9 Foot Graffiti Menorah Brings the Community Together to Celebrate Chanukah
Submitted by Chaya Fuss
Chabad of Fremont will host its 11th Annual “Chanukah Lighting” at Fremont Downtown Event Center on Sunday, December 10 starting at 4:30 p.m. on the fourth night of the eight-day Festival of Lights. This event brings together hundreds of people from all walks of life to celebrate the universal messages of freedom and light.
Local dignitaries and City officials will be in attendance, and the event will feature the live creation of a “Graffiti Menorah” by local Artist Regis Danon. Complimentary Chanukah Donuts and Holiday Treats will be served and Gatsby Entertainment, and DJ Chanukah Music will keep the night fun. The event will also feature a Children’s Choir, Craft Corner, and special welcome packages for the first 300 attendees.
The public Chanukah celebration is being heralded as a response to the worrisome rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric online and in person. “Our response to hatred of any kind must never be to cower or hide our faith,” said Rabbi Moshe Fuss. “The story of Chanukah is the tremendous power of light to overcome darkness. We can have no better response to the negativity we encounter than to gather together in even greater numbers and celebrate the light of the Menorah and the timeless lessons of Chanukah.”
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Sunday, Dec 10
4:30 p.m.
Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
Crippsmas Place: Holiday Family Fun
Submitted by Kate Amon
Crippsmas Place returns this December, featuring a cheerful neighborhood holiday display of Christmas lights and unique decorative lawn displays across 70 houses in north Fremont. Visitors to streets around Cripps Place will be treated to the multi-street festive scenery. Decorations will be up by Saturday, December 9, and lit in the evenings through New Year’s Eve.
Starting Saturday December 9, through Wednesday December 28, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every evening, volunteers will be handing out candy canes at the end of Wellington Place. Visitors can hand cash donations to the volunteers handing out candy canes, or donate online anytime at www.CrippsmasPlace.org. Donations support six local charities and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be with us from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for five evenings: December 10, 11, 17, 18 and 19. We ask that visitors who want to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus to please wear face masks.
NEW FOR 2023:
The Mission Peak Chamber Singers will perform for the first time ever at Crippsmas Place on Sunday, December 17!
Crippsmas Place is how these neighbors celebrate and give back to the community, continuing a holiday tradition begun on Cripps Place by former neighbor Robert “Spider” Cantley over 40 years ago. Unique to Crippsmas Place are the plywood cutout decorations, featuring classic and new beloved children’s cartoon characters. Every year new decorations are made by dedicated neighbor volunteers – look for new decorations like Barbie (including photo op box) and characters from cartoons like Tom & Jerry, and Chota Bheem (from India).
Planning and much of the work is done by a dedicated group of neighbors, appropriately dubbed the “Crippsmas Club”. Everyone involved is an unpaid volunteer. The Crippsmas Club motto is ‘For Community, Charity, and Childhood Joy.’
Donations received will be split evenly among seven local charities:
Leukemia Lymphoma Society
SAVE (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments)
HERS Breast Cancer Foundation
Adopt an Angel (Gifts & basics for children in Alameda County’s Protective Child Services)
Ohlone Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Fremont Family Resource Center
LIFE Eldercare
Crippsmas Place
Saturday, Dec 9 – Sunday, Dec 31
Candy Canes
Saturday, Dec 9 – Thursday, Dec 28
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Santa & Mrs. Claus
Sunday, Dec 10 – Tuesday, Dec 19
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mission Peak Chamber Singers
Sunday, Dec 17
6:30 p.m.
Nicolet Ave., from Wellington Pl. to Perkins St.
The Fremont Nutcracker Is Back!
Submitted by David Sloss
Once again Fremont Opera and Yoko’s Academy of Dance & Performing Arts are joining forces to present Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet.” Since 2005, this annual Nutcracker has been a much-loved and anticipated community event in Fremont. Presented at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts at Ohlone College on December 9 and 10, this lavishly staged and costumed production features a cast of 100 children of all ages, from the youngest beginners to the most advanced and talented young adults.
Dancers from Yoko’s Academy win prizes in national competitions year after year, and have performed in Japan, at the Super Bowl, and in London at the Olympics. A number of celebrities from the Fremont area, including Fremont Mayor Lily Mei and City Council members Jenny Kassan, Raj Salwan and Yang Shao, will make cameo appearances in the Nutcracker as party guests. Former California State Senator Bob Wieckowski returns in his signature role as the mysterious magician Drosselmeier.
At all performances, a full symphony orchestra will provide live music. David Sloss, music director of the Fremont Symphony from 1980 to 2012 and Artistic Director of Fremont Opera, will conduct the Fremont Opera Orchestra.
Appearing as the Grand Cavalier for the second time will be guest artist Zherlin Ndudi. Mr. Ndudi has been a principal dancer with Phoenix Ballet and Ballet Arizona, and a soloist with Miami City Ballet. His professional ballet career has brought him to prestigious stages around the world, including in Poland, Japan, Norway, Germany, China, Switzerland, Latvia, Russia and the United States. He teaches at Master Ballet Academy in Arizona, and at ballet schools throughout the United States.
Guest artist Felipe Leon returns to the Fremont Nutcracker, this time as the Snow King. Now in his eighth season with Diablo Ballet, Mr. Leon was born in Bogota, Colombia and trained on a full scholarship at Ballet Academy East in New York City. He has danced solo and principal roles in works by Maurice Bejart, Wendy Whelan, Matthew Neenan, Margo Sappington, Lisa de Ribere, Claudia Schreire and Alan Hineline.
Yoko Young, who created this Nutcracker production in 2005, was a nationally recognized choreographer and teacher. As a prima ballerina, she danced with the Tokyo Ballet Theatre and the Opéra National de Paris in France. She appeared as a dancer and actress in numerous films and television series in Japan and the United States. In 1993, she was appointed by the Governor of Saitama Prefecture, Japan, to be Cultural Ambassador to the World, representing 92 cities and over 6.5 million people. In 1995, she established her own studio, Yoko’s Dance & Performing Arts Academy. Since then, her choreography has won numerous awards, and her students have won acclaim dancing in the United States, Japan, and England.
Fremont Opera was founded in 2007 by Artistic Director David Sloss and General Manager Barbara Sloss, establishing for the first time a professional, regional opera company based in Fremont, presenting outstanding young artists from the Bay Area and the nation. Its productions of La Bohème, The Barber of Seville, and La Traviata have drawn rave reviews from critics and patrons alike. Performances have featured 90 singers of all ages and 60 musicians from all over the Bay Area.
Yoko’s Nutcracker Ballet
Saturday, Dec 9: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec 10: 2 p.m.
The Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6031
Tickets: $30 – $45
AAUW Fremont Branch Invites You to Some
Sparkle and Dazzle!
Submitted by Shirley Gilbert
Put on your most sparkling and dazzling holiday outfit and dance, mingle, and taste to your heart’s content at AAUW (American Association of University Women) Fremont Branch’s holiday celebration on December 10!
Kathy Garfinkle, Program Chair and Acting VP of the Fremont Branch, invites members and the community to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and dancing at the chapter’s annual holiday get-together. “We call our party ‘Sparkle and Dazzle,’” says Garfinkle, “and we hope folks will come in their shining holiday outfits adding a little sparkle here and there.”
The room at the Artist Walk will be transformed into an elegant ballroom with poinsettias and decorations in silver and white. There will be live music provided by the Daily Beats Band headed by singer and conductor Gene Wang. Food will include savory treats and delicious desserts, all provided by AAUW members. The Fremont AAUW yoga group will be presenting a rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” with an appearance of Rudolph and all his fellow reindeer.
AAUW is sponsoring the event, but the organization encourages the community to join in the fun and add some sparkle to the holiday spirit. The event is free to attend!
Garfinkle is a hugely avid AAUW member. She’s been in the organization for 48 years and has held numerous leadership positions including president, vice president and program chair. A teacher for 35 years in the Union City School District and volunteer with Music for Minors II, Garfinkle heard about the local AAUW from friends. She attended the non-profit’s annual Fall Brunch and was impressed with the tables laden with information about AAUW’s many opportunities to serve others and expand one’s horizons.
As Program Chair, Garfinkle organized dance performances and a puppet show, and helped plan a year of laughter for members, exploring humor in its many forms, including books, movies, TV, stand-up comics, and newspaper columns. Garfinkle feels that AAUW has made a positive difference in her life and continues to make a difference in the lives of women and girls throughout the country. “I love working with strong minded and caring women,” says Garfinkle, “and I am forever grateful for the wonderful friendships I’ve made in the 48 years I’ve been in AAUW.”
Garfinkle is also proud of the many programs that AAUW Fremont Branch offers that include the community and encourages the public to attend Sparkle and Dazzle to get in the holiday mood. “It’s free, it will be festive, and everyone is welcome,” says Garfinkle. “We could all use some sparkle and dazzle in our lives.”
Sparkle and Dazzle, An AAUW Fremont Branch Event
Sunday, December 10
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Artist Walk
3888 Artist Walk Common, Fremont
Free; Donations Gratefully Accepted
BoxArt Call for Artists
Submitted by City of Fremont
The City of Fremont is excited to announce a new phase of the boxART! program! This program transforms Fremont’s traffic signal control boxes into works of art for all to see. The next call includes a total of 10 traffic signal control boxes to be turned into works of art by artists 18+ who work in photography or digital graphics. Boxes will be fully wrapped with vinyl wrap. This is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their work and help beautify Fremont!
The theme is climate action, sustainability, environmental awareness, and green building. This is a broad, inclusive theme that draws from a wide range of topics including ecology; mobility and connectivity (including alternative modes of transportation); resource conservation and elimination of waste; clean and renewable power; climate adaptation and resiliency; and visions of the future. The artwork should reflect Fremont’s efforts and values in creating a more sustainable community, and the city welcomes unique interpretations of the theme.
Artists can apply independently or in teams consisting of no more than three members. Each artist/team may submit up to three (3) artwork designs. All designs must be original to the artist/artist team. All submitted designs will become the property of the City of Fremont.
A $500 stipend will be offered for licensing of accepted design (If submitting as a team, payment will be sent to the designated primary artist.)
Submission Requirements:
All artwork designs must use the template, as this is the general format for the boxes and towers. Actual boxes may vary slightly, so designs may need minor editing. Some boxes may not have towers.
All submissions should:
– Have fully completed cover sheet. This is a fillable PDF form that allows applicants to enter text in the form fields. Handwritten cover sheets will not be accepted. Each artwork design should have its own cover sheet.
– Artwork design in JPG format at 1280 x 720 pixels. Filename should include last name, first name, and submission number. Please do not use a PDF file for submission. Accepted submissions should be in high-resolution format and transferrable to vector format.
– Include examples of three (3) previous works. Examples can be a list of webpage links.
Submit by email with the subject line “Boxart Proposal – Vinyl Wrap.”
Selections are tentatively scheduled to be made by the Fremont Art Review Board at their Wednesday December 20, 2023 public hearing.
Fremont BoxArt Submission Deadline:
Wednesday, December 13 by Midnight
https://www.fremont.gov/government/departments/community-development/boxart-call-for-artits
Call for Decorated Houses
By Staff
In the upcoming weeks (or maybe already) local people will be decking out their houses with lights and displays for the Christmas and holiday season. We are hoping to include photos of some of these festive decorations in upcoming issues of Tri-City Voice and on our social media.
Is there a decorated house near you that you would like to share? Or, maybe you think your own decorating skills deserve the recognition.
Email photos and the approximate location to tr**********@ao*.com.
Free Clothing for All Event
Submitted by Union City
Don’t miss our next Community Closet happening at Studio 11 on Saturday, December 16th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. FREE clothing for everyday needs! Donations accepted as well.
The Community Closet is a grass roots program created by community leader, Sophia Dangerfield in collaboration with Union City Community & Recreation Services. This program provides FREE clothing for ALL. The Community Closet offers all types of FREE seasonal clothing for everyday clothing needs, school clothes, job interviews or a look for a special occasion. The Community Closet also supports keeping our clothing longer, and purchasing new less, not only an economical benefit, but also an environmental act, which is a sustainable method.
Community Closet Free Clothing Event
Saturday, Dec 16
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Studio 11
34626 11th St., Union City
(510) 675-5445
Costco Opens Newark Location
By Asok Chatterjee, Business Reporter
It was 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 18. A cold mist had not yet lifted from the Tri-City area. And there it was: a brand new spanking Costco Wholesale outlet opening its doors in Newark. As a part of the iconic Newpark Mall, too. It was an event a long time in coming, eagerly awaited by the residents of the Tri-City area. The presence of dignitaries such as the current and former Mayors of the City of Newark, and more importantly of throngs of would-be customers, were testaments to how well this store and its opening were received.
Costco is a membership driven warehouse club. With more than 800 locations, it is synonymous with unbeatable offerings of quality merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services. With this legacy to protect and enhance, Costco’s expansion plans are never routine. After having hugely successful stores all over the Bay Area, including in the East and South Bay, Costco was ready to scout for a new location somewhere between their existing store locations in Hayward to the North and in Fremont to the South.
Newark seemed to be a good location, but needs for a new warehouse outlet came with a long list of “wants” and “good-to-have items.” Costco started talking with the City of Newark as far back as in 2017. They made it clear from the very beginning that only a site large enough for all their needs was acceptable for consideration. The question was how to accommodate such a demand in a city like Newark that was already densely built out.
The City of Newark certainly wanted a Costco within its borders, but the challenge was to ensure Costco’s needs could merge with the City’s vision to make a vibrant, urban space, and most importantly, a vital economic engine for the City. With extensive discussions and planning, a new Costco Warehouse Outlet as a part of the NewPark Mall revitalization seemed to satisfy all parties. Plans for Costco as a part of NewPark Mall were unanimously approved by the City of Newark’s Planning Council, and subsequently by the City Council. The proposal also garnered strong support from the Newark community.
Unanimous approval was not a simple process. Costco and the Mall owner prepared a complete traffic study for the project. Two nearby off-ramps from I-880, namely Mowry and Stevenson, would distribute the traffic. The planners considered that the regular Mall traffic was expected to increase considerably during major holidays. The “ring road” around NewPark Mall would offer entry to ample surface parking and also a three-level parking structure.
Bigger picture planning considered the crucial aspect of Cosco’s expected impact on local businesses of Newark. Costco visitors would visit various other stores in the Mall, and vice versa. Increased vehicular and foot traffic would generate more activities for nearby local stores and small businesses. Local restaurants would get to enjoy more business because of increased locals and visitors in the NewPark Mall neighborhood. In turn, local small business and restaurant owners would find it convenient to buy many of their needed provisions from the nearby Costco, saving them longer trips.
The Newark Costco is larger than either Hayward or Fremont stores. At 166,000 square feet and 36 gas pumps, it is increasing convenience for their customers with more in-store options.
“When we were approached by Costco, it was a unanimous decision to make their request a reality,” said Mayor Mike Hannon. “We welcome their opening, and thank the entire Costco team and their new employees who are staffing this location.”
Thanks for some details of the story go to: Anne Stedler Economic Development Manager, City of Newark.
Future of Education Reception
Submitted by City of Hayward
The Hayward South Alameda County NAACP, in partnership with the City of Hayward, will hold a public reception the evening of December 14 in honor of recently appointed Chabot College President Dr. Jamal Cooks and recently appointed Hayward Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Reimann.
The reception will take place in the Hayward City Hall rotunda from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, free of charge, and will include light refreshments. No RSVP is required.
Dr. Cooks was appointed by the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees as Chabot College’s president effective Aug. 1, 2023, becoming Chabot’s 10th president. Dr. Reimann was selected by the Hayward Unified School District Board of Education as the District’s new Superintendent of Schools on June 28, 2023.
To learn more about, join or otherwise support the Hayward South Alameda NAACP, go to the Hayward South Alameda NAACP website https://naacphayward.org/.
Future of Education Reception
Thursday, Dec 14
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hayward City Hall rotunda
777 B St., Hayward
Hayward Disposal Days
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward Maintenance Services Department is hosting its next Disposal Days event Saturday, December 9, providing community members an additional way to dispose of household debris safely and legally free of charge.
The 2023 Disposal Days program allows residents of the City of Hayward to bring up to five cubic yards of household items for disposal to the city transfer station six times per year on the second Saturday of the months of February, April, June, August, October and December. Five cubic yards is about the equivalent of one full bed of an average size pick-up truck.
Program registration for the last event of 2023 is now open. The bi-monthly events will be held regardless of weather conditions at the time.
The following items are not accepted at the transfer station:
- Hazardous materials, including paint, motor oil, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, tires and car batteries
- Objects over 75 pounds (except furniture and appliances)
- Medical waste
- Construction and demolition debris
- Rocks
- Bricks
- Dirt
- Concrete
Disposal Days is open to residents of incorporated City of Hayward only, and preregistration and proof of Hayward residency is required. Registration space is limited and typically fills up fast. To learn more, including how to register and join the waiting list, go online to www.hayward-ca.gov or contact Maintenance Services at (510) 881-7745 or di***********@ha********.gov.
Disposal Days
Saturday, Dec 9
7 a.m. – 12 noon
Hayward Transfer Station
3455 Enterprise Ave., Hayward
Hayward gears up for holiday toy drives
Submitted by Jose Carlos Montesinos
In December, Eden Youth and Family Center will be spreading holiday cheer with several events giving to those in need in the community. Two upcoming events are:
Toy Caravan (Hayward) – December 10:
Prepare yourself for a day filled with holiday cheer! Eden Youth and Family Center has teamed up with Vocho Aztecas (VW Beetle Car Club) and Fearless Path to bring our toy collection directly to Hayward neighborhoods and distribute toys to families who may not have the resources to attend the Giveaway event. The main focus is on families with children who have disabilities.
Annual Toy Giveaway (Eden Youth & Family Center) – December 16:
The highlight of our holiday season! Come to the center and join us in giving back. We will distribute the toys we have collected to deserving children, ensuring that they have a memorable and joyful holiday season. And guess what? We are also giving away trees! The support of our community in organizing and distributing the toys and trees will have a significant impact on the lives of these children and their families.
Both of these events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing families to enjoy some holiday cheer. This year, we have established three project goals: 1) Collect 1,000 Toys, 2) Distribute 50 trees, 3) Attract 50 donors/sponsors.
Whether you can join us for one event or both, or help us achieve our goals, your support will be greatly appreciated.
Holiday Toy Drives
Toy Caravan
Sunday, Dec 10
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Various Neighborhoods
Toy Giveaway
Saturday, Dec 16
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Eden Youth and Family Center
680 W. Tennyson Rd., Hayward
(510) 887-1147
Holiday Events – For Pets!
Submitted by Hayward Animal Shelter
In December, Hayward Animal Shelter is an event for pet owners and those who want to support pet adoptions. On December 9, they will be hosting pet photos with “Santa Claws” with a suggested donation of $10. On the same day, starting at 11 a.m., the shelter will hold free “Home for the Holidays” adoptions to qualified homes, sponsored by this year’s Hayward SantaCon.
Photos with “Santa Claws” & Home for the Holidays adoptions
Saturday, Dec 9
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hayward Animal Shelter
16 Barnes Ct., Hayward
(510) 293-7200
Suggested donation: $10
Holiday Lights Events
Submitted by H.A.R.D.
Embrace the holiday spirit with the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s (H.A.R.D.) spectacular Holiday Lights events. These free and festive celebrations invite the community to “enjoy the glow” as we light up our Historical Mansions. These events mark the start of the holiday season with a chance to revel in the timeless charm of these iconic landmarks.
The H.A.R.D. Holiday Lights will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:
- Tuesday, December 5, at Mt Eden Mansion
- Wednesday, December 6, at McConaghy House
- Thursday, December 7, at Meek Mansion
Event attendees are encouraged to participate in the festive ambiance as they stroll through the captivating mansions and indulge in the warmth of delicious hot chocolate. It’s an evening designed to delight and create cherished memories for families and friends alike.
Rick Hatcher, President of the H.A.R.D. Board of Directors stated, “The Holiday Lights event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the festive cheer, and experience the magic of these Historic Mansions adorned with dazzling lights. It’s a celebration that embodies the spirit of the season and offers a joyous occasion for everyone.”
For further information about these events, please get in touch with: Nicole Espinoza Roa at (510) 888-0111 or Ro**@Ha********.org.
H.A.R.D Holiday Light Events
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.:
Mt Eden Mansion
Tuesday, Dec 5
2451 W Tennyson Rd., Hayward
McConaghy House
Wednesday, Dec 6
2023 at McConaghy House
18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Meek Mansion
Thursday, Dec 7
Meek Mansion, 240 Hampton Rd, Hayward
HaywardRec.org
Bay Philharmonic Lights up the Season with ‘A Holiday Spectacular!’
Submitted by Karin Conn and Denise Lamott
Bay Philharmonic is excited to announce “A Holiday Spectacular” on Sunday, December 17, at their new premier venue, Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward. Celebrate the holiday season in joy, gratitude, and inspiration. This heartwarming and inspiring tradition, Bay Phil’s A Holiday Spectacular, will be a stocking full of notable guest artists singing and dancing to some of the most beautiful and uplifting holiday music.
Bay Philharmonic’s artistic director and conductor Jung-Ho Pak will lead a multi-media, multi-sensory, and multi-genre extravaganza of rich, diverse cultures and traditions from around the world with notable performances by soprano Erica Gabriel, vocalist and harpist Deanna Loveland, jazz pianist Steve Pietkiewicz, Ballet Folklórico México Danza, San Francisco Girls Chorus, Yoko’s Academy of Dance and Performing Arts Group along with the 50-piece Bay Philharmonic.
Adding to the fun, Asian-inspired and East Bay-based Dokkaebier will bring their unique collection of craft beer to the festivities. Dokkaebier is the leading craft brewery inspired by Asian-inspired ingredients.
Individual show tickets are $25 to $67 and are available on the Bay Philharmonic website, BayPhil.org.
A Holiday Spectacular
Sunday, Dec 17
3 p.m.
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
2555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward
(510) 723-6976
BayPhil.org
Tickets: $25-$67
Family-Run Restaurant Jade Palace Bids Goodbye
By Charlene Dizon
Photos Courtesy of Phil Lee
After a 54-year-long run of hard work and fun, Chinese restaurant Jade Palace has decided to send customers off with one last meal before officially closing its doors this November. Run by the Lee family, the story of how this well-loved restaurant came to be is one of determination, diligence, and even fate.
In 1970, Oakland resident Edwin Wing Lee was on a leisurely drive when he decided to jump on Highway 17 and get off on Thornton Avenue, entering Newark. During this time, Newark was still minimally populated and only had two main roads. Lee turned into the Old Town Center and walked into Ike’s Bar. As Lee chatted with the owner, Ike revealed that he wanted to have a restaurant inside the bar. After some planning and negotiating, Ike established that Lee could rent out the space for merely one dollar’s rent, along with splitting the utilities. The very next day, Edwin and his wife Chui Ngan Lee returned to Newark to begin setting up the restaurant. The Chinese-American cuisine at Jade Palace was such a success that three years later, Lee decided to transition the restaurant into a larger space to accommodate their business needs. That location became their professional foundation for the next fifty years, with not only Edwin and Chui Ngan involved in the business but their children and grandchildren as well.
Opening up a restaurant was Edwin Lee’s lifelong passion. Edwin’s son, Phil Lee, shares, “This restaurant was my dad’s dream. He knew that he wanted the cuisine to be Chinese-American.” Initially, the restaurant’s demographic was mostly white due to Newark’s primarily white population. This developed over time as the Newark community diversified into what it is today. Jade Palace’s most popular dishes included classic staples such as sweet and sour pork, broccoli beef, chow mein, and fried rice. In the years to come, Jade Palace was repeatedly invited to cater at community events and venues: Newark Days, the Hilton Hotel, Chambers of Commerce, and even Little Leagues Baseball, to name a few. Phil shares, “We supported everybody. This was the thing to do back then– participate in the community for advertisement and business promotion.” This active involvement was Jade Palace’s exact formula to successfully remain in business for so long.
As Jade Palace grew, the City of Newark did likewise. The Lee family watched as Newark’s population increased and once-vacant lots were filled with businesses and neighborhoods. These changes did not affect their flow of business, which was continuous. Phil states, “The customers that we had forty to fifty years ago are our same customers today. Once, a customer even took my parents for a ride in their Rolls Royce!” The dynamic between the Lee family and their customers was tight-knit, stretching beyond a mere business atmosphere. This strong support base became more meaningful when Edwin Lee unexpectedly passed away in December of 2022. After a sudden fall due to a hemorrhage, he was rushed to the hospital by his family. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the fall, Edwin passed away after a month’s stay under medical care.
Though Edwin’s passing has forever changed his family and the trajectory of Jade Palace, the outpour of love and support from the community following this tragedy is one that the Lee family is eternally grateful for. This made the decision to close Jade Palace an especially difficult, but necessary one. “If my dad was still alive, this place would still be open,” Phil says. “We decided that it’s time for us to move on and raise our families.” Since the announcement of closure was made public, clusters of customers spread the word online and came out of the woodwork to have their last meal.
The decision of Jade Palace’s closure has allowed the Lee family time to reflect on Edwin’s legacy. Running a business for over 50 years can only be done through dedication and steadfast customer service—both of which Edwin and his family exuded for decades. Phil shares, “There’s a saying that how others react when you pass shows what kind of person you were, and my dad’s funeral was packed to capacity.” The impact that Jade Palace had on new and old customers cements Edwin Lee as an integral part of not only the local food industry but the overall community.
Rocketing to Success: Newark Rocket Project
Submitted by Zayna Ansari
Newark Memorial High School (NMHS) students are shooting for the stars as part of the NASA Student Launch Initiative!
With a victorious history in the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) over the last two decades, including securing 1st place nationally in 2007, NMHS’ Rocketry Club has now catapulted into the national spotlight by being accepted into NASA’s Student Launch Initiative (SLI) after placing 11th at ARC nationals last year. Their passion, perseverance, and dedication have established the Newark Rocket Project team of the NMHS Rocketry Club as a formidable force in the world of rocketry. Under the guidance of the project lead, Sebastian Llaguno, the team keeps to their mantra “Keep aiming for the stars, even if you occasionally end up in the bushes.”
The NASA SLI provides students the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design, construct, and launch high-powered rockets. Newark’s team is set to conduct a scientific payload experiment as part of this initiative. This project involves launching a six-foot rocket carrying an instrument to measure atmospheric data in the payload section. This data will track and analyze the aerodynamics gradient of the surrounding airfield during descent, providing valuable information for future ARC competition vehicle launches. The culmination of their efforts will take place during the final launch at Huntsville, Alabama, home to NASA’s Marshall Flight Center, where they will participate in a launch week alongside universities such as Purdue, Virginia Tech, Northwestern, and UT Austin.
To propel the Newark Rocket Project’s dreams to greater heights, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. Contributions will go directly toward purchasing rocket materials, covering travel expenses, and ensuring Newark Memorial High School’s success in NASA’s SLI program. By supporting them in this initiative, you are not only investing in the students’ dreams but also in the future of STEM for the entire Tri-City community.
The Newark Rocket Project team is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Newark on a national stage but they can’t achieve this feat alone. Your support, donations, and encouragement will play a huge role in helping Tri-City students reach for the stars. To make a contribution or learn more about their campaign, visit the Newark Rocket Project’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/5181fb38.
Stay updated on Newark Rocket Project team’s journey on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook with @newarkrocketproject. For questions and involvement opportunities, contact the Newark Rocket Project team at ne*****************@gm***.com.
Also coming up:
NMHS invites the community to join a public rocket launch on December 9 behind the Newark campus of Ohlone College. This event will bring together rocketry enthusiasts from across the East Bay for a day of rocket launches, STEM demonstrations, experiments with fire, and a chance to observe the wonders of space science. More details to come.
NMHS Rocket Launch
Saturday, Dec 9
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ohlone College Newark Campus
39399 Cherry St., Newark
Social Media: @newarkrocketproject
Newark Symphonic Winds Holiday Concert
Submitted by Newark Symphonic Winds
The free 2023 Newark Symphonic Winds Holiday Concert, sponsored by Fremont Bank Foundation, will take place on Saturday, December 16 at Newark Memorial High School Theatre. Enjoy an evening of holiday music performed by the Tri-Cities’ own 50 musician symphony directed by Richard Wong.
The night will be filled with exciting holiday favorites, including a reading by Newark’s Emeritus Mayor – Dave Smith – of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas set to music, a community sing along, and a special performance by the Newark Saxophone Quartet.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive before intermission, so bring the children; they will absolutely love the opportunity to talk with Santa!
Newark Symphonic Winds Holiday Concert
Saturday, Dec 16
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Newark Memorial High School Theatre
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 552-7186
Pacific Commons Invites Community to Free Holiday Concert
Submitted by Deborah Blackford
Pacific Commons invites the community to a free holiday concert by Grammy-nominated artist Andre Thierry on Saturday, December 9. Thierry is a Grammy-nominated accordion soul artist known for his fast funky rhythms with Zydeco inspiration. Masterful on all types of accordions, this California native has a talent few musicians can match. During the event, attendees will also enjoy face painting, balloon art, and taking selfies with Santa and his elves.
This event is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required. To learn more, visit https://pacificcommons.com/events.
Pacific Commons Invites Free Holiday Concert
Saturday, Dec 9
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Pacific Commons
The Block Near Dick’s Sporting Goods
43440 Boscell Rd., Fremont
Ruggieri Senior Center celebrates 25 Years
By Stephanie Gertsch
On Tuesday, November 28, the Ralph and Mary Ruggieri Senior Center in Union City held a gathering to celebrate 25 years of creating an active senior community. Union City mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci spoke on the history on the center, and volunteers were presented with certificates for their contributions. Rosa Ortega was chosen as the 2023 volunteer of the year—the first time this award has been given since 2020.
Ralph and Mary Ruggieri Senior Center
33997 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 675-5495
www.unioncity.org/289/Ralph-and-Mary-Ruggieri-Senior-Center
Vehicular Homeless People near Middle School in Irvington
By Monika Lee
Photos by Jack Alcorn
At the Fremont Council meeting on November 14, Irvington residents passionately voiced concerns about people living in vehicles parked along Chapel Hill and Irvington Drive near John M. Horner Middle School. Many residents’ comments at the meeting focused on their fears about the proximity of these vehicles to the school and its effects on their children. Irvington parent Sandia said “I take several walks around the area, and I personally have seen a lot of needles on the ground, and I’ve also seen the area sidewalks being impaired on certain days. So, it looks like certain things [are happening that] can mandate an action from the city like impairment of sidewalks and bike lanes…There should be a humanitarian approach, but the first priority is [the vehicular homeless] should not be around the schools. Can the city guarantee that my child or any child in that area won’t be hurt. There have been instances where children have been followed, where [the vehicular homeless] have tried to talk to the kids and intimidated them.”
Some residents expressed fears about going outside their homes. Irvington resident Mahesh Nagamulla told the city council “We’ve been residing in Irvington area for more than 6 years. It was a pleasure living in that neighborhood with my family, but in recent years we no longer feel safe due to the presence of homeless people. These people are often high on drugs and chase people and cars and throw stuff. I live on Chapel Way, in front of Horner Junior High School. Due to the presence of the homeless people on the street and their debris it is extremely difficult to live, walk, or bike in that neighborhood. At times we wake up to these people screaming in the middle of the night and I’ve become too frightened to leave the house even during the day.”
Public comments also included potential solutions. “There are many rental RV [recreational vehicles] places in Fremont. Rent them, ask [the vehicular homeless] to move into these RV places,” proposed Selline Maston to the city council. “If there is a money issue we will raise the money, but move these RVs out where people’s lives are at stake. If something happens than all of us including all of you will be responsible.”
Overall, homelessness in Fremont has increased substantially in recent years, with the latest Homelessness Point in Time (PIT) count indicating unhoused individuals in Fremont rose from 608 in 2019 to 1,026 in 2022. During that same period, unsheltered residents living in RVs has risen from 143 in 2019 to 262 in 2022. On February 16, 2021, city staff presented to City Council a three-prong “Safe Parking Strategy” that proposed (1) allowing safe parking at host sites, (2) meeting people where they are parked with managed street parking zones, and (3) developing a City-owned or leased safe parking site. At the meeting, Councilmember Jenny Kassen commented on this parking strategy, “It makes me sad that we stalled out on the three-prong safe parking plan and that we’re now at a point where we cannot even accommodate everyone who wants safe parking and we’re not accommodating RVs… The majority of the council did direct staff not to pursue prongs 2 and 3 [of the Fremont Safe Parking Strategy] and I think that was a big mistake because now we are in this situation and having additional parking rules is not going to solve the problem.”
The current Fremont Safe Parking Program provides city sanctioned parking locations. Autos and vans are allowed, but not RVs. There are five church sites currently participating in this program and there are spaces for 15 vehicles – all presently filled. Seven families are on a waiting list to join the program. City staff are developing a Homelessness Response Plan that is expected to be complete in Spring 2024.
Veterans Memorial Building Tour
Submitted by Paul Sethy, Washington Township Historical Society
Washington Township Historical Society and American Legion Post 837 will host a Fremont / Niles Veterans Memorial Building tour at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 9. This structure is located at the intersection of Second and E Streets in the Niles district, directly across the street from Niles Elementary School.
The following research was assembled from official Alameda County records and various Alameda County historical societies by Paul Sethy of Washington Township Historical Society:
In the early 1920s, Alameda County voters approved a special tax to construct buildings to honor war veterans and provide a meeting place for their organizations. Ten buildings were erected:
Oakland VMB completed in 1926
Berkeley VMB completed in 1928
Alameda VMB completed in 1929
Niles VMB dedicated on May 30, 1930
Emeryville VMB completed fall of 1930
Livermore VMB completed in 1931
Albany VMB dedicated on August 14, 1932
Hayward VMB completed in late fall 1932
Pleasanton VMB completed in 1933
San Leandro VMB dedicated on September 23, 1934
Beginning about 1924, several memorial buildings were under construction, originally as memorials to servicemen killed in action during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and Great War (later called WWI). These buildings were built with county, state, and federal funds.
Henry H. Meyers, Alameda County’s chief architect, his daughter Mildred, and associated architects, produced dozens of designs for county facilities, including these ten veterans’ memorial buildings, which display the varied approaches to historicist design employed by the eclectic American architects of the early 20th century.
Built between 1926 and 1934, buildings in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Hayward are rooted in Beaux-Arts classicism. Those in Fremont, Pleasanton, Livermore, and Albany are Spanish Colonial Revival in feeling, characterized by white-painted plaster, terra-cotta tile roofs, and a tendency toward picturesque massing. Those in the Cities of Alameda and San Leandro mix elements from both groups.
The Veterans Memorial Building in Niles was the fourth of ten Veterans Memorial Buildings built throughout Alameda County. Henry H. Meyers designed it with associate architects George R. Klinkhardt and Mildred S. Meyers. The latter took the lead role with the project, promoting the “California Spanish style” in both the exterior and interior. She later described the process in an article titled “Memorials” in the August 1935 issue of “The Architect and Engineer,” a professional journal based in San Francisco. She notes that it was a compliment to the architects when three other communities requested the same style developed for Niles.
The California Spanish style was carried out in the interior by exposing the structural members of the roof trusses, treating these with stencil designs inspired by old Spanish ceilings. Walls were deliberately finished with an uneven texture, kept simple in color and given a glaze finish as part of color studies that included the design of decorative tile and draperies.
In 2000, Siegel and Strain Architects of Emeryville were hired by Alameda County with the support of the City of Fremont. Seismic rehabilitation combined with accessibility and code upgrades recognized the historic and architecturally significant features of the original 1930 building. These historic features included the Lobby; the Auditorium with its maple floors, stenciled trusses, stage, and metal-lined, elevated Film Projection Room; the paneled Lodge Room linked by an Entry Hall to the Men’s Clubroom; and the intact Clubroom fireplace.
RSVP to Paul Sethy if you plan to attend the tour: ps****@co*****.net.
Veterans Memorial Building tour
Saturday, Dec 9
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Veterans Memorial Building
Intersection of 2nd and E Streets, Niles district
www.washingtontownshiphist.org
RSVP to: ps****@co*****.net
EARTHTALK Q&A
Giant Sequoias: How To Save The Last Of The Biggest Trees
By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of California’s giant sequoias trees and what’s being done to save them from extinction? — M.L., Sacramento, CA
Giant sequoias, which can grow upwards of 300 feet tall with circumferences of 90+ feet around at ground level, are among the largest and longest living species on the planet today. Some are over 3,000 years old. But climate change, human activities and wildfires are threatening their very existence in their native habitat on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
Biologists estimate there are about 80,000 naturally occurring giant sequoias left there and worry that another bad wildfire year—like 2015, 2017 or 2020, when National Park Service biologists clad the lower flanks of the biggest trees with tin foil to deter the flames—could decimate those remaining trees.
Giant sequoias have evolved to withstand moderate fires, but the recent infernos, exacerbated by climate change, have been catastrophic. Not only do these fires destroy the trees directly, they also hinder the natural reproduction process by killing young sequoias and preventing seeds from germinating.
While fire has been the most immediate threat in recent years, climate change in general is altering the trees’ environment—and may be the final nail in their coffin. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and erratic precipitation patterns have weakened the trees, making them more susceptible to pests and disease, and disrupting the natural fire regime that they have depended on for regeneration for millennia.
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, researchers and conservationists are studying how these trees respond to changing environmental conditions. They are also implementing measures like controlled burns to mimic natural fire cycles and create a more suitable habitat for the sequoias.
Human activities, such as logging, urban development and recreation further exacerbate the challenges faced by giant sequoias. Urbanization around these groves disrupts their ecosystems, and recreational activities can harm their shallow root systems. Efforts are also being made to limit human impacts in sequoia territory. Strict regulations on logging, urban expansion and recreational activities near these groves aim to preserve the natural ecosystem and minimize disturbances to the trees.
Moreover, collaborative initiatives between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities are crucial for the long-term protection of these ancient giants. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and eco-tourism practices that emphasize responsible visitation also play a vital role in ensuring the survival of these magnificent trees. Whether or not our grandchildren will get to visit these giant sequoias may well depend on our ability to rein in carbon emissions here and around the world in time to stave off cataclysmic climate change. Indeed, the fate of these giant trees, as well as thousands of other plants and animals, hangs in the balance.
ONLINE CONTACTS
- Helping or hindering? US scientists debate how to save giant sequoias
https://phys.org/news/2023-09-hindering-scientists-debate-giant-sequoias.html
- Save The Giant Sequoias
https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/fire/save-the-giant-sequoias/
- The race to save ‘awe-inspiring’ giant sequoias
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/08/the-race-to-save-awe-inspiring-giant-sequoias/.
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: qu******@ea*******.org.
A Flame in the Sky – the Orion Nebula
By Kat Troche
It’s that time of year again: winter! Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the cold, crisp sky offers spectacular views of various objects, the most famous of all being Orion the Hunter.
As we’ve previously mentioned, Orion is a great way to test your sky darkness. With your naked eye, you can easily spot this hourglass-shaped constellation. Known as an epic hunter in Greco-Roman, Orion and all its parts have had many names and meanings across many cultures. In Egyptian mythology, this constellation represented the god Sah. The Babylonians referred to it as The Heavenly Shepard. In most cultures, it is Orion’s Belt that has many stories: Shen in Chinese folklore, or Tayamnicankhu in Lakota storytelling. But the Maya of Mesoamerica believed that part of Orion contained The Cosmic Hearth—the fire of creation.
1,500 light years away from Earth sits the star-forming region and crown jewel of Orion—Messier 42 (M42), the Orion Nebula. Part of the “sword” of Orion, this cloud of dust and gas sits below the first star in Orion’s Belt, Alnitak, and can easily be spotted with the naked eye under moderate dark skies. You may also use binoculars or a telescope to resolve even more details, like the Trapezium: four stars in the shape of a baseball diamond. These young stars make up the core of this magnificent object.
Of course, it’s not just for looking at! M42 is easily one of the most photographed nebulae around, by astrophotographers here on the ground, large ground-based observatories, and space telescopes alike. It has long been a place of interest for the Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra X-ray Space Telescopes, with James Webb Space Telescope joining the list in February 2023. Earlier this year, NASA and the European Space Agency released a new photo of the Orion Nebula taken from JWST’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera), allowing scientists to image this early star forming region in both short and long wavelengths.
But stars aren’t the only items photographed here. In June 2023, JWST’s NIRCam and MIRI (mid-infrared instrument) imaged a developing star system with a planetary disk forming around it. That’s right—a solar system happening in real time—located within the edges of a section called the Orion Bar. Scientists have named this planet-forming disk d203-506. By capturing these objects in multiple wavelengths of light, we now have even greater insight into what other objects may be hiding within these hazy hydrogen regions of our night sky.
In addition to our Dark Sky Wheel, a fun presentation you can share with your astronomy club would be our Universe Discovery Guide: Orion Nebula, Nursery of Newborn Stars activity at https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/download-search.cfm. This will allow you to explain to audiences how infrared astronomy, like JWST, helps to reveal the secrets of nebulae. Or, you can use public projects like the NASA-funded MicroObservatory to capture M42 and other objects.
Learn more about what to spy in the winter sky with our upcoming mid-month article on the Night Sky Network pagethrough NASA’s website at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/night-sky-network/.
THE ROBOT REPORT
Cobots are primed to take over the automotive industry, says Universal Robots
By Brianna Wessling
Universal Robots A/S is one of the most successful collaborative robot developers on the planet. To date, the Odense, Denmark-based company said it has installed more than 75,000 cobots in various industries.
It has also released over 440 UR+ products, has 1,100 partners, and has more than 20 offices globally. With the release of the UR20, Universal Robots is on its fifth generation of cobots.
The global market for collaborative robots could reach $1.6 billion this year, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.12% to 2026, predicted Research and Markets. It cited the rise of smart factories and growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region.
David Capellani, a regional key account manager at Universal Robots, recently shared insights in a company webcast into how the automotive industry can use collaborative robot arms, and in particular UR cobots.
A complex industry with complex challenges
The automotive industry faces many unique challenges that make it a great fit for automation, said Universal Robots. To build a car, automakers need to work with a wide range of other industries to source each component. These include metals, plastics, rubber, electronics, textiles, and glass. This leaves the industry vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in a number of areas, said the company.
“Delays in production can cause multiple ripples throughout the industry,” Capellani said. “Think about a car as a series of components, and you’ll see a wide range of industries and applications.”
In addition, vehicles are designed for a range of applications, from trucking to agriculture, and those building them need to adjust to shifting brand, model, and volume requirements. Many suppliers are also facing a talent shortage, making it difficult to meet demand and quality requirements.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to challenges within the industry. For example, automotive manufacturers also need to take into consideration frequent changes in car models, environmental concerns, and regulatory compliance, said Capellani.
“Despite these challenges and market conditions, the automotive manufacturing industry is primed for significant and long-term growth,” he added. “And now is the time to make the necessary changes.”
What do cobots bring to the table?
Historically, the automotive industry has been the biggest buyer of robots. However, its factories mostly use industrial robots, which can lift heavy loads and move very quickly but cannot work around humans. Capellani said he believes that, despite historic trends, collaborative robots are better suited to meet the challenges the automotive manufacturing industry is facing today.
“Cobots carry out the same functions as traditional robots, but with a far greater range of benefits,” Capellani said.
For example, cobots have smaller space requirements than industrial robots. They can work freely around other people, so end users don’t need to invest in safety guarding or fencing to ensure a safe work environment for human workers.
In addition, Capellani said that automakers can deploy cobots much faster than industrial robots, in part because they don’t require much infrastructure change to be installed.
Universal Robots can deploy cobots in as little as four weeks from purchase order, according to Capellani. He said this is because its robots require less engineering, programming, training, and lead times than industrial automation.
“When you look at collaborative robots in contrast [to industrial robots], we’re talking about something that is quick to deploy,” Capellani said. “Where the standard is 110 to 230 volts. So, it’s simply take it out of the box, and plug it in. It’s flexible and versatile, so it’s easy to change over to new part variations and incorporate new processes as a smaller footprint.”
Capellini noted that while these robots can be installed in a short time and are safe enough to work around people, risk assessments should always be done before deployments.
Incremental automation for automotive manufacturers
Capellini highlighted the importance of understanding the value of incrementally automating your processes.
“In the traditional approach, projects were long, and the challenge was to automate every step in the manufacturing process,” he said. “Because the systems were closed behind safety barriers, that was the only way that investment could be justified.”
According to Capellani, with industrial robots, automating one or two steps in the processes could consume up to 50% of the project’s budget. But with cobots, automating one or two steps of the process can be a good way to quickly start generating a return on investment (ROI).
“Start with the jobs the manufacturing team really doesn’t want to do. Automate those steps,” Capellani said. “Start generating ROI and happier employees, and then move on to the next process. We’ve watched companies start with one UR cobot and continue to grow their installed based year over year, month over month.”
Universal Robots lists where to start automating
Capellani says that automotive manufacturers typically start automating with one of four applications. These include:
- Assembly applications, which can include assembly, glue and dispensing, screw driving, and welding
- Machine tending, which includes machine tools, test machines, and injection molding
- Material handling, which includes packaging, palletizing, and transferring
- Quality inspection
“So, if we’re ready to automate, where do we start?” Capellani said. “Let’s evaluate potential applications. We like to look at what we call the ‘three Ds’ — the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks.”
Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She joined WTWH Media in November 2021, and is a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. She can be reached at bw*******@wt*******.com
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty—We’re planning to claim at 62; what do we need to know?
Dear Rusty: My wife (born May 1962) and I (born April 1963) are retired and will soon be looking to start collecting our Social Security as we each hit 62. As this is new to us, I’m wondering what things we may need to be aware of or consider as we get closer to her 62nd birthday in May. Any advice or information will be appreciated! Signed: Planning Ahead
Dear Planning: If you and your wife are both retired from working and have decided to start your (reduced) Social Security as soon as you are eligible at age 62, then there is nothing you need to do in advance of applying. The Social Security (SS) retirement benefit amount for each of you will be determined by your individual lifetime earnings record and your age when you claim. If either of you will be eligible for a spousal boost from the other, that will be automatically applied when both of you are collecting.
If your wife plans to claim her Social Security as soon as she is eligible, she should apply for her benefits about three months in advance and choose the option on the application which states, “I want benefits beginning with the earliest possible month and will accept an age-related reduction.” For information, an applicant must be 62 for an entire month to get benefits, so your wife’s first month of eligibility will be June 2024. Social Security deals only in whole months and pays benefits in the month following the month earned; so if your wife’s birthday is between the 11th and 20th of the month, her first Social Security payment will be received in her bank account on the third Wednesday of July. All subsequent payments will be on that same schedule. Then, when it’s time for you to claim, you should follow the same process as your wife and, if either of you is entitled to a higher amount as a spouse, it will be automatically applied when your benefits start later.
Applying for benefits is a relatively simple process if done online at www.ssa.gov/apply. Note that to apply online your wife will need to first create her personal “my Social Security” account, which is easy to do at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. To prepare for applying later, you can also create your personal online account now (it’s required to apply online), at which you will see what your estimated benefit will be at different ages. Of course, your wife first (and later you) can also call Social Security at 1(800) 772-1213 to request an appointment to apply for SS retirement benefits in person. Applications which are not done online are usually taken over the phone vs. requiring a visit to your local Social Security office, but applying online is, by far, the most efficient method (you can link to the application process from your online account).
One important thing to be aware of: By claiming at age 62, the monthly payment for each of you will be 70% of what it would be at your full retirement age (FRA) and that is a permanent reduction. If you expect at least average longevity—about 84 for you and 87 for your wife—and if it is financially feasible, then waiting longer to claim would yield a higher monthly amount as well as the most in cumulative lifetime benefits. For those with an FRA of 67, SS retirement benefits claimed at FRA are 30% higher than at 62 and, if claimed at 70 are 75% more than at 62. And, although the decision on when to claim is always personal, a married couple should also evaluate their joint needs when deciding.
One final word of caution: although you and your wife are now retired from working, be aware that if you claim SS benefits before your FRA and return to work, Social Security has an earnings test which limits how much you can earn before some benefits are taken away. The earnings test lasts until you reach your full retirement age.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ss*******@am************.org.
Trash Talk
By The Pickup Artist
This is the December 2023 edition of Trash Talk, a column devoted to cleaning up our neighborhoods, our environment, and our outlook on life.
Adopt-a-Storm Drain
I understand not everyone can volunteer to clean up litter in their neighborhood. But you can still make a difference! Some cities offer Adopt-a-Storm Drain programs. The core functions of adopting a spot are to remove litter, weeds, and other unwanted vegetation from the storm drain. It is important to remove debris from storm drain inlets, gutters, and sidewalks, especially during winter storms, to ensure proper storm water runoff and help prevent localized flooding.
Why are clogged storm drains bad?
Clogged storm drains are a hazard to Public Health. When clogged in urban areas, storm drains can lead to contamination by storm water and flooding, especially if you live downhill! Blockages can spread waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, scabies, cholera, and worm infections. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos that can carry West Nile Virus.
You can sign up to keep your storm drain clean, which is especially important with the accumulation of leaves in autumn. Of course, you can also clean them without signing up for Adopt-a-Storm Drain.
For Alameda County:
Alameda County Public Works Administration (ACPWA) provides free, labeled trash bags to all Adopt-a-Storm Drain volunteers. Trash is placed into the bags and then volunteers call ACPWA at (510) 670-5500 to pick up the bags within 48 hours.
Contact your city’s local storm water department and ask an administrator or visit ms4.adopt-a-drain.org to bring the program to your city. Here is a list of some local city websites:
Oakland – https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/adopt-a-drain
San Leandro – https://www.sanleandro.org/813/Adopt-a-Drain
For a general overview, go to https://adopt-a-drain.org.
Why Recycle? From Keep America Beautiful (KAB.org)
Saves energy & resources
We use fewer natural resources such as trees, water and minerals, when we recycle. Plus, when we extract and process fewer raw materials, we save energy.
Reduces landfills
Recycling means less waste, which cuts down on the need for landfills and incinerators.
Reduces greenhouse gases
Extracting and processing raw materials causes greenhouse gas emissions– recycling reduces this pollution.
Sustains the environment
Recycling now helps to create a better planet for future generations.
Bonus
Recycling reduces the time and effort of volunteer Garbologists who clean up the mess!
KAB volunteers by the numbers
This year alone, over 490,000 hardworking volunteers logged more than five million volunteer hours over the course of over 40,000 events.
What did that service to our communities accomplish?
16,500,270 pounds recycling materials were collected. That’s over 8,000 tons!
87,464 acres were cleared of litter. That’s about the size of Philadelphia.
66,370 miles of streets, roads, and highways were cleaned and beautified.
7,869 miles of rivers, lakes, wetlands and shores were cleaned.
28,105 trees were planted. Trees purify our air and combat climate change? They provide housing to millions of species that protect us from disease. They also protect against floods and water pollution, as well as cooling our streets and cities.
Free Disposal Day Program
Hayward residents can take advantage of the next FREE disposal day on Saturday, December 9. For more information and to register, go to hayward-ca.gov.
Quotes for today:
“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” Frank Crane
Contact Information
You can contact me at the email address below, or scan the QR code to generate an email. Your comments and suggestions could be used in future Trash Talk columns. What’s on your mind? Send comments to Th******************@Ou*****.com.
Must-Have Gifts for Your Favorite Gardener
by Melinda Myers
Photos courtesy of Corona Tools
Every gardener, new or experienced, appreciates tools to help them better enjoy their hobby. Some may be looking for ergonomically designed tools to help them garden longer, while newbies may need some basic tools as they are getting started. A peek into their shed may help you decide which must-have tool to give them this holiday season.
Every gardener needs a bypass pruner for deadheading, trimming and pruning stems between ¼” and 1”. Bypass pruners have two sharp blades like scissors, making a clean cut that closes quickly.
Bypass loppers allow your gift recipient to cut larger diameter branches and have long handles for greater leverage and longer reach. The extra reach makes it easier to prune all parts of small trees, shrubs and rose bushes. Consider gifting one with a compound cutting action that boosts cutting power with less effort.
If your favorite gardener doesn’t have one, a weed knife also known as a Hori Hori knife will soon become a favorite tool. It is useful for cutting through sod and roots, planting small bulbs, digging weeds and more. Select one like Corona’s Hori Hori Garden Knife with a ComfortGel grip (www.coronatoolsusa.com) to help reduce muscle fatigue. The metal runs all the way through, providing added durability and leverage. Include a sheath so they can keep this universal tool handy when working in the garden.
Digging small holes for planting in containers and garden beds is a seasonal reality, and a hand trowel is the perfect tool for the job. Look for one that is sturdy and lightweight, and which has an ergonomic grip.
A long-handled pointed shovel is a versatile tool. You can plant, transplant, dig holes and more. Look for one with a foot pad to help reduce foot fatigue and shoe damage. Avid flower gardeners may prefer a short-handled spade that makes working in tight spaces easier. Perhaps your gift recipient needs both.
With an expandable leaf rake, you can adjust the width of the teeth, allowing you to reach into tight spaces or cover larger areas. An iron rake is great for moving soil, and one with a bow head makes it easier to adjust the depth.
For something different, consider an auger bit available in a variety of lengths and bit diameters. Attach this to a cordless drill and you have the perfect tool for planting bulbs and small transplants, aerating soil, and vertically mulching planting beds.
Perhaps you’re just looking for a few stocking stuffers. Safety glasses are a must but are often overlooked. Help gardeners protect their eyes from stray branches. Tinted ones will also protect eyes from UV light, providing an added layer of safety when gardening in bright sunlight.
Make it easy for gardeners to keep their tools sharp with the gift of a tool sharpener. Sharp tools make cleaner cuts and require less effort. A small sharpener with a cap allows gardeners to keep it handy in their tool caddy or scabbard. If they have easy access, they are more likely to use it to keep their tools in the best cutting order.
Drop a pair of snips in their stocking, and they are sure to thank you any time they deadhead a flower, snip off a wayward or dead stem, or harvest herbs and flowers. This is another tool gardeners appreciate duplicates of—one for the kitchen and one for the garden.
Keep them gardening longer throughout the day and for years to come. Gift a kneeling pad or knee pads that protect young and old joints alike while kneeling in the garden to plant, weed, and more.
Tools make a wonderful gift that will provide years of enjoyment and benefit. Whatever gift you select, your favorite gardener is sure to thank you each time they head to the garden.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Fremont City Council
November 14, 2023
Scheduled Items
- Code Updates – Housing Element Program Implementation – Citywide. Passed 5-0-2 (2 Absent: Cox, Shao)
Consent Calendar
- Authorize FY 2023/24 standard service agreements with motels for temporary use of hotel rooms as winter relief shelter, and Abode Services for support services; appropriate additional funding.
- Authorize a five-year license agreement, with two five-year renewal options, with Washington Township Museum of Local History, for use of Rancho Higuera Historical Park & Adobe.
- Award contract to Calstate Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,841,055 (including 10% Contingency) for the Police Department Vehicle Storage Warehouse Project.
- Amend the facilities maintenance agreement for playground maintenance and safety resurfacing with SpectraTurf, Inc.
- Approve the plans and specifications for the Central Park Pickleball Court Project; reallocate $150,000 from PWC 8501 to the project, and award a contract to Silicon Valley Paving, Inc. for the base bid amount of $378,184, plus alternate #1 – four additional pickleball courts at lower courts for $96,047; alternate #2 – install court furnishings for $54,175; and, alternate #3 – electrical conduit and pullboxes for $24,900; plus a 15% construction contingency amount of $82,995, for a total construction contract amount of $636,301.
- Award a contract to Life Scan Wellness Centers and authorize the City Manager to issue a service agreement for firefighter medical examinations in an amount not to exceed $750,000.
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Teresa Cox Absent
Raj Salwan Aye
Yang Shao Absent
Teresa Keng Aye
Jenny Kassan Aye
Desrie Campbell Aye
An interview with Fremont’s Mayor Mei
By Jack Alcorn, Government Editor
Mayor Lily Mei was sworn in December 2016 as Fremont’s first woman and minority mayor in Fremont’s 63 year history.
I had the opportunity to speak with the Mayor about Fremont and her work as head of the city. She eagerly shared her thoughts with openness and enthusiasm for her service.
The Mayor said that public safety and homelessness are the top priorities for her administration.
“Our city, much like other cities, has been impacted by some of the challenges with COVID in terms of housing and homelessness. We have been working very hard to address it, everything from our Homeless Navigation Center to creating more housing,…and I’m proud to say that in the last couple years we’ve given out over $17 million in rental assistance to keep people from becoming homeless,” said the Mayor.
Regarding the future of Fremont, one of the nation’s 100 most populous cities, Mayor Mei stated, “Building housing is great. But that doesn’t build a community. You need the other pieces, the recreation, the education and the other supportive services such as the community centers and other health facilities that are really important to make a well-rounded community where people want to live, work, play and also worship.”
The Mayor said that Fremont has great schools, transportation, and an amazing park system.
“Keeping people employed, keeping people housed and keeping people healthy is really critical,” she said.
Mayor Mei stated that Fremont’s greatest strength was its people. “We have over 105 languages and dialects being spoken and we have to bridge diversity of ethnic backgrounds and religious faiths…being able to admire and appreciate the differences as well as to support [them] in our community.”
The Mayor spoke about the flexibility of Fremont’s abundant commercial real estate, noting that it is less expensive than other parts of the Bay Area. “We’ve been blessed in the middle of the pandemic to have one of the largest UPS logistics hubs as well as Amazon.”
Mayor Mei earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Drexel University. Her professional experience includes over 20 years in management and operations.
In 2019, Mayor Mei was nominated to serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) policy committees of Transportation & Infrastructure Services. Most recently she was appointed as Co-Chair of the NLC Transportation Technology subcommittee. NLC includes more than 2,700 cities across the nation. The organization advocates for, and protects the interests of, cities, towns and villages by influencing federal policy, strengthening local leadership and driving innovative solutions.
The Mayor recently attended NLC’s Citty Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. She said, “It’s a very important opportunity to gather and coalesce some of our thoughts and also to learn about how we as an organization and as individual cities…get awareness of issues, policies, programs and funding in particular that are important for us to be able to function.”
Drones and First Responders was a work session at the Summit that the Mayor found relevant to Fremont. Drone technology is becoming an integral part of a first responder’s toolbox. Drones increase situational awareness and promote safer outcomes for residents and responders.
“We as a city are also implementing that [drones] process. So it was great to hear from service providers as well as other cities who are exploring or currently in the process of doing some of the things that we’re looking at too. I think when it comes to being able to have greater access and safety, it’s important,” said the Mayor.
“Our city right now is working on an active transportation plan, in terms of providing different ways for people to get safely around the city, and then also we’re working on a homelessness plan. They’ll be coming out in March,” shared the Mayor.
The Mayor expressed that she wants to provide more workforce housing and ensure that Fremont has a good solid education system. “My vision for Fremont is that we continue to thrive and be sustainable.”
Mayor Mei was first elected to the Fremont City Council in 2014. Her term ends December 2024 after eight years as mayor. Accomplishments from her time in office have included new parks, a new elementary school and the Downtown Event Center.
The Mayor proudly spoke about the work of Fremont’s City Council, “We have a lot that focuses on families, which is wonderful, and that’s why I think we’re one of the top places to raise a family. And we also focus a lot on seniors, which has been great.”
She also spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion. “I spoke to the kids, I was speaking about, if they played music, if they’ve been on a sports team, if they’ve been in an orchestra, it’s the ability to recognize the different strengths and skills of others and to bring out those and to recognize the uniqueness and work with one another, rather than tear us apart.”
“I feel very honored and blessed to represent the community and this will be going on my 16th year. I’m really humbled really, and thankful,” said the Mayor.
Mayor Mei lives in Fremont with her husband Peter. They have two children, Katie and Calvin.
Milpitas City Council
November 14, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Receive City Council Calendar of Meetings for November and December 2023.
- Receive the preview list of anticipated items for the next regular City Council meeting.
- Approve the 2024 City Council meeting schedule.
- Authorize and approve travel to San Francisco for Councilmember Hon Lien to attend the (1) 9th Annual CALNET Leadership Retreat on November 16 – 17, 2023, and the (2) National API Elected Officials Summit on November 18 -19, 2023, for an estimated total not-to-exceed $1,000 budgeted under the individual elected official allocation for conferences/meetings/trainings.
- Authorize a Software License and Professional Services Agreement with TriTech Software Systems, Inc. for Computerized Maintenance Management System Subscription License Fees.
- Receive report on Bids and Adopt a Resolution to Award the Construction Contract to I & A Contractor, Inc. for the Sports Center Roof Rehabilitation Project.
- Consider one fee waiver from Kiwanis Club of Milpitas Foundation and one donation request from Knights of Columbus St. John’s Council 5796.
- Authorize an extension of the Existing Sister Cities Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Dagupan, Philippines (as amended).
Mayor Carmen Montano Aye
Evelyn Chua Absent
Gary Barbadillo Absent
Hon Lien Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
Newark City Council
November 9, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Adopt an ordinance repealing and replacing Title 16 “Subdivisions” of the Newark Municipal Code.
- Reappoint William Fitts to the Planning Commission.
- Approve a Contractual Equipment and Services Agreement with RJMS Corporation dba Toyota Material Handling of Northern California for the purchase of a sub-compact sweeper.
- Accept the work with American Asphalt Repair and Resurfacing Co., Inc. for FY 2021-2022 Citywide Park Pathways Resurfacing for ADA Access.
- Approve an agreement with Applied Landscape Materials, Inc. to apply composted mulch to landscaped areas in City parks and amend the 2022-2024 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan to reappropriate the remaining $44,813 of CalRecycle Local Assistance Grant funding to Fiscal Year 2024.
- Approve a lease agreement with Viola Blythe Community Service Center of Newark, Inc.
- Amend the Contractual Services Agreement with Cal West Lighting & Signal Maintenance for additional traffic signal and street light maintenance services.
- Approve a lease agreement with Second Chance, Inc.
- Amend the Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan to consolidate the three Traffic Signal Interconnect Projects, Project 1307, 1308, and 1309 into newly identified Project 1361, and approve a Contractual Services Agreement with Iteris, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services for the Traffic Signal Interconnect Project.
- Approve a side letter with the Newark Police Management Association and approve an amendment to the salary schedule for the classification of Community Engagement Manager.
- Adopt a resolution approving a compensation plan for certain positions in the exempt service employee group to amend the Temporary Classifications Schedule of Hourly Wage Rates, and revoking the previous resolution.
- Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Contractual Services Agreement with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL), Certified Public Accountants, for professional auditing services.
- Approve a Project Specific Funding Agreement with Alameda County Transportation Commission for the design and construction phases of Central Avenue Overpass.
- Authorize a 5% increase to the solid waste collection, recycling and organics services maximum rates for Calendar Year 2024.
Mayor Michael Hannon Aye
Vice Mayor Collazo Aye
Luis Freitas Aye
Mike Bucci Aye
Matthew Jorgens Aye
Neighborhood Anger Over Proposed Recreational Marijuana Store
Submitted by WLS Communications
Following a decision earlier this year to move forward with the approval process of an additional recreational marijuana store in Union City, residents of the city’s Cherrywood neighborhood have submitted a protest petition to the council with over 2,000 signatures urging members to rescind their approval. Over the summer, the council voted to conditionally approve a third marijuana business in the east bay community of 71,000- and the first to be located in a residential neighborhood. On a 3 to 0 vote (members Wang and Singh abstaining), the council approved the proposal just days after a security guard was shot during a robbery at Union City’s Flor recreational marijuana store in Union Landing.
The move angered residents that live in the neighborhood surrounding the proposed location for Embarc Cannabis at 2621 and 2607 Decoto Road, prompting an e-mail and letter writing campaign against the store, followed by street protests and an aggressive petition campaign which netted over 2,000 signatures from area residents protesting the location. The applicant for the store is former Union City Planning Commissioner Raymond L Gonsales, Jr., a resident of the city. “Our grandkids play here and this just invites violence and trouble based on all the robberies Union City’s existing stores have faced” stated resident Mike Garcia, who lives just feet away from the proposed location. “Why anyone would think putting a business like this in a residential neighborhood near children and yards away from a senior citizen complex is a good idea just baffles me,” said Garcia, who has lived in the quiet Cherrywood neighborhood for 38 years.
On November 21, 2023 at 3 a.m., Union City Police responded to a break-in at the Lemonnade marijuana store on Union City Boulevard., and minutes later a separate group of burglars forced their way into the Flor marijuana store. Ironically, only the week before Lemonnade had installed dozens of concrete barriers in an effort to discourage cars from being driven into the front window, which had occurred multiple times in the past. In response to the council’s move, a large group of residents have regularly been showing up at council meetings voicing their displeasure, 100 street signs were posted and over 2,500 informational flyers distributed in the neighborhood which is located near James Logan High School. The Pacific Justice Institute, a non-profit law firm that has successfully advocated against the placement of marijuana dispensaries in locations in close proximity to children represents a group of concerned citizens of the City of Union City opposing the store. The council is slated to make the final decision about the fate of the store sometime in December.
San Leandro City Council
November 20, 2023
Action Items
- Appoint Evelyn Olivera to the Rent Review Board. Passed 6-0-1 (1 Absent: Bowen)
- Appoint Tom Silva to the Rent Review Board. Vote: 3-2-1-1 (2 Nay: Aguilar, Reynes; 1 Abstain: Azevedo; 1 Absent: Bowen)
- Appoint Linda Spreer to the Rent Review Board. Passed 5-1-1 (1 Abstain: Aguilar; 1 Absent: Bowen)
Consent Calendar
- Amend San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 1-2 Departments to Reflect the Current Structure of City Departments.
- Approve Position Upgrades for Two Administrative Assistant I Positions to Administrative Assistant II, Appropriations Necessary for Public Works Department, Recreation Division and Engineering & Transportation Department Reorganization, and Reallocating Stormwater and Water Pollution Control Plant Appropriations; and Amend the San Leandro City Employees’ Association Salary.
- Approve Year-End 2022-2023 One-Time Carry-Over Appropriations for General Fund and Information Technology Fund.
- Authorize a Grant of Easement to Bandwidth IG, LLC (Bandwidth) for Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Fiber Optic Cable and Conduits in Submerged San Francisco Bay Lands and Terrestrial Lands all within the Jurisdiction of San Leandro.
- Amend Non-Professional Services Agreement with Watson Consoles and Approve Increases in Cumulative Change Orders up to 37% of the Original Not to Exceed Amount for the Police Building and South Offices Modifications Project for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $119,386.
- Amend Consulting Services Agreement with BKF Engineers, Inc. for Design of the Shoreline Park Project 2020.3080 for $78,990.
- Amend Consulting Services Agreement with Griffin Structures, Inc. for Staff Augmentation: Capital Improvement Project Manager for $403,752 and extend the contract by an additional two years.
- Approve CalRecycle Grant Applications for all individual grants for which the City of San Leandro is eligible.
- Approve, accept and authorize the Hazard Mitigation Grant Plan (HMGP) Award of $142,500 and appropriate the City’s Share of $15,000 of these funds to execute the plan in Account 010-12-030-5120 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
- Accept the Annual Report of the West San Leandro Shuttle Business Improvement District (BID) for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and Impose the 2024 BID Assessment Rates Increased by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) (4.2 percent).
- Amend Non-Professional Services Agreement with Year Up, Inc. for Workforce Development Interns for a Not to Exceed Amount of $918,900.
- Adopt Three Separate Resolutions to: 1. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to an existing agreement between County of Alameda and City of San Leandro to extend the term of the agreement to June 30, 2024 and Increase Total Funding from $500,091 to $1,024,091 (increase of $524,000); accept and appropriate $1,024,091 in Alameda County Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (HHAP) Funds; and 2. Execute agreements with Building Futures; and 3. Housing Consortium of the East Bay for HHAP Funded Shelter and Winter Warming Services.
- Approve the 2024 City Council Calendar.
Mayor Juan Gonzalez Aye
Victor Aguilar Aye
Bryan Azevedo Aye
Pete Ballew Aye
Xouhoa Bowen Absent
Celina Reynes Aye
Fred Simon Aye
BART Police Log
Submitted By BART PD
Tuesday, November 21
- At 2:40 p.m. a man identified by police as Stephen Martin, 33, from Hayward was detained for fare evasion at Hayward station. He was arrested for disobeying a court order. Martin was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, November 22
- At 8:24 a.m. a man identified by police as Joe Finister, 43, a transient from San Francisco was detained for fare evasion at Bay Fair station. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphenalia and a controlled substance, and for violating the terms of probation. Finister was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, November 23
- At 11:05 a.m. a man identified by police as Lester Harris, 59, was contacted by officers at South Hayward Station. Harris was arrested and booked into Alameda County Santa Rita Jail for failure to register as a sex offender.
- At 4:57 p.m. a man identified by police as Stewart Delamonte, 29, from Oakland was contacted at San Leandro station for displaying a gun on his hip. Delamonte was taken into custody without incident and a replica firearm was retrieved. Delamonte was arrested for possession of ammunition and methamphetamine, and destroying evidence. He was transported to Santa Rita Jail where he was booked.
- At 4:03 p.m. an officer located an adult male at the Fremont station suffering from an apparent drug overdose. The officer administered one dose of NARCAN to the subject. The subject regained consciousness and was transported by medics to an area hospital for further treatment and evaluation.
Saturday, November 25
- At 6:40 p.m. a woman identified by police as Nikita Osborn, 31, from Sacramento was contacted for fare evasion at Milpitas station. Osborn was arrested for possession of burglary tools and booked into Santa Clara County Jail.
Monday, November 27
- At 11:26 a.m. a man identified by police as Robert Drake, 39, a transient from San Francisco was contacted on a train at San Leandro station. He was arrested for an active warrant. Drake did not have proof of payment and was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, November 28
- At 7:41 a.m. a man identified by police as Michael Washington, 43, from Berkeley was taken into custody in the free area of San Leandro station. Washington was booked into Alameda County Jail for disobeying a court order and for possessing an open container of alcohol on public property.
Wednesday, November 29
- At 8:29 a.m. officers at Hayward station found Jose Delgaillo, 27, from Hayward in a nearby building, due to a flag down. The officers administered two doses of Narcan. Hayward PD and Hayward Fire arrived on scene and took over the incident. Delgaillo was transported to San Leandro Medical Center for further evaluation.
- At 7:09 a.m. a woman identified by officers as Kristen Foreman, 41, from Fremont was contacted at Union City Station free area. Foreman was subsequently arrested and booked at the Santa Rita Jail for three outstanding misdemeanor warrants and for battery on public transportation. Foreman was issued a prohibition order.
CHP Log
Submitted By California Highway Patrol Hayward Area Office
Sunday, November 26
- At approximately 1:00 p.m. officers responded to a freeway shooting that occurred on eastbound Interstate 580, east of Grand Avenue in the City of San Leandro.
Officers located one victim who did not sustain any injuries. The victim vehicle was struck one time by a round as a result of this shooting. The CHP Hayward Area is investigating this incident with assistance from Golden Gate Investigative Services Unit.
Currently, a suspect and vehicle have not been identified. Any assistance from the public in gathering additional details surrounding this shooting is appreciated. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the CHP Hayward Area office at (510) 489-1500.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted By Fremont PD
Friday, November 10
- A nearby city’s police department requested assistance with a vehicle pursuit starting near southbound I-880 and Mowry Ave. The vehicle was occupied by multiple subjects who had just carjacked the vehicle at gunpoint. The vehicle continued moving recklessly at high speeds, over 120 mph, but eventually slowed and continued fleeing at a slow speed on the shoulder. The driver fled from the vehicle while it was moving, jumping over the center median and across the northbound lanes of I-880. The other subjects remained in the vehicle and were later arrested. The driver was later located by a California Highway Patrol helicopter at a school, where officers arrested him.
Saturday, November 11
- Dispatch received numerous calls regarding an explosion and several tents on fire along the railroad tracks between Warm Springs BART and Quantum Dr. Fremont Fire Department extinguished the fire. No subjects were around, and the cause of the fire was not determined.
Sunday, November 12
- Officers responded to the 43000 block of Osgood Road regarding a caller whose friend was foaming at the mouth. Officers found a subject non-responsive and administered naloxone. The subject resumed breathing, and medical personnel arrived and took the subject to a hospital. At the time of her medical emergency, the subject was with her juvenile child. Officers contacted the juvenile to evaluate their condition, then contacted Child Protective Services. This case remains under investigation.
Hayward Police Log
Submitted By HPD
Monday, November 27
- Officers responded to a domestic violence report at a residence where a man assaulted his wife and sent threatening text messages, mentioning a firearm. Although he fled before officers arrived, officers were able to contact and arrange a meeting with the man. He was then taken into custody and several guns were recovered from their residence.
Holiday shopping tips
Submitted By Fremont PD
If you’re hitting the stores this week, be careful as you shop! Always park in a well-lit area, and never leave packages or valuables in your car. Be aware of your surroundings as you walk to your car, and don’t carry too many things in your arms on your way to your vehicle.
Ordering gifts online this holiday season? Before you order all your presents, make sure you’re ready to protect them from being swiped by package thieves.
Here are a few tips to avoid mail and package theft:
- Promptly retrieve your mail. Pick up mail from your mailbox as soon as possible after delivery, especially if you are expecting to receive a check or merchandise.
- Plan to be home when your packages are scheduled to arrive, or have someone else pick them up for you.
- Request a signature delivery option if available, or request the shipment be held at the shipping facility.
- If your item was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss to the original company, shipping company, and Fremont Police Department.
For more tips on avoiding mail theft, visit fremontpolice.gov/mailtheft.
Newark Police Log
Submitted By Newark PD
Monday, November 13
- At 8:47 p.m. Officer Williams investigated a report of an auto burglary that occurred in a parking lot on Mowry Avenue. While investigating this call, officers were flagged down regarding an attempted purse snatching, by the same suspect. The case is still under investigation.
Tuesday, November 14
- At 2:54 a.m. an after-hours janitor called to report that while working at a business on Newark Boulevard, he was battered by an unsheltered community member. The unknown suspect fled the scene.
- At 10:13 a.m. Officer Slavazza located an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of 5400 Thornton Avenue. A 39-yeara-old male out of Oakland was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, November 15
- At 12:57 a.m. Officer Williams responded to a report of a suspicious person call on Olive Street and contacted a 36-year-old male. He was arrested for a warrant, issued a citation, and released on scene.
- At 1:46 p.m. Officer Quinonez investigated a robbery where shoplifters used force to flee from employees from a business in the 35000 block of Newark Boulevard.
Thursday, November 16
- At 2:31 a.m. Officer Torres contacted a 42-year-old unsheltered community member out of Newark who was on searchable probation. During the probation search, Officer Torres located drug paraphernalia and placed him under arrest. He was issued a citation and released on scene.
- At 5:32 a.m. Officer Williams investigated a report of an unknown male suspect entering a victim’s apartment through the unlocked door in the 39800 block of Cedar Boulevard. Case still under investigation.
- At 7:49 a.m. Officer Medina contacted a 21-year-old female out of Newark in the parking lot of a business on Newark Boulevard, and ultimately arrested her for an outstanding warrant. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 10:43 p.m. Officers Riddles and Kapu responded to Cedar Court for a report of a battery and arrested a 34-year-old female out of Aromas for battery, resisting arrest, and assault on peace officers. Her associate, a 29-year-old male out of Delano was also arrested for resisting arrest. Both were booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Friday, November 17
- At 8:22 a.m. Officers responded to Ohlone Campus for a report of a bomb threat via email. Dozens of Bay Area schools received the same email threat. Newark PD officers responded to assist Ohlone PD with this investigation. Students were evacuated. A search of the campus was conducted with negative results.
- At 5:56 p.m. Officer Kapu arrested a 31-year-old male out of Fremont for shoplifting from a business on Newpark Mall Road. He was issued a citation and released on scene.
Sunday, November 19
- At 12:47 a.m. Officer Riddles investigated a commercial burglary on Newark Boulevard where the unknown suspects used a vehicle to defeat a rollup door to gain entry. The suspects fled prior to police arrival and the vehicle left on scene was towed as evidence.
- At 1:49 p.m. Officer Taylor contacted a 59-year-old male out of Fremont who was slumped over his steering wheel at a gas station on Thornton Avenue. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and placed under arrest. Officer Taylor issued him a citation and he was released on scene.
San Leandro Police Log
Submitted By San Leandro PD
Wednesday, October 25
- Around 1 p.m. San Leandro police officers responded to multiple calls of shots fired at the Harrison Brothers barbershop, located at 2240 East 14th Street. Arriving officers located two victims inside the business. One victim was treated for minor injuries and released at the scene. The second victim and co-owner of the barbershop, Jonathan Clay, suffered from gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.
From video surveillance footage, it appeared two suspects entered the business and both brandished firearms to commit a robbery. The suspects pistol-whipped Clay and also forcibly removed personal belongings from him. During the robbery, Clay was able to draw a firearm and discharge it at the suspects. The suspects both fired their weapons, killing Clay, and fled the scene.
Detectives were able to quickly identify one of the suspects as 26-year-old Alexis Garcia of Oakland.
Friday, October 27
- California Highway Patrol officers arrested Alexis Garcia of Oakland on unrelated charges following a vehicle pursuit initiated in Oakland. Garcia was also arrested on charges relating to the barbershop shooting. He was subsequently charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with homicide, robbery, assault with a firearm, and weapons violations.
During the course of the investigation, detectives identified 26-year-old Guillermo Camacho of Oakland as the second suspect.
SLPD detectives and SWAT operators were able to locate Camacho driving a stolen vehicle in the city of Oakland. Camacho was taken into custody and arrested on charges stemming from the barbershop shooting as well as other charges. A loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine was located inside the stolen vehicle driven by Camacho. Camacho was charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with homicide, robbery, assault with a firearm, auto theft, and weapons violations.
While criminal charges have been filed, SLPD continues to urge anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact us via any of the following methods: Detective T. Perry at (510)577-3235, anonymous tip line at (510)577-3278, or text-to-tip at 888777 (keyword: TipSLPolice).
Mother and slain Daughter remembered at SoHay Park in Hayward
Submitted By Hayward Police Department
On November 19, 1988, nine-year-old Michaela Garecht was kidnapped from the Rainbow Market on Mission Blvd. in South Hayward. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect who was seen pulling Michaela into his car.
For over 30 years, the case went unsolved until the Hayward Police Department had a breakthrough in the case, locating fingerprints that were matched to the man who was charged in December of 2020 with the kidnapping and murder of Michaela.
While Michaela is always in our hearts, we knew there was a need to find a unique space in Hayward to honor her. With the collaborative efforts from personnel at the Hayward Area Recreation District (H.A.R.D), the City of Hayward, and Hayward Police Department, a personalized bench was created in Michaela’s memory. Also honored on the bench was Sharon Murch, Michaela’s mother, who passed away May of 2022.
On Tuesday, November 29 family and community members gathered with city officials to recognize the new memorial bench. If you can, please take some time to visit SoHay Park to see the bench and remember Michaela.
SoHay (South Hayward) Park is located on the east side of Dixon Street at Rhythm Lane, between Industrial Parkway and the South Hayward BART station.
Union City Police Log
Submitted By Union City PD
Sunday, November 26
- Officer Olson and Officer Griffin were patrolling the area of 30073 Industrial Parkway when they investigated a suspicious vehicle. Officers observed narcotics in plain view and safely took the occupant into custody. During a search, the officers recovered a loaded self-manufactured, unregistered semiautomatic pistol. The suspect was arrested and booked into jail.
Mission San Jose Warriors outlast Mount Eden Monarchs in basketball season preview
By Vidyuth Sridhar
On November 28, the Mission San Jose High School Warriors (Fremont) faced the Mount Eden High School Monarchs (Hayward) in a preseason men’s varsity basketball matchup, winning 58-49.
After hosting several months of conditioning and team practices, the Warriors looked to solidify their offensive scheme and earn a statement victory heading into the regular season. “Since it’s the preseason, it’s the best opportunity to practice plays that we will use in the game,” team captain Brandon Bao said.
The Warriors got off to a hot start, with guards Darsh Jayaram and Andrew Yao repeatedly penetrating the defense to lead 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Monarchs improved significantly in the second quarter, forcing multiple turnovers as the Warriors became increasingly desperate to score. In addition, the Monarch offense received a much-needed spark from star forward Johnson Tran, who recorded a highlight dunk, assist, and layup to cut the deficit to seven points heading into the second half.
In the third quarter, Mount Eden continued to climb back, hounding the Warriors guards with a stifling full-court press. However, the Warriors continued to add to their lead, taking advantage of the Monarchs’ lacking interior presence by continually driving to the rim. Entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors initially traded baskets with the Monarchs as the score tightened to 47-44. However, two three-pointers from Jayaram put the game out of reach, with the Warriors pulling away 58-49 in the closing minutes. Jayaram sustained and energized the Warriors’ offense throughout the match, notching a game-high 23 points and four three-pointers.
Despite the tense ending, the Warriors’ relentless effort and resilience was greatly appreciated. “I’m proud of our team’s persistence. Although we started off hot and lost our big lead toward the middle of the game, we stayed grounded and closed the game out strong,” Bao said.
The Warriors face off next against the Dublin High School Gaels (Dublin) at Mission San Jose High School on December 7 at 5 p.m. The Monarchs will compete against the Foothill High School Falcons (Pleasanton) on December 5 at Foothill High School at 7 p.m.
Pioneer Men’s Basketball Defeats CSUMB in Overtime, 82-76 for Third Straight Win
Submitted by CSUEB Athletic Communications
It took overtime, but the Cal State East Bay men’s basketball team battled for its third straight win on Saturday, defeating Cal State Monterey Bay 82-76 in CCAA action from The Kelp Bed.
Cal State East Bay started the game on a 13-5 run, capped by a Dimitrios Klonaras jumper with 14:53 left. The Pioneers expanded their lead to 19-9, on a Grady Lewis jumper with 12:47 left. But CSUMB answered with a 13-6 run, capped by a Jordan Archie three-pointer with 8:55 left in the half, trimming CSUEB’s lead to 25-22. The lead grew back to double digits, as much as 12 points in the first half. And although the Otters were within seven points late in the half, a jumper by Ramsey Huff game CSUEB a 48-39 lead at halftime.
In the second half, the Pioneers would gain their largest lead of the ballgame at 14, at 61-47, on a free throw by Daeshawn Eaton with 12:43 left. CSUMB battled back to tie the game late at 73-73. Although the Pioneers had a chance to finish regulation with a win, a missed shot led to overtime.
In overtime, the two teams played an even battle until pair of free throws by Tyree Campbell broke a 76-76 tie with 1:31 left to give the Pioneers a 78-76 lead. Cal State East Bay held the Otters scoreless down the stretch, pulling away with the final five points of overtime for an 82-76 win.
- Klonaras had 22 points to lead the Pioneers in scoring, going 10-for-19 from the floor with one basket from beyond the arc and a free throw. With his team-high 10 rebounds, he had a double-double.
- Campbell scored a season-high 21 points.
- Defensively, Klonaras had a block and four steals on Saturday.
Cal State East Bay head coach Bryan Rooney following Saturday’s win in overtime: “For the second game in a row, our guys did a tremendous job of getting off to a good start and we had some stretches of very good basketball.
“Credit to Monterey for forcing overtime. At the same time, extremely proud of our guys for getting back to being aggressive in overtime and earning a hard-fought win.”
Cal State East Bay: 5-2, 2-0 CCAA
Cal State Monterey Bay: 3-4, 1-1 CCAA
The Pioneers will travel to Southern California for the next two CCAA games. The first of next week’s pair of games is a matchup at No. 4 Cal State San Bernardino on Thursday, December 7. Tipoff from Coussoulis Arena is set for 7:30 p.m.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Parents Pave the Way: FUSD Urged to Embrace Hindi Inclusion
In the wake of recent revelations regarding the exclusion of Hindi from the Fremont Unified School District’s (FUSD) world language offerings, the Indian American community is not only demanding answers but also actively working to address the issue. Parents within the community have gone above and beyond, pooling their resources to support the inclusion of Hindi in FUSD’s curriculum.
The concerted efforts of these parents reflect a deep commitment to their children’s education, with many dedicating considerable time and energy to gather the necessary resources to advocate for Hindi’s inclusion. They have been actively involved in presenting a compelling case to the FUSD board.
Teenagers within the community have been vocal in expressing the negative impact of not being able to learn their language at school.
Siya Singh, a 10th grader at Irvington High School, stated, “With Indian Americans students comprising 70% of Irvington and Horner’s population, their needs are not just preferences but urgent demands. Yet, these calls seem to be met with blatant disregard. This is not equity. This is not fairness. FUSD, it’s time to awake and genuinely embody the principles you advocate for. Enough with empty promises; it’s time for real action.”
Their testimonials have highlighted the emotional and educational void created by the absence of Hindi from the curriculum. These students stress the importance of cultural and linguistic identity in their overall wellbeing.
It is noteworthy that FUSD has already recognized an accredited curriculum for Hindi. Parents have taken a proactive approach by submitting a comprehensive binder containing curriculum outlines for Hindi Levels 1 to 4. This detailed proposal can be seamlessly integrated into the existing academic framework. Furthermore, parents have identified and submitted a list of qualified teachers with the appropriate credentials who are willing to contribute to the Hindi curriculum. This initiative showcases the community’s dedication to ensuring the program’s success.
Expressing a willingness to collaborate, parents have communicated their openness to working with the FUSD board and school principals to make Hindi inclusion a reality. The Indian American community is urging the board to recognize the substantial groundwork done on their behalf.
The ball is now squarely in the court of the FUSD board. Parents have taken 10 steps forward, demonstrating a commitment to the educational wellbeing of their children. They are urging the board to take just one step in their direction, to listen, and to understand the wellness needs of the over 60% of FUSD students represented by the Indian American community.
In essence, the Indian American community is extending an olive branch, calling for collaboration and understanding, with the goal of implementing the Hindi program in the 2024-2025 school year. The time for action is now, and the FUSD board is called upon to embrace this opportunity for cultural enrichment and educational inclusivity.
Submitted by a Concerned Parent of FUSD Students
Welcome CHP Grads
Submitted By California Highway Patrol Hayward Area Office
Congratulations to our nine new Officers from CTC lll-23! Our new officers reported on November 13th and began their orientation at our office. Tomorrow starts their four phases of field training which lasts for approximately three months. Once the new officers complete their field training, they will be patrolling on their own. We are excited to have more staff to serve our community.
If you are interested in joining the CHP, visit www.jointhechp1000.com
Hayward Community Academy 2023 Graduates
Submitted By Hayward PD
Join us in congratulating the 2023 graduates of the Hayward Police Departments Community Academy!
The community academy is designed to foster community involvement, understanding of public safety operations, create partnerships in addressing local issues, and strengthening the relationship between the community and police.
Throughout the 8-week academy, graduates learned about several topics including:
- Patrol Procedures
- Alcohol/Drug Abuse/Tabacco Use
- Community Policing
- Gangs
- Forensics/Crime Scene Investigations
- Homicide Investigations
- Robbery Investigations
- Domestic Violence
- Sex Crimes
- Traffic Enforcement, and much more.
We look forward to hosting the next group of community academy participants next year.
Court document claims Meta knowingly designed its platforms to hook kids
Associated Press
Facebook parent Meta Platforms deliberately engineered its social platforms to hook kids and knew – but never disclosed – it had received millions of complaints about underage users on Instagram but only disabled a fraction of those accounts, according to a newly unsealed legal complaint described in reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
The complaint, originally made public in redacted form, was the opening salvo in a lawsuit filed in late October by the attorneys general of 33 states.
Company documents cited in the complaint described several Meta officials acknowledging the company designed its products to exploit shortcomings in youthful psychology such as impulsive behavior, susceptibility to peer pressure and the underestimation of risks, according to the reports.
Others acknowledged Facebook and Instagram also were popular with children under age 13 who, per company policy, were not allowed to use the service.
Meta said in a statement to The Associated Press that the complaint misrepresents its work over the past decade to make the online experience safe for teens, noting it has “over 30 tools to support them and their parents.”
With respect to barring younger users from the service, Meta argued age verification is a “complex industry challenge.”
Instead, Meta said it favors shifting the burden of policing underage usage to app stores and parents, specifically by supporting federal legislation that would require app stores to obtain parental approval whenever youths under 16 download apps.
One Facebook safety executive alluded to the possibility that cracking down on younger users might hurt the company`s business in a 2019 email, according to the Journal report.
But a year later, the same executive expressed frustration that while Facebook readily studied the usage of underage users for business reasons, it didn`t show the same enthusiasm for ways to identify younger kids and remove them from its platforms, the Journal reported.
The complaint noted that at times Meta has a backlog of up to 2.5 million accounts of younger children awaiting action, according to the newspaper reports.
Boutique Calendar
Sun Gallery Holiday Boutique
Friday – Sunday, Dec 1 – Dec 9
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Winter Art Show & Sale
Thursday, Dec 7
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Art show and sale by Mt. Eden students
Mt. Eden High School, Room L4
2300 Panama St., Hayward
Continuing Events:
First and Third Tuesdays
Mobile Food Distribution with Tri-City Volunteers
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Bring your own bag.
Fremont Adult and Continuing Education
4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont
(510) 793-6465
tri-cityvolunteers.org/food
Tuesdays
A Matter of Balance R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels of older adults.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
Tuesdays
East Bay Games Meet
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
German/Euro style board games and card games.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 936-2523
sf*********@ya***.com
meetup.com/east-bay-games
Tuesdays, September 19 – May 28
It’s Storytime
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Stories, finger plays, nursery rhymes, songs, and musical instruments for kids ages 18 month – 6 yrs.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
fr**************@ac*******.org
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Tuesdays, October 3 – December 5
Tuesday Chat
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Improve your English by talking with native speakers about everyday topics. Excluding 3rd Tuesdays.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
fr*****@ac*******.org
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Tuesdays, November 7 – December 26
Lego Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs. Supervision required for kids 7 and under.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
aclibrary.org/locations/CTV/
Tuesdays, March 21 – December 19
Chess Mix
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Drop in for some casual chess games.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ
Tuesdays, November 7 – December 19
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Join for stories, music, and movement.
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
aclibrary.org/locations/CHY/
Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 9 – May 23
Literacy Enrichment Program R
4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Supporting struggling readers through personalized lesson plans and dedicated one-on-one tutoring from volunteers
(510) 745-1421
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
fr**************@ac*******.org
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Email to register.
First Tuesdays, April 4 – December 5
BACH- Healthcare & Enrollment
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Learn about the services & programs available at Bay Area Community Health.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
First Tuesdays
Open Mic on the Labyrinth
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Share your music, poetry, comedy, and spoken words in one of Fremont’s most beautiful settings!
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
2791 Driscoll Rd., Fremont
(510) 490-0553
Wednesdays
Zumba Gold $
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Workout While Dancing
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
Wednesdays
Ping Pong
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Activities For people With Parkinson
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
issuu.com/hsdept
mt*****@fr*****.gov
Wednesdays, October 11 – December 27
Manitas en Acción
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Combination of reading books out loud, hands-on crafts and learning about culture in Spanish.
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/
Wednesdays, November 1 – December 6
Digital Literacy for Adults
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to use a computer and mouse typing where to find help making a resume and more.
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/
Wednesdays
Tropics Bingo
7:00 pm
Flash games
Tropics Mobile Home Park
33000 Almaden Blvd., Union City
(510) 471-8550
the-tropics.net/activites
First Wednesdays
Talkin’ Dirt R
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online gathering of gardeners.
Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF) Center
36501 Niles Blvd., Fremont
bit.ly/3UPp51i
First and Third Wednesdays, October 4 – December 20
Castro Valley Library Genealogy Study Group R
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Want to research your family history or be companion to others on their search.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
t.ly/rLARe
First and Third Wednesdays, August 2 – December 20
Golden Gatherings
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Gathering of the elders in golden years for casual conversations and calm, self-guided activities.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
sa********@ac*******.org
aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ/
First Thursday, September 7 – December 7
Connections Through Music (Special Needs Friendly) R
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Inclusive musical experience to children of all abilities!
Session 1: 4:15 pm – 4:45 pm for Ages 1-5.
Session 2: 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm for Ages 5-14.
Ticket will be handed 15 min prior the event.
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Thursdays – Sundays, November 9 – December 16
Ingrid Wells Emotional Support Paintings
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Virtual and in person Exhibit
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
olivehydeartguild.org
Fridays – Sundays, December 1 – December 17
Play “The Man Who Saved Christmas” R$
Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm.
Sundays @ 2:00 pm.
Chanticleers Theatre
3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 733-5483
chanticleers.org
Fridays and Saturdays
Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Experience the awe and wonder of the universe
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/events
Fridays – Sundays, December 1 – December 17
Christmas Splendor at the Patterson House R$
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Celebrate a turn of the 20th century holiday at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion.
Special Group Tours (Seniors and Students) can be scheduled for Dec 7 and 14.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757, (510) 791-4196
Reservation email: pa************@fr*****.gov.
Admission fee applies.
Fridays, October 13 – December 15
Mat and Chair Yoga R
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Learn to relax your body and do breathing and stretching techniques using pranayama.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
anc.apm.activecommunities.com/fremont
Fridays, January 20 – January 5
Knit & Crochet Circle
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Learn knitting and crocheting.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org/locations/milpitas
Second Saturdays, December 9 – May 11
Music Hour at the Library
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Join us every 2nd Saturday afternoon for one hour of music performed by local musicians. Suitable for everyone, kids.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
fr**************@ac*******.org
aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/
Saturdays – Sundays
Recreational Swim $
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Attractions may vary.
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 578-4620
bit.ly/3nxo0is
Second Saturdays, November 11 – May 11
Music Hour at the Library
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Relax and enjoy the music while reading your favorite book.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM/
Second Saturdays, April 8 – December 9
The Ohlone College Flea Market
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6285
fl********@oh****.edu
bit.ly/3lSRWFg
Second Saturdays
Alviso Adobe Tours $
1:00 pm
Docent-led tours and video presentation
Alviso Adobe Park
2087 Alviso Adobe Ct., Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
bit.ly/3Wcmgau
Second Saturdays
Lend a Hand. Help a Community. R
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join in volunteering and tackle the projects that benefit from group effort.
Volunteer agreement need to be completed
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
vo*******@fr*********.org
bit.ly/3LDQa3H, bit.ly/42sbWy7
Second Saturdays
Open Garden Days
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Displays include taxidermy of native birds and mammals, native plant and pollinator garden, and access to an educator and or ranger.
Central Park Nature Learning Center
40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
cutt.ly/xwdxx9G8
Saturdays, September 9 – December 30
Computer Crew: Teen Tech Help
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
One-on-one tutor on basic tech issues.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org/locations/csv/
Saturdays, December 2 – December 9
Neat Stuff with a Naturalist
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Explore the park with a Naturalist! Hands-on activities, tours, or crafts. Age 5+, and parent participation is required.
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
Parking fee applies.
Saturdays
Laugh Track City R$
8:00 pm
Series of improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Saturdays, May 27 – December 30
Divine Satsang Sabha
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Know techniques of living a virtuous, harmonious, & meaningful life
SMVS (Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)
36665 Cedar Blvd, Newark
(650) 585-5325
smvs.org/centers/centerdetail/106
Second & Fourth Sundays
Larry “O” Teen Workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Used bikes, bike parts sale and bike repair.
Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
33623 Mission Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5487
Instagram @ibikeunioncity
Mondays & Thursdays
Fruit Tree Gleaning
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Donate fresh fruits from your garden.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
fremontleaf.org/glean
Mondays – Thursdays, December 5 – January 24
Homework Help Center
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Offer primary and secondary students the opportunity to receive FREE homework assistance in math, reading and more. Suitable for: kids, teens.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
ns****@ac*******.org
aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/
Mondays – Thursdays, December 5 – January 24
Homework Help Center
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Get your homework questions answered for grades K-8 every Monday through Thursday. Drop-in. Suitable for: kids, teens.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/
Mondays
Advanced Math + Science Tutoring
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Free high school and college-level tutoring
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org/locations/csv/
Second Mondays, June 12 – December 11
Tenants’ Rights Workshop With Centro Legal Services
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
For Hayward tenants with legal issues or questions about their housing.
Hayward Public Library (Downtown)
888 C St., Hayward
(510) 293-8685, (510) 437-1554
te***********@ce*********.org
rb.gy/n7k2o
Second Mondays
Law Librarian Office Hours
1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Get help locating legal forms, answers to your legal reference questions, and get referral services. Book a 15-minute appointment by calling on the day of the event.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
rb.gy/tdw4x
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, December 5
Let’s Art!
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
With acrylic paints, stencils, and masking shapes
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
aclibrary.org/locations/NWK/
Tuesday, December 5
H.A.R.D. Holiday Lights
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
A free, festive event as we illuminate the historical mansion, usher in the season with exciting activities.
Mt. Eden Park
2451 W. Tennyson Road, Hayward
(510) 881-6700
Wednesday, December 6
Bart – “Safe & Clean Plan” Listening Tour
7:15 am – 8:15 am
Give feedback to Bart general manager and chief of police as part of Bart’s “Safe & Clean” listing tour. To see other stops on the tour, visits: www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20231106
Fremont Bart Station
2000 Bart Way, Fremont
(510) 464-6000
Wednesday, December 6
H.A.R.D. Holiday Lights
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
A free, festive event as we illuminate the Historical Mansion, usher in the season with exciting activities, stroll through the enchanting mansion, and savor some delicious hot chocolate.
McConaghy House
18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
(510) 581-0223
Thursday, December 7
STEM Career Fair $R
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Invites you to the job fair to meet many businesses and organizations from across the Bay Area.
Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology
39399 Cherry St., Newark
career-fair rr**@oh****.edu
Parking cost: $4
Thursday, December 7
Mobile Office Hours for Senator Aisha Wahab
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Consumer complaints, DMV/auto insurance problems, unemployment insurance questions
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
Thursday, December 7
Connections Through Music (Special Needs Friendly)
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Join us for an inclusive musical experience designed for children with special needs.
Session 1: 4:15 pm – 4:45 pm for Ages 1-5.
Session 2: 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm for Ages 5-14.
A caregiver must be present with every child at this in-person program.
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Thursday, December 7
H.A.R.D. Holiday Lights
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
A free, festive event as we illuminate the Historical Mansion, usher in the season with exciting activities, stroll through the enchanting mansion, and savor some delicious hot chocolate.
Meek Estate Park
240 Hampton Rd, Hayward
(510) 881-6700
Thursday, December 7
“Show Me the Funny” – Stand-Up Comedy Competition $R
8:00 pm
Comic finalists will compete in the ultimate round for a $500 cash prize.
JP’s Family Restaurant
3600 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
Friday – Sunday, December 8 – December 10
Holiday Concert $
Enjoy sacred and secular holiday music.
Friday @ 8:00 pm. Sunday @ 2:00 pm
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
22311 N 3rd St., Hayward
(510) 881-6700
douglasmorrisson.thundertix.com
Saturday, December 9 – Sunday, December 31
Crippsmas Place Holiday Lights 2023
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
A cheerful neighborhood where decorations with over 70 houses on 6 streets – on Nicolet Ct., Cripps Pl., Asquith Pl., and Nicolet Ave. The lights will be lit in the evenings.
Wellington Place
Nicolet Avenue and Four Cul-De-Sacs, Fremont
https://www.crippsmasplace.org/
Saturday, December 9
Pop-Up with Local Jewelry Artist Cori Crooks
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cori Crooks is a seeker and teller, and she artfully documenting her unique take on life through a variety of media including jewelry, music, and more.
Books on B
1014 B street., Hayward
(510) 538-3943
www.booksonb.com/event/
Saturday, December 9
Cook for a Cause! $R
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
For grades 1 to 12, to join in for an exciting culinary event. Win exciting cash prizes for your school and local children’s charities.
SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre
585 Mowry Ave., Fremont
(510) 648-2937
www.eventbrite.com/e/cooking-for-a-cause-tickets-760738057007?aff=oddtdtcreator
Register before December 7.
Saturday – Sunday, December 9 – December 10
Nutcracker Ballet $R
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Choreographed, staged, and performed by Yoko’s Dance & Performing Arts Academy with Fremont opera orchestra.
December 9 @ 2 pm & 7:00 pm.
December 10 @ 2 pm.
Smith Center at Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
Saturday, December 9
In Full Swing: Winter Concert
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Enjoy live, big-band music at the library!
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Saturday, December 9
Laugh Track City – Improv Comedy Show $R
8:00 pm
Join us for live unscripted comedy shows inspired by YOUR suggestions.
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com/
Saturday, December 9
Ojos De Dios
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
See how we make yarn from our sheep’s wool and craft your own colorful ornament to hang for the holidays.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757
Admission fee applies.
Saturday, December 9
Light Up the Holidays!
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Special holiday cookies for children and tasty treats for everyone!
Artist Walk Apartments
3888 Artist Walk Common, Fremont
(877) 619-5266
Attendance is free.
Saturday, December 9
Disposal Day for Hayward Residents R
This program is open to residents of the incorporated area of the City of Hayward only, proof of residency is required, and preregistration is required.
Hayward Transfer Station
3455 Enterprise Ave., Hayward
(510) 606-1548
To register: (510) 881-7745 or di***********@ha********.gov.
Saturday – Sunday, December 9 – December 10
Silent Film Shows at The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum $R
3:00 pm
December 9: LA BOHEME @ 7:30 pm.
December 10: Babes in Toyland, Laurel & Hardy @ 3:00 pm.
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 494-1411
nilesfilmmuseum.org/?tv=6176182645293056
Saturday, December 9
Home For The Holidays: Pet Adoption & Phone with Santa “Claws”
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
FREE adoptions to qualified homes.
Hayward Animal Shelter
16 Barnes Ct., Hayward
(510) 293-7200
Saturday, December 9
Bate, Bate Chocolate
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
At the wood-burning stove to prepare champurrado, an ancient corn and chocolate drink
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757
Admission fee applies
Saturday, December 9
Tour Of Niles Memorial Veterans Hall
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Special tour arranged by Washington township historical society.
Veterans Memorial Hall
37154 2nd St., Fremont
(510) 790-2853
museumoflocalhistory.org/
Saturday and Sunday, December 9 – December 10
Wreath Making at the Barn $R
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Make a “living wreath” to welcome visitors to your home this winter season. All supplies will be provided. For age 7+yrs, adult participation required.
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3245
Parking fee applies
Sunday, December 10
Holiday Concert with Jen n Friends FireBird Band
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Come decked out in your favorite holiday wear and enjoy a free holiday concert with Jen n Friends Firebird Band.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Sunday, December 10
Holiday Open House – Fremont Art Association
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Start your holiday shopping with unique handmade pieces for sale at the gallery.
37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 792-0905
s_******@co*****.net
Sunday, December 10
Grand Menorah Lighting
4:30 pm
Live menorah graffiti artist. Music by DJ Gatsby. Menorah competition. Craft corner, face painting, hot soup, hot drinks and snacks.
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
(510) 742-7510
Sunday, December 10
Santa Lucia Celebration
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us at our country kitchen for traditional Swedish baked goods and candlelit festivities.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(888) 327-2757, (510) 544-2797
Admission fee applies
Monday, December 11
Outdoor Discoveries! HIBERNATION
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Explore the world around you and get a lesson with a Naturalist followed by a craft or activity.
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3245
Parking fee applies.
Tuesday, December 12
Holiday Train of Lights $R
4:30 pm
Join the Holiday fun aboard the magical Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights! Santa Claus will be aboard for pictures.
Niles Canyon Railway Museum
37029 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(925) 862-9063
bayphil.org
Cost: $45.00
Tree Lighting Calendar
Washington Hospital Holiday Tree Lighting
Wednesday, Dec 6
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Photos with Santa
Featuring the “Signing Santa”, carolers, treats, crafts, & more
Washington West Anderson Auditorium
2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont
www. whhs.com/upcomingevents
