11-05-19 Articles

Orwell’s “1984” comes alive on stage

Article and photos submitted by Kimberly Hawkins

Orwell’s “1984” comes alive on stage

Article and photos submitted by Kimberly Hawkins

 

Based on the original novel by George Orwell, “1984” tells the story of a society suppressed by a governing organization known as Big Brother which infiltrates every aspect of people’s lives — monitoring and controlling what its citizens read, speak, say and do.

 

This month, Cal State East Bay’s (CSUEB) Theatre and Dance Department will perform its adaptation of Orwell’s novel — hoping to show audiences the story’s relevance to what is happening right now in society.

 

“Our democracy has never been under such a threat of vanishing since the Civil War,” said Marc Jacobs, the program’s director. “As a character in the play says, ‘People need to wake up!’ We are seeing our freedoms being stripped away every day by this administration. Just as in ‘1984’ we are a divided country with one half scapegoating minorities as the root of all evil, and a president who tells us not to trust the free press. He has destroyed our ability to think we — as Americans — are ONE people.”

 

Jacob’s production doesn’t change much from the basic ideas set forth in the original book, published in 1949 — except that it is set in a future America of 2040. Jacobs has incorporated video of what is happening in the world today, which he says frighteningly mirrors Orwell’s dystopian society of “1984.” Social media has become the people’s addiction. Big Brother sees all and devices are watching us. This new society is built on fear and scapegoating of anyone who can be considered “other.”

 

“I want people to be surprised by the production,” said Jacobs, who is also a CSUEB professor of theatre and dance. “I open the show showing everyone engrossed on their cell phones, not being aware of each other or even the world around them. Orwell has a line in the book: ‘The people will never revolt because they will not look away from their screens long enough to see what’s going on.’ Well, that’s our world right now, isn’t it?”

 

Jacob’s continued: “I’ve also made the illegal love affair at the center of the story a relationship between two women. This is a play about how we treat each other, who we allow to be our rulers, what lies we are willing to swallow from social networking and all of the freedoms we could lose in the stroke of a pen, including the freedom to love who we want and the freedom to live without fear.”

 

Cal State East Bay’s stage adaption of “1984” will be performed November 8 – 17 in the University Theater on campus. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors 60 and older and CSUEB staff/faculty, and $10 for CSUEB students. Because the program contains graphic violence, the play is rated NC-17 and children 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. For program details, call the theater department at (510) 885-3118.

 

Tickets are available online at www.csueastbaytickets.com. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. before each evening performance and can be reached at (510) 885-3261.

 

1984

Friday, Nov 8 – Sunday, Nov 17

Fri & Sat: 7:30 p.m.

Sun: 2 p.m.

CSUEB University Theater

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

(510) 885-3261

www.csueastbaytickets.com

Photo in 1 new SHARON

 

 

 

Hayward airport runways to close for maintenance

Submitted by Hayward Executive Airport

 

Officials from the Hayward Executive Airport are advising local pilots and other airport users that two of the airport’s runways will be closed for several hours over two days in mid-November for maintenance. The airport is at 20301 Skywest Drive, Hayward.

 

Runways 28L/10R and 28R/10L will be closed for rubber removal from 9 p.m. Sunday, November 17 until 7 a.m. Monday, November 18 and again from 9 p.m. Monday, November 18 until 7 a.m. Tuesday, November 19.

 

Because plans may change, airport users that might be impacted by the closures are encouraged to check for Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) updates on the Federal Aviation Administration webpage at www.notams.faa.gov.

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines end miles partnership

AP Wire Service

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP), Oct 10 – Alaska Airlines and American Airlines will scale back their mileage plan partnership early next year, officials said.

 

Alaska Airlines mileage plan members will not be able to earn miles on American Airlines international flights beginning March 1, The Alaska Journal of Commerce reported Wednesday.

 

Alaska Airlines passengers will also no longer be able to use miles for award travel on flights operated by Texas-based American Airlines, company officials said.

 

Alaska plan holders will still be able to earn mile-for-mile value on American flights with Alaska flight numbers to locations in the Midwest, the East Coast and parts of Canada, the airlines said

 

Prior to the Oct. 2 announcement, American Airlines was Alaska's last domestic mileage plan partner, meaning Alaska plan members will not have another major carrier on which to use miles.

 

Alaska now serves about 90% of the destinations connected with the American Airlines partnership, and the arrangement no longer benefits either airline the way it did before Alaska purchased its West Coast rival Virgin America in 2016, Alaska Airlines said.

 

“With our acquisition of Virgin America, we're now the fifth-largest airline in the United States and can now fly more people where they want to go when they want to go,” an Alaska Airlines spokesperson said in an email.

 

Alaska's domestic partnership situation is part of a natural evolution as airlines grow, said Steve Danishek, president of Seattle-based TMA Travel.

 

“The airlines will do better revenue-wise if they take all the mileage members and put them into their own planes because they don't pay anything” to a partner airline, Danishek said.

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Information from: (Anchorage) Alaska Journal of Commerce, http://www.alaskajournal.com

 

 

 

Amazon drops monthly fee to boost grocery delivery sales

By Joseph Pisani

AP Retail Writer

 

NEW YORK (AP), Oct 29 – Amazon has a new plan to try and jumpstart its grocery delivery business: cut some fees for its Prime members.

 

The online retailer says it will no longer charge $15 a month for its Amazon Fresh service, which delivers raw meat, vegetables and other groceries to customers' doorsteps. But the service is only for subscribers of its Prime membership, which costs $119 a year. And at least $35 must be spent to qualify for free delivery in two hours.

 

Delivery is still a tiny part of the $740 billion grocery market, but Amazon thinks that dropping its fees will attract more people to the service. To handle a jump in users, Amazon is only offering it to those already signed up for Fresh. Others will have to request an invitation.

 

 

 

Apple debuts AirPods Pro with noise cancelling, higher price

AP Wire Service

 

ATLANTA (AP), Oct 28 – Apple is offering a $250 version of its wireless AirPods Pro earbuds with a new design and noise cancellation feature.

 

AirPods have become one of Apple's most popular products since they were introduced three years ago. The new design features three sizes of flexible ear tips rather than the hard plastic of the original AirPods. In addition to noise canceling, there's a transparency mode that lets users listen to noise around them plus music.

 

Regular AirPods sold separately from iPhones cost $160 or $200 with a wireless charging case.

 

Apple first introduced the wireless AirPods in 2016. Since then Google, Microsoft and many others have followed suit. AirPod Pro goes on sale Wednesday.

 

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

 

Friday, October 25

• At 10:55 a.m. a man identified by police as Joshua Wise, 32, of Hayward was arrested at Fremont station on suspicion of violating probation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into Fremont Jail.

 

• At 11:44 p.m. a man identified by police as Ronald Singer, 27, of Union City was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $300,000 warrant for rape. He also was charged with providing false identification to a police officer. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was to be booked into jail after that.

 

 

Saturday, October 26

• At 1:59 a.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Countee, 28, of Richmond was arrested at Warm Springs/South Fremont station on suspicion of battery of a peace officer and public intoxication. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Sunday, October 27

• At 1:14 p.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Garcia, 44, of Oakland was arrested at San Leandro station on suspicion of burglary and violating probation. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• At 11:22 p.m. a man identified by police as Tamire Edwards, 40, of Oakland was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of assault, making criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and resisting arrest. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into jail.

 

 

Monday, October 28

• At 11:39 a.m. a man identified by police as Noah Tesfa, 28, of San Francisco was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $10,000 warrant for assault. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Wednesday, October 30

• At 9:28 a.m. a man identified by police as Frank Avina, 19, of Stockton was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $40,000 warrant from the San Ramon Police Department for theft violations. He also had two $5,000 warrants from Alameda County for petty theft. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• At 10:23 a.m. a man identified by police as Hosea Wade, 44, was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of indecent exposure. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Takes from Silicon Valley East

 

 

 

California Main Street Alliance Features Fremont

By Tina Kapoor, Economic Development Manager, City of Fremont

 

The California Main Street Alliance (CAMSA) is part of Main Street America, a national coalition of individuals and organizations united by a commitment to preserving and enhancing the built environment, celebrating local history and culture, and creating local economic opportunity through the National Main Street framework. The transformative national movement has been around for 40 years! CAMSA works with communities across the state to foster local economic development and enhance overall quality of life.

 

City of Fremont joined CAMSA earlier this year, and already our team has benefited from the training and networking opportunities, and access to like-minded municipalities and community organizations focused on revitalizing their commercial districts. Earlier this month, CAMSA called attention to Fremont’s unique history and diverse neighborhood business districts in their Community Spotlight Newsletter. Enjoy the full write-up below:

 

Fremont doesn’t just have one Main Street – it has five neighborhood districts that serve as its backdrop. Ranked as the fourth largest city in Silicon Valley with deep roots in the manufacturing industry, Fremont is one of the most dynamic communities in the country. Tina Kapoor, the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Manager, reveals how joining CAMSA will enhance the City’s place-making efforts and help cultivate new projects and initiatives that will strengthen Fremont’s business districts.

 

 

Could you provide us with a brief overview of the City of Fremont?

 

Back in 1956, five individual townships came together to form the City of Fremont. Now recognized as districts, Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Warm Springs, and Mission San Jose meld together to represent the unique characteristics of Fremont. Our city has always been strongly rooted in manufacturing. Since 1960, the automotive industry has produced millions of trucks and cars from Fremont’s assembly lines. On the hardware side, Apple and Steve Jobs chose to open their first manufacturing site here in 1984.

Today, the City of Fremont is the fourth largest city in Silicon Valley, centrally located with a population of 233,000 and 90 square miles. Tesla, Lam Research, Western Digital, and Seagate are some of the most recognizable names that call Fremont home, but there are over 900 manufacturing companies based in our city employing over 30,000 workers. Fremont has developed an innovation hub of high tech, life science, and clean technology firms with accessibility to BART, a world-class workforce, and a vast R&D/manufacturing portfolio (an estimated 50 million square feet of industrial space).

 

With a rich historical legacy anchored in manufacturing, an innovative mindset, and neighborhood districts that offer a healthy dose of charm and intrigue, Fremont is one of the most dynamic communities in the country.

 

 

How have Fremont’s commercial corridors transformed over the past few years? Any challenges?

 

Given Fremont’s formation from five townships, our city doesn’t just have one “main street,” which comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. We strive to not only preserve, but to celebrate the unique character of these districts embodied in the food scene, public art, local music, and one-of-a-kind stores.

 

With our City’s five districts as the backdrop, along with the development of a new downtown, our team has been cooking up what we like to call a “weirdification” strategy to attract the brightest talent. We are mixing local businesses with new retail development in our historic districts to create an authentically fresh and storied Fremont that appeals to both young and old and is embraced by all parts of our community.

 

By cherishing the rich cultural value that these districts bring, Fremont’s economic development efforts extend far beyond urban zoning and mixed-use development. The big challenge for Fremont is striking the right balance between that authentic, “old world” Fremont charm and making the right updates that will bring more visitors, talent, and ultimately more businesses to our thriving, innovative Silicon Valley city.

 

 

Name a successful downtown project (a historic rehab or new construction build) that can serve as a model for other communities.

 

As mentioned above, while there are several “main streets” in Fremont that sprinkle plenty of spirit and flavor throughout our city, there has never been a central location for residents to get together. One of our top priorities is creating a central downtown hub for the Fremont community to gather, shop, eat, and attend events. Planning for downtown was set into motion in 2014, when the Fremont City Council approved the master plan.

 

Today, there are several private investment projects being developed in downtown including mixed-use residential and ground floor retail along Capitol Avenue–the new central spine for our downtown–connecting two major retail hubs. Downtown Fremont is also a federally approved Opportunity Zone that provides tax incentives for early investors.

 

But, because building an entire downtown from the ground up takes time, the City has also employed what we like to call “The Burning Man” philosophy to the City’s downtown area – by asking the community what they want to see and what events they would like to attend.

For over a year, we tested out these event ideas at the temporary Town Fair Plaza, a community space driven by a vision to celebrate and cultivate local culture and creativity. Piloting events featuring live music, food trucks, family-friendly games like mini golf and table tennis, community classes, maker spaces, and a beer garden, we gathered valuable insight into what we wanted to incorporate into the permanent plaza. This month, we will break ground on the future Downtown Event Center and Plaza, another exciting step forward in our place-making efforts!

 

Already home to prominent street fairs such as the Burgers & Brew Fest and the Fremont Festival of the Arts (the largest free festival west of the Mississippi), the Downtown Event Center and Plaza will feature all of the most popular events and gatherings that were once held at the temporary Town Fair Plaza.

 

 

How will Fremont’s Main Street efforts complement the ongoing economic development work happening throughout the city?

 

Fremont’s economic development team and the Fremont City Council recognize on a fundamental level that each of the city’s neighborhoods and Main Streets keep Fremont unique, cool, inclusive, and most importantly, economically resilient. From acclaimed family-owned restaurants like Kyian Kyian that have gained regional recognition, to the whimsical Dragonfly Market in Irvington District that showcases local artist’s handmade goods, Fremont is chock full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Our unique neighborhoods make Fremont a place that people want to live in and explore rather than just work in or commute through.

 

The number one need we hear from our businesses is talent. Talent needs place and place needs business. Our job is to support local business owners that have been in Fremont their entire lives as well as to bring in new businesses to achieve the right mix of culture, industry, tradition, and community. The end goal is to cultivate a city where you can go to work, but also enjoy happy hour with coworkers down the block, attend the Halloween Trick or Treat event with your kids, hike with friends along Mission Peak on the weekend, and enjoy a cup of coffee at a local java joint.

 

With some of the brightest minds that live and work here, we are focused on building a world-class city.

 

 

How will collaborating with CAMSA help strengthen the City of Fremont’s Main Streets?

 

CAMSA membership offers an opportunity to leverage the tremendous resources to enhance the City’s place-making efforts in the districts. Fremont is thrilled to have joined CAMSA this year and gain access to all the benefits the organization has to offer, including networking, access to the statewide annual CAMSA workshop, eligibility for grant programs, personalized coaching, Main Street-specific programming and tools, and other professional development opportunities. Having access to the CAMSA playbook with successful ideas from hundreds of communities across the country, Fremont’s Main Streets are well-equipped to become even more vibrant.

 

What are you most excited about accomplishing this year with CAMSA?

 

There are many projects and initiatives in Fremont’s business districts that our membership with CAMSA will help us cultivate. We are looking forward to utilizing our CAMSA membership to build upon our partnerships with neighborhood business districts and developing a comprehensive joint branding and marketing strategy to enhance the identity of the districts through marketing, events, and way-finding signage; incorporating a leasing/merchandising plan for property owners and commercial tenants; and improving the public realm.

 

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

 

Fremont is considered a major economic hub of Silicon Valley. With access to two BART stations, less than half an hour from all three of the Bay Area’s international airports, access to Interstate 680 and 880, transportation presents a huge opportunity for businesses located in Fremont. We’re also a diverse community, with more than 50% of our population being foreign born and speaking more than 98 languages. Fremont has ranked first in several categories generated by WalletHub including: Least-stressed city, lowest percentage of adults in fair/poor health, lowest divorce rate, highest median credit score, and happiest place to live. We’re thinking holistically about the needs of future workers, families, startups, small businesses, and high-tech companies and we’re excited to partner with CAMSA while doing so!

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

My name is Joel Johnson and I am a Boy Scout in Troop 154. I am writing this email to ask about the bomb threat at Thornton Jr. High [Fremont] on October 4, 2019. I am a student at Thornton and was scared and upset that we had a bomb threat at our school. I never thought this would ever happen, even as a prank. We didn't hear further updates about the bomb threat after that day. Have the authorities found the source of the bomb threat yet?

Joel Johnson

Fremont

 

 

Response from Fremont PD

 

On October 4, 2019, Fremont Police and Fire responded to Thornton Jr. High due the threat of a bomb. The threat was made via email and sent to a school faculty member. After evacuating all students, officers conducted a thorough search of the campus. Nothing suspicious was located on the campus and the anonymous email threat was turned over to detectives. Since the incident occurred, detectives have not found any additional evidence to believe the threat was legitimate. Additional steps were taken to trace the origin of the email, however we have concluded that it came from an untraceable account. Detectives have found no further evidence that the October 4th threat to Thornton Jr. High School was credible.

 

While the vast majority of these types of anonymous threats turn out to be hoaxes, they are taken seriously and investigated to the fullest extent of the law. If anyone has information they believe would assist detectives in this investigation, please contact the Fremont Police Investigative Unit at 510-790-6900. We also accept anonymous tips for non-urgent information. Text TIP FREMONTPD followed by your message to 888-777, or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337. We’d like to thank FUSD for their ongoing partnership and assistance during this incident.

 

 

 

Trump seeks to block California as global climate leader

By Ellen Knickmeyer

Associated Press

 

WASHINGTON (AP), Oct 23 – The Trump administration on Wednesday sued to try to block California from engaging in international efforts against climate change, charging that the state exceeded its constitutional authority by joining with a Canadian province in a program to cut climate-damaging fossil fuel emissions.

 

The suit, filed in federal court in California, is the latest Trump administration push to stymie state efforts aimed at contesting the administration's rollbacks of environmental and climate protections. California says it's being punished for its advocacy.

 

The complaint, which names Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and others, alleges that California usurped federal power to conduct foreign policy and make international accords when it signed an ongoing agreement with Quebec to limit emissions.

 

California “veered outside its proper constitutional lane,” Assistant U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark said in a statement.

 

Newsom countered that the administration was “continuing its political vendetta against California, our climate policies and the health of our communities.”

 

President Donald Trump mocks the science of climate change and made pulling out of the Paris international climate accord one of his first acts after taking office.

 

California and other states have filed dozens of legal challenges to administration rollbacks of environmental regulations and laws. Tensions between Newsom and the administration escalated when Trump tried to compel California to join in his efforts to relax Obama-era mileage standards for passenger vehicles.

 

Wednesday's suit concerns California's cap and trade program. Industries in the program commit to purchasing pollution “credits” or to reduce their consumption of climate-changing oil, gas and goal. Former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger started the program, and Quebec's government signed on about a decade later.

 

 

 

California unemployment rate falls to record low of 4 percent

By Olga Rodriguez and Adam Beam

Associated Press

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Oct 18 – California's economy kept humming in September, dropping the unemployment rate to a record low 4% statewide and under 2% in San Francisco and some of its neighboring counties, a level that economists once thought impossible.

 

“That is almost unthinkable,” said Sung Won Sohn, professor of economics at Loyola Marymount University. “It flies in the face of economic theory.”

 

However, the explosive job growth has done little to close the gap in wages, making California – and San Francisco in particular – one of the most unequal places in the country as high-wage earners push up prices for everyone else.

 

From 1980 to 2015, the top earners in San Francisco saw their wages jump 120% while the lowest earners saw their wages increase just 20%, according to an analysis published last week by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

Corey Cantu makes $16 an hour tending an artisanal cookie kiosk in downtown San Francisco and pays $850 a month for a bedroom “the size of a closet” in a condominium he shares with four others in the city.

 

“I see a lot of people in designer clothing and can tell (the economy) is booming for them but it's not booming for me,” Cantu said. “It feels like we're disposable as employees working (for) minimum wage.”

 

Across California, unemployment fell to 4% last month, the lowest on record under a methodology the state has been using since 1976. California's economic growth is now in its 115th consecutive month, breaking the previous record of 113 months set in the 1960s.

 

The job growth is not limited to the diverse and complex economies of Silicon Valley. Fresno and Kern counties, located in the heart of California's agricultural region in the Central Valley, have historically had double-digit unemployment rates for most of the past 40 years. In September, Fresno's unemployment rate was 5.3% while Kern's was 6%.

 

Meanwhile, homeless populations in California continue to grow in the strong economy.

 

Over the past two years, homeless populations have jumped 17% in San Francisco. Last month, Los Angeles County reported a 12% year-to-year increase in its homeless population.

 

“Why are there so many homeless people if this economy is booming? That's crazy!” said Ernest Lew, an estate planning attorney, when told about the report.

 

Lew said he is doing well because a lot of his clients work at Google, Facebook and other tech companies.

 

“This economy is booming for some people, but a lot more people are hurting,” Lew said as he walked his dog in the financial district.

 

While the economy is booming, trouble could be looming. The United States' ongoing trade war with China has slowed shipping activities in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

 

Plus, the inland communities of Riverside, San Bernardino and Ontario – which include warehouses and trucking companies – have lost jobs since their peak of December 2018, according to an analysis by Sohn at Loyola Marymount University.

 

California's low unemployment rate signals another potential problem: A shortage of workers.

 

“At some point it's very simple: If you don't have bodies, you can't grow,” Sohn said.

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Castro Valley parade lights up downtown

By Miranda Jetter

 

The “Castro Valley Light Parade” will twinkle down Castro Valley Boulevard, Saturday, November 9. From trucks to tractors to bikes to wagons, all manner of vehicles will parade the streets of Castro Valley sparking with string lights heralding the holiday season.

 

Started in 2012, the light parade was initially created to celebrate the Castro Valley Boulevard streetscape project. The street had undergone construction including upgraded bike lanes, and new street furniture, according to the Alameda county website. Nearing its completion, Mel Speed, a Castro Valley local, proposed a light parade similar to the one in nearby Niles, the quaint Fremont neighborhood, said Jaimie Orfanos, an organizer for the event. And from there, it took off: that first year they had a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches on the boulevard and afterward, a parade with roughly 30 floats and four to five vendors. All told, around 1,500 people showed up.

 

Now in its eighth year the parade has blossomed into a notable Castro Valley event. This year organizers expect to see the parade host around 8,000 visitors with 60 to 65 floats. Last year opportunities store fronts were invited to get involved by decorating their windows, something organizer Kristin Perrault said they are trying to encourage again this year. As to why the light parade has become popular, Orfanos said residents “see it as a nice event that happens in the fall and sort of kicks off the holiday season.”

 

Castro Valley Pride and its president, Billy Bradford, join the parade every year with a trailer decorated with strobe lights and rainbow flags. Bradford said he likes that the parade is relaxed and non-controversial. He said, “You’d be surprised, it’s kind of fun to be in a parade for no reason … there’s no drama and nobody cares.” Also, the event is great for children and families. He sees kids in packs with all their bikes lit up. It’s an event, Bradford said, where people can “bring a lawn chair, sit outside, grab something to eat, and watch the parade go by.”

 

Jennifer DeJanes can’t remember how she heard about the light parade—only that her friends put together a float for Jenn’s Cupcakes, her Castro Valley bakery, while she was busy trying to get it off the ground back in 2015. Parade day came and her float, with its towering sparkly cakes in shades of pink and white, was a hit; they ended up winning the grand marshal award. DeJanes said she was shocked, “I was like ‘What’s the grand marshal?’” But from then on out, she said they were invested in turning out for the parade every year in part because their business sees the results. DeJanes said that every year after the parade, they get an influx of orders and the business from the parade can fill their schedule through December.

 

Last year, because the parade fell on Veteran’s Day, they designed the float around that theme. She said it was a classic Americana design that they spent weeks building. However, the parade was canceled due to hazardous air conditions from fires nearby. This year she hopes that the parade will happen and that they will be able to show visitors what they worked so hard on. She wants to show people their floats, ones that get “bigger and better and taller and brighter every year.”

 

 

 

Castro Valley Light Parade

Saturday, Nov 5

3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

5:30 Parade Begins

Castro Valley Blvd between San Miguel & Redwood Rd.

http://cvmeetinthestreet.org/index.html

info@castrovalleylightparade.org

Street parking available

 

 

 

Supervisors want alternative care center for abused, neglected children

Submitted by Janice Rombeck

 

Santa Clara County Supervisors Dave Cortese and Cindy Chavez are calling for an immediate moratorium on children being placed into the county’s Receiving, Assessment and Intake Center (RAIC) because they no longer believe the children are receiving the care and supervision they need.

 

The Supervisors, who both serve on the board’s Children, Seniors and Families Committee (CSFC), are asking administration to look for alternatives to provide short-term care for children who are abused or neglected and taken from their parents or legal guardians.

 

Children in Santa Clara County who are removed from their living situations because of abuse or neglect are brought to the RAIC, which is operated by the Department of Children’s Services. The center is supposed to care for these children, ideally for less than one day, until they can be placed in a relative’s home or a foster home.

 

In this short time at the RAIC, the children are to receive services from social workers and mental health professionals, and be given medical assessments. Above all, the children should be made and kept safe, said the supervisors.

 

“At Committee meetings, we have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the RAIC and called for reforms,” said Cortese. “One of those reforms, the common-sense separation of younger children from older children, has not been followed.” Chavez added, “We are also concerned about the health and safety of our county staff as they deal with a challenging mission.”

 

The supervisors’ proposal, which will go to the board at its November 5 meeting, asks that the administration report back at the November 19 meeting with options for alternative short-term care of these children while they await longer-termed placement.

 

For more information, call the Office of Supervisor Dave Cortese at (408) 200-5030.

 

 

 

Bathroom updates bring lightness, brightness, and storage

By Anna Jacoby

 

This bath underwent a striking makeover earlier this year. The old bath had a tub with no shower head and a very small and dark separate shower stall. Hardly large enough even for me (I am just under 5 feet tall), the shower, with its dropped ceiling, old tiles and no light, was uninviting and ready for a change. Out went all the old tile and fixtures, and in came a new space plan, with updated colors and materials, plenty of light, and lots of storage. Here’s what we did:

 

The tub came out and the dropped ceiling was removed. In its place, I designed a large curb-less walk-in shower with a built-in bench seat. We installed a light in the shower, and I selected a combination of white, gray, and light blue tiles to keep the whole space airy and bright. We installed a grab-bar for safety (trust me, they come in many pretty styles now) as well as a hand shower on a slide bar, which allows the user to adjust the height of the shower head or remove it altogether for any of a variety of uses. A hand shower comes in handy to wash muddy feet or small children, to clean the shower, or even wash a dog. The former shower became a linen closet, again with a light inside, providing ample storage space for towels, sheets, toiletries, and any other miscellaneous supplies.

 

A quick word about grab bars— no matter your current age, if you are remodeling, let me talk you into installing one in your shower. Clients tell me all the time how much they like having a grab bar. One client told me about the time he was sick with a nasty flu, dizzy and weak, and appreciated having something to hold onto. Another client said it was helpful for her son when he broke his leg and a third client said she loves it for hanging wet bathing suits or other drip-dry items. So put any thoughts aside about grab bars being only for “old people” and include one in your design plans.

 

Back to the bathroom—the new custom vanity cabinet features three sizes of drawers; the bottom drawer is perfect for bulky items like hairdryers and Costco-size packages of toothpaste or soap. The marble-look quartz countertop provides a low-maintenance and beautiful surface, and the polished chrome hardware and plumbing fixtures not only look pretty, but also reflect the light, adding even more brightness to the room. The wall sconces are on a dimmer switch, which I always recommend— sometimes you just need a little light, other times full brightness is warranted.

 

The white, gray, and light blue color scheme is inviting, yet serene, creating a lovely space where my clients can begin and end their day.

 

 

 

Dove Gallery hosts Art Competition

Carol Manasse Hamilton

 

Dove Art Gallery in Milpitas is holding its second annual “Juried Art Competition.” Artworks of various styles and media will be on display; ribbons have been awarded for all age groups including children, youth and adults. The Gallery will host an opening reception on Sunday, November 10 from noon until 3 p.m. The public is invited to come see this eclectic display of local talent.

 

San Jose artist Adrienne Reed creates a 3D effect by incorporating crackle and modeling paste into her dramatic depiction of Calvary. Milpitas artisan Lucy James painted a lovely box in the Vest-Agder style, which is reminiscent of Dutch chests painted in the 1800’s. Union City artist Dee Bueno uses oil pastel to skillfully portray a Native American in costume in an impressive work titled “Traditions.” Milpitas artist Forlitz Stamatelaky uses oils to depict a scenic autumn landscape.

 

Last year the Gallery displayed the works of 50 artists at the competition. “It is our most exciting event of the year!” says Assistant Curator, Carol Manasse Hamilton. “We see original and creative artworks from all members of our community.” Dove Gallery seeks to provide exhibiting opportunities for young, emerging and professional artists. Dove Gallery is a not-for-profit venue. No entry fees are charged to participate in its events.

 

The Art Competition Exhibit runs from November 10 – January 4. The Gallery is open every Sunday from 12 noon – 3 p.m. during the exhibit. Additional viewing opportunities can be confirmed at dove@parkvictoria.org. Dove Gallery is located in the one-story building by the back parking lot of Park Victoria Church in Milpitas. Ample parking is available.

 

 

Dove Gallery hosts Art Competition Exhibit

Sunday, Nov 10 – January 4

Open Sundays 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Artworks from all ages in various media and styles

Park Victoria Church (back lot)

875 S. Park Victoria Drive, Milpitas

Dove@ParkVictoria.org

 

 

 

EarthTalk

 

Dear EarthTalk: I see more and more EVs out of the road. When will they start to outnumber internal combustion cars on American roads?

— Jane L., New Bern, North Carolina

 

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around about as long as cars themselves. In fact, primitive EVs were the dominant form of automotive transportation at the dawn of the auto age in Europe and the U.S. in the late 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1920s — when the U.S. road system was starting to be built out and cheap oil was available from newly tapped Texas oil fields — that internal combustion cars began to take over as the predominant vehicles across the United States.

 

And we never looked back. Until recently, that is. Nowadays, EVs (Teslas, Leafs, Bolts, etc.) are indeed everywhere. Analysts estimate the EVs will be cheaper to buy than internal combustion cars as soon as 2022. Beyond that, it’s probably only a matter of two decades before EVs represent the majority of cars, light trucks and SUVs plying American roads.

 

In 2018, EVs made up only about 2% of total U.S. new car sales, but that figure represents an astonishing 70% growth from the year prior. Moving forward, analysts expect around 13% annual compound growth in the EV sector for the foreseeable future. Bloomberg New Energy Finance, a research arm of the New York-based media company, expects sales of passenger EVs to overtake conventional internal combustion-based vehicles by 2038 (with EV sales topping 50 million a year as compared to conventional vehicle sales of 47 million by then). After that, EVs, with their lower ongoing fuel and maintenance costs, will continue taking over more and more of the market every year, calling the very future of the internal combustion engine passenger car into question.

 

As technologies mature (allowing for better battery storage and extended driving range) and manufacturers ramp up production and prices come down accordingly, consumers will begin to look exclusively at EVs when shopping for new cars. Indeed, a recent survey of 2,000 adults living in either California or the Northeast Tristate Area (NY, NJ, CT) by consulting firm West Monroe Partners found that the majority (59%) of respondents think their next vehicle will be an electric car. Not surprisingly, the survey found that Gen Zers (those born after 1996) are especially inclined toward EVs.

 

That said, only 16% of respondents are driving around in EVs today, and concerns including short battery life and lack of charging stations (limiting the vehicles’ range), as well as high up-front purchase costs, are still holding many of us back from taking the all-electric plunge. But the writing is on the wall for gas guzzling passenger cars as we overcome these short-term hurdles. With about 15 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions emanating from the tailpipes of our internal combustion cars and light trucks, and gasoline becoming more and more expensive, the inevitable switchover to EVs — despite efforts by the Trump administration to reduce national fuel efficiency standards and bolster the ailing oil industry — is going to be a win-win for consumers and the planet. 2038 can’t come too soon!

 

 

EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

 

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

In view of all the recent fire emergencies, it seems appropriate to provide some information about the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department. The park district maintains a fully equipped and trained fire department with its main station in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Fire engines and other firefighting equipment are also in place at other stations throughout the district. The department provides fire prevention, fuels management, education, fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical services.

 

Fire Chief Aileen Thiele is supported by an assistant fire chief, five fire captains, two fire lieutenants, eight firefighters, and 38 on-call firefighters. On-call firefighters are employees who have full-time district jobs, in addition to secondary assignments as firefighters. All firefighters are fully trained.

 

A dispatch center operates 24 hours a day in support of the district’s firefighters and police. During a fire, the district’s two police helicopters serve as observation platforms to determine fire location and speed, and best access for ground crews. The helicopters are equipped with Bambi buckets to fight fire from above with 250-gallon water drops.

Besides its own personnel and equipment, the park district has mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE, the California Office of Emergency Services, and every fire department within Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. This enables rapid response to emergencies both within and outside the parklands.

 

The district has an active program of fire hazard reduction, which includes maintaining an 80-mile fuel break along the ridgelines between Richmond and Castro Valley. This is an area of thinned vegetation designed to delay the spread of fire in either direction between parklands to adjacent residential neighborhoods while giving firefighters an area in which to make a stand against a fire.

 

During periods when dry weather and high winds increase fire danger, the park district can restrict park use or even, though rarely, close parklands. This was the case on October 27 through October 31 when all district parks shut down, to protect park users from multiple fires developing in the two counties and from hazards including falling tree branches and downed power lines.

 

The district also relies on the cooperation and assistance of park visitors. Visitors are always asked to exercise extreme care in the regional parks and other public open spaces. Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited in all the regional parks and trails. When weather permits, barbecues are allowed in areas designed for that purpose, or on portable barbecues in picnic areas, but not in tall, dry grass.

 

If you do see a wildfire in the parklands, call 911 immediately. Report the location, direction of burn, and any structures or people at risk, then leave immediately. Of course, visitors should always cooperate with any instructions given by firefighters, police and rangers.

 

For more information on the park district’s fire department, visit www.ebparks.org under the “About Us” tab on the home page, then click on “Fire Department.” For up-to-date information about current fire conditions, click on the “Fire Warning” icon.

 

 

At present, the park district still has lots of enjoyable and mostly free programs on schedule for the autumn season.

 

Itsy bitsy spiders are the theme of a program from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, November 10, at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley with naturalist Jenna Collins. Bring a magnifying glass and meet at the Environmental Education Center for a walk in search of hidden arachnids.

 

If hot apple cider is more to your taste, join Jenna at the center from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 10, to see how fresh apples are pressed to make the drink.

The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For details, call (510) 544-2233.

 

 

To honor veterans, the park district offers all active and retired military personnel free day-use parking and park entry on Veterans Day, November 11, including Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

 

Veterans Day open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, November 11 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. Crab Cove was once a military facility. The agenda includes movies in the Old Wharf Classroom from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; a clinic on flag folding, knot tying, crafts, and a memorial wreath from 12 noon to 4 p.m., and a low tide walk from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Crab Cove Visitor Center is at 1252 McKay Avenue, off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For more information, call (510) 544-3187.

 

 

There are lots of other programs in the works. For a full listing, visit www.ebparks.org. And remember, Fridays are free in the regional parks through the end of the year in celebration of the district’s 85th anniversary.

 

 

 

Editorial

The night the lights went out

 

Although far from a murder in a small southern town in Georgia, the soulful ballad of a man done wrong and hung for his troubles is appropriate for the misery and angst associated with the recent de-energizing shutoffs of the electric grid. Just as Vicki Lawrence’s 1973 hit song, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, written by Bobby Russell, describes an injustice as the result of questionable characters, so too are residents of California communities affected by the actions of dubious management and oversight. The widespread effects of neglect and a static organization is becoming obvious. Those given the responsibility to oversee and regulate this basic utility have also failed their mandate.

 

Lax internal and external supervision can be investigated in hindsight, but typically such efforts, while useful to reduce or eliminate future events, cannot undo damage already done. While blame for the need for shutdowns cannot be laid solely at the feet of our utilities, it is unquestionably their responsibility to alert the rest of us about long term problems lurking in the future. Effects of climate change are also at the forefront of the current crisis. Even a cursory examination of contemporary natural catastrophes gives ample evidence of the effects of global warming. Those who choose to deny problems with past and current policies leading to inexorable changes occurring to our planet may, however, agree that the existing cycle of violent and destructive weather patterns is troubling.

 

Local and regional responses are heartening. The movement toward sustainable and less invasive methods of energy production is a welcome reply to the challenge. For example, Fremont’s microgrid technology at some local firehouse facilities assures continuation of response capabilities even when faced with “Public Safety Power Shutoff” actions. Our communities are bringing local control over energy sources through the East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), a not-for-profit public agency. All Greater Tri-City communities within Alameda County have now joined this effort [Newark just voted to offer EBCE to its citizens], allowing users to select a plan from three “clean power” sources. Although this does not alter the use of PG&E transmission lines that have been the source of shutdowns and fire hazards, it is a step in the right direction.

 

There are additional major challenges ahead. Predicted sea level rise will alter our shorelines and affect development slated for low-lying areas. As the pressure for housing grows more intense, it will be incumbent on our local politicians to address climate changes to avoid long term problems. Public-private partnerships, boards and commissions such as the new Mobility Commission in Fremont can harness the ingenuity and talent of the private sector when seeking solutions for these problems. Hopefully, we will see more of these partnerships to face a future filled with significant challenges and equally significant opportunities.

 

Public and private creative and innovative community partnerships will result in a thriving and prosperous environment. With these efforts, the lights may go out in Georgia, but not here.

 

 

 

Facebook employees sign letter opposing political ads policy

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Oct 28 – Hundreds of Facebook employees have signed a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives saying they oppose the social network's policy of letting politicians lie in advertisements.

 

The New York Times reported Monday that more than 250 workers have signed the letter urging Facebook leaders to change the policy that they say is a “threat to what FB stands for.” While that's a small fraction of Facebook's workforce of more than 35,000, it's a rare showing of employee dissent generally more typical of Google and Amazon.

 

Facebook spokeswoman Bertie Thomson says the company appreciates its employees voicing their concerns but the company “remains committed to not censoring political speech.”

 

The employee letter follows widespread criticism of Facebook's ad policy, including from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a leading Democratic presidential candidate.

 

 

 

Free dental checkups for veterans

Submitted by Dan Soine

 

Are you a military veteran or do you know someone who is? University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry invites veterans to schedule an appointment for a free oral health checkup at its clinics in Union City and San Francisco. Get health questions answered by our students, residents and faculty, and receive a free oral health goody bag! Event details are at www.dental.pacific.edu/veterans.

 

The Union City location is at Union City Dental Care Center and is within walking distance of the Union City BART Station. Clinic website and directions can be found at http://unioncitydentalcare.com. Please call (510) 489-5200 to schedule an appointment for November 11 in Union City. NOTE: checkups take approximately 20 minutes.

 

Free Dental Checkups for Military Veterans

Monday, Nov 11

9:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Union City Dental Care Center

1203 J. St., Union City

http://unioncitydentalcare.com

Appointments: (510) 489-5200

 

 

 

Try your hand at Zentangle art

Article and photos submitted by Susan Helmer

 

Local artist Neera Dave will give an interactive demonstration of Zentangle art the November meeting of the Fremont Art Association. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn drawing method that uses repetitive patterns and shapes to create beautiful and often colorful images. Dave will guide participants in creating their own unique artwork focusing on a Thanksgiving theme. All supplies will be provided. The afternoon program will meet Wednesday, November 6 at the group’s shop/gallery in the Niles district of Fremont. Admission is free and open to all.

 

Dave is a certified Zentangle teacher and conducts regular workshops for children 8 and up and adults. During the last year, she has taught almost 300 children at Mission San Jose Elementary School and at summer camps in Fremont.

 

Guest artist Neera Dave on Zentangle

Wednesday, Nov 6

1 p.m.

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

www.fremontartassociation.org

(510) 792-0905

 

 

 

Fremont sailor completes tour as commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt

Submitted by Seaman David Schwartz

Photo by Airman D.J. Schwartz

 

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, November 1. Capt. Carlos Sardiello, a native of Fremont, California and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1990, turned over the role of commanding officer to Capt. Brett Crozier.

 

Guest speaker Vice Adm. DeWolfe H. Miller III, commander, Naval Air Forces, praised the achievements of Theodore Roosevelt and its crew under Sardiello’s leadership.

 

“Suffice it to say that Capt. Sardiello is a leader who leads by example and inspires others to exceed even their own expectations,” said Miller. “He excels at leading Sailors – the lifeblood of our ships. He takes care of his people and sets them up for success.”

 

During his speech, Sardiello thanked and attributed his success as commanding officer to his crew, known as the “Rough Riders.”

 

“We are fortunate for each sailor, officer or enlisted aboard because they are just plain amazing, are all essential, and all play an important role in our team’s success,” said Sardiello.

 

Sardiello assumed command of Theodore Roosevelt in July 2017 and successfully led the crew on a deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve which included over 50,000 miles sailed, and more than one 1,000 combat sorties that dropped 159 weapons on target.

 

Following the combat deployment, Sardiello oversaw Theodore Roosevelt as it successfully completed an arduous maintenance availability period 25 days early. Sardiello also led the ship through exercise Northern Edge 2019 in the Gulf of Alaska operating area, marking the first time in 10 years that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier participated in the exercise.

 

In his parting words to the crew, Sardiello again thanked everyone aboard under his leadership and praised the work that they accomplished.

 

“We could not be more proud of the accomplishments through the blood, sweat, and tears of joy and pain that have been invested over the past two and a half years on TR,” said Sardiello. “It has been an honor to serve as the 15th commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt.”

 

Sardiello previously served as the executive officer aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and commanding officer aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) before taking command of the Coronado-based carrier. He now heads to Commander, Naval Air Forces command.

 

 

 

Police use grant for traffic education and enforcement

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

A new $125,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is being used by the Fremont Police Department to conduct a yearlong traffic education and enforcement campaign through September 2020. The funding will be used for numerous programs, including:

 

• DUI and driver license checkpoints
• Patrols specifically looking for suspected alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers
• Patrols targeting violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law and vehicle code violations by drivers, motorcyclist, bicyclists and pedestrians that put other roadway users at risk.
• Patrols targeting the primary causes of crashes: speeding, improper turns, running stop signs or signals, right-of-way violations and driving on the wrong side of the road
• Patrols specifically looking for seat belt and child safety seat violations
• Traffic safety education presentations for youths and adults on distracted and impaired driving, bicycle and pedestrian safety
• Collaborative traffic enforcement operation with local agencies
• Officer training to identify suspected impaired drivers and conduct sobriety tests

 

“Getting in a vehicle remains one of the most dangerous things we do,” OTS director Barbara Rooney said. “We must continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to shift that realization and make traveling on our roads safer.”

 

The focus of the OTS traffic safety program is to educate the public, promote safe driving habits, and deter motorists from violating traffic laws or engaging in other unsafe behaviors that lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the OTS, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

 

From Hatred to Harmony- An evening with a former White Supremacist

Submitted by Rabbi Moshe Fuss

 

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center presents Frank Meeink, former white supremacist, speaking Saturday, November 16 at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Newark.

 

Frank Meeink became a SkinHead by age 13, and by 18 he was roaming the country as a SkinHead leader and Neo-Nazi recruiter, with gangs that would beat people indiscriminately. In Illinois, he had his own cable-access TV show, “The Reich.” He was finally arrested and convicted of kidnapping and beating a member of a rival SkinHead gang. Experience the raw story of Frank’s descent into America’s neo-Nazi underground and his ultimate triumph over hatred and addiction.

 

Now a noted speaker, author and founding member of Life After Hate, Frank stands for tolerance, diversity and mutual understanding in race, politics and all aspects of society. Frank is truly an inspiration in any time of strife and conflict. He lectures at high schools, juvenile detention centers, and universities around the world. Most recently, Frank is being featured in a docu-series by Steven Spielberg on the discovery channel called “Why We Hate.”

 

The event begins with a Havdallah (prayer) at 8 p.m., followed by sushi and treats. The speaker will begin at 8:45. Space is limited, and tickets should be purchased in advance at https://www.chabadfremont.com.

 

From Hatred to Harmony

Saturday, Nov 16

8 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

39900 Balentine Drive, Newark

https://www.chabadfremont.com

 

 

 

An open invitation from Life Chiropractic College West students

Submitted by Kathy Miedema

 

Life Chiropractic College West invites you and your employees to partner with us in a community event, “#HashtagLunchbag,” at the Hayward campus on November 17. #HashtagLunchbag is a service movement that inspires giving through the use of social media. During this event, led by Life West’s Student American Black Chiropractic Association, or SABCA, chapter members and volunteers will prepare bagged lunches and write letters of encouragement for those in need.

 

SABCA’s Life West chapter wants to feed at least 2,000 people between Oakland and San Francisco with this event. The students are partnering with on-campus sorority and fraternity members, Life West’s rugby team, and staff and faculty. The City Eats (thecityeats.org) is also helping out – SABCA has been working with this non-profit to feed the homeless on the first Saturday of every month.

 

The success of this event depends on volunteers and donations. Therefore, we are calling on companies around the East Bay to send a team over to Life West on Sunday morning, November 17, to help pack lunches and write notes. SABCA also needs drivers to go out in groups at noon and drop off lunches. The chapter is accepting donations to help buy food, toiletries and feminine hygiene products. Donations are accepted via Venmo at SABCA-LIFEWEST.

 

#HashtagLunchbag fundraising event

Sunday, Nov 17

10 a.m.: Pack lunches and write notes

12 noon: Coaching from The City Eats; groups deliver lunches

Life Chiropractic College West

25001 Industrial Blvd., Hayward

ejones@college.lifewest.edu

 

 

 

Hayward City Council

October 29, 2019

 

Presentations and Proclamations:

• Pledge of allegiance, led by councilmember Elisa Marquez.
• Recognition from Mayor Halliday that meeting falls on a fifth Tuesday, but special session is still necessary
• Proclamation from President of Hayward Chamber of Commerce Kim Huggett commemorating 11 successful events held in October, including Manufacturing Day as well as an invitation to “Light Up the Night” community outreach event

 

Public Comments:

• Additional comments from Huggett recognizing joint efforts between Hayward Chamber of Commerce and Hayward Rotary to drive more community-driven and youth-driven volunteer events
• Appeal from Hayward citizen Corina Vasaure to council for more public restrooms to be made available in downtown area, citing that Hayward Public Library restrooms are restricted by library hours and have cleanliness issues due to excessive public use

 

Consent Calendar:

• Resignation of Ms. Linhdan Le from Hayward Youth Commission, effective September 30, 2019
• Resignation of Ms. Sharon Eva from Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, effective September 24, 2019
• Adoption of Ordinance adding Article 29 to Chapter 10 of the Hayward Municipal Code relating to vacant properties
• Resolution amending fiscal year 2020 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget, transferring $60,000 from General Fund to Capital Projects fund and $35,000 to Fleet Capital Management Fund
• Award contract to Asbestos Management Group of CA in amount of $1,300,708 for abatement and deconstruction for Route 238 bypass property project

 

Public Hearing:

• Proposed development of mixed-use project consisting of 189 condominium and townhome units
• Appeal of planning commission approval of a three-story, 40-unit townhouse style development of a 1.66-acre site located at 21229 Oak Street
• Proposal to subdivide a 0.5-acre site into seven parcels to allow the construction of five single-family homes with common open space and related site improvements at 24763 Mohr Drive
• Proposal to subdivide two existing parcels into 17 to allow construction of 12 detached single-family residences and five accessory dwelling units with common open areas at 28571 & 29591 Harvey Avenue
• Update on commercial cannabis permit process and introduction of new cannabis ordinance increasing tax rate

 

Oral Communications:

• Motion to approve further tabling and hearings of PH 19-087 allocating 10,800 square feet of ground floor commercial space to mixed use condominium and townhome project requiring approval of a purchase and sale agreement with zone change and tentative tract map application No. 201806355

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday:                                Aye

Councilmember Francisco Zermeno:             Aye

Councilmember Al Mendall:                          Aye

Councilmember Sara Lamnin:                        Aye

Councilmember Elisa Marquez:                     Aye

Councilmember Aisha Wahab:                       Aye

Councilmember Mark Salinas:                       Aye

 

 

 

Toy-Anime Comic Con

Submitted by Ohana Comic Con

 

This is a kid-friendly version of Comic Con, held in the Veterans Memorial Hall in Hayward—Kids 12 and under enter FREE. Vendors will be selling toys, posters, accessories, and other merchandise based on popular eastern and western cartoons. Participants of all ages are encouraged to cosplay as their favorite characters and enter the costume contest at 2:30 p.m. Please ask the featured cosplayers at the Con for the signup sheet.

 

General admission tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. If you bring the event flyer with you, you are eligible for a $1 discount at the door. Cameras and photography are permitted at the Con. Parking is free!

 

Toy-Anime Comic Con

Saturday, Nov 9

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

22737 Main St., Hayward

https://www.facebook.com/events/360259358006853/

 

 

 

School District embraces reusable water bottles

Submitted by Dionicia Ramos Ledesma

 

Hundreds of students enthusiastically chanted “save the fish” during a recent lunchtime event at Treeview Elementary in Hayward. They participated in an event celebrating the Hayward Unified School District’s (HUSD) decision to move away from single-use plastic water bottles and find a more sustainable solution in reusable aluminum bottles.

 

To reach this goal, HUSD partnered with Pathwater, a company founded by a group of friends (some from the Bay Area) looking to introduce a reusable and recyclable product into the market. HUSD is one of the first school districts to partner with Pathwater, and this year every student in the district—that’s over 19,000 students—will receive a reusable Pathwater bottle, co-branded with the district’s logo.

 

At the event hosted on October 30, one of the Pathwater founders presented HUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne with a sustainability award in recognition of the district’s commitment to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles and the addition of hydration stations at school sites.

 

“Our district’s vision is to ensure that every student realizes their innate potential of becoming a lifelong learner and having a positive impact on their community,” stated Dr. Wayne. “This step towards greater sustainability allows students to see how their everyday choices have a global impact.”

 

If the student and teacher population at Hayward Unified, which totals 21,950, commit to using reusable bottles for one calendar year, they have the potential to eliminate a combined 3.4 million single-use plastic water bottles from entering the waste stream. Additionally, the choice of aluminum bottles means that they can be recycled once they are no longer used. Aluminum has one of the highest recycling rates in the world and is 77% more valuable than plastic.

 

HUSD is following the lead of students seeking environmentally-friendly alternatives in their schools. Students at one of the district’s other elementary schools began a petition to eliminate the use of styrofoam lunch trays in their cafeteria. After doing some research and partnering with the district’s Food Services Department, students led the effort to replace styrofoam trays with recyclable ones across the entire district.

 

In addition to the free water bottles being provided to all students, Pathwater water bottles will also be available to students and staff in cafeterias and vending machines across the district. For more information about HUSD’s partnership with Pathwater, contact Robin Gallagher, Director of Child Nutrition Services, at rgallagher@husd.k12.ca.us.

Photos in 1 new Sharon

 

 

 

Theatre

 

Hello, Dolly! shines during 40th anniversary season at Douglas Morrisson Theatre

Submitted by Mary Jo Price

Photos by Chris Scott

 

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) in Hayward continues to shine with a return to the golden age of the American musical. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season, DMT brings the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “Hello, Dolly!” to the stage through November 24. Once hailed as “One of the biggest, brightest musicals of this century!” by The New York Times, “Hello, Dolly!” opens November 8 under the direction of Sue Ellen Nelsen. Featuring the exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, a turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” “Hello, Dolly!” fills the stage with romance, humor, high-energy dancing, and some of the greatest songs in theater history. Musical director Matt Bourne takes on iconic show tunes, including “Put on your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Hello, Dolly!”, “Elegance,” and “It Only takes a Moment.”

 

Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by Thornton Wilder (book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman), “Hello, Dolly!” has become one of the most enduring musical theater hits, with four Broadway revivals and international success. First produced on Broadway by David Merrick in 1964, “Hello, Dolly!” has received 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical – a record which the play held for 37 years.

 

Evening and Matinee performances run November 8 through November 24 at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, with a preview performance on Thursday, November 7. Tickets are $10 for the preview, $15 – 29 for performances. Discounts are available for adults under the age of 30 and over the age of 60, students with ID, youth, H.A.R.D. residents, and groups of 10 or more. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office at (510) 881-6777 or visit www.dmtonline.org.

 

Hello, Dolly!

Thurs, Nov 7 – Sunday Nov 24

Preview Night: Thursday, Nov 7: 8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m.

Sundays: 2 p.m.

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre

22311 N. Third St. in Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.dmtonline.org

 

 

 

Police kick off holiday toy drive

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

 

Although the holiday season isn’t quite here yet, it’s never too early to get ready. With that in mind the Hayward Police Department has kicked off its Cops for Kids Toy Drive. To participate, people can bring new unwrapped toy donations to the Hayward Police Department offices on West Winton Avenue anytime during business hours through December 6.

 

Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks should be made payable to: City of Hayward, with HPD Toy Drive written on the check memo line. For details, email Lt. Ryan Cantrell at ryan.cantrell@hayward-ca.gov or call (510) 293-5051.

 

 

 

Cops for Kids Toy Drive

Daily through Friday, Dec 6

Hayward Police Department

300 W. Winton Ave., Hayward

(510) 293-5051

Email: Ryan Cantrell at ryan.cantrell@hayward-ca.gov

 

 

 

Football

 

Huskies prevail in see-saw battle

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The Washington Huskies (Fremont) varsity football team beat the American Eagles (Fremont) 36-28 on November 1^st in a game that was exciting from start to finish; the outcome was in doubt until the clock showed just 8 minutes and 8 seconds left in the game when a Huskies offensive attack put the ball into the end zone capped by a two-point conversion.

 

The beginning of the game gave the Huskies a 22-point lead and a dominant position on the scoreboard and field. However, the Eagles came flying back with a key interception, subsequent score and an impressive offense of their own. A tie score in the fourth quarter put either team in a position to win, but the final offensive drive by the Huskies was the difference.

 

 

 

Overnight construction to close portion of I-880

Submitted by Newark PD

 

To accommodate a roadway pipeline removal project, all northbound lanes of Interstate 880 between Mowry Avenue and Thornton Avenue will be closed on Saturday, November 9 from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

 

During this time detour signs will direct motorists to exit at Mowry Avenue east into Fremont and then to follow Blacow Road north to Thornton Avenue where they can reenter the freeway. Phased lane closures will start at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8. All lanes are scheduled to be reopened by 8:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9.

 

As the pipeline project continues, southbound lanes on I-880 will be closed between Thornton and Mowry avenues on Sunday, November 10 from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. During this time detour signs will direct motorists to exit at Thornton Avenue and go west to Cedar Boulevard and follow it south to Mowry Avenue where they can reenter the freeway. Phased lane closures will start at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 10.

 

For details, call the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4237.

Can go in 11/12

 

 

 

Five events show Tri-Cities are United Against Hate

Submitted by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer

 

It started with a poster. It’s expanded into an entire week of events showing that the Bay Area is United Against Hate.

 

In the fall of 2017, when members of white supremacist groups began a campaign to hold rallies in Berkeley and Oakland, California, a group of community leaders came up with a way to make a statement that neo-Nazis, their hatred and their ideas were not welcome in the East Bay. Posters were produced proclaiming, “Berkeley Stands United Against Hate” and “Oakland Stands United Against Hate.”

 

The poster movement grew in many more communities around the Bay Area, including Fremont, where two grassroots organizations, Compassionate Fremont and the Tri-City Interfaith Council (TCIC), worked with the City of Fremont to get similar posters printed and distributed. In 2018, an entire November week was dedicated to activities showing that the “Bay Area Stands United Against Hate.”

 

This year, November 17 – 23 has been designated United Against Hate Week, and Compassionate Fremont and the Tri-City Interfaith Council (with various co-sponsors) are organizing five free events to which the public is invited.

 

On Monday, November 18, 7 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Co-sponsored by St. James’ Church and Abode Services, the vigil will be a time to reflect on lives impacted by homelessness and to remember by name those who have died on the streets. Canned food and non-perishable items will be collected for distribution by Abode Services.

 

Transgender Day of Remembrance is Wednesday, November 20, and at 7 p.m., a gathering in solidarity with the trans community will be held at the First United Methodist Church/Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MPUUC) campus. Co-sponsored by MPUUC, this will be a time to honor and grieve transgender people who have died at the hands of others in the past year. Remembrances will be given to attendees to help remember and respect the people whose lives who were cut short by violence.

 

There will be two events on Saturday, November 23. From 10 a.m. – 12 noon, TCIC and Compassionate Fremont will hold “Tea and Conversation” at St. Anne's Episcopal Church. In a directed process, people will be invited to pair up with someone they don’t know from a faith tradition different from their own and have a conversation over a cup of tea. Through this process, barriers will be broken down and friendship may be formed. Participants are asked to stay for the entire time.

 

That afternoon at 4 p.m., the East Bay People’s Choir will present a free concert at Irvington Presbyterian Church. The East Bay People’s Choir is a non-auditioned, open ensemble for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The concert will present music that is hopeful, multicultural and beautiful.

 

The final event sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council falls after the official seven days of Bay Area United Against Hate Week. This is the 58th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. It will be held on Monday, November 25, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. With readings from sacred texts, prayers, songs, and even dance, everyone from the Tri-Cities is invited to a time of gratitude for and celebration of diverse faith traditions. A free-will offering will be received at this event to help underwrite the justice work of TCIC.

 

You can learn more about Bay Area United Against Hate week at unitedagainsthateweek.org and the Tri-City Interfaith Council at tcicouncil.weebly.com.

 

United Against Hate Week

 

Candlelight Vigil

Monday, Nov 18

7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

St. James’ Episcopal Church

37051 Cabrillo TER, Fremont

 

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Wednesday, Nov 20,

7 p.m.

First United Methodist Church/Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Cole Hall

2950 Washington Blvd., Fremont

 

Tea and Conversation

Saturday, Nov 23

10 a.m. – 12 noon

St. Anne's Episcopal Church

2791 Driscoll Rd., Fremont

 

East Bay People’s Choir

Saturday, Nov 23

4 p.m.

Irvington Presbyterian Church

4181 Irvington Ave., Fremont

 

58th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Monday, Nov 25

7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

43148 Mission Blvd., Fremont

 

(510) 797-0895

tcicouncil.weebly.com

 

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Mondays, May 14 – Dec 30

English Conversation Group

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Practice spoken English in a friendly environment

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Fridays, Sep 3 – Nov 5

Fremont Bridge Club

10 a.m.

Open stratified and newcomer games

Bronco Billy’s Pizza – Irvington

41200 Blacow Rd., Fremont

(510) 438-0121

www.unit500.org

 

Sundays, Sep 8 – Dec 1

Family Friendly Matinee

3 p.m.

Dates: 9/8, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

www.madeuptheatre.com

 

Mondays, Sep 9 – Dec 17

Advanced Math and Science Tutoring

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

High school and college level help in math, physics and chemistry

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Monday – Friday, Sep 30 – Nov 27

Resonance Exhibit

Upstairs: Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

Mixed media by 11 artists

PhotoCentral

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

www.photocentral.org

 

Monday – Friday, Oct 4 – Dec 6

Members Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Art by members of the Hayward Arts Council

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Oct 8 – Dec 3

Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Works by community artists

Sunset Gallery

22100 Princeton St., H2, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Wednesdays, Oct 9 – Nov 20

Caring for the Caregiver

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Home safety, sleeping well, stress reduction, end-of-life planning.

No class 11/13

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Oct 18 – Nov 17

Cabaret $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m.

German citizens and performers face the rise of the Third Reich

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Oct 18 – Nov 16

Day of the Dead Exhibit

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Works celebrating Dia de los Muertos.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

sungallery.org

 

Mondays & Wednesdays, Oct 21 – Nov 20

Food Business Entrepreneurial Training R

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Learn how to start and grow your own food business

Hayward Main Library

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 881-7980

(916) 234-6551

 

Fridays, Nov 1 – Nov 22

Toddler Ramble: Do the Loco-Motion $

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Squish, plop, and explore habitats. Ages 1-3

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Saturdays, Nov 2 – Nov 9

Macramé with Me $

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Explore the ancient art of knotting and create a wall hanging

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 792-0905

macramewithme@gmail.com

 

Sundays, Nov 3 – Dec 29

Animal Feeding Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays – Sundays, Nov 2 – Dec 29

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Discover the natural world

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

Saturdays – Sundays, Nov 2 – Dec 29

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Thurs, Nov 7 – Sunday Nov 24

Hello, Dolly! $

Preview Night: Thursday, Nov 7: 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m.

Sundays: 2 p.m.

Award-winning Broadway hit about turn-of-the-century matchmaker

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre

22311 N. Third St. in Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.dmtonline.org

 

Thursday – Saturday, Nov 8 – Nov 16

The Reluctant Vampire $

8 p.m.

Join Drusilla on a journey of self-discovery… and blood.

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

 

Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 8 – Nov 16

Peter and the Starcatcher $

7 p.m.

Backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook

Castro Valley Center for the Arts

19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 889-8961

www.cvartsfoundation.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Nov 8 – Nov 17

1984 $

Fri – Sat: 7:30 p.m. Sun: 2:00 p.m.

Adaptation performed by theatre and dance departments

Cal State East Bay Theatre

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

www.csueastbaytickets.com

 

Friday-Sunday, Nov 8 – Nov 24

Next to Normal $

Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Toney Award-winning “mental illness musical”

Smalltown Society Space

22222 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

plethos.org

 

Sundays, Nov 10 – Jan 4

Dove Gallery Art Competition Exhibit

12 noon – 3 p.m.

Artworks from all ages in various media and styles

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

Thursday – Sunday, Nov 14 – Nov 23

The Learned Ladies $

Thurs: 4 p.m. Fri & Sat: 7 p.m. Sun: 2 p.m.

Comedy by Moliere

American High School Theatre

36300 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

(510)796-1776 ext 57702

http://ahs-fusd-ca.schoolloop.com

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St., Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St., Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

 

 

THIS WEEK:

 

Wednesday, Nov 6

Toddler Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Hear a story, do some chores, meet some farm animals

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Wednesday, Nov 6

Compassion Cultivation Training R

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Integrated practice

City of Fremont, Bldg. B

3300 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 574-2035

 

Wednesday, Nov 6

Zentangle with Neera Dave

1 p.m.

If you can write your name, you can create a Zentangle

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 792-0905

www.fremontartassociation.org

 

Thursday, Nov 7

Toastmasters Open House

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Discover your voice and potential, gain confidence

First Baptist Church

6320 Dairy Ave, Newark

(510) 793-4810

(510) 371-4886

 

Thursday, Nov 7

Fresh Approach VeggieRX R

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Nutrition class, cooking demonstration and tasting

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

www.sanleandro.org

 

Thursday, Nov 7

Are You in the Picture?

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Learn about the Greater Niles Village

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.greaternilesvillage.com

 

Friday, Nov 8

Cannabis 101

1 p.m.

Learn about CBD and THC and use for pain management and sleep

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Toy-Anime Comic Con $

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kid-friendly: cosplay contest and vendors. Kids under 12 free

Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

22737 Main St., Hayward

https://www.facebook.com/events/360259358006853/

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Garden Chores for Kids

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Help weed, water, plant seeds in the garden. Learn about heirloom vegetables

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Corn Husk Dolls

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Craft your own folk art doll of colorful husks

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Second Saturday Author Series

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Anita Tosh reads from her books “The Zella Chronicles” and “God’s Armory”

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 744-0333

www.cwc-fremontareawriters.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Alameda County Transportation Open House

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Provide input for the E. 14th St/Mission & Fremont Blvd. multimodal corridor

Ashland Youth Complex

16335 E. 14th St., San Leandro

www.alamedactc.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Texas Hold ‘Em $

5:30 p.m.

Kiwanis Club of San Leandro fundraiser benefitting Building Futures

Englander Restaurant

101 Parrott St., San Leandro

(510) 562-1029

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Stories Under an Oak

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Storytime under the canopy of a majestic oak

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Cart of Curiosities

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Wonders of cultural and natural history

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Free College Admission Seminar

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Students (and families) in grade 8-11

India Community Center

525 Los Coches St., Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

www.indiacc.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Bird Walk: Proud as a Peacock $

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Walk at Coyote Hills. Ages 12+

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Open Studio

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Glassblowing demonstrations, items for sale

Erickson Arts

33449 Western Ave., Union City

(510) 579-5209

gericksonaats@gmail.com

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Family Workshop $

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Build a fairy house. Ages 10+

Imaginook

39675 Cedar Blvd., Suite 135, Newark

510-358-5877

www.imaginook.us

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Covered California Workshop

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn about health care options

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

www.tri-cityhealth.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Castro Valley Light Parade

5:30 p.m.

Community parade with electric lights

Castro Valley Boulevard

Between San Miguel Ave. & Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 670-6107

www.cvmeetinthestreet.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Turkey Talk

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Explore all things turkey and make decorations

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Artists Relaxing Together

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Debbie O'Brien explains her oil paintings of abstract views of reality

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Documentary Film “Won't You Be My Neighbor?”

1:30 p.m.

Director Morgan Neville interviews dozens of people who worked with Mr. Rogers

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org

 

Saturday, Nov 10

Victorian Table Top Games

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Play a game of ball and cup, tops, or Jacob’s Ladder

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9 – Sunday, Nov 10

You Too $

Sat: 7 p.m. Sun: 4 p.m.

Woman-directed play addressing the #metoo movement

Fremont Central Park Behind Community Center

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-5546

https://ritualart.ticketspice.com/you-too-play

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Meet the Bunnies

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Rabbits are great hoppers and use their long ears to sense danger

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Farmyard Story Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Come listen to some classic barnyard tales

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Cooking in Country Kitchen

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sample food that was cooked on a wood-burning stove

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Weekend Weed Warriors

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Volunteers remove litter and invasive plants. Ages 12+

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Henna Candle Workshop R

3:00p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Use the ancient art of henna to decorate a candle. Ages 13+

Newark Branch Library

6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark

(510) 284-0684

www.aclibrary.org/newark

 

Monday, Nov 11

Veterans Day Ceremony

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Veterans Plaza

455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/

 

Monday, Nov 11

Veterans Day Program

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Honoring all who served

Elks Lodge

38991 Farwell Dr., Fremont

(510) 793-5683

www.va.gov

 

Monday, Nov 11

Outdoor Discoveries: Colors of Fall R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Preschool and home school nature series. Ages 4-8

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Monday, Nov 11

Bingo $

7 p.m.

Food, great games

Niles Canyon Mobile Estates

711 Old Canyon Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-7303

(510) 513-3237

 

Tuesday, Nov 12

Start Smart: Teen Driver Program R

6 p.m.

Driver safety education for teens 15-19 and their parents

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org/castro_valley

 

Tuesday, Nov 12

10th Annual Rich Wicker Pool Tournament $

9:30 a.m.

All skill levels welcome. Register by 11/8

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Tuesday, Nov 12

Stop Packaging Waste Workshop

Alternatives to help minimize packaging waste

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

www.aclibrary.org

 

Thursday, Nov 14

Mardi Gras in November $

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Fundraiser hosted by Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center

PLaYT Restaurant

1036 B St., Hayward

(510) 888-1092

tvhcfriends.eventbrite.com

 

Thursday, Nov 14

House Tour R

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Learn about Serra Center and enjoy a bag lunch. RSVP by 11/8

Serra Center

41477 Ellen St., Fremont

lmcgarry@serracenter.org

 

 

 

Upgrades planned for Joshua Tree to ease park crowds

AP Wire Service

 

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (AP), Oct 19 – A revamped entrance and visitor centers are in the works to help ease crowds after a surge in tourism to Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park.

 

Annual attendance has nearly doubled in the past five years, leading to hour-long waits to enter the park 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Los Angeles and crammed parking lots, The Desert Sun reported Saturday.

 

The Park Service has plans to demolish a fee booth and construct a new one with additional entry and exit lanes and automated fee pay stations. That project is expected to be completed by 2022.

 

There are also plans for new visitors' centers to accommodate larger crowds. A 5,000-square-foot visitor center in Twentynine Palms, California – which will replace an existing 600-square-foot space – will include educational exhibits and an outdoor stage for community events.

 

On the other side of the park, the Park Service will replace a trailer that serves as a center for visitor information with a new building with space for sales and exhibits. Officials also have plans to redesign a park campground following an increase in tent camping there.

 

“We need to keep these places preserved forever, as they are, but allow for their enjoyment today,” said David Smith, the park's superintendent. “It's a constant battle for any manager to figure out where you are on that spectrum.”

 

The park is known for crazy-limbed trees with clusters of green spikes.

–––

 

Information from: The Desert Sun, http://www.desertsun.com

 

 

 

Football

 

Huskies Junior Varsity dominates

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The Washington Huskies (Fremont) JV squad had a good day on the gridiron in their November 1st meeting with the American Eagles (Fremont) JV team. Controlling both offense and defense early on, the Huskies put points on the scoreboard while holding the Eagles scoreless. Although the Eagles attempted to were competitive throughout the contest, it just wasn’t their day. Final score: Huskies JV 20, Eagles JV 0

Photos in 1 new Sharon

 

 

 

Kaiser promotes traffic safety

By Stephanie Gertsch

 

Kaiser Permanente is partnering with the City of Fremont in their ongoing Vision Zero effort by sponsoring a traffic safety education program, involving street banners with messages focused on deterring behaviors that data driven analysis indicates are high risk factors: unsafe speeds, failure to yield to pedestrians, driving under influence, and inattentive driving.

 

On Wednesday, October 30, Kaiser Fremont Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Karen Tejcka, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, and City Manager Mark Danaj presented the Vision Zero street banners that will hang on various roadways in the city through the end of the year. The banners are designed to resemble text messages, with appropriate emojis such as children playing and elderly people walking. The event took place at the Kaiser Medical Center in Fremont.

 

Mayor Lily Mei spoke about how the “Vision Zero” program represents a shift in thinking about traffic collisions. “Each year nearly 40,000 people, the population of a small city, are needlessly killed on American roads, and hundreds of thousands more are severely injured. The traditional approach to roadway safety views major crashes or accidents as an inevitable effect on modern life. A Vision Zero approach, though, holds that through a mix of actions around safer streets, safer peoples, and safer vehicles, the transportation system can be designed and operated so that traffic crashes will not result in the loss of lives or life-altering injuries.”

 

City Manager Mark Danaj listed changes seen from the Vision Zero program since its adoption in 2015. “For the past three years, following the adoption of this Vision Zero program, the city has reduced major traffic crashes by 50 percent—yes, cutting it in half.” This is even as major crashes with severe injuries have risen across the state and nation. Efforts include redesigning streets and promoting safe travel behavior. Numerous accomplishments during this period include upgrading all 16,00 streetlights with brighter LED technology, installing pedestrian countdown signals at all 200 traffic signals, and reconstructing more than 50 miles of roadway with better bike lanes.

 

The banners are just one part of Fremont’s ongoing efforts to make travel safer for everyone.

 

 

 

Keystone oil pipeline leaks 383,000 gallons in North Dakota

By JAMES MacPherson

Associated Press

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP), Oct 31 – TC Energy's Keystone pipeline leaked an estimated 383,000 gallons (1.4 million liters) of oil in northeastern North Dakota, state regulators said Thursday.

 

Crews on Tuesday shut down the pipeline that carries tar sands oil from Canada through seven states after the leak was discovered, said Karl Rockeman, North Dakota's water quality division director. It remained closed Thursday.

 

The Calgary, Alberta-based company formerly known as TransCanada said in a statement the leak affected about 22,500 square feet (2090.3 sq. meters) of land near Edinburg, in Walsh County.

 

The company and regulators said the cause was being investigated.

 

“Our emergency response team contained the impacted area and oil has not migrated beyond the immediately affected area,” the company said in a statement.

 

North Dakota regulators were notified late Tuesday night of the leak. Rockeman said some wetlands were affected, but not any sources of drinking water.

 

Regulators have been at the site since Wednesday afternoon monitoring the spill and cleanup, he said.

 

Crude began flowing through the $5.2 billion pipeline in 2011. It's designed to carry crude oil across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and through North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri on the way to refineries in Patoka, Illinois and Cushing, Oklahoma.

 

It can handle about 23 million gallons daily.

 

The pipeline spill and shutdown comes as the company seeks to build the $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline that would carry tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to refineries in Texas. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline has drawn opposition from people who fear it will harm the environment.

 

President Donald Trump issued a federal permit for the expansion project in 2017, after it had been rejected by the Obama administration.

 

Together, the massive Keystone and Keystone XL network would be about five times the length of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

 

The original Keystone has experienced problems with spills in the past, including one in 2011 of more than 14,000 gallons (53,000 liters) of oil in southeastern North Dakota, near the South Dakota border. That leak was blamed on valve failure at a pumping station.

 

Another leak in 2016 prompted a weeklong shutdown of the pipeline. The company estimated that just under 17,000 gallons (64,350 liters) of oil spilled onto private land during that leak. Federal regulators said an “anomaly” on a weld on the pipeline was to blame. No waterways or aquifers were affected.

 

In 2017, the pipeline leaked an estimated 407,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of oil onto farmland in northeastern South Dakota, in a rural area near the North Dakota border. The company had originally put the spill at about 210,000 gallons (795,000 liters).

 

Federal regulators said at the time the Keystone leak was the seventh-largest onshore oil or petroleum product spill since 2010. Federal investigators said the pipeline was likely damaged during installation during 2008 and may have occurred when a vehicle drove over the pipe, causing it to weaken over time.

 

North Dakota's biggest spill, and one of the largest onshore spills in U.S. history, came in 2013, when 840,000 gallons (3.1 million liters) spilled from a Tesoro pipeline in the northwestern part of the state. The company spent five years and nearly $100 million cleaning it up.

 

The Sierra Club said the latest spill was an example of why the Keystone XL should not be built.

 

“We don't yet know the extent of the damage from this latest tar sands spill, but what we do know is that this is not the first time this pipeline has spilled toxic tar sands, and it won't be the last.”

 

 

 

California schools may allow medical cannabis on campuses

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Oct 10 – California schools will get to decide if parents can administer medical marijuana to their children on school campuses.

 

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday he signed the legislation that reverses a current prohibition on cannabis within 1,000 feet of K-12 campuses. School districts will have the final say on whether they will allow it.

 

The law will take effect Jan. 1.

 

Newsom's predecessor, fellow Democrat Jerry Brown, vetoed a similar law last year.

 

State Sen. Jerry Hill, the bill's author, named it “Jojo's Act” for a teenager in South San Francisco who uses medical cannabis to treat severe epilepsy. California has legalized medical marijuana since the 1990s, but there are strict rules about its use on campus.

 

Washington, Colorado, Florida, Maine, New Jersey, Delaware, Illinois and New Mexico already have similar laws in place, Hill's office said.

 

“Jojo's Act would lift barriers for students with severe medical disabilities – for whom medicinal cannabis is the only medication that works – so they can take their dose at school and then get on with their studies, without being removed from campus and without disrupting their educational experience or that of their classmates,” Hill said in a statement when the bill passed the state Legislature.

 

Students must have a valid medical recommendation, and parents would have to bring the cannabis to the school rather than store it there. The cannabis would have to be in a non-smoking form, such as a capsule.

 

 

 

Pentagon hands Microsoft $10B ‘war cloud' deal, snubs Amazon

By Rachel Lerman

AP Technology Writer

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Oct 25 – The Pentagon awarded Microsoft a $10 billion cloud computing contract, snubbing early front-runner Amazon, whose competitive bid drew criticism from President Donald Trump and its business rivals.

 

Bidding for the huge project, known as Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, or JEDI, pitted leading tech titans Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle and IBM against one another.

 

The giant contract has attracted more attention than most, sparked by speculation early in the process that Amazon would be the sole winner of the deal. Tech giants Oracle and IBM pushed back with their own bids and also formally protested the bidding process last year.

 

Oracle later challenged the process in federal court but lost.

 

Trump waded into the fray in July, saying that the administration would “take a very long look” at the process, saying he had heard complaints. Trump has frequently expressed his ire for Amazon and founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post. At the time, he said other companies told him that the contract “wasn't competitively bid.”

 

Defense Secretary Mark Esper recused himself from the controversial bidding process earlier this week, citing a conflict of interest because his son works for one of the companies that originally bid.

 

The JEDI system will store and process vast amounts of classified data, allowing the U.S. military to use artificial intelligence to speed up its war planning and fighting capabilities.

 

A cloud strategy document unveiled by the Defense Department last year called for replacing the military's “disjointed and stove-piped information systems” with a commercial cloud service “that will empower the warfighter with data and is critical to maintaining our military's technological advantage.”

 

The Pentagon emphasized in an announcement that the process was fair and followed procurement guidelines. It noted that over the past two years, it has awarded more than $11 billion in ten separate cloud-computing contracts and said the JEDI award “continues our strategy of a multi-vendor, multi-cloud environment.”

 

The latter statement appeared designed to address previous criticism about awarding such a large deal to one company.

 

The deal is a major win for Microsoft's cloud business Azure, which has long been playing catch-up to Amazon's market leading Amazon Web Services. Microsoft said it was preparing a statement.

 

Amazon said Friday it was surprised by the decision.

 

“AWS is the clear leader in cloud computing, and a detailed assessment purely on the comparative offerings clearly lead to a different conclusion,” Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said in a statement. “We remain deeply committed to continuing to innovate for the new digital battlefield where security, efficiency, resiliency, and scalability of resources can be the difference between success and failure.”

 

According to a July report from the research firm Gartner, Amazon holds almost 48% of the market for public cloud computing, followed by Microsoft in second place with close to 16%.

 

Over the last year, Microsoft has positioned itself as a friend to the U.S. military. President Brad Smith wrote last fall that Microsoft has long supplied technology to the military and would continue to do so, despite pushback from employees.

 

Oracle and IBM were eliminated earlier in the process, leaving Microsoft and Amazon to battle it out at the end.

 

Google decided last year not to compete for the contract, saying it would conflict with its AI ethics principles. Google employees have been especially vocal in protesting the company's involvement with government contracts.

 

“It's a paradigm changer for Microsoft to win JEDI,” said Dan Ives, managing director of Wedbush Securities. “And it's a huge black eye for Amazon and Bezos.”

 

Microsoft, Amazon, Google and other tech giants have faced criticism from their own employees about doing business with the government, especially on military and immigration related projects.

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

Supervisors add ‘mutton busting’ to prohibited rodeo events

 

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted 3:2 on October 29^th to add “mutton busting” to the list of prohibited events in the county rodeo ordinance (sponsored by ACTION FOR ANIMALS in 1993). It affects rodeos only in the unincorporated areas of the county (Rowell Ranch Rodeo, for example). The Livermore Rodeo is within the Livermore City limits, and will not be affected. Yet, perhaps public pressure will convince them otherwise….

 

Speakers were about evenly divided, maybe 30-35 rodeo proponents on one side of the room (most in cowboy hats); about the same number of animal advocates on the other. Speakers were limited to two minutes each. Thanks to all who came and spoke up for the animals–MUCH APPRECIATED!

 

And this: The annual Alameda County Fair is within the Pleasanton city limits. Notwithstanding, the Fair Administration told me that they would abide by any rodeo event ban in the County Ordinance, including the ban on “mutton busting.” Progress!

 

AYE VOTES – Supervisors Richard Valle (president), Wilma Chan and Keith Carson.

 

NO VOTES – Supervisors Scott Haggerty (who represents the Livermore Rodeo area); and Nate Miley (who represents the Castro Valley area, home of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo). Supervisor Miley claimed the process was faulty, and proposed a three-year “study” to see if “mutton busting” was cruel or not, and asked that the issue be considered before the County's Agriculture Committee…. you can well imagine how THAT would have gone.

 

Fortunately, saner heads prevailed and the vote was taken: 3:2 in favor banning “mutton busting.” Hopefully, sometime in the near future, we can add “wild cow milking,” “goat tying,” “calf riding” and all animal “scrambles” to the prohibited list.

 

Note that Supervisors Valle, Chan, Haggerty and Miley all spoke at some length in defense of their positions. Supervisor Carson remained silent throughout, but ultimately voted AYE! – which is the important thing. Kudos to The Big Three!

 

Please send notes of appreciation (or concern and disappointment, as appropriate) to all Supervisors. (Action for Animals would appreciate blind copies.)

EMAIL ADDRESSES:

richard.valle@acgov.org (pres. of Board)

scott.haggerty@acgov.org

nate.miley@acgov.org

wilma.chan@acgov.org

keith.carson@actov.org

 

OR WRITE: Alameda County Board of Supervisors, 1221 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94612.

 

Now do what Supervisor Haggerty advised all us animal advocates at hearing's end: “All you people can go home and eat your salad!” Unclear on the concept, apparently.

Eric Mills, coordinator

ACTION FOR ANIMALS

Oakland

 

 

 

The Messenger Crosses the Sun: Mercury Transit 2019

By David Prosper

 

Did you know that there are two other objects in our skies that have phases like the Moon? They’re the inner planets, found between Earth and the Sun: Mercury and Venus. You can see their phases if you observe them through a telescope. Like our Moon, you can’t see the planets in their “new” phase, unless they are lined up perfectly between us Earthlings and the Sun. In the case of the Moon, this alignment results in a solar eclipse; in the case of Mercury and Venus, this results in a transit, where the small disc of the planet travels across the face of the Sun. Skywatchers are in for a treat this month, as Mercury transits the Sun the morning of November 11.

 

You may have seen the transit of Venus in 2012; you may have even watched it through eclipse glasses. However, this time you’ll need a solar telescope to see anything, since eclipse glasses will only reveal the Sun’s blank face. Why is that? Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, and closer to the Sun (and further away from Earth) during its transit than Venus was in its 2012 transit. This makes Mercury’s disc too small to see without the extra power of a telescope.

 

Make certain that you view the transit via a telescope equipped with a safe solar filter or projection setup. Do not combine binoculars with your eclipse glasses; this will instantly burn a hole through the glasses – and your eyes. While most people don’t have solar telescopes handy, many astronomy clubs do. Look for clubs hosting Mercury transit observing events near you at bit.ly/findnsn (USA) or at bit.ly/awbtransit (worldwide).

 

What a fun opportunity to see another planet during the day. This transit is expected to last over five hours. Folks on the East Coast will be able to watch the entre transit, weather permitting, from approximately 7:35 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) until around approximately 1:04 p.m. EST. Folks located in the middle of North America to the West Coast will see the transit already in progress at sunrise. The transit takes hours, so if your weather is cloudy, don’t despair; there will be plenty of time for skies to clear. You can find timing details and charts via eclipse guru Fred Espenak’s website: bit.ly/mercurytransit2019.

 

Mercury’s orbit is small and swift, and so its position in our skies quickly changes; that’s why it was named after the fleet-footed messenger god of Roman mythology. In fact, if you have a clear view of the eastern horizon, you’ll be able to catch Mercury again this month. Look for it before dawn during the last week of November, just above the eastern horizon and below red Mars.

 

Wake up early the morning of November 24 to see Mars, the Moon, and Mercury form a loose triangle right before sunrise. Discover more about Mercury and the rest of our solar system at www.nasa.gov.

 

 

This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm to find local clubs, events, and more.

 

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

Vision Zero Street Banners

On Wednesday, October 30, the City of Fremont and Kaiser Permanente unveiled the designs for Vision Zero traffic safety street banners that will be displayed in Fremont through the end of 2020. Approximately 150 banners will be installed along Fremont Boulevard, a key corridor that is traveled by more than 25,000 people every day. The five banner designs, which were designed by City staff, focus on educating the community about behaviors that data driven analysis indicates are high risk factors in Fremont: unsafe speeds, failure to yield to pedestrians, driving under the influence, and inattentive driving. The project is supported by a $25,000 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Program.

 

In the past three years following adoption of its Vision Zero program, the City has reduced major traffic crashes by fifty percent. That is in an environment where nationwide pedestrian and cyclist fatalities increased from 2017 to 2018. The City’s accomplishments since 2015 include upgrading all 16,000 street lighting with brighter LED streetlights; installing pedestrian countdown signals at all 220 traffic signals; restriping more than 50 miles of roadways with better bikeways and to promote safer speeds; enhancing more than 10 crosswalks with pedestrian signals and flashing beacons; and delivering 300 safety improvement projects near schools.

 

Karen Tejcka, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive for the Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center stated in her remarks, “This critically important campaign directly aligns with Kaiser Permanente’s focus on Total Health that goes beyond our members to include the communities that we serve.”

 

Visit www.Fremont.gov/VisionZero2020 for more details about the City’s Vision Zero program.

 

 

 

City Breaks Ground on Downtown Event Center and Plaza

Last Friday, October 25, the City of Fremont held a groundbreaking celebration for the much anticipated Downtown Event Center and Plaza in partnership with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce at its last Street Eats event of the year. Mayor Lily Mei, City Manager Mark Danaj, and Community Services Director Suzanne Wolf presided over the festivities and gave remarks about the planning and purpose of the intended downtown facilities. Over 400 people 2attended the celebration event, partaking in the ceremony and entertainment including a live band, artists and entertainers, street games, and bounce houses.

 

This first phase of the Civic Center project marks a big milestone in meeting the public demand and City’s vision for an active, vibrant downtown that will serve as a central gathering location in the Fremont community. The future Downtown Event Center will provide meeting rooms, amenities, and a large spacious lobby, a catering kitchen, and more, for networking, local business gatherings, and conferences.

 

The outdoor plaza will host the event needs of our community by offering a lawn, multipurpose space, a designated area for food trucks, and a garden breakout space under a canopy of trees. The project also aligns with the City’s sustainability and public art initiatives. When complete, the building will be Fremont’s first all-electric building with zero dependence on fossil fuels, and will also feature commissioned artwork.

 

Construction for this project is anticipated to take approximately 18 months with a completion date slated for spring 2021.

 

 

 

Discounts offered on Solar Installations and Electric Vehicles

There is still time to sign up for Bay Area SunShares, a City-sponsored community program helping local residents access discounted pricing on solar installations and zero-emission vehicles.

 

Two local and recognized solar installation companies—SkyTech Solar and Solar Technologies—are participating in the program and offering a 15% discount, making now the most affordable time to go solar! In addition, those who choose to go solar can still take advantage of the federal solar tax credit.

 

SunShares is also offering zero-emission vehicle discounts on the 2019 all electric Nissan Leaf and the 2019 hydrogen fuel-cell Toyota Mirai.

 

Imagine the possibilities…save on your home utility bills, cut your gas costs, reduce your greenhouse gas footprint, and drive on clean energy!

 

To sign up, visit www.BayAreaSunShares.org. This limited time offer is only available until November 15, 2019.

 

 

 

Theatre

 

Mental illness musical – Next to Normal – comes to Plethos

Submitted by Karin Richey

Photo by Cathy Breslow

 

This November, Plethos Productions is producing the Broadway musical that won a Pulitzer Prize for drama, along with 3 Tony Awards – “Next to Normal.”

 

On the surface, the characters are your typical “normal” American family. But just beneath the facade, is Diana Goodman, a mother who has struggled with bipolar disorder and psychosis for sixteen years. This gripping, heart-wrenching musical is a snapshot of just one of the rollercoaster years Diana, her husband and children have endured.

 

This show is a deep, emotional dive into depression, anxiety and the mental health industry. From a song about pharmaceuticals to mental tricks played on the audience, everyone is taken along for the ride as Diana experiences the frenetic highs of mania and the absolute depths of severe depression and grief. Journey along with this family and see how empathy, patience and love help them endure.

 

This timely rock musical is so relevant, real and relatable in today’s society, which so badly needs to de-stigmatize mental illness, treatment and accessing resources.

 

Playing at Smalltown Society in Castro Valley, Fridays – Sundays, November 8 – 24. Friday and Saturday shows are 7 p.m., Sundays are 2 p.m. matinees. Seating is limited. Advanced purchase highly recommended at plethos.org. General admission is $20.

 

Next to Normal

Friday, Nov 8 – Sunday, Nov 24

Fri – Sat: 7 p.m.

Sun: 2 p.m.

Smalltown Society

22222 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 842-6005

plethos.org

 

 

 

Healthy donors needed to maintain blood supply

Submitted by Christine Welch

 

As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.

 

One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. For people that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate.

 

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Appointments to donate blood can be made at the American Red Cross website at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1 (800) 733-2767.

 

Meanwhile, here are in-person blood donation opportunities available in the Tri-City area through November 15:

 

• Fremont

Fremont Police Department

2000 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

Nov 7: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

• Newark

Fremont-Newark Blood Donation Center

39227 Cedar Blvd., Newark

Nov 8-9, 15: 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nov 10: 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Nov 5-7, 11-14: 11:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

 

 

 

Nurses at Washington Hospital ratify new contract

Submitted by California Nurses Association

 

Registered nurses at Washington Hospital in Fremont voted in late October to ratify a four-year contract that includes provisions that nurses say will lead to improved patient care. The announcement was made Friday, November 1 by the California Nurses Association (CNA) which represents more than 800 nurses at the hospital.

 

“Nurses stood up for safe staffing standards by securing an agreement that promotes the training of qualified nurses in specialty areas,” said Lizet Beltran, an oncology nurse. “This agreement will enable us to retain our highly qualified nursing staff who take care of the community.”

 

Highlights of the contract include:

 

• Strengthening nurses’ voices to improve patient care. The new agreement increases nurse participation in the hospital’s professional practice committee, a committee of nurses and hospital management which meets monthly to resolve patient care issues.

 

• Support for nurses, leading to enhanced patient care. The contract includes improved staffing language to ensure RNs can safely take meal and rest breaks to reduce on-the-job stress and fatigue that studies show can erode patient safety.

 

• Critical educational opportunities. The agreement includes increased incentives for RNs to take part in training and educational programs that enhance the quality of patient care and improve recruitment and retention of experienced nurses.

 

• No takeaways to health benefits. Nurses were able to block the hospital management’s effort to increase premiums for health care.

 

• Economic gains to help with recruitment and retention. With an across the board wage increase of 11% over the four years of the agreement, this contract will help attract the most experienced nurses to care for patients and the community served by the hospital.

 

“With our new agreement, we will have increased representation to resolve patient care concerns and improve how nurses take care of patients at the bedside,” said Kim Lake, a registered nurse at the Birth Center. “This contract is a testament to our solidarity and our commitment to serving our patients.”

 

 

 

Holiday Show & Sale Volunteer Sign-up

Submitted by Olive Hyde Art Guild

 

Olive Hyde Art Guild has volunteer opportunities available for its annual Holiday Show & Sale.

If you are interested in volunteering, call Jeanne Delp at (510) 797-9935 to arrange your assignment and timeslot. You may also sign up online at http://olivehydeartguild.org/holiday-for-the-arts-2/holiday-show-sale-volunteers/ — select a day, and the link will open in a new tab to display volunteer positions available that day. If desired, you may sign up for multiple days.

 

Olive Hyde Volunteer Opportunities

 

Monday, Dec 2: Decorations Facilities Prep & Setup

Tuesday, Dec 3: Receiving

Wednesday, Dec 4: Installation & Facility Prep

Friday, Dec 6: Gala

Saturday, Dec 7: Show & Sale

Sunday, Dec 8: Show & Sale

Monday, Dec 9: Inventory

Tuesday, Dec 10: Artist Checkout

Wednesday, Dec 11: Dismantling Decorations & Facility Clean up

 

Olive Hyde Art Guild

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-9935

http://olivehydeartguild.org/holiday-for-the-arts-2/holiday-show-sale-volunteers/

 

 

 

Package thieves sought

Submitted by Officer Kevin Jackson, Milpitas PD

 

Police in Milpitas are asking help from the public in identifying several people suspected of stealing packages from the front porches of several residential homes.

 

Here is the background information:

 

• August 28: An unknown female stole Amazon packages from the front porch of two residences in the area of Centre Pointe Drive in Milpitas. One of the incidents was captured on a residential security camera system, which allowed the homeowner to provide an image of the suspect. On October 18, the Milpitas Police Department released several images of suspects associated with package thefts from the same area in hopes of identifying the suspects.

 

• October 24: A member of the public contacted police detectives and provided information to identify the female suspect whose picture was disseminated in the original press release. The suspect was identified as a 17-year-old female from Oakland. The suspect was in custody at a juvenile facility in Alameda County and Milpitas detectives were able to issue her a citation for the package thefts.

 

The Milpitas Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect in this case. The other two male suspects have not been located and detectives are working diligently to identify them.

 

Meanwhile, police are asking residents to consider having packages delivered to their workplace or to the home of a relative/neighbor/friend who is home on the delivery date. Online retailers, such as Amazon, allow packages to be delivered to Amazon Hub Lockers, plus they offer their Prime customers the option of “Amazon Day,” which allows them to pick a delivery date. Taking these steps could prevent people from becoming victims of package theft.

 

Anyone with information on the two male suspects associated with these package theft incidents is asked to contact the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department Website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip.

Letter to the Editor

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

Parcel Tax extension is necessary

 

As reported in the Tri-City Voice [October 29, 2019], the Union City City Council gave direction in the October 22, 2019 meeting to extend the current Public Safety Parcel Tax by a 3-2 vote. Extension of the tax is a must for the following reasons:

 

1. Maintain the 911 emergency system.
2. Maintain neighborhood police patrols and school safety programs
3. Continue youth violence prevention programs

 

There will be plenty of other tax proposals on the November 2020 ballot such as the New Haven School Bond, Alameda County sales tax proposals, etc. Therefore, the Public Safety Parcel Tax renewal has the best chance to pass on the March 2020 ballot.

 

The public is skeptical about any tax increase and a divided City Council would divide the public too. We should remember that Union City voters turned down a tax proposal in the last election. I kindly request the Mayor and council members come up with a unanimous proposal by making necessary compromises in the structuring of the parcel tax for the public to buy in and vote in March 2020.

 

Subru Bhat

Union City

 

 

 

 

Neighborhood park improvements coming soon

Submitted by Jacqui Diaz

 

Officials from the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) recently announced that renovations on two of the district’s parks will be starting soon.

 

Upgrades to East Avenue Park, at 3221 East Ave. in Hayward and Via Toledo Park at 18651 Via Toledo in San Lorenzo, will start in November with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2020. Both two-acre parks serve residents and visitors.

 

Improvements planned at East Avenue Park include restroom replacement, an accessible pathway, play area, basketball court, picnic areas, site furnishings, parking area, as well as signage, fencing, tree work and plantings. Updates at Via Toledo Park will include improvements in the play area, fitness area, a shade structure, along with grading and drainage, site furnishings, irrigation and planting.

 

“The district is very excited to begin these two projects for our residents since they support the community’s values for health, wellness and enjoying the outdoors.” said District General Manager, Paul McCreary. “We also want to acknowledge that this may impact the neighbors during construction and we want to be responsive to any construction impacts.”

 

Residents are encouraged to visit the HARD website at www.hard.icitywork.com to learn more about these capital improvement projects.

 

 

 

Police ID bank robbery suspects

Submitted by Fremont PD

 

Three suspects in an October 21 robbery at the Provident Credit Union in Fremont have been identified by the Fremont Police Department.

 

Bryan Colston, 30, and Damario Crawford, 32, both of Oakland, and Larisha Kilgore, 27, of El Cerrito, were taken into custody after leading authorities on a vehicle pursuit on I-880 to Hayward after the bank robbery, which occurred about 5:30 p.m.

 

Evidence from the robbery was located inside the vehicle as well as inside the pockets of the suspects. The suspect vehicle was determined to have been stolen out Hayward five days prior to the bank robbery.

 

On October 23 the case was presented to the Alameda County District Attorney for review. All three suspects were charged with multiple felony charges in connection with the bank robbery. Kilgore was also charged with additional felony crimes in connection to the pursuit and possession of the stolen vehicle. The suspects remain in custody with a scheduled court date of November 14.

 

Meanwhile, the case is still being investigated. Anyone with information about it is asked to call the Fremont Police Department’s Investigative Unit at (510) 790-6954 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP FREMONTPD followed by a short message to 888-777. Information can also be shared online at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.

 

 

 

Pumpkins at the Zoo

Leftover Halloween pumpkins find new purpose at zoo

Submitted by Isabella Linares

 

Carving of the gourds has been a tradition in North America for decades. But what happens to them after the season ends? Instead of letting pumpkins end up as waste in compost or the trash bin, the Oakland Zoo works with local pumpkin patches to donate leftovers to the Zoo for the animals to enjoy. This annual tradition has become quite a treat for many animals at Oakland Zoo, thanks to the generous donations from donors such as Moore’s Pumpkins and Fuji Melon Pumpkin Patch.

 

“Making smart and sustainable choices is important to us. Most Halloween pumpkins — 1.3 billion pounds, in fact — end up in the landfill where they generate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Pumpkins can be made into yummy seeds, soup or bread and eaten, composted at home, or donated to Oakland Zoo for a fun and healthy food source for our animal family!” said Amy Gotliffe, Director of Conservation at Oakland Zoo.

 

The pumpkin craze that sweeps the nation is not only enjoyed by humans. “The pumpkins are a wonderful and healthy resource for all of our animals here at the zoo. It’s kind of like an early Thanksgiving feast and because we can gather so many, we end up feeding them out until January,” said Gina Kinzley, Lead Elephant Keeper at the zoo.

 

Not only are these orange vegetables added to everyday animal diets, but zookeepers have creatively crafted them into enrichment items such as pumpkin kabobs, gourd bowls filled with meat treats, puzzle feeders, and even frozen delicacies. Zoo visitors can see animals feasting on the sweet goodies daily now through the end of December.

 

For ticket prices and parking details, visit the zoo website at www.oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525.

 

 

 

Ohlone College presents world premiere of The Reluctant Vampire

Submitted by Tina Vossugh

Photos by Ravi Masand

 

Ohlone College’s award-winning theatre & dance department presents the world premiere of “The Reluctant Vampire” by Bay Area playwright Eugenie Chan, directed by Michael Navarra.

 

The Reluctant Vampire is a new work specifically written for Ohlone College students and will be performed at the Ohlone College Smith Center in Fremont on November 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 8 p.m. An ASL interpreted performance will be held on November 9. After the show runs, the students will perform it at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—the largest and most prestigious arts festival in the world—August 2020.

 

“This collaboration gave our students the opportunity to be a part of a developmental process with a professional playwright and to see how their input and ideas affected the final product,” says Navarra. “The development of new works is essential to the growth of American theatre and we’re happy that our students were able to be involved in this part of the theatrical experience.”

 

In the play, the prestigious Le Pooles of Blood clan have moved to a new town to expand their lucrative family business. On the eve of their daughter Drusilla’s first bite at the Savage 16 Dance, not all is well. Drusilla is angsty, depressed, and having trouble fitting in. She begins a journey of self-discovery, rebels against her family, and finds a friend in the unlikeliest of places.

 

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. Purchase online or through the Smith Center Box Office at (510) 659-6031. Parking for this event is $4.00. There will be no late seating for this show. For more information visit: https://www.ohlone.edu/theatredance/performances

 

The Reluctant Vampire

Friday, Nov 8 – Saturday, Nov 16

Shows on Nov 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16

ASL interpreted: Nov 9

8 p.m.

Ohlone College Smith Center

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

Tickets: $10-15

Parking: $4

Based on the original novel by George Orwell, “1984” tells the story of a society suppressed by a governing organization known as Big Brother which infiltrates every aspect of people’s lives — monitoring and controlling what its citizens read, speak, say and do.

 

This month, Cal State East Bay’s (CSUEB) Theatre and Dance Department will perform its adaptation of Orwell’s novel — hoping to show audiences the story’s relevance to what is happening right now in society.

 

“Our democracy has never been under such a threat of vanishing since the Civil War,” said Marc Jacobs, the program’s director. “As a character in the play says, ‘People need to wake up!’ We are seeing our freedoms being stripped away every day by this administration. Just as in ‘1984’ we are a divided country with one half scapegoating minorities as the root of all evil, and a president who tells us not to trust the free press. He has destroyed our ability to think we — as Americans — are ONE people.”

 

Jacob’s production doesn’t change much from the basic ideas set forth in the original book, published in 1949 — except that it is set in a future America of 2040. Jacobs has incorporated video of what is happening in the world today, which he says frighteningly mirrors Orwell’s dystopian society of “1984.” Social media has become the people’s addiction. Big Brother sees all and devices are watching us. This new society is built on fear and scapegoating of anyone who can be considered “other.”

 

“I want people to be surprised by the production,” said Jacobs, who is also a CSUEB professor of theatre and dance. “I open the show showing everyone engrossed on their cell phones, not being aware of each other or even the world around them. Orwell has a line in the book: ‘The people will never revolt because they will not look away from their screens long enough to see what’s going on.’ Well, that’s our world right now, isn’t it?”

 

Jacob’s continued: “I’ve also made the illegal love affair at the center of the story a relationship between two women. This is a play about how we treat each other, who we allow to be our rulers, what lies we are willing to swallow from social networking and all of the freedoms we could lose in the stroke of a pen, including the freedom to love who we want and the freedom to live without fear.”

 

Cal State East Bay’s stage adaption of “1984” will be performed November 8 – 17 in the University Theater on campus. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors 60 and older and CSUEB staff/faculty, and $10 for CSUEB students. Because the program contains graphic violence, the play is rated NC-17 and children 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. For program details, call the theater department at (510) 885-3118.

 

Tickets are available online at www.csueastbaytickets.com. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. before each evening performance and can be reached at (510) 885-3261.

 

1984

Friday, Nov 8 – Sunday, Nov 17

Fri & Sat: 7:30 p.m.

Sun: 2 p.m.

CSUEB University Theater

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

(510) 885-3261

www.csueastbaytickets.com

Photo in 1 new SHARON

 

 

 

Hayward airport runways to close for maintenance

Submitted by Hayward Executive Airport

 

Officials from the Hayward Executive Airport are advising local pilots and other airport users that two of the airport’s runways will be closed for several hours over two days in mid-November for maintenance. The airport is at 20301 Skywest Drive, Hayward.

 

Runways 28L/10R and 28R/10L will be closed for rubber removal from 9 p.m. Sunday, November 17 until 7 a.m. Monday, November 18 and again from 9 p.m. Monday, November 18 until 7 a.m. Tuesday, November 19.

 

Because plans may change, airport users that might be impacted by the closures are encouraged to check for Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) updates on the Federal Aviation Administration webpage at www.notams.faa.gov.

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines end miles partnership

AP Wire Service

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP), Oct 10 – Alaska Airlines and American Airlines will scale back their mileage plan partnership early next year, officials said.

 

Alaska Airlines mileage plan members will not be able to earn miles on American Airlines international flights beginning March 1, The Alaska Journal of Commerce reported Wednesday.

 

Alaska Airlines passengers will also no longer be able to use miles for award travel on flights operated by Texas-based American Airlines, company officials said.

 

Alaska plan holders will still be able to earn mile-for-mile value on American flights with Alaska flight numbers to locations in the Midwest, the East Coast and parts of Canada, the airlines said

 

Prior to the Oct. 2 announcement, American Airlines was Alaska's last domestic mileage plan partner, meaning Alaska plan members will not have another major carrier on which to use miles.

 

Alaska now serves about 90% of the destinations connected with the American Airlines partnership, and the arrangement no longer benefits either airline the way it did before Alaska purchased its West Coast rival Virgin America in 2016, Alaska Airlines said.

 

“With our acquisition of Virgin America, we're now the fifth-largest airline in the United States and can now fly more people where they want to go when they want to go,” an Alaska Airlines spokesperson said in an email.

 

Alaska's domestic partnership situation is part of a natural evolution as airlines grow, said Steve Danishek, president of Seattle-based TMA Travel.

 

“The airlines will do better revenue-wise if they take all the mileage members and put them into their own planes because they don't pay anything” to a partner airline, Danishek said.

–––

 

Information from: (Anchorage) Alaska Journal of Commerce, http://www.alaskajournal.com

 

 

 

Amazon drops monthly fee to boost grocery delivery sales

By Joseph Pisani

AP Retail Writer

 

NEW YORK (AP), Oct 29 – Amazon has a new plan to try and jumpstart its grocery delivery business: cut some fees for its Prime members.

 

The online retailer says it will no longer charge $15 a month for its Amazon Fresh service, which delivers raw meat, vegetables and other groceries to customers' doorsteps. But the service is only for subscribers of its Prime membership, which costs $119 a year. And at least $35 must be spent to qualify for free delivery in two hours.

 

Delivery is still a tiny part of the $740 billion grocery market, but Amazon thinks that dropping its fees will attract more people to the service. To handle a jump in users, Amazon is only offering it to those already signed up for Fresh. Others will have to request an invitation.

 

 

 

Apple debuts AirPods Pro with noise cancelling, higher price

AP Wire Service

 

ATLANTA (AP), Oct 28 – Apple is offering a $250 version of its wireless AirPods Pro earbuds with a new design and noise cancellation feature.

 

AirPods have become one of Apple's most popular products since they were introduced three years ago. The new design features three sizes of flexible ear tips rather than the hard plastic of the original AirPods. In addition to noise canceling, there's a transparency mode that lets users listen to noise around them plus music.

 

Regular AirPods sold separately from iPhones cost $160 or $200 with a wireless charging case.

 

Apple first introduced the wireless AirPods in 2016. Since then Google, Microsoft and many others have followed suit. AirPod Pro goes on sale Wednesday.

 

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

 

Friday, October 25

• At 10:55 a.m. a man identified by police as Joshua Wise, 32, of Hayward was arrested at Fremont station on suspicion of violating probation, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into Fremont Jail.

 

• At 11:44 p.m. a man identified by police as Ronald Singer, 27, of Union City was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $300,000 warrant for rape. He also was charged with providing false identification to a police officer. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was to be booked into jail after that.

 

 

Saturday, October 26

• At 1:59 a.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Countee, 28, of Richmond was arrested at Warm Springs/South Fremont station on suspicion of battery of a peace officer and public intoxication. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Sunday, October 27

• At 1:14 p.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Garcia, 44, of Oakland was arrested at San Leandro station on suspicion of burglary and violating probation. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• At 11:22 p.m. a man identified by police as Tamire Edwards, 40, of Oakland was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of assault, making criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and resisting arrest. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into jail.

 

 

Monday, October 28

• At 11:39 a.m. a man identified by police as Noah Tesfa, 28, of San Francisco was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $10,000 warrant for assault. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Wednesday, October 30

• At 9:28 a.m. a man identified by police as Frank Avina, 19, of Stockton was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $40,000 warrant from the San Ramon Police Department for theft violations. He also had two $5,000 warrants from Alameda County for petty theft. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

• At 10:23 a.m. a man identified by police as Hosea Wade, 44, was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of indecent exposure. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Takes from Silicon Valley East

 

 

 

California Main Street Alliance Features Fremont

By Tina Kapoor, Economic Development Manager, City of Fremont

 

The California Main Street Alliance (CAMSA) is part of Main Street America, a national coalition of individuals and organizations united by a commitment to preserving and enhancing the built environment, celebrating local history and culture, and creating local economic opportunity through the National Main Street framework. The transformative national movement has been around for 40 years! CAMSA works with communities across the state to foster local economic development and enhance overall quality of life.

 

City of Fremont joined CAMSA earlier this year, and already our team has benefited from the training and networking opportunities, and access to like-minded municipalities and community organizations focused on revitalizing their commercial districts. Earlier this month, CAMSA called attention to Fremont’s unique history and diverse neighborhood business districts in their Community Spotlight Newsletter. Enjoy the full write-up below:

 

Fremont doesn’t just have one Main Street – it has five neighborhood districts that serve as its backdrop. Ranked as the fourth largest city in Silicon Valley with deep roots in the manufacturing industry, Fremont is one of the most dynamic communities in the country. Tina Kapoor, the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Manager, reveals how joining CAMSA will enhance the City’s place-making efforts and help cultivate new projects and initiatives that will strengthen Fremont’s business districts.

 

 

Could you provide us with a brief overview of the City of Fremont?

 

Back in 1956, five individual townships came together to form the City of Fremont. Now recognized as districts, Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Warm Springs, and Mission San Jose meld together to represent the unique characteristics of Fremont. Our city has always been strongly rooted in manufacturing. Since 1960, the automotive industry has produced millions of trucks and cars from Fremont’s assembly lines. On the hardware side, Apple and Steve Jobs chose to open their first manufacturing site here in 1984.

Today, the City of Fremont is the fourth largest city in Silicon Valley, centrally located with a population of 233,000 and 90 square miles. Tesla, Lam Research, Western Digital, and Seagate are some of the most recognizable names that call Fremont home, but there are over 900 manufacturing companies based in our city employing over 30,000 workers. Fremont has developed an innovation hub of high tech, life science, and clean technology firms with accessibility to BART, a world-class workforce, and a vast R&D/manufacturing portfolio (an estimated 50 million square feet of industrial space).

 

With a rich historical legacy anchored in manufacturing, an innovative mindset, and neighborhood districts that offer a healthy dose of charm and intrigue, Fremont is one of the most dynamic communities in the country.

 

 

How have Fremont’s commercial corridors transformed over the past few years? Any challenges?

 

Given Fremont’s formation from five townships, our city doesn’t just have one “main street,” which comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. We strive to not only preserve, but to celebrate the unique character of these districts embodied in the food scene, public art, local music, and one-of-a-kind stores.

 

With our City’s five districts as the backdrop, along with the development of a new downtown, our team has been cooking up what we like to call a “weirdification” strategy to attract the brightest talent. We are mixing local businesses with new retail development in our historic districts to create an authentically fresh and storied Fremont that appeals to both young and old and is embraced by all parts of our community.

 

By cherishing the rich cultural value that these districts bring, Fremont’s economic development efforts extend far beyond urban zoning and mixed-use development. The big challenge for Fremont is striking the right balance between that authentic, “old world” Fremont charm and making the right updates that will bring more visitors, talent, and ultimately more businesses to our thriving, innovative Silicon Valley city.

 

 

Name a successful downtown project (a historic rehab or new construction build) that can serve as a model for other communities.

 

As mentioned above, while there are several “main streets” in Fremont that sprinkle plenty of spirit and flavor throughout our city, there has never been a central location for residents to get together. One of our top priorities is creating a central downtown hub for the Fremont community to gather, shop, eat, and attend events. Planning for downtown was set into motion in 2014, when the Fremont City Council approved the master plan.

 

Today, there are several private investment projects being developed in downtown including mixed-use residential and ground floor retail along Capitol Avenue–the new central spine for our downtown–connecting two major retail hubs. Downtown Fremont is also a federally approved Opportunity Zone that provides tax incentives for early investors.

 

But, because building an entire downtown from the ground up takes time, the City has also employed what we like to call “The Burning Man” philosophy to the City’s downtown area – by asking the community what they want to see and what events they would like to attend.

For over a year, we tested out these event ideas at the temporary Town Fair Plaza, a community space driven by a vision to celebrate and cultivate local culture and creativity. Piloting events featuring live music, food trucks, family-friendly games like mini golf and table tennis, community classes, maker spaces, and a beer garden, we gathered valuable insight into what we wanted to incorporate into the permanent plaza. This month, we will break ground on the future Downtown Event Center and Plaza, another exciting step forward in our place-making efforts!

 

Already home to prominent street fairs such as the Burgers & Brew Fest and the Fremont Festival of the Arts (the largest free festival west of the Mississippi), the Downtown Event Center and Plaza will feature all of the most popular events and gatherings that were once held at the temporary Town Fair Plaza.

 

 

How will Fremont’s Main Street efforts complement the ongoing economic development work happening throughout the city?

 

Fremont’s economic development team and the Fremont City Council recognize on a fundamental level that each of the city’s neighborhoods and Main Streets keep Fremont unique, cool, inclusive, and most importantly, economically resilient. From acclaimed family-owned restaurants like Kyian Kyian that have gained regional recognition, to the whimsical Dragonfly Market in Irvington District that showcases local artist’s handmade goods, Fremont is chock full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Our unique neighborhoods make Fremont a place that people want to live in and explore rather than just work in or commute through.

 

The number one need we hear from our businesses is talent. Talent needs place and place needs business. Our job is to support local business owners that have been in Fremont their entire lives as well as to bring in new businesses to achieve the right mix of culture, industry, tradition, and community. The end goal is to cultivate a city where you can go to work, but also enjoy happy hour with coworkers down the block, attend the Halloween Trick or Treat event with your kids, hike with friends along Mission Peak on the weekend, and enjoy a cup of coffee at a local java joint.

 

With some of the brightest minds that live and work here, we are focused on building a world-class city.

 

 

How will collaborating with CAMSA help strengthen the City of Fremont’s Main Streets?

 

CAMSA membership offers an opportunity to leverage the tremendous resources to enhance the City’s place-making efforts in the districts. Fremont is thrilled to have joined CAMSA this year and gain access to all the benefits the organization has to offer, including networking, access to the statewide annual CAMSA workshop, eligibility for grant programs, personalized coaching, Main Street-specific programming and tools, and other professional development opportunities. Having access to the CAMSA playbook with successful ideas from hundreds of communities across the country, Fremont’s Main Streets are well-equipped to become even more vibrant.

 

What are you most excited about accomplishing this year with CAMSA?

 

There are many projects and initiatives in Fremont’s business districts that our membership with CAMSA will help us cultivate. We are looking forward to utilizing our CAMSA membership to build upon our partnerships with neighborhood business districts and developing a comprehensive joint branding and marketing strategy to enhance the identity of the districts through marketing, events, and way-finding signage; incorporating a leasing/merchandising plan for property owners and commercial tenants; and improving the public realm.

 

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

 

Fremont is considered a major economic hub of Silicon Valley. With access to two BART stations, less than half an hour from all three of the Bay Area’s international airports, access to Interstate 680 and 880, transportation presents a huge opportunity for businesses located in Fremont. We’re also a diverse community, with more than 50% of our population being foreign born and speaking more than 98 languages. Fremont has ranked first in several categories generated by WalletHub including: Least-stressed city, lowest percentage of adults in fair/poor health, lowest divorce rate, highest median credit score, and happiest place to live. We’re thinking holistically about the needs of future workers, families, startups, small businesses, and high-tech companies and we’re excited to partner with CAMSA while doing so!

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

My name is Joel Johnson and I am a Boy Scout in Troop 154. I am writing this email to ask about the bomb threat at Thornton Jr. High [Fremont] on October 4, 2019. I am a student at Thornton and was scared and upset that we had a bomb threat at our school. I never thought this would ever happen, even as a prank. We didn't hear further updates about the bomb threat after that day. Have the authorities found the source of the bomb threat yet?

Joel Johnson

Fremont

 

 

Response from Fremont PD

 

On October 4, 2019, Fremont Police and Fire responded to Thornton Jr. High due the threat of a bomb. The threat was made via email and sent to a school faculty member. After evacuating all students, officers conducted a thorough search of the campus. Nothing suspicious was located on the campus and the anonymous email threat was turned over to detectives. Since the incident occurred, detectives have not found any additional evidence to believe the threat was legitimate. Additional steps were taken to trace the origin of the email, however we have concluded that it came from an untraceable account. Detectives have found no further evidence that the October 4th threat to Thornton Jr. High School was credible.

 

While the vast majority of these types of anonymous threats turn out to be hoaxes, they are taken seriously and investigated to the fullest extent of the law. If anyone has information they believe would assist detectives in this investigation, please contact the Fremont Police Investigative Unit at 510-790-6900. We also accept anonymous tips for non-urgent information. Text TIP FREMONTPD followed by your message to 888-777, or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337. We’d like to thank FUSD for their ongoing partnership and assistance during this incident.

 

 

 

Trump seeks to block California as global climate leader

By Ellen Knickmeyer

Associated Press

 

WASHINGTON (AP), Oct 23 – The Trump administration on Wednesday sued to try to block California from engaging in international efforts against climate change, charging that the state exceeded its constitutional authority by joining with a Canadian province in a program to cut climate-damaging fossil fuel emissions.

 

The suit, filed in federal court in California, is the latest Trump administration push to stymie state efforts aimed at contesting the administration's rollbacks of environmental and climate protections. California says it's being punished for its advocacy.

 

The complaint, which names Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and others, alleges that California usurped federal power to conduct foreign policy and make international accords when it signed an ongoing agreement with Quebec to limit emissions.

 

California “veered outside its proper constitutional lane,” Assistant U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark said in a statement.

 

Newsom countered that the administration was “continuing its political vendetta against California, our climate policies and the health of our communities.”

 

President Donald Trump mocks the science of climate change and made pulling out of the Paris international climate accord one of his first acts after taking office.

 

California and other states have filed dozens of legal challenges to administration rollbacks of environmental regulations and laws. Tensions between Newsom and the administration escalated when Trump tried to compel California to join in his efforts to relax Obama-era mileage standards for passenger vehicles.

 

Wednesday's suit concerns California's cap and trade program. Industries in the program commit to purchasing pollution “credits” or to reduce their consumption of climate-changing oil, gas and goal. Former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger started the program, and Quebec's government signed on about a decade later.

 

 

 

California unemployment rate falls to record low of 4 percent

By Olga Rodriguez and Adam Beam

Associated Press

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Oct 18 – California's economy kept humming in September, dropping the unemployment rate to a record low 4% statewide and under 2% in San Francisco and some of its neighboring counties, a level that economists once thought impossible.

 

“That is almost unthinkable,” said Sung Won Sohn, professor of economics at Loyola Marymount University. “It flies in the face of economic theory.”

 

However, the explosive job growth has done little to close the gap in wages, making California – and San Francisco in particular – one of the most unequal places in the country as high-wage earners push up prices for everyone else.

 

From 1980 to 2015, the top earners in San Francisco saw their wages jump 120% while the lowest earners saw their wages increase just 20%, according to an analysis published last week by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

Corey Cantu makes $16 an hour tending an artisanal cookie kiosk in downtown San Francisco and pays $850 a month for a bedroom “the size of a closet” in a condominium he shares with four others in the city.

 

“I see a lot of people in designer clothing and can tell (the economy) is booming for them but it's not booming for me,” Cantu said. “It feels like we're disposable as employees working (for) minimum wage.”

 

Across California, unemployment fell to 4% last month, the lowest on record under a methodology the state has been using since 1976. California's economic growth is now in its 115th consecutive month, breaking the previous record of 113 months set in the 1960s.

 

The job growth is not limited to the diverse and complex economies of Silicon Valley. Fresno and Kern counties, located in the heart of California's agricultural region in the Central Valley, have historically had double-digit unemployment rates for most of the past 40 years. In September, Fresno's unemployment rate was 5.3% while Kern's was 6%.

 

Meanwhile, homeless populations in California continue to grow in the strong economy.

 

Over the past two years, homeless populations have jumped 17% in San Francisco. Last month, Los Angeles County reported a 12% year-to-year increase in its homeless population.

 

“Why are there so many homeless people if this economy is booming? That's crazy!” said Ernest Lew, an estate planning attorney, when told about the report.

 

Lew said he is doing well because a lot of his clients work at Google, Facebook and other tech companies.

 

“This economy is booming for some people, but a lot more people are hurting,” Lew said as he walked his dog in the financial district.

 

While the economy is booming, trouble could be looming. The United States' ongoing trade war with China has slowed shipping activities in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

 

Plus, the inland communities of Riverside, San Bernardino and Ontario – which include warehouses and trucking companies – have lost jobs since their peak of December 2018, according to an analysis by Sohn at Loyola Marymount University.

 

California's low unemployment rate signals another potential problem: A shortage of workers.

 

“At some point it's very simple: If you don't have bodies, you can't grow,” Sohn said.

–––

 

 

 

Castro Valley parade lights up downtown

By Miranda Jetter

 

The “Castro Valley Light Parade” will twinkle down Castro Valley Boulevard, Saturday, November 9. From trucks to tractors to bikes to wagons, all manner of vehicles will parade the streets of Castro Valley sparking with string lights heralding the holiday season.

 

Started in 2012, the light parade was initially created to celebrate the Castro Valley Boulevard streetscape project. The street had undergone construction including upgraded bike lanes, and new street furniture, according to the Alameda county website. Nearing its completion, Mel Speed, a Castro Valley local, proposed a light parade similar to the one in nearby Niles, the quaint Fremont neighborhood, said Jaimie Orfanos, an organizer for the event. And from there, it took off: that first year they had a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches on the boulevard and afterward, a parade with roughly 30 floats and four to five vendors. All told, around 1,500 people showed up.

 

Now in its eighth year the parade has blossomed into a notable Castro Valley event. This year organizers expect to see the parade host around 8,000 visitors with 60 to 65 floats. Last year opportunities store fronts were invited to get involved by decorating their windows, something organizer Kristin Perrault said they are trying to encourage again this year. As to why the light parade has become popular, Orfanos said residents “see it as a nice event that happens in the fall and sort of kicks off the holiday season.”

 

Castro Valley Pride and its president, Billy Bradford, join the parade every year with a trailer decorated with strobe lights and rainbow flags. Bradford said he likes that the parade is relaxed and non-controversial. He said, “You’d be surprised, it’s kind of fun to be in a parade for no reason … there’s no drama and nobody cares.” Also, the event is great for children and families. He sees kids in packs with all their bikes lit up. It’s an event, Bradford said, where people can “bring a lawn chair, sit outside, grab something to eat, and watch the parade go by.”

 

Jennifer DeJanes can’t remember how she heard about the light parade—only that her friends put together a float for Jenn’s Cupcakes, her Castro Valley bakery, while she was busy trying to get it off the ground back in 2015. Parade day came and her float, with its towering sparkly cakes in shades of pink and white, was a hit; they ended up winning the grand marshal award. DeJanes said she was shocked, “I was like ‘What’s the grand marshal?’” But from then on out, she said they were invested in turning out for the parade every year in part because their business sees the results. DeJanes said that every year after the parade, they get an influx of orders and the business from the parade can fill their schedule through December.

 

Last year, because the parade fell on Veteran’s Day, they designed the float around that theme. She said it was a classic Americana design that they spent weeks building. However, the parade was canceled due to hazardous air conditions from fires nearby. This year she hopes that the parade will happen and that they will be able to show visitors what they worked so hard on. She wants to show people their floats, ones that get “bigger and better and taller and brighter every year.”

 

 

 

Castro Valley Light Parade

Saturday, Nov 5

3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

5:30 Parade Begins

Castro Valley Blvd between San Miguel & Redwood Rd.

http://cvmeetinthestreet.org/index.html

info@castrovalleylightparade.org

Street parking available

 

 

 

Supervisors want alternative care center for abused, neglected children

Submitted by Janice Rombeck

 

Santa Clara County Supervisors Dave Cortese and Cindy Chavez are calling for an immediate moratorium on children being placed into the county’s Receiving, Assessment and Intake Center (RAIC) because they no longer believe the children are receiving the care and supervision they need.

 

The Supervisors, who both serve on the board’s Children, Seniors and Families Committee (CSFC), are asking administration to look for alternatives to provide short-term care for children who are abused or neglected and taken from their parents or legal guardians.

 

Children in Santa Clara County who are removed from their living situations because of abuse or neglect are brought to the RAIC, which is operated by the Department of Children’s Services. The center is supposed to care for these children, ideally for less than one day, until they can be placed in a relative’s home or a foster home.

 

In this short time at the RAIC, the children are to receive services from social workers and mental health professionals, and be given medical assessments. Above all, the children should be made and kept safe, said the supervisors.

 

“At Committee meetings, we have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the RAIC and called for reforms,” said Cortese. “One of those reforms, the common-sense separation of younger children from older children, has not been followed.” Chavez added, “We are also concerned about the health and safety of our county staff as they deal with a challenging mission.”

 

The supervisors’ proposal, which will go to the board at its November 5 meeting, asks that the administration report back at the November 19 meeting with options for alternative short-term care of these children while they await longer-termed placement.

 

For more information, call the Office of Supervisor Dave Cortese at (408) 200-5030.

 

 

 

Bathroom updates bring lightness, brightness, and storage

By Anna Jacoby

 

This bath underwent a striking makeover earlier this year. The old bath had a tub with no shower head and a very small and dark separate shower stall. Hardly large enough even for me (I am just under 5 feet tall), the shower, with its dropped ceiling, old tiles and no light, was uninviting and ready for a change. Out went all the old tile and fixtures, and in came a new space plan, with updated colors and materials, plenty of light, and lots of storage. Here’s what we did:

 

The tub came out and the dropped ceiling was removed. In its place, I designed a large curb-less walk-in shower with a built-in bench seat. We installed a light in the shower, and I selected a combination of white, gray, and light blue tiles to keep the whole space airy and bright. We installed a grab-bar for safety (trust me, they come in many pretty styles now) as well as a hand shower on a slide bar, which allows the user to adjust the height of the shower head or remove it altogether for any of a variety of uses. A hand shower comes in handy to wash muddy feet or small children, to clean the shower, or even wash a dog. The former shower became a linen closet, again with a light inside, providing ample storage space for towels, sheets, toiletries, and any other miscellaneous supplies.

 

A quick word about grab bars— no matter your current age, if you are remodeling, let me talk you into installing one in your shower. Clients tell me all the time how much they like having a grab bar. One client told me about the time he was sick with a nasty flu, dizzy and weak, and appreciated having something to hold onto. Another client said it was helpful for her son when he broke his leg and a third client said she loves it for hanging wet bathing suits or other drip-dry items. So put any thoughts aside about grab bars being only for “old people” and include one in your design plans.

 

Back to the bathroom—the new custom vanity cabinet features three sizes of drawers; the bottom drawer is perfect for bulky items like hairdryers and Costco-size packages of toothpaste or soap. The marble-look quartz countertop provides a low-maintenance and beautiful surface, and the polished chrome hardware and plumbing fixtures not only look pretty, but also reflect the light, adding even more brightness to the room. The wall sconces are on a dimmer switch, which I always recommend— sometimes you just need a little light, other times full brightness is warranted.

 

The white, gray, and light blue color scheme is inviting, yet serene, creating a lovely space where my clients can begin and end their day.

 

 

 

Dove Gallery hosts Art Competition

Carol Manasse Hamilton

 

Dove Art Gallery in Milpitas is holding its second annual “Juried Art Competition.” Artworks of various styles and media will be on display; ribbons have been awarded for all age groups including children, youth and adults. The Gallery will host an opening reception on Sunday, November 10 from noon until 3 p.m. The public is invited to come see this eclectic display of local talent.

 

San Jose artist Adrienne Reed creates a 3D effect by incorporating crackle and modeling paste into her dramatic depiction of Calvary. Milpitas artisan Lucy James painted a lovely box in the Vest-Agder style, which is reminiscent of Dutch chests painted in the 1800’s. Union City artist Dee Bueno uses oil pastel to skillfully portray a Native American in costume in an impressive work titled “Traditions.” Milpitas artist Forlitz Stamatelaky uses oils to depict a scenic autumn landscape.

 

Last year the Gallery displayed the works of 50 artists at the competition. “It is our most exciting event of the year!” says Assistant Curator, Carol Manasse Hamilton. “We see original and creative artworks from all members of our community.” Dove Gallery seeks to provide exhibiting opportunities for young, emerging and professional artists. Dove Gallery is a not-for-profit venue. No entry fees are charged to participate in its events.

 

The Art Competition Exhibit runs from November 10 – January 4. The Gallery is open every Sunday from 12 noon – 3 p.m. during the exhibit. Additional viewing opportunities can be confirmed at dove@parkvictoria.org. Dove Gallery is located in the one-story building by the back parking lot of Park Victoria Church in Milpitas. Ample parking is available.

 

 

Dove Gallery hosts Art Competition Exhibit

Sunday, Nov 10 – January 4

Open Sundays 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Artworks from all ages in various media and styles

Park Victoria Church (back lot)

875 S. Park Victoria Drive, Milpitas

Dove@ParkVictoria.org

 

 

 

EarthTalk

 

Dear EarthTalk: I see more and more EVs out of the road. When will they start to outnumber internal combustion cars on American roads?

— Jane L., New Bern, North Carolina

 

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around about as long as cars themselves. In fact, primitive EVs were the dominant form of automotive transportation at the dawn of the auto age in Europe and the U.S. in the late 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1920s — when the U.S. road system was starting to be built out and cheap oil was available from newly tapped Texas oil fields — that internal combustion cars began to take over as the predominant vehicles across the United States.

 

And we never looked back. Until recently, that is. Nowadays, EVs (Teslas, Leafs, Bolts, etc.) are indeed everywhere. Analysts estimate the EVs will be cheaper to buy than internal combustion cars as soon as 2022. Beyond that, it’s probably only a matter of two decades before EVs represent the majority of cars, light trucks and SUVs plying American roads.

 

In 2018, EVs made up only about 2% of total U.S. new car sales, but that figure represents an astonishing 70% growth from the year prior. Moving forward, analysts expect around 13% annual compound growth in the EV sector for the foreseeable future. Bloomberg New Energy Finance, a research arm of the New York-based media company, expects sales of passenger EVs to overtake conventional internal combustion-based vehicles by 2038 (with EV sales topping 50 million a year as compared to conventional vehicle sales of 47 million by then). After that, EVs, with their lower ongoing fuel and maintenance costs, will continue taking over more and more of the market every year, calling the very future of the internal combustion engine passenger car into question.

 

As technologies mature (allowing for better battery storage and extended driving range) and manufacturers ramp up production and prices come down accordingly, consumers will begin to look exclusively at EVs when shopping for new cars. Indeed, a recent survey of 2,000 adults living in either California or the Northeast Tristate Area (NY, NJ, CT) by consulting firm West Monroe Partners found that the majority (59%) of respondents think their next vehicle will be an electric car. Not surprisingly, the survey found that Gen Zers (those born after 1996) are especially inclined toward EVs.

 

That said, only 16% of respondents are driving around in EVs today, and concerns including short battery life and lack of charging stations (limiting the vehicles’ range), as well as high up-front purchase costs, are still holding many of us back from taking the all-electric plunge. But the writing is on the wall for gas guzzling passenger cars as we overcome these short-term hurdles. With about 15 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions emanating from the tailpipes of our internal combustion cars and light trucks, and gasoline becoming more and more expensive, the inevitable switchover to EVs — despite efforts by the Trump administration to reduce national fuel efficiency standards and bolster the ailing oil industry — is going to be a win-win for consumers and the planet. 2038 can’t come too soon!

 

 

EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

 

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

In view of all the recent fire emergencies, it seems appropriate to provide some information about the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department. The park district maintains a fully equipped and trained fire department with its main station in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Fire engines and other firefighting equipment are also in place at other stations throughout the district. The department provides fire prevention, fuels management, education, fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical services.

 

Fire Chief Aileen Thiele is supported by an assistant fire chief, five fire captains, two fire lieutenants, eight firefighters, and 38 on-call firefighters. On-call firefighters are employees who have full-time district jobs, in addition to secondary assignments as firefighters. All firefighters are fully trained.

 

A dispatch center operates 24 hours a day in support of the district’s firefighters and police. During a fire, the district’s two police helicopters serve as observation platforms to determine fire location and speed, and best access for ground crews. The helicopters are equipped with Bambi buckets to fight fire from above with 250-gallon water drops.

Besides its own personnel and equipment, the park district has mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE, the California Office of Emergency Services, and every fire department within Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. This enables rapid response to emergencies both within and outside the parklands.

 

The district has an active program of fire hazard reduction, which includes maintaining an 80-mile fuel break along the ridgelines between Richmond and Castro Valley. This is an area of thinned vegetation designed to delay the spread of fire in either direction between parklands to adjacent residential neighborhoods while giving firefighters an area in which to make a stand against a fire.

 

During periods when dry weather and high winds increase fire danger, the park district can restrict park use or even, though rarely, close parklands. This was the case on October 27 through October 31 when all district parks shut down, to protect park users from multiple fires developing in the two counties and from hazards including falling tree branches and downed power lines.

 

The district also relies on the cooperation and assistance of park visitors. Visitors are always asked to exercise extreme care in the regional parks and other public open spaces. Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited in all the regional parks and trails. When weather permits, barbecues are allowed in areas designed for that purpose, or on portable barbecues in picnic areas, but not in tall, dry grass.

 

If you do see a wildfire in the parklands, call 911 immediately. Report the location, direction of burn, and any structures or people at risk, then leave immediately. Of course, visitors should always cooperate with any instructions given by firefighters, police and rangers.

 

For more information on the park district’s fire department, visit www.ebparks.org under the “About Us” tab on the home page, then click on “Fire Department.” For up-to-date information about current fire conditions, click on the “Fire Warning” icon.

 

 

At present, the park district still has lots of enjoyable and mostly free programs on schedule for the autumn season.

 

Itsy bitsy spiders are the theme of a program from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, November 10, at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley with naturalist Jenna Collins. Bring a magnifying glass and meet at the Environmental Education Center for a walk in search of hidden arachnids.

 

If hot apple cider is more to your taste, join Jenna at the center from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 10, to see how fresh apples are pressed to make the drink.

The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For details, call (510) 544-2233.

 

 

To honor veterans, the park district offers all active and retired military personnel free day-use parking and park entry on Veterans Day, November 11, including Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

 

Veterans Day open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, November 11 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. Crab Cove was once a military facility. The agenda includes movies in the Old Wharf Classroom from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; a clinic on flag folding, knot tying, crafts, and a memorial wreath from 12 noon to 4 p.m., and a low tide walk from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Crab Cove Visitor Center is at 1252 McKay Avenue, off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For more information, call (510) 544-3187.

 

 

There are lots of other programs in the works. For a full listing, visit www.ebparks.org. And remember, Fridays are free in the regional parks through the end of the year in celebration of the district’s 85th anniversary.

 

 

 

Editorial

The night the lights went out

 

Although far from a murder in a small southern town in Georgia, the soulful ballad of a man done wrong and hung for his troubles is appropriate for the misery and angst associated with the recent de-energizing shutoffs of the electric grid. Just as Vicki Lawrence’s 1973 hit song, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, written by Bobby Russell, describes an injustice as the result of questionable characters, so too are residents of California communities affected by the actions of dubious management and oversight. The widespread effects of neglect and a static organization is becoming obvious. Those given the responsibility to oversee and regulate this basic utility have also failed their mandate.

 

Lax internal and external supervision can be investigated in hindsight, but typically such efforts, while useful to reduce or eliminate future events, cannot undo damage already done. While blame for the need for shutdowns cannot be laid solely at the feet of our utilities, it is unquestionably their responsibility to alert the rest of us about long term problems lurking in the future. Effects of climate change are also at the forefront of the current crisis. Even a cursory examination of contemporary natural catastrophes gives ample evidence of the effects of global warming. Those who choose to deny problems with past and current policies leading to inexorable changes occurring to our planet may, however, agree that the existing cycle of violent and destructive weather patterns is troubling.

 

Local and regional responses are heartening. The movement toward sustainable and less invasive methods of energy production is a welcome reply to the challenge. For example, Fremont’s microgrid technology at some local firehouse facilities assures continuation of response capabilities even when faced with “Public Safety Power Shutoff” actions. Our communities are bringing local control over energy sources through the East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), a not-for-profit public agency. All Greater Tri-City communities within Alameda County have now joined this effort [Newark just voted to offer EBCE to its citizens], allowing users to select a plan from three “clean power” sources. Although this does not alter the use of PG&E transmission lines that have been the source of shutdowns and fire hazards, it is a step in the right direction.

 

There are additional major challenges ahead. Predicted sea level rise will alter our shorelines and affect development slated for low-lying areas. As the pressure for housing grows more intense, it will be incumbent on our local politicians to address climate changes to avoid long term problems. Public-private partnerships, boards and commissions such as the new Mobility Commission in Fremont can harness the ingenuity and talent of the private sector when seeking solutions for these problems. Hopefully, we will see more of these partnerships to face a future filled with significant challenges and equally significant opportunities.

 

Public and private creative and innovative community partnerships will result in a thriving and prosperous environment. With these efforts, the lights may go out in Georgia, but not here.

 

 

 

Facebook employees sign letter opposing political ads policy

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Oct 28 – Hundreds of Facebook employees have signed a letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other executives saying they oppose the social network's policy of letting politicians lie in advertisements.

 

The New York Times reported Monday that more than 250 workers have signed the letter urging Facebook leaders to change the policy that they say is a “threat to what FB stands for.” While that's a small fraction of Facebook's workforce of more than 35,000, it's a rare showing of employee dissent generally more typical of Google and Amazon.

 

Facebook spokeswoman Bertie Thomson says the company appreciates its employees voicing their concerns but the company “remains committed to not censoring political speech.”

 

The employee letter follows widespread criticism of Facebook's ad policy, including from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a leading Democratic presidential candidate.

 

 

 

Free dental checkups for veterans

Submitted by Dan Soine

 

Are you a military veteran or do you know someone who is? University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry invites veterans to schedule an appointment for a free oral health checkup at its clinics in Union City and San Francisco. Get health questions answered by our students, residents and faculty, and receive a free oral health goody bag! Event details are at www.dental.pacific.edu/veterans.

 

The Union City location is at Union City Dental Care Center and is within walking distance of the Union City BART Station. Clinic website and directions can be found at http://unioncitydentalcare.com. Please call (510) 489-5200 to schedule an appointment for November 11 in Union City. NOTE: checkups take approximately 20 minutes.

 

Free Dental Checkups for Military Veterans

Monday, Nov 11

9:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Union City Dental Care Center

1203 J. St., Union City

http://unioncitydentalcare.com

Appointments: (510) 489-5200

 

 

 

Try your hand at Zentangle art

Article and photos submitted by Susan Helmer

 

Local artist Neera Dave will give an interactive demonstration of Zentangle art the November meeting of the Fremont Art Association. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn drawing method that uses repetitive patterns and shapes to create beautiful and often colorful images. Dave will guide participants in creating their own unique artwork focusing on a Thanksgiving theme. All supplies will be provided. The afternoon program will meet Wednesday, November 6 at the group’s shop/gallery in the Niles district of Fremont. Admission is free and open to all.

 

Dave is a certified Zentangle teacher and conducts regular workshops for children 8 and up and adults. During the last year, she has taught almost 300 children at Mission San Jose Elementary School and at summer camps in Fremont.

 

Guest artist Neera Dave on Zentangle

Wednesday, Nov 6

1 p.m.

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

www.fremontartassociation.org

(510) 792-0905

 

 

 

Fremont sailor completes tour as commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt

Submitted by Seaman David Schwartz

Photo by Airman D.J. Schwartz

 

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, November 1. Capt. Carlos Sardiello, a native of Fremont, California and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1990, turned over the role of commanding officer to Capt. Brett Crozier.

 

Guest speaker Vice Adm. DeWolfe H. Miller III, commander, Naval Air Forces, praised the achievements of Theodore Roosevelt and its crew under Sardiello’s leadership.

 

“Suffice it to say that Capt. Sardiello is a leader who leads by example and inspires others to exceed even their own expectations,” said Miller. “He excels at leading Sailors – the lifeblood of our ships. He takes care of his people and sets them up for success.”

 

During his speech, Sardiello thanked and attributed his success as commanding officer to his crew, known as the “Rough Riders.”

 

“We are fortunate for each sailor, officer or enlisted aboard because they are just plain amazing, are all essential, and all play an important role in our team’s success,” said Sardiello.

 

Sardiello assumed command of Theodore Roosevelt in July 2017 and successfully led the crew on a deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve which included over 50,000 miles sailed, and more than one 1,000 combat sorties that dropped 159 weapons on target.

 

Following the combat deployment, Sardiello oversaw Theodore Roosevelt as it successfully completed an arduous maintenance availability period 25 days early. Sardiello also led the ship through exercise Northern Edge 2019 in the Gulf of Alaska operating area, marking the first time in 10 years that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier participated in the exercise.

 

In his parting words to the crew, Sardiello again thanked everyone aboard under his leadership and praised the work that they accomplished.

 

“We could not be more proud of the accomplishments through the blood, sweat, and tears of joy and pain that have been invested over the past two and a half years on TR,” said Sardiello. “It has been an honor to serve as the 15th commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt.”

 

Sardiello previously served as the executive officer aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and commanding officer aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) before taking command of the Coronado-based carrier. He now heads to Commander, Naval Air Forces command.

 

 

 

Police use grant for traffic education and enforcement

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

A new $125,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is being used by the Fremont Police Department to conduct a yearlong traffic education and enforcement campaign through September 2020. The funding will be used for numerous programs, including:

 

• DUI and driver license checkpoints
• Patrols specifically looking for suspected alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers
• Patrols targeting violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law and vehicle code violations by drivers, motorcyclist, bicyclists and pedestrians that put other roadway users at risk.
• Patrols targeting the primary causes of crashes: speeding, improper turns, running stop signs or signals, right-of-way violations and driving on the wrong side of the road
• Patrols specifically looking for seat belt and child safety seat violations
• Traffic safety education presentations for youths and adults on distracted and impaired driving, bicycle and pedestrian safety
• Collaborative traffic enforcement operation with local agencies
• Officer training to identify suspected impaired drivers and conduct sobriety tests

 

“Getting in a vehicle remains one of the most dangerous things we do,” OTS director Barbara Rooney said. “We must continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to shift that realization and make traveling on our roads safer.”

 

The focus of the OTS traffic safety program is to educate the public, promote safe driving habits, and deter motorists from violating traffic laws or engaging in other unsafe behaviors that lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the OTS, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

 

From Hatred to Harmony- An evening with a former White Supremacist

Submitted by Rabbi Moshe Fuss

 

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center presents Frank Meeink, former white supremacist, speaking Saturday, November 16 at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Newark.

 

Frank Meeink became a SkinHead by age 13, and by 18 he was roaming the country as a SkinHead leader and Neo-Nazi recruiter, with gangs that would beat people indiscriminately. In Illinois, he had his own cable-access TV show, “The Reich.” He was finally arrested and convicted of kidnapping and beating a member of a rival SkinHead gang. Experience the raw story of Frank’s descent into America’s neo-Nazi underground and his ultimate triumph over hatred and addiction.

 

Now a noted speaker, author and founding member of Life After Hate, Frank stands for tolerance, diversity and mutual understanding in race, politics and all aspects of society. Frank is truly an inspiration in any time of strife and conflict. He lectures at high schools, juvenile detention centers, and universities around the world. Most recently, Frank is being featured in a docu-series by Steven Spielberg on the discovery channel called “Why We Hate.”

 

The event begins with a Havdallah (prayer) at 8 p.m., followed by sushi and treats. The speaker will begin at 8:45. Space is limited, and tickets should be purchased in advance at https://www.chabadfremont.com.

 

From Hatred to Harmony

Saturday, Nov 16

8 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

39900 Balentine Drive, Newark

https://www.chabadfremont.com

 

 

 

An open invitation from Life Chiropractic College West students

Submitted by Kathy Miedema

 

Life Chiropractic College West invites you and your employees to partner with us in a community event, “#HashtagLunchbag,” at the Hayward campus on November 17. #HashtagLunchbag is a service movement that inspires giving through the use of social media. During this event, led by Life West’s Student American Black Chiropractic Association, or SABCA, chapter members and volunteers will prepare bagged lunches and write letters of encouragement for those in need.

 

SABCA’s Life West chapter wants to feed at least 2,000 people between Oakland and San Francisco with this event. The students are partnering with on-campus sorority and fraternity members, Life West’s rugby team, and staff and faculty. The City Eats (thecityeats.org) is also helping out – SABCA has been working with this non-profit to feed the homeless on the first Saturday of every month.

 

The success of this event depends on volunteers and donations. Therefore, we are calling on companies around the East Bay to send a team over to Life West on Sunday morning, November 17, to help pack lunches and write notes. SABCA also needs drivers to go out in groups at noon and drop off lunches. The chapter is accepting donations to help buy food, toiletries and feminine hygiene products. Donations are accepted via Venmo at SABCA-LIFEWEST.

 

#HashtagLunchbag fundraising event

Sunday, Nov 17

10 a.m.: Pack lunches and write notes

12 noon: Coaching from The City Eats; groups deliver lunches

Life Chiropractic College West

25001 Industrial Blvd., Hayward

ejones@college.lifewest.edu

 

 

 

Hayward City Council

October 29, 2019

 

Presentations and Proclamations:

• Pledge of allegiance, led by councilmember Elisa Marquez.
• Recognition from Mayor Halliday that meeting falls on a fifth Tuesday, but special session is still necessary
• Proclamation from President of Hayward Chamber of Commerce Kim Huggett commemorating 11 successful events held in October, including Manufacturing Day as well as an invitation to “Light Up the Night” community outreach event

 

Public Comments:

• Additional comments from Huggett recognizing joint efforts between Hayward Chamber of Commerce and Hayward Rotary to drive more community-driven and youth-driven volunteer events
• Appeal from Hayward citizen Corina Vasaure to council for more public restrooms to be made available in downtown area, citing that Hayward Public Library restrooms are restricted by library hours and have cleanliness issues due to excessive public use

 

Consent Calendar:

• Resignation of Ms. Linhdan Le from Hayward Youth Commission, effective September 30, 2019
• Resignation of Ms. Sharon Eva from Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, effective September 24, 2019
• Adoption of Ordinance adding Article 29 to Chapter 10 of the Hayward Municipal Code relating to vacant properties
• Resolution amending fiscal year 2020 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget, transferring $60,000 from General Fund to Capital Projects fund and $35,000 to Fleet Capital Management Fund
• Award contract to Asbestos Management Group of CA in amount of $1,300,708 for abatement and deconstruction for Route 238 bypass property project

 

Public Hearing:

• Proposed development of mixed-use project consisting of 189 condominium and townhome units
• Appeal of planning commission approval of a three-story, 40-unit townhouse style development of a 1.66-acre site located at 21229 Oak Street
• Proposal to subdivide a 0.5-acre site into seven parcels to allow the construction of five single-family homes with common open space and related site improvements at 24763 Mohr Drive
• Proposal to subdivide two existing parcels into 17 to allow construction of 12 detached single-family residences and five accessory dwelling units with common open areas at 28571 & 29591 Harvey Avenue
• Update on commercial cannabis permit process and introduction of new cannabis ordinance increasing tax rate

 

Oral Communications:

• Motion to approve further tabling and hearings of PH 19-087 allocating 10,800 square feet of ground floor commercial space to mixed use condominium and townhome project requiring approval of a purchase and sale agreement with zone change and tentative tract map application No. 201806355

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday:                                Aye

Councilmember Francisco Zermeno:             Aye

Councilmember Al Mendall:                          Aye

Councilmember Sara Lamnin:                        Aye

Councilmember Elisa Marquez:                     Aye

Councilmember Aisha Wahab:                       Aye

Councilmember Mark Salinas:                       Aye

 

 

 

Toy-Anime Comic Con

Submitted by Ohana Comic Con

 

This is a kid-friendly version of Comic Con, held in the Veterans Memorial Hall in Hayward—Kids 12 and under enter FREE. Vendors will be selling toys, posters, accessories, and other merchandise based on popular eastern and western cartoons. Participants of all ages are encouraged to cosplay as their favorite characters and enter the costume contest at 2:30 p.m. Please ask the featured cosplayers at the Con for the signup sheet.

 

General admission tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. If you bring the event flyer with you, you are eligible for a $1 discount at the door. Cameras and photography are permitted at the Con. Parking is free!

 

Toy-Anime Comic Con

Saturday, Nov 9

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

22737 Main St., Hayward

https://www.facebook.com/events/360259358006853/

 

 

 

School District embraces reusable water bottles

Submitted by Dionicia Ramos Ledesma

 

Hundreds of students enthusiastically chanted “save the fish” during a recent lunchtime event at Treeview Elementary in Hayward. They participated in an event celebrating the Hayward Unified School District’s (HUSD) decision to move away from single-use plastic water bottles and find a more sustainable solution in reusable aluminum bottles.

 

To reach this goal, HUSD partnered with Pathwater, a company founded by a group of friends (some from the Bay Area) looking to introduce a reusable and recyclable product into the market. HUSD is one of the first school districts to partner with Pathwater, and this year every student in the district—that’s over 19,000 students—will receive a reusable Pathwater bottle, co-branded with the district’s logo.

 

At the event hosted on October 30, one of the Pathwater founders presented HUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne with a sustainability award in recognition of the district’s commitment to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles and the addition of hydration stations at school sites.

 

“Our district’s vision is to ensure that every student realizes their innate potential of becoming a lifelong learner and having a positive impact on their community,” stated Dr. Wayne. “This step towards greater sustainability allows students to see how their everyday choices have a global impact.”

 

If the student and teacher population at Hayward Unified, which totals 21,950, commit to using reusable bottles for one calendar year, they have the potential to eliminate a combined 3.4 million single-use plastic water bottles from entering the waste stream. Additionally, the choice of aluminum bottles means that they can be recycled once they are no longer used. Aluminum has one of the highest recycling rates in the world and is 77% more valuable than plastic.

 

HUSD is following the lead of students seeking environmentally-friendly alternatives in their schools. Students at one of the district’s other elementary schools began a petition to eliminate the use of styrofoam lunch trays in their cafeteria. After doing some research and partnering with the district’s Food Services Department, students led the effort to replace styrofoam trays with recyclable ones across the entire district.

 

In addition to the free water bottles being provided to all students, Pathwater water bottles will also be available to students and staff in cafeterias and vending machines across the district. For more information about HUSD’s partnership with Pathwater, contact Robin Gallagher, Director of Child Nutrition Services, at rgallagher@husd.k12.ca.us.

Photos in 1 new Sharon

 

 

 

Theatre

 

Hello, Dolly! shines during 40th anniversary season at Douglas Morrisson Theatre

Submitted by Mary Jo Price

Photos by Chris Scott

 

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) in Hayward continues to shine with a return to the golden age of the American musical. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season, DMT brings the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit “Hello, Dolly!” to the stage through November 24. Once hailed as “One of the biggest, brightest musicals of this century!” by The New York Times, “Hello, Dolly!” opens November 8 under the direction of Sue Ellen Nelsen. Featuring the exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, a turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” “Hello, Dolly!” fills the stage with romance, humor, high-energy dancing, and some of the greatest songs in theater history. Musical director Matt Bourne takes on iconic show tunes, including “Put on your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Hello, Dolly!”, “Elegance,” and “It Only takes a Moment.”

 

Based on the play “The Matchmaker” by Thornton Wilder (book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman), “Hello, Dolly!” has become one of the most enduring musical theater hits, with four Broadway revivals and international success. First produced on Broadway by David Merrick in 1964, “Hello, Dolly!” has received 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical – a record which the play held for 37 years.

 

Evening and Matinee performances run November 8 through November 24 at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, with a preview performance on Thursday, November 7. Tickets are $10 for the preview, $15 – 29 for performances. Discounts are available for adults under the age of 30 and over the age of 60, students with ID, youth, H.A.R.D. residents, and groups of 10 or more. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office at (510) 881-6777 or visit www.dmtonline.org.

 

Hello, Dolly!

Thurs, Nov 7 – Sunday Nov 24

Preview Night: Thursday, Nov 7: 8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m.

Sundays: 2 p.m.

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre

22311 N. Third St. in Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.dmtonline.org

 

 

 

Police kick off holiday toy drive

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

 

Although the holiday season isn’t quite here yet, it’s never too early to get ready. With that in mind the Hayward Police Department has kicked off its Cops for Kids Toy Drive. To participate, people can bring new unwrapped toy donations to the Hayward Police Department offices on West Winton Avenue anytime during business hours through December 6.

 

Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks should be made payable to: City of Hayward, with HPD Toy Drive written on the check memo line. For details, email Lt. Ryan Cantrell at ryan.cantrell@hayward-ca.gov or call (510) 293-5051.

 

 

 

Cops for Kids Toy Drive

Daily through Friday, Dec 6

Hayward Police Department

300 W. Winton Ave., Hayward

(510) 293-5051

Email: Ryan Cantrell at ryan.cantrell@hayward-ca.gov

 

 

 

Football

 

Huskies prevail in see-saw battle

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The Washington Huskies (Fremont) varsity football team beat the American Eagles (Fremont) 36-28 on November 1^st in a game that was exciting from start to finish; the outcome was in doubt until the clock showed just 8 minutes and 8 seconds left in the game when a Huskies offensive attack put the ball into the end zone capped by a two-point conversion.

 

The beginning of the game gave the Huskies a 22-point lead and a dominant position on the scoreboard and field. However, the Eagles came flying back with a key interception, subsequent score and an impressive offense of their own. A tie score in the fourth quarter put either team in a position to win, but the final offensive drive by the Huskies was the difference.

 

 

 

Overnight construction to close portion of I-880

Submitted by Newark PD

 

To accommodate a roadway pipeline removal project, all northbound lanes of Interstate 880 between Mowry Avenue and Thornton Avenue will be closed on Saturday, November 9 from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

 

During this time detour signs will direct motorists to exit at Mowry Avenue east into Fremont and then to follow Blacow Road north to Thornton Avenue where they can reenter the freeway. Phased lane closures will start at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8. All lanes are scheduled to be reopened by 8:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9.

 

As the pipeline project continues, southbound lanes on I-880 will be closed between Thornton and Mowry avenues on Sunday, November 10 from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. During this time detour signs will direct motorists to exit at Thornton Avenue and go west to Cedar Boulevard and follow it south to Mowry Avenue where they can reenter the freeway. Phased lane closures will start at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 10.

 

For details, call the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4237.

Can go in 11/12

 

 

 

Five events show Tri-Cities are United Against Hate

Submitted by Rev. Jeffrey Spencer

 

It started with a poster. It’s expanded into an entire week of events showing that the Bay Area is United Against Hate.

 

In the fall of 2017, when members of white supremacist groups began a campaign to hold rallies in Berkeley and Oakland, California, a group of community leaders came up with a way to make a statement that neo-Nazis, their hatred and their ideas were not welcome in the East Bay. Posters were produced proclaiming, “Berkeley Stands United Against Hate” and “Oakland Stands United Against Hate.”

 

The poster movement grew in many more communities around the Bay Area, including Fremont, where two grassroots organizations, Compassionate Fremont and the Tri-City Interfaith Council (TCIC), worked with the City of Fremont to get similar posters printed and distributed. In 2018, an entire November week was dedicated to activities showing that the “Bay Area Stands United Against Hate.”

 

This year, November 17 – 23 has been designated United Against Hate Week, and Compassionate Fremont and the Tri-City Interfaith Council (with various co-sponsors) are organizing five free events to which the public is invited.

 

On Monday, November 18, 7 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Co-sponsored by St. James’ Church and Abode Services, the vigil will be a time to reflect on lives impacted by homelessness and to remember by name those who have died on the streets. Canned food and non-perishable items will be collected for distribution by Abode Services.

 

Transgender Day of Remembrance is Wednesday, November 20, and at 7 p.m., a gathering in solidarity with the trans community will be held at the First United Methodist Church/Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MPUUC) campus. Co-sponsored by MPUUC, this will be a time to honor and grieve transgender people who have died at the hands of others in the past year. Remembrances will be given to attendees to help remember and respect the people whose lives who were cut short by violence.

 

There will be two events on Saturday, November 23. From 10 a.m. – 12 noon, TCIC and Compassionate Fremont will hold “Tea and Conversation” at St. Anne's Episcopal Church. In a directed process, people will be invited to pair up with someone they don’t know from a faith tradition different from their own and have a conversation over a cup of tea. Through this process, barriers will be broken down and friendship may be formed. Participants are asked to stay for the entire time.

 

That afternoon at 4 p.m., the East Bay People’s Choir will present a free concert at Irvington Presbyterian Church. The East Bay People’s Choir is a non-auditioned, open ensemble for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The concert will present music that is hopeful, multicultural and beautiful.

 

The final event sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council falls after the official seven days of Bay Area United Against Hate Week. This is the 58th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. It will be held on Monday, November 25, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. With readings from sacred texts, prayers, songs, and even dance, everyone from the Tri-Cities is invited to a time of gratitude for and celebration of diverse faith traditions. A free-will offering will be received at this event to help underwrite the justice work of TCIC.

 

You can learn more about Bay Area United Against Hate week at unitedagainsthateweek.org and the Tri-City Interfaith Council at tcicouncil.weebly.com.

 

United Against Hate Week

 

Candlelight Vigil

Monday, Nov 18

7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

St. James’ Episcopal Church

37051 Cabrillo TER, Fremont

 

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Wednesday, Nov 20,

7 p.m.

First United Methodist Church/Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Cole Hall

2950 Washington Blvd., Fremont

 

Tea and Conversation

Saturday, Nov 23

10 a.m. – 12 noon

St. Anne's Episcopal Church

2791 Driscoll Rd., Fremont

 

East Bay People’s Choir

Saturday, Nov 23

4 p.m.

Irvington Presbyterian Church

4181 Irvington Ave., Fremont

 

58th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Monday, Nov 25

7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

43148 Mission Blvd., Fremont

 

(510) 797-0895

tcicouncil.weebly.com

 

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Mondays, May 14 – Dec 30

English Conversation Group

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Practice spoken English in a friendly environment

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Fridays, Sep 3 – Nov 5

Fremont Bridge Club

10 a.m.

Open stratified and newcomer games

Bronco Billy’s Pizza – Irvington

41200 Blacow Rd., Fremont

(510) 438-0121

www.unit500.org

 

Sundays, Sep 8 – Dec 1

Family Friendly Matinee

3 p.m.

Dates: 9/8, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St. Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

www.madeuptheatre.com

 

Mondays, Sep 9 – Dec 17

Advanced Math and Science Tutoring

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

High school and college level help in math, physics and chemistry

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Monday – Friday, Sep 30 – Nov 27

Resonance Exhibit

Upstairs: Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

Mixed media by 11 artists

PhotoCentral

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

www.photocentral.org

 

Monday – Friday, Oct 4 – Dec 6

Members Show

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Art by members of the Hayward Arts Council

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Oct 8 – Dec 3

Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Works by community artists

Sunset Gallery

22100 Princeton St., H2, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Wednesdays, Oct 9 – Nov 20

Caring for the Caregiver

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Home safety, sleeping well, stress reduction, end-of-life planning.

No class 11/13

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Oct 18 – Nov 17

Cabaret $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m.

German citizens and performers face the rise of the Third Reich

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Oct 18 – Nov 16

Day of the Dead Exhibit

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Works celebrating Dia de los Muertos.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

sungallery.org

 

Mondays & Wednesdays, Oct 21 – Nov 20

Food Business Entrepreneurial Training R

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Learn how to start and grow your own food business

Hayward Main Library

888 C St., Hayward

(510) 881-7980

(916) 234-6551

 

Fridays, Nov 1 – Nov 22

Toddler Ramble: Do the Loco-Motion $

10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Squish, plop, and explore habitats. Ages 1-3

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Saturdays, Nov 2 – Nov 9

Macramé with Me $

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Explore the ancient art of knotting and create a wall hanging

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 792-0905

macramewithme@gmail.com

 

Sundays, Nov 3 – Dec 29

Animal Feeding Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays – Sundays, Nov 2 – Dec 29

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Discover the natural world

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

Saturdays – Sundays, Nov 2 – Dec 29

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Thurs, Nov 7 – Sunday Nov 24

Hello, Dolly! $

Preview Night: Thursday, Nov 7: 8 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m.

Sundays: 2 p.m.

Award-winning Broadway hit about turn-of-the-century matchmaker

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre

22311 N. Third St. in Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.dmtonline.org

 

Thursday – Saturday, Nov 8 – Nov 16

The Reluctant Vampire $

8 p.m.

Join Drusilla on a journey of self-discovery… and blood.

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

 

Fridays & Saturdays, Nov 8 – Nov 16

Peter and the Starcatcher $

7 p.m.

Backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook

Castro Valley Center for the Arts

19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 889-8961

www.cvartsfoundation.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Nov 8 – Nov 17

1984 $

Fri – Sat: 7:30 p.m. Sun: 2:00 p.m.

Adaptation performed by theatre and dance departments

Cal State East Bay Theatre

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

www.csueastbaytickets.com

 

Friday-Sunday, Nov 8 – Nov 24

Next to Normal $

Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Toney Award-winning “mental illness musical”

Smalltown Society Space

22222 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

plethos.org

 

Sundays, Nov 10 – Jan 4

Dove Gallery Art Competition Exhibit

12 noon – 3 p.m.

Artworks from all ages in various media and styles

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

Thursday – Sunday, Nov 14 – Nov 23

The Learned Ladies $

Thurs: 4 p.m. Fri & Sat: 7 p.m. Sun: 2 p.m.

Comedy by Moliere

American High School Theatre

36300 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

(510)796-1776 ext 57702

http://ahs-fusd-ca.schoolloop.com

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St., Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St., Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

 

 

THIS WEEK:

 

Wednesday, Nov 6

Toddler Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Hear a story, do some chores, meet some farm animals

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Wednesday, Nov 6

Compassion Cultivation Training R

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Integrated practice

City of Fremont, Bldg. B

3300 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 574-2035

 

Wednesday, Nov 6

Zentangle with Neera Dave

1 p.m.

If you can write your name, you can create a Zentangle

Fremont Art Association

37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 792-0905

www.fremontartassociation.org

 

Thursday, Nov 7

Toastmasters Open House

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Discover your voice and potential, gain confidence

First Baptist Church

6320 Dairy Ave, Newark

(510) 793-4810

(510) 371-4886

 

Thursday, Nov 7

Fresh Approach VeggieRX R

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Nutrition class, cooking demonstration and tasting

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

www.sanleandro.org

 

Thursday, Nov 7

Are You in the Picture?

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Learn about the Greater Niles Village

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.greaternilesvillage.com

 

Friday, Nov 8

Cannabis 101

1 p.m.

Learn about CBD and THC and use for pain management and sleep

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Toy-Anime Comic Con $

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kid-friendly: cosplay contest and vendors. Kids under 12 free

Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall

22737 Main St., Hayward

https://www.facebook.com/events/360259358006853/

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Garden Chores for Kids

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Help weed, water, plant seeds in the garden. Learn about heirloom vegetables

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Corn Husk Dolls

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Craft your own folk art doll of colorful husks

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Second Saturday Author Series

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Anita Tosh reads from her books “The Zella Chronicles” and “God’s Armory”

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 744-0333

www.cwc-fremontareawriters.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Alameda County Transportation Open House

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Provide input for the E. 14th St/Mission & Fremont Blvd. multimodal corridor

Ashland Youth Complex

16335 E. 14th St., San Leandro

www.alamedactc.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Texas Hold ‘Em $

5:30 p.m.

Kiwanis Club of San Leandro fundraiser benefitting Building Futures

Englander Restaurant

101 Parrott St., San Leandro

(510) 562-1029

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Stories Under an Oak

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Storytime under the canopy of a majestic oak

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Cart of Curiosities

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Wonders of cultural and natural history

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Free College Admission Seminar

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Students (and families) in grade 8-11

India Community Center

525 Los Coches St., Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

www.indiacc.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Bird Walk: Proud as a Peacock $

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Walk at Coyote Hills. Ages 12+

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Open Studio

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Glassblowing demonstrations, items for sale

Erickson Arts

33449 Western Ave., Union City

(510) 579-5209

gericksonaats@gmail.com

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Family Workshop $

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Build a fairy house. Ages 10+

Imaginook

39675 Cedar Blvd., Suite 135, Newark

510-358-5877

www.imaginook.us

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Covered California Workshop

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn about health care options

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

www.tri-cityhealth.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Castro Valley Light Parade

5:30 p.m.

Community parade with electric lights

Castro Valley Boulevard

Between San Miguel Ave. & Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 670-6107

www.cvmeetinthestreet.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Turkey Talk

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Explore all things turkey and make decorations

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Artists Relaxing Together

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Debbie O'Brien explains her oil paintings of abstract views of reality

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9

Documentary Film “Won't You Be My Neighbor?”

1:30 p.m.

Director Morgan Neville interviews dozens of people who worked with Mr. Rogers

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org

 

Saturday, Nov 10

Victorian Table Top Games

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Play a game of ball and cup, tops, or Jacob’s Ladder

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Nov 9 – Sunday, Nov 10

You Too $

Sat: 7 p.m. Sun: 4 p.m.

Woman-directed play addressing the #metoo movement

Fremont Central Park Behind Community Center

40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 790-5546

https://ritualart.ticketspice.com/you-too-play

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Meet the Bunnies

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Rabbits are great hoppers and use their long ears to sense danger

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Farmyard Story Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Come listen to some classic barnyard tales

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Cooking in Country Kitchen

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sample food that was cooked on a wood-burning stove

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Weekend Weed Warriors

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Volunteers remove litter and invasive plants. Ages 12+

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Sunday, Nov 10

Henna Candle Workshop R

3:00p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Use the ancient art of henna to decorate a candle. Ages 13+

Newark Branch Library

6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark

(510) 284-0684

www.aclibrary.org/newark

 

Monday, Nov 11

Veterans Day Ceremony

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Veterans Plaza

455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/

 

Monday, Nov 11

Veterans Day Program

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Honoring all who served

Elks Lodge

38991 Farwell Dr., Fremont

(510) 793-5683

www.va.gov

 

Monday, Nov 11

Outdoor Discoveries: Colors of Fall R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Preschool and home school nature series. Ages 4-8

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Monday, Nov 11

Bingo $

7 p.m.

Food, great games

Niles Canyon Mobile Estates

711 Old Canyon Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-7303

(510) 513-3237

 

Tuesday, Nov 12

Start Smart: Teen Driver Program R

6 p.m.

Driver safety education for teens 15-19 and their parents

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org/castro_valley

 

Tuesday, Nov 12

10th Annual Rich Wicker Pool Tournament $

9:30 a.m.

All skill levels welcome. Register by 11/8

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Tuesday, Nov 12

Stop Packaging Waste Workshop

Alternatives to help minimize packaging waste

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

www.aclibrary.org

 

Thursday, Nov 14

Mardi Gras in November $

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Fundraiser hosted by Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center

PLaYT Restaurant

1036 B St., Hayward

(510) 888-1092

tvhcfriends.eventbrite.com

 

Thursday, Nov 14

House Tour R

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Learn about Serra Center and enjoy a bag lunch. RSVP by 11/8

Serra Center

41477 Ellen St., Fremont

lmcgarry@serracenter.org

 

 

 

Upgrades planned for Joshua Tree to ease park crowds

AP Wire Service

 

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (AP), Oct 19 – A revamped entrance and visitor centers are in the works to help ease crowds after a surge in tourism to Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park.

 

Annual attendance has nearly doubled in the past five years, leading to hour-long waits to enter the park 140 miles (225 kilometers) east of Los Angeles and crammed parking lots, The Desert Sun reported Saturday.

 

The Park Service has plans to demolish a fee booth and construct a new one with additional entry and exit lanes and automated fee pay stations. That project is expected to be completed by 2022.

 

There are also plans for new visitors' centers to accommodate larger crowds. A 5,000-square-foot visitor center in Twentynine Palms, California – which will replace an existing 600-square-foot space – will include educational exhibits and an outdoor stage for community events.

 

On the other side of the park, the Park Service will replace a trailer that serves as a center for visitor information with a new building with space for sales and exhibits. Officials also have plans to redesign a park campground following an increase in tent camping there.

 

“We need to keep these places preserved forever, as they are, but allow for their enjoyment today,” said David Smith, the park's superintendent. “It's a constant battle for any manager to figure out where you are on that spectrum.”

 

The park is known for crazy-limbed trees with clusters of green spikes.

–––

 

Information from: The Desert Sun, http://www.desertsun.com

 

 

 

Football

 

Huskies Junior Varsity dominates

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The Washington Huskies (Fremont) JV squad had a good day on the gridiron in their November 1st meeting with the American Eagles (Fremont) JV team. Controlling both offense and defense early on, the Huskies put points on the scoreboard while holding the Eagles scoreless. Although the Eagles attempted to were competitive throughout the contest, it just wasn’t their day. Final score: Huskies JV 20, Eagles JV 0

Photos in 1 new Sharon

 

 

 

Kaiser promotes traffic safety

By Stephanie Gertsch

 

Kaiser Permanente is partnering with the City of Fremont in their ongoing Vision Zero effort by sponsoring a traffic safety education program, involving street banners with messages focused on deterring behaviors that data driven analysis indicates are high risk factors: unsafe speeds, failure to yield to pedestrians, driving under influence, and inattentive driving.

 

On Wednesday, October 30, Kaiser Fremont Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Karen Tejcka, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, and City Manager Mark Danaj presented the Vision Zero street banners that will hang on various roadways in the city through the end of the year. The banners are designed to resemble text messages, with appropriate emojis such as children playing and elderly people walking. The event took place at the Kaiser Medical Center in Fremont.

 

Mayor Lily Mei spoke about how the “Vision Zero” program represents a shift in thinking about traffic collisions. “Each year nearly 40,000 people, the population of a small city, are needlessly killed on American roads, and hundreds of thousands more are severely injured. The traditional approach to roadway safety views major crashes or accidents as an inevitable effect on modern life. A Vision Zero approach, though, holds that through a mix of actions around safer streets, safer peoples, and safer vehicles, the transportation system can be designed and operated so that traffic crashes will not result in the loss of lives or life-altering injuries.”

 

City Manager Mark Danaj listed changes seen from the Vision Zero program since its adoption in 2015. “For the past three years, following the adoption of this Vision Zero program, the city has reduced major traffic crashes by 50 percent—yes, cutting it in half.” This is even as major crashes with severe injuries have risen across the state and nation. Efforts include redesigning streets and promoting safe travel behavior. Numerous accomplishments during this period include upgrading all 16,00 streetlights with brighter LED technology, installing pedestrian countdown signals at all 200 traffic signals, and reconstructing more than 50 miles of roadway with better bike lanes.

 

The banners are just one part of Fremont’s ongoing efforts to make travel safer for everyone.

 

 

 

Keystone oil pipeline leaks 383,000 gallons in North Dakota

By JAMES MacPherson

Associated Press

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP), Oct 31 – TC Energy's Keystone pipeline leaked an estimated 383,000 gallons (1.4 million liters) of oil in northeastern North Dakota, state regulators said Thursday.

 

Crews on Tuesday shut down the pipeline that carries tar sands oil from Canada through seven states after the leak was discovered, said Karl Rockeman, North Dakota's water quality division director. It remained closed Thursday.

 

The Calgary, Alberta-based company formerly known as TransCanada said in a statement the leak affected about 22,500 square feet (2090.3 sq. meters) of land near Edinburg, in Walsh County.

 

The company and regulators said the cause was being investigated.

 

“Our emergency response team contained the impacted area and oil has not migrated beyond the immediately affected area,” the company said in a statement.

 

North Dakota regulators were notified late Tuesday night of the leak. Rockeman said some wetlands were affected, but not any sources of drinking water.

 

Regulators have been at the site since Wednesday afternoon monitoring the spill and cleanup, he said.

 

Crude began flowing through the $5.2 billion pipeline in 2011. It's designed to carry crude oil across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and through North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri on the way to refineries in Patoka, Illinois and Cushing, Oklahoma.

 

It can handle about 23 million gallons daily.

 

The pipeline spill and shutdown comes as the company seeks to build the $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline that would carry tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to refineries in Texas. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline has drawn opposition from people who fear it will harm the environment.

 

President Donald Trump issued a federal permit for the expansion project in 2017, after it had been rejected by the Obama administration.

 

Together, the massive Keystone and Keystone XL network would be about five times the length of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

 

The original Keystone has experienced problems with spills in the past, including one in 2011 of more than 14,000 gallons (53,000 liters) of oil in southeastern North Dakota, near the South Dakota border. That leak was blamed on valve failure at a pumping station.

 

Another leak in 2016 prompted a weeklong shutdown of the pipeline. The company estimated that just under 17,000 gallons (64,350 liters) of oil spilled onto private land during that leak. Federal regulators said an “anomaly” on a weld on the pipeline was to blame. No waterways or aquifers were affected.

 

In 2017, the pipeline leaked an estimated 407,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of oil onto farmland in northeastern South Dakota, in a rural area near the North Dakota border. The company had originally put the spill at about 210,000 gallons (795,000 liters).

 

Federal regulators said at the time the Keystone leak was the seventh-largest onshore oil or petroleum product spill since 2010. Federal investigators said the pipeline was likely damaged during installation during 2008 and may have occurred when a vehicle drove over the pipe, causing it to weaken over time.

 

North Dakota's biggest spill, and one of the largest onshore spills in U.S. history, came in 2013, when 840,000 gallons (3.1 million liters) spilled from a Tesoro pipeline in the northwestern part of the state. The company spent five years and nearly $100 million cleaning it up.

 

The Sierra Club said the latest spill was an example of why the Keystone XL should not be built.

 

“We don't yet know the extent of the damage from this latest tar sands spill, but what we do know is that this is not the first time this pipeline has spilled toxic tar sands, and it won't be the last.”

 

 

 

California schools may allow medical cannabis on campuses

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Oct 10 – California schools will get to decide if parents can administer medical marijuana to their children on school campuses.

 

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday he signed the legislation that reverses a current prohibition on cannabis within 1,000 feet of K-12 campuses. School districts will have the final say on whether they will allow it.

 

The law will take effect Jan. 1.

 

Newsom's predecessor, fellow Democrat Jerry Brown, vetoed a similar law last year.

 

State Sen. Jerry Hill, the bill's author, named it “Jojo's Act” for a teenager in South San Francisco who uses medical cannabis to treat severe epilepsy. California has legalized medical marijuana since the 1990s, but there are strict rules about its use on campus.

 

Washington, Colorado, Florida, Maine, New Jersey, Delaware, Illinois and New Mexico already have similar laws in place, Hill's office said.

 

“Jojo's Act would lift barriers for students with severe medical disabilities – for whom medicinal cannabis is the only medication that works – so they can take their dose at school and then get on with their studies, without being removed from campus and without disrupting their educational experience or that of their classmates,” Hill said in a statement when the bill passed the state Legislature.

 

Students must have a valid medical recommendation, and parents would have to bring the cannabis to the school rather than store it there. The cannabis would have to be in a non-smoking form, such as a capsule.

 

 

 

Pentagon hands Microsoft $10B ‘war cloud' deal, snubs Amazon

By Rachel Lerman

AP Technology Writer

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Oct 25 – The Pentagon awarded Microsoft a $10 billion cloud computing contract, snubbing early front-runner Amazon, whose competitive bid drew criticism from President Donald Trump and its business rivals.

 

Bidding for the huge project, known as Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, or JEDI, pitted leading tech titans Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle and IBM against one another.

 

The giant contract has attracted more attention than most, sparked by speculation early in the process that Amazon would be the sole winner of the deal. Tech giants Oracle and IBM pushed back with their own bids and also formally protested the bidding process last year.

 

Oracle later challenged the process in federal court but lost.

 

Trump waded into the fray in July, saying that the administration would “take a very long look” at the process, saying he had heard complaints. Trump has frequently expressed his ire for Amazon and founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post. At the time, he said other companies told him that the contract “wasn't competitively bid.”

 

Defense Secretary Mark Esper recused himself from the controversial bidding process earlier this week, citing a conflict of interest because his son works for one of the companies that originally bid.

 

The JEDI system will store and process vast amounts of classified data, allowing the U.S. military to use artificial intelligence to speed up its war planning and fighting capabilities.

 

A cloud strategy document unveiled by the Defense Department last year called for replacing the military's “disjointed and stove-piped information systems” with a commercial cloud service “that will empower the warfighter with data and is critical to maintaining our military's technological advantage.”

 

The Pentagon emphasized in an announcement that the process was fair and followed procurement guidelines. It noted that over the past two years, it has awarded more than $11 billion in ten separate cloud-computing contracts and said the JEDI award “continues our strategy of a multi-vendor, multi-cloud environment.”

 

The latter statement appeared designed to address previous criticism about awarding such a large deal to one company.

 

The deal is a major win for Microsoft's cloud business Azure, which has long been playing catch-up to Amazon's market leading Amazon Web Services. Microsoft said it was preparing a statement.

 

Amazon said Friday it was surprised by the decision.

 

“AWS is the clear leader in cloud computing, and a detailed assessment purely on the comparative offerings clearly lead to a different conclusion,” Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said in a statement. “We remain deeply committed to continuing to innovate for the new digital battlefield where security, efficiency, resiliency, and scalability of resources can be the difference between success and failure.”

 

According to a July report from the research firm Gartner, Amazon holds almost 48% of the market for public cloud computing, followed by Microsoft in second place with close to 16%.

 

Over the last year, Microsoft has positioned itself as a friend to the U.S. military. President Brad Smith wrote last fall that Microsoft has long supplied technology to the military and would continue to do so, despite pushback from employees.

 

Oracle and IBM were eliminated earlier in the process, leaving Microsoft and Amazon to battle it out at the end.

 

Google decided last year not to compete for the contract, saying it would conflict with its AI ethics principles. Google employees have been especially vocal in protesting the company's involvement with government contracts.

 

“It's a paradigm changer for Microsoft to win JEDI,” said Dan Ives, managing director of Wedbush Securities. “And it's a huge black eye for Amazon and Bezos.”

 

Microsoft, Amazon, Google and other tech giants have faced criticism from their own employees about doing business with the government, especially on military and immigration related projects.

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

Supervisors add ‘mutton busting’ to prohibited rodeo events

 

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted 3:2 on October 29^th to add “mutton busting” to the list of prohibited events in the county rodeo ordinance (sponsored by ACTION FOR ANIMALS in 1993). It affects rodeos only in the unincorporated areas of the county (Rowell Ranch Rodeo, for example). The Livermore Rodeo is within the Livermore City limits, and will not be affected. Yet, perhaps public pressure will convince them otherwise….

 

Speakers were about evenly divided, maybe 30-35 rodeo proponents on one side of the room (most in cowboy hats); about the same number of animal advocates on the other. Speakers were limited to two minutes each. Thanks to all who came and spoke up for the animals–MUCH APPRECIATED!

 

And this: The annual Alameda County Fair is within the Pleasanton city limits. Notwithstanding, the Fair Administration told me that they would abide by any rodeo event ban in the County Ordinance, including the ban on “mutton busting.” Progress!

 

AYE VOTES – Supervisors Richard Valle (president), Wilma Chan and Keith Carson.

 

NO VOTES – Supervisors Scott Haggerty (who represents the Livermore Rodeo area); and Nate Miley (who represents the Castro Valley area, home of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo). Supervisor Miley claimed the process was faulty, and proposed a three-year “study” to see if “mutton busting” was cruel or not, and asked that the issue be considered before the County's Agriculture Committee…. you can well imagine how THAT would have gone.

 

Fortunately, saner heads prevailed and the vote was taken: 3:2 in favor banning “mutton busting.” Hopefully, sometime in the near future, we can add “wild cow milking,” “goat tying,” “calf riding” and all animal “scrambles” to the prohibited list.

 

Note that Supervisors Valle, Chan, Haggerty and Miley all spoke at some length in defense of their positions. Supervisor Carson remained silent throughout, but ultimately voted AYE! – which is the important thing. Kudos to The Big Three!

 

Please send notes of appreciation (or concern and disappointment, as appropriate) to all Supervisors. (Action for Animals would appreciate blind copies.)

EMAIL ADDRESSES:

richard.valle@acgov.org (pres. of Board)

scott.haggerty@acgov.org

nate.miley@acgov.org

wilma.chan@acgov.org

keith.carson@actov.org

 

OR WRITE: Alameda County Board of Supervisors, 1221 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94612.

 

Now do what Supervisor Haggerty advised all us animal advocates at hearing's end: “All you people can go home and eat your salad!” Unclear on the concept, apparently.

Eric Mills, coordinator

ACTION FOR ANIMALS

Oakland

 

 

 

The Messenger Crosses the Sun: Mercury Transit 2019

By David Prosper

 

Did you know that there are two other objects in our skies that have phases like the Moon? They’re the inner planets, found between Earth and the Sun: Mercury and Venus. You can see their phases if you observe them through a telescope. Like our Moon, you can’t see the planets in their “new” phase, unless they are lined up perfectly between us Earthlings and the Sun. In the case of the Moon, this alignment results in a solar eclipse; in the case of Mercury and Venus, this results in a transit, where the small disc of the planet travels across the face of the Sun. Skywatchers are in for a treat this month, as Mercury transits the Sun the morning of November 11.

 

You may have seen the transit of Venus in 2012; you may have even watched it through eclipse glasses. However, this time you’ll need a solar telescope to see anything, since eclipse glasses will only reveal the Sun’s blank face. Why is that? Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, and closer to the Sun (and further away from Earth) during its transit than Venus was in its 2012 transit. This makes Mercury’s disc too small to see without the extra power of a telescope.

 

Make certain that you view the transit via a telescope equipped with a safe solar filter or projection setup. Do not combine binoculars with your eclipse glasses; this will instantly burn a hole through the glasses – and your eyes. While most people don’t have solar telescopes handy, many astronomy clubs do. Look for clubs hosting Mercury transit observing events near you at bit.ly/findnsn (USA) or at bit.ly/awbtransit (worldwide).

 

What a fun opportunity to see another planet during the day. This transit is expected to last over five hours. Folks on the East Coast will be able to watch the entre transit, weather permitting, from approximately 7:35 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) until around approximately 1:04 p.m. EST. Folks located in the middle of North America to the West Coast will see the transit already in progress at sunrise. The transit takes hours, so if your weather is cloudy, don’t despair; there will be plenty of time for skies to clear. You can find timing details and charts via eclipse guru Fred Espenak’s website: bit.ly/mercurytransit2019.

 

Mercury’s orbit is small and swift, and so its position in our skies quickly changes; that’s why it was named after the fleet-footed messenger god of Roman mythology. In fact, if you have a clear view of the eastern horizon, you’ll be able to catch Mercury again this month. Look for it before dawn during the last week of November, just above the eastern horizon and below red Mars.

 

Wake up early the morning of November 24 to see Mars, the Moon, and Mercury form a loose triangle right before sunrise. Discover more about Mercury and the rest of our solar system at www.nasa.gov.

 

 

This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm to find local clubs, events, and more.

 

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

Vision Zero Street Banners

On Wednesday, October 30, the City of Fremont and Kaiser Permanente unveiled the designs for Vision Zero traffic safety street banners that will be displayed in Fremont through the end of 2020. Approximately 150 banners will be installed along Fremont Boulevard, a key corridor that is traveled by more than 25,000 people every day. The five banner designs, which were designed by City staff, focus on educating the community about behaviors that data driven analysis indicates are high risk factors in Fremont: unsafe speeds, failure to yield to pedestrians, driving under the influence, and inattentive driving. The project is supported by a $25,000 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Program.

 

In the past three years following adoption of its Vision Zero program, the City has reduced major traffic crashes by fifty percent. That is in an environment where nationwide pedestrian and cyclist fatalities increased from 2017 to 2018. The City’s accomplishments since 2015 include upgrading all 16,000 street lighting with brighter LED streetlights; installing pedestrian countdown signals at all 220 traffic signals; restriping more than 50 miles of roadways with better bikeways and to promote safer speeds; enhancing more than 10 crosswalks with pedestrian signals and flashing beacons; and delivering 300 safety improvement projects near schools.

 

Karen Tejcka, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive for the Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center stated in her remarks, “This critically important campaign directly aligns with Kaiser Permanente’s focus on Total Health that goes beyond our members to include the communities that we serve.”

 

Visit www.Fremont.gov/VisionZero2020 for more details about the City’s Vision Zero program.

 

 

 

City Breaks Ground on Downtown Event Center and Plaza

Last Friday, October 25, the City of Fremont held a groundbreaking celebration for the much anticipated Downtown Event Center and Plaza in partnership with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce at its last Street Eats event of the year. Mayor Lily Mei, City Manager Mark Danaj, and Community Services Director Suzanne Wolf presided over the festivities and gave remarks about the planning and purpose of the intended downtown facilities. Over 400 people 2attended the celebration event, partaking in the ceremony and entertainment including a live band, artists and entertainers, street games, and bounce houses.

 

This first phase of the Civic Center project marks a big milestone in meeting the public demand and City’s vision for an active, vibrant downtown that will serve as a central gathering location in the Fremont community. The future Downtown Event Center will provide meeting rooms, amenities, and a large spacious lobby, a catering kitchen, and more, for networking, local business gatherings, and conferences.

 

The outdoor plaza will host the event needs of our community by offering a lawn, multipurpose space, a designated area for food trucks, and a garden breakout space under a canopy of trees. The project also aligns with the City’s sustainability and public art initiatives. When complete, the building will be Fremont’s first all-electric building with zero dependence on fossil fuels, and will also feature commissioned artwork.

 

Construction for this project is anticipated to take approximately 18 months with a completion date slated for spring 2021.

 

 

 

Discounts offered on Solar Installations and Electric Vehicles

There is still time to sign up for Bay Area SunShares, a City-sponsored community program helping local residents access discounted pricing on solar installations and zero-emission vehicles.

 

Two local and recognized solar installation companies—SkyTech Solar and Solar Technologies—are participating in the program and offering a 15% discount, making now the most affordable time to go solar! In addition, those who choose to go solar can still take advantage of the federal solar tax credit.

 

SunShares is also offering zero-emission vehicle discounts on the 2019 all electric Nissan Leaf and the 2019 hydrogen fuel-cell Toyota Mirai.

 

Imagine the possibilities…save on your home utility bills, cut your gas costs, reduce your greenhouse gas footprint, and drive on clean energy!

 

To sign up, visit www.BayAreaSunShares.org. This limited time offer is only available until November 15, 2019.

 

 

 

Theatre

 

Mental illness musical – Next to Normal – comes to Plethos

Submitted by Karin Richey

Photo by Cathy Breslow

 

This November, Plethos Productions is producing the Broadway musical that won a Pulitzer Prize for drama, along with 3 Tony Awards – “Next to Normal.”

 

On the surface, the characters are your typical “normal” American family. But just beneath the facade, is Diana Goodman, a mother who has struggled with bipolar disorder and psychosis for sixteen years. This gripping, heart-wrenching musical is a snapshot of just one of the rollercoaster years Diana, her husband and children have endured.

 

This show is a deep, emotional dive into depression, anxiety and the mental health industry. From a song about pharmaceuticals to mental tricks played on the audience, everyone is taken along for the ride as Diana experiences the frenetic highs of mania and the absolute depths of severe depression and grief. Journey along with this family and see how empathy, patience and love help them endure.

 

This timely rock musical is so relevant, real and relatable in today’s society, which so badly needs to de-stigmatize mental illness, treatment and accessing resources.

 

Playing at Smalltown Society in Castro Valley, Fridays – Sundays, November 8 – 24. Friday and Saturday shows are 7 p.m., Sundays are 2 p.m. matinees. Seating is limited. Advanced purchase highly recommended at plethos.org. General admission is $20.

 

Next to Normal

Friday, Nov 8 – Sunday, Nov 24

Fri – Sat: 7 p.m.

Sun: 2 p.m.

Smalltown Society

22222 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 842-6005

plethos.org

 

 

 

Healthy donors needed to maintain blood supply

Submitted by Christine Welch

 

As influenza activity picks up this fall, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well.

 

One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. For people that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate.

 

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are urged to give now to ensure a stable supply this fall. Appointments to donate blood can be made at the American Red Cross website at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1 (800) 733-2767.

 

Meanwhile, here are in-person blood donation opportunities available in the Tri-City area through November 15:

 

• Fremont

Fremont Police Department

2000 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

Nov 7: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

• Newark

Fremont-Newark Blood Donation Center

39227 Cedar Blvd., Newark

Nov 8-9, 15: 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nov 10: 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Nov 5-7, 11-14: 11:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

 

 

 

Nurses at Washington Hospital ratify new contract

Submitted by California Nurses Association

 

Registered nurses at Washington Hospital in Fremont voted in late October to ratify a four-year contract that includes provisions that nurses say will lead to improved patient care. The announcement was made Friday, November 1 by the California Nurses Association (CNA) which represents more than 800 nurses at the hospital.

 

“Nurses stood up for safe staffing standards by securing an agreement that promotes the training of qualified nurses in specialty areas,” said Lizet Beltran, an oncology nurse. “This agreement will enable us to retain our highly qualified nursing staff who take care of the community.”

 

Highlights of the contract include:

 

• Strengthening nurses’ voices to improve patient care. The new agreement increases nurse participation in the hospital’s professional practice committee, a committee of nurses and hospital management which meets monthly to resolve patient care issues.

 

• Support for nurses, leading to enhanced patient care. The contract includes improved staffing language to ensure RNs can safely take meal and rest breaks to reduce on-the-job stress and fatigue that studies show can erode patient safety.

 

• Critical educational opportunities. The agreement includes increased incentives for RNs to take part in training and educational programs that enhance the quality of patient care and improve recruitment and retention of experienced nurses.

 

• No takeaways to health benefits. Nurses were able to block the hospital management’s effort to increase premiums for health care.

 

• Economic gains to help with recruitment and retention. With an across the board wage increase of 11% over the four years of the agreement, this contract will help attract the most experienced nurses to care for patients and the community served by the hospital.

 

“With our new agreement, we will have increased representation to resolve patient care concerns and improve how nurses take care of patients at the bedside,” said Kim Lake, a registered nurse at the Birth Center. “This contract is a testament to our solidarity and our commitment to serving our patients.”

 

 

 

Holiday Show & Sale Volunteer Sign-up

Submitted by Olive Hyde Art Guild

 

Olive Hyde Art Guild has volunteer opportunities available for its annual Holiday Show & Sale.

If you are interested in volunteering, call Jeanne Delp at (510) 797-9935 to arrange your assignment and timeslot. You may also sign up online at http://olivehydeartguild.org/holiday-for-the-arts-2/holiday-show-sale-volunteers/ — select a day, and the link will open in a new tab to display volunteer positions available that day. If desired, you may sign up for multiple days.

 

Olive Hyde Volunteer Opportunities

 

Monday, Dec 2: Decorations Facilities Prep & Setup

Tuesday, Dec 3: Receiving

Wednesday, Dec 4: Installation & Facility Prep

Friday, Dec 6: Gala

Saturday, Dec 7: Show & Sale

Sunday, Dec 8: Show & Sale

Monday, Dec 9: Inventory

Tuesday, Dec 10: Artist Checkout

Wednesday, Dec 11: Dismantling Decorations & Facility Clean up

 

Olive Hyde Art Guild

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-9935

http://olivehydeartguild.org/holiday-for-the-arts-2/holiday-show-sale-volunteers/

 

 

 

Package thieves sought

Submitted by Officer Kevin Jackson, Milpitas PD

 

Police in Milpitas are asking help from the public in identifying several people suspected of stealing packages from the front porches of several residential homes.

 

Here is the background information:

 

• August 28: An unknown female stole Amazon packages from the front porch of two residences in the area of Centre Pointe Drive in Milpitas. One of the incidents was captured on a residential security camera system, which allowed the homeowner to provide an image of the suspect. On October 18, the Milpitas Police Department released several images of suspects associated with package thefts from the same area in hopes of identifying the suspects.

 

• October 24: A member of the public contacted police detectives and provided information to identify the female suspect whose picture was disseminated in the original press release. The suspect was identified as a 17-year-old female from Oakland. The suspect was in custody at a juvenile facility in Alameda County and Milpitas detectives were able to issue her a citation for the package thefts.

 

The Milpitas Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect in this case. The other two male suspects have not been located and detectives are working diligently to identify them.

 

Meanwhile, police are asking residents to consider having packages delivered to their workplace or to the home of a relative/neighbor/friend who is home on the delivery date. Online retailers, such as Amazon, allow packages to be delivered to Amazon Hub Lockers, plus they offer their Prime customers the option of “Amazon Day,” which allows them to pick a delivery date. Taking these steps could prevent people from becoming victims of package theft.

 

Anyone with information on the two male suspects associated with these package theft incidents is asked to contact the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department Website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip.

Letter to the Editor

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor

 

Parcel Tax extension is necessary

 

As reported in the Tri-City Voice [October 29, 2019], the Union City City Council gave direction in the October 22, 2019 meeting to extend the current Public Safety Parcel Tax by a 3-2 vote. Extension of the tax is a must for the following reasons:

 

1. Maintain the 911 emergency system.
2. Maintain neighborhood police patrols and school safety programs
3. Continue youth violence prevention programs

 

There will be plenty of other tax proposals on the November 2020 ballot such as the New Haven School Bond, Alameda County sales tax proposals, etc. Therefore, the Public Safety Parcel Tax renewal has the best chance to pass on the March 2020 ballot.

 

The public is skeptical about any tax increase and a divided City Council would divide the public too. We should remember that Union City voters turned down a tax proposal in the last election. I kindly request the Mayor and council members come up with a unanimous proposal by making necessary compromises in the structuring of the parcel tax for the public to buy in and vote in March 2020.

 

Subru Bhat

Union City

 

 

 

 

Neighborhood park improvements coming soon

Submitted by Jacqui Diaz

 

Officials from the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) recently announced that renovations on two of the district’s parks will be starting soon.

 

Upgrades to East Avenue Park, at 3221 East Ave. in Hayward and Via Toledo Park at 18651 Via Toledo in San Lorenzo, will start in November with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2020. Both two-acre parks serve residents and visitors.

 

Improvements planned at East Avenue Park include restroom replacement, an accessible pathway, play area, basketball court, picnic areas, site furnishings, parking area, as well as signage, fencing, tree work and plantings. Updates at Via Toledo Park will include improvements in the play area, fitness area, a shade structure, along with grading and drainage, site furnishings, irrigation and planting.

 

“The district is very excited to begin these two projects for our residents since they support the community’s values for health, wellness and enjoying the outdoors.” said District General Manager, Paul McCreary. “We also want to acknowledge that this may impact the neighbors during construction and we want to be responsive to any construction impacts.”

 

Residents are encouraged to visit the HARD website at www.hard.icitywork.com to learn more about these capital improvement projects.

 

 

 

Police ID bank robbery suspects

Submitted by Fremont PD

 

Three suspects in an October 21 robbery at the Provident Credit Union in Fremont have been identified by the Fremont Police Department.

 

Bryan Colston, 30, and Damario Crawford, 32, both of Oakland, and Larisha Kilgore, 27, of El Cerrito, were taken into custody after leading authorities on a vehicle pursuit on I-880 to Hayward after the bank robbery, which occurred about 5:30 p.m.

 

Evidence from the robbery was located inside the vehicle as well as inside the pockets of the suspects. The suspect vehicle was determined to have been stolen out Hayward five days prior to the bank robbery.

 

On October 23 the case was presented to the Alameda County District Attorney for review. All three suspects were charged with multiple felony charges in connection with the bank robbery. Kilgore was also charged with additional felony crimes in connection to the pursuit and possession of the stolen vehicle. The suspects remain in custody with a scheduled court date of November 14.

 

Meanwhile, the case is still being investigated. Anyone with information about it is asked to call the Fremont Police Department’s Investigative Unit at (510) 790-6954 or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP FREMONTPD followed by a short message to 888-777. Information can also be shared online at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.

 

 

 

Pumpkins at the Zoo

Leftover Halloween pumpkins find new purpose at zoo

Submitted by Isabella Linares

 

Carving of the gourds has been a tradition in North America for decades. But what happens to them after the season ends? Instead of letting pumpkins end up as waste in compost or the trash bin, the Oakland Zoo works with local pumpkin patches to donate leftovers to the Zoo for the animals to enjoy. This annual tradition has become quite a treat for many animals at Oakland Zoo, thanks to the generous donations from donors such as Moore’s Pumpkins and Fuji Melon Pumpkin Patch.

 

“Making smart and sustainable choices is important to us. Most Halloween pumpkins — 1.3 billion pounds, in fact — end up in the landfill where they generate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Pumpkins can be made into yummy seeds, soup or bread and eaten, composted at home, or donated to Oakland Zoo for a fun and healthy food source for our animal family!” said Amy Gotliffe, Director of Conservation at Oakland Zoo.

 

The pumpkin craze that sweeps the nation is not only enjoyed by humans. “The pumpkins are a wonderful and healthy resource for all of our animals here at the zoo. It’s kind of like an early Thanksgiving feast and because we can gather so many, we end up feeding them out until January,” said Gina Kinzley, Lead Elephant Keeper at the zoo.

 

Not only are these orange vegetables added to everyday animal diets, but zookeepers have creatively crafted them into enrichment items such as pumpkin kabobs, gourd bowls filled with meat treats, puzzle feeders, and even frozen delicacies. Zoo visitors can see animals feasting on the sweet goodies daily now through the end of December.

 

For ticket prices and parking details, visit the zoo website at www.oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525.

 

 

 

Ohlone College presents world premiere of The Reluctant Vampire

Submitted by Tina Vossugh

Photos by Ravi Masand

 

Ohlone College’s award-winning theatre & dance department presents the world premiere of “The Reluctant Vampire” by Bay Area playwright Eugenie Chan, directed by Michael Navarra.

 

The Reluctant Vampire is a new work specifically written for Ohlone College students and will be performed at the Ohlone College Smith Center in Fremont on November 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 8 p.m. An ASL interpreted performance will be held on November 9. After the show runs, the students will perform it at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—the largest and most prestigious arts festival in the world—August 2020.

 

“This collaboration gave our students the opportunity to be a part of a developmental process with a professional playwright and to see how their input and ideas affected the final product,” says Navarra. “The development of new works is essential to the growth of American theatre and we’re happy that our students were able to be involved in this part of the theatrical experience.”

 

In the play, the prestigious Le Pooles of Blood clan have moved to a new town to expand their lucrative family business. On the eve of their daughter Drusilla’s first bite at the Savage 16 Dance, not all is well. Drusilla is angsty, depressed, and having trouble fitting in. She begins a journey of self-discovery, rebels against her family, and finds a friend in the unlikeliest of places.

 

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. Purchase online or through the Smith Center Box Office at (510) 659-6031. Parking for this event is $4.00. There will be no late seating for this show. For more information visit: https://www.ohlone.edu/theatredance/performances

 

The Reluctant Vampire

Friday, Nov 8 – Saturday, Nov 16

Shows on Nov 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16

ASL interpreted: Nov 9

8 p.m.

Ohlone College Smith Center

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

Tickets: $10-15

Parking: $4