Fremont Bank rings in 60th anniversary and new headquarters with upcoming celebration
By Hugo Vera
Fremont Bank will be celebrating its 60th anniversary as well as the opening of its new headquarters on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 39150 Fremont Boulevard. The block party celebration (which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) will feature complimentary food, drink, live music from a DJ, raffles and other fun giveaways.
“Our motto for this celebration is ‘Here for you, here for good’ and that’s a message we took to heart when planning this event,” says Fremont Bank Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking Don Marek.
The history of Fremont Bank dates back to 1964 when it was founded by Mississippi-born U.S. military veteran Morris Hyman, who attended Stanford University on the G.I. Bill.
“Morris Hyman wanted to do banking differently,” says Marek. “He saw the needs of his clients, most of whom were agrarian ‘Fremonters’ at the time, and he began to do things that the other big banks wouldn’t, such as staying open later and letting people bank on Saturdays, which was revolutionary for the time.”
In the decades following its founding, Fremont Bank would continue to take a localized approach to banking as it prioritized the needs of the greater East Bay community despite the influx of competitors such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo, as well as the rising presence of international banks in the area.
“What we learned through events such as the recessions in both 2008 and 2010, the pandemic and the first two waves of PPP (paycheck protection program) was the value of traditional banking and serving the community intimately,” adds Fremont Bank Vice President of Marketing Devon Johnson.
For both Marek and Johnson, the block party and opening of the new headquarters came as a pleasant surprise as the building was originally slated to open in late 2023. Despite the delay, Fremont Bank relishes the coincidence of the building opening the same year as the anniversary. Fremont Bank continues to work with the City of Fremont to revitalize the downtown area of Fremont Boulevard near the Fremont Hub Shopping Center.
“This opening of our new headquarters is the tangible representation of who we are and what we stand for,” concludes Marek. “We have never grown by acquiring or dissolving another bank. We’ve only grown by fiercely serving our community in Fremont and the Tri-City Area. We’ve been around for 60 years, and with this new stake in the ground we hope to be around for another 60 or 100 years.”
Fremont Bank 60th Anniversary Celebration Block Party
Saturday, Jun 15
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New Fremont Bank headquarters
39150 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
www.fremontbank.com/landing-pages/cbg/2024/hq-block-party
Local children’s author launches sequel to adventure series, Lotta Pedal
By Charlene Dizon
Photos courtesy of Vanessa Cudmore
Local children’s author Vanessa Cudmore is truly living out her writing dreams. After the whirlwind success of Lotta Pedal Catches Her Wave, Cudmore is eager to present the next installment to her bold and captivating series, Lotta Pedal Chases Buck Moon.
The process of publishing Lotta Pedal Catches Her Wave was a transformative experience, particularly in Cudmore’s travels upon the book’s release. She says, “The reception for Book One has been very exciting and rewarding on different levels.” Cudmore attended several bookstore events, including a book signing at the popular Los Angeles Barnes and Noble at The Grove location. She not only got to meet her readers but sought out creative ways to launch Book One. Cudmore became a sponsor for the Ocean Film Festival World Tour in Santa Cruz, which earned her a running ad for Lotta Pedal at their theater. Her book was featured in environmentally focused stores, including a floral shop in the historic Drake Hotel in Chicago. Cudmore even journeyed as far as Canada to share Lotta Pedal with new readers, all while balancing her day job and writing Book Two.
During this exhilarating experience, Cudmore was more than ready to dive into the publication process for Book Two. Lotta Pedal Chases Buck Moon continues to follow the adventures of young and spunky Lotta Pedal, who has a knack for baking, biking, and discovering nature’s wonders in her West Coast hometown. In this sequel, Lotta Pedal prepares to celebrate the first full moon of the summer. However, she finds herself on an unexpected nighttime outdoor adventure when a mysterious night owl steals one of her homemade orange creamsicle whoopie moon pies. The writing and illustration all took place during the launching of Book One, making it a true balancing act for Cudmore. She worked alongside the same team that helped bring her first book to life, including award-winning illustrator Antonio Caparo.
The writing process for this follow-up came to Cudmore instinctively. She explains, “I wanted the second book to define Lotta’s adventures for the remainder of the series. She’s still quick-witted, active, and independent, all while learning about ways to protect the planet a little more.” As for the setting, Cudmore used one of her personal favorite parks, Coyote Hills, as inspiration for Lotta’s local regional park. Together, Lotta and the reader learn about the significance of trail maintenance and other vital facets of nature that help to ensure wildlife has a safe and secure sanctuary to live in.
Lotta Pedal fans will be happy to learn that Cudmore has already mapped out a total of five stories in the series thus far. She shares, “There is so much more to tell. As the storyline evolves, it’s only natural that the characters do too.” Readers will be able to grow alongside Lotta Pedal and endure not only her successes but also her hardships, including her hopes in trying to stabilize the rocky dynamic she has with her two older brothers. The themes of family and friendship are still vital to shaping Lotta’s world as a whole. Environmental awareness is also a permanent fixture in the series. Cudmore says, “The tricky part is keeping everything energetic and fun, rather than sounding too much like a textbook.” Lotta’s special baking recipes will also continue to be featured.
As a writer, Cudmore’s journey has been a long but fulfilling one. Becoming comfortable in promoting herself as an author was in itself a defining and transformative moment. She was even recently featured on the KTVU Fox 2 “Voices For Change” show, which further amplified her conviction as a writer. “Diving headfirst and learning to be confident were skills I’ve had to
practice to put myself out there,” she shares. By breathing life into Lotta Pedal, not only has the trajectory of Cudmore’s own life changed but her belief in the power of using one’s imagination as a tool for growth and change. When giving words of wisdom to aspiring writers, Cudmore says, “There is no limit on the flow of creativity.” Extraordinaire Earth-saver Lotta Pedal proves to be a true testament to this.
To purchase the Lotta Pedal books, visit https://www.lottapedal.com/shop. Physical copies can also be found at Banter Bookshop in Fremont.
Lotta Pedal Book Event
Saturday, June 22
10:30 a.m.
Banter Bookshop
3768 Capitol Ave. Ste. F, Fremont
City of Fremont’s Olive Hyde Art Gallery Celebrates its 54th Annual Textile Exhibition
Submitted by City of Fremont
In June 2024, City of Fremont’s historic Olive Hyde Art Gallery proudly presents its 54th annual “Textile Exhibition.”
We are excited to announce that this year’s exhibit will include even more artists than last year’s, featuring fiber art from 39 new and returning artists based in the Bay Area and Northern California. Artwork will showcase a variety of textile techniques including quilting, macrame, wearables, sculpture, hand-dyed/painted fabrics, and much more. View brand new work from 19 returning artists who participated in 2023.
Please join the opening reception on Friday, June 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is a free event open to everyone. Gallery and Receptions are always free to the public. All are invited to meet the artists and enjoy the summer evening with fellow art enthusiasts.
Featured artists include: Katherine Bacher, Mel Beach, Lynne Born, Ann Boylan, Deb Cashatt, Martha Castillo, Adriane Dedic, Giny Dixon, Mona Duggan, Susan Else, Jane Haworth, Susan Helmer, Marilynn Host, Isabella King, Lynn Koolish, Ally Kraus, Maureen Langenbach, Peter Langenbach, Zwia Lipkin, Ann D Mayse, Rev. Barbara F. Meyers, Denise Oyama Miller, Dolores Miller, Cathy Miranker, Anne Muller, Kim Muller, Parul Parekh, Lillian Pate, Jacqueline Ragland, Priscilla Read, Sharon Page Ritchie, Carole Rossi, Roxanne Schwartz, Claire Sherman, Cindy Sojourner, Ileana Soto, Lisa Stambaugh, Christine Tsai, and Martha Wolfe.
For more information about the City of Fremont’s Olive Hyde Art Gallery, visit bit.ly/FremontOHAG. Sponsorship Funding by Olive Hyde Art Guild – olivehydeartguild.org.
54th Annual Textile Exhibition
Virtual Exhibit
Thursday, June 6 – Saturday, August 3
bit.ly/FremontOHAG
In Person Exhibit
Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, August 3
Thurs – Sun; 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Opening Reception
Friday, June 21
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
City of Fremont’s Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
Open during exhibitions
(510) 791-4357
Golden Anniversary for Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society
By Victor Carvellas
Since 1974, the Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society (AACHS), serving Hayward and the Tri-City Area, has provided opportunities “for citizens of African Decent to share [their] history through educational and cultural activities.” Networking, for both economic growth and social engagement, is a key component of the Society’s mission.
As Society historian, Mary Sass wrote that the AACHS was organized in 1974, conceived by Jean Ficklin “as a result of her involvement on the Newark Commission of Social Concerns Committee.” Ficklin saw a need to facilitate and encourage the sharing of African-American culture not only as a goal in itself, but also as a means of educating and edifying the community.
On Sunday June 2, 2024, the Society celebrated its 50th anniversary at Newark Library Plaza. Ficklin, who’s in her early 90s, greeted the crowd of Society friends, parents, past and present Society officials, and local dignitaries, including President of Fremont Board of Education Yajing Zhang, District 2 Councilmember Desrie Campbell, Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez, District 10 State Senator Aisha Wahab, and Fremont Mayor Lily Mei.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., Professor of Engineering at Ohlone College, is an experienced STEM educator, whose focus is educational equality for underserved groups. Ekeng-Itua herself is a trailblazer, being the first Black woman to receive a doctorate in the field of Cybernetics.
One of the objectives of the Society’s Mission Statement is to “award scholarships to local high school graduates and to sponsor an annual scholarship and graduate program.” In observance of that goal, eight young applicants were chosen to receive awards.
Past Scholarship recipients Lauren Pitcher (2003) and Brian Eady (1992) shared how receiving their awards not only materially helped fund their educational goals, but also instilled the confidence in themselves needed to achieve them.
Society Treasurer Ric Ricards and Scholarship Chairperson Bonnie Duplessis presided over the presentation of awards. The first four recipients were Nevaeh Bush of Hayward High, Carlos Sutton of James Logan High, Thomas Tilly of Newark Memorial High, and Nia Owens of Washington High.
Jean Ficklin’s late husband was a strong supporter of Jean and the Society until his passing in 2011. He is remembered by the Herman Ficklin Memorial Scholarship, which was awarded to Christian Ratliff and Kailyn Oldham, both of James Logan.
Charter Society member and educator Doris Rutland and Lifetime Member Janice Wilkinson Morris are remembered with memorial scholarships as well; those went to Sophia Kyana of Mt. Eden High and Skylar Everett of Ohlone Community College, respectively.
AACHS President Sandra Smith gave the closing remarks, urging students to stay in touch with the Society and to use its network as a support and a resource as they venture into t
he world.
Fremont’s Chief of Police Sean Washington emceed the event, and the Oaktown Jazz Workshop provided entertainment. A light lunch and refreshments catered by Ayanna Smith (a 2011 Scholarship recipient) were served with the help of members of Boy Scout Troop 176.
The scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500. The Society has been providing such support since 1976, the year it became an official non-profit. Treasurer Ricards said that since 1976, 201 scholarships have been given, totaling just over $240,000.
When interviewed, Mrs. Ficklin was asked what she believed was the Society’s greatest strength, to which she replied, “the focus on sharing our culture and history. By doing that,” she continued, “we endeavor to support our students in their educational goals and to embrace the community of which they are a part.” Will there be fifty more years? “In order to carry on,” states Ficklin, “we need new members, young members to join us. Some of us have been doing this a long time.”
Membership is open to all. To find out more, visit the AACHS website at https://aachstricity.org/
Public Input Encouraged at Briones Pilot Project Community Meeting
Submitted by Flora Csontos
The public is invited to celebrate and provide feedback on the first year of the East Bay Regional Park District’s Briones Pilot Project at a community meeting on Saturday, June 15, at Briones Regional Park. The community meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Crow Picnic Site adjacent to the Alhambra Staging Area.
Launched in April 2023, the Briones Pilot Project is a two-year project intended to test a variety of trail management strategies. The project assesses ways to enhance trail safety and improve the trail experience while protecting habitat, wildlife, and watersheds. The pilot project is limited to a specific 1,600-acre zone in the northeast corner of Briones Regional Park.
The project established specific rules limiting trail use within the pilot project zone and for two trail segments adjacent to the zone, such as hiking only, biking only, or biking/hiking only, and direction of travel. On weekends, trail use within the zone alternates days between bicycle and equestrian use based on odd and even calendar dates.
The project aims to address increased trail and park usage in Regional Parks over the past several years, restore natural habitat by closing illegally constructed “bootleg” trails in the pilot project zone; protect resources, habitat, wildlife, and watersheds; enhance the trail user experience; and increase volunteer engagement in trail maintenance and habitat restoration. Protecting wildlife and restoring natural habitats are top priorities of East Bay Regional Park District and of the Briones Pilot Project.
“Over the past year, the Park District, with the help of volunteers, has restored 3.5 miles of bootleg trails and maintained and improved more than four miles of hiker and biker trails that have been incorporated in the pilot project,” said East Bay Regional Park District Trails Program Manager Sean Dougan. “We continue to welcome and encourage public feedback and cooperation as the project moves into its second year.”
In 2023, volunteers logged over 1,000 hours maintaining approved trails and closing or restoring others. Additionally, according to trail counter devices installed by the Park District, trail use compliance by bikers and equestrian users is at least 78 percent as measured during weekend trail use. Self-reported data in the GPS-based exercise app, Strava, has been measured at 90 percent or higher on all trails in the first year of the project. The Park District’s compliance goal for all user groups is 80 percent or higher.
For more information, go to ebparks.org/briones-pilot-project.
Decoto Bike Tour
Submitted by Kelsey Camello
On Saturday, June 15, 2024, join local historian Tim Swenson on a bicycle tour of Decoto. The tour will weave through the Decoto neighborhood in Union City, with stops to discuss a number of older buildings.
The tour duration will be about 1.5 hours and will cover about four miles. Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Dry Creek/Pioneer Regional Park, located at the end of May Road (near Whipple and Mission Blvd.).
There is a downloadable/printable tour booklet available on the museum website. Tours are free, but a suggested donation is $5 per person or $10 per family, thank you!
See you on the tour!
Decoto Bike Tour
Saturday, Jun 15
10 a.m.
Dry Creek/Pioneer Regional Park parking Lot
May Rd., Fremont
Suggested donation: $5 per person / $10
Flag Day
By Dhanya Ganesh
As you walk around your neighborhood on June 14 you may see many American flags hung up to commemorate Flag Day. Although this special day isn’t a federal holiday, people still hold celebrations, picnics, and other events to express their patriotism. The American Flag has undergone many changes throughout the decades, but its symbolism of unity within the states has always remained. The American Flag consists of red, blue, and white, with the thirteen red and white stripes representing the thirteen colonies that broke free from Britain’s control.
During the American Revolution, when the thirteen colonies were breaking free from the hands of Great Britain, there was no one flag they all stood under. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution saying that the flag would have thirteen alternating red and white stripes. Historians believe that Francis Hopkinson designed the flag. There have been twenty-seven different versions of the American flag, mostly to reflect new states entering the union. Various people have been credited as the “first” to acknowledge Flag Day. One is Bernard Cigrand, who wanted the stars and stripes to be honored with an official holiday. In 1885, Cigrand and his students celebrated “Flag Day.” In 1916, June 14 was dubbed “Flag Day” by President Woodrow Wilson.
The American Flag itself has many meanings behind it, especially about unity, but acts on the flag have been show
n to symbolize the people’s trust in the American ways and the government itself. During the Vietnam War many opposed the American government’s role in the war, and so as a sign of protest, they burned the American flag. This resulted in the Flag Protection Act of 1968 where burning of flags was declared illegal, but this was revised decades later saying that the government cannot limit people’s First Amendment liberty to free speech. Because the flag has a rich history and meaning behind it, people deface it to show their disdain for the direction the country is heading. Flag Day is meant to represent the opposite end of this spectrum, as a way for people to show patriotism.
Flag Day is celebrated to remember the history of how the flag came to be, including the revolution, and what the flag means to us Americans. The Red, White, and Blue may have undergone many changes, but the impact and meaning behind the banner have stood the test of time.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/news/what-is-flag-day
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/flagday.pdf
Fremont’s First Pride Fair: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
By Olivia Ma
Fremont is set to mark a new milestone with its first-ever Pride Fair at the Fremont Main Library on June 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organized by the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission in collaboration with the Fremont Main Library, the fair aims to foster inclusion and celebrate diversity within the community.
“I’m excited to be a part of it because it’s an important step for Fremont,” said Paula Manczuk-Hannay, one of the volunteering organizers under the Human Relations Commission and longtime LGBTQ+ ally. “The Human Relations Commission has participated in the San Francisco Pride Fair for many years. We felt it was important to do something in Fremont now.”
The planning for the event began when the Fremont Main Library reached out to the city managers’ office about a Fremont Pride Fair. Later, when the suggestion for collaboration between the two came up, the Library was quick to take up on the offer and host the event.
The fair will feature around 22 booths from various sponsors and organizations, offering services geared toward the LGBTQ+ community, along with educational and family-friendly resources. Attendees can expect to see activities such as a drag storytime, square dancing, a youth panel discussion on LGBTQ+ issues supported by Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (S.A.V.E.), drag bingo, a DJ, games, and a food truck. Additionally, Community Health will provide on-site rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing.
The idea of offering HIV and hepatitis C testing aligns with the event’s focus on community health. “Rapid HIV testing is very important,” said Manczuk-Hannay, “It was big in the 80s but is still around today, so [testing] is for everyone.”
Both the Human Relations Commission and Fremont Main Library have made sure to include as many engaging activities as possible. When the idea for a drag storytime came up, the library felt that it was a perfect fit for the event, and quickly contacted other local libraries and organizations with connections, reaching out to drag performers with experience in this area. Additionally, public officials, including Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, will be in attendance and are expected to say a few words.
“We want to make sure that the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome and seen in Fremont,” said Manczuk-Hannay, “that they know that they’re loved.”
Fremont Pride Fair
Saturday, Jun 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 284-4000
Calling all Bay Area Middle & High School Musicians
Submitted by Jenny Lin Foundation
For the 30th year, Castro Valley-based Jenny Lin Foundation offers a summer music program free of charge to middle and high schoolers in Band, String Orchestra and Choir. Participants meet at Creekside Middle School on Monday, Wednesday and occasionally Thursday from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting Monday, June 10 for five weeks. Late registration is accepted. We are flexible with rehearsal attendance, but students must perform at the evening concert on Saturday, July 13.
It’s not too late for eligible students to register now for the great opportunity to meet peers across the Bay Area, and be able to rehearse and perform in a group during the summer. High school students who participate may earn service-learning hours.
Last year, 200 students participated in the program. Our seasoned music directors can’t wait to work with many more of you this summer.
A Castro Valley native and alumna of Jenny Lin Summer Program, Choral Director Chloe Billings currently teaches choir at Creekside, and music at nine elementary schools in Castro Valley. She is also Director of Silicon Valley Boychoir in Palo Alto.
Orchestra Director Greg Conway is a full-time music teacher with San Ramon Unified School District. He earned his M.M. degree in Instrumental Conducting from San Jose State University following 16 years of teaching music in Fremont public schools.
Band Director Matthew Fell is another experienced music educator who holds a Master’s of Music degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University. He is fully committed to giving each of his students a quality music education in an environment where they feel cared for and invested in.
Jenny Lin Foundation Summer Music Program
Mondays, Wednesdays & some Thursdays
Monday, Jun 10 – Saturday, July 13
6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Creekside Middle School
19722 Center St., Castro Valley
Register at https://jennylinfoundation.org
Juneteenth in Hayward
Submitted by City of Hayward
Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, is being observed in Hayward with a downtown event, flag raisings, and exhibits and programs at Hayward Public Library throughout the month of June.
Headlining the Juneteenth observances, the West Coast Blues Society and Juneteenth Hayward will present the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, on Saturday, June 22, from noon to 6 p.m., at the Heritage Plaza, with live music, a variety of foods, other vendors, and a beer and wine garden.
Family- and youth-oriented activities and entertainment at the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration will include the Black Cowboy Coalition, Moonbug Entertainment’s very own Meekah, apparatus and demonstrations by the Hayward Fire, Maintenance Services and Police departments, Hayward Public Library bookmobile Curbie, as well as art and recreation features presented by the Hayward Arts Council Gallery and HARD).
Hayward Public Library will be marking the occasion with book displays and decorating both library branches from June 10 through the end of the month. In addition, there will be two special free programs. On June 13, Unique Derique, “Clown Prince of Fools,” will entertain children of all ages with a 45-minute tribute to Juneteenth. This program will be in the Fremont Bank room in the Downtown library starting at 1 p.m. On Saturday, June 15, the Library will partner with San Francisco Opera to present the program “Black Voices in American Opera.” SF Opera’s Educational Content Coordinator, Cole Thomason-Redus, will present a historical and musical exploration of the careers and recordings of pioneers, along with other modern-day masters of American opera. Though not required, please register at live-hayward.pantheonsite.io.
Additionally, at noon on Tuesday, June 18, the City of Hayward will host ceremonial raisings of the Juneteenth and Pan African flags. Later that day, an equity-focused proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
MUSD receives $820k in grants
Submitted by Scott Forstner
Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was recently awarded $820,000 in grants through the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP), designed to improve opportunities for students and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. MUSD was one of 302 districts awarded grants for exceptional program design.
The MUSD grant will support the Educator/Social Worker, Computer Sciences and Health Sciences Pathway programs at MUSD Middle College High School, as well as the Computer Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing Pathway programs at the Milpitas High School Extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus.
“Our MUSD Team persistently applies for grants that will fuel our MUSD mission to assure every learner sees themselves in what they learn and is afforded opportunities to experience learning pathways that will support them in their future careers,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “We are thrilled with this recent grant award that will support the development of skills identified by the World Economic Forum as the three must haves for success in the workplace — problem solving, collaboration, and adaptability.”
The GSPP program integrates college preparatory coursework meeting the A-G course requirements for admission to state universities and the opportunity to earn 12 college credits with career exploration, career technical education courses, and work-based learning, according to the California Department of Education (CDE).
The implementation of dual enrollment and learning experiences that engage learners with possibilities for career allows students to advance seamlessly from high school through institutes of higher education to career, and provides the workforce needed for economic growth in Milpitas and throughout Silicon Valley.
In the last three months our MUSD Team has secured grants totaling $2.82M to support MUSD Strategic Goal #1 Build a Culture of We and SG #3 Develop Educational Pathways that allow Students to apply their Passion in Learning for their Future Careers. “Our strategic goals were developed after discussions with the experiences our students, parents, caretakers, community members, and local businesses have in Silicon Valley,” said Board President Minh Ngo. “We continue to connect pathways of success for our Future ready students.”
www.musd.org
Music at the Mission Presents ‘Rhapsodic Bohemians’
Submitted by Aileen Chanco
Music at the Mission returns on June 13, 15, and 16 with Rhapsodic Bohemians, a riveting program of chamber music for strings that takes you to the exotic and colorful Czech Republic during the 19th and 20th centuries. “The Czech Republic was very much at a crossroads in Europe, influenced by the Slavic world to the East while under the control of the Germanic world to the West for so many centuries,” says Music at the Mission’s Artistic Director Bill Everett. “It’s amazing that the culture even survived, really. The arts had a large part to do with that – so much so that when the Republic gained full independence in 1993, its first president was not a lawyer or a general, but Václav Havel, the poet!”
The first string quartet of Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) will be performed by violinists Genie Wie and Steve Huber, violist Chad Kaltinger, and cellist Michael Graham. Born in 1824, Smetana developed a unique style born from his native land. According to Everett, “Smetana looked to folk music to create a nationalistic style that – while influenced by German composers – was very much rooted in his homeland. He joined a revolt against the Austro-Hungarian Empire at one point, and even manned a barricade on the Charles Bridge as the Austrian army approached. His music became a symbol for independence, though true independence didn’t come to fruition for the Czech Republic until the 1990’s.”
While Smetana is widely seen as the father of Czech music, the music of Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) has been described by his biographer, John Clapham, as “the fullest recreation of a national idiom with that of the symphonic tradition, absorbing folk influences and finding effective ways of using them.” For three years in New York in the 1890’s, the composer headed a music conservatory, and a number of his works from this period contain melodies inspired by African American spirituals, including the main theme from his Symphony From the New World. The String Quintet in G Major, which will include Everett as bassist, is from earlier in Dvorak’s career and exemplifies his Slavic style. “The slow movement of this work feels like a stroll through the Bohemian countryside. While it is
only five players, it is a work that will sound orchestral in scale,” adds Everett.
Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959) was also a Czech patriot, but only from afar. “He spent a great deal of time searching for his voice, leaving the Romanticism in which he had been trained and briefly trying different styles including jazz,” Everett says. “He eventually ended up in Paris, and combined elements of older classical music with elements of Czech music,” Martinu fled the Nazi invasion of France, and like many artists, ended up in the United States. He taught composition to many American musicians, including a young Burt Bacharach. In 1947, he composed Three Madrigals for violinist Joseph Fuchs and his sister, violist Lillian Fuchs. Around this time, he thought of returning to his native Czechoslovakia – but the Communists took over and labeled him a traitor – so he never returned.
Music at the Mission will present the first of three performances on Thursday, June 13 at All Saints Episcopal Church in San Leandro. “The church is a beautiful example of Carpenter Gothic Architecture and they have been so welcoming to Music at the Mission. It is a perfect space for a chamber music concert, and we are happy to branch out from Fremont and bring our music to newer audiences,” says Executive Director Aileen Chanco.
On Saturday, June 15, Music at the Mission will present Rhapsodic Bohemians as a Salon Series Concert experience, complete with wine and hors d’oeuvres. “Our host in Fremont will be Martha Mahuron, who has so generously welcomed Music at the Mission for several years! Her house was once the home of Fremont’s first mayor, Jack Stevenson.”
Finally, on Sunday, June 16, a concert will be performed in Monterey County in the city of Marina and hosted by Music at the Mission’s Board President, Larry Matteucig. This concert will also be part of the afternoon Salon Series.
For all three of these performances, guest lecturer Dr. John Prescott will give a pre-concert talk.
Advanced ticket reservations required for Saturday 6/15 and Sunday 6/16. Addresses for 6/15 and 6/16 locations will be given upon ticket purchase, online only. For more information, email
in**@mu********.org
Music at the Mission ‘Rhapsodic Bohemians’
Thursday, Jun 13
7:30 p.m.
All Saints Episcopal Church
911 Dowling Blvd., San Leandro
Saturday, Jun 15
3 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres
The Mahuron Event Home, Fremont
Sunday, Jun 16
3 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres
Te Matteucig Residence, Marina
www.musicatmsj.org
Tickets: $20 – $38
Fremont Cares Story: A Father-Daughter Journey from Hardship to Hope
Submitted by City of Fremont
After his wife’s sudden passing, “Joe,” a devoted single father of a teenage daughter, became homeless. During this challenging time, his daughter’s well-being remained his number one priority. Joe was able to find a safe place for her to live without moving schools. However, Joe was left unsheltered, staying nearby to remain close to her.
For three years, Joe tried his best to find housing by applying for numerous low-income units and reaching out to various organizations for assistance. In 2023, his perseverance paid off when Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services connected him with staff at the City’s Fremont Family Resource Center (FRC).
The FRC’s Family Support Services program assigned Joe a Family Support Coordinator who assisted him and his daughter with intensive housing support and move-in assistance. Through access to the program’s additional tools and resources, Joe was able to save money.
As a result of his hard work, self-advocacy, and relentless drive to ensure his family overcame a difficult situation, Joe and his daughter are now living in stable housing near his daughter’s school where she can continue excelling in her studies.
About Fremont Cares
The City’s Fremont Cares storytelling series aims to shed light on the real-life experiences of Fremont’s unhoused residents, highlight the homeless response services provided by dedicated City staff and partner agencies, and inspire others to get involved and help.
To learn how you can help visit, www.fremont.gov/residents/homeless-response/how-to-help
Newark Optimist Club installs Little Free Library
Submitted by Newark Optimist Club
On May 28, 2024, the Newark Optimist Club installed a Little Free Library at Mayhews Landing Park in Newark. The Pacific Coast District of Optimist International has set up a goal for clubs to establish at least one Little Free Library, so that children in the community can get books into their hands. The Optimist Club supports and values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
The new Little Free Library increases access to books for young readers by giving them an easy way to select a book and begin reading. Local Optimist Club members and Mayor Mike Hannon came out to the opening of the Little Free Library. For more information on the Newark Optimist Club, call (510) 745-7184.
Mayhews Landing Park
3680 Cherry St., Newark
In the spirit of freedom and fun, Newark prepares for Juneteenth festivities
By Connie Cheung
Photos courtesy of Newark Recreation & Community Services Department
The story of freedom in America offers an opportunity for celebration and reflection. In 1865, almost two years after slavery was officially abolished in the Emancipation Proclamation, troops arrived in Galveston Bay, TX to inform enslaved African-Americans there that they were finally free. That day of joyous but delayed liberation came to be known as “Juneteenth,” and has been memorialized by Black communities across the United States ever since. Last year, it was signed into law by President Biden as a federal holiday to be enjoyed by all.
On Wednesday, June 19, the Recreation & Community Services department of Newark is sponsoring an afternoon of performances, activities, food, and booths representing community organizations. Danielle Cranon-Jones, the organizer who is leading the charge for this year’s event, envisioned it as a day to “invite the whole community to celebrate and just be educated in a fun way.”
The schedule includes a performance of the Black national anthem by Brandilyn “Bee” Young, a singer who recalls hearing the song since childhood at cultural events and celebrations. Set to a poem titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the piece was originally written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. In 1919, the NAACP selected the song as its official anthem and promoted it as a rallying cry during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” continues to play a role in America’s ongoing struggle against racial inequality. This year, the NFL featured the anthem ahead of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during opening week games, an abrupt turnaround by the same league that had previously punished players for kneeling in protest and support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Juneteenth is not just about the past, but also the future,” said Eileen Gazaway, who will be the emcee at the event alongside Armand Carr. The Oakland-based pair hosts “The Lady and the Voice,” a radio show and podcast where they discuss “everything related to relationships, even situationships.” They hope to adopt an “entertaining but informative” approach to presenting next week’s festivities.
As its significance increasingly takes a national stage, the holiday offers a chance to promote greater awareness and unity. “When you think about Juneteenth, anybody can participate in the celebration. It’s for everybody,” said Carr, observing that it’s “no different” from Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick’s Day, which can be enjoyed by people of non-Hispanic and non-Irish origin. Juneteenth should be a chance to decrease divisions and “just be advocates for people,” Gazaway chimed in.
Jean Ficklin, a resident in her early 90s, who moved to Newark in 1963, plans to attend the celebration and give away children’s booklets that promote learning. Ficklin, who was Newark’s first black teacher and taught for 23 years, referred to Juneteenth as the “American Day of Freedom,” explaining that it embodies “the freedom to have employment, the freedom to purchase a home, the freedom to live in a peaceful neighborhood and peaceful city, to be respected and valued.”
The nonagenarian summed up why it’s such a wonderful and worthwhile celebration for all: “Freedom is important to all people.”
Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, Jun 19
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Silliman Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
(510) 578-4400
www.newark.org/departments/recreation-and-community-services/upcoming-events
Oklahoma! Opens at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre
Submitted by Terry Liebowitz
Photo by Berenice Sullivan
“Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry” to see TMC Arts’ production of Oklahoma! at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre. Performances are June 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8 p.m., and June 16, 22, 23 at 2 p.m.
This is producer Dayna Speed’s second musical this season, following her success with Anastasia. Veteran director Sue Ellen Nelsen and Choreographer Cat Reyes are at the helm. Castro Valley’s Darrien Cabreana (CVHS ’17) plays Curly and CVHS’s Sophia Pereira, Carly Hillen, Alexander Witt, and Eleonora Layne join the rest of the talented Bay Area cast.
Oklahoma! opened on Broadway March 31,1943 in the middle of WWII. The Americana story of squabbling cowhands and farmers introduced a band of unforgettable characters to the stage: brash and handsome Curly, capable and stubborn Laurey, tough-as-nails Aunt Eller, and the dark and mysterious Jud Fry.
Its box office success provided a lot of “firsts:” the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration; the first musical to blend comedy, drama, dance, and song to advance the plot; the first Broadway show to run over 500 performances (2,212 performances!); and the first original Broadway cast album. Oklahoma! won a Pulitzer Prize in 1944 and the state of Oklahoma adopted the title song “Oklahoma” as their State Song in 1953.
Since its debut, Oklahoma! has played on tour nationally and internationally, been revived on Broadway in 2019, and turned into a Tony award-winning film.
Don’t miss this opportunity to fall in love all over again, or for younger fans, to see what the “Surry with the Fringe on Top” is all about.
Oklahoma!
Friday – Sunday, June 14 – 23
Douglas Morrisson Theatre
22311 N. Third St., Hayward
(510) 881-6777
Douglasmorrissontheatrethundertix.com
Tickets: Adults $42, Students/Seniors $30, Children (under 12) $20
Park Happenings for June
Submitted by Flora Csontos
The largest creek restoration project in the Park District’s history was recently completed at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, removing several culverts and opening up 3,000 feet of creek to a more natural run. It is also the largest creek daylighting project in the entire Bay Area.
The Alder and Leatherwood Creek Restoration and Public Access Project, previously referred to as the McCosker Project, provides natural habitat for special status or protected species, including the California red-legged frog, California foothill yellow-legged frog, Alameda whipsnake, San Francisco dusky-footed wood rat, golden eagle, Cooper’s hawk, loggerhead shrike, northern harrier, and white-tailed kite. Water quality and streamflow were also improved by the project, providing new habitat for rainbow trout.
The project was made possible through $4 million in funding secured by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan in the 2019 state budget. Additional funding came from the Park District’s voter-approved Measure WW and other state and federal grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wildlife Conservation Board, Coastal Conservancy, California State Parks, and voter-approved Propositions 1, 84, and 50 allocated by the California Natural Resources Agency.
For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/park-district-celebrates-grand-opening-alder-creek-and-leatherwood-creek.
East Bay Regional Park District began a new pilot project on Memorial Day weekend to expedite park entry at Del Valle on weekends and holidays. Entry to Del Valle Regional Park on busy weekends and holidays can be challenging as visitors line up at the entry kiosk to pay for park admission and parking. With the pilot project, visitors will pay a single $10 flat fee to enter the park rather than individual fees based on park use. The $10 flat fee covers park parking, trailers, and dogs. Fishing and quagga inspection fees can be purchased at the marina area. The $10 flat fee does not apply to Regional Parks Foundation members, who receive free park entry/parking at all Regional Parks as part of membership benefits. To help expedite entry, a limited number of passes will also be available for pre-purchase online at www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle/pre-purchase-parking. As vehicles approach the kiosk, there will be a separate line for pre-paid parking, staff, members, and residents. For up-to-date information or to provide feedback, visit www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle.
The Park District is celebrating Juneteenth with a Free Park Day and special naturalist-led programs on Wednesday, June 19, which is a state and federal holiday. All are welcome! Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Join the Park District to celebrate and reflect. For more information, visithttps://www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/juneteenth.
In celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, the Park District will raise the Pride Flag in parks where flag poles are present. Celebrate Pride Month with a hike at Tilden Nature Area Visitor Center or drop by the Pride Month table at Contra Loma, Castle Rock, Radke Shoreline, Bay Point Shoreline, or Black Diamond Mines to learn about the diverse plant and animal ecosystems the Park District protects. All are welcome! For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/we-celebrate/pride-month.
On June 16, Celebrate Father’s Day in nature. Check out one of the themed activities planned in Regional Parks at Father’s Day such as the Wild Dads! campfire program at Anthony Chabot Regional Park at 8 p.m., or a Family Hike at 1:30 p.m. at Del Valle. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar.
www.ebparks.org
Construction Begins for Timber Senior Residence in Newark
By Jack Alcorn
Photos courtesy of Supervisor Elisa Marquez
Eden Housing received $21.7 million this Spring for its Timber Senior Housing project in Newark.
“The Timber Street project will provide much-needed new housing for Newark’s senior population,” said Eden Housing CEO Linda Mandolini. “We are thrilled to have the critical support needed to make this dream a reality and would like to thank Governor Newsom for his stewardship and vision to provide affordable housing for all.”
Governor Newsom recently committed more than $825 million to help expand the state’s affordable housing stock and increase capacity for additional climate-smart housing. Approximately 9,550 homes will move forward statewide through a new streamlined application process, benefitting an estimated 187,500 people.
The Timber Street project will create 79 one-bedroom units of new affordable housing for seniors in a convenient location in Newark. The construction will redevelop a one-acre site, fulfilling the City of Newark’s vision of transforming the surrounding neighborhood from light industrial and warehouse space to a vibrant, walkable residential neighborhood.
The building located at 37660 Timber St., will include a common room with a kitchen and attached courtyard with space for planter boxes in a community garden. The complex will feature organized activities, a computer learning center, exercise room, bicycle storage room and offices to house on-site services.
All of the units are 1-bedrooms, for seniors living on their own as well as couples. The air conditioned homes are equipped with electric cooktop stoves and ranges. The new housing units are fully adaptable for people with disabilities.
Eden Housing is a non-profit organization with 55 years of experience providing safe and affordable housing that helps families stay secure, allows communities to thrive, and solves housing challenges.
52nd Annual Stanford Jazz Festival
Submitted by Jesse P. Cutler
Presenting an array of the world’s greatest jazz artists in the South Bay, the Stanford Jazz Festival 2024 celebrates the breadth of the contemporary jazz scene, building on a half-century legacy of jazz preservation and perseverance in the heart of Northern California.
With dozens of electrifying concerts on the Stanford University campus from June 20 through August 3, the West Coast’s second longest-running jazz festival features a multi-generational cast of state-of-the-art improvisers encompassing masters of the genre, the buzziest stalwarts, and rising players making their mark. Concerts will be held at Bing
Concert Hall, Dinkelspiel Auditorium, and Campbell Recital Hall, as well as one show at Frost Amphitheater.
52nd Annual Stanford Jazz Festival
Thursday, Jun 20 – Saturday, Aug 3
7:30 p.m.
Stanford University Campus
450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford
https://stanfordjazz.org/stanford-jazz-festival-2024/
Summer Concerts:
Concerts at Alameda County Fair
June 14 – July 7
Wednesday – Sunday (excluding July 4)
7 p.m. Gates open
8 p.m. Concert starts
https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/concerts/
Tickets: $15 – $45 (purchase on fair website)
Groovin’ at the Grove
Fridays, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gates open 4 p.m.
Bands TBA
Shirley Sisk Grove (by NewPark Mall)
39270 Cedar Blvd., Newark
Milpitas Summer Concert Series
Friday, Jun 14
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Hitmen
Starlite Park
450 Rudyard Dr., Milpitas
Red, White & Boom fireworks and Concert
Thursday, Jul 4
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
Admission: $6 advance; $8 at the door
Friday, Jul 19
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Jive Machine
Creighton Park
1260 Creighton Ct., Milpitas
Summer Concert Series
Thursdays: June 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(Parking lots fill up by 5 p.m.)
Central Park Performance Pavilion
40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
Summer Concert Series
Fridays, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Block Plaza (near Koja Kitchen)
43806 Pacific Commons Blvd., Fremont
June 28: The Cheeseballs (Funk, Soul, R&B)
July 26: Neon Velvet (70s, 80s, 90s, contemporary hits)
August 23: East Bay Mudd (Classic Soul, R&B)
September 27: Foreverland (Michael Jackson Tribute)
Niles Concerts on the Plaza
Saturdays: Jul 13, Aug 10, Sept 14
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bands TBA
Niles Town Plaza
37482 Niles Blvd., Fremont
www.niles.org
Summer Outdoor Movie Nights
Movies on the Lawn
June 14 – July 7
Wednesday – Sunday
6 p.m.
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Gates 8 & 12 off Valley Ave., Pleasanton
https://annual.alamedacountyfair.com/
With Fair admission
Aloha Movies
Fridays
8 p.m.
June 14: Lilo & Stitch
July 12: Little Mermaid
August 2: Moana
Kennedy Community Park
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
Friday, June 28
The Sandlot
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
At Independence Day Pool Party
Admission: $6 per person
cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com
Friday, July 26
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Delano Manongs Park
1650 McCandless Dr., Milpitas
Friday, August 9
The Mighty Ducks
Dixon Landing Park
Milmont Dr. & Jurgens Dr.
Other than June 28, admission is free; purchase reserved seating for up to six people for $12 on cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com.
Stan’s Garden – Free summer STEAM classes at Sun Gallery
Submitted by Paki Ahkoi
Join us as we take a S.T.E.A.M. journey into Gardens with Sun Gallery’s drop-in summer classes for kids and families.
Each Saturday morning through the end of June, we will be exploring biology, science, math, engineering, chemistry, problem solving, social lessons in stewardship, community and, of course, art!
Starting our garden from seed growth each week will be a journey that will explore why people grow, what they grow, and how food goes from seed to plate. We will also explore hydroponics, aquaponics, co
mpanion planting, and why we need other growing options.
This series is part of our Maker Labs programming in our Sun Gallery Maker Space. Drop in hours are 10 a.m. to 12 noon every Saturday. Families are encouraged to participate together in projects. All ages welcome.
Saturday Free S.T.E.A.M. classes
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Sun Gallery
1015 E. St., Hayward
(510) 581-4050
Tri City Band Corps: Summer Program Registration
Submitted by Charleen Pan
Tri-City Band Corps (TBC) summer program registration for 2024 is open! Their programs consist of 4 Regiments – Hastati Regiment (elementary), Cadet Regiment (middle school), and Royal Regiment (high school) – with students participating from all over the East and South Bay.
Hastati Regiment is for elementary school students entering Grades 4 and up. No prior musical experience is required, and students can learn a band instrument of their choice and the fundamentals of music. There will be weekly lessons with the option of choosing in-person for Fremont, Sunnyvale, or Pleasanton. At the end of the program in July, students will display what they have learned in a concert to wrap up the program.
Cadet Regiment is for middle school students entering Grades 6 through 9. This program will help students learn marching fundamentals to prepare them for marching band in high school. No experience is required to join the Cadet Regiment color guard unit. They will be participating in the Hollister Saddle Horse Show, Redwood City Fourth of July, Santa Clara County Fair Parade, and the concert at the end of the summer to wrap up the program.
The Royal Regiment is for high school students entering Grades 10 through 12. This year, they will be participating in the Hollister Saddle Horse Show, Redwood City Fourth of July, and Santa Clara County Fair Parade.
Through these programs, students will be able to make new friends, perform in parades, and gain leadership opportunities. All of the programs above are free, but donations are highly encouraged to help keep the programs running. TBC would like to thank everyone who participated in their Spring Feed on April 14! The funds gained will go towards these summer programs.
For more information on registration and program details, please go to their website www.tricitybandcorps.org, or email them at
tb*@tr**************.org
with any questions.
Call to Artists
Submitted by Union City
Union City is pleased to release a call to artists for its Utility Box Mural Program for utility boxes in Union City. Artists must either live or have an art studio in Alameda County to apply.
For more information, including submittal requirements, you can view the city’s “Request for Proposals” (RFP) online at www.unioncity.org/rfps.
If you have any questions regarding the process or issues accessing the RFP online, contact: Program Coordinator Erin Ewing at (510) 675-5445 or
er***@un*******.org
Proposals will be accepted on a continuous basis.
Washington Hospital introduces new surgical system
Submitted by Jerri Randup
Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS) is proud to announce the recent acquisition of the da Vinci Xi® surgical system by Intuitive. This system is designed to advance technology in minimally invasive care and can be utilized across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures including gynecologic, urologic, thoracic, cardiac, and general surgeries.
“This new surgical suite addition represents a commitment to provide the highest quality care and advanced treatment options to our community,” says Kimberly Hartz, chief executive officer of Washington Hospital Healthcare System. “The da Vinci Xi is a major milestone, expanding our surgical capabilities and enhancing our ability to retain and recruit talented and highly skilled surgeons.”
The da Vinci Xi system enhances surgical efficiency with its ability to access various parts of the abdomen or chest. Features include wristed instruments, 3D-HD visualization, intuitive motion, and an ergonomic design. The surgeon remains in complete control, translating their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body
Key features of the da Vinci Xi system include:
- Overhead instrument arm architecture to facilitate anatomical access from virtually any position.
- Enhanced digital architecture of the endoscope offering a simpler, more compact design with improved vision definition and clarity.
- Flexibility to attach the endoscope to any arm, enhancing visualization of the surgical site.
- Smaller, thinner arms with joints designed for an expanded range of motion.
- Longer instrument shafts providing surgeons with greater operative reach.
The first three cases performed with the da Vinci Xi system were performed by Dr. Kranthi K. Achanta, a board-certified laparoscopic and general surgeon and by Dr. Jennifer O. Chan, board certified thoracic and cardiac surgeon.
“We’re embracing the future of minimally invasive surgery with advanced precision, promising shorter recovery times and less pain for our patients,” says Dr. Achanta. “This technology transforms care by enhancing outcomes and accelerating healing. We are excited to introduce this groundbreaking advancement, previously unavailable to our community. It will significantly expand the surgical options for our patients, offering them the latest in surgical treatment.”
“The unique advantages of a robotic platform allow us to approach complicated surgical issues with advanced, specialized treatment giving patients access close to home,” says Dr. Chan.
The da Vinci Xi system is an expandable technology platform designed to seamlessly integrate with current technologies and future innovations in areas such as imaging and adv
anced instruments. WHHS is excited to be a leader in this field and looks forward to continually providing the community with advanced minimally invasive surgical options.
For more information, visit www.whhs.com.
Subaru Solterra: Subaru Fields an EV (with Some Help)
By Michael Coates
An ad has been cropping up regularly on my computer—it shows a compact SUV driving along a highway and then kicking up dust on a trail. The headline is “Drive the most advanced Subaru.” A later call-out claims it’s “At a price Toyota can’t beat.” The subject of the ad is this month’s test car—the 2024 Subaru Solterra, the company’s first all-electric model. There’s an irony to the ad’s aggressive pitch: It’s a joint venture built with the help of Toyota. Sorting out what this all means and what the Solterra offers is this month’s challenge.
We drove the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring model, dressed in stand-out Elemental Red Pearl paint and featuring what we’ve come to expect from Subaru—standard all-wheel drive, high-level safety equipment, and the potential for some light off-roading.
The Solterra definitely had a Subaru feel with an interesting fabric-like dash material and drive modes designed to maximize traction in whatever terrain you’re crossing. With only 222 miles of range (227 in the entry-level model with smaller wheels), your adventures will likely be fairly close to home. The range, and the battery that enables it, are relatively small by current compact SUV standards (300 miles of range is the evolving benchmark). However, that’s plenty of range for most purposes, especially with the ever-expanding charging network. Charging capability has been boosted this year with a 6.6 kW on-board charger capable of taking the Solterra from 10% to 80% charge in 35 minutes on a 100 kW DC fast charger. Next year, Subaru will adopt the NACS (Tesla) charging standard, which will expand charging options even more.
One of the most noticeable changes for the 2024 model year was the steering wheel. Subaru calls it “squircular;” we’d say it’s a half-step toward the Tesla yoke steering wheel. It’s well-designed to take advantage of the high placement of key driving data like your speed. That display placement is the best attempt we’ve seen that actually obviates the need for a head-up display (which we normally highly recommend).
The car’s power is good, not great. The Solterra’s 215 horsepower and 249 foot-pounds of torque is designed to move the almost 4,500-pound SUV ably, but this is no sports car. Seats are as supportive as needed for the level of performance the car can provide.
What’s Subaru
All-wheel drive all the time. Subaru is most proud of its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with dual motors driving the front and rear wheels. It performs seamlessly, giving the Solterra added stability in all road conditions.
The Solterra has 8.3” of ground clearance, a pretty good margin for mild off-roading. There’s plenty of space for gear in back—63.5 cubic feet with the rear seat down. All Solterras have standard roof rails, where you could attach a platform for a tent (700-pound weight limit).
Bells and whistles show up on higher trim levels, but basic Subaru AWD and safety equipment is standard, unlike some of the competition.
What’s Toyota
Let’s state the obvious. The Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X are more alike than different.
While I’m sure there was a strong collaborative effort, it was the heft and pocketbook of Toyota that got this car into production. Toyota’s vaulted supply chain made sure components were standardized and brought in at the best possible cost. Toyota opted to have both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.
What’s the Sum of all the Parts
Do you care if your Subaru could be mistaken for a Toyota? The bottom line is the result of this collaboration is a competent EV that is currently a bargain. Subaru (and Toyota) are both offering competitive deals with discounted financing or low-cost leases.
Advantage: Solterra buyer, according to Subaru.
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk: What is so-called attribution science and how does it relate to climate change?
Attribution science is a rapidly evolving field that aims to understand the link between human activities and extreme weather. By discerning the extent to which climate change affects the frequency and intensity of these events, attribution science plays a crucial role in climate research. Understanding this relationship is essential for developing effective climate policies and enhancing global resilience to climate impacts.
Attribution science seeks to quantify the influence of climate change on specific weather events. It involves the use of sophisticated computer models and extensive data analysis to compare current climatic conditions with hypothetical scenarios devoid of human-induced changes. The primary objective is to determine how climate change alters the probability and severity of extreme weather events. Key terms in this field include: climate, which refers to long-term atmospheric conditions; climate change, indicating significant changes in these conditions over time; computer models, which simulate climate behavior under various scenarios; and data, which provide the empirical basis for these simulations.
There are two main types of attribution science: event attribution and source attribution. Event attribution focuses on how climate change affects specific extreme weather events. For instance, human-caused climate change significantly increased the likelihood of the 2019 European heatwave and made the 2018 South African drought three times more likely. Moreover, climate change increased the rainfall during Hurricane Harvey by at least 15 percent and nearly doubled the area burned by wildfires in Western US forests. Meanwhile, source attribution identifies the pollutants and activities contributing to climate change. It involves measuring atmospheric concentrations, analyzing emissions data, and conducting modeling studies to pinpoint specific sources of greenhouse gasses.
Attribution science has roots in the 1990s and has advanced considerably with the development of more sophisticated computer models and statistical methods. These advancements have enhanced its accuracy and reliability, allowing for m
ore precise connections between human activity and climate-related events.
The methodology involves comparing real-world data with counterfactual models—simulations of the world withouthuman-induced climate change. High-quality observational data is crucial for these comparisons, but there are challenges, particularly in data-scarce regions like developing countries. Future research aims to develop new methods suitable for such regions with limited data, examine regional impacts, and quantify slow-onset phenomena like sea level rise. These advancements will enhance our understanding of climate impacts and inform more effective adaptation strategies. Attribution science is crucial for shaping climate policies and strategies. Communicating the links between specific weather events and climate change raises public awareness and influences real-time decisions. Insights from attribution studies help communities build resilience against future climate risks.
CONTACTS:
How do scientists know how much climate change affects a hurricane, a heat wave, a drought, and more?
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more athttps://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to:
qu******@ea*******.org
.
EarthTalk®
From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine
Photo Credit Pexels.com.
Dear EarthTalk: Why are conventional toothpaste tubes not eco-friendly? What better alternatives are out there?
The impact of conventional toothpaste tubes is significant and largely negative. Typically made from non-biodegradable plastic and aluminum, they present significant challenges in recycling processes. The mixed material composition requires complex, costly separation techniques, making recycling inefficient and often nonviable. According to Forbes, some 1.5 billion toothpastes tubes are discarded each year.
The production and disposal of these tubes involves substantial energy use and emissions. From the extraction and processing of raw materials to manufacturing and eventual disposal, the lifecycle of conventional toothpaste tubes is energy-intensive and ecologically damaging. After use, they are typically “discarded at a facility and will end up in the landfill” says Julie Smith of Aspire Colorado.
In response to these issues, there has been a rise in eco-friendly alternatives. Zero-waste toothpastes, which eschew traditional tubes, are becoming increasingly popular. These typically come in tablet or powder form and are packaged in biodegradable or recyclable materials. Toothpaste tablets are especially sustainable as they also reduce water usage, relying instead on saliva of water.
Other innovative solutions include toothpastes packaged in metal tubes, which are easier to recycle than plastic ones, and brands that use plant-based container materials. These efforts reflect growing consumer demand for sustainable products, reflecting a broader trend towards environmental responsibility.
Several brands have been leading the way in this shift towards sustainability. David’s Natural Toothpaste offer toothpaste is packaged in metal tubes, and The Humble Co. uses plant-based materials for their biodegradable tubes. Both options present a significant reduction in waste compared to traditional plastic tubes. These products not only help to reduce environmental impacts and also cater to health-conscious consumer by avoiding harmful chemicals often found in conventional toothpastes.
However, transitioning to these eco-friendly alternatives is not without its challenges. Makers face significant hurdles in altering established production lines, sourcing materials that meet quality and safety standards and potentially incurring higher costs. Consumers may also be hesitant to switch to new formats, such as tablets or powders, or may be skeptic about their efficacy. Additionally, the initial cost of these alternatives can be higher, which may deter widespread adoption.
Regulation and industry standards play a crucial role in facilitating this transition. Governments can promote the use of sustainable packaging by implementing policies that encourage recycling, reduce the use of non-recyclable materials or provide incentives for companies to develop greener products. Specific regulations that mandate the use of recyclable materials in packaging can drive innovation in the industry, leading to more sustainable options becoming available and economically viable.
CONTACTS:
Oral Care Companies Finally Tackle Packaging Waste
Carbon Footprint of Toothpaste Tubes
https://www.aspirecolo.com/post/carbon-footprint-of-toothpaste-tubes
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more athttps://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to:
qu******@ea*******.org
.
Celery crunch
By Pat Kite
Do you like celery? No, I don’t mean celery laden with cream cheese, celery stuffed with peanut butter, or even celery in tuna salad and turkey stuffing. Just plain celery? No? In one poll, Britain, the United States and Japan rated celery a least-liked food.
In the early 1800s, celery appeared in Victorian Britain. It took many workmen to grow trenches for this marshland vegetable. Then, as fussy celery matured, each had to be carefully dug up to preserve freshness. Rich people were willing to pay ample extra fees just to acquire this special vegetable. To better show off this rare product, “Celery vases” were designed. These vases were placed on the di
ning table. Each celery stalk clump was placed within the vase’s tulip-shaped bowl. The leafy top was prominently displayed. Celery was so precious that people went to prison for stealing it.
In time, celery prices declined. Ordinary folk began chomping on it. Hybridization began. Before celery was used as food, it was a medicine in countries like Egypt, China, and India. Ancient Egyptians also used it to honor their dead. Celery garlands were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Ancient Greeks held celery in such high esteem, winners of athletic competitions were rewarded with celery wreaths. The oldest record of the modern word celeri was in a European 9th-century poem.
I don’t know anyone who has home-grown celery, but I am sure among our zillion gardeners there must be at least one person. Relatively common varieties include Utah Tall, Tendercrisp, Conquistador, Pascal, Golden, and “Chinese Pink.” There is also a “Giant Red” celery, which is supposed to be quite tasty. You can purchase celery seeds on the internet. Celery’s tiny seeds must be sprinkled on an organic soil surface. They must never be allowed to dry out. Actually, the entire plant must never be allowed to dry out. If you can manage this in our area’s windy terrain, celery is reputedly easy to grow.
Since seeds are slowish to get going, the recommendation is buying nursery-started plants. As the plants grow, pile up soil around them. Leaves must have sunlight, but stalks should be covered. According to the 1937 gardening book by Vernon Quinn Leaves, Their Place in Life and Legend, “to produce stalks so pleasing in color and so delectable in flavor, great care must be taken to protect them from light while they are growing; otherwise they would be green and somewhat bitter.”
If you have ever grown celery from seed or starter, please share your experiences.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – About Social Security’s Earnings Test and Cost of Living Adjustments
Dear Rusty: Is there a limit on earnings when you’re fully retired? Also, should all retirees receive COLA or is there an exception? Signed: Retired But Wondering
Dear Retired: Your questions are fairly simple but, nevertheless, often perplexing to those wishing to apply for Social Security, because the SS rules are many (over 2,700 of them) and those about to apply for their benefits may be simply unsure and want to avoid a costly mistake. I’m happy to answer your questions and, hopefully, clarify any uncertainties you have on these topics.
Social Security (SS) imposes an earnings limit on anyone who collects before reaching their full retirement age (FRA). If you haven’t yet reached your FRA (somewhere between 66 and 67, depending on the year you were born), and you continue to work, there is a limit to how much you can earn before they take away some of your benefits. So, the answer to your first question is, yes, there is an earnings limit ($22,320 for 2024) if you haven’t yet reached your full retirement age. If the annual earnings limit is exceeded, Social Security will take away some of your benefits ($1 for every $2 you are over the limit, up to the year you attain FRA when the assessment is less). However, if you have already reached your full retirement age the earnings limit no longer applies, and you can earn as much as you like without consequence. And here’s a nuance to be aware of: If you work and exceed the earnings limit, and have some benefits withheld as a result, when you reach your FRA, you will get time credit for any months you didn’t get benefits, which will result in your monthly amount being a bit higher after your FRA.
Regarding COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), everyone, without exception, who has earned a Social Security benefit and reached eligibility age (62) receives the annual COLA increase whether they are already collecting their benefits or not. If you’re not yet collecting, the COLA is added to your “primary insurance amount” or “PIA,” on which your benefit will be based when you claim. If you are already collecting SS, COLA will be added to your gross monthly SS benefit amount. However, since there was a $9.80 increase in the 2024 Medicare Part B premium, and since the Part B premium is taken from everyone’s SS benefit payment, Social Security recipients enrolled in Medicare Part B will not see the full 3.2% COLA in their net monthly Social Security payment. Everyone will receive the COLA increase, but no one enrolled in Medicare Part B will get the full COLA increase in their net SS payment because some of the COLA increase is used to pay their increased Medicare premium.
Social Security’s rules are myriad and often confusing, but no question is too simple to be asked. The AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service is available, at no charge, to answer all your Social Security questions. Reach out via email at
SS*******@am************.org
, or call 1 (888) 750-2622.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at
ss*******@am************.org
.
Want a free street tree?
By Daniel O’Donnell
Home and Garden Television (HGTV) posted an article on their website with data from several nationwide studies, concluding that mature trees in a well-landscaped yard can increase the value of a home from 7% to 19%. Other online articles support comparable increased property value ranges as well. The sooner a tree is planted, the longer it will have to grow in size and in value. This is especially true with street trees visible to people walking, cycling, or driving by. In the past it would have taken a lot of time to research the appropriate street tree, get a permit, purchase it, and plant it. However, that is no longer the case in Fremont, as the city is offering to plant a street tree free of charge.
Street trees are any trees growing in the public right-of-way. This includes sidewalk strips and the public right-of-way boundary that extends into a property, which is regulated differently from the rest of the property. Right-of-way boundaries vary by cities and sometimes within cities. Most extend from the sidewalk or curb somewhere between eight to twelve feet into the street side or sides of a property.
The City of Fremont created a pro
gram (fremont.gov/government/departments/urban-forestry/want-a-tree-form) to comply with a grant from CalFire to plant 1,000 residential street trees. Interested property owners who fill out a short online form and are approved will be contacted by JTS Tree Experts, who will guide them through choosing the appropriate tree and placement. A free street tree, free planting and staking, and five years of maintenance are included in the program. Maintenance includes pruning, training, and tree health services.
Although Fremont’s “Want a Free Street Tree?” program is only available for city residents, other East Bay Cities might have or might be looking into starting similar programs. The City of Newark started a free street tree pilot program with a limited number of trees. Contact Dan Cianciarulo at (510) 578-4812 or
da*************@ne****.org
staff for additional information.
Our City Forest (ourcityforest.org) has a free tree program for eligible residential locations in Milpitas, East San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and some additional areas. They provide three years of tools and resources to get the tree established. The City of Hayward’s Landscape Maintenance Division will plant trees in the planting strip along the street at no charge. The process begins when a property owner requests a tree application form by calling (510) 583-8906 or by submitting a request on user.govoutreach.com/Hayward. (Scroll down the topic menu to “trees and landscaping.” You will find a link to ‘street tree planting’ and the form.)
Planting street trees throughout the landscape does a lot more than adding value to the property. Street trees, because of their location, can often maximize some of the beneficial qualities that all trees provide. Street trees absorb up to 9% more of harmful tailpipe emissions, which improves air quality. They reduce the sounds of road traffic, and according to studies, reduce aggressive driving and road rage. Street trees provide shade which can lower sidewalk and asphalt temperatures by 36° F and the interior of parked cars by 4° F. These substantially lower temperatures make sitting on benches, walking, and gardening much more pleasant. They can also extend the life of an asphalt street by 40% to 60%.
Street trees can provide food and/or shelter for urban wildlife and migrating birds. The soil around them can help reduce water and chemical runoff, and they absorb excess carbon dioxide which is fueling climate change. Trees also add beauty and soften or hide things like telephone poles, above ground cables, and ugly walls. A diversity of trees along a street can display a variety of forms, shapes, textures, and a range of colors that stay consistent or change with the seasons.
As more and more cities are realizing the benefits of planting and preserving urban forests, they are applying for and obtaining large grants. Keep monitoring city websites and newsletters for new free street tree programs. Most programs are not limited to homeowner properties. With permission, apartment, condominium, house renters, and business employees can request a free street tree. There are also volunteer organizations such as Urban Forest Friends (urbanforestfriends.org). They give people who cannot take advantage of a free tree program a way to plant a tree during one of their special tree planting events.
Although street trees offer a wide range of benefits to a home owner and the community, there are still many gaps in Fremont’s urban forest. Having access to a free tree might be the most effective way to get people to plant one. There are few times when you can get something for free that will add value to and beautify your property while at the same time enriching your neighbors’ lives and benefiting the entire community. If a single free street tree can do those things for generations, imagine what 1,000 will do.
Daniel O’Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com
Complete Streets Project in Centerville
By Jack Alcorn
On May 21, Fremont City Council approved a Construction Management contract with Park Engineering to facilitate the Centerville Complete Streets Project. The $1 million contract launches the $10 million roads improvement effort that passed 6–1 with Councilmember Raj Salwan recusing himself from the vote.
The Centerville Complete Streets project will improve segments of Fremont Boulevard, Thornton Avenue and Peralta Boulevard.
The project has received a Caltrans grant in the amount of $7.7 million, an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant in the amount of $2.8 million, and an Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) grant in the amount of $2 million.
The design of the Centerville Complete Streets Project is near completion and the project will soon be moving into the construction phase. Construction is estimated to take approximately twelve months.
During the construction phase, Park Engineering will provide comprehensive construction administration, management, and inspection services and provide documentation in conformance with federal funding requirements.
On February 1, 2024, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Management services for the Centerville Complete Streets Project. Four proposals were received. The proposals were evaluated by a city staff selection panel. Interviews were conducted with three firms. The consultant team led by Park Engineering, Inc. was selected as the top-ranked firm based on their proposal, interview presentation and responses to panel questions.
The project site is located in the heart of the Centerville commercial district and within close proximity to numerous schools, businesses, bus lines, and the Centerville Altamont Corridor Express (ACE)/Amtrak train station. Many of the area roadways are in poor condition. There are gaps in the sidewalk and bicycle lanes, and an overall lack of improvements for bicycles and pedestrians.
The City of Fremont has local control over this section of SR84 and the right-of-way to repave the streets and implement improvements. The Complete Streets Project will enhance safety and mobility for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, school children, and businesses.
As part of the project, the city conducted an extensive community engagement process to hear from stakeholders, including residents, schools, businesses, transit providers, and pedestrian and bicycle groups, on the project’s design. The community was engaged throughout the project, including four community meetings.
Lane reductions, enhanced bike facilities and additional parking are some of the slated improvements.
Armed robbers pose as Police in Milpitas
Submitted by Milpitas Police Department
On Friday, May 31 our swing shift officers responded to a strong-armed robbery at a shopping center near S. Park Victoria Dr. and E. Calaveras Blvd. Two suspects, posing as police officers, confronted the victim and demanded his wallet. The victim complied, and the suspects fled in a silver Ford Expedition SUV.
Using our Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), officers identified the probable route the suspect vehicle was driving and saw the suspect vehicle as it was leaving town. Further investigation revealed its connection to similar robberies in two other Bay Area cities.
An MPD officer conducted a high-risk car stop on Highway 880 near Montague Expressway with the assistance of a Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Deputy who was in the area. Together, they safely apprehended a 20-year-old male from Kent, Washington, and a 19 year-old-male from Springhill, Florida. Both were booked into jail for robbery, false impersonation of a police officer, and conspiracy.
If you were the victim of a similar crime in our city, please call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400.
Fire guts Lake Chabot Public Market in Castro Valley
By Jack Alcorn
Photo source: KTVU
A massive fire gutted the Lake Chabot Public Market building in Castro Valley early in the morning Thursday, May 30th.
Alameda County firefighters got the call around 2:20 a.m. Crews from Castro Valley and Hayward Fire Departments joined county firefighters in a 2-hour battle against behemoth flames. The inferno was believed to have started in one of the kitchen areas in the building.
The popular market contained a food court that housed about a half dozen different food vendors including a ramen diner, a poke store and a dessert shop. Craft beers, a meat market, groceries and an open-seated cafe area also filled the unique local shopping and dining courtyard. Neighbors say the eateries were busy all the time. The market has been open for almost 10 years.
Crews spent an hour battling the flames inside, but ended up having to move outside when the roof started to give way. The aggressive fire caused the roof to collapse around 3:25 a.m. The structure was completely engulfed by 3:45 a.m.
The building is located at 18911 Lake Chabot Road and Quail Avenue. Gargantuan flames were seen shooting out of the roof for more than an hour. The fire reached three alarms before firefighters were able to knock it down.
Suki Lin opened Poke Go in the market nine months ago because the location allowed her to be close to her family. She lives a three-minute drive away. Lin was looking forward to a potential increase of business in the coming days.
Firefighters and police officers often ate at Mama Cho’s, one of the many well-frequented lunch options at the market. The destruction hit the hearts of many Castro Valley community members, including the firemen who extinguished the blaze.
Market owner Hans Cho said, “From day one, we always wanted to be rooted in the community and giving back. So, when I think about that, it makes it much harder to swallow [and] to process. Obviously, just a lot of thoughts going through my mind in terms of next steps.”
Carmel Ledyard, who lives near the public market, said she was hopeful the Cho’s would be able to rebuild or return in some way.
No injuries were reported at the scene and no other buildings in the area were at risk, the Fire Department said. The fire was contained by 5:30 a.m. The roof of the market looked to be completely destroyed.
Niles Canyon Drowning Incident
Submitted by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
On May 27, 2024, around 5:49 p.m., officers from Fremont Police Department responded to a report of a drowning in Alameda Creek, adjacent to Niles Canyon Road, north of Mission Boulevard. Officers arrived and saw community members attempting to pull a child, later identified as 11-year-old Dana Nino Gonzalez, from the water after she got stuck against the flow control structure.
Several people had assembled on the creek shore and were swimming in the water when the tragic incident occurred. Responding officers quickly entered the creek and attempted to rescue Dana from a hole in the flow control structure. Personnel from the Fremont Fire Department arrived and joined in the lifesaving efforts. Through their combined efforts, first responders rescued Dana from the creek. Paramedics rushed Dana to Washington Hospital, where medical staff continued lifesaving measures. Unfortunately, Dana did not survive.
The Fremont Police Department, East Bay Regional Parks District Police Department, and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office have jurisdictions along Alameda Creek. Since the incident occurred in ACSO’s jurisdiction, we have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
We want to thank the community members involved, Fremont Police Department, Fremont Fire Department, Falck Ambulance, and Washington Hospital Healthcare System staff for their efforts to save Dana’s life.
This tragedy saddens us. We’d like to remind you of some safety measures to follow as you enjoy warm-weather activities near waterways. Adhere to posted warning/caution signs, make a safety plan, wear safety equipment such as a life jacket, never swim alone, and avoid getting in the water if you cannot swim or are unfamiliar with weather and water conditions.
Cal State East Bay Collect ACWPC All-American Honors
Submitted by CSUEB Athletic Communications
The Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches announced its 2024 Division II All-America honors for women’s water polo on Wednesday. From Cal State East Bay, Daniela Passoni and Luna Sarmiento were named to the First Team and Alex Andrist was named Honorable Mention.
Daniela Passoni – Sr. – GK – Waverly, South Africa
In net during the regular season, Passoni had a 9.74 GAA with 250 total saves. In the WWPA Championships, Passoni made 29 total saves. This past season, she surpassed the 1,200 save mark for her career. Throughout her career, Passoni has collected several awards for her performances in the pool and the classroom. Just in 2024, she was a WWPA First Team selection, WWPA All-Defensive Team selection and received the Cal State East Bay Female Student-Athlete of the Year award. It was the third time for Passoni to be named to the ACWPA Division II All-America First Team.
Luna Sarmiento – Jr. – D – Madrid, Spain
Sarmiento had 47 steals in the regular season and led the Pioneers with 50 goals prior to the WWPA Championships. Adding to her regular season success, scored eight goals in the WWPA Championships earning her way on to the WWPA Championships All-Tournament Team. Also in 2024, Sarmiento was named to the WWPA First Team and won one WWPA Defensive Player of the Week honor. The 2024 season was the second in Sarmiento’s career in which she was named ACWPC Division II First Team.
Alex Andrist – Fr. – DR – Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada
Andrist scored 43 goals and had 29 assists in 2024 with the Pioneers. A six-goal performance on March 29 against Fresno Pacific which led her to a WWPA Offensive Player of the Week honor. Also in 2024, Andrist was named WWPA Newcomer of the Year, All-WWPA Honorable Mention and All-WWPA Freshman Team.
Newark Summer Fun Run
Submitted by City of Newark
Walk or run all are welcome! Join us of a themed run with oversized games, music, giveaways, and a healthy way to kick off your weekend. This Fun Run theme is Summer Olympics to help get into the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Bring out the Olympian in you! One registration required per participant. Run begins promptly at 5pm. Questions? Email
je***************@ne****.org
Summer Olympic Fun Run
Friday, July 17
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lakeshore Park, Newark
Register at newarkca.activityreg.com
Registration: $10 – $12
Special Needs Splash Night Swim
Submitted by City of Newark
Join us this summer for an evening of fun in our first inclusive Silent Night Mini Recreation! We are thrilled to have activities and games designed for children with all abilities. Activities include sensory stations, arts n crafts, and more! We can’t wait for you and your families to enjoy our Summer Oasis!
Special Needs Splash Night Swim
Friday, June 21
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Silliman Aquatic Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
Registration: $10 – $12
Register at newarkca.activityreg.com
Letter to the Editor
NAR Settlement
Dear Editor,
There has been a lot of misinformation in the news lately about pending changes coming to the real estate industry and what they mean for homebuyers and sellers. As a dedicated REALTOR® helping my clients buy and sell homes every day, I’d like to clarify any confusion your readers may have.
Because of a recent settlement by real estate brokerages and the National Association of REALTORS®, two things are changing. First, properties listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) will no longer include an offer of compensation to buyer’s agents. Second, homebuyers who want to work with an agent will need to sign a written agreement with that agent before touring a home. That means before homebuyers start their home search, they’ll need to discuss and agree with their agent what the agent will do on their behalf, and they’ll need to decide how much and how to pay that agent.
Historically, nearly nine in ten homebuyers have opted to work with a real estate agent or broker in what is possibly the most important purchase of their lives. That’s because we help buyers and sellers navigate a maze of forms and complex paperwork; coordinate with lenders, inspectors, other agents, escrow companies, title companies, appraisers, and other professionals; and ensure that our clients’ interests are represented in pricing, negotiation and closing.
Here’s what won’t be changing: REALTORS® will keep playing a crucial and valuable role in helping people buy and sell homes. We will continue to be actively involved in our communities both individually and working together. The Bay East Association of REALTORS® Foundation will keep providing scholarships to students, our weekly marketing groups will continue to support community and charitable organizations, and REALTORS® will continue to be the voice at city halls, in Sacramento, and in Washington DC speaking in support of homeownership and creating housing opportunities for all.
The pending changes will not affect what makes REALTORS® valuable: a commitment to work in their clients’ best interests. REALTORS® throughout the state will continue to serve their clients every day and help make homeownership a reality for all Californians who aspire to it.
Sincerely,
Barbara Clemons, 2024 President
Bay East Association of REALTORS®
Ohlone College Celebrates Bright Futures: Meet Alumna Arianna Grillo
Submitted by Dr. Celina Barrios, Public Information Officer
Ohlone College is proud to announce the graduation of Arianna Grillo. As part of the newest group of alumnae celebrated at the May Commencement on Friday, May 17, 2024, Arianna’s achievements highlight the transformative power of an Ohlone education.
Arianna’s journey to Ohlone College began in high school when she discovered her passion for environmental engineering. “It was really easy to get a start in that with Ohlone,” Arianna shared. “The counselors provided me with the necessary information to pick the classes I needed to transfer to the institutions of my choice. Additionally, I’ve found that Ohlone has incredible STEM programs.”
During her time at Ohlone, Arianna participated in the Ohlone Math Gateway (OMG), an accelerated math program for engineering and computer science students. She also benefited from internships through Growth Sector’s STEM Core program and held leadership positions in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). “Ohlone is also a participating school in Growth Sector’s STEM Core program; it was through this program that I received my first internship opportunities.”
This summer, Arianna will embark on her next chapter as an environmental engineering intern with TRC Solutions, conducting fieldwork in environmental consulting across the Bay Area. In the fall, she plans to transfer to UC Davis to continue her studies in environmental engineering. “I’ll be doing fieldwork in environmental consulting at various construction sites in the Bay Area and analyzing data I collect from the job,” Arianna explained.
Throughout her time at Ohlone, Arianna has made significant contributions through her leadership roles. As Vice President and President of SWE, she organized key initiatives like the Women’s History Month mentoring dinner and coordinated trips to national SWE conferences. These experiences not only provided valuable networking opportunities but also inspired many students.
As graduation month draws to a close, Arianna hopes to convey a powerful message to future alumna: “Ohlone is so much more than a school. It puts the ‘community’ in ‘community college.’ I hope students know that their school will follow them no matter where they go, whether they’re on to the next job or transferring to a university.”
For more information about Ohlone College, please visit www.ohlone.edu.
San Leandro Unified’s Celine Liu Awarded SLUSD Management Employee of the Year
Submitted by San Leandro Unified School District
San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD) is thrilled to announce Celine Liu, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Equity, as the Management Employee of the Year. Since joining the district in 2019, Celine has made an indelible mark on our educational community.
Ms. Liu began her journey with SLUSD as a Coordinator for Educational Services and quickly rose to her current leadership role. Her dedication and expertise have been pivotal in enhancing math instruction and facilitating the adoption of new curricula across multiple subjects, including History/Social Science (TK-12), Science (TK-12), and World Language (6-12).
As the primary organizer of districtwide professional development days, Celine ensures our educators are equipped with the latest teaching strategies and resources. Her exceptional leadership skills are also evident in managing our summer school program, providing students with continuous learning opportunities during the break.
Please join all of San Leandro Unified in congratulating Ms. Liu on her achievement and all of our district’s leaders as SLUSD launches its annual celebration of Management Appreciation Week.
Angela Averiett appointed as new San Leandro Police Chief
Submitted by City of San Leandro
Angela Averiett, current Interim Police Chief, has been appointed by City Manager Fran Robustelli to serve as the next Police Chief of San Leandro, effective June 3, 2024. Chief Averiett brings nearly three decades of Law Enforcement Service to San Leandro.
Chief Averiett comes to San Leandro after serving as the police chief of the City of Los Altos. Prior to Los Altos, Chief Averiett spent her career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, Hayward Police Department, and BART Police Department.
“Chief Averiett is a well-respected law enforcement veteran, who is an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and community building,” said City Manager Fran Robustelli. “Chief Averiett will provide immediate attention to pressing needs, such as transparency, investment into personnel, and continuing to implement police oversight for the department. Notably, her affiliation with Simon Sinek’s The Curve serves as an inspiration for the city’s commitment to continue the advancement of police reform. The Curve gives forward-thinking leaders in policing the most current and creative ideas about leadership and the resources to implement them so they can more effectively modernize their cultures from the inside-out.”
In response to her appointment, Chief Averiett stated, “It is an honor to be gifted the chance to serve the dedicated women and men of the San Leandro Police Department and the rich, diverse group of San Leandrans. Our profession faces many challenges, but we have a tremendous opportunity to set an example for progressive, transparent, accountable, and community-focused policing. I look forward to working closely with all of our internal and external stakeholders to make the San Leandro Police Department a pioneering model of contemporary policing for others to emulate.”
Chief Averiett holds a bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from St. Mary’s College (Moraga). She also graduated from the Alameda County Leadership Academy and the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Academy. She currently serves on a number of community, civic, and professional organizations, including the California Association of Hostage Negotiators, Peace Officer Standards and Training and Use of Force Guidelines Committee, NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), and Women Leaders in Law Enforcement.
Letter to the Editor
Fremont Traffic/Safety Dept, your attention is needed.
Driving from Fremont to Union City through Niles Road and crossing an overpass to proceed Alvarado-Niles you and your vehicle will feel a deep hollow before it is moved further onto the concrete slab. The reason is an uneven crack is parting from the concrete slab that could be an inch or more deep and sounds bad when driving.
I come across here twice a day and notice the road is either sinking or the material is getting too soft to connect with t
he concrete slab.
And, if repair work is not carried out faster, we could damage our vehicles in many ways including tires, brakes, tie-rods, axles so on.
Therefore, I request the traffic/safety department of Fremont to expedite the necessary repair work on the above-mentioned location.
Zafar Yousufzai
Fremont
Letter to the Editor
Making Your Energy System Safer and More Affordable
At PG&E, we recognize that like many goods and services, energy prices are increasing.
Those increases are essential investments to help build a safe, reliable, and clean energy system for everyone and support the growing need for new service connections and infrastructure upgrades in our communities.
For example, in the Bay Area region, we’ve connected nearly 500 new services so far this year for both residential and local businesses across San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Investments like this are necessary, but we are also working every day to ease rising energy costs. We’re reducing our own operating costs in dozens of ways and working to lower the costs of state policies and programs that affect your bill.
Through these actions, we’re working hard to reduce your bill in 2025 and 2026.
Jake Zigelman
PG&E Vice President, Bay Area Region
Sunol Glenn School District announces Superintendent/Principal Finalist
Submitted by Andrew Cavette
The Sunol Glen School District Board of Education is pleased to announce that Shay Galletti has been selected as the finalist to fill the position of Superintendent/Principal following the retirement of Molly Barnes. Galletti brings over 24 years of experience in the field of education, starting as an elementary school teacher and progressing to roles in school administration and district-level leadership.
A graduate of Saint Mary’s College with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Galletti has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational innovation and student success. Her strong, diverse background includes roles as an elementary school teacher, elementary school principal, district-level Director of Elementary Education, and Coordinator of Literacy and Numeracy in various educational settings. Her focus on literacy and early childhood development, combined with her outstanding personal qualities, set her apart as the ideal candidate to uphold and advance the tradition of educational excellence that defines Sunol Glen School.
Galletti began her career teaching fifth grade at Alisal Elementary, then Hearst Elementary. She later moved from the PUSD to the Tri-Valley ROP and taught high school ROP at Livermore, Granada, Foothill and Amador Valley for about a decade. Later she became the program coordinator for Tri-Valley ROP and was in charge of evaluating and coordinating all of the district’s programs at area schools.
“I am honored to have been chosen as the finalist for the Superintendent/Principal position at Sunol Glen School District,” said Galletti. “I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated staff, students, and community members to continue the tradition of academic excellence and student-centered learning that defines Sunol Glen School.”
The Board of Education expressed unanimous support for Galletti’s appointment, citing her exemplary leadership qualities, dedication to student achievement, and focus on early childhood development as key factors in the selection process.
“Ms. Galletti brings an impressively deep base of knowledge and experience from elementary school teaching, leading a school as principal, district administration, and a focus on literacy and early childhood development. With this and her outstanding personal qualities, it was clear that Ms. Galletti is the one to continue the momentum of educational excellence for which our school has come to be known. Further, we as a board look forward to working together in solidarity to build on our solid foundation and further the legacy of excellence at Sunol Glen School,” said Board President Ryan Jergensen.
Galletti’s appointment is subject to the final approval by the Board of Education, with an official start date to be determined.
Continuing Events:
Mondays, June 10 – August, 29
Beginners Bharatanatyam for Kids
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Have you been enchanted by the Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, and wanted to try it? Here is your chance! Join us to learn some basic dance steps, hand gestures and sitting postures that introduce you to this dance form. This is a series of 12 weekly classes, held every Monday.
Recommended for kids, ages 8-12. No prior experience required. Registration required. Your single registration will register you for the entire series. Please enter your child’s name, not the parent’s.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
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.
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
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
Tuesdays
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
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
Comfort & Joy Ukulele R
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
A group of ukulele players with volunteer leaders to practice familiar songs as well as learning new.
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6606
Wednesdays
Folk Dancing Social R
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join together 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
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
Thursdays
International Folk Dancing R$
11:15 am – 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
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
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
Historic Days
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ride a narrow-gauge train, tour the beautifully restored Patterson House Museum. Every historic day ends with an animal feeding at 3 pm. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Disabled accessible. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 544-2797
Thursdays
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
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
The Peaceful Poets
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join a Milpitas-based group of writers and appreciators of poetry. For teens, adults, and seniors.
Milpitas Public Library
160 N Main St., Milpitas
(408) 262-1171
Last Thursdays of the month
Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, August 3
54th Annual Textile Exhibition
12 noon – 5 p.m.; Thurs – Sun
Artwork will showcase a variety of textile techniques including quilting, macrame, wearables, sculpture, hand-dyed/painted fabrics, and much more.
Olive Hyde
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
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/3VFpbc
Fridays and Saturdays
Fre
e 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.
Saturday, June 1 – Sunday, June 30
‘Cows, Bulls, and Yaks’ – Paintings by Dean Hoornaert
Mon – Sat: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hoornaert’s works capture the unique qualities of these expressive creatures in their many settings.
Portola Art Gallery at Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd., Menlo Park
(650) 321-0220
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
Teen Cohort for Outdoor Education R$
10 am – 4 pm
Meet new friends, build outdoor skills, and get to know your community as we participate in activities, such as Hayward Shoreline Hike and Clean-Up, Quarry Lakes Excursion; Coyote Hills Excursion; Fishing; rock climbing on our 28-foot rock wall, hiking; and a Sulphur Creek Guided Tour.
Ashland Community Center
1530 167th Avenue, San Leandro
Noel Munivez: (510) 317-2303
Sundays
Farmyard Games
1:00 pm
Join us for some old-fashioned fun! Try your hand at classic American pastimes including stilts, sack races, and the potato-spoon race. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Ardenwood admission fee applies.
Ardenwood Farms
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Sundays
Practice Your English: Group Conversation for Adults
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Improve your conversation skills by chatting with other people about everyday topics in a friendly, welcoming group
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley
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 – 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
Upcoming Events
Thursday, June 13
Traditional Korean Games
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Join us with artist and educator Danna Kim. We will be learning to make and play with ddakji, jegichagi, and gonggi – games analogous to POGs, hackey sack, and jacks. Supplies are limited. First come first served. Registration is not required for this event.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
Saturday, June 15
Annual Father’s Day Slumber with the Stars
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Spend this Father’s Day with dad on this unique, out-of-this-world camping experience at Chabot. Your sleepover includes hands-on activities, exclusive after-hours time in the exhibits, Planetarium shows and telescope viewing amidst the backdrop of the redwood forest. Enjoy hot chocolate while gazing at the stars, then camp outside or in one of our exclusive indoor exhibitions. Dinner and breakfast are included with dairy free and vegetarian options. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult at a ratio of 5-1.
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
$110 Adults/Youth
Saturday, June 15
Fremont Pride Fair
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Celebrating and supporting our LG
BT/QIA + community. Family-friendly event. Featuring live performances, food, and resource tables from organizations across the Bay Area. Resource booths, informative panels, music, games and food trucks
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
Saturday, June 15
Fremont Bank Community Block Party
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Special Promos, Giveaways, Raffle, DJ, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Carnival Games, and more…
39150 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
Monday, June 17
Let’s Learn Mandarin
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join us for an interactive event to learn basic Mandarin conversational skills through fun Chinese cultural activities. In this 8-week program, participants will enjoy learning Mandarin through food, name seal carving, singing, Chinese calligraphy, Mahjong, Chinese craft and much more!
This event is only for adults who are non-native Mandarin speakers.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Monday, June 17
A Celebration of African American Social Dances
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us for a program celebrating Juneteenth with dancer and educator Traci Bartlow! Traci will teach us the history of dance and dance moves through the eras, in this all ages, multi-media program. You will learn: dances of enslaved Africans, funk, hip hop, and more. Limit to 50 people due to space availability. Everyone is encouraged to join in and dance!
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Live entertainment, special performances, food and free giveaways, fun games, cultural exhibitions by Afro American Cultural and Historical Society
Silliman Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
Friday, June 21
Opening Reception
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Artwork will showcase a variety of textile techniques including quilting, macrame, wearables, sculpture, hand-dyed/painted fabrics, and much more.
Olive Hyde
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
Saturday, June 22
Block Party
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join us for this outdoor event for all ages, featuring carnival games, bubbles, and some throwback tunes! Special live performance from Soul 4Kidz.
Centerville Library
3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont
(510) 795-2629
Sunday, June 23
Tchaikovsky Gold
3:00 pm
The music of Tchaikovsky has sparked the imagination of the world. From the dramatic 1812 Overture to the beloved Nutcracker, his music always touches the heart. For this concert we’re presenting two of his most famous pieces alongside International Van Cliburn Piano Competition gold medalist, Jon Nakamatsu. Heralded as the “pianist’s pianist,” Jon’s touch on the keyboard is sophisticated and masterful, and he’ll perform the most famous piano concerto ever written. Jung-Ho and the Bay Philharmonic will share their passion for Tchaikovsky’s ultra dramatic 4th Symphony, his musical biography of a hero overcoming fate to triumph with hope and victory.
Chabot College Performing Arts Center
25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Monday, June 24
Trauma Center Ribbon Cutting
5:30 pm
Washington Hospital Morris Hyman Critical Care ribbon cutting ceremony
Pavilion Lobby
Washington Hospital
2000 Mowry Ave., Fremont
Tuesday, June 25
Bollywood Dance for Kids
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us to groove to Bollywood music, learning the fusion of dance steps that is Bollywood Dance. This dance form incorporates different dance styles including bhangra dance, hip-hop, Arabic and jazz dance. Recommended for kids, ages 8-12. No prior experience required.
No registration required. Limited seats available. Tickets will be handed out at the Children’s Service Desk, 15 minutes prior to the start of the program.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Wednesday, June 26
Pygmy Goats with 4-H
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn how to care for animals, good hygiene, and all the opportunities Alameda County 4-H provides. After the presentation there will be an opportunity to meet and pet a real pygmy goat! This presentation is appropriate for children ages five and up. Space is limited. Free tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will be distributed outside in the breezeway to the right of the main entrance, starting at 12:45pm.
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Wednesday, June 26
Bri Crabtree & Silly Circus Show
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Family-friendly circus show from award-winning performer, Bri Crabtree! Laugh along to this comedic show, marvel at the magic tricks, and enjoy some circus performances.
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Vally
(510) 667-7900
Saturday, June 29
Coventry & Kaluza Circus Show
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Award winning circus comedians, Coventry & Kaluza, bring a variety of skills and thrills to their show which features juggling, acrobatics, music, comedy, dog tricks, and high numbers hula hooping. It’s interactive fun for the whole family!
Fremont Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont
(510) 745-1400
Saturday, June 29
Dale Hardware’s 100th Anniversary Block Party
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Tri-Cities residents are invited to come celebrate with us as we fire up the grills and serve delicious barbeque for our neighbors. The event will also include product demonstrations, children’s games and activities, special day-of- offers and much more!
Dale Hardware
3700 Thornton Ave., Fremont
(510) 797-3700
Saturday, June 29
Rhythm Builders
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Get ready to make some noise! Join the Rhythm Builders for an interactive session of stories, movement, and music. Connect with your sense of rhythm this summer and find your own beat.
Newark Library
37055 Newark Blvd., Newark
(510) 284-0675
http://www.therhythmbuilders.com/
Saturday, June 29
Bohème Out of the Box
1 p.m. – Bohème Out of the Box
4:30 p.m. – Out of the Box: Encore Concert
Kennedy Park Amphitheater
1333 Decoto Rd., Union City
(510) 675-5445
www.sfopera.com/box
www.unioncity.org/589/Arts-Culture-Studio-11
Sunday, June 30
Indigo Dyeing
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
We will use clothespins and rubber bands to create patterns on cotton fabric. Indigo is a very magical and special dyeing process. This workshop will be messy and dye may permanently stain clothes and temporarily stain skin. Please wear old clothes that you don’t care about! All materials will be provided.
San Lorenzo Library
395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo
(510) 284-0640
Saturday, July 13
Niles Concert on the Plaza
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Great Music – Great Community
Niles Town Plaza
37592 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Friday – Sunday, July 19 – August 4
StarStruck Theatre Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
This summer join StarStruck as we step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Ohlone College
Smith Center
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
starstrucktheatre.org
(510) 659-6031
Tickets: $25 – $35
