Alameda County Water District
Special Board Meeting
March 10, 2021
Presentation:
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) upgrades will be given to 86,000 residential and business customers.
Public Comments:
Customers asked about debris being released when meters are changed, how the new meters are powered, and if there are plans to tie closer monitoring with water budgets and possible tiered water rates for exceeding the budget.
President Aziz Akbari, absent
Director James G. Gunther
Director Paul Sethy, absent
Director John H. Weed
Director Judy C. Huang
Important changes to AC Alert
Submitted by AC Alert
Starting April 15, Alameda County’s mass notification system AC Alert will no longer use text messaging or voice calls to provide non-emergency notifications, such as red flag warnings and local traffic alerts. Hereafter, all non-emergency AC Alert notifications will be sent to subscribers via email and the Everbridge app only.
These changes will not apply to emergency alerts. In the event of an emergency, AC Alert will continue to use all available contact paths to alert those who may be impacted.
These changes are being implemented due to recent increases in the fees associated with mass texting and voice calling, which have made it cost prohibitive to continue using them as a means of delivering non-emergency information to AC Alert subscribers.
If you want to receive non-emergency notifications from AC Alert, and you do not have the Everbridge app and/or an email address attached to your AC Alert profile, do the following:
1. Log in to your account by going to www.acalert.org and ensure that your account has at least one email address listed on your profile.
2. Download the Everbridge app from your mobile device’s app store (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store). Once you have downloaded the app, search “AC Alert” or “Alameda County” to be able to login to your account. Once you have logged in, you will receive these messages via the app.
For tips on using the app or registering an email address, visit www.acgov.org/emergencysite/. Under “Resources” you will find these clickable links: “Other AC Alert Materials” and “How to Find AC Alert in the Everbridge App.”
AC Alert
www.acalert.org
www.acgov.org/emergencysite/ – “Resources”
Alameda County moves into Red Tier
Submitted by City of Union City
Alameda County has met the metrics for the Red Tier for two weeks, and effective March 10 activities and businesses permitted in the Red Tier per the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy may resume operation.
Businesses and activities permitted to open indoors, with capacity restrictions and modifications:
• Restaurants: 25 percent maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Retail: 50 percent maximum capacity and food courts permitted with indoor dining restrictions
• Grocery stores: full capacity while following retail industry guidance
• Movie Theaters: 25 percent maximum capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer
• Museums, Zoos and Aquariums: 25 percent maximum capacity
• Gyms, fitness centers and studios (including at hotels): 10 percent maximum capacity and climbing walls are permitted
Small and time-limited private gatherings among no more than three household are now permitted indoors under state guidance, but outdoors is still strongly encouraged. Masks and physical distancing are still required for these gatherings, and anyone who is experiencing symptoms must not attend. Large gatherings are still prohibited.
To learn more about what activities may resume under the Red Tier, visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/press/press-release-2021.03.09.pdf.
Dumbarton Quarry Campground under construction
By Ayn Wieskamp
East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
Progress continues on construction of the new Dumbarton Quarry Campground at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. The campground is being established on the 91-acre site of the former Dumbarton Quarry, which was in operation from the 1950s through 2007. One million tons of gravel per year were extracted from the quarry. The gravel was used to build parts of San Francisco and Oakland International airports, highways, and numerous other projects.
The quarry went from a hillside 350 feet above sea level to a pit 350 feet below sea level – one of the lowest-elevation sites in the United States. The pit has been filled with clean dirt obtained from Bay Area construction sites, such as BART extension projects and the San Francisco PUC tunnel.
Campground construction began in 2019 and is now well along. When completed, this will be the first full-service campground operated by the East Bay Regional Park District, with 62 full-hookup recreational vehicle campsites, a camp store, kiosk, restrooms and showers, and site amenities including an amphitheater, playground, picnic areas, parking and trails connecting to adjacent Coyote Hills Regional Park’s 978 acres. Total value of the improvements is anticipated to exceed $15 million. Dumbarton Quarry Associates, which operated the quarry, is paying for the project.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Sunday, March 7
• At 4:46 p.m. a man identified by police as Dakota Kleven, 26, was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of grand theft, possession of burglary tools, resisting arrest and criminal conspiracy. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• At 6:38 p.m. a man identified by police as Joao Hummel, 33, of Castro Valley was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of grand theft, probation violation and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, March 9
• At 8:04 p.m. a man identified by police as Marc Berger, 27, of San Francisco was arrested at Milpitas station an outside agency warrant. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail.
Wednesday, March 10
• At 9:46 a.m. a man identified by police as Timothy Knockum, 54, of Oakland was arrested at San Leandro station on suspicion of violating a court order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
San Francisco Bay Area redwood forest preserved in $25 million deal
AP Wire Service
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Feb 20 – A sprawling redwood forest north of San Francisco has received permanent protection under a deal between a Bay Area environmental group and a family who has owned it since 1925.
Under the agreement, Save the Redwoods League paid $24.7 million to buy a conservation easement over the sweeping Mailliard Ranch, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of San Francisco in Mendocino County, the Mercury News reported Friday.
The nearly 15,000-acre property belongs to the Mailliard Family, which includes Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, wife of former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, who died Feb. 6 in Palo Alto.
The forest will not be open to the public. The family will continue to own the property and be allowed to conduct commercial logging – at half the rate currently permitted under state laws – on second-growth redwoods there, as it has done for generations. But more than 1,000 acres of land will be preserved forever, while 69 legal parcels that could have been divided into ranchettes and vineyards will be retired.
“Our vision isn’t to make a park out of every acre of redwood forest,“ said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. “We want to make sure we don’t lose any more of it.”
The ranch is located in Anderson Valley, between Yorkville and Boonville. It is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) inland from the coastal town of Gualala, which sits on the border of Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The property is home to golden eagles, black-tailed deer, northern spotted owls, Coho salmon and steelhead trout, along with at least 159 native species of plants.
It also includes 28 miles (45 km) of streams, and the headwaters of the Garcia and Navarro rivers.
The ranch was in an area of California that was being heavily logged when Jack Ward Mailliard Jr., and his wife, Kate, purchased it in 1925. A friend of former Gov. Earl Warren, Mailliard also served as president of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the board of the California Academy of Sciences. Kate revered the trees, particularly an area known as Cathedral Grove, her grandson remembers.
“The old growth built San Francisco twice, so there isn’t a lot of redwood, true old growth, left in the area,” said Larry Mailliard, general partner of Mailliard Ranch. “Cathedral Grove was my grandmother’s favorite. Grandmother’s philosophy was, `Why go sit in a 100-year-old church when I could go talk to a 2,500-year-old tree?”’
The deal, which closed earlier this month, links to roughly 67,000 acres of other preserved redwood lands between Anderson Valley and Gualala, many which also have sustainable logging plans and conservation easements.
Report affirms job losses of low-income California workers
By Kathleen Ronayne
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Mar 02 – The California jobs most vulnerable to layoffs and furloughs due to the pandemic were among people making less than $40,000 year, a state report released Tuesday found, with women in low-income households suffering the worst job losses.
The report by California’s Future of Work Commission focuses on expected trends in California’s labor market over the next decade, laying out in stark detail the economic inequality in the nation’s most populous state.
Gov. Gavin Newsom adopted the nation’s first statewide stay-at-home order in mid-March. Over the following months, counties went through multiple business closures and reopenings. Yet the report estimates that just 22% of California workers are consistently able to work remotely, making most workers unable to spend most time at home as officials urged them to do.
“That puts everybody else in this really weird position of either needing to go on unemployment, which is only going to be 60% to 70% of your income, or putting yourself in the line of fire,“ said Tia Koonse, legal and policy research manager at the UCLA Labor Center.
About 55% of Latino workers serve in essential jobs – making them most vulnerable to coronavirus exposure – compared to 48% of Black workers and 35% of white workers, the report noted.
Essential businesses like grocery stores and hospitals never closed, but others such as restaurants, gyms and nail salons have been subject to different rules around if and how they can reopen. The closures caused California’s unemployment rate to skyrocket to 16.4% at its height in April.
The report affirms others that warned low-income women were bearing the brunt of job losses during the pandemic. From August to October of 2020, California’s unemployment rate for women in households making less than $30,000 rose to 29% from January through March. Meanwhile, women in households making more than $150,000 annually saw their employment rate rise by 6%, the report found.
Koonse, of the UCLA Labor Center, noted that women dominate many low-wage jobs such as domestic and custodial work. Others may have needed to exit the workforce to take care of children when schools shut down. Most public schools have been closed for in-person learning since last year, though Newsom and legislative leaders have a plan aimed at reopening them by the end of March.
Beyond the pandemic, the 55-page report also urges the state to address California’s inequality and create better conditions for workers by 2030.
The commission, which Newsom formed in 2019, was led by Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, and James Manyika, chairman and director of the McKinsey Global Institute.
Construction Underway at California Nursery Historical Park
Submitted by City of Fremont
Construction is underway on the California Nursery Historical Park Backbone Infrastructure and Site Work project in the Niles District. This project is part of the Phase 1 implementation of the park’s master plan adopted by the Fremont City Council in December 2017. This first phase sets the framework for the future development of the park, and includes construction of underground utilities, irrigation, walkways, parking areas, and driveway. Also, the planting of 70+ new trees is planned, along with native meadow planting to replace lost trees throughout time to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife, and complement the urban forest. It will also be the future location of a community garden.
Once complete, the enhanced park will include improvements such as accessible pathways and plaza areas. It will also be equipped with benches and seatwalls, picnic tables, drinking fountains, bicycle parking racks, pathway and security lighting, and more!
The project has been a joint effort led by the City’s Community Services Department, including the Landscape Architecture, Recreation, and Parks Maintenance divisions, with inspiration from other City departments and the community and volunteers, including the California Nursery Garden Club, LEAF Community Garden and Math Science Nucleus. The construction efforts are being managed by the City’s Public Works Construction and Surveying divisions. This project is scheduled to be completed in October 2021.
For more information on this and other California Nursery Historical Park projects, please visit our website at https://fremont.gov/3741/CA-Nursery-Project.
Chabot College professor part of NASA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador program
Submitted by Mujeeb Dadgar
One of Chabot College’s instructors will be among the first community college educators to take part in a NASA-backed program that will launch him and 29 other educators into the very sky that they will be studying. Scott Hildreth, a professor of astronomy and physics at Chabot College, was selected for the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (AAA) program.
“I’m thrilled. I grew up watching the NASA stuff heading to the moon, so I have been a fan for a long, long time. When the AAA program started 10 years ago, I immediately started salivating and saying, ‘What a neat thing.’ But it was only open to high school educators then,” Hildreth said. “When they expanded this, you could say that I probably jumped up and figured out what I was going to say to the application almost immediately.”
AAA is a professional development program for science teachers designed to improve science teaching and increase student learning and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engagement. The teachers receive training in astrophysics and planetary science, including a weeklong STEM immersion experience at a NASA astronomy research facility, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).
The SOFIA is the biggest mobile observatory in the world and flies around the world to advance infrared science. Infrared radiation from space does not penetrate our atmosphere, but the Boeing 747 aircraft, flying at 40,000 ft. and above the clouds, can collect its data via a 100’’ telescope and suite of detectors, which allow astronomers and scientists to study hidden and obstructed objects and activities that would otherwise be inaccessible using just visible light.
After their training, the AAAs teach a physical science curriculum module created by the SETI Institute that connects curriculum concepts to NASA- and SOFIA-enabled research.
Hildreth said that he hopes to gain not only the experience that the AAA program has to offer but to be able to bring back the ability to inspire his students, particularly those who have been underrepresented, to pursue education and careers in STEM fields.
“Where do you go to see the population that NASA would like to see encouraged [to be more involved in science]?” Hildreth asked. “You go to the community college. Almost 50 percent of [Chabot’s] students are first-generation college students, with nobody in their family who has a degree who would be encouraging them to pick up a science book. Just walking around a college can help set the idea that maybe you will go there someday, or maybe your kids will go there someday.”
Chabot College currently houses a 30-foot planetarium, which is equipped with a planetarium projector and seats about 50 students. When students are again able to attend in-person learning, the planetarium will be used for astronomy lectures and lab classes and will be shared with other departments for its audio-visual capability.
The AAA program is funded by NASA and implemented by research nonprofit, Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute. To learn more about the program, visit www.seti.org/aaa.
Unemployed? Your 7 Must-Dos
By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
Being unemployed is tough, but please know that you are not alone. In California, the unemployment rate as of December 2020 was 9 percent. The industry hardest hit was leisure and hospitality, but other sectors such as trade, education, and government were impacted as well.
Not surprisingly, competition for jobs is at an all-time high, with many applicants vying to fill each job opening. If you are sending resume after resume into a digital black hole, do not despair. The good news is that people are getting interviews and job offers during this time. The key to being a successful job candidate is to be active and proactive. Here are seven things you must do to have a successful job search:
1. Make your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out
It is not enough to have a passable resume and a ho-hum LinkedIn profile. Aim for a resume and profile that make people go “Wow!” To achieve this, get lots of feedback from trusted sources about your resume and profile. During this time, it is not uncommon for resumes to be ignored. But if you are batting a zero average for many months, it might be time to get professional help.
2. Spend at least 80 percent of your time networking
Networking is something that many loathe to do. Yet it is the most effective way of landing a job. Anyone, even the most insistent wallflower can be a networking star. Refer to my two recent articles about how to network (see http://tricityvoice.com/1-19-21-articles/). You will notice that many of the strategies in this article involve networking.
3. Do volunteer work
Locate a nonprofit where you can do some volunteer work that is in line with the job you want. This serves several purposes. First, you can put a volunteer job on your resume. “Work is work” is what I tell my clients. If you are helping a nonprofit with fundraising and are putting in 40 hours a week, put this on your resume. Just because you are volunteering does not mean that you are not using your brains, skill, talent, and worth. So take ownership of what you are doing and proudly showcase your volunteer work in your resume. Second, volunteering expands your network, and this will help lead you to a job. Third, doing a volunteer job can expand and refine your skill set, thus increasing your value as a job candidate.
4. Re-evaluate how your spend your time
Besides job-hunting, what else are you doing with your time that could support your job search? Perhaps you are running your Etsy business or doing errands on TaskRabbit. Side gigs can get you much-needed income and can be added to your resume.
5. Consider temp work or consulting gigs
Temp work is a great alternative while you are waiting for a “real” job offer. For one thing, it brings you cash. It can also help you expand your network and even your skill set.
6. Strengthen your portfolio
A dreaded, but popular interview question that employers like to ask is “What are your weaknesses?” This is a good time to reflect and work on your weakness. Think about what your previous bosses would say are your weaknesses. Be honest in your self-appraisal. Think about one hard skill and one soft skill you need to work on. Perhaps you need to be better at public speaking or you need to learn a new computer application. Whatever it is, take action to address your weaknesses. Sign up for a course or get coaching. In this way, you can answer with confidence that you have actively worked on your weaknesses when you are asked this question at an interview.
7. Read up on current trends in your job and industry
Being knowledgeable about current trends is critical not only in the job search, but in networking as well. Make a habit of staying on top of new trends and challenges in your industry and ask about these trends when you do your informational and networking interviews. This is valuable insider information that you can cite during the interview, showcasing your commitment and knowledge about your industry. It is also vitally important that your skills are current and relevant to your industry. This is the time to act if you have not refreshed your skill set in a while.
Finally, the U.S. Department of Labor Dislocated Workers Program – www.dol.gov/general/topic/training/dislocatedworkers – has a plethora of resources for unemployed workers. Likewise, the Employment Development Department has many resources for the unemployed, including job training benefits – www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/.
Stay strong, stay active, and you will be employed again.
Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Union City. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at an*********@gm***.com.
© Anne Chan, 2021
City releases more COVID-19 relief funding
Submitted by City of Union City
Union City has launched its second round of funding for its COVID-19 Response Grant Program, adding approximately $300,000 in additional assistance for renters and small businesses. In total, the program aims to distribute approximately $742,000 in grants funds and forgivable loans to the community to respond to the impacts of COVID-19.
Residential Rental Assistance program:
• Approximately $166,000 of Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CARES Act funds are remaining for distribution through the rental assistance program for Union City renters affected by the loss of income due to COVID-19.
• The program will pay for up to three consecutive months of back rent (up to $5,000) for households earning up to 80% of the area median income.
• The application window is open now through Monday, March 29.
Road to Recovery Small Business Assistance program:
• Approximately $245,000 of Federal CARES Act funds are remaining for distribution through the Small Business Assistance Program for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• Eligible expenses include past due rent, mortgage, or utilities for up to three months of assistance in arrears.
• The application window is open now through Monday, March 29.
For more information on these grant programs, visit the program website at https://www.unioncity.org/548/COVID-19-Response-Grant-Program.
COVID TESTING SITES
If you have medical insurance, you should call your doctor/healthcare provider. If you do not have medical insurance, you can schedule an appointment at a Community Testing Site or Testing Event near you.
FREMONT
Bay Area Community Health
Pop-up clinics
Check website for pop-up testing sites in Fremont and Gilroy
Liberty Clinic
Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome. Check calendar for availability
39500 Liberty St., Fremont
http://bach.health/covid/
(510) 770-8040
Asian Health Services
Sa: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Los Cerritos Community Center
3377 Alder Ave., Fremont
(510) 735-3222
NEWARK
Covid Clinic
Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Drive through testing by appointment
2086 Newpark Mall, Newark
https://covidclinic.org/newark/
(877) 976-4251
CORE and Newark Wellness Center (Alameda Health System)
F-Sa: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive-Thru
6066 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark
https://covid-19.acgov.org/testing.page
(Scroll down to find Newark)
Bay Area Community Health
M: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Springhill Hotel Newark
6100 Newpark Mall, Newark
https://covid-19.acgov.org/testing.page
(Scroll down to find Newark)
HAYWARD
La Familia @ Cherryland Testing Center
M-F: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
20095 Mission Blvd., Hayward
www.lafamiliacounseling.org
https://avellinocov2.com/
(510) 571-9191
La Familia @ Skywest Golf Course
M-F: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages 12 and older
1401 Golf Course Rd., Hayward
www.lafamiliacounseling.org
https://bit.ly/3aBlVJC
(510) 583-5333
Glad Tidings Church
W-Sa: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive through and walk-up testing by appointment
1000 Glad Tidings Way, Hayward
https://ac.fulgentgenetics.com/
La Familia @ Eden United Church of Christ
Th: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
F: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sa: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
21455 Birch St., Hayward
https://avellinocov2.com/
(510) 571-9191
Covid Clinic
Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Drive through testing by appointment
1 Southland Mall, Hayward
www.covidclinic.org
(877) 976-4251
SAN LEANDRO
San Leandro Marina Community Center
T-Sa: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
15301 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro
https://lhi.care/covidtesting
(888) 634-1123 (English & Spanish)
PLEASANTON
Alameda County Fairgrounds
M-F: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Open through March 31
Drive-Through Testing
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Gate 12 off Valley Ave, Pleasanton
https://alamedacountyfair.com/events/covid-19-testing-site/
MILPITAS
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) – Milpitas Library Parking Structure
M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
160 N. Main Street, Milpitas
Appointments required. To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-334-1000
OptumServe at the Milpitas Community Center
Thursdays & Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
457 E. Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas
Appointments can be made in English and Spanish by calling 1-888-634-1123 or visiting lhi.care/covidtesting. People who test at one of the OptumServe testing sites will receive their test results through the online portal within one week.
SAN JOSE
Monterey Clinic
Call to schedule an appointment
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
5504 Monterey Highway, San Jose
(408) 729-9700
Earth Day Poster & Writing Contest submissions due March 19
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward is accepting environmentally themed works from kindergarten through Grade 12 students for its Earth Day Poster & Writing Contest. Interested participants can submit an original poster, poem, or essay about Earth Day for the chance to win up to $200 in gift cards. Submissions are due Friday, March 19.
The contest gives students the opportunity to express their unique views on water and energy conservation, renewable energy, active transportation, sustainable agriculture, recycling and composting, litter-free environment, and environmental justice.
Two winners for poster entries and two winners for poem/essay entries will be selected from each of the following grade categories: K-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, 4th-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, and 9th-12th Grade. Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and expression of theme.
In each category, first place winners will receive a $200 gift card and second place winners a $150 gift card. Teachers of winning students will also receive gift cards. Students who submit winning entries will be invited to attend a virtual City Council meeting in April to receive their prize and a certificate of achievement from Mayor Barbara Halliday.
To qualify, all entries must follow the contest rules, which can be found at www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/earth-day-events/poster-and-writing-contest.
Earth Day Poster & Writing Contest
Deadline: Friday, Mar 19
www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/earth-day-events/poster-and-writing-contest
For K-12 students
EARTHTALK
Whither the bees?
From the Editors of E — The Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk: How are bee population numbers doing these days?
— B. Turner, via email
Whether you’ve noticed it or not, there are far fewer bees around nowadays. One-quarter of the world’s 20,000 bee species are in precipitous decline or have already gone extinct since 1990. A range of causes are to blame, including indiscriminate overuse of pesticides, loss of plants, and habitat destruction from human encroachment. But the latest and greatest threat is now climate change, which is warping the bees’ environments (blooming seasons, plant diversity, etc.) at a faster rate than they are able to adapt.
Today in the U.S. only eight bee species are afforded protection under the Endangered Species Act. Seven are found only in Hawaii while the other, the Rusty patched bumble bee, occupies the tallgrass prairie of the Upper Midwest, most of which has been lost to farmland, strip malls and housing developments. Rusty patched bee populations have fallen off by 87% as a result.
In February 2021, conservation groups petitioned the Biden administration to grant the American bumblebee endangered species protection as well. Once the most common type of bee from coast-to-coast, this iconic bee has declined by some 89 percent in just the last two decades alone. Conservationists are worried about the implications for bee-pollinated plants and the animals (like us) that depend on them.
While the bees’ decline worldwide is unquestionably due to human activity, the silver lining is that human activity can also help bring them back. A new map of global bee distribution and density created by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Georgia aims to help conservationists track the health of various bee populations across the U.S. and around the globe.
As for what readers can do to help bees, plant some native plants that attract them to your backyard. Regardless, if you happen to see bees nearby, snap some photos of them with your phone and upload them to iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org) so researchers can use your sighting to help track population dynamics. For more ideas on how you can help bees rebound locally, check out the website of the Bee Conservancy, a U.S.-based non-profit that is coordinating efforts to save bee populations around the world.
The good news is that bee populations in the U.S. and globally have seen a slight increase during the course of the COVID pandemic, due to reduced human activity. But the problem is hardly solved — especially as we all get back to business as usual.
They may be small, but if we do not care for bees, we lose natural pollinators for the vast majority of cultivated crops and wild plants. If we can’t save bees now, fresh fruits and vegetables could be scarce worldwide, which could in turn lead to massive social upheaval, even wars. It seems well worth our time, money and effort at this point to protect bees now, if not for their own sake, then for ours.
EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to: qu******@ea*******.org.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
As spring approaches, it brings green hills and the promise of wildflowers. Unfortunately, it also brings the active season for those pesky eight-leggers, ticks.
Ticks are always with us in the outdoors, but they are most active during the wet months between December and June. Adult ticks are about the size of this letter O, until they have sampled blood and become engorged. In the larval and nymph stages of their life cycle, ticks are even smaller and harder to spot – about the size of a poppy seed.
Ticks do not fly or drop from trees. They climb to the tips of vegetation just a couple of feet off the ground, usually along animal trails or paths. There they wait for a passing animal or human to brush against them. Then they hitch a ride, crawl around on their unsuspecting host, bite, and extract blood, then drop off.
Ticks can carry a variety of diseases. The best known is Lyme disease, which creates flu-like symptoms and can be serious. Fortunately, only a small percentage of ticks are infected, the variety called Ixodes pacificus.
Prevention is really the best defense against ticks. When you visit the outdoors, stay on the official trails. Do not cut cross-country through grasslands or chaparral. If you do pass through brushy country, check yourself afterward. It is advisable to wear light-colored clothing, so you can see the bugs more easily. Tuck your pants into socks or boots and tuck your shirt into your pants.
Ticks will crawl around for a while after transferring from vegetation to your clothing, so there’s time to find them and brush them off. Be sure to check Fido as well; ticks attach easily to dog fur.
If a tick has attached to your skin, pull it straight out gently but firmly, preferably while wearing latex gloves. Apply antiseptic to the bite and wash your hands. Tick extraction kits, including special tweezers, are available at sporting goods stores.
Tick information is posted on the information panels at park district trailheads. There is a good tick article in the March-April edition of Regional in Nature, which you can read online at www.ebparks.org.
You can also obtain more detailed information at the California Department of Public Health website, www.cdph.ca.gov. On the right side of the home page, click on “A-Z Index.” Then click on L for Lyme disease or T for ticks. Also check out website of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, www.bayarealyme.org.
This Regional in Nature edition has an article about projects completed or well underway that will increase public access to several of the regional parks.
You can read about the new facilities now open at Encinal Beach behind Encinal High School in Alameda. Attractions include restored sand dunes, new trails, and improved disabled access. The site is adjacent to the City of Alameda’s public Encinal Boat Launch.
Other projects are well underway. Dumbarton Quarry shoreline campground in Fremont, with camping spaces for bicyclists, hikers, cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles, is expected to open mid-year.
McCosker Creek at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills is undergoing the largest creek restoration project in the park district’s history, scheduled for completion in 2023.
A half-mile extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail at Lone Tree Point in Richmond will open later this year.
Also scheduled to open this year is the Berkeley Brickyard at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which the district operates for the state. Improvements will include walking paths, a staging area, drinking fountains, restroom, and restored marshland habitat.
The Tidewater Day Use Area at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland is being expanded with parking, restrooms, picnic sites, and water fountains.
So, there is plenty to anticipate in the regional parks as winter ends.
Editorial
Chokepoints
It is 480 BC and a battle between Greeks and Persians is looming. An overwhelming force of Persians approach a narrow pass leading from the sea to interior regions of Greece. Aptly named, Thermopylae Pass, it translates to “hot gates.” Here, according to Greek Mythology, is an entrance to Hades (Hell). During three days of battle, a much smaller Greek force temporarily held back an overwhelming Persian army.
Although the Greek-Persian battle has become symbolic of the term, Battle of Thermopylae: patriotic sacrifice to protect homeland and freedom, the hot sulfur springs of Thermopylae are also emblematic of a series of bloody battles – 279 BCE: invading Gauls; 191 BCE: Romans; 1941 Allied New Zealand forces verses Germany – that have been fought at the pass. In each instance, use of this narrow, restricted access point (chokepoint) was a critical factor of the engagement.
Sacrifice of the relatively small contingent of Greeks in 480 BC was amplified by the 1962 film, The 300 Spartans, honoring a contingent of Spartan warriors that led the Greek defense. Militarily, chokepoints such as Thermopylae have been recognized as an important tactical reference when facing opposition. Overlooking or minimizing the influence of chokepoints can be disastrous when managing order of battle, terrain, supply chains, and troop movements and training. The same can be said for many other endeavors including growth and traffic circulation.
Chokepoints are not restricted to military or technical discussions. In the Greater Tri-City area of the East Bay, traffic patterns (pre-pandemic) have been a constant concern: intracity, intercity and transregional. Due to geographical, transportation, development and growth patterns, modern day inhabitants are also subject to the effects of chokepoints. Two major north-south freeways squeeze our cities, and when crowded, impact surface roads that connect or circumvent them. East-west traffic is hampered by scarcity of major thoroughfares. For example, the intersection of Durham Road/Auto Mall Parkway with I-680, the site of now defunct Fry’s Electronics, is unable to adequately mitigate the transition to Auto Mall Parkway, an east-west artery. With the demise of Fry’s, will the specter of more housing exacerbate the problem?
In some places, a pre-existing community including streets, housing, commercial, utilities and/or industrial development restricts options available to accommodate increased traffic. Inadequate, yet sometimes unavoidable plans to address these concerns can lead to poor and even dangerous roadway conditions. The Foothill/Jackson/Mission intersection leading to downtown Hayward is such a challenging confluence. It may be, however, that a negative confluence of traffic and development is evident prior to development. A conscious and deliberate decision will either positively or negatively impact conditions both on and off roads and highways.
Nestled at the southeast end of the Niles District next to Alameda Creek, the vacant, former Henkel/Schuckl Cannery property, has long been a controversial subject of development. Iterations of the Niles Gateway project have included homes, townhomes and retail spaces. After a prior mixed-use development was approved by the city council, it was blocked by a resident group – Protect Niles – claiming lack of an Environmental Impact Report. It was back to the drawing boards for Fremont and developers.
Located at a ninety-degree bend of the Niles Boulevard that passes under a train trestle, there is little or no room for alternate road design. Niles Boulevard, as an entrance to Niles Canyon, has often been used to bypass crowded conditions on adjacent Mission Boulevard. A recent decision by the Fremont City Council, accepted by some resigned residents and bolstered by councilmember visions of additional developer fees has been approved. Modifications including lower building heights, a few more “affordable” units and removal of retail spaces did, however, include the magic word “housing.” The immediate result will be additional pressure on an already strained roadway. The final result… Thermopylae?
NPR journalist to speak at Chabot online summit
Submitted by Jennifer Aries
Award-winning Journalist Maria Hinojosa will be keynote speaker at the second session of Chabot College’s 4th Annual Ethnic Studies Summit set for Friday, March 19.
Hinojosa is an author, broadcast anchor and executive producer of “Latino USA” on National Public Radio. During the 90-minute event Hinojosa will discuss her work on centering diverse stories, independent media and her memoir. Because of COVID-19 concerns the free program is being held online and will start at 9:30 a.m. Advance registration should be made at https://rb.gy/1otl0p.
For program details or questions about the Ethnic Studies program at Chabot College, email Kay Fischer at kf******@ch**********.edu.
Chabot Ethnic Studies Summit
Friday, Mar 19
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Maria Hinojosa, from NPR
Online
Free; resister at https://rb.gy/1otl0p
Art and fashion fundraiser set
Submitted by Rose Padilla Johnson
While folks are welcome to wear their most stylish clothes and be fashionistas for the day, it’s not necessary when they login to the Davis Street “Spring into Fashion” virtual art and fashion show using their home computer.
The fundraising event, set for 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, will support the wellbeing of 121 disabled adults served by the Davis Street Developmental Disabilities Program in San Leandro. The program will highlight original works by Davis Street artists along with behind-the-scenes footage of their creative processes. A fashion show is also planned along with a silent auction and raffle where participants will have a chance to buy art, mosaics, clothing and jewelry.
Although the event is free, advance registration is needed. Email ks******@da*********.org. For those who want to make an even greater impact, sponsorships from $250 to $10,000 are available and will receive special community recognition and benefits. For details, visit the Davis Street website at www.davisstreet.org.
Spring into Fashion
Wednesday, Apr 7
6 p.m.
Free; advance registration required
ks******@da*********.org
www.davisstreet.org/index.php/fashion-show/
State suspends certain debt collection activities
By Daniel Tahara
State of California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) recently announced a suspension of its income tax refund offset program until July 31.
“The ongoing public health emergency continues to have a severe economic impact on many Californians. We hope this suspension will offer additional relief for taxpayers,” said State Controller and FTB Chairperson Betty T. Yee.
FTB has temporarily suspended the collection activities of the Interagency Intercept Collection (IIC) Program to provide relief to California taxpayers in keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 12, 2020, executive order. This means state tax refunds will not be reduced to offset taxpayer debts for parking citations, tolls, and various fines. Debts for child support are the exception and will continue to be collected.
Resources are available for taxpayers experiencing a financial hardship. Taxpayers can apply for a payment installment plan if they cannot pay their state taxes in full; this includes court-ordered debts. In addition, if a taxpayer receives a wage garnishment, bank levy, or tax lien, FTB will work with the taxpayer to assist them.
In addition to payment plans, this assistance may include modifying or releasing a garnishment or levy, placing a hold on the collection account, or accepting an offer in compromise. For suspended corporations and limited liability companies, FTB offers expedited services to revive the business for those prepared to file and pay the balance now or soon.
For more information, visit www.ftb.ca.gov/.
Suggested Captions by Fremont Bank Foundation:
For photos 1722 and 1651: Bank Foundation is proud to help organizations such as HERS Breast Cancer.
Photo 3435: Fremont Bank Foundation has supported the Candle Lighters Ghost House for over two decades.
Photo 3258: When San Leandro Boys & Girls Club completely remodeled their campus, Fremont Bank Foundation was there to help. Brian Hughes, Foundation president and executive director, was on-site to lend a hand.
A foundation of and for the community – Fremont Bank Foundation
By Madhvika Singh
Photos courtesy of Heidi Alletzhauser
Founded in 1964 by Morris Hyman, a World War II veteran, Fremont Bank is one of the oldest independent family owned and managed banks in the state. It now has retail branches across Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco and Monterey counties. To keep philanthropy at the core of Fremont bank, Morris Hyman and his wife Alvirda founded the independent grant-making Fremont Bank Foundation in 1965.
The foundation is solely funded by Fremont Bank and receives a significant percentage of its pre-tax income each year. The first official grant the foundation made was to a local school for a storage shed to keep toys and sports gear for children. “The families were so excited that they held a paint day to brighten up the shed,” shared Brian Hughes, President & Executive Director of Fremont Bank Foundation and Vice President of Fremont Bank. Hughes is the grandson of Hyman, and has a very personal connection with the foundation. He started as a data input clerk with Fremont Bank in 1990, rose through the ranks, and now heads the foundation.
Fremont Bank Foundation takes a personal approach to funding local non-profit organizations and does not accept unsolicited grant applications, focusing instead on developing a deep relationship with their grantees. “We like to develop a strong understanding of the work organizations do for the community,” added Hughes. It looks for well-established public nonprofits that serve the same communities as Fremont Bank, helping them with one-off expenses to fulfill their mission statement. “We like to know our potential grantees, thus the personal touch of us reaching out to the community. There are a lot of amazing people doing so much for the people, families and animals in need,” added Hughes.
The Foundation has donated to many organizations over the years to help satisfy desperate needs in the community, including those that have presented themselves during the COVID-19 crisis. Fremont Bank Foundation responded by making one of their most significant recent grants to help local communities and healthcare organizations in the Bay Area deal with the pandemic.
In early March 2020, as the community started to feel the impacts of the pandemic and related shutdowns, the foundation reached out to local organizations to understand their needs and where and how the foundation could help. “We thought we ought to give our community the resources for rainy days, and it’s not raining, it’s pouring,” is how Hughes described the thinking at the foundation. Need showed up in both expected and unexpected areas.
“We heard from local food banks that were struggling to keep up not only with food, but also supplies like paper bags because of disruptions in supply chains,” shared Hughes. With in-person teaching shut down and instruction moving online, local schools were in need of Chromebooks and Wi-Fi devices to enable students to get online. “We called half a dozen school districts to understand their needs, and heard responses in line with the need for equipment for children,” said Hughes. Healthcare organizations expressed a dire need for personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hearing from their partners, the foundation set out to help address three vital areas – food, education and healthcare. “We partnered with Silicon Valley Community Foundation and gave them grant money to work with other organizations in assessing and addressing various needs as they developed in response to the pandemic,” shared Hughes.
Fremont Bank Foundation’s generous contributions didn’t stop there. Taking a direct approach to helping communities deal with the pandemic, the foundation recently awarded grants of $250,000 each to St. Rose and Washington hospitals to help with their COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Fremont Bank Foundation’s combined $500,000 donation is part of the more than $2 million it distributed across the Bay Area in the past year to address basic needs, educational stability, and food shortages.
With glimmers of hope shining through the dark clouds of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at TCV are thankful for Fremont Bank Foundation’s ongoing strong support of the community both in prosperity and adversity. We wish the very best to Fremont Bank Foundation and hope this serves as an inspiration for similar efforts of generosity and gratitude. We would also like to thank Janet Haney from the Fremont Bank Foundation Team for her assistance with this article.
Fremont Bank Foundation
https://www.fremontbank.com/giving.
Fremont: Happiest City in the U.S.
Submitted by City of Fremont
According to a recent study conducted by Wallet Hub, City of Fremont ranked No. 1 as the happiest city in the U.S. The national study compared large cities across three key dimensions: emotional & physical well-being; income & employment; and community & environment. To read the complete study, visit https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-places-to-live/32619.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Thursday, March 4
• A motorist was driving in the area of Blacow Road and Royal Palm Drive when a road rage incident occurred with another driver. The driver of the suspect vehicle pulled out a handgun and put it into his waistband while threatening the victim.
Friday, March 5
• At 3:30 a.m. a commercial burglary occurred when someone forced open an entry door at the Hallmark store, 39180 Fremont Hub.
• At 5:00 a.m. a commercial burglary occurred when someone shattered a glass door at Pizza & Curry, 42136 Blacow Road.
• At 5:05 a.m. a commercial burglary occurred when someone shattered a glass door at Carmen Family BBQ, 41986 Fremont Blvd.
Monday, March 8
• At 8:41 p.m. a robbery occurred at Subway, 5589 Auto Mall Parkway. A suspect entered the store and ordered two sandwiches. When it was time to pay, the suspect pulled up his shirt, revealing a handgun in his waistband and demanded money from the register.
Tuesday, March 9
• At about 6:05 a.m. dispatchers received a call about a person down in the 100 block of J and Second streets in the Niles area. Police and firefighters responded and the person was taken to a trauma center with major injuries. Investigators eventually determined the person may have been struck by a vehicle. A dog that was with the person was not injured and was safely retrieved at the scene. The Fremont Police Traffic Unit is investigating the incident as a hit and run accident. Anyone with information about it or who may have been in the area at the time is asked to contact Traffic Officer Vincent Montojo at (510) 790-6760.
Wednesday, March 10
• At about 10:25 p.m. officers responded to a reported shooting at the Mosaic apartment complex in the 39800 block of Fremont Blvd. They found an adult male in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot would. He died at the scene. A perimeter was set around the scene and a SWAT team was called to help with the investigation. Outside agencies assisted by proving K9 and drone video support.
Based on evidence and initial statements, police said the man who was killed and his associates attempted a home invasion robbery at the apartment when the shooting occurred. The decedent was armed with a firearm during the commission of this crime. He and an unknown number of other suspects tried to force their way into a unit, and an adult male resident discharged his own firearm at the group, killing one. Police also believe that the group of home invasion suspects shot at the resident during the incident.
An investigation is ongoing as officials try to identify the outstanding home invasion robbery suspects. Meanwhile, detectives are investigating a resident in the same apartment unit for a separate shooting incident that occurred January 24 at Grimmer Boulevard and Blacow Road where a suspect in a vehicle fired one round from a handgun at or near a pedestrian. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the Fremont Police Department at (510) 790-6900 or Major Crimes Task Force at (510) 790-6660.
Fremont City Council
March 9, 2021
Consent Calendar:
• Accept City Council retreat report and its priorities.
• Amend employment agreement with City Manager Mark Danaj to extend five years (i.e. if the contract is executed in March of 2021 the new contract term would extend through March of 2026).
Public Communications:
• Need better landscaping approaching Auto Mall area to make a better impression of Fremont.
Scheduled Items:
• Niles Gateway appeal changing land use designation of a 6.08-acre site from Service Industrial with Historical Overlay to Low-Medium Density Residential. PASSED 4-3 (Nay: Shao, Kassan, Keng)
Other Business:
• Update status of FY 2020/21 General Fund Operating Budget and preliminary three-year forecast. Growth stalled by COVID; revenue estimate $1.5 million below adopted budget. Expenditure budget balancing adjustments will not cover budget shortfall.
• Receive presentation of five-year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2021/22 through 2025/26.
Council Communications:
• Appointments to Citizens Advisory Committee (CDBG) by Mayor Mei
Beny Jain
Arif Mohamed
Alyssia Wong
Preeti V. Kristipati
Claudia Bess
• Update council assignments to outside committees, commissions and boards.
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan, District 3 Aye, 1 Nay
Teresa Keng, District 1 Aye, 1 Nay
Rick Jones, District 2 Aye
Yang Shao, District 4 Aye, 1 Nay
Raj Salwan, District 5 Aye
Teresa Cox, District 6 Aye
Support arts and history
Submitted by Winda Shimizu
From March 15-28, two worthwhile Hayward non-profits—Hayward Arts Council and Hayward Area Historical Society—are joining forces to raise funds for their continued contributions to Hayward culture.
Bid on fabulous items, like unique artwork and virtual experiences, or local restaurant gift cards. You can also choose to contribute to the Fund-A-Need items and support specific project initiatives for both non-profits.
So, if you value the culture of art and history in the Hayward area, plan on getting involved in the next two weeks. Either jump into the auction for art or history or restaurants, or simply donate, to help keep these valuable Hayward non-profits afloat in our community.
For more information, contact Winda Shimizu at Hayward Arts Council at ha*@ha****************.org, or Marcess Owings, at Hayward Area Historical Society at ma*****@ha****************.org.
Auction to support arts and history
Monday, March 15 – Sunday, March 28
https://bit.ly/BeAHeroAuction
Hayward Youth Commission recruitment open
Submitted by City of Hayward
City of Hayward is inviting applications from young people who are interested in serving their community through two-year terms as members of the Hayward Youth Commission. The application period closes Friday, May 21.
The youth commission advises Hayward City Council, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD), and Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) on issues that affect and are of interest or concern to youth in the community.
Its members are appointed by the city council upon recommendation of a six-member interview panel made of two councilmembers and two elected representatives of both HARD and HUSD. Youth commission responsibilities include attending commission meetings—currently online only via Zoom—the first and third Mondays of the month between September and June.
To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 20 and live within the City of Hayward or boundaries of the HUSD. Applicants under age 18 also must have parent or legal guardian consent to participate on this commission by completing the Parent Agreement and Contact Information Form.
The application and Parent Agreement and Contact Information form are available at www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/hayward-youth-commission. For details, call the Hayward Office of the City Clerk at (510) 583-4400. Applicants will be notified by email when interview times are confirmed. Interviews are one day only and are scheduled for Friday, June 4.
Hayward Youth Commission
Application Deadline: Friday, May 21
Interview: Friday, Jun 4
Hayward Office of the City Clerk
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(510) 583-4400
www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/boards-commissions/hayward-youth-commission
Pencil-perfect possibilities: Artist Helene Roylance
Submitted by Radhika Sharma
Art is often perceived as a complex process requiring a lengthy material list. This may intimidate the beginning artist – however, accomplished multi-medium artist Helene Roylance reminds us that it all starts with a pencil.
Helene Roylance’s artistic journey is inspiring. Fremont-based Roylance is the youngest of five siblings and started as a self-taught artist. Excited about being able to render realistic art, she practiced on her own in middle and high school and received a formal art education in college, earning a degree in Social Science as well as Studio Art. Realism and sketching form the central point of her art, and no matter what medium she is working in (ceramics, watercolor or sketching) Roylance creates several sketches to fine tune the composition and ensure that her perspective is correct.
In 2013 Roylance started creating whimsical pet portraiture (often given as gifts), color ceramics, and a year later watercolors. Soon after her website, www.lumpydoodles.com took shape.
“I do not believe that one is born with the ability to draw or not draw,” says Roylance. “With practice, anyone can do it!” She encourages artists and budding artists to keep at it. “Practice makes progress, and as you learn something from the process, it gets better and better.”
Roylance has sound advice for emerging artists. “Based on the experience of taking classes and workshops, I find that it is as important to learn and make progress in our own development as it is to take classes. If you only take workshops, but are unable to practice on your own, you are not making the tools that you learned in the workshop your own.” She encourages artists to practice on their own and give each medium an earnest try to assess if they like it or not, and to sign up with a local arts organization and go to arts fairs and research the steps required for participation.
“It is important for an artist to be versatile and to know how to render using color, light, texture and shadow.” Roylance is an expert at communicating the above methods and making them visible by using just a pencil. “It is only with developing the artist’s eye that we are able to better capture what we see on paper,” she says. Roylance’s deepest affinity is for sketching. “Sketching is fundamental to all art work,” she says, and adds that she uses drawing and a sketchbook to help plan all her artistic projects. This process helps bring her finished products to life.
Roylance is a member of the Fremont Art Association, the Livermore Art Association and the Pleasanton Art League. She has exhibited her work in various art fairs and received regard and acknowledgement.
Helene Roylance and the Olive Hyde Art Guild will host a free online sketching workshop on Thursday, March 24 at 10 a.m. (prior registration required). Roylance encourages artists and interested community members to participate in this free virtual program and try out a new art form! In this workshop, Helene will walk though some basic sketching materials and how to use them, and then show some basic techniques, tricks and methods for drawing the world around us. It promises to be a truly memorable artistic experience!
Helene Roylance sketching workshop
Thursday, Mar 24
10 a.m.
Free Zoom event, registration required
Register online: https://olivehydeartguild.org/
www.lumpydoodles.com
Arrest made in December homicide
Submitted by San Leandro PD
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a December fatal shooting on E. 14th Street in San Leandro. In a statement on March 10 San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) officials identified the suspect as Wayvonte Oxner, 28.
During their investigation detectives learned that Oxner and the victim, identified by police as Amari Mathews, 23, of Oakland were associated with rival gangs from Oakland.
The incident started at 4:50 p.m. December 14 when SLPD officers responded to a shooting in the 600 block of E 14th Street. Officers located Mathews suffering from gunshot wounds and provided medical aid. He later died at a local hospital.
About an hour later, detectives located Oxner about a block away from the crime scene. Detectives learned Oxner’s vehicle was parked within the crime scene, and his car keys were located where the shooting occurred. Oxner admitted to being present at the shooting but claimed to be a bystander. Witness interviews and surveillance video revealed that Mathews was robbed prior to being shot by Oxner.
On February 17 SLPD officers served an arrest warrant in Carmichael, near Sacramento, and arrested Oxner. An additional person of interest was arrested on a parole violation in Sacramento. SLPD officials are still actively investigating this homicide to identify any other people that may be involved.
Honor Roll
Simmons University, Massachusetts
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Sapna Bakshi of Fremont
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Parenting During COVID R
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual support group to help families cope with challenges encountered during COVID
To register: www.fremont.gov/3060/Caregiver-Support
(510) 574-2100
Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: in**@ch************.org
Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic
Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Youth Group
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: br***@ne*********.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Saturdays
Virtual Telescope Viewing R
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Free on Facebook Live
Join resident astronomers live from Chabot’s observation deck
https://chabotspace.org/calendar/
Saturdays
Online Comedy Shows R$
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Made Up Theatre’s interactive comedy has gone to YouTube!
Saturdays & Sundays
India Community Center Youth Programs R$
Art Class (K-5): Saturdays, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., 1/23 – 5/15
Hindi Class (1-6): Sundays, 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Public Speaking (2-6): Sundays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Bollywood Class (all ages): Every Day, 1/11 – 5/16
EnActe Voice Acting for Animation (3-8): Sundays, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
EnActe Art of Performance (3-8): Sundays, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, 1/24 – 5/16
https://www.indiacc.org/programs/enrichment-program-registration/
yo***********@in*****.org
Sundays
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church Family Service
10 a.m.
Via ZOOM
For link, call (510) 471-2581
Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Worship Services
8:30 a.m.; Worship Service
12 noon: Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: of****@ne********.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Mondays in March
SAVE #Herstory
Inspiring stories of women who changed history
Via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/save.dv
Via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPWCmCcwi-juIUgzy-GdRXw
Tuesdays in March
7 o’clock rocks!
7 p.m.
Join Groovy Judy live as she celebrates women artists and songwriters
http://facebook.com/groovyjudyrocks
Wednesdays in March
SAVE #AShortWalk
Podcast: Voices of change shaping the IPV movement
https://www.ashortwalkcast.org/episodes
Fridays in March
SAVE #MovementMakers
11 a.m.
Conversations with the young leaders of today
Via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/save.dv
Every 3rd Thursday and Friday, March – May
Property Transfer Clinic
Free 30-minute legal consultation
Last Thursday of the Month, March – June
Mini MBA in Entrepreneurship
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Self-paced virtual program for early-stage entrepreneurs
https://sv.tie.org/mini-mba-in-entrepreneurship/
Mondays, March 8 – April 26
How To Open A Food Business R
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
8-week seminar for those interested in opening a food business – in Spanish
https://sbdc.events/Abrirunnegociodealimentos
Friday, March 12 – Sunday, March 21
Songs in a Time of Pandemic $
On-Demand Streaming: Saturday, Mar 13 – Sunday, Mar 21
(510) 885-3118
https://www.showtix4u.com/events/17582
https://www.csueastbay.edu/theatre/performances/seasons.html
Tickets: $7 – 20
2nd Saturdays, March 13, April 10, May 8
Rancho Higuera Historical Park tours
10 a.m. – 12 noon
47300 Rancho Higuera Rd., Fremont
(510) 623-7907
in**@mu******************.org
Suggested donation $2-5
Sunday, March 14 – Sunday April 11
Superhero 5k Virtual Run $R
Run, walk or stroll on your own time to raise money for Parkinson’s Foundation. Participate in scavenger hunts and raffles.
https://www.active.com/running/distance-running-races/superhero-5k-a-week-virtual-challenge-2021
Wednesdays, March 17 – April 14
National Geographic Live Virtual Events $
7 p.m.
3/17: Feats of Filmmaking
3/31: Mysterious Seas
4/14: Women and Migration
LivermoreArts.org
(925) 373-6800
Nationalgeographic.com/events
Thursday, March 18 – Monday September 6
Immersive Van Gogh
9 a.m. – 11 p.m. (times vary)
Walk-in exhibit with digital projections and music
SVN West San Francisco
10 South Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Tickets: $24.99 – $39.99
www.vangoghsf.com
Monday, Mar 29 – Friday, Apr 2
Monday, Apr 5 – Friday, April 9
Oakland virtual ZooCamps $R
9 a.m. – 12 noon
Live interactive activities, animal close-ups
Registration opens Friday, Mar 5 @3 p.m.
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/
Access code: $250 per household
Discovery kit: $80 per camper
Wednesdays, April 7 – April 28
Hayward Police Department Community Academy R
6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Virtual 4-week course all about the HPD. Ages 18+. Must pass background check
Via Zoom
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/community-academy
(510) 293-5051
UPCOMING
Tuesday, March 16
COVID-19: The Road Ahead R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Hear from an infectious disease specialist about the latest clinical developments
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Thursday, March 18
Yan Can Cook with On Lok R
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Live, virtual cooking series celebrating Chinese recipes and traditions
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yan-can-cook-with-on-lok-tickets-142125121063
Thursday, March 18
Hayward Nonprofit Alliance
10 a.m.
Two presenters talk about image and donors
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/30deRN8
Meeting ID: 823 8148 0428
Passcode: 147350
Thursday, March 18
Bay Area Transit Co-Creation Workshop R
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Give feedback about public transit
https://bit.ly/2Oqz7rL
Thursday, March 18
Website Development & Optimization – Part 2 R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47794
Thursday, March 18 – Sunday, March 21
Grab-n-Stay Fair Food Feast
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy fair food from 10+ vendors
Friday, March 19
Manufacturing Job Fair R
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Region-wide virtual event. Connect with manufacturers and skilled tradespeople
https://ambayarea.com/event/virtual-manufacturing-job-fair/
Saturday, March 20
Books on B Authors
12 noon – 1 p.m.
Live, in-person readings under the awning – Dr. Cheryl Palladino and Rachael Ostrowski
1014 B Street, Hayward
(510) 538-3943
Saturday, March 20
Niles Rotary’s Spring Fling $R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual fundraiser for Fremont schools
https://one.bidpal.net/niles/welcome
Saturday, March 20
Fascination for Birds: Hunting Birds with a Camera R
10:00 a.m.
Focus on birds of the Tri-City and Bay area
https://aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events
Saturday, March 20
That’s What She Said $
7 p.m.
Lineup of fabulously female standup comics for Women’s Month
Via Zoom
Saturday, March 20
77th Annual Hayward Chamber of Commerce Gala R$
6 p.m.
Virtual celebration honoring the Business Person, Educator, Firefighter, and Police Officer of the Year
www.hayward.org
Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21
Niles Canyon Railway Train Rides $
Saturday – Diesel Trains: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Sunday – Steam Trains: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Departure from the Sunol Depot
https://www.ncry.org/ride/rides-2021/
Monday, March 22
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Lyn Christenson – “Happiness is Planned”
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Tuesday, March 23
Managing Diabetes During Challenging Times R
6:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn tips on how to effectively manage your diabetes
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Tuesday, March 23
Covid-19: How to Negotiate Debt & Read Credit Report R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn how to repair your small business debt – a free ACSBDC webinar
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47940
Wednesday, March 24
Covid-19: Mind Mapping For Your Small Business R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47889
Thursday, March 25
Social Impact Spring Virtual Job Fair R
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Open to qualified employers seeking to recruit students and recent grads. Register by March 18
Via Handshake
https://bit.ly/3bCHpGj
Thursday, March 25
Latino Business Roundtable
9 a.m.
Gabriel Chaparro, Hayward Unified School District Board of Education
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/30D9kiU
Meeting ID: 827 9395 8686
Passcode: 121713
Monday, March 29
Women’s History Month: Mattie Rousseau
Learn about the respected community leader in Union City
6:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
www.museumoflocalhistory.org
Tuesday, March 30
Treating Neck and Back Pain From Home R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn the common causes of pain and see a demo of physiotherapy exercises
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Wednesday, March 31
Covid-19: Commercial Tenant Guidance R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Guidance for commercial tenants impacted by COVID-19 – a free ACSBDC webinar
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47890
Monday, April 5
Milpitas Rotary
11:45 a.m.
Congressman Ro Khanna
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Tuesday, April 6
Palliative Care, an Extra Layer of Support R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about the interdisciplinary Palliative Care Team
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Wednesday, April 7
Davis Street Virtual Art & Fashion Show
6 p.m.
Fundraiser for disabilities program. Silent auction, raffle, art pieces highlighted
http://davisstreet.org/index.php/fashion-show/
Saturday, April 10
Spring Sing
6 p.m.
Celebrate spring with a concert of opera favorites
Via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LivermoreValleyOpera
www.livermorevalleyopera.com
Monday, April 12
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Thursday, April 15
Covid-19: Website Development & Optimization – Part 3 R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Best practices for website design – a free ACSBDC webinar
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47795
Monday, April 19
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
San Jose Mercury News Columnist Sal Pizzaro
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Thursday, April 22
Covid-19: Personal Care Business Guidance
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
How to safely operate and welcome your clients back – a free ACSBDC webinar
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47891
Tuesday, April 27
Interventional Radiology (IR) for Vascular Disease R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about interventional radiology treatment options
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Wednesday, April 28
2nd Annual Homeowners Expo R
12 noon
Learn about programs to lower property taxes and more! Hosted by Alameda County Assessor Phong La
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3l7fBwU
No app maker left behind – an organization for students by students
Submitted by Upneet Singh
When Washington High School junior Japleen Kaur was working on her own app idea for helping teenage students manage their schedules and stress better, she became inspired to teach elementary and junior high school students the art of app development. Along with Ashwin Maheshwar, a South Bay student, she co-founded No App Maker Left Behind (NALMB) in 2018. Leveraging MIT App Inventor, Kaur volunteered and taught young students in Fremont and Union City libraries in her freshman and sophomore years.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic hit everyone hard, it did not deter this young teen. After watching her younger sister constantly getting distracted with online learning, Kaur talked to her sister’s afterschool program director at Learning Bee, Grace Wong. During her discussion with Wong, she understood this was a common problem for many young kids. Kaur decided to turn this pandemic crisis into an opportunity to teach young kids app development virtually. She volunteered her time twice a week to teach 3rd through 6th grade students online. She has since taught six online sessions with approximately ten kids per session. Though it was challenging, Kaur worked diligently to redesign her curriculum for online teaching. A year into the pandemic, she continues to work with eager young students who look forward to her classes each week.
Kaur had successfully hosted a hackathon in the fall of 2019 at Enquero, a South Bay technology solutions company. The event, sponsored by Khalis Foundation and attended by over fifteen enthusiastic kids from Bay Area elementary and middle schools, was a huge success. Each student competed hard and came up with unique app ideas such as one that would show users which restaurants have recyclable leftover food and another that combined math with a video game to make learning more interactive.
The judges were impressed with all the ideas. Sonal Koul, CEO and Co-Founder at Articence was one of the judges at the event. She applauded Kaur’s effort saying, “Japleen, it was a pleasure judging an enthusiastic group of 3rd-8th graders who made apps with a perfect balance of technology and social responsibility. You did an awesome job of mentoring them.” This year, Kaur is working on a plan to host a virtual hackathon on March 27. Fifteen eager students have already signed up for the event, and registration is still open.
Kaur has also expanded her organization nationally and now has six chapters in the Bay Area and Texas, with two more on the way. She is working on growing the organization across boundaries. “I am currently discussing how to bring in students to both teach and learn from Azerbaijan. I am talking with some principals in schools there. I want all interested kids to learn this skill,” she said. It is clear that Kaur is leaving no stone unturned to make sure No App Maker is Left Behind.
For more information, visit https://www.appkidventor.com/ or email ap**********@gm***.com.
Virtual Hackathon
Saturday, Mar 27
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Register at: https://forms.gle/tJiRrs6k1qnoJef68
Grant to fund strategy for creating jobs near BART
Submitted by Melissa Jordan
As a new post-pandemic jobs landscape begins to take shape, BART will use a $350,000 federal grant to develop a strategy for attracting businesses that will create jobs near public transit. The transit-oriented development (TOD) planning grant from the Federal Transit Administration will focus on jobs along the line running from Fruitvale to Warm Springs/South Fremont, known as the A Line.
Cities such as Hayward, Union City, and Fremont are interested in partnering with BART on attracting employers near stations, according to Kimberly Koempel, a principal planner at BART.
“And it works in BART’s favor if we can get people to jobs that are outside the city centers of San Francisco and Oakland,” she said. As COVID-19 restrictions ease and more people return to offices, utilizing reverse-commute capacity will help ease crowding on trains. “It’s a win-win for the cities and for BART.”
BART District 6 Director Liz Ames, whose district includes several A Line stations, has been a longtime advocate for jobs attraction and smart development around BART. “There’s so much opportunity with the rebalancing and reimagining of our town centers,” Ames said. “It’s not just about providing housing for people who have jobs elsewhere.”
Ames said the pandemic has shown people that there can be other models besides the rigid 9-to-5, rush hour, one-direction, mega commute that was common before 2020. “If employees are working on more unconventional, flexible schedules, they will still want services around their jobs, which will ultimately create more jobs,” she said.
“People need places they can eat near their offices; they need to be able to get to medical appointments, drug stores, dry cleaners, barber shops,” she said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to help create vibrant communities where people can live, work, play and shop near BART.”
Koempel said some of the grant funds will be used to work with commercial real estate agents, large employers, and others in the local business community, including the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EBEDA) “to understand what employers look for when deciding on a new location to better position BART’s land to address their needs.” The grant will give BART, cities and the EBEDA the opportunity to understand what the “new normal” will be for working, and pivot to support post-pandemic economic recovery in the East Bay.
Ideally, Koempel said, BART’s transit-oriented development program will ultimately deliver a variety of jobs, homes, and retail near stations to create vibrant, mixed-use communities. The key to better serving the region is to have a lot of options for people near transit. “People need to be able to easily get to a dentist, day care, their jobs, and a great place to have to lunch if BART is going to be able to rebuild ridership beyond the commuter trip. BART looks forward to working with the communities along the A line to create a strategy to bring a variety of businesses and employers to the station areas.”
Satellite images show kelp forest off California almost gone
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Mar 06 – An analysis of satellite imagery has found that the kelp forest that only eight years ago formed a leafy canopy along the Northern California coast has almost disappeared.
In looking at satellite images of the Sonoma and Mendocino coast going back to 1985, researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz found the kelp forest declined by an average of 95% since 2013. Their study shows the destruction was related to an explosion in the population of purple sea urchin, which eats it, and two warm water events that lasted from 2014 to 2016, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday.
Around that period, a wasting disease struck the sunflower sea star population, a predator of the purple urchin, allowing the spiky invertebrate with a huge appetite for kelp to take over.
Researchers who study the kelp and the types of species that depend on it, including jellyfish, abalone, and red urchin that’s popular with divers and sushi lovers, say the forest probably won’t recover anytime soon, partly because removing the purple urchins is difficult.
“They can actually survive under starvation conditions,” said Meredith McPherson, a graduate student at UC Santa Cruz’s Ocean Sciences department and coauthor of the study. “The impact has been that basically there is no kelp forest at all left, really.”
Already, the deforestation has led California regulators to suspend recreational diving for red abalone in 2018, and Mendocino County’s commercial red sea urchin fishery is almost completely shut down.
Scientists had already been monitoring the kelp forest’s decline for years with aerial photography and tidal data. But the new study was the first to use satellite imagery to analyze changes more closely in growth along with ocean temperature and nutrient levels.
Local officials applaud passage of relief funding bill
Submitted by Ro Khanna’s office
A day after the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 220 – 211 on March 10, Rep. Ro Khanna, (CA 17), was in a mood to celebrate.
Following Khanna’s vote in favor of the package on the House Floor, the Congressman was joined by representatives from Santa Clara and Alameda counties in celebrating the more than $1 billion in funding that will go to California’s 17th Congressional District. Khanna joined representatives from both counties in issuing this statement:
As we turn the corner on one of our nation’s most trying years, there has never been a more urgent need for massive investment in our local and state governments. The American Rescue Plan Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meet the severe needs of this economic and public health crisis, rising above partisanship to set our country down the road to recovery. We are humbled to receive over $1 billion in funding. Together with organizations here in the South and East Bay Area, we are eager to get to work sponsoring more vaccination sites, instituting better safety measures for in-person learning in our public schools, distributing additional relief for our small business owners, and so much more. We thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the many stakeholders who pushed this bill across the finish line.
Here are the total local government allocations for CA 17:
• County of Alameda: $324 million
• County of Santa Clara: $374 million
• City of Newark: $9.3 million
• City of Fremont: $42.2 million
• City of Santa Clara: $25.9 million
• City of San Jose: $223 million
• City of Cupertino: $9.7 million
• City of Sunnyvale: $29.5 million
• City of Milpitas: $16.9 million
Total: $1.05 billion
Khanna represents California’s 17th district, which includes southern Alameda and northern Santa Clara counties.
Photo in 1 new Sharon
Mattie Rousseau: Remembering a respected community leader of Union City
By Tim Swenson, Patricia Lacy, Patricia Schaffarczyk, and Kelsey Camello for the Washington Township Museum of Local History
On Monday, March 29, a Zoom event for Women’s History month, sponsored by the Washington Township Museum of Local History, will remember longtime Union City resident Mattie Rousseau.
Mattie F. Rousseau was born in Austin, Texas in May of 1929. She married Gentry Rousseau Jr., an active duty Air Force member. The pair subsequently lived in many places in the United States and Germany. They started a family during their time with the Air Force, eventually having four children – one son, Gentry, and three daughters: Evelyn, Brenda, and Deborah.
In 1969, at the age of 40, Mattie and her family arrived in Union City. They bought a new home on Ascot Way. The children attended local schools and Mattie immediately got to know her neighbors and community. She was energetic, dedicated, always willing to work and quickly began attending city council meetings.
A life-long learner and an avid reader, Mattie soon became entrenched in local politics. She became a poll worker and worked through every election from the 1970s until 2000. In 1970, Mattie was appointed to serve on the Alameda County Grand Jury and the Alameda County Environmental Management Program.
Mattie worked on a number of campaigns over the years, including those for candidates for Union City Mayor, Union City Council, New Haven Unified School District Board of Trustees, and the California State Assembly. In 2011, she was one of the sponsors for Measure B, a parcel tax for the New Haven Unified School District. Together, she and Frank Borghi submitted the ballot argument in favor of the parcel tax.
Mattie also worked as a member of the Union City Parks and Recreation Commission (where she served for seven years). Then, she began her time with the Union City Planning Commission, where, after 14 years, she became the commissioner with the longest time of service.
She also dedicated her time to various volunteer organizations. In 2000, Mattie worked on the task force that brought back the Union City Fire Department. She also served on the Fireworks Task Force, a group that aided 28 local non-profits, including the Union City Lions Club (in which she was an active member) with their fundraising efforts through the sale of fireworks each 4th of July.
Mattie worked for the Union City Police Department until 1980. She subsequently worked for BART, until her retirement in 1994. Mattie relaxed by bowling. She was on several leagues, bowling at Peralta and Hayward Lanes. She often won tournaments throughout California and Nevada.
Mattie was bold in her quest to learn and be heard. She was not afraid to read, ask questions, stand up, show up and speak out on issues that mattered to her. Because of these strong aspects of her personality, combined with her knowledge on local subjects and her commitment to “doing the homework” before each and every meeting she attended, Mattie gained and retained the respect of her community throughout her life.
Mattie Rousseau passed away in August 2014 at the age of 85. Through her service of over 40 years, Mattie made a positive impact on Union City and its residents. Today we recall her contributions and her life with pride.
Mattie will be featured in a discussion via Zoom on Monday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. Her story is one of three that will be highlighted from our recent (2020) publication Tri-Cities Women of Influence Coloring Book. This Women’s History Month event is sponsored by the Washington Township Museum of Local History.
Visit www.museumoflocalhistory.org for more information about this talk. Or email in**@mu******************.org for questions and/or to obtain a Zoom link.
Women’s History Month: Mattie Rousseau
Monday, Mar 29
6:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
www.museumoflocalhistory.org
Microplastic pollution in water, environment
Submitted by Tomasa Duenas
Assembly Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee, chaired by Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), hosted a hearing on microplastics titled “Microplastics in our Water and Environment: Understanding a Growing Pollution Source.” This informational hearing brought together scientists from California, Canada, and Europe, who shared their latest research on microplastics and how they are affecting our water, environment, and human health.
Plastics, and their microparticle offspring, known as microplastics, are prevalent nearly everywhere, including in our homes, workplaces, bodies, drinking water, and environment. The intake of microplastics by humans is by now evident, as studies have found microplastics in drinking water, air, salt, honey, and other food sources. The ubiquity of plastics creates unprecedented challenges to regulators, engineers, and scientists as they grapple with this potential human health threat and environmental pollution source.
“Plastics are a part of our everyday life in almost every way; from grocery bags to zip-lock bags, from band-aids to pharmaceuticals, from food packaging to the takeout packaging restaurants are relying on to survive this pandemic. Consumers rely on, use, and dispose of plastics at a remarkable rate,” said Quirk.
Highlights from the hearing include:
• Ubiquity of microplastics cannot be underscored.
• More than 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters our oceans annually. The United States is the top plastic waste generator globally and ranks 20th out of 192 counties when it comes to plastic waste contributions to the oceans.
• Seven trillion microplastics flow into the San Francisco Bay via stormwater annually.
• Beyond surface water, microplastics are found on agricultural lands where wastewater sludge is applied. Plants have been found to uptake micro and nano plastics, and those microplastics are shown to stunt plant development and crop growth. In short, microplastics pollution can pose a food security threat.
• Humans are likely inhaling microplastics because they are carried in wind and weather patterns.
• Four out of six placentas have been found to have microplastics.
“The information shared by renowned scientists was scarier than I could have imagined. We cannot recycle our way out of this problem. Source reduction and zero waste policies are out best tactics for reducing microplastic pollution. Plastics will never just ‘go away,’” stated Quirk.
The past, present and future of Mars exploration
Kailash Kalidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast
The last month has been very exciting, knowing that the United States is at the forefront of exploring Mars with NASA JPL successfully landing the Perseverance Rover. But how about the rest of the world? How have they contributed to Mars’s research? Let’s take a look at these missions by countries that have been helping shape Mars Exploration, either through Rovers or Orbiters.
Mars exploration was first started by the USSR as far back as 1960, but almost all of their missions in that decade were failures. NASA joined the game in 1964 with the Mariner 4 and was successful in its endeavor. Much later, the USSR succeeded in its Mars 2 orbiter in 1971. The two countries, U.S. and Russia (formerly USSR), were dominant until 1996, with the U.S. being far more successful, notably through its Viking 1&2 orbiter (1975) and the Mars Pathfinder Rover (1996).
Japan joined the game and Performed a Mars flyby through the Nozomi mission in 1998. Later contact was lost due to loss of fuel. This was the first mission by a country outside the U.S. and Russia. International Partners slowly gathered in the 2000s. The European Union’s ESA launched the Mars Express mission. Mars Express consisted of two parts, the Mars Express Orbiter and Beagle 2, a lander designed to perform exobiology and geochemistry research. Although the lander failed to fully deploy after it landed on the Martian surface, the orbiter has been successfully performing scientific measurements since early 2004. In 2004, the ESA also performed another flyby Mars mission named Rosetta successfully.
One of the most noteworthy Mars missions in 2013 though was India’s Mangalyaan. It was pulled off on a shoestring budget, and that’s what made this effort special. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan is a space probe orbiting Mars since 24 September 2014. It was launched on November 5, 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It is India’s first interplanetary mission and the fourth space agency to achieve Mars orbit, after Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency. It made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first nation in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.
China and the United Arab Emirates have been the latest entrants in the Mars Race. The UAE very recently completed its Hope mission. The Emirates Mars Mission is a United Arab Emirates Space Agency uncrewed space exploration mission to Mars. The Hope orbiter was launched on July 19, 2020 and reached Mars on February 9, 2021. The mission design, development, and operations are led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
Tianwen is an interplanetary mission by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) that sent a robotic spacecraft to Mars, consisting of an orbiter, deployable camera, lander, and rover. The spacecraft, with a total mass of nearly five tons, is one of the heaviest probes launched to Mars and carries 13 scientific instruments. The mission was successfully launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on July 23, 2020 on a Long March 5 heavy-lift launch vehicle. After seven months of transit, it entered orbit around Mars on February 10, 2021.
Finally, Mars research is now not just limited to national space agencies, with private organizations such as SpaceX getting into Mars exploration. The SpaceX Mars program includes fully reusable launch vehicles, human-rated spacecraft, on-orbit propellant tankers, rapid-turnaround launch/landing mounts, and local production of rocket fuel on Mars via in situ resource utilization (ISRU). SpaceX is highly confident that the first crewed flights to Mars will happen in 2026.
Kailash Kalidoss is a local aerospace enthusiast and educator serving the Bay Area. Kailash first fell in love with aerospace as a teenager when he learned about aviation from his father’s role as a Ground Operations Manager. Kailash has since spent his efforts spreading knowledge about aerospace, astronautics, aviation, science and technology, and of course, the night sky. Kailash also represents the Civil Air Patrol and NASA as a volunteer.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Monday, February 22
• At 1:01 a.m. Officer Torres made a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Cedar Boulevard and Cedar Court and arrested a 25-year-old San Francisco woman on an outstanding warrant. She was issued a new court date and released.
Tuesday, February 23
• Between 5:13 p.m. and 5:36 p.m. officers responded to two reports of thefts from vehicles in the 35000 block of Newark Boulevard and the 200 block of NewPark Mall Road. The loss was purses.
Wednesday, February 24
• At 11:40 a.m. officers responded to a report of a robbery that had just occurred in the 6000 block of Jarvis Avenue. The loss was a purse; Officer Palacio is investigating.
• At 12:37 p.m. Officer Palacio made arrested a 48-year-old male transient in the 6000 block of Jarvis Avenue for an active felony warrant. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
At 5:54 p.m. Officer Kapu investigated a theft from a vehicle that occurred overnight in the 6000 block of NewPark Mall Road. The loss was power tools and a welder.
Thursday, February 25
• At 11:54 p.m. Officer Swadener investigated a report of suspicious activity described as possible trespassing in the area of Civic Terrace Avenue and St. Edwards Street. Upon arrival, Swadener contacted and later arrested a 29-year-old male transient on five outstanding warrants. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Saturday, February 27
• At 3:07 a.m. officers investigated a report of suspicious activity described as loitering in the 6000 block of Joaquin Murrieta Avenue. Upon arrival officers contacted and arrested a 23-year-old Newark woman on an outstanding warrant, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers also arrested a 45-year-old Newark man on suspicion of receiving stolen property. Both were cited and released.
• At 11:26 p.m. Officer Slavazza located a vehicle parked in the middle of Cedar Boulevard and Cedar Court blocking all lanes of traffic. Slavazza contacted and arrested a 34-year-old Fremont man on an outstanding warrant; he was booked at Fremont Jail. Slavazza also arrested a 24-year Fremont man and another 21-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication. Both were booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Over 200,000 education workers receive COVID-19 vaccine
Submitted by Governor’s Press Office
On March 8, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that since the state began dedicating 10 percent of vaccine supply for education workers on March 1, over 200,000 education workers have been vaccinated, far exceeding the state’s goal of 75,000 vaccines per week.
“This is welcome news for teachers, students, and parents as more and more schools reopen safely across the state,” said Newsom. “We will continue working with our local partners to accelerate this effort in communities across the state so that all school staff have access to a vaccine within weeks.”
California was among the first states to authorize vaccines for education workers, with vaccine prioritization a core component of the Safe Schools for All Plan since December. Before governor’s 10-percent commitment, 35 counties were actively vaccinating education workers.
Recently, the governor also signed a $6.6 billion package to safely get students back in school, which provides additional funding to support safety measures for in-person instruction and expanded learning opportunities. For more information about safe returns to in-person instruction, visit https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/.
March online happenings from Niles Essanay
Submitted by Niles Film Museum
On Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21, look forward to 12 Christies Comedies courtesy of the Michael Aus film collection. Some are so rare that historians Sam Gill and Steve Massa hadn’t even seen them.
The weekend of online streaming events will feature presentations by Gill, Massa, and film collector Michael Aus about the lesser-known film company that has become more celebrated in recent years as more of its films have been re-discovered.
Featured films:
Mr. Fatima (1920)
Eddie Barry, Earle Rodney, and Helen Darling star in this piece where Eddie and Earle head to a seaside carnival.
Detective Dan Cupid (1914)
Directed by Al Christie, starring Eddie Lyons, Lee Moran, Victoria Forde. Eddie steals a necklace from Victoria so he can return it to her. Her father hires Lee to find the culprit, and mayhem ensues.
Grandpa’s Girl (1924)
Starring Jack Duffy and Kathleen Clifford. Jack is headed to Europe and his granddaughter wants to join him but can only do so if she is expelled from college. When her grandfather finds out, he disinherits her and plans to hire a new grandson. Kathleen cuts her hair and applies for the position.
Watch the website at nilesfilmmuseum.org for more details, links, and schedule.
Coming up in April is our annual SF Earthquake show!
March online happenings from Niles Essanay
Saturday, Mar 20 – Sunday, Mar 21
Virtual streaming events
https://nilesfilmmuseum.org/
Ohlone College Board of Trustees
March 10, 2021
Ceremonial items:
• César Chávez Day proclamation
• Women’s History Month proclamation
Consent Agenda:
• Approved February 2021 payroll warrants.
• Approved various personnel actions.
• Ohlone Community College District and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Sunshine proposals for successor contract duration 2020 – 2023.
• Report on the 2021 Community College League of California Legislative Conference.
• New, Revised and Deactivated Credit Courses and Programs for 2021-2022.
• Measure G Project 6105E, ACB Building 2 West Louvers – Coulter Construction, Inc.; Notice of Completion.
• Measure G Project 6114, Building 5 Renovation – LPAS Architecture + Design.; Amendment #6 for architectural services.
• Approval of auditing services with Gilbert & Associates CPA Firm.
• Memorandum of Understanding between The University of Phoenix and Ohlone College.
• Ratification of contracts.
• Authorization for the disposal of surplus personal property.
• Probationary and tenured faculty contracts.
Public Hearing:
• Second public hearing on Ohlone Community College District’s redistricting process.
Discussion/Action:
• Accepted the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee annual report.
Richard Watters, Chair
Suzanne Lee Chan, Vice Chair
Greg Bonaccorsi
Lance Kwan
Jan Giovannini-Hill
Vivien Larsen
Dr. Rakesh Sharma
Megan Aves, Student Member
Old Mission San Jose re-opens to visitors
Submitted by Gary Dorighi
Old Mission San Jose will again impress visitors beginning Saturday, March 20 after a year of closure due to COVID-19. Mission docents will lead small cohorts of ten (10) or fewer on a one-hour tour of the Spanish Jardin Garden, the beautiful Mission Church interior, and the historic Cemetery while observing Alameda County and CDC guidelines.
Did you know? The grave of Robert Livermore (1799-1858) for whom the city of Livermore is named, is located inside the Mission Church. Learn more fascinating stories from our docents about Fremont’s own Mission San Jose, the 14th of the 21 California missions founded in 1797.
Reservations must be made through the website and pre-paid for before the guided tour is confirmed. Please note that the Gift Shop & Museum is not open, and self-guided tours are not yet available. See more at https://missionsanjose.org.
Old Mission San Jose
43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 657-1797 x100
https://missionsanjose.org
Tours: $5-$7
Police Department’s Community Academy Goes Virtual
Submitted by City of Hayward
Hayward Police Department is offering online sessions of its Community Academy program in English and Spanish over four weeks in April – once a week on a designated evening for two hours. The Community Academy is a certified educational program designed to give community members a working knowledge of how the police department is organized and operates in Hayward.
Goals include developing partnerships between the department and the public and promoting open lines of communication. Participants will also receive information on the city’s Neighborhood Alert Program, department’s Volunteers in Police Services (VIPs) program, and how to become a Neighborhood Alert Block Captain.
For information and links to Community Academy registration forms in English and Spanish, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/police-department/programs/community-academy. Space is limited; participation is restricted to individuals ages 18 years and older.
English-language Community Academy
6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Wednesdays: Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21, and Apr 28
Spanish-language Community Academy
6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Tuesdays, Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, and Apr 27
www.hayward-ca.gov/police-department/programs/community-academy
New Resource Guide for Renters
Submitted by City of Union City
The City of Union City has released a new resource guide for renters who may be struggling during COVID-19. The guide includes important information about eviction protections and legal resources for renters. It also provides information about the city’s second round of COVID-19 rental assistance, which is open to applications until Monday, March 29. To view the resource guide, view www.unioncity.org/445/Coronavirus-Disease-COVID-19.
Rental Assistance
Application Deadline: Monday, Mar 29
Resource Guide
www.unioncity.org/445/Coronavirus-Disease-COVID-19
THE ROBOT REPORT
DoorDash acquiring robotics startup Chowbotics
By Steve Crowe
DoorDash, the popular food delivery service, is acquiring Chowbotics, a California-based robotics startup best known for Sally, a vending machine-like robot that can make salads and other fresh meals. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The move indicates DoorDash is interested in automating food production. According to The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report the news, DoorDash is exploring how to deploy Chowbotics’ technology across restaurants. “Ideas include using the technology to help restaurants expand their menu — such as enabling a pizzeria to offer salads — or to allow a salad bar to try out new locations — a kiosk at an airport, for instance — without the need for more manpower.”
This isn’t the first robotics company DoorDash has worked with. It has explored automating food delivery via partnerships with Starship Technologies and Cruise. DoorDash has the greatest share of the U.S. food delivery market, around 48%. Its competitors include UberEats and Grubhub.
With demand for contact-less food preparation increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chowbotics announced a partnership with Saladworks in August 2020 to expand its menu. Working in a 3’x3’ space, Sally uses precision robotics to assemble customizable salads from up to 22 ingredients. They are then sealed for safety and freshness in an airtight refrigerated container. At the time this partnership was announced, Chowbotics said it had already deployed more than 100 robots that have served more than 185,000 meals to date.
Founded in 2014, Chowbotics has raised about $21 million to date, including an $11 million round back in 2018. Chowbotics CEO Rick Wilmer wrote about the acquisition on Chowbotics’ blog on February 8. We’ve reposted the blog below:
“Making fresh food more accessible and convenient has always been core to our mission. As a part of DoorDash, this mission is now turbocharged. The expertise and scale of DoorDash unlocks our most ambitious aspirations to enable food convenience through technology. As the leader in food delivery and on-demand logistics, DoorDash is uniquely positioned to further accelerate Chowbotics’ market presence and new product development. At the same time, Chowbotics’ technology will enable DoorDash merchants to expand their menu offerings to reach new customers or markets without the need to invest in new stores. Without doubt, we found the most ideal home to help our partners grow and navigate the ever-changing foodservice landscape.
“From our very first exploratory meetings, the synergy was obvious. DoorDash has led its work with a meaningful vision, built an amazing team, and created an incredible culture. We already feel so welcome and so well supported, and want to thank DoorDash for making us feel like we’re home.
“Our journey to this moment was fueled by the dedication of our wonderful employees. I am deeply grateful for every single one of them. It goes without saying we did not get here alone. We would not have realized this next step in our journey without the foodservice operators, chefs, and business teams across the world at hospitals, schools, grocery stores, and more who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of fresh food by putting their trust in our company and technology. This wonderful new partnership would not have been possible without their dedication to bringing fresh meals to people in completely new ways. We look forward to supporting these partners with a relentless commitment to their success and continued innovation in food robotics.
“It’s humbling and a true honor to be a part of this amazing company. The whole team at Chowbotics is beyond excited about this powerful partnership and the impact we can have together to provide better access to fresh, delicious meals. We welcome everyone to this next phase of #FreshForAll.”
Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He can be reached at sc****@wt*******.com.
Notes from Supervisor Otto Lee
District 3, Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County has moved into the Red Tier of the Blueprint for Reopening the Economy.
Following the State of California’s announcement that Santa Clara County has met the requirements to move into the Red Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, the County of Santa Clara Health Officer announced March 2, 2021 that the County will align with the State’s framework and allow activities open in Red Tier counties to resume, effective Wednesday, March 3. As a result, most of the industry/activity-specific local directives will be lifted, including the Health Officer’s Mandatory Directive on Travel. However, quarantining after travel is strongly recommended, in alignment with the State’s Travel Advisory.
The County’s October 5th Risk Reduction Order, which requires everyone to follow all State orders and guidance, maintain distance, and wear face coverings as much as possible, will remain in effect. The Order also requires all businesses and other entities to maximize telework, post a Social Distancing Protocol outlining specific COVID-19 safety plans, and promptly report any cases to the Public Health Department.
“We are pleased to see case counts declining, vaccination rates increasing, and a continued commitment by our residents to wearing masks, social distancing, and staying outdoors as much as possible when interacting with people outside their household,” said Dr. Sara Cody, County Health Officer and Public Health Director. “This is a pivotal moment: if our community continues to be cautious and follow public health guidance, things will continue to improve. If people let down their guard and begin engaging in risky activities, we will likely see another surge in cases. Just because more activities will now be allowed to resume, it does not mean they are safe.”
Although more activities are allowed under the Red Tier, the County Health Officer urges everyone to remember that indoor activities are much higher risk than outdoor activities and to take every step to reduce your risk as much as possible. To keep yourself, your family, your friends and neighbors, and our broader community safe, follow these core principles:
1. Stay outdoors. Outdoor activities are far safer than indoor ones.
2. Stay masked. Consistent use of face coverings both indoors and outdoors, especially double-masking, is very effective at preventing spread of the coronavirus.
3. Maintain at least 6-foot distance from others. Social distancing from those who do not live with you is effective at keeping the coronavirus away.
4. Avoid crowds. The fewer people you encounter and the fewer interactions you have, the lower the chance the virus will spread.
5. Get vaccinated when it is your turn. All federally approved vaccines work well and will help keep you, your family, and your friends safe.
The following changes are effective, Wednesday, March 3:
• All activities authorized under the State’s Red Tier, including indoor dining, can resume in accordance with State capacity limits and safety protocols, including:
o Indoor dining at maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer;
o Retail stores at maximum 50% capacity;
o Gyms and fitness centers at maximum 10% capacity;
o Movie theaters at maximum 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer; and
o Zoos, museums, and aquariums at 25% maximum indoor capacity.
• Sector and activity-specific local directives will no longer be in effect.
• The Mandatory Directive on Travel will no longer be in effect.
For more information on what the State allows in the Red Tier, please visit covid19.ca.gov.
Tips for Seed Starting Success
By Melinda Myers
Photo Courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company
You have created your wish list, ordered some or all the seeds you will need, and they are beginning to arrive. Make the most of your investment with a bit of planning.
Starting seeds at the proper time, indoors or directly in the garden, ensures a good start to the growing season. Check the back of the seed packet for planting times and directions. Consult your local Extension Service’s website for more details on the best time to plant in your area.
Organize your seeds by when they need to be started. You can create your own system or invest in one like Gardener’s Supply’s seed envelopes and dividers. This system allows you to organize seeds by type, planting season, color, garden location, and more. Use your storage system to keep leftover seeds organized for future plantings. It will also save you money on future seed orders. Just be sure to place the seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enter planting dates on your calendar as well. Months pass quickly, and it is easy to miss important planting times. Creating a planting calendar will help you plant seeds at the proper time for the maximum benefit.
Gather seed starting equipment and supplies if starting seeds indoors. You will need a quality seed starting or potting mix and clean containers. Use yogurt and other small food containers for starting seeds. Drill holes in the bottom and clean them before planting. Avoid disease problems by sanitizing old plant containers. Soak them in a one-part bleach/nine-parts water solution for 10 minutes, and then rinse in clear water before filling with planting mix.
You could also try one of the new plastic-free, environmentally friendly seed starting options. Use a paper pot maker (https://www.gardeners.com/buy/paper-pot-maker/38-636.html) to convert newspaper into biodegradable plant pots. Consider cow pots made of composted manure that provide nutrients in a biodegradable pot. You can leave your seedlings in these containers when moving them into the garden.
Create your own pot-free seed starter with Gardener’s Supply soil blocker. It presses moist potting mix into blocks that hold their shape. The blocks can be moved directly into the garden, reducing transplant shock.
Follow the directions on the seed packets for depth and care. Most seeds prefer warm conditions but do not need light to sprout. Keep the planting mix moist. Cover the containers with a sheet of plastic to conserve moisture and extend the time between watering.
Once you see any green, it is time to move the seedlings into bright light or under artificial lights. Keep the lights on for no more than 14 to 16 hours and 4 to 6 inches above the top of the plants for best results.
Once your plants are actively growing, you can begin fertilizing if needed. Check the planting mix to see if a fertilizer has been added and how long it will be effective before adding more. Follow the label directions on the fertilizer you select.
Share the fun and workload with friends and family. Perhaps you will start tomatoes for everyone, another person handles the peppers and yet another person the eggplants. You could also share extra seeds since each packet usually contains more than most gardeners have space to grow.
Most importantly, have fun.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardeners Supply for her expertise to write this article. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Why seek senior peer counseling?
City of Fremont Human Services Department
As you grow older, there are problems you may face such as the stress of an illness, loss of a job or a loved one, or a family conflict. These problems may leave you feeling confused, isolated, grief, depressed, lonely, and angry.
At these times, you may need to seek help from someone outside of your family or circle of friends to listen with empathy and compassion. Senior Peer Counselors are highly trained, non-judgmental volunteers who are committed to providing one-on-one counseling on the phone or in person, and accepting you as you are in the moment. Listening with empathy and compassion, together with their lived experiences, they can support you in your challenging times and help you work through your feelings and emotions so that you may continue to live a full and satisfying life.
For more information or to sign up, call the Senior InfoLine (510) 574-2041.
Social Security Matters
Ask Rusty – Does Paying FICA Tax Now Increase My Benefit?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Dear Rusty: If a person retires at age 66 and continues to work full time, Social Security taxes are still taken out of his weekly paycheck. Will this taxation for Social Security contribute more to the person’s Social Security benefit, even if already retired? Signed: Curious Retiree
Dear Curious Retiree: Since its inception in 1935, Social Security has been a “pay as you go” program where contributions from those who are working are used to pay benefits to those who are collecting Social Security benefits. That remains true even if, after you start collecting Social Security, you work and pay payroll taxes into the system.
Those Social Security (SS) payroll taxes you are contributing now are not deposited into a personal account for you, they are used to help pay benefits to all recipients. So, paying SS FICA payroll taxes after you start collecting benefits does not affect your benefit payment. However, what might affect your benefit amount is if your current earnings from working are more than any of those in the 35 years used to originally compute your Social Security benefit when you filed.
When you apply for SS benefits, Social Security adjusts every year in your lifetime earnings record for inflation to bring those earlier earnings up to today’s dollar values. They then select the 35 highest-earning years over your entire lifetime, and from those 35 highest-earning years they develop your “Average Indexed Monthly Earnings” (AIME). Your AIME, in turn, is used to compute your Social Security benefit at your full retirement age (FRA).
Social Security examines your earnings every year after your earnings for the previous year are reported to Social Security by the IRS. After your benefits have started, and if your current earnings are higher, Social Security will replace an earlier year’s earnings with your more recent earnings and recompute your benefit, resulting in a small benefit increase (“small” because it would represent only 1/35th of the average lifetime earnings used to compute your benefit).
A key thing to remember is that each of your past year’s earnings (up until you are 60) are adjusted for inflation before computing your benefit amount. So, for example, $25,000 earned in 1990 is worth more than $60,000 in today’s dollars, and it is the inflation-adjusted amount that your current earnings would need to exceed increase in your benefit. I recently published an article on this topic which you may find helpful: www.socialsecurityreport.org/ask-rusty-does-paying-social-security-payroll-tax-increase-my-benefit/.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained, and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ss*******@am************.org.
Application period open for income-restricted apartments
Submitted by City of Hayward
Twenty new income-restricted apartments at The Mix at SoHay, the new residential community on Mission Boulevard in South Hayward, are available for lease to qualified households. The application period closes Wednesday, March 31. The Below Market Rate (BMR) apartments feature eight studio, four one-bedroom, and eight two-bedroom units.
Applications are available online at https://housing.acgov.org/ and in a brochure box outside the SoHay Leasing Office. Applications can be submitted by mail to The Mix at SoHay BMR. Postmarks will not be considered for deadline purposes.
To qualify, applicant household income may not exceed income guidelines for low-income households, which are published annually for Alameda County by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and can be found at www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/programs/affordable-housing.
The Mix at SoHay is the mixed-use residential rental and retail component of SoHay, which once complete will contain a total of 472 homes—400 condominiums for sale (including 28 at below-market prices to income-qualified buyers) and 72 apartments for lease (including the 20 BMR rental units). Information on applying to purchase an income-restricted condominium at SoHay is available online at www.housekeys8.com.
Income-Restricted Apartments Application
Deadline: Wednesday, Mar 31
SoHay Leasing Office
29362 Mission Blvd, Hayward
Mailing Address
The Mix at SoHay BMR
P.O. Box 14217, San Francisco, CA, 94114-9991
https://housing.acgov.org/
www.housekeys8.com
Report focuses on student homelessness
Submitted by Alameda County Office of Education
The needs of students experiencing homelessness during the pandemic are highlighted in a report released March 2 by the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) in partnership with WestEd, a national nonprofit research, development and service agency focusing on education and human development.
The “white paper” report looks at strategies schools put in place in five Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Solano. The report was commissioned as part of ACOE’s work as one of nine Geographic Lead Agencies (Geo Leads) in California’s System of Support.
Titled “Addressing the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the report documents the rising number of students experiencing homelessness as well as the causes and consequences of childhood homelessness. It also describes how educators faced unique challenges and found ways to educate students without a stable home or place to attend school remotely.
“Students experiencing homelessness have been among those most acutely affected by the closure of schools to in-person learning and services,” said L. K. Monroe, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools. “The primary focus of our Geographic Lead work has been to uplift, in the service of equity, how counties can work together across our region to better serve students most in need during this difficult time.”
Each county offers ways to provide learning supports and social-emotional, mental health, and well-being assistance to students and families, including meeting basic needs such as food and shelter. Also discussed are ways the counties addressed technology and connectivity gaps that resulted from the shift to distance learning.
In its role as the Geo Lead for the Bay Area Consortium, ACOE is charged with building the capacity of county offices of education and local educational agencies in the region. The report can be downloaded by visiting the WestEd website at www.wested.org and then typing “students experiencing homelessness” into the search field and following the results.
Better Together – Mejores Juntos
Submitted by Roark Clayton
The Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary Club today announced a joint project with the FAMA Foundation (Friends Assisting our Mexican Amigos), a Bay Area Non- Profit. The first phase of the project, titled Better Together/ Mejores Juntos, will be to build a new school for underprivileged children in the village of Rancho Graciano Sanchez, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico.
“Our club members realize the value of early education and getting a head start for children is paramount,” said Renee Johnson, Club President. “When we learned of the work FAMA was doing, it seemed a natural fit to work with a similarly aligned non-profit to make a difference in young lives with an international emphasis.”
Most children in the village either walk two hours to the nearest school one day a week, or don’t go at all. FAMA Foundation (www.famafoundation.org) has been working with the people of the village to bring economic self-sustainability. Projects to date include bringing fresh water and electricity to the village. The next dream is to build a school.
Better Together/ Mejores Juntos is the joint project between Rainbow Rotary Club and FAMA to build a two-room classroom, for preschool and middle school. The building would be done in phases as funds are raised. Building the school is a collaborative effort. Funds that Rotary and FAMA raise will be used to purchase building materials. The regional Mexican government will provide a teacher, uniforms and some educational materials. And most importantly, the residents of the village will provide the labor to build the school.
Silicon Valley Rainbow Rotary was established January 2019. It is the second LGBTQ-focused
Rotary Club in the world. The Club meets twice a month. For more information about our club, or if you wish to attend a club meeting, please visit our website at www.rainbowrotary.org.
Abbi Crutchfield headlines standup comedy show via Zoom
Submitted by Karin Richey
Photo courtesy of Abbi Crutchfield
Every year, Castro Valley non-profit theatre Plethos Productions has celebrated Women’s Month with a lineup of ladies. This show tends to get the biggest laughs of the year! Plethos’ 3rd annual “That’s What She Said” standup comedy show is back with a whole new lineup of five fabulously female comics who will have you laughing all night long!
Headlining the show is Abbi Crutchfield, host of Hulu’s Early Tonight, as seen on TruTV and Comedy Central! The show will also feature Bay Area comics seen all over the local comedy scene: Host Lin Sun, Annette Mullaney, Natasha Collier and Emily Van Dyke.
In the comfort and safety of your own home, grab a drink and a snack, turn your camera and mic on, and enjoy the fully interactive show via Zoom. Be sure to stick around after the show for a digital happy hour to hang out, chit chat and generally enjoy the company of fellow humans for a while. Tix are on sale now for just $10 per streaming device at Plethos.org.
That’s What She Said
Saturday, Mar 20
7 p.m.
Via Zoom
Tickets: $10
Twitter cracks down on COVID vaccine misinformation
AP Wire Service
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Mar 01 – Twitter says it has begun labeling tweets that include misleading information about COVID-19 vaccines and using a “strike system” to eventually remove accounts that repeatedly violate its rules.
The company said Monday that it has started using human reviewers to assess whether tweets violate its policy against COVID vaccine misinformation. Eventually, the work will be done by a combination of humans and automation, it said.
Twitter had already banned some COVID-related misinformation in December, including falsehoods about how the virus spreads, whether masks are effective and the risk of infection and death.
“Through the use of the strike system, we hope to educate people on why certain content breaks our rules so they have the opportunity to further consider their behavior and their impact on the public conversation,” Twitter said in a blog post Monday.
People with one violation – or strike – will see no action. Two strikes will lead to an account being locked for 12 hours. Five or more will get a user permanently banned from Twitter.
Facebook has also stepped up its vaccine misinformation fight after years of half-hearted enforcement. It announced an expanded policy last month that includes all vaccines – not just those against COVID-19.
San Francisco-based Twitter said the new labels only apply to COVID vaccines, not others.
