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AC Transit suspends service to East Bay Schools

Submitted by Robert Lyles

 

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our staff members and riders. Since the advent of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, we made it a priority to monitor updates from school districts within the 13 cities and unincorporated areas served by our transit district.

 

By the close of school’s operating hours, Friday, March 13, the following schools and districts, in our service areas, have confirmed closures: Alameda City Unified, Albany Unified, Berkeley Unified, Emery Unified, Fremont Unified, Hayward Unified, Oakland Unified, San Leandro Unified, West Contra Costa Unified, Bentley School, Head Royce School, Oakland Hebrew Day School, Bishop O’Dowd High School, St. Mary’s College High School, and Holy Names High School.

 

As a result of these schools’ coronavirus preparedness, AC Transit will temporarily suspend supplemental bus lines (600-series) to the above canceled schools beginning Monday, March 16. These preparedness actions are being monitored and alerts will be issued when school service resumes operations.

 

Service to Newark Unified will operate normally on Monday, March 16. Since canceled classes vary in their duration, parents are encouraged to contact your child’s school for specific lengths of closures.

 

To date, AC Transit has experienced no reports of coronavirus transmission aboard our transit system. We remind riders to exercise these well-established hygiene guidelines for a healthier commute

  • Frequent hand washing, using soap, for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are unavailable
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with disposable tissue
  • Stay home when feeling sick

 

We assure our riders and employees that AC Transit has a storied history of rising to meet the challenges that face our communities. Whether 1989’s Loma Prieta earthquake, H1N1 viruses of 2009 and 2010, 2013’s MERS outbreak, and 2019’s measles outbreak, our transit service is nimble, reliable and trusted.

 

For alternate trip planning visit actransit.org and click Maps and Schedules or @ACTransitMedia for the latest information and updates.

 

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District

(510) 891.4745

www.actransit.org

 

 

Alameda County Fire Department

Submitted by ACFD

 

Wednesday, March 18

  • At about 1:30 p.m. firefighters responded to a report about a fire at a homeless encampment at San Leandro Boulevard and Peralta Avenue in San Leandro. The blaze moved to the interior of the industrial structure with moderate damage to some of its content and the roof. The blaze was quickly put out; there were no injuries.

 

 

China to expel American reporters after US curbs its media

By Ken Moritsugu

Associated Press

 

BEIJING (AP), Mar 17 – China announced that it will revoke the media credentials of all American journalists at three major U.S. news organizations, in effect expelling them from the country, in response to new U.S. restrictions on Chinese state-controlled media.

 

The foreign ministry said early Wednesday that American citizens working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post with credentials expiring before the end of the year must surrender their press cards within 10 days.

 

It is the latest in a series of tit-for-tat actions by the two governments as the Trump administration takes a more confrontational stance in dealing with China than his predecessors. The two countries remained enmeshed in a trade war despite a recent truce and have traded angry words over the coronavirus pandemic that emerged in China and has spread worldwide.

 

The move comes after the Trump administration designated five Chinese media outlets as foreign missions and restricted the number of Chinese who could work for them in a de facto expulsion of about one-third of their Chinese staff.

 

China described its steps as “necessary and reciprocal countermeasures that China is compelled to take in response to the unreasonable oppression the Chinese media organizations experience in the U.S.“

 

The American journalists will likely have to leave China because their visas are tied to their press credentials. They won't be allowed to work in not only mainland China but also the semi-autonomous territories of Hong Kong and Macao, the foreign ministry said in a release posted after midnight on its website.

 

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo disputed the comparison between the U.S. and Chinese actions, telling reporters in Washington that they enjoy press freedoms that don't exist in China.

 

“The individuals that we identified a few weeks back were not media that were acting here freely,“ he said. “They were part of Chinese propaganda outlets. We've identified these as foreign missions under American law. These aren't apples to apples, and I regret China's decision today to further foreclose the world's ability to conduct free press operations.“

 

Editors of all three news organizations condemned the action.

 

“The Chinese government's decision is particularly regrettable because it comes in the midst of an unprecedented global crisis, when clear and reliable information about the international response to covid-19 is essential,” said Marty Baron, executive editor of The Washington Post. “Severely limiting the flow of that information, which China now seeks to do, only aggravates the situation.”

 

Dean Baquet, executive editor of The New York Times, called it a “grave mistake” for China to cut itself off from some of the world's top news organizations and called on the Chinese and American governments to move quickly to resolve the dispute.

 

“The health and safety of people around the world depend on impartial reporting about its two largest economies, both of them now battling a common epidemic,” Baquet said.

 

Matt Murray, editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal, called it an unprecedented attack on freedom of the press at a time of crisis and said the Journal's commitment to reporting fully and deeply on China hasn't changed.

 

The U.S. announced earlier this month that five state-controlled Chinese media outlets would be restricted to 100 visas. It cited increasingly harsh surveillance, harassment and intimidation of American and other foreign journalists working in China.

 

The Chinese outlets, which employ about 160 Chinese citizens in the U.S., include the official Xinhua News Agency and China Global Television Network, or CGTN, the overseas arm of state broadcaster CCTV.

 

By designating the five Chinese media companies as foreign missions, the U.S. government required them to register their properties and employees in the United States. The State Department said that was to recognize “they are effectively controlled” by the Chinese government.

 

Soon after, China revoked the credentials of three Wall Street Journal journalists, saying it was in response to a headline on an opinion piece in the newspaper that it considered derogatory. The U.S. then announced the visa limit for the five Chinese media outlets.

 

In its announcement Wednesday, China said five U.S. outlets – the three newspapers, Voice of America and Time – would be required to declare information in writing about their staff, finance, operation and real estate in China.

 

It also said China will take reciprocal measures against American journalists generally on visas, administrative review and reporting, without providing details.

 

–––

 

Associated Press diplomatic writer Matthew Lee in Washington, D.C., and media writer David Bauder in New York contributed to this story.

 

 

Individual photo credits:

annie-spratt-ORDz1m1-q0I-unsplash.jpg: By Annie Spratt

juliane-liebermann-O-RKu3Aqnsw-unsplash.jpg: By Juliane Liebermann

mark-zamora-mFqAeaZgWO8-unsplash.jpg: By Mark Zamora

national-cancer-institute-xDSD3Vmzh70-unsplash.jpg: Courtesy of the National Cancer Institute

 

 

Home Alone (With the Kids)

By David R. Newman

Photos courtesy of Unsplash

 

With schools shuttered and the kiddos at home for who knows how long, families are suddenly having to deal with issues that many have never faced before. Teachers are doing their best to keep the flow of education running smoothly through online tools, but ultimately it is up to the parents or guardians to keep their young ones on task. Here are some ideas to help you with your homeschooling efforts:

 

Set up a routine

Just like those hazy days of summer, when there’s no place to go, kids tend to sleep in and lounge about. While this can be a nice change from getting up early every day, it’s important to keep everyone on a schedule. As reported by the New York Post, Massachusetts mom Jessica McHale recently created a colorful “COVID-19 Daily Schedule” that includes blocks of time for “morning walk,” “creative time” and “academic time.” She posted her schedule on Facebook where it has been shared over 52,000 times. Said McHale, “I had no idea so many other people would like it. I think it’s because routines provide comfort, and right now, there is so much chaos that everyone is just looking for comfort and safety wherever they can find it.”

 

Get outside

Take walks, ride bikes, go to the park. Set up an obstacle course in your backyard. Exercise is an important part of the school day, whether it’s recess or P.E., and being at home should be no different. Schedule plenty of “fresh air” time to rejuvenate those tired brains.

 

Virtual field trips

Many museums and zoos are now offering online tours. There’s no better time to see the world from the comfort of your own home. Check out the San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Yellowstone National Park, the Smithsonian, the New York Metropolitan Museum, Ellis Island, the Louvre, the Great Wall of China, and many more! There are also online planetariums and geographic adventures where you can learn about everything from volcanoes to rain forests.

 

Learn the ancient arts

Once upon a time there was a class in high school called “Home Economics” where real life skills were taught. Baking, sewing, knitting, balancing a checkbook, typing, washing dishes – these are all useful skills that kids will need down the road and now is the perfect time to teach them. Some of these may already be a part of their chore routine. If they’re frustrated with school, mastering another skill may give them the confidence to keep going.

 

Games

Board games, card games, role playing games – these are all fun ways to pass the time and offer a break from the books. We’re not talking about video games here, but games where the family can come together and socialize. Dust off those classics like Sorry!, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, or Twister. Work on a puzzle. Create a treasure hunt!

 

Home improvement

Get the whole family involved in a home improvement project, like painting the bedroom or pulling weeds or building a desk. Now is also a good time for spring cleaning – sort through those old clothes and shoes. Or organize a closet. Clean the house of clutter. The longer we stay sheltered in place, the more important it will be to maintain a clean living environment. And the kiddos might learn some lessons in teamwork.

 

Read together

Sustained silent reading can be done at home, easy-peasy. It’s remarkable how comforting it can be, reading a book you like in a room where others are doing the same, like an intimate library. There are many websites that offer free eBooks, including Amazon and your local library. Or you may want to try listening to an audio book or podcast together, like an old timey radio show.

 

With all of this online learning taking up a big chunk of the day, try to get the kids away from YouTube and Instagram with some of the above ideas. Being home with family under these circumstances can be stressful and challenging, but it can also be a time for bonding and fun.

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

 

Friday, March 13

  • At 8:29 p.m. a woman identified by police as Shannon Rodriguez was arrested at Fremont station on an outstanding felony warrant. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

  • At 10:48 p.m. a man identified by police as Don Demetrie Knight, 30, of Oakland, was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on an outstanding felony warrant from Georgia after extradition was confirmed. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

Saturday, March 14

  • At 7:59 a.m. a man identified by police as Timothy Knockum, 53, of Oakland, was arrested at Union City station on suspicion of violating a court restraining order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Tuesday, March 17

  • At 5:58 p.m. a woman identified by police as Vanessa Jimenez, 28, of Carmichael, was arrested at South Hayward station on two outstanding warrants. Because of seizures, she was taken to St. Rose hospital where she was medically cleared and then booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

Wednesday, March 18

  • At 4:31 a.m. a man identified by police as Donald Nelson, 58, of Sacramento, was arrested at Warm Springs/South Fremont station on suspicion of violating parole and disturbing the peace. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

BART continues regular service during shelter in place

Submitted by BART Updates

 

The shelter in place emergency order from local counties considers BART as an essential business. BART will continue to provide regular service for riders performing essential activities and for riders travelling to and from “essential business” work, with long enough trains to allow for social distancing. There is enough space for riders to remain 6 feet from each other. Increased cleaning and disinfecting are continuing in stations and trains.

 

People must use public transit only for purposes of performing essential activities or to travel to and from work to operate essential businesses or maintain essential governmental functions and essential infrastructure operations and maintenance. People riding on public transit must comply with Social Distancing Requirements, to the greatest extent feasible.

 

Essential travel includes travel:

  • To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members.
  • To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members.
  • To care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
  • To or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services.
  • To return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction
  • Required by law enforcement or court order.
  • Required for nonresidents to return to their place of residence outside the county.

Act Today, Prepare for Tomorrow

By Tina Kapoor, Economic Development Manager, City of Fremont

 

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an unprecedented economic event with inevitable disruptions to businesses across virtually all industries. The effect on our local, national, and global economies will be temporary and transitory, and businesses must put contingency plans in place now to mitigate the impact and prepare for recovery.

 

To assist businesses in this crisis, the City of Fremont Economic Development Department has assembled detailed information, websites, and best practices for our business community to help lessen the pandemic’s negative effects on your business.

 

Please bookmark COVID-19 Business Resources Page (www.fremont.gov/covidbizresources) as it will be continuously updated with new information and resources on a local, state, and national level as they become available.

 

Businesses can find information under the following categories:

  • Financial Resources: Explore the many national, state, and local financial aid resources available to both businesses and employees alike, including loans, funding, and extensions on payroll taxes.
  • Technical Assistance: Receive assistance in preparing loan paperwork for financial programs, business advice, and workshops.
  • Labor and Workforce Policies:Implement workforce policies that reduce the spread of COVID-19 by following the best practices and utilizing additional national and local resources as needed.
  • Remote Workforce Technology Solutions: Help your employees work from home and stay connected by offering technology services.
  • Tips for Global Manufacturers:Assess and respond to critical operations such as pursuing alternative sourcing strategies and communicating with key stakeholders on change in supply and demand volumes.
  • Business Resiliency:Follow best practices such as implementing a crisis response team to keep your business running and minimize problems.
  • Staying Informed:Implement the most up-to-date guidance from public health officials.

 

We’re here to help your business navigate this uncertain time. You can reach our team via email at econdev@fremont.gov and our business hotline at (510) 284-4020. We are also starting to gather data on the economic impact of COVID-19 on your business. Please share information with us at econimpact@fremont.gov.

 

 

An historical archive in the California Nursery office

By Charlene Dizon

Photos courtesy of Dr. Joyce Blueford

 

Historical artifacts of the California Nursery Company widely vary, from photos and letters to physical belongings. The living legacy of the company can be found in the California Nursery Office Museum, a building dating back to over a hundred years ago.

 

The early 1900s was the California Nursery’s height of expansion as it began to garner recognition. This recognition caused William J. Landers, who served as the company’s president for ten years, to update the infrastructure of the nursery including construction of an office and a cottage to be used as a summer home. Unfortunately, the 1906 earthquake negatively impacted plans for this upgrade and also led to the death of Landers. Thankfully, the infrastructure plans were continued and completed by Landers’ son, William H. Landers.

 

The California Nursery Office was built in 1907. It is rumored to have been designed by famed San Franciscan architect Bernard Maybeck, according to Maybeck’s daughter. Maybeck also built the nursery’s President’s Cottage. The office was used for administrative, export, import, and domestic sales purposes. Construction was considered modern at the time, with areas such as a telephone switching room, a men’s bathroom, an outdoor patio, and amenities including gas heat and electric lighting. Later, a women’s bathroom was also incorporated outside the Nursery Office and is now known as the Woman’s Changing Room. An office was created for the company’s president and manager. In 1939, the patio was enclosed with windows by noted architect Edward T. Foulkes for sales.

 

After the California Nursery was taken over by the City of Fremont in 1972, the Nursery Office was used for various local groups such as Fremont Animal Control from 1972 to 1983, and Fremont Police Department as a Security and Communication Network Training Area (SACNET) from 1983 to 1998.

 

From 1998 to 2011, the office remained vacant. This unfortunately caused many infrastructural problems including a leak in the roof that required volunteer work of non-profit Math Science Nucleus (MSN). The City of Fremont requested Math Science Nucleus to save historical documents about the nursery from Bruce Roeding, the last owner of the California Nursery Company. Roeding had kept California Nursery Historical Company files on his property in two large shipping containers since 1972. Due to the substantial amount of documentation, the vacant California Nursery Office was an ideal space to organize and archive.

 

However, in order to make the space usable, Math Science Nucleus first spent time cleaning up the building. Board President of Math Science Nucleus Dr. Joyce Blueford explains, “The inside was very musky and so intense that workers could only stay inside for about twenty minutes.” The City of Fremont contributed to the restoration effort. Math Science Nucleus then used the 2,000-square-foot space to assemble the historical documents.

 

The archive project was a significant contribution toward Fremont’s agricultural and horticultural history as well as that of the entire county and state. After consultations with historians and school districts, it was decided that the archived material should be seen by all residents. The office was designated a field trip destination for schools. Today, the building holds displays of a wide assortment of historical artifacts that center around the John Rock and Roeding family contributions to the birth and growth of the California Nursery.

 

The efforts of many helped make this project a reality. California State University of East Bay contributed to the archive exhibit’s visual displays and signage; Dr. Blueford sorted historical documents and Janet Barton, coordinator of the California Nursery Garden Club, created a display of the Panama Pacific International Exposition. “The contributions were a real community effort to bring history alive,” says Dr. Blueford.

 

Unfortunately, the archive museum was only open to the public for one year due to the lack of funding to continue the tours. “My hope is for the office to become a museum again for the public to look at the artifacts we’ve worked hard to sort through and display. Training is available for those who would like to become a docent. We would like to open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends.” With the help of the community, the nursery office and its remarkable archive can be revived.

 

For those interested in becoming a historical docent, please contact Math Science Nucleus for more information at msn@msnucleus.org or call (510) 790-6284. Historical archiving opportunities are usually scheduled on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the California Nursery Historical Park in Niles, Fremont.

 

 

Call for community volunteers

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The City of Hayward issued today a call for local volunteers to assist with community needs arising from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Interested residents are invited to go online to the City of Hayward’s new online Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) at www.hayward-ca.us and follow the instructions to sign up.
 
During the current local emergency declaration and county shelter-in-place order, the EVC will be managed through the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Registered volunteers will be contacted based on their abilities and the community need.  Tasks may involve deliveries, clerical and administrative support, EVC staffing, and others as the need dictates.
 
Volunteers must be at least age 18, in good health and have transportation.

 

 

Contact information during healthcare crisis

Submitted by Fremont Human Services

 

General Information and Access to Resources 

510-574-2050

humanservicesinfo@fremont.gov

 

Fremont Family Resource Center General Service Information 

Updated Number 

510-574-2000

 

Homeless Services and Hygiene opportunities

510-574-2222

 

Rent Review

For all rent increase questions and services

510-733-4945

rentreview@fremont.gov

 

Ride-On Tri-City! Program

(Transportation Services for the Elderly and Disabled) 

510- 574-2053

 

Senior Center Updates

(Recorded Message)

510-790-6610

 

Senior Helpline

(For questions about Senior Services, resources and supply needs for vulnerable persons)

510-574-2041

 

Youth and Family Services

General Information

510-574-2100

 

 

49ers, Comcast announce contributions for coronavirus relief

Submitted by Janice Rombeck

 

On March 19, Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese joined representatives from Comcast and the 49ers, Silicon Valley Community Foundation CEO Nicole Taylor, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Cindy Chavez and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo to announce contributions to support nonprofits dealing with mental and public health issues, hospitals, children, seniors, and the homeless population during the COVID-19 health pandemic.

 

Cortese announced plans for the allocation of at least $3 million for local community-based organizations, nonprofits, and vital resources to prevent homelessness, provide food and address other needs of individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

 

Cortese is calling for funds to be allocated to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to support the Coronavirus Regional Response Fund, the COVID-19 Coronavirus Nonprofit Support Fund, as well as to local community event planning organizations, many who have made the responsible decision to cancel or postpone events in the interest of public safety.

 

For more information, call Cortese’s Office at (408) 299-5030.

Correction:

 

The article “Family Science Nights” of Tri-City Voice (March 17, 2020) was printed with an incorrect photo. The photo shown in the paper was courtesy of Chabot Space and Science Center, to promote their spring event. Photos of the February 2020 Family Science Nights hosted by Newark Unified School District were provided by Leonor Rebosura.

 

 

COVID-19 resource questions? Pick up the phone

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

A telephone hotline staffed by employee volunteers and others from the City of Hayward is available to provide residents with information and connections to local services and reliable resources they may need during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order.

 

Launched by the City of Hayward on March 20, the number to call is (510) 583-4949. It is operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week is staffed by multilingual operators.

 

One purpose of the hotline is to reduce demand on the Hayward 911 emergency dispatch call center. Another goal is to provide residents — regardless of the language they speak or their immigration status — trustworthy and updated information.

 

Before calling the hotline, Hayward residents are highly encouraged to first go online to the city’s COVID-19 Updates webpage for information that is updated regularly. It can be reached by visiting the City of Hayward webpage at www.hayward-ca.gov/ and then typing “COVID-19 UPDATES” into the search field and following the prompt.

 

Volunteers needed

Meanwhile, the city is looking for local volunteers to assist with community needs arising from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Interested residents are asked to sign up by on the new Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) webpage. Access it by visiting the City of Hayward webpage at www.hayward-ca.gov and then typing “Emergency Volunteer Center into the search field and following the prompt. It is managed by the city’s Emergency Operations Center.

 

Registered volunteers will be contacted based on their abilities and the community need. Tasks may involve deliveries, clerical and administrative support, EVC staffing, and others as the need dictates. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, in good health and have transportation.

 

Watch out for scams

Officials from the Hayward Police Department (HPD) are reminding community members to be aware of scams related to COVID-19 and have compiled the following list of possible scams:

 

  • Telephone fraud which might include a criminal call to a victim pretending to be clinic or hospital officials, who claim a relative of the victim has fallen sick with the virus and request payments for medical treatment
  • Someone offering to sell fake or non-existent testing kits
  • Questionable charity donations
  • People that have been going door to door claiming to be medical staff
  • People asking to do a home inspection

 

If someone calls you please ask for their name and title and supervisor’s information, phone number and additional information. Do not provide them with your information unless you have verified that they are who they claim to be.

 

Please keep in mind, no federal agency will try to take advantage of others, especially during hard times. Anyone with questions, or who encounters a situation that just doesn’t seem right can call HPD at (510) 293-7000.

 

 

Beware of scammers taking advantage of COVID-19 fears

Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E

 

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of potential scam phone calls or emails threatening to shut off power if a payment is not made.

 

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, PG&E’s Corporate Security department has received several reports regarding scammers requesting payment on past due utility bills immediately with a debit card. PG&E has also seen an increase in “spoofing,” which is when the incoming call appears to come from a PG&E telephone number.

 

“It’s alarming that people are trying to capitalize on the pandemic and people’s fears. Unfortunately, that’s the reality with scammers. We’ve seen a steady stream of scam calls recently and are reminding customers that PG&E will never ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone,” said James Murphy, Senior Director, Corporate Security at PG&E.

 

On March 12 PG&E announced that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has voluntarily implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately. This suspension applies to both residential and commercial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. Customers should assume that any threat related to a disruption in service for non-payment is a scam.

 

Earlier this year, PG&E started seeing a new scam trend with the request becoming more detailed. Scammers include specific names of customers, and in some cases, guessing general dollar amounts owed. They are also disguising their true phone numbers with a caller ID that says “PG&E” or “Pacific Gas & Electric.”

 

Other scam phone call tactics include:

  • Notifying residents that they are eligible for a federal tax refund related to their utility bill
  • Trying to sell services related to solar evaluation
  • Claiming to represent a PG&E initiative to sell a product in order to gain access to their home

 

Here are tips that can help protect PG&E customers from all types of potential scams:

  • PG&E’s Credit Department will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who has received such a phone call and provided credit card or checking account information should report it immediately to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.
  • Other types of scams that can impact customers include online “phishing” where scammers seek personal or financial information, as well as in-person scams where scammers pose as an electric or gas employee.
  • Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request or request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-(800) 743-5000.
  • Customers should always ask to see identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are willing to show it to you.
  • If you feel threatened in any way, notify local law enforcement immediately.

 

PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam victimizing customers. Anyone who has received such a call can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 1-(800) 743-5000 or by visiting www.pge.com/scams.

 

 

Students explore and learn at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Submitted by Leonor Rebosura

 

To extend the classroom learning, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge in collaboration with the Newark Unified School District (NUSD) Science Director and NUSD Maintenance, Operations & Transportation department organized docent-led field trips with free school buses. The first two trips were on February 3 and 13 with the 6th grade students from Graham Elementary and Schilling Elementary. Buses were provided by NUSD paid for by Don Edwards Refuge.

 

Sixth grade students spent the day with rangers and were scientists, applying science & engineering practices while immersed in their local environment. They observed, collected data, and presented findings as they explored the open bay, sloughs, salt marsh and salt ponds. At the Fishing Pier, they learned about the tides and aquatic life. At the marshland, they discovered unique and endemic plants native to this salt marsh habitat.

 

In preparation for these events, the rangers provided an orientation to all 6th grade teachers at the Elementary Professional Development Day on December 19. They discussed the activities planned at the refuge and solicited ideas on how those could connect to the science curriculum and the classroom experiences of students. A week before each field trip, the rangers meet students in their classroom. The pre-visit introduced students to the refuge, the rangers, and what they would do at the refuge. It was important to the rangers that the students were informed and felt comfortable working and learning.

 

Lulu Erwin and Rossana Panuco, NUSD teachers, describe their positive experience with the trip: “The lessons were appropriate, engaging and academically rigorous as we measured elements of the water as well as worked in the marsh. Students asked excellent questions, fully participated and had a great time. After the field trip, Tia, one of the Don Edwards teachers, followed up asking for the data we collected, sent us a video to watch and to comment on. We sent her back questions we had, and she took those questions to her biologists who later answered them… All in all, this was a well-organized, thoughtfully planned out field trip.”

 

Newark USD is very grateful to Genie Moore and Tia Glagolev, Naturalists at Don Edwards and their rangers for enriching the lives of and educating Newark students and teachers.

 

Originally, more trips were planned for April and May, but due to concerns about Coronavirus spread, two of these have been canceled. Trips scheduled for April 27 and May 18 are still on the calendar for now, and the school district will reassess after spring break on April 17. For any questions, contact Leonor Rebosura at lrebosura@newarkunified.org.

 

 

Don’t worry, be happy (Because it will strengthen your immune system!)

Submitted by Christina Chin-Newman, Ph.D.

 

Do you find yourself stuck in bed reading endless news updates about the coronavirus? Or regretting that your special events were cancelled or postponed to an unknown date? Some of us are finding that having the freedom to work and learn at home is actually harder than going to work or school, and that we miss our family, friends, teachers, co-workers, and routines. Social connection is essential to good mental health, yet the social distancing required of us can result in isolation and loneliness.

 

The good news is that psychologists have more knowledge than ever about the keys to living a good life, including the roots of happiness. Although it may sound selfish and frivolous to be concerned with increasing your own happiness, being happy is related to having a stronger immune system, and if you are healthy you will be able to contribute more at home and at work for people who are depending on you. According to researchers, here are some adaptive qualities that are key to strengthening our mental and physical health:

 

Focusing on the Positive – Consuming negative news can be stressful, so it’s important to provide balance with positive information, whether videos of cute animals, or hopeful news stories. Unfortunately, as Dr. Rick Hanson puts it, our brains have evolved to be Velcro for negative information and Teflon for positive information. This means that we need to make a deliberate effort to savor the positive.

 

How about cultivating more of a positive quality in your life – perhaps joy, gratitude, or humor? It can be beneficial to reflect on something that made you happy, something you are grateful for, or something that made you laugh. You can do this by writing in a journal, posting on social media, or discussing at the dinner table or over the phone. You may consider writing a letter to someone who has played a special role in your life, thanking them for what they have done for you. Or you can reminisce about the funniest things that have happened to you. You might want to contact people who shared those experiences with you to have a good laugh about the past! Check out laughter yoga videos with laughter exercises, which have been found to improve people’s health. Watch comedies and comedians, and read comic strips and humorous books that make you laugh.

 

Mindfulness – Have you ever been driving or walking somewhere, only to realize that you have no idea of what just took place because your mind wandered? Being mindful is the opposite of being mindless. Rather than dwelling on the past or being obsessed with what the future may hold, being mindful means focusing on the present moment. This can be done by using your five senses to appreciate the little things in life, whether the beauty of nature or the taste of each bite of food.

 

It is not necessary to meditate in order to bring mindfulness into your life – you simply need to periodically stop and observe the environment and your internal state – but mindfulness meditation has been associated with health benefits, including boosting your immune system. This is because doing meditation can calm you down by deactivating your sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) and activating your parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation).

 

In recent years mindfulness meditation has become popular in the West, so there are many free secular guided meditations available online. Meditation does not need to take place for a long time, or in a certain pose, in order to be effective. Many people like to meditate at the beginning or the end of the day, or before starting a new task or doing something important.

 

Self-Compassion – Last but not least, strive to be as kind to yourself as you would to other people you care about, and keep in mind that any difficulties you’re experiencing are not unique, but part of our shared common humanity. Even if you are your own worst critic, guided meditations and writing exercises can help you develop compassion for yourself. Self-compassionate people are healthier because they are better able to deal with stress. Taking care of yourself not only means taking care of your physical health (such as by sleeping and eating well, staying hydrated, and getting moderate exercise), but doing whatever is necessary for good mental health (doing things that bring you joy, walking in nature, forgiving yourself for mistakes, and not feeling guilty when you need to say no to people to preserve time for yourself).

 

If you’re able to incorporate these strategies of positive thinking, mindfulness, and self-compassion into your life – even in the tiniest of ways – you may find that your heart is lighter, your anxiety level lower, and your immune system stronger.

 

Online resources:

UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine – https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ – Many short, easy-to-read articles based on the latest science of positive psychology.

 

Dr. Rick Hanson’s website – https://www.rickhanson.net/ – A recent podcast covers the topic “Fear in the Time of Coronavirus.” He also has a free e-newsletter, “Just One Thing,” which covers the kinds of tips that are in his book and course of the same name.

 

New York Times’ Fixes – https://www.nytimes.com/column/fixes – News stories of hope, “covering solutions to social problems and why they work.”

 

Guided Meditations – The app Insight Timer is available for free on Android and iPhone, and contains audio recordings from numerous teachers so that you can find someone whose style is a match for you.

 

Dr. Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion website – https://self-compassion.org/ – In addition to learning more about what self-compassion is, you can use the free tools in order to increase your own self-compassion (guided meditations and writing exercises).

 

 

Delivery giant DoorDash takes step toward public offering

By Alexandra Olson

AP Business Writer

 

NEW YORK (AP), Feb 27 – Food delivery giant DoorDash has taken a first formal step toward a stock market debut.

 

The San Francisco-based company announced Thursday that is has confidentially filed a draft S-1 form with the Securities Exchange Commission outlining its proposed public stock offering. There was no proposed date for an initial offering, which could be a long way off. Last year, rival Postmates delayed plans for an IPO, citing unfavorable market conditions.

 

DoorDash Inc. has overtaken Grubhub as the top digital food delivery company in the U.S., according to data analytics firm Second Measure, capturing 38% of monthly food delivery sales in January, compared to 31% for Grubhub.

 

Analysts have said both DoorDash and Postmates are burning cash and need money-raising options as the third-party delivery business becomes more fragmented and competitive.

 

Wall Street has been wary of fast-growing, money-losing companies. Ride-hailing company Uber – another major delivery player through Uber Eats – has traded well below its IPO price since going public last year, as has rival Lyft.

 

Besides Uber, Grubhub is the only publicly traded digital food delivery company. Grubhub saw its stock plunge last fall after slashing full-year revenue expectations, citing costs associated with gaining customer loyalty in a crowded field.

 

Food delivery apps are fighting over a growing but still small market. Delivery represents only about 3% of all restaurant orders, according to market research firm NDP.

 

Delivery companies are also facing legal battles over business practices that critics say harm both restaurants and freelance workers that deliver meals.

 

DoorDash has pledged $30 million to fight a new California law that would give contractors workplace protections of full-fledged employees. In New York, the City Council is considering a legislation to cap the commissions that food delivery apps charge restaurants.

 

 

Visitor centers, rental facilities closed, programs cancelled

Submitted by Dave Mason

 

Currently, all East Bay Regional Park District parks and trails (except those listed below) remain open to the public. If you do visit, please be prepared with your own water and hand sanitizer.

 

We understand that nature is a great place to get exercise and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul – especially in time of crisis. A walk on a trail, around your neighborhood, or private backyard provides a breath of fresh air and helps reduce stress and anxiety.

 

Park District facilities closed until April 12 are:

 

Visitor Centers

Ardenwood Historic Farm (Fremont), Big Break Visitor Center (Oakley), Black Diamond Mines Visitor Center (Antioch), Coyote Hills Visitor Center (Fremont), Crown Beach Crab Cove Visitor Center (Alameda), Garin Barn (Hayward), Sunol Visitor Center (Sunol), Tilden Botanic Garden, Environmental Education Center AND Little Farm (Berkeley).

 

Internal Rental Facilities

Brazilian Room at Tilden Park (Berkeley), Shoreline Room at Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline (Oakland), Fern Cottage at Kennedy Grove (El Sobrante), Beach House at Lake Temescal (Oakland).

 

Programs, paid or free

This includes all school programs, recreational programs and naturalist-directed programs.

 

Campgrounds

Anthony Chabot and Del Valle

 

Swim facilities

Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Don Castro, Lake Anza at Tilden, Lake Temescal, Pool at Robert’s Regional Park, Quarry Lakes

 

 

ECHO Housing is there for everyone

By Roelle Balan

 

The Bay Area is known for its ever-rising housing costs and tight rental market. In this environment, everyone deserves a fair housing opportunity. ECHO Housing, a non-profit organization, guides tenants and landlords on housing related issues to provide opportunities and assistance.

 

Founded in 1964, their primary service is mediation work. “We really pride ourselves in being able to mediate a lot of cases between tenants and landlords,” said Angie Watson-Hajjem, Fair Housing Coordinator and Certified Mediator of Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity (ECHO) Housing. “That’s a really big part of our agency, helping to bring people together, helping them work out their problems in housing.” Some of the issues they mediate include Section 8 vouchers, disability rights, and discrimination cases.

 

Part of ECHO Housing’s job is to educate people on changing requirements. For example, a new housing law passed this year makes it illegal to discriminate against people with Section 8 housing vouchers (meaning they pay part of their rent through a government subsidy). “As of January 1st, Section 8 is now a protected category,” Watson-Hajjem said. Voucher holders can’t get rejected by housing managers that own apartments, townhouses or single-family homes.

 

ECHO Housing works with renters who are disabled and are denied reasonable accommodations by property owners. These accommodations include installing a grab bar, living with a caretaker, or an emotional support or service animal. Watson-Hajjem said if someone is disabled and they can show proof, they have a right to these accommodations.

 

The housing organization also does a legal process called testing. Watson-Hajjem said they sometimes find evidence of discrimination through this method. One example she gave involves a woman going into an apartment office with her child and being turned away. Fair housing organizations like ECHO can do testing to see if having a child was the reason for the denial.

 

“Testers are people who pose as home seekers; they pretend like they’re looking for a place to live basically. And they’re given a profile, so we’ll have one tester with a profile of being single, without a child, and one tester having a profile of having a child, and we have them both go in to see how they’re treated,” Watson-Hajjem said.

 

ECHO Housing has a record of successful cases that ended with a settlement. One recent case involved a husband, wife, and their two kids at an apartment complex. Watson-Hajjem said the family was given a notice to vacate because the owners were selling the property. ECHO Housing negotiated with the landowner’s attorney and the tenants. The case ended with a $14,000 settlement.

 

Another involved a steering case where potential tenants were told where they could live. “Steering is when a manager would only allow kids or anyone to live at a particular area of a complex, so they may steer people to a certain location,” Watson-Hajjem said. She described a case where families from an apartment complex in south Alameda County contacted ECHO saying it was suspicious that families with kids were all in one corner. They sent testers out to see what units would be shown to them. Testers with children were shown the apartments in the back and testers without children were shown the apartments in the front of the complex.

 

“It was a real difference in how the property was maintained, because in the front they had green grass, they had a shrub, it looked really nice and neat. And the back didn’t look so nice; you had the garbage cans, and it just wasn’t as well maintained,” Watson-Hajjem said.

 

ECHO hired a fair housing attorney and sued the property owners for discrimination against families with children. The case was settled for $25,000 and the property owners received fair housing training by ECHO Housing.

 

April is Fair Housing month and ECHO is involved in upcoming events, although this may change depending on the Bay Area’s evolving response to COVID-19.

 

Watson-Hajjem will be leading a training session at a Fair Housing Seminar in Oakland. She will be speaking to members of the Apartment Owners Association at the Holiday Inn on 66 Airport Access Road April 21, 2020. Attendees can register by calling (800) 827-4262.

 

For more information about ECHO Housing, go to https://www.echofairhousing.org.

 

ECHO Housing

22551 Second Street #200, Hayward

(510) 581-9380

855-ASK-ECHO (toll free number)

https://www.echofairhousing.org

 

 

Editorial

Shelter

 

In the late 60s, as the war in Vietnam was raging, fear and resentment divided the nation. Attitudes were sharply divided between support and opposition while many were stranded in the middle with fervent wishes for resolution and return to a calm, “normal” life.  Artists reflected these emotions and attempted to capture the passions and drama of the times. Among the songs that mirrored the angst felt by so many, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards penned a classic song, Gimme Shelter, that expressed the anxiety, hostility and tenor of a generation; the sounds and words were rough but meaningful:

 

Ooh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don't get some shelter
Ooh yeah I'm gonna fade away

 

Prior to that time and since, this country has endured challenges that, as Thomas Paine wrote in his 1776 revolutionary series of pamphlets, The American Crisis, “THESE are the times that try men’s souls.” He counseled his fellow citizens, “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

 

The predicament we face today is no less awesome but we, as communities of the southeast Bay Area, can overcome these difficulties. While the terminology of “shelter in place” seems incongruous with the reality of what is being asked of us, the effect of restrictions and loss of livelihood is undeniable.

 

Using an expression and warning previously applied to brief and transitory occurrences in a situation that may, and probably will, extend for a lengthy period of time, points out the importance of proper language when addressing critical situations. Clear tone, attitude, orders and expectations are essential for compliance. Anticipated to last for weeks, if not months, the shelter in place directive is ambiguous and indistinct, raising a host of questions. For many, beside the issue of providing basic necessities, ancillary questions will arise: “What do I do now? What about the kids?”

 

Suggestions to survive, and even thrive, during this turbulent period are surfacing from experts and others who have found balance amidst the storm. Financial stress is a constant for everyone – proprietor and employee – but beyond that major trepidation are opportunities for at least a bit of psychological shelter.

 

Those fortunate enough to enjoy time-consuming hobbies allowed under current circumstances may have no problem converting time and energy to their pastime. However, some do not have a ready alternative.  An answer for people of all ages may lie with organizations that promote the common good and are in dire need of volunteer labor in a wide variety of disciplines. Although some organizations have reduced their scope of service, others cannot without endangering the lives and welfare of their clients. This would be a good time to reach out to a charitable organization to see if they can use your time and/or expertise.

 

Thomas Paine noted the great challenge of his day was not a place for “summer soldier” or “sunshine patriot.” Neither is this.

 

Some advice from those who deal with the psychological trauma of uncertainty counsel developing routines that create a sense of order. Within that structure, and as a shelter from adversity and uncertainty, a bit of volunteer effort can help to weather the COVID-19 storm and give perspective to our lives.

 

 

Ex-Google self-driving car project picks up new investors

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Mar 02 – Google's former autonomous vehicle project is becoming a more autonomous business by bringing in its first investors besides its corporate parent.

 

Waymo has secured $2.25 billion from a group of investors led by Silver Lake and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board to help the company continue to develop its self-driving technology for its ride-hailing service and a recently launched trucking division.

 

Other investors in the deal announced Monday include Mubadala Investment Company, auto part makers Magna International, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and AutoNation, the largest auto dealership chain in the U.S.

 

Until now, Waymo had been exclusively relying on the deep pockets of its parent company, Alphabet, which also contributed to the $2.25 billion investment.

 

The infusion of money from new investors marks Waymo's biggest step yet toward eventually spinning out of Alphabet. That's something analysts have speculated will eventually happen once its self-driving car technology becomes advanced enough to begin generating significant revenue.

 

Waymo CEO John Krafcik said a spinoff has “always been on the road map“ during a Monday conference call with reporters. “We look at this investment as another validation of what we are doing,“ Krafcik said. He declined to disclose how much Waymo is being valued by the investors, but said the company is still in discussions to raise even more money.

 

Alphabet doesn't disclose specifics about Waymo”s financial performance, but bundles its results with a group of other high-risk projects and companies known as “Other Bets.“ That division lost $4.8 billion last year on revenue of just $659 million.

 

But analysts think Waymo could turn out to be a gold mine because it is considered to be the leader in the race to build robotic cars that could eventually eliminate the need for humans behind the steering wheel and revolutionize the way people get around.

 

So far, though, Waymo is only operating a small ride-hailing service in the Phoenix area, although it still plans to branch out into other parts of the U.S. and eventually internationally, too.

 

 

Fire Cider to boost immunity

Article and photos by Lalitha Visveswaran

 

When fall begins, and there is a chill in the air, I start collecting ingredients from my farm to make a spicy tangy tonic – Fire Cider. I am not entirely sure about the origins of this herbal remedy that boosts immunity and shatters flu, but I first heard about it from one of my favorite herbalists, Rosemary Gladstar.

 

What is Fire Cider?

Essentially, fire cider is a blend of anti-viral and anti-bacterial power one can have every day, one teaspoon at a time – diluted, of course. The cider is also believed to be anti-inflammatory, a decongestant, aids circulation, and boosts digestion. It is good for all ages. The downside is that it takes about six weeks for it to become medicine, and we must wait for time to do its magic before the apple cider vinegar can be decanted.

 

Let me tell you what Fire Cider won’t do – it won’t cure the flu, but it is known to prevent and shorten the flu and flu-like illnesses. This column is not medical advice. If you, dear reader, feel like you are down with the flu or experiencing flu-like symptoms, please seek medical advice immediately.

 

The best time to make Fire Cider is at the end of summer, so it is ready during fall and winter and early spring when flu-like illnesses sweep our lands. But with impending pandemics, it’s never a wrong time to learn this useful kitchen aid.

 

There are many ways to craft fire cider, but the most important ingredients are constants: garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, cayenne pepper, raw honey, raw apple cider vinegar. Each one of these has a specific purpose and superior healing properties. The four- to six-week duration for the ingredients to meld together is also important.

 

Make sure all the ingredients are grown naturally and without pesticides. We are crafting this tonic for health, and it is important to use pesticide-free input. The best option would be to grow them yourself. Apart from horseradish, the rest are easy to grow or procure.

 

 

Garlic: You want this all-around, versatile flu fighter in your fire cider. Why? Because garlic boosts the immune system, stimulates production of white blood cells, and has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is tremendously useful for keeping circulation in tip top shape. Allicin is one of the key immune-stimulating nutrients in garlic. When we use garlic for cooking, it loses its potency; hence using raw garlic gives us the full benefit of this magic component.

 

Onion: Onion has many similarities to garlic. They both have sulphuric compounds and hence Allicin. One of the key ways it helps circulation is when we sweat infections out. BO is a small price to pay for medicine that doesn’t need a deductible. Onions also contain a compound called Quercetin. Recent studies now tell us that Quercetin helps minimize allergy symptoms as they tone down histamine response and inflammation. Including this is a way to modulate histamine reactions come pollen season in spring.

 

Ginger: An excellent decongestant, ginger is warming and spicy. While onion and garlic work to blast sinus congestions, ginger warms the membranes from inside. It has enzymes that reduce inflammation and soothe nausea and digestive upsets. It is also excellent for sore throats.

 

Horseradish: Horseradish is not commonly found or grown, but it is not unfamiliar to many of us. Anyone who has tasted wasabi (horseradish paste) or has grated the root in the kitchen can attest to its sharp and pungent odor and taste. It targets the mucus membranes so quickly that its sting cannot be mistaken for anything else. And that’s why this is an essential ingredient for Fire Cider. Just thinking about it while typing made my eyes water and cleared my sinuses.

 

Cayenne Pepper: The key ingredient in cayenne pepper is Capsaicin. Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, Capsaicin is good for circulation and warms the membranes from inside out. It is also a decongestant and an expectorant. The spicy heat is also a pain reliever because it releases endorphins when the taste buds think they are experiencing pain. Always use gloves while prepping cayenne or chili peppers. The seeds are high in volatile oil and can seep into your skin.

 

Honey: Raw honey is not just sweet but also full of enzymes and medicinally potent. It is usually added after the six weeks of infusion.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar: Finally, the star. Use raw unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar for best results. It is full of probiotics that support gut health, which is directly correlated with whole-body wellness. Its active ingredient, acetic acid, is a known antioxidant. It can help reduce blood sugar spikes and blood pressure, has anti-carcinogenic properties, and boosts the immune system.

 

Optional ingredients: For the purpose of this article, I made a batch in which I included some extra options. My favorite is turmeric for its anti-inflammatory and overall protective qualities. I have also added black pepper because it is now known that black pepper makes the healing qualities of turmeric more bio-available. This means that turmeric becomes even more potent when it is combined with black pepper. My second favorite optional is the herb rosemary. This time of the year, it’s blooming blue, and its anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties are legendary.

 

How to make Fire Cider?

 

The time-consuming part is gathering and prepping the ingredients. There are no specific quantities. Eye ball the quantities, so they are all equal by volume. Grate, chop, and slice them finely and layer them in a sterilized glass jar. Pour apple cider until everything is fully submerged. Add powdered ingredients as seasoning. Seal it with a plastic lid as metal can corrode because we are using vinegar. Date it and shake it once every few days. After four to six weeks, decant. Add honey to sweeten.

 

Dilute 1 teaspoon of Fire Cider in a cup of water and have it every day. Kids won’t notice if you add it to juice. You can also use it like you’d use regular vinegar in salad dressing.  It doesn’t need refrigeration. Make a double batch and share with family and friends.

 

Best wishes and good health to all. Stay safe, my friends.

 

Lalitha Visveswaran is a full-time farmer at Jellicles Farm in the Sunol AgPark. www.jelliclesfarm.com

 

 

Facilities and Operations Updates

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

In accordance with the Alameda County Health Officer’s Order (County Order) issued on March 16 and the city’s emergency proclamation, changes to City of Fremont operations include the following:

 

Essential Construction Activities

The “Shelter in Place Order” specifically allows public works construction to continue as it is deemed “essential infrastructure” and includes work related to roads, public transportation, buildings, transportation, and underground utilities (water, sewer, gas, and communications), as well as the construction of affordable housing and housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Accordingly, the work activities will follow Social Distancing Requirements (Section 10c of Order).

 

The city plans to provide administration and construction inspection support for contractors willing to work. Projects that will continue construction work at this time are expected to include the following: Housing Navigation Center; Warm Springs BART Station West Access Bridge and Plaza; and Citywide pavement maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and ADA curb ramps. Additionally, the city will be processing permits for requested construction within City streets by utility companies like PG&E.

 

Spring Recreation Programs Canceled

The Community Services Department’s Recreation Services has canceled programs through April 7. Additionally, it has stopped online registration for spring programs to minimize uncertainty for community members. The department continues to accept summer registrations. Facility rentals have been canceled through April 7, and no new rentals are being processed for future dates at this time. For any questions, call (510) 494-4300 or email regerec@fremont.gov.

 

Republic Services Garbage Service

All garbage collection will continue regularly scheduled days; however, Republic Services is implementing two operational changes:

 

  • Residential collection service will begin at 5:30 a.m. vs. 6 a.m. – This allows Republic Services to stagger route start times in order to limit the number of employees gathering and deploying at any one time.
  • The front office will be closed to walk-in customers – Alternative options to conduct business (e.g., paying bills or obtaining overage bags) will include online service, telephone, and mail. Options will be posted on Republic Service’s website at www.republicservices.com/locations/california/fremont

 

Call (510) 657-3500 if you have any questions related to garbage collection.

 

Household Hazardous Waste

The Fremont Recycling & Transfer Station at 41149 Boyce Road is open to accept household hazardous waste drop-off. Alameda County residents can call (800) 606-6606 for business hazardous waste. Call (510) 670-6460 or visit www.stopwaste.org for details.

 

Playgrounds, Dog Parks, Basketball Courts, and Skate Park

At this time all recreation facilities, playgrounds, dog parks, basketball courts, skate park, programs, classes, and facility rentals are canceled/closed. Contact (510) 979-5700 or email maint@fremont.gov if you have any urgent questions.

 

Fremont parks will remain open for outdoor visitors with recommended social distancing of 6 feet. While city parks and bathrooms are still open, drinking fountains are covered for your protection and not recommended at this time.

 

Local Business Resources 

With significant disruptions to businesses across virtually all industries, impacts of the outbreak are inevitable. The City of Fremont Economic Development Department has assembled best practices and financial resources for the business community to help lessen the pandemic’s negative effects on both businesses and employees. To access these resources, please visit www.fremont.gov/covidbizresources.

 

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

The Fremont Family Resource Center’s VITA program, as well as VITA programs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, are being suspended. VITA customers with appointments will be called to cancel, and instructions will be given for rescheduling the appointment. For updates about the Fremont Family Resource Center, Ohlone College Tri-Cities Career Center, New Haven Adult School, and the Union City Family Center tax sites, visit www.fremontvita.org.

 

To help you file your tax returns, United Way Bay Area’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It Coalition is providing access to free online tax preparation programs. For more information, visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

 

 

Fremont City Council

March 17, 2020

 

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the only agenda item being heard at the March 17, 2020 City Council meeting is Agenda Item 7.A – ADOPT A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY.

 

All other agenda items to be continued to a date uncertain

 

Mayor Lily Mei                       Aye

Vice Mayor Rick Jones           Aye

Vinnie Bacon                          Aye

Raj Salwan                              Aye

Teresa Keng (District 1)         Aye

Jenny Kassan (District 3)        Aye

Yang Shao (District 4)            Aye

 

 

Emergency Announcements to help residents

Submitted by Governor’s Press Office

 

On March 18, Governor Gavin Newsom announced executive orders and emergency actions to protect Californians in response to COVID-19 outbreak. The actions include:

 

Extend eligibility period for safety net services

The order waives eligibility re-determinations for 90 days for Californians who participate in:

Medi-Cal health coverage, CalFresh food assistance, CalWORKS, Cash Assistance for Immigrants, and In-Home Supportive Services.

 

Suspend standardized testing for students

Pending federal approval, will waive this year’s statewide testing for California’s more than six million students in K-12 schools.

 

Website to boost coronavirus awareness

A new, consumer-friendly website – www.covid19.ca.gov –highlights critical steps people can take to stay healthy and resources available to Californians impacted by the outbreak, including paid sick leave and unemployment assistance.

 

$150M funding to protect homeless Californians

Emergency protective measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among Californians experiencing homelessness.

 

Actions include:

  • $150 million for local emergency homelessness actions. The state will provide $100 million directly to local governments, for shelter support and emergency housing to address COVID-19 among the homeless population, and $50 million to purchase travel trailers and lease rooms in hotels, motels, and other facilities in partnership with counties and cities to provide immediate isolation placements throughout the state for homeless individuals.
  • Flexibility to local governments to spend their emergency homelessness funding on immediate solutions tailored to combatting COVID-19 and its impacts on the homeless population.
  • Official public health guidance to homeless service providers statewide about social distancing measures in shelters, access to hygiene supplies, health screening protocols, and isolation protocols for people with COVID-19 or those demonstrating symptoms. For details, visit https://www.bcsh.ca.gov/hcfc/documents/covid19_homeless_guide.pdf.
  • Procuring 1,309 travel trailers from FEMA and private vendors to provide quarantine capacity.
  • Tailored lists of hotels and motels that are potentially available to lease for the next several months.
  • Hotel leases for the first two properties and transferring control to Alameda County. This includes a total of 393 rooms in Oakland.

 

 

Grab-a-Bagged-Lunch

Submitted by Fremont Unified Student Store

 

Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) schools are closed [at least] until April 4 due to the “Shelter-in-Place Order” effective at midnight. While FUSD is actively working on measures to help all students, our community groups and volunteers are supporting them by working to provide bagged lunches to impacted students.

 

As more students will be coming, make sure to keep a safe distance from each other to avoid possible spread of COVD-19. As food supply is limited, try to take just one per person. Hopefully, with more shops joining in, there will be more grab-a-bagged-lunch packs available.

 

Bagged lunches will be available at the following participating sites from 12 noon to 2 p.m. until March 27:

 

North Fremont:

Milk and Honey: 34265 Fremont Blvd (125 Subway sandwiches every day / small bento boxes on various days)

Suju’s Coffee: 3602 Thornton Avenue (125 Subway sandwiches every day)

Bombay Pizza: 4922 Paseo Padre Parkway (100 small pepperoni or cheese pizzas every day)

 

Central Fremont:

Suju’s Coffee: 4949 Stevenson Blvd (125 Subway sandwiches every day)

Curry Pizza House: 39070 Fremont Blvd (100 small pepperoni or cheese pizzas every day)

 

South Fremont:

Subway Sandwich: 1980 Driscoll Rd (125 Subway sandwiches every day)

 

FUSD invites more restaurants and sandwich shops to participate in this effort. If you can help provide bagged lunches, email admin@fuss4schools.org. If you would like to volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080e4aafab2caafc1-volunteers. Please make sure you are healthy and keep healthy by wearing gloves especially when passing out bagged lunches.

 

If you would like to donate to support this effort, donate to https://www.fuss4schools.org/. All donations will be used to serve the impacted FUSD students and families. Please use the confirmation notice as your donation receipts. A donation report will be provided at the end of the month.

 

 

Letter from Hayward Mayor Halliday

 

As your Mayor, I want you to know that your City Government is working through the COVID-19 public health crisis to keep the Hayward community safe, limit the spread of the disease, and to maintain all vital City services, including emergency medical response services.

 

City Manager Kelly McAdoo and her staff have been working around the clock to implement policies and actions being recommended by our state and county public health officials. These actions include cancellation of non-governmental City events and meetings and alteration and reduction of non-essential services, both to reduce potential exposure to the virus in our community and to focus resources on meeting essential needs. Many of these actions are being taken pursuant to a declaration of local emergency by the City Manager.

 

Pursuant to the stay-at-home order by the Alameda County Health Officer, I am also directing that all non-essential business of the City Council and all City of Hayward commissions, boards and appointed bodies be postponed during the pendency of the order, which currently runs until April 7. For on-going news, information and updates on COVID-19 and how the City of Hayward is responding, go online here.

 

COVID-19 has become a pandemic that is threatening communities and disrupting everyday life, not only in Hayward but throughout the world. We must all focus on defeating it now. Your City Government will continue to provide vital services, but it also is up to all of us to abide by the stay-at-home order while doing whatever we can to help those around us.

 

Hayward is a resilient community. Our resilience is rooted in our diversity of experiences, cultures, talents and backgrounds. It is girded by the investments we have made in our public safety, emergency medical, utility, environmental and maintenance infrastructure and personnel. We are also a generous community, deserving of our moniker “Heart of the Bay.” We are strong, and we have what it takes to meet this challenge.

 

These are scary times. But we are prepared. Let us draw together, even as we practice the art of social distancing.

 

Barbara Halliday

Mayor, City of Hayward

 

 

Hayward Police Log

Submitted by Hayward PD

 

Wednesday, March 18

  • At about 11:30 p.m. officers responded to a report about an assault with a deadly weapon in the 30000 block of Vanderbilt Street. On arrival, officers found an injured man and woman. The man was given medical attention at the scene but he soon died. The woman was taken to a hospital and was later reported in stable condition. Officers arrested a suspect at the scene; a preliminary investigation indicated the suspect and victims were family members. It is the fifth homicide in Hayward during 2020. An investigation is continuing; anyone with information is asked to call Hayward Police at (510) 293-7176.

 

 

Hayward City Council Meeting Report

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

 

Presentations and Proclamations:

  • Special announcement from Mayor Halliday, announcing the City of Hayward’s full cooperation with shelter in place order during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Council announces that due to city lockdown, agenda items 6-8 will not be heard and are postponed. Items 6-8 pertain to middle income affordable housing financing programs.

 

Agenda Items:

  • Fiscal year 2020 mid-year budget review and general fund long-range financial model update per report from Finance Director Claussen.
  • Consider discussion on a future City Council meeting date regarding “emergency stay in place ordinances” during the declaration of an emergency.
  • Resolution approving a right-of-entry agreement between the City of Hayward and the Hayward Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) authorizing the city to access GHAD-owned property to maintain lighting and Landscape District No. 96-1 improvements, per report from GHAD Manager Harrell.

 

Measures and Resolutions:

  • Ratify the proclamation of a local emergency due to the spread of severe acute respiratory illness caused by novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • FY 2020 Mid-year budget: Motion made by council to approve staff’s recommendation to explore placing a city transit occupancy tax increase on the November 2020 ballot and not conduct a poll due to the cost this would incur.

 

 

Mayor Halliday           Aye

Sara Lamnin:               Aye

Elisa Marquez             Aye

Al Mendall                  Aye

Mark Salinas               Aye

Aisha Wahab               Aye

Francisco Zermeno     Aye

 

 

100-year-old restaurant donates meals to community

By Stephanie Gertsch

Photos courtesy of Naleem Chakrabarty

 

Joe’s Corner has been a part of the Niles District in Fremont for nearly the last 100 years, evolving from a speakeasy to a family-friendly place where people can stop by with their dogs for a sandwich or local craft beer. After district schools closed on March 13 due to Covid-19, they are continuing to serve the community by providing free lunches for kids who can no longer rely on school meals.

 

“It’s a no-brainer basically,” says Naleem Chakrabarty, who has co-owned Joe’s Corner with husband Amitabh for two and a half years. The couple already provides free meals to kids who are out of school for the summer, and raises funds for homeless students during the holidays. Having two kids herself, Chakrabarty was already familiar with the workings of Fremont School District. She says, “When this came along I thought, usually summer is a time when kids are looking for meals because schools are closed and they don’t have a free lunch, but when this news came that schools are closed again, I thought kids are going to have the same problem.”

 

A notice was posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page over the weekend, receiving an enthusiastic response from regulars. Joe’s Corner is closed on Mondays, and on both Tuesday and Wednesday, a handful of families dropped by. Chakrabarty adds, “We had a mom call saying that she was sick and has four kids; she could not step out. We had also said that we could deliver food within a five-mile radius, because we anticipated that many of them might have transportation issues.”

 

Then on Thursday, activity picked up, and Joe’s Corner served 25 meals, including several deliveries. Many people have volunteered to be delivery drivers, a service that will be important as more fall sick and quarantine at home. FUSS, a nonprofit that supports Fremont schools, also donated Subway sandwiches. Joe’s Corner is now listed as a participating location on the FUSS website at https://www.fuss4schools.org/.

 

This service helps more than just kids. As of Friday, March 19, free meals will be available to anyone who needs one. Chakrabarty explains, “We have a lot of food and a lot of it is perishable, so instead of it going to waste, why not donate it to families that need it?”

 

As a business, Joe’s Corner is still open for takeout and delivery in accordance with “Shelter in Place” guidelines. “Every business has ups and downs,” Chakrabarty says, “but the fact that we have such a good customer following and good will in the community, we appreciate that.”

 

In its many forms, the restaurant has been a staple of Niles, even surviving the prohibition era. Chakrabarty gives a look at its history: “The restaurant itself is almost 100 years old; it was built in 1925. So, it has gone through a lot of different hands and has evolved into something completely different than what it was a couple of decades ago. It used to be known as a very rough bar. There was a speakeasy in the basement during the prohibition area, and the story goes that there used to be a tunnel and people used to smuggle beer out of the tunnel.”

 

Now local craft beers are sold legally to adults, and the restaurant has a toy box for children and a patio for dogs. However, locals consider Joe’s Corner an integral part of Niles no matter what form it takes. Before the restrictions on public gatherings, customers turned out at the restaurant to show their support. And this week one person bought hundreds of dollars in gift cards.

 

“Every time people come, they come because they want to support us,” Chakrabarty says. This week is no different, with customers coming in to pick up a free meal saying, “Thank you so much for doing this for the kids. We really appreciate your business and want to support you.”

 

Joe’s Corner will be offering free meals Tuesday – Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can also deliver meals within a five-mile radius. For more information, or to volunteer or make a donation, contact Joe’s Corner at (510) 896-8025 or joeskorner@gmail.com.

 

Joe’s Corner free meals

Tuesday – Sunday

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

37713 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 896-8025

joeskorner@gmail.com

 

 

A message to local grocery stores and critical retailers

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

Throughout the nation, many grocers and other critical retailers have responded by adjusting their hours for additional cleaning and reserving specific hours of operation for those who are considered vulnerable, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

The City of Fremont is encouraging its local grocery stores and critical retailers who can do so to join in making these compassionate adjustments during this time. The city is requesting that stores offer designated “senior shopping hours.” This designation would allow those who are identified as among the most vulnerable to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to feel more comfortable shopping in a less crowded environment. For stores that are considering or already offering senior shopping hours, we thank you for assisting us in our efforts to preserve the safety of our community and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

 

“The health and safety of our seniors and vulnerable community members is of critical importance. I call on members of our business community to consider this as they adjust operations. These actions will protect our seniors and most importantly, slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei.

 

We understand that many Fremont businesses may be experiencing disruptions to their business during this difficult time. The city is actively supporting its business community through this crisis, and if you have specific questions about your business, call our business hotline at (510) 284-4020 or email econdev@fremont.gov.

 

We encourage those Fremont businesses planning to offer senior shopping hours at their location to please email Vanessa Ware at vware@fremont.gov or call (510) 284-4013. For information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit our dedicated webpage at www.Fremont.gov/Coronavirus.

 

 

Looking for summer opportunity? Volunteer at LOV’s summer camp

Submitted by Shirley Sisk

 

Join LOV’s award-winning Summer Camp. This is our 40th year of “Summer Recreation in the Park,” which will run for 6 weeks from June 22 – July 30. We will operate Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Newark’s Mayhews Landing Park.

 

Over 500 Tri-City children age 5-12 enjoy arts, sports, games, music, special guest visits and more. It also includes a daily lunch, breakfast snacks and lots of fun. Volunteers like you helped get our Summer Camp voted Best of Newark, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Team volunteers must be 15 years and older. Come join the fun and meet new friends – for students, this is also a chance to earn community service hours.

 

You can volunteer for the full program or just a single day, a week or one of our special Thursday events. You can lead an activity, help with arts and crafts, teach a skill, lead a game or be a sports coach. Youth Clubs are welcome.

 

If you have any questions call (510) 793-5683 or e-mail Sherrie at Sherrie@LOV.org. Sign up now for a summer filled with fun, activities, events, games, prizes, laughter (and maybe a little hard work). Volunteer applications will be on the LOV website www.lov.org starting April 1. They are also available by phone.

 

 

LOV is open and needs your support

Submitted by Shirley Sisk

 

League of Volunteers (LOV) will remain open during this time to ensure everyone has access to food and other assistance they may need. Emergency food pantry pickups, and now doorstep deliveries, are available to anyone in need in the Tri-Cities.

 

However, LOV needs help. Unfortunately, the usual Monday night BINGO game at Swiss Park is closed. As most of the BINGO fans know, this weekly BINGO game is what keeps the lights on, and the staff paid at LOV. Without it, we are in danger of having to close our doors – forever.

 

LOV touches the lives of tens of thousands of people in our area each year. This time, LOV needs your support. No amount is too small or too large. We need $50,000 to keep operating over the next three months of this crisis and its immediate aftermath. To help and for more information, call (510) 793-5683 or visit https://lov.org/.

 

 

Bay Area artists releases new single

Submitted by Mike Annuzzi

 

Guitarist and songwriter Mike Annuzzi has a been a familiar face in Newark for the past six years, performing weekly at Aloft Silicon Valley. He’s active in the community and performs over 200 dates around the Bay Area annually. Now he is releasing his first single since 2016, “Give Me Some of That,” available starting March 20.

 

Annuzzi says, “I wrote ‘Give Me Some of That’ in mid-2016 after getting a call to open for Country Music great, Josh Thompson, who has written many hits for Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brett Young and more. With only a couple of weeks leading up to the show, I challenged myself to write a new love song that would fit some of Josh’s recent releases.” The single was well-received, and Annuzi continued to work on the song in his studio, adding in pedal steel guitar.

 

Annuzi has performed at a wide range of stages from music venue residences to festivals, and shared the stage with Country artists such as Love And Theft, Steve Moakler, Josh Thompson, Lucas Hoge, Brodie Stewart. He has won awards such as Song of the Year in West Coast Songwriters’ 2019 International Song Contest.

 

“I am very proud of Give Me Some of That and honored to be able to share this new release,” says Annuzzi. “I owe this all to my family, friends, and patient fans who have pushed me forward for many years and continue to encourage and inspire me daily. My hope is that listeners will include this song in their personal love story playlist.”

 

This success comes during a trying time for Annuzzi’s career. Due to the impact of Covid-19, Annuzzi lost 30 gigs in one week, and he expects all his live gigs to be canceled for the near future. However, he is still performing via social media and promoting his new single. He says, “I hope that fans will consider purchasing or streaming my new single not only because I am excited about the song and that more sales will help increase my chart numbers, but also because it will truly be a big support to me financially at this moment.”

 

Learn more about “Give Me Some of That” at http://mikeannuzzi.com/gmsot.

 

 

Milpitas City Council

March 17, 2020

 

The Council meeting was conducted by virtual, electronic means. In addition to the councilmembers and senior management staff, twenty-five attendees participated via electronic means.

 

Prior to the regular meeting, and before adjourning to a closed session, the Council held a Special Meeting with a single Action Item on Temporary Emergency Pay in view of the COVID-19 Emergency. The Council approved temporary emergency pay for non-essential full-time and part-time employees from March 17 through April 7, 2020 unless there is supplemental Federal mandated leave available for eligible employees.

 

Proclamation:

March was proclaimed as Women’s History Month.

 

Consent Calendar:

  • Approved execution of amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with HydroScience Engineers, Inc. to provide additional consultant engineering services for the Sewer Master Plan.
  • Approved the execution of amendment to the software license and professional services agreement with Lucity, Inc. for computerized maintenance management system.
  • Received a report on the emergency repair work on a water main at the intersection of Calaveras Boulevard and Park Victoria Drive. Ratified award of emergency contract to Preston Pipelines.

 

Public Safety:

Following lengthy discussion, the Council created an Economic Development Sub-Committee, to be led by Council Members Montano and Dominguez. The Sub-Committee was tasked to explore schemes to help small businesses in view of the medical and financial emergency situation sweeping the City. The Sub-Committee will be named “Small Business Loan and Relief Program.”

 

Mayor Rich Tran                                 Aye

Vice Mayor Bob Nunez                      Aye

Carmen Montano                                Aye

Karina Dominguez                              Aye

Anthony Phan                                     Aye

 

 

Letter to the Editor

End the war on Mission Peak

 

Mission Peak is the top visitor attraction in Fremont, drawing thousands each month from around the globe. Mission Peak is also one of the city’s thorniest political issues, but this is a problem of the city’s own making.

 

The city leases land at Mission Peak to the park district, and the two agencies hatched a propaganda war against park visitors in 2014. They restricted street parking and have issued thousands of parking tickets to motorists on nearby city streets. The scheme operated like Robin Hood in reverse, giving free permits to privileged residents while fining park visitors. The ticket scam, so far, has raked in over $200,000. All the revenue goes into the coffers of the city and none to the park district, although the park district does enforcement and pays for administration costs.

 

The campaign against Mission Peak seemed like a success, at first blush, because it cut visitors by 25 percent. Over the longer term, however, the city shot itself in the foot. The city saw a political backlash from indignant nature lovers, health enthusiasts and sightseers from around the country. The city and park district are facing a hail of criticism, being stung by accusations of “parking corruption.” The decline in visitors hurts local shops and restaurants. Many stores have closed, and the town center of Mission San Jose is now dead in the water.

 

The city’s 25-year lease with the park district will expire in July 2020, at the same time as the unfair (temporary) parking ordinance is scheduled to expire. Of course, the city wants the park district to continue to expend its (limited) police resources to enforce parking on city streets. But this is contrary to the mission of the park district which is to promote access to our public parks.

 

The city’s Liaison Committee is scheduled to meet with the park district three times each year. But, faced with mounting criticism of the mismanagement at Mission Peak Regional Preserve, the city’s Liaison Committee froze—like a deer in headlights. The Committee is finally emerging from its yearlong slumber and will hold a hearing at the Fremont City Hall on March 25 at 6:00 p.m. [postponed due to shelter-in-place]

 

The lease renewal is on the agenda. You can speak at the meeting, in support of the expiration of parking restrictions. Park visitors should be able to park on public streets; and, street parking should not be privatized. The parking lot at Mission Peak needs to be expanded with 300 new spaces, to alleviate congestion on city streets. Park hours ought to be normalized, to the original 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. curfew.

 

The costly war on Mission Peak visitors must end. It has rewarded a few nimbys, at the expense of park visitors, Fremont residents and local businesses.

 

  1. yragui

co-founder

Mission Peak Conservancy

 

 

California National Guard deployed to help distribute food

Submitted by Governor’s Press Office

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of California National Guard members to provide short-term food security to isolated and vulnerable Californians. The short deployment will help stabilize the immediate need of food banks.

 

Many food banks have been affected by a significant decline in volunteerism, impacting logistical and local infrastructure for food distribution. The California Guard will initially deploy personnel and logistical equipment to a food bank distribution warehouse in Sacramento County and will conduct immediate site assessments statewide for those counties that have requested short-term support and stabilization. This short-term assistance from the California National Guard allows time to mobilize AmeriCorps, California Conservation Corps and Local Conservation Corps members, and other volunteers where counties have identified serious gaps.

 

“It’s in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. Food banks provide a critical lifeline for families, and are needed now more than ever. Families across our state are suddenly losing work, and millions of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 are staying home to protect their health and the health of others. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community.”

 

Californians can learn about ways to assist their community at serve.ca.gov

Newark City Council

March 17, 2020

 

Update on the City's response to COVID-19, Ratification of the Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency by the Director of Emergency Services, and cancellation of the March 26, 2020 City Council meeting – from City Manager Benoun and Interim City Attorney Kokotaylo.

 

Cancellation of March 26, 2020 City Council meeting.

 

Mayor Alan Nagy                   Aye

Vice Mayor Luis Freitas         Aye

Sucy Collazo                           Aye

Michael Hannon                     Aye

Mike Bucci                             Aye

 

 

News organizations drop paywall for coronavirus information

By David Bauder

AP Media Writer

 

NEW YORK (AP), Mar 19 – News organizations across the United States are lifting paywalls to share coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, a public service many hope will convince more readers to eventually become paying customers.

 

At the same time, the societal shutdown caused by the virus is exacerbating a decline in advertising revenue that has slowly choked many publications, already resulting in layoffs and furloughs.

 

Media outlets big and small, from The New York Times to the Telegraph-Forum in Bucyrus, Ohio, are letting people read their coronavirus coverage without a subscription.

 

Financial concerns shouldn't keep anyone away from news and information that could be a matter of life or death, David Yonke, Telegraph-Forum editor, wrote to readers explaining the move.

 

The drill is familiar at the Palm Beach Post in Florida, which has similarly dropped paywalls when hurricanes loom off the coast. The big difference here is no one knows how long this “storm” will last, said Nick Moschella, executive editor.

 

“When they need us most they want us for free,” Moschella said Thursday. “I think there's an expectation of that.”

 

On Sunday, the website for the Columbus Dispatch in Ohio had more than a million page views and 670,000 unique visitors. A week earlier, the site had 271,000 page views and 55,000 visitors, said Executive Editor Alan Miller, who's also regional editor for 21 Gannett newspapers in Ohio.

 

Readers are hungry for information about local shutdowns and people in the community who have tested positive. A popular story in Florida was the exhausting saga of a man in Boca Raton who needed to get tested. Service stories, like one that detailed steps people should take if they suspect they have the virus, are also popular, Miller said.

 

“We're making it free as a public service and hope that readers who appreciate that would consider subscribing to the Dispatch,” he said.

 

Some organizations make their pitch explicitly. The Washington Post's website has a letter to readers from Executive Editor Marty Baron that links to a $29 yearly subscription offer.

 

“I hope you'll agree that a first-year subscription at that price is a bargain for journalism that is at the heart of our democracy and that is, especially now, vital to public health,” Baron wrote.

 

The Seattle Times has seen its online readership triple and, at key moments, increase ten-fold, Executive Editor Michele Matassa Flores wrote in a column. Subscriptions have increased as a result, she said.

 

“It's one thing to watch CNN and hear about what is going on at the White House,” said news consultant Ken Doctor. “It's another thing to hear about what's going on down the street.”

 

But Doctor fears that whatever gains that news organizations will make among readers with a newfound appreciation for their work will be more than offset by losses in advertising revenue. If concerts and other events are being canceled, and people are avoiding restaurants, that advertising will dry up.

 

The weekly Sacramento (California) News & Review cited those factors this week in halting print publication there and at its sister papers in Chico, Calif. and Reno, Nevada.

 

“We will have to suspend publishing and lay off nearly all of our amazing and talented staff, we hope only temporarily,” Jeff vonKaenel, the publications' president.

 

Similarly, the Military Times is furloughing dozens of its staff members for two weeks. The publication aimed at veterans and active military is dependent on special events, which have been called off.

 

Advertising has also taken a hit at the Palm Beach Post, but Moschella said it's too early to tell what the eventual damage will be.

 

“We would hope that readers would soften that blow for them if they could,” Doctor said.

–––

 

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

 

 

Nurses protest lack of protective equipment

By Stephanie Gertsch

 

“We are appalled at the lack of protections that are being provided to help take care of these patients who may possibly have COVID or who are positive,” says Loarraine Feliciano, a nurse at Kaiser Permanente in Fremont.

 

Nurses around the country are gathering to protest weakening CDC guidelines (at a time when cases of COVID-19 are snowballing), shortages of vital protective equipment, and a lack of transparency from hospitals. On Thursday, March 19, nurses gathered outside the Kaiser Permanente Facility in Fremont to raise public awareness of this issue – staying six feet apart as recommended – holding signs reading “Protect Nurses, Patients, Public Health.”

 

“Nurses provide direct care. We are with the patient 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we put ourselves in harm’s way every day that we work,” says Feliciano. According to CAL-OSHA guidelines, face masks should be changed at least every eight hours, but nurses at her facility are wearing theirs for much longer. More effective N95 masks are running low.

 

Additionally, nurses don’t know whether the hospitals are restricting protective equipment to cut costs while still having some in storage, or if supplies have simply run out. Organizations and individuals in the community would likely come together to donate emergency masks, but first the public needs to know a shortage is going on.

 

Nurses need equipment like any first responders, especially on the front lines against a pandemic. Feliciano says, “A fireman does not go into a fire without having any water. A policeman does not go out there without a gun. So why are we told that we need to go into the patient’s room without having the proper protection?”

 

She continues, “Many nurses have so much anxiety that we’re just like a ticking time bomb because we also have to fight to get tested. It’s like a Catch-22. They put us through this rigmarole in terms of, if we did get possibly exposed and we do show symptoms, we have to wait and be cross checked and cross checked.” Felicano has even seen some of her colleagues be required to return to work, unsure of whether they have been exposed to COVID-19.

 

Not only is the health of nurses at stake – so is their patients’. If they fall sick, more will go without treatment. A leader at the protest, Veronica Cambra says, “I’m an ICU nurse: you can’t grow me in five minutes. You can’t get all the 20 years’ experience in five minutes. And God, if I don’t come to work, who’s going to take care of these patients? So, they have to protect us so we can protect our community. And if we protect our community we can really contain this thing.”

 

In addition to physical danger, going into work knowing they might spread a deadly virus takes a mental toll on nurses. “It’s very difficult because our whole point of nursing is to not do any harm,” Feliciano says, “And here we are, we feel like we are being harmed and we are harming other people. And that’s not why we became nurses. We do not want to harm the community. We do not want to harm our patients. We don’t want to harm each other and our families.”

 

She concludes, “That is why we’re so passionate and why we feel like we need to be out in the streets so the public knows what’s happening in our facilities.”

 

Cambra says, “I’m not going to stand down, because we’re Americans. We’re better than this. As long as we’re together and our public knows what’s happening, I know they’ll be behind us. Because we’re going to take care of their brothers, their sisters, their mothers.”

 

Those who want to support nurses can find more information available on the National Nurses United and California Nurses Association websites: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/california-nurses-association

 

 

Scholarship Opportunity

Submitted by Jackie Kranich

 

Pathfinder Chapter is a local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), a non-partisan and nonprofit organization. One of Pathfinder Chapter’s main goals is to provide educational opportunities for women through scholarships. This year, Pathfinder Chapter is offering the Polly Olson Memorial Scholarship in honor of Polly Olson, a past member of 30 years.

 

The Polly Olson Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a deserving female student within Alameda County to attend an accredited, licensed or state approved technical, vocational or community college within California. The field of study is open and not specified. Applicants must be high school graduates or GED equivalent, or women re-entering the educational system who reside in Alameda County. The applicant must be accepted for enrollment in the fall of 2020.

 

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, May 10. For more information about eligibility and application details, visit http://www.abwa-pathfinder.org/ or email Jackie Kranich at jackie@healthierliving4u.net.

 

Polly Olson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Sunday, May 10

http://www.abwa-pathfinder.org/

 

 

Real Estate Notebook

How does pandemic affect homebuyers?

By David Stark

Public Affairs Director, Bay East Association of REALTORS®

 

The COVID-19 crisis is having short- and long-term impacts on buying and selling homes. In the short term, REALTORS® are busy developing new practices to serve their clients while observing shelter-in-place mandates and social distancing. They do have a head-start: technology.

 

Real estate professionals have consistently been on the cutting-edge of communication technology. They were early adopters of mobile telephones; they were some of the first to develop and perfect commercial websites and have made social media and video key components of their business plans.

 

Personal interactions are an important part of real estate transactions. Even before the COVID-19 crisis, real estate professionals adopted remote participation technologies including “e-signatures” that allow the parties in a transaction to review and approve documents at any time and any location – including while sheltering in place.

 

REALTORS® are leveraging their experience and skill with various technology to show clients properties while keeping them safe. Many are providing “virtual tours” that use three-dimensional video technology to bring the open house experience to their clients from the comfort and safety of their current home. Both homesellers and homebuyers should ask their agents about using this technology during a transaction.

 

In the longer term the outlook for home ownership, home buying and selling is mixed.

According to the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) what will remain the same is the long-term benefit of wealth accumulation, positive intergenerational effects and social gains of homeownership. C.A.R. also observed that current low mortgage interest rates give first-time homebuyers a unique opportunity to capitalize on more affordable purchase financing.

 

However, changes during the closing weeks of March led C.A.R. to a less optimistic forecast for both the economy and the housing market in 2020. C.A.R. now predicts fewer home sales in 2020, a significant recession extending through the summer, and home prices dropping slightly.

 

C.A.R.’s new predictions cite that the deterioration of financial markets is making investors less wealthy, and reducing their demand for luxury properties, second homes, and investment properties. Stock market volatility also impacts potential homebuyers who plan to tap these investments for their down payment. C.A.R. says these factors could result in home sales prices dropping statewide by single-digit percentages.

 

The drop in demand that may drive down prices will also resonate in the number of homes sold. C.A.R. now expect sales of existing homes will drop by approximately eight percent statewide during in 2020.

 

The San Francisco Bay region has been characterized for a decade by a robust economy. Predictions of a statewide recession may be surprising news. C.A.R. acknowledged that while the economy may struggle during the spring and into the summer, they expect the recession to be short-lived.

 

This is not the first national or international crisis that has impacted local real estate markets. C.A.R. observed that California entered the current crisis on a strong economic foundation. The crisis was caused by an external factor rather than major imbalances in the overall economy. They anticipate that while the economy and real estate markets will feel the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the strong pre-crisis fundamentals will allow both to recover faster than the economic crisis circa 2010.

 

 

Ways to reduce energy use and bills amid ‘shelter in place’

Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian

 

As the pandemic impacts our local communities, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) understands the potential for increasing financial struggles facing our customers as schools and businesses close. With more people remaining at home for extended periods of time, households may see an increase in energy use.

 

“Working from home while caring for children and youth, adds stress in an already anxious environment. At PG&E, we know that electric and gas usage will likely increase for many customers as they practice social distancing and stay at home. We want to help customers with common-sense advice and easy-to-use tips to reduce the impacts on their budgets,” said Laurie Giammona, PG&E’s chief customer officer and a senior vice president.

 

Below are tips and easy-to-use resources to help manage home energy usage during this difficult time:

 

Heating and cooling

  • Recommended thermostat temperatures, health permitting, are 68°F when home and awake, and 58°F when away or asleep.
  • Consider wearing a sweater or using a blanket to stay warm.
  • Evaluate conditions before turning on central heating. If the household is gathered in one room, use an electric space heater. Remember to first read and follow all safety guidelines.
  • Warm your home naturally by opening blinds and windows during sunnier hours.

 

Electronics, appliances and lighting

  • Use computer sleep and hibernate modes, which can be activated through your computer’s power settings.
  • Plug all personal electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when electronics aren’t in use.
  • When not in use, unplug small appliances and electronics, such as coffee makers and printers.
  • Open blinds and window coverings and use natural light instead of lamps.

 

TV and game consoles

  • Turn down the brightness of your TV. Factory settings are typically brighter than needed.
  • Use Energy Saving features. There are eco- or energy-saving settings that automatically adjust backlight and disable certain features such as voice commands when in standby mode.
  • Use smaller screens such as tablets to stream media.
  • Completely turn off TVs and game consoles.

 

More tips, tools and resources

  • Talk to household members about an energy-savings plan. Engage kids and have them turn lights and electronics off or shut doors behind them.
  • Access your PG&E online account to monitor energy use and check or compare your rate plan.
  • Explore programs, like Budget Billing to help avoid or manage unanticipated high bills. The California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) provides qualified customers with a monthly discount. Customers can apply for CARE online. Qualifying customers will begin receiving the CARE program discount within their next billing cycle.

 

 

Relief for homeowners amid coronavirus response

Submitted by Eduardo Cabrera

 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson in consultation with the Trump Administration and the Coronavirus Task Force on March 18 authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for the next 60 days. These moratoriums are part of the continued effort by President Trump to address impacts to the financial well-being of America’s individuals, families, and businesses caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

“Today’s actions will allow households who have an FHA-insured mortgage to meet the challenges of COVID-19 without fear of losing their homes, and help steady market concerns,” said Carson. “The health and safety of the American people is of the utmost importance to the Department, and the halting of all foreclosure actions and evictions for the next 60 days will provide homeowners with some peace of mind during these trying times.”

 

The guidance issued applies to homeowners with FHA-insured Title II Single Family forward and Home Equity Conversion (reverse) mortgages, and directs mortgage servicers to:

  • Halt all new foreclosure actions and suspend all foreclosure actions currently in process
  • Cease all evictions of persons from FHA-insured single-family properties.

 

“This is an uncertain time for many Americans, particularly those who could experience a loss of income. As such, we want to provide FHA borrower households with some immediate relief given the current circumstances,” said Federal Housing Commissioner Brian Montgomery. “Our actions today make it clear where the priority needs to be.”

 

FHA continues to encourage servicers to offer its suite of loss mitigation options to distressed borrowers – including those that could be impacted by the coronavirus – to help prevent them from going into foreclosure. These include short and long-term forbearance options, mortgage modifications, and other mortgage payment relief options available based on the borrower’s individual circumstances.

 

 

New Rooms, New Beginnings

By Jui Sadekar

Photos submitted by Tracy Sarge

 

Child abuse leaves scars–visible and invisible–on a child’s body, mind, emotions, and even on the space where they live. Counselors, therapists, and volunteers are fighting to save children from abuse. One of the keys to recovery is having a safe space and a fresh start, both of which are difficult for children who still live in homes where they were abused.

 

Many times, abuse–physical or sexual–occurs in a child’s room or bed, making the room itself feel unsafe. As a result, the child may stop sleeping, start acting out or become depressed, avoiding his or her room entirely. Room Redux realizes the need for a complete fresh start and focuses on transforming the same place to help the child heal.

 

“[Children] go through counselling and therapy and that’s great but coming back to the same room can be triggering for some. Susie [Vybiral] realized that transforming the room can be a powerful tool to healing, and that is how Room Redux was formed,” said Tracy Sarge, executive director of the Room Redux California Chapter.

 

In 2017, Susie Vybiral, CEO and founder of Room Redux, started the nonprofit in New Braunfels, Texas. “My friend flew in from California to help transform two rooms in October 2017. She also funded those two rooms that were for a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy in a two-bedroom house. Vybiral adds, “[Their] single dad slept on the couch so that his children would each have their own room. Their mother was abusive and does not have custody.” It was not until 2018 that the nonprofit came together, and the team accepted projects.

 

The organization identifies eligible families through referrals from child protective services caseworkers, and licensed counselors and therapists treating the children. Sarge said, “It is not some random person contacting us. We verify the authenticity of candidates. Caregivers sign consent forms that allow the counselors to give us the family’s information. Once we have the funding, we contact the family [caregiver].”

 

A testimonial from one mother states, “At first when I was approached by my daughter’s counselor about the opportunity, I felt a little emotional about it. It made me feel bad because I thought people figured I couldn’t take care of my kid, but if you feel like that, just know this is not at all what anyone thinks. I agreed to let Room Redux come and look at my daughter’s (and her two siblings’) room. When Susie came, and I saw the excitement and planning, I could see that this group truly just wants to help make your little guy or girl feel special. My daughter loved everything. She could not be happier with her new comfy space.”

 

Sometimes, people contact the team through social media, but Room Redux asks permission to contact the counsellor the child is working with and verify details, according to Sarge. “We work with counselors and caseworkers and prioritize rooms based on need and severity of the cases,” she added.

 

The room transformations are done anonymously, so the child doesn't feel the pressure or expectation to give anything back to the volunteers. “We always go in when the child is not present. We generally like to do the transformations during the day when the child has left for school or other activities,” said Sarge.

 

Sarge added, “We never have any contact with the children involved. We only meet with their caregiver, who fills out a form about the likes, dislikes, and preferences of the child. We discuss the transformation with the caregiver.”

 

With chapters in Austin and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; New York; Minnesota; Virginia; and Georgia, Room Redux has redecorated 22 rooms so far. The organization has now expanded to California – the Fremont Chapter is ready to roll, and the Sacramento Chapter is in its early stage. “The East Bay Agency For Children has several families in need of a room transformation. Each family has more than one child that will need a new room. I am communicating with the agency, and our goal is to do the first room in April,” stated Sarge.

 

All volunteers must pass a background check and sign a nondisclosure agreement. Volunteers can have any level of experience with interior design, carpentry, mechanical work or no experience at all–just the willingness to help. “One lady helped in transforming a room in Texas and did a beautiful mural on the wall. We would take anybody who wants to come and help us,” said Sarge.

 

Room Redux is able to redecorate children's rooms to create a truly safe space through generous donations and grants. People or organizations can donate money or household items, such as furniture, beds, mattresses, and more. “We also get recurring donations,” said Sarge “and sometimes people sponsor rooms as well. We make the purchases – new furniture, sometimes used furniture if it is in good condition. We always buy new mattress and bedding.”

 

Sometimes, a counsellor informs the team if the child needs an item for therapy. “For instance, some children with anxiety might sleep better with a weighted blanket, so we may purchase that or tools or toys that can be integrated into their counseling.”

 

Each room gets a unique name and theme such as Race Car, Puppy Love, Star Light, Mermaids, Sunshine, and so on. “Every room transformation is specifically tailored to the child and always includes the child’s name prominently placed in the room–on a plaque or on a stuffed animal. We want children to know that it is their space and was done especially for them,” said Vybiral.

 

Generally, the budget per room is from $1,500 to $2,000 but that can vary depending on the number of rooms and children. “We did a room in Texas that had two to three children in a room, so the budget was more compared with other rooms,” added Sarge. The team works on one room at a time, but if there are siblings staying in the same house in different rooms, the team redecorates both rooms simultaneously.

 

Room Redux wants to do more than just room transformations; they want to be a source of information. “One of our goals is to go out in the community and let people know that this is a need. We want to tell people the reality of child abuse. We don’t redecorate the room and say goodbye to the family. We tell the family to call us if the child needs further help,” stated Sarge.

 

Dealing with a sensitive subject such as child abuse is challenging but rewarding. “We have redone rooms for kids who have not slept in their rooms for years after the abuse. After the redecoration, we have gotten letters and messages from caregivers that the children are not only sleeping in their rooms but also having friends over. They are standing tall. It completely changes their life,” concluded Sarge.

 

If you would like to know more about Room Redux California Chapter or how you can become a part of the volunteer team or donate, visit https://www.roomredux.org/, call (510)-516-2258, or email hello@roomredux.org. You can also follow Room Redux California on Facebook @roomreduxcali.

 

Room Redux California

(510)-516-2258

https://www.roomredux.org/

 

 

Rotary Club gift a big lift for Navigation Center

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The new Hayward Navigation Center and its mission to provide a path off the streets and out of homelessness got a big lift recently with a generous $83,000 donation from the Hayward Rotary Club.

 

The gift helped pay for the purchase of one of two residential sleeping dormitories at the Center, which has been providing a transitional home with one meal a day, laundry, lavatory and shower facilities, storage, and supportive and housing placement services to 44 people at a time. Since its November 2019 opening, the Center has moved 10 individuals into permanent housing and anticipates graduating eight more of its residents by the end of March.

 

The City Council authorized establishment of the Navigation Center in January 2019 against a backdrop of a worsening chronic homelessness crisis in Hayward and across the Bay Area. To learn more about ways to support the Center, go to the City of Hayward website and search Housing Navigation Center.

 

The Hayward Rotary Club is a non-partisan, non-political service organization dedicated to giving back to the local community and supporting vital projects and programs that build a stronger future for Hayward and the world. To learn more about the Club and its work, visit www.haywardrotary.org.

San Leandro non-essential services closed

Submitted by San Leandro PD

 

In accordance with the Alameda County Public Health Officer’s Order that was issued March 16, San Leandro city officials announced that all non-essential city-operated facilities will be temporarily closed to the public. Closures will include all city-operated libraries, community centers, aquatics facilities, and City Hall. Other functions such as the Permit Center, Business Licenses and the Public Works Services Center will be extremely limited. This action is expected to remain in effect through April 7

 

Essential services such as Police, Fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance will continue uninterrupted. The city will also be working hard with their partners in the non-profit sector to provide essential services to people who are in need.

 

For the most current information, please visit the City of San Leandro website at www.sanleandro.org and view the “Latest News” section or follow the City of San Leandro on social media. Periodic updates may also be provided on radio station AM 1610 and local public access television channels.

 

The San Leandro Police Department is reminding residents that urgent and emergency services are continuing. More information is available online at the police department’s Nixle updates or the department’s website at www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd.

 

 

San Leandro City Council

March 16, 2020

 

Recognitions:

  • Proclamation declaring Friday, March 27, 2020 as Chris Gouig Day.
  • Announcement by Mayor Cutter that disaster council will be reinstated for Covid-19 pandemic response.

           

Public Comments:

  • Resident expressed frustration about the shelter in place restrictions and the ability to access crucial amenities during that period.
  • Resident called for the halt of the Monarch Bay development project and expressed worries over the developing coronavirus.

 

Public Hearings:

  • Motion directing staff to hold a public hearing, publish the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development draft for 2020-2024 five year consolidated plan as well as the draft 2020-2021 annual action plan for a 30-day comment period and set a public hearing for April 20, 2020 to consider final approval for both plans.

 

Consent Calendar:

  • Authorize agreement with the state of California to provide $37,350 in federal-aid funds for the design phase of the Wicks Boulevard and Manor Boulevard intersection signal upgrade project and to appropriate $323, 910 from grant funds and $35,990 from the development fees for street improvements fund balance for the total project budget of $359,900.
  • Accept the work for annual street overlay/rehabilitation.
  • Accept investment report for the quarter ending December 31, 2019.
  • Adopt the 2019-2020 mid-year financial report as of December 31, 2019.
  • Approve a zoning map amendment for the proposed 75-acre Shoreline Development project initiated by Monarch Bay LLC.
  • Amend and re-chapter the San Leandro Zoning Code to accommodate recent changes in state law, to make corrections and address inconsistencies, and to discontinue the cap on cannabis product manufacturing permits.

 

Items Removed from Consent Calendar:

  • Approve a new five-year agreement for legal services with Meyers, Nave, Ribak, Silver and Wilson in an amount not to exceed $940,000 in fiscal year 2020-2021.

 

Action Items:

  • Discussion of the city’s response to covid-19.
  • Motion to ratify proclamation of local and state emergency by director of emergency services.

 

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter                           Aye

Vice Mayor Pete Ballew                                 Aye

Victor Aguilar, Jr.                                           Aye

Ed Hernandez                                                 Aye

Benny Lee                                                       Aye

Deborah Cox                                                   Aye

Corina Lopez                                                  Aye

 

 

Libraries and Bookmobile close as a precaution

Submitted by Erik Sanjurjo

 

All eight libraries throughout the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) are closed to the public in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In accordance with the guidelines provided by the County Public Health Department for social distancing and banning public gatherings, SCCLD is closing all public library locations. In addition, Bookmobile service is canceled. A tentative reopening date is April 13, in line with Santa Clara County School District plans to reopen following spring break.

 

“Closing public libraries is an extraordinary measure and a decision that is not taken lightly,” says Jennifer Weeks, acting county librarian. “The decision to close is driven by our first priority—protecting the public and our staff’s health and safety.”

 

SCCLD recommends patrons hold onto physical library materials on loan until efforts to contain the virus are lifted and the libraries reopen. No late fees will be assessed during the closed period. The library has featured online library services that they continue to offer on their newly redesigned website www.sccld.org.

 

For those who do not have a library account, if you live within the library district including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills,  Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga or any of the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, visit the website to apply for an eCard. If approved, the eCard gives you instant access to the entire online library.

Photos in 1 new Sharon

 

 

For local kids, there is such a thing as a free lunch

By Stephanie Gertsch

 

With kids studying at home for the next few weeks – or longer – families are losing one or more guaranteed meals at a time when many food basics are still out of stock at stores, and parents’ jobs may be in jeopardy. Local school districts and even restaurants have stepped up to provide grab-and-go lunches to ensure children have reliable access to food while schools are closed.

 

Most grab-and-go locations are at schools, but in Fremont restaurants such as Suju’s Coffee and Joe’s Corner have opened their doors for volunteers to set up a spot to hand out lunches. In most cases, the meals are Subway sandwiches, but Curry Pizza and Bombay Pizza are able to cook one small pizza per family. (Check the Fremont Unified School District website for how many meals each location can offer.)

 

A list of participating restaurants is available on the FUSD homepage https://www.fremont.k12.ca.us. For those who want to take advantage of this service, school age children should come with a parent or guardian, and bring a school ID. So that as many kids can be served as possible, people are being asked to only frequent one location per day.

 

Hayward, San Leandro, and Milpitas School districts are providing grab-and-go lunches at multiple schools within their cities. Lists are available on each school’s homepage. Check the requirements for your city, as some locations do not require a school ID or can provide meals for multiple days.

 

A list of participating school districts:

San Leandro: https://www.sanleandro.k12.ca.us/

Hayward: https://haywardusd-ca.schoolloop.com/fs

Milpitas: https://www.musd.org/

New Haven: https://www.mynhusd.org

 

In general, people are asked to wait for volunteers to hand over the meals rather than self-serving to cut down on possible cross-contamination. Likewise, people should take meals home rather than eating on the premises.

 

As restaurants are now doing takeout only, this could also be a chance for parents to support local businesses by purchasing coffee while their kids pick up a meal.

 

 

Silicon Valley Strong to support residents

Submitted by Janice Rombeck

 

Supervisor Dave Cortese and local officials on March 18 launched Silicon Valley Strong to help residents of Santa Clara County sheltering in place. The initiative will support countywide food distribution, especially to older adults, medically fragile, and children.

 

Silicon Valley Strong also involves faith-based organizations, nonprofit groups, and other community partners who daily serve the needs of county’s most vulnerable residents.

 

“We need to bring all our resources together, including volunteers who want to help others during this health emergency, and we need them to stay informed as conditions change quickly,” said Cortese.

 

Silicon Valley Strong (www.siliconvalleystrong.org) serves as a hub with updates and resources for vulnerable neighbors. The page is updated daily and is being translated into Spanish and Vietnamese.

 

 

Resources to Small Businesses

Submitted by Mark DeSio

 

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma on March 17 announced she has launched a resource list for small-business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The list is available at http://bit.ly/stosmallbizlist. It includes resources from the federal, state, and local governments, nonprofits, and the private sector.

 

The list contains information on grants and loans, tax deadline extensions; guidance on how to protect workers; and even private sector grants such as the $100 million Facebook program for cash grants and ad credits.

 

“As a former small business owner I know how difficult it is to sort out all the programs, loans, grants, and information that are critical to your success,” said Treasurer Ma. “With small businesses facing tough times, access to relevant information is even more critical.”

 

This list will be updated periodically. If you have a resource to share, contact Gloria Li at gli@treasurer.ca.gov.

 

 

Where can seniors get meals during shelter in place?

Submitted by Caryl Mahar

 

Due to COVID-19 precautions and shelter in place, all senior dining sites of Spectrum Community Services have switched to take-away meals. Spectrum Community Services provides an essential service. The nonprofit organization is committed to providing meals to both homebound and mobile seniors who need the service now more than ever.

 

The Senior Meals (group setting meals for mobile seniors), is providing take-out containers of meals available for pick-up at various locations. If your normal dining site is not open, you may pick-up from another location. Senior Meals are for anyone in the community 60+ years old.

 

Never been to our Senior Meals? You can sign up now. Pick up a registration form at an open site, make a reservation for future days. Reservations are required at least three days in advance.  Call (510) 881-0300, ext. 242 or email meals@spectrumcs.org to reserve your “to-go” meal. For more information, visit https://www.spectrumcs.org/index.php.

 

Senior Meals Take-Out Locations

 

San Leandro

San Leandro Senior Center

13909 E. 14th St., San Leandro

Monday – Friday: Lunch 12 noon

 

Union City

Ralph & Mary Ruggieri Senior Center/Union City Senior Center

33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

Monday – Thursday: Lunch 12 noon

 

Hayward

Josephine Lum Lodge

2747 Oliver Dr., Hayward

Monday – Friday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.

 

Castro Valley

United Methodist Church

19806 Wisteria St., Castro Valley

Tuesday: Lunch 12 noon

 

(510) 881-0300, ext. 242

https://www.spectrumcs.org/index.php

Registration required

$3.75 contribution requested

 

 

Superintendent Wallace resigns

Submitted by Brian Kilgore

 

Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) Superintendent Dr. Kim Wallace has notified the Board of Trustees that she will be relinquishing her position with FUSD when her contract expires at the end of the school year.

 

In a special meeting on March 20, 2020, the Board voted to accept her resignation effective June 30, 2020. In 2017, Dr. Wallace was ​unanimously selected to replace retiring superintendent Dr. James Morris.   Under Dr. Wallace’s and the Board of Trustees’ leadership, annual student achievement on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) increased by 1-3% annually in English Language Arts and mathematics and subgroups’ achievement gaps were reduced by 2-4%.  In 2019, FUSD was proud to be named a California Exemplary District for their work with students without permanent housing. The governing team also united the whole community to develop a Portrait of a Fremont Graduate to guide their future work.

 

In a message to staff, Wallace wrote, “ I thank you all for enriching my life over the past six years to serve the students of Fremont Unified. Since starting here as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction to my current role as Superintendent, I have been grateful every day for the opportunity to inspire, educate, and challenge myself and others. I have considered the people in FUSD as my family and this district to be my home away from home.”

 

The Fremont Unified School Board will begin the process of searching for a new superintendent for the 2020-21 school year. The Superintendent and Board will continue to collaborate through the transition period. Information about the process will be announced once those decisions have been made.