10-17-23 Articles

‘Holiday for the Arts’ 2023

Submitted by Seema Gupta

Olive Hyde Art Guild is elated to announce its 39th Annual “Holiday for the Arts” Show & Sale, a wonderful way to kick off the festive season. It will take place during the third weekend of October at Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont. The show will open with a ticketed Gala on Friday, October 20, from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., offering guests the first viewing and sale of art.

Gala attendees will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, sweets, wine, and beer from Catering by Gael, Costco, DasBrew, Milk & Honey Café, Mission Coffee Roasting Company, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Rubino Estates Winery, Safeway, Smart & Final Foundation, Spin A Yarn Steakhouse, Strizzi’s, Trader Joe’s, and Vintage Catering.

Additionally, there will be live music by Bay Area music veteran Steve Kritzer. Kritzer is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist amassing a following at coffeehouses, wineries, festivals, and schools between the West Coast and Europe. He has become known as the “go-to guy” for all things ukulele in the Bay Area.

The Gala will also feature a drawing for an original mixed-media painting “Steins Beer Garden” donated by this year’s featured artist Dmitry Grudsky. Grudsky holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Tashkent Art Institute in Uzbekistan. Over the years, Grudsky has participated in many local and national art exhibitions. His pieces are said to be “spare yet sophisticated, playful yet elegant.”

On Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, the show is open to the public, free of charge, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a perfect opportunity to view and purchase unique artifacts for yourself or for artistically inclined family and friends on your holiday shopping list.

The Holiday Show is our signature community event and the only fundraiser that supports the Guild’s activities throughout the year. Every year, about $25,000 is raised to benefit the Olive Hyde Art Gallery and fund numerous art projects in the Fremont schools and community. In this year’s show, more than 70 artists will be exhibiting original works in Ceramics, Glass & Sculpture, Paintings, Photography, Cards & Wall Art, Jewelry, Fiber, Wood, and Holiday Décor.

Among participants, about 15 are new to the show. They come from around the Bay Area and beyond. Linda Paris-Bell, from Sunnyvale, is a mixed media fabric artist who loves to make landscape quilts. Sometimes they are all fabric, sometimes mixed with hand painting and other materials. At the show will be Yosemite landscapes and other scenes. Another fabric artist, Elfride Groh from Hayward, started sewing doll clothes as a child and has continued to sew everything from jackets and gowns to children’s clothes. She belongs to the Alameda County Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. For this show, Elfride will display handmade purses.

A resident of Union City, Lore Winterman-Sturm began exploring pottery ten years ago after her retirement from the US Geological Survey, discovering “her much-neglected creative side.” Lore learned to throw clay on a pottery wheel, but after a few years, she turned to slab clay and hand-built organic pottery. Charlene Fischer from Palo Alto always admired the beauty of pottery, saying, “watching someone throw a piece on the wheel seemed magical.” In 2015, when a friend suggested a class together, she immediately said, “Yes, let’s give it a go!” Now she uses her bowls, plates, and cups every day and enjoys creating sculptures, vases, and bird feeders. Both Lore and Charlene are members of San Jose’s Higher Fire Clay Space and Gallery.

Yet another ceramic artist, Veronica Schulte, began her journey with clay nearly 15 years ago. Originally a sculptor, she now incorporates elements of hand building into wheel-thrown pieces. Her work is inspired by nature in the Bay Area. Veronica has recently started teaching pottery to students of all ages and abilities.

Natasha Foucault from Half Moon Bay has been painting on silk for 45 years. She received her education at the Moscow Academy of Art. Seven years ago, she decided to open her own gallery, Silk and Stone, displaying and selling her fine and wearable art, and also working on her ongoing projects.

Jessica Copeman, a resident of Livermore, graduated with a BA in Art from Cal State East Bay. She finds inspiration from the California coast, which is reflected in her loosely interpreted seascapes and landscapes. Jessica creates art “that transports others to this magical space of mystery and tranquility.” Another artist mesmerized by nature is self-taught watercolorist Juanita Hagberg. Her artistic journey began following a career as a public-school teacher and has taken her from realistic to a more impressionistic, and experimental style. Juanita’s work has been selected at several juried exhibitions, most notably the “de Young OPEN” in San Francisco.

A professional photographer, Keith Westra graduated with a BA in Art from Humboldt State University. He has worked in ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and photography, and continues to experiment. His admiration for “functional art” led him to start hand-making leather goods using traditional techniques. Lately, Keith has discovered the art of making brooms and is inspired by the history of broom-making from Appalachia. Most of his broom handles are from Oak, Redwood, and Walnut trees found on his daily walks in the Niles.

An array of creative items will also be presented by favorite returning artists such as Adriane Dedic, P. Kay Hille-Hatten, Barbara Schlein, Susan Helmer, Lauren Shaver, Tatiana Yaksick, and others you wouldn’t want to miss!

We look forward to a great show and hope you will be able to attend. Tickets for the Opening Gala are $20, and they may be purchased at the door or online at https://olivehydeartguild.org/holiday-for-the-arts-2/gala-tickets/.

Holiday for the Arts Event Sponsors:

Fremont Bank Foundation, Tri-City Voice Newspaper, The Anderson Family Foundation, Kalyanpur Giving Fund, Mahuron Family Fund

Opening Night Gala

Friday, Oct 20

5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Show and Sale

Saturday, Oct 21 & Sunday, Oct 22

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.olivehydeartguild.org

Furry Fun at Howl-o-ween

By Charlene Dizon

Photos
Courtesy of Katie Dennis

 

For dog owners eager to celebrate Halloween before the 31st, “Howl-o-ween” is the ideal community event to attend. Returning for its third year, the free general public event on October 21 is packed with everything from a doggo costume contest to giveaway prizes that are bound to thrill both pets and people.

 

The idea for Howl-o-ween stemmed from a delayed grand opening for Newark’s first-ever Newbark Dog Park. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the park’s anticipated 2020 commencement was put on hold. When safety guidelines began to loosen a year later, the Newark Recreation and Community Services Department decided that it was time to open the park to the public in October 2021. Recreation Coordinator Becca Hicks says, “Since we already had the launch materials prepared, we decided to turn the grand opening into an even more memorable event by making it Halloween-themed.” To the Recreation Department’s delight, Howl-o-ween’s first turnout was a success, with more attendees arriving than anticipated. Moving forward, it was no question that the event would become an annual tradition for the community to gather and enjoy alongside their dogs.

The main highlight of Howl-o-ween is the doggo costume contest. Recreation Coordinator Katie Dennis shares, “In the first year, we had a family and their dog come dressed up as Scooby Doo characters.” Other creative costumes have been Winnie the Pooh, Monsters, Inc., Pennywise the Clown, and many more. The top three contest winners receive gift baskets stocked with dog treats, toys, and other spooky-themed goodies. General giveaways like a collapsible dog bowl are also given. Alongside the contest are a costume parade, free photo booth, resource fair promoting local pet stores and vendors selling pet-related items, and puppuccinos– specially made whipped cream-filled cups for dogs. Free coffee will also be provided by the local Starbucks Store #5952 from Thornton Avenue. As for general guidelines on how owners are expected to handle their dogs safely at the event, Hicks states, “Dogs do have to be leashed unless they’re within the actual dog park.”

 

Since its inception, Howl-o-ween has garnered more and more attendees not only because it is free, but more importantly because it is pet-friendly. Dennis shares, “People who come once can’t wait for the next one. I’m a dog mom myself and sometimes it’s hard to find events that are dog-friendly. When there is an opportunity, it makes me feel special and included.” Furthermore, the celebration acts as a reminder that families come in all forms, as Hicks adds, “This event is for an even wider section of the community who may have dogs, but not children. Howl-o-ween is both family-and-dog friendly oriented, and it’s definitely our favorite event to host.”

For the Recreation Department, seeing the event’s rising success has been both fulfilling and heartwarming. Dennis states, “We’re grateful to work for the Newark community, so seeing them enjoy themselves and compliment each other is always exciting.” After the pandemic’s isolating impact, having an event like Howl-o-ween not only allows the community to reconnect outdoors, but gives dogs the opportunity to run around and perhaps even make new friends. Whether you adore the spooky season or not, this event is certainly one that will keep attendees amused and engaged with its clever costumes styled by dedicated dog lovers.

Howl-o-ween

Saturday, Oct 21

10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Newbark Dog Park

35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark

re********@ne****.org

You’re invited to get wild with us

By Angela Hartman, Director, Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

 

You’re invited to attend our annual “Wildlife Rehabilitation Open House” on Saturday, October 21 to see first-hand how a wildlife hospital operates. This event is free, open to all ages, and you can stop by at any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Take a behind the scenes wildlife hospital tour, pick up free goodie bags and crafts for the kids, enter our opportunity drawings, meet Phil the Beekeeper, and attend live ambassador animal talks.

Due to the outpouring of community support, Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (OHSWRC) have accomplished many projects this year to improve our wildlife center. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 132 we have new countertops throughout the center and a new pond structure for our water bird enclosure.

So why would the wildlife of the Tri-Cities need rehabilitation? When wild animals get sick, injured or orphaned, they need a place to go for medical help and depend on assistance from licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and skilled people who provide care to wildlife in need. Caring citizens and trained wildlife rehabilitators are the solution to a wild animal’s second chance at life. Our reward is when we release a rehabilitated animal back into the environment to live the healthy life it deserves.

A huge thank you to Fremont Bank for their generous grant so we could purchase our new animal intake shed and to Mike Bucci and friends who volunteered their time to build and install it. OHSWRC belongs to all of us in our community. Volunteers, staff, caring citizens, OHS members and donors, Boy and Girl Scouts, grants, donations, animal control officers, local wildlife centers, and Tri City Voice Newspaper have ensured we continue our mission.

The Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is celebrating its 26th year of assisting orphaned and injured wildlife in the Tri-Cities. Thanks to our members, community support and extremely hard-working volunteers, we have taken in 25,000 animals since 1997.

Help Our Wild Patients:

Bring a Donation to Open House

Latex Gloves – All Sizes

Dry Dog and Cat Food

Laundry Soap & Bleach

Paper Towels and Kleenex

Bagged Garden Soil

13- and 33- Gallon Trash Bags

Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Open House

Saturday, Oct 21

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

37175 Hickory St., Newark

(510) 792-4587

www.ohlonehumanesociety.org

Parking for event is on Hickory Street near World Pac

All Ages Welcome – Free Entry

State Awards $45.8 Million Grant to Support new Transit Oriented Development in Fremont

By Jack Alcorn

Fremont recently announced that the future “3900 Thornton” affordable housing project in Fremont’s Centerville area has been granted $45.8 million in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) funding from the State of California. Approximately $4.3 million of the AHSC grant is designated for promoting clean transportation in Fremont and improvements to the Centerville Train Station.

California is investing millions of dollars to create more affordable housing in jobs-rich, walkable neighborhoods with clean transportation. These investments will help cut carbon pollution and build safe new homes that serve as a foundation of opportunity for the individuals and families living in them.

Fremont has a strong history of demonstrating forward thinking housing strategies. If the project receives Fremont Planning Commission approval and relevant permitting, it could transform an underutilized vacant lot into a sustainable building with 128 affordable homes. The Centerville construction project is led by nonprofit affordable housing developer Resources for Community Development (RCD).

The modern apartments would provide homes for families and individuals in a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development. Seniors, veterans, lower wage working families, and people with special needs could reside in the heart of the Centerville commercial district. The Fremont-Centerville Train Station and AC Transit bus lines are accessible within a couple blocks of the planned 5 story complex.

The proposed development site, located in the Southeast corner of Post Street and Thronton Avenue, is near parks, schools, churches, stores and entertainment venues. Construction would include a new separated bikeway and significant upgrades to the local transit hub. More walking, biking, and transit infrastructure benefits the entire community, making it easier for people to avoid the need for a car trip.

Studios, one, two and three-bedroom units could be available in the development for individuals and families earning between 20-80% of the area median income (AMI). Nine apartments would be set aside for formerly unhoused tenants earning less than 20% AMI and six apartments would be set aside for “missing-middle” households at 80% AMI.

The sustainable building design would include native, drought-tolerant vegetation and a cool roof surface. The structure would minimize environmental impact by using efficient materials that conserve energy and water, and using other resources to reduce waste, pollution and carbon emissions.

Opponents of the proposed development say the less than one acre lot is too small for 128 new residences and adequate parking. Critics argue that the new structure would rise adjacent to six other 5- story housing complexes already existing on the same block, creating an uncomfortable population density. It would also remove the only remaining open space on the block that might be better used as a park.

Construction of this new affordable housing project at 3900 Thornton Avenue in Fremont’s Centerville is slated to begin by Winter 2025.

Wellness Expo

Submitted by Supervisor Elisa Marquez

Please join the Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth in continuing your wellness learning and taking positive action for your self-care and health. They are hosting WE 2023! 55+ Wellness Expo, their first wellness event.

WE 2023! will have guest speakers discussing relevant health topics, community service representatives providing information, and interactive exercise program demonstrations taking place throughout the day. Flu and COVID vaccinations will be available on-site, and a $5 lunch will be available to registered participants.

Pre-registration is encouraged by calling (510) 790-6600. Online registration is coming soon.

WE 2023! 55+ Wellness Expo

Wednesday, Oct 25

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre, Fremont

Assistance for small low-income landlords

Submitted by Supervisor Elisa Marquez

A-1 Community Housing Services in partnership with Alameda County has launched the Alameda County Foreclosure Prevention Program (FPP) for small, low-income landlords. FPP will provide financial assistance to eligible small, low-income property owners, who are at risk of foreclosure or are in foreclosure, because of nonpayment of rents during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the period of Alameda County Eviction Moratorium. Alameda County small, low-income property owners can apply for up to $75,000 in assistance.

The application portal is open through Monday, November 6. For more information and to access the application visit A-1 Community Housing Services at www.a1chs.org.

Bay Philharmonic Fundraiser

Submitted by Bay Philharmonic Guild

On Tuesday, October 24 join us with family, friends and Strizzi’s Fremont as they support the Bay Philharmonic. When you order dine-in or take-out for lunch or dinner, Strizzi’s will donate 20% of the proceeds from your purchase directly back to the Bay Philharmonic Guild. You simply need to mention that you are dining in support of the Bay Philharmonic Guild fundraiser to ensure your purchase is credited.

For more information contact Barbara Gorsuch at (510) 673-0085 or email bl*******@at*.net.

 

Donation not available in combination with any other discount or special offer. Also, not available when using delivery services.

Bay Philharmonic Fundraiser

Tuesday, Oct 24

During business hours

Strizzi’s Fremont

2740 Mowry Ave., Fremont

(510) 797-9000

strizzis.com

Help high-schoolers Dream Big for college

By Marc Vicente

Photos courtesy of Shray Dube

For high schoolers, the transition from high school to college can be an intimidating task at first glance. Questions include, “Which courses get you ready for your major?” or “Which test scores is the college you’re applying to looking for?” Luckily for today’s students, there are now plenty of websites and other resources to help answer those questions and many more. One such resource is a high school student-run nonprofit known as Dream Big.

Founded by seniors of American High School at the start of 2020, the nonprofit focuses on helping high school students understand what requirements and resources they need to pursue their desired career choices and helping them find colleges that best fulfill those choices. After the original president and vice president graduated, they appointed the current president Preet Karia and his friend from Mission San Jose High School, Shray Dube, as Vice President to follow in their footsteps. Currently assisting the two are volunteers from various high schools within the Fremont Unified School District, including Jasamarbir Arora, who is in charge of the online webinars; Swarna V in charge of marketing; and Ruhika G, Aditi Venkatesh and Sanjay Darshan Ramkumar.

“At first I was confused about what to do after my high school journey, but Dream Big helped make it all clear to me,” current Dream Big Vice President Shray Dube says. “Many school programs can get pretty competitive with each other in trying to give students and their parents the info they need to help their kids get to college. I joined Dream Big to help other high schoolers like me get this information for free.”

Dream Big provides many valuable resources to high school students through their website dreambigforcollege.org. It includes spreadsheets with data that the members have compiled full of helpful statistics and tips for criteria such as college enrollment information, immigration status, frequently asked questions and lists of potential scholarships and their prerequisites. Regularly-held Zoom sessions are announced through their Instagram handle @dreambig4college featuring information provided by high school seniors, college students who got accepted into their desired college, and college admissions officers. Students and parents are welcome to join chat forums through Zoom and Telegram, and the team prepares their webinar material in response to questions that arise from the forum. Previous sessions are also archived on their website and YouTube channel for easy access to specific admission cases.

“I’ve also had a bit of anxiety before figuring out what college I should go to and what to do for it during my sophomore year,” Dube says, reminiscing about his college application process. “Though anxiety like that is normal during that time, Dream Big got me involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, and doing those really helped me out with relieving that stress and also in being more organized.”

According to Dube, since it opened, Dream Big has held over 250 Zoom sessions, with about 5,300 attendees watching them. Some of the colleges who they have collaborated with to provide material for their online sessions include Harvard, UC Berkeley, Duke University, and Stanford University. The nonprofit has managed to increase their member count on the platform Telegram from 300 to 1,000 members within two years.

Dream Big’s more recent webinar events have focused on preparing for standardized tests such as the SATs or ACTs, as well as on the application process for various colleges who have application deadlines in January. Dube has also stated that upcoming sessions for October and November will focus more on career-building aspects, such as how to build an effective resume, and about how to better utilize the summer through internships and work experience.

Dream Big

https://dreambigforcollege.org/

Instagram: @dreambig4college

Find (Hayward) fault at earthquake open house

Submitted by Math Science Nucleus

Over the last million years, the natural beauty of Fremont has been shaped by the Hayward Fault. On October 21, visit an open house exhibit that shows you the power of Hayward Fault as it slowly moves next to Lake Elizabeth.

The Community Center building will be open, and staff from Math Science Nucleus will be present to answer questions. This fault is one of several active faults in the world actually creeping at 5 mm per year. The exhibit explores dramatic faulting effects in both natural and urban environments. View the floor of a building that reveals dramatic evidence of fault activity. Then take a self-guided walk through Central Park and find fault features throughout the park. Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade can look for features and return to select a prize.

The exhibit is at the back of the Fremont Community Center building, which faces Lake Elizabeth. This location is walking distance from the Fremont BART station.

Earthquake open house

Saturday, Oct 21

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Central Park Community Center

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

www.msnucleus.org/haywardfault/hayward.html

Chanticleers Theatre presents The Fantasticks

Submitted by David Newman

On October 20, Chanticleers Theatre will wrap up its 2023 season with a classic, and the longest running musical in American history. The Fantasticks is an allegorical story that focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through life. With music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones, this romantic fable has been delighting audiences since its off-Broadway premiere in 1960.

Stuart Bousel is thrilled to be returning to the director’s chair after the pandemic cut short his previous directing role on Never The Sinner at San Francisco’s Exit Theatre. He considers The Fantasticks to be “one of the great American musicals of the 20th Century. It’s a deep and lyrical examination of the big ideas–love, youth, time, loss, innocence, change, memory, and death. It’s a show about what it means to be human. Everyone should see it.”

Many will recognize the show’s most famous song, “Try to Remember”, which became an international hit in 1975 when it was covered by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It has been recorded by hundre
ds of other artists over the years, including Ed Ames, Harry Belafonte, Barbra Streisand and Placido Domingo. Other notable songs include “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “They Were You.”

This fall, please join Chanticleers Theatre as we present this whimsical and poignant musical as a tribute to its creators, Jones and Schmidt. Says Bousel, “This is a story of self-awareness, resilience, and forgiveness–all essential traits that we need right now as we continue to collectively figure out how to live in a bigger world again.”

Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. Patrons can make purchases at chanticleers.org or call (510) 733-5483.

The Fantasticks

Friday, Oct 20 – Sunday, Nov 19

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 p.m.

Sundays @ 2 p.m.

Special Student Performance on 11/16 @ 7:30 p.m. ($10)

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

Tickets: $25 – $30

Reporter / Writer Wanted

Requires

• English language and grammar proficiency
• Proven writing and editing skills
• 10-20 hours per week

Duties

• Attend local government meetings
• Write meeting summaries
• Develop articles from meeting content

Send resume and one 300-500 word writing sample to:

go********@tr**********.com

PG&E’s Undergrounding Program an Essential Tool for Wildfire Prevention

Submitted by Aaron Johnson, Region Vice President, Bay Area

We at PG&E are deeply committed to doing everything possible to stop wildfires in Bay Area communities.

Burying powerlines is the most effective solution to reducing the risk of wildfire from electrical equipment, reducing the risk of ignitions in areas at the highest risk of wildfire by nearly 98%. Undergrounding also makes power more reliable by reducing outages caused by winter storms, and in some cases eliminates the need for safety shutoffs.

That is why we have proposed moving overhead electric powerlines underground in highest fire-risk areas, including 40 miles in our Bay Area Region (which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and San Mateo counties). For these investments, all PG&E customers will benefit from lower expenses for overhead-line maintenance; improved air and water quality resulting from fewer wildfires; protection of our wildlands; and, over the long run, improved access to homeowners insurance coverage at lower premiums.

But the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) wants to gut this critical safety program, reducing proposed undergrounding to as little as 200 miles systemwide.

We’ve seen the devastating toll wildfires have taken on Bay Area communities. Our customers and local officials have told us time and again that they want us to underground our powerlines. That’s because undergrounding is the safest and most effective tool we have to prevent ignitions in high fire-risk areas.

We urge the CPUC to revisit its proposals and accept PG&E’s proposal to underground 2,000 miles through 2026. If you agree, please let the commission know by visiting www.cpuc.ca.gov/publiccomment. You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.

Raising Leaders – Antonio Pacheco

Submitted by Supervisor Elisa Marquez

Raising Leaders, a key District 2 initiative since 2018, is a workshop and internship model giving at-promise youth an opportunity to learn from leaders within our community and gain hands-on paid work experience. In 2022, District 2 launched a newsletter series taking a deeper look into the Raising Leaders program through interviews with its students, partners, and worksites. In this issue, we are featuring former Raising Leaders intern, Antonio Pacheco.

Life often writes stories of triumph and transformation in the most unexpected places, and Antonio Pacheco’s journey through the Raising Leaders initiative is a perfect example. Born into a Hispanic immigrant family, Antonio’s early years were marked by challenges that tested his strength. The passing of his mother due to cancer in 2018, and later the loss of his father to Covid-19 in December 2020, thrust him into a role he never anticipated – that of a guardian for his younger siblings.

In the midst of his personal struggles, Antonio’s path crossed with Hayward Adult School teacher and Raising Leaders founder Davida Scott. Davida introduced him to the Raising Leaders program, and a new chapter began to unfold. With her guidance, Antonio’s spark of potential transformed into a determination to change his circumstances.

Fueled by Davida’s unwavering belief, Antonio dove into the workshops and training offered by the Raising Leaders initiative. With newfound skills and a sense of purpose, he landed an internship with the Hayward Maintenance Department. This marked the turning point that would redefine his future.

From maintaining and tidying up the streets of Hayward to becoming an indispensable part of the Maintenance team, Antonio’s journey mirrored the resilience of a plant pushing through cracks in concrete to reach the sunlight. His commitment to his work not only earned him a permanent position, but also became a foundation of security for his family. The stability of a regular paycheck allowed him to provide his siblings with something precious – comprehensive healthcare.

However, Antonio’s story isn’t just about personal triumph; it’s about community too. The Raising Leaders program stirred in him a desire to give back. From picking up trash to volunteering at local events like Science In The Park, Antonio found himself woven into the fabric of his community as a true leader.

Richard Neil, Antonio’s supervisor, saw this journey firsthand. He watched as Antonio transformed from a yo
ung intern with limited skills to a respected team member. Antonio’s journey wasn’t without its challenges, but his determination to learn and grow helped him secure a permanent place in the team. His story inspired Richard and his colleagues, proving that potential, when nurtured, can flourish even in the harshest conditions.

Todd Rullman, the Director of City of Hayward Maintenance Services, shared his perspective on the initiative that made this journey possible. He spoke passionately about how the Raising Leaders program went beyond just offering internships. It was about giving young individuals like Antonio a chance to build skills for the future.

“The program wasn’t a ready-made solution,” Todd emphasized. “It was about opening the door for Davida’s vision to find a place within our work. It was a vision that evolved, adapted to fit our needs, and helped us offer valuable trade skills to youth who might otherwise not have these opportunities.”

Antonio’s journey, intertwined with Raising Leaders, isn’t a solitary tale. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of opportunity, and the profound impact of a supportive community. Antonio stands today, not only as a valued member of the Maintenance team, but as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity.

Mudball Express plants wildflower seeds in Niles Canyon: Alex Clayson’s Eagle Project

Submitted by Jason Pate

Becoming an eagle scout is no small feat. After a scout spends many years climbing the ranks, they must complete a community service project. After completing the Railroading Merit Badge at Niles Canyon Railway (NCRY), Alex Clayson (Troop 199, Warm Springs, Fremont) decided to do his project along the right of way, spreading native seeds, “in order to increase the robustness of our ecosystem.”

Clayson started his research last spring when he boarded a train with two local biologists to survey the canyon. He did this to ensure that the seeds being spread would be Bay Area native wildflower seeds including lupines and Clarkias. Clayson then acquired 7lbs of seeds comprising 13 different species of flowers.

Next, along with volunteers, the troop mixed a pinch of seeds with Sunol clay and compost to form small seedballs. There were many seed balling sessions with nearly 6,000 seedballs produced. On October 8, the train left Sunol loaded with all 300lbs of seedballs. Troop 199 tossed out many seedballs along Highway 84 in Sunol. When we got near Vallejo Mills, other volunteers of all ages tossed seedballs into the flatter areas which got good sunlight. We did a runaround in Niles and returned to Sunol.

By the time we were back, all the seedballs had been spread. In this project, about 413 service hours were worked. Now, Clayson will complete his paperwork and do a Board of Review to obtain his Eagle rank, which only 6.5% of scouts have ever done (Long Beach BSA).

The Pacific Locomotive Association/NCRY would like to thank Alex Clayson, Troop 199, and all volunteers involved for their efforts in this amazing ecological restoration project. Also, thanks to Bob Pratt for coordinating the event for NCRY.

Showcase introduces children to scouting

Submitted by Eve Marie Little

With the changing of seasons from summer to autumn comes a new school year, football, pumpkin spice everything, and of course, the Mission Peak Scout Showcase!

BSA (formally Boy Scouts of America) has over a thousand male and female scouts. More than 20 units from Newark, Fremont, and Union City are coming out to Our Lady of Guadalupe School on Saturday, October 21 to meet current and potential new scouts interested in finding the perfect troop to join to continue their scout journey. The scouts will boast about their specific troop, what they have been working on, and what their group can offer upon joining. This will also offer those curious about scouting an opportunity to do fun scout activities such as STEM projects, new inventions, knot tying, yells and more.

“We are so excited to get this fun event put together. This really allows the younger Arrow of Light scouts an opportunity to shop around and find the right troop that meets their needs,” said Fernanda Ruiz, District Executive of the Mission Peak District, “We want everyone to come out and learn what scouting is all about.” Andrew Smith from Newark Troop 186, stated, “The showcase is simply amazing. Boys and girls come from different areas, but it felt like we were all old friends. We work together to show up and show off for the up-and-coming young BSA members. Whichever troop the scouts chose to join, they will be in good hands.”

BSA is now welcoming both boys and girls ages 11-17 to join their troops and kindergarten to 5th grade for cub scout packs. If you are unable to attend this event, you can check out http://goldengatescouting.org to find the unit closest to you.

Mission Peak Scout Showcase

Saturday, Oct 21

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Our Lady of Guadalupe School

40374 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Fremont’s Active Transportation Plan

Submitted by City of Fremont

Share your feedback for the active transportation plan using new interactive map.

The city’s Transportation Engineering Team is transitioning into Phase 2 of the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) development. Phase 2 will focus on neighborhood-specific ideas, issues, and priorities. There are a number of neighborhood walks and bike rides scheduled throughout the month of October for you to join with your neighbors, local friends, and family. These events are key opportunities to provide input on how to improve walking and biking in your neighborhood!

We have opened our Phase 2 Interactive Webmap (www.my.fremont.gov/active-transportation-plan/maps/phase-2-interactive-map) where you can share your location-specific feedback on issues and opportunities you’ve experienced while walking, biking, and rolling in Fremont. To share your feedback and to view the full list of upcoming outreach events, visit our ATP MyFremont page: MyFremonhttps://www.my.fremont.gov/active-transportation-plant

Micromanagers – A not-so-micro problem at work

By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT

 

I once had a boss who would literally look over my shoulders all day long, commenting on my work. She sat behind me less than two feet away, so it was easy for her to keep constant tabs on what I was doing. Needless to say, I was deeply unhappy in that job because of her intrusive spying and negative comments about my work. This type of managerial behavior may seem extreme, but sadly, it is a common experience for American employees. According to the 2023 Work in America Survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 42% of American workers report feeling micromanaged at work.

Micromanagers are those who manage excessively. Instead of trusting their employees to do their work well, they demand to know about everything; no detail is too small for them. They will check in intrusively at every small step of the way. They want things done their way and don’t give their employees freedom to make decisions. They tend not to be open to employee suggestions or ideas. They have a hard time relinquishing control. They can be annoying and might even reduce employee efficiency by asking too frequently for updates. Some micromanagers might even redo the work of their employees.

Identifying the reason and motivation behind your micromanager boss will help you be more effective in dealing with them. There are several reasons why people become micromanagers:

• Some are perfectionists and love looking into every detail because they aim for the highest quality. They may be annoying because of their perfectionism, but actually care deeply about the work. They are motivated by the desire to produce excellence, even if this entails a great deal of effort.
• Some are actually insecure about their managerial ability and fear that they may not be respected as authority figures if they do not have anything to add. Hence, they resort to micromanaging to handle their anxiety and give the appearance that they are in charge.
• Some have been promoted and are first-time managers who do not know how to manage. They are accustomed to doing the work of a non-manager and have yet to learn how to let go of their former duties.
• Some become micromanagers in reaction to their employees’ poor work performance.
• Some just love the power and control.

Unfortunately, regardless of the reason behind your boss’s controlling style, there are no real winners in a micromanaging work culture. Employees who are micromanaged tend to feel tense because Big Brother or Big Sister or Big Boss is constantly watching over them. They do not feel that their bosses trust them to do their work.

In the long run, micromanaging does not help the micromanager either. Micromanagers tend to be stressed and even burnt out because they take on other people’s work and cannot delegate effectively. As a result, work piles up, causing them to feel overwhelmed.

Organizations with a micromanaging culture do not benefit either. The workplace suffers as a whole because there is a lack of trust on both sides—micromanagers have no confidence that their employees will be up to par, and employees feel resentful of and constrained by the lack of trust. Employees tend to feel disengaged from their work, and are more likely to look for greener pastures. Studies have shown that engaged employees are significantly more productive than disengaged ones.

So, what are employees to do if they are suffering under a micromanaging boss? What if you recognize yourself as a micromanager and would like to change your ways? Here’s the good news: There are many things that employees andemployers can do when micromanaging is a problem at work. Stay tuned for Part II in next month’s Tri-City Voice for practical strategies on how to tackle the problem of micromanaging.

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

Volunteers Prepare to Register First-Time Youth Voters

Submitted by League of Women Voters

As the 2024 election season approaches, the League of Women Voters is kicking into high gear with voter registration activity. Locally, the League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City (LWVFNUC) had a booth last month at the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation’s 24th Annual Walk/Run/Yoga Fundraiser and Community Expo at Quarry Lakes Regional Park. This month they are preparing to register eligible high school students so they can vote in their first election.

“When we vote, we’re choosing the people who will make decisions that shape the direction of our country and our communities,” points out co-president Angelina Reyes.

“This is the motivation that drives us to register voters and conduct programs to help people cast an informed vote,” adds co-president Dennis Godden. “Our Youth Voter Movement is designed specifically to help young voters get a good start.”

Under the leadership of League member Julie Dunkle, the Youth Voter Movement will lay the groundwork this month for on-campus registration drives during January and February 2024. Adults who would like to participate in the effort are encouraged to attend the planning session on October 21 at noon at Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace at 41200 Blacow Road in Fremont’s Irvington District. She intends to accomplish three objectives that day:

• Write postcards to encourage first time 18-year-old voters
• Define volunteer roles for the upcoming registration drives
• Brainstorm ways to streamline the program for 2024

No experience is necessary; all volunteers will receive free training.

This is an energizing way to make a difference in protecting and promoting a healthy democracy. In collaboration with about 650 adult and student volunteers, The Youth Voter Movement has registered more than 10,000 new youth voters in the Tri-City area. To find out more about this League-sponsored activity, please visit www.youthvotermovement.org. To learn more about LWVFNUC, please visit www.lwvfnuc.org.

Youth Voter Movement Training

Saturday, Oct 21

12 noon

Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace

41200 Blacow Rd., Fremont

Biomarkers and Extraterrestrial life

Kailash K
alidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast

Recently NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has observed an exoplanet with biomarkers. The exoplanet is called K2-18 b and is 8.6 times the size of Earth. It orbits in the habitable zone of a star located 120 light-years from our solar system.

But what does the term biomarker really mean? Biomarkers are features of a planet or atmosphere that are created through biological processes and are therefore indicators of life. They can be gases, molecules, or other indicators that can estimate the probability of finding life on a planet. They are indicative of life because they would not be present in the absence of life.

As a transiting exoplanet passes in front of its host star, the JWST can observe the exoplanet’s atmosphere as it is backlit by the star. An exoplanet is potentially habitable if its atmosphere includes oxygen, ozone, and methane.

Oxygen is currently the most reliable biomarker as it most likely accumulates through biological processes such as production from plants. Given that Oxygen highly aids combustion reactions, (which consume Oxygen and convert it to CO2, water, and energy), it will be abundant only when it is replenished continuously.

Ozone, a combination compound of oxygen, is also a strong biosignature. Ozone is created through the chemical decomposition of oxygen by Ultraviolet light. The amount of Ozone in the atmosphere is directly proportional to the overall amount of Ozone. It can be detected at infrared wavelengths, which is easier for some telescopes. Ozone has a strong absorption band near 9.6 micrometers. The JWST uses a technique called transit spectroscopy to detect Ozone.

Methane is a compound that is directly related to the decomposition of organic matter. The presence of Methane in conjunction with Carbon dioxide confirms an oxidation reaction that involves Oxygen. Nitrous oxide is another example of a biomarker produced by life during microbial oxidation-reduction reactions.

Interestingly, water is not a biomarker because it could exist on a planet without life necessarily being there. Nevertheless, it is highly important for survival for most species on Earth.

So, the next time you read about extraterrestrial life possibly existing on a planet, be sure to check which of these biomarkers led the story to make news.

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

 

 

 

News and notes from around the world

Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens

Whoa there

Andrew O’Connor was enjoying a bike ride on a narrow dirt road near the town of Knock, England when he encountered a herd of cows headed his way. Trapped between two stone walls, he feared the worst. A farmer, presumably the owner of the bovine flock, saw his dilemma and shouted out, showing him how to confront and stop the herd by holding his hands up high and shouting “stop.” It worked and the whole event was caught by a video camera on his handlebars. He told ABC News that he learned a lesson: “Fake it until you make it, just put a brave face on.” Watch the brave bicyclist on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KHMWBHPULw

An unlikely support animal

Joie Henney was looking forward to attending a baseball game recently between Pennsylvania baseball rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He brought his licensed emotional support animal with him; he has had Wally for some seven years. But the powers that be were apparently antsy to have his support animal in attendance. Henney’s therapy pet happens to be an alligator. See the swampy support animal on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3eFkYsv7-o

Pick the fattest bear week

There were fears that Alaska’s annual Fat Bear Week would get shut-down this year due to a potential government shutdown. However, a 45-day federal funding agreement was reached and the celebration was held as usual in Katmai National Park. Fat Bear Week is all about picking the fattest bruin just before the mammals settle in for the season to be sleeping. According to the Katmai park, “Over the course of the week, virtual visitors learn more about the lives and histories of individual bears while also gaining a greater understanding of Katmai’s ecosystem through a series of live events hosted on explore.org.” See the burly bruins on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dWwwfIfL14

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

THE ROBOT REPORT

John Deere to discuss state of agrobotics in RoboBusiness keynote

By Steve Crowe

Farmers are up against a monumental challenge: feeding a growing population with less available land, labor, and resources. The world’s population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, increasing the global food demand by 50%. However, overall employment of agricultural workers is only projected to grow by 1% by 2029, slower than average for all occupations.

At RoboBusiness (Oct. 18-19 in Santa Clara, Calif.), John Deere’s director of emerging technologies, Sarah Schinckel, will detail how advanced robotics are essential to helping farmers upskill limited labor and perform precise tasks at scale. This presentation will explore the value robotics bring to the farm and what other industries can learn from its purposeful use case in agriculture.

Robotics are also the key to bringing autonomy and automation to the farm. Today, farmers use highly-automated machines to prepare the soil, plant, spray, and harvest. With continued robotic innovation, farmers can perform tasks faster and with fewer resources to provide the food, fu
el, and fiber our world needs.

Schinckel’s team focuses on researching, developing, and supporting the deployment of John Deere’s next-generation technologies to improve customer profitability and sustainability. She has 20-plus years of experience with software development for web and embedded systems, working in a variety of roles across development, systems engineering, and engineering management. Schinckel earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in engineering management from Iowa State University and has graduate certificates from Iowa State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

RoboBusiness is the leading event focused on developing commercial robots. There will be 60-plus speakers, 100-plus exhibitors and demos on the expo floor, networking receptions, the Pitchfire Robotics Startup Competition and more. You can check out the current list of speakers, to which more will be added.

RoboBusiness will be co-located with the Field Robotics Engineering Forum, an event focused on how to successfully develop robots that operate in wide-ranging, outdoor, dynamic environments. Also co-located with RoboBusiness is DeviceTalks West, the premier industry event for medical technology professionals, currently in its ninth year. Both events attract engineering and business professionals from a broad range of healthcare and medical technology backgrounds.

In 2022, John Deere introduced its first fully autonomous tractor, the John Deere 8R, which leverages computer vision and machine learning to enable the tractor to perceive the world around it, identify obstacles and safely operate without an onboard operator. The Robot Report attended the 2023 John Deere Technology Summit that showcased the state of the art in agtech from John Deere’s technology executives. You can read a recap of the event here: www.therobotreport.com/john-deere-2023-tech-summit-recap/

Steve Crowe is Editorial Director, Robotics, WTWH Media, and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He can be reached at sc****@wt*******.com

Social Security Matters

By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation

Ask Rusty – How will my wife’s Social Security be affected by her teacher’s pension?

Dear Rusty: My wife, born in 1960, was a Texas school teacher for about 10 years and receives a $1,000 per month pension from that work. She didn’t pay into Social Security while teaching, but she paid into it for about 23 years while working elsewhere. I paid into Social Security my entire life, the maximum in most years, so my SS benefit will be much greater than hers.

I understand there are some sort of penalties or restrictions on my wife’s Social Security benefits and also for spousal benefits due to her school pension. Please share the process I can use to estimate my wife’s Social Security and tell me if she can file for spousal benefits. Signed: Planning for the Future

Dear Planning: Because your wife has a Texas school teacher pension earned without contributing to Social Security, any SS benefits she is entitled to will be affected by two rules – first, by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) which will reduce her personally earned Social Security retirement benefit and, second, by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which will reduce any spousal boost (if she is entitled to one) to her own benefit.

The amount of the WEP reduction to your wife’s personal SS retirement benefit will be computed using a special formula which considers the number of years she has contributed to Social Security through other (non-state) work. Since your wife became eligible for Social Security benefits in 2022, the maximum WEP reduction with 23 years contributing to SS will be $358. If your wife has already obtained an estimate of her Social Security retirement benefit, deduct $358 from that estimate and that will be pretty close to her actual SS retirement benefit when she claims. Social Security will figure out the exact amount of her WEP reduction when your wife applies, but you can also use Social Security’s “WEP Calculator” for an estimate, which you can find at this link: www.ssa.gov/benefits/calculators/.

Whether your wife will be entitled to a “spousal boost” to her own Social Security retirement benefit depends on how your respective FRA entitlements compare, and the GPO. The base amount of your wife’s spousal boost will be the difference between her pre-WEP FRA entitlement and 50% of your FRA entitlement. If your wife’s normal FRA entitlement is less than 50% of your FRA entitlement, the difference is a “spousal boost” added to your wife’s personal SS retirement benefit. However, that base spousal boost will be reduced if taken before your wife reaches her FRA, and even further reduced by the GPO (the GPO reduction will be 2/3rds your wife’s State of Texas pension, e.g., about $667). Any remainder left after these reductions to your wife’s spousal boost will be added to her own WEP-reduced SS retirement amount, but if the remainder is $0 then no spousal boost will be given, and your wife will get only her WEP-reduced Social Security retirement amount.

FYI, Social Security’s WEP and GPO provisions apply to anyone who has a pension earned without contributing to Social Security, including many public service retirees in the 26 states which do not participate in the federal Social Security program. I’ve published numerous articles about how these rules affect benefits, and also about the rationale behind both provisions, which you are welcome to review at this AMAC Foundation website: www.SocialSecurityReport.org.

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ss*******@am************.org.

 

 

 

Soups for Fall: Warmth, one bowl at a time

By John Schinkel

This past weekend’s heatwave had me doubting whether or not to talk about anything hot this week, but the past day or two have actually felt like fall. The cool breeze and falling leaves, with a bit of overcast throughout the day, has me feeling soup vibes!

Weather aside, what’s not to love about soup, anyway? There are endless recipes, some of which (including one of the recipes I’m sharing) can be enjoyed cold. Suffice it to say: It’s always soup weather! My personal preferences are rich and velvety vegetable-based soups, be it Potato Leek or Cream of Zucchini.

Most soups have a base of either broth or stock. Often, the two are used interchangeably, but it is important to follow your recipe as there are flavor differences. Stock is made from bones, and broth is made from flesh. Oddly enough, I’ll never understand “vegetable stock,” as I’ve never come across a vegetable with bones. When it comes to broth and stock, as my beloved Ina Garen would say, “Homemade is best, but if you don’t have any, store bought is fine.”

Some soups can be made ahead of time and served later without sacrificing flavor or texture. However, be warned: Soups that have cheese and other dairy in them at times do not reheat as well. Cheese, in general, does not like to be frozen, or reheated after melting. If you are making a cheesy soup in advance, such as the baked potato soup I include below, consider making the soup entirely, but waiting to add the cheese until shortly before serving.

The addition of salt takes soup from good to great, but be warned again: Too much salt ruins a soup, and can be irreparable. My recommendation is to never follow a soup recipe’s salt measurement, and do it to taste at the end of the cooking process. When something is cooking for a long time in liquid, the existing sodium in ingredients is extracted slowly, sometimes to the point of the recipe not needing to add salt. So be patient. Your palate, and arteries, will thank you!

Potato leek soup served cold: Vichyssoise

Courtesy of Chef John from FoodWishes.com

Level: Easy

 

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 ½ pounds trimmed leeks, cleaned and thinly cut

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

1 ¼ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, and cut into eighths

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or more as needed to adjust thickness

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup crème fraiche

1 pinch cayenne pepper

Chopped fresh chives for garnish

 

Directions

Melt butter in soup pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and salt; cook until leeks begin to wilt. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and cook until soft and almost pastelike, 30 to 40 minutes.

Place potatoes in the pot; add chicken broth. Adjust heat so mixture simmers slowly. Cook until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Puree mixture with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.

Whisk in heavy cream and crème fraiche. Heat over medium heat. Add more salt, if needed, and cayenne pepper. Do not boil.

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup)

Courtesy of Chef John from FoodWishes.com

*Pairs well with Afghan flatbread (pictured) from Afghan Awasana*

Level: Easy

 

Ingredients

12 ounces linguica sausage, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely diced

Kosher salt, to taste

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick

2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed

2 quarts chicken broth or water

2 pounds kale – trimmed, chopped, rinsed, drained

1 pinch cayenne pepper (Optional)

Directions

Slice sausage into 1/4-inch rounds. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and sauté until sausage begins to turn brown and renders some fat, three to five minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a dish. Reduce heat to medium-low; add onions and pinch of salt. Stir and cook until softened, four to five minutes.

Transfer potatoes to pot. Sprinkle in two teaspoons of salt. Pour in chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until potatoes are tender, eight to 10 minutes.

When potatoes are tender, carefully mash them in the broth with a potato masher until broken up or completely mashed. Add kale, a handful at a time. Transfer browned sausage to soup. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until greens are tender, about 45 minutes.

John Schinkel is a lifelong Fremont resident who completed his culinary education at Laney College in Oakland. He specializes in, and has a passion for French, Italian, and modern American cuisines. Professionally, he works in nonprofit development. His spare time is spent as President of the Rotary Club of Mission San Jose, Fremont Elks Lodge 2121, and the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation. John resides in Niles with his fiancé, Marty. Questions, comments? Jo****************@gm***.com

 

 

 

Sheriff’s Volunteer Appreciation Day

Submitted by ACSO

Saturday, October 7 the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) held our annual volunteer awards picnic at the Alameda County Fairgrounds to show our appreciation for the countless hours of service our volunteers dedicate to Alameda County and beyond through search and rescue missions, air assets, diving, equestrian services, and reserve deputy services. We are thankful for their dedication and unwavering support.

Hayward City Council

October 10, 2023

7:00p.m.

Public
Hearing

• Sidewalk Vendor Program: Introduce an ordinance related to text amendments to the Hayward Municipal Code and the Traffic Code and adopt a resolution supporting the proposed text amendments to establish regulations and guidelines for sidewalk vendors in the City of Hayward, Consistent with SB 946, the “Safe Sidewalk Vending Act” of the State of California (Report from Director of Development Services). Passed unanimously

Consent Items

• Approve the minutes of the special joint meeting of the City Council and the Hayward Redevelopment Successor Agency Board on September 26, 2023
• Accept modifications to the City of Hayward Records Retention Program (Policy and Schedule)
• Authorize the formation of the Hayward Economic Development Corporation as a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation

Mayor Mark Salinas               Aye

Angela Andrews                     Aye

Ray Bonilla                             Aye

Dan Goldstein                         Aye

Julie Roche                             Aye

George Syrop                          Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye

Assemblymember Alex Lee Secures $2 Million in State Funding for Newark

Submitted by Nicholas Chan, California State Assembly

Assemblymember Alex Lee has secured $2 million from this fiscal year’s state budget to help Newark revitalize the Old Town neighborhood and develop the city’s first resource center. “I’m proud to announce $2 million in state funding for Newark,” Assemblymember Lee said. “The funding will improve residents’ living environments and quality of life by advancing Newark’s vision of reinvigorating the commercial core of Old Town and connecting residents to critical services through the Newark Resource Center.”

For Old Town, the Assemblymember secured $1 million towards the Old Town Streetscape Improvement Project. It aims to catalyze private investment within Old Town by improving access, safety and connections for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users along Thornton Avenue between Olive Street and Ash Street. The project’s public outreach and design phase will begin in fall 2023, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2025. The project is estimated to be completed by summer 2026. Its work includes installing new bike lanes and crosswalks, widening sidewalks for outdoor dining, enhancing landscaping areas and creating urban plazas.

Another $1 million in state funding has also been secured by Assemblymember Lee for the Newark Resource Center Project. The project will renovate an existing facility that’s owned by the city, converting it into the Newark Resource Center. The Newark Resource Center will serve as an entry point for social services in the city, referring residents to social service agencies and providing on-site assistance. It will also offer spaces for community meetings and events in Old Town. The project is currently in the design development phase and construction is planned to begin in spring 2024.

“I thank Assemblymember Alex Lee for his ongoing support to the Newark community,” Mayor Michael K. Hannon said. “The added financial contribution will allow us to begin the revitalization of our Old Town, and provide funding for our Resource Center Project which will provide informational access to our residents.” Assemblymember Alex Lee represents the 24th Assembly District which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose, and the community of Sunol.

Homelessness Response Plan Community Survey

Submitted by City of Fremont

The city is excited to announce that the community survey for the Homelessness Response Plan is now available! As you may know, we are currently developing a plan to engage the community and help guide our increased efforts in responding to homelessness in Fremont. Your input is important, so please take a few minutes to complete our community survey.

The survey is quick, anonymous, and open through November. The feedback received from the survey and all other community engagement efforts will be reviewed and considered by city staff and our consultant team as we develop the Homelessness Response Plan. The goal is to bring the plan to the Fremont City Council for adoption in 2024. Every voice matters, so don’t miss this opportunity to actively contribute to Fremont’s Homelessness Response Plan. Thank you for your interest and input!

For the survey visit www.my.fremont.gov/homelessresponseplan/survey_tools/hrpsurvey. To learn more about the Homelessness Response Plan, visit https://www.my.fremont.gov/homelessresponseplan

Union City City Council

October 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Set the 2024 calendar year city council meeting schedule
• Approve amendments to revise the salary plan and the compensation and benefit plan for Unrepresented Employees regarding Unrepresented Police Classifications
• Execute the Clipper BayPass Pilot Program Participation Agreement
• Approve a purchase order, in the amount of $373,000 to purchase five replacement vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group of Watsonville, and appropriating $73,000 to the Garage Equipment Replacement Fund
• Accept Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement program grant funds, in the amount of $120,000, for Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci               Aye

Gary Singh                                          Aye

Jamie Patiño                                       Aye

Jeff Wang                                           Aye

Scott Sakakihara                                 Aye

Union Sanitary District

October 9, 2023

4:00 p.m.

Motions

• Consider seventh amended and restated employment agreement between Union Sanitary District and Paul R. Eldredge
• Authorize to execute an agreement and task order no. 1 with Psomas for the Enhanced Treatment and Site Upgrade Phase 1B Project
• Review and consider approval of classified publicly available pay schedule effective September 25, 2023
• Review and consider approval of updated policy no. 5310, Criminal Background Check Policy
• Authorize to execute an agreement and task order no. 1 with Consor North America, Inc. for the Force Main Corrosion Repairs Project – Phase 4

President Manny Fernandez               Aye

Pat Kite                                               Aye

Tom Handley                                      Aye

Anjali Lathi                                         Aye

Jennifer Toy                                        Aye

Positive West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Found in Portions of Milpitas

Submitted by Santa Clara County Public Affairs

The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in portions of San José and Milpitas. Affected areas were treated to reduce adult mosquito populations with the use of truck-mounted equipment in early October. The District’s mosquito-management program largely focuses on preventing mosquitoes from reaching the adult biting stage by proactively targeting immature stages of mosquitoes found in standing water. However, when a mosquito with West Nile virus (WNV) is detected, the District takes the added step of conducting adult-mosquito-control treatments. It is critical that the District conduct adult-mosquito-control treatments as quickly as possible upon finding a positive mosquito. The adult-mosquito-control treatments reduce the mosquito population in the area, which decreases the risk of a WNV-human infection. Adult mosquitoes are the primary carriers of vector-borne viruses that cause illnesses in humans.

It is normal to see an increase in West Nile virus during the summer and early fall because mosquitoes thrive in warm weather. The District has a dedicated surveillance program to detect the presence of diseases like West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis and western equine encephalitis, all of which are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The data collected through surveillance is used to predict locations that are more likely to have these disease-transmitting mosquitoes.

The district has been conducting truck-mounted adult-mosquito-control treatments regularly since 2003 to successfully reduce WNV-transmitting mosquito populations. Adult-mosquito-control treatments pose minimal risk to people, pets, animals and the environment when applied by a licensed vector-control professional following label instructions. Those who would like to take extra precautions can keep family members and pets inside during adult-mosquito-control treatment, with windows and doors shut. In the morning, the pesticide quickly breaks down when exposed to sunlight. Since the District applies pesticides at ultra-low volume (ULV), individuals aren’t likely to breathe or touch anything that has enough pesticide on it to be harmful.

The public can assist in preventing the spread of West Nile virus by taking the following preventive measures.

On your property:

• Inspect for standing water on a weekly basis.
• Drain or turn over anything that can hold water, such as flowerpots, planter bases, pet dishes.
• Clean items like bird baths and pet bowls once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
• Clear debris from rain gutters on a regular basis.
• Properly screen rain barrels, cisterns and irrigation drains to prevent mosquito access.
• Fix leaky water faucets and broken sprinkler heads and avoid overwatering lawns and plants.
• Ensure window and door screens are in good condition with no holes or tears and are tight-fitting.
• Ensure swimming-pool water level is adequate for proper circulation and filtration.
• Free mosquitofish can be requested online at www.sccvector.org for placement in neglected pools/spas, ornamental ponds, water troughs and other artificial bodies of water. For more information on our mosquitofish program, visit www.sccvector.org/mosquitofish.

Outdoor activities:

• Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn — these are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
• If spending time outdoors, dress in long-sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, always following label instructions.

Contact the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District if you are being bothered by mosquitoes or know of a potential mosquito-breeding source. For free assistance with mosquito control or other vectors, residents can contact the district office at (408) 918-4770 or submit an online service request.

For more information on the pesticides used for this adult-mosquito-control treatment visit our website at www.sccvector.org. For additional information on pesticides, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov. For information on West Nile virus activity in California, go to www.westnile.ca.gov.

Alameda County Fire Log

Submitted by ACFD

Friday, October 6

• At 6:08 p.m. the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) responded to a shed fire in the 15000 block of Via Punta in San Lorenzo. The fire spread to the home where there were reports of two people inside. Crews knocked down the fire quickly with no injuries to the community or firefighters.

BART Police Log

Submitted by BART PD

Friday, October 6

• At 10:32 a.m. Savoier Woodfox, 32, from San Leandro was identified and contacted by officers for fare evading out Bay Fair station. Woodfox was arr
  ested and booked at the Santa Rita Jail for possession of drug paraphenalia and theft of lost property.

Monday, October 9

• At 9:40 a.m. Brian Fibrow, 69, from San Francisco was located and identified by officers inside Castro Valley station. Fibrow was arrested for an active warrant and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 2:46 p.m. Cedric Lane, 28, from San Francisco was identified by officers and detained for fare evasion out of Hayward station. He was arrested for false impersonation and six active warrants. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• At 4:40 p.m. Jason Dixon, 39, from San Leandro was identified by officers at Bay Fair station. Dixon was arrested on an outstanding warrant and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Tuesday, October 10

• At 9:14 a.m. Orelvin Santos, 23, from Oakland was identified by officers and contacted for fare evasion at Bay Fair station. Santos was arrested and booked into the Santa Rita Jail for carrying a loaded concealed weapon and destroying or concealing evidence.

Wednesday, October 11

• At 7:30 a.m. officers at the Milpitas station identified and contacted Samin Mohamad, 33, from San Ramon. Mohamad had a stay away order from BART. He was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for disobeying a court order.

CHP Employee Appreciation Day

Submitted by California Highway Patrol Hayward Area Office

Tuesday, October 10 we celebrated Employee Appreciation Day hosted by @chpgoldengate in Fremont! It was the perfect day to recognize our outstanding CHP employees and reiterate our appreciation for all the hard work they put in each and every day. A very well-deserved congratulations to our Officer of the Year, Dave Cristalinas, Professional Staff of the Year, Mario Candelaria, and Senior Volunteer of the Year, Robert Whitney! We had a great time celebrating you all!

Fremont Police Department wants to hear from you!

Submitted by Fremont PD

We’re looking for your feedback! Please take our community survey to let us know what you think about our services and how we can improve. Your participation helps us identify important issues for our department to address.

Our survey will be available until October 31, 2023. Your response is completely anonymous and no registration is required. Visit https://www.my.fremont.gov/fpdsurvey2023 to take the survey.

Hayward Police Log

Submitted by HPD

Saturday, September 9

• At 12:14 p.m. officers located an occupied stolen vehicle near the intersection of Huntwood Ave. and Schafer Rd. A vehicle stop was conducted, and the driver was taken into custody.

Monday, September 11

• At 6:09 p.m. officers located an occupied stolen vehicle near the intersection of A St. and Princeton St. A vehicle stop was conducted, and the driver was taken into custody.

Friday, September 15

• At 5:20 p.m. officers responded to the report of an assault with a deadly weapon near the 100 block of Lund Ave. Officers located the victim at the scene who was suffering from injures related to the assault. The suspect was located at the scene and was taken into custody. The victim received medical treatment at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Sunday, September 17

• At 12:12 a.m. a victim saw three subjects standing next to his car near the 27000 block of E 16th St. The victim approached the subjects to see what they were doing when one of the subjects brandished a handgun and attempted to get the victim’s car keys from him with no success. The suspects fled the scene on foot.

Wednesday, September 20

• At 6:54 a.m. officers responded to the report of a burglary in progress near the 22000 block of Mission Blvd. The suspects fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival but were located a short distance away and were taken into custody.

National Drug Take Back Day

Submitted by Fremont PD

Our next National Drug Take Back Day is happening on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m! Drop off unused or expired prescription drugs. We’ll also take e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed.

National Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, Oct 28

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fremont Elks Lodge

38991 Farwell Drive, Fremont

Newark Police Log

Submitted by Newark PD

Monday, October 2

• At 9:17 a.m. Officer Taylor arrested a 29-year-old male out of Newark for criminal threats on Jarvis Avenue. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Tuesday, October 3

• At 6:04 p.m. Officer Norvell investigated a commercial burglary in the area of Newpark Mall Road.

Wednesday, October 4

• At 10:56 a.m. Officer Mccuin arrested a 41-year-old male out of Newark for possession of drug paraphernalia in the area of Thornton Avenue and I-84. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 11:40 p.m. Officer Norvell responded to a burglary alarm in the area of Newpark Mall Road. Officer Norvell located a 30-year-old female in a closed business and arrested her for commercial burglary. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Thursday, October 5

• At 8:43 a.m. Major Crimes Task Force Agent Damewood arrested a 21-year-old male out of Newark for a felony warrant for stolen vehicles and possession of stolen property. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Friday, October 6

• At 3:05 p.m. Officer Losier contacted a 59-year-old
  female in the area of Newpark Mall Road. She was arrested for theft and a warrant. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 4:58 p.m. officers responded to a business on Newpark Mall Road for a report of a battery. A 24-year-old male out of Union City was arrested for battery and resisting arrest. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Saturday, October 7

• At 10:23 a.m. Officer Johnson contacted a 26-year-old male out of Newark in the area of Newpark Mall road. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail for a misdemeanor warrant.

Sunday, October 8

• At 6:40 a.m. Officer Quinonez investigated a carjacking that occurred in the 36800 block of Sycamore Street. The vehicle was located and recovered in the City of Hayward. Case still under investigation.

San Leandro Police Log

Submitted by San Leandro PD

The San Leandro Police Department is currently investigating two separate homicides that occurred in the parking lot of 24-Hour Fitness at Bayfair Center. The first homicide was reported on September 14, around 11:50 a.m. Officers responded to ascertain the welfare of an unconscious male and located a deceased male subject inside of a vehicle, suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound.

The second homicide was reported on September 24, around 10:40 a.m. Responding officers located a deceased male inside of a vehicle, suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Investigators are looking into the possibility of the homicides being random acts or potentially connected with each other. At this time, no further information will be released to maintain the integrity of the on-going investigation.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact SLPD via any of the following methods: Detective C. Pricco at (510) 577-3244, anonymous tip line at (510) 577-3278, or text-to-tip at 888777 (keyword: TipSLPolice).

Texting Scam Advisory

Submitted by Fremont Police Department

There has been an increase in a texting scam in which scammers send disturbing imagery and the recipient’s personal identifying information (like a name, address, phone number, or work address), then demand money to keep the recipient or their loved ones safe. These scams are meant to elicit a high emotional response and cause the victim to send money out of fear for themselves or their family.

Please remember that your name, phone number, and address can easily be found in public records; there is no reason to believe that you are in danger because a person sends this information to you. If you get phone calls or text messages from numbers you do not recognize, and the person calling or sending messages is providing you with information, remember this is a common tactic for a scam. There is little to no reason to continue conversing with the person threatening you or your family. You can always contact your family members to confirm they are OK. If you do believe your family’s life is in danger, report it to FPD. For more information on this scam, visit fremontpolice.gov/Scams.

Cougars Report

Submitted by Rachel Kahoalii

Champions of Character

The following Newark Memorial High School athletes were recognized as Champions of Character by their teammates this week:

Sport

Football

Junior Noah Hanohano has commitment, leadership, and competitiveness that he brings to the team. He goes at it with defense or offense bringing that drive and hype that is needed at practice. Hanohano does whatever the team needs even if it means learning a new position, and tries to prefect the position he plays with every rep.

Freshman Wali Salemi always has a good attitude and is brightens the mood in practice. He is hard working and diligent in studying his craft and getting better each week.

Kicking off the 2023 Fall PAL Season with Futsal

Submitted by Hayward PAL

We are kicking off the 2023 Fall PAL season with one of our most requested sports, Futsal!

The 2023 youth Futsal clinic is open to Hayward students ages 12-17 and runs from September 26 through December 12. Students are required to be a registered Hayward PAL member to participate.

During the weekly two-hour clinic students will meet with Hayward PAL activities coordinators and coaches to learn about the ins and outs of the game, everything from goals and volleys to cross and corner-kicks, while building character, making friends and improving overall fitness and mental health.

Don’t miss out on this great free opportunity, register your child to be a Hayward PAL Member today! To register visit www.hayward-ca.gov/pal

Hayward PAL Youth Futsal Clinic

Tuesdays through Dec 12

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Matt Jimenez Community Center Gym

28200 Russ Rd., Hayward

Ohlone College launches Women’s Badminton Team

By Vidyuth Sridhar

On March 9, 2023, Ohlone College, located in Fremont and Newark, announced their inaugural Women’s Badminton team would begin play during the upcoming Spring 2024 season.

Ohlone now offers 14 sports (six Men’s and eight Women’s), competing in the California Community College Athletic Association’s (CCCAA) Coast Conference. Rising student demand, coupled with a desire to increase ethnic diversity played a major role in Ohlone’s decision to create the team. “We want to continue to reach out to the areas that may not have had the opportunities and bring those here. This was going to be an opportunity to bring some new interest into our college, and have a well-rounded program,” Ohlone College Dean of Kinesiology, Athletics, and Arts Chris Warden said. Badminton’s ability to be played within existing facilities, an established conference l
eague, and the support of administration also led Ohlone to introduce a competitive program.

In charge of Ohlone’s badminton team is Head Coach Albert Chow. Chow previously served as Head Coach at Mission College in Santa Clara, and also enjoyed success as the former Head Coach at Cupertino High School. “I heard about Ohlone … and the idea of building a program from the ground up really appealed to me,” Chow said. In addition, “Ohlone has a little bit more of a traditional community college feel, where you’re getting high school students that are moving to the next stage in life rather than professionals who are looking for supplement classes. Because of that, I felt the badminton program would have a stronger chance of success.”

Signing up for the team involves enrolling in an exclusive class at Ohlone, led by Chow, which functions as a slot for team practices and awarding college credits for athlete participation. Chow is also offering for-credit badminton classes available to all Ohlone students, as well as non-credit bootcamps through the Ohlone For Kids & Teens (OFK) program – targeted towards children of various skill levels aged nine-18.

Currently, Chow is focusing on recruiting current Ohlone students – placing flyers over campus to help boost awareness and interest for the program. “I want people to be excited to come to train for badminton, and I want them to use this as a stepping stone to the next level … I’m hoping that’s leadership skills, [and] confidence … to walk into a badminton club and feel like ‘yeah, I can step onto the court with anyone,’” Chow said. In the future, Chow’s goal is to utilize mediums such as OFK to foster connections on the high school level, and help redefine players’ college outlooks. “A lot of the families that participate in badminton at a high level are looking at a [four-year college] and they do not consider community college as well. That’s why one of the first strategies is building a relationship with the local high schools, because if I can prove that I’m a worthy coach, and that Ohlone is a strong program, I’ll get some people to change their minds about a four-year,” Chow explained.

Ultimately, launching the Women’s Badminton team is part of a wider push by Ohlone College to increase their athletic offerings – which are slated to expand to include Women’s and Men’s Cross Country and Women’s Beach Volleyball in subsequent years. “It’s an exciting time for Ohlone because we’re going to be the biggest non-football school athletically [in the Coast Conference] once that’s over,” Warden said. Currently, Men’s Badminton is not offered as a competitive sport in the CCCAA, and there are no plans to introduce a team at Ohlone. However, men are welcome to train with the team, and try out as assistant coaches.

“I feel strongly that anyone can, as long as you have the desire, join badminton, and I want this to be a very inclusive space,” Chow described. “To the general community, I just hope that they support the sport, and spread the word.”

Alameda County Water District Wins 2023 WaterSense® Excellence Award

Submitted by Alameda County Water District

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored Alameda County Water District (ACWD) with a WaterSense Excellence Award for their work promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2022. WaterSense recognized its Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence Award winners during the WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 5. ACWD was one of 25 Excellence Award winners nationwide. WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products, programs, and homes and a resource for helping consumers learn ways to save water. More than 2,100 manufacturers, builders, retailers, utilities, government, and nonprofit organizations partner with WaterSense to promote water-efficient products, homes, and programs.

“With extreme weather affecting water supplies and quality, saving this precious resource is more important than ever,” said Veronica Blette, Chief, WaterSense Branch. “The 2023 award winners helped Americans look to WaterSense and save not just water, but the energy required to heat and treat it, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use.” Since 2006, over 40,000 certified water-efficient plumbing and irrigation products have helped consumers save 7.5 trillion gallons of water; the amount of energy needed to pump, treat, and heat water by 880 billion kilowatt hours; and $171 billion in water and energy bills. These savings also helped prevent 337 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to planting 5.6 billion trees.

WaterSense recognized Alameda County Water District as a 2023 Excellence Award winner for promoting WaterSense labeled products through its robust water conservation measures, including high-efficiency toilet and urinal rebate programs, irrigation hardware rebate program, weather-based irrigation controller rebate program, water conservation kits, and its Water Savings Assistance Partnership Program.

The 2023 award marks the second time ACWD has been recognized as an Excellence Award winner. “It is a true honor to receive this award on behalf of the Alameda County Water District and its customers who can achieve water efficiency with WaterSense labeled devices,” said ACWD Board President Paul Sethy. “Our longstanding WaterSense partnership supports ACWD’s commitment to providing customers with resources to help them achieve long-term conservation.”

For more information about ACWD’s water conservation program, rebates and ways to save water, visit acwd.org/conserve. For more information about WaterSense, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sky-high priced gasoline in Fremont

Unbelievably, we are paying too much for regular fuel in Fremont whereas other cities in the state of California are selling gas cheaper. Go on Google!

A few days ago, I paid $6.19 for regular and then noticed a 10-cent drop to $6.09 the following week at the Chevron pump in my neighborhood. Are they playing a game with us?

We are talking too much about prices for fuel that climbed by 11 cents over the last month, but I guess the city of Fremont is an exception – no control over the pricey gasoline.

And of course, businesses facing higher fuel costs are burdened with groceries, consumer goods, and other things. Who is responsible for this?

I feel that Gov. Newsom is the right person to inquire about this – what he can do?

Zafar Yousufzai

Fremont

Calphin Academy celebrates 20 years of innovation, inclusion and excellence

By Hugo Vera

On Saturday, October 14, a crowd of people convened on the corner of Fremont Boulevard and Paseo Padre Parkway as the Calphin Swim Academy held an Open House in commemoration of its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2003 by Business Management Director Joseph He and Head Coach Xiaohong Wang, the Calphin Swim Academy was created in response to the lack of quality affordable swim lessons as well as access to pools in the Tri-City Area at the time of the academy’s inception.

With He’s experience in business and Wang’s time representing the Chinese Women’s Olympic Swim Team (during both the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics in which she won medals), the two sought to make the field of recreational and competitive swimming accessible and appealing to all.

Calphin representative Candace Mendez says, “The Bay Area has an ever-growing aquatic community. We want to give young kids the skills and techniques to take their swim career to the next level which is why many of our graduates have continued their swimming careers into high school and college.”

During Saturday’s event, a massive line wrapped around the academy’s building as eager parents awaited the chance to register their children for lessons. Nearby, free amenities such as a bounce house, popcorn machine and various games with fun prizes awaited families in attendance. At the entrance, He and Wang stood in front of a backdrop commemorating the academy’s 20th anniversary as they thanked the crowd for two decades worth of support and outlined goals for the future.

“Our mission was always to provide reliable, quality swim lessons to all at an affordable price,” said He during Saturday’s festivities. “In our 20 years, our student body has grown exponentially and we’ve met the challenges head-on to produce the best swimmers possible.”

In addition to fostering a better swim community, Calphin’s team of trainers and coaches have also made efforts to address the decrease in youth sports and recreational programs which continues to have effects nationwide.

“Swimming is a lifelong skill that provides an individual with a chance to be safer and [have better] health,” adds Mendez. “By developing swimmers that are ready to compete, this continuously creates a demand for swim teams for both clubs and schools. These swimmers then want to become coaches and lifeguards and to give back to the communities they grew up in.”

In the 20 years (and counting) of operation, Calphin has expanded with a second location in Dublin. Programs range from beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons for children, lessons for teens and adults, and private and semi-private lessons.

“We’ve been very receptive to the city of Fremont and in turn the city has embraced us too,” concludes He. “We are proud of what we’ve achieved in the first 20 years and we look forward to teaching the next generation of swimmers.”

California will give some Mexican residents in-state community college tuition

Oct 14, 2023

By Sophie Austin

Associated Press/Report for America

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law Friday to make low-income Mexican residents living near the border eligible for in- state tuition rates at certain community colleges.

The legislation applies to low-income Mexicans who live within 45 miles (72 kilometers) of the California-Mexico border and want to attend a participating community college in Southern California. It is a pilot program that will launch next year and run until 2029.

Some people travel frequently between Mexico and California to work or visit family. The law will help make education more accessible for those residents and prepare them for jobs, Assemblymember David Alvarez, who authored the proposal, said at a Senate Education Committee hearing in June.

“This pilot program can unlock a significant untapped resource to prepare a more diverse population among our workforce,” Alvarez said in a statement.

Mark Sanchez, president of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, a California city about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the border, said many students at the school split their time between the two countries. “Without this pilot, we risk everything in terms of loss of talent,” he said at the hearing.

The new law will require community college boards to submit a report to lawmakers by 2028 to show the attendance rate and demographics of students who received in-state tuition rates under the program. A similar law passed in 2015 allows some Nevada residents living near the California border to attend Lake Tahoe Community College at in-state tuition rates.

Sophie Austin is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: @sophieadanna

Pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds wins California contest, sets world record for biggest gourd

Associated Press

HALF MOON BAY, California (AP), October 9 — A Minnesota horticulture teacher set a world record in California on October 9 for the heaviest pumpkin after growing a giant jack-o`- lantern gourd weighing 2,749 pounds. Travis Gienger of Anoka, Minnesota, won the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, with an enormous, lumpy, orange pumpkin that could produce at least 687 pies. “I was not expecting that. It was quite the feeling,” said Gienger, 43, who has been growing pumpkins for nearly 30 years and last year set a new U.S. record for growing a giant gourd.

The previous world record for heaviest pumpkin was set by a grower in Italy who produced a 2,702-pound squash in 2021, according to Guinness World Records. Gienger grows his gourds in the pumpkin patch in his backyard. He said this year he decided to give his plants extra care, watering them up to 12 times a day and feeding and fertilizing them a bit more than usual. Gienger, a landscape and horticulture teacher at Anoka Technical College, has been growing pumpkins since he was a teenager, inspired by his father who also grew them. He first competed in Half Moon Bay’s annual weigh
-off in 2020 and has won three of the city’s last four giant pumpkin contests. “I put in the work so that I can put a smile on people`s faces and it’s just so nice coming out here to see everyone in this town,” he said. The pumpkin champ won a $30,000 prize for growing the biggest pumpkin and setting a world record.

Pumpkin Patches

Pick of the Patch Pumpkins

Fremont

4020 Fremont Hub, Fremont

San Lorenzo

Hesperian Blvd at Paseo Grande

Mon – Thurs: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fri: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Inflatable amusement zone, paint ball, pumpkin patch

Wristbands: $5-30

Pumpkin Patches

Joan’s Farm Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, Sept 30 – Sunday, Oct 29

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Pumpkin patch, corn maze, snack shack, and more!

4351 Mines Rd., Livermore

(925) 980-7772

https://joansfarm.com/

Pumpkin Patch and Public Swim

Saturday, Oct 21

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy a floating pumpkin patch, decorate your own unique pumpkin

Hayward Plunge

24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward

$6

Pumpkins in the Park

Saturday, Oct 28

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cardoza Park

Kennedy Dr. & Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

Register at: www.milpitas.gov/448/Activity-Guide-Registration

$15 per child

Boo Calendar

Unhinged: Housewarming

Friday, Sept 22 – Tuesday, Oct 31

Friday – Sunday; select Thursdays

Start times: 7:15 p.m., 10:15 p.m.

Garden party, haunted house, and Halloween museum

Winchester Mystery House

525 S Winchester Blvd., San Jose

(408) 247-2000

Unhinged: Housewarming

Tickets: $64.99

Fear Overload Scream Park

Saturday, Sept 23 – Sunday, Nov 5

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

(times vary; check by night)

Two terrifying attractions: House of Phobia, Happy Days Asylum

2086 NewPark Mall, Newark

https://fearoverload.com/

Tickets: $19.99 – $32.99

Pirates of Emerson Haunted House

Friday, Sept 29 – Tuesday, Oct 31

Fridays – Sundays; Thursdays, Oct 19 & 26; and Tuesday, Oct 31

7:05 p.m. – 10 p.m. (11 p.m. or midnight on select nights)

Choose your attraction: Demented Dolls, Pirates of Emerson, Halloween Hell, Seesawz Circus

Alameda County Fairgrounds

Corner of Bernal & Valley Avenues

www.piratesofemerson.com

Tickets: $40 – $80; $13 landlubber pass

Boo at the Zoo

Friday, Oct 1 – Sunday, Oct 29

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

500-bale hay maze, scavenger hunt—come in costume!

Oakland Zoo

9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland

(510) 632-9525

https://www.oaklandzoo.org

Tickets become available at 9 a.m., 28 days prior

Zoo tickets: $24 adults, $20 kids / seniors, free under age 2

Parking: $10 in advance / $15 at the gate

Fremont Ghost House: Voodoo on the Bayou

Friday, Oct 13 – Tuesday, Oct 30

Mon – Thurs: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fri: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sat: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sun: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Haunted house, carnival games, and snacks

Kids Costume Parade

Saturday, Oct 21

1 p.m.

Lights On Tour

Saturday, Oct 21

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Behind-the-scenes look at the sets with no scares

Chadbourne Carriage House

39169 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 796-0595

https://candlelighters.com/

Ghost House Admission: $5

Game tickets: $1 (6 for $5)

Halloween Night Market

Thursday, Oct 19

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Art vendors and maze photo booth

Billy Roy’s Burger Co.

3909 Thornton Ave., Fremont

billyroysburgerco.com

Trick-or-Treat at Fremont Street Eats

Friday, Oct 20

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Wear your costume and trick-or-treat!

Fremont Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 494-4300

www.fremo
nt.gov

Ardenwood Haunted Train Rides

Friday, Oct 20 – Sunday, Oct 22

Friday, Oct 27 – Sunday, Oct 29

Fri / Sat: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sun: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

A spooky, not scary train ride with pumpkin art and encounter with a witch

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

http://spcrr.org/

Tickets: $15

Floating Pumpkin Patch

Friday, Oct 20

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Silliman Family Aquatic Center

6800 Mowry Ave., Newark

newarkca.activityreg.com

$10 Newark Residents / $12 Non-residents

Beyond the Veil

Friday, Oct 20 – Saturday, Oct 28

6:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m.

McConaghy House: Friday, Oct 20 – Saturday, Oct 21

18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

Meek Mansion: Friday, Oct 27 – Saturday, Oct 28

17365 Boston Rd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

www.haywardareahistory.org/beyond-the-veil

Tickets: $30

Howl-o-Ween

Saturday, Oct 21

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Dog Halloween costume contest

Newbark Dog Park

35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark

https://www.newark.org/

(see recreation guide)

Pumpkin Patch and Public Swim

Saturday, Oct 21

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy a floating pumpkin patch, decorate your own unique pumpkin

Hayward Plunge

24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward

$6

Witch’s Cupboard

Saturday, Oct 21

3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Make your own cupboard to store spooky goodies

Imaginook Studio

39675 Cedar Blvd., Ste. 135, Newark

www.imaginook.us/kids-events

Registration: $65

Halloween Community Carnival

Sunday, Oct 22

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Dancing, games, costume contest and treats! For families with kids ages 3-12

Holly Community Center

31600 Alvarado Blvd., Union City

(510) 675-5488

https://www.unioncity.org/419/Community-Events

Tickets: $10

Zombie Family Fun Run

Friday, Oct 27

5 p.m. Check-In

5:30 p.m. Race Starts

Family-friendly 1.25-mile course filled with zombies – make it to the end with your flags to enter a raffle!

Lakeshore Park / Chelsea Dr., Newark

newarkca.activityreg.com

$30 per family

Trunk or Treat

Saturday, Oct 28

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, car show, art walk, cultural performances, live music

Heritage Plaza

835 C St., Hayward

(510) 293-8685

hayward.librarycalendar.com

Spooky House

Saturday, Oct 28

Create a spooky Halloween house out of cardboard

Imaginook Studio

39675 Cedar Blvd., Ste. 135, Newark

www.imaginook.us/kids-events

Registration: $65

Unhaunted House

Saturday, Oct 28

3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Carnival with Halloween crafts, stories, games and treats

San Felipe Community Center and Park

2058 D St., Hayward

Free; register at www.haywardrec.org

Running Dead 5K Fun Run

Sunday, Oct 29

9 a.m. – 12 noon

8 a.m. check in

Civic Center/City Hall

34009 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

www.unioncity.org/419/Community-Events

Registration $35 Adults; $25 Youth

Paranormal Investigation at Meek Mansion

Saturday, Nov 4

7 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Search for paranormal activity with an experienced investigator

Meek Mansion

17365 Boston Rd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

www.haywardareahistory.org/explore-the-paranormal

Tickets: $75

Boutique Calendar

Dominican Sisters Holiday Boutique

Online

Monday, Oct 9 – Sunday, Oct 29

msjdominicans.org

In person

Saturday, Nov 18

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dominican Sisters’ Moth
erhouse

43326 Mission Circle, Fremont

Holiday Boutique by The Builders Fund

Friday, Nov 3

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Handmade gifts and holiday decor, homemade baked items

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

Mistletoe Madness

Saturday, Nov 25

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

70+ local art vendors

Marina Community Center

15301 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro

http://www.mistletoemadness.net/

Newark Artists Open Studios & Holiday Boutique

Friday, Dec 1 – Sunday, Dec 3

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glass, scarves

Studio Sites

6222 Thornton Ave., Ste. B1: Nancy Benton, Scoop Benton, Farshid Namei

39675 Cedar Blvd. #135: Tetiana Taganska, Olga Tymoshchuk, Susan Helmer

36541 Cherry St.: Simone Archer, Shelley Stratton Stewart

35911 Ruschin Dr.: Adriane Dedic, Emelie Rogers

www.myartiststudio.com

Sun Gallery Holiday Boutique

Friday, Dec 1 – Saturday, Dec 9

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sun Gallery

1015 E. St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair

Saturday, Dec 2

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Over 80 artisan vendors

American High School

36300 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

https://ahsboutique.weebly.com/

Continuing Events:

 

Tuesdays

East Bay Games Meet

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

German/Euro style board games and card games.

Swiss Park

5911 Mowry Ave., Newark

(510) 936-2523

meetup.com/east-bay-games

sf*********@ya***.com

Tuesdays

A Matter of Balance R

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels of older adults

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7540

issuu.com/hsdept

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

Call or mail for registration.

First and Third Tuesdays

Mobile Food Distribution with Tri-City Volunteers

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Bring your own bag.

Fremont Adult and Continuing Education

4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont

(510) 793-6465

tri-cityvolunteers.org/food

Third Tuesdays

Read to a Dog

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Read your favorite book to a trained therapy dog

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

Third Thursdays

Chronic Pain Support Group

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Receive guidance from Stanford Pain Management Clinic

(510) 790 – 6600

issuu.com/hsdept

Zoom: ba******************@ic****.com

Wednesdays

Ping Pong

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Activities for people with Parkinson

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

issuu.com/hsdept

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

Wednesdays

Zumba Gold $

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Workout while dancing

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 742-7529

issuu.com/hsdept

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

 

Wednesdays

Tropics Bingo

7:00 pm

Flash games

Tropics Mobile Home Park

33000 Almaden Blvd., Union City

(510) 471-8550

the-tropics.net/activites

 

Thursdays & Saturdays

Story Time

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Picture book story time

Banter Bookshop

3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F., Fremont

(510) 565-1004

banterbookshop.com/events

 

Thursday – Sunday

Animal Feeding

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Feed livestock and learn about their favorite food.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events

Admission fee applies.

 

Thursday – Sunday

Historic Days

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Ride a train, tour the Patterson House Museum, and join park staff in historic costume for programs and activities.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events

Admission fee applies.

Fridays and Saturdays

Telescope Viewings

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Experience the awe and wonder of the universe.

Chabot Space and Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7300

chabotspace.org/events

Saturday event cancelled for this week.

 

Saturdays

Laugh Track City $

8:00 pm

Series of improvised games and scenes.

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont

(510) 573-3633

madeuptheatre.com

First and Third Saturdays

Pacific Bus Museum $

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Open house

Pacific Bus Museum

37974 Shinn St., Fremont

pacbus.org

in**@pa****.org

Sundays

Weekly meditation Session R

8:30 am – 9:30 am

Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss.

India Community Center

525 Los Coches St., Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

samarpanmeditationusa.org

in**@in*****.org, in**@sa*******************.org

Mondays & Thursdays

Fruit Tree Gleaning

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Donate fresh fruits from your garden.

LEAF CR Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave., Fremont

fremontleaf.org/glean

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

Mondays

Advanced Math + Science Tutoring

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Free high school and college-level tutoring

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

(510) 667-7900

Wednesdays, December 7 – November 22

Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Classes

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Relieve Stress and anxiety by joining Falun Dafa classes.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/milpitas

Fridays, January 20 – January 5

Knit & Crochet Circle

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn knitting and crocheting

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/milpitas

 

Second and Third weekends, March 11 – October 29

Public weekend train ride $

9:30 am – 5:00 pm

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

Departures: 10:30 am & 1:00 pm

Niles Canyon Railway

6 Kikare Rd., Sunol

(510) 996-8420

Online booking: ncry.org

 

Tuesdays, March 21 – December 19

Chess Mix

12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Drop in for some casual chess games

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ

 

First Wednesday& third Sunday, April 16 – November 19

Shinn House tour

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Visit Shinn House on a docent led tour

Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum

1251 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 790-5541

bit.ly/3TWli28

Fridays, May 5 – October 20

Fremont Street Eats $

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Food trucks and community fun!

Fremont Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 742-7510

fremontstreeteats.com

Third Saturdays, May 20 – December 16

Yoga for beginners & beyond

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Join for free yoga class

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

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

Saturdays, May 27 – December 30

Divine Satsang Sabha

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

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

SMVS (Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

36665 Cedar Blvd, Newark

(650) 585-5325

smvs.org/centers/centerdetail/106

Tuesdays, July 18 – November 28

Baby Bouncers Lapsit

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

A baby and caregivers program including nursery rhymes, lap bounce, body rhymes, songs, & picture books.

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/Milpitas

Wednesdays, July 19 – November 29

ESL Conversation Club

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Improve your English skills and learn about other cultures

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/Milpitas

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

First & Third Friday, July 21 – December 15

Mobile Food Distribution

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Food distribution for the first 80 families

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1444, (510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

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

Please bring your own bag

First and Third Wednesdays, August 2 – December 20

Golden Gatherings

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Gathering of the elders in golden years for casual conversations and calm, self-guided activities.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ/

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

First and Third Thursday, August 17 – October 19

Homeschool Preteen Social Hour R

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Board games and craft supplies with other homeschoolers interested in making friends.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

aclibrary.org/locations/nwk/

Third Saturdays, August 19 – December 16

Yoga For Beginners

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Beginners’ yoga for all adults and teens

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

First and Third Saturdays, September 2 – February 17

Book Sale

10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Pop into the bookstore on the first floor for some great deals!

Hayward Public Library (Downtown)

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 293-8685

hayward.librarycalendar.com

Monday – Friday, September 4 – October 26

“Climate Change – RE-Imagined” Sun Gallery Members Exhibition

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 583-4000

haywardartscouncil.org

ha*@ha****************.org

Tuesdays, September 5 – December 19

Music and Storytime

11:00 am – 11:45 am

Story, music, and movement with children

Cherryland Community Center

278 Hampton Road, Hayward

(510) 626-8522

aclibrary.org/locations/slz/

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

First and Third Wednesdays, September 6 – November 29

Stories & Crafts with Ms. Jennifer

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Join for stories, songs, and craft. Ages 2-5

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

aclibrary.org/locations/nwk/

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

Saturdays, September 9 – December 30

Computer Crew: Teen Tech Help

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

One-on-one tutor on basic tech issues.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

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

Thursdays, September 14 – October 26

Silent Book Club

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Read your book in a group setting where everyone is quietly reading, in a peaceful outdoor environment.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

aclibrary.org/locations/ctv/

Monday – Friday, September 15 – October 27

Flux Exhibition

Upstairs Gallery: Mon- Fri: 10 am – 4 pm

Lower Ma
in Gallery: Mon 5 pm – 9 pm, Tues & Thurs 11 am – 2 pm

Several local artists displaying their fluctuation of creativity.

Image Central Gallery

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

haywardrec.org

im**********@ha*******.org

Saturday, September 16 – November 30

Latinx American Heritage Month Art Showcase

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Studio 11

34626 11th St., Union City

(510) 675-5825

rb.gy/gu46v

er***@un*******.org

Sundays, September 17 – November 12

Epic Art Exhibit at Dove Gallery

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Presenting spectacular landscapes, historical landmarks and symbols of great devotion.

Dove Gallery

875 S Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

t.ly/8X3Wa, dovegallery.com

do**@pa**********.org

Mondays, September 18 – November 6

Music for Minors 2 Volunteer Training R

7:00 pm – 9:15 pm

United Church of Christ Hall

38255 Blacow Rd, Fremont

510-733-1189

musicforminors2.org

Mondays and Wednesdays, September 18 – November 6

Music for Minors 2 Volunteer Training R

In – person Training on Mondays: 9:15 am – 11:45 am or 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm

Online training on Wednesdays: 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm

Corpus Christi Parish

37968 Third St., Fremont

(510) 790-3207

musicforminors2.org

Tuesdays, September 19 – May 28

It’s Storytime

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Stories, finger plays, nursery rhymes, songs, and musical instruments for kids ages 18 month – 6 yrs

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

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

Thursdays, September 28 – October 26

Preschool Storytime R

11:15 am – 12:00 pm

Read books, sing songs, dance to music, and have fun together. (Ages 3 – 5)

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

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

Tuesdays, October 3 – November 28

Teen Tuesdays Tag R

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Join the teen advisory group, meet other teens, play games, make art and poetry, and more.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

eb*******@ac*******.org

Tuesdays, October 3 – December 5

Tuesday Chat

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Improve your spoken English by talking with native speakers about everyday topics.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

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

Excluding 3rd Tuesdays.

First and Third Wednesdays, October 4 – December 20

Castro Valley Library Genealogy Study Group R

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Come and research your family history or be companion to others on their search.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

t.ly/rLARe

Thursdays, October 5 – October 26

Play and Learn

5:30 pm – 6:15 pm

Songs, fingerplays and books for kids ages 1- 5

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/Milpitas

Wednesdays, October 11 – December 27

Manitas en Acción

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Combination of reading books out loud, hands-on crafts and learning about culture in Spanish.

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/

Mondays, October 16 – November 27

Lego Club for Grades K – 8

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

An hour of fun building with Legos

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/milpitas/

uv*@sc**.org

Mondays, October 16 – November 6

Modern Brush Pen Calligraphy New! R$

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Learn to write beautifully and cover the basis of using, holding, and writing with brush pens.

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padr
e Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6606

issuu.com/hsdept

nj*****@fr*****.gov

Last Mondays, October 23 – April 22

Paperwork Clinic

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Get help organizing our paperwork.

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/slz/

jr*****@ac*******.org, mw*********@ac*******.org

Upcoming Events:

 

Tuesday, October 17

Bingo Night

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Bingo night for all ages

Chick-fil-A Auto Mall

5539 Auto Mall Parkway, Fremont

fremont.macaronikid.com/events

Tuesday, October 17

Ensamble Folclórico Colibrí

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

A dance performance and book giveaway

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/location/CSV/

 

Tuesday, October 17

THE APOLOGY film screening and Filmmaker Q&A R

Documentary of 1960s when Alameda County and City of Hayward dismantled the Russell City community

Historic BAL Theatre

14808 E 14th St., San Leandro

(510) 614-7700

t.ly/Tx1m5

Tuesday, October 17

Halloween Costume Swap

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Drop off clean, gently used costumes to the Main Library children’s desk from 9/14-10/14 to receive a ticket to swap for a costume

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3970

t.ly/Xql2F

Tuesday – Thursday, October 17 – October 19

Halloween Costume Swap

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Accepting gently used Halloween costumes during library open hours

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

aclibrary.org/locations/CTV/

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

Wednesday, October 18

Candlelight vigil

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Domestic Violence Awareness program with open mic, art and pledges, resources and more

Fremont Downtown Event Center

3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 742-7510

narika.org

Wednesday, October 18

Sew a Spooky Tote Bag R

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Come and sew a seasonal spooky tote bag

Hayward Public Library (Downtown)

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 293-8685

hayward.librarycalendar.com

Wednesday, October 18

ICAN Read! Presented by ICAN

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Children stories in English and Vietnamese followed by crafts

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/milpitas/

Wednesday, October 18

Career Ready – Dynamic Resume Workshop R

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Learn about current trends and industry-specific language for resumes and build your resume

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1400

aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/

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

Wednesday, October 18

Teen Poetry Workshop

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Meet up with other teen poets to get inspired & workshop your poetry

Hayward Public Library (Downtown)

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 293-8685

hayward.librarycalendar.com

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

 

Thursday, October 19

Job Fair

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Meet different employers and find the job of your dreams

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

Thursday, October 19

Hayward Education Foundation 40th Anniversary $R

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Fabulous food, drinks, musicals, play, raffle and more.

Hayward Community Gardens

24919 Whitman St, Hayward

(510) 881-6700

haywarded.org

Thursday, October 19

WHHS’ 15th Annual Think Pink R

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Wear pink and join us for the annual breast health awareness event

Tent Atrium, Washington West

Washington Hospital

2000 Mowry Ave., Fremont

(800) 963-7070

whhs.com/events

Friday, October 20

Friday Night Features $R

8:00 pm

Improv comedy showcase featuring in-house and visiting comedians

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont

(510) 573-3633

madeuptheatre.com

Friday, October 20

LGBTQ Movie Night R

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Screening of “Spoiler Alert”(biographical romantic comedy drama based on the memoir).

Milpitas Public Library

160 N Main St., Milpitas

(408) 262-1171

sccld.org/locations/milpitas/

lg***@av******.org

Email for reservation

Friday, October 20

Healthy Aging Summit

9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Family caregivers learn about the science of aging and preventive services

Washington Hospital

2000 Mowry Ave., Fremont

(510) 797-1111

Friday – Sunday, October 20 – October 29

Haunted Railroad $R

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Spooky but not scary nighttime train ride through Ardenwood’s haunted forest

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events

Admission fee applies

Friday – Sunday, October 20 – October 22

Holiday for the Arts 2023 $R

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art, food, music, wine, and beer

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

olivehydeartguild.org

Saturday, October 21

Sunol Heritage Festival

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Celebrate the diverse heritage of the wilderness with games, activities, and music

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

ebparks.org/parks/sunol#events

Parking fee applies

Saturday, October 21

A Filipino Heritage History Month Celebration

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Come celebrate Filipino History Month with the library

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 284-0640

aclibrary.org/locations/slz/

fh****@ac*******.org

Saturday, October 21

Volunteer in the Park R

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Help us clean the park and be a V.I.P.

Hayward Community Gardens

24919 Whitman St, Hayward

(510) 881-6700

haywardrec.org

vo*******@ha********.org

Saturday, October 21

Trees – Fun Facts and Identification Walk

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join for fun facts and pro tips, followed by a family-friendly tree walk around the Newark Civic Center

Newark Public Library

37055 Newark Blvd., Newark

(510) 284-0675

aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/

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

Saturday, October 21

Repujado Craft

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Learn how to make a traditional repujado (embossed metal) craft.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

aclibrary.org/locations/CTV/

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

Saturday, October 21

This is Not About Me

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Celebrate AAC Awareness Month with an award-winning documentary about Jordyn Zimmerman

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464 ext. 6

aclibrary.org/locations/UCY/

Saturday, October 21

Comedian Marc Yaffe $R

7:00 pm

Join for the night of laughter with Comedian Marc Yaffe.

JP’s Family Restaurant

3600 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley

thecomedydencv.com

Saturday, October 21

Comedy Shorts Night $R

7:30 pm

Screening of A Women (1915), Haunted Spooks (1920), The Kid Reporter (1923), and Habeas Corpus (1927)

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-1411

nilesfilmmuseum.org

Saturday, October 21

Halloween Costume Swap

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Donate, take, or swap (donate and take) costumes.

Centerville library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

aclibrary.org/locations/CTV/

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

Sunday, October 22

Popcorn Treats

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Drop by the woodstove in the farmyard, mix popcorn with caramel or chocolate and make a delicious snack

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events

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

Admission fee applies

Sunday, October 22

Above and Beyond: How Women Astronomers and Astronauts Brought Space Down to Earth R

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join author Dale DeBakcsy through two thousand years of women’s contributions to the study and exploration of space

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

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

Sunday, October 22

Fall Colors Stroll

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Discover the colors of Sunol while strolling around

Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3245

ebparks.org/parks/sunol#events

Parking fee applies

Sunday, October 22

Corn Husk Dolls

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Craft your own folk-art doll of colorful husks gleaned from the field.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(888) 327-2757

ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events

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

Admission fee applies

Sunday, October 22

Worm Composting and Worm Tea

10:00 am – 11:30 am

Learn how to make worm bin and worm compost tea

LEAF CR Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave., Fremont

fremontleaf.org/weekend-workshops

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

Monday, October 23

Cyber Crime Trends 2023 And Prevention Guidance

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

FBI provides overview of top cybercrimes in our communities

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

aclibrary.org/locations/csv/

Monday, October 23 and Tuesday, October 24

Ride-On Tri-City! R

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

October 23: Class Instruction

October 24: Field Outing

Learn how to use buses and BART and get $10 cash value on your clipper card.

Age Well Center at South Fremont

47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont

(510) 574-2053

issuu.com/hsdept

ri*********@fr*****.gov

Tuesday, October 24

Age Well, Drive Smart R

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Learn about aging and its effects on safe driving, maintaining good physical health and self-assessment

Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-6602

issuu.com/hsdept

nj*****@fr*****.gov

Tuesday, October 24

Eviction Information Workshop

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Workshop to inform tenants about the typical eviction process

(510) 574-2028

Fremont Family Resource Center

39155 Liberty St., Fremont

(510) 574-2000