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4th of July Giveaway – A Parade of Kindness
Submitted by Fremont Family Resource Center

Fremont Family Resource Center’s 4th of July Giveaway to Tri-City families in need was a big success! With so many people out of work, many are having to reach out for food to stretch their dwindling savings accounts. As evidence to the great needs in our community, cars started arriving three hours early to ensure availability of supplies. At 10:30 a.m., cars began rolling into the FRC parking lot where volunteers placed boxes and bags directly into their vehicles – fresh produce, grocery staples, pandemic supplies, hot lunch, drinks and even ice cream.

We extend our enormous thanks and gratitude to Sikh Gurdwara Sahib Fremont, Sikhs for Humanity, and Sikh Panchayat for their generosity, support of our community, and the long hours spent in preparation. On Saturday the 4th, more than 70 volunteers were on hand to set up, ensure a smooth flow of hundreds of cars, and load supplies into each vehicle for a low-touch delivery. We especially thank Kashmir Singh Shahi and Baljit Singh for the vision and leadership that brought this amazing project together.

Additional thanks go to Kids Against Hunger Fremont for donating 500 meal packets, Eknoor Seva Society for ice cream, and West Coast Rental for canopies. We’d also like to give a shout-out to Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Fremont City Council, Police Chief Kimberly Petersen and Fire Chief Curtis Jacobson for welcoming our guests and helping to distribute supplies. The entire day was a touching parade of kindness!

For more information on how to support Fremont Family Resource Center, go to Fremont.gov/FRC

Alameda County Fire Department Log
Submitted by ACFD

Saturday July 4
• At 9:04 p.m. firefighters responded to an outdoor fire on Wells Avenue in Newark. The blaze was quickly knocked down and there were no injuries reported.

• At 11:36 p.m. firefighters responded to a vehicle rollover at 166th Avenue and Ehle Street in San Leandro. All occupants were out of their vehicles when firefighters arrived to assist at the scene.

Monday, July 6
• At 6:00 a.m. ACFD Strike Team members were deployed to assist in the Crews Fire in Gilroy. They were joined by firefighters from several other East Bay agencies including Fremont, Hayward and Berkeley.

• Just after 1:00 p.m. firefighters joined teams from Fremont Fire Department and East Bay Regional Park District to extinguished a vegetation fire near Patterson Ranch Road near Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. Smoke from the blaze drifted over the Tri-City area as it eventually grew to more than 40 acres. It was fully contained by 7:00 p.m. No injuries were reported.

Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
Submitted by Tya M. Modeste

Saturday, July 4
• At about 6:20 a.m. deputies responded to a report about an elderly unresponsive couple found at a home on the 17700 block of Columbia Drive in Castro Valley. Deputies entering the residence found a female dead at the scene. A male, who was still alive, was taken to Eden Medical Center. Notes to family members along with financial documents were laid out inside the home. The couple’s identities were not immediately released. The incident is being investigated as a homicide and attempted suicide.

County Water District receives funding to help restore steelhead trout
Submitted by Sharene Gonzales

Alameda County Water District (ACWD) was recently awarded over $3.3 million in grant funding to help fund additional fish passage improvement projects that will play a critical role in restoring threatened steelhead trout to Alameda Creek. The California Department of Water Resources awarded the grant as part of the Integrated Resources Water Management Implementation Grant Program supported by the voter-approved Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1).

Grant funding will support the completion of a second fish ladder in Alameda Creek, which is currently under construction, as well as improvements to the facilities that support the District’s groundwater recharge operations. Work on the fish ladder is a joint project with the Alameda County Flood Control District.

Once complete, steelhead trout – a federally-listed, threatened species – will have a direct route to pass the district’s rubber dams and a large flood control structure to gain access to the Alameda Creek watershed for the first time in nearly 50 years.

ACWD Board President Judy Huang, said, “This award brings us to over $21 million in grants to fund our fish passage projects – grants which help reduce overall costs to our customers.” Huang added the fish passage projects are a long-planned joint effort and will provide regional environmental benefits, as well as protecting a critical water supply for ACWD.

For more information on ACWD’s fish passage projects, visit www.acwd.org/Fishway.
Addition to Virtual Calendar:

Thursday, July 16
Scholarship Awards Ceremony
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Ohlone College student successes
(510) 896-9762
www.ohlone.edu/scholars

To stop parties, Airbnb won't let some guests book homes
Jul 02
By Dee-Ann Durbin
AP Business Writer

Airbnb will ban some younger U.S. guests from booking homes in their area as part of a continuing effort to crack down on unauthorized parties.

The San Francisco-based home sharing company said U.S. guests under age 25 with fewer than three positive Airbnb reviews won't be allowed to book entire homes close to where they live. Airbnb wouldn't reveal how it defines what is “close.”

Those guests will still be allowed to book entire homes elsewhere, and they will be allowed to book hotel rooms or private rooms within homes, the company said.

Guests under 25 with at least three positive Airbnb reviews and no negative reviews won't be subject to the restrictions.

Airbnb began stepping up efforts to ban “party houses” last November after five people were shot and killed during an unauthorized party at an Airbnb rental in Orinda, California. At the time, Airbnb set up a rapid response team to deal with complaints from neighbors and started screening “high risk” bookings, such as reservations at a large home for one night.

Earlier this year, Airbnb piloted its new policy for younger guests in Canada. The company said the policy has led to a “meaningful drop” in unauthorized house parties.

In a message to hosts, the company said reducing unauthorized parties is even more of a priority right now as states try to avoid coronavirus outbreaks.

“With public health mandates in place throughout the country, we're taking actions to support safe and responsible travel in the United States,” the company said.
Alameda County hits pause on reopening
Submitted by Alameda County Health Care Services Agency

Given recent increases in COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates in our county and
region, we are temporarily pausing our reopening plans. This means extending the timeline for the next phase of reopening in Alameda County and pulling back our request for the Board of Supervisors to support a Variance Attestation on June 30th.

A safe reopening of businesses in our county is critical for both public health and economic recovery. To guide reopening, Alameda County health officials rely on the following data indicators to measure our progress against the pandemic: 1) Rates of new cases and hospitalizations, 2) Hospital inpatient bed capacity and surge capacity, 3) Testing capacity, 4) Disease containment capacity, and 5) Supply of personal protective equipment for health care providers. While indicators 2, 3, 4, and 5 have moved in the positive direction or remained stable over the past several weeks, we are seeing unfavorable trends for cases and hospitalizations.

Alameda County’s case rate per 100,000 people has increased from 63.2 to 71.1 over seven days leading up to June 29. Daily hospitalizations were decreasing through June 22nd, but since then we have seen a daily increase in hospitalizations. While Variance Attestation offers a path to greater alignment with the State’s pace for reopening, it requires counties to attest only when the data show that it is safe to do so. We are concerned by the increase in local cases, disproportionate impact on communities of color, local impact of the outbreak at San Quentin State Prison, and the alarming disease trends we see in counties that have opened at a faster rate. The first two weeks in July will be critical for assessing the impact of activities authorized to resume in Alameda County on June 19th, and we will continue to closely monitor our data to inform next steps regarding reopening and attestation.

We recognize the multifaceted challenges presented by a slow reopening and are grateful for the sustained effort and sacrifices made by our residents and businesses. As the pandemic evolves, we will need to remain flexible and nimble in our response. We all play a part in safely reopening our communities and protecting people at high risk for COVID-19 infection and death. Please continue to protect yourself and others by wearing face coverings and staying six feet away from others in public, staying home as much as possible and particularly when ill, and washing your hands frequently.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: High Fuel Economy Choice
By Steve Schaefer

The Ioniq liftback is offered in three versions – all electrified but to varying degrees. It is either all-electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid. I tested the EV version last year, but this time I spent a week with the hybrid version. For 2020, in a midcycle freshening, all Ioniq models receive new mesh grilles (or in the case of the EV, a new pattern on the closed panel). It looks a bit more upscale and refined. As the hybrid and plug-in versions are direct competitors with the Toyota Prius, this only makes a stronger case for choosing the Hyundai if you are cool to the Prius’ extreme styling.

The new model year brings more changes. On the outside, the front and rear bumper fascias are updated. There are new LED head, tail, and daytime running lamps, wheel designs, and side sill moldings. Like a restyled grille, these are relatively inexpensive updates. Inside, there is an optional 10.25-inch widescreen navigation system, new center LCD info screen, and changes to the dash and instrument panel, including touchscreen climate controls and high-tech customizable ambient lighting. One real improvement impacts only the pure EV version, which is not the subject of this story. It gets a larger battery, so range increases from 124 to 170 miles. That is significant!

Back to the hybrid. My Summit Gray test vehicle was pleasant to look at but hardly stood out in the parking lot. It was the top-level Limited model, so it came with the optional wide info screen, a nice Harmon Kardon premium audio system, smart cruise control, an electronic parking brake, and more. You can order up a hybrid starting with the Blue super-efficient model, moving up through SE and SEL to hit Limited. Prices run from $23,000 for the Blue to $31,000 for the Limited, not including shipping, so you can choose the one that suits you for budget and features.

Living with a hybrid is the easiest form of electrified motoring. You never have to plug it in because the system gets its electricity from regenerative braking. You can adjust the amount of it when you select ECO mode in the drive selector (you can choose Sport or Normal, too).

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine puts out 104 horsepower and 109 lb.-ft. of torque, and is matched up with a permanent magnet 32-kW electric motor with maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft. That really helps move the 3,115-pound hybrid along when you press the accelerator. The motor is powered by a small lithium-ion polymer battery with1.56 kWh of capacity, which sits out of the way under the rear seats, allowing the hybrid to offer 3.5 cubic feet more cargo room than the plug-in or the EV.

This drivetrain gets an official 55 mpg City and 54 Highway, which comes out in the EPA’s math to 55 mpg Combined. I averaged 39.8 mpg over 126.7 miles of testing. This is significantly below 55, but on one freeway trip I was generating more than 47 mpg, so I think that your average would be closer to 55 over time. This is still way better than a non-hybrid. EPA Green Scores are a good 7 for Smog and a perfect 10 for Greenhouse Gas.

The Ioniq may be the perfect car to drive if you just want a pleasant and fairly green way to take yourself and your family where you need to go. It is attractive but not distracting. Everything looks and feels good and substantial. I thought my car’s gray on gray interior was a little boring, but I am not a gray enthusiast. Hyundai likes brushed nickel finishes on the handles and switchgear, which is a nice change from the plastic chrome on other cars.

The Ioniq is a safe place to ride. SmartSense Safety and Convenience includes Front Collision and Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection and new Cyclist Detection Ability and Driver Attention Warning. You also get Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist. You can order Lane Follow Assist as an option. These capitalized features, along with Smart Cruise Control, not only promote safety and reduce driver fatigue but are part of the eventual self-driving car.

For efficiency, the Eco-Driving Assist System helps improve fuel economy. It even includes a Coasting Guide that lets the driver know deceleration is imminent so they can slow down using less braking and save a little fuel. Every bit helps.

I recommend driving a hybrid when you are not able to plug in a car at all. A plug-in hybrid provides some all-electric range, reducing gasoline use while making local trips zero-emission. Pure EVs are great when you have easy access to charging—whether it is in your garage or your neighborhood. The Ioniq can help you for all three choices.

BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD

Saturday, July4
• At 12:31 p.m. a man identified by police as Anthony Ruiz, 23, of Richmond was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on an outstanding no bail warrant. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Sunday, July 5
• At 9:23 a.m. a woman identified by police as Lisa Woods, 39, of Oakland was arrested at Fremont station on two outstanding warrants totaling $100,000 and booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Monday, July 6
• At 5:44 p.m. a woman identified by police as Deanna Ward, 34, was arrested at Union City station on suspicion of burglary and receiving stolen property. She was booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Tuesday, July 7
• At 3:33 p.m. a man identified by police as Evan Lefevre, 27, of Hayward was detained at Union City station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed Lefevre had two felony no bail warrants out of Florida. He was booked on the warrants at Santa Rita Jail.

Wednesday, July 8
• At 12:53 p.m. a man identified by police as Moishe Harris, 50, of San Pablo was detained at Fremont station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed he had a no bail parole violation warrant and was in violation of sex registration requirements. He was arrested and booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Board Meeting Highlights
Submitted by Brian Killgore

Fremont Unified School District Board of Education, July 8, 2020
• Approved appointment of Christopher ‘CJ’ Cammack as Superintendent on August 1, 2020.
• Approved tentative agreement with California School Employees Association for 2020-21 school year.
• Reinstated custodial staff pursuant to AB77.
• Approved purchase of Lexia Suite of programs for grades TK-12 for 2020-21 school year.
• Authorized an agreement with Infinite Campus for a student information system.
• Received presentation update of Rix-Glankler Early Learning Center Project.
• Approved agreement with Dannis Woliver Kelley for legal services for FY 2020-21.

Next regular meeting is scheduled for July 29 at 6:30 p.m. in District Office Board Room.

University of California system names 1st Black president
By Jocelyn Gecker and Julie Watson
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jul 07 – Dr. Michael Drake was chosen Tuesday to be president of the University of California, the first Black leader in the system's 150-year history.

Drake, a seasoned university administrator, replaces Janet Napolitano in overseeing a sprawling, 280,000-student system dealing with issues of accessibility for Blacks and other minorities, along with slashed budgets and upended campus life because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Drake is a UC-trained physician who served as chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, and also led The Ohio State University before retiring from that job last month.

The UC Board of Regents unanimously approved Drake's appointment.

“I'm excited and ready to go,” Drake told the board, noting the challenging times amid the pandemic, the threat of climate change, and “the yawning wounds of social injustice that we see in so many ways that really tears at the fabric of our lives.“

He noted that the UC system is “best equipped worldwide“ to be “fully engaged in finding solutions.“

Napolitano, whose seven years as president end Aug. 1, said Drake's appointment is “one more step in our university's ongoing effort to ensure that the university reflects the rich diversity of our state. It follows other recent decisions by this board to address issues of inequity and systemic racism in our society.”

Napolitano and Drake's references to systemic racism and social injustice echo the topics of mass protests worldwide following the death of George Floyd, a black man, who died in Minnesota after a white officer pressed a knee to his neck.

Drake takes the helm as the state budget cuts more than $470 million from the UC system, and many campuses have already announced plans for mostly online instruction in the fall.

“I am confident that Dr. Drake is the leader we need to guide our world-class higher education system through this time of unprecedented challenge,“ Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

The announcement also comes as the California State University system is searching for a new leader. President Timothy White announced he would retire in June, but delayed his departure until the fall because of the pandemic.

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Watson reported from San Diego and Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed.

Public Input Opportunities
Submitted by City of Fremont

Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has launched the environmental process for the proposed South Bay Connect project with this Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The proposed South Bay Connect will relocate Capitol Corridor passenger rail service to run on the Union Pacific Railroad Coast Subdivision between Oakland and Newark and create new transbay transit connections.

An online public scoping meeting will be available on the South Bay Connect website — www.southbayconnect.com — during the project’s 45-day public scoping comment period. Visit the online meeting until Thursday, August 13 to review information and submit comments. Live chat with the South Bay Connect Team and a telephone town hall is scheduled on Wednesday, July 15.

Live Chat with Team
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
https://southbayconnect.com/

Telephone Town Hall
6 p.m.
Wednesday, Jul 15
(833) 380-0651

Submit Comments
Until Thursday, Aug 13
www.southbayconnect.com
info@southbayconnect.com
(510) 244-3667

Cards 4 Covid Heroes
Submitted by Mantej Singh Lamba and Prabhleen Kaur Lamba

Mantej Singh Lamba and Prabhleen Kaur Lamba, high school students in Fremont, initiated “Cards 4 Covid Heroes” during the COVID-19 pandemic. While sheltering in place, they saw an advertisement illustrating how healthcare workers are shouldering the burden of this crisis; doctors and nurses are working long hours while wearing masks and other gear to help save the lives of millions of people worldwide. The students were inspired to involve their community and show appreciation to these heroes, medical professionals serving on the front lines of the pandemic.

Mantej and Prabhleen decided to collect handmade “thank you” cards from their local community and send them to hospitals along with gift cards. They reached out to UC Davis Medical Center, Los Angeles Community Hospital, and Zuckerberg San Francisco Medical Center, all treating COVID-19 patients. Ordering 200 customized gift cards and building a drop-off box outside their house, they also extended an invitation to others to make thank you cards or an E-Card.

With the generous support of community members and volunteers, Mantej and Prabhleen have been able to collect over 225 thank you cards. They also posted a GoFundMe Page to buy more gift cards.

The project has expanded to include another drop off location and a website to post pictures of the handmade cards and the heroes receiving their cards. People can reach out to the team via the website or social media if they are interested in collecting cards for healthcare workers in their own neighborhood.

Mantej and Prabhleen hope to bring their community closer together during this difficult time by showing gratitude for their heroes.

Cards 4 Covid Heroes
Website: https://www.cards4covidheroes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cards-for-Our-Heroes-103141958097269
GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cards-for-our-heroes
Gmail: cards4covidheroes@gmail.com

Fossils reveal dinosaur forerunner smaller than a cellphone
Jul 06
By Seth Borenstein
AP Science Writer

Meet Kongonaphon kely, a pocket sized dinosaur forerunner that was smaller than your cellphone.

The creature, which predated dinosaurs and flying pterosaurs, was just shy of 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall, according to a study published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Some of these things would have been quite cute animals,“ said study lead author Christian Kammerer, a paleontology researcher at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Looking like small dinosaur that could fit in your hand, Kammerer mused that it “would probably make a great pet.”

Of course, no humans were around when Kongonaphon was roaming the wild, jumping around with its strong hind legs and feeding on bugs with its peg-like teeth, Kammerer said. The name means tiny bug slayer.

The fossils, dug up in Madagascar, date from 237 million years ago. Scientists figure the little guy was an adult because of growth rings in its bones, Kammerer said.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Nonprofit alliance members learn how organizations can embrace diversity and inclusion
Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

Representatives from many organizations in the chamber’s Hayward Nonprofit Alliance learned how to look at their operations with an eye toward racial equity, diversity and inclusion thanks to a presentation Thursday, July 2 by Miguel Palmer from Love Never Fails (LNF).

Palmer is manager of the host center and community store at the Love Never Fails center in Hayward, where the organization provides IT and project management training for survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and assists the homeless, disabled, foster youth, and underserved community members.

Palmer’s presentation was, “Free Your Mind: How Nonprofits Can Embrace Diversity and Inclusion.” It addressed issues that organizations face including conscious and unconscious bias and developing inclusive leadership. He also demonstrated how the concepts of inclusion benefit an organization by tapping into the creativity inherent in diversity.

He announced that Love Never Fails has begun “The REDI Campaign” that is designed to help corporations identify areas to help them take advantage of diversity. Part of that effort is a six-minute survey that companies can take at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LNF-REDI. The Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) research project will inform LNF of the nation's ability to hire and retain diverse staff. It will also provide a “get well roadmap” for industries and/or companies who seek to partner with LNF to increase organizational awareness and incorporate best practices.

“The Hayward Chamber of Commerce stands with our members and the community in denouncing racism, bigotry, and intolerance,” said chamber president Kim Huggett. “But taking a stand is not enough. Charitable nonprofits need to continue to identify how to build the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all operations, as well as model them in meeting their mission. Miguel’s presentation provided great guidance in what we have to do to get there.”

Palmer can be reached at miguel@loveneverfailsus.com. There are more than 100 organizations in the Hayward Nonprofit Alliance and all chamber members and their guests are invited to participate in monthly meetings.

Love Never Fails
22580 Grand St., Hayward
(844) 249-2698
https://www.loveneverfailsus.com/

Longtime local environmental leader dies at 88
Submitted by Jeff Barbosa

State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) released the following statement on the passing of Donna Olsen, Fremont community activist and founder of the Tri-City Ecology Center. She died on July 9 at the age of 88.

“For almost 50 years, Donna Olsen was the driving force of the Tri-City Ecology Center (TCEC), an organization she founded in 1971. The TCEC opened a recycling center that year and in the nearly half century since, has continually worked on environmental issues in southern Alameda County. I was proud to honor the TCEC as the 10th Senate District’s Nonprofit of the Year in 2016.

“Donna stood at the center of all the successes the TCEC has achieved. From helping to expand the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and protecting wetlands, to advocating for environmental improvements, she was the one constant who drove the organization’s efforts forward. Fremont’s hillside is preserved today because of TCEC’s spearheading of the successful 1981 Fremont Hill Initiative.

“Donna continued to edit the organization’s monthly newsletter, The Eco-Logic, to the end. She would assemble articles and information from members and local organizations, publicizing upcoming events and highlighting the latest news on the environmental front.

“Her dedication and commitment never wavered. Those of us lucky enough to have known her will always remember her intellect, compassion, love of nature and warmth. She will be dearly missed.”

Park It
By Ned MacKay

Now that summer has arrived in earnest, it is time to think about where you can find cool parks on hot days for the fresh air and exercise that are so vital to good health, especially during the ongoing pandemic.

East Bay Regional Park District has lots of cooler options for hiking and riding. The district encourages visiting parks close to home, but wherever you live in the East Bay, you can find a regional park near you. Here are some suggestions:

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Cooled by breezes from San Pablo Bay in Richmond, Point Pinole has a colorful and explosive history, beautiful views of the bay and Marin County, and shady trails through eucalyptus groves.

Tilden Regional Park. Next door to Berkeley, Tilden is one of the district’s original parks with many hiking and cycling options. Check out the Wildcat Gorge Trail for a shaded hike along Wildcat Creek.

Briones Regional Park. Located between Orinda and Martinez, Briones has miles of hiking and riding trails. For a shaded walk, try the single-track Bear Creek Trail, which starts next to the Newt Hollow picnic area at the Bear Creek Road entrance.

George Miller Jr. Trail. The trail is located on a no-vehicle section of Carquinez Scenic Drive between Port Costa and Martinez. It’s breezy, with great views of the strait and Benicia. It’s on the map for Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park. The park’s Orchard Staging Area is at the end of Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. The trail starts out in the sun, then connects to the Old Stage Road, which is mostly in the trees with views of the imposing Castle Rocks.

Big Break Regional Shoreline. On Big Break Road off Main Street in Oakley, this park is right on the water. Among other features, it has an open-air, walk-on scale model of the entire Delta, and a pier from which you can observe waterbirds and other wildlife.

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Check out the Ringtail Cat Trail, which starts at the trailhead at the end of Hemme Avenue in Alamo (limited parking). The trail follows a streambed (dry this time of year) through the woods for a quarter-mile, then heads steeply uphill to the sunnier Madrone Trail.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. There are any number of shady trails through this beautiful area of second-growth redwood trees. One main entrance is on Redwood Road about two miles east of its intersection with Skyline Boulevard in Oakland.

Crown Memorial State Beach. The park district operates this beach on behalf of the state and the city of Alameda. You can seek out bayside breezes by entering at the main lot on Otis and Shore Line Drives. Swim at your own risk as there is no lifeguard service.

Coyote Hills Regional Park. Another park with a rich natural and cultural history. Great views of the south Bay; lots of bird life in and around the marsh. The park is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont.

Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness. Alameda Creek runs through this park, which is a gateway to miles of trails through the East Bay’s most remote open space. The entrance is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road, five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol.

For more trail maps, directions, and detailed information of these parks and others, visit www.ebparks.org. Check also for COVID-19 updates at the top of the home page.

While you are in the parks, you may encounter district naturalists. Look for them in their khaki uniforms and Smokey Bear hats. Though scheduled nature programs are on hold because of the pandemic, naturalists are still out in the parks, practicing social distancing but happy to provide general information or to talk about the parks’ fascinating features.

Eden Eats supports local restaurants – from home!
Submitted by Oliver Zhang

The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs’ Activities League (ACDSAL) is excited to launch the revolutionary Eden Eats!

Eden Eats is an exciting experience for families and friends to come together and learn more about local Eden flavors and chefs. Not only that, they can cook alongside the chefs to make a delicious and filling dinner that celebrates fresh local ingredients!

Eden Eats was created to provide a unique and engaging way for families to have fun together while still staying safe at home. Moreover, it was a way to showcase local businesses and the diversity of the community through a way that connects everyone—FOOD! As part of Eden Eats, members of the community can tune in to free live cooking shows on YouTube and Facebook Live on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. starting on July 14 and learn directly how to cook from famous local chefs.

In the show, chefs will also talk about the background of the dish and unique flavors they are showcasing to help the community not just learn to cook, but also understand aspects of culture that play into the food. To cook along, community members can buy the ingredients from a recipe that will be available before the live cooking show date. However, given the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, Eden Eats is also proud to offer pre-packaged ingredient kits that will be prepared in sterile conditions to ensure everyone in the community can participate safely. Not only is it safer, due to bulk quantities, buying ingredient kits will be cheaper as well and this option also allows the community to help local restaurants survive this pandemic.

“Eden Eatsis an amazing community bonding event,” say lead organizers Oliver Zhang, Ashley Strasburg, Hilary Bass, and Jasmin Castaneda. “Not only does everyone have the chance to cook beautiful meals, they get to have fun as well, interact with famous local chefs, and learn about the cultural importance of food and how it connects people together—all while supporting local businesses.”

The pandemic has hit all communities hard, but Eden Eats is “an important step in the safe recovery process” and helps address growing boredom among families during this difficult time. Eden Eats also aims to strengthen community bonds. “Food is the ultimate connector across all races, cultures, and religions,” explains Oliver Zhang. “By celebrating black-and other minority-owned businesses, Eden Eats uniquely shares the beautiful diversity of the community and hopes to foster a more inclusive environment by bringing people of all backgrounds together.”

This mission is why the CV/EA Chamber of Commerce and ACDSAL plan to host a series of other exciting events, such as “Cooking with a Cop,” in conjunction with Eden Eats.

To learn more about Eden Eats, please check out our website at tinyurl.com/ExploreEdenEats or contact Oliver from the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce at oliver@castrovalleychamber.com.

Eden Eats
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Starting July 14
Livestream available via Facebook or Youtube
tinyurl.com/ExploreEdenEats

Flavorful Weeds
By Daniel O'Donnell

A New Zealand agricultural export company renamed the Chinese gooseberry fruit as “Kiwifruit” on June 15, 1959. Gooseberries were not popular in the US and although the small fuzzy brown fruit from New Zealand was not an actual gooseberry, people in the States were still not interested in it. When the fruit was renamed after New Zealand’s national bird, Kiwi, sales took off and have continued to do so. Many other foods have been renamed to make them sound more appealing and many more will be renamed in the future. Some potential name changes could include edible weeds growing in your garden.

People have many ideas of what a weed is. A popular definition of a weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted. However, for a plant to be scientifically classified as a weed, it must possess some of the following characteristics. Weeds tend to produce many seeds, sometimes tens of thousands. The seeds also have a variety of mechanisms to help them spread easily and can have a long dormancy period, some more than thirty years. Finally, they establish themselves quickly and can grow in inhospitable places. Weeds can quickly challenge native plants in the wild and out compete crop plants on farms and home gardens because of these traits.

Most of us would agree that weeds should be removed from anywhere that they will adversely affect more desired plants. What many of us do not know is that some weeds being pulled are edible and can be quite nutritious and tasty. Instead of spraying potentially dangerous chemicals, pulling some of the weeds by hand and giving them a try in the kitchen might have multiple health benefits.

Below are five weeds commonly found in the garden but rarely eaten. It is important to note that these and many other edible weeds are extremely easy to find in various public, commercial, and private landscapes throughout the Tri-City area. They should only be consumed if it is 100 percent certain that the weeds were not sprayed with chemicals or urinated on by dogs.

Arguably, the yellow Dandelion flower is the first image that comes to mind when someone thinks of a weed. The flower is rarely thought of as something sweet to eat but it can be eaten raw, breaded, or fried, or used to flavor vinegar or syrup. The leaves can be added to salads raw or steamed for casserole dishes. The tap root can be used in recipes that call for root vegetables.

Although the weed called Plantain, commonly seen in Bay Area lawns, is not related to the tropical banana-like plantain fruit, it can still add a little exoticism to a meal. The older leaves can be tough and taste bitter. However, the young leaves can be eaten raw, steamed, sautéed, or boiled similarly to spinach leaves. The flavor can be intense, but tossing the prepared leaves in a little apple cider vinegar can tone it down.

There are often plant identification questions on social media platform Nextdoor. When anyone asks about Purslane, comments flood in. It is viewed as a vegetable not a weed in the Middle East. Many people blanch the succulent leaves and add them to traditional Chinese recipes or Indian dals. The leaves can also be sautéed with olive oil and different spices and added to salads.

Curly Dock is an invasive weed that is prevalent in open areas of the Bay Area and quite common in local gardens. The floppy dark green leaves are edible but can be a little tart even after cooked. The plethora of mature seeds, however, can be ground into flour or roasted and used as coffee substitute. The seeds have a similar taste to their distant Buckwheat relative.

There are many other edible weeds that are easier to harvest and prepare than the different varieties of thorny Thistles. However, a large part of the enjoyment of eating weeds can be simple curiosity, so giving Thistle a try may be well worth it. The roots are flavorful. The hollow stems can be stuffed and roasted or cut into pieces and braised. Thistle flowers are related to the Globe Artichoke and can be harvested the same way artichokes hearts are, but in the case of a Thistle flower bud, the delicious artichoke-like heart is only about a half inch in diameter.

Mandarin orange sales went through the roof when they were rebranded as “cuties,” the same way sales of Chinese Gooseberries did when they were renamed as Kiwifruits. Edible weeds may not be renamed anytime soon. However, just like the Chinese Gooseberry and the Mandarin orange before they were rebranded, edible weeds can be delicious too even without a clever name.

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

Editorial
The Great Equalizer

At the heart of a cascade of civic concerns during this election year – viral pandemic, racial inequality, climate change, pollution, traffic, law enforcement, joblessness, privacy, free speech – lies the challenge to our leaders and their constituents of reasonable assessment of these problems combined with clear and concise dialogue that can find solutions. Educated and rational discourse is essential if we, as a community, region, nation and planet, are able to overcome such existential threats.

Education is the great equalizer, a key component of our lifeline to sanity, prosperity and, ultimately, survival. Currently, amid concern for the safety of students, faculty and support personnel, schools are faced with a monumental dilemma… how to continue and expand the scope and quality of education for students of all ages and economic status. Since colonial days, public education has been recognized as a cornerstone of a free society. Although not equitably applied to all children and challenged by religious and political advocates, public education has progressed from rudimentary, one-room consolidated instruction for select children to universal, compulsory, age-related curricula. Even today, however, public education struggles to provide standardized instruction and adequate funding. Now, a new and powerful enemy, COVID-19, has emerged to join other less obvious impediments to a free, independent and impartial educational system.

The political ramifications of education are profound and well understood by those in power. Historical reference and context, admission to economic and societal strata often depend on the quality and extent of education. Exposure to a variety of ideas and concepts forms the basis of independent thought and action. Societal norms can be challenged and subject to intense inspection by those offered an opportunity to use critical thinking while observing the world around them. Free and public education transcends social status and provides portable, functional and practical tools for the general population.

The hallmark of a democratic form of government is the ability of its population to exert influence and control over those elected to positions of power. When the flow of information and education is restricted, so too will government gravitate toward aristocracy and autocracy. The current crisis of public education is the result of not only a viral pandemic, but a challenge to the idea that meaningful participation in government requires an educated electorate.

One of the most influential figures in education, John Dewey (1859–1952), believed that through education, not only could students become knowledgeable, but also learn life lessons to encourage social change and reform. In the midst of a health crisis, it may not be possible to use prior educational models, but it is important to continue our commitment to public education. Progress from restrictive and elitist opportunities through reforms of desegregation, funding, gender inequality and the digital revolution are steps in the right direction but, so far, incomplete. While many schools may be forced to rely on distance learning for the immediate future, the will to fund them and the professionals we entrust with educating succeeding generations should be of the highest priority.

As we approach a new school year, our schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions deserve and should be reassured that their communities and constituents are united in support of a quality curricular education and all related extracurricular aspects of character development. Our nation depends on it.
City to provide emergency services at former Fire Station 30
Submitted by City of Union City

On July 3, the City of Union City and Falck Alameda County entered into a three-year lease agreement for a site at 35000 Eastin Court. Falck Alameda County is the County's emergency medical response and primary 911 transport service provider. The city-owned site being leased to Falck Alameda County is formerly the site of Fire Station 30 operated by the Alameda County Fire Department.

Falck Alameda County will use the station for ambulance operations, as well as a community center that emphasizes safety, health, education, and wellness for Union City residents. Community program opportunities will include education about stroke awareness; CPR and first aid training; Safe Kids classes; blood pressure screenings; and the Senior Injury Prevention Program.

Falck will also use this location to house the new mental health Community Assessment and Transport Team (CATT), which serves as a behavioral health crisis response team. Falck will begin a phased implementation of its programs and services, starting immediately by opening the site for ambulance units to use.

Firefighting support amid COVID-19 pandemic
Submitted by Governor’s Press Office

On July 9, Governor Gavin Newsom visited McClellan Air Force Base to highlight the state’s wildfire mitigation capabilities and discuss new efforts to protect emergency personnel and evacuees from COVID-19 during wildfires. Newsom also announced the state would hire 858 more firefighters and six California Conservation Corps (CCC) crews through October because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor was joined at McClellan by CAL FIRE Chief Thom Porter and CAL OES Director Mark Ghilarducci.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CAL FIRE has adjusted firefighting operations to mitigate the spread of the virus within its own crews by holding virtual briefings and keeping non-essential base camp staff off site. CDSS and CAL OES have updated mass care and sheltering protocols to include health screenings, dedicated cleaning staff and medical professionals on site.

“Wildfire season this year carries an extra layer of danger as the state responds to the spread of fires and the ongoing heath pandemic,” said Porter. “It is of the utmost importance that we keep our crews healthy so they can continue their work and that we adjust evacuation and shelter plans to protect communities from the spread of COVID-19.”

All new sheltering protocols require:
• Health screening on entry
• Dedicated cleaning staff at all sites
• Pre-packaged meals
• Medical and mental health professionals on-site

In the event of an evacuation, the state is prepared to secure hotel rooms, college dormitories, Airbnb, fairgrounds, and campgrounds to allow individuals to shelter in non-congregate settings.

Free Mask Distribution
Submitted by Assemblymember Chu's Office

Assemblymember Kansen Chu is hosting a free mask distribution event on Friday, July 17 outside his District Office. Stop by and get 10 free masks per household. Masks will be given on first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the parking lot to pick up your masks, please stay in your car and volunteers will hand masks to you while maintaining physical distance.

Free Mask Pick Up
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Jul 17
Assemblymember Chu's District Office
Parking Lot
1313 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas
Fremont City Council
July 7, 2020

Consent Calendar:
• Award construction contract for Dusterberry Neighborhood Park building demolition in the amount of $643,150 to Resource Environmental, Inc. plus a 20% contingency.
• Approve final map and agreements for construction of public and private improvements for 241 and 243 Morrison Canyon Road.
• Approve final map and agreements for construction of private improvements for 39009 Cindy Street.
• Award contract to A&E Emaar Company in the amount of $296,379 for Maintenance Center Materials Storage Building expansion.
• Approve amendments to professional services agreements with PES Environmental and A3GEO for environmental and geotechnical services for Downtown Event Center and Plaza Project.
• Award contract for Maintenance Building Services in the amount of $272,500 for roof replacement and fall project.
• Award contract to GradeTech, Inc. in the amount of $719,872,50 to implement safety improvements in advance of establishing a Quiet Zone at Nursery Avenue at-grade crossing.
• Public Hearing to vacate street right-of-way, emergency vehicle access and public utility easements at 49000-49090 Milmont Drive.

Ceremonial Items:
• Proclaim July 2020 as Parks and Recreation Month. Suzanne Wolf, Director of Community Services, accepted the proclamation.

Public Communications:
• Consideration of police funding in next budget review.
• Parks and exercise are essential activities.
• Allow more time for public comments.
• Lease extension between City and Park District not automatic.
• Rancho Arroyo Parkway restriping.
• Systematic downgrade of Mission Peak entrance.
• Police Department funding.

Scheduled Items:
• Public Hearing to consider an appeal of Planning Commission denial of a Planned Unit Development at 3057 Decoto Road (Decoto Lux Homes) to allow demolition of an existing single-family residence and development of four single-family residences on a 0.60-acre parcel.
PASSED 4-3 (Nay: Mei, Shao, Keng)

Mayor Lily Mei Aye, 1 Nay
Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan (District 3) Aye
Vinnie Bacon Aye
Raj Salwan Aye
Teresa Keng (District 1) Aye, 1 Nay
Rick Jones (District 2) Aye
Yang Shao (District 4) Aye, 1 Nay

Letter to the Editor
Gail Steele: Voice of Compassion

The late Alameda County Supervisor Gail Steele was a great advocate for both children and animals. Ginny DeMartini, aide to Supervisor Richard Valle, writes that Steele “always took in tons of stray animals to care for. Her yard was full of cats, pigeons, rabbits, and turtles. I think I recall a chicken or two.”

In 1993, Steele voted to outlaw the charreada's brutal “horse tripping” and “steer tailing” events, making Alameda County the first in the nation to do so.

Though in frail health, Steele testified at a 2018 Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D) board meeting in favor of dropping the cruel “wild cow milking contest” and the children's “mutton busting” event from the rodeo program, dangerous for all concerned. Sadly, H.A.R.D board did not share her concerns.

Here is a modest proposal: Rodeo has had its day. H.A.R.D should convert the Castro Valley rodeo grounds into a kinder, more life-affirming use. “The Gail Steele Farm Animal Sanctuary & Education Center for Bay Area Children” has a nice ring to it. I think Gail would approve.

Eric Mills
Action for Animals
Oakland

Pharmacy Manager Sanjay Patel elected Special Interest Group Chair
Submitted by Jasmine Basrai

On Thursday, June 18 Haller’s Pharmacy Manager/Pharmacist in Charge Sanjay Patel was elected by fellow pharmacists in the state of California as Special Interest Group Chair for the California Pharmacy Association. This position is vital to the future of community pharmacies in California; they discuss, develop, and implement policy that will positively affect our community.

Patel has been a community pharmacist in the San Francisco area since 1994. He has held various management positions in area Pharmacies and is currently Pharmacy Manager at Haller’s Pharmacy in Fremont California. Patel enjoys helping patients understand and navigate their medications. He also helps patients with immunizations for travel, pain medication management, and navigating Medicare part D insurance plans.

Patel’s goal for this position will be to improve working conditions for pharmacists across all of California, promoting more support staff and technology to free up time for patient care. This will in turn improve patient outcomes. In light of Covid-19, he will work to ensure that employees are healthy and safe and not putting the patients in harm’s way. This in particular is something the big chain pharmacies need to work on and be held accountable for.

Haller’s Pharmacy is a community pharmacy located in the heart of Fremont California since 1957 that offers services such as Prescriptions Dispensing, Free Delivery, Immunizations, Compounding, Elder Care, Medical Supplies and Birth Control Prescribing.

Haller’s Pharmacy
37323 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 797-2772

Front Page

Saturday street closures resume to expand outdoor dining
Submitted by City of Hayward

Through the rest of July and August, City of Hayward will continue its program of closing B and Main streets on Saturday afternoons and evenings to expand space for outdoor dining and encourage shopping downtown.

The event, which resumed July 11, includes B Street from Foothill to Watkins Street and Main Street from A to C streets. The streets will be closed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Vehicles will be cleared from the enclosure area starting at 2 p.m.

The street closures will allow restaurants to pull tables out onto sidewalks and street areas in front of their businesses, providing expanded areas intended to help restaurants meet county and state distancing and other safety protocols, including the wearing of masks or other face coverings.

The event is being carried out as a pilot program in cooperation with downtown businesses and business associations and could be continued beyond August depending on attendance and the experiences of downtown restaurants and retail shops and stores.

Protect youth from harmful tobacco and nicotine products
Submitted by City of Hayward

On July 7, Hayward City Council gave preliminary approval to legislation to end the sale of menthol cigarettes, other flavored tobacco products, and associated vaping and electronic smoking paraphernalia and devices in the city. A second and potentially final vote on the legislation amending Hayward’s Tobacco Retail Sales Establishments Ordinance is scheduled July 14.

If given final approval, the updated ordinance also would ban tobacco sales at pharmacies and any retail store where prescription pharmaceuticals also are sold. Additionally, it sets new minimum packaging and pricing for tobacco products, which along with other provisions are intended to promote public health and protect the city’s youth from harmful tobacco and nicotine products and tobacco industry marketing tactics.

The amended ordinance also establishes a monitoring program to encourage responsible tobacco retailing and hold businesses accountable for selling and distributing harmful and addictive tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under age 21. Under the new ordinance, tobacco retail establishments would be given a six-month grace period to remove all prohibited products from their inventories.

Honor Roll

University of Delaware
Spring 2020 Dean’s List
• Giao Tien Pham of Milpitas

University of Nebraska
Spring 2020 Dean’s List
• Alberto Alaniz of Fremont

Westminster College, Pennsylvania
Spring 2020 graduate
• Gier Chen of Castro Valley

McDaniel College, Maryland
Spring 2020 Dean’s List
• Marlowe Embry of Milpitas

University of Alabama
Spring 2020 President’s List
• Abigayle Kneebone of Fremont
• Fiza Yousuf of Fremont

Emerson College, Massachusetts
Spring 2020 graduates
• Timothy Sanders of Fremont
• Taylor Wade of Castro Valley
IAD071420

CONTINUING VIRTUAL EVENTS:

Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: info@chambersingers.org

Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic

Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Meetings
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: brian@newarkpress.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org

Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Meetings
11:00 a.m.
Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: office@newarkpres.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org

Saturdays
Virtual Town Hall
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
With Supervisor Dave Cortese
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/davecortesegov

UPCOMING

Wednesday, July 15
South Bay Connect Live Chat
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Discuss changes in Capitol Corridor passenger rail service
https://southbayconnect.com/

Wednesday, July 15
South Bay Connect Town Hall
6 p.m.
Discuss proposed changes in Capitol Corridor passenger rail service
(833) 380-0651

Thursday, July 16
“Are You Ready For Amazon?”
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by Alameda County Small Business Development center and Bobby Chang, Norcal SBDC Amazon expert: learn if your business is ready to begin selling on Amazon.
Register at: https://www.acsbdc.org/events/are-you-ready-amazon
http://www.hayward.org/

Friday, July 17
Free Mask Distribution
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
10 free masks per household
Parking Lot – Assemblymember Chu’s District Office
1313 N. Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas
(408) 262-2501

Friday, July 17
Cooking with Chef David R
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Chicken Enchiladas with Green Salsa Verde
Via Zoom
Contact Nick Jordan to register: njordan@fremont.gov or (510) 790-6602

Tuesday, July 21
“Workplace Reimagined”
10 a.m.
By the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, with SERA Architects Craig Rice and Carissa Mylin, exploring the built environment and employee safety during a pandemic.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_laIitnQ_RsGixpcvyiXe4Q
http://www.hayward.org/

Saturday, July 25
Encore Drive-In Nights $
After sunset
Movie concert of Blake Shelton, with special guests Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins
Register at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/encore-blakeshelton
Alameda County Fairgrounds
4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton
www.alamedacountyfair.com

Tuesday, July 28
Trauma and Resiliency R
3 p.m.
Join Bay Area leaders and Bay Area Community Health to discuss the many challenges of opioid addiction
Register at: https://sforce.co/3gGB6RO
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/

Wednesday, July 29,
“USPS Click N Ship Priority Mail and Express Mail Loyalty Program”
11 a.m.
Offered by US Post Office Bay Area Unit
Register on Eventbrite by searching the event title at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
http://www.hayward.org/

Friday, July 31
Funny Feud R$
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friends of Chabot College Foundation present interactive comedy relief
Register at: https://fcccomedy.eventbrite.com
https://www.supportchabotcollege.org/events.php

Jammer Strong
Submitted by Daniel Cardenas

On Saturday, July 25, the Robin Hood Project will take over O’Sullivan’s Sports Bar to raise awareness and funds for an incredible little boy “Jammer.”

Jameson “Jammer” Everson is 3 years old and was diagnosed with a rare type of brain cancer (leptomeningeal glioneuronal). He has over 100 tumors on his spine and brain and weighs 27 lbs. He’s in the early phases of 10 months of chemotherapy and testing. This special event will raise awareness and funds to help his family as they go through these difficult times.

Cancer will not FORFEIT. Cancer DOESN'T play by the RULES. Cancer must be BEATEN Join us NOW in the fight #JammersSmashCancer

For more information call Dan Cardenas at (510) 673-0010 or Sean Wells at (510) 318-0374

Saturday July 25
O’Sullivan’s Sports Bar
5660 Thornton Ave., Newark
All day
*Menu created by Jammer*
(510) 673-0010

League of Women Voters announces voter information book 2020
Submitted by Syeda Inamdar

The League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City, a nonpartisan civic organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, announced that it is planning the ninth edition of the Voter Information Book (VIB) for the upcoming 2020 elections. The League is extending an open invitation to all candidates running for an elected position in Fremont, Newark and Union City in the November 3rd election to participate. If there are local ballot measures, opponents and proponents may choose to be part of the VIB.

Considering the current inability to have face to face contact with constituents, VIB 2020 will be an important way for candidates to inform voters.

Many candidates cannot afford the thousands of dollars required for direct mailers to get their message to the voters. The VIB has been a highly successful program in previous elections where candidates for local office have leveraged a cost-effective method for getting their message to voters. A VIB will be delivered by the post office to each household with a registered voter.

Each candidate may design and submit two pages of information combining text and graphic elements. The collected pages will be assembled into a book according to the order in which the office appears on the ballot. All participating candidates share the cost of the book with the cost decreasing per candidate as more participate. The cost per household contact should be much less when compared to mailing an individual piece.

The Project Chair said, “It is expensive to run a campaign. We are attempting to level the playing field so that qualified candidates who are considering running for office will have a more affordable means of getting their message across to the voting public.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for each candidate to present their qualifications, values, goals and priorities to the voters in this one-stop information guide,” said a previous election participant.

When filing closes August 07, 2020, all candidates who have provided contact information will be notified of this year’s opportunity and requirements. Those candidates who are interested in participating should visit LWVFNUC.ORG to find more information, view a copy of VIB 2018 and register to participate. The book requires a minimum number of candidates to participate in order to make it cost-efficient.

Voters will get the information needed to make educated and informed voting decisions while candidates get their message across to the voting public at great value by participation in the League of Women Voters “VIB 2020.”

California Lions District 4-c3 elects new Governors
Submitted by James Varghese

Recently California Lions District 4-c3 elected three new officers: Lion Bill Ridle (District Governor), James Varghese (1st Vice District Governor) and Lion Linda Barbara (2nd Vice District Governor).

Besides governors, Lion Mac Coates, Lion Govind Shahi, Lions Koshy John, Lion Tony Hong, Lion Dan Rinaldi and Lion Lilyan Sequeira were elected as Zone Chairs.

California has total of 15 Lions Club districts. District 4-c3 consists of Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the Bay Area and even during the corona pandemic, Lions are working in many ways to support their community.

Every year Lions Clubs International holds a convention where Club members from over 200 countries participate, and new district governors are installed. Due to this unprecedented time, this year the convention in Singapore was cancelled, and Governor installations were done virtually. District 4-c3 Officer installations will be done at the location of Matteos dream playground in Concord, California.

Lions Clubs International, the largest service organization in the world with almost 5 million members in 220 countries and 47,000 clubs, welcomes all men and women who wish to serve their communities to join them.

More information about District 4-c3 is available at https://www.e-district.org/sites/4c3/.

Longtime officer says farewell to Milpitas
Submitted by Milpitas PD

After nearly 28 years serving the community, Milpitas Police Officer Mark Doyle recently retired, taking with him badge number 191. At a ceremony on July 2, Milpitas Police Department Chief Armando Copuz presented Doyle with a Chief’s Commendation and thanks for his work with the department and the Milpitas community.

Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Milpitas PD

Saturday, July 4
• At 1:05 p.m. officers responded to a burglary report at the Executive Inn on Dempsey Road. Officers quickly spotted a man matching a description provided by the hotel clerk. The man was riding away from the hotel on a bicycle. The man, later identified by police as Danny Gutierrez, 38, was in possession of stolen property from a hotel room. He was arrested without incident and booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of burglary, vandalism, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation.

• At 1:17 p.m. officers responded to a residential burglary call from the 100 block of Sudbury Court. The caller told dispatchers he confronted a burglary suspect inside his garage and that the suspect took a bicycle and rode away. Officers checked the area and located a suspect, later identified by police as Candice Harris, 40, a transient from San Jose. A record check showed Harris is a current sex registrant and on probation. Harris was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation and booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail.

Police release video of stabbing incident
Submitted by Sgt. Jason Speckenheuer, Milpitas PD

As part of their investigation into a June 21 fatal stabbing that occurred at an apartment on the 130 block of North Temple Drive, the Milpitas Police Department has released portions of a video to the public that they hope will help solve the case.

The incident started when an officer called to the scene spotted a man armed with a large kitchen knife outside an apartment. The man did not respond to the officer’s commands to drop the knife and started to walk away. When a second officer arrived, the man turned back and ran toward the first officer shouting, “Kill me!”

The man was hit with a Taser by the second officer but did not stop, prompting the first officer to use his service weapon to stop the man. They rendered medical aid until an ambulance arrived and took the 19-year-old man to a hospital where he died. The 34-year-old victim of the stabbing inside the apartment was identified by police as the younger man’s step-father.

The 12-minute video, released July 9, includes body-worn camera footage from the first officer on scene, Officer Nathan Brasil, and the second officer on scene, Officer Mohammed Ali. The footage captures their conversation with the 19-year-old man and his statements. Portions of the video have been redacted, as noted in the video itself, and the purpose of the video is to provide more detailed information about the incident.

The video contains graphic images and audio that is not suitable for all viewers, and it contains foul language. It is posted online at www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/milpitasstabbinginvestigation and on YouTube at www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/YTmilpitasstabbinginvestigation.

An investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department Website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip.

Letter to the Editor
Fate of Mission Peak hangs in the balance

Mission Peak opened in 1978, and East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has invested considerable resources to develop the regional park. The main trail entrance (Stanford Avenue) was closed in April 2020 for a month and a half. The city cited coronavirus concerns, though other city parks remained open. The 25-year lease for EBRPD to operate the park expired on July 7 and the city has reassured the public about the fate of the park:

“…as the city [of Fremont] continues to work collaboratively on a new lease agreement with EBRPD, please know that the lease agreement is not included in the council update. The city continues to collaborate with EBRPD to renew the lease…The city anticipates a month to month lease with EBRPD until a new long-term lease can be finalized…we continue to work collaboratively to ensure this regional amenity is open and available…”

The assurances are nice, but funding is essential to keep the park open and available. The city has not allocated any funding to staff and operate the park. Barring a last-minute agreement, a funding allocation, or a staff decision to keep the park open, the park’s fate remains up in the air.

Mission Peak Regional Preserve is not an amenity but an essential public resource. When the city acquired the 900 acres, it committed to operate a park there. The public expects the city and EBRPD to work together to protect access, recreation, and open space. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this park even more essential for our community.

wm. yragui
Mission Peak Conservancy
Fremont

Hit and run suspect faces murder charges
Submitted by Lt. Isaac Benabou, San Leandro PD

A 38-year-old San Leandro man has been charged with first degree murder in connection with a June 28 vehicular hit and run incident that left a San Lorenzo man dead.

The incident happened at around 7:40 p.m. when police responded to calls about a bicyclist riding southbound on the shoulder of Hesperian Boulevard being hit by a speeding car. Arriving patrol officers found a man, later identified as Mark Moore, 52, unresponsive on the street with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Eden Hospital in Castro Valley where he died two days later.

An investigation by the San Leandro Police Department Traffic Division eventually led to a suspect, identified by police as Ric Acosta as the motorist who struck Moore while driving an older model Lexus Sedan. He was arrested on July 2.

On July 7, the case was presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Acosta was charged with first degree murder and felony hit and run. He is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

New school district leader coming aboard
Article and photo submitted by Brian Killgore

Longtime educator and administrator Christopher “CJ” Cammack has been named new superintendent of the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD). He will take helm of the 35,000 student school district on August 1.

The FUSD Board of Education announced Cammack’s selection on Thursday, July 8. He is currently Superintendent of the Martinez Unified School District, where he worked for the past four years.

“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of the Fremont Unified School District,” Cammack told FUSD Board of Education members at their July 8 meeting. “Fremont has an excellent reputation for high achievement, inclusion, student and parent engagement, and a very involved and supportive community. These characteristics are also reflective of talented and dedicated staff across the district, strong leadership, and established relationships between our schools and the community. I look forward to joining the FUSD family as soon as possible and learning even more about how I can best serve our staff, our students, and the entire Fremont community.”

Cammack began his career as an elementary teacher in the Mount Diablo Unified School District in Contra Costa County while also coaching baseball at Head Royce School in Oakland. He later moved into administration with the Martinez Unified School District where he served as a middle school vice principal and elementary school principal, before being promoted to district office administration.

At the district office level, Cammack served as a Director of Student Services/Special Education before being promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. Prior to serving as Superintendent at Martinez Unified, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

Nomination period opens for November 3 presidential general election
Submitted by ROV Media

The nomination period in Santa Clara County opens on July 13 at 8 a.m. for offices participating in the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election, and can be extended to Wednesday, August 12, for contests in which an eligible incumbent officeholder does not file.

In preparation for candidates filing under the COVID-19 and stay at home order issued by the Governor, the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters’ office is electing to provide candidates with online support and options for issuing and filing nomination documents during the nomination period. The purpose of the following options is to ensure candidates and county elections officials have a healthy and safe environment during the candidate nomination period.

• Options for Issuing Documents: appointment in-person; appointment online via video conference and secured OneDrive folder; by USPS mail; or, walk-in
• Options for Filing Documents: appointment in-person or walk-in; USPS mail; overnight delivery; or, other delivery service – Authorization Form to Obtain/File Nomination Documents must be submitted before anyone other than the candidate can be issued or file papers. The form can be found online at www.sccvote.org/candidatesandmeasuresinformation
• If Choosing Issuance of Electronic Nomination Documents: submit a “Request to Receive Nomination Documents” found online at www.sccvote.org/candidatesandmeasuresinformation, and set a video conferencing appointment or in-person appointment with an Election Specialist and discuss your options
• If Choosing to File In-person: walk-ins will be welcomed; however, wait times may occur/vary and physical distancing requirements will be implemented – the ROV is strongly encouraging candidates to use the electronic filing options
• Eligibility to run for office must be completed before issuance of nomination documents by an Election Specialist
• Refer to the Candidate Guidelines for Issuing and Submitting Nomination Paperwork located online atwww.sccvote.org/candidatesandmeasuresinformation.

A 2020 Presidential General Election Candidate Guide is available to assist those running for office, with valuable information pertaining to qualifications for office, terms of office, procedures, fees, forms, and deadline dates. The Candidate Guide is available at no cost and may be picked up from the Registrar of Voters’ Office or downloaded from the Registrar of Voters’ website, www.sccvote.org/candidatesandmeasuresinformation, under the Candidates & Measures tab.

For more information, contact the Registrar of Voters’ Office at (408) 299-VOTE (8683) or toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683), or visit www.sccvote.org.

Earwig Escapades
By Pat Kite

Another earwig has meandered out of my clipped rose. I am a dedicated nature lover (except for flies and snails) but have no enthusiasm for kitchen counter earwigs. In case you don’t know what earwigs are — they are small, slim, dark insects with two antennae and what look like two yukky pincers or pinchers sticking out from the underside. I usually try to pick a stray earwig up and discard outside, but mostly they evade me. I end up squishing. For a nanosecond, I feel guilty. Then I do not.

Earwigs got their nickname from the old folk belief that they would crawl into peoples’ ears, and meander into the brain. The earwig name probably evolved when peasant folk slept on beds of straw placed on the ground. Straw is a comfort zone to an earwig, and an ear might be further naptime. While wandering households, they also entered the thick seldom-cleaned wigs that fine folk wore at the time. But they never get further into the skull, too thick.

Earwigs do like shady places. The one that often wanders in from your garden is the European earwig, Forficula auricularia. Outdoors, it is a nighttime scavenger, feeding on decaying fruit, seedlings, and assorted veggies. Look for earwig hiding places in crevices and dirt piles, etc. There are about 1,800 species, found everyplace except Antarctica. So far, the largest earwig found is from Australia and is about 2 inches long. North America has about 25 species or types.

It is possible staring at earwigs elicits a “yuk.” But before you sneer, they tend to be rather good parents. After what passes for earwig romance, the male and female live together in a crevice or something similar. Eventually, after egg fertilization, the males are told to scoot. The female then deposits up to 30 white eggs. The female protects these eggs, cleaning them constantly to ward off fungus and constantly chasing away predators. After seven days, the young, or nymphs, emerge. They hide under the mother and she continues to feed them with regurgitated food. She also continues to protect them.

The male forceps, or pincers, become curved. The female forceps become straight. (In case you really want to look closely.) Eventually, the young leave. Earwigs use their forceps to defend themselves and to hold onto prey. Prey includes aphids, mites, fleas, and flies. Predators include birds, lizards, spiders, etc. Do the forceps pinch? Possibly. But apparently it just feels like a nip. On a positive side, they are good scavengers, helping you keep your garden clean. But cute, they are not.

Pop goes the patio!
by David R. Newman

The City of Fremont launched a new pilot program on June 15 that will hopefully provide much-needed economic relief for local businesses. Dubbed the “Pop Up Patio Program,” the program aims to provide a streamlined permitting process to grant temporary access to adjacent public or private spaces, enabling restaurants to create more outdoor space where social distancing guidelines can be upheld and more customers can be safely served.

The program launch was timed to coincide with revised guidelines from the Alameda County Public Health Department for the re-opening of restaurants with outdoor dining beginning June 19. Alameda County currently has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area and is one of the last Bay Area counties to ease restrictions on outdoor dining. There is no indication when indoor dining will resume.

Said Mayor Lili Mei, “Through the early creation of a streamlined permitting process, we are excited to see how the new pilot program will positively impact our community as a whole and further support our resilient small businesses.”

The program comes at a critical time when residents are eager to get out again after sheltering in place for more than three months. While online sales and curbside pickup have helped eateries stay afloat, for many restaurants it’s all about the experience of dining together as a community.

Case in point is Joe’s Corner in Niles, an iconic local watering hole built in 1925. Owners Amit and Neelam Chakrabarty bought the place in 2017 and have fallen in love with the community. Says Neelam, “We had heard all the stories about the place, how it used to attract a rough crowd, with a speakeasy in the basement during Prohibition. Now it’s more family friendly. We have specialty craft beers. People come to hang out with their pets and chat with their neighbors.”

Since COVID-19, sales at Joe’s Corner have dropped over 60%. Like many, they have had to adapt, adding online ordering and signing up with delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash. Says Neelam, “When COVID came along we lost that experiential part, which is really the essence of our restaurant. Many customers told us they missed being here. So, it was very important for us to open up again.”

When the Pop Up Patio Program was announced, the Chakrabartys were one of the first to apply. The entire process, from turning in the application, to obtaining their permit, to scheduling a building inspection, and then opening, took about a week. Says Neelam, “I was very impressed. We were struggling a little with the paperwork but then five city members from different departments jumped on a Zoom call with us to answer any questions and walk us through the process. It’s been a nice, positive experience.”

Says Christina Briggs, Deputy City Manager, “We’re quoting a 48-hour turnaround on all applications and we’re waiving all fees. As of last week, we’ve had 40 businesses apply.” Not bad for a process that can normally take two weeks or more. Says Briggs, “There are a variety of city disciplines that need to look at something like this. There’s the Planning Division, the Public Works Department, Engineering, Building & Safety, and our Economic Development team. It’s a comprehensive review based on our city-wide commitment to making the program successful.”

The Pop Up Patio Program is focused on turning existing public and private spaces into usable areas for businesses. This includes sidewalks, parking spaces, and plazas. In the case of Joe’s Corner, they can now offer outdoor dining on the sidewalk while adhering to state and county health regulations, including erecting barriers, wearing face masks, maintaining 6 feet of distance between tables, offering disposable menus, and using a touchless payment system.

For the Chakrabartys, newbies to the restaurant world, it’s a godsend. Says Neelam, “We opened up [Friday, June 26] and that weekend we were just swarmed. It was lovely! Our patrons consider Joe’s Corner to be part of their family, so it was good to see them again.”

Indeed, community support for the historic venue has been overwhelming, with many customers offering to help with cleaning and delivery. Others have donated money. Says Neelam, “It’s all been very humbling. When we first bought the business two and a half years ago, many residents were resistant to change, but we’ve since gained their confidence, support, and love. Now they would do anything to support us.”

Currently the pilot program is slated to run until the end of October. If successful, the city anticipates incorporating the proposed zoning amendments into a more permanent solution. And while places like Joe’s Corner still cannot host live events like they used to, the Pop Up Patio Program is giving them hope that someday soon things will go back to how they used to be, where neighbors can gather and tell stories over a pint of beer. Says Briggs, “Everyone understands that we are in a moment in time where we must rise to the challenge. It’s our job, and our obligation.”

For More Information, visit:
https://www.fremont.gov/PopUpPatio
https://www.fremont.gov/3649/Requirements-and-Application-Process

Citizens gather to protest Prop 16
By Stephanie Gertsch

On Saturday, July 11, 700-800 people from Californians for Legal Rights and the Silicon Valley Chinese Association gathered in front of Fremont City Hall to raise awareness about Proposition 16, an item for the November 3 ballot. Speakers included Yang Shao, Fremont Councilmember;
Gaurangbhai Desai, Representative of Fremont Indian community; Ritesh Tandon, CD17 Candidate; Jeff Wang NHUSD school board member; Chandrshekhar Wagh, Active member of Indian Community; Justin Wong, Student Representative; Bob Burton, CA assembly candidate.

Prop 16 removes a sentence from the State Constitution, which was added in 1996 as part of Proposition 209. Namely, “The state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.” Proposition 209 was a ban on affirmative action, and Proposition 16 would “Allow schools and public agencies to take race and other immutable characteristics into account when making admission, hiring or contracting decisions” according to Cal Matters. (A full explanation is available at https://calmatters.org/explainers/california-november-2020-ballot-propositions-final-list/.)

An organizer, who wishes to be identified as Selena, stated, “A lot of people actually don’t know, What is proposition 16? What does it mean? Why is it on our ballot? We want to bring people out, regardless of what your points are, whether to support or to oppose it. We want to make sure our community knows this is going to be on the ballot – this is going to impact your life, your job, the schools.”

Citizens are concerned that although Prop 16 is intended to benefit minorities, if it is not worded carefully, it could allow for discrimination against members of supposedly “privileged” racial groups, such as Asian and South Asian-Americans. The stereotype of “rich Asians” does not reflect the lived experience of many Californians.

“The cover seems to be very pretty,” explained Selena. “It says to ‘level the playing field,’ to provide an opportunity for the under-represented…But when you look [inside] it’s empty. How are you going to do it? How is it going to be fair? Who’s going to be the beneficiary?” She called for more information and transparency from local politicians so that the community can be informed on the proposition. She also urged voters to do their research before casting their ballots in November.

After the gathering, participants returned to their cars, which had been decorated with handmade signs, for a car rally that drove down Paseo Padre Parkway to Blacow Road and up Fremont Boulevard back to Mowry Avenue.

This is the second of a series of car rallies scheduled in different California cities until November 3. For more information, visit https://stopprop16.org/.

Red Cross needs local volunteers
Submitted by Cynthia Shaw

Experts say we are in for a busy wildfire season this summer, and the American Red Cross needs volunteers to help in our community.

“The coronavirus pandemic will make it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country should an emergency occur. Considering this, the Red Cross is asking you to be ready to help your community,” said Jennifer Adrio, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and answer the call to help if the need arises here in our region.”

Shelter Help Needed
There is a special need for volunteers to support sheltering efforts. Because of COVID-19, Red Cross is placing those needing a safe place to stay in emergency hotel lodging when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, then the Red Cross will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, we have put in place additional precautions and developed special training for our workforce. We need volunteers to help staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection and other vital tasks to help those we serve. We have both associate and supervisory level opportunities available.

Health Services Support Needed
If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, current, and unencumbered license, Red Cross needs your support. Volunteers are needed in shelters to help assess people’s health. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19-like illness among shelter residents may also be required. RNs supervise all clinical tasks.

Roles are also available for certified nursing assistants, certified home health aides, student nurses and medical students. We need volunteers who can provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse in shelters. This could include assisting with activities of daily living, personal assistance services, providing health education and helping to replace medications, durable medical equipment, or consumable medical supplies.

For those interested in volunteering or for more details, visit www.redcross.org/volunteertoday.
San Leandro City Council
July 6, 2020*

Public Comments:
• Residents mentioned that the council had violated the Brown Act by making changes to the agenda less than 72 hours prior to the council meeting.
• Residents criticized the council for a lack of transparency and noted that the council seemed to not be assembling a budget advisory task force to reallocate the $1.7 million cut from the police force like they had claimed to at a prior meeting.
• Residents mentioned the death of Steven Taylor and called for the council to be more active in addressing his family as well as in asking the California Attorney General to investigate the officer involved shooting.
• Resident spoke about the Emerald Black case and how the body camera footage released by the city still showed wrongdoing against her. They also called for a review of all SLPD disciplinary records.
• Residents announced that several community organizations would be painting a “Black Lives Matter” mural on a sidewalk in San Leandro and would welcome council support of the project.
• Resident spoke about how the council needs to bring more information to the community, particularly district four, about the proposed San Lorenzo Creekway.
• Resident called for the city to re-open its businesses and stop following public health orders from the governor.
• Resident spoke about how the city needs to emphasize mask wearing more in public.

Presentations:
• Presentation from Godbe Research regarding community survey and polling results.
o Several residents criticized the wording on the ballot, while others encouraged the city to go forward with putting the proposed tax measure on the upcoming ballot.
• Presentation on multi-family development standards project introduction (SB2 funded).
o Residents commented on concerns that current residents would be replaced and in support of veteran housing.
• City council discussion of budget re-allocation for fiscal year 2020-21.
o Resident suggested that the reallocated money should go into a holding bucket to wait for community feedback.
o One resident spoke about creating a human services department with the funds.
o Several residents highlighted alternatives to police intervention with the homeless.

Consent Calendar:
• Resolution to approve a consulting services agreement with Denalect Alarm Company not to exceed $51,849 for the design and installation of fire and security alarm systems for the Farrelly Pool Replacement, Project No. 2018.3420.
• Resolution calling for a general municipal election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020, for three city councilmembers at an estimated cost of $450,800 from the General Fund.
• Approve parcel map 10843 for assessor’s parcel number 075-0036-064-00; owner, subdivider and applicant: Creekside Partners Parking, LLC. This provides for the subdivision of the Creekside Office property to accommodate finance an additional building.
• Approve consulting services agreement for $150,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year 2020-2021 funds between the city and Rebuilding Together Oakland East Bay for the provision of housing rehabilitation grants.
• Approve Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) agreements between the city and two CDBG sub-recipients (Service Opportunities for Seniors, Inc./SOS/Meals On Wheels and Centro Legal de la Raza) for public services grants to address COVID-19 impact in fiscal year 2019-2021.
• Resolution of the city to approve a loan for $143,725 from CDBG Funds to Building Futures for Women and Children.
• Authorize city manager to execute amendment No. 4 to a non-professional services agreement with Rubicon Landscape Corporation for citywide turf maintenance for $172,504.56 for fiscal year 2020-2021.
• Amendment to consulting services agreement with Townsend Public Affairs for state legislative advocacy services, to extend the term through June 30, 2021 at the same rate, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 annually.
• Confirm declaration of the City of San Leandro Director of Emergency Services suspending enforcement of certain provisions in land use permits, approvals, and zoning and encroachment requirements in the San Leandro Municipal and Zoning Codes.
• Rescind resolution No. 2020-011 and update names of city officials authorized to deposit, withdraw and transfer funds for the city treasury.
• Rescind resolution No. 2020-012 and authorize investment in the local agency investment fund and remit money in the city treasury to the state treasury for deposit in the local agency investment fund.
• The city, acting in its capacity as the successor agency to the redevelopment agency of the city of San Leandro, rescinds resolution No. 2020-002 SA, authorizes investment in the Local Agency Investment Fund.
• Resolution of the city terminating the proclamation of a local emergency due to civil unrest.

Calendar passed: 7-0

Items Removed from Consent Calendar:
• Award a $7,876,926 construction contract to DeSilva Gates Construction, LP for the annual street overlay and rehabilitation 2018-2020, Project No. 2019.0050. Item passed: 7-0.
• Approve Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Agreements for FY 2020-2021 between the city of San Leandro and CDBG sub-recipients for public services grants. This resolution approves nine agreements totaling $500,437. Item passed: 7-0.

Action Items:
• Motion to approve a temporary limit on fees charged by third party food delivery companies to support restaurants in San Leandro during the COVID-19 pandemic. Item passed: 7-0

Reports:
• Councilmember Lopez attended the East Bay Bus Rapid Transit steering committee where they announced that the project is expected to go live in August.
• Mayor Cutter attended the East Bay Dischargers Authority meeting where it was announced that they owned a pipeline to the marina. She also attended the Bay Area Air Quality Management District meeting where they discussed filters for centers during wildfire season.
• Mayor Cutter also attended the disaster council meeting where adaptations to National Night Out were discussed. She also attended the Alameda County Transportation Committee where it was announced that San Leandro would be receiving funding from them for bike and pedestrian projects.

City Council Calendar and Announcements:
• Vice Mayor Ballew announced a town hall for the upcoming week.

Councilmember Requests to Schedule Agenda Items
• Vice Mayor Ballew requested a report from library staff on what resources are available for students in the upcoming school year.
• Motion by Councilmember Lopez to review Measure A1 money to be used for supportive housing. Item passed: 7-0.
• Motion by Councilmember Aguilar to direct staff to support community effort to paint a “Black Lives Matter” mural. Item passed: 7-0.
• Resolution by Councilmember Aguilar to have San Leandro identify the Ku Klux Klan as a terrorist group. Item passed: 7-0

Mayor Cutter adjourned the meeting in the memory of James Hyde, a city building inspector who passed away from COVID-19, as well as Pat Camp, a San Leandro teacher at Washington Elementary School who passed.

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye
Vice Mayor Pete Ballew Aye
Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye
Ed Hernandez Aye
Benny Lee Aye
Deborah Cox Aye
Corina Lopez Aye

*City Council meeting conducted over Zoom due to the shelter-in-place.

Scouts keep doing good deeds during pandemic
Submitted by Lee Amon
Photos courtesy of BSA Troop 220

When Ritika Putta was elected Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) of Scouts BSA Troop 220, she knew that there would be challenges, but she never expected what was to come. Putta, who will be a sophomore at American High School in Fremont this fall, joined Troop 220 on February 1, 2019, the first day the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) opened all programs to girls, including the flagship Boy Scout program, renamed as Scouts BSA. Over the next year, Troop 220 grew from the original 30 to more than 50 girls.

Scouts BSA is a youth-led program, and when Putta was elected SPL at the end of January 2020, she and the other newly elected youth leaders knew that they had to plan and run meetings, outings, and other activities for the troop. After a year as Scouts, they felt ready and threw themselves into the process, enthusiastically planning the next six months of camping, meeting, and service.

Then Covid-19 and the shelter-in-place orders changed everything.

“I never expected that I would have to lead the troop during a worldwide pandemic,” Putta recalls. “At first, my heart dropped.”

But then she and her team got to work to bring the troop online. They ran classes in Scouting skills, set up opportunities for advancement, and even organized a virtual campfire. The more experienced Scouts taught and guided the younger ones as they formed patrols and started their journeys on the Scouting trail.

Putta beamed as she talked about the troop coming together. “The girls pulled through and took advantage of this situation: We have grown as Scouts and made unbreakable bonds. I am so proud of this troop filled with amazing, hardworking girls that won’t let anything stop us – even a pandemic.”

As happy as the Scouts were to be working together and bonding, the online environment made it difficult for the troop to perform community service. Helping others and providing service to the community has been a vital part of Scouting since the movement started in the early 1900s. Scouts promise to “do a good turn daily” and to “be helpful to other people at all times.” Over the past year, the troop performed service projects such as removing invasive plants, painting murals at schools, and rehabilitating an educational display at Coyote Hills Park. Unfortunately, social distancing requirements made group service projects almost impossible.

Zoe Bell, an incoming freshman at California School for the Deaf has been an active Scout since she joined Troop 220 in March 2019. Zoe knew that now was a time when the community needed to come together. She wanted the Troop to step up, but like the other Scouts, she wasn’t sure where to begin. Then, Bell learned about a desperately-needed service from her grandfather Robert McCall, an engineer at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale.

Lockheed Martin employees were donating their time at the Sunnyvale Innovation Garage to create personal protection equipment for health care workers, first responders, and medical offices or service providers, at no cost to the recipient. The funding for the equipment and materials is provided by Lockheed Martin Space, while the labor is provided by volunteers led by Lockheed Martin employees.

The equipment they needed help with is a visor, which consists of two pieces: the clear plastic shield, which covers the entire face, and a molded plastic headband, which holds the shield in place. When the headbands first come out of the mold, they have burrs on many edges, which need to be sanded or filed off, or they could scratch the users. Deburring the headbands is a manual and time-consuming process. McCall gave Bell a sample to practice on and asked her if the Troop would be interested. Bell jumped at the opportunity and engaged Putta and the other leaders to organize the Troop for the volunteer effort.

“I knew this project would take a lot of planning, safety precautions, and motivation,” Bell said.
Scouts had to figure out how to safely distribute and collect headbands, make sure deburring was done properly, and ensure headbands were sanitized between steps. Bell set up a schedule where Scouts could drive by and either take headbands that needed to be worked on or drop off ones they had finished. Older Scouts sanitized and inspected headbands before getting them ready to return to the Innovation Garage. In the first two weeks, the Troop processed over 200 headbands.

Bell was thrilled at how the troop responded. “I really enjoyed seeing the teamwork and hard work put into this project.” Other Troops in the Tri City area have joined in the effort, and together they are gearing up to process 500 head bands per week.

John C. Fenoglio, Golden Gate Area Council Scout Executive, is not surprised by the hard work of these Scouts. “I am always inspired by the great youth in Scouting and the service they provide to their communities. These Scouts are carrying on the tradition of helping other people at all times, even in these difficult conditions, and it gives me confidence in the future of our country.”

Health centers and first responders who are interested in acquiring PPE face shield protection visors can contact Keith E Rogers keith.e.rogers@lmco.com or Ron Aditya ron.aditya@lmco.com.

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans still available
Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) recently re-opened its online disaster loan portal and is accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications (EIDL), according to Bill Koontz, liaison to the Hayward Chamber for the SBA.

In the most recent version of the EIDL process only applications from agricultural enterprises were accepted, but now all businesses can apply at https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/.

Businesses may request an advance on their loan up to $10,000. The advance does not have to be repaid and does not depend on loan approval. SBA pays advances at $1,000 per employee, up to $10,000, based on the number of employees the applicant states in their application. Loan proceeds may be used for all normal, ordinary operating expenses of the business.

Terms of the EIDL loans are for up to 30 years at an interest rate of 2.75% for nonprofits and 3.75% for small businesses. There is no cost to apply, no prepayment penalty to pay off the loan, and no obligation to accept a loan after applying. Monthly loan payments are deferred for the first year and there are no collateral requirements for loans up to $25,000. For more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources.

Small businesses receive grant from County Supervisor
By Brittany Ung

Gael Stewart was 15 minutes away from her store when it became $5,000 richer.

Stewart owns Mission Coffee on Washington Boulevard, one of 50 small businesses in Fremont that received a grant from Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty’s office last month.

Haggerty supervises Alameda County’s District 1, which includes most of Fremont. The supervisor’s District One Small Business Grant Program granted $5,000 each to the 50 businesses in Fremont, as well as offering grants to 40 businesses in Dublin, 50 in Livermore and 35 in East Unincorporated County.

The grants for Fremont came from an unused $250,000 after the dissolution of a redevelopment fund. In addition to the grant funding, Haggerty also secured over 15,000 surgical masks and distributed them to nursing homes, hospitals and anyone else in need of them.

The supervisor isn’t responsible for when businesses can reopen, so Haggerty felt the need to find another way to support local businesses. “Scott feels pretty frustrated not having a lot of jurisdictional say-so on what happens to these small businesses as far as whether they can open,” said Haggerty’s Chief of Staff Shawn Wilson.

After announcing the grant in late May, the supervisor’s office received 340 grant requests from restaurants, stores and other small businesses throughout Fremont. Wilson said they intended to prioritize businesses impacted the most—mainly restaurants, coffee shops and salons.

Reopening for these businesses will come later in Alameda County’s timeline, though restaurants were allowed to open outdoor dining on June 19. Indoor dining, bars, salons and barber shops won’t be allowed to reopen until the next stage, and Alameda County has temporarily paused its reopening plans due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates in the county, it said in a press release on June 29. The case rate for the county at that time was reported at 71.1 cases per 100,000 people, according to the same release.

“Some businesses may never open again, others might, but it’s never going to be the same,” Wilson said. “Restaurants are going to have to work at a minimum capacity for a while; they have to spread out their clientele and facilities. Hopefully some have outdoor options, but a lot don’t… So hopefully this grant, it wasn’t a lot, but it was a little bit to let them know we’re thinking of them and want them to succeed.”

On the grant application, business owners were asked to describe their business and list the number of employees before and after the shelter-in-place order. Business also reported their net revenue and whether or not they are associated with the New York Stock Exchange—“We didn’t want to fund any big franchises,” Wilson explained.

Haggerty and others from his staff called local businesses to notify them that they had been approved for the grant, delivering the check in person to some recipients—El Patio, Suju’s Coffee & Tea, Haller’s Pharmacy, Spin-a-Yarn and a few more.

“Some people were very ecstatic, others [had] mixed emotions,” Wilson said. “But at the end of the day, it was just one little thing we could do to try and help these businesses stay afloat during these tough times.”

One of those small businesses was Mission Coffee, located at Washington Boulevard. Stewart said three of her staff members left because of the pandemic, leaving her to run the store with only eight other employees. Though Mission Coffee still has regular customers and a loyal staff, sales have been down 30% to 40%, Stewart estimated. She also decided to keep the patio outside the store closed, out of respect for the county’s social distancing requirements and her staff’s safety, since some patrons have refused to wear masks.

Despite the challenges, Stewart said she’s optimistic. Mission Coffee has been operating in Fremont for 27 years, and Stewart said she sees resiliency in the way people have adapted. She’s applied for two other grants, and receiving Haggerty’s small business grant was another reminder of how the community is shifting to support businesses like hers.

“I felt like we were important to this community, but it’s clear that… District 1—Scott Haggerty’s group—felt we were important,” Stewart said. “That says a lot, to me. Because it helps me provide a quality to serve my staff and the community.”

A path to allyship of Black and South Asian Communities
Submitted by Sangeetha Lakshminarayanan

It surrounds you everywhere and you cannot leave the house without fear of being affected by it. Every day you teach your child the precautions they need to take before stepping out. You wear a mask to work. For some of us this is temporary and related to a virus, but for the Black community this has been a challenge for centuries.

Racial injustice is all around us, and the Black community in particular has been disproportionately impacted. Many of us are looking to show up as allies. We at Aram Sei aspire to help, as being allies is critical to long term reform and change. We are seeking to address allyship with the Black Community via education and community contributions.

We have had multiple conversations within our volunteer and partner community, and each time came away realizing that the South Asian community in particular is looking for answers around “What can we do?”. We have heard questions and comments that range from “This happens to us as People of Color” to ‘‘I am an immigrant too, how can I influence change?”. These conversations also proved to be a safe space for us to learn from each other and ask questions that are harder to ask in a broader setting. Through our research into allyship we realized we needed resources geared towards the South Asian community. We are looking to help recognize our privilege where relevant and also have an actionable plan for what we can do if we aspire to be allies to the Black Community.

To address this we are hosting a series of Webinars on Black Lives Matter specifically geared to the South Asian Community. The sessions will take you on a journey back in history, let you hear from the community today, and give a final call to action for the future. The sessions are FREE to attend and open to anyone, but registration is required via Eventbrite.

• Session #1: South Asian and Black History and Connections led by Anirvan Chatterjee, July 18, 6 p.m.

• Session #2: Panel with Community Members on intersection of Black and South Asian Community moderated by Anu Natarajan, July 25, 6 p.m.

• Session #3: Call to action and what can you do? led by Anu Natarajan and MR Rangaswami, August 1, 6 p.m.

In addition, we believe no change is possible without educating our young community. We will also be running sessions for our youth.

• Kids Session (Ages 5-12): An interactive session for children to learn more about Black History and contributions by Vidya Pradhan, July 18 4 p.m.

• Youth Session (Ages 13 -18): A hands on experience for youth to share and engage in a path forward by Nyantara Narasimhan, July 25 4 p.m.
To learn more about the webinars and register please visit www.aramsei.org/blacklives or email info@aramsei.org. We are also actively evaluating project proposals that benefit the Black community. If you have any project proposals please submit them at http://www.aramsei.org/nominate/.

South Bay Chinese Service Club Annual Scholarship Awards Program
Submitted by Randy Sabado, SBCSC Scholarship Committee Chairman

On Saturday April 30, 2020, the South Bay Chinese Service Club (SBCSC) awarded $24,500 in scholarships to 19 high school seniors of Chinese descent during two Scholarship Awards Zoom meetings. This year is the 50th anniversary of this program, and over the years we have awarded over $500,000 to hundreds of local high school students.

At the meeting, SBCSC President Anna Muh praised the students for their outstanding academic records and community involvement, and encouraged them to continue to honor and practice their Chinese culture and heritage. Past President and Scholarship Committee member Joe Woo gave a brief history of the Club and Scholarship Program, including a video of past recipients and guest speakers. It was a visual reminder of the many students who benefitted from this program and have gone on to successful careers.

In addition to receiving the monetary awards, the recipients also received a plaque and Certificates of Commendation and Special Recognition from U. S. Congressman Ro Khanna and Eric Swalwell, State Senator Bob Wieckowski, State Assemblymember Kansen Chu, and Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty.

The 19 scholarship winners this year are an impressive group representing five high schools in Fremont and two in San Jose. The average unweighted GPA was 3.90 and the average weighted GPA was 4.31. They amassed a total of 5,528 community service hours. There were eight National Merit Finalists, nine AP Scholars, six students with a perfect unweighted 4.0 GPA’s, one Girl Scout Gold Award, five Presidential Service Awards (Gold), three Scholar Athlete Awards and 12 students who participated in student government positions.

The scholarship recipients and the awards they received are as follows:

Karen Li – Mission San Jose High School
Howard Tom Memorial Top Honors Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Jeffrey Liu – American High School
Dick F. Szeto Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Sponsored by Dennis & Elaine Szeto

Annie Liu – American High School
Bing J. Gee Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership
Sponsored by Dennis & Elaine Szeto

Nina Guo – Washington High School
Calvin & Gerrye Wong Merit Scholarship
Sponsored by Calvin & Gerrye Wong
South Bay Chinese Service Club Merit Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Nathan Lin – Mission San Jose High School
Citizens for Better Community Scholarship for Excellence in Community Service
Sponsored by Citizens for Better Community

Carol Zhou – American High School
Richard & Anna Muh Scholarship for Community Involvement
Sponsored by Richard & Anna Muh

Annie Liu – American High School
Dutra Enterprises Scholarship for Best Essay
Sponsored by Dutra Enterprises

Emily Lin – American High School
Fremont Bank Foundation Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Sponsored by Fremont Bank Foundation

Sherwin Lai – Bellarmine College Preparatory
Robert Vun Yau Lee Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Performing Arts
Sponsored by Gladys Lee & Roger Lee

Ryan Wong – Washington High School
Ben Chew Scholarship for Business Acumen
Sponsored by Dr. Ben Chew

Irene Chang – Mission San Jose High School
Republic Services Scholarship for Building Strong Neighborhoods
Sponsored by Republic Services

Noelan Bomon Hum – John F. Kennedy High School
Frank Louie Memorial Scholarship
Sponsored by Dr. Frank Louie

Evenlyn Lee – American High School
South Bay Chinese Service Club General Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Jessica Wang – Mission San Jose High School
Karl Ngan Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Leadership
Sponsored by the Karl Ngan Family

Jason Liang – Washington High School
York & Dora Memorial Scholarship for Scholar Athlete
Sponsored by Dr. Victor & Dr. Fran Gin, Lily Robillard

Qiying (Angela) Zhang – American High School
Ruby W. Chiang & Mary Ruth Wong Memorial Scholarship for Perseverance
Sponsored by Steve & Amy Cho

Angelica Fu – Irvington High School
South Bay Chinese Service Club General Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Sally Wang – Washington High School
South Bay Chinese Service Club General Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Madeline Chew – Archbishop Mitty
South Bay Chinese Service Club General Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Audrey Siu – American High School
South Bay Chinese Service Club General Scholarship
Sponsored by South Bay Chinese Service Club

Stanford drops 11 sports to cut costs during pandemic
Jul 08
By John Marshall
AP Sports Writer

Stanford announced Wednesday that it is dropping 11 sports amid financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The school will discontinue men's and women's fencing, field hockey, lightweight rowing, men's rowing, co-ed and women's sailing, squash, synchronized swimming, men's volleyball and wrestling after the 2020-21 academic year. Stanford also is eliminating 20 support staff positions.

Stanford projected a deficit of more than $25 million in the 2021 fiscal year and a shortfall of nearly $70 million over the next three years due to the pandemic. The school estimated the cost of sustaining the 11 sports permanently would exceed $200 million.

Numerous schools have cut sports in recent weeks as the pandemic has shut down the sports world. Stanford is believed to be the first Power Five school to eliminate programs.

The contracts of coaches in the 11 sports will be honored, as will the scholarships for the more than 240 athletes affected. All support staff who have been let go will get severance pay.

Stanford has one of the nation's largest athletics departments, sponsoring 36 varsity sports before Wednesday's cuts.

Earlier this year, football coach David Shaw, basketball coach Jerod Haase and members of the athletics executive team took voluntary pay cuts to help defray some of the financial hit caused by the pandemic.

Seeking Community Input on Trails Strategy Plan
Submitted by City of Fremont

City of Fremont is in the process of developing a Trails Strategy Plan as recommended by the city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans. The vision is to encourage the use of trails and pathways as safe, convenient, environmentally friendly, and congestion-reducing transportation options to all.

The city invites residents to provide input about what they want to see in the Trails Strategy Plan through an online survey at https://stories.opengov.com/fremontca/published/xXwpg7jni. In addition to the survey, an interactive map is available to provide feedback on city’s existing trails.

The interactive map allows people to drop pins and draw lines at current trail locations or potential trail corridors to indicate where they would like to see connections, improvements or identify issues. The survey and interactive map will remain open through September.

Trails Strategy Plan Survey
Open Until September
https://stories.opengov.com/fremontca/published/xXwpg7jni
www.fremont.gov/3551/Trails-Strategy-Plan