Glowfari animal lanterns take guests through North America, Deep Ocean, and Arctic
Submitted by Oakland Zoo
This wildly popular, family-friendly Glowfari is back with hundreds of ALL NEW, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo's commitment to conservation. The event will run from November 10, 2023, until January 28, 2024.
This year’s experience features new themes, including the forests of North America with iconic native wildlife like mountain lions and wolves, our frosty friends of the Arctic with puffins and polar bears, the Deep Ocean featuring rarely seen sea creatures, and a stroll through the swamp as you encounter alligators and other animals of the Bayou!
Finish your experience with a ride on the train through the great red island of Madagascar, a wondrous world full of lemurs, chameleons, and other unique flora and fauna!
Don't forget to visit Santa in the Rides Area Fridays through Sundays in November and every night December 1 to 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (line closes at 8:45 p.m.). Please note, Santa's hours are subject to change, and he may have to head back to the North Pole if it gets too wet.
Tickets go on sale 28 days in advance on a rolling basis. If you are directed to a Queue It website, that is our digital “line” for purchasing Glowfari tickets. All Glowfari tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.
Glowfari is an outdoor winter event, so it may be cold and wet. Please dress with the winter weather in mind to ensure your enjoyment. Umbrellas are permitted in the Zoo. If the Zoo must close Glowfari due to inclement weather or for any other reason, an email will be proactively sent to all guests who have purchased tickets and full refunds will be issued. This event can be considered photosensitive. Guests who are prone to seizures or have light sensitivity should be aware.
Proceeds from Glowfari support Oakland Zoo’s operating expenses, animal care, education and conservation programs.
Glowfari
Friday, Nov 10 – Sunday, Jan 28
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
Tickets: $22-$26
Food Donations are needed for Scouting For Food just around the Corner
Submitted by Eve Marie Little
The month of November is the time of giving, and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) work hard to give everything back to their communities during this time through the Scouting For Food program. The BSA has been working to collect food and clothing nationally since 1988 and it has become the nation’s largest single-day food drive.
The last weekend in October, BSA scouts from all over the East Bay area delivered doorhangers to houses informing the neighborhoods that they are going to be collecting the items on Saturday, November 11. Homes have been asked to please leave non-perishable food and gently used clothing items in view of the street by 9 a.m. so they can be picked up and taken to the collection center. The canned food will be distributed to Alameda County through the Alameda County Community Food Bank and locally through Viola Blythe Community Services. The clothing will be shipped to Mexico through JC Imports in Union City. Cash and/or checks are especially appreciated as the Food Bank, with their purchasing power, can purchase seven times the amount of food than what the public can.
The Mission Peak District’s Scouting for Food Director is excited about this year. Don Uriu states, “We have distributed a record 78,000 doorhangers in Union City, Fremont and Newark and are hoping for a record collection this weekend.” Last year, the BSA Mission Peak District collected 52,973 pounds of food, 1,131 pieces of clothes, and $3,215 in donations—logging a total of 6,295 service hours along the way. Each and every one of these donations makes a difference, especially with inflation and families struggling to make ends meet each month.
If you are interested in personally dropping off a donation on Saturday, you can stop by Holy Spirit Church in Fremont between 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Suggested items are: canned goods, peanut butter, cereal, pancake and muffin mix, instant soup, beans, pasta, and powdered milk, coffee, and tea. For more information about Scouting For Food, visit the website at: https://ggacbsa.org/scouting-for-food/.
For more information about scouting in your area, check out www.beascout.org to find a unit close to you.
Scouting For Food
Saturday, Nov 11
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Holy Spirit Church
37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
https://ggacbsa.org/scouting-for-food/
The Government Inspector pays a not-so-surprise visit to the Ohlone Stage
By Stephanie Gertsch
Photos by Haily Eddlemon
For their fall production, the Ohlone Theater & Dance department will put on Nikolai Gogol’s The Government Inspector—called one of the funniest plays ever written. The play will run at the Smith Center at Ohlone College from November 10 to November 18, with an ASL interpreted performance on opening night.
After several years of dramas taking center stage for the Ohlone fall semester, director Michael Navarra was looking for a comedy. He was drawn to historical comedies because they tended to use bigger casts compared to contemporary non-musical comedies, and would thus allow more student actors to participate. He sent The Government Inspector out to his students, and it was a hit. Navarra says, “My focus is to guide the actors towards their next step in the craft. It’s a large cast and each actor has an opportunity to play some wonderfully comedic and playful roles.”
In the play, news of surprise visit from a government inspector to a small Russian town spirals into a case of mistaken identity and a general chaos of greed, bureaucracy, corruption and social climbing. Says Navarra, “The play satirizes aspects of the human condition, most notably bureaucracies, corruption, deception, and self-deception. Gogol used a big city character entering a small-town society to play out this comedy of errors.”
The Government Inspector was originally written by Gogol in 1836. Ohlone’s production will use a revised translation by Jeffrey Hatcher from 2009. The staging will reflect Russia in the 1800s, with Russian bluegrass music—but there will be some small-town America vibes as well.
Overall, the play promises a lively night of classic comedy with timeless themes of satirizing greed and corruption.
The Government Inspector
Friday, Nov 10 – Saturday, Nov 18
ASL interpreted performance: Nov 10
8 p.m.
Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6031
Ticket: $20 General / $15 Student
Parking: $4
AC Transit Greenlights Two Plans to Realign the Bus Network
Submitted by Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit District
The AC Transit District Board of Directors unanimously approved, during the November 1 special meeting to advance design and planning for two all-new draft service scenarios that could redefine the future of AC Transit's bus network.
The first proposal is called the “Balanced Coverage” scenario. Here, the current bus network will remain largely intact, but it will undergo some enhancements to increase the number of riders. These cost-neutral changes prioritize equitable access to hospitals and supermarkets, especially for households that do not own a car. In this design scenario, 20 bus lines are modified to enhance reliability.
In the second scenario called “Frequent Service,” the core design principle remains equitable access to jobs, hospitals, and supermarkets. To achieve more frequent bus service, this design involves reducing or eliminating coverage in areas with the lowest ridership and reallocating resources to areas of high demand. As part of this plan, 28 bus lines are modified to enhance reliability.
A third scenario called the “Unconstrained Vision” represents an aspirational proposal, which envisions the bus network's operation supported by new sources of significant funding. This plan introduces on-demand micro-transit or collaboration with transportation network companies in areas where expanding traditional bus lines may not be feasible. This proposal is challenging due to the ongoing financial constraints induced by post-pandemic revenue losses, funding shortfalls, and Bus Operator workforce challenges.
The combined scenarios received significant feedback from the public. Their concerns covered a range of issues, including doubts about the practicality of implementing bus network changes by summer 2024, potential effects on Bus Operators, worries that bus line realignment could lead to excessively long routes, and the possibility of cancelation of certain bus lines. The Board heard the public's input, and as part of its unanimous approval to move forward with the design and planning, it also included instructions to AC Transit's staff to clarify further and refine the “Balanced Coverage” and “Frequent Service” plans. The Board wants the broadest inclusion and more feedback from riders and community members on both scenarios.
To do so, AC Transit has launched an innovative and user-friendly interactive map that empowers riders to explore the routing of each bus line, hours and schedules, and the frequency of all bus lines. The interactive maps also provide users the ability to offer direct feedback on the proposed plans and share easily. Visit www.actransit.org/realign/balanced-scenario and www.actransit.org/realign/frequent-scenario to access the interactive maps and detailed information for West Contra Costa County, North, Central, and South Alameda County, and Transbay Service.
Local celebrities support Beau’s Bridge Animal Rescue
Submitted by Karen Conover
On November 11, Beau’s Bridge Club Holiday Boutique will return with beautiful crafts and delicious sweets to benefit the 501(c)(3) animal rescue serving pets in the East Bay and Richmond, VA.
Ashley Wong, Fremont’s local celebrity baker, will be hosting a booth at the Holiday Boutique. Owner of Ashley Wong Sweets, she appeared two years ago on the Food Network's Halloween Baking Championship and was featured on six of the seven episodes. Since then, Wong’s business has grown, and her delicious sweets have found their way to many happy customers!
Also hosting a booth for her second year will be Spring Schoenhuth of Springtime Creations, a Bay Area Jewelry artist. Spring is a seven-time Hugo Award finalist in the category of Fan Art, most recently in 2019.The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention and chosen by its members.
In addition to Schoenhuth’s jewelry, Wong’s cookies, turnovers, cake pops and cinnamon rolls, vendors will be selling a variety of handcrafted and specialty market items. Enjoy some delicious sweets, great food, and get a head start on your holiday shopping! This is a rain or shine event.
Beau’s Bridge Club Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Nov 11
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
38801 Blacow Rd., Fremont
Flash Fiction – The Winners
Continuing with our coverage of the winners for October 2023’s Flash Fiction Contest, on the theme “The Day I Fell In Love,” this week we are running the 3rd place winner. Read all the winners at www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org.
Bonus Time
By Richard Lau
The day I fell in love, time stopped.
Well, not exactly. But time seemed to lose significance, its oppressive dominance dissipated like morning fog cover.
The hands on the clock still moved, the sun rose and set, and year by year, we got older. But we did it together.
Milk soured and food spoiled, but we always managed to scrape something together for a delightful meal for two.
The seasons cycled and we greeted them like old friends with new characteristics and interests: Spring was fresher and brighter, Summer cooler but sunnier, Fall more festive and colorful, and Winter cheerier and cozier.
Unlike the seasons, friends, family, and pets expired, and we grieved together. And we missed and remembered them together.
And eventually, Time will throw down the final card, and we ourselves will be parted.
“Wouldn’t you want more time together?” I’m sometimes asked.
Of course. Who wouldn’t? But I’m not greedy. The way I look at it is that all the moments we have had together have been bonus time.
Some people go through their whole lives never falling in love. Others fall in love often, but never find that one true sustainable one. And still others may fall in love and find that love not returned.
It’s like playing a video game and achieving the high score of 9,999,999. Everything after that point won’t add to the score. You have already won. Everything else is bonus time.
My bonus time began the day she told me that she loved me, too.
Castro Valley Light Parade
Submitted by Eden Area Chamber
On Saturday, November 11, the Castro Valley / Eden Area Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2023 Light Parade. The event will include live bands, food vendors, activities for kids, and of course a parade of community groups and floats. The event starts at 3 p.m.; arrive early to get a good spot.
Castro Valley Light Parade
Saturday, Nov 11
3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Castro Valley Blvd.
Lake Chabot Rd. to Redwood Rd.
www.edenareachamber.com/cvlightparade2023
Fremont’s Central Park Path Renovation
By Jack Alcorn
A pathways renovation project is underway at Lake Elizabeth. The landscape improvement effort centers around the installation of new ADA-compliant concrete pathways.
Several sections of pathways in the heart of the park will see improvements. Deteriorating concrete trails between the Fremont Community Center (FCC), Age Well Center (Senior Center), Lions Picnic Area and Band Pavilion will be removed and replaced. Non ADA-compliant curb ramps will be be replaced with new ADA accessible curbs and gutters.
The project includes rough grading and excavation of existing sod in some areas for the installation of a cast-in-place concrete retaining wall, 6” concrete curbs, and concrete mow bands to assist better lawn maintenance.
The eco-friendly construction materials to be used for Central Park’s new pathways include decomposed granite pavement and repurposed signage. Irrigation modifications and installation of a removable access bollard will further enhance maintenance capacity for the park’s most used path and grass areas.
No trees are slated for removal during this renovation. Completion is expected by the end of January 2024.
Qualified Candidates Sought for New County Committee to Address Disability Issues
Submitted by County of Santa Clara
The County of Santa Clara is seeking members of the public — particularly those within the disabled community — to serve on a new advisory group that will hold regular meetings on disability issues and ultimately guide the work of the County and the Office of Disability Affairs.
The goal is for the Disability Community Accountability Advisory Board to include representatives from a broad representation including individuals who are Deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually disabled, physically disabled, developmentally/intellectually disabled, as well as advocates and caregivers including families, parents and community-based organization workers. “One by one we must start removing barriers for everyone, from autistic children to adults who cannot walk or see,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who championed the creation of the Office of Disability Affairs in 2022. “The county needs to include disabled children and adults in all of its equity policies and programs. People with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, food insecurity, health problems, discrimination and exclusion from built environments and inadequate social services.”
The purpose behind the Office of Disability Affairs and the new advisory board is to ensure that the County is a leader in equity inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The Office of Disability Affairs recently hired a new manager. Le Toudjida Allara has been a cofounder and executive director of Strategies To Advance and Network Deaf Africans for Ubuntu, Inc. (STANDU), an organization that promotes deaf education in Africa. He is also a board member of the Friends of Buea School for the Deaf and global affairs manager of the Society Without Barriers-Côte d’Ivoire. He has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Gallaudet University, Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Studies, with double minors in Deaf Studies and French from Gallaudet University — the premiere deaf university in the United States. “If the goal is to shape policy, and it is, then we need to collect the thoughts of the people for whom the policy is being shaped,” noted Allara. “I look forward to working with all sectors of the disability community and our community partners to best eliminate ableism in all its forms.”
One in four adults in the United States is living with some form of disability. That’s about 61 million people, including more than 3 million children. Disability cuts across all demographic groups and identities, and ties into other forms of marginalization such as racism and gender bias. Those interested in serving on the panel — and who are in the disability community — are encouraged to self-nominate at https://desj.sccgov.org/oda. Six meetings will be held throughout 2024 and committee members will receive an annual $1,000 stipend. Nominations open November 1 and will close December 4, 2023.
Northern California’s only all-Disabled Comedy Troupe hits Castro Valley
Submitted by Nina G
The Comedians with Disabilities Act (CWDA) is a fabulous collection of comedians with disabilities, both seen and unseen, who bring forth the humor they find in their experiences. The comedy troupe is the brainchild of comedian Michael O’Connell, who started the group in 2010, and was later joined by Steve Danner and Nina G not long after. In 2016, O’Connell sadly passed away – but the show he created lives on, spotlighting a variety of Disabled and outrageously funny comedians. The upcoming lineup of shows includes disability representation from diverse perspectives.
The troupe hits Northern California for a weekend tour hitting Sacramento, Castro Valley and Oakland. All shows feature female headlining comedians with disabilities. Previous lineups included disability representation from the following experiences: stuttering, dyslexia, Dwarfism, amputation, addiction recovery, OCD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Autism, Tourette's syndrome and more.
About the comedians:
Nina G
Author, comedian, and Disability advocate Nina G, headlines the CWDA-Castro Valley show. She is the author of multiple books and most recently had her first solo comedy album debut at #1 on the iTunes and Amazon comedy charts. Nina’s memoir, Stutterer Interrupted, (which shares its title with her album and special) was released to critical acclaim in 2019. Her comedy special, directed by fellow stutterer Gina Chin-Davis, debuted in October 2023. Nina has toured the world as a comedian and keynote speaker appearing at countless colleges, conferences and corporate events. She brings her experiences on stage about what it is like to stutter and have a learning disability.
Steve Danner
Steve Danner's comedy career began as an audience member at a comedy club. That night, the comedian on stage started riffing with him and after Danner showcased his own riffing skills, the comic approached Danner after the show and suggested he give comedy a try. He soon began a career as a comedian and producer and has opened for many headliners such as Last Comic Standing Winner Felipe Esparza.
Mean Dave
Mean Dave is a favorite in Bay Area Stand Up Comedy hailing from Newark. He is in his 10th year of recovery from addiction, which he ingeniously weaves into his humor. Dave has opened for many notable comedians like Josh Blue, Big Jay Oakerson, and Jay Mohr, and has performed at colleges across the US. Mean Dave’s role in the Comedians with Disabilities Act helps to bring his critical message about addiction and disabilities to audiences around the world.
Adam Keys
Adam Keys got his start in comedy with Armed Services Arts Partnership back in 2018 and has been hittin’ in person and virtual stages across the country ever since. He’s been North American his whole life- born in Canada and relocated to the U.S. as a teen. He then went on to serve in the U.S. Army after 9/11.
Comedians with Disabilities
Saturday, Nov18
7 p.m.
JP’s Family Restaurant (Banquet Room)
3600 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
For tickets visit https://thecomedydencv.com
$20
Local student wins Eden Housing Scholarship
By Annika Singh
Photos courtesy of Christiana Tyler
After applying for her Masters in social work at CSU San Bernardino, Christiana Tyler was looking for scholarship opportunities when she came across a flier stuck in her door for Eden Housing scholarships.
“I was on the hunt for any sort of supplemental funding, especially since Masters students are only offered unsubsidized loans, and the scholarship came around at the perfect time,” the San Leandro resident said.
The application process for the scholarship is primarily online, requiring applicants to fill out background information on their name, the program they’re interested in, and a budget breakdown on how they plan on using the money.
“It’s like a miniature line item budget,” Tyler said. In her budget, she explained that she was planning on using the scholarship money for tuition fees and new technology for her Master’s program, since it’s online. “I really needed to make sure I had all my devices working to the best of their ability, so I’m not dependent [on poor technology],” Tyler said.
The scholarship’s requirements are flexible—applicants need to be a resident at one of Eden Housing’s affordable apartments, as well as a student—seniors in high school, undergraduates, and Master’s students all qualify. Tyler was a first-time applicant, but noted that individuals who previously won the scholarship and were re-applying were also required to submit proof of how they spent the money they received.
“One thing I appreciate about this scholarship is that the submission process was not as difficult as other scholarships I’ve come across, especially since most require several stipulations,” Tyler said. “I discovered that not all scholarships are open to graduate students—most are for college freshman or undergraduate students, and some also have age limits.”
Tyler has an internship and is currently pursuing her Masters, both of which required their own extensive, individual application. Though the scholarship application process was smoother, Tyler was required to write multiple personal statements and complete a federal financial aid application for her Master’s program, which was challenging.
“I felt a little bit out of practice when going through the difficult application processes and adhering to deadlines,” she said.
Now that she’s begun her Master’s program, Tyler appreciates the scholarship’s flexibility. “It’s unlike a lot of other scholarships I’ve come across, because it’s very open-ended. You can use it for books, tuition, rent, or other miscellaneous things,” she said. “I think Eden Housing has a better understanding of the effects of real life. I’m a full-time Masters student who’s working full-time and life is expensive.” She bought a new iPad for school work, and also spent a bit of money on purchasing textbooks.
Tyler encourages students interested in applying for scholarships to be steadfast. “It’s very easy to get discouraged after a while of looking for scholarships—it’s kind of a never-ending process, like I’m already applying for scholarships for my second semester of school,” she said.
Tyler said she felt frustrated about the lack of transparency from programs with regards to age restrictions and lack of flexibility towards grad students during the search process. “It definitely highlighted clear inequities in the educational sphere, but keeping yourself motivated, focusing on your long-term goals, and priming yourself for challenges can help.”
Through her social work degree, Tyler hopes to empower others and help them discover their life-goals. She’s specifically interested in exploring a career in public policy, mental health counseling, or administrative work in nonprofit organizations. Tyler previously received her bachelors in psychology and criminal justice administration, which sparked her interest in social work.
“I realized I wanted to be an advocate for BIPOC, formerly incarcerated folks, and senior citizens—essentially communities that fall through the cracks in our society or face particularly nuanced challenges,” she said. “I definitely want to be a reason life becomes easier for them. I want a career where I’m striving for something every day, even if I help only one person.”
So far, Tyler also loves her Master’s program. She’s taking courses on subjects such as macro social work, human development, and critical topics, which is an “amalgamation of discrimination, racism, poverty, homelessness, and other big societal social issues.” Tyler was initially nervous and uncertain about her Master’s program, but has found a place for her to pursue her passion.
“I really feel like I’m in the right program,” she said.
For individuals interested in pursuing a career in social work, Tyler recommends making sure it’s what you want to do and that your interest in the career is not for selfish reasons. “You’re going to be giving a lot. Social services in the US don't get the level of attention or funding they deserve, so the people that work in the field experience things like compassion fatigue.”
As Tyler continues her Master’s journey, she feels thankful for the Eden Housing scholarship. “Their residents are multi-faceted human beings, whether we’re students, parents, or caregivers, and I appreciate my identity being considered,” she said. “Eden Housing knows what they’re doing.”
Cozy Up with Emotional Support Paintings at Olive Hyde Art Gallery
Submitted by City of Fremont
The City of Fremont’s historic Olive Hyde Art Gallery proudly presents “Emotional Support Paintings” – a solo exhibition featuring contemporary paintings by Ingrid V. Wells. Wells’ collection features intimate oil studies of tiny confetti, magnifying their charming, magical qualities through the use of vivid, playful color. Like emotional support animals, her paintings bring comfort and joy. She invites the viewer to greet their challenges with curiosity and “stay in your joy when blanketed in seemingly depressing circumstances.” Wells creates her Emotional Support Paintings to “serve as a visual respite for joyful rebellion in the face of obstacles.”
Wells currently lives and paints in San Francisco where she directs many other projects. She runs San Francisco Artists Studios, a multidisciplinary artist studio space providing affordable workspaces to many Bay Area artists. She is the director of TWIRL: A Decade of Artists Interviews, a 10-year annual interview project following 40 artists currently in its fifth year. Additionally, she is the Assistant Director of the Fine Arts division of California College of the Arts.
Wells will be giving an in-person artist talk during the opening reception at Olive Hyde Art Gallery on November 17 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. This is a free event open to all, and membership is not required to attend. All are invited to celebrate and enjoy the night with fellow art enthusiasts!
Emotional Support Paintings
Virtual exhibit: Thursday, Nov 2 – Saturday, Dec 16; bit.ly/OH-Virtual1
In-person exhibit: Thursday, Nov 9 – Saturday, Dec 16
Opening Reception: Friday, Nov 17; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thu – Sun; 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
olivehydeartguild.org
Fremont’s New Plan for Housing
By Jack Alcorn
Thursday, October 26 the City of Fremont’s Planning Commission approved the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Housing Element is a comprehensive plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in Fremont. The Housing Element goes to Fremont City Council for adoption November 17.
The new Housing Element is a community driven, data-based revision of the previous Housing Element, in effect since 2015. When formally adopted, this will be the sixth cycle of a Housing Element that updates and renews every eight years.
Developed and implemented by Fremont’s Planning Division, the Housing Element is primarily tasked with planning housing opportunities for the city’s elderly, impaired, unhoused and other vulnerable populations. Assessing the housing needs of a city’s population and acquiring community input are critical steps for developing a Housing Element.
A Housing Element must also review the outcomes of the previous Element’s goals, objectives, policies, and programs. For each program, the Housing Element must compare the differences between what was projected or planned and what was achieved. State law requires that a city’s Housing Element demonstrate that the city has adequately planned to meet the housing needs of the community at all income levels.
Participation from a diverse cross section of the population was needed to adequately define the community’s housing needs and to determine effective housing strategies. Community engagement tactics for updating the Housing Element included:
- Housing Element Update Website
- City Newsletter Articles
- Presentations to City Council and partner agencies
- Public Workshops
- Community-Based Organizations Panel
Particular attention was given to outreach efforts to low income residents. Recognizing that lower income residents may have limited accessibility to Board and Commission meetings due to schedules, language barriers, and technology issues, Planning Division staff brought community outreach directly to residents. Specifically, staff held four separate listening session events at homeless shelters and affordable housing developments.
Community recommendations for Housing Element components reflected local values and priorities. Some of the housing strategies identified by Fremont residents include:
- Encouraging more accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Additions to existing dwellings to accommodate larger family sizes
- Assisted living and residential care facilities
- Dedicated affordable and market-rate senior housing
Many residents expressed support for affordable housing development, but not townhouse-style developments. Residents of affordable housing units wanted more methods to provide input on the design and amenities for low income housing units. People with children, and particularly single parents, had a harder time finding rental housing in Fremont than individuals without children. There was also a desire for more off-street parking spaces that are leased or sold separately, rather than included in the rent or purchase price of a dwelling unit.
Among all groups consulted, housing affordability was the largest and most often heard concern.
Data analysis conducted by Fremont’s Planning Division determined the following:
- Fremont is a community with increasingly unaffordable housing. The median rent in Fremont has increased from $1,550 in 2009 to $2,210 per month in 2023.
- Lower income residents in Fremont face significant housing challenges. 68% of Fremont households making less than 30% of area median income (AMI) spend the majority of their income on housing.
- Fremont is a community with strong job growth. Since 2010, the number of jobs located in Fremont increased by 33,790. More employment opportunities increase the need for housing in the region.
- Fremont is part of a region where population growth is outpacing housing growth.
Research also determined the following impediments to housing development in Fremont:
- High land costs
- Insufficient government funding to subsidize affordable housing needs
- Minimum and maximum parking requirements
Fremont needs housing that is affordable for teachers, public safety personnel, nurses, child care workers and the retail and service workers who are the lifeblood of the local economy. Salaries for those occupations increasingly fall in the 30% of median income range, eclipsed by tech salaries in the region. This trend increasingly puts this valuable sector of the working population in the housing vulnerable category, in need of affordable housing.
Fremont’s updated Housing Element reflects the city’s continued commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing. Housing need identified in the Housing Element assists Planning Commission consideration and granting of building permits. The Element expresses the need for a total of 12,897 new housing units in Fremont over the next eight years. 5,736 of those units are assigned a low income designation. Another 1,996 new housing units are designated for moderate income affordability levels.
The robust new housing plan promotes the development of regulations and standards that respond to the community’s priorities. The Housing Element contains a comprehensive compendium of program and policy efforts to support a complete approach to universal housing availability and accessibility.
Community Character policies found in the Housing Element encourage the use of design guidelines to promote attractive developments. Other Housing Element components protect the housing stability of existing residents; others preserve and improve the existing housing stock. The Element provides a navigable framework for producing new housing at all income levels.
The Housing Element’s Stay Housed program is designed to assist families to avoid eviction and prevent homelessness due to a financial crisis. This program provides rental subsidies to eligible participants as they transition from financial instability to self-sufficiency.
Tenant protection goals of the Housing Element are supported by Apartment Owners and Property Managers Training. The training will educate property owners and managers about code enforcement, the rent review ordinance their legal responsibility to provide safe, habitable dwellings.
The Element’s Minor Home Repair Program provides grants of up to $15,000 for home repairs, accessibility additions and other improvements. The Housing Element does not propose any new parcel taxes or other taxes on residential development.
To review the full 2023-2031 Housing Element visit: www.fremont.gov/government/departments/planning
Hayward minimum wage increases take effect January 1
Submitted by City of Hayward
In April 2020, Hayward City Council approved an ordinance to adopt a local minimum wage that applies to businesses and employees operating and working within Hayward. Annual increases occur each January 1. Beginning January 1, 2024, large employers are subject to a $16.90 per hour minimum wage. Large employers are defined as businesses with 26 or more full- or part-time workers including individuals employed outside of the city. Beginning January 1, 2024, small employers are subject to a $16.00 per hour minimum wage per State law. Small employers are defined as businesses with 25 or fewer full- or part-time workers including individuals employed outside of the city. The State of California recently adopted additional minimum wage requirements for Fast Food workers, which will take effect April 1, 2024, and Health Care workers, which will take effect June 1, 2024. Those wage rates will take precedence over the City of Hayward wage rates at that time for businesses meeting the industry specific.
For more information on the State of California’s minimum wage requirement for Fast Food and Health Care industry workers, please visit the State Department of Industrial Relations website at www.dir.ca.gov
For more information on the Hayward local minimum wage ordinance, please visit the City of Hayward website at www.hayward-ca.gov/local-minimum-wage
The Bistro brings 25th IPA Festival to Main Street
Submitted by The Bistro
Join the Bistro’s 25th “IPA Festival,” a hop-lover’s paradise! Indulge in over 70 amazing IPA’s on tap.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 11, and head over to 1001 B Street, Hayward. The festival will take place right on Main Street, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere with unlimited pouring for your cover fee, live music, and food trucks. Immerse yourself in the world of IPAs as you sample a diverse range of flavors, aromas, and intensities. The festival will also include beer competition with an awards ceremony.
Whether you're a seasoned IPA aficionado or just starting your craft beer journey, this festival promises to be a memorable experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Bistro IPA Festival. Grab your friends, come thirsty, and let the IPA adventure begin!
25th IPA Festival
Saturday, Nov 11
12:00 noon – 3:30 p.m.
The Bistro
1001 B St., Hayward
(510) 883-3470
Tickets: $70-$90
Spotlight on High School Journalism
The Union: Milpitas High School
By David R Newman
According to Niche.com, Milpitas High School (MHS) is the largest high school in Santa Clara County, with over 3,200 students and 220 staff members. On any given day, the campus is teeming with activity as the diverse and competitive student population attends classes, hosts club activities, and competes in sporting events.
The task of covering all of this action goes primarily to the students who run the school newspaper, The Union. Compared to other schools, the Milpitas High Journalism class is tiny, averaging less than 20 students in any given year. To say that they have their work cut out for them would be a major understatement.
Until recently, the class has only been available to Juniors and Seniors. The advisor, Sanjit Roy, is hoping to boost enrollment by opening it up to Freshmen and Sophomores as well, a plan he implemented this past fall. Says Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Savan Bollu, “We didn’t get any signups from those grade levels. Maybe nobody knew about it. I don’t know how much we publicized.” On top of that, their publisher, Fricke-Parks, is going out of business, so they will need to find a new one.
Despite these setbacks, Roy is undeterred. He is no stranger to adversity. He began teaching Journalism at MHS in 2020, just as the pandemic was sweeping across the nation. Says Roy, “That first year it was all online. I definitely learned a lot.” While Roy had been teaching English at MHS since 2006, this was his first foray into teaching journalism. The previous adviser, Jeff Colburn, hand-picked Roy to take his place. “It was an honor, really,” says Roy. “He was my mentor.”
Roy admits the class is growing on him, and while he has always liked being informed, teaching Journalism has given him a new-found respect for these young, aspiring journalists and their mission of educating the campus community. “Most of the instruction comes in the first six weeks. That’s when we go over news writing styles, free speech issues, etc. After that, it’s all student run. They choose what we write about. It’s not just a newsletter that we’re creating here, it’s a real newspaper.”
Just like a real newspaper, The Union is divided into several sections – News, Features, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Spread, and Opinion/Editorials. Issues come out approximately every six weeks, for a total of six-seven issues per year, including an April Fools edition called The Onion (based on the famous satirical newspaper of the same name). Each issue averages 16 pages. A thousand copies of each edition are printed and distributed to classrooms. The district funds most of the printing costs, which are supplemented by ads from local businesses.
While the paper’s goal is always to educate and inform while representing different voices, there are also moments of deep investigative reporting. Roy remembers last year’s EIC, Riya Vyas, and a story she ran on the resignation of two MHS teachers who had been accused of inappropriate behavior. “Riya did such a great job. She did so much research, and we even placed a request for the release of public records. It attracted a lot of buzz. We even got a visit from the school board president.” The story was picked up by local media as well.
Vyas, who is now attending UC Berkeley, is grateful for the opportunities that journalism has provided. “Taking that class was one of the most transformative experiences of my high school career. It completely changes how you think about your community. It made me realize how powerful the news can be, how it can impact policy and create social change.”
Bollu concurs. “Journalism has changed the way I express myself. I’ve seen how my articles can impact the community.” She cites an example of an article she wrote on school buses leaving kids behind. A petition was started, which resulted in the district adding another bus to the route.
Bollu interned at The Daily Californian (UC Berkeley’s student newspaper) over the summer and is excited to implement some of the strategies she learned there. As with the other members of the editorial staff at The Union, she has learned mostly by watching others, asking questions, and improvising. When students started creating the October issue of the newspaper, no positions had yet been assigned, so it was up to her and the rest of the staff to come together and figure things out.
It’s moments like these that make Roy proud of his scrappy band of journalism students. But he realizes he is still new to the job and that there is a lot of room for improvement, including modifications to the website, and developing podcast and photography skills. “I think I’ve got the basics down, but there is so much more to explore.”
Milpitas High School Journalism
1285 Escuela Pkwy., Milpitas
PG&E Contributions to Local Meal Distribution Organizations
Submitted by Pacific Gas and Electric
The PG&E Foundation is providing $775,000 to local food banks, Meals on Wheels programs and tribal organizations to help feed individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. The total contribution is the equivalent of approximately 3.87 million meals for individuals and families in need. Here in the Bay Area region, funding totaling more than $164,000 will support five food banks serving Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Solano counties.
While California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, on average one in five residents — about 8 million people — don’t know where their next meal will come from, according to the California Association of Food Banks. Communities of color face even greater levels of hunger. “This last year has been very challenging for Alameda County Community Food Bank and our network of community partners,” said Regi Young, Executive Director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “We are grateful to have partners like PG&E who have been committed to supporting hunger relief for many years through critical funding, program support, and volunteerism.” Grant amounts consider county poverty and unemployment levels, using the California Department of Social Services’ formula, to promote equity among counties with higher need.
In addition to grants to local food distribution organizations, The PG&E Foundation is supporting next year’s California Association of Food Banks’ (CAFB) “Food ACCESS” conference. The mid-May event brings together stakeholders in food and health-hunger relief services focused on an equitable statewide safety net and ending hunger in California. The PG&E Foundation and PG&E have been long-time supporters of CAFB and county food banks, together contributing more than $4 million over the past five years.
To find a local food bank partnering with PG&E, visit www.pge.com/en_US/residential/outages/public-safety-power-shuttoff/psps-support.page
Solve for Tomorrow Competition deadline extended
Submitted by Sharon Oh
The “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow” competition challenges public school 6th – 12th Grade students to create a project showcasing how STEM can be applied positively in their communities. The deadline to apply for the 2023 – 2024 competition has been extended to November 14, 2023.
For more information and to sign up, go to https://www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow/signin/.
Time Management with Professional Development Coach Jackie Welch
Submitted by Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition
Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition is pleased to welcome professional development coach Jackie Welch, founder of TIRO Life Coaching, as our November 8 Zoom meeting presenter. Her topic—time management—can be a source of stress for many, but Welch will shed light on strategies to help us take control of this important life and work concern. Jackie Welch is a certified coach, facilitator and trainer who received her credentials from CTI (Coaches Training Institute) Welch’s leadership background includes 28 years of corporate experience as well as extensive community initiative work.
Time management can help boost productivity, improve work quality, lower stress, free time for other projects, and increase one’s overall work and life satisfaction. Join TCNPC on November 8 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. and benefit from Welch’s knowledge.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/TCNPCSept2023. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Find out more at https://tcnpc.org.
Time Management with Jackie Welch
Wednesday, Nov 8
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/TCNPCSept2023.
Tree planting honors retired teachers
By Stephanie Gertsch
Photos by Victor Carvellas
On Saturday, October 28, the California Retired Teachers Association Division #91 planted trees at Newark’s Ash Street Park in honor of Retired Teachers Week (November 5 – 11). In conjunction with Urban Forest Friends, they planted a combination of ginkgos, maples, zelkovas, and flame mimosas. Assemblymember Alex Lee was present to kick off the event—and of course help plant a tree.
California Retired Teachers Association
Urban Forest Friends
https://linktr.ee/urbanforestfriends
Veterans Day
By Jack Alcorn
Veterans Day, November 11, is a celebration of patriotism – a day to honor those who willingly served and sacrificed in the U.S. military for the common good of our nation.
At 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, a truce (armistice) between the Allied nations and Germany ended the fighting of World War I. On May 13, 1938, an Act of Congress made the 11th of November a legal holiday each year. Initially this holiday was known as “Armistice Day,” a day set aside to honor the veterans of World War I.
World War II brought the deployment of the largest number of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history. After the war, Congress reconsidered the service man’s holiday and switched “Armistice” with “Veterans”. On October 8, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation. November 11 became the national holiday dedicated to honoring American Veterans of all wars.
The observance of Veterans Day on November 11 also honors the historical importance of America’s success in warfare. Veterans Day celebrates love of country and instills in our youth consideration of voluntary military service.
Some of the many historic events that have occurred on Veterans Day include:
- 1918: Allies and Germany signed an armistice ending World War I.
- 1921: The remains of an unidentified American service member were interred in a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in a ceremony presided over by President Warren G. Harding.
- 1972: The U.S. Army turned over its base at Long Binh to the South Vietnamese, symbolizing the end of the Vietnam War.
- 1998: President Bill Clinton ordered warships, planes and troops to the Persian Gulf beginning the U.S. defeat of Iraq.
- 2020: Georgia's secretary of state announced an audit of presidential election results with a full hand tally of ballots that affirmed Joe Biden's win.
The Veterans Day holiday is a time to spend with loved ones. Enjoy an outdoors barbeque, celebrate the military service of your family members, or visit a service memorial. Hopefully you get to enjoy this national holiday off from work and relaxing with people you love.
Wildlife Conservation Board awards $7,094,000 for wildlife crossing structures
Submitted by Katherine Boxer
Images courtesy ACRCD and Road Ecology Center, UC Davis
Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) is honored to announce that the State of California, Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) recently approved their grant application to develop wildlife crossing structures and barrier fencing in Alameda County. Building wildlife crossings and barrier fencing will enhance public safety by reducing wildlife/vehicle collisions, and concurrently restore habitat connectivity which facilitates the movement of wild species and enhances the health of local populations.
Portions of I-680, I-580, and SR-84 in Alameda County have been identified by CA Department of Fish & Wildlife as Priority Barriers to wildlife movement. The initial phase of the WCB funded project will study the region to identify three viable locations for the construction of over- or under-crossing structures. Subsequent phases will involve environmental documentation and engineering design for the structures.
The East Bay Wildlife Crossings project will dramatically benefit both public safety and California’s native species, including the iconic mountain lion, bobcat, and tule elk, and the locally endangered California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and Alameda whipsnake. This wildlife crossings project maximizes efficiency by not simply providing a single crossing structure, but a network of three-crossing structures that will have an even greater cumulative impact on animal movement and resilience across the East Bay. Additionally, completing all designs simultaneously provides significant overall cost savings. The duration of the planning phase of the project is 3.5 years.
The UC Davis Road Ecology Center has been studying potential impacts of East Bay Area highways on wildlife since 2014 with support from the Federal Highways Administration and National Center for Sustainable Transportation. Over the past five years, the ACRCD and UC Davis Road Ecology Center (spearheaded by ACRCD CEO Katherine Boxer and Dr. Fraser Shilling), with support from Altamont Landfill Open Space Committee, have collaborated closely to document wildlife occurrences along Alameda County highways. The data obtained through their wildlife “camera-trapping” program was vital in supporting the ACRCD’s grant application to the WCB.
The Wildlife Crossings Project Implementation Team also includes ACRCD Biologists Dr. Courtney Coon and Dr. Farley Connelly, ACRCD CFO Marilyn Harvey, and experts from Mark Thomas (engineering consulting) and Dudek (environmental consulting).
Read more about this project at https://acrcd.org/projects/transportation-wildlife-corridors/.
Fremont Area Writers invites aspiring writers to Social Write-In
Submitted by Tish Davidson
Have you ever wanted to write your life story? Or perhaps you would like to craft a tale for your children or grandchildren? If so, a good place to start is with the Fremont Area Writers (FAW) “Social Write-In.” If you feel insecure about your writing skills or English is not your first language, do not worry. This free event allows you to develop your creativity in a completely nonjudgmental environment and to socialize with other local writers. The Write-In is held on Zoom so that it is easy for parents with young children and those with transportation or mobility challenges to participate. Past participants have ranged in age from 17 to 93.
How the Write-In works:
At the Write-In, the computer randomly assigns four writers to each Zoom room. Writers are given several word or photo prompts. Choose one prompt and write for 10 minutes. When the writing time ends, each person in the room reads their response to the prompt. Following this, there is time to socialize in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Writers are then reassigned a Zoom room with four different people and a different writing challenge. After the second writing period, stories are shared with others in the room. The idea is not to produce a polished story but to spark your imagination.
The Write-In is sponsored by Fremont Area Writers, a branch of the California Writers Club. In addition to the Write-In, FAW meets on Zoom from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month. At meetings, guest speakers discuss various aspects of writing and the publishing industry. The guest speaker for the November 25 meeting is non-fiction writer Geri Spieler, author of Housewife Assassin: The Woman Who Tried to Kill President Ford. Her topic is Internet Research Skills: What Every Writer Should Know.
You do not need to live in Fremont to attend these free events. To participate in the Write-In or attend the general meeting, please request the Zoom meeting link from Scott Davidson at scottfrombayside@yahoo.com.
More information is available at https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org.
Zoom Write-In
Saturday, Nov 11
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
General Meeting
Saturday, Nov 25
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
For either event, request Zoom link from Scott Davidson
HISTORY MATTERS
By John Grimaldi and David Bruce Smith
November 1 through 15
John Paul Jones
While America’s rebels cobbled a navy to go up against Great Britain, the Continental Congress was composing a defense strategy comprised of privateers to defy them.
On November 2, 1777, John Paul Jones—then at the helm of the USS Ranger with a crew of 140—sailed from Portsmouth, NH to take the war to the enemy. According to History.com his destination was “the naval port at Brest, France, where [he would] stop before heading toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Evan Thomas’s John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy.
Semper Fi
On November 10, the U.S. Marine Corps will celebrate its 248th birthday. History.com says “During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passe[d] a resolution… ‘two Battalions of Marines be raised’ for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines, and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.” That position conforms to their motto of Semper Fidelis—a promise–to be “Always Faithful.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends USMC: United States Marine Corps- A Complete History by Jon J. Hoffman.
Birth of a nation
After decades of British persecution, American patriots found a way to govern themselves. On November 15, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation. It took more than four years–but–on March of 1781– the last of the 13 states ratified the declaration.
History.com says “Patriot leaders, stinging from British oppression, were reluctant to establish any form of government that might infringe on the right of individual states to govern their own affairs. The Articles of Confederation, then, provided for only a loose federation of American states. Congress was a single house, with each state having one vote, and a president elected to chair the assembly. Although Congress did not have the right to levy taxes, it did have authority over foreign affairs and could regulate a national army and declare war and peace … On March 4, 1789, the modern United States was established when the U.S. Constitution formally replaced the Articles of Confederation.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Professor George William Van Cleve’s We Have Not a Government: The Articles of Confederation and the Road to the Constitution.
This feature is courtesy of The Grateful American Book Prize, which is an annual award given to authors who have created outstanding works of historical fiction or nonfiction for seventh to ninth graders. Visit them at gratefulamericanbookprize.com.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
Manly-man contest
Boys will be boys, as the saying goes. And so can grown-up men be boys. The proof is in the Florida Man Games, an event scheduled to kick off on February 24 in St. Augustine, FL. The organizers of this first of its kind macho competition say: “From wrestling in the mud to running from actual sheriff's deputies, The Florida Man Games™ is where the bizarre meets brawn and sanity is optional! This isn't just a competition; it's a one-of-a-kind Floridian spectacle!” Events include the Beer Belly Florida Sumo contest, an Evading Arrest Obstacle Course and much more. Watch the full story on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl7ZnnUdNmw
He did it!
For sure, members of the “Old Timers United” club are cheering for 92-year-old Alfredo Aliaga who recently completed a grueling 24-mile Grand Canyon walkabout. It’s believed that he is the oldest challenger to attempt such an event and he did it in 21 hours. Alfredo cares not whether the judges at Guinness World Records declare him a champion, he liked his “walk in the park” so much so that he’s planning to do it again next year. “You cannot say, ‘I am too old to do things.’ I am healthy and happy.” See the Old Timer hiking the Grand Canyon on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=17l-ZuZh98I
A true fish story
The Alligator Gar is said to be the largest freshwater fish in North America. It can grow to be about eight feet in length and more than 300 pounds in weight. Angler Art Weston recently landed his Gar in Lake Sam Rayburn near Jasper, TX. His trophy size eight-and-a-third feet long, 283-pound catch is said to be about 100 years old. His International Game Fish Association fishing guide, Captain Kirk Kirkland, declared that it “broke the world record, the all-tackle world record, which is the heaviest fish that's ever been caught of that species on any land class up to 130 pounds. We broke the line class record. We broke the Texas state record, and we broke the water body record.” See the gargantuan Gar on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9SH2DE7U8g
The Association of Mature American Citizens is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing membership in Washington, D.C. and in local congressional districts nationwide. More information is available on its website at www.amac.us.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – When should I retire and claim my Social Security benefits?
Dear Rusty: I am 64 years old and having difficulty working due to my arthritis, but I can continue part time as a podiatrist. I do not know the best way to determine when to retire. What is the formula to determine which is a better choice? Signed: Undecided
Dear Undecided: There is a difference between deciding when to retire from working and deciding when to claim your Social Security benefits. For the former, you should consult with a certified financial advisor, but I’ll provide you with how Social Security fits into your personal circumstances. In deciding when to claim Social Security, you should look at your financial needs, your life expectancy, your work status, and your marital status. There is no one formula right for everyone because everyone’s circumstances are different, but here are some things to help decide what is right for you:
- Social Security (SS) has an “earnings test” which applies to anyone who collects Social Security before reaching their full retirement age (FRA). Your FRA is 66 years and 8 months, and that is the point at which you get 100% of the SS benefit earned from a lifetime of working. If you collect SS before your FRA and continue to work, there is a limit to how much you can earn without jeopardizing your benefits. For example, the earnings limit for 2023 is $21,240 and, if that is exceeded, SS will take away benefits equal to $1 for every $2 you are over the limit. They “take away” benefits by withholding future payments until they recover the penalty for exceeding the limit. If your earnings are substantially over the limit, you will be ineligible to collect Social Security until either your earnings are less, or you reach your FRA.
- If you claim SS before your FRA, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced. If, for example, you claim SS to start at age 65 your monthly benefit will be about 89% of what it would be at your FRA. That reduced benefit would not change thereafter except for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) usually granted annually.
- If Social Security will be a major part of your retirement income, then waiting to get a higher monthly benefit may be a prudent strategy for you. The longer you wait to claim, the more your benefit will be. Your SS benefit will continue to grow until you are 70 years old, and at 70 your monthly benefit will be about 27% more than it would be at your FRA. Your maximum SS benefit will be attained at age 70 but waiting until age 70 to claim is only prudent if you have a long-life expectancy.
- Life expectancy is a very important factor in deciding when to claim SS. If you claim at age 70 instead of at your FRA, you will need to live until you are about 83 to break even moneywise. If you live longer than that, then waiting until 70 will yield the highest monthly amount and the most in cumulative lifetime benefits. But if your anticipated life expectancy is less, claiming earlier may be a better choice.
- If you are married and expect your wife to survive you, consider that the benefit your wife can get as your widow will be based on your SS benefit when you die, thus the longer you wait to claim the more your wife’s benefit as your widow may be. If you predecease your wife, her benefit will be based on the amount you were receiving at your death, if that is more than her personally earned SS benefit.
So, as you can see, deciding when to claim Social Security Is a decision to be made after carefully evaluating your personal circumstances as described above. I hope this provides what you need to make an informed decision, but if you have further questions, please contact us at SSAdvisor@amacfoundation.org, or at 1 (888) 750-2622.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
Trash Talk
By The Pickup Artist
This is the 33rd edition of Trash Talk, a column devoted to cleaning up our neighborhoods, our environment, and our outlook on life.
Win-A-Laptop Contest
Soon after the last issue of Trash Talk, I met with our contest winner to deliver the laptop. His entry was about recycling VHS tapes. He also recycles CDs, DVDs, and cassette, open-reel, and 8-track tapes. If you want to reclaim some space in your closets or garage, contact him at BoredVHSlover@gmail.com. You can mention that you read about it in the Trash Talk column of the Tri-City Voice!
DON’T put a ring on it!
To prevent animals from becoming stuck in plastic soda can rings, please do this first. Cut the rings apart and put them in the recycle bin, if they have the recycle triangle. Otherwise, cut them and put into the trash bin. Our wildlife will thank you.
Puncture Patrol
Have you ever been running late when you find your car has a flat tire? I have. When I started my “trash walks,” I was looking for things that would cause flats. I have picked up many sharp objects, like screws and nails. I took a picture of 3 ½” duplex nails, lying in wait for a tire. You can do yourself and your neighbors a favor by picking up these potential time-wasters.
A word to the wise…
Dog owners, you are responsible for your pet, your companion. If it bites someone, they can sue you, not the dog. If it makes a mess, it is your responsibility to clean it up. In California, you can be fined $100 on a first offense, and up to $750 by the fourth infraction. Do the right thing and pick it up. Don’t just “gift-wrap” it and put it back down; then it is just another plastic bag to befoul the environment. Dispose of it properly. Have as much consideration for your neighbors as you do for your pet. Nobody wants to step in it!
Halloween Fun
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I found a discarded metal sign on one of my clean-up walks, and some glow-in-the dark spray paint. I cut the sign into two pieces, made a jagged cutout for the bite, and sprayed them with the paint. Then the kids did the lettering. All this was just trash on the trail, but the results look fantastic! You have to wonder what could take a bite like that!
Time to be thankful
Take a few minutes and appreciate the little things we usually take for granted: clean water, indoor plumbing, reliable power source, etc. Right now, I’m especially grateful that I can get up and walk outside for sun and fresh air. I have a friend who is bedridden and doesn’t currently have the strength to even sit up in a wheelchair. He isn’t giving up, and has a positive attitude. Why shouldn’t we?
Quotes for today:
“We’re all just as young as we’re ever gonna be.” – Matthew McConaughey
“You’re alive, you might as well be glad.” – Neil Diamond in “Surviving the Life”
Contact Information
You can contact me at the email address below, or scan the QR code to generate an email. Your comments and suggestions could be used in future Trash Talk columns. What’s on your mind? Send comments to ThePickupArtist-KHCG@Outlook.com
Preserve Basil for Winter Meals
By Melinda Myers
Photos courtesy of All-America Selections
Don’t let a bumper crop of basil go to waste. Preserve its flavor and zest with proper storage and preservation.
Extend the life of fresh basil by removing any discolored leaves and cutting the bottom of the stems off at an angle. Set the stems in a jar with an inch or two of water. Loosely cover it with a plastic bag and set it on the kitchen counter out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days. Basil stored this way is conveniently located for use and can last for five days or more.
Preserve some basil for future use. Drying herbs is easy but not the best option for basil as the flavor can change during the drying process. If you opt for this method, dry small amounts of basil in bundles hanging upside down. Secure stems with a rubber band. As the stems shrink, so does the rubber band. Place the bundle in a brown paper bag with the stems sticking out of the bag to dry. Punch holes in the sides of the bag and hang it in a warm dry location where air can circulate through the bag to speed drying. Avoid binding large amounts of basil together as it is more likely to dry slowly and mold.
Better yet, remove the leaves from the stems of freshly harvested basil. Speed dry with the help of a microwave or dehydrator. Evenly spread two cups of washed herb leaves on a double thickness of paper towel. Microwave on high for four to six minutes depending on your microwave. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when drying basil in a food dehydrator.
Fully dried herbs will be brittle and rattle when stirred. Store dried herbs in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark location. Label the container with the name of the herb and the date preserved.
Dried herbs are usually three to four times stronger than fresh herbs. To substitute dried herbs in a recipe that calls for fresh herbs, use 1/4 to 1/3 of the amount listed in the recipe.
Freezing is another way to preserve basil. It does change the texture, so frozen basil is best used in soups, stews, and other recipes but not as a garnish.
Remove stems and blanch leaves in boiling water for three seconds. Then quickly move the leaves to cold water for several seconds to cool quickly. Blanching helps basil retain its green color. Dry the leaves. Once dry, spread leaves on a tray or cookie sheet and place them in the freezer. Once leaves are frozen solid, move them to airtight containers and store them in the freezer. You can also spread leaves in layers separated by parchment paper, slide the layers into a freezer bag, then place it flat in the freezer.
Alternatively, chop leaves and place them into an ice cube tray. Fill the empty space with a little water or olive oil depending on how you plan to use the basil in the future. Allow these to freeze solid. Pop them out of the ice cube tray and place them in an airtight freezer-quality container, label, and place them back in the freezer. Pesto can also be frozen using this ice cube method.
Preserving basil when it is bountiful allows you to enjoy it throughout the year. You’ll appreciate the homegrown flavor and money savings.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Fremont City Council
October 17, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Authorize an agreement to provide Housing Transition Navigation and Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services
- Amend contract with SWIMS for annual inspection and maintenance services of 15 vault-based stormwater treatment devices located on city property and right of way
- Adopt minor revisions to the previously adopted Master Plan for Centerville Community Park
- Accept grant from the safe routes to BART program in the amount of $1,500,000 for the Walnut Avenue Phase 2 Bikeway Project
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Teresa Cox Aye
Desrie Campbell Aye
Jenny Kassan Aye
Teresa Keng Aye
Raj Salwan Aye
Yang Shao Absent
Fremont Senior Citizens Commission
October 27, 2023
New Business
- Expansion of Mental Health Services to Older Asian American Pacific Islanders, presented by Karen Grimsich, Aging and Family Services Administrator
The Aging and Family Services Division provides mental health support to the community. Currently, we have the Mobile Mental Health program and the Recovery and Resiliency program that provide individual and group counseling, mostly through home visits. The Alameda County Behavioral Health Department approached us about expanding services to the older Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults. On July 1, 2023 the Human Services Department was given support from the county to expand our current efforts to reach this population.
Commissioners Present
Monique Chapman
Carol Evans
Kathy Fischer
Rebecca Garewal
Barbara Hamze
Edwin Lee
Roger Marshall
Krishnaswamy Narasimhan
Sonia Salwan
Claudette Surma
Hayward City Council
October 24, 2023
Consent Items
- Accept and Appropriate $265,000 in Grant Funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the Hayward Police Department
- Authorize Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Gray-Bowen-Scott for Transportation Engineering Services in the amount of $99,000, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $369,000 and extending the termination date to June 30, 2024
- Authorize first amendments to the professional services agreements with Willdan Engineering and SNG & Associates, increasing the agreements by $200,000 annually for a total not-to-exceed amount of $350,000 Per Firm, for On-Call Construction Inspections Services for the Existing Term of the Agreements
- Accept and appropriate $12,057 received from insurance claims reimbursements to be used by the Hayward Fire Department to replace emergency services shelter equipment
Mayor Mark Salinas Aye
Angela Andrews Aye
Ray Bonilla Aye
Dan Goldstein Aye
Julie Roche Aye
George Syrop Aye
Francisco Zermeno Aye
Union City City Council
October 24, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Authorize grant application to CalRecycle for SB 1383 Funds
- Authorize five-year subscription agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., in the amount of $121,703 for a data management system
- Approve the Union City Transit Zero-Emission Bus Fleet Roll-Out Plan (ROP) in compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Innovative Clean Transit regulation
- Amend the positions list for the Police Department to add one Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Sergeant and eliminate one COPPS Officer Position, and add two Community Service Aide (CSA) positions, and eliminate two vacant Public Services Officer (PSO) II Positions
- Amend Conflict of Interest Code of non-elected officials and designated employees of Union City
- Approve Amendment to Contract No. 5774, the Post-Retirement Employment Agreement with retired annuitant Lola Tapia
- Accept $396,818 from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Clean California Local Grant Program to fund Union City's bus shelter expansion project
- Accept completion of the Old Alvarado/Cesar Chavez Parks improvement project. Passed 4-0-1 (Recused; Dutra-Vernaci)
Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci Aye; 1 Recusal
Jamie Patino Aye
Scott Sakakihara Aye
Gary Singh Aye
Jeff Wang Aye
Alameda County Sheriff’s Annual Community Meeting
Submitted by Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO)
ACSO hosts an annual community engagement meeting where the general public can discuss the military equipment list and ask questions. This year's community meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 17 at 6 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library. Please note that this meeting will be live-streamed. We will provide a QR code and link on this website closer to the meeting date. If you would like to submit a question regarding the military equipment list in advance, please email your inquiries to acso-mil-equip@acgov.org and be sure to include your name and district in the subject line.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Annual Community Engagement Meeting
Friday, Nov 17
6 p.m.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
BART Police Log
Submitted By BART PD
Wednesday, October 25
- At 8:17 a.m. police identified Castro Mynor, a 31-year-old transient, at Hayward station. He was taken into custody for false impersonation; possession of burglary tools; vandalism; and possession of drug paraphenalia. After fleeing from an initial detention near the parking structure, Mynor was booked into Alameda County Jail.
Thursday, October 26
- At 5:58 a.m. a man identified by police as David Contreras, 36, from San Francisco was contacted in the bus zone of San Leandro station. He was taken into custody and placed on an emergency psychiatric hold. Contreras was issued a prohibition order regarding this incident.
Sunday, October 29
- At 12:10 p.m. a person identified by police as Lizabeth Sanders, 40, from Los Angeles was taken into custody in the parking lot of Bay Fair station. She was booked into Alameda County Jail for brandishing a firearm and violating the terms of probation.
Monday, October 30
- At 8:53 a.m. officers were conducting a security check of Bay Fair station when they observed Alameen Salam, 28, from Oakland in the parking lot of Bay Fair station looking into vehicles. Salam was identified by police and arrested for carrying a loaded firearm and not being the registered owner. Salam was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
- At 9:59 a.m. a man identified by police as Abe Hodnett, 48, from Patterson was contacted at Fremont station. He was taken into custody for public intoxication and an outstanding warrant. Hodnett was booked into Alameda County Jail.
House Fire on Wellington Place in Fremont
Submitted by Fremont Fire Department
At 3:12 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, Fremont firefighters responded to a working fire on Wellington Place. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke conditions in the front of the house and heavy fire in the rear of the two-story residence. At the time of the fire one adult and a dog were home. Alerted by smoke alarms and the strong odor of smoke, the resident and his dog exited through a second story sliding door onto a deck and were able to climb the stairs down to a safe area. The one-alarm fire was contained to the building of origin and knocked down within 30 minutes of firefighters arriving at the scene. There were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Fremont Police Department
Wednesday, October 18
- An employee from a department store at the Fremont Hub reported that a subject had stolen a large amount of merchandise. An officer located the subject in the area, who immediately fled. After a short foot pursuit, the officer caught and arrested the subject, who returned the loss. The subject also had numerous outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants for his arrest.
Friday, October 20
- A victim reported his electric scooter stolen from a gym on Farwell Dr. The scooter was equipped with a tracking device, and the victim followed the subject, who was riding the stolen scooter near City Hall. The victim eventually updated dispatch with the scooter’s GPS location at Civic Center Dr., where officers responded and observed the subject fleeing. The subject abandoned the scooter, and officers pursued on foot, eventually arresting the subject after a brief struggle.
Sunday, October 22
- Officers observed multiple subjects enter a convenience store on the 35000 block of Fremont Blvd. One subject had donned a ski mask, and the clerk was signaling for police assistance. Suspecting a robbery had occurred, officers attempted to detain the subject, who fled on foot. During the pursuit, the subject discarded an item in the bushes; officers later recovered a firearm in the same area. Officers eventually detained the subject, who had an extensive criminal history, including robbery and gun-related charges. He was transported for medical clearance before being booked into jail. Officers spoke with the convenience store clerk and determined no robbery had occurred.
- A victim reported confronting two subjects outside his residence on Butano Park Dr. who were attempting to steal his vehicle. Upon seeing the victim, one subject ran back to the subject vehicle. The victim chased the subject and then used a baseball bat to shatter the subject vehicle’s window. The passenger of the subject vehicle fired one round at the victim, and then the subject vehicle fled. The round did not strike the victim and the victim did not need medical attention. Upon investigating, officers located one bullet hole in the garage door of the residence across the street from where the incident occurred. This case remains under investigation.
Monday, October 23
- Several witnesses reported a vehicle struck a bicyclist near Auto Mall Pkwy. and I-680. While officers were en route, a witness advised that the subject vehicle had fled the scene. The bicyclist suffered injuries and was taken to a regional hospital. Officers identified an address and owner to which the vehicle may be registered out of Pleasanton. Pleasanton Police Department located the subject vehicle, with the subject still inside and intoxicated. The vehicle had fresh damage consistent with the collision in Fremont. Officers traveled to Pleasanton and arrested the driver.
- A subject reported that two armed individuals were chasing them at a hotel on the 46000 block of Fremont Blvd. The subject said the individuals had shot at police and were now shooting at him. Dispatch contacted the employees at the hotel, who confirmed that there were no problems at the hotel, except for the reporting party, who was actively hiding from no one. Officers contacted the subject, who had an outstanding warrant and had fentanyl. The reports of the subjects with firearms were determined to be unfounded.
- Officers responded to a late reported robbery at a gym on the 35000 block of Fremont Blvd. Two subjects tried to pull the victim’s backpack away from him. They were unsuccessful and fled in a vehicle. Shortly after this attempted robbery, the subjects’ vehicle was seen in a nearby city, with the occupants committing multiple auto burglaries. This case remains under investigation.
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by the Milpitas Police Department
Saturday, October 28
- At 2:11 p.m. our Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) alerted officers about a vehicle associated with an organized retail theft entering the Great Mall. Officers quickly found the car near Entrance #1 and contacted the subject, who had a felony no-bail warrant from Placer County for theft-related charges. The suspect was booked into jail for his warrant.
- At 2:30 p.m. a swing shift officer responded to a restaurant on the report of a theft of takeout food. The suspect left in a stolen Toyota Prius from San Jose. The officer quickly found the stolen vehicle parked at a local gym near the 700-Block of E. Calaveras Blvd. with the food left on the passenger seat. The officer found the 53-year-old suspect from San Jose working out and placed him under arrest. The suspect was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle and theft-related charges for the takeout order.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by the Newark Police Department
Tuesday, October 24
- At 5:07 p.m. Officer C. Torres was dispatched to a family dispute in the area of 39800 Cedar Boulevard. One of the involved parties, a 37-year-old male out of Newark, was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 7:15 p.m. Officer Johnson arrested a 41-year-old male for driving under the influence after colliding with a parked vehicle. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, October 25
- At 12:09 p.m. Officer Losier investigated a theft by trickery, where the victim received a scam phone call and was instructed to purchase gift cards and send them to the unknown suspect. The loss was approximately $2,000.
- At 2:44 p.m. Officers were dispatched to a battery on Goldenrod Drive. A 40-year-old male out of Newark was contacted and arrested for battery and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 9:34 p.m. Officer S. Torres was dispatched to a collision where a vehicle struck the center median and damaged a red flex camera. Officer S. Torres contacted and arrested a 27-year-old female out of Newark for driving under the influence. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, October 26
- At 8:07 p.m. Officers were dispatched to a business on Newark Boulevard for a report of a subject standing in the drive-through stating he had a firearm. Officers safely contacted the 29-year-old Newark resident and determined he was not armed, but was too intoxicated to take care of himself. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Friday, October 27
- At 7:11 a.m. Officer Slavazza responded to a residential burglary on Cedar Boulevard. The victim reported that she left her apartment door open and believed while she was in another room, someone entered her apartment and stole her cat and cell phone.
Saturday, October 28
- At 3:00 a.m. Officer Kapu initiated a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle on Thornton Avenue/I-880. The driver, a 22-year-old male out of Stockton, yielded on Mowry Avenue and switched seats with the passenger. The driver was arrested for delaying/obstructing a peace officer and driving with a suspended license. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 5:54 p.m. Officer S. Torres arrested a 47-year-old unsheltered male for shoplifting and booked him into Santa Rita Jail.
Union City Police Log
Submitted by Union City Police Department
Monday, October 9
- At approximately 5:22 p.m., officers responded to a weapon brandishing in the 34800 block of 11th Street. Two victims witnessed a suspect breaking into a vehicle and confronted him. The suspect responded by pointing a black handgun at the victims before fleeing on foot. The victims described the suspect as a Hispanic male, 15-18 years old, 5'5″, and weighing 150 pounds.
Friday, October 13
- At approximately 8:18 a.m., officers contacted a juvenile reporting a hate crime in the 1000 block of Sapphire Terrace. The victim told police that she received text messages from an unknown source that included threats to her life and racial slurs. The victim was not in fear for her life and did not feel she was targeted due to her ethnicity.
Monday, October 16
- At approximately 2:36 a.m., officers responded to a residential burglary in the 34200 block of Myrtle Lane. The victim awoke to an unknown male suspect standing over his bed demanding money. The victim was able to exit his home safely, and the suspect fled before officers arrived.
Tuesday, October 17
- At approximately 7:00 p.m., officers responded to a home invasion robbery in the 32200 block of Horatio Court. The victim was alone in her bedroom when she heard someone trying to open her bedroom door. The suspect forced the door open from the opposite side, striking the victim in the head, causing an injury. The suspects proceeded to take the victim's property. The victim described the suspects as two black males, around 20 years of age. The victim described one of the suspects as 5'10” tall and weighing about 130 pounds. The suspects fled in a black car.
Wednesday, October 18
- At approximately 11:11 p.m., K9 Officer Olson conducted a vehicle enforcement stop on a parolee on Whipple Road and Medallion Drive. During a search of the car, officers found suspected methamphetamine and three unspent rounds. Offices placed the driver under arrest for felon in possession of ammunition and drug possession.
Thursday, October 19
- At approximately 8:12 p.m., officers responded to an assault in the 1900 block of Baylor Street. The suspect, who is known to the victim, tried forcing his way into the victim's home and attempted to stab the victim. During the struggle, the victim used a gardening tool to protect himself and slashed the suspect across the face. The suspect fled on foot and was not found by police, but the case was sent to the district attorney for charging.
- Just before midnight Officer Ali was checking on a suspicious vehicle in the 2800 block of Hop Ranch Road. He determined the car was reported stolen and ultimately arrested the three occupants.
Saturday, October 21
- Just before midnight, Officer Ross contacted the occupant of a parked vehicle in the 4500 block of Ellen Way. A check of the vehicle's identification number revealed the car was stolen, and the occupant was detained without incident. Suspected methamphetamine and a drug pipe were also found during the contact. The occupant was arrested for stolen property and drug possession.
Sunday, October 22
- At approximately 5:12 p.m., officers responded to a collision in the 33700 block of 6th Street. The caller told police that the vehicle hit a fence and that the driver, who appeared intoxicated, fled in the car. Officers located the vehicle nearby and determined that the driver was intoxicated, so they arrested him for driving under the influence and hit and run.
Champion Gladiators Would Not Be Denied
Submitted by Chabot College Athletics
The Chabot College men's cross-country team was clutch when it counted at the Coast Conference Championships on October 25.
The Gladiators’ top five runners either held their positions in the last 800 meters or passed runners in that span, as Chabot won the first cross country conference championship in school history, Chabot coach Kyle Robinson said.
“They all knew that it was likely going to be very tight between us, Hartnell and De Anza,” said Robinson. “Every single point, every person mattered. … All of our guys won those individual battles that needed to be won.”
Chabot's winning score of 37 edged De Anza (41). The Gladiators will be aiming to set more school history at the NorCal Championships, as no Chabot cross-country team has ever won a NorCal title, Robinson said.
“There are five teams in the hunt, the closest I've seen since I've been here,” said Robinson, who has been on the Chabot coaching staff since 2011. Clovis has not lost to a Northern California school since early in the season, Robinson said. Other contending teams are Chabot, American River, De Anza and Hartnell.
At the Coast Conference Championships, Daniel Trampe led the way for Chabot with a third-place finish on the four-mile Palo Corona Regional Park-Carmel Valley course with a time of 20 minutes, 55.9 seconds. Other Chabot scorers were Dylan Baptista (fifth, 21:20), Brian Kirrane (seventh, 21:42.3), Kyle Galinis (10th, 21:51.5) and Logan Phulps (12th. 21:56.1). Amartya Poovaiah, Chabot's sixth runner who has improved through this season, placed 20th in 22:48.3.
The Gladiators’ Savannah Maselli also qualified for the NorCal championships in the women's race with a fifth-place finish in 21:02.7 for the 3.1-mile course.
The Chabot men’s team had about a nine-point lead at the mile mark, but with approximately 1200 meters to go, the score was tied between Chabot and De Anza. The final meters of the race would decide the team outcome.
Among the finishes, perhaps Kirrane's was the most impressive. The freshman from California High School in San Ramon passed three runners in approximately the last quarter-mile. Baptista passed De Anza's second runner, which was huge in the quest for the team title, and Phulps caught a Monterey Peninsula College runner for 12th place by .3 of a second.
“We've had some very competitive athletes and some really good teams (in the past) … but what we haven't quite had is depth through five. This year, we have a really good five guys,” said Robinson, who has only seven runners on his entire men's squad. “I think the biggest obstacle this year is to making sure we are all healthy.”
“It was solid. Honestly, I think we were training through it. The biggest goal was previewing the course,” Robinson said. “I think we had some performances that weren't all that great and we still came in second.”
A further glimpse of how good the team could be occurred in the Chabot Twilight Invitational on September 28. There were only four Chabot men's runners in the invitational, so it didn't qualify for a team score. But all four of those runners set personal records in the 3.1-mile race on Chabot's track: Trampe (14:56.9), Baptista (15:16.6), Galinis (15:30.6) and Kirrane (15:43).
Newark Memorial dominates at MVAL Cross Country Final
By April Ramos
Wednesday, November 1 marked the Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL) Cross Country Championship. Held, once again at Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont, eight high schools gathered to compete in the two- and three-mile cross country course. The eight participating teams included Mission San Jose, Kennedy, Washington, Irvington, American (Fremont), Logan (Union City), Moreau Catholic (Hayward) and Newark Memorial.
The meet was divided into five races: Boys’ Frosh/Soph, Girls’ and Boys’ Junior Varsity, and Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity. The Junior Varsity and Frosh/Soph races were two mile runs which wrapped around the lake and cut through the park, ending at the opposite side of the race’s starting point.
Junior Varsity girls were off and about 14 minutes later were finally visible to spectators through the trees giving their last efforts as they reached the finish line. This group had a variety of girls representing four different schools in the top five. Clara Ott of James Logan was the first to cross the double blue line, 10 seconds ahead of second place, with a time of 14:18.5. Following Ott was Mission San Jose, American, Washington and another Mission runner in fifth place at 14:52.1. The JV boys two-mile first place runner was Freshman Shaun Mathew of American High School clocking in at 11:23 followed by Mission San Jose and another American Eagle.
The boys’ Frosh/Soph 2-mile race bought in an impressive sight to the crowd gathered at the finish line. The top three boys to cross the finish were all from Newark Memorial, with back-to-back-to-back times: Samuel Ricketss 11:04.5, Hiten Sroy 11:06, and Hyunbae Kong 11:07. Following top three were two more Mission San Jose and two James Logan runners. This top three sweep easily put Newark in the top spot winning the Final Team Standing in the Boys Frosh/Soph event.
The fast-pace three-mile Varsity races were kicked off with the girls lined up shoulder to shoulder at the starting line. After being the first group to complete three-mile course, the first to cross the finish was James Logan’s Hope Ott, with and impressive 18:13.1, which clocks her average mile time at 6:04.3. Mission San Jose’s Ania Wong trailed five seconds behind with two more Newark Memorial girls following. Once again, Newark Memorial claimed the Final Team Standing win with a score of 27, with five of their girls claiming a spot in the top ten.
The final Varsity Boys’ three-mile was the final race of the day. With one of the loudest crowds of the meet, supporters anxiously gathered along the final stretch of the race cheering on their fellow teammates and even showing support to runners of opposing schools. Newark Memorial was determined to keep their winning streak alive, and that they did. Fighting through the final 50- meters, the first three boys to cross the finish line were all Newark Cougars. Senior, Sid Patel secured first place with a 15:17.5-minute time making him the 9th Cougar in history to win the MVAL individual title. Just two seconds behind Patel was Micheal Tallez and Kenji Kawabata at 15:19.5 and 15:36.5, respectively. This win made it the fourth year in a row that the Cougars Varsity Boys remain undefeated.
Renegades ranked No. 18 in preseason CCCMBCA NorCal Poll
Submitted by Ohlone College Athletics
Coming off an 18-11 overall record and a spot in last season’s Northern California Regional Playoffs, second-year head coach Jordan Lee is expecting even more from his 2023-24 Renegades men’s basketball squad. And his fellow coaches are also expecting Ohlone to be one of the top teams in the region as well.
On Thursday, October 28, Ohlone was ranked No. 18 in the California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association (CCCMBCA) Northern California Preseason Top 25 poll.
The 2023-24 season officially gets underway on November 2 when the Renegades open play at the three-day Chabot College John L. Wagner Memorial Classic tournament.
Ohlone will see its first action of the season on its home court the following Tuesday, November 7 when the Renegades host College of Marin at 7 p.m. The Renegades are scheduled for 13 home games this season.
Ohlone will open its Coast Conference North Division schedule at home, playing host to Skyline College on January 12. The Renegades' final regular-season home game is set for February 21 against Cañada College with the finale on the road at Chabot College on February 23.
James Logan Football Wins League Title
By Andrew Joseph
The James Logan Colts football team of Fremont won the Western Alameda Country Conference (WACC) Foothill League Championship by beating the Moreau Catholic Mariners 42-14 in Hayward on Friday, November 3.
Winning six games straight including five league games after starting the season 0-4, the Colts finish the regular season 6-4 overall, 5-0 in WACC Foothill League.
“Our mindset coming into this game was the same as our motto every day which is ‘trust your brother,’” said Colts Head Coach Ed Smith. “It feels great to be league champs and I’m really happy for these kids who see that their hard work is paying off.”
Giovanni Marcelo scored a rushing touchdown for the Colts to go up 7-0 less than two minutes into the game. James Logan’s offense was firing on all cylinders spreading touches to multiple players getting everyone on the roster involved in winning the game.
Later in the first quarter after a Logan turnover on downs, the Colts got the ball back as senior defensive tackle, Sione Taiamoni, came up with a fumble recovery. On the ensuing drive James Logan scored a touchdown marking 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Wide receiver Kemani Blackmon punched a score from the red zone with 3:24 left in the second quarter. It was a commanding 28-7 lead for James Logan at halftime.
“They were definitely trying to contain me a lot because they knew I could run, but I just focused on my own craft no matter how they were playing me defensively,” said Logan quarterback Jonathan Craft.
The Colts offense was fueled by the running threat of Craft who has a known ability to pick up yards running the ball himself. He scored one rushing touchdown himself in the game.
James Logan had one fumble turnover in the third quarter, but the Mariners failed to capitalize after going three and out being forced to punt. Logan running back Tu‘unahala Leao then ran over 40 yards for a touchdown to make it 42-14 with 1:38 remaining in the third quarter. The Mariners seemed to give up hope at that moment in a season-ending defeat at home on senior night.
“We emphasize communication a lot which is really a big part of our team and it helps us,” said senior Colts receiver Robert Mendez.
The Colts finished with 451 total yards on offense against the Mariners, including 137 yards through the air and 314 rushing. Logan’s top performers include Jonathan Craft with 150 total yards and one rushing touchdown, running back Samuel Flores with 137 yards rushing and one touchdown, and wide receiver Danzel Mercado with five receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown.
“It doesn’t matter what play we call because if you trust your brother the play is going to work,” added Coach Smith. “I’m very happy and excited for our team.”
James Logan’s defense pressured Moreau’s quarterback Jeremiah Charles the entire night limiting him to just 132 yards passing of Moreau’s 172 yards total offense. Charles didn’t seem comfortable taking a risk throwing the ball deep as Colts defensive backs held tight coverage on the receivers the whole game. Moreau was forced to turn to their run game, which didn’t turn out effective. It was a James Logan domination of Moreau Catholic in a statement victory to win the WACC Foothill League title. “Being league champs feels great, but we know we still have work to do,” added Craft. “Our goal is to hopefully win the state title.”
The Colts face the 8-2 De La Salle Spartans in Concord on Friday, November 10 in the first week of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs.
California’s commercial Dungeness crab season delayed for sixth year
Associated Press
The start of the commercial Dungeness crab season in California has been delayed for the sixth year in a row to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in trap and buoy lines.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said commercial crabbing will be delayed until at least Dec. 1. The situation will be reassessed on or before Nov. 17.
It's the latest delay for the start of the commercial season, which traditionally begins in mid-November for waters between the Mendocino County line and the border with Mexico.
“Large aggregations of humpback whales continue to forage between Bodega Bay and Monterey and allowing the use of crab traps would increase the risk of an entanglement in those fishing zones,” said Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham said in a statement Friday.
The recreational take of Dungeness crab using traps will be temporarily restricted in some areas when the recreational season opens Nov. 4, officials said. Recreational crabbers will be able to use other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares.
The commercial crab industry is one of California's major fisheries and the shellfish is especially popular around the holidays.
Humpback whales can get caught in the vertical ropes connected to heavy commercial traps, which they can drag around for months, leaving them injured, starved or so exhausted that they can drown.
Humpback whales migrate north annually from Mexico's Baja California peninsula where they birth calves. In spring, summer and fall the humpbacks feed on anchovies, sardines and krill off the California coast before heading back south.
Boutique Calendar
Dominican Sisters Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Nov 18
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Baked and handmade goods
Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse
43326 Mission Circle, Fremont
Beau’s Bridge Club Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Nov 11
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Jewelry and baking booths to benefit animal rescue
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
38801 Blacow Rd., Fremont
Mistletoe Madness
Saturday, Nov 25
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
70+ local art vendors
Marina Community Center
15301 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro
http://www.mistletoemadness.net/
Newark Artists Open Studios & Holiday Boutique
Friday, Dec 1 – Sunday, Dec 3
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glass, scarves
Studio Sites
6222 Thornton Ave., Ste. B1: Nancy Benton, Scoop Benton, Farshid Namei
39675 Cedar Blvd. #135: Tetiana Taganska, Olga Tymoshchuk, Susan Helmer
36541 Cherry St.: Simone Archer, Shelley Stratton Stewart
35911 Ruschin Dr.: Adriane Dedic, Emelie Rogers
www.myartiststudio.com
Sun Gallery Holiday Boutique
Friday – Sunday, Dec 1 – Dec 9
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair
Saturday, Dec 2
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Over 80 artisan vendors
American High School
36300 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
https://ahsboutique.weebly.com/
Continuing Events:
Tuesdays
East Bay Games Meet
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
German/Euro style board games and card games.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 936-2523
meetup.com/east-bay-games
Tuesdays
A Matter of Balance R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels of older adults.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7540, (510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
Call or email to register.
First Tuesdays
Open Mic on the Labyrinth
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Share your music, poetry, comedy, and spoken words in one of Fremont's most beautiful settings!
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
2791 Driscoll Rd., Fremont
(510) 490-0553
First and Third Tuesdays
Mobile Food Distribution with Tri-City Volunteers
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Bring your own bag.
Fremont Adult and Continuing Education
4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont
(510) 793-6465
tri-cityvolunteers.org/food
Wednesdays
Zumba Gold $
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Workout while dancing.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
mtorrez@fremont.gov
Wednesdays
Ping Pong
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Activities for people with Parkinson.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
Wednesdays
Tropics Bingo
7:00 pm
Flash games.
Tropics Mobile Home Park
33000 Almaden Blvd., Union City
(510) 471-8550
the-tropics.net/activites
Thursdays – Sundays
Historic Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ride a train, tour the Patterson House Museum, and join park staffs in historic costume for programs and activities.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events
Admission fee applies.
Thursday -Sunday
Animal Feeding
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Feed livestock and learn about their favorite food.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events
Admission fee applies.
Thursdays & Saturdays
Story Time
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Picture book story time.
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste.F., Fremont
(510) 565-1004
bit.ly/3VFpbcz
Fridays and Saturdays
Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Experience the awe and wonder of the universe.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/events
Saturdays
Laugh Track City $
8:00 pm
Series of improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Second Saturdays
Open Garden Days
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Displays include taxidermy of native birds and mammals, native plant and pollinator garden, and access to an educator
Central Park Nature Learning Center
40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
fremont.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1362/
Second Saturdays
Lend a hand, Help a community. R
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join in volunteering and tackle the projects that benefit from group effort.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
bit.ly/3LDQa3H
Second Saturdays
Alviso Adobe Tours $
1:00 pm
Docent-led tours and video presentation
Alviso Adobe Park
2087 Alviso Adobe Ct., Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
bit.ly/3Wcmgau
Sundays
Weekly meditation Session R
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
samarpanmeditationusa.org
info@indiacc.org, info@samarpanmeditationusa.org
Second & Fourth Sundays
Larry “O” Teen Workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Used bikes, bike parts for sale and bike repair
Instagram @ibikeunioncity
Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
33623 Mission Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5487
RobertS@unioncity.org
Second Mondays
Law Librarian Office Hours
1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Get help locating legal forms, answers to your legal reference questions, and get referral services.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
rb.gy/tdw4x
Book a 15-minute appointment by calling on the day of the event.
Mondays & Thursdays
Fruit Tree Gleaning
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Donate fresh fruits from your garden.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
fremontleaf.org/glean
info@fremontleaf.org
Mondays
Advanced Math + Science Tutoring
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Free high school and college-level tutoring
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org/locations/csv/
Wednesdays, December 7 – November 22
Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Classes
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Relieve Stress and anxiety by joining Falun Dafa classes.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org/locations/milpitas
First Tuesdays, April 4 – December 5
BACH- Healthcare & Enrollment
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Learn about the services & programs available at Bay Area Community Health.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Second Saturdays, April 8 – December 9
The Ohlone College Flea Market
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
(510) 659-6285
Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
bit.ly/3lSRWFg
Saturdays, May 27 – December 30
Divine Satsang Sabha
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Know techniques of living a virtuous, harmonious, & meaningful life
SMVS (Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)
36665 Cedar Blvd, Newark
(650) 585-5325
smvs.org/centers/centerdetail/106
First Monday, June 5 – December 4
Teen Junk Journaling Workshop
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
Learn the basics of junk journaling and start your own journal!
Hayward Public Library (Downtown)
888 C St., Hayward
(510) 293-8685
rb.gy/igtdy emrys
holmes@hayward-ca.gov
Second Mondays, June 12 – December 11
Tenants' Rights Workshop with Centro Legal Services
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Tenants' Rights Clinic for Hayward Tenants with legal issues or questions about their housing.
Hayward Public Library (Downtown)
888 C St., Hayward
(510) 437-1554
rb.gy/n7k2o
Second Tuesdays, June 13 – January 9
Monthly Covid and Flu Vaccine Clinic
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Get free Covid Booster Appointments suggested
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 268-210
cutt.ly/Cwdxmlma
Tuesdays, July 18 – November 28
Baby Bouncers Lapsit
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
A baby and caregivers program including nursery rhymes, lap bounce, body rhymes, songs, & picture books.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org/locations/Milpitas
Wednesdays, July 19 – November 29
ESL Conversation Club
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Improve your English skills and learn about other cultures
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org/locations/Milpitas
First & Third Friday, July 21 – December 15
Mobile Food Distribution
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Food distribution for the first 80 families
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1444
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Please bring your own bag
Fourth Monday, July 24 – November 27
Adult Tai Chi
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come enjoy a gentle, energizing class with modified Tai Chi movements adapted from the Yang and Chen styles.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
rb.gy/n1llh
First and Third Saturdays, September 2 – February 17
Book Sale
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Pop into the bookstore on the first floor for some great deals!
Hayward Public Library (Downtown)
888 C St., Hayward
(510) 293-8685
hayward.librarycalendar.com
Tuesdays, September 5 – December 19
Music and Storytime
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Story, music, and movement with children
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
aclibrary.org/locations/slz/
First Thursday, September 7 – December 7
Connections Through Music (Special Needs Friendly) R
Session 1: 4:15 pm – 4:45 pm for Ages 1-5
Session 2: 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm for Ages 5-14
Inclusive musical experience to children of all abilities!
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Tickets will be handed out 15 min prior the event
Saturdays, September 9 – December 30
Computer Crew: Teen Tech Help
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
One-on-one tutor on basic tech issues
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org/locations/csv/
Saturday, September 16 – November 30
Latinx American Heritage Month Art Showcase
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Studio 11
34626 11th St., Union City
(510) 675-5445
rb.gy/gu46v
erine@unioncity.org
Sundays, September 17 – November 12
Epic Art Exhibit at Dove Gallery
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Featuring spectacular landscapes, historical landmarks, and symbols of great devotion.
Dove Gallery
875 S Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas
(408) 464-5011
t.ly/8X3Wa, dovegallery.com
Tuesdays, September 19 – May 28
It's Storytime
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Stories, finger plays, nursery rhymes, songs, and musical instruments for kids ages 18 month- 6 yrs.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org
Tuesdays, October 3 – November 28
Teen Tuesdays Tag R
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join the Teen advisory group, meet other teens, play games, make art and poetry, and more.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
ebuchanan@aclibrary.org
Tuesdays, October 3 – December 5
Tuesday Chat
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Improve your English by talking with native speakers about everyday topics.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
First and Third Wednesdays, October 4 – December 20
Castro Valley Library Genealogy Study Group R
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Want to research your family history or be companion to others on their search.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
t.ly/rLARe
Wednesdays, October 11 – December 27
Manitas en Acción
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Combination of reading books out loud, hands-on crafts and learning about culture in Spanish.
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/
Mondays, October 16 – November 27
Lego Club for Grades K – 8
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
An hour of fun building with Legos
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org/locations/milpitas/
uvu@sccl.org
Friday – Sunday, October 20 – November 19
The Fantasticks R$
Fri and Sat: 8:00 pm
Sun: 2:00 pm
Chanticleers Theatre
3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 733-5483
chanticleers.org
Second and Fourth Tuesday, October 24 – November 28
Chinese Poetry & Songs for Families
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Chinese poems from the Tang dynasty for kids ages 0 – 12.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
aclibrary.org/locations/UCY/
unioncitylibrary@aclibrary.org
Wednesdays, November 1 – December 6
Digital Literacy for Adults
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/
Tuesdays, November 07 – December 19
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Join for stories, music, and movement
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
aclibrary.org/locations/CHY/
Tuesdays, November 7 – December 26
Lego Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
aclibrary.org/locations/CTV/
fremontneighborhood@aclibrary.org
Supervision is required for kids 7 and under
Thursday – Sunday, November 9 – December 16
Ingrid Wells Emotional Support Paintings
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Virtual and in person Exhibit
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
olivehydeartguild.org
Thursdays and Tuesdays, November 9 – May 23
Literacy Enrichment Program R
4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Supporting struggling readers through personalized lesson plans and dedicated one-on-one tutoring.
(510) 745-1421
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org
Email to register.
Fridays
Mat and Chair Yoga R
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Learn to relax your body and do breathing and stretching techniques using Pranayama.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
mtorrenz@fremont.gov
Second Saturdays, November 11 – May 11
Music Hour at the Library
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Relax and enjoy the music while reading your favorite book
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org
Second Monday, November 13 – September 9
Law Librarian Office Hours
1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Law librarians can answer legal reference questions, help locate legal forms, and provide referral services.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Walk- ins welcome
Second Monday, November 13 – October 9
Paperwork Clinic
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Had a brush with the law, need help organizing your paperwork? The legal team will be in the library to help
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org/locations/csv/
jrogers@aclibrary.org, mwashington@aclibrary.or
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, November 7
Public Speaking with Sliver Speed
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
A public speaking workshop for middle school teens and high schoolers
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
Wednesday, November 8
Teen Craft Session: Make Your Own Pins
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Come make your own pins! Supplies provided. Ages (13 – 17)
Hayward Public Library (Downtown)
888 C St., Hayward
(510) 293-8685
hayward.librarycalendar.com
ariana.nussbaum@hayward-ca.gov
Wednesday, November 8
Art x Mental Wellness Workshop
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Special workshops to learn about various mental health topics such as mindfulness, stress/anxiety, emotions, and more (Grade 1-6).
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org
Wednesday, November 8
Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation (for Seniors)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Receive information on changes to Drug and Medicare Advantage plans in the coming year, and more.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
issuu.com/hsdept
Wednesday, November 8
Coffee With a Cop
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join the last Coffee with a Cop of the year
Starbucks
39981 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Thursday, November 9
VA Medical Outreach and
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Onsite examinations, consultations, resources, and referrals to Veterans currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
t.ly/HhQGs
fremont@aclibrary.org
Thursday, November 9
Women Veterans – VA Outreach
11:00 am – 01:00 pm
Join a meet and greet, learn about your VA benefits, programs, and resources available from VA within the community.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Thursday, November 9
Science Fiction Trivia Night
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Team up and test your knowledge of science fiction books, TV shows, and movies and win a prize.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org/locations/milpitas/
Thursday, November 9
Remembering John F Kennedy
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join HAHS Board President, as he leads a discussion reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the JFK assassination
Museum Of History & Culture
22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
(510) 581-0223
haywardareahistory.org/calendar
Call to reserve spot
Thursday, November 9
Bingo by Beacon Home Care R
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Have fun, play with us, and win prizes
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
issuu.com/hsdept
njordan@fremont.gov
Thursday, November 9
Thanksgiving Painting Class
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Join for a free acrylic paint and mixed media canvas art project
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
issuu.com/hsdept
Thursday, November 9
Yoga Class in honor of Veteran's Day R
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Free yoga class for Veterans
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
mtorenzfremont.gov
Friday – Saturday, November 10 – November 11
“The Government Inspector” $R
8:00 pm
ASL interpreted show will be on November 10
A brilliant new adaptation of Gogol's comic masterpiece.
Ohlone College, Jackson Theatre
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Ohlone.edu/events
Saturday, November 11
Presenting “Peaches and Herb” $R
7:00 pm
Historic BAL Theatre
14808 E 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 614-7700
t.ly/TqANy
Saturday, November 11
Family Nature Adventures: The amazing world of insects and helpful pollinators $R
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Take a deep look into a different aspect of the surrounding redwood forest.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org
Saturday, November 11
Neat Stuff with Naturalist
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Unique hands-on activities, tours, or crafts with Naturalist.
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
ebparks.org/parks/coyote-hills#events
Parking fee applies
Saturday, November 11
Exploring Iridescence
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn the phenomenon of colorful, shiny iridescence, see where you can find it in nature and do a hands-on experiment to explore more.
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3213
ebparks.org/parks/coyote-hills#events
Parking fee applies.
Saturday, November 11 – Sunday, November 12
Victorian Tabletop Games
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Enjoy the game of ball and cup, tops, or Jacob's Ladder, and more.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events
. Admission fee applies.
Saturday, November 11
Recycle Adventures! Story time with Oro Loma & WM
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Special story time for kids and family
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/slz/
Saturday, November 11
The Bistro 25th IPA Festival $R
12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Over 70 IPAs on tap on Main Steet. Unlimited pouring, live music, beer competition with award ceremony
The Bistro
1001 B St., Hayward
(510) 833-3470
t.ly/r7M7f
Saturday, November 11
Screening of “The Big Parade” (1925. MGM) $R
7:30 pm
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 494-1411
nilesfilmmuseum.org
Saturday, November 11
Celebrating the Women of the Black Panther Party
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
A lunch followed by discussion with the members of the party
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/slz/
sanlorenzo@aclibrary.org
Sunday, November 12
Quoth The Raven
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us for an interactive reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven”
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events
Admission fee applies
Sundays, November 12
Teen & Tweens Origami Workshop Series
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
t.ly/F_G92
sanlorenzo@aclibrary.org
Sunday, November 12
Featuring: Pack up your troubles (192, digital restoration) $R
3:00 pm
Followed by shorts: Shrimps for a Day (1935) and First in War (1932)
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 494-1411
nilesfilmmuseum.org
Sunday, November 12
Willow Pruning Time
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Explore the weaving nature of willow, learn about the cultural significance of willow and gather bundles.
Quarry Lakes Regional Park
2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont
(510) 544-3215
ebparks.org/parks/quarry-lakes#events
Parking Fee applies
Sunday, November 12
Farm Chores for Kids
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Lend a hand cracking corn and feeding the animals, checking the chickens and help with other morning chores
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#events
Admission fee applies
Sunday, November 12
Tracks on the Trail
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Become a wildlife detective! Learn to identify animal tracks and then put on the trials.
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/sunol#events
Parking fee applies.
Monday, November 13
Outdoor Discoveries! Turkey R
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Meet the naturalist, tour together and make a discovery.
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/sunol#events
Parking fee applies
Monday, November 13
Countrywide Area Plan for Older Adults 2024-2028 Survey
2:30 pm
County of Alameda’s Area Agency prepares countywide survey to ensure a more age friendly community to those 55+
Ruggieri Senior Center
33997 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 675-5495
Tuesday, November 14
AWC Cinemas R
2:00 pm – 04:00 pm
Screening of “Asterold City”
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
issuu.com/hsdept
njordan@fremont.gov