2-9-21 Articles

Ford F-150 Hybrid: Powerful Pickup Moves Toward Electrification
By Steve Schaefer

The Ford F-150 has been America’s favorite pickup for 43 years—and often, as now, the top-selling vehicle of any kind. So, it really needs no introduction to most people.

The 2021 model brings a fresh new design, and along with it, the first F-150 hybrid. In fact, it is the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer a full hybrid powertrain. And you can order the hybrid at any level, from XL to Limited. My Iconic Silver tester was a Limited, so it had pretty much everything.

For their huge bulk, big pickup trucks are easy to drive! With power assist and good visibility, it feels effortless, and I completely understand and appreciate the feeling of owning the road that truck buyers enjoy.

The F-150’s interior feels rock solid and has been completely redesigned for 2021. The massive, leather-wrapped shift knob feels worthy of an airliner. Four traditional knobs, with grip-worthy indentations, control the radio and climate controls. The sculpted dash panel and doors look carved rather than assembled. In my tester, the diamond quilt pattern on the supportive buckets was elegant. Those seats were optioned with Max Recline feature, making them comfy for rest breaks on long hauls.

The 12-inch center screen (on all but the base model) makes finding information easy. You can split it and view multiple features simultaneously. When you are using the screen with the rearview camera, it’s very easy to see. The optional Interior Work Surface enables working on a 15-inch laptop or having a meal—not while driving, of course.

So, what benefit does the hybrid give? Beyond fuel savings, the hybrid is the most powerful F-150. The PowerBoost drivetrain marries the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 to a 35-kilowatt motor, integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission, giving drivers 430 horsepower and a stump-pulling 570 pounds-feet (lb.ft.) of torque. The electric motor regenerates power for the 1.5-kWh battery, which is positioned on the bottom of the truck. That means the hybrid loses no passenger or cargo capacity.

Looking at fuel efficiency, the hybrid gives a little bit of a bump. The U.S. EPA numbers for my test car, with four-wheel-drive, are 24 City, 24 Highway, and 24 Combined. You can add an extra mpg by ordering only two-wheel drive. The V6 Eco-Boost non-hybrid model gets 19 City, 22 Highway, and 20 Combined. The 5.0-liter V8-equipped model delivers numbers of 16 City, 22 Highway, and 19 Combined. So, the hybrid provides up to a 20 percent improvement over the popular V6 EcoBoost model, and a little more over the V8. My tester scored a 5 for Greenhouse Gas, but the EPA Smog scores I like to post are apparently not available yet.

As a next-generation model, the new F-150, regardless of powertrain, gets some worthwhile updates. While retaining its fully-boxed steel frame and “military grade” aluminum alloy body panels, you now can choose from 11 grille options and many other ways to customize. One of the wonders of my test car was the set of automatic power running boards that extended themselves as I approached the truck, aiding my climb in. Speaking of grilles, aerodynamics on this otherwise blocky vehicle is enhanced with active grille shutters and an automatically deploying air dam. Drag has been carefully reduced to improve airflow a little.

The list of features is long. The dash has a new digital gauge cluster that welcomes you with glamorous photos of the truck itself. A full-width optional lockable compartment is available below the rear seat, great for stashing your fishing rods or other valuables. There is an optional tailgate work surface for use at the job site.

Something that sounds very handy is the Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Of course, I did not get to try it, but some users would love it. It uses multiple cameras and graphics that tell you which way to turn. Many of these trucks are working machines, so having the optional Pro Power Onboard lets you hook up your electric tools when out at the worksite or campsite.

The F-150 gets the all-new SYNC 4 system standard, for connection and a huge menu of entertainment options. In the style of Tesla, Ford is introducing over-the-air software updates. And, to add to the list, the F-150 has loads of electronic monitoring equipment to keep you safe. These all-American favorites are assembled in Dearborn, Michigan, or Claycomo, Missouri.

While I do not want one of these beautiful beasts, I can completely understand why many people would. Ford shows its leadership in the latest iteration of an incredibly successful product. A fully electric version is coming, and it will have competition when it does. The need for big, powerful trucks is not going away, but the way we fuel them is changing.

BART officer helps mother find her homeless daughter
By Melissa Jordan, BART Senior Web Producer

The care package had a childhood Bible engraved with her name, her favorite Lord of the Rings books, and a photo album with pictures of family members.

BART Police Officer Eric Hofstein cradled the precious cargo he was hand-delivering to San Francisco General Hospital to a young woman whose life he helped save.

The woman’s mother, Cinda Romero, wanted to make sure the package arrived by Friday, her daughter’s 32nd birthday. Romero, a registered nurse from Orange County, knew that hospital deliveries can be unreliable. Hofstein assured her he would take it directly to Dell*, who had come near death while suffering from mental illness and homelessness on the streets of San Francisco.

“It was a really bad, nightmare roller coaster,” Romero said of the years her daughter was lost to her.

Romero described Dell as “an overachiever” in her adolescence, the oldest of six siblings. She went to a prep school, studied Latin and had a bright future until her mental illness arose in late adolescence, a common age for first psychiatric breaks.

“There were so many 5150s (the code for a standard up-to-72-hour mental health hold), so many calls from random hospitals,” Romero said. Dell was among the homeless people seeking shelter in BART stations, where Hofstein focuses his outreach efforts. He gave Romero his number and became a lifeline between mother and daughter, setting up video calls and keeping on the lookout when Dell would go missing. The work that he and other BPD staff do in this area is foundational to BART's commitment to progressive policing.

“She was one of our ‘regulars,’” Hofstein said, with dozens of calls for service when Dell would have mental health breakdowns, usually in a paranoid and manic state. He personally was the responding officer on some of those calls. In one call, at Powell Street Station, Hofstein found Dell dangling her legs over the side of the trackway as a train approached and he was able to talk her literally off the ledge.

Each time Dell was detained on a mental health hold she would go through a revolving-door bureaucracy, he said, that put her back out on the street without follow-up care. Twice she was hit by cars while walking as a pedestrian, “totally unaware of her own safety,” Romero said.
“The system is set up to operate on weekdays from 9-to-5,” Romero said. “But people aren’t homeless and mentally ill from 9-to-5. You feel so powerless, trying to advocate for them, trying to show they are a real person and not just a statistic.”

In October 2020 there was another brush with death when Dell suffered an aneurysm on the streets and was hospitalized for brain surgery. Hofstein found Dell in a station after her surgery; she was sitting on the floor picking at jagged scars on her partially shaved head. She bolted, leaving him to put out a “be on the lookout” or BOLO alert to all law enforcement agencies in the region.

Dell was spotted around Thanksgiving near a BART station but a social worker assigned to her case was off for the long weekend, her mother said, making it a heartbreaking holiday. Then in December, thanks to Hofstein’s BOLO, patrol officers found Dell huddled under a bridge and ultimately found her a safe spot for treatment at San Francisco General. He was out of state preparing for his upcoming retirement, but he worked the phones from afar to keep Romero informed.

Hofstein helped Romero use AB1424, a state law that allows family members to communicate about a relative’s mental health history. The goal is to stop the revolving door and require that decisions about involuntary treatment consider information supplied by family members. Because of the AB1424 paperwork Hofstein filed, Romero was able to obtain conservatorship allowing her to manage her care.

“He is a hero, a saint and guardian angel clothed in a BART police officer uniform,” Romero said. “If it weren’t for him, my daughter would most likely not be alive.” Meanwhile, Romero is involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI. She’s advocating for her daughter’s care and trying to raise awareness about mental illness and homelessness.

Romero, who celebrated Dell’s birthday Friday with a Zoom call among family members, wants her story to give hope to other families in similar situations. “The birthday Zoom was really special,” she said. “Her sisters and brother, Grandma and Grandpa and I were all on. We sang Happy Birthday and recounted family memories. She was beaming the whole time.”

She wants other parents to know what she learned from Hofstein.

“He showed me how to be a better advocate for my child,” Romero said of Hofstein. “He helped me understand the tools that are out there. A lot of parents aren’t aware of that. You can provide a mental health history of your child to doctors, even if your child has not signed a release of information. You can always talk to a doctor, nurse, social worker, or police officer, about your child’s situation.”

When Hofstein delivered the care package last week, Dell smiled, gave him a hug, and had a coherent conversation, the first he’d ever had with her. They recorded a video for her mom. Later this week, she is scheduled to move from the psychiatric unit to a residential treatment center to continue her recovery.

“She told me she was enjoying feeling normal, feeling human again,” Hofstein said. They talked of their shared love for Tolkien.

Romero said she is eternally grateful to Hofstein that he cared about Dell as a person and worked so hard to save her. “I will always be thankful that my daughter was captured in the embrace of his kindness,” she said.

BPD Deputy Chief Angela Averiett, who leads the Progressive Policing and Engagement Bureau, believes efforts like Hofstein’s are largely behind the scenes but important for the public to know about.

“He was determined and did not give up,” she said. “His persistence paid off in the form of getting her the real help that she needed. After all the events of 2020, we are working to change perceptions. We’re human beings and we do care.”

*Dell is a family name used as a pseudonym with permission from Romero to speak about her daughter.

You are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides education, advocacy and support. Visit https://www.nami.org for more information.

Chief to focus on progressive policing at BART
Submitted by Melissa Jordan, BART

Ed Alvarez has worked his entire career to meet this moment. Reflecting on his first year as BART Police Chief, Alvarez sat down for an interview in which he laid out an ambitious agenda.

“I want to build the most progressive police department in America,” Alvarez said, of the just under 400 personnel under his watch. “Not just the most progressive transit police department. The most of any PD.”

Alvarez joined BART Police Department (BPD) almost a quarter century ago. It was his first job in law enforcement and he has served his whole career at BART, working his way up through the ranks and making deep connections to the community.

He was appointed as chief on January 1, 2020, and sworn in on February 7, 2020, just one month before the coronavirus was declared a pandemic. Long years of experience gave Alvarez insights to quickly implement strategic initiatives that already have paid off, with more on the way.

Notably, Alvarez created a new Bureau of Progressive Policing and Community Engagement that is an umbrella over a growing team of non-armed personnel that includes the award-winning Transit Ambassadors and soon will include an additional 20 Crisis Intervention Specialists. They’ll focus on connecting those experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse with services. The Bureau also will include 10 police officers who will receive specialized training.

“We’re infusing 40 additional bodies into our system,” Alvarez said. “These are people who are providing presence, resources, who are extra eyes and ears. We’re going to have more presence than we’ve ever had at BART.”

Deputy Chief Angela Averiett, who leads the new Bureau of Progressive Policing, said Alvarez has been a steady hand in a time of great change. “I think the chief’s leadership is a reflection of the resilience of this organization,” she said. “Through all the major challenges of the past year, he has led us courageously and transparently and kept us focused on the mission.”

The pandemic and associated economic misery have exacerbated homelessness, stressed an already-fractured patchwork of services, and has exposed disparities in health, safety and other outcomes along race and class lines.

Additionally, the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020 drew worldwide attention and built a movement demanding more accountability from law enforcement. Alvarez said he was appalled by the abuse of power – “and the arrogance” in the Minnesota case – and that he conveys that message to BPD personnel. “We have to earn the public’s trust every day,” Alvarez said. “We can’t take their trust for granted. We have to do better.”

Alvarez is committed to meeting the moment by increasing training (which already goes beyond state standards), including the innovative ICAT, or Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics course. ICAT is designed especially for situations involving people who are unarmed or armed with weapon other than firearms, and who may be experiencing a mental health or other crisis.

Alvarez also has prioritized working collaboratively with the BPD Citizen Review Board and the Office of the Independent Police Auditor, two civilian oversight bodies that provide another layer of police accountability at BART.

As a first-generation immigrant, Alvarez is keenly aware of the issues of mistrust that arise when there are disparate impacts from policing, and of how BART is not immune from them. “We need to be treating all people fairly and equitably,” he said. “That is my expectation for everyone at BPD.”

BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

Saturday, January 30
• At 5:55 p.m. a man identified by police as Marty Ray Banks, 62, of Berkeley was arrested at the Castro Valley station on two $10,000 warrants issued in San Francisco and Contra Costa counties for DUI. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 7:46 p.m. a man identified by police as Oscar Delgadillo, 31, of Union City was arrested at the Union City station on a $100,000 San Joaquin County warrant for DUI. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 8:21 p.m. a man identified by police as Nicholas Dominguez, 29, of Hayward was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on three warrants issued in Alameda County. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Sunday, January 31
• At 6:40 a.m. two people, identified by police as Malia Mafia, 23, of Union City, and Devon Vaenuki, 22, of Vallejo were arrested at the Union City station on suspicion of domestic violence. Both were booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 7:37 p.m. a man identified by police as Timothy Knockum, 23, of Oakland was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of violating a court order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Monday, February 1
• At 11:46 a.m. a man identified by police as Manynor Teleguario, 30, of Castro Valley was arrested at the Castro Valley station on a $5,000 warrant from Alameda County for carjacking. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

• At 8:53 p.m. a man identified by police as Stafford Bell, 55, of Stockton was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a felony warrant held by San Joaquin County. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Celebrating Black History
Submitted by Darlene Green

Please join the Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society and Ohlone College Umoja Scholars for Black History Month 2021. This virtual program – The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity – will be informational and feature children’s stories read throughout the month, two (2) workshops and program featuring Dr. Eric Bishop, Ohlone Community College President as well as music, and other talent.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Virtual Workshop #1: Building Wealth Through Real Estate
This workshop prepares you for purchasing your first home or
investment property.
Presenter: Mr. Ken Smith, Realtor-CDPE-CPRES

10:00 a.m.
Virtual Children’s Storytime
A variety of African American children’s books
read by the Robinson Family throughout the
month of February

11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
Virtual Workshop #2: Keepers of the Flock
How to Cultivate Compassionate Faith Based Communities, Committed to Advocacy , Care and Connection
During a Season of Social Distancing. This workshop focuses on those living with mental health.
Presenter: Family Bible Fellowship (FBF), Pastor Horacio Jones

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Main Event Black History Program.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Eric Bishop, President
Ohlone Community College

Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-black-history-month-virtual-event-celebrating-the-46th-observance-tickets-138561696765?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

(Zoom link will be provided with registration)

Children’s Story Time: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsHWYuYD4mpkXHIdOPlMExDv2QawVV0Po
Photos in 1 new Sharon

Bike Life movement builds community
By Andrew Cavette
Photos courtesy of Jakob Santos, Baylands Bicycles and Roll Out Crew

Bike Life is a new bicycle sport that began in 2011 in New York. The sport involves riding in groups, often with one wheel in the air, while doing tricks. This BMX riding style quickly spread across the country via the hashtag #BikeLife on Instagram and YouTube.

“There’s probably a ride-out every day [in the Bay area],” said Anthony Lee, who operates a BMX bike shop in the Niles district of Fremont. The general public is becoming increasingly interested in this sport. Lee thinks this recent uptick in popularity is due to Covid.

“Kids have nowhere to go… so they started getting out, being active,” Lee said.

Much like the early days of skateboarding, the Bike Life culture has been met with concern by some. Lee loves this new sport, but acknowledges problems that people encounter. “Some riders are shutting down streets, I’m not going to deny that,” Lee said. “Some of them are doing it the wrong way, but most of them are doing it the right way.”

More than 40 years after scofflaw skate boarding in backyard swimming pools, cities across the country built impressive skate parks for their residents to enjoy. Accelerated by social media and Covid, Bike Life riding is now gaining the public’s trust, and attracting more than just teens.

For San Leandro resident Brodie McCole and his son Dylan, Bike Life ride-outs are family time. “We all enjoy the experience… let alone the exercise. But most importantly [adults] make it all about us kids,” Dylan said.

“Riding helps the kids… and us adults… to keep a clear mind,” Brodie McCole said. “We live in difficult times. The kids do not go to school [in person]; they cannot play team sports. When we gather to ride, we ride in the moment and enjoy ourselves.”

Riders cover long, multi-city distances. A January 1 ride-out started in Hayward and ended in San Jose. Another ride in January began in San Lorenzo and went through San Leandro, Oakland, Castro Valley, and Hayward before doubling back to Arroyo High School.

McCole and his son ride-out almost every week. People of all riding abilities show up at these events and safety is promoted. Flyers distributed via Instagram read: “Wear A Mask. Stay To The Right. Bring Tubes.” One event the McColes enjoy is called “Santos Sundays,” organized by Jakob Santos. “He is a great guy and has shown me a lot of guidance,” McCole said of Santos. “He is a positive role model in these kid’s lives.”

Santos lives in San Lorenzo. He is a brand ambassador for a popular apparel and accessories company, JT Racing. At one event, he surprised the kids. “I got together with five or six people and donated bikes to kids in need of new bikes,” Santos said.

In November 2020, Santos was in Manteca, CA to help a fellow Bike Life rider raise money for cancer treatment. Many riders showed up to help. After the event, Santos posted on social media: “This bike sh– is deeper than bikes!”

Community being more important than impressive bicycle stunts, is a sentiment shared by many Bike Life enthusiasts. Roll Out Crew have done ride-outs in support of local businesses, raised money for breast cancer, bought holiday groceries for families in need, and prayed before every ride. On Instagram, they are fond of saying: “We ride bikes, but we’re riding with the people.”

Often, other Bike Life organizations (crews) will join a ride-out, and multi-crew ride-outs are the norm. That January 1 ride-out was hosted by a crew based in Hayward, but Oakland-based Roll Out Crew joined them in support. “I have met a lot of people from all over the state,” nine-year-old Dylan McCole said. “The people make it all worth it.”

“Because everyone has the same enthusiasm,” Anthony Lee shared. “They have this level of respect [for each other].”

Lee’s shop, Baylands Bicycles in Fremont, will have its grand-opening on Saturday, February 20. The shop focuses on BMX bikes, including the larger-framed bikes popular in the Bike Life community. The name Baylands is an homage to the old Fremont raceway. Baylands Bicycles started hosting ride-outs before work building and stocking the shop even began. One started at Niles Community Park, and Lee estimated about 300 people attended.

“It was the hottest day of the year. Parents, kids… the elderly were out there,” he said “Fremont police showed up. They just wanted to check in.”

Lee rode BMX when he was a kid. “We’re all old guys now, but we want to embrace (the new style) and support it,” Lee said. “Some of these kids, they can barely stand on them, but they are doing tricks and wheelies.”

Baylands Bicycles
Website: https://baylandsbicycles.shop/
Instagram: @baylandsbicycles

Roll Out Crew
Instagram: @rolloutcrew

Jakob Santos
Instagram: jakobsantos1911wcc

Jan. 19, 2017, Lewis Howard Latimer statue in front of the Mortor Government Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP)

Rosa Parks seated in the front of a public bus, likely a staged photograph representing the end of segregated buses and her role in the Montgomery bus boycott from 1955 to1956] (Library of Congress)

Operating a hand drill at Vultee-Nashville, woman is working on a “Vengeance” dive bomber, Tennessee (Library of Congress)

Mary Jane McLeod Bethune, American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist.

Black History Month
By Ceri Hitchcock-Hodgson
The Black Lives Matter movement has inspired millions around the world to focus on correcting continuing racial inequalities and discrimination of economic opportunity, law enforcement and gender. The month of February celebrates the contributions and triumph of Afro-Americans in their struggle from slavery to equal shares of the American dream. From Jackie Robinson to Tiger Woods, Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, Black History Month recognizes inspirational African Americans from the past, as well as those who will continue to make history well into the future. This tribute dating back to 1926, is credited to Harvard scholar Carter G. Woodson. The son of former slaves, Woodson spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines, enrolling in high school at age 20. He graduated two years later and attended Harvard University, earning a Ph.D. During his studies, Woodson was disturbed to find that history books blatantly ignored Black Americans. To bring national attention to the contributions of Black Americans, Woodson organized the first Negro History Week in 1926, the second week of February marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the Black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
In an effort to bring national attention to the contributions of Black Americans, Woodson organized the first Negro History Week in 1926. Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the Black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in Black American history. A number of relevant events to African American history took place in February. It is the month that, in 1868, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, W.E.B. DuBois, was born. February of 1870 was an important time in the history of African Americans for on the third day of the month, the 15th Amendment was passed granting Blacks the right to vote and on the 25th Hiram R. Revels, took his oath of office, becoming the first Black U.S. Senator. In February of 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in New York City. February 1, 1960, marked what would become a milestone in the civil rights movement when a group of Black Greensboro, N.C. college students held a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter. February is also a time of remembrance for Malcolm X who was assassinated by three Black Muslims in 1965. February is the month devoted to highlighting the numerous contributions that African Americans have made to a society that was not always generous with them. During slavery, most Black slaves were denied formal education. In the South, laws were passed prohibiting slave literacy in the aftermath of various slave rebellions. Even free Blacks found themselves limited in their access to mainstream, quality education and vocational training. This limited education and training meant that, for the most part, Blacks were shut out of professional occupations and confined to working in industries deemed “acceptable” for them, such as domestic services, some manual trades and agriculture. Nevertheless, a number of African Americans were able to overcome these social obstacles and make significant contributions to American life:

Many Americans are familiar with mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker (born a freeman), who constructed the first American-made striking clock, and agricultural chemist and innovator, George Washington Carver (born a slave), best-known for developing hundreds of applications for agricultural products, most notably the peanut. Yet there are numerous other Black individuals in the history of our country that revolutionized technology and science as we know them today. As surgeon of the South Side Dispensary in Chicago, Daniel Hale Williams (1858-1931) organized Provident Hospital, the first Black hospital in the United States. In 1893, Williams performed the first successful closure of a wound of the heart and pericardium-the first successful open-heart surgery. Zoologist Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923) held a doctorate from the University of Chicago, yet chose to teach at high schools so he could devote more time to the observation of insects. Turner published several articles in scientific journals and became the first person to prove that insects can hear and are able to distinguish pitch. He also discovered that cockroaches can learn by trial and error. Dr. Rebecca Cole (1846-1922) was the second African American woman physician in the United States and was the first Black woman to graduate from the Woman's Medical College in Pennsylvania. She was appointed as a resident physician at the New York Infirmary for Women and Children from 1872-1881. Roger Arliner Young (1889 – 1964) became the first African American woman to be awarded a Ph.D. in zoology, at the University of Pennsylvania in 1940. Her scientific contributions, resulting largely from research she performed at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Black inventors also made important contributions to technology, allowing the United States to prosper and grow in its early years. Unlike slaves, free Blacks prior to the Civil War were entitled to receive patents for their inventions. Some slaves, who were skilled craftsmen, did create devices or techniques that benefited the slave owner's enterprises. According to a decision by the federal government in 1858, though, neither the slave nor the slave owner could claim ownership rights to such an invention. In 1870, following the Civil War, the U.S. patent laws were revised so that anyone, regardless of race, could hold a patent. Consequently, the number of patents issued to African Americans soared. Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1859), a tailor in New York City, is credited with being the first African American to hold a U.S. patent. The patent, which was issued in 1821, was for a dry-cleaning process. Benjamin Bradley (circa 1830-1897), a slave, was employed at a printing office and later at the Annapolis Naval Academy, where he helped set up scientific experiments. In the 1840s he developed a steam engine for a warship. Unable to patent his work, he sold it and used the proceeds purchased his freedom. The son of former slaves from Kentucky who had escaped via the Underground Railroad to Canada at 15 years of age, Elijah McCoy (1843-1929) traveled to Scotland seeking the educational opportunities from which Blacks were excluded in the Americas. He trained in mechanical engineering and then moved to the United States, where he was denied engineering employment-again because he was of African descent. He instead took a job as a railroad fireman. At that time, locomotives needed to be shut down periodically and lubricated to avoid overheating. The frequent stops prevented railroads from being profitable until McCoy developed the “lubricating cup” for steam engines. The quality and reliability of this invention gave rise to the statement that something was “the real McCoy” if it was original and dependable. The lubricating cup represented the most profitable of McCoy's more than 58 patents, which included a folding ironing board and an automatic sprinkler. Born in Chelsea, Mass., Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1929) learned mechanical drawing while working for a Boston patent attorney. He later invented an electric lamp and a carbon filament for light bulbs (patented 1881 and 1882, respectively). He was responsible for preparing the mechanical drawings for Alexander Graham Bell's patent application for his telephone design. Latimer was the only African American member of Thomas Edison's engineering laboratory, the Edison Pioneers.
Granville T. Woods (1856-1910) dedicated his life to developing a number of inventions for the railroad, a booming industry at the time. The self-educated Woods invented more than a dozen devices to improve electric railway cars and numerous others that controlled the flow of electricity. Among his more noteworthy inventions was a telegraph that allowed moving trains to communicate with other trains and train stations.
Frederick McKinley Jones (1892-1961) grew up an orphan Cincinnati, Ohio and did not attend schools beyond the eighth grade. He was awarded 60 patents during his career, 40 of which concentrated on the field of refrigeration. An experienced mechanic, Jones invented a self-starting gas engine and a series of devices for movie projectors. More importantly, he invented the first automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks (1935), ultimately leading to the creation of the frozen food industry. Inventions and scientific advancements of these individuals and many others contributed to the social and technological advancement of the United States. African Americans were integral to the history and success of the United States of America.

Climate Change Solutions: Think Small
Submitted by Shirley Gilbert

Environmental change and its impact seem like such gigantic issues to wrap our heads around. What can an individual homeowner or an apartment dweller in the Tri-City area do to contribute to solving these huge problems?

“A whole lot,” says City Program Manager Patrick Jurney, representative of the non-profit Community Climate Solutions. In that capacity, Jurney works with the City of Fremont and other communities to make climate change solutions easy to understand and fun to enact. Journey claims there are at least 90 concrete, actionable, affordable small endeavors we can all do to help the environment on a personal and local level.

He cites some examples of simple things we can accomplish such as install a smart thermostat, waste less, combine trips, even turn off the faucet when we brush our teeth. “These small actions can make a huge impact,” says Journey.

He will talk about those actions and more at a Zoom presentation on Thursday, March 4. The program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters Fremont, Newark, Union City, and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fremont Branch.

If you wish to learn more about how you can help counter climate change and nurture the environment in your own life, register for this program at the League of Women Voters website: www.lwvfnuc.org/zoom.

Climate Change Solutions: What is an Individual to Do?
Thursday, Mar 4
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
www.lwvfnuc.org/zoom

Fire department welcomes two new leaders
Submitted by Fremont Fire Department

After conducting a comprehensive and competitive recruitment effort, officials from the Fremont Fire Department recently selected Zoraida Diaz and Kevin Wise to serve as Deputy Chiefs. Diaz is currently an Assistant Fire Chief with the Oakland Fire Department, and Wise currently serves as Fire Chief for the Ceres Fire Department in Stanislaus County. They start in Fremont on February 22.

“Both Deputy Chief candidates are exceptionally qualified, have proven track records of effectively managing increasingly complex responsibilities, and exemplify a diverse range of experience and education that I believe will be complementary to the organization and communities we serve,” Fremont Fire Chief Curtis Jacobson said.

After rising to the rank of chief during nearly 17 years in the fire service, Wise has also held the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Fire Marshal. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration, an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science, and has completed the esteemed Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.

During her 18-year career with the Oakland Fire Department, Diaz has worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Spanish, and a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Diaz is a volunteer instructor and graduate of the prestigious Executive Development Institute (EDI).

“The benefits of gaining deputies with an expansive depth of local and regional experience and knowledge will advance our growth and allow us to continue to build upon a legacy of leadership and excellence. I am excited to have two dynamic, high-performing, collaborative Deputy Chiefs that can quickly hit the ground running,” Jacobson said.

New animal shelter services come to San Leandro
Submitted by San Leandro Police Department

Heads-up, San Leandro pet owners: If you’re searching for a missing pet there is a new agency that can help. On February 3 the City of San Leandro moved its animal shelter services from Fremont to the East Bay SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to better serve San Leandro residents.

East Bay SPCA is now providing services at their Oakland Shelter for strays or lost animals found in San Leandro without appropriate identification. East Bay SPCA takes in more than 3,000 animals a year and expects to receive 250 or more cats and dogs each year from San Leandro.

“Given our location and proximity to San Leandro, this partnership allows lost pets to be more easily reunited with their pet guardians. We are also providing additional support for San Leandro pet owners, such as free pet food through our pet food pantry, financial assistance for veterinary care for families in need, and behavior and training resources to keep people and pets together,” said Karalyn Aropen, East Bay SPCA Vice President of Operations.

“I look forward to the city’s new relationship with East Bay SPCA,” said San Leandro Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter. “Pets bring kindness, joy, and love to their owners, especially during lonely times caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Our San Leandro pet owners will greatly benefit, when it is necessary, from using East Bay SPCA’s services.”

San Leandro residents who have lost a pet should call the Police Department Communications Center at (510) 577-2740 with a description as soon as possible. Residents may also visit the East Bay SPCA website at eastbayspca.org/lost-and-found-pets/ to see if their pet is being housed there. Their shelter is located at 8323 Baldwin Street in Oakland and can be reached at (510) 569-0702. Hours during Shelter in Place are by appointment from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, except holidays.

San Leandro residents are reminded that all dogs must be licensed and wear proper tags. Licenses may be obtained from the Finance Department Cashier station by mail. Additional information is available by calling (510) 577-2740 or online at www.sanleandro.org/depts/finance/animals.asp.

Meanwhile, Animal control cases will continue to be managed and conducted by San Leandro Animal Control. More information can be found on their webpage at www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd/services/animalctl.asp.

East Bay SPCA
By appointment only
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
8323 Baldwin St., Oakland
(510) 569-0702

Park It
By Ned MacKay

A publication with lots of good information about things to see and do in the East Bay Regional Parks is “Regional in Nature,” the park district’s bi-monthly newsletter.

Regional in Nature shows up as an insert in newspapers throughout the East Bay, generally about a week before the end of the month. The March-April RIN edition should appear soon. But if you miss RIN in your paper, you can still access it by visiting the park district website at www.ebparks.org. Put the cursor on “Activities” at the top of the home page. When the drop-down menu appears, click on “Regional in Nature – Activity Guide.”

Unfortunately, the park district’s usual schedule of nature education programs and special events is on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Regional in Nature still offers lots of suggestions for activities and explorations that your whole family will enjoy.

For instance, while the thought of candy cap mushroom ice cream may never have crossed your mind, the January-February edition of Regional in Nature tells you how to make it at home and enjoy its sweet maple flavor.

You can also check out Preparedness 101, your guide to outdoor winter activities. It has a list of tips on how to stay warm, dry, and safe during winter hikes. A top tip: bring a thermos with a hot beverage to enjoy during rest stops along the way.

There are natural history articles about kestrels, turtles, ducks, mountain lions and harbor seals. The kids will enjoy crafting a harbor seal doll out of an old sock and some accessories.

The publication also has results of a 2020 community survey, which found that 96 percent of respondents believed the accessibility of parks and trails is important to maintaining the mental health of our community. And 96 percent also agreed that parks and trails must remain open and accessible to help people get physical exercise in a “safe, socially distant manner.”

Previous editions of RIN are also available at the website. All are full of ideas for ways to appreciate and enjoy the regional parks and other public open spaces with your family at a time when district-organized activities are suspended.

If you are looking for a regional park hike that offers a real workout, I recommend the Old Moraga Ranch Trail. The trail is steep up and down, with the high point at St. Mary’s Peak, 1,194 feet. Kind of like a roller coaster experience, but without the carts. It is strenuous, but the reward is unsurpassed views of Lamorinda and the St. Mary’s College campus. The trail is not open to bicycles, at least according to the map legend.

Old Moraga Ranch Trail is included in the map of Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, available on the park district website. Put your cursor on “Parks & Trails,” and click on “Maps” when the drop-down menu appears.

Generally, the trail is well marked. The easiest way to start is to park at Rancho Laguna Park on Camino Pablo in Moraga. From there, walk back up Camino Pablo a short distance to the Sanders Ranch residential subdivision. Walk into the subdivision on the left side of its entrance road.

In about a quarter-mile, look for a trail marker on the left. The trail leads down into a creek bed, crosses several wooden bridges, then climbs out of the creek bed and up a steep hill. You are on your way.

Another option is to start at a trailhead across Camino Pablo from Rancho Laguna Park and walk west up a sometimes-steep route to the junction with the Rocky Ridge Trail on East Bay Municipal Utility District land. The north end of Old Moraga Ranch Trail is at Bollinger Canyon Road. However, Bollinger Canyon Road is a private road at that point, and there is not any trailhead parking.

In any case, I think all but the most dedicated hikers will find that the climb from Camino Pablo to St. Mary’s Peak and back is more than adequate exercise.

Editorial
A Möbius Trip

In the world of mathematics, a Möbius strip is a continuous – endless – surface created in three-dimensional space. It can be created visually by a half-twist of a strip of paper of any rectangle and joining the ends together. The result is a single closed curve that has no beginning or end. Contemplation of an infinite circumstance with no limits has implications in every physical, social and psychological realm. John Wallis, a 17th century English mathematician created a signature for infinity, a horizontal figure 8, representing an endless line. A trip on a Möbius strip would endlessly repeat unless external influences intercede.

In a finite world, many problems and challenges have recognizable beginnings with possible and preferred endings. Complex issues usually do not yield to a single surface or line of thought, instead demanding deliberation beside and apart from current patterns. Breaking free of an endless, Möbius loop can be shocking and difficult, but as the often-used quote about insanity usually attributed to Albert Einstein says: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

An example of the dichotomy between preferred goals and actions to achieve them is the current conundrum of “affordable housing.” In a discussion of the subject at the Fremont City Council on February 2, several possibilities for an ordinance update were advanced – increase inclusionary fees, increase housing density, reduce housing living space or subsidize housing acquisition or construction. Focusing on how to increase the supply of such housing is welcome, but may miss a basic problem.

Fremont and its environs are living on an economic Möbius strip. As demand grows, it is met by additional affordable housing funded by government subsidies, relaxed regulations or developer concessions. The funds to support these efforts must come from somewhere so higher housing costs or taxes are the result. As various sectors of the economy are asked to pay for these accommodations, prices for goods and services increase to compensate. Although some of the housing problem is addressed, in general, the cost of living increases as well, with an unequal burden on economically marginal residents.

Those targeted by affordable housing fall further behind as the cost-of-living soars. Even during lean economic times, the imbalance persists. Witness the housing market in which a small condominium can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Compare this with other areas of the country. The imbalance of housing, cost of living and economic class divide has exacerbated and the cycle continues unabated. Lifestyles and quality of life are vastly different for inhabitants of different and discrete economic strata.

The primary question is whether building more and more affordable housing is the sustainable answer to our housing problem or if it simply attempts to apply a patch to a growing and unsustainable Bay Area population problem. Many residents have decided to answer this question by moving away while others – even those with housing – struggle to simply survive. Some companies have recognized the nature of the problem, moving to distant, out of state locations while others, at least during the pandemic, have asked employees to telecommute.

Is it possible that continued population and housing growth in our area is unsustainable? Are we moving along a Möbius highway on a trip that simply feeds on itself, creating a greater chasm between haves and have nots? As we chase more affordable housing, are we, in effect, aggravating the problem? Does the answer lie in limits to a balanced Bay Area society based on resources?

An objective examination of our trip on the Möbius strip can advocate strengthening our commitment to affordable housing, but also scrutinize why our society has become so economically divided… and do something about it.

Want to Write? Want to Meet Other Writers?
Submitted by Nancy Guarnera

Worn down by Covid isolation? Try something new. Anyone interested in writing and meeting other writers is invited to join the free Zoom Social Write-In sponsored by Fremont Area Writers on Saturday, February 13 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

How it works: After you sign in, the computer will randomly assign you to a virtual room with several other writers. Once everyone is gathered, you will get three writing prompts. Choose one and write for eight minutes. You can write memoir, fiction, or poetry, but the writing prompts are designed to encourage you to write about yourself so that participants can get to know each other.

After you write, there will be time for everyone in the room to socialize and read their response to the prompt in a non-judgmental atmosphere, then the computer will reassign everyone to a different room, the prompts will change, and the process will repeat.

Example prompts from the successful December Write-In:
I never thought I would meet…
Everything changed when…
Oops! I didn’t want to go there.

To join the Write-In, request the Zoom meeting link from Scott Davidson at scottfrombayside@yahoo.com.

Zoom Social Write-In
Saturday, Feb 13
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Via Zoom
Request link from Scott Davidson
scottfrombayside@yahoo.com.
Free

Female Eagle Scouts make history
Submitted by Eve Marie Ruhlman

Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has always been an accomplishment limited to boys, but four girls – Melody Fewx, Sofia Petrova, Rachel Fewx, and Emily Kamalnathan – decided it was their time to fly.

“It feels really good to have done this. We are making history,” said 14-year-old Rachel Fewx.

Ever since the BSA started welcoming girls into the iconic Scouting program now known as Scout BSA, these local young ladies knew that they had the opportunity to something no other woman had done. However, they were on a limited time since girls were only recently allowed to join in 2019 and the official cutoff age for achieving the Eagle Scout rank is 18 years old. They had to efficiently go through all the ranks and finish each requirement, one by one.

But these girls didn’t just reach the glass ceiling, they shattered it. Along with a lengthy Eagle Scout service project, the BSA requires a minimum of 21 merit badges to earned the highest rank. All the girls accomplished this, but two of them surpassed expectations; Emily finished with 41 merit badges, and Rachel with 49! Emily knew when she officially started the BSA program, there was going to be a lot of work and much skepticism about her being able to finish it in two years. “However, when I was awarded 18 merit badges in a single ceremony, people stopped doubting me,” stated Emily. “All I had to do was get the evidence to show them that I was serious and that I wanted to be put on the same playing field as others.”

“We are very proud of these young ladies and all of our new female Eagle Scouts who have worked very hard and focused on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in such a limited time frame,” stated John Fenoglio, Scout Executive of the Golden Gate Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, “They really represent what we emphasize in BSA – hard work, leadership, perseverance.”

All four had some sort of exposure to the BSA before joining. The father of Rachel and Melody is a Cubmaster, and their brother had been in BSA since he was little. The sisters had gone on many family activities, but had not been able to get the patches/certificates before. Sofia had been part of other BSA programs including the Venturing and Explorer Club since she was 12 years old, so when the opportunity to join Scouts BSA opened up, she jumped on it.

The four Scouts said that BSA has made a positive impact in their lives. Sofia stated, “Scouts BSA really changed me and really helped me get out of my comfort zone and do things that I hadn’t thought about before.” Melody added, “I have learned a large variety of skills in Scouting, but learning to delegate is where I have improved the most.”

When asked about their favorite memory of BSA, all of them stated that they couldn’t choose just one. Rachel says she has been on so many camping trips, sometimes three weekends in a row. Emily smiled and said, “I had a vast amount of ‘Awww’ moments such as [my] Emerald Bay trip and shotgun shooting just to name a few.” Melody stated, “The best part of BSA for me has been the bonds I created with my crewmates and my deepening understanding of myself within the program. I just knew that I was going to stay in Scouting for life.”

Just because they have reached the highest rank does not mean they are leaving Scouting. Melody, Sofia, and Rachel were all founding members of Troop 220 (Fremont), and Emily was a founding member of Troop 2447 (Fremont). Emily plans on being a Junior Scoutmaster and possibly a Merit Badge Counselor. Sofia wants to stay with her crew and volunteer in more adult roles. Rachel is going to be founding youth leader for a brand-new troop for girls forming this spring. And even though she has gone off to college, Melody is extremely active in Scouting, currently volunteering in other BSA programs for older youth and planning to either start her own unit or be a commissioner to improve Scouting in her community.

There are currently 214 female scouts serving in Packs in our local area and five girl BSA troops in the Fremont/Union City/Newark area. A new one is going to be formed by one of these incredible scouts.

When asked about what their huge Eagle Scout achievement means to them, all agreed that they are beyond proud of what they have accomplished and are hoping society will progress to respect all individuals regardless of gender. At the speed that these young Eagle Scouts are going, we are all going to have to learn to fly to keep up with them.

For more information on Scouts BSA troops for girls in the area, please reach out to mission.peak.scouts@gmail.com.

Free Tax Services
Submitted by City of Fremont

SparkPoint Fremont, through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, is providing free tax preparation services for those who made $75,000 or less last year. To ensure the safety of customers and volunteers, the tax service will be virtual but IRS-certified. Volunteer tax preparers will communicate with the customer throughout the process. SparkPoint will also offer limited drop-off service for those unable to manage an online process.

The IRS delayed the start of the nation’s tax season to February 12, the day when the government can start accepting and processing online tax filings. For more information, call (510) 574-2020.

Electronic plan review begins March 1
Submitted by City of Fremont

Starting March 1, City of Fremont is launching its new Electronic Plan Review (ePR) software – http://fremont.gov/EPR – for all new Planning, Building/Fire, Solar, and Engineering permit requests.

The new software is part of the city's effort to move from an intensive in-person, paper-centric process to a web-based, digital format that includes maximizing the city’s online public permitting portal, Citizen Access, http://fremont.gov/citizenaccess.

Applicants submitting electronic documents for review need to conform to specific formatting requirements. Some of these requirements include file drawing style; paper size; scale; file type; maximum file size; file content; file encryption; file naming; and page numbering. Upon submittal, project documents will be reviewed for conformance with the Document Format Requirements. Plans/documents that do not conform to these requirements will need to be corrected before they can be processed.

Every applicant will need to have a Citizen Access account to access plan review comment letters and marked up plan sets. To set up a Citizen Access account, visit http://fremont.gov/citizenaccess and select “Register for Account” at the top right of the landing page. The ePR Document Format Requirements can be found at http://fremont.gov/EPRDocumentRequirements.

Fremont Electronic Plan Review
http://fremont.gov/EPR
http://fremont.gov/EPRDocumentRequirements.
http://fremont.gov/citizenaccess

Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

Tuesday, January 26
• Patrol officers responded to a report about a victim being attacked by a roommate on the 34000 block of Blackstone Way. Arriving officers found the victim’s thumb had been cut off during the altercation. Fremont Fire Department crews provided medical attention to the victim and collected the severed thumb to send to the hospital with the victim. Doctors successfully reattached the thumb. Police identified the suspect as William Robinson, 28, of Fremont. Detectives working the case obtained a felony arrest warrant for Robinson. Detectives had recently concluded a robbery case at a Walmart store on Osgood Road where Robinson had rammed his car into a witness vehicle after stealing merchandise in June 2020. Anyone with information about the most recent incident is asked to call Detective Jared Madsen at (510) 790-6900 or email jmadsen@fremont.gov.

Wednesday, January 27
• At 10:23 a.m. a woman was returning to her vehicle after shopping at Costco, 43621 Pacific Commons Blvd. She set her purse down while putting items into her trunk and an unknown person took the purse and fled in an unknown vehicle. Police classified the incident as grand theft.

• Sometime between January 27 and 28, a commercial burglary occurred at Dina’s restaurant, 40800 Fremont Blvd. in the Irvington area. Someone removed locks from the front door.

Thursday, January 28
• Multiple secured mailboxes were broken into in the area of Guardino Drive near central Fremont. Two suspects, identified by police as James Spearman, 24, of Antioch and Keith Baker, 38, of Concord were arrested.

Sunday, January 31
• At 11:05 p.m. a man was seen switching license plates on a white van parked at 43060 Christy St. Officers contacted the man, whom they later identified as Jose Cortti, 38, of Hayward and determined the vehicle was stolen. Cortti was arrested.

Thursday, February 4
• At about 7:04 a.m. dispatchers received calls about a traffic collision at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and Mayhew Road involving a motorcyclist and a delivery box truck. Fremont Police and Fremont Fire personnel responded and found the motorcyclist dead. A preliminary investigation determined the driver of the box truck was traveling west on Mayhews Road and the motorcyclist was traveling north on Mission Boulevard. The driver drove into the intersection and while crossing it, the motorcyclist struck the driver’s side of the truck. The truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigators. The motorcyclist’s identification was to be determined by the coroner. An investigation into the collision is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the FPD Traffic Unit at (510) 790-6800. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting ‘Tip FremontPD’ followed by a short message to 888-777 or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.

• At about 9:30 p.m. officers responded to a report about a carjacking with a gun in the parking lot of the Target store in the Fremont Hub shopping center, 39201 Fremont Blvd. An officer spotted the carjacked vehicle and pursued it before losing sight of it near Blacow Road and Stevenson Boulevard. At 10:08 p.m. dispatchers got a call about a collision on Stevenson Boulevard near I-880. Arriving officers searched the area for the suspects who fled on foot. One male suspect was found on Strawflower Way at Amethyst Road and was taken into custody. A CHP airplane was called to assist finding the second suspect who was found hiding in a backyard near the collision scene and taken into custody. Two juvenile suspects were arrested on suspicion of carjacking and booked at Juvenile Hall.

Fremont City Council
February 2, 2021

Consent Calendar:
• Second reading of stormwater management and discharge control ordinance.
• Second reading of ordinance rezoning a 12.72-acre site at 10 East Las Palmas Avenue.
• Authorize submittal of grant applications for cape and slurry seal projects.
• Authorize temporary parking and landscape agreement with Mission Investment and Management LLC for street right-of-way at 46350 Mission Boulevard.

Ceremonial Items:
• Proclaim February 2021 as Black History Month.
• Honor Fremont Youth Advisory Commission by proclaiming February 2021 as “Mask Up Fremont” Month.

Public Communications:
• Kudos for Fremont Climate Action Plan
• Compliments for positive hearing of Mission Hills project.
• Rancho Arroyo Parkway complaint, lack of response to a CEQA objection request.

Other Business:
• Receive presentation on affordable housing ordinance update. Ordinance revision schedule: Draft (March/April 2021); stakeholder input (April/May 2021); Planning Commission (June 2021); Council hearing and adoption (July).

Council Referrals:
• Appoint Monique Chapman to Senior Citizens Commission.

Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan Aye
Teresa Keng, District 1 Aye
Rick Jones, District 2 Aye
Yang Shao, District 4 Aye
Raj Salwan, District 5 Aye
Teresa Cox, District 6 Aye

Accepting applications for Measure I Parcel Tax Exemption
Submitted by Brian Killgore

Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) has posted information for seniors and other individuals wishing to apply for waivers to the Measure I Parcel Tax.

Approved by voters in 2016, Measure I is a local funding continuation measure to provide additional resources to help local schools continue attracting and retaining highly-qualified teachers, including science teachers, for 21st century education, maintaining math, reading, and writing programs and protecting student safety and security.

FUSD provides an opportunity for senior citizens to apply for a Senior Exemption Waiver to the Measure I Parcel Tax. Fremont residents who are or will be 65 years of age or older on June 30, 2021, and own and live in a single-family homes may apply for this exemption. Residents receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), regardless of age, who own and occupy their principal residence may also apply for an exemption.

The application for the Measure I exemption is only for first-time applicants. Persons who are owners of Parcels used solely for owner-occupied, single-family residential purposes who previously applied for a Measure I exemption are automatically exempted from Measure I and do not have to file a new application.

The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, June 15. Applications and other details are available at www.fremont.k12.ca.us/MeasureI. The application can be printed and mailed – with the required supporting documentation – to the FUSD District Office. For questions, call (510) 979-7709.

Measure I Parcel Tax Exemption
Application Deadline: Tuesday, Jun 15

Mailing Address
Fremont Unified School District Office
4210 Technology Dr., Room 290, Fremont, CA 94538

Fax: (510) 659-2597

www.fremont.k12.ca.us/MeasureI
(510) 979-7709

‘Go Green at Home’ Community Workshop
Submitted by City of Fremont

Interested in learning how you can take climate-friendly, sustainable actions from home? Attend the “Go Green at Home” virtual community workshop on Wednesday, February 10, sponsored by City of Fremont. Learn about the Fremont Green Challenge, which provides easy, affordable actions you can take to help lower your household’s impact on climate change and create a more sustainable community.

To register for the workshop, visit http://fremont.gov/gogreenworkshop. To learn more about the Fremont Green Challenge, visit www.fremontgreenchallenge.org/

‘Go Green at Home’ Workshop via Zoom
Wednesday, Feb 10
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
http://fremont.gov/gogreenworkshop
www.fremontgreenchallenge.org/

Create a Haiku
Submitted by Grace Karr

Fremont Arts Now (FAN) invites you to create an original Haiku poem! To submit your Haiku, join the FAN Facebook page and post your poem there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FremontArtsNow. Remember to write #HaikuFremont to the end of the post.

Haiku is a Japanese poetry form. It is made of up short lines that do not have to rhyme, and is often about nature and the seasons. For this Haiku poem though, please feel free to choose any topic you like! The Haiku structure consists of 3 lines and 17 syllables total: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second, and 5 in the third.

For more information on Haiku, see: www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-haiku.
For questions email FremontArtsNow@gmail.com.

Submission dates are January 20 – April 30, 2021. Submit as many as desired.

Below are a few examples of Haiku from local residents:

By Queenie Chong
Lonely cat seeks fun.
No playmate in sight. Meow! Then
Pounces on shadow.

By Jeffrey Fudenna
Game Stop, won’t stop here
Our crowd is getting real loud
Real change coming now

By Bonita Dutton
I know you are sad
But COVID-19 won’t win
Things will get better

Create a Haiku for Fremont Arts Now
Until Friday, April 30, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FremontArtsNow

Community leaders and volunteers honored
Submitted by Jacqui Diaz

Several individuals and organizations were recently honored by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) at its annual Board of Directors’ Awards Program.

During the January 29 program, which was held online, local community leaders, volunteers and organizations were recognized for their outstanding support to Hayward area community programs and parks during 2020.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Individual of the Year: Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo
• Organization of the Year: Deputy Sheriffs’ Activities League
• Volunteer of the Year: The Oakman Family
• Special Recognition Award: Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley
• HARD Foundation Organization of the Year: Life Chiropractic College West
• HARD Foundation Individual of the Year: Splurge Special Events and Catering

“Without volunteers, partner organizations and supporting agencies, we could not meet our mission,” said Board President Lou Andrade. “We are, without a doubt, incredibly grateful to the countless hours spent by the volunteers and organizations who assist with our programs, along with those individuals who have shown tremendous leadership and are deeply connected to the community we serve especially during such a challenging year as 2020. Thank you all for your contributions.”

The awards program began in 1962 to honor and recognize individuals and organizations who support HARD in its mission to provide quality parks, recreation programs and facilities. For more information about the award program or winners visit the HARD website at www.HaywardRec.org.

Hayward Police Log
Submitted by Hayward PD

Sunday, January 24
• At 12:42 p.m. a man armed with a weapon entered a business in the 3000 block of Depot Rd. He demanded keys and other personal property then went outside and fled in the victim’s vehicle. Police classified this as a carjacking.

Tuesday, January 26
• At 11:34 p.m. a man walked into a local hospital with a significant injury. He said he was in the 100 block of B St. when he was attacked by someone and robbed of personal items.

Saturday, January 30
• At 1:07 p.m. three suspects, upset over a transaction, entered a business in the 20000 block of Industrial Blvd. Several people were forced to stay in place and one victim was assaulted with a weapon. The victim was taken to a local hospital with injuries.

• At 3:05 p.m. an officer attempted to make a traffic stop near A and Alice Streets. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, then crashed into several other vehicles. The driver fled on foot but was located nearby and arrested.

Heartfulness Institute Webinars
Submitted by Beena Shah

Heartfulness Institute offers free meditation webinars to over tens of thousands of employees for the wellbeing of corporate America.

The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption and a loss of balance between our personal and professional lives. There is an urgent need to cope with heightened anxiety related to social isolation, remote working, and uncertainty in the workplace.

Webinars offered by Heartfulness Institute bringing comfort, solace, and most importantly, a renewed perspective with hope for employees working from home. Sessions are delivered free of charge for all participants, and programs are designed with flexibility to suit the working context of the organization and its employees. Not only do webinars provide toolsets, micro practices, playbooks, and journals but also ongoing weekly support from certified trainers.

In one event in October 2020, corporate employees across 20 states and about 48
companies found themselves absorbed in a virtual 3-week meditation series, “Unlock
your Inner Potential through Meditation.” The free webinars were attended by professionals from many major corporations including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Intel, IBM, KPMG, Broadcom, HCSC, Micron, Trinet, General Motors, Expedia, and Walmart Labs.

Heartfulness Meditation is a unique method that helps us operate from a deep sense of centeredness. It regulates the mind, fine-tunes the intellect, and purifies the heart; as a result, our consciousness evolves.

We at Heartfulness Institute invite all organizations to avail of this rich opportunity to
participate in the webinars and see the change for themselves.

www.heartfulnessinstitute.org
contact@heartfulnessinstitute.org

‘Hidden Treasures’ offers a rare look at original ‘Peanuts’ comic strips
Submitted by Stephanie King

A new online exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center brings Peanuts fans inside the world of Charles M. Schulz—and beyond the walls of the Museum—from the comfort of their home. The Museum’s most in-depth online exhibition to date, Hidden Treasures: Unseen Originals from the Schulz Museum shares more than 65 rarely seen original Peanuts comic strips with new, exclusive audio and visual enhancements designed for online audiences.

The original comic strips featured in Hidden Treasures have been displayed only once during a 2019 exhibition of the same name at the Museum. From Snoopy’s doghouse to the Great Pumpkin, the exhibition explores the foundational themes of Peanuts and offers an intimate look at classic favorites. Audiences are invited to zoom in closely on the original strips to view Schulz’s pen strokes, margin notes, and other fine details that are lost in newspaper and book reproductions.

“The original Peanuts strips presented here have very rarely been exhibited to the public,” said Exhibitions Manager Lauren Figueroa. “This includes some consecutive storylines that until recently, likely had not been seen together since they left Schulz’s drawing board years ago!”

The online presentation is also paired with new, behind-the-scenes commentary from the cartoonist’s widow, Jean Schulz, Curator Benjamin L. Clark, and Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates staff members Alexis Fajardo and Justin Thompson.

“To have the opportunity to listen to such personal insight from Jean Schulz and hear the group discuss the comic strips, themes, and storylines is what makes this online exhibition truly unique,” Figueroa added. “It’s an entirely new experience that we’re excited to be sharing with the Peanuts fans.”

Hidden Treasures also takes a deep dive into the anatomy of a comic strip and provides a close look at nearly a dozen objects from the Museum’s archives and collection, including correspondence, sketches, animation cels, and classic Peanuts products.

Available directly on the Schulz Museum’s website (schulzmuseum.org), access to the online exhibition is free for members, and $10 for up to 30 days for non-members. Those interested can get a sneak peek before purchasing via a sample shared on the website (schulzmuseum.org/hidden-treasures-preview).

Hidden Treasures exhibit
Available online now
$10 for up to 30 days
schulzmuseum.org

Honor Roll

Ithaca College, New York
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Quinlan Barrie of Fremont

Wheaton College, Illinois
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Abigail Chen of Hayward
• Lucy Henneker of Castro Valley
• Sarah Kwan of Newark

Georgia Institute of Technology
Fall 2020 Faculty Honors
• Karthik Varadharajan of Fremont
• Vivek Vijaykumar of Fremont
• Alexander Wing of Fremont

Georgia Institute of Technology
Fall 2020 graduates
• Janani Chakrapani of Fremont
• Kavinder Dhaliwal of Fremont
• Yoshi Miyamoto of Fremont
• Krishna Kanth Atmakuru of Fremont
• Nishant Kelkar of Fremont
• Fangxiang Wang of Fremont
• David Grimm of Fremont
• Maziar Motahari of Fremont
• Komal Desai of Fremont
• Allan Zhang of Fremont
• Mingmei Niu of Newark
• Jing Ren of Newark
• Yang Shen of Newark
• Arun Venkatesh of Newark
• Bernardo Santana of Union City
• Arjun Goyal of Milpitas
• Jing-Jing Li of Milpitas
• Deepak Pant of Milpitas
• Yan Xue of Fremont
• Aditi Kumar of Hayward
• Nathan Chan of Fremont
• Yuankai Cai of Milpitas

CONTINUING EVENTS:

Monday – Friday
Free COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing
9 a.m. – 12 noon
Open through February 26, while supplies last
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Gate 12 off Valley Ave, Pleasanton

Monday – Saturday
Free COVID-19 Testing
M-F: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sa: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Drive through, drop-in, and walk-up testing by appointment
Bay Area Community Health
39500 Liberty Street, Fremont
(510) 770-8040

Mondays and Wednesdays
Parenting During COVID R
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual support group to help families cope with challenges encountered during COVID
To register: www.fremont.gov/3060/Caregiver-Support
(510) 574-2100

Mondays and Wednesdays
Ohlone VIP Services for Small Businesses
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Support for small business
Via Zoom
https://www.ohlone.edu/ohlone-college-live-support
acsbdc@ohlone.edu
(510) 516-4118

Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: info@chambersingers.org

Tuesdays, January 26 – April 13
Grief & Loss Support Group
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
An online space for individuals experiencing loss
Deadline to join: 1/15/21
(800) 260-0094
jwolfinger@crisissupport.org

Wednesdays, January 27, February 17, and March 10
Never Forget: A Writers Workshop for Japanese-Americans R
10 a.m. – 12 noon
3-part workshop focused on 2nd generation novice Japanese-American writers
To register, email education@haywardareahistory.org
www.haywardareahistory.org

Wednesdays, January 20 – April 14
National Geographic Live Virtual Events $
7 p.m.
1/20: Life on Other Worlds
2/10: Scientific Exposure
2/24: Reimagining Dinosaurs
3/17: Feats of Filmmaking
3/31: Mysterious Seas
4/14: Women and Migration
LivermoreArts.org
(925) 373-6800
Nationalgeographic.com/events

Wednesday – Saturday
Free COVID-19 Testing
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive through and walk-up testing by appointment
Make appointment at: https://ac.fulgentgenetics.com/
Glad Tidings Church
1000 Glad Tidings Way, Hayward

Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic

Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Youth Group
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: brian@newarkpress.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org

Thursdays, January 14 – March 4
Life Review Group
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Life is a journey. Explore the story of your life
1-800-260-0094/ jwolfinger@crisissupport.org

Saturdays
Virtual Telescope Viewing R
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Free on Facebook Live
Join resident astronomers live from Chabot’s observation deck
https://chabotspace.org/calendar/

Saturdays
Online Comedy Shows R$
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Made Up Theatre’s interactive comedy has gone to YouTube!

Saturdays & Sundays
India Community Center Youth Programs R$
Art Class (K-5): Saturdays, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., 1/23 – 5/15
Hindi Class (1-6): Sundays, 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Public Speaking (2-6): Sundays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Bollywood Class (all ages): Every Day, 1/11 – 5/16
EnActe Voice Acting for Animation (3-8): Sundays, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
EnActe Art of Performance (3-8): Sundays, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, 1/24 – 5/16
https://www.indiacc.org/programs/enrichment-program-registration/
youthprograms@indiacc.org

Sundays
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church Family Service
10 a.m.
Via ZOOM
For link, call (510) 471-2581
https://sacbc.org/

Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Worship Services
8:30 a.m.; Worship Service
12 noon: Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: office@newarkpres.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org

Sundays, January 24 – February 21
Winter Treats Virtual Baking Class
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more! Grades 3 – 6
https://bit.ly/3pWuVNW

Last Thursday of the Month, January – June
Mini MBA in Entrepreneurship
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Self-paced virtual program for early-stage entrepreneurs

UPCOMING

Tuesday, February 9
Every Business is Going Online – Part 2 R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47680

Wednesday, February 10
AMC Online Math Contest $R
For Fremont students. Deadline to apply is 1/11/21
https://bit.ly/3nyTAre

Wednesday, February 10
Music & Movement for Kids R
3:30 p.m.
Free program through Music For Minors II
Via Zoom: https://forms.gle/MJD8MQ9PpVMfosvH8
www.musicforminors2.org

Wednesday, February 10
Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Featuring social media marketing expert Irene Koehler
Via Zoom
tinyurl.com/TCNPCFeb2021

Wednesday, February 10
Fremont Landlord Engagement Webinar R
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Learn about the benefits of partnering with non-profit rental assistance programs
Via Zoom
https://conta.cc/3rls2qP
rentreview@fremont.gov
(510) 574-2088

Thursday, February 11
Show Your Love – Virtual Cooking & Wine Event $R
6 p.m.
Prepare a decadent, home-cooked meal at home. Proceeds benefit Spectrum Community Services
Register at https://bit.ly/3qdqK0y

Thursday, February 11
Implementation of Business Development Strategies R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47749

Friday, February 12
Black Business Roundtable R
12 noon
Presentation by radio personality/business consultant Margaret Jackson
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 853 1597 0080
Passcode: 606834
https://bit.ly/3ax24d6

Saturday, February 13
Social Write-In R
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Meet other writers. Hosted by Fremont Area Writers
Via Zoom
Email scottfrombayside@yahoo.com for link

Tuesday, February 16
International Business Guidance R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47789

Tuesday, February 16
HERStory: Black Women in US American History
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Conversation with Dr. Janice Jones, Professor of History and Childhood Education Studies at Ohlone College
Via Zoom
http://https/cccconfer.zoom.us/j/93165231404

Tuesday, February 16
Science Night: Nuclear Fusion & More R
6 p.m.
Learn about harnessing the power of fusion from scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Via Zoom
http://bit.ly/35FFfCn

Wednesday, February 17
When Your Heart Needs a Little Help R
6:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about advanced techniques in cardiac care
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070

Thursday, February 18
Women Empowering Women: Living Heart Healthy R
7:00 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Join the Women Empowering Women support group
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070

Thursday, February 18
Website Development & Optimization Webinar – Part 1 R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47793

Thursday, February 18
Hayward Nonprofit Alliance
10 a.m.
Featuring Oakland Zoo Executive Vice President Nik Dehejia
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 832 8413 7646
Passcode: 253547
https://bit.ly/3trONLD

Friday, February 19
14th Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser – At Home Edition
Pick up a delicious dinner of fresh crab to enjoy at home
Pick Up Times: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Buy tickets ($60) online at: https://bit.ly/Crabfeed2021awc
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
(510) 790-6602
agewellcenters@fremont.gov

Friday, February 19
Cultivating Resilience R
11 a.m.
Learn the reflective strategies for cultivating resilience
Email FSharifi@Fremont.gov to register
(510) 574-2035

Saturday, February 20
4th Annual Symbiosis Youth Summit R
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Understanding intersectionality—the overlap between race, class, gender, etc.
Via Zoom
https://www.symbiosissummit.com/

Monday, February 22
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Annual Rotary Speech Contest
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524

Tuesday, February 23
Sustainable Systems During Covid R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47839

Wednesday, February 24
Move From Stress to Success R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47806

Thursday, February 25
“I AM SHE”
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Monologue excerpts from local activist Cat Brooks and discussion with Dr. Crystallee Crian
Via Zoom
Passcode: Ohlone
https://bit.ly/3jgMCWo

Thursday, February 25
Resolving Family Conflict Through Elder Mediation
11:30 a.m.
Learn how to resolve conflict successfully
Via Facebook Live
https://fb.me/e/Kza0HU3K

Thursday, February 25
Caregiving and Forgiveness R
11 a.m.
Discussion of forgiveness as a key element of taking care of yourself
Email FSharifi@Fremont.gov to register
(510) 574-2035

Friday, February 26
Lent: Season of Transformation – A Virtual Lent Retreat R
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Help support the ongoing work of the Center for Education and Spirituality
RSVP by 2/25/21

(510) 933-6360

Friday, February 26
Latino Business Roundtable
9 a.m.
Featuring the executive director of the Rental Housing Association of Southern Alameda County
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 837 3766 2857
Passcode: 439540
https://bit.ly/3pST2h1

Saturday, February 27
Implications of UC’s Decision to Drop SAT/ACT R
11 a.m.
Free webinar explaining new college admission guidelines
Bit.ly/39lusQa
www.uceazy.com

Sunday, February 28
The Call to Action: Climate Change, Pandemic and a Vulnerable World R
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
David Peritz, PhD, explains the “vulnerable world hypothesis”
Via Zoom: RSVP by 2/27/21

(510) 933-6360

Monday, March 1
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Overton Moore talks about their development project at 1000 Gilbratar, Milpitas
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524

Wednesday, March 3
Advanced Treatments for Knee Pain Help R
4:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee pain
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070

Thursday, March 4
COVID-19: How to Make Your Business Virtual R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47770

Thursday, March 4
Climate Change – We Can All Be Part of the Solution R
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Patrick Journey from Community Climate Solutions will present
Via Zoom
www.lwvfnuc.org/zoom
Schacter@comcast.net

Saturday, March 13
Drive-In Concert $
Gareth Emery: We’ll Be OK
3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/2X0zkmM
7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3pyqCYY
Alameda County Fairgrounds
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton

Tuesday, March 16
COVID-19: The Road Ahead R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Hear from an infectious disease specialist about the latest clinical developments
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070

Saturday, March 20
Niles Rotary’s Spring Fling $R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual fundraiser for Fremont schools
https://one.bidpal.net/niles/welcome

Saturday, March 20
77th Annual Hayward Chamber of Commerce Gala R$
6 p.m.
Virtual celebration honoring Business Person, Educator, Firefighter, and Police Officer of the Year
www.hayward.org
(510) 537-2424
Linda Lucille Urquhart, of Fremont, CA, passed away peacefully, January 28, 2021, at the age of 80. She is proceeded in death by her husband, George and her daughters, Brenda and Karen. She is survived by her sons, Brad and Brent, her daughter, Bonnie and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to-Pacific Autism Center for Education/Mahalo House, 1055 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Rd., #9, Sunnyvale, CA 94087.

Mary J. Grimaldi
Resident of Morgan Hill
June 5, 1916 – February 1, 2021

May J. Grimaldi, 104 passed away peacefully February 1, 2021 in Morgan Hill, CA.
She was born June 5, 1916 to Frank and Louise Maciel in Crescent City, CA.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, John B. Grimaldi and is survived by her daughter, Mary Ferraris, son-in-law John Ferraris, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
For several years she was chief operator for the west coast telephone company in Crescent City and then in 1957, she relocated to Fremont, CA, for many years until she retired, she worked for various charities running their residential fund raising campiness. Her favorite charity was the arthritis foundation. Her mother had suffered for years with the disease. She also kept busy working in her yard tending to her flowers and she enjoyed going to casino and playing the slots.
For the past 6 year she has lived in Morgan Hill, CA.
Donations may be made in her name to your favorite charity.
A Private Service will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward with a Celebration of life to be held at a later date.
Fremont Chapel of the Rose
510-797-1900

Mental health support: for students, by students
By Harshdeep Singh Nanda
Photo courtesy of Netra Yadav

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit in more ways than one. While it has affected daily livelihoods, when it comes to health, work, school and our social interactions with family and friends, it has also had a devastating effect on the average student’s mental health. While school districts can provide services to address this issue, many local districts are already overwhelmed with scheduling and management of online learning. In order to address this need, a group of local students of the Fremont Unified School District have launched a new non-profit organization, “Global Mental Health Outreach.”

Led by Irvington High School student, Netra Yadav, this organization was created in March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic. “Since school had shifted to an online format, I realized how stressful it was to adjust to this new environment and maintain good grades while also balancing a life at home,” Yadav said. “This led me to research the various mental health resources that may be available to me as a student through my school and online.”

Yadav learned that her high school offered a comprehensive menu of services for mental health support; however, she understood that this was a privilege. “A lot of my friends [at other schools] did not have access to the same resources,” said Yadav. This lack of equitable access is what inspired Yadav to start an initiative to connect students around the world to mental health resources.

After assembling a team of peers from her high school, other local schools (Mission San Jose High School, Washington High School and American High School), and connecting with a few international students online, Yadav embarked on leading a new organization – Global Mental Health Outreach. Yadav connected over Facebook with two individuals who reside in Hong Kong, both of whom now serve as Vice Presidents of the organization.

“The goal of this organization is to create webinars, presentations, and other content pulling from the expertise of psychologists and other existing resources,” said Yadav. “Apart from this, we are currently developing a mobile app that will allow users to anonymously share their issues and thoughts and get feedback and support from other anonymous users. The goal of this app is to build a platform that fosters productive relationships and provides a non-judgmental environment for students around the world.”

As President and Founder of the organization, Yadav has assembled a team of about 30 individuals and assistance from a consultant to become a 501(c)(3) non-profit. In the long run, apart from her goal to reach student across the globe, Yadav hopes to open up the platform to the general public, with resources that are not just oriented toward students, but focus on issues that exist globally. The organization has, so far, served about 50 individuals and continues to grow. At this time, Global Mental Health Outreach has an active website and markets its services on Instagram.

Websit: https://globalmentalhealth7.wixsite.com/outreach
Instagram: @globalmentalhealth.outreach

Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Milpitas PD

Wednesday, February 3
• At 2:46 a.m. officers responded to a 911 call from a security guard regarding a suspicious person rummaging through a car near the 1600 block of Lee Way. The caller provided dispatchers with a description of the suspect. Arriving officers with a K9 unit located the male suspect hiding in bushes near Houret Court. They detained him while they contacted the car’s owner who confirmed the car had been burglarized. A record check showed the suspect, a 24-year-old San Lorenzo man, was on Alameda County Probation for possession of a stolen vehicle. He was arrested and booked into jail on charges of auto burglary and possession of burglary tools, and on an outstanding felony auto burglary warrant.

Milpitas City Council
February 2, 2021

Proclamation:
• February proclaimed as Black History Month.

Announcement:
• Wendy Wood is the new City Clerk for the City of Milpitas.

Consent Calendar:
• Adopted a resolution declaring weeds on specific properties to be public nuisances and set a public hearing on March 2, 2021.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute Master Agreement with Valley Water District for Flood Protection Improvements within Lower Calera Creek, Lower Penitencia Creek, and Lower Berryessa Creek. Authorized reimbursement to the Valley Water District for city improvements completed as part of the Flood Protection work.
• Approved recommendations for final appointments by the Mayor for the Planning Commission, and Science, Technology and Innovation Commission. Approved Mayor’s recommendation for the removal from the Economic Development and Trade Commission.

Community Development:
• Conducted fourth Study Session on the Milpitas Metro Specific Plan. Provided feedback and direction on key policies for transportation, mobility, circulation, and traffic to guide the preparation of the final Draft.

Community Services and Sustainable Infrastructure:
• Received a presentation on the draft City Trail, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Master Plan. Provided guidance on further development of the Plan.

Leadership and Support Services:
• Discussed and provided input regarding desired service levels to inform the FY 2021-22 Budget development and prioritization of additional Workplan items. Some items were parked for future consideration.
• Discussed and provided direction regarding financial support for utility payments for businesses, and delay of payment for annual fees charged to businesses. Approved the policy recommendations. Vote: Aye 4, Abstain 1 (Phan)

Historical Heritage:
• Authorized the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Historical Heritage Grant Program Funding Agreement between the City of Milpitas and the County of Santa Clara for the Alviso Adobe Renovation.

Rich Tran (Mayor) Aye
Carmen Montano (Vice Mayor) Aye
Anthony Phan Aye Abstain 1
Karina Dominguez Aye
Evelyn Chua Aye

Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD

Friday, January 15
• At 12:57 a.m. Community Service Officer Lau investigated a vehicle burglary in the 6000 block of Quartz Place that occurred sometime between 11:00 p.m. and 12:57 a.m. Someone had smashed the vehicle’s window and taken a stereo.

Saturday, January 16
• At 7:11 a.m. Officer Rivas investigated a report of an assault in the 34000 block of Newark Blvd. The person fled the scene prior to the officer’s arrival. After further investigation, Rivas located the suspect, identified by police as a 39-year-old male transient, and arrested him on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm). He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Tuesday, January 19
• At 8:57 p.m. officers responded to a report of a theft that had just occurred in the 25000 block of Newark Blvd. A suspect caused $3,000 worth of damage; officers are investigating.

Thursday, January 21
• During an 11:35 a.m. parking enforcement stop in the area of Sunrose Drive and Rockspray Street, Traffic Officers Piquette and Johnson arrested a 38-year-old Hayward woman on suspicion of identity theft to obtain credit and displaying false registration. She was cited and released.

• At 4:14 p.m. Officers Damewood and Palacio responded to a report of a disturbance in the 37000 block of Elm Street. They arrested a 36-year Newark man on suspicion of battery. As officers attempted to detain the man, a struggled ensued which prompted additional charges of obstructing a police officer and battery on a peace officer. The man was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Friday, January 22
At 1:44 a.m. Officer Warren located a stolen vehicle in the 39000 block of Cedar Blvd. The vehicle was reported stolen from San Jose.

• During a 2:34 p.m. traffic enforcement stop in the 34000 block of Newark Blvd., Officer Fredstrom arrested a 29-year-old Newark man on suspicion of driving with a suspended license, restricted driver using a vehicle without interlock device, and an outstanding warrant. The man was issued a new court date and released.

• At 4:36 p.m. officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 5000 block of Saint Mark Ave. The suspects fled prior to officer arrival, but the victim of a battery was found nearby. The incident is being investigated by Officer San Pedro.

• At 6:54 p.m. officers responded to the 7000 block of Jarvis Ave on a report of a strong-arm robbery that had just occurred. The loss was a pair of shoes.

Pilot project underway to open vaccination sites nationwide
Submitted by Governor's Press Office

California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a pilot project to establish community vaccination sites in Oakland and Los Angeles. Preparations and buildout of these two locations are underway, and the sites are expected to be open to eligible members of the public beginning February 16.

These pilot sites, which will be based at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum and California State University, Los Angeles, are part of the wider effort to establish 100 vaccination sites nationwide in the federal administration’s first 100 days. The sites will be co-run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of California through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

“In the fight against COVID-19, partnership is key, especially when it comes to reaching Californians in underserved areas,” said Newsom. “These new sites will help us get available supply to some of the California communities most in need. I thank the Biden Administration for standing with us as we continue our efforts to safely, swiftly and equitably vaccinate all Californians.”

FEMA will provide resources and federal staffing support to establish these new community vaccination centers as well as operational support. The two locations chosen for these efforts are in some of the most diverse and socioeconomically challenged communities in the country. They are also communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and are home to essential workers who have borne the brunt of keeping the economy open over the past year.

The goal of establishing these joint federal pilot sites is to continue to expand the rate of vaccinations in California in an efficient, effective, and equitable manner, with an explicit focus on making sure that communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection are not left behind.

To expand the reach of these state-federal sites further into the communities, each of these new sites will be paired with two mobile vaccination clinics, which can be deployed to multiple locations to amplify and to provide distribution to areas that otherwise lack sufficient support. Registration for vaccine appointments at these two sites will be available through the state’s MyTurn scheduling system.

Under the sea, humans have changed ocean sounds
By Christina Larson
AP Science Writer

WASHINGTON (AP), Feb 04 – Not only are humans changing the surface and temperature of the planet, but also its sounds – and those shifts are detectable even in the open ocean, according to research published Thursday.

Changes in the ocean soundscape affect wide swaths of marine life, from tiny snapping shrimp to huge right whales, the researchers found.

“Sounds travel very far underwater. For fish, sound is probably a better way to sense their environment than light,” said Francis Juanes, an ecologist at the University of Victoria in Canada and a co-author of the paper in the journal Science.

While light tends to scatter in water, he said, sounds travel much faster through water than through air.

Many fish and marine animals use sound to communicate with each other, to locate promising locations to breed or feed, and possibly to detect predators. For example, snapping shrimp make a sound resembling popping corn that stuns their prey. Humpback whale songs can resemble a violinist's melodies.

But increased noise from shipping traffic, motorized fishing vessels, underwater oil and gas exploration, offshore construction and other human activity is making it harder for fish to hear each other.

The researchers sifted through thousands of data sets and research articles documenting changes in noise volume and frequency to assemble a comprehensive picture of how the ocean soundscape is changing – and how marine life is impacted.

Using underwater microphones, scientists can record fish sounds – which tend to hover around the same low frequencies as shipping traffic noise.

“For many marine species, their attempts to communicate are being masked by sounds that humans have introduced,” said Carlos Duarte, a marine ecologist at the Red Sea Research Center in Saudi Arabia and co-author of the paper.

The Red Sea is one of the world's key shipping corridors, full of large vessels traveling to Asia, Europe and Africa. Some fish and invertebrates now avoid the noisiest areas, as the sound effectively fragments their Red Sea habitat, he said.

Meanwhile the overall number of marine animals has declined by about half since 1970. In some parts of the ocean, scientists now record “fewer animals singing and calling than in the past – those voices are gone,” said Duarte.

Climate change also influences physical processes that shape ocean sounds, such as winds, waves and melting ice, the researchers found.

“Imagine having to raise your kids in a place that's noisy all the time. It's no wonder many marine animals are showing elevated and detectable levels of stress due to noise,” said Joe Roman, a University of Vermont marine ecologist, who was not involved in the paper.

“When people think of threats facing the ocean, we often think of climate change, plastics and overfishing. But noise pollution is another essential thing we need to be monitoring,” said Neil Hammerschlag, a University of Miami marine ecologist, who was not involved with the paper.

“If you make something for the ocean, think about how to make it quieter,” he said.

Sound pollution may be simpler to address than other ocean threats, said the University of Victoria's Juanes. “In theory, you can reduce or turn off sound immediately – it's not like plastics or climate change, which are much harder to undo.”
–––

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

Register for Noncredit Spring Courses
Submitted by Ohlone College Advancement

Ohlone College is offering noncredit Spring 2021 classes through May; registration has begun. Noncredit courses are tuition-free, repeatable, and do not require proof of residency. Noncredit is intended for students who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, enrich their understanding about a wide range of topics, or develop personal interests.

Spring 2021 Classes:
• Legal Aspects Small Business
• Developing Your Business Plan
• Time Management
• Writing Skills for Managers
• Effective Job Search Skills II
• Communication in the Workplace
• Managing Organizational Change
• Intro to Comp System & Support
• Real Estate Exam Preparation I
• Foundations of Math Success

The classes will take place via online instruction – class will meet with a live instructor at the time and day scheduled, via ConferZoom. Students will need to have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. The instructor will send a link to enrolled students via email.

View the complete list at www.ohlone.edu/noncredit/courses. To apply, visit www.ohlone.edu/noncredit/getting-started. For details, contact Emily Burns at (510) 742-2308 or noncredit@ohlone.edu.

Spring 2021 Classes (Online)
Through May
Registration Ongoing
(510) 742-2308
www.ohlone.edu/noncredit/courses
www.ohlone.edu/noncredit/getting-started
noncredit@ohlone.edu

Oscar Espinas
Resident of Fremont
Dec. 11, 1938 – Jan. 31, 2021

Oscar Espinas will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, intellect, and big heart. Known for his warm smile, Oscar embraced everyone into the Espinas family. Oscar was born in Polangui, Philippines in 1938 to Santiago Espinas and Magdalena Encisa. He was one of six children.
Influenced by his father who had to drop out of medical school prior to completion to take care of his family, Oscar decided to follow the same dream. He completed medical school at the University Of Santo Tomas in 1962. The following year, Oscar left the Philippines to continue his medical studies in the United States. He did an internship at Kansas University then residencies in neurology at the University of Wisconsin and the Truman Medical Center in Missouri. He wrapped up his studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Oscar married Carmen Gomez in 1970 while living in New York. Shortly after, they gave birth to their first son Steve in Brooklyn. During this time, he practiced medicine at the Coney Island Hospital. Eventually the couple made their journey to California in 1972 where Oscar began his work at the VA Hospital in Fremont. Shortly after, they gave birth to three more boys: Paul, Jim, and Carlo. Oscar set up a private practice in Fremont, California and practiced there as a neurologist for over 30 years.
Oscar and Carmen loved playing tennis and spending time with their circle of church friends and Filipino community. Oscar was a member of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California and went on several medical missions to the Philippines. Oscar also loved to travel and especially loved to play black jack often joking that he could pay for the trip with his winnings.
Towards the end of his life, Oscar was resilient and still held a smile each day as he spoke to his family on the phone each week. His grandchildren loved spending time with Oscar especially at frequent family dim sum gatherings.
Oscar passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2021 due to complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, his sons Steve, Paul, Jim, and Carlo, and his grandchildren Mia, Kai, Clementine, Camille, and Carly, and siblings Ofelia and Roger. Oscar will be forever in our hearts and dearly missed.
Those in the community who may have crossed paths with Oscar are welcome to share memories or tributes on the memorial page: https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/OscarEspinas/

Onion sets are here
By Pat Kite

Onion sets are now available. Onion sets are small onion bulbs sold for garden planting. They should be about 3/4 inches wide, no larger. It takes about three months for them to become full size onions. Onions are climate fussy, and it can be hard to know which onions do better in your zone. You can play guessing games, do a lot of research, or presume a local shop might offer the best local variety. From catalogues: midseason and day-neutral are recommended.

Onion’s origins remain a mystery. There is an ancient Turkish legend explaining that when Satan was cast out of heaven, garlic sprouted where he first placed his left foot and onions sprouted where he placed the right.

Already cultivated for 5,000 years, the first written onion record comes from Mesopotamia, circa 2,400 BC. Onions were regarded as food for the poor, who ate them raw on bread accompanied by beer. Ancient Greeks used onions to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. Before competing, athletes would sip onion juice, rub onions on their bodies, and eat several pounds of onions. Onions were also used as marriage gifts and rent payments.

Our Native Americans used wild onions, and when our Pilgrim ancestors arrived on the Mayflower, they quickly began onion planting. Some researchers claim onions were the first vegetable planted by the first colonists in North America. Besides cooked and uncooked onions, onions were used as medicine.

According to the Internet, not really verified, the essential oil extracted from an onion is an “expectorant, anticoagulant, antiseptic, antifungal, high blood pressure, anthelmintic, balsamic,” plus has assorted pain-killing traits. Onions were packed in almost every covered wagon. During the Civil War, supplies were so essential that General Ulysses S. Grant once complained that he could not move his army unless the government sent him more onions. He eventually received more onion supplies, and his army went marching on.

Good crumbly soil helps. Our Tri City soil tends to be clay. Heavy clay means plants struggle, giving you smaller plants and water-logging that can lead to plant disease. When planting, add some manure and perhaps some sand. Place bulbs about five inches apart right below soil surface, pointy end up. Place in sun. Keep weeds away. But you do need to water during the first three weeks after planting, as this is when surface roots are forming. When the onions mature, the tops begin yellowing and topple over. If you use fertilizer: 5-10-5 is preferred.

For a list of assorted onion remedies, check out the National Onion Association, 218 Oak Avenue, Eaton, CO 80615. info@onions-usa.org.

Pedro Hernandez passed away peacefully on January 21,2021 in Fremont, California.
He was born on December 4,1932 in Del Rio, Texas to Juan and Juana Hernandez.

Pedro joined the United States Army in 1950 and served in the Korean war in the1st Caliber Cavalry division.He served 3 years.

He met and married his lovely wife Diamantina and they had six children and lived in Mission San Jose district for 57 years.
He worked 35 years and retired from General Motors in Fremont, Ca.

Pedro had much love for his family and he loved watching it grow as his grand children had children and he loved to tell his family and friends how many he and his wife had
15 grand children and 20 great grand-children.
Pedro’s favorite pastimes were buying lottery tickets, going gambling with his daughters and watching his favorites teams the Oakland Raiders and Oakland A’s with his wife sitting beside him cheering them on.

He took much joy in family outings, and loved having family get togethers in the backyard and celebrating the holidays with all his family.

Pedro will be missed for his kind heart, laughter and helping others.
He loved sharing his stories of Korea and the pride he had of serving his county.

Pedro was preceded in death by his wife Diamantina Hernandez, son Juan Hernandez and daughter Olga Meager. He is survived by his daughters Rebecca Cabanas, Delia Rodrigues, Debbie Twist and Irene Schwab.

Donations may be made to:
Brookdale Hospice 4574 Stonebridge Dr, Suite 206, Pleasanton, ca 94588.
In loving memory of Pedro and Diamantina Hernandez as their daughters appreciate all the care and supported for their loving parents.

Call for Artists
Submitted by Olive Hyde Art Gallery

The 7th Annual Juried Art Show presented by The Piedmont Center for the Arts is a juried art exhibition selected from submissions highlighting a large variety of contemporary 2-D works by Bay Area artists. Featuring original art created within the past year, 35 pieces will be selected by guest jurors René de Guzman, Oakland Museum of California, Senior Curator of Art, Oakland Museum of California, and Danielle Fox, Principal, Slate Gallery, Oakland.

Thanks to the John P. Thornborrow Memorial Endowment Fund, cash awards totaling $4,000 allocated to juror-designated award winners will be presented during the opening reception Friday, April 16.

ELIGIBILITY: Must reside/work within the nine countries of the Greater Bay Area Artists including: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.

SUBMISSIONS: $20 Entry Fee. Link to online entry, more detailed information and submission guidelines: http://www.piedmontcenterforthearts.org/.

DEADLINE for entry: Monday, February 22, 2021

Piedmont Center for the Arts 7th juried show
Deadline: Monday, Feb 22
$20
http://www.piedmontcenterforthearts.org/

Property Tax Law Change
Submitted by Peter Kim

Last year, California voters approved Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act. Beginning on February 16, 2021, significant property tax law changes will take place, specifically for families transferring real property between parents and children, or between grandparents and grandchildren if the parents are deceased.

“We are about [a week away] before the new law goes into effect,” said California State Board of Equalization (BOE) Chairman Antonio Vazquez. “Families who planned to leave property to their children should immediately evaluate their options and make a decision that’s best for their own circumstances.”

Once operative, Proposition 19 only allows for a parent’s primary residence to be transferred without a property tax increase if their child keeps the home as their primary residence. In addition, Proposition 19 caps the transferable amount equal to the home’s taxable value at the time of transfer plus $1 million. The $1 million allowance will be adjusted annually beginning in 2023. Family farms can also be eligible but further clarification is expected from the State Legislature.

For latest information on Proposition 19, visit www.boe.ca.gov/.

California court rejects lawsuit challenging ride-share vote
By Brian Melley
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) Feb 03 – The California Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit Wednesday that sought to overturn a ballot measure that makes app-based ride-hailing and delivery drivers independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections.

Justices declined to hear the case brought by drivers and unions opposed to the measure. The case can be filed in a lower court.

The lawsuit claimed the measure was unconstitutional because it limits the power of the Legislature and excludes drivers from being eligible for workers' compensation.

Proposition 22 passed in November with 58% support and shielded companies like Uber and Lyft from a new state labor law that would have required app-based services to treat drivers as employees and not independent contractors.

It was the most expensive ballot measure in state history with Uber, Lyft and other services putting $200 million behind the effort to undo a law that had been aimed squarely at them by labor-friendly Democrats. Unions, who joined drivers in the lawsuit, spent about $20 million to challenge the proposition.

When the lawsuit seeking speedy review was filed directly with the Supreme Court last month, Mary-Beth Moylan, associate dean of McGeorge Law School in Sacramento, said the first challenge would be getting the court to take the case.

Moylan said the high court could simply kick the case to a lower court if it felt there was no urgency to it and there were factual – not just legal – issues to weigh first.

Many drivers for the services had opposed the measure because they wanted to maintain the flexibility to set their own schedules.

“We're thankful, but not surprised, that the California Supreme Court has rejected this meritless lawsuit,” said Jim Pyatt, a Modesto retiree who drives for Uber, in a statement from a group that supports Proposition 22. “We're hopeful this will send a strong signal to special interests to stop trying to undermine the will of voters.”

Opponents of the referendum had said the companies exploited drivers and the ballot measure would deny them benefits required for many types of other workers.

The parties who brought the case said they were disappointed and would continue to challenge the measure but didn't say how or if they would refile the case.

“Make no mistake: we are not deterred in our fight to win a livable wage and basic rights,” plaintiff Hector Castellanos said in a statement from Proposition 22 opponents. “We will consider every option available to protect California workers from attempts by companies like Uber and Lyft to subvert our democracy and attack our rights in order to improve their bottom lines.”

Proposition 22 granted the delivery services an exemption from AB5, a landmark labor law that would have required providing drivers with protections like minimum wage, overtime, health insurance and reimbursement for expenses.

Uber and Lyft had challenged AB5, which threatened their business model, in court. They threatened to leave the state if voters rejected the measure.

Under the measure, drivers remain independent contractors exempt from mandates such as sick leave and workers' comp but are supposed to receive “alternative benefits,” including a guaranteed minimum wage and subsidies for health insurance if they average 25 hours of work a week.

PG&E will pay up to $190 million to clean up San Francisco marina
AP Wire Service

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jan 15 – Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the nation's largest utility, has agreed to pay up to $190 million to clean up and revitalize a San Francisco harbor that was polluted by a long-closed gas plant, it was announced Friday.

The agreement, announced by City Attorney Dennis Herrera, involves the Marina Small Craft Harbor, which is the city's oldest recreational marina.

The city sued PG&E in 2001 over pollution from a coal gasification plant near the harbor that closed nearly 90 years ago. The plant produced gas for San Francisco customers.

The settlement, which requires approval from the Board of Supervisors, calls for PG&E to pay for cleaning up pollution in the East Harbor, replace failing docks and help fund a bayside park and other recreational opportunities under a design from the city's Recreation and Park Department.

The utility could get some of that money back from future marina boat fees.

“I'm pleased that PG&E is finally doing the right thing in this instance and paying to clean up its pollution,” Herrera said in a statement. “It's unfortunate we had to take them to court and then negotiate for years to get this outcome.“

The settlement was part of an ongoing discussion with the city “as part of PG&E's commitment to environmental responsibility and public safety,“ spokesman Jeff Smith said in a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Acting library director appointed
Submitted by Paul Sanftner

Bill Sherwood, library services manager, San Leandro Public Library, has been appointed to serve as the acting library director, effective February 4. Sherwood was selected by Interim City Manager Fran Robustelli following the retirement of Library Director Theresa Mallon.

In 2002, Sherwood began his career with the San Leandro Library as a part-time librarian and was subsequently promoted to various roles including the senior librarian and administrative analyst. In 2015, Sherwood was promoted to his most recent position as library services manager, the second highest position within the department. He has overseen the Manor Library Branch, Digital Branch, Adult Services and Reference, Teen Services, and the library’s Support Division, which includes IT, Technical Services, Circulation, Facilities, and Security.

In response to his appointment, Sherwood said, “I look forward to working with the outstanding library staff to continue delivering the high-quality services that the community has come to expect, while leading a culture of innovation by finding new ways to create and provide programs and services for everyone.”

The process for determining the permanent director is now underway and Sherwood’s service in this acting assignment is expected to continue until that process is concluded.

San Leandro Police Log
Submitted by Officer Jennifer Crosby

Tuesday, February 1
• At around 6:40 p.m. officers responded to a 911 call about a burglary in the 500 block of Callan Ave. The caller said the suspect fled the scene in a brown SUV. Arriving officers located a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle description speeding through a residential area, but briefly lost sight of it. Soon, officers located the same SUV at Bancroft Avenue and Oakes Boulevard, where the SUV had collided with another motorist and then flipped several times before coming to rest in the 600 block of Oakes Boulevard. Officers approached and located a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun outside the SUV. In all, the SUV had collided with three other vehicles, one of which was occupied. The occupants of that vehicle were uninjured, and the sole occupant of the brown SUV was taken to a trauma hospital. The accident resulted in a reported power outage in the area. An investigation later determined that the brown SUV was not related to the initial burglary investigation; but it was unclear why the SUV was traveling at such high speeds. The suspect, identified by police as Bryant Abernathy, 23, of Hayward was arrested and faces firearms and vehicle code related charges.

San Leandro City Council
February 1, 2021

Recognitions:
• Proclamation declaring February 2021 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
• Recognition of Employee of the Quarter: Thomas Browning, Park Maintenance Worker III, Public works.
• Recognition of San Leandro student Brandon Richard Do for being a winning participant in the STEM category at the Synopsis Science and Technology Championship, hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Association.

Public comments:
• A citizen from District 1 submitted a comment expressing disappointment that Captain Luis Torres was appointed as acting chief of the San Leandro Police Department by Interim City Manager Fran Robustelli without holding a public hearing first. Another citizen submission said a letter signed by 250 citizens has been sent to the City Council, along with a proposal about creating a civilian police department oversight board. Another citizen commended the selection of Captain Luis Torres as acting police chief. Another citizen expressed concern about a problem with homeless people living along the railroad tracks in the Western Avenue area.

Action items:
• Council voted to table a proposed ordinance adopting Chapter 2.10, Bay Fair Transit-Oriented Development (B-TOD) District of the San Leandro Zoning Code, amending the San Leandro Zoning Map, and adopting miscellaneous related amendments to the San Leandro Municipal Code and Zoning Code.

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Nay
Pete Ballew Nay
Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye
Bryan Azevedo Aye
Fred Simon Aye
Deborah Cox Aye
Corina Lopez Aye
Bruce Schiller

Resident of Oroville
February 16, 1952 – January 25, 2021

Bruce Martin Schiller, 68, passed away on January 25, 2021. He was born February 16, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, to David Schiller and Selma Radoff. He served in the Navy and was honorably discharged during the Vietnam Campaign. For twenty-two years, he was a school bus driver in Long Island, New York. Bruce was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Fremont Boulevard. He is survived by his wife, Susan Aro-Schiller, his son Justin, and his three step-children, Joe (Miruna), Mark (Laura), and Anne Williams; and his grand-children Sierra, Boston, Emily, and Cheyenne.

Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition meeting
Submitted by Tina Fernandez Steckler

The Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition’s free February meeting will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., and will feature social media marketing and personal branding expert Irene Koehler. Nonprofit Champions — all those who support local nonprofits — are welcome to attend. The Coalition's informative monthly meetings are a great way to connect and learn!

Irene Koehler has helped thousands improve business results by refining their marketing strategies and building their personal brands. Through her coaching programs, Koehler prepares businesses and successful professionals to magnetically attract their ideal audience and build credibility.

Koehler is a respected speaker, trainer, and strategist, as well as an Adjunct Professor teaching the Social Media Marketing Certification Program at San Francisco State University and Social Media for Non-profits at California State University. Her presentation will include time for Q&A. The meeting will also include an icebreaker and highlight two Tri-City area nonprofits.

This Zoom event is free. Register at: tinyurl.com/TCNPCFeb2021.

Tri-City Nonprofit Coalition February meeting
Wednesday, Feb 10
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
tinyurl.com/TCNPCFeb2021

Does wearing two masks provide more protection?
AP Wire Service
Feb 02

It depends, but it's possible that doubling up could help in some situations.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a cloth mask made with two or more layers, and ensuring it covers your nose and mouth. The agency says it should fit snugly so there aren't any gaps at the sides of your face.

Wearing just one mask should be enough for most situations, as long as it fits well and isn't loose, said Dr. David Hamer, an infectious disease expert at Boston University.

“Starting out with a good mask to begin with is going to be key,” Hamer said.

Still, some people might want extra protection if they're at risk for severe illness if infected or will be in situations where they expect to be around others for extended periods, such as on a plane.

One option in scenarios when you want extra protection is to wear a cloth mask as well as a regular surgical mask, said Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco.

Gandhi said that combination — with either mask on top — could help achieve a similar effect as the N95 mask. She recommended the added protection for people who will be indoors in areas where transmission rates are high – which could reflect the circulation of more contagious variants.

Another option Gandhi and a colleague recommend for situations where you want “maximum” protection: A two-layer cloth mask that has a filter material in between.

With single cloth masks for everyday use, Gandhi noted it's important that they're made of tightly woven material and have at least two layers, which creates “an obstacle course” that makes it harder for virus-carrying particles to break through.

Union City Police Log
Submitted by Union City PD

Saturday, January 30
• At about 3:36 p.m. officers responded to a theft report in the 33600 block of 6th Street. The caller told police that she saw a male stealing items in the backyard of her house. The victim confronted the suspect, later identified as Iran Martinez, 37, and he fled on foot. When officers located Martinez, he fled and hid in the bed of a pick-up truck with raised walls. After approximately 90 minutes of de-escalation tactics, officers safely took Martinez into custody.

• At 5:33 p.m. officers responded to Arroyo Park on Perry Road to investigate a possible kidnapping. The male caller dialed 911 repeatedly, saying someone was holding his family captive. When officers arrived, the male refused to speak with authorities. From the creek bed, the suspect continued to yell threats of violence toward officers. Officers determined that the kidnapping was unsubstantiated and left the scene. About an hour later, the police began to receive reports of an assault involving the same suspect. The victims told police that the suspect walked onto their property and struck them in the head with a metal chair and a wooden stick. He then fled into the creek bed once again. Officers eventually found the suspect in the creek, but he refused to comply with their commands, while threatening to batter them. After about three hours of de-escalation tactics, officers were able to detain the suspect safely. He was taken to a hospital for unrelated medical issues, and officers sought a complaint with the district attorney's office for the assaults.

• At about 8:30 p.m. officers responded to an armed robbery in the 31800 block of Alvarado Boulevard. The female victim told police that a male armed with a handgun approached her while she stood at an ATM and demanded cash while threatening to shoot her. The victim handed the suspect her bank card, and the suspect fled on foot. The victim described the suspect as an Asian male in his late 20s with a green mask. Officers checked the area but did not locate the suspect.

• At about 9:20 p.m. officers responded to an armed robbery in the 1700 block of Decoto Road. The caller told police that an adult male wearing a black surgical mask entered the store and brandished a silver handgun at the manager. The suspect forced the victim into the manager’s office at gunpoint and demanded that she open the safe. The victim refused, and the suspect fled with the victim’s keys. The victim described the suspect as a Hispanic male adult, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing about 230 pounds. Officers checked the area for the suspect but did not locate him.

Sunday, January 31
• A man at Union Landing shopping center told officers that after exiting a store and walking back to his vehicle he noticed that an unknown male was tampering with it. The victim confronted the suspect, who brandished a handgun, prompting the victim to back away. A second male suspect soon appeared and they both got into a green vehicle and fled. The victim was unharmed; however, the suspects got away with the catalytic converter from his car.

County to start vaccinations of education staff
Submitted by Alameda County Office of Education

Statement from Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. K. Monroe:

On February 3, Alameda County Public Health Department announced that vaccination of the county’s education staff and others in Phase 1B Tier One on the state’s vaccination plan will commence the week of February 8.

This is an important step forward for our school communities. The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) is committed to supporting public health efforts to swiftly vaccinate education staff – teachers, classified staff, and administrators – against COVID-19.

ACOE is working now with public health officials and our public and private schools to prioritize vaccination of education workers who are currently providing direct instruction and services to our students. More information regarding the specific logistics for the education workforce to access vaccine appointments based on their prioritization will be provided soon.

Alameda County has a large Phase 1B group (approximately 325,000 people) and is operating with a limited supply of vaccine. This will require considerable patience as we work with the public health department and large health-care providers to make this process as efficient as possible. Meanwhile, the work of reopening our schools moves forward.

Alameda County districts and schools continue to plan and prepare for the return of students to in-person instruction on timelines that are specific to public health conditions and the needs of their school communities.

Visit www.acoe.org/vaccines to find the most updated information for education personnel in Alameda County, and https://covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines for information about COVID-19 vaccine planning and administration in Alameda County, and to register to be notified when it’s your turn to receive a vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Humanity’s counterattack
By Madhvika Singh
Photos Courtesy of Washington Hospital Healthcare System

When the pandemic first hit, the world was scrambling to find ways to deal with it. Almost a year later, we have a promising weapon in our fight against the COVID-19 virus in the form of a vaccine. Two vaccines have been approved for use and are being rolled out for distribution and a third is possible soon. The massive scale of vaccinating the entire country in a short time has created challenges on fronts like supplying vaccine to points of distribution, enhancing patient information systems to track vaccinations, disseminating information about eligibility and phases, and ensuring availability of accurate information about safety and efficacy.

Tri-City Voice (TCV) spoke with Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS) in Fremont to learn how the rollout has been going in the community they serve. Infectious disease and internal medicine specialist Dianne C. Martin, MD at WHHS graciously answered questions.

Criteria for vaccine eligibility and availability is changing rapidly, and many have questions and concerns. Dr. Martin shared, “We encourage our community to seek reliable resources for vaccine information, such as state and county public health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a primary care physician to many in our community, I encourage that eligible patients get the vaccine. Anyone with concerns about vaccine safety can discuss specific concerns with their health care provider.” More information about safety, efficacy and benefits is available at the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines.

Alameda County’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, based on CDC guidelines, calls for phased rollout starting with critical populations in the early phases and gradually opening as supply increases. As of January 28, Alameda County has given WHHS approval to expand eligibility criteria to everyone over age 65 living in the healthcare district regardless of their affiliation with WHHS. However, supply is still limited. Dr. Martin added, “I urge everyone to register with Alameda County to be notified when they become eligible.” As is the case in many places across the country, vaccine availability remains fluid and WHHS is working with Alameda County to increase the amount allocated. Alameda County link: https://covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines.

The current COVID-19 vaccine requires special handling, as it needs to be kept at very low temperatures; WHHS needed systems in place to prepare for mass vaccination. “We have had a vaccination task force in place for many weeks,” shared Dr. Martin. “The team includes myself, other clinicians, the infection prevention department, administration representatives and members from the information technology team. There are many others who have been instrumental in helping prepare to vaccinate a large group of people.”

WHHS gained experience from the process of vaccinating their own employees and physicians in December and has improved the process along the way. “Our goal from the beginning is to safely vaccinate as many people as possible, which is what we’ve been doing. The most challenging element though has been securing the vaccine to meet demand,” she added.

The COVID-19 vaccination program has created some unique staffing situations as well. “Like many other organizations that are scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations, we are receiving many more calls than our call center can manage… we ask the community for their patience during this process and request that only eligible patients call to schedule an appointment,” she said. Since both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require two doses to be fully effective, WHHS ensures people schedule their second dose appointment when they get their first vaccination. At this point, WHHS is only offering a second dose to those who have taken their first dose at WHHS.

Looking to the future and how we can conquer the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Martin urged, “To end the pandemic, we need herd immunity. This means that most of the population needs to be vaccinated. Until we reach herd immunity, we need to keep each other safe, which only happens when we all, including those who receive vaccine, follow safety precautions like wearing a mask, washing hands often, and staying six feet away from people not living with you. People continue to become infected and many become very ill and require hospitalization. Some are losing their lives to this virus.”

With recent news about new COVID-19 strains becoming prevalent, the urgency of getting this virus under control has increased. Achieving herd immunity through vaccination is the most promising solution we have. TCV is thankful for the contribution WHHS staff and all healthcare personnel are making toward that goal. We would also like to thank Gisela Hernandez, Director of Community Relations at WHHS for her assistance.

As information about COVID-19 vaccination is evolving and changing rapidly, we encourage our readers to rely on trusted sources to stay up to date and verify information. Please reach out to your medical providers for individual questions and concerns, as this article is not intended to replace medical advice.

Washington Hospital Healthcare System
2000 Mowry Ave., Fremont
510-797-1111
https://www.whhs.com/
https://whhs.com/covid

Register for COVID-19 vaccine
Submitted by Bay Area Community Health

Bay Area Community Health is offering COVID-19 vaccines for community members 65 and older in coordination with county and state guidelines. The consent form must be filled out before scheduling an appointment and coming to the clinic. You will not be seen if the form is not filled out beforehand.

If you are younger than 65, do not contact BACH. You will be able to register for a vaccine at a future date.

Alameda County Appointment
(510) 770-8040

Santa Clara County Appointment
(408) 729-9700
https://healow.com/apps/practice/foothill-health-center-2998?v=1

Virginia C. Cado
Resident of Fremont
August 19, 1927 – January 18, 2021

Virginia C. Cado passed away on January 18, 2021 at her home where her children were caring for her. She was born on August 19,1927 in the small Southern Illinois farming town of Mt. Carmel to Herman A. Steckler and Louisa R. (Trapp) Steckler. She grew up on a farm and attended the one room school house which alternated with St. Mary's Catholic School every other year. She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1945. Shortly after graduation she moved to Chicago when she was recruited to sell War Bonds. She furthered her education in Chicago by attending secretarial school. She lived in a girls boarding house and enjoyed life in the big city, especially dancing at the Aragon, Trianon and Savoy Ballrooms. She met her husband, Erwin E. Cado, while attending a dance. They were married in September 1947 and lived in Chicago until 1957 when they moved to the suburb of Northbrook. “Erv” passed away in January 1979. Virginia relocated to Fremont, CA in 1985, resided in Alameda, CA from 1998 – 2019, and returned to Fermont in 2019.

Virginia loved to travel. She enjoyed sailing and cruising the Caribbean, trips to Mexico, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland, England, Ireland, Canada, as well as most of the United States. Since the 1960's she was very health conscious and had her own library of books for alternative healing, herbal remedies and vitamins, as well as books on how to keep one's mind and body healthy. She was a wealth of knowledge and her intuition was like no other! She exercised all her life and joined a hiking group in her early 70's. She hiked in the redwoods and along the beaches into her 80's. She was an avid Dixieland Jazz fan from her days in Chicago and up until her death having attended countless festivals across the U.S as well as internationally.

Virginia had various jobs during her life. After WWII ended she was a secretary until her marriage. She was a stay-at-home mom from 1948 – 1980 and ran a home daycare center while raising her 2 youngest children. She had a very caring, compassionate and giving nature so her next job as a caregiver for cancer patients came naturally for her. She created lifelong bonds with the families of the people she cared for throughout her life. Virginia managed the Diet House, a nutrition and vitamin store, in Highland Park, IL until she moved to California. Once there, she worked at various stores as a product demonstrator and also as a caregiver. She loved interacting with and caring for people!

She will be remembered for being “the best mom in the whole world” as her children often told her. Virginia had a quick wit, fun-filled spirit and loved to joke around. She was a delight to be around as she was loving, kind, caring and sweet. She touched so very many lives in her 93 year journey on earth and is admired and loved by many.

Virginia will be deeply missed by her son Erwin (Evie) of Anacortes, WA, Ken (Doug) of Vancouver, B.C., son-in-law Kevin Ashton of Littleton, CO, Karen (Patrick) Dutrow of Fremont, & Jennifer Cado of Fremont. Cherished memories are kept by her grandchildren Kyle Ashton, (Amber), Crystal Ashton (Katy), Christopher Dutrow (Sheila), Allicia Dutrow (Patrick), Kimberly Dutrow (Brendan), and Edison, her grand-dog. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear life-long friends. She was predeceased by her parents Herman and Louisa Steckler, brother Sylvester, newborn son Keith, husband Erwin Cado, daughter Cathy “GiGi” Ashton, brothers Herman “Bud” Steckler, Robert Steckler, Norman Steckler and sister Louise (Steckler) Peter.

Due to the pandemic, no services will be held.

Virginia loved to help people. Remembrances can be made in her name to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202.
Website Heifer.org

Virtual yappy hour
Submitted by Karin Conn

Palo Alto Humane Society’s (PAHS) “Yappy Hour,” a fun way for pet owners to get to know each other and their pets too, is returning in 2021. Because of the pandemic, “Virtual Yappy Hour” will be on Zoom this year, taking place virtually on Thursday, February 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The registration fee is $10 with 50% of it going towards providing pet food for owners in need.

PAHS’s great friend and favorite emcee, Victor Adint, will be hosting “Virtual Yappy Hour,” with his dog Star by his side. Everyone on Zoom is encouraged to bring their pet(s) and preferred beverage and snacks. Guests who wish to feature and talk about their pet(s) will have the opportunity. Attendees will be able to participate in interactive games, win prizes and experience lots of surprise. It will be a fun time for the entire family including their furry friends.

Carole Hyde, Executive Director of PAHS, says, “We are so excited to bring back Yappy Hour in a safe way, so that even during the pandemic we can see each other and share stories about how our compassionate community members are being comforted by their pets.”

For more information call (650) 424-1901 or visit www.paloaltohumane.org.

Virtual Yappy Hour
Thursday, Feb 11
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
Register at bit.ly/PAHS-YappyHourFeb2021.
Tickets – $10
www.paloaltohumane.org/event/virtual-yappy-hour-february-2021/

Walmart Employee Punched During Theft, Suspects Arrested for Robbery
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

On 01/01/21, at 8:45 a.m., a male and female suspect were attempting to shoplift from the Walmart store on Osgood Rd. A 62-year-old employee asked the suspects to pay for their merchandise, however the female suspect punched the employee in the face causing him to fall to the ground. Witnesses advised that the victim struck his head on the floor and suffered a bloody elbow. The victim declined medical attention and was not seriously injured.

Patrol officers investigated the incident and identified a suspect vehicle from private business cameras. The same suspect vehicle was then identified on the Community Camera network where a license plate was captured for a silver Chrysler Sebring. Video of the suspects and suspect vehicle were shared with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

On 02/05/21, Street Crimes Unit (SCU) officers were patrolling the area of Stevenson Blvd. and Blacow Rd. when they located the suspect vehicle. SCU officers conducted an enforcement stop on the vehicle and detained the two occupants who appeared to be the same suspects from the Walmart incident. The victim was brought to the scene and positively identified both suspects.

31-year-old Steven Mora of Fremont was arrested for robbery and booked at the Fremont City Jail. 19-year-old Jasmine Stanford of Fremont was also arrested for robbery, and released with a citation due to circumstances that hindered the ability for her to be booked. Stanford's citation orders her to appear in court to face the robbery charge in April 2021. Mora's arraignment is scheduled for 02/10/21.

Winter Care for Houseplants
By Melinda Myers
Photos Courtesy MelindaMyers.com

Holidays are filled with new plants and decorations that often find our houseplants relegated to any out of the way available space. Be sure to keep your houseplants looking their best with proper winter care.

Make sure houseplants receive sufficient light now and throughout the winter. The shorter, often gray days of winter mean less light reaches our plants. Start by moving plants to the sunniest available window. A south-facing window is usually best, but if it is obstructed by trees, awnings or shears it may be no better than an unobstructed window facing another direction.

If brightly lit locations are limited in your home, try rotating plants between high and low light areas. Switching plants every few weeks usually keeps them growing healthy. Give the pots a turn every few weeks to ensure each side of the plant has time facing the light. This encourages even growth and discourages stems stretching toward the light.

Consider supplementing natural light with artificial light when light is limited. Newer styles that clip onto pots, are mounted on the wall, or tucked into furniture grade stands make them attractive and easier to use. Now, LED plant lights are more affordable, longer lasting and use less energy.

Humidity is the other winter stress. Many of our houseplants are tropical and require higher humidity than our homes provide. As we turn up the heat, humidity declines. Boost the humidity around your plants by displaying them together. As one plant loses moisture, the others will benefit. Add a gravel tray for additional humidity. Fill a tray or saucer with pebbles and water. Then set the plant on the pebbles elevated above the water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.

Adjust your watering schedule to fit the conditions in your home. Always water thoroughly but only as needed. Use your finger to check the soil moisture below the soil surface. Water moisture-loving plants, like Moon Valley Pilea, when the top few inches are barely moist. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry for cacti and succulents. And always pour off excess water that collects in the saucer. Or use gravel trays to capture excess water, eliminating this task.
Most houseplants do fine in the same temperatures we prefer. They do not tolerate drafts of hot air from heat vents or cold air from windows and doors. Move plants as needed to avoid drafty locations.

Never trap houseplants between the curtain or blinds and the window. The temperature can be significantly colder, resulting in injury and even death of some plants. Place plants on a table near the window or windowsill extension, leaving room to close the window coverings at night.
Wait until spring to fertilize. Plants do not need as many nutrients when their growth is limited by less-than-ideal winter conditions. As outdoor growing conditions improve with longer days and brighter light, so do those indoors.

You will be rewarded with healthier, more attractive plants when giving them the care they need this winter. And as you tend your indoor garden, you will help fight the winter blues.

Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.