6-4-19 Articles

All America Festival coming soon

Submitted by the City of Hayward

 

Members from the Tennyson Community Committee are busy planning their 6th Annual All America Festival to celebrate the Nation’s 243rd birthday while also boosting pride in the Tennyson community of South Hayward. The family-friendly event, set for Saturday, June 29 at the Mt. Eden Park Mansion, will include music, food, children’s activities, community information and vendor booths. Free bike repairs will be available along with free helmets and backpacks to the first 100 attendees. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Vendor spaces are being sold through June 14. The cost is $25 for non-profit groups; $50 for general vendors. Registrations for vendor spaces should be made online by visiting www.eventbrite.com and then typing “All America Festival” into the search field, then scrolling to the event and following the prompts.

 

All America Festival

Saturday, Jun 29

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Community music and food festival

Mt. Eden Park

2451 W. Tennyson Rd., Hayward

tennysonallamerica@gmail.com

(510) 881-6700

Admission: Free

 

 

America's oldest ballpark still making memories

By Paul Newberry

AP Sports Columnist

May 30

 

Time for a little history lesson.

 

Just a few miles west of downtown Birmingham, tucked into a neighborhood of modest homes the way ballparks used to be, sits a stately green time capsule known as Rickwood Field.

 

In a couple of months, this place will officially mark its 109th birthday. Stadium officials went ahead with the most perfect of celebrations on the last Wednesday of May.

 

A ballgame.

 

“I think this is as just good as any of those new ballparks,” Leroy Miller, a veteran of the Negro Leagues, said from a seat along the third-base line.

 

He's right, even though you won't find a single luxury box or club seat or sushi stand at 10,000-seat Rickwood Field.

 

In the late 1980s, when the Barons moved to a ritzy new stadium in the suburbs and Rickwood seemed destined for the wrecking ball like nearly all of its contemporaries, a group of dedicated locals set out to preserve this crumbling yet marvelous structure.

 

Against all odds, they succeeded in saving what is now America's oldest ballpark.

 

Yep, older than Fenway Park by two years, older than Wrigley Field by four. The only surviving ballpark, it's believed, from the old Negro Leagues.

 

Once a year, the Double-A Birmingham Barons return to their former home for a daytime game known as the Rickwood Classic. It's a nostalgic pilgrimage that any baseball fan should make at least once in their lifetime, but it's also a sobering reminder of the history lost and a call to fight with all our might to preserve those ancient sporting relics that remain.

 

“You take away this ballpark,” Miller said, “you take away the memories.”

 

They're still making memories at Rickwood Field.

 

As the temperature soared into the 90s under a blistering sun, the Barons hosted their rival from right down I-65, the Montgomery Biscuits.

 

The Biscuits prevailed, 9-4.

 

The score was irrelevant.

 

This was about the fans decked out in Victorian suits and flowing dresses inspired by the early years of the previous century, about umpires and ushers in bow ties, about a lineup board just inside the main entrance written out in chalk, where a father studiously filled in his scorecard under the watchful eye of his young son.

 

This was about the aging veterans of the Negros Leagues getting another chance to shine, to pose for a group picture on the field before shuffling slowly to their seats behind the Biscuits' dugout, where they reminisced about a game that provided so much hope but also broke their hearts with its racial intolerance.

 

This was about the families that invaded the field almost as soon as the last out was recorded, to see who could run the bases the fastest, to break out their gloves for a game of catch, to pose for selfies in front of the hand-operated scoreboard and the vintage advertising signs ringing the outfield wall, which urged fans to drink Coca-Cola because it “Relieves Fatigue” or an admonishment from U.S. Steel to “Play It Safe, on the job, off the job.”

 

Jason Bressner of Lexington, Massachusetts stopped by Rickwood Field last year, but he couldn't get inside because it was undergoing some much-needed renovations.

 

When Bressner heard about the Rickwood Classic, he vowed to return to Birmingham. His girlfriend agreed to the trip, but only if he would accommodate her passion for historical clothing. So, they rented out some period pieces from the early 1900s _ he went with a burgundy suit and matching vest that was flushed out quite nicely by an ornate gold tie and black bowler _ and turned up for the ballgame as definite contenders for the Best Dressed Award.

 

“I don't care about watching baseball,” conceded Alona Brosh, sitting alongside her boyfriend in a blue-and-white-striped jacket, a frilly white blouse that buttoned all the way to her chin, a blue skirt that dipped all the way to the ground, topped off by a stylish hat of her own. “But I'm very into historical fashion, especially the Victorian and Edwardian era. So I was thrilled to come and dress up in 1910 fashions.”

 

They happened upon a family of locals who go to similar lengths for the Rickwood Classic.

 

“We have an amazing treasure in Birmingham,” said Kellet May, sitting next to her 7-year-old daughter, Lucia, while adorned in a strand of pearls and a large, swooping hat that would've fit right in at the Kentucky Derby. “I would like everyone to take advantage of it.”

 

Rickwood Field was home to a pair of ballclubs during a big chunk of its history _ the Barons (of the all-white Southern Association) and the Black Barons (who played in various incarnations of the Negro Leagues). Appropriately, both clubs are honored for their ample contributions to the game's history, with a list of their championship seasons listed side-by-side on an outfield sign as well as a prominent wall behind the main grandstand.

 

Miller was a star pitcher for the Black Barons in 1963, when the Negro Leagues had collapsed and the team was reduced to a barnstorming outfit. The Rickwood Classic gave him a chance to revel in his former glory and drop a little knowledge on younger fans stopping by his seat to ask for a picture or autograph.

 

“Baseball was all you had,” Miller said wistfully. “You lived for Saturdays and Sundays.”

 

Sitting on the same row was 84-year-old James “Jake” Sanders, another alumnus of the Black Barons from the 1950s. He still likes coming out to Rickwood when there are no games going on. He'll just walk around the ballpark, soaking it all in, savoring the memories and a maybe a train whistle crackling through the silence beyond the right-field bleachers.

 

“This is the No. 1 ballpark for me,” said Sanders, who wore a vintage jersey and cap from another Negro League team he played for, the Kansas City Monarchs. “I love Rickwood Field.”

 

The Barons broke out sharp cream uniforms with a big black “B” on the left chest, along with vintage, two-tone caps comprised of a black bill and another prominent B on the white top _ a tribute to the very first game at Rickwood Field on Aug. 18, 1910, when the Barons hosted another team from Montgomery known as the Climbers.

 

After the final out, Barons pitcher Kyle Kubat reflected on the significance of a ballpark that is roughly 82 years older than he is.

 

“It's pretty cool,” Kubat said, stopping off in the tunnel between the dugout and spartan clubhouse. “This is my first time here. … It's obviously a historical place. You've got to take it all in. You know, we play 140 games in 150 days, so it's gets really boring at times. You've got to make it fun. Days like this, it's fun.”

 

Rickwood Field is more than a one-day fad. It serves as the home field for local high schools, as well as nearby Miles College. There are amateur games and corporate outings. It's been a backdrop in several baseball-themed films, including “Cobb” and “42.”

 

About a year from now, the ballpark will open its gates for another Rickwood Classic.

 

Trust us, it's worth the trip.

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by Les Mensinger

 

Saturday, May 25

• At 12:23 p.m. a woman identified by police as Sarah McDonald, 37, of San Francisco, was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a $10,000 warrant from South San Francisco, a $5,000 warrant from the County of San Francisco and a $5,000 warrant from Alameda County. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

Sunday, May 26

• At 5:26 p.m. a man identified by police as Lorenzo Hearod, 27, of Oakland was arrested at the Hayward station on suspicion of theft and receiving stolen property. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

BART seizes on bridge gridlock to lobby for $1.25B grant

AP Wire Service

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), May 30 – Bay Area officials say the federal government has been holding up a $1.25 billion federal grant that is needed to increase BART's passenger capacity for the train system.

 

The San Francisco Chronicle reports BART officials on Wednesday upped the pressure to get the funds, saying that a fatal crash on the Bay Bridge brought them 10,000 additional passengers.

 

This month, California's U.S. senators sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation secretary urging immediate action on the grant application that has languished for 18 months.

 

BART is seeking the grant to buy a new train-control system, new rail cars, a set of storage tracks for its Hayward yard and traction power substations to carry more people through its Transbay Tube.

 

About 27,000 passengers currently move through the tube every hour. The improvements would boost that number to 39,000 people.

–––

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com

 

 

Bill to prevent debt collectors from emptying bank accounts

Submitted by Jeff Barbosa

 

Californians living paycheck-to-paycheck would no longer lose all their money to aggressive debt collectors under a bill passed by the California Senate on May 29. SB 616, authored by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), prevents collectors from levying the last $2,000 in an account. The bill now heads to the Assembly.

 

“This bill ends the debt-collector-takes-all approach that keeps people in poverty, increases the number of people opting not to use banks at all, and leaves more Californians one step away from financial disaster,” said Wieckowski. “If we are serious about helping people escape poverty, then we should prevent debt collectors from emptying an account and leaving individuals with no way to cover day-to-day expenses. SB 616 does not erase a debt, but it leaves people with some financial stability to pay bills and avoid going further in debt.”

 

When low-income Californians, or someone they know, lose everything in their checking account to a debt collector’s bank levy, they are more likely to stop using banking services. Their options become higher-priced check-cashing services and money orders that will lead them deeper into debt. SB 616 brings equity to California’s debt collection laws. Existing law includes protections from excessive wage garnishment, but not for levies on bank accounts. People can file a claim of exemption to show they need the money to cover the basic necessities of life, but that process is cumbersome.

 

“Harsh bank levy practices are one of the many reasons why Californians go unbanked,” said Sabrina Hamm, managing director of the California Asset Building Coalition. “That’s why we support SB 616 to reduce the harm caused by bank levies.”

 

 

California says it's now in compliance with US Real ID rules

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), May 23 – The California Department of Motor Vehicles says it is now in full compliance with federal requirements for so-called Real ID driver licenses or identification cards.

 

The state says it received notification of approval by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.

 

Applicants initially had to provide one proof of residency, but Homeland Security later decided two are needed.

 

Real ID cardholders who only submitted one proof of residency will receive an address verification letter that must be signed and mailed back.

 

Letters will be sent to approximately 3.6 million holders of the 4.1 million Real ID cards issued to date.

 

Americans will need to show a valid passport or federally approved document such as a Real ID to board airline flights in the U.S. starting on Oct. 1, 2020.

 

 

You’ll want to get up and dance

Submitted by Lyn Leone

 

Enjoy live, big-band music at the Castro Valley Library on Sunday, June 9. A local Bay Area favorite, “In Full Swing,” is a 20-piece big-band and vocalist performing under the direction of Milt Bowerman. For more information, call (510) 667-7900 or visit https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5393226?hs=a.

 

“In Full Swing” Big Band

Sunday, Jun 9

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5393226?hs=a

 

 

Chabot Space & Science Center events

 

An exciting and immersive experience every first Friday! Each $5 First Friday at Chabot is an exciting and immersive experience for all ages! Join us each month for hands-on activities and live demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. Each month there will be new things to explore! Some activities have limited capacity and are first come, first served. $5 admission begins at 6 p.m., and does not apply from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Center is closed to the general public between 5 – 6 p.m. (with the exceptions of current CSSC members) and reopens at 6 p.m. for $5 First Friday.

 

$5 First Friday

Friday, Jun 7

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

 

Zeiss astronomy presentation: the sky tonight

6:30 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.

Mini missions: escape from mars!

7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Ages 10+ (selected by raffle)

Story time

7:15 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Telescope makers workshop

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Telescope viewing

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Star Stories

9 p.m.

 

Bring the whole family along as we take a gentle 2-3-mile round trip walk among the majestic redwoods. We’ll stop and tell stories about Oakland history, identify native plants and trees, and discuss wildlife and indicators of climate change. Due to heavy roots, routes are not accessible by strollers and/or wheelchairs. Hikes may be canceled or rescheduled due to extreme weather conditions or under enrollment.

 

Family Hikes

Saturday, Jun 8

10 a.m. – 12 noon

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jun 27

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Tickets $11 – $14

Registration recommended

 

Each Sunday preceding the 1st quarter moon, the East Bay Astronomical Society invites Members to a special, private telescope viewing. Unlike our regular viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings, EAS personalizes the experience by taking viewing requests, live interaction, and hosting tours. It’s complimentary and it’s exclusively for our members!

 

First glance: member Telescope viewing

Sunday, Jun 9

8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Members only

 

Friday, June 14th 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Price $40 This simulated space mission is strictly for adults only! Bring your friends, grab a beer, rock a flight suit, and experience the thrill of a NASA mission to Mars! Can you make it to the red planet and save your crew from calamity? Wine, beer, and light snacks will be provided.

 

Lost in Space

Friday, Jun 14

7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

Ages 21+

Tickets $40

 

The journey begins at sunset from the Center into the beautiful surrounding redwood forest. We’ll hike along some of the most popular trails and learn about local history as we uncover evidence from early settlers and will examine local plants as we discuss the ecology of the forest. At sunset, we’ll stop to observe the first of the night’s visible stars and planets and discuss cultural stories related to the night’s sky. Upon return, each hiker will receive two complimentary glasses of wine or beer along with small bites. A perfect evening for a date night or fun with friends! Capacity is limited. 4-5-mile hike round trip.

 

Adult hike & sip: Cultural tales of the night sky

Saturday, Jun 15

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Tickets $27 members, $30 non-members

 

Have an unforgettable family experience and keep the Father’s Day celebrations going! You’ll enjoy hands-on making activities, exclusive after-hours time in the exhibits, planetarium shows, stargaze with expert astronomers and enjoy a family hike in the surrounding redwood forest (optional). Complete a special scavenger hunt, and you’ll earn a souvenir Chabot patch to commemorate your experience. Your sleepover includes a dinner and breakfast feast fit for a king. Have a night at the museum as you sleep amongst our exhibits or camp outside under the stars in your tent. Outdoor sleeping is on first-come basis.

 

Family sleepover: A Father’s Day themed experience

Saturday, Jun 29

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Tickets $75 for members, $85 non-members

For families with children ages 4+

 

 

Hot rod and bike show

Submitted by Dino Grass

 

Celebrate The Cobblers’ 61st anniversary with a car show on Sunday, June 9. The event will feature classic oldies, to muscle cars, to lowriders and motorcycles. The community is welcome to enjoy music, hot dogs and soda for free. As part of the celebration, there will be a storewide sale from Wednesday, June 5 – Sunday, June 9. The Cobblers has been a staple in downtown Hayward since 1958, providing quality footwear and boot repairs. For more information, call (510) 582-7761 or visit https://thecobblersboots.com/.

 

Car Show

Sunday, Jun 9

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Shoe Sale

Wednesday, Jun 5 – Saturday, Jun 8

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jun 9

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

The Cobblers

22443 Foothill Blvd, Downtown Hayward

(510) 582-7761

https://thecobblersboots.com/

 

 

Free programs in the regional parks

By Dennis Waespi

East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

 

There’s lots of fun on the schedule as the East Bay Regional Park District moves into a summer of great outdoor recreation. For starters, in celebration of the district’s 85th anniversary, there’s free parking, swimming, fishing and boating at all the regional parks every Friday through the end of the year (though state fees and permits still apply). And there’s free entrance on nonevent Fridays at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

There’s also a series of free concerts planned in the regional parks. The first one is at 12 noon on Saturday, June 22 at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley, featuring The Cheeseballs – a high energy dance band.

 

Another free activity is the park district’s popular Trails Challenge program, for what will be its 27th year. Trails Challenge is a self-guided incentive to your regional parks. You don’t have to register. Just pick up a guidebook at a park district visitor center or download one from the district website, www.ebparks.org. Then hike any five of the trails in the guide, turn in your trail log, and receive a commemorative pin while supplies last. Trails Challenge T-shirts also are available at visitor centers while supplies last. You can hike, bike or ride horseback on trails designed for all levels of ability. The guidebook also contains helpful hints on equipment and trail safety. The Trails Challenge is sponsored by the Regional Parks Foundation in partnership with Kaiser Permanente.

 

Finally, there are also free programs highlighting the region’s natural and cultural history at regional parks throughout the district. For a complete schedule, visit www.ebparks.org and click on “Activities.”

 

Golfers have a choice of two courses in the regional parks: Redwood Canyon course on Redwood Road north of Castro Valley or Tilden Golf Course at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. For information and fees, visit the district website; on the home page, click on “Activities” and then “Golfing.”

 

A great way for the youth to learn communication skills, aquatic safety and teamwork is the park district’s Junior Cadet program, offered by the Lifeguard Service. The classes run in two-week sessions from Monday, June 17 to Friday, August 9 and are a preparation for a career as an open water lifeguard for the park district. Open to ages 14 to 17, the program takes place at Lake Anza in Tilden Park near Berkeley, with one day at Crown Beach in Alameda.

 

Deadline to submit applications has been extended, so if you would like to learn more or apply, email EAndersen@ebparks.org or download applications at http://www.eblifeguard.org/juniorlifeguards/index.php/cadet-program-overview. There is a fee, but camperships are available.

 

My friend Bruce Roberts, poet laureate of Hayward, has captured the ambience of Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont. Space doesn’t permit printing the entire poem, but here’s one stanza that I think says it all:

 

    Ringed by civilization –

Big trains, BART trains,

    Houses, Apartments,

And traffic,

               always traffic –

     Quarry Lakes,

An island of serenity

 Blessing a busy world,

    A quiet getaway

    From the bustle

     At its borders.

 

Bruce shares his experiences through poetry. But whichever way you experience the regional parks, I hope you’ll get out and enjoy their beauty during the summer months. See you in the parks and on the trails!

 

 

Women's clothing chain Dressbarn to close all its 650 stores

AP Wire Service

 

NEW YORK (AP), May 20 – Dressbarn, the women's clothing chain that's been around for nearly 60 years, is closing all 650 of its stores.

 

The company's chief financial officer, Steven Taylor, said Dressbarn has not been operating at an “acceptable level of profitability in today's retail environment.”

 

Its owner, Ascena Retail Group Inc., says it wants to focus on its more profitable brands. Ascena also owns Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and other clothing stores.

 

The company did not say when Dressbarn will shut all its stores. Dressbarn employs about 6,800 people.

 

 

An Eye for DUI: Interview with Newark PD’s Traffic Sergeant Brian Simon

By Dhanika Pineda

 

Graduation, Saint Patrick’s Day, and the Super Bowl – three events that are seemingly unconnected – all have one thing in common: alcohol. It’s true that drinking is a large factor in parties that inevitably accompany these events. But what happens between the commencement ceremony and the champagne table? Transportation happens – more specifically, driving.

 

Drunk driving, or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), is most prevalent in conjunction with events like these. In response, police set up DUI Checkpoints. As graduations approach, the City of Newark can expect checkpoints to be conducted by the Traffic Division of the Newark Police Department. In a recent interview, head of Traffic Division, Sergeant Brian Simon explains DUI Checkpoints.

 

Catching drunk drivers is only part of the equation. Sergeant Simon explains, “Really, the importance of the checkpoint is the promotion of public safety through education and awareness. Catching drunk drivers – while a great benefit – at a checkpoint itself is usually rare.” The Traffic Division prides itself on emphasizing education. According to Simon, the goal of publicizing such checkpoints, and handing out educational materials beforehand, is “so people know, ‘Hey, we’re out and about looking for drunk drivers this weekend, and we’re going to be having a checkpoint.’ You don’t know exactly where it's going to be, you may end up driving through it, but the idea is to plant that seed in their mind, that they might think ‘Hey, maybe I'll take Uber this time’ or ‘Let’s have a designated driver.’ It’s those types of things, where we get that information out there and publicize it for them as a deterrence, to keep people from going out and driving drunk.”

 

Knowing that checkpoints are intended as deterrents rather than punishments, it may not be a surprise to learn that the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) requires an escape route to be provided at every checkpoint location. Sgt. Simon explains, “The escape route legitimizes the checkpoint as educational. Also, since public safety is still our number one concern, it keeps the checkpoint from becoming a roadblock, which might end up making things worse and less safe for the public.” The escape route to a checkpoint is usually located at a right-hand turn to a non-busy side street within the governed realm. Why so specific? Again, the answer lies in the importance of public safety. “We have to look for an area that will be easy for the drivers who would have gone through the checkpoint to merge with the drivers on the road, says Simon. “We don’t want to cause more crashes or make it any more dangerous.” Notice of these escape routes is posted on the way to the checkpoints.

 

Before the escape route can be chosen, the location of the checkpoint site itself must be determined. DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on the highest concentration of DUI crashes and arrests within the last three years. Simons clarifies that “We [the Traffic Division] couple that information with what’s safe. It would be great to put a checkpoint right where people come on and off the freeway. The problem with that is that people don’t pay attention to what’s going on around them when they’re driving, and we, again, don’t want to make the situation any more dangerous.” On the day of the actual checkpoint, 15 to 20 people are present to run it. Eight to 10 of them are salaried officers, and the rest are volunteer support staff from groups such as RAVENS (Retired Active Volunteers) and Police Explorers.

 

Where does Newark find the funds to cover checkpoints? In fact, the money for checkpoints comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). OTS offers grants for projects in the Traffic Divisions of various police departments. The current grant awarded to the City of Newark supports three DUI checkpoints a year. The only requirement is that one checkpoint must be scheduled to coincide with Newark’s Winter DUI Avoidance Campaign. The grant is awarded after the division sends in their plan of action and statistics, and OTS comes up with a plan tailored to the division. A formula that takes into account department size is then used to determine the award to be offered.

 

More work goes into DUI checkpoints than most realize. So, the next time you groan at the sight of one coming up on the road, remember that it has a serious purpose and beneficial result.

 

 

Dear EarthTalk: What is so-called Forest Therapy?

— Larry Schwarzwald, Page, Arizona

 

Forest therapy uses immersion in nature to help soothe frayed nerves and restore a sense of mental well-being — and has even been shown to boost our immune systems and help us recover faster from physical maladies. The modern forest therapy movement is rooted in the Shinrin-yoku “forest bathing” practice developed in Japan in the 1980s that has since become a central part of preventative health care and healing in Japanese medicine.

 

“There are an infinite number of healing activities that can be incorporated into a walk in a forest or any other natural area,” reports the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), which trains students to become certified forest therapists. “An activity is likely to be healing when it makes room for listening, for quiet and accepting presence, and for inquiry through all eight of the sensory modes we possess.”

 

Practitioners insist that forest therapy is rooted in science, citing dozens of research papers documenting the healing powers of something as simple as a stroll in the woods. According to ANFT, forest bathing seems to significantly mitigate the root cause of a multitude of ailments: stress. Given the role of stress in everything from headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis and other health problems, forest therapy could be an important part of staying or getting healthy.

 

“Levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased in test subjects after a walk in the forest, when compared with a control group of subjects who engaged in walks within a laboratory setting,” adds ANFT. “Forest bathing catalyzes increased parasympathetic nervous system activity which prompts rest, conserves energy, and slows down the heart rate while increasing intestinal and gland activity.”

 

The research bears out the theory: the average concentration of salivary cortisol — a stress hormone — in people who gazed out at forest scenery for 20 minutes was 13.4 percent lower than those in urban settings. Meanwhile, leisurely forest walks were measurably better than urban walks at reducing cortisol levels and sympathetic nerve activity and decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. Meanwhile, other research shows we are better at creative problem-solving after time spent in the wilderness. Additionally, nature immersion has been linked to an increase in immunity boosting “killer T” cells, which the body uses to stave off infections and even possibly to fight the growth of cancer cells.

 

While anyone can take a hike through the woods and indulge in their own form of forest bathing, going with a guide can make the experience that much more meaningful. And you no longer have to go to Japan to find someone experienced in Shinrin-yoku. ANFT has trained more than 600 forest therapy guides working in 40 countries across six continents to date. Check out its map and directory to find one near you, whether you’re in North America, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia or South America.

 

EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. To read more, check out https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

Towers of sand will rise from the strand during the annual Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest, a family friendly favorite, on Saturday, June 8 at Crown Beach in Alameda. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the beach house near the Crown Beach entrance at Otis and Shore Line drives. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle; participation in the competition is free. You can choose to create either a castle or sculpture in youth, family or adult divisions. Judging will take place at 1 p.m.; winners will receive ribbons, small trophies and bragging rights. High tide is the final winner, reclaiming all contest entries.

 

It’s as much fun to observe as to participate; entries are always a tribute to people’s imagination and creativity. Co-sponsors are East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda Recreation & Parks and Bay View Women’s Club. While you’re at Crown Beach, stop by the park district information table to learn about the Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative. For information about the contest, call (510) 544-3187.

 

Archaeology is the theme of two free programs at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. Naturalist Dino Labiste will host “Stories of the Past” from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9. The group will use clues including artifacts to piece together a story of Coyote Hills’ past.

 

Naturalist Kristina Parkison will lead a program on the basic principles of archaeology, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, with hands-on activities, culminating in a tour of the park’s 2,000-year-old Ohlone village site. Parkison’s program is for ages 10 and older, and registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program number 25010.

 

Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road, off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3220.

 

There’s always something interesting going on at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. You can turn sheep’s wool into cloth during a felting program with naturalist Jenna Collins from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 8 and June 22. Collins also plans ice cream making the hand-cranked way in a program from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays, June 8 and June 22.

 

You can also learn how to make string from plant fibers in a program with naturalist Anthony Fisher from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9. And dragonflies, those beautiful and deadly aerial insect predators, are the focus of Fisher’s programs from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, June 9, June 23 and June 30.

 

For all programs, meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, north end of Central Park Drive. For details, call (510) 544-2233.

 

Many of the miners and their families who lived and worked at what is now Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch are buried at the park’s historic Rose Hill Cemetery. Naturalist Eddie Willis will tell their often tragic stories during a free hike, for ages 8 and older, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 9. For the 15-minute uphill walk to the cemetery, meet Willis in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4.

 

Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 when the kiosk is staffed. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.

 

“Blissful butterflies” are the stars of a program from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. It’s a walk with a naturalist in search of the butterflies that call Big Break their home. And don’t miss Big Break’s Second Sunday Campfire, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 9. Bring your family and a picnic dinner to enjoy before the program starts. The show will include insect-themed activities and a family campfire with s’mores.

 

Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road, off Oakley’s Main Street. For details, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 3050.

 

Summertime is activity time in the regional parks. For a full schedule, visit the website, www.ebparks.org.

 

 

Editorial

Mobility

 

Mobility is defined as the ability to move easily. The phrase “joint mobility” adds another dimension, indicating more than one segment is involved in an orderly and efficient process. For instance, moving from point A to point B, using several modes of transportation, can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending on distance, obstacles and time. How much effort is required to do this can be a complex combination of factors, sometimes requiring significant planning.

 

For example, let’s say we are going to take a trip from the Bay Area to Los Angeles. There are quite a few options available such as: modes of transportation, speed of travel, physical obstacles, schedules, weather, etc. Some issues are related to personal preference while others present equal challenges for everyone making the trip.

 

Fremont has experimented with a concerted effort to examine and solve the dilemma of mobility (travel) within its city limits. Defining the problem has extended to modes of transportation as well as internal and external factors. Excessive pressure to build additional living spaces, expanding the population, and efficient traffic control within city boundaries is an important consideration, but a significant part of the problem is shared by neighboring communities. Major regional and state forces are mandating action without regard to local considerations. Some solutions can be achieved through local action while others require coordination and acquiescence of neighbors.

 

As Fremont ponders the conversion of its Mobility Task Force and Bicycle and Pedestrian Technical Advisory Committee to a 9-member Mobility Commission, some consideration of a joint commission, or at least coordination, with members of neighboring cities may be in order. After all, traffic and movement within Fremont doesn’t start and end at its borders. There is no reason that synchronization of traffic signals, bicycle, pedestrian protection and other factors should be limited to political boundaries.

 

Why not organize a Mobility Commission that is tasked with quarterly or semi-annual meetings with like commissions or task forces of Newark and Union City. The staff report addressing this issue for the June 4, 2019 city council meeting suggests consideration of a “diverse Commission with geographic, gender, age and ethnic representation.” Commissioners are proposed by specific interests: traffic (signals and smart parking), school (access and walking), bicycling (shared bikes/scooters – remember the defunct Lime experiment?), transit (paratransit and on-demand shuttles). What about another category for community members that feel the results of the problem but do not have a particular mindset in one of those areas? The view of “at-large,” residents or businesses would be of value when considering the practical aspects of special interest proposals.

 

Traffic flows and mobility problems not only cross adjacent city boundaries, but the entire southeast Bay Area including Milpitas, Hayward, San Leandro and unincorporated areas too. Inclusion of these areas on a regular basis (annual?) would enhance efforts to solve salient issues. Not only will this coordinate solutions but it will consolidate action plans and strengthen lobbying for regional and state assistance as well. Among suggestions to “approach the structure and scope of a Mobility Commission” is participation in an annual work session with the City Council and “the annual Mobility Summit.” Exactly what is this Mobility Summit? Is it with south Bay Area communities, regional, national, international? Searching on the internet for such a meeting reveals many summits. Which is it? Who goes? What does it cost? What are the expectations and deliverables of attendance at such meetings?

 

Although it is great importance to address the traffic and mobility problems that plague our communities, it’s time to be smart about this by consolidating resources and expanding the pool of ideas. All of us are affected by mobility concerns; a Mobility Commission is a step in the right direction. 

 

 

Call for Submissions: “Education Corner”

 

Are you a current or retired educator with a story to share? An upcoming column “Education Corner” is a place where public school teachers and administrators can speak out, relating personal stories concerning the real issues of education.

 

What happens as you teach one class of elementary students all day, every day, for a school year? What is it to teach 150 to 200 or more adolescents a day? What's the daily routine? How much time do you work each day? What have you done when a student was failing? Acting out? What success stories do you have? What humorous or emotionally powerful situations have you faced? Send creative non-fiction vignettes (500-800 words) centered on real circumstances. No real names, and no personal or political diatribes, please.

 

Send material to James LeCuyer at jameslecuyer@yahoo.com. Please include your name, phone number and email. If your work is chosen, we will contact you before publication.

 

 

Residents and businesses honored for environmental efforts

Submitted by the City of Hayward

 

Hayward city officials recently honored 10 recipients of the city’s 2019 Annual Environmental Sustainability Awards. The awardees, including residents, schools, and businesses, were recognized during a special presentation at the May 21 City Council meeting for their exceptional commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

 

Winning residents included Anita Cruz, who has integrated into her daily life water conservation practices such as collecting rainwater and excess sink water for use in her garden; Amanda Groziak, who recently ran a campaign to ban plastic food-ware in Hayward; and Kenneth Woodward, the Maintenance Manager at the Eden Issei Terrace apartment property. Woodward has created customized multi-lingual waste sorting signage to educate residents, in addition to using the refund value of the recyclables collected at the property to host environmental education parties for residents.

 

The two winning schools included Cherryland Elementary School, where the third graders spent last year exploring the environmental effects of Styrofoam. Their research led the entire Hayward Unified School District to replace its Styrofoam trays with cardboard trays at the start of the 2018-19 school year. Also winning was Fairview Elementary School, where fourth graders collected and analyzed 3,000 pieces of litter from their campus and used the data to raise school-wide awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

 

Winning businesses included: Cox Automotive Manheim San Francisco Bay Area, an auto dealership on track to be zero-waste by 2024; EKC Technology, a chemical cleaner manufacturer which last year reduced water usage in its production process by 10 percent despite a record-breaking increase in production volume; Life Chiropractic College West, which developed its own algae air scrubbers to reduce the CO2 levels in the air at its facility; St. Rose Hospital, which is reducing medical-related waste by significantly extending the life of many single-use supplies; and Eden Issei Terrace, which uses solar energy, LED lighting, electric kitchen appliances, and the custom multi-lingual waste reduction system previously mentioned to help its residents lead environmentally conscious lifestyles.

 

“Since our parent company, Cox Enterprises, set goals of sending zero waste to landfill by 2024 and being water/carbon neutral by 2044, our team has been enthusiastic about doing our part,” said Greg Beck, General Manager at Cox Automotive Manheim San Francisco Bay.

 

“From creating recycling and composting initiatives, to installing LED lighting and encouraging alternative transit, we believe strongly that our collective actions can make a big difference. We’re proud to be recognized by the City of Hayward for these efforts, and we’ll continue looking for more ways to be good stewards of the environment and impactful citizens of Hayward,” Beck added.

 

For more information about the winners of the 2019 Environmental Awards, visit https://www.hayward-ca.gov/2019-environmental-sustainability-awardees.

 

 

Facebook to pay US content reviewers more amid criticism

By Barbara Ortutay

AP Technology Writer

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), May 13 – Facebook is raising how much it pays U.S. contractors who do some of its most taxing work, including watching violent and other objectionable material for possible removal.

 

Facebook will pay at least $18 an hour for these jobs. Those in New York City, Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay area will get $22 per hour due to a higher cost of living. Facebook said its minimum pay for all contractors has been $15 per hour.

 

The content review jobs are psychologically taxing. Facebook has been criticized for not paying the workers enough and not providing enough support. Reports have documented that some of them have been left with post-traumatic stress symptoms from the work.

 

Facebook said Monday it's also adding tools for content moderators to have graphic images blurred out or shown in black and white before they see it.

 

The company said it's looking into “similar standards” outside the U.S. but did not say when. Facebook said the pay raise in the U.S. will take effect by mid-2020.

 

Facebook has been working to boost its use of artificial intelligence to catch objectionable material before people see it, but it's nowhere near being able to do without humans. And even its thousands of human workers can't catch everything. And humans, unlike AI, can feel the effects of looking at the worst of humanity materialize on screen day after day.

 

Facebook has not disclosed how many contractors it employs. It has said that 30,000 people work on its safety and security teams that include content moderation, but it is not clear how many of these are contractors.

 

 

Local author/illustrator shares creative work

Submitted by Nancy Guarnera

 

The community is invited to join Fremont Area Writers (FAW) author/illustrator Jo Ann Frisch, as she reads from her illustrated book Plant Uses by California Native Americans Rumsien and Mutsun Ohlone on Saturday, June 8. Frisch has been drawing since childhood. Her favorite subjects – plants and animals. As a child she lived in a rural setting and had various farm animals, and woodland creatures and plants to provide her with creative themes.

 

While working for a team of naturalists at Sunol Regional Wilderness, Frisch became interested in Native American cultures and their use of plants for medicine, food, tools, and building materials. This interest evolved into a passion that led to her book. In 2012, she illustrated and self-published Plant Uses and a couple of years later, she produced a companion coloring book. These books will be available for purchase at the reading and the author will happily inscribe them for the public. For more information about the event, call (510) 744-0333.

 

“Plant Uses” Author Reading

Saturday, Jun 8

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Half Price Books

39152 Fremont Hub, Fremont

(510) 744-0333

https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org/

 

 

Takes from Silicon Valley East

Reviving Fremont’s Roots, One Main Street at a Time

By Christina Briggs, Economic Development Director

 

It’s no secret that cities and regions are increasingly faced with a wide range of complex challenges. But rather than let this be discouraging, we should also look to the sources of hope and optimism that are unfolding in communities across the country. Our Economic Development team was reminded of this at the recent National Main Street conference, where keynote speakers, James and Deborah Fallows, discussed this topic at length, drawing from a literal journey they took that led to their best-selling book, “Our Towns.”

 

Over the course of several years, and with the use of a single-engine prop plane, the Fallows visited towns and cities across the nation to better understand the civic success stories and examples of leadership improving communities. They described their journey in four stages:

 

1. Simple Curiosity.The initial goal was to uncover what small towns and main streets in America are really like, despite the often negative tone of national media coverage.
2. Recognition of Patterns.Across their visits, there was a sense of momentum at local levels and a surprising amount of activity going on, including shifts of living styles, rebuilding of downtowns, and expanding local arts movements.
3. Observation of the Emerging Science of “Revitalization Activity.” It became clear that there are dozens of organizations that are taking on the topic of civic engagement and community revitalization. These organizations are applying their expertise not just in urban centers, but across main street environments, too.
4. Wondering What’s Next.The Fallows believe the American consciousness needs to know these stories. Mainstream rhetoric that’s so focused on dysfunction needs to be counteracted by telling stories of possibility. The new American civic life is being invented every day in local communities.

 

The lessons they learned and recounted were countless. But perhaps the most important trends they observed from town to town and city to city, were the following:

 

1. There is a richness of civic life in rural and smaller towns because the citizens wear multiple hats and fill many roles in the community.
2. While some think there is a “sameness” of America (that everything is what you see on the interstate), the power of distinct localism is very vivid.
3. While the fraying of social fabric has been documented in some places, this fabric is now being re-knit, partly through powerful public-private partnerships.
4. Libraries have become the most democratic institution in communities. They serve as “bucket fillers” – learning what a town needs and providing it.

 

The Fallows’ observations serve as an important reminder about the power of local communities and the need to celebrate the authenticity and culture of our districts, towns, and cities. We are thinking a lot about that in Fremont and in the process, we’re uncovering the hidden gems inside our own main streets. In that spirit, we will be telling these stories more frequently, and that starts with this narrative (www.thinksiliconvalley.com/weirdification) of Fremont’s authentically cultivated neighborhoods. We encourage you to get out and explore all that Fremont’s districts have to offer and send along other great tips.

 

 

Stem Cells Cures and Vaccine Wars

Submitted by Starry Eigenmen

 

Join authors Tish Davidson and Don C. Reed on Tuesday, June 11 as they discuss their new books and delve into the challenges of writing about health issues for general readership.

 

The Vaccine Debate is Davidson’s 13th book and her second about vaccines. Vaccine-preventable diseases, especially measles, are on the rise worldwide, but many people are unclear about how and why vaccines work and whether they are safe. In the book, Davidson examines the science of vaccines and how people form opinions about them by taking an in-depth look at seven major vaccine controversies.

 

Reed became an advocate for stem cell research after his son Roman was paralyzed on the football field. In 2004, he was instrumental in the passage of California Proposition 71, a story he documented in his earlier book Stem Cell Battles. The proposition, which at the time was controversial, made stem cell research a constitutional right in California and provided large-scale public research funding. In his second book on stem cells, “California Cures! How the California Stem Cell Program is Fighting Your Incurable Disease!” he details the early challenges of Proposition 71, progress to find cures, and the road ahead for stem cell research in California.

 

For more information about the event, call the Fremont Main Library at (510) 745-1400 or visit https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5354255?hs=a

 

 

Medical Non-Fiction Author Panel

Tuesday, Jun 11

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

(510) 745-1400

https://events.aclibrary.org/event/5354255?hs=a

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Wednesday, May 22

• At 3:17 p.m. Officer Blanchet was dispatched to a report of a collision at Irvington Park on Blacow Road. A witness called police after seeing a vehicle crash into multiple parked vehicles before colliding with a fence. It was reported that a group of juveniles were seen running from the collision scene. All occupants were located by officers. One adult and one juvenile were arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and on DUI.

 

Thursday, May 23

• Officers responded to the FoodMaxx store on Fremont Boulevard on the report of a robbery where a male stole a bottle of alcohol and threatened to assault the store manager. Officers located the suspect nearby and arrested him after an infield lineup.

 

• Officers responded to a home on Canyon Heights Drive on the report of a carjacking. The victim was at the residence to meet with the homeowner. After returning to his vehicle, he was approached by a man who pointed a gun at him and demanded the vehicle keys and the victim’s belongings. The suspect, described as a thin Hispanic male about 6-feet tall, drove away in the vehicle which was later recovered in the area. The victim said the man was dropped off in the area by a male and female inside a dark colored sedan. There were no injuries; an investigation is continuing.

 

 Friday, May 24

• Officer Madsen was dispatched to a report of two subjects having sex in a vehicle parked on Tomales Terrace. Madsen arrived and spoke with the couple. After hearing the female tell officers she was a minor, the 21-year-old male ran away but was quickly apprehended by an officer. He was arrested on suspicion of obstruction and resisting police as well as a probation violation. While chasing after the man, the juvenile fled in the vehicle with another man. Officers have been conducting follow up to identify the female.

 

Saturday, May 25

• At approximately 10:40 p.m. officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a male stomping on a vehicle’s windshield near the Tri-City Homeless Shelter. Officer Carter arrived located a 26-year-old man on the scene acting in a hostile and aggressive manner. The man was taken into custody without further incident and booked on charges of felony vandalism, battery and a probation violation.

 

Sunday, May 26

• Auto burglaries were reported on the 39000 Block of Plumas Way, the 33000 block of Plumas Way and two at the Residence Inn Hotel on Farwell Place.

 

• Community Service Officer O’Neal and Officer Macciola and Sgt. Sanchez were dispatched to the Denny’s restaurant on Mowry Avenue to investigate a report about two males fighting and a knife being brandished. The suspect, later identified by police as a 23-year-old man, was last seen walking toward a nearby Lucky store and was located and detained by Sanchez. He was later positively identified by witnesses as the main aggressor, then arrested on several outstanding warrants. The victim in the assault fled before police arrived and was not found.

 

Monday, May 27

• Auto burglaries were reported in the parking lot of Archstone Apartments on Civic Center Drive, and the Target store parking lot at Pacific Commons.

 

• Officers are dispatched to Washington Hospital Emergency Room to meet a man who said he was battered at the Lucky store in the Brookvale Shopping Center in North Fremont after he intervened when he saw a young girl being harassed by four males. The man was punched in the face a couple of times with a metal object around the hand of one of the suspects. The suspects fled the area with the young girl. The man said he believed the suspects were of Middle Eastern descent based on their accents.

 

Tuesday, May 28

• Auto burglaries were reported on the 46000 Block of Fremont Boulevard, the 39500 Block of Wainright Common, the 37300 Block of Blacow Road, at Beacon Avenue and State Street and three in the parking lot of Pacific Commons Shopping Center near Five Guys Burgers with an additional six at the Park Sequoia Apartment Complex near Paseo Padre Parkway in the Centerville area.

 

• A man reported that his automobile was broken into while he was seated inside of the vehicle parked near the Suju’s coffee shop on Thornton Avenue. After taking a backpack from the vehicle, the suspects stole a laptop from a customer who was seated at one of the tables outside the shop. The suspects, both wearing hooded sweatshirts, left in a silver 4-door sedan and were last seen traveling southbound on Moraine Street.

 

 

Council votes to fly Pride flag at City Hall Plaza

Submitted by the City of Hayward

 

In recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride, the City of Hayward is flying the rainbow-colored gay Pride flag during June at City Hall Plaza.

 

LGBT Pride events are being held the world over during June to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City on June 28, 1969.

 

On that date, which historians consider the birth of the modern LGBT rights movement, the then- commonplace occurrence of police raids on bars catering to LGBT patrons was met with resistance at the Stonewall Inn, where the bar’s patrons fought back.

 

In addition to unanimously directing that the Pride flag flown at City Hall, the Hayward City Council on May 28 designated the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex, 2-Spirit and Gender Non-Conforming Pride Month in the City of Hayward.

 

The council took the actions to convey pride in and support for its LGBT+ residents as well as for elected leaders elsewhere whose efforts to celebrate LGBT Pride have faced opposition.

 

 

Governor announces appointments

Submitted by Governor’s Press Office

 

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the following appointments May 31st:

 

David Rocha, 52, of, Livermore, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Rocha has been fire chief of the Alameda County Fire Department since 2014, where he held multiple positions from 1995 to 2014, including deputy chief, battalion chief and fire captain. He served in multiple positions at the City of San Leandro Fire Department from 1987 to 1995, including fire captain, engineer and firefighter. Rocha is a member of the California Metropolitan Fire Chiefs and the California Fire Chiefs Association. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rocha is a Democrat.

 

Ning “Jenny” Yang, 31, of Fremont, has been appointed to the State Independent Living Council. Yang was vice chair of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities from 2013 to 2018. She was a student member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors from 2011 to 2013. Yang was a box office clerk for the Ukiah Players Theatre from 2008 to 2010 and a guest services representative for Holiday Inn Express in 2007. She held multiple positions at Mendocino College from 2006 to 2007, including statistics tutor and teacher’s assistant. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Yang is a Democrat.

 

 

Fremont high school graduations set

Submitted by Brian Killgore

 

Officials from the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) recently announced the schedule for commencement ceremonies to honor 2019 high school graduates from district schools. All ceremonies will take place at Tak Fudenna Stadium on the campus of Washington High School, 38442 Fremont Blvd., unless otherwise noted, and are open to the public.

 

Here is the lineup:

 

Wednesday, June 5:

• Fremont Adult ESL, 9:30 a.m./7:30 p.m. Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont

 

Tuesday, June 11

• Robertson High School, 5:00 p.m. 4455 Seneca Ave., Fremont
• Circle of Independent Learning (C.O.I.L.), 6:00 p.m. Fremont Adult School, 4700 Calaveras Ave., Fremont

 

Wednesday, June 12

• American High School, 3:00 p.m.
• Washington High School, 7:30 p.m.

 

Thursday, June 13

• Kennedy High School, 10:00 a.m.
• Mission San Jose High School, 3:00 p.m.
• Irvington High School, 7:30 p.m.

 

Seating at Tak Fudenna Stadium is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will be limited so guests are advised to allow for extra time prior to each ceremony. Contact the individual schools for details. For general information, visit the FUSD website at www.fremont.k12.ca.us or look for FUSD on Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

California governor forms group for homelessness solutions

By Andrew Oxford

Associated Press

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), May 21 – Gov. Gavin Newsom called growing homelessness in California a national disgrace as he announced Tuesday that he is launching a task force to find solutions amid a housing crisis in the most populous state.

 

The Democratic governor said the state has lacked a strategy to curb homelessness but argued that answers will come from the local level. He said the group will work with cities and counties to develop regional plans for addressing the issue.

 

Newsom made the announcement in Oakland, where county officials said the number of homeless people rose 43 percent over the last two years. Recent data from other counties has shown large increases, too.

 

“These are jaw-dropping numbers,” Newsom told reporters at the Henry Robinson Multi-Service Center, which provides transitional housing for people facing homelessness.

 

Newsom has proposed spending about $1 billion in the state budget on programs to tackle homelessness, including providing $650 million to local governments for emergency shelters and other services. He also wants to spend money on programs for homeless college students and legal protections for people facing evictions.

 

Meanwhile, major housing legislation has faltered in the Legislature in recent weeks.

 

A measure to expand rent control stalled, and the chairman of a key Senate committee held back a closely watched proposal that would have waived zoning rules in some neighborhoods to allow for more housing, such as around public transportation

 

Supporters argue that such measures are key to preventing homelessness and creating more housing.

 

Newsom told reporters that he is talking with Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and legislative leadership about the development measure. But he did not take a position on whether it should get a vote on the Senate floor.

 

During his campaign last year, Newsom proposed creating a cabinet-level secretary of homelessness, a post he has yet to fill.

 

Newsom tapped Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to chair the new Homeless and Supportive Housing Task Force. The governor's office said he will appoint other members later.

 

The group will meet around the state to see best practices and gather input to propose solutions, Newsom's office said. The task force will issue at least one report a year to the governor.

 

Republican Assemblyman Devon Mathis questioned the need for a new task force, arguing Newsom's administration is not doing enough to address the state's high cost of living.

 

“Every month, families sit around the kitchen table and have to figure out how to make ends meet. Are we bringing down their cost of electricity?” He said. “Are we bringing down their costs in rent?”

 

 

“Spring into Summer”

Submitted by Hayward Arts Council

 

The Hayward Chamber of Commerce will host an artists’ reception on Friday, June 7 for the exhibition “Spring into Summer,” running through Monday, August 19. The exhibit will feature works of Hayward Arts Council members Minerva Amistoso, Rosa Bazzani, Pat Doyne, Brooke He, Jamie Lajoie, Joannie Miller, Al Murdach, Patra Nesseth-Steffes, and Hayward Poet Laureate Bruce Roberts. For more information, call (510) 537-2424 or visit https://sites.google.com/site/haywardartscouncilsite4/chamber-of-commerce.

 

“Spring into Summer” Show

Through Monday, Aug 19

Gallery Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

 

Artists’ Reception

Friday, Jun 7

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

 

Chamber of Commerce Gallery

22561 Main St, Hayward

(510) 537-2424

https://sites.google.com/site/haywardartscouncilsite4/chamber-of-commerce

 

 

Hayward City Council

May 28, 2019

By David Newman

 

Presentations:

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex, 2-Spirit and

Gender Non-Conforming Pride Month

 

Consent Calendar:

• Approval of FY 2019-2020 proposed downtown business improvement area budget
• Resolution to dissolve the downtown business improvement area advisory board
• Agreements with Koff & Associates to provide human resources and compensation review services in an amount not to exceed $100,000
• Lease agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for operational and administrative space at Hayward Executive Airport
• Approval to increase the agreement with St. Francis Electric, Inc.by $200,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $475,000
• Amendment to the agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation to increase the contract

amount by $98,600 for additional engineering services

• Resolution for a new First Responder Advanced Life Support (FRALS) agreement with Alameda County

Consent Calendar passed 6-0

 

Public Hearing:

• Application to amend Chapter 10, Article 1 (Zoning Ordinance) and Article 2 (Off-Street Parking Regulations) related to the creation of new industrial district regulations within the Hayward Municipal Code and the adoption of industrial district design guidelines. Item passed with amendment 6-0
• Proposal to subdivide an existing 8.88-acre parcel into 22 parcels to allow the construction of 19 single-family residences at 29080 Fairview Avenue by Erik Hayden of Hayden Land Company, LLC (Applicant) on behalf of Carrie Aitken (Owner) – tentative tract map, planned development rezone, and mitigated negative declaration. Item passed with amendments 6-0
• Proposed cannabis retail dispensary at 1004 B Street by Siavash Afshar on behalf of Hayward Station (Applicant); Alfred J Antonini (Property Owner), requiring approval of conditional use permit. Item failed 2-4 (Nay; Zermeno, Wahab, Salinas, Halliday)

 

Council Referrals:

• Request to fly the Rainbow Pride Flag on one of the flagpoles in City Hall Plaza from June 1 to June 30, 2019. Item passed 6-0

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday         Aye, 1 Nay

Sara Lamnin                            Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye, 1 Nay

Aisha Wahab                           Aye, 1 Nay

Al Mendall                              Aye

Elisa Marquez                         Absent

Mark Salinas                           Aye, 1 Nay

 

 

California governor aims to restore health insurance mandate

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), May 14 – California Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched a statewide tour to promote his health care proposals, which include requiring everyone to purchase health insurance and offering subsidies to families of four with incomes as high as $150,000 a year.

 

Newsom's proposals would make California the first state in the country to help people who earn up to 600% of the federal poverty level. People could get about $100 a month to help pay their health insurance premiums.

 

The Democratic governor wants to pay for it by making it a law that everyone has to buy health insurance or pay a penalty. The state would use the penalty money to offer the new subsidies.

 

Newsom discussed the proposal with small business owners in Sacramento on Tuesday.

 

 

Honor Roll

Bradley University, Illinois

Spring 2019 Dean’s List

• Channing Whitaker, Fremont

 

Lehigh University, Pennsylvania

Spring 2019 Dean’s List

• Alan Wang, Hayward

 

Northeastern University, Massachusetts

Spring 2019 Dean’s List

• Omkar P. Brahme, Fremont
• Suzi Kwon, Fremont
• Rahul Toppur, Fremont
• Adrienne Y. Peng, Fremont
• Sarah Chang, Fremont
• Annie Chiang, Fremont

 

Austin Peay State University, Tennessee

Spring 2019 Dean’s List

• Le-Y Tran, Hayward

 

Wheaton College, Illinois

Ann Haskins Special Education Scholarship award

• Sarah Grace Rosselli, Fremont

 

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

New initiations

• Maleeha Sami, Fremont, San Jose State University
• Wessam Elhefnawy, Fremont, Old Dominion University
• Zheng Luo, Newark, San Jose State University

 

 

Youth Academy gives students a peek into how police work

Submitted by Hayward PD

 

Students from grades 8-12 who are looking for a fun and informative activity to do this summer are in luck. The Hayward Police Department’s “Youth Academy” is accepting applications `through June 21 for its week-long program set for mid-July.

 

The popular program is offered each summer and gives students a unique opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the inner workings of a police department, as well as policies and procedures taught by law enforcement professionals. The purpose of the academy is to educate youths on what laws are enforced and their importance, as well as to strengthen the relationship between the community and the police.

 

Classes will meet 9 – 1 p.m. July 15 – 19 at police facilities on Winton Avenue or Main Street in Hayward. Topics and activities covered include:

 

• Gangs and graffiti – the destructiveness of gangs
• Alcohol/drug abuse and the consequences of underage tobacco use
• Forensics and crime scene presentations
• SWAT demonstrations and training
• Traffic and patrol operations
• Police department physical fitness and obstacle course
• A coroner’s presentation
• A police-K9 demonstration
• Firearms training simulator
• Hayward Police Department jail tour

 

Class size is limited to 35 students, and applicants must pass a limited background check and have parent or guardian approval to participate. Hayward residents are given first priority for acceptance. Applications are available at the Hayward Police Department, 300 W. Winton Ave., or can be downloaded by from www.haywardpd.net. There is no cost. For details, contact Alicia Romero at (510) 293-7179 or alicia.romero@hayward-ca.gov

 

Hayward Police Department Youth Academy

Monday, Jul 15 – Friday, Jul 19

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hayward Police Department

300 W. Winton Ave. and 22701 Main St., Hayward

Grades 8 – 12

(510) 293-717

www.haywardpd.net

Application deadline: June 21 (or until class is full)

 

 

Immigrants Are Us

Submitted by Kate Jordahl

Photos by Mark Tuschman

 

PhotoCentral is proud to present “Immigrants are US: Photography and Stories of Courage and Resilience – Photographs by Mark Tuschman.” For the past year, Mark Tuschman has interviewed and photographed close to 100 immigrants from the undocumented, to those seeking asylum, to DACA recipients, and finally, to those with full citizenship. His work focuses on communities being discriminated against by our current administration and includes people of all skills, from those doing manual labor to those highly skilled in medicine, law, and hi-tech.

 

Mark says, “This project came about from my sense of the dire need to increase understanding of and empathy towards immigrants and to move us, as a country, towards a more humane, compassionate, and integrated society. In a world where people are increasingly polarized in their views and where social media has siphoned us off into communities of like-minded people, preconceived notions and biases are on the rise and not as quick or easy to dial back.

 

“Knowing that those who succumb to negative narratives about immigrants may have had few opportunities to engage, in proximity, with them, I wanted to bring the breadth, depth, and complexity of immigrant experiences and contributions forward through photographs and stories, giving people access in a way that they may not have otherwise had. After all, one can argue about politics or even disregard facts but one cannot argue a person’s story.”

 

To experience this moving body of work and hear presentations by Mark Tuschman and immigrants who have participated in this project you are invited to attend a reception in honor of the immigrants who make America great! The reception will be Saturday June 8th from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. with the presentation at 3 p.m. The exhibition continues until June 22. The event is free and the public is invited.

 

PhotoCentral offers quality artwork in its gallery and outstanding facilities for the dedicated photographic artist with classes, workshops, darkrooms and a matting facility. Expand your creativity in a supportive community!

 

Immigrants are US

Saturday, June 8 – Saturday, June 22

Monday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

PhotoCentral Gallery, Lower Level,

1099 E St, Hayward

 

Reception

Saturday, June 8th, 2 – 5 p.m.

Presentation at 3 p.m.

 

(510) 881-6721

https://immigrantsareus.org/

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

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 St. between East 14th and Washington Ave.

 

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

dove@parkvictoria.org

 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Apr 16 – Jun 27

Back Strength Classes $

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Exercises to alleviate back discomfort

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 – manage falls and increase activity

Fremont Senior Center

40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 790-6600

 

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

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Saturdays & 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

 

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

 

Thursdays & Saturdays, May 23 – Jun 27

LEAF Seedlings for Sale $

9:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Seedlings for summer and Indian veggies, flowers and herbs

LEAF C.R. Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave., Fremont

FremontLEAF@gmail.com

 

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

www.ebparks.org

 

Tuesdays, May 28 – Aug 27

Practice Your Spoken English R

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Chat session for intermediate and up English learners

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

www.aclibrary.org

 

Saturdays, Jun 1 & Jun 8

eBook & eAudiobook Help

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Help downloading electronic books and audiobooks

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

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.

HARD art class students display their work

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Monday – Thursday, Jun 4 – Jun 13

Homework Help

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

K-6 students can get help with homework

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

Friday, Jun 7 – Monday, Aug 19

“Spring into Summer” Show

Monday – Friday; 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Works from Hayward Arts Council members

Chamber of Commerce Gallery

22561 Main St., Hayward

(510) 537-2424

https://sites.google.com/site/haywardartscouncilsite4/chamber-of-commerce

 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, Jun 8 – Jun 22

Immigrants Are US

Mon 5 p.m. -10 p.m., Tues/Thurs 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sat by appt

Photography and stories of courage and resilience

PhotoCentral

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

 

THIS WEEK

 

Tuesday, Jun 4

LeTip Joint Summer Business Mixer

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Hayward/Castro Valley Chapter's 25th Anniversary

The Vine Wine and Tapas

135 Parrott St., San Leandro

(510) 969-7477

(510) 912-0555

 

Wednesday, Jun 5

Toddler Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Read a story, do some chores, meet some farm animals

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Thursday, Jun 6

Startup Grind Meeting R

6:30 p.m.

Irene Koehler – how to fix personal branding mistakes

Peerbuds Innovation Labs

4580 Auto Mall Pkwy #121, Fremont

https://www.startupgrind.com/fremont/

 

Thursday, Jun 6

Introduction to Drawing

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Free art class

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

 

Thursday, Jun 6

History of Carnegie Libraries

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Annalee Allen – local Carnegie libraries’ legacy

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

www.haywardareahistory.org

 

Thursday, Jun 6

Conley-Caraballo Parent Information Night

6 p.m.

Students, staff, community volunteers share experiences

Conley Caraballo High School

541 Blanche St., Hayward

(510) 471-5126

www.conleycaraballo.com

 

Thursday, Jun 6

Bedtime Storytime

7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Songs and stories for families with children ages 8 and under

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Friday, Jun 7

“Spring into Summer” Show artists reception

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Works from Hayward Arts Council members

Chamber of Commerce Gallery

22561 Main St., Hayward

(510) 537-2424

https://sites.google.com/site/haywardartscouncilsite4/chamber-of-commerce

 

Friday, Jun 7

$5 First Friday: Dinosaurs! $

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Meet paleontologists, uncover fossils, participate in dig

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7373

www.chabotspace.org

 

Friday, Jun 7

Age-Friendly Center Groundbreaking

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Opening of second building serving adults 55+

Pauline Weaver Senior Apartments

47003 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont

(510) 247-8138

(510) 574-6600

 

Friday, Jun 7

Alviso Town Hall Meeting

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Rep. Ro Khanna – recent actions by Congress

George Mayne Elementary School

5030 N. 1st St., Alviso

(202) 225-2631

 

Friday, Jun 7

Celebrating Creativity at Conley

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Art, poetry, interdisciplinary projects by Conley-Caraballo students

Studio 11

34626 11th St., Union City

(510) 675-5825

https://www.facebook.com/studio11gallery/

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Twilight Marsh Walk R

7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Discover the salt marsh at sunset. Not suitable for young children

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222

http://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Farmyard Games

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Walk on stilts, tug-o-war, sack races

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Chores for Little Farmers

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Prepare morning treats for livestock

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Geology Rocks on the Hill R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Docent-led walk to discover rocks and soil

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222

https://donedwardsgeology.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Jr. Refuge Ranger R

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Hands-on activities to earn ranger badge. Ages 8-11

Alviso Environmental Education Center

1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso

(408) 262-5513 x104

https://jrrefugerangereec.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Meet The Farmer: What's the Buzz About Bees?

12 noon – 1 p.m.

Discover why bees are a farmer's best friend

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Hike the Mallard Slough R

10 a.m. – Noon

Explore the shoreline on a 3.7-mile walk

Alviso Environmental Education Center

1751 Grand Blvd., Alviso

(408) 262-5513 x104

https://hikeeectrail.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Chris Webster and Nina Gerber $

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Duo perform pop, folk, rock, jazz music

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

www.braskhouseconcerts.com

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Classic Film Night $

7:30 p.m.

“Foolish Wives,” “Felix in Love,” “Be Reasonable”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Ohlone Village Site Tour

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

.5 mile walk to a 2,000-year-old Ohlone village site

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Phlower Photography

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Take pictures in the Butterfly Garden. Ages 12+

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Coffee with a Cop

10 a.m. – Noon

Neighborhood conversations with police

Snappy's Cafe

978 A St., Hayward

(510) 886-8500

(510) 293-5051

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Ohana Health Fair

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Health screenings, entertainment and prizes

Washington High School

38442 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-3414

www.tri-cityhealth.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Artists Relaxing Together

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Colleen Gianatiempo – mixed media

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

www.adobegallery.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8 – Sunday, Jun 9

Eden Bazaar

Saturday 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Chicken or rib dinner, sushi, raffle, games, bingo

Eden Japanese Community Center

710 Elgin St., San Lorenzo

(510) 676-3820

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Paint in Plein Air

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Open to new and experienced painters. $5 donation

Ranch Higuera Park

47300 Rancho Higuera Rd., Fremont

(510) 623-7907

www.museumoflocalhistory.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

45th Anniversary Larry Orozco Teen Workshop

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Live music, BBQ, photo exhibit, bike repair

Union City Community & Recreation Services

33623 Mission Blvd., Union City

(510) 489-5348

(510) 675-5492

 

Saturday, Jun 8

“Lady Valor: The Kristen Beck Story”

1:30 p.m.

Documentary film about a Navy Seal’s gender transition

Niles Discovery Church of Fremont

36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 797-0895

www.nilesdiscoverychurch.org

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Immigrants Are US Reception

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Photography and stories of courage and resilience

PhotoCentral

1099 E St., Hayward

(510) 881-6721

 

Saturday, Jun 8 – Sunday, Jun 9

S.T.E.A.M. Festival

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Steampunk themed workshops, games, vendors, entertainment

Sunol Depot

6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol

(408) 849-4749

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Celebrate Dad

12 noon – 2:30 p.m.

Food, Mac n' Cheese Cook-Off, raffle

Dale Hardware

3700 Thornton Ave., Fremont

(510) 797-3700

www.dale-hardware.com

 

Saturday, Jun 8

Family Hike $

10 a.m. – 12 noon & 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

2-3 mile hike among the redwoods

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland

(510) 336-7373

www.chabotspace.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Old Fashioned Butter Making $

11 a.m. – 12 noon

Churn cream into butter

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Birds of the Farm

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Look for spring birds in the orchards and gardens

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Wake Up the Farm

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Help prepare a snack for the sheep and goats

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

222nd Anniversary Founder’s Day R

1 p.m.

Bell ringing at 2 p.m.

Mission tour, history, organ music

Old Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 657-1797 (ex. 100)

www.missionsanjose.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Laurel & Hardy Talkie Matinee $

4 p.m.

“Divot Diggers”, “Brats,” “The Count Takes the Count,” “Come Clean”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Stories of the Past: Archaeology

10 a.m. – 12 noon, & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Solve a puzzle, discover a story through archaeology

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

In Full Swing Big Band

2 p.m.

Live music from 20-piece big band and vocalist

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Hay Harvesting

10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Ride the hay wagon and help harvest

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Mini Grand Tour R

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Indian Joe Creek, Cave Rocks, Little Yosemite, and more! Ages 10+

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Lisa Performing Arts Showcase & Celebration

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Presentation of honor student awards to national dance champion winners

Smith Center

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

 

Sunday, Jun 9

Hot Rod and Bike Show

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cars, food and music

The Cobblers

22443 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 582-7761

www.thecobblersboots.com

 

Monday, Jun 10

Outdoor Discoveries: Ice Cream Science R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Playful science for home school kids. Ages 4 – 8

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org/register

 

Monday, Jun 10

Milpitas Rotary Club Meeting

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Milpitas Beat newspaper founder discusses future of local journalism

Dave and Busters

940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas

(408) 957-9215

http://www.clubrunner.ca/milpitas

 

Tuesday, Jun 11 & Saturday, Jun 15

Security On The Internet

Tues: 2 p.m.  Sat: 11 a.m.

Workshop on phishing scams, cookies, and ad blockers

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Tuesday, Jun 11

Stem Cells Cures and Vaccine Wars

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Tish Davidson and Don Reed speak about their books

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

Wednesday, Jun 12

Knights of Columbus Bingo Night $

6 p.m.

Sponsored by St. Maximilian Kolbe Council 16770

Our Lady of Grace

3433 Somerset Ave., Castro Valley

 

Friday, Jun 14

State of the County R

11:30 a.m.

Supervisors Haggerty and Valle give their outlook on the future

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

(510) 272-6691

District1@acgov.org

 

Friday, Jun 14

Visiones de Espana $R

7:15 p.m.

Passionate works from North African and European cultures

Old Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6158

www.musicatmsj.org/tickets

 

 

Free Youth Music Program Open in Castro Valley

Submitted by Jenny Lin Foundation

 

The “Summer Youth Music Program,” proudly presented for the 25th season by the Jenny Lin Foundation, is now open for registration. All students entering 7th grade and up are invited to participate in the Chorus program, and those entering 9th grade and up to register for Orchestra or Band. Take advantage of this exceptional program to help maintain your skills and to continue performing in a group during the summer. This six-week program also offers an opportunity for students to meet and interact with peers from throughout the Bay Area, and to cultivate and hone their leadership skills. Instrumental musicians may be eligible for scholarships from the East Bay Youth Orchestra and Mission Peak Wind Symphony.

 

Participants will again be rehearsing and performing in three groups: Symphonic Orchestra (directed by Cary Nasatir), Symphonic Band (directed by Greg Conway), and Chorus (directed by Diana Ryan). Rehearsals will be held in Castro Valley, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from June 17 to July 25 and will conclude with a community concert in the evening of Saturday, July 27 at Chabot College, Hayward.

 

At its 25th Anniversary Concert 2019, the Foundation will be presenting a very special piece of music written by renowned composer Richard Meyer! This commissioned piece will serve as a memorial to Jenny and a tribute to all lives lost to violence. While this will be the world premiere, in the future any ensemble performing the piece anywhere in the world will help share Jenny’s story. It is our hope that the ongoing mission and vision of the Jenny Lin Foundation–child safety—will reach more young people than ever before.

 

Based in Castro Valley, the Jenny Lin Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1994 after the brutal murder of 14-year-old Jenny Lin. Operated through volunteers and donations, the foundation promotes child safety and music education for youth and has sponsored many music and safety events for East Bay communities. One current project is a collaboration with the Alameda County Library to expand its collection of items related to child safety issues.

 

To register for the free Summer Youth Music Program, please visit https://jennylinfoundation.org, or contact John Lin at jhlin@sbcglobal.net with questions.

 

Summer Youth Music Program

Mondays & Wednesdays, Jun 17 to Jul 25

6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Proctor Elementary,

17520 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 537-7366

jhlin@sbcglobal.net

 

 

Khanna to meet with constituents in South Bay

Submitted by Ro Khanna’s Office

 

Congressman Ro Khanna, D-California will hold a Town Hall meeting for constituents on Friday, June 7 in Alviso. During the 90-minute meeting Khanna will discuss recent developments and current legislative activities in Congress and take questions from people in the audience.

 

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at George Mayne Elementary School. Because space is limited, those attending should RSVP online by visiting Khanna’s website at https://khanna.house.gov, and then selecting the “About” link in the navigation bar and choosing “Events” from the pop-up menu and then look for the Alviso Town Hall meeting link.

 

Khanna represents California’s 17th district which includes southern Alameda and northern Santa Clara counties.

 

Town Hall meeting

Friday, June 7

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Legislative updates from Congressman Ro Khanna

George Mayne Elementary School

5030 N. First St., Alviso

(408) 436-2720

Free; RSVP at https://khanna.house.gov

 

 

Summer seedling sale continues

Submitted by Local Ecological and Agriculture Fremont

 

Did you miss the big veggie seedling sale at Local Ecological and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF) Earth Day? Did we run out of the seedlings you were looking for? We've got more seedlings for sale on Thursdays and Saturdays until June 27. The sale includes summer and Indian veggies, flowers and herbs.

 

Nursery Plant Sale

Thursdays and Saturdays until Jun 27

9:30 a.m. – 12 noon

LEAF C.R. Stone Garden

55 Mowry Ave near Mission Blvd, Fremont

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Lt. Steven Fox, Sgt. Tyler Jamison and Sgt. Craig Solis

 

Thursday, May 21

• At about 8:52 p.m. a police lieutenant spotted a man and a woman in the Walmart parking lot on Ranch Drive standing next to a 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 motorcycle that had been reported stolen May 19 in San Jose. Officers detained both people, later identified by police as Christopher Heath Burnsed, 34, of Salinas and Kimberly Anne Johnson, 51, of San Jose. Both were taken into custody without incident. Burnsed was on probation from Santa Clara and Alameda Counties on drug sales and auto theft respectively and also was in possession of counterfeit currency. Johnson had a misdemeanor warrant from El Dorado County for traffic violations. Burnsed was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of auto theft, probation violation and on counterfeit currency charges. Johnson was cited and released for her warrant.

 

Saturday, May 25

• Officers responded to a 7:33 a.m. call about a person who threw a brick and shattered the glass on the caller’s car window near their residence on the 200 Block of N. Hillview Drive. The incident was captured on the resident’s home surveillance and police were given a description of the suspect. Arriving officers found four other vehicles in the area with damage and located a suspect, identified by police as Lazarus Jacob Garcia, 23, of San Jose. A check showed that Garcia was on probation in Santa Clara County for carjacking. He was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, possession of a controlled substance and probation violation.

 

• At about 9:18 p.m. an officer spotted a stolen 2014 Toyota RAV4 being driven through the Milpitas Town Center on East Calaveras Boulevard. The vehicle had been reported stolen to the San Jose Police Department on May 9. Officers made a vehicle stop and arrested the driver, identified by police as Anthony James Hernandez and a 13-year-old male juvenile. Officers also found a BB gun inside the vehicle. Hernandez was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The juvenile was released to his parents.

 

 

Founder’s Day

Submitted by Gary Dorighi

 

June marks the 222nd anniversary of the founding of Old Mission San Jose. On Sunday, June 9 come for a video presentation of the Mission’s history and a docent-led tour of the entire grounds. We will ring the historic Church bells just before a Spanish musical interlude played by Ron McKean on the historic Opus 14 Organ. Call the office in advance at (510) 657-1797, ext. 100 to ensure your spot on the tour.

 

Founder’s Day – Old Mission San Jose

Sunday, Jun 9

1 p.m.: Video Presentation

2 p.m.: Ring Church Bells

Old Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd, Fremont

(510) 657-1797, ext. 100

 

 

Get ready for musical moves and grooves

Submitted by David Zehnder

 

Tri-City area music lovers are likely eagerly anticipating the return of the popular Music at the Grove summer concert season coming soon to Newark. Live bands will perform rock, pop, jazz and more on alternate Fridays starting June 21 at the Shirley Sisk Grove nestled among the eucalyptus trees just west of NewPark Mall near Cedar Boulevard. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; music starts at 6:30 p.m. Concert-goers should bring a blanket or low-back chair to sit on.

 

Here is the musical lineup:

 

• June 21: Big Bang Beat; funk, soul and pop
• July 5: Decades; classic rock and pop
• July 19: Patron Latin Rhythms; jazz, rock and mambo
• Aug. 2: Lyin I’s; Eagles tribute band

 

The free concert series is sponsored by the Newark Recreation and Community Services department. For details, call (510) 578-4400.

 

Music at the Grove

Fridays June 21 – Aug. 2 (biweekly)

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Outdoor concert series

Shirley Sisk Grove

NewPark Mall, Newark

(510) 578-4400

Free

 

 

NASA's first-of-kind tests look to manage drone in cities

By Scott Sonner

Associated Press

 

RENO, Nev. (AP), May 23 – NASA has launched the final stage of a four-year effort to develop a national traffic management system for drones, testing them in cities for the first time beyond the operator's line of sight as businesses look in the future to unleash the unmanned devices in droves above busy streets and buildings.

 

Multiple drones took to the air at the same time above downtown Reno this week in a series of simulations testing emerging technology that someday will be used to manage hundreds of thousands of small unmanned commercial aircraft delivering packages, pizzas and medical supplies.

 

“This activity is the latest and most technical challenge we have done with unmanned aerial systems,” said David Korsmeyer, associate director of research and technology at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California.

 

An autonomous drone took off Tuesday from the rooftop of a five-story casino parking garage and landed on the roof of another out of view across the street. It hovered as onboard sensors adjusted for gusty winds before returning close to the center of the launchpad.

 

Equipped with GPS, others flew at each other no higher than city streetlights but were able to avoid colliding through onboard tracking systems connected to NASA's computers on the ground.

 

Similar tests have been conducted in remote and rural areas. The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized individual test flights in cities before but never for multiple drones or outside the sight of the operator.

 

The new round of tests continuing this summer in Reno and Corpus Christi, Texas, marks the first time simulations have combined all those scenarios, said Chris Walach, executive director of the Nevada Institute of Autonomous Systems, which is running the Reno tests of unnamed aerial vehicles, or UAVs.

 

“When we began this project four years ago, many of us wouldn't have thought we'd be standing here today flying UAVs with advanced drone systems off high-rise buildings,” he said.

 

The team adopted a “crawl, walk, run” philosophy when it initiated tests in 2015, culminating with this fourth round of simulations, said Ron Johnson, project manager for unmanned aircraft systems traffic management at NASA's Ames Research Center.

 

“We are definitely in the `run' phase of this development here in Reno,” he said.

 

The results will be shared with the FAA. The agency outlined proposed rules in January that would ease restrictions on flying drones over crowds but said it won't take final action until it finishes another regulation on identifying drones as they're flying – something industry analysts say could be years away.

 

Critics assert that the FAA has stymied the commercial use of drones by applying the same rigid safety standard it uses for airlines.

 

“There can be a lot of Silicon Valley mentality where people don't want to wait. So, we're trying to strike a balance between unleashing entrepreneurship and ensuring we're doing it safely while trying to accelerate acceptance of drones in public,” Johnson said.

 

Amazon and FedEx are among the companies that hope to send consumer products by drone by 2020.áDrone delivery company Flirtey began testing delivery of defibrillators for cardiac arrest patients last year in Reno under FAA oversight.

 

Johnson said cities present the biggest challenges because of limited, small landing areas among tall buildings that create navigation and communication problems.

 

He said it became apparent early on that the travel management plans for drones would have to be completely automated because FAA air traffic controllers can't handle the enormous workload.

 

The system is being tested with the help of 36 private partners, including drone manufacturers, operators, software developers and other third-party service providers, Johnson said.

 

The system uses software on the ground that communicates flight plans and positions to other software systems. The drones are equipped with programs for landing, avoiding crashes, surveillance, detection and identification, optical cameras and systems similar to radar that work with lasers.

 

Huy Tran, director of aeronautics at NASA's Ames Research Center, said her supervisors at NASA headquarters were surprised to hear they had been testing drones in Reno.

 

“They said, `Are you crazy?”' she said. “We hope (the test in) Reno shows drones can be flown and land safely.”

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

Unveiling of Temporary Public Art Installation

The community is invited to attend unveiling of The Solacii, downtown Fremont’s newest temporary public art installation, at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 14 at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Fremont Boulevard. The event will feature speeches from Fremont Vice Mayor Raj Salwan, City of Fremont Art Review Board Chairwoman Barbara Meerjans, and artist Tigre Bailando. The sculpture will be on display until June 2020. The Solacii is part of the Downtown Fremont Rotational Public Art Program, which is financed through private development fees to support the arts and create a sense of identity in Downtown.

 

After the event, attendees are encouraged to attend Fremont Street Eats, a local gourmet food truck event held at the Downtown Town Fair Plaza (Capitol Avenue and State Street) every Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through the end of October. Fremont Street Eats is sponsored by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and Food Truck Mafia.

 

Budget Hearings to Be Held 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 Fremont City Council 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 will begin at 7 p.m. and are part of the council meeting. To view the Fiscal Year 2019/20 proposed operating budget, visit www.Fremont.gov/FY19-20ProposedOperatingBudget.

 

Wedding Dresses on Display

Throughout June, Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm has wedding dresses from the past on display to celebrate the wedding season. The Patterson House is a two-story Queen Anne Revival style mansion surrounded by a flower garden next to a working farmyard. Come see the 16-room, 19th century home of the prominent Patterson family and enjoy a 45-minute informative tour led by a knowledgeable docent.

 

Public tours are available Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for youth and adults; and 2:30 p.m. for families with children ages under 6. While tours are also offered at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., those slots are reserved for school and senior group tours so call (510) 791-4196 or email rkiehn@fremont.gov to confirm tour availability for those specific times. Tours are also available Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. (Tot Tour), 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Historic Days are Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays and farmyard activities, train ride, and house tours are all included in entry fees. On Saturdays, the entry fee is lower, and the house tour fee is paid at the door. For more information, www.Fremont.gov/PattersonHouse.

 

Age-Friendly Center Groundbreaking

In partnership with The Mission Peak Company, 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 the city’s Warm Springs District. It is expected to open by fall 2021. This new center, the second city building in Fremont dedicated to services for older adults, 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, this 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 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 Court. To RSVP for the event, visit www.age-friendly.site/groundbreaking or call (510) 790-6600.

 

 

Olive Children Foundation: Exploring the Realm of Possibilities

By Charlene Dizon

 

Empowering children begins by providing platforms that allow them to explore inspiring opportunities and express themselves. With the rising movement of implementing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in education, the Olive Children Foundation successfully handles this development through its vision of instilling youth with leadership and community skills.

 

Founded in 2010 by educator and entrepreneur Joni Jen, the Olive Children Foundation is a non-profit educational organization in Fremont. “Olive Children Foundation seeks to benefit the community by promoting everyday leadership and developing creativity and ingenuity through hands-on experience,” says Board Member and Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Director Edward Njoo. The foundation itself has proven to be influential, as seen through their programs and camps for K-8th and high school students. Their afterschool programs in particular act as an insightful environment for students to not only complete their given homework but pursue material that goes beyond school curriculum.

 

While supervision and homework help are offered at Olive Afterschool, the foundation strives to strengthen skills that may not be accessed through simply completing assignments. Njoo states, “We integrate a unique incorporation of MakerSpace activities, Hands-On science, student-centered clubs, and leadership programs that combine academia with social and interpersonal skills.” Children who participate in Olive Afterschool become knowledgeable and passionate about social justice awareness, harnessing their own efforts of leadership. This is shown through their participation in coat drives, bake sales, and even fundraisers supporting organizations like No Kid Hungry and WorldVision. Kids learn about the importance of giving back and actively involving themselves in projects that better the overall community.

 

Along with Olive Afterschool, the foundation also offers programs for preschoolers. With a Reggio-inspired learning style, Olive Preschool enables children to utilize their imaginations to the best of their abilities. This practice fosters the belief that children are capable of establishing their own form of learning, permitting teachers and students to co-construct knowledge together by inspection and exploration. “Children at this age are still so impressionable, therefore having a Develop Maker Style setting is extremely valuable. It’s one thing to give a kid a toy or tool and teach them how to use it in one specific way [and another to] give them that object and see how they decide to use it or make it function. It helps them utilize their creativity,” Njoo explains. The Preschool Program incorporates STEM learning, as well as making artistic projects by using everyday materials rather than prepackaged art curriculum. The organization’s partnership with Resource Area For Teaching (RAFT) brings Maker activities to local public schools, making otherwise out of reach resources accessible. The constant key is innovation, which is further emphasized in their camps.

 

The Olive Summer Maker Camp focuses on getting K-8th children to feel excited to learn about technology and other subjects. This is achieved through maker-based activities and fresh insight when teaching both STEM and the arts. Children are even taken on field trips to several locations around the Bay Area, from Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge to the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. “The goal is to expand their horizons. We want to let them know that this is the realm of possibility in their lives,” Njoo states.

 

The foundation makes these resources available not only to K-8th students, but also high schoolers. The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) is a high school research program supported and sponsored by both local and national corporations – as well as partnering with Fremont STEM. Students throughout the Bay Area from grades 9-12 can apply. The camp will revolve around high-level scientific research. “The goal,” according to Njoo, “is to provide students, particularly those from socioeconomically and underrepresented groups, with the opportunity to engage, conduct, and present this scientific research under the supervision of qualified mentors.” Participants get hands-on experience with several science subjects in science and technology, such as computational modeling, computer science, and chemistry.

 

On June 9th, an open house will be held from 3-6 p.m. at the Olive Children St. James location for parents and students who wish to learn more about the upcoming summer camp. Parents will be shown a presentation about what children can expect when attending the summer program. There will be a total of five stations that attendees can rotate through, each including a hands-on STEM-related activity. At the Rigamajig station life-sized building blocks are used for engineering purposes, and at the 3D Printing Station, students witness the design and printing of a miniature figure or tool. Other stations involve learning basic algorithms through Google, building a working contraption using kid-friendly electronics, and learning about the ecological system.

 

When they are encouraged to be more involved in the community and learn about STEAM curriculum, kids will thirst for further knowledge and want to participate in programs that look at the bigger picture. The Olive Children Foundation continues to successfully and passionately emphasize the importance of allowing children to not be afraid of exploring knowledge and following their creative instincts.

 

Olive Open House

Sunday, June 9th

3 – 6 p.m.

34700 Fremont Blvd

Mother Teresa Center

510-557-3337

www.olivechildren.com

RSVP: https://www.olivechildren.com/openhouse

 

Open House for Berkeley Academy

Saturday, June 8th

3 – 6 p.m.

43505 Mission Blvd

Berkeley Academy Center

RSVP: https://www.olivechildren.com/openhouse

 

 

Lighting the garden at night

Article and photos by Daniel O'Donnell

 

There are many versions of Thomas Edison's famous quote about the unsuccessful tests he made while trying to create a light bulb. “I have not failed. I've found 10,000 ways that will not work.” Eventually he did create something that would be the predecessor to the variety of light bulbs that are used today in homes, offices and in gardens. Anyone can be successful at installing outdoor lighting if a little planning is done. If the proper time is not taken, then it might be a lesson in finding out many ways to install garden lighting that will not work.

 

When someone considers outdoor lighting, it is usually to highlight a feature or illuminate a walkway. These lights can be powered by small solar panels or through a low voltage transformer. Outside lights that are mounted to structures and use the home's 120 voltage are used for practical reasons such as safety and security; 120 voltage wires in a garden can create a hazard. There is the potential, even when the wires are placed in metal conduit and buried at a city code's required depth, of a shovel accidently piercing the metal and shocking someone.

 

Solar and low voltage light cables do not pose the same danger. Solar lights do not need to be plugged into an outlet. Each has a panel that charges an internal battery that powers the light. A solar light with a panel on a long wire will allow more versatility in the fixture's placement as it can be situated anywhere, as long as the panel gets sunlight.

 

A low voltage outdoor lighting system begins at the transformer. This converts an outlet's 120 current into 12 volts. It also has a timer that is used to manually program when the lights come on and off, and/or a photocell that automatically turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Lighting transformers are sold by the number of watts they put out. They start at 100 and increase capacity to well over 1,000. Each light fixture will list the number of watts it requires to run. Add up the wattage for all the lights that will be used, and the total number will determine what size transformer is needed. Check with an electrician for questions about the circuit's capacity if there are other appliances on the line.

 

Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply in Fremont (www.ewingirrigation.com) sells professional grade transformers, fixtures, and everything else that is needed for any outdoor lighting project. Practically any light fixture style can be bought from Vista and F/X Luminaire, their two main outdoor lighting suppliers. There are also several materials and finishes that include bronze, copper, black, brushed nickel, and white. Choosing a light fixture's style and finish is only the first step in determining which one to buy.

 

Different garden light fixtures perform different lighting functions. Path lights that angle down illuminate a wide area. Fixtures that are installed high up for down-lighting are used to cast subtle light in seating areas or on water features. Statues or art pieces benefit from light fixtures that project a narrow beam that focuses the light only on its target. Fixtures mounted at ground level that up-light can be used to create captivating shadows in trees and highlight interesting trunks and branches, or to show the depth of a garden. The key to successful garden lighting is not to use too many fixtures. Illuminating 15 percent or less of the garden is more than enough light to create a serene nighttime ambiance.

 

There is a big gap in price between inexpensive and expensive light fixtures. Usually ones toward the top price range are constructed with higher quality and more durable materials. Their weather proofing and warranties are better. Companies that produce higher-end fixtures also have a wider range of LED options. Some even have LED retrofit conversion kits that will make older halogen fixtures more efficient. An LED lamp (bulb) equivalent to a 20-watt halogen lamp (bulb) uses only two or three watts.

 

Light fixtures are connected to the transformer by low voltage wire that can be buried directly in the ground. The wire gauge selected depends on the length of the run and the number of lamps used. Run the wire along the house, a fence, or a path for as long as possible before heading out to a fixture. This might take an extra wire but will minimize the potential for nicking it when working in the garden. Regardless of the type, style, or price of an outdoor light fixture, using gel-filled wire connectors will greatly extend the lighting system's longevity.

 

The invention of the light bulb changed people's evenings. There was more time to gather with friends and family and do things that they enjoyed. If spending time in the garden is something you enjoy, then outdoor lighting might change your evenings the way the first light bulbs did for people many years ago.

 

Daniel O'Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com

 

 

Securing Metallic Balloons

Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian

 

It’s graduation and Father’s Day season, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is warning customers about the public safety risks associated with helium-filled metallic balloons. If your celebration involves balloons, make sure they are secured with a weight. Otherwise they can float away and come in contact with overhead power lines, causing a public safety risk.

 

Metallic balloons have a silvery coating, which is a conductor for electricity. If the balloons float away and make contact with power lines, they can short transformers, cause power outages and melt electrical wires, causing public safety risks. In June 2018, more than 6,000 San Francisco customers were without power after metallic balloons released during a graduation ceremony came into contact with overhead power lines.

 

PG&E reminds customers to follow these important balloon safety tips:

• “Look Up and Live.” Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
• Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
• When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic balloons to be released outside, for everyone's safety.
• Do not bundle metallic balloons together.
• Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
• Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments. Other tips can be found at https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/outages/planning-and-preparedness/safety-and-preparedness/safety-and-preparedness.page.

 

 

Police community barbecue

Submitted by San Leandro PD

 

A barbecue is often a good time to meet friends and neighbors and promote community togetherness and safety. That’s the idea behind a free United 4 Safety community barbecue planned by The San Leandro Police Department.

 

San Leandro residents are invited to visit the police station on E. 14th Street on Saturday, June 29 to meet and get to know police officers and other department members while enjoying a free barbecue lunch. The four-hour event starts at 10 a.m. and will include various children’s activities including a photo opportunity with McGruff the Crime Dog.

 

United 4 Safety BBQ

Saturday, Jun 29

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Community barbecue with police

San Leandro Police Department

901 E. 14th St., San Leandro

(510) 577-3228

crimeprevention@sanleandro.org

Free

 

 

California Senate OKs rule on police use-of-force training

By Don Thompson

Associated Press

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), May 28 – The California Senate approved legislation Tuesday requiring officers across the nation's most populous state to be trained in ways to avoid using deadly force, one of two measures intended to deter shootings by police.

 

Senators unanimously passed the proposal requiring that policies on deadly force be standardized statewide, sending it to the Assembly. It also requires officers to learn ways to de-escalate confrontations, alternatives to shooting suspects and how to interact with those with mental illness or addictions.

 

The bill “makes fundamental changes to how law enforcement officers are trained, and this will enable the culture shift away from using force to get compliance,” said Democratic Sen. Anna Caballero of Salinas, who is sponsoring the legislation that's backed by police.

 

It is linked to a second measure awaiting an Assembly vote this week that would allow police to use deadly force only when needed to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to officers or bystanders.

 

The bills were prompted by public outrage over fatal shootings by police, including the killing of unarmed vandalism suspect Stephon Clark in Sacramento that set off protests last year.

 

“This bill is a recognition that we have a problem,” Caballero said of her legislation.

 

The vote came the same day law enforcement leaders and dozens of rank-and-file officers held their first Capitol rally to lobby lawmakers.

 

The pair of bills together will “make the state of California the No. 1 in the nation on dealing with use-of-force issues,” said Brian Marvel, president of the rank-and-file Peace Officers Research Association of California.

 

The Senate bill includes training officers in how to work with suspects who are homeless, of different cultures, are mentally ill or have communication issues that can lead to deadly confrontations.

 

 

Ramadan in Mideast is for fasting and Facebook, data shows

By Aya Batrawy

Associated Press

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP), May 28 – The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with its long days of fasting and prayer meant to draw worshippers closer to God and away from worldly distractions, is being reshaped by technology.

 

People in the Middle East spend close to 58 million more hours on Facebook during Ramadan and watch more YouTube videos  – everything from beauty tips and recipes to sports and TV dramas  – than any other time of the year, making the holy month not only the most important one for Muslims, but also the prime time of the year for advertisers.

 

For Facebook, which also owns Instagram, and Google, which owns YouTube, Ramadan brings a welcome boost of business in the region.

 

“Consumption and time spent on our platforms does indeed increase,” said Ramez Shehadi, Facebook's managing director for Mideast and North Africa.

 

People stay up a lot more at night during Ramadan and have more downtime – especially before iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daylong fast, and the “suhoor,” when people gather to eat before another day of fasting. Many also work shorter hours during the day.

 

All that translates to 5% more time spent on Facebook's platforms, or what is nearly 58 million more hours, Shehadi said. Put another way, there are almost 2 million hours of additional time spent daily on Facebook in the Mideast during Ramadan.

 

Ramadan is also the peak season for advertising in the region, as TV dramas and soap operas get a 151% increase in viewership on YouTube during the holy month, according to Google.

 

“Our revenue is a function of people's engagement,” Shehadi said. “The more that they engage on our platforms, the more that advertisers want to be able to reach those that are engaging. That's what drives our revenue.”

 

So much ad revenue is spent during Ramadan that Google launched “The Lantern Award” to celebrate the most creative and engaging ads of the month.

 

Yet Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink, including water, during the day. It's also about disconnecting from vacuous distractions and focusing on contemplation, introspection, acts of good, charity and connecting with God. It can appear then as a contradiction that this is also when companies ramp up their efforts to get people to buy more, view more and engage in excess consumerism.

 

Google does not disclose total watch time for YouTube during Ramadan, but says that in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, for example, viewing of sports videos jumps by 22%, travel videos by 30%, and action games, simulation and video games by 10-20% during the holy month.

 

People also spend 27% more time watching religious content on YouTube in Ramadan.

 

“To us, YouTube brings people together. We see a lot of people wanting to watch things together,” said Joyce Baz, Google's head of communications in Mideast and North Africa.

 

She added that Google products, like its search engine, are there “to simplify people's lives so that they can focus on things that matter like being with their loved ones and family.” Google's “Qibla Finder,” for example, helps Muslims find the direction of Mecca to pray toward, wherever they happen to be.

 

Google says this year's top trending search queries during the first week of Ramadan in Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia included a surprising mix of Game of Thrones, prayer times, Ramadan TV shows, movie timings and English Premier League results.

 

Meanwhile, some of the most popular downloaded apps in the Mideast on the Google Play store during Ramadan include games like Stack Ball, streaming apps like Vu and Shahid and online retailers Noon and Jolly Chic.

 

Iftar evening meals are a major social affair during Ramadan, ranging from lavish spreads at home to decadent five-star hotel buffets. This translates into a 16% spike in beauty product searches and an 18% spike in searches for beauty tips on YouTube, compared to the rest of the year. Also, according to Google maps, trips to the malls increase by more than 20% in the last weeks of Ramadan in preparation for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which ends the holy month.

 

Fatima el-Barbar, an Egyptian mother living in Dubai, said she searches more for recipes and watches her favorite TV dramas online during Ramadan. But she said that between her job, taking care of the children, preparing iftar each night, her daily prayers and reading the Quran, the Muslim holy book, there's little time for the internet.

 

“I actually have less time for the internet in Ramadan than in other days of the year,” she said.

 

To help companies better understand consumer habits in Ramadan, Google identified six categories of audiences: dedicated watchers, devoted fasters, foodies, groomers, travelers and shoppers.

 

“YouTube is a companion during Ramadan, a platform where viewers can watch what they want, whenever they want throughout the day,” Google says in its own pitch to advertisers.

 

To more authentically connect with roughly 180 million users in the Middle East, Facebook and Instagram launch special Ramadan icons to give people more customized ways of expressing themselves online. Instagram also has a campaign to promote acts of kindness during the month.

 

“We're trying to be magnifiers and propagators of goodness as opposed to what might seem on the surface like an extension of consumerism,” Shehadi said. “It resonates with the ethos of Ramadan and certainly the ethos of Facebook, which is around bringing people together around things that matter to them.”

 

Haitham el-Ghoneim, a Jordanian resident in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, said he uses Facebook to connect with friends during Ramadan, sharing traditional greetings for the holy month and checking on his family in Jordan.

 

Still, he doesn't think the rest of it – all that time spent online, on games, scrolling and ads – is a good thing. “It's not being spent in a useful way. It's mostly fake news, or jokes and things that have no benefit,” he said.

 

 

Toastmasters World Champion Ramona Smith

By Stephanie Gertsch

 

“Life will sometimes feel like a fight” This is how world champion Toastmaster Ramona Smith began her winning oration to earn the title. Taking a pugilistic stance, she punched, dodged, and weaved, using the stage as her ring. Behind the bravado and oratory skill, is the conviction that, for her, public speaking is more than a profession, it is a calling that cannot be denied.

 

On her way to attend the Toastmaster District 57 annual conference in San Ramon as their keynote speaker, Smith stopped by the Tri-City Voice office in Fremont on May 10th. “I say this with as much humility and gratitude and appreciation to the world as possible, but for me I feel like this is what I was born to do,” she says, and rightly so as grand champion of the 2018 Toastmaster’s public speaking world championship.

 

The road to the pinnacle of public speaking did not come easy for Smith. A serial college dropout, she finally graduated Magna Cum Laude from Baldwin Wallace University (Berea, Ohio) with a major in Public Relations and minor in Marketing. Struggling to find work, Smith taught high school in Houston, Texas to pay the bills. But teaching was not her passion. In 2010, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of public speaking. At the time, her prospects were dim. She recalls, “My sister said, ‘Well that’s fine, but you have no training. You have no accreditation. Nobody knows who you are. And you don’t even know how to write a speech.’”

 

At her sister’s suggestion, Smith joined a local Toastmaster’s club. That first club in Hawthorne, California taught Smith to be comfortable in front of an audience and be herself. Smith’s next Toastmaster experience, after moving to Cleveland, Ohio, prepared her for a more formal and professional delivery; the polish she needed for competition. After five years in Toastmasters, she was ready. “So, once I got the best of both worlds, I thought ‘I’m ready; let’s do it. Let’s compete.’”

 

In her first year of competition, Smith powered through club, area, and division levels to place third in her district. Her confidence level was sky high! She was ready to blow away the competition the next time around. But the next year was a reality check… she didn’t make it past the club level. What went wrong? “I think it was just arrogance,” Smith laughs. “Going in with this attitude of ‘I am so good. I am so much better than everybody else. I can just go in here and say whatever and do whatever… HA! I’m gonna win.” For Smith, reality was a hard lesson, but overcoming adversity was nothing new for this single mother – a failed 8-month marriage in the mix – who had learned to persevere when faced with major obstacles. As she says in her signature speech, “Instead of looking into a mirror of defeat, it became a window of possibility.”

 

Even someone blessed with natural stage presence and passion for public speaking, both of which Smith has in abundance, doesn’t knock it out of the park every time. Though Smith’s style may seem natural and down to earth, a competitive speech including her signature presentation, “Still Standing”, are the product of hours upon hours of concentrated effort. After nailing down the title and outline, Smith writes her speeches out longhand (she calls herself “old school”) and practices out loud, pacing the room. Then she elicits feedback on the writing and edits. Finally, she asks to be critiqued on her body language and, only then, shows the finished product to district directors. The role of supportive “coaches” in her own success and for others faced with significant obstacles is not forgotten.

 

With her wealth of experience, Smith would seem like the go-to person to ask for the “secret” to public speaking. Yet she wonders to what extent the skill can be taught at all. She says, “Once I won this competition, people are looking up to me for advice… ‘Please tell me and help me.’ I will point them to another world champion who you can pay to give you that advice.” Simply because you are proficient at something doesn’t mean you have the ability—or the inclination—to transfer your skill to another person. Smith makes an apt sport comparison: “I would never ask LeBron, ‘How do you shoot the perfect jump shot?’ That’s his lane. With speaking, I feel that this is my lane.”

 

Some personality types may not be suited to the world of public speaking. Smith identifies as an extravert who (unlike most of us) was never intimidated by large crowds—in fact, the bigger the better. This is the type of person who can reach an audience. Smith explains, “I’m big on being exactly who I am, depending on the goal of my presentation. If the goal is to get up there and persuade an audience to do something or to buy something or be better, and your energy is not there, they will not hear you or feel a connection. Why would they listen to you?”

 

Smith’s message is clear and straightforward. Rather than demanding a formula for “how to do that,” she hopes her audiences will understand her message of overcoming challenges and finding the personal resources of their own inner champion to “stay in that ring.”

Join Relay For Life and help attack cancer

Submitted by Christina Ferry

 

Join the American Cancer Society’ mission to provide vital services and fund groundbreaking research by participating in your local Relay For Life. “Relay For Life of the East Bay” will be held at Chabot College on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. Opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, and will include a special recognition of cancer survivors and caregivers starting off the day’s activities.

 

Community volunteers are the backbone of this movement, and you can be part of it right here. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event to save lives from cancer. At Relay For Life events, participants celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.

 

This year, an estimated 1.3 million people in the U.S. will participate in more than 2,000 events to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each critical to achieving a world without cancer – from developing breakthrough therapies, to building supportive communities, providing empowering resources, and deploying activists to raise awareness.

 

How are we making a difference? Earlier detections as well as new and improved treatments are boosting survival rates. Funds raised support the American Cancer Society 24/7 cancer help line, provide free rides to chemotherapy appointments, and even pay for free lodging for out of town treatments. Educating the public about prevention is also key. By joining the Relay For Life event, you can help attack cancer from all angles while improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.

 

The merging of all local events did wonderful last year for BOTH relays. Tri-City FUN beat their fundraising goal of 200k at $202k, 37 teams and 400+ attendees. East Bay beat their fundraising goal of $90k at $113k, 49 teams 500+ attendees. Both Relays are on track to fundraise the same amount, if not more than last year.

 

Join or donate to the Relay For Life movement in our community. Visit RelayForLife.org or contact Christina.Ferry@cancer.org for more information.

 

Relay For Life of the East Bay

Saturday, Jun 22 – Sunday, Jun 23

9 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Chabot College

25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward

(925) 306-2155

Christina.Ferry@cancer.org

RelayForLife.org

 

 

Union City City Council

May 28, 2019

By Roelle Balan

 

Proclamation:

• Recognize June 2019 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and June 15, 2019 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

 

Presentations:

• The council announced from closed session that Joan Malloy will be the new City Manager. Malloy has been working for the City as the Economic and Community Development Director for ten years; before that she was the City’s Planning Manager. Malloy’s first day would be on July 1, 2019 once an employment agreement is approved by the council. The City hired CPS HR Consulting firm to recruit and select the next City Manager. Current City Manager Tony Acosta announced his retirement during a city council meeting late last year. His last day is June 30, 2019.

 

Consent Agenda:

• Approve the Master Fee Schedule for the year 2019 – 2020. The Master Fee Schedule is a list of prices for services including waste and recyclable services. Some fees were adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index, e.g. for building and fire permits.

 

Public Comment:

• Resident suggested the city should contact faith-based organizations to assist with the city’s homeless population.
• New Haven Teachers Association president Joe Angeles asked for the City Council’s help and influence in resolving the current teacher strike and salary negotiations.

 

City Reports:

• Update City food ware ordinance to include a plastic straw ban and a by-request policy for single use items used in sit-down restaurants. Compostable straws would replace plastic straws. The City will start communicate the change to local businesses, and the ordinance would be implemented by July 2020. The new California law allows plastic straws in restaurants but only upon request. Berkeley, San Francisco, and Oakland established stricter plastic straw bans.

 

• Continue Biennial Budget discussion for the year 2019 – 2020 and 2020 – 2021. Data

analysis about the City’s fire services will be presented to the council in July. The data would provide information about how fire services are being used in the City. The City is considering leaving a Community and Recreation Department senior supervisor position open and reducing seasonal positions. Another recommendation is to fill City Hall management positions to help with workload. Public comments shared opposition in closing down stations or doing brown outs, where one fire station would close for hours at a time. A balanced budget will be presented to City Council on June 11. Final budget will be adopted at the June 25, 2019 meeting.

 

• Consider regulating the size of homes in single family neighborhoods. This comes after

the council approved a request to build a 7,000+ square-foot single family home that complied with California’s Housing Accountability Act and met all applicable standards. The Planning Commission came up with five recommendations to control and regulate standards involving the size of single-family homes. Those recommendations include a floor area ratio, creating a maximum home size, and requiring homes to have a third garage space (which would help with the ongoing lack of parking in the city). The commission suggested the home size limit be 5,000 square feet. Based on the recommendations, along with feedback from the City Council, the Planning Commission will develop a draft single-family home standards code.

 

• Approve a public hearing schedule to map out district lines for the upcoming elections.

The council passed a resolution with an intent to transition to by-district elections on April 23, 2019. This transition is in result of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund sending a letter to the City and school district demanding they change to by-district elections. The organization claims these entities are in violation of the California Voting Rights Act because at-large elections tend to dilute Latino votes. The public hearings will be on June 25, July 9, August 13, September 10, and September 24, 2019. At the first two the community will give their preferences on how they want the district lines drawn. At the next two meetings, residents can review maps and provide input. The fourth public hearing will also include an introduction of a city ordinance with established district maps. The last hearing will be the adoption of a city ordinance noting the change of district elections and the established district City maps.

 

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci                Aye

Vice Mayor Gary Singh                      Aye

Emily Duncan                                     Aye

Pat Gacoscos                                       Aye

Jaime Patiño                                        Aye

 

 

Rep. Khanna recognized for Constituent Services

Submitted by Julia Albertson

 

On May 30, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced that Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) is a winner for the 2019 Democracy Awards, CMF’s honors program recognizing non-legislative achievement in operations and constituent service by congressional offices and members of Congress. Khanna is recognized for excellence in the Constituent Service category, which focuses on how an office interacts with and serves constituents, especially how it utilizes and leverages specific, methodical, and consistent processes for achieving measurable results in constituent service.

 

“I congratulate my team for this well-deserved recognition for their hard work,” said Khanna. “From securing veterans’ benefits to navigating the complex immigration process, congressional work is centered on improving the lives of our constituents. I am incredibly proud of the tremendous job we have done for Silicon Valley.”

 

California’s 17th congressional district is one of two congressional offices across both chambers of Congress to receive this honor. A committee comprised primarily of former members of Congress and former congressional staffers selected the two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each category. A ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held on June 20.

 

 

Letter to the editor

Union Pacific Railroad corridor must be fixed

 

The East Bay Greenway for bikes and pedestrians would run from Oakland through Hayward and onward to Milpitas. It was proposed in 1974, and a 1.7-mile segment runs along the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad line (UPRR) in Fremont, from Alameda Creek (near Vallejo Mill) to Central Park (near Paseo Padre). The first studies were published in 2008 (bit.ly/2Wovwx1) and 2009 (bit.ly/2K6r7bv). The city council approved $125,000 for a feasibility study and environmental testing in early 2018, and UPRR agreed to a price tag of $3 million.

 

However, City Attorney Harvey Levine withdrew from the purchase agreement in early May. His letter to UPRR does not discuss the results of the environmental testing. The City Council was not copied on the letter and did not vote on the withdrawal.

 

The letter cites the cost of soil removal, noise and dust. The soil removal, 10,000 truckloads or 150,000 cubic yards over eight months, would lower the trail to address privacy concerns. It’s equivalent to digging a trench six feet deep and 70 feet wide along the segment. But the trench would serve no purpose, because we already have drainage channels in the area. The trail must be higher than the surrounding terrain for drainage. The 2009 study called for removing only the top layer, 10,000 cubic yards and capping any contamination with asphalt pavement (12 feet wide).

 

Neighbors would be impacted by excessive noise and dust. Consider that the city did not object when Mission Clay removed 21,000 cubic yards from a former brickyard in Niles Canyon in 2018. That sent 1,400 truckloads onto Old Canyon Road, Clarke Drive, Canyon Heights Drive, Pickering Avenue, and Mission Boulevard (State Route 238). The city approved the construction of a new elementary school on Osgood Road, next to a cement plant that generates 10,000 truck trips per year – year after year. An NBC Bay Area investigation found that the cement, sand and rocks are a point source for clouds of hazardous dust, that threaten children’s health (bit.ly/2VQPaNK).

 

The letter also suggests that a right-of-way for an abandoned water pipeline could interfere with the trail. Google Earth shows the pipeline is off to the side of the former rail bed, not in the way. The easement for fiber optic facilities is not in the way either, so long as they repair the asphalt trail upon completion any work. Neither the 2009 study nor the 2016 scoping report indicated that easements were an issue.

 

The city needs a network of bike and pedestrian trails for recreational access: Bay Trail, Niles Canyon Trail, Alameda Creek Trail and East Bay Greenway. The City Attorney wants to conjure up a phantom apparition, a false narrative which exaggerates the impact of cleaning up the UPRR line. It does not justify scuttling the deal. The conversion of the rail line would improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, enhance our community, and encourage people to enjoy nature. Fremont should be in the vanguard of “green” cities. The UPRR line must be fixed and utilized, not forgotten and abandoned.

 

1. yragui

Mission Peak Conservancy

 

 

Union City Native serves aboard a floating airport

Submitted by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Wyscaver

 

A Union City, California, native and 1994 James Logan High School graduate is serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, a floating airport at sea. Senior Chief Nelson Albores is a culinary specialist serving aboard the carrier. A Navy culinary specialist is responsible for feeding the crew with well-balanced, nutritious meals. “I'm the galley production chief, in charge of all galley operations,” said Albores.

 

Approximately 3,200 men and women make up the crew of John C. Stennis, with an additional 2,000 sailors assigned to the ship’s embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 9. Named in honor of former Senator John C. Stennis from Mississippi, the carrier is longer than three football fields, measuring nearly 1,100 feet. The ship, a true floating city, weighs more than 100,000 tons and has a flight deck that is 252 feet wide. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea.

 

Albores combines the lessons learned from both the Navy and Union City to take personal responsibility in performing assigned tasks and leading others. “I'm originally from the Philippines, where you have to work hard to survive,” Albores said. “If you're used to that environment you can make it anywhere.”

 

“Serving your country, even if it wasn't my original country, it's done a lot for me,” Albores said. “I've been able to live my American dream though the U.S. Navy.”

 

 

Salesforce pledges skill training as part of Trump program

AP Wire Service

 

INDIANAPOLIS (AP), May 16 – Business software company Salesforce says it aims to provide skills training to 1 million people as part of a Trump administration push to boost career opportunities among Americans.

 

Salesforce chairman Marc Benioff at first pledged that training for 500,000 people, but then doubled the figure during a Thursday event at its downtown Indianapolis offices with President Donald Trump's daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump.

 

The San Francisco-based company says its free online platform Trailhead will offer tech training over the next five years toward credentials for Salesforce administrator, developer and marketing manager positions.

 

Benioff says Salesforce wants people from every background to thrive in the digital economy.

 

Ivanka Trump says a goal of the “Pledge to America's Workers” program is that everyone has equal access to career training and opportunities.