2-5-19 Articles

Theatre Review

 

’39 Steps’ a comic tumble of mystery and melodrama

By Julie Grabowski

Photos by Georgia Barnes and Siddarth Sas

 

Richard Hannay is in a bit of a slump. Bored, tired of the world, tired of life. A trip to the Cockney Music Hall brings Annabella Schmidt into his life, a thickly accented lady who claims to be a spy with knowledge of top secret information about to be taken out of the country. Snapped out of his boring life by the encounter, Hannay suddenly finds himself accused of murder and on the run, pursued by the police and henchmen for a mysterious organization.

 

Hannay embarks on a comedic journey to discover the truth and clear his name, tangling with adventure, danger, and romance at multiple stops as he makes his way from London to Scotland and back again, where everything comes to a head at London’s famous Palladium theatre.

 

The award-winning “The 39 Steps” was adapted by Patrick Barlow from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 movie by Alfred Hitchcock. Without a serious bone in its body, the play is a bouncing ball of melodrama, farce, and slapstick, playing gleefully with the mystery and detective genre with plenty of Hitchcock movie reference peppered throughout. “‘The 39 Steps’ is a silly play that has no purpose but to make you laugh. It is an homage to all that is Alfred Hitchcock with a bit of Monty Python and Mel Brooks thrown in for good measure,” says John Maio in his director’s notes. And playing for laughs is just what Maio does with the production at Castro Valley’s Chanticleers Theatre.

 

Four actors are tasked with bringing 150 characters to life and meet the challenge with aplomb. C. Conrad Cady and Damion Clark do the bulk of the heavy lifting, becoming a bevy of characters and shining as each one. Cady and Clark are endlessly fun and versatile with all-in performances that bring the laughs. Cady’s most notable characters are the raging crofter (tenant farmer) John and playful hotel proprietor Willie McGarrigle, while Clark impresses in his first Chanticleers show as the devilish Professor Jordan and sentimental, over attentive Mrs. McGarrigle. 

 

Michael Kelly has the luxury of wearing only one hat as Richard Hannay but wears it well as the dry, British chap who always finds himself in a pinch. Kelly is solid and likable and has a great moment in the sun with his impromptu speech at a political rally about how an ordinary man can push on and triumph despite difficulty.

 

Rachel Powers is adept and appealing in her triple role, working sultriness and humor in a heavy accent as Annabella Schmidt, softness as the romance hungry Margaret, and poise as the proper Pamela.

 

The set is a bit drab, more utilitarian than for looks, and is composed of a few simple moving parts that serve the ever-changing story locations. Set designers Maio and Michael J. Simons employ some clever, multi-purpose quick changes, such as transforming a podium into the front of a car (headlights included) and a hotel wall into a bed. Maio crafts several memorable scenes, including the train escapade, steam billowing and coats blowing in a frantic pursuit; two constables going through the window of the crofter’s cottage; and a shadow puppets chase scene, Nessie swimming along behind.

 

Costume designer Piper Ferguson brings a confident, defined style to the characters, from Annabella’s sleek black outfit to Hannay’s everyman brown suit, Mrs. McGarrigle’s bright and bosomy look to Pamela’s perfectly manicured hat, dress, and white buckle pumps.

 

“The 39 Steps” is an entertaining ride with plenty of fun and indulgence. Maio and company provide what’s intended — a silly escape with nothing to do but laugh.

 

The 39 Steps

Friday, Feb 1 – Sunday, Feb 24

8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave, Castro Valley

• 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors/students

 

 

Directors mull a boost in water rates

Submitted by Sharene Gonzales

 

A public hearing on a proposed increase in water rates and on new water shortage emergency stage rates by the Alameda County Water Department (ACWD) is planned for Thursday, February 7 in Fremont.

 

A bit of background on the proposal: The Alameda County Water District Board of Directors will consider a proposed 2-year water rate increase – four percent beginning March 1, 2019 and four percent beginning March 1, 2020, to both the bimonthly service charge and water consumption charge. The Board also will consider adopting water shortage emergency stage rates at the public hearing.

 

For the average residential customer using 16 units of water in a two-month billing cycle, about 200 gallons per day, the proposal would result in an increase of $2.41 per month in 2019 and $2.51 in 2020.

 

To ensure sufficient revenue is available during a water shortage emergency, the board for the first time will consider adopting “stage rates.” If adopted, these rates would only be implemented in the event of a water emergency.

 

“It’s tough to tell our customers we need to raise rates but sometimes we have to make the unpopular decision,” said ACWD Board President James Gunther. “We’ve pored over the numbers, cut where we could, and are deferring projects and trimming positions when possible. But we cannot compromise service and water quality.”

 

About a third of the total revenue that ACWD collects will be used to fund critical infrastructure improvements. Employee compensation and benefits are included in the need for rate increases, despite long-term cost-cutting measures the district has made in recent contract negotiations. “Our staffing levels are lean, and we need a skilled workforce to treat and deliver water and services to our customers,” Gunther said.

 

The proposed increases and water shortage emergency stage rates comes following financial analyses and six public workshops. Two community meetings were hosted in January in advance of the public hearing.

 

The board will take public comments during the public hearing which will start at 6 p.m. at the ACWD district headquarters in Fremont.

 

ACWD Public Hearing

Thursday, Feb. 7

6 p.m.

Proposed increase in water rates

Board Room, ACWD Headquarters

43885 S. S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

www.acwd.org/rates

(510) 668-4200

 

 

Sunday, February 10

Swiss Fondue Dinner and Jass Party R$

Jass: 12:30 p.m.

Fondue: 4 p.m.

Newark Swiss Park

5911 Mowry Ave, Newark

(510) 936-2523

aelplergruppe@gmail.com

 

 

Alameda County Transportation announces appointments

Submitted by Alameda County Transportation Commission

 

The Alameda County Transportation Commission unanimously re-elected Alameda County Supervisor Richard Valle as its chairman, and San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter as the vice chairwoman.

 

“I am honored to be re-elected as chairman of the Alameda County Transportation Commission,” said Valle, who has been a member of the Commission since 2012. “It is a great privilege to continue to lead Alameda CTC in partnership with my colleagues as we deliver critically important transportation programs and projects throughout Alameda County. This year we will focus on leveraging our local Measure BB funds to close project funding gaps with new state and regional funds.”

 

Upon taking this leadership role, Valle outlined several priorities for 2019, among many, including:

 

• Advancing our rail strategy while expanding our Safe Routes to Schools program to include a rail safety education program to reduce pedestrian collisions
• Major multimodal corridor improvements
• Improving interregional connectivity while easing traffic congestion and improving local traffic circulation and safety
• Countywide expansion of the Affordable Student Transit Pass program

 

“I’m excited to continue our collaborative work at Alameda CTC as we deliver projects and programs to the public,” said Cutter. “Thanks to the voter-approved Measure BB, we are working year-round to improve mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians, support our transportation infrastructure, and leverage our local funding in order to meet the demands on the regional transportation network.”

 

The chairman and vice chairman are elected to serve a one-year term.

 

 

Are you in a healthy relationship?

By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT

 

It’s Valentine’s Day and you are putting the last-minute touches to your outfit before you join your partner at a romantic restaurant. You are looking forward to a special evening out. But there’s also a part of you that is uncertain. Perhaps your partner is unpredictable, and you know from experience that there is a good chance he will show up or leave in a sour mood. Or perhaps your relationship has a history of name-calling and putdowns and a part of you does not trust her anymore. What should you do if the person you love also makes you feel worthless?

 

Relationships can be confusing. Whenever two people share an emotional bond, challenges and difficulties are bound to happen. What we see in the movies (take your pick of the latest rom-com) is not reality. In the movies, the hero might literally sweep the heroine off her feet and both live happily ever after, without the hassle of rent, job stress, kids, health problems, student loans, drug or alcohol abuse, and credit card bills. The ending of most romantic movies is the beginning of real life for the rest of us.

 

So how do you know if the love of your life is for real? Is it okay or normal to have the occasional fight? Does a lot of disagreement signal healthy differences or not? What if there’s intense anger and frustration on either or both sides? When is a relationship a lost cause? What is a healthy relationship?

 

The following warning signs will clue you in as to the health of your relationship. Some of these signs might even be present from the very beginning of your romance. Ask yourself the following questions to check if your relationship is healthy. Please be honest with yourself:

 

• How do you feel when you are around your partner? Are you tense, afraid, feel like you are walking on egg shells, worried you might suddenly trigger him or her?
• Can you communicate your feelings to your partner, knowing and feeling secure that he/she will listen and respect you?
• When you disagree, are you able to do so in a respectful, non-destructive way?
• Is there a balance of giving and taking in the relationship? Is one person giving too much and the other not enough?
• Do you feel safe around your partner?
• Do you feel pressured to be with your partner?
• Do you feel like your partner takes things out on you?
• How do you feel when you say no? How does your partner react when you say no?
• Are you a different person altogether when you are with your partner? Do you feel more relaxed to be yourself when you are around other people?
• Are you giving enough time for yourself, your dreams and your goals? Or are you giving up too much time and effort to be with the other person?
• Are you making conscious decisions in the relationship or just letting things happen?
• Do you feel pressured to be exclusive?
• Is your partner excessively jealous?
• Is there violence in your relationship? Be aware that violence isn’t just limited to physical violence, but can be emotional, spiritual, financial, verbal, and sexual as well.
• Does your partner try to dictate what you should say, wear, or do?
• Does your partner demand that you check in with them constantly?
• Does your partner monitor your physical and online location?
• Are your loved ones worried about you because of your relationship?

 

Any one of the above signs could signal that you are in an unhealthy relationship. Please seek help – talk to someone you trust, consult a psychotherapist, or call a domestic violence support line (1-800-799-7233). My hope is that everyone could be in a healthy, happy, and fulfilling relationship. However, if you aren’t in such a relationship, please consider if you should be doing something different in your life. Above all, relationships should not hurt.

 

Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Fremont. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at annechantcv@gmail.com.

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger

 

Saturday, January 26

• At 12: 42 a.m. a male was found dead inside the men's bathroom of the San Leandro Station. Coroners arrived and took custody of the body. No foul play is suspected. The case is under investigation.
• At 10:16 a.m. a man identified by police as Ricky Levi, 26, of Emeryville was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of battery, resisting arrest and a probation violation. He was booked at Santa Rita jail.

 

Sunday, January 27

• At 12:43 a.m. a male was placed under an emergency psychiatric evaluation at the San Leandro station after he entered the trackway and threatened to kill himself. The male removed from the trackway and was taken to a local hospital.
• At 9:13 a.m. a man identified by police as Joseph Dennis, 55, of Concord was arrested at the Fremont station on suspicion of resisting arrest. He was booked at Santa Rita jail.
• At 11:57 a.m. an unidentified male was found dead outside the trackway fencing at the south end of the Union City station. Coroners arrived and took custody of the body. No foul play is suspected. The case is under investigation.
• At 9:55 p.m. a man identified by police as Davinder Kamar, 37, of Newark was arrested at the Fremont station on suspicion of public intoxication and violating a court order.

 

Tuesday, January 29

• At 10:56 a.m. a man identified by police as Michael Rice, 26, of San Leandro was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of battery, vandalism and probation violation. He was booked at Santa Rita jail.

 

Thursday, January 31

• At 9:33 a.m. a man identified by police as Antwan Jones, 25, of Oakland was detained at the Union City station on suspicion of fare evasion and subsequently arrested on a $10,000 warrant. He was booked at Santa Rita jail.

 

 

BART schedule changes may impact some riders

Submitted by Les Mensinger

 

Starting on Monday, February 11, BART is making major schedule changes to accommodate Measure RR funded improvements to its infrastructure to keep the system safe and reliable.

 

The schedule changes are prompted by projects to upgrade BART’s electrical power system in downtown San Francisco and the Transbay Tube Seismic Retrofit. The system’s “Fleet of the Future” roll out is also allowing BART to expand some service and run longer trains.

 

Weekday changes

 

To retrofit the Transbay Tube, BART will open at 5:00 a.m. weekdays, that’s one hour later the previous schedule. For bus alternatives during the 4:00 a.m. hour, riders can log on to www.bart.gov/earlybirdexpress. BART will also be single-tracking trains through the Transbay Tube on weeknights for this project. Impacts from this project include:

 

• Weekdays after 9:00 p.m. trains will run every 24 minutes instead of 20 minutes because of single tracking
• On Friday evenings, trains will be added to the schedule after 8:00 p.m. to the Green, Red and Yellow lines to reduce wait times and increase capacity
• The first train from Daly City (5:03 am) to Antioch will skip from MacArthur directly to Pittsburg/Bay Point. The train will not pick up or drop off passengers between these stations. The next train from Daly City (5:11 am) will make all stops

 

Weekday service improvements include:

 

• New direct Millbrae to SFO service on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every 30 minutes
• Early morning/late-evening trains will now be longer
• A “Fleet of the Future” train will run as part of the schedule on each Transbay line and some trains will be lengthened thanks to the arrival of the new fleet
• An additional Yellow Line train will be added to the morning commute and BART will extend one late afternoon train from Pleasant Hill to Pittsburg Bay Point
• New Richmond-Daly City (Red) and Warm Springs-Daly City (Green) trains on Friday evenings at select times

 

Sunday changes

 

To upgrade the electrical power system in Downtown San Francisco from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. BART will single track trains in San Francisco on selected Sundays. The 20-minute headways will be maintained, but impacts include:

 

• For the most part, only one line (the Antioch/Yellow Line) will provide service through the Transbay Tube (some direct Red and Green line trains will be part of the schedule at select times)
• Sunday service changes vary week to week and riders should check the Trip Planner or the official BART app before each trip to see the service plan
• Dublin/Pleasanton/Blue Line service will operate between Dublin/Pleasanton and MacArthur
• All Lake Merritt-Dublin/Warm Springs Transbay riders must transfer at 12th Street Station — go downstairs one level
• All Millbrae riders must transfer to/from a San Francisco/Antioch train at SFO

 

Sunday service improvements include:

 

• Yellow Line passengers transferring to an East Bay line should transfer at MacArthur and will now have increased service with both a Blue and Orange Line train depending on destination
• Additional trains/train length will be added to the Orange/Richmond/Warm Springs service
• New direct Red and Green line trains added to the schedule on Sundays at select times

 

There will be no changes to Saturday service. Riders are encouraged to download the official BART app at www.bart.gov/guide/apps or their Trip Planner at www.bart.gov/planner for the latest updates.

 

 

Celebrating African-American History

Submitted by Freida Green

 

The Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society invites the public to its Black History Month program on Saturday, February 9. This year’s theme is relevant to the local community: Black Migration: What brought you to the Tri-City & Hayward area? Attendees can participate in a workshop – write and share their personal stories and celebrate the value of their legacy. The free event will also feature a documentary presentation, panel discussion, music and performances, R.J. Reed Inventors Exhibit, Vendor Market Place, and Katrina and Family Soul Food Station. For more information, call Freida Green at (510) 471-9040 or email info@aachstricity.org.

 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. It began as “Negro History Week,” a label applied by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Woodson chose the second week in February to coincide with birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month official, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

 

Schedule

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Workshop: The Wisdom of Years – Creating, Celebrating and Sharing Your Legacy; presenter – Sheila Stevens

1:45 p.m.: Film: An Exploration of Our History – documentary series about the migration of blacks from the South to North Richmond; filmmaker – Doug Harris

3 p.m.: Panel Discussion – What Brought you to the Tri-City & Hayward Area; moderator Samuel Rutland

 

45th Black History Month Observance

Saturday, Feb 9

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Newark Community Center

35501 Cedar Blvd, Newark

(510) 471-9040

info@aachstricity.org

 

 

Book sale to benefit library programs

Submitted by Friends of the Fremont Library

 

Hundreds of quality books, magazines, maps and DVDs at bargain prices will be available for purchase at the upcoming Fremont Friends of the Library Book Sale at its new location inside the Fukaya Room at the Fremont Main Library.

 

Friends of the Library members will have first crack at buying the books at a member’s only sale from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, February 8. For those who aren’t members, annual memberships will be available at the door for $10.

 

The book sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 9 and 12 noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 10. Books will be sold for $1 per inch on Saturday and $5 per bag on Sunday. Funds raised will benefit library programs.

 

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (members only)

Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 10, 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1419

Free

 

 

Cops and doughnuts? Absolutely!

Submitted by Sgt. Bryan Hinkley

 

Community members are invited to meet with members of the Milpitas Police Department at a Breakfast With a Cop gathering planned for Saturday, February 16. Those attending the 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. event at Christy’s Donuts will have a chance to ask questions about the police department, voice neighborhood concerns and get to know officers who serve the community. Police will also bring their Armored Rescue Vehicle for people to see.

 

Police will provide each guest with a doughnut. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Breakfast With a Cop

Saturday, Feb. 16

8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Meet and greet with Milpitas Police

Christy’s Donuts

1291 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

(408) 586-2527

Free

 

 

Call for artists for Juried Photo Exhibit

Submitted by Arathi Satish

 

The Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC) conducts art events throughout the year to support the practice and enjoyment of arts in the Fremont community. The next major event, co-sponsored by FCAC and the City of Fremont, is the annual Juried Photo Show.

 

The 25th annual Juried Photography Exhibit for Fremont residents, students, employees of Fremont businesses, and members of FCAC and Fremont Photographic Society will be held from Saturday, March 16 to Saturday, April 13 at the Fremont Main Library.

 

Images submitted may be manipulated but all image contents must be the creation of the photographer and the image must be primarily photographic in nature. Entries must also be acceptable for general viewing. A panel of judges will determine acceptability, basing their decision on Artistic Merit, Originality, Difficulty and Technical Aspects. The decision of the judges will be final.

 

Additional information and entry forms can be found at www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org. Forms are also available at the FCAC Office, 3375 Country Drive, Fremont, CA 945638 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and at the Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont 94538 during regular hours.

 

Entries must be submitted on Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 24 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fee per entry is $5 with a maximum of five entries per person. The entry fee will be used for basic material costs and prize money for the merit award winners.

 

For more information, contact Exhibit Chairman Gregory Smith at (510) 828-2893 or fcacphotoshow@gmail.com

 

 

Medical cannabis businesses to open in Union City

By Roelle Balan

 

Two medical cannabis retail business permits were given to Eden Campus Holdings and Jiva Life during the November 27, 2018 Union City City Council meeting – the first two in the history of the city. A cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution permit was also awarded to Eden Campus Holdings.

 

Eden Campus Holdings will be located at 30540, 30542, and 3054B Union City Boulevard with a cultivation area of 22,000 square feet, manufacturing site of 8,000 square feet, and distribution site of 6,000 square feet. The retail portion of the medical dispensary, to be known as “Garden of Eden,” will be completed and open for business on June 1, 2019.

 

Jiva Life’s 4,565-square-foot, two-floor medical cannabis dispensary will be on 29400 Kohoutek Way, Suite 100. Neighboring businesses have raised concerns about traffic, odor, and whether the business will become a nuisance to the community. Jiva Life hired LSA consulting to determine how the business will impact traffic and parking; Deputy City Manager Mark Evanoff said the firm conducted a parking count and concluded that there would be enough parking for Jiva Life patients and staff during peak hours.

 

As a retail cannabis business, marijuana arrives already packaged. The cannabis comes from state approved manufacturers, cultivators, and distributors in odor-free packaging. All cannabis businesses must develop an air quality plan. Evanoff said during the November 27 city council meeting that Jiva plans to work with Camfil Group to install air monitoring equipment.

 

A group of businesses, called the Chess Center Owners Association, updated their CC&R (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) on November 21, 2018 to include a provision that prohibited commercial cannabis businesses, including Jiva Life. Despite this, the business received their medical retail cannabis permit from the city council.

 

Managing Director of Jiva Life Rajiv Pottabathni said they are willing to work with the association on a solution. “Our goal, as good neighbors, is to cater and appease those within our community. The intent is to communicate in an amicable fashion with our neighbors, professionally and cordially, demonstrating integration and compatibility within the fabric of Union City,” Pottabathni said.

 

Cannabis regulation laws have been developing since it became legalized in 2016. That year, the State allowed recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years old and over. “Local cities had to come up with where they stand on their own regulations and what they allow,” said Union City Communications Manager Lauren Sugayan. “Our ordinance that the council passed allows for adult use and medical,” she said.

 

The process of applying for and receiving a cannabis permit takes months to complete. Applicants can apply for three testing permits, two cultivation, two manufacturing, two for distribution, and one medical retail permit. The application form includes adding plans for a proposed location, business plan, development plan, site security plan, and an air quality plan. Union City’s last round of applications were due by December 7, 2018.

 

A marijuana business tax was approved by Union City voters on November 6, 2018, which will be applied yearly when the businesses renew their permit. Cultivation dispensaries will be charged up to $12 per square foot. If the marijuana business wants to have a retail, manufacturing, testing, or distribution space, the annual tax rate is up to six percent.

 

With all the struggles cannabis businesses have to go through, the social stigma is one of them. “There is a stigma, but the way we see is there’s also an education process that needs to come alongside because there’s people that just associate cannabis businesses with the worst of society and that’s just not the case,” Sugayan said.

 

 

Spreading awareness for congenital heart defects

Photos courtesy of Shannon Liu Shair

 

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week is recognized February 7 to 14, fittingly ending on Valentine’s Day. Why does this matter? Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are heart defects that a baby is born with and are the most frequently occurring birth defects, affecting approximately 1 in 100 babies. This means that every year, 40,000 babies in the U.S. are born with a CHD. One in four babies born with a CHD will require intervention, which can include one or more open heart surgeries. CHDs can be fatal, depending on the level of complexity; many are not detected until after a child is born. CHDs usually do not have a known cause and affect children from all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

 

The field of medicine surrounding CHDs has grown rapidly. Dr. Walter Li, a pediatric cardiologist with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, notes, “Conditions that previously seemed hopeless now have treatments that allow patients not just to live, but to engage in life in such a manner that didn't seem possible before.” He also indicates that now there are more adults living with CHDs than children (the current estimate is over one million adult CHD survivors in the U.S. alone). Adults with CHDs require very different cardiac treatment from those whose heart issues developed later in life, so they may continue seeing their pediatric cardiologist through adulthood. Dr. Yoni Dayan, a pediatric cardiologist with UC Davis Health’s Pediatric Heart Center, says, “The lifelong bond formed between a pediatric cardiologist and their families is very unique and special.”

 

Research and funding are severely limited, even with the new passage of the federal Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act. Funding is critical because of the prevalence of CHDs, variety of medical treatments necessary, and lifelong nature of the condition. The Bay Area is lucky to have great hospital systems with robust pediatric cardiology surgical programs, which host pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons that treat children from around the globe. In Fremont, there are numerous pediatric cardiologists who meet with patients for their routine visits. Dr. Li says, “The stress and financial burden that families go through while their child is undergoing surgeries and procedures can be overwhelming. Even after these interventions, children with profound heart defects continually face the challenges of their condition.”

 

Many Tri-City residents are personally affected by CHD. Tiffany Hale, who grew up in Fremont, has a six-year-old daughter named Khloe who was born with a CHD. Khloe was diagnosed when she was 8 days old and immediately sent to UCSF for open heart surgery at only 10 days old. Being such an unknown situation, this was a very stressful and scary time for Khloe and her family. Hale has worked closely with Mended Little Hearts of the Bay Area, coordinates the annual Super Hero Heart Run, and finds ways to give back and raise CHD awareness. Thankfully, Khloe is a very active girl who loves playing soccer and being with her friends and family. It is important to Hale to have Khloe spread CHD awareness with her. She wants her to know how brave and strong she is.

 

Shannon Liu Shair, a Fremont Estate Planning attorney and active community member, has a son named Ripley who has Tetralogy of Fallot, which consists of four defects to the heart. Shair and her husband, Hayes, learned of the baby’s heart defect while Shair was still pregnant. Ripley received open heart surgery at 30 days old from UCSF. He now is a happy two-and-a-half-year-old with a strong prognosis, due to the excellent care he received. Ripley’s situation was on the moderate side for children who require open heart surgery, but the family still stays very involved in the heart community, understanding that this cause is an important one to advocate for. Shair says that she was not aware of how prevalent CHDs are until her son was diagnosed with one. She has now become an active advocate of CHD awareness and also used her professional skills to help a group called United for Heart Warriors file for non-profit status.

 

Medical treatment for CHDs is only the beginning and support for heart families is key. There are numerous non-profits that address CHD awareness and patient support services. Mended Little Hearts (www.mendedlittlehearts.org) connects heart families, creating an important support network of families who “get it.” United for Heart Warriors (www.facebook.com/unitedforheartwarriors) sends care packages to families in the local cardiac intensive care units. Heart Heroes (www.heartheroes.org) sends superhero capes to children with CHDs, reminding them of their strength. Children’s Heart Foundation (www.childrensheartfoundation.org) is a national organization that works on raising funds for research, both through its own efforts and lobbying Congress members. Ronald McDonald Houses (www.rmhc.org) across the nation provide housing for families with children receiving medical treatment, including open heart surgery; Camp Taylor (www.kidsheartcamp.org) is a non-profit medically supervised camp for children with CHDs and their families.

 

Joining the “heart warrior” club is an honor that no one wishes to have. Dr. Dayan says, “Most people can’t even imagine what these brave families have to endure, and the emotional rollercoaster can be overwhelming – from the discussion of a new fetal diagnosis with an expectant mother to the joyous celebration of good results from a follow-up echocardiogram,” so the role of medical specialists to guide families through the lifelong journey is particularly important. Though medical advancements have progressed rapidly, there is still much more to do. As Dr. Li highlights, “The courage of these children and their families inspire the rest of our team of nurses, child life specialists, technicians, sonographers, social workers, research scientists, and pediatric cardiologists. These children and their families drive us to keep getting better at treating CHDs.”

 

 

Chinese New Year Celebration

Submitted by Amy T Cho

 

The South Bay Chinese Club, Citizens for Better Community and Fremont Main Library will celebrate Chinese New Year on Saturday, February 16. The official date for the new lunar year is Tuesday, February 5 – 2019 is the Year of the Pig. The event is open to families, youngsters and anyone interested in Chinese culture. The celebration will begin with musical and dance performances followed by Chinese New Year face painting, Lantern Riddle Game, and craft making such as paper cutting, fortune cookie pin making, and dough figurines. For more information, call Fremont Main Library Children's Information Desk (510) 745-1421, visit https://events.aclibrary.org/event/4322518?&hs=a or email fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org.

 

Chinese New Year Celebration

Saturday, Feb 16

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Schedule:

Performances: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Crafts: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya room/Children’s Library Area

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1421

https://events.aclibrary.org/event/4322518?&hs=a

fremontchildrens@aclibrary.org

 

 

Have a Clipper Card? Get ready to travel!

Submitted by the City of Fremont

 

For many people in the Bay Area who ride BART, light rail or a bus regularly, using a Clipper Card can help smooth the process for buying tickets, keeping track of multiple transit passes and obtaining transfers or ride discounts.

 

While these all-in-one transit cards are available for people of all ages, they are an especially good deal for people age 65 and older who are eligible to buy a Senior Clipper Card and receive a discounted fare. Each time a rider uses the card on most Bay Area public transit systems, it will automatically calculate the discounted senior cash fare, monthly pass or transfer fare.

 

Anyone who doesn’t have a Clipper Card but is curious to know more about how they work and where to get one is invited to attend a Clipper Card Workshop held at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the Fremont Senior Center.

 

Various topics are covered during the one-hour workshop, including:

 

• How to use a Clipper Card on transit
• How to add cash value and/or passes to a card
• How to check the balance on a card
• What transit agencies accept Clipper Cards
• What to do if a card is lost or stolen

 

After the presentation, people 65 and older can apply for and obtain a free Senior Clipper Card. Please bring documentation showing proof of age if applying for a Senior Clipper Card. Clipper cards have no value and must be loaded with value prior to using the card on transit.

 

The next workshop will be February 14. For details, call the Ride-On Tri-City Helpline at (510) 574-2053.

 

Clipper Card Workshop

Thursday, Feb. 14

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Information on using Clipper transit cards

Fremont Senior Center

40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont

(510) 574-2053

Free

 

 

Canada consul general at Hayward’s trade luncheon

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

 

Opportunities for economic development with California’s second leading trading partner will be the focus when Rana Sarkar, consul general of Canada, is hosted at the annual international trade luncheon by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, February 27. The event is co-sponsored by the California State University, East Bay, and College of Business and Economics. Reservations must be made in advance to attend the event, which is open to the public. For more information or to register, call (510) 537-2424 or visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eg2028v58e4da147&llr=dbzk8odab.

 

“Hayward is a perfect place for the consul general to discuss the bright future for trade between our countries,” said Kim Huggett, president and CEO, Hayward Chamber of Commerce. “Here at the center of the Bay Area a growing number of Hayward companies are keeping our chamber busy issuing certificates of origin for their exports.”

 

International Trade Luncheon

Wednesday, Feb 27

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Golden Peacock Banquet Hall and Conference Center

24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward

(510) 537-2424

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eg2028v58e4da147&llr=dbzk8odab

Tickets: $25 per person

Reservation necessary; no tickets sold at the door

 

 

‘Dolores’ explores the life of a tireless activist

Submitted by Sharat G. Lin

 

The phrase “¡Sí se puede!” (Yes, you can!) so often attributed to César Chávez, was actually coined by Dolores Huerta during the early struggles of the United Farm Workers (UFW) Union. Though a co-founder of the UFW along with César Chávez, Dolores Huerta has long been under-recognized.

 

Wendy Greenfield, a long-time friend, activist, and supporter of Dolores Huerta, said, “She has overcome barriers of racism and sexism to lead grassroots organizing efforts.”

 

As part of its Second Saturday Documentary Series, Niles Discovery Church will screen the 2017 film “Dolores” on Saturday, February 9, at 36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont. A discussion after the screening will be led by Wendy Greenfield. The monthly series is sponsored by Niles Discovery Church and the San José Peace and Justice Center. Admission to the film is free.

 

Peter Bratt, director of the film, chronicles Huerta's life from her childhood in Stockton, California to her early years with the UFW, from her work with the national grape and lettuce boycotts launched in the 1960s and 1970s to her role in the feminist movement of the 1970s to her continuing work as one of the most defiant labor and feminist activists of our time.

 

Featuring interviews with Gloria Steinem, Luis Valdez, Angela Davis, and more, “Dolores” is an intimate and inspiring portrait of a passionate champion of the oppressed and an indomitable woman willing to accept the personal sacrifices involved in committing one's life to social change. In interviews, several of her 11 children express admiration for their mother, and yet recall the deep distress they felt when growing up often without her around.

 

Wendy Greenfield said of the film, “The many years of struggle have been fruitful and uplifting, but they have also taken a personal toll. The 2017 film ‘Dolores’ shows her courage and leadership but also the many sacrifices she and her family went through in the course of these struggles. You will be inspired by the film and yet faced with the contradictions of what it means to be a totally dedicated human rights leader.”

 

“Dolores”

Saturday, Feb 9

1:30 p.m.

Film screening and discussion

Niles Discovery Church

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

http://bit.ly/ssds1902

Free

 

 

Earth Day Contest

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The City of Hayward is accepting entries until Friday, March 15 for its annual Earth Day Poster and Writing Contest, which invites Hayward students to create a poster or write a poem or essay about Earth Day. Entries may focus on one or more of the following topics – water and energy conservation, renewable energy, active transportation, sustainable food, recycling and composting, and a litter-free environment. Submissions will be judged on originality, clarity, and expression of theme by members of the Hayward Arts Council.

 

Two winners for poster entries and two winners for poem/essay entries will be selected from each grade category – K-first grade, second-third grade, fourth-fifth grade, sixth-eighth grade, and ninth-12th grade. In each category, first place and second place winners will receive $200 and $150 gift certificates, respectively. Teachers of the winning students will also receive gift certificates. Students who submit winning entries will be invited to attend a city council meeting in April to receive their prize and a certificate of achievement from Mayor Barbara Halliday. To learn more about the contest and its rules, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/earth-day-events/poster-and-writing-contest.

 

Earth Day Poster and Writing Contest

Submission deadline: Friday, March 15

www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/earth-day-events/poster-and-writing-contest

 

 

Jobs for Youth in The Regional Parks

By Dennis Waespi

East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

 

It’s not too soon to start thinking about summer employment – or permanent employment for that matter – in the East Bay Regional Parks. East Bay Regional Park District is the largest employer of youth in the East Bay, hiring more than 400 youth each year to work in the district’s 73 regional parks and 10 visitor centers. Job opportunities include interpretive student aides, public safety student aides, recreation leaders, lifeguards, gate attendants, park service attendants, student laborers, field interns and volunteers. Applications are accepted continuously for gate attendants, student laborers, and interpretive student aides. Lifeguard applications close in two months. For other positions you need to move right away; some applications close in two weeks.

 

For more information on what’s available, job descriptions, and pay scales, visit the Park District website www.ebparks.org. Move the cursor to “About Us,” then click on “Jobs.”  On that page you can navigate to “Job Opportunities,” “Job Descriptions,” and fill out an interest card as well. You can also obtain job information by calling (888) 327-2757 and selecting option 5 or you can stop by the main office at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court in Oakland. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The Park District is a great place to work. The parks are beautiful, and it’s gratifying to be part of performing a vital public service.  So, don’t delay; check out our job opportunities now.

———————————————————–

This year is a banner year for both the East Bay Regional Park District and the Regional Parks Foundation, which is the nonprofit foundation that supports district programs. It’s the Park District’s 85th anniversary, and the Foundation’s 50th. Established in 1934 by voters in seven East Bay cities, who supported preserving open space for public enjoyment and wildlife habitat, the Park District at first had no parks at all, just an office in downtown Oakland. The first three parks to open were Tilden (then called Wildcat) near Berkeley, and Temescal and Sibley (then called Roundtop) in Oakland. In the intervening years, the district has expanded to total 121,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. It offers a full spectrum of outdoor activities, with 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and nature education. Some 25 million visitors enjoy the parks annually.

 

The Foundation was established in 1969 to enable a land donation from Kaiser Sand and Gravel that became Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton. Foundation fundraising supports broader park access, parkland acquisition, wildlife habitat protection and enhancement, and educational and recreational programs designed in part to enhance access to parklands for all members of the community. The Foundation has raised more than $2 million annually. Significant recent donations include a $1 million contribution in 2017 for visitor center renovations, and a 296-acre land donation in 2014 from the Patterson family to expand Coyote Hills Regional Park. Lots of special events are in the works to celebrate the dual anniversaries. Watch for announcements in the media or check the Park District website for details.

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

It’s nearing the time of year when coyotes den up and give birth to pups in the regional parks and other open space. And since there have been a lot of coyote sightings lately, this seems a good time to offer some information about them.

 

Coyotes are common throughout the western U.S. and beyond. They can be found in almost every East Bay regional park, from the inland hills to the bay shoreline. Adaptable and intelligent, they also prowl nearby suburban neighborhoods, including mine. If you don’t see a coyote, you will often see its distinctive scat, which has a lot of fur mixed in with it from the small rodents that make up its basic diet. Through their eating habits, coyotes help to control the population of animals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, skunks and raccoons. They aren’t picky eaters; they will also go for fish, birds, reptiles and even insects on occasion.

 

Coyotes resemble smaller, skinnier versions of German shepherd dogs. Generally, tan in color, they have long snouts and bushy, black-tipped tails. Although they look like dogs, coyotes are wild and may occasionally be aggressive, especially if protecting a den. If you are walking with your dog and see a coyote approaching, it’s best to call your pet back to you and put it on leash. If a coyote follows you, make loud noises to scare it away. I have heard of no instances of coyotes attacking people in the regional parks.

 

For the benefit of both species, coyotes need to remain wary of humans. So, coyotes should never be given handouts or fed unintentionally by leaving pet food or garbage where they can get to it. Especially if you live near open space, feed your pet indoors and use trash containers with lids that clamp shut. It’s also advisable to keep pets such as cats, rabbits and small dogs indoors. If allowed to run free outside, they can become prey for coyotes. Large dogs should be brought indoors after dark and should not be allowed to run loose. Coyotes can and do mate with domestic dogs. Moreover, if you let your large dog run free outside at night, it can pack up with similar pets and hunt wildlife in the parks, which is not a good outcome.

 

For more information about coyotes, check out California State Fish and Game website www.wildlife.ca.gov/keep-me-wild/coyote. There’s even more at Washington state site wdfw.wa.gov/living/coyotes.html.

———————————————————–

Like coyotes, all other animals leave evidence of their presence. You can learn how to identify them in a “Critter Clues” program from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 9 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley.

 

Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 3050.

———————————————————–

A search for winter blooms is in the works from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Sunday, February 10 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. Naturalist Eddie Willis will lead a steep, rocky hike to spectacular views and early season wildflowers, best for ages 8 and up.

 

Meet Eddie in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. For information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 2750.

———————————————————–

At Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, naturalist Anthony Fisher will lead a series of “Good Morning, Nature!” walks from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sundays – February 10, February 17 and February 24. Topics include tracks, scats, trees, rats, newts, mud, creeks and frost.

 

Meet Anthony at the Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. Call (510) 544-2233.

———————————————————–

Do you love Bay Beach? If so, you can help to clean it up during a pre-Valentine program from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, February 9 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. Bring your own gloves and bucket or borrow either from the visitor center to help pick up left-behind litter.

 

The center is at 1252 McKay Avenue, off Alameda’s Central Avenue. Call (510) 544-3187.

———————————————————–

The secret language of animal tracks will be revealed in a program from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 9 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, led by naturalist Kristina Parkison. It’s for ages 7 and older. Meet at the visitor center for fun activities designed to help figure out which animals have left their marks on the trails.

 

Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. Call (510) 544-3220.

———————————————————–

This isn’t even half of what’s going on in the regional parks in coming days. For more information, check out the website www.ebparks.org.

 

 

Grants available for environmental projects

Submitted by Daniel O’Donnell

 

Grant applications to help fund environmental projects created by local individuals and groups are being accepted for 2019 by the Tri-City Ecology Center (TCEC).

 

Since 2007 TCEC has funded more than 35 Eco-Grants to students, scouts, environmentally aware teenagers and some sustainability minded eligible adults. Each year TECE sets aside approximately $1,200 of Eco-Grant funds to distribute to applicants working on local environmental projects.

 

Projects that are funded must be educational and/or aesthetic in nature and relate to the environment. The proposal must be a project, such as building a bench for the Ohlone Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, as opposed to simply purchasing one. Projects should also be enacted on public or quasi-public property. Qualifying proposals for grants up to $300 are rarely denied.

 

The Eco-Grant application process begins with filling out an application from the TCEC website (www.tricityecology.org) and submitting it for proposal. Applicants must make a presentation to the Board of Directors and must agree to provide a final written report about the overall impact the project will have on the environment.

 

The TCEC Eco-Grants are a great way to kick start, partially, or fully fund a school, church, non-profit, or Scouting environmental project. The TECE has been advocating for the local environment since the early 1970s. Eco-Grants are a great way to be a part of the TCEC's long standing environmental legacy while enriching the surroundings in Fremont, Union City, and Newark for humans and wildlife.

 

For details, call (510) 793-6222.

 

 

Editorial

Mi casa es su casa?

 

A special joint meeting of city councils from local jurisdictions was held in San Leandro on January 30th to hear a presentation by representatives of Metropolitan Transit Commission’s (MTC) Committee to House the Bay Area (CASA). They have crafted a “CASA Compact” to address the housing crisis in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is a 15-year “policy packaged” plan, a comprehensive evaluation and response to the shortage of housing and its direct and indirect impacts on our communities.

 

In the works since the summer of 2017, this ambitious project is designed to guide the area toward three principal outcomes:

• Increasing housing production at all levels of affordability
• Preserving existing affordable housing
• Protecting vulnerable households from housing instability and displacement

 

These are laudable goals; a coordinated approach to an area-wide problem must be addressed in a systemic manner that is inclusive and comprehensive. According to MTC, CASA originated following the release of the draft Plan Bay Area 2040 [http://www.2040.planbayarea.org/], that “projects the region will see 2.4 million more people, 820,000 new households and 1.3 million new jobs by the year 2040.”

 

Response from local councilmembers was mixed since all are aware of the housing shortage and strain this has caused on infrastructure, environment and quality of life. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that there is and has been inadequate coordination between civic jurisdictions resulting in an exacerbation of the problem by some communities while others are left to bear the brunt of unbridled business expansion. Blinded by the promise of high-tech good times and taxes, some communities welcomed seemingly unrestricted construction for thousands of employees without much thought about where and how these people would live. If a neighboring jurisdiction was adversely impacted, so be it.

 

In response to the CASA compact, local elected representatives made it clear that although appreciative of the effort, the Steering Committee only included mayors of the three largest (by population) cities that were not representative of many others and amounted to a “road show after the fact.” Fremont’s Mayor Mei noted the effect of pass-through traffic that has plagued Fremont and surrounding cities. It was clear that the CASA compact was designed without the benefit of input from an important constituency – Southeast Bay Area cities. To create a comprehensive plan, it is imperative to include as many stakeholders as possible, including our cities – large and small.

 

After years of watching a steady stream of traffic, skyrocketing housing costs and an inevitable greed component infiltrate our communities, it is time to look at the root causes of this problem. To break it down to one simple component, it is the insatiable, cyclical appetite of large firms with titanic campus environments that need bodies – lots of them. Little attention is paid to where these people will come from and repercussions of extensive growth in a limited geographic area. Sending buses to outlying communities is one symptom of this disparity. While many tangential communities share in the growth patterns, the over-arching problem of too much growth is left to symptomatic relief. Build more roads, more mass transit, more housing that cannot possibly keep up with the pace of employee demand. The cycle is clear but the solution is uncomfortable. Some of these industries have to consider additional facilities in other locations.

 

The CASA preamble states this problem in direct terms:

 

“During our remarkable run of economic expansion since the Great Recession ended in 2010, the Bay Area has added 722,000 jobs but constructed only 106,000 housing units. With housing supply and demand that far out of whack, prices have shot through the roof and long-time residents as well as newcomers are suffering the consequences.”

 

When is enough, too much? When do we stop saying “mi casa es su casa”?

 

 

Takes from Silicon Valley East

Industry Trends 2019: What to Watch for in the Commercial Real Estate, Cleantech, and Additive Manufacturing Fields

By Christina Briggs, Economic Development Director

 

As has become tradition, we’ve gathered some of Silicon Valley’s foremost experts on topics relevant to Fremont’s top industries to discuss their educated predictions for the coming year. These macro-level insights help shape our Economic Development team’s focus for how best to support our businesses and economy. As you read about what’s in store for commercial real estate, clean energy, and additive manufacturing, it’s clear that the innovation coming from the Bay Area will continue to make a positive impact on the global technology community and economy.

 

Vladimir Bosanac

Co-founder & Publisher

The Registry | Bay Area Real Estate

 

During this cycle, the large technology companies have become generational companies. By this, I mean these companies will be mostly unaffected by economic cycles, and their goals will be to build services and products that we will be using and buying years and decades from now. As evidence of this, I present the leasing velocity of some of these firms around the region. The amount of space they are taking has little to do with this cycle and economic circumstance. It has more to do with their plans to enter new areas of commerce, transform existing enterprises, or invent new products and services. The fact that we are in a region where three of the top five global firms are headquartered likely means that the Bay Area will play a much more significant role in the global economy than it did in the past.

 

Jetta Wong

Clean Energy Consultant

President (Owner)

JLW Advising

 

Whether it is for the electrification of the transportation sector or for grid and residential storage capacity, the demand for battery technologies is on the rise. These renewable energy and battery storage systems will help make the grid more reliable and resilient, helping struggling utilities and consumers, especially in areas prone to losing power. Additionally, new and more affordable electric cars are no longer a novelty, at least in California, range anxiety is down and new charging infrastructure is on its way. Now the internal combustion engine isn’t gone yet, but the efficiency of batteries is increasing, the cost is decreasing, and more car companies are moving into this already crowded field. Trends are moving in the right direction.

 

The San Francisco Bay Area has an opportunity to champion the science and the manufacturing of battery technology. Putting together its scientific resources, entrepreneurial spirit, and high-value innovative manufacturing capabilities of the private sector, it can capitalize on the strong demand for batteries and come up on top. Especially if it is able to go beyond lithium-ion batteries. New battery chemistries, new materials, and whole new storage technologies are already flourishing here. The future for batteries is bright, but time is running out quickly before other countries like China get the cutting edge. The time to act is now.

Teresa J. Thuruthiyil

Chief Strategy Officer

PrinterPrezz, Inc.

 

In 2019, we will see 3D printing deliver equal or better results than traditional manufacturing technologies in a variety of industries from consumer goods to healthcare/medical devices. Offering significant gains in speed and access, 3D printing has matured to a stage that we are now able to rapid prototype and manufacture at scale on the same equipment. In addition, innovation in materials, including engineering-grade PEEK and titanium alloy known as Ti6Al4V-ELI, is accelerating the increase in 3D printing applications. Leveraging additive and other advanced manufacturing technologies all the way from prototyping through to volume manufacturing will change designers’ expectations of development, iteration, and invention. It will enable a shift in the way we think about what is possible.

 

 

Practice your Spoken English

Submitted by Jui-Lan Liu

 

The Fremont Main Library hosts a weekly program on Tuesdays for people who would like to boost their English skills. Most sessions focus on everyday topics and life skills. The February 5 Chat is for English language learners at the intermediate level and above.

 

February 5 is the official Chinese/Lunar New Year; therefore, Chinese/Lunar New Year will be the special topic of the class. Students can bring treats and prepare to speak about the celebration, the tradition and the treats they bring in, e.g., preparation, ingredients, significance, and the backstory. People are welcome to join the celebration with goodies. For more information or to register online, visit www.aclibrary.org/Fremont under Calendar/February or call (510) 745-1401.

 

Improving English Skills

Weekly, Tuesdays

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1401

www.aclibrary.org/Fremont under Calendar/February

Registration required

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Friday, January 25

• At about 9:30 a.m. a police sergeant in an unmarked vehicle saw a suspect burglarizing a car in a parking lot near the City Sports gym on Farwell Drive and called for more officers in marked vehicles. Officers arrested two men, ages 27 and 35 and a woman, age 30. During their investigation, officers determined the suspects were linked to previous crimes in Fremont. All were booked on various charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, auto burglary and possession of burglary tools.
• An auto burglary was reported in the parking lot of the Whole Foods store on Mowry Avenue at Paseo Padre Parkway sometime between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. Taken: two backpacks and a clarinet.
• At about 7:00 p.m. two vehicles were reported to have been broken into in the Washington Hospital parking structure. Officers are reviewing video surveillance as part of their investigation.

 

Saturday, January 26, 2019

• Officers were dispatched to a residence on Reynolds Drive on a report of an altercation where a woman was reportedly stabbed in the arm by a man. Eventually it was determined she was bit on the arm and suffered minor injuries. The man, heavily intoxicated, was taken to a hospital. The victim declined to press charges.

 

Sunday, January, 27

• Swing shift units responded to a residence on Logan Drive on the report of a stabbing. The victim was reportedly stabbed during a family disturbance/fight by a juvenile. Multiple officers responded to the scene and an Emergency Response Team was put into place and a drone was deployed. A perimeter was set in the area around the residence. Eventually police saw a juvenile in the rear yard of the residence, and he surrendered to officers. The victim sustained a non-life threatening injury and was taken to a local trauma center for medical care. The juvenile was taken to a hospital for an injury from the fight. He was later released and booked at Juvenile Hall.

 

 

Board of Education meeting minutes – Measure E Bond Program

Submitted by Kenneth Blackstone

 

The Board took the following actions on January 30, 2019 agenda items related to the Measure E Bond Program:

 

• Allocated $45.5 million of Measure E funds to the remainder of the middle school conversion projects (Centerville and Hopkins Middle Schools) and provided direction related to reprioritization of remaining Measure E projects not yet started. There is approximately $98 million in remaining Measure E funds available for reprioritization. Staff provided a conceptual recommendation to prioritize previously identified projects into roughly equal segments, for example, five segments of about $20 million each that could be implemented in a staggered timeline over the next several years. The Board was open to this concept and directed this item be sent to the Facilities Advisory Committee to review, make recommendations and bring back to the Board to set priorities.
• Adopted a resolution acknowledging commitment of proposition 51 funding. The district has actively pursued these funds and received $3.5 million total and has submitted applications for $52.9 million, which is being reviewed by the Office of Public Schools Construction (OPSC). The district is also in the process of completing applications for an additional $14.3 million in funding for modernization projects. For new construction projects to be eligible for funding under a future state bond, OPSC requires that the Board of Education adopt a resolution acknowledging that Proposition 51 funding for new construction projects has been fully committed. If approved, the district will be in line for funding when enough Proposition 51 bonds are sold.

 

In other matters related to facilities and construction, the Board:

 

• Authorized staff to enter into an agreement with Bellecci & Associates, Inc. for $55,141 for land surveying services, and Terraphase Engineering for $69,410 for Environmental Services at the Patterson Ranch site. The site was donated for a potential school site but environmental analyses after acquiring the land determined a school can’t be built on that exact site. The district is in discussions to exchange adjacent parcels with the City of Fremont and/or East Bay Regional Park District for park use, or some other non-school usage.
• Authorized staff to amend the agreement with DSA School Inspectors, Inc. in the amount of $125,400 to provide project inspector services for Bringhurst Elementary School. This brings the total contract amount to $560,470. Project inspector fees are based on project durations and district staff was recently informed that, due to a two-month delay of the release of plans from the Division of the State Architect, Union Sanitary District complications, excessive rain and the northern California fires that forced work stoppages, the project has been delayed. The new anticipated delivery of the school is early May 2019. The administration and kindergarten buildings may be ready for an earlier delivery date while construction of the remainder of the school is being completed, in accordance with the terms of the mitigation agreement. This delay does not affect the anticipated school occupancy of fall 2019.
• Authorized staff to enter into agreement with QKA Architects for an amount not to exceed $3,939,175 for architectural services for the new construction project at the Williamson property site and park. The project budget for both the site and park will be finalized during the schematic design phase once the enrollment has been designated and the scope of the project has been established. The plans for Bringhurst Elementary School are being partially reused as a cost-saving measure but the site development design for the school and park is not included in that reuse of plans. The district will share the cost 50/50 with the City of Fremont for the park designs. Sale of Site Funds will be used for the district portion until such time that the funding for the construction of the new construction project at the Williamson property site is determined.

 

 

Global Women Power: educating, enhancing, and empowering

By Johnna M. Laird

Photos courtesy of Global Women Power

 

Fremont resident Alka Madan launched Bay Area Immigration Services based on her own experience. She arrived in the United States in 1999 and experienced the pitfalls and confusion of a newly-arrived immigrant, not knowing exactly where to turn, running from one location to another to get answers.

 

To provide the support that would have benefitted her at the time, she opened Bay Area Immigration Services to offer consultation to individuals and families and serve as a one-stop information center to assist new immigrants.

 

While the plight of women unfamiliar with American culture and laws often seeped into her consultation conversations, Madan kept herself focused on providing information on documentation services new immigrants need. Then one day, four years ago, Madan could no longer just sit by.

 

A woman sat across from her, seeking help to bring her daughter from her first marriage to the United States from India. As their session ended, the woman confided that just that morning her husband had grabbed her and shoved her head into a microwave – intimidation designed to frighten her from continuing efforts to bring her daughter to the U.S. to live with them.

 

“It was none of my business,” Madan recalls, but she could not ignore the incident. Instead, she telephoned an attorney who educated the woman on her rights in the United States. “Before my eyes, I could see the woman’s facial expression change.”

 

Madan, who holds a doctorate degree in metaphysics and was a counselor in India, was inspired by the woman’s response to act on her rights. The incident led her to launch Global Women Power (GWP), an international organization headquartered in Fremont to “create women leaders to bring about a major social change around the world.” A non-profit organization, GWP networks with business owners, professionals, social workers, and volunteers to bring positive change to the lives of women and to the world. Since its beginnings, GWP has established two other chapters in the world with five more expected to launch in 2019.

 

Its projects are as diverse as the needs.

 

GWP operates out of Bay Area Immigration Services on Paseo Padre Parkway, seeking any effective means to uplift women and empower them, often by helping them network to find jobs or grow their own businesses. One recent immigrant reached out to GWP for help when her home cleaning and maid service business was struggling. With networking from GWP, the woman moved beyond her one-woman operation to develop a business that gives employment to other women as home cleaners.

 

GWP maintains the premise that the most effective way to empower women happens by giving them tools to obtain good jobs and decent wages that allow them to support themselves and their families. Women often benefit from an outstretched hand.

 

“Networking lets women know they are not alone. Group consciousness has a higher energy stream than the individual thought process,” explains Madan. “Every project of Global Women Power is aimed at empowering women, children, and senior citizens.”

 

Often the networking occurs through phone calls, but it may occur with GWP’s Vice President Nancy Tobesman inviting women to her home to share a meal – women in need sitting beside professional women who can offer advice or other uplifting support.

 

GWP also offers a host of classes, many to help senior citizens become more technology savvy. Seniors can sign up for classes in everything from how to find their way around the internet to creating a PowerPoint presentation, to Excel data collection, to website design. There are even classes about playing online games and using Skype and WhatsApp.

 

“Senior citizens have witnessed everything from men landing on the moon to dramatic medical advances and now the rise of a society dependent on the internet,” explains Madan. “It is our turn to provide them with the knowledge they need for the fast-paced world we live in.”

 

No project is too small for GWP as long as it makes a difference. One of its active participants, returning from a trip to the Himalayas, launched the “Pencil Project” to reach students in rural and remote areas of the world where pencils and other school supplies can make a huge difference. The Pencil Project has now expanded throughout the Bay Area to provide funds for books, field trips, and class projects that would otherwise go unfunded.

 

GWP operates a number of other outreach programs including “Warm the Winters” to provide a jacket and shoes in poverty-stricken areas of India where temperatures drop into the 40s. For people who love to hear a group singing “Happy Birthday” to them, GWP has tapped the idea of “Share Your Cake” by making a donation to treat poverty-stricken children with cake and other foods. In return, GWP facilitates a video of children joyfully singing as they eye the cake they are about to eat.

 

For more information, contact GWP Vice President Nancy Tobesman at (510) 456-6538 or nancy.t@globalwomenpower.com, or visit online at https://globalwomenpower.com/.

 

Global Women Power

39159 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Suite 105, Fremont

(510) 456-6538

nancy.t@globalwomenpower.com

 

 

Containers make growing potatoes easy

Article and photos by Daniel O'Donnell

 

One handful of soil can have more living organisms in it than there are people on Earth. A single teaspoon of soil can have over one billion bacteria, yards of fungal mycelium, thousands of protozoa, and a wide range of earthworms, nematodes, springtails, and many other insects. A handful of soil might also contain a potato or two as well for some opportunistic gardeners.

 

There are over 4,000 edible potato varieties around today and over 2,800 are grown in the Andes Mountains. Potatoes can be grown from Greenland to Chile, from sea level to over 14,000 feet, and in a temperature range between 45 and 80 degrees. Genetic testing has shown that every potato subspecies sold today originated from the potatoes cultivated by the Incas around 8,000 B.C. in modern day Peru and Bolivia.

 

Solanum tuberosum, or potato plant, is a herbaceous (lacking a woody stem) flowering annual that can grow up to two feet tall. Potato plants can produce purple, white, red, or blue flowers that will be closely related to the skin color of the potatoes (the edible tuber) that grow underground. Potato plants are members of the deadly nightshade family that also includes tomatoes. Their leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots are poisonous to humans. A potato can be safely eaten if it has not turned green. Green potatoes will have produced the toxin solanine that is found throughout the rest of the plant.

 

Potato plants can be grown from seeds. New potato varieties develop from seed only. The flowers can be pollinated by bees and other insects but often the flowers do not produce fruit. The most common way a potato plant is grown is by propagating part of a tuber referred to as a seed potato. Non-organic potatoes are often sprayed with growth inhibitors making them unusable. Organically grown potatoes can be used but have no assurance of being disease free. Purchasing a certified seed potato grown in one of 15 specific states and government inspected is the only way it can be guaranteed to be pathogen free.

 

Seed potatoes grow from what look like small blotches on the potato called eyes that are the buds. An entire seed potato can be planted, or it can be cut into pieces that have at least one eye. Fewer eyes will produce fewer but larger potatoes and more eyes means more but smaller potatoes. Cut pieces a few days before planting and place on a tray to allow the ends to slightly dry out. This will help prevent rotting and the incursion of diseases.

 

Potato plants are easy to grow. They prefer full sun but grow well in semi-shade and need a well-draining soil. There are many techniques for growing them in the ground to maximize tuber production and make harvesting easier. Gardeners who live in the Bay Area sometimes do not have a lot of space to grow potatoes and may not want to put in any effort to harvest them. Growing potatoes in a large container can alleviate those issues and still provide a bountiful crop.

 

Potatoes can be grown in a container as small as a five-gallon bucket. A wine barrel planter, 15-gallon tree pot, or a burlap coffee bag are also suitable. Start with an eight to 10-inch layer of potting soil on the bottom of the container. Place the seed potatoes or cuttings with the eyes up. Cover with about five inches of soil and keep the soil slightly moist. Plastic containers absorb heat from sunlight. Potato plants will stop growing potatoes when the temperature rises above 80 degrees. The best results for growing potatoes in containers come from when they are placed in early morning or late afternoon direct sunlight but indirect bright light for most of the day.

 

Potato plants have five stages of growth but because many of them happen underground, a plant growing in a container needs to be cared for without expecting to see daily progress. Keeping the plant well watered is important. When the stems grow a foot beyond the rim of the container, fill the rest of the container with soil covering the stalks and foliage. This will maximize tuber production. Eighteen to 20 weeks after being started, a healthy plant will flower, and the stems will turn yellow and die back. Shortly after the plant has died, empty the soil onto a flat surface and pick out the potatoes. Store them in a paper bag in the dark for a couple of weeks before eating.

 

Potatoes, depending on the source, are the third or fourth largest food crop in the world. China is the world's largest consumer of potatoes and plans to increase production by 50 percent in the coming years to feed its growing population. Expect many other countries including America to do the same. If that is the case, by growing your own, you will not only be following the trend but might have fun while doing it.

 

Daniel O'Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com

 

 

Neighborhood Cleanup Event

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force will conduct its Longwood/Winton Grove neighborhood cleanup event – litter collection and graffiti removal – on Saturday, February 23. Invite your friends and neighbors to pitch-in and enter to win a $20 gift card to Starbucks. The public can pre-register online until Thursday, February 21 or in-person on the day of the event. For more information or to pre-register, call (510) 881-7745 or visit www.hayward-ca.gov/haywardbeautiful.

 

Hayward Cleanup Event

Saturday, Feb 23

8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Longwood Elementary School

850 Longwood Ave, Hayward

(510) 881-7745

www.hayward-ca.gov/haywardbeautiful

Pre-registration until 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb 21

In-person registration begins 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb 23

Bring pair of gloves

 

 

Are you prepared for the next Big One?

Submitted by Kim Huggett

 

The Hayward Fault is overdue for another big shake. Statewide, there is a 75% chance of a 7.0 magnitude or larger earthquake occurring in the next 30 years. The publicly managed California Earthquake Authority (CEA), City of Hayward, and Hayward Chamber of Commerce will organize a free workshop on earthquake preparedness and insurance on Tuesday, February 19.

 

The featured presenter will be Janiele Maffei, chief mitigation officer for CEA in Sacramento. She is responsible for directing the statewide residential retrofit program and developing educational programs and other actions that promote seismic mitigation and mitigation-related insurance-premium discounts for CEA policyholders. For more information or to register, call Kim Huggett, president & CEO, Hayward Chamber of Commerce at (510) 537-2424 or visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eg0b6pwn05bdb793&llr=dbzk8odab.

 

Earthquake Readiness Workshop

Tuesday, Feb 19

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Hayward City Hall, City Council Chambers

777 B St, Hayward

(510) 537-2424

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eg0b6pwn05bdb793&llr=dbzk8odab

Registration required

 

 

Honor Roll

Northeastern University, Massachusetts

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Suzi Kwon, of Fremont
• Adrienne Peng, of Fremont
• Sarah Chang, of Fremont
• Erik Wong, of Fremont

 

University of Alabama

Fall 2018 President’s List

• James Davenport, of Newark

 

Champlain College, Vermont

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Caitlyn Dangvu, of Milpitas
• Richard Honiker, of Newark

 

Cornell College, Iowa

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Gurshran Gill, of Union City

 

Ithaca College, New York

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

• Sabrina Chang, of Milpitas

 

Culver-Stockton College, Missouri

Fall 2018 President’s List

• Anthony Garcia, of Union City

 

 

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

 

Wednesdays, Dec 5 – Feb 20

Watercolor Class $

9 a.m. – 12 noon

For all experience levels

San Lorenzo Adult School

820 Bockman Rd, San Lorenzo

(510) 317-4200

https://adu.slzusd.org

 

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

 

Monday – Friday, Dec 15 – Feb 15

Cultures in Transition: Photographs by Oliver Klink

Upstairs: Mon-Fri, 9-5

Downstairs: Mon: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tues & Thurs: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Celebrating Asia.

PhotoCentral

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

www.photocentral.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

 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jan 3 – Feb 7

Food Business Training R

6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

10-part series on running your own food business

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

https:/tinyurl.com/ya4xgmfo

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Jan 5 – Feb 24

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, Jan 5 – Feb 24

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

 

Thursday-Sunday, Jan 11 – Feb 9

Musing and Memento Mori

12 noon – 5 p.m.

Mixed media sculptures by David Morritt

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.fremont.gov/OliveHyde

Friday, Jan 11 – Sunday, Feb 24

Perspectives

Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Reception: Saturday, Feb 2

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Six-year-old artist Isadora Qi exhibits alongside her mentor Ruey Syrop

Sun Gallery

1015 E St, Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

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

 

Wednesday, Jan 16 – Friday, Feb 22

The Art of Peace – Alameda County

Tuesday – Thursday

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

3D artwork created from dismantled firearms

Hayward Center/Adult School’s Sunset Gallery

22100 Princeton St H2, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.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. Artist reception Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-4 p.m.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.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

 

Friday – Sunday, Feb 1 – Feb 24

The 39 Steps $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 2 p.m.

Comedy, farce, melodrama and mystery

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

 

Friday, Feb 1 – Thursday, Feb 28

Climate Change: Landscapes of Our Blue Planet

During business hours

Exhibit by Fremont artist Ricardo Mitchell. Reception Sun. 2/10 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

Fremontcoffee.com

 

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

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Apr 17

Tax Assistance R

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. by appointment

Free help with Federal/State tax forms for older adults/low income individuals

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Feb 20

Memory Academy R$

1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Techniques to improve memory

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Tuesday, Feb 5

Washington Hospital Health Seminar R

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Stroke Education Series: Stroke Prevention

Washington Township Nakamura Clinic

3077 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City

1-800-963-7070

 

Tuesday, Feb 5

Practice Your Spoken English About Chinese/Lunar New Year

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Bring treats to class and speak about the celebration, tradition and the treats you bring

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

 

Tuesday, Feb 5

Dawn Breakers Lions Club Student Speaker Contest

6:30 p.m.

5 high school students speak on “Freedom of the Press: What Does It Mean?

Alameda County Water District

43885 S Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

(510) 371-4065

 

Wednesday, Feb 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, Feb 6

Alameda County Bid Outreach Event

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn about doing business with the county

San Lorenzo Library

395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo

(510) 670-6283

 

Thursday, Feb 7

AMC 10A & 12A Math Contest $

7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Offered to Fremont students

American High School Theatre 50

36300 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

(510)796-1776 ext 57702

www.fuss4schools.org

 

Thursday, Feb.7

Public Hearing on Proposed Increase in Water Rates

6 p.m.

Public comments will be taken by board

Alameda County Water District

43885 S Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

www.acwd.org/rates

 

Thursday, Feb 7

Mid-Year Art Show

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Opening reception with refreshments. Work on display through 2/27

Mt. Eden High School

2300 Panama St., Hayward

(510) 723-3180 x62274

 

Friday, Feb. 8

Kennedy Park Renovations

1 p.m.

Groundbreaking ceremony

Kennedy Park

19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 881-6700

 

Friday, Feb 8

Union City Family Center Game Night

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Come together and create family memories

Barnard-White Middle School

725 Whipple Rd, Union City

(510) 471-5363

(510) 476-2770 x61061

 

Friday, Feb 8 – Sunday, Feb 10

Lunar New Year – Tet Festival 2019

Fri. 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Live entertainment, talent contests, carnival rides and games, food booths

Eastridge Mall

2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose

www.facebook.com/events/259068311464506

 

Friday, Feb. 8 – Sunday, -Feb. 10

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Fri., 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. (members only), Sat. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Sun. 10 Noon – 3 p.m.

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1419

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Nature Journaling: Lovely Fungus!

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Guided session to document nature

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Documentary Film “Dolores”

1:30 p.m.

A look at the unsung hero of the United Farm Workers Union

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org

 

Saturday, Feb. 9

Storytime with Grandma Alva

11 a.m.

Grandma Alva reads from some of her favorites

Books On B

1014 B St., Hayward

(510) 538-3943

 

Saturday, Feb. 9 $

Pop-up Estate Sale

12 noon – 4 p.m.

Raven displays a collection of vintage jewelry

Books On B

1014 B St., Hayward

(510) 538-3943

 

Saturday, Feb 9 – Sunday, Feb 10

Mission San Jose Chamber Event

2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Bring family and friends to the winter school of music recital

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Black History Month Observance: Black Migrations

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Food, entertainment, displays, vendors

Newark Community Center

35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 742-4437

www.aacstricity.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Dusterberry Park Community Meeting

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Come learn about this future project on Dusterberry and Peralta

Artist Walk Fremont

3888 Artist Walk Common., Fremont

www.fremont.gov/Dusterberry

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Restoration Work Day – R

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Volunteers weed, mulch, plant native plants. All ages welcome

Alviso Environmental Education Center

1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso

(408) 262-5513 x104

https://restorationeec.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Feb 9

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, Feb 9

Salt Marsh Walk R

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Learn about the history of the wetlands

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222

https://marshwalk.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Twilight Marsh Walk R

4:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

Discover the salt marsh at sunset. Not suitable for young children

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222

http://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Feb 9

TumbleDownHouse $

7 p.m.

New Orleans speakeasy jazz

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

www.braskhouseconcerts.com

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Artist's Relaxing Together

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Surrealism painter Bill Sala

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Golden Pig

10:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Chinese paper craft making, performances, refreshments

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

www.sanleandro.org/depts/library

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Animal Tracking

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Decode the secret language of animal tracks.  Ages 7+

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Crab Feed & Pasta

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Door prizes, raffle, entertainment. Benefits school musical theater company

All Saints Catholic School

22870 2nd St., Hayward

(510) 582-1910

ascshayward.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Education Summit 2019

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn about financial aid and scholarships to admissions

California State University East Bay, University Union

25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward

(510) 536-4477

 

Saturday, Feb 9

A Fungus Among Us

1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Look for examples of these life forms and learn about their importance

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Victorian Table Top Games

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Play a game of ball and cup, tops, or Jacob's Ladder

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Saturday, Feb 9

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, Feb 9

Valentino In February $

7:30 p.m.

“The Conquering Power”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Saturday, Feb 9

Second Saturday Author Series

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Fremont author Tish Davidson will read from and discuss her book “The Vaccine Debate”

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 744-0333

www.hpb.com/055

 

Saturday, Feb 9

All Fur Love Pet Adoption Event

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cats, dogs, puppies, bunnies, pet rats. Includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip

Hayward Animal Shelter

16 Barnes Ct., Hayward

(510) 293-7200

www.haywardanimals.org/events

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Basant Melodies $R

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Classical music concert by Anupama Chandratreya & Amit Gud

India Community Center

525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Ohlone People & Culture

1;30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn about the Ohlone People. Ages 8+

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Salamandering

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Search the creek, ponds, and other habitats on 2-mile hike. Meet at Red Barn

Garin Regional Park

1320 Garin Ave., Hayward

(510) 582-2206

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Romance on the Rails $R

12 noon – 2 p.m./3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres. Ages 21+

Niles Canyon Railway Sunol Depot Station

6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol

(510) 910-7024

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Wellness Fair on Successful Parenting R

1:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Panel discussion, screening of The Valley, raffle, exhibits

Mission San Jose High School

41717 Palm Ave., Fremont

(510) 657-3600

www.basantnow.org/register

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Preserving Your Family History

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Learn how to research family history, preservation of photos and other memorabilia

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Learn about cancer signs, symptoms, advances in chemo, latest guidelines for prevention

India Community Center

525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

www.relieffromcancer.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

College Admissions Seminar

3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Students/families grade 11 3p.m.-3:45pm, grades 8-10 4p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

India Community Center

525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

www.indiacc.org/uceazy-college-admission-workshop

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Milkweed for Monarchs

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Plant milkweed seeds to bring home and grow in your yard

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Fun With Felting

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn how felt is made from sheep's wool, make a felt toy to take home

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Gorgeous Goats

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Help with exercising and grooming the goats

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Good Morning Farm

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Prepare a morning snack for the farm animals

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Love Is In The Air Hike

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Moderate 3-mile hike to the breeding pools of some amorous amphibians

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

The Boys Are Here $

4 p.m.

‘Hi Neighbors”, “Our Wife”, “Sprucin' Up”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Lunar New Year Celebration

12 noon – 4:30 p.m.

Performances, demonstrations, music and dance, Asian-inspired food trucks

Oakland Museum of California

1000 Oak Street, Oakland

(510) 318-8400

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Year of the Pig Chinese New Year's Party

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Fun activities, yummy food, booths for meditation, family photos, raffles

Bailian Bodhi Meditation Center

919 Hanson Ct., Milpitas

(408) 843-1638

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Chinese New Year Celebration

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Lion dance, martial arts exhibition, musical performance, face painting, airbrush art

Pacific Commons at The Block

43440 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont

(510) 770-9798

www.pacificcommons.com

 

Sunday, Feb 10

Classical Jam $R

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Elegant and outrageous virtuoso strings. 

Address provided upon RSVP

info@musicatmsj.org

www.musicatmsj.org

 

Monday, Feb. 11 R

Senior Massages

1:00 p.m.  – 3:30 p.m.

Call to make an appointment. Must be 60+

Kenneth Aitken Senior Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

 

Monday, Feb 11

Outdoor Discoveries: Nature Hearts R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Playful science for home school kids. Ages 4 – 8

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org/register

 

Monday, Feb 11

Archaeology at Stanford's Arboretum Chinese Houses

7 p.m.

Learn about early Chinese immigrants

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

 

Monday, Feb 11

Health and Wellness Seminar -R

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Treatment options for aortic valve disease

Washington Hospital, Conrad E.  Anderson Auditorium, Rm B

2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont

(510) 791-3428

(800) 963-7070

 

Tuesday, Feb 12

Boundless Compassion: Creating a Way of Life $R

10 a.m.- 12 noon

7-week personal transformation process. Purchase book and read introduction before attending

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

http://bit.ly/2019Boundless

 

Tuesday, Feb 12

Washington Hospital Health Seminar R

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Stroke Education Series; Life After a Stroke

Washington Township Nakamura Clinic

3077 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City

1-800-963-7070

 

Friday, Feb 15

Crab Feed $

6 p.m.

Crab, pasta, garlic bread, salad, dessert, raffle. Support Fremont Senior Center

Centerville Presbyterian Church

4360 Central Ave., Fremont

(510) 299-2223

(510) 790-6606

 

 

Girls Basketball

Eagles Junior Varsity subdue Huskies

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The American Eagles (Fremont) junior varsity took control of their January 29th meeting with Washington Huskies (Fremont) right from the start with outside shooting that was on target. Speed on the hardwood contributed to their victory. The Huskies were competitive but too far behind to mount a meaningful challenge. Final score: Eagles 54, Huskies 34.

 

 

Renovations to begin at Kennedy Park

Submitted by Nicole Roa

 

After years of planning and designing, renovations for Kennedy Park in Hayward are finally ready to start. And the changes will be huge.

 

For more 50 years Kennedy Park has been a beloved spot to visit for people who live in the Hayward and San Lorenzo areas. The 15.45-acre park has attracted generations of children and families over the years and has become a popular spot for hosting community events. It is one of the most popular parks throughout the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD).

 

And now it’s time to update the park and make it even better for future generations. A groundbreaking ceremony for Kennedy Park renovations is planned for Friday, February 8. Among the improvements planned are renovated picnic areas and picnic shelters to allow for larger events and gatherings at the park.

 

In addition, more play elements will be added to the playground including a new teacup amusement ride. Kennedy Park’s famous train station also will be revamped and re-polished and a brand new 2,614 square foot concession building will be built along with new public restrooms. New and improved pathways, new picnic areas and informal lawn areas will balance out the project.

 

What’s unique about the project is that it’s going to incorporate “Bay-Friendly” sustainable practices in its soil management, landscaping, and the separation of waste streams (garbage, recyclable, and compost). This is a great way to demonstrate easy and eco-friendly practices. There’s also going to be 179 new trees planted within the park vicinity as 140 old trees will be removed. The project is estimated to be complete in 2021.

 

At a cost of approximately $78 million, funding for the park updates and renovations comes from a Measure F1 Bond Project which authorizes $250,000,000 for needed repairs, upgrades, and new construction projects to HARD district parks and facilities. The measure was approved by more than 78 percent of area voters in November 2016.

 

Kennedy Park renovations

Friday, Feb. 8

1:00 p.m.

Groundbreaking ceremony

19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 881-6700

Free

 

 

Book sale to benefit library programs

Submitted by Sierra Jewell

 

Hundreds of quality books at bargain prices will be available for purchase at the upcoming Fremont Friends of the Library Book Sale at its new location inside the Fukaya Room at the Fremont Main Library. Friends of the Library members will have first crack at buying the books at a member’s only sale from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, February 8. The book sale will be open to the public Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10. Books will be sold for $1 per inch on Saturday and $5 per bag on Sunday. Funds raised will benefit library programs.

 

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friday, Feb. 8: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (members only)

Saturday, Feb. 9: 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 10: 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

Free

(510) 494-1103

 

 

Welcome the Year of the Golden Pig

Submitted by Alice Kim

 

A live Dragon Dance performance by VOVINAM Việt Võ Đạo America will highlight a public celebration to welcome the new lunar year on Saturday, Feb. 9 in San Leandro.

 

Hosted by the San Leandro Main Library, the program will welcome the Year of the Golden Pig. Activities start at 10:45 a.m. with Chinese paper making activities followed by the Dragon Dance performance, traditional dancing by the Thai Cultural Council of Berkeley and a magic show by master magician Dan Chan.

 

Admission is free and light refreshments will be available. For details, call (510) 577-3971.

 

Lunar Year Celebration

Saturday, Feb. 9

10:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

Free

 

 

Preschool and Enrichment Fair

Submitted by Macaroni Kid

 

F.U.N. (Fremont, Union city and Newark) Mothers’ Club will present its annual Preschool Fair on Saturday, February 23. The fair brings together preschools, camps, after-school and STEAM enrichment programs, and more designed for young children under one roof. This is a unique opportunity for parents to research what options are available to your child for preschool and beyond in the Tri-City area. The free community event will also feature workshops, demos, and door prizes. For more information, visit www.funmothersclub.org or follow the club’s Facebook page @FUNMothersClub.

 

F.U.N. Mothers’ Club Preschool Fair

Saturday, Feb 23

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kimber Hills Academy

39700 Mission Blvd, Fremont

www.funmothersclub.org

@FUNMothersClub

 

 

Classical Jam: from Bach to rock

Submitted by Vickilyn Hussey

Photos by Jim Sakane

 

Bach, Mozart, Rossini, Lennon-McCartney, Freddie Mercury, Al Green, Peter Gabriel, Tom Waits, and the tango! Music at the Mission has created an outrageously original music experience for their Sunday, February 10, Salon Series “Classical Jam.” “From Bach to rock!” explains Bill Everett, Artistic Director of Music at the Mission.

 

Bach’s Orchestral Suite no. 2 with its gorgeous flute passages, Mozart’s Flute quartet in D major K285 (flute, violin, viola, cello), and Rossini’s Duo for Cello and Bass are three excellent reasons to spend Sunday afternoon with the virtuosic Music at the Mission Chamber Players: flutist Rhonda Bradetich, violinists Steve Huber and Phil Brezina, violist Chad Kaltinger, cellist Michael Graham, and double bassist Bill Everett.

 

“This concert samples classical and Baroque music of the seventeenth century and popular music of the twentieth century. While you may think the music of Bach and Freddy Mercury come from different planets, they have more in common than you would think,” said Everett.

 

“As a classical musician, I have always been drawn to the music of Queen. Part of it is their experimentation and the lengths they went to find their music. It’s also how every aspect of this band is eclectic. They drew influence from everything from opera to Elvis. Even their backgrounds were incredibly different. In a sea of ‘70s British rock bands, this group made waves with a Zoroastrian lead singer and an astrophysicist guitarist!”

 

Everett credits violinist, composer, and arranger Steve Huber, who is equally at home in the classical and rock worlds, for transforming the iconic rock hits into classical chamber works, “showing the artistic depth of the original music.” The arrangements honor the emotion, story line, and virtuosity of the original works, avoiding dreaded elevator music syndrome.

 

Waits’ jazz-influence “Fish and Bird” is a good example of Huber’s creative process. “The lead singer of the Pirates Charles commissioned the arrangement for his wedding,” said Huber. “The original is swampy blues, beat poetry, experimental. Each musician had his own interpretation, and I went with that. The melodic lines from the different instruments illustrate how each are both in the same world, but completely different. They can relate to each other, even though they’re contrasting. Even though they’re not in unison or completely harmonically perfect, they’re complimentary.”

 

Among Huber’s arrangements on the program is “Jalousie Tango,” Jacob Gade’s famously demanding tango that dramatically showcases the cello, and “one of my favorites, one of my groovier, soul-inflected arrangements, Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together,’ very rhythm and blues. ‘In Your Eyes’ also has a great groove. I’m a big fan of Peter Gabriel,” said Huber, especially because, “there’s a section that I like to leave open for improvisation.”

 

Instrumental versions of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “When I’m 64” by the Beatles are less introspective and intense. “Are we going to have fun with that? Yes!” said Huber, laughing. “The last time we played it, people sang along. It’s up to Salon Series guests to decide!” Attendees will also have ample opportunity to talk with each of the stellar artists who will be performing. “The Music at the Mission Salon Series offers a chance for a more personal and intimate concert experience,” explained Everett. “The concerts are set in a beautiful home in the hills above Milpitas, hosted by Barbara and Gene Barrie, and catered by Gael Stewart of Mission Coffee. We pair great music with fine food and wine.”

 

“The idea behind these concerts comes from the 18th century salon culture. Instead of the formal setting of the concert hall, these were smaller productions, gatherings of musicians with music lovers; basically, a chance to party around music. While you can go to a concert and then go home, this is a unique chance to hear a violinist play and then chat with him over a glass of wine. To me, this is the greatest part of what I do,” said Everett, Principal Double Bass with Symphony Silicon Valley and former Acting Member of the San Francisco Symphony, “breaking down the barrier, getting rid of the stage, the podium, and bringing together everything that makes a concert possible: composer, musician, and audience.”

 

If you’re craving something fresh and original, satisfy your artistic pallet with “Classical Jam,” outrageously virtuosic strings and flute in a program of classical favorites, new arrangements and improvisations. Reserve your afternoon of classical chamber music, gourmet savories, and wine in an elegant private residence surrounded by an extensive art collection, through the Music at the Mission website, Facebook page, or by contacting the office at info@musicatmsj.org or (510) 402-1724.

 

Salon Series: Classical Jam

Sunday, Feb 10

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Barrie residence, Milpitas

Address provided upon ticket purchase

(510) 402-1724

info@musicatmsj.org

www.musicatmsj.org

Tickets: $70, Reservations required

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Sgt. Tyler Jamison and Sgt. Alex Prince

 

Thursday, January 24

• At about 12:51 p.m. police responded to a call about suspicious people loitering in the back yard of a residence on the 400 Block of Roswell Drive. Arriving officers found and later identified the suspects as Laine Patrick Barnes, 44 and Danny Arthur Gutierrez, 37, both of Milpitas, in front of the residence. During the investigation, officers determined both suspects unlawfully entered a backyard and were rummaging through the victim’s vehicle. Both were arrested and booked at the Santa Clara County main jail on suspicion of prowling and possessing a controlled substance.

 

Friday, January 25

• At 2:27 a.m. a patrol officer spotted a suspicious 2006 Acura TL without lights on near the intersection of Canton and S. Temple drives. A vehicle stop was made and the driver was identified as Jessica Nieto, 32, of San Jose. A record check on a passenger, identified as Ramon Cruz, 29, showed he was on parole. Also in the car was a 14-year-old male. A check on the vehicle showed stolen property inside. Cruz was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property and contributing to the delinquency of a minor and parole violation. The youth was issued a citation for burglary and released to a guardian. Nieto was released at the scene.

Milpitas poised to receive $1.38M annually for transportation and road improvements

Submitted by Jennifer Yamaguma

 

The City of Milpitas is set to receive the first installment of 2016 Measure B funds from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for local streets and road improvements. The anticipated $329,415 advance will directly contribute to the annual Street Resurfacing Program, roadway pavement repair throughout the city. In addition to the one-time advance, Milpitas expects to receive dedicated money for this program on an ongoing basis, projected to be approximately $1.38 million annually, over the next 30 years. In addition, VTA currently has $1 million of 2016 Measure B funding programmed specifically for Calaveras Near Term Improvements.

 

“This is great news for the entire County of Santa Clara region and specifically for Milpitas as we can move forward with much needed improvements to provide safe streets for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and to address traffic congestion – a high priority for the Milpitas City Council,” said Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran. “Voters made their voice heard with the overwhelming support of Measure B and now the residents and visitors of Milpitas will see their dollars hard at work.”

 

Establishment of a Transportation Subcommittee led by Mayor Tran and Councilwoman Carmen Montano will be considered at the February 5 city council meeting. The subcommittee would be charged with developing innovative solutions to address traffic, bike baths, street maintenance, parking, etc. Additionally, through this subcommittee, the Milpitas community could provide input on how best to leverage 2016 Measure B funding, particularly as there are several grant opportunities available to go toward meeting the transportation needs of Milpitas residents and businesses.

 

Over the next 30 years, 2016 Measure B is anticipated to generate $6.3 billion for transportation projects, including VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II, bicycle and pedestrian programs, Caltrain Corridor capacity improvements and grade separations, county expressways, highway interchanges, local streets and roads, State Route 85 Corridor and transit operations.

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

Bikeway and Pedestrian Improvements

The City of Fremont is carrying out several projects to enhance bikeways and create safe pedestrian crossings. Recently, more than 7 miles of buffered bike lanes were added through the city’s pavement maintenance program. In early 2019, the city will install an additional 9 miles of buffered bike lanes along Driscoll Road, Stevenson Boulevard, Paseo Padre Parkway, Grimmer Boulevard, and Walnut Avenue. New flashing beacons and pedestrian signals are also under construction at Warren Avenue/Bradley Street and Mowry Avenue/Waterside Circle. Similar improvements will follow at six additional high-priority crossing locations this year. Fremont’s Bikeway and Pedestrian Improvement Projects are funded by Measure B and Measure BB county sales tax. For more information, call Rene Dalton at (510) 494-4535 or email rdalton@fremont.gov.

———————————————————–

Construction Underway for BART Warm Springs Access Bridge and Plaza

BART and the City of Fremont have started construction on a public plaza and pedestrian bridge on the west side of the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station. The bridge will span the width of the Union Pacific tracks to increase accessibility to the Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station for pedestrians, bicyclists, employees from nearby businesses, and residents in the new Warm Springs/South Fremont communities. The plaza will provide a community gathering space with seating, bicycle lockers, solar charging stations, an information kiosk, and public art.

 

The Warm Springs/South Fremont BART Station will remain open during construction, and a barricade will be installed next to the station agent’s booth to separate the work zone from public space. Minor construction activities will take place on the platform and concourse levels of the station, including modifications to signage, directional tiles, guardrails, and the station’s communications systems. The project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

———————————————————–

New Garbage, Recycling, and Compost Carts

The Fremont community will be receiving new garbage, recycling, and compost carts in spring 2019. The new carts will replace older carts that are worn out and will meet the updated standard color theme: black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for compost. The new carts will have a new imprint on the lid with information about what is acceptable in each container. Each neighborhood will be notified in advance about when cart delivery will take place. If your cart needs repair or replacement before the new carts arrive, call Republic Services at (510) 657-3500 for assistance.

———————————————————–

Part-Time Job Fair in Spring 2019

The Fremont Recreation Services Division will be hosting its annual part-time job fair from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14 at the Centerville Community Center. The fair provides employment opportunities for community members seeking a seasonal or year-round part-time job. Participants will have the option to meet directly with supervisors, submit applications, and receive screening interviews. Open positions include recreation leader/camp counselors, lifeguards, guest service team members, instructors (art, cooking, theater, dance, sports, etc.), coordinators, water safety attendants, and more. For additional information, call (510) 494-4300 or www.Fremont.gov/RecJobs.

 

 

Have your say in new city park amenities

Submitted by the City of Fremont

 

A new city park is in the planning stages in the Centerville area of Fremont and city officials want to know what features nearby residents would like to see included in the project. The four-acre park will be located at the corner of Dusterberry Way and Peralta Boulevard and will be called Dusterberry Park. The site previously housed an auto dealership surrounded by a large parking area and landscaping. The building will be demolished and the concrete and asphalt removed to make way for a park that will provide visitors with informal recreation, leisure, and fitness opportunities.

 

Fremont officials are planning a series of meetings to gather feedback from nearby residents about the amenities they would like to see in the park that will provide opportunities for informal recreation, leisure, and fitness. The meetings will be at Artist Place at Artist Walk, 3888 Artist Walk Common, Fremont.

 

Meeting dates are:

 

• Saturday, February 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
• Wednesday, March 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts in an online survey sponsored by the City of Fremont at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYP6WH2. More information about the park is available by visiting the Dusterberry Park webpage at www.fremont.gov/Dusterberry. For questions, send an email to Senior Landscape Architect Mark Mennuccvi at ammennuccvvi@fremont.gov or call (510) 494-4530.

 

 

New eyes on the sky

Submitted by Kimberly Hawkins

 

Cal State East Bay (CSEB) faculty and students are part of a team that is helping astrophysicists expand the view of the universe using a revolutionary new telescope.

 

Schwarzchild-Couder is a first of its kind prototype gamma-ray telescope that scientists say could soon change the way we see the cosmos by allowing them to study the most extreme events in the universe. With the new technology, made possible through the collaboration of more than 100 scientists, astrophysicists have gained a unique perspective of objects in the universe objects millions of light years away.

 

Amy Furniss, an Assistant Professor of Physics at CSEB and Amy Furniss, a gamma-ray astrophysicist, were involved in the development of the Schwarzchild-Couder telescope. They contributed the secondary mirrors for the instrument, alone with a computer science student (now CSEB alumnus) who contributed to the analysis software. The telescope was completed in mid-January and unveiled at the Mount Whipple Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.

 

“This represents the next generation of telescope that will lead gamma-ray astronomy, a field of astronomy that is only 50 years old, into the new era of multimessenger astronomy,” Furniss said. “This telescope can see a much larger portion of the sky than previous instruments, and with far greater sensitivity, allowing us to look deeper into the cosmos to answer questions about how the universe behaves.”

 

The telescope, which is said to be 20-times more powerful than current technology and 100-times faster than similar telescopes, will test a novel dual-mirror design to improve image quality.

 

Students at CSEB who work within Dr. Furniss’ research group will have the opportunity to travel to the Whipple Observatory to help with the commissioning of this new instrument. They will partake in data collection, calibration, troubleshooting hardware and software and developing and testing the analysis software pipeline — all critical steps in the smooth transition to full data taking for the Prototype Schwarzchild-Couder’s testing phase.

 

“Finally, and perhaps most excitingly, our students can use the data from the instrument to study extreme astrophysical sources within our universe, like gamma-ray emitting galaxies that have supermassive black holes at the centers of them with huge jets of relativistic particles emerging from the vicinity of the black hole,” Furniss said.

 

“Questions like “How has the universe has changed since it was born?” and “What is dark matter?” and “What is the most energetic phenomenon in the universe?” and “How do black holes work?” are all high priority questions, and this telescope is poised to help scientists find these answers.”

 

 

Boys Soccer

Cougars Report

Submitted by Timothy Hess

 

Newark Memorial (11-1-0) moved into first place in the Mission Valley Athletic League with a 1-0 win over rival James Logan of Union City (10-1-1) on February 1st. After a big save by Cougar goalkeeper Cesar Arroyo on a penalty kick in the first half, Newark striker Fidel Ochoa scored the game’s only goal in the second half with the assist coming from midfielder James Fernandez.

 

 

Baseball

Renegades Report

Submitted by Ohlone Athletics

Photos by Don Jedlovec

 

Ohlone wins season opener

The Ohlone College baseball team, No. 3 ranked in the CCCBCA North Preseason poll, opened the season with a win for the sixth consecutive year. The Renegades played error-free defense and were led on the hot corner by Dalton Vanhille in a 7-1 win over Napa Valley College Storm on Friday, Jan. 25. In a crisp opener, Ohlone amassed 12 hits and did all the scoring damage in the fourth and eighth innings.

 

Bradley Norton was 2 for 4 with a double and triple and Cody Nisbet was 3 for 4 with two doubles. Michael Gallagher slugged a home run and Justin Clark had a double. Reliever Tyler Stultz got the first pitching win of the season. Starter Andrew Amato was excellent, allowing one hit over 3.0 scoreless innings with a strikeout and no walks. Six relievers combined to nail it down, allowing three hits total.

———————————————————–

Ohlone splits series with Diablo Valley

Ohlone opened a series against Diablo Valley Vikings at home on Monday, January 28. Diablo scored in the first and fourth innings, enough to hold off the Renegades who scattered runs in the second, third, fourth and sixth innings. Final score: Vikings 6, Renegades 4

 

In a rematch of the previous day at Ohlone, the Vikings and Renegades met again at Diablo Valley in Pleasant Hill on January 29th. The outcome was a bit different as the Renegades had big fifth and eighth innings and, although pitching faltered in the ninth, were able to hold off a late Vikings surge. Final score: Renegades 12, Vikings 8

 

Play Ball!

 

 

Do you want to adopt a pet?

Article submitted by Chris Gin and Lyanne Mendez

Photos submitted by Chris Gin

 

Come and help our furry friends find forever homes. Let’s add another member in the family for companionship, security, and affection. Hayward Animal Shelter and Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) invite the community to “All Fur Love” pet adoption event on Saturday, February 9. Cats, dogs, puppies, bunnies, Guinea pigs, and pet rats will be highlighting the event. Participants will get a chance to learn about pet adoption, proper pet care, animal safety laws and updates on current legislation protecting pets.

 

There will be free and reduced cost pet adoptions to qualified homes, and include spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and a microchip. The shelter will also be taking donations for those who already have furry companions and would like to take a photo at the Valentine's Day themed photo booth. Other activities will include bake sale table, boutique table, and raffle prizes. For more information, call Hayward Animal Shelter at (510) 293-7200, Assemblymember Quirk’s office at (510) 583-8818, visit www.haywardanimals.org/events or email Lyanne Mendez at lyanne.mendez@asm.ca.gov.

 

Requirements to adopt on adoption day:

• All members of the household must be present (including other dogs if you are interested in a dog)
• A current photo identification card
• Proof of address (if identification card doesn’t have address)
• If you are a renter, you must provide landlord or property manager’s contact information as they will be contacted before any adoption is finalized

 

Pet Adoption Event

Saturday, Feb 9

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Valentine's Pet Photos Booth

12 noon – 3 p.m.

$10 suggested donation

 

Hayward Animal Shelter

16 Barnes Ct, Hayward

(510) 293-7200

(510) 583-8818

www.haywardanimals.org/events

lyanne.mendez@asm.ca.gov

$17 licensing fee for Hayward residents dog adoptions

 

 

Romantic train rides planned through Niles Canyon

Submitted by Niles Canyon Railway

 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, romance can’t be far behind. And in Fremont, what’s a better way to celebrate romance than riding a train through the bucolic Niles Canyon while sipping fine wines?

 

Thanks to the Niles Canyon Railway (NCRY), romantic dreams can come true. The railway is offering two “Romance on the Rails” wine tasting special train runs through the canyon on Sunday, Feb. 10.

 

Guests on the train will experience the magic of a bygone era as they travel through the scenic canyon on a vintage train from Sunol to Niles and back. During the trip guests will be served specially-selected wines from the Livermore Valley, paired with light appetizers.

 

The train will feature the Niles Canyon Railway Museum’s Southern Pacific 10040 Parlor Car newly restored to its elegant 1920s appearance. The car features plush lounge seating and is climate-controlled for passenger comfort. Attendants will be aboard to assist passengers. There also will be an open-air car for passengers who enjoy an alfresco view.

 

To add to the fun and romance of the afternoon, guests are encouraged to dress in vintage fashions from the 1920s through the 1940s, although it’s not required.

 

The first train will depart from the downtown Sunol train depot at 12 noon and return at 2 p.m. The second train leaves Sunol at 3 p.m. and returns at 5 p.m. Seating is limited and is open only to guests 21 and older. The parlor/diner car is not wheelchair-accessible because of the narrow passages on the vintage equipment.

 

Tickets are $80 each plus a processing fee. Because of the popularity of the event, guests are encouraged to buy tickets in advance by visiting the NCRY website at www.ncry.org/

 

Romance on the Rails

Sunday, Feb 10

12 noon — 5 p.m.

Train ride through Niles Canyon

Niles Canyon Railway, Sunol train station

6 Kilkare Road, Sunol

$80 per person, reservations required

510-910-7024

www.ncry.org/

 

 

Measure would update recycled water terms

Submitted by Lyanne Mendez

 

Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), Chair of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, has introduced AB 292 which would update the terms of the uses of recycled water in the state in order to reflect how recycled water is currently used.

 

AB 292 builds on previous legislation and recent work by the State Water Resources Control Board to remove the terms “direct potable reuse” and “indirect potable reuse”, in order to align the terms with how the water agencies are using recycled water.

 

In 2016, in a report to the Legislature the board concluded it is feasible to develop and adopt regulations for using recycled water as drinking water, provided that certain research and key knowledge gaps are addressed. The report laid the groundwork for creating regulations for a sustainable, reliable source of potable water and AB 574 will clarify definitions and set a timeline for completing regulations.

 

“In 2017 I introduced AB 574, which was signed by the governor, and requires the State Water Board to develop regulations for the safe use of recycled water through raw water augmentation. This bill improves the statute to ensure clarity in the uses of recycled water,” Quirk said. “As Chair of the Assembly committee tasked with protecting public health, I’m proud to move this legislation through the process.”

 

AB 292 has not been referred to policy committee.

Seniors invited for coffee

Submitted by City of San Leandro

 

Join San Leandro Senior Commission for coffee and conversation on Thursday, February 21. Coffee with the Commission provides seniors the opportunity to meet and talk with commissioners in a less formal manner, with coffee, tea, and light refreshments. Commissioners will be available to answer questions, provide information, and chat about topics important to the senior community. For more information, call Commission’s Customer Service at (510) 577-3462, or Recreation & Human Services Manager Ely Hwang at (510) 577-3463.

 

Coffee with Senior Commission

Thursday, Feb 21

10 a.m. – 12 noon

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 E 14th St, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

(510) 577-3463

 

 

San Leandro Police Log

Submitted by Lt. Isaac Benabou, San Leandro PD

 

Wednesday, January 30

• At about 10 a.m. officers responded to a call about a laptop computer being stolen from a 52-year-old woman inside the Starbucks coffee shop at 13808 E. 14th St. Two teenage suspects fled from the store but were quickly apprehended by officers near the San Leandro BART station. The first suspect was identified by police as Antuan Scott-Perry, 18. The second suspect’s name was not released because he is a juvenile. Both suspects were taken to the police station for processing and admitted to stealing the laptop computer.

 

Thursday, January 31

• At the request of the San Francisco Police Department which is investigating a violent robbery where a suspect vehicle was tracked to San Leandro, the San Leandro Police Department’s SWAT team executed a search warrant at about 5:00 a.m. at a residence on Preda Street. The owner of the vehicle was found and detained without incident. Detectives from the San Francisco Police Department assumed the investigation once entry into the residence was completed.

 

 

Get your flu shot!

Submitted by County of Santa Clara Public Health Department

 

The first person under the age of 65 to die of flu during the 2018-2019 flu season in Santa Clara County was 39 years old with unknown flu vaccination status. Dr. Sara Cody, County health officer and director of the public health department, said the individual who died had other medical conditions that put the individual at increased risk of severe complications from the flu. Due to medical privacy laws, further details about the individual will not be released.

 

During the 2017–2018 flu season, 11 flu-associated deaths in people under 65 years were reported in Santa Clara County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 80,000 people of all ages in the U.S. died of flu and its complications during last year’s season. About 80 percent of those who died were unvaccinated. There have been four other cases of severe flu in individuals under the age of 65 reported in Santa Clara County Public Health Department during the 2018–2019 flu season.

 

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms of the flu may be like those of the common cold but are usually more severe. The flu season continues through spring each year. While flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, it is especially important for pregnant women, children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. In addition to getting the vaccine, health officials advise individuals to take the following steps to protect themselves and loved ones from flu.

 

• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay home when you are sick and keep your children home when they are sick.
• Stay home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.

 

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. People at higher risk of severe disease who show flu symptoms should contact their medical provider. Individuals are encouraged to contact their health care provider to get their flu shot. The vaccine is also available at pharmacies, retail stores, and is offered by some employers. For information about flu visit the Santa Clara County flu web page sccphd.org/flu.

 

 

Let’s have uncomfortable conversations

Submitted by SAVE – Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments

 

Team Stronger Than You Think (STYT) from Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE) will host its annual Symbiosis Youth Summit on Saturday, February 9. This year’s theme is TBH… because STYT wants to give the community a chance to be real, have uncomfortable conversations, tell their stories freely, and acknowledge the gray areas. Symbiosis aims to uplift trans and queer youth, educate about healthy relationships, and empower youth activists in their home communities.

 

Samir Jha will be the keynote speaker at the summit. He is the founder of The Empathy Alliance, a nonprofit that aims to make schools safer for LGBTQ youth. The free, daylong event will also feature workshops, drag performance, and lunch from local food trucks. The summit is open to ages 12 to 24, and folks above age 24 are welcome to volunteer. To register, sign up to volunteer or for more information, visit www.symbiosissummit.com.

———————————————————–

Schedule:

9 a.m.: Breakfast and Check-in

10 a.m.: Official Start

4 p.m.: Closing

———————————————————–

2019 Symbiosis Youth Summit

Saturday, Feb 9

Mission Valley ROP

5019 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

www.symbiosissummit.com

 

 

Author Series focuses on ‘The Vaccine Debate’

Submitted by Johnna Laird

 

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? What are the risks? What are the benefits?

 

Fremont author Tish Davidson will read from and discuss her latest book, “The Vaccine Debate,” at the Second Saturday Author Series on Saturday, February 9 at Half Price Books. The event is co-sponsored by the bookstore and Fremont Area Writers. Davidson will be in conversation with Fremont fiction writer Chris Dews.

 

In her 13th book, published in 2018, Davidson provides the science behind vaccines in a way most people can understand. She explains how vaccines work and why they are controversial. A trained biologist, Davidson says the book gave her a chance to share her fascination with human biology using non-technical language appropriate for high school students and adults.

 

A prior book, “Vaccines: History, Science and Issues,” earned Davidson accolades in an American Library Association review for her research, described as “scientific, meticulous, and dispassionate in its coverage of both vaccine proponents and detractors”; for her “clear, nontechnical language”; and for “representing each side of the vaccination argument in an even, measured way.”

 

Davidson’s next book, “What You Need to Know About Diabetes,” will be published in late 2019.

 

Second Saturday Author Series

Saturday, Feb 9

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Hub, Fremont

(510) 744-0333

www.hpb.com/055

 

 

Feeling stiff? A massage might help

Submitted by Jennifer Tibbetts

 

Free 10-minute massage appointments for people 60 and older are available at the Kenneth Aitken Senior Center in Castro Valley. The massages are conducted by a trained massage and certified acupressure practitioner from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the second Monday of every other month. The next sessions will be Monday, February 11. Appointments must be made in advance by calling (510) 881-6738.

 

Senior massages

Monday, Feb. 11

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For people 60 and older

Kenneth Aitken Senior Center

17800 Redwood Road, Castro Valley

Registrations required: (510) 881-6738

Free

 

 

Shape Our Fremont

Community Character

 

Fremont's General Plan is the constitution of the city. It has 12 main parts called Elements. Each General Plan Element is supposed to be just as important as any other. Therefore, the Community Character Element should be taken just as seriously as, say, the Land Use Element or Housing Element. The Community Character Element was new to our General Plan as of the December 2011 revision. Let's look at its implementation over the last seven years of housing development.

 

Community Character Element

The Community Character Element's introduction says that it “focuses on the ways in which Fremont’s buildings, streets, and open spaces work together to define the city’s sense of place” and that it “strives for a more cohesive design vision for the city.” Community Character is not limited to neighborhood character, but it also looks at commercial, city government and open space areas throughout the city. The Element says community character “is about design, aesthetics and place-making.” However, many of the new townhouse developments all around Fremont have very similar exterior architecture and site layout. Many have narrow straight private streets with long rows of tall, multi-plex buildings with nothing but garage doors visible from the main street. Front doors face narrow walkways along rear fences.

 

Place Types

Part of the Community Character Element is the Place-Type Design Manual “which is meant to be a toolkit for design solutions when reviewing development proposals in the city.” It identifies different types of Centers: “City”, “Town” (historical), “Neighborhood”, and “Regional” (large-scale commercial). It also defines types of Corridors: “Urban”, “Suburban”, “Landscape”, and “Main Street.” The design manual shows examples of what Fremont wants to see in its different centers and along its different corridors.

 

Center Example

The five Town Centers are the historic centers of five original districts that formed Fremont. As a Place Type Center, they should be “pedestrian oriented and within easy walking distance to serve the surrounding neighborhoods.” and consist of “traditional architecture and historic buildings.” Centerville Town Center is along Fremont Boulevard, between Central Avenue and Thornton Avenue. The surrounding neighborhoods now consist of new townhouse development. which replaced businesses and housing some of which are from the early 1900's. The proposed development of the entire east side of Fremont Boulevard between Parish Street and Peralta Boulevard would demolish many old commercial buildings and possibly demolish the Old Centerville Fire Station. The plans show a three-story frontage that is supposed to look like an old train station – but with a stone facade and not the yellow wood siding of our historic stations. The massing, scale and architecture of the streetscape seem out of character with the existing Town Center buildings across the street. Will the city approve this design?

 

Corridor Example

Landscape Corridors should be “characterized by landscaping, street trees, wide landscaped medians and large setbacks.” Stevenson Boulevard between Paseo Padre and Mission Boulevard is a Landscape Corridor. From the Fremont Main Library to the railroad tracks, the existing housing opposite Central Park is angled away from the street with deep setbacks. However, between the railroad tracks and Mission Boulevard the new housing is right at the sidewalk and there are no landscaped medians. Several other new residential developments on Landscape Corridors also have no setbacks.

 

Take a Look

As you go around Fremont, look at how Fremont is shaping up – design, aesthetics and place-making. Is Fremont adhering to its Community Character Element? Each Element of the General Plan is posted online in booklet format with an interesting, easy-to-read section with pictures, diagrams and maps at the beginning, and policy code at the end. For more information, visit www.fremont.gov/398/General-Plan.