Frenetic farce opens at Chanticleers Theater

Article and photos submitted by Georgia Barnes

 

Comedy, farce, melodrama and mystery all mix in this brilliant and hilarious stage adaptation of “The 39 Steps.” The original story was produced by Alfred Hitchcock as a motion picture in 1935. In turn, the Hitchcock film became the subject and inspiration for Patrick Barlow’s masterful comedic stage play.

 

Unlike the film version, Barlow’s stage play casts only four actors to bring to life 150 characters and to recreate iconic action sequences. An ingenious assortment of hilarious slapstick shenanigans and creative devices keep the laughs rolling and the action moving ahead. The production’s serious spy story is played mainly for laughs, and the script is full of allusions to other Hitchcock films, like “Strangers on a Train,” “Rear Window,” “Psycho,” “Vertigo,” and “North by Northwest.” The fun continues as this frenetic farce careens from place to place and muddle to mess. The conclusion combines mishaps, mistaken identities, and tongue-in-cheek references to everything we like about murder mysteries and film noir detective movies.

 

Chanticleers Theatre’s production is directed by John Maio and features new comers Damion Clark, Michael Kelly and Rachel Powers, as well as C. Conrad Cady, familiar to local audiences.

 

“The 39 Steps” opens with Chanticleers’ traditional complimentary hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverage gala on Friday, February 1 and runs through Sunday, February 24. General admission is $25; admission for seniors (60+)/students/military is $20. On Bargain Night, Saturday, February 2, all tickets are $18. Call (510) 733-5483 or go to http://chanticleers.org/ for reservations/tickets.

 

The 39 Steps

Friday, Feb 1 – Sunday, Feb 24

8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. (no show Feb 3)

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors/students

 

 

Tragedy inspires art

Submitted by Bruce Roberts

 

Pick up a newspaper any day and you’ll likely find headlines of someone who has been shot. Gun violence is a daily event in modern America, ruining lives, devastating families.

 

To counteract this tidal wave of tragedy, Alameda County District Attorney (DA) Nancy O’Malley, in conjunction with the Robbie Poblete Foundation (named for a young man shot to death in 2014) has initiated a project titled “The Art of Peace – Alameda County.”

 

Over the past 30 years, more than 1,000 guns have been collected by the District Attorney’s office as evidence for prosecuting crimes. Now, several area sculptors have been commissioned to transform those tools of violence into symbols of peace. The titles reflect the assignment: “Seeds of Art,” “Flame of Reason,” “Wave of Gun Violence,” “Gunnosaurus,” “Trouble Helix,” “300 Shots Fired,” “Holding On,” and more.

 

All are made nearly entirely of gun parts, and in the artists’ statements, the thoughts over and over focus on the honor they feel at being able to pay homage to the families of the fallen, and to join this marvelous effort to mold these weapons of destruction, as well as American culture, into something more peaceful and positive.

 

First displayed in the DA’s office in Oakland, these beautiful pieces of art are now in Hayward and open to the public at the Hayward Arts Council’s Sunset Gallery. The exhibit runs through Friday, February 22.

 

Art can lead the fight against violence.

 

The Art of Peace – Alameda County

Wednesday, Jan 16 – Friday, Feb 22

Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hayward Center/Adult School

Sunset Gallery

22100 Princeton St, Room H2, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

 

Montessori School opera explores ancient Aztec legend

Submitted by Aanya Rangachary

 

For 17 years, Montessori School of Fremont students and staff have produced beautiful and exquisite operas. Last year, they took you to the underwater kingdom to witness Hans Christian Anderson’s classic, timeless fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” This year, on Friday, February 1, Montessori School of Fremont returns with “Azteca and the Peacemakers,” the Aztec legend of how music and color came to Earth.

 

Our story begins long, long ago. Tezcatlipoca, Lord of the Sky, and Quetzalcoatl, Lord of the Wind, are fierce enemies. They are jealous of each other and so they fight. They fight a lot. Their fighting destroys the peace and happiness of life on Earth. Tired and frustrated with their behavior, Tonatiuh, the Sun God, lures away their musicians and stops shining on Earth. As a result, the people grow miserable and must struggle to survive. A mortal warrior named Azteca, who is full of pity for the people, persuades Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl to try and bring music back for the Earth. They both try, but to no avail. The Sun God is too strong for them, and he refuses to return their musicians or come back to shine on Earth.

 

Finally, Azteca pleads with Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl to let him fight with the Sun God. He plans to disguise himself as one of them, defeat the sun by playing music of his own, and bring back the musicians while the Sun God sleeps. They agree and arm him with a Mask of the Gods. Tezcatlipoca also grants help from his own servants: Water Monster, Water Woman, and Cane & Conch. So, Azteca sets off on his journey. When he needs help to get to the realm of the sun, he calls upon the servants. Water Monster gives Azteca his cloak for protection, Water Woman gives him the power to extinguish the fiery arrows of the sun, and Cane & Conch help him build a bridge to reach the realm of the sun.

 

Azteca, armed with his gifts, defeats the Sun God, brings music back to Earth, and makes the Sun God come back to shine on Earth. All the people rejoice.

 

The opera will be performed at Ohlone College’s Smith Centre Theatre with the participation of around 100 kids ages 6 – 12, and the assistance of director/composer and choreographer William and Hollis Bokhout of the Children’s Opera Studio.

 

Join Azteca on his mission to bring back music to the Earth in this colorful ancient tale.

 

Azteca and the Peacemakers

Friday, Feb 1

7 p.m.

Smith Center at Ohlone College

Jackson Theater

43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont

(510) 490-0919

http://montessori-fremont.com/opera.html

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children 12 and under, free for children under 3 in lap seat

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger

 

Thursday, January 24

• At 1:00 a.m. A man identified by police as Luke Durchman, 22, of Dublin was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a felony warrant and on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance. He was booked at Santa Rita jail.

 

 

California governor seeks to transform youth prisons

By Don Thompson

Associated Press

 

STOCKTON, Calif. (AP), Jan 22 – Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing to change the way California's juvenile prisons are overseen, eventually closing facilities to cut what he calls the “ludicrous” cost.

 

The Democratic governor on Tuesday said he aims to better transform young lives by putting youth prisons under a health and human services umbrella. Youthful offenders currently are overseen by the same agency that runs adult prisons.

 

Newsom says that's not working, with nearly three out of four young offenders arrested again within three years of their release.

 

He criticized the annual cost topping $300,000 per young offender. Cutting costs would mean closing some of the four remaining juvenile facilities, though Newsom says workers would be protected.

 

Newsom spoke after touring a new computer coding class at one of two youth prisons in Stockton.

 

 

Cal State names new police chief

Submitted by Kimberly Hawkins

 

Following an intensive nationwide search, officials from California State University East Bay (CSUEB) in Hayward have selected Mark Flores the new Chief of University Police. A veteran in law enforcement, Flores has spent the last 26 years with the Alameda County Sheriff’s office where he served as a captain.

 

A native of San Jose, Flores is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

 

In his new role at CSEB, Flores plans to focus on community policing which is an important model followed by numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the Bay Area. “Primarily, it enables us to build relationships by establishing rapport,” Flores said. “It is the goal of our department to gain the trust of students, faculty and staff so they feel assured we are going to protect them, their personal belongings, and create a harmonious environment that encourages learning. In this way, we can work together to resolve crime and make the campus safer for everybody.”

 

Flores is among the first in his family to get a college degree and feels his struggles as a youth growing up on the east side of San Jose helped him realize how important it is to keep pushing forward and not give up.

 

“Coming from a poor area, growing up on the east side, not having a lot, two parents working full time, having to deal with everything kids have to deal with — drugs, bullying, outside influences — I wanted to have a better quality of life,” Flores said. “I was lucky enough to have positive role models who steered me into law enforcement, where I have come to understand everybody wants to have a good life. We all want to feel safe and protected in our parks, in our homes and neighborhoods. I looked at law enforcement to establish that type of comfortable lifestyle and quality of life for my community.”

 

Flores feels that balance is important. The father of two teenagers, Flores makes sure to exercise and find time for play, which involves music and a side gig as a mobile DJ.

 

“I’m not the best dancer, but I can help people enjoy dancing and create an environment that is fun. Music is another form of communication. Music can transcend culture gender and race. It’s a way to speak to people.”

 

 

Chabot College opens Dream Center

Submitted by Guisselle Nunez

 

Chabot College is set to provide support, resources and referrals for undocumented students and allies with the grand opening of the college's Dream Center on Thursday, January 31. As a safe and confidential space, students using the center will be free from fear as they learn about options available to them including scholarships, financial aid, legal services and workshops, specialized counseling and laptop lending program. For more information, call (510) 723-6714.

 

Chabot’s Dream Center Opening

Thursday, Jan 31

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dream Center

Building 700 South, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward

Refreshments will be provided

 

Dream Center Hours

Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

 

Art & Science of Hip Hop kicks off February programs

Submitted by Chabot Space & Science Center

 

Music is simultaneously an art and a science; the two disciplines are closely related. Science and music are formed on the foundations of curiosity, creativity, and mathematics and results of both serve to enlighten and inspire us. Join us as we explore the dynamics of hip-hop music and discover the artistic and scientific elements that contribute to the genre. Experiment with turntables and create your own beats. Play with rhythm, melody, and timing by mixing and composing your own music. Write your own poetry to music and even create your own instruments!

 

Join our partner, Microphone Mechanics, in our Megadome Theater for an interactive knowledge share and experience presenting hip hop as a world culture with life-affirming principles as well as an interactive hip hop performance.

 

Microphone Mechanics presents “The Intersection between Hip Hop Culture & Education” presented by Jahi of PE 2.0. As a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Public Enemy, Jahi was selected by Chuck D to continue to cultural legacy of the group as PE 2.0. Jahi is also a school executive with African American Male Achievement, and a founding member of Kingmakers of Oakland, which helps to create and maintain better academic and life outcomes for African American Kings.

 

Using historical and contemporary examples, Jahi’s aim is to broaden the current perspective and conversation around what hip hop culture is. This presentation is family friendly and profanity free and includes dialogue and short performances.

 

First Friday: The Art & Science of Hip Hop

Friday, Feb 1

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tickets: $5

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What can be more romantic than a trip to the Red Planet? Celebrate with your Valentine and take a simulated space mission to Mars! 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 is a 21 and over event.

 

Love Mission

Thursday, Feb 14

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $80 per couple

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Want to impress your friends with your knowledge of science and culture? Looking for a new date night activity? Just want to kick back and watch a laser show? Join us at Chabot for our new Lectures & Lasers series! Every month we’ll be joined by experts, writers, and entertainers to delve into a new topic from rocket launches to pop astrology and everything in between. Then grab a drink and head to the planetarium dome for an immersive, multi-sensory music and laser light show. Shows, including the Beatles, U2, and Pink Floyd, will rotate each month. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts will be available for purchase. This event is recommended for ages 15 and up.

 

The event kicks off with a talk and book launch from Bay Area-based author Isaac Reed. Born and raised in Oakland, Reed eventually crossed paths with the Chabot Space & Science Center and joined the Galaxy Explorers program during his youth. His experiences would lead him to start his own tech companies, launch a private wine label, and travel the world. After success and exits in Silicon Valley with tech companies, Reed went on to pursue his true passion for writing. “Kevin Deer & the 12 Mistresses of the Zodiac” is his first series of fiction novels published through Redwood Publishing. The young adult novels intertwine romance and astrology, and through these books, Reed hopes to inspire people of all shapes, colors, and ages.

 

Lectures & Lasers

Friday, Feb 15

6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.: Isaac Reed Talk and Book Launch

8:15 p.m.: Beatles Laser Show

9:15 p.m.: Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show

Tickets: $15 lecture & laser show, $8 laser show only

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Chabot Space & Science Center and the Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival have joined forces to present the annual Playdate for the Imagination™ where education and imagination collide. In its 11th 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.

 

Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival

Saturday Feb 16 & Sunday, Feb 17

Saturday, Feb: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb 17: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tickets: $22 adult day pass, $14 youth; $32 adult weekend pass, $20 youth; $5 adult/youth Saturday night (4:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

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For updates and more information, visit https://chabotspace.org/.

 

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

(510) 336-7300

https://chabotspace.org/

 

 

Children’s Book Illustrator Show celebrates 30 years

Submitted by Dorsi Diaz

 

The Sun Gallery is pleased to announce the return and celebration of its 30th annual “Children’s Book Illustrator Show.” A local favorite, this fun and colorful show has delighted young and old alike from around the San Francisco Bay Area since 1989!

 

The exhibit is currently open and runs until Saturday, March 16 with a special Artists’ Reception and meet and greet on Saturday, February 2. Children and their families will be treated to face painting, appetizers and beverages, plus a free craft table with coloring pages by illustrators in the show. Besides being a great chance to meet local authors and illustrators, there will also be book signings available throughout the day.

 

This year’s show has a wide variety of topics: A beautiful story about finding treasures within unfolds in “The Little Clay Pot,” illustrated by Tee Scott and written by Jan Renee. Local artist Nadia Reddy offers a snuggly tale in her newest book, “A Cozy Winter Day.” Hayward’s own Mt. Eden High School art teacher Carrie King with author Jennifer Lieder charms readers with whimsical illustrations in colorful “Kensie’s Queen,” a delightful story about family, love, and style!

 

Mother and daughter duo, author Pam Saxelby and illustrator Anne Saxelby, return to the Sun with humor, imagination, and tenderness in “The Great Grace Escape,” a charming story about a baby’s arrival into life. The talents of painter/illustrator/author Sharon DeVetter are on display in two books sure to delight animal and cat lovers alike: “Chloe Paints Tuscany” and “Zoey in Monet’s Garden.”

 

Author Fran Quittel delights with her debut book, “The Central Park Lost Mitten Party,” a glorious tale with a beautiful message about life set in the magic and beauty of America’s first urban public park. Quittel, a native New Yorker, has split her time between the Bay Area and 57th Street in Manhattan, at the foot of Central Park, since 1996. Her work with three East Bay illustrators epitomizes the definition of collaboration, with illustrator/artists Ana Podvysotska, Salma Arastu, and Paul Veres all contributing to bring this wonderful book to life.

 

Other outstanding illustrators and books in the show are the Sun’s beloved Joe Santiago with the 6th book in his series “All Creatures We Love” (even including one of Hayward’s favorite characters, Rudy Grasseschi from The Cobblers shoe store in Hayward), and Carolyn Schlam with “Alphabet Club” (complete with a charming display of matching sick puppets). Schlam, an award-winning American painter, sculptor, and glass artist, was born and raised in New York City. “Frances at 103,” an oil painting by Schlam, is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

 

Stunning illustrated art is on display by author/illustrator Constance Anderson in “A Stick Until,” and husband wife duo Debbie and Jim Patrick take readers on a visual treat with a little artist mouse named Artemous who dabbles with the art of the fine art masters in “The Adventures of Artemous: Book One, Mouse in the Museum.” Veteran author Susan Pace-Koch of Get Out Books Publishing unveils her latest adventure in the “The Lamp Thieves,” illustrated by Emily Stepp. Darling character creations from the book were handmade by a fiber artisan in Latvia named Olga Keisa.

 

Sun Gallery’s own Linda Lens is back with her two books “Captain Mama” and “Captain Mama’s Surprise,” written by acclaimed author and motivational speaker Graciela Tiscareno-Sato, a former veteran Air Force pilot. Lens, who has taught Sun Gallery’s Free Saturday Art Classes for Families for over four years, will also be teaching classes on how to write and illustrate a children's book on Saturday, February 9 and 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The workshop is free, and participants will go home with their own children's book! Families and children are encouraged to come.

 

And in a special twist again this year, local high school student sculptures from Geoff Landreau’s art class at Mt. Eden High are featured in the show with their fantastical Alebrijes paper mache creations, helping children imagine how book characters start out as ideas.

 

This year’s show is also running in tandem with “Perspectives,” a stunning exhibit by Ruey Syrop and her young mentee, Isadora Qi, age 6, whose joint work provokes profound imagery using the images of children’s art and the subject of homelessness.

 

Bay Area teachers are encouraged to bring their students for a special field trip to the gallery, where classes are given a tour of the exhibit followed by a special art project in the gallery’s spacious art studio. Field trips are held Monday – Friday at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. or by special appointment. Special “Art Experiences” to local schools can also be arranged. Schedule a field trip by calling (510) 581-4050 or email sungallery@comcast.net.

 

Admission to Sun Gallery is free. For more information and to see other events surrounding this year’s book show, visit www.sungallery.org.

 

Children's Book Illustrator Show

Friday, Jan 25 – Saturday, Mar 16

Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Artists’ Reception:

Saturday, Feb 2

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

 

Lunar New Year welcomes Year of the Pig

Photos by Victor Carvellas

 

Festivities will be kicking off soon in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, this year falling on Tuesday, February 5.

 

This Spring Festival is a major holiday in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as in Chinese communities around the world. The celebration traditionally runs for 16 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. The New Year is observed with traditional food, new clothes, small red envelopes containing money, sacrifices to ancestors, house cleaning, red decorations, parades, fireworks, and cultural activities.

 

Years are named for the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, and 2019 is the year of the last animal in the cycle – the pig. Pigs are a symbol of wealth in Chinese culture, and those born in the Year of the Pig are blessed with good fortune, and are diligent, compassionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and hard workers who seek positions of power and status. Five elements also feature in the personality of pigs – metal, water, wood, fire, and earth playing a part in their characters.

 

Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, is the Vietnamese New Year, which is also celebrated this year on February 5. Festivities are very similar to those observed by the Chinese for their New Year.

 

Celebrations in the Bay Area include:

 

Join us for an afternoon of traditional Chinese folk music and American folk melodies on the guzheng with Candace Luo! Learn about the history of the instrument, and there will even be a chance to have some hands-on time with the instrument. No registration required; event is first come, first served. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration with Candace Luo

Saturday, Feb 2

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Castro Valley Library

Chabot/Canyon Room

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org/castro-valley

 

Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities is hosting a “Lunar New Year Potluck Party” with music, performances, karaoke, raffle, festive food and more. Each family should bring two dishes and please wear your traditional Chinese clothing.

 

Lunar New Year Potluck Party

Sunday, Feb 3

11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Fremont Community Center

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 362-1456

info@namichinese.org

www.mhacc-usa.org

www.eventbrite.com

 

Author Oliver Chin celebrates the new year by reading “The Year of the Pig: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac.” Learn about the 12 animals of the zodiac and the great qualities of those born in the Year of the Pig! Afterward enjoy an arts & crafts activity.

 

The Year of the Pig: Storytime and Author Talk

Sunday, Feb 3

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

San Lorenzo Library

Greenhouse Community Room

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

www.aclibrary.org/san_lorenzo

 

UStar Productions brings you the biggest Vietnamese New Year Festival in San Jose for three days, Friday, February 8 – Sunday, February 10. Attendees will experience live entertainment, lion and dragon dance, talent contests, carnival rides and games, food booths, business vendors and more.

 

Lunar New Year-Tet Festival 2019

Friday, Feb 8 – Sunday, Feb 10

Feb 8: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Feb 9 & 10: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Eastridge Mall

2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose

www.facebook.com/events/259068311464506/

 

Enjoy a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 9 at the San Leandro Main Library. Create pretty paper crafts by the Asian Community Cultural Association of San Leandro, enjoy live performances, and learn about the Year of the Pig!

 

Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, Feb 9

10:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

www.sanleandro.org/depts/library/

 

Pacific Commons invites the public to enjoy its Chinese New Year celebration on Sunday, February 10. The celebration includes a special Lion Dance performance by the Jing Mo Athletic Association, a martial arts exhibition by Jing Mo students, a traditional Chinese musical performance by Melody of China featuring the combined musical sounds of the guzheng and ehru, and dance and acrobatic performances by the spectacular Xiaopei Chinese Dance school and company. There will also be face painting, airbrush art, balloon twisting, a photo op with beautiful stilt performers, and a chance to sound a giant gong for good luck.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration

Sunday, Feb 10

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Pacific Commons

In the Plaza at The Block (Near Dick’s Sporting Goods)

43440 Boscell Rd, Fremont

(510) 770-9798

https://pacificcommons.com/

 

Organized by the Northern California Bodhi Dharma Society, “Year of the Pig Chinese New Year’s Party” offers fun activities, yummy food, booths to experience meditation, family photos, raffles and more!

 

Year of the Pig Chinese New Year’s Party

Sunday, Feb 10

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Bailian Bodhi Meditation Center

919 Hanson Ct, Milpitas

(408) 843-1638

www.putibayarea.org/

www.eventbrite.com

 

Join Oakland Museum of California for the 18th annual “Lunar New Year Celebration,” a fortune-filled, family-friendly event with spectacular cultural performances, demonstrations, traditional and contemporary music and dance, delicious Asian-inspired food trucks, and much more. All activities included with museum admission.

 

Lunar New Year Celebration

Sunday, February 10

12 noon – 4:30 p.m.

Oakland Museum of California

1000 Oak St, Oakland

(510) 318-8400

http://museumca.org/LNY2018

Tickets: $6.95 – $19.95

 

The South Bay Chinese Club, Citizens for Better Community, and the Fremont Main Library will celebrate the Chinese New Year on Saturday, February 16. This event is for families, youngsters, and anyone interested in Chinese culture. Performances including instruments, singing, and dance in the Fukaya Room followed by Chinese New Year crafts, Chinese calligraphy demonstration, and the Lantern Riddle Game in the Children's Area.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration

Saturday, Feb 16

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1421

FremontChildrens@aclibrary.org

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

 

Named one of the top 10 parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association, the “Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade” in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night-illuminated parades in North America and the biggest parade celebrating the Lunar New Year outside of Asia. See gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, exploding firecrackers, and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. and her court. A crowd favorite is the spectacular 288′ Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”), which takes over 180 people to carry through the streets.

 

Chinese New Year Parade

Saturday, Feb 23

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Market and Second St, San Francisco

(415) 982-3000

www.chineseparade.com

Free; $35 general bleacher seat

 

Invite your family, friends, children, and neighbors to celebrate the Year of the Pig with the South Bay Chinese Club at their annual Chinese New Year dinner. Expect a delicious menu and our ever-popular raffle with oodles of prizes. RSVP by February 14.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner

Sunday, Feb 24

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Mayflower Restaurant

34348 Alvarado Niles Rd, Union City

www.southbaychineseclub.org/events

Cost: $35 adults, $18 children (5-11)

 

 

DNA technology helps police solve cold case homicide

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Detectives from the Fremont Police Department are crediting new DNA technology with helping them to help solve a 28-year-old cold case homicide investigation.

 

The suspect in the case, identified by police as Russell Anthony Guerrero, 52, of Tempe, Arizona, was taken into custody on January 22 after Fremont police linked him to a 1990 homicide case where 30-year-old Jack Upton was found dead in his Fremont apartment.

 

Based on the evidence located inside Upton’s apartment at the time, it was determined Upton was a victim of a brutal homicide and that his car, a 1985 Nissan 300 ZX, was stolen from the apartment complex’s parking lot. Fremont police attempted to locate Upton’s vehicle and released photographs of it to the public.

 

A week later, on December 24, 1990, the stolen vehicle was found abandoned in a parking lot of a mall in Thousand Oaks, California. Fremont Police Department detectives and Crime Scene Investigators went to Thousand Oaks to examine the vehicle and collect evidence. Blood found inside Upton’s apartment and located inside the stolen car were analyzed and matched. Blood belonging to an unknown person, thought to be the suspect, was also found.

 

When further DNA testing became available, the suspect’s blood was tested and a full male DNA profile was located. The DNA profile was uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (referred to as CODIS) which did not match any person in the system. Over time, Fremont detectives continued to pursue leads on the Upton case.

 

In April 2018 new DNA technology became available prompting detectives to send evidence to Parabon NanoLabs, the company that helped solve the California Golden State Killer and NorCal Rapist cases using DNA technology.

 

That search, coupled with a fresh look at the evidence in the case, led detectives to Guerrero. Now living in Arizona, Guerrero had never been contacted or interviewed by police in connection with the Upton case.

 

In October 2018 detectives from the Fremont Police Department went to Arizona and conducted physical surveillance on Guerrero and were able to obtain a DNA sample from him for comparison. When Guerrero’s DNA was compared to the blood evidence located in Upton’s apartment and vehicle, it was found to be a match.

 

Armed with an arrest warrant, Guerrero was arrested in Chandler, Arizona by Fremont Police Department detectives. With the assistance of Tempe Police Department and Chandler Police Department apprehension teams, search warrants were served on Guerrero, his residence and his vehicle. Extradition proceedings are under way to bring Guerrero to California for prosecution in the Jack Upton homicide case.

 

Meanwhile, detectives are still working on the case and are asking that anyone who has information about it to contact the Fremont Police Department’s Investigative Unit at (510) 790-6900 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP FREMONTPD followed by a short message to 888-777. Tips also can be sent online at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.

 

 

We want your feedback

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

The City of Fremont urges the community to give its feedback on Dusterberry Park, a 4-acre park in its planning stages, to be located at the corner of Dusterberry Way and Peralta Blvd. The current building will be demolished, and the concrete and asphalt removed to make way for the park. The city has already conducted the first in a series of four total workshop meetings – upcoming workshops will take place Saturday, February 9; Wednesday March 6; and Wednesday, April 17.

 

The next meeting will involve design exercises with residents about the features in the park that will provide opportunities for informal recreation, leisure, and fitness. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with your neighbors about what your park should look like. For more information visit https://fremont.gov/Dusterberry or call Senior Landscape Architect Mark Mennucci at (510) 494-4530.

 

Meetings on Future Dusterberry Park

Saturday, Feb 9: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Wednesday, March 6: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Art Place, Artist Walk

3888 Artist Walk Common, Fremont

(510) 494-4530

https://fremont.gov/Dusterberry

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

Rainy season is mushroom time in the woods and fields. Varieties from edible to poisonous spring up under the oaks and elsewhere in East Bay Regional Parks. Collecting mushrooms is against the rules in the parklands. Besides, it’s dangerous, unless you are an expert at identifying the edible varieties. However, you can view hundreds of local mushroom specimens at the Tilden Fungal Fair, which is from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, February 3 at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center near Berkeley. It’s a chance to meet mushroom experts and attend presentations by guest speakers.

 

The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive, accessible via Canon Drive from Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. Admission to the fair is free and all ages are welcome. For information, call (510) 544-2233.

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World Wetland Day is on Saturday, February 2 and the naturalists at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley plan to celebrate it with a walk down the Marsh Creek Trail to see the wetland restoration project at Dutch Slough. It’s an easy stroll of just over 2 miles. Bring water and a snack.

 

The walk is free, but registration is required. For registration and directions, call (888) 327-2757, select option 2 and refer to program number 23827.

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It’s “Superb Owl Sunday” on February 3, for ages 8 and older, at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a walk, in search of the wide-eyed wonders from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. A plant that’s prolific in the rainy season is Indian Warrior – a pretty, magenta-colored flower with fernlike leaves that springs up under manzanita bushes. Indian Warrior is hemiparasitic; it parasitizes the roots of its host plant, but also can produce its own energy through photosynthesis. You can see it at Black Diamond Mines at the top of the Ridge Trail, up the hill from the junction with the Chaparral Loop Trail. Another location with lots of it is the Manzanita Loop at Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve in El Sobrante.

 

Meet Dixon in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. For information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 2750.

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This is the season for newts, too: those brown-gold salamanders that mate in the streams and ponds this time of year. Naturalist Ashley Adams will lead a newt safari from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, February 3 at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in San Ramon.

 

Meet Ashley at the north end of Bollinger Canyon Road off Crow Canyon Road for a 1½-mile walk along Bollinger Creek in search of the amorous critters. For information, call (510) 544-3249.

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Naturalist Anthony Fisher leads bird walks on Mondays at various regional parks. His next is from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, February 4 at Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline in Pt. Richmond.

 

Meet Anthony at the first parking lot after the tunnel on Dornan Drive. Call (544) 2233 for information.

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You’ll see a seal colony and other wildlife during a 3-mile walk from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Sunday, February 3 starting at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda, led by naturalist Michael Charnofsky. Charnofsky will discuss conservation issues and show where to look for the unexpected. Binoculars will be available for loan.

 

Crab Cove is at the end of McKay Avenue off Alameda’s Central Avenue. Call (510) 544-3187.

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World Wetland Day, newt walk, and Crab Cove seal viewing are all Healthy Parks/Healthy People activities – a program of outings that provide safe, low-impact physical activity to improve Bay Area residents’ health and well-being through enjoyment of the regional parks. For information, visit the website www.ebparks.org.

 

 

Help seniors stay active

Submitted by Laura McMichael-Cady

 

Eden Area Village invites the public to its Member Forum and Public Outreach Meeting on Friday, February 1. Attendees will get a chance to meet new members and learn more about the organization’s efforts to help seniors in Hayward, Castro Valley, and San Lorenzo. Eden Area Village's mission is to provide neighborhood-based support to enable its members to stay in their homes as they age, remain active and engaged in the community. For more information, call (510) 969-2732 or visit www.edenareavillage.org.

 

Eden Area Village Public Outreach Meeting

Friday, Feb 1

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Hayward City Hall

777 B St, Hayward

(510) 969-2732

www.edenareavillage.org

 

 

Editorial

A sigh of relief

 

A major confrontation between the legislative and executive branches of our national government has been resolved – at least temporarily. But its aftermath has left ramifications for all levels of government and private enterprise. It is a harsh reminder that the price of our form of democracy is constant vigilance combined with an educated public that understands the nature of our system. The cry of “No taxation without representation” in the 1700s was a colonial response toward authoritarian British rule that sowed the seeds of revolution, resulting in the birth of the United States of America. A strong commitment to checks and balances between three branches of national governance is mirrored within state governments as well. A bicameral (two-tier) legislature is matched by executive and judicial branches to hopefully hold shenanigans to minimum. Although political chicanery is always a threat, public opinion and grass roots action remains the ultimate power.

 

Recognition of this fact and personal responsibility is evidenced within our educational and civic organizations. Although not always enthralled by the subject, operation of our government is taught in some form to our youth. Recent events may have temporarily brought those lessons to the forefront of even the most resistant of students. When the livelihood of a significant part of our population is coupled with the disruption of regulatory and protective mechanisms of common cause, distress spreads rapidly and threatens the basic fabric of our society. This is not a matter for petty concerns or ego-driven hysteria… our entire civic structure is at risk.

 

The importance of education for all of us to understand how our government works and the wide variety of functions it performs can not be overstated. Many flaws and misadventures within politics are directly related to public ignorance that thrives on routine and non-inflammatory subjects that can lull even the most ardent observer into a sense of complacency. This is the true enemy of the people, hiding deception and malfeasance in plain sight. There is no immunity from bad conduct at any level of government. The antidote for a malignant infection of this type is knowledge of how the system works combined with constant vigilance.

 

The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit public policy organization, released the “2018 Brown Center Report on American Education,” saying that although discussion of governmental components is common within the United States, “participatory elements and community engagement appear less common.” The report contends that although difficult to define, effective civics education and preparation for an informed and active electorate depends on three primary factors:

 

1. Civic knowledge: an understanding of government structure, government processes, and relevant social studies knowledge and concepts

 

2. Civic skills: abilities that enable students to participate in a democracy as responsible citizens; and

 

3. Civic dispositions: attitudes important in a democracy such as a sense of civic duty and concern for the welfare of others

 

The report is a guideline to not only an informed electorate, but one that participates as well. It is important to note that the study speaks to a “set of ‘best’ practices” that involve not only classroom education but activities “outside of formal classroom instruction.” This is a matter of prime importance to all of us, young or old, government employees or not. If you don’t believe it, just ask the federal employees and contractors who lost income and businesses that depend to some degree on a functional government. This was a “partial government shutdown” and over for now. But, for all of us, government employees or not, it was a loud warning against complacency and neglect that can easily lead to corruption and dysfunction of our society. The temporary relief is welcome, but doesn’t eliminate our civic obligations.

 

Source:

https://www.brookings.edu/research/2018-brown-center-report-on-american-education-an-inventory-of-state-civics-requirements/

 

 

Elegant Affaire supports performing arts in schools

Submitted by Shirley Sisk

 

League of Volunteers (LOV) is holding the 28th annual “An Elegant Affaire” on Friday, February 8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Newark. The chef will be serving 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 the children of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Last year’s glittering event helped bring performances to 9,625 young people. The need for this program in our schools is still great, and the schools’ requests can be met with the success of this year’s “An Elegant Affaire,” a time to enjoy fantastic food, fine wine, and fun.

 

Enjoy the champagne cocktail hour where you will be entertained by Salvador Vazquez on Mexican harp, and do some beer tasting courtesy of DasBrew. A four-course gourmet dinner follows: tomato bisque soup with basil and herbed croutons; classic wedge salad with blue cheese dressing garnished with applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, green onions and red grape tomato halves; and a tender beef flat iron steak with Argentinian sauce served on a bed of Yukon Gold potatoes accompanied by seasonal root vegetables. There is also an alternative vegetarian option: a vegetable Wellington with seasoned and roasted carrots, zucchini, mushroom, and peppers blended with ricotta cheese in a butter puff pastry. The meal is topped off with a gluten-free chocolate supreme cake. Various wines come with 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, and LOV is excited to announce that the Honorary Chair for this year’s event is Jerry Turney, a teacher that was an important part of the lives of many young people. Turney is the former band director for Newark High School from 1966-1974, and he will share his thoughts about the role of performing arts in public schools and the importance and need for programs like Arts in Schools in the Tri-Cities.

 

Tickets are $85 per person or $750 for a table of 10 with table sign. Reservations are limited to 150. Semi-formal/black tie optional attire. For further information or to purchase tickets, call (510) 793-5683 or visit www.lov.org.

 

An Elegant Affaire

Friday, Feb 8

6 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton

39900 Balentine Dr, Newark

(510) 793-5683

www.lov.org

Tickets: $85, $750 for table of 10

 

 

Awards program recognizes environmental crusaders

Submitted by the City of Hayward

 

Nominations are being accepted for the City of Hayward’s 36th Annual Environmental Awards to recognize businesses, organizations, schools and residents that show a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

 

“We are proud of the businesses and community members who are making a commitment to integrate sustainability into their business models and everyday lives,” said Mayor Barbara Halliday. “Through the Environmental Awards, we are able to recognize these community members, tell their stories, and hopefully inspire others in the community to do their part.”

 

Nominees demonstrating exceptional or innovative environmental efforts in categories such as energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, waste diversion (good recycling and composting practices), water conservation and environmental education will be considered for the award.

 

Nominations are due March 1. Award winners will be recognized during a special presentation at the May 21 council meeting and will be given a certificate of recognition from the mayor and council.

 

Award recipients in 2018 included residents and multi-family property managers displaying excellent environmental practices, such as participation in Hayward’s residential recycling program and energy-efficiency programs.

 

Businesses also were honored for their implementation of an environmentally preferred purchasing policy, energy efficiency and water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and environmental education activities. Among the businesses, GARNET + grace Bridal Boutique, SEW Eurodrive and World Mission Society Church of God were recognized for their ongoing sustainability efforts and each received 2018 Environmental Sustainability Awards.

 

Hayward officials are encouraging community members to fill out a nomination form either for themselves or for someone they would like to recommend for recognition. To be eligible, those nominated must be located within the Hayward city limits.

 

To download a nomination form or read more information about the program, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/earth-day and then scroll to the 2019 Environmental Awards link.

 

 

Report: Facebook's privacy lapses may result in record fine

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jan 18 – Facebook may be facing the biggest fine ever imposed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for privacy violations involving the personal information of its 2.2 billion users.

 

The FTC is considering hitting Facebook with a penalty that would top its previous record fine of $22.5 million, which it dealt to Google in 2012 for bypassing the privacy controls in Apple's Safari browser, according to The Washington Post. The story published Friday cited three unidentified people familiar with the discussions.

 

In an automated response, the FTC said it was unable to comment, citing its closure due to the U.S. government shutdown. Facebook declined to comment.

 

The potential fine stems from an FTC investigation opened after revelations that data mining firm Cambridge Analytica had vacuumed up details about as many as 87 million Facebook users without their permission.

 

The FTC has been exploring whether that massive breakdown violated a settlement that Facebook reached in 2011 after government regulators had concluded the Menlo Park, California, company had repeatedly broken its privacy promises.

 

The FTC decree, which runs through 2031, requires Facebook to get its users' consent to share their personal information in ways that aren't allowed by their privacy settings.

 

Since the Cambridge Analytica erupted 10 months ago, Facebook has vowed to do a better job corralling its users' data. Nevertheless, its controls have remained leaky. Just last month, the company acknowledged a software flaw had exposed the photos of about 7 million users to a wider audience than they had intended.

 

The FTC's five commissioners have discussed fining Facebook but haven't settled on the amount yet, according to the Post.

 

Facebook's privacy problems are also under investigation in other countries and the target of a lawsuit filed last month by Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine.

 

 

Old fabrics can have new life as art

Submitted by Susan Helmer

 

Korean-born artist Youngmin Lee will talk about the history and culture of how Bojagi, the Korean art of wrapping cloths, embodies the philosophy of recycling at the Fremont Art Association’s next monthly artist lecture set for Wednesday, February 6 in Fremont. The cloths used in Bojagi are made from remnants of leftover fabric with the designs and colors sometimes similar to works by contemporary abstract artists.

 

Lee holds a master’s degree in fashion design and a bachelor’s degree in clothing and textiles. She has presented numerous workshops, classes and demonstrations on Korean arts and crafts around the Bay Area. Recently she demonstrated her Bojagi and Maedub in Asian Art Museum in San Francisco as a part of Asia Alive Program.

 

The lecture will be at the Fremont Art Association’s gallery in the Niles District of Fremont. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Fremont Art Association lecture

Wednesday, Feb. 6

1 p.m.

Guest speaker: Youngmin Lee

Fremont Art Association Gallery

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 792-0905

Free

 

 

Takes from Silicon Valley East

Medifacturing, Next-Generation Medical Devices and Beyond: Q&A with co-founder and CEO of Printerprezz

 

There’s a new life sciences company in town that’s aiming to take the medical manufacturing world by storm. Joining Fremont’s more than 120 life sciences companies, PrinterPrezz is blending medical innovation with advanced design and manufacturing resources as they assist customers with early concept development to volume production. PrinterPrezz is leveraging Fremont’s established manufacturing history and access to world-class research hospitals as they open their new PrinterPrezz Innovation Center. We sat down with Shri Shetty to learn more about how the company got its start, the innovative additive manufacturing technologies in use, and why the company chose Fremont as the company base.

 

Q: Tell us the story behind how PrinterPrezz was formed and background of the founding partners.

A: PrinterPrezz has four founders – two medical doctors and two technology experts, all based here in San Francisco Bay Area. After an industry conference, the doctors and the technologists found themselves comparing notes on how difficult it is to get one group to understand the challenges of the other. Doctors and innovation hospitals aren’t aware of all the possibilities that advanced manufacturing brings, while engineers and designers don’t always understand the needs of the medical industry. PrinterPrezz was built to address those challenges and help bring more ideas for advanced medical devices to market faster.

 

Q: You’ve coined the term “medifacturing,” which reflects the blend of technologies you are employing. What does the medical implant market look like today, and what are key trends going forward?

A: There is a terrific opportunity now to leverage the latest in additive manufacturing and nanotechnologies to create biocompatible, patient-matched implants and medical devices. Instead of manufacturing one-off custom implants, we are focused on giving surgeons and patients better, faster options for better-fitting implants and devices. Our proprietary process flow and technologies are designed to improve device durability and reduce the chance of infection. Within orthopedics, our initial focus is the growing $5 billion spine market.

 

Q: You’ve championed maker education as part of your own business growth strategy. Why is teaching the next generation about additive manufacturing so important?

A: At PrinterPrezz, we are working with new applications of advanced technologies that in some cases haven’t been taught in classes yet. After all, there is currently no such thing as a “3D Printing degree.” It’s an exciting space to be pioneering and requires that our current and future employees are up-to-date on the latest techniques. We are happy to invest in our local area both to build our future workforce and to further spur the entrepreneurship, talent, and diversity around us.

 

Q: What is it about Fremont’s environment that makes sense as a location for PrinterPrezz, and how will it accommodate your anticipated growth?

A: First off, many of our employees are proud residents of Fremont. But beyond the convenience factor, we have big plans to expand our business even further, and basing PrinterPrezz in Fremont gives us the resources necessary to make this vision possible. Within our first six months in business, we expanded from an 8,000 square foot facility to 14,000 square feet. Looking forward, we plan to build a manufacturing facility and additional innovation centers. To accomplish these goals, we plan to leverage the talent, diversity, proximity to innovative startups and leading university hospitals, as well as the diverse supply chain available in Fremont.

 

 

Senior Center’s Crab Feed

Submitted by City of Fremont, Senior Center

 

The community is invited to Fremont Senior Center’s 12th annual Crab Feed Fundraiser on Friday, February 15. The alcohol-free event will be celebrating 38 years of service to seniors. All proceeds benefit the senior center. The menu will include all-you-can-eat fresh local crab, pasta, salad, garlic bread, coffee, and dessert. The event will also feature live music and raffle prizes. Tickets can be bought via email at seniorcenter@fremont.gov using a credit card or at the Fremont Senior Center. For more information or to buy tickets, call the Fremont Senior Center at (510) 790-6600/6606/6602.

 

Fremont Crab Feed Fundraiser

Friday, Feb 15

Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner served at 6 p.m.

Centerville Presbyterian Church

4360 Central Ave, Fremont

(510) 790-6600/6606/6602

seniorcenter@fremont.gov

Ticket: $55/person

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Friday, January 18

• An auto burglary was reported on Howe Court in the Irvington District. Taken: a stereo and marijuana. The incident was documented by Community Service Officer Ernst.

 

• Officer Blanchet was dispatched to 1st United Services Credit Union to investigate a report of a skimmer device inserted into their ATM.

 

• Officer Perry was driving through a hot spot for stolen vehicles on Central Avenue when his vehicle equipped with an automated license plate reader alerted him to a stolen vehicle in the 4700 block of Central Avenue. As units were arriving to assist, the vehicle left the area. Units caught up to the vehicle and conducted a high-risk stop at Driftwood and Rockwood drives. Perry arrested the 34-year-old male drivers on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, providing false information to a peace officer, driving without a license and possession of a controlled substance.

 

• Officer Manrique conducted an enforcement stop on a vehicle at Curtis and Omar streets and arrested a 38-year-old man on a domestic violence warrant. A vehicle search turned up stolen credit cards, stolen mail and other stolen property. The man was booked on the warrant, possession of the stolen property and probation violation.

 

• In response to ongoing street racing activity in the south end of Fremont, Officer Manrique was patrolling the area of Lakeview Court and Lakeview Boulevard when he came upon a group of vehicles participating in a sideshow. One of the vehicles stopped and then made an unsafe turn, almost striking the officer’s vehicle. Additional units were called and a traffic enforcement stop was made. A 19-year-old man, identified by police as Jonathan Xolocotz of San Mateo, was arrested on suspicion of exhibition of speed and reckless driving and booked into the Fremont jail.

 

• A male customer grabbed a female’s breast while taking a picture with her at a coffee stand located in the 46600 block of Mission Boulevard. The man’s vehicle was parked in the lot for a short time, but then left northbound on Warm Springs Boulevard. Officer Oliveira spotted the vehicle traveling near the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART station and made an enforcement stop as additional units arrived. The driver, a 29-year-old Fremont man, was positively identified by the victim and arrested on suspicion of sexual battery.

 

Saturday, January 19

• Officers were dispatched to the area of Dumbarton Circle and Campus Drive on a report of side show activity. Arriving officers found approximately 50 to 100 cars in the area. The group dispersed with a portion headed toward Paseo Padre Parkway and Highway 84 and the rest heading toward Kaiser Drive and Ardenwood Boulevard. Several minutes were spent chasing out smaller splinter groups that remained. After the larger group of vehicles left Fremont’s jurisdiction, the sound of gunfire (potentially automatic) was heard from the area of Thornton Avenue and Highway 84, but no crime scene was located. CHP advised Fremont Police Department dispatchers that the group of vehicles went on to shut down the freeway and fireworks were being set off on Highway 84. Furthermore, rocks and bottles were being thrown at the CHP officers. Eventually CHP officers were able to disperse the group. The majority of the vehicles were last seen traveling northbound on I-880 and out of the Fremont and Union City jurisdiction.

 

Sunday, January 20

• Officers were dispatched to a vacant bank in the area of Fremont and Grimmer boulevards to investigate a report of a man who walked up to a woman and struck her in the face. The victim’s injuries were treated at the scene by paramedics. Officers located the suspect who was identified as a 54-year-old male transient. He was positively identified and arrested on suspicion of battery.

 

 

Fremont Police to deploy Tesla patrol vehicle in pilot program

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

The Fremont Police Department will soon begin a pilot program to test a Tesla Model S 85 electric vehicle customized for patrol operations in alignment with the City of Fremont’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from its 2005 baseline through economically practical strategies by the year 2020. The pilot team purchased a used 2014 TESLA Model S 85 in January 2018 for $61,478.50 (including taxes and fees) to replace a 2007 Dodge Charger which was scheduled to be taken out of service due to age. The Tesla is the only electric vehicle that met specifications for size, performance, battery range, and safety, all required for a fully deployable patrol vehicle.

 

“The electric patrol vehicle pilot program is an extension of the city’s clean technology and smart city initiatives to help make Fremont a more sustainable community,” said Fremont Police Captain Sean Washington. “Given that Fremont Police vehicle fleet is responsible for a total of 980 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, this program has the potential to eliminate 10 percent of all municipal greenhouse gas emissions.”

 

Since purchasing the vehicle, the Police Department has been working with vendors to install the standard police equipment such as the light bar, push bumper, and ballistic barriers. The total invoiced costs for modifications to date are $4,447 and are expected to increase as final invoices come in. In comparison, a Ford Explorer with the police package costs approximately $40,000 with additional modification costs that are comparable to the Tesla. The initial buildup cost of the Tesla is slightly higher than that of a Ford due to the necessary customizations.

 

In addition, the cost of gas over a five-year period for the police Ford Explorer is approximately $32,000, and maintenance is estimated at $15,000. While the average life cycle of a police vehicle is approximately five years, electric vehicles may be operational for longer due to less mechanical issues. To support plug-in vehicles, the City’s Police Complex has 872 kW of solar carport structures installed onsite and three charging stations. The electricity supply coming from the Police Department’s renewable solar power structure means that each police fleet vehicle replaced with an electric vehicle will completely zero out the greenhouse gas emissions associated with that vehicle’s operation.

 

The city’s pilot program team will monitor performance, durability, range, costs, and unknowns that will only be fully understood once the pilot test is completed and the results are evaluated. Once the vehicle is fully operational and deployed on patrol, the city will share more photos and information after the deployment and give our community the opportunity to get an up-close view of the vehicle. For more information about the Tesla pilot project, visit www.fremontpolice.org/ElectricVehicle.

Winter Shelter for Homeless receives grant

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

Mark Hughes, director of government affairs for Cargill, and Aileen Fox recently visited Fremont’s Winter Shelter for the Homeless to see the program in operation and to present Suzanne Shenfil, director of the human services department, $13,400. A contribution of $6,700 came from the local Cargill office and a matching grant was provided by Cargill’s corporate headquarters. Funds will be used to help feed shelter participants – ensuring that they have “breakfast and food-to-go when they must exit the facility at 7 a.m.,” and for other necessary program supplies. The Winter Shelter program provides services to almost 60 people a night.

 

 

Portrait by local artist

Submitted by Gail Noeth

 

Would you like a chance to have your portrait done? Attend Golden Hills Art Association meeting on Thursday, February 7 where local artist Thong Le will do a portrait of someone. Le grew up in Vietnam where he drew portraits of his family using pencil and paper. He later studied art for a time in Vietnam, but he is mostly self-taught. Currently, he does impressionist work using oils on canvas including landscapes, still lives, portraits and abstracts. Raffle tickets will be sold, and the winner will have the portrait of their choice done, either in-person or from a photograph. For more information, call (408) 262-0649.

 

Golden Hills Art Association meeting

Thursday, Feb 7

Meeting: 7 p.m.; demonstration: 8 p.m.

Milpitas Police Department, Community Room

1275 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

408-262-0649

Raffle tickets: $10 each

 

 

Want to honor an outstanding woman? Here’s how

Submitted by Anika Campbell-Belton

 

Nominations to honor extraordinary women making a difference in the community for induction into the 2019 Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame for 2019 are down to the wire: the deadline is Friday, January 31.

 

The Women’s Hall of Fame is a countywide event held in conjunction with National Women’s History month in March. Nominations are made in 13 categories: Business and Professions; Community Service; Culture and Art; Education; Emerging Leader; Environment; Health; Justice; Non-Traditional Careers; Science, Technology, Engineering; Sports and Athletics; Philanthropy; and Youth.

 

Honorees will be celebrated at the 26th Annual Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 30 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland. The event will be co-hosted by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women.

 

Since the program started in 1993, more than 200 women have been inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame. The event also raises funds for youth scholarships and helps support local nonprofit community partners serving women, youth and families

 

To buy luncheon tickets or submit nominations, visit the organization’s website at www.acgov.org/whof/. For details, call (510) 272-6984.

 

 

Hayward to build Navigation Center for the Homeless

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The Hayward City Council has authorized emergency action to fast-track establishment of a Navigation Center to provide temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness and help them secure permanent housing. The City Council has appropriated up to $3 million in state and local funding for the project, which is expected to open by next winter – in late 2019 or early 2020. The Hayward Navigation Center will be located on vacant city-owned land at the corner of Whitesell and Depot roads in the city’s industrial zone and in proximity to Alameda County Transit bus service with connections to South Hayward BART.

 

The Navigation Center would have 45 beds in two modular units for individuals to stay up to six months, on-site laundry, bathroom, shower and other facilities, 24-hour resident access and onsite management staff, and provide all residents one meal a day. One to two outreach social workers would be assigned to encourage people living in encampments or illegally inhabiting vacant buildings to move into the center. Center case managers and housing specialists would work with the center residents to help them find, secure and move into permanent housing.

 

Currently, there are two permanent homeless shelters in Hayward, and they are limited to families and women with children. The new Hayward Navigation Center will be modeled after Berkeley’s successful STAIR program, which provides service-rich transitional housing and graduates seven individuals a month into permanent housing. The estimated cost is $2.5 million annually and $500,000 in one-time upfront startup expenses – with initial funding coming from city revenue from the sale of former California Department of Transportation property and state and federal dollars.

 

 

New web portals for requests for information

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The City of Hayward has launched two web portals that allow for online submission and tracking of requests for information from Hayward city government under the California Public Records Act. The new online public records platforms – one for city records generally and one for records held by or specifically related to Hayward Police Department – are intended to ease the process of making Public Records Act (PRA) requests and for checking the status of those requests. They also provide access to and the ability to search archives of prior PRA requests and materials released in response to prior PRA requests.

 

The portals can be reached through Office of the City Clerk’s website www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/city-clerks-office under Key Resources. For more information on the new web portals and making requests for public records from the City of Hayward, call the Office of the City Clerk at (510) 583-4400 or email cityclerk@hayward-ca.gov.

 

 

Honor Roll

 

McDaniel College, Maryland

Fall 2018 Deans List

• Marlowe Embry, of Milpitas

 

Mary Baldwin University, Virginia

Fall 2018 master’s degree, computer science

• Jan Edlene Miguel, of Fremont

 

Wilkes University, Pennsylvania

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Abdulrahman Alajmi, of Hayward
• Ahmad Alenezi, of Hayward

 

Austin Peay State University, Tennessee

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Le-Y Tran, of Hayward

 

American International College, Massachusetts

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Danica Johnson, of Fremont

 

Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Lauren Fitts, of Hayward

 

James Madison University, Virginia

Fall 2018 master’s degree, business administration information security

• Kristina S. Williams, of Milpitas

 

University of Minnesota Crookston

Fall 2018 bachelor of science, management

Brandon Briggs, of Hayward

 

Emerson College, Massachusetts

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Timothy Sanders, of Fremont
• Vineet Raju, of Fremont
• Taylor Wade, of Castro Valley

 

 

Imaginook offers creative journey

By Madhvika Singh

Photos courtesy of Imaginook

 

“I dream of painting and then I paint my dream.” – Vincent van Gogh

 

There isn’t a single definition of art and there are numerous reasons to learn it, pursue it, and incorporate it into our lives. Art is an expression and a sentiment. It is a moment that gets captured in time on an artist’s canvas. While spoken languages have scripts to express words and thoughts, the script of art is for an artist to conceive and create. From clay to crayons, paint or pencils and many things in between, art uses infinite media for an artist’s exploration of her heart and soul. Art also captures the cultural context of the time and allows future generations to interpret history through the eyes of various artists.

 

Imaginook art studio in Newark, founded by Olga Tymoshchuk and Tetiana Taganska, offers several ways to get started on such a journey.

 

Olga Tymoshchuk consciously decided to stay home when she had her children, especially during their early years. It gave her an opportunity to introduce them to art early on and see the undeniable benefits. Since she had always enjoyed working with children, Tymoshchuk decided to put her passion for art into action and started teaching it in 2013. She has a master’s in corporate management, certificate in ceramics, along with teaching and volunteering experience in Sunday school for children. This combination of education and skills opened the doors to starting Imaginook. Art is “self expression” and “a state of mind,” according to Tymoshchuk. Her definition of art is vividly reflected in her paintings and ceramic creations.

 

When Tetiana Taganska moved to United States with a degree in applied mathematics and started working in her field, her heart was still craving art. She had been teaching it since 2008 but when she decided to go full swing in 2011, Taganska knew this was the path she was looking for. She combined the angles and figures learned in mathematics to her passion, and it equaled Imaginook. At that moment she knew the real equation she had been trying to solve. Taganska seamlessly blends her education and skills when she teaches students various art forms.

 

Imaginook offers classes and workshops for children, teenagers, and adults. It provides a safe environment where you can bring, explore, and develop any idea; bring your work and enjoy studio time or engage with other art enthusiasts. A wide variety of techniques are taught at Imaginook, and books and resources are also available for anyone pursuing individual projects for art research and history. While instruction is a critical instrument to learning, freedom of expression and offering a “canvas” without any boundaries brings out the best in the learner. Tymoshchuk and Taganska use their expertise to guide the artists as they learn and explore art.

 

In group classes, participants brainstorm and play games together to discuss and spark ideas, and then pick one to work on. They then use various materials and techniques to bring it to life. For example, in painting a picture of a pony, a young student used a piece of real leather to show the saddle. Another group painted their own version of Rapunzel to imagine and create something new. This approach promotes self-expression and ownership of ideas. It also gives children an opportunity to learn in a less formal environment and allows for exploring the creative side of their personalities.

 

Whether artists at Imaginook use felt, fabric, or feather to show their ideas, the real idea is to kindle expression. “It is your nook to imagine” as Tymoshchuk and Taganska call it so rightly. Imaginook also integrates other subjects like math and history into their classrooms. Talking about various painters, their works and inspirations, and using geometry in various sketching and drawing techniques are some of the ways Imaginook offers subject integration.

 

Besides classes and workshops, Imaginook also offers Art & Coffee, paint nights, private events, soap making workshops, summer camps, and seasonal events. Imaginook is also the place to find captivating pieces of art. Pick up wall art for a housewarming party, a gift that paints a story, or a ceramic piece to try out your new-found love for botanical arrangements. Imaginook aspires to be more than just an art studio. “It is like a community school where community members can share their passion for art together. As we make advances in digital and virtual era for possibilities unimaginable, art offers a platform to create tangible, real-world expressions of ideas and concepts,” said Taganska.

 

The practice and availability of art is important to a community as it helps solidify a sense of connection and social bonds among its members. It allows for an appreciation of diversity in ideas and ideologies, appearances and approaches, talent, turbulences and triumphs. Art broadens our tolerance and can enhance collaboration, building people skills that are critical due to the global nature of work and lifestyle in current times. Through the ages, the study of art has provided a peek into our past. It depicts what societies valued and what they are now remembered as. Art lets us leave our fingerprint on the canvas of history to make footprints for the future!

 

Imaginook is currently welcoming submissions for their “Self Portrait: Beyond the Reflection” exhibit opening March 23. Submission are due by March 1. Visit www.imaginook.us/exhibition for more information.

 

Imaginook

39675 Cedar Blvd, Suite 135, Newark

(510) 358-5877

(214) 864-5133

studio@imaginook.us

www.imaginook.us

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Tuesday, Sep 4 – Thursday, May 23

Homework Help Center

Mon. – Thurs. 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Primary and secondary students receive homework assistance

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

(510) 745-1401

 

Mondays, Sep 10 – May 28

Advanced Math & Science Tutoring

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

For high school and college students

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 745 1401

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

Practice Your Spoken English R

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

No class Dec 18 – Jan 1

Chat session for English learners

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

 

Wednesdays, Dec 5 – Feb 20

Watercolor Class $

9 a.m. – 12 noon

For all experience levels

San Lorenzo Adult School

820 Bockman Road, San Lorenzo

(510) 317-4200

https://adu.slzusd.org

 

Monday – Friday, Dec 13 – Mar 1

Celebrate Women!

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Art from a variety of artists using different media

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 208-0410

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Monday – Friday, Dec 15 – Feb 15

Cultures in Transition: Photographs by Oliver Klink

Upstairs: Mon-Fri, 9-5

Downstairs: Mon: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tues & Thurs: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Celebrating Asia.

PhotoCentral

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

www.photocentral.org

 

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, Dec 19 – Apr 28

Tech Help and Computer Tutor R

Wed. 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. 3 p.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Half hour appts. for one-on-one computer and e-device help

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jan 3 – Feb 7

Food Business Training R

6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

10-part series on running your own food business

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

https:/tinyurl.com/ya4xgmfo

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Jan 5 – Feb 24

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Jan 5 – Feb 24

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Get crafty and learn about the natural world

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Monday – Sunday, Jan 8 – Jan 31

Climate Change: Landscapes of Our Blue Planet

During business hours

Exhibit by Fremont artist Bhavna Misra

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

fremontcoffee.com

Thursday-Sunday, Jan 11 – Feb 9

Musing and Memento Mori

12 noon – 5 p.m.

Mixed media sculptures by David Morritt

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.fremont.gov/OliveHyde

Friday, Jan 11 – Sunday, Feb 24

Perspectives

Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Reception: Saturday, Feb 2

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Six-year-old artist Isadora Qi exhibits alongside her mentor Ruey Syrop

Sun Gallery

1015 E St, Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Saturday, Jan 12 – Sunday, Mar 10

Chinese Roots: Sketches of Life in the Washington Township

Library open hours

Impact of Chinese immigrants

on local history

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

Tuesdays, Jan 15 – Mar 26

Shakespeare and Cultural Literacy Class $

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Watch videos and discuss. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesday, Jan 16 – Friday, Feb 22

The Art of Peace – Alameda County

Tuesday – Thursday

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

3D artwork created from dismantled firearms

Hayward Center/Adult School’s Sunset Gallery

22100 Princeton St H2, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Wednesdays, Jan 16 – Mar 27

Crochet and Knitting $

12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn the basics. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Fridays, Jan 18 – Mar 29

Needle Arts $

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Have fun with yarn. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

All Levels Line Dance Class $

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 24 – Mar 28

Laughter Yoga $

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Reduce stress and boost your immune system. $2 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday, Jan 25 – Mar 29

Beginning Line Dance Class $

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday-Sunday, Jan 25 – Mar 16

Children's Book Illustrator Show

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Artwork from local illustrators. Artist reception Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-4 p.m.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Thursday – Saturday, Jan 26 – Mar 9

A.R.T. Inc. Annual Members' Exhibit

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fine art from various local artists

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 31 – Mar 28

Hawaiian Dance Class

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sway your hips to tropical music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Feb 1 – Feb 24

The 39 Steps $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 2 p.m.

Comedy, farce, melodrama and mystery

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3 – Sunday, Mar 24

Dove Gallery Art from the Heart Exhibit

Contact for time

Artworks of various media that reflect deep, heartfelt emotions

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

1st and 3rd Mondays, Feb 4 – May 20

Guitar Jam For Seniors

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Play guitar with others. No instruction. $2.50 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Mar 20

Diabetes Self-Management Classes R

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Learn 7 self-care behaviors. 18+ and diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – May 1

Ukulele Jam Program $

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Weekly program for active adults 50+. Bring ukulele and music stand

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Feb 20

Memory Academy R$

1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Techniques to improve memory

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.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

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

THIS WEEK

 

Wednesday, Jan 30

Wednesday Walk

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Leisurely 3-mile walk to butterfly site

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Thursday, Jan 31

English Language Proficiency Assessments

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Learn about additional ways to support your student at home

New Haven Unified School District Office

34200 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City

(510) 471-1100 x 62638

Thursday, Jan 31

Food Business Training Academy R

6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Learn how to be in compliance

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Thursday, Jan 31

Chabot Dream Center Grand Opening

11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Safe environment for students to learn about scholarships, financial aid, workshops

Chabot College, Building 700 South

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

chabotcollege.edu/dreamers

 

Friday, Feb 1

Eden Area Village Member Forum & Outreach

2 p.m.

Meet members and learn how seniors are being helped in the community

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 208-0410

 

Friday, Feb 1

Azteca and the Peacemakers $

7:00 p.m.

Montessori School of Fremont: Aztec legend of how music and color came to earth

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

(510) 490-0919

 

Friday, Feb 1

Fremont Town Hall Meeting R

7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Rep. Ro Khanna

Kennedy High School

39999 Blacow Rd., Fremont

(510) 364-9430

(408) 436-2720

 

Saturday, Feb 2

World Interfaith Harmony Celebration + Concert of Love

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Discuss diversity of faith and promote harmony, learn songs

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Marvelous Monarchs

10:30 a.m.

Slide show and visit to the eucalyptus grove. Meet at granary

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Monarch Spotting

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Use a spotting scope to take a closer peek. Meet at Greenhouse

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Finding Inner Peace & Calmness Through Meditation

11 a.m.

Find relief from stress through guided meditation

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Laughing Matters

9 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Stand-up comedy night. Adults only

Mojo Lounge

3714 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 739-1028

JeenYeeComedy@gmail.com

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Tai Chi & Refuge Nature Walk

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy morning exercise outdoors

Alviso Environmental Education Center

1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso

(408) 262-5513

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Plants for Beginners: Roots and Underground Parts R

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Take a walk around the upland garden and learn basic plant knowledge

Alviso Environmental Education Center

1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso

(408) 262-5513

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Stewardship Saturday R

9:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Volunteers weed and clean up trash

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222 x 361

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Nature Walk for Health

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1.3-mile guided nature walk. Meet at Visitor Center

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222

 

Saturday, Feb 2

East Bay Regional Park District Youth Job Fair

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Learn about opportunities for summer jobs. 15-24 years old

Ruggieri Senior Center

33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 675-5495

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Bird Walk

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Meet at the Red Barn. Ages 8+

Garin Regional Park

1320 Garin Ave., Hayward

(510) 582-2206

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Ohlone Village Site Tour

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

.5-mile walk to a 2,000-year-old Ohlone village site. Meet at visitor center

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2

City Council Planning Session

8:30 a.m.

Overview of city budget, review initiatives, set priorities for the coming year

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Chinese New Year Celebration

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Traditional Chinese folk music and American folk melodies with Candace Luo

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

 

Saturday, Feb 2

Got Milkweed?

1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tips on planting a monarch-friendly garden

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 2 – Sunday, Feb 3

America's Got Bollywood $

1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Mona Khan Dance Company celebrates Bollywood

Chabot Performing Arts Center

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6976

 

Sunday, Feb 3

Farewell to Monarchs

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

 Learn about their migration and life cycle

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3

Rabbit Rendezvous

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 am.

Learn about rabbits

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3

Beginning Embroidery

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Learn to decorate all sorts of cloth projects

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3

Lunar New Year Potluck Party

11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Music, karaoke, raffle, festive food

Fremont Community Center

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(5100 790-5541

www.mhacc-usa.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3

The Year of the Pig: Storytime and Author Talk

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn about the 12 animals of the zodiac and enjoy an arts & crafts activity

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 670-6283

(510) 284-0640

 

Monday, Feb 4

Milpitas Rotary Club Meeting

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

SJ Giants senior vice president of baseball operations

Dave and Busters

940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas

(408) 957-9215

http://www.clubrunner.ca/milpitas

 

Tuesday, Feb 5

Food Business Training Academy R

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Learn how to get funding for your company

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Tuesday, Feb 5

Weekday Bird Walk

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars. 18+

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

 

Tuesday, Feb 5

Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life $R

10 a.m.- 12 noon

7-week personal transformation process. Purchase book and read introduction before attending

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

http://bit.ly/2019Boundless

 

Wednesday, Feb 6

Guest Artist Youngmin Lee

1 p.m.

Korean arts and crafts

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 792-0905

www.FremontArtAssociaion.org

 

Wednesday, Feb 6

Open House $

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Docent led tours of historic home

Shinn House

1251 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 793-9352

 

Wednesday, Feb 6

Job Search Workshop – Perfecting the Interview

3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Learn and practice interview skills

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Thursday, Feb 7

Business Building Seminar – Polka Dot Powerhouse

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Women building relationships in business

Fremont Chamber of Commerce

39488 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 789-1950

www.fremontbusiness.com

 

Thursday, Feb 7

Food Business Training Academy R

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Learn how to develop your business plan

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Thursday, Feb 7

Golden Hills Art Association Meeting

7 p.m.

Chance to win portrait done by local artist Thong Le

Milpitas Police Station

1275 N. Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

(408) 586-2400

(408) 262-0649

 

Thursday, Feb 7

Business Building Seminar – Double Tap Marketing

1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Use social media to beat out your competitors

Fremont Chamber of Commerce

39488 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 789-1950

www.fremontbusiness.com

 

Friday, Feb 8

An Elegant Affaire $R

6 p.m.

Dinner, drinks and silent auction. LOV benefit for art in schools

Doubletree Newark-Fremont Hilton Hotel

39900 Balentine Dr., Newark

(510) 490-8390

(510) 793-5683

www.lov.org

 

Friday, Feb 8

Driver's for Survivors Appreciation Luncheon

2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Acknowledge volunteers for their endless generosity

Massimos Restaurant

5200 Mowry Ave., Fremont

(510) 792-2000

sponsors@driversforsurvivors.org

 

Friday, Feb 8

Be Mine Valentines Ball R

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Hosted by Stepping Stones Growth Center. RSVP by Feb. 4

Creekside Community Church

951 MacArthur Blvd., San Leandro

khowell@steppingstonesgrowth.org

 

Friday, Feb 8

Harlem Wizards NHUSD Fundraiser $

7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

Wizards play against administrators, teachers, community leaders

James Logan High School, Pavilion

1800 H Street, Union City

www.harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/132007

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Valentine's Day Fundraising Gala $R

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Dinner, music, dance, art to raise funds for underprivileged children

India Community Center

525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

www.chiraghope.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Track & Field Clinic $

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn by doing high jump, pole vault, shot put, hurdles, triple jump/long jump

James Logan High School, Al Rodrigues Gym

1800 H St., Union City

(510) 304-7172

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Symbiosis Youth Summit R

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Uplift trans and queer youth, educate about healthy relationships

Mission Valley ROP

5019 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 795-2244

www.symbiosissummit.com

 

 

Tips on perfecting interview

Submitted by Eileen Mendez

 

The Fremont Main Library invites job seekers to “Job Search Workshop: Perfecting the Interview” on Wednesday, February 6. Participants will learn and practice interview skills at the free session, presented by Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center. For more information, call library’s information desk at (510) 745-1401 or visit www.aclibrary.org/fremont under Calendar.

 

Job Interview Workshop

Wednesday, Feb 6

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1401

www.aclibrary.org/fremont under Calendar

 

 

Khanna to meet with constituents in Fremont

Submitted by Ro Khanna’s Office

 

Congressman Ro Khanna, D-California will hold a Town Hall meeting for constituents on Friday, February 1 at Kennedy High School in Fremont. During the 90-minute meeting Khanna will discuss recent developments and current legislative activities in Congress and take questions from people in the audience.

 

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Because space is limited, those attending should RSVP online by visiting Khanna’s website at https://khanna.house.gov, and then selecting the “About” link in the navigation bar and choosing “Events” from the pop-up menu and then look for the Fremont Town Hall meeting link.

 

Khanna represents California’s 17th district which includes southern Alameda and northern Santa Clara counties.

 

Town Hall meeting

Friday, Feb. 1

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Legislative updates from Congressman Ro Khanna

Kennedy High School, Round Room Theater

39999 Blacow Road, Fremont

(408) 436-2720

Free; RSVP at https://khanna.house.gov

 

 

Living on the edge

By David R. Newman

Photos courtesy of Statuswood Studio

 

Live edge, or natural edge, is a style of furniture where the natural edge of the wood is incorporated into the design. First introduced in midcentury homes during the American craft movement by architect, woodworker, and furniture maker George Nakashima, these creations, with all of their burls, knots, and holes, have been growing in popularity ever since.

 

Not only are live edge pieces beautiful works of art, but they are environmentally friendly as well. As an example, 25 percent of a tree is not used when milling for standard 2×4’s, which is essentially considered waste. A tree that is milled for live edge slabs will only leave five percent remaining. With live edge, a tree goes farther.

 

Live edge craftsmen mostly use reclaimed wood for their projects, meaning wood from trees that have fallen during a storm or that need to be removed due to construction. There are also lumberyards that specialize in live edge slabs – massive slices of trees that retain the original bark.

 

While the majority of wood available for live edge projects is primarily walnut or oak, there are many other species to choose from. Says Ian Avidan, owner of Z&E Slabs in Berkeley, “Every species has a different color, texture, and grain pattern. It all depends on what you’re looking for.”

 

Z&E Slabs keeps over 40 species in stock, including many exotic and wild species like Hawaiian koa, Australian silky oak, jackfruit, keava, mango, bubinga, and Avidan’s favorite, monkey pod.

 

The first step in creating a live edge piece is choosing the wood. Clients are encouraged to visit places like Z&E Slabs to find that perfect fit. Often the shape of the slab will determine what it becomes, whether it’s a table, a countertop, a desk, a shelf, or a headboard. Says Ilya Pogorelskiy of Statuswood Studio in Hayward, “Sometimes people fall in love with a piece in our showroom or on our website. But most of our work is custom.”

 

Because of the unique qualities of every live edge slab, every piece is considered custom. This is not something you can just pick up at a Home Depot. It takes a woodworker from three to seven days to handcraft a live edge piece of furniture, including leveling, sanding, oiling, drying, sealing, and varnishing. While some pieces retain the original bark, usually the bark is removed for a cleaner finish.

 

The price of live edge furniture varies greatly depending on the type and size of the wood. A typical six-foot table might run anywhere from $2,500 – $6,000. Bigger tables can run as high $15,000. The price also reflects the amount of handcrafting that needs to be done. Most slabs are too big to fit into a planar (the machine that makes wood flat), so there is a lot of hand planing and sanding that needs to be done. Smaller pieces are more affordable, like little shelves and mantles, because these can be placed in a planar, and thus require less labor.

 

Some live edge tables are made with multiple planks, like many standard tables, with the live edge pieces on the outside. These are generally more affordable than solid slabs. Of course, it all depends on what style you’re looking for. The base of the table is made from metal or wood, and is another important design element that customers should think about.

 

If you're leaning towards purchasing a piece of live edge furniture, your best bet is to find a local craftsman to custom build it. At places like Z&E Slabs or Statuswood Studio, there's a good chance you can hand-select the wood, and be a little more involved in some of the design decisions. Pogorelskiy warns people, however, that because of the high demand, they currently have a wait list with a lead time of 60 days.

 

As word has spread through home and garden TV shows and websites, live edge furniture has become more and more popular. Its unique and natural style can really create a wonderful focal point in your home. Many consider them works of art. All it takes is a little patience, a little money, and the desire to live life on the edge.

 

For more information, contact Z&E Slabs: (510) 559-6900, 6900@zandeslabs.com, www.zandeslabs.com, and Statuswood Studio: (650) 504-0916, statuswoodsf@gmail.com, www.statuswood.com.

 

 

New CEO takes helm at community service agency

Submitted by Robin Michel

 

After an extensive executive search, officials from Child Family and Community Services (CFCS) have selected Seth M. Schalet as the nonprofit agency’s new Chief Executive Officer. He started his new job on January 23.

 

Based in Union City, CFCS provides Head Start and Early Head Start, California Child Care Alternative Payment Program and fee-based childcare services to qualified low-income families and children with special needs living in Southern Alameda County.

 

“The Board and I are excited that Seth has chosen to join our agency,” said CFCS Stacie Williams, who served as acting executive director until Schalet came aboard. “He is highly qualified and has the skills and experience needed to leverage resources, strengthen programs, and build new community partnerships while planning for strategic growth.”

 

Schalet holds an MBA from Suffolk University in Boston and has extensive training in nonprofit management, including certificates in nonprofit financial stewardship from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He has 30 years of executive leadership spanning for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, Schalet served as the CEO for Prevent Blindness Northern California, a public health non-profit dedicated to vision health aimed at the underserved, low income and preschool children.

 

“I am honored to join the CFCS team,” Schalet said. “Their 50 plus years of community engagement and commitment to program excellence is well aligned with my most recent experience that included serving over 235 preschool sites in Alameda, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, including numerous Head Start agencies. I gained deep affection for the work and impact of Head Start.”

 

 

Newark City Council

January 24, 2019

 

Announcements:

• Mayor Nagy welcomed Boy Scouts who attended as a requirement of the Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

 

Presentations and Proclamations:

• Introduction of new employees by Mayor Nagy:

Public Safety Clerk Paula Silva, joined by daughter Mia and Lt. Jolie Macias for a public “pinning ceremony.”

Administrative Support Specialist II Sara Kerns.

• Proclaim February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

 

Public Hearings:

• Approve construction of 10 single-family, 2-story Victorian-style homes by GoldSilverIsland Homes LLC at 37256 Magnolia Street, 37280 Magnolia Street and 6849 Bain Avenue. A community meeting on October 15, 2018 showed support for the project.

PASSED 4-0-1 (Recuse, Freitas)

• Approve “Classics at Newark,” nine single-family homes at 36304-36310 Newark Boulevard on an approximately 1.72-acre site. Some concerns regarding parking and privacy were expressed at a community meeting on August 29, 2018. Setback, lot width and street frontage deviate from development standards.
• Approve 192-unit residential project on 17.4 acres within Dumbarton Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan area west of Hickory Street and Enterprise Drive. Rezone from Business and Technology Park to Residential Medium Density and rezone 5-acre site from Business and Technology Park to Park for a public park. Collectively, total impact fee revenue is estimated at $8.26 million.

 

Consent Calendar:

• Approve contractual services agreements with 4Leaf, Inc., CSG Consultants, Inc., MNG engineers, Inc. Pakpour Consulting Group and SNG and Associates, Inc. for On-call Public Works Inspection and Civil Engineering Development Plan Check Review services. Amend 2018-2020 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan to add $200,000 to fund all contractual services agreements.

 

Non-Consent:

• Approve ordinance to amend Newark Municipal Code to strengthen shelter, food and water requirements for animals kept outside including shelter specifications and protections and daily food and water requirements.

 

Oral Communications:

• None

 

Mayor Alan Nagy                   Aye

Vice Mayor Sucy Collazo       Aye

Luis Freitas                             Aye (1 recusal)

Michael Hannon                     Aye

Mike Bucci                             Aye

 

 

Nissan Leaf: Restart for the EV Volume Leader

By Steve Schaefer

 

The Nissan Leaf, introduced in 2010 as a 2011 model, is the world’s most popular mass-production electric car. But, with an expanding EV market, it was time for an upgrade. While the original car was a study in soft curves, the 2018 is edgier, and looks more like a regular car, with a traditional face on the outside and a more upright and structured dash panel inside. The body shape remains a four-door hatchback with room for five and generous cargo space. While the similarly sized and shaped Chevrolet Bolt EV gets 238 miles of range from its 60-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Leaf pulls just 150 from its 40-kWh one. Nissan says a 60-kWh, 200+ mile-range battery is coming, but my Deep Blue Pearl test car had the 40. Why would Nissan introduce a brand-new Leaf with significantly less range than the Bolt EV, its most direct competitor? One reason is that 150 miles is a lot more than the previous model’s 107 (from a 30-kW battery), and it may be enough for most uses.

 

The other reason is price. While the lower-level Bolt LT stickers at $36,620, the base S model Leaf starts at just $29,990. The mid-level SV begins at $32,490, while the upper-level Leaf SL, with leather seating (blended smooth hide and suede), with power adjustment (unavailable in any Bolt), and more, lists at $36,200—nearly identical to the base Bolt. My SL tester came to $38,115, including a few options and an $885 destination charge. For comparison, a fully configured Bolt EV runs just under $44,000. The Leaf’s 110-kW AC synchronous electric motor is good for 147 horsepower and a potent 236 lb.-ft. of torque. You can really feel it as you zoom ahead in normal driving; the ECO setting makes acceleration more lethargic, but still adequate, moving the 3,508-pound car down the road competently. For comparison, the Bolt EV is more powerful, with a 150 kW, 200-horsepower motor, with 266 lb.-ft. of torque.

 

The Leaf offers e-pedal, which lets you use your right foot to press on the accelerator to move forward and ease up on the pedal to slow down – even to a stop. This is possible with electric motors, not gas engines. The e-pedal works almost exactly like L (Low) in the Bolt, but once you set it, it stays on until you turn it off, while the Bolt defaults to normal D (Drive) and needs an extra flick of the lever to engage. Nissan offers ProPILOT Assist Technology on the Leaf, meant to reduce driver fatigue. While it’s not autonomous driving – you must keep your hands on the wheel – you can set a following distance from the car in front while steering assist keeps you in the center of the lane automatically. It’s a toe in the water of autonomy.

 

The Leaf’s electric port remains in its nose. You need to pop it open using a button on the dash, unlike the Bolt’s left-fender-mounted door. In there, two sockets sit side by side, since the Leaf still uses the J-1772 connector for Level 1 and 2 charging and the big round CHAdeMo socket for quick charging. You can add up to 111 miles to the battery charge in five hours on Level 2 (240-volt) charging. Home charging on 120-volt household current is much slower, but you can add around 50 miles of range overnight. At public quick-charge stations, you can add 90 miles in 30 minutes, so a 45-minute lunch stop should get you on your way. I like the Bolt’s 238 miles, but for my 18 miles each way of commuting, and running around San Francisco Bay Area on weekends, 150 miles is plenty. The official EPA stats are 125 MPGe City, 100 Highway, and 112 Combined. Compare these numbers to other battery-electric vehicles. Naturally, the Smog and Greenhouse gas numbers are perfect 10s.

 

Time in the Leaf is very pleasant, with supportive bucket seats and padded door panels that feel more luxurious than the more utilitarian Bolt. The screen in the center of the dash is much smaller then the generous 10.2-inch one in the Bolt. Climate controls sit in a low-mounted but easy to decipher bow tie. The steering wheel is adjustable for height but does not telescope. The little, round, blue-illuminated shift knob remains and is easier to use than the Bolt’s. The new Leaf is much improved, both for its increased range and its style. But looking carefully, I realized that much of it is carried over. The distinctive windshield pillars remain, as do the front doors – inside and outside – and the interior and exterior door handles. With the changes, though, the car looks current and matches better with its fellow Nissans in the showroom.

 

 

Girl’s Wrestling

Cougars Update

Submitted by Timothy Hess

 

The Newark Memorial Lady Cougars placed 4th out of 55 schools at the Lady Baler Wrestling Tournament at San Benito HS on January 26th. Junior Ariana Pereira took home the 172 lb. championship with four falls. At 145 lbs., Sierra Van Rossem placed 2nd and Christina Craig was 8th at 118 lbs. Nina Caron (113) and Emilee Ballard also performed well for the Cougars.

 

 

Men’s Basketball

Renegades Report

Submitted by Don Jedlovec

 

The Ohlone College Renegades (Fremont) have had a dismal season so far without a conference win and an overall 4-17 record. Their January 18th 102-86 loss to Canada College Colts (Redwood City) didn’t improve the situation. A better showing on January 23rd still resulted in a 71-60 loss to the Chabot (Hayward) Gladiators and their recent meeting with the Foothill Owls ended with a 76-59 loss as well. Dwelling in the cellar of the Coast Conference, the schedule through February holds some promise with seven remaining conference games.

 

 

San Leandro’s Annual Planning Session

Submitted by Alice Kim

 

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter and San Leandro City Council are inviting the public to attend the City Council’s 2019 Annual Planning Session on Saturday, February 2. Agenda topics for the day will include an overview of the city budget along with an interactive forecast of future year finances. The council will also review various city-led initiatives and set priorities for the coming year.

 

“Our City Council is looking forward to our annual planning session, which will allow us to set the city’s goals and priorities for the upcoming year,” said Mayor Cutter. “This is one of the most important meetings of the year, and the public’s input will help us ensure we are allocating city resources to those matters most critical to our residents.” For more information, contact Eric Engelbart, deputy city manager at (510) 577-3391 or eengelbart@sanleandro.org.

 

San Leandro City Council Planning Session

Saturday, Feb 2

8:30 a.m.

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 E 14th St, San Leandro

(510) 577-3391

eengelbart@sanleandro.org

 

 

San Leandro Police Log

Submitted by Lt. Isaac Benabou, San Leandro PD

 

Friday, January 18

• At about 3:00 p.m. a man reported that he saw to males smash the rear window of his car and remove a backpack containing a laptop computer. The car was in the parking lot of a local restaurant. Both suspects fled in a silver Jaguar displaying dealer paper license plates, with the victim capturing the crime on his smartphone camera. Later, overnight patrol officers spotted the Jaguar around 12:30 a.m. and made a vehicle stop. The two occupants matched the photo and description provided by the victim. A vehicle search turned up burglary tools and stolen property including several laptop computers. Both suspects, identified by police as Kevin Blocker, 26, of Stockton and Carmen Johnson, 35, of Oakland were arrested and taken to jail. Both face charges of possessing stolen property and burglary tools.

 

Tuesday, January 22

• At 5:00 a.m. the SWAT team executed a search and arrest warrant on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department. Detectives from the LAPD tracked a felony suspect wanted in their jurisdiction to an address on Sweetwater Drive in San Leandro. LAPD detectives obtained a warrant for the location and as protocol follows, delivered the warrant to the San Leandro Tactical Operations Team for execution. San Leandro SWAT Team members converged on the location and successfully executed the arrest warrant. The wanted suspect being sought by LAPD was located and taken into custody without incident. The suspect was turned over to LAPD Detectives for processing.

 

 

San Leandro City Council

January 22, 2018

 

Recognitions:

• Recognition of the Employee of the Quarter, Leticia Naranjo, Administrative Specialist III, Finance

 

Public Comments:

• A fair rent ordinance and an emergency moratorium on rent increases were requested.

 

Consent Calendar:

• Highlights of the Facilities and Transportation Committee meeting of November 14, 2018
• Highlights of the Facilities and Transportation Committee meeting of December 5, 2018
• Motion re-nominating representatives to Board or Commission as follows:

Brian Copeland as District 1 Representative to the Arts Commission

Alice Sarafian as District 1 Representative to the Human Services Commission

Tony Breslin as District 1 Representative to the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Litha Zuber as District 1 Representative to the Recreation and Parks Commission

David Anderson as District 1 Representative to the Senior Commission

Jeffrey Falero as District 2 Representative to the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Erika Garcia as District 3 Representative to the Arts Commission

Susan Snell as District 3 Representative to the Human Services Commission

Janice Woycheshin as District 3 Representative to the Senior Commission

David Moragne, Jr. as District 5 Representative to the Arts Commission

Michael Santos as District 5 Representative to the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Michael Bolar as District 5 Representative to the Recreation and Parks   Commission

Mary Jo Knueven as District 5 Representative to the Senior Commission

Dylan Boldt as District 6 Representative to the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Suzanne Pershing as an At-large Representative to the Arts Commission

Don Lancaster as an At-large Representative to the Human Services Commission

Jennifer Heystek as an At-large Representative to the Library-Historical Commission

Kenneth Pon as an At-large Representative to the PlanningCommission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Dewayne Cornelious as an At-large Representative to the Personnel Relations Board

James Browne as an At-large Representative to the Personnel Relations Board

Louis Heystek as an At-large Representative to the Personnel Relations Board

Orval Badger as an At-large Representative to the Personnel Relations Board

Dan Johnson as an At-large Representative to the Rent Review Board

Cimberly Tamura as an At-large Representative to the Senior Commission

Claudia McHenry as an At-large Representative to the Senior Commission

Edward Shapiro as San Leandro Unified School District Representative to the Recreation and Parks Commission

• Motion Nominating Representative to Boards or Commission as follows:

Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton as District 1 Representative to the Library-Historical Commission

Gary Hanna as District 3 Representative to the Recreation and Parks Commission

Peggy Combs as District 5 Representative to the Human Services Commission

Mary Beth Barloga as District 5 Representative to the Library-Historical Commission

Nicholas Thorn Sermeno as an At-large Representative to the Human Services Commission

Kristen Schumacher as an At-large Representative to the Rent Review Board

• Ordinance to amend the zoning code, related to the development regulations of commercial and professional zoning districts
• Resolution to approve an agreement with Architectural Resources Group, Inc., in the amount of $341,130 for the Casa Peralta improvements project
• Resolution to approve an agreement with TJKM Transportation Consultants, for the design of signal projects in the amount of $72,612
• Resolution to approve an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for improvements to the Davis Street Rail Crossing of the Niles Subdivision

 

Calendar items passed 6-0 (Cutter; absent)

 

Action Items:

• Resolution to authorize a rent-to-own agreement with Nixon-Egli Equipment Company for a cold milling machine at an amount not to exceed $673,628.69, appropriated from the Gas Tax Fund. Item passed 6-0 (Cutter; absent)
• Resolution to appropriate up to $542,000 for the implementation of Phase III of the

Airport Noise Insulation Program for the Davis West Neighborhood and to execute a related agreement with C. Kell-Smith & Associates in an amount not to exceed $246,504. Item passed 6-0 (Cutter; absent)

 

City Council Reports:

• Councilmember Ballew attended an Alameda County Housing Committee meeting on January 9.
• Councilmember Cox attended an Alameda County Recycling Board Committee meeting on January 10
• Councilmember Hernandez attended an East Bay Clean Energy meeting on January 16 where they discussed the PG&E bankruptcy

 

City Council Calendar and Announcements:

• Councilmember Ballew announced a San Leandro High Scholarship Foundation vintage fashion fundraiser on February 9 at 2 p.m. at San Leandro High School

 

City Council Requests to Schedule Agenda Items:

• Councilmember Lee requested that a quarterly update be provided by staff regarding the Marina project. Staff will give report on February 4.
• Vice Mayor Lopez requested that zoning amendments and an inclusionary housing ordinance with regard to workforce housing be looked at by staff. Item passed 5-0 (absent: Cutter, Aguilar)

 

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter                           (absent)

Vice Mayor Corina N. Lopez                         Aye

Victor Aguilar, Jr.                                           (remote) Aye

Ed Hernandez                                                 Aye

Benny Lee                                                       Aye

Deborah Cox                                                   Aye

Pete Ballew                                                     Aye

 

 

Ukulele for Senior Residents

Submitted by Alice Kim

 

The City of San Leandro’s Recreation and Human Services Department has launched a new ukulele program for senior residents, beginning Wednesday, February 6. The program for active adults ages 50 and up will meet weekly on Wednesdays except for February 20 where a weekly jam will not meet. Interested participants are encouraged to bring ukulele jam materials including an instrument and a music stand. For more information, call the Senior Community Center’s Customer Service at (510) 577-3462.

 

 

Ukulele Jam Program

Begins Feb 6, weekly every Wednesday

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 E 14th St, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

Fee $1 per session/per person; no pre-registration required

No jam session on Wednesday, Feb 20

 

 

Milpitas receives funds for tobacco prevention

Submitted by Santa Clara County Public Health Department

 

The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department has announced a total of $310,000 in grants and in-kind support through June 30, 2021 to six cities including Milpitas for tobacco prevention. This funding will prevent and reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

 

In Santa Clara County, 1 in 8 deaths annually is attributed to smoking-related illness or diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. More than 1 in 4 adults living in multi-unit housing in the county report smelling tobacco smoke drifting into their home from nearby apartments or from outside. Exposure is even higher for Latino adults and low-income residents, at 1 in 3 adults.

 

“Tobacco continues to have devastating impacts on the health of our residents,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese. “The County has led the way on implementing some of the strongest tobacco control measures in the nation. In partnership with all cities, we must double down on efforts to address the tobacco industry marketing of flavored products, including menthol cigarettes and vaping products that are impacting our youth.”

 

The funding aims to:

• Decrease secondhand smoke exposure in living spaces with a shared wall, such as condominiums, townhomes and apartments.
• Restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
• Decrease the availability of tobacco products within cities, including prohibiting new businesses from selling tobacco near youth-populated areas, such as schools, parks, and community centers.

 

Funding also comes in the form of in-kind support from a professional consultant for research and reports, stakeholder outreach, placement of signage, and materials to educate the public.

 

Funding to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in multi-unit housing:

• Milpitas will receive $25,000, with anticipated reach of 13,678 residents.

 

All cities in the county were invited to apply for funding. The funding is available through Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Act of 2016, which increased the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products by $2.

 

 

Police to step up DUI patrol during Super Bowl

Submitted by Sgt. Heylen

 

During Super Bowl LIII, the Milpitas Police Department will be actively searching for drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.

 

The DUI saturation patrols will take place in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions or arrests. In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. The Milpitas Police investigated 24 suspected DUI crashes which resulted in 15 reported injuries.

 

In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Police are reminding drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in an arrest.

 

Here are a few tips to follow to avoid a DUI charge:

 

• Always use a designated sober driver — a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation — to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers — call 911.
• Hosting a Super Bowl party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is driving and how they are getting home.

 

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

 

Funding for this DUI operation is provided to the Milpitas Police Department through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

Symbiosis uplifts and empowers local trans and queer youth

Submitted by Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments

Photos by Caroline Horswill

 

Team Stronger Than You Think (STYT), a youth empowerment group through Fremont’s domestic violence agency Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE), offers their second “Symbiosis” event on Saturday, February 9.

 

Symbiosis is a free, day-long summit created by and for youth, which aims to uplift trans and queer youth, educate about healthy relationships, and empower youth activists in their home communities. At Symbiosis, young people (age 12-24) will enjoy free boba; learn from breakout session workshops; hear from keynote speaker Sameer Jha, queer and trans activist, author, and current high school student; enjoy a drag performance; build community; and eat a tasty lunch from food trucks by 333 Food.

 

Sarah Hyde, Youth Services Coordinator at SAVE, plans and coordinates Symbiosis alongside Team Stronger Than You Think. STYT is a group of high school students who work to educate, raise awareness, and promote healthy relationships in the community. “STYT started Symbiosis last year in order to provide an opportunity for youth in Southern Alameda County to come together to learn about LGBTQ+ empowerment, healthy relationships, and activism,” said Hyde. “Many similar events in the Bay are focused in Oakland or San Francisco, and they wanted something right here in our own community.”

 

“Symbiosis 2018 was a great start to this now yearly event. One participant from last year said, ‘The food, the accommodations, the heavily youth-driven context and the LYFT code were all unexpected surprises that made the experience of traveling to Fremont worth it.’ We were very happy with the turnout, and attendees enjoyed the workshops and performances,” said Hyde.

 

This year’s theme “TBH…” (to be honest) will focus on honest conversations and real talk, giving the community a chance to tell their stories and acknowledge the gray areas. Some standout workshops in 2019 are Dating Outside Your Race/Religion, Harm in Relationships with Queer/Trans People, and Conscious Flow: Intro to Freestyle Rap. There will be a DJ, live painters, and an art exhibit called “A Loss of Place” by artist Anabell Casteñeda. Rexy Tapia is also back to perform drag as the grand finale of the day.

 

“For this year's event, we hope to have an even higher turnout of youth! Our goal is to have no empty seat because the youth in Southern Alameda County deserve to have resources that build community, foster youth activism, center the needs of queer and trans youth of color, and uplift healthy dating relationships and consent,” said Hyde.

 

The first 25 people who register on www.symbiosissummit.com will get a free Symbiosis shirt. Day-of registration will also be available. To learn more about SAVE and STYT, visit https://save-dv.org or call (510) 574-2250.

 

Symbiosis

Saturday, Feb 9

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mission Valley ROP

5019 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 574-2250

www.symbiosissummit.com/

https://save-dv.org

 

 

Extra olives, please!

Submitted by Barbara Gorsuch

 

No matter how you slice it, pizza is a great way to attract people who are looking for a fun meal out or a quick and tasty dinner at home. With that in mind, the Fremont Symphony Guild is sponsoring a pizza fundraiser on Thursday, January 31.

 

During business hours the Mountain Mike’s Pizza location on Fremont Boulevard between Walnut Avenue and Sundale Drive will donate 20 percent of their sales to the Fremont Symphony. These funds will also help support children’s events sponsored by the symphony.

 

When placing their pizza orders, diners should order off the menu and mention that they are with the symphony so that credit from the sale goes to the symphony. The deal is good for dining room and takeout orders.

 

Pizza fundraiser

Thursday, Jan. 31

11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Benefit for the Fremont Symphony

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

39415 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 371-4860

www.thefremontsymphony.org/the-guild

Admission: Free

 

 

Navigating Teen Years

Submitted by Chet Dayal

 

Bay Area South Asian Network of Therapists (BASANT) invites teenagers and their parents navigating stressful teen years to a health and wellness fair on Sunday, February 10. The event, focusing on successful parenting strategies, will feature exhibits from local healthcare providers and community organizations. There will also be screening of “The Valley,” a film by Saila Kariat, a local filmmaker. Kariat and a panel of mental health experts from Stanford, Kaiser Permanente, Washington Hospital, and S.E.B Pediatric Medical Group will be available for Q&A session after the screening. The panelists will share proven methods from their work with teens and their families. To register and buy tickets or for more information, call (510) 770-6223 or visit www.basantnow.org/register.

 

BASANT is a nonprofit organization raising awareness about mental health issues while providing advocacy for mental health challenges that affect the South Asian community. It helps community members connect with culturally competent mental health professionals.

———————————————————–

Schedule:

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.: Check-in, Networking & Health Fair

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Welcome and Opening Comments

2:30 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.: ‘The Valley’ Movie Screening

4:05 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.: Break

4:20 p.m.  – 5:40 p.m.: Panel Discussion

5:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Networking & Health Fair

———————————————————–

Wellness Fair on Successful Parenting

Sunday, Feb 10

1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mission San Jose High School, Room C-120

41717 Palm Ave, Fremont

(510) 770-6223

www.basantnow.org/register

Registration Required

Online Tickets: General Admission, $8; Student/ Senior, $5; and VIP Reserved Seating, $20

At the Door Tickets (if available): $10

 

 

Union City City Council

January 22, 2019

 

Presentations:

• Presentation by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. The district has 17 full-time employees and 5 seasonal employees working in either mosquito control, monitoring, or administrative work. The report showed mosquito control is done at places like storm drain systems and marshes. The district has 13 trustees picked by each city within the district. They meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 23187 Connecticut Street in Hayward at 5 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.
• Senior volunteer of the year recognition given to the late Ace Chong for his service at the Ruggieri senior center. Chong and wife Marilyn who has also passed away, formed the Hawaiian music group called, “The Islanders” They performed songs for seniors, taught the Ukulele, and how to sing traditional Hawaiian music.

 

Consent Agenda:

• Award a contract to St. Francis Electric, LLC worth $477,600 for the Cycle 7 traffic signal improvements project.
• Appropriate $510,000 to National Auto Fleet Group to replace 11 city-owned vehicles.
• Appoint Melissa Mallory as alternate commissioner on the Human Relations Commission.

 

Public Communications:

• Resident does not want small cell facilities near residential areas. Said it would surveille homes and cause neurological diseases.

 

City Reports:

• Tri-CED recycling is considering an additional processing fee for residents. Last year China banned the importation of plastics, mixed paper, and metals. California has been sending one-third of its recyclables to foreign markets and 62% of that were being sent to China. Tri-CED is asking for compensation for recyclables that cannot be sold due to contamination, and other processing costs. City staff will return at a later meeting with compensation alternatives.

 

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci                           Absent

Vice Mayor Gary Singh                                 Aye

Emily Duncan                                                Aye

Pat Gacoscos                                                   Aye

Jaime Patiño                                                   Aye

 

 

Fundraising Gala for children’s holistic development

Submitted by Chirag Foundation

 

Pari looks out the window of her small one room hut. She sees a boy and a girl her age, dressed in school uniforms, backpack on their shoulders, talking and laughing as they make their way across the street. They are going to school. She wonders if she will ever join them. She hears her mother call her. It’s time for her to go work in the nearby farm. She has to work or there will not be enough to eat that day. Pari is 10 years old. Unfortunately, there are countless children like Pari, boys and girls alike who long for a good education, three square meals a day, and to feel safe and happy. One in four school-age children in India are not in school (34 million); 36 percent of children are malnourished; 24 million between ages five and 14 do manual labor; one in three child brides come from India.

 

While there are government programs that work to eliminate these problems, they are not enough. Children are still ploughing fields, working in matchstick factories, kidnapped or sold for trafficking, young girls are raped and abused, girls are forced into marriages and bearing children when they are still a child themselves and forever lost in the intergenerational cycle of poverty. They need champions like us to become their voice and we need to take action to not leave any child behind.

 

An ecosystem of five partners – Chirag Foundation, Save the Child Foundation, Children's Vitamin Project, Vandemataram, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Bay Area – we work together to fight children’s problems in a holistic approach using the United Nation’s three sustainable development goals with a key focus on children: education, equality, and health. Our non-profit organizations strive to provide education, basic necessities and nutrition to underprivileged children in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Uganda and low-income families in the U.S. We are a team of hardworking, giving, and passionate young parents driven by the purpose of transforming the lives of the less fortunate children in our midst.

 

Join us for our “Valentine’s Day Fundraising Gala” on Saturday, February 9 with music, dance, art, cocktails, and dinner at India Community Center in Milpitas. Complimentary child care is available. At the event, world-renowned artist A. V. Ilango will paint gifted dancer Shreya Iyer while she performs. Paintings will be auctioned at the event. Keynotes are provided by Swati Mylavarapu, Co-founder of Incite.org. Other important guests include Matt Rogers, Co-founder of Nest and Incite.org; Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Chief Executive Officer of Pulse Secure; Anant Jhingran, Apigee Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Google; Murali Krishnamurthy, Executive Chairman at Sankara Eye Foundation; and Ravi Devesetti, NA, Consumer Information Services, CTO of Experian.

 

Hope is a one-syllable word with infinite emotions. Let’s be the change that our world needs. Please join our efforts this Valentine’s Day by being part of this wonderful cause and touching these lives with your love and generosity.

 

The minimum suggested donation is $150 per person. Please RSVP to Chirag at (408) 910-3360 by Monday, February 4.

 

Valentine’s Day Fundraising Gala

Saturday, Feb 9

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

India Community Center

525 Los Coches St, Milpitas

(408) 910-3360

www.chiraghope.org

Tickets: $150

 

 

Wrestling

Top grapplers compete at Mission San Jose Invitational Tournament

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

Fifty-seven of the best California high school wrestling teams met at the 44th Mission San Jose Invitational Wrestling Tournament, held at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont on January 25-26. An uphill climb for local competitors, Castro Valley finished as a strong 10th place and San Leandro in 14th. Arroyo (San Lorenzo) finished in 19th place while Mission San Jose shared 21st place and Newark Memorial snared 23rd. James Logan (Union City) finished in 25th place and Washington (Fremont) tied for 28th.