Airbnb acquires last-minute booking service HotelTonight

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), March 07 – Airbnb is acquiring last-minute booking service HotelTonight in order to boost its offerings. The two San Francisco-based companies announced the deal Thursday. Terms weren't revealed.

 

HotelTonight co-founder and CEO Sam Shank will lead Airbnb's boutique-hotel category.

 

HotelTonight will operate separately, offering discounted rooms for last-minute trips. It has partnerships with thousands of hotels in North and South America, Europe and Australia.

 

Gradually, some of those rooms – particularly ones in boutique hotels – will also be offered by Airbnb. Airbnb may also direct users to HotelTonight to help them find last-minute properties.

 

Airbnb lists more than 6 million places to stay worldwide. Last year, it doubled the number of hotels and bed and breakfasts on its site in order to meet users' demands.

 

 

Hayward leader honored in Sacramento

Submitted by Lyanne Mendez

 

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the California Legislature recently honored women who have contributed to their communities throughout California. During this year’s Woman of the Year Ceremony, held March 4 in Sacramento, Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) chose to honor Hayward City Councilmember, Aisha Wahab.

 

“This annual celebration is an opportunity for us to collectively celebrate the strides women have made in our communities and how they have changed history. Moreover, I hope that this ceremony serves to inspire young women,” said Quirk. Wahab, a former foster child, recently became one of two Afghan-American women to serve in public office in the United States last year. Prior to being elected to the Hayward City Council, Wahab worked within the Afghan community to ensure housing for low and extremely low-income individuals, provide seniors with programs to stay active, educate immigrants to become more civically engaged, and support victims of domestic violence as they find safety and re-start their lives.

 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be named Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Quirk. Service for the public good has been my goal for many years and to be recognized for my work is incredible. Our community is based on the commitment of every individual and I am proud to say that our community of the Bay Area all work for each other,” Wahab said.

 

“Aisha Wahab is an extraordinary individual who I know will be an exemplary public servant,” Quirk said in describing his honoree. “Being one of the first Afghan-American women to serve in public office — and the youngest woman to serve in Hayward — she is a role model to other women and girls everywhere. I am proud to have her as my 2019 Woman of the Year.”

 

 

Amazon to close all its pop-up shops

AP Wire Service

 

NEW YORK (AP), March 06 – Amazon said Wednesday that it will shut down all its pop-up shops and focus on opening more of its bookstores as it rethinks its brick-and-mortar strategy.

 

The online retail giant has 87 pop-up shops in malls, Whole Foods grocery stores and Kohl's department stores that sell Amazon's Echo voice-activated devices, Kindle tablets and other gadgets.

 

Amazon did not say when the pop-up shops would shut down, but the Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, reported that they will shutter at the end of April. The news comes a day after Kohl's said it was moving away from having Amazon shops in its stores and instead plans to sell Amazon gadgets in a designated section.

 

Amazon has been making a big push into brick-and-mortar stores, buying up the Whole Foods grocery chain, opening 19 bookstores and 10 cashier-less convenience stores around the country. But sales at its physical stores slipped 3 percent in the last three months of 2018, compared with the same period the year before.

 

Besides opening more bookstores, Amazon said it also plans expand its 4-star stores beyond the three it has now. The 4-star stores, which it began to open last year, sell a mix of products including cookware and toys.

 

 

Does Your Resume Pass the Software Test?

By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT

 

Those of you who have not applied for jobs in recent years might assume that resumes are read only by humans. In the not-too-distant past, this was true. You could apply for a job, knowing that your resume would be read by a human. Nowadays, however, the first scan of your resume might not be done by a set of human eyeballs. Instead, the first look at your resume might be done by scanning software called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

 

ATS are utilized by recruiters, employers and job sites to help weed out unsuitable candidates and to sort and rank applicants. You might decide that a good strategy would be to outsmart the software by, say, pasting keywords at the bottom of your resume. You might be able to game the resume software. However, this is not a wise move because your resume will likely be read by both computers and humans. The human reader will be able to tell, at a glance, that you don’t have the necessary qualifications. It is therefore critical that your resume passes both computer and human inspections.

 

Creating your resume is a challenge that requires you to outline yourself in an appealing as well as professional manner. With the invention of ATS, this difficult task is now even more challenging because you now have the added challenge to appeal to both humans and computers. However, there are strategies for writing your resume that will get you through both human and computer tests.

 

First, it is important to be clear about the purpose of resume. Think of your resume as a possible entry ticket to an interview – resume doesn’t get you the job but is an important means to a job offer. Thus, as you write your resume, you should keep in mind the #1 question on the employer’s mind: “Is this the right person for the job?” Be sure to showcase how you will meet the employer’s needs. Don’t put unnecessary information that doesn’t have value for the employer. Instead, make it your goal to put only information that the employer would like to see. You can achieve this by making sure that most of the job qualifications are highlighted in your resume.

 

Don’t send the same resume to every job you are applying to. Unfortunately, even if you have a beautiful resume and outstanding experience, sending a standard resume for every job will decrease your chances of being invited for an interview. What you need to do is tailor each resume for every single job application. I realize this is painstaking work, but it is crucial if you want to get an interview and ultimately, a job.

 

One way to ensure that your resume is read easily by both humans and machines is to use the exact same key phrases and terminology as those used in the job ad. For example, if the phrase “data analysis” is used repeatedly, be sure to repeat this exact phrase in your resume rather than a variant of “data analysis.” Pay close attention to abbreviations or non-abbreviations used in the job ad and follow the ad usage. For instance, if the job ad calls for a “Bachelor’s in Science,” be sure to spell out these three words rather than using the abbreviation “B.S.” If the job ad uses the abbreviation “SEO,” use this abbreviation instead of spelling out “search engine optimization.”

Do repeat keywords or skills throughout your resume. Some ATS assume that you have five years of key experience if you worked at a job for five years (even if you did not use the skill set for five whole years). Hence, a good strategy is to note key skills used in each job.

 

To ensure that your resume is read easily by a machine, be sure to format your resume simply. Do not use fancy resume templates since these might not be read by ATS. Use simple bullets. Do not include graphics or other fonts that might not be read by the ATS. Follow the employer’s instructions for formatting your resume. If no format is requested, send a Word document rather than a PDF. This is recommended because some ATS cannot read PDFs. Currently, there are various resume help software (e.g. https://resunate.com/) that can help you create an optimal resume for ATS. I haven’t tried these myself, but these might be of use to some.

 

Resumes are a critical part of the job search process. But it’s also important to remember that personal connections and recommendations are equally critical. Your resume is so much more likely to be read if a friend personally forwarded your resume to the hiring manager. So, put as much work into networking as much as you do in crafting your resume. Even if machines are reading resumes, human touch is as critical, if not more critical, than ever.

 

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

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger

 

Sunday, March 3

• At 4:58 a.m. a man identified by police as Kenneth Parker, 53, of San Leandro was arrested at the Hayward station on an outstanding warrant.

 

Monday, March 4

• At 10:05 p.m. a man identified by police as Andre Torres, 29, of San Lorenzo, was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of battery. He was issued a prohibition order and booked into Santa Rita jail.

 

• At 11:19 a.m. a man identified by police as Jimmie Eiland, 54, of Discovery Bay was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $12,500 warrant and taken to Santa Rita jail.

 

Tuesday, March 5

• At 8:27 a.m. a man identified by police as Jon Rodney Bates, 24, of Florida was stopped on suspicion of fare evasion and then arrested on suspicion of resisting an officer. He was taken to Santa Rita jail.

 

 

US regulators outline oversight on meat grown in lab dishes

AP Wire Service

 

NEW YORK (AP), March 07 – U.S. officials are outlining how they will regulate burgers made from cells grown in a lab.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that meat from cultured animal cells will have to undergo agency inspection, as with other meat and poultry products. The agency will oversee production and labeling, while the Food and Drug Administration will oversee the first stages of the process, such as cell collection and growth, according to the agencies' agreement on joint oversight.

 

The announcement Thursday gives the emerging food category a clearer path to reaching supermarkets.

 

Cell-cultured meat products aren't yet commercially available. The startups developing them say the products would be more humane and environmentally friendly, since they don't require raising and slaughtering animals.

 

 

California lawmakers want $100 billion toward clean energy

By Kathleen Ronayne

Associated Press

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), March 4 – A group of Democratic California lawmakers called Monday for the state to invest $100 billion to drastically reduce its carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels by 2030.

 

A resolution proposed by Democratic Sen. Henry Stern would set the non-binding goal and also declare a climate emergency, citing recent devastating wildfires and the impacts of air pollution on child asthma. It comes as Democrats in Congress advocate for the passage of the Green New Deal, a massive investment in rebuilding the nation's infrastructure and workforce to fight climate change.

 

“We have to live in California, hopefully for the rest of our lives, and hopefully in a way that doesn't burn down our homes, that doesn't make our kids sick (and) allows us to get to work without losing our minds in traffic,” Stern said on the steps of the state Capitol with students from eight different University of California schools behind him.

 

The $100 billion would be spent over 12 years and come from existing pots of money, including the state's carbon emissions auction program and a gas tax increase to fund transportation projects. The resolution would say all that money should be spent toward projects that reduce, sequester or remove greenhouse gas emissions.

 

While Stern's resolution would not be binding, Democratic state Assemblyman Todd Gloria has introduced legislation to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The state's current goal is eliminating fossil fuel use for electricity by 2045 and to achieve carbon neutrality by that year, meaning the state takes as much carbon out of the atmosphere as it puts in.

 

The goals are aggressive and ambitious even for California, a state viewed as a global leader on confronting climate change. The 2045 clean energy goal passed the 80-member state Assembly last year by just four votes, with some Democrats voting against it.

 

Gloria's proposal would require an “immediate phase out of fossil fuels.”

 

“The emergency facing our state, our nation, our world is climate change, and don't let anybody tell you anything different,” Gloria said.

 

Stern's proposal, meanwhile, would call for the elimination of fossil fuels in the energy sector by 2030. He does not propose eliminating fossil fuel use in transportation, but drastically diminishing it.

 

 

California: Trump plan to take back rail money ‘disastrous'

By Kathleen Ronayne

Associated Press

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), March 4 – Leaders of California's high-speed rail project told the Trump administration Monday its plans to withhold or claw back $3.5 billion in federal money for the project was “legally indefensible” and “disastrous policy.”

 

Terminating the money “would cause massive disruption, dislocation, and waste, damaging the region and endangering the future of high-speed rail in California and elsewhere in the nation,” Brian Kelly, the chief executive for the project, wrote in a letter to Jamie Rennert of the Federal Railroad Administration.

 

Kelly's letter is in response to a February threat by the U.S. Department of Transportation to withhold a $929 million grant for the project and possibly take back $2.5 billion in federal money the state has already spent.

 

Congress and the Obama administration allocated the money almost a decade ago for California to build a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco. A segment of the train in the Central Valley is now under construction, and the $3.5 billion is a key piece of its budget.

 

The threat was an escalation in California's ongoing feud with the Trump administration. It came after Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested changes to the project in his State of the State address. He said the project as currently planned would cost too much and take too long, and said he wanted to focus first on building a longer line in the Central Valley.

 

Newsom has since said he still intends to build the full line, but Trump used his comments to decry the project as a “failure.” Newsom said Trump's call to take back the money was retaliation for the state's lawsuit against the president's declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border.

 

California must meet certain construction and environmental review deadlines by 2022 as part of its agreement with the federal government. Kelly said the state is meeting its obligations and that the vision of the project has not changed.

 

He said the threat to withhold the roughly $1 billion the state hasn't yet received was not legally defensible, and that efforts to take back what's already been spent “disastrous policy.”

 

 

Healing Our Community

Submitted by Dawn Balestreri

 

Castro Valley Library invites the public to an empowering conversation on Friday, March 22 about drug overdose epidemic in our community and throughout the U.S. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involving all drugs rose to 70,237 in 2017, and 47,600 were from opioids. No family is immune to this epidemic. This educational presentation will cover what families need to know, family stories, parent empowerment, current local drug trends and initiatives, drug dangers and impact, a Naloxone training and free overdose rescue kit. The program is free, and no advance registration is required.

 

Drug Overdose Conversation

Friday, Mar 22

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

https://guides.aclibrary.org/castro-valley under Events

 

 

Film Screening of ‘Human Flow’

Submitted by Lyn Leone

 

Over 65 million people around the world have been forced from their homes to escape famine, climate change and war in the greatest human displacement since World War II. “Human Flow,” an epic film journey led by the internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei, gives a powerful visual expression to this massive human migration. Watch the film screening on Sunday, March 17 as part of the celebration of Castro Valley Reads. “Human Flow” comes at a crucial time when tolerance, compassion and trust are needed more than ever and poses one of the questions that will define this century: Will our global society emerge from fear, isolation, and self-interest and choose a path of openness, freedom, and respect for humanity? This program is free, and no advance registration is required.

 

‘Human Flow’ Film Screening

Sunday, March 17

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

https://guides.aclibrary.org/castro-valley under Events

 

 

Purim Under the Sea brings Purim to life

Submitted by Chaya Fuss

 

“Purim Under the Sea” is Chabad of Fremont's creative twist to this year's community celebration of Purim, a holiday commemorating Jewish people's salvation in Persia of old. The daylong holiday commemorates nullification in 356 B.C.E. of a Persian decree calling for the extermination of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire as told in the biblical Book of Esther. The festivities will take place March 21 featuring a bubble show, face painting, dinner, and desserts. The event is a communitywide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of affiliation or background.

 

Chabad of Fremont is also hosting a Hypnotic Purim with Hypnotist Dr. Dave Hill, featuring dinner and entertainment, on March 20. Both celebrations will present a multimedia reading of the Book of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillah. In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to dress in costumes, and there will be a competition for the most innovative or funny entries. To RSVP or for more information about the events, call Chaya Fuss, program director, at (510) 300-4073 or visit https://www.chabadfremont.com/ under Upcoming.

 

Purim Under the Sea

Thursday, March 21

5 p.m.

 

A Hypnotic Purim

Wednesday, March 20

7:30 p.m.

 

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center

220 Yerba Buena Place, Fremont

(510) 300-4073

https://www.chabadfremont.com/ under Upcoming

RSVP required

 

 

Lectures & Lasers and Women in STEAM

Submitted by Chabot Space & Science Center

 

Want to impress your friends with your knowledge of science and culture? Looking for a new date night activity? Just want to kick back and watch a laser show? Join us at Chabot Space & Science Center for our new Lectures & Lasers series! Every month we’ll be joined by experts, writers, and entertainers to delve into a new topic from rocket launches to pop astrology and everything in between. Then grab a drink and head to the planetarium dome for an immersive, multi-sensory music and laser light show. Shows, including the Beatles, U2, and Pink Floyd, will rotate each month. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts will be available for purchase. This event is recommended for ages 18 and up.

 

The Friday, March 15 event features “Space in your Face! Food in Space,” hosted by astrobiologist Julia DeMarines. Space in your Face is a variety show combining science and art to yield a highly immersive and engaging event.

 

Schedule:

7:00 p.m.: Space in your Face! Food in Space

8:15 p.m.: U2 Laser Show

9:15 p.m.: Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show

 

Lectures & Lasers

Friday, Mar 15

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15

———————————————————————————————————————

“Women in STEAM in Space Day” is a whole day all about women who are doing incredible work in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) careers in space! Join us for hands-on activities, a panel discussion, and a chance to engage with engineers, biologists, artists, and people in other fields that surprisingly link with space missions.

 

The Women in STEAM in Space Panel will be hosted by Margaret Race, a scientist who works with NASA and SETI Institute focusing on Astrobiology, searches for extraterrestrial life, and science policy issues associated with space exploration missions and new technologies. Race will be joined by Jill Tarter, Emeritus Chair for SETI Research at the SETI Institute in Mountain View; Lisa Rosenberg, engineer and author; Julia DeMarines, astrobiologist and science educator; Ariel Waldman, author and councilmember for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts; and Dr. Penelope Boston, Director of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute at NASA Ames, Moffett Field.

 

It takes more than just rocket scientists to be part of space missions. Bring your questions and curiosity.

 

Pre-purchase your tickets for Women in STEAM in Space Day at https://chabotspace.org/calendar/women-in-steam-in-space. For full event schedule and details, visit www.chabotspace.org.

 

Women in STEAM in Space Day

Saturday, Mar 23

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Women in STEAM in Space Panel

Tickets: Included with general admission

 

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

(510) 336-7300

www.chabotspace.org

Admission: $18 adult, $15 seniors/students, $14 youth

 

 

Cheryl Galvez named Newark’s Employee of the Year

Submitted by David Benoun

 

Cheryl Galvez was selected as the City of Newark’s 2018 Employee of the Year at the City’s annual Employee Service Awards Program held at the Newark Pavilion on February 20, 2019.

 

Cheryl was chosen from a list of employees who were nominated by their work colleagues, who has been a recipient of a PRIDE Award in 2018, or was selected Police Officer or Dispatcher of the Year for 2018.

 

The Employee of the Year Award recognizes the individual who best personifies excellence.

 

Cheryl began her career with the City of Newark in 1997 as an Assistant Support Specialist II in the City’s Recreation Department.  In 2004, Cheryl was transferred to the Newark Senior Center and was reclassified to a Senior Administrative Support Specialist.  At the beginning of last year, Cheryl was promoted to her current position of Recreation Coordinator.

 

Cheryl was awarded the honor of Employee of the Year for going above and beyond her duties and for reviewing programs and making recommendations for improvements.  She helped create an environment where seniors at the Newark Senior Center feel welcomed and where they are encouraged to get involved.  Cheryl was also a major contributor in the revision and improvement of the City of Newark Winter/Spring 2018/2019 Recreation Activity Guide.

 

The City of Newark is proud of Cheryl’s accomplishments and congratulates her on a job well done.

 

 

Lawmakers oppose rollback of federal clean car standards

Submitted by Jeff Barbosa

 

As the Trump administration is poised to roll back federal clean car standards, 200 legislators from 14 states joined together on February 20 in calling on the auto industry to oppose the rollback and instead support the lifesaving and money-saving standards. A letter signed by the lawmakers was sent to 20 automakers and appeared in an ad in The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based political journalism newspaper and website.

 

Fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards, also known as clean car standards, took effect during the Obama administration and already have made the air cleaner and saved consumers at the pump. But as soon as President Donald Trump took office, automakers lobbied him to roll them back. It appears that Trump will comply; his administration issued a proposal last year to dramatically roll back the standards and revoke states' authority to set their own more stringent pollution standards to protect public health.

 

The letter notes, “Preliminary analyses indicate that the administration's proposal will result in an additional 2.2 billion metric tons of global warming emissions by 2040. Increasing emissions at a time when scientists are warning us that we must do everything we can to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, is a reckless U-turn that poses a grave threat to the health and future of the constituents we were elected to serve. What's more, in exchange for increased pollution, Americans will face increased expenses at the gas pump — up to $500 more each year.”

 

The lawmakers are calling on automakers to publicly oppose the Trump administration's proposal and to discontinue its lobby efforts for loopholes that would yield more pollution and higher gas bills. The letter also urges the automakers to remove themselves as parties (via membership in The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers) to a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's Final Determination, that was based almost entirely on auto industry statements, without any independent analysis.

 

In the letter, lawmakers also voiced concern at the Trump administration's proposal to revoke the California waiver, which gives California and 13 other states the ability to enact stronger safeguards than the federal government. The state lawmakers said that Trump's plan “directly attacks our states' authority to protect our citizens by proposing to revoke the right of states to put in place stronger safeguards to address harmful air pollution from vehicles. This directly threatens the 118 million people living in our states and assails the Clean Air Act's longstanding recognition of state leadership on clean cars.”

 

“Any move to revoke our ability to enforce higher standards would be an unprecedented act and eliminate over 50 years of bipartisan cooperation on clean air policies that reduce pollution,” said California state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, chair of the California Senate's Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation. “We have received more than 145 waivers from Republican and Democratic administrations. Revoking the state's ability to enact these standards would lead to more pollution and increased health problems, not just for Californians, but also for all the other states that follow our standards.”

 

The letter was signed by state legislators representing California and all 13 of the states that have elected to impose more stringent standards (Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington). It was sent to Aston Martin, BMW, FCA, Ferrari, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen as well as Global Automakers and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

 

Added Madeline Page, Public Citizen's clean cars campaign coordinator, “Over the past year, hundreds of thousands of Americans, 150 members of Congress and 20 state attorneys general have spoken out about the folly of rolling back our clean car standards. But the Trump administration is poised to undo the rules regardless, doing the bidding of the auto industry. We applaud the 200 state legislators who are publicly challenging the industry to change course and choose American families over America's polluter-in-chief.”

 

Senator Wieckowski represents the 10th District, which includes southern Alameda County and parts of Santa Clara County.

 

 

Have a Clipper Card? Get ready to travel!

Submitted by the City of Fremont

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Topics covered during the one-hour workshop include:

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

 

After the presentation, people 65 and older can apply for and obtain a free Senior Clipper Card. Please bring documentation showing proof of age if applying for a Senior Clipper Card. Clipper cards have no value and must be loaded with value prior to using the card on transit. The next workshop will be March 14. For details, call the Ride-On Tri-City Helpline at (510) 574-2053.

 

Clipper Card Workshop

Thursday, Mar 14

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Information about Clipper transit cards

Fremont Senior Center

40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont

(510) 574-2053

Free

 

 

Do you know a hero? Nominate them

Submitted by Assemblyman Kansen Chu

 

Assemblyman Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) recently announced that nominations for his 5th Annual Community Hero Recognition Event are being accepted through Friday, March 22.

 

Honorees are recognized for their dedication and efforts to making communities in Chu’s district a better place to live, work and play. Chu represents the 25th Assembly District which includes Newark, Fremont and northern Santa Clara County.

 

Community members who know of someone that should be honored as a Community Hero, are asked to complete a nomination form by visiting Chu’s website at https://a25.asmdc.org and then typing “5th Annual Community Heroes Recognition Event” into the search box and following the prompts. Nominations also can be sent via email to Assemblymember.Chu@assembly.ca.gov. Nominations are due by Friday, March 22.

 

An awards ceremony to honor this year’s Community Heroes is planned for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at the India Community Center in Milpitas. Everyone is invited. For details, call (408) 262-2501.

 

 

Tips on Container Vegetable Gardening

Submitted by Nissa Nack

 

Love the taste of garden fresh vegetables, but feel limited by space and/or time? Then try your hand at container vegetable gardening. Alameda County Master Gardener Pam Johnson will be at the Union City Library on Sunday, March 17 to explain how to get the most out of your container garden. For more information, call (510) 745-1464 or visit https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5053488?&hs=a.

 

Container Gardening Workshop

Sunday, March 17

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Union City Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd, Union City

(510) 745-1464

https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5053488?&hs=a

Open to adults; no registration required

 

 

Softball

Cougars Report

Submitted by Timothy Hess

 

The Newark Memorial Lady Cougars’ varsity softball team spotted the Lady Cowboys of Livermore three runs in the top of the first inning, then bounced back with four runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead on their way to a 6-3 victory on March 7th.

 

In an encore performance, the Lady Cougars pounced on the visiting Lady Dragons of Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) with a 10-4 victory the next day, scoring in almost every inning.

 

 

Basics of vegetable gardening

Submitted by Dale Hardware

 

Learn the abc’s of vegetable gardening with master gardener Patrice Hanlon, a certified horticultural therapist, on Sunday, March 24. Hanlon will talk about what you need to get started, what vegetables do well in summer, soil maintenance/fertilizer practices, and proper planting techniques. To attend the session, RSVP by Thursday, March 15 either in-person at Dale Hardware customer service counter or by calling (510) 797-3700.

 

Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Sunday, Mar 24

9:30 a.m.

Dale Hardware

3700 Thornton Ave, Fremont

(510) 797-3700

RSVP by Thursday, March 15

 

 

Lawmaker pushing for year-round daylight saving time

Submitted by Assemblyman Kansen Chu’s office

 

With the recent return of daylight saving time, Assemblyman Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) is continuing his work on AB 7, which would eliminate the biannual clock change in California and set the state on daylight saving time year-round, pending federal authorization.

 

Chu introduced AB 7 in response to 60 percent of voters supporting Proposition 7, which authorized the Legislature to consider eliminating the clock change if two-thirds of the Legislature approves the measure, and the governor signs the bill.

 

“Countless studies show the sleep loss alone causes tragic accidents on the road and in the workplace. In the wake of the convincing support of Proposition 7, it is clear that voters want to do away with the biannual clock change,” Chu explained. “That’s why I’m working on AB 7, which will eliminate the spring forward and fall back, and set California on daylight saving time year-round. While this practice was instituted to save energy, research shows that this is no longer the case and the practice is bad for public health and safety. We are not at all alone in reconsidering this practice. At least 28 states have introduced related legislation this year, putting pressure on the federal government to act. The time is now.”

 

Chu represents the 25th Assembly District which includes Newark, Fremont and northern Santa Clara County.

 

AB 7 has been referred to the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee and the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. The bill has not yet been set for a hearing. AB 7 will place the state on daylight saving time year-round. Federal authorization is needed to move forward. Earlier this month, Senator Marco Rubio filed federal Senate Bill 670 to place the country on daylight saving time year-round.

 

 

New Disney Star Wars theme park lands set opening dates

AP Wire Service

 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP), March 07 – The Millennium Falcon is blasting off from Disneyland on May 31 with the opening of the California theme park's massive Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge expansion.

 

Disney Parks announced Thursday that Galaxy's Edge will open for visitors to Florida's Disney World Resort on Aug. 29.

 

Galaxy's Edge is a new 14-acre land at the Disney theme parks, featuring rides and experiences that thrust visitors into the world of the recent “Star Wars” trilogy and the fight between the Resistance and the evil First Order. The marquee attraction is a massive replica of the Millennium Falcon where guests can roam the ship's halls and engage in a dogfight with TIE Fighters. Guests will also be able to build their own personal droids, light sabers and feast on “Star Wars”-appropriate food and drink.

 

 

Police planning DUI checkpoint

Submitted by Sgt. Joseph A. Heylen, Milpitas PD

 

As part of its ongoing effort to promote safe driving on city streets, the Milpitas Police Department is planning a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

 

Officers will be conducting the checkpoint at Great Mall Parkway and Interstate 880 starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16 and continuing through 3 a.m. the next day. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations like this based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

 

As part of the effort, police are reminding motorists that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Anyone who take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

 

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. In 2018, the Milpitas Police Department investigated 32 DUI/Drug collisions which resulted in 21 injuries.

 

To ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI, police offer the following guidelines:

 

• Always use a designated sober driver — a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation — to get home.
• If you see someone who is clearly impaired try to drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a safe way home.
• Report drunk drivers by calling 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and ensure they have a safe way home.

 

Using a paid service to get home is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers convicted of DUI can expect the pay upwards of $13,500 in fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension(s) and other expenses; not to mention possible jail time.

 

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Milpitas Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

eBay rethinking future of StubHub and classified business

AP Wire Service

 

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP), March 1 – eBay is initiating review concerning the future of its StubHub and its classified ads business.

 

The e-commerce company said Friday that there's no guarantee that the review will result in a sale, spin-off or other business combination involving its assets.

 

Activist investor Elliott Management said in a letter to the San Jose, California, company in January that it believed it would be better off without those businesses. Elliott wants eBay to focus on its online marketplace, saying that the change in direction could double the company's stock price by the end of next year.

 

eBay Inc. is also adding Jesse Cohn of Elliott and Matt Murphy of Marvell Technology to its board. The company will add an independent director later in the year.

 

 

Editorial

Fissures

 

Over time, even solid rock can fracture and split; seemingly indestructible granite will reveal cracks and fissures on close inspection. The newly constituted Fremont City Council began their current term of office with a unified appearance but recently, seams and splits have begun to appear. Listening and watching the actions of the scintillating seven, it is apparent that the old guard is uneasy with a new wave of councilpersons; a Bacon/Kassan marital consortium and Salwan/Jones duo is emerging.

 

The most apparent of these fractures has been when appointments by Mayor Mei have been questioned and opposed. It is the prerogative – and duty – of councilmembers during a comment and consent process to, if based on reason, voice opposition or question motives. It appears, however, that some friction is a rearguard action to maintain a semblance of status quo and counter a less aggressive growth agenda. The latest spat occurred over appointments to the Planning Commission and Human Relations Commission. Mayor Mei asked for blanket approval of her slate of referrals but was rebuffed and relegated to individual votes. Although the slate prevailed, the split in some votes was interesting.

 

In another instance, exemption of accelerated minimum wage requirements for socially-oriented nonprofit organizations was questioned. Although previously discussed at length, a philosophical divide was exposed with the Bacon/Kassan bloc in dissent. Although firmly in the affirmative for minimum wage requirements, details of to whom and how applied was disputed. These are important nuances to proposed ordinances and should be debated before being put into practice. It is through informed, coherent discourse that the council can reach a rational decision.

 

Exercise of a councilmember’s right and obligation to reasonably question or dissent is paramount to a functional democracy. It is with this understanding that, when appropriate, a thorough discussion of items on the agenda is necessary. However, with the requirement for rational consideration of agenda items comes another obligation. Each councilmember has a duty to study and understand the purpose and details of items on the agenda; to attend council meetings prepared. When a referral such as that proposed by Councilmember Bacon requests a study of whether the City should pay for police/fire staff services at the Fourth of July Parade, the process should not be mired in cost specifics since the referral asked Staff to present that information at a future meeting. It was simply a proposal to ask Staff for an analysis. Consent or dissent is a straight-forward decision at that stage – are you in favor of requesting additional data or not.

 

When it comes to differences of opinion, there should be no question that our elected representatives be informed and make reasonable decisions based upon the evidence, common sense and the will of their constituents. While fissures in the face of the council can be damaging if irrational, any rock-climbing enthusiast will tell you that often such fissures can be helpful when finding the proper path for assent as well.

 

 

Green vehicle sales growing, but gas competition is still tough

Submitted by Jenny Dudikoff McLaughlin

 

The California green vehicle market continues to experience increases year over year, especially zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) where sales nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018. Despite ZEVs achieving this all-time high market share, according to the California Green Vehicle Report, consumers still strongly prefer gasoline powered vehicles, with sales making up more than 85 percent of total new vehicles registered in the state last year.

 

“An increase in green vehicle sales is positive for California consumers, businesses and the state’s environmental goals, and we are pleased to see that consumers are increasingly choosing the option of zero emission vehicles,” said California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Chairman Ted Nicholas of Three-Way Chevrolet.

 

“That said, California has a long way to go to overcome challenges, support the needs of zero emission vehicles and get consumer buy-in for this advanced technology,” Nicholas added. “Factors like charging infrastructure, convenience, range and affordability all come into play when consumers purchase a vehicle. While we continue to see progress on this front, the pace of change is relatively slow, especially in regions of the state that are outside of the San Francisco Bay Area.”

 

The 2018 electric vehicle market saw an increase of 2.1 percent from 2017, primarily attributed to Tesla’s Model 3, which made up a majority of electric vehicle sales with more than 51,000 vehicles sold. The Toyota Prius came in second place in the alternative powertrain market, selling just over 19,000 hybrids in 2018.

 

Total hybrid sales dropped in 2018, down .5 percent from 2017. Additionally, brand share in the alternative powertrain market shifted this year. With Toyota typically being the front runner, Tesla now takes that title with 29.3 percent market share. Rounding out the Top 5 California brands for hybrid, plug in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles were Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda and Ford.

 

The California Green Vehicle Report provides comprehensive information on the state’s green vehicle market. The report includes a segment watch, including top 20 best-selling alternative powertrain vehicles; best sellers in market segments including hybrid, plug in hybrid, electric and fuel cell; market trends by powertrain type and brand shares in alternative powertrain market.

 

The complete report can be accessed by visiting the CNCDA’s website at:www.cncda.org.

 

 

Fremont launches online express building permits

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

The City of Fremont has announced that Fremont residents planning simple upgrades to their home can now obtain the necessary building permits online. The city is encouraging applicants to start using the easier online process. It improves customer flow at the permitting counter, saves time and money, and reduces paper clutter. In addition, as the city streamlines the permitting process for these types of express permits, the option to obtain these permits by fax will no longer be available.

 

Online express permits are available for the following residential projects:

• Re-roofing
• Minor electrical panel upgrades
• Minor electrical work such as re-wiring or adding circuits
• Furnace replacement
• Addition or replacement of an air conditioning unit
• Water heater replacement
• Repair of gas, water, or drainage lines
• Window or patio door replacement
• Non-structural bathroom remodels
• Non-structural kitchen remodels

 

To get started, applicants need to submit a building permit application and any supporting documentation by email to expresspermits@fremont.gov. The turnaround time for issuance of online express permits is within one to two business days. For more detailed information, visit www.fremont.gov/562/Online-Express-Permits, email bldginfo@fremont.gov, or call Plans and Permits at (510) 494-4460.

 

 

How do you market and sell a book?

Submitted by Knuti VanHoven

 

You've almost finished the book. You want to sell it, but how? Not enough people know who you are for your phone to start ringing with publication offers. You've heard that you can make more money per book selling online through Smash Words or Amazon, but they barely push your book. Almost no one will know it exists unless you can get the word out. So now what? Do what other writers have done. Go to seminars on marketing.

 

The next meeting of Fremont Area Writers on March 23 will feature a presentation by author and writers' consultant LeeAnne Krusemark who'll discuss book-marketing options, including internet sites that authors can post on for free. As Adjunct Professor of Publishing and the owner of her own home-based consultancy, Krusemark has spoken widely on publishing topics. She's worked in the news media as a writer and editor, written numerous “How-to” books for writers and other creative-industry professionals, some of which will be available for sale at the event.

 

Fremont Area Writers is a branch of the California Writers Club. The meeting will be at 42 Silicon Valley, a computer learning site in Fremont. Admission is free and open to all writers and aspiring writers. For details, visit their website at cwc-fremontareawriters.org.

 

Fremont Area Writers

Saturday, Mar 23

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Guest speaker: LeeAnne Krusemark

42 Silicon Valley

6600 Dumbarton Circle, Room 115, Fremont

cwc-fremontareawriters.org

Admission: Free

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Thursday, March 7

• A pedestrian was reportedly struck and killed by a vehicle around 7:30 p.m. on Mission Boulevard near Warm Springs Boulevard. Fremont police issued a warning for motorists to avoid westbound Mission Boulevard and detour to Warren Avenue to access Interstate 880 instead during the accident investigation. The CHP also issued a sig alert.

Fremont City Council

March 5, 2019

 

Announcements:

• From the City Manager

Online Express Building Permit Program

State of the City Address March 22

Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award: Fremont Police Department

Test of Tesla police patrol vehicle

Coffee with a Cop for the Deaf Community at Family Resource Center – March 16

Police Chief Peterson will receive Outstanding Leadership Award

Two conditional offers to potential police officers

 

Consent Calendar:

• Amend Master Fee Schedule to update Recreation Services Division facility use and fees.
• Approve construction change orders and closeout Miles Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project.
• Reject all proposals for Bike Share Project
• Approve plans and specifications for the Walnut Avenue Bikeway Improvement Project. Award $6,358,179 to O’Grady Paving, Inc.
• Receive Fiscal Year 2017/18 Financial Audit.
• Approve Grant Application to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
• Authorize agreement with RCD for temporary shelter plan at Islander Motel at 4101 Mowry Avenue. Use $647,116 of State HEAP and local funds.

 

Ceremonial Items:

• Proclaim 17th Annual March for Meals Month, March 2019. Executive Director Marisa Melo and Development Coordinator Erin La Ninfa of Meals on Wheels of Alameda County accepted the proclamation.

 

Public Communications:

• Speaker asked for support of the Mental Health Services Act (AB2022) and funding for Ending the Silence Program.
• Speaker asked for reversal of the Rancho Arroyo Parkway slurry seal project that installed bike lanes and adverse parking consequences with no notice to immediate neighborhood of this project.

 

Removed from Consent:

• Approval of Minutes from February 5, 2019: Councilmember Kassan asked for amended Minutes to reflect extensive discussion and final recommendations of Rent Review issue. Approved 6-1 (No, Shao)
• Approve Fremont Mobility Action Plan: Public Speakers commended the work of the Mobility Task Force and the need for diversity on a Mobility Commission with strong representation of the bicycle community.

 

Other Business:

• Receive update on Fiscal Year 2018/19 General Fund Operating Budget and Preliminary Three-Year Forecast.
• Approve exemption of non-profit corporations from minimum wage ordinance. Representative of Mission Hope asked for consideration of for-profit organizations that support social services. Discussion of whether all employment entities should be subject to minimum wage. Urge State and local agencies to support increased funding for nonprofit agencies for the disabled. PASSED 5-2 (No, Kassan, Bacon)

 

Council Referrals:

• Appointments and reappointments to Advisory Bodies (Mayor Mei). Each appointment voted as separate item. All unanimous except Appointment of Robert Daulton to Planning Commission 5-2 (No, Salwan, Jones) and Feda Almaliti to Human Relations Commission 6-1 (No, Salwan)
• City assumption of police/fire staff for Fourth of July Parade (Bacon). Staff will return to Council with report of costs if approved. PASSED 7-0

 

Mayor Lily Mei                       Aye

Vice Mayor Raj Salwan          Aye, 2 No

Vinnie Bacon                          Aye, 1 No

Rick Jones                               Aye, 1 No

Teresa Keng (District 1)         Aye

Jenny Kassan (District 3)        Aye, 1 No

Yang Shao (District 4)            Aye, 1 No

 

 

Local student moves forward in GeoBee competition

Submitted by Charlene Aquino

 

A Newark Junior High School seventh grader’s curiosity about world geography has landed her a coveted spot in the National Geographic GeoBee competition which is open to students in fourth through eighth grades nationwide. Alessandra Castaneda was recently notified by the National Geographic Society that she is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2019 National Geographic GeoBee California State Competition. The contest will be held at Maya Cinemas, near California State University, Fresno on Friday, March 29.

 

This is the second level of the National Geographic GeoBee competition, now in its 31st year. School GeoBees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout California to determine each school champion. School champions then took an online qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. Up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories will compete in the State GeoBees.

 

State champion winners will receive a medal, $1,000 in cash, and other prizes, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 19-22. Students that come in second and third place will receive cash awards of $300 and $100, respectively.

 

Each State Champion will advance to the National Championship and compete for cash awards and college scholarships. In 2019, the national champion will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, $1,000 in cash, a lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society, and an all-expenses-paid Lindblad expedition to the Galápagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour ll. The second place winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and $1,000 in cash and the third place winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and $1,000 in cash. Seven runners-up winners will receive $1,000 in cash each.

 

Visit. www.natgeobee.org for more information on the National Geographic GeoBee.

 

 

Hayward City Council

March 5, 2019

 

Consent Calendar:

• Fire Station 6 and Fire Training Center Project: abatement and deconstruction of existing buildings – approval of plans and specifications and call for bids

Calendar passed 7-0

 

Legislative Business:

• Adoption of Emergency Ordinance requiring Just Cause for tenant evictions for all rental units within the city. Public comments were split into two camps – support for the ordinance from tenants and tenant rights groups, and opposition from real estate groups and property owners and landlords. Motion to move the item with an amendment directing staff to review any possible inconsistencies that may occur with the Social Nuisance Ordinance passed 7-0.

 

Council Reports:

• Councilmember Zermeno announced the 143rd birthday of the City of Hayward on March 11
• Councilmember Wahab was awarded Woman of the Year by Representative Bill Quirk at the state capitol in honor of International Women’s Month

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday         Aye

Sara Lamnin                            Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye

Aisha Wahab                           Aye

Al Mendall                              Aye

Elisa Marquez                         Aye

Mark Salinas                           Aye

 

 

The shades that never fade – Celebrating Holi

By Madhvika Singh

Photos courtesy of RANA Bay Area

 

Two traditional folk tales illustrate the origin of Holi, a festival of fire and color.

———————————————————–

Fire:

Once upon a time there lived a demonic king named Hiranyakashipu. With a lust for power, control and desire to become God, he wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him. However, his own son Prahlada, God’s true devotee, refused to worship him. Outraged with anger and driven to insanity at the disobedience of his son, Hiranyakashipu tried killing Prahalad without success. Maddened by his failure, he reached out to his sister Holika who possessed a special power that protected her from fire. He asked Holika to enter a pyre along with Prahlada, with the intention to kill him. However, upon entering the fire, she was burned but the fire did nothing to Prahalad. Fire vanquished the evil while protecting the good!

———————————————————–

Color:

When Lord Krishna was a baby, his maternal uncle Kans sent an ogress called Putna to kill him by nursing him with poisoned milk. Krishna survived, as he was an avatar of a god, but ended up acquiring a deep blue color due to ingesting poisoned milk. The fear of rejection due to colored skin used to bother him as he thought now his beloved Radha, who was fair, would not like him. His mother Yashodha could not see her darling son in distress and asked him to color Radha’s face any color he liked. When Krishna splashed color on Radha’s face they united. The metaphor in the mythology reminds us of the prejudices that are caused when we see differences. And that’s probably the relevance of indulging in color on Holi.

———————————————————–

The Indian Festival of colors, Holi is an occasion to remember and celebrate these legends. Falling on the full moon of the Hindu calendar month Phalgun, the two-day Holi celebration involves Holika Dahan (Burning Holika) and Holi or Phag (Color Splash). This year Holi falls on March 21 and 22.

 

On the first day, Holika Dahan, people gather around a pyre to perform prayer as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. The next day of Holi (or Phag) is the day when people apply color to one another in celebration of love and rejoice. The word Phag comes form the word Phalgun, meaning spring. People play with color powders called gulal and water guns called pichkaris creating a fun-filled atmosphere to celebrate the day.

 

While a two-day celebration is more common for Holi, a region in Uttar Pradesh called Braj celebrates Holi over a span of a week or longer. Celebration here takes many forms from playing with flower petals, events in temples, to city processions. Another kind of celebration, Lathmaar Holi, involves women hitting men with sticks called laths. Holi enactments can also be seen in classical Indian dance recitals depicting Radha and Krishna playing Holi.

 

Gujiya, a special sweet, and Thandai, a special drink, are synonymous with Holi celebration. Different kinds of chaat, a mouth-watering spicy assortment of snacks, are also on the menu. Numerous upbeat Holi songs in Bollywood movies are sure to get everyone dancing to the beat! Along with many folk songs, the song “Rang Barse” from the Bollywood movie “Silsila” has become the Holi anthem.

 

Many celebrations are happening in the Tri-City area; Federation of Indo-American Association of Northern America, Festival of Globe (FOG), Vedic Dharma Samaj Fremont Hindu Temple, and Uttar Pradesh Mandal of America (UPMA) Holi celebrations will take place on Saturday, March 23 at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont. Delicious food, cultural performances, and biodegradable, skin-friendly organic colors will be available; dignitaries and community leaders are expected to join the fun. Nonprofit Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) celebrates Holi on Saturday, March 30 at Mission San Jose Park in Fremont, and Shreemaya Krishnadham Bay Area Youth Vaishnav Parivar (BAYVP) hosts Holikotsav, Dhuleti, and Dolotsav events beginning March 20. Telangana American Telugu Association (TATA) will be hosting a Holi celebration on Saturday, March 23 at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont with live dhol, nonstop DJ and dance performances.

 

The splash of color that Holi creates touches upon something timeless. The color of love and devotion can overcome all stains and tarnish of power, poison, and prejudice. Humility, equality, and justice are priceless values to be forever cherished and celebrated.

 

Festival of Colors – Holi

Saturday, Mar 23

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Mission San Jose High School

41747 Palm Ave, Fremont

(510) 491-6319

https://fogsv.com/

(510) 304-5619

Tickets: $6 (Mar 1 – 22), $7 at the gate, kids under 2 free

 

TATA Yuva Holi

Sat, Mar 23

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lake Elizabeth, near waterpark

40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 255-0599

https://tatayuvaholi.eventbrite.com

 

RANA Holi 2019

Saturday, Mar 30

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Mission San Jose Park

41403 Mission Blvd, Fremont

(408) 359-7262

http://rana.org/

Tickets: $16 – $20, kids under 5 free

 

Holikotsav

Wednesday, Mar 20

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(408) 489-7361

bhavesh_arti@yahoo.com

 

Dhuleti

Sunday, Mar 24

11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

(408) 983-2280

ambrishd@hotmail.com

 

Dolotsav

Sunday, Mar 31

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

(408) 480-3127

ruchitabshah@yahoo.com

 

Shreemaya Krishnadham BAYVP Holi

25 Corning Ave, Milpitas

(408) 586-0006

www.bayvp.org

Contact for cost

 

 

Honor Roll

 

Capital University, Ohio

Fall 2018 President’s List

Julia Wehe, of Castro Valley

 

 

Plants of the Emerald Isle meet the Golden State

Article and photos by Daniel O'Donnell

 

The hills are always green on Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland. And with all the recent rain, the Bay Area should have green hills as well on March 17. Whatever the color of the landscape, there are plenty of plants commonly grown in Ireland that might remind Irish immigrants of home and surprise Bay Area residents that they grow here too.

 

The Irish landscape was much different in the past than it is today. Ireland was heavily forested. Today, nine percent of Ireland's habitat is non-native coniferous forest and only one percent is native woodland. This is not great for biodiversity in the country but has created the picturesque scenery that makes Ireland one of the world's most beautiful places. Deforestation has created the opportunity for some native and non-native plant species to flourish.

 

Ireland gets 150 days of rain per year on average on the east side of the island and 225 days on the west side. The typical amount of rainfall can range from 39 to 78 inches depending upon the location. Temperatures in summer range between 50- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit. Ireland only receives about seven and a half hours of daylight on the winter solstice but gets up to 17 hours on the summer solstice. This is far different than the Bay Area’s climate. Fremont, for example, gets an average of 16 inches annual rainfall, has a more balanced amount of sunlight hours throughout the year, and is much warmer, especially in the summer. It might seem impossible that there are plants that can tolerate both habitats with such a wide range of environmental factors, but there are a handful that do.

 

Arguably the most well-known plant associated with Ireland is the shamrock. Shamrock is the common name of a few different types of plants that are referred to in the Bay Area as clover, oxalis, or sorrel. The shamrock has become a symbol of Ireland over the last few hundred years and can be found on sports jerseys, commercial aircrafts, national stamps, and building facades countrywide. Live shamrocks can also be found in some local grocery stores and other floral shops beginning in March. They are easy to keep alive well after Saint Patrick's Day passes. They should be grown indoors or in protected areas of the garden, watered regularly, and placed in bright indirect sunlight.

 

Spectacular spring wildflowers can be found growing in valleys and mountain ranges all over the world including the picturesque green hills and rugged seaside cliffs throughout Ireland. Ox-eye daisy, yellow buttercup, cowslip (primrose), sea thrift, and saxifrage are some of the common names of wildflowers in Ireland. They come from some of the same families and some are even the same varieties of wildflowers that make up the dazzling urban meadows people plant in the Bay Area. Specific Irish wildflower seed packs and mixes can be purchased on Amazon.

 

A few types of large plants might be grown in a Bay Area landscape as focal points. The same plants are occasionally used in mass as hedges in Ireland. It might be hard to imagine here in California a spiky eight-foot-tall row of cordylines dividing two Irish fields or a line of six-foot-wide phormiums creating a fence in front of a thatched cottage. These two plants are used in Ireland more as they would be in their native New Zealand home.

 

Gunnera or dinosaur plant as the name suggests is a plant with gigantic leaves that can grow to five feet across. It is used locally by designers and architects in commercial and residential properties to impress people in a massive way. It is not commonly used as a hedge plant in Ireland, but because of its impressive size and prehistoric grandeur, a single plant can elevate an already breathtaking landscape into a spectacular one.

 

Two plants that are commonly seen in Ireland and the Bay Area do not rely on their size to enhance the scenery around them. Colorful foxgloves can be seen brightening up the green Irish countryside during spring and into summer. They are splashing droplets of color around Bay Area gardens at the same time of the year. Rushes do not have sought-after colorful flowers but do have clumps of dark evergreen narrow stalks that can grow up to two feet tall. Their slender lines contrast with the low growing grasses in Irish fields, and the various rounded leaf shapes of plants found in many Bay Area gardens.

 

Whenever Ireland is mentioned, inevitably the next sentence will be how incredibly beautiful the country is. But if we use some of the same plants that grow there, we will not have to travel overseas to enjoy a little bit of Ireland in our own gardens.

 

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

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Tuesday, Sep 4 – Thursday, May 23

Homework Help Center

Mon. – Thurs. 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Primary and secondary students receive homework assistance

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

(510) 745-1401

www.aclibrary.org

 

Mondays, Sep 10 – May 28

Advanced Math & Science Tutoring

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

For high school and college students

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 745 1401

www.aclibrary.org

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

Practice Your Spoken English R

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

No class Dec 18 – Jan 1

Chat session for English learners

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

www.aclibrary.org

 

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, Dec 19 – Apr 28

Tech Help and Computer Tutor R

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

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

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

www.aclibrary.org

 

Tuesdays, Jan 15 – Mar 26

Shakespeare and Cultural Literacy Class $

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Watch videos and discuss. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Jan 16 – Mar 27

Crochet and Knitting $

12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn the basics. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Fridays, Jan 18 – Mar 29

Needle Arts $

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Have fun with yarn. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

All Levels Line Dance Class $

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 24 – Mar 28

Laughter Yoga $

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday, Jan 25 – Mar 29

Beginning Line Dance Class $

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Jan 25 – Mar 16

Children's Book Illustrator Show

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Artwork from local illustrators.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Wednesday – Sunday, Jan 26 – Apr 21

Hayward Arts Council 2019 Members Show

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

haywardartscouncil.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 31 – Mar 28

Hawaiian Dance Class

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3 – Sunday, Mar 24

Dove Gallery Art from the Heart Exhibit

Contact for time

Artworks of various media that reflect deep, heartfelt emotions

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

1st and 3rd Mondays, Feb 4 – May 20

Guitar Jam For Seniors $

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Mar 20

Diabetes Self-Management Classes R

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – May 1

Ukulele Jam Program $

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

 

Saturdays, Feb 9 – Apr 13

Free Tax Preparation

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Mondays and Thursdays, Feb 12 – May 30

Table Tennis $

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

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Mondays, Feb 18 – May 27

Caning & Furniture Refinishing/Restoration Class $

9 a.m.  – 12 noon

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Monday – Friday, Feb 18 – May 30

Billiards/Pool Tables $

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Beginning thru advanced players. $1.50 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursday – Sunday, Feb 22 – Mar 23

American Portraiture by James Mills

12 noon – 5 p.m.

A tribute to Americans with watercolors and drawings

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.fremont.gov/OliveHyde

 

Tuesdays, Feb 26 – Apr 16

Civics/Citizenship Class

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

 

Wednesdays, Feb 27 – Apr 17

Civics/Citizenship Class

12 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam

Newark Branch Library

6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark

(510) 284-0684

(510) 745-1480

 

Monday – Friday, Mar 1 – May 3

Art is Education Show

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HUSD students’ art work display.

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardarts.org

 

Sunday-Saturday, Mar 1 – Mar 31

Roving Artists – Where We Live

During business hours

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

Reception

3/10 from 3-5 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Mar 2 – Apr 26

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Mar 2 – Apr 26

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Get crafty and learn about the natural world

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays, Mar 2 – Mar 23

Homebrewing On the Farm $R

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

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

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org/register

 

Friday – Sunday, Mar 2 – Mar 17

Mamma Mia! $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 2:30 p.m.

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

Newark Memorial High School Theatre

39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 791-0287

www.stage1theatre.org

 

Sundays, Mar 3 – Apr 26

Animal Feeding Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday, Mar 3 – Mar 13

Paths To Grace $R

Wed 3/13: 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Prayer through art. Register by 2/28

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

www.msjdominicans.org

 

Thursdays, Mar 7 – Mar 28

Spiritual Guides for Today $R

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

 

Saturdays, Mar 9 – Mar 30

Caught in the Act $

8 p.m.

Hijinks unfold as the actors spread rumors and keep secrets

Sunol Glen School

11601 Main St., Sunol

(925) 862-2026

www.sunol.net

 

Wednesdays, Mar 13 – May 29

Watercolor Class $

9 a.m. – 12 noon

For all experience levels

San Lorenzo Adult School

820 Bockman Road, San Lorenzo

(510) 317-4200

https://adu.slzusd.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17 – Saturday, Apr 13

Juried Photography Exhibit

Library open hours

25 local photographers share 100 diverse photos

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.Fremontculturalartscouncil.org

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

THIS WEEK

 

Wednesday, Mar 13

Best of the Ohlone Community Band

7:30 p.m.

Members perform their favorite pieces from the last 10 years

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

www.ohlonecommunityband.org

 

Wednesday, Mar 13

Fremont Chamber Mixer

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Networking opportunity, light refreshments

Mood Up Wellness

39039 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

fmtcc@fremontbusiness.com

 

Thursday, Mar 14

Toddler Time: Transportation $

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hear songs and fingerplays about transportation. Ages 1-5

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

 

Thursday, Mar 14

Summer Job Fair

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Employment opportunities, submit applications, screening interviews

Centerville Community Center

3355 Country Dr., Fremont

(510) 791-4324

fremont.gov/RecJobs

 

Thursday, Mar 14

Jazz Band Concert $

7:30 p.m.

Come enjoy an evening of jazz

Chabot Performing Arts Center

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6976

 

Friday, Mar 15

Taize

8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Prayer around the cross

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

www.msjdominicans.org

 

Friday, Mar 15

Boost Your Business with Facebook and Instagram R

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Tools you can use, ads you can create, ways to be creative

Paradise Ballroom

4100 Peralta Blvd, Fremont

(510) 909-9263

boostfremont.splashthat.com

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Amphibian Ramble

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Walk to newts breeding pond. Ages 12+

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Meet Author GAD

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

He presents his romantic fantasy novel “The Curse of Raven's Rose Keep”

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Storytime with Aunt Marie

11 a.m.

Reading of “Groovy Joe”, and the first chapter of “Frindle”

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Meet Author Jay P. Michaels

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

He will share his intriguing time-travel novel “There Go I”

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Eden Area Village Monthly Coffee

9 a.m.

Helping seniors remain in their home and be engaged in community

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

www.edenareavillage.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Budding Birders

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Learn the basics of bird identification. 7+ yrs

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Wonders of Wetlands

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Explore with dip nets, binoculars and scavenger hunts. 6+ yrs

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

St. Pitties Day

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Pit bull pet adoption event

Hayward Animal Shelter

16 Barnes Ct., Hayward

(510) 293-7200

www.SantaConHayward.com

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Coffee with a Cop

10 a.m. – 12 noon

For members of the deaf community who live, work or attend school in Fremont

Fremont Family Resource Center, Pacific Room #H800

39155 Liberty St. (at Capitol), Fremont

(888) 308-1767

(510) 371-0042

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Alameda County Spelling Bee Championship

8:30 a.m.

Elementary registration 8:30 a.m./competition 9 a.m.

Junior high registration 12 noon/ competition 12:30 p.m.

San Leandro Arts Education Center

2200 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro

(510) 909-9516

www.acoe.org/spellingbee

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Crab Feed $

5 p.m.

Fundraiser for Deputy Sheriff's Activities League soccer program

Hayward-Castro Valley Moose Lodge

20835 Rutledge Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 723-6936

acdsal.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Transcendentalism and Art Part 2 $

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Watch video on American and European landscapes, open studio time

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Ashavari Music Festival $

3 p.m.

Celebration of Indian classical music

Historic Bal Theatre

14808 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 614-7700

www.ashavariperformingarts.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Compost Giveaway

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Two bags per resident. Must bring coupon that was mailed to the house

Tri-Ced Community Recycling

33377 Western Ave., Union City

(510) 471-3850

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Comedy Shorts Night $

7:30 p.m.

“Behind the Screen”, “The Boat”, “Get Out and Get Under”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Spring Fling Flea Market

9:30 a.m.

Come browse the many booths for treasures

Chabot College, Lot B

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6633

 

Saturday, Mar 16

The Window Cleaner $

6:30 p.m.

Is he really cleaning windows or clearing our minds

Douglas Morrison Theatre

22311 N Third St., Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.thetheaterfactory.com

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Juried Photography Exhibit

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Opening night reception of photo display of 25 local photographers

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.Fremontculturalartscouncil.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Sheep Shearing Day $

11 a.m. – 3 pm.

Annual haircut and wool carding

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Dinner & Dance $R

6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Fil Am Social Ballroom & Fitness Assn. community outreach event

Centerville Community Center

3355 Country Dr., Fremont

(510 364-6808

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Stuck In A Jam

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Create fruit preserves and taste jam

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Wake Up the Farm

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Help prepare a snack for the sheep and goats

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Meet the Farmer: Growing A Green Thumb

1p.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn about climate change while growing vegetables

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17

St. Paddy's Day Song Swap $

4 p.m.

Featuring Michael McNevin, Angie Heimann and Jay Brown

Mudpuddle

37433 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 794-9935

http://www.michaelmcnevin.com/

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Master Gardeners Series: Container Vegetable Gardening

1:30 p.m.

Learn how to get the most out of container gardening

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Dove Gallery Art From the Heart Exhibit

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Open gallery with artwork of various media that reflect deep, heartfelt emotions

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-501

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Wild Edibles & Plant Uses R

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sample savory wild food

Garin Regional Park

1320 Garin Ave., Hayward

(510) 582-2206

1-888-327-2757

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Film Screening: Human Flow (2017)

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Search for safety, teeming refugee camps, perilous ocean crossings

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Lucky Leprechaun Treasure Hunt

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Look for clues and magic along the trail

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Tuesday, Mar 19

Grants for Home Repair

1 p.m.

Learn about eligibility of grants in Alameda County

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Tuesday, Mar 19

Tri-Cities Women's Club

11:30 a.m.

Guest speaker Moira Brennan from Senior Settlers

Elks Lodge

38991 Farwell Dr., Fremont

(510) 793-5683

(510) 656-8476

 

Tuesday, Mar 19

The Aramaic Beatitudes $R

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The closest translations to Jesus' own time, 2-part series continues 3/25.

Register by 3/16

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

(510) 933-6360

https://www.msjdominicans.org/

 

Tuesday, Mar 19

Let’s Get Vegucated! R

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Learn how to reverse heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure

St. Rose Hospital Balch Pavilion

27190 Calaroga Ave., Hayward

(510) 538-2035

 

Tuesday, Mar 19

Weekday Bird Walk

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Look for early spring migrants

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Tuesday, Mar 19

Personal Emergency Preparedness

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Learn to take care of yourself and family before, during and after a disaster

Fremont Fire Training Center

3300 Capitol Ave., Fremont

(510) 494-4244

http://fremontfiredepartment.eventbrite.com

 

Wednesday, Mar 20

A Hypnotic Purin $

7:30 p.m.

Comedy hypnosis show with megillah reading and buffet

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center

220 Yerba Buena Pl., Fremont

(510) 300-4090

www.chabadfremont.com

 

Wednesday, Mar 20

Purim Service

7:30 p.m.

Reading of Megillah

Temple Beth Torah

42000 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 656-7141

www.bethtorah-fremont.org

 

Thursday, Mar 21

Purim Under the Sea $R

5 p.m.

Seafood dinner, face painting, masquerade and multimedia megillah reading

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center

220 Yerba Buena Pl., Fremont

(510) 300-4090

www.chabadfremont.com

 

Thursday, Mar 21

Taste of Castro Valley/Eden Area Business Expo $

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Find great local food and businesses all in one place

Hayward-Castro Valley Moose Lodge

20835 Rutledge Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 723-6936

www.edenareachamber.com

 

Friday, Mar 22

Unity Dinner $R

5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Celebrating women's achievements

India Community Center

525 Los Coches Street, Milpitas

(408) 934-1130

www.eventbrite.com

 

Friday, Mar 22

State of the City 2019 Meeting & Lunch $R

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mayor Lily Mei will discuss key progressions and important issues facing the city

Fremont Marriott

46100 Landing Pkwy., Fremont

(510) 413-3700

(510) 795-2244 x103

www.fremont.gov/stateofthecity

 

Friday, Mar 22

Purim Shabbat Service

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Holiday celebration

Congregation Shir Ami

4529 Malabar Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 537-1787

www.congshirami.org

 

Saturday, Mar 23

Holi: Festival of Colors $

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Religious festival of colors, friendship and harmony

Mission San Jose High School

41717 Palm Ave., Fremont

(510) 657-3600

 

Sunday, Mar 24

Saint Joseph: In His Own Words

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Actor Mark Price brings the man who knew Jesus the best to life

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

www.msjdominicans.org

 

 

Juried exhibit showcases creative photographic artwork

Submitted by Arathi Satish

 

Photography is an artistic medium of capturing images seen through the eyes of a photographer. As Ansel Adams said, “Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution.” The Fremont Cultural Arts Council’s (FCAC) mission to support the practice and enjoyment of photography in the Fremont community continues with the upcoming 25th annual “Juried Photography Exhibit.” With the assistance of the City of Fremont, original photographs will be displayed at the opening night reception on Saturday, March 16 at the Fremont Main Library.

 

Exhibit Chairman Gregory Smith said, “There are 100 photographs from over 25 photographers. As in the past years, the quality of submissions was high. The subject matter of the photographs ranges widely, so there is something certain to appeal to everyone.” Smith pointed out there are many talented photographers locally and this is an opportunity to see some creative photographic artwork. It is also an occasion to meet and talk with the photographers.

 

This annual Juried Photography Exhibit is considered a prestigious event for local photographers. A panel of highly qualified judges recognized these works based on artistic merit, originality, difficulty, and technical aspects. Apart from merit awards, special awards including Presidents Choice Award, People’s Choice Award, and Alvin Dockter Nature Photography Award will also be presented.

 

FCAC President Margaret Thornberry said, “As President of Fremont Cultural Arts Council, I steal a sneak peak at the photos laid out for the judges. Any indication as to who the photographers are is concealed to keep the judging impartial; the winners are only announced at the opening reception on March 16. Amazingly, the high quality of submitted photos just seems to get even better every year, and I get the sense this year that behind each one, there’s an interesting story. Seeing the world through the eyes of our talented local photographers is fascinating!”

 

Photographs selected will be on display on the Fremont Main Library’s second floor from Sunday, March 17 to Saturday, April 13. Some prints are also available for sale. Title cards for the accepted prints will indicate availability. A master list of items available for purchase and prices will be kept at the library’s reference desk. Interested visitors are given the photographer’s contact information. Sales are between the photographer and buyer; FCAC and the library are not parties to any sales. Any print sold will remain in the exhibit until April 13.

 

This event is free and open to general public; the local community is invited to attend the reception and vote for their favorite People’s Choice Photograph. Light refreshments will be served.

 

For more information, please contact Exhibit Chairman Gregory Smith at (510) 828-2893 or fcacphotoshow@gmail.com. Visit the FCAC office at 3375 Country Drive, call (510) 794-7166 or visit www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org.

 

Juried Photography Exhibit

Sunday, Mar 17 – Saturday, Apr 13

Library open hours

 

Opening Night Reception

Saturday, Mar 16

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 pm

 

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 828-2893

www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org

www.aclibrary.org

 

 

Public discussion to focus on Alzheimer’s

Submitted by Jessica Rothhaar

 

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) and Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Elizabeth Edgerly will be among guests at a conversation about ways to meet the growing challenge of Alzheimer’s and other dementia for the nation's families and health care system.

 

The one-hour program is free open to the public and will start at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 22 at the Alzheimer’s Association office in San Jose. Because space is limited, guests should reserve a spot at http://bit.ly/CCKhanna.

 

Topics discussed will include what the Association and Congress are doing to meet the growing challenge of Alzheimer's and other dementias. Guests will also have a chance to share their personal experience, questions and concerns about Alzheimer's and dementia with the Khanna and Edgerly.

 

Since first being elected to Congress in 2016, Khanna has been a strong advocate for policies to address the Alzheimer's crisis in Congress. He is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease and has co-sponsored several pieces of legislation to improve care and support for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, including the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (HR 4256) and the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (HR 1676).

 

Alzheimer’s Discussion

Friday, Mar 22

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Speakers: Rep. Ro Khanna and Alzheimer’s Association director Elizabeth Edgerly

Alzheimer’s Association

2290 N. First Street, Suite 101, San Jose

(408) 436-2720

Free; reservations required: http://bit.ly/CCKhanna

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Dirt Dumping must be regulated

 

Construction development in the Bay Area is excavating large volumes of dirt, and it has to go somewhere. Mission Peak Conservancy is concerned about the diversion or dumping of earthen material on rural parcels in the watershed of Alameda Creek. Since 2017 or before, residents of Sunol, Palomares Canyon, Castro Valley Canyonlands, Fairview and unincorporated Livermore/Pleasanton have reported that “agricultural” operations are grading hillsides, carving/extending roads and filling canyons. In 2017, residents of Palomares Canyon, Sunol and other rural communities reported that more than 100 truckloads were being dumped each day. The rural roads were being worn down from the heavy trucks, and neighbors were affected by noise, dust and spillage.

 

We understand that farmers may import clean dirt to raise pastures, replace lost topsoil, and fill in washed out areas. The revenue from fees paid by dumpers can rival or exceed the value of the underlying agricultural land: $10,000–$15,000 per acre. Thus, the monetary incentives of the disposal industry are substantial, $20 per cu yd. This may rise to $50 per cu yd for material not certified as clean. Officially-sanctioned landfills in east Alameda County are charging twice as much: $36–$48 per cubic yard (per ton) of clean fill.

Private dumping evades the countywide Solid Waste Facility Fee of $4.34 per ton ($4 per cu yd), at landfills inside or outside of the county. The Solid Waste Fee is necessary for regulatory oversight, and issuance of Conditional Use Permits where needed. It covers the costs of preparing, adopting and implementing the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan and using Solid Waste Facilities. Landfills outside the county also charge the fee, per Ordinance 2009-0 of the Waste Management Authority. We believe the $4.34 fee should apply across the board to private agricultural operations that operate as landfills. This fee would pay to ensure that the dirt is clean, graded appropriately and to a fixed depth. [www.stopwaste.org/sites/default/files/Documents/ordinance2009-01.pdf]

 

We’re calling for regulatory oversight of these “unofficial” landfills. What’s at stake here is the quality of life for rural communities, and the stewardship of rural lands, roads and watersheds. Our main concern is environmental: landslides, sedimentation runoff and aquifer contamination. County agencies need to protect rural roadways, local canyons, hillsides, watercourses (in particular, Alameda Creek) and landscapes. The county imposed a dumping moratorium in summer 2018, though it is set to expire later this month (March 2019). Dumping should not be allowed to resume without regulation. The county will sponsor a half-dozen hearings on the draft regulations during the next few months. We’re urging local environmental organizations and residents to speak out in favor of broadening the scope of dumping restrictions and working to ensure that the $4.34 fee is enacted to ensure that regulators have the funds to oversee dirt dumping operations.

 

1. yragui

Mission Peak Conservancy

 

 

Mission San Jose High hosts exclusive Liam Payne concert

Article and photos by Toshali Goel

 

Fremont’s Mission San Jose High School hosted Liam Payne, famed singer and ex-member of the celebrated boy band One Direction, in a private concert on Friday, February 15, 2019 as a result of winning a contest sponsored by education technology company Chegg. Mission San Jose also won a $10,000 grant to their music department.

 

Payne performed some of his most well-known songs at the event, including “For You” from the “Fifty Shades Freed” soundtrack and his smash-hit debut solo single “Strip That Down,” the biggest selling solo single yet from any member of One Direction. The concert was well-organized, with a dynamic mix of energetic pop songs and slower ballads. Payne was accompanied by backup dancers on his more animated numbers, all of whom added greatly to the enthusiastic and lively atmosphere. He also hosted an exclusive Q&A session, taking questions from a few members of the audience on his career and the possibility of an upcoming album.

 

“It was very exciting to see an internationally recognized artist perform up close, and I think it was a really fun experience as a whole,” said Mission San Jose High School senior Girija Prabhu. “I really liked the way he made us feel transported out of our gym and into a real concert venue. I know that many people at Mission used to be huge fans of Liam Payne when he was a part of One Direction, and it was like seeing those old dreams of seeing them in concert partially come true. I’m so happy he came, sang for us, and recognized our school for winning the $10,000 donation to our music department.”

 

The competition was part of the Chegg Music 101 series, which brings $10,000 music grants and top artists to schools to support music education. Previous Chegg Music 101 events have featured other top artists, such as Shawn Mendes, Rachel Platten, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift. Chegg puts out an advertisement for the concert series every year, and student voting determines the winner. Students can vote multiple times, but not more than once per day. Schools in the past have even put up billboards to encourage voting. The Chegg Music 101 series has donated $130,000 to high schools and college campuses since the program’s launch in 2012, with Mission San Jose High’s concert being the fourth in the series thus far. The grant is funded from the Chegg David B. Goldberg Music Scholarship fund.

 

Many schools in the past have used the grants to build music labs, purchase instruments, or send their school band to perform in the widely known Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While Mission San Jose has no conclusive plans yet for how to use their new funds, band students say they are considering updating their equipment and classroom, specifically things like chairs that are not in top condition.

 

The Chegg series is powered by truth, one of the largest and most successful youth tobacco prevention campaigns in the nation, to further promote the importance of musical and other artistic education as well as to inspire students to pour their creativity and hard work into positivity. In an interview with Chegg, Payne said he was proud to be a part of the series to “showcase the importance of music and arts education since music has been such a positive force in my life.”

 

To learn more about Chegg and the Music 101 series, visit www.chegg.com/music101/.

 

 

Boys Basketball

Colts head for State finals; come close in championship

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

The James Logan Colts (Union City) won the semifinal round of the Division 1 State Basketball

Tournament 54-49 with dramatic victory over Branson Bulls (Ross, CA) on March 5th. A slow start put the Colts in a hole at the beginning of play, but the team proved their tenacity and self-control as they responded to a powerful Branson attack with outstanding defense and a resurgent offense.

 

In a tense matchup on March 8th with the Chino Hills Huskies for the Division 1 crown at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, it appeared that the Colts were poised to take the State champion crown. In an even match, the Colts edged the Huskies 17-16 in the first quarter but faltered, leaving the hardwood at the half with a 41-28 deficit. However, great teams do not fold and neither did the Colts as they played an almost even third quarter and stormed back in the fourth quarter to gain momentum, closing within a basket of the Huskies. However, as the clock ran out, the Huskies maintained their poise and just enough offense and defense to claim the title: Huskies 69, Colts 63.

 

Congratulations to the James Logan Colts for an exceptional season and a spectacular post-season run to the finals!

 

 

Hummingbird Tales

By Pat Kite

 

Hummingbirds seem to be the “IT” bird this spring. By now we may all know: there are 340 species; wings swirl 12 to 80 times per second, depend on species; they can travel 34 mph; and they are important pollinators. Now let’s move on to something perhaps more interesting. This bird’s ability to fly forward, backward, sideways, and upside down plus hover motionless gives rise to tales of magical powers. In Native American cultures, hummingbirds are healers and bringers of love, good luck and joy. In Central America, they are a sign of love and will bring love to the person who spots them. These tiny birds are supposed to take prayers to the gods. They might come bringing a message from a deceased loved one. The ancient Mayans believed that hummingbird was the “sun in disguise” that appears in a hummingbird form to court the moon. The Aztecs believed every warrior killed in battle eventually came back as a hummingbird. In a Native American Pima legend, a hummingbird acted like Noah's dove, bringing back a flower as proof the great flood was subsiding.

 

A native American Seneca Story: Long ago, animals and birds gathered regularly when there were important items to discuss. The council meeting, before humans came into existence, was about the Creation of the Universe. The great Chief – Bear – spoke. He wondered if they were the only people in the world. A great argument ensued. Before things got too serious, it was decided to have a contest instead of a fight. A bird or animal with special powers would be chosen to fly past Grandfather Sun, discovering on the way whether there were other “people” anywhere. Since only bird people could fly, off they went. Eagle went the highest, but eventually began to tire. Then he felt something on his head. There was hummingbird, bringing her own food for the journey: a tiny mustard seed. She thanked the eagle for the ride, and off she went.  She was gone seven days. Upon returning to the council gathering, she was questioned. Well, are there other people? From her pocket, the hummingbird took out a small quartz crystal. “I traded my mustard seed for this sacred healing rock. It comes from people in outer space who live on other planets. Someday they will come to visit us.” [Author’s note: Apparently, we are still waiting.]

 

Studies have shown that hummingbirds can remember every flower they've ever visited, including on migration routes. Some favorites: fuchsias, lantana, morning glories, geraniums, butterfly bush, etc. They can even recognize humans and know which ones can be counted on to refill empty hummingbird feeders.

 

 

Heads up! Auto burglaries on the rise

Submitted by Lt. John Torrez

 

The number of auto burglaries in Milpitas has hit 145 since the beginning of the year according to The Milpitas Police Department. There were 88 auto burglaries in January alone, making it the highest for auto burglaries in the past year. In February, there were 57 reported auto burglaries. If the current trend continues, this crime is projected to surpass last year’s total.

 

Police say the majority of these auto burglaries have occurred in the parking lots of retail shopping centers. Among centers hardest hit are Ulfert’s Center, Milpitas Square, McCarthy Ranch, and the Great Mall of the Bay Area.

 

In an effort to the reduce the number of auto burglaries, the Milpitas Police Department has deployed personnel at the shopping centers, conducted operations to identify and apprehend suspects, met with property management, and met with contracted security services of affected shopping centers.

 

Using their social media platforms, police are sharing safety tips with the public on how to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim. Information also is being disseminated via electronic signboards, and by making direct contact with high-tech companies whose employees frequent the shopping centers.

 

Combatting auto burglaries is a priority for the Milpitas Police Department and with help from watchful and careful citizens, police say the crime can be significantly reduced. A typical auto burglary occurs when suspects look inside parked vehicles for bags (briefcases, backpacks, luggage), that may contain electronics or other valuables. The suspects will usually shatter a window to reach inside and grab items in plain view. An auto burglary only takes a few seconds to commit.

 

Here are tips on how to reduce the chances of being an auto burglary victim:

• Do not leave bags in your vehicle that can be seen by looking through windows
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle, especially laptops, tablets, and phones
• When items must be left in a vehicle, place them in the trunk before arriving and parking
• Park in well-lit areas
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400 or calling 911 if a crime is in progress

 

Anyone who has information about auto burglaries that have occurred in Milpitas is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information also can be shared anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department Website at: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip.

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Sgt. Jason Speckenheuer and Sgt. Steve Parodi

 

Sunday, March 3

• At about 2:09 a.m. officers made a traffic stop on the 500 block of McCarthy Boulevard. While talking with the vehicle’s three occupants, officers noticed the smell of marijuana and traces of it on one of the occupants’ clothing. A search of the car turned up a loaded Smith and Wesson Model 469, 9mm caliber pistol and a black ski mask and leather gloves. Police arrested Jorge Antonio Vasquez, 18, of San Jose on suspicion of possessing a concealed firearm and other charges. Two 17-year-old juveniles in the car were cited and released to their parents on suspicion of possessing a concealed firearm. An investigation is continuing.

 

Wednesday, March 6

• At about 4:00 p.m. an officer stopped at 1988 Toyota van on suspicion of running a red light at West Calaveras Boulevard and South Abbott Avenue. The driver, identified by police as Joseph David Milana, 48, of San Jose, had a suspended driver’s license. During a vehicle search, officers found a quarter pound of methamphetamine, six grams of heroin, hypodermic needles, Xanax pills and a digital scale. Milana was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on various drug charges and driving on a suspended license.

 

 

Rotary chairman to share membership strategies

Submitted by Frank De Smidt

 

Hung Wei, Rotary District 5170 membership chairman will be guest speaker at the next Milpitas Rotary Club meeting. Wei will talk about developing helpful club membership strategies. The meeting will be Monday, March 25 at Dave & Buster’s in the Great Mall of the Bay Area. Lunch will be available for purchase.

 

Rotary is a service club organization with chapters nationwide and around the world. The Milpitas club membership includes business and professional leaders who take an active role in their communities while enriching their personal and professional lives.

 

For information about the luncheon meeting, or Rotary, call Frank De Smidt at (408) 582-3342 or visit the Milpitas Rotary webpage at https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6028/

 

Milpitas Rotary Club meeting

Monday, Mar 25

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Guest speaker: Hung Wei

Dave & Buster’s

940 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas

Frank De Smidt, (408) 582-3342

Admission: Free; lunch available for purchase

 

 

Milpitas City Council

March 5, 2019

 

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scouts Troop 92

 

Consent Calendar:

• Adopted a Resolution Initiating Proceedings for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 95-1, McCarthy Ranch.
• Adopted a Resolution for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance Assessment District No. 98-1, Sinclair Horizon.
• Adopted Resolutions of the Milpitas City Council and Milpitas Public Financing Authority Board Authorizing Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund – to update Officers’ Information and Signatures.
• Approved Out of State Travel for Assistant Police Chief Kevin Moscuzza to attend the FBI National Academy 275th Session Graduation in Quantico, VA scheduled for March 14, 2019 to March 16, 2019.
• Issue a Request for Proposals to construct and manage a digital billboard located at the northern terminus of Barber Lane.

 

Community Services and Sustainable Infrastructure:

• Unpleasant outdoor-odor has been a longstanding issue in Milpitas. Following an update of the odor situation from the City staff the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) leadership made a comprehensive presentation from their perspective. That was followed by a period of extensive comments and questions from residents of Milpitas and some neighboring Bay Area cities.

 

Public Hearing

• A public hearing was conducted for 2019 Weed Abatement.
• A public hearing was conducted regarding Establishment of Affordable Housing Fees. A resolution establishing residential and non-residential affordable housing fees and integrating the fees into the City’s Master Fee Schedule and making findings of CEQA exemption was adopted.

 

Mayor Rich Tran                                 Aye

Vice Mayor Karina Dominguez         Aye

Carmen Montano                                Aye

Bob Nunez                                          Aye

Anthony Phan                                     Aye

 

 

Program to offer tips to apply for citizenship

Submitted by Eileen Mendez

 

Anyone that is wondering about how the process of becoming a United States citizen works, should mark Saturday, March 23 on their calendar. That’s the date the Fremont Main Library is hosting a Naturalization Information Session with representatives from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services who will share information on the steps necessary to take on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen.

 

The two-hour program is free and will meet in the library’s Fukaya Room. The library will provide an ASL interpreter for any event with at least seven working days’ notice. For more information, call (510) 745-1401 or TTY (888) 663-0660.

 

Naturalization Information Session

Saturday, Mar 23

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Learn the path to U.S. Citizenship

Fremont Main Library, Fukaya Room

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1401

Admission: Free

 

 

Nestle, AT&T pull YouTube ads over pedophile concerns

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Feb 21 – Several companies, including AT&T and Nestle, are pulling advertisements from YouTube over concerns about inappropriate comments on videos of children.

 

A video from a popular YouTuber and a report from Wired showed that pedophiles have made unseemly comments on innocuous videos of kids. The comments reportedly included timestamps that showed where kids innocently bared body parts.

 

YouTube says it disabled comments on tens of millions of videos and deleted offending accounts and channels.

 

Nestle and Fortnite maker Epic Games say they paused ads on YouTube while the company works on the issue. AT&T says it has removed ads until YouTube can assure that its ads aren't associated with offensive material.

 

YouTube has faced advertiser boycotts in the past, including a widespread boycott in early 2017.

 

 

New medical clinic opens doors

Submitted by Tri-City Health Center

 

Officials from the Tri-City Health Center (TCHC) recently announced the opening of a new clinic that will provide critical primary/complementary medicine, behavioral health, and expanded enabling services to the area. The clinic is named Mowry III-The Behavioral Health and Social Services (BHSS) Clinic and is located on Mowry Avenue across the street from the health center’s Mowry I and Mowry II clinics and shares a parking lot with Washington Hospital.

 

Behavioral Health providers will continue to provide an integrated model of care with each clinic; however, with a central location, providers will be able to offer group activities, specialty services to include tele-psychiatry and alternative therapies, and a broader range of enabling and social services.

 

“To be able to coordinate those things in the same place is important,” Interim BHSS Director Dr. Josh McKeever said. “With this centralized location we will be able to better manage patients dually diagnosed with behavioral health and substance use disorder who will receive counseling, case management and medical care under one roof.”

 

Mowry III will also be a home for the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, substance use disorder services (SUD), and other programs, including pain management therapies, acupuncture and chiropractic care. At Mowry III, Social Services will play a large role, supporting patients with care delivery, enhancing health literacy and accessing care.

 

Other services include benefits counseling, transportation, translation services, housing and eligibility assistance, with enrollment in CalFresh, HealthPAC, Medi-Cal and other benefits. These services will continue to eliminate the barriers for patients to receive the best care they need. Increased collaboration in a new location for Behavioral Health and Social Services will bring a more unified approach to care for the health center’s Behavioral Health patients.

 

Mowry III is the eighth Fremont-based clinic operated by TCHC and is located at 1860 Mowry Ave, Suite 400. Federal funding was provided by the Health Resources & Services Administration.

 

 

Looking for a four-legged friend?

Submitted by Chris Gin

 

As a salute to St. Patrick’s Day volunteers at the Hayward Animal Shelter are planning a “St. Pitties Day” pet adoption event focusing on pit bulls and pit bull-mixes on Saturday, March 16. Individuals or families that are interested in adopting a new four-legged friend are encouraged to stop by the shelter during the event and meet the animals. Free adoptions to qualified homes on all pitbulls and pets with red or orange coat colors is sponsored by LepreCon/SantaCon Hayward. Hayward residents pay a $17 licensing fee for dogs. The shelter is at 16 Barnes Court, near the Department of Motor Vehicles at Jackson Street and Soto Road in Hayward.

 

St. Pitties Day

Saturday, Mar 16

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Pit bull pet adoption event

Hayward Animal Shelter

16 Barnes Court, Hayward

(510) 293-7200

www.SantaConHayward.com

www.HaywardAnimals.org

Free

 

 

Celebrating Purim

Photos courtesy of Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center

 

The most festive of Jewish holidays, Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation, as told in the book of Esther, also known as the Megillah

 

In the 4th century BCE, Jews were under the rule of the Persian Empire. When King Ahasuerus’ wife, Queen Vashti, disobeyed his orders, he had her killed, then held a beauty pageant to find his new queen. He chose Esther, a Jewish girl, but she did not reveal her heritage.

 

Haman, the king’s advisor, hated the Jews, and when Mordechai, leader of the Jews and cousin to Esther, refused to bow to him, Haman plotted the destruction of the Jewish people. When his plan was discovered, Esther bravely revealed her heritage to the king to save her people. King Ahasuerus was outraged by Haman’s plans, and commanded that he be hung on the gallows that Haman had built for Mordechai’s execution.

 

Purim is celebrated each year on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, which begins this year on the evening of Wednesday, March 20 and ends the evening of Thursday, March 21. The holiday is observed by reading the Megillah; giving money to the poor; sending gifts of food; dressing up in costumes; the baking of hamantaschen, a three-cornered pastry with sweet fillings; and a Purim feast. It is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and a lot of fun!

 

Temples in the Tri-City area will be hosting services and celebrations, beginning with Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center’s “A Hypnotic Purim” Wednesday, March 20 featuring hypnotist Dr. Dave Hill, Megillah reading, and festive buffet. Chabad follows that with their “Purim Under the Sea” on Thursday, March 21 with a seafood dinner, face painting, masquerade, bubblemania show, and multimedia Megillah reading. Join Temple Beth Sholom for their Purim Carnival or attend a service at Congregation Shir Ami or Temple Beth Torah. Temple Beth Torah welcomes the community to don a costume and join in the fun!

 

A Hypnotic Purim

Wednesday, Mar 20

7:30 p.m.

220 Yerba Buena Pl, Fremont

(510) 300-4090

www.chabadfremont.com

Tickets: $25

 

Purim Service

Wednesday, Mar 20

7:30 p.m.

Temple Beth Torah

42000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 656-7141

www.bethtorah-fremont.org

 

Purim Under the Sea

Thursday, Mar 21

5:00 p.m.

Chabad of Fremont Jewish Center

220 Yerba Buena Pl, Fremont

(510) 300-4090

www.chabadfremont.com

Tickets: $25 adults, $12 children

 

Purim Shabbat Service

Friday, Mar 22

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Congregation Shir Ami

4529 Malabar Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 537-1787

www.congshirami.org

 

Purim Carnival

Sunday, Mar 24

10:00 a.m. – 12 noon

Temple Beth Sholom

642 Dolores Ave, San Leandro

(510) 357-8505

www.tbssanleandro.com

 

 

San Leandro launches community assistance grant program

Submitted by Alice Kim

 

The Recreation and Human Services Department invites nonprofit organizations serving the San Leandro community to apply for the City of San Leandro’s Community Assistance Grant Program (CAP). CAP provides financial support to nonprofits providing human services and programs for individuals and families living in San Leandro. Applications must be received by March 28; minimum grant amount available is $10,000 for interested organizations. The city is interested in reviewing applications that address the unmet needs identified within the Human Services Gap Analysis. Priority will be given to the following areas: high-level or severe mental and behavioral health needs, development and coordination of food security programs or services, and domestic and intimate partner violence services.

 

The Request for Funding Applications is for a two-year funding cycle covering fiscal years within 2019-2021. CAP is funded by the City of San Leandro general fund and federal Community Development Block Grant fund from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. For more information or to obtain an application, visit the Recreation and Human Services Department website https://www.sanleandro.org/depts/rec/rh/cagrant.asp or call Elsa Castillo at (510) 577-3469.

 

Community Assistance Grant for Nonprofits

Application deadline: 4 p.m. March 28

(510) 577-3469

https://www.sanleandro.org/depts/rec/rh/cagrant.asp

 

 

San Leandro City Council

March 4, 2019

 

Recognitions:

• Proclamation declaring Monday, March 4, 2019 as Esther Collier Day
• Resolution appointing the following representatives:

Rick Solis, Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Catherine Vierra-Houston, Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Adjustments

Jane Abelee, Human Services Commission

Chike Udemezue, Personnel Relations Board          

Dana Fry, Arts Commission

Nancy Gonchar, Arts Commission

Allen Schoenfeld, Recreation and Parks Commission

Darlene Cozzette-Daevu, Senior Commission

Items passed 7-0.

 

Public Comments:

• Medicare for all was discussed

 

Presentations:

• Presentation by La Clinica de la Raza

 

Consent Calendar:

• Motion nominating Isabel Polvorosa as District 3 Representative to the Library-Historical Commission for term to expire December 31, 2022
• Ordinance to amend the San Leandro Municipal Code relating to parking aides
• Ordinance to approve a rezoning of 342 Marina Boulevard, from Residential Multi-family District, to Residential Multi-family District, Planned Development Overlay District.
• Resolution to amend the Management Organization Salary Schedule to add the Chief Technology Officer classification and to amend the City Employees’ Association Salary Schedule to add the Innovation Technology Analyst classification and the Plans Examiner classification
• Resolutions updating the designation of persons authorized to make financial transactions and investments of funds
• Resolution to approve the Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2018

Calendar passed 7-0

 

Action Items:

• Proposed ordinance to add Mobilehome Space Rent Stabilization to the City of San Leandro Municipal Code. Motion to continue the item contingent on a moratorium on rent increases agreed upon by the mobilehome park owners passed 7-0
• Ordinance amending the contract between the City of San Leandro and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).

Item passed 7-0.

 

City Council Reports:

• Councilmember Hernandez reported that East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) presented Alameda County with a check for $4 million to repay their loan. There will also be a board retreat on March 6. Mayor Cutter requested that Councilmember Hernandez ask EBCE for a presentation explaining their bill to help citizens understand
• Councilmember Hernandez attended the Fire Advisory Commission meeting where they discussed using a service dashboard to help analyze data
• Councilmember Cox attended the StopWaste meeting on February 27 where they presented information on the Climate Action Plan and upstream emissions from buildings
• Councilmember Cox attended an Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) meeting where they discussed the East 14th corridor project
• Mayor Cutter reported that San Leandro received an “A” on their Climate Report
• Vice Mayor Lopez also attended the Fire Advisory Commission meeting and reported on a healthy budget
• Mayor Cutter also reported on the ACTC meeting and discussion of beautifying projects
• Mayor Cutter attended a Mayor’s Conference where they agreed to establish a universal background check for guns and improve water quality

 

City Council Calendar and Announcements:

• Councilmember Ballew announced that May 18 will be Endangered Species Day at the San Leandro Library
• Councilmember Lee announced the National League of Cities to be held next week
• Councilmember Lee will be attending a national summit on cyber technology in

Washington D.C.

• Vice Mayor Lopez will also be attending the National League of Cities where she will be a member of a working group on emerging technologies
• Councilmember Aguilar will also be attending the National League of Cities. It will be his first time in Washington D.C

 

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter                           Aye

Vice Mayor Corina N. Lopez                         Aye

Victor Aguilar, Jr.                                           Aye

Ed Hernandez                                                 Aye

Benny Lee                                                       Aye

Deborah Cox                                                   Aye

Pete Ballew                                                     Aye

 

 

New boxArt! at Sailway Drive and Paseo Padre Parkway

Submitted by Gloria Kim

 

The Serra Center Art Workshop, soon to run its ninth year, is a collaborative between the City of Fremont and non-profit partners the Olive Hyde Art Guild and Serra Center. Taught by City of Fremont instructor Susan Bettencourt, the program offers a safe environment for developmentally disabled adult students to create their own artwork, fostered by an open, fluid, and individualized curriculum through drawing, painting, and sculpting.

 

Twenty-one artists from the 2017 Serra Center Art Workshop contributed their artwork, which is now represented on an electrical box as part of City of Fremont’s boxArt! program. Miguel Rivas, a Reprographics Specialist, kindly volunteered his expertise to graphically assemble the selected paintings into a collage form. With great anticipation and excitement, the community may now share in the creativity of the Serra Center Art program participants through a vinyl-wrapped box at the corner of Sailway Drive and Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont.

 

Made possible through generous sponsorship from Olive Hyde Art Guild members Judy and Lynn Anglin, the Serra Center boxArt! is a culmination of the collaboration of the City of Fremont Recreation Services and Art Review Board, boxArt! Manager Susan Longini, Serra Center, and Olive Hyde Art Guild, and is a celebration of the creative artwork from an underserved group of individuals within our community. March is Art is Education Month – visit Central Park and view this creative accomplishment!

 

2017 Serra Center artists include Roger Anglin, Cary Bell, Patrick Carleton, Robert Cross, Donald Dimenco, Donald Fields, Karen Goldberg, Sophia Halsey, Gary Heuer, Maryann Jerde, Maurice Kaasa, Todd Lorenzo, Lisa Mungin, Kelly Rommelfanger, Lori Santos, Terry Shiman, Marsha Smith, Jennifer Sullivan, Patrick Tracey, Bill Turner, and Ryan Vevoda.

 

Serra Center staff, clients, and friends are also celebrating Disability Awareness Month on Saturday, March 30 in Central Park. For more information, please email Serra Center Development Manager Leslie McGarry at lmcgarry@serracenter.org.

 

 

Time to shear sheep

Submitted by Mindy Castle

 

Spring has sprung and it’s time for our sheep’s annual haircut. Watch as Ardenwood Farm’s sheep get sheared on Saturday, March 16. Out of the six ewes four will be sheared more historically with the use of non-electric shears, and the others including some from local 4-H members will be sheared using modern electric shears. There will be a staff person at each of those shearings to talk about the process and answer any questions. The wool sheared will be used for school and public programs at the farm; attendees can buy wool from previous years’ shearings in small souvenir bags.

 

Visitors can also try wool carding and see the transformation from fiber to yarn. Activities will be centered in the farmyard, sheep pens, and near the barn. Other activities include dog herding demonstrations, crafts, spinning demonstrations, sheep cheese tasting at the outdoor Country Kitchen, live music, face painting, and felting. This is a drop-in event and no registration is required. For information, call (510) 544-2797 or visit www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood/.

 

Ardenwood has had sheep since the late 1980s close to when the park opened. The farm has two sheep breeds and some that are a mix of both breeds. The Suffolk breed is primarily a meat breed, and Romney breed is used for its wool as it has a nice length to the fiber and is wonderful for spinning into yarn or for felting.

———————————————————-

Agenda:

Historic Sheep Shearing Demos: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Sheepdog Demos: 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Hand Carding: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wool Felting: 11:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.

Sheep Crafts for Kids: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Children’s Songs with David Maloney: 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Country Kitchen Cookin’ and Sheep Cheese Tasting: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

———————————————————–

Sheep Shearing Program

Saturday, Mar 16

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood/

Park Admission: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; $4 for children ages 4 to 17; and free for kids ages 3 and under