Adopt a Family
Submitted by Shirley Sisk
On December 21, League of Volunteers (LOV) hosted an Adopt-a-Family holiday party for 95 families registered in their annual program. Each year, hundreds of children and their families receive toys, food, stocking stuffers and other items to help make their holidays bright. This year, the party was held at LOV’s offices at 8440 Central Avenue.
Girl Scout Troop 31602 was on hand to make the day a success. The girls decorated and worked with guests at special art tables where they made holiday ornaments and wrapped gifts for partygoers to take home. They were joined by the American High School Band, Santa Claus, and 20 additional volunteers who worked to make the party a success.
LOV wishes to thank all these wonderful members of our community. With their help more than 400 community members were able to enjoy their 2019 holiday.
For more information on LOV, go to https://lov.org/ or call (510) 793-5683.
Applicants sought for coaching position
Submitted by Timothy Hess
Newark Memorial High School is looking to fill an assistant football coaching position for the 2020 season. If you are interested in joining this growing program, please contact Head Football Coach Brad Tubbs at btubbs@newarkunified.org or call (510) 818-4394.
ART Inc. Member Show
Submitted by Adobe Gallery
On Saturday, January 18 the Adobe Art Gallery will hold an artist’s reception for their “A.R.T., Inc. member show.” Refreshments will be served, and this event is free and open to the public. This event is sponsored by the Castro Valley Unified School district and A.R.T., Inc. The exhibition will run from Saturday, January 18 until Saturday, February 1.
ART Inc. Member Show
Saturday, Jan 18 – Saturday, Feb 1
Thurs – Sat: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Opening Reception
Saturday, Jan 18
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Adobe Art Gallery
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
www.adobegallery.org
BART ambassador program on trains
Submitted by Les Mensinger
BART will launch an ambassador program next month to increase the presence of uniformed personnel on trains to address customers’ concerns about safety and security. The BART Board voted unanimously on January 9 to move forward with a six-month pilot program that’s set to begin February 10.
Ambassadors will be recruited from the ranks of the BART Police Department’s Community Service Officers, non-sworn personnel who perform a variety of police services. The ambassadors will receive additional de-escalation and anti-bias training.
Ten ambassadors will walk trains in teams of two, seven days a week from 2 p.m. to midnight, with extra coverage on Saturdays. Patrols will focus on the most heavily travelled section of the system, the transbay corridor between 12th St. Oakland and Civic Center stations. During crowded evening commute hours, they will increase their coverage areas to other sections of the system such as Coliseum to Union City and Walnut Creek to Pittsburg/Bay Point.
“Our ambassadors will serve as extra eyes and ears on-board trains,” said BART Board President Lateefah Simon. “It’s a promising, first-of-its kind program at BART that will provide a welcoming presence focused on customer service and curbing inappropriate behavior.”
The ambassadors will wear easily-identifiable uniforms distinct from those of community service officers or fare inspectors. They will be equipped with radios to report safety and security concerns or biohazards. The ambassadors will also be trained to respond to customers’ questions, complaints or requests for service. They will observe and report or call an officer when enforcement is needed.
“I am pleased existing community service officers who are vetted, hired, trained and supervised by sworn police officers will be on trains on nights and weekends,” said BART Director Debora Allen. “I’ve been urging BART to add additional layers of security on board trains since I was elected to the board, and our vote today is a step in the right direction.”
The board voted to fund the six-month pilot at a cost of $690,000 as well as an additional $810,00 to expand the paid area at Coliseum Station to include the elevator, using a new swing-style prototype faregate to prevent fare evasion.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Friday, January 3
- At 3:50 p.m. a man identified by police as Robert Duckett, 35, of Oakland was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer, resisting arrest, violating a court order and other charges. He was issued a Prohibition Order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, January 5
- At 6:56 p.m. a man identified by police as Daryl Pendleton, 37, of Oakland was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of violating sex registration requirements. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Monday, January 6
- At 10:36 a.m. a man identified by police as Danny Scott, 34, of Oakland was arrested at Fremont station on two outstanding $15,000 warrants for grand theft and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, January 9
- At 9:40 a.m. a woman identified by police as Danica Benson, 39, of San Francisco was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $7,500 warrant for battery issued in San Francisco County. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
California Nursery Historical Park: Horticultural History
By Charlene Dizon
Photos by Dr. Joyce Blueford
Agriculture in California has made a great impact. Locally, a 21-acre park within Niles, known as the California Nursery Historical Park, has solidified the foundation for agriculture to thrive. The Park relies on community support—a matter that needs further acknowledgment and commitment.
The history of California Nursery began in the 1860s when German horticulturist John Rock decided to establish nurseries in California. This manifested into the San Jose “Rock Nurseries.” Once Rock was ready to expand, the California Nursery Company was born. In the 1880s he purchased 463 acres of land in Fremont’s very own Niles district. The expansion began as an exploratory fruit tree nursery, leading to a generation of new hybrid trees. The company soon became a reliable source for California’s rapidly growing agriculture industry.
The California Nursery Company held trees transported from around the world. Several hundred fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, and roses were put up for market and made accessible to other horticulturalists. The nursery became one of the grandest in the East Bay. Though Rock passed away in 1904, his agricultural mark lived on. William J. Landers, a San Franciscan Board Member, took over the company but was electrocuted in the 1906 Earthquake. The land was then managed by members of the Roeding family.
Frederick Roeding traveled from Germany to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. After the 1868 earthquake, the Roeding family moved to Fresno, where Frederick Roeding founded Fancher Creek Nurseries. Frederick’s son, George, took over Fancher Creek and made it highly profitable. George then purchased the California Nursery Company in 1917, which his son George Roeding Jr. would later develop into a multinational business. The California Nursery Company became the largest retail operation firm in horticultural industry.
After the 1950s, the California Nursery Company had to compete with other large growers throughout the state. In 1972, part of the land underwent foreclosure and was purchased by a developer who donated 21 acres to the City of Fremont as a park, officially developed in the 2000s. Aside from agriculture, the park includes significant historical buildings. President’s Cottage was built as a home office for Landers in 1907 before his passing and the Packing Shed, used to store products before they were sent to market, was built in the 1880s. The California Nursery Office now acts as a space for historical archives from Bruce Roeding, the last owner of the California Nursery Company. These buildings are the only visible footprints of years of effort put into horticulture.
Geologist Dr. Joyce Blueford is board president of Math Science Nucleus (MSN), a non-profit program dedicated to agricultural preservation. Accompanied by board member and archaeologist Karen Anderson, along with many members and volunteers, she is passionate about preventing physical decline of the park. Nearly fifty percent of the transported trees have decayed. Blueford states, “The trees that are over 150 years old have died.” The buildings also require urgent maintenance. Anderson states, “The Packing Shed from the 1890s is on the verge of falling over. It’s one of the oldest original buildings in Fremont and it is just falling apart.”
Much still needs to be done, such as assigning coordinators for park projects and maintenance, implementing an irrigation system, and restoring the buildings. A call to action is included in the California Nursery Historical Park Master Plan to save California’s agricultural history; however, the $20 million needed for this plan is unavailable, leaving only $1.5 million for infrastructure. According to a 2018 City of Fremont Community Survey, 85 percent of Fremont citizens believe that “maintaining public parks in good physical condition” is important. Now more than ever is a time for the community and the City of Fremont to ensure the California Nursery is rightfully conserved and protected.
The priority of Dr. Blueford and her team is bringing awareness to the community. “I’m worried that this park will no longer be a park. We want the community to have more control so that if money is not found, the park can still be a park with trees that can tell the story,” Blueford emphasizes. With the support of the community, the California Nursery will be able to carry on its agricultural legacy in honor of those who helped California’s cultivation flourish.
For those interested in the historical preservation of the Roeding Collection, volunteering or supporting the California Nursery, please contact Dr. Joyce Blueford at blueford@msnucleus.org or (510) 790-6284.
This article is the first in a series dedicated to the California Nursery. Coming soon: the historic Rose Garden, with over 400 roses, and how you can help.
California measure pushing for more housing faces hurdles
By Adam Beam
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 07 – Facing a shortage of 3.5 million houses, some California lawmakers want developers to build more apartments and other housing closer to public transportation – even if it means overriding local zoning laws.
The legislation is aimed at attacking a housing crisis in California, which has some of the nation’s highest home prices and an alarming growth in homelessness. The problem was on display Tuesday when supporters of homeless women living illegally in a vacant Oakland home interrupted a news conference on the measure to protest their plight.
But some local governments object to the proposal because they say the state should not tell them how to manage growth in their communities.
A similar proposal stalled in the Legislature last year. But state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, announced changes Tuesday to the measure designed to win over skeptical local government officials.
The new bill would exempt local governments from the law but only if they come up with their own rules to build more housing. Those rules would still require approval from two state agencies.
Most local governments would have two years to come up with the rules. If they don't, the law would apply to them beginning in 2023. Other neighborhoods deemed at risk for gentrification would have more time – up to five years – to develop rules.
“(This bill) will help end this crisis by forcing cities to zone for more housing exactly where it should be: near job centers and near public transit,“ Wiener said. “I'm optimistic that our growing coalition will help move this important housing reform bill forward.”
The bill must pass the Senate by Jan. 31 for it to have a chance to become law this year. But it's stuck in the Appropriations Committee, with chairman Anthony Portantino opposed. Portantino, also a Democrat, said Tuesday that “we would be in a better place today” had Wiener shared his changes during the legislative break.
“Given that the criteria in the latest amendments create a nearly impossible threshold for cities to meet, the amendments seem like more theater than an implementable plan to truly engender broad support,“ Portantino said.
But the measure has strong support among others in the majority Democratic caucus, including Nancy Skinner, a state senator from Berkeley. She said much of her district in Oakland is zoned for single-family homes, which are more expensive and exclude people who can't afford them.
“(This bill) opens up those best neighborhoods, those neighborhoods with the best schools, those neighborhoods with the best parks, those neighborhoods with the best infrastructure and the best services,“ she said.
The measure's key provisions remain in place. It would relax height requirements for housing within a half-mile (1 kilometer) of public transportation and areas where state officials have determined lots of jobs are available.
That means developers could build a five-story housing complex in an area historically restricted to single-family homes. It also would allow homeowners to renovate existing buildings to add up to three additional units. Wiener's office said those projects won't substantially increase the building's size and must conform to local design standards.
The two largest local government groups – the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties – say they are still reviewing the changes to the measure.
“But based on the briefing we heard yesterday, I think we'll have a little more work that we want to do to be able to remove opposition,” said Chris Lee, legislative representative for housing issues with the county group.
The bill has attracted bipartisan support, with Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley appearing at a news conference Tuesday in Oakland to back it.
“In a perfect world we wouldn't need (this bill),” Kiley said. “But California's housing predicament is far from perfect. It's desperate.”
California could be 1st state to sell own prescription drugs
By Adam Beam
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 09 – California could become the first state with its own prescription drug label under a proposal that Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled Thursday in a bid to lower prices by increasing competition in the generic market.
Newsom wants the nation's most populous state, home to nearly 40 million people, to contract with generic drug companies to make prescription medications on its behalf so it could then sell them to the public.
“It's time to take the power out of the hands of greedy pharmaceutical companies,“ the Democratic governor tweeted.
Generic drug prices in California jumped 37.6% since 2017, the largest increase of any drug category, according to a recent report from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.
The proposal, for example, could help lower costs of a common drug that has steadily increased in price – insulin for diabetes patients. Three drug companies control most of the market for insulin.
“Consumers would directly benefit if California contracted on its own to manufacture much-needed generic medications like insulin – a drug that has been around for a century yet the price has gone up over tenfold in the last few decades,” said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California.
Jon Roth, CEO of the California Pharmacists Association, said the state might be surprised, however, at how much it ends up charging for its own generic drugs because of factors beyond its control, including raw material shortages and disruptions in the supply chain.
“There are other factors in the actual manufacturing that the state may not be able to escape,” he said.
Lawmakers must approve the plan before it can take effect. The idea is part of Newsom's forthcoming budget proposal, which he must present to the Legislature by Friday. While the governor's office did not say how much the proposal would cost, the state could have as much as a $7 billion surplus this year, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office.
It's another step in Newsom's effort to overhaul California's prescription drug market. Last year, in one of his first acts in office, Newsom ordered the state to take over the Medicaid program's prescription drug benefits, which affects 13 million people.
That order also directed state agencies to begin buying drugs in bulk and using their leverage to negotiate lower prices. This year, Newsom's budget proposal would expand on that by creating a single market for drug pricing within the state. The governor's office says drugmakers would have to bid to sell their drugs in California at a uniform price.
This is the second budget proposal Newsom has announced this year. On Wednesday, he announced he wanted to spend another $1 billion to combat the state's growing homelessness problem.
Celebrate Women!
Submitted by Winifred Thompson
“Celebrate Women!” an art show presented by the National League of American Pen Women – Diablo/Alameda Branch runs January 17 – March 6 in the John O’Lague Galleria, Hayward City Hall. An artists’ reception with light refreshments will be held Friday, January 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
This third annual Celebrate Women! art show will present a collaboration of sixteen very accomplished artists, musicians and writers—some of whom have achieved international acclaim.
Celtic singer and harpist Margaret Davis, dynamic songstress Debra Nimmer, and classically trained pianist and lyricist Mary Fineman always delight audiences. A Certificate of Appreciation will be awarded to Nancy O’Malley, Alameda County District Attorney by art show co-chairs Usha Shukla and Winifred Thompson.
In 1897, when women were routinely excluded from professional groups, the National League of American Pen Women was established to create support and inspiration for women. Members included Pearl Buck, Georgia O’Keefe and Eudora Welty. Eleanor Roosevelt, a prolific writer, was an enthusiastic Pen Woman while in the White House and beyond. Nationwide, over 1,600 members meet at 81 branches for support and inspiration.
Celebrate Women! is sponsored by the Hayward Arts Council (HAC) which stimulates interest in visual arts and performing arts, promotes opportunities for artists to exhibit and encourages public participation. Visit www.haywardartscouncil.org for more art exhibits and art education programs.
Celebrate Women!
Friday, Jan 17 – Friday, Mar 6
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Artists’ Reception
Friday, Jan 24
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
John O’Lague Galleria
Hayward City Hall
777 B St., Hayward
(510) 538-2787
CES Gadget Show: Toilet paper robot and tracking the elderly
By Joseph Pisani and Rachel Lerman
AP Technology Writers
LAS VEGAS (AP), Jan 06 – A robot that can fetch toilet paper when you're stranded on the loo and services to keep track of the elderly from afar were among the technologies showcased this week at the annual CES gadget show in Las Vegas.
The annual technology conference is the place for big brands and startups alike to unveil their products and services for the coming year, though larger companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft typically hold their own announcement events. Streaming services and surveillance technologies are among the hot topics. The show formally opens Tuesday following two days of media previews.
Here are some highlights:
ROBOT FOR THE LOO
Charmin wants to solve a familiar feeling: being stranded on the toilet with an empty toilet paper roll.
Its solution: a two-wheeled robot that can fetch a fresh roll. The robot, around 6-inches tall, has the face of a bear – like the cartoon ones in Charmin's commercials – and toilet paper sitting on top.
But don't expect it to roll to your bathroom anytime soon. Procter & Gamble, the company that owns Charmin, said the robot won't be for sale and was just an example of what's possible.
“Car companies have concept cars, but P&G has concept bathrooms,” said Marc Pritchard, who oversees Procter & Gamble's brands.
The company didn't have a working robot available at a press conference Sunday, though executives say one will be demonstrated when the show floor opens Tuesday.
SENSING WATER LEAKS
New sensors promise to stop water leaks before they ruin your home.
Monitors from Alarm.com and Flo Technologies connect to homes' water lines and track usage. If the systems sense more water than usual is flowing through the pipes, they send an alert through their apps – after all, it could just be a long shower. But if something really seems off kilter, the monitors will automatically shut off water.
Flo used CES to launch its newest sensor, a raindrop-shaped device that looks like a smoke alarm and can detect any water or moisture when attached to toilets, washers or other leak-prone areas. Each detector costs $50.
Another option, Phyn, makes a $299 device that hooks up to the pipes under a sink and measures changes in water pressure.
TRACKING THE ELDERLY
What are your grandparents up to? Startups are pitching a way to keep an eye on the elderly from afar.
The new sensors can tell if a loved one has moved around and eaten – for instance, by detecting when the fridge is opened.
The efforts come as the U.S. government expects adults over 65 to outnumber children for the first time by 2034.
“We want to enable loved ones to live on their own,” said Ryan Herd, founder of Caregiver Smart Solutions.
Caregiver's sensors track the elderly through motion detection, though the product can also tell if someone has showered by measuring humidity. Another company, CarePredict, has a wrist-worn device that can detect falls and alert caregivers. It also tracks how much the person has moved around and what rooms they're spending most of their time in.
Tracking isn't cheap. CarePredict's device, for instance, costs $450, plus a $70 monthly fee.
Neither company uses cameras, so you'll need something else if you want to peer into your grandparents' homes. Just keep in mind that if you can check video on an app, so might a skilled hacker.
GADGETS FOR YOUR EAR
Nearly 67 million wireless earbuds are expected to be sold this year, according to projections by organizers of this week's CES gadget show in Las Vegas. That's up 35% from 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing categories in consumer tech.
According to the organizers, the Consumer Technology Association, much of the growth will come from Apple's AirPods and Samsung's Galaxy Buds, both of which play music and take calls without any wires. But others are vying for your ear canal, too. Amazon started selling its own buds late last year, and Microsoft plans to have one in 2020.
Also popular: smartwatches, fitness trackers and other devices that track and monitor your health. The CTA expects 64 million health devices to be sold this year, the first time the group has counted the category.
Smartphones and TVs will see slower growth. Both are expected to rise just 2%.
Overall, revenue in the U.S. consumer tech industry is expected to grow 4% to $422 billion, the CTA said. But the group warned that its numbers could change significantly if the trade war with China escalates or if tariffs are expanded. Much of the world's electronics are put together in China, and the CTA has said that steeper tariffs could hurt the industry by making gadgets more expensive for consumers.
––– AP's CES coverage: https://apnews.com/Consumerelectronics
Cougars Champions of Character
Submitted by Timothy Hess
The following Newark Memorial High School athletes were recognized as Champions of Character by their teammates this week:
Girls Basketball:
Nedda Lulu
Grace Hunt
Boys Soccer:
Muhammed Ahmed
Angelo Gomez
Gala to honor community movers and shakers
Submitted by Kim Huggett
Paul and Pat Hodges of Hodges Realty have been named the 30th Hayward Chamber of Commerce Businesspeople of the Year. The pair will be honored at the 76th Annual Chamber Awards Gala set for Saturday, February 8 at California State University, East Bay in Hayward.
The Hodges both graduated from Hayward high schools and California State University, East Bay. Their community volunteerism includes coaching, teaching, service on boards such as the PTA, service as chamber ambassadors, their profession as realtors, and working in support of bonds and legislation on behalf of schools and parks.
In 1982 the couple established Hodges Realty. They are members of the Bay East Association of Realtors® and both have served on the professional standards and grievance committees. Pat Hodges has also served on the association’s board of directors. In addition, each has been honored as volunteers of the year by the Hayward Education Foundation.
Paul Hodges serves on the elected board of directors of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, and Pat has served on the Hayward Unified School District Personnel Commission and the board of directors of the Hayward Area Historical Society.
Also being honored at the event:
- Educator of the Year: Lisa Tess, principal at Winton Middle School
- Firefighter of the Year: Captain Jeff Dimick, Hayward Fire Department
- Police Officer of the Year: Erik Dadej, Hayward Police Department
Advance tickets to attend the 6:00 p.m. banquet program are $175 per person or $1,600 for a table for eight. Event sponsorships are also available. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit the Hayward Chamber of Commerce website at www.hayward.org or email Kim Huggett at kimh@Hayward.org or call (510) 537-2424.
Chamber Awards Gala
Saturday, Feb 8
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Business banquet awards
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward
(510) 537-2424
www.hayward.org
Advance tickets: $175 and up
Lady Cougars Edge Huskies
Submitted by Timothy Hess
Junior guard Samantha Armas made one of two free-throws with 2.2 seconds left in the Mission Valley Athletic League contest on January 10th to give the Newark Memorial Varsity Lady Cougars a 51-50 victory over Washington High School (Fremont). Samantha Armas and Rylee Sarasua each scored 13-points, with Tali Fa'i adding 9-points, and Hannah Cabrera contributing two important three-point field goals in the second half.
The Lady Cougars JV Team lost to the Huskies JV squad in a hard-fought contest.
Water company pleads guilty to hazardous waste violations
AP Wire Service
LOS ANGELES (AP), Jan 09 – A California company that produces Crystal Geyser bottled water pleaded guilty Thursday to illegally storing and transporting hazardous waste and agreed to a $5 million fine, federal prosecutors said.
The waste was produced by filtering arsenic out of Sierra Nevada spring water at CG Roxane LLC's facility in Owens Valley, authorities said.
The company entered the pleas to one count of unlawful storage of hazardous waste and one count of unlawful transportation of hazardous material, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
The office said the $5 million fine was included in a recently filed plea agreement.
The U.S. Attorney's Office statement noted that the investigation focused on handling, storage and transportation of CG Roxane's wastewater, “not the safety or quality of CG Roxane's bottled water.“
U.S. District Judge S. James Otero scheduled a sentencing hearing for Feb. 24. A call to a telephone listing for the company facility was not answered Thursday.
Prosecutors say the company used sand filters to reduce the concentration of naturally occurring arsenic in the spring water to meet federal drinking water standards.
“To maintain the effectiveness of the sand filters, CG Roxane back-flushed the filters with a sodium hydroxide solution, which generated thousands of gallons of arsenic-contaminated wastewater,“ the office said.
CG Roxane was accused of discharging the wastewater into a manmade pond for about 15 years.
Pond sampling by local water quality officials in 2013 found arsenic concentrations above the hazardous waste limit, as did subsequent sampling by state authorities and the company, prosecutors said.
State officials instructed the company to remove the pond but that was done by two hired companies without identifying the wastewater as hazardous material, resulting in 23,000 gallons (87,064 liters) being discharged into a sewer without proper treatment, prosecutors said.
The two companies were charged along with CG Roxane in 2018 and await a trial set for April.
New Opportunities in the New Year to Earn Money, Help Your Community
By Supervisor Dave Cortese
Happy New Year!
In Santa Clara County, there are many opportunities to volunteer your time and energy to help others. And I thank all of you volunteers who make Santa Clara County a better place.
As we begin a new year, I’m going to tell you about two opportunities to volunteer and be paid for your efforts. Two important and historic events are happening in 2020 and you can be a part of them.
For the first time, Santa Clara County voters will participate in the Voters Choice Act, which is aimed at making the voting experience easier if you vote in person or by mail. Instead of being assigned a precinct, you will be able to vote at any of the 100 Vote Centers set up throughout the County. And you can vote by mail as early as February 3.
The Registrar of Voters will need about 2,000 workers at the Vote Centers and performing other duties leading up to and during the Primary Election in March and the General Election in November. You can learn more about Voters Choice and how to get sign up for one of the jobs at sccgov.org. Of course, the best thing you can do in any election is to cast your ballot in whatever way you choose.
Also, in 2020, the U.S. Census will be conducted to help ensure that everyone in our community is counted. The results of the Census are used to determine the number and boundaries of congressional districts, state legislative districts and county boards and council seats. The numbers also help determine how big a share the county will get of the $675 billion in federal programs for schools, roads, hospitals and other services. So, it’s very important that the population of Santa Clara County is accurately reflected.
The U.S. Census Bureau will need to hire hundreds of thousands of workers throughout the country, including in Santa Clara County, to help with this massive undertaking. The temporary positions pay well and have flexible hours. The County website, sccgov.org also has a page on the 2020 Census with links to applications.
You can also be linked to this information for both events by visiting my webpage at supervisorcortese.org.
Please consider one or both opportunities in the coming year. Besides the pay, you’ll be contributing to your community and to our democracy in very meaningful ways. The Census determines how many representatives we can have, and the elections determine who those representatives will be. Being a part of those fundamental decisions should be considered a privilege.
For questions or comments, please call my office at 408-299-5030 or email me at dave.cortese@bos.sccgov.org.
Share the Spirit grant helps local volunteers
Submitted by Sherry Higgs and Deasy Lai
Drivers For Survivors (DFS) is pleased to announce it has received a $2,000 grant from Share the Spirit East Bay. These funds will support the (DFS) volunteer companion driver program. Drivers For Survivors is a volunteer driver program that offers a door-through-door service for ambulatory clients who are either diagnosed with cancer or have suspicious findings. We provide not only transportation, but also the companionship element that presents essential support, stress relief and therapeutic presence to allow cancer patients to focus on their health and required treatments.
The funds will be used for Drivers For Survivors’ 7th Annual Volunteer Training & Appreciation Luncheon on February 7, 2020 at Massimo’s Fremont. Our volunteers are the most important element in providing service for cancer patients in need.
To learn more about DFS, contact (510) 896-8056 or www.driversforsurvivors.org.
Enjoy the happy sounds of Dixieland jazz
Submitted by John Soulis
A lively afternoon of toe-tapping live music is on tap when the 13th Annual “Youth Dixieland Jazz Band Festival” returns to Fremont. The event starts at 12 noon Saturday, January 18 at Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace in the Meadow Square shopping center on Blacow Road at Grimmer Boulevard in the Irvington district.
Performers include:
12:00 noon: Jazz Raptors, Creekside Ranch Middle School
1:00 p.m.: Dixie Dominus, Fremont Christian High School
2:00 p.m.: Roberto Alfaro’s All Festival Jammers
3:00 p.m.: The New Traditionalists, Sacramento Traditional Jazz Foundation
4:00 p.m.: Jazzinators, East Bay Traditional Jazz Society
Admission is free; pizza and beverages will be available for purchase. Donations to each band are welcome to help them purchase music and additional equipment.
Dixieland Jazz Festival
Saturday, Jan 18
12 noon – 5 p.m.
Live Dixieland, swing music
Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace
41200 Blacow Rd., Fremont
(510) 657-0243
Dear EarthTalk: There are so many eco-labels out there these days. How can I tell which ones are valid and not just “greenwashing”?
– Penny Rasmussen, Calumet, Minnesota
With countless products now available labelled as “eco-friendly,” “safe for the environment” or “organic,” it’s hard to know which ones are actually good for the planet. Many are legitimate, but lots of others feature deceptive or unsubstantiated claims. And even the legitimate labels vary a lot in meaning. Truly valid ecolabels are awarded by independent third parties, not the companies who sell products on which they’re featured. These days many companies are placing misleading claims and nonsense labels on their products to create the illusion of environmental friendliness, a practice known as “greenwashing.”
Third parties, on the other hand, require that products meet certain specific criteria before granting the right to display their eco-label. When we know they are trustworthy, eco-labels can serve as a potent means for altering consumer behavior in a way that benefits the environment.
There are some common eco-labels that we can vouch for given decades of trustworthy certifications. The U.S. government’s ENERGY STAR label identifies products, devices and appliances that meet stringent energy efficiency standards. If you buy an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher, you know you’re saving energy (and money) versus other models that don’t qualify.
Another trustworthy eco-label seen often on coffee, fruits, tea, paper or furniture is “Rainforest Alliance Certified,” a designation for foods and building materials sustainably sourced from tropical rainforests. The non-profit Rainforest Alliance runs this program in part by vetting producers throughout the tropics.
If you like to know the products you buy are sourced sustainably by workers who were not exploited and were paid a living wage, look for the “Fair Trade Certified” label. Almost a million workers across 45 different countries currently benefit from the sourcing or production of Fair-Trade items.
Meanwhile, the “Certified Organic” label signifies that a food contains at least 95% organic ingredients. Plant-based foods bearing this label have not been treated with petroleum-based fertilizers or conventional pesticides and have not been genetically modified. You can rest assured that any “Certified Organic” animal products you consume have not been treated with antibiotics or growth hormones and were fed organic feed and allowed access to the outdoors. And any products labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients” contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
Some other trustworthy labels include LEED, GreenSeal, FSC-Certified, Salmon-Safe, WaterSense and Non-GMO Project Verified. If the label in question isn’t mentioned above, it might be worth investigating. Sharing what you know about eco-labels, whether by word-of-mouth or via social networks, is a fantastic way of helping the environment. As awareness grows, those you have enlightened will be able to exert an ever-greater positive force upon the market.
EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions: question@earthtalk.org.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
The East Bay Regional Park District will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday January 20, with a day of service at the Oakland park named in the civil rights icon’s honor. From 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, volunteers will gather at MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline to assist the staff with shoreline litter cleanup, restoration work and invasive plant removal. Registration is required.
Children ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and groups require at least one chaperone for every 20 kids. Check-in and registration begin at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. To reduce plastic use, please bring a refillable water bottle and a bucket to pick up litter. For registration and information, contact volunteers@ebparks.org or call (888) 327-2757, Option 2. Heavy rain cancels the event.
One of the Sunday Strolls series is scheduled at MLK Jr. Shoreline from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Sunday, January 19. It’s a flat, four-mile walk to look for migratory birds, discuss future park plans, and explore lesser-known sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Meet at the Tidewater Staging Area off Tidewater Avenue in Oakland. For details, call (510) 544-3187.
Speaking of volunteers, Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda is offering a three-session training course for docents. The course covers Bay ecology, natural and cultural history, and basic interpretive skills. Upon completion, docents may help the center’s staff interpreters with school programs, special events, welcoming visitors, and gardening, at the center or nearby regional parks that the center also serves.
The three classes are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25, and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29. Volunteer docents must be 18 or older; no experience is necessary. For information and registration, call (510) 544-3182 or email docents.crabcove@ebparks.org.
Ladybugs (formally ladybird beetles) are having their winter convention at Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. Naturalist Susan Ramos will lead an easy walk from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 18 to see the ladybugs. Meet Ramos at the park’s Canyon Meadows Staging Area, which is at the end of the road leading into the park from Redwood Road, about 2 miles east of the intersection with Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. No dogs on this walk, please. For information, call (510) 544-3187.
The district board has renamed the park Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Dr. Reinhardt was one of five original Regional Park District Board members, and the first female director. A graduate of UC Berkeley, she earned a Ph.D. from Yale. When elected to the park board, she was president of Mills College. Dr. Reinhardt was a longtime advocate on behalf of human rights and environmental preservation.
Besides ladybugs, newts are on the march during the rainy season. The little salamanders migrate to ponds and streams to reproduce. Naturalist “Trail Gail” Broesder will lead a newt and frog safari from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 19, in the Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. Meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Central Park Drive, accessible via Canon Drive from Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. For details, call (510) 544-2233.
Birds are the word at Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, where naturalist Virginia Delgado-Martinez will lead a bird-watching walk around the reservoir from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, January 18. The walk is for ages 5 and older. Meet at the boat launch ramp. Contra Loma is at the end of Frederickson Lane off Golf Course Road. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 2750.
There are recurring programs every weekend at park district visitor centers. For complete listings, visit www.ebparks.org.
Editorial
Adding sound
Tri-City Voice is adding another component to its coverage of the cities and communities of the southeast bay area. Readers of Tri-City Voice will now be able to listen to selected and unique content in a brief podcast format. Our podcast will debut with this issue of Tri-City Voice. A work in progress, we are open to hearing from our readers – and now listeners – about the type of information that will be of interest. Our podcast producer, Andrew Cavette, will be traveling throughout the Tri-City Voice area to interview people of interest and expand on articles written for the print and web edition.
Catch the first edition of our podcast at:
https://radiopublic.com/tri-city-voice-podcast-WkaZBm
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tri-city-voice-podcast/id1493833001
https://radiopublic.com/tri-city-voice-podcast-WkaZBm.
Let us know what you think; constructive criticism is always welcome. Advertising opportunities are available as well.
No excuses… vote!
The California primary election has been moved to early March. Tri-City Voice will continue its tradition of publishing brief candidate statements and contact information for our readers. Since we believe voting is not only a right of U.S. citizens but an obligation and privilege to ensure that our democracy continues and strengthens. Tri-City Voice does not screen candidates nor give recommendations since it is our philosophy that each voter should make the effort to understand the issues and listen to candidates to make informed and enlightened choices.
Although some voting procedures are not new, California has modified its primary election rules to allow the top two candidates, without regard to party affiliation, to advance to the general election in November. Party labels are just that… labels. A party designation following a name on a ballot does not necessarily reveal the character or trustworthiness of a candidate. Endorsements can be a guide, but are the judgement of a single person or an interested group, not necessarily the best choice for all voters. Strive to be a critical and astute voter.
Ranked choice voting is now beginning to take hold and, although not common in our area yet, is not a new concept; it was created in the United States in 1870 by an MIT professor. Abroad, it is a common practice in many countries including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Malta, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Allowing voters to assign a ranking to candidates creates an “instant runoff” that combines votes for alternate choices if the top ranked choice is eliminated. Among our cities, San Leandro has embraced ranked choice for its local elections. In 2019, a bill to extend ranked choice voting throughout California met with opposition – and a veto – from the governor’s office with the explanation that the results are too confusing for voters.
Early voting and vote by mail has become commonplace and alleviates the all-or-nothing procedures of the past. With the advent of more flexible options, there is no reason to avoid or excuse voter absence. In the recent past, close elections have emphasized the value of a single vote so the justification that a personal vote has no meaning, is a fraudulent argument. Each and every person who has the right to vote should willingly and wholeheartedly vote. Non-voters have no excuse.
LOOK, LISTEN, LEARN AND VOTE!
The Edwardian Ball
Submitted by Karin Conn
Photos by Marco Sanchez
PARADOX Media & Vau de Vire proudly present “The Edwardian Ball 20th Anniversary Weekend.” Born in the darkened hallows of a San Francisco nightclub, this multi-night, multimedia extravaganza has grown over the past two decades into an internationally acclaimed festival of the arts, presenting a uniquely immersive and wonderful Edwardian world. The weekend celebrates the art and stories of legendary artist and illustrator Edward Gorey, with the blessing of the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.
The Edwardian Ball is an elegant and whimsical celebration of art, live music, riveting theatre, fashion, literature, ballroom dancing, DJs, circus spectacular, and technology new & old. Set in a romanticized, gilded and gentile Neo-Victorian and Edwardian-era, gothic and steampunk-tinged distant past intertwines with an elegantly imagined future.
This milestone year shall commence with our esteemed Edwardian World’s Faire, our Friday night celebration of art, science, history, puzzles, games, mechanical creations, and interactive installations. In honor of this year's featured Gorey story, “The Lost Lions,” our World’s Faire expo floor will explore the wilds, the savannah, and jungles of the world, in elegant step with the birds and the beasts of the Edwardian landscape. The Expo will also feature a retrospective look at our twenty years of endeavors in our fine City by the Bay, and how we’ve come to the place we are in San Francisco's quirky and vibrant subcultural history.
On Saturday, come during the day for the Edwardian Ball Vendor Bazaar, which for over 14 years has painstakingly and lovingly presented over 50 carefully curated, artisan vendors. Enjoy unfettered access to their creative delights – including fashion, haberdashery, accessories, oddities, and more – without the hubbub of the nighttime events. If you’re looking for vintage fashion, ballroom formal, vaudeville theatrical, circus, gothic, retro, elegant, Victorian, Edwardian, romantic, gilded and gentile or mystical and nonsensical, if bizarrely beautiful is what you seek, you’ll find it within the Vendor Bazaar.
Edward Gorey’s art and sensibilities come alive on Saturday evening, with special programming devoted to the macabre work of the writer and illustrator, set in our reimagined Edwardian era (1901-1910). A bona fide institution, The Edwardian Ball is presented by co-hosts Rosin Coven and Vau de Vire Society. Ballroom dancing leads way to stunning performances both on and offstage in a collage of fashion, theatre, music, circus performance, and dance and pure decadence. This night also features an original stage performance of “The Lost Lions.”
Co-producer/founder of the Edwardian Ball, Justin Katz enjoys being involved in both the planning and performance aspects of the event. Originally from Walnut Creek, Katz dreamed up the idea for the Ball in 1999 with his musical ensemble Rosin Coven, and he has overseen the event each year since. But he joins in the fun too: “When Saturday night arrives, I slip into a Gorey-inspired costume, pick up my bass, and hit the stage to bring bizarre theatre to a Ballroom of elegant Edwardians!”
Katz welcomes all to experience the event’s unique world: “The Edwardian Ball is a magnificent blend…mixed with equal parts spirit, costume, and character created by those that attend. When you step through the Ballroom doors you will be instantly transported into a fantastical, playful, elegant, and inclusive Edwardian world like no other.”
Admission Friday or Saturday night includes access to the Grand Ballroom, Vendor Bazaar, Museum of Wonders, and all performances, time period inspired hot food menu, full bar & absinthe bar for 21+. Limited, non-reservable seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets to the bazaar can be purchased separately.
Edwardian Ball
Friday, Jan 24 – Saturday, Jan 25
Edwardian World’s Faire
Friday, Jan 24
8 p.m.
$25 – $180
Vendor Bazaar – Daytime Shopping
Saturday, Jan 25
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$5
20th Annual Edwardian Ball
Saturday, Jan 25
8 p.m.
$85 – $250
Regency Ballroom
1300 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Flower Exhibition
Submitted by Milpitas City Library
Sensei Kika Shibata (Riji) and her students welcome you to our 2020 annual flower show. The newly-certified teachers and the recently-promoted senior teachers will demonstrate their technical skills and marvelous design in their beautiful arrangements. This is the time for congratulations and celebrations of our achievements. All students, families and friends are welcome to join us on January 18th and 19th.
Demonstrations will be from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Flower Exhibition
Saturday, Jan 18 – Sunday, Jan 19
Sat: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Milpitas City Library auditorium
160 N. Main St., Milpitas
(408) 348-3562
Fremont Flute Concert
Submitted by Vivien Tay
Fremont Flute Ensemble (FFE), a nonprofit organization, will host a winter concert on Saturday, January 18. Featured works will include Petite Symphonie, Le Cid (Ballet Suite), Petite Suite, Birdland, Whistle While You Work, Under the Big Top and Traffic Jam. John Shao Jiang Huang is the music director and Luna Chang is the assistant conductor of the event.
Fremont Flute Ensemble Winter Concert
Saturday, Jan 18
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 565-6638
Admission is free
Honoring Chinese American Veterans of WWII
Submitted by Jordan Yee
On Saturday, January 25, the public is invited to be part of an important public history event that will showcase the pending Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded by Congress. A national ceremony will be held in early 2020 to recognize the 20,000 Chinese Americans who served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. These veterans served with honor and heroism despite endemic racism and prejudice.
Two keynote speakers from the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.) will explain the history and significance of the campaign to pass congressional legislation approving the medal. A citizen panel will tell the personal experiences of their WWII Chinese American veteran relatives.
A workshop will follow the film screening during which audience members may receive help locating documentation and scanning documents that can meet the registration requirements for the CAWW2 project medals.
For more information, email Jordan Yee at chineseamww2vets@outlook.com. For more information about the C.A.C.A. Chinese American Veterans recognition project and to apply for one of the limited free medal replicas, visit https://www.caww2.org. For details about the event, call the library at (510) 745-1400 or visit https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5811923?hs=a.
A Salute to Chinese American WWII Veterans
Saturday, Jan 25
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5811923?hs=a
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Tuesday, January 7
- At 1:07 a.m. patrol officers responded to the Mosaic Apartments on Fremont Boulevard on a report of a man wearing a hoodie breaking into cars. As officers arrived a Mercedes fled in one direction and a Honda CRV in another. The Honda CRV was believed to be stolen and officers had been searching for it earlier in the shift. The officer pursuing the Mercedes could not determine how many suspects were inside. The pursuit ended due to unsafe driving conditions on southbound I-880 in the area of Auto Mall Parkway. The driver of the stolen CRV, later identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, led officers on a pursuit through Fremont, Union City and Hayward. A Pursuit Intervention Technique was used which disabled the car. The juvenile then ran, but he was soon arrested on multiple counts along with a 19-year-old passenger. San Jose Police Department also responded and are investigating whether the two were involved in crimes in their city. Approximately 30 vehicles in the Sundale area sustained damage from these suspects with 14 reports taken at the Mosaic Apartments and several others in the area of Bidwell Drive. Most vehicle owners reported no loss of valuables but had shattered car windows.
- At 10:55 p.m. patrol officers responded to a report about an assault with a deadly weapon in the parking lot of the Spin-A-Yarn Restaurant on the 45900 block of Warm Springs Blvd. Arriving officers found a female who had been shot in the leg. She told officers she was with another person in the parking lot when the shooting occurred but could not provide a description of the suspect or additional details. She was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Fremont Police Dispatch Center at (510) 790-6800, extension 3 or the Investigations unit at (510) 790-6900.
Wednesday, January 8
- At 9:17 p.m. officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area of Auto Mall Parkway and Christy Street. A patrol officer spotted the vehicle traveling northbound on I-880; additional officers notified the CHP and followed. When the vehicle approached the 238 interchange near Castro Valley, officers tried to make a traffic stop, but the driver sped eastbound on 238 for about two miles, then turned off at the westbound I-580 exit and collided with a cement guardrail but continued on. Eventually the CHP located the unoccupied car under the 580 overpass. Officers from Alameda County Sheriff’s Office located two suspects with injuries nearby on Foothill Drive A 36-year-old man refused medical treatment at the scene and was found to have two active arrest warrants. He was taken to a hospital, medically cleared and then booked on his warrants at Santa Rita Jail. The driver of the car, a 19-year-old woman, was taken via ambulance and admitted to a hospital with major injuries. Officers are submitting charges to the District Attorney’s office that the woman be booked for possession of a stolen vehicle, and evading police once she is released from the hospital.
- At 10:20 p.m. officers responded to a report about a home invasion robbery on the 4700 block of Selkirk Street in the Sundale neighborhood near Stevenson Boulevard. Four males had reportedly broken a sliding glass door shortly after 10 p.m. and confronted an elderly couple inside their home. The suspects ransacked the home and fled with property and valuables. The couple was not injured. The suspects were described as Hispanic or black males in their late teens or early 20s wearing hoodies. Police detectives are investigating the case and asking that anyone who might have witnessed the event or have neighborhood surveillance video to call them at (510) 790-6900 or text an anonymous tip to Tip FremontPD followed by a short message to 888-777.
Futsal Training
Submitted by NorCal Rush Soccer
Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided soccer game played across the world, officially recognized by both FIFA and UEFA. Local kids have the chance to participate in training for this sport at Centerville Junior High School in Fremont, starting January 19, 2020.
Futsal earned the status of FIFA’s official form of indoor soccer in the 1980s as it was recognized as a scaled down version of the outdoor sport. It is a 5 v 5 small-sided game played on a hard surfaced, basketball sized court with a smaller, low bounce ball. Futsal is played with touchline boundaries and without walls. Its emphasis on technical skill in high pressure situations can be translated into the outdoor game. The sport is a great skill developer as it demands quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing.
Futsal is played in 100 countries, and by 12 million players. Great soccer superstars such as Pele, Zico, Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka and Katia grew up playing the game and credit futsal with developing their skills.
Futsal:
- Allows players to frequently touch the ball.
- Presents many opportunities to score goals and score goals often.
- Encourages regaining possession of the ball as a productive, fun and rewarding part of the game (defending).
- Maximizes active participation and minimizes inactivity and boredom.
- Reflects the philosophy of player development expressed in state and national coaching schools.
- Eliminates complicated rules such as off-sides that may hinder youngsters from playing.
Nor Cal Rush Winter Futsal program is open to all players that have an interest in developing their skills in a fast, intense environment. All trainings will be led by Nor Cal Rush Technical director and, Former England Youth National Team Player, Kyle Valentine. Top players will be selected to represent Rush Soccer at the US Futsal Regional in San Jose, California March 27 – 29, 2020.
Registration is ongoing, but spots fill up quickly. Space is limited to 12 players per age group division. Register online at https://www.norcalrushsoccer.com.
Futsal Training
Sunday, Jan 19 – Saturday, Mar 21
Cost: $275
Centerville Junior High School
37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 825-4767
https://www.norcalrushsoccer.com
Weaves of skills, brilliance and beauty at Olive Hyde Art Gallery
Submitted by Radhika Sharma
Modest and charming, Ginger Summit is a true master artist. Her interest in handicrafts started from a very young age in large part from observing her mother creating beautiful things from fabrics. From simple beginnings such as making outfits for her dolls, to weaving, spinning, knitting and her current focus, felting, her extremely skilled repertoire encompasses a full range of crafting. On January 22, Summit will display her work in a free program at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont.
A retired Special Education teacher, Summit has an impressive depth of felting knowledge. “People will notice,” says Summit, “that when wool or knitted clothing are cycled through the washer or dryer, the fabric shrinks. This is because the scales of fiber shafts have bonded together.” (Polyester, nylon and silks lack scales and do not bind when wet.)
The process of felting fabric is similar, she notes, to the process just described. Felting was the first technique used to bind fibers together to create a soft mat which could be used for utilitarian or decorative purposes. Two common techniques to bind wet wool are to use warm soapy water or barbed needles to control the process of tangling or matting the fabrics.
For those in possession of felt objects and creations, Summit adds a note of caution for their storage. “Remember that moths find felt delicious and therefore it is best to use moth balls, moth repellent dryer pads, sprays or to simply keep airing and shaking your clothes and felt creations.”
The types of creations that Summit makes vary by setting. She has made innumerable home décor items, wall hangings, rugs, hats, shawls, and a variety of other items as requested. Scarves are a favorite. “Making scarves is fun! They are easy, quick and good to give as gifts!”
Although she is mostly self-taught, Summit’s advice to beginning artists is to find sources of instruction – teachers and books and to ensure that they receive the right guidance. While Summit is a master artist with expertise in several forms including gourd craft, on which topic she has authored eight books, it is felting that remains the closest to her heart. “Several crafts,” she notes, “require large investments of materials and time…In contrast, felting is easy and accessible.”
A weaving guild member who enjoys exploring felting techniques with friends, Summit is currently immersed in creating, teaching and exhibiting her felt work. She also teaches child and adult classes on felting. Her upcoming visit to the Olive Hyde Art Guild is much anticipated!
To learn more about Ginger Summit and her work visit: http://www.summitfiberarts.com/
Ginger Summit
Wednesday, Jan 22
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Olive Hyde Art Gallery Mission Room
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
olivehydeartguild.org
U.S. court rules Kentucky man can get ‘IM GOD' license plate
AP Wire Service
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP), Nov 14 – A federal court is allowing a Kentucky man to personalize a license plate with the phrase “IM GOD” after a three-year legal battle over the custom engraving.
Court documents show Ben Hart, a self-identified atheist, set out to get the Kentucky plate in 2016. But Hart's request was denied by the state transportation department on the basis it violated antidiscrimination guidelines. News outlets report similar plates had been approved before, including “TRYGOD“ and “NOGOD.“
Kentucky's American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation got involved to help Hart challenge the decision. In an opinion Wednesday by a U.S. District Court in Frankfort, the judge ruled “vanity plates” are private speech protected by the First Amendment and that the state had violated Hart's rights by denying him the plate.
Homicide Investigation
Submitted by Hayward PD
On January 12, 2020, at about 5:23 a.m. our officers responded to a shooting that occurred in the 1800 block of Osage Avenue. Upon arrival, we located a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics responded, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. The identity of the victim is being withheld until we can properly notify his family. Anyone with information related to this homicide is asked to call 510-293-7176. This is Hayward’s 1st homicide of 2020. The Hayward PD case number is 2020-2542.
Honor Roll
Troy University, Alabama
Fall 2019 graduate
- Anne Gachui, Hayward
Hyundai Ioniq Electric: Easy to Live With
By Steve Schaefer
As the electric car market grows, Hyundai is quietly, determinedly, building a wider assortment of choices. The Ioniq is the brand’s direct competition with the ubiquitous Toyota Prius, and comes as a hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, or pure electric. You can identify the electric vehicle (EV) by its big black grilleless nose, unique headlamps and taillamps, and its own custom alloy wheels.
My Black Noir Pearl test car was the all-electric model. Since its debut as a 2017, it has made the case for how easy an EV is to live with. Not as outlandishly styled as the Prius, it employs the same teardrop shape and clever wind-cheating tricks to get an aerodynamic 0.24 cd, slipping smoothly through the air.
The Ioniq EV’s 88 kW motor equates to just 118 horsepower, but with a generous 218 lb.-ft. of torque, the 3,285-pound EV scoots along fine in traffic and never leaves you feeling frustrated. Hyundai brags that the Ioniq EV is the “most efficient electric vehicle sold in America,” at 136 MPGe Combined (150 City, 122 Highway). Compare that to other EVs, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, at 119 MPGe Combined and the new Nissan Leaf at 108 MPGe.
Range is a big issue with EVs, and that’s where the Ioniq EV isn’t ideal. It has 124 miles of range, which is plenty for nearly everything most people do. But, if you want to travel 350 miles at the holidays to visit your aunt in the next state, you’d better plan to take a couple of long rest stops. At least the Ioniq comes with standard DC fast charging.
The Ioniq’s 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery is under the rear seat, so it doesn’t intrude that much on cargo space – you get a useful 23 cubic feet. The polymer in the battery means it’s easier to shape to fit in specific areas. The range math is easy to do: a Chevrolet Bolt has a 60-kWh battery and earns an EPA range of 238 miles vs. 124 for the 28 kWh Ioniq EV.
As an all-electric vehicle, the Ioniq Electric gets perfect 10’s from the EPA for Smog and Greenhouse Gas. With electricity much cheaper than gas, you’ll spend only about $500 a year on fuel.
One way that electric vehicles extend range is by regenerative braking. In most EVs, you can have either a lot of regeneration or none. Having it “on” means you can slow down and sometimes even stop without using the brake pedal. In the Ioniq Electric, as with other Hyundai and sister Kia EVs, you can set regeneration to four levels, from 0 to 3, with 3 being the strongest.
There are two trim levels – Base and Limited. My tester, as a Limited, enjoyed the benefits of everything from chrome outside moldings to HID headlights, a power sunroof, a heat pump (great in an electric car), 10-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, BlueLink Guidance Package, fancy door sill plates, and a premium eight-speaker Infinity audio system.
Besides the luxury and convenience stuff, the Limited includes a package of electronic features that make it a much safer ride. These include blind spot detection with rear traffic alert (this feature has saved me numerous times over the last few years), automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane keep assist (noisy, but keeps you in your lane). You also get the convenience of smart cruise control (not available on any Bolt EV) and headlights with dynamic bending light that can “see around corners.” And don’t forget about driver attention warning to keep you aware.
The mechanicals are the same in Base and Limited, and the Base still has loads of fine features, so if you can manage with less, you can save a cool six grand. The Base car starts at $31,200 while the Limited is $37,200. Both prices include shipping, and both qualify for California rebates and federal tax credits, so the actual price could be as much as $10,000 less if you buy.
Hyundai now offers the small Kona crossover as an EV, the Sonata large midsize sedan as a plug-in hybrid, and even the all-new Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It’s a pretty impressive lineup, and you get the advantage of style directed by the former Audi chief designer, Peter Schreyer. Hyundais are better looking than Audis these days.
Built in Ulsan, Korea of 91 percent Korean parts, the Ioniq Electric is well designed and well made, as the brand picks up good stats in the J.D. Power surveys for initial quality. For 2018, Hyundai came in third, ahead of Porsche and just behind siblings Kia and Genesis. Other than its limited range, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t live happily with a Hyundai Ioniq Electric.
IKEA to pay $46M in boy's dresser tipover death, lawyers say
AP Wire Service
PHILADELPHIA (AP), Jan 06 – IKEA has agreed to pay $46 million to the parents of a 2-year-old boy who died of injuries suffered when a 70-pound (32-kilogram) recalled dresser tipped over onto him, the family's lawyers said Monday.
Jozef Dudek, of Buena Park, California, died in 2017 of his injuries, and his parents sued the Swedish home furnishings company in a Philadelphia court in 2018.
In the lawsuit, the Dudeks accused IKEA of knowing that its Malm dressers posed a tip-over hazard and that they had injured or killed a number of children, but that the company had failed to warn consumers that the dressers shouldn't be used without being anchored to a wall. The dresser was recalled in 2016, according to the suit.
The settlement also requires IKEA to meet with the advocacy organization, Parents Against Tip-overs, and broaden its outreach to consumers about the recall of IKEA dressers, according to the Dudek's lawyers, Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig.
The Dudek family will donate $1 million from the settlement to organizations that advocate for more rigorous stability testing for dressers, they said.
In a statement, IKEA said it offered its deepest condolences and is working to address “this very important home safety issue,” including offering consumer education and safety workshops and working to make safer products.
“While no settlement can alter the tragic events that brought us here, for the sake of the family and all involved, we're grateful that this litigation has reached a resolution,” it said.
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Monday – Friday, Dec 6 – Jan 17
Veterans Art Project Exhibit
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Art projects created by veterans and their partners
John O’Lague Galleria
777 B St., Hayward
(510) 538-2787
Fridays, Jan 3 – Jan 31
Toddler Ramble: Is There a Storm Brewing? $
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Kids 1-3 learn about weather through play and exploration
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward
(510) 670-7270
www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html
Saturdays – Sundays, Jan 4 – Jan 26
Monarchs: Pollinator Royalty
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Learn how butterflies affect our surroundings
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturdays – Sundays, Jan 4 – Jan 26
Monarch Spotting
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; 1/12, 1/19 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Use a spotting scope to look for butterflies
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturdays – Sundays, Jan 4 – Jan 26
Nature Crafts
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Discover the natural world through your artistic side
Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3249
www.ebparks.org
Saturdays – Sundays, Jan 4 – Feb 29
Wild Wonders
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Games, activities, crafts for all ages
Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3249
Thursday – Sunday, Jan 7 – Mar 31
Animal Feeding $
3 p.m.
Check for eggs, feed animals hay. Meet at Chicken Coop
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Thursday – Sunday, Jan 11 – Feb 8
Symphony of Color – Abstract 7
12 noon – 5 p.m.
Abstract art exhibit
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
Mondays, Jan 13 – Mar 30
Job Lab
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
One-on-one help for job seekers
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org
Friday – Sunday, Jan 17 – Feb 1
The Wizard of Oz $
Fri – Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2:30 p.m., Sat 2/1: 1 p.m.
Breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs
Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6031
(510) 659-1319
Monday-Friday, Jan 17 – Mar 6
Celebrate Women
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Collaboration of artists, musicians and writers.
Opening reception Friday, 1/24 5:30 p.m.
John O'Lague Galleria
777 B St, Hayward
(510) 538-2787
www.haywardartscouncil.org
Thursday – Saturday, Jan 18 – Feb 1
A.R.T. Inc. Annual Members' Exhibit
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fine art from various local artists
Adobe Art Center
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
www.adobegallery.org
Friday nights
Laugh Track City $
8 p.m.
Fast-paced improv comedy show
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St., Suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
Saturday nights
8 p.m.
Audience-inspired improv play
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St., Suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
THIS WEEK:
Wednesday, Jan 15
Advance Health Care Directives
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Learn how to complete forms, referrals for planning tools, preparedness resources
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org
Wednesday, Jan 15
Grant Workshop
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Learn how to prepare grant applications
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
www.acgov.org/arts
Wednesday, Jan 15
Intro to Freshwater Fishing $
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Learn casting, knot tying, gear and bait selection. Ages 8+
Anthony Chabot Campground and Park
9999 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 690-6677
www.ebparks.org
Thursday, Jan 16
Hayward Nonprofit Alliance
10 a.m.
Emily Chow, Senior Coordinator of Partnerships with CSU East Bay, will talk about the student work force
St. Rose Hospital
27200 Calaroga Ave., Hayward
(510) 264-4044
www.hayward.org
Thursday, Jan 16
East Bay Stompers Band
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dixie, swing and standards music
Bronco Billy’s Pizza – Irvington
41200 Blacow Road, Fremont
(510) 438-0121
(510) 914-7304
Thursday, Jan 16
Maddenii rhododendrons presentation
7:30 p.m.
Learn about the perfect plant for container gardening
Lakeside Park Garden Center,
666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland
Friday, Jan 17
Symphony of Color – Abstract 7: Opening Reception
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Meet the artists, live music, refreshments
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
www.olivehydeartguild.org
Friday, Jan 17
Gadgets & Gizmos
4:15 p.m.
Learn about STEM principles. Ages 7+
Niles Library
150 “I” Street, Fremont
(510) 795-2626
www.aclibrary.org
Friday, Jan 17
Preschool Art at the Library
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Let your imagination run wild with a paintbrush, charcoal, watercolor. Ages 3-5
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
www.aclibrary.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Monarchs For Kids
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 am.
Educational look at butterflies. Ages 3-6
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Plethos Season Announcement Soiree $
8 p.m.
Stand-up comedians, karaoke contest, dancing
Ristorante Di Parma
22532 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
plethos.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Five Senses Nature Walk
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Explore the marshes in all their glory. Ages 4+ with parent
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Canine Capers Walk R
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Hike the park trails with your dog
Garin Regional Park
1320 Garin Ave., Hayward
(510) 582-2206
1-888-327-2757
Saturday, Jan 18
Fifteen Years of Saturday Night Silents $
7:30 p.m.
“Sherlock Jr.”
Niles Essanay Theater
37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 494-1411
www.nilesfilmmuseum.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Eden Area Village Monthly Coffee
9 a.m.
Local seniors keep each other active and engaged in the community
Denica's
2723 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
edenareavillage.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Storytime with the Kiwanis
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Stories for preschool-kindergarten children. Ages 3-5
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
www.aclibrary.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Storytime with Dianne McAlister
11 a.m.
Maybe Winnie the Pooh?
Books on B
1014 B St, Hayward
(510) 538-3943
www.booksonb.com
Saturday, Jan 18
Storytime with Diana Zankowsky
11:30 a.m.
“More More More Said The Baby”
Books on B
1014 B St, Hayward
(510) 538-3943
www.booksonb.com
Saturday, Jan 18
Youth Dixieland Jazz Band Festival
12 noon – 5 p.m.
Jazz Raptors, Dixie Dominus, Roberto Alfaro’s, The New Traditionalists, Jazzinators
Bronco Billy’s Pizza – Irvington
41200 Blacow Road, Fremont
(510) 438-0121
(510) 914-7304
Saturday, Jan 18
A.R.T. Inc. Annual Members' Exhibit Reception
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Refreshments and fine art from various local artists
Adobe Art Center
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
www.adobegallery.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Reach for the Stars! $R
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Women's Council of Realtors Leadership installs new board. Dinner, dancing, raffle
Faz Restaurant & Catering
5121 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton
wcralamedacounty@gmail.com
Saturday, Jan 18
Winter Music Concert
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Fremont Flute Ensemble
Prince of Peace Church
38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 793-3366
www.fremontfluteensemble.org
Saturday, Jan 18
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Program with readings, drumming, dance of peace
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library
150 East San Fernando St., San Jose
www.sjpl.org
Saturday, Jan 18 – Sunday, Jan 19
Flower Exhibition
Sat. 11a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Flower arranging exhibit with live demonstrations
Milpitas Library Auditorium
160 N. Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
(408) 348-3562
Sunday, Jan 19
Puppet Show
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Farmyard puppets perform the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jan 19
Ohlone Village Site Tour
10 a.m. – 12 noon and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
.5 mile walk to a 2,000 year-old Ohlone village site
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jan 19
Bird Walk: On the Lookout for Petty Pilferers $R
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Walk at the shoreline. Ages 12+
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward
(510) 670-7270
www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html
Sunday, Jan 19
Census Bureau Employment Help
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Learn about working for the Census Bureau
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org
Monday, Jan 20
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and March
9:30 a.m.
Music, speeches, and procession
Hayward City Hall Rotunda
777 B St., Hayward
(510) 881-7976
www.hayward-ca.gov
Monday, Jan 20
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
4:30 p.m.
Speeches on civil rights and social justice. Performances from Mt. Eden H.S. Choir and Cherryland Elementary School Drama Club
Chabot Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
(510) 723-6976
www.hayward-ca.gov
Monday, Jan 20
Funny Fiddle $
7:30 p.m.
Comedy and music of Chris Pendleton
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 889-8961
www.cvartsfoundation.org
Monday, Jan 20
MLK, Jr. Oratorical Festival & Poetry Slam
10:30 a.m.
San Leandro students perform
San Leandro Community Center
13909 East 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 577-6080
www.sanleandrorec.org
Monday, Jan 20
John McCutcheon in Concert $
7:30 p.m.
International folksinger
St. James Episcopal Church
37051 Cabrillo Ter., Fremont
(510) 797-1492
Friday, Jan 24
Celebrate Women
5:30 p.m.
Collaboration of artists, musicians and writers. Opening reception
John O'Lague Galleria
777 B St., Hayward
(510) 538-2787
www.haywardartscouncil.org
www.nlapw.org
Country music star comes to Saddle Rack
Submitted by Brandy Reed
Country music artist Josh Ward is coming back to the Saddle Rack in Fremont on Thursday, January 16th. Since the last time he performed in town, he has scored two more #1 hit singles in Texas, making it 12 consecutive #1’s.
“All grit and no quit.” These are the words that Josh Ward lives by to an absolute fault. An anchored mindset that has led this Texas country music rising star from a drifter’s adolescence to the jeopardous game of the rodeo circuit to the punishing toil of the Texas oil fields, and on into the fickle arms of the music business.
Some argue it’s having twelve consecutive #1 hit singles in Texas under his belt that has garnered him staying power, or because he is killing it in the social media world with 16 million combined streams on Spotify and Pandora. Add those with other social platforms and Ward is seeing over 20 million combined streams and views globally. But the reason for his staying power turns out to be simple. It is because Josh Ward is country music blood to bone, and both Josh Ward and country music are simply not going to go away.
Tickets are $15. This event is 21+.
Josh Ward concert
Thursday, Jan 16
9 p.m.
The Saddle Rack
42011 Boscell Rd., Fremont
(510) 979-0477
http://thesaddlerack.com/
Call for artists for Juried Photo Exhibit!
By Arathi Satish
Fremont Cultural Arts Council’s (FCAC) mission is to further and support the practice and enjoyment of the fine arts in the Fremont community. The next popular event co-sponsored by FCAC and the City of Fremont is the “Annual Juried Photo Show.”
The 26th Annual Juried Photography Exhibit for Fremont residents, students, employees of Fremont businesses and members of FCAC and Fremont Photographic Society will be held from March 14 to April 18, 2020. The exhibit opening is planned for Saturday, March 14, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Fremont Main Library. The event is free and open to public, and attendees can vote for their favorite photo for the “People’s Choice” award. Light refreshments will be served. Photographs selected by the panel of judges will be on display on the second floor of the Fremont Main Library. A small entry fee will be used for basic material costs and prize money for the merit award winners.
There are two new exciting changes for the 2020 event. Photographers must submit their entries online, and there is a separate category for students under 25 with separate prizes. Entries by minors under the age of 18 must have the approval of a parent or guardian. Individuals must enter in one category only. The two categories this year are Student Category for entries limited to any full-time student under the age of 25, and Open Category for all other image submissions.
Significant digital image enhancements and modifications are permitted, so long as all important elements appearing in the image are photographic in nature and the creation of the original photographer. Entries must also be acceptable for general viewing. No watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices may be added to images. Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality and effectiveness in conveying beauty or a concept. All printed photos will be displayed at the library and winners will be chosen amongst them.
Visit www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org for sample photos, entry forms, instructions and details. The deadline for digital submissions is by midnight February 7; photographers will be emailed regarding their submission status by February 10. Framed prints should be delivered to Fremont Cultural Arts Council office at 3375 Country Drive, Fremont, CA 94538. Entries can be submitted on Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fee per entry is $6 with a maximum of five entries per person.
For more information contact Exhibit Chairman Rajeev Shankar at (510) 399-3049 or fcacphotoshow2020@gmail.com.
26th Annual Juried Photo Exhibit
Digital submission deadline: Friday, Feb 7, midnight
Days to submit prints:
Saturday, Feb 29; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Mar 1; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pick up prints: Apr 21 and after
Exhibition Dates
Saturday, Mar 14 – Wednesday, Apr 18
Opening: Saturday, Mar 14; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
fcacphotoshow2020@gmail.com
Cougars Junior Varsity slips by Junior Varsity Huskies
Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew
The Newark Memorial Cougars’ Junior Varsity survived a tough battle on January 10th with the Junior Varsity Huskies (Fremont) 47-41. Both teams put up a fight for the lead with no clear decision until late in the game when a Cougars offensive surge in the fourth quarter, sealed the victory.
Folksinger John McCutcheon and Red Tail Ring
Submitted by Bruce Roberts
For an evening of stories, singing and just plain fun join the folks at St. James’ Episcopal Church for John McCutcheon’s 16th annual concert on Monday, January 20. This year McCutcheon will be singing with the talented duo Red Tail Ring.
As a songwriter, folksinger, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist John McCutcheon will put on a show for the whole family to enjoy. He switches from playing guitar to banjo, to piano, to fiddle, to hammer dulcimer and other instruments to fit each song and story. McCutcheon has six Grammy nominations to his credit and has recorded 40 CDs. He teaches songwriting as well, but he’s most at home in live performance; that’s what we will witness at the “Club Saint J” as we call the venue one night a year.
Red Tail Ring, composed of Laurel Premo and Michael Beauchamp, has performed its brand of acoustic roots music since 2009 all over the United States and traveled to Europe to play in the UK and other countries. Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Premo and Beauchamp sing both traditional folk songs and original ballads, accompanying themselves on fiddle, guitar and banjo.
The show will comprise both acts playing solo and together – with some audience participation as well!
Round out the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with John McCutcheon and Red Tail Ring; uplift your spirits with song. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will go to Abode Services, working to end homelessness. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children (under five are free). Call (510)797-1492, Ext. 203 or email events@saintj.com . For more information about John McCutcheon, go to www.folkmusic.com and for Red Tail Ring, www.redtailring.com.
John McCutcheon and Red Tail Ring
Monday, Jan 20
7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7:00 PM
St. James’ Episcopal Church
37051 Cabrillo Terrace, Fremont
(510) 797-1492, ext. 203
Tickets $15 – $30
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Sgt. Kyle Sanchez and Lt. Abbie Serrano, Milpitas PD
Monday, January 6
At about 12:24 a.m. officers responded to a report about two people attempting to break into a van parked on the 70 Block of Mihalakis Street. Arriving officers saw a suspect vehicle, a 2011 Chevy Malibu, leaving the area and made a traffic stop. Two suspects were detained, later identified by police as Jose Orozco, 21, and Guillermo Camacho, 22, both of Oakland. Inside the car, officers found a narcotic smoking pipe and multiple burglary tools. Officers determined that Camacho had used tools to try and break into a work van. A search showed that Orozco was in possession of suspected heroin. He was arrested on attempted burglary and narcotics charges. Camacho was arrested on attempted auto burglary and conspiracy charges. Both men were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Wednesday, January 8
- At 11:55 a.m. officers responded to a report about three men stealing from a Walgreens store at 1833 N. Milpitas Blvd. An arriving officer spotted three suspects fleeing the scene in a gold Lexus 4-door car. Soon, the Lexus crashed into another vehicle on N. Abel Street at Redwood Avenue and the suspects exited the car and ran into a nearby neighborhood. Officers arrived and immediately apprehended the suspects but learned a fourth suspect may have been hiding in the area. As a precaution, Curtner Elementary School was advised to shelter in place while officers searched the area. The Fremont Fire Department assisted by providing an unmanned drone. Eventually, home security video confirmed there were only three suspects. The suspects, later identified by police as Daniel Maurice Cortez, 30, of Oakley; Travon Lasalle Adkins, 27, and Lawrence Frederick Tillman Jr., 25, both of Oakland, were arrested on suspicion of burglary, conspiracy to commit a theft, and vandalism. They were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. Officers recovered more than $3,700 worth of stolen property belonging to Walgreens and returned it to the store.
Milpitas City Council
January 7, 2020
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scouts Troop 92
Proclamation
- January 21 was proclaimed as the Santa Clara County National Day of Racial Healing
Consent Calendar
- Approved the pre-qualification procedures, authorized advertisement of the pre-qualification package and approved project Plans and Specifications for Fire Station No. 2
- Community Services and Sustainable Infrastructure
Approved the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Commission 2020 Work Plan.
Leadership and Support Services
- Received and considered an interim update from staff on polling and research related to Mayor and Vice Mayor roles. The idea of a rotating appointment of the Vice Mayor was originally floated by the Mayor last year, and had subsequently attracted a large amount of public comments overwhelmingly rejecting the idea. The stated plan of the Council was to decide on implementing the concept only after a final staff report at the January 21 meeting of the Council. However, led by the Mayor, a very lengthy, contentious and emotional discussion among the Council members took place. Ignoring the request of Vice Mayor Dominguez to allow her to complete a two-year term, the Council decided to take action on the issue of the rotating Vice Mayorship. Council member Bob Nunez was appointed as the new Vice Mayor. Vote: Aye 3 (Tran, Nunez, Phan). Abstain 2 (Dominguez, Montano).
Reports of Mayor and Council Members
- Per Mayor’s request, considered and approved staff time to conduct a study on a potential performing arts center in Milpitas. Vice Mayor Dominguez was not present during the discussions.
Rich Tran (Mayor) Aye
Karina Dominguez (Vice Mayor) Aye Abstain 1, Absent 1
Carmen Montano Aye Abstain 1
Bob Nunez Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his Birthday
Submitted by Sharat G. Lin
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 91st birthday on January 15 is a time to reflect on his enormous legacy. He is widely remembered as the most important leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950-1960’s, his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, and for his struggles against racial segregation and inequality through nonviolence.
In these times of extreme polarization, assaults on voting rights, and incidence of hate crimes and mass violence, it is particularly important educate and celebrate the values of inclusion, equality, racial justice, and nonviolence that Dr. King spoke for and practiced throughout his life.
Less well known is that Dr. King in 1967 spoke out against the unnecessary wars being waged by his own government and was targeted as a “radical” by the FBI. At the time of his assassination on April 4, 1968, he was in Memphis, Tennessee to support striking sanitation workers. So his legacy also spans opposition to war, deep state manipulations of domestic politics, abolition of poverty, and workers’ rights.
This is the real legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which will be commemorated in the foyer of the San José main library that bears his name on Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m. Hear about what Dr. King really stood for and how he is relevant to social justice today. The program will include a few brief readings from some of Dr. King’s most momentous speeches, multi-cultural drumming, and a Dance of Peace. Admission is free. All are welcome! Wheelchair accessible.
Take public transit! VTA bus routes: 22, 522, 23, 523, 55, 64, 66, 68, 72, 73, 168, 181, 500, Light Rail, Hwy 17 Express, and MST 55. Parking is available in the Fourth Street Garage across the street. Free parking is available in the City Hall Parking Garage north of Santa Clara Street between 4th and 5th Streets.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commemoration
Saturday, Jan 18
2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
150 East San Fernando St., San Jose
(408) 808-2397
sjpl.bibliocommons.com/events/5e06ac3ad050784800314083
Martin Luther King Jr. celebration
Submitted by Allysson McDonald
On Sunday, January 19, 2020, Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation and First United Methodist Church Fremont will mark the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. with a joint celebration. Guest speaker, Rev. Ron Swisher, will deliver the message. Rev. Swisher recently retired after 47 years as a UMC minister, having served six churches including Glide Memorial in San Francisco. Swisher also co-hosts Mosaic, on KPIX Channel 5. The worship service at 10 a.m. will feature the choirs of the two congregations and Brent Peterson on the organ.
The offering collected at the joint service will be donated to MISSEY, an organization that works to address the exploitation of young people in Oakland, Alameda County, and throughout the state of CA, supporting hundreds of youth on their journeys to safety, healing, and liberation. Their mission is to provide supportive services and work for systemic change with youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend. “In this tumultuous and divisive time we live in, where it appears we never agree, it warms my heart to see two congregations from different faith traditions come together in worship and community,” exclaimed Mission Peak’s Interim Minister Rev. Jo Green, “It's what our country needs right now.” The two congregations, which share a campus at 2950 Washington Boulevard, have worshipped together on Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday for many years as they share a commitment to King’s dream.
Joint Service Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
Sunday, Jan 19
10 a.m.
First United Methodist Church,
2950 Washington Blvd, Fremont
(510) 972-3890
Closing 2019 on a musical note
Submitted by Music for Minors II
Music for Minors II (MFMII) wishes all its volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners, a wonderful New Year of peace and prosperity along with lots of music. 2019 was a very good year for MFMII. Docents shared the musical joy of the season at their school sites while MFMII Kids Choir brought their musical talents to the community including a performance for the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) on December 18. MFMII thanks the ABWA for its kind donation.
The MFMII Kids Choir is an amazing ambassador of song for MFMII thanks to the excellent directorship of MFMII docent and private music teacher Lydia Concepcion with the support of wonderful parents. MFMII graduated 32 new docent volunteers this past fall.
Recruitment has begun for the 2020 Fall Docent Training class. For more information, visit www.musicforminors2.org.
Music for Minors II
(510) 733-1189
www.musicforminors2.org
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Thursday, December 26
- During a 4:04 p.m. vehicle check around the 5400 block of Thornton Avenue, Officer Hernandez contacted a 51-year old Hayward man and a 34-year old Newark man sitting in a vehicle. An investigation showed that both men were on active searchable probation. Both were arrested on suspicion of using a controlled substance, possession for sale of methamphetamine and violating probation terms. They were booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Friday, December 27
- At 7:43 p.m. Officer Damewood arrested a 41-year-old Hayward man in the area of Albyn Court on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was cited and released.
Saturday, December 28
- At 1:32 a.m. Officer Damewood arrested a 38-year-old Hayward man in the area of Sycamore Street and Thornton Avenue on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and on an outstanding warrant. The man was booked into Fremont Jail.
- At 8:46 a.m. officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 37000 block of Dahila Drive. Officer San Pedro arrested a 24-year-old Newark man on suspicion of battery and violation of probation terms. He was booked into Fremont Jail.
Sunday, December 29
- During a 4:10 p.m. traffic enforcement stop at the intersection of Guava Drive and Mockorange Court, Officer McCuin arrested an 18-year-old Hayward man on suspicion of possessing an unregistered loaded handgun in a vehicle and possession of marijuana for sale. He was booked into Fremont Jail.
Wednesday, January 1
- At 3:27 a.m. officers responded to a report of a possible battery on the 39000 block of Balentine Drive. A victim had been struck in the head by a 31-year-old male parolee from Oakland and a 36-year-old woman from San Jose. Both suspects were located by San Leandro Police and detained. Officer Warren arrested both on suspicion of battery. They were booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
• At 12:18 p.m. Officer Hernandez was dispatched to the 200 block of Newpark Mall Road to investigate a report of a shoplifter in-custody. Hernandez learned that the suspect, a 27-year-old Fremont man, had taken a total of $289.49 worth of merchandise from a store and attempted to leave without paying. The man was placed under Citizen’s Arrest and was later cited and released from the scene.
Saturday, January 4
- At 2:48 p.m. Officer Johnson responded to a call about a theft in the 200 block of Newpark Mall Road. While two loss prevention employees at the store were trying to detain a 24-year old woman, she bit them, causing visible injuries and torn clothing. After a brief struggle, the woman was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of a controlled substance for sale, drug paraphernalia, identity theft and providing false identification to a police officer. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Newark City Council
January 9, 2020
Public Hearings:
- Consider appeal of Planning Commission denial for a 10-foot tall electrified perimeter fence at 6565 Smith Avenue. Denial upheld 4-1 (Nay, Bucci)
Consent:
- Approve second amendment to Contractual Services Agreement with Management Partners for consulting services.
- Consider recommendations to Alameda County Waste Management Authority regarding potential reusable food ware ordinance. Two options presented: model ordinance (greatest flexibility) or countywide ordinance (consistency and greatest impact). Approve recommendation of a countywide ordinance 4-0-1 (Recusal, Collazo)
City Council Matters:
- Adjourn in memory of Mel Nunes, first Recreation Director of Newark.
Mayor Alan Nagy Aye
Vice Mayor Luis Freitas Aye
Sucy Collazo Aye, 1 Recusal
Michael Hannon Aye
Mike Bucci Aye, 1 Nay
Cougars win has important league implications
Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew
The2020 Mission Valley Athletic League is off to an exciting start with important matchups right from the start as title contenders are squaring off early. These contests may determine which of the favored teams comes out on top of the league. Among the early leaders are Washington Huskies (Fremont), Moreau Catholic Mariners (Hayward), Newark Memorial Cougars and James Logan Colts (Union City). The Newark Memorial Cougars made an impressive statement on January 10th with a solid 64-54 victory over the Washington Huskies.
The Cougars jumped off to an early lead with good defensive play under the basket and outside shooting but the Huskies responded in the second quarter with excellent play of its own to close within three points at the half. The third quarter looked promising for the Huskies as they took the lead but a stubborn Cougars defense turned the tide along with a fourth quarter surge, resulting in a 64-54 Cougars win.
Fremont News Briefs
Submitted by Cheryl Golden
Police Community Academy Recruitment is Now Open
The Spring 2020 Community Police Academy will meet once a week from February 11 through April 7. Classes will be on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on one Saturday at the Police Range. Applications are due Friday, January 17. For more information and to submit your application, visitwww.fremontpolice.gov/CommunityAcademy.
The academy is an educational experience taught primarily in a classroom setting and offers a transparent overview into the department’s structure, services, and personnel. Classes are lecture-based with some role-playing exercises. Academy participants are not expected to perform actual police officer duties and may elect to abstain from any of the practical exercises. Participants will learn about communications, social media, crime prevention, critical incidents, firearms training, K-9, hiring process, narcotics, traffic enforcement, SWAT, investigation, and crime scene investigation.
Applicants must live or work in the City of Fremont, but do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Participants in the Community Police Academy are granted access to restricted law enforcement facilities. Consequently, the Fremont Police Department maintains the right to disqualify any applicant without notification of cause. Applicants will undergo a background check, to include digital fingerprinting (LiveScan) and a records check, at no cost to the applicant. Applicants previously convicted of a felony will be disqualified. Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
CleanStart Mobile Hygiene Unit
In 2019, the City of Fremont, City of Newark, and several community partners developed the CleanStart Mobile Hygiene Program to provide much-needed shower and laundry services to homeless community members. The CleanStart program was launched on September 16, 2019 and within the first three months of service, the program helped 291 individuals, washed 456 loads of laundry, and provided 596 showers.
The program is available at four sites throughout Fremont and Newark. In addition to shower and laundry services, participants are provided access to clothing donations, hygiene kits, and cold weather gear. The Fremont volunteer community has embraced the CleanStart program by not only providing direct volunteer hours at service sites, but also setting up auxiliary services around the program such as clothing mending and haircuts. For more information, visit www.Fremont.gov/CleanStart.
Time for Crab Feed
The Fremont Senior Center invites the community to the annual Crab Feed—its major fundraiser each year. Funds raised from this event go to support the Fremont Senior Center’s nutritious affordable meals cooked at the center by a culinary trained chef. Enjoy a dinner on Friday, February 21 and support the Fremont Senior Center while you’re at it. The menu will include all-you-can-eat fresh local crab, pasta, salad, garlic bread, coffee, and dessert. Wine and beer may also be purchased at the event; no outside alcohol is permitted.
There will also be live music and raffle prizes. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The crab feed will be held at the Fremont Retirement Community at 2860 Country Drive. Tickets are $55 per person and can be bought from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Fremont Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway. You can also purchase them via email using a credit card.
If you have any questions, call the Fremont Senior Center at (510) 790-6600 or contact Senior Center Manager Aisha Jasper at (510) 790-6606 or ajasper@fremont.gov or Senior Center Coordinator Nick Jordan at (510) 790-6602 or njordan@fremont.gov. If you’d like to support the event yet can’t attend, please consider donating at www.Fremont.gov/HSdonate.
Tips to Prevent Recycling Contamination
Recycling contamination could damage recycling equipment, pose a safety hazard to recycling workers, reduce the value of recyclables, or disqualify recyclables from being recycled altogether. Here are some recycling best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep it simple. Focus on the basics: glass and plastic bottles and containers, metal food and beverage cans, paper, and cardboard.
- Keep plastic bags and plastic wrap out of the recycling cart. Your recyclables must be loose – do not bag them. Recycle your plastic bags at your local grocery or retail store if they accept them.
- Know what doesn’t belong in your recycling cart including plastic bags, clothing, food waste, yard waste, electronics, and hazardous materials.
- As a rule of thumb, if it seems like it could get tangled (think garden hoses, wire hangers, strings of lights, etc.,) it shouldn’t be recycled.
- Make sure your recyclables are clean and dry. Rinse bottles and containers before putting them in the cart as food residue or water can ruin perfectly good paper and cardboard.
- When in doubt, throw it out. If you question whether something can be recycled, don’t place it in your blue cart.
No room for hate
It is troubling that we must, once again, speak out against hatred and violence. It is disturbing that we must, once again, condemn acts of violence based on bigotry and prejudice. It is heartbreaking that we must, once again, state clearly that anti-Semitism has no place in our community nor anywhere in our country. Recent events show us that these statements are needed, and so the Tri-City Interfaith Council (of which I am currently President) has joined with other interfaith organizations across our country, including the Interfaith Alliance and the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, in condemning the rising acts of violence against Jewish people in New York, in the United States, and across the world.
To be clear, it is unacceptable when acts of hatred and violence take place against any person, regardless of their identity. We believe that we are all siblings in one human family and that harm committed against any one of us, hurts all of us. We stand united against hate.
The Tri-City Interfaith Council calls on the Tri-Cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City to come together in our common values of compassion and acceptance and in our diversity of faiths and racial/ethnic backgrounds to make sure there is no room for hate here.
Rev. Jeffrey Spencer
President, Tri-City Interfaith Council
Heads up
Women’s Basketball
Lady Renegades fall to Lady Bulldogs
Photos by Donald Jedlovec Slideshow
|
Donald Jedlovecjedlovec@pacbell.netHide |
|
|
To |
whathappng@aol.comwhathappng@aol.com,TriCity Voicetricityvoice@aol.com |
|
Cc |
|
|
Bcc |
|
|
Slideshow |
|
The first half of the January 11th hardwood contest was favorable to the Lady Renegades of Ohlone College (Fremont) as they held a slim 3-point lead at the half. However, second half action favored the College of San Mateo Lady Bulldogs, resulting in a 59-53 loss. Next up is an away matchup with the Lady Hawks of Cosumnes River College (Sacramento) on January 17th.
Measure I Parcel Tax Exemption
Submitted by Brian Killgore
The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) has posted information for seniors and other individuals wishing to apply for waivers to the Measure I Parcel Tax. Approved by voters in 2016, Measure I is a local funding continuation measure to provide additional resources to help local schools continue attracting and retaining highly-qualified teachers (including science teachers), for 21st century education, maintaining math, reading and writing programs and protecting student safety and security.
FUSD provides an opportunity for senior citizens to apply for a Senior Exemption Waiver to the Measure I Parcel Tax. Fremont residents who are or will be 65 years of age or older on June 30, 2020, and own and live in a single-family home may apply for this exemption. Residents receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), regardless of age, who own and occupy their principal residence may also apply for an exemption.
The application for the Measure I exemption is only for first-time applicants. Persons who are owners of Parcels used solely for owner-occupied, single-family residential purposes who previously applied for a Measure I exemption are automatically exempted from Measure I and do not have to file a new application.
Deadline for all applications is Monday, June 15, 2020. Applications are available to the public at the Fremont Main Library, Fremont Senior Center, and on the Fremont Unified School District website at www.fremont.k12.ca.us/MeasureI. The application can be printed and mailed – with the required supporting documentation – to the FUSD District Office, 4210 Technology Drive, Room 290, Fremont, CA 94538 or dropped off in person. For more information, call (510) 979-7709 or visit www.fremont.k12.ca.us/MeasureI.
Measure I exemption application
DEADLINE: Monday, June 15, 2020
Mail to:
FUSD District Office
4210 Technology Dr.
Room 290
Fremont, CA 94538
Peanut Planting
By Pat Kite
She wants to grow peanuts. Maybe it’s easy indoors, maybe not. Start with a minimum 8-inch- wide container. It must have a drainage hole. Fill the container with a light-weight loose potting mix, hopefully with some sand. This is the easy part.
Now you need to find raw peanuts. Raw peanuts are not toasted, roasted, salted, boiled, or opened. You can buy them online or seek at any healthy food stores. There are four main USA peanut types: Spanish, Runner, Valencia, and Virginia. Most likely you will find raw Spanish, but if you are experimental, try another too. Now open a few peanut shells. Do this just before planting. Place a very few peanuts top of the soil. Cover them with about an inch of potting mix. Water lightly. Now cover the container with see-through plastic. Put the pot in a sunny place. This gives the plants a true Southern swelter. In a week or two, you should see little sprouts.
Remove the pot see-through covering. Now it is big-pot transplant time. You need one container (with drainage hole) for each 5-inch high sprout. These pots should be 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep (peanuts grow in bunches underground). Place your containers in a sunny spot with a water-proof shield underneath. Water lightly. The pot should be kept slightly moist. In about six weeks, yellow flowers should appear. It takes about 120 to 150 days for the underground peanuts to mature. Your plant can reach 36 inches high; each plant produces about 25 to 50 peanuts.
When to harvest?
The leaves wither, turning from green to yellow. Gently extract the plant from soil and gently shake off dirt. Store the plant in a warm, dry place until fully dry. Remove peanuts. Dry some more. Dried peanuts, still in their shell, can be stored for at least a year.
Peanuts have a history. It is said that peanut butter was originally made for folks with no teeth so they could get adequate protein. Peanuts also have oodles of vitamins and minerals and fit in well with a plant-based diet. Astronaut Alan Shepard took a peanut with him to the moon. There are six American cities named Peanut, including Peanut, California, which has population about 14,000. It takes about 550 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter. I love crunchy peanut butter. Elvis Presley liked peanut butter and banana sandwiches, perhaps fried. I tried this last year. Absolutely delightful.
Season announcement soiree
Submitted by Plethos Productions
A fan of Plethos Productions, the San Leandro/Hayward area’s up and coming community theatre group? Curious about our 2020 lineup? Join us Saturday, January 18 for a fancy and festive celebration at Ristorante di Parma in Downtown Hayward!
It will be a night of stand-up comedians, singing and dancing performances from our past musicals – In The Heights and Next to Normal. Be the first to see sneak previews from our third season shows. Plus, guests get exclusive discounts on a season subscription!
We’ll have a karaoke contest with prizes for audience members along with opening up the dance floor an at the end of the night. It’s going to be a fun night with delicious Italian food, drinks and wine available.
Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com. More information is available at http://plethos.org/.
3rd Annual Season Announcement Soiree
Saturday, Jan 18
8 p.m.
Ristorante di Parma
22532 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
http://plethos.org/
Now you can listen to Tri-City Voice too!
Beginning this week, Tri City Voice has launched our own podcast. Now, in addition to our print, website and app editions, Tri-City Voice podcast will air for 15 minutes every Tuesday with the voices and sounds of our communities.
When you download the podcast each week, you’ll hear local stories. We are going to chat with the local folks and tag along with our print reporters. Some of these stories will only be found on the podcast.
You can download the Tri-City Voice Podcast at https://radiopublic.com/tri-city-voice-podcast-WkaZBm or:
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tri-city-voice-podcast/id1493833001
RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/tri-city-voice-podcast-WkaZBm
If you have a story you would like us to cover or would like to advertise your business or services, call us at (510) 494-1999 or email: tricityvoice@aol.com.
Podcasts, what are they?
By Andrew Cavette
PODCAST?
We are living in a golden age of a new, storytelling medium. Podcasts are radio storytelling, but without the radio. Listeners download each episode, on-demand, rather than hearing them on the airwaves. You use an app on your phone to download each episode — for free — and press Play. Podcasts are not limited to smart phones, however, so everyone can listen.
PODCAST: WHEN DO PEOPLE HAVE THE TIME?
Often, people enjoy podcasts during those in-between times: driving to work, working out at the gym, sitting in a coffee shop, waiting for the kids to get out of ballet class, washing the dishes or folding the laundry.
I WANT IN… BUT HOW?
The iTunes app is standard for listening on Apple phones. Popular podcast apps for Android phones are: Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and RadioPublic. In addition, Spotify has a vast collection of podcasts.
You can also listen directly from your computer. If you know what show you want, visit their website and press Play.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
There are a staggering number of podcasts. You will find your podcast niche once you are more comfortable, but start here…
- This American Life Episode to try: The Room of Requirement ep. 664
• The Anthropocene Reviewed – Episode to try: Air Conditioning and Sycamore Trees ep. July 25, 2019.
- Criminal – Episode to try: Ex Libris ep. 22
- This Is Love – Episode to try: What Are We Going To Do. ep. 6
• 99% Invisible – Episode to try: Rebar And The Alvord Lake Bridge ep. 81
• Heavyweight – Episodes to try: #7 Julia or #6 James.
• 10 Things That Scare Me – An incredibly short podcast. Episode to try: Listen to several in a row for the full effect, start at the start.
Annual Primavera bicycle event – registration open now!
Submitted by Julie Gilson
Bicycle the best of local scenic roads on the “Primavera Century!” Registration is now open for the 47th annual Primavera springtime bicycle event to be held Sunday, April 19. Hosted by Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club (FFBC), this event always sells out early. There are a variety of routes, from a 100 mile “full century” to a family-friendly Fun Ride of 25 miles, with “in-between” distances of 85 miles and a “metric century” (100km or 63 miles). All distances will start and end at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont.
The longer rides travel along the most scenic of East Bay’s bicycle routes: climb the challenging Calaveras Wall, then cycle the quiet road along Calaveras Reservoir. Bald eagles have been spotted again along the route and this year the wildflowers should be stunning. Ride past Livermore vineyards and wineries and the wind turbines of Altamont Pass. After a picnic lunch at Rios Lovell winery, it’s up and over the tree-shaded Palomares Road with the descent to Niles Canyon. Return to the start for a hearty meal.
The Fun Ride travels to and through scenic Coyote Hills East Bay Regional Park using parts of the Alameda Creek Trail on this mostly flat ride. The Fun Ride is perfect for new riders, those just getting back into bicycling, and families with limited experience bicycling.
Registration includes tasty lunch at a choice of several gourmet food trucks, including vegetarian options. Lunch and “goodie bags” with bicycling items are included in the registration fee. All rest stops are fully supported by volunteers providing hot and cold beverages, food, bathroom facilities and professional mechanics for bicycle repair. In addition, there will be vehicles on all the distance routes providing support to riders needing mechanical assistance between rest stops.
Helmets are required.
Brand-new, commemorative bicycle jerseys are also available for purchase through the website. The jersey is unique to the event and only available through the FFBC. The deadline to order is February 16, 2020. FFBC offers a series of training rides for all levels to get in shape for the Primavera. Friends and family who don’t bicycle can volunteer to watch and support their riders. Volunteer sign-up is also through the website.
To sign up or learn more, go to http://ffbc.org/primavera/. Registration starts at $30 for the Fun Ride and $70 for the longer rides; prices for the longer rides increase to $75 on February 1.
The 2020 Primavera event is an annual success due to our volunteers and our sponsors, including local bicycle stores and food and service providers.
Primavera Bicycle Event
Sunday, April 19
Check in for 100 Mile, 85 Mile, 100K: 6:30 – 8:00 a.m.
Check in for 25 Mile Fun Ride: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Mission San Jose High School
41717 Palm Ave., Fremont
Rotary to showcase international projects
Submitted by Marguerite Padovani
Local Rotary officials are gearing up for the District 5170 Rotary International Expo set for Saturday, February 1 in Milpitas. During the three-hour event, open to the public, Rotarians will discuss their individual and group project experiences and showcase international projects in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, India and other locations. Informational topics will include:
- What is Rotary International?
- How do they help other countries?
- Project overviews
- Partnerships with overseas Rotary clubs
- The positive project outcome
Rotarians also will discuss the six areas of focus that guide the organization’s projects around the world:
- Peace and conflict resolution
- Basic education
- Disease prevention
- Water sanitation
- Economic development
- Maternal and child health
Admission to the event is free and a continental breakfast will be available. Because space is limited, online registrations should be made by January 25 on the district website at www.rotarydistrict5170.org. For questions, email Kamal Della at kamaldistrict5170@gmail.com.
Rotary International Expo 2020
Saturday, Feb 1
9 a.m. – 12 noon
University of Silicon Andhra
1521 California Cir., Milpitas
Register online by Jan 25 at www.rotarydistrict5170.org
www.rotarydistrict5170.org
San Leandro City Council
January 6, 2020
Recognitions:
- Motion to appoint Brody Scotland to the Arts Commission. Item passed: 7-0.
Public Comments:
- Resident announced the upcoming Alta Mira club Shrimp Fest on February 1.
- Resident spoke about his increasing concern about the lack of transparency and cohesion in the federal government.
- Resident suggested the council consider grants and funding for housing programs for foster youth.
Presentations:
- Presentation of $23,000 from the city to the Alta Mira Club to support the repair and restoration of stained glass panels and window at the historic Ygnacio Peralta house.
- Annual update by Jen Covino of Simon & Co. on the city’s 2020 federal legislative platform.
Consent Calendar:
- Motion appointing city councilmembers to the following internal committees: Disaster Council (Mayor Cutter, Councilmember Ballew, and Vice Mayor Lopez), Facilities and Transportation Committee (Mayor Cutter, Councilmember Ballew, and Councilmember Cox), Finance Committee (Mayor Cutter, Councilmember Hernandez, and Councilmember Lee), Rules Committee (Mayor Cutter, Councilmember Aguilar, and Councilmember Ballew).
- Motion appointing city councilmembers to the following intergovernmental agencies: Alameda County Fire Advisory Commission (Vice Mayor Lopez and Councilmember Hernandez), Alameda County Housing Authority, Board of Directors (Councilmember Ballew), Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, Board of Trustees (Councilmember Aguilar), Alameda County Transit Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) (Mayor Cutter and Vice Mayor Lopez), Alameda County Transportation Commission, Board of Directors (Mayor Cutter), Alameda County Waste Management Authority, Board of Directors (Councilmember Cox), Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), General Assembly (Councilmember Aguilar), East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) (Councilmember Hernandez), East Bay Dischargers Authority (EBDA), Commission (Mayor Cutter), League of California Cities, East Bay Division, Board of Directors (Councilmember Lee), Oakland Airport Community Noise Management Forum (Councilmember Lee), San Leandro Improvement Association, Board of Directors (Councilmember Cox).
- Recognize the obligated pay schedule of the former redevelopment agency from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.
- Nominate the San Leandro industrial hub area to the Association of Bay Area Governments & Metropolitan Transportation for adoption as a priority production area.
- Increase the contract cap with Granite Construction, Inc. from $263,100 to $464,572 for Phase 2 with the original construction contract of $1,754,160.
- Approve memorandum of understanding between the city and the San Leandro Police Officers’ Association (SLPOA) through December 31, 2022.
- Add to San Leandro Administrative Code relating to distribution of tickets and passes to public officials.
- Motion to adopt the 2020 federal legislative platform.
Calendar passed: 7-0.
Items Removed From Consent Calendar:
- Award a construction contract to Ray’s Electric for the pedestrian crossings improvements at the intersections of: Bancroft Avenue and Haas Avenue; and Williams Street and Dolly Avenue; as well as speed feedback signs at Benedict Drive; and storm drain repairs at five locations. Item passed: 7-0.
- Public Comment: Resident expressed support on behalf of the Estudillo Estates Neighborhood Association of the crosswalk improvement project.
- Approve a new city council goal that supports and recognizes employees and volunteers. Item passed: 7-0.
Action Items:
- City to consider campaign finance and contribution limits. Motion to close the item with no further action. Item passed: 6-1 (Nay, Aguilar).
- Resident wanted a higher tax bracket limit than had been discussed prior.
- Resident spoke in support of campaign finance limits for the city to regulate corruption.
- Designate Councilmember Lee to serve as Vice Mayor for one year. Item failed: 3-3 (Aye:,Cutter, Hernandez, Cox; Ballew, Abstain).
- Motion designating Councilmember Ballew to serve as Vice Mayor for one year. Item passed: 5-1 (Nay, Lee. Abstain, Ballew).
Reports:
- Mayor Cutter attended a meeting with other Alameda County mayors where housing and pooling resources for RV parking was discussed.
- Councilmember Hernandez attended an East Bay Community Energy meeting where the potential of available energy from nuclear sources was discussed.
- Councilmember Lee was appointed to the National League of Cities’ Race, Equality and Leadership Council.
- Councilmember Ballew was appointed to the National League of Cities’ Public Safety Advocacy Committee.
City Council Calendar and Announcements:
- Vice Mayor Lopez thanked council for electing her to serve as vice mayor for the past year.
- Councilmember Lee invited the public to attend the quarterly meeting of the Oakland Airport Noise Forum the third Wednesday of January.
- Councilmember Cox acknowledged public safety staff and other city staff who worked during the holidays. Also she announced that two San Leandro businesses have been nominated for the Economic Development Awards: Urban Bloc and Porifera.
- Councilmember Aguilar announced the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement Committee meeting and public hearing would be canceled January 8th to file protests against the annexation of the city of Albany to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District.
- Mayor Cutter recognized the recent passing of former Councilmember Howard Kerr.
Councilmember Requests to Schedule Agenda Items
- Motion to review change orders for contracting bids with the facility committee. Item passed: 7-0.
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye, 1 Nay
Vice Mayor Corina N. Lopez Aye
Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye, 1 Nay
Ed Hernandez Aye, 1 Nay
Benny Lee Aye, 1 Nay
Deborah Cox Aye, 1 Nay
Pete Ballew Aye, 2 Abstain
SpaceX launches 60 more satellites, trying to tone them down
By Marcia Dunn
AP Aerospace Writer
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP), Jan 07– SpaceX launched 60 more mini internet satellites late Monday, this time testing a dark coating to appease stargazers.
It's a “first step“ compromise between SpaceX and astronomers fearful of having dark skies spoiled by hundreds and, eventually, thousands of bright satellites circling overhead.
The Falcon 9 rocket blasted into a cold, clear night sky, recycled by SpaceX for its fourth flight. As the first-stage booster flew to a vertical landing on an ocean platform, the Starlink satellites continued hurtling toward orbit to join 120 similar spacecraft launched last year.
Flight controllers applauded, and the launch commentator described the booster's fourth touchdown as “awesome.” An hour later, all 60 satellites were free of their upper stage and making their own way in orbit. “It's a beautiful sight,” the commentator observed.
His Starlink fleet now numbering 180, SpaceX founder and chief executive Elon Musk plans to ultimately launch thousands of these compact flat-panel satellites to provide global internet service. Each spacecraft is just 575 pounds (260 kilograms).
After the first Starlink batch of 60 was launched in May and the second in November, astronomers complained how the bright satellite chain was hampering their observations. In response, SpaceX came up with a darkening treatment to lessen reflectivity. The coating is being tested on one of the newly launched satellites.
Jeff Hall, director of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, said the Starlinks have been just an occasional problem – so far – but noted the risk to stargazing will grow as the constellation expands and other companies launch their own fleets. He heads the American Astronomical Society's committee on light pollution, space debris, and radio interference, and is working with SpaceX on the issue. The matter is on the agenda, in fact, at the society's conference in Hawaii this week.
“Anything that darkens the satellites is a step in the right direction,“ Hall said in an email Monday. He said it's too soon to know whether the dark coating will work, “but it definitely is just a first step and not enough to mitigate the issues astronomy will experience with the Starlinks.”
The Starlinks are initially placed in a relatively low orbit of 180 miles (290 kilometeters), easily visible as a long, strung-out cluster parading through the night sky. Over a few months, krypton-powered thrusters raise the satellites to a 340-mile (550-kilometer) orbit.
The higher the orbit, the less visible the satellites are from the ground, according to SpaceX. Even so, SpaceX said it's supplying astronomy groups with the satellite coordinates in advance, so they can avoid the bright flyover times.
Already established in launching satellites for others and making space station deliveries for NASA, SpaceX is among several companies looking to provide high-speed, reliable internet service around the world, especially in places where it's hard to get or too expensive. Others include Jeff Bezos' Amazon and OneWeb.
SpaceX may start service later this year in the northern U.S. and Canada, then expand to the world's most populated areas after 24 launches.