On Dec. 13, the Big Bus Initiative of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program will be on the move. The program has been giving toys to children in underserved communities since 1947, with nearly 45,000 donations in 2023. The Alameda County branch of the Toys for Tots is organized by Staff Sergeant Nathan Martinez, 2024 Alameda County Coordinator, and Civilian Project Coordinator Dan Cardenas. There are several stops in the Tri-City Area, including Mission Hills Middle School in Union City and Haller’s Pharmacy in Fremont, that have committed to donating $1,000’s worth of toys. alameda-ca.toysfortots.org
K-Pop culture is returning to Hayward on Dec. 15 with a vendor and artist hall, games and live performances throughout the day and raffles and prizes. K-Wave Pop-Up will take place at Craft Pizzeria and Sector 19 from 12pm to 6pm. visithaywardca.com
In Fremont, Ohlone College welcomed two new appointees. Dr. Jennifer Sarhadi became Director of Financial Aid on Dec. 2. Dr. Sarhadi started her career as a computer lab assistant at Modesto Junior College, and has worked at Monterey County Office of Education. She has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Also on Dec. 2, the college appointed Wrenna Finche as Vice President of Administrative Services. Finche has previously served as Vice Chancellor for the College Finance and Facilities Planning Division at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, where she oversaw over $13 billion in state funding. At Ohlone, Finche will oversee finance, facilities, technology services and campus safety, as well as advising college president Sasaki. www.ohlone.edu
