Privacy Fears Hinder 2020 Census Research
By Hugo Vera
With the 2020 U.S. Census rapidly approaching, millions of Americans now have to make a crucial decision. When census takers come near their residence, will they willingly share their information with the government or will they waive participation?
It would have been safe to assume that most Americans would be eager to take part in the census when it first began back during the Washington administration. According to the U.S. Census Bureau website, the four million Americans that participated in the 1790 census, did so as a nationalistic means of proving to Great Britain that despite a costly revolutionary war, the newly-independent colonies possessed the numbers needed for complete autonomy.
That was 1790. In 2020, citizens can look back on a plethora of incidents involving the mishandling and misuse of sensitive data during the rise of social media, e-banking and web search history. Though some of these fears are warranted given recent leaks, many Fremont residents still have faith in the census.
“If you don’t want your private information leaked, just don’t share it,” says Fremont native and engineer Daniel Hong. “Changes in internet law have made it so that we can stop sites from sharing things like our phone numbers. The government will only use that information to decide budgeting on things such as transportation.”
Another argument made by opponents to census participation is that the census often represents outdated or inaccurate data, given the country’s fluctuating immigration and birth rates. The Washington Post reported that during the 2010 census, people with a suburban and summer residence were often counted twice.
Additionally, federal census budgetary issues resulted in a cutback on dual-language survey packets which meant a sizable portion of the population didn’t take the survey simply because they couldn’t understand it. In an era marked by divisive immigration policies, another major setback to collecting data is the role that undocumented residents play in the census.
Although the City of Fremont gained national attention in 2018 when it received backlash from the U.S. Department of Justice for declaring itself a “sanctuary city,” many undocumented Fremont residents still fear that participating in the census will expose their legal situation. “The way things are going with the President, you have to be careful about sharing where you live and your situation,” said one undocumented resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Despite the Trump Administration’s efforts, The Supreme Court ruled in October 2018 that it was illegal to require a question pertaining to citizenship on the census. The court went on to explain that it’s against federal law for the Census Bureau to share someone’s immigration status with ICE until 72 years after the information is collected.
Despite what was seen as a progressive victory to organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, there has been a spike in social media campaigns calling for people to boycott the 2020 census.
“People are doing themselves a disservice if they chose to ignore the census,” adds Hong. “Think about it. If 40,000 people count on public transportation, but say only 30 people take the census and say that they don’t need it, then the 40,000 people who still need public transportation will lose funding for a service they need just because they didn’t participate.”
Until a general consensus is finally reached, those who decline to participate in the 2020 U.S. census will have just as large an impact on this country as those who do.
Alameda County Fire Department
Submitted by ACFD
Tuesday, January 21
- At 1:24 p.m. ACFD crews responded to a traffic collision where a Toyota Tundra ran into a tree in the front yard of a house in Castro Valley. The tree was completely knocked out; the house was not damaged. One person was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Friday, January 24
- At 1:31 p.m. firefighters responded to a report about a traffic collision in the Cherryland area of Hayward. Crews found a Lincoln Navigator had crashed into a house. One occupant was extracted from the vehicle with no injuries. Crews then cut utilities and assessed the house for damage.
American Pickers to film in California
Submitted by Courtney Myers
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to California! They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout your area in March 2020. American Pickers is a documentary series on the History Channel that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.”
The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before.
American Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST.
Variety is the spice of life
Submitted by Jaci Daskarolis
After over 30 years working in public education, Jaci Daskarolis retired and decided to do something for fun. So, she started experimenting with art: watercolor, acrylic, oil painting, collage, jewelry, and anything else that caught her interest.
Some of her abstract work will be on display at Mission Coffee from January 28 – February 28. Her series of Whimsical Animals was especially fun to create and gives viewers a good laugh – a Whimsical Zoo!
Much of Daskarolis’ work has also been made into cards and usually can be found at the Fremont Art Association in Niles. Some of these prints will be available for purchase at the art show.
Art Show
Friday, Jan 31 – Friday, Feb 28
Reception: Sunday, Feb 9 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Mission Coffee
Next to Olive Hyde Gallery
Washington Blvd /Mission Blvd
151 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 552-3362
www.missioncoffeeroasting.com
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Saturday, January 18
- At 9:26 a.m. a man identified by police as Jordan Johnston, 27, of Fremont was arrested at Fremont station on three outstanding misdemeanor warrants totaling $20,000 and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, January 19
- At 10:50 a.m. a man identified by police as Taivon Payne, 19, of Santa Clara was arrested at Warm Springs/South Fremont station on suspicion of providing false identification and property theft. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Monday, January 20
- At 3:08 p.m. three juveniles were arrested at South Hayward station on suspicion of burglary. Each was cited and released to a parent guardian.
Tuesday, January 21
- At 11:07 a.m. a man identified by police as Carlos Cazares, 21, of Hayward was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $10,000 warrant for indecent exposure issued by Hayward Police. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Photos in 1 new Sharon
2nd in a series, the first came out on 1/14
Fremont’s Floral Treasure: The Display Gardens
By Charlene Dizon
The Display Gardens of the California Nursery Company, also known as the Rose Garden, is a hidden gem within the Niles District of Fremont that captures both beauty and history. Its intertwinement with the California Nursery Company allows visitors to learn about the evolution of the retail garden center and its effect on the home garden.
Created by George Roeding Jr., the Display Gardens began as a place to show the bulbs and roses that were sold by the nursery so that visitors could see them first-hand. In the 1930s, the nursery built one of the first retail centers in the United States with a display garden for customers to look at plants before buying them. The garden was filled with spring-blooming daffodils, tulips, irises, and flowering shrubs in the spring. In the summer it was filled with roses. The nursery first invited the community into the display garden to attend a floral showcase known as the Bulb Show.
The California Nursery Company introduced the Bulb Shows in 1934. This became an annual tradition and lasted until 1965. The showcase featured a distinctive collection of tulips, daffodils, and other springtime plants. George’s wife, Frances Roeding, would design beds with different flowering bulbs for the daffodils show and ensure the colors and shapes were complementary. Her role in the Display Gardens was to plan harmonious displays of flowering bulbs and shrubs. College women and young girls would act as hostesses during the shows and dress up in Dutch and Spanish costumes. The nursery’s logo was the “Old Adobe,” inspired by the Vallejo Adobe. The adobe’s Spanish theme inspired the Spanish costumes, while the tulips inspired the Dutch costumes in the Display Gardens. Mariachi bands would play music as guests walked around.
A focal attraction during the Bulb Shows was a windmill, where many attendees would take their photographs. The windmill in today’s Rose Garden was built by the Friends of Heirloom Flowers Club and dedicated in 1999. Since then, the windmill has been refurbished in 2017 with the help of Niles Fremont Rotary, local painter Barry Jennings, Math Science Nucleus, City of Fremont, and other volunteers. Now light yellow and blue with white trim around the door frame, it remains as a wonderful centerpiece of the historic Display Gardens.
The California Nursery Garden Club and the City of Fremont are the Display Garden’s main volunteers. They take care of not only the rose garden but the Habitat Garden, Succulent Garden, and Shade Garden. A few tasks include pruning, mulching, and naming unidentified roses. Coordinator of the California Nursery Garden Club Janet Barton explains, “Some of the roses we’ve found may have been here for longer than we thought, which is amazing. We’re trying to identify as many as we can. It’s exciting to find roses here that were sold by the nursery in the 1970s.” Barton and several other volunteers do their best to ensure that the roses are protected and treated as treasures.
In particular, one historical rose breed known as the Peace Rose is attentively tended to. The Peace Rose was originally created by Francis Meilland in France. The California Nursery Company grew Peace Roses and introduced them in eleven Western states. “It took six roses to create the Peace Rose,” Barton states. A Peace Rose Garden was established in 2017 for the park’s Roeding Centennial celebration exhibit.
The Peace Rose is only one of many plants and flowers exhibited in the garden, as the space has kept its original function of displaying a variety of plant life. Barton adds, “We like to refer to the Rose Garden as the Display Garden because we have so many other spring-flowering plants like the big magnolia tree planted by Bruce Roeding, lilacs, crab apples, and so many others.”
The Niles Rose Garden holds attractions for every floral enthusiast, family, or group of friends to enjoy. “The garden and the park are open to the public. We embrace the history, gardening, preservation, and other factors,” Barton states. Visitors will undoubtedly be in awe of the wide variety of nature featured and can relax in the garden’s peaceful atmosphere.
Volunteer hours are Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For those who wish to volunteer at the Rose Garden, please contact Janet Barton at bart.balk@comcast.net, Joyce Blueford at blueford@msnucleus.org, or via the general email msn@msnucleus.org.
Niles Rose Garden
36550 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Basketball
Gladiators Report
Submitted by Arion Armeniakos
Gladiators upend No. 22 ranked state Las Positas
It’s still early in conference play, but not too soon for Chabot College men’s basketball coach Keenan McMiller to describe his team’s hard-earned 86-81 win over the Las Positas Hawks on January 17 as “program changing.” Surging Chabot had been itching for a signature win, and this gritty triumph over Las Positas in a Coast Conference-North showdown between district rivals fit the bill.
“It’s big. To play a good team and just establish ourselves like we did in that second half, this is the next step to where we need to go,” said McMiller, whose team earned its 12th win of the season, surpassing its win total from all of last season.
Freshman Skylar Robinson led the Gladiators with 17 points and Jabari Sweet added 16 points.
Chabot (12-6, 3-1) and Las Positas (13-5, 3-1), ranked No. 22 in the state, are tied for second place in the Coast-North, a game behind state No. 1 City College of San Francisco (18-0, 4-0). Las Positas, which saw its four-game winning streak snapped, will host the Gladiators on February 12 in Livermore.
McMiller sees green lights ahead for the program. “They’re going to grow with this now. This is not going to be a flash-in-the-pan kind of thing,” McMiller said proudly. “These are the expectations that we are going to have now. It’s been a while for Chabot, but we are getting it back going.”
Stiff defense was key to the victory in the back-and-forth battle. McMiller’s squad mounted a comeback in the second half after trailing by seven points.
Freshmen Robinson and Ramaj Gordon helped Chabot tie the game at 70-70, setting up a clutch Akili Daniels corner three-pointer, followed by a layup to put Chabot ahead to stay, 75-70.
“We’ve put in a lot of work and I’m happy that they are growing into what they could be,” McMiller added. “We’ve had a tough schedule, trying to get the players to grow up together and play together, but it’s starting to pay off.”
Earlier, the Gladiators beat Skyline 87-69 as Izayah Talmadge led the balanced squad with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists and Japjit Gill had 17 points and five assists. Robinson and Sweet each had nine points.
Meet a cop, or two, for coffee
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Community members, students and local business owners in Fremont are invited to a meet-and-greet “Coffee With The Cops” event on Wednesday, February 5 in Fremont.
Sponsored by the Fremont Police Department, the 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. event will be at Starbuck’s Coffee on Fremont Boulevard in the Irvington district of Fremont. This informal gathering is designed to let people ask questions or voice neighborhood concerns with members of the Fremont Police Department, including Police Chief Kimberly Petersen, in a relaxed setting. No formal presentation is planned, so people are free to drop by anytime during the event.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Coffee with The Cops
Wednesday, Feb 5
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Starbuck’s Coffee
41093 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 790-6800
www.fremontpolice.gov
Cougars Report
Submitted by Timothy Hess
Boys Soccer:
The varsity soccer team beat Irvington (Fremont) 1-0 on January 24th to strengthen their hold on first place in Mission Valley Athletic League standings.
Girls Basketball:
The Lady Cougars varsity defeated host John F. Kennedy (Fremont) 59-20 on January 24th. Ten Cougars contributed in the scoring column in the TEAM VICTORY over the Titans. Samantha Armas and Jaydin Armas each scored 10 points, with Rylee Sarasua adding 9 points. Maleia Colker, playing in her first game of the season, scored 7 points and performed well in limited playing minutes. The Lady Cougars JV team also won, defeating the Titans JV squad in the preliminary game.
Cougars Champions of Character
The following Newark Memorial High School athletes were recognized as Champions of Character by their teammates this week:
Girls Basketball:
Tru Clark
Jasmin Magpoc
Boys Soccer:
Goncalo Espinola
Get your crab feed tickets now!
Submitted by David Garges
Union City Lions club members are back at it again with another fantastic all-you-can eat Crab Feed. Although the dinner isn’t until February 29, tickets are available now for people who want to make sure they will have a spot at this popular event.
$50 cost covers a dinner of salad, pasta, bread and crab as the main course. Tickets are good toward the purchase of a non-alcoholic beverage and an opportunity to win one of the three door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by a disc jockey.
Rounding out the event will be live and silent auctions, raffle and a no-host bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit youth groups and other Lions Club community service projects. Tickets are available at the Lions Club website: www.UCLions.com (follow the crab feed link in the upcoming events box).
Union City Lions Crab Feed
Saturday, Feb 29
Doors open 5 p.m.; dinner 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
Tickets: $50
www.UCLions.com
2020 Trails Challenge
By Dennis Waespi, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
With the New Year comes the 27th edition of East Bay Regional Park District’s Trails Challenge, the self-guided program intended to encourage people to get out into the regional parks for some fresh air and exercise.
Visit the park district website www.ebparks.org to view a guidebook highlighting 20 great hikes in the regional parks. You can also pick up a free hard copy at a participating park district visitor center. The centers also have free 2020 Trails Challenge T-shirts while supplies last. With guidebook in hand, complete any five of the trails by December 1, turn in your trail log, and receive a commemorative pin, again while supplies last.
The challenge is open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. Some trails are easy, and some are more challenging. Besides trail directions, the guidebook has lots of other useful information about safety, equipment, etc. Major sponsors of the program are the Regional Parks Foundation and Kaiser Permanente HMO. It’s a great way to find out more about regional parks that may be new to you.
It’s not too soon to start thinking about summer jobs for youth. The regional parks have a lot of opportunities. Among the available occupations are lifeguards, gate attendants, student laborers, interpretive student aides, and various internships.
For information, visit www.ebparks.org. On the home page, click on “Jobs,” then scroll down to “Careers for Youth.” You can also drop by the park district headquarters at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland.
In a unanimous vote, the Park District Board of Directors has appointed Elizabeth Echols as the director representing Ward 1 to replace Director Whitney Dotson, who resigned in December after 11 years on the board.
Dotson had health problems and passed away on January 8. A fine gentleman, he was a longtime advocate for public access to the Richmond shoreline and to parks and open space in general. He and his family were instrumental in retaining what is now Point Pinole Regional Shoreline as open space.
Echols has had an extensive career in public service. Most recently, she was appointed by then Governor Jerry Brown to serve as director of the independent Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission. Her recent policy work has focused on environmental protection, climate change, and wildfire prevention and mitigation. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Yale University, and a J.D. degree from Stanford Law School.
Many thanks to Dr. Richard Godfrey, who is leaving after years of volunteering on the district’s Park Advisory Committee (PAC). A surgical oncologist from Fremont, Dr. Godfrey has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the PAC. Dr. Godfrey is a longtime community activist and advocate for open space. He has published many scientific papers as well as a novel. Besides practicing medicine, he is a home beekeeper. He has taken his skills abroad as well, participating in a hospital building project in Kenya and helping to establish a honey-making business there.
Dog Park Maintenance Scheduled
Submitted by City of Fremont
The Central Park Dog Park in Fremont (Stevenson Boulevard adjacent to the basketball courts and Tri City Animal Shelter) will be closed for scheduled quarterly maintenance from Tuesday, January 28 through Thursday, January 30. The Dog Park will reopen on Friday, January 31. For details, call (510) 979-5700 or visit https://www.fremont.gov/1181/Dog-Park.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
A series of courses attractive to people interested in outdoor, environmentally related employment is being offered starting this spring at Merritt College in Oakland. The courses are taught by Merritt College faculty and East Bay Regional Park District staff, leading to certificates of achievement. Courses include conservation and resource management, natural history and resources, and urban agroecology.
For more information, visit www.merritt.edu/wp/nhs.
The first weekend in February brings a variety of programs to the Environmental Education Center at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. It all starts with botanical watercolor painting from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 1, with interpretive student aide Emily Ritchie. The idea is to create watercolor images of the nature area’s native plants. Participants will gain basic skills in life-drawing, plant identification, and of course water coloring techniques.
From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 1, explore the nature area with naturalist Trent Pearce in search of salamanders and frogs. The search will proceed rain or shine. The program repeats on February 15.
Farm animals are the focus of two programs with naturalist Jenna Collins on Sundays, February 2 and February 16. Meet the Little Farm rabbits from 12 noon to 1 p.m. or flock with the lambs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The center and Little Farm are both at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For information, call (510) 544-2233.
For an opportunity to explore the newest addition to Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills, join the Wednesday Walkers on a 3-mile loop starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Wilcox Staging Area on Pinehurst Road. The property will soon be closed for creek restoration.
For best access, take Canyon Road in Moraga, then turn right on Pinehurst. No dogs, please, and heavy rain cancels. For information, call (510) 644-3187.
The Over-The-Hills Gang is an informal group of hikers 55 and older who enjoy exercise, nature study and local history. Naturalist “Trail Gail” Broesder will lead the group on a mostly flat hike at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 4. Learn about the park’s explosive past.
Meet Broesder at the staging area at the end of Atlas Road in Richmond. For details, call (510) 544-2233.
Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda features Family Nature Fun from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, with activities for all ages. The theme on February 1 and February 2 is “Duck, Duck, Goose!” with games to help learn more about our feathered friends.
A story time will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Sunday with stories, crafts, and activities. And from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, you can watch the staff feed the fish in the center’s large aquarium. The aquarium fish are the same species that inhabit San Francisco Bay.
Crab Cove is at 1252 McKay Avenue, off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call (510) 544-3187.
Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County also has recurring, naturalist-led programs every Saturday and Sunday. “Nature Crafts” is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with a different craft each week. And “Wild Wonders” is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., a family friendly exploration of the park with games and other activities.
Sunol Regional Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road, off Calaveras Road about 5 miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For details, call (510) 544-3249.
For an update on current events affecting the Delta, join in coffee talk and Delta news from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley.
Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road, off Oakley’s Main Street. For details, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 3050.
There’s always something to see and do in the regional parks. For a complete schedule, visit www.ebparks.org.
Another New Year
Dragons and firecrackers are often associated with Lunar New Year celebrations celebrated throughout Asia and far beyond. Symbolic of strength and protection, dragons can overcome potential misfortune while the loud sounds of firecrackers ward off evil spirits and monsters. Each year is linked to one of twelve zodiac animals with particular characteristics bestowed on those born during that year. This is the year of the Rat whose systematic nature leads to stable and successful endeavors.
With each New Year celebration, there is a sense of renewal and commitment to positive aspects of life. Family and friends are honored and a sense of goodwill is promulgated; mistakes and malevolent patterns of behavior are renounced. Spring – a new year – is just around the corner and with it, agricultural societies look forward to new plantings and the transition from winter’s barren landscape to verdant, fertile fields. Although most of us living in suburban and urban environments are largely out of touch with crop cycles, the legacy of these celebrations remains an important lesson of personal review and revival.
We are entering a year of political turmoil – local to national. A myriad of new year celebrations gives all of us an opportunity to take stock of priorities and relationships. Many traditions have survived for millennia and with good reason. Beyond customs and symbols, lies a basic tenet of civilized life, the advantage of support and harmony between individuals. In spite of human foibles, every society has recognized this truth and worked to form strong bonds of reliable companionship for health, happiness and protection. Hopefully, this will smooth the rough edges of political rhetoric and extremism prevalent during election cycles, especially this one.
On January 1st, we drank a cup of kindness for Auld Lang Syne; made promises to be better people and honor our friends and families. Now, a bit later, we can renew those resolutions and continue on a path toward goodwill and peaceful coexistence. Another new year, among many throughout the world, is the Persian celebration of Nowruz, and with it, an additional opportunity to reflect on past actions and pledge better behavior to exemplify the ideals or our “better angels.” With each new year celebration, hopefully, we can assess our progress and conclude, that although subject to human weaknesses, a “new year” reveals a few less blemishes.
Happy New Year!
February Events at Chabot Space
Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center
Chabot Space and Science Center is lining up a collection of exciting and educational events for February—several of them centered on love. Start the month out with “First Friday” educational workshop on how living things process sound. Plan a unique Valentine’s Day date with Love Missions or the all-night Written in the Stars a Night of Celestial Romance. Finally, families can end the month with the Children’s Film Festival, a weekend that introduces youth to the powers of animation.
First Friday: The Sound of Science
Friday, Feb 7
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hello science our old friend, we’ve come to learn about sound again. Make some noise at this phonic First Friday! Explore the elements of sound and how living things experience them through hands- (and ears-) on interactives lead by our community partners. Loud, quiet, annoying, beautiful: all sounds are welcome! Tickets: $5
Thursday, Feb 13: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb 14: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate with your Valentine and take a simulated space mission to Mars! What can be more romantic than a trip to the red planet? Enjoy beer, wine, appetizers and desserts during your mission briefing, and then head to the spacecraft where you and your partner will work together to navigate the spacecraft safely to Mars. This event is 21+. Tickets: $80
Slumber With The Stars: Written in the Stars, A Night of Celestial Romance
Sunday, Feb 16 @ 6 p.m. – Monday, Feb 17 @ 9 a.m.
A night at the museum is the stellar date night you’ll never forget. The perfect Valentine’s Day gift – this romantic evening is just for adults and designed for couples. Start the evening off with a delicious, candlelit dinner in a private museum exhibit. Indulge in a lesson on the history of chocolate, also known as “the food of the gods,” paired with an exclusive show in our 360-degree Planetarium dome.
At the end of the night, curl up with your date on our stunning Observatory Deck for some dreamy stargazing. Your guide to the cosmos will share stories on the epic and tragic love stories behind the constellations. Then, stay the night with after-hours museum access as you camp out under Chabot’s stars.
Dinner and breakfast are included with dairy free and vegetarian options. Wine and beer included with dinner. This event is for adults 21+. Tickets: $95
Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival
Saturday, Feb 22 @ 10 a.m. – Sunday, Feb 23 @ 5 p.m.
Chabot Space & Science Center and the Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival (BAICFF) have joined forces to present the 12th annual Playdate for the Imagination™ where education and imagination collide. In its 12th year, the festival continues to delight and inspire Bay Area families with a full weekend of events and special programs that include internationally celebrated family-friendly films, special presentations from Award-Winning Pixar filmmakers, hands-on animation workshops and more.
At this year’s festival, experience The Power of Kids. As the 2020 election nears, BAICFF will highlight how young people are using their voices to change the world. Though films, programs and panels, the festival will celebrate Bay Area kids, alongside kids from around the world, who are using social justice, activism, and civic engagement to call attention to the issues they care about.
All tickets to the two-day festival include full admission to the Chabot Space & Science Center. View a full schedule here: http://baicff.com. One day tickets: $22 adult, $14 youth. Weekend tickets: $32 adult, $20 youth.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
https://chabotspace.org
Registration open for Charity Run/Walk
Submitted by Fremont Police Department
The Fremont Police Department is hosting a 5K Run/Walk in support of Special Olympic athletes on Saturday, April 25; registration is now open. Participants of the Fremont Guardians Unite will have an exclusive opportunity to see the actual torch for this year’s Special Olympics NorCal Summer Games. Fremont Guardians will line the course with inspirational quotes and milestone markers to help keep participants smiling throughout the run.
2020 Torch Run T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event. Age group medals will be awarded in the division of 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 and over.
To register, visit https://www.sonc.org/fremont5k. Registration includes a special Fremont Guardians Unite headband. Finishers will receive a medal sponsored by the Fremont Police Association. The first 50 registrants will receive a free pair of LETR Socks perfect for race day.
5K Run/Walk
Saturday, Apr 25
8:30 a.m.
Registration Ongoing and 7 a.m. Apr 25
Fremont Police Department
2000 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 790-6689
https://www.sonc.org/fremont5k
https://local.nixle.com/alert/7763188/?sub_id=555129
Fees: child registration (ages 5–10): $20; teen registration (ages 11–17): $35/ $40 race day; and adult registration: $40/ $45 race day
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Thursday, January 16
- Mid-morning, officers responded to a 911 call from a male that told dispatchers he left his truck running in front of his home while he briefly went inside the residence. When he returned, the truck was gone. Officers located the moving vehicle a short time later and made a traffic stop and arrested the driver, who was identified by police as Stacy Edson, 45, a transient from Watsonville. There were no injuries.
Monday, January 20
- At 5:51 p.m. officers responded to a call about a vehicle collision in a parking lot at the intersection of Paseo Padre Parkway and Walnut Avenue. Witnesses told arriving officers a female driving a Subaru Outback hit a pole and backed into another vehicle and appeared disoriented as she drove away. Police located the car a short distance away on Paseo Padre Parkway at Mowry Avenue and made a traffic stop. The 74-year-old woman was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and booked into Fremont Jail on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run.
Thursday, January 23
- At 6:18 p.m. officers responded to a 911 call about an in-progress residential burglary on the 600 block of Monticello Terrace in the Mission San Jose area. Arriving officers found a shattered rear door; the homeowner reported that several items of value were missing. A search was started in the area, including a nearby hillside, with the help of drones and two K9 officers. No suspect was found, but the case is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FPD’s Investigative Unit at (510) 790-6900.
Fremont School District Board Meeting Highlights
Submitted by Brian Killgore
At its January 22nd meeting, The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) Board of Education:
- Received Budget Update – Staff provided the Board of Education and the community with a presentation on the potential impact of the Governor’s Proposed Budget to Fremont Unified School District.
- Approved Second Reading of Revised Board Policy 6146 – The existing policy and regulations do not address recent legislation, which allows for the exemption of coursework and graduation requirements for students whose families are military, foster youth, students without permanent housing, students who have attended a juvenile court school, migrant, and newly arrived immigrants who have transferred schools after their second year of high school.
Additionally, the required units for graduation from Fremont Adult School have been revised to be in alignment with surrounding adult education programs in the Southern Alameda County Consortium (SACC), along with Union City and Newark.
Trustees also requested that staff survey Irvington High School staff, students, alumni, and parents about the Irvington High School QUEST project. A cross section of Irvington, students, parents, and alumni were surveyed, and the results are summarized below:
- Irvington staff provided feedback, cited the strong academic and life skills the course provides, and emphasized a desire to keep QUEST as a graduation requirement.
- Some staff members noted a need to refine QUEST at Irvington to ensure requirements remain in alignment with the school’s focus on mental health and wellness.
- Alumni respondents indicated that QUEST was helpful to them both at Irvington and post high school. Alumni noted that they felt the project could be enhanced by streamlining the amount of contact needed with outside organizations and refining timelines.
- Current Irvington students indicated that they have developed personal and social responsibility from work on the project, but responses were skewed from low-to-high in terms of assessing meaningful impact from the community service component.
Irvington Principal, Amanda Melsby, has reviewed this feedback and will continue discussions with her leadership team to ensure that the school is providing an equitable and relevant program that is impactful without being burdensome to the community. Item Approved by 4-1 vote (Trustee Crosbie votes Nay).
- Authorized staff to enter into an agreement for Certified Athletic Trainers – Washington Sports Medicine/Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS), in partnership with Fremont Unified, has funded certified athletic trainers at all five FUSD high schools since 2017. The hospital would like to continue this partnership with FUSD for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Authorized staff to enter into an agreement for the Theater Improvement Project – Staff is requesting authorization to execute an agreement with Roebbelen Construction Management Services for the Washington Theater Improvement project in the amount of $173,774. The cost for these services is within the budget for Washington Theater Improvement Project.
- Authorized staff to enter into memorandum of understanding with California School for the Deaf (CSD) for the 2019-2020 School Year – CSD will operate an Early Start program for infants and toddlers of varying hearing levels whose IFSPs indicate a bilingual deaf education approach. Procedures and policies shall be established by FUSD with the concurrence of CSD in accordance with state and federal regulations. Item approved by 4-0 vote (Trustee Berke abstains).
Show discusses politics with humor and pathos
By Stephanie Gertsch
With the 2020 elections on the horizon, many have politics on the brain. On January 31, San Leandro Performing Arts Center will host two beloved Bay Area artists, Brian Copeland and Charlie Varon, as they share their perspective on life in the age of Trump in The Great American Sh*t Show. Copeland is known for his hit solo shows Not a Genuine Black Man and The Waiting Period. Charlie Varon’s best-known works include Rush Limbaugh in Night School and Rabbi Sam. All of Copeland and Varon’s monologues in the Sh*t Show were developed with and directed by David Ford.
The show is inspired by an incident that happened to Copeland soon after the 2016 elections. As Copeland was driving, another motorist honked at him, rolled down his window, and yelled a racial slur. Copeland says, “I noticed an immediate uptick in open racism [at that time]. I have been called the n-word more times in the past three years than I have since growing up the only black kid in a then 94.9 percent white San Leandro. The bigots feel as though his election validated their thinking and they now have permission to spew their venom publicly.”
According to Copeland, the four-monologue show is a mix of, “comedy, drama and pathos.” The evening encourages the audience to think, covering topics such as how to deal with a family member with opposing views and how to work positive political change. Most importantly, the audience should leave with the knowledge “that you aren’t alone in what you’re thinking or feeling.”
Of co-performer Charlie Varon, Copeland says, “Charlie is a brilliant performer and one of my idols in the arena of solo theater. He has a way of finding the nuances in a character or a situation that bring his pieces to life in a way that I’ve rarely seen.” After the show debuted at the Marsh in San Francisco, Copeland was surprised how many people it touched. “The enthusiastic reception we’ve received has been beyond our wildest dreams. The whole show was just an experiment. It turned into a cathartic moment for those who feel that they are part of a disenfranchised majority.”
The January 31 performance will also welcome special guest Lauren Mayer. A graduate of Yale, and a five-time Bay Area Cabaret Award winner, she is a political satirist/musician with the motto “If you can laugh at it, you can deal with it.” Her work can be found on YouTube.
For many, especially those facing overt racism and discrimination, the current political climate can seem dire. But there is always a place for comedy and honesty while discussing how to navigate the elections and bring about change. This is why one of the central images of the show is lemons: it’s not too late to turn them into lemonade.
The Great American Sh*t Show
Friday, Jan 31
7:30 p.m.
San Leandro Performing Arts Center
2250 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro
(510) 618-4625
https://www.sanleandroperformingartscenter.com/events
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4477324
Tickets: 45 – 75
100 and Loving Life
By Johnna M. Laird
Photos by Jim Rouse and Isabela Tigno
Genevieve Rouse could serve as a model for finding joy in everyday living.
“I am happy the way I am,” says Rouse, who turns 100 on January 28, 2020. This soon-to-be-centenarian has no bucket list of activities she feels compelled to complete to find happiness. “Skydiving is out,” jokes her son Jim Rouse who lives in Fremont not far from Fremont Hills Assisted Living Center where Genevieve moved six months ago. “Fresh air, yes!” responds Rouse. “But no jumping up and down. I don’t do that anymore.”
A native Californian, Rouse says she didn’t set out to live to 100. It just happened. “I don’t think about age. I live each day as it comes and make the most of it.” Rouse embodies several qualities centenarians share, according to research by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner who identified five places worldwide where people live longest and healthiest—known as Blue Zones. Earth is home to an estimated half a million centenarians with projection of 3.7 million worldwide by 2050.
Rouse’s calm attitude may play a role in longevity. Her son Jim describes his mom as a “roll with the punches kind of person.” When Genevieve Rouse gave birth to Jim, her first child, she calmly walked across a street to a hospital to deliver their baby while her husband was away serving in the U.S. Navy. Years later, when Jim needed help changing a car transmission, his mother changed clothes and slid under the hood offering another pair of hands. “I didn’t need an auto mechanic,” says Jim Rouse. “I needed muscle, and that’s what Mom gave.”
Part of Rouse’s attitude includes not letting emotions fester. “I try to be nice to everyone, but there is always someone to give you a pain in the neck,” she admits. “But I won’t let things upset me.” Instead, she maintains emotional distance and communicates expectations clearly and kindly. For example, when she and husband were living in Iowa, Rouse worked as a telephone switchboard operator, which required strong communication skills, putting through calls for customers using jacks and switches. While other operators avoided one particular caller because she spoke too loudly and pained operators’ ears, Rouse answered. Later when the two crossed paths in a store, she coached the woman: “Speak normally. You don’t have to yell into the phone.”
Rouse remembers those times, getting off work at 9 p.m. and walking three blocks home at night safely without any concern. Buettner discovered that centenarians also incorporate movement into their daily routine, usually every 20 minutes. Rouse never learned to drive, which meant she was always on the move, getting in steps naturally. For 25 years, she was constantly moving working at Oliveira Elementary School in Fremont where she was a well-loved librarian. Students cried when she retired. Even now she makes movement a priority and attends exercise classes at Fremont Hills from her wheelchair.
Rouse exemplifies another quality centenarians share: connecting and staying connected. Rouse stays close with best friend Jeanette Rose in Fremont, her younger daughter Dale in Iowa, and her younger sister in West Virginia who calls weekly. Part of connection, says Buettner, is choosing the right tribe of supportive people, and for many, choosing the right mate is “one of the biggest” contributors to happiness. Rouse says she married a “good guy” and enjoyed years as a homemaker: “I loved my kids and I loved my husband.”
Married for 64 years, the Rouses met at a wedding they attended for friends. Her husband-to-be, whom she had never seen before, chose Genevieve from a line of seven women, asking her to hold a gift he had brought. By wedding’s end, Charles Rouse had invited her on a date to attend a game (decades later, Rouse is hazy on the details, but as a sports lover, she considered it a perfect date).
Although her father questioned her choice to marry a sailor during WWII, Rouse followed her own judgement with characteristic resilience, eventually bringing her father around. The U.S. Navy sent the couple, and later their family, to live in a variety of places, including Hawaii, Florida, and Copenhagen, Denmark. Settling in Fremont, they held season tickets to the Oakland A’s. Now, however, Rouse is a devoted Giants fan, waiting for baseball season to begin.
What does it feel like to be 100? Ten days before her birthday Rouse quipped: “I don’t know yet. I’m not 100, but I don’t feel old.” Feminist and activist Gloria Steinem, age 85, says the secret no one discusses about growing older: the body ages but inside yourself you still feel young.
Rouse’s younger spirit shows, says Fremont Hills Community Life Director Isabela Tigno: “Genevieve always greets me with a smile and always has a spunky response to things I ask her. I love her willingness to join us for most activities. The other day, we were taking selfies together and she asked who the old lady was in the camera. I told her that we have no old ladies here at Fremont Hills, only beautiful ones. The smile on her face was priceless.”
Get ready for hoopster tricks and tips
Submitted by New Haven Unified School District
The Harlem Wizards basketball team will be bringing their well-known tricks and alley oops with them when they take on the Union City All Stars in an upcoming game to benefit local schools. Leading the All Stars will be Union City Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci and New Haven Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Thompson. Rounding out the All Stars team will be various teachers, community leaders and residents.
The fun starts at 7 p.m. Friday, February 7 at the James Logan High School Pavilion. Doors open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets at $12 to $40 are available online with a $1.25 processing fee at https://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/162243. Tickets at the door are $15 to $40, while availability lasts. Students kindergarten through 9th grade must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call (510) 471-1100.
Harlem Wizards
Friday, Feb 7
7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Logan High School Pavilion
1800 H St., Union City
(510) 471-1100.
https://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/162243
Tickets online: $12-$40
Police vow to solve woman’s 1971 disappearance
Submitted by Hayward PD
On the 49th anniversary of the disappearance Christine Marie Eastin in Hayward, police are still hoping to uncover clues as to what happened to the 19-year-old woman.
On January 18, 1971, Eastin disappeared after an evening of shopping at a local Mervyn’s store. The car she was driving was found with the doors locked at Charlie’s Car Wash, 25400 Mission Blvd., Hayward. She has not been heard from since.
But Hayward Police Department officials vow this will remain an open investigation until they can bring long sought answers to Eastin’s family. To achieve this goal, they have a dedicated detective assigned to this investigation. In addition, there is a $50,000 reward for anyone who has information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for Eastin’s disappearance.
There is a suspicion of foul play in Eastin’s disappearance. Her photo appears on the Hayward Police Department’s Facebook page. Anyone who has information about what happened the evening Eastin vanished is asked to call Detective Sprague at (510) 293-7176.
Hayward City Council
January 21, 2020
Presentations and Proclamations:
- Certificate of Recognition presented to Daisy Bamberger for Hayward Amateur Boxing Championship Title
Agenda Items:
- Accept resignation of Ms. Ginny Delaney from the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force: Effective January 3, 2020
- Accept resignation of Mr. Ernesto Sarmiento, Jr. from Community Services Commission: Effective January 1, 2020
- Authorize the purchase of StarChase Pursuit Management System for Hayward Police Department. StarChase units fire projectile-like trackers that attach themselves to moving vehicles during police car chases so that officers can stop vehicular pursuits and track suspects.
- Approve Huntwood Townhomes; City Council call up of the Planning Commission’s denial on October 24, 2019 and the approval of a resolution to subdivide a 1.21-acre site into 18 parcels to allow the construction of 14 townhomes with common space areas and related site improvements at 28538 Huntwood Avenue.
Public Comments:
- Councilmember Elisa Marquez thanks Ms. Ginny Delaney on a storied career for the city of Hayward, personally thanking her for helping to get Measure T passed in 2018.
- Hayward Police Department representatives appeal to council to purchase StarChase Pursuit Management Systems claiming, “This technology allows us not to pursue suspects’ vehicles. When officers aren’t involved in a chase, it’s safer for everyone.”
- Architect Ray Chao (Applicant for Huntwood Townhomes project) stresses cultural and economic importance of city’s efforts to uphold multigenerational housing, particularly among East Bay residents of Asian descent. “When there is a room for the grandparents, the grandparents feel wanted and needed. Children who have both parents working to afford the rent can still come home to a household that isn’t empty.”
Measures and Resolutions:
- Approve purchase of StarChase Pursuit Management Systems for Hayward Police Department. PASSED 6-1 (Nay, Wahab)
- Approve allocation of 1.21 acres toward construction of Huntwood Townhomes. PASSED 6-1 (Nay, Lamnin)
Mayor Barbara Halliday Aye
Councilmember Al Mendall Aye
Councilmember Sara Lamnin Aye, 1 Nay
Councilmember Francisco Zermeno Aye
Councilmember Mark Salinas Aye
Councilmember Aisha Wahab Aye, 1 Nay
Councilmember Elisa Marquez Aye
Honor Roll
Westminster College, Pennsylvania
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Gier Chen, Castro Valley
Trine University, Indiana
Fall 2019 graduate
- Christopher Timm, Castro Valley
American International College, Massachusetts
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Danica Johnson, Fremont
Southern Arkansas University
Fall 2019 graduates
- Kusuma Priya Oleti, Fremont
- Sai Priyanka Sunkara, Fremont
Fort Hays State University, Kansas
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Yunfeng Zhao, Fremont
- Elias Aceves, Hayward
Ohio Wesleyan University
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Bella Hintzman, Fremont
- Jasmine Lew, Fremont
McDaniel College, Maryland
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Marlowe Embry, Milpitas
Lehigh University, Pennsylvania
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Alan Wang, Hayward
Hamilton College, New York
Fall 2019 Dean’s List
- Samantha Chen, Fremont
Bismarck State College, North Dakota
Fall 2019 President’s Honor Roll
- Valentina Ridad, Fremont
Bradley University, Illinois
Fall 2019 graduate
- Channing Whitaker, Fremont
Azusa Pacific University
Fall 2019 graduates
- Isaac Bocage, Fremont
- Michelle Espiritu, Fremont
- Eleeza Mecua, Fremont
- Josiah Romero, Fremont
Girls Soccer
Lady Huskies blank Lady Warriors
Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew
The varsity Washington Lady Huskies (Fremont) beat the Mission San Jose Lady Warriors (Fremont) 4-0 on January 23rd as the Huskies took an early lead with a powerful offensive attack to catch the Warriors off guard. A depleted Warriors squad due to injuries put up a valiant and hard-fought effort, but could not contain the onslaught on their goal.
Enjoy Food and Music at World Interfaith Harmony Celebration
Submitted by Jeff Spenser
“World Interfaith Harmony Day” will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1 at Niles Discovery Church. This Tri-City Interfaith Council (TCIC) event is co-sponsored with the Human Relations Commissions of Alameda County, Fremont, and Union City. It is free and open to the public. Enjoy food, music, 12 faith tables, and small group conversations facilitated by Jessy Zapanta of the Oakland Peace Center.
In 2010 the United Nations established World Interfaith Harmony Week “to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.” The Rev. Jeffrey Spencer, current TCIC president and senior pastor of Niles Discovery Church says, “TCIC has sponsored events to create harmony, understanding, appreciation, and respect for all people from all faiths and no faiths for over 30 years. At this event people may ask questions to gain knowledge and appreciation of religious practices and beliefs. They can also gain skills for having difficult conversations. Our theme is ‘Braving Harmony Across Those Divides’ and we’ll focus on the divides that have caused families communities to fall apart.”
At the event, people can visit information tables on many faith traditions including Baha'i, Thai Buddhist, Christian Science, Episcopal, Muslim, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, and Protestant.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., Jessy Zapanta, Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Oakland Peace Center and co-founder of Dharma in Motion Sangha at East Bay Meditation Center, will teach ways to create a safe space for listening, compassion, harmony, and justice making. Zapanta will offer paths for engaging in conversations that allow conflicting perspectives on race, religion, homelessness, immigration, gender, sexuality, politics, violence, and climate change. There will be time to identify and explore communication and conflict styles, common ground, and areas to stretch and grow.
During a break, there will be time to eat, visit information tables, or learn music with guest musicians: Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David, Rashid Patch, Soni Kaur, and Manjeev Singh. At 3:30 pm, the closing Harmony Celebration will lift up the day’s highlights and feature music led by our guest from the Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh traditions.
The public is encouraged to come, whether this is the first interfaith experience or their hundredth. Participants are encouraged to bring food to share so that all may enjoy the rich religious and cultural diversity of the Tri-Cities. Children are welcome and need to stay with their guardians.
Moina Shaiq, co-chairperson of this Interfaith Harmony Day event and founder of “Meet a Muslim,” says, “I wish every community had this kind of event with so many faith traditions; we are very fortunate. The world wouldn’t be at war if there were more communities like ours. We need to keep proving that we can all coexist…It’s the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Tri-City World Interfaith Harmony Day
Saturday, Feb 1
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 797-0895
Facebook.com/TCICouncil/
CONTINUING EVENTS:
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 – 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.
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
Friday – Sunday, Jan 24 – Feb 2
Lunar New Year – Tet Festival 2020
Fri. 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Live entertainment, talent contests, carnival rides and games, food booths
Eastridge Mall
2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose
(408) 462-5655
Friday, Jan 24 – Monday, Mar 16
31st Children’s Book Illustrator show
Fri – Sun: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Exhibit of children’s book illustrations
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
http://sungallery.org/
Saturday – Thursday, Jan 28 – Apr 7
Explosions of Color
During library hours
Display of 12 paintings by Winnie Thompson
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Monday – Sunday, Jan 31 – Feb 28
Variety is the Spice of Life
During business hours
Art by Jaci Daskarolis
Mission Coffee Roasting House
151 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 474-1004
Saturdays, Feb 1 – Apr 11
Free Tax Preparation
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Assistance for households earning $56,000 or less.
Photo ID and tax documents required
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
Wednesdays & Thursdays, Feb 5 – Apr 15
AARP Tax Assistance R
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free tax preparation and e-filing. Call for appt.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
(510) 608-1155
Fridays – Sundays, Feb 7 – Mar 1
Steel Magnolias $
Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
Comedy-drama about the bond among group of Southern women in Louisiana
Chanticleers Theatre
3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 733-5483
www.chanticleers.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 29
Songs and Stories at Sunol
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Discover the magic of nature through song and play
Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3249
www.ebparks.org
Wednesday, Jan 29
Wednesday Walk
9:30 a.m.
Circle the hills on a paved 3.5-mile trail
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Wednesday, Jan 29
Outsmarting Investment Fraud
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Avoid becoming a victim.
Free presentation by the Better Business Bureau
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org
Wednesday, Jan 29
Community Meeting
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The HUD Five-Year Consolidated Plan
San Leandro Senior Community Center
13909 East 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 577-3462
(510) 577-6005
msargent@sanleandro.org
Wednesday, Jan 29
Drummm Workshop
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Music workshop open to the public. Presented by MFMII
Niles School Auditorium
37141 Second St., Fremont
(510) 733-1189
www.musicforminors2.org
Wednesday, Jan 29
Hayward Neighborhood Alert General Meeting
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Learn about human trafficking
Hayward Police Department North District Office
22701 Main St., Hayward
(510) 293-7272
www.hayward-ca.gov/police
Thursday, Jan 30
Immigration Know Your Rights Workshop R
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Learn about your constitutional rights
Union City Branch Library
34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
www.aclibrary.org
Thursday, Jan 30
2020 Census R
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Information on the upcoming head count. Lunch provided. RSVP
Ruggieri Senior Center
33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 675-5495
(510) 574-2063
mengineer@fremont.gov
Thursday, Jan 30
Bay Area Digital Arts Film Fest
6 p.m.
San Lorenzo students present short films and animations
Historic Bal Theatre
14808 East 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 614-7700
www.baltheatre.com
Friday, Jan 31
Board Games for All
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Drop in; challenge your friends to a board game
Niles Library
150 “I” Street, Fremont
(510) 795-2626
www.aclibrary.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Old Fashioned Butter Making $
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Churn cream into butter
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Farmyard Story Time
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Come listen to some classic barnyard tales
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Fun with Felting
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Make a felt toy to take home
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Ohlone Village Site Tour
1:30 p.m. – 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
Saturday, Feb 1
Black History Month Breakfast
9 a.m.
Theme: “Cultural Appropriation in the Age of Cultural Sensitivity”
Peace United Methodist Church
355 Dixon Rd., Milpitas
(408) 262-1486
allyssonmcdonald@gmail.com
Saturday, Feb 1
Celebrate India’s Republic Day $
9:30 a.m. -8:00 p.m.
Dancing, singing and cultural programs
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara
www.fogsv.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Movie Night $
7:30 p.m.
“The Leopard Woman”, “Step Lively”, “Cactus Nell”
Niles Essanay Theater
37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 494-1411
www.nilesfilmmuseum.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Mother/Daughter Math & Science Discovery Day $
8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Fun and learning for 3rd-5th grade girls and their mothers
Cesar Chavez Middle School
2801 Hop Ranch Rd., Union City
(510) 675-5482
www.eventbrite.com/e/aauw-fremont-and-nhusd-stem-discovery
Saturday, Feb 1
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Discover patterns of behavior, migration, and habitat
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Feb 1
World Interfaith Harmony Celebration
1 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Discuss diversity of faith and promote harmony, food, music
Niles Discovery Church of Fremont
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 797-0895
www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org
Saturday, Feb 1
Centerville Drama Club
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Become more comfortable with speaking in front of a crowd. Grades 1-5
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
www.aclibrary.com
Saturday, Feb 1
De Dor Romanesc 2020 $
6 p.m.
Romanian cultural heritage
Casa Romana
26050 Kay Ave., Hayward
Casa Romana
(510) 780-9627
Sunday, Feb 2
Rabbit Rendezvous
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Learn why rabbits are great hoppers and how they use their long ears to sense danger
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Feb 2
Corn Mosaics
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Make a craft using harvested Indian corn
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Feb 2
Walking History Tour
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn what life was like on the farm 100 years ago
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Feb 2
Ohlone People & Culture
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Learn about their intimate relationship with nature, family and their ancestors. 8+ years
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Feb 2
Chinese New Year Celebration
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Lion dance, martial arts exhibition, stilt walkers, face painter, musicians
Pacific Commons at The Block
43440 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont
(510) 770-9798
www.pacificcommons.com
Sunday, Feb 2
Sunday Math Tutoring
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Open to elementary and junior high school students
Newark Branch Library
6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark
(510) 284-0684
www.aclibrary.com
Sunday, Feb 2
Puzzles in the Library
12 p.m. -8 p.m.
Community jigsaw puzzles on National Puzzle Day
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
www.aclibrary.com
Sunday, Feb 2
Drop-in Knit and Crochet Club
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
All levels welcome. Bring your own supplies.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org
Tuesday, Feb 4
Family Zumba Fundraiser $R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Benefits the Youth Advisory Commission’s Mini-Grant program. Ages 5+
San Leandro Senior Community Center
13909 East 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 577-3462
www.sanleandrorec.org
Tuesday, Feb 4
Civics for Citizenship Orientation
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Study for the citizenship interview
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
www.aclibrary.org
Tuesday, Feb 4
Family Concert Series
10:30 a.m.
Calypso music performed by Asheba
Milpitas Library
160 North Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
www.sccld.org
Tuesday, Feb 4
Racing Extinction
6:30 p.m.
Documentary about Anthropogenic mass extinction of species
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
www.aclibrary.org
Wednesday, Feb 5
Job Search Workshop
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Job search strategies. Hosted by the Ohlone College Career Center
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
https://www.ohlone.edu/careercenter
Wednesday, Feb 5
Civics for Citizenship Orientation
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Study for citizenship interview
Newark Branch Library
6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark
(510) 284-0684
(510) 745-1480
Wednesday, Feb 5
Coffee With the Cops
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Ask questions about public safety and discuss neighborhood concerns
Starbucks Fremont
41093 Irvington Blvd, Fremont
(510) 790-6689
Mleon@fremont.gov
Saturday, Feb 8
Hayward Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala $R
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dinner and special recognition awards. Black tie optional
Cal State East Bay University
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward
(510) 885-3118
(510) 537-2424
www.hayward.org
Big plans for LOV’s “An Elegant Affaire”
Submitted by Shirley Sisk
The League of Volunteers (LOV) is holding their 29th annual “An Elegant Affaire” on Valentine’s Day – February 14th – at the Doubletree by Hilton in Newark. The chef will serve a gourmet dining experience for the benefit of LOV’s popular Arts In Schools program, which provides in-school multi-cultural performing arts assemblies to children of Fremont, Newark and Union City.
Last year’s glittering event helped bring performances to 10,173 young people. The need for this program in our schools is still great, and it can be met with the success of this year’s Elegant Affaire – a time for fantastic food, fine wine and fun. Enjoy a champagne cocktail hour where guests will be entertained by Salvador Vazquez on Mexican harp; beer lovers will be welcomed by Das Brewery.
A four-course gourmet dinner follows with an outstanding menu including: Tomato Bisque Soup with basil and herbed croutons and Caesar Salad. For the entrée, try a tender beef flat iron steak with Argentinian sauce served on a bed of Yukon gold potatoes accompanied by seasonal root vegetables. There is an alternative vegetarian option: eggplant Napoleon – with portabella mushroom base with layers of sautéed spinach & kale, grilled zucchini, yellow squash, roasted eggplant and red paper (fig balsamic glaze on a red roasted pepper sauce). Top off dinner with a gluten free Chocolate Supreme Cake. Various wines will be served with the dinner.
Besides a fantastic evening of delectable dining, there will be live and silent auctions and a very special drawing. Great prizes are being donated by local Mayors, School Superintendents, School Board members, Teachers Association Presidents, County Superintendents and other dignitaries. The MC for the evening is Mayor Emeritus Dave Smith. Tickets are $85 per person or $750 for a table of 10 with table sign. All credit cards accepted. You may also purchase online at www.lov.org. Reservations are limited to 150.
An Elegant Affaire
Friday, Feb 14
6 p.m.
Doubletree by Hilton
39900 Balentine Drive, Newark
(510) 793-5683
Lunar New Year
By Stephanie Gertsch
January 1 is already fading rapidly, but if you live in the Bay Area, another new year celebration is just getting started. While Western countries traditionally use the sun-based Gregorian Calendar, many Eastern countries traditionally used the moon; a new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. 2020’s Lunar New Year is Saturday January 25.
Lunar New Year is also a celebration of spring, beginning the growing season—an important time in agricultural societies. The holiday dates back to at least the 14th century B.C.E. in China. According to legends, a mythical beast called Nian, with the body of a bull and the head of a lion, would come down from the mountains searching for crops, livestock, and even young children to devour. Villagers would appease the beast by placing offerings of food on their doorsteps. However, people also discovered that Nian was afraid of three things: fire, noise, and the color red. Thus, began the custom of firecrackers, red lanterns and scrolls for New Year.
One of the most popular aspects of Lunar New Year is the 12-year cycle of animals, often called the “Chinese Zodiac.” Which year you’re born in determines your personality, your lucky and colors and numbers, and even your dating compatibility. 2020 is the Year of the Rat; people born in this year are said to be clever, sociable, and tidy.
This is an especially important year, as the Rat is actually the first animal in the cycle. Why? Well, the story goes that the Buddha invited all the animals to a special banquet, and the order they arrived in determined the order of the 12-year cycle. Although the hardworking Ox was the fastest, the Rat was the most cunning—it hitched a ride on the Ox’s back and hopped off just in time to arrive first. The story also says the Dragon should have been the winner, as it could fly, but it stopped on the way to help villagers cross a flooded river. Apparently, nice Dragons finish fifth.
Below is a guide to all 12 animals. But consider carefully: If your birthday is in January, it may fall before the Lunar New Year. In that case, your zodiac sign is the animal for the previous calendar year. (For example, 2020 babies born before January 25 are Pigs rather than Rats.)
Rat
1936, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 2008, 2020
Hardworking. Rats are very creative, sociable people who have a flair and charm. They’re also hard workers, and – out of all the signs – have the best chance of being wealthy and professionally successful. Most compatible with: Dragon, Rabbit, Ox. Avoid: Goat, Horse, Rooster.
Ox
1925, 37, 49, 61, 73, 85, 97, 2009
Dependable. If you’re an ox, then your friends, family, and co-workers are probably very, very grateful for you. You’re the dependable one, and you’re known for your honesty and patience. The Ox will pursue their goals with great determination, and won’t be deterred. Most compatible with: Rat, Snake, Rooster. Avoid: Dragon, Horse, Goat, Dog.
Tiger
1926, 38, 50, 62, 74, 86, 98, 2010
Passionate. Tigers are the most passionate and confident of the bunch. They have a strong spirit, love a good challenge, and are natural born leaders. They’re also endlessly ambitious and very trustworthy. Most compatible with: Horse, Dog. Avoid: Snake, Monkey.
Rabbit
1927, 39, 51, 63, 75, 87, 99, 2011
Sensitive. If you’re looking for someone who is sensitive and empathetic, look no further than the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a kind soul who dislikes conflict and values strong bonds with family and friends. Most compatible with: Goat, Dog, Rat, Pig. Avoid: Ox, Dragon, Rooster, Horse.
Dragon
1928, 40, 52, 64, 76, 88, 2000, 2012
Powerful. Unsurprisingly, Dragons are fierce leaders who are chock full of adventure, knowledge, and power. They’re filled with energy, and they’ve got plenty of charm and glamour to boot. Most Compatible with: Tiger, Snake, Rat. Avoid: Ox, Rabbit, Dog.
Snake
1929, 41, 53, 65, 77, 89, 2001, 2013
Wise. Snakes are known for their immense wisdom. They’re very intuitive people, great thinkers, and fight hard to achieve their goals. They seek security, and will smooth over conflicts before they start. Most Compatible with: Ox, Rooster. Avoid: Tiger, Pig.
Horse
1930, 42, 54, 66, 78, 90, 2002, 2014
Optimistic. You can count on Horses to bring on the cheer. They’re known for being eternally optimistic with a romantic streak. Horses are also very independent and fight hard against injustice. Most compatible: Tiger, Goat, Dog. Avoid: Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Horse.
Goat
1931, 43, 55, 67, 79, 91, 2003, 2015
Creative. Goats are creative, smart, and dependable. They are nurturing, calm individuals who enjoy socializing in groups but don’t like being the center of attention. Most compatible with: Rabbit, Horse, Pig. Avoid: Rat, Ox, Dog.
Monkey
1932, 44, 56, 68, 80, 92, 2004, 2016
Curious. Monkeys bring the spunk and the smarts. This zodiac sign represents curiosity, bravery, and positivity. Monkeys are also extremely intelligent and very popular with their peers. Most compatible with: Rat, Dragon. Avoid: Tiger, Snake, Pig.
Rooster
1921, 33, 45, 57, 69, 81, 93, 2005, 2017
Honest. Roosters are blunt—but not because they’re trying to be mean. This group just wants to be honest. They’re known for enjoying the spotlight, having a ton of confidence, and being extremely loyal. Most compatible with: Ox, Dragon, Snake. Avoid: Rabbit, Dog.
Dog
1934, 46, 58, 70, 82, 94, 2006, 2018
Loyal. Much like their animal counterparts, Dogs are loyal and easy-going. This zodiac sign is cautious, kind, and will do just about anything to help their loved ones. Most compatible with: Tiger, Rabbit. Avoid: Ox, Dragon, Goat, Rooster.
Pig
1935, 47, 59, 71, 83, 95, 2007, 2019
Kind. Pigs are the kindest of the bunch. They’re warm-hearted, tolerant, individuals who have lots of friends. They get along very well with others and are happy to share what they have. Most compatible with: Goat or Rabbit. Avoid: Snake, Monkey.
New Year celebrations will continue into February. Here are a few:
San Jose New Year Tet Festival
Friday, Jan 24 – Sunday, Feb 2
Fri: 3 p.m. -11 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Eastridge Mall, Sears parking area
2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose
(408) 462-5655
Ustarproductions2012@gmail.com
Lunar New Year Celebration
Thursday, Feb 6
9 a.m.
Lion dancing, fashion show, martial arts from elementary school students
Schafer Park Elementary
26268 Flamingo Ave., Hayward
(510) 723-3895
2020 Chinese New Year Celebration
Saturday, Feb 8
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Dance and musical performances, children’s activities
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Lady Mariners top Lady Titans in close contest
Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew
In a competitive contest on January 23rd, the Lady Mariners of Moreau Catholic (Hayward) were able to jump out to an early 1-0 lead in the first half, add another goal in the second half, then hold on against the determined and talented Lady Titans of John F. Kennedy (Fremont). A solid defensive effort by the Mariners spelled the difference as the Titans put on a high-pressure offense in the final minutes of the game, but could not find the goal.
In an earlier contest, the junior varsity Lady Mariners defeated the junior varsity Lady Titans.
History museum to screen Maya Angelou film
Submitted by Eric Engelbart
In recognition of Black History Month, the San Leandro History Museum will offer two screenings of the documentary film “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, ” on Saturday, February 1. The film looks at untold aspects of the American poet and civil rights activist’s background and career and offers an intimate and personal portrait of Dr. Angelou’s life and legacy. Premiering at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, the film went on to win the Audience Award at The American Film Institute Documentary Film Festival and was honored with a 2017 Peabody Award.
‘Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise’
Saturday, Feb 1
11:15 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Documentary film screening
San Leandro History Museum
320 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510) 577-3991
Admission is free and open to the public
We remember…
Long-time Recreation Director Melvin E. Nunes
January 13, 1925 – January 8, 2020
Beloved father and well-respected retired Newark Recreation Director Melvin (Mel) Nunes, a lifetime resident of Centerville and Newark, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving daughters. He is survived by his three daughters Marilyn (Ken) Miller, Trish (Chris) Nunes, Barbara (Tom) Grappone, three grandchildren, Emily Thomas, Andrea Mason, and Ryan Grappone, and six great grandchildren, two step-daughters and their families. He was predeceased by his wives, Alberta Menezes Nunes, and Catherine Nunes.
Mel was a proud graduate of Washington High School, class of 1942, where he excelled as an athlete. Post high school led him to his first career, eleven years as a professional baseball player. He played in the Milwaukee Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers farm systems. The highlight of his professional baseball career was winning the 1945 Pacific Coast League Championship as a second baseman on the Portland Beavers, where he led the league in fielding and was a six-time All Star.
In the mid 40's at the end of World War II, he served his country at Fort Lewis Washington, where he was the player manager of the Fort Lewis Warriors Sixth Army Champions.
After the 1953 baseball season, he traded in his spikes for a career in city government. In 1956 he became first Director of Recreation for the Newark Park, Recreation, and Parkway District. One of his first tasks was managing the District’s 9-12 and 13-15 year-old baseball teams, who went on to become champions of the Washington Township Baseball League. Mel was instrumental in developing the City of Newark’s first neighborhood and community park system. The crowning moment of his career was the development and completion of the Newark Community Center. Mel, the Recreation Commission, and the citizens of Newark passed a bond issue, providing the funds to purchase and develop 9 park sites and construct the award-winning Newark Community Center.
Mel's incredible career spanned 5 decades and 38 years. Some other career highlights were starting Music at the Grove, one of the Bay Area’s first free summer concert series in the park; founding the first city operated, state licensed, child care center in California (still serving families today). One of his last contributions was being part of a team that in 1985, developed a master plan to build the 26-acre Sportsfield Park
Mel belonged to many organizations: California Parks and Recreation Society, US Tennis Association, lifetime member of The Association of Professional Baseball Players of America, Newark Kiwanis Club, SIRS, and Redwood City Senior Softball. Mel was an avid and loyal supporter of many local and professional sports teams. Go A's!! He loved walking around Lakeshore Park in Newark, and having daily interaction with his fellow walkers
.
Most recently, the City honored Mel by renaming it’s largest sports park in Mel’s name. Mel Nunes Sportsfield Park is a 26-acre community sports complex featuring grass multi-use fields, night-lighted softball field and walking paths. In the fall of 2019, the City completed a $7 million renovation of the park with the addition of 2 multi-use, night-lighted artificial turf fields and an 18,000 square-foot Zach Wormhoudt designed skate park. Mel was thrilled with the dedication ceremonies which were attended by well over 100 community members. He was a frequent visitor to the park, spending time watching the soccer players and skaters enjoying this wonderful facility.
Submitted by: David Zehnder, Recreation and Community Services Director
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Lt. Frank Morales and Lt. John Torrez, Milpitas PD
Thursday, January 9
- At about 11:19 p.m. officers responded to a call about a vehicle that struck a tree on the 1198 block of Piedmont Road. At the scene an officer found a 2005 Porsche Cayenne with major damage. The driver, later identified by police as Danny Zuniga-Perez, 33, of San Jose was found inside the vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. A 33-year-old male passenger from San Jose had been ejected from the vehicle and was found nearby with major injuries. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died. A second wrecked vehicle with a passenger inside was found nearby with the driver trapped inside. He was freed and treated at the scene for a broken ankle by paramedics and then released. Zuniga-Perez was arrested on suspicion of driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail and faces various charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing an injury and reckless driving.
Monday, January 20
- After a months-long investigation by police in Milpitas and San Francisco, a suspect in 10 auto burglaries that occurred at various Milpitas locations during July 2019 was arrested in San Francisco by the San Francisco Police. The suspect, identified by police as Shaquille Dangelo Dumetz, 25, of San Francisco, was taken to the Milpitas Police Department to be interviewed by detectives before being booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail. He faces 10 counts of burglary.
Milpitas City Council
January 21, 2020
First Council meeting with Bob Nunez as Vice Chair.
Announcements:
- City Manager expressed goal to have a parade in honor of Milpitas High School Trojans football team.
- Councilmember Phan asked the Mayor to give a key to the city to outgoing Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino, with all Councilmembers’ names printed on it.
Consented Calendar:
- Following receipt of election result from the City Clerk added Tract No. 10522 to Community Facilities District No. 2008-1, and approved Final Tract Map No. 10522. Accepted all offers of dedications as stated and depicted on the final map upon completion and acceptance of improvements.
- Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute a Stormwater Management Facilities Operation and Maintenance Agreement for Sprig Center LLC for the Sprig Center development project at 1585 N. McCarthy Boulevard.
- Approved the Side Letter Agreements between the City of Milpitas and (1) the Milpitas Police Officers Association (MPOA) and (2) the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), regarding exchange of City Holiday from Lincoln’s Birthday to César Chávez Day.
- Approved the Side Letter Agreement Between International Association of Firefighters, Local 1699 (IAFF) and City of Milpitas for 10% Special Assignment Pay applied to employees assigned to the Fire Captain 40 Hour Classification.
- Approved a Side Letter amending the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Milpitas and the Milpitas Police Officers Association Agreement dated January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2021 allowing the maximum accrued CTO increase from 240 to 480 hours for Communications Dispatcher and Communications Dispatcher Supervisor for the calendar year 2020.
Business Items:
- Adopted Resolution consistent with the Mitigation Fee Act for Fiscal Year 2018-19 to review and accept the annual developer fee disclosure information for Calaveras Blvd. Widening Traffic Impact Fee, Milpitas Business Park Traffic Impact Fee, Transit Area Specific Plan Impact Fee and Storm Drain Fee and making five-year findings for the Calaveras Blvd. Widening Traffic Impact Fee, Milpitas Business Park Traffic Impact Fee, and Transit Area Specific Plan Impact Fee for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.
- Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment to the contract with J.P. Graphics for printing services, extending the term by six months.
Public Hearing:
- Following a public hearing Council approved the revised project to allow residential subdivision with 34 single-family homes (market-rate), 4 paired homes (designated as below-market-rate), and 10 accessory dwelling units on a 4.88-acre site located at 1005 North Park Victoria Drive; and, allow payment of fees in lieu of providing 15% as below-market-rate units. Council agreed to rezone site from Single-Family Residential Zoning District to Single-Family Residential zoning. VOTES: 4 AYES and 1 NO (Dominguez)
Other Items:
- Council received update on CA Senate Bill 50 from City Attorney, and directed staff to send a letter in support of the bill to state legislature on January 22. VOTE: 4 AYES and 1 ABSTAIN (Tran)
Rich Tran (Mayor) Aye Abstain 1
Bob Nunez (Vice Mayor) Aye
Carmen Montano Aye
Karina Dominguez Aye No 1
Anthony Phan Aye
Thanks for a job well done!
Submitted by Newark PD
During the January 23 Newark City Council meeting, Police Officers Omar Pacheco, Salvador Hernandez and Karl Fredstrom were honored for deploying life saving measures during a medical call and reviving a victim that was unconscious. The trio received a standing ovation for their work and dedication.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Monday, January 13, 2020
- 1:17 a.m.: Officers made contact and arrested a 26-year old female out of Newark for DUI after she drove her vehicle into a tree near the intersection of Thornton Avenue and Newark Boulevard. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail. Public works was called out to remove the tree due damage it sustained as a result of the collision.
• 7:23 p.m.: NPD Officers responded to a disturbance in the 6200 block of Mayhews Landing Road. A 48-year old male on probation out of Newark was taken into custody for violating a court order, bringing a controlled substance into jail, violating a court order, probation violation and obstructing a peace officer. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
• 8:12 p.m.: 4 auto burglaries occurred in the 35000 block of Newark Boulevard between 7:50-8:05 p.m. Loss was a Louis Vuitton bag and a blue Nike backpack.Tuesday, January 14, 2020
• 6:08 a.m.: Officer Johnson investigated a burglary to a vehicle in the 5900 block of Mowry Avenue. Overnight, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) shattered the window to the victim vehicle and stole a backpack with electric tools.
• 6:08 a.m.: While Officer Johnson investigated a burglary to a vehicle in the 5900 block of Mowry Avenue, he located another vehicle burglary. The suspect entered the vehicle and stole tools.
• 10:28 p.m.: An auto burglary occurred in the 3100 block of Newpark Mall between 8:30-9:15 p.m. Loss was two backpacks and two laptop computers.Wednesday, January 15, 2020
• 8:29 a.m. Officer Swadener made contact and arrested a male near the 35000 block of Dumbarton Court for his felony and misdemeanor warrant. The subject was booked at Fremont Jail.
• 7:31 p.m.: A carjacking occurred in the 5600 block of Thornton Avenue.Thursday, January 16, 2020
• 12:02 PM: Officer Fredstrom was dispatched to the 5400 block of Thornton Avenue for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon involving a vehicle after a “grab and run” theft. Officer Fredstrom located and arrested a 29-year old male on probation out of Berkeley for two warrants, providing false identification to a police officer, possessing burglary tools, shoplifting, unlawfully possessing pepper spray as a convicted felon, violating probation rules, possessing methamphetamine and possessing drug paraphernalia. He was booked at Fremont Jail.
• 1:33 p.m.: Officer Swadener made contact and arrested a 48-year old male out of Newark in the area of Lake Boulevard and Cedar Boulevard for being too inebriated to care for himself or others. The subject was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
• 16:46 p.m.: Officer Torres investigated a vehicle burglary in the 36000 block of Christine Street. An unknown suspect was interrupted after he shattered the window to the victim vehicle and stole a laptop. The male subject was seen running westbound on Mountcalm Avenue.Saturday, January 18, 2020
• 2:54 a.m.: Officer Hunter made contact and arrested 29-year old male in the area of Cherry Street and Thornton Avenue for DUI. He was booked at Fremont Jail.
• 5:10 p.m.: Officer Horst responded to the report of a speeding dirt bike in the roadway near the 6200 block of Noel Avenue. Officers arrived and detained a 19-year old male out of Newark. The bike was reported stolen out of Hayward on 11/05/2018. The subject was subsequently placed under arrest by Officer Horst for possession of a stolen vehicle and booked into Fremont Jail.
• 7:41 p.m.: Officers responded to a report of a subject swinging a stick towards others in the 36000 block of Newark Boulevard. Upon arrival, Officer Smith and Officer Riddles contacted a 60-year old male transient who was noncompliant. The subject was ultimately arrested by Officer Riddles for resisting arrest and possessing drug paraphernalia. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.Sunday, January 19, 2020
• 7:25 p.m.: Officer Johnson and Sergeant Simon made contact and arrested a 24-year old male out of Newark in the 5800 block of Robertson Avenue for DUI. He booked him at Fremont Jail.
• 9:28 p.m.: Officer Hunter responded to the 5700 block of Thornton Avenue regarding a subject lying down in a parking stall. Officer Hunter contacted a 26-year old male out of Newark and found him to be in possession of heroin, a syringe, and a pipe. He was ultimately arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.Additional Information and photos:
View an arrest log that displays information about arrestees for the past 30 days with personal data (allowable by statute/law) and mug shot of the arrestee at: http://npd.crimegraphics.com/2013/default.aspx
Newark City Council
January 23, 2020
Presentations and Proclamations:
- Introduction of new employee, Administrative Support Specialist II, Linda Tran.
- Commend Police Officers Fredstrom, Hernandez and Pacheco for life-saving actions to resuscitate a volunteer at the Salvation Army facility. Officer Pacheco arrived on the scene and began CPR; Officer Fredstrom deployed the Automated External Defibrillator and Officers Pacheco and Hernandez continued chest compressions until fire department personnel arrived. The volunteer survived.
Consent Calendar:
- Authorize purchase of a replacement street sweeper from Owen Equipment using four-year lease-purchase agreement with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC.
- Authorize purchase of replacement large area rotary mower from Turf Star, Inc.
- Amend 2018-2020 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2019/20.
Removed from Consent Calendar:
- By Councilmember Collazo: Authorize purchase of front-line fire engine (pumper) from Golden State Fire Apparatus, Inc. using nine-year lease-purchase agreement with PNC Equipment Finance, LLC. Purchase pursuant to agreement with Alameda County Fire Department; City owns and is responsible for land, stations, equipment and upkeep. This is less expensive using purchasing power of joint purchasing agreements and retaining control.
Non-Consent:
- Accept First 5 Alameda County Early Learning Communities Network Grant. 18-month grant will focus on awareness, resources, empowerment and advocacy for children 0-5 years old and their families.
City Council Matters:
- Newark Parks & Recreation has been recognized with an award for the design of Mel Nunes Sportsfield by the California Park & Recreation Society.
- Comment regarding Chamber of Commerce event at Aloft. Presentations about memory retention and Lucid Motors based in Newark.
- Possible countywide foodware ordinance considered at last council meeting has been delayed by Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board (stopwaste.org) to introduce a voluntary pilot program to gather additional information.
Oral Communications:
- Resident commented that long term homeowners and those on fixed income are unfairly penalized by trash service rate increases.
Mayor Alan Nagy Aye
Vice Mayor Luis Freitas Aye
Sucy Collazo Aye
Michael Hannon Aye
Mike Bucci Aye
Fremont News Briefs
Submitted by Cheryl Golden
Novel Coronavirus Update
On January 23, it was brought to the Fremont Fire Department’s attention there are rumors spreading quickly on multiple social media outlets regarding possible cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus within the City of Fremont. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently monitoring an outbreak of a 2019 Novel (new) Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China that began in December 2019. There are confirmed cases in China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
The Fremont Fire Department contacted the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD), and the agency verified there are no confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Alameda County at this time. The ACPHD also noted the virus does not appear to be spreading in the United States and there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public at the present time.
Symptoms of 2019-nCoV include high fever or cough, and shortness of breath. Having these symptoms, and either having traveled to Wuhan in the last 14 days or meet someone who may have 2019-nCoV, would make a person more likely to need immediate medical evaluation. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. To learn more information, visit the following resources from the CDC and Alameda County Public Health Department:
- Coronavirus Information from the CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Guidance for Alameda County Clinicians: Checklist for Managing Patients Who May Have Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infection: www.acphd.org/media/553792/alameda%20county%20guidance%20checklist%20ncov_1.22.20.pdf
- Updates from ACPHD: www.acphd.org/
Census 2020
The City of Fremont, in partnership with Alameda County, is working to ensure that we fully count the community in the upcoming United States Census. Every ten years, the Census Bureau counts everyone living in the country to collect basic information including age, sex, and race, for every adult, child, and baby. Census 2020 will not ask about citizenship status or for information such as a social security number.
Beginning in March 2020, the City of Fremont will administer a Questionnaire Assistance Center, at the Fremont Family Resource Center to provide the public with access to computers and support in completing the Census. Responses are confidential and protected by law.
Those interested in getting involved can become a census ambassador and promote the census in Fremont through your neighborhood, community organization, or house of worship. You will be equipped with training, materials, and messaging to support Census participation. If you are interested, email Ashleigh Howick, the city’s census volunteer coordinator, at census2020@fremont.gov.
For other census information, contact Management Analyst Amanda Gallo at agallo@fremont.gov or (510) 284-4016. For Alameda County Census information, visit www.acgov.org/census2020. For City of Fremont Census information, visit www.Fremont.gov/Census2020.
Tax Preparation to the Community
Tax season is here. The Fremont Family Resource Center’s (FRC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free, quality tax return preparation assistance and electronic filing for eligible individuals and families with an annual household income of $56,000 or less.
IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers will help eligible taxpayers claim their maximum refunds, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can be over $6,000 for a family with three or more qualifying children. FRC VITA also provides access to asset building or income support resources such as public benefits, low or no cost bank accounts, and financial education. VITA falls under the City of Fremont Human Services Department’s SparkPoint Program and has helped more than 29,000 families receive more than $45 million in tax refunds since 2002.
FRC VITA offers tax services at four locations in the Tri-City area. The main tax site is the Fremont Family Resource Center, 39155 Liberty Street, Building EFGH. Walk-in tax services are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays through April 14. On April 15, VITA hours will be extended from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
VITA services are also offered at the New Haven Adult School, 600 G Street (entrance on H Street), in Union City from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays through April 11 (closed March 14). VITA is also available at the Tri-Cities One Stop Career Center, Ohlone College Newark Campus, 39399 Cherry Street, Room 1211 by only appointment from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through April 14. To make an appointment, visit www.fremontvita.org and scroll down to Schedule and Newark.
Throughout tax season, free on-site childcare is provided, on a first-come first-served basis as space is limited. This year FRC VITA offers a new drop-off service called Valet VITA for those with very simple, uncomplicated taxes. Taxpayers drop off their tax documents one day and pick up the completed returns on another. The drop off site is the Union City Family Center, 725 Whipple Road, Union City from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through April 14.
For more information, visit www.Fremont.gov/FRCVITA2020 or call SparkPoint Fremont at (510) 574-2020 or (510) 574-2026.
Neighborhood Crime Watch Group
The Community Engagement Unit would like to invite you to get more involved with the Fremont Police Department this year. One of the largest programs the Community Engagement Unit manages is the Neighborhood Crime Watch (NCW) program.
In Fremont, there are currently more than 150 active NCW groups. The program helps to strengthen the partnership between residents and the police department to improve safety, enhance communication, and prevent crime. For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist Monica Leon at Monicaleon@fremont.gov or visit www.fremontpolice.gov/crime-prevention/neighborhood-crime-watch-ncw. In addition, the following programs are available for residents:
Vacation Checks: www.fremontpolice.gov/i-want-to/file/vacation-security-check
You Are Not Alone: www.fremontpolice.gov/community/programs-for-adults/your-are-not-alone-yana
Earth Day Art Contest
This year, Earth Day 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the biggest environmental movement in the world. To celebrate, East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), Fremont’s electricity provider, is inviting artists to submit Earth Day inspired artwork designs for buttons and posters. The selected artwork will be printed on buttons and posters available for distribution at Earth Day events in April 2020. Each selected design will also receive $500.
In Fremont, the city and Washington Hospital will be hosting their annual Earth Day event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Washington Hospital. For more information about the Earth Day Art Contest and to submit a design, visit www.EBCE.org/Solicitations.
Renegades Report
Submitted and photos by Don Jedlovec
In a men's/women’s double header at Ohlone with the Chabot Gladiators on January 22nd, the men lost a close contest 72-71 and the Lady Renegades were defeated, 89-59.
Ohlone College Debuts New Learning Facilities
By Raymond Ibale
Ohlone College celebrated the opening their new learning facilities on January 24, 2020, nearly a decade in the making. District leaders, staff, students, business partners and community members witnessed the grand opening of the Frank DiMino Academic Core Complex Buildings with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a tour. The Core Complex consists of an Arts Building, Science Center, and Learning Commons.
The new buildings total 188,000 square feet and sit atop the hills at Ohlone College’s Fremont Campus and don new and improved classrooms, laboratories, and office spaces — aiming to encourage student and campus collaboration.
“This project is the largest, most ambitious project in the community college system. A huge feat and I believe the buildings were worth the wait,” said Ohlone Community College President/Superintendent, Dr. Gari Browning, during her State of the College speech. “The result you see today is a faithful representation of our vision and I could not be prouder to call Ohlone our home, I hope, as a member of the Ohlone community, you share that saying.”
Ohlone College broke ground of the Academic Core Buildings in April 2016 with the help of construction partners, Cannon Design, a global architecture, engineering and design firm, Gilbane Building Company, a family-owned construction and real estate development firm, and Balfour Beatty Construction, an international infrastructure group. The buildings were funded by a $349 million bond, Measure G, passed by voters in Newark, Fremont, and Union City in 2010.
The Core Complex was named after real-estate developer Frank DiMino, who had a close connection with Ohlone professor, Darren Bardell. DiMino donated $9.8 million to the Ohlone College Foundation in November 2018. Eight million dollars was allocated toward the Academic Core Complex, which helped purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the buildings. The rest of DiMino’s donation went to scholarships and academic program support.
Ohlone Community College Board of Trustee member, Richard Watters thanked DiMino, who could not be in attendance, for his contributions to the project. “I’d like to thank a very special donor in DiMino, at age 93 he shows no signs of slowing down, he spends most of his time juggling philanthropy, charitable giving, entrepreneurship and visiting with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,” Watters said, followed by a huge ovation.
During the ceremony, Ohlone Indian ancestor, Andrew Galvan, led attendees in the Prayer in the Four Directions and blessed the buildings that sit on Ohlone lands.
Dr. Browning plans to retire at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. She announced her retirement October 2019. California Senator Bob Wiekowski expressed his gratitude of Dr. Browning’s career. He presented Ohlone College with a certificate of recognition for the opening of the Frank DiMino Academic Core Complex Buildings.
Ohlone College’s Spring semester begins January 27. For more information about Ohlone College, visit www.Ohlone.edu.
Adjusting expectations
By David Stark
Public Affairs Director, Bay East Association of REALTORS®
Home buyers and sellers had a significantly different experience in 2019 compared with previous years. With more homes on the market they both had to adjust their expectations.
For most of the communities along the 880-corridor, the number of homes for sale during 2019 reached a three-year high. Compared with 2018 there were 10 percent more homes listed for sale in Union City, 25 percent more in Fremont and more than 45 percent more on the market in Newark. This reflected an increase of more than 620 homes for sale in just those three communities.
Real estate markets are subject to the law of supply and demand. More supply did drive down prices in the short-term. The median sales price for a single-family detached home in Fremont during 2018 was $1.2 million. During 2019 it dropped six percent to $1.1 million. In Newark, prices dropped five percent from $963,000 during 2018 to $918,000 during 2019. The most significant change was in Union City where prices fell 15 percent from $1.04 million during 2018 to $891,500 during 2019.
More choices and lower prices would indicate that home sales would have increased during 2019. The actual number of homes sold provides insight into the “demand” side of the law of supply and demand.
Sales activity along the 880-corridor was mixed. Some of this was driven by the number of homes for sale in each community and some sales influenced by prices. In Fremont, more homes on the market drove down prices. Yet, sales activity was virtually unchanged between 2018 and 2019. While prices did drop year-to-year, the $1 million price tag is still out of reach for many buyers.
Market conditions were slightly different in Newark. The 200 additional units for sale and prices, on average five percent lower than 2018, resulted in a three percent increase in home sales. In Union City, the 15 percent drop in prices drove up sales by 10 percent.
The biggest difference for buyers and sellers during 2019 was how long a home was on the market. During previous years sellers expected a home to be on the market for two weeks or less before accepting a purchase offer. Buyers were prepared to move quickly as homes were also selling quickly. In 2018 a home listed for sale in the 880 corridor communities was on the market an average of 22 days. In 2019 this period increased to 27 days.
In Fremont, a home was on the market on average 29 days during 2019; in Union City, a home was on the market on average 31 days; and in Newark, a home was on the market on average 39 days. This change caused many sellers to question if something was wrong with their home or, in many cases, to drop the price.
Even with some new residential construction planned in many of the communities along the 880-corridor, the demand for home ownership is still outpacing supply. The market did cool a bit during 2019, but it will certainly remain warm, if not outright hot, during 2020.
Republic Day of India Celebration
Submitted by Ritu Maheshwari
On Saturday, February 1, Festival of the Globe (FOG) will hold their “71st Republic Day of India Celebration” at Santa Clara Convention Center Theater. Mr. Sanjay Panda, the Consul General of India and other dignitaries will arrive at 6 p.m. This occasion celebrates both oldest and largest democracies – USA and India. Enjoy vibrant cultural performances, patriotic songs, dance competition, and great music.
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: FOG Youth Fashion show and Public Speaking Contest
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Dance Competition and Kids’ Fashion Show
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Chief Guest and Dignitaries, Awards
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Select Dances and Songs
71st Republic Day of India Celebration
Saturday, Feb 1
Santa Clara Convention Center Theater
5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara
(510) 491-4867
Tickets are $7 at the gate and can be purchased at www.fogsv.org.
San Leandro City Council
January 21, 2020
Recognitions:
- Recognition of employee of the quarter Heather Johnson, Senior Library Assistant, in Library Services.
Public Comments:
- Resident from the local environmental advocacy group First Wednesdays suggested sustainability recommendations for the council’s goal setting session for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Resident, also from First Wednesdays, questioned why no one from San Leandro was present on a regional climate action committee.
- Resident announced an update in smog check technology that his group (Clean Air Performance Professionals) would be bringing to the California Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs for discussion.
Presentations:
- Update on the Monarch Bay Shoreline development.
- Public Comment: One resident raised concerns about the parking capacity surrounding the golf course at the San Leandro Marina.
- Update on the city’s climate action plan.
- Presentation on SB 1383 an incoming law on short-lived climate pollutants in the waste stream in addition to an update on a possible reusable food serviceware ordinance.
Consent Calendar:
- Resolution of the city to execute a purchase with Peterson Trucks, INC. for a water tank truck.
- Resolution of the city to execute a purchase with National Auto Fleet Group for two 2021 Peterbilt Patch trucks.
Reports:
- Councilmember Lopez attended the California League of Cities Latino Caucus where the 30th anniversary of the caucus was discussed.
- Councilmember Lee attended the Oakland Airport Noise Forum where bills the forum supports were discussed.
- Councilmember Cox attended the San Leandro Improvement Association meeting where they are continuing their search for a new executive director.
City Council Calendar and Announcements:
- Councilmember Hernandez held a moment of silence for Miesha Ellese Singleton, a San Leandro resident who was killed in a hit-and-run in Oakland on January 17th.
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Absent
Vice Mayor Corina N. Lopez Aye
Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye
Ed Hernandez Aye
Benny Lee Aye
Deborah Cox Aye
Pete Ballew Aye
Man dies in single car traffic collision
Submitted by Lt. Isaac Benabou, San Leandro P.D.
A man, presumed to be in his 30's died last night as a result of a single-vehicle collision into an electrical pole in the 1500 block of Doolittle Drive in San Leandro.
The traffic collision was reported to the San Leandro Police Department January 24 around 9:45 pm, when several callers stated that a single-vehicle struck an electrical pole, shearing it and causing the car to roll onto its side.
When officers arrived, they found the driver of the vehicle was trapped inside. Firefighters and paramedics worked to extract the driver and eventually removed him from the car and began life-saving efforts.
Electricity in the area was disrupted due to the sheared pole, and traffic had to be re-routed because of live wires in the roadway. The utility provider was called to the scene to address the power outage.
The driver of the vehicle was taken to a local trauma center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the collision is unknown at this time.
The San Leandro Police Department is working with the Alameda County Coroner's Bureau to confirm the identity of the driver.
Pre-scheduling arranged for sports physicals
Submitted by Michelle Stone
In an effort to decrease wait times, sports physicals, hosted by Washington Sports Medicine (Washington Hospital Healthcare System), will pre-schedule physical exams on Wednesday, February 5 (3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Thursday, February 6 (3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.). Specific time slots will be guaranteed with approximately 84 slots per day. Physical evaluation forms, available at www.whhs.com/services/sports must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to arrival. Walk-ups will be given a specific time to return, avoiding a lengthy wait. Athletes from all sports are welcome.
Sports Physicals
Wednesday, Feb 5
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Newark Memorial High School Library
39375 Cedar Blvd, Newark
Thursday, Feb 6
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Irvington High School Library
41800 Blacow Rd, Fremont
www.whhs.com/services/sports
Mike Rogers (510) 818-7320
Cost: $20
Author Series Highlights African-American Scientists, Inventors and Businesspeople
Submitted by Nancy Guarnera
Despite making substantial contributions to every aspect of American life, African Americans often disappear from history books after the Civil War. In honor of African-American History Month, Fremont author Tish Davidson will introduce some of these forgotten Americans when she reads from her books African-American Scientists and Inventors and African Americans in Business on Saturday, February 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Price Books in the Fremont Hub. The program is part of the “Second Saturday” author series co-sponsored by Fremont Area Writers (FAW) and by the bookstore.
Davidson’s audience will hear about people such as Paul Williams, a cyber security expert who grew up in a cabin with no electricity or running water; and cancer researcher Jane Cooke Wright, who was the third generation in her family to go to medical school. From traffic signals to gas masks, from refrigerators to long-burning light bulbs, African American inventions have made life safer and easier for everyone. Meanwhile, African American business leaders have published newspapers, founded banks, and even established new towns.
Tish Davidson is the author of 14 traditionally published books, including 10 for school age children and four for adults. This program is suitable for school age children, teachers, parents, and anyone interested in contributions made by African Americans missing from our history books.
For more information about FAW go to www.cwc-fremontareawriters.org.
Second Saturdays Trish Davidson
Saturday, Feb 8
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Half Price Books
39152 Fremont Hub
(510) 744-0333
https://www.hpb.com/055/
Display commemorates “Year of the Woman”
Submitted by Michiko Yee
The Country Club of Washington Township Women’s Club (CCWTWC) will honor the “Year of the Woman” by setting up a display titled “Then 1896 – 2019” at the Fremont Main Library on Saturday, February 1.
Celmira Blea and Carol Pike, with the help of Angelina Reyes, are gathering and researching articles and other items of interest to show. Among these are an old typewriter, a princess phone, a seal dated 1896 with the club name, and gold certificate stickers, embossed with the seal (to be handed out to patrons). Also in attendance will be four friends of the club dressed in Victorian costume.
The display will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Michiko Yee at (510) 793-9352.
Women’s Club history display
Saturday, Feb 1
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400