[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://tricityvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/TCV-Search.png” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ animation_style=”fade” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ /][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”4″ _builder_version=”3.14″ height=”0px” /][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.1″ z_index_tablet=”500″ hover_enabled=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff”]
Hayward 4th grader becomes 49ers reporter
By Andrew Joseph
Photos courtesy of Elijah Durana
Elijah Durana is a 9-year-old fourth grade student at St. Bede Catholic School in Hayward and the next rising star as a kid reporter for the San Francisco 49ers.
Ever since he can remember, Elijah has always loved sports, including football and basketball as an avid 49ers and Warriors fan. Elijah’s love for sports comes from always watching the games on TV with his dad. Elijah has been making podcast videos since 2020 and posting them on his YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
His father’s friend found a job opening with the 49ers for a kid reporter and asked Elijah if he would like to apply. With the help of his aunt they filmed, edited, and sent an audition video in the summer of 2021 to apply for the position. Elijah landed the job with his charming personality and wittiness about 49ers football.
“The job comes naturally for him because he’s very personable, especially with adults, when it comes to sports,” said Elijah’s mother Janine Durana.
A typical day at work for Elijah is arriving to the field early, practicing his interview questions, saying hi to the film crew, and getting ready for the interviews to be filmed. Elijah’s job entails interviewing 49ers players about once or twice a month during practice and more recently at the home games at Levi’s Stadium. He comes up with the questions, the staff films him, and he gets featured on the 49er’s website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube channel, and NBC Sports Bay Area.
“The coolest part of my job is getting to meet a lot of famous players and be on TV because most kids my age don’t get to do that,” said Elijah.
Janine says that it makes her very proud that Elijah is reaching his dreams at such a young age. She says he brings out the best in the 49ers players by making them feel comfortable enough to express themselves in a way never seen before. “Elijah’s public speaking ability is outstanding, he is a natural leader, and it is very encouraging to other kids out there who want the same career,” added Janine.
The most memorable moment for Elijah so far is when his work was recognized at the 2022 Emmy Awards in San Francisco on June 11, 2022 and his crew won an Emmy in the category of “interview/discussion” for a video he made titled “49ers Kid Reporter: Players Share Their Thanksgiving Favorites.”
“I went to the Emmy’s and unexpectedly won the award,” said Elijah. “It was very fun and exciting for our crew to win the award although I was a bit nervous to go up on stage.” Elijah says the director of the kids’ program, Josh Conner, is the one who made it possible to win the award by assembling everything together.
“My son winning an Emmy is the proudest moment for me as a parent,” said Janine. “I’m blown away by his talent and he’s so humble even with all of the success he has achieved.” Another stand out moment was when Elijah met George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Charvarius Ward all at the same time in one interview which was overwhelmingly exciting for him. George Kittle also signed the cast that Elijah had on his foot when he broke a toe. That cast is now hanging on the wall at the Durana’s home.
A nice gesture happened when Elijah met 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey for an interview before their game against the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2023 NFC playoffs. Elijah had on his jersey and McCaffrey said “Hi kid nice jersey.” This shocked Elijah, who was so exhilarated he forgot he had a sharpie in his pocket for him to sign his jersey.
George Kittle is Elijah’s favorite player to interview because of his responses and the way he loves to laugh and joke during the interviews. The most notable game Elijah has covered so far was the 49ers playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys earlier this year, where they won to advance to the NFC championship game.
“I think the way more kids my age can get involved in sports journalism is to dedicate your life to watching sports and practice interviewing as much as possible,” shared Elijah.
Elijah has undoubtedly achieved a great deal in a short amount of time at a very young age, and the sky is the limit. “For the next season my goal is to go to more games, get more interviews done, and have more experience,” said Elijah. “If I get a permanent reporter role, I would focus everything in my life on being a reporter.”
All aboard for model train heaven
By Rob Klindt
For many East Bay model train enthusiasts, all tracks lead to San Leandro. The city is home to one of the area’s largest clubs dedicated to the hobby, and members regularly meet and share their railroading passion in a historic train depot near downtown.
San Leandro Historical Railway Society (SLHRS) is dedicated to preserving the local railroad history of San Leandro and the Bay Area. To do that, members have built impressive indoor and outdoor model train layouts at their depot headquarters near Thrasher Park on Davis Street. They also maintain a museum with railroad artifacts.
Bob Goforth, a SLHRS spokesman and docent, said the indoor layouts feature popular HO gauge trains while the outdoor G&O Garden includes larger G and O gauge trains in a lushly landscaped layout complete with 15 bridges, a flowing waterfall and replica of the Golden Gate Bridge.
What will first-time visitors be most surprised to see? “The complexity of the HO and how many trains are running and the detail of things going on inside,” Goforth said. And the variety of trains: “The most unusual trains are the Thomas Trains; we also have a guy that runs an Australian HO train.”
The 75 or so SLHRS members come from a variety of backgrounds. Many are retired, some are students, others work full-time jobs. Most are men, but there are several women. But their love of trains is the common thread that connects members. “At heart, we’re all kids,” explained member Gino Cerelli, a retired San Leandro police officer. He oversees much of the group’s G&O Garden layout.
Retired depot sees new life
According to SLHRS historian Pat LaTorres, the group was formed in 1987 with members gathering in a local hobby shop. As the group grew, more space was needed. When it learned a retired train depot near downtown was available, the nonprofit group mounted an extensive fundraising effort and acquired it. Next, they struck a deal with the City of San Leandro to move the building to a city-owned parcel at the southern edge of Thrasher Park on Davis Street in late 1988.
The train depot was built in 1898 near Alvarado Street to help San Leandro cherry and peach farmers ship their products via Southern Pacific rail. It also served passengers until 1939, continued freight service into the 1970s, then became an office for railroad switching crews into the 1980s.
In 1990, SLHRS volunteers started work to restore the exterior of the building to its 1929 appearance. Inside, they started construction of HO scale model sections of the Southern Pacific train lines between Oakland/San Leandro and t
he Norden/Donner Summit. By 2000, with much of the work in place, the depot opened for public tours. Today, the layout features more than 4,000 feet of track spanning three levels, including the largest helix model train elevator in the country.
Open house, membership and donations
The SLHRS museum and working model railroad layouts are open to the public 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays; admission is free. There is also an interactive children’s layout in the G&O Garden where kids can control the speed of trains. Regular themed open houses aimed at children and families are held throughout the year; the next one is slated for Saturday, April 15 and will feature dinosaurs.
SLHRS offers various membership levels. Monthly membership dues help with club operating expenses. Members also get access to the depot to run and maintain their trains. General membership meetings are held at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of each month via Zoom. Details are posted online at www.SLHRS.org/membrship.
Donations are an important tool that keeps SLHRS rolling. “The club is a non-profit organization and is supported by member dues and model train donations,” Goforth explained. “I get the donations and first make them available to members [to buy] and then sell the rest on eBay,” he said, adding that train donations often come from word of mouth, from depot visitors, or through the group’s advertising.
Goforth added that he is able to receive donations by phone at (510) 566-3499.
San Leandro Historical Railway Society
Saturdays
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Open House
Saturday, Apr 15
1302 Orchard Ave., San Leandro (near Thrasher Park)
(510) 569-2490
Free; donations accepted
The show must go on…with puppets!
By David R. Newman
It’s opening night. People from all walks of life gather outside the theatre, giggling in hushed anticipation. They fill the seats and look over the program. As showtime approaches, the director walks on stage to give a brief speech, to audience applause. The lights dim, music begins to play, and everyone settles in, ready to experience a story that might change their lives.
Many feel that there is nothing as emotionally powerful as live theatre. While the cost to see a professional production can be prohibitive, a local production put on by volunteers can be just as stirring. Welcome to the world of Community Theatre!
Community Theatre organizations are usually nonprofits run by a board, with volunteer actors and production crew. Only a few full-time positions, such as director or stage manager, receive compensation. But the final product is professional and moving.
Chanticleers Theatre in Castro Valley recently put on a production of Little Shop of Horrors (LSOH), which was plagued with difficulties throughout rehearsals. Says Jacob Russell-Snyder, Artistic Director, “When I first suggested doing LSOH, a lot of people were skeptical, thinking it was too big a production to fit in our little theatre. But I thought, if we could figure out the puppets, then it was totally doable.”
LSOH tells the story of a meek flower shop assistant named Seymour (played by Julian Hensley) who discovers an unusual, blood-thirsty plant during a solar eclipse. He names the plant Audrey II (after his lovely co-worker). It is based on the 1960 horror comedy film directed by Roger Corman. In the musical, four puppets of various sizes are used to represent the different stages of growth of Audrey II.
Chanticleers planned eight weeks of rehearsals to begin right after Thanksgiving (including a two-week break for Christmas). This is typical for community theatre productions, giving them time to advertise, gather props and costumes, design the light and sound cues, and design and build the sets. Actors prepare by memorizing their lines and learning the songs, choreography, and blocking.
Then came the January storms.
A fallen tree took out the theatre’s electricity and internet. Another uprooted tree leaned precariously over the 1940’s structure. The cast was forced to rehearse elsewhere until the tree was removed, scrambling to find space in Concord and Hayward. Once the building was deemed safe again, they returned, only to discover a flooded dressing room. They tore up the moldy carpet and replaced it with whatever rugs they could find.
“We began to realize that there were many structural improvements needed,” sighs Russell-Snyder, acknowledging a common problem with community theater. “When you spend most of your money putting on shows, it’s hard to put anything aside to deal with building maintenance.”
Once the team got back on track, they realized the enormous challenge of working with the puppets, which were rented from a local specialty shop. Says the Director, Sue Ellen-Nelsen, “The puppets were expensive. And finding people to act as a puppeteer was challenging. It’s a thankless job.”
Local talent Em Woods and Max O. Chang answered the call, though neither had any previous experience working with puppets on stage. “I have loved the Muppets since I was little – Jim Henson has really inspired me. So, I was definitely interested in being a puppeteer,” says Woods. Chang concurs, “It’s exhilarating and exhausting. I remember the first night I did it I got a standing ovation. That’s going to go down as one of my favorite memories of all time.”
The two took turns operating the gigantic pod, using their upper body and arms to move the plant’s mouth in sync with the music. They wore a back brace for stability, and a hydration backpack and neck fan to keep cool inside the hot and stuffy costume. “The hardest part for me was probably understanding the character blocking. We can’t see anything in there, so we had to rely on sound, listening to footsteps and memorizing the other actor’s movements,” Chang explains.
Curtis Manning was the voice for Audrey II. He sang and read his lines from the sound booth in the rear of the theatre. “I could see what the puppeteers were doing on stage and I tried to match them. Obviously, they couldn’t see me, so it came down to trust.” Russell-Snyder agrees. “It’s no different than dance. You practice and practice until you can do it the same way every time. And as the show goes on you can see more nuance in the acting.”
With one week to go before opening night, Juliet Newman, a local middle schooler, was recruited to operate the the baby Audrey II hand puppet. But she came down with COVID, so her older sister, Maddie “Turtle” Newman, came in at the last minute. Says Maddie, “After some practice, I figured out the best position so I can respond to Seymour’s actions. But it took a lot of fine tuning.”
Despite the setbacks (including a cast member dropping out due to a family tragedy and a sound technician leaving for a new job), the production was a resounding success. It is Chanticle
ers’ first show back after a two-year hiatus, and they couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds.
Says Russell-Snyder, “Anyone involved in community theatre will tell you that this is all just part of putting on a show. I hope it’s not part of every show, but these things do happen. Our biggest challenge right now is that we need more volunteers.”
Chang voices what many feel about community theatre: “It’s a very welcoming place, with all levels of talent, and it gives you a platform to express yourself. But beyond that, you meet so many wonderful people and develop relationships that are just invaluable.”
Chanticleers Theatre
3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 733-5483
Pain Relief Found in the Garden
By Melinda Myers
Photos courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Look to the garden, farmer’s market, or refrigerator next time you are battling sore muscles, indigestion, and headaches. These five foods fresh from the garden contain powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mint
Infuse mint into your tea or ice water to refresh and rejuvenate. It also helps relieve headaches and general aches and pain. Grow this vigorous perennial herb in a container so it won’t overtake your other plants. And at the end of the season, root a few cuttings to start new plants to grow indoors. All you need are a sunny window, quality potting mix, and regular watering.
Hot Peppers
Capsaicin, the spicy element in chili, jalapeno, habanero, and cayenne peppers, is a great pain-fighting tool and is often used in topical creams to help treat backaches, arthritis, and muscle pain. Plant hot peppers after the soil and air warm, at the same time you are planting sweet peppers and tomatoes. They are ready to harvest when they are fully colored. Purchase extra hot peppers to dry and enjoy year-round.
Cherries
Manage muscle pain and inflammation with sour cherries. They are loaded with disease-fighting chemicals and antioxidants and help fight inflammation and relieve pain. Purchase plenty of cherries to juice, dry, and preserve so you can enjoy their health benefits all year long. And consider planting a sour cherry tree in your backyard.
Montmorency is the most popular sour cherry, needing only 700 hours of air temperatures between 34 and 45 degrees to initiate flowering for fruit development. New hardier dwarf introductions from the University of Saskatchewan can be grown in colder regions including zone 2. Although it takes several years for cherry plants to start producing fruit, you’ll enjoy watching your tree grow into maturity and bear its first crop. Just make sure to cover the plants with netting so the birds don’t eat your harvest.
Ginger
Ginger helps reduce inflammation and combat migraines, muscle pain, arthritis, and post-workout or post-gardening soreness. All this plus it helps fight nausea. Although it’s a tropical plant, you can find plants or rhizomes (the part you eat) online. Or join other enthusiastic gardeners who have had success rooting the rhizomes they purchased at the grocery store to start new plants. Grow your ginger in a pot outdoors or sunny window alongside your other indoor plants.
Sage
Sage tea has long been used to soothe scratchy and irritated throats, and showed positive results in a 2006 clinical trial. Harvest a few sage leaves, add hot water, and brew a bit of sore throat relief. Grow this herb in the garden or a container. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the season. Regular harvesting encourages more growth for future harvests. You can remove as much as one-third of the plant at one time for preservation.
So next time you’re feeling a bit of pain, pass by the medicine cabinet and look to the garden for a bit of relief. Even the simple act of tending your garden and harvesting produce can elevate your mood, lower your blood pressure, and start you on the road to feeling better.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and 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 website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Abode Services Shares Stories of Progress, Goals in Breakfast Fundraiser
Submitted by Chris De Benedetti
Abode Services presented its 18th annual “Journey Home Breakfast fundraiser” on Friday, March 3 with a virtual program, broadcasting a nearly half-hour video during which supporters made donations and pledges that will help the nonprofit organization continue its mission to end homelessness.
The March 3 event, titled the Journey Home Breakfast at Home, can be watched at journeyhome.abodeservices.org — the event’s special website where the livestreamed program premiered Friday morning. Viewers can also find the breakfast — Abode’s only fundraiser of the year — at abodeservices.org.
This year’s program presented a video featuring four Abode Services clients: Mandy, Fred, Tina, and Albert. Each client shared their personal story about overcoming challenges that led to homelessness before turning their lives around and gaining permanent housing with Abode Services’ help.
Louis Chicoine, Abode Services’ chief executive officer, joined longtime colleague Jean Morgan, Abode’s director of community outreach, in a video in which they reminisced about the organization’s ori
gins and discussed the vision for its future.
“People have seen we’re making a difference, that we’re getting more and more people into their homes and helping them change their lives,” Chicoine said. “We have a moral obligation to grow because we have so much more work to do to solve the problem of homelessness.”
Former Fremont Vice Mayor Anu Natarajan served as the event’s emcee. In addition, Abode Services Board President Tarrah Henrie provided viewers with more details on how they can give to help Abode provide housing and services to the community’s most vulnerable residents.
Donations to the annual fundraiser can still be made online at journeyhome.abodeservices.org. Also, thanks to an anonymous donor, all gifts for the program will be matched up to $50,000.
Abode Services would like to thank the event’s generous sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors were BBI Construction and Kaiser Permanente.
Premier Sponsors included Ann and Alden Danner; Cahill Contractors; Fremont Bank; and Marx/Okubo.
Major Sponsors were Alameda Alliance for Health; BKF Engineers; Branagh Construction; Digital Nirvana, Inc.; Heritage Bank of Commerce; Herman Coliver Locus Architecture; Lowney Architecture; and Washington Hospital Healthcare System.
Supporting Sponsors included Bernard, Balgley & Bonaccorsi LLP; Blach Construction Company; Element Structural Engineers, Inc.; Gonsalves & Kozachenko Attorneys at Law; Gunkel Architecture; Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; HKIT Architects; Indo-Americans for Better Community; PYATOK Architecture & Urban Design; and Santa Clara County Housing Authority.
Abode Services
Comedy is no Joke
By Madhvika Singh
Photos courtesy of Amit Tandon
Be it art, arithmetic or architecture, genes, dance, or love, the key to their brilliance is in their expression. In theatrical performance, expression is an amalgamation of a character’s story, emotions, and thoughts delivered in a way that audiences can relate to. It was this realization for Amit Tandon, Indian stand-up comedian, that brought out his latent genius. That started his journey to global fame, including his latest show on Netflix, “Family Tandoncies.”
Tandon first discovered his talent for writing when he wrote an essay that unexpectedly fetched him an award in school. Another time, he took the opportunity to go up on stage and perform and ended up liking it, including the attention he didn’t usually receive as a shy child. It was a humble beginning, but it planted the seeds of his future profession. While in college, Tandon started a dramatics club with friends, and it became a big success. This gave his personality a boost and he became more outgoing. After completing his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, he started working and the artist in him got left behind.
As he was looking to expand his business, a consultant suggested he follow the book – “The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich” by Timothy Ferris. One of the recommendations was to list non-work activities to pursue. Tandon picked stand-up comedy and found open–mic platforms to experiment and improvise. “This helped me connect with people with common interests. The joy of writing jokes together was so energizing!” shared Tandon.
Tandon was doing double duty – running his HR firm and doing ticketed shows. “I did not quit my business. I had a responsibility towards my family and I did not want to disrupt their lives in pursuit of my passion,” shared Tandon. “It was hard, and we brought balance to our lives by taking time off as family, and with support from parents,” he added. Tandon’s wife has been the force who manages the operations back home, and continues to be the source of his strength.
Unbeknownst to him, a fan following had taken root, fetching him his first corporate show offer. The show was a hit. “The following morning, I was among the first ones to eat breakfast, because I couldn’t sleep the whole night in joy of success,” shared Tandon, with a laugh. The connection his audience was making with his talent got him seriously considering making his passion his full-time profession. Soon, corporate bookings and international shows started flowing in.
Social media gave a boost to Tandon’s popularity when he posted one of his early videos on YouTube, and it went viral. His U.S. tours sold out like hot cakes and he ended up doing way more than scheduled. Having performed at the Mark Green Sports Center in Union City in 2018, and India Community Center (ICC) in Milpitas in 2019, Tandon had a show in the Bay Area in February this year as part of his “Masala Sandwich” tour. Tandon is expecting to be back in the Bay Area again in 2024, and is thrilled about his show on Netflix. “The journey to Netflix has been exciting – it’s a different kind of experience,” shared Tandon. “Success did not come easy – there were times where my jokes did not fly with the audience. What defines me is that I continuously experiment and improve,” he added.
On what advice he would give to aspiring stand-up comedians, he shared, “When you get an opportunity to connect with people, go bond with them, and be the best version of yourself. Social media and mobile devices have made it possible for artists to discover niche audiences and create a market for themselves.” Tandon is grateful to his audience, and those in the industry who gave him an opportunity and lifted him in his starting years.
Tandon’s style is called observational comedy, where he is able to take everyday situations, even serious ones, and present them in a way where one just cannot stop laughing. Known for his clean and family friendly scripts, punches, and well-placed pauses, Tandon stands apart. He will continue to amuse audiences with his art and craft of creating grins, giggles and guffaws.
Amit Tandon
Civil disobedience and litigation: rebranding Chinese Americans
Submitted by Christianne Selig
How are the transcontinental railroad, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day Speech, and Florida’s orange industry all connected?
Visitors to the Castro Valley Library can find out on Sunday, March 19 when David Y. Lei will deliver a 90-minute presentation about the efforts of Chinese Americans to secure civil rights for everyone. Lei will discuss Supreme Cout cases and acts of civil disobedience that made a lasting impact. A Q&A session is planned after the presentation.
Lei, a former social worker for at-risk youth and a business entrepreneur, has a passion for the arts, education, history, and social justice. He volunteers with many organizations, including The Chinese Performing Arts Foundation, Asian Art Museu
m, and The Chinese American Community Fund.
This educational program is designed for teenagers and adults. Admission is free, but advance registrations are needed and can be made online at www.aclibrary.org. The library will provide an ASL interpreter for any event with at least seven working days’ notice. Call (510) 667-7900 or TTY (888) 663-0660.
To move or not to move: Cohousing members mitigate hesitation
Submitted by Evelyn LaTorre and Jane Mueller
Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life. From sorting and packing up your belongings to saying goodbye to familiar surroundings, the process of relocating can appear so daunting that it’s tempting to just make do with a less than ideal situation.
In her At Home newspaper column, Marni Jameson cites a study about moving. Twenty-six percent of Americans actually moved to a new state in the last five years. Among those who stayed put, though, some 63% thought of doing it and didn’t. And of those who did, 88% were happy they moved. What makes people hesitate? Three reasons seem to dominate their thinking.
- People who have lived in the same place for a long time have likely accumulated a lot of possessions. Fortunately, there are many resources that can assist with sorting through them, including several of Ms. Jameson’s books: What to Do with Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want, and Downsizing the Family Home—What to Save, What to Let Go. There are also social media resources, including YouTube’s popular Minimal Mom. Licensed professional organizers can help for a fee.
- Worry about whether the new residence will meet their needs better than where they live now. These concerns are very personal and need to be evaluated individually. Most people searching for a new home must choose among neighborhoods that have already been designed around developer preferences and don’t always reflect residents’ priorities. Maybe the objective is to move nearer family members. However, sometimes family members have a change in circumstances—such as a new job—and move away themselves!
- Concern whether the new neighborhood will be friendly. One may feel more comfortable with the present neighbors, even if not well known, than take the risk of meeting future ones.
The cohousing concept mitigates some of these reasons for hesitation. Cohousing—also known as collaborative housing—involves future residents in the planning and layout. For example, the members of Mission Peak Village, Fremont’s first cohousing project, decided that they wanted smaller individual condominium units and ample shared space, including a large community building and lots of outdoor space. Several member households are downsizing from single family homes to live in either a two-or-three-bedroom condominium. They know they want to live cooperatively surrounded by nature. All their condos will open onto a central garden dotted with fruit trees, play and sitting areas, and pathways that meander through the 13,200-square-foot professionally landscaped area. Residents look forward to gathering for common meals and special events in the 3,500-square-foot common house.
The concern about compatible neighbors is also reduced when moving into cohousing. By joining the group in its planning stage, one can find out who the neighbors will be. The members of Mission Peak Village are taking that step. On their website, they have declared a mission of being with neighbors who are living the values of sharing, caring, and sustainability. Reasons they state for moving into a cohousing community include social interaction, more facilities and resources, cost savings, health and wellness, security, and living in an appropriately sized home. The 32-unit development they are planning on High Street is where they want to reside for many years to come.
Most residents of the approximately 200 U.S. cohousing communities are happy with their choices, according to a recent survey done by the Cohousing Association of the U.S. (cohousing.org). Members who moved two months ago into Skagit Commons Cohousing in Anacortes, Washington had this to say:
Susan: “Cohousing offers the opportunity for…unique interdependence. We can learn to serve the greater good in place of individual desires.”
Trina: “Someone always has your back; your neighbors are ready to listen.”
Larry: “I like to live in a unique community where your neighbors reach out in caring and cooperation. It is an opportunity to learn how to be independent through interdependence with others.”
Their advice: You get one life. Spend it where you want to be.
This article is part of an ongoing series on cohousing. To learn more on the topic of cohousing, visit www.cohousing.org. To learn more about Mission Peak Village, visit www.missionpeakcohousing.org.
Mission Peak Village is a group of friends forming Fremont’s first cohousing community. Memberships are still available. Call Kelli at (510) 413-8446 or visit Mission Peak Village on Facebook, Instagram, or the www.missionpeakcohousing.org website, where you can register for a monthly walk to explore the neighborhood around the future site in the Irvington district of Fremont.
Gronk commits $1 million to Anivive for valley fever vaccines
Submitted by Samantha Preece
Following his appearance at the WVC annual conference, 4-Time Super Bowl Champion and 5-Time NFL Pro-Bowler, Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, has committed $1 million to pet health start-up, Anivive, for future vaccines, following approval, to help fight Valley Fever and also raised valuable funds for leading pet charities.
As the proud pet parent to his French Bulldog Ralphie, Gronk is committed to pets and their owners to have access to affordable and innovative care.
Gronkowski announced the vaccine pledge at the veterinary conference in Las Vegas to raise awareness of the work of Anivive, who were named 2022 Best Animal Health Company in North America by S&P Global. He also took part in a charity bull ride to raise funds for Petco Love, Morris Animal Foundation, Dogtopia Foundation, Banfield Foundation and VCA Charities, which generated $10,000 for the animal charities.
Anivive is currently developing an anti-fungal vaccine, which they hope will be available within the next 12 months and may become the first anti-fungal vaccine ever approved for any species. The application of this vaccine could help more than 30 million dogs who are at risk for Valley Fever.
Gronk’s donation will allow Anivive’s Valley Fever vaccine to be distributed to low income families and animals within shelters across Arizona. Gronkowski commented: “I have had a blast at WVC and it cemented my decision to want to be a part of saving pets lives with a company that is making treatments and vaccines that have never been done before.
“Rob’s commitment helps us expand our efforts to protect more pets and help them live happy, healthy and
longer lives,” said Dylan Balsz, Anivive Founder and CEO.”
Valley Fever is most commonly found in Arizona, and Anivive is actively looking for partners to facilitate donationswithin the State.
For more information visit: https://www.anivive.com/insider/gronk
Hayward Birthday Bash
Submitted by Tressa Marques
On Saturday, March 11, Hayward Chamber of Commerce is hosting a downtown street party on B and Main Streets to celebrate the 147th birthday of the City of Hayward.
The event will include local bands, including performances from Hayward school musical groups and ensembles, and will feature local downtown restaurants, shops and other small businesses. There will be a Kid’s Zone and a resource fair with exhibits presented by local nonprofit groups, service clubs and other organizations.
It was on March 31, 1876, by signature of Governor William Irwin, that Hayward was originally incorporated under the name Haywards, a nod to the town’s then landmark Hayward’s Hotel. To learn more about Hayward’s history, visit the Hayward Area Historical Society online
Hayward Birthday Bash
Saturday, Mar 11
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
B and Main Streets, Hayward
(510) 537-2424
INKernational Documentary
Submitted by Manasa Maddi
Ink and Metal 5773 is a high school robotics team that has been competing for 11 years in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) run by the FIRST organization. They are located in Fremont and participate in the NorCal region, in which they have consistently qualified for States and also won the NorCal States Championship in 2021. They strive to share their team’s passion with interested audiences regardless of race, background, and location. Their mission is to instill the values of perseverance, leadership, gracious professionalism, & STEM in students in their local and international communities. Throughout years of competing, they have hosted numerous workshops, classes, YouTube videos, donations, and competitions to inspire people to discover their passion.
In this current season, Ink and Metal have shifted towards offering unique opportunities for students to be involved in FIRST and STEM by providing them with an in-depth run-through of what FIRST entails. After successfully completing 11 years as an FTC team, they encountered countless teams that came from different backgrounds, locations, member count, experience, and goals. While these factors distinguished teams, all were equally qualified for success.
At previous events, Ink and Metal stuck to presenting only their own experiences. While this introduced audiences to their side of this journey, they understood the approach lacked perspective. This moment of realization prompted the team to execute an event of unmatchable scale in the history of Ink and Metal.
They decided to invite FIRST teams from across the globe to share their experiences as a competitive team, opportunities associated with their location, struggles they overcame, and most importantly, what FIRST has taught them. Answering these questions would demonstrate to audiences the benefits and challenges associated with being a FIRST team, and also how participating could be immensely fun. By compiling the recordings into a video uploaded to YouTube, Ink and Metal wanted to reach a new audience and inspire viewers to join these programs.
Using social media platforms such as Instagram, Messenger, Reddit, Discord, and YouTube, Ink and Metal connected with teams to pitch the idea. To make sure all participating teams understood the project, Ink and Metal coordinated individual online meetings. Overall, they contacted 758 teams and met with 127 teams. Would it be possible to make a project on this scale work? Well, Ink and Metal defied all odds and crafted a documentary featuring a grand total of 119 teams from around the globe. They included at least a team from every U.S. State and 22 international teams from 15 countries.
With the debut of their documentary “INKernational,” Ink and Metal 5773 have become an inspiration for many across the world by demonstrating how faith in an idea along with vision, persistence, and collaboration can bring an idea to life.
The video has been posted on their YouTube channel and made available on Vimeo. To find it, go to @Ink and Metal 5773 on Youtube.
After reaching more than 2 million people from 73 countries, Ink and Metal is continuing to become the change this world needs.
Summer Music Program for Bay Area Young musicians—it’s free!
Submitted by Jenny Lin Foundation
For the 29th year, Jenny Lin Foundation is offering a summer music program free of charge to young people in the Bay Area. Instrumental musicians currently in 8th grade or higher are welcomed to join the String Orchestra or Band; students currently in 7th grade and up may register for the Choir.
Participants meet Mondays, Wednesdays and some Thursdays for five weeks starting Monday, June 12. Rehearsals take place at Creekside Middle School, Castro Valley, and culminate with a large-scale community concert on Saturday, July 15, at Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward.
Based in Castro Valley, the Jenny Lin Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1994 after the brutal murder of 14-year-old Jenny Lin. It operates through volunteers and donations with a mission to promote child safety and youth music education. For the many music and safety events that the Foundation has sponsored over decades, its founders John & Mei-lian Lin (Jenny’s parents) were honored last year with the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the most prestigious and longest-standing public service award in the United States.
Through the annual Summer Music Program, Jenny Lin Foundation hopes to carry on Jenny’s passion—music and friendship—and extend her life in a unique fashion. Student-musicians are encouraged to take advantage of this exceptional program to help maintain their skills and to continue performing in a group during the summer. This is also an opportunity for students to meet and interact with peers from throughout the Bay Area, and hone their leadership skills. Last summer, about 200 young people from 29 schools in 12 cities participated in the program, co-sponsored by Chabot College.
Jenny Lin Foundation Summer Music Program
Mondays, Wednesdays & some Thursdays
June 12 – July 15
6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Rehearsals: Creekside Middle School, Castro Valley
Concert: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, Hayward
Registration: https://jennylinfoundation.org
Free
Let Them Eat Cake!
Submitted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
Mission Peak Chamber Singers’ spring concert will be held on Saturday, March 11. By tradition, we like to give our audiences something to laugh about in March, and this concert is no exception. “Let Them Eat Cake” will feature sweet and saucy songs of frivolity and indulgence and showcase solo and group performances by members of the choir. Bring your sweet tooth — cake will be served!
Let Them Eat Cake!
Saturday, Mar 11
7:30 pm
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Tickets $15 to $45, online and at the door
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Be a hero by donating blood
Submitted by Martin Gagliano, American Red Cross
During March, the Northern California Coastal Region of the Red Cross is honoring the humanitarian spirit of volunteers and donors during its 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration. It is a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation. This year, volunteers, staff and Red Cross leadership will celebrate Red Cross Month in local proclamation ceremonies across the Northern California region.
There are numerous ways people can participate in Red Cross Month. Financial donations can be made by visiting redcross.org, or people can give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, people can also join the annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday. These funds will help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
There are numerous in-person blood donation opportunities available in the Tri-City region through March 31:
- Hayward
March 11: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Hope Christian Fellowship, 22110 Montgomery St.
- San Leandro
March 22: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
City of San Leandro/Marina Community Center, 15301 Wicks Blvd.
- Castro Valley
March 28: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene, 19230 Lake Chabot Road.
- Newark
March 10-12; 17-19; 24-26; 31: 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; March 13-16; 20-21; March 23, 27-30: 11:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Newark Blood Donation Center, 39227 Cedar Blvd.
It’s important for donors — especially type O blood donors and platelet donors — to give to ensure hospitals have the blood they need in times of emergency. Donation appointments can be scheduled online by visiting the American Red Cross website at redcross.org or by calling 1-(800) 733-2767.
Nocturnal: Illumination
Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center
Nocturnal is a new program at Chabot Space & Science Center created for adults 21+ to enjoy an evening exploring the intersection of art and science in an atmosphere filled with unique multi-media experiences, art installations, music and curated activities all while enjoying music, drinks and a fun-filled evening that ends with telescope viewings.
For our inaugural event on March 11, we will focus on the brilliance and beauty of the night sky exploring constellations, planets and other celestial bodies that inspire art and keep us in wonder. (Telescope viewing is weather and conditions permitting.)
Presentations and Performances:
Serpent Twins Mobile Sculptures at the Front Entrance
The Jormungand (Midgard) and Julunggul (Rainbow) serpents sit between two worlds; the old world that needed and revered them and the present which has shunned such monsters as fears metamorphosed into mythical form. Created by Jon Sarriugarte, the two 50-foot kinetic mobile sculptures are rendered in metal and cast-off materials using modern science; restoring ancient mythos to the modern world.
DJ Brad
6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Studio 3
DJ Brad returns for an evening of music!
Light Lab
7 p.m., Theater
Light is all around us, even when it is unseen! Through a series of illuminating demonstrations, discover the nature of light, where it comes from, and how the electromagnetic spectrum can reveal the invisible universe.
Live Dark Skies Science and Comedy Show
7:30 p.m., Planetarium
Explore the cosmos as Julia DeMarines leads you through the galaxy!
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument Talk
With Nathalie Palanque-Delabrouille
8 p.m., Theater
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is measuring the expansion history over the past 11 billion years; DESI’s scientific goal is to constrain possible models of dark energy. Learn more about the DESI project from Nathalie Palanque-Delabrouille, one of the key team members on the project.
Make Space for Music!
With Shannon Hayden, Cellist
8 p.m., Planetarium
Enjoy a night of music under the stars with international touring musician, cellist Shannon Hayden. Join us for a sonic journey through interstellar landscapes!
Activities, Films, and Installations
5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI New Planetarium Show
6:30 p.m., Planetarium
DESI is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI’s 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from millions of galaxies at once.
Catstronauts
AI artwork designed by Scott Kildall
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Studio 1
Catsronauts are playful and cute, pl
aying with the use of “low culture” cat memes on the internet alongside the science of space travel. Created by an AI engine with detail work by Scott Kildall.
Spectra Cart
With Galaxy Explorers
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Studio 2
What are rainbows? How do astronomers identify distant gases in stars, nebulae, and exoplanet atmospheres? The answer to both questions is spectra! Look at different light sources with a special tool to split their light into different colors.
Uncovering Color
With Galaxy Explorers
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Studio 2
Enter a space where a special light bulb removes colors from images and your surroundings. This light source, a Low-Pressure Sodium vapor lamp emits visible electromagnetic radiation in a very narrow band of the spectrum, about 589nm. This limited access to reflected color causes your eyes to perceive things in a shaded greyscale.
Nebula Spin Art
With Galaxy Explorers
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Lab 1
In this activity, you will learn about how gigantic clouds of gas and dust in space, called nebulas, are formed. Create a colorful model nebula using paint and a spinner.
Nocturnal: Illumination
Saturday, March 11
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
For Adults 21+
Tickets: $20
Celebrate Persian New Year
Submitted by San Leandro Main Library
Join us at the Main Library to celebrate Persian New Year! Enjoy an interactive educational program with dances celebrating Nowruz performed by Beshkan Dance Academy, along with lively read-louds explaining the holiday. All ages welcome.
Nowruz educational program
Saturday, Mar 11
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
San Leandro Main Library
300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro
(510) 577-3960
Ohlone College flea market returns
Submitted by Ohlone College
For nearly nine years, fans of the Ohlone College Flea market have been itching for its return. Their wait will be over Saturday, March 11 when the event returns to two of the colleges lower parking lots near Mission Boulevard in Fremont.
Along with the usual vendors selling collectibles, antiques, apparel, household goods and flowers, there will be music, food and art exhibits along with community and Ohlone College information booths at the family-friendly event set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
And the best deal? Admission and Early Bird parking will be free in Parking Lot C until it is full. Parking in other available lots will be $4. Flea market vendors will be set up in Parking Lots D and E.
The college plans to operate the flea market the second Saturday of every month year-round. Upcoming 2023 dates are:
- April 8
- May 13
- June 10
- July 8
- August 12
- September 9
- October 14
- November 11
- December 9
The original flea market started in the late 1980s, but was discontinued in 2014 to allow for renovation of the college’s hillside campus. Now that the renovation is finished, college officials are anxious for community members to visit the hillside camps to see the improvements.
Ohlone College Flea Market
Saturday, Mar 11
2nd Saturday of every month
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.ohlone.edu/flea-market
(510) 659-6285
Admission free
Parking $4
Seder Apokálypsis comes to CSU East Bay
Submitted by CSUEB
Seder Apokálypsis: A Multi-dimensional Liberation Ceremony is a collaborative dance/theater/music production by the Wandering Ensemble and friends that will be presented by the CSU East Bay Theatre and Dance Department in from March 10 to 19.
Eric Kupers, the Wandering Ensemble, and a diverse group of artists, scholars, activists, and spiritual leaders are collaborating on a multi-cultural performance exploration of the Jewish Passover Seder and celebrations of freedom. Seder Apokálypsis is the primary public performance series of year three of Wandering in the Wilderness.
Straddling the worlds of performance, academic presentation, culture exchange, religious ritual, and transcultural community gathering, Seder Apokálypsis will be an immersive, ever-evolving, participatory experience.
We are returning to the root meanings of “apocalypse” as a time of uncovering and revealing more expansive and liberatory ways of being together in community. We will explore innovative intersections of dance, music, theatre visual art, film, interactive technology, academic research, community ritual, comedy, improvisation, and things we can only dream up together once we’re in dialog.
There are 15 parts to a traditional Seder, and so there will be 15 sections of this performance ceremony, co-created by folks from the CSUEB departments of Theatre & Dance, Interactive Art Graduate Program, Communication, Social Work, Kinesiology, and Music, as well as community groups and ensembles.
More information is available at www.csueastbay.edu/theatre. Tickets can be purchased on ShowTix4U.
Seder Apokálypsis
Friday, Mar 10 – Sunday, Mar 19
CSUEB University Theatre
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward
www.showtix4u.com/events/17582
Tickets: $5 – $15
Shrek the Musical Jr.
Submitted by Milpitas Recreation
Shrek The Musical Jr., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical, is coming to Milpitas Community Theatre from March 9 – 12. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairytale, Shrek Jr. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Shrek the Musical Jr. is approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes with a short intermission. Community Center parking is free. No food and drink are allowed in the auditorium. If you wish to enjoy a snack, please do so in the lobby or outside the building.
There are two casts for this production, performing on alternate nights.
Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m. – Cast A
Friday, March 10, 7 p.m. – Cast B
Saturday, March 11, 2 p.m. – Cast B
Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m. – Cast A
Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m. – Cast A
Sunday, March 12, 6 p.m. – Cast B
Shrek -The Musical Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
EVERY PERSON NEEDS A TICKET. Please purchase a quantity sufficient to accommodate your entire group (including young children who will sit in your lap).
Shrek the Musical Jr.
Thursday, Mar 9 – Sunday, Mar 12
Thurs/Fri: 7 p.m.
Sat: 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Sun: 2 p.m., 6 p.m.
Milpitas Community Center
457 East Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
https://www.milpitas.gov/milpitas/departments/recreation-services/
Tickets: $12-14
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
By staff
Photo courtesy of HARD
Nestled amongst the oaks, Sulphur Creek Nature Center is a hidden oasis tucked into the Hayward Hills. It is a wildlife education and rehabilitation facility that features local wildlife on display, a discovery center, educational programs, a wildlife hospital, volunteer opportunities, and activities designed to connect people and nature.
The mission of the Sulphur Creek Nature Center is to instill a sense of responsibility for the welfare of our world by bringing people and animals closer together through wildlife rehabilitation and education.
Brief History: In the 1960s, a member of the public found a lost little rabbit and named it Happy. Unfortunately, Happy lost his home and needed somewhere to stay. The community created a home for Happy at the local community center (now San Felipe Community Center) and an animal sanctuary was born. In 1970, H.A.R.D. acquired the property at 1801 D Street; the site was used as a wellness retreat and its wells drew sulphur water from the springs. Sulphur Creek Nature Center was formed and slowly grew into the place we know and love. A refuge for people and wildlife, hidden in a suburban neighborhood.
Plan a Visit: Bring the family and enjoy the outdoors as you peruse our outdoor bird and mammal enclosures, take a peek in our Discovery Center and view our resident amphibians and reptiles and check out our new local wildlife spotlight display. Sulphur Creek is a great spot to have an outdoor lunch with the family or plan a birthday party. Volunteer opportunities are also available.
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
1801 D St., Hayward
Tuesdays – Fridays – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays – 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Free admission
Summer job hunting season is here
Submitted by City of Fremont
Although summer is still a few months away, it’s not too early to think about summer jobs. And Fremont Parks & Recreation is a great place to start the search.
A free Summer Job Fair is set for Thursday, March 9 at the Downtown Event Center on Capitol Avenue. Staff members will be available to meet with potential applicants and answer questions about more than 100 seasonal, year-round or part-time jobs with the city.
Some of the benefits include:
- Flexible hours
- Day and night shifts
- Opportunities to gain valuable skills
There are jobs available for youth as young as 15 and adults of all ages; pay rates range from $16 to $33 per hour. On-the-spot screening interviews will be available for many jobs, so applicants can bring a resume. The 3-hour job fair starts at 4:30 p.m. and job seekers are welcome to drop in anytime.
To search or apply for jobs in advance, go to bit.ly/FremontRecJobs. For questions, send an email to
Re*****@fr*****.gov
or call (510) 494-4327.
Summer Job Fair
Thursday, Mar 9
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
(510) 494-4327
Entries sought for student virtual art contest
Submitted by City of Fremont
In celebration of Youth Art Month, the City of Fremont Human Services Department, Youth and Family Services Division in partnership with Fremont Unified School District, is hosting the 6th annual Virtual Student Art Contest. The contest promotes National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 11, 2023.
This year’s theme is “My Happy Place.” Students living in Fremont and attending Fremont Unified School District schools are encouraged to submit art, photographs and poetry based on this year’s theme. The first 100 entries are guaranteed to be judged. The deadline to submit entries is 12 noon Friday, March 24.
For complete contest rules and submission details, visit the City of Fremont website at fremontcityofca.prod.govaccess.org, then enter “Virtual Student Art Contest 2023” into the search field and follow the links that appear. For details, call (510) 574-2100.
Write Your Blues Away
S
ubmitted by Tish Davidson
Worn down by the cold, rainy weather? Tired of feeling trapped at home? Socialize in a fun, free, nonjudgmental Zoom Write-In on Saturday, March 11 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Fremont Area Writers, and it is for everyone from complete beginners to established authors. It is not a writing critique session. Your writing will not be judged, just enjoyed by your fellow writers.
How the Write-In works:
At the Write-In, the computer will randomly assign four writers to each Zoom room. Writers will be given several word or photo prompts. The prompts are designed to help you get to know other writers in the room. They may be something like “a special piece of music” or “the beach.” Choose one prompt and write for 10 minutes. When the writing time ends, each person will read their response to the prompt and socialize in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Writers will then be reassigned a different Zoom room with different colleagues and given a choice of four sentences to begin a story. After a writing period, the stories will be shared with others in the room.
The Write-In is sponsored by Fremont Area Writers (FAW), a branch of the California Writers Club. In addition to the Write-In, FAW meets on Zoom the fourth Saturday of each month. At meetings, guest speakers discuss various aspects of writing and the publishing industry.
At the March 25 meeting, Julia Oversloot will speak about her book Decency and Luck. Based on her family’s experiences, she has written about a Dutch couple living in the Netherlands during the Holocaust who protected a Jewish couple by incorporating them into their family. More information is available at https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org.
To participate in the Write-In or attend the free general meeting, please request the Zoom meeting link from Scott Davidson at
sc**************@ya***.com
.
Zoom Write-In
Saturday, Mar 11
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
General Meeting
Saturday, Mar 25
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Zoom
Request link from Scott Davidson:
sc**************@ya***.com
https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org/
Cloud seeding: risky for the environment?
By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental implications of “blueskying” — that is, seeding clouds to affect the weather — like China did in preparation for hosting the Olympics back in 2008?
— William S., Raleigh, North Carolina
Cloud seeding — also called “blueskying” — involves releasing chemicals such as silver iodide, potassium iodide or calcium chloride into the atmosphere to stimulate cloud formation, enhance clouds’ precipitation or suppress rain where blue skies are desired. China used cloud seeding to ensure dry weather for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, one of the most recent and significant examples of the technique being used on a large scale. China has also used cloud seeding to stimulate precipitation to help replenish its shrinking Yangtze River watershed.
But at what price to the environment, you might ask? Cloud seeding can theoretically go well, but there is always a chance of unintended adverse consequences. Releasing these chemicals into the atmosphere can contaminate water supplies below and affect human and animal health. Researchers from Spain’s Complutense University found in a 2016 study that silver iodide causes acute toxicity for a range of living organisms both in soil and freshwater.
Another potential environmental implication of cloud seeding is its potential effect on weather patterns. Increased precipitation in one area could lead to droughts in nearby areas, as the rain is diverted away from those regions. Similarly, cloud seeding could cause excessive rainfall, leading to flooding and other weather-related disasters. Cloud seeding could also have an impact on agriculture and natural ecosystems. While increased rainfall may be beneficial for some crops, it could lead to soil erosion and other negative impacts on the environment. Similarly, increased rainfall could alter the ecosystem’s balance, leading to the proliferation of certain species and the decline of others.
Cloud seeding can also have an impact on the Earth’s ozone layer. Silver iodide can break down ozone molecules in the atmosphere, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. Ozone depletion can have severe consequences for the environment, including increasing our exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation and the potential for climate change.
Given all the potential risks, governments should proceed cautiously with any plans to seed clouds. Perhaps with more research and refinement humans can perfect the process in the future, but until then it might be better to just accept whatever weather we have. Of course, what we think here in North America has little impact on what the Chinese or others elsewhere think about this type of geoengineering, so get ready for it to become more and more common around the world.
ONLINE CONTACTS
- Climate Intervention:
ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/about-ams/ams-statements/statements-of-the-ams-in-force/climate-intervention/
- Potential risk of acute toxicity induced by AgI cloud seeding on soil and freshwater biota:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27517140
EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to:
qu******@ea*******.org
.
HISTORY MATTERS
By John Grimaldi and David Bruce Smith
March 1 through 15
Lighting the way
When Helen Keller was 19 months old in 1882, she caught a fever that seized her eyesight and snatched her speech.
Years later, 20-year-old-Annie Sullivan “…arrived at Ivy Green, the Keller family estate…and began working to socialize her wild, stubborn student and teach her by “[using a finger to] spell out words in Keller’s hand,” according to History.com. “Keller went on to learn how to read, write and speak. With Sullivan’s assistance, Keller attended Radcliffe College…graduated with honors in [1904”], morphed into a public speaker, an author, and “even formed a vaudeville act [with Sullivan] to educate the public and earn money. [Sullivan passed away in 1936] Helen Keller died on June 1, 1968 at 87 leaving her mark on the world by helping to alter perceptions about the disabled.”
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends “Helen Keller: Lighting the Way for the Blind and Deaf” by Carin T. Ford.
Prolific epistlers
“Scripturient” is a term which refers to people who are ardent correspondents. John Adams married Abigail Smith in 1764, but his peripatetic political career kept the couple apart for long periods, and they emerged into prolific epistlers.
According to History.com, “the remarkable correspondence between Abigail and John Adams — numbering 1,160 letters in total — covered topics ranging from politics and military strategy to household economy and family health. Their mutual respect and adoration served as evidence that even in an age when women were unable to vote, there were nonetheless marriages in which wives and husbands were true intellectual and emotional equals.”
On March 7, 1777 — while he was tending to his duties in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, John wrote three letters to Abigail and he received two from her — postmarked from their home in Braintree, Massachusetts.
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Joseph J. Ellis’ “First Family: Abigail and John Adams.”
War dogs remembered
Brave and dedicated American men and women joined the fight in World War II, but it was not just them who labored to preserve freedom. The War Dogs of the U.S. Army’s K-9 Corps — started March 13, 1942 — played a major role, too.
“When the country entered World War II in December 1941, the American Kennel Association and a group called Dogs for Defense began a movement to mobilize dog owners to donate healthy and capable animals to the Quartermaster Corps of the U.S. Army. Training began in March 1942, and that fall the QMC was given the task of training dogs for the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard as well,” says History.com.
An estimated 20,000 war dogs helped guard military posts, delivered battlefield messages, abetted the rescue of downed pilots, and led troops through enemy territory.
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize suggests “The Dogs of War: The Courage, Love, and Loyalty of Military Working Dogs” by Lisa Rogak.
This feature is courtesy of The Grateful American Book Prize, which is an annual award given to authors who have created outstanding works of historical fiction or nonfiction for seventh to ninth graders. Visit them at gratefulamericanbookprize.com.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
Talk about your tongue twisters
It’s official: Nick Stoeberl who hails from Salinas, California has the longest tongue of any man on earth, says the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). The folks at the Guinness World Records confirm that it measures nearly four inches — 3.97 inches from teeth to tip, to be precise, and he uses it to paint pictures. His paintings have sold for as much as $1,200 and have earned him the nickname, Likasso. See a video interview with Stoeberl on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg7UQFMD_Qc.
A sad keepsake
So, how did a Polaroid photo of President John F. Kennedy on the day of his assassination wind up in the Souls Harbor Thrift Store in Ferris, Texas? AMAC reports that George Rebele, who hails from Ferris, mysteriously found it when he opened a CD case containing a cassette he had purchased. It’s a mystery that is not likely to be resolved anytime soon. JFK historian Farris Rookstool says the photo appears to have been taken as President Kennedy’s motorcade was traveling from Love Field to downtown Dallas that sad day — November 22, 1963. See a video report about the photo on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n6-hznMjP4.
How big is your sunflower?
The average, garden variety Sunflower is said to weigh a pound or two, a mere fraction of the sunflowers the Welsh Fortey farming family are used to, according to AMAC. In 2021 the Forteys earned the Guinness World Record for growing an 11.5-pound sunflower; this year they outdid themselves nurturing a sunflower that weighed in at more than 14.21 pounds. It’s not surprising; the family has been growing sunflowers for more than a century and their seeds are known to grow what are officially known as Fortey Giant Sunflowers. See video of the giant sunflower on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkgznNdhLUw.
The Association of Mature American Citizens is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing membership in Washington, D.C. and in local congressional districts nationwide. More information is available on its website at www.amac.us.
Spot the Morning and Evening Star: Observe Venus
By David Prosper
Venus is usually the brightest planet in our skies, and is called “Earth’s Twin” due to its similar size to Earth and rocky composition. However, Venus is a nightmare version of our planet, featuring a thick, crushing atmosphere of acidic clouds, greenhouse gasses, howling winds, and intense heat at its surface.
This rocky inner world’s orbit brings it closer to Earth than any of the other planets, and is the second closest to the Sun after Mercury. Like Mercury, Venus orbits between our planet and the Sun, so Earth-based observers can observe Venus in the morning before sunrise, or in the evening after sunset – but never high in the sky in the middle of the evening, unlike the outer planets.
Since Venus is so striking in its twilight appearances, the planet features heavily in sky mythologies worldwide. Venus’s bright morning and evening appearances are the origin for its dual nicknames: Morning Star, and Evening Star. Some ancient astronomers never made the connection, and assumed the Evening Star and Morning Star were two unrelated objects! Observers can even spot Venus during the daytime, if the sky is very clear and the planet is bright enough.
Venus also has phases, similar to the Moon and Mercury. Galileo’s observations of Venus’ phases helped turn the astronomy world upside down in the early 1600s, and you can see them yourself using a telescope or even a surprisingly low-power pair of binoculars. Warning: Please be very careful when observing Venus with a telescope in the early morning or daytime. Never allow the Sun to enter your instrument’s field of view, as you could be permanently blinded.
Venus’s other moniker of “Earth’s Twin” is a bit misleading. In terms of their surface temperatures and atmospheres, Venus and Earth are extremely different! The surface of Venus is warmer than that of Mercury, despite Mercury being many millions of miles closer to the Sun. While Mercury is still a scorching 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees Celsius), Venus is even hotter: 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482 degrees Celsius). The vast amount of carbon dioxide in the thick Venusian atmosphere acts as an insulating blanket that retains much of the Sun’s heat, creating the runaway greenhouse effect that dominates its present-day climate. The Venusian surface is a crushing 90 Earth atmospheres on top of its absurd temperatures.
These extreme conditions mean that the mission life of any past Venusian robotic landers were measured in hours at best – and usually minutes!
However, conditions in Venus’s upper atmosphere may be much more hospitable, with temperatures and pressures at 30 miles (50 km) above the surface that are much more Earth-like in temperature and pressure. Studies of the Venusian atmosphere, including seasonal appearances of dark streaks and faint signals of suggestive chemistry, intrigue researchers with the possibility that some sort of life may persist in the clouds. But far more evidence is needed to confirm such a claim, since non-biological factors like volcanism and other processes could also be the source for these signals.
Venus’s thick sulfuric acid clouds block direct visual observations of its surface from optical telescopes on Earth. Multiwavelength observations from space probes show evidence of active volcanoes and possibly some sort of plate tectonics, but follow-up missions will be needed to confirm the presence of active volcanism, plate tectonics, and any possible signs of life.
In order to do so, NASA is sending two new missions to Venus by the end of this decade: the orbiter VERITAS, which will map the surface in high detail and study the chemistry of its rocks and volcanoes, and DAVINCI+, which will study its atmosphere and possible tectonic surface features via a “descent sphere” that will plunge into Venus’s clouds. Follow their development and discover more about Venus at solarsystem.nasa.gov/venus, and of course, continue your exploration of the universe at nasa.gov.
This article is distributed by NASA’s Night Sky Network (NSN). The NSN program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov to find local clubs, events, and more!
Park It: Less-muddy trails
By Ned MacKay
With the recent rain, it’s likely to be a bit soft underfoot on the trails in the East Bay Regional Parks. Hiking around, you may soon feel as though you were wearing platform shoes. Cyclists can acquire brown stripes down the back of their shirts.
You can avoid mud in the regional parks by hiking or biking paved inter-park regional trails such as the Contra Costa Canal Trail and Iron Horse Trail in central Contra Costa County, Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, San Francisco Bay Trail along the shoreline, or Alameda Creek Regional Trail in Fremont. Nimitz Way at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley is paved for the first four miles out from Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road. On all trails, watch for signs indicating that dogs must be leashed.
Some unpaved trails that partly traverse rockier, less muddy soil include the Seaview Trail at Tilden, Old Stage Road Trail at Diablo Foothills in Walnut Creek (with four stream crossings), Chaparral Loop Trail at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, and Round Top Loop Trail at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills.
The Bayview Trail at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont is paved. The first section of Camp Ohlone Road at Sunol Wilderness in southern Alameda County is gravel.
Perhaps the best approach is just to accept that the trails are muddy in the rainy season, dress accordingly, and take a pair of dry shoes to wear after the hike. Please avoid going off-trail to bypass mud. And before you go, check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures to be sure that your excursion is possible.
As always, make sure you share the trails with others and protect wildlife by staying on designated trails. Illegal bootleg trails are not maintained and damage wildlife habitat.
The Park District plans to hire over 50 new lifeguards for the 2023 swim season at its 12 East Bay swim facilities, which include lakes, lagoons, and swimming pools. All new lifeguard positions are seasonal, full-time positions from May through September. Anyone age 16 or older may apply before April 22, 2023. Starting pay is $20.78 per hour.
Six lifeguard testing dates are scheduled in March. Participants will be asked to swim 550 yards in under 10 minutes, carry a rescue board 50 feet, retrieve three dive rings under four to seven feet of water, tread water for two minutes using only their legs, and retrieve a 10-pound brick from underwater. There will also be a short informal interview after successful completion of the swim test on the same day.
Testing dates and locations are on March 11 at Buchanan Pool in Pittsburg, March 12 at Granada High School in Livermore, March 18 and 19 at San Leandro High School, March 25 at Buchanan Pool again, and March 26 at Castro Valley High School.
Learn more at: https://www.ebparks.org/public-safety/lifeguard.
The marshland at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont is the venue for three naturalist-led programs on Saturday, March 11.
“Marsh Mammal Madness” is the theme of a walk from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with naturalist Martha Cerda. Cerda will talk about unique traits of animals that live in the marshland, while the group plays a storytelling and science game.
Then from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., naturalist Erin Blackwood will lead a trek to find out what lives in the marsh mud. The group will use scientific tools to collect and examine mud and its denizens, then make a model or sketch to take home.
At a naturalist-led “storywalk” at the marsh from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., take a stroll with stories, songs and movement based on a nature-themed book.
All three programs are free, no registration required. All ages are welcome; parents must accompany children. Meet at the visitor center. Coyote Hills is on Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call (510) 544-3220.
Although it hasn’t been a problem lately, rainmaking is the theme of Family Nature Fun Hour from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, at Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove in Alameda. The program repeats at the same time on Sunday, March 12. Crab Cove is at 1252 McKay Avenue off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call (510) 544-3187.
Nighttime is the right time for a variety of animals. In hopes of seeing some, naturalist Susan Ramos will lead a twilight walk from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. You may hear owls or coyotes, or catch a glimpse of other forest dwellers. The program is for ages eight and older; parents must accompany children. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.
It’s free and no registration is required. Meet Ramos at the park’s Canyon Meadow Staging Area, at the end of the road leading into the park from Redwood Road, about two miles down-canyon from the intersection with Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. For information, call Crab Cove at (510) 544-3187.
A guided walk with supervising naturalist Wyatt Moore is on
the calendar from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. The group will look for seasonal changes in the Delta.
Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call (510) 544-3050.
In observance of St. Patrick’s Day, naturalist Ashley Grenier will host a Lucky Leprechaun Treasure Hunt for kids ages five through 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 17 at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton. Adult participation is required. Drop by the park’s Lakeside Picnic Area any time during those hours to join the hunt and see what a leprechaun has left behind.
Shadow Cliffs is at 2500 Stanley Boulevard, east of downtown Pleasanton. For information, call Sunol Wilderness at (510) 544-3249.
There are many other upcoming programs in the Regional Parks. For the full schedule, visit www.ebparks.org/things-to-do.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – What’s the best way to start receiving my survivor benefit?
Dear Rusty: When one becomes a widow/widower, what is the most efficient way to start receiving the deceased’s monthly Social Security. Signed: Still Grieving
Dear Still Grieving: There is really only one way to start receiving surviving spouse benefits – you must contact Social Security directly to apply. You can call 1 (800) 772-1213 or call your local SS field office (find the number at www.ssa.gov/locator) to make an appointment to apply for your survivor benefits. These appointments are normally conducted over the phone, so a personal visit to the Social Security office isn’t usually necessary.
The larger question to consider is when you should claim the survivor benefit. Like most other Social Security benefits, your age when you claim determines how much your survivor benefit will be. And a survivor benefit isn’t payable in all cases. Consider these points:
- If the surviving spouse is already receiving their own SS retirement benefit and that is more than the deceased spouse was receiving, the surviving spouse continues to receive only their own higher benefit but will get a one-time lump sum death benefit of $255.
- If the surviving spouse’s own benefit is less than the deceased was receiving, the surviving spouse’s benefit will be based on the higher amount.
- If the surviving spouse has reached their full retirement age (FRA), the survivor’s benefit will be 100% of the amount the deceased was receiving. If the widow(er) has not yet reached their FRA when they claim their survivor benefit, the amount will be reduced (by 4.75% for each full year earlier than FRA).
- A survivor benefit reaches maximum at the survivor’s FRA. If the surviving spouse hasn’t yet reached FRA, they have the option to delay claiming their survivor benefit until it reaches maximum at their FRA. There is one exception to this: if the surviving spouse was already receiving only a spousal benefit from the deceased (and not their own SS retirement benefit), the survivor benefit will be automatically awarded regardless of the survivor’s age.
- If the surviving spouse hasn’t yet claimed their own SS retirement benefit, they have the option to claim only their survivor benefit first and permit their personal SS retirement benefit to grow (up to age 70). That would be prudent if the survivor’s own SS retirement benefit at age 70 will be higher than their maximum survivor benefit at their full retirement age.
- If you haven’t yet reached your full retirement age and are still working, Social Security has an earnings test which limits how much you can earn before some benefits are taken away. The limit for 2023 is $21,240 and if that is exceeded, they will take away benefits equal to $1 for every $2 you are over the limit. The earnings test goes away when you reach your FRA.
So, as you can see, there are several things to consider as you decide when to claim your Social Security benefits as a widow or widower. I hope the above information helps you make an informed choice.
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
ss*******@am************.org
.
Trash Talk
By the Pickup Artist
This is the 26th edition of Trash Talk, a column devoted to cleaning up our neighborhoods, our environment, and our outlook on life.
Why do I collect other people’s trash?
Ever hear the term “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” True story: I was driving away from my house and noticed some cardboard on the side of the road. When I came back three hours later, I investigated, because, of course, nobody else would bother with it. Believe it or not, there was a large-screen TV in the box! It was not a broken one that someone shoved into the box; it was a new one that had never been taken out of the box! Moral of the story, you never know what you’ll find, and the walk is good for you, too.
How to Recycle your Sandbags
If you needed to use sandbags to prevent flooding, you may want to get rid of them. That’s not as simple as you might expect. First of all, they’re too heavy for the trash bin. And if the flood waters reached them, they might be contaminated with sewage or septic waste and shouldn’t go to landfill. In order to recycle them properly, go to: https://resource.stopwaste.org/items/sand for instructions and locations.
Free Disposal Days Program
After a successful pilot program in 2022, the City of Hayward’s Maintenance Services Department is kicking off 2023 by announcing that six times per year residents of incorporated Hayward may pre-register to dispose of up to five cubic yards of household items safely and legally, free of charge. Items should be taken to the City transfer station at 3455 Enterprise Avenue. Days: Second Saturdays in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Five cubic yards is about the equivalent of one full bed of an average-size pickup truck.
R
egistration will open two weeks prior to each event. Proof of Hayward residency is required. The next free Disposal Day will be Saturday, April 8. The bi-monthly events will be held regardless of the weather conditions at the time.
The following items are not accepted at the transfer station:
- Hazardous materials, including paint, motor oil, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, tires and car batteries.
- Objects over 75 pounds (except furniture and appliances)
- Medical waste
- Construction and demolition debris
- Rocks, bricks, dirt, concrete
To learn more about Hayward’s free Disposal Days, scan the QR code, go to the program page on the City website, or contact City Maintenance Services at (510) 881-7745 or
di******@ha********.gov
.
Update on Limiting Unwanted Calls
Last month I mentioned among other programs that AT&T has a service called Call Protect. I just found out that the program was cancelled at the end of January. It still shows on their website, which is why I thought it was available. If you know of any other services that can block by caller ID, not just phone number, please let me know.
Quote for today:
“I find most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Patrick McDonnell in “Mutts” comic strip.
Contact Information
You can contact me at the email below, or scan the QR code to generate an email. Your comments and suggestions could be used in future Trash Talk columns. What’s on your mind?
Send comments to
Th******************@Ou*****.com
County Ends COVID Health Emergency
Submitted By Alameda County Emergency Services
Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss confirmed that the local public health emergency for COVID-19 in Alameda County ended February 28 in alignment with the end of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency. While COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities, declarations of local health emergencies are intended to be temporary. We now know more about the virus that causes COVID-19 and how to protect ourselves and each other than we did in March 2020, and increased immunity in the local population and widely available treatments have rendered the disease considerably less threatening to public health.
The end of the local health emergency declaration does not mean the end of COVID-19, which will remain present in our community. Residents should use the same tools that have proven over time to be effective in keeping themselves and others as healthy as possible. The Alameda County Health Care Services Agency continues to encourage everyone to:
- Stay home if ill or COVID-19 positive
- Keep up to date on vaccinations, including getting the updated COVID-19 booster
- Wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask for added protection against infection
- Gather small and outdoors to reduce risk or if gathering indoors, improve ventilation by opening doors and windows or running air filtration systems
- Get tested if exposed or sick
- Plan how and where to access treatment and, if positive, contact a health care provider or utilize a state-supported resource right away: don’t wait until symptoms get worse.
These precautions are the best ways we can continue to protect ourselves and manage the pandemic as it continues to evolve. Alameda County, like other Bay Area counties, led the nation in response to COVID-19, thanks to partnerships with community-based organizations, health care systems and community clinic partners. We thank residents, organizations, and local businesses for partnering with Alameda County at the beginning of the pandemic and for their ongoing efforts to protect the health of the community.
Fremont Unified School District
February 22, 2023
Agenda Items
- Approve the Declaration of Need for the Period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
- Approve furniture procurement with One Workplace for the New Construction and Modernization Project at Thornton Middle School
- Ratify the Contingency Expenditure Directives for the New Construction and Modernization Project at Centerville Middle School
- Amend the agreement with Colbi Technologies, Inc. for Quality Bidders Software Services
- Approve revised Board Policy 9200, Limits of Board Members Authority
- Approve the revised Board Policy 9220, Governing Board Elections
- Approve revised Board Policy 9322, Agenda/Meeting materials.
- Designate additional Trustee(s) to attend the 2023 Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy event, April 23-26, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
President Vivek Prasad Aye
Yajing Zhang Aye
Larry Sweeney Absent
Dianne Jones Aye
Sharon Coco Aye
Hayward City Council
February 21, 2023
Consent Calendar
- Accept the resignation of Katlin Turner from the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, effective immediately.
- Accept the resignation of Pekon Gupta from the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, effective immediately.
- Approve Final Map of Tract 8556, a 10 Lot Subdivision for Condominium Purposes at 27177 and 27283 Mission Boulevard, Hayward to allow the construction of nine live/work lofts fronting Mission Boulevard and 46 townhome units totaling 55 condominium units, open space areas, and related site improvements; Applicant/Owner: Moreau JV Owner.
- Accept $76,202 in grant funding from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant for Hayward Police Department Operations.
- Authorize Hayward’s participation in East Bay Community Energy’s Community Solar Program.
- Award up to $627,554 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to Bay Area Community Services (BACS) for the St. Regis Multi-Service Campus Project.
- Adopt a resolution ending the Local Emergency Due to the Spread of a Severe Acute Respiratory Illness Caused by Novel (New) Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mayor Mark Salinas Aye
Angela Andrews Aye
Dan Goldstein Aye
Elisa Marquez Aye
Julie Roche Aye
George Syrop Aye
Francisco Zermeno Aye
Hayward Unified School District
February 15, 2023
Public Comments
- Students and teachers spoke about teacher Henry Bens teaching antisemitic materials to 10th grade students at Mt. Eden High School.
- Community members spoke about racism against black students on HUSD campuses.
Consent Items
- Appointments, changes of status, waivers, retirements, leaves of absence, and terminations
- Adult Education substitute rate increase
- Employee Referral Incentive Pilot
- Recruitment Incentive Pilot
- December 2022 warrants
- Staff out of state travel
- HUSD Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services Plan
- Approve Memorandums of Understanding
- Measure H contracts, final change orders, and notices of completion
- Adopt Board of Education resolutions
President Peter Bufete Aye
April Oquenda Aye
Joe Ramos Aye
Ken Rawdon Aye
Sara Prada Aye
Milpitas City Council
February 21, 2023
Public Hearing
- Conducted a public hearing and introduced an ordinance amending Title III “Business and Professions” of the Milpitas Municipal Code to add Chapter 9 “Permits for Retailers of Tobacco Products.” The matter will continue to Regular City Council Meeting of March 7, 2023.
Consent Calendar
- Authorize a letter in response to the December 14, 2022 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Final Report “Show Me the Money: Financial Transparency Needed”
- Approve a Site Development Permit to develop a new two-story, single-family residence with an attached accessory dwelling unit, an in-ground swimming pool/spa, and associated site improvements on a vacant 4.29-acre lot located at 531 Vista Ridge Drive
- Authorize the Non-Exclusive License Agreement between the City of Milpitas and Crown Castle Fiber LLC for the installation of Small Cell Facilities on Municipal Facilities
- Accept Alviso Adobe Renovation Notice of Completion for Project No. 5055
- Review the FY 2022-23 Quarterly Financial Status Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2022
Mayor Carmen Montano Aye
Evelyn Chua Aye
Gary Barbadillo Aye
Hon Lien Aye
Anthony Phan Aye
Milpitas Unified School District
February 28, 2023
Consent Items
- Approve field trip requests of February 28, 2023.
- Approve the agreement with North Bay Pensions LLC for the 2022-2023 GASB 75 actuarial study.
- Approve Davis, Bengtson & Young, APLC’s agreement for legal services.
- Approve 5-year license for wireless access points.
- Approve Eichler and Associates for CalSHAPE Commissioning at Milpitas High School (MHS).
- Approve JetMulch’s proposal for playground safety.
- Approve purchase order report of February 28, 2023.
- Approve United Site Services’ proposal for temporary portable restrooms at MHS.
- Approve Verdera’s agreement for energy analysis, engineering & advisory services.
- Approve Jahn Plumbing’s agreement to seal, coat, and stripe MHS basketball courts and install six basketball goals.
- Review and approve the 2022-2023 Comprehensive School Safety Plans (CSSPs).
- Approve PIQE agreement with Russell Middle School for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between San Jose State University and Campbell Union, Milpitas Unified, Sunnyvale, and Oak Grove School Districts.
- Approve Student Nutrition Assistant Senior II Range increase, job description – Classified.
- Approve Physical Therapist work year change from 12 months to 10 months– Classified.
President Chris Norwood Aye
Hai Minh Ngo Aye
Kelly Yip-Chuan Aye
Anu Nakka Aye
Relief on PG&E gas bills expected
Submitted by Tamar Sarkissian, PG&E
After three months of higher-than-normal natural gas market prices driving up energy bills, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers can expect, on average, a 75% decline in their March natural gas bills.
The decrease is due in part to PG&E distributing the state’s April C
limate Credit one month earlier than in previous years. Even without the Climate Credit, March natural gas bills, on average, would decrease 40% because of a significant drop in the market prices PG&E pays to buy natural gas to serve its customers, and customers using less gas as colder temperatures moderate. The estimated decrease, which is for natural gas usage in March, is based on customers using 38 therms (a unit of energy) compared to 50 therms in February. Depending on billing cycle, customers may not receive statements for March usage until April.
PG&E does not control market prices, nor does it mark up the cost of gas and electricity that it purchases on behalf of its customers.
“We supported the California Public Utilities Commission’s decision to distribute the statewide Climate Credit earlier than previous years, and we’re grateful to pass on that savings to our customers. Even with this bill credit, we know that after three months of sustained high natural gas prices, some customers may have difficulty paying their bills, and we’re here to help with individualized customer support, including payment plans,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E Vice President, Customer Operations and Enablement.
The natural gas service bill for customers not enrolled a CARE discount program in March is projected to be about $37, which includes the gas Climate Credit of $52.78. In February, the average residential non-discounted customer bill was about $150.
Natural gas prices also affect the cost of electricity since many power plants use natural gas to generate electricity. Customers can expect, on average, a 37% decrease in March electric bills. The average residential non-CARE customer bill for electric service in March is projected to be about $91, which includes the Climate Credit of $38.39. That’s compared to $145 in February.
In late January, California average daily prices for natural gas were five times higher than the U.S. benchmark, according to the United States Energy Information Administration. The higher market prices between November and January were driven by market forces including increased natural gas demand due to colder than normal temperatures; increased demand for gas-fired electric generation due to less hydroelectric generation and fewer electric imports; lower Pacific regional natural gas storage inventory; and natural gas pipeline delivery constraints.
In February, market wholesale prices were well below the January average. Customer natural gas rates for the month are generally set based on wholesale prices at the end of the previous month.
Union Sanitary District
February 27, 2023
Information
- The Union Sanitary District (USD) Board will be returning to in-person board meetings starting on March 1, 2023 due to expiration of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Motions
- Terminate the emergency action to repair two sewer lines in the City of Fremont damaged by fiber optic line installation.
- Authorize an agreement and task order with Brown and Caldwell for the digester efficiency evaluation.
- Amend the temporary sewer siphon connection agreement with Lennar Homes of California for the Gateway Station West, Bridgeway Development in the City of Newark.
Manny Fernandez Aye
Pat Kite Aye
Tom Handley Aye
Anjali Lathi Aye
Jennifer Toy Aye
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Sunday, February 26
- At 10:31 a.m. a man identified by police as Robert Wallace, 41, of San Leandro was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of making criminal threats, intimidating a witness, resisting arrest and probation violation. He was issued a prohibition order and booked at Santa Rita Jail.
Monday, February 27
- At 5:59 p.m. a person identified by police as Jandre Blakely, 32, of San Francisco was stopped at Milpitas station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed four warrants. Blakely was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
- At 9:25 p.m. a man identified by police as Michael Bullock, 36, was stopped at Fremont station on suspicion of fare violation. A record check showed a warrant. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Wednesday, March 1
- At 10:35 a.m. a man identified by police as Parker Ross, 26, of Yuba City was stopped at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed three warrants. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 11:07 a.m. a man identified by police as Donald Davis, 58, of San Jose was stopped at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of fare evasion. He was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 11:31 a.m. a man identified by police as Oscar Valderrama, 29, of Oakland was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of trespassing on transit property. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, March 2
- At 8:08 p.m. a person identified by police as Denilson Gonzales-Mendoza, 24, of San Francisco was stopped at Fremont station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed five warrants. Gonzales-Mendoza was arrested and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Hundreds of bike riders block traffic in Niles district
Submitted by Fremont Police Department
A swarm of bicyclists rolled into Fremont and blocked traffic on Niles Boulevard on Saturday, February 25, causing disturbances, according to Fremont Police Department (FPD) officials.
Multiple callers to FPD reported the bicyclists were converging on a business. A team of officers responded to the area and used a drone to determine the size and location of the crowd. Police learned the crowd traveled from Hayward through Union City and settled the Niles business.
After a short standoff with police, the bicyclists rode away northbound on Niles Boulevard into Union City. No injuries or arrests were reported; an investigation is continuing.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Amy Gee, Fremont PD
Thursday, February 23
- Officers responded to a report about a person lighting merchandise on fire at a retail store. The suspect left the store before officers arrived, b
ut was later found nearby by officers who made a positive identification with store employees. The suspect, a Fremont adult, was arrested. - Officers responded to a report about a male exposing himself at a fast-food restaurant in the Centerville area. When they arrived, officers were unable to locate the suspect. An hour later, a nearby business reported the same suspect acting aggressively and threatening people. Officers arrived and positively identified the suspect and made an arrest.
- Officers responded to a report about a possible targeted shooting into an occupied home on Torrington Court. Officers arrived and found casings on the street and sidewalk near the residence. Officers learned the shooting suspects(s) possibly targeted the occupants in a vehicle parked in the residence’s driveway. There were no injuries. The case is under investigation.
Union City Police Log
Submitted by Union City PD
Saturday, February 4
- At about 3:30 p.m. officers responded to a report about a strong-arm robbery at a business in the 30000 block of Industrial Parkway. Two suspects stole tools from the business, and when confronted by security, they threatened the security officer and fled with the merchandise. The next day, armed with a description of the suspects, a patrol officer spotted one of the suspects riding a bicycle and detained him. The victim positively identified the suspect and an arrest was made on suspicion of robbery.
Sunday, February 5
- At about 1 a.m. officers responded to a report about gunshots heard on Jean Drive and Cabello Street. When they arrived, officers found shell casings strewn across the street, but no victims or damage to cars were found.
Cherry blossoms in the East Bay…Wheelchair accessibility and more
As spring approaches, driving through flower fields and fruit farms are some of the wheelchair-friendly activities that can keep our minds fresh and rejuvenated. Last weekend we went to check out the famous cherry blossoms at Brentwood Farms. We were surprised to see more spectacular blossoms in Alameda County around the Fremont, Pleasanton, and San Ramon (Contra Costa County) areas. The drive from Fremont to Brentwood is very scenic with breathtaking views of green hills and yellow rocket-covered spring fields.
These are the few places around the East Bay where you can spot some beautiful cherry blossoms if you drive by:
- Both sides of 680 North. From the road, it looks like perfectly manicured golf course lawns on every hillside. Enjoy the bright fields of yellow skyrocket as you drive by around Vargas plateau.
- Sunol Boulevard and the Raley’s Plaza in Pleasanton have some wonderful white cherry blossoms.
- Johnson Drive in Pleasanton has some beautiful shades of White and Pink Blossoms. There are a few parking lots where you can park for clicking pictures.
- The intersection of Stoneridge and Hopyard, Willow Road, Gibraltar Drive, and Inglewood Drive—all in Pleasanton—has a cluster of white blossoms. Enjoy walking on the white carpet.
- Near the intersection of Hacienda and Dublin Boulevard at Pleasanton, yellow rockets are at their peak.
- Owens Drive at Oracle Pleasanton is spectacular with bright pink blossoms as far as our eyes can see.
- The intersection of Hancock and East 16th in Hayward has bright fields of yellow rockets.
- Some parts of Quarry Lake Road, Central Park around Lake Elizabeth, Blacow Road, and Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont are very colorful with mixed hues of pink, yellow, and white.
- At the intersection of Bollinger Canyon and San Ramon Valley Road on both sides of Bollinger canyon, you can experience beautiful colors against the green hills.
- The Japanese Garden in Hayward is a picturesque place where cherry blossoms are at peak bloom.
Apart from these, there are other places in the South and North Bay where you can experience spring blossoms. And if you have some time, you can make a quick trip to Brentwood, Modesto, and Fresno which have some famous colorful blossom trails.
Wheelchair accessibility:
All the sites mentioned here can be easily seen by driving around. Most of these places are ADA-compliant and are fully accessible on wheelchairs or mobility scooters. For most of the sites, you can just park your car and feast your eyes on nature’s colorful creation. Most of the spots are easily reachable or are close to an easily accessible parking spot.
Annanya Ghosh
Fremont
Draconian eviction moratorium leaves immigrant man no other choice but a hunger strike to get his house back
Alameda County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor and City Councils of San Leandro, Oakland and Berkeley:
I am a first-generation immigrant. My wife and I both worked hard to save for a small rental property in San Leandro. We worked night and day for our new life and our American dream. Today, our property has been stolen from us by you, by this draconian eviction moratorium. We have been severely abused over the past three years because of this endless and biased law.
For 37 months we’ve received no rent, we are owed over $120,000 and have had to spend all our savings to pay mortgage, property taxes, utilities and to keep from becoming homeless ourselves. Our Unlawful Detainer case was filed before the pandemic and it’s not COVID related, but it got postponed 18 times because of the State and County’s Eviction Moratorium. The delay can go on and on if the County of Alameda does not put its Eviction Moratorium to an end.
And there’s more, we discovered our tenant no longer lives there. We don’t even know who is living there. We’ve got no word, no rent from the tenant. We still have to pay all the maintenance expenses, mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. I applied for the rent relief assistance but the government didn’t pay me a penny to help me.
The Board of Supervisors and the city officials are aware of my plight and the plight of all other mom and pop housing providers in the community yet they’ve done next to nothing to help. It’s not right for you to protect one side while completely ignoring the other side. It’s not right for you to force the society’s burden on some individual’s shoulders.
I had no choice but to begin a hunger strike before I lose my property and to stop the Government abuse against all mom and pops. The strike began on Sunday, February 26 at the Alameda County Administration Building. I’ve exhausted all means and I have to do something to make my voice heard.
By no means am I against the society as a whole to protect our vulnerable, but small
-scale housing providers like me should not be the victims. We provide housing to make a living and we deserve to be compensated.
I am on a hunger strike with an indefinite end date until my demands below are satisfied.
- Immediately end the eviction moratorium to stop the abuse.
- As a legal condition for extension, require all cities extending the eviction moratorium to immediately reimburse housing providers for unpaid rent from the date the County Eviction moratorium ends.
- Reimburse ALL housing providers directly for the rent debt that has accumulated since March 1, 2020.
- Establish a county-wide fund to help the vulnerable tenants.
Sincerely, George Wu
San Leandro
Honor Roll
University of Mississippi
Fall 2022 Chancellor’s Honor Roll
- Madelyn Jarjoura of Fremont
University of Maryland Global Campus
Fall 2022 Dean’s List
- Toney Chaplin of Hayward
Emerson College, Massachusetts
Spring 2022 Dean’s List
- Worlanyo Mensah of Fremont
- Qais Faraj of Hayward
Radke Championing Advocacy Award
Submitted by Dave Mason
On Friday, March 3, 2023, East Bay Regional Park District and Regional Parks Foundation awarded State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan the 2022 Radke Championing Advocacy Award at a ceremony at Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park.
Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan was instrumental in securing $4 million in the 2019-20 State Budget for restoration at McCosker Creek in Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in Orinda and $3.5 million in the 2021-22 state budget for wildfire protection equipment.
The Radke Championing Advocacy award is named for late Park District Board Member Ted Radke who advanced state and federal support for park funding and strengthened the Park District’s ties in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Moreau Catholic Falls to Bellarmine in CIF Playoffs
By Andrew Joseph
The Moreau Catholic Mariners boys’ basketball team lost at home 62-60 to the Bellarmine College Prep Bells in round one of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs on Tuesday, February 28.
The Mariners leading scorers include Robert Morgan II with a game high 19 points, Goudy-Lee added 17 points, and Kellen Hampton added nine points. Bellarmine was led by Nick Corbett’s 18 points, Will Corbett’s 14 points, and Julian Gospich’s 14 points.
“The game plan was to try to play to our strengths, pushing the ball down the floor, and attacking the bucket which I think we did in the first quarter,” said Moreau head coach Frank Knight.
Moreau began the game on a 7-0 run and ended the first quarter with a 3-pointer at the buzzer by Morgan II to go into the second period up 22-7. They played solid on offense getting to the rim and finishing in the first quarter with the momentum on their side. “The first quarter was excellent for us and that’s the way we were supposed to play the whole game,” said Goudy-Lee. “We were all in our rotations, got to the basket, and executed what the coaches wanted.”
In the second quarter things turned around as Bellarmine played better defense and outscored Moreau 18-5 in the period. The Mariners didn’t convert on their foul shots, going 13 for 24 from the free throw line the whole game. “We weren’t attacking the basket in the second quarter and they had us settling for 3s which is what Bellarmine wanted us to do,” said Morgan II.
Moreau went into halftime holding on to a 27-25 lead. “We were in foul trouble kind of early so we decided to back off a little bit and that caused them to play harder and come at us more,” said Goudy-Lee.
The Mariners went 7 for 11 on free-throws in the third quarter and also had two steals in their effort to keep their lead. Goudy-Lee scored eight points in the third, including a layup after stealing the ball from the Bells. Bellarmine scored 16 points in the third quarter to go into the final period down just three points.
Moreau opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer by Joseph Cid to give them a 47-41 advantage. Bellarmine got their first lead of the game after scoring on four straight possessions including a 3-pointer to go up 55-53 with under three minutes remaining in the game. Moreau came back immediately and tied the game at 55 with a layup on a fast break possession. There was a total of four lead changes in the final 2:30 of the game.
The Mariners shot just 2 of 6 from the free throw line to end the game, which costed them. The Bells were fouled on a made layup and tied the game at 60 with 40 seconds left. Moreau’s Jesse Ybarra was subsequently fouled and missed both free throws with seven seconds left. Bellarmine’s Tariq Weisner took the ball the length of the floor and made a wild basket off the glass as time expired to win the game.
“On that last possession I was supposed to wait for the shot clock to go down, but we scrapped the first play we were going to go with then we got fouled and went to the free-throw line and missed both free-throws,” said Morgan II. “It didn’t turn out how we wanted it to in the end but it was a good season.”
A brand-new Wilson ball was used for the CIF playoff game which caused a bit of disruption for Moreau who had played the entire season with a Spalding ball that the North Coast Section (NCS) uses for their games. “That was a brand-new ball,” said Goudy-Lee. “We hadn’t played with it or touched it yet so there was a different feel to it.”
The season ends in disappointment for Moreau who had high hopes this year of winning a league title. The seniors on the team have now played their last high school basketball game in a season that went well until their last two losses, including their February 25 loss in the NCS championship. The Mariners end the season 23-7 overall and undefeated in the Mission Valley league at 14-0.
“This was a tough one to lose and to end it the way we did was a let-down,” said coach Knight.
Newark Memorial High School Athletics Boosters Crab Feed
Submitted by Joyce Jiawan
Newark Memorial High School Athletics Boosters is excited to announce their 2023 Annual Crab Feed at Swiss Park on Saturday, March
18. The Crab Feed is a perfect opportunity to see old friends and make new ones all while supporting the community. Dinner includes salad, pasta, bread and crab.
The Boosters raise money throughout the year with events like the crab feed, as well as operating the snack bar for various games and meets. The income they raise helps pay for sports team uniforms, equipment and other necessities.
Want to support our event but can’t attend? We are accepting monetary donations. Want to support a family in need? $300 can feed a family of 4.
We want to thank our parent volunteers, Athletic Director Rachel Kahoalii, and coaches who have made this event possible.
Special recognition and thanks to our community partner, O’Sullivan’s Sports Bar, for their continued support of our program. O’Sullivan’s is located off Thornton Avenue in Newark. They offer an excellent array of food and drink, and it’s a great place to have dinner with friends or solo!
We are accepting Venmo payments @NMHSAthleticsBoosters. If paying by Venmo, in the comments section, add one of the following note options:
2023 NMHS Athletics Booster Crab Feed Tickets
2023 NMHS Athletics Booster Crab Feed Donation
2023 NMHS Athletics Booster Crab Feed 50/50 Raffle
For more information or to purchase tickets email Rachel Kahoalii at
rk*******@ne***********.org
.
Newark Memorial Crab Feed
Saturday, Mar 18
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
Doors open at 5 p.m.
Dinner served at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $75 per person
To purchase tickets email
rk*******@ne***********.org
Police investigate stabbing
Submitted by Newark PD
On Friday, March 3, 2023, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Newark Police received a report of an assault that occurred in the 3000 block of Newpark Mall Road involving several persons including males in their late teens to early twenties. Officers quickly responded and located an adult male victim suffering from possible stab wounds to the upper body. Emergency personnel immediately rendered aid to the victim. The victim, an adult male in his thirties, was transported to a local area hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and subsequently released.
No arrests have been made at this time. Newark Police officers are actively working to identify involved parties. As a reminder, the Newark Police Department and the Newark community do not tolerate acts of violence. The Newark Police Department is urging any person with additional information to come forward.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Newark Police Officer Corey Swadener at
Co************@ne****.org
or by phone at 510.578.4964.
Information can be left anonymously on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at 510.578.4965.
Road closure rescheduled
Submitted by Fremont PD
The closure of northbound Interstate 680 between Sunol Boulevard and Bernal Avenue planned for March 3-6 has been RESCHEDULED due to predicted rain. The closure is now planned to take place starting at 10 p.m. Friday, March 10 and reopening at 5 a.m. Monday, March 13 (three nights, two days), weather permitting. In the case of rain or unanticipated developments, the closures will be rescheduled and the public will be notified.
During the closures, crews will work around the clock to remove and replace entire sections of the freeway. The work includes repaving the freeway. The work is part of a project encompassing northbound I-680 between Sunol and San Ramon to improve the freeway to enhance safety and provide a smoother ride for motorists. Southbound I-680 will remain open and will not be affected by the closure. California Highway Patrol officers and message signs will be on hand to guide motorists.
Continuing Events:
Tuesdays
Practice Your English – Online Chat! R
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Improve your English by talking with native speakers
bit.ly/3jqnz86
jl**@ac*******.org
Tuesdays
Bilingual (English/Spanish) Tiny Tot Story Time
9:30 am -11:00 am
Kinder readiness class for 0-5 years old
Union City Family Center
725 Whipple Rd, Union City
(510) 476-2770
bit.ly/3vcTYRA bit.ly/3GaTamI
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Spectrum Fall Prevention Presents “Enhance Fitness” R
9:30 am, 11:00 am
Program to energize and empower 60+ adult
San Leandro Senior Community Center
13909 E 14th Street, San Leandro
bit.ly/3KzxIu8
Register in person or call (510) 881-0300 x 270
Wednesdays
Zumba Gold $
11:30 am -12:30 pm
Workout while dancing
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Wednesdays
Tropics Bingo
7:00 pm
Flash games
Tropics Mobile Home Park
33000 Almaden Blvd, Union City
(510) 471-8550
the-tropics.net
Second Thursdays
Diaper Distribution Program
11:00 am
Diaper and wipes for low-income household
Hayward Public Library
888 C St, Hayward
(510) 293-8685
hayward-ca.gov/public-library
Thursdays
International Folk Dancing in Mandarin $R
11:30 am -12:50 pm
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Thursdays
Chronic Pain Support Group
12:30 pm -2:30 pm
Group guidance from Stanford Pain Management Clinic
(510) 790-6600
Zoom link:
ag************@fr*****.gov
Thursdays & Saturdays
Story Time
10:30 am -11:00 am
Picture book story time
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave Ste.F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
banterbookshop.com
Thursday – Sunday
Animal Feeding
3:00 pm -3:30 pm
Feed livestock and learn about their favorite food
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Fridays and Saturdays
Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm -10:30 pm
Experience the awe and wonder of the universe
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org
Saturdays
Laugh Track City $
8:00 pm
Improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St suite B, Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Second Saturdays
Alviso Adobe Tours $
1:00 pm
Docent-led tours and video presentation
Alviso Adobe Park
2087 Alviso Adobe Ct, Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
bit.ly/3BElTgR, bit.ly/3Wcmgau
Mondays
Advanced Math + Science Tutoring
5:30 pm -7:00 pm
Free high school and college-level tutoring
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
aclibrary.org
ca**********@ac*******.org
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Showers for Adults 55+ R
1:00 pm -2:30 pm
One shower per day
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct, Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Spectrum Fall Prevention presents “Enhance Fitness” R
9:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm
Program to energize and empower 60+ adult
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
Register in person or call (510) 881-0300 x 270
haywardrec.org, bit.ly/3KzxIu8
Wednesdays, December 7 – November 22
Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Classes
2:00 pm -4:00 pm
Relieve stress and anxiety by joining Falun Dafa classes
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org
Thursdays, December 8 – June 8
Cover to Cover Book Discussion
1:00 pm -2:30 pm
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 284-0675
bit.ly/3DyAJaM
Saturdays, February 4 – April 15
Free Tax Assistance from VITA
1:00 pm -4:00 pm
Trained volunteers will prepare & file taxes for households earning less than $66,000 in 2022
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
earnitkeepitsaveit.org
Sundays, February 12 – April 9
Dove Gallery Competition Exhibit
12:00 pm -3:00 pm
Eclectic showcase of local artist
Dove Gallery at Park Victoria Baptist Church
875 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas
(408) 464-5011
Do**@Pa**********.org
Wednesdays, February 15 – June 7
Youth basketball clinic R
4:30 pm -5:30 pm
Free Basketball clinic for Hayward students ages 12 – 17
Matt Jimenez Community Center
28200 Russ Rd, Hayward
(510) 887-0400
hayward-ca.gov/pal
Tuesdays, February 21 – June 27
Erase Una Vez / Once Upon a Time
4:00 pm -5:00 pm
Read & do an art project in Spanish
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
haywardrec.org
Thursdays, January 19 – April 20
Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
1:30 pm -3:00 pm
Get help with checkup, medications, appointments & food assistance
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Thursday – Saturday, January 19 – March 18
Tree talk
12:00 pm -5:00 pm
Art works & poems by Dotti Cichon & Nelly Capra
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd, Fremont
(510) 791-4357
olivehydeartguild.org
Monday – Thursday, January 23 – March 16
Embracing the World
9:00 am -5:00 pm
Multicultural & multimedia works from various artists
John O’Lague Galleria
Hayward City Hall
777 B street, Hayward
(510) 538-2787
haywardartscouncil.org
Saturdays, January 28 – March 25
Saturday English Conversation
10:00 am -12:00 pm
Open English conversation for all skill levels
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 284-0675
bit.ly/3DyAJaM
Tuesdays, March 7 – December 19
Chess Mix
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Drop in for some casual games of chess
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
aclibrary.org/locations/SLZ
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, March 7
Online Spanish Conversation Circle R
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Practice your Spanish-Speaking skills
bit.ly/3ZeHVAq
Wednesday, March 8
Storytime & Craft
8:45 am – 10:00 am
Free to attend, food for purchase
Chick-fil-A Auto Mall
5539 Auto Mall Parkway, Fremont
Wednesday, March 8
Happy Holi Storytime
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Read, sing and celebrate Holi together
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
haywardrec.org
Thursday, March 9
French conversation circle
2:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Practice your French
Hayward Public Library
888 C St, Hayward
(510) 293-8685
hayward-ca.gov/public-library
je*******@ha********.gov
Thursday, March 9
Fremont Summer Job Fair
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Interviews on the spot for part time & full-time positions
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont
(510) 494-4327
bit.ly/3Bnluib, bit.ly/3YcQxGN
Re*****@fr*****.gov
Thursday, March 9
Connection Through Music
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm
Inclusive musical experience designed for children with special needs, open to all abilities.
Newark Public Library
37055 Newark Blvd, Newark
(510) 284-0675
bit.ly/3DyAJaM
Thursday, March 9
Ready, Set, Kindergarten
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Kindergarten readiness story time
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St, Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
sccld.org
Friday, March 10 – Saturday, March 11
VEX Robotics Tournament
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
State Championship High School
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St, Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
indiacc.org
Saturday, March 11
H.A.R.D Summer Job Fair
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Workshop seasons: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm
Summer job fair and resume writing & interview prep workshop
Sorensdale Recreation Center
275 Goodwill Street, Hayward
(510) 881-6700
bit.ly/41HWnTu
jw**@ha********.org
Saturday, March 11
Paranormal at McConaughy House $R
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Explore & investigate
McConaghy House
18701 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward
(510) 581-0223
bit.ly/3EMDzbM
Saturday,
March 11
Ohlone College Flea Market $
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Music, arts, antiques, food, flowers, info-booth & more
Ohlone College
43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont
ohlone.edu
Saturday, March 11
Music hour at the library
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Enjoy your favorite book with light music
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
Saturday, March 11
Building America
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Stories of Niles Canyon Railway
Sunol Regional Wilderness Visitor Center
1895 Geary Rd, Sunol
(510) 544-3245
ebparks.org/parks/Sunol
Saturday, March 11
Family Nature Adventures: Scat $R
9:30 am – 11:00 am
Identify the animals of the redwood forest
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
bit.ly/3ZbBr5A
Saturday, March 11
The Rainbow Trail Showing $R
7:30 pm
A movie followed by two preceded shorts
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 494-1411
nilesfilmmuseum.org, bit.ly/3mmoHux
Saturday, March 11
International women’s day celebration
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Honor, tributes and celebration for all the women
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont
(510) 742-7510
bit.ly/3Bnluib
Saturday, March 11
Lego for kids
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Create with Legos for 3+
Hayward Public Library
888 C St, Hayward
(510) 293-8685
hayward-ca.gov/public-library
Saturday, March 11
Nocturnal: Illumination $R
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Enjoy the evening exploring the intersection of art & science.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
(510) 336-7300
bit.ly/3SHoWfJ
Saturday, March 11
Victorian table top games
2:00 pm -3:00 pm
Enjoy old fashioned games
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Saturday, March 11
Marsh Mammal Madness
10:00 am -11:30 am
Learn about the mammals in the area
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
bit.ly/3UGfdGr
Saturday, March 11
What’s in the Mud?
1:00 pm -2:30 pm
Discover new things about strange creatures in mud
Coyote Hills Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont
(510) 544-3220
bit.ly/3UGfdGr
Sunday, March 12
Apples to Apples
12:30 pm -1:30 pm
Explore the farm & taste varieties of apples
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Sunday, March 12
Wonderful weeds
1:30 pm -2:30 pm
Discover the hidden uses of weeds
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Sunday, March 12
Holi Celebration R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Celebrate the festival of color
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
bit.ly/3xZaXZf
Sunday, March 12
Wild Food
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Explore the farm for edible native california plants & weeds
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
(888) 327-2757
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Sunday, March 12
VEX Robotics Tournament
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
State Championship Middle School
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St, Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
indiacc.org
Sunday, March 12
Dola Purnima & Holi
10:30 am – 2:05 pm
Bhajan, Puja followed by Holi celebration
Sri Ashta Lakshmi Temple
37270 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 676-6635
ashtalakshmikrupa.org
Monday, March 13
ASL Story Signing
Preschool-2nd grade: 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
3rd – 5th Grade: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Story telling in American sign language
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont
(510) 745-1400
aclibrary.org/locations/FRM
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
