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It’s a hoot to celebrate living 90 years

Submitted by Penny Vittoria

 

What better way to celebrate a birthday at 90 years of age than to charter a train on the Niles Canyon Railway and invite a trainload of your friends and relatives? That is what Roger Baird, a resident of Acacia Creek Retirement Community in Union City, did on Saturday June 29. Attendees were treated to a beautiful train ride through Niles Canyon, along with sandwiches, drinks and cake which they consumed en route from Niles Station to Sunol and back over a two-hour period. It was a perfect warm summer afternoon as the group gathered at the Niles Station at 4 p.m. to greet the five-car train as it rolled in. The two open air coaches were in high demand among those who wanted to enjoy the views in the canyon.

 

Baird commented that rather than jump out of an airplane, or go on a cruise around the world, he would rather entertain his fellow residents at Acacia Creek along with family members and friends who came from Washington, Oregon, Southern California and Arizona—and one nephew from the Chicago area. A lively group of Baird’s former racquetball players from San Jose came as well. All together there were over 160 celebrants.

 

The train crew was in full uniform. Conductor Ed Best headed the crew (including some of his grandchildren and nephews), who were especially helpful in boarding a group of seniors, including a few who needed to use the special lift. For many of the passengers it was their first ride on the Niles Canyon Railway, and for a few it was their first train ride of any kind. In turn, the train crew commented this was their first time to run a 90th birthday train.

 

Conductor Best invited Baird to ride the diesel locomotive in Sunol when they moved it from one end of the train to the other for the return trip. Baird was able to wave to all the passengers while standing on the front of the diesel as it rolled along the train. Engineer Ron let him give a blast on the locomotive air horn as a signal the locomotive and engine crew were ready for the return trip to Niles.

 

Baird is not a novice around diesel locomotives. In 1952 when he was attending the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, he accepted a summer job with General Electric at their locomotive manufacturing operation in Erie, PA. He and his experienced partner took the newly completed locomotives from the factory floor, gave them their first checks for operational performance, started them up, and occasionally ran them down the test track at Erie in preparation for delivery to the railroad that ordered them.

 

When Roger and Donna Baird (married for 67 years) decided to move from San Jose to Acacia Creek in 2010, one of their motivators was access to Bay Area Regional Transit (BART) and Capital Corridor trains connecting them to the Amtrak long distance trains so they could easily visit family in Reno and Los Angeles. Overlooked at the time was living so close to the Niles Canyon Railway, a living museum of operating locomotives and rail cars. Finding the vintage railway in the neighborhood was indeed a bonus. And ten years later, chartering a birthday train for a trip through Niles Canyon became a reality.

 

 

California Assembly approves clean drinking water fund

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jul 05 – The California state Assembly has approved a bill that would spend up to $130 million a year to improve drinking water.

 

About a million people in California don't have access to clean drinking water. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a tax on residential water bills to fix that. But lawmakers rejected it.

 

Instead, legislative leaders reached a compromise with Newsom to take some money out of a fund used to improve air quality and use it for drinking water.

 

Some environmental groups say it's inappropriate to use the money this way. But bill author Sen. Bill Monning has said it is an appropriate because climate change has impacted water quality.

 

The state Assembly approved the proposal on Friday by a vote of 67-0. It now heads to the state Senate.

 

 

French lawmakers approve 3% tax on online giants

AP Wire Service

 

PARIS (AP), Jul 04 – France's lower house of parliament approved Thursday a small, pioneering tax on internet giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook – and the French government hopes other countries will follow suit.

 

The bill aims to stop multinationals from avoiding taxes by setting up headquarters in low-tax EU countries. Currently, the companies pay nearly no tax in countries where they have large sales like France.

 

The bill foresees a 3% tax on the French revenues of digital companies with global revenue of more than 750 million euros ($847 million), and French revenue over 25 million euros.

 

The bill adopted by the National Assembly goes to the Senate next week, where it is expected to win final approval.

 

The tech industry warns it could lead to higher costs for consumers.

 

It could affect U.S. companies including Airbnb and Uber as well as those from China and Europe. It primarily targets those that use consumers' data to sell online advertising.

 

The French Finance Ministry has estimated the tax will raise about 500 million euros ($566 million) a year this year but that should increase “quickly.”

 

France failed to persuade EU partners to impose a Europe-wide tax on online giants but is now pushing for an international deal with the 34 countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

 

 

State to pay student debt for docs increasing Medi-Cal load

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jul 05 – California will pay off $58.6 million in student loans for 247 physicians who have committed to serve more people covered by Medi-Cal.

 

The doctors agreed to ensure that Medi-Cal patients represent 30 percent of their caseload for five years, the Sacramento Bee reported Friday.

 

“By removing the burden of student loan debt, this program will encourage more providers to make different choices when entering the health care market and be able to provide care for the Medi-Cal population,” said Jennifer Kent, director of the Department of Health Care Services, the agency administering the loan repayment program.

 

Medi-Cal patients have long complained that they struggle to find primary care providers who are willing to accept the amount California pays. They say the payments don't cover the entire cost of care.

 

More than 13 million state residents get medical coverage through Medi-Cal. Many live in areas with a shortage of primary care physicians.

 

Health department officials said doctors receiving help with loans are practicing in 40 areas of medicine, from pediatrics to psychiatry, in 39 different counties.

 

Nearly 1,300 providers applied for the CalHealthCares loan repayment program, which is being funded by an allocation in the state budget and by a $2 increase in tobacco taxes that went into effect in 2017.

 

Each grant covers up to $300,000 in loans taken out for medical or dental school. Dental award winners will be announced later this summer.

 

 – – –

 

Information from: The Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com

 

 

Tesla sets deliveries record as focus turns to its profits

Jul 02

By Tom Krisher

AP Auto Writer

 

Tesla overcame delivery logistics problems to set a quarterly record for deliveries from April through June, and now Wall Street is focusing on whether it will translate into profits.

 

The electric car and solar panel company said it handed over 95,200 vehicles to customers worldwide, breaking the previous record of 90,700 set in the fourth quarter of last year.

 

The company rebounded from a dismal first quarter when it delivered only 63,000 of its Model S, X and 3 vehicles, a 31% drop from last year's fourth quarter.

 

But many analysts question whether the record sales will turn into profits for the struggling company, and they're raising questions about demand for Tesla vehicles and its long-term profitability.

 

CEO Elon Musk has said Tesla will lose money in the second quarter but predicted profits in future quarters. Of 22 analysts polled by FactSet, only four expect a second-quarter profit and 18 predict a loss. The median is for a $227.9 million net loss and a 55-cent-per-share adjusted loss.

 

Musk told workers last week the company was close to the delivery record toward the end of June, but it was having trouble moving vehicles to the right places.

 

Cowen analyst Jeffrey Osborne wrote in a note to investors Tesla's full-year guidance of 360,000 to 400,000 deliveries “reflects an extremely optimistic” second half. The third quarter, he wrote, will give a real picture of how steady demand is for the company's top-selling Model 3, which starts at $35,000.

 

He also questions Tesla's ability to post sustained profits. “We continue to see risks with the company's growth story, which we believe is likely to be challenged as competition enters the market,” he wrote. “Simply, we see a lot more that can go wrong than can go right.”

 

Osborne expects Tesla to post a 68-cent-per-share loss in the second quarter and a $3.77 per share loss for the whole year. He does predict profits in 2020 and 2021.

 

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note that his investor clients see a large “air pocket” of sales to the start of the third quarter “setting up for a rerun of concerns around demand and cash flow.”

 

Another problem for future Tesla sales and profits is the phase-out of its federal electric vehicle tax credit. It was $7,500 last year, then cut in half from January through June and is only $1,875 through the end of 2019 before going away completely. That could chase some buyers away, especially if they were looking at the lower-priced Model 3.

 

Earlier this week, electric vehicle startup Lucid Motors announced that it had named former Tesla Vice President Peter Hochholdinger as vice president of manufacturing. Hochholdinger, who was in charge of part of the operations at Tesla's Fremont, California, assembly plant, left the company last week.

 

Tesla lost $702.1 million in the first quarter, among its worst quarters in two years.

 

Shares of the company rose 7.6% in after-hours trading after the deliveries were announced. They're up 21% in the past month, but they have been punished most of the year. They're down 33% thus far in 2019.

 

 

Baseball

Oakland A’s come to Fremont

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

July 13th was a fun day at Fremont American little league as they hosted the Oakland Athletics play ball program. Long lines of kids from a variety of little league programs were evidence of the enduring popularity of the national sport. The day was filled with activities promoting both the fun and discipline of baseball and softball, including basic skills – hitting, fielding, strategy – with professional athletes.

 

 

Alameda County assessment roll hits record high

Submitted by Alameda County Assessor’s office

 

Newly elected Alameda County Assessor Phong La has released the 2019-2020 local Assessment that reflects assessments of more than 518,600 taxable properties. The roll was released Wednesday, July 10. “Thanks to the dedication and efforts of the staff at the Assessor’s Office, I am pleased to report that the gross value of all taxable property in Alameda County is a record $321.5 billion, which is a $21.4 billion or 7.13% increase above last year’s roll,” said La. Crediting the recovering economy and an increase in real estate values, he added, “the revenue generated by the assessment roll continues to support schools, public safety, parks, roads, and other essential services.”

 

Other factors leading to this year’s total assessed value growth included the 2% mandatory inflation index being applied to all properties’ assessed values that were not affected by assessment declines in prior years. This factor added $5.6 billion. Sales/transfers of real estate also added $11.3 billion and new construction activity added $2.5 billion. Many companies in Alameda County have flourished, becoming a key factor in the growth in the assessment roll, as these company’s business personal property assessments have increased by $1.1 billion. Since 2014, the assessment roll has increased 35% or $73 billion.

 

Of the 14 cities and unincorporated areas within Alameda County, the City of Oakland remains the highest assessment jurisdiction in the county with a total assessed value of $68.8 billion. The City of Fremont continues to have the second highest assessed value of $55.4 billion. The City of Dublin received the highest percentage increase in assessed value from the prior year at 10.3%.

 

With Alameda County’s historic unemployment rate of 2.7%, lower than both the state and national averages, the future of the county appears optimistic, but La cautions that “there are indicators that this tremendous growth in the economy may be coming to an end. It’s better to begin preparing for a potential recession now rather than having it come as a surprise. We also need to deal with the fact that residents can no longer afford to live in our county.”

 

Notifications of this year’s individual assessments are being mailed to all secured roll Alameda County property owners, as of July 8, 2019. If property owners have questions regarding their property assessment, they are encouraged to call the Assessor’s Office at 1 (510) 272-3787 (real estate assessments) or 1 (510) 272-3836 (business personal property assessments) or visit www.acassessor.org.

 

As indicated on these notifications, formal appeals of the 2019-2020 assessed values must be made by September 16, 2019, with the Clerk, Board of Supervisors, Assessment Appeals Unit, on their Assessment Appeal Application. An application and instruction booklet is available at www.acgov.org/clerk/assessment.htm.

 

Property tax bills for fiscal year 2019-20 will be mailed by the Alameda County Tax Collector in October and will be based upon the Assessor’s 2019-20 assessed values.

 

 

Backpacks, shoes and school supplies sought for needy kids

Submitted by Rose Padilla Johnson

 

With the first day of school rapidly approaching in many districts, many families are busy buying school supplies, clothing, shoes and accessories to make sure students are ready to return to the classroom.

 

However, for low-income families, getting enough supplies can be a challenge. That’s where Davis Street Family Resource Center in San Leandro hopes to help. The center is asking the public to help them collect new backpacks, sneaker shoes and school supplies for distribution to hundreds of local children in need.

 

In addition to backpacks and sneakers of all sizes, Davis Street is also asking for donations of school supplies. Among supplies most needed are:

 

  • Pens/pencils
  • Colored pencils
  • Crayons/markers
  • Composition books
  • Folders
  • Highlighters
  • Erasers
  • Note cards
  • Ruled paper
  • Glue sticks
  • Scissors

 

Cash and gift cards are also welcome.

 

The annual Davis Street Backpack and Shoe Drive and school supply donation program continues through Wednesday, Aug. 7. Items can be dropped off at Davis Street, 3081 Teagarden Street, San Leandro. Times are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

For details, call Kristal Gonzalez at 1 (510) 347-4620, extension 163. Information about other Davis Street programs is available on their website at www.davisstreet.org.

 

 

BART Police Log

Submitted by BART PD

 

Sunday, July 7

  • At 12:34 p.m. a man identified by police as David Luna, 35, of San Leandro was arrested at the Hayward station on suspicion of carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, probation violation and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

Thursday, July 11

  • At 11:56 p.m. a man identified by police as David Barnes, 34, of Oakland, was arrested at the San Leandro station on suspicion of being drunk in public. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

 

 

California OKs benefits to immigrants in country illegally

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jul 09 – California has become the first state to offer taxpayer-funded health benefits to young adults living in the country illegally.

 

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Tuesday that makes low-income adults age 25 and younger eligible for the state's Medicaid program regardless of their immigration status.

 

State officials expect the plan to cover about 90,000 people and cost taxpayers $98 million. California already covers children ages 18 and younger regardless of immigration status.

 

The law will not give health insurance benefits to everyone 25 and younger, but only those whose income is low enough to qualify.

 

Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders say they plan to further expand coverage to more adults in the years to come. Republican President Donald Trump has called the move “crazy.”

 

Advocates of the measure say it's a way to improve the health of immigrants in the state by providing them with access to the medical care they need.

 

Many immigrants who are in the country illegally are already enrolled for some government-funded programs, but they only cover emergencies and pregnancies.

 

Democrats had pushed to expand the coverage to even more adults, but Newsom rejected the proposals, saying it would cost about $3.4 billion to provide coverage to all California adults living in the country illegally. But he has vowed to keep expanding coverage in future years.

 

 

Takes from Silicon Valley East

Prospect Silicon Valley’s Innovation & Impact Symposium

By Christina Briggs, economic development director

 

California’s clean technology ecosystem is continuing to expand and is a welcome news to Fremont, home to one of the largest cleantech industry clusters. Many of these organizations are our longtime partners and have provided a wealth of resources to the companies that reside here. Prospect Silicon Valley (PSV) (https://prospectsv.org/), a cleantech innovation hub based nearby in San Jose, is one such organization whose prominence is on the rise. At the company’s recent Impact & Innovation Symposium, PSV convened key leaders in advanced mobility and energy to provide a glimpse at where these industries are heading.

 

To set the stage, PSV CEO Ruth Cox interviewed Cal EPA’s Secretary for Environmental Protection Jared Blumenfeld to discuss Blumenfeld’s perspectives and priorities as California’s new administration gets underway. Issues that Blumenfeld focusses on include water quality in the Central Valley, safety innovation of agricultural pesticides and chemicals in manufacturing, and a push for increased uniformity in building codes and regulations across cities, without diluting the environmental causes they support.

 

While California is certainly an environmental leader by many measures, he did express interest in addressing the issue of recycling, since many other parts of the world have developed recycling systems far better than ours. He concluded his remarks by reflecting on his time hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail alone. The experience taught him that nature is nonjudgmental, human superiority is a myth, and that people must question the role they play with respect to nature.

 

Two separate breakout sessions followed: one dedicated to grid modernization and the other focused on advanced mobility. Given Fremont’s growing advanced automotive cluster, one can guess which track was followed. Mark Platshon of Icebreaker Ventures kicked off the mobility track with an insightful keynote about the state of the market. He cited quick facts to illustrate the speed at which mobility is evolving:

  • Bird is the fastest company to reach $1 billion valuation in history.
  • Batteries used to cost $2000 per kilowatt hour. Today, they cost approximately $150, which indicates that they followed a similar cost curve as solar. (This is great news for consumers, but a dilemma for investors.)
  • Today, 42 all-electric EV models are coming to fruition by mainstream manufacturers. Platshon considers this as the beginning of a tipping point for EVs.
  • The opportunity for EVs extends far beyond passenger vehicles; it includes buses, trucks, mining equipment, agricultural equipment, and shuttles. (Mobility focuses just as much on moving goods as it does on moving people.)
  • As it turns out, GDP is almost exactly correlated with Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT). This indicates that the more goods are moved, the more growth the economy experiences. Think about the possible outcomes that could be achieved if this travel could be done without congestion, danger, and pollution.
  • Advanced mobility will disrupt many other industries, in addition to the automotive space:

-Insurance – Today people spend $200 billion per year on auto insurance.

-Real Estate – The future of parking garages and the revenue generated for cities is still a big question. (Airports make half their money from parking)

-Safety/Emergency Services – Studies show a 25 percent decrease in San Francisco’s drunk driving rates since the advent of Uber.

 

Finally, advanced mobility has the potential to significantly impact issues of equity when people think about the opportunities it may present to the disabled, blind, seniors, and children.

 

 

Born Yesterday, an American comedy

Submitted by Georgia Lee Barnes

Photos courtesy of Chanticleers Theater

 

Chanticleers Theater in Castro Valley presents “Born Yesterday,” written by Garson Kanin, opening July 19. It was first produced on Broadway in 1946, and was subsequently turned into an Academy Award-winning film starring Broderick Crawford and Judy Holliday. Many consider “Born Yesterday” to be the funniest American comedy of the 20th Century.

 

Harry Brock, a vulgar and egotistical junkyard tycoon, descends upon Washington D.C. to “buy” a congressman or two, confident that his money can swing whatever illicit deals he wants. Harry brings with him his mistress of seven years, Billie Dawn, a charming but uneducated former showgirl whose lack of social graces embarrasses even Harry. He hires journalist Paul Verrall to smarten her up, but Harry gets more than he bargained for in the process. As Billie’s knowledge grows, sparks fly and lessons come home to roost in this delightful and surprisingly timely comedy classic.

 

Chanticleers production is directed by known actor and director, Michael Sally and features Laura Zimmerman, Jason Berner, Mike Ettel, Kyle Smith, Bruce Kaplan, Edward Pieczenik, Ann Barnett, Heather Warren, Liva Langer and Santiago Sena-Guerra.

 

“Born Yesterday” opens with Chanticleers traditional complimentary hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverage gala on July 19 and runs through August 11. Curtain time for Friday and Saturday evening shows is 8:00 pm and Sunday twilight matinees start at 6:00 pm (no show on July 21).  General admission is $25; admission for Seniors (60+)/Students/Military is $20. On Bargain Night, July 20, all tickets are $18. Chanticleers Theatre is located within the Castro Valley Community Park at 3683 Quail Avenue, Castro Valley. Call 510-SEE-LIVE (733-5483) or go to chanticleers.org for reservations/tickets.

 

Born Yesterday

Friday, Jul 19 – Sunday, Aug 11

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Sunday twilight matinees at 6 p.m. (no show July 21)

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

Tickets:  $25 adults, $20 seniors/students/military

 

 

Celebrating professionalism in business

Submitted by Newark Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Sohan Sharma

 

Newark Chamber of Commerce recognized exceptional businesses and business leaders at the “Celebration of Business Awards Luncheon” on June 27. The event kicked off with networking between attendees and business exhibitors, followed by a luncheon served by DoubleTree by Hilton, Newark. Guests were then treated to a wealth of useful information to help employers with their business challenges.

 

Speakers Daniel Newell, director of the Ohlone Tri-Cities Career Center, and Margaret Jackson, program director of Alameda County Small Business Development Center, shared the services available through these two agencies – from recruiting to business planning, consulting and financial assistance, and accessing capital.

 

Honorees for this year's awards include Debbie Montes, sales director of Homewood Suites by Hilton – Distinguished Business Leader 2019; Element Structural Engineers, founded and led by Thuy Fontelera – Small Business Award 2019; Republic Services – Large Business Award 2019; Felix Lawrence, owner and principal of Correct Direct Marketing – Partnering for Success Award 2019; Don Lee, Western Region, AVEX Group – “Bernie Nillo” Outstanding Service Award 2019; Mexico Tortilla Factory – Community Partner Award 2019; Swiss Park Newark –Sustaining Member Award 2019; and Nancy D. Farber, CEO, Washington Hospital Healthcare System – Outstanding Leadership Award 2019 (special award presented).

 

 

County urges residents to participate in 2020 census

Submitted by County of Santa Clara

 

Following President Trump’s announcement on July 11 that he is ending his effort to include a question about citizenship status on the 2020 Census, the County of Santa Clara is urging all residents to participate in the census count next year. The Trump Administration’s announcement comes after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected its attempt to add the citizenship question on the 2020 Census.

 

“Better late than never,” said David Campos, Deputy County Executive overseeing the County’s Division of Equity and Social Justice, which includes the Office of Immigrant Relations. “With the Trump Administration standing down after the Supreme Court’s rebuke, we can now focus fully on the fundamental purpose of the census: counting everyone. The stakes are too high for us to have anything but a complete count of county residents. While we understand that the Trump Administration’s actions have already caused some community members to fear census participation, the county remains fully committed to working as a community to empower everyone to participate in the census. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity. Being counted makes us stronger.”

 

“The County of Santa Clara will fight to protect our residents from any breach of their privacy rights,” said County Counsel James R. Williams. “We are a nation where no one, Trump included, is above the law.”

 

Census Day is April 1, 2020. To get involved in Santa Clara County’s 2020 Census efforts, visit www.sccgov.org/census or send an email to census@ceo.sccgov.org.

 

 

Baseball

Centerville National forces ‘what if’ game, then wins

Submitted and photos by Mike Heightchew

 

In a very competitive year for Little league District 14, Centerville National’s (CNLL) 10-11-12 team forced a what if game with Niles-Centerville (NCLL) on July 7th for the league championship. Both teams displayed great defense, keeping the scoreboard empty until the third inning. NCLL jumped into the lead with two great hits through the infield, scoring the first run of the game. It appeared that one run might be the sole score of the game, but in the top of the sixth inning, CNLL offense came alive to score a pair of runs and held on to finish with a 2-1 victory.

 

 

Are you academy material?

Submitted by Guy Ashley

 

Alameda County officials are encouraging residents to become involved in their local community. And one of the best ways they can do that is by joining the Citizens Academy or Youth Leadership Academy.

 

Each Academy is designed to educate participants on county programs and services, promote engagement with elected officials and county staff members, build leadership/networking skills and to help solve community problems. Interactive presentations by county leaders provide insight into the inner workings of Alameda County government. Academy members are able to network with others in the community and county officials have an opportunity to hear from the people they serve. Space is limited and applications for both academies are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with consideration given to geographic location to ensure representation throughout Alameda County. Participation is free.

 

The Citizens Academy is open to adults who live, work or own a business in Alameda County. The program includes six Wednesday evening sessions (September 4, 18; and October 2, 16, 23, 30). Applications are being accepted through August 10. To apply, or to learn more about the Citizens Academy, go to www.acgov.org/academies/citizens/.

 

Meanwhile, the Youth Leadership Academy is open to students in 11th and 12th grades who live and attend high school in Alameda County. The program includes five Saturday morning sessions (September 14, 21, 28 and October 12, 19). Application are being accepted through August 16. To apply for the Academy, or to learn more it, go to www.acgov.org/youthleadership/.

 

1st United Credit Union, is a sponsor of the 2019 adult and youth Academies. It is through the generosity of community partners that the county is able to continue to provide innovative community engagement programs.

 

 

Interactive map to plot city development

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

Did you know that City of Fremont has a mapping tool that allows you to see development activity through the city? Civic Insight is an interactive map that plots major development (vertical construction) permit activity throughout Fremont over the past 10 years. It includes building, engineering, and planning permits. You can search by address, permit number, neighborhood, street name, and/or time period. To get started, visit Fremont.gov/CivicInsight.

 

 

Morrisson Theatre Chorus summer concert: Music of the Americas

Submitted by Bob Miller

Photos courtesy of Morrisson Theatre Chorus

 

The Morrisson Theatre Chorus, under the musical direction of César Cancino, will present its summer concert “Music of the Americas” on July 19 and July 20 at 8 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. The summer concert will feature a selection of well-known works from both North and South America.

 

Music of the Americas is a renowned concert series originally presented by Americas Society in New York in 1965, showcasing a wide range of artists and music styles from across the Western Hemisphere. Featured genres include popular, folk, classical, and contemporary. The arrangements reflect the diversity of the continents collectively known as “the Americas.”

 

Director César Cancino enjoys a musically diverse career as pianist, musical director and conductor. He attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and then studied piano with Alain Naudé. His musical career includes working with Teatro Zinzanni in San Francisco and touring with singer/songwriter Joan Baez. He was the Musical Director/Pianist for “Life Without Makeup” a play starring the legendary Rita Moreno at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. He is also the recipient of a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle award for “Outstanding Musical Director.”

 

Mr. Cancino has performed throughout North America, Europe and Australia in such venues as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Int’l Music Festival of Mexico City, Atlanta Summer Pops Symphony and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Local credits include: the Rrazz Room (San Francisco), Diablo Theatre Company, Martinez Opera, Monterey County Symphony, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 42nd St. Moon, and the Douglas Morrisson Theatre.

 

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre is a program and facility of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, enjoying its 75th year. The Douglas Morrisson Theatre is located at 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward, next to the Hayward Senior Center and Japanese Gardens. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday, 1 – 5 p.m. and can be reached at (510) 881-6777. Information is also available at www.dmtonline.org.

 

Tickets are $18 adult, $15 for adult H.A.R.D. resident, $15 for under 30/over 60 and $12 for youth/student.

 

Morrisson Theatre Chorus presents Music of the Americas

Friday, Jul 19 – Sun, Jul 21

Fri & Sat: 8 p.m., Sun: 2 p.m.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre

22311 N. Third St., Hayward

(510) 881-6777

www.dmtonline.org

Tickets: $12 – 18

 

 

DUI checkpoint nets multiple citations

Submitted by Newark PD

 

During a recent DUI checkpoint conducted at Mowry Avenue and Cedar Boulevard, the Newark Police Department screened 939 vehicles. Of those motorists stopped, police cited three drivers.

 

The checkpoint took place on Saturday, July 6 from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. the next day. DUI Checkpoints are placed based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Last year the Newark Police Department investigated 27 DUI collisions that killed one person and injured eight others.

 

Motorists caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, other expenses and possible jail time.

 

Officials from the Newark Police Department would like to remind drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI charge. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

 

Another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint or a DUI Saturation Patrol will be conducted in Newark in the coming months as part of the police department’s ongoing commitment to take suspected impaired drivers off streets and highways, and ultimately lower the risk for deaths and injuries.

 

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

EarthTalk

From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine

 

Dear EarthTalk: Do animals respond to or enjoy music recorded or played live by humans?

— Jane W., Herndon, Virginia

 

Essayist and poet Gary Snyder likes to tell the tale of coming home from a walk through the forest surrounding his home in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains to find a wild cougar sitting under a window, apparently enraptured by the music coming through the wall as his daughter practiced the piano just inside. From this anecdote, it would seem that animals can appreciate and enjoy human music, but does the science bear this out?

 

“To animals, human music falls into that grating, unrecognizable category,” reports animal psychologist Charles Snowdon. “With vocal ranges and heart rates very different from ours, they simply aren’t wired to enjoy songs that are tailored for our ears.” He adds that animals generally respond to human music with “a total lack of interest.”

 

But Snowdon wondered if the inverse might be true, so he and some colleagues composed and recorded music they thought would connect more with animals. In 2009 their music, inspired by the sounds of tamarin monkeys, did have a perceptible effect on monkeys exposed to it. Songs inspired by the monkeys’ calming calls led the animals to relax while others inspired by their sounds of fear stirred them up.

 

Snowdon’s team followed it up in 2015 with a similar experiment on cats, developing music containing frequencies and tempos similar to those used by felines to communicate. They tested their cat-friendly tunes against standard classical music in front of cats in 47 households and found that music designed for felines tended to attract cats toward the speaker, while standard classical music engendered no response.

 

Elsewhere, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that 117 kenneled dogs exposed to different types of music appeared most relaxed (and slept the most) while listening to classical music but appeared agitated when listening to heavy metal. “These results are consistent with human studies,” the researchers noted, “which have suggested that music can reduce agitation, promote sleep, improve mood, and lower stress and anxiety.”

 

In another example, University of Leicester (UK) researchers found dairy cows to be more productive in milk output when they’re listening to calming music — such as REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ or Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. The chilled-out cows produced around three percent more milk than control groups listening to faster music or none at all.

 

Still other research showed that birds and humans react in similar ways to music. “We found that the same neural reward system is activated in female birds in the breeding state that are listening to male birdsong, and in people listening to music that they like,” reports Sarah Earp of Emory University. “Both birdsong and music elicit responses not only in brain regions associated directly with reward, but also in interconnected regions that are thought to regulate emotion. That suggests that they both may activate evolutionarily ancient mechanisms that are necessary for reproduction and survival.”

 

EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. To donate, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

 

 

Park It

By Ned MacKay

 

Dunes and their ecology are an important part of the Delta environment, preserved in part at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Big Break plans a “Dunes Day Restoration” program from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 21. You can volunteer to help remove invasive weeds and re-establish native plants. Bring water, gloves, hat, closed-toed shoes.

 

Another program from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21 will focus on crawling crustaceans. The program is all about crawdads and the role they play in the Delta’s world of nature.

 

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

 

In some editions of a recent column, I mentioned that the Greathouse Visitor Center at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch is closed for construction through mid-September, but mine tours will continue as usual. I was mistaken. The center is closed, and mine tours are also cancelled because a new coal mine exhibit under construction within the existing Hazel-Atlas silica sand mine, where the tours usually take place.

 

The exhibit will take visitors into a recreated 1870s coal mine that flourished for decades in what is today’s Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. All original coal mine passages at the preserve have been permanently sealed off for public safety; however, visitors to the new exhibit will experience the sights and sounds of a working coal mine from nearly 150 years ago.

 

The Hazel-Atlas Mine and Greathouse Visitor Center will be closed through the fall. The new exhibit is scheduled to open to the public next spring. Meanwhile, photos and artifacts from the park’s mining era are on display at the Sidney Flat Visitor Center, which is in the group of buildings to the left of the kiosk as you enter the park on Somersville Road.

 

The Sidney Flat center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (888) 327-2757, ext. 2750.

 

The Wednesday Walkers, an informal group of hikers of all ages, will explore Carquinez Regional Shoreline on July 24 under the guidance of naturalist “Trail Gail” Broesder.

Meet Broesder at 9:30 a.m. at the Nejedly Staging Area, which is on Carquinez Scenic Drive west of Martinez, just past Alhambra Cemetery. The group will climb a hill for great views of the town, Carquinez Strait, and Mt. Diablo. For information, call (510) 544-2233.

 

A view of the sunset from atop Wildcat Peak is the goal of a twilight hike from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. Naturalist Trent Pearce will lead the ascent, a 4-mile round-trip. Meet Pearce at the Environmental Education Center, which is at north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and a flashlight. For information, call (510) 544-2233.

 

Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont hosts Discovery Days from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at the visitor center. Come at 11 a.m. for an introduction to the topic of the week or drop in anytime during the day to join in activities.

 

The park is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road, off Paseo Padre Parkway. Parking fee per vehicle is $5; Discovery Days activities are free. For details, call (510) 544-3220.

 

It’s animal feeding time from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. every Sunday through August 25 at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County. Drop by the park’s visitor center, meet the resident animals, and find out what and how they eat.

 

Sunol Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road, off Calaveras Road about 5 miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. Parking fee per vehicle is $5. For information, call (510) 544-3249.

 

A lot of activities take place in regional parks near you. For full information, visit www.ebparks.org.

 

 

Editorial

Finally

 

After years of neglect and unfulfilled, hopeful plans, the Centerville District of Fremont will be liberated from the misery of a state highway through its heart. Finally, CalTrans will relinquish its sovereignty over that portion of Highway 84 and reroute the state highway. Fremont can now move forward and review plans, some dusty from years on a backroom shelf, to renovate this important roadway. The effect of a state operated highway splitting the district, has been neglect and many obstacles preventing long overdue improvements to sections of Peralta and Fremont Boulevards. With the advent of local control, a major excuse to delay streetscape improvements will be removed. Even though redevelopment agencies have been dissolved, plans for a vibrant Centerville remain viable and, with the Silicon Sage revitalization project in the works, Centerville can emerge from a decades-old slumber.

 

Centerville’s saga is similar to many other locations that share the Southeast Bay Area. Fractured by fuel and water conduits, rail lines, and commuter routes, our communities are forced to deal with a myriad of public and private entities that exert control and influence over mobility options. Add to this state pressure to build more and more housing and the existential threat of climate change, endangering coast/bay lands. Since many cities and unincorporated areas are connected by externally-controlled supply corridors, it is imperative that local public works entities unite with a systematic infrastructure model resulting in a comprehensive plan to identify chokepoints and work toward their elimination.

 

Centerville is not the only victim of defunct plans that ravage our area. Mission Boulevard (SR-238) through Fremont and Hayward along with Calaveras Boulevard (SR-237), are examples of “forgotten freeways”, remnants of grand plans of the past. Instead of providing smooth and efficient passage for intercity commuters, they have become bottlenecks, congested to the point of gridlock, clogging feeder and auxiliary roads as well. As a burgeoning high-tech center of commerce, it is time – long overdue – in the southeast Bay Area to decide whether the physical and emotional environment can sustain the Type A drive of Silicon Valley or needs a respite and at least some deconstruction.

 

Our cities are struggling with the effects of multi-jurisdictional control; a macro view that tends to gloss over local and societal differences. Relinquishment of a small segment of Highway 84 represents a rational approach that finally transcends regional priorities, allowing local priorities to prevail. This is a complex issue since communication and transportation corridors are of critical importance. But so are quality of life issues. The newly formed Mobility Commission in Fremont is a good start to identify and strategize solutions. Why not form such commissions in every jurisdiction, then convene a summit on an annual basis to compare notes, exchange ideas and coordinate action?

 

In many cases, the word “final” indicates completion of a task. In this situation, it is only the beginning.

 

 

California effort to stop surprise hospital bills stalls

AP Wire Service

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jul 10 – A California proposal aimed at limiting high medical bills from emergency room visits stalled Wednesday, with the author saying opposition from hospitals was insurmountable this year.

 

Democratic Assemblyman David Chiu said he'll continue working on the bill and try to bring it back next year. It's the latest attempt by a state Legislature or Congress to rein in exorbitant hospitals bills when patients need emergency care but have little say about what hospitals they are taken to.

 

Chiu's bill would have capped what emergency patients pay at their copays and deductibles, even if they got treatment at a hospital outside of their insurance network. It would also have capped how much hospitals could then seek from insurance companies.

 

That turned the bill into a battle between hospitals and insurance companies.

 

“This bill curtails a practice that generates billions of dollars of profits for hospitals, and lobbyists and CEOs for the most profitable hospitals in California have made it abundantly clear that they will protect those profits over patients,” Chiu said in a statement. “Unfortunately, that level of moneyed opposition proved insurmountable at this time.”

 

Jan Emerson-Shea of the California Hospitals Association did not immediately comment on Chiu's withdrawal of the bill or his comments about hospital opposition.

 

Carmela Coyle, the group's chief executive, previously said insurance companies, not hospitals, are the true monopoly. She said the proposal “puts money into the pockets of insurance companies and does not make care more affordable for consumers.”

 

 

Facebook's plans for Fremont campus

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

Facebook’s expansion into Fremont will be centered around its Dumbarton Campus, a network of 14 buildings in Ardenwood bounded by Kaiser Drive (north), Dumbarton Circle (south and east), and Campus Drive (west). The buildings, constructed in the mid-1990's, range in size from 41,000 to 65,000 square feet and total over 750,000 square feet.

 

The first two campus buildings were occupied earlier this year, and another five are targeted for occupancy in November 2019. The occupancy for the remaining buildings is tentatively scheduled for 2021. The total employee count for the campus will be roughly 5,000 employees.

 

In addition to office space, the campus buildings will include fitness center, dining, and event space uses. Improvements to the site include a large, centrally located open space area (the “Central Green”) consisting of multiple spaces for outdoor activities, including a basketball court, a synthetic turf field, a tree-rich meadow with walking trails, dining areas, and a main assembly area. Other site improvements include redesigned parking areas, new landscaping and accessible paths of travel, and the addition of access/security infrastructure.

 

Additional plans include the preservation of 1,000 existing campus trees; creation of a transit island off Campus Drive that will include a bus shelter area for regional buses to deliver employees to and from the campus; and addition of shuttle stop locations around the campus to transport employees to other Facebook office locations, including the company’s existing facilities in Menlo Park. Facebook also plans to provide nearly 500 campus bikes for employee use, in addition to bike parking/storage for nearly 600 private employee bikes.

 

 

Jobs are available with the fire department

Submitted by Alameda County Fire Department

 

The Alameda County Fire Department is actively recruiting for provisional Fire Department Aides to perform a variety of activities including messenger, weed abatement, public and community education, hydrant checking, administrative and clerical assignments and special projects as required. The pay range for the position is $14.43 — $17.56 per hour and the deadline to apply is July 25.

 

Example of duties:

 

  • Drive a delivery van or truck for pick-up and delivery of fire department mail, materials, supplies, furniture and equipment to all fire locations, county agencies and departments and vendors on a regularly scheduled basis.
  • Routinely inspect, services, lubricates, marks location of, makes minor repairs and paints fire hydrants in accordance with prescribed standards.
  • Gather data, records and completes reports as required.
  • Perform necessary administrative duties such as, but not limited to, established records and forms, daily/weekly routing schedules, data entry.
  • Maintain assigned vehicle and tool through prescribed care, use and maintenance techniques.
  • Load and unload delivery vehicles; sorts, receives and prepares fire department materials, supplies and equipment for transport.
  • Deliver and fill, if necessary, oxygen tanks and air bottles to all stations.
  • Assist with office work such as answering telephones, typing, filing and copying, as needed.
  • Assist with special projects or assignments as needed.
  • Assist at community events or other public functions as needed.
  • Inspect property for weed and combustible materials that may constitute a fire hazard; writes correspondence setting forth violations and conditions for abatement.
  • Maintain service schedules and records for fire hydrants and conduct periodic testing.
  • Provide training to the public in emergency preparedness, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), basic fire safety and CPR under the direction of ACFD staff.
  • Perform other work as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
  • Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and a satisfactory DMV record.

 

Anyone who is interested in applying for a position, should send a resume via email to Samantha Costa at samantha.costa@acgov.org before the filing deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25.

 

 

Fremont Police Log

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Thursday, July 4

  • Police responded to approximately 54 calls involving fireworks.
  • The 4th of July Parade along Paseo Padre Parkway went as planned and there were no issues.

 

  • At 5:17 a.m. officers responded to a call about an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven store on Central Avenue in the Centerville district. The suspect was described as a white of Hispanic man, 30 to 40 years-old, wearing a yellow baseball cap, yellow mask, orange hoody sweatshirt, blue latex gloves and black cargo shorts. The firearm was a small handgun. Video surveillance from the store showed the suspect fleeing north on Joseph Street after the crime. The loss was cash from the register drawer. An investigation is ongoing.

 

  • At 5:48 a.m. officers responded to a call from a woman about a man swinging a metal bat in the direction of her car in the street at Mowry Avenue and Farwell Drive. The woman was able to get to safety as officers arrived. The man reportedly left the area on a bicycle which was pulling a trailer. He was described as a white heavyset man about 40-year-old and a possible transient. Officers checked a nearby homeless encampment but did not find the suspect.

 

Saturday, July 6

  • Officers responded to a report about two men fighting in the area of the 99 Cent Only store on Fremont Boulevard at Blacow Road in the Irvington district. One of the men reportedly had a wooden pole. Officers spoke with the men and learned that one man was upset with the other man over one of their dogs. Officers arrested a 41-year-old man who was booked at Santa Rita Jail and faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon. The case was investigated by Officer Alejo and Field Training Officer Koehler.

 

  • Officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery at the Walgreen’s store located on Mowry Avenue and Paseo Padre Parkway in Central Fremont. A suspect walked into the store and reportedly grabbed lotion and was attempting to leave without paying. Store security attempted to detain the suspect. The suspect then physically assaulted store security before fleeing eastbound in a vehicle. Store employees noted the suspect’s vehicle type and license plate. With an associated address in Union City, the Union City Police Department was notified and they located the vehicle and made a felony car stop. The 19-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of robbery. The case was investigated by Officer Ramirez.

 

Sunday, July 7

  • At 5:55 p.m. a patrol sergeant was at the Chevron Gas Station on Stevenson Boulevard at Paseo Padre Parkway when he saw a store clerk yelling at a man walking away with items not paid for. The sergeant ordered the man to stop but he ignored the command. Additional backup offers were called while the sergeant followed the man in his patrol car. Fearing the man was going to run into traffic or turn around and fight, the sergeant deployed his Taser. The next arriving officer arrested the man, identified by police as Kristen Lagrone, 34, of Richmond. A record check showed he was on probation for two prior arrests. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being booked at Santa Rita Jail on charges of resisting/obstructing an officer and a probation violation. The business owner wants to prosecute for the theft.

 

  • Officers responded to the City of Fremont’s Dog Park on a report of terrorist threats after the owner of one dog pulled a gun on another dog owner following a dog fight. The victim provided a description and license plate of the suspect vehicle. Officer Samayoa located the occupied vehicle parked near Essanay Avenue and Vallejo Street in the Niles district. The 61-year-old male driver was detained and positively identified as the suspect. The man was arrested and booked into jail and faces a criminal threats charge.

 

Monday, July 8

  • Multiple callers reported a car swerving across lanes on Paseo Padre Parkway near Mowry Avenue. The vehicle eventually stopped on at the intersection Paseo Padre at Mowry Avenue with a male passed out in the driver’s seat. Multiple officers arrived found the male unconscious and barely breathing. There was evidence of narcotics use which led officers to believe the subject had overdosed. Fremont Fire Department arrived and quickly administered NARCAN which almost immediately revived the 21-year-old Newark man. He subsequently told officers that he had ingested fentanyl and that there was some remaining in the vehicle. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment and then arrested for driving under the influence.

 

Wednesday, July 10

  • At 5:50 p.m. officers responded to a call about a juvenile being struck by a vehicle while in the crosswalk in front of Hopkins Junior High School on Driscoll Road. The teenage student sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a local trauma center with a parent. The driver remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

 

 

Fremont City Council

July 9, 2019

 

Work Session:

  • Evaluation of potential sites for Housing Navigation Center. Sites evaluated by accessibility, physical suitability and environmental suitability. Highest rated sites included Parking Lot behind City Hall, Decoto surplus property near Regan’s Nursery and former RDA parcel adjacent to Niles Town Plaza. Jamie Almanza of Bay Area Community Services and Fremont Police Chief Kim Petersen answered council questions about safety and site issues. Assistant City Manager Brian Stott addressed financial concerns. Staff suggested following with an in-depth analysis of costs and challenges for two selected sites to be presented to Council in September/October and a final decision at that time; construction is expected to be completed and occupancy mid-2020. Over 100 speakers addressed the council to comment on the pros and cons of various sites and efficacy of a Navigation Center.

 

Following Council discussion, two sites were selected for further investigation: 1) Parking Lot behind City Hall and 2) Decoto Surplus property. Councilmember Keng supported City Hall site and possibly parking lot at Maintenance Center.

 

Staff Report Site Description – City Hall Parking Lot:

This site, in the heart of Downtown Fremont, is surrounded by a mix of City administration buildings and commercial offices. The site’s most attractive features are its location adjacent to social services, its proximity to transportation, and the existing infrastructure around the site. The area available for the development would likely be smaller compared to other sites to balance the needs of maintaining surface parking availability for city employees and the public. The navigation center could be strategically placed at a location within the rear parking lot that allows for the greatest separation from neighboring office and commercial development.

 

Staff Report Site Overview – Decoto Surplus Property:

This parcel is located on Decoto Road near the intersection with Fremont Boulevard. The majority of this 9.59-acre site is leased to Regan Nursery, though this 1.27-acre portion is not.  The site is adjacent to commercial and single-family residential uses, although it is separated from most other residential uses by the 125-foot wide, five-lane arterial Decoto Road to the west and a 100-foot wide flood control channel to the east. This site has relatively few physical or environmental constraints. While the site does have sufficient access to public transit, there are limited pedestrian and bike improvements along adjacent road frontages.

 

Mayor Lily Mei                       Aye

Vice Mayor Raj Salwan          Aye

Vinnie Bacon                          Aye

Rick Jones                               Aye

Teresa Keng (District 1)         Nay

Jenny Kassan (District 3)        Aye

Yang Shao (District 4)            Aye

 

City Council Meeting:

 

Consent Calendar:

  • Award contract to Matrix HG, Inc. in the amount of $1,709,821 for Development Services Center HVAC & Roof Replacement.
  • Increase annual compensation to Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. for streetlight and exterior facilities light maintenance.
  • Approve certification and mutual indemnification agreement with County of Alameda regarding collection of taxes and assessments for 2019/20 secured Property Tax.
  • Authorize contract with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services for mental health services.
  • Authorize Newark Joint Powers Agreement for paratransit services, case management services and homeless mobile hygiene services.
  • Authorize contract with California Department on Aging for Multipurpose Senior Services Program.
  • Authorize agreement with Accela, Inc. to migrate existing Accela Automation Land Use and Permit System to Accela Software-as-a-Service Platform.
  • Approve agreement with ePlanSoft, Inc. to purchase ePlanSoft Electronic Plan Check Cloud-Based System.
  • Authorize agreement with Alameda County for Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) for $2,078,880.
  • Approve construction of public and private improvements for northeast corner of Hastings Street and Capitol Avenue.
  • Approve construction of public and private improvements for 38569 Mission Boulevard (Mission Villas).
  • Reject all bids for 2019 Tree Root Uplift Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

 

Public Communications:

  • Representative of Building Industry Association, Bay Area asking for reconsideration of Fee Deferral Program.
  • Retaining the name “Lopes” for Lopes Road is good.
  • Complaint by janitorial service employees claiming that benefits have been reduced or lost with change to non-union vendor for City of Fremont.
  • Complaint about lack of response by City personnel regarding changes on Rancho Arroyo Parkway.

 

Scheduled Items:

MOVED TO CONSENT CALENDAR

  • Modify Human Services Department fees for youth and family services, aging and family services, Family Resource Center, mobility and transportation services and senior center. CONTINUED TO September 3, 2019
  • Modify timing of payment of Development Impact Fees for certain types of development projects.
  • Rename Lopes Court to Lopes Road.
  • Approve vacation of a portion of Liberty Street between Walnut Avenue and Beacon Avenue.

 

Other Business:

MOVED TO CONSENT CALENDAR

  • Set annual tax rate for voter-approved General Obligation Bonds.
  • Adopt resolution to support grant application to CA Dept of Justice Tobacco Grant Program REMOVED FOR CONSIDERATION IN SEPTEMBER

 

Mayor Lily Mei                       Aye

Vice Mayor Raj Salwan          Aye

Vinnie Bacon                          Aye

Rick Jones                               Aye

Teresa Keng (District 1)         Aye

Jenny Kassan (District 3)        Aye

Yang Shao (District 4)            Aye

 

 

Central Park Summer Concert Series returns

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

The summer heat marks the return of Fremont’s Central Park Summer Concert Series. Every Thursday evening until August 15, the City will be hosting free concerts featuring a variety of musical genres and performers – from billboard hits and country music to soulful R&B classics. Children are also welcome and can head to the Kids' Fun Zone, a kid-friendly environment sponsored by Bay Area Jump. Concert cuisine for purchase will be provided by the Food Truck Mafia with mouthwatering food truck bites that vary from week to week.

 

This year’s Summer Concert Series is presented by Washington Hospital Healthcare System and Fremont Christian School. For more information, call (510) 494-4300.

 

2019 Concert Schedule

Jul 18: Jukebox Heroes (Decades of Billboard Hits)

Jul 25: Joel the Band (Billy Joel Tribute)

Aug 1: Rachel Steele (Country Music)

Aug 8: Long Train Runnin' (Doobie Brothers Tribute)

Aug 15: East Bay Mudd (Big Horn Band Playin' R&B Hits)

 

Central Park Summer Concert Series

Every Thursday until Aug 15

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Central Park Performance Pavilion

Next to 40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

(510) 494-4300

 

 

Is a gig job right for you?

By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT

 

The ads for Uber, Lyft, and Door Dash are enticing. They promise the chance to earn money whenever you want, work as much or as little as you want, vacation whenever you feel like it, and be your own boss. It sounds like an ideal scenario for almost anybody. I even know of people who have quit their full-time jobs or made a career change to work as Uber drivers. But, is this a good career move for everyone?

 

Let’s look at the numbers first. Don’t be fooled by ads promising $25 and up per hour. These great hourly rates do not include driver expenses, including insurance, gas, car repairs, car payments, and car registration fees; other hidden costs include wear and tear on your car as well as Uncle Sam’s cut.

 

Don’t be lured by the promise of getting paid more during peak hours either. Yes, payments go up during these periods, but Uber will take a generous cut off your earnings. Also, bear in mind that not all drivers are paid equally. Uber, for example, has different levels of service drivers and some levels make far less than others. You might get paid more if you own a luxury car, but few gig workers operate luxury cars. Most of us would only be eligible to be paid at the lower levels of service.

 

Besides the posted hourly rate, gig workers also need to consider what they are not paid as part of their benefits package. What benefits package, you might well ask? My point exactly. Unlike gig workers, noncontract workers enjoy paid benefits, such as health and dental insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and retirement benefits. You miss out on these plusses when you are a gig or contract worker.

 

From a career perspective, consider other tradeoffs. One important factor is to assess if an Uber gig puts you in line toward your career aspirations. If your goal is to be in a future driving position, say a limousine driver, then being an Uber driver makes perfect sense and would put you in perfect alignment toward your future career goal. However, if you want to become a teacher, it would probably behoove you to take a job at a preschool or tutoring center rather than work as a driver. This is not to say that you can’t move on to a different career track if you start off as an Uber driver. Nevertheless, you do have to be mindful of the types of skills, training, expertise, and experience you can bring to a potential employer.

 

A gig worker might rightfully argue that a huge benefit is not having a boss breathing down one’s neck. Indeed, it is liberating to be master of your work domain; however, do consider that not having a boss also means no mentor, no role model, and no references for future work. Anyone who is on a job search will tell you that obtaining three excellent professional references can be fiendishly hard, even if one works in a professional setting. Gig workers are at a disadvantage because they can’t obtain professional references from a supervisor.

 

Who, then, might benefit from gig work? The answer depends on what you want in the short- and long-term. Some stay-at-home parents have enjoyed gig work as a way of getting income while their children are in school – they are simply doing gig work to make money and are not on a path to build their career. Those with specialized skills (generally in tech) who command high hourly rates because of their skill and knowledge base are also happy gig workers. If you’re in school, working toward a career goal, a short-term stint as a driver might just be the ticket for earning some extra cash. If this is your situation, be mindful of your career path and plan accordingly to get on-the job training or experience that fits your goal.

 

Regardless of pay, all gig workers must be comfortable with the responsibilities that come along with being independent contractors (like paying for health insurance and getting general liability insurance). Gig work can help in some stages of your life but do make the most of it by considering future life and career goals.

 

Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Fremont. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at annechantcv@gmail.com

© Anne Chan, 2019

 

 

Human workers can listen to Google Assistant recordings

BY Rachel Lerman

AP Technology Writer

 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jul 11 – Google contractors regularly listen to and review some recordings of what people say to artificial-intelligence system Google Assistant, via their phone or through smart speakers such as the Google Home.

 

The company acknowledged that humans can access those recordings after some of its Dutch language audio snippets were leaked. Google product manager David Monsees acknowledged the leak in a blog post Thursday, and said the company is investigating the breach.

 

“We are conducting a full review of our safeguards in this space to prevent misconduct like this from happening again,” he wrote.

 

More than 1,000 recordings were obtained by Belgian broadcaster VRT NWS, which noted in a story that some contained sensitive personal conversations – as well as information that identified the person speaking. Google says no user account information is associated with the recordings, and reviewers are instructed not to transcribe background conversations.

 

But VRT reporters could hear spoken home addresses in some of the recordings and were able to track down the speakers. Some of these conversations were not directed at Assistant and happened either as background noise or as a mistaken recording when Assistant thought it was being spoken to but wasn't.

 

Google did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

 

Google says contractors listen to recordings to better understand language patterns and accents. Its user terms confirm recordings may be used by the company, stating Assistant “records your voice and audio on Google services to improve speech recognition.”

 

Monsees wrote that Google works with contractors around the world to analyze the recordings.

 

“These language experts review and transcribe a small set of queries to help us better understand those languages,” he wrote.

 

Google's terms don't explicitly say that people review the recordings but do state that data could be analyzed as the company updates services or create new features.

 

The company acknowledged earlier this year that its reviewers listen to anonymous recordings in response to a Bloomberg report revealing that Amazon's Alexa also uses contractors to listen to recordings. Amazon confirmed the report.

 

Google's recording feature can be turned off but doing so means Assistant loses some of its personalized touch. People who turn off the recording feature lose the ability for the Assistant to recognize individual voices and learn your voice pattern.

 

Assistant recording is turned off by default – but the technology prompts users to turn on recording and other tools in order to get personalized features.

 

Google Assistant is available on more than 1 billion devices, including smartphones and smart speakers. It's made quite a dent in the smart speaker market – still the primary place where people use voice technology – but still trails behind Amazon.

 

 

New housing with San Francisco Bay views

Submitted by Chuck Finnie

 

The City of Hayward is requesting proposals from developers interested in turning 37 acres of hillside property with San Francisco Bay views into one of the region’s most sought-after new residential neighborhoods. The Master Development Plan for the property, Parcel Group 5, envisions of up to 74 detached single-family homes on lot sizes averaging 10,000 square feet with a variety of architectural styles. The homes would be linked by trails and connected to wildlife corridors.

 

The development site is nestled below California State University East Bay and is part of a stretch of former California Department of Transportation right-of-way that was once intended for construction of a State Route 238 bypass freeway. Development of Parcel Group 5 will include infrastructure improvements to roads and water, sewer, and electricity distribution systems. The site is a priority project, and the City is ready to work with developers to quickly sell and develop the property. In approving of the Master Development Plan, the City Council also certified an addendum to the 2014 General Plan Environmental Impact Report to streamline the approval and development process.

 

Requests for proposals are due on Wednesday, August 28.  Proposers will have to attend one of two mandatory pre-submittal meetings on Friday, July 23 and Sunday, July 25. For details on Parcel Group 5 Request for Proposals (RFP) and Master Development Plan, visit https://www.hayward-ca.gov/content/california-state-route-238-corridor-lands or contact special project manager John Stefanski at john.stefanski@hayward-ca.gov or (510) 583-3904.

 

 

New rent regulations and tenant protections

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The City of Hayward is establishing a new mandatory mediation and binding arbitration process that can be utilized by tenants when their landlord wants to raise their rent by more than five percent in a year. The new regulation process for rent increase in excess of 5 percent takes effect Thursday, July 25 and applies to multi-unit residential properties built before 1979. All single-family homes and condominiums are exempted, as required by state law.

 

The new mediation and arbitration process are part of a broader update to the city’s Residential Rent Stabilization Ordnance (RRSO) and received final council approval on June 25. The new ordinance also requires all landlords to file with the city copies of all notices of rent increase or termination of tenancy issued to residential tenants in Hayward. Other provisions set forth the justifications by which landlords can lawfully evict a tenant and prohibit discrimination against housing applicants intending to use government vouchers to pay rent. The new ordinance also protects tenants against retaliation by landlords for exercising their rights under the new ordinance.

 

At the same June 25 meeting, the council also passed separate emergency legislation immediately capping residential rent increases at 5 percent until the new more comprehensive update to the RRSO takes effect. Like the mediation and arbitration process for rent increases over 5 percent, the emergency one-month cap on rent increases applies only to multi-unit residential properties constructed before 1979 and exempts all single-family homes and condos as required by state law.

 

To read more about the new ordinances and regulations, visit https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/housing-division.

 

 

Seismic screenings required for soft-story residential buildings

Submitted by City of Hayward

 

The Hayward City Council has given final approval to legislation requiring owners of multi-unit, soft-story residential buildings to have the structures screened for seismic vulnerability and report the findings to the city.

 

The mandatory seismic screening requirement applies to wood-frame buildings, constructed before 1979, with two or more stories and three or more dwelling units, and have a basement or a lower story that is substantially more vulnerable to earthquake damage than the story above.

 

The screenings must be conducted by an architect, civil engineer, or structural engineer with the findings due to the city by October 30, 2020, for buildings with five or more units, and by April 30, 2021, for buildings with fewer than five units. The legislation also establishes voluntary seismic retrofit standards for soft-story buildings.

 

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) predicts that there is a 72 percent probability of a major earthquake in the Bay Area by 2035. Of the 32 faults included in the analysis, the Hayward fault is the most likely to rupture and cause a damaging earthquake.

 

For more information, call the Hayward Building Division at (510) 583-4140 or visit https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/building-division.

 

Hayward Seismic Screenings

Buildings with five or more units by Oct 30, 2020

Buildings with fewer than five units by Apr 30, 2021

(510) 583-4140

https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/building-division

 

 

Hayward City Council

July 9, 2019

 

Public Comments:

  • Residents complained about fireworks and requested the City enforce the law more strictly
  • People expressed their thanks for the new Eden Center near Tennyson

 

Consent Calendar:

  • Adoption of an ordinance amending the City’s downtown-specific plan and parking code
  • Adopt a resolution to terminate the Green Hayward PAYS pilot program
  • Adopt a resolution to amend the agreement with Pavement Engineering, Inc. (to provide engineering services for FY 20 pavement rehabilitation and maintenance and

Winton Avenue pavement rehabilitation projects)

  • Adopt a resolution authorizing delinquent charges for delinquent garbage bills incurred by owners of single-family residences
  • Adopt a resolution confirming report and special assessment for delinquent sewer and water bills incurred by property owners and authorizing the delinquent charges to become a special assessment against the properties if not paid by August 1, 2019
  • Adopt a resolution, approving addendums awarding a contract with Los Loza Landscaping in the amount of $198,569, and authorizing expenditures of up to $282,426

for the Fire Stations 2 – 5 Landscape Improvements Project

  • Adopt a resolution to increase the appropriation of funds and contract amount for

Elite Landscape Construction by $55,603 for the Industrial Parkway west median landscape improvement project for a not-to-exceed amount of $593,603 and increase budget appropriation by $21,553

  • Adopt a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign letters of support for recycling bills SB 54 and AB 1080

Consent Calendar passed 7-0

 

Items removed from Consent Calendar:

  • Authorize a contract between Cole Pro Media, LLC and the Hayward Police Department to provide media consulting services in an amount not to exceed $127,500. Councilmember Wahab asked about in-house social media services. Item passed 6-1 (Nay; Wahab)

 

Work Session:

  • Update on the South Hayward Youth and Family Center Project

 

Public Hearing:

  • Approval of a resolution certifying an addendum to the 2014 General Plan Environmental Impact Report, approval of Master Development Plan, and authorization for the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals for the development of Parcel Group 5: Bunker Hill. Item passed with amendment to keep affordable units on site 6-1 (Nay; Wahab)

 

Legislative Business:

  • Designation of voting delegates and alternates for the League of California Cities 2019 annual conference. Mayor Halliday was nominated to be primary delegate, Councilmember Lamnin was nominated to be alternate. Item passed 7-0

 

Information Item:

  • Report on the Hayward Housing Navigation Center

 

Council Reports:

  • Councilmember Marquez asked about the status of a resolution from the Community Services Commission regarding upcoming census

 

Mayor Barbara Halliday         Aye

Sara Lamnin                            Aye

Francisco Zermeno                 Aye

Aisha Wahab                           Aye, 2 Nay

Al Mendall                              Aye

Elisa Marquez                         Aye

Mark Salinas                           Aye

Bob Jones University, South Carolina

Spring 2019 graduate

  • Grace Wong, Hayward

 

Champlain College, Vermont

Spring 2019 Dean’s List

  • Caitlyn Dangvu, Milpitas

 

Spring 2019 President’s List

  • Cindy Fan, Hayward

 

Rochester Institute, Technology, New York

December 2018 graduate

  • Faiz Rahman, Fremont

 

Spring 2019 graduates

  • Ishaan Barot, Milpitas
  • Hailey Sanidad, Fremont

 

Western Governors University, Utah

Spring 2019 graduates

  • Sarah Zahid, Fremont
  • Anil Jaiswal, Fremont
  • Jaime Rust, Fremont
  • Angela Ramirez, Fremont
  • Rosy Chan, Fremont
  • Clayre Michelle Cruz, Fremont
  • Nova Empeynado, Newark
  • Meghan Ballard, Newark
  • Denise Alfaro, Newark

 

 

Shinn Park Ice Cream Social

Submitted by Alvin Minard

 

Mission Peak Historical Foundation will host its annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 21 at the historic James and Lucy Shinn House. The public can enjoy ice cream sundaes, root beer floats, hot dogs, nachos, and soft drinks, which will be available for sale. Entertainment will include Jazzinators, the East Bay Traditional Youth Jazz Band.

 

The Shinn family came to California from Texas in 1856 and completed the Big House in 1876.  They operated one of the early plant nurseries and sold ornamental as well as fruit and nut trees all over California and parts of the Pacific Rim. The back of the park features a dilapidated Chinese bunk house that was moved from Alameda Creek when the Corp of Engineers were doing work on the Alameda Creek channel. For more information, visit http://missionpeakreporter.org/events.php.

 

Mission Peak Historical Ice Cream Social

Sunday, Jul 21

12 noon – 4 p.m.

Entertainment: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum

1251 Peralta Blvd, Fremont

http://missionpeakreporter.org/events.php

Tours: $5 for adults; $2.50 for children ages 6 – 12; free for children under ages 6

 

 

CONTINUING EVENTS:

 

Monday – Friday, May 3 – Aug 2

Conversation, 7+1 Collective

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Paintings, sculptures, collages from eight female artists

John O'Lague Galleria

777 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-2787

www.haywardartscouncil.org

 

Mondays, May 14 – Dec 30

English Conversation Group

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Practice spoken English in a friendly environment

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

 

Fridays, May 17 – Oct 25

Fremont Street Eats

5:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.

Food trucks, beer, wine, music

Town Fair Plaza

39100 State St., Fremont

fremontstreeteats.com

 

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, May 21 – Aug 20

Castro Valley Street Eats

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Food trucks, activities

Adobe Art Center

20395 San Miguel Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6735

 

Saturdays, May 25 – Aug 31

Campfire Program

8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Games, songs and stories around the campfire

Anthony Chabot Campground and Park

9999 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 690-6677

(510) 544-3187

www.ebparks.org

 

Tuesdays, May 28 – Aug 27

Practice Your Spoken English R

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Chat session for intermediate and up English learners

Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 574-2063

www.aclibrary.org

 

Mondays & Wednesdays, Jun 17 – Jul 24

Jenny Lin Program

6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

For orchestra, band and chorus students

Proctor Elementary

17520 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

jennylinfoundation.org

 

Monday – Thursday, Jun 17 – Aug 8

Mr. Hirsch's Tie Collection

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Eclectic tie collection

Ohlone College Newark Campus

39399 Cherry St., Newark

(510) 742-2300

www.ohlone.edu/library

 

Mondays & Wednesdays, Jun 17 – Aug 8

Beginning Technology Skills R

1:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

Free noncredit course on Microsoft Office

Ohlone College Newark Campus

39399 Cherry St., Newark

(510) 742-2300

www.ohlone.edu/noncredit

 

Thursdays, Jun 20 – Sep 19

Fatherhood Class

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Relationship, parenting, management, job search skills

Fremont Family Resource Center, Pacific Room #H800

39155 Liberty St. (at Capitol), Fremont

(888) 308-1767

www.r3academy.org/fremont

 

Friday – Sunday, Jun 21 – Jul 27

As We See It

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mixed media and sculpture

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Wednesdays, Jun 26 – Aug 14

Chess Club

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Chess for kids going into grades 2-6

Irvington Library

41825 Greenpark Dr., Fremont

(510) 795-2626

www.aclibrary.org

 

Thursday – Sunday, Jun 28 – Jul 27

Guild Members Juried Show

12 noon – 5 p.m.

Exhibition of two and three-dimensional art

Olive Hyde Art Gallery

123 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 791-4357

www.olivehydeartguild.org

Fridays, Jun 28 – Aug 30

Teach Seniors Technology

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Computer/cell phone questions answered

Milpitas Senior Center

40 North Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

(408) 586-3400

 

Fridays, Jun 28 – Aug 30

GO the Game Club

3:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Learn to play this ancient game of strategy

Union City Branch Library

34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 745-1464

www.aclibrary.org

 

Saturdays, Jun 29 – Aug 31

Zumba Kids

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Dances, games. Wear comfy shoes and clothes

New Hope Community Church

2190 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 739-0430

Monday – Saturday, Jul 1 – Jul 31

Local Color

10:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Pastel and oil landscape paintings by Mary K. Stahl

Portola Art Gallery-Allied Arts Guild

75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park

(650) 321-0220

www.portolaartgallerycom

 

Mondays, Jul 1 – Aug 12

Teen Summer DIY

4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Join teen librarians for creative fun

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Jul 2 – Aug 1

Summer Track Meets

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tues: ages 11 and under. Thurs: ages 12 and up

Chabot College Track

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6600

 

Fridays, Jul 5 – Jul 19

Summer Family Storytime and Craft

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Fun with stories and crafts. Ages 3-5

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

Saturdays-Sundays, Jul 6 – Aug 31

Nature Crafts

10 a.m. – Noon

Discover the natural world through your artistic side

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturdays-Sundays, Jul 6 – Aug 31

Wild Wonders

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Games, activities, crafts for all ages

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Sundays, Jul 7 – Aug 25

Animal Feeding Time

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Discuss reptiles, observe feeding time

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Fridays and Saturdays, Jul 12 – Jul 27

Phantom of the Opera

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun 7/21: 2:30 p.m. Thurs 7/25: 8 p.m.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic masterpiece

Jackson Theater, Smith Center at Ohlone College

43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(510) 659-6031

https://tix6.centerstageticketing.com/sites/ohlone6/

 

Friday – Sunday, Jul 12 – Jul 27

“Desert in Bloom” and “Travels to Asia” Photo Exhibit

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Collection by Patra Nesseth-Steffes and David Steffes

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

Monday – Friday, Jul 15 – Aug 23

A Visual Journey

Mon – Thurs: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Artwork by Vinay Kumar Verma and Neel Kamal Verma

Phantom Art Gallery at Milpitas Community Center

457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

(408) 586-3409

http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/milpitas/departments/recreation-services/cultural-arts-theater/phantom-art-gallery/

 

Fridays – Saturdays, Jul 19 – Jul 27

Newsies, The Broadway Musical $

Fri & Sat. 7 p.m., Sat. 2:30 p.m.

Award winning Disney musical

Center Stage Performing Arts

457 E Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

(408) 707-7158

www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov

 

Friday – Sunday, Jul 19 – Aug 11

Born Yesterday $

Fri – Sat: 8 p.m. Sun: 6 p.m.

Classic Broadway comedy. No show July 21

Chanticleers Theatre

3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 733-5483

www.chanticleers.org

 

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Jul 20 – Aug 4

Newsies, The Broadway Musical $

Fri – Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m.

Tony-award winning musical from Disney. Produced by Star Struck Theatre

Dublin Center for Performing Arts

8151 Village Parkway, Dublin

(510) 659-1319

www.StarStruckTheatre.org

 

Friday nights

Laugh Track City $

8 p.m.

Fast-paced improv comedy show

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

Saturday nights

8 p.m.

Audience-inspired improv play

Made Up Theatre

4000 Bay St, Suite B, Fremont

(510) 573-3633

https://madeuptheatre.com/

 

THIS WEEK:

 

Thursday, Jul 18

Ask the Lawyer R

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Assistance for seniors – legal concerns, advance directives, trust

Ruggieri Senior Center

33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 675-5495

 

Thursday, Jul 18

Summer Concert Series – Jukebox Heroes

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Decades of billboard hits

Lake Elizabeth Central Park

1100 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 793-5683

www.fremont.gov/concerts

 

Thursday, Jul 18

Community Meeting

6 p.m.

Fremont Blvd. Smart and Safe Corridor project

Centerville Community Center

3355 Country Dr., Fremont

(510) 791-4324

www.FremontSmartCorridor.org

 

Thursday, Jul 18

Women's Health Series: Managing Symptoms of Menopause

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Pros and cons of hormone therapy and herbal remedies

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

Thursday, Jul 18

Downtown Street Party

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Car show, entertainers, food

Downtown Hayward

 B St. and Foothill, Hayward

(510) 537-2424

www.hayward.org

 

Thursday, Jul 18

Hayward Nonprofit Alliance

10 a.m.

Presenters offering funding opportunities

St. Rose Hospital

27200 Calaroga Ave., Hayward

(510) 264-4044

www.hayward.org

 

Thursday, Jul 18

East Bay Stompers Band

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Swing standards and happy music. No cover

Bronco Billy’s Pizza – Irvington

41200 Blacow Rd, Fremont

(510) 438-0121

(510) 914-7304

 

Friday, Jul 19

Music at the Grove: “Patron Latin Rhythms”

6:30 p.m.

Latin jazz, rock, mambo, funk

Shirley Sisk Grove

Cedar Blvd. at NewPark Mall, Newark

(510) 578-4000

www.newark.org

 

Friday, Jul 19 – Sunday, Jul 21

Community Emergency Response Team R

Fri. 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Hands-on training in small fire fighting, search & rescue, first aid, hazardous materials.

Must attend all three sessions

Fremont Fire Training Tower

7200 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-4244

fremontfiredepartment.eventbrite.com

 

Friday, Jul 19

Movie Night Out

8:30 p.m.

Mary Poppins Returns

Augustine Park

Cortez St. & Coelho St., Milpitas

(408) 586-3210

www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/recreation

 

Friday, Jul 19

Cannabis 101 R

11 a.m.

Make informed decisions about cannabis use

Kenneth C. Aitken Center

17800 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

(510) 881-6738

www.haywardrec.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Comedy Shorts Night $

7:30 p.m.

“The Floorwalker,” “A Safe Investment,” “The Balloonatic,” “The Finishing Touch”

Niles Essanay Theater

37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont

(510) 494-1411

www.nilesfilmmuseum.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Summer Band/Orchestra Program Concert

6 p.m.

Performance by FUSD students from grades 4-12

Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6830

(510) 656-3500 x38033

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Cemetery Clean-Up and Open Day

9 a.m. – 12 noon

Bring your gloves, rakes and water. Visit grounds and ask questions

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

Corner of Usher Street & College Street, San Lorenzo

(510) 581-2516

www.haywardareahistory.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Niles Dog Show

9 a.m.

Open to all mutts and purebreds. Contests, food trucks, vendor booths

Niles Community Park

3rd and H Streets, Fremont

(510) 742-9868

Niles Dog Show

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Misner & Smith $

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Folk/Rock duo

Mission Coffee Roasting House

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 474-1004

www.braskhouseconcerts.com

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Stewardship Saturday R

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Volunteers weed and clean up trash

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222 x 361

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Family Bird Walk R

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Explore marsh trails for birds. Ages 5 – 10

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222 x363

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Twilight Marsh Walk R

7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

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

SF Bay Wildlife Refuge – Don Edwards

1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont

(510) 792-0222

http://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Showtime in San Lorenzo

3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Tour the theater, car show, craft vendors

Movie at 8:30 p.m.

Lorenzo Theatre

16080 Hesperian Blvd., San Lorenzo

www.showtimeinsanlorenzo.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Open House

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit the museum and see fossils

Sessions on electricity and planetarium

Children's Natural History Museum

4074 Eggers Dr., Fremont

(510) 790-6284

msn@msnucleus.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Outdoor Movie Night: Small Foot

8 p.m.

Bring low-back chairs or blankets, picnic. Music, vendors

San Lorenzo Theater

16080 Hesperian Blvd., San Lorenzo

www.haywardrec.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Storytime with Miss April

11 a.m.

Passages from Shel Silverstein's book Falling Up!

Books on B

1014 B Street, Hayward

(510) 538-3943

www.booksonb.com

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Moonlight Train Ride $

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing

Niles Canyon Railway Niles Depot Station

37029 Mission Blvd., Fremont

(408) 249-2953

www.ncry.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Farmyard Storytime

10;30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Classic barnyard tales

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Rabbit Rendezvous

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

How rabbits use their long ears to sense danger

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Walking Tour of Irvington

11 a.m.

Meet at the Irvington Monument, Five Corners

Museum of Local History

190 Anza Street, Fremont

(510) 623-7907

www.museumoflocalhistory.org

 

Saturday, Jul 20

Eden Area Village Monthly Coffee

9 a.m.

Helping seniors remain in their home and be engaged in community

Hayward Area Historical Society Museum

22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward

(510) 581-0223

www.edenareavillage.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Ice Cream Social $

12 noon – 4 p.m.

Enjoy food, entertainment & tour Shinn house

Shinn Park

1251 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

(510) 552-4839

www.missionpeakreporter.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Tribute to Diana Ross

2 p.m.

Stacy Carter performs musical hits

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.fremont.gov/concerts

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Mariachi Festival

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Traditional Mexican music, kids’ activities, food

Shirley Sisk Grove

Cedar Blvd. at New Park Mall, Newark

(510) 578-4000

www.newark.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Family Fishing Fun $R

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Basic instruction baiting, casting, catching. Ages 6+

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward

(510) 670-7270

www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Farm Chores for Kids

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Crack corn, feed animals, help with morning chores

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Puppet Show

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Farmyard puppets perform the story of Little Red Hen

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Wheat Harvesting

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Gather the grain, thresh it, mill it into stoneground flour

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Play with Dough

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Shape a pretzel and bake it in a woodburning stove

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont

(510) 544-2797

www.ebparks.org

 

Sunday, Jul 21

Ohlone Village Site Tour

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

Coyote Hills

8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont

(510) 544-3220

www.ebparks.org

 

Monday, Jul 22 – Thursday, Jul 25

Summer $1 Movie $

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The SpongeBob Movie

Century 25 Movie Theatre

32100 Union Landing, Union City

(510) 487-9347

 

Monday, Jul 22

Outdoor Discoveries: Dragonflies R

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Preschool and home school nature series. Ages 4-8

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Monday, Jul 22 and Wednesday, Jul 24

Summer $1 Movie $

10:00 a.m. – 12 noon

The SpongeBob Movie

Century 20 Great Mall

1010 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas

(408) 263-1351

 

Monday, Jul 22

Milpitas Rotary Club Meeting

12 noon – 1:15 p.m.

Joseph Ehardt – Milpitas Historical Society

Dave and Busters

940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas

(408) 957-9215

http://www.clubrunner.ca/milpitas

 

Monday, Jul 22

History of the East Bay Music Scene

7 p.m.

The 60's and 70's through stories and original art

Fremont Main Library

2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont

(510) 745-1421

www.aclibrary.org

 

Tuesday, Jul 23

Summer Concert Series

6:30 p.m.

Fog City Swampers

Murphy Park

1645 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas

(408) 586-3210

www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov

 

Tuesday, Jul 23

Summer Splashdown!

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Keep cool in the stream, look for wildlife using dipnets

Sunol Regional Wilderness

1895 Geary Rd., Sunol

(510) 544-3249

www.ebparks.org

 

Wednesday, Jul 24

Family Movie Night: Trolls

8 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Rated PG

Chabot Park

1698 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3462

www.sanleandrorec.org

 

Wednesday, Jul 24

Grants for Home Repair

1 p.m.

Workshop about grants available to homeowners

Castro Valley Library

3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley

(510) 667-7900

www.aclibrary.org

 

Wednesday, Jul 24

Summer $1 Movie $

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The SpongeBob Movie

Century Theater Hayward

1069 B St, Hayward

(510) 582-1190

 

Thursday, Jul 25

Terrarium Delirium R

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Free art class

San Leandro Main Library

300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro

(510) 577-3971

 

Thursday, Jul 25

Truth Thursdays – “Arts & Culture”

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Food trucks, games, live entertainment

San Leandro Tech Campus

1600 Alvarado St., San Leandro

(510) 281-0703

www.downtownsanleandro.com

 

Thursday, Jul 25

State of the City R

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci

Ruggieri Senior Center

33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City

(510) 675-5495

https://2019ucstateofthecity.eventbrite.com

 

Thursday, Jul 25

San Lorenzo Summer Series

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Local food and shopping vendors

Hesperian Blvd. & Paseo Grande

16010 Hesperian Blvd., San Lorenzo

(510) 537-5300

info@castrovalleychamber.com

 

Saturday, Jul 27

Jenny Lin Foundation Concert

6:30 p.m.

Richard Meyer's “From Darkness, Joyful Sounds Are Born”

Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center

25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward

(510) 723-6830

Jenny Lin Foundation

 

Saturday, Jul 27

Uncorked Comedy $

7 p.m.

Wine, tasty treats, and four comedians

Twining Vine Winery

16851 Cull Canyon Rd., Castro Valley

plethos.org

 

Saturday, Jul 27

“Desert in Bloom” and “Travels to Asia” Artist Reception

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Meet the Steffes and view their photographs

Sun Gallery

1015 E St., Hayward

(510) 581-4050

www.sungallery.org

 

 

85,000 Kaiser workers prepare for a strike

Submitted by Alisha Qiu

 

More than 85,000 Kaiser Permanente workers are preparing for a national strike to begin this fall as contract talks between the workers and the nonprofit healthcare corporation broke off on July 11 without an agreement.

 

The workers are from multiple unions in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. Beginning in late July and continuing into August, union members will vote to authorize their bargaining team to call the unfair labor practice strike. It would be the largest strike in the U.S. since the 1997 Teamsters strike at UPS.

 

“While we have been providing care 24/7, holding the hands of sick and frightened patients and making sure they are safe and get the treatment they need, Kaiser has been focused on racking up multi-billion-dollar profits and paying executives exorbitant, million-dollar salaries,” said Ida Prophet, an LVN at Kaiser South Sacramento in California. “This is a nonprofit company that has lost its way and is acting more like a typical for-profit corporation, where only a few at the top truly thrive.”

 

The 85,000 workers, who are members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, say they will call the unfair labor practice strike unless Kaiser begins to bargain in good faith. In negotiations the coalition is fighting to:

  • Restore a true worker-management partnership
  • Ensure safe staffing and compassionate use of technology
  • Build the workforce of the future to deal with major projected shortages of licensed and accredited staff in the coming years.
  • Protect middle-class jobs with wages and benefits that can support families

 

Kaiser workers also are demanding the company adhere to basic financial transparency so consumers can make smart choices about their healthcare; lawmakers and regulators can do strict oversight of Kaiser’s operations; and employers and unions have the real-time information they need to negotiate better healthcare rates. Transparency must include reporting of executive compensation, prices, and profit figures across Kaiser’s hospitals and for-profit medical groups.

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Navigation Center will help

 

A flyer opposing the proposed Decoto homeless navigation center arrived on my porch. Don’t these people realize the homeless are already here? Just visit the homeless camp on old Alameda Creek just north of the Mission Lakes neighborhood. It has been there for a few years now, unregulated. It is a health hazard to its residents, a fire hazard to the neighborhood and a crime hazard to all. A regulated center will be a vast improvement to the current chaos. A navigation center will not bring new people in, it will just help manage those who are already here.

 

David Pellarin

Fremont

 

 

Enjoy the sounds of Mexico at the Mariachi Festival

Submitted by Edda Rivera

 

The community is invited to a free fun summer afternoon enjoying the festive sounds of local mariachi bands during our 6th annual “Newark Mariachi Festival.” The event is held within the beautiful Shirley Sisk Grove, located off of NewPark Mall Road across from Jack’s Restaurant at NewPark Mall.

 

This year’s festival will highlight the talents of three local mariachi bands featuring accomplished performers with years of musical experience:

 

  • Mariachi San Francisco’s nine-member band is comprised of both male and female players, which makes their style unique. Their varied repertoire includes Rancheras, Danzones, and Huapangos.

 

  • Mariachi Halcones de Oakland has been playing in Oakland since 1996

 

  • Mariachi Estelar (also including both male and female players) is a group of young musicians inspired to continue the mariachi tradition.

 

In addition, the festival will feature performances from Newark Elementary Schools Children’s Ballet Folklorico dancers and free hands-on art projects for kids. Young attendees can also enjoy a kids’ zone play area with oversized games.

 

Mexican food will be sold by Arteaga’s Food Center, a family-owned business dedicated to providing authentic cuisine around the Bay Area. Their signature taquerias menu offers an array of tacos and burritos (spicy and non-spicy options), so festival goers will be able to purchase snacks to match the occasion.

 

The free 2019 “Music at the Grove” summer concerts are sponsored in part by Washington Hospital Healthcare System, Safety Kleen, Homewood Suites, Tri-City Voice and Sign Zone Printing.

 

For more information, go to www.newark.org or contact Edda Rivera at (510) 578-4346.

 

Newark Mariachi Festival

Sunday, Jul 21

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Shirley Sisk Grove

NewPark Mall Road, Newark

(510) 578-4346

www.newark.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/432/15

 

 

Milpitas Police Log

Submitted by Lt. Frank Morales, Milpitas PD

 

Thursday, July 4

  • At about 1:32 a.m. officers responded to a report about a vehicle that struck a power pole on the 3000 block of Calaveras Road. Arriving officers determined the driver, identified by police as Andrew Nguyen Morales, 22, of San Jose was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him. Morales was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. The collision caused a power outage in the area. Traffic was blocked in both directions of Calaveras Road from Piedmont Road to Downing Road while PG&E workers made repairs. The roadway was reopened about 4:00 p.m.

 

 

A Little Misner and Smith is what you need

Submitted by Wayne and Sue Brask

Photos courtesy of Misner and Smith

 

Misner & Smith’s original folk/rock blend is harmony-filled and lyric-driven. These two actors-turned-singers/songwriters bring a unique blend of talent to Mission Coffee House on Saturday, July 20 for this month’s “Brask House Concert Series: Misner & Smith.”

 

Headlining at venues such as the Freight & Salvage, Palms Playhouse, Kate Wolf Music Festival, San Francisco Folk Festival, San Francisco Old Time & Bluegrass Festival, Starry Plough in Berkeley, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Green Show, and San Francisco Free Folk Festival, Sam and Megan bring rare and undeniable talent to Fremont’s music scene.

 

Misner & Smith’s 5th album “Headwaters” focuses on the work of other musicians who have influenced them with such works as Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” and “Return of the Grievous Angel,” also recorded by Gram and Emmylou Harris. Other works reference Patty Griffith’s “Making Pies,” Talking Head’s “City of Dreams,” and “It Make No Difference” by The Band. As always, the duo faithfully offers up a diverse mix of influential tastes.

 

Misner & Smith’s music is a combination of soaring vocal harmonies, extremely tight instrumental arrangements, and story-filled, poetic songwriting. The duo’s sound harkens back to the bedrock of American rock & folk, but with their own diversity of styles. Sam and Megan sing with one harmonic voice, producing music that captures longing and belonging. Close your eyes and you’ll be swept up in a sound that you’ll swear is a full band. The combination of musical dexterity and vocal prowess packs a punch that will linger with you for a long time to come.

 

Misner & Smith

Saturday, Jul 20

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Mission Coffee

151 Washington Blvd., Fremont

(510) 623-6920

www.braskhouseconcerts.com

Tickets: $15

 

 

Mission San Jose commercial strategy study

Submitted by City of Fremont

 

In June 2018, the Fremont City Council directed city staff to study the Mission San Jose Town Center to determine the potential for commercial success in the area – with special emphasis on retail, restaurants, entertainment options, and mixed use developments that include housing – and to develop strategies to support it accordingly. The Mission San Jose Town Center is a commercial district near Washington Boulevard and Mission Boulevard, anchored by the historic Mission San Jose church and museum.

 

The city has concluded the study, and the council reviewed and accepted the final report for the study in May 2019. Key strategies include focusing revitalization efforts on a smaller “primary commercial area” within the town center; enhancing the identity of the area through marketing, events, and signage; incorporating a leasing/merchandising plan for property owners and commercial tenants; and improving the public realm.

 

City staff is conducting another community meeting to outline the findings in detail. The public is invited to attend this meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the Olive Hyde Center, 123 Washington Blvd in Fremont. The study report and the council report are available at Fremont.gov/MissionSanJoseStudy. For more information, call Wayne Morris, deputy community development director at (510) 494-4729.

 

Community Meeting

Thursday, Jul 25

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Olive Hyde Center

123 Washington Blvd, Fremont

(510) 494-4729

www.Fremont.gov/MissionSanJoseStudy

 

 

East Bay getting ready for National Night Out

Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD

 

Police, community groups and residents from numerous East Bay cities are busily preparing for “National Night Out,” a nationwide campaign held each August designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and community partnerships with law enforcement.

 

Now in its 36th year, National Night Out is set for Tuesday, August 6. The idea is to provide an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other a little better and send a strong message to criminals that community residents will look out for each other by reporting suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Additionally, it is also a great way to meet elected officials, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, service organizations and corporate outreach organizations that serve local communities. To show their support for the program, people nationwide are asked to turn their porch lights on from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

In Fremont, police want to make local events in this year’s National Night Out the most successful in the City’s history. Volunteers from neighborhoods all over the City are being asked to participate by organizing a block or neighborhood party or even an ice cream social where neighbors share good food, laughter and updates on what is happening in the neighborhood. Throughout the night, city staff will make visits to parties that have registered in advance where they will share information, network and answer questions that community members may have.

 

Registration is now open for Fremont community members to register their parties to participate in this year's event. Registrations can be made online at www.fremontpolice.org/nnoreg. The registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, to be considered for a visit by the Police or Fire Department. The goal is to provide each party with one visit from city staff, but this will depend on the number of parties and staff who sign up to participate.

 

Requests for a visit from the Fire Department must be made separately. First register the party, then contact Pam Franklin at pfranklin@fremont.gov.

 

To learn how National Night Out is celebrated in other communities, visit the National Association of Town Watch website at www.natw.org.

 

Fremont National Night Out

Tuesday, Aug 6

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Various neighborhoods

(510) 494-4561

(510) 790-6740

www.fremontpolice.org/NNO

 

Other cities in the area are also planning National Night Out events:

 

Newark

Tuesday, Aug 6

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Various neighborhoods

Details: Jada Chiu at 1 (510) 578-4929 or jada.chiu@newark.org

www.newark.org/departments/police/get-involved-community-engagement/national-night-out

 

Milpitas

Tuesday, Aug. 6

7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Various neighborhoods

Contact: Officer Kita Inthasack at 1 (408) 586-2526 or kinthasack@co.milpitas.ca.gov

 

Hayward

Tuesday, Aug 6

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Various neighborhoods

Register by July 22

www.hayward-ca.gov/discover/events/2019-national-night-out

 

San Leandro

Tuesday, Aug 6

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Various neighborhoods

(510) 577-3228

www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd/programs/nnorf.asp

 

Union City

Tuesday, Aug 6

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Accinelli Park, 33104 Navarro Dr.

Kennedy Park, 1333 Decoto Rd.

Town Estates, End of Douglas St.

Veterans Memorial Park, 4525 Dyer St.

Contact: Crystal Raine, (510) 675-5284 or crystalr@unioncity.org

www.facebook.com/events/3390285417664438/

 

 

Letter to the Editor

Another possible Navigation Center location

 

This is in response to letters regarding the proposed Fremont Navigation Center and “Not In My Back Yard” (NIMBY) responses. There is a place in Fremont that meets all the requirements: where the old City Hall was located on Civic Center Drive, between the police station and main library. I do not know how much land is required, who owns the land, etc., but it is near medical facilities, shopping center, BART and bus connections. I suggest that the City and/or committee for the Navigation Center look at that property as a possibility.

 

Grace England

Union City

 

 

Hayward Native competes in warrior games

Submitted by Mass Communication 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

 

Retired Seaman Steven Davis, a Hayward native, participated in the Department of Defense Warrior Games, which took place in Tampa, Florida from June 21 to June 30. Davis competed for Team Navy and participated in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and sitting volleyball events.

 

“It is an honor serving with my brothers and sisters again, representing the United States Navy,” said Davis.

 

The Department of Defense Warrior Games showcases the resilient spirit of today’s wounded warriors of all branches of the military. Athletes can showcase their enduring warrior spirit in the presence of their families and grateful nation.

 

Team Navy athletes are enrolled in the Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor, which is managed by Commander, Navy Installations Command. The program provides premier nonmedical services to wounded, ill, and injured sailors and coast guardsmen as well as support and resources to their families.

 

 

Newark City Council

July 11, 2019

 

Presentations and Proclamations:

  • Introduction of Jada Chiu as Newark Police Department Community Engagement Manager and Newark Police Department Community Service Officer Terence Lau
  • Recognize 2018 Dispatcher of the Year Dawn Paige, the second straight year she has been so honored.
  • Commend Saint Edward School Science Fair Team of Catalina Interiano and Johanna Perez. Team’s Science Teacher is Yvette Cardenas. The team received the Director’s Award for the Most Innovative Alternative Energy Project at the California Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles on April 30, 2019.

 

Consent Calendar:

  • Authorize Certification and Indemnification Agreement with County of Alameda
  • Approve lease and maintenance agreements with KBA Docusys for multifunction copier/scanner/printers.
  • Authorize purchase agreement with Ross Recreation Equipment Co., Inc. for picnic tables, benches and trash containers for Mel Nunes Sportsfield Park and NewBark Dog Park.
  • Authorize a Contractual Services Agreement with 3QC, Inc. for commissioning services for new Civic Center.
  • Authorize Contractual Services Agreement with Geocon Consultants, Inc. for new Civic Center.
  • Approve agreement with County of Alameda for participation in Community Development Block Grant program for FY 2019-2020.

 

Non-Consent:

  • Approve Memorandum of Understanding with: Newark Association of Miscellaneous Employees; Newark Police Association; Newark Police Management Association; Compensation and Benefit Plan for Confidential Employee Group; Compensation and Benefit Plan for City Officials, Management, Supervisory, and Professional Employee Group.

 

City Council Matters:

  • Appoint John Becker to Planning Commission.
  • Congratulate John Becker and recognize the contributions of recently deceased Bernie Nillo.
  • Recognize the success of Fire Department Pancake Breakfast on July 4th.
  • Commend recent negotiations with employee groups resulting in three-year contracts.
  • Use of “welcome wagon” technique for new residents

 

Oral Communications:

  • Resident request to consider city internships. City response indicated a current lack of physical space to add interns, but will consider other options.

 

Mayor Alan Nagy                   Aye

Vice Mayor Sucy Collazo       Absent

Luis Freitas                             Aye

Michael Hannon                     Aye

Mike Bucci                             Aye

 

 

Fremont News Briefs

Submitted by Cheryl Golden

 

Temporary Housing Navigation Center

The Fremont City Council held a work session on July 9 to review 11 potential city-owned and privately-owned sites for a temporary housing navigation center. The sites were based on previously recommended council-approved criteria from the June 18 council work session. The council has selected two sites to further evaluate and has directed staff to provide additional analysis, which includes cost estimates and community outreach, on each location for the implementation of a housing navigation center.

 

City staff will further analyze the following two sites: Parking lot at Fremont City Hall (rear area) and Decoto surplus property (unleased property next to Regan Nursery). Both locations are within a half mile of food services and bus stop/bus services to BART, utility connection points abut property, and located outside of a fault trace zone.

 

The temporary navigation center will provide 45 beds and up to 6 months of housing to homeless adults while they are supported and are focused on finding stable, permanent housing. The navigation center will be operated by Bay Area Community Services (BACS), who will provide 24/7 staffing and supportive services to the residents of the program.

 

Throughout the summer, city staff will conduct outreach to obtain community input and comments on the two potential sites selected. At a council Meeting in September (date to be determined), staff will return with completed analysis and community feedback to present to the council. It is anticipated that the council would then select a final site to locate a temporary housing navigation center and city staff would proceed with procurement of contracts to implement the center.

 

To watch the recording of the July 9 work session, visit https://fremont.gov/AgendaCenter/City-Council-4.

 

Input Sought for New Website

The Fremont Police Department is seeking community input to develop a new website that will better serve the community. The current website (www.fremontpolice.org) is due for a redesign. The new website is scheduled to launch by early 2020 and will focus on easy navigation, transparency, and mobile responsiveness. The public is encouraged to respond to a community survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/7S6LCZM by Thursday, July 18. Public comments will help the police department build a more effective website.

 

Summer Movies in the Park

Visit Central Park’s Performance Pavilion just after sunset on Fridays, July 26 and August 16 to enjoy free Summer Movies in the Park. The Recreation Services Division will be playing “How to Train Your Dragon” on July 26 and “Dumbo” on August 16. Grab some blankets, low beach chairs, and a picnic dinner to enjoy two films in the park. For more information, visit www.Fremont.gov/MovieNight.

 

 

Starstruck Theatre presents Newsies the Musical

Submitted by Starstruck Theatre

 

Disney’s Newsies, based on the 1992 motion picture, features a score by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony Award® winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy). While on Broadway, Newsies received 23 major theatrical nominations – including eight Tony Award nods – and won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Score and Choreography.

 

Newsies is inspired by the real-life “Newsboy Strike of 1899,” when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers. Timely and fresh, the fictionalized adaptation of Newsies addresses age-old themes of social injustice, exploitative labor practices and David-versus-Goliath struggles as the young learn to harness their power against a corrupt establishment. High-energy with non-stop thrills, the stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York,” and “Santa Fe.”

 

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

 

Showtimes:

 

  • Saturday, July 20 @ 7:30 pm (StarStruck Alumni Night)
  • Sunday, July 21 @ 2:30 pm
  • Friday, July 26 @ 7:30 pm (Family Discount Night)
  • Saturday, July 27 @ 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, July 28 @ 2:30 pm (Talk Back with actors)
  • Friday, August 2 @ 7:30 pm (Family Discount Night)
  • Saturday, August 3 @ 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, August 4 @ 2:30 pm

Ticket prices: $28 (Child/Student), $30 (Senior), $32 (Adult)
(Ticketing fees are extra)

 

Newsies the Musical

Saturday, Jul 20 – Sunday Aug 4

Fri & Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2:30 p.m.

Dublin Center for the Performing Arts

8151 Village Parkway, Dublin

(510) 659-1319

https://starstrucktheatre.org/shows/newsies-the-musical/

Tickets: $28 – 32

 

 

Extra! Extra! StarStruck Theatre Presents Newsies

Submitted by Helen Chang

 

StarStruck Theatre’s production of Newsies, the smash-hit musical, will play at the Dublin Center for Performing Arts July 20 to August 4. Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you don’t want to miss.

 

“I'm thrilled to bring this exciting and relevant musical to the StarStruck stage,” said Lori Stokes, founder and artistic director of the non-profit youth performing arts company, “And as an added bonus, to work with Juliane Godfrey and Courtney Stokes is a dream come true.” A veritable family reunion, this production of Newsies features two mother-daughter artistic duos.

 

Broadway actress Juliane Godfrey, recently in the Tony Award-winning Sponge Bob Square Pants on Broadway, is daughter of StarStruck music director Nancy Godfrey. She returned to her StarStruck roots this spring to choreograph Newsies. Similarly, Courtney Stokes took a break from her own acting career to work with her mother as assistant director.

 

The 44 actors in the cast range in age from 12-20 and hail from Fremont, Newark, Hayward, Pleasanton, Livermore, Union City and Milpitas. Principle actors include Diego China as Jack Kelly; Gabriel Lew as Crutchie; Niko Le as Davey; Russell Lym as Les; Mehaa Mekala as Katherine Plumber; Roman Severtson as Joseph Pulitzer; and Maya Hoyt as Medda Larkin.

 

A 14-piece orchestra under the direction of Nancy Godfrey brings to life the score by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy).

 

Since the film’s 1992 theatrical releases, Newsies has grown into a cult phenomenon, and for four years was the single most requested title of all the Disney musical films not yet adapted for the stage.

 

Newsies’s longevity and reach has been driven from the beginning by an indefatigable fan base. Beginning as a pilot regional production, Newsies was called to New York by critical acclaim and now Newsies is coming to the East Bay this summer.

 

Created in 2011, the stage version introduces eight brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman, while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe.”

 

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies,” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.

 

Newsies is inspired by the real-life ‘Newsboy Strike of 1899,’ when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers.

 

This production is recommended for ages 6 and up.

 

Tickets, $25-32, and additional information are available online (https://starstrucktheatre.org/). Special pricing on Fridays only; all seats, $25.  Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Box office: (510) 659-1319.

 

Show Dates:

  • Saturday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.: StarStruck Alumni Night
  • Sunday, July 21, 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, July 26, 7:30 p.m.: Family Discount Night
  • Saturday, July 27, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 28, 2:30 p.m.: Talk back with actors
  • Friday, August 2, 7:30 p.m.: Family Discount Night
  • Saturday, August 3, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 4, 2:30 p.m.

 

Staff:

  • Producer and Director: Lori A. Stokes
  • Music Director: Nancy Godfrey
  • Choreographer: Juliane Godfrey
  • Assistant Director: Courtney Stokes
  • Assistant Choreographer: Chevy Slater
  • Stage Manager: Anthony Wickizer
  • Fight Choreographer: Stephen Muterspaugh
  • Lighting Design: Ryan Willer
  • Set Design and Scenic Artist: Stephen C. Wathen
  • Sound Design: Andretti Duvenhage
  • Costume Design: Diane Scherbarth
  • Properties Design: Cat McConnell
  • Master Carpenter: Mark Aragon

 

Newsies the Musical

Saturday, Jul 20 – Sunday Aug 4

Fri & Sat: 7:30 p.m., Sun: 2:30 p.m.

Dublin Center for the Performing Arts

8151 Village Parkway, Dublin

(510) 659-1319

https://starstrucktheatre.org/shows/newsies-the-musical/

Tickets: $28 – 32

 

 

Ohlone to offer cyber defense coursework

Submitted by Tina Vossugh

 

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates Ohlone College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through academic year 2024. The prestigious CAE-CDE designation places Ohlone College in a select group of two-year, four-year, and postgraduate institutions across the nation.

 

“Ohlone is excited to offer students a program that meets national cyber security criteria and which will open career opportunities not otherwise available to them,” said Dr. Gari Browning, President and Superintendent of the Ohlone Community College District.

 

Following a lengthy year-long process, the Ohlone College Computer, Networks, and Emerging Technology (CNET) program was rigorously vetted and approved by NSA experts. The Computer Science (CS) and CNET departments at Ohlone College will now have the privilege of providing students NSA and DHS-approved certificates in qualifying Cyber Defense programs.

 

“Ohlone College is the only community college in Northern California to have received this designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA,” said Ron Sha, Head of Ohlone’s Cybersecurity Program and CNET Department, Professor of Computer Science and CNET.

 

Ohlone’s cyber defense course offerings and certificates include information technology curriculum and certification courses preparing students for work in positions including Network Administrator, Cybersecurity, Cisco Certified Network Associate or Professional, Business Analytics, and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator or Engineer. ​The CNET Department is also an Academy of Cisco Network, VMware Authorized, Palo Alto Network, CompTIA, and Microsoft IT.

 

“Ohlone’s ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” said Karen Leuschner, National CAE Program Manager, NSA.

 

A formal DHS/NSA ceremony will take place on November 20 in Phoenix, Arizona to formally recognize Ohlone College’s designation. Additionally, official letters of notice from DHS/NSA have been sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Congressman Ro Khanna, other Members of Congress, and appropriate Congressional Committees.

 

More information about the Ohlone CS/CNET program is available online at https://www.ohlonecs.com.