can plant seeds directly in the garden after the danger of heavy frost has passed. Also known as pot marigolds, these plants thrive in cooler temperatures. If plants fade as temperatures rise, cut them back, continue to water as needed and watch for new flowers when the weather cools. These will reseed readily so watch for welcome seedlings the following year.

Sunflowers make dramatic statements in the garden and in the flower vase. The 2022 All-America Selections winner, Concert Bell grows 10 to 12 flowers on each stem. You’ll have a ready-made bouquet with each stem removed. Suncredible® Yellow sunflower produces four-inch flowers on two- to three-foot tall plants. The plants continue to bloom throughout the season even if you don’t remove the faded flowers.

Keep the flowers coming to enjoy in the garden and arrangements with regular picking. The more you pick, the more flowers you’ll have. Share extras with friends, neighbors, or senior centers. Studies at Rutgers University found cut flowers immediately increased happiness and had a long-term positive impact on the recipient’s mood.

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” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her web site is www.melindamyers.com.

Cougars Report

Submitted by Sydnee Strong

Champions of Character

The following Newark Memorial High School athletes were recognized as Champions of Character by their teammates this week: Andrea Tall and Lavina Sanft

Softball:

Andrea is a great teammate and a fun person to be around on and off of the field. She is constantly trying to improve her skill set and get better. She works hard at practice every day, which is why she is a great example of someone who plays the game hard.

Lavina is always excited to get out on the field and to put in work each and every day. She takes a lot of pride in being a good communicator and is constantly cheering on her teammates.

James Logan Baseball season recap

Submitted by Aeryk Hernandez, Logan Baseball Head Coach

After a shortened season last year due to COVID-19, our Varsity baseball team was eager to start the 2022 season. We stumbled out of the gates, as we were reliant on a majority of first year Varsity starters. Although we didn’t win as many preseason games as we may have hoped, we battled and were competitive in all of our games.

As the team chemistry grew, so did the confidence, talent and wins. We got hot at the right time as we rallied to an 11-3 league record and won nine of our last 11 games. Backed by strong pitching performances, lock down defense and timely hitting from game to game. I was extremely proud of how the team was able to battle through adversity and continue to “Row the boat” (our team motto for the year).

The hard work and perseverance paid off as we were able to name five 1st Team All-League players, one 2nd team All-Leaguer and two honorable mentions.

1st Team All-League:

Daniel Hernandez, Pitcher

Juan Pablo Manzo, Utility

Adrian Hernandez, Infield

Curtis Haggins, Outfield

James Salapare, Designated Hitter

2nd Team All-League:

Joshua Parras, Outfield

Honorable mentions:

Trevian Martinez, Catcher

Anthony Vega, Reliever

We are thankful for the Seniors that helped lay down the foundation for this strong group of returners we will have next year.

Proposed women’s hockey league teams with Billie Jean King

By John Wawrow

Associated Press Hockey Writer

North America’s top women’s hockey players are teaming up with former tennis star Billie Jean King and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter to explore launching a pro league within the next year, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on May 24.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association only revealed the agreement during a meeting with its membership. The deal was first reported by the Athletic.

The PWHPA informed its members, who include U.S. and Canadian national team play
ers, that it signed a letter of intent with Billie Jean King Enterprises and the Mark Walter Group to expand on the association’s effort to establish what would become North America’s second women’s pro league.

Details of the proposed league have not yet been finalized, though tentative plans have the new league featuring six teams with players paid an average salary of $55,000. The PWHPA would compete with the Premier Hockey Federation, which is entering its eighth season.

The privately-backed PHF is expanding from six to eight teams this season. It also upped its salary cap from $300,000 to $750,000 per team, with Mikyla Grant-Mentis becoming the league’s first $80,000 player after signing a one-year contract with Buffalo this month.

The PWHPA was established in 2019 after the Canadian Women’s Hockey League folded, and its members have balked at playing for the PHF, which was formerly called the National Women’s Hockey League.

The partnership marks a major step forward for the PWHPA in its three-year pursuit to achieve its vision in establishing a viable pro league with sustainable long-term economic backing. The PWHPA has already lured major sponsors and corporate backing, including 11 NHL franchises. It sought out the agreement with King and Walter because of their sports-related financing, operating and marketing experience.

BJK Enterprises is a women-run investment, consulting and marketing firm that holds stakes in several pro sports franchises including the Dodgers and WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

King also has a relationship with the NHL after the league partnered with the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative to further diversity in hockey in 2019. King is a pioneer in women’s sports who founded the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973.

Walter is the CEO of the global financial firm Guggenheim Partners, which holds more than $310 billion in assets. He has owned the Dodgers since 2012, when Guggenheim purchased the team for $2.2 billion. He also has stakes in the Sparks and the Los Angeles Lakers and is part of an ownership group seeking to buy Premier League soccer club Chelsea.

Hayward Council adopts updated Strategic Roadmap

Submitted by City of Hayward

The City Council earlier this month adopted an updated Strategic Roadmap for the City of Hayward with six refined strategic priorities to guide budgeting, staffing decisions and new policy and project development.

The six strategic priorities call for City resources to be directed to:

Enhance Community Safety & Quality of Life

Preserve, Protect & Produce Housing for All

Grow the Economy

Confront Climate Crisis & Champion Environmental Justice

Invest in Infrastructure

Strengthen Organizational Health

In service of these priorities, the City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on June 7 to receive public comment, discuss and vote on a new Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023 beginning July 1. The Operating Budget incorporates the General Fund budget for all general municipal services, and the budgets of City enterprise agencies such as the water utility and Hayward Executive Airport.

At the same public hearing, the Council will also take public comment, discuss and vote on an updated 10-year Capital Improvement Program, which covers spending on City infrastructure and facility upgrades, as well as major system, technology and equipment purchases.

For more information visit:

https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/documents/hayward-strategic-roadmap

Hayward Unified School District Names Interim Superintendent

Submitted by Hayward Unified School District

Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) Board of Education has unanimously selected Associate Superintendent Chien Wu-Fernandez to serve as interim superintendent upon the departure of Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne. The board announced the selection at its meeting on May 25.

Dr. Wayne is moving to the San Francisco Unified School District as superintendent, effective July 1. He will continue to serve HUSD until then.

“The board conducted a thorough process to consider all available options for support during this important transition,” Board President Dr. April Oquenda said. “We believe that the experience that Mrs. Wu-Fernandez brings, and her familiarity with the district and schools, make her the ideal candidate to step into this critical role.”

Mrs. Wu-Fernandez will serve as interim superintendent until the board selects a permanent successor to Dr. Wayne.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the board and the community,” Mrs. Wu-Fernandez said. “HUSD is a uniquely superb community of educators and families, and it’s a privilege to be able to do meaningful and important work here.”

Mrs. Wu-Fernandez has been with HUSD for 17 years, first as Director of Student Services and for the past six years as Associate Superintendent for Student and Family Services.

“Stability and continuity are of paramount importance while we search for the next superintendent,” President Oquenda said. “Dr. Wayne and Mrs. Wu-Fernandez have both committed to working closely together through June to ensure a smooth transition. And we look forward to a close partnership with Mrs. Wu-Fernandez over the ensuing months.”

The school board also named an executive search firm to lead the selection process for the next superintendent. The board considered three firms, each of which committed to conducting the first round of community forums and a survey before the end of the school year to encourage robust community involvement. That information-gathering process will ultimately be used to help shape a “position profile” for a national search for candidates.

The board voted unanimously to secure the services of McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. Board members noted McPherson offered the best alignment with the district’s goals and needs for the process.

The board will share updates about the process widely and regularly through various communications channels. The public is also invited to follow updates regarding the superintendent search on the superintendent search web page: https://www.husd.us/superintendentsearch

Newark City Council

May 26, 2022

Presentations:

• Commending Courtney Jo Bond who was awarded the Arrow of Light on May 18, 2022, becoming the first female cub scout in the City of Newark to have earned the Arrow of Light Award.
• Commending Newark Memorial High School Rocketry Team who made it to the American Rocketry Challenge National Finals.
• Proclamation designating May 15 – 21, 2022 as Emergency Medical Services Week.

Public Comment:

• Resident complaint of high cost for padlocking dumpsters for businesses
• Bloom Energy invites residents to Start and Strides Run on Saturday, July 2 www.starsandstridesrun.com

Consent Calendar:

• Approval of audited demands
• Approval of May 12, 2022 special and regular meeting minutes
• Approval of plans and specifications, and adopt a resolution for acceptance of bid, and awards of contract to Rosas Brothers Construction for FY 2021- 2022 citywide accessible pedestrian curb ramps
• Adopt a resolution accepting work with Chrisp Company for 2020 citywide thermoplastic street striping

Public Hearings:

• Hearing to consider property owners’ objections to the 2022 Weed Abatement Program and instruction to the Superintendent of Streets to abate the public nuisances. Motion passed unanimously.
• Hearing to consider adoption of resolution approving the Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023. Motion passed unanimously.
• Hearing to receive input on military equipment policy and introduce an ordinance adding chapter 2.50 entitled, “Military Equipment Use Policy” to the Newark Municipal Code in compliance with Assembly Bill 481. Motion passed unanimously.

Other Business:

• Adopt resolution for approval of Annual Engineer’s Reports, intention to levy and collect assessments and setting a public hearing for June 23, 2022, for Landscaping and Lighting District Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 for fiscal year 2022-2023 in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. Motion passed 4 – 1 (Recusal; Collazo)

• Adopt resolution approving the addition of the classifications of Chief Information Officer/Information Technology Director, Information Technology Analyst, Senior Information Technology Analyst, and Information Technology Technician I/II and deleting the positions of Information Systems Manager, Information Systems Specialist, and Information Systems Technician by (1) amending the Employee Classification Plan (2) amending the Compensation and benefit plan for the City officials and management, supervisory and professional employee group; and the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Newark and Newark Association of Miscellaneous Employees (NAME) and (3) approving an amendment to the City’s Salary Schedule in conformance with California Code of Regulations. Motion passed unanimously.

City Council Matter:

• Commemorate those who have fought for our freedom this Memorial Day
• Meeting adjourned in memory of the victims of the Uvalde, Texas shooting

Mayor Alan Nagy                               Aye

Vice Mayor Michael Hannon              Aye

Luis Freitas                                         Aye

Sucy Collazo                                       Aye, 1 recusal

Michael Bucci                                     Aye

City Government and You! – A Series Exclusive

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

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

If you’ve ever wondered how cities operate, then this is the series for you. Our goal is to help demystify the process and encourage active participation.

Join us as we pull back the curtain on democracy.

George W. Patterson House Advisory Board

By Jack Alcorn

Patterson House is a handsomely restored 19-room Victorian estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 8-member City of Fremont Advisory Board provides fundraising and direction for the operation of George W. Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Community partners include Washington Township Historical Society; Mission Peak Heritage Foundation and East Bay Regional Park District. The Board meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Patterson House Cataloguing Room, Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd.

Patterson House Manager Rena Kiehn updates the Board with past and upcoming activities and events happening at the House. This includes the 2022 working calendar for the Patterson House and Advisory Board meetings. Ardenwood Farm Supervising Naturalist Sonja Gomez updates the Patterson House Advisory Board with past and upcoming activities, events and projects happening at Ardenwood Farm.

George W. Patterson was born in Pennsylvania in 1822 and came to seek his fortune in the 1949 California Gold Rush. George, his wife Clara, and their sons Henry and William and their family farmed the 200-acre property now known as Ardenwood Historic Farm for over 100 years. The Patterson Mansion was first constructed as a humble farm house in 1857 by Mr. Patterson with help from his neighbor James Hawley.

The original house was a two-story structure made of redwood with a rectangular floor plan and a gable roof. Renovations supervised by noted San Francisco architect Charles Hall Page provided an impressive imposing look to the historic structure. Patterson House provides an enlightening glimpse of 19th century life in California. The well-preserved structure showcases period appliances, décor and home furnishings. House tours are available Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays through mid-November.

For more information on Fremont’s Patterson House visit: https://bit.ly/3GlKVTk

Suspect in apartment fire dies; investigation under way

Submitted by Fremont Police Department

Detectives from Fremont Police Department (FPD) are coordinating with Alameda County District Attorney’s Office to investigate the death of a man suspected of setting a fire at an apartment complex on May 20 that prompted an evacuation of nearby residents.

The incident started at about 9:07 a.m. when firefighters and police were called to a fire at a complex in the 46000 block of Winema Common in the Warm Springs area. While firefighters worked to contain the blaze and spreading smoke, a man later identified by police as William Farris, argued with police and refused to evacuate his apartment. He also said he had a firearm and made continued threats.

Eventually SWAT personnel trained in the use of SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), and police negotiators were called to the scene. Specialized equipment was deployed including FPD BearCat armored vehicle which is equipped to support oxygen tanks for officers and firefighters.

For several hours negotiators tried unsuccessfully to convince Farris to exit his apartment. Then, at 2:53 p.m., officers developed a safe opportunity to contact Farris in his apartment. Farris refused to comply and a short struggle occurred, but Farris was taken into custody. Once outside, Farris had an undetermined emergency medical emergency and was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Farris’ condition deteriorated over the next day and on Sunday, May 22, he died. Alameda County Coroner’s Office responded to the hospital to determine the cause of death. FPD detectives are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jake Blass at (510) 790-6963 or via email at jb****@fr*****.gov.

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

Sunday, May 22

• At 2:18 p.m. a man identified by police as Victor Aleso, 28, of Hayward was stopped at Hayward station after a station agent reported him showing aggressive and erratic behavior. A record check showed a stay-away court order from all BART stations. He was arrested on suspicion of violating a court order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 7:10 p.m. a man identified by police as Andrew Barr, 40, of Fremont was stopped at Fremont station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed two outstanding warrants. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Tuesday, May 24

• At 4:55 a.m. a man identified by police as Jonathan Zachary Deakin, 31, of Oakland was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of squatting on the premises, possessing methamphetamine and resisting an officer. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 8:02 a.m. a man identified by police
  as Lanell Williams, 29, of Bay Point was stopped at Warm Springs/South Fremont station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed an outstanding warrant. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 8:27 a.m. a man identified by police as Marcus Yingling, 28, of Pittsburg was arrested at Fremont station on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and on a $10,000 warrant charging petty theft issued by Antioch Police Department.

• At 8:27 a.m. a man identified by police as Sherard King, 43, of San Francisco was arrested at Fremont station on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia and on a no-bail warrant charging burglary issued by San Francisco Police Department. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Wednesday, May 25

• At 12:45 p.m. a person identified by police as Samara Gardiner, 49, of Richmond was arrested at San Leandro station on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, battery on an officer and probation violation. Gardiner was booked into Santa Rita Jail and issued a prohibition order.

Thursday, May 26

• At 7:30 p.m. a man identified by police as Robert Jones, 37, of Pittsburg was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on two outstanding warrants. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Yanneth Contrada, Fremont PD

Tuesday, May 17

• At about 11:38 a.m. a robbery occurred at Walmart, 44009 Osgood Road. When the male suspect was confronted by an employee, he punched and bit the employee before fleeing the store. Arriving officers located and arrested the suspect, later identified by police as Thomas McCarthy, 32, in the store’s parking lot.

Friday, May 20

• Sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. someone removed a catalytic converter from a Toyota truck in the parking lot at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 46200 Landing Parkway.

• Sometime between May 20 and 21 someone used bolt cutters to cut through a fenced area at 40432 Torenia Circle and damage a pitching machine at batting cages owned by Fremont Little League.

Monday, May 23

• At about 1:47 p.m. officers responded to a report about a stolen vehicle in the area of Kato Road and Warren Avenue. The theft had just occurred and the victim was tracking the vehicle’s location. Arriving officers spotted a male, later identified by police as Devin Nettz, 30, searching through the vehicle nearby and made an arrest.

Wednesday, May 25

• At about 9:44 a.m. police responded to a report about a student at American High School making threats via social media. Police investigators determined the student threatened gun violence toward a school employee and made numerous racial epithets. Working with school district authorities, the student was positively identified as a 17-year-old male. He was arrested and booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of making felony terrorist threats and a hate crime. A search of the student’s home uncovered numerous pieces of evidence; no firearm was located. An investigation is continuing to determine if there are other victims or potential suspects involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact School Resource Officer Sergeant Calvin Tang at (510) 790-6743 or via email ct***@fr*****.gov.

Arrests made in San Leandro homicide

Submitted by San Leandro Police Department

A 33-year-old Oakland man was arrested May 24 by police in San Leandro in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in March at a bar on Pelton Center Way in San Leandro.

Following a two-month investigation, detectives from San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) arrested Louis Ray Woods on suspicion of homicide in the death of a male patron near Cunha’s Cocktails, 155 Pelton Center Way. They also arrested a woman, identified by police as Jennifer Glaze, 30, of Antioch as an accessory in the homicide.

The incident started at about 11:38 p.m. Friday, March 25 when officers responded to a report about a shooting at the bar and found a male victim outside the bar suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. Despite emergency life-saving measures given at the scene, the victim died after being taken to a hospital.

Preliminary information developed by SLPD detectives showed the shooting was preceded by an altercation inside the bar. The involved parties then exited the bar onto Parrott Street where the conflict continued and culminated in the shooting.

SLPD detectives, led by Senior Detective Tim Perry, jumped on the investigation right away. With assistance from a SLPD crime analyst and nearby law-enforcement agencies, they eventually identified Woods and Glaze as suspects. On Thursday, May 26 the case was charged as a homicide by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

“On behalf of the SLPD and City of San Leandro, we would like to offer our condolences to the victim’s family and friends of this senseless shooting. We are pleased to have solved this homicide and would like to thank the Antioch Police Department, Oakland Police Department, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hayward Police Department for their assistance with this investigation,” said Lieutenant Matthew Barajas.

Meanwhile, police are gathering additional evidence that may help with prosecuting the case and are asking that anyone with information to contact them via the SLPD non-emergency line at (510) 577-2740, anonymous tip line at (510) 577-3278, or text-to-tip at 888777 (keyword: TipSLPolice).

Have you seen this motorcyclist?

Submitted by Hayward Police Department

Members from the Hayward Police Department Traffic Bureau are asking the public to help them identify a motorcycle rider spotted driving recklessly in a residential area in South Hayward.

Numerous people have complained to police about the motorcyclist who has been seen riding in an unsafe manner through the Bishop Avenue and Cascade Street area, not far from Schafer Park Elementary School.

Police are asking that anyone who knows the rider’s identity or whereabouts to call Sergeant Tasha DeCosta at (510) 293-7169.

Update: May 27, 2022

We want to thank the community for their tips and assistance, the rider has been identified

California parents could soon sue for social media addiction

By Adam Beam

Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), May 24 — California could soon hold social media companies responsible for harming children who have become addicted to their products, permitting parents to sue platforms like Instagram and TikTok for up to $25,000 per violation under a bill that passed the state Assembly on May 23.

The bill defines “addiction” as kids under 18 who are both harmed — either physically, mentally, emotionally, developmentally or materially — and who want to stop or reduce how much time they spend on social media but they can’t because they are preoccupied or obsessed with it. Business groups have warned that if the bill passes, social media companies would most likely cease operations for children in California rather than face the legal risk.

The proposal would only apply to social media companies that had at least $100 million in gross revenue in the past year, appearing to take aim at social media giants like Facebook and others that dominate the marketplace. It would not apply to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu or to companies that only offer email and text messaging services.

“The era of unfettered social experimentation on children is over and we will protect kids,” said Assemblymember Jordan Cunning
ham, a Republican from San Luis Obispo County and author of the bill.

The May 23 vote is a key — but not final — step for the legislation. The bill now heads to the state Senate, where it will undergo weeks of hearings and negotiations among lawmakers and advocates. But the vote keeps the bill alive this year.

The bill gives social media companies two paths to escape liability in the courts. If the bill becomes law, it would take effect on Jan. 1. Companies that remove features deemed addictive to children by April 1 would not be responsible for damages. Also, companies that conduct regular audits of their practices to identify and remove features that could be addictive to children would be immune from lawsuits.

Despite those provisions, business groups have opposed the bill. TechNet, a bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives, wrote in a letter to lawmakers that if the bill becomes law “social media companies and online web services would have no choice but to cease operations for kids under 18 and would implement stringent age-verification in order to ensure that adolescents did not use their sites.”

“There is no social media company let alone any business that could tolerate that legal risk,” the group wrote.

Lawmakers appeared willing to change the part of the bill that allows parents to sue social media companies, but none offered a detailed alternative. Instead, supporters urged their colleagues to pass the bill on Monday to continue the conversation about the issue in the state Capitol.

Assemblymember Ken Cooley, a Democrat from Rancho Cordova, said as a lawyer he normally opposes bills that create more opportunities for lawsuits. But he said lawmakers must “change the dynamics of what is surrounding us, surrounding our kids.”

“We have to do something,” Cooley said. “If it doesn’t turn out right, we can modify as we go along.”

Crippsmas Place founder remembered

Holiday lights at Crippsmas Place, a wildly-popular fundraising event held each December around the Brookvale neighborhood in Fremont might be a bit dimmer this year now that founder Robert “Spider” Cantley has died.

A longtime Fremont resident, Cantley, 87, died Saturday, May 21 at his home in Twain Harte, in Tuolumne County, where he moved about 15 years ago.

Starting in 1967, Cantley started decorating his home along Cripps Place off Nicolet Avenue with a variety of colorful lights and displays each Christmas season. His displays proved so popular the area was soon dubbed Crippsmas Place and neighbors followed with their own displays which over the years grew more elaborate and spilled onto nearby streets.

Today, the event attracts thousands of visitors who drive through to see the displays which include plywood cutout decorations featuring classic and new children’s cartoon characters created by neighborhood volunteers. Visitors are asked to make a donation to various charities including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

In a statement released May 23, Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) lauded Cantley’s volunteerism. “California has lost a great humanitarian. Spider was a tireless volunteer with a big heart. He lost his mother to leukemia and devoted over 35 years to bringing smiles to peoples’ faces through Crippsmas Place.”

Wieckowski added that through Cantley’s work with Crippsmas Place and his longtime role as chair of the KGO Radio Cure-a-thon, he helped raise more than $23 million to fight blood cancer.

In 2019, Cantley, who continued his volunteer work in Twain Harte, received the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s President’s Award for his personal commitment and dedication to the organization.

More information about Crippsmas Place visit www.crippsmasplace.org.

Fremont Team Wins National Sustainable Transportation Competition

Submitted by Fremont Unified School District

A team of six current and former Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) students won this year’s Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition, a national contest for middle school students sponsored by United States Department of Transportation, Caltrans, and other partners.

The team, InnovantBots, developed a project involving programmable lane-control bollards designed to ease traffic congestion. The idea came from trying to solve a problem one of the students identified during an emergency.

“One of my teammates went to Florida and a hurricane was going to hit,” said Dhritee Desai, a 7th grade student at Hopkins Junior High and InnovantBot team member. “And they were trying to leave Florida, and nobody was coming back, not a single car. Everybody was jam-packed in the road to leave from Florida, and we thought – hey, we should solve this problem.”

Of course, there are everyday applications of the solution as well. “If there are more cars going to San José, then there’d be traffic, and the road coming from San José there’s barely any traffic,” said Desai. “So, we want to give one lane going to San José so they can get there faster.”

Some may have seen this basic concept at work on the Golden Gate Bridge, where a Moveable Median Barrier relieves congestion during rush hours. The innovation to this concept by InnovantBots is that the team’s project is designed as a programmed solution that moves traffic lanes without human involvement, making this method could be faster and safer.

“It’so fantastic to see kids work together on passions and interests with projects that could potentially make a difference in our lives,” said Hopkins Junior High Principal Corey Brown. “The real-world application of knowledge and skills that is being used at such a high level is amazing to watch. Team InnovantBots is made up of students from various schools in Alameda County. Using some of the tools garnered over the pandemic has allowed them to utilize fresh ways of communicating and collaborating on a project such as this. We are proud of all the students but particularly those representing Hopkins and Fremont Unified.”

Desai and fellow 7th grade Hopkins student Aryan Bachu are among the six members of InnovantBots, who met as students in Fremont Unified School District and were teammates on FIRST LEGO League (FLL), where they won awards for their work together. Since the team formed, four members have moved and now attend school in Danville, Livermore and Pleasanton.

Judges from transportation agencies, universities and/or others affiliated with the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) of San José State University, which hosts the competition, scored presentations from teams across the country, and awarded InnovantBots the top prize.

On May 2, MTI Executive Director Dr. Karen Philbrick and representatives from Caltrans gathered at Hopkins Junior High to surprise the students with the news that their project had won first place and a $1,000 prize.

The students are invited to attend the annual MTI awards banquet in June.

Honor Roll

Iowa Wesleyan University

Spring 2022 Dean’s List

• Derek Marrufo of Fremont

Concordia University, Nebraska

Spring 2022 Honors List

• Abby Dueck of Newark

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

New member:

• Devika Kumar of Milpitas

Harvey Mudd College, California

Spring 2022 graduates

• Emily Win Chin of Fremont
• Kye Shi of Newark

Student newspaper snags top award

Submitted by Fremont Unified School District

Smoke Signal, the student-run newspaper at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont has rece
ived a Gold Crown Award for the Digital News it published during the 2020-21 school year from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

The award, announced May 23, covers the time when the paper moved to an online format after the coronavirus pandemic closed schools and instruction moved online for distance learning. The paper’s staff transitioned to various online tools to continue to serve readers and produce the newspaper.

Leading the publication during 2020-21 were Editors-in-Chief, Yusuf Rasheed and Sabrina Wu who led a staff of 33 student journalists through the all-virtual school year. They worked under the guidance of Adviser Sandra Cohen, a teacher at the school who has worked in the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) since 2001. Rasheed and Wu have since graduated.

“Being the Smoke Signal Adviser has been so rewarding and is a natural fit based on my prior 20-year career in advertising and marketing,” Cohen said. “Student journalists have gone on to all kinds of careers but the foundations of the course and the camaraderie keep them in touch with us. It’s the legacy that we have created that I’m most proud of. It’s truly a privilege to guide students who are so motivated and self-directed.”

Established in 1925, CSPA is owned and operated by Columbia University. The Association unites student journalists and advisors worldwide and confers awards to newspapers based on the review of a panel of judges. All member organizations, including the Smoke Signal, are eligible for judging. Mission San Jose High School was among 13 member schools awarded the Gold Crown out of 817 eligible publications submitted by CSPA members

“This achievement demonstrates the skills and creativity our students develop and strengthen under the guidance of our world-class educators,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack. “I send my congratulations to the Smoke Signal for this recognition.”

Smoke Signal, established in 1964, currently publishes its 20-page newspaper every four weeks during the school year. The paper has received 12 awards from CSPA since 2001. Digital versions of the paper are posted online at https://thesmokesignal.org.

Letter to the Editor

Buffalo mass shootings

The shooting in the Buffalo supermarket was a hate crime, based on writings by the suspect that show how he was influenced by a racist conspiracy theory about white people being replaced by minorities.

No doubt, it was shocking but also predictable that an 18 years white teenager with a stated belief in the replacement theory allegedly walked into a black-dominated supermarket on Saturday and shot 10 black shoppers to death.

Indeed, this was no more surprising than last year’s massacre of Asians in Atlanta, 2019’s massacre of Latinos in El Paso, or 2015’s massacre of African Americans at a church in Charleston.

Ridiculously, some law-enforcement higher-ups and media analysts target parents who must go behind the bars or be arrested for a crime they didn’t commit, because the shooter is their son.

Of course, parents do not teach them violence from cradle to pre-school. Some of them are radicalized or influenced through social media outlets at a later stage. I guarantee even schools are teaching them to be role models in the civilized society we live in.

Why should parents be targeted for the crime of John Doe and punishment given to Jane Doe with no proof? While we parent regardless of color and raise our kids in an environment of love and peace, not in the hate or killing culture.

I am confident readers would agree with me on the subject. Again, it is the right time to call Congress to pass tougher gun laws after much blood in Buffalo.

Zafar Yousufzai

Fremont

Rodeo Cruelty and Public Safety

Yet another horse has died at the annual Rowell Ranch Rodeo in Castro Valley. According to the Veterinarian’s Report, a 15-year-old pick-up horse suffered a seizure and died in the arena on Sunday, May 22. Only the day before, a bull jumped the fence at the Redding Rodeo, injuring

six people, and putting one in the hospital. The bull was later captured a half-mile away.

Rowell Ranch Rodeo again featured the controversial, non-sanctioned, brutal and blatantly sexist ‘wild cow milking contest,’ despite ongoing opposition from Alameda County Veterinary Medical Association, East Bay SPCA and most animal welfare organizations in the Bay Area. An online petition has garnered more than 180,000 signatures. Again, these are BEEF cattle, not dairy, and unused to being handled at all, much less this roughly. They are further stressed by being separated from their still-nursing babies.

To its credit, County Board of Supervisors outlawed the children’s “mutton busting” event back in 2019. They are now considering a ban on the “wild cow milking contest,” and need to hear from the general public.

WRITE TO:

Alameda County Board of Supervisors

1221 Oak Street

Oakland, CA 94612

(Board members: Keith Carson, president; Nate Miley, Dave Brown, Richard Valle and David Haubert.)

As Supervisor Miley wrote in his 2019 Spring Newsletter, “Any form of violence is repugnant.” Indeed. Help stop this cruelty.

Kind regards,

Eric Mills, coordinator

ACTION FOR ANIMALS

Letter to Editor

Uvalde Shooting

The recent news of a deadly shooting in Uvalde, Texas has brought so much sorrow and rage, even to us here on the West Coast. Many are saying our country has truly failed us if it cannot even protect its youngest citizens in schools.

My sister-in-law and my boyfriend are both high school teachers. They are the most ordinary of people, and yet in the back of their mind, they know each day they walk into work could be the day that ends their lives. They hope the biggest problems they face will be over-talkative students or late homework, but they know they could be called on to die defending these kids.

What makes this story uniquely infuriating is that as more details come out, it seems that local police stood outside the building for an hour before engaging the shooter, even holding back parents who wanted to rush in.

My boyfriend is not a violent man or an angry man, but he told me, “If the police are just going to stand around—then they should give their armor and their guns to the teachers. We are the ones expected to risk our lives.”

He works in Gilroy, which had its own mass shooting at its long-running Garlic Festival in 2019. Luckily, he wasn’t volunteering that year as he had in the past. Every time I say goodbye to him, I hope his luck continues to hold.

But as citizens we need to do more than hope: We need to make our own luck and make it a little harder for unstable individuals to acquire deadly weapons.

Stephanie Gertsch

Fremont

Renegades win CCCAA Championship opening game; lose bid for the state title

By Eric Donato

The 71st Annual California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Championship was held during the Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30. This is the first CCCAA state championship tournament since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. The four-team double-elimination format held at Folsom Lake College was a showdown for the Ohlone Renegades(44-4), Palomar Comets(37-11), Folsom Lake Falcons(36-8-1), and Riverside City Tigers(35-12). The Ohlone Renegades (Fremont) won the CCCAA state championship in 2010 and were the runner-up team in 2011.

The Renegades ended the season with the best state record, but fell short of reaching the final CCCAA state championship title game. Despite blasting past Palomar (S
an Marcos) with a convincing 11-5 score on Saturday, May 28, the Renegades failed to punch their ticket to the final championship title game by losing both elimination games on Sunday afternoon to Riverside City (Riverside)14-8 and later in the evening to Folsom Lake (Folsom) 10-9 in a thrilling finish.

On Saturday, the opening game was a blowout, with the Renegades posting a seven-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat Palomar Comets 11-5. Ohlone led the first three innings 4-0, with two runs in both the first and third innings. The Comets narrowed the gap with three runs in the successive innings to close with 4-3 at the top of the seventh inning. However, it was all Renegades starting from the bottom of the seventh with a breakaway seven-run score closing the inning at 11-3. Notable were Jaden Sheppard’s 3-for-4 producing a run and three RBIs, and Mykanthony Valdez had a two-run homer with two additional runs scored. Starting pitcher Ethan Foley chalked up the win for Ohlone, limiting the Comets to three runs on seven hits over six-plus innings with one walk and three strikeouts.

In the second-round game, held on Sunday afternoon, the Renegades lost to Riverside City Tigers, 14-8. The Tigers slugged it out with an impressive eighteen hits leading to fourteen runs, eight runs of which were in the first two innings. The Renegades managed to initiate a rally by putting three runs in the third inning and a pair of two runs in the fifth with Takumi Maeno’s and Damian Stone’s singles. The rally continued with a two-run single from Jaden Sheppard in the eighth inning. A final run was added in the ninth inning courtesy of Elijah Pascual but fell short, ceding the second game to Riverside City. The loss forced the Renegades to a “must-win” in the second elimination game with Folsom Lake later on Sunday.

The Renegades kept the lead through the top of the first seven innings in the final elimination game with a 5-2 run advantage over Folsom Lake. Despite producing only two hits in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Falcons overtook the Renegades with seven runs earned through successive walks pitched and capitalizing on errors, including a wild pitch edging Ohlone 5-9. The Renegades showed determination with two-run singles in the eighth and a thrilling two-run homer by Will Jewel to tie 9-9 at the top of the ninth inning. However, the Falcon’s single in the bottom of the ninth brought the run to close the game with a final score of 10-9, ending the Renegades’ run for the state championship title.

The 2021-22 baseball season has been a fantastic ride for the Ohlone Renegades and their fans.

IAD053122

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Wednesdays

San Lorenzo Street Eats

5 p.m. – 9 pm.

1062 Grant Ave., San Lorenzo

www.thefoodtruckmafia.com

Thursdays

Newark Street Eats

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

6430 Thornton Ave., Newark

www.thefoodtruckmafia.com

 

First Thursdays

Plethos Comedy Lab $

8 p.m.

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

Castro Valley Marketplace Lab 200

3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley

https://plethos.org/

Tickets: $10

 

Thursday – Sunday, April 21 – June 25

Hidden Treasures, Local Talent

12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

Fremont.gov/OliveHyde

(510) 791-4357

Thursday, June 2 – Sunday, June 19

The Pajama Game $

W, Th: 7 p.m./F: 8 p.m./Sa: 6 p.m./Sun: 3 p.m.

New imagining of classic musical

Gateway Theatre

215 Jackson St., San Francisco

www.42ndstmoon.org

(415) 255-8207

Fridays

Fremont Street Eats

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

www.thefoodtruckmafia.com

First Fridays at Chabot Space $

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Hands-on activities, workshops and performances

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

https://chabotspace.org/

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

Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5 & Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12

Once On This Island $

7 p.m.

Gospel-infused score in a story of love and death

TwiningVine Winery

16851 Cull Canyon Rd., Castro Valley

www.plethos.org

Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 12

Matilda The Musical $

Fri/Sat: 7 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m.

An extraordinary girl with extraordinary powers

Cal State East Bay

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

Royaltheateracademy.com

Third Saturdays

Investigating Space $

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Discuss exploring space with researchers and scientists

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

https://chabotspace.org/

(Included with admission)

UPCOMING

Wednesday, June 1

Fremont Art Association general meeting/demo artist

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Rita Kirkman will demo her process of painting in pastel

Via Zoom, link will be provided upon registration.

https://www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo

Wednesday, June 1

Polly’s Step Out!

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Memorial walk and health faire to honor Polly Olson

Ruggieri Senior Center

33997 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 675-5445

er***@un*******.org

Wednesday, June 1

Wednesday Walks: Lake Chabot

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

9-mile hike around Lake Chabot. Meet at marina

Lake Chabot

17600 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley

www.ebparks.org

(510) 544-3187

Thursday, June 2 – Friday, June 3

Patterson House Tours

11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Tour the Patterson House Museum

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Thursday, June 2 – Saturday, June 4

Animal Feeding

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Check for eggs and feed livestock

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Thursday, June 2, Friday, June 3 and Sunday, June 5

Ride the Rails

10:20 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Travel the train through the eucalyptus groves

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Farm Chores for Kids

10:30 am. – 11:00 a.m.

Crack corn and feed the animal

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Birds of the Farm

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Explore the habitat for birds. Ages 16+

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Saturday Strolls

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Celebrate Black Birder’s Week looking for migratory birds

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Corn Mosaics

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Use colored kernels to make a mosaic

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Beautiful Trees

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Learn about the trees at the estate

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Campfire at Dumbarton Quarry Campground

Evening songs, games, photos, stories, and more!

Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay

9400 Quarry Rd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(510) 544-3220

Saturday, June 4

Train Talk

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

How crew members communicated in the 1880’s

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Saturday, June 4

Kitten Pop-Up Event

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free kitten adoptions to qualified homes

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

www.haywardanimals.org

Saturday, June 4

San Leandro Cherry Festival Parade

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Floats, music, youth groups, and elected officials

San Leandro BART to City Hall, along Parrot Street and East 14^th Street

https://www.sanleandro.org/852/Cherry-Parade

Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5

Discovery on Demand

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Hands-on activities, crafts and live animal feedings

Coyote Hills Visitor Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5

Nectar Garden Exploration

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Discover native pollinators and plants

Coyote Hills Visitor Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

Saturday, June 4 – Sunday, June 5

Goodguys 27th Summer Get-Together $

Sat: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sun: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cars, vendors, racing, entertainment, kids’ zone

Alameda County Fairgrounds

Gate 8/12 off Valley Ave., Pleasanton

www.good-guys.com/sgt

Sunday, June 5

Butterfly & Bird Festival

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Garden tours, educational speakers, activities

Coyote Hills Visitor Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

Sunday, June 5

Oakland Zoo Centennial Celebration

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Live music, entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities

Snow Park

Harrison St & 19th St, Lakeside Dr., Oakland

https://bit.ly/3NHvZkI

il******@oa********.org

Sunday, June 5

Rope Making & Hay Hoisting

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Make rope with an antique machine

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Sunday, June 5

Hay Harvesting

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Help load freshly mown hay

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

Tuesday, June 7

Rising Sun’s Lunch & Learn Series R

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Panelists discuss meaningful employment for youth

Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3Gpe53G

Summer Outdoor Movie Nights & Concerts

Classic Movies Under the Stars

Reserve tickets at www.milpitas.gov

$5 per person

Ocean’s Eleven

Friday, July 8

8 p.m.

Civic Center Plaza, Milpitas

Some Like it Hot

Friday, August 12

8 p.m.

Civic Center Plaza, Milpitas

Movie Night Out

Reserve tickets on www.milpitas.gov

$10 = up to 6 seats

Ghostbusters Afterlife

Friday, June 10

8:30 p.m.

Starlite Park, Milpitas

Luca

Friday, June 24

8:30 p.m.

Augustine Park, Milpitas

The Jungle Cruise

Friday, July 15

8:30 p.m.

Cardoza Park

Sing 2

Friday, July 29

8:30 p.m.

Foothill Park, Milpitas

Summer Concerts

Dive in Movie: Luca

Friday, July 22

Doors Open: 7 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Farrelly Pool

864 Dutton Ave., San Leandro

(510) 569-1245

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

Tickets: $3 online, $6 at the door

Milpitas Summer Concert Series

Good Time Collective

Friday, June 17

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Murphy Park

Yellowstone Ave., Milpitas

Left University

Monday, July 4

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Milpitas Sports Center

1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

The Cires

Friday, July 22

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Pinewood Park

Starlite Dr., & Lonetree Ct., Milpitas

Jordan T

Friday, August 5

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Hall Park

La Honda Dr., Milpitas

Groovin’ at the Grove Free Summer Concerts

https://www.newark.org/

Fridays: June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5

Gates open: 4 p.m.

Concert: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Shirley Sisk Grove

NewPark Mall, Newark

Bring a blanket or low-back chair

Bands TBD

Fremont Summer Concert Series

Tuesdays July 7 – August 11

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Central Park Performance Pavilion

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

July 7 – East Bay Mudd

July 14 – Briefcase Blues Brothers

July 21 – Almost Famous

July 28 – Big Bang Beat

August 4 – Jukebox Heroes

August 11 – Aja Vu

(510) 494-4300 or Re*****@fr*****.gov

3 O’Clock Jump

Third Saturdays: June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Big Band music in outdoor patio (no cover fee)

World Famous Turf Club

22519, Main St., Hayward

(510) 244-3449

https://www.worldfamousturfclubca.com/