Alameda County Fire Department Log
Submitted by ACFD
Thursday, February 18
• At 11:04 p.m. crews were dispatched to a commercial structure on Eigenbrodt Way in Union City where a large piece of equipment had caught on fire. Firefighters from two engines aggressively attacked the blaze from the building’s interior and stopped it from spreading. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Alameda County Water District Board
February 11, 2021
Consent calendar:
•Resolution honoring Steve Gonsalves upon his retirement from ACWD service. Approved with Director Paul Sethy abstaining.
• Authorization to execute two agreements regarding the 2021 Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention Programs at the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area and Lake Del Valle. Approved with Director Paul Sethy abstaining.
• Resolution finding the Blending Facility Low Flow Modifications Project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approving implementation of the project. Approved with Director Paul Sethy abstaining.
Action items:
• Resolution adopting Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, approving the Driscoll Road Main Renewal Project and authorizing the General Manager to prepare and file a notice of determination for the project. Approved with Director Paul Sethy abstaining because he is involved with a nearby development project at 2950 Washington Blvd.
• Authorization to execute a Cooperative Agreement for water main renewal design and construction work associated with the City of Newark’s Lindsay Tract Roadway and Green Infrastructure Improvements Project. Unanimously approved.
• Delivery of Groundwater Monitoring Report and Survey Report, and adoption of resolutions relating to the Replenishment Assessment Act. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution approving revised miscellaneous fees and charges, rebate programs, updating the ACWD’s rate and fee schedule, and finding the amendments exempt from CEQA. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution nominating Director John H. Weed to the Executive Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned,
Aziz Akbari Aye
James Gunther Aye, 3 absentions
Judy Huang Aye
Paul Sethy Aye
John Weed Aye
At-home therapy for children with special needs
By Dhoha Bareche
When a group of four Bay Area high school students passionate about neurodiversity and autism met at an entrepreneurship program called Launch X last summer, they were able to form an organization called Auesome. Dedicated to making therapy for children with special needs more accessible and affordable, they sought assistance and feedback from therapists and academics. As a result, they’ve been able to prepare and ship dozens of free kits to families across the country that help autistic children learn communication and fine motor skills. Auesome created a platform that bridges the gap between the digital and physical world of at-home therapy, one kit at a time.
Isabelle He, junior at Mission San Jose High School and co-founder of AUesome, completed a 3-week internship at Chandu hospital where she interacted with autistic children, and realized how expensive and inaccessible therapy is. She says, “After I noticed how parents were paying thousands of dollars for their kids to get into these programs and were going home without lasting assistance, I was inspired to help children with autism and start a fundraiser for one of the kids I met at my internship.” When He enrolled at the Launch X entrepreneurship program in July 2020, she met like-minded individuals who helped expand her mission.
During this 6-week program they were able to conduct market research on the needs of autistic children and raise funds to develop kits with 5-6 activities based on existing clinical validation. According to AUesome’s Finance Manager Arnav Gurudatt, kits are modeled after what one would typically find in a therapist’s Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) or occupational therapy session. Activities help autistic children become more independent by developing life skills such as learning how to tie shoelaces or pull up zippers and train sensory integration, emotion identification, impulse control, attention span, and ability to follow instructions.
To simplify the at-home therapy process, Auesome also developed instructional videos and is working on an app. Gurudatt explains, “Our research shows there is a dearth of parental involvement for children with special needs, so that’s where the instructional videos come into play because we want the parents to be as involved as possible and help their kids through the therapy process.” Furthermore, the app will include these videos in addition to different activities and progress tracking to allow parents to follow their child’s therapy process.
Since September, the AUesome team has received over 200+ requests for free kits from over 50 families across the United States. Their goal, at this stage, is to acquire the resources necessary to expand their efforts and grow the AUesome family. Andrew Kim, AUesome’s Designer, says, “One of our goals is to grow our social network and provide the parents and children with a platform to connect with others and receive resources and support.” He adds, “We also want to develop customizable kits since children with autism have different needs based on their chronological and cognitive age.”
Within the span of a few months, the AUesome team has been able to benefit many families with special needs and foster a positive community. Krupa Shyam, a parent who purchased a kit from AUesome says, “Autism spectrum is a puzzle. Every piece is very important to complete the puzzle. Love all your pieces separately, and together they could form an incredible beautiful picture in the form of AUesome.”
Website: https://www.auesome.co/
Email: auesome.co@gmail.com
Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/auesome-athome-therapy-for-children-with-autism
Writers to Host Reverend Barbara Meyers
Submitted by Knuti VanHoven
On February 27, Fremont Areas Writers will host Rev. Barbara F. Meyers to discuss her new book, Held – Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health. It’s about her own experiences with the mental health system and the life she’s built ministering to and working with people who have to bridge the gap between their “real world” lives and the mental challenges they cope with. Almost all of us know someone who suffers from mental issues, whether anxiety, phobias, mild schizophrenia, debilitating depression, or advancing Alzheimers.
“When I first started to speak publicly on this topic,” she explains “I decided to see how widespread mental illness was in my audience. I asked for them to rise in body or spirit if their lives were being impacted by a friend, family member or coworker with mental illness. I was surprised when nearly all the people in the audience stood up. Everyone looked around and were surprised at how many people were standing. Then, after the event, they were telling each other about their circumstances. It wasn’t a secret any more.
“I still ask for such a ‘public witness’ at my public appearances. The answer is still the same. It is the best way I have found to erase the stigma associated with mental health problems.”
When mental illness rocked her own life, Meyers sought answers from both science and religion. Her experience led her to walk away from her tech career and eventually begin a ministry for people who are dealing with the impact of mental illnesses on themselves and those they care about. Her ministry is filling a vacuum for people whose needs have been “politely ignored” for far too long.
Meyers’ book Held – Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health was published by Skinner House Books in August of 2020.
“People with other illnesses are acknowledged and supported by their friends and families, but mental illness is treated very differently,” she explained. “One member of my group said that when a member of her church was hospitalized, friends and neighbors rallied around. They brought casseroles because they knew the parents were sitting by their loved one’s bedside and didn’t have time to stay home and cook for the rest of the family.
“But when her daughter was hospitalized in the psychiatric ward, even though she needed her [mother] there for her, there weren't any casseroles –Why not?
“There are so many misconceptions about what mental illness even is. People used to blame episodes on demonic possession…Even her best friends pretended it was it wasn’t happening, or were worried that mentioning it might ‘embarrass her…The sad fact is that there is a double standard, and mental illness is sometimes called the ‘no casserole disease.’ This needs to stop.”
The title of Meyers book, “Held,” is a reference to the need mental illness victims have to be understood, listened to, sympathized with and sometimes, yes, Held.
The February 27 event is free for all. Please email scottfrombayside@yahoo.com for the Zoom link and log on a few minutes early.
For more information contact Fremont Area Writers at cwc-fremontareawriters.org. For Barbara Meyers and her mental health ministry contact https://mpuuc.org/mhm/
FAW hosts Reverend Barbara Meyers
Saturday, Feb 27
2 p.m.
Via Zoom
For link, email scottfrombayside@yahoo.com
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Friday, February 12
• At 10:18 p.m. a man identified by police as Moishe Harris, 51, of Richmond was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and a no bail warrant for failing to register as a transient. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
• At 3:22 p.m. a man identified by police as Salvador Pulido, 46, of San Leandro was arrested at the San Leandro station on an outstanding no bail warrant. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Sunday, February 14
• At 3:05 p.m. a man identified by police as Roberto Rojas, 21, of Union City was arrested at the Castro Valley station on suspicion of annoying a minor and issued a prohibition order. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Thursday, February 18
• At 2:13 p.m. a man identified by police as Adam Baumgartner, 58, of Oakland was arrested at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro on a felony warrant for failing to register on the sex offender registry list. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Bay Area Science Olympiad
Information from NorCal Joint Regional Scioly
In 2021, the NorCal Joint Regional Tournament for the Bay Area Science Olympiad is being held virtually on Saturday, March 6, with each team of students participating in events remotely from their own computers. Science Olympiad is a nationwide competition where Students compete in 23 events that include earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Top teams will advance to State and National levels.
Local schools with teams competing in 2021 are: American High School, Irvington High School, Mission San Jose High School, Castro Valley High School, Canyon Middle School, and Creekside Middle School.
The National tournament, hosted by Arizona State University on Saturday, May 22, 2021, will also be held virtually.
Learn more at https://scilympiad.com/norcalreg.
Prolific Burglary Suspect Arrested
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
On 01/22/21, Special Operations Detectives arrested 28-year-old Abed Saeidah of Hayward after he engaged in a lengthy crime spree. Saeidah was wanted by multiple agencies for his involvement in burglaries, thefts, possession of stolen vehicles, vandalisms, several pursuits, and an attempt to run over a detective with his vehicle.
Fremont PD detectives began investigating Saeidah on 10/12/20 after he committed a robbery at a business in the 36000 block of Fremont Blvd. After stealing from the business, an employee tackled Saeidah who then brandished a knife and threatened to kill the employee. On 12/24/20, Saeidah was seen on video surveillance breaking into several water dispenser machines at Fremont businesses and stealing cash and change.
Over the next several months, Saeidah engaged in numerous burglaries and thefts including over a dozen burglaries of carwash facilities throughout the Bay Area. This included locations in Hayward, Dublin, Newark, Milpitas, Campbell, Redwood City, Rohnert Park, South San Francisco, Burlingame, as well as other locations within Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Pleasanton PD was also investigating Saeidah for over a dozen auto burglaries. During this timeframe, Saeidah was arrested several times and cite/released for various property crimes by multiple agencies.
On 01/15/21, Pleasanton PD detectives located Saeidah in Fremont and attempted to arrest him for outstanding warrants. Saeidah fled on foot and into his vehicle as detectives chased after him. Saeidah then drove directly at several detectives and rammed an unmarked Pleasanton detective vehicle. One detective was forced to quickly jump out of the way in order to avoid being struck by Saeidah's vehicle. At one point, Saeidah exited his vehicle and began taunting the detectives. Fremont PD patrol units arrived and pursued Saeidah until they lost visual of him on northbound 880.
FPD Special Operations detectives were then tasked with locating and apprehending Saiedah. FPD Detectives then learned that Saiedah was in possession of another stolen vehicle and had engaged in several additional pursuits with Redwood City PD patrol units.
On 01/19/21, detectives learned that Saiedah had stolen a different vehicle while committing a theft in Hayward. Detectives continued their search for Saiedah and eventually located him in the city of Hayward on 01/22/21. Detectives contacted Saiedah in his vehicle who then attempted to ram an unmarked FPD vehicle. Saiedah ran from his vehicle but was quickly caught by pursuing detectives. Saiedah fought with detectives but was eventually handcuffed and subdued. While waiting for a marked patrol vehicle for transport, Saiedah attempted to flee on foot but was quickly detained once again. He was then brought to a local hospital for medical clearance. While detectives were escorting Saiedah out of the hospital, Saiedah attempted to flee once again despite already being handcuffed. Detectives were able to restrain Saiedah until additional officers arrived on scene to secure him in a patrol vehicle.
He was transported to Santa Rita Jail where he was booked for various charges related to crimes Saiedah committed in Fremont including: robbery, vandalism, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest. Saiedah has since been charged with additional crimes he committed in other jurisdictions. Saeidah remains in custody as his various cases move forward at different stages of the court process.
Detectives are continuing to work with multiple outside agencies for charges regarding incidents in their jurisdictions.
Saiedah has numerous prior arrests for: assault with a firearm on person, shooting from a vehicle, brandishing a firearm, felony domestic violence, felony evading, violation of a court order, resisting arrest, possession of stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles, and theft.
Saiedah was observed driving his black 2019 Dodge Charger during several crimes. He was also seen driving an associate's silver 2001 Toyota Corolla, an associate's red 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, a stolen maroon Toyota Corolla, a stolen silver Ford Fusion, a stolen gold Honda Civic, and a stolen black Honda Civic.
If you have any information regarding this investigation or if you believe you were victimized by Saiedah, please contact detective Troy Roberts at 510-790-6900 or troberts@fremont.gov.
California Math League (CAML) Virtual Math Contest
Submitted by FUSS
Top of Form
Fremont Unified Student Store (FUSS) is pleased to offer the California Math League (CAML) contest to FUSD students. Over one million students take part in Math League competitions each year.
The CAML contests offer challenging math problems that cover the math curriculum in grades 4 and 5. Any student in grade 4 or below can take the grade 4 contest. Any student in grade 5 or below can take the grade 5 contest. There is also an Algebra 1 contest that any student can take.
Each contest consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you can do in 30 minutes. On each 3-page contest, the questions on the 1st page are generally straightforward, those on the 2nd page are moderate in difficulty, and those on the 3rd page are more difficult.
Registration for the April 28, 2021 date will close on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at midnight. The contest will cost $9.99. Payment will not be refunded if you do not show up for the contest. There may be a limited number of spaces available after February 25. Please email Robert Hou at rhpix1@yahoo.com.
Contests will be available all day on April 28 via an online system. Results will be emailed to the address used at registration. It will take about a month for results to be released.
Due to the many students taking the contest, FUSS may not able to answer all email queries. Those with questions can join the group a group.io group, fusscaml_2021. This will be the official way for us to keep you informed.
Students may use calculators without QWERTY keyboards. No graph paper, compasses, straight edges, rulers, printed mathematical tables, or other devices will be allowed.
For more information about the CAML math contests, please take a look at their website, www.mathleague.com.
Bottom of Form
Community Shred Day
Submitted by Union City Police Department
Feel a mental weight lifted by clearing out old papers that you were afraid to toss in the garbage. Participate in the free shred day on Saturday, April 24. Social distancing will be observed at the event. It will be a drive-thru and contact-free process.
What to shred?
Paper Only: 4-6 Banker Box Limit, paperclips, staples, and binder clips OK
What not to shred?
Batteries, plastic sleeves/ paper protectors, plastic, three ring binders, CD’s, DVD's, credit cards, X Rays, cellphones, photos, transparencies, and books
Shred Day
Saturday, Apr 24
9 a.m. – 12 noon
James Logan High School
1800 H St., Union City
COVID TESTING SITES
For those with medical insurance, call your doctor/healthcare provider. If you do not have medical insurance, an appointment can be scheduled at a Community Testing Site or Testing Event near you.
FREMONT
Bay Area Community Health
M-F: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sa: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Drive through, drop-in, and walk-up testing by appointment – free
39500 Liberty St., Fremont
(510) 770-8040
Asian Health Services
Sa: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Los Cerritos Community Center
3377 Alder Ave., Fremont
https://bit.ly/2M5PIAA
(510) 735-3222
NEWARK
Covid Clinic
Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Drive through testing by appointment
2086 Newpark Mall, Newark
www.covidclinic.org
(877) 976-4251
CORE and Newark Wellness Center (Alameda Health System)
F-Sa: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive-Thru
6066 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark
https://bit/ly/3duydVG
Bay Area Community Health
M: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Springhill Hotel Newark
6100 Newpark Mall, Newark
https://bit/ly/3duydVG
HAYWARD
La Familia @ Cherryland Testing Center
M-F: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
20095 Mission Blvd., Hayward
https://avellinocov2.com/
(510) 571-9191
Skywest Golf Course
M-F: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages 12 and older
1401 Golf Course Rd., Hayward
https://bit.ly/3aBlVJC
(510) 583-5333
Glad Tidings Church
W-Sa: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drive through and walk-up testing by appointment
1000 Glad Tidings Way, Hayward
https://ac.fulgentgenetics.com/
La Familia and Eden United Church of Christ
Th: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
F: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sa: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
21455 Birch St., Hayward
https://avellinocov2.com/
(510) 571-9191
Covid Clinic
Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Drive through testing by appointment
1 Southland Mall, Hayward
www.covidclinic.org
(877) 976-4251
SAN LEANDRO
San Leandro Marina Community Center
T-Sa: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
15301 Wicks Blvd., San Leandro
https://lhi.care/covidtesting
(888) 634-1123 (English & Spanish)
PLEASANTON
Alameda County Fairgrounds
M-F: 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Drive-Through Testing
Open through February 26, while supplies last
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Gate 12 off Valley Ave, Pleasanton
Help is available for seniors and others isolated due to Covid-19
By Alfred Hu
In early March of 2020, Pranav Eranki, Lawrence Fan, Alexander Wang and Sivansh Chitti were coming to terms with COVID-19 in their area. They had friends and family members in retirement homes who faced isolation in light of the worsening pandemic, since visitors were discouraged from visiting them. Then during one late-night call, they decided to go on a mission to reach out to seniors and to those who are vulnerable or at-risk.
Thereafter a non-profit organization, COVID Networks, was established in Cupertino to bridge the gap between seniors and the rest of society, to ease their loneliness and to improve their mental health during these difficult and unpredictable times. COVID Networks employs youth volunteers who offer many services to seniors and those in need such as one-on-one conversations, yoga and meditation sessions, book clubs where favorite novels and other literature can be discussed, online games such as Jeopardy and trivia quizzes, music sessions where musical talents can be showcased, and art workshops such as drawing, painting and decorating.
But there is more. “We are rapidly expanding and always trying to find new avenues of growth,” says Eranki. “Recently we have started incorporating Tai Chi into our program and we hope to expand to hospitals and orphanages in the near future.” Currently, activities are done through Zoom, but volunteers also send cards and masks to senior centers.
As the organization grew, new chapters have been established, including one at Priya Living in Warm Springs, Fremont. According to Eranki, due to this growth, COVID Networks is working with its partners to help refugees in Syria as well as reaching out to suicide prevention groups. To date, COVID Networks helped more than 19,000 seniors with around 2,100 screened and trained volunteers.
Since the inception of COVID Networks, seniors and volunteers have experienced mutual benefits. In one instance, Chitti, one of the organization’s founders, talked one-on-one with 99-year-old senior Helene Levi at the San Francisco Jewish Living Community. Speaking to her and hearing her optimistic and jolly outlook profoundly impacted Chitti. One of the most important lessons Levi learned is how to treat others. “To do unto others that you would have others do unto you. Be thoughtful and kind to other people and they in turn would treat you the same. Show people the respect.” she mentioned. Her attitude helped Chitti brighten his outlook on life and find gratitude for small things.
In another example, volunteers played Hinduism-themed Jeopardy with the entire facility at a Bay Area senior center. The overlapping laughter as they shouted out answers and corrected one another while racing through the questions warmed the hearts of many. This session made them all realize the value of cultural vitality, compassion, and empathy. It is challenging to be a senior citizen in a rapidly changing world, but experiences like this can rekindle their childlike spirit.
Volunteer Darya Abtahi speaks about how this program has helped him. “As a senior in high school, these past few months have been quite exhausting but I always had something positive to look forward to every Friday after school that motivated me to push through it. I have the ability to reflect and learn more from a lovely senior citizen from Kensington, Bob. COVID Networks has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn and educate myself from various seniors but my one-on-one conversations with Bob has enabled me to see growing up in the Bay Area in a new light,” says Abtahi.
If you would like to know more about COVID Networks or are interested in volunteering and getting a rewarding experience helping out those in need during this challenging time, visit https://www.covidnetworks.org/.
14th Crab Feed
By Stephanie Gertsch
The Age Well Center (formerly Fremont Senior Center) held its 14th annual Crab Feed on Friday, February 19, 2021. For safety, this year’s version was a drive-thru with contactless pickup. Many bright red crustaceans were seen at the site, and Comfort and Joy Ukulele Outreach provided upbeat music.
A warm thank you to the sponsors who made this event possible.
Key Measurements to know for interior design
By Anna Jacoby
I field questions all the time related to how big a rug or chandelier should be, or how high to hang artwork. In this month’s column, I thought I would share answers to these frequently asked questions.
Q. How big should my dining room chandelier be?
A. Add the length and width of the room in feet. That number, in inches, would be a good diameter for that light fixture. For example, if your dining room is 15 feet x 20 feet, then a 35-inch-diameter chandelier would be a good choice.
Q. Speaking of chandeliers, how high should it hang above my table?
A. Generally, it should hang 36-42” above the table. Have a helper hold it at 36” above the table, stand back and look at it, then adjust accordingly.
Q. What size should my curtains be?
A. This comes up all the time! If you are buying ready-made curtain panels, it is tough because the panels come in fixed sizes. If you want the panels to cover the window completely, and look nice and full, you will need to buy several of them, so that their total width adds up to two to three times the width of the window. Here’s how to figure it out: Let us say your window is 72” wide. The total width of your curtain panels should be 144” to 216”. Since ready-made panels typically come in 50” widths, you should buy three or four panels. Your rod should be the width of the window plus about 10-12” on each side. So, in this case, you would buy a 92-96” rod. For height, taller is always better, so measure the top of the window down to the floor and add at least 6” to get the height you need. A dry cleaner who offers alterations or a nice friend who sews, can hem your panels, or sew them together for you. If your budget allows, consider custom-made drapes and panels— then the sizing will always be perfect.
Q. How high should my artwork hang?
A. Most people hang artwork much too high. Aim to hang your artwork so the center is at 57”-60” up from the floor. Trust me on this! If you are hanging multiple pieces in a wall gallery, start with the largest piece, hang it with the center at 57”-60” from the floor, then arrange the other pieces around it. If you are hanging artwork above a sofa or buffet, hang it anywhere between 57”-66” on center depending on the height of the furniture and height of your ceilings. The larger the artwork, the closer it should be to the furniture below it. Shoot for 4-8” above the top of the furniture, and at least 4” down from the ceiling/moulding.
Q. What size should my area rug be?
A. Always aim for larger over smaller rugs. When a rug is so small that only the coffee table can sit on top, it looks out of proportion. For a living room seating arrangement, at minimum, make sure the rug is large enough, so it touches the front legs of all your furniture. If the room is large, and your furniture “floats” in the middle, measure the seating arrangement and add approximately 10-18” to each side to make sure the all the furniture is sitting on the rug. However, be sure to allow for 12″-24″ of bare floor from the edge of the rug to the wall.
Q. How much space should I allow between my sofa and coffee table?
A. Many living rooms I go to have their furniture much too far apart for conversation. I have seen rooms where the sofas are placed on opposite walls, with the coffee table in the center, floating all by itself. This is too much distance. If this is you, move the furniture much closer together, especially sofas and chairs. Coffee tables can be as close as 12 inches from the edge of the seating. Your seating arrangement will feel more comfortable and be much more conducive to socializing.
Park It
By Ned MacKay
East Bay Regional Park District is beginning to reopen some of its facilities as progress continues controlling COVID-19. The latest move is the reopening of Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, Little Farm at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, and Regional Parks Botanic Garden, which is also at Tilden. Tilden’s Environmental Education Center next door to Little Farm remains closed for now, as do all the district’s other visitor centers.
All three are reopening with limited capacity on a reservation-only basis. To make reservations, visit the park district website at www.ebparks.org. Click on “About Us” at the top of the home page, then click on “News.” Click on the article, “Little Farm, Ardenwood, and Botanic Garden Reopening Feb. 18,” which has links to make reservations for each of the facilities.
Earlier the district reopened family campgrounds at Anthony Chabot Regional Park near Castro Valley and Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore, both at 50 percent capacity. Limited backpack camping is available at Sunol and Ohlone Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County.
For all of these, you need to make reservations at the park district website. Click on “Register and Reserve” at the top of the home page, then click on “Camping.” Also, you can call (888) 327-2757 for details.
Meanwhile, all pandemic related precautions are still in place. Park visitors should maintain 6 feet of social distancing and carry masks to wear when keeping distance is not possible on narrow trails or at trail gates. Some toilets are open, but group picnic areas are generally closed. Bring your own drinking water as most fountains have been shut off.
In other news, the district has launched a “Pup Pro” campaign, designed to encourage park visitors to cooperate with dog-related rules in the parklands. You will see signs at park entrances. Among other things, people are asked to pick up their dog’s waste and deposit it in trashcans and place their dogs on leash when cattle are nearby.
Generally, the park district’s dog rules are not onerous. Dogs can be off-leash in the backcountry, except where otherwise posted, if they are under their owners’ control. This means the dog will come when called.
Dogs are supposed to be placed on leash when livestock are nearby. Especially if your dog starts harassing wildlife and grazing cattle, or has uninvited interactions with other park visitors, Fido must be put on leash.
The park district is planning and developing a new regional park at the former Roddy Ranch golf course in Antioch. A public meeting is planned from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at which you can learn about planning for habitat restoration, recreation opportunities, and public access. Discussion about the property’s present condition, project timeline, and ways in which the public can become involved will also take place.
The meeting will be held online via Zoom. To register, contact Eddie Willis, project planner, at ewillis@ebparks.org. To learn more and to view a post-meeting recording, visit the project website, ebparks.org/about/planning/roddyranch/.
Rancher and rodeo legend Jack Roddy had owned the property as part of his extensive ranch near Brentwood since the mid-1970s. He opened the 230-acre golf course in 2001 and operated it for 15 years.
In partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, the park district purchased Roddy’s property, including the golf course, in various transactions from 2014 to 2018. The former golf course area is expected to be the first part of the future Deer Valley Regional Park to open to the public.
Editorial
Details
Famed University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) basketball coach John Wooden said, “it’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” With a record string of victories – ten National Collegiate Athletic Association national championships in a 12-year period – few can argue with his assertion. The “Wizard of Westwood” achieved astounding success by coaxing the best from talented players who responded to his long history of personal, honorable conduct, accomplishments and unique basketball court strategies. Wooden advocated a “Pyramid of Success”, applicable to life in general as well as athletics. At the base of the pyramid are basic patterns of human endeavor including loyalty, friendship, cooperation and enthusiasm. Building upon this foundation, skill, self-control, confidence, poise and initiative lead toward the goal of competitive greatness. The result of this pyramid’s building blocks is “…the peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
Other exceptional individuals have also noted the importance of detailed analysis and planning. Military and political figures have long recognized problems associated with hasty and desultory and careless inspection of obstacles and challenges. Politician, diplomat General Colin Powell described it this way: “Strategy equals execution. All the great ideas and visions in the world are worthless if they can't be implemented rapidly and efficiently. Good leaders delegate and empower others liberally, but they pay attention to details, every day.”
Commentator Peggy Noonan, whose credits include a Pulitzer Prize, columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, considers attention to details as a defense against the erosion of fear. She states: “We are all afraid. That's the thing that unites all truly successful people: fear, fear of failing, fear of criticism, fear of letting down the team in some way. That why they try so hard, that's why they pay attention to detail and try to get every possible duck in a row. It's fear.”
Each example, in its own way emphasizes that a major requirement in any endeavor is attention to details without surrendering to fear. As our communities emerge from the specter of COVID-19, many other significant and consequential problems will begin to share the public and political stage. It is tempting to leap at simple, inviting solutions without a clear understanding of what a detailed analysis might reveal. The opposite can also be true as, mired in details, action is delayed beyond a reasonable timeframe.
From Wooden to Powell to Noonan, consequences of detail avoidance can be extreme. Monumental challenges of climate change, homelessness, poverty, equality and education have never receded from importance; they have simply been overshadowed by a worldwide catastrophe. It is now time to address these issues with thoughtful, detail-oriented, yet prompt action. This all begins at the local level. Waiting for solutions to appear invites intrusion by other, more inclusive governmental entities (state and federal) that cannot match the sensitivity and direction of neighbors.
Recent discussions of safe and sanitary parking for homeless is an example of how local government can address a pressing issue before state intrusion intercedes. In another example dealing with homelessness, state action has begun mandating rules and regulations of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). In this case, decisions have been determined outside local control and each municipality is bound by such regulations. Whether for good or ill, details will always make a difference, but too much delay can result in another entity proscribing them for you.
The devil is in the details.
BART offers free rides from vaccination center
Submitted by BART
With large-scale COVID-19 vaccinations underway at the Oakland Coliseum, for a limited time BART is offering a free ride home for people who are vaccinated at the site. The vaccination site, which is scheduled to open Tuesday, February 16 in the parking lot of the Oakland Coliseum is accessible via a pedestrian walkway from the Coliseum BART station.
BART will have extra staff at the Coliseum BART station during regular operating hours. They will provide anyone who has received a vaccine a free $7.00 BART ticket after they show their vaccination card with a matching date. The $7.00 is enough fare to get to any station in the system, except the SFO station.
BART is also working to ensure people who have mobility challenges will have assistance getting between the Coliseum BART Station and the vaccination site. It can be a long walk and BART is taking steps to make sure help is in place for those who need it.
“After you get the shot, we’ll get you home,” said BART Board President Mark Foley. “BART is proud to help people get to and from their vaccination appointment, and we applaud the governor and the Biden-Harris Administration for selecting a location that is easily accessible by transit.”
The vaccination site is jointly operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of California through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and is part of the wider effort to create 100 vaccination sites nationwide in the President’s first 100 days.
Coliseum Station has become BART’s 10th busiest BART station. The pandemic has caused a fundamental shift in system usage with stations serving transit dependent communities such as Coliseum and Fruitvale rising to the top of the most frequently used station list.
BART’s limited promotion of a free ride home from Coliseum is only available for the Coliseum site until further notice. It is not being offered for other vaccination locations in the Bay Area. The free ticket is non-refundable and is only available on-site during BART’s operating hours and on the same day of the person’s appointment as verified by the date on the vaccination card. Riders should check train arrival and departures times to and from the Coliseum Station for the day of their appointment to plan their trip.
BART will monitor ridership to and from the station to ensure social distancing on trains remains possible. Registration for vaccine appointments is available through the state’s MyTurn online scheduling system at https://myturn.ca.gov/.
Free tax help
Submitted by Kimberly Hawkins
Cal State East Bay's College of Business and Economics (CBE) is offering free tax help to the community Wednesdays and Saturdays. The CBE is participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), in partnership with the IRS, virtually this tax season.
Virtual VITA at Cal State East Bay is staffed by trained student volunteers who have passed the Advanced Certification Exam and Foreign Student Exam to help individuals self-prepare their 2020 federal and state tax returns using IRS-provided e-filing software. To learn more about how to get free tax help or to make an appointment, visit www.csueastbay.edu/acct-fin/vita.html.
Virtual Tax Filing
Wednesdays and Saturdays
www.csueastbay.edu/acct-fin/vita.html
By appointment
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Thursday, February 11
• At 6:23 p.m. a suspect entered a 7-Eleven store at 38003 Mission Blvd., approached the counter and pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect then fled from the store.
Saturday, February 13
• A man entered the rear door of a Jack in the Box eatery at 41115 Fremont Blvd with a large knife in his hand. He then exited the business and started to wave the knife at customers. The man, identified by police as Lance Anderson, 27, an Oakland transient, was arrested.
Sunday, February 14
• Officers were called to the area of Hemingway Common for a man seen holding a rifle and shouting. The man, identified by police as Lance Anderson, 27, an Oakland transient, was located and arrested. The rifle was found nearby and determined to be an air soft gun.
• At 12:45 p.m. a suspect entered a Walmart store at 44990 Osgood Road and began concealing items inside of bags. When confronted by store security, the suspect fled out an emergency exit and threatened to spray staff with bear spray.
Fremont City Council
February 16, 2021
Work Session
Public Comment:
• Continue to build bridges with Fremont Unified School District
Work Session:
• Discussion of Parks and Recreation Master Plan process, community engagement and services assessment. Resident top priorities: trails, open space conservation, neighborhood and community parks, community center, parking, parkland, indoor recreation, special and cultural events. Top unmet need is adult fitness and wellness. Financial support priorities: restrooms and new regional sports park, community and senior center. Financing supported through development impact fees and bonds.
Regular Meeting
Consent Calendar:
• Award agreement with New Image Landscape Company through June 2026 in a not-to-exceed $248,442.67. (Salwan recusal)
• Extend agreements with employee associations for an additional one-year period.
• Extend emergency paid sick leave benefits expiration date to March 31, 2021.
• Approve emergency zoning administrator permit for Kaiser COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Ceremonial Items:
• Resolution denouncing xenophobia and anti-Asian racism.
Public Communications:
• Video screens are not high enough resolution on community TV.
• Tree protection ordinance should be enforced.
• Commend resolution denouncing xenophobia and anti-Asian racism.
• Need for care for homeless.
Other Business:
• Update developments on safe parking strategy for vehicular homelessness. Good Neighbor Guidelines enacted January 2021 for residents living in vehicles. Community outreach responses top concerns include: access to sanitation services, safety and substandard conditions. Three-pronged strategy for safe parking: private spaces for small number of operable vehicles, temporary sanctioned parking areas, city operated safe parking sites.
• Selection of electric utility rate plan for city operations. Due to phase out of Fremont’s use of Brilliant 100 plan January 2022, another plan must be selected. City spends approximately $716,000/year currently electricity. If the City ops to change to Renewable 100 plan (greenhouse gas free), the cost is estimated to increase by approximately $87,000. If Bright Choice (increase of 527 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions) of is selected, savings of approximately $7,000 would result. By 2030, 100 percent renewable and carbon free option will be instituted by East Bay Community Energy. Select Bright Choice due to budgetary concerns. PASSED 6-1 (Kassan, Nay)
Mayor Lily Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Jenny Kassan (District 3) Aye, 1 Nay
Teresa Keng, District 1 Aye
Rick Jones, District 2 Aye
Yang Shao, District 4 Aye
Raj Salwan, District 5 Aye, 1 recusal
Teresa Cox, District 6 Aye
Synagogue vandalism being investigated as hate crime
Submitted by Geneva Bosques, Fremont PD
Employees arriving at Temple Beth Torah on February 10 spotted graffiti drawn on an exterior wall of the synagogue on Paseo Padre Parkway. Upon closer examination they saw the four-inch drawing was a swastika and called the Fremont Police Department.
Arriving officers documented the incident, and immediately searched the area for evidence, including video surveillance. It’s unknown when the incident occurred. The initial report was classified as a hate crime, and the case has been assigned to the police department’s Investigative Unit.
“This is unacceptable, and I have personally seen that this be made a high priority investigation for our department,” said Fremont Police Department Chief Kimberley Petersen. “Fremont is a city that celebrates diversity, and this is not reflective of our collective values. Hate and bias motivated crimes will not be tolerated in our community.”
This is Fremont’s first reported hate crime in 2021. In 2020, the police department documented five hate crime incidents. Information on hate crimes can be found at the Fremont Police Department’s Transparency Portal at fremontpolice.gov/transparency.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Michael Gebhardt at Mgebhardt@fremont.gov or call (510) 790-5954. Anonymous tips can be sent via Text-a-Tip FremontPD followed by a short message to 888777 or via the web at https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.
Hayward COVID-19 Testing Center moves to drop-in service
Submitted by City of Hayward
The City of Hayward COVID-19 Testing Center is now providing coronavirus testing on a drop-in basis rather than by appointment as part of a switch to a new diagnostic laboratory for analyzing test samples.
The Center’s drive-up Testing Site will continue to operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the former Skywest Golf Course, 1401 Golf Course Road, adjacent to Hayward Executive Airport.
Under a funding agreement with Alameda County Department of Public Health, test samples taken at the Site will be analyzed by PerkinElmer diagnostics, with test registration and results information managed by Color, a population health technology company based in Burlingame.
Testing through the Center is available to anyone age 12 and older, regardless of place of residence or immigration status. No fee will be charged and no physician referral is required. Test results are to be available within 48 hours or earlier, depending on test volume. For additional support obtaining test results, Color can be reached at (844) 352-6567 and mycovidtest@color.com.
Pre-registration for COVID-19 testing through the Center is encouraged and can be completed online here. During registration, people will be asked to provide a phone number and email address for receiving test results.
Additionally, though no fee will be charged to users of the Testing Center, insurance information will be collected to allow for cost reimbursement from private and public health insurance systems and to help sustain Center operations.
The Hayward COVID-19 Testing Center was established by the Hayward Fire Department on March 23—just 12 days after declaration of a local emergency over the emerging global pandemic.
It has played a vital role in taking pressure off area emergency rooms, giving quicker answers to health care workers and first responders with coronavirus exposures and helping slow community spread through isolation after detection of infections.
Since it opened, the Center has processed more than 62,000 for the viral pathogen that causes COVID-19—and remains a mainstay of COVID-19 testing in Alameda County.
Hayward City Council
February 16, 2021
Public comment:
• A citizen asked the council to talk with the builders of the Mission Crossing condominium development about building a walkway on Torrano Avenue that would give residents a second way to access their homes.
Consent items
• Adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications and call for bids for the Fiscal Year 2021 Pavement Improvement Project.
• Approval of Final Map of Tract 8442 (Harvey Avenue) subdividing two existing parcels at 28571 and 29591 Harvey Avenue into 17 parcels to allow the construction of 12 detached single-family residences with common open space area and related site improvements; Applicant/Owner: Nuvera Homes.
• Adopt a resolution approving an amendment to the City of Hayward Salary Plan for Fiscal Year 2021.
Action item
• Adopt a resolution approving the final Hayward Regional Shoreline Adaptation Master Plan and noting that it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Mayor Barbara Halliday Aye
Aisha Wahab Aye
Angela Andrews Aye
Sara Lamnin Aye
Elisa Márquez Aye
Mark Salinas Aye
Francisco Zermeño Aye
Hazard Pay Ordinance for local grocery employees
Submitted by Paul Sanftner
On February 17, San Leandro City Council voted to enact a new urgency ordinance to support local retail grocery store workers. Known as the Retail Food Worker Hazard Pay Ordinance, it requires grocery stores to compensate full-time and part-time employees with a temporary wage increase of $5 per hour. The City Council adopted the urgency ordinance in recognition that frontline grocery workers are at greater risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus because of their public-facing job responsibilities.
The urgency ordinance applies to employees of any retail food establishments that employ 300 or more employees nationwide, regardless of where those employees are employed. It is structured to remain in effect for 120 days, as long as Alameda County is outside the Yellow tier under the current statewide health order framework, or until such time as most employees are vaccinated.
“For nearly one year, grocery store workers have endured a challenging work environment brought upon them by the pandemic,” noted Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar. “They have performed at a high level while providing food and essential supplies to our residents. This action will mitigate grocery workers’ overexposure to the COVID-19 virus because they will not have to work two to three jobs during this time. The city council took this action in recognition of their critical work.”
Are high school sports back?
Submitted by Mike Heightchew
State health officials have given the go ahead for the start of select high school sports programs. In counties with fewer than 14 cases of COVID-19 for every 100,000 residents (including Alameda County) have been given a green light, with approval of local officials. According to the California Department of Public Health, competition can resume February 26, 2021.
The California Department of Public Health issued guidance of January 19th applies to “all organized youth sports and recreation—including school-and community-sponsored programs, privately-organized clubs and leagues—and adult recreational sports.”
The notice cautioned that the ruling does not cover collegiate or professional sports and community events such as marathons, half-marathons and endurance races. It also advised that this “return-to-competition” can be revoked at any time subject to Covid-19 transmission levels.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/outdoor-indoor-recreational-sports.aspx
Honor Roll
University of Findlay, Ohio
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Elaine Ng of Fremont
Seton Hall University, New Jersey
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Xupeng Yang of Castro Valley
University of Hartford, Connecticut
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Camila Harris of Hayward
Ashland University, Ohio
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Lingyin Dang of Hayward
Ohio University
Fall 2020 graduates
• Yvonne Chen of Milpitas
• Stephen Owens-Wong of Hayward
Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
Fall 2020 Dean’s List
• Rebecca DiPaola of Fremont
• Harsh Srivastava of Fremont.
• Jailyn Talavera of Fremont
• Audrey McIntosh of Newark
• Merry Ren of Fremont
• Amanda Bui of Fremont
• Nicholas Mullin of Hayward
• Rose Crisman of Fremont
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Parenting During COVID R
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual support group to help families cope with challenges encountered during COVID
To register: www.fremont.gov/3060/Caregiver-Support
(510) 574-2100
Tuesdays
Free Virtual Sing-Along
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zoom choir meeting hosted by Mission Peak Chamber Singers
https://www.chambersingers.org/
Contact: info@chambersingers.org
Wednesdays, January 27, February 17, and March 10
Never Forget: A Writers Workshop for Japanese-Americans R
10 a.m. – 12 noon
3-part workshop focused on 2nd generation Japanese-American novice writers
To register, email education@haywardareahistory.org
www.haywardareahistory.org
Wednesdays, January 20 – April 14
National Geographic Live Virtual Events $
7 p.m.
2/24: Reimagining Dinosaurs
3/17: Feats of Filmmaking
3/31: Mysterious Seas
4/14: Women and Migration
LivermoreArts.org
(925) 373-6800
Nationalgeographic.com/events
Wednesdays and Sundays
McNevin at The Mudpuddle
6 p.m.
Dinner time tunes, oddservations, and bad jokes
Via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/mudpuddlemusic
Thursdays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Virtual Youth Group
6:30 p.m.
Youth and young adults, students welcome
Contact: brian@newarkpress.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Thursdays, January 14 – March 4
Life Review Group
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Life is a journey. Explore the story of your life
1-800-260-0094/ jwolfinger@crisissupport.org
Saturdays
Virtual Telescope Viewing R
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Free on Facebook Live
Join resident astronomers live from Chabot’s observation deck
https://chabotspace.org/calendar/
Saturdays
Online Comedy Shows R$
8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Made Up Theatre’s interactive comedy has gone to YouTube!
Saturdays & Sundays
India Community Center Youth Programs R$
Art Class (K-5): Saturdays, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., 1/23 – 5/15
Hindi Class (1-6): Sundays, 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Public Speaking (2-6): Sundays, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
Bollywood Class (all ages): Every Day, 1/11 – 5/16
EnActe Voice Acting for Animation (3-8): Sundays, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 1/24 – 5/16
EnActe Art of Performance (3-8): Sundays, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, 1/24 – 5/16
https://www.indiacc.org/programs/enrichment-program-registration/
youthprograms@indiacc.org
Sundays
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church Family Service
10 a.m.
Via ZOOM
For link, call (510) 471-2581
https://sacbc.org/
Sundays
First Presbyterian Church of Newark Worship Services
8:30 a.m.; Worship Service
12 noon: Sunday School, Ages K – 6th grade
Contact: office@newarkpres.org for Zoom Meeting ID#
www.newarkpres.org
Last Thursday of the Month, January – June
Mini MBA in Entrepreneurship
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Self-paced virtual program for early-stage entrepreneurs
UPCOMING
Tuesday, February 23
Sustainable Systems During Covid R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47839
Tuesday, February 23
Stand Pup Comedy Fundraiser $R
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Meet cute adoptable pets while enjoying live comedy
Via Zoom
https://bit.ly/3rJnQS2
www.standpupcomedy.com
Tuesday, February 23 – Thursday, February 25
Startup Grind Virtual Global Conference
Conversation and collaboration around tech, startups, and the future of innovation – free!
https://bit.ly/3awTah3
Wednesday, February 24
Move from Stress to Success R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47806
Thursday, February 25
“I AM SHE”
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Monologue excerpts from local activist Cat Brooks and discussion with Dr. Crystallee Crian
Via Zoom
Passcode: Ohlone
https://bit.ly/3jgMCWo
Thursday, February 25
Resolving Family Conflict Through Elder Mediation
11:30 a.m.
Learn how to resolve conflict successfully
Via Facebook Live
https://fb.me/e/Kza0HU3K
Thursday, February 25
Caregiving and Forgiveness R
11 a.m.
Discussion of forgiveness as a key element of taking care of yourself
Email FSharifi@Fremont.gov to register
(510) 574-2035
Friday, February 26
Lent: Season of Transformation – A Virtual Lent Retreat R
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Help support the ongoing work of the Center for Education and Spirituality
RSVP by 2/25/21
(510) 933-6360
Friday, February 26
Latino Business Roundtable
9 a.m.
Featuring the executive director of the Rental Housing Association of Southern Alameda County
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 837 3766 2857
Passcode: 439540
https://bit.ly/3pST2h1
Saturday, February 27
Implications of UC’s Decision to Drop SAT/ACT R
11 a.m.
Free webinar explaining new college admission guidelines
Bit.ly/39lusQa
www.uceazy.com
Saturday, February 27
FAW hosts Reverend Barbara Meyers
2 p.m.
Author speaks on stigma around mental illnesses
Via Zoom
For link, email scottfrombayside@yahoo.com
Sunday, Feb 28
TriPaw Tales Meet & Greet
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Author and adorable pooch greet readers
PetSmart
39410 Argonaut Way, Fremont
Sunday, February 28
The Call to Action: Climate Change, Pandemic and a Vulnerable World R
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
David Peritz, PhD, explains the “vulnerable world hypothesis”
Via Zoom: RSVP by 2/27/21
(510) 933-6360
Monday, March 1
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Overton Moore will talk about their development project, 1000 Gibraltar, in Milpitas
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Tuesday, March 2
Demystifying Entrepreneurship R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47855
Wednesday, March 3
Advanced Treatments for Knee Pain Help R
4:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Learn about common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee pain
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Thursday, March 4
COVID-19: How to Make Your Business Virtual R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47770
Thursday, March 4
Climate Change – We Can All Be Part of the Solution R
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Patrick Journey from Community Climate Solutions will present
Via Zoom
www.lwvfnuc.org/zoom
Schacter@comcast.net
Friday, March 5
An Elegant Affaire – Virtual R
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Annual LOV fundraiser – entertainment, live/silent auction, and more
http://bit.ly/leagueofvolunteers
www.lov.org
Tuesday, March 9
Every Business is Going Online – Part 3 R
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47681
Saturday, March 13
King Corn R
3 p.m.
Documentary about two college friends that grow a bumper crop of corn, but find troubling questions about the food industry
www.aclibrary.org
Saturday, March 13
Drive-In Concert $
Gareth Emery: We’ll Be OK
3 p.m. : https://bit.ly/2X0zkmM
7 p.m. : https://bit.ly/3pyqCYY
Alameda County Fairgrounds
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton
Monday, March 15
Milpitas Rotary
12 noon
Noemi Conway and Shea Johnson from the Stroke Awareness Foundation will present life-saving information
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/364zWgd
Meeting ID: 830 1305 6992
Passcode: 113524
Tuesday, March 16
COVID-19: The Road Ahead R
3:30 p.m.
Virtual Seminar – Hear from an infectious disease specialist about the latest clinical developments
www.whhs.com
(800) 963-7070
Thursday, March 18
Website Development & Optimization – Part 2 R
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free business webinar hosted by the Alameda County Small Business Development Center
https://nc.ecenterdirect.com/events/47794
Saturday, March 20
Niles Rotary’s Spring Fling $R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual fundraiser for Fremont schools
https://one.bidpal.net/niles/welcome
Saturday, March 20
Fascination for Birds: Hunting Birds with a Camera R
10:00 a.m.
Focus on birds of the Tri-City and Bay area
https://aclibrary.bibliocommons.com/events
Saturday, March 20
77th Annual Hayward Chamber of Commerce Gala R$
6 p.m.
Virtual celebration honoring the Business Person, Educator, Firefighter, and Police Officer of the Year
www.hayward.org
Go elegant and have a good time
Submitted by Shirley Sisk
Even though the League of Volunteers (LOV) 30th annual An Elegant Affaire fundraiser is being held online this year, plenty of fun and inspiration is still on tap.
Participants in the Friday, March 5 virtual event will have a chance to participate in a Spin-to Win Wheel, live and silent auctions, a Fund-a-Need program. They will also enjoy live entertainment and hear messages of hope.
The 60-minute program starts at 7:00 p.m. Advance RSVPs are required and can be made by visiting the LOV website at https://lov.org/elegant-affaire/. The first 400 people to register by Monday, March 1 will have their names put on a spin wheel, and five winners will receive $100 in scratcher tickets. After making an RSVP, participants will receive instructions via email on how to register.
For more than 42 years, LOV has served children, seniors, and people in need in Fremont, Newark and Union City. LOV sponsors more than 40 programs, events, and services including Arts in Schools assemblies, Sunday concert series, an emergency food pantry, Adopt-a-Family program and holiday food basket drive.
Sponsors for this year’s An Elegant Affaire include Fremont Bank, The Home Depot, Tri-City Voice, Washington Hospital Health Care System, Orbex Group Inc., In Memory of Dorie Connell, Pride Properties, Betty Cole, Tom Blalock, Jerry Juhl, Norma McGee and Horizon Financial Associates. Anyone who would like to join the list of sponsors can contact Shirley Sisk at (510) 793-5683 or email shirley@lov.org.
An Elegant Affaire
Friday, Mar 5
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
(510) 793-5683
Free; RSVP required
Lunar New Year dim sum
Submitted by Sue Kwong
February 12, 2021, was Lunar New Year, the first day of the year of the golden Ox. In Chinese tradition, each Lunar New Year signals the arrival of happiness, hope, and prosperity. We have been sheltered in place for close to an entire year. Our lives, our work and social relationships have been greatly affected.
In celebration of this lunar New Year, two great charity organizations: Rotary Club of Huaren in Silicon Valley and CBC (Citizen for Better Community), came up with the idea of donating Dim Sum to frontline healthcare workers at Washington Hospital who have been fighting against Covid-19 on our behalf, without a break. It is a way for us to show our deep appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifices and services.
Three hundred boxes of Dim Sum were ordered from Saigon Harbor Seafood restaurant in Newark. These Dim Sim boxes contained barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, and fried dumplings with vegetable filling. In addition to these hot meals, there were boxes of Kettle organic potato chips, pineapple cakes, and Godiva Valentine’s chocolate. Those donations were delivered and then distributed to many departments including the Emergency Room, ICU, telemetry unit, oncology unit, medical and surgical unit, COVID unit, imaging, and security department. Hospital staff were grateful for the outpouring of support and caring from the local community, for their continuing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
This donation was a meaningful way of celebrating the Lunar New Year. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful event, showcasing our community spirit. We are ALL in this together!
Maskup photo contest
Submitted by City of Fremont
City of Fremont’s Youth Advisory Commission is hosting a photo contest for its #MaskupFremont initiative. Community members are invited to showcase their mask-wearing skills and creativity. The contest runs through Sunday, February 28. Winners will be selected first week of March.
The contest rules are:
• Post a clear photo of you wearing a mask to your Instagram or Facebook page. (Account must be public to win.)
• Follow and tag @fremontrecreation.
• Make sure to also use #MaskupFremont in your posts.
#MaskupFremont initiative
Deadline: Sunday, Feb 28
Milpitas City Council
February 16, 2021
Announcements:
•In view of COVID-19 issues, VTA buses will be boarding through the back door. Bus rides will be free of charge.
Consent Calendar:
•Granted acceptance of City improvements constructed by Valley Water District as part of the Lower Berryessa Creek Flood Protection Work.
•Granted acceptance of public improvements for Siena Amalfi II Subdivision at 600 Amalfi Loop. The performance bond will be released after the one-year warranty period, without further City Council action.
•Approved the Government Merchant Processing Agreement, Commercial Card Participation Agreement, and the five-year Professional Services Agreement and related banking services implementation documents with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to provide comprehensive banking services.
•Adopted Urgency Ordinance temporarily suspending penalties for delinquent fire permit fees.
•Authorized the License Tax Collector to Delay or Waive Collection of the Business License Tax. Councilmember Phan recused himself from this decision.
Leadership and Support Services:
•A report on the results of the 2021 Citywide Community Engagement Survey was presented. 795 adult residents were interviewed for this survey. 79% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the quality of life. Public Safety and Infrastructure were identified as the highest priority issues for the City.
•FY 2020-21 Quarterly Financial Status Report for the Quarter Ending December 31, 2020 was reviewed. The “Public Art” Capital Improvement Project was established.
Business Issues:
•A lengthy discussion regarding allocation of $50,000 toward hotel vouchers for Homeless Residents during Cold Winter Months and Frequent Power Outages. Ultimately this proposal brought forward by Councilmember Chua failed. FAILED: Aye 2 (Tran, Chua); Nay 3 (Montano, Dominguez, Phan)
Rich Tran (Mayor) Aye
Carmen Montano (Vice Mayor) Aye Nay 1
Anthony Phan Aye Nay 1 Recusal 1
Karina Dominguez Aye Nay 1
Evelyn Chua Aye
First-in-Nation FEMA Mobile Vaccination Clinic targets educator workforce
Submitted by Governor’s Office
Governor Gavin Newsom visited the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) February 18 as it partnered with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to host a mobile vaccination clinic with a focus on the education workforce. The mobile unit is the first deployed in the state by Cal OES, and is the first Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobile vaccination clinic in the nation.
“We prioritize, and have prioritized now for weeks, the ability for counties large and small to prioritize vaccinations not only for our teachers, but for our educators broadly defined – our classified employees, our food service workers, our custodians, our bus drivers – the ecosystem that is required to reopening our schools for in-person instruction” said Newsom
Newsom also announced a statewide plan to standardize prioritization of vaccines for the education workforce across all 58 counties.
“Effective March 1… we are setting aside 10% of all first doses, beginning with a baseline of 75,000 doses every single week that will be made available and set aside for those educators and childcare workers that are supporting our efforts to get our kids back into to in-person instruction.”
In addition, Newsom used his ACOE visit to announce new protocols that will pave the way for the return of youth and high school sports.
The mobile unit is stationed at ACOE February 18-20, with capacity to administer 250 doses per day to Alameda County education workforce employees identified by their districts and schools as Priority 1 employees: currently working directly in support of in-person student education and services. Additionally, those targeted in this vaccine effort are working in areas identified on the state’s Healthy Places Index as Quartile 1 zip codes with significant rates of COVID transmission in their communities.
“Our first focus continues to be on prioritizing the limited supply of vaccine for education personnel currently serving students, and we are gratified to host this mobile vaccination clinic to further our progress toward this goal,” said L. K. Monroe, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools. “As opportunities arise to connect the education workforce to vaccines, our agency is mobilizing every resource available to ensure those who otherwise might not have access to appointments are notified when it's their turn in line.”
This mobile vaccination clinic is one of two units expanding the reach of the Oakland Coliseum mass vaccination site, co-run by FEMA and the State of California through Cal OES. FEMA and the Department of Defense are providing resources and federal staffing support for these community vaccination centers.
“What this means to folks in the education community…. it’s more than people being able to receive a vaccine, this is a shot of hope,” said Aisha Knowles, President of the Alameda County Board of Education.
ACOE is the first of multiple locations to which this mobile clinic will be deployed. The mobile vaccination clinics provide distribution to areas that otherwise lack sufficient support, with an explicit focus on making sure that communities with a high risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection are not left behind.
“FEMA is committed to ensuring everyone who wants a vaccine can get a vaccine,” said Tammy Littrell, Acting FEMA Regional Administrator. “And thanks to the strength of our public and private partnerships, we’re helping communities turn vaccines into vaccinations.”
Visit acoe.org/vaccines to find updated vaccination information for education personnel in Alameda County, including links to register for vaccine appointments or to be notified when it’s your turn to receive a vaccination.
Newark City Council
February 11, 2021
Consent Calendar:
• Accept Alameda County Fire Department Inspection Report.
• Approve and award contract for 2021 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Replacement Project to Rosas Brothers Construction.
• Award contract to Chrisp Company for Jarvis Avenue Class II buffered bike lanes.
Public Hearings:
• Approve text amendment to Newark Municipal Code affecting development standards for construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). State mandated amendments include 2 units per lot, multifamily zoning for up to 25% of existing units, maximum 4’ setback for new ADU or conversion of space, minimum 800 SF or 850 SF for a 1-bed unit and 1,000 SF for units greater than 1 bedroom., maximum height of 16’. Additional state mandated amendments include efficiency kitchen requirements, parking space requirements and impact fees. Newark ADU amendments suggested by Staff include limit size of ADU to State minimum or 50% of primary residence; maximum 1,000 SF ADU for lots up to 10,000 SF or 1,200 for larger lots; design standards for garage conversion and ADU’s over 16’ in height.
• Allow a five-parcel, four-lot residential subdivision for construction of four single-family residences at 37503 and 37511 Cherry Street.
Mayor Alan Nagy Aye
Vice Mayor Mike Bucci Aye
Luis Freitas Aye
Sucy Collazo Aye
Michael Hannon Aye
Shigeru “Ted” Sato
May 29, 1934 – February 10, 2021
Resident of Fremont
Shigeru “Ted” Sato, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Fremont due to complications from a 20-year battle with Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS) on February 10, 2021. He was born in Hayward on May 29, 1934. During World War II, his family was sent to Topaz, Utah and Crystal City, Texas internment camps. After being released, they moved to Tanushimaru, Fukuoka, Japan. After graduating from high school, Ted returned to the United States. He served in the US Army from 1957-1959. When stationed at Kaiserslautern, Germany, he attended the 1958 Brussels World Fair with his buddy Tom. Ted received his Business Administration – Marketing degree from San Jose State College where he met his future wife, Teruko “Terry” Kato, in a logic class. Ted worked for Sumitomo Bank for 33 years. Prior to the CSS diagnosis, Ted was an active member of the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church, having served as temple president, bazaar chairperson, athletic association president, and Dharma school teacher. He was also past president of the Fremont Japanese American Citizen League. After retiring in 1998, Ted and Terry traveled with friends, golfed together and bowled with the Fremont Nikkei League. He enjoyed golfing with the Legends & Hi-Fli Golf Clubs and had his first Hole-in-One after 30-years of playing. Ted looked forward to having beer after a round of golf followed by a nice dinner at a restaurant that he had researched on the internet. He cherished the 60 years of camaraderie with Ben, Bob, Ed, Kiyoshi, Jack, Ray, & Tom in KZB, an investment club they formed while in college.
Ted is survived by his wife of 58 years, Terry; daughter Diane Kitaura (Cole), sons Steve & Bryan (Elaine); grandchildren Brittney, Katelyn, Cori (Clint), Jill (Kelly) Kitaura, and great-grandson Kai; sister Linda Kobayashi (Ted), brother Howard, sisters-in-law Hanae Watanabe, Wanda Kato, and Haruyo Kato; and many nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Fumiko & Tadao Sato, and brother George (Tamako). A private immediate family memorial service will be held.
Board of Trustees Affirms College Commitment to DEI
Submitted by Tina Vossugh
The Ohlone Community College District’s Board of Trustees has affirmed the College’s strong commitment to being an equity-based, anti-racist institution through the passing of Resolution No. 20/20-21 Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at its February 10, 2021 meeting.
“This resolution solidifies our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by putting our continued and new actions into words and setting clear expectations and direction for the College,” says Board Chair Richard Watters.
The College has made an even stronger commitment to equity and, inspired by the California Community College Chancellor’s Call to Action is implementing strategic steps to meet Vision to Success goals to improving student success. These goals include but are not limited to increasing degree and certificate completers by 20%, increasing CSU/UC transfers by 35%, decreasing average number of units by 10%, increasing Career Technical Education students’ employment by 15%, decreasing achievement gaps for underrepresented groups by 40%, and reducing regional achievement gaps for all measures through faculty and staff diversity as a driver for the educational achievement and social mobility of students.
“Ohlone College has made tremendous strides over the past five years to address equity gaps in student achievement as well as creating an inclusive, welcoming environment,” adds Watters. “However, we intend to continue building on those efforts and to ensure we take all steps in creating a systemic change that truly impacts the students we serve.”
Can I take painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?
Feb 04
By Marilynn Marchione
AP Chief Medical Writer
It's best to avoid them, unless you routinely take them for a medical condition. Although the evidence is limited, some painkillers might interfere with the very thing the vaccine is trying to do: generate a strong immune system response.
Vaccines work by tricking the body into thinking it has a virus and mounting a defense against it. That may cause arm soreness, fever, headache, muscle aches or other temporary symptoms of inflammation that can be part of that reaction.
“These symptoms mean your immune system is revving up and the vaccine is working,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a recent news briefing.
Certain painkillers that target inflammation, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) might curb the immune response. A study on mice in the Journal of Virology found these drugs might lower production of antibodies – helpful substances that block the virus from infecting cells.
If you're already taking one of those medications for a health condition, you should not stop before you get the vaccine – at least not without asking your doctor, said Jonathan Watanabe, a pharmacist at the University of California, Irvine.
People should not take a painkiller as a preventive measure before getting a vaccine unless a doctor has told them to, he said. The same goes for after a shot: “If you don't need to take it, you shouldn't,” Watanabe said.
If you do need one, acetaminophen (Tylenol) “is safer because it doesn't alter your immune response,” he added.
The CDC offers other tips, such as holding a cool, wet washcloth over the area of the shot and exercising that arm. For fever, drink lots of fluids and dress lightly.
Call your doctor if redness or tenderness in the arm increases after a day or if side effects don't go away after a few days, the CDC says.
Letter to the Editor
Political Fallout
Following his loss in presidential election in November 2020 Trump has been falsely claiming that he won the presidential election. With his conspiracy theories and lies he rallied his supporters to stop the certification of officially elected Joe Biden as the President of the United States. His persistent denial of loss provoked his followers to unlawfully attack the Capitol causing many deaths.
In his second impeachment trial Trump was acquitted for inciting violent insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He also set a precedent with his provocative speeches leading to an attempted coup.
It struck me very hard as I watched it on TV. I never envisioned that something like this will happen in America. It was way beyond my imagination.
Trump’s acquittal has created a major rift among Republicans. They see their GOP as fractured. The future of their party remains unknown. Trump calls for Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, to be replaced, even though McConnell voted for his acquittal. Their feud is intensifying by the hour and there is no rescue plan to save the GOP under current circumstances. Some have questioned why Trump and Trumpism is so essential after he has lost the election in 2020.
Let’s see what came out of the senate trial after his acquittal:
Hypocrisy, lies, conspiracy theories, abusive power, authoritarianism and Trump lawyers’ continued manipulation of the facts and their unscrupulous attempts throughout the senate trial to win their case are just a few examples. People also noticed how Trump brainwashed almost half of the voting population with his persistent lies and disregard for the facts.
By contrast, the Democrats and the impeachment managers throughout the proceedings have Insisted that the elected officials stick to the rule of law and the Constitution.
Kudos to those Republican senators who voted their conscience. They should be praised for standing up to justice and the rule of law instead of being censured.
Since the insurrection and the senate trial people are wondering if democracy which has been a shining light of American exceptionalism will continue to prevail. There is an underlying discontent among Americans as they see a sharp division taking place all over the United States.
We, as Americans must come together to end the divisiveness and racial animosity that has poisoned the hearts and minds of the people in the United States.
Zakia Isad
Union City
Program founder speaks at the Global Summit of Migration and Development
By Fatema Bhaiji
Photos Courtesy of Alankrita Dayal
Alankrita Dayal, a resident of Fremont, is a graduate of University of California (UC) Berkeley – with a double major in computer science and cognitive science, minors in public policy and south Asian studies, and a certificate in entrepreneurship. Now recruited by the Vice President of Hewlett-Packard (HP) enterprises, she leads the development of user interface and education as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning to curate personalized learning pathways. However, her journey to make STEM more accessible began long before.
Before attending UC Berkeley, she noticed an urgent need to bring more women into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Dayal explains that “generally in math and science classes, there are so few women, let alone women of color, and it can become discouraging to see how there aren’t many people who look like [her].” With the organization “Program Ur Future” (PUF), she was able to create a platform to help students, particularly underrepresented minorities. PUF helps youth obtain the technical and non-technical skills necessary to be successful in STEM careers.
As executive founder of PUF, Dayal has launched several large projects for youth (K-12) and undergraduate/graduate students. Examples of these programs are academic boot camps in difficult math and science classes, product design and development challenges, and internships/fellowships. Although PUF is mainly geared towards youth (K-12), there are also undergraduate and graduate students who are part of the program. College students actually created the education technology used in PUF classes. These education opportunities are used by 20,000 youth on a monthly basis. Dayal explains that as her program grew “from not only the Bay Area and across the United States but [they] have also expanded to a larger audience… people across the rest of the world.”
Dayal was recently recognized and nominated by the United Nations (U.N.) for her efforts with PUF to bring her insight into how access to technology can benefit underrepresented minorities and other marginalized communities. On behalf of the UN’s Major Group for Children and Youth, she became the first youth delegate and speaker at the 13th annual Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The goal of GFMD is to shape the agenda of international migration, which affects 272 million people worldwide and directly impacts all nations in the UN – upwards of 150 countries.
At the GFMD, Dayal was able to bring up programs that have worked for PUF and that can be adopted on a larger scale. She also spoke about two key points as a youth speaker: how to help refugees and migrants overcome language and cultural barriers, while giving them better access to social welfare services and preparing them for the workforce by using technology to educate them on financial topics.
Before Covid-19 arose, many programs at PUF were in person, and students were able to go on trips as part of the class to lab facilities and other places that accompanied learning in the classroom. Dayal believes that the coronavirus has exacerbated underlying issues such as how underrepresented minority groups are disproportionally lacking resources such as the internet, even more important for gaining an education during Covid-19. In the future, Dayal hopes to pursue solutions to this widespread problem while expanding her organization.
Program Ur Future continues to grow globally. Follow their social media for updates.
Facebook: @ProgramUrFuture
Instagram: @programyourfuture
Youtube: @Program yoUr Future – PUF
Linkedin: @Program Your Future
Website: www.programyourfuture.org
Medium: www.programyourfuture.medium.com
Real Estate Notebook
Buyers and sellers off to an early start
By David Stark
Public Affairs Director, Bay East Association of REALTORS®
Homebuyers and sellers aren’t waiting for the traditional real estate season to begin.
Real estate activity is historically influenced by the seasons. More homebuyers are seen in the market during spring and summer when schools are not in session, and fewer buyers during fall and winter holidays.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a direct impact on the seasonal nature of real estate. The shelter-in-place rules took effect in mid-March 2020 just when the “normal” real estate season would have been starting. Instead of more homes coming on the market during April, homeowners kept their homes off the market and homebuyers had fewer choices. As a result, home sales dipped just when they would have been increasing.
The pause in real estate activity because of COVID-19 was temporary. Once real estate transactions were deemed an “essential service” by Alameda County health officials, more homes were on the market, homebuyers were making more offers, and home sales were increasing. However, that pause resonated for the rest of 2020 and into 2021. Homebuyers stayed active much later in the year and have started the 2021 real estate season much earlier.
Real estate activity in the East Bay was off to a fast start during January. This is remarkable for two reasons: First, the number of homes for sale and the number of homes sold are typically at the lowest point during January. Second, the region is still impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
There are also reasons why the unusually early start is not surprising. First, demand for homeownership throughout the East Bay increased significantly during 2020 in response to the realities of working and schooling from home. Second, the effects of COVID-19 continued to resonate during the first month of the year, with buyers attracted to homes with more bedrooms and larger yards that are found in suburban East Bay neighborhoods.
In Fremont, between 2016 and 2020, there was an average of 58 homes sold each January. During January 2021, there were 85 homes sold. In Newark, the 2016 to 2020 average for January was 16 homes sold; in Union City, it was 19 homes sold. During January 2021, there were 26 homes sold in Newark and 20 homes in Union City.
Not only were more homes sold compared with previous years, but they also sold much quicker. From 2016 to 2020, a home was on the market each January for an average of 34 days. During January 2021, a home was on the market for 22 days. In Newark, this period dropped from the 2016 average of 38 days to 16 days in 2020. In Union City during January 2021, a home was on the market an average of 10 days compared with an average of 41 days during each January from 2016 to 2020.
While all these speedy sales were taking place, buyers were also paying a premium. Prices for single-family detached homes set new records during January 2021. The median sales price for a home in Fremont was more than $1.2 million. In Newark, the median sales price exceeded $1.1 million; in Union City, the median sales price was more than $1 million. These prices were higher than the median sales prices in each community for 2020 and are the highest on record.
Robert J. Schuchardt
Resident of Newark
April 7, 1951 – January 10, 2021
Robert ‘Bob' Schuchardt passed away on February 10, 2021 in Newark, California.
He was born in Watertown, South Dakota on April 7, 1951.
Bob graduated from Newark High School in 1969.
Bob is preceded in death by his dad in 1995, Mon in Aug. of 2020 and little brother Kurt in June of 2016.
Bob survived by four brothers – William in Mansfield, TX, Richard and Martin in Fremont, CA, Mark in Pasadena, CA, and one nephew Derek in Davis, CA.
Bob served a full tour of duty in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate on the “Destroyer USS Hamner” until being Honorably discharged.
Bob worked as a Government Employee 10+ years at the Alameda Naval Shipyard until they closed.
He moved on to another Federal position working for the Social Security Administration for 20+ years in Fremont until retiring.
Bob will be missed more than you can imagine.
The Family would like to thank “Hope Hospice” for their help in caring for Bob.
San Leandro City Council
February 16, 2021
Recognitions:
• Proclamation declaring February 2021 as Black History Month in San Leandro.
• Resolution appointing Xouhoa Bowen as District 5 Representative to the Library-Historical Commission for term ending December 31, 2022.
Public comments:
• Several people voiced support for the creation of a Steven Taylor Day in the city and the need for a police oversight board. Another citizen spoke about reallocating some police funds into human services programs. Another citizen spoke in favor of a hazard pay ordinance for grocery workers.
Action items:
• Resolution proclaiming April 18 as a day recognizing Steven Taylor and the Sanctity of Every Human Life, Including People of Color.
• Urgency ordinance to require large grocery stores in San Leandro to pay employees an additional $5 per hour in temporary hazard pay during a specified period of time associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. PASSED 5-0-1-1 (Cutter, recuse)
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter Aye, 1 recusal
Vice Mayor Victor Aguilar, Jr. Aye
Pete Ballew Absent
Bryan Azevedo Aye
Fred Simon Aye
Deborah Cox Aye
Corina Lopez Aye
Steven Taylor and Sanctity of Life Day
Submitted by Paul Sanftner
At its February 16 meeting, San Leandro City Council voted to proclaim April 18 as a day recognizing Steven Taylor and the sanctity of every human life. This proclamation is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to pursue racial justice and social equity in San Leandro.
Steven Taylor, a 33-year-old San Leandro High School graduate, was fatally shot by a former officer of the San Leandro Police Department at the Walmart on Hesperian Boulevard last year. Since then, the city and police department have been actively working to update policies and implement practices and trainings to address excessive uses of force in policing.
“Proclaiming a day for Steven Taylor will promote the ongoing process of healing and understanding as we focus on the ongoing work of dismantling systemic racism,” said Mayor Pauline Cutter. “We are committed to the belief that every member of this community, including people of color, are valued and essential to promoting human rights and social justice for all.”
The city continues to recognize the sanctity of every human life and supports policies that promote de-escalation tactics and regular police training to save the lives of all persons, especially those disproportionately impacted by law enforcement.
New Animal Services Center Designed to House and Rehabilitate Livestock
Submitted by County of Santa Clara
The County of Santa Clara opened a new state-of-the-art, 37,000 sq. ft. Animal Services Center on eight acres in San Martin that is one of the premier animal service facilities in the country. The new center will allow the team to double capacity for how many animals it cares for each year.
“After a decade of planning and 18 months of construction, I am thrilled to announce the opening of the County’s new world class Animal Services Center,” said Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Mike Wasserman. “We’re celebrating a facility that enhances the great work of our Animal Services staff and provides a beautiful community meeting space for South County residents. This Center brings significantly more capacity for greater animal care services in our community to help dogs, cats, horses, goats, geese, rabbits or other pets and livestock in need.”
The spacious, new facility is a light-filled, animal-centric campus with a landscaped open-air courtyard that functions as a central meet-and-greet location for adoptable dogs. The Center includes sound-absorbent dog kennels, free-roaming cat condos, a small animal area, modern veterinary clinics, and several outdoor rehabilitative spaces to support neglected animals that come to our facility.
A 2,500-square-foot barn with 10 stalls and pastures makes the County Animal Services Center the only facility in the region explicitly designed to house and rehabilitate livestock. There is space for advanced veterinary care, and room for volunteer corps.
An indoor/outdoor community meeting space for up to 300 people provides South County residents a much-needed place to host meetings and workshops, and to celebrate and gather for community events.
“Since 1978, County Animal Services has served the community from an old, converted house; with our volunteers and animal rescue partners, we achieved amazing outcomes for the animals in our care. This new facility is a game changer for us. We will be able to provide expanded and targeted services to pet and human clients, including pet owners with limited resources,” said Jo Zientek, Director of Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency. “Our goal is to successfully match more county residents with pets in need, from hamsters to horses, so that adopters can enjoy the therapeutic benefits and special bond of the pets in their lives.”
The new Animal Services Center houses lost and abandoned cats, dogs, livestock, and small animals. Staff and dedicated volunteers will be able to care for 8,000 animals annually – double the former shelter’s capacity of 4,000 animals per year. The facility includes a medical expansion for advanced veterinary care clinics with exam rooms, radiology, surgery, and recovery suites.
Design of the Center drew from WELL Building™ principles, Fear Free® concepts for the welfare and well-being of animals, and LEED™ green building standards.
More than 10 years of planning went into the facility to ensure that it supports the County’s diverse human and pet populations, and it improves the outcomes for animals and adopters.
The County animal shelter currently has a 95% live release rate, which ranks it at the top among public facilities in California. With this new Animal Services Center, the County is committed to saving all animals, even when the shelter is full. The Center is “open admission,” meaning all animals are accepted from County service areas, regardless of temperament and condition.
The Animal Services Center, located at 12425 Monterey Road in San Martin, is open seven days a week and serves unincorporated Santa Clara County from Stanford to San Martin, along with the contracted cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Any member of the public is welcome to adopt from the Center.
To learn more about how to support the new Animal Services Center, visit aplace4animals.com.
Tri-City area to have new water meter technology
Submitted by Sharene Gonzales
Alameda County Water District (ACWD) is investing in the future of its community by installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). A multi-beneficial project, AMI advances ACWD’s effort on water efficiency and long-range planning to ensure a reliable supply of water in drought-prone California.
The AMI technology will accurately read water consumption remotely on a near real time basis, helping to detect leaks with spikes in water consumption faster than the current, aging water meters. The new functionality’s more accurate reading of water usage employs a device that utilizes encrypted cellular network communications.
Enhanced customer service items will be leak alerts, online access to timely usage measurements, and usage alerts to reduce surprise bills. This new tool supports customers’ water efficiency efforts and reduces the agency’s carbon footprint with fewer trucks on the road, since water meters will soon be read remotely instead of manually once every two months.
“We are proud to invest in our community with a technology upgrade that our customers have asked for to support their water-efficiency habits,” said ACWD board president Aziz Akbari. “With smart meter technology, customers have more timely access to their water consumption data empowering them to make adjustments or fix leaks, as needed,” he said. “Together, through this smart technology, we can work toward achieving ACWD’s water conservation goals and improving water supply reliability for our community.”
So the public can learn more about the project, ACWD will host a Virtual Community Informational Meeting on March 10 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.acwd.org/ami.
ACWD is partnering with Badger Meter and Professional Meters, Inc. (PMI) to install the AMI devices outside of customers’ homes. PMI will hire up to 30 Bay Area-based installers for this project, bringing jobs to the region. Customers will recognize them because of their neon green uniforms and trucks with PMI/ACWD logos. Installers will also carry a photo ID badge and letter to authenticate their work on the project. Local, state, and CDC guidelines will be followed, by performing daily health screenings, maintaining social distancing, and wearing proper personal protective equipment, including face masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
During the installation process, water will be temporarily turned off for no more than one hour per home. No action is required from customers to ensure their installation happens seamlessly. Customers first in line to receive the AMI technology will receive a letter in late February. They will receive two additional notices – one will be on their doors three to five working days before the work, and a second when the work is completed.
ACWD will start the installation process in March. The key benefit of the new technology is helping customers detect leaks faster. Full implementation in Fremont, Newark, and Union City will be complete by December 2023.
Virtual Community Meeting
Wednesday, Mar 10
6 p.m.
www.acwd.org/ami
Stop CHEATERS Act making ultra-rich pay their fair share
Submitted by CA-17 Press
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) has introduced the Stop Corporations and Higher Earners from Avoiding Taxes and Enforce Rules Strictly (CHEATERS) Act to bring back tax enforcement on the ultra-rich.
“We know our tax system is broken, and it’s long past time we start fixing it,” said Khanna. “Today’s hearing is just one example among thousands of the ways in which the ultra-wealthy play by different rules than the rest of us. Wall Street has been able to act like high rolling gamblers with almost zero consequences for far too long. Right now, the wealthiest one percent are responsible for roughly 70 percent of the ‘tax gap’—the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid. It’s time every American pay their fair share.”
Without raising taxes on anyone, the Stop CHEATERS Act would raise an estimated $1.2 trillion in revenue over 10 years, by investing $100 billion into the IRS over the next decade while imposing auditing and reporting requirements to prevent tax cheating from the wealthiest corporations and individuals. This proposal was recently laid out in a proposal in Tax Notes by Dr. Natasha Sarin, University of Pennsylvania Law Professor; Dr. Lawrence Summers, former Treasury Secretary; and Charles Rossotti, former IRS Commissioner.
The bill does not add any burdensome new requirements on small business owners, who would continue to prepare and pay their taxes like normal. Individuals with business income, or who own S-corporations or Partnerships, and who have a total income in the top 3 percent of taxpayers will receive a new 1099 Form to prepare a more accurate tax return and ensure that business income for the wealthy is not hidden from the IRS. The Stop CHEATERS Act will unrig America’s tax system by giving the IRS the resources it needs to put an end to runaway tax evasion by the ultra-rich and largest corporations in the US.
A section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found at https://khanna.house.gov/sites/khanna.house.gov/files/StopCHEATERSAct_Section-by-Section.pdf.
Stop, drop and enroll in Youth Emergency Preparedness Council
By Hugo Vera
In addition to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many communities are still feeling the effects of last summer’s wildfires and this winter’s rain storms. But one local student is mobilizing his community to stay prepared for disasters both medical and natural.
Founded by Mission San Jose High School (MSJHS) senior Yusuf Rasheed in June 2019, Youth Emergency Preparedness Council (YEPC) is a 501(C3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting students in the Fremont Unified and Union City School Districts and their parents to first-responders and resources that enable them to prepare for disasters. Rasheed was first inspired to get involved with emergency preparedness during his freshman year at MSJHS while attending a CPR class.
“That CPR class really shifted my view on emergency preparedness because while I was learning how to do chest compressions, the instructor told us a personal story in which she, herself, performed CPR on her unresponsive son,” says Rasheed. “When her son finally received medical attention, the EMTs told her that the only reason her son was still alive was because of her actions and for me, that turned what used to an abstract concept into an everyday skill.”
Moved by the CPR instructor’s story and teachings, Rasheed collaborated with her while participating in Stanford University's “Stop the Bleed” program, that teaches students life-saving skills such as the Heimlich maneuver and how to tie a tourniquet. Rasheed then worked with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and their Teen CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program to create the first YEPC chapter based at MSJHS. Within months of the program’s formation, students from Fremont’s four other high schools started YEPC chapters of their own and facilitated workshops with nearby first-responders.
Like with many new organizations, however, things took a drastic change for YEPC following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was definitely hard because we [MSJHS] went under lockdown on March 13, 2020 which was incredibly disappointing, and originally there was always so much apprehension about distance learning,” adds Rasheed. “But we managed to use distance learning to our advantage and while we couldn’t meet in-person, our online community outreach grew.”
Between April and May 2020, YEPC held an online fundraiser that yielded more than $5,000 that benefited a then-overpacked Washington Hospital. By December 2020, YEPC organized a personal protective equipment (PPE) drive which sent more than 7,000 pairs of gloves and 700 N-95 face masks to seven local schools. In January 2021, YEPC organized a webinar regarding vaccine rollout information, which has proven to be especially timely as vaccines are set to become available for people ages 16-64 as early as March.
Other notable post-pandemic changes to the YEPC curriculum include active shooter training for when in-person learning resumes as well as “community resilience” workshops to mitigate the pandemic’s effects on the local economy and overall morale.
As his time at MSJHS nears an end this spring, Rasheed has every intention of starting a YEPC chapter at whatever university he ends up attending in the fall. He eventually wants the program to spread to other school districts outside of the East Bay and into the Central Valley.
“My advice to anyone wanting to get more involved with emergency preparedness is to step out of your comfort zone,” concludes Rasheed. “Once you do, you’ll see just how much of a difference your actions make, and you’ll be furthering the change we need during these times.”
For more information on emergency preparedness and for a list of resources, go to https://yepc.net.
Email: info@yepc.net
Instagram: @yepcfremont
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YEPCfremont
‘The Switch is On’ Campaign
Submitted by City of Fremont
Wouldn't it be cool if someone made a website with all the latest information about energy-efficient electric appliances, and how to get local rebates for them? Find out more about these clean power appliances, learn about financial incentives to reduce costs, and locate contractors to help you install them at The Switch is On – www.switchison.org.
East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) has partnered with the Building Decarbonization Coalition, PG&E, local energy providers, and local governments to create The Switch is On campaign. Energy-saving appliances for heating/cooling, water heating, cooking, back-up power, and BBQing can replace the natural gas combustion appliances in your home, improving your indoor air quality while maintaining comfort. They are efficient, modern, and can be powered from the clean, renewable energy EBCE provides.
Shopping for a heat pump water heater? Homeowners may qualify for up to $2,000 in local incentives thanks to an EBCE/BayREN matching offer, as well as other state and federal rebates and credits. Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), a regional provider of energy efficiency solutions, is offering financial incentives if you switch your gas appliances to these high-efficient electric alternatives. Visit www.bayren.org/electrification for details.
www.switchison.org
www.bayren.org/electrification
Letter to the Editor
Trash problems
I received a copy of your newspaper a few weeks ago! It was so nice to read it.
I saw the article about the man in Hayward that picks up trash. My group is: Fremont/Newark Trash Pickers. We have picked up quite a few areas around Fremont and Newark.
We are fed up with the trash at the homeless campsites on Thornton and 880 off and on ramps. I have picked up their trash three times and it’s back more than ever. The police or City will not do anything to help us curb this high volume of trash!
I have received over nine hundred responses on the NextDoor neighbors website. People are thankful and furious at all the trash. They don’t understand why those in charge will not do anything to stop this! We would appreciate some help with this matter. Lucky for us we have a wonderful volunteer—Cecily Jones of “That’s Clean!” She picks up all our trash. We have lots of pictures to document our efforts. We are all ages and want our cities back.
Joyce Alameda
Fremont
Tri-City History Queries No. 2
by Kelsey Camello, for the Washington Township Museum of Local History
Q: Gladiolas and Union City. What’s the connection?
A: In the Decoto Neighborhood / Station District of Union City there is a traffic signal control box (at the intersection of Union Square and Decoto Road and part of the City’s Utility Box Mural Program) covered in vivid imagery and vibrant colors – pink, gold, green, blue, yellow, almost the entire spectrum of the rainbow. The image depicted: Gladiolas. The words on the box read, “City of Gladiolas: Union City – This city was once home to magnificent fields of gladiola flowers. It even hosted the Gladiola Festival.” At first glance, the image may seem odd: While living in this part of Union City may take you past this control box often, you are not likely to find a large swath of land anywhere that is covered in gladiola flowers.
At one time, when Union City was known for its lush fields of long-stemmed gladiola flowers, people called it Glad Town, and the population of the city then was much lower. Union City was home to fewer residential homes and much more agricultural land and open space. For example, the City’s population today is estimated at about 75,000. In 2000, that number was closer to 66,900. In 1980, 39,400 people called Union City home. Compare all of these figures to the City’s population in 1970 – a mere 14,700 people. It was a time, back then, of fewer people and more flowers.
Gladiolas were a huge industry in both Union City and Fremont. In Fremont, the flowers were grown all over, but an iconic focal point was the view of the front of the newly constructed City Government building, then located near Paseo Padre Parkway and Stevenson Boulevard. This massive cement structure was juxtaposed with rows and rows of gladiolas at its base. The building was later removed due to seismic issues related to its misguided placement atop the active fault line.
In Union City, the most memorable gladiola fields were located not far from today’s nod to the past, this gorgeously painted utility box. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s (and certainly before then) gladiolas abounded in the low-lying sections of the hillside below the Masonic Home and the Dry Creek / Meyers properties.
“Gladiolas by Glad-A-Way!” was the slogan of Glad-A-Way, Inc., who leased hillside property for gladiola fields in the 1970s and 80s. Residents then living in the area recall homes surrounded by fields of flowers. Others remember gladiola fields where the drive-in theater was (today’s Union Landing Shopping Center).
While today’s casual walk along Mission Boulevard takes strollers on a nicely paved sidewalk, landscaped with young trees, the view across the highway is a simple one, of grass, dirt, hay, and the wild turkeys and deer who call this area home. Green in the winter and spring, and brown in the summer and fall, this open space is appreciated, certainly. But imagine for just a minute the gladiolas – gladiolas as far as the eye can see, and in every color imaginable. The flowers, known for their wide range and vibrancy of color, were described in a 1975 Argus article as “pouring down out of hills and across the flatlands [to] assault the eye with color.” The flowers were planted all along this hillside, making it the only viable agricultural land left in the area when the City completed a hillside area plan in 1995.
The flower fields were also located on the west side of Mission Boulevard, extending from the highway almost to the old Pacific State Steel Factory. Today this area is home to the Rose Walk Housing Development and Drigon Dog Park.
The flower was so synonymous with Union City that it was even incorporated into the design of the city’s first seal. And in 1985, Union City held its first of many annual Gladiola Festivals, a celebration in honor of the flower, complete with parade. The first Gladiola Queen was Bessie Borghi, mother of Frank Borghi Jr., a Decoto resident and prominent civic leader. Bessie herself rode in a classic car, a gesture to the fact that she was at that time the oldest living resident of Union City at age 88.
So, while gladiolas, or “glads” for short, may not be in abundance in Union City today, they are certainly a part of its rich and varied past. Plant some this spring in your garden and watch the beautiful flowers bloom.
Have a local history question of your own? Email us at info@museumoflocalhistory.org. Be sure to include ‘Tri-City History Queries’ in the subject line.
Meet Mia, the tripod poodle of TriPaw Tales
Submitted by Pamela Adler
Local author Pamela Adler is hosting a Meet and Greet at the Fremont Hub PetSmart on Sunday February 28 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to promote her recently-published children’s book Maddy and Mia: TriPaw Tales.
The event will allow children to meet the real-life Mia featured in the book and on the front page of our Tri City Voice September 8, 2020 edition. Photos of the unique tripod toy poodle with her pink ears and tail will be allowed (from a safe distance), and copies of the book will be on hand for review but not for sale. You can order your copy of Maddy and Mia: TriPaw Tales on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com in advance, and if you bring it to the event, Pamela and Mia will be happy to sign it for you. The event will be held indoors, rain or shine.
TriPaw Tales Meet & Greet
Sunday, Feb 28
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
PetSmart
39410 Argonaut Way, Fremont
Union City Police Log
Submitted by Union City PD
Monday, February 8
• At about 2:30 a.m. officers responded to a report of a weapon brandishing in the 29400 block of Kohoutek Way. The victim told police that he saw a man attempting to siphon gas from a vehicle. When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victim. The suspect, described as a white male adult, then fled in a silver truck. Officers checked the area but did not locate the suspect.
• Officers responded to a report about an armed robbery that occurred the night before on Decoto Road at Union Square. The juvenile victim told police that she was riding her bicycle at about 9:00 p.m. when three males pulled alongside her. One of them pulled the girl off her bike, dragged her several feet and pointed a pistol at her neck while a second suspect took the girl’s property. All three males then fled in a black vehicle. The victim described the suspects as Hispanic males in their late teens.
• At about 10:20 p.m. officers responded to a robbery report on Perry Road and Cherrywood Drive. The victim told police he was approached by two males suspects while he was on a walk. The suspects pushed the victim, kicked him multiple times and took his cell phone. The suspects, both described as Hispanic males in their mid-20s, then got into a dark blue car and fled the area. Officers checked the area but did not locate any suspects or witnesses.
Saturday, February 13
• At about 3:58 a.m. three unknown people stole bicycles from a bicycle storage unit in parking garage at a residential complex on the 34500 block of 11th Street.
Sunday, February 14
• At about 11:28 a.m. officers responded to a vehicle theft report in the 30900 block of Courthouse Drive. The victim told police that after posting his vehicle for sale on a buy and sell online marketplace, he met with a potential buyer at Union Landing shopping center. While inspecting the car, the suspect drove off with the victim’s vehicle. The victim described the suspect as a tall Black male.
Vaccination Stations:
COVID-19 vaccine is being administered by several organizations in our readership area. Guidelines are being updated as more vaccine becomes available. Please check relevant websites.
Check your eligibility at: https://myturn.ca.gov/
Alameda County Fairgrounds
Stanford Health Care – Valley Care, and Sutter Health
Currently vaccinating Alameda County health care workers and residents 65+. Expecting to vaccinate food/agriculture, education/childcare, and emergency services in coming weeks.
By appointment only.
Stanford Health Care patients
Web: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/
Phone: (650) 498-9000
Sutter Health patients
Web: https://www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients
Phone: (844) 987-6115
Bay Area Community Health
Vaccinating frontline healthcare workers, staff, and those 65+
39500 Liberty St., Fremont
5504 Monterey Hwy., San Jose
CVS
Vaccinating frontline healthcare workers, staff, and those 65+, according to State guidelines.
Make an appointment online. No cost with most insurance.
https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
Kaiser Permanente
Vaccinating health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and those 75+. Members who belong to these categories can request an appointment.
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/
Oakland Coliseum
Vaccinating frontline healthcare workers, staff, and those 65+.
Vaccine supplied directly from the federal government
Register via the California government site: https://myturn.ca.gov/
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Vaccinating Alameda County Residents: health care workers, 65+, educators, food/agricultural workers.
https://www.primarybio.com/l/tiburcio?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
Stanford Health Care
Vaccinating health care workers and those 65+.
Make an appointment: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/
5565 W. Las Positas Blvd., Suite 150, Pleasanton
Cisco Garage (SJC Parking Structure 2)
350 E. Tasman Dr., San Jose
Walgreens
Vaccinating frontline healthcare workers, staff, and those 65+, according to State guidelines.
Request an appointment online.
https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
Washington Hospital
Vaccinating Washington Township Healthcare District residents 65+, Washington Township Medical Foundation patients 65+, Washington Hospital Healthcare System employees and physicians, other eligible healthcare professionals.
https://www.whhs.com/COVID-19-Coronavirus-.aspx