4-7-20 Articles

Mystery diner leaves $10,000 tip at Naples restaurant

Associated Press

 

NAPLES, Fla. (AP), Mar 27 – Owners of a southwest Florida restaurant are trying to figure out who left a $10,000 tip for employees just before the state's eateries were ordered to close their dining rooms during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The man's generosity meant the 20 staff members at the Pavillion restaurant split the cash, each getting $500 on the day before they were laid off from their jobs.

 

Ross Edlund, who owns nine restaurants, told the Naples Daily News that the man who handed a manager the wad of cash is a regular customer, and he thinks his name might be Bill or Bob. He says the man likes to eat on the patio on weekdays and on weekends he often brings his family for brunch. They'd like to thank him.

 

“It's funny because we have regulars who have been coming in forever, and they're our friends but we don't always know their names. We know their faces, their orders, their favorite tables, but we don't know exactly who they are,” Edlund told the newspaper.

 

Edlund was forced to lay off 90% of his 200 employees over the past week. He's keeping some of his restaurants open with skeleton crews preparing take-out services.

 

The $10,000 tip was the most benevolent act his workers have seen, but Edlund says it's not the only one. He said many servers received big tips last week and they continue to get them as regular customers pick up curbside orders.

 

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.

 

 

Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

Submitted by ACSO

 

Friday, March 27

• Sheriff’s deputies are investigating an early morning burglary at a Castro Valley barber shop where numerous clippers were taken along with a cash register. Surveillance video captured the burglar in the shop at about 3:00 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to call ACSO at (510) 667-7721.

 

 

Reflections on Water

Water quality and supply remain unaffected

Submitted by Sharene Gonzales

 

The Alameda County Water District’s (ACWD) delivery of essential water service to Fremont, Newark, and Union City will continue during the Alameda County’s extended shelter-in place-order. The critical operations provided by ACWD’s staff qualify as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” as identified by the state public health officer.

 

“This emergency is affecting our community in ways we have never imagined,” said ACWD Board President Judy Huang. “We want our customers to have one less worry and know that their water service will remain on and is safe to drink,” she added.

 

General operations provided by ACWD will continue with some administrative services reduced to follow health directives of social distancing.

 

ACWD’s water is safe to drink

The water from your tap is safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). It is treated and tested before making its way to your home or business and continues to meet or surpass all state and federal drinking water standards.

 

Continuous Water Service 24/7

To ensure that all customers are provided with continuous service, and to assist with those who may have financial hardships as a result of this crisis, ACWD has temporarily suspended water disconnections for non-payment and late payment fees. ACWD’s customer assistance program, Help on Tap, offers income-qualified customers a $25 bi-monthly bill credit.

 

Keeping our employees safe

Our employees are our best asset and their safety is critical. ACWD has implemented many measures to increase physical distancing. Customers are asked to maintain physical distance of at least 6-feet from any ACWD staff you see performing work in our community.

 

Service and accessibility

While our customer lobby is closed to the public, the following services will continue over the phone or by scheduled appointments:

• Customer Service
• Development Services: Inspections/installations of new or modified water services or extensions
• Engineering Services: Construction of critical water infrastructure
• Distribution & Maintenance: Emergency repairs
• Groundwater inspections
• Water Conservation: Rebates
• Emergency repairs

 

 

Alameda County Water District

Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(510) 668-4200

24-Hour emergency hotline: (510) 668-6500

General Information: www.acwd.org

Help on Tap: www.acwd.org/HOT

Water Quality Report: www.acwd.org/2018CCR

 

 

Updates regarding water service during COVID-19: www.acwd.org/COVID19

Animal Shelters ask for community's help

Submitted by Kelly Miott

 

Alameda and Contra Costa Animal Shelters have united to ask the community to please make a plan for their beloved companion animals. With a COVID-19 peak expected in the San Francisco Bay Area, hospitals and medical providers are preparing to meet an overwhelming demand for medical assistance and hospital stays. Public Animal Shelters are preparing as well. Though this illness has proven to be deadly for our oldest and most compromised community members, countless residents may experience a hospital stay. This potentially leaves hundreds of companion animals needing care.

 

Shelters are urging residents to have a plan:

1. Put together a bag of animal supplies with food, two weeks of medications, and any additional needed supplies, including a travel kennel.
2. Create a written emergency plan for each of your pets. Include your name and contact information, including cell phone number, your pet’s feeding schedule, any medical conditions and treatment instructions. Document whether your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, and list the contact information for your veterinarian. Lastly, provide up to three contacts for family members or friends who will be able to check on your medical status and give the provider updates.
3. Find a temporary caregiver who is able to take on your pets if you are hospitalized. Contact neighbors, family, friends, pet-sitters and boarding facilities. The most ideal situation for you and your pets is for them to remain out of a public shelter. Though public shelters can help in emergencies, the system isn't designed to provide long-term care. In addition, available space is limited, and shelters may not have the capacity to help all animals in need.

 

Private and public shelters have seen an outpouring of offers to assist during this difficult time. Utilizing Governor Newsom’s partnership with NextDoor, called Neighbor-to-Neighbor, you may find local community members who are willing to care for your animals while you recover.

Having a plan will reduce your stress by providing peace of mind that your pets will be cared for. In addition, keeping public shelters free of long-term care animals allows them to be better prepared for the onset of kitten season, stray pets, and animal care cases that require immediate attention.

 

Alameda and Contra Costa Counties combined have eight public animal shelters operating year-round to serve pets in our communities. Facilities employ animal control officers and staff who specialize in reunited lost pets, fighting animal abuse, and caring for animals while they await new homes.

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

 

Friday, March 27

• A woman identified by police as Loretta Howard, 55, of Hayward was arrested at Hayward station on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. She was issued a prohibition order and booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

Tuesday, March 31

• At 3:19 p.m. a man identified by police as Pierre Johnson, 24, of Antioch was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $50,000 warrant issued by Vallejo Police Department. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

Go on a walk – but look out for bears

By Stephanie Gertsch

Photos courtesy of Glenmoor Gardens and Fremont Police Facebook pages

 

During “Shelter in Place” a walk outside is one of the best ways to unwind and get some exercise, while observing the rules of social isolation. As more families ramble the streets, local neighborhoods have added an element of fun. Plush bears have been popping up in the windows and on the porches around Glenmoor and Niles, among other neighborhoods. This is a way to give kids a fun scavenger hunt and for neighbors to show support for each other – even without meeting in person.

 

Fremont resident Kathleen McCabe-Martin first noticed the bear hunt in Niles. “I am on the Niles Yahoo Group; [they have] really gotten into the Bear Hunt as a fun and happy thing to do for the community. Because I drive for Meals on Wheels Mondays in the Niles area, I have seen dozens of bears in the windows of houses and stores. This is such a happy and fun idea.”

 

Glenmoor Gardens decided to get in on the fun when neighborhood parent Grace Karr shared an article from Mashable that explained the concept. Chris Valle, administrator for the Glenmoor Google Group and board member of the neighborhood’s homeowner association, says, “I had no idea how much it would take off. After Grace’s email, the neighborhood immediately started replying with ‘we are putting a bear in our window now, we live on this street.’ Within two hours we had dozens of emails to the point that someone asked if we could organize the effort into a Google Spreadsheet.” He made the sheet, and within 48 hours there were over 100 participating homes.

 

Valle himself has three daughters, and the family goes bear hunting (with dog) to take a break from school at home. Valle says, “It has been truly inspiring for neighbors to focus on a positive activity that keeps our kids active and engaged. I think this is even more critical now as families are struggling to find balance of working, home schooling and ensuring we adjust to a new normal.”

 

Glenmoor resident Kathy Kimberlin agrees. “People generally like a routine. With the lack of the usual routine, my street has started family walking routines, including babies, young kids, parents, grandparents and even their dogs. They look forward to seeing the bears, giraffes, fish, penguins and a variety of critters in our windows on Elliot Street. The kids often wave and yell ‘Hello’ to the animals as they pass.”

 

Glenmoor and Niles bear hunts have even been featured on Fremont Police Department’s Twitter and Facebook. Hopefully, the game will continue to spread joy to other communities.

 

You can read the original Mashable article here: https://mashable.com/article/coronavirus-teddy-bear-hunt-children/

Editor’s Note:

Hayward has also joined the bear hunt fun with a Nixle post from the Hayward Police Department at local.nixle.com/alert/7906206 and additional information at: https://time.com/5809613/bear-hunts-coronavirus/

 

 

Support local restaurants and small businesses

By Tina Kapoor, economic development manager, City of Fremont

 

Small businesses bring a great deal of vitality and sense of community to our city. However, the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to change at an alarming pace, and the impact on small businesses has been especially dramatic.

 

We encourage you to consider supporting local Fremont restaurants and small businesses. In partnership with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and local community members, we recently have distributed window signage to businesses to alerts folks that they are open during the pandemic.

 

We have also introduced a new addition to our toolbox that will make it easier for you to support local from the comfort of your home – an interactive map (www.Fremont.gov/Open). You can use this map from any device to find local restaurants and coffee shops offering take-out and delivery options, as well as other small businesses that are open during the stay-at-home order.

 

To use the interactive map, click on the upper left icon for a list of all businesses, the upper right icon to go full screen, and use the search function. This is not an exhaustive list. We continue to add open restaurants and small businesses as we identify them. To get your favorite restaurant listed in the map, please send an email to econdev@fremont.gov or fmtcc@fremontbusiness.com.

 

 

Have a background in health care? California needs your help

Submitted by Governor's Press Office

 

On March 30, Governor Gavin Newsom launched a major new initiative to expand California's health care workforce and recruit health care professionals to address the COVID-19 surge. Health care professionals with an active license, public health professionals, medical retirees, medical and nursing students, or members of medical disaster response teams in California are all encouraged to join the new California Health Corps.

 

“California's health care workers are the heroes of this moment, serving on the front lines in the fight against this disease. To treat the rising number of patients with COVID-19, our state needs more workers in the health care field to join the fight. If you have a background in health care, we need your help. Sign up at healthcorps.ca.gov,” said Newsom.

 

Interested medical and health care professionals are encouraged to visit https://covid19.ca.gov/healthcorps/ for more information and to register for the California Health Corps. Medical doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, behavioral health scientists, pharmacists, EMTs, medical and administrative assistants, as well as certified nursing assistants are encouraged to help California respond to the outbreak.

 

The governor has also signed an executive order that will temporarily expand the health care workforce and allow health care facilities to staff at least an additional 50,000 hospital beds the state needs to treat COVID-19 patients.

 

“Outreach to unemployed health care workers and under-employed foreign medical graduates will help build the workforce needed to fight the pandemic — and also create new opportunities and jobs for Californians struggling with unemployment,” said California Labor Secretary Julie A. Su.

 

More ways for Californians to support their communities and request assistance are outlined on the California Volunteers website https://californiavolunteers.ca.gov/get-involved/covid-19/.

 

 

Chanticleers Theatre Reschedules upcoming shows

Submitted by Steve Wilner

 

Chanticleers Theatre (“Chanticleers”) announced today that the scheduled productions of The Bridges of Madison County and Mamma Mia are being rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jacklyn L. Wilferd, Ph.D., President of the Chanticleers Board of Directors, released the following statement:

 

“First and foremost, all of us here at Chanticleers hope that you and yours are well and healthy. As we hope you are doing, we are strictly adhering to the Stay-At-Home and Social Distancing orders so that we can all come through this pandemic healthy.

 

“Chanticleers Theatre is currently closed, with no rehearsals or performances taking place. However, the Board of Directors has been meeting via conference calls and planning, as best we can, for how to safely and responsibly resume our operations when the situation allows. At this point, and using our best judgement of future events, here is our current plan for our current season:

 

1. The Bridges of Madison County, previously scheduled to open May 1st, will now open October 16th and run through November 15th (the time slot formerly allotted for Mamma Mia).
2. The Foreignerwill open as planned on July 17th, running through August 9th (no change to dates).
3. Mamma Miawill now open our 2021 season and in February 2021. (The balance of our 2021 season is still being determined and will be announced once rights are obtained.)

 

“For those who have purchased tickets and reserved a specific day to attend either The Bridges of Madison County or Mamma Mia, we will simply move your tickets to the same day within the new timeframe. Of course, if you would like to change days or request a refund, we are more than happy to accommodate your request – simply contact the box office staff at reservations@chanticleers.org or call 510-SEE-LIVE (733-5483). We appreciate your continued support. Our Flex Pass holders will be sent a separate email with additional information.

 

“PLEASE NOTE: Prior to re-opening our theatre, we will have the entire facility cleaned and disinfected to ensure the safety of our audiences, staff and performers. In addition, we will follow all health department guidelines for any recurring cleaning recommended at that point in time. Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us!

 

“All of us at Chanticleers want to thank you for your patience and we appreciate your support. And, when the situation allows, we hope that you will not only see our shows but also support the wide range of theatre available here in the Bay Area. All theatre companies are struggling to get back on our feet and we all need your support now more than ever.”

 

 

Choicelunch begins drive-through grocery pickup service

Submitted by Ana Pallas

 

When the coronavirus forced the closure of schools in a matter of days, Choicelunch, a school lunch delivery company, had to act fast. The company is used to serving school lunches to 25,000 kids per day, but with all of their customers sheltered-in-place, they had to find a new way to deliver to local families.

 

“Almost everyone had stockpiled groceries prior to the shelter-in-place order, but we knew we were all going to be in it for the long haul,” says Justin Gagnon, Choicelunch co-founder and CEO. A third-generation Danville native, Gagnon turned his focus directly to his local community. “We saw the frenzy and stockouts in the grocery stores, but knew that our foodservice distribution partners had excessive capacity from restaurants and foodservice businesses slowing down and even shutting completely. We wanted to find a way to reliably get the products our community needed into the hands our residents.”

 

Gagnon worked through the weekend building an online ordering platform for the concept, while his partners, Keith Cosbey and Ryan Mariotti, worked on sourcing ingredients for the online store from foodservice distributors. Even Gagnon’s mom, Mary Gagnon, and sister, Robbie Anderson, got involved, sewing protective masks for employees to wear.

 

In less than 24 hours, the Choicelunch Pantry was online and accepting orders for pickup in the Choicelunch Danville kitchen on March 24. Now, ChoiceLunch has expanded, offering staples to Rossmoor, Hayward, and San Jose.

 

The Choicelunch Pantry is currently stocking Farm Fresh Produce Boxes, “flat” of eggs (2 ½ dozen), gallons of milk, fresh ground beef and meats, seafood, and fresh-baked bread from Roma Bakery, a 117-year-old family-owned bakery in San Jose.

 

“After I started building the ordering platform, I saw a Facebook post from a good friend of mine in Danville (Jason Pera) whose parents own Roma Bakery. Jason’s mom was standing outside in strip mall selling loaves of bread on a folding table,” recounts Gagnon. When he saw people asking how they could buy Roma bread in Danville, he knew exactly what to do. “People were saying ‘I’m happy to make a run down there for all of us! I’ll take orders!’ I knew there was a way I could help a friend’s family and bring Roma Bakery to all of Danville, so I ran with it.”

 

In less than an hour, Roma Bakery products were on the Chiocelunch Pantry website, ready to take orders. Choicelunch has kitchens in both San Jose and Danville, and plans to have a Choicelunch team member picking up fresh bread daily in San Jose and delivering to Danville for drive-through pick-up the same day. “My wife loves the saying ‘do the next right thing’, and I’m a big believer that in times of crisis, that’s really all any of us can do,” says Gagnon. “This is more of a community service than anything. Many of our neighbors are nervous about going to the grocery store or frustrated that when they do go, staple ingredients are often out of stock. My own brother couldn’t believe we could get eggs. Our goal right now is to help our community by getting food safely to our neighbors, and help our people by keeping as many of them working as possible.”

 

Choicelunch is a family-owned school lunch company established in 2003 by co-founders Justin Gagnon, Keith Cosbey, and Ryan Mariotti with Larry and Mary Gagnon. Choicelunch delivers lunches to 300 schools across California from 5 kitchens with a staff of 200 employees company-wide.

 

For more information go to http://www.choicelunch.com or https://pantry.choicelunch.com

Your community needs a neighborhood scavenger hunt

By Brian Presley

 

We know that self-isolation is very important at this time to help fight the spread of COVID-19 but that doesn't mean you can't go for a walk with your kids to get a bit of exercise and some fresh air. Some kids, especially the younger ones can find it a little boring. That’s why your community needs a neighborhood scavenger hunt.

 

This simple idea will help make your stroll more interesting and provide a fun activity for your kids inside and outside your home. There are a few variations, but this is one that you can do every day.

 

First, have your kids draw or paint an object on a regular piece of paper. It can be a star, a number, a clown or anything else their imagination can think of. It should however be an object that people can identify. Once the artwork has been completed, tape it to a window facing the street. It should be large enough so that it can be seen from the sidewalk.

 

When the kids walk by, they can look for the artwork and depending on their age, can track how many drawings they've seen or how many of each type of drawing there are. Parents can make this into a fun game by giving their kids a clipboard with lined paper. Each home can make and tape up a new piece of art every day. Changing the artwork regularly will make it more interesting for your audience.

 

If you don't have kids or are not the drawing type, you can always use holiday decorations from Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Halloween. It can even be an old birthday or anniversary banner. Some homes have been using teddy bears and dolls. Use anything that would be of interest to the kids and their families as they walk by.

 

It’s a little thing that will help make this difficult time a little less boring for everyone.

 

Brian Presley is a former youth worker, camp counselor, and semi-retired stay-at-home dad who operates the parenting website What To Do With The Kids® along with the Facebook page @whattodowiththekids where you’ll find games, crafts, activities, and local events.

 

 

Community support available to people in need

Submitted by Rose Padilla Johnson

 

Davis Street, a non-profit community service organization in San Leandro, is reminding its clients and community members that they are open and available to help people who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

 

Located at 3081 Teagarden St., Davis Street offers numerous health, family and community support services to those who need them. Services include:

 

Primary care clinic

The clinic is open and treating both acute and chronic patients on site and through Telehealth technologies from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays. Behavior health, including psychiatric services are open and treating patients on site and using telehealth for physical distancing purposes.

 

Preventative dental services are on hold, except emergency dental treatments. Clinic staff follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols for intake and triage of patients. In addition, COVID19-CDC, Alameda County Public Health and the State of California testing protocols are in place, including special care protocols for protection of staff.

 

Food pantry

Davis Street’s food pantry is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Staff members are using CDC protocols to sanitize all donated food items before they are distributed. Clients may pick up a grocery bag at the warehouse door or have their bag taken to their car; call or text (510) 561-9042.

 

The clothing program usually operated by Davis Street is closed at this time; only food donations are being accepted.

 

Children’s services

Operations are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Pre-school and school-age care is provided following CDC protocols. For questions, contact Trish Murillo, Children’s Services Manager at (510) 347-4620, extension 167 or email tmurillo@davisstreet.org.

 

• Jefferson Site is open 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays
• Lakeside Site is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays
• Garfield and Roosevelt Elementary sites are closed.

 

For children of “Essential Workers” as per Alameda County guidelines, see the “Shelter in Place” document on the county website at https://www.acgov.org/documents/Final-Order-to-Shelter-In-Place.pdf

 

How to help

Davis Street’s families need help now more than ever. Davis Street is in need of volunteers, monetary donations, N95 and surgical masks, sanitizing items, and unexpired food. The organization has an online “Wish List” at Amazon where donors are encouraged to browse and shop at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1MV6IPYUUW2BD

 

Monetary donations of checks or cash can be dropped off or mailed to:

Davis Street Community Center

3081 Teagarden St., San Leandro

 

Anyone who is able-bodied, under age 60, without chronic illness, able to lift up to 20 pounds and interested in volunteering at the Davis Street food pantry, can text or call (510) 561-9042.

 

 

DMV helping seniors with expiring driver licenses

Submitted by California Office of Emergency Services

 

On April 1 the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced that seniors with an expiring driver license will receive a 120-day extension in the mail during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, those with safe driving records whose last DMV visit was 15 years ago will not be required to renew in person for the next 60 days and will be able to renew online or by mail.

 

“Today’s actions ensure hundreds of thousands of Californians can keep their driver license current while following the state’s stay at home request,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said. “The health and safety of our employees and customers is the DMV’s top priority. We encourage customers to take advantage of our online services whenever possible, including for eligible driver license or vehicle registration renewals.”

 

120-day extension for drivers 70 and older

The DMV is providing a 120-day extension to Californians age 70 and older with a driver license that expires from March 1 to May 31, 2020. This action ensures this vulnerable group can avoid a DMV office visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

California law requires drivers age 70 and older to visit a DMV field office to renew their license but gives the DMV authority to issue extensions — no individual action is required. Eligible drivers will receive a paper license extension in the mail. The expiration dates will reflect a minimum of 120 days before renewal is required. Around 860,000 seniors visit DMV offices every year for the required in-person license renewal.

 

Waiving in-person renewals

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order on March 30 temporarily waiving for 60 days the requirement for Californians with safe driving records to renew their driver license in-person at a DMV field office. The Executive Order also temporarily waives required in-person renewals for identification cards. The DMV is also completing the programming necessary so that individuals who meet the criteria will be able to complete their renewal online or by mail beginning Wednesday, April 8.

 

Duplicate driver license

The DMV now offers Californians the option to use its online services to request a duplicate driver license if theirs was lost or stolen and does not expire within 30 days. A duplicate license costs $30. Approximately 1 million Californians request duplicate licenses each year.

 

Essential DMV services continue

The DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, its call center at (800) 777-0133, available business partners and, soon, virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The DMV encourages customers to use another service channel if their transaction does not require an office visit. These services are listed on the DMV website at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv and include change of address, replacement sticker or registration card, notice of transfer and release of liability, and vehicle license fee refund requests, among others.

 

In addition, the Virtual Field Office at https://virtual.dmv.ca.gov/ can process title transfers and complex vehicle registrations that would otherwise have to be accomplished in an office. More services will be offered through the Virtual Field Office in the coming weeks.

 

 

Donate Locally

By TCV Office Staff

 

During a crisis, one of the worst things is feeling powerless: powerless to change our own situation and powerless to do anything positive to mitigate a growing catastrophe. However, there are many ways to help around the Bay Area for people of all levels of resources.

 

Hospitals

Healthcare workers are on the front lines helping the ill and providing tests. But they desperately need protective equipment such as face masks (especially N95 models), disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer. Members of the public who have been able to stockpile or purchase these items can donate to hospitals around the country.

 

The database #GetUsPPE has posted a list of hospitals accepting donations. It started as a hashtag on Twitter but now has its own website at  https://getusppe.org/. There are options for people seeking supplies, and those seeking to donate supplies.

 

Some donation sites in the East Bay are St. Rose Hospital in Hayward; Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley; Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Tri-City Health Center, and Washington Hospital in Fremont; Kaiser Permanente in Fremont and San Leandro; and Sequoia Home Health and Hospice in Milpitas.

 

Food Banks

With school closures and rising unemployment, many are relying on foodbanks for daily meals – in addition to the people who rely on those resources already. You can support local foodbanks through donations of staple foods with a long shelf life, monetary donations, or volunteering your time. In addition, food banks are taking steps to keep users healthy, such as providing grab-and-go bags rather than letting people browse the shelves, and doing curbside pickup.

 

Some local food banks are Milpitas Food Pantry (http://milpitasfoodpantry.org/) and Tri-City Volunteers (https://www.tri-cityvolunteers.org/).

 

Volunteer remotely

You don’t have to leave your home to help your community. There are ways to reach out by phone, by text, and online. Virtual volunteering opportunities in the Bay Area (or anywhere really, that’s the point) can be found at https://www.volunteermatch.org/.

 

Donate Blood

Currently, there is a shortage of blood donors as people are afraid to come out and donate, and as more eligible donors fall ill. However, Red Cross is putting safety measures in place for those who do come to their centers, including taking everyone’s temperature at the door and wiping down all equipment in between donors.

 

Local centers are:

 

Fremont-Newark Center

39227 Cedar Blvd., Newark

 

Oakland Donation Center

6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland

 

Pleasanton Donation Center

5880 W. Las Positas Blvd. Suite #34, Pleasanton

 

San Jose Donation Center

2731 N. First St., San Jose

 

1 (800)-RED-CROSS

 

 

Help Neighbors

Now is a time to check in with your neighbors, so you can keep an eye on each other. Some may need help with childcare or home deliveries. The website Next Door (https://nextdoor.com/) lets you keep up with what’s going on in your neighborhood.

 

Organizations are also specifically asking for drivers who can deliver food and other supplies to seniors. Life Elder Care is looking for healthy adults who are at a low risk for COVID-19 to pair with a senior citizen as a delivery driver for supplies and prescriptions. Learn more at https://www.tricityatrisk.com/. Spectrum services is also looking for volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels: https://www.spectrumcs.org/senior-services/meals-on-wheels.

 

Help elders in care homes

Because the senior population is especially at risk from COVID-19, senior living facilities are closing their doors to visitors. Many of the elderly are lonely, cut off from their friends and family during a stressful time. A phone call, letter, or postcard can brighten their day and help them feel connected to the outside world without exposing them to infection.

 

There are several senior living facilities in the Tri-City area, such as Acacia Creek (https://acaciacreek.org/) and Aegis Living (https://www.aegisliving.com/). Both of these have taken steps to isolate patients and quarantine patients and staff who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. While they don’t have information on whether they are accepting letters and phone calls, they can be contacted through their websites.

 

These tips are just a start as more communities are getting organized to lend support to the most vulnerable.

 

 

Easter and Passover

By office staff

 

The middle of April, 2020 will see the observance of two important holidays for the Jewish and Christian communities: Passover and Easter. While people will not be able to gather at centers of worship, observing these holidays has an even greater significance this year as both center on the power of God over death.

 

Passover

In 2020, Passover takes place from Wednesday, April 8 until Thursday, April 16.

 

Passover (Pesach) is an eight-day festival that commemorates the delivery of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. The story says G-d sent ten plagues to punish the Egyptians. For the last, the killing of the first born, the angel of death is said to have “passed over” the houses of Israelites who had marked their doors with lamb’s blood. This is where the term Passover comes from.

 

The eight days of Passover include two holidays with special meals at the beginning and end, and four “intermediate days” in the middle. As it is believed the Israelites ate unleavened bread during the first Passover night, observing Jewish families throw out every bit of Chametz—wheat, barley, rye, or any of their derivatives. Instead, families eat Matzah, or unleavened bread.

 

The Seder ritual is observed on the first two nights of the holiday with eating of Matzah and bitter herbs, drinking of wine, and recitation of Haggadah.

 

Chabat of Fremont has resources for those who are concerned about how to hold Seder safely during shelter in place and how to prepare special meals with minimal ingredients. In March they delivered Seder-to-go kits to those celebrating at home.

 

https://www.chabadfremont.com/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/4685263/jewish/Coronavirus-Passover-Resources.htm

 

Easter

This year, Easter Sunday is on April 12.

 

Although the name “Easter” and the secular traditions of egg hunts and baskets have pagan origins, the holiday also has significance to the Christian community as the time to remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, these events occurred during Passover week, with Jesus arrested after a communal meal on Friday (now called Good Friday), executed on Saturday, and rising from the tomb on Sunday.

 

Many Christian churches are livestreaming their Easter services. Check your church’s website or call to find out their Easter schedule. In the meantime, here are two churches where livestreamed Easter services will be available on the website:

 

Christ Community Church, Milpitas

https://www.cccmilpitas.org/

 

Resonate, Fremont and Hayward

http://resonatemovement.org/onlineservices/

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

With measures in place made necessary by the coronavirus pandemic, many of the East Bay Regional parks are still open to the public. But we all need to help to keep them that way.

 

At this writing, five regional parks are completely closed: Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, Bay Point Regional Shoreline in Pittsburg (for construction), Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek, Point Isabel in Richmond, and Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County.

 

At other regional parks, trails are generally open but other park features are closed. Closures include the Tilden Little Farm, all visitor centers, picnic areas, restrooms, water fountains, some parking lots, swim areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, back country campsites, kiosks, sports fields, and reservable facilities.

 

The district’s 300 miles of paved, regional inter-park trails are open. These include the Delta-DeAnza and Marsh Creek Regional Trails in East Contra Costa, Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail in central Contra Costa, Iron Horse Trail through the San Ramon Valley, and Alameda Creek Regional Trail in Newark and Fremont.

 

For a detailed and up-to-date list of what is open and closed, visit the park district website at www.ebparks.org, and click on “COVID-19 Updates & Closure Information” at the top of the home page. To avoid disappointment, I recommend that you always do that before venturing out to a park.

 

Because coronavirus is highly contagious and can be spread by overcrowding, all these measures are intended to secure the safety of both the general public and the staff who maintain, operate and police the regional parks. As a result, although there are rangers on duty, staffing is at a lower level. Like all of us, many staff are sheltering in place and caring for their families.

 

If the spread of coronavirus increases, more restrictive measures may have to be taken. But we can all help to prevent that by observing some specific precautions:

• Maintain a six-foot distance from other people.
• No picnicking, groups, gatherings or meetups. Only immediate households should be together.
• Use gloves or hand sanitizers at high use contact points such as trail gates.
• Always keep dogs on leash. When dogs congregate, so do their owners.
• Pack out all trash, including dog waste bags. Because of lower staffing, trash collection will be limited.
• Do not use single-use plastic water bottles. Bring your own water in a permanent-use container. Water fountains have been closed.
• Use the toilet at home before you visit the park. Park toilets are locked shut.
• Park safely; please do not block fire road gates or obstruct park access roads.

 

All the regional park naturalist programs have been cancelled. However, you can still enjoy some park district nature programs online. The district naturalists have put together a series of Facebook video programs called “Creature Features,” each highlighting a natural history topic. You can access these on your Facebook page by typing in a search for “East Bay Regional Park District Creature Features.” The first four “creatures” featured are a newt, wildflowers, a gopher snake, and skull detectives, and there are more to come.

 

The park district is in constant contact and in compliance with all local and state health departments. The coronavirus pandemic is by nature rapidly evolving, with changes daily. The hope is that if we all work together, these changes will be for the better, and we will be able to resume our normal way of living sooner rather than later. The park district board and staff offer thanks to the public for its understanding and cooperation.

 

 

Eden Health District announces $500K for COVID-19 resources

Submitted by Stephen Cassidy

 

Gordon Galvan, chairperson of the board of directors of Eden Health District announced on April 2 that the directors have authorized CEO Mark Friedman to spend up to $500,000 to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be divided evenly between the purchase of face masks and other personal protective equipment and, in partnership with other agencies, the establishment of COVID-19 testing for community members.

 

The action was taken at the board’s April 1 meeting where the district also adopted a proclamation declaring a local emergency as a result of COVID-19. This proclamation enables the district to mobilize resources and access emergency federal and state funding should they become available.

 

“While the district's funding sources are sharply constrained as it does not collect any tax revenue from the community, the district will draw from its cash reserves to serve as a catalyst for broader public agency and community efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak,” stated Galvan.

 

Among the specific initiatives under consideration by the district is the purchase of certified face masks from American distributors. “We hope to purchase at least 100,000 masks in the near future,” explained Friedman. “In determining potential sites for testing we will seek to build on the already successful efforts of the City of Hayward firefighters and will be working closely with them to identify other sites within the district and county that can augment their work.”

 

 

Eden Health District selects Mark Friedman as new Chief Executive Officer

Submitted by Stephen Cassidy

 

The Eden Health District announced that it has appointed Mark Friedman as its Chief Executive Officer. The former CEO of the Thomas J. Long Foundation and First 5 Alameda County as well as a three-time Mayor of the City of El Cerrito, Friedman commenced his service as the District CEO on March 18, 2020.

 

Friedman serves on the Board of Directors of the East Bay Community Foundation, and served as its Board Chair from 2017 to 2019. Friedman served as the Chief Executive Officer of First 5 Alameda County for 15 years and was the CEO of the Thomas J. Long Foundation for 4.5 years serving as one of the largest philanthropic givers in the East Bay, concentrating on grants to community organizations improving education, services to seniors, services for people with disabilities, and providing critical safety net services.

 

“We are excited to have Mark as the District’s new CEO. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of public health, government and community service, and philanthropic giving combined with a deep commitment to improving access to healthcare. The Board will work closely with Mark to leverage its resources to address the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Gordon Galvan, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Eden Health District.

 

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the new CEO of the Eden Health District during this unprecedented time,” commented Mark Friedman. “I look forward to working under the direction of the Board of Directors to partner with county and city agencies, healthcare providers and non-profit organizations to rise to the challenge COVID-19 poses to the health and welfare of the residents of the Eden Area.”

 

An initiative already started by the District has been the launch of a free COVID-19 Bulletin that synthesizes the near overwhelming news on the pandemic. With an emphasis on the East Bay, the bulletin also condenses the latest state, national and international news into manageable summaries. The Bulletin is a joint project with the East Bay Community Foundation.

 

“The COVID-19 Bulletin provides local policy makers and community members accurate

and timely information to help them make the best policy and personal choices in response to the pandemic,” stated Friedman. The bulletin is posted online at https://ethd.org/daily-bulletin-update/. Persons who wish to receive the bulletin directly by email should contact District Clerk Barbara Adranly at badranly@ethd.org to request to be added to the District’s bulletin distribution list. Announcements regarding community services and the response to the pandemic can be sent to the same address for inclusion in future bulletins.

 

 

Editorial

 

The best of times

 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

 

Charles Dickens begins his epic novel “A Tale of Two Cities” with this contradictory statement. The reference addresses French and English politics during the 18th century French Revolution (1789-1799). In the midst of chaos and conflict, political upheaval was not only a morass of despair, but a beacon of hope for those mired in a caste system that stifled ingenuity. Dickens not only wrote a popular saga, but raised important questions that remain relevant to this day.

 

In times of great upheaval, basic qualities of humanity are revealed. Social inequality is laid bare and vicious response is a strong possibility. During the French Revolution, the thin veneer of civility was stripped away; emotional vengeance accompanied violent change. At the same time, England held tightly to its class consciousness. Dickens, writing about this in retrospect, juxtaposed the two systems and exposed the inherent hypocrisy of upper-class pretensions and the quandary of ethical reply by the oppressed.

 

Borrowing the phrase from Dickens and applying it to our current crisis, many parallels are visible. It is indeed one of the “worst of times” during which many foolish and insincere actions are on display. Government at the national level appears ruled by confusion, issuing mixed messages; an indication of disarray. However, it is also “a season of light” as leadership, strength and resolve have emerged in our communities. Swift action by state, regional and local authorities may well have averted a local cataclysmic situation even though at enormous cost to social and fiscal life. It is heartening that residents of the southeast Bay Area are responding in a peaceful and orderly manner to ensure continuation of the strength and resilience of our communities.

 

At this time of crisis, the role of government is on display for all to see. Each level – local, regional, state, federal, global – is designed to offer protection and comfort through orderly oversight, regulation and protection. When prosperity is rampant, the need for such guardrails appears slight; restrictions appear unnecessary and chafe. Reserves and plans for catastrophic events may be sidelined in favor of more immediate and satisfying efforts. A “rainy day” fund or contingency is easily dismissed and reduced in importance as historical lessons are scuttled by insufficient institutional or personal memories. New generations discount the cyclical nature of events, concentrating on the brief interlude of their own lifespan. In the long run, however, recurrence is the rule rather than an exception.

 

Recognition of the past can act to leaven euphoria or despair of the present. It may be difficult to appreciate the wisdom of such advice, but many influential personalities have expressed similar sentiments… not to enslave and restrict progress, but as a solid foundation to embrace advances of the present and future.

 

The distinction between the past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion. – Albert Einstein

 

You have to know the past to understand the present. – Carl Sagan

 

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. – George Santayana

 

While these days may be characterized as the worst of times, they can also be one of our best… a season of light!

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Wednesday, April 1

• At 5:39 p.m. officers responded to a report about suspicious group of people in the neighborhood around Ballantine Place and Tamayo Street who were trying to enter residential yards. Officers quickly located and detained four juvenile males, ages 15 to 17 and found an unloaded semi-automatic firearm near a backpack the group had discarded. Officers linked the group to a large burglary and vandalism incident earlier in the day at American High School. More investigation matched the group to a series of residential burglaries in the Centerville area on March 31 and a large street fight earlier in the day in the area of Chapel Way and Bay Street in the Irvington area. The youths were interviewed and released to their parents with police requesting they be charged with burglary, attempted burglary, possession of a firearm and vandalism. A request for restitution for the damage to American High School will be made through the juvenile court proceedings.

 

• At 8:49 p.m. officers responded to a report from a homeowner about a burglary at his home the previous day. The victim said a large Penske box truck appeared to be connected to the burglary and that he spotted the truck parked at the Mission Valley Shopping Plaza on Mission Boulevard. A license plate check showed the vehicle was reported stolen from Union City. Detectives also determined the vehicle was suspected in numerous burglaries throughout Fremont. When officers attempted an enforcement stop, the truck driver sped off leading officers on a pursuit through Fremont, Union City, Hayward and into San Leandro where the truck collided with another vehicle on Bancroft Avenue and Juana Avenue. The truck driver fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by a Fremont Police Department K9 and officer. The suspect was identified by police as Andrew Beck, 34, a transient from Fremont. He was arrested, then taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries from the K9 detainment. He faces charges of possessing a stolen vehicle, stolen property, hit and run, felony evading and resisting arrest. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Fremont Police Detective M. Stone at Mstone@fremont.gov or call the Investigative Unit at (510) 790-6900. To send a web tip, go to https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/5788118, or text a tip by typing TIP FREMONTPD followed by a short message to 888777.

 

• At 11:55 p.m. officers responded to a report that a vehicle had struck three parked cars on Pecos Avenue. Witnesses told officers that a female was seen driving away from the area. Officers soon found the 17-year-old driver nearby. After she failed a series of Field Sobriety Tests, she was arrested on suspicion of DUI. There were no injuries.

 

 

Local COVID-19 testing center opens

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

On April 3, the City of Fremont opened its Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing site to provide an opportunity for people who are sick, first responders, and frontline health-care personnel with recent suspected exposures to the virus to be tested for free. The tests are free to the public and available to anyone regardless of where they reside or their immigration status.

 

The Fremont Fire COVID-19 Testing Center will help alleviate the pressure on hospital emergency departments, provide faster test results for recently exposed first responders and frontline health-care workers, and increase community’s ability to suppress new transmissions through isolation after testing.

 

“We thank the City of Hayward for inviting Fremont to join its team, to better prepare ourselves as we roll out our own testing center. We’re all stronger when community partners come together to work on creating a solution,” said Mayor Lily Mei.

 

To receive a COVID-19 test, each person will be screened as part of a two-part testing process and must have a fever over 100 degrees and be symptomatic for COVID-19. Symptoms for COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest and/or other respiratory symptoms. A referral from a medical doctor is not required to be screened. After the initial screening process is completed, those individuals who meet the testing criteria will be administered the actual COVID-19 test, which involves swabbing of the nasal cavities and back of the throat.

 

Testing will be organized using a drive-thru system and individuals seeking the test will need to remain inside a vehicle. No walk-up tests will be permitted. To get to the testing center, vehicles should enter from westbound Stevenson Boulevard, then proceed to Eureka Drive and make a right turn northbound. Vehicles should then proceed forward on Eureka Drive and the line will be forming along the right curb. Access to the screening line is only available by vehicle and may be limited at times to provide for a safe and manageable traffic flow.

 

Although walk-up testing will not be available, the city is working with a local health clinic to create a partnership that would allow for walk-up COVID-19 testing on an appointment-only basis. First responders and health-care workers who are symptomatic for the COVID-19 virus and have a temperature over 100 degrees may schedule a test in advance by calling (510) 789-7231.

 

Staffing at the testing center consists of Fremont Fire Department firefighter-paramedics, Washington Hospital registered nurses, and United Ambulance Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The overall management of the testing center is in coordination with the Fremont and Newark police departments.

 

COVID-19 Testing Center

Fremont Fire Tactical Training Center

7200 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

Monday – Sunday

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or until maximum number of available tests are exhausted

No walk-up tests

 

 

Resources to help small businesses and workers

Submitted by Governor's Press Office

 

California small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can now apply for a loan from the federal government for up to $10 million. Importantly, the program is first-come, first-served basis and the governor encourages all eligible California small businesses to contact their lender to learn more.

 

The state is also allocating $50 million to the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank for loan guarantees to small businesses to help eliminate barriers to capital for individuals who do not qualify for federal funds, including low wealth and undocumented immigrant communities. The state is also allowing small businesses to defer payment of sales and use taxes of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.

 

Additionally, the governor joined Bitwise Industries and Kapor Center to launch www.onwardca.org/, a new platform connecting displaced California workers with more than 70,000 job opportunities in critical industries.

 

Newsom also announced $17.8 million in new state initiatives to support California workers impacted by COVID-19. The allocation will come from Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds with $7.8 million going to the Los Angeles region and $10 million made available statewide. For more information, visit www.covid-19.ca.gov.

Protecting homes, small businesses from water shutoffs

Submitted by Governor's Press Office

 

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on April 2 that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs.

 

Already, over 100 public and private water systems across California have voluntarily suspended water shutoffs for nonpayment as a result of COVID-19. Under the order, the State Water Resources Control Board will issue best practices and guidelines on support for the state’s water systems during this time.

 

Additionally, the executive order will restore water for occupied residences that may have had their water shut off as of March 4, which is when the governor proclaimed a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

 

 

From the Governor’s Office

Executive Order to Protect Consumers from Price Gouging

 

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday, April 3, 2020 expanding consumer protection against price gouging as California continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The order generally prohibits sellers of any kind from increasing prices on food, consumer goods, medical or emergency supplies, and certain other items by more than 10 percent. The order also gives additional tools to the California Department of Justice and Attorney General’s Office, among others, to take action against price gougers.

 

“This crisis has impacted every Californian and our normal way of life, and we are ensuring that all consumers are able to purchase what they need, at a fair price,” said Governor Newsom.

 

Executive Order to Expand Telehealth Services

 

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday, April 3, 2020 to expand protections to medical providers as they amplify the use of video chats and similar applications to provide routine and non-emergency medical appointments in an effort to minimize patient exposure to COVID-19.

 

The order relaxes certain state privacy and security laws for medical providers, so they can provide telehealth services without the risk of being penalized. This action is similar to the federal HHS Office for Civil Rights waiver issued on March 17, 2020 regarding federal privacy and security laws.

 

“This order provides flexibility to our medical and health providers so that they are able to provide continuity of health services to people across the state, and will allow providers to assess a greater number of patients while limiting the risk of exposure and infection of other persons from in-person consultations,” said Governor Newsom.

 

Governor Newsom continues to encourage people to practice safe physical distancing and to comply with stay-at-home orders to bend the COVID-19 curve.

 

Visit covid19.ca.gov for critical steps Californians can take to stay healthy, and resources available to those impacted by the outbreak.

 

 

Education officials issue new guidance for graduating seniors

Submitted by California Office of Emergency Services

 

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced on April 2 that the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California State Board of Education (SBE) have issued new guidance on graduation requirements and grading for seniors. The guidance is based on feedback from local education agencies and was produced in collaboration and alignment with higher education institutions.

 

“We are thinking of our seniors and the impact that the current COVID-19 public health emergency and subsequent physical closure of schools has had on them, and we hope that this guidance will help relieve some stress and anxiety,” Thurmond said. “We are doing everything we can to support all our schools and students and will continue to address seniors’ needs going forward.”

 

“All seniors who are on track for graduation should be able to graduate,” said State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. “This new guidance further illustrates how students can and should be held harmless in grading, and how their work can be acknowledged.”

 

The guidance addresses A-G requirements and provides admissions updates for higher education for both current seniors and juniors.

 

For example, colleges have agreed to accept credit/no-credit or pass/fail grading where districts have decided to use it for A-G courses and other courses without impact on grade point averages. California is also extending flexibility on a wide range of issues, including testing requirements, timing of transcripts, and considerations about financial aid.

 

The CDE continues working with the University of California, California State University, community college system, and private and non-profit universities on solutions to many ongoing college admissions challenges.

 

More information is posted online California Department of Education website at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/gradegraduationfaq.asp.

Health officers slightly expand list of ‘essential businesses’

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

 

The shelter-in-place order has been extended by state and local authorities through May 3, and the list has slightly expanded for what constitutes an “essential business.” The additions include moving companies, rental car companies, rideshare services that enable essential activities, and service providers that enable residential transactions such as notaries, title companies and Realtors.

 

Health officers in Bay Area jurisdictions are extending a previous stay-at-home order in order to preserve hospital capacity. They determined that stricter social distancing is needed to slow the rate of spread, prevent deaths, and stop the health care system from becoming overwhelmed.

 

New restrictions include closing down “nonessential” portions of essential businesses and requiring all those businesses, including restaurants offering takeout and grocery stores, to have a social distancing protocol. Most residential and commercial construction is now prohibited, with exceptions for projects associated with health care operations and multifamily or mixed-use projects containing at least 10 percent income-restricted units.

 

Funeral homes and cemeteries are also allowed to operate, but funerals are limited to no more than 10 people attending, including interment. Recreational areas are closed, including parks and playgrounds, as well as sports involving multiple people sharing a ball, except for those in the same household. People are required to stay at home unless going to pick up food or medicine or seeking medical attention.

 

 

Solid waste, recyclables, organics pickup services update

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

City of Hayward waste hauler Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) has announced effective March 30 a suspension of bulky and excess waste service so the company can focus on regular curbside trash, recyclables and organics pick-ups during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

 

The company says customers with bulky and excess waste pickups already scheduled beyond March 30 will be able to reschedule after July 1—and that it is providing customers notice of the temporary change in service via their preferred method of contact (email, text, or phone call) and on through its online wm.com/alerts system.

 

Regular curbside collection of solid waste, recyclables and organics from WMAC and its subcontractor Tri-CED Community Recycling is continuing and remains largely uninterrupted.

 

WMAC has closed its customer service office on Main Street in Hayward and its walk-up window at 98th Avenue in Oakland out of concern for the proximity of customers and WMAC workers. Customers can still drop their payments into a slot at the Main Street office. Payments can also be made by the following methods:

 

• Mail payment to the address provided on customer invoices
• Online at www.wm.com, using the Waste Management (WM) Customer ID on customer invoice to create or login into your account at anytime
• Call Waste Management's automated system at 1-(866) 964-2729

 

WMAC’s call centers experienced disruptions but are now fully operational with employees working remotely. For assistance, customers can call (510) 537-5500 or submit questions to csnorthbay@wm.com.

 

WMAC’s recycling subcontractor Tri-CED has announced that as a precautionary measure, it will not collect used motor oil jugs, extra cardboard (flattened between carts), or household batteries from the curb as long as shelter-in-place orders are in effect. Residents are encouraged to put cardboard into the recycling cart. Used oil and household batteries should be saved for proper disposal after the shelter-in-place orders are lifted and collections return to normal.

 

 

Local gym turns virtual

By Jui Sadekar

Photos by Keith Westra

 

California’s shelter-in-place order doesn’t list gyms as essential businesses. While gyms are going dark, many fitness instructors are taking to the virtual world to continue teaching classes. During this fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to self-isolate, but it’s also important to maintain physical and mental health.

 

Brittany Shafsky, co-owner of HeniFitness, is making sure everyone can get a good workout. As a trainer, nutrition specialist, group fitness instructor, and health coach, Shafsky feels that nobody has to skip their workout or fitness activity just because they have been quarantined. “Working out through the studio’s online classes is a great way to keep healthy and connect with others through live-streaming classes, and support a local business at the same time,” she says. At this point, all classes at HeniFitness (HIIT, Tabata, Bodyweight Boot Camp, Zumba, and Dance Fusion) are conducted online – livestreamed and recorded.

 

“I have been attending HeniFitness in-person since October 2017. It is truly my gym home,” says Rachel Geyer, a member at HeniFitness. “While I enjoy the in-person classes immensely, the virtual classes are so helpful for creating some normalcy in a very troubled time. In the first few days of shelter-in-place, I was nauseated from stress, unsure of how the next couple weeks or even months would look. The first time I felt normal was during and after my first virtual class with Brittany. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to keep up with my goals, get a sweat going, and spend some time with my friends all while staying at home and maintaining social distance.”

 

According to Shafsky, livestreaming helps members chat and interact with each other. “Realtime classes help to make modifications in the workout. I like livestreaming because there is some personality to it. There is a group mentality. People are sweating with you.” For those who can’t attend livestreaming classes, Shafsky is also working on recording quick workout sessions, so people can watch videos and work out whenever they want: “Recorded videos also give you great workout in the comfort of your schedule.” Personal training and health coaching sessions are also done online now.

 

“If getting motivation to go to the gym was hard enough, the next curve ball of shelter-in-place comes in,” says Susan George, a member at HeniFitness who has had Brittany as a personal trainer for over a year. “With work, kids, and chores filling my day, when she started the virtual classes, I was very apprehensive. Can you keep up the motivation and time challenges, and still put in time for yourselves? I must say, Brittany has made it effortless. She fits her schedules into mine and motivates me, all at the comfort of my home. Social distancing being the ‘new normal,’ I am glad to have the support of Brittany to reach my fitness goals.”

 

The classes are open to not only members, who have paid membership fees, but also to anyone in the community. HeniFitness is offering different packages for the online classes. Fitness enthusiasts can pay for one class or buy a 10-class (online) package. People can also buy recorded videos or rent them for two days at a minimal price.

 

HeniFitness understands that a lot of people are impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Shafsky states, “I am a big believer that change starts from the community. You can change the world, but it starts from your home, and Niles is my home.”

 

Shafsky adds, “Anyone can take the classes. We are aware that a lot of people are struggling right now. People can also choose a discounted price. We are telling our members to let us know if anyone wants to join the class but is finding it hard because of financial constraints, given the situation. They can contact us, and we can set up the classes for free. We are telling people if you need the code for a free class, please let us know.”

 

The current stay-at-home scenario is terrifying to small businesses as well, says Shafsky. “We [small businesses] are just trying to stay open at this point. The situation is very scary and messy. Instead of watching YouTube videos, if people attend livestreaming classes, they can support small independent businesses. We are in this together. We have to help each other get through the situation,” she adds.

 

Shafsky encourages people to see if their nearby local gyms are offering online classes, and if they do, take one of the classes. “Most of the boutique gyms (like us) have only one location. We don’t have franchise or local branches. We are small and community based. So, every time one person signs up and attends one of our livestreaming classes, they are directly supporting the business and the instructors in their community. If you can buy one of the classes, please do that,” she says.

 

HeniFitness is trying to continue to pay its instructors. “When we had to make a decision on what to do with our instructors, a couple of instructors said, “This is not my only source of income, this is something I do because I love it.” They donated their time and asked us to take that money and pay the instructors who are totally dependent on this income.”

 

“We have been able to keep the instructors whose 100 percent income is from teaching,” says Shafsky, “and I am proud that everyone is helping each other.”

 

In this challenging time, Shafsky concludes, “It is important to prioritize your health and immunity. Stay home and protect yourself and people around you. Take time out every day to exercise and eat healthy. There is a lot of stress and fear right now. So, stay active. Do something for yourself and if you are able to support your local community, do that as well.”

 

To join Henifitness’ classes, create a login at https://go.gymgo.com/henifitness and access the class schedule.

 

HeniFitness

37161 Niles Blvd Unit B, Fremont

https://go.gymgo.com/HeniFitness

info@HeniFitness.com

Facebook: @HeniFitness

 

 

Letter to Governor for small businesses and nonprofit eviction moratorium

Submitted by the office of Assemblymember Kansen Chu

 

Dear Governor Newsom:

 

Thank you for the work that you and your administration have been doing to help California confront the COVID-19 pandemic. We are writing today to urge you to enact a statewide moratorium on evictions for commercial properties that are occupied by small businesses and nonprofits in addition to providing support to vulnerable and minority-owned small businesses.

 

As resources are being distributed through the stimulus package at the federal level, there are many small businesses that are hanging on by a thread and need immediate assistance. It is no surprise that this pandemic is causing major financial hardships for people and businesses, especially small businesses who rely on revenue affected by the Shelter in Place order. While there is a clear order to halt evictions from residential properties, commercial tenants are still in limbo. We are urging you to have a clear order and enforce a statewide eviction moratorium on commercial properties that are occupied by small businesses and nonprofits similar to the intent of SB 939. This will ensure that small businesses and nonprofits will have a chance to reopen and not be forced to shut their doors permanently.

 

Furthermore, many vulnerable and minority-owned small businesses lack the resources and support to seek financial assistance due to the complexity of the application process and, in some cases, language barriers. We are asking that you provide more support to local Small Business Development Centers in addition to increasing outreach and support at the state level for those needing assistance. Language access is necessary to ensure that businesses get timely financial relief.

 

Lastly, we are asking that, to the extent feasible, your administration assists with ensuring the immediate distribution of loans that are available at the state and federal level.

 

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and many small businesses cannot wait much longer to get financial relief. We urge that you expand on your previous actions to further help small businesses and nonprofits.

 

Once again, thank you for all that you are doing to lead us through these tough times. Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please reach out at (916) 319-2025. Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kansen Chu Assemblymember 25th District; Buffy Wicks, Assemblymember 15th District; Jose Medina, Assemblymember 61st District; Tasha Boerner Horvath, Assemblymember 76th District; Luz Rivas, Assemblymember 39th District, Miguel Santiago, Assemblymember 53rd District, Jordan Cunningham, Assemblymember 35th District; Brian Maienschein, Assemblymember 77th District; Scott Weiner, Senator 11th District; Christina Garcia, Assemblymember, 58th District; Steven Choi Ph.D., Assemblymember, 68th District; Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Assemblymember 4th District; Jim Patterson, Assemblymember 23rd District; Lena Gonzalez, Senator 33rd District; Mike Gipson, Assemblymember 74th District; Eloise Reyes, Assemblymember 47th District; Phillip Chen, Assemblymember 55th District; Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember 7th District; Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr., Assemblymember 59th District.

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Milpitas PD

 

Sunday, March 29

• At 2:25 a.m. an officer made a traffic violation stop on the 1500 block of Country Club Drive. Inside the car were six occupants ages 16 to 19. During the stop the officer found one of the juveniles had a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a loaded .40 caliber pistol magazine inside a jacket pocket. A ski mask was also found inside the vehicle. The juvenile with the pistol was arrested and issued a citation for possessing a concealed firearm and violating the county shelter in place order. The other juveniles were issued citations for curfew and shelter in place violations. The adult occupants were each issued a citation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and violating the shelter in place order.

 

 

Hubble at 30: Three Decades of Cosmic Discovery

By David Prosper

 

The Hubble Space Telescope celebrates its 30th birthday in orbit around Earth in April. It’s hard to believe how much this telescope has changed the face of astronomy in just three decades. It had a rough start — an 8-foot mirror just slightly out of focus in the most famous case of spherical aberration of all time. But subsequent repairs and upgrades by space shuttle astronauts made Hubble a symbol of the ingenuity of human spaceflight and one of the most important scientific instruments ever created. Beginning as a twinkle in the eye of the late Nancy Grace Roman, the Hubble Space Telescope’s work over the past thirty years changed the way we view the universe, and more is yet to come.

 

We’ve all seen the amazing images created by Hubble and its team of scientists, but have you seen Hubble yourself? You actually can. Hubble’s orbit – around 330 miles overhead — is close enough to Earth that you can see it at night. The best times are within an hour after sunset or before sunrise, when its solar panels are angled best to reflect the light of the Sun back down to Earth. You can’t see the structure of the telescope, but you can identify it as a bright star-like point, moving silently across the night sky. It’s not as bright as the Space Station, which is much larger and whose orbit is closer to Earth (about 220 miles), but it’s still very noticeable as a single steady dot of light, speeding across the sky. Hubble’s orbit brings it directly overhead for observers located near tropical latitudes; observers further north and south can see it closer to the horizon. You can find sighting opportunities using satellite tracking apps for your smartphone or tablet, and dedicated satellite tracking websites. These resources can also help you identify other satellites that you may see passing overhead during your stargazing sessions.

 

NASA has a dedicated site for Hubble’s 30th’s anniversary at bit.ly/NASAHubble30. The Night Sky Network’s “Why Do We Put Telescopes in Space?” activity can help you and your audiences discover why we launch telescopes into orbit, high above the interference of Earth’s atmosphere, at bit.ly/TelescopesInSpace. Amateur astronomers may especially enjoy Hubble’s images of the beautiful objects found in both the Caldwell and Messier catalogs, at bit.ly/HubbleCaldwell and bit.ly/HubbleMessier.

 

As we celebrate Hubble’s legacy, we look forward to the future, as there is another telescope ramping up that promises to further revolutionize our understanding of the early universe: the James Webb Space Telescope. Discover more about the history and future of Hubble and space telescopes at www. nasa.gov.

 

This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm to find local clubs, events, and more.

 

 

Newark hires new police chief

Submitted by Laurie Gebhard

 

Gina L. Anderson as joined as Newark’s new police chief. Anderson comes to Newark from the Citrus Heights Police Department where she served as the department’s assistant police chief for the past two years. Anderson’s first official day with the Newark Police Department was April 6.

 

Anderson began her law enforcement career in 1992 as a community services officer with the City of Davis Police Department. Anderson obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1992 from the University of the Pacific. She later went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law and is a licensed attorney. Anderson is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police Executives.

 

 

Oakland Zoo launches interactive platform

Submitted by Erin Harrison

 

Following the COVID-19 closure, Oakland Zoo has launched a new subscription-based livestreaming and interactive service “Behind the Scenes Live.” The new platform provides the public a way to connect with animals and staff while also bringing in much-needed revenue to the zoo.

 

The live broadcasts will be every weekday and feature a host interviewing a variety of animal keepers and veterinary hospital staff with different animals. The interactive component allows subscribers to direct message questions during the broadcast and in real time, so they can be answered immediately.

 

“Being closed to the public pushed us to think about how we could offer people a new way to connect with us in an impactful and unique way – while helping the Zoo survive without admissions revenue. Going behind the scenes and including the interactive component for subscribers to submit questions in real time gives people something that goes even beyond a normal Zoo visit,” Dr. Joel Parrott, president and CEO.

 

Without the admission revenue that makes up for 80 percent of its operating budget, the zoo hopes that the revenue from the new subscription service will also help offset layoffs and reduced work hours for staff.

 

“Behind the Scenes Live” Subscription

Every weekday: 2:30 p.m. (PST)

Service: $14.95 per month for nonmembers

Zoo members receive first 30 days free followed by a $9.95 monthly fee

 

 

California Nursery: The Packing Shed

By Charlene Dizon

 

The Packing Shed remains as one of the California Nursery Company’s most important buildings in supporting the company’s rapid agricultural growth. The shed’s purpose was vital for storing trees before sending them out to the market. Today, the Packing Shed requires structural renewal to tell its history to the public.

 

The late 1890s was the era of agriculture in California. Nurseries were encouraged to expand their development due to the increase in demand for trees that produced food. Hybridization became common as agriculturalists created various varieties of fruits. Due to this hybridization process, the proposal to transport trees, shrubs and flowers was made. This idea in itself was considered innovative at the time and took much planning and effort. Transporting specimens required attentive packaging to protect the pieces, loading trucks and trains for transportation, and the assistance of several workers who ensured that the operation ran smoothly. Establishment of the Packing Shed proved essential to this process.

 

Three original packing sheds were built by American nurseryman John Rock and used by the Roeding ownerships until 1972. The sheds were the center of activity for over 100 years as millions of trees and roses would be packed during most productive times to be mailed to customers throughout the west. A shed would be open on one side to store plant-like reeds known as tules. These tules were used to create a protective layer around bare-root trees during transportation. The shed contained a baler, a piece of farm machinery that would compress and cut crops into compact bales. The baler would tie tules around the trees to keep them together, while the workers used wood to support the trees and prevent them from being crushed during transportation.

 

Tracks were also placed in the packing shed for setting plants on scales to measure their weight and easily move them. Plants were then put on a horse-drawn wagon and taken to the Niles Depot (Central/Southern Pacific railroad line) or directly to the customer. In 1914, the Eberly Station was created and plants were taken to a siding provided by Western Pacific for loading onto the station. Additions were made to expand space within the shed due to increased product demand.

 

California Nursery Company was also one of the first agricultural businesses to use parcel post in shipping small shrubs and roses to clients. This transformation led the company to hold the #1 account with the Niles Post Office, as they did such a large amount of business mailing roses. Bruce Roeding recalls that his father, George Roeding Jr., did so much business with the Post Office that an additional postal facility was built solely to accommodate California Nursery business. As there were originally three packing sheds, one of the sheds was transformed in 1935 and used specifically for parcel post. Workers learned how to carefully pack plants to ensure none were damaged during the trip. Using parcel post allowed the company to reach even more clients efficiently and collaboratively. Other added changes to the shed in the 1950s included replacing its tin roof and adding an area for trucks to load and unload.

 

Today, the Packing Shed’s physical appearance has unfortunately deteriorated due to a lack of care. As a result of vandalism, the City of Fremont placed a gate around the building. Math Science Nucleus, a local nonprofit organization, has painted and stabilized an area for tools but the shed requires professional reconstruction and maintenance. Several areas of the roof have collapsed and need replacement. Though plans have been made to conserve the shed, years have gone by with no restoration. Math Science Nucleus President Dr. Joyce Blueford states, “We would like to see the shed as a museum for the large artifacts that Bruce Roeding has. With the aid of volunteers who understand the importance of preserving history, we can rightfully preserve the shed’s agricultural importance.”

 

For those interested in becoming a historical docent or learning about volunteer opportunities, please contact Math Science Nucleus for more information at msn@msnucleus.org or call 510-790-6284.

 

 

PG&E programs can soften financial impact of pandemic

Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian

 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers additional support for customers experiencing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is implementing a series of billing and service modifications effective immediately to ensure the lights stay on and the gas continues to flow for customers experiencing financial challenges during this time.

 

New billing and service modifications for impacted customers include:

• Suspend service disconnections for non-payment and waive new service deposit requirements for residential and small business
• Implement flexible payment plan options
• Provide additional support for low-income and medical baseline customers.

 

If a customer is experiencing financial hardships and has trouble paying their bill because of the economic impact of COVID-19, we can help. Please call PG&E at 1 (800) 743-5000. We continue to offer flexible payment plans to support customers during these difficult times. As a reminder, PG&E has never charged late fees.

 

“PG&E knows this is an unsettling and trying time and we want to reassure our customers they are not alone. PG&E is taking swift action to ensure that our customers experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 have access to a variety of resources and expanded programs to help manage their energy use and their monthly bills”, said Laurie Giammona, PG&E’s Chief Customer Officer and a Senior Vice President.

 

In addition, PG&E has implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment. This suspension applies to both residential and small business customers and will remain in effect until further notice. PG&E will also suspend Medical Baseline removals. Customers on the Medical Baseline program will not be asked to re-certify through a doctor or other eligible medical professionals for up to one year.

 

Customers can also take advantage of the following financial-assistance programs:

 

• PG&E’s California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program gives almost 1.4 million income-qualified households discounts on their energy bills. Customers can apply for CARE online at www.pge.com/care. Applying is easy and only takes about five minutes. Qualifying customers will begin receiving the CARE program discount within their next billing cycle.

 

• Separate from CARE, income-qualified households with three or more persons can apply for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program at www.pge.com/fera for an 18% discount on their electric bill.

 

• The federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at www.pge.com/liheap provides financial assistance to help offset eligible household energy costs, including heating, cooling and home weatherization expenses. To learn more, dial 211 for LIHEAP income guidelines and a list of participating agencies.

 

• Residential customers requiring electricity-powered medical equipment may qualify for Medical Baseline, at www.pge.com/medicalbaseline/ which is not based on income. Per month, eligible customers can receive an extra baseline allotment of 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas. Certification by a doctor is required.

 

Finally, no disruption in gas or electric service is anticipated due to the public health crisis. For more information, please visit www.pge.com/covid19 to read more about PG&E’s response to the virus.

 

 

Property tax penalty waivers available for eligible taxpayers

Submitted by Alameda County Office of the Treasurer

 

The Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) office announced March 31 that they will work with taxpayers on an individual basis to address hardships caused by the coronavirus COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place order.

 

Right after the property tax delinquent date, which is Friday, April 10, the TTC office will make available a penalty cancellation request form specifically related to COVID-19. Taxpayers who cannot meet the payment deadline will need to submit the appeal form and sign a statement, under penalties of perjury, to represent that they were unable to pay on time for reasons related to the impacts of the coronavirus from “reasonable cause and circumstances beyond the taxpayer’s control” under current state law.

 

Valid reasons to seek penalty cancellation, which may change if state law changes, may include illness, recent effects from under- or unemployment, and business losses (including loss of rental income). Eligible taxpayers will include homeowners, small businesses, and small landlords. Documentation will be required, specific to COVID-19. A special team in the TTC office will be set up to process these requests, and they will attempt to respond to all requests within 60 days.

 

The TTC continues to ask taxpayers that are not impacted by COVID-19 to pay by April 10. Their office remains open and operating, receiving mail and answering telephone calls, but they are not accepting in-person payments. Payments can be made online and by telephone with a credit card.

 

Online payments can be made at https://acgov.org/propertytax/online.htm. The phone number is (510) 272-6800. The email address is ttaxpublicmail@acgov.org.

 

Sign up to receive the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s COVID-19 updates at https://treasurer.acgov.org/TreasurerBlog.

 

 

THE ROBOT REPORT

 

By Steve Crowe

 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world. At press time, more than 450,000 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus with approximately 20,500 deaths. The pandemic has also highlighted extreme shortages of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

 

The lack of ventilators is most critical for patients hit hardest by COVID-19 — typically people 60-plus years of age and anyone with underlying medical conditions. These patients often suffer severe respiratory problems. A ventilator, a mechanical breathing machine, is a lifesaving tool when a patient’s lungs fill with fluid, which makes it difficult for the lungs to oxygenate blood.

 

New York is the epicenter of the crisis in the US. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been most vocal about the lack of ventilators. He said New York needs at least 30,000 ventilators to handle the peak of the epidemic, which is predicted to hit the state soon. At press time, New York secured 7,000 additional ventilators, but only 400 of those came from the federal government.

 

To combat this shortage, companies are partnering to ramp up production of ventilators. On March 24, GE Healthcare and Ford Motor Company announced plans to work together. MIT researchers hope to soon publish open-source designs for a low-cost respirator. And now two Boston-based robotics startups at MassRobotics have paused their work to help fill the shortage.

 

The Ventilator Project

Alex Frost, Founder of FloraBot, and Tyler Mantel, Founder of Watertower Robotics, started The Ventilator Project, a non-profit looking to develop a low-cost ventilator specifically for COVID-19 patients. One ventilator costs about $40,000, according to estimates. Mantel told The Robot Report his team is rapidly prototyping a ventilator that will cost between $1,000-$2,000.

 

“The best analogy I can come up with is cars,” Mantel said. “Rolls-Royce has some amazing cars. You feel like you’re on a cloud when you drive one because you never feel the road. But you can also get a car for far less money that gets you to where you need to go. The ventilators currently on the market are designed for any type of patient. We’re building a ventilator specifically for COVID-19 patients. Think of it as a stripped down, bare bones version of what major companies produce.”

 

Mantel, understandably, didn’t share much about the design of the ventilator. But he said The Ventilator Project is consulting with a group of doctors on the ventilator design. Mantel said the ventilator will be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration under the Emergency Approval Process. If and when approved, The Ventilator Project hopes to get production up and running in 30 days and produce 1,000 ventilators within the first month.

 

“After that, we’ll ramp up production to help fill the anticipated shortage of 600,000 ventilators worldwide. We’re working on contracts with major manufacturers in the medical device space to use their under-utilized facilities to pump out ventilators.

 

Community comes together

The Ventilator Project was officially formed on March 20. Mantel estimated that by March 27 the company would have 100-plus volunteers on the team. “Alex came to me and said [the ventilator shortage] is a problem we need to solve,” Mantel said. “We talked for a few minutes then dropped everything and dove in. We’re in Boston — we put out the call and we’ve had so many people willing to help.”

 

MassRobotics donated any unused space in its 20,000-square-foot-facility to The Ventilator Project. Developing hardware requires physical space, of course. This can be tricky due to the physical distancing recommendations currently in place. Mantel said The Ventilator Project team is following all the recommendations for physical distancing.

 

“We’re sticking people separately in their own offices and being as cautious as we can,” Mantel said. “Anyone who is living with someone who is elderly doesn’t show up in the office.”

 

“We’re happy to provide space for these innovators to develop their tech and prototype” said Tom Ryden, Executive Director at MassRobotics. “It doesn’t surprise us that this group is coming up with a quick low-cost solution. We have an amazing community of innovators, always sharing experiences and expertise with each other. This is not the first time our startups have collaborated with each other. We’re always proud at how our startups rally behind each other — we are really like a family! I believe this is why we’ve grown so quickly.”

 

Using robots to help the world

As is currently the case for many companies across the world, things have slowed down for Watertower Robotics. Founded in 2017, the company built a robot that inspects water pipes. The goal is to reduce the 20% of water currently lost through deteriorating infrastructure. The startup was one of three companies to win the Imagine H2O’s Urban Water Challenge in Stockholm, Sweden. It won funding to deploy its robots in Vietnam.

 

“For me, it’s the same mission I’ve always had,” Mantel said. “I want to affect lives in a positive way using robotics. At Watertower Robotics, we find water for people. I get excited to do these things for the world.”

 

The Ventilator Project set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for prototyping and testing purposes. Visit the page at www.gofundme.com/f/the-ventilator-project.

 

Steve Crowe is Editor of The Robot Report and co-chair of the Robotics Summit & Expo. He can be reached at scrowe@wtwhmedia.com

 

 

New online hub streamlines volunteer process

Submitted by Eric Engelbart

 

In an effort to help connect potential volunteers to local food banks or organizations dedicated to helping the community respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Leandro has launched a new online volunteer hub.

 

Announced April 2 by San Leandro Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter, the volunteer hub can be accessed at www.SLKindness.net. Registration is simple: potential volunteers simply click on the “Sign Up” button that appears on the home screen and follow the prompts.

 

“I have heard from many San Leandro residents who are looking for ways to volunteer their time to help others impacted by the extremely challenging circumstances we are currently facing,” Cutter said. “Many of our local non-profit organizations have also shared with me a high priority need for volunteers. That's why I am thrilled to announce the launch of our Kindness Network website that will help connect volunteers with local organizations that need support. So, I am calling on any residents who have time on their hands and who are healthy enough to help others to please consider signing up.”

 

During the initial phases of the program, the new hub will focus on generating a list of interested volunteers that can be shared with local food banks or other non-profit organizations dedicated to providing meals or groceries to those in need. Over time, the online hub will be expanded to support additional services, including city departments, non-profit organizations, and community-serving opportunities where volunteers are needed.

 

Any volunteers seeking to sign up will be required to practice strict social distancing and cleanliness standards to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. Anyone with questions about the new portal can send an email to Eric Engelbart at eengelbart@sanleandro.org.

 

 

Sanitation Stations Installed

Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department

 

To prevent community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), seven temporary sanitation stations that have handwashing and toilet units have been installed throughout the City of Fremont.

 

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

 

Isherwood/Old Alameda Creek

Quarry Lakes Dr., Fremont

 

Christy/Albrae

41243-41429 Christy St., Fremont

 

Sunrise Village

588 Brown Rd., Fremont

 

Ardenwood Blvd Overpass

Near Hwy 84, 34790 Ardentech Ct., Fremont

 

Washington Blvd Overpass (Access off of Main St and High St)

3553 Washington Blvd., Fremont

 

Auto Mall Pkwy Overpass (near Home Depot)

43900 Ice House Ter., Fremont

FOR THIS ISSUE

 

Can be merged with the Hayward essential business story (DONE BY JUI ON THURS): Hayward essential business (title)

 

 

Essential businesses must post ‘social distancing protocol’

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

 

Businesses deemed “essential” and in operation in compliance with county and state regulations are now required to establish and post a social distancing protocol.

 

According to the Alameda County health officer, the social distancing protocol must be posted at or near the entrance of the business and must be easily viewable by the public and employees. A copy must also be provided to each employee performing work at the facility. Businesses will also be required to provide evidence of its implementation to any authority enforcing the order. The order also includes a detailed description of essential businesses.

 

A fillable copy of the protocol is available at http://www.acphd.org/.

 

 

Sowing for spring garden

Article and photos by Lalitha Visveswaran

 

As we begin the next round of social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic, many are considering growing at least part of their food in their gardens. This is a good idea, but when shops are shuttered and we are asked to stay safe at home, the twice weekly trips to nurseries and garden supply stores are things of the past. I hope that I can create a guide here for all of us to grow our own food and maybe share with others.

 

There are two important components to growing food gardens:

 

1. Seeds and transplants
2. Site preparation

 

After we have these two basic requirements ready, we can start growing. On the way, we will learn how to fertilize, how to protect from pests, how to irrigate efficiently, etc.

 

We need baby plants to grow a garden. We can direct seed into soil or raised beds, but this requires preparing the site and creating the best conditions for seeds to germinate under natural conditions. The second easier method is to directly transplant baby plants. Normally plant starts are easy to procure from nurseries, but given the current situation, it is likely better if we can grow our own starts. The first method is the Super DeLuxe Greenhouse method and the second one is the Garden Hacker’s Trick.

 

Here are some things to remember before we get started with seed starting:

 

• Start seeds at the right time of the year

Do not waste time sowing seeds that are not right for your growing zone. We want young plants that thrive and are extra resilient. A baby plant has a hard journey ahead. There will be pests and critters. There might be inferior soil or not enough nutrition. Maybe too much water or too little water. We will talk about those battles later, but it is important to make the right choice, so the battle ahead is worth it.

 

After you decide if the plant is right for you, when do you sow the seeds? If it’s too early, crowded leggy seedlings will be competing for space and light and nutrients. They will be exhausted before reaching the soil. Too late and they miss the seasonal window of their growing time. Find your zone and create a plant calendar for best chances and success.

 

• Read seed package instructions

Unless you have been gifted seeds or you have been saving seeds, most packets you purchase will have instructions in the back.

 

The seed packet contains a lot of valuable information, everything from when to plant, ideal temperature for sowing and transplanting, and how many days to flowering and fruiting. They will even tell you how deep to place the seed, how to fertilize, how and when to irrigate and how to space the plants during transplantation.

 

Seeds always go through extensive trials and they will have viability data. It is usually germination rates in the form of a percentage number. If it is lower than 85 percent, plant more seeds to accommodate germination failures.

 

• Use the right seeding mix

The seeding medium or the soil used for sowing is very important. Do not use any old soil. Old soil is tired and stripped of all nutrients. Soil from the ground is full of life, but it is not ideal as a seed starting medium. Why? Soil from the ground can be heavy, and seeds need loose fluffy soil that has a lot of air pockets. Imagine you are a tiny seed and you are trying to push out hair-like roots from the bottom and a set of tender true leaves from the top: The last thing you need is resistance from tightly packed soil.

 

There are seed starting mixes available that are made with perlite, coconut coir, compost, peat etc. If you can’t find one now, you can make your own. It will be trial and error, but you can use leaf mold, compost, cat litter, sand, and coffee grounds. Make sure they are dry and sterile before using. If you have nothing else, mix sand or coffee grounds with dirt. It is not ideal, but this is a hack when we can’t go to the stores. The texture should be of sandy. Remember how weeds sprout between pavers and tiles even in the most hostile conditions? The reason is because the tendril-like roots and leaves have no resistance from the sand.

 

• Provide a warm space and light

Some seeds sprout only if they are exposed and get a full dose of light. Others are happy being buried an inch below. Therefore, we must read the back of the seed packet. All seeds need light (at least filtered light) and warmth. A cold damp space will not inspire the seed to sprout. Ideally, we can place seedling trays upon heat mats, but a warm lighted windowsill is just as good as a fancy greenhouse with a heat mat. The maximum power is 95°C. Hang a thermometer where your seedlings live and monitor.

 

• Water and fertilize

Over watering will kill the young seedling and so will lack of watering. If you water too much, the seed will drown and become moldy. If you don’t water at all, the seed will dry and only be good for your squirrel friend to snack on.

 

Too harsh a water spray and the soil will be compacted. Too fine and it will leave the soil dry. Pre-moisten seed mix before sowing. The ideal amount of watering is fine sprays for extended times and often, but not so often that they drown the seed. A humidity tray keeps the environment moist without excessively wet.

 

The first set of true leaves a seed pushes out takes all it needs from the seed’s store itself. It will start needing more nutrients as it gets bigger. Wait for the first set of true leaves to unfurl. After that, a seaweed extract is all you need to gently feed the seedlings. Using fertilizers meant for bigger plants will “burn” the seedlings and kill them. Kelp is your friend.

 

• Thinning and hardening

Finally, as the seedlings turn up, don’t forget to thin them. Crowding too many baby plants in one cell will kill them all. They can also become rootbound. Use tweezers and snip the surrounding seedlings. Pulling them will take out all of them. When the plants are ready to be planted, harden them to the environment they are supposed to grow in for a week. In the greenhouse or protected environment, they have been sheltered from sunburn, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Give the seedlings some preparation time and prevent transplant shock.

 

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

 

 

Takeaway meals for seniors

Submitted by Jacqui Diaz

 

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) has partnered with Spectrum Community Services to provide a takeaway meal program, beginning April 1, for seniors ages 60 and over. Meals will be distributed for curbside pickup.

 

Seniors must complete a Spectrum registration form before receiving the meals. The form is available at the pickup line or can be found at www.SpectrumCS.org/senior-services/senior-meals. Reservations are requested, limited extra meals will be on-hand. A donation to Spectrum Community Services of $3.75 per meal is suggested.

 

Participants must call in their reservation three business days in advance. Call HARD at (510) 881-6768 for details or leave a voicemail that includes your name, phone number, and day you want to reserve your meal. For more information, visit www.HaywardRec.org.

 

Curbside Pickup Meals

Monday – Friday: 12 noon –12:30 p.m.

Hayward Senior Center

22325 N. Third St., Hayward

(510) 881-6768

www.SpectrumCS.org/senior-services/senior-meals

www.HaywardRec.org

 

 

Telehealth appointments

Submitted by Tri-City Health Center

 

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Tri-City Health Center strives to continue our comprehensive services to all in southern Alameda County. To protect our providers and patients, we have decided to start moving routine, non-urgent appointments to telehealth appointments – an appointment held over the phone instead of in-person – if possible.

 

Routine visits over the phone will include all of our service lines, including behavioral health, medical, dental and vision. Our clinics will remain open to all urgent cases.

 

Patients are still asked to schedule appointments by calling our appointment line at (510) 770-8040. From there, our Medical Assistants will call with further instructions on how the provider will contact patients at the time of their appointment.

 

A reminder: All cases where a patient believes they may have, or may have come in contact with, COVID-19, please call ahead of time. Do not walk in. This will allow our team to provide the best advice.

 

Thank you for trusting Tri-City Health Center during this time of need. We are all in this together. Please remember to Stay Home and Save Lives.

 

Tri-City Health Center appointments

(510) 770-8040

 

 

Meals on Wheels, Spectrum, Life ElderCare join forces to feed seniors

Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

 

Spectrum Community Services, SOS Meals on Wheels, and LIFE Elder Care have joined to coordinate efforts to ensure that homebound seniors continue to receive daily meal deliveries. The three chamber-member organizations provide nutritious meals by delivery to seniors who cannot shop or prepare food because of poor health, immobility and poverty. The crisis has meant also providing service to clients who normally got meals from dining sites offered by Spectrum. “All three agencies need healthy volunteers that can help deliver meals,” said Charlie Deterline, Meals on Wheels director. “If you are unable to volunteer, donations are also greatly needed.”

 

Life ElderCare

(510) 894-0370

(510) 894-0370

www.lifeeldercare.org

 

Spectrum Community Services

(510) 881-0300

www.spectrumcs.org

 

SOS Meals on Wheels

(510) 582-1263

www.sosmow.org

 

 

Are you a job seeker?

Submitted by Guisselle Nunez

 

The stay-at-home order is isolating for everyone, especially those in the market for a new job. The Tri-Valley Career Center (TVCC) offers virtual help to job seekers who were looking for work before the COVID-19 crisis, and those who have lost their jobs due to the crisis.

 

TVCC, a service of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, is working to offer career services through online options. Resources for job seekers and small businesses can be found on the Tri-Valley Career Center website, including unemployment information, Covered California, the small business development center, and more.

 

Job search strategy workshops and TVCC Job Club are being offered via Zoom, including a new workshop specifically addressing resource options and searching for a job during the current crisis. The list includes:

 

• Job Searching through the COVID-19 Crisis
• Building Your LinkedIn Profile
• Writing a Dynamic Resume and Cover Letter
• Interview Skills
• Networking and the Hidden Job Market
• Soft Skills
• Career Assessments

 

A six-week series of virtual stress reduction workshops is being held on Wednesdays via Zoom. The option is available to attend one or all of the workshops. The TVCC virtual job board continues to be a place to find local positions as employers post them.

 

“While our office may be closed, our staff is still working, coaching, and continuing to provide critical job search support and training,” said Sarah Holtzclaw, TVCC program manager. Holtzclaw encourages job seekers to continue to check their website and to sign-up for the TVCC newsletters for updated information.

 

For more information or to speak with a career counsellor, call (925) 560-9431, email tvcc@clpccd.org, or visit the Tri-Valley Career Center website at http://www.trivalleyonestop.org/.

 

Virtual Stress Reduction Workshop (6 weeks)

Wednesdays

9 a.m.

(925) 560-9431

http://www.trivalleyonestop.org/

 

 

Guidance on use of cloth face coverings

Submitted by California Department of Public Health

 

On April 1, California’s public health officials released guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to protect against COVID-19 for Californians who must leave their homes to conduct essential activities. The guidance does not require people to wear face coverings – and is not a substitute for the state’s current guidance regarding social distancing and hand washing. The state also does not recommend Californians use N-95 or surgical masks, which are needed for our health-care workers and first responders who will be there for when our lives at risk.

 

“Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing or frequent hand washing, which we know are amongst the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health and state health officer. “Wearing a cloth face covering could provide some additional benefit by acting as a reminder for other people to keep their distance, and it could help reduce the spread of infectious particles from those who could be infected but don’t have symptoms.”

 

The use of cloth face coverings could reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by individuals who do not have symptoms and may reinforce physical distancing. Public health officials also caution that face coverings may increase risk if users reduce their use of strong defenses such as physical distancing and frequent hand washing.

 

To read the new guidance, visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Face-Coverings-Guidance.aspx.

 

 

Youth and Family Services Available

Submitted by City of Hayward Police Department

 

Did you know the Hayward Police Department has a unit of family therapists and case managers and all the services are free? The outbreak of COVID-19 can be stressful, especially for youth and families. The Youth & Family Services Bureau (YFSB) is here to help.

 

Even though the in-person services are limited, the YFSB has someone answering the phone and can connect you to available resources. The bureau also offers phone/video sessions and face-to-face crisis sessions when needed. Youth ages 8 to 18 and their families typically qualify for the services, but the YFSB can help anyone get connected to the right resources.

 

For information, call (510) 293-7048. For the COVID-19 Information Hotline, call (510) 583-4949. For more information about YFSB visit https://www.hayward-ca.gov/police-department/public-services/youth-family-services-bureau

 

Youth & Family Services Bureau

Phone calls: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(510) 293-7048

https://www.hayward-ca.gov/police-department/public-services/youth-family-services-bureau