Alameda County Fire Department Log
Submitted by ACFD
Sunday, August 30
• At 3:47 a.m. firefighters responded to a residential fire report on the 4000 block of Queensboro Way in Union City. The blaze, which may have started near an outside gazebo, extended into the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation; no injuries were reported.
Monday, August 31
• At 5:30 a.m. firefighters assisted Hayward Fire Department personnel in knocking down a two-alarm fire at a commercial building on A Street and Foothill Boulevard in Hayward.
Photos in 1 new Sharon
Picture captions:
– Air for Life 1.jpg
o Jonathan in his store displaying equipment
– Air for Life 2.jpg
o Jonathan setting up a machine
– Air for Life 3.jpg
o Lynne at the store
– Air for Life 4.jpg
o Lynne with their daughter in front of the store
– Air for Life 5.jpg
o Jonathan and Lynne with their daughter in their store
Business Pulse Check- Air for Life
By Madhvika Singh
Photos courtesy of Air for Life
This article is part of Business Pulse Check, a series where we at Tri-City Voice check in with a local business and how they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related closures.
Air for Life is a Fremont business that provides sleep-specific Durable Medical Equipment (DME) services such as the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure), non-invasive ventilation and related accessories. Jonathan & Lynne Pecson opened their business in January 2019, and their inspiration came from personal experience when they saw family members suffering from severe snoring and sleep disturbances impacting their day-to-day life. Jonathan has five years of sleep medicine and DME experience and Lynne has almost a decade of experience in corporate management and healthcare administration.
Sleep Apnea is a disorder resulting from recurrent upper airway obstruction, causing blockage of the back of the throat during sleep. The cycle of apnea (obstruction) and awakening may repeat itself many times per night and this sleep fragmentation results in daytime sleepiness and impaired performance. In severe cases, it can be life threatening. Predisposing factors can include being male, hypothyroidism, and facial structures with narrowing of the upper airway. Sleep apnea can also run in families. The most common treatment for Sleep Apnea involves the use of machines such as CPAP and BiPAP that continuously apply air pressure into someone’s airway to prevent muscles from constricting and restricting airflow.
As with other businesses, COVID-19 related restrictions proved to be a challenge for Air for Life. A lot of their business came through referrals from sleep clinics and elective procedures that this year have been put on hold, dampening demand for services. “We had a drastic decrease of patients in March and April,” shared Jonathan. A few weeks into the shutdown, the Pecsons realized that COVID-19 would change the way business is conducted, and they needed to adapt quickly. A good friend helped them get onto social media and reach out to the community of patients and experts. “We gained followers and reviews, which attracted more business,” said Jonathan.
Meanwhile, they navigated regulations and new programs to seek help for their business and employees. “We realized the importance of having a well-structured business and trustworthy advice, because it made applying to several loan and grant programs simple and easy,” added Jonathan. With the pandemic raging in New York at that time, Air for Life pitched in by donating to a group of UC Berkeley professors and students who made 1,000 ventilators to send to New York’s COVID-19 hot spots.
Seeing the positive impact of outreach efforts on the web, the Pecsons decided to take their business online to a modern e-commerce platform. “I believe we need to implement latest technology and ways to stay in touch in order to thrive as our world evolves,” says Jonathan. Along with expanding their business online, they have also made modifications to their physical business. They’ve added local delivery and drop-off options within Fremont and can ship out of state as well. They are now offering Facetime and Zoom calls to help guide potential buyers who are looking for information. As an added convenience, customers can also reach them through a quick-text service.
On the personal front, the Pecsons feel fortunate to be in good health, but are missing quality time with their friends and extended family. On the other hand, they are able to spend more time with their two-year old daughter, and are learning to cook their favorite Vietnamese dishes.
Jonathan turns to motivational books for inspiration. “The Four Agreements: A practical guide to personal freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz is among his favorites. The philosophy that keeps him going in the face of troubles is, in his words, “Don't sit around and wait for things to get better. Come up with a different plan, reach out to other business owners, speak with your employees and ask for their thoughts.”
Tri-City Voice wishes Air For Life the very best as they help people get a restful night’s sleep and wake up to a refreshing morning!
DISCLAIMER: The list of predisposing factors mentioned above is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Air For Life
39817 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
(510) 383-0274
admin@myairforlife.com
https://www.myairforlife.com
Connect with Air for Life on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Yelp
Obituary
Amelia P. Arrivas
Resident of Fremont
September 11, 1934 – August 30, 2020
Amelia P. Arrivas was born on September 11, 1934 in Iloilo City, Philippines. She passed away on August 30, 2020, in Fremont, CA. She is survived by her loving children Ann Marie Arrivas-Carbonell (Bienvenido, Jr.), Melvin, Efrem (Ellen), Larry, and Ivan Arrivas. Caring grandmother to Alyssa, Efrem, Jr. and Serafin, III. She was predeceased by her husband Serafin Arrivas, Jr. (04/01/2016).
Amelia was a beautiful, loving, and caring person. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved her family and embraced every moment with them. Amelia or Inday, as she was known to friends was born in the Philippines and was very popular, she was even a Yuhum Magazine cover girl. She attended St. Augustine University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and later moved to the US after marrying her childhood sweetheart, Serafin. She was an avid Disney fan, enjoying trips and cruises with her family every year. Amelia was a longtime resident of the San Francisco Bay Area where she loved treating visitors to seeing the sights around the bay.
A private service will be held for Amelia.
Fremont Memorial Chapel
510-793-8900
Fire News
By Ayn Wieskamp
East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
Like public agencies throughout the Bay Area and rest of California, East Bay Regional Park District has had to deal with the overwhelming number of wildfires ignited by lightning storms on August 16. In partnership with multiple other agencies under the direction of CAL FIRE, park district firefighters have been deployed to fires both within the regional parks and on other lands, wherever needed.
The district’s entire firefighting team has been involved. This consists of 23 full-time and about 34 on-call firefighters. The on-calls are park district employees with other job assignments but who are also fully trained to fight fires. These staff members were released from their regular jobs to reinforce the department during the emergency.
The district’s Eagle 7 helicopter unit also was deployed. Early on, it was one of the only airborne firefighting resources available. Using the copter’s Bambi bucket capability, the Eagle pilots worked every day, assisting CAL FIRE by dropping thousands of gallons of water on the fires.
Fires have burned in or near six regional parks: Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Del Valle, Pleasanton Ridge, Sunol/Ohlone and Mission Peak. Firefighters and rangers worked hard for three days at Camp Arroyo next to Del Valle in Livermore, making the site more fire-resistant by thinning vegetation and securing buildings.
The fire emergency required closure of all regional parks on August 21, except for some shoreline parks and paved inter-park regional trails. The air quality was bad, which created health issues. Beyond that, the smoke was so thick that firefighters could not tell whether it had just drifted in or was created by an actual fire within the park.
Another concern was that if a fire did occur, the already fully engaged firefighters and police would have had to divert from firefighting to locate and evacuate park visitors. Moreover, CAL FIRE officials had informed the park district that resources were stretched so thin that if a new fire started in a regional park, the district might have to fight it without assistance.
As firefighters began making modest gains against the flames, most of the regional parks reopened on August 27. If closures become necessary again, the district urges the public to cooperate. Please do not enter a regional park that has been closed. Doing so endangers both you and the staff that will have to escort you out.
For up-to-date information on the fire situation, parkland status, and COVID-19 pandemic, visit the park district website at www.ebparks.org. Check the top of the home page.
Information on fire preparedness is available in the September-October edition of Regional in Nature, the park district’s bi-monthly calendar of events. Since the district’s usual special events and nature education programs are still on hold because of the pandemic, much of the issue is devoted to fire-related topics.
You can access Regional in Nature at the park district website. Just below the page-top slide show is a white bar with a line of icons. Click on the right side and “Regional in Nature Activity Guide” will show up.
I will conclude with a final reminder: When you visit the parklands, please observe social distancing and have a mask available to wear when distancing isn’t possible on narrow trails and at gates. Masks and distancing are effective ways of combatting the pandemic. We all want to be able to defeat the virus and reclaim a more normal way of life as quickly as possible. Thanks for your cooperation.
Local art show goes virtual – and viral!
Submitted by A.R.T., Inc.
Photos courtesy of A.R.T., Inc
Due to shelter in place restrictions, many local art galleries are shutting their doors. At the same time, galleries such as Castro Valley-based Artists Relaxing Together (A.R.T., Inc.) are finding a bigger audience than ever by transitioning their shows online. A.R.T., Inc.’s current show “A.R.T., INC. Goes Viral #3” will be viewable online through October 31 over Google Photos. Follow this link to see the member submissions: photos.app.goo.gl/5vC3JjmjZtL5nQdD8.
The gallery’s next online show, in partnership with CV Rotary, “Pandemic: an artistic view,” will be on display from September 21 to November 1.
A.R.T., INC. Goes Viral #3
Through Saturday, Oct 31
photos.app.goo.gl/5vC3JjmjZtL5nQdD8
https://www.artinc.org/
Assumption School Kicks Off the School Year
Submitted by Lauren Sugayan
It was an exciting start to the school year on Monday, August 24 at Assumption School [San Leandro] where the school's annual “Visiting Day” brought parents, students and teachers together, with face masks and social distance, to gather educational materials and share some smiles and laughter.
Assumption School will be carrying out distance learning until further notice in accordance with Alameda County’s Shelter-in-Place Order and to ensure the safety of students and school staff. Despite the restrictions, the school is optimistic and confident about delivering a high quality of education. Lana Rocheford, Assumption School’s Principal, says:
“Our school staff, students and families all share the same values of commitment, action, respect and achieving their best, which is why I know we will all pull together to make the best of our circumstances until we can be back into classroom together again. We are embracing distance learning and we are excited to see the new ways in which our families are connecting and building community.”
School and parent volunteer groups have been busy preparing for socially-distanced, community events to help maintain the strong sense of community that has drawn families to the school for generations. The school's annual fall festival is transitioning (for now) to a “grab n’ go” spaghetti dinner on September 18 and drive-in movie on September 19. For more information about the festival, go to the school's website at www.assumptionschool-sl.org.
The first week of school also included a virtual back-to-school night and ended with an introduction of the Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes at Sunday mass and a blessing by Father Leonard Marrujo for students as they begin their distance learning.
Fall Festival
Friday, Sep 18 & Saturday, Sep 19
Grab n’ go spaghetti dinner, drive-in movie
www.assumptionschool-sl.org
BMW X3 xDrive30e: Luxury SUV with some EV Cred
By Steve Schaefer
BMW’s midsize plug-in hybrid SUV lives in the trendy part of the marketplace. In the BMW stable, the X3 is “right-sized,” with the smaller X1 as the entry point and the larger and more expensive X5 and X7 above it.
You can get the X3 xDrive30i, with a gasoline-only powertrain, but opting for the xDrive30e means your vehicle combines a 2.0-liter turbo-charged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an integrated electric motor and a 12-kWh battery. Officially, you can plug in your car and then drive about 18 miles on electricity alone, making a big impact on local trips.
Getting more specific, the X3’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor together generate 288 total horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque, good for an under-six-second time to push the 4,586-pound SUV from zero to 60. So, although it is taller than a 3-Series sedan, it still gives you the performance you seek from a vehicle that wears the blue-and-white BMW roundel.
My tester came in a typical BMW gray shade called “Dark Graphite Metallic.” Numerous other colors are available, including the Phytonic Blue Metallic I’d likely choose. The twin kidney grille sits prominently up front, and the styling is typical of today’s BMWs.
You can get the gasoline-only X3 with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, but plugins are all-wheel-drive only. This isn’t so much for climbing rocks as providing extra traction in inclement weather and heightened security on the dirt road to your summer cabin.
You’ll know you’re entering a BMW the moment you open the door. The traditional two-tone theme prevails, the nickel-finish metallic trim gleams softly, the Cognac Vernasca leather smells great, and the Fineline Cove Matte Finish wood trim is bumpy and fake-looking. In my tester, the black headliner helped create a cozy feeling while the fat leather wheel was great to grip. BMWs must look and feel like BMWs or what’s the point?
There’s little downside to adding the electric powertrain, although the base price for the plug-in is $4,600 higher and you lose 1.5 cubic feet of cargo space, since the battery protrudes a little from the cargo hold where it lives. The cargo reduction should not be a deal breaker, but it’s something to be aware of.
The seventh generation of iDrive delivers a 12.3-inch high-res screen that you can interface with using voice, touch, and haptic controls. There’s all the tech you could want, with some of that complex German engineering that means you have to figure out things rather than just learning them intuitively.
As a luxury brand, BMW follows the “but wait, there’s more” approach to options. My $48,550 test vehicle topped out at $65,020 when all was said and done. Large pieces of this included the M Sport design upgrade ($5,000) and 15-item Executive Package ($4,500), and there was plenty more. An upgrade to double-spoke bi-color 20-inch wheels added another $950. I certainly enjoyed the audio upgrade to the Harman Kardon surround sound system ($875).
The whole purpose of having a plug-in hybrid is to increase efficiency, so how do the numbers stack up? The xDrive30e earns 60 MPGe combined city/highway when using gasoline and electricity. If you don’t charge up, the combined number is 24 mpg. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version of the gas-only xDrive30i, it’s 24 City, 29 Highway, and 26 Combined. The EPA Green scores are 7 for Smog and 9 for Greenhouse Gas for the plugin and 7/5 respectively for the standard gas model. The plugin earns the EPA’s SmartWay designation, while putting out 204 grams of CO2 per mile versus 345 grams for the gas model. That’s not insignificant.
The point being, make sure to plug in the car to get maximum benefits. With the small battery, you should be able to use regular household current in your garage to fill it up overnight—you don’t need to install a more expensive (but faster) 240-volt Level 2 charger.
Cars are meant to be driven, and I hate to say it, but during a pandemic, not a lot of driving gets done. I put few miles on this car but tried to make most of them electric. The motor is responsive, smooth, and silent, as expected. The driving experience is not especially sporty, but the BMW ambiance makes it seem so.
If you like BMWs and want a crossover, this is a good option. Competition is fierce in this market segment, and plug-in hybrids are likely to be popular in the 2020s until full EVs take over. This car can give you unlimited travel options with zero range anxiety; however, it is only incrementally helping to solve our climate crisis. It is a good way to learn about plugging in and visiting the gas station less.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Monday, August 31
• At 2:07 p.m. a man identified by police as Timothy Knockum, 53, of Oakland was arrested at Union City station on a $20,000 warrant from BART PD for burglary and violation of a protective order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, September 2
• At 6:04 p.m. a man identified by police as Ernest Okere, 51, of Oakland was arrested at Milpitas station on suspicion of vandalism and resisting arrest. He was booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Text BART Police launched
Submitted by Bay Area Rapid Transit
BART Police Department (BPD) is launching a new initiative that gives riders another way to request assistance from officers while they are in the system. Text BART Police allows riders, employees, and others to directly contact the BPD Dispatch Center. The launch builds on the success of the BART Watch app, which has been downloaded 89,000 times.
“I want to give our riders as many ways as possible to reach us while they’re on our trains and in our stations,” said BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez. “Text BART Police makes it easy for anyone to use their phone to discreetly contact us if a need should arise.”
The number for Text BART Police is (510) 200-0992. Text BART Police is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can also be used to send pictures to BPD. Much like the BART Watch app, the number should be primarily used for non-emergency reports. Anyone with an emergency is still urged to call 911 or contact their train operator.
Text BART Police
(510) 200-0992
Bears crash Montana kitchen and get snacks, stern words
AP Wire Service
By Brett French
Billings Gazette
Billings (AP), Aug 29 – It wasn't until the following day that Kathy Kenyon considered whether her bold approach to shooing three bears out of her kitchen might have been unsafe.
“At the time, stupidly, I didn't feel that afraid,” the Red Lodge resident recalled of the Sunday night encounter.
Kenyon was watching television around 9:30 p.m. in the home she and husband Don Redfoot have lived in since 2018. The house is about a mile west of Red Lodge, along the West Fork of Rock Creek. Everything from whitetail deer to moose, bobcats and large predators like black bears and mountain lions have been photographed on their property, using a game camera.
“We get used to seeing wildlife,” Kenyon told the Billings Gazette.
But when something black and furry scurried into the TV room and then quickly back out, her first thought wasn't that it was a bear cub. Instead, she thought it might be the neighbor's black dog.
Stepping into the doorway to the kitchen to investigate, she quickly figured out the intruder was a mother black bear and her two cubs. They had pushed out a screen in a partly opened window and crawled in to dine on freshly bought peaches and Hershey's chocolates.
“The cubs seemed particularly fond of those,” Redfoot said.
Hello!
Redfoot was in the bedroom when he heard a crash and went to investigate, calling out to his wife, “Kathy, what are you doing out there?”
Stepping around the corner, he came face to face with momma bear. He quickly opened the front door, hoping to give the bear an escape route. The black bear was only about 10 feet away.
“It wasn't like she was being threatening, it was like she wanted to greet me,” he said.
Unwilling to find out the bear's intentions, Redfoot quickly retreated to the bedroom and closed the door.
What the …?
“Don, there's a bear in the house!” Kenyon called out after seeing the bears.
Her first instinct was to find her cellphone and call the local Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden, Matt Heaton, for advice.
Instead, she decided to clap and yell at the bears to see if she could scare them back outside. The mother bear jumped out the open window, but the cubs lingered while eating the chocolates.
At some point in the confusion, she yelled at Redfoot to take a photograph.
“I meant of the cubs, not me,” she said.
“Don is always taking pictures.”
To urge the last cub out, Kenyon picked up the dislodged window screen and advanced. She estimated the screen was about 5 feet long.
“That screen was certainly effective protection,” Redfoot said.
“I haven't been able to talk to Matt about whether I should have done that,” Kenyon said of the FWP warden.
“He would probably say you were out of your mind,” Redfoot said and laughed.
But Kenyon felt safe since she was close to the adjacent room and a door that she could quickly close if her bluff was called.
“So it wasn't as insane as it looks in that picture,” Kenyon said.
With the gentle prodding, the cub left through the window.
“It never appeared threatening or fierce,” she said. “It appeared nonchalant and not too concerned about me.”
Candid
“I don't think I ever touched him with the screen,” Kenyon said.
“I would beg to differ,” Redfoot interjected.
The tactic worked. The cub left, and Kenyon rushed over to quickly close the window behind it. That's when the momma bear's face popped into view, at very close range.
“That was the point when I thought, `Oh Kathy, what have you done?”' she said.
The momma bear was trying to crawl back in.
“That's when I began to question whether I had made a prudent decision,” she said. “I would not recommend what I did in most circumstances. On the other hand, we had minor damage.”
After their eviction, the bears lingered outside the window.
“They remained for a couple of minutes looking at us like they were expecting us to invite them back in,” Redfoot said.
The bears also returned the next day, but didn't gain entry this time.
“This bear momma is teaching her cubs bad habits,” Kenyon said.
Since last September when Redfoot set up a game camera, he's captured some unusual footage of wildlife in his backyard. That's because he also placed a stuffed bright orange teddy bear and small lion in front of the cameras.
The toys have led to some unusual interactions that the cameras have captured: a bear playing and rolling atop the stuffed bear; a squirrel knocking the lion toy off a boulder in an odd king-of-the-mountain showdown; deer walking past as well as the backside of a mountain lion.
Last week, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued a warning to Red Lodge residents about grizzly bears in the area. A collared female with two cubs is being monitored as it roams along Rock Creek, according to Shawn Stewart, FWP wildlife biologist in Red Lodge.
“Everyone has a bear story if they've lived here any length of time,” Kenyon said. “It's just not unusual for people who have lived here for a while to have some type of bear encounter at their home.”
Redfoot and Kenyon often take walks in their neighborhood, always accompanied by bear spray just in case of an encounter. But so far the bears they've seen have always run the other way. They also keep their home bear-proofed to lessen the chance of such encounters.
Cortese requests federal aid for residents in SCU Fire
Submitted by Janice Rombeck
Supervisor Dave Cortese sent an urgent request to Governor Gavin Newsom on September 2 asking for his help in adding Santa Clara County to the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration because of the damage caused by the SCU Fire burning. The SCU Fire is the second largest fire in the state’s history and is not yet eligible for FEMA aid.
“Santa Clara County must be added to the list,” said Cortese. “Although the SCU area is not as populated as other fire areas, there are residents and cattle ranchers and others who were burned out of their homes and livelihoods and deserve access to federal assistance.”
A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration helps people in the impacted counties through eligibility for support, including individual financial support and reimbursements, crisis counseling, housing and unemployment assistance and legal services. It also provides federal assistance to help state, tribal and local governments fund emergency response, recovery, and protective measures.
For more information, contact the Office of Supervisor Dave Cortese at (408) 299-5030.
California Legislature passes landmark bill to license debt collectors
Submitted by Jeff Barbosa
To shield consumers from unscrupulous debt collectors during the COVID-19 economic crisis, the State Legislature on August 31 approved a bill to license debt collectors and debt buyers operating in California. SB 908, by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for his consideration.
Under SB 908, the Department of Business Oversight (DBO) would field complaints from borrowers and enforce violations. The bill would provide consumers a single location to see what companies are licensed, are operating without a license, and any actions taken against companies, including suspension or revocation. Funding would be derived from licensing fees on the industry.
SB 908 would also require collection attorneys to be licensed by the DBO. Some law firms operate as collection mills and send out thousands of notices on their letterhead, which often frightens and intimidates consumers. With consumer debt at an all-time high, the lack of licensing is a gaping hole in oversight of this industry.
“The passage of SB 908 means that we are one step closer to providing meaningful protections for consumers across California,” said Leigh E. Ferrin, director of Litigation and Pro Bono for the Public Law Center. “Now, as more consumers are likely to be unable to pay their debts because of the pandemic, all consumers, but particularly low-income consumers and their advocates, will have a place to turn for complaints and enforcement.”
Obituary
Donald W. Emery
Resident of Fremont
July 22, 1932 – Aug 28, 2020
Donald Emery was born in Niles, CA to Weston Emery and Alicia Robbel Emery on July 22, 1932. He grew up on the family farm, where he continued farming after his father’s passing. Don went to Washington High School where he met the love of his life Geri Rebello. They married in June 1953 and had three children, Leslie (Sue), Vicki (Steve), Donald Jr. Don served his country during the Korean War, serving in the Navy protecting the East coast.
Don and Geri loved to travel, making several trips to Europe, along with traveling the US in their motorhome. They loved to Square Dance, play cards, and spend time with family and friends. Don loved to be outside, sitting outside for hours while listening to John Denver and Johnny Cash.
Don had two grandchildren, Steven (Julia), and Kelli (Mike). He also had three great grandchildren, Joey, Sophia, and Dominic.
Preceded in death by his parents, his wife Geri, his brothers, William, Richard, and Robert Emery. He is survived by his sister Laura Alameda (Irv), his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Brenda and Thi for the wonderful care that they gave Dad.
No services will be held at this time due to COVID-19.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510-797-1900
Park It
By Ned MacKay
“Clean the Shore from Your Front Door” is the theme of Coastal Cleanup 2020 since the COVID-19 pandemic precludes large gatherings of volunteers. This is the 36th annual California Coastal Cleanup effort, which normally brings thousands of volunteers together to pick up trash along beaches and shorelines in the East Bay Regional Parks and throughout the state.
The situation is a bit different this year. Volunteers are encouraged to register online, assemble cleanup gear such as trash bags or buckets, gloves, face masks and trash tongs, pick any day in September, and venture out to pick up trash in their neighborhood, since trash in the streets turns to trash on the beach once the rains begin. Dispose of your haul and your gloves in your own trash bin, wash your hands, take the online survey, log your hours, and post your photos on social media.
For complete instructions and registration for Coastal Cleanup 2020, visit the park district website at www.ebparks.org/volunteer. Coastal Cleanup is right under the COVID-19 information.
At the website you can also access the September/October edition of Regional in Nature, the park district’s bi-monthly schedule of events. Since special events and in-person nature programs have been cancelled because of the pandemic, the latest edition of Regional in Nature focuses on the district’s firefighting efforts.
Fire safety is not the only theme. There are articles about manzanita, bald eagles in the regional parks, turkey vultures, attractions at several individual parks, and even a recipe for making acorn mush. To see Regional in Nature on the website, go to www.ebparks.org/RIN.
If you are online, visit the park district’s Facebook page. It has great selection of videos on natural history topics, virtual tours of several parks, and activities that you can enjoy with your kids. Latest videos include “Clean the Shore,” “Youngest Learners: Rock Hounding,” and “RockingTheMask Challenge.” Check out #RockingTheMaskEBRPD. All in good fun.
While we are on the topic of masks, please remember to have one with you when you visit the regional parks. It is important to wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible on narrow trails or at gates.
Until an effective vaccine is developed, masks and social distancing are among the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The rangers and other district staff wear them, and really appreciate the public’s cooperation.
Up-to-date information on the status of regional parks, including any closures, is available at the top of the park district website home page.
As part of its response to COVID-19, the park district is conducting an online survey. Responses will help the district to develop ways of mitigating the pandemic’s negative effects, both while it is still a threat and after it has been controlled and more normal activities can resume. To participate, go to www.ebparks.org/covid-19Survey. Thanks for helping.
Fraud concerns over California's unemployment benefits
By Adam Beam
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Sep 03 – Concerns are growing of possible fraud at California's unemployment agency after multiple reports of unsolicited debit cards arriving in people's mailboxes and a suspiciously high number of claims involving independent contractors.
The California Employment Development Department has paid more than $71 billion in unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemic, processing more than 11 million claims as the government ordered businesses to close to slow the spread of the disease and devastated the state's economy.
Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reported California had more than 405,000 pandemic unemployment assistance claims last week, accounting for more than half of all such claims filed in the United States during that time. Congress authorized the pandemic unemployment assistance program earlier this year to allow people not normally eligible to receive unemployment benefits, including independent contractors.
Michael Bernick, former director of the Employment Development Department and now an attorney at the Duane Morris law firm, called that a “ridiculously high percentage.”
“This may be the potential fraud given the very, very outsized, ridiculously outsized number of claims filed in California,” he said.
In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports of people receiving dozens of letters from Employment Development Department that include the personal information of others. Some also included debit cards.
In Fresno, 45-year-old Amy Brooks said she was denied unemployment benefits months ago. But she has recently received 24 pieces of mail from the Employment Development Department. The letters all have her address but list a different name and Social Security number. At least three contain debit cards.
“There's no way this is a clerical error,” she said. “How can my address be linked to all of these people?”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he is “concerned about fraud in this space.” He said the state is working with local and federal authorities “to weed that out.”
“It is a top priority for all of us,” Newsom said.
Responding to an inquiry from the Associated Press, the Employment Development Department said it is aware of the letters and is “developing methods to stop and prevent such claims from being paid.”
“It's extraordinarily unfortunate that fraudsters tend to become much more active during emergency situations like the current COVID situation,” the agency said in an unattributed statement.
Until recently, the biggest concern about unemployment benefits in California was the backlog of more than 1 million people still waiting to receive their money. Last month, the agency told lawmakers it is not answering 60% of the calls it receives for help, pledging to hire more than 3,000 people for its call center to keep up with unprecedented demand.
The agency has been under enormous pressure from lawmakers and the public to work through that backlog. But one of the reasons it takes a while to process claims is because the agency has to screen for fraud, Bernick said.
“That's the trade off,” he said. “You can reduce certain procedural checks, but what you risk is a potential increase in fraud.”
California Auditor Elaine Howle last month said the Employment Development Department was at high risk for waste and fraud, citing the large number of claims that have overwhelmed the agency. In the state Legislature, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee this week requested an emergency audit of the agency, including an analysis of the number and percentage of claims approved, denied, pending and backlogged.
“The auditor warned clearly for potential for waste fraud and abuse,” said Assemblyman Jim Patterson, a Republican from Fresno. “We are now seeing what that waste, fraud and abuse looks like.”
Editorial
Adversity
Throughout human history, generations past and present have faced terrible circumstances. Thomas Paine, at the beginning of the American Revolution, wrote about the trials of such situations when, in The American Crisis (1776), he wrote “These are the times that try men's souls.” Moments such as this have an indelible, universal impact that is etched in human memories and the historical architecture of civilization.
Some events are subtle, revealed with studied reflection and comparisons between present and past behaviors, while others are immediate, explicit and easily recognized. Every age group has at least one major defining moment that elicits an instantaneous memory of what, where and when. Conflicts, whether classified as “wars” or not, or accomplishments, are permanent reminders of the horrors and triumphs we humans can inflict or bestow on each other.
In the 1960’s… Cuban Missile Crisis, Civil Rights Movement, JFK, MLK assassinations, Hurricane Carla, Hurricane Camille, Vietnam War, Apollo 11; 70’s… Watergate, Nixon resignation, Beatlemania, Apollo 13, hijacking of airliners, thalidomide revelations; 80’s… U.S. Olympic Hockey victory, Michael Jackson rise to stardom, first woman in space, Challenger disaster, Chernobyl, Pan Am Flight 103 bombing, Berlin Wall falls… Whether these phenomena are manmade or natural, it goes on and on.
This month, we observe the anniversary of another momentous event that altered the landscape of human endeavor. On September 11, 2001 (911), people watched in horror as planes – United Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11, commandeered by terrorists, destroyed the twin towers of New York City and American Airlines Flight 77 severely damaged the Pentagon complex in Washington, D.C. A planned attack of another plane – American Airlines Flight 93, was thwarted by passengers who fought back, causing it to crash in the area of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The loss of lives and property was horrendous; the world reacted with shock and revulsion, but rebounded with determination.
Reaction was swift and reflected solidarity among civilized societies, abhorring such atrocities and forming a common bond of decency, superseding pre-existing petty rivalries. It’s unfortunate that it often takes events such as this – catastrophic or otherwise – to inspire communication, cooperation and motivation. Although 911 is 19 years in the past, it, along with other defining moments in history, is a continual reminder of Aristotle’s phrase about the possibilities and power of synergy – “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
This anniversary of a cataclysmic event marks another critical juncture of our history. Not only do we face an electoral quagmire and quandary, but it is occurring in the midst of a worldwide pandemic that has shown no mercy, superseding political preferences. Our country and its democratic process was and remains, as Paine noted in his pamphlet Common Sense, “…the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty…”
In the face of adversity, solidarity of spirit and purpose is at the basis of our country’s formation. Founded on the principle of freedom from fear and reprisal for holding differing opinions, religions, creeds and lifestyle choices, the essence of the United States and its possessions is expounded by Paine “…that so far as we approve as monarchy, that in America THE LAW IS KING. For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be King; and there ought to be no other.”
If there is a place for jealousy… it is to guard the gift of political participation that is freely given to American citizens lucky enough to be born within its borders and those who, through grit and fortitude, choose to face daunting adversity to join its ranks and form the “whole” of our union. There is no choice for members of a free society; it is our duty and privilege to express opinions and consent at the ballot box in a legal and civilized manner. Adversity will always be a companion in life; how we respond is an undeniable obligation to posterity.
Alameda County begins elementary school reopening waiver process
Submitted by Alameda County Office of Education
On September 2, Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) announced that it will begin the process of accepting waivers to bring students in transitional kindergarten to sixth grade on campus for in-person learning at schools. The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) will support that process by assisting with the intake and initial screening of applications from schools and districts that choose to apply.
As part of the application process, schools and districts must share a return-to-school plan that is aligned with guidance from California Department of Public Health and ACPHD. Applicants must include information on how they plan to implement required protocols, including health and hygiene, use of face coverings, physical distancing, and limiting gathering, and conduct COVID-19 contact tracing and testing. They must also share which labor, parent, and community groups they consulted in the reopening process.
ACOE will initially screen the waiver applications and then send them to Alameda County Public Health for review and approval. If approved, they will be submitted to the California Department of Public Health for review. We expect the process to take several weeks from start to completion.
“We know that distance learning presents a challenging environment for students, families, and schools, and for some, this waiver is a viable option for bringing students back to classrooms,” said Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe. “We know that most schools across the state that have applied for waivers are independent schools. Schools that explore the waiver option to bring back students must be thoughtful and effective in implementing the protocols that will help to create a healthy and safe learning environment for students and staff.”
Application and instructions can be found at https://covid-19.acgov.org/schools.page.
Energy bill on November ballot promotes conservation, innovation
By staff
With the recent wildfires across California and the November elections coming up, many are asking how we can combat climate change on a national level. One bill in process, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 763), proposes to reduce carbon emissions and encourage innovation over the next ten years.
The purpose of the bill is, “To create a healthier, more stable, more prosperous nation by driving down America's carbon pollution and unleashing American technology innovation and ingenuity.”
Major components of the bill are:
• Carbon Fee – a gradually rising fee on fuel with a carbon components, with the aim of creating greater market demand for green energy technology
• Carbon Dividend – Allocates 100% of net revenues to the American people to offset cost increases
• Border Carbon Adjustment – Carbon intensive imported goods and fossil fuels pay border carbon adjustment (if country of origin does not price carbon), which discourages companies from moving manufacturing overseas
• Regulatory Adjustment – Prevents additional regulations on covered CO2 emissions as long as targets are being met, which avoids redundant regulations
To learn more about H.R. 763 and who supports it, go to https://energyinnovationact.org/ and https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/763.
Local engineering and research program hosts virtual science fair
Submitted by Rithwik Seth
Engineering and Research Leaders of Tomorrow (ERLOT) is an NGO founded by Ved Mistry devoted to making scientific research and engineering education accessible to international students of all ages. They have been partnered with the Warm Springs Elementary Gate program for a year, with around 60 students from grades 4 to 6. Focusing on the scientific method and its place in experimental design, students design and present their own experiments.
After quarantine altered education around the world, ERLOT quickly migrated to the online platform Zoom. They continued to delve into a wide variety of topics and ended the school year with a design-a-mask challenge, where students utilized their education about immunology and engineering design to create striking masks, which were then donated to UCSF Children’s Hospital. Additionally, ERLOT held an international, week-long deep dive into neuroscience and experimental design.
ERLOT’s overall intention is to educate all children about the significance of asking questions and finding answers. To continue towards their goal, they have decided to host their very own free international science fair for 4th through 8th graders around the world.
Operations Director Rithwik Seth recounts what led to this decision: “On the final day of our week-long, international Neuro Exploration program, our students presented their very own research proposals. These proposals were ideas for experiments to answer the biggest questions the students had thought of while learning about the scientific method, neurons, and cutting-edge tech in the neuroscience field…This is why ERLOT has decided to create the Engineering and Research Leaders of Tomorrow 2020 Science Fair.”
Interested students should create an abstract explaining their experiment, a slideshow/board demonstrating their project’s relation to the scientific method, and a short video to display possible applications of their research and their inspiration. These should be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on September 28, 2020 for consideration for prizes (first place $100 Amazon gift card; second and third place $50 Amazon gift card; all will be highlighted on the website erlot.org).
More information about this science fair can be found at tinyurl.com/erlot-science-fair; registration is at tinyurl.com/science-fair-signups.
Engineering and Research Leaders of Tomorrow 2020 Science Fair
Submission deadline: Monday, Sept 28
By 12 midnight
tinyurl.com/science-fair-signups
erlot.org
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Monday, August 31
• Officers responded to reports of multiple burglaries on Fulton Place in the Warm Springs area. One of the burglaries included a large toolbox. An investigation is continuing.
Tuesday, September 1
• During the morning hours several new anonymous bomb threat emails were received by multiple schools in the Fremont Unified School District. The emails were similar to ones sent to the school district a week earlier. Members of the School Resource Officer team worked with school district officials and conducted site security walkthroughs at each campus. Because distance learning programs were in effect, no students were at the schools. An investigation is continuing; however, police officials said they did not believe the threats were credible.
Wednesday, September 2
At about 12:45 p.m. officers responded to a call from a male who said he had been stabbed by his roommate in an apartment complex on the 39300 block of Civic Center Drive. Upon arrival officers found the victim suffering from a stab wound; he was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to a trauma center with a non-life-threatening injury.
Meanwhile, a male suspect was spotted on a second-floor balcony holding a knife and scissors. An officer trained in negotiations spoke with the suspect to try and de-escalate the situation. Eventually, the suspect jumped from the balcony and landed on his feet with the scissors still in hand. As he walked toward officers, they fired non-lethal projectiles at him, causing him to fall to the ground. Then, the suspect stood up and charged officers prompting them to deploy a TASER which stunned him and allowed several officers to take him into custody. The suspect was taken to a hospital for medical treatment and placed on a mental health hold. When officers later interviewed the stabbing victim, he was uncooperative. The case is still under investigation with charges pending. No officers were injured.
Fremont City Council
September 1, 2020
Consent Calendar:
• Authorize a FY 2020/21 Contract with the California Department on Aging to Provide Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) Services.
• Authorize City Staff to deposit and withdraw city funds in the State's Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF).
• Approve construction of private street improvements, and public easements at 45500 Fremont Boulevard. PASSED 6-0-1 (Salwan, recuse)
• Approve partial release of faithful performance bond in the amount of $12,904,000 posted by Lennar Homes of California, Inc. PASSED 6-0-1 (Salwan, recuse)
• Approve partial release of faithful performance bond in the amount of $9,401,000 posted by Lennar Homes of California, Inc. PASSED 6-0-1 (Salwan, recuse)
• Ratify the Director of Emergency Services Executive Order imposing a temporary limit of 15 percent on fees charged by third-party food delivery companies to support restaurants in Fremont during the COVID-19 declared emergency.
• Public Hearing to consider appeal of the Planning Commission's failure to take action on a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation of a 6.08-acre site from Service Industrial (Special Study Area) to Low-Medium Density Residential (8.8 to 14.5 units per net acre), a Rezoning from Service Industrial with Historical Overlay District (IS)(HOD) to Medium Density Residential (R-3-14) (HOD) and a Private Street to facilitate development of 75 attached residential units in the Niles Community Plan Area.
Public Communications:
• Comments about negative impacts of proposed South Bay Connect rerouting freight and passenger train traffic.
• Allocation of budget funds.
Removed from Consent:
• Award contract to IBS USA, Inc. in the amount of $635,900.00 for the Year 2 Bikeway Improvements Project.
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan (District 3) Aye
Vinnie Bacon Aye
Raj Salwan Aye, 3 recusals
Teresa Keng (District 1) Aye
Rick Jones (District 2) Aye
Yang Shao (District 4)
Fremont Botanicals celebrates one-year anniversary
Submitted by Mellicent Fraticelli
Fremont Botanicals is 1 year old! Our door first opened on September 4, 2019. A lot has happened – mostly good. We enjoy a modest but steady growing group of loyal customers. But honestly, the measure of success that we are most proud of is how we have helped people with their very specific and personal medical challenges. It is their stories that inspire and motivate us.
Before our doors were shut in March due to the Covid-19 Shelter-In-Place, Fremont Botanicals also provided educational opportunities to the community. Our very own Mary Nelson, spoke to the residents of many Senior Living Communities and the Niles Rotary. Along with most businesses, Fremont Botanicals shut its doors in March when SIP was instituted. We then focused our efforts to the online store. Ever ingenious, Mary also took her education efforts online. She hosted a Zoom presentation for the Fremont Rotary Club and spent many Saturdays at the Niles Farmer’s Market, wearing a mask and encouraging social distancing.
At the store front, the doors reopened in August. We also relaunched the website with a fresh new look. We are now publishing more educational information in the form of blogs. Despite Covid-19, we still continue to enjoy a steady growth. Our professional staff now provides individualized consultations. In addition, for those concerned about the interaction of CBD with their current medications, we have pharmacists on hand for personalized consultations. These consults can be conducted in person or online. Simply make an appointment through our website or by giving us a call.
We also have new products, such as our very own Fremont Botanicals CBD patches, Fiora CBD – an intimacy line and Holistapets CBD for cats and dogs.
Fremont Botanicals
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
37317 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
(behind Haller’s Pharmacy)
510-797-2774
www.fremontbotanicals.com
Hayward Area Recreation appoints new general manager
Submitted by Jacqui Diaz
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D) has selected James Wheeler as the next general manager beginning October 1. Wheeler will assume the position following a successful career by General Manager Paul McCreary, who will retire on September 30. The board of directors will formally appoint Wheeler at the September 9 board meeting.
Wheeler currently serves as the district’s recreation, arts, and community services director. He has extensive experience in recreation services, arts, aquatics, and parks after a 30-year career in the field.
To learn more about H.A.R.D. programs and events, visit www.HaywardRec.org.
Healthy Living Festival Goes Virtual
Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department
This year, United Seniors of Oakland’s 17th annual Healthy Living Festival (HLF) will take place virtually. Although this year’s event will not take place at the Oakland Zoo, the HLF will still include key elements, including information on exercise, emergency preparedness, food, entertainment, and more.
Participation in the event is free and registration is not required to view the event. Seniors who register before September 11th will receive a free meal and swag bag.
To register and indicate if you will “grab and go” or need delivery of your meal and swag bag, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/hlf2020. For more information on the event call 510.272.6694 or email Sara Appelbaum at sara.appelbaum@acgov.org.
Healthy Living Festival
Thursday, Sept 17
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
https://tinyurl.com/hlf2020
California schoolkids slowly being let back into classrooms
By Jocelyn Gecker
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Aug 26 _ California is slowly allowing more children back into classrooms, some because of disabilities and special needs that can't be met through distance learning and others in areas reporting success in keeping coronavirus numbers down.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Wednesday applauded new state guidance that will allow children with a range of specialized needs to return to classrooms in small groups, even in counties where schools are closed to classroom learning because of high rates of COVID-19.
Thurmond said it “speaks to closing disparity.”
About 97% of schools are closed for in-person learning, Thurmond said. But the new guidance, released Tuesday, would allow for a limited return for children with disabilities and other special needs, including English language learners, children at risk of abuse or neglect or students who are homeless. It applies to children in grades K-12 in groups of up to 14 students.
“Many of our students have severe and moderate needs around special education and other support needs,“ Thurmond said. “Now school districts have a framework for how they can allow some very, very small numbers of students to return to campus.”
He said his office was studying guidance issued a day earlier by the state Department of Public Health. ‘“We'll be in contact with districts about how that guidance worked for them, doesn't work for them, and if there are concerns and things we need to further fine tune.”
One thing the guidance does not lay out is whether there will be enough teachers willing to return to in-person learning. Teachers unions did not immediately comment on whether educators, many of whom oppose returning for safety reasons, were prepared to resume classes even in small groups.
Many special education students have fallen behind since distance learning started in March. Teachers and parents have expressed concern about students with autism, learning disabilities and emotional conditions as well as students who are homeless, in foster care and in migrant communities.
Jamey Olney, an English language development teacher in Modesto, said distance learning has been devastating to many of her 7th and 8th graders who include and a mix of Mexican immigrants, Afghan refugees and the children of migrant farmers.
“These students haven't heard, spoken or read English going on seven months,” said Olney. Even if they have laptops, “there is no access when they don't know the Roman alphabet, when they can't spell their name in English, when they have never touched a computer before, when their parents are working in the fields or in the front lines, when 10-12 people are living together in a trailer.”
Olney is ready to teach physically distant in-person classes, and says the new guidance comes as a relief. “They are trying to do what they can to meet the needs of our students.“
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued rules last month that shut nearly all the state's K-12 schools for classroom instruction at the start of the academic year. Schools in counties on the monitoring list can't resume in-person learning until their county is off the list for the 14 days, except for those that obtain an elementary school waiver.
Dozens of elementary schools, mostly private and religious schools in San Diego and Orange counties, have reopened for in-person instruction after getting special waivers from health officials. The waivers only apply for kindergarten to sixth grade because health officials say those students are less likely than older children to become infected or transmit coronavirus.
Earlier this week, San Diego County closed its school waiver application process, anticipating all schools in the county will be allowed to reopen next Tuesday if the county keeps its COVID-19 rate down. Even if all schools in San Diego get the green light, many districts likely will not choose to reopen for weeks or even months, citing health concerns.
Elsewhere, some schools aren't waiting for permission to resume in-class instruction. In Fresno County, a Christian private school, Immanuel Schools, reopened on Aug. 13 in defiance of health orders, leading the county to seek an emergency injunction arguing the school was putting its students, faculty and the community at risk.
On Tuesday, a judge denied the request for a temporary injunction, and set another hearing for Sept. 15. Fresno is one of nearly 40 counties on the state monitoring list because of rising infection rates.
Under the new rules, students and teachers have to wear masks, must be physically distanced and cannot mix across groups of more than 14 students. Any individual school can have up to 25% of the normal student capacity in the building at one time.
The guidance also applies to child care, recreation programs, before- and after-school services, youth groups and day camps.
“The state is trying to find a balance,” said California School Boards Association spokesman Troy Flint.
“Obviously the health risks we're experiencing during the pandemic are tremendous,” Flint said. “But there is also a significant and harder to quantify risk of children falling behind academically, and those with special needs and traumatic family situations not getting the resources and support that can help them.”
___
Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne contributed to this report from Sacramento.
CONTINUING VIRTUAL EVENTS:
Mondays and Wednesdays
Parenting During COVID R
Mon: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wed: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual support group to help families cope with challenges encountered during COVID
To register: www.fremont.gov/3060/Caregiver-Support
(510) 574-2100
Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: info@chambersingers.org
Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic
Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Meetings
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: brian@newarkpress.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Meetings
11:00 a.m.
Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: office@newarkpres.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Saturdays
Virtual Town Hall
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
With Supervisor Dave Cortese
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/davecortesegov
Wednesday, September 2 – Sunday, September 20
Pray Their Names
Sunrise to sunset
Outdoor art exhibit celebrating Black Lives Matter
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
nilesdiscoverychurch.org
Thursdays, September 10 & 17
Music For Minors II Choir Auditions
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Auditions for kids interested in singing in the MFMII Choir
Via Zoom
To apply: kidschoir@musicforminors2.org or (510) 733-1189
Mondays and Wednesdays, September 21 – November 9
Music For Minors II Training
Times TBD
Learn how to become a MFMII docent volunteer
Via Zoom
To apply: https://bit.ly/3iAutRW
Info at: www.musicforminors2.org
UPCOMING
Wednesday, September 9
Music For Minors
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Free music and movement time for kids
Via Zoom
To register:recruitment@musicforminors2.org
Wednesday, September 9
Cocktails & Conservation: Project Tamarin
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Virtual happy hour series featuring world-renowned conservationists
Via Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/OakZoo/
Thursday, September 10
League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Fremont Mayor
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Fremont City Council District 5
Via Zoom and Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/LWVFNUC/live
www.lwvfnuc.org/forums
Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12
Fall Into Excellence $
9/10 @ 5:30 p.m. – 9/12 @ 10:30 p.m.
Online auction to support Hayward classrooms
www.32Auctions.com/HEF2020
Saturday, Sept 12 – Sunday, Sept 20
Weekend Train Rides $R
Sat: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sun: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Sunol Station
6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol
Tickets: $20-40 (Must be purchased online)
(510) 996-820
Monday, September 14
Emergency Preparedness Training
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free online training
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82780613856
Via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/AmKansenChu
Webinar ID: 827 8061 3856
Monday, September 14
League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Fremont City Council District 6
Via Zoom and Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/LWVFNUC/live
www.lwvfnuc.org/forums
Tuesday, September 15
How to Manage and Forecast Cash Flow in a COVID World R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Strategies and techniques to help manage cash flow
To register: https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47060
Wednesday, September 16 @ 7-8:30pm
Music For Minors Training
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Orientation to become a trained music volunteer
Via Zoom
To register: http://www.musicforminors2.org
Thursday, September 17
League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Fremont USD Area 1 and 4
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Fremont USD Area 5
Via Zoom and Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/LWVFNUC/live
www.lwvfnuc.org/forums
Thursday, September 17
Path to Fundraising During Difficult Economic Times R
5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Startup Grind Fremont hosts virtual fireside chat
Via Zoom
To register: https://bit.ly/3l2seZT
Thursday, September 24
League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Union City Mayor
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Union City City Council
Via Zoom and Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/LWVFNUC/live
www.lwvfnuc.org/forums
Tuesday, September 29
Eden Eats $R
6 p.m.
Virtual cooking class featuring community chefs
Via YouTube and Facebook Live
Sign up at: https://edeneats.square.site/about
Obituary
Joy Cassady
April 4, 1938 – August 25, 2020
Resident of Fremont
Joy Lenore Cassady entered peacefully into rest August 25, 2020 in Fremont, California. Born to Charles Lee Davis and Doris Eleanor Conklin on April 28, 1938 in Vallejo, California where she was born and raised. She was a loving wife to the late Edward Harvey.
She was the loving mother of Chad William Cassady and Erin Jennifer Cassady. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Greene and Olivetta Chavez. Joy was the devoted grandmother of Chad William Cassady, Jr., Jack Edward Cassady and Ava Anne Cassady. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, her parents Charles and Doris, brothers Donald, Phil and Richard and step sister Lillian.
Joy went to Vallejo Junior College and graduated in 1958. She then attended San Francisco State University where she received her BS degree and teaching credential. Joy went on to teach Physical Education at Luther Burbank Junior High School in San Francisco. From there she taught at John F. Kennedy High School where she remained for 39 years. Joy was truly a dedicated and loving educator.
She enjoyed walking her dogs, family gatherings, working out at 24 Hour Fitness in the Silver Sneakers class, gardening and reading. She loved her grand children and pets. Joy belonged to St. Joseph’s parish where she attended the Monday bible class and Wednesday bible study. She was a part of the California Teachers Association, Calpers and volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels. 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. If you do not feel comfortable coming in person you can join the service by computer using this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87151433337
Joy requested donations be made to the Sister John Marie’s Pantry at PO Box 3279, Fremont, CA. 94539, or to St. Vincent DePaul at 2272 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA. 94612.
Photos in 1 new Sharon
Give your landscape a late summer facelift
By Melinda Myers
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Whether it is the hot weather, age of your landscape, or simply need for change, a late summer makeover can help you increase your landscape’s beauty. Put the “wow” back into your garden with a few new plantings, garden art, or other simple improvements.
Many established landscapes have a few or many overgrown plants. Sometimes the plants you purchase perform better than expected, or often we try to squeeze too many plants into a garden or too large plants into small spaces.
Remove overcrowded plants that have outgrown their space or lost their ornamental appeal. Replace these and other unsightly plants with those more suited to the growing conditions, your landscape design, and available space. Now is a good time to plan, and fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. The soil is warm and air cool, making it less stressful on new plantings.
Phase in removals and replacements over time. This is easier on your budget and back, and will keep your landscape looking robust. And be sure to properly space plants to avoid overcrowding in the future. Check tags for the plant’s mature size and plant accordingly. Fill in voids between new plantings with annuals and perennials. As your shrubs increase in size, you will need fewer annuals each year. Move perennial flowers and grasses to a new garden as your shrubs reach full size. Perennials are much easier to move than an overgrown shrub.
A bit of pruning may be all that is needed to bring back the beauty and reduce the size of overgrown plants. Make a note on your calendar to do a bit of pruning at the right time. Prune spring-flowering shrubs right after they bloom. They have already set their flower buds for next spring and pruning now will eliminate the spring floral display. You can prune summer-flowering shrubs during their dormant season from fall through spring. Prune evergreens in colder climates in late winter or early spring once the worst winter weather has passed. Fall pruning where winters are brutal can lead to an increase in winter damage.
Replace tired annuals in the garden and containers with fresh plants suited to the upcoming fall season. Do not be afraid to add dried materials to existing planters for added color and texture. Or create new container gardens to set by the front door and welcome guests. These also make great fillers in the garden. Just place the container in a spot where an existing plant has failed. You will benefit from the instant color and the extra time you gain to plan for a permanent replacement.
Garden art is another option for filling those late summer voids in the garden. Use it to create a focal point, drawing attention to areas that are looking their best. Adding a few new cushions on your outdoor furniture can further enhance your landscape’s appeal. It is an easy way to change things up with minimal investment of time and money.
Big or small, a few changes can make a big difference. Tackle a few of the easier ones or those with the biggest impact first. Once you get started, you will not want to quit.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by Milpitas PD
Tuesday, September 1
• A resident alerted police to a suspicious person sleeping in a vehicle on the 500 block of N. Hillview Drive. Responding officers found a 52-year-old San Jose man inside the vehicle which had been reported stolen. The man tried to flee from officers, but was arrested. A record check showed the man was on Santa Clara County probation for vehicle theft and resisting/evading arrest. He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Wednesday, September 2
• An early morning caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked in a shopping center lot on the 1100 block of Great Mall Drive. Arriving officers found two people inside the car, a 34-year-old Oakland resident and a 24-year-old Vallejo resident. Inside the car, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun. In addition, the car’s license plates did not match the vehicle identification number. The younger suspect was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and released. A criminal complaint will be requested through the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office against the older suspect for possession of a loaded handgun with a damaged serial number and theft-related charges.
Milpitas City Council
September 1, 2020
Proclamations:
• September 6-12 was proclaimed as National Suicide Prevention Week
• September 2020 was proclaimed as National Preparedness Month
Consent Calendar:
• Authorized the City Manager to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for
property located at 1831-1841 Tarob Court to accommodate extensions of South Milpitas Boulevard and Sango Court.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute a five-year agreement with Environmental Services Inc. for citywide HVAC Maintenance Services.
• Authorized the City Manager to Execute Amendment to the Agreement with Environmental Logistics, Inc.
• Authorized the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Silicon Valley Independent Living Center for the management of the EFSP grant for the Rent Relief Program.
• Appointed two residents to the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission:
Ms. Rajani Nair as Alternate Member No. 1 and Mr. Kevin Le as Alternate Member No. 2.
Leadership & Support Services:
• Accepted the FY 2019-20 Financial Status Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2020.
• Accepted the FY 2021-2030 Ten-Year General Fund Financial Forecast Update.
• Directed the City Manager to implement the COVID-19 Fiscal Response Strategies and Guidelines.
Mayor Rich Tran Aye
Vice Mayor Bob Nunez Aye
Carmen Montano Aye
Karina Dominguez Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
Reminders focused on wildfire safety
Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian
September is National Preparedness Month, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds its customers that being prepared for the unexpected, especially after the events of the last few weeks, has never been more important.
With peak wildfire season off to an early start and COVID-19 altering the dynamics of evacuations, having an emergency plan and reviewing it and sharing it with family and friends is essential.
PG&E’s online Safety Action Center (www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com/) is a great place to start. The website helps ensure that customers are prepared before an emergency, with links to sign up for wildfire safety alerts and printable emergency checklists. The Safety Action Center also includes a helpful video demonstration of how to manually open an electric garage door, should you experience a power outage during an evacuation.
How Customers Can Prepare
• Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash. Keep face masks and hand sanitizer in your emergency kit.
• Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
• Plan for medical needs like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.
• Keep in mind elderly family members, younger children and pets.
• Update your contact information online or by calling PG&E at 1-866-743-6589 during normal business hours so you can receive Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts.
• Learn more about wildfire risk and what to do before, during and after an emergency to keep your family safe at PG&E’s Safety Action Center.
Housing Navigation Center opens in Fremont
Submitted by Cheryl Golden
On August 31, City of Fremont announced the opening of its Housing Navigation Center (HNC). The navigation center is expected to begin housing residents in September 2020 for up to six months and to operate for three years, with an option for five, based on funding secured for the initiative.
The city projects a total of $9.47 million in HNC funding from state, county, and city-led programs to run the center for the first three years. Beyond 2023, the city will evaluate the program to further extend the operation for additional years, contingent upon future funding opportunities.
“No one person should have to go without basic needs, and with hundreds of our community members unhoused, the City of Fremont has made it a high priority to help these individuals with essential resources through programs like this Center,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei. “Our Housing Navigation Center is a critical component of our larger plan to minimize homelessness in Fremont. As a result of our February 2019 Point-in-Time survey we recognize homelessness in Fremont is increasing. Coupled with the challenges that have directly impacted our community related to COVID-19, we are more determined than ever to see the HNC and future efforts to combat homelessness succeed.”
Modeled after the City of Berkeley STAIR Center, the HNC acts as a clean, safe, calm, and flexible environment that enables homeless persons to rebuild their lives and intensely focus on finding stable, permanent housing. To comply with COVID-19 safety measures, a reduced number of 25 participants will be accepted into the center after outreach and intake, and are anticipated to stay six months or less, before finding a permanent placement. The facility has been constructed to house 45 participants and will house more residents after the pandemic ends.
Bay Area Community Service (BACS) was selected to operate Fremont’s HNC. The organization is also the operator of the Berkeley Stair Center, Oakland’s two navigation centers, and Hayward’s navigation center. BACS will utilize an initial budget of $1,824,020 to replicate existing city services and continue to ramp up Fremont’s HNC operations. Further budget approximations for FY 2021/22 and FY 2022/23 have been finalized as well. For more information on the Fremont Housing Navigation Center, visit www.Fremont.gov/NavigationCenter.
Newark Days goes virtual
Submitted by Filip Nowak and Shirley Sisk
Photos courtesy of Newark Days
Celebrate Newark’s 65th birthday! Although we are not able to gather in person because of COVID-19, it doesn’t mean we can’t get together virtually. The Newark Days committee is hard at work planning fun and exciting ways to celebrate. Check our Facebook page and website for a special Newark Days celebration video coming September 19.
Newark Days is holding a “Porch Parade” on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20. Register your house, apartment/condo, or business. To participate, decorate your porch, front yard, windows, etc. in a family-friendly manner to wish the City of Newark a happy 65th birthday. Judging will take place over Saturday and Sunday with over $1,000 worth of prizes awarded. Registration will be open until September 14.
The annual Newark Mile 4k Race will continue, but in a virtual format you can join for free. Run a 4k (2.5 miles) on your own at any time on September 19. The event will be livestreamed at 10 a.m. (the formal race start). Submit your results at newarkmile.org and share your photos or video clips by email at cxc4lyo@gmail.com; post them on the Newark Mile Facebook page or on your favorite social media with #newarkmile. A slideshow will be put together after the race.
The Community Information Faire which supports many non-profit organizations will be showcased on the Newark Days website. Learn about the many services and resources available to the community. For questions about the faire, contact Elizabeth.macris@gmail.com. Register online if you are an organization that would like your information included.
The Newark Days Car Show will be virtual and free. To participate, attach your favorite photo of your car or truck and send it to ndvirtualcarshow@gmail.com. Your photo will be posted at newarkdayscarshow2020.smugmug.com, with links to the Newark Days website and Facebook page.
An Airplane Flyover will take place on Saturday, September 19 from 12:00 noon – 12:45 p.m. Newark residents can look up to see an airplane flying over Newark with a birthday banner.
See our website for this year’s Coloring Contest picture! Submissions are due by September 11. Entries can be emailed to newarkdays1@gmail.com.
More information is available at Newarkdays.org.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Wednesday, August 26
• At 12:56 p.m. officers investigated a report of a bullet holes found in the driver’s side door of a victim’s vehicle in the 35000 block of Lido Blvd. The incident occurred when the vehicle was unoccupied. Officer Peterson is investigating.
• Officers Kapu and Johnson made a traffic stop in the area of Pumpkinseed Street and Sea Turtle Avenue. During the stop they made a probation search on a 35-year-old Livermore woman and found burglary tools and numerous identity theft documents. The woman was arrested and booked at Fremont Jail on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, possession of burglary tools and theft possession of 10 or more victim’s identifications.
Sunday, August 30, 2020
• At 11:47 a.m. officers responded to a report of property being vandalized in the 5000 block of Thornton Ave. Upon arrival, the reporting party had a 46-year old male transient detained. Officer Kapu arrested the man on suspicion of vandalism and he was booked at Santa Rita Jail. During the booking process, the man physically resisted being booked into the jail facility. An additional charge of resisting, delaying and obstructing a peace officer was added to his charge.
Steam locomotive is ready to roll
Submitted by Niles Canyon Railway
Officials from The Pacific Locomotive Association, operator of Niles Canyon Railway (NCR) are looking forward to welcoming back passengers soon to railway runs between Fremont and Sunol. After sheltering in place since March, NCR officials have scheduled two weekends of special event steam excursions behind the Columbia River Belt Line Railway, #7 on September 12-13 and September 19 and 20.
The all-volunteer train crew is eager to fire up this recently restored iconic Baldwin steam locomotive. Those passionate about this locomotive refer to it by the name, Skookum. This engine has an been on loan to the NCR for the last 18 months. This is a rare opportunity for train enthusiasts to see and ride behind this unique steam locomotive through scenic Niles Canyon in open air cars.
Passengers will board at the Sunol Depot at 6 Kilkare Road in Sunol. Saturday rides will be 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. September 12 and 19. Sunday rides will be 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. September 13 and 20. Great care and consideration for passenger and crew safety is will be practiced in connection with coronavirus concerns. Passengers are asked to review the COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy at www.ncry.org/ride/covid19safety/.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online; no walk-up tickets will be sold. For ticket prices and reservations, visit www.ncry.org/ride/specials2020/.
Niles Canyon Railway special rides
Saturday, Sept 12 – Sunday, Sept 19
Sat: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sun: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Sunol Depot
6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol
Ttickets: $20-40
www.ncry.org/ride/specials2020/
Ohlone College recognized in national report
Submitted by Ohlone College
A recent report released by personal-finance website WalletHub ranked Ohlone College seventh among the top 20 community colleges nationwide for affordability and education quality.
In its “2020 Top Community Colleges” report, released August 17, WalletHub compared more than 650 community colleges nationwide across 18 key indicators of cost and quality. The data set ranges from the cost of in-state tuition and fees to student-faculty ratio to graduation rate. The report was coupled with WalletHub’s in “2020 Best & Worst Community Colleges” report.
Here are the top 20 community colleges, according to WalletHub:
• State Technical College of Missouri
• Arkansas State University – Mountain Home
• College of San Mateo, California
• Northwest Iowa Community College
• Northern Wyoming Community College District
• Northwestern Connecticut Community College
• Ohlone College, California
• Alexandria Technical & Community College, Minnesota
• Casper College, Wyoming
• Orange Coast College, California
• Moreno Valley College, California
• Shoreline Community College, Washington
• Santa Fe Community College, New Mexico
• Las Positas College, California
• Saddleback College, California
• Irvine Valley College, California
• Pierce College Puyallup, Washington
• Los Angeles Harbor College, California
• De Anza College, California
• Glendale Community College, California
The full WalletHub reports are posted online:
• Individual schools: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-community-colleges/15076/
• School system: https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-best-worst-community-college-systems/15073/
Calling all artists and animal lovers
Submitted by Janine Weston
Ohlone Humane Society (OHS) officials are putting out the call for art students, artists and inspired community members to submit entries for the group’s Logo Design Contest.
The nonprofit agency serves Fremont, Newark and Union City and advocates for all wildlife and domestic animals by offering numerous programs and services to benefit animals and the Tri-City community.
The winning logo may be featured on the OHS website, its social media platforms or other mediums like stationary, pamphlets or T-shirts. Elements in the logo should reflect the services and species found on the OHS website, and convey the following:
• Feeling: Helping the animals and the community.
• Mission Statement: Ohlone Humane Society strives to inspire respect and compassion for all animals, advocate for their interests and welfare, and instill in our community that all living beings have the right to be treated humanely.
• Attitude: Together, we will make a difference.
The logo contest is open to artists 18 and older who live in Fremont, Newark or Union City. All artwork must be original and not contain copyrighted material. Submission deadline is September 30. For specific logo requirements, contest details, rules and an official entry form, visit the logo design webpage at www.ohlonehumanesociety.org/logo-design-contest/.
Community partnership helps local donkeys
Submitted by Karin Conn
Palo Alto Humane Society (PAHS) donated $2,000 to the care of the two Bol Park donkeys residing at Barron Park in Palo Alto, California. The city’s resident donkeys rely on donations for their food and veterinary care. Since the 1930s, donkeys have lived at Cornelis Bol Park, once a working farm and now part of the Barron Park neighborhood.
“This donation is an act of community partnership between two long-established local organizations,” says Carole Hyde, Palo Alto Humane Society’s Executive Director. “This is a wonderful example of what community means.”
“The donkeys Jenny and Perry need special treatment for their aging hooves and legs, says Jenny Kiratli, Barron Park Donkey Project Care Coordinator (and no relation to Jenny the donkey). “We are grateful for this donation from PAHS because even though the daily donkey care is provided by volunteer handlers, the donkeys’ medical care has skyrocketed due to dermatitis of their legs, which has necessitated multiple veterinary visits and expensive medicine.” PAHS’ $2,000 donation will pay for medical care, which is provided by the vets at Starwood Equine Veterinary Services.
“These two donkeys have an interesting history,” explains Kiratli. “In fact, Perry served as the model for Donkey in the movie Shrek.” More recently, Jenny and Perry served as the inspiration for the winning story in the 2019 Palo Alto Humane Society Ambassadors of Compassion Story Writing Contest. This story, Snapshot, by Palo Alto student Vandana Ravi, is available from Amazon Books.
Additional donations are welcome (made to “The Barron Park Donkey Project,” in care of Acterra, the Palo Alto environmental organization).
Palo Alto Humane Society: www.paloaltohumane.org
Barron Park Donkey Project: www.barronparkdonkeys.org
Cricket Cacophony
By Pat Kite
Daughter sits down for breakfast and a brown cricket stares at her over the oatmeal. Daughter screams, and cricket takes off. Daughter spends the whole day trying to find the cricket and eliminate it. It is still hiding someplace.
That evening, I see a green katydid on my wall. I scream; another daughter gets a jar and catches katydid and lets it outside. When I hear crickets and katydids chirping outside, I am happy. They are singing. Usually, males make music by rubbing together special leg or wing parts. Our Native American tribes considered crickets to be lucky. A cricket’s jumping ability offers the power to leap over a difficult situation.
During mating season, each cricket species has its own “calling song.” Females are particular about this preliminary mating ritual. When males set up home territory, they get rather feisty. They sing a rivalry song.
Territorial cricket combats have been professionally staged in China since the 1300s. Crickets are a symbol of courage, good luck, and wealth. Gambling on cricket fights is big business. As soon as young crickets are old enough to be sexed, the males are caged individually in small designer houses and fed vegetables, fruit, chopped fish, red beans, goat livers, etc. (Females are sold as pet bird food.) When the nurtured crickets are about a month old, the battles begin.
Before a battle, each cricket is weighed and matched against a cricket about the same size. Most are about 2 inches long. Fights are held in miniature arenas and judges watch through magnifying glasses. Audiences watch via closed circuit television. Bets often start at $1,000 and may go extremely high. Combat crickets butt heads and fight with their jaws. Each bout lasts about five minutes. The loser is the one running away or thrown out of the container. The winner chirps loudly. The winner will not fight again; it is too exhausting. It will live in luxury.
Cricket fighting season begins in September. If you have time in our pandemic, liven things up. Check YouTube for The Chinese Cricket Fighting World Championships.
‘Pray Their Names’ comes to Tri-City area
By Stephanie Gertsch
“This is an incredibly powerful exhibit; a stark reminder that racism does exist, and is unfortunately alive and well today. We owe it to our communities, our families, and one another to acknowledge it, weed it out and move past it,” said Fremont’s Chief of Police Kimberly Peterson at the dedication of the “Pray Their Names” installation at Niles Discovery Church on September 2.
Conceived by Reverend Dr. Katie Morrison of the First Congregational Church in Sonoma, “Pray Their Names” honors the more than 7,000 black lives lost to violence in America since the lynching of Emmett Till in 1955. Staked into the ground are 160 wooden hearts, each containing a name. A QR code on the installation’s information sign takes visitors to a website where they can read stories and see photos of those named. (They are recommended to start with the heart labeled “Known and Unknown” but the display can be viewed in any order.)
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, representatives from the church and the police department spoke on the timeliness of the installation. Reverend Dr. Curran Reichert of First Congregational Church of Sonoma explained how the project came out of her wife Reverend Katie Morrison’s class on body trauma. “We all carry trauma, and until we’ve dealt with that trauma, we act out of a place of fear.” She added, “What’s so inspiring to me is how excited you were to bring this installation to your church, to make this an outdoor classroom at a moment in time when there are unfortunately new names every day to add to this installation.”
Reverend Dr. LaTaunya Bynum of Disciples of Christ, Northern California Nevada Region, spoke on the complexity of grief and quoted 1 Thessalonians 4:13. “There is a scripture that says for people of faith and particularly people of Christian faith, that we don’t grieve as do those who have no have no hope. And it’s real clear that it doesn’t say ‘We do not grieve.’…But we don’t grieve without hope. And hope is not wishing…It’s believing that the God we believe in, the Christ who we name Redeemer is here with us, grieves with us, heart breaks with us. And healing will come as we trust in God and trust in the best of one another.”
Reichert thanked the police officers who came out to support the installation. “I can’t say enough about the officers who are here today. This is not an anti-police installation. This is a pro-people installation and an opportunity for all of us to heal together.”
Peterson agreed with this sentiment. “I’m a chief of police, but I’m also a parent of children of color. So, both professionally and personally these times have had an impact on me… it is only by acknowledging racism that we can move past it. And that’s what this exhibit does. It asks us to see each of these names as people, as human beings first and foremost.”
After opening remarks, Reverends Jeff Spencer and Brenda Loreman of Niles Discovery Church led attendees in a call and response litany adapted from a poem by Reverend Anne Hoffman. The programs contained a variety of different names to be read out loud, so during the ceremony every name could be included.
The litany begins, “We all have names/Every name born by human hope/a new mother practices saying the name/Pronouncing/Sounding/Imagining what notes those syllables sing/How their friends would call them/And how their grandmother’s voice would croon/This name.” It concludes: “We cannot turn back/Here is where the work begins/We listen and learn again/We bear witness/We say their names.”
“Pray Their Names” is a travelling installation that will stay at Niles Discovery Church until September 20 before moving to other churches across California. You can read more about the installation on the Niles Discovery News main page (scroll down to the announcement): https://nilesdiscoverynews.wordpress.com/
‘Pray Their Names’ installation
Wednesday, Sept 2 – Sunday, Sept 20
Niles Discover Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 797-0895
https://nilesdiscoverynews.wordpress.com/
Raising Leaders helps students succeed
By Miranda Jetter
The same year Davida Scott, a teacher on special assignment at the Hayward Adult School, launched her first Raising Leaders workshop, one of her students, Karina Banta, was found dead. According to reports from Kron4 and SFGate the body of the Hayward 23-year-old was found in a pile of debris at the Altamont Landfill in Livermore on New Year’s Eve. She was the sixth of Scott’s students to die.
Banta is one of 19 students Scott has “lost” over the years—from murder charges to suicides to car accidents. “Ms. Davida,” as her students like to call her, works with kids who live with challenging circumstances and sometimes suffer perilous consequences. Many of them are minorities or low-income or both. Their families are frequently undocumented and some of them have spent time in the juvenile justice or foster care systems.
Scott started Raising Leaders two and a half years ago to address the lack of resources and opportunities within these communities. She wanted to create a model specifically for youth in alternative education and Probation. The program offers skills-building workshops and internships. With the infusion of funds that Scott has raised during shelter in place, students from all over the county can participate.
Before the program became Raising Leaders, it was just one student who Scott managed to place on a work assignment at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB). That student became 50 students, and Scott realized how successful it could be to provide youth with hands-on training. In 2017 she approached the city of Hayward to propose a pilot program similar to what she’d done at CSUEB.
Now Raising Leaders encompasses not only the internship program but an eight-week workshop series every trimester as well. The program is meant to showcase careers and opportunities within Hayward, Scott said. Workshops focus on four life skill areas: interview and employability skills, financial awareness, career exploration and educational opportunities. City staff like judges, nurses and firefighters share their career struggles and successes. At the end of the workshops students receive certificates signed by state legislators. Often, they are “the first in their families to be honored by a politician,” said Scott.
Evelyn Ocasio, Director of the Hayward Adult School, said the program gives youth a place to be. “It makes a difference when students have somewhere to go in the evening, when they have somewhere to go on Saturdays.” Hearing from city leaders who have found success “fills them with hope.”.
The internship program places youth in different departments throughout the city. These jobs are useful stepping stones to future careers, especially given the city has numerous jobs that don’t require a college education, said Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo. One of Scott’s students, Yahya, trained with the Deputy Sherriff Activities League (DSAL) Boxing program and lost 95 pounds to help him towards his goal of becoming a firefighter. Come spring he is hoping to intern with the fire department through Raising Leaders.
Scott started transitioning workshops online when shelter in place began and realized that virtual sessions made it easier for her to reach more students. However, other aspects of the pandemic have left the community she works with reeling. Many of her students and their families are undocumented, which has made receiving unemployment benefits after pandemic lay-offs impossible. Also, many work in grocery stores, fast food restaurants and other frontline positions, leaving them vulnerable to the virus. Already four of her students’ families have had COVID-19.
During the pandemic Scott has increased the capacity of Raising Leaders. In the last few months she has raised almost $800,000 for the program. Scott reached out to District Two Supervisor Richard Valle last year to discuss the program and he said he was “immediately impressed.” They shared a common goal—the same youth she was working with were the ones his office was concerned about. He asked how he could help and they began a partnership where Valle would take on Raising Leaders as one of his youth initiatives while underwriting some of the cost of the program.
Valle looped in Alameda County Probation Chief Wendy Still. The program aligns with Probation’s goal of keeping youth out of the juvenile system, Chief Still said. Still reached out to Scott and asked her if she would be interested in expanding the program county wide with Probation’s support. Scott said she was shocked at this spontaneous show of support: “I asked her to repeat the question.”
One of the program’s numerous success stories is that of Maria. She became a mom young and raised her daughter while going to high school. This June, while suffering from Covid-19, and as her mother fought the virus while hooked up to a ventilator in the hospital, Maria became the first person in her family to receive her high school diploma. Scott said Maria’s mom has since returned home from the hospital and is so proud of her.
Obituary
Robert Anthony Lopez
1942 – 2020
Robert Lopez
March 18, 1942 – August 23, 2020
He was a graduate of James Logan High School class of 1960. Robert is survived by his mother Angelina Lopez, brothers Michael Lopez, Craig Lopez and sister Linda Gatriex. His son Darryl Lopez and wife Cristina and his grandchildren Andrew and fiancé Savannah, Alejandro, Andrea and Antonio. His great grandchildren Gabriel and Sebastian. His nephew Anthony Eleazarraraz and wife Dee and his great nephew Gabe. His daughter Jayme Montez and his grandchildren Brandon, Adam, Kyle, Stephen and Douglas.
A private family Funeral Service will be Friday September 11th at 11:00 am at the Chapel of the Chimes Reflection Chapel, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward Ca. Internment to follow. All are invited to attend via webcast at: webcast.funeralvue.com, Memorial ID: 36090.
Chapel of the Chimes
Hayward
510-400-4442
Rotary donates comforters
Submitted by Herbert Chiu
With support of the Rotary Club of Fremont members and friends, we were able to purchase and donate nearly 100 comforters (a $3,000 total value) to the Housing Navigation Center in Fremont. The center had its virtual grand opening on August 31. It is run by Bay Area Community Service who will provide a full array of services to support folks to regain physical and mental health as needed, prepare for and seek employment, and ultimately secure long term housing. The facility is fully ADA compliant, prepared to house 48 people who are homeless. During COVID-19 they will cap capacity at 50% to ensure a safe and healthy housing experience. The facility is sprinkled with plants & flowers and beautiful murals by local artists that lend to its calm and pleasing atmosphere.
San Leandro officer faces manslaughter charges
Submitted by Office of the Alameda County District Attorney
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley announced on September 2 that her office has filed a criminal complaint charging San Leandro Police Officer Jason Fletcher with Penal Code Section 192(a), Voluntary Manslaughter, a felony. The charges are based on Fletcher’s use of force resulting in the death of Steven Taylor on April 18 in the San Leandro Walmart Store on Hesperian Boulevard.
“The decision to file the criminal complaint was made after an intensive investigation and thorough analysis of the evidence and the current law,” O’Malley said. “The work of police officers is critical to the health, safety and well-being of our communities. Their job is one of the most demanding in our society, especially in these current challenging times. They are sworn to uphold and enforce the laws.
When there is use of force by a police officer that results in death, the District Attorney's Office conducts an independent and thorough investigation of the facts. We are mandated to apply those facts to California law. The decision must be made based solely on the facts and the current law. Justice demands this process to be done in an unbiased and legally sound manner.”
The District Attorney’s Critical Incident Review Team conducted an extensive investigation of the shooting. As is protocol, once the investigation was complete, there was a deep and thorough analysis of the facts and the current law, which was effective January 1, 2020. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 835a(a), the California Legislature declared that the authority to use physical force conferred on peace officers is a serious responsibility that shall be exercised judiciously and with respect for human rights and dignity and for the sanctity of every human life. It further set forth that in changing the law, the intent is that peace officers use deadly force only when necessary in defense of human life. The legislature declared officers shall use other available resources and techniques if reasonably safe and feasible to an objectively reasonable officer.
Charging a police officer with Voluntary Manslaughter is not a decision that is made lightly, nor rashly. As with any homicide prosecution brought by the District Attorney, the decision demands thoughtful deliberation and careful legal analysis.
After O’Malley’s announcement, San Leandro Police Chief Jeff Tudor issued a public statement:
“As the Police Chief of San Leandro, I know the loss of Steven Taylor has deeply affected this community. Today, the District Attorney has charged Officer Jason Fletcher with voluntary manslaughter. It is important that we allow the judicial process to take its course. I will refer all questions to the District Attorney’s Office.”
Obituary
Shirley Alice Beaudreau
November 17, 1926 –
August 28, 2020
Resident of Fremont
Shirley Alice Beaudreau (nee Erickson) entered peacefully into rest in the comfort of her own home on August 28, 2020, in Fremont, Ca. Born November 17, 1926, in Chicago, IL, she was 93 years old and a Fremont resident since 1962.
Shirley was a kind, loving and supporting person to those around her which also include people she didn’t know. She volunteered at Washington Hospital for 35+ years providing support to patients, their family and staff. Shirley never left a room without making friends.
Upon Robert’s graduation and birth of their 1st child, Mark, they moved to California for Robert’s new employment opportunity. They settled at first in Richmond, then to the Fremont Mission Neighborhood. She welcomed Gregory and a new years later, Patricia into the world. Her children were number one in her life, providing a stable and loving home.
Balance with flexibility, empathy and understanding were three key virtues Shirley lived by. She was always available with open arms to those around her.
Shirley was the beloved wife to the late Robert Beaudreau. Loving mother to Mark Beaudreau of Nevada City, CA, and the late Gregory Beaudreau and Patricia Goold. She was also a grandmother to her dearest grandchildren, Jo Marie and Ty Beaudreau. Shirley will be deeply missed.
A private service will be held at Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels with interment to follow at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
Obituary
Helen Rose Bettencourt
October 6, 1022- August 29, 2020
Resident of Newark
Our beloved mother, Helen Rose Bettencourt, a lifetime resident of Newark, Ca left her earthly life peacefully on August 29, 2020.
She was born in Tulare, CA to John and Esperanza Cordeniz, immigrants of Terceira in the Azore Islands. She is pre-deceased from her husband Leonard L. Bettencourt where they made their life in Newark.
She was one of five siblings pre-deceased by her brothers John Cordeniz, Manuel Cordeniz, Oliver Cordeniz and her sister, Alice Rose.
She is survived by her loving children, Dennis and Rosemarie; son-in-law Michael; grandchildren Katherine, Brian and Michelle along with two great grandchildren, Thea and Aiden.
Helen graduated from Washington High School in Fremont. She married Leonard at Holy Spirit Church in Fremont. During the 1950's they settled into their home in Newark.
Helen was an active member of the S.E.S council #8 and was on the Bulletin Committee for over 20 years. She was a devoted member of the Holy Ghost committee, Y.L.I, PFSA, Golden Hearts Club and S.P.R.S.I organizations. She was Fraternalist of the year in 1997 and served the Portuguese community with pride, joy and dignity. She treated everyone she came across with great generosity and unconditional love. She attended St. Edwards Catholic Church in Newark her entire life as a devoted parishioner.
Helen enjoyed being with her kids, family and friends for any social gathering that brought everyone together. Her church and her Portuguese heritage were two of her greatest passions. She also enjoyed traveling and was able to enjoy Australia, Canada and the Azores. For her 80th birthday she traveled to Portugal where she was able to experience Fatima. She also saw the Pope in Vatican City, Italy. Her zest for life will be truly missed as she blessed all of us with tremendous love and kindness.
Social Security Matters
Ask Rusty – Should We Get Married or Just Live Together?
By Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor
Association of Mature American Citizens
Dear Rusty: My question is about benefits and getting married. I am a retired man, 65 years old, and collecting Social Security plus two pensions. My girlfriend will turn 62 in October of 2020 and plans to apply for Social Security benefits on her 62nd birthday. If we were to get married, would we be affected moneywise? Or should we just live together? Signed: Contemplating Marriage
Dear Contemplating Marriage: Your own Social Security benefit will not be affected in any way if you get married, unless your potential new bride is a very high earner and her Social Security entitlement at her full retirement age (which is 66 years and 8 months) is more than twice the full benefit amount you were entitled to at your full retirement age (even though you claimed your SS earlier). In that case, you would become eligible for a spousal benefit from your new wife after you are married for one year.
If, however, your potential bride is the lower earner and claims at 62 but is entitled to a Social Security benefit at her full retirement age (FRA) that is less than 50 percent of your FRA benefit amount, your new wife may be entitled to a “spousal boost” from you after you are married for a year. I cannot tell you the answer to those questions without knowing your respective benefit amounts at each of your full retirement ages.
You may also wish to consider potential survivor benefits. If you are married and one spouse dies, the surviving spouse is entitled to 100 percent of the amount the deceased spouse was collecting at their death, if the surviving spouse has reached full retirement age (otherwise the survivor benefit is reduced for claiming it early). The surviving spouse gets the survivor benefit if that benefit is more than they are entitled to on their own.
In any case, neither of you would be eligible for a Social Security spousal benefit or survivor benefit from the other unless you are married (you must be married for at least one year to get a spousal benefit and at least nine months for a survivor benefit).
Note that so-called “common law” marriage isn't recognized in most U.S. states, and Social Security goes by state law on that topic. The only states which currently recognize common law marriage are Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah (and the District of Columbia). So, unless you were to live in one of those states, or in D.C., cohabitating would not be considered a “marriage” for the purposes of Social Security benefits, and no spousal or survivor benefits would be available to either of you.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained, and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
Southland Mall stores re-opening
Submitted by Hayward Chamber of Commerce
Many Southland Mall stores, including those with interior access, will be open including JC Penny and Macy’s. By regulation, stores will limit the number of shoppers to 25% capacity at all times. Masks and social distancing are required.
Because many retailers are still working to recover sales staff members, it is uncertain just how many smaller stores will reopen, but for updates keep an eye on the mall website, www.southlandmall.com. Stores allowing curbside pickup can be contacted through the website.
Some of the food court restaurants inside the mall will reopen, but orders will be for take-out only because the common dining area is still closed. They are included in the website’s list of mall restaurants located both inside and outside.
Because of state and local health code restrictions, the Cinemark movie theatre complex and Round1 entertainment center will remain closed for now.
Sears, not a part of the Brookfield Properties ownership of Southland Mall, has announced that September 27 will be its last day of operation.
StarStruck fall online classes
Submitted by StarStruck
Per guidelines from the State of California and the Fremont Unified School District, StarStruck will not be holding in-person classes, camps, or rehearsals until Alameda County is off the State Monitoring List for 14 consecutive days. Though this is heartbreaking to us and our loyal families, we believe that the health and safety of our students and staff cannot be compromised.
Open enrollment for StarStruck’s online START Classes started August 31 and will run until September 14. No Audition Required; registration is first come, first served. All classes require a stable internet connection and computer or tablet with video and audio capabilities.
Improv (Ages 8-12)
Improv is an art. It is an approach to creating theatre without a script and being in the moment. Students will learn the art of “acting quickly” while focusing on the fundamentals of improv. Students will focus on theatre games and improvised scenes, while building active listening skills, communication with scene partners and letting loose on stage or ZOOM. Join us in saying “YES” to improv!
• Mondays: September 14 – November 4
• Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm
• Instructor: Hilary A. Stevens
• Maximum # of students: 20
• Tuition: $120
Mini Musical: Flat Stanley Online Edition (Ages 8-12)
Mini Musical is the perfect place for budding performers that love singing, dancing, and acting. Students are expected to attend every class and study at home to memorize lines, music, and choreography. To make our partially pre-recorded, partially live musical come to life, actors are also expected to work outside of class time to create their own props, costumes, and sets for a theatrical experience like never before! This semester, the mini musical class will be performing Flat Stanley – Online Edition.
• Wednesdays: September 16 – November 18
• Fridays: September 18 – November 20
• Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• No conflicts allowed
• Instructors: Courtney Stokes & Molly Andersen
• Maximum # of students: 15 per session
• Tuition: $375
Putting on a Play (Ages 10-16)
Explore the fundamentals of putting on a play from auditioning to the big final performance (performed LIVE on ZOOM)! In this intermediate theatre class, students will focus on acting by exploring improv, drama, and comedy while rehearsing a 45-minute play. Students are expected to attend every class and memorize lines and blocking. This semester, Putting on a Play class will be performing the comedy Do You Read Me?
• Tuesdays: September 15 – November 3
• Thursdays: September 17 – November 5
• Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• No conflicts allowed
• Instructors: Hilary A. Stevens & Anthony Wickizer
• Maximum # of students: 15
• Tuition: $300
Music & Lyrics: Singing for Musical Theatre (Ages 8-12)
Join Miss Molly as we sing the music of Richard Rodgers. Rodgers is part of the writing team behind musicals such as The Sound of Music, Cinderella, and Oklahoma! Students will get the opportunity to improve their vocal technique by learning songs composed by one of the most famous “golden age” musical theatre composers of all time.
• Tuesdays: September 15 – November 3 (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
• Wednesdays: September 16 – November 4 (6 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
• Instructor: Molly Andersen
• Maximum # of students: 15 per session
• Tuition: $120
Behind the Curtain: Exploring Technical Theatre (Ages 12-18)
Have you ever wondered how the stage transforms from a simple black box to a magical land within moments? Join StarStruck’s resident technical director Anthony Wickizer as we explore behind the scenes elements of putting together a live performance. A range of topics will be covered including lighting, sound, stage management, and set building.
• Saturdays: September 19 – November 7
• Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Instructor: Anthony Wickizer
• Maximum # of students: 15
• Tuition: $120
New: Broadway Choreography
Broadway's Camden Gonzales will be logging on to the StarStruck Zoom account for 8 weeks of Broadway choreography magic! You may have seen Camden recently as the dance captain of Hamilton in San Francisco, touring the United States in the National Tour of Matilda, or on Broadway in Groundhog Day! This Saturday morning class is by audition only, so send us an email to learn more.
Questions? E-mail Education.StarStruck@gmail.com.
Ramos appointed as Superior Court Judge
Submitted by Governor's Press Office
On August 28, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Luis M. Ramos, 53, of San Jose to serve in an interim appointment as a judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Ramos has served as a deputy district attorney at the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office since 1999. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Boston University School of Law. Ramos was elected in March 2020 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Sharon Chatman. The governor’s appointment allows him to immediately assume the position he was otherwise elected to begin in January 2021. He is a Democrat.
Statewide COVID-19 tenant and landlord protection legislation
Submitted by Governor’s Press Office
On August 31, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has signed legislation to protect millions of tenants from eviction and property owners from foreclosure due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. These protections apply to tenants who declare an inability to pay part or all of their rent due to a COVID-related reason.
Under the legislation, no tenant can be evicted before February 1, 2021 because of rent owed due to a COVID-19 related hardship accrued between March 4 and August 31 if the tenant provides a declaration of hardship according to the legislation’s timelines. For a COVID-19 related hardship that accrues between September 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021, tenants must also pay at least 25 percent of the rent due to avoid eviction.
Tenants are still responsible for paying unpaid amounts to landlords, but those unpaid amounts cannot be the basis for an eviction. Landlords may begin to recover this debt on March 1, 2021, and small claims court jurisdiction is temporarily expanded to allow landlords to recover these amounts. Landlords who do not follow the court evictions process will face increased penalties under the Act.
The legislation also extends anti-foreclosure protections in the Homeowner Bill of Rights to small landlords, provides new accountability and transparency provisions to protect small landlord borrowers who request CARES-compliant forbearance, and provides the borrower who is harmed by a material violation with a cause of action.
Additional legal and financial protections for tenants include:
• Extending the notice period for nonpayment of rent from 3 to 15 days to provide tenants additional time to respond to landlords’ notices to pay rent or quit.
• Requiring landlords to provide hardship declaration forms in a different language if the rental agreement was negotiated in a different language.
• Providing tenants a backstop if they have a good reason for failing to return the hardship declaration within 15 days.
• Requiring landlords to provide tenants a notice detailing their rights under the Act.
• Limiting public disclosure of eviction cases involving nonpayment of rent between March 4, 2020 and January 31, 2021.
• Protecting tenants against being evicted for “just cause” if the landlord is shown to be really evicting the tenant for COVID-19-related nonpayment of rent.
Existing local ordinances can generally remain in place until they expire, and future local action cannot undermine this Act’s framework. Nothing in the legislation affects a local jurisdiction’s ability to adopt an ordinance that requires just cause, provided it does not affect rental payments before January 31, 2021.
Local children’s author releases first book, ‘Maddy and Mia: Tripaw Tales’
Submitted by Fatema Bhaiji
Photos Courtesy of Pamela Adler
An estimated 130 million books have been published in modern history. Pamela Adler’s children’s book, “Maddy and Mia: Tripaw Tales” is now an addition to that group.
Adler has not always been a full-time writer; before retiring in 2014, she worked full time as a dental office manager and part time as a magician’s assistant. Rescuing her first animal almost 20 years ago, Adler continues to advocate for animals who don’t have a home as she lives with her five rescue dogs and five feral cats. After moving around the Bay Area, Adler and her cats and dogs currently reside in Union City.
Even though Adler includes Mia, her tripod (an animal with three legs), in her book, the idea for the book isn’t solely based on Mia. Adler explains that “the idea to write the book started several years ago with a different dog who passed away.” When Mia came along, Adler experienced difficulty in keeping the small poodle safe because Mia would sometimes think she still had four legs. Over time, she had to learn to walk, run, and climb stairs with only three legs, and “she took a couple tumbles but never let it slow her.” The experiences Adler had with Mia influenced her to create a character based on her tripod who went through various hardships that came with having only three legs. This is where her inspiration comes from, as her book is about a little girl and her tripod who experience life and the hardships that come with it.
Every writer takes inspiration from life, and in Adler’s book, “Maddy and Mia: Tripaw Tales,” the main characters are based on people and animals from her own life. Mia is, of course, based upon her tripod, and Maddy, the little girl who is the owner of Mia, is very similar to Adler. A few differences between Maddy and Adler are that Maddy has a dog growing up, whereas Adler did not; Maddy also never had siblings, while Adler grew up with her brothers. Adler explains that “a lot of young kids nowadays have a hard time finding a good role model,” and she wanted to provide a story about a little girl and a dog that never gave up and kept going despite their circumstances.
Adler hasn’t written any books before this one, but she has many future writing plans that include continuing the series of Tripaw Tales and even a completely different book. She has plans for a book signing tour with her dog Mia across various bookstores in California where kids and all people can come to meet Mia and get their own copy of “Maddy and Mia: Tripaw Tales” signed. Because of COVID-19, many of Adler’s events have been canceled, but she is looking forward to interacting with her readers once restrictions are lifted.
Adler encourages readers to follow the Instagram page she made for Mia, mia_with_three_legs, to see cute pictures of Mia and her everyday life. Her book is available for purchase on various websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and all of the links are on her personal website where she journals her book opportunities.
http://pamelaadler.com/
Instagram: mia_with_three_legs
Virtual elementary band program
Submitted by Nishi Bhagat
With omnipresent budget cuts and the added stressor of COVID-19 closing down all in-person instruction, band programs in Fremont had little hope. An estimated 1,000 elementary students in the Tri-City area learning instruments for the first time had nowhere to go. Student officers at Tri-City Band Corps, an organization dedicated to increasing access to music within the community, felt compelled to step in. Putting together a free multifaceted Virtual Elementary Band Program complete with two levels, Beginning and Advanced, to accommodate for varying skill levels, the program served over a 100 fourth through sixth graders from 46 different schools.
The summer program was structured into four components: 1-on-1 lessons, video lessons, instrument sectionals, and music theory quizzes. Each student was partnered up with a high schooler to help guide their learning. Beyond service hours, TA Lilian Tjioe said the experience felt “really rewarding; especially when my student finally understood a concept after struggling the first time, that feeling made this experience worth it.”
In addition to 1-on-1 lessons, each instrument had sectionals every week where a professional would teach small groups how to play with others and build a sense of community. To supplement both forms of live instruction, students were able to follow along with recorded lessons to practice their skills at home. Looking forward, the program has introduced several new features including SmartMusic, a state-of-the-art app that can track student performance and provide immediate feedback.
Registrations have been pouring in since families learned that the Fremont and Newark Education Foundation band programs have been put on hold for the 2020-21 school year. The Tri-City Band Corps’s 20-21 school year Elementary Band Program already has over 250 registrants. The program is free and open to all students. Registration for new students ends September 19.
If you’re interested in volunteering as a TA for the program, participating as a student, donating to support the program, or getting involved with the organization as a student officer, please check out tricitybandcorps.org for more information or email tbc@tricitybandcorps.org.
Virtual Tri-City Band Corps
Registration ends: Saturday, Sept 19
tricitybandcorps.org