Bubbles on a summer day

Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center

On the weekend of July 22 and 23, learn all about the science behind bubbles at Chabot Space and Science Center’s “Bubblefest.” See how bubbles can change form as professional bubble artists expose the wonders of these remarkable spheres. Play with bubbles of all shapes and sizes, see dry ice bubble demonstrations and be inside a giant bubble! Learn about how bubbles can teach us about star formation and all its applications in space science. This fun, two-day festival is great for all ages!

Featured Bubble Artists

Tom Noddy

Tom has taken his uniquely warm and charming sense of wonder and delight in soap bubbles to audiences around the world. The bubbles are truly exquisite and Tom’s lively humor and engaging sense of fun leave his audiences both delighted and intrigued. After three appearances on The Tonight Show, Tom was featured on the Best of the Year Tonight Show segment. In his 20-plus-year career as America’s Bubble Guy he has appeared on numerous prime-time television shows as well as night clubs and universities. Tom’s work has been presented to 900 mathematicians at the International Congress of Mathematics in Berlin, Germany.

Sterling Johnson

Sterling has performed versions of his remarkable hand-blown bubbles for over 45 years. He is the only person to ever put a bubble inside a bubble inside a bubble on stage without any tubes or straws, and the first person to walk completely through a bubble film!

Bubblefest

Saturday, Jul 22 – Sunday, Jul 23

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

Tickets: $20 adults (12+), $15 kids (2-12), $10 seniors

Free for members

https://chabotspace.org/calendar/bubblefest-2/2023-07-22/

Broadway star helps bring The Lightning Thief musical to life at StarStruck Theatre

Submitted by StarStruck

Broadway’s Kristin Stokes was back at StarStruck for a week of rehearsals for their Summer MainStage: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical! Kristin played Annabeth in the Original Broadway Cast of Lightning Thief and is also a Fremont native/StarStruck Alum! StarStruck was so thankful for their time with her and are excited to share this hilarious, moving, and action-packed rock musical with audiences.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is the “thoroughly endearing family-friendly musical” (Charles Isherwood, Broadway News) with “one foot in Harry Potter and another in Dear Evan Hansen” (Chicago Tribune) this winning adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling Disney-Hyperion novel is “compelling for fans and new audiences alike!” (TheaterMania)

As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York).

The cast includes: Gabriel Lew, Valerie Golobic, and Brian Loh with Karina Anthony, Sana Arora, Neil Basu, Lici Carey, Maya Cavestany, Kaylee Chang, Milo Chang, Lily Davis, Sydney Freeman, Lucas Gallagher, Bernadette Gamboa, Garrison Garcia, Jacob Gonzalez, Abigail Gould-Nordseth, Jailene Hee Yoon, Audrey Jeronimo Hartrell, Amanda Lee, Hsiao-Tiao (Rainbow) Lin, Kaia Liu, Ella Lym, Russell Lym, Sam Sheppillayar, Emmanuel Suarez, Lilia ten Bosch, AJ Torrado, Ishaan Wankhade, Vanessa Xu, Jing Yee-Bowen.

Those working behind the scenes include Producer and Director Lori A. Stokes, Co-Director Courtney Stokes, Creative Consultant Kristin Stokes (original Annabeth on Broadway), Choreographer Francesca Cipponeri, Music and Vocal Director Nancy Godfrey.

Since COVID-19 is an ongoing risk, masks are recommended indoors.

The Lightning Thief

Friday, Jul 21 – Sunday, Jul 30

Fri/Sat: 7:30 p.m.

Sat, Jul 29: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sun: 2 p.m.

Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

Tickets $25 – $30 + ticketing fee

(510) 659-1319

StarStruckTheatre.org

Charles Sasaki Named Next President of Ohlone College

By David R. Newman

In a special meeting held on Monday, March 13, the Ohlone College Board of Trustees unanimously selected Charles Sasaki to be the next college President. He will be the eighth President since the school opened in 1966, and the first of Asian American ancestry.

The Tri-City Voice recently sat down with President Sasaki to get to know him a little better. Here are his responses from that interview:

TCV: Maybe we could start out by talking about how you became interested in education?

President Sasaki: I kind of just stumbled into it, to be honest. Like so many others, I went into college not really knowing exactly what I wanted to do. But I always loved the idea of helping people. I was a history major, and I did ethnic studies work, which I really liked. I ended up going to grad school, and then I started teaching. That was the beginning. I loved the intellectual part of the job and I realized that I really want people to understand themselves better, understand their neighbors better, understand their communities better. So, you can see how that kind of work might lead to being [a university] president.

TCV: Had you been to Fremont before?

Presiden
t Sasaki: I grew up in Southern California, but most of my friends are from the Bay Area. I had visited before, but I never thought I would live here. I’m in temporary housing right now in Milpitas, so I’m learning about the different communities. Everything is tightly packed together, yet each city has its own personality. There’s an interesting complexity to it all and a real opportunity for a place like Ohlone College, which can act as a hub for all of these ethnic communities that are so radically different. It’s also very beautiful here, but the weather is a bit wacky.

TCV: Can you talk little about your own cultural background and your journey here?

President Sasaki: Actually, my family is from Hawaii, going back five generations. My parents both left and met in college in Los Angeles, which was where I was born. So I’m the exception. I went to high school in Cerritos in Orange County, then college at UC Riverside and UC Irvine. I worked as a part-time faculty member for a short time at some community colleges down there, but my first full-time job was in Washington in 1994. Then I moved to Hawaii in 2002. My last role there was as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer at the University of Hawaii – Windward Community College. And now I’m back in California, which my mom is over the moon about, especially since I’m an only child. She’s still in Southern California, so it’s nice that I’ll be able to spend more time with her.

TCV: What are your impressions of Ohlone College?

President Sasaki: I had known about Ohlone College for a long time. There are actually a lot of overlaps between Windward and Ohlone – really strong visual and performing arts programs, heavily transfer oriented, a lot of very good health science programs, and a large deaf and hard of hearing community. The main difference is that Hawaii just has one college system, but here there are several – community colleges, CSU, and UC—so it’s a little more complex. Also, I now have my own board of trustees—seven elected leaders who are super engaged, connected, and grounded in the places where they live and serve. And the campus is amazing. It’s state of the art and gorgeous and an inspiring place to learn.

TCV: Any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

President Sasaki: I have two hobbies, and they are kind of connected: swimming and eating. I love to swim. I am probably more graceful in water than I am on land. And I am 100% a foodie. My father used to take us on road trips that were built around food. This was before Yelp and the Internet. He would talk to people working in stores and ask them where they took their families to eat on Sundays. I love this idea of getting insight into other people’s lives and cultures. And obviously I just love to eat. It’s delicious. And you couldn’t ask for a better place than the Bay Area.

TCV: What are your goals as President?

President Sasaki: First off, I am planning to stay for more than my initial three-year term. You don’t move from Hawaii to take a temporary job. I’m in this for the long haul. I’m committed to this community. They are doing great work, and it will be my honor to gather all the success stories together and share them with you. I’d also like to include Newark and Union City more in what we do, to help us diversify an already diverse student body. Ohlone College is a humble place just waiting for an ambassador. I’m really excited.

Alameda County Supervisor Haubert joins flag raising

Submitted by Kathy Kimberlin

Flag Day 2023 was celebrated recently in front of a home in the Sundale neighborhood. Thirty-year Fremont resident Tejinder Dhami and his family had over 200 guests witness this momentous flag raising ceremony. Neighbors, esteemed elected officials and dignitaries were treated to lunch afterward.

Dhami is a prominent community leader who serves as a Fremont Mobility Commissioner, Fremont P.D. community volunteer, organizer of Sikh community food drives, helper for new immigrants with visa needs, and civic engagement advocate. His role as an Assembly 24 delegate gives him an active role in the political world. His most important role may be serving as a loving husband to his supportive wife, and father to his two civic-minded teenage sons.

Fremont Councilmember Raj Salwan guided the guests through a patriotic ceremony that opened with the National Anthem, sung by the granddaughter of Eileen McDonald (of Alameda County Office of Education).

The American flag was raised by Alameda County Supervisor D1, David Haubert. Supervisor Haubert takes every opportunity to support and embrace the multicultural communities he serves. The Supervisor presented Tejinder with a commendation and shared, “TJ, your regional civic leadership, dedication to your local community, and your unwavering effort to ensure American values are alive and well is to be applauded. Thank you for serving as a great example for your children and for your work that leaves a positive footprint in Fremont.”

The Dhami family were also joined by CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma; Supervisor’s Elisa Marquez and Nate Miley; Mayors Lily Mei, Michael Hannon, Melissa Hernandez; former District Attorney Nancy O’Malley; ACOE Trustee Eileen McDonald; Assemblymember Alex Lee; and representatives from Congressman Swalwell, County Assessor Phong La, CA Attorney General Rob Bonta; and many more local officials.

The flag flies daily in the yard of the Dhami family who are proud Americans, and thankful for the bounty and opportunity for their family here in Fremont!

Bay Area author captures childhood memories of dark films

Submitted by Robert Strom

Actor and dancer Russ Tamblyn is best remembered for his films Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and West Side Story (1961). However, as a child, Tamblyn also visited the alleys and dead ends of films noir. He was in director Anthony Mann’s film Reign of Terror, also known as The Black Book (1949). Tamblyn also played the young Bart Tare in a noir that always makes critics’ Top Ten lists, Gun Crazy (1950).

The experiences of Tamblyn and other child actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood are the focus of Cries in the Night: Children in Film Noir, the fourth book by Bay Area resident Robert Strom. Strom found and interviewed 50 former child actors ranging in age from 75 to 97. Two have since passed away: Mickey Kuhn of The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), and Tim Considine Unchained (1955).

Strom knew that these child talents are the last survivors of Hollywood’s Golden Era. “I spoke with the only living pe
ople with firsthand stories of Lucille Ball, Richard Widmark, Robert Mitchum, Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, Jack Palance and Evelyn Keyes. And they all worked with Hollywood’s leading directors. Some of those men were tough and didn’t like kids on the set.”

Only one actress had an unfortunate story of abuse. Mimi Gibson, whose noirs are Strange Intruder (1956) and The Brothers Rico (1957), was hurt on purpose. “Mimi, who is now a dear friend,” Strom stated, “Couldn’t cry on cue. So Loretta Young bent her fingers backward.” Gibson, best remembered as Elizabeth Winters, Cary Grant’s daughter in Houseboat (1958) penned her autobiography, Working Kid – A Memoir of a Child Actor of the 1950s and 1960s.

Strom called the process of writing “A blessed journey,” saying, “I still talk with all of them regularly. I call them ‘my kids.’ Many, Like Jimmy Hunt of Pitfall (1948) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1948) are now friends. We dine out when I’m in Los Angeles. It is an honor. I am so glad I’ve captured their memories of working in a film genre I love.”

There’s also a plan in the works to capture dozens of these interviews on camera. Strom says, “Jimmy Hawkins, who plays the son of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, is pitching his treatment to cable TV channels. I’ll be paid for the right to use the book’s title. Jimmy is doing this for free. That is a gentleman. That is a pro.” Even so, filming is costly and funds still need to be raised.

Robert Strom’s previous books are Miss Peggy Lee: A Career Chronicle, Lady of Burlesque: The Career of Gypsy Rose Lee and Virginia O’Brien: MGM’s Deadpan Diva – The Authorized Biography. The San Leandro native worked for Miss Peggy Lee.

Cries in the Night: Children in Film Noir can be purchased on Amazon or at the BearManor Media website. Fundraiser link: https://gofund.me/87bb1725.

FREE E-Waste Drop-Off at Logan High School

Submitted by Tri-CED Community Recycling

Tri-CED Community Recycling will host a FREE Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Drop-Off Event on Saturday, July 29 at James Logan High School’s main parking lot. Our E-Waste events are provided at no additional cost to residents on behalf of UC Recycles and held in partnership with Civicorps, a fellow local non-profit workforce training program for young adults. We welcome all Union City residents to participate in recycling their unwanted E-Waste safely and responsibly.

Acceptable E-Waste items for recycling include: Television sets (all sizes), computer monitors, laptop computers, computer hard drives, computer keyboards and mice, printers (excluding industrial size), cell phones/old phones, DVD players, VCRs, stereo equipment, and fax machines (excluding industrial size). For a full list of acceptable items, visit: www.Tri-CED.org.

Please note that the following items are prohibited and will not be collected at this event: Household hazardous waste (HHW), kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes. Visit www.Resource.StopWaste.org to learn how to properly dispose these items.

Tri-CED Community Recycling is a State-certified and designated E-Waste collection facility and has been handling E-Waste properly for almost 20 years. Residents are encouraged to drop off their E-Waste for recycling at our facility located at 33377 Western Avenue, Union City, throughout the year during operating hours on Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

FREE E-Waste Drop-Off

Saturday, Jul 29

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

James Logan High School

Main parking lot on Alvarado-Niles Rd.

1800 H St., Union City

www.Tri-CED.org

Community: Be Aware: Scams, Fraud, and Financial Crimes Targeting Our Community

Submitted by Fremont PD

Over the last several years, we have seen a rise in identity theft, scams, and financial crimes targeting our community. These scams are constantly evolving:

• Fremont Police Personnel does not call to solicit money. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Fremont Police and they are asking for payment – it’s a scam!
• Criminals may fake a caller ID to display “Fremont Police Department” and may possibly use a name of a real Fremont Police personnel. They may state that you missed a subpoena, a fine for a ticket, a tax payment, or other fees and that you must pay them to avoid being arrested or being sued – it’s a scam!
• Do not provide cash payment or any type of money transfer to anyone calling and claiming to be from the Police Department, the City, the County, the Courts, or some type of government entity – it’s a scam!

Below are some of the common ID theft or fraud scams we see. While the scams have all varied in origin, many commonly require the victim to buy gift cards, transfer funds, or provide a payment method to avoid a penalty. If you or someone you know receives a call where you are instructed to make a payment and threatened with arrest, deportation or something similar, it is likely false. Almost all government agencies communicate by mail and do not collect debt payments via the phone.

Examples of Fraudulent Scams include:

• Fraudulent use of your credit card
• Suspects open new accounts or take over your credit or bank accounts
• Work at home/employment scams
• Classified Ads and check overpayment scams
• Relative, friend or business associate needs you to wire money
• Romance Scams
• Sweepstakes and lottery scams
• IRS/Law Enforcement Impersonation scams
• Scams directed at the elderly
• Offering fake gold jewelry as an exchange for real jewelry or for cash

How to Protect Yourself:

Be skeptical. These scams constantly evolve. By the time you read this, there will be new stories and new lies to persuade you to wire money. However, what you should do to protect yourself stays the same:

• Resist the pressure to act quickly.
• Try to contact the agency, company or family member to determine whether or not the call is legitimate.
• Never purchase money cards to pay a debt. Call the agency directly and obtain proof of the debt before making a payment. No official agencies will accept a money card.
• Do not meet with anyone in person to deliver cash payment.
• Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail…local or overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash—once you send it, you can’t get it back.

Learn more about Scams, Fraud, and Financial Crimes at: https://www.fremontpolice.gov/crime-prevention/scams-fraud-financial-crimes

Local artist exhibits work at Ohlone Smith Center

Submitted by Garret Moore

Summer arts are in full swing at Ohlone College in Fremont. If you’re up on campus to catch a play at the Smith Center, you will also get a chance to admire the visual art of Garret Moore, on display through August 18. Moore has been working on his paintings, drawings, and digital art since the 80s. Lately he’s been experimenting with training A.I. on his own works to hone his craft and explore new directions.

View the event flyer at: https://www.facebook.com/GarretMMoore. Art will be viewable during Smith Center open hours.

Garret Moore: Visions in Pigment and Pixels to A.I.

Through Friday, Aug 18

Louie Meager Art Gallery (inside Smith Center)

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

Irvington Library to change hours of service

Submitted by Alicia Reyes

The Irvington Library will be changing its hours of service. Beginning July 23, 2023, the Library will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Libraries are more than places to borrow books or study. They are creative and engaging spaces where people can collaborate and develop their skills and passions. The Irvington Library is expanding on this idea as it transitions away from the traditional library model to become a Makerspace with a library inside.

The Makerspace has 3D printers, sewing machines, a die cutter, a robotics field, and more to use inside the space. Besides a traditional children’s book collection, the Library includes Tool Lending for projects that can be completed at home. The makerspace is open Tuesday through Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. (and by appointment).

Visit the Irvington Library to learn more about what it has to offer.

Irvington Library

41825 Greenpark Dr., Fremont

https://aclibrary.org/locations/irv/

Lions Clubs Youth Exchange Program fosters global understanding and cultural exchange

Submitted by James Varghese

To promote cultural exchange and international understanding among young people, the Lions of California has successfully held its annual Youth Exchange Program for 2023. The program, which has been running for several years, continues to be a resounding success, connecting youths from different countries and fostering lifelong friendships.

Lions Clubs in California have been sending as many students as possible to countries around the world (and receiving students in turn). In doing so, we hope that young students experiencing another culture will bring about a better understanding of people and lead to more peaceful relations worldwide.

This year California Lions hosted students from various countries such as Finland, Belgium, France, Poland, Israel, Czech Republic, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. We are sending students to Italy and Germany this year for a three-week exchange program. Currently, additional host families are being sought for 2024, according to Lions Youth Exchange Coordinator PDG Thelma Batilo.

During the program, participants spend a few weeks living with host families in their respective countries. They are immersed in the local culture, attending schools, participating in community service projects, and engaging in recreational activities. This immersive experience allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the host country’s customs, traditions, and way of life.

One of the program’s highlights is the Lions Clubs youth camps, where all participants gathered for a week-long event filled with workshops, cultural performances, and networking opportunities. These youth camps provide a platform for participants to share their experiences, showcase their culture, and strengthen their connections with fellow program participants.

Lions Clubs International, in collaboration with local Lions Clubs chapters, provided extensive support and supervision throughout the 2023 program. Trained volunteers and staff ensured the safety and well-being of the participants and facilitated the smooth operation of the program.

The impact of the Lions Clubs Youth Exchange Program goes beyond the immediate cultural exchange experience. Many participants have reported significant personal growth, increased self-confidence, and improved communication skills. The program has also inspired participants to become actively involved in their local communities, driving positive change and service initiatives.

“The Lions Clubs Youth Exchange Program has been a life-changing experience for many students,” Past District Governor James Varghese stated.

The success of the Program underscores the organization’s commitment to youth development and global understanding. By providing young people with the opportunity to connect with their peers from diverse backgrounds, the program contributes to building a more inclusive and interconnected world.

Lions District 4-C3 (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties)

www.lions4c3.net

Newark Library to add Sunday hours

Submitted by Alicia Reyes

Newark Library is pleased to announce an additional day of service on Sundays. Beginning on July 23, 2023, the Library will be open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Funding provided by the City of Newark enables the library to add service hours on Sunday.

Libraries are more than places to borrow books or study. They are creative and engaging spaces where people can collaborate and develop their skills and passions. Libraries strengthen communities and transform lives every day. From technology to workshops for job seekers to resources for English language learners, libraries provide a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of their communities. Visit the Newark Library to discover all it has to offer.

Newark Library Hours:

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Effective July 23, 2023

Monday: 12 noon – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 12 noon – 8 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Newark Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

https://aclibrary.org/locations/nwk/

Classics and Coffee

By Jack Alcorn

If you like vintage vehicles, spend a Sunday morning at Classics and Coffee at the iconic Flying A Garage in Niles. Gather for coffee and donuts and check out scores of beautifully restored cars and trucks. Swap stories with local car enthusiasts or get ideas for customizing your classic.

The Flying A was originally purchased from the railroad in 1938. This was the Solon Brothers Gas Station and Diner. Known as the entrance to Niles, the garage is being restored to a destination dedicated to the history and car culture of Niles.

Longtime Niles shop owner Frank Williamson says, “I’m an old car guy so I just love to come out and see this coffee and car thing.” The Flying A Classics and Coffee is a truly worthy event. Tons of cars show up – all kinds of cars, motorcycles, antique cars, fire engines – they’ve got everything you could think of. “This coffee and cars out here is a great event,” said Bob Stefano, showing his 69 rally sport Z28.

Niles Main Street Association President Kristen Lane is one of the people behind the restoration of the Niles Flying A in the historic district of Niles. Sunday was Firefighter Appreciation Day at Classics and Coffee. “We realize our firefighters over the past few years have really put their service into place where they go out and help Cal Fire, they help across state boundaries, they’ve helped with the unhoused, they helped with everything and really have been put to the test so today we are showing our guys a little bit of appreciation so thanks to everybody for coming out,” said Kristen Lane.

Classics and Coffee

Monthly on second Sundays

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Niles Flying A

37810 Niles Blvd., Fremont

Projects underway to preserve historic mission

Submitted by Old Mission San Jose

The Old Mission San Jose museum is the original adobe Convento, the former Padres’ living quarters. Its importance is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the California State Historic Landmarks Commission. This is the oldest standing building in Alameda County. It is built of adobe brick, and though some modern conveniences (such as windows and utilities) have been added, it requires frequent maintenance and renewal.

When cracks above the rock retaining wall on the Mission Boulevard side of the museum began to appear, a team of experts were brought in to investigate. Engineering and geotechnical professionals have created a plan to reinforce the foundation under this portion of the adobe wall. That plan will be executed the summer of 2023, but the Mission expects to remain open for normal operation hours Wednesday – Sunday (check website for daily hours).

You can make a tax-deductible online donation to support the mission at: https://missionsanjose.org/donate. Currently, the mission is raising funds both to reinforce the retaining wall foundation, and to restore the church exterior (a reconstruction completed in 1985).

Old Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 657-1797

missionsanjose.org

Chanticleers Summer Camp presents Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

Submitted by David Newman

Chanticleers Musical Theatre Summer Camp is excited to announce the upcoming performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at 6 p.m. The show is based on the 1970’s Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning educational cartoon series and pop culture phenomenon, and promises to be a fun time for all ages!

This fast-paced musical follows Carlotta (played by Carlotta Dillon), a young teacher, who is nervous about her first day of teaching. She tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing different parts of her personality emerge from the set and show her how to win over the students with imagination and music. Memorable songs like “Just A Bill,” “Interplanet Janet,” and “Conjunction Junction” bring her lesson plans vividly to life!

The show is the culmination of lots of hard work and play by the young campers (ages 7-15) in Chanticleers Theatre’s first ever Musical Theatre Camp, a five-week summer program that began on June 12.

Campers, known as Peeps, learn all about putting on a show, from acting to dancing to costumes, set design, sound, and lighting. Says Camp Director Christine Plowright, “The strength of our theatre lies in its intimacy. Many of the programs available to young theatre artists put together groups of 30+ kids with the primary goal of putting on a big musical. They get the fantastic experience of putting on a big show, but they don’t get the experience of a small group of people coming together to create an acting company and building a show based on their own individual skills and abilities. Five weeks ago, we were a company of strangers. Today we a
re the inaugural company of the Chanticleers Theatre Peeps!”

There is also time for clowning around, literally. Professional clown and performance artist Dalia Vidor visited the camp to give the children a special workshop on the art of clowning. There have also been lessons on theatre history, stage combat and make-up.

Craft making is another activity that keeps the campers busy, challenging their creative thinking skills. In one session, the children make masks based on the Greek Myth of Arachne and Athena. They also brainstorm ideas and help create set pieces for the musical performance. Says Plowright, “With the exception of some of the props, everything you will see on our stage has been created by our Peeps. Even the younger peeps from our one week Storytelling Camp got involved and painted a few of our set pieces. Our stage manager is a recent graduate of Castro Valley High School, and our light and sound operator is an 11-year-old student at Canyon Middle School.”

As part of the acting process, campers were introduced to the art of auditioning, presenting a monologue, and a vocal selection to a panel of auditors. It’s a way to give them confidence and helps build camaraderie. After several rehearsals, the company of 12 aspiring actors are ready to present their production to the public!

Join two special performances at “the little theatre in the park!” Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Patrons can make purchases at the door, on our website at chanticleers.org, or call (510) 733-5483.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

Saturday, Jul 22 – Sunday, Jul 23

6 p.m.

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

Union City Library to Change Hours of Service

Submitted by Alicia Reyes

Union City Library will be changing its hours of service. Beginning on July 23, 2023, the Library will be closed on Mondays and expand hours of service on Thursdays and Fridays. Hours of service at the Union City Library will not be reduced. Instead, hours are being shifted from Mondays to Thursdays and Fridays.

Visit the Union City Library to discover all it has to offer.

Union City Library Hours:

Sundays: Closed

Mondays: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Effective July 23, 2023: Closed)

Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursdays: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Effective July 23, 2023: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Fridays: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Effective July 23, 2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.)

Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

https://aclibrary.org/locations/ucy/

Learn the History of Centerville in Saturday Walking Tour!

Submitted by Washington Township Museum of Local History

Join local historian Timothy Swenson of the Washington Township Museum of Local History as he delves into the history of the Centerville area. The one and a half hour walking tour will take place on Saturday, July 22 beginning at 10 a.m.

The tour will begin in front of Holy Spirit Church, before heading down Fremont Boulevard to Thornton Avenue, and returning on the other side of Fremont Boulevard. Participants will learn historical information on a number of buildings, (some of which are no longer standing), in the historic downtown/business area of Centerville. Ask your questions about days gone by!

This event is free, with donations gladly accepted, and is open to all interested citizens and visitors of Fremont. Children and students are welcome. Tour booklets with be available on the tour. You can also download one from the museum website at www.museumoflocalhistory.org. Click on Resources > Historical Papers > Centerville Walking Tour.

Centerville Walking Tour

Saturday, Jul 22

10 a.m.

Meet in front of Holy Spirit Church

37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

(510) 623-7907

http://www.museumoflocalhistory.org

Free – donations welcome

The effect of yoga on teen mental health

By Priyanka Shah

“Creating a safe environment from the beginning through yoga builds a community that allows classmates to feel more comfortable with one another,” says Sheri Mulroe, Palo Alto High yoga teacher. Amidst the challenges and excitement of teenage years, increases in mental health difficulties post-pandemic highlight the importance of exploring holistic approaches for self-reflection and effective management of body and mind.

Yoga, which has its roots in ancient India, combines breathing exercises, physical postures, awareness exercises, and meditation. Although it has historically been connected to spiritual growth, contemporary research has shown its extraordinary ability to assist mental health, making it a particularly pertinent practice for today’s youth. This includes the students at Palo Alto High School who have taken up yoga as part of their class schedule. Sheri Mulroe, who teaches at the few schools in California that offer yoga as an alternative for P.E., discussed feedback from the students themselves. When asked how yoga has contributed to their mental health and wellbeing, one the student group responded by saying, “Yoga is somewhat of a mental break, not a physical one. The breathing exercises allow us to focus and calm down. The meditation allows us to take our minds off of academic stressors.”

By giving teens tools for managing stress a
nd anxiety, fostering emotional control and self-awareness, increasing mental clarity and focus, boosting self-esteem and body image, encouraging social connection and support, facilitating mind-body integration, and providing a therapeutic approach for dealing with trauma and PTSD, yoga is greatly beneficial for teen mental health. One of the students from Mulroe’s class explains how “whenever they have a test, they feel like the class helps them relax and lifts their mood.” Mulroe herself has witnessed an increase in confidence within the kids because “they are in a safe environment so they feel like the can take risks in terms of trying new things and feel successful.”

Likewise Chinmay Surpur, a professional research director who focuses on yoga, explains how “many of the underlying problems in mental disorders are similar, and yoga can address all of those. As a result, it can [help] with each one of the disorders. However, the way it [works] is slightly different. With someone who has depression, my approach would include more stimulating practices that get their blood flowing. In the case of anxiety, people might be more elevated in their state of being, in which case, slower practices that involve meditating in a certain posture would be more important.”

Yoga gives kids a potent toolkit for negotiating the intricacies of their inner worlds through its comprehensive approach to physical movement, breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation. It is a powerful practice that helps with stress, anxiety, emotional control, focus, and self-esteem. Teenagers’ lives can benefit from yoga because it can help them develop important life skills, build resilience, and improve their general wellbeing.

Why California might not be the first choice for work

Submitted by Kilo Health

California has secured the second-best position as one of the best places to work among the 50 states in the recently published 2023 Healthy Workplace Index, a report that assesses workplace health levels in the US. The 2023 Healthy Workplace Index study aims to highlight the need for greater workplace parity based on location and suggest actionable improvements for workplaces in each state.

According to research, California shines as the leading state in the work-life balance category due to several key factors, such as high percentage of workplaces holding the Great Place To Work certification, offering a favorable average employee share of the premium, facilitating on-site work arrangements, providing paid family leave, and implementing robust Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Simultaneously, the state exhibited concerning outcomes regarding high annual child/elder care costs and low flu vaccination rates.

The report assesses four fundamental categories of a healthy workplace: workplace policies and regulations, work-life balance, health and wellness, and environmental factors. These areas consist of 20 individual elements, all of which add up to an overall score for each state’s Healthy Workplace Index. Each indicator’s highest score is 5, and the lowest is 0. The highest possible final score is 100; However, none of the states have scored 100 in every category.

Although California shines as the leading state in the work-life balance category, securing a perfect score of 100, the health and wellness category has contributed to a decrease in the overall ranking of California in the final results. The indicators causing the greatest concerns were: high annual child/elder care costs and low flu vaccination rates. This resulted in California scoring 34 points out of 100 in the health and wellness category. Despite being known as the place for pursuing a healthy lifestyle, California still has room for improvement.

Ilona Bernotaite, Chief People Officer at Kilo Health and Forbes Human Resources Council member, commented, “I want to highlight the importance of addressing workplace condition inequality, as it profoundly affects every individual of working age. When considering this issue, it becomes evident that there are significant disparities between states. In light of this, I believe it is essential to prioritize a ‘people-first’ approach to working conditions and recognize that fostering happiness and fair treatment among employees paves the way for a thriving and successful business.”

On average, individuals dedicate approximately 90,000 hours to their work throughout their lifetime, which corresponds to roughly 3,750 days or approximately 10 years. Nevertheless, according to the Healthy Workplace Index, workers in certain states in the US endure working conditions that are 50% more challenging compared to their counterparts in other states.

This inequality is a pervasive problem. Areas of concern most frequently discussed involve health, income, and social inequality. However, there is an often-overlooked form of inequality relating to location based workplace conditions, which has a substantial impact on every American. This issue warrants attention and action, particularly considering that the geographic location of a workplace can either exacerbate or alleviate the problem.

These challenges can be confronted and resolved through various avenues, including personal efforts, labor initiatives, and governmental actions.

2023 Index

https://kilo.health/workplace-index/

10 must-dos for new grads and job seekers in 2023

By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT

Congratulations to all our 2023 Tri-City high school and college graduates! After years of hard work and perseverance, you are ready to take on the world of work. Now that graduation parties and July 4th are over, many of you are on the job hunt. These 10 must-dos are gleaned from my many years of experience as a career counselor. I have observed common errors when people search for jobs, and have put together a list of things to do to save time, energy, and frustration in your job search.

1. Identify companies/industries you would like to work in. Which industries are you passionate about? For example, high tech, biotech, education, nonprofit, healthcare, etc. Once you’ve identified the sector you want to be in, do a deeper dive and identify which companies you would love to work for. Employers want to see that you have interest in and commitment to their companies, so be clear about your passion first.

2. Be focused in your job search. New graduates are often unsure of what jobs they want. A person with a liberal arts degree could conceivably be an editor, marketing assistant, preschool teacher, or administrative assistant. Some apply for a wide variety of jobs with the exact same resume. The result is a diluted resume that looks unfocused and ind
   ecisive. My advice would be to pin down your job of interest and craft a resume that fits that job description.

3. Do informational interviewing – one fantastic way to narrow down your job possibilities is to ask people what it is really like working a particular job. Doing informational interviews will give you valuable insights and insider tips. It can even lead to job openings.

4. In your resume, be clear about your job objective. Once you have determined the job title you’d like to have, create a resume that reflects your experience doing the responsibilities of that job. Leave out irrelevant details. For instance, if you are going for a teaching job, include anything relevant to education and leave out skills that don’t strengthen you as a teaching candidate.

5. Plan to customize your resume for each job you apply to. Sending the same resume to a hundred employers without any customization is a common mistake new grads make. Use tips #2 and #4 to show each employer why you would like to work for them and not for some generic entity. Take a close look at each job ad and tailor your resume to reflect the skills being sought.

6. Fill in gaps in your experience by taking relevant coursework. I know that you just graduated, and taking courses is likely the last thing on your mind. However, there’s a huge difference between academic coursework and courses that pertain to actual work skills. For instance, the LinkedIn 2023 Most In-Demand Skills list include soft skills like management, communication, customer service, leadership, sales, project management, research, marketing, analytical skills, and teamwork. LinkedIn identifies the following as the top 10 hard skills sought by employers: software development, SQL, finance, python, java, data analysis, JavaScript, cloud computing, operations, customer relationship management. Fill in the gaps in your resume by taking free, quality courses from Coursera, Google, Alison, or LinkedIn Learning.

7. Networking. If you were to ask someone how they got their job, chances are, they would say, “A friend told me about the job opening,” or “I met someone who told me their company was hiring.” Do not spend all your time sending your resume into internet portals—make the time to meet people and go to professional events.

8. Clean up your social media. Be thoughtful of who you follow and what you post. Steer clear of posting images of yourself with alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

9. Be flexible. Sometimes people get too focused on achieving one goal, and they ignore other opportunities. It’s great to be focused, but it is also good to be flexible and open to different possibilities.

10. Start practicing for interviews. Interviewing well is not a skill that is taught comprehensively in most colleges and schools. Yet, it is imperative that you learn how to conduct yourself at a professional interview. Practice virtual and in-person interviewing with trusted friends and family who are able to give you quality feedback. A relatively new online tool that you could check out is Google’s interview warmup: https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/

 

Getting a job is not easy, but with the right attitude, preparation, and effort, I am confident that you can land that job of your dreams!

Anne Chan is a career consultant and licensed psychotherapist in California. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at an*********@gm***.com. © Anne Chan, 2023

EarthTalk

Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss

Dear EarthTalk: Is putting out birdhouses and/or bird feeders good or bad for the local ecosystem? — Mary B., Bowie, MD

While putting up a bird house or bird feeder is a great way to attract birds to your property, the jury is out as to whether such attractions help or harm local biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.

On the plus side, birdhouses provide much-needed shelter for birds, especially in areas where natural nesting sites are scarce. They can also help to attract birds to your yard, which can be a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike. Bird feeders can provide a valuable source of food for birds, especially during the winter months when natural food sources are scarce. This can help to boost bird populations and reduce the risk of starvation.

However, there are also some potential downsides to providing artificial nesting and feeding sites for birds. One concern is that it can lead to overpopulation of certain bird species. When birds have an abundance of food and nesting sites, they can reproduce more quickly, which can lead to an overpopulation of their species. This can have negative consequences for the ecosystem, such as competition for food and habitat with other species.

And while hosting a birdhouse or feeder may be fun and educational, the birds you would attract aren’t the ones struggling in regard to conservation status. “The species most in trouble are seabirds, shorebirds and tropical forest dwellers,” reports Emma Greig of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “This means that although feeding birds may not be harmful to the species that use feeders the most, it also isn’t helpful to the species that most need our help.”

Another concern is that bird feeders can attract pests and diseases. Birds can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella. They can also attract rodents, such as mice and rats, which can also carry diseases. Finally, bird feeders sometimes attract predators, such as cats, raccoons and hawks, which can prey on the birds that are attracted to the feeders, which can reduce the bird population.

Overall, whether or not putting out birdhouses and bird feeders is good or bad for the local ecosystem depends on a number of factors, such as the type of birds that are being attracted, the location of the feeders, and the overall health of the ecosystem. If you are considering putting out birdhouses or bird feeders, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you are doing it in a way that is beneficial to the birds and the environment.

For starters, choose the right type of birdhouse for the birds you want to attract, and place it in a safe and sheltered location. Also make sure it is somewhere you can access it safely, as it can use regular cleanings to prevent the spread of disease. And be sure to not overfeed the birds, as you don’t want to make them dependent on your handouts for sustenance. Monitor the bird populati
on and remove any feeders if they are attracting pests or predators or causing other problems.

Online Contacts:

• Analysis: Do Bird Feeders Help Or Hurt Birds?

www.allaboutbirds.org/news/analysis-do-bird-feeders-help-or-hurt-birds/

• To Feed or Not to Feed Wild Birds

https://fws.gov/story/feed-or-not-feed-wild-birds

• Bird Feeders: Good or Bad for Wild Birds and the Environment?

https://owlcation.com/stem/Bird-Feeders-Good-or-Bad-for-Wild-Birds-and-the-Environment

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org.

The Bleak Future for Electric Aircraft

By Kailash Kalidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast

Electric aircraft propulsion holds the promise of a greener future for aviation, with the potential to reduce the environmental impact of this industry. However, the current technology faces significant challenges that could hinder its widespread adoption. In this article, we will explore the obstacles that electric aircraft encounter and the possible alternatives for greener aviation.

Electric aircraft work by using batteries to power an electric motor, which converts electric power into mechanical energy. This motor drives the plane’s propellers or rotors, generating thrust or lift. The potential benefits of electric planes are evident—the aviation industry is responsible for about 2% of global CO2 emissions and 12% of transport emissions. By transitioning to electric aircraft, we have the opportunity to make a substantial positive impact on the environment.

Earlier this year, NASA made a difficult decision that casts doubt on the future of electric aircraft. They decided to terminate the X-57 Maxwell test aircraft, stating that electric aircraft technology is not yet ready for mainstream adoption. The X-57 Maxwell, NASA’s first all-electric experimental aircraft, aimed to showcase the efficiency, quietness, and environmental friendliness of electric planes compared to traditional gas piston-engine powered airplanes. Unfortunately, the X-57 Maxwell will never take flight, unraveling hopes for a breakthrough.

The primary challenge in electric aircraft propulsion lies in energy storage. Present-day batteries have a significantly lower energy density compared to aviation fuels. These batteries are heavy and bulky, and do not deliver enough energy for efficient sustained travel. For instance, jet fuel boasts an energy density of about 12,000 Wh/kg, whereas commercially available lithium-ion batteries only provide an energy density of approximately 250 Wh/kg. This limited energy storage capacity severely restricts the range and payload capabilities of electric and hybrid aircraft. To give an example, fully electrifying a 737 with current batteries would require removing passengers and cargo to accommodate the necessary batteries and would still provide a flight duration of less than an hour.

The future of electric planes hinges on advancements in battery technology. At present, electric power is only suitable for small aircraft. For larger passenger planes, a drastic improvement in energy density by a factor of 20 compared to lithium-ion batteries would be required. Achieving such a leap could prove to be a monumental task.

Despite the challenges faced by electric aircraft, there may still be hope for greener aviation through alternative approaches. Hydrogen or synthetic jet fuel are potential substitutes that could offer more practical and sustainable solutions for larger aircraft. These alternatives might bypass the limitations of energy storage in batteries and allow for more extended range and larger payloads. However, further research and development are needed to assess the feasibility and scalability of these alternatives.

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

 

 

 

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

And the winner is???

It doesn’t get more exciting than the race that took place in England recently. There they were, no less than 150 contestants going as fast as they could in hopes of bringing home the winner’s cup in The Snail Racing World Championships in the U.K. town of Congham. Making the event more rousing is that the 50-year-old race was suspended for three years due to the outbreak of the COVID pandemic in 2020. And the winner was Larry the snail who finished the 13-inch race in just two minutes and forty-seven seconds, 47 seconds shy of a mollusk by the name of Archie who covered the course in two minutes flat in 1996 and who remains the world record holder. See the thrilling snail race on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm7VIEF4u9w

A feat without feet

And the winner of the Guinness World Record for walking down 75 stairs in just 25.03 seconds is 29-year-old Hari Chandra Giri who hails from Nepal and who did it the hard way– on his hands. Hari had the edge, though; he’s been walking on his hands since he was eight years old. In fact, over the years he accrued a number of records for walking on his hands, sometimes with a soccer ball between his legs. See the video of the incredible descent at https://www.ndtv.com/feature/video-nepal-man-climbs-down-75-stairs-on-hand-in-25-seconds-creates-world-record-4179755

Is it a car or is it a plane

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the green light to a unique California-based car company, Alef Aeronautics, for its modern-day version of the “Model A” automobile, one that doubles as an airplane. Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny says “We’re excited to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week. This is a one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.” It’ll be a while before flying hot rods will be spreading their wings on the nation’s highways. The FAA says the “special airworthiness certificate” granted to Alef is for limited purposes such as exhibition, research and development. See the flying car on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EL3Bmls-hw

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

The Robot Report

Boston Dynamics’ Spot expands sensing, software features

By Mike Oitzman

Photo courtesy of therobotreport.com

Boston Dynamics has deployed more than 1,000 Spot quadrupeds in 35-plus countries. The company claims it has more quadruped robots deployed in industrial applications than any other vendor. The company has received more media attention for Spot than just about any other robot in recent years, and Spot continues to be a hit with the public at every demo.

Boston Dynamics released several new features for Spot, reflecting the company’s collaboration with and feedback from customers. Long term, the company continues to support the goal of improving human-robot interactions on sites around the world and the longer-term journey toward general-purpose robots.

To support improved inspection workflows in industrial environments, Spot can now be equipped with three new imaging sensors. The first is a thermal camera to detect overheating equipment, the second is an acoustic imager that provides alerts about abnormal noise readings (like air leaks) with a Fluke SV600 payload. Finally, there is an enhanced autonomy payload called EAP2 that features a LiDAR camera.

Software enhancements include an update to the remote inspection software that collects and organizes spatially tagged data from all of the sensors onboard Spot during a patrol mission. This latest software release makes it easier to set up individual inspection tasks (like stopping Spot and taking a sensor reading) and then set criteria for an alert if a sensor reading is outside of a prescribed set point.

The previous software version included thermal inspection workflows, but this new version enhances the capability to process sub-regions of a thermal image and take thermal readings (i.e. temperatures) from multiple regions in the image. This provides a deeper dataset and improves the workflow for capturing the data while Spot is on patrol in the facility. Different alerts can be set for different subregions of the scene.

Gauge reading is also more tightly integrated, leveraging gauge reading software from Levatas to extract analog gauge values from a visual camera image. This enables setting alerts when a gauge is outside of working limits.

Similarly, the system can leverage acoustic data from a Fluke SV600 payload and alert when sound levels exceed set limits.

Finally, new role-based access within the software limits actions and access to different software features based on a user’s role with the system.

On the physical Spot robot, a new audio-visual system has been implemented to alert nearby personnel to what Spot is doing. This includes flashing red lights when Spot is moving through specific areas and white lights when Spot is performing an inspection task.

The robot can now detect moving objects such as people or forklifts when the Spot EAP 2 payload is attached. When the robot identifies a moving object in its path, it will signal, keep a safe distance, and exercise increased caution as it continues on its mission. Spot will now react to moving objects in its immediate environment to avoid unintended interactions.

This release also brings new gaits to the robot that enable it to better handle slippery floors and react if the traction for any of its legs is lost.

Mike Oitzman is Editor of WTWH’s Robotics Group and founder of the Mobile Robot Guide. Oitzman is a robotics industry veteran with 25-plus years of experience at various high-tech companies in the roles of marketing, sales and product management. He can be reached at mo******@wt*******.com.

The Robot Report

Why NASA is testing its Valkyrie humanoid in Australia

By Brianna Wessling

Photo Courtesy of NASA/JSC

NASA’s humanoid robot, Valkyrie, is starting a new mission in Australia. The robot will put its skills to the test as part of a reimbursable Space Act Agreement with Woodside Energy in Perth, Western Australia.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) dexterous robotics team from the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston traveled to the Woodside headquarters to deliver the robot. There, NASA will use Valkyrie to develop remote dexterous manipulation capabilities to accommodate remote caretaking of uncrewed and offshore energy facilities. Woodside Energy will then test the resulting software and provide data and feedback to NASA.

Valkyrie is designed to be a robust, rugged, and entirely electric humanoid robot that can operate in degraded or damaged human-engineered environments. It weighs around 300 lbs and is about 6 ft 2 in tall.

This project is NASA’s second reimbursable collaboration with Woodside. NASA said it hopes this collaboration will help Valkyrie advance remote robotic operations, which could help improve Woodside’s offshore and remote operations while also increasing safety for both personnel and the environment.

These new capabilities could also be applied to applications for NASA’s Artemis missions and for other Earth-based robotics objectives. In particular, NASA hopes to leverage its experience operating Valkyrie in Woodside’s facilities to learn how to better design robots for work in dirty and hazardous conditions.

“We are pleased to be starting the next phase of development and testing of advanced robotic systems that have the potential to positively impact life on Earth by allowing safer operations in hazardous environments,” Shaun Azimi, lead of the dexterous robotics team at NASA Johnson, said. “These demonstrations will evaluate the current potential of advanced robots to extend the reach of humans and help humanity explore and work safely anywhere.”

In the future, remotely-operated mobile robots on the Moon or Mars could allow Earth-based operators to conduct important activities when astronauts aren’t physically present. These activities could include inspection or maintenance of infrastructure and plans that leverage resources and materials to produ
ce new items, enabling astronauts to live off the land.

NASA said Valkyrie and other advanced mobile robots could someday be vital tools that allow humans to supervise dangerous work remotely and offload dull and repetitive tasks. These capabilities can be used both on Earth and in space.

Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She joined WTWH Media in November 2021, and is a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. She can be reached at bw*******@wt*******.com

Social Security Matters

By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation

Ask Rusty – My State Pension eliminated My Social Security survivor benefit

Dear Rusty: My husband of 21 years died in January 2022 at the age of 70. We were both retired at the time of his death, and his Social Security payments immediately stopped. After many calls to Social Security asking why I was not receiving his benefits, I was finally told that since I have my own pension from the State of Ohio that I would receive none of my husband’s Social Security.

I cannot see why my OH retirement has anything to do with my husband’s Social Security. I do get a small payment from SS based on my past earnings before I worked for the State of Ohio. Is there any chance of fighting this, since we were married when they took money from his earnings for SS? If I wanted to write to an elected official to see if these rules could be changed, who would I write to or call? Signed: Upset Widow

Dear Upset Widow: Unfortunately, your entitlement to a Social Security survivor benefit from your husband is affected by a provision known as the Government Pension Offset, or “GPO,” which affects any surviving spouse with a federal, state, or local government pension earned without contributing to the Social Security program. Ohio is one of 26 states which have opted not to participate in Social Security, thus exempting state employees from paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. The OH state pension which resulted from your state employment means that any Social Security benefits earned outside of your state employment are reduced. The GPO reduction to your survivor benefit is severe: a reduction by 2/3rds of the amount of your Ohio state pension, which can—and often does—completely eliminate any SS survivor benefit you might otherwise be entitled to.

For clarity, the monthly SS payment your husband was receiving at his death stops automatically. At that point, your eligibility for additional SS benefits from your husband was assessed and, because of the GPO, Social Security offset your potential survivor benefit from your husband by 2/3rds of your Ohio state pension, which apparently eliminated your survivor benefit. As unfair as this may seem to you, note that the same thing happens to any surviving spouse who also has their own earned SS retirement benefit – their personal SS retirement benefit offsets their SS survivor benefit, so a spouse with a regular SS retirement benefit higher than their deceased spouse’s benefit gets no surviving spouse benefit.

FYI, the State of Ohio has an obligation to make clear that by not paying into Social Security your future SS spousal/survivor benefits are affected. Without knowing how that was presented to you during your OH state employment, here’s a quote from Ohio’s Public Employee Retirement System (OPERS) website: “If you are eligible for Social Security benefits and are receiving a retirement benefit from OPERS, your Social Security benefits may be affected by the Government Pension Offset or the Windfall Elimination Provision. The Government Pension Offset may also affect you if you are eligible for Social Security benefits through your spouse. The Windfall Elimination Provision may affect you if you qualify for Social Security benefits due to your own work history.”

In any case, you are certainly not alone in your feelings about how your Social Security benefits have been affected by the GPO. This provision was enacted in 1983 and has been challenged in just about every Congressional session since that time, without success. In fact, there is a legislative bill active in the current Congress – H.R. 82 – The Social Security Fairness Act—which was introduced on the House floor in January and “referred to committee” for consideration. Like all preceding WEP/GPO reform bills, this one sits idle in Committee. If you wish to add your voice to those who oppose the GPO, you should contact your Congressional Representative to solicit action on H.R. 82.

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 ss*******@am************.org.

 

 

 

Flood the garden with 5 uncommon watermelons

By Daniel O’Donnell

Photos courtesy of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (rareseeds.com)

Throughout history, there have been questions that people have pondered knowing there may or may not be answers. Astronomers have wondered if we are alone in the universe. Religious scholars question the existence of freewill. And at summer BBQs all across America people question where seedless watermelons come from. Unfortunately, people are not also asking where the white, yellow, orange, pink, and green flesh watermelons come from as well. These are uncommon varieties not usually sold in stores.

Seedless watermelons were created in the 1940s by crossing watermelons that have 22 chromosomes with ones that have 44 chromosomes. The differing number of chromosomes results in a sterile and mostly seedless watermelon offspring. However, it was not until the 1990s that seedless watermelons became popular. Not only for being seedless, but because they taste just as sweet or even sweeter than the common red fleshed seeded watermelons. There are many other types of watermelons that have the potential to become popular with Americans, although their introduction to consumers probably will not start in grocery stores, but from home gardens.

There are over 1,000 different types of watermelons. Wild watermelon seeds have been found in North African archaeological sites dating back to 3,500 B.C., and domesticated watermelons were being grown around 2,000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. Today they are grown throughout the world where the climate is conducive, with China producing two-thirds of the world’s watermelons. The large fruits are actually a modified berry called a pepo.

If you want to try growing unusual watermelon types, you will probably need to purchase seeds, as you can’t usually find the unique varieties at the grocery stores. Seeds can be started indoors in early spring, or planted in the ground in late spring and early summer. Watermelons are a type of vine and thrive in locations with plenty of sunlight. Each watermelon needs about 20 square feet per plant. They also need regular watering and a rich, well-draining soil. The average watermelon plant will produce harvestable fruits 60 to 90 days after sowing.

Listed below are 5 types of exciting uncommon watermelons. Their seeds can be purchased from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company (www.rareseeds.com), or from visiting their Petaluma Seed Bank (rareseeds.com/petaluma-seed-bank) at 110 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma. Ordering seeds or visiting the store early in spring is recommended as there is the risk of them selling out of certain varieties. However, watermelon seeds can remain viable for up to five years if stored in an airtight container placed in a dark location, so they can be purchased any time of the year if available.

 

Orangeglo – produces high yields of foot-long light and dark green striped watermelons with deep orange flesh. The vine, which is highly resistant to wilt and insects, produces watermelons in about 85 days after sprouting that are crisp and super sweet.

Royal Golden – produces 10-to-20-pound heirloom watermelons that turn golden-yellow when ripe. It has a pinkish-red flesh that is crisp and sweet. It is possibly the most attractive watermelon!

 

Lemon Drop – bears small, round to slightly oblong-shaped 1-to-2-pound snacking watermelons in just 70 days after sprouting. The sweet and crisp yellow flesh can be eaten all the way down to the thin golden rind.

 

Yamato Silver – is a productive heirloom from Japan, that produces vibrant green 6-to-10-pound watermelons. The snowy-silver colored flesh is creamy and has hints of sweet Asian pear and notes of citrus.

Blacktail Mountain – produces a very dark green, almost black, rind with a sweet red flesh. It is a good alternative to the rare Japanese true black rind Densuke watermelon that can cost as much as $250 and is seedless, negating any chances of growing it at home. Besides being attractive and delicious, it grows well in hot and drought conditions and will ripen in cooler temperatures.

Seedless watermelons make up over 90% of watermelon sales in the United States, according to watermelon.org. Although the five types of watermelons listed above, like many other heirloom and cultivars, may never have the same sales potential, they still have value. Unlike many philosophical questions that do not have an answer, the question “Why grow these different types of watermelons?” has an easy answer. It is because you can, they are attractive, and they are delicious!

Daniel O’Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com

Alameda County Water District

July 13, 2023

Action Items

• Authorization of Amendment No. 5 to the Cost Share Agreement for Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project Planning. Passed 4-0-1 (Weed, Abstain)
• Resolution Approving FY 2023/24 Consolidated Salary Schedule and Related Salary Schedules. Unanimously approved
• Resolution to Collect Delinquent and Unpaid Charges for Owner Occupied Single Family Residential Accounts on the Property Tax Roll. Unanimously approved

Consent Calendar

• Authorization of Purchase Order for District Forklifts
• Resolution Setting the Amount to be Levied through Property Taxes for the Groundwater Portion of State Water Project Contract Costs for FY 2023/24
• Authorization of Professional Services Agreement for Engineering, Environmental, and Cultural Resources Services for the Patterson Reservoir Remediation Project
• Authorization of Professional Services Agreement in Support of the Cathodic Protection and Corrosion Control Program
• Authorization of Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Additional Engineering and Professional Services for the PFAS Treatment Facility
• Authorization of Purchase Order for Computer Network Equipment
• Authorization of Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Groundwater Modeling of the Alameda Creek Low-Flow Channel Evaluation

President Paul Sethy               Aye

Aziz Akbari                             Aye

James Gunther                        Aye

Judy Huang                             Aye

John Weed                              Aye

Alameda County Board of Supervisors

July 11, 2023

Items Removed from Consent Calendar

• President Miley and Sheriff – Second reading and adoption of an Ordinance adding Chapter 10.40 to Title 10 of the Alameda County Ordinance Code prohibiting spectators at sideshows, street races, and reckless driving exhibitions. Passed 3-1-1 (Marquez, Nay; Carson; Absent)

Consent Calendar Summary

General Administration

• President Miley – Approve the use of up to $35,000 from District 4 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Discretionary Services and Supplies budget for expenditures related to the 20th Annual Healthy Living Festival which will take place on Thursday, 9/28/23 at Oakland Zoo
• President Miley – Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to issue stipend payments not to exceed a total of $15,000 via Direct Claim to four interns participating in intern
  ship programs within my office, for the period between June 2023 and September 2023
• Supervisor Carson – Approve the following recommendations: A. Approve the use of $300,000 of District 5 Fiscal Management Reward funds to La Familia (Oakland) to support its Residential Home; and B. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to make the related budget adjustments – (4/5 Vote) (Tam, Abstain; Carson, Absent)

President Nate Miley                          Aye

Vice President David Haubert            Aye

Elisa Marquez                                     Aye

Lena Tam                                            Aye; 1 Abstain

Keith Carson                                       Absent

Climate Action Plan

Submitted by City of Fremont

Don’t miss your chance to provide feedback on Fremont’s updated draft Climate Action Plan! The plan, titled Climate Ready Fremont, presents short-term and long-term actions that the City will implement to both reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

To review the plan and provide feedback, visit MyFremont, the City’s community engagement platform. You can review the draft, take a quick poll, participate in a discussion forum, and ask a question. The deadline to provide feedback is Monday, July 31.

The City welcomes all feedback, and thanks everyone for participating and helping to create a climate ready Fremont!

Fremont Climate Action Plan

Comment or take the poll until Monday, July 31

https://www.my.fremont.gov/draftcap

New Excise Tax on Guns Clears Final Policy Committee in California Legislature

Submitted by Office of Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel

In July, legislation that would impose a new excise tax on firearm manufacturers, firearm dealers, and ammunition vendors in the state of California passed out of the Senate Public Safety Committee, clearing its final policy committee. The proceeds from these taxes would be directed towards efforts to better protect Californians from mass shootings and gun violence, including enhanced school safety measures as well as violence intervention and prevention programs.

Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D – Encino), Chair of the Legislature’s Gun Violence Prevention Working Group, Assembly Bill (AB) 28 has now been approved by all relevant policy committees and is one step closer to Governor Newsom’s desk.

“It’s shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits at the same time that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for kids in the United States,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. “This bill will fund critical school safety measures and proven violence prevention programs that will save lives and protect communities across California.”

The tax, which is estimated to raise over $160 million annually, will generate funds for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program (commonly known as CalVIP) as well as programs and initiatives to improve school safety, bolster firearm investigations, remove guns from domestic abusers and other prohibited persons, and provide trauma-informed services for victims of gun violence, among others.

“This bill is a transformative approach in tackling gun violence and a crucial step to improve the safety of all California families,” said Renia Webb, a volunteer with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are grateful for our gun sense champions and community partners who worked so hard to pass this comprehensive bill that seeks to make our communities safer and target the root causes of gun violence. We urge the Senate to do the same so we can prevent senseless acts of gun violence from tearing our communities apart.”

“This is a time of crisis and challenges—with surging gun sales and violence nationwide—and also opportunity and progress as California leaders continue to lead the way on gun safety reform that is driven by evidence and real impact,” said Mike McLively, Policy Director for Giffords.

Since AB 28 was introduced at the beginning of the current legislative session, the United States has experienced hundreds of mass shootings, including horrific incidents in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. The surge in gun violence comes as firearm purchases rose to record levels in 2020 and 2021, with more than 43 million guns estimated to have been purchased. At the same time, gun manufacturers have reaped record-breaking profits, boasting that the growth they have experienced in recent years has been “nothing short of remarkable.”

AB 28 is expected to be considered in the Senate Appropriations Committee in August following the Legislature’s summer recess.

Hayward turns off website as it assesses extent of cyber-security incident

Submitted by City of Hayward

The City of Hayward detected a cyber-security incident and intrusion into its computer networks the early morning of Sunday, July 9, and as a precaution turned off access to its public website and associated online municipal portals.

City 9-1-1 emergency dispatching, police, firefighter and emergency-medical services remained operational.

The city has no evidence of a breach of personal information of any employee or member of the public and is continuing to investigate the matter with the assistance of cybersecurity professionals. If any data breach involving personal data is discovered, we will be in contact with the affected individual or individuals directly.

City offices generally are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The main Hayward City Hall phone number is (510) 583-4000.

For updates on this incident and city responses, please consider following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Nextdoor. You may also sign up for the city’s official e-newsletter, The Stack. Visit https://hayward-ca.activehosted.com/f/9

Draft Report on Al
ameda LAFCO’s Initial Feasibility Analysis

Submitted by Alameda Local Agency Formation Commission

The Alameda Local Agency Formation Commission’s (LAFCO) draft report on its Initial Feasibility Analysis for the potential incorporation of the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Fairview, and Hayward Acres is now available for public comment and review.

The purpose of the report is to provide LAFCO, affected agencies, and residents with quantitative understanding of the pros and cons of cityhood to help decide whether to move forward with incorporation and to understand its financial service implications.

The draft report on the Initial Feasibility Analysis can be viewed on the Alameda LAFCO website at www.alamedalafco.org. Written comments may be submitted online on the LAFCO website or directly to Rachel Jones, LAFCO Executive Officer, at ra**********@ac***.org or via US Mail at: 224 West Winton Avenue, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94544.

Comments submitted by Friday, August 11 will be considered in the development of the final report. Alameda LAFCO will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of the report and any specific actions in September or November 2023.

Contact Rachel Jones at ra**********@ac***.org or (510) 670-6267 if you have any questions.

Initial Feasibility Analysis

Submit your comment by Friday, August 11

www.alamedalafco.org

Fremont Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Update

Submitted by City of Fremont

The City of Fremont is nearing completion of updating Fremont’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. ADUs are independent living units attached or detached to a single-family home or established within a multi-family development. An update to Fremont’s ordinance is necessary for consistency with recently adopted state laws and to simplify local development standards, consistent with the City’s General Plan and Housing Element.

On July 11, 2023, Fremont City Council adopted the City’s 2023 ADU ordinance updates. The new ordinance will go into effect August 11, 2023. As a next step, the City will submit the recently-adopted ADU ordinance to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. HCD is responsible for reviewing locally adopted ADU ordinances to determine whether the ordinance complies with the requirements of state law.

For more information about the ordinance, including a list of the ordinance updates, please visit fremont.gov/Home/Components/News/News/544/

For more information about Accessory Dwelling Units, search fremont.gov for ADUs.

New State Budget Expands California Climate Action Corps

Submitted by Office of the Governor

Reaffirming the State’s commitment to build a more climate ready and safe California, Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature approved an additional $4.6 million in annual, ongoing funding to double the amount of paid service opportunities for California Climate Action Corps in the 2023-2024 State Budget.

The ongoing, increased funding will allow more California Climate Action Corps Fellows to serve in communities across the state to engage volunteers, educate the public and participate in urban greening, wildfire resiliency and organic waste and edible food recovery activities.

“Tackling the climate crisis takes partners at all levels, and the California Climate Action Corps is mobilizing energized Californians all across our state to drive climate action in ways never seen before,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Governor Newsom launched California Climate Action Corps as the nation’s first state-level climate service corps with the mission of empowering Californians to take meaningful action to protect their homes, health and communities against the harshest impacts of climate change. The program is led by California Volunteers, Office of the Governor.

“This budget is a statement about Californian’s values and their passion to take action against this existential threat,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday.

As AmeriCorps California members, fellows earn up to $43,000 in living stipends and money for school for successful completion of 1,700 hours of service between September 18, 2023, and August 15, 2024.

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor is currently seeking applicants with a passion for climate action to apply for the 2023- 2024 California Climate Action Corps paid service program. Learn more and apply at ClimateActionCorps.ca.gov.

California Volunteers also administers CaliforniansForAll Youth Corps, AmeriCorps California and CaliforniansForAll College Corps. In the coming years, California Volunteers will deploy a force larger than the Peace Corps to serve in California communities.

For those unable to commit to a year of service, hundreds of volunteer opportunities throughout the state are posted on the California Volunteers website. Visit californiavolunteers.ca.gov to learn more about paid service opportunities, or search the site for volunteer opportunities.

California Climate Action Corp Fellowship Achievements:

• 10,441,177 pounds food or organic waste diverted from landfills
• 2,339,677 pounds of recovered food distributed to people in need
• 21,817 volunteers engaged for 73,411 hours of climate action
• 7,071 trees planted, 164,898 trees maintained, and 15,189 trees donated
• 90,330 people engaged through climate-related outreach and education

Interviews available in Spanish and English:

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Cristina Valdivia, Cr***************@cv.gov, (916) 508-9018

San Leandro City Council

July 10, 2023

Consent Calendar

• Authorize a Consulting Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for State Legisla
  tive Advocacy Services through June 30, 2024
• Adopt the City of San Leandro Community Police Review Board’s Administrative Procedures
• Authorize a Consulting Services Agreement with Dixon Resources Unlimited for Parking Program Management Services through June 30, 2025
• Approve Amendment No. 7 with Del Conte’s Landscaping, Inc. for Citywide Landscape Maintenance from July 1 through December 31, 2023
• Approve Amendment No. 3 to the Existing Consulting Services Agreement with GoGo Technologies, Inc. to provide Dispatch and Concierge Services to FLEX RIDES On Demand Members
• Approve Amendment No. 7 to a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Rubicon Landscape Corporation for Citywide Turf Maintenance
• Authorize a lease agreement with Craig Martin, not individually but as a trustee of Henry Crown Grandchildren Trust II for tenancy of 3199 Alvarado Street, San Leandro

Mayor Juan Gonzalez             Aye

Bryan Azevedo                       Aye

Celina Reynes                         Aye

Victor Aguilar                         Aye

Fred Simon                             Absent

Xouhoa Bowen                       Aye

Pete Ballew                             Aye

Alameda County Fire Log

Submitted by ACFD

Thursday, July 6

• Alameda County Fire Department responded to a house fire on Lorenzo Avenue in San Lorenzo. Crews were dispatched to reports of smoke coming from the second-story unit of a duplex. Firefighters discovered a fire in the attic space over the living room area and had to pull all the ceiling to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or community members.

BART Police Log

Submitted by BART PD and Les Mensinger

Wednesday, July 5

• At 10:23 p.m. a man identified by police as Manamoui Tuivailala, 20, from Hayward was arrested in front of Bay Fair Station for public intoxication. He was transported and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Friday, July 7

• At 7:27 a.m. a man identified by police as Arturo Martinez, 32, from Novato was contacted at Bay Fair Station for fare evasion. He was taken into custody for possession of drug paraphenalia and a controlled substance. Martinez was booked into Alameda County Jail.

• At 7:19 p.m. a man identified by police as Lesny Cortes Dorantes, 23, from Oakland was contacted for fare evasion at Bay Fair Station. Cortes Dorantes was arrested for an outstanding warrant and booked into Alameda County Jail.

Saturday, July 8

• At 7:04 a.m. a man identified by police as Mario Roberts, 32, from Fremont was taken into custody at San Leandro Station and booked into Alameda County Jail for probation violation and resisting arrest.

• At 9:28 p.m. officers contacted Robert Condrick, 26, from Rohnert Park on the platform of Bay Fair Station. Condrick was arrested for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger; probation violation; possession of methamphetamine; and drug paraphenalia possession. He was booked into Alameda County Jail.

Sunday, July 9

• At 12:38 a.m. officers detained James Washington, 62, from Oakland on the platform of Fremont Station. Washington was arrested and booked into Alameda County Jail. Washington was not in possession of valid fare media. Washington was issued a BART Prohibition Order.

• At 6:54 p.m. officers contacted Victor Marshall, 42, from Oakland for fare evasion at Bay Fair Station. Marshall was arrested and booked into Alameda County Jail.

Tuesday, July 11

• At 12:05 p.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Smith, 33, from Antioch was taken into custody at Hayward Station and booked into Alameda County Jail for narcotics possession.

• At 6:03 p.m. a woman identified by police as Meghan Brown, 33 from San Francisco was arrested for a warrant at Bay Fair Station. She was transported and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Drone First Responders

Submitted by Fremont Fire Department

Please join the Fremont Fire Department (FFD) and Fremont Police Department (FPD) in a community meeting to discuss our Drone First Responders (DFR) Program.

FFD and FPD completed a pilot phase for the DFR Program from December 21, 2022 – January 20, 2023. Results from the pilot program suggest DFR is a valuable tool in providing first responders with realtime information to assist with decision-making, tactics, tools, and resources to mitigate a problem safely. The DFR program assists first responders in being proactive when responding to emergencies instead of waiting until firefighters or officers arrive on the scene to deploy a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

DFR further provides aerial support for public safety incidents, decreases response times, and increases community safety.

Please join our community meeting as we share the results of the DFR pilot phase and present the proposal to establish DFR as a permanent program.

To learn more about DFR, please visit: fremontpolice.gov/DFR or

http://fremont.gov/…/about-us/drone-first-responders-dfr

Drone First Responders discussion

Saturday, Jul 29

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Fremont City Hall

3300 Capitol Avenue, Building A, Fremont

fremontpolice.gov/DFR

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Fremont PD

Sunday, July 2

• Officers responded to the area of Onondaga Dr. and Paseo Padre Pkwy. after multiple witnesses reported a single-vehicle crash. The involved vehicle flipped onto its roof and caught fire. Several bystanders helped the driver and sole occupant out of his vehicle before it became fully engulfed. Officers arrived and determined the driver to be under the influence. The driver was transported to a regional medical center. This case remains under investigation.

• Officers responded to a male subject exposing himself on the 39000 block of Argonaut Way. The subject was specifically performing this lewd act in front of a waxing salon and a sandwich shop. The subject was also riding an electric bicycle. A short time later, a nearby resident called to report a similar subject pulling his pants down and exposing himself in the area. Officers arrived on the scene and contacted the subject. A warrant check revealed the subject to be on parole. Officers arrested the subject, an adult out of Fremont, who was highly intoxicated.

Hayward Police Log

Submitted by Hayward PD

Wednesday, July 12

• Officers arrested an armed man after he entered a residence and brandished a gun at the residents inside. Officers arrived on scene and detained the man, who no longer had the gun in his possession. The gun was found in the bushes near the victim’s home. Victims inside the house confirmed that officers had the right man detained. The man, a convicted felon, was arrested for multiple gun charges, as well as making criminal threats and brandishing a weapon.

Milpitas Fire Log

Submitted By Milpitas FD

Friday, July 14

• Milpitas Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the 1100 block of Sunrise Way. At 3:48 p.m., engines were dispatched to the residence. Upon arrival, smoke and flames were located to the rear of the structure. Due to the quick response time and efficient fireground tactics the fire was quickly extinguished. Damage to the exterior, kitchen and garage required extensive overhaul to check for hidden fire. No injuries were reported and cause of the fire is under investigation. Red Cross, PG&E and San Jose Fire Units also assisted during this operation.

Alameda County approves jail time and fines for sideshow attendance

By Jack Alcorn

Tuesday, July 11 Alameda County Supervisors enacted an ordinance prohibiting spectators at sideshows, street races, and reckless driving exhibitions.

Sideshows have become violent and dangerous. The daredevil events shut down intersections, neighborhood streets, parking lots and even bridges to host dangerous driving acts. Social media often encourages popularity and attendance of these affairs.

The ordinance states, “Sideshows create an unsafe environment for the communities in which they occur because participants and spectators drive recklessly before, during, and after the sideshow event. In addition, both participant drivers and spectators are often under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and have often been associated with the discharge of firearms.”

Throngs of youth at these gatherings leave empty bottles, food waste and other trash everywhere. Squealing tires form spinning cars increases noise pollution. The smoke released by burning rubber reduces air quality.

Sideshows cause significant damage to county infrastructure such as pavement, street signs, poles and utility equipment. And sideshows require a law enforcement response that diverts Alameda County Sheriff Office personnel from responding to other emergencies.

The risky exhibitions also cause high numbers of emergency calls. Crime data shows that violent crime and property crime rates are typically high in unincorporated areas when and where sideshows occur.

In Alameda County, vehicles at sideshows have caused great bodily injury and death to spectators. On the Fourth of July, in Hayward, three people were shot, and two victims were injured by a vehicle engaging in a sideshow-related incident in the area of Miami Ave. and Florida St. One of the shooting victims died at the hospital.

California law prohibits drivers and passengers from engaging in sideshow events by criminalizing illegal street racing and illegal exhibitions of reckless driving. Police officers may arrest drivers and seize their vehicles.

The new county legislation includes a fine of up to $1,000 for sideshow spectators; up to six months in jail or both. A spectator is defined by the ordinance as anyone present within two hundred (200) feet of the location of a sideshow event.

County Supervisors hope the new law will deter attendance and participation at sideshows.

2023 Chabot Track and Field Summer Youth Meets

Submitted by Chabot College Track and Field

Free Youth All Comer meets are back at Chabot. Meets are held Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. July 18 and August 1. Bring your little ones to these fun and free events!

Events will be hand-timed and ribbon awards are given to age group winners. Order of events will be as follows: long jump, shot put, 50-meter mini hurdles, 100-, 200-, 400- and 800-meter races.

This is a great, and free, way to introduce track and field to your little ones and get the chance to learn from other parents and coaches.

For more information, contact Chabot track and field head coach Kyle Robinson at kr*******@ch***********.edu or (510) 723-6968.

Youth Meets

Tuesday, July 18 & August 1

6 p.m.

Chabot College

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

kr*******@ch***********.edu

(510) 723-6968

Fremont Football and Cheer Pasta Dinner

Submitted by Fremont Football and Cheer League

Join Fre
mont Football and Cheer League for their first Pasta Dinner Fundraiser event on Saturday, August 5. The event will be taking place at Elks Lodge in Fremont. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Ticket includes pasta, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Other activities taking place include bocce ball, silent auction, prizes, raffles, music and more. Reserve your table and purchase tickets by calling (707) 849-6794.

Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

Saturday, Aug 5

Doors open: 5:30 p.m.

Dinner served: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

(707) 849-6794

Fremontfootball.org

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Junior Rodeos & The Law

California Education Code 60042 mandates that, “Humane education and kindness to animals shall be taught in the public schools, K-12.” All animal welfare organizations condemn rodeo for its inherent cruelty.

How then to account for the growing number of junior rodeos (kids K-12) throughout California, especially during the summer months? Junior rodeos feature many blatantly cruel events, dangerous for kids and animals alike: mutton busting, calf & steer riding, calf roping, goat tying, chute dogging, pig “scrambles” and more.

These events send a terrible message to impressionable young children about the humane and proper treatment of animals—some would call it child abuse. They also serve as a breeding ground for future rodeo cowboys.

Local Boards of Education, school principals, teachers and Humane Educators everywhere need to hear from parents and the general public. Junior rodeos need to end. Obeying Education Code 60042 would be a good start.

Sincerely,

Eric Mills, coordinator

ACTION FOR ANIMALS

P.O. Box 20184

Oakland

(510) 652-5603

Honor Roll

DeSales University

Spring 2023 Dean’s List

• Diya Stephen of Fremont

Missouri State University

Spring 2023 Graduates

• Donelle Block of Newark

Master of Science, Project Management

• Karan Wadhera of Fremont

Master of Business Administration

University of Vermont

Spring 2023 Graduate

• Ruth Oppenheimer of Castro Valley

Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Psychological Science

Georgia Southwestern State University

Spring 2023 Graduate

• Ryan Querubin of Fremont

Master’s Degree in Business Administration

Milpitas Planning Director Ned Thomas Appointed Acting City Manager

Submitted by City of Milpitas

On June 20, 2023 Milpitas City Council voted to appoint Ned Thomas, AICP, as Acting City Manager. This action took effect Monday June 26, 2023, and will continue on an interim or temporary basis until Council takes subsequent action.

The City Council, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, formed a Subcommittee to oversee the selection of a new permanent City Manager. The Sub-committee is actively working to launch a competitive nationwide search. “The City Council is pleased to appoint Ned Thomas as Acting City Manager,” said Mayor Carmen Montano. “His deep experience, strong leadership, and dedication to the City will serve us well. I am confident that Ned will do an excellent job of serving the Milpitas community and carrying out the Council’s vision for the City.”

Thomas has served as Planning Director for the City of Milpitas since August 2018. In this capacity, he has directed work on a broad range of matters related to land use planning, zoning code enforcement, urban design, economic development, and environmental review. Recent work includes updates to the Milpitas General Plan and Transit Area Specific Plan as well as ongoing updates to the Midtown Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Under his direction, the Planning Department has also received more than $3.5 million in state and local grants to fund long-range planning initiatives, establish a local on-demand transit service, and create innovative online tools to help Milpitas residents navigate the development review process or locate a new business in Milpitas.

Thomas brings more than twenty-five years of experience in local government and public administration to the role of Interim City Manager. Prior to joining the City of Milpitas, Thomas served as a Division Manager and Supervising Planner in the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement at the City of San Jose. Prior to joining the City of San Jose, Thomas served as Community Development Director for the Town of Windsor in Sonoma County, where he directed work on the Windsor 2040 General Plan Update and oversaw development of major new residential and mixed-use projects in the historic downtown area.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful for the confidence and trust placed in me by the City Council,” said Thomas. “I look forward to continuing my service in the community and working closely with Mayor Montano, members of the City Council, executive team, and dedicated City staff in this new capacity.”

Thomas holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in geography from Brigham Young University. He also studied urban and regional planning as a Fulbright Scholar at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. He and his wife, Cherlynn, are the parents of four children. Thomas will serve in the acting role until Council takes further action, such as the selection of a permanent City Manager.

First over-the-counter birth control pill gets FDA approval

By Mathew Perrone

Associated Press Health Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) July 13
— Federal regulators approved the nation`s first over-the-counter birth control pill in a landmark decision that will soon allow American women and girls to obtain contraceptive medication as easily as they buy aspirin and eyedrops.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared once-a-day Opill to be sold without a prescription, making it the first such medication to be moved out from behind the pharmacy counter. The manufacturer, Ireland-based Perrigo, won’t start shipping the pill until early next year, and there will be no age restrictions on sales.

Hormone-based pills have long been the most common form of birth control in the U.S., used by tens of millions of women since the 1960s. Until now, all of them required a prescription.

Medical societies and women’s health groups have pushed for wider access for decades, noting that an estimated 45% of the 6 million annual pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended. Teens and girls, women of color and those with low incomes report greater hurdles in getting prescriptions and picking them up. The challenges can include paying for a doctor`s visit, getting time off from work and finding child care.

“This is really a transformation in access to contraceptive care,” said Kelly Blanchard, president of Ibis Reproductive Health, a nonprofit group that supported the approval. “Hopefully this will help people overcome those barriers that exist now.”

Perrigo says Opill could be an important new option for the estimated 15 million U.S. women who currently use no birth control or less effective methods, such as condoms. They are a fifth of women who are child-bearing age.

But how many women will actually gain access depends on the medication`s price, which Perrigo plans to announce later this year. “The reason why so many of us worked tirelessly for years to get over-the- counter birth control pills is to improve access … cost shouldn’t be one of those barriers,” said Dr. Pratima Gupta of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Most older birth control pills cost $15 to $30 for a month`s supply without insurance coverage. Over-the-counter medicines are generally much cheaper than prescriptions, but they typically aren’t covered by insurance. Forcing insurers to cover over-the-counter birth control would require a regulatory change by the federal government, which women`s advocates are urging the Biden administration to implement.

The FDA approval gives U.S. women another birth control option amid the legal and political battles over reproductive health, including last year`s reversal of Roe v. Wade, which has upended abortion access across the U.S.

California man paralyzed from run-in with police gets $20 million settlement

By Tran Nguyen, Associated Press

SACRAMENTO (AP), July 11 — A Northern California man who was left paralyzed after he was slammed to the ground during a traffic stop won a $20 million settlement, one of the largest in the state`s history, officials announced Tuesday. Gregory Gross, an Army veteran who lives in Yuba City, sued the police department in 2022 after police officers used “pain compliance” techniques and expressed disbelief when he repeatedly cried out, “I can’t feel my legs.” Police officers also dismissed Gross when he said, “I can`t breathe.” while being held face down on the lawn outside a hospital, shown in a video released by Gross`s lawyers.

Gross was accused of driving drunk and causing a slow-speed collision in April 2020. Gross was left with a broken neck, and he underwent two surgeries to fuse his spine. He said the officers` use of force left him unable to walk or care for himself, and he now needs round-the-clock nursing care for the rest of his life. “We are not against the police,” said Attorney Moseley Collins, who represents Gross. “We are for the police, but we are against police brutality when it occurs.”

The settlement is among one of the largest police misconduct settlements in California history. In May, the state agreed to pay $24 million to the family of a man who died in police custody after screaming, “I can’t breathe,” as multiple officers restrained him while trying to take a blood sample. As part of the settlement, Yuba City will also start randomly auditing officers` bodycam footage and reviewing use of force incidents, police Chief Brian Baker said. He apologized to Gross at a news conference Tuesday. “You’ve been in my thoughts since this tragedy was brought to my attention,” Baker said to Gross. “On April 12th, 2020, we missed the mark. And for that, Mr. Gross, I`m sorry.”

Gross said the police reforms are important to make sure what happened to him isn`t repeated. He`s donating $20,000 to California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation. “I’m glad that they did something and took it serious,” Gross said Tuesday. “I couldn’t understand how someone could be in a position of authority and was acting like that and treating another human being like that.”

Deronda Harris, Gross` partner of 13 years, said she`s grateful to see the settlement finalized. “It’s nice to finally have closure,” Harris told The Associated Press. Gross also filed separate lawsuits in 2021 against Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville, along with the University of California, Davis Medical Center, alleging their actions contributed to his condition. Collins declined to comment on the status of the lawsuits, citing confidentiality.

In the police body camera video supplied by Gross’ lawyers, an officer is seen twisting Gross’ already handcuffed arms and forcibly seating him on a lawn. At one point, officers slammed him on the ground and held him facedown as Gross repeatedly cried out that he couldn`t feel his legs and he couldn`t breathe. “Mr. Gross, we are done with your silly little games,” an officer tells him. In September 2021, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law barring police from using certain facedown holds that have led to multiple unintended deaths. The bill was aimed at expanding on the state’s ban on chokeholds in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

Continuing Events

 

Tuesdays

Poker Tournaments

6:00 pm

Weekly tournaments for beginner or a seasoned player.

The Clubhouse Bistro & Bar

4020 Technology Pl., Fremont

(510) 651-2500

bit.ly/3GllRwI

 

First & Third Tuesdays

Mobile Food Distribution with Tri-City Volunteers

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Bring your own bag.

Fremont Adult School

4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont

(510) 793-6465

tri-cityvolunteers.org/food

 

First and Third Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Trivia Night

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Gather your team, grab some beers, and compete to win prizes.

Drake’s Brewing Company

1933 Davis St. #177, San Leandro

(510) 568-2739

bit.ly/3U31xWD

 

Wednesdays

Zumba Gold $

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Workout while dancing

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

 

Wednesdays

Chess Tutor for Teens and Adults

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Learn to play chess or learn to play chess better!

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

rb.gy/k6qf8

 

Wednesdays

Ping Pong

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Activities for people with Parkinson

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

mt*****@fr*****.gov

 

Wednesdays

Trivia Night R$

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Play & win prizes.

The Clubhouse Bistro & Bar

4020 Technology Pl., Fremont

(510) 651-2500

fremontclubhouse.com

Wednesdays

Bat Watch Wednesdays!

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Stop by this summer to discover the wonderful world of local bats!

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

rb.gy/25ci5

Parking fee applies.

Thursdays & Saturdays

Story Time

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Picture book story time

Banter Bookshop

3768 Capitol Ave. Ste.F., Fremont

(510) 565-1004

bit.ly/3VFpbcz

Thursday -Sunday

Animal Feeding

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Feed livestock and learn about their favorite food.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

Admission fee applies.

 

Fridays and Saturdays

Telescope Viewings

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Experience the awe and wonder of the universe.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

bit.ly/3pehdLx

Saturdays

Laugh Track City $

8:00 pm

Series of improvised games and scenes

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont

(510) 573-3633

bit.ly/3HKIhsa

Saturdays

Summer Storytime Saturdays

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Fun-filled morning where we’ll share books and songs to build early literacy skills!

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

rb.gy/lspms

Saturdays

Divine Satsang Sabha

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Know techniques of living a virtuous, harmonious, & meaningful life.

SMVS (Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

36665 Cedar Blvd, Newark

(650) 585-5325

bit.ly/4380OGV

First and Third Saturdays

Pacific Bus Museum $

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Open house

Pacific Bus Museum

37974 Shinn St., Fremont

bit.ly/41oKS25

Saturdays & Sundays

Recreational Swim $

12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Activity pool, waterslides, lazy river, and more.

Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center

6800 Mowry Ave., Newark

(510) 578-4620

bit.ly/3nxo0is

Mondays

English Conversations at Newark Library R

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Free learning material to development your English conversation skills

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

li********@ac*******.org

rb.gy/qaxkf

Mondays & Thursdays

Fruit Tree Gleaning

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Donate fresh fruits from your garden.

LEAF CR Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave., Fremont

in**@fr*********.org.

bit.ly/42e4FlR

Wednesdays, December 7 – November 22

Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Classes

02:00 pm – 04:00 pm

Relieve Stress and anxiety by joining Falun Dafa classes.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

Second & Third Weekends, March 11 – October 29

Public weekend train ride $

9:30 am – 5:00 pm

1.5 hour round trip on steam and/or diesel operated trains

Departures: 10:30 am & 1:00 pm

Niles Canyon Railway

6 Kikare Rd., Sunol

(510) 996-8420

Online booking: ncry.org

Tuesdays, April 4 – September 5

Lego & Duplo Time

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Create your own design using your imagination and engineering skills.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

Wednesdays, April 5 – September 6

Board Game Night

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Play board games with family, friends, or make new friends.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

bit.ly/3VTzrhF

First Wednesday& Third Sunday, April 16 – November 19

Shinn House tour

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Visit Shinn House on a docent led tour

Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum

1251 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 790-5541

bit.ly/3TWli28

Mondays, April 17 – December 8

Job Lab

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

One-on-one help for jobseekers

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

bit.ly/3mbW8Qz

Fridays & Saturdays, April 25 – August 31

Your Wildest Dreams, an exhibit

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

An exhibit of wildlife paintings by Rita Sklar

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

Wednesdays, April 26 – September 6

Manitas en Acción

04:00 pm – 05:30 pm

Reading out loud, learning about the culture, and other hands-on crafts in Spanish.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

Thursdays, May 4 – August 24

French Conversation Circle R

2:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Practice your French

Hayward Public Library

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 293-8685

**@ha********.gov

bit.ly/HPLFrench23

Fridays, May 5 – October 20

Fremont Street Eats $

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Food trucks and community fun!

Fremont Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 742-7510

bit.ly/2VfuSgv

Third Saturdays, May 20 – December 16

Yoga for beginners & beyond

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Join for free yoga class

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

jo*******@gm***.com

bit.ly/44NFZSZ

Friday & Saturday, May 26 – August 26

Hayward Live

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Experience musicians, artists & vendors performing live, creating art pieces

Downtown Hayward

B St., Hayward

hayward-ca.gov/hayward-live

Fourth Saturdays, May 27 – November 25

Reading Buddies for Grades K – 5

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Buddy up with a furry friend & read one on one

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

bit.ly/3MEpC3X

Thursday – Tuesday, June 1 – August 15

AC Library’s Summer Adventure

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Adventure Guide for activities, reading, and more to receive a book gift and prize drawing entries

rb.gy/vmtw6

Available at libraries in Alameda County

Saturdays & Saturdays, June 3 – August 1

Summer Li
brary Program

10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Reading and activities programs for all ages all summer long

San Leandro Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3970

Kk*****@sa********.org

rb.gy/wc5b5

Saturdays, June 3 – September 30

Summer Music Series R$

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Get ready to groove, dance, and sing along to your favorite tunes all summer long!

The Clubhouse Bistro & Bar

4020 Technology Pl., Fremont

(510) 651-2500

rb.gy/iw8sc

Monday – Friday, June 5 – August 18

Code Ninjas Union City R$

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Interactive learning experience for children who are interested in coding and STEM

Code Ninjas

1772 Decoto Rd., Union City

(510) 585-9945

rb.gy/e6d1o

Ages 5-14

Thursday – Saturday, June 8 – August 5

I Dream of Color

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Paintings and textiles by Jennifer Banzaca

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

rb.gy/ct6aq

Thursdays, June 08 – August 10

Connections Through Music (Special Needs Friendly)

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Musical experience designed for children with special needs, open to children of all abilities! Ages 5-14

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

ne***********@ac*******.org

rb.gy/8ttqt

Saturday, June 10 – August 26

Computer Crew Teen Tech Help

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Meet one-on-one with a tutor to get assistance with basic tech issues.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

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

rb.gy/cmfwa

Monday – Friday, June 12 – August 11

Little Steps STEAM Preschool Summer Camp R$

9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Explore new activities, learn new skills, make new friends. For children ages 3-6

Little Steps STEAM Preschool

37957 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont

(510) 955-1150

in**@li****************.com

rb.gy/iqti1

Tuesdays, June 13 – July 25

Crafternoon

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Drop in during the program time frame and complete a craft at your own pace.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

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

rb.gy/e49ev

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursday, June 13 – August 3

Free Recreational Summer activities in Fremont R

9:00 am – 10:30 am

2nd – 5th grade: 9 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.

6th – 8th grade: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 2: July 18 – August 3

Birchfield Park

24438 Santa Clara St, Hayward

(510) 881-6700

bit.ly/3NZJ4cr

Wednesday, June 14 – December 27

Little Bookworms Storytime

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Come read, sing, and be silly with us

Cherryland Community Center

278 Hampton Road, Hayward

(510) 626-8522

sa********@ac*******.org

rb.gy/5nlam

Thursdays, June 15 – July 27

Game Day

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Children and their families are invited for an afternoon of video games

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

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

rb.gy/xn27n

Thursdays, June 15 – December 21

Social Work Services for the Homeless

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Highly skilled Social Worker staff will address a variety of services

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

fr*****@ac*******.org

rb.gy/loewm

Third Saturdays, June 17 – December 16

Music Hour at the Library

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Relax and enjoy the music while reading your favorite book

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

rb.gy/hwcv8

un**************@ac*******.org

Wednesdays, June 19 – September 27

Little Listeners Storytime

11:00 am – 11:45 am

Storytime for preschooler

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

sa********@ac*******.org

rb.gy/9lrtx

Tuesdays, July 11 – August 15

TAG/ Teen Tuesdays R

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Play board games, join the Teen advisory group, make art and poetry for the teen art board

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/pzayf

Tuesdays, July 11 – September 5

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

rb.gy/cpnae

Wednesdays, July 13 – November 23

CleanStart Mobile Hygiene Unit Visit

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Mobile Hygiene Unit to provide hygiene services to the unhoused

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/nl9qi

Tuesdays, July 18 – September 5

LEGO® Time

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

rb.gy/107pa

Wednesdays, July 19 – November 29

ESL Conversation Club at Milpitas Library

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Improve your English listening and speaking skills and learn about other cultures in a supportive environment.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

dp*******@sc**.org

rb.gy/tszda

First and Third Wednesdays, July 19 – December 20

Golden Gatherings

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Golden Gatherings is a social hour just for our elders! Meet friends old and new in a welcoming atmosphere.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

rb.gy/4tmva

First & Third Wednesdays, July 20 – December 21

Social Work Services for People Experiencing Homelessness

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Alameda County Health Care provide social work services for anyone experiencing homelessness.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/04a0w

First & Third Friday, July 21 – December 15

Mobile Food Distribution

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Tri City Volunteers Mobile Food Pantry will bring food enough for the first 80 families in attendance.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/3s1qh

Saturdays, July 22 – August 26

Story-walk Along the Marsh

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join us for an outdoor story-walk as we explore the wonders of the marsh.

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

rb.gy/71ajw

Parking fee applies

Upcoming Events

 

Tuesday, July 18

Science for Kids: My Eyes are Playing Tricks!

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Learn to do simple tricks and illusions

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/z2i0m

Tickets will be distributed at the Children’s Desk starting at 1:45 p.m.

Tuesday, July 18

Read to a Dog

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Children of all ages read to trained therapy dog

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

rb.gy/oe90t

fr**************@ac*******.org

Tickets are available 15 minutes prior to start

Wednesday, July 19

Career Ready – Dynamic Resume Workshop R

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Build your resume; optimize your skills and market yourself to employers

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/sgv7h

Wednesday, July 19

Drummm

11:00 am – 11:45 am

Jo
in us as Drummm presents an interactive rhythm event

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

rb.gy/onw70

Tickets will be given out 15 minutes

Wednesday, July 19

Summer Art X Mental Wellness Workshops for Kids

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Learn about mental health topics such as mindfulness, stress/anxiety and more.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/b0m2w

Tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the program

Wednesday, July 19

Taste Your Way Through Asia – Taiwan

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

In our third stop over, we will be visiting Taiwan, the land of Boba.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

rb.gy/3mpa5

Wednesday, July 19

Peanuts Playhouse Presents: Singing Puppet Show

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join Kasandra and her puppets with some amazing music from the 60’s.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

https://rb.gy/ndwey

Thursday, July 20

Acrylic Space Paint & Sip $

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Join for a transitional instructor led space themed acrylic Sip & Paint party for adults.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

rb.gy/5lfp1

Thursday, July 20

Wage Theft

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Learn about wage theft, your rights under California law, and how to file a claim from the representatives of the California labor and workforce agency.

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

rb.gy/a63p9

Friday, July 21

Hike & Sip

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Easy interpretive hike with moderate terrain (75 minutes)

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

rb.gy/z80gh

 

Friday, July 21

Tiny Dancer Prom

10:15 am – 11:15 am

Join us for a special dance party in your fanciest or favorite outfits.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/2wc68

Friday, July 21

Family Game Day

2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Join for a few hours of board games!

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/5x7pj

Friday -Sunday, July 21 -July 30

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical $R

7:30 pm

July 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 :7:30 p.m.

July 23, 29, and 30: 2:00 p.m.

Ohlone College Smith Center

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

rb.gy/ratok

Saturday, July 22

Paletas in the Garden R

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

A sweet celebration of Latino conservation efforts

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3215

MC****@eb*****.org

rb.gy/yvbh1

Parking fee applies

Saturday, July 22

The Little Red Hen

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Help mill some wheat into flour, read classic tale and meet the main character in the flesh!

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-3282

rb.gy/694tc

CG*****@eb*****.org

Ardenwood fee applies.

Saturday, July 22

Family Yoga at the Library

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Join certified yoga instructor from Akira Yoga

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

rb.gy/np3mi

Free tickets will be given out 15 minutes before the event.

Saturday, July 22

Mental Health for Teens Workshop R

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Workshops on “Understanding your teen’s mental health”

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

rb.gy/fwir0

Saturday, July 22

Kuwentuhan Tayo! Tagalog-English Bilingual Storytime

12:15 pm – 12:45 pm

Learn about the different foods and stories and songs of the Philippines

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

rb.gy/rcdcm

Saturday, July 22

Tiny Art Show Open Studio R

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Join our open studio event to create tiny art

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

rb.gy/ndfln

Saturday, July 22

Storytime with AAC R

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Build your child’s communication skills through Shared Reading!

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464, ext. 6

rb.gy/4oxdr

pr*******@ac*******.org

Saturday, July22

Animal Adaptations

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Learn about the incredibly cool things that animals can do to help them thrive in their environment.

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

rb.gy/lc72h

Parking fee applies.

Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and July 23

School House Rock Live! Jr. $R

6:00 pm

A musical performance by a young campers age 7-15

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

rb.gy/aumg0

Saturday & Sunday, July 22 – July 23

Bubblefest Weekend $

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Learn the science behind bubbles and see how bubbles can change form

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

rb.gy/aveif

Sunday, July 23

Teen Figure Drawing

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Hang out, chat, meet new people, practice drawing!

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/4gzdp

Sunday, July 23

Victorian Herbal Remedies

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Explore what’s growing in the kitchen garden, make your own herbal tea

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

rb.gy/mydho

Admission fee applies

Sunday, July 23

Reptile Meet and Greet

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Learn about our resident reptiles and what you can do to help protect their habitat.

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

rb.gy/lcwk0

Parking fee applies.

Sunday, July 23

Castro Valley Incorporation Feasibility Meeting

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join us to discuss incorporating the community of Castro Valley.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

rb.gy/p1twf

Monday – Friday, July 24 – July 28

Park’n It Day Camp R

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Spend a whole week exploring and playing in Ardenwood Historic Farm!

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

rb.gy/zdb2b

re********@eb*****.org.

Admission fee applies.

Monday – Friday, July 24 – July 28

Leaders-in-Training $R

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Apply to be a Leader-in-Training, receive hands-on job training and leadership experience in the day camp.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

510.544.2558, (888) 327-2757

rb.gy/xz6ij

sr***@eb*****.org

Admission fee applies

Tuesday, July 25

Giant Bubble Party

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Enjoy the sunshine and play with some bubbles, chalk, and hula hoops.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

rb.gy/e22yj

Tuesday, July 25

Bubblesmith

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join us as we have the Bubblesmith, present the wonderful world of bubbles at the library

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

rb.gy/9au12

Tuesday, July 25

Wildmind Science

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

Learn the significance of living things

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

rb.gy/qu2d1

Tickets will be distributed outside the main entrance from 12:45pm.

Tuesday, July 25

Sensory Family Movie

4:00 pm – 5:45 pm

A movie experience for all families, designed with special needs in mind. Movie: Luca (2021)

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

rb.gy/1pu80

Summer Concerts

Milpitas Summer Concert Series

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Free admission

July 21

Jordan T

Pinewood Park

Starlite Dr. & Lonetree Ct.

August 4

Billy Martini Show

Milpitas Sports Center Complex

1325 E Calaveras Blvd.

August 5

Other People’s Money

Milpitas Sports Center Complex

1325 E Calaveras Blvd.

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

Groovin’ at the Grove

Fridays; 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

4 p.m. Gates Open

Bring a blanket or low-backed chair

July 28

5 p.m. OMT Band

6 p.m. Tortilla Soup

Shirley Sisk Grove, NewPark Mall

2086 NewPark Mall Rd., Newark

https://www.newark.org/

Pacific Commons Summer Concerts

Fourth Fridays

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

July 28 – Neon Velvet

August 25 – East Bay Mudd

September 22 – The Cheeseballs

The Block near Koja Kitchen

43440 Boscell Rd., Remont

pacificcommons.com

Central Park Summer Concert Series

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

July 20 – Pride & Joy

July 27 – Touch of Class

August 3 – Idea Band

August 10 – Flock of Seagirls

Central Park Performance Pavilion

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 790-5541

www.fremont.gov

Niles Concerts on the Plaza

Saturdays; 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

August 5 – The Coffis Brothers with Anthony Arya

September 9 – David Luning with The Hurricane Roses

Octover 7 – Jinx Jones & the Kingtones with Three on the Tree

Niles Town Plaza

37592 Niles Blvd., Fremont

niles.org

H.A.R.D and Hayward Odd Fellows Summer Concert Series

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sundays, August 6 – September 24

(no concert September 3)

Hayward Memorial Park

24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward

Summer Outdoor Movies

Movie Night Out

8:30 p.m.

$10; register ahead of time

July 28

Ant Man & the Wasp

Higuera Adobe Park

Wessex Pl., Milpitas

www.milpitas.gov

Family Movie Nights

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks

July 28

Minions: Rise of Gru

7 p.m.

Farrelly Pool

$3 pre-registration, $6 at the door

August 8

8 p.m.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

Washington Manor Park

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

Free Outdoor Movies

8 p.m.

Bring picnic dinner, low-back chairs or blankets, and flashlights

July 21

DC League of Super Pets

San Lorenzo Community Park

August 18

Turning Red

Castro Valley Community Park

September 8

Hotel Transylvania 4

Meek Park

www.haywardrec.org

Bark After Dark

8 p.m.

Bring low-back chairs and/or blankets. Pets must remain
on leashes

July 21

Disney’s Bolt

July 28

Lady and the Tramp

Kennedy Community Park

1333 Decoto Rd., Union City

Classic Movies Under the Stars

$5 Barbara Lee Senior Center Member; $10 Non-Member

Register online or at the Senior Center

July 21

8:30 p.m.

A League of Their Own

Cardoza Park

August 18

8:30 p.m.

Grease (1978)

Barbara Lee Senior Center

www.milpitas.gov