Return to the time of Charles Dickens!
Submitted by Denise Lamott
After a two-year hiatus, “The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party” returns to the historic Cow Palace in Daly City from November 19 to December 18, 2022.
The 38th edition of this one-of-a-kind event has expanded to include a whole new 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall adjacent to the main arena. This pre-show area – known as “Vauxhall Gardens” – features a beautifully decorated Victorian park setting with a skating rink and Christmas tree sales. Guests with tickets may continue to the lower exhibit hall to immerse themselves in the wonders and delights of Dickensian London.
This year’s Dickens Christmas Fair is filled with holiday-themed shops, pubs, stages, and dance halls. Guests are greeted by the aroma of roasted sugar almonds, and swept into the fun by hundreds of colorful characters acting as shopkeepers, street merchants, and holiday merrymakers.
Theatrical Entertainment
Step into Ebenezer Scrooge’s youth at Fezziwig’s Christmas Party, join Sherlock Holmes as he gathers clues to solve a mystery, take kids to enjoy the pantomime The Tale of Puss in Boots, craft a comedic tale with Jim Chiminey, or catch Charles Dickens himself reading from A Christmas Carol.
Amusements and Activities
The fair overflows with holiday magic for guests young and old: Punch & Judy and The Bold Tailor puppet shows, Dart Parlour, fencing lessons, hand-powered Adventure Carousel, and even a chance to build your own Fairy House to take home.
Food & Drink
Traditional fare and libations are back, including: fish and chips, bangers and mash, East Indian delicacies, traditional English tea service, and five pubs (including Bohemian Absinthe Bar). Takeaway items include handmade chocolates, gourmet salts, Christmas cakes and puddings, and specialty teas.
Holiday Market
Nearly 100 shops and carts offer crafts, fanciful clothing and accessories, ceramics, drinkware, jewelry, toys, antiquarian books, and more. Making their debut this season: The Curious Wonder Caravan; Roses, Ribbons & Reticules, Natalie’s Jewels, and Time Traveler.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring back this beloved holiday tradition,” says new Fair general manager, Drew Patterson. “We will continue to do everything we can to make this much-loved event a safe, enjoyable, and accessible experience for all our guests and participants.”
Tickets range from $7 – $45, depending on level of admission. For the comfort of guests, attendance is limited via online-only ticket sales, date-specific ticketing, and increased ventilation.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party
Saturdays & Sundays, Nov 19 – Dec 18
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City
Tickets: $7 – $45
Parking: $15
Niles Festival of Lights
Submitted by Niles Main Street Association
The Christmas season kicks off in Niles with the annual Festival of Lights Parade on November 25, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Sponsored by members of the Niles community and Fremont community at large, this wonderful holiday tradition features over 60 unique floats and other entries, marching bands, specialty service units, costumed characters—and of course, an appearance by Santa Claus himself. The parade has been a tradition since 2001, and draws more than 10,000 spectators along the half-mile route in downtown Niles.
The parade will march down Niles Boulevard, from F Street to J Street, with an announcer stand near Niles Town Plaza. Streets used for the parade route will be closed from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. on the day of the event. Attendees can set up early, but no chairs are allowed before noon on Friday. For the safety of guests and volunteers, no drones are allowed at the parade.
Niles Festival of Lights Parade
Friday, Nov 25
6 p.m. Tree Lighting
6:30 p.m. Parade kicks off
Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 857-6512
www.nilesfestivaloflightsparade.org
Sisters welcome back in-person holiday boutique!
Submitted by Sister Jane Rudolph, O.P.
The Dominican Sisters’ in-person Holiday Boutique is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The boutique will be held at the Sisters’ Motherhouse in Fremont on Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All ages are welcome to join the Sisters for this annual tradition. The boutique is a great opportunity for children, parents, grandparents, families – everyone – to shop for their loved ones.
At the boutique, you will find items for your Christmas stockings. The Sisters’ signature items will be available for sale: fruitcakes, olive oil, bourbon balls, holy honey and honey soap. Many other items will also be offered, such as crocheted baby wear, knitwear, blankets for pets, afghans, scarfs and hats, holiday decor, religious goods, crafts, aprons, other household specialties, country jams and a wide variety of plants too! Also available are the Sisters’ fabulous baked goods such as cookies, apple strudels and more.
During the boutique, the Sisters will host a cafe where people can connect, enjoy lunch or dessert, and be entertained by the Sisters’ School of Music teachers. There will also be a raffle and a visit by Santa Claus!
For more information, contact Sister Jane Rudolph at (213) 926-2387. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Dominican Sisters Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Nov 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sisters’ Motherhouse
43326 Mission Cir., Fremont
(213) 926-2387
Real chai is worth a try
By Daniel O'Donnell
The World Cup is about to start at the end of November after four years since the last tournament. There is a rugby World Cup, cricket World Cup, and field hockey World Cup that also happen every four years. Only here in the US is the football World Cup referred to as the soccer World Cup. Similarly, chai is a word for tea in many languages, but in the US and many European countries the word tea is used. When chai is offered on coffee shop menus in America it is almost always a variation of a Masala chai.
Chai is derived from the Chinese word chá. The use of the word chai versus tea in western countries can be traced back to who imported it. The Dutch East India Company in the 1600s was a large importer of tea to Europe. The Dutch word for tea was ‘thee’, which was derived from Malay, a Southeast Asian language. Different forms of the word–French ‘thé’, Spanish ‘te’, German ‘tee’, and English ‘tea’—were used for the imported tea. When tea leaves were imported overland by different traders, they retained hybrid forms of the Mandarin word ch’a. Russians use ‘chai’, Persians use ‘cha’, Greeks use ‘tsai’, and Turks use ‘çay’. Because of America’s history with western Europe, here we use tea as the generic term, while chai refers to a particular spice flavored beverage.
Masala means spice and chai means tea. Masala chai is an Indian black tea and milk beverage flavored with different spices. Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper are frequently included. Variations may include nutmeg, fennel, cloves, star anise, mace, rose, mint, ajwain, lemongrass, and tulsi. Some recipes use ground allspice berries which might not be considered a traditional Indian spice. Each chai recipe varies according to preferred taste, tradition, and affordability or availability of certain spices. All strive to create well-balanced flavor and creamy texture.
Starbucks introduced a sweetened version of a Masala chai made from a concentrate that caters to what they think American palettes would like. The term ‘chai tea’ would be redundant in other countries. Here, it has come to represent a black tea and milk drink flavored with masala chai spices. It lacks the intricate process for making a traditional masala chai. There is room in the world for both types, just like there is space for lite and craft beer, instant and French press coffee, and imitation and Dungeness crab. The difference is in the quality of the drink. Masala chais have more complex flavors and creamier textures.
Purchasing readymade Masala chai packets or concentrates from an Indian grocery store is a great way to sample different recipes. After finding one you prefer, you can determine what spices might best suit making chai from scratch. Many independent coffee houses also have their own house chai, which is another way to sample different recipes before trying to develop your own.
There are tips for making masala chai to maximize the flavor and texture. Whole milk will make the creamiest chai, and oat milk or cashew cream are the best non-dairy alternatives. Crushed whole spices rather than ground spices can make it easier to control and predict flavors. Sugar seems to bring out the flavors of the spices better than honey or other sweeteners. Black CTC (crush, tear, and curl) processed teas are more flavorful than black teas processed into rolled strips, and fresh ginger has a fresher and more subtle taste compared to powdered ginger.
Making masala chais always involves evaporating the water and milk, aerating the chai, and simmering the spices. Start by putting two cups of water, the desired crushed spices, and fresh ginger in a stainless-steel pot for two cups of masala chai. Bring to a boil and then add two black tea bags or the equivalent amount of loose black tea. Reduce the heat to a simmer and after two minutes add a cup of milk.
There are two different techniques of aerating chai to develop flavor. The first method is a double boil. Bring the chai back to a boil until it bubbles. Reduce the heat until the bubbles come down and then repeat. The second method is to “pull” the chai by scooping it up with a ladle and pouring it back into the pot from a high enough position to create bubbles. This should be repeated a few times. Once the chai is aerated from either method, let it simmer over a low heat for five to seven minutes until it is smooth and creamy. Strain it into a stainless steel, clay, or glass cup, all of which are commonly used, and enjoy.
Language is always changing. The word chai will probably never replace the word tea in the US. However, as masala chais become more popular, the term “chai tea” may or may not fall by the wayside. But no matter what Americans call them, masala chais are here to stay.
Daniel O'Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com
California’s growing AMR challenges demand a federal response
Submitted by Rob Purdie
An epidemic is taking shape in California and effective treatments to stop it are getting harder to find.
In 2020, the CDC reported that antibiotic resistant infections and related deaths increased by 15%. A portion of this was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but what too many people don’t know is that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasingly urgent threat throughout the country, and it takes many forms in California.
While people living with chronic conditions are at an increased risk, there is another growing threat in California that is putting antimicrobials to the test. Valley Fever is caused by a fungus found naturally in parts of the state, most notably Kern County at the southern end of the Central Valley. Symptoms are usually flu-like, though at its most serious, Valley Fever can be long-lasting and even lead to death.
With the fungus long present in the southwest, California and Arizona account for the vast majority of the roughly 20,000 annual U.S. cases. But it would be a mistake to treat this as a strictly local matter. The rise of Valley Fever is part of a larger global health crisis known as antimicrobial resistance, or AMR.
Doctors typically treat Valley Fever with a 3-to-6-month course of anti-fungal medication. But the more we expose microbes like fungi and bacteria to medicines designed to kill them, the more some become immune. The medical community calls these drug-resistant microbes “superbugs.”
Drug resistant superbugs already kill about 35,000 Americans each year and about 1.27 million people worldwide. Without a large-scale effort to develop better medicines, this superbug threat is growing even more deadly. The declining effectiveness of antimicrobials has several causes. For one, these medicines have been vastly overprescribed for years. Excess and incorrect use breeds more resistant microorganisms.
Here, Valley Fever provides a telling illustration. Since Valley Fever resembles many bacterial infections, it's common for doctors to mistakenly prescribe antibiotics to patients who have the disease. When antibiotics are used inappropriately, it accelerates the process by which bacteria become immune. This is also happening in the world of fungi. A dramatic reduction in types of pharmaceutical development is also to blame for the AMR crisis. In fact, scientists haven't successfully brought a new class of antibiotics to market since 1984.
The reasons are largely economic; according to a Cambridge University study, it costs about $1.5 billion to develop a new antibiotic. Since antimicrobials are supposed to be prescribed as little as possible, companies have little chance of earning a return on this kind of investment. As long as these market barriers persist, so will the antimicrobial resistant infections and related deaths.
Fortunately, legislative solutions are in the works. One, the PASTEUR Act, would create a model in which the government pays for effective new antimicrobials on a subscription basis, providing developers with a source of income regardless of quantity used. Another promising proposal, the FORWARD Act, takes a more targeted approach, directing funds to the development of new treatments for fungal infections including Valley Fever specifically.
Together, these two bills could mark a turning point in the U.S. fight against antimicrobial resistance — and address a public health crisis that is putting Californians at increased risk.
Rob Purdie is a lifelong California resident who was diagnosed with Cocci Meningitis, one of the most severe types of Valley Fever, in 2012. Rob leads Patient and Program Development at the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical.
Campesinos screening highlights migrant farmworkers
Submitted by Linda Goldsmith
Photos courtesy of The SVL Agency
Bay Area Community Health and On Lok, two of the Bay Area’s leading community healthcare organizations, are presenting on Tuesday, November 15 a special screening of the award-winning documentary short film Campesinos: America’s Unsung Heroes which tells vivid, compelling stories of California farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Essential farmworkers continue to face income inequality, racial tension, a lack of resources and affordable housing, as they work hard to bring fresh produce to tables throughout California and the country. This moving documentary documents their dedication, courage, and perseverance during the pandemic, shines a light on their daily lives and recognizes their outstanding contributions with gratitude and appreciation.
Campesinos has received a tremendous response from viewers at film festivals and private showings, garnering numerous awards, including “Best Film Winner” at this year’s Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a welcoming session and light refreshments, followed by the film screening at 6:30 p.m. A panel discussion and Q&A session with the filmmakers will follow. The panel will be moderated by On Lok COO, Nicole Torres, and includes Joe Poni, director, and filmmaker; Alex Ontiveros, producer, and Silicon Valley Latino founder & CEO; and Dr. Victor Salazar, medical director, Bay Area Community Health.
Many farmworkers live and work in the areas served by Bay Area Community Health and On Lok. Both organizations hope to expand awareness of their services to farmworkers as an essential part of their community outreach efforts.
“Migrant farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to illness because high rates of respiratory diseases are an occupational hazard, they have low rates of health insurance coverage, and many have substandard living and working conditions,” said Dr. Salazar. “Bay Area Community Health hopes to increase awareness of the plight of migrant farmworkers and to gain support for developing a stronger public health infrastructure that improves their quality of life.”
On Lok currently serves some seniors who were formerly farmworkers. “We feel confident that Campesinos will help us raise awareness of On Lok among that population and attract even more farmworkers who will benefit from our services,” added Torres.
The screening is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Campesinos Screening
Tuesday, Nov 15
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Mexican Heritage Plaza
1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/Campesinos1115
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District to administer oath of office to board trustees
Submitted by Dionicia Ramos
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees will welcome a new trustee for Area 7 and welcome back three current trustees for Areas 2, 3, and 6. All four were appointed rather than appearing on the ballot for the November 8, 2022 election, given that each one was the only candidate to file for candidacy in their respective areas. This represents the first time all seven seats will be filled since the passing of long-time trustee, Edralin “Ed” Maduli, in June 2022.
Steve Lanza, who has served as board chair of the Las Positas College Foundation and Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group, is the newest member of the Chabot-Las Positas Board of Trustees. He will represent Area 7, which covers Livermore, East Dublin, and a portion of Southeast San Ramon. Trustee Lanza brings with him decades of corporate experience in the technology industry. More recently, he dedicated his service to the education sector as a professor, instructor, and business strategy adviser for local colleges and universities—including Las Positas and Ohlone colleges. Trustee Lanza will serve out the final two years of the late Trustee Maduli’s term.
Reappointed trustees include Linda Granger, Area 2 (San Leandro and portions of San Lorenzo); Harris Mojadedi, Area 3 (Union City and South Hayward); and Hal Gin, Area 6 (Northeast Hayward and West San Lorenzo).
The newly appointed and reappointed trustees will be sworn in at the annual organizational meeting scheduled for December 13.
Positions open: Citizens Advisory Committee
Submitted by Nicole Roa
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is accepting applications from interested residents of Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and unincorporated Alameda County for committee positions on the District’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
There are currently five positions open on the CAC. The committee makes advisory recommendations to the Board of Directors in the areas of District programs, operations, park design projects as well as specific Board directed projects that serve the community. The CAC meets four times per year; members serve a two-year term. Current vacancies will serve during 2023-2024.
To obtain a CAC application or additional information, please call the HARD District Offices at (510) 881- 6700 or visit https://www.HaywardRec.org/cac to download an application. The deadline to submit the application is Friday, December 9, 2022.
To learn more about the District Citizens Advisory Committee, contact Adriane Lee Bird at BirA@HaywardRec.org or (510) 881-6705. To learn more about H.A.R.D. programs and events, visit www.HaywardRec.org.
Citizens Advisory Committee
Applications due: Friday, Dec 9
(510) 881- 6700
https://www.HaywardRec.org/cac
Living the New American Dream
Submitted by Evelyn LaTorre and Jane Mueller
The American dream appears to be a moving target. The concept is thought to have originated during the Great Depression, when James Truslow Adams wrote in his book Epic of America (1931) that the American dream is “of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” An ad running during the just-ended political season defined it more specifically when it mourned the demise of the American dream of owning a single-family house with two cars in a neighborhood designed to ensure privacy.
If the latter ever was the American dream, it may be out of date for contemporary Americans, according to a new documentary film called Out of Reach. Milwaukee director Faith Kohler, cinematographer Colin Sytsma, and writer John W. Miller spent three years in search of what the American dream means in 2022 and discovered quite a different definition. The filmmakers found signs that current generations of Americans dream of building community and reducing isolation as much as they do getting rich.
“I think the true American dream is to see your neighbors succeed and to live in a country where not everything sucks all the time,” a young restaurant cook told them. “Give back to your community. Support small businesses. Get to know your neighbors. That’s the American dream.”
People who are attracted to cohousing communities seem to align more with the updated version. Members of Mission Peak Village, Fremont’s first planned cohousing community of 32 households, are drawn to the idea of owning a smaller footprint, socializing by sharing often with neighbors, and living a more economical, mutually supportive, and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Less to Buy and Store
Households with a lawnmower or a gas grill—even a hot tub—don’t use them all the time. Mission Peak Village members wonder why they should own them individually if they can share them. In cohousing, sharing allows each member to buy, store, and maintain less equipment. “I would even like to share a car,” says future Mission Peak Village resident Donna Schroder. “My car just sits in the garage most of the day. If I owned a car with someone else, we could be making better use of it, especially when I’m off traveling.”
Less to Maintain
A combination of self-contained dwelling units with numerous shared amenities lies at the core of the cohousing design concept. Like conventional condominiums, each household has its own entry, living areas, and kitchen and can operate independently. Augmenting this in cohousing are extensive shared facilities that residents can use together or reserve individually.
Sharing is the central theme for the Common House of the Mission Peak Village grounds. Members have designed the space for activities such as hosting board games, meetings and poker nights. The 5,000 square feet of common space also include a laundry room, guest rooms, work-from-home office space, and a dining area with large kitchen for entertaining and sharing meals a few times a week. Plans for the outdoor area include a patio with barbecue, roof deck, fire pit, playground and community garden with a shared tool shed. All of these set the scene for getting to know neighbors well.
Because these facilities are shared, individual units can be smaller and more easily maintained. Having guest rooms available to reserve in the Common House, for example, means there is less idle space within individual homes to pay for and maintain.
Living More Sustainably on the Earth
Located in an area with easily-accessible local businesses, services and transportation corridors makes it possible to reduce automobile usage and support the local economy. This was a prime consideration when Mission Peak Village selected its location. It’s in a residential neighborhood within easy walking distance of Irvington Farmers Market, the future Irvington BART station, and Fremont’s Central Park/Lake Elizabeth.
Carpooling, sharing childcare, growing food onsite, and making group purchases help to reduce day-to-day living costs. A cohousing group can be more economical than a single household, with sustainable energy, water conservation and electric vehicle charging. Having more social contacts and work opportunities where you live reduces the need for car use.
Cohousing is a way of living the updated concept of the American dream of building community and reducing isolation.
This article is part of an ongoing series on cohousing. To learn more, visit Mission Peak Village on Facebook or www.missionpeakcohousing.org. Join us on our monthly walk to explore the neighborhood around our future site in the Irvington district of Fremont.
Mission Peak Village is a group of friends forming Fremont’s first cohousing community. Memberships are still available. For information, see www.missionpeakcohousing.org or call Kelli at (510) 413-8446. For more information on the topic of cohousing, visit www.cohousing.org.
Local school celebrates Diwali
Submitted by Anjali Prabhu, Alicia Peng
On October 21, BASIS Independent Fremont Upper School held its annual Diwali celebration event. Associated with the gods of wisdom and prosperity, Diwali is a holiday to commemorate the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. While it is a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by people of many faiths and has become a symbol of community and harmony.
Parent volunteers began planning the decorations, dance, activities, and fundraising for the Diwali celebration a month in advance — attending weekly Zoom meetings, coordinating volunteers, and encouraging students and teachers of all backgrounds to dress in traditional Indian clothing and celebrate Diwali together as a community.
Parents began work early in the morning to decorate the campus as many students and staff arrived wearing traditional Indian attire. Flower garlands hung from the patio, and a photo booth with a diya backdrop stood on the field. Umbrellas embedded with traditional Indian designs and colors adorned the school, while lotus centerpieces decked the lunch tables.
Indian snacks were catered, including samosas (a fried, savory triangular pastry) and gulab jamun (fried dessert balls dipped in sugar syrup). After eating, students had the opportunity to partake in a variety of fun activities to celebrate cultural traditions, including rangoli and diya-crafting stations and bingo games set up by parents. There was also a temporary tattoo (mehndi) station that showcased both stylized and traditional designs.
While other activities were fun and engaging, the Bollywood flash mob ultimately became the highlight of the event. Parents assembled on the field and led students and staff in dance to some of Bollywood’s most popular songs, including Kala Chasma from the movie Baar Baar Dekho, Lungi Dance from Chennai Express, and Kamariya from Mitron. Not only was the flash mob an exhilarating experience, it also reflected the modernization and evolution of this traditional festival.
The Diwali event served as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of BASIS Independent Fremont’s school community. The happiness and enthusiasm that filled the school that day was indicative of the Diwali spirit in the air — a celebration of the love and light we share with the people closest to us.
Flash Fiction Fairy Tale Winners
Submitted by Arathi Satish
Continuing our series on this year’s Flash Fiction Contest, below is the 5th place entry. Read more about the contest at fremontculturalartscouncil.org.
My Super Sibling
By Karina Sapkota
They say never meet your heroes, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Actually, I wouldn’t call her my hero, but nonetheless, I still disagree. Maybe not wholeheartedly, but you know. Enough.
I came to this realization on a Tuesday. I was walking home from one of my lectures when I saw her. Immediately, I turn around, opting to take the long route home. As soon as I spin on my heel, I crash into what feels like a brick wall, and my butt hits the floor.
“Owwwww!” I look up to see the very person I tried to avoid.
“Why are you avoiding me?” She asks as she looks down at me.
“I’m not avoiding you! I realized that I needed… more exercise. You know, to be more fit, like you”
“Okay, up you go” She reaches down with a grin and pulls me up to my feet.
Before I can say anything, she easily picks me up with her superstrength and flies us home, depositing me on the balcony. As she opens the door to the balcony we share, she dramatically swings her arms, letting me walk in first. I roll my eyes and thank her for the ride home.
I look at my sister in admiration. I remember the day we woke up on our 18th birthday, her hands glowing with the newfound potential she had. Though the powers run in the family, I guess it doesn’t work with twins. She can sometimes be annoying about the fact that she got the powers, but I still love her to death. She now uses her powers for good, helping others whenever she can. That day, a hero was born, but I didn’t need to meet her, since I had known mine since the moment that I was born.
Anyone can help their neighbor this Thanksgiving
Submitted by Sharon Slayton
LOV – The League of Volunteers – has created Thanksgiving opportunities for everyone to make a difference this year. Food donations are now being accepted to help feed hundreds of families.
Items needed include: canned cranberry sauce, boxed or bagged stuffing mix, chicken broth, black olives, pickles, applesauce, canned and shelf-stable soups, shelf stable milk boxes, canned corn, green beans and peas, ground coffee & variety tea bags, white and dark sugar, small bags of flour, and small spice packages with traditional flavors like parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon pumpkin pie spice, salt & pepper.
Bring your food donations to the LOV office in Newark, or call to make arrangements for a LOV Food Barrel at your business, office or workplace.
Contact LOV for more information, or visit their website to find more ways you can participate this year.
Donate to LOV Thanksgiving
Until November 18
LOV Office
8440 Central Ave., Suite A/B, Newark
(510) 793-5683
www.lov.org/thanksgiving
Development planning to go digital in Hayward
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward is in the final stages of introducing an online system to allow residents, builders and developers to conduct project review, building permitting, code enforcement and related activities with a click of a mouse or touch of a screen.
Hayward officials said the objective of the new online system, called Energov, is to streamline planning and permitting and make land-use planning, development, building and code enforcement data and information more readily available to the public. They expect the system to be operational in 2023.
Among tasks Energov users will be able to do online include:
- Apply for a permit and track applications
- Request inspections
- Apply for land-use approvals
- Apply for building permits and licenses
Officials are busy putting the finishing touches on the system before its launch. Instructional information and project updates will be posted on the City of Hayward website at www.hayward-ca-gov and its social media websites.
Reporter/Writer Wanted
Requires:
- English language and grammar proficiency
- Proven writing and editing skills
- 10-20 hours per week
- Some weekend and evening hours
Duties:
- Report on council and board meetings
- Write/edit articles as assigned
- Assist government editor with content
Send resume and 300-500 word writing sample to government@tricityvoice.com
Sisters of the Holy Family Celebrate 150 years of caring for families and children
Submitted by Charlotte Hall
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday, November 5 at St. Joseph's Church in Fremont to celebrate Sisters of the Holy Family’s 150th Jubilee. The Sisters, whose Motherhouse is in the Mission District, have been a fixture in Fremont since the 1940s and are well known for their caring and advocacy for the under-privileged in the area.
The Jubilee celebration included Bishops from the Oakland and Stockton Diocese and nine other priests who have served with the Sisters and wanted to honor them for their important work in the Bay Area. Sister Gladys Guenther, President of the Sisters, said gratitude best signified her feelings that day, knowing that “for 150 years we members of the Sisters of the Holy Family have been committed to the vision of our founders: to seek out and advocate for the poor and needy, especially families. That seeking has found us serving in places and with people we could never have imagined.”
Speakers looked back to 1872 founding in San Francisco when the city was a wild frontier town exploding with an influx of people, many who were living in great poverty. In that atmosphere two young women, Dolores Armer and Teresa O’Connor, with the support of Archbishop Alemany and Father Prendergast, founded Sisters of the Holy Family, dedicated to relieving the suffering of poor families and children. Decorating the church for the celebration was a display of their “Cloud of Witnesses” …almost 400 individual photos of the founding Sisters and most of the Sisters and Associates who have been part of their Sisterhood.
One of the Sisters’ early concerns was poor children who were often left home alone. In 1878 the Sisters opened a Day Home to care for young children while their parents worked, often at menial jobs. It was the first such facility in San Francisco and the Sisters very soon were opening more Day Homes, including St. Elizabeth’s in San Jose and St. Vincent’s in Oakland. Their Day Home ministry spread to other cities in California and Nevada, and eventually the Sisters were providing care to over a thousand children every day.
People also remembered Sisters of the Holy Family for their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of all people. “Sister John Marie's Pantry” brought On Lok health services to Fremont, collaborating on building affordable housing projects such as Oroysom Village and City Center Apartments, teaching religious education throughout the Bay Area. Sisters of the Holy Family were innovators and leaders in religious education and in offering spiritual services to the developmentally disadvantaged.
The Sisters’ property, Palmdale Estates, with acres of magnificent trees and gardens, holds a special place in the hearts of many. For decades it was a popular site for weddings and parties, and as a peaceful retreat in nature. A few years ago, in recognition of Palmdale’s importance to the people of Fremont and in keeping with their commitment to the Earth Charter, the Sisters created a new non-profit, The Gardens of Palmdale Inc. with a Board of Directors responsible for overseeing maintenance and preservation in perpetuity through an endowment from the Sisters. In addition, The Gardens were placed in a conservation easement held by the Garden Conservancy. In doing so the people of Fremont received The Gardens of Palmdale as a gift from Sisters of the Holy Family, which will be their legacy in a city they call home.
Sisters of the Holy Family, Fremont
43543 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 624-4596
https://holyfamilysisters.org/
The Gardens at Palmdale
43202 Calle Dolorosa, Fremont
(Park near Mission Coffee Roasting Company on Washington Blvd.)
www.gardensatpalmdale.org
Homeless Help Enterprise
By Madhvika Singh
Photos courtesy of Homeless Help Enterprise
After seeing the condition of the homeless population in the midst of the pandemic, something inside Amirali Bazdar’s mind told him to act. Bazdar, a senior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, started reaching out to his classmates and friends to see who might be interested. Many students, who shared the same intention of helping the homeless population, stepped forward to become part of the effort. To consolidate the efforts, Bazdar founded an organization called Homeless Help Enterprise (HHE) with the mission help alleviate some of the struggles faced by homeless populations. “HHE is an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support from the community. We truly believe that change starts from us,” shared Bazdar, who is also the CEO of HHE.
The HHE platform has allowed Bazdar and the team to interact with individuals affected by homelessness. “I have learned that homelessness is an unfortunate circumstance that could occur to anybody no matter how rich, successful, or motivated he or she once was,” shared Bazdar. “You could be one day working and have a steady source of income and the next minute you are in an unfortunate accident robbing you of your skills and leaving you homeless,” he added.These personal interactions with individuals also brought a wider understanding of the issue to Bazdar, and how difficult it becomes to climb out of the cycle of poverty and homelessness once you fall into it. “Without a permanent home, it is hard to find opportunities, and any money attained is usually used up by necessities, leaving nothing for savings or investing,” shared Bazdar. “Some individuals share their stories and are comfortable answering personal questions, while others do not want to open up for various reasons. We do not want to intrude in their personal space.”
While helping those in need springs from good intentions, it can bring challenges too. For example, if you run into an individual who has mental and behavioral health issues, you are exposing yourself and your team to risk. “While we have been attacked and shouted at, we have been able to stay safe and were fortunate enough not to have encountered any injuries,” shared Bazdar. He believes that “dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks.”
Realizing that food, clothing and sanitation are the bare necessities, HHE tries to purchase these supplies from local grocery stores. “Canned food is better due to its longer shelf life and ease of use,” shared Bazdar. Although HHE also distributes nuts and vegetables for their superior nutritional content, these don’t allow much time as they spoil faster. “Aside from food, we have found that some of the other most needed supplies tend to be sanitary products such as soap and toothpaste, and warm clothing for winter months,” he added. Another aspect of running this effort is the need for storage and transportation of supplies, along with making time during the school year. “I am very fortunate to have support from my extended family,” shared Bazdar.
HHE is also hoping to partner with local organizations and do a fundraising event to gather donations and supplies for the effort. The ways to get involved are by partnering, volunteering and donating – for more information please visit https://www.homelesshelpenterprise.com/get-involved.
“The experience we have gained through HHE has allowed us to see and understand the problem with a closer lens,” shared Bazdar, who is passionate about working in the healthcare industry. The organization sees itself expanding to contain multiple chapters across different cities throughout California with the intention to help a greater number of affected individuals.
Homeless Help Enterprise
www.homelesshelpenterprise.com
Instagram: @homelesshelpenterprise
Northern California Kaiser nurses plan strike
Submitted by California Nurses Association
More than 21,000 union nurses and others at 21 Kaiser facilities in Northern California will hold a two-day strike November 21 and 22.
According to the California Nurses Association (CNA), the strike by registered nurses and nurse practitioners is prompted by concerns about lack of progress on key issues in contract negotiations, including workplace health and safety, and chronic short-staffing at medical facilities. The strike will begin at 7 a.m. Monday, November 21 through 6:59 a.m. Wednesday, November 23.
Among East Bay and South Bay Kaiser facilities affected are:
- Fremont Medical Center, 39400 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont
- Oakland Medical Center, 3600 Broadway, Oakland
- San Leandro Medical Center, 2500 Merced St., San Leandro
- San Jose Medical Center, 250 Hospital Parkway, San Jose
- Santa Clara Medical Center, 700 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara
- Walnut Creek Medical Center, 1425 S. Main St., Walnut Creek
For strike details, and a complete list of Kaiser facilities affected throughout Northern California, visit the CNA website at www.nationalnursesunited.org.
Visit Old Mission San Jose museum and gift shop
Submitted by Gary Dorighi
With family and friends visiting for the Holidays, consider exploring the treasure in our own backyard – Old Mission San Jose! Shop for unique gifts and learn our area’s history. Mission San Jose, the 14th of the 21 California Missions, has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the California State Historic Landmarks Commission.
Christmas shoppers will find books, jewelry, ornaments, apparel, religious items, creches, and more. And you can still buy 225th Anniversary commemorative items while they last. We have coffee mugs, decanter & wine glass sets, heritage wine glasses, beer mugs, and more. Selected items will be discounted 25% from November 18 through December 31.
Take a self-guided tour that explores the Mission Museum, Church, historic cemetery, and concludes in our beautiful garden. In the museum, see our new, 18-minute educational video. It begins with the lives of the indigenous people, the Ohlone, prior to the founding of Mission San Jose in 1797. The video continues with a description of day-to-day living at the mission and how it prospered through to the end of the California Missions in 1836. And post mission period, how the structure played a role in the California gold rush.
The museum was formerly the living quarters or Convento for the padres. Constructed in 1809, it is the oldest standing adobe building in Alameda County and displays historical treasures from the pre-Columbian era, Mission era, and Rancho period. It has one of the finest vestment collections of the California Missions.
Many consider the beautifully reconstructed 1809 church to be the highlight of their visit, and it includes many original artifacts. You can follow our handy guide sheet to identify its many treasures.
A walk through the historic cemetery reminds us of the key Europeans living in the area such as Livermore, Bernal, and Alviso. And the garden contains plants primarily from the Mission period including 200-year-old olive trees.
We are open Thanksgiving Weekend! (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s.)
Old Mission San Jose
Wednesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 657-1797
www.missionsanjose.org
Pop Up on the Promenade returns
Submitted by Studio 11
Photos by Victor Carvellas
On Saturday, November 19, local artisans will return to Studio 11 in Union City with handmade goods, art sustainable fashion, plants, and more! Enjoy music and kids’ activities. Event and parking are free, and the venue is walking distance from the Union City BART Station.
Pop Up on the Promenade
Saturday, Nov 19
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Studio 11
34626 11 St., Union City
(510) 675-5445
https://www.unioncity.org/589/Arts-Culture-Studio-11
Curbside residential bulky item collection
Submitted by Republic Services
Do you have an unwanted couch, mattress, washing machine or other large household appliance you need collected? Union City residents are eligible to receive two annual bulky item collections from the curb at no additional charge to conveniently manage items that are too large to fit in the landfill (garbage) cart.
Your collection date will be scheduled no more than 21 days after you request this service, and you will receive a postcard confirming the appointment date. Remember to wait until the evening before your scheduled collection day to set out items at the curb. If items are set out too soon, this may encourage others to add to your bulky item pile, and your pile may not be collected if it does not meet the program requirements. If items are not set out when the truck arrives (as early as 6 a.m.), you will need reschedule your collection for another day, and you will be required to move materials out of public view until the newly scheduled collection date.
Republic Services will haul away up to four cubic yards of materials per collection, with set-out dimensions measured at 9-feet wide, 3-feet deep and 4-feet tall. Accepted materials include large appliances, electronic waste, yard trimmings, furniture and carpets, tires and other materials such as flattened cardboard. Prohibited items include rocks, dirt or concrete, hazardous and medical waste, painted wood, construction and demolition debris, and items over 150 pounds.
Before discarding items or arranging for collection, please consider reuse options such as selling or donating items at a garage sale, through local online community groups or to local non-profit groups and thrift stores. Visit Resource.StopWaste.org for additional reuse and recycling options. It is important to note that if someone offers to haul your materials for a low price, it may be illegally dumped. If your items are found illegally dumped, you can be held liable for removal costs, penalties, and fees, even if you did not dump it yourself.
Call Republic Services at (510) 657-3500 to schedule your bulky item collection. Learn more about this service at RepublicServicesAC.com.
San Francisco concertmaster and musicians perform in Livermore
Submitted by Denise Leddon
Del Valle Fine Arts presents a trio of the Bay Area’s finest musicians on Saturday, November 19 at the Bankhead Theater, in an all-Beethoven Concert.
German-born pianist Markus Pawlik was grand prize winner of the Eurovision Young Musician of the Year and performs in Europe, Asia, and North America. Since moving to the Bay Area in 2013, he has become a leading local performer and music teacher. Cordula Merks is the concertmaster of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, Professor of Violin at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and has been guest concertmaster for the Houston Symphony, American Ballet Theater at the Met, Dresden Philharmonic, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and Portuguese National Opera. Peter Wyrick, who performed for DVFA several times, is Associate Principal Cello of the San Francisco Symphony since 1999, and has been principal cello of the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra and associate principal cello of the New York City Opera Orchestra.
The program includes the Violin Sonata No. 5 in F-major op. 24 “Spring Sonata”, the Cello Sonata No. 3 in A-major op 69, and the Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat major op. 97 “Archduke Trio.” Tickets start at $35. Youth tickets are free when obtained at the box office, (925) 372-6800. All other tickets can be purchased online at LivermoreArts.org.
Pawlik-Merks-Wyrick: Piano Violin Cello
Saturday, Nov 19
7:30 p.m.
Bankhead Theater
2400 First St., Livermore
(925) 373-6100
Livermorearts.org
Tickets start at $35
New Stratford School opening & enrolling in Milpitas
Submitted by Jodie Fredericks
Stratford School, a leading private school with locations throughout California, is delighted to announce its new campus for preschool – 2nd grade students will open in Milpitas on Monday, November 28. Stratford Milpitas Beresford Square marks the third Stratford School to open in the Milpitas area and is now accepting applications for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 school years.
Stratford School encourages enrolled families to attend the campus’ Meet and Greets on Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22. Private tours are also available by appointment to prospective students and parents who are interested in exploring the new campus and learning more about the school.
The newly renovated campus will feature 20 spacious classrooms, a performance-equipped multipurpose room, library and plenty of outdoor playground space. The young students will be inspired to develop a love of learning amidst Stratford School’s innovative curriculum, nurturing environment and beautiful new classrooms.
“We are thrilled to continue to expand our Stratford School footprint with the opening of our third location in Milpitas,” said Ashley Lee, Principal of Stratford Milpitas Beresford Square. “Stratford School is known across California for our renowned, STEAM-based curriculum and the passion we hold for inspiring and guiding our students as they learn and grow in our classrooms.”
Stratford Milpitas Beresford Square
125 N. Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas
(408) 669-4851.
Train of Lights welcomed back for 2022
By Staff
If you live near Niles Canyon or Sunol, you may see a festively lit antique train chugging along in the growing dusk. The “Train of Lights” has been a beloved part of the Tri-City holiday season since 1991. Although the event had to go on hiatus in 2020 due to Covid, it is back in 2022, and tickets sold out in record time. (Check the website for cancellations; a green box indicates a last-minute reservation availability.)
Train of Lights is still looking for volunteers to help staff the snack bar and as car hosts. You can sign up for either of the two train rides, or both. (Trains depart at 4:30 p.m. from Niles or 7:00 p.m. from Sunol.) Snack bar staff serve food, and hosts greet riders and facilitate seat rotation in the dome car for top level seats. A captain will be supervising so everyone knows what to do.
This is the biggest fundraiser for Niles Canyon Railway during the year. Thank you to all the volunteers, and everyone who is coming out to ride the train!
Interested in volunteering during the rest of the year? Niles Canyon Railway is looking for help with basic duties such as in the commissary or gift shop. They also offer certification classes for more technical positions as part of the train crew: engineers to operate the locomotives, conductors to oversee operations, brakemen to switch tracks and couple and uncouple cars. Skills required are a willingness to learn and the ability to climb onto and off trains and other equipment.
Niles Canyon Railway
Niles Station
37029 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Sunol Station
6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol
(510) 996-8420
Tri-City Band Corps’ resumes training for London trip
Submitted by Tri-City Band Corps
Tri-City Band Corps (TBC) has been invited to perform at the 2024 London New Year’s Day Parade, held annually on January 1st. This is one of the largest New Year’s Day parades in the world, with over 10,000 participants, 500,000 spectators and 500 million global viewers.
TBC has previously performed in Rome 2018 and London 2016. This is their first international tour since the start of the pandemic.
Sean Sung, TBC’s CEO, said “We’re so excited for the invitation, but more importantly, we’re proud to provide such a rich cultural exchange opportunity for students here in the Bay Area. For most students, myself included, this is the first and only chance I’ll ever have to do this, and I couldn’t think of a better way to cap off my marching band career.”
This trip will be held from December 26, 2023 to January 4, 2024. Beyond performing in the New Year’s Day parade, students will also be visiting many historical landmarks, including the Tower of London, Westminster Palace, Windsor Castle, and more.
Registration is open to all high school-aged students and recent graduates, along with select middle school students who completed TBC’s Cadet Regiment program. If you want to learn more about this trip or upcoming events for Tri-City Band Corps, please check out www.tricitybandcorps.org, or email tbc@tricitybandcorps.org with any questions.
Tri-City Band Corps
www.tricitybandcorps.org
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service focuses on Hope
Submitted by Joy Barnitz
The 61st annual Tri-City Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Monday, November 21 at Niles Discovery Church. The program is sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council (TCIC). This year’s theme, “Embracing Hope, Expressing Gratitude,” focuses on hope for our fractured society and gratitude for our opportunities, freedoms, families and faith. You may attend in person or on Zoom.
The liturgical fabric of the service is rich in readings from sacred text, prayers, songs, traditional costumes, dances, and music from many of the various faith and spiritual traditions represented in the Tri-Cities. There will be an interfaith choir composed of local singers. The importance of passing our sacred traditions to the next generation is highlighted at the conclusion of the service when a symbol is passed from an adult to a younger member of one of the Tri-City’s many faith traditions.
The focus of this year’s offering is Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, better known as SAVE; you can learn more about this community organization at the service. TCIC President Joy Barnitz will share a Thanksgiving reflection.
Parents are encouraged to bring children and youth for this inspiring and educational program. The Thanksgiving service provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the varied cultural and religious traditions that are such a valuable part of our community.
Registration is required for people attending on Zoom; register at https://bit.ly/TCICThanksgiving2022.
People who plan to attend in person are strongly encouraged to pre-register at https://bit.ly/ITS2022InPerson. Details about COVID-19 protocols are available at the registration link.
This year, the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is part of Bay Area United Against Hate Week, a movement supported by governments and non-governmental organizations around the Bay Area in November. You can learn more about it at https://unitedagainsthateweek.org/. Learn more about the Tri-City Interfaith Council at https://tcicouncil.weebly.com/.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, Nov 21
7:30 p.m.
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
In-person registration link: https://bit.ly/ITS2022InPerson
Zoom registration link: https://bit.ly/TCICThanksgiving2022
Have your say about Weekes library
Submitted by City of Hayward
Hayward Public Library is asking the public to weigh in on its Weekes branch and the planning of future programming, improvements and expansion at the popular library and South Hayward community resource.
A needs assessment of the Weeks library branch is now under way at Hayward Public Library and part of the project involves community meetings and an online survey available in English, Spanish and Chinese during the month of November.
To participate, people should consider registering for one of the meetings being held at the Weekes branch and/or complete the online survey. Start by visiting the Weekes Branch Needs Assessment page on the City of Hayward website at www.hayward-ca.gov/public-library.
For details about project, visit the Weekes Library branch at 27300 Patrick Ave., call (510) 782-2155 or send an email to Brad Olson at brad.olson@hayward-ca.gov.
Quiet Quitting: A Challenge to Managers
By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
The focus of last month’s article was on quiet quitting – the phenomenon of employees who are doing the bare minimum on the job. A finding from Gallup indicates that as many as half of American workers may be quiet quitting. I provided practical strategies for quiet quitting employees so they can feel more engaged and motivated in their work as well as in their personal lives.
Quiet quitting is certainly not a new phenomenon. As one Tri City Voice reader observed: “I have been retired for almost 10 years now and have witnessed this phenomenon firsthand at the final place I worked. I do know a number of individuals that still work there, usually walking around with sullen looks on their faces. Most of them try to bear with the unwholesome environment and wish they were older so they could retire. Witnessing this I would often advise them that this is their life and even if they anticipate a substantial pension upon retirement, they may not survive long enough to experience it. Most of the problem lies with the fact that unqualified individuals are placed in management based on their ability to bolster someone higher up’s weak self-esteem (aka “ass kissing”) and not for their qualifications. This leads to a lack of inspiration and ultimately constant ‘Quiet Quitting’ as you put it. I witnessed numerous instances where the heavy hand of foolishness on the part of the management staff was outright incongruous with the task at hand.”
As this local reader observes, quiet quitting is not just an issue of problem employees – poor management is an equal part of the problem. Indeed, pervasive quiet quitting in a work environment is likely an indicator of poor management.
The good news is this problem can be fixed. If you are a manager or a senior leader concerned about quiet quitting, take a deep look at yourself first. Current statistics suggest that as many as two-thirds of managers themselves are disengaged and might themselves be quiet quitting. Many employees and managers have felt disconnected from their work because of uncaring and insensitive treatment on the part of senior leadership during the pandemic. If managers are feeling disengaged and setting a standard of indifference, it is hardly surprising that their employees would be disengaged as well. Hence, I suggest a top-down approach of addressing this problem at the management level first, starting with a clear objective from senior leadership to make sure that all managers are engaged at work and that all employees understand their value to the larger organization. In particular, managers need support for themselves and for their employees on how to thrive in virtual or hybrid work situations.
Many managers, surprisingly, are not trained on how to be good managers. Many are promoted simply because they did well in their previous job, not because they had managerial skills or even aspirations. Sadly, others are promoted because they flattered their way into management. There are several key things that managers must do in order to minimize quiet quitting:
Know Your Employees
Managers must get to know their employees as individuals with unique strengths, dreams, and experiences. Gallup has found that successful managers regularly engage with each employee in one meaningful and positive weekly conversation that lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes. This conversation achieves many things, including building trust with the employee, preventing burnout, and strengthening the employee’s ties to the company.
Express Appreciation:
Many managers have no idea what it takes to do their employees’ jobs. They might pile on extra work, not recognizing that their employees are overloaded. It is vitally important that they express appreciation on a regular basis. This can happen at the weekly meeting.
Create Standards for Individual Performance and Accountability:
Take a look at the work culture in the organization. Is it one that tolerates or even rewards subpar performance? Are employees held accountable for their behaviors at work? The standards for performance and accountability, including teamwork and communication, need to be made clear.
Seek Input from Employees:
Unilateral decisions that affect employees are often made without the employees’ needs in mind, such as the ongoing issue of whether to continue working remotely. In order to feel that the organization cares, employees need to see management actively seek their input and care about their well-being.
Effective management is critical to solving the problem of quiet quitting. A Harvard Business Review study found that poor managers have as many as four times the number of quiet quitting employees compared to effective managers. Hence, I challenge the managers and senior leadership of all organizations to take a hard look at what goes on in your workplaces and implement the above four practices to alleviate quiet quitting.
Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Union City. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at annechantcv@gmail.com © Anne Chan, 2022
What makes the research on asteroid ‘Psyche’ worthwhile?
Kailash Kalidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast
Psyche is an all-metal asteroid in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Psyche follows an orbit in the outer part of the main asteroid belt, at an average distance from the Sun of 3 astronomical units (AU). The asteroid Psyche was discovered by Italian astronomer Annibale de Gasparis in 1852, who named it the goddess of the soul in ancient Greek mythology.
Psyche has intrigued the scientific community but remained a mysterious point of light in the distance. It is about 140 miles across and shaped like a potato. It is likely rich in metals mixed with rock, which are the fundamental characteristics of a terrestrial planet’s core. It may consist of metal from the core of a planetesimal, one of the building blocks of the Sun’s planetary system. It is believed that long ago, a planetesimal that had separated internally into a rocky mantle and iron core suffered violent impacts that stripped away its mantle, leaving behind core material.
The science goals of the Psyche Mission are to understand these building blocks of planet formation and to explore first-hand a new and unexplored type of world. The mission team seeks to determine whether Psyche is remnant core material, how old it is, whether it formed in conditions similar to those the Earth’s core did, and what its surface is like.
NASA, in partnership with its academic and scientific community at Arizona State University, was keen to explore this new type of world and examine the metal-rich asteroid up close. NASA developed the spacecraft “Psyche” to accomplish this goal. The Psyche spacecraft and solar panels are about the size of a singles tennis court. The body of the spacecraft is slightly bigger than a family SUV and about as tall as a regulation basketball hoop.
The Psyche spacecraft will travel to the asteroid using solar-electric (low-thrust) propulsion, following a Mars flyby and gravity assist. After arrival, the mission plan calls for mapping the asteroid and studying its properties from its four designated orbits. Special scientific instruments onboard the spacecraft will help determine the contents of the asteroid and whether it is part of the core of a planetesimal, the building block of an early planet.
The spacecraft will include a Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer, a Multispectral Imager, a Magnetometer, and an x-band radio telecommunications system. The Psyche mission will also evaluate a sophisticated new laser communication technology, called Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC), that encodes data in photons to communicate between the spacecraft and Earth.
As of November 2022, the team is looking for a new 2023 launch date after missing its planned launch opportunity earlier this year because of mission development problems. The mission team continues to complete testing of the spacecraft’s flight software in preparation for the 2023 launch date.
Kailash Kalidoss is an aerospace enthusiast and educator serving the Bay Area. Kailash first fell in love with aerospace as a teenager when he learned about aviation from his father’s role as a Ground Operations Manager. Kailash has since spent his efforts sharing knowledge about aerospace, astronautics, aviation, science, technology, and of course, the night sky. Kailash also represents the Civil Air Patrol and NASA as a volunteer.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
This trick was a real treat
In the good old days, Halloween displays might feature a bigger-than-life pumpkin or an oversized wicked witch on a broom. But says the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), this is the 21st Century and technology and an overactive imagination might compel some of us to up the ante. Take the Halloween display Dave and Aubrey Appel created in Plainfield, Illinois. It attracted crowds of onlookers so big that it got them into trouble with their neighbors. The gawkers scratched their heads as they watched a “real life” levitation display, as a no-strings-attached mannequin floated over the Appel’s front yard. How did they do it? They’re not telling. See video of the Appel’s mysterious Halloween display on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRRY7eeLe24.
Wild life in the city
The wild life in most of America’s big cities might include a wild rat or two, nut-chasing squirrels and messy pigeons. But, according to National Geographic, “Los Angeles is the only major metropolitan area in the world with a bevy of mountain lions [cougars].” And so, it comes as no surprise that the Los Angeles Police Department was called out to track down and capture one of those lions recently, reports AMAC. It was causing consternation, at best, for the residents of the Brentwood neighborhood. The cops found the big cat, shot it three times with tranquilizer darts but it got away. It was finally cornered and captured in a back yard and relocated to the Angeles National Forest. See video of the wayward mountain lion on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X414z71v-vQ.
Not so scary story for Halloween
It was Halloween and Kristina Kallman of Waconia, Minnesota was off to a party. So, she left a bowl of candy on her porch so that trick-or-treaters could help themselves, according to AMAC. Along came 12-year-old Abby and her younger brother Levi and found that other kids had already emptied the bowl. So, what did they do? Abby and Levi reached into the candies they had already collected and refilled bowl. When their mom told them that it was the right thing to do, Abby replied, “Well I didn't want other kids to not have candy.” See surveillance camera video of the kids refilling the Halloween candy box on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7o_6w-R8A.
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.
Park It: Talkin’ Turkey
By Ned MacKay
It’s time again for my annual primer on turkeys, those birds that appear in parks, open spaces, suburban streets, and on dinner tables the fourth Thursday in November.
Turkeys are native to eastern and central North America. A variety existed in what is now California about 10,000 years ago, but the species died out. The turkeys we see in the wild these days are descendants of birds that were introduced to the state many years ago for hunting purposes, with the approval of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. There is a turkey-hunting season in California, but no hunting of any kind is allowed in the East Bay Regional Parks. For turkey-hunting regulations, visit wildlife.ca.gov.
Wild turkeys live in oak woodlands. They are ground nesters, but can fly up into trees to escape predators. Their diet consists of seeds, bugs, berries, acorns in the fall and clover in the spring. Their predators include mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and golden eagles. Adult wild turkeys weigh 15 to 20 pounds. They have strong chest muscles, enabling rapid flight, and can run as fast as 18 miles per hour. The position of their eyes gives them a visual range of 270 degrees. Their hearing is acute, too.
Wild tom turkeys assemble a harem of 14 to 20 hens between mid and late February. Breeding is in March, eggs are laid in April, and the poults (baby birds) hatch in May. Female turkeys nest amid rocks and brush. The freshly hatched poults can’t fly for their first two weeks of life, so they are most vulnerable to predators during that period.
If you see turkeys in the parks, please do not approach them or try to feed them. Just enjoy watching them from a distance.
The next session of “Canine Capers,” a monthly hike on park trails for folks and their furry friends, will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 19 at Sunol Regional Wilderness with naturalist Kristina Parkison. Meet at the visitor center. People without dogs are welcome, too, as long as they are comfortable with off-leash dogs around them. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunol Regional Wilderness is located at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. The hike is free; there’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3249.
Learn all about rabbits and their habits – why they are great hoppers and how they use those long ears — during a naturalist-led program from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. The program is free and disabled accessible. No registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies. For information, call (510) 544-2797.
Plants and animals of a tidal marshland habitat will be the stars of a program from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 20 at Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline in Martinez, led by naturalist Kevin Dixon. It’s a three-mile flat walk to view the wildlife, including time at a pocket beach as the tide rolls back through Carquinez Strait to the Pacific Ocean. Meet Kevin in the parking lot on the left off N. Court Street just past Joe DiMaggio Drive. No registration is required. For information call (510) 544-2751.
There’s a free, nature-themed craft activity from 12 noon to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in the visitor center at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. It’s a drop-in program and families are welcome. Parent participation is required. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Main Street in Oakley. For information, call (510) 544-3050.
These are just a few of the Park District’s programs. For a full program list, visit www.ebparks.org/things-to-do.
LEGO discontinues Mindstorms product line
By Mike Oitzman
The news that LEGO has discontinued the Mindstorms product line is bittersweet for me. I bought my daughter a LEGO Mindstorms kit for Christmas in 2000 when she was only three years old. My aunt, who was in town for the holidays, accused me of buying it for myself.
Guilty.
However, my daughter and I had lots of fun building things that moved with that initial LEGO RCX Mindstorms kit, even if my daughter didn’t know how to program the robot at the time. Fast forward to 2013, I volunteered to help mentor and start a FIRST LEGO League team at my son’s elementary school. My passion for all things FIRST-related has only grown in the 10 years since that first team.
It’s what reignited my passion for robotics, inspired me to take a job leading the mobile robotics product team at Adept Technology (now OMRON) in 2014, and it’s what inspired me to found The Mobile Robot Guide publication in 2018.
So yeah, LEGO Mindstorms had a big impact on my career and my passion for mobile robots. One of the founding members of our original FIRST Tech Challenge team recently graduated from Yale with a degree in computer science and started his career on the perception engineering team at Skydio Drones.
I am proud to say that I have inspired more than a hundred kids in our community to consider careers in a STEM-related field, through the excitement of competitive robotics.
Alas, all is not lost. While LEGO has decided to retire the LEGO Mindstorms brand, the LEGO Spike Essentials Kit is now the centerpiece for the FIRST LEGO League competitions, although any of the prior released Mindstorms components are legal for competition.
The LEGO SPIKE “brain” is a bit smaller than the Mindstorms EV3 brain. Both use the same software and the motors and encoders have similar power and resolution. The big difference is that the SPIKE kits’ motors and sensors are more rectangular than the earlier Mindstorm models. This feature enables the construction of much more compact robots with SPIKE than with prior generations of Mindstorms kits.
The Lego Mindstorms system has three generations. The Robotics Invention System, which was released in 1998, was the first. The next generation, called Mindstorms NXT was released in 2006. This was followed by the Mindstorms EV3, which was launched in 2013. There were a number of both retail and educational kits at each generation of Mindstorms.
When it came out in 1998, the first Robotics Invention System used the RCX programmable brick (Robotic Command eXplorers). It could be programmed with RCX or ROBOLAB based on LabVIEW. Chris Rogers’ software from Tufts University was sold by National Instruments. The RCX had 32K RAM and ran at 16 MHz. The brick came with two motors, two touch sensors, and one light sensor.
The LEGO NXT kit of the next generation had three servo motors and one sensor for light, sound, distance, and touch. Another touch sensor was added to NXT 2.0. The NXT brick had 64 KB of RAM and ran at 48 MHz. ROBOLAB was in the education kit, but NXT-G was in the retail set.
Linux is the core operating system of the last generation of LEGO EV3 brick. It included a processor with 300 MHz, 64 MB RAM, and 16 MB Flash memory. It was able to connect to WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, and Micro SD. The teaching set ran on LabView and had two big motors, one medium motor, two touch sensors, one color sensor, one gyroscopic sensor, and one ultrasonic sensor.
If you have any of these original Mindstorms kits, there is an active secondary market on Ebay as well as other LEGO brick-selling services for used LEGO items. Or you can just hang on to them for the grandkids, like I am doing.
Mike Oitzman is Editor of WTWH's Robotics Group and founder of the Mobile Robot Guide. He can be reached at moitzman@wtwhmedia.com.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – How do I handle an overpayment notice from Social Security?
Dear Rusty: Things have gone good for me until now. I got a job and have enjoyed going back to work after being retired. But I just got some bad news – a letter from Social Security saying I owe them $17,000 because when I went back to work, I earned more than allowed in 2021. They never mentioned that when I told them I was going back to work! They now say they can’t pay me benefits in 2022 because I am working. Good job SSA, since I told you when I went back to work! Anyway, I can't repay them all at once, I’m lucky to buy gas to get groceries. They list items for a waiver, but I am not sure what is best for me. I was planning on moving for health reasons, but if I paid them all at once I have nothing left for the move. I just started my research on how to handle this but hoped you would have some insight. Signed: Un-retired Worker
Dear Un-retired Worker: Sorry to hear of the Overpayment Notice you have received from Social Security. Here are my thoughts: The repayment options they offered you are probably a) Remit the entire amount in full, or b) Have your SS benefits withheld until they recover what you owe, or c) Ask for special payment terms because doing either of the above is a hardship.
At this juncture, you can request a waiver of the Overpayment in two ways:
- File form SSA-632, which essentially says you agree you’ve been overpaid but think you shouldn’t be required to pay it back because it wasn’t your fault (it was Social Security’s fault because you notified them when you returned to work).
- File form SSA-634, which essentially says you agree you’ve been overpaid and want to pay it back, but you can’t afford to pay it back in the manner they’ve offered.
I suggest you start by filing SSA-632, mainly because you notified them in August of 2021 that you had returned to work and they, nevertheless, continued to pay you, thus causing the overpayment themselves (see Section 3, question.12 of SSA-632). While I can’t predict the probability of you having the entire amount waived, I think there’s a reasonably good chance they may provide you with some special accommodation because the overpayment was, indeed, a result of their own inaction after you notified them you had returned to work.
I suspect what happened is that they simply neglected to act after you notified them, and then when they received your 2021 earnings data from the IRS, they found you had earned more than the 2021 limit, causing them to issue the Overpayment Notice. But their lack of action shouldn’t result in a financial hardship for you, which is why I suggest you seek a waiver. Be aware too that if your waiver request is denied you have the right to appeal that denial, including requesting a hearing by an independent Administrative Law Judge, or by the SS Appeals Council, or even in Federal court if desired.
In any event, while your case is pending, they shouldn’t require you to repay them – they should temporarily suspend the repayment demand until your case is adjudicated.
Assuming you are still working full time, it’s probable that your benefits are now suspended because your income is too high. FYI, you will later get credit for any months your benefits are suspended, which will result in your benefit amount increasing after you reach your full retirement age (FRA). Thus, you may be able to, over time, recover some of the SS benefits you’ve lost because of your earnings prior to reaching your full retirement age.
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.
Fremont City Council
November 1, 2022
Public Communications:
- Resident discussed lease renewal at Mission Peak and East Bay Regional Park District’s Liaison Committee.
- Resident mentioned World Kindness Day on November 13.
Council Communications:
- Mayor Mei announced the appointment of Carrie Page to the Economic Development Advisory Commission.
- Mayor Mei congratulated Ohlone College for 50 years of their Deaf Studies Program.
Consent Calendar:
- Continue holding meetings via videoconference.
- Approve partial release of Performance Bond in the amount of $3,000,000 posted by Toll West Coast, LLC with the private improvement agreement required for Metro West Phase 2 Development Project.
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Teresa Keng Aye
Raj Salwan Aye
Teresa Cox Aye
Yang Shao Aye
Jenny Kassan Absent
Rick Jones Aye
Milpitas mosquitos alarm authorities
By Jack Alcorn
Dangerously invasive mosquitos have been trapped in Santa Clara County. Additional sightings of Aedes aegypti mosquitos in Watsonville and Martinez suggest that this disease- carrying species could colonize the entire Bay Area. Known as “the yellow fever mosquito,” it can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever viruses, and other disease agents.
The mosquitos found October 25th were located in a Milpitas commercial district bordering San Jose. The pesky bug does not thrive in remote areas – it prefers urban locales near people and lurks in any available foliage. A black mosquito, it is distinguishable by white bands on its legs, a pointed abdomen and white stripes in the shape of a lyre on its back. These new invaders hunt for blood in the daytime when people are outside. They are feverishly aggressive, biting repeatedly.
Native to West Africa, the insect terrified the world in 2015 when it quickly spread the Zika virus across Brazil and more than 50 countries. This mosquito has a known presence in 20 California counties, mostly near Interstate 5’s central valley corridor. They likely first invaded the southeastern part of the country and spread west. “We were expecting it. It was just a matter of time,” said Nayer Zahiri, Santa Clara County Vector Control District Manager.
The recent discoveries are prompting calls by pest control experts for residents to drain and clean any water source where the insect can multiply. The small, sticky eggs look like black dirt balls. They are found on the inner walls, above the water line, of buckets, plant saucers, bird baths, pet bowls, clogged gutters, and bottle caps. The eggs can survive more than a year, even if they dry up. If the eggs contact water, they hatch immediately.
Mosquito abatement tactics in Milpitas have included spraying and public information campaigns. Officials are planning to introduce 2 million genetically modified mosquitos. When these lab spawned insects mate with wild ones, their offspring die, causing a pest extinction.
Milpitas City Council
November 1, 2022
Consent Calendar:
- Authorize a professional services agreement with SCI Consulting Group for storm drain fee analysis.
- Accept 2022 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant and budget appropriation.
- Receive report on Milpitas HOPE Suicide Prevention Task Force Activities since September 2021.
- Approve purchase of a police vehicle.
- Approve replacement purchase of two police vehicles through a Sourcewell Cooperative Contract with National Auto Fleet Group.
- Authorize the sale of the residential property located at 254 Parc Place Drive.
- Amend disaster and COVID19 cost recovery and consultation services with AG Witt, LLC to extend the term by 18 months.
Announcements:
- Mayor Tran reported that Councilmember Dominguez has received death threats. Mayor Mei directed Milpitas Police to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Mayor Rich Tran Aye
Carmen Montano Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
Karina Dominguez Aye
Evelyn Chua Aye
Newark Unified School District
November 3, 2022
Consent Agenda:
- Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the Crossroads Independent Studies Program.
- Bilingual aide position at Newark Junior High.
- Temporary food service assistant.
- Sobrato Early Academic Literacy contract amendment.
- Resolution declaring surplus equipment.
- Board policy updates.
- Procure materials, equipment and services to provide distance learning to mitigate Covid-19.
President Phuong Nguyen Aye
Terrence Grindall Aye
Alicia Marquez Absent
Aiden Hill Aye
Bowen Zhang Absent
Fremont online permit services down over holiday
Submitted by City of Fremont
Anyone planning to use the City of Fremont’s online Citizen Access tool to request building, inspection and engineering permits should plan to do so before the service closes for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The service will go offline at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 23 and return at 8 a.m. Monday, November 28. The city’s Inspection Scheduling phone line will still be available during the closure to request a building inspection. Anyone who needs to request an inspection can call (510) 494-4885.
San Leandro City Council
November 7, 2022
Consent Calendar:
- Approve 2023 city council calendar.
- Amend services agreement with Bay Area tree specialists for high maintenance tree trimming.
- Authorize agreement with NBS Government Finance Group for the preparation of a cost allocation plan, comprehensive user fee study, and development impact fee study.
- Approve services agreement with Devil Mountain Nursery to purchase trees for the CALFIRE Grant Funded Project from June 2022 to June 2026.
- Approve license agreement with East Bay Community Energy authority for installing, operating, and maintaining electric vehicle fast charging stations at San Leandro’s main library.
- Approve services agreement with Garland/DBS, Inc. for Roof Restoration Projects for fiscal year 2022-2023.
- Appropriate $179,401 from Measure B and $142,946 from Measure BB to the paratransit operating accounts for fiscal year 2022-2023.
- Approve and file the City of San Leandro Affordable Housing Trust Fund report for FYs 2014-2022.
- Accept the City of San Leandro Housing Element annual progress report for 2021.
- Introduction of an ordinance adding San Leandro Municipal Code “Electronic Signatures” and “Signatures” for the use of digital or electronic signatures.
- Second reading of an ordinance amending the permitted commercial cannabis activity
ordinance, and citations-violations ordinance to implement a nuisance abatement option for a single violation of the cannabis dispensary permit and permitted commercial cannabis activity ordinances.
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye
Pete Ballew Aye
Victor Aguilar Aye
Bryan Azevedo Aye
Fred Simon Aye
Deborah Cox Aye
Corina Lopez Aye
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Saturday, November 5
- At 9:00 a.m. a man identified by police as David Chung, 38, of Livermore was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, November 8
- At 9:54 a.m. a woman identified by police as Sandra Hernandez, 31, of Hayward was arrested at Castro Valley station on suspicion of resisting or obstructing an officer and battery on an officer. After being medically cleared, she was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 8:14 p.m. a man identified by police as Terrence Washington, 28, was stopped at Milpitas station on suspicion of fare evasion. He was later arrested on suspicion of resisting or obstructing a police officer and booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Monica Leon, Fremont PD
Tuesday, October 25
- Officers responded to a report about a burglary at a business located on Woodcreek Common in south Fremont. Three suspects shattered a window and one of them entered the business and tampered with a television. All three suspects later fled on bicycles. Officers located one of the suspects in the area and made an arrest. Police described the suspect as an adult male from Fremont.
Saturday, October 29
- Officers responded to a report about a person who told employees at a grocery store in the Warm Springs area he had been shot while driving on Interstate 880. Upon arrival, officers attended to the male who had a non-life-threatening graze wound to his head; he was taken to a medical facility for treatment. CHP officers arrived at the scene and took over the investigation.
- Employees at a store at the Fremont Hub shopping center reported a suspect who had previously shoplifted had returned. Officers contacted the suspect, and a record check showed an outstanding drug-related warrant from a nearby city. The suspect, described by police as a Fremont resident, was arrested.
Sunday, October 30
- While making a traffic enforcement stop at Mowry Avenue and Farwell Drive, officers found the driver was in possession of drugs and contraband packaged for sale. They also found multiple firearms inside the vehicle, including one loaded with a high-capacity magazine. The suspect, a San Francisco resident, was arrested on firearm and drug charges.
Monday, October 31
- Officers made a pedestrian stop in the area of Niles Boulevard and Kraftile Road. A record check showed several active warrants for weapons-related crimes. The suspect, described as a male from San Leandro, was arrested.
Police kick off holiday toy drive
Submitted by Hayward PD
Although the holiday season isn’t quite here yet, it’s never too early to get ready. With that in mind Hayward Police Department (HPD) is busy planning its Annual Toy Drive.
The toy drive helps provide gifts and necessary items like clothing and school supplies to less fortunate families in Hayward. This event is made possible because of gracious donations HPD receives each year from the community.
There are two ways people can support the toy drive this year:
- Venmo the Hayward PD Officers’ Association: @Delia-Muniz-1 and type “Toy Drive” under notes
- Purchase items from the Amazon HPD Toy Drive “Wish List” at https://tinyurl.com/22uhj7xh. (Use the registry address for shipping and do not gift wrap items).
For details, call (510) 293-5051 or send an email to HaywardPoliceToyDrive@hayward-ca.gov.
New BART deputy chief focuses on community connections
Submitted by BART
Just days into his new role as BART Police Deputy Chief, Ja’Son Scott said he feels excited and a little bit nervous. What he knows for certain: community connections matter.
“It’s very important that people get to meet the officers that serve the communities,” Scott said. “Our communities know how they want to be policed and want to know who’s policing them. It’s necessary to have those honest conversations, and we need to listen. It’s not always what we want to hear, but we have to be sure the community is comfortable with the work we’re doing.”
As BPD’s newest Deputy Chief, Scott oversees the department’s Progressive Policing Bureau, which consists of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists and Ambassadors, as well as police officers, who proactively walk trains and connect people in need with services.
It's a role Scott has spent nearly a lifetime preparing for. Scott joined BPD as a sergeant 10 years ago from the Oakland Police Department, where he started shortly after graduating from college. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. On Monday, November 7, Scott was sworn into his new position in front of friends, family, and colleagues — including BPD Chief Edgardo Alvarez, who called Scott “the ideal candidate to lead this bureau as we move forward in being the most progressive police department, not just in transit, but the entire country.”
Scott has many ideas for his time as Deputy Chief, a role he said he applied for because he wants to be “at the forefront of progressive policing” and help decide the direction of the organization. He said he’s looking forward to getting the Progressive Policing Bureau fully staffed and looking at “what we’re doing, how we’re providing that service, and what we can improve upon.”
His approach to policing always starts from a place of fairness, he said, and understanding that not every incident needs to lead to an arrest or citation. “We’re not going to arrest our way out of some of the problems we’re seeing,” such as drug and alcohol addiction and homelessness, Scott said. He noted that these issues are “part of a bigger puzzle.”
“Let’s reach for the stars with this,” he said. “Let’s give people hope. Let’s let people know they can overcome their challenges. It’s a tall task, but the community needs to know they’re not in it alone. We’re here for them, and we’ll go on this journey with them.”
Applicants sought for police chief advisory board
Submitted by Lt. Robert McManus
San Leandro Police Department is looking for people who are interested in helping to make a difference in their community by joining the Police Chief’s Advisory Board for 2023.
The board is comprised of community members who represent many segments of the city. Created in 2013, the focus of the board is to be a community resource for the police department and police chief in the formation of public safety strategies, development of community policing concepts and increasing public awareness. The board is intended to provide a forum for discussions surrounding community concerns, with a goal to have a broad spectrum of viewpoints represented.
Tasks members are asked to do include:
- Act as a sounding board for the chief of police regarding community needs and concerns, as well as provide community feedback for proposed police programs and priorities.
- Apprise the chief of police directly of the community’s need for police services and feedback on the delivery of services.
- Assist in educating the community at large about the function and role of the San Leandro Police Department.
- Attend monthly meetings at the San Leandro Police Station.
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Applications will be accepted through November 30. To participate, board members must be a San Leandro resident or own a business in the city.
For details about the position, including a link to apply, visit the City of San Leandro website at sanleandro.org, then enter “Police Chief’s Advisory Board” in the search field and follow the link. Interested applicants also can contact Administrative Specialist Nitza Torres at NTorres@sanleandro.org or Captain Laquat Khan at Lkhan@sanleandro.org.
Union City Police Log
Submitted by Union City PD
Wednesday, November 2
- At about 4:20 p.m. Officer Olson contacted a group of people near their vehicle in the 32900 block of Mission Blvd. Inside the car, Olson noticed a bag of suspected cocaine. While searching the car he found a loaded pistol with a high-capacity magazine, 22 grams of suspected cocaine and evidence of drug sales. Two people were arrested and face firearm and drug charges.
Thursday, November 3
- At about 11:15 a.m. officers responded to a report about an in-progress catalytic converter theft in the 31700 block of Alvarado Blvd. The caller reported they saw a male under the victim’s vehicle with a jack and various cutting tools. A witness confronted the suspect, and he fled on a bicycle. Officers located the suspect a short distance away, arrested him and recovered the catalytic converter.
Friday, November 4
- At about 1:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked in the 33200 block of Mission Blvd. When they arrived, officers found the male driver passed out at the wheel and appearing to be under the influence of a controlled substance. A record check showed the driver had numerous warrants. Officers searched the driver and recovered narcotics and evidence of drug sales. Inside the vehicle, officers found a loaded revolver, an unregistered semiautomatic handgun, several stolen catalytic converters and burglary tools. The driver was arrested and faces various charges.
- At about 5:00 p.m. Officer Benard made a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the Union Landing area. Inside the vehicle were two people; a record check showed they were both on searchable probation. During the search, Bernard found burglary tools, stolen property and a large amount of methamphetamine. Both people were arrested and face various charges.
- At about 10:00 p.m. officers responded to a report about someone brandishing a weapon in the 32000 block of Paloma Court. The victim told officers the suspect arrived at his house, pointed a firearm at him, and threatened to shoot him. The suspect's mother removed the suspect from the area, and they fled in a car. Officers later found the suspect's vehicle and pulled it over. They arrested the juvenile suspect, released him to his mother at the scene, and recovered a loaded semiautomatic handgun inside the car.
Thursday, November 10
- At about 1:18 a.m. officers responded to a report about a shooting in the 33500 block of Seventh St. Upon arrival, officers found a 37-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives investigating the case are asking anyone with information to call Detective Juan Moreno at (510) 675-5354 or send an email to JuanM@unioncity.org. Anonymous information can be left on the UCPD tip line at (510) 675-5207 or via email at tips@unioncity.org.
Families of VTA mass shooting victims reach legal agreement
Submitted by Valley Transit Authority
The families of eight victims of the May 26, 2021, Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) mass shooting tragedy reached a financial settlement with the transit agency, according to a joint announcement made by family members and VTA officials.
In a statement released November 10, VTA Board Chair Charles “Chappie” Jones said, “While nothing will bring back the tragic loss of life, we wanted to move swiftly to meet the families’ needs.”
A statement issued jointly by attorneys Gary Gwilliam, Philip Borowsky, Jeff Rickard, Randy Strauss, William Mayoff, and Richard Alexander — who represent the eight families — states: “We commend VTA for agreeing to provide a prompt resolution for our families as to their claims against VTA.”
The families filed wrongful death lawsuits on May 26, 2022, one year to the day after the mass shooting at VTA’s Guadalupe Light Rail Yard. A disgruntled employee shot nine co-workers to death and then turned the gun on himself.
The settlement calls for monetary compensation for each family. The settlement amount is in addition to workers’ compensation benefits and alternative pre-retirement death benefits, pension benefit enhancements, health insurance coverage, and other funds that VTA has committed to pay in deference to the tragedy.
As part of the settlement, the families of Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, Adrian Balleza, Alex Ward Fritch, Jose Dejesus Hernandez III, Paul Delacruz Megia, Timothy Michael Romo, Michael Joseph Rudometkin, and Taptejdeep Singh agreed to withdraw wrongful death lawsuits against VTA. The family of the ninth shooting victim, Lars Kepler Lane, has not settled with the VTA.
“VTA will continue to work together with families, our employees, and the community to honor those who lost their lives,” said VTA General Manager/CEO Carolyn Gonot. “We remain committed to moving VTA forward for our community in a meaningful and successful way.”
Hayward names new HR leader
Submitted by City of Hayward
Brittney Frye, an experienced executive with extensive human resources and management experience has been appointed as Human Resources Director for City of Hayward.
In a November 7 announcement, Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo said that Frye will begin her new position January 3. “Brittney will bring familiarity with Hayward and strong Human Resources experience to our organization at an important time as our community and municipal government continue to evolve and prepare for a post-pandemic future,” McAdoo said. “We are excited to have Brittney join the city and we look forward to welcoming her in the new year.”
Since September 2021, Frye has been Human Resources Director of First 5 Alameda, which operates and supports services focused on early development and the health and well-being of children during their first five years. From November 2016 to September 2021, she served in interim and permanent roles as Human Resources Manager of the Alameda County Fire District, as well as a Labor Relations Analyst for the County of Alameda from November 2016 to February 2019.
“I am honored to join the city as the Director of Human Resources and to have the opportunity to help build upon the great work in place while continuing to drive an inclusive culture, attract top talent, and create meaningful and positive work experiences for the City,” Frye said.
Frye is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College of California where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in leadership and organizational studies.
Kaiser scores well on state health care report card
Submitted by Antonia Ehlers
A new Health Care Quality Report Card from California’s Office of Patient Advocate (OPA) recognizes Kaiser Permanente Northern California for providing quality clinical and mental health care.
Kaiser’s Northern California and Southern California health plans are the only two in the state to receive OPA’s highest rating — 5 stars — for quality of medical care. For the fourth consecutive year, they are also the only plans in the state to achieve 5 stars for clinical effectiveness in behavioral and mental health care.
The 2022-23 report card provides California consumers with side-by-side comparisons of the 16 largest HMOs and PPOs in the state. The report card rates health plans on national standard-of-care measures that involve treatment and prevention of a range of conditions that have significant implications for personal health.
The report card is posted on the OPO website at reportcard.opa.ca.gov/rc/HMO_PPOCombined.aspx.
Cougars Report
Submitted by Rachel Kahoalii
Champions of Character
The following Newark Memorial High School athletes were recognized as Champions of Character by their teammates this week:
Boys Cross Country
Adrian Ortega always puts in work at practice and improves daily. He pushes himself in races and ensures all the training pays off. Adrian works hard all the time and makes sure to get miles in.
Thomas Cannon works hard, does well during practices and it paid off when the team traveled to Campolindo. He was able to show his grit as he pushed himself the last two laps of the two-mile race.
Girls Cross Country
Isabel Irwin is always consistent when going into races. She is a positive, uplifting and has a hard-working attitude.
Maya Torres always tires her best during the races and improves each week.
Varsity Football
Javen Takhar puts in his full effort at practice and the game. Takhar brings amazing energy everyday and he’s the biggest leader on our team. Outside of football, he is one of the nicest people, with a smile always on his face.
Junior Varsity Football
Frank Felix works incredibly hard on and off the field and shows effort everywhere he goes. Although he may be one of the smallest on the team, he doesn’t let that get to him. Felix is a positive source for everyone especially when they’re feeling down and is a great person to talk to.
What are the 500 best albums? Rolling Stone has an answer
By Mark Kennedy
Associated Press Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK (AP), Nov. 2 — Is Fleetwood Mac's landmark album “Rumours” better than “To Pimp a Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar? Should “Tapestry” by Carole King be ranked higher or lower than “Thriller” by Michael Jackson?
Rolling Stone magazine has some answers in a new book that's sure to spark conversations – “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” It's where you'll find that Bruce Springsteen's “Born to Run” fittingly sits just ahead of “Ready to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G., at No. 21 and No. 22, respectively.
“Every record on here is in some ways on for different reasons,” said Jon Dolan, the reviews editor at Rolling Stone who helped create the book. “We are really happy, to be honest, about the whole list.”
But if you disagree with the rankings, don't blame the folks at Rolling Stone. Blame Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Iggy Pop. Nile Rodgers, Questlove, Billie Eilish, Herbie Hancock, Saweetie, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lin-Manuel Miranda and members of Metallica and U2, among dozens of other artists. They were among the judges.
The book's editors reached out to about 500 voters from the world of music — artists, journalists, record label figures and Rolling Stone staffers — and asked for their top 50 albums (Stevie Nicks kindly offered 80). They got some 4,000 albums and created a spreadsheet with weighed points.
On every page, the artists make a fascinating musical tapestry. Take a section in the lower Top 100 — at No. 86 is The Doors' self-titled debut, followed by “Bitches Brew” by Miles Davis, “Hunky Dory” by David Bowie and, at No. 89, is “Baduizm” by Erykah Badu, connecting gems of classic rock, jazz, prog-rock and R&B.
“Is there a person who loves all those things equally? Probably not. But we hope there's people who could definitely want to try them all out and see what they think,” Dolan said. “That's the goal: making connections and being introduced to new things.”
Dolan was impressed by some established artists embracing modern music, like John Cale of the Velvet Underground championing FKA Twigs and Nicks ranking Harry Styles' “Fine Line” quite high.
“It's sweet when these people who have been around are not just pooh-poohing the younger generation,” he said. “It's neat when people are voting for things outside of their genre and what you'd expect.”
The book's origins started in 2003 when the magazine published its first 500 list, putting The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band” at No. 1. It was a pretty Beatles-heavy list, with three more Fab Four albums making the top 10.
“It had kind of the perspective of a 45-year-old male rock fan who was open minded, who liked rap a little bit, but kind of patting it on the head, and liked R&B, but was kind of dismissive of the more recent stuff,” he said.
“We really wanted to break away from that perspective and think the list could actually have many perspectives converging.”
Joni Mitchell's “Blue” shot up on the new list, going from No. 30 in 2003 to the top 10 now, and Prince and the Revolution's “Purple Rain” went from No. 76 to No. 8. Another big gainer was Lauryn Hill's “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which zoomed up from the 300s in 2003 to Top 10 now.
“Certain albums become kind of new classics,” said Dolan. “It is something that's kind of evolving and up for grabs. And we wanted to kind of at least imply that in doing this one.”
The new list is more inclusive of genres other than rock and so pushed some iconic albums down, like AC/DC's “Back in Black” which went from No. 77 to No. 84, now nestled between “Dusty in Memphis” by Dusty Springfield and John Lennon's “Plastic Ono Band.”’ (“I'm pretty sure they would accept that company,” Dolan said.)
Some artists' catalogues have also shifted. Bob Dylan's “Blood on the Tracks” leapfrogged his “Blonde on Blonde” and “Highway 61 Revisited” this time, and the Beatles' “Abbey Road” became their top album in the book, over “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver.”
“The warmth and the beauty and the sweetness of ‘Abbey Road’ maybe in a way wins out over this sort of landmark sonic inventiveness of ‘Revolver’ because people love to listen to it.”
There's been some online griping about the list, like that only “The Stranger” from Billy Joel made the list and no entries from non-Western artists, Fans of U2 might be mad that “The Joshua Tree” dropped out of the Top 100 and fans of electronic music might bemoan that there are only eight electronic albums.
But Rolling Stone says the list is a snapshot as music marches onward. While the albums were being tabulated this time, Taylor Swift's “folklore” and Bob Dylan's “Rough and Rowdy Ways” came out, and Dolan suspects both might have made the book if they'd only come out earlier.
“Because the list is so stylistically diverse and open-ended, I think we're kind of implying that it's always a work in progress,” he said. “In 20 years, Rolling Stone, whatever entity it is, will do this again at some point.
Musk ends remote work at Twitter, warns of troubles ahead
By Matt O’Brien
Associated Press Technology Writer
Elon Musk has emailed Twitter employees, most working remotely, ordering them to return to the office immediately for at least 40 hours a week and warning of “difficult times ahead.”
A pair of evening night missives from Nov. 9 seen by The Associated Press marked Musk's first companywide message to employees who survived last week's mass layoffs. Many have had to rely on the billionaire Tesla CEO's public tweets for clues about Twitter's future.
“Sorry that this is my first email to the whole company, but there is no way to sugarcoat the message,” Musk wrote, before he described a dire economic climate for businesses like Twitter that rely almost entirely on advertising to make money.
“Without significant subscription revenue, there is a good chance Twitter will not survive the upcoming economic downturn,” Musk said. “We need roughly half of our revenue to be subscription.”
Musk's memo followed a livestreamed conversation trying to assuage major advertisers on Nov. 9, his most expansive public comments about Twitter's direction since he closed a $44 billion deal to buy the social media platform late last month and dismissed its top executives. A number of well-known brands have paused advertising on Twitter as they wait to see how Musk's proposals to relax content rules against hate and misinformation affect the tenor of the platform.
Musk told employees “The priority over the past ten days” was to develop and launch Twitter's new subscription service for $7.99 a month that includes a blue check mark next to the name of paid members — the mark was previously only for verified accounts. An executive the previous week said Twitter was cutting roughly 50% of its workforce, which numbered 7,500 earlier this year.
Musk had previously expressed distaste for Twitter's pandemic-era remote work policies that enabled team leaders to decide if employees had to show up in the office. On Nov. 9, he ordered all employees to return to the office Nov. 10.
Musk told employees in the email that “remote work is no longer allowed” and the road ahead is “arduous and will require intense work to succeed.” He said he would personally review any request for an exception.
Twitter hasn't disclosed the total number of layoffs across its global workforce but told local and state officials in the U.S. that it was cutting 784 workers at its San Francisco headquarters, about 200 elsewhere in California, and more than 400 in New York City, more than 200 in Seattle and about 80 in Atlanta.
The exodus at Twitter is ongoing, including the company's chief information security officer Lea Kissner, who tweeted Nov. 10 that “I've made the hard decision to leave Twitter.”
Shooting Investigation
Submitted by Fremont PD
On Saturday, November 12, at approximately 1:18 p.m., officers responded to a shooting on School Street near Bodily Ave. Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting was not a random act. The victim suffered a gunshot wound and is expected to survive. Officers located the suspect shortly after the incident and the suspect is currently in custody. Due to this incident being a targeted act, Fremont Police believes there is currently no public safety concerns. This case remains under active investigation.
Tennyson loses to Del Norte in Football Quarter Finals
by Eric Donato
The Del Norte Warriors (Crescent City) defeated the Tennyson Lancers (Hayward) 50-14 on November 12 for the 2022 North Coast Section Football Championships quarter-finals.
Friday night lights at the Tennyson Lancer football field were brighter on this cold evening with game-opening fireworks. However, the fireworks on the ground were subdued for the home team. The Warriors overwhelmed the Lancers with a shock-and-awe offensive at the outset of the match, scoring at will, with blazing rushing touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the first quarter alone, 29-0.
Tennyson picked up an early surge in the second quarter with a rushing touchdown but failed with their two-point conversion attempt, 29-6. The Warriors chalked another 7 points before the half with another rushing TD and extra point, 36-6.
The Warrior's well-oiled rushing offense paid dividends again in the third quarter with another TD but was later matched with a Tennyson passing touchdown and then some with the two-point conversion that worked this time. The Third Quarter closed at 43-14.
Tennyson couldn't stop the hemorrhaging during the fourth and yielded to another Del Norte rushing touchdown. The match ended with a lopsided victory for the visiting Warriors, 50-14. Del Norte forges on the 2022 North Coast Section playoff road with the semi-finals game against the winner of the Marin Catholic versus Newark Memorial next week.
Police detain man after eggs thrown at King Charles III
Associated Press
British police say a man was detained Nov. 9 after appearing to throw eggs at King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort, as they walked in the northern England city of York.
The incident happened as the monarch and his wife were entering York through Micklegate Bar, a medieval gateway where monarchs are traditionally welcomed to the city. Video footage showed several eggs in motion and smashed on the ground. None appeared to hit the royal couple.
Several police officers could be seen grappling with a man at a crowd barrier. Britain's PA news agency reported that he shouted “this country was built on the blood of slaves” as he was being detained.
Charles and Camilla also are due to visit the city's cathedral, York Minster, and unveil a statue of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September.
Top, Lite-Brite, Masters of the Universe in toy hall of fame
Associated Press
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP), Nov. 10 — The National Toy Hall of Fame's new honorees include an object dating to ancient times, a line of muscle-bound action figures and an iconic art set whose medium is colorful pegs. The hall on Thursday announced the top, Masters of the Universe and Lite-Brite as this year's inductees.
The trio was chosen from a field of 12 finalists that also included bingo, Breyer Horses, Catan, Nerf, the pinata, Phase 10, Pound Puppies, Rack-O and Spirograph. The Toy Hall of Fame inducts a new class of toys each year in a ceremony at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, where the hall is housed.
The top earned a place by being a childhood staple of cultures in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia, according to the hall, which noted that ancient Greek pottery shows people playing with the twirling objects more than 2,000 years ago.
“The top is one of the oldest toys and an integral part of many cultures, where it developed independently as a plaything,” Chief Curator Christopher Bensch said in a news release. “With more than 5,000 years of history behind it, it's about time that the top spun its way into the National Toy Hall of Fame!”
The hall recognizes toys that have inspired creativity and endured over time.
Hasbro's Lite-Brite has maintained its popularity for more than 50 years, after being introduced 1966. Marketed in 1968 as a “magic light box,” the toy encourages kids to create glowing pictures by pushing colorful pegs into an illuminated black background.
Masters of the Universe grew in popularity in the 1980s, when the cartoon series “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” allowed Mattel to introduce new characters and toys to the line, hall of fame experts said. A 2021 Netflix series underscored the franchise's staying power.
“The team at Mattel understood that kids spend lots of time in fantasy play and like the opportunity to project themselves into the role of the hero,” curator Michelle Parnett-Dwyer said. “Masters of the Universe characters had the strength, weapons, and power to defeat the villain and give kids confidence.”
The honor comes as Mattel marks the 40th anniversary of the franchise, which includes action figures like He-Man and Skeletor, movies and video games, said PJ Lewis, the toymaker's vice president and global head of action figures.
“We can't think of a better way to commemorate this historic milestone for Masters of the Universe than being inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame,” Lewis said in a statement.
The new inductees will be displayed alongside past honorees that range from everyday objects like the stick and cardboard box to technologic entries like Nintendo's Game Boy. American Girl Dolls, Risk and sand were inducted last year. Anyone can nominate a toy. A panel of experts votes in the winners.
The Strong Museum also houses the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School, and the American Journal of Play.
Boutique Calendar
Fall Art Show & Sale
Thursday, Nov 17
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Get your shopping done and support student art programs
Mt. Eden High School, Room L4
2300 Panama St., Hayward
Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Nov 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fruitcake, honey, olive oil, and handmade items
SDMSJ Motherhouse
43326 Mission Cir, Fremont
Holiday Boutique
Saturday, Nov 19
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Handcrafted items for holiday gift, Raffle prizes
Georgian Manor Mobile Home Park
1419 Buckingham Way, Hayward
(510) 785-2212
harleneatvip@comcast.net
Mistletoe Madness
Saturday, Nov 26
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
70+ booths from local crafters and artisans
Marina Community Center
15301 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro
Oakland Cottage Industry
Saturday, Dec 3
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
30 local artist and makers
Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church
4101 Park Blvd., Oakland
www.oaklandcottageindustry.com
Pruma Center’s First Craft Fair
Saturday, Dec 3
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Pruma Center
616 E St., Union City
The Menagerie Oddities and Curiosities Holiday Market
Saturday, Dec 3 – Sunday, Dec 4
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No one does Christmas, the occult, and the odd like Victorians
Winchester Mystery House
525 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose
www.themenagerieodditiesmarket.com
Tickets: $5
Holiday Fest
Sunday, Dec 4
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
25 local artists, authors, and crafters, including Judaica items
Temple Israel
3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda (Harbor Bay Isle)
www.templeisraelalameda.org
Continuing Events:
Tuesdays
Practice Your English-Tuesday Chat! R
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Improve your English by talking with native speakers
bit.ly/3TH2keU
jliu@aclibrary.org
Second Tuesdays
The Page Turners
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Book discussion for adults facilitated by librarian Chris Selig
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org
castrovalley@aclibrary.org
Wednesdays
Tropics Bingo
7:00 pm
Flash games
Tropics Mobile Home Park
33000 Almaden Blvd, Union City
(510) 471-8550
the-tropics.net
First Wednesdays
Talkin' Dirt
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online Gathering of Gardeners
Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF)
6501 Niles Blvd, Fremont
fremontleaf.org/talkindirt
First Thursdays
Plethos Comedy Lab $
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ever-changing lineup of Bay Area comics (18+)
Castro Valley Market Place
3295 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley
(510) 901-1001
castrovalleymarketplace.com, plethos.org
Ticket: $10
Thursdays
Chair Yoga R
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Consists of breathing and stretching techniques
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
bit.ly/3rAEdSC
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Ride the Rails $
10:20 am – 1:55 pm
Travel through the eucalyptus groves
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Rockin’ Tots $
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Sunday: 9:00 am – 11 am
Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park
39177 Farwell Drive, Fremont
(510) 246-3098
rockinjump.com/Fremont
$10 for a parent and child under 6 for an hour
First Fridays
Chabot Space $
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Door open for discovery with planetarium shows, telescope viewings and after-hours access
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org
Ticket: $15 adults, $10 seniors/kids, $5 members
Fridays
Fiber Arts R$
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Learn knitted arts
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
bit.ly/3rAEdSC
Member – $24.50
Non-Member – $44.50
Material fee: $10
Fridays
Knitting Class in Mandarin
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Learn about knitting
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
bit.ly/3rAEdSC
Saturdays
Laugh Track City $
8:00 pm
Improvised games and scenes
(Please show proof of vaccination)
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Saturdays and Sundays
Open Recreation Swim “Water Park” In Silliman $
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Activity pool, Water slides, Lazy River
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave, Newark
(510) 578-4620
https://bit.ly/3rYybve
Second Saturday
Lazy Saturdays?
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join members of LEAF and tackle various projects
Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF)
6501 Niles Blvd, Fremont
fremontleaf.org/volunteer
volunteer@fremontleaf.org
Fridays and Saturdays
Investigating Space $
7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Explore stars, planets and more through Chabot’s historic telescopes
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org
Mondays
Advanced Math + 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
castrovalley@aclibrary.org
Second Thursdays, September 8 – June 9
Café Dad
6:00 pm
Father and father figures to obtain resources
HUSD Parent Resource Center Hub
24823 Soto Rd, Hayward
(510) 723-3857
husd.us/hub
Thursdays – Sundays, October 6 – December 4
Shape, Form, and Color: Modern Expressionism
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Art exhibit at the UNCLE Union Art Gallery Art
2400 2400 First St, Livermore
(510) 373-6800
livermorearts.org
Tuesdays, October 11 – December 27
Needle Time
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Bring your latest sewing, or knitting project to craft
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ
Saturdays and Sundays
Discovery On Demand
10:30 am – 03:30 pm
Explore, investigate, and craft to satisfy your natural curiosities
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
bit.ly/3UGfdGr
Friday – Thursday, October 21 – November 17
Celebrate Women! Art Exhibit
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
John O'Lague Galleria
Hayward City Hall
777 Hayward, Hayward
(510) 583-4000
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, October 30 – December 2
ACT math review bootcamps R$
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Exam Prep for December ACT Test Date 6-week camp
je411.com/act
Sundays, October 3 – December 18
Snake talk $
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Learn important role snakes play in the ecosystem
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/Sunol
Thursdays, November 03 – November 17
Exploring the World of Wine R$
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join Wine Educator to learn more about wine
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
bit.ly/3rAEdSC
Member: $17.50
Non-Member: $37.50
Thursdays, November 3 – December 8
Calling all Carolers! R
7:15 pm
Sing with Bay Area Showcase Chorus
Mount Olive Ministries
1989 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas
(408) 973-1555
info@singharmony.org
Saturdays, November 12 – February 5
13 Weekly (Grief Share) Sessions R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Prince of peace church
38451 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
(510) 793-3366
popfremont.org
Friday – Tuesday, November 18 – November 22
Food baskets with Thanksgiving ingredients ready for pickup, activity packs R
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Grocery Outlet
36601 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 793-5683
Select pick up date at www.lov.org
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, November 15
Kid's Craft Night
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Make your own turkey Thanksgiving activities
Chick-fil-A Mowry Avenue
5245 Mowry Ave, Fremont
(510) 608-5771
bit.ly/3WpRmw2
Free to attend, food for purchase
Wednesday, November 16
Diversity Circle
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Make new friends, become an ally by joining “Celebrating Diversity Circle”
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesday, November 16
Teen Poetry Workshop
4:30 pm
Meet up with other teen poets to get inspired and workshop your poetry
Hayward Public Library
888 C St, Hayward
(510) 293-8685
hayward-ca.gov/public-library
ariana.nussbaum@hayward-ca
Wednesday, November 16
Family Storytime
10:30 am
In-person Storytime, learn through stories, songs and movement
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City
(510) 745-1464
aclibrary.org/locations/UCY
Wednesday, November 16
Online STEM Crafts: Salt, Crystal, Leaves R
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Learn about crystal formation while making festive decoration
bit.ly/3G7VDPi
Wednesday, November 16
Apprenticeship Career Fair R
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Paid job + training in a wide variety of industries
Tri-Valley Career Center
5860 Owens Dr 3rd Floor, Pleasanton
bit.ly/3GaFk4h
Thursday – Saturday, November 17, 18, 19
Frankenstein R$
8:00 pm
A new adaptation refocusing the classic story
Smith Center
Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont
Thursday, November 17
Birding Basic Walk $
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Discover the basics of birding and common birds of Sunol
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/Sunol
Parking: $5
Thursday, November 17
NaNoWriMo Write-In
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Aspiring and professional authors get together
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave, Fremont
(510) 795-2629
aclibrary.org/locations/CTV
Thursday, November 17
Virtual Nature Journaling Workshop
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Embark step-by-step nature journaling adventure through observation and practical techniques virtually
Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve
Zoom link: us02web.zoom.us/i/87297119804F
Friday, November 18
Mobile Food Distribution – TCV
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Available for first 80 families; please bring your own reusable bag
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Friday, November 18
Self-Care and Self-compassion
1:00 pm
Keys to well-being
youtube.com/whhsInHealth
facebook.com/WashingtonHosp
Friday, November 18
Jose Feliciano Show $
8:00 pm
Bankhead Theatre
2400 First St, Livermore
(510) 373-6800
livermorearts.org
Ticket: $20-$105 ($20 student/military personnel)
Saturday, November 19
Rabbit Rendezvous
10:30 am – 11:00 pm
Learn why rabbits are great hoppers and how they use their ears to sense danger
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Saturday, November 19
“Pop Up on the Promenade” fall edition!
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Enjoy kid's activities, music, and shopping handmade goods
Studio 11
34626 11th St, Union City
(510) 675-5825
instagram.com/studio11gallery
Saturday, November 19
Poops and Paws R
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn the signs animals leave behind to identify them
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/Sunol
Saturday, November 19
Saturday, November 19
Kids Fall Craft Time
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Create fun crafts for kids
Dale Hardware
3700 Thronton Avenue, Fremont
(510) 797-3700
Saturday, November 19
Pawlik-Merks-Wyrick: Piano Violin Cello R$
7:30 pm
Finest musician of Bay area combined for a trio
Bankhead Theatre
2400 2400 First St, Livermore
(510) 373-6800
livermorearts.org
Ticket: $35 and above
Saturday, November 19
Investigating Space: Supersonic Flight $
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Get to know about the unique features of supersonic airplane “the X-59”
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org
Free with general admission
Saturday, November 19
Homebuyer Education Workshop R
6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Learn how to create a budget, repair credit, and how to select for a lender
bit.ly/3EoHT1m
Register by November 17
Saturday, November 19
Dancing Turkey Toy Workshop R
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bring your mini-DIYEr for building their own Turkey
LOWE'S Union City
32040 Union Landing Blvd, Union City
low.es/3hwDHDE
Saturday, November 19
Cannine Capers R
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Hike Park Trails
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/Sunol
Sunday, November 20
Teen Figure Drawing R
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Practice figure drawing skill
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Sunday, November 20
Turkey Tournament
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Explore the work of turkeys through some light movement and games
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
bit.ly/3UGfdGr
Sunday, November 20
Felted Pumpkins at Mindy Castle
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Create some felted fall fun and decorate your home
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Sunday, November 20
Chris Perondi's Stunt Dog Experience $
3:00 pm
“Dog Gone Fun” for the entire family
Bankhead Theatre
2400 2400 First St, Livermore
(510) 373-6800
livermorearts.org
Tickets: $20-$35 ($20 student/military personnel)
Tuesday, November 22
Free Holiday Dinner
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
22nd Annual Taiwanese Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Centerville Presbyterian Church
4360 Central Ave, Fremont
(510) 793-3575
Jckh3402@gmail.comcpcfremont.org
Tree Lighting Calendar
Niles Festival of Lights Parade
Friday, Nov 25
6 p.m. Tree Lighting
6:30 p.m. Parade starts
Downtown Niles
Niles Blvd., from G St. to J St., Fremont
(510) 857-6512
www.nilesfestivaloflightsparade.org
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, Dec 1
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Milpitas Civic Center Plaza
455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
Bright up the Night
Friday, Dec 2
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Laser light shows set to holiday music, selfies with Santa and other characters
Courtyard near Old Navy, Fremont Hub
Argonaut Way & Mowry Ave.
fremonthub.shopkimco.com
It’s a Wonderful Night
Friday, Dec 2
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Estudillo Plaza
Estudillo Ave., between E 14th St., and Washington Ave., San Leandro
Kids’ crafts, holiday drone show, holiday market, movies, Santa and Mrs. Claus
(510) 281-0703
downtownsanleandro.com/events/its-a-wonderful-night/
Hayward Light up the Season
Saturday, Dec 3
5 p.m.
City Hall Plaza
777 B St., Hayward
Tree lighting, toy drive, bookmobile, and more
https://www.hayward-ca.gov/residents/arts-leisure/light-up-the-season
Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec 3
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Carolers, holiday treat, visit with Santa and elves
Courtyard near Market Broiler
43406 Christy St., Fremont
https://pacificcommons.com/
Newark Tree Lighting
Monday, Dec 5
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
7 p.m.: Tree Lighting
Games, crafts, hot cocoa & cookies, photobooth, toy drive
Newark Civic Center
37101 Newark Blvd., Newark
www.newark.org
Mission San Jose Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Dec 10
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Live band, cookies, hot chocolate. Fremont Fire Station 4 will deliver Santa Claus!
Old School Business Center
43571 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(Next to Subway Sandwiches)