Holiday Shoe Drive
Submitted by Randy Fewel
American Association of University Women (AAUW), Fremont Branch has launched A Step in the Right Direction, a Holiday Shoe drive to benefit adults who are homeless in our community. The goal is to gather 150 new pairs of sneakers and tennis shoes (no dress shoes). The shoes will serve the various programs run by the city including City of Fremont’s Clean Start Program. Fremont Human Services Department is excited about the shoe drive because of local homeless residents’ great need and the lack of a donation source for new shoes.
Paula Manczuk-Hannay, Development Officer from the city researched typical shoe sizes. With that information, AAUW set a target of collecting shoes between size 7 ½ to size 14 for men and size 5 to 11 ½ for women. One shoe sales expert said 80% of women wear sizes 8 ½, 9, and 10. And 80% of men wear sizes 10, 10 ½, 11, and 12.
Bank of the West in the Mowry East Shopping Center has partnered with AAUW to collect the shoes. Shoe donors may visit Bank of the West at 5120 Mowry in Fremont. A big red collection box is in the lobby waiting to be filled. Lobby hours are M-F 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Branch manager Tania Rafeh and Senior Relationship Banker Lady De Leon indicated their bank staff is eager to help fill up the donation box.
The last day to donate is Friday, December 11.
AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. There are 130 members in the Fremont branch.
For more information call 510 468-6963
Alameda County Fire Department Log
Submitted by ACFD
Sunday, November 8
• At 11:14 p.m. firefighters responded to a structure fire at Georgia Pacific, 2800 Alvarado Street in San Leandro. About 50 firefighters worked throughout the night and into the next morning to extinguish the two-alarm blaze. Smoke could be seen around San Leandro. There were no injuries.
Alameda County Water District
October 8, 2020
Meeting highlights
Public comments:
• Sally Morgan, a resident of Fremont, addressed the board and expressed concerns regarding the district’s potential purchase of the N3 Cattle Ranch. Ken Nishimura, a resident of Fremont, also addressed the board expressing concerns about the potential purchase of the N3 Cattle Ranch and suggested that ACWD make facts available to the public on its website, such as the acreage of the N3 Cattle Ranch within the Alameda Creek Watershed.
Action items:
• Authorize an agreement with Cintas Corporation to provide laundered uniform services to ACWD. Authorization included extensions for up to five years at a total cost not-to-exceed $200,000.
• Authorize a change order for Rubber Dam No. 1/Alameda County Drop Structure Fishway, RD1 control building modifications and Shinn Pond fish screens construction. Ayes from Directors Akbari, Gunther and Huang. Director Weed recused himself from the vote saying he holds an interest in a property near the project.
• Award a contract for the Canyon Heights Booster Station Upgrade Project to include replacement of existing electrical and control system equipment within the existing pump station and other improvements to site safety and facility access. Valentine Corporation of San Rafael, California submitted the lowest bid at $947,369. Ayes from Directors, Gunther, Weed and Huang. Director Akbari recused himself from the vote saying he holds an interest in a property near the project.
• Authorize a change of order for Phase 1 of the Alvarado-Niles Pipeline Seismic Improvement Projection Construction. This includes $199,873.34, and a time extension of two calendar days, to Garney Pacific, Inc. Ayes from Directors Akbari, Weed and Huang. Director Gunther recused himself from the vote saying he holds an interest in a property near the project.
• Adopt a resolution amending the district’s Rate and Fee Schedule to increase the Help on Tap bimonthly credit from $25 to $35.
Aziz Akbari Aye, 1 Recuse
James Gunther Aye, 1 Recuse
Judy Huang (President) Aye
Paul Sethy Absent
John Weed Aye, 1 Recuse
Adopt a Family is here!
Submitted by Shirley Sisk
Each year between Thanksgiving and New Year, LOV’s program benefits hundreds of local children and families with food, toys, household items, and gifts.
Become a sponsor!
Registration begins on our website www.lov.org on November 23. Choose the family you would like to help from our registered families. Just view the list of family profiles and select your family. New and improved Eligibility Checking means we’ve partnered with qualifying agencies to issue numbers from our referral system, so that you know you’ll be helping those truly in need. The process is fast, easy and convenient.
The deadline for adoption is December 15. You can shop for your families at your convenience through December 16. We will help coordinate your package deliveries. Something new this year is our online shopping experience. We are piloting a program where you can shop through Amazon Wish Lists. Contact Sharon@lov.org for more information.
Do you need to register for gifts for your family?
Registration started on the website November 12 and will be up until December 5. Contact Sherri at sherrie@lov.org or (510) 793-5683 to obtain your registration number and unlock the online registration and wish list forms. If you are adopted, we will contact you to arrange an appointment for receiving gifts. All gifts are wrapped and labeled by the sponsors and will be distributed to adopted families by December 20.
Ask us about our new shop-at-home advantage program and make an electronic wish list for sponsors to shop and purchase the items you really need. Contact Sharon@lov.org for information. Not all families are adopted, but those who are not will receive an age appropriate toy for each registered child, and a holiday ham or turkey. Gift and food items for non-adopted families will be available for pickup at LOV after December 16.
If you don’t have the time to sponsor a family, it would be wonderful if you can send in a donation so we can see that all those signed up to be adopted will have a wonderful Christmas with your support.
You can send a check to:
League of Volunteers
8440 Central Ave.
Suite A/B
Newark, CA 94560
Thank you for your support.
Alameda county pauses reopening activities
Submitted by Neetu Balram
Given recent increases in the COVID-19 case rate in Alameda County, and the rise in cases across the Bay Area and the state, officials from the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) have temporarily paused plans to open additional activities.
In a statement released Thursday, November 12 ACPHD officials said that Alameda County is in the Orange Tier per the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, but they anticipated moving into a more restrictive tier soon. For this reason, they announced that they will not open additional activities and will likely need to close higher risk activities shortly. Earlier action will help flatten the curve.
Throughout the pandemic, Alameda County has taken a cautious approach, moving more slowly than other counties across the state. This measured pace and the continued efforts of residents and businesses permitted the county to move quickly through the state’s framework and avoid reclosing activities. However, in recent weeks, day-over-day increases in the number of new cases reported have been seen, along with steady increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The county’s daily new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people as calculated by the state has risen from a low of 3.4 to 4.9. But officials expect to move back into the Red Tier soon and, if current trends continue, Alameda County will move all the way back into the Purple Tier.
County health officials are also concerned by the alarming increase in cases seen in states across the country at a time when families may want to travel and gather. The next several weeks could place everyone at high risk for even more COVID-19 transmission with the holidays and more people gathering indoors as the weather changes. In addition, flu season is imminent and flu cases will be a greater burden on the healthcare system this year given the similarities in symptoms between flu and COVID-19.
“We must exercise caution and prepare to move quickly to protect our residents and hospitals from rising cases of COVID-19,” said Dr. Nicholas Moss, Alameda County Health Officer. “We continue to closely monitor the situation. If necessary, we will restrict activities that are higher risk for spreading COVID, including those in which people gather indoors without masks.”
County health officials emphasize that they are grateful for the sacrifices made by residents and local businesses since the pandemic began, but are reminding residents that now is not the time to let down their guard. To protect families, friends and communities, especially loved ones who may be at high risk for severe illness and death, everyone is asked to wear face coverings whenever they leave home and stay at least six feet away from people they don’t live with. Officials also say it’s important for people to stay home when feeling ill and to wash their hands frequently.
Ardenwood Reopening
Submitted by Mindy Castle, naturalist
Ardenwood Historical Park in Fremont will reopen to the public on Wednesday, November 18. Advanced registration is required, and bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance at ebparksonline.org. (Click “Ardenwood Entry” under the “activities” tab.)
To maintain a safe environment for all:
• Per state guidelines, face masks are required for all guests ages 2 and up.
• Animal feedings and other hands-on activities are currently cancelled.
• We are open limited hours: Wednesday-Friday, 11a.m. – 4 p.m. & weekends, 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
• Entry times are limited to single household groups.
More information is available at registration. You may register online the day of your visit, as available – no transactions will be made by park staff in person. Park amenities and prices will reflect winter operations (NO train rides are currently available, and the cafe will be closed until further notice). The public can contact us with any questions at (510) 544-2797 or awvisit@ebparks.org.
Ardenwood Historical Park
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Wed-Fri: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood/
Arts Relief Grant Program for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations
Submitted by Grace Karr
There is still a chance to apply to the Alameda County Arts Relief Grant Program, which assists nonprofit arts and cultural organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is managed by the Office of the Alameda County Arts Commission under the leadership of Alameda County Auditor-Controller Melissa Wilk and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.
Through this CARES Act-funded grant program, it is anticipated that up to $900,000 will be granted to support the survival and sustainability of arts and cultural nonprofits throughout the County with additional support provided to organizations located in the County’s unincorporated areas. The arts in Alameda County and nationally have been particularly hard hit as arts and cultural venues were among the first to close and are among the last designated for re-opening. The County recognizes that the arts and cultural organizations are an essential part of our community and an instrumental aspect of our economic recovery.
The Arts Relief Grant Program will award grants between $5,000 – $25,000 to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Award amounts will be based on the organization’s budget size and demonstrated need. Grants will be awarded to qualifying organizations providing arts programs and services in the areas of visual art, dance, theater, music, literature, poetry, cultural traditions, and other related forms of arts, culture and creativity. This grant program is intended to provide support for expenses and income loss from business interruption due to COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. This is a granting program and therefore repayment of the funds will not be required.
The Program Guidelines, including all eligibility and application requirements, and a link to the online application can be found at the Arts Commission website www.acgov.org/arts (click on “Programs”). Applications will be accepted online through Friday, November 20, 5:00 p.m. For all questions or assistance with the application, please contact the Alameda County Arts Commission Director Rachel Osajima at rachel.osajima@acgov.org.
Alameda County Arts Relief Grant Program
Application deadline: Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m.
www.acgov.org/arts
BART app offers customized notifications
Submitted by Bay Area Rapid Transit
Riders can now opt-in to customized in-app notifications about BART service and announcements using the official BART app. Riders can personalize what type of information they get through the app based on when and where they ride BART and what information they care most about.
In-app notifications are now available with subscription settings for:
• BART Service Advisories based on preferred days of the week and specific timeframes of travel
• BART Elevator Outage Alerts based on selected stations, days of the week and timeframe of travel
• Real time train departures specific to station, direction of travel, days of the week and timeframe
• Announcements such as planned track shutdowns or schedule changes and updates about rider experience improvements
How it works:
• Download or update to the latest version of the app
• When you open the app, on the pop-up window, allow the app to send you in-app notifications
• Under Profile, select Notification Settings and subscribe to the in-app notifications you want
• Select the days of the week, time ranges, and stations you use
• Once you have made your selections you will start receiving in-app notifications; you can adjust the settings at any time
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Monday, November 9
• At 9:29 a.m. a man identified by police as Juan Sandoval, 36, of Antioch was stopped at the Hayward station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed he had three outstanding felony warrants from the Walnut Creek Police Department. He was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention facility.
• At 7:06 p.m. a man identified by police as Derso Misgun, 30, was arrested at the Union City station on suspicion of public intoxication. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, November 10
• At 5:01 a.m. a man identified by police as Robert Ross, 39, of Oakland was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of public intoxication. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, November 11
• At 9:28 a.m. a man identified by police as Jeremiah Tauelia, 20, of Hayward was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on two outstanding felony warrants totaling $200,000. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• At 7:47 p.m. a man identified by police as Albert Mozon, 68, of Oakland was arrested at the Milpitas station on suspicion of public intoxication. He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
seeing biggest jump in virus cases in months
By Don Thompson
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Nov 09 – California's coronavirus cases are at their highest levels in months, a disquieting reality Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday was “obviously sobering“ and that led San Francisco Bay Area health officials to urge people who travel outside the region to quarantine for two weeks upon return.
Newsom said some of the increase could be tied to Halloween celebrations while Barbara Ferrer, the health director for Los Angeles County, urged people who gathered during the weekend to celebrate Joe Biden's victory in the presidential race to quarantine to avoid fueling the spread.
LA County is home to 10 million people, roughly one-quarter of California's population, and was seeing 750 cases per day in September. Last week, four days saw case counts above 2,000.
“Recovery just doesn't continue when you have thousands of new cases each day,“ Ferrer said. “And many of these cases stem from people taking risks that are frankly not appropriate. It isn't that hard to play by the rules, especially since these rules are what keep some people alive and allow our economy to improve.“
California hasn't seen the even more dramatic surges other states are experiencing but new figures are troubling. The number of confirmed cases, the infection rate, hospitalizations, and intensive care patients all have reached their highest level in months, Newsom warned.
The positivity rate – the number of people who test positive – climbed from 2.5% to 3.7% in about three weeks, hospitalizations are 29% over 14 days and “that trendline continues up,” he said. Meantime, California is nearing two grim milestones: 1 million cases and 18,000 deaths.
The state updates every Tuesday its 58 counties' progress on a four-tier, color-coded system for reopening. The lower the cases and positivity rate, the fewer restrictions there are for businesses and certain activities in that county.
During the two months the system has been implemented most counties moved into less restrictive tiers. But this week's update is expected to see counties go the other way and have to reimpose restrictions, said Newsom and the state's top health official, Dr. Mark Ghaly.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, the case numbers generally are better than other heavily populated areas in the state and local health officials largely have tended to be more aggressive in their restrictions.
Now, health officials for 10 Bay Area counties and the city of Berkeley expanded a recommendation last week by San Francisco recommending residents self-quarantine when they return home to try to prevent a spike in coronavirus cases.
In a joint statement, the officials said people who insist on getting together for the holidays should keep their visits outdoors and lasting no more than two hours and include a maximum of three households.
Cody said the increase is largely among people between the ages of 18 and 34 and could be because people are letting their guards down on safety measures such as wearing masks and staying socially distant.
Newsom said the state's increase may be linked to Halloween, but more broadly appears tied to larger social gatherings.
County health officials where cases are rising uniformly cite “private household gatherings as a major source of spread,” Ghaly said. “These masks, even with loved ones that we haven't seen for a while, are really important, and that sense that we're safe because we know someone is not the case with COVID.”
Yet aside from unmasked family gatherings, the upcoming holidays and simultaneous flu season, Newsom injected a new worry: That people will drop their guard because of positive news regarding testing of coronavirus vaccines, most recently Pfizer Inc.'s announcement that its version may be 90% effective, based on early and incomplete test results.
“This vaccine is not going to be readily available for mass distribution … likely well into the next year,” he said. “I am concerned, truthfully, that we may get overexuberant … and people may go back to their original form. That would be a terrible mistake.”
––––
Associated Press writers Janie Har and Olga Rodriguez contributed to this report from San Francisco and Christopher Weber from Los Angeles.
$300M California Earthquake Authority Bond Sale
Submitted by California State Treasurer Office
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma announced the sale of $300 million of taxable revenue bonds for the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). Proceeds of the bonds will be used to enhance the CEA’s claim-paying capacity.
“This helps to strengthen earthquake insurance in California so that homeowners can continue to be well protected,” said Ma. The State Treasurer’s Office serves as Agent for Sale for bonds issued by the CEA.
The CEA is the leading insurer of earthquake risk in California with a 67% share of the State’s residential earthquake policies in force. The calendar of all upcoming state bond sales is available at www.BuyCaliforniaBonds.com.
California elects 25-year-old lawmaker, youngest in 82 years
By Don Thompson
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Nov 06 – California has elected its youngest state lawmaker in more than eight decades, elevating a 25-year-old progressive Democrat who already has years of legislative experience to the state Assembly.
Alex Lee survived a crowded nine-candidate primary election in March, then trounced his Republican rival by winning 73% of the vote in a San Francisco Bay Area district that includes part of Silicon Valley.
He plans to keep living with his mom in San Jose for the time being and had to take a part-time gig economy delivery job to make ends meet during his Assembly District 25 campaign.
Lee has worked for five different lawmakers either as a college intern or more recently a paid aide, quickly exhibiting such “encyclopedic knowledge” of pending legislation that “he became kind of the local Wikipedia for what's happening on the Senate floor,” said state Sen. Henry Stern, who employed Lee from 2017 until he left last year to work for another lawmaker.
“He makes me look like an old man,“ joked Stern, 38, who was the first Millennial elected to the Senate four years ago. “I thought I had something fresh going on there. But now Gen Z comes up and what do I know? Now I'm a Boomer.”
Lee prevailed despite setting himself other obstacles, like not accepting corporate campaign money.
He said Friday that the first bill he will introduce when he takes office next month will propose to prohibit corporate contributions directly to candidates. He said he may extend that ban to ballot measures and would create a system for publicly financed elections.
“Having run an election, I clearly know how detrimental and corrosive corporate money can be in an election cycle,” Lee said.
And having spent some time out of financial necessity working gig jobs through what he referred to as “grueling, terrible wage-exploitation apps,” he's particularly upset that ride-hailing and delivery companies prevailed in carving out an exemption to a new California labor law after spending a record $200 million to pass Proposition 22.
The last time someone younger was elected to the California Legislature, the nation was just clawing its way out of the Great Depression and was on the cusp of World War II.
Maurice E. Atkinson, also a Democrat, was 23 when he was elected to the Assembly in 1938. There previously were four other state legislators younger than Lee in the last century, said Alex Vassar, the California State Library's legislative historian.
Lee was Atkinson's age, just 23, when he decided to run for office, and by his calculation has since knocked on 30,000 doors seeking voters' support.
“I think voters were very encouraged that a young person like me has so much experience in policy making and governing,“ he said. “I would run into folks when we were door-knocking who are 80 years old, who would say, `Our generation screwed it up so it's time for you all to fix all these problems for us.' And they said it in a very encouraging way.”
Lee considers himself to be part of “many marginalized communities,“ including being Asian American and openly bisexual.
“As someone who's struggled with housing security and financial security, I also understand that can cause anxiety. And that's going to be informing my perspective going into office,” said Lee, whose new gig carries a salary of nearly $115,000 a year.
Neither Lee's Republican opponent nor Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron responded to requests for comment.
Lee will undoubtedly run into fellow lawmakers who will be skeptical or “they'll say, `Wait your turn,”' Stern said from experience.
But “he's speaking for a real demographic that is under-represented in politics in general,” Stern said. ”I hope it's a trend. I think our generation and the next generations coming up have something to say, and he's proven that you don't really have to wait.”
Handling Job Rejection
By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
Almost everyone has been turned down for a job at some point of their lives, but if you are searching for a job during COVID-19, it might feel you are getting nothing but rejections. In a robust economy, it might have taken you mere weeks to land a better-paying job. But during COVID-19, it might take months and months just to get an interview. Adding to your frustration might be the rude ways in which some employers are treating job candidates.
It’s very common these days for job seekers to get no acknowledgment that their resumes have been received. You might not even get an automated reply. Job openings are posted, then withdrawn, then posted, then put on hold. You might have worked your tail off to perfect and submit your resume, only to find out (not be told) that the position was withdrawn. If you are lucky enough to land interviews, you might find that the employers don’t bother to notify you that you weren’t chosen for the job. How is one to deal with the constant frustration, rudeness, and rejection?
First, know that you are not alone. The last I checked, 12.6 million Americans are currently unemployed, which means that millions are going through the exact same frustrating experience as you. Please do not take this personally. When you get a rejection, tell yourself that this is a normal experience in an abnormal time.
Look at your situation as objectively as you can. If you were unsuccessful in getting a job, bear in mind that tens, perhaps even hundreds, or thousands of people wanted that exact job. Even if just ten people applied for the job, you have a 90% chance of being rejected. Moreover, if there is an inside candidate angling for the job, your chances of getting the job might have decreased to zero. Educate yourself about the odds of getting rejected so that you can be more accepting of the rejection and not take it personally.
You can’t tell from the outset if your chances of getting the job are great or abysmal. Employers are not going to say, “Hey, we’re just stringing you along, but we know from the outset we are hiring an internal candidate. But we appreciate you coming along for this futile ride, so we get to say that we conducted a “fair” hiring process.” As a wise mentor once told me, “You just don’t know what happens behind closed doors.” Hence, as far as possible, de-personalize the rejection. You might want to say to yourself, “I may not have gotten this job, but I will find the right job and company if I don’t give up.”
One technique I use to prepare myself for rejection is to have a Plan B, Plan C, and even Plan D. This means that if Plan A fails, I am already prepared to activate Plan B. One writer who submits her work for publication has her submission all ready to go to another publisher (her Plan B) the minute she gets a rejection. The ability to act can keep you from being stuck in frustration and resentment. I call this “resilience in action.”
Even Pollyanna would start feeling less positive if she were subject to so much rejection. But Pollyanna wasn’t alone – she had supportive people around her. I cannot overstate the need for social support during this time of crisis. Reach out to friends, former colleagues, mentors, and family for support and encouragement. You can’t get enough positive support during this time!
If someone’s shoulder is not available for you to cry on, you can still alleviate your emotions by writing – write 20 minutes on your feelings for four days. Don’t worry about grammar or sentence structure. Just pour your heart out on paper, let go, and explore how this emotional challenge is affecting you. Studies have shown that people who do this are healthier and happier despite their challenges. Doing this writing prompt will enable you to shape your story and stay resilient.
It also helps to adopt the mindset that when one door closes, another opens. Rejection does not mean the end of the entire world or universe (even if it feels like it). Yes, the door to one possibility might be closed for now, but this does not mean that all doors to all opportunities are forever closed. Look for other opportunities and keep in mind that there are always more job interviews and more opportunities.
Sometimes, rejection can even lead to bigger and better things. One thing you can do before checking emails and possibly receiving yet another rejection is to say to yourself “Each ‘no’ takes me closer to a ‘yes.’ Each rejection takes me closer to a job offer.” So, become friends with the word “no,” remind yourself to stay resilient, and above all, be kind to yourself.
Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Fremont. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at annechantcv@gmail.com.
© Anne Chan, 2020
Thanksgiving organic food giveaway planned
Submitted by Taylor Johnson
Officials from Tri-City Volunteers (TCV) are partnering with Facebook in sponsoring a “Giving Thanks” drive-thru organic food distribution for needy community members at the TCV Food Bank in Fremont’s Centerville district.
The Monday, November 23 event is open to everyone who is in need of emergency food this holiday season; no registration is required. Because of coronavirus health regulations, vehicle occupants must wear face coverings and stay inside their vehicle. Volunteers – also wearing face coverings – will provide each car with a robust food box containing organic produce to make a complete Thanksgiving family meal, via contactless, drive-thru distribution. Only one box will be given per vehicle, and no walkups will be allowed.
Food distribution will be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or until the food is gone, at 37350 Joseph Street. Admission is free and open to anyone in need.
Drive-thru Thanksgiving Food Distribution
Monday, Nov 23
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until food is gone)
Tri-City Volunteers Food Bank
37350 Joseph St., Fremont
Guests must stay in their vehicles; no walkups
Free
EARTHTALK
Can global warming kill trees?
By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Dear EarthTalk: How will global warming change the distribution of trees across the continental U.S.? Which types of trees and forests are most at risk?
— Mike Powers, Golden, Colorado
It’s true that climate change is already affecting tree distribution and forest cover in the United States (as well as everywhere), but only time will tell which tree species are most successful at adapting and whether we will lose significant amounts of forest cover overall.
“A walk in the woods or a stroll on a tree-lined street could be a very different experience just a few decades from now,” says U.S. Forest Service researcher Stephanie Worley Firley. “Higher temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and longer growing seasons predicted for the future could require that some tree species will have to move — or be moved — into new areas where habitat will be more suitable.” She adds that some tree species may be able to stay in place by adapting to new conditions, but many others are unlikely to be able to adapt and “may succumb to the pressures of climate change.”
One example of an iconic tree species that is already suffering from the effects of climate change is the Quaking Aspen, the most widely distributed tree species in North America. Today the tree is still common in higher elevation regions of Colorado and Utah as well as throughout the rest of the American West, but that might change in the coming decades. Researchers have been tracking the decline of aspens in Colorado for at least 20 years at the hands of climate change and related stressors. Given their shallow root systems, aspens are particularly sensitive to drought; warmer, drier weather overall as a result of global warming means more drought and more trouble for the trees moving forward. Researchers worry that aspens may be gone from the southern (and driest) band of its range within decades, and foresee drastic declines in the tree’s overall distribution as temperatures inch up, drought pervades and forest fires rage throughout the region.
Another iconic tree that has already been hit hard by global warming is the Sugar maple, famous as the source of Vermont maple syrup. Warmer winters have already shortened the syrup “tapping” season by more than 10% and if the trend continues there won’t be enough winter to sustain the $200 million/year Vermont maple syrup industry. Some other tree species on the ropes thanks to climate change include Balsam fir, Black ash, Paper birch, White pine, Tamarack and Red spruce.
Researchers from the North Carolina-based Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center are using forest inventory and analysis data from the U.S. Forest Service to compare where tree species occur presently with a wider range of where they could move or expand given rising temperatures and other changing landscape conditions. By looking at how landscape, weather and temperature conditions will change over the next three decades based on a conservative model of climate change, the researchers can start to project where the most suitable conditions for different types of trees might occur across the country by 2050. This kind of knowledge can help land managers prepare for the changes coming and can help planners map out forward-looking, climate-friendly zoning patterns.
EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.
East Bay Community Energy’s clean green energy
By J.D. Flaten
Photos courtesy of East Bay Community Energy
In 2002, the California Legislature passed AB117, which allowed for Community Choice Aggregation. Prior to this law, the vast majority of Californians had no such options for energy, being served across the state by three large private Investor-Owned Utilities (IOU). These IOUs, essentially state-regulated monopolies, dictated what most citizens used to power their homes and businesses. “Consumers had no choice as to where their energy came from; and they had no recourse if rates went up,” said Alex DiGiorgio, EBCE Public Engagement Manager.
EBCE is a “Community Choice Aggregation” (CCA) program. State law allows cities and counties to form public agencies and pool their energy demand to buy electricity on behalf of their residents and businesses. As a public agency, EBCE reinvests revenues back into the community to help create local green energy jobs, local programs, and clean power projects.
Starting next April, Newark will be powered by lower-cost, greener energy – sourced from hydropower, wind and solar – provided by East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), a local public power agency. Newark is the last city in Alameda County to join the agency, which was formed in late 2016 and began serving customers in 2018.
“Energy democracy is coming to Newark in 2021,” said DiGiorgio. “Residents will have renewable energy choices they’ve never had before.” EBCE’s mission is to expand and enhance access to sustainable energy, especially on a local level, and connect consumers to less carbon-intensive, more renewable sources of energy at competitive rates.
He said the choice represents “energy democracy” because it “empowers consumers as individuals and is literally democratic in the governance sense. Our board of directors is composed of locally elected leaders from each of the communities we serve.”
It’s also a relatively seamless change – energy customers will still be PG&E customers, serviced by PG&E’s energy transmission, billing and infrastructure. The difference is the source of the energy, which will be reflected in one line item on the monthly bill – not an extra charge, but a replacement charge — which provides a lower rate for those on the standard “Bright Choice” service option.
Newark residents will begin noticing the new line-item on their bills following the citywide transition to EBCE service in April 2021. EBCE is partnering with Newark on public outreach and is planning to hold at least one webinar and run ads to make sure residents are informed. Between February and May of next year, four notices detailing options, rate info, etc., will be sent to every electricity customer in Newark, the first by mail, and the next three by either mail or email.
Private utilities have an incentive to charge as much as they can, to provide stockholder profits. A public option, like EBCE, has a competitive advantage in that it does not have to pay stockholder dividends. Instead, it can invest in more local sustainable energy programs and projects. “We also have an incentive to keep our rates lower because people can opt out,” DiGiorgio said.
Since it started providing service to municipal, commercial and residential customers in 2018, EBCE has saved its communities more than $10 million dollars, while contracting for more than 550 megawatts of California-based wind and solar and more than 150 megawatts of battery storage.
Per state law, Newark residents will be automatically enrolled into EBCE, but they can opt out if they’d rather stick with PG&E’s energy sources. They can also “opt up” i.e., choose EBCE’s 100 percent renewable option.
EBCE currently offers three energy options. The standard option, “Bright Choice,” provides a 1% rate discount and a minimum of five percent more renewable energy than PG&E’s standard service. Level two is EBCE’s “Brilliant 100” with rates the same as PG&E’s, but with 100-percent carbon-free sources (DiGiorgio said this offering might be changed in 2021).
The third level is “Renewable 100,” a 100-percent California-based wind and solar energy option. “Renewable 100 costs a penny per kilowatt-hour more, which averages out to be about $3 or $5 more per month for the average residential customer,” DiGiorgio said. People who want to support the growth of green energy and like the idea of their power source being 100 percent California renewable are choosing this third level.
City Council member Michael Hannon represents Newark on the EBCE Board of Directors. “Each jurisdiction is represented when decisions are made regarding EBCE’s electricity rates and power resources,” DiGiorgio said. “Board and Committee meetings are open to the public, and we welcome public comments.”
For more information, visit EBCE’s website: https://ebce.org/.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
The turkeys that are often seen in East Bay Regional Parks, other open spaces, and even residential neighborhoods, seem to have been less active lately; perhaps because they sense that Thanksgiving is approaching. However, they are still out there, and their story is an interesting one.
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 today are descendants of birds that were reintroduced to the state many years ago for hunting purposes, with the acquiescence of state fish and game. I’ve seen and heard them at Briones Regional Park, Diablo Foothills, and on my own front lawn in Pleasant Hill.
California still has a turkey-hunting season, but no hunting of any kind is allowed in the East Bay Regional Parks. For turkey-hunting regulations, visit www.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. They are food themselves for mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and raptors, including golden eagles.
Adult turkeys weigh 15 to 20 pounds. They have powerful chest muscles, enabling rapid flight, and can run as fast as 18 miles per hour. Because of their eye positioning, they have a visual range of 270 degrees. Their hearing is acute, too.
This is not turkeys’ mating season. 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. The females nest amid rocks and brush. The freshly hatched poults can’t fly for their first two weeks of life, so predators get most of them during that period.
If you do see turkeys in the parks, please do not approach them or try to feed them. Just enjoy watching them from a distance.
With a technique oddly reminiscent of Lawrence Welk, the park district is using a bubble machine to oxygenate Lake Temescal in Oakland. Technically, it’s a mobile, trailer-mounted nanobubble generator provided under contract by a company called Moleaer. The device injects into the lake water literally trillions of oxygen-rich nanobubbles, each 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt.
Since the program started back in August, the lake’s dissolved oxygen levels have significantly improved. Water quality improvements are a key factor in preventing harmful algal blooms. Oxygen-rich water is critical for fish populations, too.
According to Matt Graul, the park district’s chief of stewardship, periods of drought and warm weather have created a surge of blue-green algae growth in Lake Temescal. The nanobubble technology offers a potential solution to maintain water quality and enhance the lake’s recreational value.
Lake Temescal was constructed around 1860 and was initially 60 to 80 feet deep. Now sedimentation has raised the depth to 18 feet near the dam, 14 feet at lake center. So, if you see the bubble machine parked along the lakeshore, that’s what’s going on. Results should be available by the end of this year.
Editorial
Reverse Engineering
In some instances of manufacturing such as reverse engineering, a final outcome is clearly and rigidly defined. The process to achieve that result is the problem to be solved, not the creation of a novel product. While not inherently innovative, there may be opportunities in the process to improve the end product’s cost, design and function. However, if production timelines dictate strict adherence to function over form and design, the result can be an exact replica without improvement.
In human endeavors, some of the same patterns exist. At times, preconceived ideas regulate and define a process to exclude any factors that may skew results in a different direction than what has been predetermined. Slogans and catchphrases substitute for vibrant debate, discussion and innovation. As a result, decisions are tainted, biased and channeled – reverse engineered – to achieve an end, devoid of compromise or thorough examination of consequences. In the current political chaotic climate, it is sometimes assumed that existing systems are fundamentally flawed without any redeeming qualities; reverse engineering is deemed a waste of time. There is bias to abolish what exists in favor of a totally different, fixed outcome.
Although reverse engineering may be used simply to copy someone else’s success or perpetuate existing technology or systems, it can provide an innovative function as well. In-depth and meticulous inspection of a product or process can expose flaws, weaknesses and inefficiencies that, with proper analysis, result in a better product or system. To take advantage of an existing product or system, it is essential to have a clear understanding of its “why” and “how”.
The decision by the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) to modify the School Resource Officer program is the result of a well-researched and thorough task force examination of the issue of school safety. Using a reverse engineering process to assess and adjust the goal of school safety, a lengthy report and set of recommendations was presented to FUSD trustees. This should only be the beginning of a process that allows all interested parties to absorb, critique and debate its contents.
Although there may be plenty of reasons to address and modify the presence of police officers on campus, a systematic and abrupt change of this magnitude should come only after a comprehensive examination of the report by the new school board including new, re-elected and continuing Fremont Unified School Board trustees and staff. It is important to not only recognize the existence of different methodologies to address problems, but define a rational and reasonable timeline and support structure to effect such changes before definitive action. It is also critical to seek buy-in from all interested parties so changes are completed in a supportive environment.
When specific personnel and budget requirements are brought to the board, the decision can be made with full knowledge of costs and integration with existing programs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily discontinued student campus attendance, the immediate need for a change is moot. This circumstance gives time for reflection of what is needed and how to maintain an excellent school system and pay for making it even better.
Businesses in This Tropical City Want Connections with the Hayward Chamber
Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce
The Hayward Chamber of Commerce continued to expand its international connections the first week of November, 2020, when it established a partnership for communications and professional development with the El Nido Chamber of Commerce on the island of Palawan, the Philippines.
El Nido is located on the northern tip of Palawan, about an hour’s flight south of Manila, and has a population of 41,000. It is famous for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is ranked #4 in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of “20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World.”
Lani Llamido of the local Literacy Plus Council, a Hayward chamber member, brought representatives of the two organizations together, calling on her connections with businesses in El Nido and the regional Rotary club. Through a Zoom connection, Hayward chamber president Kim Huggett met with the El Nido chamber’s chairman emeritus Leonides Echague, president Conrad David, and other leaders to lay out a format for cooperation.
Also on the call was Dan Johanson, executive director of Badjao Bridge, a Hayward chamber member organization dedicated to bringing members of the Badjao tribes in the Philippines out of poverty through education, nutrition, and property ownership. Badjao Bridge has an outreach program near El Nido.
“At first glance, a tourist city on a tropical island might not seem to have a lot in common with Hayward,” Huggett said after the session. “However, we found that we had a lot to share with each other. Business people the world over face many of the same issues such as access to capital, finding the right employees, professional development, and wrestling with taxation and regulations.”
“It is important that we learn sustainable development in this pristine area,” said Echague, who helps lead a chamber that was founded in 2018. “Those who invest here need to take that into account, and it is a role for the chamber.”
El Nido joins Funabashi, Japan, as an overseas partner with the Hayward chamber. Funabashi is Hayward's sister city, and has been affiliated with the Hayward chamber for 35 years.
2020 Election Results
Final results of November 3, 2020 General Election (continued from Tri-City Voice November 10, 2020 edition)
AC Transit District Director at Large
Chris Peeples
Chabot – Las Positas Community College District
Dr. Luis Reynoso
Ohlone Community College District Trustees
Greg Bonaccorsi
Lance Kwan
Rakesh Sharma
Castro Valley Unified School District
Dolly Adams
Mike Kusiak
Lavendar Whitaker
Fremont Unified school District
Desrie Y. Campbell
Vivek Prasad
Yajing Zhang
Hayward Unified School District
Peter Bufete
Sara Prada
Dr. Luis Reynoso
New Haven Unified School District
Michael Gonzales
Lance Nishihira
Melissa Shuen-Mallory
Newark Unified School District full term
Terrence Grindall (short term)
Aiden Hill
Phuong Nguyen
Bowen Zhang
San Leandro Unified School District
Diana Prola
Union Sanitary District
Manny Fernandez
Anjali Lathi
Mike Marzano
Eden Township Healthcare District
Varsha Chauhan
Pam Russo
Hayward City Council
Angela Andrews
Elisa Marquez
Mark Salinas
Francisco Zermeño
Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Area #5
Victoria Chon
Photos in 1 new Sharon
Photo captions:
Image5: Frances Boyle at her work as a legal secretary
Brice Canyon, Hawaii 1, Hawaii 2: Photos taken by Frances Boyle
Citizen Spotlight: Frances Boyle
By Jessica Yu
Phots courtesy of Sarah Herron
To live an extraordinary life is no easy feat. For Frances Boyle, her lifetime can be captured in a number of stories that her family still remembers to this day. Boyle, one of Fremont’s longest-lived residents, passed away recently at the age of 110.
Frances Boyle was born in 1910 during two comets: Daylight Comet and Halley’s Comet. Some might even say that the remarkable luck of her birth hinted at the extraordinary life that she would grow up to live. She grew up on a small farm in Indiana as one of eight siblings. As the second oldest, Boyle faced a lot of responsibility early on. Her family consisted of four girls and four boys, and every one of them had chores on their family farm.
After she got married, she moved to Washington, then Southern California. Some may assume that her job as a legal secretary meant she led a tedious life, but that was not the case. Boyle often talked about the Great Depression and World War I, which greatly impacted her high school education. She was unable to graduate high school, as she had to assist her grandparents on their farm, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming. As a child, she wanted to be an architect who could defy the social standards for women in the 1920s. When she had to leave school, she was devastated; however, years later, she was able to obtain her GED and was proud of how she overcame a hurdle that she wasn’t able to before.
Some of the fondest memories her family can recall are how Boyle loved to travel and take pictures using an old-fashioned camera. Her travels were documented across Jerusalem, Hawaii, Israel, Bryce Canyon National Park, and so much more. Her photography was displayed around the house, and Boyle loved to tell fond memories about each of the images she captured. Boyle also owned a candy shop, where she made all the candy at home and sold it at the store the following day. Years later, her granddaughter could recall visiting her and trying her famous candy.
Her family remembers Boyle as a capable and cheerful woman. “[Boyle] was a strong independent person. You have to love to be 110 years old. She never asked for much from anyone. She was always smiling and laughing,” said Boyle’s great-granddaughter Sarah Herron. Above all, Boyle loved her family and was a great friend to many. “As years went on and new advancement in technology began, she always tried to keep up with the latest. She even owned one of the first home computers that were sold to people; she would write her Christmas cards on the computer and print them out herself. She mailed the letters to all her friends every year faithfully.”
After living such an extraordinary life, Boyle learned some secrets to good health and longevity – eating healthy and living well. Her great-granddaughter remembered that she would eat pickled beets often, enjoy sweets in moderation, and get up early and sleep early. Even at such an advanced age, she kept herself busy and woke up on time. Her determination and will helped her stay independent as long as she could. Until 100, she lived alone in her own home in north Fremont, only recently did she move in with her great-granddaughter, her husband, and two great-great-granddaughters. Her family members would often visit and check in on her, right up until her passing. Her immediate family was thrilled that she lived for so long; Boyle passed away 17 days after her 110th birthday in September, 2020.
Everyone who met Boyle was amazed by her and her lifetime memories. In every conversation and interaction, she helped others see how precious life is and to be there for those around you. Family and friends would describe Boyle as having “many friends, who she shared long friendships with. Many of them enjoyed her stories, and her cooking. Quite a few of her friends became her traveling buddies. She also loved seeing her family, especially her great-great grandchildren – that brought her the most joy.”
Boyle is fondly remembered by her surviving family and friends in Fremont.
Woman sentenced for California disability fraud scheme
AP Wire Service
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Nov 09 – A woman was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in prison for scheming with a California state employee to file hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims for disability insurance benefits.
Angela Stubblefield, of Tacoma, Washington, was also ordered by a judge to pay nearly $220,000 in restitution, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.
Stubblefield's co-defendant Katherine Decker worked for the California Employment Development Department. Decker used her position to file fraudulent claims and illegally extend existing claims using the identities of real people with and without their knowledge, the statement said.
In total, the conspiracy resulted in 15 fraudulent disability claims, with a loss to the state of more than $373,000 dating back to 2013, according to officials.
Stubblefield, 49, was ordered to report to prison by Feb. 1, 2021.
Decker was sentenced in September to three years and seven months in prison for the benefits fraud and identity theft scheme.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Friday, November 6
• An armed robbery was reported at the 7-Eleven store on Washington Boulevard in the Mission San Jose district. A man entered the store and walked behind the counter, then pulled out a handgun and demanded money from the clerk. The man fled the scene on foot.
• A female asleep in a residence on the 5200 block of Earle Street in central Fremont was awakened to the sound of people trying to steal the catalytic converter off her Prius. When the victim confronted them, the suspects fled to their vehicle, and the victim chased them and grabbed the vehicle’s door. One suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim, causing her to let go of the door.
• A male was walking in the area of Cloverleaf Family Bowl in the Irvington district when he noticed two vehicles spinning donuts in a parking lot. One vehicle pulled up to the victim and an occupant asked if he was a gang member, then started to rack the slide of a handgun and shot at the victim about five times. The victim was not struck, and the vehicle fled the scene.
Sunday, November 8
• A female pedestrian at Christy Street and Stewart Way in southwest Fremont was almost hit by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Soon, the vehicle approached her again and stopped. When the victim tried to take photographs, a man exited the vehicle and took the victim’s phone, prompting a struggle. Eventually the man got back into the vehicle and drove away, dragging the victim a short distance. The victim received medical attention at the scene for minor injuries.
• Two commercial burglaries were reported on November 8 and November 9 at Abode Services Tri-City Homeless Shelter, 588 Brown Road in the Warm Springs district.
Fremont City Council
November 10, 2020
Consent Calendar:
• Authorize resubmission of grant application for park development and community revitalization program for Dusterberry Neighborhood Park Project.
• Approve pavement crack seal project award for $255,250 to Pavement Coatings Co.
• Approve capital budget appropriations amendments for seven public works projects.
• Authorize $175,500 agreement with County of Alameda for temporary seasonal shelter for the homeless.
• Approve dedication of public easements at 3715 Quantum Drive (Warm Springs Condos).
• Authorize sale of 0.19-acrre vacant street remnant at Beard Court to River Blooms LLC.
• Award contract to P.C. Inc. for Police Department generator replacement in the amount of $634,900. CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 8
Ceremonial Items:
• Proclaim November 20, 2020 as Transgender Day of Remembrance.
• Proclaim November 30 – December 6, 2020 as Bay Area Stands United Against Hate Week.
Items removed from Consent:
• Adopt resolution opposing South Bay Connect Project. Pulled by Kassan. Should not be on consent since some positive aspects such as less noise of train whistles and at-grade crossings. PASSED 5-2 (Nay: Kassan, Bacon)
Other Business:
• Update on California Surplus Lands Act – changes due to AB1486.
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan (District 3) Aye, 1 Nay
Vinnie Bacon Aye, 1 Nay
Raj Salwan Aye
Teresa Keng (District 1) Aye
Rick Jones (District 2) Aye
Yang Shao (District 4) Aye
Letter to the Editor
Where are Fremont Symphony musicians?
We are longtime supporters of the Fremont Symphony, and are astonished and dismayed by their lack of focus on and support of their wonderful musicians during this difficult pandemic. Many, if not most, other orchestras and arts organizations in the Bay Area have featured their musicians and artists in a myriad of creative ways. They have supported them financially to one degree or another and given them a chance to shine even in this dark time. Granted, this has been virtual for the most part, but for our safety and that of the musicians and artists, it is out of necessity for now.
We have enjoyed many such shows and have seriously considered shifting our financial support to those other organizations. At a recent Fremont Symphony in-person fundraiser, the only musicians hired were not Fremont Symphony musicians, but from out of the area! They gave a splashy show, but nonetheless Fremont Symphony, heed this: out-of-sight can be out-of-mind for many arts supporters. And never forget one forever truth: have as many splashy shows as you like, but Fremont Symphony musicians are your stars.
K. Sullivan, M.D.
Fremont
Gilbert “Gibo” Ruiz Sierras Jr.
Resident of Fremont
September 28, 1958 – November 7, 2020
Born September 28, 1958, passed away peacefully November 7, 2020 with his wife Alice Sierras and children, Victoria and Gilbert by his side at the age of 62. Gilbert is survived by his six loving grandchildren: Selina, Elijah, Gabriella, Zacchaeus, Nathaniel and Airon, brother David, and sister Lupe.
Born in Fresno, CA Gilbert was the youngest child of three to mother Maria “Cruz” Dolores and father Gilbert Sierras Sr.
Gilbert was raised in the Decoto Neighborhood in Union City and spent most of his life there. In High School he met his devoted love Alice. In 1976 she accompanied him to Giessen, Germany where he served his country as a Military Mechanic from ‘76-’79. With an honorable discharge in ‘79 they returned to Union City and started a family. Eventually residing in Fremont until his untimely passing.
Gilbert had a special “light” about him. He had a great sense of humor, and was a proud father and grandfather. You could describe his unique personality using words like, “Heart of Gold, unforgettable, a GEM, amusing, passionate, caring, thoughtful, and encouraging”.
Gilbert enjoyed the company of his family and friends. He loved playing with the family dogs. His hobbies varied from working on or fixing cars, fishing with his son and grandchildren, placing bets on the Horse Races or simply enjoying quality time with Alice, his children and grandchildren. He loved watching his favorite Westerns, Football and Baseball, and recently had a strong passion for the 2020 Election Coverage. Often he would surprise his youngest grandsons with candy, gum and even toys.
Everyone who knew him would say he was a nice, caring person, and had a good soul.
Services were already held.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510-797-1900
Giving Hope 2020
Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department
2020 has been a traumatic year for many households, particularly those that have lost jobs or businesses and are barely keeping a roof over their heads. Many older adults on fixed incomes have become more socially isolated. To help ease some of the stress of 2020, we invite you to partner with the Human Services Department to support families, individuals, seniors, and their beloved pet companions.
When you make a gift to Giving Hope this holiday season, you help ease the burden of those in need by providing gift cards for the holidays or by making a financial contribution to help cover the most urgent needs.
Sponsor a family by fulfilling a gift card wish list
By fulfilling a gift card wish list, you empower the recipients to determine the use for themselves, giving them control during a time when they may feel they have none. Spend over $100 on your sponsorship and we’ll match up to $250 to make a greater impact.
Make a financial contribution
Financial contributions build our urgent needs fund. Emergency expenses happen all year long. Your donation helps cover unforeseen expenses of those in need regardless of the season. In order to prevent spam and abuse of form submission, you will be asked to log in or create an account in order to make a donation through the website.
Give gift cards
Donated gift cards will be combined to support wish lists that don’t have sponsors or will be equitably distributed to those who need them after the holidays. Information about the kind of gift cards our clients need most is available on the website.
Donate at: https://fremont.gov/1654/Giving-Hope
Or send a check to:
Human Services Department, City of Fremont,
P.O. Box 5006, Fremont, CA 94537-5006
FOR NOV 17 ISSUE
Holiday Closures
Submitted by City of Hayward
Hayward is planning the closure of nonemergency services and certain service adjustments during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For changes to Hayward Public Library to-go services, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/public-library.
Nonemergency services and Hayward City Hall
Closed Monday, Nov 23 – Friday, Nov 27; and Monday, Dec 21 – Friday, Jan 1
COVID-19 Testing Center
1401 Golf Course Rd.
Closed Thursday, Nov 26; Friday, Nov 27; Thursday, Dec 24; Friday, Dec 25; and Friday, Jan 1
Hayward No-Contact Food Distribution (Adjusted Timings)
12 noon
Tuesdays, Nov 24 and Dec 22
Street sweeping
Closed Thursday, Nov 26; Friday, Nov 27; Thursday, Dec 24; Friday, Dec 25; and Friday, Jan 1
Online shopping surge could lead to holiday delivery delays
By Anne D'innocenzio
AP Retail Writer
NEW YORK (AP), Nov 12 – Retailers and carriers are preparing for an online holiday shopping surge that could tax shipping networks and lead to delivery delays.
FedEx and UPS are ramping up their holiday hiring while expanding their weekend operations and asking retailers to use their shipping network when there is more slack. And stores are pushing shoppers to buy early and are expanding services like curbside pickup to minimize the need for delivery.
For the last few years, many retailers had been using their own physical stores, in addition to their distribution centers, to fulfill online orders. But now they are designating some of those stores to handle even higher volumes. Best Buy, for example, converted space in 250 of its 1,000 stores this fall to manage online orders.
The moves come as most of the carriers have been at full shipping capacity for months as shoppers shifted their buying online during the pandemic.
“We are warmed up for what we're calling the ship-a-thon,” said Brie Carere, chief marketing and communications officer at FedEx. “Like everything else in 2020, this is going to be an unprecedented peak season. We've actually seen three years of growth in e-commerce pulled forward. So we are expecting a ton of volume.“
Amazon, which has been growing its own delivery network so it doesn't have to rely as much on UPS and the U.S. Postal Service, is nonetheless warning shoppers not to wait until the last minute to buy gifts. While the world's largest online retailer delivers more than half of its packages itself, it still relies on other carriers to get orders to shoppers.
“It's going to be tight for everyone and we will all be stretched,” said Brian Olsavsky, Amazon's chief financial officer. “And it's advantageous to the customer, and probably the companies, for people to order early this year.”
Satish Jindel, the president of ShipMatrix, which analyzes shipping package data, predicts 7 million packages a day could face delays from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Right now, Jindel is predicting delivery delays of one or two days for parcels.
Retailers can't afford to upset shoppers with delayed deliveries or gifts that come after Christmas so they're stepping up their game.
Kohl's says it has tens of thousands of items on its website available for curbside pickup. The retailer doubled the number of drive-up parking spaces at its store locations to support increased demand. Likewise, Target has also doubled the number of parking spaces for its drive up services, to 8,000.
For the holidays, FedEx is hiring 70,000 workers, while UPS is in the throes of hiring more than 100,000 temporary employees.
Lee Spratt is the Americas CEO for DHL eCommerce Solutions, a division that specializes in processing small packages for mid- to large-size shippers. He predicts online shopping to be up to 50% higher this holiday season compared to the year-ago period. The division has already been grappling with a 40% surge in online orders since the pandemic began.
––
AP Retail Writers Alexandra Olson and Joseph Pisani in New York contributed to this report.
Campaign has helped nearly 2,000 veterans find housing
Submitted by Janice Rombeck
The All the Way Home campaign — a broad partnership between public, private, nonprofit and faith organizations – is celebrating its progress toward eliminating veteran homelessness in Santa Clara County.
Launched on Veterans Day 2015 by San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, the campaign has worked to increase housing opportunities for veterans in the community and connect veterans in need to available rental units.
Thanks to the collaboration of the public, private and nonprofit sectors:
• 1,940 homeless veterans have been housed in Santa Clara County since Veterans Day, November 15, 2015.
• Homeless veterans are being housed faster than new veterans are becoming homeless. In the past year, 341 homeless veterans were connected to housing vs. 259 veterans who were experiencing homelessness for the first time.
• In addition to their work connecting homeless veterans to permanent housing, All the Way Home partners have also helped connect 114 homeless veterans to a motel/hotel room since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
Summer 2020 graduates
• Sara Au of Hayward
• Mirza Afzal Baig of Fremont
• Yathish Chandrashekar of Milpitas
• Anvesh Doddapaneni of Newark
• Lakshmi Sahithi Gollapudi of Milpitas
• Leela Mukesh Gowtham Gorripati of Fremont
• Harish Gudla of Milpitas
• Prapul Kalapala of Fremont
• Vijaya Varma Kalidindi of Fremont
• Deepika Chowdary Paineni of Fremont
• Rakiya Quadri of Fremont
• Malakonda Reddy Sagam of Fremont
• Bharath Chandra Surabhi of Fremont
• Maqdoom Hussaini Syed Shah of Fremont
• Shivakrishna Vallamdasu of Fremont
• Saritha Yelgam of Newark
• Snehalatha Bobbala of Milpitas
• Karthik Kalsani of Newark
• Sandeep Kota of Fremont
• Vipin Patil of Fremont
• Amna Saeed of Fremont
• Anvesh Sree Perumbuduri of Fremont
• Durga Prasad Yeluru of Fremont
• Yasir Shahzad Butt of Fremont
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service 2020 on Zoom
Submitted by Canice McLaughlin
The 59th Annual Tri-City Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held Monday, November 23, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The program is sponsored by the Tri-City Interfaith Council. This year's theme, “Sharing Gratitude, Building Resilience,” celebrates the blessings we have received and looks toward healing our communities. To receive the Zoom link, you must register in advance at tinyurl.com/tcicTS2020.
The liturgical fabric of the service is rich in readings from sacred prayers, chants, songs, as well as dance and music. Faith communities participating are: Baha’i, Buddhist, Catholic, Chochenyo Ohlone, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Unitarian Universalist. Donations will be requested for Abode Services and Tri-City Volunteers (TCV Food Bank) to support their admirable work during the pandemic.
The service includes a brief sermon by TCIC President, the Rev. Jeffrey Spencer, which he has tentatively titled “Chairs and the Table.” Jeff is the Senior Pastor at Niles Discovery Church. The service is expected to last about one hour.
Parents are encouraged to watch with their children for inspiration and education. The Thanksgiving Service provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the varied cultural and religious traditions that are an important part of our community.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Monday, Nov 23
7:30 p.m.
Advance registration required: tinyurl.com/tcicTS2020
https://tcicouncil.weebly.com/event-announcements
It’s A Date
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Monday – Saturday
Free COVID-19 Testing
M-F: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sa: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Drive through, drop-in, and walk-up testing by appointment
Bay Area Community Health
39500 Liberty St., Fremont
(510) 770-8040
Mondays and Wednesdays
Parenting During COVID R
Tue: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wed: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual support group to help families cope with challenges encountered during COVID
To register: www.fremont.gov/3060/Caregiver-Support
(510) 574-2100
Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: info@chambersingers.org
Wednesdays thru November 18
Live Science
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join Chabot Science Educators for a fun and interactive science experiment!
Join via Facebook Live
https://chabotspace.org
Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic
Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Youth Group
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: brian@newarkpress.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Sundays
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church Family Service
10 a.m.
Via ZOOM
For link, call (510) 471-2581
https://sacbc.org/
Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: office@newarkpres.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Saturdays
Virtual Town Hall
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
With Supervisor Dave Cortese
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/davecortesegov
Saturdays
Virtual Telescope Viewing R
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Free on Facebook Live
Join resident astronomers live from Chabot’s observation deck
https://chabotspace.org/calendar/
Saturdays
Online Comedy Shows R$
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Made Up Theatre’s interactive comedy has gone to YouTube!
Mondays and Wednesdays, October 19 – November 18
Food Entrepreneurial Training Academy
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free online seminar on succeeding in the food business
To register: www.acsbdc.org
Fridays, November 6 – December 4
OSHA Compliance Training $
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Learn everything you need to know to receive your OSHA certificate
DeVoe Construction
2278 American Ave, Unit 5, Hayward
(800) 433-9819
Thurs, Nov 12 – Sun, Nov 29
Dinosaur Adventure $R
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Enter at Gate 12
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton
Purchase tickets in advance online
Thurs/Fri: $49 per vehicle
Sat/Sun: $69 per vehicle
Anytime: $69-89 per vehicle
Thursdays, November 12 – December 10
Virtual 4-Part Book Series $
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Spiritual Guides for Today – Winter Grace: Spirituality and Aging, by Kathleen Fischer
Register by 11/10: http://bit.ly/2020_WinterGrace
(510) 933-6360
Saturday, November 14 – Saturday, November 28
Girls’ Tech Day
Explore web coding, virtual reality, robotics, and more! For girls ages 8-24
To Register: https://bit.ly/37aK9Zy
More info at https://bit.ly/341JgAQ
Friday, November 20 – Sunday, January 17
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo $R
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Stroll among towering glowing lanterns of penguins, giraffes, elephants, and butterflies
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
Timed entry: purchase tickets in advance
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/glowfari
UPCOMING
Tuesday, November 17
7 o’clock Rocks!
7 p.m.
Groovy Judy & Pete duet live stream
Facebook.com/GroovyJudyRocks/Live
Tuesday, November 17
Hernia: Causes, Symptoms and the Latest Treatment Options
3:30 p.m.
Hernias are common – they cause a localized bulge in the abdomen or groin
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonHosp/live
YouTube: www.youtube.com/whhsinhealth/
Tuesday, November 17
Improving Strength and Balance
7 p.m.
Lecture and discussion regarding how these issues affect women
Via Zoom
https://www.whhs.com/Events/Event-Details.aspx?Event=11441
Tuesday, Nov 17
‘We are still here:’ Wukchumni basketweaving presentation R
Tutorial on basket materials, types, and uses by Wukchumni tribe member Jennifer Malone
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Via Zoom, registration required
https://www.sanleandro.org/depts/library/calendar.asp
Tuesday, Nov 17
Regulations Protocols and Pivoting to International Commerce R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47460
Wednesday, November 18
Immigration Overview
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Free info session from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Webex Link: https://bit.ly/3enceyJ
Meeting number (access code): 199 461 5592
Meeting password: VCpwsYaM*232
Wednesday, November 18
Ride-On Tri-City!
10 a.m.
Learn about transportation options for the elderly
Via Zoom
To register: email name, address, and phone # to rideontricity@fremont.gov
Wednesday, November 18
Free Music & Movement for Kids R
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sing your heart out, play an instrument, and move to the beat!
To register, email: recruitment@musicforminors2.org
(510) 733-1189
www.musicforminors2.org
Wednesday, November 18
Medicare Changes – Virtual Presentation R
10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Understand all of the options for 2021. Hosted by the Santa Clara County Library District
Via Zoom
10:30 a.m. – https://bit.ly/2HJ9I9x
6:30 p.m. – https://bit.ly/2TydANp
Thursday, November 19
Medicare Changes – Virtual Presentation (Mandarin Chinese) R
10:30 a.m.
Understand all of the options for 2021. Hosted by the Santa Clara County Library District
Via Zoom
https://bit.ly/3oEEgu8
Thursday, November 19
What Will Be After COVID-19? R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47438
Friday, November 20
India Community Center 17th Annual Fundraising Banquet (Virtual) R
7 p.m.
Live auction, silent auction, entertainment
https://bit.ly/3dThHwO
www.indiacc.org/banquet2020
Friday, November 20
How visions of sci-fi led the way to space
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Talk by astronomer Ben Burress
Free on YouTube and Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/ChabotSpace
Saturday, November 21
From Bach to Rock $
4 p.m.
Music at the Mission presents a virtual concert: Matt Szemela, violin, and Aileen Chanco, piano
www.musicatmsj.org
Saturday, November 21
Virtual Book Launch: “How to Begin: Poems, Prompts, Tips and Writing Exercises by the Fresh Ink Poetry Collective”
4 p.m.
Writing exercises and poetry readings
robin@ravenandwrenpress.com
www.ravenandwrenpress.com
Saturday, November 21
Best of the Bankhead $R
6:30 p.m.
Virtual benefit for Livermore Valley Performing Arts, with cameo performances from popular artists and a live/silent auction
www.livermorearts.org
(925) 373-6800
Monday, November 23
Effective Marketing Strategies to Manage Customer Pitfalls and Boost Loyalty R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47437
Monday, November 23
59th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service R
7:30 p.m.
Readings, sacred prayers, chants, songs, dance, and music
Via Zoom
tinyurl.com/tcicTS2020
Monday, November 23
Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Organic Food Distribution
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free food box with organic produce to all those in need
TCV Food Bank
37350 Joseph St., Fremont
Tuesday, November 24
OJT Fund for Your Workforce: COVID-19 Support R
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47458
Tuesday, November 24
Building Your Business Beyond Borders R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47463
Saturday, November 28
Lucy Lang Day, Ecopoet
2 p.m.
Email to request Zoom link
(Subject line: FAW Link)
scottfrombayside@yahoo.com
Monday, November 30
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
MHS President Lladro Valle and team to present the Jack Emery Drive
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/33mfczA
Meeting ID: 896 1186 2310
Passcode: 760442
Saturday, December 5
Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association
8:30 a.m.
Virtual annual meeting to celebrate our community
Via Zoom
Contact: info@sunnyhillsneighborhood.org
Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, December 6
Niles Canyon Railway Train Rides $
9 a.m.
Photographer’s special: historical freight train
www.ncry.org
Tuesday, December 8
How to Manage and Forecast Cash Flow in a COVID World R
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47474
Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 12
Parrhesia 2020: A Community of Voices, Identities, and Diversity
8 p.m.
Online theatrical piece about COVID based on local interviews
www.ohlone.edu/parrhesia
Saturday, December 19
An Afternoon at the Opera $
4 p.m.
Music at the Mission presents a virtual concert: Michael Graham, cello, and Bill Everett, double bass
www.musicatmsj.org
Volunteers needed for 32nd annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Submitted by Shirley Sisk
The feast is for all those who would spend the day alone or who do not have the resources, either money or shelter, to enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal. As we have done for many years, we will be delivering food to our organization’s clients in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Castro Valley. Volunteers choose where they want to drive to deliver. They pick up the meals in the morning at the Newark Pavilion, and deliver between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
We also need volunteers in the afternoon to make up food boxes for those coming by car to pick up their food to take home. Afternoon volunteers are also needed to help in the kitchen from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., and to clean up when the day is over. If you can’t come Thanksgiving Day, help is needed Tuesday and Wednesday to load up food and supplies, and set up the room for the volunteers who will be working Thanksgiving Day.
We hope you can give a little time to make this a wonderful Thanksgiving for all those in need. To sign up, call Ramona McMaster at (510) 673-6418.
Monetary donations for food and supplies are very welcome to help pay for our purchase for what is not donated. Checks should be payable to LOV, marked “for Thanksgiving” and mailed to 8440 Central Ave. Suite A/B, Newark, CA 94560. Your donation is tax deductible. LOV’s 501c 3 Federal ID # is 94-2638329.
We expect the need to be even greater this year.
Lucy Lang Day, Ecopoet
Submitted by Knuti VanHoven
When you see something that’s horribly wrong, what do you have to do to set it right? Oddly, the answer to that question may be “Write a poem.” Lucy Lang Day will explain why that’s not such a crazy idea at the Fremont Area Writers’ Zoom gathering on Saturday, the 28th of November, at 2 p.m.
Over the history of this country, poetry has been used to alert Americans to serious problems. Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes wrote about racial injustice. Folk singers Woody Guthrie and Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan joined them in that fight, giving us an entire generation of anti-war songs. Henry David Thoreau weighed in on both themes, as well as urging Americans to protect our environment. Changes were made, but not enough to sidestep the extinctions and pollution we see chronicled in the news almost daily.
So, who will write the songs to save us now?
Lucy Lang Day may have some of the answers. Day’s early background is detailed in her award-winning memoir Married at Fourteen: A True Story (2012). She earned her M.A. in English and M.F.A. in creative writing at SF State University; and her B.A. in biological sciences, M.A. in zoology and Ph.D. in science/mathematics education at UC Berkeley, where she held a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
Lucy served for six years as a science writer and administrator at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and for 17 years as the director of the Hall of Health, an interactive museum sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Oakland.
Day has been in a position to see and understand the problems we face, and on Saturday, November 28 she’ll address the Fremont Area Writers and members of the public on “Ecopoetry,” a new genre which has emerged to call out for changes that could save not just humanity but the planet itself.
Can a song save us all? Might you be the one to write it? Is it already too late?
This FAW meeting is free and open to everyone who loves writing. You can request the Zoom link by emailing scottfrombayside@yahoo.com. Write “FAW Link” in the subject line. For more information contact: cwc-fremontareawriters.org.
Lucy Lang Day, Ecopoet
Saturday Nov 28
2 p.m.
Email to request Zoom link
(Subject line: FAW Link)
scottfrombayside@yahoo.com
Do masks with antiviral coating offer more protection?
AP Wire Service
Nov 10
It's an intriguing idea, but there haven't been enough rigorous independent studies to establish whether antiviral masks are better at protecting wearers or preventing the spread of the virus.
Their specifics vary, but many antiviral masks are supposed to be made or coated with materials that have extra virus-fighting properties, such as copper.
Websites for several antiviral masks do not provide detailed information about how researchers tested their safety or effectiveness, said Hyo-Jick Choi, a materials science expert at the University of Alberta.
But it usually takes years to design and test new mask technology, said Choi, who is part of a group that has been developing a different type of antiviral mask since before the pandemic.
Masks marketed as being “antiviral” often cost more than N-95 and surgical masks. A single coated mask can cost up to $10; disposable surgical masks and N-95 masks sell at large retailers for between 35 cents and $3 per mask.
Choi said a simpler way to boost the effectiveness of the masks you're already using is to ensure you're putting them on, wearing them and taking them off correctly.
And no mask can fully protect wearers, “but almost any mask can help to protect others around the wearers,“ said Jiaxing Huang, a professor of materials science and engineering at Northwestern University.
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Milpitas PD
Thursday, November 5
• Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau spotted an unoccupied 2009 Honda Civic that had been reported stolen in Sunnyvale parked in a hotel lot near the 300 block of Cypress Drive. Detectives watched the car, and eventually a man approached it and got in the driver’s seat. When detectives attempted to stop him, the man fled in the car, hitting a police vehicle in the process. Detectives pursued the car onto Interstate 680 until the driver crashed the car into a tree near the McKee Road exit and tried to flee on foot. The man, identified by police as a 33-year-old San Jose resident, was quickly taken into custody. There were no injuries.
Music at the Mission presents: Around the Bay ‘From Bach to Rock’
Submitted by Vickilyn Hussey
Photos by Bill Everett, Bob Hsiang, and James Sakane
Virtual concerts are THE BIG THING right now. Music at the Mission offers two exceptional concert broadcasts; the first is “From Bach to Rock” on Saturday, November 21, followed by “An Afternoon at the Opera” on December 19. These online performances allow you, without leaving your comfortable cocoon, to enjoy a uniquely “close-up and personal” experience of classical chamber music performed by artists of the highest caliber.
November’s concert program offers works by Bach, Brahms, Mozart/Say, Ravel, and DeFalla/Kreisler, plus an exclusive rock improvisation by violinist Matt Szemela. Music at the Mission’s “From Bach to Rock” with Aileen Chanco, piano, and Matthew Szemela, violin, spans 1720 to the present day.
“We really miss our home at Old Mission San Jose in Fremont, and decided to film the Bach Violin Sonata 2 there as an homage. It is an introspective and transcendent movement that reflects these incredible times,” Everett noted. “It’s a piece perfectly fit to the acoustic and setting, and a reminder that we can’t wait to welcome our audience back in person again.”
Everett continues, “We are, once again, very grateful to have the Steinway Gallery in Walnut Creek at our disposal for filming these opening concerts of the Music at the Mission 2020-2021 season. Our Director and pianist Aileen Chanco is, of course, having fun with this; it is the pianist equivalent of being set loose in the candy shop!” Brahms Violin Sonata 3, one of Everett’s favorite pieces of chamber music, stands as a high point of late Romantic violin works: “In scale, feeling and sound it really has a sense of two players replicating an entire orchestra, especially with Aileen and Matt.”
Inspired by jazz and blues, Ravel’s Sonata no. 2 opens with a beautifully lyrical first movement, although it’s the famous middle movement that gets instant recognition, along with a spectacular ending. It’s an exhausting piece for the violinist, but exhilarating in the hands of Matt Szemela. Immediately following, in Everett’s words, “Is another kind of coming-together of styles. Mozart, like many Viennese composers of the day, often looked to the Ottoman Empire next door when searching for something exotic in style. For our performance, Turkish composer Fazil Say takes Mozart’s Piano Sonata in A, K 331 ‘Turkish Rondo,’ and mixes in elements of American jazz, producing a fusion of both styles.”
The concert concludes with a “violin showpiece,” Fritz Kreisler’s arrangement of Spanish opera composer Manuel de Falla’s wonderfully spicy “Danse Espagnole.” If you have children at home, they’ll be on their feet and dancing. That’s one of the benefits of virtual concerts! (Although, we know in our hearts that nothing beats live music.)
For now, relax in your favorite sweats, and toast the musicians and composers with the beverage of your choice. Each concert is around 45 minutes long, followed by “ZAP!”, a 15-minute Zoom AfterParty hosted by emcee David Bonaccorsi. Enlightening, educational Pre-Concert Talks are available one week prior to each broadcast. And, after each initial airing, you will be able to watch the concert as many times as you wish over a 48-hour period.
Music at the Mission, a nonprofit organization, depends upon the generosity of individual donors, and corporate sponsors Fremont Bank, Robson Homes, James R. Griffin Construction, Washington Hospital Heathcare System, Ohlone Foundation, and Tri-City Voice. Music at the Mission also wishes to thank film location sponsors Steinway Gallery in Walnut Creek, and Peninsula Fencing Club in Belmont.
Music at the Mission: From Bach to Rock
Saturday, Nov 21
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Virtual Concert with PreConcert Talk & Zoom AfterParty
(Available for 48 Hours)
(510) 402-1724
info@musicatmsj.org
www.musicatmsj.org
Tickets: $25
Music & Movement for Kids
Submitted by Music For Minors II
Come and sing your heart out, play an instrument, and move to the beat. Join in free virtual musical family fun – Music & Movement for Kids – with Music for Minors II on Wednesday, November 18. Children of all ages are welcome (especially pre-school to grade 6). There will be a T-Shirt Giveaway to three participants of this event. Winners will be selected in a random drawing. They must be able to pick up the T-Shirt in Fremont.
To participate, visit https://bit.ly/3eTimyM. The Zoom code will be sent one day before the event. For details, email recruitment@musicforminors2.org.
Virtual Music Fun
Wednesday, Nov 18
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
https://bit.ly/3eTimyM
recruitment@musicforminors2.org
Voters adopt Measure PP
Submitted by Sheila Harrington
With a majority of votes counted, it appears that Newark residents have overwhelmingly voted in favor of Measure PP. This will extend voter-approved, locally controlled funding with no increase in tax rate to maintain vital services which include public safety, fire protection, streets and pothole repair, and crime and gang-prevention.
“Residents provide us our direction. It was an important decision for the community to make in a unique election year. Measure PP protects a reliable source of local revenue to help maintain and prevent cuts to city services. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to maintain fiscal stability and services the community prioritizes,” said City Manager David J. Benoun.
Measure PP continues Newark’s locally controlled Utility Users’ Tax (UUT) funding at the current rate of 3.25 percent. Measure PP continues to require fiscal accountability, including independent financial audits and yearly reports to the community. Measure PP stays local in Newark to the benefit of residents, and no funds generated by Measure PP can be taken by the State.
Any service user that is currently exempt from the Utility Users Tax will not be required to file a new exemption request. Existing Utility Users’ Tax exemptions will automatically carry over with no further action necessary.
Exempt customers, however, will still need to file for renewal – every year for Low-Income exemptions and every other year for Senior Citizen exemptions. The city will continue to send reminder notices to exempt customers in February. For more information about Measure PP, visit www.newark.org/residents/measure-pp.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Tuesday, October 27
• At 4:17 p.m. officers investigated a report that a catalytic converter was stolen from a 2007 Toyota Prius in the 36000 block of Sandalwood Street. Officers also investigated reports of Prius catalytic converter thefts in the city on October 29 and 31.
Wednesday, October 28
• At 3:13 p.m. Officer Damewood arrested a 47-year old Newark woman in the 6000 block of Thornton Ave on an outstanding felony warrant, evidence of identity theft, having items used for creating fictitious checks, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was booked at Fremont Jail.
• At 10:27 p.m. Officer Kapu arrested a 38-year-old male transient in the 39000 block of Cedar Blvd on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and on an outstanding felony warrant. He was booked at Fremont Jail.
• At 11:29 p.m. Officer Hunter located a collision in the area of Haley Street and Cedar Boulevard. Hunter arrested a 20-year-old Newark man on suspicion of DUI. He was booked at Fremont Jail.
Thursday, October 29
• At 11:03 a.m. officers responded to the 5000 block of Thornton Ave. on a report of shoplifting; attempted loss was $902.18. Officer Damewood arrested a 37-year old San Jose man on suspicion of petty theft. He was cited and released.
• At 1:11 p.m. Officer Horst investigated the theft of a 2002 Ford Mustang in the 36000 block of Cedar Boulevard. The mustang was recovered October 30 in the 8000 block of Gateway Boulevard in Newark.
Saturday, October 31
• At 8:32 a.m. Officer Fredstrom investigated a report of a window smash burglary to a vehicle that occurred overnight in the 8000 block of Gateway Boulevard. About $300 worth of tools were taken.
• At 8:54 a.m. Officer Frentescu investigated the theft of a 2005 GMC Denali in the 35000 block of Newark Boulevard. The vehicle was recovered November 1 in Oakland.
• At 10:46 a.m. Officer Jackman investigated a window smash burglary to a vehicle that occurred in the 6000 block of Central Avenue. About $600 worth of tools were taken.
Newark Police Detectives Investigate Shooting
Submitted by Newark PD
On Tuesday November 10th 2020 at approximately 6:22 p.m., Newark Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 5800 block of Fair Avenue. A 56-year-old male resident of Newark, suffered a minor non-life-threatening injury, and declined any medical assistance.
Newark Police Department Detectives responded and are investigating the incident, which is not believed to be a random act. Although investigations of this nature can take a substantial amount of time to complete, the Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and crime scene investigators processed.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Newark Police Investigations Unit Detective Todd Nobbe at 510.578.4937 or via email at todd.nobbe@newark.org
Information can also be left anonymously on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at 510.578.4965.
Police offer tips for using Nixle
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Officials from the Fremont Police Department (FPD) are reminding the public that its online Nixle tip service is intended only for police and members of the public to share non-urgent information.
In a statement released November 7, FPD said it has experienced an increasing number of in-progress complaints coming through the Nixle service, which is not intended, nor set up to receive 911 calls or urgent requests for service and is not monitored by police 24 hours a day.
Instead, community members that want to report in-progress activity where a police response is requested should call 911 if it is a life-threatening emergency or the FPD non-emergency number (510) 790-6800, extension 3, for less urgent matters. Calling dispatch is the best option for reporting an in-progress crime. For community members who need to contact 911 but are in a situation where they cannot speak, they can text information to 911. Text to 911 is monitored by the FPD dispatch center.
California voters reject revamp to property tax system
By Elliot Spagat
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP), Nov 11 – California voters rejected a proposal to partially dismantle the state's 42-year-old cap on property taxes, a move that would have raised taxes for many businesses in a pandemic-hobbled economy.
Following Tuesday's update to the vote count, Proposition 15 had only about 48% support and was trailing by more than a half-million votes.
Since 1978, California has limited tax increases to 2% a year until a property is sold. With prices climbing at a much higher rate, taxpayers who have held homes and businesses for many years pay far less than what the market value would determine.
Proposition 15 would have allowed local governments to reassess commercial and industrial property every three years, while residential property, including home-based businesses, would remain under 1978 rules. The change would have generated up to $12.5 billion in revenue.
Supporters argued a “split-roll” system would help fix inequities that shield wealthy corporations from paying a fair share and deprive tax revenue for public schools and local governments. Several polls released before or during early voting showed the measure ahead, though not by much.
The No on 15 campaign had a simple message: “Stop Tax Hikes,” its red-and-white yard signs read.
Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable and co-chair of the No on Prop 15 campaign, said the outcome signals efforts to dismantle the 1978 tax system will fail.
“From day one, we knew that if voters understood the harm this deeply flawed tax hike would impose on California's economy and its families, farmers and small businesses, voters would reject this ill-advised effort,” he said.
The Yes on 15 campaign said Tuesday that it took on “the third rail of California politics” and achieved a level of support that many thought could never be achieved.
“It represented a big step forward for a more equitable and prosperous state, and it provides a framework and base of power for future work and reform to truly take on the biggest challenges of our times on behalf of all Californians,” the campaign said.
The voter-backed 1978 Proposition 13 sparked a nationwide tax revolt and held enduring popularity. Jerry Brown, California's governor from 1975 to 1983 and 2011 to 2019, said several years ago that Proposition 13, enshrined in the state constitution, is “a sacred doctrine that should never be questioned.”
But backers of Proposition 15 mounted a formidable challenge by targeting only commercial and industrial properties, with exemptions aimed at small businesses.
The measure would have raised $8 billion to $12.5 billion a year. After costs to counties to reassess property and some tax cuts for business equipment, local governments and schools would net $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion a year in a 60-40 split.
Businesses would have been exempt if the property owner had $3 million or less worth of commercial property in California. For businesses with fewer than 50 employees that occupy half a building's space, the changes wouldn't take effect until 2025. For others, they would begin in 2022.
California could decriminalize psychedelic drugs
AP Wire Service
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Nov 11 – California lawmakers will consider next year whether to decriminalize psychedelic drugs.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said Tuesday that he plans to introduce a bill decriminalizing possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms and other psychedelics, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
A movement to decriminalize, or even legalize, psychedelics has grown across the country in recent years as researchers have determined psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component of so-called magic mushrooms, and other drugs could be used to treat depression and anxiety.
Oakland adopted a resolution last year decriminalizing certain natural psychedelics that come from plants and fungi, one of a handful of cities nationwide to take that step.
Oregon voters last week passed a measure to permit supervised use of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting, becoming the first state to legalize psychedelic mushrooms. Another measure passed by the state's voters will decriminalize small amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and psychedelics, so that possession will carry only a $100 fine, also a first for the nation.
Residents in Washington, D.C., meanwhile, voted to decriminalize certain psychedelic plants and fungi, though Congress could still overturn the law.
Wiener said he was encouraged by those developments and is talking with experts about exactly what form his proposal should take. He said he was leaning toward Oregon's supervised-use approach, but also allowing for the use of synthetic psychedelics such as LSD. He is working with Assembly members Evan Low, D-Campbell, and Sydney Kamlager, D-Los Angeles, on the bill.
Wiener, who said he does not take psychedelics himself, noted that cultures all over the world have been using them since the beginning of time.
“Any substance can be harmful, so I'm not suggesting that anything is like nirvana,” he said. “But we know that psychedelics can be used safely. We know they appear to have significant medicinal uses.”
Wiener also plans to reintroduce legislation that would allow San Francisco and Oakland, which are struggling with surging opioid overdoses, to experiment with safe-injection sites where users would take drugs under supervision.
THE ROBOT REPORT
iRobot adds lower cost Roomba with self-emptying bin
By Steve Crowe
iRobot introduced the Roomba i3+ on September 17, its lowest-cost robot vacuum that features a self-emptying cleaning base. It also features iRobot’s new Genius Home Intelligence Platform for personalized cleaning control.
The iRobot Roomba i3+ robot vacuum is available now in the U.S. ($599) and Canada ($749) at iRobot’s online store and many retailers. The new Roomba i3 is also now available without the clean base starting at $399 USD and $499 CAD. Both are expected to be available in other international markets beginning in Q1 2021.
Like the iRobot Roomba i7+ ($799.99) and Roomba s9+ ($1,099.99) robot vacuums, the Roomba i3 robots automatically empty up to 60 days’ worth of dirt into the clean base, which doubles as its charging station. Once the battery on the Roomba is low, it’ll automatically return to the charging base and resume cleaning once charged.
Unlike some of the top-of-the-line Roombas, however, the i3+ and i3 don’t include iRobot’s smart mapping abilities. This allows the Roombas to map your house so you can tell them to clean specific rooms and even specific areas of specific rooms.
The new vacuums use a three-stage cleaning system that consists of dual rubber brushes, an edge-sweeping brush to get into corners, and suction power that iRobot claims is 10x that of the Roomba 600 Series.
Using the new iRobot Home App, the Genius platform offers personalized control over how, when and where Roombas clean. Available for iOS and Android devices, the Genius platform can control the i3 robot vacuums via event-based automations, recommend cleaning schedules by observing your cleaning habits, and offer preset favorite cleaning routines.
“Innovative cleaning experiences have been, and always will be, foundational to our product offerings,” said Keith Hartsfield, executive vice president and chief product officer at iRobot. “We have a proven track record of delivering products that make consumers’ lives easier. The Roomba i3+ expands our lineup to offer not only exceptional cleaning performance and value, but greater personalization and control delivered by iRobot Genius. The iRobot Genius platform also allows the Roomba i3+ to evolve and get smarter over time, providing new ways for customers to clean their unique homes.”
When paired with Alexa-enabled devices or the Google Assistant, users can control the Roomba i3 robots with their voice. iRobot Genius is also available on the Roomba i7/i7+ and s9/s9+ robot vacuums and Braava jet m6 robot mops.
Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He can be reached at scrowe@wtwhmedia.com
Robotics Scrimmage
Submitted by FTC Team Robostars
FTC Team Robostars #18307 invites you to FLL Scrimmages on Saturday, November 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Fremont. Go to the Fremont Unified School District at https://www.fuss4schools.org/ sign up for a one-hour session.
Due to COVID guidelines, we will only allow one coach per team. Two technicians will be allowed in the garage to run robot games, and the rest will wait in the backyard. Everyone must wear a mask at all times, and social distancing will be enforced.
Bring your robot and equipment, missions and field will be provided FTC Team Robostars will help answer any questions regarding core values, robot game/design, and the innovation project.
For questions and to access the signup form, call (925) 351-7588 or email robostars18307@gmail.com.
Robotics Scrimmage
Saturday, Nov 21 & 22
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
43139 Starr St., Fremont
(925) 351-7588
robostars18307@gmail.com
Make Thanksgiving Safer
Submitted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, follow the below steps as described by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make your celebration safer.
• Wear a mask with two or more layers.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you: Remember that people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu.
• Wash your hands: Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Attending Gatherings
In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer, take these additional steps while attending a gathering.
• Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
• Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as the kitchen.
• Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
Hosting Gatherings
If you are having guests to your home, steps you can take include:
• Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
• Limit the number of guests.
• Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
• If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
• Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
• Have guests bring their own food and drink.
• If sharing food, have one person serve, and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.
Is it safe yet to fly during the pandemic?
AP Wire Service
Nov 12
Public health experts say staying home is best to keep yourself and others safe from infection. But if you're thinking about flying for the holidays, you should know what to expect.
Flights are getting more crowded and more airlines plan to stop blocking seats to accommodate the growing number of people taking to the skies again.
Starting Dec. 1, Southwest will join United and American in allowing every seat on planes to be sold. JetBlue will scale back the number of blocked seats, and – along with Delta and Alaska – plans to drop all limits sometime next year.
The airline industry says it's safe to fly, pointing to a report it funded that found the risk of viral spread on planes very low if everyone wears a mask, since planes have good ventilation and strong air filters.
But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that sitting within 6 feet of others – sometimes for hours – can still increase your risk of getting infected. And though airlines are still requiring passengers to wear masks, there's no guarantee everyone will comply. More than 1,000 people who refused to wear masks have been banned by U.S. airlines.
Remember that flying also means spending time in airport security lines and gate areas, where you might come into close contact with others.
In an October update on travel, the CDC emphasized the importance of wearing a mask and recommended checking whether infections are rising in the area you're traveling to.
How visions of sci-fi led the way to space
Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center
Long before a rocket carried the first person into space, people journeyed to the Moon, Mars, and other worlds on flights of fancy—imaginative voyages of fictional storytelling. Beyond entertaining us, science fiction tales have sometimes foreshadowed real events of space exploration, and may even serve to shape future voyages. Join this live talk from astronomer Benjamin Burress virtually on Friday, November 20 via Chabot Space’s Facebook.
Burress has been a staff astronomer at Chabot Space & Science Center since July 1999. He graduated from Sonoma State University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in physics (and minor in astronomy), after which he signed on for a two-year stint in the Peace Corps, where he taught physics and mathematics in the African nation of Cameroon. After that he served at NASA’s Kuiper Airborne Observatory, and as Head Observer at Lowell Observatory in Arizona. He has also been a regular science writing contributor to the KQED website since 2005.
We will go live on our Facebook page 10-15 minutes before the event. You can find the live video stream on our Facebook page and in the Facebook event discussion. To receive a notification when we go live, “like” Chabot Space & Science Center on Facebook and RSVP that you’re going to this event.
https://chabotspace.org/calendar/how-the-visions-of-sci-fi-led-the-way-to-space/
How visions of sci-fi led the way to space
Friday, Nov 20
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free on YouTube and Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/ChabotSpace
Sea Level Rise
Submitted by City of Hayward
A draft strategy for responding to the threat rising sea levels pose to the Hayward shoreline and adjacent natural areas, recreational features and critical infrastructure is available for public comment through December 1.
The draft Hayward Regional Shoreline Adaptation Master Plan calls for the phased construction of a Line of Protection made of new Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified levees, the raising of existing levees, and new resilience-building habitat, tidal marsh and wetland restoration and enhancement projects stretching from San Lorenzo Creek to the State Route 92 bridge approach.
The plan aims to protect an array of water treatment facilities, flood-control pump stations, closed landfills, energy plants, private industrial development and Hayward Executive Airport, as well as to provide for the preservation of natural habitat and the adaptation and relocation of certain recreational amenities, including portions of the San Francisco Bay Trail.
The plan anticipates sea levels on San Francisco Bay to rise two to seven feet over the remainder of the 21st Century—a phenomenon that is the result of thermal expansion of the oceans due to higher water temperatures and the melting of glaciers and grounded ice caps.
The plan is a project of the Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency, a joint powers authority made up of the City of Hayward, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District and East Bay Regional Park District.
To learn more, read the plan and provide feedback, visit the project page on the City of Hayward website: https://www.hayward-ca.gov/shoreline-master-plan.
San Francisco to ban natural gas in new buildings
AP Wire Service
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Nov 11 – San Francisco will ban natural gas in new buildings, becoming the latest in a string of cities in California to impose such restrictions.
The city's Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday on legislation that will apply to more than 54,000 homes and 32 million square feet of commercial space in the city's development pipeline, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The measure is designed to help the city cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve safety.
Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, sponsor of the legislation, called it “an incremental but important move to help save our planet.”
San Francisco has already banned natural gas for any new city-owned building. Last year, Berkeley banned gas in new buildings. Since then more than 30 cities throughout California have approved similar bans.
Natural gas accounts for roughly 40% of San Francisco's overall emissions of greenhouse gases and 80% of building emissions. Requiring cleaner, all-electric buildings in new construction will increase building safety, reduce emissions citywide, and improve indoor air quality, Mandelman said.
Social Security Matters
Ask Rusty – Younger Wife is the Higher Earner
By Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor
Association of Mature American Citizens
Dear Rusty: I have seen examples of how to maximize Social Security, but I’ve never seen an analysis for our situation. I’m 61 and my wife is 57, but she has been the primary breadwinner, while I just barely made eligibility. Our plan is for me to start at age 62 ($500 a month) and then switch to my spousal benefit at age 74 when she starts her benefits at age 70 (her benefits should be $2,500 a month). Are we missing anything? We are both in good health with an average life expectancy but there is a very good chance my wife will exceed the “average.” Signed: Planning Ahead
Dear Planning: Well first, be aware that Social Security’s rules are “gender neutral” – that is, the rules are the same regardless of which of you is the higher earner. That said, you and your wife seem to have a good strategy; for with her as the higher earner with the highest benefit, maximizing her SS payment by waiting until age 70 is an excellent plan. Since her longevity outlook is very good, she should get the most in cumulative lifetime benefits by waiting. Your plan to claim at age 62 is also prudent if you will not be working full time. That’s because if you claim before your full retirement age (FRA), you’ll be subject to an earnings test, which limits how much you can earn before SS takes back some of your benefits.
If you exceed the earnings limit, Social Security will assess a penalty of $1 for every $2 you are over the limit and take back benefits equal to that amount. For example, if you were collecting SS this year, the earnings limit is $18,240. If you earned $25,000, you’d be $6,760 over the limit and SS would take back benefits equal to $3,380. And at your $500 monthly benefit rate, they would withhold benefits for 7 months to recover what you owe. And that’s true until you reach your full retirement age when the earnings limit goes away (born in 1959, your FRA is 66 years and 10 months). At your FRA you would get time credit for any withheld months, but if you’re planning on that SS income starting at age 62, and you’re still working, the earnings limit could derail your benefit income plan. Of course, if you won’t be working after you claim early benefits, the earnings limit doesn’t apply. And for clarity, your wife’s earnings from working don’t count toward your personal earnings limit, and the limit goes up considerably in the year you reach your FRA. If you plan to continue working and the earnings limit is an issue, you might choose to wait until your FRA to claim your benefit. By doing so you would avoid the earnings limit, and you would also assure that you would receive the full 50% of your wife’s FRA benefit amount when she claims.
If you claim at age 62, your spousal benefit (when your wife claims) will be less than half of your wife’s FRA benefit amount because you claimed your own benefit early. Your spousal benefit will consist of both your own (reduced) benefit and a spousal boost to bring you up to your spouse benefit amount. When your wife claims at age 70, your spousal boost (the difference between your full FRA benefit amount and half of her FRA benefit amount) will be added to your own (reduced) early SS benefit, yielding a spousal benefit less than half of your wife’s FRA benefit amount. The only way you can get the full 50 percent spouse benefit is to wait until your own FRA to claim your own Social Security and later get the higher spouse benefit for the rest of your life.
In the end, your health, financial need, and life expectancy should be the primary factors considered when deciding when to claim.
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.
Social Services Agency announces new appointment
Submitted by Santa Clara County Public Affairs
County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency Director Robert Menicocci announced the appointment of Daniel Little as director for Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), effective November 16. Little is an accomplished child welfare professional with vast experience working with the state and nonprofit organizations.
“I am so pleased that Daniel is joining us in this leadership role. He has a proven track record in serving vulnerable populations and has been an important contributor to DFCS in his role as assistant director over the past three years. Dan has a vision for transforming the work of child welfare and we look forward to supporting him to help make that vision become reality,” said Menicocci.
Little joined the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency Department of Family and Children’s Services in October 2017. He has been instrumental in creating an accountable, positive organizational culture since he became acting director in February of 2020. Little’s educational background includes a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Wichita State University.