That Summer Feeling: 2024 Alameda County Fair
Submitted by Alameda County Fairgrounds
The Alameda County Fair is returning to Pleasanton from June 14 to July 7, 2024. Running Wednesday through Sunday, the summer event will feature all the crowd favorites: carnival rides, fair food, petting zoo, horse races, movie and concert series, nightly drone shows, and special tasting and festival days. A full schedule is available online at https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/.
There is much to enjoy at the fair during the day for families or anyone looking for summer fun. Rides include classics such as the Century Wheel and Crown Merry Go Round; high energy rides such as the Mega Flip, Zipper, and Ring of Fire; and mini rides for younger kids such as Puppy Roll and Pirate Jet. Before fair opening, ride wristbands can be purchased online, and starting June 14 they can be purchased at the fair at the Butler Kiosk.
Or shop vendors across six zones (guide and vendor list available online)—for jewelry and apparel, plants, home and kitchen goods, packaged food, pet accessories, and toys. Also among the vendors are activities such as face painting and old-time photo booths.
Animal fans can visit small animals such as rabbits, birds, and reptiles, or make new fam animal friends at the petting zoo (hosted by Great American Entertainment Company). The Jr. Livestock Auction from FFA and 4H children will be held on July 7.
Live horse racing will be held at the race track at 1:45 p.m., with stakes races on particular days.
And of course, a day at the fair wouldn’t be complete without fair food! Four food zones offer everything from bites, drinks, and treats, to meals and fair favorites like turkey legs and funnel cakes. June 20 and 27 are $3 Taste Thursdays (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.).
There are several special event days on the schedule as well: June 16 is “Fiesta at the Fair” with live music, dancing and performances; Brew Fest is on June 22, and Wine Fest on June 29.
Evenings at the fair close with drone shows, movies on the outdoor lawn (6 p.m.), and live concerts (8 p.m., no concert July 4). Check a full list of movies and performers on the website. Fireworks will be held with the drone show on June 14 and June 28.
There is much of summer to see and experience at the fair!
Alameda County Fair
Friday, Jun 14 – Sunday, Jul 7
Wed – Sun: 12 noon – 11 p.m.
Alameda County Fairgrounds
2005 Valley Ave., Gate 8, Pleasanton
(925) 426-7600
https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/
Admission: $13 – $18
Parking: $13 – $15
Carnival Wristbands: $34 – $42
Early bird pricing ends June 13
It’s Summer! Time For Musical Theatre Camp
By David R. Newman
Photos courtesy of Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont is offering a musical theatre camp this summer that promises to be a fun alternative to Vacation Bible School. Running for one week in June (June 24 – 28), the camp culminates with Friday and Sunday performances of “Esther,” a musical based on the Old Testament book. Says the camp’s Artistic Director, Kathleen Keating, “For the kids, it’s all about sharing their gifts that they might not realize they have, all while building a community of friends.”
This will be the second musical theatre summer camp run by the group. Last year they presented “Oh, Jonah,” a retelling of the Old Testament story in which a disobedient prophet is thrown overboard and saved by a whale.
The theatre camp is the brainchild of Barbara Caine, former Pastor at the recently disbanded Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fremont, whose congregation has been absorbed by Holy Trinity. “I’ve done a lot of musical theatre over the years as pastor,” says Caine. “It’s my favorite thing to do. And music is a very big part of Holy Trinity’s culture, so I thought musical theatre would fit right in here.”
Last year’s inaugural run involved 17 kids and 20 volunteers, all coming together to construct sets, props, and costumes, sing songs, and learn dialog. Says Caine, “It teaches the kids so much. They learn how to support each other, and it can give them such poise and confidence. Of course they also learn about the love of God through the actions of our volunteers.” Keating is quick to point out that they are not trying to convert people. “Actually, everybody is welcome. This camp teaches cooperation and discipline, with general positive messaging.”
Keating, a lifelong member of Holy Trinity, was fully on board when Caine suggested that they start a musical theatre camp. She had been writing their Christmas Pageants from scratch since 2018 and was keen to become more involved. She chose the story of Esther for its strong moral message. “It’s about standing up and speaking out when you feel something is not right. It’s about inclusivity—acceptance of people who believe differently. And it’s about not being a power-grabbing jerk.”
“Esther” is a musical composed by Erik Whitehill and is available through the Choristers Guild, a nonprofit that provides music and educational resources to choral leaders, composers, and educators. Based on a Bible story, it tells the tale of a young Jewish woman who travels to the citadel of Susa in Persia, where King Ahasuerus names her his new queen. When the king’s wicked viceroy Haman hatches a plot to execute all the Jews in the kingdom, Esther must then choose her path. Will wicked Haman prevail? Or will Mordecai, the selfless uncle who raised Esther, convince her to trust in God and save her people?
This musical adaptation is a lighter treatment than the dark source material, and Keating is excited to share it with everyone. Caine is also eager to see what her Artistic Director can do, as Keating’s creative writing skills have come to her aid on several occasions. Keating remembers, “One time this little boy wanted to be a dinosaur, so I created a prehistoric Nativity scene with time traveling archeologists. We’ve also done it in an old-time radio theater style, and also with a group of unemployed musicians visiting the manger. I try to make the kids happy!”
Keating’s father provides live musical accompaniment on the organ/piano. “That’s really a gift, to have live
accompaniment,” says Caine. Performances take place in the church sanctuary. Every participant will receive a T-shirt commemorating their experience.
Caine is hopeful that their little low budget camp can expand to two or three weeks in the future. Suggested donation for the camp is $125, but Caine stresses that no child (K-8) will be turned away. Scholarships are available on a need basis. “It really is all about inclusivity,” says Caine. “We’re probably one of the more liberal branches of the Lutheran Church. We ordain women and members of the LGBTQ community. You don’t have to be a member of our congregation to sign up for camp. Everyone is welcome.”
Musical Theatre Camp 2024 – Esther
Monday, Jun 24 – Friday, Jun 28
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Performances: Jun 28 @ 6:30 p.m., Jun 30 @ 10 a.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
38801 Blacow Rd., Fremont
(510) 793-6285
https://holytrinityfremont.org/join-us-for-musical-theater-camp-2024/
Registration: $125 per student
Celebrate Mission Days in June
Submitted by the Committee for Restoration of the Mission San Jose
All are welcome to St. Joseph parish’s celebration of the 227th anniversary of our founding and the birth of our Catholic faith here in the East Bay. St. Joseph Parish / Mission San José, in collaboration with the Committee for Restoration of the Mission San José, has a wonderful weekend planned for commemorating the 227th anniversary. There are three ways to enjoy Mission Days.
Gala
The Committee for Restoration of the Mission San José invites you to our “Meet Me at the Mission” Gala in the Mission’s beautiful Patio Garden on Saturday, June 8. You will experience wonderful Mariachi music to greet you, local wine by Mission Peak Vineyards, tasty tapas, and a historic artwork silent auction. Auction items, including beautiful paintings of the mission, can be previewed at www.crmsjca.org/gala2024/silent-auction. Following, will be an organ concert of 17th century music, followed by a dessert reception.
Advance tickets are required and can be purchased on the Mission San José website. All proceeds support the preservation and restoration needs of Mission San José.
Sponsorships are still available: Help the Committee for Restoration of the Mission San José raise funds to preserve Old Mission San José for future generations. The Museum, housed in the original 1809 convento building, is the oldest building in Alameda County, and funds are needed to protect its adobe bricks exposed to the elements, specifically replastering and repainting some areas. Sponsor info can be found at www.crmsjca.org/gala2024.
Organ Concert
At 7 p.m. on June 8, Ron McKean, organist, will perform his selections on the exquisite Rosales Opus 14 and showcase the rich tapestry of 17th-century sacred organ music. Be transported to the vibrant heart of Spanish and Mexican cultures. The concert is free, but a free-will offering is gladly accepted. You do not need to attend the gala to attend the concert.
Festival
Start Founder’s Day with a special 8 a.m. Sunday Mass in the Mission Church. Following is the regular schedule of Masses in St. Joseph Church, and a festival with international food, music, entertainment, and a raffle.
Tours
The Mission will provide Guided Tours on both days: Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Sunday’s tour includes an interlude on the Spanish organ. While visiting, buy something in our Gift Shop!
Founders Day Weekend
Meet Me at the Mission Gala
Saturday, Jun 8
5 p.m.
Organ Concert
Saturday, Jun 8
7 p.m.
Festival
Sunday, Jun 9
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tours
Saturday, Jun 8 & Sunday, Jun 9
Sat: 11 a.m.
Sun: 1 p.m.
Old Mission San Jose
43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 657-1797
https://www.saintjosephmsj.org/mission-days/
Park District Celebrates Grand Opening of Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek Restoration Project
Submitted by Flora Csontos
The East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors and staff celebrated the grand opening of the Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek Restoration Project at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve on May 23. This is the largest creek restoration project in the Park District’s 90-year history. This project restores 3,000 linear feet (approximately half a mile) of previously culverted creek to more natural conditions and is now open to the public.
The Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek Restoration Project, formerly known as the McCosker Project in honor of the last family who owned and worked on the property, provides natural habitat for special status or protected species, including the California red-legged frog, California foothill yellow-legged frog, Alameda whipsnake, San Francisco dusky-footed wood rat, golden eagle, Cooper’s hawk, loggerhead shrike, northern harrier, and white-tailed kite. The project’s water quality and streamflow improvements now also provide new habitat for rainbow trout, a native salmonid species.
“This is an area of Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve has undergone great transformation,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Elizabeth Echols. “The project is the largest creek daylighting project in the entire Bay Area, with new access to the beautiful and important Alder and Leatherwood creeks in the upper San Leandro Creek watershed.”
The 250-acre site is situated within a deep canyon of dense oak woodland at the bottom of a ridgeline of rolling grassland hills. When the Park Distri
ct acquired the property in 2010, the creeks within the property had been buried underground in culverts to make room for the rock quarrying operations that historically took place there. When the Park District took ownership of the property, the culverts were deteriorating, creating hazardous conditions and jeopardizing the surrounding recreation areas.
“You may not realize it by looking at it today, but this land was once graded flat and used as a homestead, ranch, farm, paving and quarry operation, and equipment yard,” said Park District Board Member Dee Rosario whose Ward includes Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. “The project restored 3,000 feet of previously culverted creek back to a more natural condition to function as riparian habitat. A great feat for the Park District and a success story for all environmentalists fighting to protect the environment and restore habitat.”
The project was made possible through funding secured by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan in the 2019 state budget. Additional funding came from the Park District’s voter-approved Measure WW and other state and federal grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wildlife Conservation Board, Coastal Conservancy, California State Parks, and voter-approved Propositions 1, 84, and 50 allocated by the California Natural Resources Agency.
“We thank Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan for her leadership in Sacramento and all our funding partners that helped make this happen,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We especially thank all District staff who worked on the project for over 10 years.”
The restoration project also addresses climate change by increasing flood capacity on the site, removing invasive species, increasing the carbon sink, enhancing habitat, and adding vegetation. In support of inclusive public access, additional enhancement work includes new nature trails and future amenity areas. The restoration effort has significantly enhanced creek and riparian functions and provides numerous benefits to native and special status species in alignment with the state’s 30×30 biodiversity and climate resiliency goals.
The restoration area within Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is open to the public. It includes an 11-car staging area off of Pinehurst Road, with connections to the McCosker Loop Trail and trails that follow the creeks on the property. Temporary restroom facilities are available while Phase 2 of the project is underway. Phase 2 of the project includes establishing a group campsite and permanent restroom facilities.
Visit https://www.ebparks.org/projects/sibley-alder-and-leatherwood-creek-restoration-and-public-access-project-mccosker-project for more information.
Correction
In the article “Berkeley Celebrates all things BOOK” in the May 28 issue, a workshop name was listed as “Breaking Though: Finding the Unexpected in Your Own Writing.” The correct version is “Break Though: Finding the Unexpected in Your Own Writing.”
Portola Art Gallery Presents Dean Hoornaert’s ‘Cows, Bulls, and Yaks’
Submitted by Frances Freyberg
In June 2024, Portola Art Gallery will feature paintings by San Jose artist Dean Hoornaert. His exhibit “Cows, Bulls, and Yaks” is a tribute to the wonderful world of cows. Cute and curious…awkward or ungainly…even menacing—these amazing animals have been part of human civilization for centuries. Even today, they occupy a unique place in our rural landscapes, while also inhabiting environments far and wide around the world. Hoornaert’s works capture the unique qualities of these expressive creatures in their many settings.
Hoornaert grew up in the East Bay town of Concord, attended UC Berkeley in the mid-80s, and earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Ever since, he has lived, worked, and raised a family in the South Bay. Primarily working in the medical device field, Hoornaert’s ability to draw and visualize 3D shapes was particularly useful as a design engineer; however, it was not until an early retirement in 2016 that he was at last able to turn his attention to art.
Taking adult education classes and joining local painting groups, Hoornaert developed an understanding of various drawing and painting mediums—watercolor, acrylics, oils, pastels, and charcoal. His work may be viewed on Instagram at @deanhoornaert and on his website www.deanhoornaert.com.
Portola Art Gallery exhibits high quality, representational art by 21 award-winning Bay Area artists. Paintings, pastels, photography, ceramics, paper sculptures, and woodworking can be viewed at the gallery, located at the Historic Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park.
‘Cows, Bulls, and Yaks’ – Paintings by Dean Hoornaert
Saturday, Jun 1 – Sunday, Jun 30
Mon – Sat: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Reception
Saturday, Jun 15
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Portola Art Gallery at Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park
(650) 321-0220
Celebrate Family Resource Center’s 25th Anniversary
Submitted by Fremont Family Resource Center
Fremont’s Family Resource Center (FRC) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a fun “Resource Fair” on Friday, June 7, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s free and open to all ages!
At the Fair, you’ll find: FRC agencies and community resources, prizes and giveaways, free health screenings, kid activities and games, a bounce house, face painting, free children’s books (while supplies last), plus some surprises!
Friday Night Fremont Street Eats is next door so people can easily attend both events.
FRC is a collaborative of 23 government and non-profit social service agencies serving families and individuals in Fremont and Southern Alameda County. Services include: employment; childcare information and kinship services; counseling and family service coordination; public benefits; housing support; food programs; health insurance enrollment; services for veterans a
nd those with disabilities; cultural and faith-based services; immigration legal services, financial coaching; workshops; and support groups.
Resource Fair
Friday, Jun 7
3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Fremont Family Resource Center
39155 Liberty St., Suite A110, Fremont
(510) 574-2000
www.fremont.gov/government/departments/human-services/fremont-family-resource-center
Now accepting housing applications from low-income seniors
Submitted by City of Hayward
Mission Paradise is now accepting applications from low-income seniors 62 years of age and older to move into new apartments under construction at 28000 Mission Boulevard in Hayward. The application deadline is June 11.
Being built by nonprofit housing developer EAH Housing, Mission Paradise apartments will be finished with modern touches, energy efficient appliances and balconies in most units. Community amenities include a roof-top deck, parking, community room and garden, and fitness and computer rooms.
Fifteen of the 76 units are for seniors with severe mental illness experiencing homelessness—and who will be supported at Mission Paradise with on-site services tailored to their needs.
Twenty-five out of the 76 units are designated as project-based rental assistance units specifically for eligible seniors referred by the Housing Authority of Alameda County. Thirty-five units are open to seniors with incomes ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent of the Area Median Income for Alameda County.
Interested applicants can download and submit an application through the County Housing Portal (https://housing.acgov.org), or call (510) 373-0086 to request a paper application to be mailed.
For any questions regarding the application process and eligibility requirements, please contact the property management office at [email protected] or visit the property website www.eahhousing.org/apartments/mission-paradise/
Mission Paradise is made possible in part with the contribution of $6 million from the City of Hayward.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
We Never Give Up on a Kitten
Submitted by Ohlone Humane Society
Falco and Flint were found in a resident’s back yard nearly starving to death. They were four or five weeks old, just barely weaned, and appeared to be orphaned. They obviously weren’t surviving well on their own—as is sadly the case for most kittens in this all-too-common situation.
The resident was feeding them Costco rotisserie chicken and cow’s milk to keep them alive, but she knew that wasn’t good for them long term. So, she called Ohlone Humane Society for help.
Luckily, we were able to make room for them with one of our volunteer fosters, who nursed them to full health and full bellies! They were adopted a few months later. Unfortunately, the boys were deemed a little too rambunctious (they were kittens after all!) and were returned. It was an unfortunate situation, but we happily took them back.
Because when we commit to a cat, we commit to finding them their forever home — however long it takes. On average that means four to five months, but it can take as long as two years.
That’s where you come in. Our campaign to provide a safe space for rescued kittens ends in just two days. Your gift ensures we have enough food, litter, microchips, medical supplies, and toys to keep them happy and healthy until they can be adopted.
Falco and Flint are flourishing in their new home. I can’t bear to think about what might have happened to them if we hadn’t been able to provide a place for them to recover and grow.
Won’t you help us give that same opportunity to the rest of our rescues this kitten season?
With so many orphaned and injured kittens, it’s vital we’re fully prepared to help them. Just $10 can provide wet food for a litter of kittens for a day, so your gift of $25, $50 or more will go further than you may have imagined. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4tbe4dz7 to donate.
Thank you for being a part of our life saving mission! Join Ohlone Humane Society by pledging your time, skills, voice, or dollars to support our work. Learn more at www.ohlonehumanesociety.org.
To donate: https://tinyurl.com/4tbe4dz7
Olive Hyde Art Guild 2024 Scholarship Awards
Submitted by Gail Blalock
Photos by Scott Capen
The Olive Hyde Art Guild frequently uses the phrase “the Arts are Alive and Going Strong” in the Fremont Community. This was never truer than Friday night, May 17, 2024, when the Guild presented its Art Scholarship Awards for 2024 during a reception at the Gallery courtyard. This year, 35 applications were received from Ohlone College students and Fremont high school seniors. Juror this year was locally based
artist (oil painter) Mitchell Neto who has consistently won awards for his work. In his notes about this year’s students, Neto remarked “as a life-long artist, I appreciate that a little bit of the artist’s soul goes into every creation and that it is not easy to bare that soul, to share with a world that often dismisses our creations or judges them harshly. I applaud the bravery of those that submitted their works into this competition and encourage them to continue sharing their gifts with the world – we need it now more than ever.”
The finalists exhibited their artwork in the Mission Room providing an opportunity for attendees to view the artwork and ask questions of the students prior to the awards announcement. Students were eager to talk about their artwork and to explain what inspired them to create. The Awards Ceremony followed in the courtyard to the applause of family, friends, and visitors. Nine awards were given out, with each awardee receiving a certificate and flowers. A reception and celebration followed.
Recipients of the Award for Outstanding Artistic Talent ($2,000) were Irvington High School senior Yurim Lee and Ohlone student Sophie Zhang. Other award recipients were Zhen Yuan Kan from Mission High School; Sierra Acosta and Sam Ahn from American High School; and Metis Tse from Ohlone College. The Guild also announced it would be giving $500 to Irvington High School art teacher Tulley Mintey, the instructor for the first-place high school winning student. To view photos of the students’ artwork, go to www.olivehydeartguild.org/scholarships.
Winning the Jan Schafir Memorial Art Scholarship Award ($1,000) was Ohlone student Eunie Kim. The Award was presented by Jan’s children, Paulette Schafir and Dr. Alex Schafir, who spoke about how their mother shared her passion for art for over 60 years, teaching in her Fremont art studio, and they were pleased to continue the scholarship in her memory.
New this year were two additional awards of $500 each, resulting from the sale of “Project Mini-Art” at the Guild’s Annual Holiday for the Arts Show & Sale. Guild member artists donate their time and art expertise to create a 5×5 wrapped canvas to be sold at the Show. The Guild’s Board dedicated funds raised from this project to the Scholarship Program. Winners of $500 scholarships each were Ohlone student Olga Tymoshchuk and Irvington High School senior Michelle Lin. Watch for more “mini-art” pieces for sale at this year’s Show (October 18-20).
When asked what creating art meant to her, Ohlone College student Sophie Zhang responded, “I am constantly stimulated by the scenes my eyes take in: the fiery sunset, the roaring waves, the innocent expression on a child’s face. I long to capture that fleeting beauty. For a long time, I couldn’t find a way to reflect my perception of the world…Creating art provides me with a medium to communicate internally and externally. It connects me to a bigger world.”
In response to how long she has been pursuing art, scholarship winner Metis Tse, shared, “My journey with art began really early – I’d say as far back as the first grade in elementary school. I was lucky to have some amazing influences in my life. My grandpa and my uncle were the ones who truly sparked my interest in art. They were like my first art teachers, guiding and inspiring me.”
The Guild’s Scholarship Program involves many months and hours of challenging work culminating in the Awards Ceremony. Appreciation was extended to Program Chairs Dina Rubiolo and Edie Christensen for their hard work, dedication, and encouragement to the students. The impressive artwork created by all nine scholarship awardees was truly amazing.
San Leandro to Celebrate June as Pride Month
Submitted by Paul Sanftner
The City of San Leandro announced it will raise the Progress Pride Flag in front of the Main Public Library on Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. This year’s event theme will focus on inclusion and belonging. According to Cornell University, belonging is the feeling of security and support in a person’s community, and inclusion welcomes them into the community without prejudice.
“As a proud resident of San Leandro, I believe that our city’s diversity is inspiring and impactful. We must continue to cultivate an inclusive environment where each person feels welcomed and celebrated,” shared Mayor Juan González. “Our LGBTQ+ community has my unwavering support, as we work together to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
Elected officials and community leaders have confirmed their attendance at the ceremony. Speakers include Mayor Juan Gonzalez; Library, Arts, and Cultural Commissioner Khilynn Fowler; SLUSD School Board Trustees James Aguilar and Peter Oshinski
Parking is limited because of the preceding Cherry Parade. The City of San Leandro encourages attendees to park in the city parking garage (122 Estudillo Ave). There is limited free parking on public streets near the Main Library.
Raising of the Progress Pride Flag
Saturday, Jun 1
11 a.m.
San Leandro Main Public Library
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
Summer Concerts:
Concerts at Alameda County Fair
June 14 – July 7
Wednesday – Sunday (excluding July 4)
7 p.m. Gates open
8 p.m. Concert starts
https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/concerts/
Tickets: $15 – $45 (purchase on fair website)
Groovin’ at the Grove
Fridays, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gates open 4 p.m.
Bands TBA
Shirley Sisk Grove (by NewPark Mall)
39270 Cedar Blvd., Newark
Milpitas Summer Concert Series
Friday, Jun 14
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Hitmen
Starlite Park
450 Rudyard Dr., Milpitas
Red, White & Boom fireworks and Concert
Thursday, Jul 4
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
Admission: $6 advance; $8 at the door
Friday, Jul 19
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jive Machine
Creighton Park
1260 Creighton Ct., Milpitas
Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(Parking lots fill up by 5 p.m.)
Central Park Performance Pavilion
40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
June 27: Three Queens of Soul (Soul, R & B, & Motown)
July 11: Momotombo SF (Latin Rock)
July 18: Wolf Jett (Americana)
July 25: Bombay Disco Co. (Bollywood)
August 1: 925 Band (Party Band)
August 8: You Should Be Dancing (Bee Gees Tribute)
Summer Concert Series
Fridays, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Block Plaza (near Koja Kitchen)
43806 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont
June 28: The Cheeseballs (Funk, Soul, R&B)
July 26: Neon Velvet (70s, 80s, 90s, contemporary hits)
August 23: East Bay Mudd (Classic Soul, R&B)
September 27: Foreverland (Michael Jackson Tribute)
Niles Concerts on the Plaza
Saturdays: Jul 13, Aug 10, Sept 14
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bands TBA
Niles Town Plaza
37482 Niles Blvd., Fremont
www.niles.org
Summer Outdoor Movie Nights
Movies on the Lawn
June 14 – July 7
Wednesday – Sunday
6 p.m.
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Gates 8 & 12 off Valley Ave., Pleasanton
https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/
With Fair admission
Aloha Movies
8 p.m.
June 14: Lilo & Stitch
July 12: Little Mermaid
August 2: Moana
Kennedy Community Park
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
Friday, June 28
The Sandlot
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
At Independence Day Pool Party
Admission: $6 per person
cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com
Friday, July 26
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Delano Manongs Park
1650 McCandless Dr., Milpitas
Friday, August 9
The Mighty Ducks
Dixon Landing Park
Milmont Dr. & Jurgens Dr.
Other than June 28, admission is free; purchase reserved seating for up to six people for $12 on cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com.
Ashland Zocalo Park: Vacant Lot into Community Space
Submitted by Nicole Espinoza Roa
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) in collaboration with The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and key project partners, has turned a blighted vacant lot into the Ashland Zocalo Park, a thriving community hub that will foster health, wellness, and community engagement for generations to come.
Nestled amidst the bustling regions of San Leandro and Hayward, Ashland represents a vital area within unincorporated Alameda County. With a high population density, it also has a great need for accessible green spaces and community gathering spots.
Zocalo Park is a prime one-acre site in the heart of the Ashland neighborhood. Designed as an urban plaza, the park will feature an array of recreational features and park amenities catering to individuals of all ages—from a vibrant public plaza for pop-up markets to intergenerational fitness and play areas, an outdoor stage, walking loops, open spaces, restroom facilities adorned with stunning mosaics crafted by a local Oakland artist, and an interactive water feature.
The Trust for Public Land was awarded a $7.2 million state grant for the development of Ashland Zocalo Park. This Proposition 68 grant is part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program.
“This project represents more than just the creation of a park; it embodies our commitment to fostering healthy, livable communities,” said Kira Maritano, Sr. Program Manager at The Trust for Public Land. “Ashland Zocalo Park will not only provide much-needed green space but also support active lifestyles, social connectivity, and a sense of pride in the local community.”
Join H.A.R.D. and TPL for the grand opening on Thursday, June 13 at 2 p.m. at 166th Ave and East 14th Street.
Trust for Public Land
Tpl.org
Hayward Recreation and Park District
haywardrec.org
Ashland Zocalo Park Grand Opening
Thursday, Jun 13
2 p.m.
Ashland Zocalo Park
166th Ave. and East 14th St.
, Ashland
What Happened to Those New Year’s Resolutions?
Submitted by Tish Davidson
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to write a memoir, a short story, or start on that novel you’ve been writing in your head for years? Here we are in June, the midpoint of the year and you still haven’t started? Get yourself unstuck with the Fremont Area Writers June 8 free Zoom Social Write-In.
Fremont Area Writers’ motto is “Writers Helping Writers,” and we welcome everyone from students to octogenarians. The Write-In is not a critique session but a chance to stimulate your creativity and socialize with other people interested in writing. The format is completely non-judgmental. Your writing will simply be enjoyed by your fellow writers, and you will be on your way to fulfilling that resolution to write.
How the Zoom Write-In Works:
At the Write-In, the computer will randomly assign four writers to each Zoom room. Writers are given several word or photo prompts. Choose one prompt and write whatever comes to mind for 10 minutes. At the end of 10 minutes, each person in the room reads their response to the prompt. Because the writing time is short, there is no expectation that the results will be polished or even complete. Time to socialize and get to know the other writers follows the readings. Writers are then reassigned to a different Zoom room with different people and a new writing challenge. Again, stories are shared, followed by socializing.
The Write-In is sponsored by Fremont Area Writers (FAW), a branch of the California Writers Club. In addition to the Write-In, FAW meets on Zoom from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month where guest speakers discuss various aspects of writing and publishing. The speaker for the June 22 meeting is Jessica Ogilvie, who will speak on grabbing openings and chapter-closing cliffhangers. Ogilvie is a former contributing editor at Playboy, and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and other media outlets.
You do not need to live in Fremont to join the Write-In or general meetings. To participate in either event, request the Zoom link from Scott Davidson at [email protected]. More information is available at https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org.
Free Zoom Write-In
Saturday, Jun 8
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Free General Meeting
Saturday, Jun 22
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Request Zoom link from Scott Davidson: [email protected]
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Global Warming Hits Africa Hard
By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Dear EarthTalk: What have been the most dramatic effects of global warming on Africa and what do longer-term climate projections foretell for Africa’s future?
Global warming has already had profound impacts on Africa, which is already grappling with many environmental and socio-economic challenges. The most dramatic effects observed so far include increased temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and a rise in extreme weather events—all of which have far-reaching consequences for the environment, agriculture and human livelihoods.
Temperatures across Africa have risen significantly in recent decades, with some regions experiencing increases twice the global average rate. This exacerbates existing problems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Prolonged heat waves and severe droughts have become more frequent, threatening water supplies and agricultural productivity.
Changes in precipitation are another significant impact. Some regions have seen decreased rainfall, while others face more intense and erratic rainfall. The Sahel, a semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert, has experienced both prolonged droughts and intense rainfall, leading to flash floods. These shifts disrupt farming practices, erode soils and reduce crop yields, exacerbating hunger and poverty.
Extreme weather events ever more frequent and severe. Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique, has faced devastating cyclones like Idai in 2019, which caused extensive damage, and displaced or killed thousands. Flooding destroys homes and crops and facilitates waterborne diseases.
Long-term climate projections for Africa paint a grim picture. By the end of the 21st century, average temperatures are expected to increase, leading to more severe heatwaves and droughts. Water scarcity will intensify, particularly in North and Southern Africa, where river flow and groundwater recharge rates are projected to decline. Agriculture, which employs a large portion of the population, faces dire challenges. Staple crops such as maize, sorghum and millet are expected to see reduced yields, a productivity decline that threatens food security and could increase dependence on food imports, straining economies further.
Coastal areas are at risk, too, from rising sea levels. Cities like Lagos, Nigeria and Alexandria, Egypt are particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding. Mangrove ecosystems, vital for coastal protection and fisheries, are also threatened by sea level rise and changing salinity patterns. Biodiversity loss is another critical concern. Many of Africa’s unique ecosystems, such as the Congo Basin rainforests and the savannas, could be drastically altered. Species that cannot adapt to rapidly changing conditions face extinction, disrupting ecological balances and affecting livelihoods dependent on natural resources.
“Africa is responsible for less than 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,” says the World Meteorological Organization’s Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. “But it is the continent which is the least able to cope with the negative impacts of climate change.” Promoting resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and regional cooperation are crucial to a sustainable future for its people.
CONTACTS
Global warming: severe consequences for Africa
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2018-march-2019/global-warming-severe-consequences-africa
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit
EarthTalk. See more athttps://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: [email protected].
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Photo by David Csepp, NOAA/NMFS/AKFSC/Auke Bay Lab
Dear EarthTalk: We used to hear a lot about algae’s potential as a renewable source of biofuels. Is it still being cultivated and processed accordingly?
In recent years, algae has emerged as a potential renewable and less pollutive energy resource. Some species have high levels of fat, carbohydrates and proteins that can produce up to 30 times more energy than other biofuels. And algae, unlike corn and soy-based biofuels, can thrive well in a variety of environments (including otherwise unusable waste or brackish water). Combined, the high-energy content and abundance of algae make it a promising alternative to current fuel sources.
Some companies, including the low-carbon energy research organization, Decerna, experimented with algae, hoping it could be produced at an industrial level. They cultivated it in artificial light, feeding it a mixture of glycerol, yeast and various chemicals. They then extracted the functional fats and converted them into biodiesel. The researchers calculated the energy required during each stage of the process and the carbon emissions produced from burning the resulting biodiesel. They concluded that the production process required more energy than the final product generates, and that total emissions produced during the production and combustion phases of the algae surpassed those of traditional petroleum diesel.
It was also learned that the extraction of the algae’s biomolecules may involve the use of harsh chemicals or solvent, and that the growth of algae may also require chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, which can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems if they get into surrounding water bodies through runoff, or if they accumulate in the algae biomass. Mechanical procedures require fewer chemicals but are less effective at separating the diverse array of materials within the algae. Also, cultivation of algae on a large scale uses large amounts of electricity as it often relies on artificial lighting to ensure optimal and controlled growth conditions. Moreover, the space required to grow and process algae on a commercial scale can also be a significant environmental concern. Large-scale algae cultivation facilities often occupy substantial land areas or require dedicated infrastructure such as ponds, bioreactors or photobioreactors.
Despite the promise that algae holds, there is a clear need for technological advancements across the entire supply chain. Techniques for seaweed cultivation, harvesting and transportation must be made more efficient. Several laboratories, such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Las Alamos National Laboratory, have been cultivating and manipulating particular strains of algae to genetically maximize the production of fuel biomolecules and other bioproducts. Additionally, improvements in pre-treatment methods, co-digestion processes, and the development of eco-friendly extraction techniques are essential. Furthermore, advancements in fuel conversion technologies are necessary to ensure that the algae is economically viable and able to be implemented into the current infrastructure. With these changes, perhaps we will see the rise of algae-based biofuels in the future.
CONTACTS:
Algae for global sustainability?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S006522962100015X; The use of algae for Environmental sustainability: trends and future prospects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35332453/
Developing algae as a sustainable food source https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1029841/full
Role of microalgae in achieving sustainable development goals and circular economy https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969722057886
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more athttps://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: [email protected].
Constant Companions: Circumpolar Constellations, Part III
By Kat Troche
In our final installment of the stars around the North Star, we look ahead to the summer months, where depending on your latitude, the items in these circumpolar constellations are nice and high. Today, we’ll discuss Cepheus, Draco, and Ursa Major. These objects can all be spotted with a medium to large-sized telescope under dark skies.
Herschel’s Garnet Star
Mu Cephei is a deep-red hypergiant known as The Garnet Star, or Erakis. While the star is not part of the constellation pattern, it sits within the constellation boundary of Cepheus, and is more than 1,000 times the size of our Sun. Like its neighbor Delta Cephei, this star is variable, but is not a reliable Cepheid variable. Rather, its brightness can vary anywhere between 3.4 to 5.1 in visible magnitude, over the course of 2-12 years.
The Cat’s Eye Nebula
Although it is labeled a “planetary nebula,” there are no planets to be found at the center of this object. Observations taken with NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescopes give astronomers a better understanding of this complex, potential binary star, and how its core ejected enough mass to produce the rings of dust. When searching for this object, look towards the “belly” of Draco with a medium-sized telescope.
Bode’s Galaxy and the Cigar Galaxy
Using the arrow on the star map, look diagonally from the star Dubhe in Ursa Major. There you will find Bode’s Galaxy (Messier 81) and the Cigar Galaxy (Messier 82). Sometimes referred to as Bode’s Nebula, these two galaxies can be spotted with a small- to medium-sized telescope. Bode’s Galaxy is a classic spiral shape, similar to our own Milky Way galaxy and our neighbor, Andromeda. The Cigar Galaxy, however, is known as a starburst galaxy type, known to have a high star formation rate and incredible shapes. An image composite from 2006 combines the power of three great observatories: The Hubble Space Telescope imaged hydrogen in orange, and visible light in yellow green; Chandra X-Ray Observatory portrayed X-ray in blue; Spitzer Space Telescope captured infrared light in red.
Up next, we celebrate
the solstice with our upcoming mid-month article on the Night Sky Network page through NASA’s website!
This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm to find local clubs, events, and more.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – Widower’s Retirement Stymied by Social Security’s (SS) “WEP” and “GPO” Rules
Dear Rusty: My wife passed away four years ago. I want to retire so I called SSA and was told I can collect my own SS at 62, reduced by WEP. My wife’s SS was greater than mine, but they said I do not qualify for hers at age 60 because of the GPO. This seems odd that I get zero for her, however I can collect mine at the two thirds reduction at 62. Is this true? This zero dollar amount places my retirement on hold for now. I was counting on her SS. Signed: Discouraged Widower
Dear Discouraged: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) are two of the most confusing (and unpopular) of Social Security’s myriad rules. From the way you describe your conversation with the Social Security Administration, it doesn’t appear to have concluded with you fully understanding how these provisions work, so allow me to elaborate.
WEP and GPO affect anyone who has a retirement pension from a federal, state, or local government agency which did not participate in Social Security, meaning neither the employee nor the employer paid into Social Security based on the employee’s earnings. Obviously, you have such a pension, which means that WEP will reduce any Social Security retirement benefit you have earned from other employment where SS payroll taxes were withheld, and the GPO will affect any survivor benefit you are entitled to.
WEP affects only the SS retirement benefit you earned elsewhere; WEP does not affect any surviving spouse benefit you might be entitled to from your wife. Rather, it is the GPO which affects your survivor benefit, again because of your state retirement (called a “non-covered pension”—one earned without contributing to Social Security). The GPO will reduce any surviving spouse benefit you might be entitled to by 2/3rds of the amount of your “non-covered” state pension. Depending on the size of your state pension, that reduction may entirely eliminate your surviving spouse benefit from your wife.
Under normal SS rules, a surviving spouse does not become eligible for survivor benefits until they reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled). Normally, a surviving spouse benefit claimed at age 60 is reduced by 28.5% and it is the GPO (not WEP) that will affect your survivor benefit whenever you claim it. However, even without GPO, your age 60 survivor benefit amount would be only 71.5% of the amount your wife was receiving (or entitled to receive) at her death. If you are already collecting your non-covered state pension when you claim your SS survivor benefit from your wife, then that reduced age 60 survivor benefit would be offset by 2/3rds of the amount of your state pension. And that (according to what Social Security told you) is what eliminated your age 60 eligibility for a surviving spouse benefit from your wife. If you don’t claim it at 60 your survivor benefit will continue to grow until you reach your full retirement age (FRA) of 67, but if 2/3rds of your state pension is more than 100% of your SS survivor benefit, you still won’t get any surviving spouse benefit from your wife’s record.
A further consequence of your non-covered state pension is that the SS retirement benefit you earned elsewhere will be reduced by WEP. WEP will reduce, but cannot eliminate, your Social Security retirement benefit. The WEP formula is complex but, generally, your WEP-based Social Security retirement benefit will likely be roughly half of what you would get if you did not have a state “non-covered pension.” You could claim your WEP-reduced SS retirement benefit as early as age 62 or, if financially feasible, delay longer to get a somewhat higher (but still reduced) amount.
Just FYI, your state employer had an obligation to fully inform you of the consequences of not contributing to Social Security while earning your state pension. It appears as though they may not have fulfilled that obligation.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at [email protected].
Grow vertically for added beauty and garden productivity
By Melinda Myers
Photos courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Expand your planting space, grow a living screen, or add vertical interest to your garden beds. Train vines up a decorative support, onto a fence, or allow them to climb a trellis set in front of a wall or structure.
Pole beans, peas, Malabar spinach, cucumbers, melons, and squash are all edible candidates for growing vertically. Training these vegetables up a support saves space in the garden. Plus, the increase in light and airflow through vertically trained plants helps reduce the risk of mildew and other diseases.
Growing vertically can also increase your yields and make harvesting much easier. Pole beans typically produce an extra picking. Plus, it requires less bending to harvest. If it is easy, you are more likely to pick regularly, increasing productivity and ensuring the best flavor. Try scarlet runner beans or purple podded pole beans for added color.
Train Malabar climbing spinach up an obelisk in a container or over a decorative trellis in the garden. Use the leaves the same way you use true spinach. The buttery nutty flavor is great fresh, added to a salad, used as a sandwich wrap, stir-fried, or steamed. The red stems, flowers, and seeds make an attractive display in the vegetable or ornamental garden.
Support the heavy fruit of melons and squash when growing vertically. Create a sling from cloth strips, an old T-shirt, or macramé – yes, it’s back! Tie the sling to the trellis to cradle large fruit. The sling handles the weight, preventing heavy fruit from ripping the p
lant off the support and damaging the plant. Elevating the fruit also reduces loss to soil-dwelling insects and disease.
Use decorative supports to add a bit of beauty or help blend edibles into ornamental plantings. Save money and add some personality by upcycling found items into creative supports. A section of an old iron fence, headboard, golf clubs, or farm implements can add a bit of functional whimsy to your garden.
Add color to a plain fence or wall with annual and perennial flowering vines. Use a support and leave space between wooden fences and siding to reduce moisture buildup that could damage these structures. This also makes it easier to manage future repairs and painting if the vines can easily be moved away from the structure.
Double up your plants to increase the floral impact. Use annual vines to provide quick cover for the first few years while establishing perennial vines onto the support. Consider mixing two vines on one support if space allows. Select vines that bloom at the same time to create interesting combinations. Or plant two vines that bloom at different times to extend the floral display.
Always select supports strong enough to support the plants you are growing. Make sure the support provides the structure needed for vines to climb. Those with twining stems and petioles need something to grab onto, while those with root-like holdfasts or suction cups need a rough surface for attaching. Make sure the structure will not be damaged by vines adhering to the surface. Other vines may need their stems to be tied to the support.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Start gathering decorative supports, look for spaces that need a bit of vertical interest, and select vines suited to your growing conditions and landscape design.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Join the Conversation and Attend a District Dialogue Meeting in June!
Submitted by Union City
The City of Union City invites community members to come together and participate in meaningful conversations with City leaders this June! A series of District Dialogue Meetings will be held as an opportunity for community members to learn about and discuss critical issues facing Union City, including information on city services and resources, and projects that are underway.
The schedule for the District Dialogue Meetings is as follows:
- District 1: Wednesday, June 5 at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Ruggieri Senior Center
- District 2: Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Kennedy Youth Center
- District 3: Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Mark Green Sports Center
- District 4: Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Delaine Eastin Elementary
Interested community members may register for each meeting they plan to attend by visiting www.unioncity.org/districtdialogues. All meetings are open to the general public. Regardless of which district an individual may reside in, residents may attend any meeting that is convenient for them.
“Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to Union City, your voice matters and we want to hear from you,” said City Manager Joan Malloy. “We hope to provide a forum in which participants can come and engage with city staff on key issues of importance to them, such as fiscal sustainability, public safety, and more. This will also be a great opportunity to connect with fellow neighbors and community members.”
Attendees will be able to speak with city staff, ask questions, and submit comment cards at the meetings or are encouraged to submit these in advance by emailing [email protected] and requesting the link to the online form.
For more information, please visit www.unioncity.org/districtdialogues.
Chabot Public Market fire
Submitted by Cheryl Hurd
At 2:33 a.m., Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) responded to a fast-moving fire at the Chabot Public Market in Castro Valley. The fire went to three alarms by 3:46 a.m.
The market has about half a dozen small businesses at the location, including restaurants, a meat market and coffee shops. The aggressive fire caused a roof collapse around 3:25 a.m.
Chabot Elementary School officials have been told to have children and staff shelter in place until all the hot spots are out.
No injuries reported. Crews will be at the scene all day. The cause is under investigation.
Fremont lowers speed limits
By Jack Alcorn
In alignment with its commitment to public safety and to eliminate traffic fatalities, Fremont’s City Council has adopted an ordinance to lower speed limits on 30 city streets.
The installation of updated speed limit signs was completed in May. This is just one of many efforts that the City of Fremont has undertaken to enhance traffic safety since the Vision Zero program was adopted in 2016 and renewed in 2021. Vision Zero is a comprehensive approach to the implementation and planning of roadway infrastructure that considers the loss of life from traffic crashes to be unacceptable.
The city has undertaken a number of efforts to manage speed since adopting its Vision Zero policy, including reconfiguring roadways with narrowed lanes and tighter intersections. Radar feedback signs were installed; speed lumps placed in school zones and neighborhoods; and more stop signs added. With these actions, the city has seen a notable reduction in severe injury and fatal crashes. However, a significant factor in recent severe injury and fatal crashes continues to be reckless speeding.
Speed is an essential aspect of traffic safety, as higher speeds increase both the likelihood and the severity of crashes. National research shows that lowering the speed limits in urban areas saves lives because it gives driv
ers more time to react to the unexpected.
Fremont has seen significant declines between 2016 and 2020 in fatal or serious injury crashes since the adoption of its Vision Zero policy. However, this trend unfortunately reversed in 2021 and continued through 2022 as the overall traffic volume continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chance of a pedestrian being killed when hit by a vehicle increases from 35 percent to 68 percent when vehicle speed increases just 5 mph from 35 mph to 40 mph.
Here are some of the 30 road speed changes:
- Auto Mall Parkway 45 mph to 40 mph (west end to Boyce)
- Fremont Blvd. 40 mph to 35 mph (Blacow to Auto Mall)
- Mowry Ave. 40 mph to 35 mph (Paseo Padre to Argonaut)
- Paseo Padre Parkway 45 mph to 40 mph (Decoto to Thornton)
- Stevenson Blvd. 40 mph to 35 mph (Mission to Civic Center)
- Walnut Ave. 35 mph to 30 mph (Fremont Blvd. to Paseo Padre)
For a list of all speed limit changes search ‘speed limits’ at fremont.gov and view the staff report.
The City of Fremont is committed to safe streets, safer people, and safer vehicles for all roadway projects and programs.
Hayward Police Department adds nine new officers
Submitted by Hayward Police Department
We are thrilled to announce the addition of nine new officers to the Hayward Police Department family! These hard-working individuals successfully completed a rigorous six-month academy program in May and are now gearing up for their Field Training Program, set to begin in the coming weeks.
Field training is an essential part of their journey, lasting between four to six months, where they will gain hands-on experience and learn under the guidance of seasoned officers. This crucial phase ensures they are well-prepared to serve our community safely and with excellence and integrity.
Prior to graduation, each academy class participates in a memorial run to honor an officer who died in the line of duty. This academy class (#179) chose to honor fallen Oakland PD Officer Tuan Le.
Please join us in congratulating our graduates on their hard work and dedication. We are excited to see them grow and make a positive impact as public safety officers in the City of Hayward. Welcome aboard!
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark Police Department
Monday, May 20
- 6:55 p.m.: Officer McCuin was on routine patrol near Balentine Drive and observed a vehicle failing to yield at a stop sign. Upon investigation, a 72-year-old male from Gilroy was arrested and transported to Santa Rita Jail due to outstanding warrants.
- 10:08 p.m.: Officer McCuin observed a bicyclist on the road without safety lights near Sycamore Street & Carter Avenue. After an investigation, a 22-year-old male from Newark was arrested for possession of narcotics and released on scene with a citation.
Tuesday, May 21
- 3:08 p.m.: Officer Losier was dispatched to a theft incident on the 200 block of Newpark Mall Road. A 35-year-old female from Newark was arrested for shoplifting and released on scene with a citation.
Wednesday, May 22
- 7:39 p.m.: Officer Kapu responded to Mowry Avenue & Alpenrose Court for a vehicle idling on the road. A 35-year-old male from Newark was arrested for being under the influence and was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, May 23
- 7:32 a.m.: Officer Lara responded to the 8000 block of Del Monte Avenue on the report of a suspicious vehicle, which turned out to be stolen. The vehicle was subsequently recovered.
- 8:44 a.m.: Officer Stevenson responded to Stevenson & Cedar Boulevards regarding a theft. A 42-year-old unsheltered male from Newark was arrested and released on scene with a citation.
- 9:11 a.m.: Officer Piquette investigated a vehicle burglary near Balentine Drive & Mowry School Road. The vehicle’s locks were forced open, resulting in a loss of power tools and batteries.
- 4:48 p.m.: Sergeant Todd investigated a residential burglary near Cedar Boulevard & Mowry School Road. A 25-year-old male from Newark was arrested for breaking and entering. He was subsequently transported to Santa Rita Jail for booking.
Friday, May 24
- 1:15 p.m.: Officers arrived at Gateway Boulevard & Jarvis Avenue on the report of an assault. A 42-year-old unsheltered male from Newark was discovered responsible for the incident, transported to Santa Rita Jail for aggravated assault and narcotics.
Saturday, May 25
- 10:55 a.m.: Officer Frentescu investigated a vehicle burglary near Central Avenue and Willow Street. Entry occurred from cutting a fence on the premise. Loss included multiple packages and merchandise.
- 12:29 p.m.: Officer Lara was on routine patrol near Newark Boulevard & Lafayette Avenue when he contacted a person with outstanding warrants. The individual, a 43-year-old male from Newark, was issued a citation and released.
- 1:19 p.m.: Officer Williams contacted an individual with outstanding warrants on Mirabeau & Normandy Drives. The subject, a 22-year-old male from Newark, was arrested and transported to Santa Rita Jail for the warrants.
- 9:01 p.m.: Officer McCuin contacted a probationer near Cedar Boulevard & Balentine Drive. Upon investigation, the 42-year-old unsheltered male was arrested for narcotics and transported to Santa Rita Jail for booking.
Sunday, May 26
- 9:44 a.m.: Officers arrived on the 5500 block of Thornton Avenue to investigate calls of a vandalism. A 43-year-old male from Fremont was arrested for vandalism and transported to Santa Rita Jail for booking.
Union City police log
Submitted by Union City Police Department
Thursday, May 9
- At approximately 6:53 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle burglary in the 1600 block of Whipple Road. The victim’s car was broken into while conducting repairs in the area, and approximately $10,000 worth of tools and a firearm were stolen. Detectives from the Special Services Unit tracked the property to the City of Oakland. There they found the suspects as well as the stolen property. They placed a male and female under arrest and returned the property to the owner.
Sunday, May 12
- At approximately 1:49 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle collision in the 200 block of Whipple Road. Witnesses told police that the car crashed into a residential fence and fled. The suspect vehicle’s front bumper and license plate were left on the scene. Officers located the vehicle nearby, and the driver was very intoxicated. Officers placed the driver under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Monday, May 13
- At approximately 5:45 a.m., officers responded to an armed robbery in the 31000 block of Alvarado Niles Road. The suspect walked into the gas station and displayed a small, black firearm at the clerk. The suspect took money out of the cash register and left the area on foot. Officers conducted an area check but did not locate the suspect.
Thursday, May 16
- At approximately 12:41 a.m., officers responded to a shooting on 5th Street and G Street. Callers reported seeing a car chase another car while the occupants of both vehicles were shooting at each other. One of the vehicles collided on Mission Boulevard and Whipple Road. Officers found the car unoccupied, discovered it was a stolen vehicle, and towed it for evidence. No victims were located.
Sunday, May 19
- At approximately 3:41 p.m., officers responded to a robbery in the 31800 block of Alvarado Boulevard. The suspects approached an elderly victim as she walked through the parking lot. They pushed her to the ground, took her watch, then fled in a black sports utility vehicle.
Chabot Glads Baseball Enjoyed Season of Thrills
Submitted by Chabot College Athletics
The hard-knocking Chabot baseball team enjoyed a tremendous season advancing to the state’s elite eight, or the 3C2A NorCal Regional Finals. The big run finally ended when the Gladiators dropped a best-of-three series against West Valley, two games to one.
The Glads, seeded No. 7 for the Regionals, rebounded from an 8-3 Game 1 loss at No. 3 West Valley with a thrilling 8-7 triumph. West Valley prevailed 12-2 in the finale.
Chabot freshman sensation TJ Costello, a former three-sport athlete at Dublin High, relished the big moments down the stretch. He crushed the ball in the playoffs. “I thought we had a very good season, we accomplished a lot,” Costello, a third baseman, said Monday, sounding like a leader. “I’m very proud of us, to be honest.”
In a season of thrills, landmarks, and monster rallies, Chabot (34-13) and Skyline were co-champions of the Coast-North Conference, marking the Glads’ second consecutive conference title, this time under head coach Paul Wiebens, a former Chabot assistant. The Glads were almost unbeatable at home, going 21-3 and just 11-10 away.
After conference play, Chabot swept a pair against Merced in Round 1 of the regionals, 6-5, 4-1. Next, as the top seed and host in the Super Regionals, Chabot bested Santa Rosa JC and Cabrillo in a double-elimination format to advance to the Regional Finals. In the clincher, Chabot walloped Cabrillo 11-4 as Costello hit a two-run homer in the first inning and three-run triple in the eighth, and sophomore Emmitt Phinney doubled, singled, and drove in three.
“Whenever you’re in a win-or-go-home game you always want to leave your mark,” he said.
In the Game 2 win over West Valley on Saturday, the Glads rode the durable arm of University of Memphis commit Isaac Lucas (W, 9-5), who allowed three earned runs and struck out nine over seven innings. Versatile Will Aviles came in for the save.
Chabot held on after taking an 8-3 lead with all their runs coming in the third-through-sixth innings. After the Vikings took an early 2-0 lead, the Glads got one back on a Raoul Fabian Jr. RBI double to left. Daniel Behrmann hit an RBI double and scored on a wild pitch to put Chabot up, 3-2, in the third. After West Valley tied it, Carmelo Rivera put Chabot ahead to stay on an RBI single to right, scoring Phinney.
Chabot struck for two in both the fifth and the sixth and led 8-3. In the fifth, Costello belted a two-run home run to left. In the sixth, Liam Forsyth doubled in a run and Fabian Jr. had an RBI single to center.
West Valley made it interesting with one in the eighth and two in the ninth, but Chabot held on for the clutch win.
Overall, Phinney led the Glads in batting average at .376 and home runs with 11, ranking No. 3 in conference in both categories. Lucas, a freshman left-hander, led the conference in wins with nine and strikeouts by a wide margin with 106; and was No. 2 in ERA at 2.91. Dan Hernandez was No. 3 in ERA at 3.38. Fabian Jr. was No. 2 in stolen bases with 28, and Behrmann had 23 base thefts.
Newark Game ChangeHER Initiative
Submitted by Jessennia Taimani
The City of Newark is excited to announced for the first time the Game ChangeHER Initiative. The Game ChangeHER Initiative is the Softball Division of the Junior Giants program. According to the Junior Giants website, “The goal of the division is to recruit more girls to play and retain them over the years. The intention of the Girls Softball Division is not to pull girls away from the co-ed Junior Giants baseball program, but instead to offer an alternative opportunity to play ball.”
Newark Recreation Coordinator, Jessennia Taimani shares, “Newark Recreation is celebrating 25 years of brining the Junior Giants Program to our community. Celebrating this milestone, I decided it was time to get our community involved in the Giant’s Community Fund ‘Game ChangeHER Initiative.’”
The Softball league is a free 8-week long program that runs from June 10 to July 30 for girls from 7-10 years old. Registration will be open until the league hits capacity at 60 participants. Currently 29 players are registered for the program, so don’t wait to sign up!
To register visit www.mlb.com/giants/community/junior-giants-leagues. For any questions, contact Jessennia Taimani at [email protected].
Pioneer Women’s Golf Finishes Season at NCAA Championships
Submitted by CSUEB Athletic Communications
Stroke play at the 2024 NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships wrapped up Wednesday from Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge. Cal State East Bay finished 54-hole stroke play in 16th place among 18 teams and did not advance to medal match play.
- Finishing stroke play with the Pioneers’ lowest individual score was Mandi Granato at 7-over-par 223 (70-77-76). Granato had two birdies on Thursday and six overall during the 54-hole stroke play.
- Jasmin Krishna had a team-high seven birdies throughout the three rounds.
- Carlota Eroles and Alma Garcia had two birdies each in the third round.
- Garcia and Granato each carded a 76 on Thursday.
“Sadly the 2023-2024 season came to a close today,” said Cal State East Bay head coach Alan Sue. “We had some challenges this week with high heat and humidity which are foreign to us. We played well except for the finishing stretches in each of the first two rounds. An illness to a couple of players also became another obstacle that we couldn’t overcome ultimately sidelining our leading scorer today. We had a capable substitute in her place but the hole we dug was very deep at that point. This team should be very proud of what they accomplished in becoming the first women’s golf team [at Cal State East Bay] to qualify for the National Championships in back-to-back seasons. As always, we say goodbye to seniors and prepare to welcome our new additions. The returning core will have a great opportunity to use this experience to better themselves for next season and create a new culture for Pioneer Women’s Golf.”
Flagler College won the team scoring in stroke play and earned the No. 1 seed to open Friday’s medal match play. The individual national champion was Gabby Woods from Findlay with a final score of 9-under-par 207.
The 2023-24 season has concluded for Cal State East Bay, which was the second straight year in which the Pioneers as a team reached the 2024 NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships and the third consecutive year at least one golfer representing the program qualified for an NCAA Championship tournament.
Summer Sandlot Baseball Program
Submitted by Union City Recreation
Check out the Summer Sandlot Baseball Program offered by UCPD! UCPD has teamed up with our Community and Recreations Services Department to offer an exciting Baseball Program this summer at Town Estates Park.
The program will run every Wednesday from June 26th to July 31th, providing a great opportunity for kids between the ages of 5-12 to enjoy the summer while playing baseball. The participation fee is only $5, making it an affordable option for families.
Baseball/soccer cleats are recommended but not necessary. They may bring their own glove if they wish, but gloves will be provided. Registration includes a 2024 Summer Sandlot t-shirt.
Allow your kids take advantage of this chance to enjoy the beautiful summer weather while playing America’s favorite pastime!
If you have any questions or need more information, kindly contact [email protected].
Summer Sandlot Program
Wednesday, Jun 26 – Wednesday, Jul 31
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Town Estates Park
2438 Andover Dr., Union City
Residents: $5; Non-residents: $10
Oakland Zoo bears destroy campsite to honor National Black Bear Day
Submitted by Isabella Linares
On Saturday, June 1, the Oakland Zoo hosted its third annual “Bear Camp” event to celebrate National Black Bear Day. Guests watched the black bears destroy a mock campsite set up by their keepers and learned how to be BEAR-ware while in bear country.
U.S Forest Service Rangers and Smokey Bear joined in on the day’s festivities. As guests said hello to Smokey and wished him a happy 80th birthday, they got to talk to Rangers and learn about fire safety, just in time for summer.
The most common human-bear conflicts involve unsecured attractants, such as garbage and human food.
In June 2017, when they were just cubs, this family of bears entered an older woman’s home, and mother bear Cambria reactively inflicted a non-lethal injury on the homeowner who was trying to chase them out. Per state policy, Cambria was deemed a public safety threat. After this incident, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) considered the unique circumstances of the bear family. CDFW made an exception that resulted in keeping the public safe while giving the bears a second chance to live by allowing them to be permanently placed at Oakland Zoo.
Not all human-wildlife conflict situations have this positive outcome, so the Zoo urges the public to join them in Taking Action for Wildlife to minimize these conflicts.
For more information on how to stay bear-safe, the Zoo created a blog that has different tips for you to use on your next camping trip:https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/how-to-bear-ware-in-black-bear-country.
Fremont Football League Golf Tournament
Submitted by Fatima Rocha
Fremont Football and Cheer League will be hosting their first annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The tournament will be held at the Callippe Golf Club in Pleasanton on Friday, June 14.
Registration will include 7:30 a.m. breakfast, a golf cart, beverages and snacks on the course and a post-game meal. There will also be a chance to win cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!
Register by Monday, June 10th at [email protected].
Fremont Football League Golf Fundraiser
Friday, June 14
7:30 a.m.
Callippe Golf Club
8500 Clubhouse Dr., Pleasanton
Registration: $195
Registration deadline: June, 10
www.fremontfootball.org
Popular California beach closed for the holiday after shark bumped surfer off his board
Associated Press
A 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of a popular Southern California beach was closed for the Memorial Day holiday after a shark bumped a surfer off his board the night before, authorities said.
The 24-hour closure at San Clemente was announced after the surfer came out of the water and reported the shark’s aggressive behavior to lifeguards around 8 p.m. Sunday, the Orange County Register reported.
The surfer, who wasn’t hurt, was bumped after seeing a large, dark object swimming toward him, San Clemente Marine Safety Lt. Sean Staubenbaur said.
The sand remained open to the public, but beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water until 8 p.m. Monday.
Though disappointed, the closure didn’t stop 6-year-old Waylon Andino’s plans for a lemonade fundraiser.
“It’s Memorial Day weekend, we’ll live it up and have fun with the kids regardless and enjoy each other’s company,” Waylon’s mom, Kylie Andino, told the Register.
A sighting of a shark 10 feet (3 meters) or longer calls for a closure, usually for several hours, while any kind of aggressive behavior automatically prompts a 24-hour shutdown, pending no additional shark sightings.
Oldest living National Spelling Bee champion reflects on his win 70 years later
By Holly Ramer and Rodrique Ngowi; Associated Press
In medical school and throughout his career as a neonatologist, William Cashore often was asked to proofread others’ work. Little did they know he was a spelling champion, with a trophy at home to prove it.
“They knew that I had a very good sense of words and that I could spell correctly,” he said. “So if they were writing something, they would ask me to check it.”
Cashore won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1954 at age 14. Now 84, he’s the oldest living champion of the contest, which dates back to 1925. As contestants from this year’s competition headed home, he reflected on his experience and the effect it had on him.
“It was, at the time, one of the greatest events of my life,” he said in an interview at his Rhode Island home. “It’s still something that I remember fondly.”
Cashore credits his parents for helping him prepare for his trip to Washington, D.C., for the spelling bee. His mother was an elementary school teacher and his father was a lab technician with a talent for “taking words apart and putting them back together.”
“It was important for them, and for me, to get things right,” he said. “But I never felt pressure to win. I felt pressure only to do my best, and some of that came from inside.”
When the field narrowed to two competitors, the other boy misspelled “uncinated,” which means bent like a hook. Cashore spelled it correctly, then clinched the title with the word “transept,” an architectural term for the transverse part of a cross-shaped church.
“I knew that word. I had not been asked to spell it, but it was an easy word for me to spell,” he recalled.
Cashore, who was given $500 and an encyclopedia set, enjoyed a brief turn as a celebrity, including meeting then-Vice President Richard Nixon and appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. He didn’t brag about his accomplishment after returning to Norristown, Pennsylvania, but the experience quietly shaped him in multiple ways.
“It gave me much more self-confidence and also gave me a sense that it’s very important to try to get things as correct as possible,” he said. “I’ve always been that way, and I still feel that way. If people are careless about spelling and writing, you wonder if they’re careless about their thinking.”
Preparing for a spelling bee today requires more concentration and technique than it did decades ago, Cashore said.
“The vocabulary of the words are far, far more technical,” he said. “The English language, in the meantime, has imported a great many words from foreign languages which were not part of the English language when I was in eighth grade,” he said.
Babbel, which offers foreign language instruction via its app and live onlin
e courses, tracked Cashore down ahead of this year’s spelling bee because it was interested in whether he had learned other languages before his big win. He hadn’t, other than picking up a few words from Pennsylvania Dutch, but told the company that he believes learning another language “gives you a perspective on your own language and insights into the thinking and processes of the other language and culture.”
While he has nothing but fond memories of the 1954 contest, Cashore said that was just the start of a long, happy life.
“The reward has been not so much what happened to me in the spelling bee but the family that I have and the people who supported me along the way,” he said.
Ramer reported from Concord, New Hampshire.
Chabot College sees spike in requests for degrees and certificates ahead of commencement
Submitted by Adelina Elo
Chabot College received a record-setting number of requests for degrees and certificates from graduands in 2024 leading up to its 62nd annual commencement ceremony. The numbers total over 2,500, with more than 1,500 in associate degrees and about 1,000 in certificates.
“The number of requested associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), associate of arts for transfer (AA-T) and associate of science for transfer (AS-T) is the highest in college history, said Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Matthew Kritscher. And the number of certificates requested is the second highest in memory.”
An integrated number of factors may have contributed to these record numbers, such as Chabot’s continued commitment to student equity, support for a wide spectrum of learning and support services modalities, and the expansion of learning communities, student success teams and signature resource centers. Additionally, the college has added resources to improve outreach and communication to students.
Chabot College faculty and staff are also cited as a contributing factor. “Our faculty, classified professionals and administrators provide holistic, student-centric programs that are best in class,” said Chabot President, Dr. Jamal A. Cooks. “We have an amazing staff at Chabot who are focused on meeting the needs of our students to ensure their success.”
While the degrees and certificates are yet to be conferred based on final grades, the significant increase is a promising trend in enrollment and retention numbers, especially given the disruption to student learning caused by the pandemic. According to a whitepaper from the Annenberg Institution out of Brown University, there was a 10-12 percent decline in enrollment within public two-year colleges.
Approximately 400-500 students are expected to attend the 2024 commencement ceremony, with many receiving more than one degree or certificate. Among those graduates will be Elizabeth Zamora. She is majoring in psychology, and in the fall will continue her educational journey at UC Berkeley as a transfer student. “During my time at Chabot, I was able to widen my social network and meet new people who could aid me in my academic pursuits,” shared Zamora.
For more information on Chabot College’s commencement ceremony, visit www.chabotcollege/commencement
Former California water official pleads guilty to conspiring to steal water from irrigation canal
Associated Press
A former California water official has pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal water in a deal with federal prosecutors in the state’s crop-rich Central Valley.
The Los Angeles Times reports Tuesday (May 28) that 78-year-old Dennis Falaschi, who used to head the Panoche Water District, entered the plea in federal court in Fresno. He also pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return.
Falaschi was accused in a case that alleged that more than $25 million in water was stolen over two decades when it was siphoned from a federal irrigation canal through a secret pipe and sold to farmers and other water districts. The Panoche Water District supplies irrigation for farmland in Fresno and Merced counties — much of it from the federal Delta-Mendota canal.
Authorities said in court documents that Falaschi wasn’t the only one taking water, but did not specify who else was involved. They estimated Falaschi stole less than $3.5 million in water, a small portion of what they initially alleged had been stolen.
The case comes as California has embarked on a yearslong effort to conserve water use by passing a groundbreaking law to regulate groundwater pumping, encouraging urban users to replace thirsty lawns with more drought-friendly landscaping and ramping up water storage efforts to help the state navigate expected dry years ahead.
The state moved to reduce groundwater use after overpumping led farmers to drill deeper for water and some rural wells to grow dry. The prospect of pumping limits has worried California farmers who grow much of the country’s fresh produce.
Falaschi, who has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in any additional investigations, is scheduled to be sentenced in September. He declined to speak with the newspaper after Tuesday’s hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Barton also declined to comment.
Continuing Events:
Mondays and Thursdays
Food Garden Volunteer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learning from experienced gardeners.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
Volunteer agreement form is required.
Mondays, June 10 – August, 29
Beginners Bharatanatyam for Kids
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Have you been enchanted by the Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, and wanted to try it? Here is your chance! Join us to learn some basic dance steps, hand gestures and sitting postures that introduce you to this dance form. This is a series of 12 weekly classes, held every Monday.
Recommended for kids, ages 8-12. No prior experience required. Registration required. Your single registration will register you for the entire series. Please enter your child’s name, not the parent’s.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Tuesdays
East Bay Games Meet
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
German/Euro style board games and card games.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 936-2523
meetup.com/east-bay-games
Tuesdays
East Indian Seniors R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Anyone who is retired and of Indian origin or interested in Indian culture is welcome to join us.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the month
Tuesdays
LEGO® Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Drop-in. For everyone.
Tuesdays
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for stories, music, and movement.
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
For babies, toddlers, kids, and preschoolers.
Tuesdays
Comfort & Joy Ukulele R
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
A group of ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs as well as learning new.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays
Folk Dancing Social R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join together in the wonderful spirit of dancing and savor the beautiful music from all over the world.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays
Book Club AWC R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The book club meets for stimulating discussions.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Thursdays
International Folk Dancing R$
11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Celebrate the cultural roots and traditional life of various countries.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
In English and Chinese.
Thursdays
Bocce Ball Class R
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to play Bocce Ball.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Rain will cancel class.
Thursdays
Chinese Calligraphy Social R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bring your own supplies and socialize and have fun while doing calligraphy.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
There is no teaching on site.
Thursdays
Historic Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ride a narrow-gauge train, tour the beautifully restored Patterson House Museum. Every historic day ends with an animal feeding at 3 pm. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Thursdays
Chinese Music Ensemble R
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Open to all who are interested in performing traditional Chinese music.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Thursday, April 18 – June 8
Image Central Spring Exhibition
Lower Gallery: Mon 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tues & Thur 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Upper Gallery: Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Annual Spring Exhibition at the ImageCentral Gallery (formerly PhotoCentral) has bloomed once again. This exhibition showcases work from over 20+ artist from many walks of life! An eclectic grou
p show with amazing images to match. Vote for your favorite image at the reception and help crown the People’s Choice Awards! Celebrate this fun extravaganza with us, take in the imagery, meet the artist’s, make memories, and acquire some incredible art! The event is free and the public is invited.
Image Central Gallery
1099 E St., Hayward
(510) 881-6721
Thursdays
Family Board Game Night
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Play together with family and friends, or make some new friends at the library.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Board games will be provided.
Thursdays
The Peaceful Poets
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join a Milpitas-based group of writers and appreciators of poetry.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
For teens, adults, and seniors.
Last Thursdays of the month
Thursday, June 13 – August 3
54th Annual Textile Exhibition
Olive Hyde
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
Thursdays and Saturdays
Story Time
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Picture book story time
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
bit.ly/3VFpbc
Fridays and Saturdays
Free Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing!
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/calendar
Weather permitting.
Saturday, June 1 – Sunday, June 30
‘Cows, Bulls, and Yaks’ – Paintings by Dean Hoornaert
Mon – Sat: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hoornaert’s works capture the unique qualities of these expressive creatures in their many settings.
Portola Art Gallery at Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park
(650) 321-0220
Saturdays
Laugh Track City R$
8:00 pm
Series of improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Saturdays
Free Beginner Pickleball Lesson
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Free pickleball lesson taught by a USPA professional.
Hall Memorial Park
304 La Honda Dr, Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
Drop-in. Weather permitting.
Saturdays
Teen Cohort for Outdoor Education R$
10 am – 4 pm
Meet new friends, build outdoor skills, and get to know your community as we participate in activities, such as Hayward Shoreline Hike and Clean-Up, Quarry Lakes Excursion; Coyote Hills Excursion; Fishing; rock climbing on our 28-foot rock wall, hiking; and a Sulphur Creek Guided Tour.
Ashland Community Center
1530 167th Avenue, San Leandro
Noel Munivez: (510) 317-2303
Sundays
Farmyard Games
1:00 pm
Join us for some old-fashioned fun! Try your hand at classic American pastimes including stilts, sack races, and the potato-spoon race. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Sundays
Practice Your English: Group Conversation for Adults
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Improve your conversation skills by chatting with other people about everyday topics in a friendly, welcoming group
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
Sundays
Weekly meditation Session R
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss.
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
samarpanmeditationusa.org
[email protected], [email protected]
Sundays – Saturdays
Recreational Swim $
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Attractions may vary.
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 578-4620
bit.ly/3nxo0is
Sundays
Larry “O” Teen Workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Used bikes, bike parts for sale and bike repair.
Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
33623 Mission Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5487
www.unioncity.org/723/Larry-O-Teen-Workshop
Donation accepted.
Second and fourth Sundays of the month
Upcoming Events
Friday, June 7
Family caregiver retreat
9:30 am – 3:30 pm
City of Fremont, Family Caregiver Support program is inviting you to join us for a free, one-day retreat designed especially for you, the Family Caregiver. Enjoy a visit to Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch, educational presentations, a therapeutic group activity, and a chance to share your experiences with fellow caregivers.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Register by June 4, 2023. We cannot accommodate walk-in & same-day registrations. Register online, email or phone. For special accommodations, please register three weeks in advance.
Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
43326 Mission Circle, Fremont
(510) 574-2035
Friday, June 7
Resource Fair
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Twenty-three social service agencies will celebrate its 25th anniversary. There will be prizes and giveaways, free health screenings, kids’ activities, a bounce house, and more.
39915 Liberty St., Fremont
Saturday, June 8
Sterling Bubbles
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
A sensory experience with Sterling Johnson, the Bubblesmith, and his wonderful world of bubbles at the library. This special program will be enjoyable for all ages. Space is limited. Free tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will be distributed outside in the breezeway to the right of the main entrance, starting at 12:45pm.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Saturday, June 8
Kalimba King!
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Musician and teacher Carl Winters, aka The Kalimba King, will perform songs on the kalimba (also known as an African thumb piano). He will showcase the instrument’s diverse range with jazz, pop, gospel, & rhythm and blues. You’ll get to learn about the history of the kalimba and its significance to African culture. Participants will also get a chance to be hands-on and play one too! Coloring pages will be provided and instructions on how to make your own kalimba at home! This program is designed for kids ages 6 and up. Register to receive an email event reminder.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9
Mission Days Festival 227 Anniversary
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Holly Mass, concert, international food booths, fabulous dance troupes, monkey show. We’re celebrating 227 years of continuously living in mission of the Church by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through the generations.
(510) 657-1797
Sunday, June 9
Music at Garin
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bring your musical instruments to the Red Barn at Garin for some whimsical old-time feel and pleasant tunes to learn and play along to. Please bring your string instruments. 10+yrs. Parent participation required. Parking fees apply where charged. Wheelchair accessible. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required.
(510) 544-3220
Garin Regional Park
1320 Garin Ave., Hayward
Sunday, June 9
Chokhi Dhani (Rajasthan Indian Cultural Fair) 2024
10:00 am 6:00 pm
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
Thursday, June 13
Traditional Korean Games
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Join us with artist and educator Danna Kim. We will be learning to make and play with ddakji, jegichagi, and gonggi – games analogous to POGs, hackey sack, and jacks. Supplies are limited. First come first served. Registration is not required for this event.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
Saturday, June 15
Annual Father’s Day Slumber with the Stars
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Spend this Father’s Day with dad on this unique, out-of-this-world camping experience at Chabot. Your sleepover includes hands-on activities, exclusive after-hours time in the exhibits, Planetarium shows and telescope viewing amidst the backdrop of the redwood forest. Enjoy hot chocolate while gazing at the stars, then camp outside or in one of our exclusive indoor exhibitions. Dinner and breakfast are included with dairy free and vegetarian options. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult at a ratio of 5-1.
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
$110 Adults/Youth
Saturday, June 15
Fremont Pride Fair
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Celebrating and supporting our LGBT/QIA + community. Family-friendly event. Featuring live performances, food, and resource tables from organizations across the Bay Area. Resource booths, informative panels, music, games and food trucks
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
Saturday, June 15
Fremont Bank Community Block Party
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Special Promos, Giveaways, Raffle, DJ, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Carnival Games, and more…
39150 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
Saturday, Jun 15
‘Cows, Bulls, and Yaks’ Reception
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Hoornaert’s works capture the unique qualities of these expressive creatures in their many settings
Portola Art Gallery at Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park
(650) 321-0220
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Live entertainment, special performances, food and free giveaways, fun games, cultural exhibitions by Afro American Cultural and Historical Society
Silliman Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
Sunday, June 23
Tchaikovsky Gold
3:00 pm
The music of Tchaikovsky has sparked the imagination of the world. From the dramatic 1812 Overture to the beloved Nutcracker, his music always touches the heart. For this concert we’re presenting two of his most famous pieces alongside International Van Cliburn Piano Competition gold medalist, Jon Nakamatsu. Heralded as the “pianist’s pianist,” Jon’s touch on the keyboard is sophisticated and masterful, and he’ll perform the most famous piano concerto ever written. Jung-Ho and the Bay Philharmonic will share their passion for Tchaikovsky’s ultra dramatic 4th Symphony, his musical biography of a hero overcoming fate to triumph with hope and victory.
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Tuesday, June 25
Bollywood Dance for Kids
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us to groove to Bollywood music, learning the fusion of dance steps that is Bollywood Dance. This dance form incorporates different dance styles including bhangra dance, hip-hop, Arabic and jazz dance. Recommended for kids, ages 8-12. No prior experience required.
No registration required. Limited seats available. Tickets will be handed out at the Children’s Service Desk, 15 minutes prior to the start of the program.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Wednesday, June 26
Pygmy Goats with 4-H
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Fun presentation all about animals. Learn how to care for them, good hygiene, and all the opportunities Alameda County 4-H provides. After the presentation there will be an opportunity to meet and pet a real pygmy goat! This presentation is appropriate for children ages five and up.
Space is limited. Free tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will be distributed outside in the breezeway to the right of the main entrance, starting at 12:45pm.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Wednesday, June 26
Bri Crabtree & Silly Circus Show
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Family-friendly circus show from award-winning performer, Bri Crabtree! Laugh along to this comedic show, marvel at the magic tricks, and enjoy some circus performances.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Vally
(510) 667-7900
Saturday, June 29
Coventry & Kaluza Circus Show
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Award winning circus comedians, Coventry & Kaluza, bring a variety of skills and thrills to their show which features juggling, acrobatics, music, comedy, dog tricks, and high numbers hula hooping. It’s interactive fun for the whole family!
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Saturday, June 29
Dale Hardware’s 100th Anniversary Block Party
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Tri-Cities residents are invited to come celebrate with us as we fire up the grills and serve delicious barbeque for our neighbors. The event will also include product demonstrations, children’s games and activities, special day-of- offers and much more!
Dale Hardware
3700 Thornton Ave., Fremont
(510) 797-3700
Saturday, June 29
Rhythm Builders
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Get ready to make some noise! Join the Rhythm Builders for an interactive session of stories, movement, and music. Connect with your sense of rhythm this summer and find your own beat.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
http://www.therhythmbuilders.com/
Saturday, June 29
Bohème Out of the Box
1 p.m. – Bohème Out of the Box
4:30 p.m. – Out of the Box: Encore Concert
Kennedy Park Amphitheater
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
(510) 675-5445
www.sfopera.com/box
www.unioncity.org/589/Arts-Culture-Studio-11
Sunday, June 30
Indigo Dyeing
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
We will use clothespin
s and rubber bands to create patterns on cotton fabric. Indigo is a very magical and special dyeing process. This workshop will be messy and dye may permanently stain clothes and temporarily stain skin. Please wear old clothes that you don’t care about! All materials will be provided.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
Saturday, July 13
Niles Concert on the Plaza
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Great Music – Great Community
Niles Town Plaza
37592 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Friday – Sunday, July 19 – August 4
StarStruck Theatre Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
This summer join StarStruck as we step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Ohlone College
Smith Center
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
starstrucktheatre.org
(510) 659-6031
Tickets: $25 – $35
