1st private space crew paying $55M each to fly to station
By Marcia Dunn
AP Aerospace Writer
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP), Jan 26 – The first private space station crew was introduced Tuesday: Three men who are each paying $55 million to fly on a SpaceX rocket.
They'll be led by a former NASA astronaut now working for Axiom Space, the Houston company that arranged the trip for next January.
“This is the first private flight to the International Space Station. It's never been done before,“ said Axiom's chief executive and president Mike Suffredini, a former space station program manager for NASA.
While mission commander Michael Lopez-Alegria is well known in space circles, “the other three guys are just people who want to be able to go to space, and we're providing that opportunity,“ Suffredini told The Associated Press.
The first crew will spend eight days at the space station and will take one or two days to get there aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule following liftoff from Cape Canaveral.
Russia has been in the off-the-planet tourism business for years, selling rides to the International Space Station since 2001. Other space companies like Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin plan to take paying customers on up-and-down flights lasting just minutes. These trips – much more affordable with seats going for hundreds of thousands versus millions – could kick off this year.
Axiom's first customers include Larry Connor, a real estate and tech entrepreneur from Dayton, Ohio, Canadian financier Mark Pathy and Israeli businessman Eytan Stibbe, a close friend of Israel's first astronaut Ilan Ramon, who was killed in the space shuttle Columbia accident in 2003.
“These guys are all very involved and doing it for the betterment of their communities and countries, and so we couldn't be happier with this makeup of the first crew because of their drive and their interest,“ Suffredini said.
Each of these first paying customers intends to perform science research in orbit, he said, along with educational outreach.
Lopez-Alegria, a former space station resident and spacewalking leader, called the group a “collection of pioneers.“
Tom Cruise was mentioned last year as a potential crew member; NASA top officials confirmed he was interested in filming a movie at the space station. There was no word Tuesday on whether Cruise will catch the next Axiom flight. Suffredini declined to comment.
Each of the private astronauts had to pass medical tests and will get 15 weeks of training, according to Suffredini. The 70-year-old Connor will become the second-oldest person to fly in space, after John Glenn's shuttle flight in 1998 at age 77. He'll also serve under Lopez-Alegria as the capsule pilot.
Axiom plans about two private missions a year to the space station. It also is working to launch its own live-in compartments to the station beginning in 2024. This section would be detached from the station once it's retired by NASA and the international partners and become its own private outpost.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Alameda County Fire Department Log
Submitted by ACFD
Thursday, January 28
• Evening shift firefighters responded to a residential structure fire on Lamson Road in Castro Valley and quickly knocked it down. The fire started in a bedroom and extended into the attic. There were no injuries, but six people were displaced and received support from the Red Cross.
San Leandro appoints acting police chief
Submitted by Paul Sanftner
Captain Luis Torres, a 22-year veteran with the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) has been tapped to serve as the Acting Police Chief, effective March 26. Torres was selected by Interim City Manager Fran Robustelli following the retirement announcement of current Police Chief Jeff Tudor, who has served SLPD for the past 31 years.
After joining SLPD in 1998, Torres worked a variety of assignments including patrol, crime scene technician, school resource officer, sexual assault and juvenile crime, backgrounds investigator, personnel and training. In the rank of captain, Torres served as the commander overseeing the K-9 Program, Hostage Negotiations Team, Honor Guard, Professional Standards & Training and Patrol Division.
“Captain Torres’ two decades of community-building and law enforcement experience in our city were key factors in my choice to appoint him to this acting position,” said Robustelli. “Captain Torres’ vision for the department is inspiring. He is fully aware that the police department must grow and adapt to the current societal environment by continuing to build community trust, work with scarce resources, and implement new approaches to complex situations.”
In response to his appointment, Torres added, “I am excited and honored for the opportunity to continue moving this department forward — one where we focus on community-based and data driven policing best practices. I look forward to working with the women and men of the San Leandro Police Department in the ongoing work of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. I am also actively listening. It is my mission to ensure that our personnel from every corner of the agency serve those who live, work, and visit San Leandro with dignity, respect, and integrity.”
Torres received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He has also received leadership training from the POST Supervisory Leadership Institute, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and the California Police Chief’s Executive Leadership Institute from the Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University.
City officials said the process for determining the permanent Police Chief is now underway and that Torres’ service in this acting assignment is expected to continue until the next chief is selected.
California may prioritize age above all for COVID-19 vaccine
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jan 24 – Advocates for farmworkers, teachers, grocery store clerks and other essential workers are worried they will have to wait until this summer to be vaccinated against the coronavirus as California considers giving priority to older residents.
State officials said the move makes sense given older people have a much higher rate of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. But with California struggling to get and give the vaccine, it could take until June to vaccinate all Californians 65 and older, the Sacramento Bee reported Sunday.
That could mean teachers and school workers will probably not be vaccinated until this summer, said Debra Schade, a school board member at the Solana Beach School District in San Diego County and a director at the California School Boards Association.
“It will be a heavy lifting to get those districts open … without risk mitigation that the vaccine would provide,“ she said.
Some local governments have already started vaccinating essential workers and Fresno County said it will begin offering vaccines on Monday to about 3,000 farmworkers. But Noe Paramo, an advocate at the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, said without clear guidance from the state to prioritize vaccinating farmworkers, counties could decide to leave them to fall by the wayside.
Three-quarters of those who died from COVID-19 in California were 65 or older, according to data recently presented to a state vaccine advisory committee.
By vaccinating older adults first, the state could push down the number of those hospitalized, which could benefit the community as a whole, California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Tomas J. Aragon said at the meeting.
The rates of new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations are dropping across California, but health officials warn those trends are tempered by very high death rates.
The state reported 429 deaths on Sunday, two days after reaching a one-day record of 764, according to the Department of Public Health. California's death toll since the start of the pandemic rose to 36,790, while total cases reached over 3.1 million.
Meanwhile, the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 was 17,810 statewide, a drop of 17% in two weeks.
The positivity rate for people being tested has dropped by 10% statewide in the last week, which means fewer people will end up in hospitals.
Apple urges security upgrade to iPhones, iPads
AP Wire Service
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP), Jan 27 – Apple is urging iPhone and iPad users to update their devices to fix security flaws that might have been “actively exploited“ by hackers.
Apple made the software upgrades available Tuesday, adding a rare note suggesting it was a serious threat.
The company credited anonymous researchers for pointing out the vulnerability but provided little details about the nature of the threat.
The company said one of the vulnerabilities affects the “kernel,“ the nerve center of Apple's operating system, iOS. Two others affect WebKit, the web browser engine used by Safari and other apps.
The upgrade is for several generations of devices, starting with the iPhone 6.
BART to add denser air filters
Submitted by BART Communications
After a successful pilot, BART will install denser filters throughout its fleet of train cars, part of a multilayered plan for stepped-up system safety as the pandemic plays out.
Air filtration has an important role in preventing transmission of the coronavirus, along with vigilant mask-wearing. Filters on BART are in the heating and air conditioning unit underneath each train car. They are rated by their ability to block different-sized particles, a rating known as their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) on a scale from 1 to 20.
The old MERV-8 filters could trap particles between 3 and 10 microns in size; the new MERV-14’s can capture much smaller particles between .3 and 1 microns. BART engineers sent the pilot filters out for pressure-drop testing to measure their effectiveness.
“We've completed the evaluation and gotten the numbers back,” said Ben Holland, manager, Vehicle System Engineering. The pilot took about six months for the testing to occur after a train car had gone through its full preventative maintenance cycle of real-world operations. “We feel really confident about moving forward with the MERV-14s. We’ve set up stock numbers for them to be implemented fleet-wide.”
The MERV-14 filters are being incorporated into inventory and purchasing systems. They will be installed on every car as it goes into the shop for its scheduled preventive maintenance. “As each car comes in, they’ll pull out the MERV-8s and put in MERV-14s,” he said.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Friday, January 22
• At 11:34 a.m. a man identified by police as Sebastian Garcia, 26, of San Francisco was arrested at the Castro Valley station on suspicion of domestic battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment and vandalism. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, January 24
• At 5:01 p.m. a man identified by police as Dontae Hayes, 27, of Hayward was arrested at the Hayward station on two warrants issued in Alameda County for failure to appear, and burglary with a $50,000 bail. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• Monday, January 25
At 7:25 p.m. a man identified by police as Marco Senegal, 32, of Oakland was arrested at the San Leandro station on three outside agency warrants and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, January 28
• At 7:30 p.m. a woman identified by police as Renney Paris, 32, of Oakland was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on three outstanding warrants totaling $45,000 issued by the El Cerrito Police Department. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Friday, January 29
• At 3:13 p.m. Alex Woods of Hayward was arrested at the Bay Fair station for resisting an executive officer and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• At 10:49 p.m. Sidney Jenkins of Sacramento was arrested at the Hayward station for aiding or supervising prostitution. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Accessible box art
By Stephanie Gertsch
Photos courtesy of Birva Nayak
“Like sky, art has no limits,” says artist Birva Nayak. Her recent work for City of Fremont has shown how art can truly be without barriers – a traffic control box created to be enjoyed by sighted and blind alike in honor of California School for the Blind. On the corner of Walnut Avenue and Gallaudet Drive, the box incorporates raised edges, bright colors and braille words in a cheery design of birds and flowers.
Growing up in India, with an artistically inclined father and grandmother, Nayak was drawn to art since childhood – although not always at the most appropriate times. In school, she says, “I remember I had been in trouble many times for doodling in the textbook.” The teacher was not a fan of her work. Nayak recalls, “He showed my textbook in the whole class. ‘You see everyone that there is a drawing on each page. Is it an art class? No!’” Many times, her teacher would kick her out of class for her doodling. “I took it as a positive because it kept me close to nature. I could observe outside.”
When Nayak was growing up in India, STEM fields were pushed – parents wanted their kids to be doctors or engineers (not so different from the Bay Area). But Nayak struggled with math, and her parents came to support her in pursuing her strengths. She began taking art exams in 11th grade and went on to complete a Diploma of Fine Arts in India.
Some of Nayak’s artistic inspirations are American abstract artist Mark Rothko, who works with thin layers of color, and Sabyasachi Mukharjee, an Indian jewelry and textile designer who uses gold embroidery in a unique color palette. But of course, nature is also a favorite theme, especially since moving to the Bay Area. She says, “In India of course we have flowers and birds, but the colors that I have seen here, oh my god they’re unique.”
With delays and Covid shutdowns, Nayak wasn’t sure when she might be able to complete her most recent two boxes for the city – one for the Blind School and one near Walmart on Osgood Road. An email in May from boxART! program manager Susan Longini came as a blessing, as Nayak had lost her job teaching afterschool art classes. However, she wasn’t able to start painting until after the August fires. Nayak remembers, “When I started the box at Osgood, I had to clean it because it was all ashes on the box.”
In particular, the Blind School box presented a challenge Nayak was eager to take on. She brainstormed how to make public art that could be enjoyed without sight. In addition to painting, Nayak loves to work with texture in 3D art, especially hand-worked media like paper mache, which gives a “nice, rough texture” different from smooth pottery made with a wheel.
Nayak decided on a simple design with raised edges that could be felt, and began to experiment with ingredients. “The first time when I tried it was on a dry wall at home. The paint that I used was sticking on it, so I thought, ‘Ok this is going to work.’ But when I did it on the box. Maybe because it was outside or because it was a metal surface, it didn’t stay.” The outline actually came off when pulled! “That scared me a lot,” Nayak remembers.
In search of solutions, Nayak made a trip to University Art in Redwood City. Anything the staff suggested, she took on the chance it could work. Eventually she came up with a durable paste that stayed on the box. She was elated: “So I made paint and it actually worked! And I’m so happy that after trying so many things, something worked out. It is an achievement!”
Nayak began laying the paste on a light blue background – which confused some onlookers. “I remember when I was doing that white paste, people were so confused! Like, ‘What is she… this dull blue color, and there is this design with white on it? What is she doing?’” Then she added in colorful birds, dahlia and lotus flowers, and an additional accessible design element – large Braille dots.
Working with Elizabeth Hart, librarian for the California School for the blind, Nayak included uncontracted Braille for words like “birds” “flowers” and “creativity.” Most Braille texts include some contractions (for example common words are shortened to a single letter), but using a one-to-one translation on the box helps people who aren’t as familiar with Braille.
As someone who works with the blind, Hart pointed out several features that help make the box accessible. Simple outlines are easier to interpret than complex textures. A plaque with a guide to the words further helps people identify the designs. Finally, many who meet the definition of legally blind can still distinguish bright colors like the ones Nayak used.
In 2021, Nayak is still looking for work and keeping busy in the meantime. “Right now, I’m trying to learn to become a better teacher. So, I’m taking some classes. [As for] work, I keep checking my emails, so if I get some email from Susan saying ‘We have some more projects for you’… At home I keep creating. I also make jewelry out of clay, and I make pottery, and I paint.”
Learn more about Birva Nayak’s work on her website: birvanayak.com.
Habitual Burglary Suspect Arrested
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
On 11/30/2020, a victim reported that his vehicle was burglarized in a parking lot in the 3900 block of Washington Blvd. The victim was able to locate nearby surveillance video of the suspect vehicle which was found to be a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. Detectives reviewed Community Camera footage and identified the suspect vehicle’s license plate. On 12/8/20, detectives conducted a probation search of the suspect’s residence and recovered all of the stolen property from the 11/30/20 auto burglary. 39-year-old Jeremy Neist of Fremont was arrested for burglary, possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked at the Fremont City Jail but released on a citation due to “zero bail.”
On 01/06/2020, a victim reported that his vehicle was burglarized in the parking lot of Dale Hardware. Video surveillance was recovered and detectives were able to identity Neist as the suspect. At the time, Neist was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche.
On 01/21/2020, undercover detectives from the Special Operations Division were conducting surveillance for Neist when they observed him arrive at Dale Hardware. Neist committed an auto burglary in the parking lot before detectives had an opportunity to contact him. Detectives followed Neist until additional personnel and patrol units were able to catch up. Neist pulled into the Walmart parking lot off Albrae St. where he appeared to be casing for another auto burglary. Detectives and patrol officers conducted an enforcement stop on Neist before he was able to commit another auto burglary.
Neist was arrested and booked at the Fremont City Jail for burglary charges related to the 01/06/20 and 01/21/20 incidents. Neist’s bail was set at $20,000 which he posted the following day. He was released from custody with a 04/21/21 court date. Neist also has a 02/05/21 court date to be arraigned for his 11/30/20 auto burglary arrest.
Neist has numerous prior arrests for multiple incidents of burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles, identity theft, resisting arrest, possession of drugs, and violating parole.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Matthew Floresca at 510-790-6900 or mfloresca@fremont.gov
Cal State won't hike tuition amid pandemic hardships
AP Wire Service
LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP), Jan 26 – The California State University says it won't increase tuition this year amid pandemic-related hardships and adequate funding from the state, according to a newspaper report Tuesday.
Chancellor Joseph Castro said at a meeting of the board of trustees that Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal as well as CSU's cost-cutting efforts led to the decision, the Los Angeles Times reported.
In addition, Castro said that he would not support a systemwide employee furlough program and officials will do “everything we can to avoid additional layoffs,“ the Times said.
Newsom's budget proposal for next year includes $144.5 million in recurring funding for the CSU – nearly half of the $299 million that was cut last year.
The budget also includes $225 million in one-time funding for the CSU.
The Cal State system has about 485,000 students at 23 campuses.
The CSU announced in December that it planned to return to in-person instruction and activities in the fall 2021 term. Castro said Tuesday that it was still the plan – although he acknowledged that if public health circumstances change, the university would adjust.
Making a difference, one charm at a time
By Nanki Kaur
Photos courtesy of Varna Srinivasan
The pandemic has limited many of our daily activities, including socializing and enjoying the outdoors, but that doesn't stop Varna Srinivasan from giving back to society. The jovial Tri-city resident has been using her passion for making trendy jewelry to start a business in hopes of aiding those in need. 13-year-old Srinivasan, is a model of ingenuity and innovativeness. “I enjoy creating and being creative and making jewelry helps me do that as well as give back to society.”
Recent explosions on August 4th in Beirut, in which more than 180 people died, and over 6,000 were injured, prompted Srinivasan to put her talents to use. 25% of profits from Srinivasan's business, CharmsNchains, go directly to the Lebanon Red Cross and social causes such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
CharmsNchains is run entirely online, and orders can be placed through its website and Instagram DMs, where customers can choose from various handmade necklaces, chokers, earrings, and more. The jewelry is inspired by recent trends, while Srinivasan adds “a personal touch to it.” She then ships out the orders, most of them from California.
However, running a business as a teen, especially during a pandemic, isn't as easy. “There are so many times where there are no orders, but I just remember that I need to get my business's name out there!” she says, adding,“A business only grows as much as the time and effort you put into it.”
For Srinivasan, starting this business began as a way to gain experience about the basics of entrepreneurship, such as how to market, and handle money. And, though this started as out as a quarantine business, she hopes to continue expanding with this business “for a few more years”. Her message to young teens also hoping to start businesses is to “find something you are knowledgeable and passionate about, work hard, and really push yourself. Learn from your failures!”
Find Srinivasan’s work on Instagram at charmsnchains07
Climate Talks Week
Submitted by City of Fremont
Join the City of Fremont for Climate Talks Week, a series of five community conversations on key areas of the city's Climate Action Plan update. The talks will take place from Monday, February 1, through Friday, February 5 via Zoom.
Each virtual conversation will include information on potential climate measures and the road ahead, insights from area experts, and an open discussion format where you can voice your questions, ideas, and concerns. The city looks forward to engaging with the community in a series of robust discussions on how Fremont is creating a healthier, safer, and more livable community for all.
For more information and to register for your talks of interest, visit the Climate Talks registration webpage at www.fremont.gov/climatetalks. For details on the Climate Action Plan update, visit www.fremont.gov/climateactionplan or send an email to the city’s sustainability team at sustainability@fremont.gov.
Climate Talks Week
Monday, Feb 1 – Friday, Feb 5
12 noon – 1 p.m.
www.fremont.gov/climatetalks
www.fremont.gov/climateactionplan
AC Transit joins Clipper Start program
Submitted by Robert Lyles
Low-income adults in the East Bay who ride public transit can now get a 20% discount on AC Transit fares thanks to a new Clipper Start Program.
AC Transit introduced the new START Program to its riders on January 25. In partnership with Clipper, START’s focus is to avail more of the Bay Area’s opportunities to low-income residents by discounting public transit fares.
“We know that more than half of AC Transit’s riders have no transportation alternative to our bus service,” said Elsa Ortiz, AC Transit Board of Directors President. “These riders are also frontline workers burdened not only by the high cost of living here, but also the financial challenges of the pandemic, and need some relief.”
To qualify for START, applicants should be ages 19-64, and residents of the Bay Area, with a household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less — for example, $52,400 for a family of four or $88,240 for a family of eight.
START applicants may demonstrate eligibility by providing a copy of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, Medi-Cal card, a county benefits eligibility letter, or a copy of the applicant’s last federal tax return.
By visiting the online link www.clipperstartcard.com, riders will learn how to upload documents necessary for qualification. The secure website will also save each applicants’ progress, permitting riders, who need additional time, to return and complete the application process.
Riders may also apply for the START Program in-person at AC Transit’s downtown Customer Service Center, located in the lobby of AC Transit’s General Offices, at 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland. Center hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Or call Customer Relations at (510) 891-4777, and select option 2.
SMART applications may also be secured at the MUNI-BART Embarcadero station and the San Francisco Ferry Building’s Clipper Customer Service Centers or by calling (855) 614-9149 and requesting a paper application.
Upon approval, a personalized Clipper START card will be issued to the rider. Before use, each rider is responsible for loading the START card with cash value. AC Transit’s 20% discount is then automatically applied to a single ride whenever the Clipper START card is tapped when boarding the bus.
AC Transit’s Clipper START is a pilot program, operating through the close of December 2021, and not a new transit pass. For enhanced accessibility, the START card enjoys the same benefits as the standard Clipper card and can be used on any Bay Area transit agency that accepts Clipper.
More information about AC Transit’s START program is available on the AC Transit website at www.actransit.org.
More relief grants to local businesses on waitlist
Submitted by Paul Sanftner
On January 20, San Leandro City Council unanimously voted to allocate $400,000 in additional grants to San Leandro businesses that applied to the Alameda County CARES Grant Program. These funds will be awarded to businesses who previously applied to the Alameda County CARES Grant Program but did not receive a grant. The funds will provide $5,000 grants to 80 businesses.
These funds are in addition to the $150,000 allocation the city contributed towards the Alameda County CARES Grant Program in December, which was matched by the county to provide $300,000 in earmarked funds to San Leandro businesses.
The city will distribute the latest round of funds, selecting the additional 80 businesses in the same manner as the original grant, which was conducted via lottery. San Leandro businesses who applied to the Alameda County CARES Grant Program do not need to reapply to be eligible; businesses will be chosen from the existing list. Currently, the program is not open to new applicants. Awardees will be notified via mail in the coming weeks.
Alameda County CARES grant prioritizes grants for small, local, and emerging businesses within the county to assist with the costs of business interruption caused by COVID-19. The funds may only be used for unreimbursed costs from March 17, 2020, for rent/lease/mortgage and utility payments, payroll, operating expenses, personal protective equipment, sanitation equipment, and interior and exterior physical adaptations.
Free COVID-19 Testing
Submitted by City of Union City
The City of Union City has partnered with Bay Area Community Health to host two weeks of free drive-through COVID-19 testing for the public. Appointments are not required but are preferred. To book an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3j2Croy.
Testing Dates and Locations
Tuesday, Feb 2 – Thursday, Feb 4
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
11th St Parking Lot
34800 11th St, Union City
Tuesday, Feb 9 – Thursday, Feb 11
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Holly Community Center Parking Lot
31600 Alvarado Blvd, Union City
Two East Bay city leaders re-elected to county commission
Submitted by Maisha Everhart
During their first meeting of the year on January 28, members of the Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC) unanimously re-elected San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter and Emeryville City Councilmember John Bauters as Chair and Vice Chair respectively.
“It is a privilege to continue to lead Alameda CTC in partnership with Vice Chair Bauters and all other commissioners as we forge ahead to deliver crucial projects and programs, especially during these difficult and disconcerting times as we navigate Covid-19,” Cutter said.
Alameda CTC implements the voter-approved Measures B and BB, as well as the Measure F vehicle registration fee, to improve transportation throughout Alameda County. The Commission is comprised of 22 members, with the following representation:
• All five Alameda County Supervisors
• Two Oakland representatives
• One representative from each of the other 13 cities in Alameda County
• One representative from AC Transit
• One representative from BART
Alameda CTC’s Chair and Vice Chair are elected to serve a one-year term. A complete list of Commissioners can be found online at https://www.alamedactc.org/about-us/commission/.
Darlene Oliveira passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021 with her beloved daughters by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. In 1941, she was born to William and Helen Rose, who started The Flower Shop that is still located in Fremont. Darlene was raised in Fremont and was a graduate of Washington High School’s class of 1959. Upon graduation, she went to work for the Fremont Unified School District as the Secretary to the Head of Personnel, Phil Brazil. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dennis Oliveira. Fremont being such a small place at the time, Darlene and Dennis’ grandparents lived across the street from each other, so they had known each other since childhood.
Dennis and Darlene were married in April of 1967 at Holy Spirit Church in Fremont. Darlene loved her family more than anything and always made sure her family always came first. She and Dennis always prioritized education for their girls, instilling the importance of giving to others, integrity, and kindness in everything they did. She will be remembered as a charitable person, frequently baking goodies to deliver to homeless shelters and ordering extra of everything to donate to those in need. Darlene prided herself on being organized and being the “Chief Mom Officer” to her family. She was a feisty woman who will be remembered as someone that always took a stand for what was she believed in. She was a woman of incredible faith, conviction, integrity, and philanthropy.
Darlene is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Dennis, and her parents William and Helen Rose. Darlene leaves behind two adoring daughters, Dana Garaventa and her husband John of Napa; daughter Dawn Oliveira-Maxfield and her husband, Dana; and two granddaughters who were the light of her life, Serena and Gianna Garaventa.
Burial will be private. The family requests donations to Stanford Cancer Center, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
Disneyland ending annual pass program with parks closed
AP Wire Service
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP), Jan 18 – Looking to buy an annual pass at Disneyland Resort? You are out of luck. The California theme park resort said last week that it's ending its passholder program.
Disneyland Resort in California made the announcement last week after it allowed county health officials to use its parking lot for a large-scale coronavirus vaccination site.
California's Disneyland closed in March and has not reopened since because coronavirus metrics in the county where the park is located have not declined to the levels required by the state.
Existing passholders at the California parks will be given refunds, company officials said.
“We are currently developing new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans,“ Ken Potrock, Disneyland Resort's president, said in a statement last Thursday.
Disney officials would not say how many people hold these passes or how much the move will cost the company, adding it would begin issuing pro-rated refunds to eligible passholders.
In Florida, Walt Disney World reopened in July after nearly four months with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 including mandatory masks and social distancing. The Florida resort implemented a moratorium on new annual passes last summer, though it will honor those from existing passholders.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
A gentle reminder: Castle Rock formation overlooking Diablo Foothills Regional Park near Walnut Creek is closed to public access from now through July 31 to allow peregrine falcons to nest in peace.
The rocks are in Mt. Diablo State Park, but visitors usually access them from the Stage Road Trail in Diablo Foothills. Signs are posted at several access points advising of the closure. In general, the boundary line is Pine Creek.
Peregrine falcons are remarkable birds. About the size of crows, they prey mostly on smaller birds but also on mammals including rodents and bats. They are capable of diving at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour, which makes them the world’s fastest animal.
Peregrines are no longer on the federal endangered species list; however, in California they are still fully protected under the state’s Fish & Game Code. It is vital to leave them alone during the nesting season, which runs from February 1 to July 31. If disturbed, they can fail to mate or abandon their nests.
An all-volunteer natural history education team keeps watch on the peregrines at Castle Rock during the mating season. In 2020, two pairs of nesting peregrines were seen in the rocks. However, neither pair ever settled into incubation, so no chicks were hatched. Usually there is just one nesting pair up in the rocks; the presence of two may have been distracting. Peregrines are very territorial.
So please do not venture up into the rocks during the peregrines’ mating season. Everyone’s cooperation is appreciated. Trespassers can be cited, and the fine is expensive.
Few regional parks and facilities still remain closed due to COVID-19-related restrictions. The main examples are Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, and all visitor centers.
Other parklands can be closed due to adverse weather conditions such as high winds.
To check on park status before heading out, go to the park district website, www.ebparks.org. At the top of the home page, click on “COVID-19 Closures.” Farther down the page, you can put the cursor on “Parks & Trails,” then click on “Park & Trail Closures.”
Also, on the “Parks & Trails” menu is a “Report Incident” option, where you can report non-emergency situations, hazardous trail conditions, etc. For emergencies or park rule violations, call the park district public safety department dispatchers at (510) 881-1121.
The park district is in the process of planning public access for 3.89 acres of new parkland at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda, next to Crab Cove Visitor Center. The “McKay Master Plan” also includes street improvements along McKay Avenue for better traffic circulation and proposed new recreational facilities.
You can find out more about the project and take an online survey to offer your input on the plan at www.ebparks.org/McKayMasterPlan.
Point of no return
Recognized in many circumstances – military, political, aviation – the phrase “point of no return (PNR)” is used to indicate a time and position that, when breached, does not allow safe and practical reversal. Once a decision has been made in such situations, the consequences are determined, even if they may be modified in severity.
The current pandemic has rapidly progressed to critical and fatal proportions for a significant percentage of our population even as hope through vaccines and treatment modalities have emerged. Beyond health concerns lies the economic toll on our communities. Some businesses have succumbed while others persevere but are in dire need of support to sustain a modicum of commerce. Most economic sectors – public and private – have spent the past year under a cloud of uncertainty. Along with the damage to startup entrepreneurs and established entities alike, individuals have shared the same fate.
Currently, we have reached our PNR with COVID-19 and the societal stress incurred. There is no choice but to stay on course, employ protective tactics and trust the resilience of human ingenuity to confront the challenge. In aeronautical terms, it is undesirable and dangerous to attempt landing anywhere besides the original destination. In this case, control and/or eradication of the virus. Several vaccines are welcome additional protection, yet not a total panacea. Continued adherence to health protocols will be with us for the foreseeable future and, just as people adjusted to seat belt restraints in automobiles, we will adjust.
Along with personal and business constraints, governmental constriction is also notable. The Great Recession (2007-2009) taught several lessons that have helped the public sector in the current pandemic crisis. Reserves and “rainy day funds” have been instrumental in retention of services, but are not inexhaustible. As municipalities, schools and other public institutions slowly rebound with control of the virus, the new “normal” will not be business as usual. Instead, some restrictions and attitudinal changes will remain as they did for the generations that suffered through the 2008 Great Recession and Great Depression that began in October 1929 and continued through the 1930s.
Behavioral patterns have emerged from such experiences. Trust in institutions and government erodes if constituents are asked to ignore personal experience in favor of rosy predictions [Hoover claims the worst is over in 1930, Trump often declares the virus will disappear in 2020]. As a result, cynicism runs rampant until a clear and honest explanation and remedy is given for past failures. State and local governments have, so far, operated in basically pre-Covid fashion, albeit on a remote, virtual basis. Mass municipal layoffs have been avoided. However, the question remains of when government institutions will reach their financial PNR. Cash flow from national coffers is disputed and may or may not be released in adequate amounts to stem and reverse the drain of local resources. With the Great Recession only a little over a decade ago, the lessons learned and followed will be evident as the recovery phase of this crisis begins (hopefully) later this year.
Government revenue loss will not be measured within discrete and distinct economic sectors. The effects of COVID-19, while boosting some businesses, has decimated a much larger percentage of small and entrepreneurial endeavors. The cascading effect of this will impact individual and business tax returns that will add to the burden of a weak economy. Although we may have not reached our collective PNR, without a concerted effort to stem the tide of this virus – masks, social distancing, vaccination, personal hygiene – it could materialize. With determination and a concerted societal response, we can and will use the rearview mirror to recall these days too.
California proposal would extend eviction rule through June
By Adam Beam
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 25 – California plans to extend eviction protections through the end of June while using federal money to pay off up to 80% of most tenants' unpaid rent, according to an agreement announced Monday between Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state's top two legislative leaders.
The proposal, which must be approved by the state Legislature, would extend a state law scheduled to expire next Monday that prevents landlords from evicting tenants who could not pay their rent between March and August because of the coronavirus pandemic.
To be eligible for that protection, tenants must sign a “declaration of hardship” that they have been impacted by the pandemic and must pay at least 25% of their rent due between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31.
This new proposal would extend those protections until June 30. But it would also use $2.6 billion Congress recently approved for California to pay off some of that unpaid rent.
The state would pay landlords up to 80% of their unpaid rent – but only if landlords agree to forgive the remaining 20% and pledge not to evict tenants.
If landlords refuse that deal, the state would pay them 25% of their tenants' unpaid rent. That would ensure those tenants qualify for the state's eviction protections and could not be kicked out of their homes until after June 30.
The agreement is between Newsom, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins – all Democrats. The state Legislature, which is dominated by Democrats, is scheduled to vote on the bill on Thursday.
In a statement, the three leaders said the proposal “maintains California's COVID eviction protections as the strongest statewide rules in the nation.”
“But we have more work to do, together, to tackle the structural housing cost crisis in California,” the statement read. “The pandemic exacerbated these issues, it did not create them. And our work to address these fundamental issues must continue with urgency and resolve.”
Assemblyman David Chiu, a Democrat from San Francisco, said it was “troubling” that the amount of debt renters will have paid off is “determined solely by the cooperation of their landlord.” But he praised the proposal for extending “critical eviction protections through the end of June.”
“I expect there will be a need to revisit this legislation to address gaps and provide relief to additional tenants,” Chiu said. “I stand ready and willing to continue that work until all California tenants are debt free and in secure housing.”
The federal rent relief money would only be available to people who meet certain federal eligibility requirements, including household income 80% or less of the area median income. It would prioritize relief for households at 50% or less of the area median income and those that have been unemployed for at least three months. That would exempt some moderate to higher-income renters.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco and chair of the Senate Housing Committee, fears the proposal will leave some tenants out. And he worried the Newsom administration might bungle the distribution of the money, “given California's logistical problems during the pandemic” with unemployment benefits and vaccines.
But Wiener said the state “must pass this proposal by the end of the week to avoid mass evictions.”
“This proposal is a step toward the critical goals of housing stability and economic and health recovery,” he said.
California lost more than 2.6 million jobs in March and April because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The state has regained more than 44% of those jobs but is still down 1.4 million jobs compared to this time last year. But it's been difficult to measure the impact this has had on renters.
An analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia in October estimated California renters had accumulated $1.7 billion in unpaid rent.
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office said federal unemployment benefits – which Congress has increased and extended throughout the pandemic – have reduced that number to about $400 million.
That represents 2% of all renters, or about 90,000 households, with an average debt of $4,500.
Housing advocacy groups have disputed that, saying the actual number is much higher. An analysis by Bay Area Equity Atlas and Housing NOW! California found as many as 1.1 million renter households were behind on their rent in December, facing an estimated $3.6 billion in debt.
Californians to vote on banning sale of flavored tobacco
By Kathleen Ronayne
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 22 – Californians will vote in 2022 on whether the state should ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored vaping cartridges.
Lawmakers approved the ban in 2020, but a referendum qualified Friday, meaning voters will have their say in November 2022. In the meanwhile, the law won't take effect. Major tobacco companies backed the referendum in hopes of overturning the law.
The flavored tobacco ban restricts sale of the products but does not criminalize possession. It also exempts loose-leaf tobacco, premium cigars and shisha tobacco used in hookah. It bars the sale of flavors including – but not limited to –“fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, menthol, mint, wintergreen, herb, or spice.” Violators who sell the products would be fined $250.
Supporters of the law cast the referendum as “a battle between the people of California and Big Tobacco over the health, lives and future of our kids.“
“Big Tobacco is going to use every deceptive trick in their playbook just so they can continue to market and profit from hooking young kids on their candy-flavored products,“ Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said in a statement.
A group backed by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Philip Morris USA, called the California Coalition for Fairness, supported placing the referendum on the ballot.
“The California Coalition for Fairness will focus on educating voters about why this law is unfair and goes too far,“ the group said in a statement. “We agree that youth should never have access to any tobacco products, but this can be achieved without imposing a total prohibition on products that millions of adults choose to use.“
The ban on menthol flavor has been a particular point of contention. Supporters of the ban, including doctors and groups fighting cancer, said the minty flavor has been marketed to low-income youth and Black and Latino communities. Opponents of the ban say it unfairly takes away products preferred by those groups while allowing the continued sale of products flavored by the wealthy, like cigars.
Turning to the ballot can be an effective way for opponents to resist state laws. In 2020, voters through a referendum rejected a law that would have eliminated cash bail.
Frank J. Hoffman
Resident of Fremont
December 21, 1932 – January 24, 2021
Frank J. Hoffman was born on December 21, 1932 in California passed away on January 24, 2021 in Fremont, CA at the age of 88. He was a resident of Fremont since 1957.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rosetta. Loving father to Debbie (Bob). Adoring grandfather to Brandon (Dawn) and Scott (Melissa). Caring great grandfather to Trista (Alex), and Devin. Great-great grandfather to Sophia and Alexander. He was predeceased by his son F. Bradley Hoffman.
Frank was a papermaker for 40 years before he retired in 1997. He enjoyed nature and loved to spend time in his back yard watching the birds.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. James Episcopal Church’s Memorial Garden fund.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510-797-1900
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Tuesday, January 19
• At about 5:00 p.m. a man was in his front yard when a vehicle stopped in front of his house. A man and woman exited and began showing him jewelry for sale and let him try items on. After the pair left, the man realized his own necklace and bracelet were missing. Police classified the incident as grand theft.
Wednesday, January 20
• Officers received an electronic license plate reader notification on a stolen Honda Odyssey at a Shell station, 5155 Auto Mall Parkway near Christy Street. Arriving officers arrested the driver and identified him as Yen Gallegos, 40, a homeless Fremont resident.
• A residential burglary was reported on Porter Street in the Irvington area. The front door was forced open to gain access. No injuries were reported.
Thursday, January 21
• Sometime between 7:24 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. a residential burglary occurred on Santos Court, east of Mission Boulevard. Four suspects entered the backyard through a gate and shattered the rear glass door.
Sunday, January 24
• At 3:22 p.m. an arson occurred at Palmia Apartments on Mission Falls Court, a multistory complex under construction for people 55 and older in the Warms Springs area. Another arson occurred at about the same time on nearby Carson Falls Common. A closet located under a stairwell was set on fire. The blaze burned the entire closet and compromised the floor above. An investigation is continuing.
• At 7:58 p.m. a robbery occurred at Safeway, 46848 Warm Springs Blvd. A man stealing items inside the store refused to leave when told to go by an employee and store security. Later, while walking out of the store with multiple items, he threatened to shoot a security guard. The man, identified by police as Antione Wallace, 28, a homeless Fremont resident, was located nearby and arrested by officers.
Defining garden structures
By Daniel O'Donnell
“When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck,” written by the poet James Whitcomb Riley, makes sense on an observational level. However, take for example the American coot that is seen locally, including at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont and Lakeshore park in Newark. They swim like ducks but when on land, walk more like a chicken than a waddling duck. These birds are more closely related to cranes than they are to ducks. There are many other animals and things that might look similar but are classified quite separately. Garden structures are one of these things.
The use of garden structures can be found as far back as in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia, and China. These structures were used in antiquity for fruiting and medicinal plants. Today, garden structures perform several other jobs. They make attractive focal points and can provide infrastructure for hanging lights and lanterns in addition to supporting plants. The walls or posts can also be decorated with garden art or curtains to bring additional color to the garden and provide a barrier from the wind. Larger beams and posts can support bench swings and hammocks.
A handful of outdoor structures that are commonly seen in gardens throughout the Bay Area are arbors, ramadas, pergolas, patio covers, and gazebos. Although these structures are used interchangeably, each has different features that warrant distinct names. Below are the distinguishing characteristics of common garden structures.
Arbor. Arbors are freestanding structures that support climbing plants and/or serve as walkways. They are constructed with two or four posts, have lateral supports or lattice on two of the sides, and commonly have arched roofs. They can be placed in the landscape or over gates and pathways. They are primarily decorative but can provide shade for one-to-two-person seating areas.
Pergola. Pergolas are larger freestanding structures that typically have four or more posts, open sides, and a flat roof made of equally spaced rafters with nothing covering the spaces between them. They may be used to cover a long walkway, or provide filtered shade over outdoor living spaces, BBQ pits, or next to swimming pools.
Patio Cover. Patio covers are outdoor structures over a patio that work as extensions to the home. Typically, one or sometimes two sides are connected to the roof or wall(s) of a home with posts supporting the nonattached sides. The roofs are usually solid, and the posts are not generally used as support structures for climbing plants.
Gazebo. Gazebos are freestanding hexagonal or octagonal structures with open sides and solid pitched roofs. They can be placed close to the house to provide shade and shelter from the rain, or far out into the garden to create a quiet retreat. Gazebos can be placed directly on a lawn, a mulched or gravel surface, on a concrete pad, or on their own decking.
Pavilion or Ramada. Ramadas or Pavilions are freestanding structures with open sides much like pergolas, except that they have closed roofs and are usually constructed with housing materials. Pavilions can accommodate more outdoor luxuries such as outdoor kitchens, sectional couches, and even televisions for outdoor viewing since they have solid roofs.
Greenhouse. Greenhouses are freestanding structures with walls and a roof made from glass or another transparent material. They are ideal for growing out-of-season fruits and vegetables or subtropical and tropical plants. They differ from conservatories, which are not garden structures, but rather glass extensions to a house. Greenhouses are primarily utilitarian and not for hosting parties but can look attractive from the outside.
Garden Shed. Garden sheds are no longer rickety unappealing structures that get hidden in the far corner of the yard or on the side of the house. Today there are numerous attractive design choices that include windows, French doors, attractive sidings, and different architectural styles. There are interior options that can elevate them to more than just a room for storing gardening tools. Potting tables, plant stands, sinks with running water, and electrical fixtures and lights are all commonplace in these charming garden suites.
Garden structures can enhance the look of a garden and perform a valuable function. It is important to understand what each structure has to offer when choosing the right one. Just as an American coot might look like a duck and act like a duck but still is not a duck, it is important to remember that some garden structures might look and act like each other but are not the same.
Daniel O'Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com
Speakers invite exploration of African-American genealogy
Submitted by Marcess Owings
Researching your family tree can be a fascinating journey. For African-Americans researching their ancestral roots, the paths to uncovering and documenting family stories may be hard to find. In many cases, key documents and information may never have been recorded in the first place, or even been actively suppressed over time. Nonetheless, the strength and beauty of Black family heritage shines down through generations.
In honor of the 2021 Black History Month theme, “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” Alvis Ward, Jr. and Felicia Addison, both of the African-American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC), will offer guidance and expertise on how to help crack the code in researching Black family history and genealogy.
This Zoom program will be presented on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. The free program will last for one hour, then will include time afterwards for a Q&A session with the speakers. To register, visit http://bit.ly/AfAmGenealogy2021. Suggested donation is $10.
Alvis Ward, Jr., a genealogist of 22 years, is Acting Co-president of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC) and a sought-after DNA/Genetic Analyst. Felicia Addison, as well as holding memberships with many Genealogy Societies around the country, is currently the Chairperson of the Board of AAGSNC.
Founded in March 1996, AAGSNC exists to preserve and promote the study of records of a genealogical and historical nature relating to African American ancestry, and to explore and share about the ripples of impact created by the Atlantic Slave Trade throughout the world.
This program is presented by the Hayward Area Historical Society, in partnership with the Women’s Ministry of Palma Ceia Baptist Church and the Eden Rose (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Exploring African-American genealogy
Saturday, Feb 6
11 a.m.
Via Zoom
Register at: http://bit.ly/AfAmGenealogy2021
Suggestion donation: $10
Arts Commission announces grants program
Submitted by Alameda County Arts Commission
Alameda County Arts Commission is accepting applications for 2021 ARTSFUND Grant Program for Alameda County-based nonprofit arts organizations. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 31. Standard grant awards are $1,000 to $2,500 each.
The ARTSFUND Grant Program supports all types of arts programs, such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, literature, media arts, and other arts forms presented by Alameda County nonprofit organizations. Arts Commission staff will present two webinars to assist organizations in preparing their grant application. The online workshops will be held on Thursday, February 11, and Friday, March 5.
Workshops are free, open to the public, and reservations are not required. For details about how to join the webinars and to learn more about the ARTSFUND Grant Program, visit the Alameda County Arts Commission website at www.acgov.org/arts and click on “Programs.” The Arts Commission staff can also be reached by email at artscommission@acgov.org or phone (510) 208-9646.
ARTSFUND Grant Program
Application Deadline: Wednesday, Mar 31
Free Online Workshops
Thursday, Feb 11: 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Mar 5: 10 a.m.
(510) 208-9646
www.acgov.org/arts and click on “Programs”
Hayward Police Log
Submitted by Hayward PD
Monday, January 18
• At 9:03 a.m. police reported that a shooting occurred over the weekend in the 900 block of Zephyr Ave. A business reported property damage. No injuries were reported.
Tuesday, January 19
• At 2:12 p.m. officers responded to a call about an indecent exposure involving a man walking down the middle of the street. Officers detained the man and he was taken to a psychiatric facility for evaluation.
Wednesday, January 20
• At 11:02 p.m. about 100 cars were reported doing sideshow activity in the 31000 block of Mission Blvd. Officers responded to the area and arrested one person and towed a vehicle.
Honor Roll
Hofstra University, New York
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Kylie Walrod of Fremont
Kansas State University
Fall 2020 Semester Honors
• Claire Stastka of Fremont
American International College, Massachusetts
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Danica Johnson of Fremont
Hamilton College, New York
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Samantha Chen of Fremont
• Aparna Patnaik of Fremont
University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Radhakrishna Nakka of Milpitas
• Ariana Pereira of Newark
Palmer College of Chiropractic, San Jose
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Christopher Beard of Milpitas
• Parker Forbes of Fremont
• Isaiah Guebara of Milpitas
• Kirby Edmund Olidan of Milpitas
• Bryar Starr of Milpitas
• Matthew Teigen of Milpitas
Montclair State University, New Jersey
Fall 202 Dean’s List
• Katlyn Pruitt of Union City
‘Isn’t It Romantic?’ free virtual Valentine opera
Submitted by Heidi Massie
Isn'’t it romantic? Yes, it is! Livermore Valley Opera (LVO) will offer a romantic concert for a romantic Valentine weekend.
LVO favorites, soprano Sarah Cambridge and tenor Kyle Van Schoonhoven, former members of both the Merola Opera Program and Adler Fellows, will perform duets from Puccini’s TOSCA and Wagner's Die Walküre, plus works by Tchaikovsky and Joseph Marx. The beautiful music and texts are perfect for a Valentine weekend. Listen to this concert with someone you love and allow the music and words to envelop you. The singers will be accompanied by LVO Music Director Alexander Katsman. English subtitles provided.
Make your Valentine weekend extra special with a wonderful dinner from LVO’s restaurant sponsor Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard in Livermore. Receive a 10% discount on all take-out orders including a special four-course Valentine Dinner for Two. Mention Livermore Valley Opera when ordering between the dates of February 12 to 18. Call (925) 449-7000.
Though the virtual opera concert is free, donations are always welcome. Visit www.livermorevalleyopera.com/donate.
Isn't It Romantic? A Valentine Concert
Saturday, Feb 13
6 p.m.
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Monday – Saturday
Free COVID-19 Testing
M-F: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sa: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Drive through, drop-in, and walk-up testing by appointment
Bay Area Community Health
39500 Liberty St., Fremont
(510) 770-8040
Mondays and Wednesdays
Parenting During COVID R
Tue: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wed: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual support group to help families cope with challenges encountered during COVID
To register: www.fremont.gov/3060/Caregiver-Support
(510) 574-2100
Mondays and Wednesdays
Ohlone VIP Services for Small Businesses
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Receive support for your small business
Via Zoom
https://www.ohlone.edu/ohlone-college-live-support
acsbdc@ohlone.edu
(510) 516-4118
Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: info@chambersingers.org
Tuesdays, January 26 – April 13
Grief & Loss Support Group
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
An online space for individuals experiencing loss
Deadline to join: 1/15/21
(800) 260-0094
jwolfinger@crisissupport.org
Wednesdays, January 27, February 17, and March 10
Never Forget: A Writers Workshop for Japanese-Americans R
10 a.m. – 12 noon
3-part workshop focused on 2nd generation novice Japanese-American writers
To register, email education@haywardareahistory.org
www.haywardareahistory.org
Wednesdays, January 20 – April 14
National Geographic Live Virtual Events $
7 p.m.
1/20: Life on Other Worlds
2/10: Scientific Exposure
2/24: Reimagining Dinosaurs
3/17: Feats of Filmmaking
3/31: Mysterious Seas
4/14: Women and Migration
LivermoreArts.org
(925) 373-6800
Nationalgeographic.com/events
Wednesday – Saturday
Free COVID-19 Testing
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive through and walk-up testing by appointment
Make appointment at: https://ac.fulgentgenetics.com/
Glad Tidings Church
1000 Glad Tidings Way, Hayward
Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic
Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Youth Group
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: brian@newarkpress.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Thursdays, January 14-March 4
Life Review Group
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Life is a journey. Explore the story of your life
1-800-260-0094/ jwolfinger@crisissupport.org
Saturdays
Virtual Telescope Viewing R
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Free on Facebook Live
Join resident astronomers live from Chabot’s observation deck
https://chabotspace.org/calendar/
Saturdays
Online Comedy Shows R$
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Made Up Theatre’s interactive comedy has gone to YouTube!
Saturdays & Sundays
India Community Center Youth Programs R$
Art Class (K-5): Saturdays, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., 1/23 – 5/15
Hindi Class (1-6): Sundays, 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Public Speaking (2-6): Sundays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Bollywood Class (all ages): Every Day, 1/11 – 5/16
EnActe Voice Acting for Animation (3-8): Sundays, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
EnActe Art of Performance (3-8): Sundays, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, 1/24 – 5/16
https://www.indiacc.org/programs/enrichment-program-registration/
youthprograms@indiacc.org
Sundays
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church Family Service
10 a.m.
Via ZOOM
For link, call (510) 471-2581
https://sacbc.org/
Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Worship Services
8:30 a.m.; Worship Service
12 noon; Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: office@newarkpres.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Sundays, January 24 – February 21
Winter Treats Virtual Baking Class
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more! Grades 3 – 6
https://bit.ly/3pWuVNW
Last Thursday of the Month, January – June
Mini MBA in Entrepreneurship
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Self-paced virtual program for early-stage entrepreneurs
UPCOMING
Monday, February 1 – Friday, February 5
Fremont Climate Talks
12 noon – 1 p.m.
Community conversations on key areas of the City’s Climate Action Plan
Via Zoom
Fremont.gov/ClimateTalks
sustainability@fremont.gov
Tuesday, February 2
Town Hall on Financial Abuse of Older Adults
2 p.m.
Join AARP, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian
https://vekeo.com/aarpcalifornia/#event-33273
Wednesday, February 3
Immigration Overview
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Free info session from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Webex Link: https://bit.ly/35H6igK
Meeting number (access code): 199 356 8874
Meeting password: MJiRunKb
Wednesday, February 3
StartupGrind Fremont R
5:30 p.m.
Introduction to non-dilutive funding
https://startupgrind.com/fremont
Thursday, February 4
Air District Virtual Workshop
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Learn about draft amendments to rules limiting emissions from refineries
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85296925189
Meeting ID: 852 9692 5189
https://www.baaqmd.gov/reg6rule5
Thursday, February 4
AMC Online Math Contest $R
For Fremont students. Deadline to apply is 1/5/21
https://bit.ly/3ntTS2D
Saturday, February 6
COVID Vaccines – Perspectives & Expectations
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Learn more about the COVID vaccine from a leading expert
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/35JuajY
Saturday, February 6
African-American Genealogy R
11 a.m.
Guidance on cracking the code when researching Black family history
Via Zoom: http://bit.ly/AfAmGenealogy2021
(510) 581-0223 ext.152
Monday, February 8
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Annual Rotary Speech Contest with MUSD Supt. Cheryl Jordan
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Tuesday, February 9
Every Business is Going Online – Part 2 R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47680
Wednesday, February 10
AMC Online Math Contest $R
For Fremont students. Deadline to apply is 1/11/21
https://bit.ly/3nyTAre
Wednesday, February 10
Music & Movement for Kids R
3:30 p.m.
Free program through Music For Minors II
Via Zoom: https://forms.gle/MJD8MQ9PpVMfosvH8
www.musicforminors2.org
Thursday, February 11
Show Your Love – Virtual Cooking & Wine Event $R
6 p.m.
Prepare a decadent, home-cooked meal at home. Proceeds benefit Spectrum Community Services
Register at https://bit.ly/3qdqK0y
Thursday, February 11
Implementation of Business Development Strategies R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47749
Tuesday, February 16
International Business Guidance R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47789
Wednesday, February 17
When Your Heart Needs a Little Help R
6:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about advanced techniques in cardiac care
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Thursday, February 18
Website Development & Optimization Webinar – Part 1 R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47793
Friday, February 19
14th Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser – At Home Edition
Pick up a delicious dinner of fresh crab to enjoy at home
Pick Up Times: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Buy tickets ($60) online at: https://bit.ly/Crabfeed2021awc
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
(510) 790-6602
agewellcenters@fremont.gov
Monday, February 22
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Speaker: Kevin McCormack, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Sunday, February 28
The Call to Action: Climate Change, Pandemic and a Vulnerable World R
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
David Peritz, PhD, explains the “vulnerable world hypothesis”
Via Zoom: RSVP by 2/27/21
(510) 933-6360
Wednesday, March 3
Advanced Treatments for Knee Pain Help R
4:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee pain
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Saturday, March 13
Drive-In Concert $
Gareth Emery: We’ll Be OK
3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/2X0zkmM
7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3pyqCYY
Alameda County Fairgrounds
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton
Tuesday, March 16
COVID-19: The Road Ahead R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – infectious disease specialist on the latest clinical developments
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Saturday, March 20
Niles Rotary’s Spring Fling $R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual fundraiser for Fremont schools
https://one.bidpal.net/niles/welcome
Lunar New Year
By Stephanie Gertsch
Photos via Pixabay
Many were glad to see the end of 2020, but another New Year is on the horizon! While Western countries traditionally use the sun-based Gregorian Calendar, many Eastern countries traditionally used the moon; a new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. 2021’s Lunar New Year is Friday, February 12.
Lunar New Year is also a celebration of spring, beginning the growing season—an important time in agricultural societies. The holiday dates back to at least the 14th century B.C.E. in China. According to legends, a mythical beast called Nian, with the body of a bull and the head of a lion, would come down from the mountains searching for crops, livestock, and even young children to devour. Villagers would appease the beast by placing offerings of food on their doorsteps. However, people also discovered that Nian was afraid of three things: fire, noise, and the color red. Thus, began the custom of firecrackers, red lanterns and scrolls for New Year.
One of the most popular aspects of Lunar New Year is the 12-year cycle of animals, often called the “Chinese Zodiac.” Which year you’re born in determines your personality, lucky colors and numbers, and even dating compatibility. 2021 is the year of the hard-working Ox, the second animal in the cycle.
According to legend, the Buddha invited all the animals to a special banquet, and the order of their arrival determined the order of the 12-year cycle. Although the Ox was the fastest, the Rat was the most cunning—it hitched a ride on the Ox’s back and hopped off just in time to arrive first. The story also says the Dragon should have been the winner, as it could fly, but it stopped on the way to help villagers cross a flooded river. Apparently, nice Dragons finish fifth.
Below is a guide to all 12 animals. But consider carefully: If your birthday is in January, it may fall before the Lunar New Year. In that case, your zodiac sign is the animal for the previous calendar year. (For example, 2021 babies born before February 12 are Rats rather than Oxen.)
Rat
1936, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 2008, 2020
Hardworking. Rats are very creative, sociable people who have a flair and charm. They’re also hard workers, and – out of all the signs – have the best chance of being wealthy and professionally successful. Most compatible with: Dragon, Rabbit, Ox. Avoid: Goat, Horse, Rooster.
Ox
1925, 37, 49, 61, 73, 85, 97, 2009
Dependable. If you’re an ox, then your friends, family, and co-workers are probably very, very grateful for you. You’re the dependable one, and you’re known for your honesty and patience. The Ox will pursue their goals with great determination, and won’t be deterred. Most compatible with: Rat, Snake, Rooster. Avoid: Dragon, Horse, Goat, Dog.
Tiger
1926, 38, 50, 62, 74, 86, 98, 2010
Passionate. Tigers are the most passionate and confident of the bunch. They have a strong spirit, love a good challenge, and are natural born leaders. They’re also endlessly ambitious and very trustworthy. Most compatible with: Horse, Dog. Avoid: Snake, Monkey.
Rabbit
1927, 39, 51, 63, 75, 87, 99, 2011
Sensitive. If you’re looking for someone who is sensitive and empathetic, look no further than the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a kind soul who dislikes conflict and values strong bonds with family and friends. Most compatible with: Goat, Dog, Rat, Pig. Avoid: Ox, Dragon, Rooster, Horse.
Dragon
1928, 40, 52, 64, 76, 88, 2000, 2012
Powerful. Unsurprisingly, Dragons are fierce leaders who are chock full of adventure, knowledge, and power. They’re filled with energy, and they’ve got plenty of charm and glamour to boot. Most Compatible with: Tiger, Snake, Rat. Avoid: Ox, Rabbit, Dog.
Snake
1929, 41, 53, 65, 77, 89, 2001, 2013
Wise. Snakes are known for their immense wisdom. They’re very intuitive people, great thinkers, and fight hard to achieve their goals. They seek security, and will smooth over conflicts before they start. Most Compatible with: Ox, Rooster. Avoid: Tiger, Pig.
Horse
1930, 42, 54, 66, 78, 90, 2002, 2014
Optimistic. You can count on Horses to bring on the cheer. They’re known for being eternally optimistic with a romantic streak. Horses are also very independent and fight hard against injustice. Most compatible: Tiger, Goat, Dog. Avoid: Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Horse.
Goat
1931, 43, 55, 67, 79, 91, 2003, 2015
Creative. Goats are creative, smart, and dependable. They are nurturing, calm individuals who enjoy socializing in groups but don’t like being the center of attention. Most compatible with: Rabbit, Horse, Pig. Avoid: Rat, Ox, Dog.
Monkey
1932, 44, 56, 68, 80, 92, 2004, 2016
Curious. Monkeys bring the spunk and the smarts. This zodiac sign represents curiosity, bravery, and positivity. Monkeys are also extremely intelligent and very popular with their peers. Most compatible with: Rat, Dragon. Avoid: Tiger, Snake, Pig.
Rooster
1921, 33, 45, 57, 69, 81, 93, 2005, 2017
Honest. Roosters are blunt—but not because they’re trying to be mean. This group just wants to be honest. They’re known for enjoying the spotlight, having a ton of confidence, and being extremely loyal. Most compatible with: Ox, Dragon, Snake. Avoid: Rabbit, Dog.
Dog
1934, 46, 58, 70, 82, 94, 2006, 2018
Loyal. Much like their animal counterparts, Dogs are loyal and easy-going. This zodiac sign is cautious, kind, and will do just about anything to help their loved ones. Most compatible with: Tiger, Rabbit. Avoid: Ox, Dragon, Goat, Rooster.
Pig
1935, 47, 59, 71, 83, 95, 2007, 2019
Kind. Pigs are the kindest of the bunch. They’re warm-hearted, tolerant, individuals who have lots of friends. They get along very well with others and are happy to share what they have. Most compatible with: Goat or Rabbit. Avoid: Snake, Monkey.
Maria Alice Moitoso
Resident of Union City
December 3, 1935 – January 21, 2021
Maria Alice Moitoso was born on December 3, 1935 in Capello, Azores and passed away on January 21, 2021 at the age of 85. A loving mother to Ida Marshall, Linda Labarga (Tony), Herold Moitoso, and Daniel Moitoso (Wendy). A caring grandmother to 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Moitoso (2010).
She cared and loved for many….
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021, from 5 PM to 8 PM, at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, with a Vigil Service at 6 PM. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, February 5, 2021, 12 PM, at St Anne's Catholic Church, 32223 Cabello Street, Union City, burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward.
At the family’s request please make donations to charity of your choice.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510-797-1900
Mary Ellen McGrath
Resident of Fremont
November 09, 1932 – January 15, 2021
Mary Ellen McGrath passed away on the 15th of January, 2021, from complications of Alzheimer's disease in her residence at Fremont Hills Assisted living; she was 88 years old.
She is survived by her husband Arthur McGrath, her son David McGrath, step-children Malinda Hoernis and Stephen McGrath, her brother Michael Wahlheim and his children Dory Rethford and Andy Wahlheim as well as her cousin Janis Pearson. She was a caring grandmother to Forrest Bevineau, Brittany McGrath, Micaela McGrath and Morgan McGrath. She was a great-grandmother, sister-in law and beloved aunt to her extended family. She had a special relationship with her nephew Mark McDaniel, his wife Kyle, and their children Ian and Brenna.
Born in 1932 to Andrew & Esther Wahlheim in Rock Island, Illinois, she was raised there in the Quad Cities, graduating from Moline High School and receiving her nursing degree from Augustana College in Rock Island. She went on to earn a master's degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, but her career and passion was nursing.
After briefly meeting Arthur in Denver, Colorado, their paths would cross again many years later in Baltimore, Maryland, where they would fall in love, eventually marrying in Moline, Illinois, in 1968. Life as a family in the Air Force had them moving around to several locations, but they eventually settled in Fremont, California, after Arthur’s retirement in 1979.
Mary Ellen decided to expand her nursing career and became a beloved instructor to her students when she taught nursing at Ohlone College in Fremont throughout the 80’s and 90’s.
Another important aspect of her life was her spirituality and involvement with her church community. Since arriving in Fremont, Mary Ellen had been very active within Bridges Community Church (formally Fremont EFC), where she led many groups and enjoyed singing in the choir. This community is where she developed some of her deepest friendships. Mary Ellen enjoyed singing, traveling, watching the A’s play baseball, her dogs, and making people feel cared for. She had a long, wonderful life, and we will miss her greatly.
Services were held. There will be a celebration of life at Bridges Community Church at a later date.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510-797-1900
Memorial honors lives lost
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward will honor the 149 lives lost to COVID-19 in Hayward during the first year of the pandemic with a display of 149 American flags and a special lighting installation starting at sundown Monday, January 25.
The Hayward City Hall rotunda has been wrapped in the flags for the memorial, and the building was bathed in amber light with the message “We Remember” projected for 149 hours beginning at 5:21 p.m. that night.
It was on Jan. 24, 2020, that a City of Santa Clara resident returned to the country from Wuhan, China, and a week later became the first person in the Bay Area to test positive for the then- new coronavirus. The first recorded COVID-19 death in the U.S. occurred 13 days later in Santa Clara County on Feb. 6, 2020.
On March 11, 2020, City Manager Kelly McAdoo declared a local emergency freeing up resources, providing for greater operational flexibility and putting Hayward municipal government on an emergency footing in response to the virus.
As the City of Hayward honors lives lost to COVID-19, it continues to provide no-fee COVID-19 testing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Skywest Golf Course, 1401 Golf Course Road, and weekly no-contact food distribution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until supplies run out every Thursday at Chabot College, Parking Lot J, 25555 Hesperian Blvd.
To learn more about City initiatives and programs to support and sustain the Hayward community during the pandemic, go online to the COVID-19 Resource Portal on the City of Hayward website.
https://www.hayward-ca.gov/
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Milpitas PD
Monday, January 11
• At 12:00 p.m. a dayshift officer found a stolen Kia Optima near the 360-Block of Cypress Dr. and arrested a 27-year-old Milpitas resident associated with it. The suspect was booked into jail on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle with prior convictions, possession of burglary tools, five Santa Clara County warrants with a total bail amount of $165,000, and a probation violation.
Saturday, January 16
• At 3:41 p.m. a dayshift officer found a stolen Mazda Miata from Castro Valley near the 740-Block of E. Calaveras Blvd. and arrested a 40-year-old Newark resident and 45-year-old San Jose resident associated with it. The San Jose resident had multiple drug-related warrants and was cited and released; a criminal complaint was requested for the Newark resident for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Monday, January 18
• At 2:39 a.m. officers responded to the 1500-Block of California Circle. after receiving an anonymous tip that a 33-year-old San Jose man was selling drugs to minors from his motel room. Officers learned the man was on Santa Clara County probation for the sales of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. A probation search of the man’s hotel room resulted in a large quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and documents associated with identity theft. Also in the room was a 29-year-old San Jose man who had an outstanding warrant for drug sales; he was booked into jail for his warrant. Meanwhile, the 33-year-old man was booked into jail on suspicion of possessing drugs with the intent to sale.
Saturday, January 23
• At about 2:52 a.m. a police sergeant spotted a suspicious car driving in the residential area of Evans Road and Poppy Lane and made an enforcement stop to talk with the four occupants inside the car. During the investigation, officers found two freshly cut catalytic converters inside the car along with several power cutting tools. Officers were able to locate one theft victim and returned the catalytic converter to them. They were unable to locate the second theft victim. One of the four occupants, a 31-year-old San Jose woman, had four outstanding felony warrants with a total bail amount of $115,000. She was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. The other occupants, described by police as San Jose men, ages 55, 37, and 30, were released at the scene and a criminal complaint will be filed with the District Attorney's Office for grand theft against them.
Governor Extends Eviction Moratorium
Submitted by Governor’s Press Office
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on January 29 to extend the state’s landmark eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, protecting millions of Californians struggling as a result of the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the passage of SB 91, California leads all states by enacting the strongest renter protections in the nation.
“Once again, California is leading the way by enacting the strongest eviction protections in the nation, which will provide relief for millions of Californians dealing with financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “This law not only provides greatly needed support for tenants, but also provides relief to small property owners in need of assistance to pay for mortgages, thanks to $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funding.”
On Monday, Governor Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon announced an agreement on the legislation to extend the eviction moratorium established last year under AB 3088, which was set to expire at the end of the month.
The legislation pauses evictions for tenants who declare under penalty of perjury an inability to pay all or part of the rent due to a COVID-related reason. Tenants are still responsible for paying unpaid amounts to property owners, but those unpaid amounts cannot be the basis for an eviction, even after the moratorium ends.
SB 91 also establishes the State Rental Assistance Program to allocate the $2.6 billion in federal rental assistance California will receive. The program will target aid to income-qualified tenants most at-risk with unpaid back rent. Assistance will also be extended to property owners who agree to waive 20 percent of unpaid rent. By agreeing to this waiver, property owners will become eligible for 80 percent in rent reimbursements for amounts owed between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
Approximately $150 million of the federal funds will be reserved for tenants in counties with populations of 200,000 or less and the additional funds will be available to counties with populations larger than 200,000. The state will directly administer $1.5 billion through contracted entities, and local governments can either join forces with the state or administer their own programs. The State Rental Assistance Program will begin accepting applications from property owners and tenants in March.
SB 91 prohibits the selling or assigning of rental debt that was accrued from March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 until the end of the moratorium. However, the prohibition is permanent with respect to the rental debt of people at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income who meet the eligibility requirements of the Rental Assistance Program. Property owners or other housing providers are also prohibited from using COVID-19 related debt as a negative factor for evaluating a housing application, or as the basis for refusing to rent to an otherwise qualified tenant.
Landing on Mars: A Tricky Feat
By David Prosper
The Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter will land in Mars’ Jezero crater on February 18, NASA’s latest mission to explore the red planet. Landing on Mars is an incredibly difficult feat that has challenged engineers for decades: while missions like Curiosity have succeeded, its surface is littered with the wreckage of many failures as well. Why is landing on Mars so difficult?
Mars presents a unique problem to potential landers as it possesses a relatively large mass and a thin, but not insubstantial, atmosphere. The atmosphere is thick enough that spacecraft are stuffed inside a streamlined aeroshell sporting a protective heat shield to prevent burning up upon entry – but that same atmosphere is not thick enough to rely on parachutes alone for a safe landing, since they can’t catch sufficient air to slow down quickly enough. This is even worse for larger explorers like Perseverance, weighing in at 2,260 lbs (1,025 kg). Fortunately, engineers have crafted some ingenious landing methods over the decades to allow their spacecraft to survive what is called Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL).
The Viking landers touched down on Mars in 1976 using heat shields, parachutes, and retrorockets. Despite using large parachutes, the large Viking landers fired retrorockets at the end to land at a safe speed. This complex combination has been followed by almost every mission since, but subsequent missions have innovated in the landing segment. The 1997 Mars Pathfinder mission added airbags in conjunction with parachutes and retrorockets to safely bounce its way to a landing on the Martian surface. Then three sturdy “petals” ensured the lander was pushed into an upright position after landing on an ancient floodplain.
The Opportunity and Spirit missions used a similar method to place their rovers on the Martian surface in 2004. Phoenix (2008) and Insight (2018) utilized Viking-style landings. The large and heavy Curiosity rover required extra power at the end to safely land the car-sized rover, and so the daring “Sky Crane” deployment system was successfully used in 2012. After an initial descent using a massive heat shield and parachute, powerful retrorockets finished slowing down the spacecraft to about 2 miles per hour. The Sky Crane then safely lowered the rover down to the Martian surface using a strong cable. Its job done, the Sky Crane then flew off and crash-landed a safe distance away. Having proved the efficacy of the Sky Crane system, NASA will use this same method to attempt a safe landing for Perseverance this month!
You can watch coverage of the Mars Perseverance landing starting at 11 a.m. PST (2 p.m. EST) on February 18 at www.nasa.gov/nasalive. Touchdown is expected around 12:55 p.m. PST (3:55 p.m. EST). NASA has great resources about the Perseverance Rover and accompanying Ingenuity helicopter on mars.nasa.gov/mars2020 . And of course, find out how we plan to land on many different worlds at www.nasa.gov.
This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm to find local clubs, events, and more.
Natividad Huerta
Resident of Union City
April 4, 1919 – January 23, 2021
It is with the saddest regret that we announce the death of our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather Natividad Huerta Escalera who was a resident of Union City, CA. Natividad “Don Tivi” as he was known by those closest to him was born April 4, 1919 in Aguililla, Michoacan in Mexico and died on January 23, 2021 at the young age of 101. He is predeceased by his wife Carmen Huerta Gutierrez and his son Javier Huerta Gutierrez. Don Tivi always enjoyed being around his family which included his 6 children Alicia Huerta, Eliezer Huerta, Herminia Huerta, Armando Huerta and Christina Buiza Huerta, 25 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. We were blessed to have him for so many years and will continue to remember him as we listen to his favorite singers Las Jilguerillas and his favorite song, “Cuando ya mi cuerpo esté junto a la tumba, Lo único que pido como despedida, En las cuatro esquinas de mi sepultura, Como agua bendita que riegen tequila, Yo no quiero llantos, Yo no quiero penas, No quiero tristeza, Yo no quiero nada, Lo único que quiero es alla en mi velorio, Una serenata por la madrugada”. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the viewing and funeral services will be strictly for family. If you would like to send flowers his viewing will be on Thursday, February 11, 2021, starting at 3 PM, at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, and burial will be on Friday, February 12, 2021, at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, Palo Alto.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510-797-1900
Statewide Vaccine Delivery Network
Submitted by California Department of Public Health
Based on findings from the 10-Day Vaccine Challenge, the Newsom Administration detailed a series of vaccine delivery system changes to focus each sector of the health care system on their core competencies and expedite vaccine administration.
The vaccine distribution and operations effort will be led by Yolanda Richardson, secretary of Government Operations Agency, in consultation and partnership with Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of Health and Human Services, and California Department of Public Health. While vaccines remain extremely limited, the goal is to build a system to administer vaccines equitably and efficiently when supply increases.
“Our state and county public health leaders have done the important groundwork to get California’s vaccination plan up, and running and we are grateful to them and will continue to partner with them,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We have learned that to accelerate the pace; we need to dial up the scale of our efforts to ensure vaccine supply goes into arms as quickly as it arrives in the state. This collaboration between secretaries Ghaly and Richardson continues our approach to lead with public health and add Secretary Richardson’s expertise in operations and with the health care delivery system which will be pivotal in implementing these improvements to get all Californians vaccinated safely and swiftly, with equity as our North Star.”
Specifically, the state will implement three changes based on the lessons learned from the 10-Day Vaccine Challenge.
Simplifying Eligibility: In simplifying eligibility beginning mid-February, the state will implement a statewide standard under which health-care workers, individuals 65+ and education and childcare, emergency services and food and agriculture workers will be eligible to start making appointments to receive the vaccine, pending vaccine availability. These are the groups identified in Phase 1B, Tier 1.
Future groups will become eligible based on age. This statewide standard will move in unison across all 58 counties. This will allow the state to scale capacity up while also ensuring the vaccine goes to disproportionately impacted communities.
Standardizing Information and Data: Leveraging California’s innovation and technology assets, the state is launching My Turn, a new system for Californians to learn when they are eligible to be vaccinated, a place to make an appointment when eligible and a mechanism to easily track vaccination data. Through My Turn, individuals can sign up for a notification when they are eligible to make an appointment and schedule one when it is their turn. My Turn will also help track those who have yet to receive a second vaccine dose and need additional outreach.
Technology from California companies Salesforce and Skedulo are the foundation for My Turn. Having been piloted in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, individuals can visit https://myturn.ca.gov to register for a notification immediately. Scheduling appointments beyond the pilot counties is expected to be available in February.
The My Turn system will also automatically report vaccination information into state data systems. Providers will be required to either administer vaccines via the My Turn scheduling system or an electronic health record with an automatic data feed into the state’s system. This will reduce data lags and give us real time information on how we are doing at the local and statewide levels.
Addressing Available Supply by Streamlining Vaccination Process: Based on recent learnings, the state vaccine team will build on the work of counties and health providers to coordinate vaccine delivery statewide, with an eye toward ensuring safety, equity, and the fastest possible delivery of vaccine.
California will build a statewide vaccine administration network to speed the equitable delivery of current supply to eligible Californians. The state, through a Third Party Administrator (TPA), will allocate vaccines directly to providers to maximize distribution efficiency.
The vaccine provider network is expected to include public health systems, pharmacies, health systems, public hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, and pop-up and mobile sites with an immediate focus on allocating to today’s high-throughput providers. The vaccine provider network will expand as vaccine supply grows and vaccine characteristics change, with fixed and mobile sites used to meet the needs of individual communities.
The new approach will continue to focus on equity. Vaccines will be allocated to make sure low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have access to vaccines, and providers will be compensated in part by how well they are able to reach underserved communities. Real time data will allow for adjustments to be made if initial equity targets are not met. While the state will drive faster administration of available vaccine supply, overall vaccine supply into California will continue to be dictated by the Federal government.
Newsom sets new tone for California, White House partnership
By Kathleen Ronayne
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 19 – After four years of sparring with President Donald Trump, California is ready for a more productive, friendlier chapter with Democratic President-elect Joe Biden.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined his areas of agreement and places where he hopes to collaborate with the new administration Tuesday in a letter to Biden. Among his requests are federal support for California's efforts to house homeless people in hotel and motel rooms and a restoration of money for the state's troubled high-speed rail project, which Trump revoked.
“I offer you my full partnership and support as you take office and inherit the tremendous responsibility to restore our nation's economy and place of leadership on the global stage – all while working to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end,“ Newsom wrote.
It's a notably friendlier tone than Newsom often took with Trump, particularly during the first year of his governorship in 2019, when the two sparred over wildfire management, immigration and climate change. California, the nation's most populous state, was often an easy punching bag for Trump. His administration tried to revoke California's authority to set its own auto emissions standards, took away $1 billion for the high-speed rail project and adopted a slew of policies detrimental to the state's millions of immigrants.
Newsom's tone was more muted in 2020 as he sought not to anger, and even occasionally praised, Trump amid a scramble for federal help to contain the coronavirus. The federal government fulfilled many of his requests for assistance.
But a Democrat in the White House will automatically improve the relationship. California will have extra clout with Kamala Harris as vice president and potentially Xavier Becerra, the state's current attorney general, as head of the federal health and human services agency.
Newsom's letter outlines his support for initiatives Biden has already announced, including more federal resources for vaccinating people and reopening schools. Newsom also supports a proposed a $1,400 relief payment for people. California is using state money to provide a one-time check of $600 to low-income individuals.
His letter further requests the federal government boost California's efforts to house homeless people in hotels and motels, a new program during the pandemic. Biden has proposed $5 billion in aid nationally to purchase and convert hotels and motels. Newsom requested Biden support efforts to make the programs permanent and expand the use of housing vouchers.
Elsewhere, Newsom highlights funding for the high-speed rail project as a top priority. The state has been working to build a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco for more than a decade, but the project has been beset by delays and cost overruns. Most recently, one of the project's main contractors blasted the pace of work, and even some Democratic lawmakers oppose continuing it. Newsom made no mention of the challenges in his letter.
Newsom further requested Biden restore California's ability to set its own vehicle emissions standards, a power the Trump administration revoked as it dismantled climate change regulations. On immigration, he's asking the administration to reverse rules aimed at denying green cards to immigrants likely to access public benefits and eliminate religion-based travel bans. Biden has already indicated plans to undo Trump's travel ban on majority-Muslim nations and to outline a pathway to citizenship for people living in the country illegally.
“Having a true partner in the White House – and an Administration aligned with so many of our values – is a game changer for Californians,“ Newsom wrote.
Ohlone College Virtual In-Person Services
Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department
Ohlone College has suspended all in-person services. Instead, they now offer Virtual In-Person (VIP) Student Services. Meeting with your VIP team will be easy. First you enter the VIP lobby via Zoom where one of our receptionists will greet you and find out what room to direct you to. Next, they will assign you to a breakout room to get the services you need. To enter the VIP Services room, visit https://www.ohlone.edu/rtc/students.
Virtual In-Person Student Services
Monday – Thursday
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
https://www.ohlone.edu/rtc/students
PARRHESIA 2020: A Community of Voices Identities & Diversity
Submitted by Ohlone College Smith Center
Join us for Ohlone College’s Theatre & Dance Production of Parrhesia 2020.
Ohlone College student Grace Romero struggles to make sense of today's world. Society is in turmoil as injustices are coming to light. The pandemic has affected Grace's relationships, family, friends, and sense of self.
Disconnected, she begins a journey of self-discovery and decides to seek answers to her questions by reaching out and interviewing the people in her community. Along the way, she speaks with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and points of view and finds connections she never had before.
Ohlone College students have developed a project using Johnny Saldaña's Ethnotheatre approach for devising an original work. The company interviewed dozens of people in the Fremont community to better understand COVID-19, its implications, and the societal injustices that have come to the foreground as a result of this unprecedented time in our history. Using these interviews, the students have created a theatrical piece which has been turned into a film that shares the stories and perspectives of their community.
Parrhesia 2020
Friday, Feb 5 and Saturday, Feb 6
7 p.m.
Registration: https://ohlone.formstack.com/forms/2020_fall-production_of_parrhesia_registration_form
FREE
Property taxes paid by PG&E rise 5.5%
Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E
For the second half of 2020, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) paid property taxes of more than $268 million to the 50 counties where it owns properties that support gas and electric service to 16 million Californians. In the East Bay, PG&E paid property taxes totaling nearly $54 million to Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
“Property tax payments are one of the important ways PG&E helps drive local economies and supports essential public services like education and public safety. This year’s payments reflect the substantial local investments we continue to make in our gas and electric infrastructure to create a safer and more reliable system and to better mitigate against wildfires,” said David Thomason, Vice President, Controller and Chief Financial Officer for PG&E.
PG&E’s payments of more than $268 million covers the period from July 1 to December 31, 2020. Total payments for the tax year of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 are more than $537 million — an increase of nearly $28 million, or 5.5%, compared with the prior tax year.
The increase in property tax payments reflect PG&E’s continuing investments to enhance and upgrade its gas and electrical infrastructure for safety, reliability and wildfire mitigation across Northern and Central California.
PG&E’s First Installment of Property Taxes Paid on December 10, 2020:
• Alameda — $32,404,709
• Alpine — $80,538
• Amador — $1,108,032
• Butte — $ 5,667,359
• Calaveras — $ 1,191,644
• Colusa — $ 4,137,638
• Contra Costa — $ 21,497,366
• El Dorado — $ 1,740,390
• Fresno — $ 18,276,652
• Glenn — $ 1,002,342
• Humboldt — $ 4,106,763
• Kern — $ 9,771,985
• Kings — $ 1,706,582
• Lake — $ 961,632
• Lassen — $ 51,276
• Madera — $ 2,510,612
• Marin — $ 4,750,923
• Mariposa — $ 318,727
• Mendocino — $ 1,824,242
• Merced — $ 3,967,492
• Modoc — $ 214,875
• Monterey — $ 4,022,424
• Napa — $ 3,369,198
• Nevada — $ 1,357,769
• Placer — $ 6,606,295
• Plumas — $ 2,565,430
• Sacramento — $ 7,024,199
• San Benito — $ 877,418
• San Bernardino — $ 1,450,867
• San Diego — $ 6,446
• San Francisco — $ 14,835,825
• San Joaquin — $ 13,167,723
• San Luis Obispo — $ 10,392,451
• San Mateo — $ 15,317,959
• Santa Barbara — $ 1,180,653
• Santa Clara — $ 33,320,405
• Santa Cruz — $ 2,016,295
• Shasta — $ 6,227,812
• Sierra — $ 124,531
• Siskiyou — $ 100,917
• Solano — $ 6,654,033
• Sonoma — $ 8,764,068
• Stanislaus — $ 2,904,283
• Sutter — $ 1,415,569
• Tehama — $ 1,551,202
• Trinity — $ 181,612
• Tulare — $ 610,699
• Tuolumne — $ 910,615
• Yolo — $ 2,917,664
• Yuba — $ 1,474,638
Total payments — $268,640,779
PG&E supports the communities it serves in a variety of ways. Last year, PG&E provided $17.5 million in community grants and investments to enhance local educational opportunities, preserve the environment, and support economic vitality and emergency preparedness. PG&E employees provide volunteer service in their local communities. The company also offers a broad spectrum of economic development services to help local businesses grow.
Phantom Art Gallery goes virtual
Submitted by Tegan McLane
The City of Milpitas is proud to announce its first ever virtual Phantom Art Gallery show, “Magical Moments,” featuring works by members of the Golden Hills Art Association. The exhibit includes more than 30 pieces, by 14 different artists.
A long-standing champion of the arts in Milpitas, Golden Hills Art Association prides itself on being a friendly group of local artists of all ages dedicated to developing their skills and knowledge of art. The group has hosted regular monthly meetings at the Milpitas Police Station and presented an annual exhibit at the Milpitas Library for many years. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the group to cancel its Spring 2020 exhibit and in person gatherings, but we hope this virtual exhibit will give you an opportunity to enjoy their work and meet the artists featured.
The public is invited to join the artists for a virtual reception via Zoom on Saturday, February 13, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. View the gallery at www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/milpitas/departments/recreation-services/virtual-community-center/pag-ghaa-2021/#1609970413719-5d05e180-9d53
Magical Moments virtual reception
Saturday, Feb 13
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Via Zoom
Register at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/milpitasrec/Activity_Search/61149
Or call (408) 209-5321
Arrest made in Fremont PlayStation 5 robbery
Submitted by Fremont Police Department
Following an extensive investigation, police in Fremont said one person has been arrested and another is being sought in connection with an armed robbery involving a PlayStation 5 game console late last year.
In a statement issued January 27, Fremont Police Department (FPD) officials said a suspect, identified as Lucio Soto, 19, of Richmond was arrested January 12 at his home by undercover officers with the help of Richmond Police. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Soto, and another person who is still at large, are believed to be connected to an armed robbery on November 12 in Fremont. The pair met their victim at 8:30 p.m. in a parking lot on the 35000 block of Fremont Blvd. The victim had offered his PS5 for sale online and agreed to meet the suspect, who was posing as a buyer, near the location.
When the suspect arrived, the victim showed him the game console in the trunk of his car. Police said another car pulled up and the driver pointed a handgun at the victim. The first suspect then took the PlayStation 5 and left the scene with the other suspect in his car.
Detectives following various leads were able to identify Soto as the first suspect. A record check showed he was on probation for firearms charges, and also had previous arrests for home invasion robbery, robbery, possession of stolen property, and other firearms violations. An arrest warrant was then obtained for Soto for his involvement in the robbery.
Meanwhile, detectives are working on leads to identify the second suspect. He is described by police as a Hispanic male in his 20s with a light complexion, average build, about 5-feet-11-inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue surgical mask, and a red polo. He was armed with a handgun. Both suspects were seen fleeing in a vehicle described as a newer black sedan, possibly a black Infiniti Q60 with black rims and tinted windows.
Police are asking anyone who has information about the case, or believe they may also have been victimized by these suspects to contact Detective Troy Roberts at (510) 790-6900 or by email at troberts@fremont.gov.
Officers are also reminding the community that there is a designated “Exchange Zone” in the FPD public parking lot at 2000 Stevenson Blvd. that allows for the safe exchange of items in a safe area under video surveillance.
Poster and writing contest
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward is now accepting environmentally-themed works of art from K-12 grade students as a part of its annual Earth Day Poster & Writing Contest. Interested participants can submit an original poster, poem, or essay about Earth Day for the chance to win up to $200 in gift cards.
The contest gives students an opportunity to express their unique views on water and energy conservation, renewable energy, active transportation, sustainable food, recycling and composting, a litter-free environment, and environmental justice.
Two winners for poster entries and two winners for poem/essay entries will be selected from each grade category. The grade categories are: K-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, 4th-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, and 9th-12th Grade. Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and expression of theme. In each category, first place winners will receive a $200 gift card and second place winners will receive a $150 gift card. Teachers of the winning students will also receive gift cards. Students who submit winning entries will be invited to attend a virtual City Council meeting in April to receive their prize and a certificate of achievement from Mayor Barbara Halliday.
Poster & Writing Contest submissions are due Friday, March 19. To qualify, all entries must follow the Contest rules, which can be found at www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/earth-day-events/poster-and-writing-contest.
Earth Day Poster and Writing Contest
For Hayward students K-12th grade
Deadline: Friday, Mar 19
Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measure
By Brian Melley
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP), Jan 12 – Drivers for app-based ride-hailing and delivery services filed a lawsuit Tuesday to overturn a California ballot initiative that makes them independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections.
The lawsuit filed with the California Supreme Court said Proposition 22 is unconstitutional because it limits the power of the Legislature to grant workers the right to organize and excludes drivers from being eligible for workers' compensation.
The measure, which was passed in November with 58% support, was the most expensive in state history with Uber, Lyft and other services pouring $200 million in support of it. Labor unions, who joined drivers in the lawsuit, spent about $20 million to challenge it.
“Prop. 22 doesn't just fail our state rideshare drivers, it fails the basic test of following our state constitution,” said Bob Schoonover of the Service Employees International Union. “The law as written by Uber and Lyft denies drivers rights under the law in California and makes it nearly impossible for lawmakers to fix these problems.”
Drivers bringing the lawsuit have several hurdles to clear, but their arguments are compelling, said Mary-Beth Moylan, associate dean of McGeorge Law School in Sacramento.
The first challenge is getting the California Supreme Court to take the case instead of kicking it to lower courts to weigh the facts, which could delay the case for years. To do so, the high court would have to find the arguments are legal, not factual, and there is urgency to decide the issue, Moylan said.
The second challenge is that courts have generally granted broad deference to voters to pass such initiatives.
“Generally speaking, courts in California don't like to overturn the will of the people,” Moylan said. “But the petitioners' claim is that the people did not really have the power to do what they did. There are instances where the California courts have come in and said … it's nice that this is what the people wanted to do, but our constitution doesn't permit the people to do this.“
The lawsuit is the latest round in the high-stakes fight between labor and the titans of the gig economy, all based in San Francisco.
Proposition 22 was written by Uber and Lyft and supported by DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart to challenge the landmark labor law AB5 passed by Democrats in 2019. The law expanded a California Supreme Court ruling that limited businesses from classifying certain workers as independent contractors.
The measure granted the delivery services an exemption from the law that would have required providing drivers with protections like minimum wage, overtime, health insurance and reimbursement for expenses.
Under the measure, drivers remain independent contractors exempt from mandates such as sick leave and workers' comp but would receive “alternative benefits,” including a guaranteed minimum wage and subsidies for health insurance if they average 25 hours of work a week.
Uber and Lyft did not comment hours after being contacted, but a group that supported the ballot initiative issued a statement criticizing the lawsuit as an effort to overturn the vote.
“Voters across the political spectrum spoke loud and clear, passing Prop. 22 in a landslide,“ Jim Pyatt, an Uber driver in Modesto, said in the statement. “Meritless lawsuits that seek to undermine the clear democratic will of the people do not stand up to scrutiny in the courts.”
The lawsuit claims the measure interferes with state lawmakers' authority to establish and enforce a workers' comp system, which would require a constitutional amendment.
“They're making this argument that this should have been a constitutional amendment, not a statutory amendment,” Moylan said. “I think that argument probably has some legs.”
She said the outcome of that could turn on whether the statute actually changed the workers' comp provisions or did something less.
Another claim in the lawsuit alleges the measure violates a rule limiting ballot measures to a single subject. Moylan said courts have generally interpreted that broadly and have not found violations based on that claim.
“I think it's an intellectually meritorious argument,” she said. “I don't think it's a winner.”
THE ROBOT REPORT
How Boston Dynamics’ robots learned to dance
By Steve Crowe
By now you’ve likely seen Boston Dynamics’ latest viral video in which its Atlas, Handle, and Spot robots dance to The Contours’ “Do You Love Me?” If you haven’t, or if you want to see it again, watch it at: https://youtu.be/fn3KWM1kuAw.
One of the more common questions I received after sharing the video was: how did the robots become such great dancers? Well, we now have more information about Atlas and Spot.
Adam Savage and Tested released a video that dives into the RBR50 company’s Choreographer software. As the Boston Dynamics engineer said in the video, the Choreographer software is similar to video editing or animation software. It works by dragging and tweaking Spot’s pre-programmed movements onto a timeline.
The video described some of the movements Spot can perform, including body, step, dynamic transition and kneeling motions. Within each of those categories, there are sub-categories of movements that can be dragged onto the timeline.
One example they go over in the video is the “Running Man” move, which we’ve seen Spot do several times now. “Each move is one step,” said Boston Dynamics. “You adjust the variable for that one step, copy and paste it, drag it into your timeline, and then combine it with other things.”
As for Atlas, learning to dance is even more complex. IEEE Spectrum has a great interview with Aaron Saunders, Boston Dynamics’ VP of Engineering, about the challenges and how human dancers were needed.
From IEEE:
“We started by working with dancers and a choreographer to create an initial concept for the dance by composing and assembling a routine. One of the challenges, and probably the core challenge for Atlas in particular, was adjusting human dance moves so that they could be performed on the robot. To do that, we used simulation to rapidly iterate through movement concepts while soliciting feedback from the choreographer to reach behaviors that Atlas had the strength and speed to execute. It was very iterative — they would literally dance out what they wanted us to do, and the engineers would look at the screen and go ‘that would be easy’ or ‘that would be hard’ or ‘that scares me.’ And then we’d have a discussion, try different things in simulation, and make adjustments to find a compatible set of moves that we could execute on Atlas.
“Throughout the project, the time frame for creating those new dance moves got shorter and shorter as we built tools, and as an example, eventually we were able to use that toolchain to create one of Atlas’ ballet moves in just one day, the day before we filmed, and it worked. So, it’s not hand-scripted or hand-coded, it’s about having a pipeline that lets you take a diverse set of motions, that you can describe through a variety of different inputs, and push them through and onto the robot.”
Saunders also described how Atlas’ dance moves are controlled: “Atlas’ current dance performance uses a mixture of what we like to call reflexive control, which is a combination of reacting to forces, online and offline trajectory optimization, and model predictive control. We leverage these techniques because they’re a reliable way of unlocking really high-performance stuff, and we understand how to wield these tools really well. We haven’t found the end of the road in terms of what we can do with them.”
Arizona State University’s Heni Ben Amor, an assistant professor in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, specializes in machine learning and human-robot interaction. He said the technology involved with Atlas dancing isn’t new. But the complexity, in this case, is unparalleled. “In combination with the artistry of the choreography, this results in an impressive showcase of robot capabilities,” he said.
Ben Amor said mimicking the dancers’ choreography has an element of puppetry to it, but maintaining physical stability is a major part of the equation. “The robot has to think about how to actuate the motors so it can generate its own actions in space.”
“They aren’t making long-term autonomous decisions. They are making short-term decisions that enable them to reproduce what they’ve been shown in the space in which they are acting. Even without any learning or AI, it is still difficult to overstate the quality of this achievement,” Ben Amor said. “A humanoid robot of this complexity, being controlled with this level of fluidity and grace, is unparalleled.”
Ben Amor’s research is machine learning methods that enable physical, human interaction. “I envision that the next stage will be developing stunt robots capable of directly interacting with humans. Spiderman jumping in real life will bring robotics closer to humans,” Ben Amor said. “The day will come when the annual Boston Dynamics release will feature partnering with human dancers and performing graceful ballet lifts.”
Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He can be reached at scrowe@wtwhmedia.com.
THE ROBOT REPORT
AutoX’s Shenzhen robotaxi service opens to public
By Steve Crowe
Chinese self-driving pioneer AutoX opened its fully driverless robotaxi pilot program to the public in Shenzhen on January 27. This is the first time the general public in China can book a ride in a robotaxi that doesn’t have a safety driver, AutoX claimed.
Shenzhen has the highest level of population density of any city in China. To start, AutoX told The Robot Report its fleet of 25 Pacifica minivans will operate within Shenzhen’s Pingshan district. Pingshan is 65 square miles in size. For comparison’s sake, Waymo’s robotaxi service operates within a 50-square-mile radius of Chandler, Arizona.
AutoX’s vehicles will have teleoperators standing by in case the systems encounter situations they can’t handle. AutoX said the “teleoperator can give very high-level instructions to help in situations when the car is stuck, such as giving a routing suggestion. The onboard AI still decides how the car drives.” AutoX is also testing a robotaxi service in Shanghai, but uses safety drivers.
There is a lot of activity within China’s growing autonomous vehicle industry. Earlier this week, Beijing-based Uisee Technology raised $154 million for its autonomy stack that enables L4 vehicles. Unlike robotaxis that operate on public roads, Uisee’s vehicles operate in move restricted environments, such as airports, factories, and ports. In December 2019, it partnered with Hong Kong International Airport on an autonomous electric tractor that transports baggage for thousands of passengers on a daily basis.
In January another Chinese autonomous vehicle company, Guangzhou-based WeRide completed a $310 million Series B round of funding. It launched a L4 robotaxi service in Guangzhou in November 2019. WeRide claimed this is the first publicly accessible robotaxi service in the city. It covers an area of 144 square kilometers (89.4 sq. mi.) in Huangpu District and Guangzhou Development District. In the service’s first year of operation, 60,000-plus users went on a total of 147,128 rides, according to WeRide.
Plus.ai, a self-driving truck company with offices in the United States and China, in November 2020 raised $100 million from Guotai Junan International, a Hong Kong-based investment and securities firm, and Hedosophia, a London-based VC firm.
And today Chinese search giant Baidu became the sixth company approved to test fully autonomous vehicles on public roads in California. It joined AutoX, Cruise, Nuro, Waymo, and Zoox. Sixty companies have a permit to test autonomous vehicles with a safety driver in California.
China is aiming to achieve mass production of lower-level autonomous vehicles by 2025. In a 2018 report, Deloitte predicted sales of L4 autonomous vehicles in China to exceed 500,000 units by 2030.
AutoX was founded in 2016 by Dr. Jianxiong Xiao, who has autonomous vehicle experience from MIT and Princeton University. It opened a RoboTaxi Operations Center in Shanghai, which it claims now serves as the largest data hub for self-driving car data in Asia.
Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He can be reached at scrowe@wtwhmedia.com
Letter to the Editor
Rodeo Legislation – Authors Needed
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) claims that there are some 10,000 rodeos held annually in the U.S., few of which require on-site veterinarians to care for injured animals. The PRCA has done so only since 1996, after five animals suffered and died at the 1995 California Rodeo/Salinas. Three bills needing an author:
1. Amend state rodeo law, Penal Code 596.7, to require an on-site veterinarian or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at all rodeos – the “on call” option is not working, and animals are suffering needlessly
2. Ban the Mexican charreada's brutal “steer tailing” event (outlawed in Alameda & Contra Costa Counties in 1993)
3. Ban the rodeo's non-sanctioned “wild cow milking contest,” children's “mutton busting” event, and all animal “scrambles” – cruel and dangerous for all concerned
All legislators may be written c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. Email pattern for all: senator.lastname@senate.ca.gov; assemblymember.lastname@assembly.ca.gov.
Let them hear from you.
Eric Mills
Action For Animals
Oakland
Safe Parking Strategy Update
Submitted by City of Fremont
City of Fremont is prioritizing the development of programs that help serve the homeless population living in vehicles. To better address their needs, the city is launching a Safe Parking Strategy. This strategy will recommend different program options the city could pursue to offer safe and sanitary areas where homeless residents residing in vehicles could park.
To start the process of developing a Safe Parking Strategy, the city asked the community to provide their input through a community survey. The survey launched in early December 2020 and remained open until January 25. Over 450 responses were received; staff is currently reviewing all the responses.
The next step in the process is for staff to present their proposed Safe Parking Strategy to the Fremont City Council on February 16. The community will be able to review the proposal and provide input as well. For more information, visit the City's Safe Parking Strategy webpage, www.fremont.gov/3750/Safe-Parking-Strategy.
Samsung promises new phones will deliver more for less money
By Michael Liedtke
AP Technology Writer
SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP), Jan 14 – Samsung's next crop of smartphones will boast bigger screens, better cameras, and longer-lasting batteries at lower prices than last year's lineup that came out just before the pandemic toppled the economy.
The three Galaxy S21 phones unveiled Thursday at a virtual event will face some of the same challenges in an economy still hobbled by a crisis that has left millions of people unemployed and forced millions of others to do their jobs or attend school from their homes.
But this time Samsung has made some pricing adjustments that reflect the hard times.
All three phones will be less expensive than last year's comparable models, with the reductions ranging from 7% to 20%. Part of the price drops stems from the falling cost for making devices compatible with faster 5G wireless networks, but Samsung also is trying to make its devices more affordable to consumers struggling to make ends meet, said Drew Blackard, the South Korean company's vice president of product management.
“We are always looking at what is happening in the market and try to be responsive of that,” Blackard said.
Apple also has been offering cheaper versions of the iPhones in recent years, a trend that was amplified last year with the April release of a model selling for $400 and another scaled-down device released last fall that sells for $700 compared to $1,100 for its latest top-of-the-line model.
Samsung quickly learned about how the pandemic might reshape the smartphone market when last year's Galaxy S20 models hit the stores in the U.S. last March just as lockdowns were shutting down wide swaths of the economy and unemployment rates were soaring to their highest levels since the Great Depression nearly a century ago.
The downturn curtailed demand for the Galaxy S20 lineup, contributing to a 29% drop from the previous year in Samsung's smartphone shipments for the April-June period, according to the research firm International Data Corp. The plunge temporarily knocked Samsung from its perch as the world's leading seller of smartphones, but the company reclaimed the mantle from China's Huawei after its shipments rebounded during the July-September period.
But the slump prompted Samsung to release a lower cost phone, called the Galaxy S20 FE, in October that wasn't in the company's original plans last year, Blackard said. That model sold for $700, down from the $1,000 price that Samsung had set for its lower-priced standard Galaxy S20.
In this year's lineup, the standard Galaxy S21 phone will start at $800, a 20% markdown from last year's comparable model. The latest Galaxy fine will feature a new design for the camera modules, with more photography options, increased privacy controls and a battery that Samsung promises will last at least a day before it needs to be recharged.
The two other phones have slightly bigger screens in addition to a few other bells and whistles not offered on the basic model. The Galaxy S21 Plus will sell for $1,000, a 17% reduction from last year's comparable model while the Galaxy S21 Ultra will sell for $1,300, down by $100 from last year's comparable model.
And the Ultra model will become the first Galaxy S phone capable of working with a Samsung pen that will be sold separately to allow users to digitally draw on the display the screen. Previously, Samsung has only designed the pen for its Galaxy Note models that are aimed for buyers who use those devices primarily for getting work done rather than for entertainment and leisure. The standard S Pen costs $40.
Samsung also announced it is teaming up with Audi, BMW, Ford and Genesis to enable the Galaxy S 21 phones to be used as digital keys that can unlock vehicles made by those automakers. That is something Apple already started to do last with on a more limited basis with BMW. Samsung didn't specify when the digital car key feature on its new phones will be enabled.
All three phones will be available in stores Jan. 29, although they can be preordered beginning Thursday.
San Leandro City Council
January 19, 2021
Recognitions:
• Proclamation honoring Miraglia’s Catering
• Recognition of Employee of the Quarter: Thomas Browning, Park Maintenance Worker III, Public works.
Public comments:
• A citizen from District 1 submitted a comment reiterating the need for the city to discipline the officer involved in the shooting death of Steven Taylor, calling for at the very least his removal from patrol and assigned to desk duty. He also requested that the city recognize Taylor by observing April 18 every year as Steven Taylor Day. Another citizen asked the council to include menthol in the flavor ban it passed in 2017. Another citizen urged the council to adopt a measure that mandates hazard pay for grocery and drug store workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Action items:
• Council unanimously approved a resolution approving appropriation of $400,000 of General Fund reserves to address business and community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye
Pete Ballew Aye
Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye
Bryan Azevedo Aye
Fred Simon Aye
Deborah Cox Aye
Corina Lopez Aye
Application Open for New Americans Fellowship
Submitted by María Leticia Gómez
Santa Clara County is offering the New Americans Fellowship (NAF) program to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients living, working, or going to school in the county. The fellowship is a 10-week leadership program that runs from June through September and offers a stipend of up to $10,000 to cover living expenses. The application is due by Monday, March 1.
“The New Americans Fellowship brings to our organization bold, impactful thinkers who enrich so many of the county’s safety-net programs,” said Miguel Márquez, chief operating officer, County of Santa Clara, who has had the privilege of working with fellows on their projects. “We look forward to learning from the personal, innovative perspectives of our 2021 NAF cohort.”
Fellows receive mentoring and career pipeline support from County leaders and from various mentoring County departments. As part of the Fellowship, participants gain transferable skills and professional development in the areas of research and policy analysis, public communication, group facilitation, and project management. They are also trained to serve as community ambassadors to improve and expand immigrant integration.
Eligibility Requirements (All Must Apply)
• Current recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) with work permit* eligibility through the entire length of the fellowship (June – September)
• Employment authorization card
• Currently working, living, or attending school in Santa Clara County
• Commit to 10 weeks between June – September
• Undergraduate or graduate student, or recent college graduate
• Desire to be involved in social justice for the immigrant community
*A current DACA recipient is an individual with a current grant of deferred action under the U.S. government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
How to Apply
• Complete the application at www.sccoir.org/naf
• Provide 1-2 letters of recommendation from individuals or organizations you have worked or collaborated with that can provide insight to your public service activities and leadership skills
• College transcript(s)
• Analytical or other academic writing sample (3-5 pages long)
New Americans Fellowship (NAF) program
Application Deadline: Monday, Mar 1
Letter(s) of Recommendation Deadline: Monday, Mar 8
Notification of Selection: Tuesday, Apr 6
www.sccoir.org/naf
immigrant.relations@ceo.sccgov.org
Governor Swears in Dr. Shirley Weber as California Secretary of State
Submitted by Governor’s Press Office
Governor Gavin Newsom swore in San Diego Assemblymember and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus Dr. Shirley N. Weber as California Secretary of State on January 29. Dr. Weber is the first-ever African American to serve as Secretary of State in California history.
First elected to the California State Assembly in 2012, Dr. Weber has been a voice of moral clarity in the Legislature, providing leadership on issues of social justice. She authored the California Act to Save Lives, landmark legislation signed by Governor Newsom in 2019 setting new, higher standards on the use of deadly force by police. Her ambitious legislative agenda has also included bills on education, civil rights, public safety, food insecurity, protections for persons with disabilities and voting rights. She previously served as President of the San Diego Board of Education and as an Africana Studies Department professor at San Diego State University for 40 years.