Celebrating Women in Arts

Submitted by Kathryn McDonald

 

The Fremont Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) invites local girls and women to celebrate Women’s History Month on Saturday, March 9. This year’s Tea & Talent Show is dedicated to women in arts. The ‘tea’ style luncheon is catered by Laurel Beebe, the famous Cake Lady; and the talent show will feature local performers, including comedian, magician, ballet dancer, singer, rhythmic dancer, among others.

 

Co-hosted by AAUW Fremont and Country Club Washington Township Women’s Club (CCWTWC), net proceeds from the event will benefit local scholarships offered by AAUW and CCWTWC. This year, AAUW Fremont will award a $4000 scholarship to an Ohlone Student pursuing a four-year college in fall 2019, and two $500 scholarships to continuing Ohlone students. To RSVP for the event or for more information, call Randy Fewel at (510) 468-6963.

 

Saturday, March 9

12 noon – 2 p.m.

Fremont Adult School

4700 Calaveras Ave, Fremont

(510) 468-6963

Tickets: $25/person

Registration required

 

 

Journey Home breakfast supports Abode Services

Submittted by Chris De Benedetti

 

Abode Services was thrilled to welcome more than 300 people to its 14th annual Journey Home Breakfast on Friday, as the nonprofit group shared past successes and future plans with community members and longtime supporters of the organization. The yearly fundraiser allows Abode Services to further its mission of ending homelessness in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Napa counties. During breakfast at the Fremont Marriott, supporters made generous donations and pledges that will help Abode Services assist more than 8,300 individuals each year.

 

Anu Natarajan, a former member of the Fremont City Council, served as the event emcee. She was joined by elected officials, community leaders, and Bay Area residents who shared a meal and learned about the powerful impact of Abode’s work. “The theme of this year’s breakfast was ‘Together,’” said Louis Chicoine, Abode Services’ executive director. “A healthy community means coming together to help its most vulnerable people, and it was heartwarming to see our community do exactly that on Friday.”

 

Three participants at the event shared their stories of how working with Abode has helped them get their lives back on track. Two Abode participants, Chris and Jay, appeared in a seven-minute Journey Home Video that was screened at the breakfast. Anthony, a Bay Area landlord who’s devoted to helping formerly homeless people, also is featured in the video. Another participant, Jasmine, delivered an emotional speech that described her journey from homelessness into a home. Jasmine, a single mother, is now close to earning a nursing degree after being successfully rehoused with Abode’s help.

 

You can read more about these stories at www.abodeservices.org. You can also watch the Journey Home Video on our website at www.abodeservices.org/about. Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AbodeServices, or find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/abode_services.

 

The Journey Home Breakfast was generously sponsored by: Fremont Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Mean Well USA, Premier Nissan of Fremont, Premier Subaru of Fremont, Wells Fargo, Digital Nirvana, Inc., Washington Hospital Healthcare System, Palo Alto Medical Foundation—Sutter Health, Anthem Blue Cross, Gonsalves & Kozachenko, Attorneys at Law, Bernard, Balgley & Bonaccorsi, LLP, Symantec, Heritage Bank of Commerce, Indo-Americans for Better Community, BKF Engineers, Alameda Alliance for Health, Cahill Contractors, Herman Coliver Locus Architecture

 

For more information on Abode Services, visit abodeservices.org.

 

 

Alameda County declares March as Art IS Education Month and April as Arts, Culture and Creativity Month

Submitted by Guy Ashley

 

On February 26, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors recognized March as Art IS Education Month and April as Arts, Culture and Creativity Month. Board President Richard Valle presented the proclamation.

 

“I am pleased to recognize Art IS Education Month of March and Arts, Culture and Creativity Month of April,” said Board President Richard Valle. “These initiatives encourage Alameda County community members of all ages to connect with each other, create solutions, and build community through the arts.”

 

Art IS Education was founded in 2000 by the Alameda County Arts Commission and the Alameda County Office of Education, and this is the 9th year that the Alameda County Library has joined the partnership to present free arts events to more than 140,000 community members at eleven library locations across the county. These events include a wide range of workshops, performances, concerts, movies, art contests, exhibitions, and storytime activities for all ages. All library events are listed at www.aclibrary.org.

 

Arts, Culture and Creativity Month is the first annual statewide advocacy event that recognizes the role of arts, culture and creativity in everyone’s life. This monthlong event is being organized by Californians for the Arts. Community members and arts organizations throughout the state are participating.

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger

Saturday, February 23

• At 10:54 a.m. a man identified by police as Jerome Copeland, 32, of Oakland was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on an outstanding warrant and booked into Santa Rita jail.

 

Sunday, February 24

• At 1:12 a.m. A man identified by police as Abram Robinson, 29, of San Leandro was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of resisting an officer and on an outstanding warrant.

 

Wednesday, February 27

• At 10:22 a.m. a suspect identified by police only as “Jane Doe” was arrested at the Union City station on suspicion of battery and booked into Santa Rita jail.

 

Thursday, February 28

• At 9:12 a.m. a man identified by police as Adam Uzelac, 19, of Pleasanton was arrested at the Hayward station on suspicion of receiving stolen property, possession of burglary tools and probation violation. He was booked into Santa Rita jail.

 

 

Expression of Art

Submitted by Dan Dillman

 

Every year East Bay Arts High School holds “Best of Expressions” event, where the favorite performance and visual arts pieces from their annual Expressions Project are chosen to share with the community. This year, they are teaming with San Leandro’s Curtain Call Performing Arts for the free event taking place on Friday, March 8. All submitted work reflect Expressions event theme: This Is Me. East Bay Arts uses this opportunity to promote interest in performing arts in schools, as well as showcasing local talent in community. For more information or to RSVP for the show, call Historic BAL Theatre’s Box Office at (510) 614-7700 or visit www.BALTheatre.com.

 

East Bay Arts Best of Expressions

Friday, Mar 8

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Historic BAL Theatre

14808 E 14th St, San Leandro

(510) 614-7700

www.BALTheatre.com

 

 

Give blood in memory of Sheriff Charles Plummer

Submitted by Christine Welch

 

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the American Red Cross for a blood drive from Tuesday, March 5 through Friday, March 8 in memory of Sheriff Charles Plummer. Sheriff Plummer dedicated 20 years of his life to serving his community as Alameda County sheriff and 54 years total to law enforcement service. In addition, he was a committed blood donor with the Red Cross. He passed away on March 4, 2018. To honor his legacy of giving, the community is invited to give the gift of life in his memory at a Red Cross blood drive. To make an appointment for the blood drive, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

 

Blood Drive

Tuesday, March 5 – Friday, March 8

Red Cross Fremont-Newark Blood Donation Center

39227 Cedar Blvd, Newark

1-800-733-2767

www.RedCrossBlood.org

 

 

Promise Event supports healthy self-esteem, resiliency, and self-love

Submitted by Boldly Me

Photos by Tyler Oxford, Infinity Plus One Productions

 

Celebrate Boldly Me’s 7th anniversary at our annual Promise Event, when the community comes pledges to assist children and families struggling to love and accept themselves as they naturally are; to achieve their unique potential.

 

Boldly Me, a nonprofit organization, helps people transcend the emotional trauma caused by differences due to birth conditions, medical treatments, injury, disease, and self-perception. Through classes, leadership development, fun activities, recreational events, retreats, and mentorship, Boldly Me encourages our communities to relax and enjoy their lives to the fullest despite a disability, disease or other differences they face. We help people build self-esteem by teaching them self-compassion, physical wellness, and how to gain financial stability.

 

Emmy award-winning journalist Kevin Wing serves as Master of Ceremonies at this year’s Promise Event on Saturday, March 9, which features dinner, entertainment, auctions, and testimonials.

 

The silent auction during cocktail hour offers exciting items to bid on such as Disneyland tickets, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 3 Steve’s Wine Tasting, Newport Beach Photography Session, Cuestas Painting, 49ers tickets, Oakland A’s tickets, Oakland Zoo tickets, and products by Juli Mackie, and Shilpa Kottangada. There are also two live auction items: lunch with Mayor Lily Mei, and dinner with Boldly Me Founder Alanna Powell, psychologist Dr. Rick LaBelle, and a top donor.

 

Choose tri-tip, salmon, or pasta for dinner, but make sure to save room for dessert – gourmet cakes will be auctioned off and the highest bidding tables gets to pick their dessert first! This year's entertainment includes music from DJ Hightop, the Dream Achievers Band, a poem by Faith Bellinger, and dancing with Janice Sung; the event will also honor 2018 Volunteer of the Year Andrea Bellinger. Bellinger has contributed to Boldly Me since 2013 and commits at least five to ten hours a week. She also serves as the organization’s treasurer and, with her daughter Faith, has led programs and partnerships to help Boldly Me grow.

 

Testimonials will be shared by those who reached out to Boldly Me for help and have trained to become Boldly Me certified trainers, equipped to deal with anxiety, depression, anger management, relationship difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, and violence toward self or others. Randy Chow (pre-med UCLA graduate), Tanish Misra (Irvington High 2018 graduate and trainer), Roberto Cadillo and Jessica Matela (owners Cheap Shots Pet Vaccinations) will share their experience at the Promise Event.

 

Attendees will also see how Boldly Me is working to enhance the social and emotional well-being of school children. Classes and programs have helped over 18,350 children throughout California, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area including 180 children planning suicide and eight contemplating violence.

 

Sponsors for the Promise Event include Charles A. Becker Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Jason and Alanna Powell, Dr. Andrew Wong, Dr. Rick and Nancy LaBelle, Robson Homes, Dr. Brad Piini, Charles and Keli Hull, Chris and Kristin Goldthorpe, Craig and Tina Steckler, Nina Clymer, The Specific Chiropractic, Dutra Enterprises and multiple anonymous sponsors. In Kind Donors include DJ Hightop, Steve and Linda Goveia, City Councilmember Rick Jones and Dana Jones, Fremont Flowers, and SF Henna Arts.

 

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at

www.eventbrite.com/e/boldly-me-promise-event-2019-tickets-53273173496.

 

Boldly Me Promise Event

Saturday, Mar 9

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Dominican Center

43326 Mission Cir, Fremont

(408) 768-9257

www.boldlyme.org

Tickets: $100

 

 

California may broaden far-reaching data privacy law

By Don Thompson

Associated Press

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Feb 25 – California consumers would have more power to sue corporations for misusing their data under a proposal by the attorney general Monday to expand what already is the nation's most far-reaching law protecting personal information.

 

The revision to the law passed last year is among several sought by Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Santa Barbara Democratic state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson to make it easier to enforce once it takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

 

“This is basically a bill to enforce the law,” Jackson said.

 

Consumers can sue companies that collect their data if their information is stolen or disclosed in a data breach, but only if the company was found to be careless or negligent. That allows suits if the data was not encrypted or the company didn't take other reasonable security measures.

 

The new legislation would expand a consumer's right to sue for damages to include other violations under the law, even if they don't result in a data breach.

 

California's European Union-style privacy law will require companies to tell consumers upon request what personal data they've collected, why it was collected and what categories of third parties have received it. It will bar companies from selling data from children younger than 16 without consent. Customers will also be able to ask companies to delete their information and refrain from selling it, so violations could be subject to individuals' and class action lawsuits.

 

The Internet Association's California government affairs director, Kevin McKinley, said it opposes the change, “as it would unwind a key piece of the deal that was struck last year to pass (the law) and to make the law workable for companies both big and small.”

 

Californians for Consumer Privacy chairman Alastair Mactaggart and Common Sense CEO James Steyer, who both supported the privacy law, praised changes they said would strengthen the measure.

 

The proposed legislation also removes requirements that the attorney general provide companies legal advice about the law and give them 30 days to fix a problem before he can sue. Becerra said unless the pending law is revised, he will be required to provide unlimited legal opinions to the very companies that are breaking the law.

 

The law responds to several huge breaches in recent years including those at Target and Equifax. Facebook also has faced criticism after it was revealed that Republican-linked consulting firm Cambridge Analytica collected data from millions of Facebook users without their knowledge.

 

Monday's announcement is among several attempts to build on the state's privacy law.

 

Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month said consumers should get a “data dividend” from the billions of dollars that technology companies make by capitalizing on personal data they collect, for instance by selling the data to outside businesses that target ads to users.

 

Another pending bill would require companies to disclose how much consumers' data is worth to them.

 

 

Sunol Repertory Theatre presents ‘Caught in the Act'

Submitted by Sandi Bohner

Photos by Derek Johnson

 

The Sunol Repertory Theatre proudly presents its 38th season production of “Caught in the Act” by Pat Cook. Glimpse behind the curtains and take a romp through this play within a play. Watch auditions and see sets created before your eyes. Enjoy the kinks unfolding in this farce with actors spreading rumors, keeping secrets, fretting over a possible murderer, and a director trying to wrangle it all!

 

Directed by Sandi Bohner and Ray Spooner, “Caught in the Act” runs Saturday, March 9 through Saturday, March 30 at the Sunol Glen School Theatre.

 

Tickets are $15 for a fun-filled family evening. Proceeds benefit Sunol Glen School. Visit www.sunol.net for more information and online ticket sales, call (925) 449-2693 or email srt@sunol.net.

 

Caught in the Act

Saturday, Mar 9 – Saturday, Mar 30

8 p.m.

Sunol Glen School Theatre

11601 Main St, Sunol

(925) 449-2693

www.sunol.net

Tickets: $15

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Small cell towers may be hazardous

 

You have may have heard about the race for 5G, but did you know the FCC on January 14, 2019 ruling means a cell tower might be put in front of your home, and health issues are not considered? Time is of the essence for cities to be brave and create/pass urgent protective ordinances affording some local control in the deployment of 4G (5G ready) technology, and away from residences. If you don't want a close proximity not-so-mini cell tower in front of your home, please take action now. Cities across the Bay Area are putting these ordinances in place, Mill Valley, and Fairfax have passed an ordinance saying no to small cells in residential communities or with setbacks of 1500 feet. Will cities in Alameda County do the same? Those areas without strong protective ordinances become the “easy pickings” for deployment.

 

What is a 5G “small” cell?

These are the new cell towers that are slated to be built in neighborhoods every 2 to 10 homes for the new 5G technology. These small cells will also include 4G antennas which are supposed to travel for miles and traditionally, only in industrial areas.

 

Scientists are raising the warning flag that this rollout of technology will impact our environment, the ecosystem, migratory birds and pollinators. Research on bees has found cellular radiation can alter their behavior, induce biochemical changes and even impact bee reproduction. Research also has found damage to trees and plants. Can you image your neighborhood street dotted with cell towers?

 

Our children deserve to be able to play in our front yards or build a tree house without being next to a close proximity cellular antenna that has been rolled out without premarket safety testing or environmental review on public right of ways. Radiation exposures for a small cell can exceed FCC guidelines up to 10 feet away.

 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Anna Eshoo of California have formally requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) present evidence of 5G safety. Sadly, the FCC has protected telecom for years. Citizens cannot object to small cell towers on environmental issues or health as long as they comply with guidelines adopted in 1996; guidelines were never updated for newer technology such as 4G, 5G ready small cells. The FCC rejected the 2018 US National Toxicology Report, which found clear evidence linking 2G and 3G to cancer in rats, as not applying to humans. The FCC only considers effects caused by heating, ignoring the serious nonthermal effects.

 

Linnea Warren writes in a letter to the Washington Post: “Up until now, most of the public’s exposure to radio-frequency radiation has come from handheld devices. Upon deployment of the dense networks of small cells planned for 5G, which will also have 4G antennas to fill in bandwidth gaps, public exposure will reach a whole new level of magnitude. “

 

Sarah Aminoff

Union City, CA

 

 

Police reach out to deaf community over coffee

Submitted by Fremont PD

 

A special Coffee with a Cop event aimed at members of the deaf community who live, work or attend school in Fremont is planned for Saturday, March16.

 

Co-hosted by the Fremont Police Department and the Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA), the informal gathering is designed to let people ask questions, voice neighborhood concerns or become acquainted with police department personnel.

 

The two-hour morning gathering will be in the Pacific Room, Suite H, at the Family Resource Center, 39155 Liberty St., Fremont. Coffee and doughnuts will be available. Admission is free. For details, call (510) 371-0042.

 

Coffee with a Cop

Saturday, March 16

10 a.m. – 12 noon

For members of the deaf community

Family Resource Center, Pacific Room, Suite H

39155 Liberty St., Fremont

(510) 371-0042

 

 

College district trustee to be honored

Submitted by Guisselle Nunez

 

Chabot-Las Positas College Community College District (CLPCCD) Board of Trustees member Donald L. “Dobie” Gelles will be honored for his two decades of service at the 2019 Annual Trustees Conference this May. Each year, the Annual Trustees Conference recognizes community college trustees who have achieved 20 years of service at a California community college district.

 

Gelles serves in CLPCCD's Trustee Area 4, which represents Castro Valley and Oakland, and has been a member of the board since 1998. Included in his tenure are two terms as board president.

 

Prior to his time on the board, Gelles served three years in the military and eight years as a reservist. A retired K-12 administrator, Gelles was the Director for Castro Valley Adult School in Castro Valley Unified School District and has been a member of the Eden Hospital Community Board, Castro Valley Unified School District board and has been president of the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. Gelles holds a bachelor’s degree in science and math from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in counseling from California State University Hayward (now known as California State University, East Bay).

 

The Annual Trustees Conference was developed to help trustees strengthen the skills and knowledge required to lead their colleges and be accountable to their communities. Speakers and sessions explore student success, fiscal responsibility, educational trends and effective trusteeship.

 

 

Find a Housemate with Home Match Program

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

Covia, a nonprofit organization, has partnered with City of Fremont to provide a free Home Match program to connect individuals (age 18 or older) who live or work or attend school in Fremont with someone who has a room to rent in Fremont, Union City or Newark.

 

One of our recent matches was Linda and Debi. Linda came to the program looking for someone to provide her with companionship and to drive her to church and the grocery store. Debi was struggling to find affordable housing. They were partnered through Home Match and completed a service agreement together – Linda receives transportation services and Debi has a safe, affordable place to live. They both appreciated Covia’s screening and support. Linda said that “everything is going well, and I enjoy having a friend to shop with.”

 

If you are interested in finding a housemate to pay rent or provide a service exchange, call Covia’s Home Match Program at (510) 574-2173.

 

 

Spiders, ants, fleas and flies!

Submitted by Castro Valley Science

 

Humans often do battle with creepy invaders in their living spaces. But what do most people know about the common insects that occupy the crevasses of their homes? Sometimes, not much.

 

To help uncover the mysteries of these uninvited houseguests, Dr. Vernard Lewis will deliver a talk, “Insects: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly” on Wednesday, March 13 in Castro Valley.

 

Lewis, a retired UC Berkeley entomologist, will present the latest research on the biology, detection, and control of many villainous house guests of the insect variety commonly found in homes. Guests may be surprised to learn which room in their homes is a favorite target of insects.

 

The 90-minute lecture is sponsored by Castro Valley Science and will meet in the multipurpose room at Castro Valley High School. Admission is free, but because space is limited advance registrations should be made online at http://bit.ly/cvbugs1.

 

Insects: Creatures that invade our space

Wednesday, Mar 13

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Guest speaker: Dr. Vernard Lewis

Castro Valley High School, Multipurpose Room

19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley

Reservations: http://bit.ly/cvbugs1

 

 

California inches closer to ending Daylight Saving Time

 

Spring is here. It’s almost time to reset our clocks an hour forward. Time to get more sunshine. Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time (DST) at 2 a.m. local time on the second Sunday in March (March 10 in 2019). But, why do we have to move our clocks forward and backward, and when did it all start? The main purpose of DST is to make better use of daylight. The United States only began doing so toward the end of World War I to conserve energy. The House of Representatives voted 252 to 40 to pass a law “to save daylight,” with the official first daylight saving time taking place on March 15, 1918. Despite the public outcry, government officials enforced the time change until 1919, and allowed state and local governments to decide whether to continue the practice. It was reinstituted during World War II but, again, after the war the decision fell to the states; California voters approved it in 1949.

 

Many people think DST is not needed. Arizona (except for the Navajo, who do observe DST on tribal lands), and Hawaii do not observe it. California would like to do away with time changes completely. Last year, voters passed State of California Proposition 7 – Daylight Saving Time, which repeals the 1949 voter-approved measure establishing a biannual clock change. Proposition 7 would allow state lawmakers to vote on changing DST. Lawmakers would be able to choose permanent, year-round DST, if allowed by federal law. Any change would require support from two thirds of California’s Legislature. Until then, the clocks will keep changing in March and November. Whether we adopt the change remains to be seen but California is the closest it’s ever been to ending DST. Perhaps this will be the last time we observe DST.

 

 

Four Fremont schools honored as 2019 Distinguished Schools

Submitted by Brian Killgore

 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recently announced that the Fremont Unified School District’s (FUSD) American High School, Kennedy High School, Mission San Jose High School and Hopkins Junior High School are among 162 middle and high schools being honored under the 2019 Distinguished Schools Program.

 

Sponsored by the California Department of Education and California Casualty, the program recognizes outstanding education programs and practices. Schools are awarded for achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or closing the achievement gap between two school years. In addition, FUSD was chosen as a 2019 California Exemplary District — one of 18 from across the state. The list of schools was released February 26.

 

The district was also nominated by the Alameda County Office of Education for creating a strategic plan to support homeless students. After only one year of focused intervention, FUSD was able to significantly increase homeless students’ graduation rates while simultaneously decreasing their suspensions and expulsions. Providing greater opportunities to FUSD’s neediest student population demonstrates the district’s continued commitment to educational equity.

 

“I would like to commend these schools for fighting for a better future for our students, closing achievement gaps, and improving academic performance,” Thurmond said. FUSD Superintendent, Dr. Kim Wallace also weighed in: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition and the great run of success our schools have demonstrated throughout the history of the Distinguished Schools Program. The designation of our four schools — and the District as a whole — is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the students and staff representing each school community.”

 

A component of the California School Recognition Program, the Distinguished Schools program recognizes elementary and middle and high schools in alternate years and allows eligible schools to apply once every two years. Schools recognized as awardees hold the title for two years.

 

 

Drone technology helps police locate missing teen

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

A student from the California School for the Deaf who was reported missing earlier this month was quickly located by police and taken to safety with the assistance of a camera-equipped police drone.

 

The search for the youth started on Tuesday, February 5 when the Fremont Police Department responded to an 8:32 p.m. call from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) requesting assistance in locating the missing teenager. The California School for the Deaf is within the jurisdiction of the CHP.

 

While CHP officers were responding to the scene, Fremont patrol units began developing information, with the assistance of the teenager’s friends to help narrow his location. Through the use of social media, it was believed that the youth was near the train tracks in the Irvington District of Fremont, close to Roberts Avenue.

 

A Fremont Police drone operator deployed an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to the area, while other officers began searching the railroad tracks on foot. The UAV was equipped with FLIR, a thermal imaging camera system. Soon, the technology located heat spot in the area and the location was shared to the officers on foot. Meanwhile, the teenager’s friends, also on foot, found him hiding in bushes.

 

The UAV operator was able to visually see this and alerted officers over the radio. The friends were aware of the UAV in the air and used their cell phone flashlights to signal the operator. A spotlight on the UAV helped guide officers to the location where the missing teenager was found and later taken to paramedics who were standing by. The CHP then took over the investigation into the teenager’s disappearance.

 

“We have been training and expanding our program to be prepared for this exact scenario,” said Lt. Matt Snelson, the Fremont Police Department’s UAV Program Administrator. “This technology allowed us to expedite a search, which normally could have taken several hours and a lot of resources. To be able to locate a young man who needed help and get him to the resources he needed, is a big success for our UAV Team and our community.”

 

Video of the Fremont Police Department’s UAV drone in action can be seen at https://youtu.be/PytIxv4mZHQ.

 

 

Have your say in new city park amenities

Submitted by the City of Fremont

 

A new city park is in the planning stages in the Centerville area of Fremont and city officials want to know what features nearby residents would like to see included in the project.

 

The four-acre park will be located at the corner of Dusterberry Way and Peralta Boulevard and will be called Dusterberry Park. The site previously housed an auto dealership surrounded by a large parking area and landscaping. The building will be demolished and the concrete and asphalt removed to make way for a park that will provide visitors with informal recreation, leisure, and fitness opportunities.

 

Fremont officials are hosting a community meeting to gather feedback from nearby residents about the amenities they would like to see in the park that will provide opportunities for informal recreation, leisure, and fitness. The 90-minute evening meeting will be Wednesday, March 6 at Artist Place at Artist Walk in Fremont.

 

More information about the park is available by visiting the Dusterberry Park webpage at www.fremont.gov/Dusterberry. For questions, send an email to Senior Landscape Architect Mark Mennuccvi at ammennuccvvi@fremont.gov or call (510) 494-4530.

 

Dusterberry Park public meeting

Wednesday, March 6

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Artist Place at Artist Walk

3888 Artist Walk Common, Fremont

www.fremont.gov/Dusterberry

(510) 494-4530

 

 

Local power agency makes $4.7M repayment to Alameda County

Submitted by Annie Henderson

 

East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) is the new electricity provider for most of Alameda County as well as unincorporated areas of the county. EBCE began serving commercial customers in June 2018 and serving residential customers in November 2018 with cleaner energy and lower rates. After only eight months of operation, EBCE is fully repaying its advance of start-up funding from Alameda County in the amount of $4.7 million. “We’ve worked for many years on this effort to provide cleaner power to our local communities. This milestone shows the effectiveness of EBCE’s management and marks the start of an exciting transition to clean power,” said County Supervisor and EBCE Board Chairman Scott Haggerty.

 

EBCE needed start-up resources in order to begin operations, and the county provided both start-up funding and staff support. The County Board of Supervisors originally approved the Community Choice Energy program in November 2016 and entered an agreement with EBCE in April 2017 to lend up to $5.5 million to the new agency. EBCE is now operational, has a staff of 20, and is supplying power to over 550,000 residential and commercial customers throughout the County. To date, EBCE estimates it has saved customers over $3 million in electricity costs by offering lower rates for cleaner power. EBCE operates through revenue it receives from sales of electricity; it does not rely on any taxpayer funding.

 

 

Editorial

It’s not easy

 

Kermit the frog expressed the pitfalls and advantages of trying desperately to stand out from the crowd even when the current condition should be examined for its own positive attributes. “It’s not easy bein’ green,” lyrics written by Joe Raposo in 1970, refers to unhappiness if the perception is that there is little to differentiate yourself from others. However, the song ends with the realization that although change can be exciting and alluring, what already exists may be okay too; the desire for change can, at times, overwhelm practical considerations.

 

Fremont is learning a bit of a lesson in this arena as the Council is being asked this evening to formally reject all proposals “for the development, launch, and operations of a bike share system.” A one-year exclusive “pilot” program of shared pedal bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters with Neutron Holdings, Inc., DBA Lime has been scrapped due to a change of its business model, concentrating solely on e-scooters. The plan for a city filled with biking and scootering commuters was, it seems, a bit premature.

 

Although a framework for such a plan remains and a permitting process is being developed, there will be no practical implementation at this time. Apparently, the other firms vying for the business with “dockless” systems that do not require specific entry and exit points, do not meet Fremont’s requirements. Staff analysis states:

 

“The other firms that proposed on the City’s RFP [Request for Proposals] in June 2018 include ofo, VeoRide, and Gotcha Mobility. These firms have ceased operations in most U.S. markets; did not demonstrate sufficient track record of operating bike share systems in the Western U.D. or outside campus environments; and/or proposed a business model which requires an ongoing public subsidy for operations.”

 

A grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission was received to support this project by underwriting staff time, capital costs and outreach expenditures. What happens to those funds now?

 

It may be that it isn’t easy being green – Lime or otherwise. While the intentions and advocacy are to be commended, adequate research and investigation of practical issues must be high on the list of requirements even if grant money from other governmental entities is used. After all, unless a private grant is the basis of funding, use of such monies comes from taxpayers.

 

There is nothing sinister about using grant funds for projects such as last mile and commuter connections, especially when facing a traffic crisis. However, it might be prudent to comprehensively study and understand the stability of the market before entering into agreements in what Staff refers to as “a rapidly evolving industry.” It isn’t easy to be green when you want to stand out “like flashy sparkles” but a bit of planning might help avoid a glittering bust.

 

It's not easy being green.

It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things.

And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're not standing out

like flashy sparkles in the water-

or stars in the sky.

 

 

Newark Optimist Club Essay Winners

Submitted by Darryl Reina

 

At the February 13th Newark Optimist Club’s Breakfast Meeting, the following students were recognized and awarded medallions and cash prizes for their outstanding Essays. Fourteen-year-old Union City resident Aren Wang, a student at Connecting Waters Charter School captured first place honors, with Newark Memorial High School senior Rachel Hunt taking second place, and Newark Memorial High School junior Diya Indoliya awarded third place in the contest. This year’s challenging topic was, “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?”

 

Aren Wang’s essay was forwarded to the Pacific Central District Essay Contest, for an opportunity to win the $2,500 a college scholarship.

 

Congratulations to each of the students for a job well done.

 

 

Forming friendships at Family Fun Weekend

By Charlene Dizon

Photos courtesy of Laura Petersen

 

Having previously presented at a Family Fun Weekend in Washington, Early Intervention Educational Consultant Laura Petersen was familiar with the community-based event and eager to implement a similar experience in Fremont. With the aid and funding of several California School for the Deaf (CSD) faculty members, Petersen was able to hold the first Family Fun Weekend in 2013, marking this year’s event as the seventh annual celebration. Held Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24, Family Fun Weekend provides support and resources for members of the Deaf community throughout Northern California.

 

Registration covers lodging, meals, workshops, and entertainment. Both hearing and non-hearing individuals can attend, as the Deaf community is inclusive to children with varying hearing stages. Though the event is held in Fremont, Petersen states, “Surprisingly, most attendees come from areas outside of Fremont. In the past few years, we’ve had 150 people attending, which is roughly 30 families.” By hosting such an event, Fremont highlights the importance of the Deaf community and broadens the opportunities for Deaf peers to meet one another.

 

Based on age, children attending Family Fun Weekend are placed into separate groups. Childcare is for ages three to four. These children are placed with experienced early childhood education staff, where they are free to roam on the playground or participate in sensory activities in classrooms, such as playing with water. Art tables, reading corners, and even pretend toy kitchens are also available for free time activities. The highlight of Childcare is American Sign Language (ASL) related games, where children sign along to stories, rhythms, or music. Such exercises help children become familiar with the overall ASL language. Petersen emphasizes, “Childcare is a self-exploratory environment.”

 

While those in Childcare learn to acquaint themselves with their awareness and senses, children in Kids Camp engage in much more collective projects. Kids Camp, for ages four to twelve, have children rotate through three activities: arts, games, and science-related exercises. This camp acts not only as an educational experience, but a communal understanding and reassurance for those who may otherwise feel shy or isolated. Petersen shared a touching story about a friendship formed: “One year these two girls were playing together throughout a lot of the activities. Later, when their parents were talking, the families realized they didn’t live far from one another at all, and since then the two girls have become best friends.” Children who may have never met another peer from the Deaf community discover that there are, in fact, several nearby.

 

Along with these camps, CSD’s high school theater department will put on a production called “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,” originally adapted by Tim Kelly, and showing from Thursday, March 21 through Saturday, March 23. Director Merritt Holloway says, “It is performed entirely in ASL, however, we will have voice interpreters all three production days for non-ASL users. All actors translate English into ASL with our support.” Students are also extremely involved in other theatrical aspects aside from acting. Holloway adds, “They are involved with the crew, props, posters, lighting, technology, costume designs, and even ushering.” Due to the theater’s renovations for the past three years, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” will be the first play showcased at Family Fun Weekend.

 

While children in Childcare and Kids Camp engage in their own social activities, parents, guardians, and other family members are welcome to participate in workshops. These discussions are led by members of the Curriculum Outreach Resources Education (CORE) Department, as well as other teacher specialists. Several topics are covered in order to reassure and encourage family members of Deaf children. This year, a panel will be held for parents who have concerns about how to help and guide their child through the journey of being Deaf. Petersen says, “A lot of learning happens incidentally for hearing kids, but not for non-hearing kids. For example, hearing kids will know a man who visits their home to be their uncle because they hear their parents refer to him as an uncle. However, non-hearing kids will not be aware of this information if it is not physically signed or explained to them. Our workshops focus on teaching family members how to have an independent child and the importance of purposely teaching what is commonly learned incidentally.” Workshops that foster a safe space of support empower families of the Deaf community to feel comforted and validated.

 

By highlighting such inclusivity, solidarity can manifest amongst families who openly welcome it. With continued success and progress, Family Fun Weekend is bound to be a moving and worthwhile experience for all ages of the Deaf community.

 

Registration ranges from $75 – $150 depending on number of participants. For more information, contact Laura Petersen at (510) 794-3751, (510) 344-6191 (video phone/Spanish) or ltpetersen@csdf-cde.ca.gov. To register, visit www.csdeagles.com/apps/pages/familyfunweekend.

 

Family Fun Weekend

Friday, Mar 22 – Sunday, Mar 24

7 p.m. Friday – 12 noon Sunday

California School for the Deaf

39350 Gallaudet Dr, Fremont

(510) 794-3751 (voice for hearing)

(510) 344-6191 (video phone/Spanish)

www.csdeagles.com/apps/pages/familyfunweekend

Cost: $75 – $150

 

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Thursday, Mar 21 – Saturday, Mar 23

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday

1:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Saturday

Klopping Theater

39350 Gallaudet Dr, Hayward

(510) 248-4204 (Video Phone for non-hearing)

(510) 794-3666 (voice for hearing)

www.csdeagles.com/apps/pages/alicesadventuresinwonderland

Cost: $12 adults, $8 children 17 and under

 

 

Bingo! Bingo! Bingo!

Submitted by Marilou Kerns

 

Members from the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Charity Bingo luncheon on Monday, March 11 in Hayward. The luncheon will include corned beef, cabbage and all the extras along with rolls, dessert, coffee or tea. Everyone who makes an $8 luncheon donation will receive a bingo card for the after-lunch game. Proceeds from the event will go to local charities.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Luncheon

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Monday, Mar 11

12 noon – 2 p.m.

24106 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 584-1568

Donation: $8

 

 

Takes from Silicon Valley East

Creating Innovators for Fremont’s Workforce and Beyond

By Parker Thomas, executive fellow at FUSE Corps

 

Last year, my big takeaway after 120 conversations with members of the Fremont community was that our advanced manufacturing companies are looking for creative problem solvers and lifelong learners above all else. Brian Paper, CEO of Bay Area Circuits, said, “I don’t need people who know how to run the machines – I can teach them that. I need people who can solve problems when things go wrong.” And Paper’s not the only one. Businesses in Fremont and across the country need innovators – people who have both an innate desire and the ability to develop new ideas, take action and improve the world around them. Another example close to home comes from Lisa Stern Haynes, global staffing lead and senior recruiter at Google. Haynes shared that the primary trait Google seeks in new employees is problem-solving. In other words, how do you work through a problem that you haven’t encountered before.

 

To be clear, this isn’t innovation in an abstract form (dreaming of what could be). This is innovation directed at answering a specific question or solving a specific challenge (tackling what needs to be done). Innovation in this sense can vary and includes tasks like repairing a machine on the production line, developing better ways of manufacturing, creating new product packaging, and even building the cultural fluency of a global company. Our favorite definition of innovation so far comes from author John Kao: “Innovation is the ability of people to continuously create their desired future.”

 

After a year of experimenting and making a series of recommendations for how Fremont Unified School District could help students learn to be innovators, I wondered where else we could create opportunities for people to learn these skills. Schools are a great place to start, but not everybody is in school. These musings led to conversations with Cindy Chadwick, County librarian/CEO of Alameda County Library and, ultimately, an invitation from Chadwick and Kelly Kline, former chief innovation officer of City of Fremont, to spend another year as a FUSE fellow exploring how Alameda County Library could help people become innovators using the platform, programs, collections, and people of the library.

 

Like last year, I launched this effort with a listening tour, talking to library members (that’s what our customers like to be called), library staff, parents, students, and other members of the community. In addition to my own listening, I got to piggyback on a yearlong library strategic planning process that asked many of the same questions. As with last year, the results have been fascinating.

 

Here are just a few of my findings:

• The library is one of the few remaining public institutions that our community (and communities across the country) seems to trust. I’ve seen members come talk to librarians about all kinds of personal issues, including health, housing, and employment simply because librarians are trusted to be guides into unfamiliar worlds.   
• In a larger sense, libraries are part of our social infrastructure. As Eric Klinenberg describes in his book, “Palaces for the People,” public libraries play a critical, but under-appreciated role in our societies as places of social connection. As Klinenberg writes, our social infrastructure “influences seemingly mundane but actually consequential patterns, from the way we move about our cities and suburbs to the opportunities we have to casually interact with strangers, friends, and neighbors. Social infrastructure affects everyone.”

 

• There are lot of reasons people come to library (study, warm up, socialize, read news, etc.), but overall library is seen as an institution of knowledge, not just a repository for books. People come here to learn. For example, in talking to power users of our children’s program (people who have come to more than 20 percent of all the programs we offer), I learned that many parents bring their kids specifically because they trust the library to offer enrichments that they can’t provide and that their kids are not getting in school. One mother said she lost count of the number of times she brought an unwilling 10-year-old boy to a program and then left with an enthusiastic participant interested in learning more.

 

Overall, people seem to trust us enough to try new things. In that sense, the library seems to be an on-ramp for new experiences. This year, I’m going to build on what the community told me we needed last year by creating innovators using the platform of the library. Our first project, codenamed Archimedes, is a dedicated space on the second floor of Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Archimedes will serve as the nexus for hands-on learning programs for kids, teens, and adults, including large projects (i.e., tiny houses, airplanes, etc.), and challenge projects with local organizations.

 

Our belief is that even the tiniest project that involves creation provides an opportunity to practice innovation. The goal is to help our members learn and grow the problem-solving and lifelong learning skills that Fremont employers are seeking. And make some cool stuff along the way, of course. So far, we’ve cleared a small space on the second floor, received a grant from the Alameda County Library Foundation and started holding design sessions with the community to plan programming, space, and culture. Want to help? Get in touch with me at Pthomas@fremont.gov, and stay tuned for more information.

 

 

A Fireside Chat to Help the Entrepreneurs, and their Startups

By Asok Chatterjee

 

Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community actively educating, inspiring and connecting more than 1.5 million entrepreneurs in 125 countries through over 500 Chapters. After a successful 2018, the very active Fremont Chapter, commonly called Fremont Grind, held its first event of 2019 on February 26th at Peerbuds Innovation Lab in Fremont.

 

The event was billed as a discussion of Marketing Strategies for Startups that Deliver Results, led by Jai Rawat, the serial entrepreneur who has successfully launched and nurtured several technology companies. The format chosen by the Director of Fremont Grind, Ms. Gaytri Khandelwal was a chat betweeen Jai, Gaytri and attendees. As the evening progressed, topics expanded from marketing to issues relevant for technology startups. Jai shared his knowledge and life lessons freely.

 

The City of Fremont has always been a big supporter of Startup Grind; Fremont Mayor Lily Mei joined the event and shared her plans of promoting a business-friendly environment in Fremont.

 

Throughout the evening, real life issues were raised, lessons were learned, and professional connections were made. At the close of the session, it was obvious that the entrepreneurs in attendance left with a sense of confidence.

 

If one had to choose the most insightful guidance provided by Jai, it would clearly be that given the probability that only one in ten startups will eventually succeed, one should launch a startup only if it is worth failure. It couldn’t be said any better.

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Friday, February 22

• Officers responded to a call about an unknown man attempting to enter a residence on the 38900 block of Swordfish Common through the rear sliding door. When confronted by the resident, the man fled on foot toward Walnut Avenue. Officers did not find the suspect described as a light-skinned black man wearing a light weight jacket and dark pants.

 

• Officer Trzewieczynski investigated two auto burglaries reported at Papillion Restaurant on Mission Boulevard in the Niles area. The suspect vehicle was a dark, older two-door coupe.

 

• During a patrol check Officer Vucurevich spotted a suspicious Ford van with Arizona plates driving slowly between parked vehicles in a parking lot off Mission Court. Vucurevich attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled and a pursuit was started onto southbound Interstate 880. The vehicle exited eastbound at the McCarthy Boulevard/Highway 237 interchange. When confronted by heavy traffic, the driver pushed through two vehicles to escape and ended the pursuit. The suspect vehicle was occupied by one male, described as Hispanic, about 30 to 40-year-old with brown hair.

 

Saturday, February 23

• Community Service Officer Anders investigated a commercial burglary on Dumbarton Drive where someone entered through a window broken with a river rock around 3:30 a.m. Two males described as wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves reportedly took an estimated 30 to 40 laptop computers.

 

• Officer Olvera investigated a commercial burglary on Kaiser Drive where someone had broken a window around 5:10 a.m. Several laptop computers were taken by two males described as wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves. The suspect vehicle may be a black sports coupe.

 

Sunday, February 24

• Employees at the Food Maxx store on Fremont Boulevard at Argonaut Way called to report that a person stole merchandise and was passed out, naked, in front of the store. Food Maxx did not want prosecution and the person was taken to a hospital for a medical problem prior to police arriving.

 

• A male was walking in the area of Eggers Drive and Camden Street when an unknown man wearing a hoody and dark clothing, ran up and hit him over the head with a 2 x 4 wooden board, knocking the victim to the ground. The suspect rummaged through the victim’s pant pockets and left on foot after finding nothing of value. Officer Vucurevich is investigating the incident. The suspect was described as a black man in his 40s.

 

 

Looking for part-time job?

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

The Fremont Recreation Services Division is inviting the public to its annual part-time job fair on Thursday, March 14. The fair provides employment opportunities for community members seeking a seasonal or year-round part-time job. Participants will get a chance to meet directly with supervisors, submit applications, and receive screening interviews. Open positions include recreation leader/camp counselors, lifeguards, guest service team members, instructors (art, cooking, theater, dance, sports, etc.), coordinators, water safety attendants, and more. For additional information, call (510) 494-4300 or visit https://fremont.gov/336/Jobs.

 

Part-time Job Fair

Thursday, March 14

5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Centerville Community Center

3355 Country Dr, Fremont

(510) 494-4300

https://fremont.gov/336/Jobs

 

 

Discussion to focus on positive community balance

Submitted by Carley Biblin

 

Members of the F.U.N. Mother’s Club are sponsoring an event to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 9 in Fremont. The theme of the two-hour afternoon program will be “Balance for Better” and will include a panel of speakers from the community moderated by Cindy Chadwick, a librarian with the Alameda County Library. A discussion panel will follow the program when guests can meet and talk with the speakers. The event is aimed at adults and older children.

 

International Women’s Day panel

Saturday, March 9

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Community speaker panel and discussion

Centerville Library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(805) 766-6517

Free

 

 

Governor Newsom announces appointment

Submitted by Governor's Press Office

 

Carl Guardino of Monte Sereno has been reappointed to the California Transportation Commission, where he has served since 2007. Guardino has been president and chief executive officer of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group since 1997. He was director of government affairs at Hewlett-Packard Company from 1995 to 1997, vice president of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group from 1991 to 1995, and district director of the Office of California State Assemblymember Rusty Areias from 1984 to 1990. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Guardino is a Democrat.

 

 

‘Mr. Toad’ musical is roaring into town!

Submitted and photos by East Bay Children’s Theatre

 

“The Great and Glorious Mr. Toad” is the latest musical joyride from the celebrated East Bay Children’s Theatre (EBCT). The Bay Area’s oldest continuously operating theatrical company hits the gas on its 87th season with a brand-new musical comedy take on Kenneth Grahame’s timeless classic “The Wind in the Willows.”

 

When the batty J. Thaddeus Toad is overtaken by motor mania, everybody had better dive for the ditches! Cantankerous Badger, philosophical Rat, and wide-eyed Mole vow to save their friend from himself, but how can Toad resist the lure of the open road? Adventure awaits just around every bend…along with a desperate jailbreak, a band of bumbling bobbies, and a pack of felonious weasels.

 

Bay Area composer and playwright Ron Lytle has polished up this venerable vehicle with eight sparkling tunes, plenty of laughs and daffy new characters for this world premiere production. With “The Great and Glorious Mr. Toad” in the driver’s seat, this is one road-trip you won’t want to miss!

 

The cast is comprised of talent gathered throughout the entire Bay Area, and includes Terry Pink Alexander, Fatima Avila, Karen Fox, James Paul Gregory, Stephanie Kara, Benjamin E. Latham, Justin Lopez, Martha McDowell, Samantha Rasler, Howard Rosenberg, Shauna Satnick, Wayne Steffen, and Ken Woolfe.

 

The Broadway-style score includes “Life on the River,” “Hello, You Fellows!” “I Like You, Rat,” “The Batty J. Thaddeus Toad,” “Let’s Travel,” “The Wind in the Willows,” “A Ladylike Lady,” and “United Wea-sels Stand.”

 

EBCT is an adult company performing for children and families in Title 1 Elementary Schools (free of charge), and in various public (ticketed) venues.

 

Public performances of “The Great and Glorious Mr. Toad” will be presented Sunday, March 10 at Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward; Saturday, March 16 at Starbright Theater in Campbell; Saturday, March 23 at Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek; and Sunday, April 7 at Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton. Tickets are $12 – $20 and may be purchased online at www.EBCTonline.org. Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as performances will sell out. For more information, contact ebctheatre@gmail.com.

 

The Great and Glorious Mr. Toad

Sunday, Mar 10

1 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre

22311 N. Third St, Hayward

ebctheatre@gmail.com

www.ebctOnline.org

Tickets: $12 – $17

 

 

Uncover the secrets of Haiku

Submitted by Valerie Snart

 

Guest lecturer Bruce Roberts will explain the history and mechanics of writing and reading Haiku poetry at the next meeting of Artists Relaxing Together (ART) on Saturday, March 9 in Castro Valley. Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that uses just 17 syllables and is written in three rows. Guest will have a chance to examine poems and write their own during the two-hour afternoon meeting in Studio One at the Adobe Art Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Haiku poetry explained

Saturday, March 9

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Guest speaker: Bruce Roberts

Adobe Art Center, Studio One

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

Email: artinccv@gmail.com

Admission: Free

 

 

Hayward police chief announces July retirement

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

Chief of Police Mark Koller announced on February 27 that he will retire in July after a 38-year career at Hayward Police Department (HPD). Koller, born in Hayward, started in law enforcement at age 14 when he became a police explorer and then a cadet in Newark. In 1981, he joined HPD as a police assistant, now called a community service officer. He has led the 197-officer HPD force since August 2016.

 

“Serving the Hayward community as its chief of police has been the greatest honor of my career,” Koller said, adding that his decision to retire was a family one, based on a desire to spend more time together. “After nearly four decades of service, it is time to pass the torch and devote my time to my wife and family, who have been patiently waiting and supporting me all along the way,” he said.

 

Koller’s legacy includes formation of a new Community Advisory Panel to the chief of police, a body to be appointed by the mayor, city manager and police chief to improve trust and strengthen understanding between HPD and community members.

 

Koller said he sees his final assignment as supporting the transition of the department to new leadership and laying the groundwork for a successful start for city’s next chief of police. Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo said she would announce plans for identifying and appointing a new police chief in the days ahead.

 

 

Hayward City Council

February 26, 2019

 

Public Hearing:

• Resolution approving the annexation of the Ersted Property into the Hayward Geologic

Hazard Abatement District

 

Presentation:

• Certificate of Commendation presented to student Joseph Franco for his work with foster youth
• Certificate of Commendation presented to teacher Nancy Wright for excellence in science education

 

Consent Calendar:

• Pavement Rehabilitation & Preventive Maintenance Project: award of construction contract
• Recycled Water Treatment Facility Project – award of construction contract
• Approval of 18 single family homes on a 1.7-acre site located at 25941 Gading Road; Blue Mountain Communities (Applicant/Owner)

Calendar passed 5-0

 

Items Removed From Consent Calendar:

• Approval of Microsoft Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) for a three-year contract, in an amount not to exceed $725,075

Item passed 5-0

 

Public Hearing:

• 3138 Baumberg Avenue: public hearing approving excess right-of-way vacation and

authorizing quit claim deed.

Item passed 5-0

• 26010 Production Avenue: public hearing approving excess right-of-way vacation and

authorizing quit claim deed.

Item passed 5-0

 

Legislative Business:

• FY 2019 mid-year budget review. Item passed 5-0

 

City Manager Comments:

• Saturday, March 2 is Read Across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. There will be a special event at City Hall in the 2nd floor conference room from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon which will include stories, crafts, snacks, and a book sale. The Weekes Branch Library will have a similar event at 2 p.m.
• A community meeting will be held on March 14 at the Douglas Morrison Theatre from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to discuss the Cal Trans Parcel Groups 8 and 9
• Coffee With A Cop will be held on Wednesday, February 27, at 9 a.m., at the Cannery Café
• An announcement is scheduled for Friday, March 1, regarding Youth Commission applications

 

Council Reports:

• Councilmember Marquez asked staff to draft an emergency moratorium ordinance on no-cause evictions for 6-12 months. The referral passed with 5 yes.
• Councilmember Wahab asked staff to review the referral process in order to create better transparency. The referral passed with 5 yes.
• Councilmember Wahab asked staff to draft an emergency moratorium on rent increases. The referral failed and will be sent to the next committee meeting on March 21.
• Councilmember Lamnin announced that there will be a speaker panel at City Hall on Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon in honor of International Women’s Month
• Councilmember Lamnin announced an International Women’s Month Celebration at City Hall on Friday, March 8, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Councilmember Wahab announced that Representative Bill Quirk will be presenting awards in honor of International Women’s Month on Saturday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Chabot College
• Councilmember Zermeno announced that the city will be hosting the Counsel General of Canada on Wednesday, February 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Peacock
• Councilmember Zermeno announced that at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, the Hayward Police Department will host police from Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico and will give them a mobile police unit

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday         Absent

Sara Lamnin                            Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye

Aisha Wahab                           Aye

Al Mendall                              Absent

Elisa Marquez                         Aye

Mark Salinas                           Aye

 

 

Hayward to vote on just-cause eviction protections for tenants

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The Hayward City Council will vote Tuesday, March 5, on whether to enact new legislation to immediately provide just-cause eviction protections for tenants of rental housing. At its February 26 meeting, the council asked that the just-cause eviction legislation be brought forward for consideration on an urgent basis out of concern that some landlords may try to evict tenants before planned changes in the city’s Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RRSO) can be voted on and take effect later this year.

 

Among changes to the RRSO coming before the council later this year is an amendment to give tenants the right to a system of mandatory mediation and potential binding arbitration when landlords seek to raise rent by greater than five percent over a 12-month period. The right to mediation and arbitration for rent increases in excess of five percent would apply only to units constructed before July 1, 1979, when the City’s RRSO took effect, and would exempt single-family homes, as is required by state law governing local rent control ordinances.

 

The urgency ordinance that the council requested be brought forward for a vote on March 5 would provide tenants general protection from evictions that are of no fault of their own, except in certain specific cases. Landlords would still be able to evict tenants for failure to pay rent, violation of other terms of a lease, and for other reasons provided for under law. Such other allowable reasons would include:

• The landlord wants to perform repairs to the unit to meet the City’s building standards that cannot be completed with the tenant living there. The owner must obtain permits from the City. Once work is complete, the tenant must be offered the unit first.
• The landlord wants to demolish the unit.
• The landlord wants to move into the unit or wants to allow certain family members to move in. These family members include the landlord’s spouse, domestic partner, child, spouse’s child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild. This is not allowed if there is a similar unit on the property that is vacant and available.
• The landlord wants to move into the unit and the lease allows this.
• Urgency ordinances written to take immediate effect require a super-majority of five Council members to vote in favor for passage.

 

 

Mission Peak Chamber Singers presents ‘Heart Attacks’

Submitted by Bruce Bateman

 

As Mickey and Sylvia famously put it, love is strange – not to mention frustrating, tragic, life-sustaining, magical, and hilarious. It can arrive softly and gradually or attack without warning, like being hit by an arrow or struck by lightning. From ethereal rhapsodies to the “just folks” tunes of American country and blues, love has been celebrated in music since the beginning of human musical experience.

 

In “Heart Attacks,” Mission Peak Chamber Singers (MPCS) riff on this universal emotion in all its giddy glory, with an emphasis on how it amuses lovers and bystanders alike. We’ll travel from classical to folk and pop and everything between and beyond.

 

MPCS will deliver two performances: Saturday, March 9 at Niles Discovery Church and Sunday, March 10 at John Knox Presbyterian in Dublin. Blissed-out or bummed, love takes us in all directions. Join MPCS as we gather the enthused and oblivious, the nosy and the naughty, the sassy and the sweet into one great celebration of this crazy little thing called love!

 

Heart Attacks

Saturday, Mar 9

7 p.m.

Niles Discovery Church

36600 Niles Blvd, Fremont

 

Sunday, Mar 10

4 p.m.

John Knox Presbyterian

7421 Amarillo Rd, Dublin

 

(510) 356-6727

www.chambersingers.org

Tickets: $20 adults online, $25 at door; $15 children/students online and at door

Honor Roll

 

Georgia Institute of Technology

Fall 2018 Dean’s List

Jasmin Voigtlander, of Hayward

 

Fort Lewis College, Colorado

Spring semester 2019 enrollment

Dante Griffith-Johnson, of Hayward

 

New York Institute of Technology

Fall 2018 graduate

Vishal Pradhan, of Fremont; MBA

 

 

Possible Milpitas site discussed for Hope Village relocation

Submitted by Janice Rombeck

 

With a deadline of March 30 approaching for Hope Village tent campers to leave their current site, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved steps to relocate Hope Village and, at the same time, look at ways to accommodate other homeless individuals awaiting permanent housing.

 

“In five weeks, the current Hope Village site will not be available to the residents and organizers,” said supervisor Dave Cortese, who led the effort to establish Hope Village on Ruff Drive. “I knew that the county had to move quickly, if the city wouldn’t, to make sure that we have a place for these residents, and at the same time, look to serving other homeless individuals at the site with structures like tiny homes. The county is also committed to providing services to those who want them.”

 

The action came at the February 26 board of supervisors regular meeting. On a motion from supervisors Cindy Chavez and Cortese, the board voted to continue discussions on using other sites in supervisor Cortese’s District 3, including in Milpitas; among others. The Office of Supportive Housing will return to the board with a more detailed plan of what the new location will look like and the type of structures, which could include tents, tiny homes or other temporary housing structures.

 

For more information, call Office of supervisor Cortese at (408) 299-5030.

 

 

Irvington Cheer wins national championship

Submitted by Brian Killgore and Lauren Mattingly

 

The Irvington High School Competition Cheer team won 1st place at the USA Spirit Nationals Cheerleading Competition in Anaheim, California. In their category, the Vikings competed against 23 teams from all over the country and after two performances, returned home as National Champions. In addition, five members of the squad competed in the Group Stunt category and won 4th-place out of 41 teams!

 

 

Speakers to honor International Women’s Day

Submitted by Michelle Nogales

 

An evening of dynamic speakers, networking and fellowship in celebration of International Women’s Day is set for Friday, March 8 in Hayward. Hosted by the City of Hayward, the theme for the community event will be “Education Transforms the Lives of Women and Girls.” The program will include a welcome address by Hayward Mayor Barbara Halliday and will include presentations by numerous speakers including:

 

• Pooja Rathaur, Mount Eden High School student, delivering an oratory, “Why, Because I am a Girl”
• Karen Hossfeld, Ph.D., associate professor of Sociology and Sexuality, San Francisco State University, delivering a talk, “Who do we Teach Girls to Be? Gender Socialization and Change.”
• Najia Karim, founding director of the Cultural Society of Afghan Women and co-founder of the Afghan Cultural Literary Association
• Daniel Perlman, Ph.D., director for girls programming and evaluation, OASIS Initiative, University of California, Berkeley. “Pathways to Choice: Delaying Marriage through Girls’ Education in Rural Niger”

 

Celebrated each March 8, International Women’s Day is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights and is observed by people and governments across the globe with outpourings of support for women’s equality and empowerment.

 

The three-hour event will meet inside the council chambers at the Hayward City Hall. Admission is free but reservations should be made online at by visiting the City of Hayward webpage at www.hayward-ca/gov and then entering “International Women’s Day Event” into the search box and following the prompts. Parking for the event is free at the Municipal Garage across Watkins Street from City Hall.

 

Co-sponsoring organizations are American Association of University Women, Hayward/Castro Valley Branch, City of Hayward, Dining for Women, Eden Area Interfaith Council, Hayward-Ghazni Sister City Committee, Hayward Unified School District and League of Women Voters Eden Area.

 

International Women’s Day

Friday, March 8

5 p.m.—8 p.m.

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Council Chambers, Hayward

www.hayward-ca/gov

Email: west1@diningforwomen.org

Free

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Tuesday, Sep 4 – Thursday, May 23

Homework Help Center

Mon. – Thurs. 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Primary and secondary students receive homework assistance

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

(510) 745-1401

 

Mondays, Sep 10 – May 28

Advanced Math & Science Tutoring

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

For high school and college students

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 745 1401

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

Practice Your Spoken English R

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

No class Dec 18 – Jan 1

Chat session for English learners

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

 

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, Dec 19 – Apr 28

Tech Help and Computer Tutor R

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

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

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Saturday, Jan 12 – Sunday, Mar 10

Chinese Roots: Sketches of Life in the Washington Township

Library open hours

Impact of Chinese immigrants on local history

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

Tuesdays, Jan 15 – Mar 26

Shakespeare and Cultural Literacy Class $

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Watch videos and discuss. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Jan 16 – Mar 27

Crochet and Knitting $

12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn the basics. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Fridays, Jan 18 – Mar 29

Needle Arts $

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Have fun with yarn. $2 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Tuesdays, Jan 22 – Mar 26

All Levels Line Dance Class $

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 24 – Mar 28

Laughter Yoga $

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday, Jan 25 – Mar 29

Beginning Line Dance Class $

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Exercise to music. $4 drop in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Friday – Sunday, Jan 25 – Mar 16

Children's Book Illustrator Show

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Artwork from local illustrators.

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Wednesday – Sunday, Jan 26 – Apr 21

Hayward Arts Council 2019 Members Show

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

haywardartscouncil.org

 

Thursday – Saturday, Jan 26 – Mar 9

A.R.T. Inc. Annual Members' Exhibit

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fine art from various local artists

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Thursdays, Jan 31 – Mar 28

Hawaiian Dance Class

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Sunday, Feb 3 – Sunday, Mar 24

Dove Gallery Art from the Heart Exhibit

Contact for time

Artworks of various media that reflect deep, heartfelt emotions

Park Victoria Baptist Church

875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

(408) 464-5011

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

1st and 3rd Mondays, Feb 4 – May 20

Guitar Jam for Seniors $

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – Mar 20

Diabetes Self-Management Classes R

10 a.m. – 12 noon

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Wednesdays, Feb 6 – May 1

Ukulele Jam Program $

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

San Leandro Senior Community Center

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

 

Saturdays, Feb 9 – Apr 13

Free Tax Preparation

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

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

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

 

Mondays and Thursdays, Feb 12 – May 30

Table Tennis $

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

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Sunday – Saturday, Feb 12 – Mar 9

“Wulai Falls” Water-Color Exhibit

Library open hours

Artist Kin Hsieh, Mandarin poetry accompanies

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

 

Mondays, Feb 18 – May 27

Caning & Furniture Refinishing/Restoration Class $

9 a.m.  – 12 noon

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

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Monday – Friday, Feb 18 – May 30

Billiards/Pool Tables $

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Beginning thru advanced players. $1.50 drop-in fee

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Thursday – Sunday, Feb 22 – Mar 23

American Portraiture by James Mills

12 noon – 5 p.m.

A tribute to Americans with watercolors and drawings

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.fremont.gov/OliveHyde

 

Tuesdays, Feb 26 – Apr 16

Civics/Citizenship Class

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org/fremont

 

Wednesdays, Feb 27 – Apr 17

Civics/Citizenship Class

12 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam

Newark Branch Library

6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark

(510) 284-0684

(510) 745-1480

 

Monday – Friday, Mar 1 – May 3

Art is Education Show

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HUSD students’ art work

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardarts.org

 

Sunday-Saturday, Mar 1 – Mar 31

Roving Artists – Where We Live

During business hours

Women who create & record beauty, patterns and light

Reception

Sunday, Mar 10

3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Mar 2 – Apr 26

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays and Sundays, Mar 2 – Apr 26

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – 12 noon

Get crafty and learn about the natural world

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays, Mar 2 – Mar 23

Homebrewing On the Farm $R

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

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

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org/register

 

Friday – Sunday, Mar 2 – Mar 17

Mamma Mia! $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 2:30 p.m.

Additional show Thursday, Mar 7 at 8 p.m.

Young woman's search for her birth father set to ABBA music.

Newark Memorial High School Theatre

39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 791-0287

www.stage1theatre.org

 

Sundays, Mar 3 – Apr 26

Animal Feeding Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday, Mar 3 – Mar 13

Paths to Grace $R

Sunday, Mar 3: 1:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar 9: 9 a.m. – 12 noon

Wednesday, Mar 13: 6:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Prayer through art.

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

www.msjdominicans.org

 

Thursdays, Mar 7 – Mar 28

Spiritual Guides for Today $R

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

 

Saturdays, Mar 9 – Mar 30

Caught in the Act $

8 p.m.

Hijinks unfold as the actors spread rumors and keep secrets

Sunol Glen School

11601 Main St., Sunol

(925) 862-2026

www.sunol.net

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

THIS WEEK

 

 

Wednesday, Mar 6

Baby Bounce at the Library

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Songs and stories for babies ages 0-18 months

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Thursday, Mar 7

The Path of the Jaguar $

6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Learn about the elusive jaguar

Oakland Zoo

9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland

(510) 632-9525

www.oaklandzoo.org

 

Thursday, Mar 7

International Women's Day Celebration

5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Recognize women and their achievements. Local performers, food

Chandni Restaurant

5748 Mowry School Rd., Newark

(510) 790-0740

https://save-dv.org/

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Successful Business Plans

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn how to write your best business plan ever

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Golden Hills Art Association Meeting

7 p.m.

Oil on canvas with acrylic background demonstration by Dale Momii

Milpitas Police Station

1275 N. Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

(408) 586-2400

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Jazz Combo Concert $

7:30 p.m.

Hear the classics

Chabot College, Recital Hall

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

 

Thursday, Mar 7

Designing Native Gardens Workshop R

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Learn how to create beautiful, low water and low maintenance landscapes

Alameda County Water District

43885 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

http://bawsca.org/classes_2.php?id

 

Friday, Mar 8

Union City Family Center Game Night

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Play games and create family memories

Barnard-White Middle School

725 Whipple Rd, Union City

(510) 471-5363

(510) 476-2770 x61061

 

Friday, Mar 8

Sons of Norway Corned Beef Dinner $R

6:30 p.m.

Dinner followed by cultural program of Viking history

Hill and Valley Clubhouse

1808 B St., Hayward

(650) 245-8473

(510) 502-2213

 

Friday, Mar 8

Mission Peak Brass Band $

8 p.m.

Take Flight! – music from E.T., Eagle Squadron March, Where Eagles Sing

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

www.mpbb.org

 

Friday, Mar 8

Best of Expressions

7 p.m.

Youth performances from high schools throughout San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Hayward

Historic Bal Theatre

14808 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 614-7700

www.baltheatre.com

 

Friday, Mar 8

International Women's Day Celebration R

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Speakers honor women's rights

Hayward City Hall

777 B St., Hayward

(510) 208-0410

www.hayward-ca.gov/womensday19

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Wonderful Wool

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Learn about sheep

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Chores for Little Farmers

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Prepare morning treats for livestock

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 9

Stuck in a jam

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Create fruit preserves and taste jam

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Canine Capers Dog Walk R

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Hike the park trails with your dog. 8+ years

Garin Regional Park

1320 Garin Ave., Hayward

(510) 582-2206

1-888-327-2757

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Ohlone Village Site Tour

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

.5 mile walk to a 2,000-year-old Ohlone village site. Meet at visitor center

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Tea & Talent Show $

12 noon – 2 p.m.

Women's History event celebrating women in the arts

Fremont Adult School – Community Center

4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont

(510) 794-2538

(510) 468-6963

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Movie Night $

7:30 p.m.

“The Drop Kick”, “Powder and Smoke”, “A Woman in Grey”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Triple Bill NoCal Tour $

6 p.m.

Michael Nevin with Angie Heimann and Jay Brown

Niles Canyon Mobile Estates

711 Old Canyon Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-7303

 

Saturday, Mar 9

F.U.N. Mother's Club International Women's Day Event

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Panel discussion of “Balance for Better” followed by meet and greet

Centerville Library

3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont

(510) 795-2629

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Haiku Poetry

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Bruce Roberts talks about this Japanese form of poetry

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Second Saturday Author Series

2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Award winning author Penelope Anne Cole will read from her books

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 744-0333

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Boldly Me Promise Event $R

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Love and acceptance for everyone, entertainment, testimonials

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

www.boldlyme.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

STEAM Showcase

9 a.m.  – 12 noon

K-12 students exhibit their STEAM projects

San Jose City College Milpitas Extension

1450 Escuela Parkway, Milpitas

kmuska@musd.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Heart Attacks $

7 p.m.

Mission Peak Chamber Singers riff on love

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.chambersingers.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

The Bail Trap: American Ransom

1:30 p.m.

Documentary film that explores the injustice of money bail

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Storytime with Grandma Alva

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Find out what book she picks at this fun event

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Backyard Beekeeping

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sandra Nevala-Lee, proprietor of Green Thumb Works, chats about bees

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Saturday, Mar 9

Meet Author Charity Sills

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

She will read from her debut memoir “5 Gallons to Empty”

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Garden Chores for Kids

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Learn how to grow vegetables

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Spring Willow Pruning

9:30 a.m. – 12 noon & 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Volunteers tend trees for land management. Meet at Osprey Picnic Site. Ages 16+

Quarry Lakes

2250 Isherwood Way, Fremont

(510) 795-4895

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Sunday Matinee $

3 p.m.

“Mike Fright”, “Blotto”, “Tabasco Kid”, “Thicker Than Water”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Meet the Farmer: Farming for Climate Change

1p.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn about climate change while growing vegetables

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Stories of the Past: Basketry

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn about the sophisticated technology of California Natives

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Social Injustice Film and Panel Discussion

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

“The Resettled”, documentary calling attention to international refugee crisis

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Afternoon Concert Series $

1 p.m.

Talk of da Town, a cappella group performing pop, rhythm & blues, gospel, swing & rock

Thornton Jr. High, Multi-Use Auditorium

4357 Thornton Ave., Fremont

(510) 659-2542

(510) 793-5683

www.lov.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Summer Camp Fair

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn about summer camps, teen volunteer programs, part-time jobs

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Celebrate International Women's Day

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. & 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Panel discussion -Faith & Feminism: “Status of Women According to My Faith”. Ladies only

Baitul Baseer Mosque

926 Evans Rd, Milpitas

(408) 460-0485

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Celebrate Women's Day

3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Inspirational speakers, high tea, snacks, entertainment

Mulakat Hall

6170 Thornton Ave., Newark

(510) 830-8771

globalwomenpower.com

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Spring Forward for Frogs

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Fun, family-friendly frog activities

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Hens Lay Eggs

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Listen to a story, search the coop for eggs, feel a hen's feather

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

Ohlone Wind Orchestra $

7:30 p.m.

American composers and folk songs

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

www.OhloneWindOrchestra.org

 

Sunday, Mar 10

The Great and Glorious Mr. Toad $

1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

East Bay Children's Theatre presents musical based on “The Wind in the Willows”

Douglas Morrison Theatre

22311 N Third St., Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.ebctOnline.org

 

Monday, Mar 11

Outdoor Discoveries: Tracks on the Trail R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Playful science for home school kids. Ages 4 – 8

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org/register

 

Monday, Mar 11

Milpitas Rotary Club Meeting

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Albert Zamora

Dave and Busters

940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas

(408) 957-9215

 

Monday, Mar 11

Wind Ensemble $

7:30 p.m.

Listen to soothing music

Chabot Performing Arts Center

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6976

 

Monday, Mar 11

St. Patrick’s Day Faire $

12 noon

Enjoy traditional lunch and play bingo to benefit a local charity

FOE Auxiliary 1139

21406 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 584-1568

 

Tuesday, Mar 12

Weekday Bird Walk

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Meet at the Visitor Center. Ages 8+

Garin Regional Park

1320 Garin Ave., Hayward

(510) 582-2206

www.ebparks.org

 

Wednesday, Mar 13

Ohlone Community Band Concert

7:30 p.m.

Famous movie themes, impressions of Fall and rousing marches

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

 

Wednesday, Mar 13

Insects: Creatures That Invade Our Space R

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Science talk with guest speaker Dr. Vernard Lewis

Castro Valley High School

19400 Santa Maria Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 537-5910

http://bit.ly/cvbugs1

 

Saturday, Mar 16

James Logan Athletics Boosters Crab Feed $

5 p.m.

Dinner, music, raffle prizes, auction

Mark Green Sports Complex

31224 Union City Blvd., Union City

www.jameslogan.org/store/crabfeed

 

Saturday, Mar 16

St. Patrick's Day Dinner $R

5:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit San Leandro Kiwanis Club's charitable projects

San Leandro Senior Community Ctr

13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

(510) 895-4425

 

Saturday, Mar 16

Something About Nones: Exploring the Spirituality of Unaffiliated Young Adults $R

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Conversation on what Nones can teach church communities about religion

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

http://bit.ly/2019AboutNones

 

Sunday, Mar 17

Women & Spirit

2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Documentary of the lives of Catholic Sisters in America. Register by Mar 13

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose

43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 933-6335

http://bit.ly/2019WomenAndSpirit

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Immigration moratorium proposed

 

Your “Op-Ed” (02-12-19) described it right. There’s no mobility in our gridlocked Bay Area, a big headache for all. Migration of people into California every day is increasing; whether “legal” or “illegal,” it is merging with thousands of human beings already un-housed, homeless, unemployed and unemployable. Teeming misery. Overpopulation equals misery for all. BART trains have become “rolling motels” for the homeless. Many passengers don’t feel safe, even during daytime hours.

 

Human population growth requires more expansive land development for housing, etc. The environmental impact is devastating to the state’s natural resources; watershed areas supporting our drinking water and wildlife habitats are irreparably damaged. More human population – a lot fewer animal habitats and environmental misery for all.

 

I suggest there be a five-year moratorium on all further immigration into America – legal, illegal – to begin a healing process for the suffering population already here in California and other states.

 

Mary Gomez

Hayward

 

 

Listen to the ‘Talk of Da Town’

Article and photo submitted by Shirley Sisk

 

A toe-tapping and lively afternoon of Motown, R&B and Doo-Wop hits performed by Talk of Da Town will highlight the League of Volunteers (LOV) next community concert in Fremont. The vocal group started in San Francisco and continues the great tradition of a cappella singing from the famed gospel quartets of the 30s and ‘40s with an impressive array of pop, swing and rock tunes in five-part harmonies. The free afternoon program is set for Sunday, March 10 at Thornton Junior High School.

 

LOV Community Concert

Sunday, Mar 10

Doors open 1:00 p.m.; music starts at 2:00 p.m.

Live a cappella songs

Thornton Junior High School, Multi-Purpose Room

4356 Thornton Ave., Fremont

Admission: Free

(510) 793-5683

www.lov.org

 

 

Theatre Review:

Mamma Mia!

By David R. Newman

Photos by Debbie Otterstetter

 

It seems like only yesterday when the musical Mamma Mia! premiered in London in 1999. Based on the songs of the Swedish super group ABBA, it has swept the world since then, bringing joy to over 60 million people in more than 50 countries. It is one of the longest running shows of all time on Broadway and in the West End (where it is still delighting audiences to this day).

 

And now it has come to Newark, California, thanks to Director Scott Maraj of Stage 1 Theatre. Originally conceived by Judy Craymer and written by Catherine Johnson, the story of Mamma Mia! is a clever repurposing of ABBA lyrics. Set on a remote Greek island, it’s the tale of young Sophie Sheridan (Zoey Lytle), who is about to be married to Sky (Nick Sears).

 

Sophie’s yearning to know more about her family leads her to her mom’s diary, in which she discovers she has three possible dads; Sam Carmichael (Steve Wilner), Harry Bright (Todd Aragon), and Bill Austin (Mark Flores). She secretly invites them all to the wedding, hoping that one of them will give her away at the ceremony. Sophie’s mom, Donna (Heather Watson), soon finds out, and confronts the trio. After this, many of the songs hint at past regrets and unfulfilled dreams as the characters reminisce about days gone by.

 

From the opening number of “I Have A Dream”, the audience can tell that they’re in for a vocal treat. Lytle’s voice soars serenely above the stage and sets the tone for what’s about to come. Vocal & Music Director Cary Litchford has done an amazing job with the pool of talent on hand, which is quite deep. Many songs incorporate background vocals being sung backstage, a nice effect, and the harmonies are on point.

 

While Litchford’s ambitious directing is to be commended, there are times, especially during dance numbers, when a single counter melody falters as cast members struggle with the pace. But this is a minor point. The vocals, as a whole, shine throughout, as does the music, played admirably by an 8-piece backstage band. Hopefully they work out the kinks of a new sound system, which detracted a little from the production on opening night.

 

Watson is fantastic as Donna, bringing the perfect amount of tender toughness to the role. Her voice is sublime, and the highlight of the show may be her bitter rendition of “The Winner Takes It All”. Another magical moment comes when she sings “Slipping Through My Fingers” with Lytle. Truly, these talented two are at the heart of the show.

 

Comic relief is provided courtesy of Rosie (Tamarin Ythier) and Tanya (Patricia Pitpitan), friends of Donna’s and former band mates from their wilder days. As Donna and the Dynamos, the three sing for Sophie the night before her wedding (“Super Trouper”) and at the end (“Waterloo”). They harmonize well together, and Ythier and Pitpitan effectively camp it up.

 

Flores, Wilner, and Aragon bring just enough to their characters to help the story along, but don’t really come alive until the second act. Aragon is likeable as Harry “Headbanger” Bright, his guitar playing a nice touch, and his duet with Donna during “Our Last Summer” a well-staged scene. Flores, as Bill Austin, is somewhat unremarkable until his scene with Rosie when they sing “Take A Chance On Me”. It is here where his physical humor is a joy to watch.

 

Wilner’s acting, as leading man Sam Carmichael, is a little stilted and awkward at times. But this was also true of Pierce Brosnan in the movie, so maybe that’s his character? With better staging, perhaps more life could be injected into scenes where he sings (“Knowing Me, Knowing You”), which he does well.

 

It is the group numbers where Choreographer Kevin Hammond really excels. Dynamic and fun, they are well thought out and executed. “Voulez Vous”, at the end of the first act, is a highlight, with great energy from the young ensemble. And the surreal “Under Attack” is marvelous, with unique staging that should be applauded.

 

Set Designer Ron Gasparinetti has created two main double-sided set pieces and a pier that help give us a sense of place. However, their massive size looked to be a challenge for the stagehands to move about. This would be fine if there were curtains to hide this activity, but it is all done openly in front of the audience, who would grimace at several close calls. And I’m not sure why burnt yellows and browns were used for the walls, when Greek islands are famous for their stark white buildings with the occasional bright blue roof.

 

But all criticisms aside, it is the music of Mamma Mia! that has made it such an international success, and in this regard, Stage 1 Theatre’s production does not disappoint. By the end of the night, the audience was on their feet, dancing and rocking out, everyone with a smile on their face. And that’s, really, The Name of the Game.

 

Mamma Mia!

March 2 – March 17

Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.

Sundays, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 7 at 8 p.m.

Newark Memorial High School

39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark

(510) 791-0287

www.stage1theatre.org

TTickets: $15 – $30

 

 

Sing and swing to ABBA hits

Submitted by Theresa Gould

 

Performers will hit the stage at Castro Valley High School this month with a performance of the hit international musical “Mamma Mia.” The show is packed with upbeat and fun musical hits by the Swedish pop group ABBA including “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Gimme Gimme Gimme” and “Take a Chance on Me.”

 

‘Mamma Mia!’

March 15 – 24

Friday & Saturday: 7 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m.

Castro Valley Center for the Performing Arts

19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley

Tickets: $18-$21 at the door or online

www.cvcfa.com

(510) 889-8961

 

 

Education Endowment expands learning opportunities

By Charlene Dizon

Photos courtesy of Karen Muska

 

After budget cuts to the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) in 2009, parent Robert Jung decided to create the Milpitas Community Education Endowment (MCEE) in hopes of reinforcing the voices of the community. Having lived in Milpitas for more than 15 years, Jung felt inclined to establish an organization that would allow their community as a whole to freely discuss how to galvanize the academic environment for their children. Without an initial benefactor, their grassroots beginning as a small foundation has steadily expanded in the past 10 years as MCEE continues to create several educational projects that positively engage school faculty, parents, and students.

 

The non-profit MCEE is run by Chief Executive Officer Jung, six board members, and 8 to 10 volunteers, and is exceptionally goal-oriented. Their first objective was to raise $10,000 for the endowment within 10 years. To their joy and surprise, their team managed to raise far more than this, reaching $100,000 and in nine years. The team hopes to annually administer five percent of this milestone towards MUSD. Not only is the team’s next goal to raise $200,000, but to attain this sum within the next five years. The integrative efforts for the community do not stop there.

 

Their most popular event, the “STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) Showcase,” is happening on Saturday, March 9 at the San Jose Community College (SJCC) Milpitas Extension. For the past six years, the STEAM Showcase has remained an event where Milpitas students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school, can exhibit their interests in science, tech, engineering, arts, or mathematics through self-made creative and intuitive projects. Invitations are sent out to the entire community, as well as to the school district and even companies such as IBM, who has visited the showcase. Jung says, “Everyone and anyone is welcome. The most important thing is that it’s a non-competitive environment. This means less pressure and stress for the students participating. Teachers can also see how their students display core curriculum values in a setting outside of the classroom, for a change.”

 

This collaborative effort allows students to unite with their peers and learn more about subjects outside of their passions. Though students may not be ranked, each student still receives a reward. MCEE Vice President Yolie Garcia says, “Every student gets their own medal to wear. We’ve also given T-shirts and gift certificates in the past.” By appreciating each individual project, students feel proud and valued from this recognition. A nonrestrictive showcase reminds students that their personal passions can be creatively pursued within the spectrum of education, and not just in the classroom or on paper. Kids are challenged into thinking outside of the box.

 

Along with the STEAM Showcase, MCEE also holds Community Conversations, where Milpitas community members and school faculty come together to discuss educational topics. These conversations act as a safe space for parents to voice their concerns or ask several questions ranging from “How do I help guide my child’s transition from middle school to high school?” to “How do we handle college tuition?” These periodically held conversations emphasize MCEE’s main idea: that the voices of community members are key to creating a productive and valuable environment for learning. Garcia says, “These conversations help reassure the parents that there is a path and that there are opportunities for their kids. It’s networking for them.” By discussing options and alternatives, families are comforted by the fact that their opinions are being acknowledged.

 

Other projects hosted by MCEE span from a one-day Google field trip known as Project Inspire, Back to School donation drives, and even a Mid-Autumn Festival for the Vietnamese community. Efforts toward increasing participation are endless. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who wish to become more involved; opportunities are available for both Milpitas residents and those living outside the city. Opportunities vary based on events held by MCEE and can be counted as volunteer hours. Board positions on MCEE are also currently open, particularly for those familiar with handling finances and social media.

 

With the immense pressures and uncertainties students face to excel in school, MCEE is a refreshing reminder that there is not just one path toward achieving a successful education. By encouraging the community to support all educational subjects, Jung and his team remain resilient and hopeful for the future of the Milpitas Unified School District and its students.

 

For more information about MCEE, visit www.mceefoundation.org or email info@mceefoundation.org. To learn more about the STEAM Showcase, contact Karen Muska at kmuska@musd.org or visit https://sites.google.com/musd.org/steam-showcase.

 

STEAM Showcase

Saturday, Mar 9

9 a.m. – 12 noon

SJCC Milpitas Extension

1450 Escuela Pkwy, Milpitas

kmuska@musd.org

https://sites.google.com/musd.org/steam-showcase

 

 

Milpitas City Council

February 19, 2019

 

Pledge of allegiance led by Boy Scouts Troop 92

 

Presentations

Presentations were made to the winners of Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Poetry Contest.

 

Consent Calendar:

• Adopted Ordinance relating to water and recycled water service charges.
• Adopted Ordinance relating to sewer service charges.
• Authorized acceptance of Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Pavement Management Technical Assistance Program (P-TAP 20) grant funding of $38,500 and authorized payment of $7,700 to MTC for P-TAP 20 local match.

 

Business Items:

• Adopted Resolution approving the Amended and Restated Water Supply Agreement between the City and County of San Francisco Wholesale Customers in Alameda County, San Mateo County, and Santa Clara County.
• Approved out of state travel for (1) Police + Info Services staff to attend “CentralSquare 2019” in San Antonio, TX on March 17-20, 2019, and (2) Fire Dept staff to conduct final inspection on the new ambulance in Winter Park, FL during March 2019.
• Approved new FY 2018-19 Capital Improvement Program, approved project plans and specifications, authorized advertisement for bid proposals for McCarthy Boulevard/SanDisk Drive Traffic Signal, and approved budget appropriation of $750,000 from McCarthy Business Park Traffic Impact Fee fund the new McCarthy Blvd./Sandisk Dr. Traffic Signal Project.

Public Hearing

• Approve Bingo License for Milpitas Charity Bingo, Inc. at 461 S. Milpitas Blvd. #C pending receipt of letter from Calif. Franchise Tax Board.

 

Community Services and Sustainable Infrastructure:

• After extensive discussions Council did not vote on proposed new Pines Pilot Parking Permit Program.Instead, voted to have this project return as part of the CIP presentation on March 12, explore costs, and determine if funding should go to this project or another program. VOTE: 4 AYES and 1 ABSTAIN (Montano)

 

Leadership and Support Services:

• Council received staff report on updated 5-Year projection + General Fund Reserves for FY 2018-19. 2. Council members provided comments to staff, did not take action on budget or staffing recommendations, and voted to continue this item to a future meeting.

 

Rich Tran (Mayor)                              Aye

Karina Dominguez (Vice Mayor)       Aye

Carmen Montano                                Aye, Abstain 1

Bob Nunez                                          Aye

Anthony Phan                                     Aye

 

 

Churches provide simple ways to serve community

By Stephanie Gertsch

Photos courtesy of Milpitas Cares

 

Many people would like to impact their community in a positive way, but with the desire come two sticking points: knowledge and time. You could drive by a local food pantry every day and never even know it was there. And even if you did, you may not be able to fit “Restock shelves for two hours every second Saturday” into your schedule. With Milpitas Cares, these limitations are not a barrier to participation. Their annual spring volunteering session allows anyone to browse opportunities on the website and sign up for a one-time project that addresses a need in the community.

 

Milpitas Cares started in 2012 when a group of pastors decided to create a way to connect churches to the community, inspired by similar organizations like Modesto Serves. Mark Simmons, project manager of Milpitas Cares, recalls, “The City was very enthusiastic. The mayor at that time was Joe Esteves, and he worked with us to make all the connections to the different City offices. The Parks Department was going crazy saying, ‘We’ve got all this stuff that we haven’t been able to get to!’” During the next seven years, the number of volunteers has doubled from 200 to over 400. Now Milpitas Cares comprises a dozen churches, partnering with nine schools, a local park, and several organizations serving the Milpitas area, such as Respite and Heritage Home.

 

Anyone can pitch a project to Milpitas Cares, or volunteer to be the project coordinator. The churches act as sponsors to each event and work together with the organization being helped. Various opportunities are listed on the Milpitas Cares website, where signing up takes only a few clicks. Scheduling all the events during a few weeks in the spring allows Milpitas Cares to plan alongside organizations from the start of the school year and get everything done during the lull between the busy holiday season and the end of school. However, many who pitch in with Milpitas Cares in the spring go on to volunteer year-round.

 

This year there are 17 projects; some are simple, like helping Milpitas Food Pantry with restocking supplies. Simmons says, “One year they wanted to really stock up on some staples that they’d been having trouble keeping on their shelves.” Milpitas Cares ended up contributing over two tons of peanut butter and jelly. “It was perfect for them because it was something they were having trouble keeping in stock, it has a good long shelf life…And that served their need that year. Next, they might have a different need.” In other cases, Milpitas Cares connects two organizations with complementary goals. For example, they were able to put a code enforcement group at City Hall into contact with the service Rebuilding Together, which provides assistance to those having difficulty meeting coding laws. This serendipitous union means enforcers can direct people to support and Rebuilding Together can more easily identify who needs their help. In each case, Milpitas Cares strives to fill whatever need is most pressing.

 

In the future, Milpitas Cares hopes to continue their growth, tackling projects that require over 200 volunteers at a time, and even inspiring similar organizations around the Bay Area. Another goal is getting volunteers involved in an ongoing basis with local English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, which need help year-round. For now, Simmons says, the most important thing volunteers need to know is that getting involved is easy: “They can pick a date and a time that works for them. They can sign up online. The coordinator is going to get in touch with them as the time draws near…In most cases they just need to show up. Everything’s organized and they get to plug in and make a difference, which is pretty neat.”

 

There are no fees to participate and parking may be limited at some sites. For more information or to sign up for a project, visit www.milpitascares.org.

 

Milpitas Cares

Friday, Mar 8 – Sunday, Mar 17

Various times

Various locations in Milpitas

(408) 262-8000

www.milpitascares.org

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Small businesses struggling with minimum wage

 

The minimum wage in California is expected to rise up to $15 an hour by 2021. This may sound great to working employees, but for small businesses, it is hard to sustain their business with these increases. My family owns a restaurant called Mirchi Cafe, with locations in Fremont and Dublin. Most of our employees are family members, with a handful of outside employees. The minimum wage increase has made it harder for us to pay our employees and sustain them. It is already hard to live in the Bay Area with the cost of living increasing (which is why I understand the increase in wages) but we have to understand that small business owners are hurting from this as well.

 

Many businesses have had to close up shop and sell their establishments due to these increases, which led to their employees losing their jobs. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses in the U.S. provide 55% of all jobs and 66% of all net new jobs since the 1970’s. 28 million small businesses account for 54% of all U.S sales. I do realize that the increase in minimum wage is beneficial to the employees, but if small businesses go out of business, there will not be enough jobs to keep everyone employed. The Employment Policies Institute argues that while it may be easy for corporations to adopt the $15 minimum wage, it’s much more challenging for small businesses, which form the backbone of the U.S. economy.

 

The search for workers has become impossible due to the increase in housing prices in the Bay Area. Trying to hire people who are close enough to the cities our restaurants are in is increasingly difficult. Most of our workers have to drive all the way from Oakland just to get to a dishwasher job in Fremont. There have been many times when we thought we might be going out of business because there was just not enough money; our income was going to payroll and food supply, leaving very little profit.

 

Though there is an increase in housing prices, that does not mean we have to take down small businesses as well. People forget that many small businesses are not corporate giants, rather families that are struggling in the same way as employees who live on minimum wages. The Bay Area is full of history and culture, and if we take away businesses that have been open for decades, the true soul of our cities will slowly disappear.

 

Sophia Ahmad

Fremont

 

 

Boys Basketball

Mariners fall in championship match

Submitted by Mike Heightchew

 

The Moreau Catholic Mariners (Hayward) had a great season, advancing to a state championship bracket, but met their match on March 2nd in Division 1 play with the Branson Bulls (Ross, CA). Branson came away with a 66-44 win and the Bulls moved on to meet another local rival, the James Logan Colts (Union City) in the Regional Finals on March 5th on the Colts’ home court.

 

 

A gardener’s perfumery

Article and photos by Lalitha Visveswaran

 

Babylonian Mesopotamia, 1200 BC: A palace overseer measures flowers, resins like myrrh, roots like calamus to distill and mixes them with water, oil, and solvents. She filters them again and again until a glorious liquid is created to be dabbed over the skin to impart a pleasant fragrance. Her name was Tapputi, the first known chemist and perfume maker to be recorded in cuneiform tablets.

 

Egyptian Pharaohs had perfumes to accompany them after death. The three wise men brought gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold. In “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” Lawrence of Arabia speaks of how perfumed oils were mixed with clay to create fragrant rooms. Even Shakespeare beckoned the perfumes of Arabia to mask the murderous guilt of Lady Macbeth. Today, Grasse, France, is known to be the world’s perfume center.

 

A whiff of lab-created synthetic perfume at the local mall shop is not the same as the sublime scent of night blooming jasmine from Arabia or the musky, woodsy secret from the heartwood of ancient Indian sandalwood trees or the summer distilled from the lavender fields of Provence. You can make your own natural perfume, free from harsh synthetics, and create your own olfactory pleasures.

 

Music also plays a part in perfumery. In the 19th century a Frenchman called Piesse classified the odors of essential oils (the concentrated volatile oils obtained by distillation of plant material) according to the musical scale. There is usually a top note, middle note, and base note in every scent blend.

 

Top notes are light and fresh and evaporate quickly. They are volatile, which means they stimulate your senses fast and sharp, then their impressions disappear. Basil, peppermint, and tea tree are good examples.

 

Middle notes have body and a balancing effect and are warm and soft. They take a while to make an impression but hang around like a best friend who comes when beckoned, but will soon leave. Geranium, lavender, fennel, and chamomile essential oils can offer middle notes.

 

Base notes are heavy and hang around the longest. Intense and heady, they linger and attempt to become part of your sensory memories. Many woodsy and resinous scents are base notes and usually expensive. Rose, jasmine, sandalwood, frankincense, vanilla, ylang-ylang, and oakmoss are some base notes.

 

A good essential oil blend must be harmonious, and it is possible to tweak the dominance of one note over another for a desired effect and to invoke a mood. This is why perfumes are powerful and playful, sensuous and sexy or can make us high or low.

 

Top notes are usually 15 – 25 percent of the blend, middle notes 30 – 40 percent, and base notes 45 – 55 percent. If making a warming winter massage oil, increasing the peppermint notes will have a tingly effect. To create a romantic mood, you could go heavy on rose, and if you are a man and don’t want to smell like flowers, go for woodsy fragrances like pine or sandalwood.

 

There are many ways to create a natural perfume, but here are the three easiest to try at home for daily use:

 

1. Oil-based perfumes. This has a base of a light non-greasy oil and a blend of essential oils. The ratio usually consists of 15 – 30 percent of essential oil blend in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil. It is important to treat pure essential oil with care as they are very potent and must be handled according to instructions or might cause harm to skin and eyes. They have a shelf life as the carrier oil can go rancid, hence make only small batches of perfume oils.

 

2. Alcohol-based perfume sprays. These have a base of alcohol like vodka and water or even plain alcohol. The essential oil blend is dissolved into this base and can be sprayed over fabric. The colorless alcohol will not leave a stain and will evaporate, leaving behind whiffs of the perfume. This is known as cologne or eau de cologne.

 

3. Solid perfumes. This is made with a solidified base that is a blend of oil and an emulsifying wax or coconut oil that hardens and scented with an essential oil blend. Solid perfume is easier to carry in a purse and won’t leak or spill. It is ideal in winter when there is no danger of the oils or waxes melting. It is made with the same ratio as a hard salve (three parts olive or coconut oil or mix of both plus one-part beeswax or vegan carnauba wax) so it melts upon skin contact at body temperature. All-natural perfumes can be applied at pressure points, behind ear lobes, or inside of wrists.

 

To create an essential oil blend, measure in drops, not milliliters. Make a blend of your choice and gently roll the mixing bottle between the palms allowing warmth to gently mingle the various notes. Let the blend sit in a cool, dry place for one to five days. Here are some of my favorite blends:

 

1. Woodsy and floral: rose, sandalwood, bergamot
2. Flirty and floral: bergamot, lemon/citrus, jasmine, vanilla
3. Earthy and far out: cedar wood, patchouli, palmarosa, vetiver, neroli
4. Lavender dreams: lavender, vanilla
5. Uplifting and tingly: orange, peppermint, cloves

 

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

 

 

Welcome to the neighborhood

Submitted by Newark PD

 

Officials from the Newark Police Department recently welcomed a new officer onto the force. Officer Corey Swadener was recently released from the Field Training Program is about to start work as a solo beat officer. To celebrate the occasion, on February 28 Field Training Officer Karl Fredstrom pinned a new police badge onto Swadener’s uniform.

Photo captions: The newest Fremont Police Department recruits; FPD Chief Kimberly Petersen administers the oath of office to new recruits. (Photo from FPD Facebook page)

 

 

New police recruits welcomed to Fremont

Submitted by Fremont PD

 

It was a proud day in Fremont when Fremont Police Chief Kimberly Petersen recently administered the oath of office to eight new police recruits. The newest Fremont Police Department team members were welcomed into the fold during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 8 and are now in field training. They completed a six-month training program through the Alameda County Sheriff’s Academy.

 

 

Eagles Fly High in Newark

Article and photo submitted by Rick Bensco

 

Newark Mayor Al Nagy and the City Council of Newark officially recognized Matthew Jacobs, Arsh Hothi, and Shray Khanna as Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 186 in Newark. The rank of Eagle is the highest rank available in Scouts and only obtained by about 3 percent of all Scouts. Jacobs, Hothi, and Khanna all applied in Scout achievements from first aid to cooking but most importantly their commitment to community service.

 

 

Newark Optimist Club Essay Winners Announced

Submitted by Darryl Rein

 

At Newark Optimist Club’s breakfast meeting on February 13, the club’s essay contest winners were recognized, and awarded medallions and cash prizes. Union City resident Aren Wang, 14, a student at Connecting Waters Charter School captured first place honors, while Newark Memorial High School senior Rachel Hunt took second place, and Newark Memorial High School junior Diya Indoliya was awarded third place in the contest. This year’s topic was “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?” Wang’s essay will be forwarded to the Pacific Central District Essay Contest, for an opportunity to win the $2,500 a college scholarship.

 

 

Newark City Council

February 28, 2019

 

Presentations and Proclamations:

• Introduction of Police Officers Mitchell Frentescu and Shawn Torres

 

Public Hearings:

• Approve a planned development for 21 single-family homes at 6179 Robertson Avenue.

 

Consent:

• Approve amendment to Employee Classification Plan to add Lead Public Safety Dispatcher.
• Approve Contractual Services Agreement for $1,034,016 with Vanir Construction Management, Inc. for construction management for new Civic Center.

 

City Council Matters:

• Cheryl Galvez (Recreation Coordinator) named Employee of the Year

 

Oral Communications:

• None

 

Mayor Alan Nagy                   Aye

Vice Mayor Sucy Collazo       Aye

Luis Freitas                             Aye

Michael Hannon                     Aye

Mike Bucci                             Aye

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

2019 State of the City Address

If you want to learn more about the issues and opportunities facing the City of Fremont, stay tuned. Fremont Mayor Lily Mei will be presenting the annual State of the City Address at a luncheon hosted by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Friday, March 22 at the Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley. To buy tickets, call Fremont Chamber of Commerce at (510) 795-2244 or visit www.Fremontbusiness.com. And in case you can’t make it, the State of the City Address will be rebroadcasted on Fremont Cable TV Channel 27, as well as posted to the city website by the end of the following week.

———————————————————–

Online Express Building Permits

The City of Fremont has announced that starting March 4 residents planning simple upgrades to their home can obtain the necessary building permits online. As the city streamlines the permitting process for these types of express permits, the option to obtain these permits by fax will no longer be available. The city is encouraging applicants to start using the easier online process. It improves customer flow at the permitting counter, saves time and money, and reduces paper clutter. It’s a win-win for the city and community.

 

Online express permits are available for the following residential projects:

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

 

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

———————————————————–

Call for Artists for boxART! Program

The City of Fremont is launching Phase 6 of the boxART! program and is looking for submissions to transform Fremont’s traffic signal control boxes with compelling and creative imagery. The city is issuing a call for innovative artists to enhance the utility boxes in a dramatic and new way. This is a good opportunity for forward-thinking artists to let the community see their work. In addition, photographs of the boxes and the artist’s contact information will be displayed on the city’s website.

• Eligibility: Bay Area residents
• Theme: Joy. Phase 6 is a celebration of multiple ideas of Joy. What is joy for you, your family, or your community? How do you express it visually?
• Stipend: $700, which includes material costs
• Application Deadline: 12 midnight Friday, April 12

 

For more information and to download the application, visit www.Fremont.gov/BoxArt or email Susan Longini, boxART! program manager, at boxart@fremont.gov.