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Celebrating 156 years of Scottish tradition in the Bay Area

Submitted by Sabine Zimmerhansl

 

The 156th “Scottish Highland Gathering and Games” hosted by the Caledonian Club of San Francisco will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Labor Day Weekend, September 3 – 4, 2022. The Games are a long-standing tradition in the Bay Area as the Alameda County Fairgrounds transforms into a wee corner of Scotland. In keeping with tradition, this year will feature all the popular Games ceremonies, competitions and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. This includes the famous caber toss (the “telephone pole”), highland and country dancing, pipe band competitions, solo piping and drumming competitions, Scottish folk singers and rock bands, a unique whisky tasting experience, Clan Village, Sheepdog Trials, Scottish food and goods vendors and more.

 

“We are delighted to be hosting the 2022 Men’s Professional Scottish Highland Games Heavy Events World Championships, as well as introducing a new Women’s Elite Class of competition,” comments Rob Tysinger, Chief of Caledonian Club of San Francisco. “And, our special guest bands this year are the 1st Marine Division Band and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ‘E Division’ Pipe Band. It’s going to be a great weekend!”

 

Athletes from Scotland, Belgium, Holland, Canada, Czech Republic and the United States will be competing in eight heavyweight events over the course of two days for the 2022 World Championship. The new Women’s Elite Class is comprised of the best women heavy event competitors in the United States who will battle it out to be named the 2022 Elite Champion.

 

Making their first appearances at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton, the 1st Marine Division Band and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “E Division” Pipe Band will be performing in the Games Grandstand Show. They will also perform alongside the perennially popular Massed Bands – an awe-inspiring sight and sound, when all competing pipe bands come together to perform as one during the Closing Ceremonies.

 

Gates open at 8 a.m. each day the Games will end around 6 p.m. when the Massed Bands march-off from the Grandstand Show closing ceremonies. Everyone planning to attend the Games is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Alameda County Fairgrounds’ Safety and Rules, and Covid-19. For more information, check the website at alamedacountyfair.com.

 

 

156th Scottish Highland Gathering and Games

Saturday, Sept 3 – Sunday, Sept 4

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Alameda County Fairgrounds

Enter Gate 8 or 12 off Valley Ave., Pleasanton

www.TheScottishGames.com

Admission: $30 adults, $15 seniors/youth

Parking: $15

 

 

 

Apple Festival appreciates antiquated life

By Toshali Goel

Photos by Victor Carvellas

 

As summer fades slowly into autumn, Hayward’s time-honored fall tradition approaches once more: “Garin Apple Festival.” The festival features old-fashioned cider presses and ice cream makers that attendees can operate and large-scale games such as tug-of-war. It also offers children’s crafts, old-fashioned barn dance music, a farm-themed children’s area and various apple treats.

 

The festival is organized by Naturalist Kristina Parkison, who spoke about its origins. “Back in 1985, a gentleman by the name of Emil Lindquist, had an interest in antique apples. He had his own orchard of these apple varieties. Since the Garin Regional Park was opening at the time, he donated his apple trees to the park.” Lindquist’s donation of around 150 trees added extensively to the small fruit orchard that already existed at the park. “The orchard as it is now is because of Mr. Lindquist’s donated trees,” said Parkison. “Thirty years ago, they decided to have a festival about it, which was started by the naturalist who had my position before me.”

 

Since the festival first began, it has grown and expanded its offerings greatly. A few years after Parkison joined as a naturalist, she was approached by a group of volunteers about bringing animals to the festival for the children to interact with. “Depending on the year and how many kids are participating, we have quite the little animal farm. We’ve had chickens, chinchillas, llamas, ponies, sheep, goats – all kinds of things. That’s one of my favorite changes that’s happened,” said Parkison.

 

Today, Garin Regional Park is home to over 200 trees as a part of its orchards, which span approximately 180 varieties of apples including Pink Ladies, Macintosh, Red Delicious and Pink Pearls. Weather permitting, 10-18 of these varieties are shared with the public through the Apple Festival, based on their ripening dates. At the time of the festival, around 25 varieties are ripe, including Gala, Red Baron, Etters Gold and Duchess Mignon.

 

The apples, while only available for free to the public during the festival, are grown at Garin Regional Park year-round. Additionally, two weeks after the festival, public picking is often hosted – contingent upon a healthy harvest season – when the public can pick as many apples as they wish from the orchards. For the remainder of the year, a group of volunteers maintain the orchard and often take those fruits to their own homes.

 

Parkison, who has worked with the festival for several years now, commented on its value and meaning. “I hope attendees take away a little bit about the ranching past of this area – there was a lot of farming, ranching, and fruit orchards in Hayward and surrounding areas. Hopefully, they’ll also come away with an idea of how people entertained themselves before there were iPhones and iPads and TVs; the barn dancing and other entertaining parts of our event showcase that. And also, they’ll hopefully be visiting an East Bay Regional Park that is new to them and realize that our parks have lots of things to offer.”

 

 

Garin Apple Festival

Saturday, Sept 10

11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Garin Avenue Staging Area & Visitor Center

1320 Garin Ave., Hayward

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org/parks/garin/

Parking: $5

 

 

 

Milpitas Lantern Festival

Submitted by Milpitas Recreation

 

Milpitas Recreation and Community Services is excited to announce our first-ever Lantern Festival, coming to the Milpitas Civic Center Plaza on Saturday, September 9!

 

The entire community is invited to this family-friendly event showcasing Vietnamese cultural traditions. Enjoy cultural performances, lantern and moon cake crafts, food, and performances from a local DJ and cultural dance groups. In a special finale to the evening, guests can launch floating lanterns onto the Civic Center pond.

 

This Vietnamese tradition originates in Hoi An in the 16th and 17th century. Known as an important trading post in Vietnam, Hoi An attached merchants from all over, including Japan. Japanese merchants brought their own tradition of colorful hanging lanterns to the city as they would hang their lanterns as a reminder of their homelands.

 

Soon, lanterns became a symbol of Hoi An, even after its reputation as an important trading hub dissolved. It wasn’t until 1998, when Vietnam began to see a rise in tourism, did local leaders decide to revive the tradition and introduce the Hoi An Festival which takes place on the fourteenth day of the lunar month, marking the full moon.

 

This event is funded in part by the American Rescue Plan Act.

 

 

Milpitas Lantern Festival

Friday, Sept 9

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Milpitas Civic Center Plaza

457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

(408) 586-3210

www.milpitas.gov/event/lantern-festival

 

 

 

14-year-old makes positive impact with Friends of Children with Special Needs

Submitted by Shikha Sharma

 

Aarav Sharma, rising Sophomore at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose has helped students with special needs, receiving positive feedback from the community. He started teaching the Scratch coding program to special needs children a year back. Since then, he has expanded his classes by teaching Pre-Algebra, coding in Python and Badminton camps to special needs children at Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN).

 

There are extremely limited services available for high-needs disabled children, leaving families feeling trapped. That’s why Aarav took up this challenge to help by teaching classes and providing Therapy/Calming kits. He has taught more than 50 students for 100+ hours at FCSN. Aarav’s positive attitude and dedication has received positive feedback from parents of his students. He was also featured in the FCSN newsletter.

 

Aarav’s calm down kit is a collection of objects and items to help autistic children cope with their emotions in a positive and safe manner. Kits include Sensory Hand Fidget spinner, Anxiety relief stress balls, Play Doh, Stretchy Strings Fidget Toy, Rubik’s cube and crayons. These kits can make all the difference, not only for the child but also their parent and caregiver.

 

In addition to donating therapy kits to FCSN, Aarav created a nonprofit organization, TheCoderSquad. Aarav was impressed by the special needs students’ enthusiasm and active participation throughout the coding course and wanted to do even more for FCSN.

 

Aarav’s community service has led him to receive a Gold Award from the Presidential Volunteering Services Award. Moving forward, Aarav seeks to continue making a positive impact on special needs children at FCSN with his skills and passions.

 

 

The Coder Squad

https://thecodersquad.com/

 

Friends of Children with Special Needs

https://fcsnvoices.org/

 

 

 

Teen provides menstruation products globally

Submitted by Deepti Choudhary

 

Ayana Kashikar’s journey to help underprivileged populations with menstrual health and hygiene started over a year back with a goal to fulfil the unmet demand for menstrual hygiene products.

 

So far, she has helped over 350 underprivileged women in her local community in the East Bay by creating and distributing period care packs, earning a Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award for her initiative two years in a row. In summer 2022 Ayana expanded her efforts internationally by launching a fundraiser and partnering with a non-profit foundation in India.

 

Ayana’s campaign on menstrual hygiene awareness and donation drive kicked off in India on August 15, 2022, on India’s 75th Independence Day. She coordinated with the local non-profit for campaign deployment with a goal to help over 1,500 women in need of menstrual supplies. The awareness campaign aims to protect dignity, build confidence, and strengthen sexual and reproductive health, particularly among adolescents.

 

 

Link to Ayana’s Fundraiser

https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-period-preventing-period-poverty

 

 

 

Chabot College professor mentors promising young author

Submitted by Chabot-Las Positas Community College District

 

Empowering her students through reading and writing, Samantha Rajaram, a professor of English at Chabot College in Hayward, seeks to promote equity in education and publishing, including mentoring an author that has been grabbing headlines and the attention of media mogul Oprah Winfrey.

 

Being a published author herself, Rajaram’s passion for enhancing the voices of LGBTQ+ and writers of color led her to guide and collaborate with Leila Mottley, the youngest ever author in Oprah’s Book Club. At just 20-years-old, Mottley is a New York Times bestseller and Booker Prize nominee with her first publication, “Nightcrawling.”

 

In 2019, Rajaram became a first-time mentor for Pitch Wars, a volunteer program where published and agented authors, editors or industry interns choose one writer to advise. Rajaram singled out Mottley’s manuscript “Nightcrawling” through the application process, expressing her love for both the lead character and the setting in Oakland, California.

 

For four months, Rajaram worked with Mottley to refine her manuscript, mainly assisting her with the plot structuring, pitch, and query letter used to attract multiple agents to her work. Finally, the hard work paid off as Mottley signed with New York-based boutique literary firm, The Friedrich Agency.

 

“Lelia’s unique voice immediately took my attention, and her characters felt entirely real and fully formed,” Rajaram said. “But what I most admire about Leila is her perseverance and dedication to the deep work of writing. Writing is never easy, and she took her deadlines and goals seriously. As with all my mentees, it was a great pleasure to work with and learn from her.” Mottley’s novel “Nightcrawling” is available on the Penguin Random House webpage at www.penguinrandomhouse.com.

 

Meanwhile, Rajaram is working on a second and third novel following the success of her first historical book, “The Company Daughters,” which won the Golden Crown Literary award for a debut novel and was a finalist for the Bisexual Book Awards. Details about the book and links to order it are posted on the author’s website at samantharajaram.com/the-company-daughters/.

 

 

 

32nd Annual Children’s Book Illustrator Show

Submitted by Dorsi Diaz

 

Sun Gallery is pleased to announce the return and celebration of its 32nd Annual “Children’s Book Illustrator Exhibit.” A fan favorite, this whimsical and colorful show has delighted young and old alike from around the San Francisco Bay Area since 1989!

 

The Children’s Book Illustrator Show runs now until October 15th. A special Artists Reception and book signing will be held on Saturday, September 10. Children and their families will be treated to appetizers and beverages – plus a free craft table with coloring pages by Shyanne Valentine, one of the author/illustrators in the show.

 

This year’s show has a variety of topics: Acclaimed author and illustrator Elise Kleven charms readers with a delightful new offering in: Glass Wings: A Butterfly’s Story. Author/ Illustrator Pamela Holloway’s adorable bear family has lots of alphabet tales to share in Alphabet Bears for Children.

 

Author/Illustrator Patrick Lugo’s tiger character in A Tiger’s Tale Volume 1 returns to the Sun this year as the 2022 recipient of the MAKE MORE COMICS arts grant. Make More Comics Founder, Will Hoffknecht, says “A Tiger’s Tale, Vol. 1 is an epic kung fu fable in the grand tradition of A Journey to the West, Usagi Yojimbo, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

 

Featured in the Ken Cook Gallery during this blockbuster exhibit is Memories of Gladys Conklin: Author….Naturalist…. Librarian, curated by Claudia Schwalm, who also has her own book displayed inside the main gallery: Counting Nature in 10 Languages. About Conklin: she was the children’s librarian at Hayward Library from 1950 to 1965 and authored 26 books for young readers. Many of her titles will be on display, as well as a memory book with recollections of people who were fortunate enough to know this remarkable woman.

 

Also, back with her 3rd book in the Captain Mama’s Series, Taking Flight with Captain Mama, is Graciela Tiscareno-Sato, a former veteran Air Force pilot, acclaimed author and motivational speaker. The illustrator for the series, Linda Lens, taught Sun Gallery’s Free Saturday Art Classes for Families at the Sun Gallery for over six years and is a well-loved librarian, summer camp teacher and artist.

 

Illustrator Nicolas Caesar of Fremont debuts at the Sun Gallery with six books on display including Unapologetically Me, a charming book challenging all of us to embrace who we are. Additional Illustrators in the show include Britney Vu, Edna Cabcabin Moran, Tenisha Bernal, plus Marc Vicente alongside Bruce Roberts, Haywards Poet Laureate, who has a special “Poets Corner” inside the main gallery.

 

Local Bay Area teachers are encouraged to bring their students for a special field trip to the Gallery, where classes are given a tour of the exhibit followed up by a special art project in the Gallery’s studio. Field trips are held Monday–Friday at 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or by special appointment. Special “Art Experiences” to local schools can also be arranged.

 

Field trips can be scheduled by calling the Gallery at (510) 581-4050 or you can also email the gallery at SunGallery@comcast.net.

 

Several special family events are planned surrounding this year’s book show, check Sun Gallery’s website for dates and times.

 

 

32nd Annual Children’s Book Illustrator Show

Friday, Aug 26 – Saturday, Oct 15

Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Artists Reception

Saturday, Sept 10

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

Free

 

 

 

Volunteers Wanted for Castro Valley Coastal Cleanup Day

Submitted by Allison Rodacker

 

We are excited to announce Clean Water Volunteers will be back cleaning up Castro Valley Creek Trail for the 38th annual “Coastal Cleanup Day!” This effort will take place on Saturday, September 17 and is part of the statewide Coastal Cleanup Day. This event is made possible by Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation Districts in coordination with Friends of San Lorenzo Creek.

 

Volunteers will participate in a litter pickup along the creek trail and beautify the trail starting from the Castro Valley Library to Castro Valley Creek Boulevard.

 

To learn more and register visit: https://2022castrovalleycoastalcleanup.eventbrite.com

 

 

Castro Valley Creek Cleanup

Saturday, Sept 17

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Castro Valley Creek Trail next to KFC

3625 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley

https://2022castrovalleycoastalcleanup.eventbrite.com

 

 

 

Cohousing’s layout is key to making it work

Submitted by Jane Mueller and Evelyn LaTorre

 

Finding the equilibrium between personal space and community life has been the prime topic of discussion for the southern Alameda County cohousing group Mission Peak Village. When members started the design process with their architect earlier this year, they came across lots of stories from other cohousing residents across the country that they could learn from. Sunny, a new grandmother whose family lives far from her, is an example:

 

“It’s evening. I’m wondering what I’ll do for dinner. My phone rings and it’s a call to go have dinner with a [neighbor] family with four kids. I am greeted and accepted as a combination of friend and perhaps semi-grandmother status. What could have been a lone dinner in a single-family home of a typical neighborhood became an easy, warm, loving evening where my walk back to my condo felt safe and friendly as I passed other neighbors on their porches.”

 

Sunny could have opted to uproot herself from her hometown and move closer to her children. Or she could have moved into a senior residence with people her own age. Or she could have tried to “age in place” for as long as possible in a single-family house. Instead, she became part of the multi-generational cohousing community at Casa Verde Commons in Colorado Springs.

 

“I LOVE that I can always have the privacy of my own condo when I just feel like being quiet and alone,” she says. “And, I LOVE that just as easily I can always have company whenever I feel the need, without the time and effort it would take to call and set something up…”

 

Members of Mission Peak Village are planning their own 32-unit cohousing community in the Irvington District of Fremont. Each household will have its private condominium and will be able to interact with neighbors by sharing activities and amenities. Vehicle parking will be consigned to the periphery so that living units can face onto an open area with a community garden, outdoor playground, and socializing area. Each family will own its own home, which includes a full kitchen, living quarters and bedrooms. Mission Peak Village also plans for a “common house” with a large kitchen and dining facility as well as recreation, work and guest rooms.

 

Although it will be the Tri-Cities’ first cohousing community, it will be far from the first in the Bay Area. There are communities in Mountain View, San Mateo, San Francisco, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley and Pleasant Hill. Like Mission Peak Village, three new communities are in the development process—in Novato, Berkeley, and West Sacramento. A little farther afield are maybe 20 more communities from Alturas to Fresno and Paso Robles. The Cohousing Association of the U.S. estimates that there are cohousing communities in 40 U.S. states in varying stages of formation and completion, including 180 that are up and running successfully.

 

Residents are often involved in planning and building the community from the start, creating a sense of commitment. Residents themselves govern the association and participate in work details. They also take part in community meals and events according to their inclination. Participation levels tend to be high because those who join a cohousing community do so out of a wish to share more of their lives.

 

Marty, who lives in the Two Acre Wood community in Sebastopol, describes how it works for her:

 

“Recently a new baby girl was born into our community. Sometimes, as I watch her passed from lap to lap during a community meal or a general meeting. I wonder what it would be like to come into consciousness of the broader world with so many loving adults and children around: always someone to smile at, to play with, to hold you. I envy her, having grown up in a small nuclear family with no extended family within 2,000 miles. I watch my daughter with her ‘pseudo-siblings’ and notice that my worries about raising an only child have eased a lot since we moved in here. Not only does she have other kids to grow up with, to love and to fight with, but she also has adults who will be there for her at times in her life when she can’t or won’t turn to her parents. For my family, this community provides a strong, loving base that sustains us as we move through our lives.”

 

Establishing a new community is a major undertaking. Mission Peak Village has engaged cohousing pioneer Kathryn McCamant as development consultant, as well as Gunkel Architecture, which has years of experience designing cohousing communities.

 

Plans are underway for Mission Peak Village to unveil its design at a free celebratory presentation at 3:30 p.m. on September 17 at Fremont’s Downtown Event Center. The public is welcome to attend. To register, see the “Keep in Touch” section of the website: www.missionpeakcohousing.org.

 

 

This article is part of an ongoing series on cohousing. Next week: Plans to Be Submitted to City for Fremont’s First Cohousing Development.

 

Mission Peak Village is a group of friends forming Fremont’s first cohousing community. For information, see www.missionpeakcohousing.org or call Kelli at (510) 413-8446. For more information on the topic of cohousing, visitwww.cohousing.org.

 

 

 

The U.S. Constitution: framework of our republic

A Tri-City Voice staff report

 

This is the fourth installment of a series of articles to inform our readers of basic provisions of the United States Constitution. This document, as amended, is the foundation of our system of government and although the result of ideas promulgated in 1787, has withstood the test of time. What has been called “The Great Experiment” of American democracy has proved durable, yet susceptible to external and internal challenges. In order to meet changing conditions of American society and the world around it, it is imperative that this document and its amendments is understood and appreciated.

 

Many provisions of the Constitution are open to interpretation and, since written in the 18th century, employ archaic language and syntax. However, the ideas expressed and concept of a government ruled by the people is, and continues to be, the guiding principle. It is not the intention of these articles to examine all provisions or nuances of them, rather to raise awareness, irritate further inquiry and invite examination of this fundamental document and its effect on American life.

 

Limited quantities of pocket copies of the United States Constitution/Declaration of Independence are available from Tri-City Voice at no cost. If interested, please notify our office for details.

 

————————————————————————————————-

 

WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

 

 

Article 3; Section 1

Judicial Powers

 

  • All judicial powers of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court and inferior courts as established by Congress.

 

Article 3; Section 2

Law and Equity Cases

 

  • Judicial power extends to Laws of the United States and Treaties, cases of Ambassadors and other public Ministers and Consuls. admiralty, maritime jurisdiction and controversies between States.
  • Trial of all cases except impeachment shall be by Jury, held in the State where the crime was committed.

 

Article 3; Section 3

Treason

 

  • Levying war, giving aid and comfort to enemies. No conviction unless testimony of two witnesses of the same overt act and during the life of the person attainted.

 

 

Article 4: Section 1

Full Faith and Credit

 

  • Each State shall give full faith and credit to public Acts, Records and Judicial proceedings to every other State.

 

Article 4; Section 2

Privileges and Obligations

 

  • Citizens of each state shall be entitled to privileges and immunities of other states.
  • If fleeing from justice in one state, may be returned to that state by demand of Executive authority of that state.
  • Leaving a state does not relieve obligations due.

 

Article 4; Section 3

Additions to the Union

 

  • New states may be admitted to the union but not from division or combination of existing states unless approved by legislatures of affected states and Congress.

 

Article 4: Section 4

Republican Form of Government

 

  • Every state is guaranteed a Republican Form of Government and is protected against invasion and domestic violence.

 

 

Article 5

Amendments

 

  • Upon application by two thirds of both houses of Congress or two thirds of state legislatures can propose amendments to the Constitution. This will become a part of the constitution if ratified by legislatures or conventions of three fourths of the states.
  • No state shall be deprived of equal suffrage in the Senate without its consent.

 

 

Article 6

Debts and obligations

 

  • Existing debts and obligations are valid under the Constitution.
  • No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

 

Article 7

Establish the United States of America

 

  • Ratification of this Constitution is sufficient to establish the United States of America.

 

 

 

Editor’s Note:

The final installment of this series will review provisions of Amendments to the United States Constitution.

 

 

 

FREE E-Waste Drop-Off Event

Submitted by Tri-CED Community Recycling

 

Do you have old televisions, laptops, printers or other electronics lying around the house? Don’t waste your electronic waste! Tri-CED Community Recycling will take care of it for you.

 

In cooperation with the City of Union City and Civicorps, Tri-CED will host a FREE Electronic (E-Waste) Drop-Off Event on Saturday, September 10 at Alvarado Elementary School. No registration necessary. We welcome all Union City residents to recycle unwanted E-Waste safely and responsibly at no cost.

 

Proper recycling of E-Waste through certified E-Waste recyclers allows electronics to be safely disassembled so valuable raw materials are recovered and recycled, and toxic chemicals are properly handled. Tri-CED Community Recycling is a State-certified E-Waste collection facility.

 

Residents are welcome to bring any of the following acceptable E-Waste items for recycling: TVs, computer monitors, CPUs, laptops, computer hard drives, computer keyboards and mice, printers (no industrial size), DVD/VCR players, cell phones, and stereo equipment. For a full list of acceptable items, visit: www.Tri-CED.org. Please note that kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, light bulbs/fluorescent tubes, vacuum cleaners, and household hazardous wastes are prohibited and will not be collected at this event. Visit www.Resource.StopWaste.org to learn how to safely dispose of these prohibited items and for easy options to reuse, repair, recycle, or safely dispose of just about anything else.

 

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of Tri-CED’s convenient year-round E-Waste Recycling Program if they cannot make this event. For more information, contact Tri-CED Community Recycling at (510) 471-3850 or Info@Tri-CED.org.

 

 

Tri-CED E-Waste Drop-Off Event

Saturday, Sept 10

9 a.m. -1 p.m.

Alvarado Elementary School

31100 Fredi St., Union City

 

 

Tri-CED E-Waste recycling facility

Tues – Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

33377 Western Ave., Union City

(510) 471-3850

Info@Tri-CED.org.

 

 

 

Flash Fiction Contest- Call for writers

Submitted by Arathi Satish

 

The 2022 Flash Fiction Children’s Fairy Tale Contest, co-sponsored by Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC) and Half-Price Books will be held on Saturday, October 8. As usual, it will be hosted at Half-Price Books in Fremont Hub. This contest is open to everyone who writes an English children's fairy tale in 300 words or less, including the title. Writers can submit up to three entries, but cannot submit tales that contain plagiarism or would be offensive to the general reader. FCAC reserves the right to return entries that do not meet the criteria.

 

There is no age or residency restriction. Fairy tales without a title will be given a generic title. Submitted entries must be in 12-point type or larger font, which will fit on a printed 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper with the name on the back or separate sheet of paper.

 

Submissions will not be accepted at Half-Price Books and must be received by e-mail or postmarked by midnight, Monday, October 3. If submitting by postal mail write the author’s name and contact information on the back or separate sheet of paper. To submit by email, send your fairy tale as a Word-compatible attachment to fcacwriters@gmail.com. Include the author’s name and contact information in the body of the email message.

 

Over $200 in cash and gift card prizes will be awarded to winners.

 

 

Flash Fiction Fairytales Contest

Deadline to submit: October 3

 

By Mail:

FCAC Flash Fiction Contest

℅ Fremont Cultural Arts Council

P.O. Box 1314, Fremont, CA 94538

By email:

fcacwriters@gmail.com

 

www. fremontculturalartscouncil.org

(510) 552-4839

 

 

 

Fremont Unified School District ribbon cutting

Submitted by Laura Forrest

 

On August 16, Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) cut the ribbon on its first new school in 29 years: Lila Bringhurst Elementary School.

 

Located steps from Warm Springs BART station in the Fremont Innovation District, the opening is the culmination of a years-long partnership between the school district, local government and developers to serve the area.

 

“Our partnership with the City of Fremont and developers made opening this school possible, and allowed us to serve this neighborhood with not only a local school, but also a community gathering place,” said FUSD Board President Dianne Jones. “This school demonstrates what we can achieve when local entities work together in support of students and families, with an eye toward the future we want to create for our community.”

 

Bringhurst’s inaugural classes began on August 17, 2022, with approximately 750 students from transitional kindergarten through Grade 6.

 

“Until we fill a school with students…it’s only a building. Once we fill a school with our students, and the love and compassionate care of our staff, and the heartbeat of our community and our parents and guardians, that is when it becomes a school, and that is when it becomes part of the community,” said FUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack.

 

Construction on the campus began with a groundbreaking in 2017. The site consists of four buildings, with 45 classrooms and capacity to enroll 1,100 students. Construction was completed in November of 2020, as FUSD operated in a distance learning model due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In December 2018, Johanna White was chosen by FUSD’s Board of Education to serve as principal of Bringhurst Elementary upon its opening; the Board cited her experience, proven leadership and commitment to FUSD in its unanimous decision. White served as principal of Parkmont Elementary at the time of her appointment, and remained at Parkmont through the end of the 2021-2022 school year before transitioning to Bringhurst.

 

In February 2022, FUSD’s Board of Education voted to unify the District’s Mandarin Immersion Program (MIP) at Bringhurst upon its opening in August 2022, bringing in classes from Azevada and Blacow elementary schools. Bringhurst offers MIP classes in transitional kindergarten through grade 6, and traditional classes from TK to grade 5.

 

Lila Bringhurst Community Park is adjacent to the campus. The joint use area shared by the District and City of Fremont serves as a playground for Bringhurst students beginning 30 minutes before school through 30 minutes after instruction ends, and is otherwise accessible as a public park between sunrise and sunset.

 

The school and park are named in honor of Lila Bringhurst, a longtime resident of Fremont who served her community for decades by working to protect its historic buildings, serving with local organizations, and volunteering to work with students and other members of her community.

 

 

 

The magic of watercolor painting

By Lina Melkonian

 

Fremont Art Association is thrilled to have watercolorist, Meghana Mitragotri, as the guest artist at its virtual General Meeting and Art Demo on Wednesday, September 7.

 

In her demo, The Magic of Watercolor Painting, Mitragotri will share her painting process including her techniques, tips, and tricks, and a few unconventional tools she employs in creating interesting values and textures in her works.

 

Mitragotri was born to a family of scientists and grew up in southern India in a supportive and diverse environment that provided the fertile ground in which to cultivate her interests in the arts, languages, classical music and dance. Her early intellectual and creative curiosities propelled her on a path of becoming the artist and crafter that she is today. For Mitragotri, watercolor, her medium of choice, brings to life her ideas of natural beauty by its sheer versatility in creating a sense of movement and an array of shades, hues and textures through water. Mitragotri draws inspiration from quaint countryside landscapes, flowers and birds. Her creations, mostly realistic and sometimes impressionistic in style, are stunning. They express a sense of happiness and serenity through bold yet subtle colors that are always laced with shades of green.

 

There’s no limit to Mitragotri’s creative engagements and commitment to her community. A dedicated teacher, she’s eager to share her knowledge while she herself is a passionate learner continuously enriching and expanding the depth and breadth of her own mastery. She currently serves as the president of the Pleasanton Art League (PAL) and is a member of the Livermore Art Association (LAA), Dublin Arts Collective (DAC) and California Watercolor Association (CWA). During the pandemic, Mitragotri became a member of Tri-Valley’s Online Tech Team to work on virtual projects to bring communities together. She has also been the Show Chair for multiple online and in-person art shows in the valley.

 

Mitragotri’s work has been exhibited at such venues as the Museum on Main, Harrington Gallery of Firehouse Arts Center, and Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton; juried shows at Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery and City Hall in San Ramon; Bankhead Theater in Livermore; and various other fine art shows. Mitragotri is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for her work.

 

View Mitragotri’s watercolors and crafts at: www.daintlymade.com and www.instagram.com/daintlymade

 

The meeting (free to attend) will be held via Zoom. Participants must register in advance and will receive the Zoom link via email. All details may be found on the Fremont Art Association webpage: www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo.

 

 

Fremont Art Association general meeting/demo artist

Wednesday, Sept 7

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Via Zoom, link provided upon registration

https://www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo

 

 

 

Volunteers sought for music program

Submitted by Music for Minors II

 

Music for Minors II, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping keep music in schools is recruiting for new volunteers to work in local classrooms.

 

Anyone who is interested in joining the program is asked to attend a free in person or online Zoom training orientation 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 14. Online and in-person training sessions will be held 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, September 19 through November 7.

 

Classes are taught virtually and in person. For details, send an email to recruitment@musicforminors2.org or call (510) 733-1189.

 

 

 

Get ready to sing, move and groove

Submitted by Music for Minors II

 

Children, parents and families are invited to attend a program of live music and song on Wednesday, September 7 at the Fremont Main Library.

 

Sponsored by Music for Minors II (MFMII), a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping music in classrooms and children’s lives, the one-hour program starts at 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to sing, play an instrument and dance to the music. Information about the MFMII will be available. Admission is free.

 

 

MFMII Musical Hour

Wednesday, Sep 7

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

www.musicforminors2.org

Free

 

 

 

Newark Days: A History

By David Fink

Photos by Thomas Hsu

 

Did you know that Newark California is named after Castle Newark in Port Glasgow, Scotland? Mr. J Barr Robertson (a Scotsman) is credited with naming the town that would eventually be incorporated in 1955. The history of this area first known as Dumbarton Point and Mayhew’s Landing is fascinating.

 

However, our story begins with the incorporation of Newark on September 22, 1955. The founders had much pride in their new city, and what better way to show it than with an annual celebration? And what better way to celebrate than a Parade? At first, the parade route was down Thornton Avenue to Newark Pavilion. Old timers like to share how the first Mayor of Newark, George Silliman’s, car broke down and he was “forced” to walk the rest of the route. (Which was shorter than today’s route of almost two miles).

 

Originally on the third Saturday of September, the event grew to incorporate activities on both Saturday and Sunday at Newark Pavilion and Newark High School Gym (Now Newark Junior High). The name “Newark Birthday Celebration” was given to the event. The first organizers were the Chamber of Commerce, who turned the event over to the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Eventually the group was just called “The Newark Birthday Celebration.”

 

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of Newark Birthday Celebration members like Frank and Shirley Sisk, by the end of the 1960s interest in the celebration waned, and the group folded. For several years, the only celebration for Newark’s birthday was put on by the city Parks and Recreation Department—a one-day event at Community Park that included games and a birthday cake.

 

Then came 1972 when Shirley Sisk decided to run for City Council. During her door-to-door campaigning, she was repeatedly asked, “When is the Newark Birthday Celebration coming back?” Seeing an opportunity, Shirley and Frank helped organize a meeting in summer 1972 to see if enough volunteers could be found for a celebration that September. Interest was high, and “Newark Days Celebration” was formed. Amazingly, the group was able to put together food booths and games, and Newark Rotary offered to bring in a Carnival concessionaire. The event, held at Newark Pavilion, was a resounding success.

 

Full of excitement and energy, volunteers sought to create a Non-Profit corporation that could grow the event. Newark Days was formed with original signors William & Bonnie Chives, Frank & Shirley Sisk, Barbara Lane, Marilyn Rogers, John Fulgaro and Robert Jaeger (Executive Director, Newark Chamber of Commerce).

 

From this humble but exciting two-day event in 1972, “The Newark Days Festival” has grown to a four-day event with a carnival and dozens of food booths. Arts & crafts and trade booths are open both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday a classic car and truck show fills the entire lawn area of Central Park, and on Sunday a community faire brings organizations of Newark out to provide information. There are three different stages offering entertainment for young and old alike, including interactive adventures, magic, and some of the best music and dance performers of the South Bay. A favorite on Saturday Morning is the “Newark Mile” race. And of course, the crown jewel: the Hometown Parade featuring entrants from the Bay Area and beyond.

 

For 47 consecutive years Newark celebrated our proud beginnings with the Newark Days Celebration. Then 2020 came along, and out of concern for the safety of all, we suspended Newark Days. In 2021, despite hundreds of hours of planning, we made the difficult choice to cancel again. But now, WE’RE BACK!

 

This year we mark the 67th year of Newark’s Incorporation with all the excitement and activities you have been accustomed to. Over 30 volunteers work year-round to put this festival together, and we proud and honored to present, “Under the Sea” for your enjoyment.

 

Finally, the Newark Days Committee wanted to specially honor one of the founders of Newark Days Corporation and our long-time President, Shirley Sisk, who will ride in this year’s parade as our Grand Marshall and oversee the entire Festival as our First Ever, Honorary Queen of Newark Days.

 

We hope to see you all, September 15-18.

 

 

Newark Days “Under the Sea”

Thursday, Sept 15 – Sunday, Sept 18

(510) 793-56-83

www.newarkdays.org

 

 

 

Nobody’s Perfekt Dogs & Cats seeks new location

Submitted by Karen Silva

 

Nobody’s Perfekt Dogs & Cats (NPDC) specializes in finding homes for dogs and cats where “imperfection” is tolerated in exchange for a lifetime of love and devotion. After five years of maintaining a storefront adoption center at Bayfair Center, the organization is seeking a new location that will provide the physical space to host an adoption center, pet boutique, rescue space, storage area and visitor’s center where the public can visit with available dogs and cats.

 

Bayfair Center has recently been bought to eventually break ground for a new housing development. NPDC has until September 9, 2022 to vacate its current storefront and seek a new site. Three weeks doesn’t provide us much time to pack up our current adoption space, our business furnishings and equipment, and our boutique merchandise. We are putting out a call for a property owner who can provide a generous donation of the use of a property for our rescue. NPDC is seeking a 5,000 to 6,000 square foot space that includes onsite parking. The organization desires space between the areas of Hayward and Oakland (San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley).

 

Over the years our adoption center has proven to be an excellent place to socialize our dogs and cats. The large space has allowed us to separate dogs and cats into their own unique areas. Mobile adoption and outdoor events don’t always provide us with a large safe space and can be scary for timid dogs and cats. Our animals will thrive in a permanent building.

 

NPDC has helped hundreds of special needs dogs, abandoned cats, and feral kittens from local shelters find loving permanent homes. These are dogs and cats that otherwise would have been euthanized. Our adoption center relies on our local community for support while we also provide valuable services to our community. Our rescue has a robust volunteer program that allows adults and students a chance to give back either for personal gratification or community service requirements. While in Bayfair, the rescue has become a place for families to visit and help socialize kittens. The rescue has provided a great resource for the community to buy supplies, clothing, food, and merchandise for dogs and cats at cost-effective prices.

 

Besides our need for a new space, you can help us in other ways. Because our dogs are special needs, they require a particular type of owner that is adopting to save a dog’s life. Our rescue relies solely on volunteers to operate and work with our dogs. We will especially need help closing our store and moving, and we are always in need of foster homes for our dogs and cats.

 

Donations to our relocation fund can be made via our website at www.nobodysperfektdogs.org.

 

 

Nobody’s Perfekt Dogs & Cats

www.nobodysperfektdogs.org

nobodysperfektdogs@gmail.com

(510) 940-8616

 

 

 

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed live onstage

Submitted by Karin Richey

 

Plethos Productions is proud to present the touching drama Tiny Beautiful Things September 9 to 18 on the meadow stage at Heirloom East Bay in Castro Valley. The Bestselling author of Wild, Cheryl Strayed, went viral for her anonymous advice column known as “Dear Sugar.” Her honesty, sincerity, radical empathy and wizardry with words captured the hearts of millions. Over the years she compiled the best of the best letters from real-life wisdom-seekers into the book Tiny Beautiful Things which Nia Vardalos, star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding re-imagined for the stage.

 

This artistic and abstract play takes place entirely in the living room of Strayed. Three Letter Writers breeze in and out of Sugar's living room, portraying people of various ages, genders, backgrounds, and circumstances, asking poignant and relevant questions about life, love, loss and so much more. It’s a tear-jerker of a show that explores the depths of the human experience including complex topics such as abuse, betrayal, death and trauma but with uplifting messages of resilience and hope.

 

The show will be presented outdoors, under the stars at Heirloom East Bay September 9-11 & 16-18. All shows are Friday-Sunday at 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from MAD Creationz. Seating is limited and tickets are selling fast at plethos.org.

 

Save $5 per ticket if you purchase by August 31.

 

 

Tiny Beautiful Things

Friday, Sept 9 – Sunday, Sept 18

Fri-Sun: 7 p.m.

Heirloom East Bay

9990 Crow Canyon Rd., Castro Valley

Plethos.org

Early bird tickets until August 31: $15

Tickets: $20

 

 

 

High school student brings virtual reality into education

By Annika Singh

Photo courtesy of Vidhi Chellani

 

American High School senior Vidhi Chellani first became involved with educating neurodiverse children when she started volunteering at Ott Academy in December 2021. The organization’s goal is to make learning fun and interactive for students through virtual reality (VR). Chellani was mentored by founder John Ott, Jr. and learned how to take students through different worlds by using apps such as Horizon Workrooms and VRChat. After working with the organization for a couple of months, Chellani became a teacher and Fremont Chapter Head.

 

Chellani has always been interested in education, and has experience teaching kids through her own dance company. She was excited to continue to explore her passion for education by volunteering to teach neurodiverse individuals from grades 1-5 over the summer at Durham Elementary School. Chellani taught two classes: a moderate and severe class, which were classified by how acutely a child was affected by their learning disabilities. Chellani struggled to keep the kids focused and engaged in the lessons being taught before she brought VR into the classroom. “One lesson that I did, I took the kids to the zoo. I shared what I saw on the projector, and walked around the zoo, looking at animals such as flamingos and giraffes. It’s an insane feeling to see the kids going from not being able to concentrate to screaming the name of an animal in excitement.” Chellani would give the kids opportunities to put on the VR headset and would ask them questions such as, “What type of environment are the animals in?”

 

Despite finding new ways to make learning more engaging, Chellani still faced many challenges. “I had to constantly keep things funny or interesting for the students, because their attention span was very short. A slight pause in the lesson, and they would lose interest in the subject.” Chellani also expressed how overwhelming it was at times to multitask talking with the children and supervising the use of the headset. She also had to ensure that topics weren’t being repeated in classes, to keep lessons fresh and interesting.

 

Although she faced many obstacles, Chellani found her experience to be incredibly rewarding. “There are so many amazing moments, but every lunch, many of the kids would come up to me and ask me about the lesson of the day. However, one girl, who was incredibly shy, didn’t join the conversations very often. On the last day of summer school, she came to me with some crystals and gave them to me, which showed me that these kids are going to carry these positive experiences for the rest of their lives. It was a really special moment.”

 

As a part of Ott Academy, Chellani also hopes to break down the stereotypes surrounding neurodiverse children. “Many people have misconceptions about the learning abilities of neurodiverse children, but organizations such as Ott Academy push educators to look at interactive and out-of-the-box methods of teaching to make learning more fun.” Chellani also commented, “The children I worked with are exceptional in subjects such as art and math. I really hope people see and understand that neurodiverse individuals are just as capable [as neurotypical individuals.]”

 

Chellani hopes to continue her work in education in the future and encourage others to use virtual reality in the classroom. She aims to keep making learning interactive and engaging, while pushing education systems to become more inclusive for neurodiverse individuals.

 

 

Ott Academy.com

(803) 837-7504

president@ottacademy.com

 

 

 

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

 

Splooting squirrels

It gets hot and humid in New York City come summertime but the city’s most prolific inhabitants — its squirrels — have found a way to keep cool, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). It’s called “splooting.” There they are on their stomachs on the cool ground, limbs spread out in the coolest possible position. Lest you think the words “sploot” and “splooting” are the result of someone’s overactive imagination, check out the definition at Dictionary.com: “Sploot” is slang for the pose four-legged animals make when lying down in that position. It makes for a good snapshot and New Yorkers have been flooding online social media sites with pictures of splooting squirrels all summer long. See the squirrels on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=55_VzJoTIBU.

 

A hairy story

Asha Mandela of Clermont, Florida and her 19-foot, 6.5-inch head of hair made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009. In the ensuing 13 years her locks continued to grow and have now reached the 110-foot mark, reports AMAC. It’s a good thing she has a hairdresser for a husband because she says she is not going to get a haircut anytime soon. She calls her mane, Cobra, because as she told the folks at Guinness: “I don't like the term dreadlocks because I don't think there's anything [to] dread about my locks … When I'm ready to go into my sleep chamber with my Cobra baby, I would have them tied up in a little sack and we cuddle and talk to each other.” See video of Mandela and her hair on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=epm5x-f_ftE.

 

What’s in your mollusk?

Sometimes you get more than you bargained for. Take the Overland family of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, says AMAC. They were out for a seafood dinner and dad, Scott, was enjoying an order of northern quahog clams when he got quite a surprise; one of those tasty mollusks came with a bonus — a pretty but rare purple pearl. Scott said he thought he’d “bit down on a piece of shell or something.” Like many of us, he thought pearls were only found in oysters. However, shellfish expert Tim Parsons says they are also found in clams and not as rare as you might think. He says diners report findings two or three times a year. How much is it worth? It’s anybody’s guess, but surely it can bring in three, four or five hundred dollars or more. See video of the purple pearl on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pds_XNB2KiY.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Park It: Labor Day Weekend in the Regional Parks

By Ned MacKay

 

Whatever your leisure time interests, Labor Day weekend will bring a great variety of activities for your enjoyment in the East Bay Regional Parks.

 

For instance, the Rail Fair will return to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont after several years’ absence due to COVID.

 

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday – Monday, September 3 – 5, the fair will offer attractions including train rides, model trains, historic railroad equipment displays, live music and tours of the historic Patterson House. You can bring your own picnic lunch or purchase food at the Farmyard Café.

 

The Rail Fair is sponsored by the park district and the Society for Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources. Admission is $12 per adult 18 and older, $10 for seniors, $9 for children, and free for kids three and under. Parking is free. Advance tickets can be purchased at http://apm.activecommunities.com/ebparks/Activity_Search/45890.

 

And there’s something new at Ardenwood. Besides its historic features, the park has always included a modern-day working farm. Now, in partnership with the park district, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and nonprofit Dig Deep Farms, Ardenwood is establishing a Dig Deep Farms Regenerative Farming Project.

 

The goal is to create living wage jobs and training opportunities for youth and justice-involved residents, through farm operations, while boosting regenerative food production, and supporting the local farming community. The project also addresses the issue of food insecurity, which is seen as a frequent contributor to criminal activity.

 

Ardenwood is at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. For general information, call (510) 544-2797.

 

 

Elsewhere in the park district, the visitor center at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all three Labor Day weekend days. While swimming and picnicking, stop by to share a sweet treat with the staff and learn how the park plants and animals prepare for the changes in season.

 

Del Valle is on Del Valle Road off Mines Road about nine miles south of Livermore. There’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. Allow extra time for long lines at the kiosk; the park is very popular on holiday weekends and sometimes reaches capacity.

 

 

Geology and history are the themes of a naturalist-led Somersville townsite walk from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 3 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Now deserted, Somersville was once one of Contra Costa County’s most populous communities. The short walk will lead to mining ruins, building sites, and hidden history of the park’s coal mining days.

 

Then from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 4, naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a hike in search of tarweed, that aromatic yellow flower that blooms at the driest time of year.

 

For either program, meet in the parking lot at the upper end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. The hike is free, but the park has a $5 per vehicle parking fee when the kiosk is attended.

 

 

Nature-based arts and crafts are on tap in a program from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 3 in the visitor center at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Then from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., learn all about hummingbirds and their importance.

 

The center will be open every day on Labor Day weekend, with exhibits and activities relating to the Delta’s natural and cultural history. When inside the center, everyone older than age two is asked to wear a face covering at all times, due to COVID protocols.

 

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

 

 

“Chicken Party and Rabbit Fest” is the title of a program from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 4 in the Little Farm at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. Naturalist Anthony Fisher will show how to interact with the Little Farm’s residents. Meet at the bird pen. And from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Anthony will lead an exploration of the Tilden Nature Area, emphasizing use of your senses to understand the natural world. Meet in the visitor center.

 

The Little Farm and Environmental Education Center are both at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive, accessible from Canon Drive down from Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. For information, call (510) 544-2233.

 

 

The Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove in Alameda will hold open house all day on Labor Day, Septmber 5. Storytime is at 10:30 a.m., beach cleanup at 11:30 a.m., meet the reptiles at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., family nature fun is at 3 p.m., and craft making will be all day long.

 

The center is at 1252 McKay Ave. off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call (510) 544-3187.

 

 

On Labor Day weekend, especially Labor Day itself, the regional parks tend to be crowded, especially those with swim facilities. So, it’s best to arrive early to secure a picnic table. Please be careful with fire while barbecuing, supervise your children, and cooperate with any instructions from rangers, police, firefighters, lifeguards and other park staff. And have a safe, enjoyable holiday.

 

 

This is just a sample of Labor Day weekend programs. For the full list of activities, visit www.ebparks.org.

 

 

 

Tri-City History in Photographs #8: Dogs

By Kelsey Camello, for the Washington Township Museum of Local History

 

Dog (noun): A Domesticated Canidae

 

 

Alvarado, 1920-30s: Nancy and Flora McKeown use a makeshift boat to float with their dog from flooded home to their car.

 

 

Drawbridge, early 1900s: Ann Byrnes stands in a rowboat with ducks, a shotgun and a dog.

 

 

Newark, early 1900s: “Candy” Annie Fowler sits on a porch with a young child and a dog.

 

 

Niles, early 1900s: Several men and two dogs stand in front of The Pastime Pool & Billiards.

 

 

Let’s explore local history through themes and photographs. Have a topic or idea you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@museumoflocalhistory.org.

 

 

 

The kitchen nook – not just for breakfast anymore

By David R Newman

 

An often-overlooked architectural feature is the “breakfast nook.” This pint-sized creation can add cozy charm to any kitchen, turning an odd space into a practical place to feed the kids, a home office, study center, or all of the above! Its flexibility offers the perfect solution for that family on the go, while also providing a relaxing retreat where you can greet the morning with a cup of coffee and your favorite newspaper.

 

The breakfast nook, sometimes referred to as the “breakfast bay” or “dining alcove,” first appeared on the scene around the turn of the century during the American Arts and Crafts movement. Common to the Craftsman style home, also known as the “California bungalow,” was the idea of an “open floor plan,” with a more efficient use of space, including built-in features like bookcases, storage spaces, and, yes, breakfast nooks.

 

The kitchen, no longer the domain of servants, became more casual, appealing to an ever-expanding American middle class. Breakfast nooks became a standard feature of kit homes sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Montgomery Ward & Co. from 1908 to 1940. An article in a 1923 Woman’s Weekly publication praised the practicality of breakfast nooks: “By its use, the table may be set in the minimum of time and steps, and where there are no servants, the housewife may sit down to breakfast with the rest of the family while watching whatever cooking is in progress on the stove.”

 

Says Ric Plummer, who opened Ric’s Kitchen & Bath in Castro Valley in 1992, “When we see a breakfast nook, it’s usually in the smaller homes. They are usually installed near bay windows to maximize the use of space.” Often an odd-sized area works well with a small bench and table. And sometimes just pushing out a wall a few feet or re-purposing a closet or pantry can yield wonderful results. “It all depends on the layout of the home and the lifestyle of the owners,” says Plummer. “We’ll suggest it if it makes sense.”

 

Breakfast nooks work best if they are near natural lighting, but can also be set back into an alcove or corner. Many incorporate a decorative bench, with pillows or upholstered seating, and storage underneath. Depending on style, they can evoke a hip cafe vibe or bouncy restaurant booth. Says Plummer, “Sometimes they remind me of those corner booths in a traditional diner, which can be fun for kids, but a pain for the elderly.”

 

For those on budget, just adding a small table and chairs to a corner of the kitchen is all that’s required. Be careful not to block the flow of traffic, however. And if you want to add a bench underneath your windows, Plummer advises checking the height to make sure you’re not leaning on glass.

 

Depending on their design, breakfast nooks can make a bold statement. Plummer recalls a client who used a color scheme of chrome and fuchsia and hung hubcaps on the wall. The effect transported guests into a 50’s diner. “It actually turned out very nice.”

 

In modern construction, the “nook” has evolved into the “island” or “peninsula”, with barstools set about an extended central countertop – a social gathering point that acts in much the same way as a breakfast nook. Plummer explains “When you have company over, usually everyone gathers in the kitchen. It works really well if you have an island or peninsula where people can gather, while still giving the hosts room to prepare food.”

 

Plummer has seen a shift in modern homes towards a bigger kitchen with more floor space and smaller dining rooms. He estimates that breakfast nooks only make up about 5% of his business now. “Breakfast nooks were originally designed to create more space in smaller kitchens. Modern kitchens are so big that there is no longer a need for them.”

 

Housing trends come and go, so don’t be surprised if the breakfast nook makes a comeback someday. And now with more people working from home, it may come sooner than we think!

 

While the breakfast nook was born out of a need for more space, it has since evolved into an essential part of the American lifestyle. Whether it’s an island, peninsula or booth, it functions as a versatile place where kids can chow down in the morning, where mom or dad can work on important business, or where grandma or grandpa can relax with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. It adds charm and character to any kitchen, and can sometimes be the focal point of the entire house.

 

 

Ric’s Kitchen & Bath

3664 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley

(510) 733-5543

www.rics.design

 

 

 

California lawmakers OK lawsuits against ‘cyber flashers'

By Don Thompson

Associated Press

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Aug. 23 — California residents who receive unsolicited sexually graphic material by text, email, app or other electronic means could sue the sender under a bill that state lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 22.

 

The bill targets what's known as “cyber flashing,” where victims receive such unwelcome surprises often from strangers.

 

“Just as individuals suffer sexual harassment and abuse in their physical, non-digital lives, there's a growing incidence of individuals being harassed by receiving unsolicited, sexually explicit images and videos including from people they do not know,” said Democratic Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry when the Assembly approved the bill.

 

The Assembly passed the measure 76-0 on Aug. 18 and the Senate sent the bill to Newsom on a 37-0 roll call Aug. 22. There was no recorded opposition. Newsom is a Democrat and his office declined comment on whether he will sign the bill into law.

 

The most common recipients of the unsolicited material are young women, Aguiar-Curry said. The Pew Research Center in a report last year on online harassment found that 33% of women under 35 had been sexually harassed online, three times as often as men. In a 2017 report, the center said more than half of women age 18-29 had been sent unsolicited explicit images, as had 37% of men in the same age range.

 

The unsolicited material came in as well by various online dating apps and social media platforms, said Democratic Sen. Connie Leyva, who sought the measure. Sometimes the images were even transferred to devices via Apple's AirDrop in public areas to unsuspecting recipients, Leyva said.

 

The bill would allow recipients to recover at least $1,500 and as much as $30,000 from senders of obscene material who are older than age 18 plus punitive damages and attorney's fees. They could also seek court orders blocking such behavior in the future.

 

Supporters dropped an earlier version that would have made cyber flashing a crime punishable by a $750 fine for repeat offenders, after public defenders objected.

 

A Republican lawmaker who experienced cyber flashing herself initially sought a ban in 2019 at the behest of the dating app Bumble. The move then came after Texas made such acts misdemeanor crimes.

 

The cyber flashing bill is the latest in the California Legislature's attempts to deter related harassment in the electronic age. State lawmakers in 2013 outlawed “revenge porn,” making it a misdemeanor to publicly distribute what were intended to be private intimate photos. And the lawmakers in 2019 allowed lawsuits against those distributing “deepfakes,” or false depictions.

 

 

 

Affordable housing grant awarded to Newark

Submitted by City of Newark

 

A grant of $38.2 million from the State of California’s Project Homekey is on its way to Newark and will be used to convert an extended-stay hotel into affordable housing.

 

Launched in 2020, the Homekey program provides funding for state, regional and local public entities to convert commercial properties and other existing buildings to permanent or interim housing for low-income people. Examples include hotels, motels, hostels, single- family homes and multifamily apartments, adult residential facilities and manufactured housing.

 

In Newark, the funding will be used toward converting an existing property at 39802 Cedar Blvd. into 124 housing units to be known as Cedar Community Apartments. The building, located near NewPark Mall, already contains studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all with kitchens, which means converting these units to affordable homes would result in minimal changes to the interior and exterior of the building.

 

“New affordable housing built from the ground up can take years to plan, entitle, and construct,” said Steven Turner, City of Newark Community Development Director. “The Homekey grant accelerates the process, resulting in affordable units that would be available in months, not years.”

 

The grant application was a collaborative effort led by the City of Newark and Allied Housing Inc., a local housing developer that specializes in affordable housing developments to people experiencing homelessness. On-site social services for residents would be provided by Abode Services, the Bay Area’s largest provider of housing and social services to people experiencing homelessness. Housing for Independent People, an affiliate of both Allied Housing and Abode Services, would be the on-site property manager.

 

Residents of Cedar Community Apartments will come from referrals through Alameda County’s Coordinated Entry System or through the Veteran’s Administration, including referrals through a system that would be set up by the City of Newark. Household income eligibility would not exceed 30% of the area median income with all residents required to sign a lease, be subject to apartment community rules, and required to pay rent.

 

“Everyone deserves a home, and this is an efficient and creative way to add affordable housing in an area that certainly needs more of it,” said Abode Services CEO Louis Chicoine. “Cedar Community Apartments will make the Newark community stronger while providing much needed homes to vulnerable households in the city.”

 

In addition to the Homekey grant, the Cedar Community Apartment project was also conditionally awarded $4 million in Alameda County HOME Consortium American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and 60 Project Based Vouchers from the housing Authority of the County of Alameda, a portion of which would be designated for veterans who are experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness. The City of Newark has also assigned $6 million in affordable housing development impact fee funds and allocated ARPA funds to the project.

 

The next step is for city staff members to prepare affordable housing funding agreements that will need to be signed with project partners. Then, the City Council will review and consider approving the agreements at a public meeting in September.

 

 

For more information about the Cedar Community Apartment project, visit https://www.newark.org/CedarCommunityApartments or contact Steven Turner via email at steven.turner@newark.org or call (510) 578-4208.

 

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

 

Saturday, August 20

  • At 12:08 a.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Nelson Jr., 32, of Oakland was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

  • At 10:00 p.m. a man identified by police as David Ford, 49, of San Ramon was detained at Milpitas station on suspicion of fare evasion. He was arrested on suspicion of possessing burglary tools, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. A record check also showed an outstanding warrant. He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.

 

 

Monday, August 22

  • At 6:49 p.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Marrow, 31, of Hayward was stopped by officers at South Hayward station for riding a motorcycle on the station platform. He was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. A record check showed he was the restrained person in a criminal protective order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Tuesday, August 23

  • At 10:35 a.m. a man identified by police as Jabatra Grant, 43, was stopped at Union City station as he pushed through the service gate to exit. A record check showed two warrants held by Alameda County. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

 

CHP Log

Submitted by CHP Golden Gate Division

 

Tuesday, August 16

  • Following a two-month investigation, a man identified by CHP as Julaan Faison, 24, of San Leandro was arrested by CHP detectives in connection with a June 14 freeway shooting that occurred on eastbound I-580, east of Grand Avenue. A vehicle had sustained a single bullet strike through the front windshield, but the two occupants inside were not injured. Faison was booked into Santa Rita Jail on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an occupied vehicle.

 

 

 

Fremont Fire Log

Submitted by Fremont Fire Department

 

Wednesday, Aug. 24

  • At 12:25 p.m. firefighters responded to a fire associated with a large diesel RV towing a vehicle southbound I-880 north of Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont. Traffic was limited to two lanes for almost three hours while firefighters worked to contain the blaze and CHP investigators surveyed the scene. There were no injuries, but both vehicles were a total loss.

 

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Monica Leon, Fremont PD

 

Friday, August 12

  • Officers were dispatched to an auto repair shop on Mowry Avenue where the business owner saw a suspect via surveillance video attempting to steal a catalytic converter. Arriving officers located and arrested the suspect, described by police as an adult from Fremont.

 

  • Officers responded to a report about a suspicious person pushing a motorcycle at an apartment complex on Stevenson Boulevard. When officers arrived, the suspect dropped the motorcycle and fled on foot. Using various resources including a drone and a K-9 unit, officers located the suspect nearby and made an arrest. The suspect was described by police as an adult from Fremont.

 

 

Saturday, August 13

  • Officers responded to a report about a person forcefully entering a photography business in the Centerville area and throwing bottles and other items at people in the area. An adult from Fremont was arrested.

 

 

Sunday, August 14

  • Officers were dispatched to a grocery store on Paseo Padre Parkway where a man, reportedly armed with a handgun and ankle holster, was causing a disturbance. When officers arrived, the man left the store on foot and ignored officers who told him to stop, telling them he had a gun. The man, described by police as an adult Union City resident, was arrested. He had two replica toy firearms in his possession.

 

 

Sunday, August 21

  • Officers responded to a robbery report at a store on Osgood Road in the Warm Springs area where a suspect threatened employees with a knife. The suspect unsuccessfully tried to steal a bike before leaving. Officers checked the area and found the suspect on the platform at the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART station and made an arrest.

 

  • Officers responded to a report of a person throwing objects at vehicles as they were driven near Mission San Jose High School. Upon arrival, officers discovered three vehicles were vandalized. Officers searched the area and located and positively identified a suspect. A record check showed the suspect, a Fremont resident, had several outstanding warrants. An arrest was made.

 

 

 

Hayward Police Log

Submitted by Hayward PD

 

Sunday, August 21

At about 9:52 a.m. officers responded to several 911 calls about gunshots heard in the 2500 block of Oliver Dr. When they arrived, officers found a vehicle that had collided into parked vehicles in the area. Inside was an unresponsive adult male with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. His identity was not immediately released. A second victim found in the area had been inside the vehicle during the shooting, but was uninjured. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Navas at (510) 293-7176.

 

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Milpitas PD

 

Thursday, August 25

  • At about 2:00 p.m. detectives, working with members of the SWAT team, Patrol Services, a K9 Unit and other arrested a 33-year-old Milpitas man at a residence on Clear Lake Avenue in connection with an August 21 altercation involving a firearm on the 1400 block of S. Park Victoria Drive. The suspect was booked into Santa Clara County Main jail and faces numerous felony firearm charges.

 

 

 

Newark Police Log

Submitted by Newark PD

 

Thursday, July 21

  • At 9:46 a.m. officers responded to a report of a woman exposing herself to others in the 35000 block of Newark Blvd. Officers arrested a 23-year-old Newark woman on suspicion of indecent exposure. The was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Friday, July 29

  • At 2:32 p.m. officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Fair Avenue and Hafner Street. A record check showed the vehicle was stolen out of San Leandro. Officers contacted three people associated to the vehicle and ultimately arrested a 21-year-old Newark woman on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle. She was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Tuesday, August 2

  • At 10:22 p.m. Officer Sanchez made a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Jarvis Avenue and Newark Boulevard. A record check showed the vehicle was stolen. Sanchez arrested a 37-year-old Newark woman on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, burglary tools and a probation violation. She was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Friday, August 12

  • At 10:38 p.m. officers responded to a noise complaint in the 6000 block of Baine Ave. Upon arrival, officers contacted approximately 20 people. One person ignored officer commands and attempted to walk away. The suspect, a 20-year-old Newark man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, resisting arrest, public intoxication. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Saturday, August 13

  • At 12:57 a.m. Officer Herrera responded to a report of a disturbance in the area of Foutain Avenue and La Salle Drive. Upon arrival, officers met and later arrested a 63-year-old Newark man on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

 

Help sought in shooting investigation

Submitted by Lt. Paul Kanazeh, Union City PD

 

On Saturday, August 27th, 2022, at approximately 3:01 AM, Union City Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of Whipple Road and Medallion Drive for a just occurred shooting.

 

Upon arrival, officers determined that a shooting occurred in the parking lot in front of Quick Stop. Officers also learned that a 28-year-old male (Victim) was shot and transported to a local hospital before they arrived on scene. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Andrew Smith at AndrewS@unioncity.org or (510) 675-5268. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can leave information on the UCPD tip line at (510) 675-5207 or at tips@unioncity.org.

 

 

 

Union City Police Log

Submitted by Union City PD

 

Friday, August 5

  • At about 2:45 p.m. officers responded to a report about a commercial robbery in the 1600 block of Decoto Road. The suspect attempted to steal merchandise from the store, and when employees confronted him, he brandished a knife in their direction. The suspect then fled on foot and was not found by officers.

 

 

Saturday, August 6

  • At about 8:30 p.m. officers responded to a report about a robbery near Shorty Garcia Park. The victim and his father were walking when suddenly, six Black males in their teens surrounded them. The suspects checked their pockets, and one displayed a handgun, pointed it at them, and demanded their property. The suspects took the property and ran from the scene. Officers were unable to locate the suspects.

 

 

Friday, August 19

  • At about 11:50 p.m. officers responded to a report about a shooting at Mexico Lindo restaurant, 33306 Alvarado-Niles Road. Upon arrival, officers found two males, ages 28 and 29 with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. They were taken to a hospital for treatment. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Angela Fonseca at (510) 675-5227 or send an email to AngelaF@unionciy.org. Anonymous tips can be sent via email at tips@unioncity.org or by calling (510) 675-5207.

 

 

 

Airplane part falls from sky, nearly hits man in Maine

Associated Press

 

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP), Aug. 15 — A metal object believed to have fallen from a trans-Atlantic jet came crashing down outside the Maine State House, landing with a loud bang just feet from a Capitol Police worker, officials said.

 

The Federal Aviation Administration was alerted Friday, Aug. 12 and returned to the State House on Monday, Aug. 15 as it investigated the object, Capitol Police Chief Matthew Clancy said.

 

The metal hit with a loud bang on a slab of granite lining a cobblestone walkaway about 6 to 8 feet from a security screener — and came close to hitting the building itself, he said. “It definitely shocked him,” the chief said. “He was walking back to the building and got quite a wakeup call.” No one was hurt.

 

The FAA believes the metal sleeve weighing 6 to 7 pounds came from a wing flap of a large passenger jet, he said. Airlines were notified, and all planes landed safely that day, Clancy said. The area where the airplane part crashed to the ground is usually busy when the Maine Legislature is in session, and it's routinely used for rallies, protests and press conferences, he said.

 

 

 

Boston police boat comes to the rescue of stranded groom

Associated Press

 

BOSTON (AP), Aug. 16 — Officers with the Boston Police Department's harbor patrol unit are used to helping boaters in distress, but recently Officer Joe Matthews came to the rescue of a groom in danger of missing his own wedding.

 

Patrick Mahoney was scheduled to get married on Thompson Island in the middle of Boston Harbor on Aug. 13, but the boat that was supposed to ferry him to the island where his bride-to-be was already waiting broke down, police said in a post on their website. It gets worse. The groomsmen, photographer, DJ and floral arrangements were also stuck on the mainland.

 

Enter Matthews, who transported more than a dozen people to the island on his police boat so Mahoney's marriage to Hannah Crawford could go on as scheduled. “They were there very quickly to get my groomsmen and all of our vendors out here to the island and kind of save the day,” Mahoney told The Boston Globe.

 

Matthews was only too happy to help. “It was good to get a nice call for a change and help people out,” he said. “They seemed happy, and we were happy we could do it. It all worked out.”

 

 

 

Monkey business behind 911 call from California zoo

Associated Press

 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP), Aug. 16 — Cops usually have a prime suspect. In this case it's a primate suspect.

 

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office believes it was a little Capuchin monkey that called 911 from a zoo the evening of Aug. 13. The call disconnected and dispatchers tried to call and text back but there was no response, so deputies were sent to investigate, the office said in a social media post.

 

The address turned out to be the Zoo to You near Paso Robles, but the deputies found that no one there made the call. They finally deduced that a Capuchin monkey named Route had apparently picked up the zoo's cellphone, which was in a golf cart used to move about the property.

 

“We're told Capuchin monkeys are very inquisitive and will grab anything and everything and just start pushing buttons,” the office's post said.

 

 

 

17-year-old pilot sets record for solo flight around world

By Veselin Toshkov

Associated Press

 

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP), Aug. 24 — A 17-year-old pilot became the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a small aircraft after he landed on Aug. 24 in Bulgaria, where his journey kicked off five months ago.

 

Mack Rutherford, a Belgian-British dual national, landed on an airstrip west of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, to complete his task and to claim two Guinness World Records. Along with becoming the youngest person to fly around the world by himself, Rutherford is the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe in a microlight plane.

 

Rutherford said he hoped his achievement would inspire young people to pursue their dreams. “Just follow your dreams, no matter how old you are — work hard and move forward to achieve your goals,” he said after he stepped out of the aircraft.

 

His sister, Zara, who finished her own trip global flight in January at age 19, previously held the ultralight record. Mack Rutherford took the age record from Travis Ludlow of Britain, who was 18 when he made a solo flight around the world last year.

 

The journey, which began March 23, took Rutherford through 52 countries over five continents. He turned 17 during the trip. To set a mark recognized by the Guinness World Records, he crossed the equator twice.

 

Born into a family of aviators, Rutherford qualified for his pilot's license in 2020, which at the time, made him the youngest pilot in the world at the age of 15. His solo trip flying around the world kicked off in Bulgaria because his sponsor, the web hosting company ICDSoft, is headquartered in Sofia and loaned him the plane.

 

Like his sister, Rutherford flew a Shark, one of the fastest ultralight aircraft in the world with a cruising speed reaching 186 mph. Normally a two-seater, it was modified for his long journey by replacing the second seat with an extra fuel tank.

 

Initially planned to take up to three months, the trip lasted longer because of several unexpected obstacles along his way, including monsoon rains, sandstorms and extreme heat. But most of the delays were caused by waits to obtain permits and other documents required for further flight or having to alter the scheduled route if they were rejected.

 

The flight took him through Africa and the Gulf region to India, China, South Korea and Japan. He crossed the northern Pacific and landed after 10 uninterrupted hours in the air on a volcanic island near the Bering Strait. From there, he headed to Alaska and down the West Coast of the United States to Mexico. Rutherford then headed north again along the U.S. East Coast to Canada, and across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.

 

On Aug. 24, a huge crowd of people had arrived at the airport to welcome Rutherford and to celebrate his achievements. Among them were the three members of his immediate family. His father, Sam Rutherford, said he was extremely happy and proud of his children's achievements. He told reporters that such an event is especially encouraging for children to follow their dreams and parents to support them in their endeavors.

 

His sister, Zara Rutherford, said she kept in close touch with her younger brother during his journey. “While he was flying, I constantly tried to keep in touch and help him. Our parents called him every day, and I joined in those conversations. I gave him advice on the route, on the flight, so that I could be useful to him,” she said.

 

Mack Rutherford said he will now focus on his education. “The next thing I'm going to do is to go back to school and catch up as much as I can,” he said.

 

 

 

Southern California lake closed because of toxic algae bloom

Associated Press

 

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (AP) Aug 21, 2022 — Southern California's Lake Elsinore has been closed to swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing due to an algae bloom that produces toxins that could be harmful to people and animals, officials said.

 

The city of Lake Elsinore issued a “danger” warning that exposure to toxic algae can cause rashes, eye irritation, allergic reactions or gastrointestinal problems. The toxins can be fatal to dogs.

 

Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe from Cyanobacteria, according to the warning posted last week. “Until the water quality improves, additional sampling of the lake will take place and continue weekly,” the statement said.

 

Lake Elsinore has historically been vulnerable to algae blooms, but only began sampling for or learning about Cyanobacteria concerns in 2016, the city said. The 3,000-acre (1,215-hectare) freshwater lake is a popular recreation area in Riverside County, about 70 miles (113 km) southeast of Los Angeles.

 

 

 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

 

Society’s best interest

 

In November 2019, the American voters went to the polls in record numbers to make a generational choice on the future of our country. The American people were clear. We chose decency over demagoguery. We chose facts over falsehoods.

 

Recently, this past week the voters of Wyoming elected to go back on that choice, with Liz Cheney losing her primary. Liz Cheney is a Republican and I am not. There is very little I agree with Liz Cheney on, but I have absolute respect for her courage and integrity in choosing our country over her party. Sadly, she paid a price for her commitment to the truth.

 

Liz Cheney represents what we need more of on both sides of the aisle. People who are committed to the truth, to facts, and to being open to working with those whom we may not always agree with. Far too often our elected representatives have become more concerned with beating the other side than with doing what is in the best interests of the people. They are more concerned with winning their elections, furthering their political careers, and representing the interests of their party than they are with representing the people who elected them.

 

The partisanship of both major parties has created an atmosphere where each side believes they must win everything, and the other side must lose everything. Winning over the opposition has become the goal, not doing what is in the best interests of the public.

 

This November, we will have a choice, just as the people of Wyoming did. We need to elect people that understand that those on the other side of the aisle are not the enemy. That there are people, on both sides, that are working to do what they believe to be in the best interests of our society and our community. Some people just have a different opinion of what those best interests are.

 

The only way we can make progress is through communication, honesty and compromise. We have to engage and work with each other. We don’t have to agree. We won’t more often than not, but we do have to listen to each other. Because if we can’t do that, how can we move forward together as a community?

 

Keith Parker

Fremont

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

 

 

Trail Strategy Plans – The creation of green cities

 

Cities in Southern Alameda County are adopting Trail Strategy Plans to provide the basis for new bicycle and pedestrian paths that will offer time in nature, healthy exercise, and an alternative to vehicular use. Trails when built for bikes and pedestrians only, are safer than sharing city streets; and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases. These linear trails are also considered a form of public park and provide greenways for animals to move.

 

The race to assemble Trails Strategy Plans is due to the large amounts of money being provided to municipalities to seed the development of bike and pedestrian friendly trails and to encourage drivers to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Transportation exhaust represents a large contributor to the production of greenhouse gases and federal dollars are available to cities that can prove they have plans in place to reduce traffic and build more trails. Another element of reducing vehicle miles traveled is the opportunity to increase public health. Building trails encourages people to walk and or bike as separated paths reduce the number of vehicle collisions between automobiles and those walking or cycling.

 

We applaud cities for developing the Foothill, Bay, Bay Ridge, Hetch Hetchy, San Lorenzo Creek and the Greenway Trails. These trails and their easements will connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, and businesses across many communities. They will encourage more parents to allow their children to bike or walk to school thereby teaching a new generation the importance of being outdoors.

 

Unfortunately, off-street parking is not addressed in many trail plans, but parking is a major reason why people cannot use city or regional parks. Some cities actively discourage parking in neighborhoods by issuing thousands of citations for parking on public streets. This is an unsound fiscal policy and works against the interests of the community as it limits access to our public parks. It also consumes thousands of police hours which could be devoted to the focus on car theft, assaults, and the protection of our youth.

 

Finally, the use of public dollars to build trails is often focused on large infrastructure project like bridges and overpasses. The absorption of millions of dollars on bridges is necessary but should be carefully considered to minimize the overall expenditure. We need more trails to connect our communities to parks, schools, churches, and businesses. We thank the cities for assembling their Trail Strategy Plans and ask residents and politicians to be supportive of the effort.

 

 

william yragui

Mission Peak Conservancy

 

 

 

Fatal traffic collision

Submitted by Newark PD

 

On Saturday, August 27, 2022, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Newark Police Officers and members of the Alameda County Fire Department responded to a reported traffic collision involving three vehicles on Cherry St. near Mowry Ave.  Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a collision scene with five total vehicle occupants and rendered aid to those involved. Sadly, the driver of one of the vehicles ultimately succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the subject is pending notification of next of kin.      

Another driver was transported to a local hospital for major, but not life-threatening injuries. The third driver and other passengers were also transported to a local hospital for observation.    

At this time, it is believed that speed and alcohol are factors in this incident, however the collision remains under investigation. This is the second fatal traffic collision in Newark in 2022.      

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to please contact Traffic Officer Anthony Piquette via email at anthony.piquette@newark.org or by phone at 510.578.4953.  

 

 

 

Volleyball

 

 

 

Irvington captures preseason tournament championship

By Eric Donato

 

The Irvington High School Lady Vikings (Fremont) varsity volleyball team beat Albany in two sets, 2-0, to capture the preseason tournament championship.

 

San Lorenzo High School hosted a girls' high school volleyball preseason tournament on Saturday, August 27. Eight schools participated in the all-day tournament. According to the San Lorenzo girl's volleyball varsity coach, Nene Suarez, the invitation tournament also served as a fundraiser for San Lorenzo High School sports program. She added that hosting the invitational tournament was also an opportunity to meet and play against teams from outside the East Bay who they wouldn't usually compete against in the regular season.   

 

Participating teams were grouped into two pools of four teams, each pool competed in round-robin matches before advancing to the single elimination and championship stages. Pool team matches were set up as two out of three sets, with the tiebreaking third set at an abbreviated fifteen points instead of the regulation twenty-five points. The two pools of competing teams were San Lorenzo, Mount Eden (Hayward), Redwood Christian (San Lorenzo), and San Marin (Novato) in the Maroon Pool, and Arroyo (San Lorenzo), Mission S.F. (San Francisco), Irvington (Fremont), and Albany for the Gold Pool. 

 

Before reaching the final championship bracket, the Vikings dominated their group by sweeping through Arroyo, Mission S.F, and Albany in the pool rounds, winning each convincingly in two-set matches. Irvington then beat Redwood Christian in the first round elimination before defeating Arroyo in the semi-final in two sets to meet Albany in the final bout.    

 

Irvington won convincingly in the first set in the showdown championship match with Albany, scoring 25 -13. The second and final set was a thrilling match, with Albany leading in the first six points, followed by alternating lead changes through the middle and later part of the second and final set. The Vikings finished strong and pulled away after the 20th-point tie to seal the victory with the match and championship point at 25-20.    

 

The intensity and focus of the Vikings team were sustained throughout the marathon tournament day, which started at 8:30 am and ended at around 7:00 pm. Coach Edgar Colocho said it was a long day for everybody, but he was happy and proud of the Irvington athletes for working and playing hard to win a well-deserved victory. He added that their winning performance during the preseason tournament was a positive sign of a promising volleyball season for the Irvington Vikings.

 

To keep up with the exciting local high school 

volleyball season, check out https://www.maxpreps.com/ca/fremont/irvington-vikings/volleyball/ and your local district high school athletic program website.

 

 

 

Battle of the Boulevard

By April Ramos

 

Football season is back and for two Fremont schools, it started with some stiff competition. On Friday, August 26 Washington and American High School played their first game which was dubbed by the students as ‘Battle of the Boulevard.’

 

The American Eagles began a promising first quarter with possession of the ball, scoring their first touchdown with a long pass from quarterback to wide receiver, making a 20-yard run. Washington Huskies, not wanting to fall behind, were attempting great plays finding sideline runs, but the Eagles were successful at holding back significant advances. That is, until a Husky strategically dodged three of the defending Eagles, making their first touchdown and tying the score 7- 7 in the first quarter.

 

In the second quarter, the Eagles dominated with a 14-point lead. The Huskies did not back down and came out with a surprising 40-yard carry by Jaylen Frenchwood that put them back in the game. By the beginning of the fourth quarter, both teams, and fans, were eager for the 28-28 tie to be broken. Once again, the Eagles were first to gain the lead, but the Huskies retaliated and held the Eagles down with a strong defense, winning the game 34-41.

 

 

 

Cal State East Bay Men’s Soccer opens season with victory

Submitted by CSUEB Athletic Communications

 

On Thursday, August 25, Cal State East Bay men's soccer team opened its 2022 season. The Pioneers were victorious with a 1-0 shutout against UC Merced at Pioneer Stadium. It was the first shutout for the program since the 2019 season.

 

In the 17th minute, Jacob Castro netted his first career goal with the Pioneers for a 1-0 lead. Setting up the goal was Michael Rossi with a pass from the left side, that allowed Castro to find the lower right side of the frame.

 

In net, earning a 90-minute shutout was Zavier Hajdukovich, with seven saves. It was the first career shutout for Hajdukovich. As a team, prior to Thursday, the Pioneers last won with a shutout on September 15, 2019 when they defeated Texas-Permian Basin, 3-0. Cal State East Bay combined for 16 shots, with 10 on net. Aaron Farnan led the Pioneers in shots with four. Farnan and Castro each had a pair of shots on net.

 

“I think it's a little bit of Zavier [Hajdukovich] and him commanding the defenders to do their jobs in front of him,” said Cal State East Bay head coach Mike Bielski. “So, they did a good job of stepping, dropping and giving us depth at times when we needed it and not letting people or players on the other team get in behind us. That's been an issue for us in the past and it's something we worked on a lot.”

 

 

 

Amazon testing TikTok-style feed on its app

By Haleluya Hadero

Associated Press Business Writer

 

NEW YORK (AP), Aug. 17 — Amazon appears to be getting the TikTok bug, joining other companies seeking to hold consumers' attention by introducing replicas of the popular social platform. The e-commerce giant has been testing a feed on its app that enables shoppers to scroll through TikTok-like photos and videos of products posted by other users.

 

Using the feature, called Inspire, customers can like, save and share posts of products, and purchase items directly from the feed, according to Watchful Technologies, an Israeli-based artificial-intelligence firm that analyzes apps and has tracked the feature.

 

The test doesn't mean Amazon will roll out the widget to the public in its current form — or at all. Alyssa Bronikowski, an Amazon spokesperson, declined to say if the company has plans to introduce the feature to all its customers. In a statement, Bronikowski said the company is “constantly testing new features to help make customers' lives a little easier.”

 

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the test. Citing an anonymous source, the Journal also said the company is testing the feature among a small number of Amazon employees.

 

Amazon often experiments with new features, sometimes even targeting its tests to specific regions. Amid regulatory pressure about its private-label business, the company had been testing how to identify its brands in search results by tagging them with badges such as “Amazon brand” or “Exclusive to Amazon,” the research firm Marketplace Pulse discovered earlier this year.

 

In its current form, the experimental TikTok-like feed mostly shows photos, said Daniel Buchuk, a researcher with Watchful Technologies. But if the feature is rolled out, Buchuk suspects the feed will be video-heavy as Amazon sellers create content to make it more engaging for customers.

 

The corporate parents of Google and Facebook, the two biggest sellers in digital advertising, already have been pushing their own TikTok clones in bids to keep eyeballs glued to their services so they can continue to boost their revenue.

 

Google's YouTube video service rolled a “Shorts” feature limited to clips of a minute or less last year in the U.S. after initially testing it in India during 2020. By June of this year, Google said YouTube Shorts was attracting more than 1.5 billion logged-in users each month, although analysts believe TikTok's popularity is undercutting ad sales at the video site.

 

Those concerns were elevated by Google's latest quarterly results, which revealed YouTube's year-over-year growth in ad sales had slowed to its slowest pace since public disclosures of the site's revenue began.

 

Meanwhile, Facebook now offers its own take on TikTok, a short-form video feature called Reels, on its Instagram app as well as its main social networking service, which are now operate as part of Meta Platforms. Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Reels accounted for more than 20% of the time that people spend on Instagram.

 

But it's not clear that engagement is helping to drive ad sales after Meta recently reported its first year-over-year drop in quarterly revenue since Facebook went public a decade ago.

 

 

AP Business Writer Michael Liedtke contributed to this report from San Francisco.

 

 

 

Honor Roll

 

Wheaton College, Illinois

Spring 2022 graduate

  • Estelle Angelii Rios of Newark

 

 

 

Hayward companies win 2022 East Bay Innovation Awards

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

Two companies from Hayward emerged among winners at the 10th Annual East Bay Innovation Awards program held recently in Oakland.

 

DuPont EKC Technology and Eikon Therapeutics were recognized during the August 4 program held at the Fox Theatre. The awards honor the region’s most cutting-edge and impactful companies and organization.

 

More than over 200 nominations were submitted for this year’s awards in 10 categories, including: Advanced Manufacturing, Arts & Culture, Built Environment, Clean Tech, Community Impact, Education, Engineering & Design, Food, Life Sciences and Technology.

 

DuPont EKC Technology won in the Advanced Manufacturing category. This nearly 40-year-old company designs and produces specialized chemistries that are critical in the production of semiconductors. DuPont EKC’s new formulas of solvents are helping computer chip manufacturers scale up production faster to meet the global chip shortage.

 

Eikon Therapeutics won in the Life Sciences category. This company is developing new technology at the interface of biology, engineering, and chemistry to discover novel treatments for life-threatening diseases. Their discovery platform, built on innovations from its Nobel Prize winning founders, is a super-resolution microscope that enables real-time measurements of protein movement in living cells. This technology will allow scientists to better understand disease biology and discover new drug treatments. In January 2022, the company raised $518 million in venture capital funding and has raised $668 million to date.

 

California State University East Bay also was named the recipient of the 2022 Legacy Award for the university’s contributions to the region’s economy and community.

 

 

 

IAD083022

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Monday-Saturday, August 20-September 17

Oh What a Relief It Is!

During library hours

Exhibition of mixed media

Hayward Public Library

888 C St., Hayward

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Monday-Saturday, August 20-October 7

Velourian Visions

During library hours

Artwork by Carrie King

Hayward Public Library

888 C St., Hayward

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Monday – Friday, August 15 – September 29

Summer Vibes Exhibit

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

John O’Lague Galleria

Hayward City Hall

777 B. St., Hayward

www.artinc.org

 

Tuesday – Saturday, August 1 – 31

Clear the Shelters $

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Find your new best friend

Tri-City Animal Shelter

1950 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

Tricityanimalshelter.org

(510) 790-6640

 

Tuesday – Saturday, August 1 – 31

Clear the Shelters $

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Find your new best friend

Hayward Animal Shelter

16 Barnes Ct., Hayward

Haywardanimals.org

(510) 293-7200

 

Wednesday – Saturday, August 31 – September 24

California Scenes, Solo Exhibit of Watercolors

Wed. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Artwork by Charlotte Severin

Firehouse Art Center

4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton

(925) 931-4848

 

First Thursdays

Plethos Comedy Lab $

8 p.m.

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

Castro Valley Marketplace Lab 200

3295 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley

https://plethos.org/

Tickets: $10

 

Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays

Patterson House Tours $

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

Tour the Patterson House Museum

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

 

Thursdays- Sundays

Animal Feeding

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Check for eggs and feed livestock

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

 

Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays

Ride the Rails

10:20 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Travel on the train through the eucalyptus groves

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

 

Thursdays – Sundays, July 22 – September 17

Annual Textile Exhibit

12 noon – 5 p.m.

Artwork using colorful fabrics and thread

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

www.fremont.gov

olivehyedartguild.org

 

Thursdays – Sundays, August 4 – October 2

Ferment

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Exhibit celebrating beauty of vines, hops, and fermented drinks

Tastings from local area wineries and breweries

Bankhead Theater

2400 First St., Livermore

LivermoreArts.org

 

Fridays

Fremont Street Eats

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

www.thefoodtruckmafia.com

 

First Fridays at Chabot Space $

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Hands-on activities, workshops, and performances

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

https://chabotspace.org/

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

 

Fridays – Saturdays, August 26 – October 15

Children’s Book Illustrator Show

11 a.m. – 4 pm.

Reception Sat., Sept. 10, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Prestigious show back for 32nd year

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

www.sungallery.org

(510) 581-4050

 

Third Saturdays

Investigating Space $

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Discuss topics in exploring space with researchers and scientists

(Included with admission)

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

https://chabotspace.org/

 

Saturdays

Laugh Track City

8 p.m.

Improvised games and scenes based on audience suggestions

(please show proof of vaccination)

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St., Ste B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

madeuptheatre.com

Tickets: $15

 

Saturdays – Sundays

Discovery on Demand

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Hands-on activities, live animal feeding, learn about habitats

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays – Sundays

Nectar Garden Exploration

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Discover native pollinators and plants

Coyote Hills Visitors Center

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Thursday – Friday, September 1 – 30

Milpitas Camera Club Photography Exhibit

Reception Sunday, Sept.11

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Milpitas Public library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

http://www.milpitascamera.com/

 

 

UPCOMING

 

Friday, September 2

Portuguese Festival!

6 p.m.

Portuguese 100th Year Festival

BJM Hall,

21160 Ocean View Dr., Hayward

 

Saturday, September 3

Scottish Highland Gathering and Games $

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Scottish food, entertainment, competitions

Alameda County Fairgrounds

Gates 8 & 12 off Valley Ave., Pleasanton

https://thescottishgames.com

 

Saturday, September 3

Campfire Program $

8:30 p.m. – 9:30 pm.

Songs, games, stories, activities. Ages 5+

Dumbarton Quarry Campground

9400 Quarry Rd., Fremont

(510)-544-3220

 

Saturday, September 3

Bird Basics Table $

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Bird facts, examine feathers. Ages 7+

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

Parking $5

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, September 3

Bird Walk $

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Behavior patterns, migration, habitat

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

www.ebparks.org

Parking $5

 

Saturday, September 3

Fall Schwingfest at Newark Swiss Park

Park opens: 10 a.m.

Swiss Park Newark

5911 Mowry Ave., Newark

(510) 936-2523

https://www.aelplergruppe.com/

https://swissparknewark.com/

Admission: $10

 

Saturday – Monday, September 3-5

Rail Fair $

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Train rides, displays, activities

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

www.ebparks.org

(888) 327-2757

 

Sunday, September 4

Snake Talk $

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn role snakes play in the ecosystem

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

www.ebparks.org

Parking $5

 

Sunday, September 4

Let’s Get Outside Club $

4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Naturalist-led hike. Bring water and snack. Ages. 8+

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

www.ebparks.org

Parking $5

 

Wednesday, September 7

Talkin’ Dirt

7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Join fellow gardening enthusiasts

Fremontleaf.org/talkindirt

 

Wednesday, September 7

Polly’s Step Out for Seniors

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Memorial walk and health fair

Ruggieri Senior Center

33997 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 675-5445

 

Wednesday, September 7

Fremont Art Association general meeting/demo artist

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Guest artist Meghana Mitragotri, will demo the magic of watercolor painting.

Via Zoom, link will be provided upon registration.

https://www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo

Free to attend

 

 

 

Summer Outdoor Movie Nights & Concerts

 

Movies Under the Stars: Encanto

Friday, September 30

Bring blankets, low beach chairs, and a picnic dinner

Palms Pavilion Picnic Area

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 494-4300

https://bit.ly.MovieNights2022

 

 

Free Outdoor Movies

8 pm.

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

 

Friday, September 10

Addams Family 2

Meek Estate Park

240 Hampton Rd., Hayward

 

HaywardRec.org

 

 

Pacific Commons Summer Concert Series

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

 

September 23 – Last One Picked (rock, blues, country)

 

Pacific Commons Shopping Center

Auto Mall Parkway at I-880, Fremont

(510) 770-9798

 

 

3 O’Clock Jump

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

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Big Band music in outdoor patio (no cover fee)

World Famous Turf Club

22519, Main St., Hayward

(510) 244-3449

www.worldfamousturfclubca.com

 

 

Hayward Oddfellows Summer Concerts

Sundays; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

 

September 11 – The La Honda All Stars

September 18 – Giant Garage Spiders, Chris Marquis, and Sycamore 129 Blues Band

September 25 – East Bay Youth Orchestra, East Bay Symphonic Band, and Flute Choir

 

Hayward Memorial Park Outdoor Amphitheater

24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward

www.haywardlodge.org