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Creative possibilities using watercolor on Yupo
By Lina Melkonian
Fremont Art Association (FAA) is delighted to have Juanita Hagberg as the guest artist at its virtual General Meeting and Art Demo on Wednesday, February 7 at 1 p.m.
Hagberg is an accomplished watercolorist. Her creative journey began following a career as a public-school teacher. As an emerging self-taught artist, she was fortunate to have had two inspiring mentors, and nature as her muse. In her demo, “Creative Possibilities Using Watercolor on Yupo,” Hagberg will showcase the techniques and materials she employs in creating her dynamic paintings on Yupo, the synthetic water-resistant paper. She will demonstrate how to achieve unique and creative results whether painting realistically or in abstraction.
Hagberg is energized by her emotional and aesthetic connections to the natural world. While her beautiful plein-air creations remind us of the profound beauty and serenity of nature, her explosive abstractions capture its splendor and dynamism. As she puts it, “My watercolors suggest the complexity found in the natural world without replicating it.” Through the liberating quality of Yupo as her canvas, Hagberg can move us with her distinctive artistic interpretations.
Hagberg enjoys sharing her knowledge and talent and most recently has taught a class to the California Watercolor Association on abstract painting using Watercolors on Yupo.
You may view Hagberg’s work at:
http://www.juanitahagbergwatercolors.com/
The demo (free to attend) will be held via Zoom. Participants must register in advance and will receive the Zoom link via email. All details may be found on the Fremont Art Association webpage: www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo.
Fremont Art Association General Meeting and Art Demo
Wednesday, Feb 7
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Register at:
www.fremontartassociation.org/monthlymeetinganddemo
Lunar New Year
By Stephanie Gertsch
It may be nearly February, but New Year is still coming up! Lunar New Year 2024 takes place on February 10. Below, read a slightly updated article from previous years on the history of this holiday.
Lunar New Year is also a celebration of spring, beginning the growing season—an important time in agricultural societies. The holiday dates back to at least the 14th century B.C.E. in China. According to legends, a mythical beast called Nian, with the body of a bull and the head of a lion, would come down from the mountains searching for crops, livestock, and even young children to devour. Villagers would appease the beast by placing offerings of food on their doorsteps. However, people also discovered that Nian was afraid of three things: fire, noise, and the color red. Thus, began the custom of firecrackers, red lanterns and scrolls for New Year.
One of the most popular aspects of Lunar New Year is the 12-year cycle of animals, often called the “Chinese Zodiac.” Which year you’re born in determines your personality, lucky colors and numbers, and even dating compatibility. 2024 belongs to the most fabulous and magical animal of the Zodiac: the Dragon. People born the Year of the Dragon are blessed with exceptional luck, power, intelligence, and charisma.
According to legend, the Buddha invited all the animals to a special banquet, and the order of their arrival determined the order of the 12-year cycle. Although the Ox was the fastest, the Rat was the most cunning—it hitched a ride on the Ox’s back and hopped off just in time to arrive first. The story also says the Dragon should have been the winner, as it could fly, but it stopped on the way to help villagers cross a flooded river. Apparently, nice Dragons finish fifth.
Below is a guide to all 12 animals. But consider carefully: If your birthday is in January, it may fall before the Lunar New Year. In that case, your zodiac sign is the animal for the previous calendar year.
Rat
1948, 60, 72, 84, 96, 2008, 2020, 2032
Hardworking. Rats are creative and sociable, with flair and charm. They’re also hard workers, and of all the signs have the best chance of being wealthy and professionally successful. Most compatible with: Dragon, Rabbit, Ox. Avoid: Goat, Horse, Rooster.
Ox
1937, 49, 61, 73, 85, 97, 2009, 2021
Dependable. If you’re an Ox, your friends, family, and co-workers are grateful for you. You’re known for your honesty and patience. The Ox will pursue goals with determination. Most compatible with: Rat, Snake, Rooster. Avoid: Dragon, Horse, Goat, Dog.
Tiger
1938, 50, 62, 74, 86, 98, 2010, 2022
Passionate. Tigers are the most passionate and confident of the bunch. They have a strong spirit, love a challenge, and are natural-born leaders. They’re also ambitious and trustworthy. Most compatible with: Horse, Dog, Dragon. Avoid: Snake, Monkey.
Rabbit
1939, 51, 63, 75, 87, 99, 2011, 2023
Sensitive. If you’re looking for someone empathetic, look no further than the Rabbit. Rabbits are kind souls who dislike conflict and value strong bonds with family and friends. Most compatible with: Goat, Dog, Rat, Pig. Avoid: Ox, Dragon, Rooster, Horse.
Dragon
1940, 52, 64, 76, 88, 2000, 2012, 2024
Powerful. Unsurprisingly, Dragons are fierce leaders who are full of adventure, knowledge, and power. They’ve got lots of energy, charm and glamour to boot. Most Compatible with: Tiger, Snake, Rat. Avoid: Ox, Rabbit, Dog.
Snake
1941, 53, 65, 77, 89, 2001, 2013, 2025
Wise. Snakes are known for their immense wisdom. They’re intuitive people and great thinkers. They seek security, and will smooth over conflicts before they start. Most Compatible with: Ox, Rooster. Avoid: Tiger, Pig.
Horse
1942, 54, 66, 78, 90, 2002, 2014, 2026
Optimistic. Horses bring on the cheer. They’re known for being eternally optimistic with a romantic streak. Horses are also independent and fight hard against injustice. Most compatible: Tiger, Goat, Dog. Avoid: Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Horse.
Goat
1943, 55, 67, 79, 91, 2003, 2015, 2027
Creative. Goats are creative, smart, and dependable. They are nurturing, calm individuals who enjoy socializing in groups but don’t like being the center of attention. Most compatible with: Rabbit, Horse, Pig. Avoid: Rat, Ox, Dog.
Monkey
1944, 56, 68, 80, 92, 2004, 2016, 2028
Curious. Monkeys bring spunk and smarts. This zodiac sign represents curiosity, bravery, and positivity. Monkeys are also extremely intelligent and popular with their peers. Most compatible with: Rat, Dragon. Avoid: Tiger, Snake, Pig.
Rooster
1933, 45, 57, 69, 81, 93, 2005, 2017, 2029
Honest. Roosters are blunt—but not because they’re trying to be mean. They just want to be honest. They’re known for enjoying the spotlight, having a ton of confidence, and being extremely loyal. Most compatible with: Ox, Dragon, Snake. Avoid: Rabbit, Dog.
Dog
1946, 58, 70, 82, 94, 2006, 2018, 2030
Loyal. Much like their animal counterparts, Dogs are loyal and easygoing. This zodiac sign is cautious, kind, and will do anything to help their loved ones. Most compatible with: Tiger, Rabbit. Avoid: Ox, Dragon, Goat, Rooster.
Pig
1947, 59, 71, 83, 95, 2007, 2019, 2031
Kind. Pigs are the kindest of the bunch. They’re warm-hearted, tolerant, individuals who have lots of friends. They get along very well with others and are happy to share what they have. Most compatible with: Goat or Rabbit. Avoid: Snake, Monkey.
Aspirationally Styled (and Priced), Renegade Hopes to Elevate Fremont Food Scene
By Connie Cheung
Photos courtesy of Renegade
On a wintry morning, past an “Auto 4 Less” dealership on Peralta Boulevard and next to a PC repair shop, a line of customers forms beneath the warm yellow light and soaring ceilings at Renegade, a cafe and eatery that was recently opened by the owners of Devout Coffee. The original shop has been a fixture of Niles since 2013 (although it was preceded by a coffee cart) and now its vision is expanding through Fremont.
In addition to serving Devout’s well-known artisanal coffee, Renegade offers burgers, pizzas, salads, and brunch items like French toast. The restaurant began welcoming diners last March, and is still in its “soft launch” phase, according to co-owner Steven Pape, who explained that the shop hopes to expand evening hours and beverages.
Food at Renegade is stylishly plated. The avocado toast is a crowd favorite, with a signature chili crunch salsa on top. “A few menu items here are a staple,” said chef Tony Guan, adding half-jokingly, “ if I take it out, people might start threatening me.”
The menu also contains room for creative experimentation. Recently, a seasonal “Old Fashioned latte” included bourbon distilled syrup and orange zest, garnished with a dried orange slice.
When asked about their vision for Renegade, both Guan and Pape described hoping to challenge the status quo of Fremont’s relatively no-frills dining scene, famous for the authentic Indian and Chinese restaurants frequented by the city’s diverse population.
Sensing an opportunity to elevate the local contemporary American dining scene, the owners of Devout Coffee decided to expand to a new space. Special care was given to the new location’s design and atmosphere. Sleek counters stretch from the entrance to wrap around the beverage pick-up area. Tables and booths shine with light wood finishes. Modern light fixtures in glass, wire and metal hang from lofted ceilings.
Pape, who worked as a carpenter for over a decade while founding Devout Coffee with his brother-in-law Jon Fisher, paid thorough attention to Renegade’s design. This thoughtfulness translates not just into a geometric aesthetic, but also into welcoming spaces for many types of patrons. The lower level twinkles with warm string lights, offering cozy nooks and areas for families and larger groups. An upstairs lounge area has sofas, along with individually partitioned seats for solo visitors.
On this writer’s visit in January, families brought children with strollers, older ladies enjoyed private conversations, while younger students perched on the barstools in the large communal tables. Despite the cafe’s “no wifi” policy, some customers worked on their laptops.
Of course, style comes at a cost. At a two-person lunch, the combined bill amounted to $59.60 after tax and a fifteen percent tip: for two coffees, a salad, avocado toast and a personal pizza (six by six inches). Some might experience mild sticker shock at paying such prices for food that the chef describes as “small bites which complement well with coffee.”
But to others, like one Google Maps reviewer, “Everything is worth the price.” During that lunch, the coffee was deliciously roasted and beautifully poured. The avocado toast featured thick, perfectly toasted slices of farmhouse bread. The “Truffle Shuffle” pizza – topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, tomatoes, arugula and a hint of white truffle oil – was fluffy, with a gravity-defying crust nearly two inches thick.
In developing the menu for Renegade, Guan reached back to his years in culinary school and dining industry experience as a chef in San Diego. “The menu kind of revolves around food I miss,” he said.
Guan harkens from a family of restaurateurs. When he was growing up, his immigrant parents opened a restaurant in San Diego, and he would also often visit his grandparents’ outfit in Tijuana. After a brief stint as a biochemistry major in San Jose State University, Guan dropped out of a more traditional career path and pursued a full time vocation as a chef.
“This is what I really want to do,” he told his parents, who were worried about difficult conditions in the food industry. “I know it’s going to be long hours, I know I’m going to have sleepless nights, I’m not going to have time for family, but I think this is part of my lif
e.”
Since then, Guan hasn’t looked back. Something he and Pape have in common is their appetite for hard work and devotion to their craft. Founding Devout Coffee was also a grueling road for Pape, and no overnight success. “We for sure took the hard path in trying to work full time jobs and get our business started,” Pape recalled, adding he and his brother-in-law didn’t take any outside investment and started with a coffee cart and “just worked our way up.”
For both, the path to Renegade was winding, and a long road remains ahead. Running an enterprise that serves food and employs a full cookstaff introduces added cost and complexity.
“We try to pay our people really well, we’re trying to create a really good experience that also results in good tips for our staff,” Pape said, adding that the business is looking to expand hours and menu offerings as they continue to “figure out what works best in Fremont.”
“If you walk into Renegade,” Pape said, “it’s hopefully like nothing you’ve seen before, or at least not in Fremont.”
Renegade Devout Coffee
Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sat nights: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
37324 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
Keep Hayward clean and green with Adopt-A-Block!
Submitted by City of Hayward Sustainability Committee
The City of Hayward is looking for volunteers to Adopt-A-Block! As a volunteer, you can “adopt” an area that you will be responsible for keeping litter-free for a period of two years. By reducing litter, graffiti, and other environmental pollutants, you are improving the appearance, health, property values, and beautification of our city.
Volunteers pledge to perform four clean-ups per year, which equates to once every three months. After two clean-ups, the City of Hayward will put an adopt-a-block sign in your area letting everyone know your group is responsible for how fabulous the area looks. Anyone can adopt a block, and all ages are allowed to participate in clean-ups. Previous adoption groups have included neighborhood families, businesses, community groups, schools, neighborhood associations, faith-based groups, and individuals.
Over the course of the two-year adoption period, volunteers are responsible for eight clean-ups in total. The City of Hayward will provide supplies such as gloves, vests, bags, and grabbers for clean-ups. Additionally, our Maintenance Services team will come out to an agreed-upon location to pick up the litter collected following a clean-up.
To Adopt-a-Block, potential adoptees must fill out a brief application form with information about your group and area preference.
For more information on the program and to schedule litter collections, request supplies, and report graffiti, groups can visit the Adopt-A-Block page on the City of Hayward website: www.hayward-ca.gov/your-environment/get-involved/adopt-a-block
Chabot’s annual Adult Valentine’s Slumber with the Stars
Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center
Join us for an exclusive Valentine’s Day edition of “Slumber with the Stars” designed exclusively for adults aged 21 and over. Whether you’re coming with your partner, your close friends, or even flying solo, you’re in for a night of unforgettable memories.
Kick off the evening with a cocktail reception inspired by the magic of chemistry. Sip on fine wine and indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres as you embark on a journey through art, science, and creativity. Your experience includes a delightful dinner, breakfast, a selection of limited drinks, engaging activities, captivating planetarium shows, and mesmerizing laser shows.
As star-crossed lovers, you’ll have the chance to witness the wonders of the night sky from Chabot’s renowned observatories, weather permitting. With telescopes at your disposal and expert astronomers ready to share their celestial wisdom, you’ll be in for a stargazing adventure like no other.
This is a Valentine’s Day experience you won’t want to miss. Secure your spot and prepare to create cherished memories at ‘Slumber with the Stars’ for adults, where love and the universe align.
Tickets are advance purchase only; tickets will not be sold at the door.
Slumber with the Stars Valentine’s edition
Friday, February 9
6 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Adults 21+
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
$120 Non-members; $100 members
California International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to San Francisco
Submitted by Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America
The 56th “CA International Antiquarian Book Fair” is making its in-person return to San Francisco next month. The fair, sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), takes place February 9 to 11, 2024, at Pier 27. Widely recognized as one of the world’s largest exhibitions of antiquarian books for sale, their fair will include more than 100 exhibitors from around the world presenting rare books, maps, illustrations, historical documents, and ephemera on a vast array of subjects and genres. This year, the fair welcomes international exhibitors from nine different countries including the UK, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and The Netherlands.
An impressive number of U.S. exhibitors also highlights the wealth of material available stateside: rare books, maps, manuscripts, fine bindings, illustrations, historical documents, prints and print ephemera. One of the rare maps up for purchase is Augustus Chevalier’s stunning large-scale 1911 map of San Francisco, the premier map of the city following the San Francisco Earthquake and one of the most impressive and beautiful urban plans in the history of American mapmaking. The purchase price is $45,000 from S.F. Bay Area-based ABAA dealer, Neatline
Antique Maps.
Another extraordinary find is a piece of LGBTQ+ science fiction history discovered at an estate sale in Oakland, California – the original cover art for Ursula K. Le Guin’s groundbreaking “The Left Hand of Darkness.” The novel was one of the first examinations of androgyny in science fiction and explored the effect of sex and gender on society. Mark Funke, Novato book dealer and ABAA member, will exhibit the illustration art at the San Francisco fair. The purchase price is $20,000.
“This is one of the most important events in the country for rare book enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to return to San Francisco after enjoying nearly a decade of success in Oakland,” says Julie Roper, Director of the 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair. “Post-pandemic, we are seeing resurgent demand for in-person fairs, where a global community of the top dealers offers the most sought-after collections of books, maps, illustrations, and ephemera. The experience of attending in person is like no other—it’s a real-life treasure hunt.”
Tickets may be purchased in advance here or at the door, and a full list of exhibitors can be found online.
California International Antiquarian Book Fair
Friday, Feb 9 – Sunday, Feb 11
Fri: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat: 12 noon – 7 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Pier 27 (cruise ship terminal)
The Embarcadero, San Francisco
https://www.abaa.org/cabookfair
Tickets: $10 – $25
BART Teen Poetry Contest
Submitted by Bay Area Rapid Transit
We are pleased to announce the 2024 BART Lines Teen Poetry Contest. This will be BART’s first writing contest for youth, following last year’s short story contest for adults. The theme for the BART Teen Poetry Contest is “Bay is Home.” We want to read your poems related to the Bay Area. Your submission might describe a location – somewhere you take BART, for example – or maybe a specific spot that inspired your piece.
When we ride transit, we hold space for one another. Riding transit reminds us that we exist in an interconnected web of others – your fellow passengers, who carry with them their dreams, imaginings, and aspirations (along with their shopping bags and suitcases). BART Lines seeks to celebrates this.
To submit an entry, authors must be between the ages of 13 and 19 as of March 8, 2024, and reside in one of the five counties where BART operates: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara. Thirty finalists will be selected by BART Lines partners, 826 Valencia and Youth Speaks, two standout Bay Area organizations lifting the voices of teen poets. Each finalist will receive a $75 honorarium and their poem will be published in BART’s Short Edition Story Dispensers and Story Discs as well as the BART Short Edition website. Select finalists will be invited to participate in a series of readings in and around BART stations (not a requirement for submitting a poem for consideration).
Story dispensers are like vending machines for creative writing, dispensing stories on eco-friendly recyclable, receipt-like paper. They’re touchless; you just hover your finger over the button to get your story.
BART’s Story Dispensers are currently located at the following stations:
- Balboa Park
- Downtown Berkeley
- Fruitvale
- Pleasant Hill
- San Leandro (pending installation)
BART will soon be installing Story Discs at the following stations:
- Daly City
- Dublin/Pleasanton
- Embarcadero
BART’s Teen Poetry Contest
Submissions open Friday, February 9
Deadline to submit: Friday, March 8, 2024 or when 300 applications have been received
For an application visit www.bart.gov/about/planning/art-program/projects
City of Fremont Now Offering More Express Building Permits
Submitted by City of Fremont
The City of Fremont’s online permitting portal, Citizen Access at https://aca-prod.accela.com/COF/Default.aspx, now offers more express building permits. These permits are intended for Fremont property owners planning minor home improvement projects such as roof repairs, window replacements (without framing changes), kitchen/bathroom remodels (without structural changes), and water heater replacements. Permits are issued automatically, so there’s no waiting for plan reviews or approvals. The permitting process is streamlined, saving time and money. It’s a win-win for the City and our community!
New express building permits include:
- Reroof for commercial projects
- Residential electrical that now includes the installation of a temporary power pole
- Residential kitchen or bath remodel, like for like
- Residential window replacement
To view a list of all the express building permits available in Citizen Access, visit the City’s Permit Types webpage at https://www.fremont.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-building-permit-services/planning-building-permits/permit-types.
Celebrate Lunar New Year in the Bay Area
By Staff
Lunar New Year Show
Hayward Public Library extends an invitation to the community for a Lunar New Year special performance. Thanks to support from Friends of the Library, two cultural groups will be featured.
High school students from Hansamo, a Korean student-parent association, will be presenting Pangut, traditional Korean folk music that includes drumming, dancing, and singing with dozens of players all in constant motion. Pangut was registered as UNESCO Cultural Heritage in 2014. Hansamo is dedicated to bringing language classes to Bay Area public schools and promoting Korean culture and art.
Last year, Xiao Pei
Chinese Dance performed at events like “Express Yourself Day” and “Trunk or Treat.” Xiao Pei Chinese Dance has been a vibrant presence at schools, libraries, and community festivals for over 15 years. Their performances celebrate inclusivity and diversity through the art of dance.
Traditional red envelopes will be handed out to children at the end of the show!
Saturday, Feb 3
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Hayward Public Library
Central Foyer
888 C St., Hayward
https://hayward.librarycalendar.com
Lunar New Year 2024
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with live performances by the Aimusic School, VietYouth, Cantrelle’s Martial Arts, and Tina Dance School. There will also be Dragon and Lion Dances. Free kids’ crafts will be hosted by the Mandarin Language and Cultural Center. The celebration will end with a round of firecrackers!
Saturday, Feb 3
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Milpitas Civic Center Plaza
457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
www.milpitas.gov/1179/Lunar-New-Year
Pacific Commons Lunar New Year Celebration
Pacific Commons invites the community to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a festive Lunar New Year Celebration on February 4. During this fun-filled event, guests will enjoy Asian Stilt walkers, Taiko drummers, balloon twisters, face painters, and a lion dance performance. Children will receive a free candy bag and kids’ craft while supplies last.
Sunday, Feb 4
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Pacific Commons
Event held in The Block
43440 Boscell Rd., Fremont
Dragon Dance at Ardenwood
Dragon dances are popular attractions at Chinese festivals around the world. Learn about different types of dances, then join in to try out a few dance moves of your own! This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Saturday, Feb 10
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Entrance fee: $2-$4
Year of the Dragon Celebration
Grab your family and celebrate Year of the Dragon at Fremont Main Library this year! Enjoy a Dragon Dance starting from the lobby and ending in the Children’s Area, a variety show presented by community members, or hop from station to station to have fun with a Chinese Shadow Puppet Theater, Chinese New Year calligraphy, multiple arts and crafts, and a photo booth for capturing fun family memories. Don’t forget to play the Lantern Riddle Game and take the Chopsticks Challenge to win a cool prize too!
All activities are free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis, except for the variety show, which requires a ticket due to limited seating. Tickets will be distributed in the breezeway to the right outside of the library starting at 12:45 p.m.The variety show will be live-streamed via Zoom; the link will be announced in this post when available.
Saturday, Feb 10
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
Fukaya Room A & B
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1421
Alameda County Housing Survey
Submitted by City of Fremont
Alameda County Housing & Community Development (HCD) is surveying the community to learn about how they have been impacted by high housing costs and to find out their priorities for tackling issues and building a better future. This is part of HCD’s commitment to equity and community engagement. HCD will use the survey results to help determine how to allocate any potential future funding.
Take the survey at https://housingneedsac.org/take-the-survey/
California Dream for All Program
Submitted by City of Fremont
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) just launched another round of funding for the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan Program. This is a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers to be used in conjunction with the Dream for All Conventional first mortgage for down payment and/or closing costs.
To learn more, visit www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/ and find out how to connect with a CalHFA Approved Lender. Homebuyers will have until this April to find an approved lender and start working on an application. A lottery will open in early April, and buyers will have a month to submit their applications.
California Dream for All Program
Down payment assistance
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Visit www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/ for more information.
A lifelong passion for animal welfare
By Rob Klindt
When Kentucky native Eric Mills arrived in the Bay Area in the mid-1960s, he found a calling that has dominated his
life ever since: the care, protection, and well-being of animals.
A lifelong animal enthusiast, Mills, 84, grew up in Kentucky and graduated University of Louisville in 1963. After a stint in the Peace Corps where he served in Colombia, he returned to the United States and moved to the Bay Area in 1966, eventually settling in Oakland.
Becoming involved in animal welfare issues, Mills met and was inspired by Bay Area animal activist Virginia Handley, who co-founded the San Franciso-based Animal Switchboard information hotline; and Cleveland Amory, author and founder of The Fund for Animals, an organization committed to fighting the exploitation of wildlife and abuse of domestic animals.
Over the years Mills worked with Handley and other activists on various animal welfare projects before founding the volunteer organization Action for Animals (AFA) in 1984 with the goal of bringing animal abuse issues to the public forefront and promoting local and state regulations to stem animal exploitation practices.
Focus on rodeo
In 1985 Mills attended a charity fundraising rodeo sponsored by Hayward Police Officers Association at Rowell Ranch in Castro Valley. “It was the first rodeo I’d ever seen up close,” Mills recalled. “The first horse out of the chute, a bareback bronc, suffered a broken leg and was down in the arena and could not get up…they used electric prods and kicked her for about a minute to get her up onto three legs when she was finally able to hobble out of the arena.” Mills went on to describe a roping event where three calves ran headlong into the fence and went down. Mills feared their necks had been broken. He noted that no veterinarian was present.
Mills later expressed his concerns to Hayward Board and Police Officers Association officials, who told him they would have a veterinarian at the next annual rodeo. But when Mills attended the next year, nothing had changed. “The first calf out of the chute ran headlong into the fence and broke his nose…no vet was present,” Mills said, adding that a veterinarian was called but took two hours to arrive. Mills soon started a campaign to close the rodeo and start a farm sanctuary and education center for Bay Area school children.
From an animal’s point of view, Mills said, a rodeo is an awful event where animals are mounted, roped, chased, and sometimes kicked around an arena while music plays and crowds of people scream and clap. “Every animal welfare organization on the planet condemns rodeos due to their inherent cruelty. For most of the animals it’s just a detour enroute to the slaughterhouse.”
While some events in California have been curtailed, Mills noted some large-scale rodeos are still happening, including the recent San Diego Rodeo at Petco Park held January 12 to 14, 2024.
Legislation passed
Over the years, AFA has had success in getting California legislation concerning animal welfare measures passed, including a horse tripping ban in 1994 that makes it illegal to intentionally trip a horse for entertainment or sport. Since then, six other states enacted similar laws. AFA was also instrumental in getting an update to the California Penal Code, calling for a veterinarian to be present or on-call at rodeos.
Using vigorous letter-writing campaigns, lectures and phone calls, AFA is continuing to prod legislators to write and sponsor bills on various animal welfare topics including a ban on steer tailing, wild cow milking contests, and tie-down calf roping.
Additionally, AFA is working to ban importation of live, non-native bullfrogs and turtles for human consumption at live-food markets, as the animals may carry diseases or parasites that could put the public at risk. Mills said one of the Bay Area’s largest live food markets is in Oakland’s Chinatown district.
Kindness and compassion
One of Mills’ most prized possessions is a 1990 letter sent to him by labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. In the letter, Chavez expressed his concern for animal welfare and the need for special scrutiny of animals being used and/or abused in the entertainment industry. Chavez cited the need for legislation to ensure the humane treatment of animals in rodeos and rules requiring a veterinarian be present during the events.
Additionally, Chavez shared his thoughts about living a harmonious life and his aversion to violence:
“Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people. Racism, economic deprival, dog fighting and cock fighting, bullfighting and rodeos are cut from the same fabric: violence.”
Volunteers welcome
Mills said people who want to volunteer to help his organization or have questions about animal welfare issues can visit the AFA website at www.actionforanimals-oakland.com or send an email to
bu**************@gm***.com
. Donations can be sent to Action for Animals, P.O. Box 20184, Oakland, CA 94620.
Annual Juried Art Show Returns
Submitted by Susan Helmer
Fremont Art Association is pleased to announce that its 56th “Annual Juried Art Show” is now accepting entries. Members of FAA (Fremont Art Association) and the general public are encouraged to enter the show. New and emerging artists are welcomed. If you have never entered a show, this is a good place to start, but you must be over 18 to enter. The show runs from April 5 to 28.
March 1 is the deadline to submit entries. Artists will be notified of acceptance beginning March 17. Accepted works must be delivered to the gallery at 37697 Niles Boulevard on April 1.
To enter, artists must complete an online entry form and upload a digital image of each art piece. Works that are not properly framed will not be hung. Fees to enter the show are as follows: Members $25 for first entry, and $15 for each additional entry; Non-members $30 for first entry, $20 for each additional entry. To read the prospectus and find the entry form, visit www.fremontartassociation.org.
Our juror this year is Steve Curl, who is an award-winning fine artist, illustrator, caricaturist, and editorial cartoonist who resides in Palo Alto, California. His current fine art focus is watercolor landscapes. Most of his paintings derive from his hiking/backpacking trips in the High Sierra, Yosemite, Colorado Rockies, and local Bay Area foothills. His work shows continually at the Portola Art Gallery at Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. Curl’s work can also be seen on his website at www.stevecurl.com.
Awards will be chosen by the Juror prior to the show opening. The show will award a total of $1,200 in cash prizes. There will be three awards of excellence for $350 each, and three Honorable Mention awards of $50 each.
All necessary information can be found on our website.
Fremont Art Association Annual Juried Show
Deadline to submit: March 1
Show dates: Saturday, Apr 5 – Sunday, Apr 28
Submission fee: $25 Members, $30 Non-Members ($15 & $20 for additional entries)
Fremont Art Association Gallery
Sat & Sun: 12 noon – 5 p.m.
37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 792-0905
www.fremontartassociation.org
Flora in Focus
By Helene Marie Roylance
The flower-inspired exhibition “Flora in Focus” at the Harrington Gallery in Pleasanton presents the work of 10 local artists that share more than a passion for nature. This collection of diversely talented artists was brought together by watercolor artist Meghana Mitragotri in appreciation for their profound impact upon her own artistic journey. She proposed a flower-themed show, which debuted at the Livermore Public Library in August 2023. The group was then honored to have this exhibition invited to the Harrington Gallery.
The show runs January 10 through March 9, 2024 at the Gallery. A public reception will be held February 3, and will include with floral arrangements by Kiraku Ikebana Collective, and unique raffle prizes.
“Flora in Focus” contemplates a unified theme explored through extraordinarily distinct styles, creating a captivating visual experience for visitors. It is precisely those unique styles that make this exhibit exceptional, experiencing how each artist embraces the subject. Curated and arranged by Program Assistant and Gallery Curator Sydney Tang, the artworks include watercolor, oil, colored pencil, acrylic, mixed media, gouache, glass, and East Asian brush paintings.
The artists’ shared love of nature is clear. As a watercolor artist, Mitragotri has always been drawn to the inherent beauty of flowers. Painting them brings her peace and joy, captured in her stunning portraits of flowers and nature. Tejal Shah is a versatile mixed media artist that draws her inspiration from the vibrant hues of nature, seamlessly blending impressionism and abstract elements. Artist and teacher Wei-Ting Chuang captures the beauty of nature using traditional East Asian brush painting and calligraphy, communicating a calm and comforting vision of nature.
Watercolorist Helene Roylance uses color to find the warmth and glow of her subjects. Her paintings seek to enjoy the quiet beauty in flowers and plants. Glass artist Peggy Kervin captures her love of nature and whimsy through the fiery art of glass. Using soft Effetre glass, her artwork playfully captures light and color in delicate portraits of flowers and nature.
The exhibition has only grown in size from the first showing at the Livermore Library, offering an even more immersive experience to the public. To quote Mitragotri’s initial invitation to be a part of that exhibit, “Will you join me?”
Flora in Focus Reception
Saturday, Feb 3
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Show runs through Mar 9
The Harrington Gallery
Wed & Thurs: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
FireHouse Arts Center
4444 Railroad Blvd., Pleasanton
Milpitas Celebrates Historic Platinum Anniversary Milestone
Submitted by City of Milpitas
Milpitas is proud to announce the celebration of its platinum anniversary, marking 70 years of rich history, resilience, and progress. Established in 1954, Milpitas has evolved into a thriving hub of diversity, sustainability, and innovation. The platinum anniversary not only commemorates a significant milestone in the city’s history but also reflects its resilience, growth, and commitment to providing an exceptional quality of life for its residents.
“On January 26, we celebrated the spirit of unity and tenacity that defines Milpitas. Our community has faced challenges and achieved success together. Together, we have created a lasting legacy that we can all be proud of,” stated Mayor Carmen Montano.
According to Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua, “Our 70th anniversary is a testament to the dedication of our residents, the strength of our community bonds, and the promise of an even brighter future. I am honored to share in the celebration of our city’s journey and progress.”
Councilmember Anthony Phan said, “This milestone is also a celebration of the possibilities that lie ahead. As a council member, I am committed to working collaboratively to ensure that Milpitas continues to thrive and evolve.”
On January 25, the eve of Milpitas’ 70th birthday, the city hosted an open house at the City Hall Rotunda. The city invited residents, businesses, and visitors to stop by and enjoy light refreshments, hear music from the last seven decades, and experience the legacy of our city through historical photo displays in partnership with the Milpitas Historical Society.
Milpitas’ anniversary is not just a single day on the calendar; it’s a year-long exploration of the city’s history, diversity, and spirit. City staff has planned a series of engaging activities, events, and initiatives that will unfold throughout the year. For more information about Milpitas’ platinum anniversary celebrations and events, please visit www.milpitas.gov.
About the City of Milpitas
Located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, Milpitas is a progressive community that is an integral part of Silicon Valley. A full-service city with water utility, sewer utility, police and fire services, Milpitas is a flourishing community with a very diverse and inclusive resident population of nearly 80,000.
Often referred to as the Crossroads of Silicon Valley, the city is situated between major thoroughfares in the Bay Area and considered a highly desirable location for world
-class technology companies seeking to build a central base of operations.
With the addition of the new Milpitas Transit Center offering BART, light rail, and bus service, and multiple new mixed-use development projects, along with a host of new City Plans and Programs in support of an inspiring and sustainable future, the city is at the forefront of building the next generation economy.
Movies at the Morrisson: Mysteries
Submitted by Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.)
H.A.R.D. invites you to join us every Monday in February at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre for our series: Movies at the Morrisson. We’ve curated a selection of films that have stood the test of time, from Alfred Hitchcock’s to Catch a Thief to Jonathan Lynn’s Clue. The Douglas Morrisson Theatre aims to involve and enlighten the community and is located at 22311 N 3rd Street in Hayward. Before every movie, the film curator will share a brief introduction about the film and director. Admission price is $10; concessions will be available for purchase in the lobby. You can purchase your tickets at: https://douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com/. Join us at 7 p.m. for one or all of the following dates.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, February 5 – To Catch a Thief
Monday, February 12 – Memento
Monday, February 19 – Clue
Monday, February 26 – Murder on the Orient Express
To purchase tickets or learn more about the event visit; https://douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com/
Movies at the Morrisson
Mondays, February 5 – February 26
7 p.m.
Douglas Morrison Theatre
22311 North 3rd St., Hayward
(510) 881-6700
https://douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com/
Cost: $10
Niles Essanay February schedule
Submitted by Niles Silent Film Museum
The Edison Theatre in Niles has a lineup of shorts and silent films for February, with some special Valentine’s Day screenings! Check out the offerings below.
THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928)
Saturday, February 3
7:30 p.m.
In 1431, Jeanne d’Arc is placed on trial on charges of heresy. Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer
Preceded by:
Mabel’s Busy Day (1914, Keystone) Mabel Normand
Run Girl Run (1928) Carole Lombard, Daphne Pollard
Bruce Loeb, Piano Accompaniment
Valentino for Valentine’s Day
Saturday, February 10
7:30 p.m.
THE SON OF THE SHEIK (MGM, 1926) Reprising his role from The Sheik, Rudolph Valentino (in his final role, the film was released two weeks after his sudden death) Valentino plays double roles in this film; father…and son. Donna Hill, author of “Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol: His Life in Photographs” will be with us for a book signing.
Cast: Rudolph Valentino, Vilma Banky, Montagu Love, Karl Dane, George Fawcett
Directed by: George Fitzmaurice
Frederick Hodges, Piano Accompaniment
Preceded by:
Death’s Marathon (1913, Biograph, 35mm)
D.W. Griffith
Isn’t Life Terrible (1925, Hal Roach) Charley Chase
San Francisco Cable Cars
Sunday, Feb 11
1 p.m.
Have you left your heart in San Francisco? Get ready for Valentine’s Day with San Francisco Cable Cars. Q & A with filmmaker Strephon Taylor after the film.
Laurel & Hardy / Our Gang Talkie Matinee “Valentine’s Day” Show
Sunday, Feb 11
3 p.m.
HI’ NEIGHBOR (1934) Our Gang
MEN O’ WAR (1931) Laurel & Hardy
SPRUCIN’ UP (1935) Our Gang
ME AND MY PAL (1933) Laurel & Hardy
Comedy Shorts Night
Saturday, Feb 17
7:30 p.m.
ONE AM (1916, Lonestar, 35mm) Charlie Chaplin
THE BOAT (1921, Comique) Buster Keaton
HIGH AND DIZZY (1920, Rolin) Harold Lloyd
45 MINUTES FROM HOLLYWOOD (1926, Hal Roach Studios) Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy
Bruce Loeb, Piano Accompaniment
ARE PARENTS PEOPLE?
Saturday, Feb 24
7:30 p.m.
ARE PARENTS PEOPLE? (1925, Paramount Pictures)
With Betty Bronson, Florence Vidor and Adolphe Menjou. Lita’s parents are getting a divorce and each wants her to accompany them to Europe or Nevada. Directed by Malcolm St. Clair.
Preceded by:
Mabel and Fatty Viewing the World’s Fair at San Francisco (1915, Keystone)
Mabel Normand, Roscoe Arbuckle
Frauds and Frenzies (1918, Vitegraph) Stan Laurel
Greg Pane, Piano Accompaniment
Affordable Home Renovation Within Arm’s Reach
Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department
Renew Alameda County helps homeowners make renovations necessary to stay, grow, and thriv
e in their homes. RENEW AC can make your home improvement plans come to life – without breaking the bank. RENEW AC provides 1% interest loans from $15,000 to $150,000 to qualified homeowners. Simple interest is accrued annually, with total interest never to exceed 50% of amount borrowed, and payments are deferred until the home is sold.
Who Qualifies?
RENEW AC is for low-income homeowners within the county’s 20 city territory who are in need of renovations to improve their health and safety to remain living in their home.
Qualifying homeowners must:
- Own and live in an insured Alameda County home
- Have an annual income of no more than 80% of Area Median Income
- Have no more than $150,000 in assets
- Meet credit requirements focusing on the security of your home
- Have a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 90% including the RENEW AC loan.
- No disqualification for multiple liens on the home
Eligible Repairs
A variety of home improvement projects fit. A few examples are: energy efficiency upgrades; solar panel installation; electrical panel upgrades; reroofing; insulation; attic fans; windows; etc.
Allowable structural rehabilitation includes: roof; seismic; foundation; drainage and painting.
Accessibility modifications supported by these funds include: bathtub conversions and ramp/lift installation.
Health & Safety Upgrades: kitchen and bath improvements; mold removal; lead-based paint remediation and code violation corrections.
Learn more at RENEWAC.org
Flying High! Rocketry Team has completed successful launch tests, preparing for National Competitions
Submitted by Janice Bishop
The Newark Memorial High School (NMHS) Rocketry Club is competing in two competitions this school year: the annual American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) and the NASA Student Launch Initiative (SLI), which is new for them this year. The ARC and SLI teams have different goals, different types of rockets, and different locations. Because of this, we’re stretched a bit thin and we’re reaching out to the community for support.
The SLI team won a coveted spot in the NASA competition last fall and has completed the design for their rocket including a payload to measure temperature and pressure during descent from a height of 5,000 feet. They have already successfully launched a small-scale version of their rocket at Snow Ranch east of Stockton with the Livermore Unit of the National Association of Rocketry (LUNAR) and are now building the full six-foot version of their rocket. Team Captain Sebastian Llaguno is proud of the team’s hard work this year. “We have overcome many obstacles and are well on our way now to meet the challenges of the SLI competition.” They will soon be testing this more powerful rocket with LUNAR to pass their final qualifications before competing at NASA’s Marshall Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama in April.
The ARC team has been testing their design with several launches in Newark and has already achieved excellent results, demonstrating that their rocket design can attain the requirements for the ARC National Finals at The Plains, VA (near Washington, DC) in May. According to Team Captain Katie Gruendler, “I am excited by our success this early in the season that places us in an excellent position for qualifying for Nationals.” The goals for this year’s ARC qualification launches are a height of 820 feet and a duration of 43-46 seconds with a rocket having two different body tube diameters and carrying a payload of one raw egg. In order to meet this challenge, the students have tested a variety of parachutes to perfect their descent timing. They are also testing their rocket for the competition requirements of two separate launches to heights of 800 and 850 feet, both with a duration of 43-46 seconds, which is a change from past years where the duration timelines were adjusted with rocket height.
In addition to designing, building, and testing their rockets, the NMHS Rocketry Club has been busy with community outreach and fundraising. In December, the club sponsored a free STEM Faire at the Newark Ohlone campus with several activities for children and families including building stomp rockets, creating origami stars and constellations, viewing a Lucid Air Grand Touring EV, watching colored flames, making stellar paintings, exploring other science activities, drinking “Rocket Fuel” (lemonade with dry ice), eating “Space Rocks” (cookies), and of course, watching a real live rocket launch! Over 350 people came to join in the fun of science exploration at our hands-on exhibits and activities.
The NMHS Rocketry Club is grateful to the Newark Unified School District, Newark Rotary Club, the Newark Educational Foundation, and many community members who attended the STEM Faire and contributed to their fundraising efforts to support the cost of rocket supplies and travel to launch competitions. They still need additional financial support to enable all team members to attend the championships in Alabama and Virginia and hope the community can provide further assistance. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal.
To make a donation or learn more about NMHS Rocketry Club, visit their GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/5181fb38(or scan the QR code) or follow them on Instagram at @newarkrocketproject or @nmhsrocketry.
All contributions are tax-deductible (non-profit tax ID #94-1717677). Checks can be made out to “Newark Memorial High School” with memo “Rocketry Club.” More questions? Reach out to our club faculty advisor Jacob Goldsmith at
jg********@ne***********.org
or the student communication team at
ne*****************@gm***.com
.
Imagine the Sea
By Staff
The sea is a constant presence to us in the Bay Area. After all, it’s implied in the name! Looking out over the water at our fellow cities on the Peninsula (or back at the East Bay) is when we can feel most strongly the preciousness and transience of this very unique location.
But the sea isn’t an unchanging landmark that will stay peacefully within its bounds; climate change means the sea is rising—about one foot over the next 30 years according to the NOAA Office for Coastal Management (https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/climate-change.html) and three feet by 2100 (baykeeper.org). That means when we in the Bay Area plan out our lives (and those of people still too small to plan for themselves)
, we need to imagine how to co-exist with an ever-encroaching sea. Where is safest to build? Where do we need sea walls? How do we protect our marshlands, which can act like a sponge to absorb high tides and mitigate flooding?
It’s hard to visualize how the land will change, even when we understand the problem on an intellectual level. Luckily, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a handy tool: an interactive map where people can zoom in on their city right down to their street and see whether or not their house will be underwater in a decade.
Zooming in on the Bay Area shows low level areas outlined in green, and either a satellite view or street map of surrounding cities. Skipping ahead a few decades for a full two feet of sea level rise (imagine current toddlers sending their kids to college), the Bay comes right up to the hills in Coyote Hills, flooding the hiking trails along the salt ponds. Farther south, the water covers the railroad tracks and begins to encroach on Auto Mall Parkway.
Fast-forwarding even more to the 2100s (basically as far from us as the DiCaprio adaptation was from Fitzgerald’s original Great Gatsby): At 10 feet of Sea Level Rise, Coyote Hills have become Coyote Islands. And a good chunk of Union City around Industrial Parkway has become a lake that reaches nearly to the BART Station. It looks like Union City is currently one of the places in the East Bay where homes are most at risk if the Bay decides to expand its territory in the new millennium. Over on the Peninsula, Foster City has become Atlantis.
As Bay Area Citizens in the here and now, we’re deciding together bit by bit how to address this threat. And much like with sea level rise, small changes now will become a big deal before we know it.
For example, a recently-proposed housing development would sit on the marshlands near Coyote Hills—both building in a high-risk area, and replacing naturally spongy marshland that’s critical to limiting sea level rise. An article by Taran Singh on this proposed development ran in the January 23 issue of Tri-City Voice. (Read it in the online archives at: https://tricityvoice.com/01-23-24/) Go on your city website and check what your local government is doing to address sea level rise. And if you want to weigh in (positively or negatively) make your voice heard by emailing them or attending a city council meeting.
You can view the interactive map online at https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/. Scroll down and click on Sea Level Rise Viewer.
Free COVID & Flu Vaccines
Submitted by City of Fremont Human Services Department
Alameda County Public Health Department, Health Care for the Homeless, Haller’s Pharmacy, and Fremont Main Public Library have partnered to set up free Flu/COVID-19 vaccine events. No appointment is necessary. Participants do not need to show identification (ID) or insurance cards. These vaccinations are at no cost. Everyone 5 years and older is eligible. Moderna and Pfizer COVID Vaccines and Flu Vaccine are available. Call the Community Support Line (510) 268-2101 for more information
Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Events
Thursday, February 1
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fremont Family Resource Center Enterprise Room
39155 Liberty St., Fremont
Friday, February 2
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fremont Main Public Library, Van Doorn Meeting Room
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
For more information (510) 268-2101
Vallejo Mill Historical Park is under construction
By Jack Alcorn
Vallejo Mill Historical Park, located at the northeast corner of Niles Canyon Road and Mission Boulevard, is now closed to the public. In July 2023, the Fremont City Council authorized a reconstruction plan for the park. The park is anticipated to reopen this summer after the construction is complete.
The municipal park was once home to two former flour mills built by Don Jose Vallejo in 1841 and 1853. Remnants of the foundation of the 1841 structure remain visible at the park.
Along with the mill structure remnant, the current park site consists of a paved parking lot in poor condition, unpaved paths, aging park furnishings and neglected signage, trees, and grassland. It is currently difficult to use this space for its intended park use with the current design and condition.
Before closing the park, the City of Fremont implemented a comprehensive transition plan to assist the unhoused community members living within the park. The plan included outreach, connection to intensive supportive services, temporary shelter placements, and stable housing options. In addition, the City Council approved an expansion of the city’s Winter Relief program to increase the number of available motel rooms from 30 to 60 to accommodate the estimated number of households living within Vallejo Historical Park.
Starting in September 2023, City of Fremont staff and community partners—Abode, Bay Area Community Health (BACH), and Bay Area Community Services (BACS)—visited the park multiple times a week to perform individual assessments and start the process of relocating households to available shelter/housing programs. Every household was offered relocation assistance. Approximately 80% of the households were relocated to the city’s Winter Relief program, Housing Navigation Center, or Safe Parking program. Those not receiving assistance decided to leave the park on their own or accept vehicle repair and fuel assistance.
About the Project
The Vallejo Mill Historical Park renovation will include a ¾-acre dog park and four pickleball courts. Improvements for the 19th century community grounds will enhance the natural setting by preserving existing trees and adding bark mulch surfacing.
New parking for the site will include ADA accessible stalls and provisions for future EV charging. The new pickleball courts will have sports court lighting. Perimeter fencing and gates to discourage vehicular access into the natural areas of the park will also be installed. A new vault toilet restroom will be constructed for use during park hours.
Additional park improvements will include ADA compliant walkways, new benches, trash and recycling receptacles, drinking fountains,
and security lighting from the pickleball courts to the parking stalls.
Source: City of Fremont
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
As sweet as it gets
How cute is this kudu? Cute enough to warrant a lot more attention from its mom. Eric Byrd, zoological manager at the Cincinnati Zoo, noticed that a newborn lesser kudu calf wasn’t getting enough attention from first-time mom, Sabi, “so we stepped in and fed the calf.” If you’ve never seen a kudu, they’re as adorable as it gets and the good news is that it’s likely that Sabi will soon bond with her infant. See the exotic creatures on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm5LNNabiJc
Fishy noises
For the past several years residents in Tampa Bay, FL have been trying to find the source of low-pitched sounds. Many of them – including Dr. James Locascio, senior scientist at the Mote Marine Laboratory – believe it is the sound of fish mating, specifically ray-finned, black drum fish. Locascio would like to use underwater acoustic recorders to identify and confirm the sounds and a local resident is seeking to raise the $2,500 it would cost. Hear the sound on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP3T0aHDP6Y
An ‘awesome’ snow shark
It’s normal to avoid getting too close to a shark but droves of residents in Iowa City, Iowa were attracted by a 20-foot-long sea-going predator recently. They weren’t afraid because in this case the shark was a “snow shark” created by sculptor Carlos Maldonado. After a powerful storm covered the town in heavy snow, it took him four-and-a-half hours to sculpt his Great White and another hour-and-a-half to give it color using acrylic paint. Maldonado told Iowa’s News Now that his kids wanted him to make a snowman but he decided to make something a little more grand. See the snow shark on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bNtBwZFcKk
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.
THE ROBOT REPORT
Relay Robotics successfully navigates hospital obstacle course
By Relay Robotics
Healthcare is facing a severe labor shortage, so the demand for innovative solutions is on the rise. Robotics is an obvious place to look for help, but hospitals are intricate ecosystems that present a myriad of challenges to mobile robots. From automated and manual doors to beds, wheelchairs, various carts, and IV poles, the hospital setting demands a level of adaptability and maneuverability that goes beyond the capabilities of many existing robots.
To evaluate the feasibility of robot assistance for the labor shortage, one major hospital system created an obstacle course filled with all the challenges that it was concerned that robots might not be able to handle. Relay was the first robot to try the obstacle course.
The obstacle course simulated a hospital environment filled with obstacles ranging from steep ramps and overhanging obstacles to mobile IV poles, towels on the floor, cords, elevator thresholds, and narrow doorways. The goal was to challenge mobile robots to navigate through these obstacles seamlessly, mimicking the real-life hurdles they might encounter within a hospital.
Highlights of Relay’s success
In the fall of 2023, Relay Robotics sent a Relay to attempt the challenge. Within an astonishing 2.5 hours of unpacking the robot, the company not only faced, but also conquered every obstacle presented in the course. Here are some highlights:
- “Wheelchair chicken:” Passing a moving wheelchair in a narrow corridor without bumping or startling the rider
- Steep ramps: Ascending and descending steep ramps with a load of two cases of soda weighing 25 lbs
- Overhanging obstacles: Maneuvering around drawers hanging out of medical supply cabinets
- Mobile IV poles: Navigating through the dynamic environment created by mobile intravenous poles
- Towels on the floor: Overcoming challenges presented by unexpected items such as towels on the floor
- Cords and other floor obstacles: Displaying agility in driving over cords and other obstacles
- Elevator threshold: Successfully crossing the threshold of an elevator
- Narrow doorways: Squeezing through a narrow doorway measuring just 32 in.
- Alerts: Playing a pre-specified sound at certain regions along the route to alert bystanders of its presence.
This hospital obstacle course provided a glimpse into the future of healthcare, where robotics seamlessly integrate into the daily operations of hospitals. Relay’s navigation through the challenging course, along with tens of successful deployments in real healthcare situations, demonstrates that mobile robots are ready and able to help alleviate labor shortages and enhance efficiency in healthcare settings.
Preserve the beauty, fragrance, and flavor of your garden
By Melinda Myers
Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company/gardeners.com
Enjoy your garden throughout the growing season and beyond. Preserve its beauty, fragrance, and flavor in artwork, crafts, and food.
Cell phones with cameras make it easy to capture the seasonal changes in our gardens and environment. Use a favorite photo as the wallpaper on your computer or phone. Turn them into greeting cards to send or pictures to hang on walls, lifting your spirits on gray or rainy winter days.
Break out the colored pencils, markers, or paints and capture the beauty of individual flowers or gardens. Creating art, like gardening, can help elevate your mood, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem.
Start a garden journal, if you haven’t done so already. It’s a great way to capture successes and even failures to help plan next year’s garden or changes to the landscape. Create your own journal on the computer or in a spiral notebook. A waterproof and smudge-proof option like the Rite in the Rain Waterproof Garden Journal can go with you into the garden.
Preserve
some of your favorite flowers and memories with a flower press you make or buy, like an heirloom flower press (available at gardeners.com).
Just place freshly picked leaves and flowers between pieces of paper in the flower press. Use flowers at their peak of beauty for the best results. Arrange leaves and petals as desired before pressing, since they dry the way you place them. Once your flowers are placed in between the paper, close the press and secure the layers. Your dried flowers will be ready in a few weeks.
Speed up the process with the help of your microwave. The Terra Cotta Microwave Flower Press allows you to harvest, press, dry and create all in the same day. Place flowers and leaves between the wool felt dividers and secure them inside the terra cotta top and bottom. The wool pads and terra cotta absorb moisture as the microwave heats for quick drying.
Capture the color, fragrance, and relaxing benefits of lavender by filling small sachet bags with flower buds to place in a desk, nightstand, or drawer. Take it one step further and create lavender wands from 10 to 30 flowering stems and a bit of ribbon. These attractive wands capture the lavender fragrance and make great gifts.
Pickle cucumbers or other vegetables to enjoy throughout the garden season and beyond. You’ll find an assortment of pickling crocks on the market but consider elevating your pickles to gourmet status by fermenting them in The Amazing Pickle Barrel made of lightly toasted white oak. You and your guests will enjoy the subtle and unique flavor the oak barrel adds.
Keep the flavor of your garden alive all year long. Pick and dry herbs for winter meals and holiday gifts. Gather the herbs into small bundles and secure them with a rubber band. As stems shrink, so does the rubber band. Use a spring-type clothespin to hang the bundles from a clothesline in a dry, airy place that is out of direct sunlight. Save space and dress up the display with an herb drying rack that holds six bunches of flowers, hot peppers, or garlic.
Keep carrots, beets, and turnips fresh and crisp for months after harvest with proper storage. Most gardeners don’t have a root cellar or sufficient room in the refrigerator. Consider packing vegetables in layers of damp sand or sawdust placed in a root storage bin. Set the bin in a cool dark place and retrieve vegetables as needed.
Try these and other creative ways to extend your garden enjoyment beyond the end of the growing season.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply Company for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Fremont Senior Citizens Commission (FSCC)
January 26, 2024
New Commissioners
Two new commissioners were welcomed to the FSCC – Dr. James Thomas and Esther Oroyibi, instructor of the African dance class offered at Lake Elizabeth Age Well Center.
Reports
- One of the functions of the FSCC is to review and recommend grant funding of senior service programs to the Fremont City Council. Based on a recommendation made by the FCSS, in May 2023 Fremont awarded $199,381 in funding to senior service programs that provide services to low and moderate-income seniors. A plan was presented for the mid-year evaluation of these senior citizen service programs that received this funding by Marisha Engineer, Community Programs Coordinator. Commissioners generally attend at least one mid-year site visit to review and become more familiar with the agencies that receive this funding. Commissioners signed up to visit the grant recipients in March and April 2024. The programs that received the funding are:
- Bay Area Community Health (BACH)
- Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
- Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS).
Age Well Centers
- The popular Crab Feed fundraiser is back.
Meals will be in-person at Lake Elizabeth Senior Center and will also be available for drive-thru. There will be a crab costume contest.
Friday, February 16
40086 Paseo Padre Parkway
5:30 p.m. for in-person meals
12-1p.m. for drive thru meals
Cost: $80
Tickets available at the age well centers and online at https://bit.ly/awclecf2024
(510) 790-6600
- Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, dance and friends at the South Fremont Age Well Center.
Friday, February 9
12:30 p.m. International Dance Performance
1 – 4 p.m. Mahjong games
47111 Mission Falls Court
Free – no registration required.
Motions
- Accept the 2024 calendar for FSCC monthly meetings.
- Reinstate Monique Chapman as Chair of the FSCC.
- Instate Rebecca Garewal as new Vice Chair of the FSCC. (closed vote)
Monique Chapman Aye
Carol Evans Aye
Kathy Fischer Aye
Rebecca Garewal Aye
Barbara Hamze Aye
Edwin Lee Aye
Roger Marshall Aye
Krishnaswamy Narasimhan Aye
Sonia Salwan Aye
Claudette Surma Aye
Dr. James Thomas Aye
Esther Orobiyi Aye
Linette Young Aye
Fremont Unified School District
January 17, 2024
6:30 p.m.
Regular Agenda Items
- Approve Hindi 1 pilot new world language course and approve Hindi 1 world language as
part of the 2024/2025 course catalog. (Jones, Nay)
- Adopt Resolution No. 020-2324 regarding accounting of developer fees for fiscal year 2022-2023.
- Approve Sunshine Proposals from FUSD for successor agreement.
- Approve Sunshine Proposals from FUSD on article reopeners.
- Approve first read of new Board Policy (BP) / review Administrative Regulation (AR) 1312.2 complaints concerning instructional materials; retire BP/AR 6144.1 Controversial Issues Complaints Instructional Materials; revised BP/AR 6161.1 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials; BP 6161.12 Supplementary Instructional Materials; 6163.1 Library Media Centers.
- Approve first read of new Board Policy 0410 Nondiscrimination in District programs and activities, and retire Board Policy 1300 Nondiscrimination.
- Approve the first reading of revised Board Policy 6143, Courses of study and its Administrative Regulation.
- Approve first reading of revised Board Policy and review Administrative Regulation 6153, Study/Field Trips/Excursions/Athletics.
- Approve amendment to the 2023-2024 Board of Education meeting schedule to hold the
Board of Education Retreat on February 23, 2024.
President Yajing Zhang Aye
Vice President Larry Sweeney Aye
Sharon Coco Aye
Dianne Jones Aye, 1 Nay
Vivek Prasad Aye
Hayward City Council
January 23, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Public Comment
- Several dozen speakers called on the Mayor and City Council to have Hayward divest $1.6 million from several companies believed to be supporting Israeli genocide in Gaza: Hyundai, Chevron, Intel, Caterpillar, and more. Many Palestinian flags were flown by attendants.
Consent Agenda
- Amend the Zoning Map and Chapter 10, Article 1 (Zoning Ordinance), Article 2 (Off-Street Parking Regulations), Article 24 (Mission Boulevard Code), and Article 28 (Downtown Development Code) of the Hayward Municipal Code Associated with the Hayward Residential Design Study.
- Accept the resignation of Commissioner Kelly Sullivan from the Library Commission, effective immediately.
- Appoint Marhya Kelsch to the Library Commission to fill the term of Kelly Sullivan expiring September 30, 2027.
- Appoint Hayward Youth Commission alternates Jesus Alejandro Reynoso and Temiloluwa Ogunkanmi to fill the seats of Sharana Sabesan and Niki Shiva for Terms Expiring June 30, 2025.
- Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Statement of Investment Policy and Delegation of Authority. — As amended: Section XV Banks and Security Dealer Selection [Prohibit the City from investing funds to the following companies believed to be supporting Israeli military action in Gaza – Hyundai, Chevron, Intel, and Caterpillar.] Passed 4-3. (3 Nay; Salinas, Bonilla, Roche)
- Accept and appropriate $487,981 in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Funding to Support Hayward Navigation Center Operations.
- Authorize an agreement with the Alameda County Probation Department through June 30, 2024, to provide services as a Delinquency Prevention Network Youth Service Center and to accept and appropriate $297,500 from Alameda County to Fund the Extension.
- Accept and appropriate $25,000 in Grant Funding from the Eden Health District for the Purchase of Video Laryngoscopes for the Hayward Fire Department.
- Authorize an agreement with Newton Construction & Management for the Cinema Place Parking Garage Project No. 07204 in an amount not-to-exceed $160,000.
- Accept and appropriate $506,242.46 in Highway-Railway Crossing Program Funding from the California Department of Transportation for the Preliminary Engineering Phase of the Tennyson Road Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Project.
Mayor Mark Salinas Aye, 1 Nay
Angeles Andrews Aye
Ray Bonilla Jr. Aye, 1 Nay
Dan Goldstein Aye
Julie Roche Aye, 1 Nay
George Syrop Aye
Francisco Zermeno Aye
Learn more about the Primary Election
Submitted by Jo Loss for the Eden Area League of Women Voters
The Alameda County Council of the League of Women Voters (ACC) is committed to providing you with the information you need to be an informed voter in the March 5, Primary Election.
You can download Easy Voter Guides at: https://lwvc.org/easy-voter-guide-primary-2024/ you can also hear from the candidates directly at VOTE411. Just enter your address at www.VOTE411.org, and you will see all the materials for your local elections.
ACC is providing Candidate Forums for you to watch on Zoom or as recordings on local LWV websites.
Here are the ones scheduled so far:
Alameda County Supervisor, District 4 – February 8, 7:15 p.m.
Alameda County Supervisor, District 5 – February 8, 7 p.m.
Superior Court Judge, #12 – February 15, 6 p.m.
Alameda County Board of Education, District 5 – February 8, 6 p.m.
California Senate, #9 – February 13, 7 p.m.
House of Representatives, #12 – February 7, 7 p.m.
Please check your LWV website for the Zoom registration.
UPCOMING:
The First Amendment: Our Most Fundamental and Contes
ted Right
While most people agree that our First Amendment rights are important, there is considerable disagreement on whether all forms of expression, and all people, deserve protection. Join the Castro Valley Library and the League of Women Voters of the Eden Area as a panel of experts from fields such as education, journalism and the law help us understand the enduring legacy of our First Amendment rights and our contemporary debates. Refreshments will be served.
The First Amendment: Our Most Fundamental and Contested Right
Tuesday, Mar 19
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
(510) 667-7900
Apply to serve on a municipal commission in Milpitas
Submitted by City of Milpitas
Commissions
Milpitas has a strong tradition of community participation. You can help shape the future of your community by applying to serve on a City of Milpitas commission. Addressing a variety of topics, the 12 City Commissions advise the City Council and provide a public forum for community input.
How to Apply for Commissions
Applications may be submitted online, via email, by mail, or in person. Applicants are encouraged to attend a meeting of the Commission to which they plan to apply prior to submitting an application. Applications are accepted year-round and appointments made as needed.
The Local Agency Appointments List (Maddy Act) is posted on the city website to highlight upcoming vacancies on city advisory bodies. Current Vacancies include:
Arts Commission
Community Advisory Commission
Economic Development & Trade Commission
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Commission
Senior Advisory Commission
Youth Advisory Commission
For commission descriptions and commissioner resources visit www.milpitas.gov/318/Commissions. Most commissioners must be current residents of Milpitas over age 18.
Commission application forms are available online at www.milpitas.gov or at Milpitas City Hall. For more information on the application process, call (408) 586-3001 or email
ci*******@mi******.gov
Presidential Primary Election: What you need to know
Submitted by Dennis Godden, Co-President
Written by Angelina Reyes, Co-President
With our Presidential Primary Election arriving soon on Tuesday, March 5, the Alameda County Council of the League of Women Voters (ACC), consisting of six Leagues, have been working diligently to provide the voters with information that will help them make informed choices on propositions and measure as well as determine who will be our next civic leaders.
ACC is providing Candidate Forums for you to watch on Zoom or on webinars. Please check your local League websites for dates and places of local candidate forums. On Monday, February 12, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., the League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City, along with the Cupertino-Sunnyvale League of Women Voters and the League of Women Voters of San Jose-Santa Clara will host a webinar for Congressional District 17, currently held by Ro Khanna. There are four candidates who are included in this race. You can register for the event online website: lwvfnuc.org.
KEY DATES
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
Tuesday, March 5
Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
EARLY VOTING
Monday, February 5 to Monday, March 4
In person at:
AC Registrar of Voters’ Office
1225 Fallon Street, Room G-1, Oakland
(510) 272-6973
RETURN VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS
In-person return to any polling place,
County Vote Center or Ballot Dropbox
AC Registrar of Voters’ Office
OR BY U.S. Post Office
Must be postmarked by March 5, 2024
Must be received by ROV March 12, 2024
TRACK YOUR BALLOT
WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov
For additional election information:
Alameda County Registrar of Voters www.acvote.org
California Secretary of State www.sos.ca.gov
To join us, visit our websites:
LWVFNUC at www.lwvfnuc.org and LWVEA (Eden Area) at https://lwvea.clubexpress.com/
WHAT IS ON OUR BALLOT IN ALAMEDA COUNTY?
The Alameda County (AC) Board of Supervisors has placed two measures on the March 5 ballot that will change the AC Charter. Changes to the Charter of Alameda County can only be made with voter approval of more than 50% of total votes cast.
Measure A
The charter governs civil service. This Amendment changes section 36 (b) of the Civil Service of the Alameda County Charter: To provide for the preparation and holding of competitive examinations in order to test the relative fitness of all applicants for appointment to or promotion in the classified Civil Service; provided, however, that noncompetitive qualifying examinations may be given to incumbents with tenure in positions which are reclassified or reallocated, and that the name of each incumbent who qualifies in such qualifying examination shall be placed on an eligible list and (c) (d) (e) the said incumbent shall be appointed subject to probation to the reclassified or reallocated position, anything in this Charter to the contrary notwithstanding. Adequate notice of not less than twenty-five days shall be given of each competitive examination. This amendment will change the current number of days from not less than twenty-five to not less than 14 when a competitive examination is being offered.
Measure B
Section 62 of the County of Alameda Charter governs recall elections within the County. It was passed in 1926 and has not been amended since. Measure B will amend Section 62 by adopting CA state law to govern recall elections. Alameda County is the only County that has recall election rules that substantially deviate from state law’s key recall procedures. Adopting state law would make Alameda County’s key recall laws and procedures the same as other counties in California.
Using state rules will make recall election rules clearer and more transparent. This will help avoid long and expensive legal battles. Adopting state law would fix the incomplete and unconstitutional parts of the County Charter recall election rules. It would also set reasonable timelines and procedures that work with today’s larger population and voting processes.
One change from the current Section 62 is that recalls would apply only to elected officers, not appointed ones. This matches California state law. The League of Women Voters supports removing this from Section 62 related to appointed officers. It is the responsibility of the elected officers, our AC Board of Supervisors, to hold the appointed officers accountable for the work they perform.
This need for this change will continue to exist whether there are any recalls underway. Any current recall efforts that submit their signatures by March 5, 2024, will move forward.
Union City City Council
January 23, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda
- Execute the consulting services agreement with Aaron Welch Planning, in the amount of $49,500, for a total contract amount of $144,000, for Project Management Services to assist with implementation of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
- Execute Master Contract No. 901499 with Alameda County to increase contract by $184,204, and extend the term for six additional months, for providing delinquency prevention services
- Authorize payment of additional compensation in the amount of $162,010.50 to Tri-CED Community Recycling totaling $324,021 for FY 2023-24 for recycling materials processing
Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci Aye
Vice Mayor Jeff Wang Aye
Jaime Patino Aye
Scott Sakakihara Aye
Gary Singh Aye
Union Sanitary District
January 22, 2023
4:00 p.m.
Director Pat Kite was designated by unanimous consent to serve as Secretary Pro-Tem for the absence of Director Tom Handley.
Motions
- Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract change order with W. M. Lyles Co. for temporary power provisions for the new campus building for the Enhanced Treatment and Site Upgrade Program Phase 1A Aeration Basins Modifications Project
- Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract change order with W. M. Lyles Co. for existing pipeline repairs for the Enhanced Treatment and Site Upgrade Program Phase 1A Aeration Basins Modifications Project
- Consider a resolution to accept the construction of the East Warren Avenue Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project from McGuire and Hester
President Manny Fernandez Absent
Tom Handley Absent
Pat Kite Aye
Anjali Lathi Aye
Jennifer Toy Aye
Alameda County Fire Log
Submitted by ACFD
Tuesday, January 23
- At 10:05 a.m. Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) received a call that a car was submerged in the water in the 7000 block of Del Valle Road in Livermore. When ACFD crews arrived, they saw a woman sitting atop her car. Crew members prepared for a water rescue using a truck ladder while calling the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to assist with their helicopter.
Crews on the scene stated that the woman was trying to drive to the other side at around 7:30 p.m. the night before, underestimating how deep the water was. She was in the water for close to 15 hours. Despite being in the cold weather overnight, she was okay and was taken to a local hospital to be checked out. No other injuries were reported.
ACFD was assisted in this rescue by the CHP and East Bay Regional Parks Fire Department.
Thursday, January 25
- This morning at 9:22 a.m. ACFD responded to a residential fire on the 35000 block of Severn Drive in Newark. Sadly, the incident led to the displacement of two individuals and one of their two dogs could not be revived. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or members of the community.
Law Enforcement Officer shot in Union City
By Jack Alcorn
An Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot January 24 in the line of duty. The Deputy was critically wounded in the Wednesday afternoon attack. The officer was transported to a local hospital.
The shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. January 24 in the 33000 block of Dowe Avenue, near Alvarado Niles Road in Union City. Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies from the Civil Unit were serving an eviction notice when the shooting occurred. The suspect opened fire from inside the target address and struck one of the Deputies.
Police immediately established a perimeter around the area where the shooting happened. The suspect was believed to still be in the area and considered armed and dangerous. Police from several local law enforcement agencies flooded the area to assist with the incident. Surrounding streets were closed because of the investigation and people were asked to avoid the area.
Union City Police Department (UCPD) released a statement early January 25 saying that the situation had been resolved and police had left the area of the shooting. “There is no known danger to the public,” stated UCPD.
The Deputy underwent surgery for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to an arm. He is recovering in good spirits.
BART Police Log
Submitted by BART PD
Thursday, January 18
- At 6:15 a.m. a man identified by police as Timothy Stewart, 33, from Benicia was contacted in the parking structure of Hayward station. Stewart was taken into custody for possession of burglary tools and drug paraphenalia. Stewart was booked into Alameda County Jail.
Friday, January 19
- At 1:09 p.m. a man identified by police as Keontay Hopkins, 22, from Oakland was contacted in the free area of Bay Fair station. Hopkins was taken into custody for battery, false identification and an outstanding warrant. Hopkins was booked into the Alameda County Jail.
- At 8:58 p.m. a man identified by police as Kevin Salerno, 29, from Livermore was contacted on the platform of Bay Fair station. Salerno was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphenalia. He was booked into Alameda County Jail.
Sunday, January 21
- At 1:57 p.m. a man identified by police as Lawrence Stickman, 31, from Oakland was taken into custody at San Leandro station. Stickman was booked into Alameda County Jail for arrest warrants.
Monday, January 22
- At 1:29 p.m. a man identified by police as Joshua Neal, 33, from Oakland was taken into custody at Bay Fair station for an active arrest warrant. Neal was booked into Alameda County Jail.
Tuesday, January 23
- At 6:46 p.m. a woman identified by police as Kayla Jones, 33, from Oakland was detained regarding a fight on the platform of Fremont station. Jones was arrested for domestic battery and booked into Santa Rita Jail. A prohibition order was issued.
Wednesday, January 24
- At 9:59 a.m. a man identified by police as Jamir Tatum, 31, from Los Angeles was contacted for fare evasion at Fremont station. Tatum was taken into custody for possession of marijuana. Tatum was booked into the Alameda County Jail.
- At 6:44 p.m. a man identified by police as Lawrence Johnson, 36, from Hayward was contacted for fare evasion at Castro Valley station. Johnson was arrested for obstructing an officer and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Union City implements District Policing
Submitted by Union City PD
What is District Policing?
Our District Policing model is a pivotal step in fostering engagement and elevated customer service through purpose-driven responses to community concerns.
This model includes four districts, aligned with city council boundaries, and specifically assigned Lieutenants leading their respective districts.
District Policing helps build stronger relationships and increases information sharing with those we serve. Each Patrol Lieutenant is assigned a specific District. There are four Districts within Union City.
Our Goals
- Early identification of crime trends and community issues
- Developing crime suppression and deterrence strategies
- Developing response plans, including optimal resource deployment
- Increased accountability and specialized knowledge of districts
- Increased community engagement
- Building and maintaining meaningful relationships
Fremont Fire Log
Submitted by FFD
Tuesday, January 16
- At approximately 9:30 a.m. Fremont Police and Fire personnel responded to a residence in the 37000 block of Waverly Terrace for a report of an explosion. Occupants of the unit had left the residence prior to the arrival of first responders. Several adjoining units were evacuated while investigators ascertained the cause of the explosion. One subject later checked into an area hospital and is in critical condition. The initial investigation revealed a possible drug lab within the residence. Drug Detectives from the Major Crimes Task Force reported to the scene and the investigation is on-going.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Fremont PD
Tuesday, January 9
- Officers responded to a dumpster fire at the Teen Center on Paseo Padre Pkwy. When officers arrived, a witness reported that he saw a subject light the dumpster on fire. The subject was standing next to the dumpster as it was burning. The subject initially resisted detention efforts but was eventually arrested. Fremont Fire Department responded to extinguish the flames.
- Officers responded to a supermarket on Mowry Ave. regarding a subject who threatened the store manager. The manager believed the subject had stolen items from the store and had confronted him, and the subject responded by saying he would kill the manager. Officers discovered several active warrants for the subject and arrested him.
- Officers responded to a residence on Cottonwood St. regarding a home invasion robbery. Three subjects confronted the victim in his front yard and robbed him at knifepoint. The subjects hit him and took his bag, which contained his keys, credit/debit cards, and thousands of dollars in cash. This case remains under investigation.
Wednesday, January 10
- A victim reported an armed home invasion at her residence on the 3000 block of Mountain Drive. Multiple subjects had broken into her home through the rear sliding glass door. The subjects saw the victim at the top of the stairs, pointed a firearm at her, then fled. There was no loss, and the victim was uninjured. This case remains under investigation.
- An officer was investigating an unoccupied stolen vehicle near Water
side Circle when three subjects entered the vehicle and drove away. Officers eventually located the vehicle parked around Country Dr. and Paseo Padre Pkwy. Officers detained the driver, and the two occupants fled on foot. Officers caught up to the subjects and detained them at gunpoint. Two of the subjects were juveniles and were eventually released to their parents. One subject was an adult and was arrested.
Thursday, January 11
- Officers responded to a victim who said they had been robbed and shot in the head near Caliban Dr. and Stephano Ct. The victim had a non-threatening head injury that was consistent with either being pistol-whipped or grazed by a bullet. The victim had been robbed while meeting two subjects to purchase marijuana. This case remains under investigation.
- Officers responded to the 41000 block of Trimboli Way regarding a fire near the post office. Upon arrival, officers discovered two subjects seeking warmth through a fire from a pot. One subject was a reported missing person and was found with drug paraphernalia. He was arrested.
- Employees at a thrift store on Blacow Rd. reported seeing a subject holding a firearm. The subject was seen on video surveillance cameras chasing another subject in front of the building. Employees found an unspent bullet casing near the main entrance where the subject was seen. No victims were reported in this incident.
Friday, January 12
- Officers responded to a residence on Turnstone Lane after victims were alerted to someone inside their home. The victim’s father chased the three subjects on foot through the neighborhood but eventually lost sight of them. One subject was armed with a semi-automatic handgun. This case remains under investigation.
Sunday, January 14
- Officers responded to a robbery at a fast-food restaurant on Auto Mall Pkwy. The victim said a subject took his bicycle and brandished a switchblade at him. The victim followed the subject to the restaurant parking lot, where the subject began to destroy the bicycle. Officers found the subject to have multiple outstanding warrants and arrested him.
Milpitas Fire Log
Submitted By MPD
Thursday, January 25
- The Milpitas Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire located on the 700 Block of Montague Expressway at 2:12 p.m. A full first alarm included Engine 86, Engine 87, Engine 89, Truck 86, Rescue Medic 86 and Battalion 86. The first unit arrived at 2:16 p.m. Engine 86 quickly identified the fire location and access was made to the patio on the 4th floor unit. Truck 86 crew utilized their 107-foot Aerial Ladder to ascend to the fire location and extinguishment was quickly obtained.
Due to the early detection and rapid response of our firefighters, the fire was quickly contained with minimal damage. the property saved by their actions limited the fire spread to the adjacent 6-8 units directly above, below and adjacent the unit of origin.
Milpitas Police Log
Submitted by MPD
Friday, January 19
- At 1:56 a.m. a midnight shift officer was patrolling a commercial area near the 300-Block of Sango Ct. when they came across a 36-year-old male from San Jose. The male had multiple no bail outstanding warrants for theft-related charges. He was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail for his warrants.
Saturday, January 20
- At 9:02 a.m. a dayshift officer contacted a 43-year-old male from Berkeley near the 700-Block of Montague Expressway. The male was on California Department of Corrections – Rehabilitation (CDC-R) parole for burglary and had a no bail felony warrant for a parole violation. He was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail for his warrant.
- At 3:28 p.m. officers responded to a theft from a business near the 1100-Block of Great Mall Dr. and found the 29-year-old male from San Mateo attempting to flee the scene. The suspect, who had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants for theft, was arrested. All the stolen property was recovered and returned. The male was booked into Santa Clara County Jail for multiple theft-related charges, resisting arrest, narcotics violations, and his warrants.
- At 9:15 p.m. officers responded in exactly two minutes after an alert citizen reported a male subject was looking into their window near the 900-Block of Dempsey Rd. Officers contacted a 41-year-old male from San Jose, who was on county probation for burglary. The male was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail for prowling and a felony probation violation.
Sunday, January 21
- At 10:40 p.m. a midnight officer stopped a bicyclist for multiple traffic violations. The 51-year-old male from Milpitas, attempted to flee but officers quickly took him into custody. The male had multiple felony warrants for assault with a deadly weapon and narcotics violations. The male was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail for his felony warrants, providing a false name to officers, resisting arrest, drug violations, and a probation violation.
Newark Police Log
Submitted by Newark PD
Monday, January 15
- 3:12 p.m.: Sergeant Warren initiated a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle and contacted two occupants. The driver (35-year-old male of Tracy) and passenger (38-year-old female out of Newark) were arrested for possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a shaved key. Both were booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, January 21
- 2:57 a.m.: Officer Orozco responded to the 5700 block of Thornton Avenue for a report of an unwanted customer causing a disturbance and threatening people. Officers arrived on scene and contacted a 65-year-old unsheltered male and detained him. During the investigation, the suspect spat on an officer. He was placed under arrest for battering a peace officer and booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- 1:09 p.m.: Officer Williams arrested a 39-year-old male out of Fremont after he threw a brick from a second story balcony causing damage to a vehicle’s windshield. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- 4:05 p.m.: Officer Lara contacted a 27-year-old male on Thornton Avenue and arrested him for a misdemeanor warrant. He was issued a citation and released on scene.
- 5:35 p.m.: Officer Herrera investigated a “grab and run” type theft from a business on Newpark Mall Road.
- 7:19 p.m.: Officer Herrera investigated a report of stolen credit cards from victim’s residence. The victim also reported that she was a victim of identity theft.
Union City Police Log
Submitted by UCPD
Thursday, January 25
- UCPD obtained search warrants for an unspecified location and after attempting contact with the suspects for several hours, UCPD SWAT operators located two deceased individuals. It is believed that these two individuals are responsible for the January 24 shooting of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. The two deceased individuals appeared to have sustained self-inflicted gun-shot wounds and no other suspects or victims were located inside. The identities of the subjects are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Because of the active investigation, UCPD will not be releasing the identity of the involved Deputy. There is no existing threat to the public at this time.
The UCPD Investigations Unit is actively investigating the incident and anyone with information is encouraged to contact UCPD or your local law enforcement agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, information may be left at (510) 675-5207 or at
ti**@un*******.org
.
H.A.R.D Senior Softball 2024 is here
Submitted by H.A.R.D. Senior Softball
Join the Hayward Senior Softball League! H.A.R.D Senior Softball offers three leagues for senior men and women. 50+ league, 60+ league and 70+ league. Senior men 70 and older can play in any league or all three leagues. Women 45 and older can play in any of the three leagues. Though our league is about competition it is more importantly about comradeship.
New players are welcome. The annual meeting with be held on February 15 and new player tryouts are scheduled for February 20 – February 27. To join, will out and application on www.hardseniorsoftball.com. Deadline for submitting applications is March 8.
Senior Softball is played at Alden E. Oliver Sports Park at 2580 Eden Park Place, Hayward. The 60+ leagues play Tuesday, 70+ play Wednesday and 50+ league play on Thursday.
For more information visit; www.hardseniorsoftball.com.
Local Golfer Aston Lim Places First at Tiger Woods Jr. Invitational
By Andrew Joseph
Photos courtesy of Adrian Lim
The Union City native, 14-year-old Aston Lim, is making great strides in the local golf scene after recently finishing in first place for the boys age 13-15 division at the Tiger Woods Junior Invitational from October 7-8, 2023 in Pebble Beach, California. In addition to the Tiger Woods Jr. Invitational, Aston has placed well at other recent tournaments including five first-place finishes in 2023. He is currently in eighth grade at Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School in Union City, and will be attending James Logan High School as a freshman in the fall this year.
Aston’s interest in golf first came when he was just six years old because it was fun, but it has quickly become a competitive sport for him. Aston’s first tournament was April 4, 2018 at the Ernie Barbour Memorial Junior Tournament where he won the title with a first-place finish, a great introduction into what has become an outstanding young and burgeoning career for himself. Aston’s most recent first place finish was at the Halloween Junior Championship in Sacramento finishing with 142 strokes in the boys 12-13 tournament. Another great recent tournament for Aston was the Silicon Valley Junior Series in Milpitas with boys 12-18 where he earned first place with 149 strokes including five birdies finishing +5 par.
“My inspiration to play golf has been Tiger Woods and also my dad,” said Aston. “Tiger Woods has won a lot of big tournaments through a lot of injuries and tough times – that is my motivation because I also had a back injury similar to Tiger’s.”
In the highly publicized annual golf tournament ran by Team Tiger Woods and Taylor Made Golf Company, Aston competed with an elite few with the chance to meet Stanford University product himself, Tiger Woods. This event is by invitation only. Each year, 60 (30 boys and 30 girls) junior golf players between the ages 10-18 from across the country are selected. This year, there were over 600 applicants. Aston was very fortunate to make the cut, based on skills, rank, and golf presence.
“The Tiger Woods tournament was my favorite tournament I have ever played in because I got to meet my idol Tiger Woods and play at Pebble Beach with a lot of talented golfers,” said Aston. “I was speechless when I met Tiger Woods because I was standing next to the best golfer of all time.”
This was the second year the tournament was held. Aston was excited, and went early to practice on location. He was there to win. He made sure that he knew the course, checked out all the holes, green speed, etc. He was ready. In the evening, during registration and dinner, Aston found that Charlie Woods, Tiger Woods’ son from Florida, would also be competing. He was in the same age group as Aston. Poor Aston’s heart sank as he commented that Charlie shouldn’t be allowed to play since “he breaks all sorts of records in all the events he plays. He drives 100 yards more than anyone in his field.”
The next day, Aston showed up at The Hay Golf Course, ready to give his all. Even if he does not win, he was going to go out in style. The first day consists of three rounds. In the first round, Aston came in fifth place. That did not bother him as he scanned the scoreboard to find that he had beaten Charlie Woods in round one. Beating Charlie reinvigorated him. In round two, he crushed the entire field and came in with a top score out of all 60 players. That took him to a three-way tie for first. Of course, he still scanned Charlie’s score to confirm that he did not dream his victory over Charlie. In round three, Aston again came in first which pulled him up to the top spot, beating second place by two strokes.
“I got advice from Tiger Woods about the mental part of golf – which is a big part of the sport,” added Aston. “This tournament was a great opportunity for me to get better and learn from the best in the game.”
The second day of the tournament was held a
t The Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach and the top two players of each division would play 18-hole Match Play. The goal is to win as many holes as you can against the opponent. Winner gets to claim the title of TGR Jr. Invitational Champion and the coveted trophy. Aston goes head-to-head against Julien. Julien is a high school sophomore who easily outdrives Aston. Aston’s strategy lies on his accuracy against Julien’s long drives. The Spanish Bay course is also very familiar to Julien, so he had a home field advantage.
It showed right away as Julien takes the lead on the first hole. It didn’t look good for Aston as he could not take the lead from Julien by hole 3. However, by hole 4, Aston has gotten used to the course environment, and was in the lead. Aston was up by two on hole 9. By hole 13, Aston had taken a large four-point lead. He just needed to win one more hole to clinch the match. However, fate was not with him as he blasts the ball off the right toward the beach on hole 14. He had to take an unplayable, but managed to save par with an incredible putt. On hole 15, Aston overshoots the dog-leg and lost the hole. Aston knew he just needed a tie in any hole to close out the match. Julien’s next shot misses the green of the par 3. Aston just has to drive to the green to put pressure on his opponent. That, he did. The ball landed about four yards from the hole. Aston won the hole with a par as Julien tried too hard and bogeyed.
“My goal for the future is to win more tournaments, meet new people, and get prepared to start playing for James Logan in the fall,” said Aston. “I have been coaching myself for the most part and just learning from my mistakes to get better, not get angry, and not focus on the bad shots.”
The future is bright for the young phenom and there is anticipation of a great high school career for Aston that is quickly approaching. His sister Alyssa Lim is currently playing golf at James Logan as an individual and has many accolades to her name. Aston looks to follow her success at James Logan in the fall.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
It is necessary to widen Grimmer Blvd.
Most drivers have noticed that the work on the intersection of Fremont Boulevard and Grimmer Boulevard has been in progress for a long time and has not finished yet.
But what I see at the traffic light is a huge bottleneck to make left and right turns. The obvious reason is that the section from Paseo Padre Parkway to Fremont Boulevard via Grimmer Boulevard is too narrow. And two lanes are not enough for a smooth ride.
I sent letters weekly to the city mayor and members of the city council asking the city to add another lane for congestion-free traffic while construction at one spot is already going on and plenty of vacant space is available there. Unfortunately, so far, no action has been taken.
I hope the mayor and city council members will read my letter this time around and do something for the benefit of drivers.
Zafar Yousufzai
Fremont
Honor Roll
Siena College
Fall 2023 President’s List
- Asavari Gowda of Fremont
University of Alabama
Fall 2023 President’s List
- Adrian Lombrana of Fremont
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Fall 2023 Dean’s List
- Jagminder Kaur of Milpitas
- Christina Landreth of Milpitas
- Jagandeep Singh of Milpitas
California School for the Deaf welcomes new Superintendent
Submitted by California School for the Deaf
The California Department of Education is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Amy Novotny as the 13th Superintendent of the California School for the Deaf, Fremont (CSD). Ms. Novotny, who will begin her position on February 1, 2024, will be the first Deaf female superintendent in CSD’s storied 164-year history.
Ms. Novotny brings a wealth of experience to CSD. She has served over the past 18 months as a high school principal and a Curriculum/Outreach supervisor at CSD. In the 9 years prior to moving to Fremont, she was the Executive Director at the Rocky Mountain Deaf School in Denver, Colorado. Prior to that, she was a classroom teacher for 8 years and principal/curriculum coordinator for 3 years. She is currently a board member of the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.
The California Department of Education is looking forward to working with her and continuing our longstanding commitment to academic excellence and the well-being for our students, teachers, families, and school community.
Former firefighter accused of planting explosives near California roadways pleads not guilty
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A former firefighter with a previous arson conviction has been arrested on suspicion of detonating a homemade bomb and planting several other explosive devices along roadways across two Northern California counties, authorities said.
The 41-year-old man pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges including possessing and exploding an explosive device with the “intent to injure, intimidate, and terrify a person, and to wrongfully injure and destroy property,” according to the criminal complaint.
The Sacramento Bee reported the man was arrested Jan. 12 following an investigation by the FBI, the California Highway Patrol and local sheriff’s departments after a series of improvised explosive devices were found alongside roads and highways in El Dorado and Sacramento counties. Officials did not specify which roads were involved.
In a social media post, the highway patrol said the man, a resident of Orangevale, was apprehended after an “intense operation” in which an explosive ordinance disposal team carried out “critical search warrants.”
The defendant also faces a special allegation for having a previous felony conviction. In 2016 he pleaded guilty to setting at least 30 fires in rural areas east of Sacramento during 2006 and 2007, causing $7 million in damage
, the Bee reported. He was sentenced to five years in prison and agreed to pay more than $246,000 in restitution to the state.
He set the fires after serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Diamond Springs Fire Protection District in El Dorado County. He also worked from 2001 to 2003 as a seasonal firefighter for Cal Fire, according to the Bee.
The defendant is being held in the El Dorado County Jail and is ineligible for bail, court records show.
Continuing Events:
Tuesdays
East Bay Games Meet
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
German/Euro style board games and card games.
Swiss Park
5911 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 936-2523
meetup.com/east-bay-games
Tuesdays, January 23 – May 28
LEGO® Time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Use your imagination and engineering skills to create your own LEGO® designs.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Drop-in. For everyone.
Tuesdays, January 23 – March 26
Music and Storytime
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for stories, music, and movement.
Cherryland Community Center
278 Hampton Road, Hayward
(510) 626-8522
For babies, toddlers, kids, and preschoolers.
Tuesdays, January 23 – March 26
Comfort & Joy Ukulele R
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs as well as learning new ones.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Tuesdays, January 23 – March 26
East Indian Seniors R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Anyone who is retired and of Indian origin or interested in Indian culture is welcome to join us.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month
Wednesdays, January 10 – March 27
Folk Dancing Social R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join in the wonderful spirit of dancing and savor the beautiful music from all over the world.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays, January 10 – March 13
Book Club AWC R
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The book club meets for stimulating discussions.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month
Wednesdays and Saturdays, January 10 – December 20
Free Open House Nature Learning Center & Pollinator Garden at Central Park
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sat: 10 am to 2 pm
See native mammals and birds, explore a compost worm bin and much more.
Nature Learning Center at Central Park
40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
Confirm details before attending.
Thursday, February 1-February 29
We Are Unstoppable
Black History Month
12 Noon – 6:00 pm
Showcase the great achievements of African-Americans, past and present.
Domini Hoskins
Black History Museum & Learning Center
890 Jefferson Ave., Redwood City
(650) 921-4191
www.hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org
Thursdays, January 4 – March 28
International Folk Dancing R$
11:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Celebrate the cultural roots and traditional life of various countries.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
In English and Chinese.
Thursdays, January 4 – March 28
Bocce Ball Class R
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn how to play Bocce Ball.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Rain will cancel class.
Thursdays, January 11 – March 28
Chinese Calligraphy Social R
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bring your own supplies and socialize and have fun while doing calligraphy.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
There is no teaching on site.
Thursdays, January 11 – March 28
Chinese Music Ensemble R
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Open to all who are interested in performing traditional Chinese music.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Thursdays, January 18 – February 22
Family Board Game Night
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Play together with family and friends, or make some new friends at the library.
Centerville library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Board games will be provided.
Thursdays and Saturdays
Story Time
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Picture book story time
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
bit.ly/3VFpbcz
Thursday, January 25 – Saturday, March 16
Thu – Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Children’s Book Illustrator show & API Exhibition
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Thursdays – Sundays
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#events
Admission fee applies.
Fridays, December 29 – November 29
Qi Gong Meditation & Exercise Class
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Falun Dafa classes provided by the Classical Arts Foundation.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
Language: English, Mandarin, Vietnamese.
Fridays, December 29 – May 10
Go: The Game R
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Go is an ancient game of strategy. To learn the game or to play it.
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 745-1464
All ages and levels.
Fridays, January 12 – March 29
African Dance and Culture R$
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Experience the joy and vitality of African Dance!
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Fridays, January 12 – March 29
Aloha Vibes R
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
A group of musicians (all instruments welcome) who wish to share multi-cultural and familiar music with others.
Age Well Center at South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
(510) 742-7529
Second and fourth Fridays of the month
Fridays and Saturdays
Free Telescope Viewings
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing!
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/calendar
Weather permitting.
Saturdays
Laugh Track City R$
8:00 pm
Series of improvised games and scenes
Made Up Theatre
4000 Bay St. suite B., Fremont
(510) 573-3633
madeuptheatre.com
Saturdays
Free Beginner Pickleball Lesson
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Free pickleball lesson taught by a USPA professional.
Hall Memorial Park
304 La Honda Dr, Milpitas
(408) 586-3210
Drop-in. Weather permitting.
Saturdays, January 13 – March 30
History Museum Visit $
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Visit the various halls that highlight the fossils of the San Francisco Bay area.
Children’s Natural History Museum
4074 Eggers Dr., Fremont
(510) 790-6284
Self-guided tour.
Saturdays, January 27 – February 10
Fremont Neighborhood Tree Plantings R
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Planting 15-gallon street trees in several Fremont neighborhoods.
www.urbanforestfriends.org/
Signed waiver.
Age 15+
Sundays
Weekly meditation Session R
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Explore the effortless way to ultimate bliss.
India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
(408) 934-1130
samarpanmeditationusa.org
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Sundays, January 7 – February 25
ICC Chess Classes R$
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Kids will learn the fundamentals of chess.
The India Community Center – Table Tennis Center
1507 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas
(408) 945-9556
Age 5+.
Sundays – Saturdays
Recreational Swim $
12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Attractions may vary.
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 578-4620
bit.ly/3nxo0is
Sundays
Larry “O” Teen Workshop
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Used bikes, bike parts for sale and bike repair.
Larry Orozco Teen Workshop
33623 Mission Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5487
www.unioncity.org/723/Larry-O-Teen-Workshop
Ro*****@un*******.org
Donation accepted.
Second and fourth Sundays of the month
Mondays – Fridays, January 16 – March 7
“Something Minimal” Art Exhibition
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
HAC member exhibition.
John O’ Lague Galleria
777 B Street, Hayward
Located within Hayward City Hall.
Mondays and Thursdays
Food Garden Volunteer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learning from experienced gardeners.
LEAF CR Stone Garden
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
vo*******@fr*********.org
Volunteer agreement form is required.
Upcoming Events:
Mondays, February 5 – February 26
Movies at the Morrisson
7 p.m.
Douglas Morrison Theatre
22311 North 3rd St., Hayward
(510) 881-6700
https://douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com/
Cost: $10
Thursday, February 1
Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Events
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fremont Family Resource Center Enterprise Room
39155 Liberty St., Fremont
Friday, February 2
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fremont Main Public Library, Van Doorn Meeting Room
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
For more information (510) 268-2101
Thursday, February 1-February 29
We Are Unstoppable Black History Month
12 Noon – 6:00 pm
Showcase the great achievements of African-Americans, past and present.
Domini Hoskins
Black History Museum & Learning Center
890 Jefferson Ave., Redwood City
(650) 921-4191
www.hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org
Friday, February 2
First Friday: Celestial Cinema
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Join Chabot to get a behind-the-scenes look at how space films are made. Create your own flipbook sci-fi adventure, attend hands-on workshops
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/calendar
$15 Adults, $10 Kids/Seniors, $5 Members
Saturday, February 3
Baroque Music Festival
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Harpsichord presentation by Xiangxiang Reynolds followed by the 30 Goldberg Variations by Johann Sebastian Bach
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
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Saturday, February 3
Jared Freiburg concert
7:30 pm
Jared Freiburg, featuring the Spinouts, returns by popular demand.
Castro Valley Center for the Arts
19501 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley
(510) 889-8961
cvartsfoundation.org
Tickets: $36 – $40
Saturday, February 3
Meet and Greet local Author Aydin Rizqi
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Aydin Rizqi is a Fremont resident and author of the 5-Book Series called ‘Ethan Anderson and the Wielders’ and ‘K.I.D.S’ Trilogy.
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
(510) 565-1004
bit.ly/3VFpbc
Thursday, February 8
Intro to Crochet
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Come try your hand at a few crocheting basics! All supplies will be provided.
Irvington Library
41825 Greenpark Dr., Fremont
(510) 795-2631
Friday, February 9
Adult Valentine’s Slumber with the Stars
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Advance purchase only. Adults aged 21 and over
Your experience includes a delightful dinner, breakfast, a selection of limited drinks, engaging activities, captivating planetarium shows, and mesmerizing laser shows.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
chabotspace.org/calendar
Friday, February 9
California International Antiquarian Book Fair
Fri: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat: 12 noon – 7 p.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Pier 27 (cruise ship terminal)
The Embarcadero, San Francisco
https://www.abaa.org/cabookfair
Tickets: $10 – $25
Friday, February 9
The 20th Annual MUSD Crab Feed and Auction $R
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Presented by Milpitas Kiwanis – a night of delicious crab, and exciting auctions.
The Milpitas Community Center
457 Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
http://tinyurl.com/4mwe6cus
Contact: Dennis @ (408) 205-7103
Saturday, February 10
African Americans and the Arts
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Poets, Drummers, Quilters, Basket Weavers, Wood Carvers and ongoing entertainment
Keynote Speaker: Soul Food Kitchen featuring Culinary Delights
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
Free Admission
Friday, February 16
AWC Crab Feed Dinner – Dine-in/Four/Two /One Pack $R
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enrollment is from now till 2/1/2024.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Purchase tickets now
bit.ly/awclecf2024
Saturday, February 24
Union City Lions Club Crab Feed $R
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Register now. Feature musing, raffle prices, and auction. Proceeds will benefit community programs.
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church
32975 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City
(510) 471-2581
Purchase tickets now
un**********@gm***.com
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