AC Transit: Champions of International Bus Roadeo
Submitted by Robert Lyles
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) has announced that American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has awarded its combined Operator and Maintenance Team as Grand Champions during the 2019 Bus & Paratransit Conference and International Bus Roadeo on May 21.
This year, 80 operators from transit agencies around North America put their daily driving safety and agility training to test. Competitors started a time trial that began with navigating a 40-foot long bus through a serpentine course of turning maneuvers, obstacle avoidance, and ultimately a controlled stop of a nearly 40,000-pound bus from high speed.
A second technical competition involved 37 of the nation’s best transit maintenance teams. These highly trained mechanics first faced a grueling timed written exam: once pencils were down, each team picked up flashlights and tools, to diagnose hidden bus defects, uncover planted defects, all in eight minutes or less. Thirty-five transit agencies competed as Combined Teams, including AC Transit.
Ultimately, AC Transit’s Combined Team of 39-year veteran bus operator Jesse Dela Cruz (Hayward Division), journey level mechanics Sean Burr (Hayward Division), Miguel Lopez (East Oakland Division), and Alvin Tan (Hayward Division) captured the 2019 Grand Champions, Best of the Best title. Superior training, commitment to safety and teamwork have been the underpinnings of AC Transit’s seventh APTA Overall Excellence (Best of the Best) honors. For more information about AC Transit, visit actransit.org.
California Senate votes to ban smoking at state parks
AP Wire Service
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), May 23 – California lawmakers are trying again to ban smoking at state parks and coastal beaches.
The state Senate voted, 28-10, on Thursday to ban cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic smoking devices from state parks and coastal beaches. Violators would be fined $25. But additional penalties and assessments would bring the total fine to about $200.
Lawmakers have tried to ban smoking at state parks and coastal beaches nearly a dozen times over the past 15 years. All have failed to become law. Former governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown vetoed several attempts.
Park rangers would enforce the ban, but the law would let them exempt people smoking as part of their religious beliefs. The bill does not specify what religious practices, leaving that to the discretion of the park rangers.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger
Wednesday, May 15
- At 7:41 p.m. a man identified by police as Damon Burgess, 48, of Oakland was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of probation violation and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, May 19
- At 9:26 a.m. a man identified by police as Travis Foster, 29, of Fremont was stopped on suspicion of fare evasion and subsequently arrested on two outstanding $5,000 warrants at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Monday, May 20
- At 7:03 a.m. a man identified by police as Jacob Smith, 30, of Hayward was arrested at the Union City station on suspicion of vandalism and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 3:49 p.m. a man identified by police as Deaunte White, 28, of Vallejo was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of carrying a concealed and loaded firearm. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Tuesday, May 21
- At 1:40 p.m. a man identified by police as Joshua Hopkins, 18, of Castro Valley was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of robbery, battery and resisting an officer. He was taken to Alameda County Jail following treatment at a hospital after being hit with a Taser.
BART Police deploy Narcan opioid antidote
Submitted by Bay Area Rapid Transit
The doses, single-use nasal sprays sealed in plastic containers that look like your typical allergy spray, have been stocked. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officers have been trained in how to administer the medication, known as Narcan or generically as naloxone. A policy has been put in place for when and how the opioid antidote is to be used to revive someone who has overdosed. By the end of May, it’s expected all BPD officers will carry Narcan.
“It’s a public health concern,” said Armando Sandoval, BART's community outreach liaison and crisis intervention team coordinator. “We’re dealing with the safety of those who struggle with addiction, public, first responders, our officers, BART employees and our community partners. We have a choice either to be proactive by getting out in front of it or we can choose to get out of the way. We choose to be proactive,” he said.
Carrying Narcan is just one more tool in the officers' toolkits to combat social issues such as homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction that affect BART and the communities it serves.
An evening with Bats & Brews
Submitted by Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
Photo courtesy of Sulphur Creek Nature Center
Take a taste bud tour of the world of beer and meet some Bay Area bats when Sulphur Creek Nature Center hosts “Bats & Brews” on Saturday, June 1.
Beer is universal; every culture knows beer and every culture is proud to boast that its brew is the best on earth. Civilized people all over the world brew and enjoy truly great beers, but could it be possible that beer is responsible for civilization as we know it? Ponder this and other truths as you enjoy a tasting from some of our local breweries. Join well known taste master Ira Bletz as he shares the history, lore, and mythology surrounding beer and the brew craft. Learn how beer is made and discover a beer famous in story and song.
Join us at this fun, informative evening and learn while tasting classic varieties such as lagers, pilsner, ale, malt, and wheat beers. Naturalists will present one of nature's most effective pest control animals: bats, which are highly beneficial to the crops from which beer is made.
Register at https://apm.activecommunities.com/haywardrec/Activity_Search/bats-brews/4026. Must be 21 to attend.
Bats & Brews
Saturday, Jun 1
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
1801 D St., Hayward
(510) 881-6747
www.haywardrec.org/
Tickets: $45
Legislation to remove weapons of war from our streets
Submitted by Andrew Ginsburg
On May 23, Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) introduced the Freedom from Assault Weapons Act to ban assault weapons and require the government to buy them back, removing them once and for all from American communities.
“Weapons of war have no place in our communities,” said Swalwell. “They are designed to cause the most loss of life in the shortest amount of time, something we’ve seen over and over from our children’s schools to every faith’s house of worship.”
The U.S. has seen a rash of mass shootings involving assault weapons in recent years, in places such as Parkland, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Orlando, Florida; and Newtown, Connecticut. These weapons are essentially civilian versions of military firearms. There are millions of such firearms in the U.S. circulation, with estimates ranging from 8.5 to 20 million.
The Freedom from Assault Weapons Act builds upon assault-weapon bans that have been introduced previously in Congress, defining assault weapons in the same way. But Swalwell’s legislation would not “grandfather in” weapons already in circulation; instead, following enactment and a period in which the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) would develop a price, ATF would buy back the banned guns from people or businesses. All guns bought back would be destroyed.
Owners would have two years in which to sell their weapons in the buyback program; after that, the possession, sale, and transfer of these banned assault weapons would become illegal and subject to criminal prosecution. The bill contains exceptions for law enforcement and possessing them at hunting/shooting clubs.
“We know part of the answer for ending mass shootings is to make it much less likely people can obtain and use assault weapons,” Swalwell said. “My Freedom from Assault Weapons Act would do that. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill, to continuing to stand up to the [National Rifle Association] NRA, and to speaking for those who value a person’s right to live overall.”
Ensemble to perform works by Bach, Paganni and others
Article and photos submitted by Kris Palmer
Black Cedar, an award-winning ensemble of flute, cello, and guitar are bringing their musical talents to Fremont in an upcoming concert at the Dominican Center in the city’s Mission San Jose area. The concert, “Virtuosity Defined: Music of Bach, Paganini, Piazzolla, Schubert and Black” will also include a selection of their own recent commissions. Complimentary wine from St. Jorge Winery of Lodi and Hors d'œuvres will be served during the concert, set for 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6.
As a rare ensemble dedicated to music for flute, cello, and guitar, Black Cedar creates, discovers, and re-imagines works for this unique combination. The trio’s accolades include multiple grants from both the Zellerbach Family Foundation and InterMusic SF, plus an invite to the National Flute Association Convention.
Kris Palmer, the group’s flutist, is a first prize winner in the Carmel Chamber Music Society Competition, second prize winner in the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition, and a Carnegie Hall Recital Debut Award winner with Artists International.
Isaac-Pastor Chermak, the group’s cellist, is Assistant Principal Cellist with Opera San Jose, Associate Principal Cellist with Stockton Symphony, and Principal Cellist with Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony in Iowa. Steven Lin, the group’s guitarist, is Professor of Guitar at San Jose State University and first prize winner of the Boston GuitarFest Competition and the East Carolina University Guitar Competition.
Since their formation in 2013, the trio has performed about 75 concerts throughout California, commissioned eight new works for their unique instrument group, and appeared repeatedly Bay Area broadcast media outlets.
Joining the trio in their Fremont show will be pianist Alison Lee who is a first prize winner in the Thursday Musical’s Scholarship Competition, the Dorothy Van Waynen Piano Competition, the Pacific Musical Society Competition, and the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra National Young Artists Competition. She has a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota.
Tickets are $10 and are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4235474. For details, call (650) 868-3150.
Black Cedar Trio
Sunday, Jun 2
The Dominican Center, Mission San Jose
43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 868-3150
Tickets: $10 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4235474
Take wing with Butterfly & Bird Festival
Submitted by East Bay Regional Park District
Photos by Greg Steffes
Celebrate the connections between butterfly, bird, and human communities when Coyote Hills Regional Park hosts the 20th annual “Butterfly & Bird Festival” on Sunday, June 2. The special event is dedicated to increasing the numbers and species of butterflies, birds, and pollinators in Bay Area landscapes through wildlife-friendly gardens. Spend a day of adventure and learning that allows you to get close to nature’s flying critters. Enjoy garden tours, hands-on family activities, educational speakers, photo presentations and music. Learn how to bring your backyard to life by creating wildlife friendly habitats!
“The purpose of the festival is to encourage pollinator-friendly actions in our visitors. Whether birds, butterflies, bees, beetles, or bats, pollinators hold such incredibly important roles in food webs and ecosystem health,” says Naturalist Dino Labiste. “We hope through booths highlighting such actions as composting, making bee houses, or planting seeds of pollinator-friendly plants, people will think about the impact of actions they can take. But, it's also up to each of us as we have conversations with folks throughout the day to help make the connections between those actions and the survival of butterflies and bees in our modern, highly human-centric world – as well as the importance of pollinators to human communities.”
Attendees can stop by booths to get information on specialized topics from master composter Amy Coulter, University of California Master Gardener Program, Johnny’s Bee Farm, Pollinator Posse, Insect Sciences Museum, North American Butterfly Association, lepidopterist Andy Liu (with live host plants and caterpillars), California Native Plant Society, Bay Natives Nursery, California Bluebird Recovery Program, Ohlone Audubon Society, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and East Bay Regional Park District Mobile Visitor Center.
Nature crafts will have kids making an origami book on butterfly metamorphosis or bird behavior, creating a bird or butterfly twirling craft, constructing a felt butterfly pin, making a butterfly with a wooden clothespin and coffee filter, and potting their own soil and planting wildflower or milkweed seeds.
Guided tours will be offered during the festival: Bug Forays, Bird Walks, and a Nectar Garden Tour. “Our Coyote Hills docents will explore the world of Monarch butterflies and Anise Swallowtails through stories about metamorphosis, milkweeds, fennels, and habitats. Our docents will also treat the visitors to flavored water drinks from garden plants,” says Labiste.
Enjoy “story time” with Carla Marie Munoz, tribal ambassador of the Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe; nature songs with musician Betsy Stern; and two puppet shows by the Magical Moonshine Theatre.
There will be photo presentations of wildlife in our regional parks by photographers Don Jedlovic, Lee Greengrass, and Eddie Dunbar in the Visitor Center. And when lunchtime rolls around, food trucks Ampuli (Indian cuisine) and Los Jarochos Grill (Mexican cuisine) will be on site with delicious food options.
Join in the celebration and be part of the connection between butterfly, bird, and human communities. “We are excited to share stories of our experience strengthening these connections here at Coyote Hills,” says Labiste. For more information, call (510) 544-3220.
Butterfly & Bird Festival
Sunday, Jun 2
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote_hills/
Parking: $5
Bay Area native receives honorary doctorate
Submitted by Kimberly Hawkins
Graphic novelist and the Library of Congress's fifth national ambassador for Young People's Literature, Gene Luen Yang, was given an honorary doctorate at Cal State East Bay’s commencement ceremony on May 19. Born in Alameda and raised in the South Bay, Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade. Decades later, a teacher at Bishop O’Dowd high school, Yang took a leap of faith – fulfilling his dream of becoming a full-time writer of comic books and graphic novels. In 2016, Yang was chosen for a Mac Arthur Foundation “genius” grant.
In New Superman from DC Comics, Yang was able to, in his words, “explore the overlap between an American icon – Superman – and modern Chinese culture.” According to DC, his current project, “Superman Smashes the Klan” will tell the story of an American Chinese girl who moves to Metropolis to find herself and her family’s ethnicity targeted by the Ku Klux Klan.
City of San Leandro Hosts 110th Cherry Festival
Submitted by City of San Leandro
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter and the San Leandro City Council are pleased to announce this year’s Cherry Festival on Saturday, June 1, marking the 110th anniversary of this event. Honoring San Leandro’s heritage as the former cherry-growing capital of the region, the Cherry Festival will take place along West Estudillo Avenue and around the downtown area from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Cherry Festival Parade will kick off the day at 10 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club rear parking lot located at 401 Marina Boulevard. The parade will proceed north along San Leandro Boulevard and conclude on Estudillo Avenue at the Cherry Festival. San Leandro residents and community groups are encouraged to take part either by entering as a participant or as a spectator.
Headline entertainment for the 2019 festival include the Jets and Sweet Sensation. The Jets have eight Top 10 hits and have sold more than five million albums worldwide with some of their hits including “Make It Real,” and “You Got It All.” Some Sweet Sensation hits include “Hooked on You,” “Sincerely Yours,” and “Take It While It's Hot.”
Attendees are invited to explore the festival, which will feature activities for people of all ages including live music and entertainment, artisans, Bistro at the Casa highlighting wine and sangria, and PubPARC, which includes local craft beer and food trucks. Available food highlights include Taiyaki soft serve cones, pineapple whips, mocha donuts, hot dogs, shaved ice, cherry cabernet brownies, and funnel cakes. This year’s event will also have an abundance of fresh cherries at the farmer’s market.
Visit the Cherry Festival website for information on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, parade participation, and vendor information. Follow @SanLeandroCherryFestival on Facebook for the latest updates. Download the San Leandro Cherry Festival App available in iTunes and Google Play stores for additional event details.
City of San Leandro Cherry Festival
Saturday, June 1
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Cherry Parade 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
401 Marina Blvd.
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Cherry Festival 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
West Estudillo Ave
510-577-3462
www.sanleandro.org/depts/rec/special_events/
Meet with cops over coffee
Submitted by Hayward PD
Even if they’re not coffee drinkers, Hayward residents are invited to attend a meet and greet Coffee with a Cop gathering on Saturday, June 8 at Snappy’s Café in Hayward.
Sponsored by the Hayward Police Department Crime Prevention Unit, the two-hour event will start at 10 a.m. No formal presentation is planned; the goal of the gathering is to let people ask questions or voice neighborhood concerns with members of the Hayward Police Department in a relaxed setting.
Admission is free and open to the public. For details, call (510) 293-5051.
Coffee with a Cop
Saturday, Jun 8
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Snappy’s Cafe
978 A St., Hayward
HaywardPDCPU@Hayward-ca.gov
(510) 293-5051
Music and gospel highlight community celebration
Submitted by Ebi Godwin
A day of live music, gospel, games and fun is on tap at this year’s Community Fest 2019 coming soon to Irvington Presbyterian Church in Fremont. The focus of the event is to offer visitors a day of intercultural festivity and fellowship in a family-friendly and fun setting that also will include food booths and gift items available for sale. Festivities start at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 15 on the church grounds on Irvington Avenue in Fremont.
Admission is free and open to the public. For details, call Brother Mustapha Baksh at (510) 709-5406 or visit the church webpage at www.irvingtonpres.org.
Community Fest 2019
Saturday, Jun 15
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Irvington Presbyterian Church
4181 Irvington Ave., Fremont
(510) 709-5406
www.irvingtonpres.org
Registration required
Register for Cougars Girls Basketball Camp
Submitted by Darryl Reina
The 2019 Cougars Girls Summer Basketball Camp, for ages 7 to 15, will be held from Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12. The areas of focus will be shooting, passing, ball-handling, footwork/agility, and individual and team defense. Campers will be divided into groups by age and ability level.
FUNdamental camp will be directed by Coach Darryl Reina, head varsity coach at Newark Memorial High School, along with other staff members and players. The player/staff camp ratio is 6:1. To register visit, http://www.newark.org/departments/recreation-and-community-services/view-activities-register-online or visit the Silliman Activity Center. For more information, contact Coach Reina at darryl14r@aol.com or call (510) 578-4000.
Cougars Girls Summer Basketball Camp
Monday, Jul 8 – Friday, Jul 12
9 a.m. – 12 noon
Silliman Activity Center
6800 Mowry Ave, Newark
(510) 578-4000
http://www.newark.org/departments/recreation-and-community-services/view-activities-register-online
$99 for Newark residents, $108 for nonresidents
Ages 7 – 15
State Senate OKs accessory dwelling unit bill to streamline process
Submitted by Jeff Barbosa
On May 22, the California State Senate passed SB 13, a significant housing bill authored by Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to remove some of the biggest remaining barriers on homeowners who want to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny-flats, on their property.
“Solving our housing crisis will take a multi-pronged approach, and ADUs play an important role,” said Wieckowski. “Allowing homeowners to contribute to the solution by building accessory units is a great way to increase the supply of more affordable homes. I have worked to streamline the system and we are making progress. More needs to be done to really take advantage of the full potential of these accessory homes.”
SB 13 attacks three of the biggest remaining barriers to accessory dwelling units by reducing excessive developer impact fees, granting more oversight authority to the housing and community development department, providing a pathway to bring unpermitted existing units up to code, and eliminating owner occupancy requirements. The bill is supported by the Bay Area Council, California Yimby, California Chamber of Commerce, SV@Home, San Jose Conservation Corps, California Association of Realtors, PrefabADU, Casita Coalition, Eden Housing and several others.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
As May turns into June, there are a lot of summertime activities on the calendar at the East Bay Regional Park District. Let’s begin with the 20th annual Butterfly and Bird Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. The free event is dedicated to increasing the numbers and species of butterflies and birds in the Bay Area. There will be tours of the park’s butterfly garden, educational speakers, photo presentations, live music, and hands-on activities for the entire family. Learn how to create wildlife-friendly habitat in your own backyard.
Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road, off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For more information, call (510) 544-3220.
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Nature lore and ancient survival skills are the focus of some programs at the Environmental Education Center in Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. Interpretive student aide Brianna Contaxis-Tucker will host a program from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1, talking about animals that live in Tilden’s ponds and fields. It’s also the birthday of E.O. Wilson, a scientist who wrote about the natural world.
You can also try your hand at two ancient skills, under the guidance of naturalist Anthony Fisher. He will show how to make a fire by rubbing sticks together from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays, June 2 and June 30; and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, June 2 and June 16, Fisher will run an atlatl clinic. See if you can hit a target with this pre-historic dart-throwing device (trust me, it’s harder than it looks.)
The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For details, call (510) 544-2233.
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Oak tales will be told during a hike over steep and varied terrain from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, led by naturalist aide Ricardo Black. Learn about these trees and their importance as a home and food source for all kinds of animals. The hike, for ages 9 and older, is a bit strenuous. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4.
If nighttime is the right time for you, there’s a moonless hike, for ages 10 and up, planned from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at Black Diamond. Led by naturalist Eddie Willis, the hike is a 3½-mile round trip, up steep, uneven and rocky terrain to watch the sunset, then down again in the dark. Registration is required for the night hike. For registration and information, call (888) 327-2757, select option 2 and refer to program 25046.
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Dashing dragonflies are the stars of a program from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Learn about the life cycle and lifestyles of these insects, which have been around for millions of years.
Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road, off Oakley’s Main Street. For more information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 3050.
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Round Valley Regional Preserve is a beautiful and secluded parkland south of Brentwood, a haven especially for birds of prey and several endangered species. Naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a hike from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, June 1, talking about the park’s natural and cultural history. The hike, for ages 10 and up, is moderately strenuous. Dogs are not allowed; they are prohibited at Round Valley to protect the endangered San Joaquin kit fox.
Meet Kevin at the staging area on Marsh Creek Road, about a mile east of Deer Valley Road. For information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 2750.
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The summer swim season is now underway at East Bay Regional Park District’s six lake beaches, three lagoons, two pools and two beaches on San Francisco Bay. Detailed information on regulations, hours, and swim fees is available at www.ebparks.org. Keep in mind some general safety tips, which will assure an enjoyable experience for everyone:
- Children ages 12 and under in swim areas must be accompanied by a responsible, actively supervising person age 16 or older.
- Swim diapers are required in chlorinated swim areas.
- Know your swimming abilities and stay within them. Areas with lifeguard service all have roped-off shallow areas. There’s a free lifejacket loaner program at all the district’s swim facilities with lifeguards.
- Do not mix swimming and alcoholic beverage consumption. Alcohol does not enhance swimming skills. No alcoholic beverages, dogs, glass containers, fishing or barbecues are permitted on beaches or in swim areas.
- Swim attire is required. No nudity.
- Obey any instructions from lifeguards, rangers, firefighters or police, especially during emergency situations.
Editorial
Buttons
It is believed that buttons have been around as a practical accoutrement and fashion statement since prehistoric times. Not always used solely as a closure device, the value of a button or pin depended on the material used in their manufacture, indicating levels of wealth and prestige. As a handmade crafted item, buttons were so prestigious that a button guild was formed in France in 1250 and their use restricted by law. Throughout history, buttons have been used for a variety of purposes including hollowed-out smuggler buttons and, with the inauguration of George Washington in 1789, political sentiments.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 1800s, buttons became more accessible and entered the common vernacular as well. Button metaphors abound such as “on the button”, “cute as a button” or “buttonhole” while descriptions of persons with intellect, or lack thereof are described as “having all their buttons” or derisively as “a button short.”
Physical buttons have withstood the onslaught of zippers and Velcro and even expanded to the virtual world of computers. The word has also remained in our vocabulary as a metaphor for mental status. To push someone’s buttons is recognized as a statement of psychological dexterity, usually in a negative sense. Provocation to elicit a strong reaction through a known weakness or desire is a relatively common tactic. Even those who are aware of its use are often helpless to defend against its power without substantial mental restraint.
Our personal “buttons” are ingrained and include a wide variety of biases: mental, tactile, sensual, visual, hereditary, educational, family and social. These are so embedded in our psychological profile that we may not even recognize their existence, opting to explain them as a result of provable facts and demonstrable logic. This power is recognized in the Italian term “stanze dei bottoni”, roughly translated as a war room or control room.
Our current political climate, locally and beyond, is often a result of those who understand shared buttons. Negative concerns of fear and anxiety coupled with group dynamics can be a powerful force and override morality and common sense. In a turbulent era of dissent and conflict, our buttons become extremely sensitive. With this sensitivity, comes the danger of excessive use that overwhelms the message and rational thought. Just as bodily attacks can render unconsciousness and detachment, so can extreme button-pushing.
At the last Fremont City Council meeting, a trio of large groups were heard, expressing their sentiments – employee benefits, the proposed Navigation Center and vaping. This is a clear and positive democratic right and responsibility of the electorate. However, along with thoughtful and persuasive arguments are “me too” proponents who can show their support through their presence without adding dozens of similar oral statements that begin to dull the message. By the time council heard many dozens of comments, often repeating the same message, hours passed and the attention span of councilmembers and observers alike waned. This may not be the most advantageous method to present an argument.
As a solution to allow adequate representation and alert responsiveness, Fremont may want to consider using the fourth Tuesday or alternate day of the week (Wednesday?) as an option for sessions dedicated to a single sensitive subject. Although workshops are used for this purpose, they are typically scheduled prior to a council meeting, eliminating some from attending due to work or home schedules. This also lengthens meeting time and tires councilmembers who may have worked a full day prior to the sessions. Exhaustion lowers resistance to button-pushing but can simultaneously enhance erratic impulses. Although we have all learned to push buttons, incautious use may lead to unplanned results.
Painting with a Knife
Submitted by Susan Helmer
Peggy is currently working with a palette knife in oils on canvas. Although initially a student of the human form, Peggy’s natural curiosity leads her to render various subjects is saturated color and heavy impasto. Her thick impastos give her work a strong sculptural quality rarely seen in paintings. The effect is to pause the viewer and give them a moment for reflection.
The painting demo will show artists how to render objects in water mixable oils with only a palette knife. We’ll start the demo with a simple object rendered in three or four values. Then show how easy it is to create buildings with a knife. The knife is especially adept at rendering old barns. We’ll also render trees using a long knife. Trees, especially tall straight aspen, are also easy to create using a long knife. Finally, we’ll load the knife with multiple colors and move it across a surface to create water reflections.
Painting with a knife
Wednesday, Jun 5
1 p.m.
Guest Artist – Peggy Kirk
Fremont Art Association
37697 Niles Blvd, Fremont
www.fremontartassociation.org
Free and open to the public
Baseball
Warriors play for championship
Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew
The Fremont Christian Warriors put together an impressive win on May 21st in North Coast Section (NCS) Division 5 semi-final play, beating the Branson Bulls 3-2. For the first time in the school’s history, an NCS championship is within reach. With this momentous milestone in sight, Warriors bats came to life early to post three runs.
The combination of the early runs and excellent pitching and defense propelled the Warriors to a NCS Championship contest on May 25 against the Berean Christian Eagles of Walnut Creek.
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Coach’s Comments:
Bubba Gomez threw a complete game giving up just 3 hits and 1 earned run. Alex Wiley had an RBI single. Emilio Martin scored Bubba on a successful squeeze play. Emilio also played great defense at 2nd base. Westin Coffey caught a great game behind the plate and Daniel Lopez was 2 for 3; John Sanguinetti 1 for 2.
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Flute concert highlights traditional and original works
Submitted by Vivien Tay
Music enthusiasts will have a chance to enjoy a melodic blend of traditional Chinese and Western music when the Fremont Flute Ensemble performs its next concert at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont. The free 90-minute program will include (among others):
- Finale from the “William Tell” Overture
- Toccata from “Suite Gothique”
- Three Dances from “Gayne Ballet”
- Chaminade's Flute Concerto with soloist John Shao Jiang Huang
- Szechuan Folk Suite
- The Little Shepherd
- Memories of Suzhou (Bamboo flute solo: John Shao Jiang Huang)
- Water Music Suite
Szechuan Folk Suite, The Little Shepherd and Memories of Suzhou are commissioned pieces for the Fremont Flute Ensemble by well-known Chinese composer, Gu Guan Ren. Led by conductors John Shao Jiang Huang and Luna Chan, the 90-minute concert will start at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For details, call (510) 565-6638.
Fremont Flute Ensemble
Saturday, Jun 1
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
“East Meets West” Chinese and Western classics
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 565-6638
www.fremontfluteensemble.org
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Wednesday, May 15
- Officers were dispatched to the CVS store in the Brookvale shopping center in North Fremont after a woman reportedly stole make-up and fled the store while threatening to kill employees if they tried to stop her. The suspect was described as a black woman, 20-30 years old, wearing a green jacket, black pants and white shoes. She was carrying a black purse and white shopping bag. She was seen fleeing the parking lot in a newer model silver sedan driven by a man. The case is being investigated by Officer Crow.
Thursday, May 16
- Officer Crow was dispatched to the area of Fremont Boulevard and Country Drive on the report of a woman walking in the middle of Fremont Boulevard. Crow located the 32-year-old woman, who was non-compliant and had to be assisted out of the roadway. She was arrested on suspicion of obstructing/resisting and officer and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Friday, May 17
- Officer J. Kennedy was dispatched to a residence on Rowe Place after a victim reported being struck by a man with a bat. The suspect fled the scene and was not located. Injuries were non-life threatening and an investigation is ongoing.
- Officers responded to multiple calls about a group of people fighting near the former Ross store located at Mission and Warm Springs boulevards. Initial reports were that six or seven people armed with sticks, a hammer, and a firearm were fighting. Officers detained five people at gunpoint. One of the people suffered a stab wound to his abdomen and had other blunt force injuries. The suspect vehicle was described as a late 90s white Mercedes E320 that was last seen northbound on Warm Springs Boulevard. According to initial statements, the two suspects in the Mercedes attacked the victim and stabbed him. As the victim’s friends arrived, the two suspects fled in the Mercedes. One suspect brandished a large revolver at the victims as they fled. The victim was taken to a trauma center and underwent surgery. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. K9 Karo, with the assistance of Officer Haugh, spotted the suspect vehicle fleeing on Osgood Road near Walmart. A felony car stop was made, the two suspects were detailed and a bloody knife and realistic imitation firearm were found in the car. The 31 and 23-year-old male suspects were arrested. The case was investigated by Officer Montojo.
Saturday, May 18
- A caller reported a driver brandished a firearm during a disagreement in the area of Fremont Boulevard and Central Avenue. The suspect was described as an older white male with facial hair wearing a black T-shirt and driving a light blue Chevrolet El Camino last seen going southbound on Fremont Boulevard.
- Officer Calvin made a pedestrian stop on a bicyclist at Stevenson Boulevard and Sundale Drive. A check on the 33-year-old man showed he had an active, no bail warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle. Calvin checked the bicycle’s serial number and learned it was a reported stolen on April 25. The man was arrested for the warrant, possession of stolen property, burglary tools and possession of controlled substances.
Monday, May 20, 2019
- At 8:05 a.m. officers responded to the 37300 block of Niles Boulevard to investigate a battery that occurred the night before. On Sunday evening, the night prior, the Fremont Fire Department responded to the patio area of a coffee shop on Niles Boulevard where they provided medical treatment to an unresponsive male. The man was taken to a trauma center. At the time of the call, it was only reported as medical in nature and there was no further information regarding the man’s injuries. The following morning, the department was notified that the man’s condition was grave and he was suffering from major injuries. Additional information showed that the man may have been involved in a fight. Since that time, officers and detectives have been working the case trying to determine what occurred. The man later was declared dead by doctor at the hospital. The case is under investigation.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
- Auto burglaries were reported on the 100 Block of Mission Road, the 800 Block of Uinta Court and the 39300 Block of Civic Center Drive.
- A male juvenile was robbed of his cellphone near Centerville Junior High School by four males, about 17 to 18 years old. The suspect’s vehicle was possibly a white Honda Civic with a plate starting with “6J.”
Fremont City Council
May 21, 2019
Announcements:
- Tax assistance volunteers recognized.
- Fremont received an “A” grade on Climate Change policies from the CDA.
Consent Calendar:
- Award contract for Cape and Slurry Seal Project to American Pavement Systems, Inc. in the amount of $3,800,800.00.
- Amendment to Transit Shelter Advertising Program.
- Authorize application for 2019-20 Transportation Development Act and acceptance of $244,206 for the Bicycle Master Plan.
- Authorize a service agreement with Damey Environmental Pest Solutions.
- Approve partial release of Faithful Performance Bonds by Fremont Pat Ranch, LLC in the amount of $5,351,300.
- Approve final map and construction of public and private street improvements at 48495 Ursa Drive.
- Approve partial release of Faithful Performance Bonds by TRI Pointe Homes, Inc. in the amount of $2,805,000.
- Approve 3-year contract with Mike Canaday for weed abatement by goats at Sabercat Historical Park in the amount of $170,248.
Ceremonial Items:
- Proclaim One Book, One Community Read sponsored by American Association of University Women.
- Receive Bronze Award for Bicycle Friendly Community from League of American Bicyclists.
Oral Communications:
- Comments about possible location of Navigation Center in Niles.
- Comments by City of Fremont Employee Association urging cost of living increase.
- Comments regarding street changes at Rancho Arroyo.
- Comments advocating for Kids Against Hunger Club at Mission San Jose High School.
Scheduled Items:
- Referral from Human Relations Commission to ban sale of flavored tobacco products, set minimum prices and packaging for some tobacco products and establish a Tobacco Retail License program. Move forward with an ordinance to be approved by council by end of July. PASSED 5-2 (Nay: Bacon, Kassan – action too slow).
Other Business:
- Presentation of Fiscal Year 2019/20 proposed Operating Budget.
- Presentation of proposed Capital Improvement Plan – 2019/20 through 2023/24.
***Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Plan: First Public Hearing scheduled for June 4, 2019. Second Public Hearing and Adoption scheduled June 11, 2019.
- Presentation of Mission San Jose Commercial Strategy Study.
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Raj Salwan Aye
Vinnie Bacon Aye, 1 Nay
Rick Jones Aye
Teresa Keng (District 1) Aye
Jenny Kassan (District 3) Aye, 1 Nay
Yang Shao (District 4) Aye
Summer music program keeps students in tune
Submitted by Queenie Chong
School is out. The weather is too warm. Friends and relatives are visiting. Families are traveling. Private teachers are on vacation. Any other excuses for musicians to stop practicing in the summer? Play and keep playing; the music school is in session. This is the message behind free band and orchestra classes offered from Thursday, June 27 to Friday, July 19 by Instrumental Music Department of Hopkins Junior High School.
This three-week program, open to eligible high school, junior high school, and intermediate/advanced elementary band/orchestra students, presents an exceptional opportunity for students to keep up and improve their musical skills during the summer. There must be a minimum enrollment of 45 band students and 20 orchestra students to run these classes. Students are encouraged to enroll even if they are going to miss some classes. However, all participants are required to perform at the evening concert on Saturday, July 20.
Registration is open. For details and to register, visit https://musicathopkins.com/programs/summer-music-programs or call Gregory Conway at (510) 656-3500, ext. 38033
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Summer Band/Orchestra Program:
Thursday, Jun 27 to Friday, Jul 19
Intermediate Band and Advanced String Orchestra: 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Intermediate String Orchestra and Advanced Band: 10:45 a.m. – 12 noon
Hopkins Junior High School
600 Driscoll Rd, Fremont
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Concert:
Saturday, Jul 20
6 p.m.
Chabot College
25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
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(510) 656-3500, ext. 38033
Bee-friendly gardens
Article and photos by Lalitha Visveswaran
Consider the first man to stumble upon a wild beehive that was likely hanging from an outcropping of rock on a mountain or from a tall branch. It would have been buzzing with bees. He might have been curious. He would have approached it only to find aggressive bees using their stingers on a suicide mission to protect their hive. And yet, enchanted by the alluring fragrance of sweet floral nectar trapped in the waxy structure we now call a honeycomb he would have gone ahead to taste the sweet honey. Thus, began a love affair – between man and honey.
We have learned so much about bees and honey since then. We now know the importance of bees and other pollinators, and the role they play in our food production. Over 70 percent of crops need to be pollinated by bees. We domesticate bees and keep them in man-made beehives to study them and harvest the floral nectar they collect for their food. We have found many uses for honey – from food to medicine to beauty.
As an apex predator, we have also exploited these miracle workers and endangered their existence with the use of herbicides. Many wild and native species of bees are at the verge of extinction. Apiculture is a contract that beekeepers make with bees – to provide a safe and dry environment in temperature regulated man-made hives in return for their honey. There is also a promise to only extract excess honey after the bees have enough for the survival of their brood. Crucially, we plant nectar plants and bee-friendly habitats free of chemicals and pollutants.
Bee-friendly gardens:
The most common question I get from gardeners who are unable to be beekeepers is: “How do I create a bee-friendly environment in my garden?”
- My answer always begins with a caution – before we create bee-friendly habitats, we must first be aware of what harms the bees. The foremost danger to bees is pesticides and herbicides. What we spray to eliminate weeds and what we consider pests, will harm and kill bees too. Some chemicals can create mutations they can pass on to the next generation. So, let’s start with, “Do not Spray.”
2: Grow flowers throughout the season. Bees go dormant in winter, which means that in California, we would need something that flowers from March to October. Have a seasonal calendar with three to four flowering plants per season so that there is always a food source for the bees. Plant a diverse mixture of plants and fruit trees, they would bestow the blessings of pollination for a bountiful harvest.
3: The next step is to plant flowers that have nectar and pollen. Bees are attracted to “single” flowers, which means they need to be able to easily access parts of flower that are laden with nectar and pollen. An example of a single flower is echinacea or cosmos. On the other hand, most garden roses have multiple layers of petals that make nectar and pollen difficult to access for the bees. Peonies, impatiens, camellias, etc. are examples of double flower tops. Bee-friendly plants with flowers are lavender, honeysuckle, echinacea, cosmos, borage, sunflowers, dahlias, butterfly bush, clover, mints, rosemary, and sage.
4: Go easy on weeding. What we see as weeds are resilient plants that are acclimatized to our soil and weather, and don’t need any tending to germinate and thrive. They are often the best food sources for bees because they are naturally seasonal, and don’t need any extra inputs such as fertilizers or water to make them robust plants.
5: Source your plants carefully. Always check if your nursery sprays young bee plants before they sell. Neonicotinoids are systemic chemicals absorbed into plants and can be present in nectar and pollen. This makes them toxic to pollinators that feed on them.
6: Create bee baths. Bees expend a lot of energy flitting and flying distances from flower to flower, plant to plant to pollinate and collect nectar. In fact, a lot of nectar they collect is spent for this foraging activity and only the excess is stored after they feed the Queen Bee. This is the reason beekeepers have a contract with the bees to not extract so much honey that it will endanger their hives’ survival. However, with climate change and droughts, bees suffer too. Bees, like many other insects and pollinators, need fresh water. Bird baths are too deep, and they cannot always drink dew. It is easy to create a bee bath – all you need is a shallow dish and some stones or large pebbles. Fill the dish with a loose arrangement of stones and then water. Place it at ground level and watch the bees revel in this little oasis.
7: Finally, know the “four Ps against Pollinators.” These are dangerous to not just bees but to all insects and pollinators. They are parasites, pathogens, pesticides and poor nutrition. If you strive to eliminate these four dangers for the survival of our pollinators, you have already succeeded in creating an Eden for our buzzy friends.
Creating a bee-friendly environment is a good exercise and the first step to being a beekeeper. I advise those who wish to be beekeepers to first practice being a steward of a garden that is a pollinator haven. This is helpful to identify the pros and cons of such an environment. With this initial setting, the next step is perhaps building and maintaining a hive? That, my friends, is a whole other adventure.
Lalitha Visveswaran is a full-time farmer at Jellicles Farm in the Sunol AgPark. www.jelliclesfarm.com
Harmony Fusion seeks singers
Submitted by Heidi Massie
Harmony Fusion Chorus, a women’s cappella barbershop show chorus, will host a special open rehearsal night on Monday, June 24 to welcome new singers. At this interactive rehearsal, visitors will experience what it’s like to sing in the barbershop style. After a meet and greet, guests will join members on the risers to experience the joy of “ringing chords” together.
“We’re looking for women who love to sing and are interested in performing, competing, and improving their vocal skills,” said Jenny Gurney, membership chairwoman. “If you have a good ear for music, we want you. The ability to read music is not required.”
A chapter of Sweet Adelines International (SAI), Harmony Fusion Chorus is open to female singers as young as high school age. The chorus meets Monday nights; membership includes access to weekend workshops in vocal techniques, singing in a quartet, learning to direct, and aspects of performing.
For details about the open rehearsal night, call Jenny Gurney at (925) 200-1191. For information about Harmony Fusion Chorus, visit its Facebook page @harmonyfusionchorus or website, www.isingharmony.com.
Open Rehearsal Night
Monday, Jun 24
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
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Harmony Fusion Chorus Meetings
Mondays (except holidays)
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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Hill and Valley Women’s Club
1808 B St, Hayward
(925) 200-1191
A history of Carnegie libraries with Annalee Allen
Submitted by Marcess Owings
Andrew Carnegie can be thought of as an early version of Bill Gates. This wealthy steel magnate and America’s first billionaire preached a gospel of “giving back” on the part of the wealthy. He followed through on his philosophy in the later part of his life, donating about $350 million to charities, foundations, and universities – almost 90 percent of his fortune. Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of over 2,000 public libraries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world. Some of those historic structures stood in Hayward and San Leandro.
Join Annalee Allen, noted local historian, on Thursday, June 6 as she speaks about the legacy of local Carnegie libraries. For details about the event, call Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) at (510) 581-0223 or visit www.HaywardAreaHistory.org.
Presentation on Carnegie Libraries
Thursday, Jun 6
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
HAHS Museum of History & Culture
22380 Foothill Blvd, Hayward
(510) 581-0223
www.haywardareahistory.org
$5 program fee; free for HAHS members
Hayward scores ‘A’ on climate leadership
Submitted by Chuck Finnie
The City of Hayward has been recognized as a global leader in environmental action by the environmental-impact nonprofit CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, making it onto CDP’s Cities A List. Every year, more than 600 cities report their climate data through CDP’s environmental disclosure platform and in so doing demonstrate commitment, transparency and ambition in climate protection.
For the first time earlier this month, CDP published its Cities A List to showcase local government climate leadership and encourage more cities to accelerate their climate action. In 2018, CDP scored cities from A to D based on their disclosures for how effectively they are managing, measuring and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for adapting to climate risks. Hayward was one of just seven percent of cities who reported their environmental data through CDP in 2018 to receive an A grade. To learn more about CDP and for a description of the organization’s scoring methodology for the Cities A List, visit https://www.cdp.net/en.
Hayward native serves aboard versatile warship
Submitted by Kayla Turnbow and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zahn
Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward
Petty Officer 3rd Class Steven Dones, a Hayward native, was inspired by his family to join the Navy. Two years later at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Dones serves aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur, patrolling one of the world’s busiest maritime regions as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet.
A 2012 graduate of Jubileum Academy of Bacoor in Cavite, Philippines, Dones is a yeoman aboard the Yokosuka-based ship, one of several in its class forward-deployed to the region. “I do administrative processing of awards, evaluations, plan of the day, and any correspondence,” said Dones.
Dones credits success in the Navy to some of the lessons learned in Hayward. “My family helped shape me into who I am now,” said Dones. “I’ve learned to be more independent.”
There are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career. Dones is most proud of finishing his surface warfare specialist qualification: “I’m proud because I did everything on my own and I was able to stay committed to something and reach my goal.”
Hayward City Council
May 21, 2019
Presentations:
- Environmental Awards Presentation
Schools:
Cherryland Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School
Residential:
Anita Cruz, Amanda Groziak, Kenneth Woodward
Businesses/Organizations:
Cox Automotive Manheim San Francisco Bay Area, EKC Technology, Life Chiropractic College West, St. Rose Hospital, Eden Issei Terrace
Consent Calendar:
- Approval of plans and call for bids for a trash capture device on Arf Avenue
- Fire Stations 2-5 landscape improvements: approval of plans and call for bids
- Resolution to amend agreement with Mark Thomas & Company in an amount not toexceed $475,000 for the Mission Boulevard corridor improvements
- Approval of a one-year extension of the Skywest Golf Course lease agreement between the City of Hayward and Hayward Area Recreation & Park District
- Authorize an agreement in the amount of $140,000 with Lookingpoint for voicemail upgrade to Cisco Unity
- Authorize an agreement with Lookingpoint for next care complete services in the amount of $105,600 annually
Consent Calendar passed 7-0
Public Hearing:
- Gann Appropriations limit for FY 2020 (limits revenue spent by city government). Item passed 7-0
- Proposed FY 2020 operating budgets for the City of Hayward, Hayward Redevelopment Successor Agency, and Hayward Housing Authority; and FY 2020 Capital Improvement Program budget. Item passed 7-0
City Manager’s Comments:
- On Thursday, May 23, Applebee’s will host Tip-A-Cop. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics
Council Reports:
- Councilmember Zermeno invited everyone to the Southgate Community Center on Saturday, May 25 for a cleanup session by Keep Hayward Clean & Green Taskforce
- Mayor Halliday thanked council and staff for review of candidates for the new Police Relations Committee
Council Referrals:
- Consider an item for discussion on a future city council agenda regarding the provision of housing development incentives. Item failed 2-5 (Nay; Halliday, Lamnin, Zermeno, Mendall, Salinas)
- Consider an item for discussion on a future city council agenda regarding a Hayward Fourth of July morning Diversity Parade and evening Fireworks Show. Council was generally against fireworks and pointed to the All American Festival as a current celebration that is doing well. Item failed 1-6 (Nay; Halliday, Lamnin, Zermeno, Mendall, Marquez, Salinas)
Mayor Barbara Halliday Aye, 2 Nay
Sara Lamnin Aye, 2 Nay
Francisco Zermeno Aye, 2 Nay
Aisha Wahab Aye
Al Mendall Aye, 2 Nay
Elisa Marquez Aye, 1 Nay
Mark Salinas Aye, 2 Nay
Baseball
Huskies great season comes to an end
Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew
Following a successful regular season for the Washington Huskies (Fremont), they entered postseason play with high hopes. However, in a May 20 quarterfinal contest with the Benicia Panthers, a 5-3 loss ended the Huskies’ championship aspirations. Although the Panthers jumped to an early 2-run lead in the first inning, a Huskies run in the bottom of the frame gave notice that the challenge would be answered. As the game progressed, bad infield bounces plagued the Huskies in the third inning to add another run to the deficit; two more runs in the fourth inning painted a bleak picture for the Huskies. But Huskies batters brought the score back to within reach as they added two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. However, it wasn’t enough as Panther pitching shut down additional scoring opportunities and ended the Huskies bid for more post-season play.
Congratulations to the Huskies for a great season.
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Mondays and Thursdays, Feb 12 – May 30
Table Tennis $
Mon: 1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Thurs: 12:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Improve your hand-eye coordination. $3 drop-in fee
Kenneth C. Aitken Center
17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6738
www.haywardrec.org
Monday – Friday, Feb 18 – May 30
Billiards/Pool Tables $
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Beginning thru advanced players. $1.50 drop-in fee
Kenneth C. Aitken Center
17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6738
www.haywardrec.org
Wednesdays, Mar 13 – May 29
Watercolor Class $
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
For all experience levels
San Lorenzo Adult School
820 Bockman Rd., San Lorenzo
(510) 317-4200
Wednesdays, Apr 3 – Oct 9
Downtown San Leandro Farmers Market
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, live music, 30+ vendors
Downtown San Leandro
Parrott Street between East 14th and Washington Ave.
Friday-Sunday, Apr 5 – Jun 1
Planet Earth: The Beauty of Life
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Art exploring the beauty of Earth
Sun Gallery
1015 E St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Sundays, Apr 14 – Jun 23
Dove Gallery Hosanna Exhibit
12 noon – 3 p.m.
Over 20 artists honor the life of Christ
Park Victoria Baptist Church
875 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas
(408) 464-5011
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Apr 16 – Jun 27
Back Strength Classes $
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Simple stretching and strengthening exercises
Kenneth C. Aitken Center
17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6738
Mondays, Apr 22 – Jun 17
Matter of Balance
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Life ElderCare class – manage falls and increase activity
Fremont Senior Center
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
(510) 790-6600
Wednesday – Sunday, May 1 – Jun 3
Creating our Future
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Art from students at Seneca Family of Agencies
Hayward Area Historical Society Museum
22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
(510) 581-0223
Sunday – Saturday, May 1 – May 30
Milpitas Camera Club Show
During library hours
Photos of nature, landscapes, people, travel
Milpitas Library
160 North Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
Monday – Friday, May 3 – Aug 2
Conversation, 7+1 Collective
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Paintings, sculptures, collages from eight female artists
John O'Lague Galleria
777 B St., Hayward
(510) 538-2787
Saturdays and Sundays, May 4 – Jun 30
Wild Wonders
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Games, activities, crafts for all ages
Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3249
www.ebparks.org
Saturdays and Sundays, May 4 – Jun 30
Nature Crafts
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Get crafty and learn about the natural world
Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3249
www.ebparks.org
Sundays, May 5 – Jun 30
Animal Feeding Time
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time
Sunol Regional Wilderness
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
(510) 544-3249
www.ebparks.org
Mondays, May 14 – Dec 30
English Conversation Group
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Practice spoken English in a friendly environment
Union City Branch Library
34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
https://guides.aclibrary.org/union-city
Fridays, May 17 – Oct 25
Fremont Street Eats
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Food trucks, beer, wine, music
Town Fair Plaza
39100 State St., Fremont
fremontstreeteats.com
Thursday-Sunday, May 17 – Jun 15
Preston Merchant: Journalism Photography
12 noon – 5 p.m.
Indiaworld: Images of the Global Indian Diaspora
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
http://olivehydeartguild.org
1st & 3rd Tuesdays, May 21 – Aug 20
Castro Valley Street Eats
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Food trucks, activities
Adobe Art Center
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
http://www.edenareachamber.com/food-trucks
Monday – Saturday, May 21 – Jun 1
Public Tours of Oakland Temple
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tour the newly-renovated temple, open for the first time since 1964
Oakland Temple for Church of Latter-Day Saints
4770 Lincoln Ave., Oakland
(510) 531-1475
www.lds.org/temples/open-houses
Thursdays & Saturdays, May 23 – Jun 27
LEAF Seedlings for Sale $
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Find seedlings for summer and Indian veggies, flowers and herbs
LEAF C.R. Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
Saturdays, May 25 – Aug 31
Campfire Program
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Games, songs and stories around the campfire
Anthony Chabot Campground and Park
9999 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 690-6677
(510) 544-3187
Tuesdays, May 28 – Aug 27
Practice Your Spoken English R
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Chat session for intermediate level and above English learners
Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 574-2063
Saturdays, Jun 1 & Jun 8
eBook & eAudiobook Help
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Downloading electronic and audio books
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
Saturdays, Jun 1 – Jun 29
Family Yoga R
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family to this outdoor session. Ages 5-10
Alviso Environmental Education Center
1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso
(408) 262-5513
https://familyyogasummer.eventbrite.com
Thursday – Saturday, Jun 1 – Jul 13
Student Exhibition
11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 6/4 & 7/2: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Art classes display their work
Adobe Art Center
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
www.adobegallery.org
Friday nights
Laugh Track City $
8 p.m.
Fast-paced improv comedy show
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
Saturday nights
8 p.m.
Audience-inspired improv play
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
THIS WEEK
Tuesday, May 28
Side By Side – Free Concert
7:30 p.m.
Kennedy High and Walters Junior High bands
Kennedy High School
39999 Blacow Rd., Fremont
(510) 364-9430
www.musicatmsj.org
Wednesday, May 29
Neighborhood Alert Community Meeting
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Protecting your home
Hayward Police Department North District Office
22701 Main St, Hayward
(510) 293-7272
Wednesday, May 29
Miss Lissette's Songs and Stories
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Help children get ready for reading
Newark Branch Library
6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark
(510) 284-0684
Wednesday, May 29
It's Storytime
1:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Stories and songs for ages 1.5 to 5
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
www.aclibrary.org
Thursday, May 30
Creekside Middle School Concert
7 p.m.
Symphonic band, symphonic orchestra and jazz band
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 889-8961
www.cvartsfoundation.org
Thursday, May 30
Entrepreneurship and Startup Round Table R
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Networking, resource fair and matchmaking
Ohlone College Newark Campus
39399 Cherry St., Newark
(510) 742-2300
www.acsbdc.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Drawbridge Van Excursion R
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Docent narrated van tour of marshlands. Ages 13+
Alviso Environmental Education Center
1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso
(408) 262-5513
https://drawbridgetoursummer.eventbrite.com
Saturday, Jun 1
Garden Bug Safari
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Discover the mysterious world of bugs
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Bird Walk
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Share your enthusiasm for bird life on a tranquil walk. 8+ years
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Garden Chores For Kids
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn how to grow vegetables
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Tai Chi & Refuge Nature Walk
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy morning exercise outdoors
Alviso Environmental Education Center
1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso
(408) 262-5513
Saturday, Jun 1
Stewardship Saturday R
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Volunteers weed and clean up trash
SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards
1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont
(510) 792-0222 x 361
Saturday, Jun 1
Nature Walk for Health
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1.3-mile guided nature walk. Meet at Visitor Center
SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards
1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont
(510) 792-0222
Saturday, Jun 1
Native Knowledge Nature Walk
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Plant use and animals shared by generations of Ohlones. Ages 7+
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Bats and Brews $R
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sample beers and meet bats
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
1801 D. St., Hayward
(510) 881-6747
www.haywardrec.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Rabbit Rendezvous
10:30 a.m. – 11:0 a.m.
Learn how rabbits use their long ears to sense danger
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Cherry Festival and Parade
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Food, beer garden, entertainment and kids zone
Casa Peralta
384 West Estudillo Ave, San Leandro
(510) 577-3474
www.sanleandro.org/cherryfestival
Saturday, Jun 1 – Sunday, Jun 2
Relay for Life of Tri-City F.U.N.
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Celebrate people touched by cancer, remember lost loved ones
Newark Community Park
35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 742-4840
chistina.ferry@cancer.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Fremont Saturday Market
2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Local artists, vendors, food trucks, craft beer, entertainment
Town Fair Plaza
39100 State St., Fremont
www.townfairplaza.com
Saturday, Jun 1
Laughing Matters
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Stand-up comedy night. Adults only
Mojo Lounge
3714 Peralta Blvd., Fremont
(510) 739-1028
JeenYeeComedy@gmail.com
Saturday, Jun 1
Newark Symphonic Winds Summer Concert
7 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of wonderful music
Newark Memorial High School Theatre
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 791-0287
http://newarksymphonic.org/
Saturday, Jun 1
African American Recognition/Graduation Ceremony
2 p.m.
Celebrate the achievements of local students
James Logan High School, Pavilion
1800 H Street, Union City
rflemming@nhusd.k12.ca.us
Saturday, Jun 1
Reversing Global Warming: Introduction to Drawdown R
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Project Drawdown results, thoughts on global warming
Union City Branch Library
34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
https://connect.pachamama.org/node/2055
Saturday, Jun 1
Classic Film Night $
7:30 p.m.
“Blind Husbands”, “Hungry Hearts”, “The Danger Girl”
Niles Essanay Theater
37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 494-1411
www.nilesfilmmuseum.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Citizenship Workshop R
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bring required documents. Application assistance provided
Fremont Family Resource Center, Pacific Room #H800
39155 Liberty St. (at Capitol), Fremont
(888) 308-1767
(510) 451-2846 x301
Saturday, Jun 1
East Meets West
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fremont Flute Ensemble performs traditional Chinese and Western music
Prince of Peace Church
38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 793-3366
www.fremontfluteensemble.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Student Exhibition: Opening Reception
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Students of HARD art classes display their work
Adobe Art Center
20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
www.adobegallery.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Young Musicians Violin Benefit Concert
4 p.m.
Violinists and violists from four Fremont schools
Mission United Methodist Church
2856 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 490-0696
www.musicathopkins.com
Saturday, Jun 1
Garden Open House
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Herbal medicine and the backyard doctor, vendor booths
Paradise Community Garden
20095 Mission Blvd, Hayward
(510) 909-4077
Saturday, Jun 1
School Jazz Band Festival
12 noon – 4 p.m.
Jazz bands from local schools
Bronco Billy’s Pizza – Irvington
41200 Blacow Road, Fremont
(510) 438-0121
www.eastbaytradjazz.org
Saturday, Jun 1
Music and Movement
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Build motor and social skills. Ages 6 and under
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
https://guides.aclibrary.org/centerville
Sunday, Jun 2
Sunday Stroll
10 a.m. – 12 noon
3-mile loop. Families and dogs welcome. Bort Meadow Staging Area
Anthony Chabot Campground and Park
9999 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
(510) 690-6677
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jun 2
Butterfly & Bird Festival
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tours, speakers, presentations, activities, music
Coyote Hills
8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jun 2
Learn The Ropes
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Make a rope with an antique machine
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jun 2
Cooking in the Country Kitchen
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cooking with a wood-burning stove
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jun 2
Gorgeous Goats
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Help with exercising and grooming the goats
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jun 2
Tractor Talk
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Get face-to-face with one of the farm's unique tractors
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, Jun 2
Black Cedar Trio $
3 p.m.
Award-winning ensemble
Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose
43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 933-6335
blackcedarmusic@gmail.com
Monday, Jun 3
Milpitas Rotary Club Meeting
12 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Impact of the 2018 northern California wildfires
Dave and Busters
940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas
(408) 957-9215
http://www.clubrunner.ca/milpitas
Tuesday, Jun 4
Union City Family Center Game Night
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Come together and create family memories
Barnard-White Middle School
725 Whipple Rd, Union City
(510) 471-5363
(510) 476-2770 x61061
Tuesday, Jun 4
PEP Disaster Training and Movie Screening R
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Alameda Co Fire Dept training and film screening of “World War Z”
San Leandro Main Library
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510) 577-3971
www.acfdcert.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, Jun 5
Job Search Workshop
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Learn and practice interview skills
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
www.aclibrary.org
Wednesday, Jun 5
Guest Artist Peggy Kirk
1 p.m.
Water-mixable oils applied with palette knife
Fremont Art Association
37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 792-0905
www.FremontArtAssociation.org
Thursday, Jun 6
Annual Spring Exhibit
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Artful Steps of Stepping Stones Growth
San Leandro Main Library
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510) 577-3971
melissa.brooks@davisstreet.org
Thursday, Jun 6
Taste 2019 $R
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Meals on Wheels fundraiser featuring food, wine, auction
Ascension Cathedral
4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland
www.feedingseniors.org/taste-2019
Saturday, Jun 8
Relaunch Party R
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet teachers and holistic healers, complimentary consultations, games
Spiritual Alignment Yoga & Healing Center
37485 Niles Blvd., Fremont
www.spiritual-alignment.com
Saturday, Jun 8
Open House R
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Learn about Olive Children Foundation's summer camps
Berkeley Academy Center
43505 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 683-0700
Sunday, Jun 9
Olive Open House R
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Learn about Olive Children Foundation's summer camps
St. James the Apostle Parish
34700 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 972-0258
www.olivechildren.com
Milpitas City Council
May 21, 2019
In the absence of Mayor Tran, the Vice Mayor Dominguez presided over the meeting.
Presentations
- Certificates were distributed to the Members of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Participants in the Community Advisory Commission’s Annual Mobile Home ParkSpring Clean Up were commended.
Announcements
Councilmember Montano reported that she and Councilmember Nuñez met as the Council Housing Subcommittee on this date. They discussed the affordable housing development to be built at 355 Sango Ct. and other brainstorming ideas.
Consent Calendar
- Permanently changed observance of the annual “National Night Out” in Milpitas to align with the nationally recognized date of the first Tuesday each August (no longer on first Thursdays).
- Authorized the City Manager to execute a Stormwater Management Facilities Operation and Maintenance Agreement for Hudson Campus Center, LLC for the development at 115 North McCarthy Blvd.
- Directed staff to fly the Eritrea Independence Day Flag on May 24, 2019 at Cesar Chavez Plaza.
- Confirmed appointment of Ricky Ablaza by Mayor Tran to a term on the City of Milpitas Planning Commission that would expire in December 2020, into seat previously held by Larry Ciardella.
Business Issues
- Authorized the City Manager to execute a Professional Service Agreement with McCampbell Analytical, Inc. for Water Quality Laboratory Testing Services for a five-year agreement amount not to exceed $230,140.
- Authorized the City Manager to approve the contract with West Coast Arborist, Inc. in the amount of $150,000 for citywide tree removal services.
Public Hearings
- Following a public hearing confirmed the assessment and ordering the levy for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance for McCarthy Ranch for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
- Following a public hearing confirmed the assessment and ordering the levy for Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance for Sinclair Horizon for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
Study Session
Received update on the General Plan Update project from the Planning Director and consultant firm De Novo, which included recommendations from the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). Discussed 14 Opportunity Areas around the City in four themes as identified in the Draft Land Use Alternatives Report. Councilmembers provided comments and directions to the consultant and the Planning staff on the opportunity areas.
Rich Tran (Mayor) Absent
Karina Dominguez (Vice Mayor) Aye
Carmen Montano Aye
Bob Nunez Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
Music at the Mission
Submitted by Vickilyn Hussey
If you think music composition is only for a famous guy memorialized by a marble bust, think again! Students at Kennedy High School and Walters Junior High School in the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) are learning to compose classical music through a groundbreaking music education program, Artists In Schools (AIS), created by Music at the Mission.
“Music at the Mission’s Artists In Schools (AIS) residency program is made possible by a grant from the California Arts Council, Cargill, Indo-Americans for Better Community,
and donations from the Music at the Mission 2018 Fund-the-Passion campaign,” explained Aileen Chanco, Music at the Mission Executive and Artistic Director, introducing the program. “We are fortunate to have received this kind of support for the new program, which was launched in October of 2018. It was conceived as a mentoring program to further deepen the musical education of two chosen classes in the City of Fremont, the band class from Walters Junior High School taught by Kristopher Cruz, and the band class of Kennedy High School, taught by Bob Sterling.”
AIS brought the three artists of Music at the Mission’s Ledge Trio, Rhonda Bradetich (flute), Bill Everett (bass), and Aileen Chanco (piano), to Kennedy High School and Walters Junior High School, to teach composition for four weeks in October. AIS composition drafts were expanded by Music at the Mission violinist and composer Steve Huber during the winter months. The pieces were tailored to students’ individual abilities and were written to include Music at the Mission AIS teaching artists in the final performance.
For four weeks in March, the Music at the Mission chamber players returned to the two schools to coach, this time bringing in clarinetist Mike Corner to work specifically with saxophone and clarinet students. In May, the bands, Cruz, Sterling, and AIS artists worked side by side again for another four weeks in preparation for the upcoming concert.
“It’s been about two years since the Artists In Residency program was first
proposed because of the lengthy process required in order to get the grant, and I was immediately interested in it. What has been really great is having these professional
musicians come in and work with our students. They’ve done a really good job,” noted Bob Sterling. “When we first started working with the students, it took the kids a while to break out of their shells, because it was a new concept for them. But once they got used to the idea that the teachers would be providing a lot of guidance, teaching them how to go about creating variations, they got very excited about it!”
“When the final composition came in from Steve Huber, there was a bit of a learning curve because there were technical issues for the students to master. When we rehearse the piece, in absence of our soloists, the students have to imagine how it’s going to come together. But once the soloists came to rehearsal for the first time, that was when they were able to understand how it all came together!” According to Sterling, “The students are familiar with the soloists because they’ve been coming out to Kennedy High School for years to give performances. This made the interactions easy because the students were very open to new concepts and techniques because of the pre-existing relationship.”
It was also a learning experience for Kristopher Cruz at Walters Junior High School. “As a new teacher with only a few years of experience, I always found it important to keep learning from the veterans of the music field,” Cruz said, recalling the past year. “The people at Music In The Mission have a vast amount of knowledge and perspective on music that can be refreshing and fun.
“What I’ve noticed when it comes to music is that music educators are primarily focused on improving a student’s technical ability and providing them an avenue to fun and exciting repertoire. One thing I feel that is missing from a music education is finding ways for students to create something of their own.
“When we started the Artists In Schools program at Walters, I was reminded that the
students I teach are more creative than I remember them. I was reminded that my students have a depth of intelligence that I forget to tap into. What the musicians at Music in the Mission do for the community is tremendous. They not only teach and inspire the students, they have inspired me to continue being a better version of myself that hones in on all aspects of education.”
The Titans, composed by Kennedy High School band class and Huber; and The Warriors, composed by the Walters Junior High School band class and Huber, will be performed by band class students, conducted by faculty members Sterling and Cruz, on Tuesday, May 28 at Kennedy High School. The performances will feature Music at the Mission’s Ledge Trio. The concert, Side By Side, is free and family friendly. Kennedy High School is located at 39999 Blacow Road, Fremont, CA 94538.
For more information about Music at the Mission Artists In Schools (AIS), please contact Music at the Mission, 43326 Mission Circle, Fremont CA 94539, phone 510-402-1724 or email: info@musicatmsj.org.
SIDE BY SIDE Free Concert
Tuesday, May 28
7:30 p.m.
Round Room Theater
Kennedy High School
39999 Blacow Rd.
(510) 402-1724
info@musicatmsj.org
Fremont News Briefs
Submitted by Cheryl Golden
Age-Friendly Center Groundbreaking
In partnership with The Mission Peak Company, the City of Fremont is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7 to celebrate the start of construction on an 11,000-square-foot age-friendly center in Fremont’s Warm Springs District. The new center, second city building in Fremont dedicated to services for older adults, is expected to open by fall 2021. It will provide residents ages 55 years and older a variety of classes and activities such as exercise classes, informational events, and access to many social services and cultural celebrations. As part of the new age-restricted master-planned community, Mission Falls, the center will help fulfill Fremont’s goal of being an inclusive community to residents of all ages.
Master of Ceremonies and Human Services Director Suzanne Shenfil will kick off the festivities, along with Fremont Mayor Lily Mei and City Manager Mark Danaj. The event will be held in the lot immediately adjacent to Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments, 47111 Mission Falls Ct. To RSVP for the event, visit www.age-friendly.site/groundbreaking or call (510) 790-6600.
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Dusterberry Neighborhood Park Master Plan
On May 15, Fremont Recreation Commission voted to recommend that Fremont City Council approve the Dusterberry Neighborhood Park Master Plan. This master plan is the result of six months of community input gathered through four public meetings that also included design exercises with residents and three online surveys. The master plan will be presented to the council at its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 at City Hall, 3300 Capitol Avenue.
Dusterberry Park is the future 4-acre park in the planning stages and will be located at the corner of Dusterberry Way and Peralta Boulevard. The current building will eventually be demolished, and the concrete and asphalt removed to make way for a park that serves the residents in the neighborhood. For more information, visit www.Fremont.gov/Dusterberry or contact Senior Landscape Architect Mark Mennucci at MMennucci@fremont.gov or (510) 494-4530.
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Budget Hearings set in June
The city’s proposed operating budget for the next fiscal year, running from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, was presented to the city council at the council meeting on May 21. The first public hearing to comment will be held on Tuesday, June 4, and the second hearing and adoption is on Tuesday, June 11. Both public hearings are part of the council meeting and will begin at 7 p.m. To view the Fiscal Year 2019/20 proposed operating budget, visit www.Fremont.gov/FY19-20ProposedOperatingBudget.
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Opening of Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments
On Friday, May 17, the City of Fremont celebrated the opening of Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments, 89 new affordable rental units for seniors. This new complex, built in partnership with Eden Housing, is at 47003 Mission Falls Court in Fremont’s Warm Springs area. It is named after Pauline Weaver, a longtime Fremont resident, previous Fremont planning commissioner, and Eden Housing board member who has devoted her career to providing affordable housing for the community.
The complex includes a community room, common courtyard, community gardens, a computer lab, and bike storage. Residents have already been selected for Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments, but those interested in future affordable housing opportunities can sign up for the city’s Affordable Housing Interest Lists at www.Fremont.gov/AffordableHousingInterest. Subscribers will be notified when affordable housing opportunities become available. For more information, contact the city’s Housing Division at (510) 494-4500 or housing@fremont.gov.
New program on business skills training
Submitted by Lesley Buehler
Ohlone College is partnering with the Alameda County Small Business Development Center of Silicon Valley to offer free skills training classes for small businesses. Classes will meet at the Ohlone College Fremont and Newark campuses and at the Adult Education School in Fremont. An additional advantage of the program is that the non-credit classes can come to business locations with a minimum of 20 employees per session.
For details about course offerings and registration information, visit the Ohlone College Noncredit Program webpage at www.ohlone.edu/noncredit or call (510) 659-6082.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Sunday, May 19
Working with officers from the Fremont Police Department, Newark officers located and arrested two males suspected in a series of vehicular burglaries in Newark and Fremont. The suspects, identified by police as Bryant Abernathy and Ejzon Butler, have been charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with multiple counts of burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and probation violation. An investigation is continuing to determine if the pair might be involved in other unsolved auto burglary cases in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Losier at (510) 578-4963 or send an email to Steven.Losier@newark.org.
Newark City Council
May 23, 2019
Presentations and Proclamations:
- Awards for Students, Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year. Newark Rotary Club members presented awards to those selected by Newark Unified School District.
Students of the Year:
Birch Grove Lupe Kristal Ureno
Graham Heather Sousa
Kennedy Justin Cabrales
Lincoln Rebecca Figueroa
Musick Louise Rault
Schilling Via Gonzales
Snow Andrew Kumar
Newark Jr. High Grace Rickets
Newark Memorial H.S. Ashnil Chand
Bridgepoint High Michael Diaz
Crossroads Autumn Durand
Employees of the Year:
Certificated Joanne Hong
Classified Stan Norman
- Proclaim June as Celebrating Business Month. Newark Chamber of Commerce CEO Valerie Boyle and members of the chamber accepted the award.
Consent Calendar:
- Authorize Encroachment Permit of Holy Ghost Festival July 27-28.
- Authorize agreement with Tri-City Voice for legal advertising services for FY 2019-20.
- Authorize multi-year agreement with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP for professional auditing services.
- Authorize Emergency Medical Services First Responder Advanced Life Support Services Agreement with Alameda County.
City Council Matters:
- Declare vacancy on Newark Planning Commission due to death of Bernie Nillo.
- Comments regarding ceremony prior to council meeting naming Sportsfield Park in honor of Mel Nunes, the city’s first recreation director.
Oral Communications:
- None
Mayor Alan Nagy Aye
Vice Mayor Sucy Collazo Aye
Luis Freitas Absent
Michael Hannon Absent
Mike Bucci Aye
No settlement in latest bargaining session
Submitted by John Mattos, NHUSD
After another ten-hour bargaining session [Sunday, May 26], New Haven [School District] management and NHTA [New Haven Teachers Association] were not able to bridge the gap between their respective last, best, and final offers. The District’s standing offer includes a one-time, three percent (3%) off-the-schedule pay increase for 18/19 and an ongoing, one percent (1%) on-the schedule pay increase beginning 19/20 for the County’s highest paid teachers. This offer would give teachers, on average, $2,900 for 18/19 and an average ongoing increase for 19/20, starting in July, of approximately $1,000.
New Haven also proposed language for 19/20 that would add additional ongoing pay increases should the District’s revenue come in higher than projected. The District’s current offer would keep New Haven teachers as the highest paid teachers in Alameda County, would cost the District about $5 million over three years and would not increase the projected cuts of $4.6 million for 20/21.
NHTA’s last, best offer was a ten percent (10%) ongoing pay increase spread across 18/19 and 19/20. The teachers’ proposal would cost the District between $20 million and $30 million over a three-year period. Any increase beyond the District’s last, best and final offer would require serious and significant cuts, above the already required cuts, would jeopardize student safety, diminish the integrity and quality of student programs, and threaten the District’s financial solvency.
Examples of such cuts include, but are not limited to the following:
Projected Savings Eliminate all Stipends for Co-Curricular Activities (e.g. Athletics, band, forensics, etc.) $ 400,000
Cut teaching positions and increase TK and Kindergarten Class Sizes to 30:1 $ 800,000
Eliminate Dual Immersion Language Program $ 400,000
Close an Elementary School $ 500,000
Cut three (3) Counselors $ 330,000
Eliminate all Social Workers (4) $ 400,000
Cuts to Union City Family Center (Kids Zone) $ 500,000
Eliminate all Elementary Assistant Principals $ 420,000
Eliminate all Middle School Assistant Principals (4) $ 480,000
Eliminate all High School House Principals (6) $ 750,000
Cut 25 Classified positions (to be determined) $ 1,000,000
Cuts to Adult School (Admin included) $ 200,000
Close Decoto School for Independent Study $ 300,000
Cut three (3) Directors at the district-level $ 450,000
Cut three (3) Coordinators at the district-level $ 360,000
Cut the Business/Payroll Manager at the district-level $ 110,000
Cut one (1) Chief Officer $ 220,000
Cut one (1) Confidential Classified Management $ 100,000
Eliminate Professional Development $ 100,000
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Total Potential Cuts $ 7,820,000
New Haven management believes the cuts described above would seriously undermine the core instructional program of the District and create an environment that is non-conducive to learning for its over 11,000 students. New Haven Unified remains committed to reaching an agreement with NHTA that maintains the competitive compensation for all employees and ensures the District’s long-term financial health.
Letter to the Editor
Not a very pleasant picture
Residents of Fremont should be very scared. In the last year, the city has made and is trying to make changes in my neighborhood that are negligent, improper and have a devastating impact on my quality of life under false pretenses. In the course of the year, the city has turned my residential parkway neighborhood into a urban city street, it is attempting to put some kind of dangerous shelter on a piece of land that should not be inhabited, and is trying to further choke off a land-locked neighborhood from already limited access.
But that is not the scary part. The city is using emotional and fictitious arguments to deflect the focus from what and how they are forcing these changes in Niles. This is a staggering abuse of power and position and have absolutely nothing to do with the public face the city is hiding behind. They are further deflecting scrutiny of their actions by shifting the blame to the residents, accusing us of lack of compassion and desire to make everything safe for our bikers, children and homeless.
I’ve been insulted, lied to, and treated with utter contempt. The more I investigate what really is happening with Niles Discovery Church, Navigation Center, narrowing of Niles, and turning Rancho Arroyo Parkway into an urban commercial street – the more inappropriate, immoral, and flat out deceitful behavior emerges.
Once again, Fremont is creating a diversion from the real driving force. The only constant in politics always seems to come down to the money. In researching these issues, it’s clear that no one involved in these decisions knows or even cares what really is at stake here. We can’t seem to pin down one consistent set of facts. It is a shell game and guess what, we’re the marks. However, shifting the blame to their constituents is a new and brilliantly arrogant twist.
Cut through the muck of misinformation, investigate documentation and timelines behind the city’s actions. Look into resumes of our city officials. Look into the inappropriate and unhealthy relationships and backdoor deals going down. A local government that is spinning out of checks and balances? NIMBY
Sharon Scharff
Niles District, Fremont
Fremont Christian Warriors win!
Photo courtesy of Christopher Gomez
Caption:
With a 5-3 victory over the Berean Christian Eagles (Walnut Creek) on May 25th, the Fremont Christian Warriors became North Coast Section Division 5 Champions. Congratulations to players, coaches, students and staff for an extraordinary accomplishment and a spectacular season!
Newark Symphonic Winds free summer concert
Submitted by Jim Carter
Enjoy an evening of symphonic music provided free of charge by the Tri-Cities' own 50-musician symphony – the Newark Symphonic Winds – directed by Richard Wong.
We'll begin the evening’s performance with “From the Earth to the Moon” composed by Michael Kamen. Our next piece will be a suite from the movie “Superman” composed by the remarkable John Williams; which will be followed by “The Minstrel Boy,” a traditional piece arranged by Leroy Anderson. We’ll end the first half of our performance with the symphonic fairy tale “Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev, with the story narrated by the Honorable Dave Smith.
The second half of our performance will begin with music from the extremely talented Newark Woodwind Ensemble featuring Myra Downs (flute), Simone Williams (oboe), Kathy Vork (clarinet), Blossom Santiago (horn) and Adam Williams (bassoon). Once the symphony returns to the stage, we’ll perform a collection of Irish street ballades, “A Longford Legend” by Robert Sheldon, followed by the whimsical “Pie in the Face Polka” by Henry Mancini. Next will be “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” by Richard Wagner from the opera “Lohengrin.” We’ll then get you swinging in your seats with a little “Classic Duke” – as in Duke Ellington – arranged by Luther Henderson. We’ll end the evening with the inspiring “Bravura” by C. E. Duble.
We are once again extremely fortunate to have this performance sponsored by the Fremont Bank Foundation. As always, the concert is free of charge and no tickets are necessary. Simply come and enjoy the evening with us – and bring your family and friends. We often have a full house; therefore, please plan on arriving early to get the seating you prefer.
You can find more information about our performances and a map to the venue at our website http://newarksymphonic.org.
Free Summer Concert
Newark Symphonic Winds
Saturday, Jun 1
7 – 9 p.m.
Newark Memorial High School Theatre,
39375 Cedar Blvd.
510 552 7186
www.newarksymphonic.org
Fair to focus on fitness, dance, food and fun
Submitted by Desrie Campbell
For nearly 50 years Tri-City Health Center (TCHC) has been at the forefront in providing a variety of health care options to the residents of southern Alameda County. For the past five years, TCHC has hosted the Ohana Health Fair, helping provide the community with vital information on the health options available to them in the Fremont community.
In partnership with the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), the popular health fair is returning on Saturday, June 8 in Fremont. This year’s festivities will be expanded to include more entertainment, games and food booths. As always, raffle prizes will be rewarded to lucky visitors including gifts from the Golden State Warriors.
Entertainment and activities during the day will include dancers and exercise routines and a performance by Pinoy Pamilva Club, a Filipino dance troupe, and Michael Quebec, a swing-dance instructor. The Hula Movers, Leighanna Huynh-Lee and Drummers by Adaku will also perform.
“It is our delight to partner with the Fremont Unified School District to host this event,” TCHC Development Specialist Desrie Campbell said. “This six-year partnership is a demonstration of our commitment to our community’s health and well-being.”
Area sponsors include Haller’s Pharmacy, The Hume Center, Unitek College, Discover Hope Behavioral Solutions, Inc., Meriwest Credit Union and the Masonic Homes of California. Macaroni Kid is serving as a media sponsor during the event.
Festivities start at 10 a.m. at Washington High School on Fremont Boulevard, just north of Mowry Avenue. The event will close with a raffle at 1 p.m.; winners must be present to claim their prize. For details, call Desrie Campbell at (510) 252.6819 or send an email to dcampbell@tri-cityhealth.org.
Ohana Health Fair
Saturday, Jun 8
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Health screenings, entertainment and prizes
Washington High School
38442 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 252-6819
www.tri-cityhealth.org
Admission: Free
Student artists recognized in ‘Open’ exhibit
Submitted by Adobe Art Gallery
As Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) continues its year-long 75th Anniversary Celebration, we acknowledge our students who have created artwork at a HARD facility in our upcoming Adobe Art Gallery exhibition, “Open.” This exhibit, running Saturday, June 1 – Saturday, July 13, reflects the environment, with landscapes, animals and an impressive amount of paintings with the theme of water. A variety of two- and three-dimensional media including acrylic, oil, watercolor, and clay will be on view.
Participating artists include Felisa Aragon, Beth Bartlow, Judie Burns, Debra Butler, Miah DeRoeck, Robin deRuig, Trish Desloover, Joan Diedrich, Jonathan Draper, Richard Geiger, Grazyna Hagen, Susan Hersch, Lee Anette Holm, Mary Hynes, Kathleen Kelly, Linda Mae Kibler, Sharon Kinkade, Hilary Lui, Elizabeth Mopas, Larry Murphy, Anne Nichandros, Marcia O'Kane, Lydia Osias, Patricia Pratt, Ronald Pratt, Tina Pyles, Laura Rigdon, Ana Marie Rodriguez, Madeline Shelby, Melanie Small, Nan Soldahl, Stan Stadelman, Nancy Starr, Cheri Stoudt, Linda Taylor, Cindy Towles, Azar Vaghefi, Monica Vega, Ain Veske, Keith Von Markle Farber, and Carol Willson.
A reception will be held Saturday, June 1; the public is invited, and admittance is free. Gallery hours during exhibits are Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Additionally, the gallery will be open on the first Tuesday of the month on June 4 and July 2 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. for Castro Valley Street Eats and Art in the Park.
For more information, call (510) 881-6735 or visit https://haywardrec.org/783/Adobe-Art-Gallery.
Open
Saturday, Jun 1 – Saturday, Jul 13
Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Artists’ Reception
Saturday, Jun 1
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
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Adobe Art Gallery
20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 881-6735
https://haywardrec.org/783/Adobe-Art-Gallery
Paint in the open air
Submitted by Washington Township Museum of Local History
Artists will converge on Saturday, June 8 at Rancho Higuera Historical Park to paint visions from the park, a special place with spectacular hillside views, which is only open to the public once or twice a year. The Washington Township Museum of Local History is sponsoring this “paint out” event, open to new and experienced painters from throughout the Bay Area. Join in and have fun as you paint in the open air of the beautiful East Bay hills above Fremont.
Not a painter? No problem. Come with a camera and snap some photos or simply bring a picnic lunch and a book. All are welcome to visit the park and enjoy all it has to offer. The 19th century adobe building will also be open to visitors. For more information, call (510) 623-7907 or email programs@museumoflocalhistory.org.
Open Air Painting Event
Saturday, Jun 8
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rancho Higuera Historical Park
47300 Rancho Higuera Rd, Fremont
(510) 623-7907
programs@museumoflocalhistory.org
Free admission; suggestion donation $5/painter appreciated
Park at street level
Gomes Elementary raises $10K, principal kisses pig
Submitted by Satya Vemuri
Photos by Jessica Ramirez
John Gomes Elementary School in Fremont annually participates in the Pennies for Patients drive, which helps raise money for cancer patients. The school's student body council coordinated with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer, to conduct this fundraiser. The students made posters, held assembly, and visited classrooms to encourage the school to donate in cash or online. This year, the school reached their lofty goal of $10,000.
Every year, John Gomes Elementary principal Douglas Whipple gets taped to a pole to help raise more money. This year, he agreed to kiss a pig if the school reaches its goal, and they did. Thus, Gomes came together to do something amazing to help cancer patients get better and had a lot of fun doing it too.
Prayers for the Earth
Submitted by Dorsi Diaz
Executive Director of Sun Gallery
“Prayers for the Earth” is an afternoon of activities presented by members of the Eden Area Interfaith Council. In these times, our planet is surrounded by strife, upheaval, and the uncertainties of climate change. All the faiths participating will be voicing their concerns and support for the continued wellbeing of our one common home, Earth.
This public event offers hope that if we of different faiths can work together, so can the peoples of the world. It is another chance to broaden public understanding of who we are as a united council, and of our individual faiths. We encourage the attendance of families with children as many eco-friendly crafts will be offered for them to explore. Guests can also take advantage the last day to experience the gallery’s show “Planet Earth: The Beauty of Life.” This event was sponsored by Eden Area Interfaith Council and Sun Gallery.
Prayers for the Earth
Saturday, Jun 1
1 p.m.
Sun Gallery
1015 E Street
Hayward, CA
SB 518 bill strengthens California Public Records Act
Submitted by Jeff Barbosa
With bipartisan support, the state Senate has approved a bill by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), supported by First Amendment advocates and newspaper organizations, that protects the California Public Records Act (CPRA) by preventing government agencies from attempting to shift attorney costs onto the public records requesters. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 998, settlement offers, if rejected, provide that the offering party is entitled to recover its litigation costs in the event the rejecting party fails to obtain a better result at trial.
“A 998 offer is a useful and important tool to bring parties together to settle in civil litigation, but it should have no place in California Public Records Act cases,” said Wieckowski. “SB 518 ensures that the CPRA is being used as it is intended: as a way for Californians to get information from their government without fear of being burdened by attorney fees. The threat of possibly having to pay an agency’s attorney fees could deter the public from seeking records they are entitled to under the law.”
The CPRA mandates that a court award costs and reasonable attorney fees to the requester should the requester prevail in litigation, meaning the agency releases a copy of a previously withheld document. The only time a court can award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the agency is if the court finds that the request is frivolous. In addition to California News Publishers Association, SB 518 is supported by the First Amendment Coalition, Coalition for Sensible Public Records Access, Oakland Privacy, California Employment Lawyers Association and other organizations. The bill now heads to the state Assembly.
Southern Alameda County Radio Controllers
By Alfred Hu
Do you dream of becoming a pilot and flying your own aircraft, but without the risks of flying a real commercial or military plane? Then consider flying your own radio control aircraft by becoming a member of the Southern Alameda County Radio Controllers club (SACRC). In fact, flying your own radio-controlled aircraft can be more than just a hobby. It can be a passion, a sport, a chance to learn the physics and aerodynamics of aircraft and even a unique way of viewing the world.
The SACRC was founded in 1967 and after being based in several locations it finally was established at its current location off of Benson Road in Union City. Currently the club has 113 members and holds club charter #162 of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The AMA, which oversees the regulations of flying radio-controlled aircraft models, has existed for 80 years and currently has 187,000 members, 2,400 AMA clubs (one of which is the SACRC), and 3,000 flying fields. The organization has donated over $1,000,000 in scholarship awards and operates the largest model aviation museum in the world.
Radio control aircraft are models that are controlled remotely by an operator on the ground using a hand-held radio transmitter. The transmitter communicates with a receiver within the craft that sends signals to servomechanisms (servos) which move the flight control surfaces based on the position of joysticks on the transmitter. The flight control surfaces, in turn, affect the orientation of the plane. The flight controls within the models are the ailerons that control roll, elevator or horizontal stabilizer that controls pitch (up and down movement), throttle that controls speed, and rudder or vertical stabilizer that controls left and right movement also known as “yaw”.
The SACRC hosts two events annually. According to Jeff Whitney, SACRC member and Secretary of the Board, the first is a “Warbird Fly-in” and involves any scale model of any military airplane. There are no set activities, and the members just get together to fly and have lunch and good times with fellow enthusiasts. This year it will be held on Saturday, July 20 and spectators are welcome. The second event is “Waldo Pepper's Flying Circus” where radio-controlled aircrafts are limited to WWI and Golden Age (to 1935) models. This will be held Saturday-Sunday, August 24-25. “Depending on the entries we have Racing, which is time-trial style, one airplane at a time in a Figure 8 pattern. We also have Micro Antic racing – a specific model – 36.5″ wingspan electric. This one is more of a free-for-all, oval pattern, and as many in the air as want to fly, for a specific time. Most laps wins! And of course, just lots of flying by many interesting models,” says Whitney. “Spectators are welcome as well!”
In addition to these events, members can practice flying their radio control aircraft models any day from 8 a.m. However, they must first be members of AMA, carry their AMA card and display their SACRC badge while flying at the field. Furthermore, there are restrictions as to the type and size of models. For example, aircraft models may not have more than 110 inches or 2.8 meters of wingspan. Also, aircraft models weighing over 55 lbs or 25 kg need a waiver, and turbine powered models are not allowed.
The majority of the models flown by SACRC members are electric powered “sport” models, yet there are a good number of scale models including jets powered by electric ducted fans (EDF). But members are not limited to electric powered aircraft. “We only fly RC (radio controlled), since we have no room for a control-line circle. Most of the models are airplanes, but there are “drones” and helicopters as well. A couple of members will bring RC cars – and when there is enough water, boats as well,” says Whitney.
As for flying your own radio-controlled model, Whitney says, “It can be an addictive hobby. You ask most guys how many airplanes they have, and the answer is usually a variation on ‘Not enough!’ It is the rare hobbyist that has only one or two, and it is a lot less expensive now than when I started.”
By joining the SACRC, in addition to meeting other members and perfecting your radio-controlled flying skills, you are also donating to a worthy cause. One organization the SACRC supports is Viola Blythe Community Center in Newark to which members donate five dollars annually. The Center is a nonprofit, nonsectarian corporation organized to promote, support and advocate social and human services to any person who is in immediate need. According to Whitney, donations have varied between a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars annually. To join the SACRC, applicants must pay a membership fee of $65 for people 19 and up or $30 for children up to 18, as well as a one-time new field assessment fee of $100. If you would like to find out more about SACRC, the club hosts meetings open to the public on the second Saturday of the month at11 am at the flying field off Benson Road in Union City, nestled between the Dumbarton and San Mateo Bridge near Hwy 880 and the Alvarado Niles Rd Exit.
Southern Alameda County Radio Controllers
14921 Fjord St.
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 861-3214
www.sacrc.org
Real Estate Notebook
Who’s Fighting for Home Owners? Your REALTOR®
By David Stark
Public Affairs Director, Bay East Association of REALTORS®
April and May are busy months for REALTORS® since that’s when their clients get serious about buying and selling. REALTORS® are also busy working with elected officials at the federal, state and local levels because they understand how decisions they make impact home ownership.
“REALTORS® are definitely carrying the water for home ownership and property rights,” said Nancie Allen, 2019 President of the Bay East Association of REALTORS®. “This year with the housing crisis hitting home so hard, elected officials are more open about what we have to say and are gaining a new awareness of what needs to be done.”
Allen said that advocating on behalf of home owners, buyers and sellers is how REALTORS® keep working for their clients even after a real estate transaction has closed. “Our elected officials need to know so much, that’s why our role is to be there and help educate them. They need to understand the housing market because it’s going to affect them and their constituents directly whether they are a tenant or a home owner.”
On May 1, more than 120 local REALTORS participated in the California Association of REALTORS® Legislative Day. The event brought more than 2,000 real estate professionals from across the State to Sacramento to meet directly with State lawmakers about housing and home ownership issues and legislation.
Allen described meeting with Senator Bob Wieckowski, “He takes REALTORS® seriously. He was very much in favor of Accessory Dwelling Units and we’re going to see good things coming from him going forward regarding housing.”
The REALTORS® discussed several pending bills including support for AB 1590 (Rubio) which creates a tax credit for low and moderate-income first-time home buyers.
Two weeks later, Allen and other Bay East leaders, traveled to Washington DC for the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo. On May 15, the Bay East contingent met with Congress members Barbara Lee, Ro Khanna and Eric Swalwell's Chief of Staff and policy advisers. They urged the lawmakers to support Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both critical to home purchase financing; extend Fair Housing Act protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity and make the new Federal tax policies friendlier to home owners, particularly those in the Bay Area hit hard with higher tax bills.
Closer to home, REALTORS® worked with municipal officials on local ordinances that impact private property rights and real estate transactions. Last year, REALTORS® testified at Fremont Planning Commission and City Council meetings regarding rules for second-story additions. They urged City officials to enact regulations that balance property rights with maintaining neighborhood character. Allen explained how this made a difference, “If REALTORS® weren’t involved the Planning Commission and Council wouldn’t have received the information they needed to make an informed decision on what’s going to be best for the City and its residents.”
Even when elected officials aren’t receptive, Allen said REALTORS® are at the table. She recently testified at a Hayward City Council meeting about new rental housing policies. “I was so pleased to be able to advocate for home owners and those who own small rental properties. In this particular case it was frustrating because I don’t believe they heard our message, but it was a great opportunity to look them each in the eye and explain our position.”
Allen suggested that home owners can reach out to their REALTOR® if they’re curious about what’s happening at city hall, in Sacramento or Washington DC, “we are plugged in to what’s going on in their areas, so if they have questions, their REALTOR® should be one of the first calls they make.”
Student jazz bands perform at school festival
Submitted by John Soulis
Photos by Isabel Braunstein
The East Bay Traditional Jazz Society (EBTJS) proudly presents the 19th annual “School Jazz Band Festival” on Saturday, June 1. Music will be provided by EBTJS’s own Jazzinators, Horner Hornets Jazz Band, Kennedy Titans Jazz Band, Thornton Thunderbolts Jazz Band, and American Eagles Jazz Band.
The event will be held at Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace in the Irvington District and there is no cover charge. We will “pass the hat” to stipend each band’s performance for musical purchases.
The East Bay Traditional Jazz Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, promotion, preservation, and enjoyment of live, traditional jazz. EBTJS has accomplished several youth jazz programs, including the Spring School Jazz Fest, scholarships to jazz camp, in-school jazz presentations, community youth jazz band, and the annual Youth Dixieland Festival. We have learned that when we bring OKOM (Our Kind of Music) to where people congregate, it not only benefits the community, but also our student musicians.
For addition information, visit www.eastbaytradjazz.org or call (510) 657-0243.
School Jazz Band Festival
Saturday, Jun 1
12 noon – 4 p.m.
Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace
41200 Blacow Rd, Fremont
(510) 657-0243
Registration required
Construction to begin on new age-friendly center
Submitted by Age-Friendly Fremont
Fremont invites the public to a groundbreaking event on Friday, June 7 for a new age-friendly center in the Warm Springs Area. The center is slated to open in 2021. The new facility, in partnership with Mission Peak Company, will be 11,000 square feet and feature a large indoor/outdoor dining area along with several meeting rooms and activity areas. An array of classes and activities for adults ages 55+ will be operated by the Human Services Department.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Friday, Jun 7
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Lot adjacent to Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments
47003 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 574-6600
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=iu9jp7lab&oeidk=a07egaoyhu42761364d
Registration required
Shape our Fremont
Now the other side of the street
The Century House and Minerva's building on Fremont Boulevard in Centerville are proposed to be demolished in the latest development plans. In their place, SummerHill Apartment Communities wants to build 202 rental units and 8,420 square feet of commercial space in a mixed-use project on two parcels that stretch between Fremont Boulevard and Maple Street.
Historic Buildings
The Century House at 37447 Fremont Boulevard was built in 1932 for Frank Botelho as the Chapel of the Palms Mortuary. The building at 37463 Fremont Boulevard, which has housed Minerva's restaurant since 1979, was built in 1954 replacing the 1930s home of Max Stevenson. Both buildings, plus another behind the Century House, are currently being evaluated to determine if they are potential historic resources under either the California state criteria or the less-stringent City of Fremont criteria. Any project that proposes to demolish or structurally change a building that is found to be potentially eligible for listing as an historic resource must be reviewed by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB).
Project Review
SummerHill has submitted a Preliminary Review Procedure (PRP) request to have their project plans reviewed by city staff. This will include people from planning, engineering, transportation, fire, landscape, solid waste, and urban runoff. A PRP is not a formal application for entitlement. It is an opportunity for developers to get feedback from the City as to whether their initial plans would meet City standards. As part of PRP, the public is encouraged to submit their comments, concerns, and questions directly to the assigned City staff planner. This is the best time to raise issues because it allows the City staff to identify problems and to potentially work out solutions with the developer before work begins on a more detailed formal application.
Proposal Plans
The two mixed-use frontage buildings would be two stories, and the residential building behind would be five stories wrapping around a six-story parking garage. One mixed-use frontage building with retail spaces on the ground floor would be 81 feet wide. Next to it would be a similar frontage building with a leasing office and fitness center, but no other retail space. The city will consider whether that is enough commercial space for a mixed-use project along 290 feet of Fremont Boulevard frontage.
The modern exterior architecture is similar to what SummerHill used for Locale@State Street in the Downtown Center. The style will be assessed as to whether it reflects the community character of historic Centerville Town Center. There would be no apartments designated as affordable housing units, and SummerHill plans to pay affordable housing in-lieu fees instead. However, several market-rate apartments are studios, and the units range from 476 square feet to 976 square feet.
SummerHill's PRP cover letter states that the density would be 81.5 dwelling units per acre (du/ac). These parcels have a General Plan Land Use Designation of Commercial-Town Center and are within the Centerville Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay. Allowable residential density in mixed-use projects depends on space for parking. Will Fremont allow a density so far above the 70 du/ac maximum of a residential-urban designation in a TOD? Access would be from Fremont Boulevard or Maple Street. Could this location in the heart of Centerville and opposite new 165-unit SiliconSage development, handle the additional traffic from 202 more units?
Your Opinion Matters
Let the City of Fremont know what you think of this proposal and the historic buildings they plan to demolish. Email city staff planner David Wage at dwage@fremont.gov regarding Summerhill Apartment Communities' Fremont Multifamily Residential PRP (PRP2019-00017).
San Leandro City Council
May 20, 2019
Recognitions:
- Proclamation Declaring May 18th National Kids to Parks Day in San Leandro
• Proclamation Declaring May 2019 Older Americans Month
• Certificate of Commendations – San Leandro High Art Students
Presentations:
• Presentation on history and status of the San Leandro Long Beach
• Presentation on proposed fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21 biennial budget
Consent Calendar:
- Highlights of Facilities and Transportation Committee meeting (April 3, 2019)
• Resolution approving a side letter that amends the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of San Leandro and the San Leandro City Employees’ Association (SLCEA), Local 21 IFPTE to provide holiday-in-lieu pay to employees in Public Safety Dispatchers classifications - Resolution to amend non-represented part-time salary schedule to comply with the City’s
Minimum Wage Ordinance, amend the extra help hourly non-represented salary schedule to Restructure the Job Title for Retired Annuitants, and amend the San Leandro City Employees’ Association Salary Schedule to Reflect New Records Clerk and Library Security Aide classifications - Resolution to amend the non-represented part-time employee salary schedule to comply with
the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance and to add High School and College Intern classifications - Resolution to amend the extra help hourly non-represented salary schedule to restructure the
classifications in which retired annuitants are employed
• Resolution to amend the San Leandro City Employees’ Association salary schedule to reflect the revised job title of Police Services Aide to Records Clerk and to add the Library Security Aide classification
• Resolution to approve Investment Report for the quarter that ended March 31, 2019
• Resolution to authorize a request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2019-20 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding to install pedestrian improvements in the amount of $90,860
• Resolution to award a $799,373 construction contract to Rosas Brothers Construction for curb ramp upgrades (2019 Asphalt Maintenance Zone) - Ordinance prohibiting non-hosted short term rentals of residential dwelling units
• Ordinance amending the San Leandro Municipal Code relating to the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) (3.87%) adjustment of the Business License tax (enacts legally permitted increase to
business license tax by the CPI)
• Ordinance increasing the Emergency Medical Services Tax (EMS Tax) by current CPI
• Ordinance increasing the Emergency Communication System Access Tax (911 Tax) by current CPI
Calendar passed 6-0
Items Removed From Consent Calendar:
- Resolution to accept funds in the amount of $31,599 from the Department of Justice’s Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for the purchase of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) equipment. Council agreed to enact policy required by Federal Law before use of the equipment – item passed 5-1 (Nay; Aguilar)
- Resolution to amend the City of San Leandro Administrative Code to permit City elected and appointed officials and employees the option to have planning applications that affect their personal economic interests be reviewed by independent third parties. Item passed 6-0
- Ordinance regulating hosted short-term rentals of residential dwelling units. Public comments centered around importance of this type of revenue. Item passed as written, which includes a 120-day review – 4-2 (Nay; Lee, Ballew)
Action Items:
- Proposed ordinance to add mobile home space rent stabilization to the City of San Leandro
Municipal Code. Council agreed on the need to protect tenants, but some felt the language was confusing. Item passed 4-1 (Nay; Hernandez, Abstain; Lee)
City Council Reports:
- Mayor Cutter reported on the East Bay Dischargers Authority
- Councilmember Aguilar reported on the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
- Councilmember Hernandez reported on the East Bay Community Energy meeting
- Vice Mayor Lopez reported on the BRT Steering Committee for AC Transit
- Mayor Cutter added to Vice Mayor Lopez’ report and talked about the possibility of more cameras being installed at the BART stations
City Council Calendar and Announcements:
- Vice Mayor Lopez reported on the National League of Cities conference in Washington D.C. where she spoke on broadband technology and water issues
- Mayor Cutter reported on the Alameda County Transportation Commission meetings in Washington D.C. where they discussed Opportunity Zones
- Mayor Cutter invited everyone to the Cherry Festival on June 1
- Councilmember Hernandez reported on Bike To Work Day and a recent Town Hall session
Council Requests to Schedule Agenda Items:
- Mayor Cutter requested that the Cannabis Dispensary Tax be postponed by 1 year. Item passed 5-1 (Nay; Ballew)
- Councilmember Lee requested quarterly updates on the Marina Shoreline. Staff will be giving an update in June
- Councilmember Lee requested that a study be done in Davis West pertaining to cell phone signals. Staff will follow up.
- Councilmember Lee requested a consultant report for Long Beach. Staff will follow up.
- Councilmember Ballew requested that the Rules Committee consider 2019 City Council Goals to be updated to include internal personnel. Item passed 6-0
- Councilmember Hernandez requested a staff report on Opportunity Zones. Item passed 6-0
- Vice Mayor Lopez requested a discussion be started on an ADU Tax Holiday. Item passed 5-1 (Nay; Cutter)
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye, 1 Nay
Vice Mayor Corina N. Lopez Aye
Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye, 1 Nay
Ed Hernandez Aye, 1 Nay
Benny Lee Aye, 1 Nay, 1 Abstain
Deborah Cox Absent
Pete Ballew Aye, 2 Nay
Harnessing the body’s healing power through yoga
By Jui Sadekar
Photos courtesy of Garima Shakti Sharma
We all have heard the term “yoga,” but many may not know exactly what it means. Is it just another form of exercise, meditation, breathing technique or spiritual practice?
Yoga was developed over 5,000 years ago in India as a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Today, millions of people use yoga to help raise their quality of life in areas such as fitness, stress relief, wellness, vitality, healing, and peace of mind. Yoga is a system, not of beliefs, but of techniques and guidance for enriched living; it does not adhere to any religion or community.
Since the individual experience of yoga is personal and differs for each practitioner, there are a wide variety of approaches. Whether you are young or old, overweight or fit, yoga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. Yoga has recently branched out in many new directions, some of which are quite different from its traditional emphases. For example, power yoga, a fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga with minimal chanting and meditation; and hot yoga, a style performed in hot and humid conditions. All approaches, however, are intended to promote some aspect of wellbeing.
Spiritual Alignment Yoga & Healing Center in Niles is a springboard for inner transformation. Founded by Garima Shakti Sharma in October 2018, the center offers yoga and meditation classes, healing services, and workshops to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Sharma spent over 12 years climbing the corporate ladder in strategy positions in the banking industry. She was successful in all material terms, but she felt an unexplained emptiness in her heart that kept her disconnected from her true self.
“Over several points in time, I felt lost in my life’s purpose and passion. I knew it was time for a change. Though I didn’t have a concrete plan in mind at that time, I turned in my resignation in the quest of finding a career that is deeply meaningful and fulfilling,” Sharma said.
Sharma has been practicing yoga since elementary school and studied yoga at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and meditation at Aesclepion and Boulder Psychic Institutes. Recognizing the healing powers of yoga, breath, intuition and energy, she opened Spiritual Alignment Yoga & Healing Center.
Sharma said, “So many of us live a life feeling stuck and disempowered with pain as we look at our own physical limitations. However, all it takes is a shift in perspective and commitment to finding a more empowering route. The healing services help clients to live the joyful and fulfilling life that they truly deserve. For example, I have had clients who have come to me with severe depression, childhood traumas and abuse, and many who’ve left feeling more aligned with their truth after having spent months and years feeling lost and confused.”
The center promotes the idea of “well-being” rather than “fitness.” Sharma believes that from the place of wellbeing, we live in the state of accepting ourselves and our life situations. This acceptance allows us to build an empowered mindset. Yoga turns on the healing relaxation response by combining gentle poses with conscious breathing. This combination of movement and breath turns off the stress response and directs the body’s energy to growth, repair, immune function, digestion, and other self-nurturing processes.
Apart from healing services, the center offers yoga classes for all age groups and experience levels. There are gentle, restorative and Feldenkrais classes for seniors and older beginners. People with multiple sclerosis can do yoga on a chair rather than the (traditional) floor. The schedule also has different styles of yoga such as Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin. Meditation, prenatal, and kids’ classes truly harbor a sense of community. Apart from Sharma, the center has 11 instructors, who are professionally trained in yoga and provide guidance to suit individual requirements and limitations.
“Our oldest student is one of our most regular students. At the age of 72 and a resident of Niles, he attends our Sunrise Yoga class at least three to four times a week. Our youngest student is four years old and he comes and attends our kids’ program on Sundays,” Sharma said. “Every day our yoga classes focus on strengthening and toning our physical bodies. In the system of yoga, unique postures are designed to improve overall flexibility, balance and strength in the body.”
Spiritual Alignment Yoga & Healing Center is open Monday – Sunday and offers various pricing options for different age groups and class sizes. Monthly memberships, class passes, and private and corporate workshops are also available.
The center recently announced an upcoming expansion into the store adjacent to their current location. The current space will serve as a holistic healing hub and the new space will house all yoga classes. A Relaunch Party will be held on Saturday, June 8 to inaugurate the new space. The celebration includes a free yoga class, giveaways, refreshments, drinks and much more for the entire family. Limited spots are available, so RSPV at www.spiritual-alignment.com/relaunch.html.
For more information, call (510) 894-2772 or visit www.spiritual-alignment.com.
Relaunch Party
Saturday, Jun 8
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Spiritual Alignment Yoga & Healing Center
37485 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 894-2772
www.spiritual-alignment.com
Celebrating 32 years of nourishing seniors
Submitted by Marisa Melo
Photos by Lien Le
Join Meals on Wheels of Alameda County (MOWAC) for our annual gala, “Taste 2019 – Celebrating 32 Years of Nourishing Seniors,” on Thursday, June 6 in the hills of Oakland at the Ascension Cathedral.
MOWAC strives to close the hunger gap among the senior community by delivering more than 500,000 meals annually to 2,200 seniors throughout Alameda County. Many of these seniors are not only fighting hunger, but also facing physical, mental and financial hardships that leave them homebound and isolated. MOWAC wants to make sure these seniors are not forgotten and asks for your support to provide meals and services for our county’s seniors.
More than 400 guests will enjoy delicious food by 14 of the Bay Area’s top chefs such as Rich Wood of Wood Tavern, Yang Peng of The Wolf, Brandon Peacock of Eve’s Waterfront, Lev Delany of Chop Bar, as well as wine pairings from wineries such as Keenan Winery and Peay Vineyards. Guests will have an opportunity to win unique and exciting live and silent auction prizes such as a Warriors Tickets to Game 4 on June 7, a five-night rafting trip in Idaho, and a private dinner for 10 at Farallon. We are also honoring our long-time supporter Enid M. Hunkeler for her contributions to guarantee the delivery of nutritious meals to thousands of seniors.
Tickets are on sale now for $180 per person. Visit www.mowac.link/taste2019 or contact our office at (510) 777-9560. Tickets will be sold at the door for $225 per person.
Taste 2019
Thursday, Jun 6
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ascension Cathedral
4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland
(510) 777-9560
www.mowac.link/taste2019
www.feedingseniors.org/
Tickets: $180
Thrift Store connects with community
Submitted by Stephanie Bristow
The TCV Thrift Store is no ordinary thrift store — it is an integral part of Tri-City Volunteers (TCV), a local social services agency that has supported the community for over 45 years with emergency food, low/no-cost clothing, and household goods. Not only does the store carry a wide range of gently-used clothing, but also a selection of items for the home, including furniture, household goods, and linens. “When it comes to donations,” said Ann Koeppen, Thrift Store Manager, “we rely on the generosity of our Tri-City neighbors who are clearing out their closets or garages — and this time of year is ideal for spring cleaning! We do pick up household furniture, too (though please email donate@tcvfoodbank.org first with photos of items you wish to donate) — all other gently used, working condition items can be dropped off at the store.” Through generous community donations, items can be sold at very low cost.
The heart of TCV Thrift Store, however, is “community” — the place is not only a bargain hunter’s paradise, but a chance to connect with the community that’s so important in these challenging times. All proceeds directly support our much-needed programs, including TCV Marketplace, which provides low-income families and seniors nutritional groceries at no cost. The Thrift Store also provides free clothing and hosts a bag lunch program for the homeless in our community.
We wouldn’t be able to operate without the generosity and enthusiasm of volunteers. “If the thought of donating your time in a fun, retail setting is appealing,” adds Koeppen, “and you happen to like clothes and shopping — then TCV Thrift Store is the place for you!” You can either contact Koeppen directly at (510) 598-4065 for details or email volunteer@tcvfoodbank.org to find out how easy it is to sign up! We look forward to seeing you — whether as a shopper, a volunteer or a donor!
TCV Thrift Store
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
37350 Joseph St, Fremont
(510) 793-4583
www.tri-cityvolunteers.org
Police recruiting for teen academy program
Submitted by Milpitas PD
Teenagers who are interested in seeing first-hand how law enforcement works are invited to apply for the Teen Police Academy program sponsored by the Milpitas Police Department.
Through structured lectures and hands-on classes, participants will have an opportunity to see the various tasks and demands that challenge police officers daily
Topics covered during the 12-hour academy include:
- K9 Unit operations
- Internet crimes
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Juvenile DUI
- Shoot/Don’t Shoot
- Gangs
- Statutory laws
- Surviving an Active Shooter
The academy will meet 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 – Thursday, July 25 in Milpitas. Lunch will be provided each day. To qualify, participants must be a current student at Milpitas High School or a student attending another high school but residing in Milpitas. All students will be required to attend a brief interview prior to admission to the academy. For program details and registration information, call Sgt. Bryan Hinkley at (408) 586-2587.
Local musician tunes in to what he loves
By Johnna M. Laird
Photos courtesy of Tim Devine
For 19 years musician and community college instructor Tim Devine of Hayward has performed in the orchestra at SHN, the theatrical company bringing Broadway shows to San Francisco.
Devine doesn’t play every show, although he counts 70 to 80 performances over the years. He only plays for shows that fit his skills, he explains, and those skill have breadth: all saxophones—soprano, alto, tenor and baritone—plus clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, and piccolo.
In March 2019 he finished a month of “Hello, Dolly!” performances starring Betty Buckley, and played in the orchestra for Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which wrapped May 12, 2019. He expects to return May 28 for SHN’s two-week engagement of “Beautiful,” Carole King’s true musical story of rising from a teenage songwriter to stardom. Devine played for the pre-Broadway “Beautiful” production a few years ago and again later for a return engagement, so he knows the show well. Usually Devine gets an SHN inquiry about availability a month before a show, with official hiring two weeks before a show starts.
“There’s an excitement of putting together something with like-minded professionals at every level. It makes you want to do your best. I particularly like new/pre-Broadway productions – to be a part of something that is a work in progress, changing day-to-day, new arrangements and orchestrations, fresh ideas and perspectives with everybody sight-reading and on high alert, a heightened sense of awareness and reactiveness. It’s a real shot of adrenaline!”
“Hello, Dolly!” used an orchestra of 18 musicians while “Beautiful” will rely on a core rock band with a four-piece horn section for authentic sound.
For shows on national tours, there’s a long first day with a four-to-five-hour morning rehearsal, a one-hour afternoon sound check, and an evening performance. Practice time? Not much. “Musicians get a book in advance to look at, but putting it all together is where the work begins,” says Devine. “New shows and pre-Broadway productions require four to six days of rehearsals leading up to opening night.”
Last November and December for SHN’s “A Bronx’s Tale,” Devine played alto and soprano sax, clarinet, and flute, and had featured alto sax solos.
SHN has not been his only gig. He has recorded with BB King, played for Joan Baez, recorded on movie soundtracks “The Game” and “Presto,” played at Chicago’s Blues Festival in 1991 before an audience of 100,000 people, and opened for Huey Lewis, Gladys Knight, and Buddy Guy (the Chicago blues guitarist influential to Eric Clapton), Jimi Hendrix, and John Mayer among others. Devine regularly worked The Top of the Mark restaurant in San Francisco and Bay Area night clubs. Yet, he admits a musician’s life can be fraught with challenges: constantly proving oneself, maintaining practice schedules. and figuring out how to survive with an unstable income and lifestyle.
Still, music has taken him all over the world, playing with blues bands like Joe Louis Walker and The Boss Talkers: performing in England where he claims beer tastes better; above the Arctic Circle, definitely the coldest place to play; into Italy “where Italians know how to eat,” and in Denmark, being filmed for public television. Traveling with African American musicians gave him a close look at discrimination and a realization that “being black in this world is not easy.”
Like many adults who find their life’s work in childhood, Devine began playing clarinet at age 10 when his older siblings were listening to recordings of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and bands with horn sounds: Chicago; Blood, Sweat, and Tears; and Tower of Power. Around that time “The Sting” with Paul Newman and Robert Redford appeared in theaters, featuring Marvin Hamlisch’s arrangement of Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” with a clarinet solo. Devine was hooked. By high school, he added saxophone to his repertoire to join a jazz band. Alto sax offered something “in the way of personality and character” that drew him in. In college, he picked up piccolo and later flute, two instruments he describes as “always a struggle,” but adds that he “enjoys the challenge” and believes he has something to contribute on those instruments as well.
Devine, a native of San Francisco who grew up on the Peninsula, moved to Hayward in 2005 when he began teaching at Chabot College. In his work as college instructor at Las Positas Community College and College of San Mateo, and formerly at Chabot, he offers lecture classes in music appreciation, primarily jazz, American roots, and classical. He also teaches music fundamentals. As he teaches, he weaves in a message foundational to his own life: “Find something in life that you love, find some way to follow that path, and work hard at it.”
His advice for non-musicians of all ages? Stop using music as a distraction. Music “is worthy of full attention. It is a powerful force that moves human emotions like words cannot.”
While Devine describes himself as “slamming around,” playing music so long that he often forgets what he has done, he still dreams of one day having his own jazz group, writing a musical, and running a small club featuring different kinds of “roots” music.