2-26-19 Articles

Water rates in Alameda to increase from March

Submitted by Sharene Gonzales

 

On February 7, Alameda County Water District Board of Directors approved a two-year water rate increase – 4 percent beginning March 1, 2019 and 4 percent beginning March 1, 2020, to both the bimonthly service charge and water consumption charge. The board also approved water shortage emergency stage rates. The approved rate increase for each of the next two years results in an average increase of $2.41 per month to residential customers in 2019 and another $2.51 per month in 2020 – totaling to about $5.02 per month over the two-year period. ACWD's water rates continue to be in the lowest third of 30 water utilities in the Bay Area.

 

About a third of the total revenue that ACWD collects will be used to fund critical infrastructure improvement, including the ongoing replacement of about 900 miles of aging water mains, and constructing fish ladders along Alameda Creek. The remaining revenue will be used to cover increasing operations and maintenance costs. To ensure enough revenue is available during a water shortage emergency, the board for the first time adopted “stage rates.” These rates would only be implemented in the event of a water emergency declared by the board. There would be a public hearing process for the board to declare the water emergency.

 

The board has also approved changes to the fireline policy. Fireline residential service is water service for both residential-water needs and a home's fire sprinkler system through the same connection to the water system. This type of service is common for homes built since the 1990s. The policy changes result in billing all residential fireline accounts based on the smallest meter that could provide adequate water service absent the fire sprinkler system. Most customers that have a residential fireline will experience a decrease in their service charge, the amount of which depends on their meter size. In the coming weeks, ACWD will contact eligible fireline customers to advise them of the policy updates.

 

ACWD recognizes some customers may have trouble paying their water bills. The customer assistance program “Help on Tap” provides income-qualified residential customers a credit on their bimonthly water service charge. The board approved a credit increase from $20 to $25 on the bimonthly water service charge. Applications for “Help on Tap” are available on the ACWD’s website www.acwd.org/HOT. For more information about increase in water rates, visit ACWD website www.acwd.org/rates.

 

 

School superintendent honored for leadership

Submitted by Charlene Aquino

 

Officials from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) recently selected Pat Sánchez, Newark Unified School District Superintendent, as the Region 6 Administrator of the Year. The region represents school administrators from Alameda and Contra Costa County.

 

ACSA is the largest organization for school leaders in the United States, serving more than 17,000 California educators. ACSA’s mission is to be the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students.

 

“I want to thank the amazing team members of the Newark Unified School District,” Sánchez said, after his selection was announced on February 11. “Their support has allowed for our district to continue achieving success in our classrooms.”

 

One of ACSA's priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence. Through their annual awards program, they honor students, administrators and community organizations for their achievements and their dedication to public education.

 

Other district employees recognized by ACASA Region 6 include:

 

• Mark Neal, Middle Grades Principal
• Angela Ehrlich, Elementary Principal
• Leticia Salinas, Central Office Administrator
• Lawrence Simon, Technology Administrator

 

 

How will you respond to a disaster?

Submitted by Alameda County Fire Department

 

Anyone who would like to be better prepared in the event of an emergency is invited to join Alameda County Fire Department for a free 90-minute Personal Emergency Preparedness Training on Thursday, February 21. Participants will learn how to prepare a home for an emergency, make an emergency response kit, and manage utilities after an earthquake. For more information and to register for the training, call (510) 632-3473, ext. 1721, visit http://bit.ly/2GjJvMb or email CERT@acgov.org.

 

Personal Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Thursday, Feb 21

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Holly Community Center

31600 Alvarado Blvd, Union City

(510) 632-3473, ext. 1721

http://bit.ly/2GjJvMb

CERT@acgov.org

Registration required; free

 

 

Alameda County 2019 Women’s Hall of Fame

Submitted by Guy Ashley

 

Fourteen local women representing the region’s rich diversity and a remarkable range of achievement will be inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame at its annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on March 30. For the first time, there are two honorees in the Youth category, making this year’s group of 14 inductees the largest in the Women’s Hall of Fame’s 26-year history.

 

The program, co-sponsored by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the County’s Commission on the Status of Women, will once again raise funds to support local partners serving women and families in Alameda County. In addition, it will support local girls’ academic pursuits through the Mary V. King “Leading the Way” Youth Scholarship Fund, named after the former Alameda County Supervisor and Women’s Hall of Fame co-founder who passed away in 2015. To donate, details about the luncheon ceremony or to buy tickets, call County Administrator's Office at (510) 268-5379 or visit http://whof.acgov.org under Events.

 

2019 Inductees:

 

Moina Shaiq, Community Service – After mass shooting tragedies, Fremont-resident Shaiq launched the “Meet a Muslim” program to dispel common misunderstandings about the Islamic faith. The program began in a Fremont coffee shop but has grown to reach at least 4,000 people in nine states.

 

Carol A. Zilli, Culture and Art – Inspired by her lifelong love of music, Zilli is the founder and executive director of Music for Minors II, a volunteer program that provides music enrichment to more than 5,000 elementary school students each year in and around her hometown of Fremont.

 

Kimberly Larson, Emerging Leader – Larson is an Alameda County firefighter, who volunteers all over the West Coast mentoring young women interested in careers in the fire service. She is described as a “textbook firefighter” who is devoted to her career, her family and mentoring others to follow her path.

 

Teri Johnson, Sports and Athletics – Johnson is a teacher and coach at Union City’s James Logan High School and a legendary figure in high school and youth softball coaching. In 32 years of coaching, she has led her teams of girls to nearly 700 victories and a winning percentage of .805.

 

Laura Savio, Youth – Savio, 17, is a senior at Fremont’s Mission San Jose High School, who in the face of significant challenges at home, has become a community leader by educating others about teen dating violence and healthy relationships, as well as other issues affecting teens such as depression, anxiety, academic pressure and stress.

 

Other inductees include Kristin Groos Richmond, Business and Professions; Margaret Dixon, Education; Erica Mackie, Environment; Maria G. Hernandez, Ph.D., Health; Spojmie Nasiri, Justice; Thi Bui, Non-Traditional Careers; Peggy Saika, Philanthropy; Susan Hubbard, Ph.D., Science; and Akemi Williams, Youth.

 

Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

Saturday, Mar 30

12:30 p.m.; doors open at 11:45 a.m.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral

4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland

(510) 268-5379

http://whof.acgov.org

Tickets: $100 for individual; $1000, table for 10

 

 

Spring Forward in Regional Parks

By Ayn Wieskamp, Board of Directors

 

As winter slowly turns to spring, there are lots of activities on the calendar in the East Bay Regional Parks. The sheep may not be looking forward to it, but they will be sheared during an event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, with Mindy Castle and the interpretive staff. Visitors can watch while the sheep get their annual haircut, then try wool carding and see the transformation from fiber to yarn at the spinning wheel. You can also make your own wooly lamb to take home. Fee for the event is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $4 for kids ages 4 through 17, and free for ages 3 and under. Parking is free. Ardenwood is at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. For information, call (510) 544-2797.

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Looking farther ahead, Ardenwood will host the Tartan Day Scottish Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6. All things Scottish are on the agenda, including dancing, bagpipes, handmade crafts, historical re-enactments and Highland athletics. The Children’s Glen will feature magic and fantasy, maybe even fairies and a dragon. Fee for the fair is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children and free for ages 3 and under. You can buy tickets in advance by calling (888) 327-2757, option 2, or at the park entrance. Parking is free.

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Circle Sunday, April 14 on your calendar for the Spring Wildflower Festival at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County. Sunol is one of the Park District’s premier wildflower venues. Activities will include wildflower hikes, arts and crafts, live entertainment and nature-themed activities. Sunol Regional Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road, about 5 miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. Admission to the festival is free; parking costs $5 per vehicle. For more information, call (510) 544-3249.

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Speaking of hiking, use of hiking poles is a way to improve endurance, posture, balance, confidence spine function and performance. With Jayah Faye Paley as instructor, the Park District offers a variety of pole walking and pole hiking classes, tailored to various levels of ability. There’s one from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Sunol teaching hiking pole skills and techniques, with a beautiful, bucolic springtime flower hike. There’s a fee of $75 ($83 for non-district residents). Another clinic, “Using Poles for Walking & Maintaining Mobility,” will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, including a gentle practice walk in the butterfly garden and bird marsh. The fee is $45 ($51 for non-residents). Also, at Coyote there’s a more expert level “Hiking with Poles: Morning Skills and Techniques,” from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, April 27. The fee is $65 ($73 for non-residents).

 

For more information and reservations, call (888) 327-2757 and select option 2. For the April 6 program, refer to number 24073. For April 18 it’s 24109, and for April 27, 24178.

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And don’t forget the Trails Challenge, the self-guided incentive program for hiking and bicycling in the Regional Parks. Download the Trails Challenge guidebook from the Park District website, www.ebparks.org/TC. Hike or ride any five of the 20 trails or 26.2 miles of trails. Submit your log, online or by mail, by December 1 and receive a commemorative pin while supplies last. The free program is sponsored by the Regional Parks Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. Challenge trails are available for all levels of fitness. It’s a great way to explore new regional parks while improving health and fitness.

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Thinking even farther ahead, signups are now available for day camps for kids ages 5 through 12 in many of the regional parks, including Coyote Hills and Ardenwood. The camps are five-day long, starting June 10 and ending August 2. Recreation leaders and lifeguards supervise hiking, fishing, swimming, arts and crafts and sports. The fee is $200 for five days ($220 for non-district residents). For information, visit the Park District website www.ebparks.org or call (888) 327-2757.

 

 

Science Olympiad puts local students to the test

Submitted by Bay Area Science Olympiad

Photos courtesy of Michael Wong

 

Local junior high and high school students will put their smarts and talents to the test in various events at the “Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad” tournament held Saturday, March 2 at California State University, East Bay.

Science Olympiad is a nationwide nonprofit K-12 science and engineering team competition with over 8,000 schools in 50 states participating each year. Teams compete in 23 events with subjects covering engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, earth science, and computer science. Each year, teams first compete in regional tournaments with the best four schools advancing to Northern California State Tournaments. The best teams from Northern California finally meet at the National Tournament, held this year at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, in June.

 

“Being able to serve as the Regional Director in Bay Area Science Olympiad means so much to me. Having competed in Science Olympiad in high school, I know that Science Olympiad is the singular event in high school that sparked my interest in science, led me into science, engineering, and research,” said Peter Hung. Hung has been volunteering with Science Olympiad ever since, and over time has become the Bay Area Regional Director, Southern California State Director, and serves on the Advisory Board for the National Science Olympiad.

 

“Over the course of the past 35 years, Science Olympiad has touched the lives of so many students and the large number of Science Olympiad alumni giving back to Science Olympiad as a coach, parent volunteer, event supervisor, and tournament official is a testament to that,” said Hung.

 

Currently 31 middle school and 36 high school teams are expected at the Hayward tournament, with many representatives from the Tri-City area, including Mission San Jose Elementary, Centerville Junior High, Mission Valley Elementary, John Gomes Elementary, Thornton Junior High, Warm Springs Elementary, Hopkins Junior High, BASIS Independent Fremont, Castro Valley High School, Irvington High School, Mission San Jose High School, and American High School.

 

The community is welcome to watch students compete in seven events: Battery Buggy, Boomilever, Elastic Launched Glider, Mission Possible, Mousetrap Vehicle, Roller Coaster, and Wright Stuff.

 

For more information on Science Olympiad, visit www.soinc.org. To learn more about the Bay Area region, visit www.bayareascioly.com or email bayarearso@gmail.com.

 

Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad

Saturday, Mar 2

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Competition

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony

California State University, East Bay

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward

bayarearso@gmail.com

www.bayareascioly.com/

 

 

Program recognized for helping to boost student achievement

Submitted by Brian Killgore

 

Brookvale Elementary School in Fremont was recently recognized as a model Professional Learning Community (PLC) where educators have worked to build and sustain success in raising student achievement. The school is one of about 200 schools and districts in the U.S. and Canada to receive the honor, given by Solution Tree, a professional development company and publisher of educational material for K–12 educators.

 

Brookvale’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job embedded learning for the adults who serve those students.

 

The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:

— Focus on learning

— Build a collaborative culture

— Create a results orientation

 

Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.

 

 

Lexus LS 500h Hybrid

Fuel-Sipping Flagship Sedan

By Steve Schaefer

 

The Lexus LS 500 is a big, bold, beautiful flagship sedan, which competes with cars such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Redone in 2018, it moves into 2019 with a few small updates. You can choose from the “regular” LS 500 or the hybrid LS 500h.

 

The wide-mouthed spindle grille and sharp details evoke a certain “Lexusness” that stands out well against the recognizable flavor of those German luxury leaders. Coming from the company that gave us the Prius hybrid, though, the LS 500h, while not a “green” car like a Tesla, does deliver significant fuel economy improvements. The non-hybrid LS 500 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 to provide 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, for a 4.6-second zero-to-sixty time. Its EPA mileage numbers are 19 City, 29 Highway, and 23 Combined. The available all-wheel-drive model posts slightly lower numbers.

 

Compare that to the hybrid LS 500h, which uses a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motor-generators powered by a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The battery is charged up by regenerative braking. This model is a trifle slower from zero-to-sixty, at 5.1 seconds, but pushes the EPA fuel economy to 25 City, 33 Highway, and 28 Combined. It also boasts EPA green numbers of 7 for Smog and 6 for Greenhouse Gas. Range is an impressive 622 miles (varies depending on speed, weather, etc.) That means that the hybrid version of Lexus’ massive, 2-1/2-ton flagship car gets better fuel economy numbers than Lexus’ non-hybrid smaller ES (26 mpg combined) and IS (24 mpg combined) sedans!

 

Naturally, there’s room for five, and the LS 500h offers every amenity imaginable when you factor in the vast menu of options. Most notable is the Executive package, which adds the price of a base-model Camry car to the total ($23,080). But what you get is remarkable. Most visually striking is the first use of beautiful Kiriko glass in a car, on the doors. It gives the interior a shimmer, especially against the beautifully hand-pleated door trim with “floating” armrests that are back-lit at night. The supremely comfortable quilted-leather seats offer an amazing 28-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with multi-function massage. The rear seats recline, there’s a four-way “climate concierge,” and power side window shades.

 

Going along with the theme of large numbers, the stunning Mark Levinson audio system ($1,940) features 23 speakers and 2,400 watts of power! The head-up display ($1,200) stretches 24 inches across the left half of the lower windshield. Lexus uses a touchpad to control the numerous options on the large center display screen. I got pretty good at sliding and flicking my fingers to adjust things like the level of seat heating or audio selections. My car had Apple CarPlay integration, a handy feature that projects your phone content onto the main screen. You can use Siri to do verbal texting, phone calls, and other interactions. This car also had Alexa compatibility, but I didn’t use it.

 

The Lexus Safety System is a $3,000 option as well, although many safety features are part of every Toyota and Lexus today. I was saved by the pre-collision active braking. One night, as I backed out of a dark driveway, the car stopped suddenly, and red capital BRAKE flashed on the head-up display. Yes, there was a parked car behind me that I couldn’t see. The cross-traffic alert notifies you of cars moving across your path ahead with bright green arrows moving in the long head-up display area. That’s why they made it two-feet long.

 

There’s more! The wheels on my car were upgraded to 20-inchers ($2,450), and the Manganese Luster paint added an additional $595. The LS 500h is a smooth riding limo, especially with the optional adaptive variable air suspension ($1,500). I can’t say I thought much about it, but traveling was serene under any circumstances. If you want to configure your experience, on one of the two “horns” on the instrument panel you can twist to “ECO,” comfort, and two higher-performance drive modes – Sport and Sport +. I stayed mostly in ECO mode, but sampled the others briefly. If you want to open the LS 500h on a winding back road or on a freeway entrance ramp, the Sport settings will let you unleash yourself.

 

More big numbers come when pricing this special car. The base price is $79,710, plus $1,025 for delivery and handling. But with the long list of options, my car topped out at a knee-weakening $118,010. But it’s hard to imagine how you could pack more content and driving pleasure into a luxury sedan. While many people are moving to crossover sport utilities, there’s still a viable sedan market, and the LS 500h is one of the fanciest ones you’ll find, while still providing decent fuel economy.

 

 

Chabot Space & Science Center to receive moon rock from NASA

Submitted by Chabot Space & Science Center

 

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 9 Moon mission on March 3, Chabot Space & Science Center will receive a Moon rock from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to be put on public display in a dedication ceremony by Apollo 9 astronaut Russell (Rusty) Schweickart.

 

The Moon rock was collected on the Descartes Highlands on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972 and March 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 9 mission. Schweickart and Chabot Executive Director Adam Tobin will lead the public dedication on Sunday, March 3 in the center’s rotunda. The Moon rock is on loan from NASA’s Johnson Space Center presented on behalf of NASA and Apollo Astronaut Rusty Schweickart.

 

On April 16, 1972, Apollo 16 became the fifth mission to land on the Moon. It was the first to land in the “highlands,” at a site chosen to allow the astronauts to gather geologically older lunar samples than any obtained before. Measurements revealed that this 3.87-billion-year-old sample had only been exposed to cosmic rays from space for 4.5 million years, suggesting that it had previously been buried under the Moon’s surface. Its crystalline composition indicated that it was not igneous (volcanic) as scientists had originally thought, but instead was melted instantaneously by the extreme heat of an asteroid or comet upon impact, and then hardened into its present, crystalline form. The similarity between minerals contained in samples like this one and the Earth’s crust led to the present-day origin theory: the Moon was formed from debris when another planet collided with Earth approximately 4.5 billion years ago.

 

In addition to the dedication, Chabot will premiere Luna-Verse, its new Planetarium show developed by staff astronomer Ben Buress.

 

For more information about the Moon rock dedication and program, visit www.chabotspace.org.

 

Moon Rock Dedication Ceremony

Sunday, Mar 3

2 p.m.

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

(510) 336-7300

www.chabotspace.org

Admission: $18 adults, $15 students/seniors, $14 children 3-12 (under 3 free)

 

 

Prudent preparation

By Toshali Goel

Photos courtesy of Shanti Balaraman

 

As more and more schools open up to technology use within the classroom, one Newark-based program is hoping to teach material while also developing soft skills for students that will aid in their developmental growth. Soft skills are personal attributes and behaviors used when interacting with others, including communication, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking. The Children’s Innovation Center is a program of registered non-profit Green Kids Now and focuses on addressing the gaps in the current K-12 academic curriculum through transformational education. The program is run and taught by Shanti Balaraman, who hopes to reinvigorate curiosity within students.

 

Green Kids Now was founded by Balaraman’s son, Pavan Raj Gowda, in 2009 when he was just eight years old. He ran the organization for 10 years before going to college, and Balaraman took over after quitting her corporate job. The organization served as a platform for children to take action and offer solutions for issues they observed in their community, particularly in sustainable development. Balaraman’s interest in transformational education was largely born out of these endeavors. “We found that in order to solve issues, kids need to learn first. There were a lot of skills gaps that stopped them from observing and understanding the issues around them. Since 2011, I’ve been creating curriculums and working with children, and finally now we have our own place so we can teach more kids.”

 

The program offers college preparatory courses, covering material from the SAT, ACT, and selected AP courses. They also have enrichment classes and camps in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects, covering topics from computer programming to biotechnology.

 

Balaraman, however, emphasized that the most unique offerings of the program are STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) courses. These include four foundational courses: Digital Storytelling, Analytical Writer, Public Speaking and Communications, and Naturalist Designer. Upon completing these four, students can advance to the high-level STEM+ course. “The plus means it’s beyond STEM,” said Balaraman. “In STEM, we are learning what somebody else found. The books and theories have already been written, and we study it. Our creativity is only in applying that. STEM+ is not a subject – we teach them methodology… to make them capable of finding new scientific [theories] and engineering [principles], not just memorizing what somebody else has found.” The course helps students to discover their own inner scientists and engineers and provides skills that prove essential in later development.

 

Balaraman spoke on the importance of STEAM courses and disagreed with a common interpretation of the acronym. “When you use STEM, you exercise the left side of your brain. People were creating products and then trying to see how people can benefit from it. It has to be completely the opposite way of thinking – we have to say, ‘What do people want, and how can I create a solution for that?’ For us to understand what people want, we have to use our right brain. This [right-brain thinking] is what the A in STEAM actually means, not literally the Arts. We need to gather this information from the right brain, and then use the left brain to strategically solve it…that is what my courses teach.”

 

For more information or to register for classes, visit https://childrensinnovationcenter.org/.

 

Children’s Innovation Center

39155 Cedar Blvd, Newark

(510) 894-1497

info@childrensinnovationcenter.org

https://childrensinnovationcenter.org/

 

 

Community breakfast to focus on local journalism

Submitted by Allysson McDonald

 

Rhoda Shapiro, founder of the community-based newspaper, The Milpitas Beat, will be guest speaker at the next breakfast meeting of the Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association. Shapiro will speak about the current state of community journalism and how communities can get involved in preserving and strengthening it.

 

Community Breakfast

Saturday, March 2

8 a.m.

Rhoda Shapiro

Sunnyhills United Methodist Church, Jones Hall

355 Dixon Road, Milpitas

(408) 507-3913

 

 

Use color to create the right mood in your home

 

How do you feel when you walk into a red room? How about a green room? You’re not alone if you feel calmer surrounded by blues and greens, or more confident when wearing black. The subject of color psychology is fascinating. As we all might guess, color can have a profound effect on our mood, whether it’s in something we wear, or in our homes.

 

Red exudes excitement and energy, and it makes a bold statement wherever it goes. Think of a bright red sports car or a dozen red roses. In addition to stimulating appetites, red has been known to improve one’s sense of smell, as well as cause other psychological responses such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing. Red provides a jolt of energy and life. Just look at this kitchen! I was happy when these clients took my suggestion of red as their wall color – it adds so much punch to all the gray and white. Other energetic colors in the red family are fuchsia and magenta. If these colors are too intense for you, try burgundy or brick red, which are still bold, but a bit more subdued.

 

Orange is associated with warmth, happiness, whimsy and playfulness. Like red, it is also an appetite stimulant, and because of its energy, it also attracts attention, waking up any room. As the complement of blue on the color wheel, it is a great accent color to pair with navy or cobalt blue. Other colors in the orange family are copper and terra-cotta. Try combining copper with turquoise or purple for a very beautiful color scheme.

 

Yellow is cheerful and outgoing, and a particularly wonderful color for rooms with no windows or natural light. Closets, small bathrooms and laundry rooms come to mind as spaces that could benefit from this warm and friendly color. Yellow can remind us of nature, as in golden sunsets, lemons and daffodils, or elegance and prestige, as in gold jewelry or gold leaf.

 

Green is a restful color, and because of its ubiquitous presence in nature can even act as a neutral, allowing other colors to play off it. Dark greens tend to be masculine, traditional and can even imply wealth. Earthy greens like moss and sage are quiet and soothing. And bright greens, like in Granny Smith apples and limes, are playful and fun, especially when combined with tangerine orange, aqua blue or lemon yellow. Dark green looks beautiful paired with burgundy red (think vineyards and a glass of Pinot Noir). And mossy greens combine well with mustard and brick red.

 

Blue is named by most people as their favorite color (including yours truly!) The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is calming and peaceful. Blue is a wonderful color for bedrooms, and really any room in the house. Lighter tones can be almost ethereal (great when you’re designing a spa-like bathroom for example); darker blues can be formal (think navy blue velvet with gold trim); or casual (think of your most comfy pair of blue jeans.) In the world of color psychology, blue exudes professionalism and dependability. Business consultants often recommend wearing navy blue suits, and many professional uniforms are also blue.

 

Purple combines the vibrancy of red and the tranquility of blue. Historically, purple has been the color of royalty, and it connotes wealth and luxury. Purple is also associated with the exotic and mystical. Red-purple is sensual and exciting. Eggplant and plum are regal and elegant. Lavender is delicate and sweet.

 

 

Community meeting to explore Dumbarton corridor improvements

Submitted by the City of Union City

 

East Bay residents who regularly commute across the Dumbarton Bridge may sometimes wonder if there might be ways to make the trip more pleasant and better for the environment. The good news is that plans are underway to do just that.

 

San Mateo County Transit District and Cross Bay Transit Partners are working together on a Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project with a goal coming up with ideas that can boost the efficiency of public transit across the corridor.

 

Once identified and implemented, these proposed transportation improvements aim to bring commute alternatives along with job and housing opportunities to the Bay Area. The project may also facilitate mixed-use transit-oriented development at key transit connections.

 

Possible transit improvements include:

• High capacity public transit between Redwood City and the East Bay
• A reconstruction of the Dumbarton Rail Bridge to connect the East Bay and Peninsula
• Upgraded bicycle and pedestrian facilities

 

To learn more about what these agencies are doing, local residents are invited to a community meeting where they will learn about the project and its goals, funding, timeline and processes. Ample time will be provided for questions and answers from the audience. The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 28 at the Centerville Community Center in Fremont. Doors open at 6 p.m. and guests will be asked to sign in. Admission is free.

 

Dumbarton Corridor meeting

Thursday, Feb. 28

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Centerville Community Center

3355 Country Drive, Fremont

 

 

Dear EarthTalk: There’s a lot of talk about overfishing and pollution wreaking havoc in marine ecosystems, but has anyone actually studied if there is less wildlife in the oceans these days?

— Melissa Cassidy, Raleigh, North Carolina

 

Environmental advocates do spend a lot of time harping about threats to our oceans, but sadly for all of us, the facts bear out the concern. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), population numbers for the majority of marine wildlife species have declined by half since 1970, with many species down as much as 75 percent. Furthermore, a third of all fish stocks are overfished and one in four species of cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays and skates) are living on the brink of extinction. “Driving all these trends are human actions: from overfishing and resource depletion, to coastal development and pollution, to the greenhouse gas emissions causing ocean acidification and warming,” said WWF’s Senior VP for Oceans Brad Ack.

 

Another recent study by University of British Columbia researchers corroborates WWF’s findings, concluding that the biomass of predatory fish in the world’s oceans has declined by some two-thirds over the last 100 years, and the decline is accelerating, with 54 percent of it occurring in the last 40 years.

 

No doubt these changes are happening partly as a result of overfishing. According to the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 90 percent of the world’s marine fish stocks are either fully exploited, overexploited or depleted.

 

Efforts to rein in the industry in the U.S. and elsewhere have led to more sustainable practices, but bad actors still ply deep sea waters with destructive trawlers and other gear which not only collect more fish than is sustainable but also inadvertently kill many other marine wildlife in the process.

 

There is some hope. Early results of efforts to essentially rope off certain parts of the ocean as “marine protected areas” (MPAs) to let marine wildlife recover are showing promise. A Center for Biological Diversity analysis of 31 marine wildlife populations found that habitat and other protections afforded them under the Endangered Species Act helped them rebound significantly, with three-quarters of endangered marine mammal and sea turtle species increasing population sizes accordingly.

 

“The Endangered Species Act not only saved whales, sea turtles, sea otters and manatees from extinction, it dramatically increased their population numbers, putting them solidly on the road to full recovery,” said the Center for Biological Diversity’s Shaye Wolf. “Humans often destroy marine ecosystems, but our study shows that with strong laws and careful stewardship, we can also restore them, causing wildlife numbers to surge.”

 

Another way to stop or slow the overexploitation of marine resources would be to end the approximately $20 billion in yearly subsidies for harmful fisheries that encourage destructive practices. The World Trade Organization has pledged to set new targets by mid-2019 that would require member nations to reroute any such subsidies toward investments in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and coastal community development to reduce pressure on fish stocks. But even if such a drastic restructuring of the fisheries economy takes place, environmental leaders worry it may be too little too late.

 

EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. To donate, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

 

 

Bay East Association of REALTORS® announce 2019 leadership team

Article and photo submitted by David Stark

 

Nancie Allen of MasterKey Real Estate Advantage in Fremont has been installed as the 2019 President of the Bay East Association of REALTORS® (Bay East). An inaugural gala for Allen and other Bay East leaders was organized on February 16.  As the chief elected officer, Allen’s focus for 2019 will be promoting the Bay East core values: Communication, Integrity, Vision, Innovation and Leadership. Allen brings considerable real estate knowledge and leadership experience to her new role. She has served on the Bay East executive, strategic planning and professional standards committees. She is an active member of the Newark Rotary Club. She also serves on the California Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors.

 

The 2019 Bay East Board of Directors also was installed at the gala. The new board of directors who will represent more than 5,500 REALTORS® and Affiliates from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area are:

 

Officers:

• President Nancie Allen, MasterKey Real Estate Advantage, Fremont
• President-Elect Tina Hand, Intero Real Estate, Castro Valley
• Treasurer Sheila Cunha, Legacy Real Estate and Associates, Pleasanton
• Past President Tim Ambrose, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Castro Valley
• Chief Executive Officer, Tricia Thomas

 

2019 Board of Directors, by District are:

• North County: Anne McKereghan, Alain Pinel REALTORS®, Alameda
• Central County: Bill Espinola, Parkview Realty, Hayward; Sinath Thi, Coldwell Banker, Castro Valley
• Tri-City: June Burckhardt, Legacy Real Estate and Associates, Fremont; Allison Hull, Realty Experts, Fremont; Steve Medeiros, Realty Experts, Fremont; Jackie Pena, Legacy Real Estate and Associates, Fremont
• Tri-Valley: Barbara Clemons, Coldwell Banker, Pleasanton; Tracey Esling, J. Rockliff REALTORS®, Pleasanton; Leslie Faught, Alain Pinel REALTORS®, Pleasanton; Ed Gomes, Pride Properties, Livermore
• At-Large: Joe Annunziato III, Annunziato and Associates, San Leandro; Viviana Cherman, Better Homes and Gardens Tri-Valley Realty, Pleasanton; Sandi Gomes, Pride Properties, Livermore; Angela McIntyre, Alain Pinel REALTORS®, Alameda
• Affiliate Director: Bob Henry, Bob Henry Photography, Pleasanton

 

 

Bay East REALTORS® honor outstanding members

Article and photos submitted by David Stark

 

Several local real estate professionals have been selected to receive the Bay East Association of REALTORS® (Bay East) highest honors for their achievements during 2018. This year’s recipients were recognized at the 2019 Bay East Inaugural Gala on February 16. The winners demonstrated high ethical standards and professionalism, active community involvement and a high level of service to the real estate profession.

 

REALTOR® of the Year

Leslie Faught received the REALTOR® of the Year award for demonstrating the highest level of integrity and commitment to Bay East and the real estate profession. Following a 20-year career in other areas of the real estate industry, Faught became a REALTOR® in 2008. She has earned several professional designations from the National Association of REALTORS® and serves on the Bay East Board of Directors and Local Government Relations Committee.

 

Rookie of the Year

Elisa Chao with Legacy Real Estate in Fremont received the Rookie of the Year Award. Chao was the 2018 Chair of the Bay East Young Professionals Network Committee and constantly looks for ways to expand her real estate education to serve her clients better. She actively rescues and fosters dogs from shelters along the West Coast.

 

Affiliate of the Year

Annette Khaliq with First American Home Warranty & JCP-LGS Disclosures received the Bay East 2018 Affiliate of the Year Award. Bay East Affiliate members contribute time, money and resources to support the real estate profession. Khaliq serves on the Bay East Affiliate Committee, is involved with the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and supports each of the weekly marketing groups in the Bay East jurisdiction.

 

Good Neighbor Award

Gina Piper of Better Homes and Gardens Tri-Valley Realty in Pleasanton received the 2018 Good Neighbor Award. Piper is chairwoman of the Board of the Valley Humane Society in and has helped hundreds of animals in need. During her annual fundraiser in 2018 she raised nearly $42,000, all of which went directly to the Valley Humane Society.

 

John Deadrich Distinguished Service Award

Bill Espinola received the John A. Deadrich Distinguished Service Award. Named in honor of the association’s first president and founding father, this award is given to a Bay East member who exemplifies self-sacrifice, vision and accomplishments of the greatest leaders who have shaped the real estate profession. Espinola has been a Bay East member since 2001. In 2018, he was elected to the Bay East Board of Directors and served as chairman of both Local Government Relations and the Local Candidate Recommendation committees.

 

Outstanding Leader Award

Mike Fracisco received the Outstanding Leader Award. This award is given to a past president of the association who continues to pursue the vision of excellence in the name of Bay East. Fracisco joined Bay East in 2003 and was recognized as the 2004 Rookie of the Year for his contributions to the Livermore and Valley marketing groups and the Housing for All Committee helping raise funds for the Livermore Habitat for Humanity project. He was elected to the Bay East Board of Directors in 2007 and served as President of the Board in 2015. He is a member of the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Board of Directors serving as the 2018 Region 6 regional chairman and was an active member of several C.A.R. committees.

 

 

Editorial

People Power

 

Apathy has taken a back seat to active participation at the local level in the greater Tri-City area. Recently, at many city council meetings, motivated citizens have turned out to register their opinions… and it does make a difference. Elected representatives are sensitive to the will of their constituents since just as one election ends, a new cycle for reelection begins. Mindful of this relentless fact, vocal support or opposition does affect the behavior of councilmembers.

 

Although not always representing a majority opinion, the fact that a group of people are inspired to at least show up at a meeting to support their side of an issue is important and revealing. It takes quite a bit of effort to alter a routine, especially on a weeknight, to either take a turn at the podium for a minute or two, or simply attend these meetings to remind elected officials of where the real power resides in our democratic system. In a recent Fremont Planning Commission meeting, not only were both sides of a proposal for development in Centerville addressed, but students took time on a school night to speak about their views and participate in government… an important lesson in civics that can apply to all of us.

 

City Councils respond to public communications. This is not a nefarious or mysterious process, simply direct communication between constituents and those they elect to serve their needs. Some prospective developments have been beneficiaries or targets of these demonstrations but have been put on notice that community support is an important factor when considering the viability of a project. In the recent past, suggested ordinances have been advanced to address a wide variety of issues: housing, zoning, marijuana sales, traffic, shared transportation, rent control, etc. All of these can have a direct effect on residents and, even without citizen input, the council is required to vote for or against, often based on staff recommendations with little or no resident comment. For routine and mundane items, this may be acceptable, but when scrutiny is limited, so are checks, balances and controls.

 

Whether to express approval, disapproval or a grievance, a key factor when representing your point of view is not only the strength of the argument, but adherence to common courtesy. In most cases, people advancing their point of view at council meetings have respected the process and adhered to meeting protocols. Even though everyone may not elect to speak, especially when speakers echo the same message, presence at the meeting can have a powerful effect. Visual support of a well-constructed argument delivered in a calm, rational manner not only has significant influence on councilmembers, but allows the agenda to advance in an orderly manner.

 

A packed council chamber can be used to demonstrate an overwhelming sentiment even without each person speaking for their allotted time (usually 1-3 minutes). An identifying color, clothing, button, raising a hand or standing up to signify support when asked by a speaker can be as influential as hours of “me too” speak. In some ways, this can be even more powerful than a series of speakers verbalizing identical arguments.

 

It is heartening to watch an informed and active electorate participate in our governmental process. Hopefully, this activism will continue in a constructive and supportive environment that benefits our cities and extends to regional, state and national issues.

 

 

Class to focus on personal preparedness

Submitted by Jennifer Seetho

 

It’s never too early to be prepared for a community emergency or disaster. With that in mind, the Fremont Fire Department is offering a free Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) class to residents. The three-hour class will focus on how people can take care of themselves and their families before, during and after a disaster. Topics covered will include:

• Earthquake and disaster awareness
• How to shut off gas, electric and water
• Hazardous material awareness
• Fire extinguisher types
• Smoke detector placement
• Sheltering in-place

 

Because space is limited, it’s a good idea to sign up early.

 

Personal Emergency Preparedness

Tuesday, Mar 19

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fremont Fire Administration Office

3300 Capitol Ave., Building A, Fremont

(510) 494-4243

https://fremont.gov/102/PEP

Free

 

 

Legislation requires fish warnings to protect public health

Submitted by Lyanne Mendez

 

Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) introduced AB 762 to require local health agencies to post advisories at California water bodies depicting the amount of fish caught there that people can safely eat. While eating fish is part of a healthy diet, many fish in California’s rivers, lakes, and streams are contaminated with mercury, polychlorinated biphenyl chemicals (PCBs), and other contaminants, making them unsafe to eat in certain quantities. Risks associated with the consumption of fish and shellfish containing chemical contaminants include neurological damage and developmental impairment in young children.

 

“Requiring the posting of fish consumption advisories will provide the public with the most effective “on-the-water” information and knowledge of fish and shellfish safety. Providing this information can help people make informed choices before providing potentially polluted fish to their families,” said Assemblymember Quirk.

 

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) develops fish consumption health advisories for public, with specific advice for pregnant women and children, on the safe amount of fish and/or shellfish that can be consumed. Under current law, OEHHA encourages local health officers to post fish consumption advisories, but local health officers decide whether to post the advisories. This bill will ensure that those advisories are posted to inform the public at public access points to waterbodies where fish are often caught. AB 762 will be eligible to be heard in committee in March.

 

 

Flamenco performances Directly from Spain

Submitted by Eddie Diaz

 

The Flamenco Society of San Jose presents Directly from Spain, Antonio Rey, who undoubtedly is one of the greatest flamenco guitarists of his generation. Antonio presents his latest release, “Two Parts of Me,” with special guest Mara Rey, who has worked as a flamenco dancer and singer with great flamenco figures. This powerful performance combines both the influential force of Antonio's flamenco guitar and Mara's stunning voice and showcases dancer Bianca Rodriguez and percussionist Marlon Aldana.

 

Antonio Rey was born in Madrid and is one of the most outstanding talents of the new flamenco guitar. Born in a family of artists, his artistic career began at the age of 10 in Mexico, in the tablaos of the capital, accompanied by his father, Tony Rey. Mara Rey is a flamenco singer-songwriter and dancer born in Madrid. Throughout her career she has participated in great performances and theaters like Lope de Vega, La Bienal de Flamenco, and the Festival de Jerez. Recently, she was a semi-finalist on the television program “Levántate.”

 

The Flamenco Society is dedicated to sharing its passion for the art, music, and culture of Andalusia, Spain. Founded by Anita Sheer in 1985 in San Jose, the society is now based in Newark and in its 33rd year of operation, continuing under Artistic Director Eddie Diaz and Secretary Catherine Diaz along with the Board of Directors. Their educational programs of baile (dance), cante (song), and toque (guitar) are nationally recognized for their excellent curriculum and are taught on a weekly basis in San Jose and Newark.

 

During their stay in Newark, Antonio Rey and Mara Rey will present flamenco workshops in the private home of the Flamenco Society’s directors. Workshops will be taking place on Sunday, March 3 in Newark, Sunnyvale, and San Francisco. For more information about the Flamenco Society of San Jose and upcoming workshops, call (510) 673-6979, visit www.theflamencosociety.org or email flamencos@earthlink.net.

 

Two Parts of Me

Friday, Mar 1

7:30 p.m.

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

500 Castro St, Mountain View

(650) 903-6000

www.mvcpa.com

Tickets: $42 – $59

 

Saturday, Mar 2

6:30 p.m.

La Peña Cultural Center

3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley

(510) 849-2568

https://lapena.org/event/flamencosociety2019/

Tickets: $35 general seating, $50 premium seating

 

 

Auto burglaries on pace for an all-time high

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Despite several recent arrests and additional police resources, the City of Fremont has experienced a significant rise in auto burglaries since the first of the year.

 

According to the Fremont Police Department, 319 auto burglaries were reported to police from January 1 to February 12. From 2014 to 2017 the city experienced an 87 percent increase in auto burglaries, most of which have occurred at retail shopping centers.

 

In response, police have implemented many crime reduction strategies. Marked and unmarked police resources patrol shopping centers, detectives work with property owners to bring awareness to the crime and post signage, community engagement staff develop educational campaigns and department personnel facilitated the installation of private video at commercial center entrances and exits.

 

Additionally, last year the department’s Investigations Unit uncovered a large multi-million-dollar international fencing operation resulting in the disruption of a major crime ring in the East Bay. The case was highly publicized and helped to uncover the intricacies of the black market for small electronics and laptops. A total of 2,000 devices were recovered during the investigation. These efforts led to a 16 percent decrease in auto burglaries during 2018.

 

Unfortunately, demand has significantly increased this year, and the primary loss continues to be laptop computers. Approximately 50 percent of recent auto burglary crime victims are local residents. Most of the crimes are occurring in retail parking lots, where there is a higher likelihood of valuables being left in cars while people patronize shops, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms.

 

This is not a sophisticated crime and only takes a couple of seconds to commit. Suspects drive into a parking lot and a passenger begins to look through windows of cars. When they see a bag believed to contain a laptop, they smash the window and grab the item. Based on video and license plate reader data, police know many suspects are driving vehicles with stolen plates. Often times, these license plates are stolen from vehicles in other cities and discarded before the victim even knows their license plate was taken or switched out.

 

Fremont is not alone.  Over the last several weeks, agencies throughout the Bay Area have been inundated while investigating these crimes. Due to the increase Fremont has experienced, units continue to allocate more and more resources to investigate these crimes. In doing so, patrol officers and detectives arrested 11 suspects for auto burglaries committed in Fremont over the course of eight days. Many of the suspects have prior contact with police.

 

Fremont police have partnered with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office to develop the Special Prosecution Unit, committed to prosecuting prolific offenders, with an emphasis on those committing auto burglaries. Since making the arrests earlier this month, there has been a slight decrease in the number of auto burglaries reported to police.

 

Despite ongoing efforts by police, the numbers continue to rise. In a 48-hour period in mid-February, 22 reports were taken. Going forward, patrol and investigative resources will continue with increased patrol checks, surveillance operations, deterrence campaigns and staffing in the areas that have experienced the highest number of auto burglaries. There will also be additional education and awareness materials produced and distributed to patrons in these areas, while police continue to encourage private property owners to install video surveillance.

 

Police in Fremont are asking the community to partner with them to help drive down this crime epidemic. The best way this can be accomplished is to never leave laptop computers and other valuables in a vehicle, not even for a short period of time. When these criminals realize there is nothing of value to steal, they will stop coming to Fremont.

 

Here are tips to follow that can help stem auto burglary crimes:

 

• Remove all valuables from parked cars, especially laptop computers and high end electronics
• Share this information with friends, neighbors and co-workers and on social media
• Be vigilant and report suspicious vehicles and activity
• Install video surveillance
• For those who routinely travel or use their vehicle for work, consider purchasing a trunk storage case that can be locked and secured

 

To report suspicious activity, please contact the Fremont Police Department at (510) 790-6800 extension 3. To report a crime in progress, dial 911.

 

 

Fremont City Council

February 19, 2019

 

Work Session:

• Discuss Draft Mobility Action Plan

 

Announcements:

• City Manager Mark Danaj announced that a 2020 Census Solution Workshop for faith-based organizations will be held March 5th at the Family Resource Center. The City hosted an Irvington Community Plan meeting January 16 to provide an overview of the Irvington Community Plan and updates on legislation that will affect planning efforts.

 

Consent Calendar:

• Second reading of an ordinance adjusting the monetary limits prescribed for public construction contract bidding procedures.
• Approve closeout of completed capital projects and partial defunding of selected projects.
• Reject all bids for Washington Boulevard Safety Improvements Project.

 

Public Communications:

• Community members living at Patterson Ranch asked for help to address inadequate height of a sound wall to mitigate noise, vibration and security for their neighborhood.

 

Scheduled Items:

• Authorize formal processing of General Plan Amendment application to change land use designation of property located at 4546 and 4588 Peralta Boulevard for senior assisted living facility. FAILED 0-7
• Authorize formal processing of General Plan Amendment application to change land use designation of property located at 43450 Sabercat Road to facilitate additional market rate residential development. WITHDRAWN
• Referral from Environmental Sustainability Commission: Adopt a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, set an interim greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 55% by 2030 and establish a framework for a post-carbon community.

 

Other Business:

• Accept new city council retreat report and identified council priorities.

 

Council Communications:

• Referral from Mayor Mei to update council assignments to outside committees, commissions and boards.
• Referral from Mayor Mei for appointments and reappointments to advisory bodies.

 

Mayor Lily Mei                       Aye, 1 No

Vice Mayor Raj Salwan          Aye, 1 No

Vinnie Bacon                          Aye, 1 No

Rick Jones                               Aye, 1 No

Teresa Keng (District 1)         Aye, 1 No

Jenny Kassan (District 3)        Aye, 1 No

Yang Shao (District 4)            Aye, 1 No

 

 

Immerse yourself in a Cabaret

Submitted by Fremont Symphony

 

It just might be the party of the year! There’s still have time to get a ticket for Fremont Symphony’s annual gala on Saturday, March 2, held at the elegant Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton.

 

This is the “see and be seen” event of the season! This year’s theme is “Cabaret,” and to perfect the ambiance, professional dancers from the LA Follies will greet and entertain guests throughout the evening. The L.A. Follies have been featured at the Golden Globe Awards, NBC Universal Studios, Yahoo and Barney’s NY Gala, and now they’re coming to our cabaret for one night only.

 

The night begins with an elegant reception including photo ops with the dancers followed by a sumptuous dinner in Castlewood’s formal ballroom and live and silent auctions. Highlight of the evening is a spectacular performance by the LA Follies.

 

Funds raised from the event will support the Fremont Symphony, under the direction of Artistic Advisor and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, to bring world-class music to the greater Tri-City area. A major focus this year will be to support the annual free children’s concert.

 

For information or to purchase tickets, call (510) 371-4859 or visit online at www.fremontsymphony.org.

 

Fremont Symphony Gala

Saturday, Mar 2

6 p.m.

Castlewood Country Club

707 Country Club Cir, Pleasanton

(510) 371-4859

www.fremontsymphony.org

Tickets: $150

 

 

One-stop fair for summer programs

Submitted by Fremont Unified Student Store

 

Looking for summer programs for your kids? Visit Fremont Unified Student Store’s (FUSS) 2019 Summer Programs and Internship Fair on Friday, March 1. Teen programs, college prep, individual classes, all-day camps, arts & crafts, speech and debate, engineering, music, and internship are some of the programs to be featured at the fair. Students and families can talk to vendors and learn more about the programs on the spot. For more information, visit www.fuss4schools.org under “Events and Activities” or email events@fuss4schools.org.

 

FUSS Summer Programs and Internship Fair

Friday, March 1

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

American High School – Rotunda

36300 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

www.fuss4schools.org under “Events and Activities”

events@fuss4schools.org

Program categories for students (Pre-K – 12th grade)

Free admission

 

 

Ghirardelli, Russel Stover fined over chocolate packaging

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 30 – Ghirardelli and Russell Stover have agreed to pay $750,000 in fines after prosecutors in California said they offered a little chocolate in a lot of wrapping.

 

Prosecutors in Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Fresno, Santa Cruz and Yolo counties sued the candy makers, alleging they misled consumers by selling chocolate products in containers that were oversized or “predominantly empty.”

 

Prosecutors also alleged that Ghirardelli offered one chocolate product containing less cocoa than advertised.

 

The firms didn't acknowledge any wrongdoing but agreed to change their packaging under a settlement approved earlier this month. Some packages will shrink or will have a transparent window so consumers can look inside.

 

San Francisco-based Ghirardelli and Kansas City-based Russell Stover are owned by a Swiss company, Lindt & Sprungli.

 

 

Meet children’s author Penelope Anne Cole

Submitted by Nancy Guarnera

 

Half Price Books will host award-winning children’s author Penelope Anne Cole on March 9 at its March FAW “Second Saturdays” program. You and your young ones can listen to the author read from her books, many of Cole’s books will be on sale at the reading, and she will inscribe and sign them for your child. In Cole’s light-hearted plots, her characters model themes important to the healthy development of children’s social skills: helping, friendship, family relationships, and doing good work. Many of her titles are available in Spanish.

 

Book Reading by Penelope Anne Cole

Saturday, March 9

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Hub, Fremont

(510) 744-0333

www.penelopeannecole.com

 

 

Construction complete on new industrial building in Hayward

Submitted by Ware Malcomb

 

Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, on February 20 announced that construction is complete on a new industrial building designed for SteelWave at 2580 Industrial Boulevard in Hayward. Ware Malcomb provided architecture and civil engineering services for the project.

 

SteelWave is a full-service commercial, multifamily and mixed-use real estate management, operating company and investment management firm. The project comprises a single-story, 93,467 square foot industrial building situated on a 5.86-acre site. The unique shape of the in-fill parcel required special site engineering and a design that maximizes the building footprint while providing for the necessary parking. The building shares common access with an existing Costco store.

 

“Because of the high visibility of this in-fill location, which is surrounded by public roads, it was especially important that all four sides of this new industrial building feature an aesthetically appealing architectural design,” said Jim Terry, principal, architecture in Ware Malcomb’s Pleasanton office. “We also worked closely with City of Hayward on public landscaping, trails and lighting throughout the site development.”

 

 

Hayward Police Log

Submitted by Hayward PD

 

Wednesday, February 20

• At about 5:45 p.m. police responded to a report of a carjacking where the female driver was kidnapped at the 3900 block of Trust Way. Officers spotted the vehicle going northbound on Interstate 880 and began a pursuit. The suspect vehicle collided with several vehicles in the heavy rush hour traffic and came to a stop at the Winton Avenue overpass about half a mile away. Officers nabbed the suspect at about 5:55 p.m. and recovered the handgun used in the carjacking. The victim was treated for minor road rash injuries caused by jumping from the vehicle while it was still moving. Another driver from collision scene was taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons. The California Highway patrol is investigating the incident.

 

 

Students recognized for perfect scores

Submitted by Gloria Peña

 

During a recent ceremony four Hayward Unified School District students were awarded Apple iPad tablets for being named 2019 Hall of Fame Rotary Scholars from the Hayward Rotary. Each was recognized for achieving perfect school test scores and attendance records and citizenship.

 

St. Rose Hospital President and CEO Amann Dhuper made the presentation January 23 at Hayward City Hall. The winners honored during the presentation were:

 

• Vanna Van, Winton Middle School
• Edward Suarez, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
• Ting Chen, Hayward High School
• Aliah Hagins, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

 

A fifth Hall of Fame Rotary Scholar for 2019, not at the ceremony was Vanessa Nguyen, from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

Hayward City Council

February 19, 2019

 

Public Comments:

• Affordable housing was discussed
• Public outcry over the shooting of Agustin Gonsalez. Demands for the Hayward Police to conduct an independent investigation and for better mental health training

 

Consent Calendar:

• Transmittal of the comprehensive annual financial report for the year ended June 30, 2018; and of the memorandum on internal control and required communications
• Resolution to file a Chapter 8 request for the purchase of the property located at 1032 Central Boulevard for $37,027 plus closing and recording costs
• Resolution to execute an agreement with Moves the Needle for various lean innovation trainings
• Amendment to lease with Briggs Resources, Inc. for property at 21015 Skywest Drive
• Approval of final map tract 8319 associated with 20 single family homes on a 1.75-acre site located at 25906 Gading Road; Blue Mountain Communities (Applicant/Owner)
• New Sidewalks FY19 Project – approval of plans and specifications and call for bids
• New Garin reservoir and pump station improvements: amendments to agreement for additional engineering services during construction

Calendar passed 7-0

 

Work Session:

• Update on efforts related to the city’s Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Public comments from landlords, property owners, and tenants were heard. Council mostly in favor of some form of rent control and an improved database for properties.

 

Public Hearing:

• Public TEFRA hearing as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and adoption of a resolution approving the issuance by California Public Finance Authority of multifamily housing revenue bonds to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation of Leisure Terrace Apartments. Item passed 7-0
• Adoption of an ordinance to approve an amendment to the City of Hayward contract with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for miscellaneous members in SEIU Local 1021. Item passed 7-0

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday         Aye

Sara Lamnin                            Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye

Aisha Wahab                           Aye

Al Mendall                              Aye

Elisa Marquez                         Aye

Mark Salinas                           Aye

 

 

Ham radio: hobby provides fun and invaluable emergency assistance

By Alfred Hu

Photos courtesy of Hayward Radio Club

 

Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a popular hobby and service that brings electronics, communication, and people from all walks of life together worldwide. Ham radio is used to talk across town, around the country, around the world and even into space. It can be fun, social, educational, and a great opportunity to form friendships over the air, and great for those who love to experiment with various wireless radio technologies. During natural disasters, amateur radio operators (or hams) can spring into action assisting emergency communication efforts and working with public service agencies. This is especially critical when the Internet and cell phones fail to function.

 

Another advantage of ham radio is that they can be used just about anywhere – from inside your car, shirt pocket, garage, office desk or even the International Space Station. These features made the ham radio immensely popular, and today there are more than 675,000 ham radio operators in the U.S. and more than 2.5 million worldwide.

 

Ham radios communicate over a network of other hams and use many different types of wireless transmitting modes such as voice, microphone, Morse Code, radio interface with computer or tablet, text or images and maps. To make such communications possible, hams use many frequencies across the radio spectrum. Medium frequency (MF) would operate around 1.8 – 2MHz using a frequency band of 160 meters, high frequency (HF) can operate from 3.5 – 30 MHz using frequencies bands of 80 – 10 meters, while very high frequency (VHF) operate at above 30 MHz – 275 GHz using frequency bands of six meters to a few centimeters. Basically, the higher the frequency, the shorter the frequency band (bands are specific group of frequencies). Some frequency bands are available in certain countries, some work best at night, while others work best at particular seasons of the year.

 

Hams using HF can communicate over international distances, while those using VHF communicate to other hams locally. As for hardware, ham radios can be varied but typically consist of a transmitter and a receiver purchased as one unit called a transceiver and can transmit on one frequency and receive on another. An example of a simple ham radio would be a hand-held transceiver under a dashboard of a car connected to a magnetic mount antenna, which can be useful during heavy traffic or in an accident. Hand-held transceivers and more complex ham radios can also use FM repeaters in the area set up by local radio clubs. These FM repeaters receive one signal at a time and simultaneously rebroadcast it on another frequency, thus increasing the communication distances between hams.

 

To become a ham operator, you must first meet the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing requirements, which involves passing an exam covering electronics theory and amateur rules and regulations. Each license allows operating a ham radio in certain frequency bands and modes. Another exam must be passed to obtain a license to operate in more allowable frequency bands. A typical exam fee is $15.

 

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), an association for amateur radio in the U.S., can help many get started and have useful information on exams and general technical information (www.arrl.org). The Hayward Radio Club (HRC) is also a great place to start. The nonprofit provides members with interesting meetings, emergency drills, and novice and upgrade classes. HRC was established in the early 1950s and in1956 acquired the call sign K6EAG. During the early 1980s they acquired three repeaters using frequencies of 145.3 MHz, 444.825 MHz, and 52.76 – 500 KHz. With a current count of 20 – 25 members, HRC’s goal is to bring people with an interest in ham radio together and hosts field day events where members test their equipment and communicate to hams around the world. These events present an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about the hobby and see how club members communicate using Morse Code, voice, data modes, and satellite.

 

According to HRC member Chris Musselman, club members use a wide variety of equipment such as hand-held portable radios, devices that work similar to police two-way radios, as well as higher power stations capable of worldwide communications. Musselman said it is even possible to have one’s “own TV station” using ham radio. He pointed out that all ham radio communications are specific point-to-point and operate on a non-paid basis. In addition to field day events, the club has operated at aid stations during athletic events such as the Ohlone 50K and Skyline 50K trail races. Musselman said operating ham radios is “a great hobby, lots of fun and a chance to meet lots of people.”

 

To become an HRC member, the only requirement is an interest in ham radio; no exams are required – The club meets the third Friday of each month to cover a variety of topics such as communications, finances, ham-related issues, field day events and video presentations. The public is welcome to attend.

 

Hayward Radio Club

7:30 p.m.

Third Friday of each month

1401 W Winton Ave, Hayward

(behind the Hayward Fire Station)

(510) 924-2040

www.qsl.net/k6eag

Annual Dues: $18

 

 

Honor Roll

 

Georgia Institute of Technology

Fall 2018 Graduates, Master of Computer Science

• Andrea Hu, of Fremont
• Yilong Hu, of Newark
• Ramesh Iver, of Fremont
• Edwardo Martinez, of Hayward
• Zhihui Xie, of Fremont
• Li Xu, of Fremont

 

Hofstra University, New York

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Yash Bisen, of Fremont

 

Baldwin Wallace University, Ohio

Fall 2018 graduation

• Michael Rivera, of Hayward

 

Tufts University, Massachusetts

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Era Iver, of Fremont
• Radhika Joshi, of Fremont
• Joshua Tso, Newark

 

University of Dallas, Texas

Fall 2018 Honor Roll

• Minh Ly, of Hayward
• Favier Hu, of Hayward

 

Azusa Pacific University, California

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Isaac Bocage, of Fremont
• John Breslow, of Castro Valley
• Justine Brown, of Castro Valley
• Calista Burnama, of Castro Valley
• Esther Cho, of Castro Valley
• Conner Edstrom, of Fremont
• Austin Gee, of Fremont
• Daniel Jean, of Fremont
• Jacob McCluskey, of Fremont
• Eleeza Mecua, of Fremont
• Samantha Wu, of Fremont
• Kayla Hirsch, of Newark

 

Rochester Institute of Technology, New York

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Rebecca DiPaola, of Fremont
• Raven Lynch, of Castro Valley
• Merry Ren, of Fremont
• Jacob Corey, of Hayward
• Nelson Palacios, of Hayward
• Hailey Sanidad, of Fremont
• Samiksha Alur, of Fremont
• Amanda Bui, of Fremont

 

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Lambert Diep, of Fremont

 

Georgia State University

Fall 2018 graduation

• Tahj (TJ) Hobson, of Hayward

 

Hofstra University, New York

Fall 2018 graduation

• Paras Shah, of Fremont

 

 

Hopkins Orchestra: Only California participant at National Festival

Submitted by Hopkins Music Volunteers

 

Advanced Orchestra of Hopkins Junior High School has been accepted by the American String Teachers Association to participate in the National Orchestra Festival 2019, which will take place from Wednesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 9 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While participants of the festival include 16 high schools and six middle schools across the country, Hopkins’ 70-member ensemble will be the only group nationwide to represent California. It will also be the first Fremont-based music group to compete at a national festival.

 

Join us for an evening Home Concert – directed by Greg Conway – on Monday, March 4 where the community and families that do not travel along will have the opportunity to appreciate the hard work and resources put into preparing these talented students for the national stage. The musicians themselves will also benefit from a final dress rehearsal three days before their departure. For more information, visit https://musicathopkins.com/.

 

Hopkins Advanced Orchestra Home Concert

Monday, Mar 4

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Hopkins Junior High School

600 Driscoll Rd, Fremont

https://musicathopkins.com/

Free Admission

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Tuesday, Sep 4 – Thursday, May 23

Homework Help Center

Mon. – Thurs. 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Primary and secondary students receive homework assistance

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

(510) 745-1401

 

Mondays, Sep 10 – May 28

Advanced Math & Science Tutoring

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

For high school and college students

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 745 1401

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

Practice Your Spoken English R

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

No class Dec 18 – Jan 1

Chat session for English learners

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

 

Monday – Friday, Dec 13 – Mar 1

Celebrate Women!

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Art from a variety of artists using different media

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 208-0410

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, Dec 19 – Apr 28

Tech Help and Computer Tutor R

Wed. 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. 3 p.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Half hour appts. for one-on-one computer and e-device help

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Saturday, Jan 12 – Sunday, Mar 10

 

 

Chinese Roots: Sketches of Life in the Washington Township

Library open hours

Impact of Chinese immigrants on local history

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

Tuesdays, Jan 15 – Mar 26

Shakespeare and Cultural Literacy Class $

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Watch videos and discuss. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Jan 16 – Mar 27

Crochet and Knitting $

12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn the basics. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Fridays, Jan 18 – Mar 29

Needle Arts $

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Have fun with yarn. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

All Levels Line Dance Class $

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 24 – Mar 28

Laughter Yoga $

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Reduce stress and boost your immune system. $2 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday, Jan 25 – Mar 29

Beginning Line Dance Class $

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Jan 25 – Mar 16

Children's Book Illustrator Show

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Artwork from local illustrators.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Wednesday – Sunday, Jan 26 – Mar 31

Hayward Arts Council 2019 Members Show

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Members share sculpture, quilting, pottery, watercolors, mixed media and poetry

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

haywardartscouncil.org

 

Thursday – Saturday, Jan 26 – Mar 9

A.R.T. Inc. Annual Members' Exhibit

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fine art from various local artists

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 31 – Mar 28

Hawaiian Dance Class

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sway your hips to tropical music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3 – Sunday, Mar 24

Dove Gallery Art from the Heart Exhibit

Contact for time

Artworks of various media that reflect deep, heartfelt emotions

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

1st and 3rd Mondays, Feb 4 – May 20

Guitar Jam For Seniors $

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Play guitar with others. No instruction. $2.50 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Mar 20

Diabetes Self-Management Classes R

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Learn 7 self-care behaviors. 18+ and diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – May 1

Ukulele Jam Program $

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Weekly program for active adults 50+. Bring ukulele and music stand

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

 

Saturdays, Feb 9 – Apr 13

Free Tax Preparation

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Assistance for households earning $54,000 or less. Photo ID and tax documents required

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Mondays and Thursdays, Feb 12 – May 30

Table Tennis $

Mon: 1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Thurs: 12:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Improve your hand-eye coordination. $3 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Sunday – Saturday, Feb 12 – Mar 9

“Wulai Falls” Water-Color Exhibit

Library open hours

Artist Kin Hsieh, husband wrote the Mandarin poetry accompanying the painting

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

 

Thursday – Sunday, Feb 14 – Mar 3

Ah, Wilderness!

Thurs – Fri: 8 pm Sat: 2pm and 8pm Sun: 2pm

Nostalgic coming-of-age story

Douglas Morrison Theatre

22311 N Third St., Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.dmtonline.org

 

Mondays, Feb 18 – May 27

Caning & Furniture Refinishing/Restoration Class $

9 a.m.  – 12 noon

Beginners thru advanced – bring your project for evaluation. $2 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Monday – Friday, Feb 18 – May 30

Billiards/Pool Tables $

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Beginning thru advanced players. $1.50 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursday – Sunday, Feb 22 – Mar 23

American Portraiture by James Mills

12 noon – 5 p.m.

A tribute to Americans with watercolors and drawings

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.fremont.gov/OliveHyde

 

Tuesdays, Feb 26 – Apr 16

Civics/Citizenship Class

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

 

Wednesdays, Feb 27 – Apr 17

Civics/Citizenship Class

12 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam

Newark Branch Library

6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark

(510) 284-0684

(510) 745-1480

 

Monday – Friday, Mar 1 – May 3

Art is Education Show

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HUSD students’ art work display. Opening reception Friday, Mar 1 at 5:30 p.m.

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardarts.org

 

Sunday-Saturday, Mar 1 – Mar 31

Roving Artists – Where We Live

During business hours

Women who create & record the beauty, pattern and light in the world around them

Reception

3/10 from 3-5 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Mar 2 – Apr 26

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Mar 2 – Apr 26

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Get crafty and learn about the natural world

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays, Mar 2 – Mar 23

Homebrewing On the Farm $R

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

3-part, hands on workshop. Discover the ancient art of homebrewing. No class 3/16

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org/register

 

Friday – Sunday, Mar 2 – Mar 17

Mamma Mia! $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 2:30 p.m.

Young woman's search for her birth father set to ABBA music. Additional show 3/7 at 8 p.m.

Newark Memorial High School Theatre

39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 791-0287

www.stage1theatre.org

 

Sundays, Mar 3 – Apr 26

Animal Feeding Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday, Mar 3 – Mar 13

Paths To Grace $R

Sun 3/3: 1:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sat 3/9: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Wed 3/13: 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Prayer through art. Register by 2/28

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

www.msjdominicans.org

 

Thursdays, Mar 7 – Mar 28

Spiritual Guides for Today $R

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

“The Return of the Prodigal Son”, 4-part book series. Register by 3/4

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

THIS WEEK

 

Wednesday, Feb 27

Tedx Event “Rise Up” $

7 – 9 p.m.

Talks on immigration, mental health, climate change, and more

Moreau Catholic High School

27170 Mission Blvd., Hayward

(510) 582-1910

(510) 881-4300

www.tedx.moreaucatholic.org

 

Wednesday, Feb 27

Toddler Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Read a story, do some chores, meet some farm animals. Ages 1-4

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Wednesday, Feb 27

Milpitas Tip-a-Cop $

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Benefits the Special Olympics of Northern California

Black Angus

275 Ranch Drive, Milpitas

(408) 586-2527

 

Wednesday, Feb 27

Free Clothing Swap

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Bring clothes, toys, books, holiday decor to swap

Latter Day Saints Social Hall

38134 Temple Way, Fremont

 

Thursday, Feb 28

MVROP Open House

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Career training classes for students

Mission Valley ROP

5019 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 795-2244

www.mvrop.org

 

Thursday, Feb 28

College at What Cost?

7 p.m.

Parent forum with Dr. Stuart Slavin: high-pressure culture at the school

Irvington High School

41800 Blacow Rd., Fremont

(510) 590-7510

www.IHSPTSA.org

 

Thursday, Feb 28

Future of Dumbarton Rail

6:30 p.m.

project background, goals, funding, timeline

Centerville Community Center

3375 Country Dr., Fremont

(510) 791-4324

https://bit.ly/2GCdlXx

 

Friday, Mar 1 – Sunday, Mar 3

Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show and Sale $

Fri – Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fossils, gemstones, jewelry and more

Newark Pavilion

6430 Thornton Ave., Newark

(510) 793-5683

www.mgscv.org

 

Friday, Mar 1

College and Career Fair

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Learn about colleges and careers

Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School

31604 Alvarado Blvd., Union City

(510) 489-0700

 

Friday, Mar 1

Eden Area Village Member Forum & Outreach

2 pm.

Meet members and learn how seniors are being helped

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 208-0410

 

Friday, Mar 1

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss $R

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Storytime with coloring, music, book raffle, light snacks & cupcakes

Silliman Aquatic Center

6800 Mowry Ave., Newark

(510) 578-4620

www.newark.org

 

Friday, Mar 1

FUSS Summer Programs and Internship Fair

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Learn about programs for pre-K – 12th grade

American High School

36300 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 796-1776 ext. 57702

 

Friday, Mar 1

Concert $

7:30 p.m.

Wind Symphony with Frank Ticheli

Chabot Performing Arts Center

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6976

 

Friday, Mar 1

Two Parts of Me $

7:30 p.m.

Newark’s Flamenco Society presents flamenco guitarist Antonio Rey and dancer and vocalist Mara Rey

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

500 Castro St, Mountain View

(650) 903-6000

www.mvcpa.com

www.theflamencosociety.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Two Parts of Me $

6:30 p.m.

Newark’s Flamenco Society presents flamenco guitarist Antonio Rey and dancer and vocalist Mara Rey

La Peña Cultural Center

3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley

(510) 849-2568

https://lapena.org/event/flamencosociety2019/

www.theflamencosociety.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Nature Journaling: Stories of the Introduced

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Guided session to document nature

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Indoor Spring Flea Market R$

8 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Unique and handcrafted items, baked goods

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Cart of Curiosities

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Find the cart filled with wonders of cultural and natural history

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Fremont Symphony Gala – Cabaret! $R

6 p.m.

Dinner, live and silent auctions, performance by LA Follies

Castlewood Country Club

707 Country Club Cir., Pleasanton

(510) 659-6053

gala.fremontsymphony,org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Family Crafts and House Tours $

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Family friendly crafts and activities with transportation theme

McConaghy House

18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Milpitas Community Breakfast

8 a.m.

Rhoda Shapiro

Sunnyhills United Methodist Church

355 Dixon Rd., Milpitas

(408) 262-1486

 

Saturday, Mar 2

First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program R

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HUD approved education seminar

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

www.myhomegateway.org/hslprograms

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Are You Ready for the Next Wave of Innovation?

10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

What will drive future economic growth & what skills will be needed

Newark Branch Library

6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark

(510) 284-0684

(510) 795-2627

 

Saturday, Mar 2 -Sunday, Mar 3

Spring Rummage Sale

Sat. 9a.m. – 3 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Clothing, housewares, books

Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church

32975 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 471-2581

www.sacbc.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Art Is Education: Rumi in Spring

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Simorgh Dance Collective: ancient & beautiful sacred and Sufi dances

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Practicing Christian Healing Today

2 p.m.

Free lecture and childcare provided

First Church of Christ, Scientist

1351 Driscoll Rd., Fremont

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Outer Space Adventure

12 noon – 3 p.m.

Planet Bingo game, face painter, space-themed backdrop for selfies, kid’s crafts, fun giveaways

Pacific Commons at The Block

43440 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont

(510) 770-9798

www.pacificcommons.com

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Molly's Revenge $

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Live Celtic music

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

www.braskhouseconcerts.com

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Garden Open House

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Workshop on the buzz about beekeeping

Paradise Community Garden

20095 Mission Blvd, Hayward

(510) 909-4077

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Hens Lay Eggs

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Listen to a story, search the coop for eggs, feel a hen's feather

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Old-Fashioned Fun

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stilt walking, sack races, tug-o-war, potato-spoon racing

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Wild Food

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Explore the farm for edible plants and weeds

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Stilt Walkers

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Improve your balance

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Bird Walk

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Patterns of behavior, migration & habitat. 8+ years

Meet at Isherwood Staging Area

Quarry Lakes

2250 Isherwood Way, Fremont

(510) 795-4895

(510) 544-3220

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad

Competition: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Awards Ceremony: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Events covering biology, physics, chemistry and more

Cal State East Bay University

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

(510) 885-3118

www.bayareascioly.com

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Odd Man Out $

7 p.m.

Humorous account of Bay Area figure Marty Nemko's life

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Public Charge R

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Representative Ro Khanna: US Public Charge policy

Fremont Senior Center

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 790-6600

swapanthi.mandalika@mail.house.gov

 

Saturday, Mar 2

Transcendentalism and Art, Part 1 $

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Watch video on American and European landscapes, open studio time

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Ssnakes, Sstories and Sspirals

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Learn about snakes; unique adaptations

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Mardi Gras Family Fun

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Live jazz, fresh beignets, mask making and other crafts and games

Holy Redeemer Church

35660 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 793-1911

www.hrlc-newark.org/mardi-gras-family-fun

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Extended Roots

2 p.m.

Acoustic band playing traditional music from the roots of America

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Book Discussion – DNA Testing: Blessing or Curse? R

12:45 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Talk on genetics, identity and family ties

India Community Center

525 Los Coches St, Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

info@ibpw.net

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Wake Up the Farm

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Help prepare a snack for the sheep and goats

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Moon Rock Dedication Ceremony $

2 p.m.

A moon rock from NASA on public display; dedication ceremony by Apollo 9 astronaut Russell (Rusty) Schweickart

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

(510) 336-7300

www.chabotspace.org

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Rabbit Rendezvous

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Learn how rabbits use their long ears to sense danger

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Meet the Farmer: Growing a Green Thumb

1p.m. – 2 p.m.

Hands on practice in the vegetable garden

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Stories of the Past: Stone Tools

1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Learn about the rock cycle, flintknapping, and grinding techniques

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Watershed Wonder

10 am. – 1 p.m.

Follow the Alameda Creek on this 3-mile moderate hike

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 3

Super Hero 5k and 10k Fun Run R

8 a.m.- 12 noon

Race, costume contest, raffle, vendors. Benefits Parkinson's Foundation

Union City City Hall

34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City

(510) 471-3232

www.active.com

 

Monday, Mar 4

Milpitas Rotary Club Meeting

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Discussion of Cal Fire 2018

Dave and Busters

940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas

(408) 957-9215

http://www.clubrunner.ca/milpitas

 

Tuesday, Mar 5

Census Solutions for Faith Based Organizations R

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Learn what the census is & why it matters. Register by 3/1

Fremont Family Resource Center, Pacific Room #H800

39155 Liberty St. (at Capitol), Fremont

(888) 308-1767

(831) 998-4441

 

Tuesday, Mar 5

Weekday Bird Walk

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Tranquil walk to look for birds. Bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars. 12+ yrs.

Vargas Plateau Regional Park

2536 Morrison Canyon Rd, Fremont

(510) 544-3246

(510) 544-3220

 

Tuesday, Mar 5

Hikes for Tykes

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

1-mile hike to explore lakeside life. Bring a snack

Lake Chabot

17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley

(888) 327-2757

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Swimming Pool Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

3:30 p.m.

Celebrate opening of pool with FUSD

Mission San Jose High School

41717 Palm Ave., Fremont

(510) 657-3600

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Dusterberry Park Community Meeting

6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Review of conceptual plans & selection of preferred plan

Artist Walk Fremont

3888 Artist Walk Common., Fremont

www.fremont.gov/Dusterberry

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer $R

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Contemplative prayer, distribution of ashes, personal time to reflect. Register by 3/1.

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

http://bit.ly/2019AshWed

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Kayaking for Folks 50+ $R

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Paddling techniques and safety guidelines

Lake Chabot

17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley

(888) 327-2757

www.ebparks.org

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Toddler Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Read a story, do some chores, meet some farm animals

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Job Search Workshop – Job Search Strategies

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Learn about the hidden job market

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Business Building Seminar – Double Tap Marketing

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Improve your website, learn how your

customers think

Fremont Chamber of Commerce

39488 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 789-1950

(562) 795-2240

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Business Building Seminar – Planet Magpie

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Learn safe email & internet practices

Fremont Chamber of Commerce

39488 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 789-1950

www.planetmagpie.com/cyberfu

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Digital Footprints and Manipulation

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Learn about the risks of technology's overwhelming presence in our daily lives

American High School Theatre 50

36300 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

(510)796-1776 ext. 57702

 

 

A world of wonder for gem enthusiasts

By Alfred Hu

Photos by Victor Carvellas

 

Do you have an interest in gems and minerals and a desire to turn that interest into a lucrative and worthwhile hobby? Then step into the world of lapidary arts at the 71st annual “Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Show and Sale” Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3 at the Newark Pavilion, hosted by the Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley (MGSCV). Attendees can look forward to exhibits featuring local Ice Age Irvington fossils, fluorescent minerals, witness how gems are identified and geodes are split, kids’ spinning wheel, door prizes every half hour and much more. In addition, MGSCV members and various dealers will showcase over 40 displays of items such as rocks, beads, gemstones (including quartz, opal, agates, jaspers and turquoise), jewelry, fossils, varieties of lava, petrified wood, faceted stones, meteorites, crystals and birthstones for viewing and sale. Participating dealers include Afghan Gems, Buddha Gems and Minerals, Daggett’s Jewelry and Stoneworks, Jade and Jewelry, Jewel Train, The Kleins, and Rock Solid Jade. Food trucks will also be on-site for lunch and snack breaks.

 

The lapidary process (forming stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems, and faceted designs by using techniques of cutting, grinding and polishing) will be on display and presented in live demonstrations throughout the weekend. On Saturday at 2 p.m., items that have been handmade by members will be available at a live auction. An opal pendant, handcrafted by a MGSCV member, will be raffled; the winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday at 4 p.m. (winner need not be present to win). Proceeds from the auction and raffle are used to fund two scholarships awarded each year to local students majoring in geology.

 

Show Chair Cathy Miller says that the displays are considered by many to be one of the best gemology shows in Northern California, if not the entire West. As to what makes MGSCV so successful, Miller says, “I suppose it mainly would be the extensive variety of equipment available in our workshop, which is considered one of the best in the state, and that our shop and show are centrally located in the Bay Area. Our members are eager to share their knowledge about rocks and techniques for working with them and making jewelry.” MGSCV Secretary Betty Milam indicates that another success factor is networking with other gem and mineral clubs and the rotation of dealers between shows.

 

MGSCV was established in 1948 as a non-profit educational organization staffed by volunteers and equipped with a workshop. Their goals are to promote the increased knowledge and understanding of geology focusing on minerals, gems, fossils, rocks, and other related topics; introducing the art of cutting, grinding, polishing and processing various gems and minerals into beautiful jewelry and art; and providing an opportunity for members to exhibit their artwork for educational purposes. They also organize field trips for members to study rocks, minerals, fossils, the lapidary arts, mineralogy and geology in fun and exciting natural settings at locations such as Davis Creek, Happy Camp, Lake County, Berkeley Hills, and Coalinga. The society currently has around 130 members; if you are a mineral and gem enthusiast or interested in geology, consider becoming a new member.

 

In additional to its long-running and popular annual show, another big factor of MGSCV’s success is its lapidary workshop, known to be one of the most well-equipped in Northern California where members can practice nearly all the lapidary and jewelry arts after they sign up and pay yearly dues. Dues range from $60 – $80 for couples, $35 – $45 for singles, and $1 for juniors ages 11 – 17 with an adult and $5 without an adult. The workshop offers members classes taught by volunteers on subjects such as beading, stone carving, opal cutting, metalsmithing and lost wax casting for jewelry making and faceting. In the society’s early days, Miller says its workshop was in San Lorenzo. Castro Valley became the shop's home in 1965 and remained there until 1980 when it moved to Hayward. In 2001, the workshop moved to its current location on Corsair Boulevard in Hayward, just west of the Hayward airport. In addition to the workshop, MGSCV also boasts an extensive library of informative and instructional books and magazines in an effort to increase further awareness and understanding of the complex chemistry and formation of gems and minerals.

 

If you can’t make it to the show and sale, MGSCV hosts general meetings that are open to the public on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of Christ, 22307 Montgomery Street, in Hayward where attendees can enjoy educational and entertaining presentations by guest speakers and meet and network with other society members and experts in the lapidary arts.

 

For more information and show discount coupon, visit www.mgscv.org.

 

Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show & Sale

Friday, Mar 1 – Sunday, Mar 3

Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Newark Pavilion

6430 Thornton Avenue, Newark

info@mgscv.org

www.mgscv.org

Tickets:

1-day pass $6

3-day pass $10

Children under 13 accompanied by adult free

 

 

Girls Wrestling

Lady Cougars do well at state championships

Submitted by Timothy Hess

 

The Newark Memorial Lady Cougars Sierra Van Rossem, Ezra Vavao, Ariana Pereira, Mikaela Troche placed 21st out of 216 schools at the California State Wrestling Championships held at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, February 22-23.  Ariana Pereira, (a junior) placed 2nd in the 160lb bracket at this prestigious event. She had three falls and a major decision victory before falling in the finals 6-13.

 

 

An enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship

Submitted by Belinda Maloney

Photos by Debbie Otterstetter

 

Stage 1 Theatre presents “Mamma Mia!”, Judy Craymer's ingenious vision of staging the storytelling magic of ABBA's timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.

 

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's (Sofie played by Zoe Lytle) quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men (Steve Wilner, Mark Flores, and Todd Aragon) from her mother's (Donna played by Heather Watson) past back to the island they had last visited 20 years ago. Benny Andersson's and Björn Ulvaeus's songs including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “Take a Chance on Me” are all featured in this feel good night of fun and laughter. Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make “Mamma Mia!” the ultimate feel-good show!

 

Stage 1’s production runs Saturday, March 2 through Sunday, March 17, with an ASL interpreted performance on Sunday, March 3. For tickets or more information, visit www.stage1theatre.org.

 

Mama Mia!

Saturday, Mar 2 – Sunday, Mar 17

8:00 p.m., matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Newark Memorial High School

39375 Cedar Blvd, Newark

(510) 791-0287

www.stage1theatre.org/

Tickets: $15 – $30

 

 

Mariners take conference crown

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The Moreau Catholic Mariners won the North Coast Section, Division 2 championship in front of a packed gym at Dublin High School on February 23rd. In a tough battle with the Bishop O”Dowd Dragons, the Mariners proved their place at the championship with a dominating defensive performance. Quickly taking control of the paint area under the basket, the Mariners capitalized with second and third shot opportunities as well as blocking Dragons’ attempts at outside shots.

 

A halftime 34-27 Mariner advantage was tested by the Dragons but continued defensive sparkle by the Mariners not only maintained the lead but extended it to open the fourth quarter with an additional five-point margin. In a test of their determination to earn the crown, the Mariners were confronted by a Dragons surge to cut the lead but it was too little, too late. When the clock ticked off the last seconds, Mariners supporters rushed onto the court to celebrate with their team and claim the title.

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Sgt. Sean Heneghan

 

Thursday, February 21

• At about 8:08 a.m. police and personnel from the Milpitas Fire Department responded to a report of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle near the intersection of California Circle and Dixon Landing Road. Arriving officers determined the male pedestrian, later identified as an 84-year-old Milpitas resident was in the crosswalk when he was hit. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver, identified at a 56-year-old man from Moreno Valley, was driving a 2015 Ford F150 pickup truck. He remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor in the collision. An investigation is continuing, and police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them at (408) 584-2400k. Information can also be giving anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or online at www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip.

 

 

Molly’s Revenge: Dynamic, acoustic, Celtic

Submitted by Brask Concerts

 

March Madness returns as Molly’s Revenge announces their 18th annual Saint Patrick’s Day tour.

 

Molly’s Revenge is a dynamic, acoustic Celtic band known for its unique and infectious enthusiasm. The classic combinations of bagpipes, whistle, and fiddle with a backdrop of guitar, mandola, and bodhran guarantees an enjoyable experience for all fans of Scottish and Irish music.

 

The band has performed at many of the top Celtic, folk festivals, and performing arts events in the United States and prestigious events in Scotland, Australia, and even China. Their arrangements of traditional Celtic jigs and reels brings these dance tunes up to date with a driving, hard-edged accent that always leaves audiences shouting for more.

 

Comprised of David Brewer (Highland bagpipes, border pipes, whistles, bodhran), John Weed (fiddle), and Stuart Mason (guitar, mandola), Molly’s Revenge is said to “…bring to the music a vital and joyous creativity that excites even the hardest of hearts,” by John Doyle, founding member of Solas. Wake the Dead said, “Molly’s Revenge delivers all the intensity of the Battlefield Band with a uniquely California sense of fun,” while Chaos Realm claims, “I can honestly say it would be nigh on to impossible for musicians to put more ‘oomph’ into playing than evidenced here.”

 

Come out to Mission Coffee on Saturday, March 2 and enjoy Scottish pipe sets, driving Irish reels, jigs, polkas, slides, hornpipes, French Canadian fiddle tunes, and even Americana old-time tunes featuring Highland pipes.

 

Molly’s Revenge

Saturday, Mar 2

7 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting Co

151 Washington Blvd, Fremont

(510) 623-6948

www.braskhouseconcerts.com/

http://fremontcoffee.com/

https://mollysrevenge.com/

Tickets: $15 at the door

 

 

Boys Basketball

Mariners move on to Championship

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The Moreau Catholic Mariners (Hayward) pulled off a great victory on February 15th with a third quarter rally to beat the Las Lomas Knights of Walnut Creek 55-46. Erasing an 11-point deficit, the Mariners third quarter rally moved them to the North Coast Championship game scheduled for March 2nd in Dublin. At the beginning of the contest, the Mariners were slow to respond to an early lead by the Knights who took control of the paint area, using it to take second shots at the basket.

 

Something lit a fire in the Mariners at the half as the Moreau Catholic squad looked like a new team in the third quarter, fighting for every loose ball and playing excellent defense. By the end of the quarter, only two points separated the teams. With a chance for the championship on the line, the fourth quarter was a tremendous battle between two teams that played with everything they had. The Mariners were not to be denied and move on to a championship contest with the Bishop O'Dowd Dragons (Oakland, CA) on March 2nd.

 

 

Springtime Planet Party

By David Prosper

 

March brings longer days for Northern Hemisphere observers, especially by the time of the equinox. Early risers are treated to majority of the bright planets dancing in the morning skies, with the Moon passing between them at the beginning and end of the month.

 

The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, marking the official beginning of spring for the Northern Hemisphere. Our Sun shines equally on the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the moment of equinox, which is why March and September equinoxes are the only times of the year when the Earth’s north and south poles are simultaneously lit by sunlight. Exacting astronomers will note that the length of day and night on the equinox are not precisely equal; the date when they are closest to equal depends on your latitude and may occur a few days earlier or later than the equinox itself. One complicating factor is that the Sun isn’t a point light source, but a disc. Its edge is refracted by our atmosphere as it rises and sets, which adds several minutes of light to every day. The Sun doesn’t neatly wink on and off at sunrise and sunset like a light bulb, and so there isn’t a perfect split of day and night on the equinox – but it’s very close.

 

Ruddy Mars still shines in the west after sunset. Mars scoots across the early evening skies from Aries towards Taurus and meets the sparkling Pleiades star cluster by month’s end. March opens with the morning planets of Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus spread out over the southeastern horizon before sunrise. A crescent Moon comes very close to Saturn on the 1st and occults the ringed planet during the daytime. Lucky observers may be able to spot Mercury by the end of the month. March 31 opens with a beautiful set of planets and a crescent Moon strung diagonally across the early morning sky. Start with bright Jupiter, almost due south shortly before dawn. Then slide down and east towards Saturn, prominent but not nearly as bright as Jupiter. Continue east to the Moon, and then toward the beacon that is Venus, its gleam piercing through the early morning light. End with a challenge: can you find elusive Mercury above the eastern horizon? Binoculars may be needed to spot the closest planet to the Sun as it will be low and obscured by dawn’s encroaching glow. What a way to close out March. Discover all of NASA’s current and future missions 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.

 

 

K9 officers report for duty

Submitted by Milpitas PD

 

Officials from the Milpitas Police Department are welcoming two new police K9 officers to their team.

 

The first new four-legged recruit is an 18-month-old male German Shepherd named Ty. He was born in the Czech Republic on June 14, 2017 and eventually found his way to the Netherlands before coming to the United States to train as a police dog. After arriving in California, Ty met his new friend, Milpitas Police Officer Medeiros and began his training for police work. During Ty’s downtime, he likes to play ball and enjoys belly rubs.

 

Officer Medeiros has been with the Milpitas Police Department since July 2013 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Services Division. In addition to being a K-9 Officer, she is also a Field Evidence Technician. When not at work, she enjoys coaching soccer and spending time with friends and family.

 

Meanwhile, a second furry recruit, Kona, is often seen wagging her tail in anticipation of hitting the streets of Milpitas each day. Kona was born March 1, 2017 in Slovakia and, like Ty, first traveled to the Netherlands before arriving in the United States. Along the way, she met Ty and the two became fast friends. Kona is the second female police dog in the department’s history. When she is not working Kona likes to run, play with her ball and stick her tongue out.

 

Kona works with Officer Mansky, who has been with the department since December 2013 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Services Division and is also part of the Crisis Negotiations and Recruitment teams. In her off time, Mansky enjoys playing soccer, camping, and spending time with her family.

 

Welcoming new K9 recruits to the Milpitas Police Department won’t stop with Ty and Kona. Next up, will be another dog named Nitro who is currently attending police dog school with his handler, Officer Brasil.

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

Fremont City Council Retreat Report Now Available

The City of Fremont held a City Council retreat for the newly seated councilmembers on January 10 and 11. At the end of the two-day retreat, the council came to a consensus on the following priorities for city staff: Decrease the impacts of residential development; reduce traffic congestion; and provide support to neighborhood commercial districts. A report of the retreat summarizing the results is now available.

 

Over the next several months, staff will be presenting the council with information and updates. The tentative agenda of when the items will come before the council is – March 19, Capital Improvement Program Work Session; April 2, Housing/Growth Management Work Session; and April 9, Irvington BART Station Area Plan. To view the full report, visit www.Fremont.gov/CouncilRetreatReport.

———————————————————–

Carbon Neutral Goal and Post-Carbon Community Framework

On February 19, Fremont City Council voted to adopt a resolution to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2045. This new carbon neutrality target positions Fremont to achieve a 25 percent community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction by the year 2020 from a 2005 baseline. The carbon neutral target supports the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement to keep global temperature increase within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in order avoid the most harmful impacts of climate change.

 

Additionally, the resolution establishes a Post-Carbon Community Framework that includes seven key strategies to guide the development of an updated Climate Action Plan. Residents are encouraged to join the conversation and provide input by attending public meetings, participating in online forums, or sending their ideas directly to sustainability@fremont.gov.

 

Interested individuals can receive updates by signing up for the City’s Sustainability email list at www.Fremont.gov/SustainabilityList. To view a copy of the complete resolution, visit www.Fremont.gov/CarbonNeutralityResolution.

———————————————————–

Community Input Sought

Fremont is seeking name and design ideas for its new Mobile Hygiene Unit bought through a $125,000 Alameda County Homeless Immediate Impact grant. The City of Fremont, City of Newark, and several community partners are hoping to launch a new Mobile Hygiene unit to provided much-needed shower and laundry services to our homeless neighbors in March. The Mobile Hygiene unit is comprised of a 50-foot truck and trailer, fitted with two full bathrooms with showers, including one that is ADA accessible, and three washer/dryer units.

 

Community members are invited to share name and design ideas for the Mobile Hygiene unit, via a survey conducted on the city’s online civic engagement forum, Fremont Open City Hall at www.Fremont.gov/OpenCityHallMHU. The Fremont Human Services Department is collaborating with Rohin Puvvada, an Eagle Scout from Troop 103 at Warm Springs in Fremont, who has set up a GoFundMe page to fundraise for hygiene kits for clients and purchase a vehicle wrap for 31-foot long mobile unit. The survey will run from February 20 to March 6.

———————————————————–

Community Disaster Preparedness Training Programs

The City of Fremont’s Fire Department has released the 2019 schedule for its Disaster Preparedness Training Program, including free Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes. PEP classes are specifically designed to help residents prepare for a disaster and to take care of themselves and their families before, during, and after a disaster. This one-time, three-hour class will educate residents on skills such as earthquake and disaster awareness, fire extinguisher types, smoke detector placement, and sheltering in place.

 

PEP classes at the Fremont Fire Administration Office, 3300 Capitol Ave. (behind the building), are held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19; Wednesday, May 22; Tuesday, July 16; Tuesday, October 15; and Monday, November 18. In addition, classes at the Fremont Fire Training Tower, 7200 Stevenson Blvd. (West end), are held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, April 13; and Saturday, August 17. To register for a PEP class, call (510) 494-4244 or email FirePubEd@fremont.gov. For a personal group PEP class at your location, contact Chuck Guaraglia at (510) 792-3473 or guaragliac@comcast.net.

 

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program consists of three classes that provide residents with the skills they need to assist themselves, their families, neighbors, and Fire Department in the event of earthquakes, fires, floods, or other natural disasters. Anyone interested in taking a CERT class must first attend a Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) class. To register for the CERT program, call (510) 494-4244 or email FirePubEd@fremont.gov.

 

 

Payless files for bankruptcy, closing North American stores

AP Wire Service

 

NEW YORK (AP), Feb 19 – Payless ShoeSource has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is shuttering its remaining stores in North America.

 

The filing on Monday came a day after the shoe chain began holding going-out-of-business sales at its North American stores.

 

The company, based in Topeka, Kansas, updated the number of stores it is closing to 2,500, up from the 2,100 it cited on Friday when it confirmed it was planning to liquidate its business. It reiterated that stores will remain open until at least the end of March and the majority will remain open until May.

 

The liquidation doesn't affect its franchise operations or its Latin American stores, which remain open for business as usual, it said.

 

The debt-burdened chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a first time in April 2017, closing hundreds of stores as part of its reorganization.

 

“The challenges facing retailers today are well documented, and unfortunately, Payless emerged from its prior reorganization ill-equipped to survive in today's retail environment,” said Stephen Marotta, Payless ShoeSource's chief restructuring officer.

 

He noted that the prior Chapter 11 proceedings left the company with too much debt and with too many stores.

 

 

Quirk renews efforts on accurate and humane hazardous waste identification

Submitted by Lyanne Mendez

 

Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly to protect public health and the environment. On February 19, Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) introduced AB 733, which will enable California to identify this waste more humanely and accurately. “As Chair of the Assembly Committee of Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, I work every day to protect Californians and California’s environment from toxic pollution. Making sure hazardous waste is accurately identified and disposed of is crucial,” said Assemblymember Quirk.

 

The hazardous waste test currently used in California, commonly known as the “minnow test,” essentially involves adding waste to a fish tank and seeing if the fish die. Companies committed to cruelty-free practices forgo the test and play it safe by treating all their waste as hazardous. “This is costly to business and means that California may be treating more waste than we should as hazardous waste,” said Assemblymember Quirk. AB 733 authorizes the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to identify humane alternatives to the “minnow test.”

 

“Last year, we made history in passing monumental legislation that banned the sales of any cosmetic tested on animals anywhere in the world in the State of California. It is time the state joined business industry leaders and advocates in adopting its own cruelty-free pledge and eliminate this barbaric and outdated test on live fish replacing it with an internationally accepted humane alternative,” said Judie Mancuso, president of Social Compassion in Legislation, co-sponsor of the bill with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

 

 

Baseball

Renegades Report

Submitted by Ohlone athletics

 

The Ohlone baseball program has had a memorable month, on so many levels. In addition to receiving championship rings for 2018, head coach Mike Curran’s Renegades were honored for academic excellence and achievements on the field. Moreover, six former Ohlone players find themselves starting on Division I teams.

 

As of February 18, the Renegades (6-4) had a 1-2 record last week highlighted by an 11-1 rout of Contra Costa on February 12. Dalton Vanhille led Ohlone against the Comets with two triples and four RBI. Winning pitcher Tyler Stultz, Michael Bonnacorso, Zac Heinz, Robert Chioino, James Colyer, and Zach Patterson combined on the mound.

 

In a 7-3 loss to visiting Chabot on February 16, Justin Clark blasted a home run and Zach Patterson was 2 for 4 with a double and run scored. Max Heverly also doubled in a run. Clark and pitcher Peter Van Loon were picked as Preseason All-Americans. Clark is No. 4 in the conference in batting average at .419, and Van Loon has a 1-2 mark. Clark, Van Loon and Zach Patterson were also picked as “Players to Watch” by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

 

Six former Renegades players have earned starting spots with Division I teams: AJ Curtis (Fullerton), Thad Phillips (UConn), Ethan Skuija (Bakersfield), Ryan Walstad (Sacramento State), Isaac Cruz (Utah) and Ryan Ruley (LMU). Curtis basically won the Triple Crown in the Coast-Pacific in 2018, leading the conference in average (.421), RBI (47) and tying for the top spot in home runs with eight. Skuija led the conference in ERA (1.70), wins (13) and strikeouts (109).

 

Ohlone graduate Michael Newman, a right-handed pitcher, showed off his 2017 and 2018 championship rings as one of 12 Renegades to earn them.

 

 

Rep. Swalwell becomes chairman of House Intelligence Subcommittee

Submitted by Josh Richman

 

On February 6, Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) was named chairman of Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The subcommittee was created as part of a complete reorganization of the committee’s structure for this 116th Congress, so that subcommittees will be more focused on the Intelligence Community’s core missions than specific agencies.

 

The Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee will oversee overall management of the Intelligence Community: policies and programs focused on making sure that all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies have the workforce, infrastructure and services they need to succeed. This involves fostering greater collaboration and better use of resources across the entire Intelligence Community in personnel management, security clearance reform, information technology modernization, and other areas.

 

“Keeping our nation safe is Congress’ most sacred responsibility, and I’m honored to chair a subcommittee that will help advance our Intelligence Community’s staffing, training, and technology to the highest, most modern standards,” Swalwell said. “We need a diverse Intelligence Community workforce that looks like America and understands the threats we face from all parts of the world. We must ensure that the national crisis of student loan debt isn’t leaving the hard-working men and women of our intelligence agencies in financial quicksand and anxiety that diverts their focus from our safety, and that means looking at loan forgiveness in exchange for their service to America.

 

“And I’m particularly eager to help lead the long-overdue conversation on reforming our security clearance procedures. We must expedite processing to get clearances in the hands of the right people, and we must conduct oversight when the President has put them in the hands of the wrong people.”

 

Swalwell is serving his fourth term representing California’s 15th Congressional District, and his third as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. He is also co-chairman of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary.

 

 

Artists capture world’s beauty and light

Article and photo submitted by Susan Olsen

 

Roving Artists is a group of women who create and record the beauty, pattern, and light that they see in the world around them. For the past 12 years they have captured this beauty using paint, pencil, ink and tiles. The group meets monthly for mutual inspiration, critical support and friendship. Every year or so they pool their work and display it at Mission Coffee Roasting Company in Fremont for the enjoyment of friends, family and the public.

 

This year’s show, “Where We Live,” will be on exhibit March 1 through 31 with a reception to meet the artists on Sunday, March 10. The artists include Judy Anglin, Katherine Latson, Maria Grazia Romero, Robin Worthington, Lois Haselby, Susan Olsen, Pat Finn and Barbara Schlein.

 

Where We Live

March 1 – 31

Mission Coffee Roasting Company

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

Artists’ reception:

Sunday, Mar 10

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

(510) 623-6920

Free

 

 

Celebrate women with SAVE

Submitted by Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments

Photos by Chao Lee

 

Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE) invites you to join us in celebrating International Women's Day on March 7. Our third annual celebration is a family-friendly, free event open to everyone with food, music, poetry, dance, reflection and so much more!

 

“We hope to offer the community an opportunity to recognize women and their achievements and also to acknowledge the struggles women and girls still face,” said Paula Manczuk, SAVE Director of Development.

 

The event will include food generously donated by Chandni Restaurant and entertainment by a variety of local performers that reflect the diversity of our community. Presentations will include dance, spoken word, song, and martial arts, with several of the performers including SAVE staff and volunteers. Attendees can win raffle prizes with items such as gift baskets with food and spa type items, and information on ways to support SAVE's programs will also be available.

 

The event is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Those interested in contributing a performance that celebrates women can contact Shailajad@save-dv.org. For any additional information or questions, please contact SAVE's Empowerment Center at (510) 574-2250.

 

International Women's Day Celebration

Thursday, Mar 7

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Chandni Restaurant

5748 Mowry School Rd, Newark

(510) 574-2250

https://save-dv.org/

Suggested donation per guest: $5

 

 

Shape Our Fremont

More Centerville Townhouses

 

Silicon Sage's Centerville mixed-use project proposes a separate complex of 72 townhouses behind a Fremont Boulevard commercial frontage. Almost the entire discussion at the February 14 Planning Commission hearing was on whether to retain and rehabilitate the old Centerville fire station as part of the frontage. Silicon Sage has not had to defend the choice to build market-rate, for-sale townhouses in a Town Center TOD.

 

Location

The project is between Parish Street and Peralta Boulevard along Fremont Boulevard and is within Centerville’s Historic Town Center. On the eastern edge, century-old single-family homes line Jason Way. To the right of the proposed exit on to Peralta Boulevard, the house has been declared “Historic.” Other historic houses line Parish Avenue. Across Peralta Boulevard and the railroad tracks is the Centerville Train Station with many trains passing through or stopping at the station day and night. This area is within the Centerville Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay, which requires a higher density of residential units than other areas in Fremont.

 

Current Proposal

In the area behind the proposed Fremont Boulevard commercial frontage to Jason Way, Silicon Sage proposes a separate complex filled with 72 market-rate, for-sale townhouses in 12 long, straight rows. The townhouse garages would face each other across five private streets. The townhouse buildings would be 39 feet high.

There would be 28 four-bedroom townhouses of over 2,700 square feet including the garage and 44 three-bedroom townhouses of over 2,300 square feet.

 

Each townhouse would have a two-car garage. There would be no driveway apron for guests or extra cars that residents of four-bedroom townhouses often have. The proposed underground garage cannot go under the townhouses. There is a large swimming pool and a tall clubhouse for the residents of the townhouses (a fitness center for apartments is in the frontage building.) The community center room is part of the private area governed by the townhouse Homeowners Association and may be difficult to keep separate from the pool area if it is made a public meeting place. The daily, intermittent train horn noise would be so high that even the highest rated soundproofing could not bring it down to an acceptable level. This would require the City Council to adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations for the townhouses facing Peralta Boulevard.

 

Another Option

For-sale, three-bedroom condominium flats could take the place of townhouses and provide much-needed lower-cost housing for Fremont. There could be more units and yet total fewer bedrooms. The site unit density could be raised from the minimum allowed to the mid-point for a Town Center TOD project. Silicon Sage could redesign the site to be a sort of square surrounding an open plaza – a three-story condominium building along Jason Way with deep setbacks; third-floor condominium flats facing the hills could be penthouse suites; and underground garage could be extended towards Jason Way. The area off Peralta, which is subject to loud train horn noise, could be filled with larger restaurant-sized retail spaces and parking. If the pool was removed, there could be a truly public community meeting space. With creative planning and architecture, Silicon Sage could net the same profit from for-sale condominiums. By redesigning the rear area to have buildings of unique design and layout, Silicon Sage could create a “place-to-be” Centerville Town Center Square.

 

What Do You Think?

Does Centerville need more four-bedroom townhouses priced at over $1.2 million? The Fremont City Council hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 19. You can send comments to the application's city staff planner Joel Pullen at jpullen@fremont.gov. For any hearing schedule changes, visit www.ShapeOurFremont.com.

 

 

Silicon Valley Community Foundation announces appointment

Submitted by Sue McAllister

 

Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) has named Melissa Daar Carvajal as executive vice president, marketing and communications. With more than 20 years of experience, Daar Carvajal will lead SVCF’s team in its strategic marketing and strategic communications efforts.

 

“I am thrilled to bring Melissa to SVCF,” said Nicole Taylor, president and CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. “Her broad and deep expertise in social impact marketing and communications will be incredibly valuable in supporting us as we launch the next chapter for this dynamic community foundation.”

 

Previously, as the founder of MDC Network, Daar Carvajal assisted The Early Learning Lab, Center for Youth Wellness, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Thrive Foundation for Youth and the Rogers Family Foundation. Earlier in her career, she played key senior roles at the Stuart Foundation, Fenton Communications, and Full Court Press, as well as doing a stint in county government. She has a bachelor’s degree from Clark University, where she majored in sociology.

 

 

Social Security Column

Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits

By Mariaelena Lemus

Social Security public affairs specialist

 

Unfortunately, tragedy can strike without warning. The loss of a family wage earner can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. Some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors’ benefits for workers and their families. The value of the survivors benefits you have under Social Security may even be more than the value of your individual life insurance.

 

When you die, certain members of your family may be eligible for survivors’ benefits. These include widows and widowers (and divorced widows and widowers), children, and dependent parents. Here are people who can get survivors benefits based on your work:

• Your widow or widower may be able to get full benefits at full retirement age. The full retirement age for survivors is 66 for people born in 1945-1956, with the full retirement age gradually increasing to 67 for people born in 1962 or later. Your widow or widower can get reduced benefits as early as age 60. If your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50.
• Your widow or widower can get benefits at any age if they take care of your child younger than age16 or disabled, who is receiving Social Security benefits.
• Your unmarried children, younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they’re attending elementary or secondary school full time), can also get benefits. Your children can get benefits at any age if they were disabled before age 22. Under certain circumstances, we can also pay benefits to your stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren, or adopted children.
• Your dependent parents can get benefits if they’re age 62 or older. (For your parents to qualify as dependents, you must have provided at least half of their support.)

 

You can read more about Survivors Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf.

How much your family can get from Social Security depends on your average lifetime earnings. The more you earned, the more their benefits will be. For information on widows, widowers, and other survivors, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/survivors. Social Security is with you through life’s journey. Be sure to tell friends and family about our Survivors Benefits and how we can help in times of need.

 

 

NASA, SpaceX aim for March test of 1st new astronaut capsule

By Marcia Dunn

AP Aerospace Writer

 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP), Feb 06 – NASA and SpaceX are now aiming for a March debut of the first capsule from a private company designed to fly astronauts to the International Space Station.

 

No one will be on board for the crew Dragon's inaugural test flight to the orbiting outpost.

 

Officials on Wednesday set March 2 as the latest launch date. If the demo goes well, two NASA astronauts will take a test flight in July aboard the SpaceX capsule.

 

It would be the first launch of U.S. astronauts into orbit, from U.S. soil, since NASA's shuttle program ended in 2011. President Donald Trump mentioned the upcoming milestone in Tuesday night's State of the Union address.

 

Boeing, meanwhile, is shooting for an April launch of its first Starliner capsule without a crew. The first Starliner flight with astronauts would be August at best.

 

NASA's commercial crew program has been delayed repeatedly over the years, forcing a lengthy, expensive reliance on Russian rockets. Each seat on a Russian Soyuz capsule has cost NASA as much as $82 million.

 

More time is still needed to complete testing, training and safety reviews, according to NASA.

 

Kathy Lueders, manager of NASA's commercial crew program, said the initial launches without astronauts are “a great dry run for not only our hardware, but for our team to get ready for our crewed flight tests.”

 

NASA is paying SpaceX and Boeing to provide the capsules and fly astronauts to and from the space station, allowing the space agency to focus on developing a new capsule, Orion, and rocket, Space Launch System or SLS, for transporting astronauts to the moon and, eventually, Mars.

 

SpaceX has been delivering cargo to the space station since 2012, under contract to NASA. Northrop Grumman is NASA's other station supplier.

 

Blue Origin is also developing a crew capsule that might carry passengers by year's end. But that capsule is intended for brief up-and-down hops, not orbital flights, by tourists. Virgin Galactic also is preparing a spaceship for tourists.

 

Wednesday's announcement fell on the one-year anniversary of SpaceX's debut of its Falcon Heavy rocket, which shot chief executive Elon Musk's red Tesla convertible into space with a mannequin, dubbed Starman, at the wheel.

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The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.