‘Worst house on best block’ of S.F. sells for $2 million
By Daisy Nguyen
Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP), Jan. 18 — A decaying, 122-year-old Victorian marketed as “the worst house on the best block” of San Francisco has sold for nearly $2 million — an eye-catching price that the realtor said was the outcome of overbidding in an auction.
A developer’s $1.97 million cash offer for the 2,158-square-foot property in the Noe Valley neighborhood was finalized in mid-January. On the social media page Zillow Gone Wild, some commenters marveled at the price while others questioned the value of a house with boarded-up windows, peeling paint and an unstable foundation. One commenter joked: “It actually has a parking space. No wonder it sold for almost 2 million!”
The property sold at several hundred thousand dollars higher than other comparable fixer-uppers in the area as a result of a complex conservatorship sale, said Todd Wiley, who represented the seller.
Wiley said a judge approved the sale of the house after its elderly owner was placed in a conservatorship. The man’s family, concerned about the way he was living, hired a licensed fiduciary to handle the sale with the proceeds going to pay for his continuing care, according to Wiley.
The house initially received the highest offer of about $1.4 million, and a probate judge ratified the offer, setting off a roughly 7-week process where the house stayed on the real estate market, generating intense interest.
At auction, a probate judge set bidding at $10,000 increments. “That kept things low and kept five to six bidders in the game,” Wiley said. Two people ultimately went neck and neck, he said, “and it’s that auction environment that led it to go where it was.”
“They really wanted it but the data point didn’t support that sale. It was an anomaly,” Wiley said.
EARTHTALK
How powerful is your showerhead?
By Alexander Birk
Dear EarthTalk: What’s up with all the debate lately as to the flow allowed in new showerheads?
— Bill G., New York, New York
The shower is a place of rejuvenation and relaxation for many of us, but it is also a big water hog, accounting for roughly 17% of the average U.S. household’s water usage. Of course, we use a lot less water in our showers nowadays thanks to a Clinton-era law mandating that new showerheads sold in the U.S. could not top a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). While some showerhead manufacturers attempted to circumvent these new restrictions by utilizing multiple nozzles, the federal government eventually revised the legislation (in 2013) to limit entire fixtures to 2.5 GPM.
During his term in the White House, Donald Trump often complained about his dissatisfaction with the water pressure in his showers. In December 2020 Trump reversed the Obama-era amendment; this restored the federal limit of 2.5 GPM to be applied to individual nozzles instead of the entire fixture. This meant that a shower head with three nozzles would be permitted to use 7.5 GPM.
Although Trump’s law did not have a significant impact on the market demand for luxury shower heads, the loophole posed detrimental environmental impacts. Americans take about 200 million showers every day. The Alliance of Water Efficiency estimates that under Trump’s rule the country’s water usage would increase by 161 billion gallons per year. An increase in water usage also results in more energy use to heat that water, which in turn increases greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homes that have switched out older less efficient showerheads with newer models have realized savings of some 2,700 gallons of water per year. This equates to a savings of 330 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power an entire house for 11 days. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that the average American household stands to save $500 per year on utility bills after switching to low-flow shower heads. The group estimates that the nationwide transition to lower flow showerheads now underway can generate annual savings of $2.9 billion in water utilities and $2.5 billion in energy costs.
Saving water by using a low-flow shower head is a great start, but if you’re looking for more ways to maximize your impact, the EPA has a few suggestions. When it comes to appliances, making sure to fix leaks is one easy way to save water. Additionally, whenever you need to run your dishwasher or washing machine, make sure you are optimizing for water- and energy-efficiency by only running it with a full load. Lastly, landscaping is always a talking point when it comes to reducing residential water use. If you have a lawn, it is recommended to save water by replacing it with native plants that don’t require additional watering. If you’re not ready to part with your lawn, the EPA suggests keeping the grass two to three inches high to ensure the soil retains water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
CONTACTS:
- Water Conservation Tips for Residents:
www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_residents.html
- Ten Ways to Save Water at Home:
americanrivers.org/rivers/discover-your-river/top-10-ways-for-you-to-save-water-at-home/
- DOE Proposes Reversal of Trump-Era Showerhead Rule:
nrdc.org/media/2021/210716
EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org. Send questions to:
qu******@ea*******.org
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Park It
By Ned MacKay
As is the case every year, the Castle Rock formation overlooking Pine Creek at Diablo Foothills Regional Park in Walnut Creek is now closed to all access to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Actually located in Mt. Diablo State Park, the rocks are closed annually from February 1 through July 31 so the falcons can mate, lay eggs and fledge their young undisturbed. The creek is generally the boundary line between the state and regional parks. Signs advising the closure are posted at several access points along the Stage Road Trail, which follows the creek.
Peregrine falcons are amazing birds. They are about the size of crows, though slightly bulkier and with longer wings. They prey mostly on smaller birds and mammals, including rodents and bats. Their dives have been clocked at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour, which makes them the world’s fastest animal.
Peregrines are no longer on the federal endangered species list, but in California they are still fully protected under the state’s Fish & Game Code. Over the years there has been at least one pair of mating peregrines at Castle Rock. Please do not disturb them during their nesting season. If disturbed, they can fail to mate or abandon their nest. Trespassers can be fined.
An all-volunteer natural history education team keeps watch on the peregrines at Castle Rock during the mating season. In 2021 four chicks hatched, but all succumbed to a predator owl.
Animal courtship is the theme of a naturalist-led hike from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, February 5 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. During a moderate, three-mile hike, the group will find out what a variety of animals are doing during Valentine month. Meet at the park’s upper parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather.
The hike is free of charge, but registration and parent participation are both required. You can register online at www.ebparks.org, or by calling (888) 327-2757, option 2. Black Diamond Mines has
a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.
Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda is the venue for a walk in the Saturday Stroll series, from 10 a.m. to noon on February 5. Meet the naturalist at the pier near Broadway and Shoreline Drive for a flat, 3.3-mile walk to Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline with beautiful bay views. No registration is necessary, just show up. For information, call (510) 544-3187.
The chickens at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont are descendants of some much larger remote ancestors. Learn more about it during a “Chickens and Dinos” program at the farm from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 5. You can help feed the chickens, too. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. No registration is necessary. For information on admission fees and the program, call (510) 544-2797.
Raptors and other avians will be stars of a “Shrubapalooza” program from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 6 at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve east of Mt. Diablo, led by naturalist Kevin Dixon. The group will scan for soaring birds along windswept cliffs with the mountain as backdrop. Bring binoculars and hand lenses if you have them, plus snacks.
Meet at the park’s staging area on Morgan Territory Road about nine miles south of Marsh Creek Road near Clayton. Registration is required, and there’s a minimum age of seven years. For registration and information, visit www.ebparks.org or call (888) 327-2757, option 2.
This is just a sample. There are lots of programs planned in the regional parks in coming days. Visit the district’s website for the full story.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
Boy wonder
Eleven-year-old Davyon Johnson of Muskogee, Oklahoma had a superhero day recently, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC). While at school he spotted a classmate choking; the boy had accidentally swallowed a bottle cap. His school’s principal, Latricia Dawkins, told a reporter from Enid News & Eagle that “Davyon immediately sprinted over and did the Heimlich maneuver. From the account of the witnesses, when he did it the bottle cap popped out.” Later that day he saw a handicapped woman standing on the porch of a burning house holding on to her walker. The youngster told Tulsa’s “News On 6” TV, “I thought, ‘Oh, she’s not moving fast enough.’ So, I ran across the street and helped her.”
Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!
North Carolina State University entomologist Matt Bertone was studying bark beetle larvae when he made a surprising find: the little creatures are quite the gymnasts. According to the AMAC, Bertone said he “noticed they would crawl for a distance and then would hop. And it was really strange, and I didn’t know if I was seeing things or not.” Gymnastics Podcaster Jessica O’Beirne was among the first to report on Bertone’s find. As she put it, “The thing that’s amazing about this jump, it’s taking off from a push-up position. It basically goes from playing dead to launching itself like (Olympic gymnast) Simone Biles.” See the insect’s unusual hop on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-b73G96UIQ.
Spotting a shooting star
It’s not often one can see a meteor entering earth’s atmosphere: the sun gives them cover in daytime, if it happens too late at night most of us are sleeping or they make entry where few people live, explains the AMAC. But the large green fireball that fell in Hungary recently made its way across the country early at night, giving witnesses a show that they won’t soon forget, although you can bet that many of them quickly reached for their iPhones to capture the event on video. See the blazing meteor on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiNtg4uwtRk.
The Association of Mature American Citizens is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing membership in Washington, D.C. and in local congressional districts nationwide. More information is available on its website at www.amac.us.
Hang Out with the Twins of Gemini
By David Prosper
The night skies of February are filled with beautiful star patterns, and so this month we take a closer look at another famous constellation, now rising high in the east after sunset: Gemini, the Twins!
If you’re observing Orion, as discussed in last month’s article, then Gemini is easy to find: Just look above Orion’s “head” to find Gemini’s “feet.” Or, make a line from brilliant blue-white Rigel in the foot of Orion, through its distinct “Belt,” and then on through orange Betelgeuse. Keep going and you will end up in between the bright stars Castor and Pollux, the “heads” of the Gemini Twins from the Greek myth. In Chinese astronomy, these stars make up two separate patterns: the Vermillion Bird of the South and the White Tiger of the North. While not actually related – these stars aren’t bound to each other, and are almost a magnitude apart in brightness – they do pair up nicely when compared to their surrounding stars.
Take note: more than one stargazer has confused Gemini with its next-door neighbor constellation, Auriga. The stars of Auriga rise before Gemini’s, and its brightest star, Capella, doesn’t pair up as strikingly with its second most brilliant star as Castor and Pollux do. Star-hop to Gemini from Orion using the trick above if you aren’t sure which constellation you’re looking at.
Pollux is the brighter of Gemini’s two “head” stars – imagine it has the head of the “left twin” – and located about 34 light-years away from our Solar System. Pollux even possesses a planet, Pollux b, over twice the mass of Jupiter. Castor – the head of the “right twin” – by contrast, lies about 51 light-years distant and is slightly dimmer. While no planets have been detected, there is still plenty of company as Castor is actually a six-star system!
There are several great deep-sky objects to observe as well. You may be able to spot one with your unaided eyes, if you have dark skies and sharp eyes: M35, a large open cluster near the “right foot” of Gemini, about 3,870 light-years away. It’s almost the size of a full Moon in our skies! Optical aids like binoculars or a telescope reveal the cluster’s brilliant member stars. Once you spot M35, look around to see if you can spot another open cluster, NGC 2158, much smaller and more distant than M35 at 9,000 light-years away.
Another notable object is NGC 2392, a planetary nebula created from the remains of a dying star, located about 6,500 light-years distant. You’ll want to use a telescope to find this intriguing faint fuzzy, located near the “left hip” star Wasat.
Gemini’s stars are referenced quite often in cultures around the world, and even in the history of space exploration. NASA’s famed Gemini program took its name from these stars, as do the appropriately named twin Gemini North and South Observatories in Hawaii and Chile. You can discover more about Gemini’s namesakes along with the latest observations of its stars and related celestial objects at nasa.gov. The Night Sky Network’s “Legends in the Sky” activity includes downloadable “Create Your Own Constellation” handouts so you can draw your own star stories: bit.ly/legendsinthesky.
This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network. The Night Sky Network program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm to find local clubs, events, and more.
THE ROBOT REPORT
China’s Chan
g’e 5 lunar lander finds evidence of water
By Brianna Wessling
China’s Chang’e 5 lunar lander became the first to discover water on the moon on-site and in real time.
Water was first discovered on the moon from orbit in 2009 by India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission. The team used NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper instrument to definitively detect water. Since then, water has been extensively mapped from orbit in missions like NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
The Chang’e 5 lander used its mineralogical spectrometer, which was specifically designed for finding water, to detect the water. It did so by determining spectral reflectance measurements of soil and rocks on the moon.
The water on the moon is believed to be from deposition from solar wind, a constant stream of charged particles coming from the sun. It was found near the Oceanus Procellarum on the moon’s near side.
Chang’e 5 landed on the moon on December 1, 2020 with a mission to collect lunar rocks and soil to bring back to Earth. This is China’s first ever sample return mission, however the country has had four successful robotics missions to the moon before the Chang’e 5.
The lander was on the surface for less than 48 hours before it headed back into orbit around the moon. The lander returned to Earth on December 16. It is the first lander to bring samples back from the moon since the Soviet Lunar 24 probe in 1976.
The joint research team behind the lander is led by Professors Lin Yangting and Lin Honglei from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It also involved researchers from the National Space Science Center at CAS, the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics at CAS and Nanjing University.
China is the third country to bring samples back from the moon, after the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2023, China plans to launch the Chang’e 6. The lander is meant to be a backup to the Chang’e 5, but it will head to the lunar south pole for samples.
Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She can be reached at
bw*******@wt*******.com
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Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Dear Rusty: I’m 60 years of age and wonder if I will have any Social Security retirement benefits. After all, I did purchase them. Signed: Uncertain
Dear Uncertain: Your eligibility for Social Security benefits depends upon your lifetime earnings history from work, from which Social Security FICA taxes were withheld. If you have worked, contributed to SS while working, and have earned at least 40 “quarters” of credit, you will be entitled to Social Security benefits. You can earn up to four credits each year by earning a specific amount of money, which means you must have worked for about 10 years contributing to Social Security in order to be eligible for Social Security benefits. For 2022, you will get four credits if you earn at least $6,040 (the amount needed per credit varies by year).
The amount of benefit you will get depends upon your average monthly earnings (adjusted for inflation) over the highest-earning 35 years of your lifetime. The higher your annual earnings (from which FICA tax was withheld), the more your SS benefit will be. But you must have worked, earned and contributed to SS for at least 35 years to get your maximum benefit. SS always uses 35 years of earnings to compute your benefit and if you have fewer, they will put $0 earnings in some years to make it 35. They will use the monthly average of those 35 years to determine your primary benefit (known as your “Primary Insurance Amount” or “PIA” which is what you get at your full retirement age (FRA).
You cannot collect your personal SS retirement benefit until you are at least 62 years old, but if you claim at that age your benefit will be permanently reduced by 30%. You can only get your full SS benefit by waiting until your full retirement age (67 for you) to claim your Social Security. Claiming any earlier means a smaller benefit, but you can also delay longer and earn Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) up to age 70, when your maximum benefit would be 24% more than it would be at your FRA. You have an eight-year window to claim your Social Security, and when you claim within that window determines how much of your primary SS benefit you will get.
If you claim before your FRA and you continue to work, Social Security places a limit on how much you can earn before they take away some of your benefits. For example, someone who claims at age 63 in 2022 would have an annual earnings limit of $19,560, and if that were exceeded SS would take away benefits equal to $1 for every $2 over the limit (a monthly limit may be imposed if you claim mid-year). The earnings limit applies until FRA is reached, after which there is no longer a limit to how much can be earned.
The easiest way to determine your eligibility for Social Security benefits and how much that benefit would be at different ages is to obtain a Statement of Estimated Benefits from the Social Security Administration. You can request that by calling SS at 1.800.772.1213, but you can also get it yourself by creating your personal “my Social Security” online account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you have created your personal online account you can see your lifetime record of earnings and download your Statement of Estimated Benefits to understand whether you are entitled to Social Security benefits and, if so, how much your benefit will be if claimed at various ages.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at
ss*******@am************.org
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Trash Talk
By The Pickup Artist
This is the thirteenth edition of Trash Talk, a column devoted to cleaning up our neighborhoods. Happy first birthday!
I’ve collected the trash, now what happens?
There are 633 materials recycling centers in the USA. At least one of them can bale 50 tons per HOUR! A close-captioned YouTube video shows how they can process 350 tons per day. It’s 16 minutes long, but worth watching. On www.youtube.com, search “Recycling Center Video Tour Grads 9-12” uploaded by Republic Services account.
Some recycling centers have occasional tours. The public can actually see the recycling process. Check this website for more information: https://ncrarecycles.org/activities/tours. I heard from a friend that the tour in San Francisco is quite interesting.
Repurpose the trash
A lot of my column has been about collecting litter to dispose of it properly or recycle it for future use. I recently came across an abandoned baby stroller (one of many). I removed the cloth material a
nd added a few touches of my own, like a place to stow the grabber and a water bottle holder. I christened it the Litter Buggy. It holds the bag open, which is the most difficult part of collecting. It also supports the weight of additional bags. It is on wheels, and has brakes so it won’t roll away while I am picking items up. A day-glow green box holds recoverable items.
Home-owner tip of the month
Have you ever noticed little flecks of rust in the sink aerators? Rust builds up in metal pipes over time and can flake off, depositing in the aerator. It can also accumulate in the water heater and reduce its lifespan. Would you like to delay the purchase of another water heater? You can flush out the accumulated sediment at the bottom simply by opening the spigot at the bottom of the tank. I let mine run into a bucket for a few seconds, and the video below shows another option. You’ll be surprised to see how much sediment has accumulated. Flushing out the sediment can also improve water heater efficiency since the sediment insulates the heat source from the water. To view the how-to video on YouTube, search “How to Flush a Residential Water Heater” uploaded by Rheem.
The quote for today: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
Answer to the last Trash Talk Question:
What areas are you looking at to make this a better year than last year, both for yourself and others? Obviously, only you can answer that one. I increased the duration of my aerobic workout by 20%. If you want to share your 2022 New Year’s resolutions and progress, I’ll include them in a future edition of Trash Talk. Thanks for participating!
The Trash Talk Question for today: February is the month with Valentine’s Day. Are you planning to show your loved one some romance? In our house, we do a monthly bit of practical romance: When the PG&E bill comes in, we guess how much it will be before we open it. The one who guesses closest to the right amount wins a kiss. Can’t lose!
Send comments or questions to
Th******************@ou*****.com
Tri-City History in Photographs #1: Hats
By Kelsey Camello, for the Washington Township Museum of Local History
Hat (noun): A shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, especially for wear outdoors.
Drawbridge.PNG
Drawbridge, 1917: Eight young men in suits and ties (four in hats) on the front deck of the Lomita Gun Club.
Mission San Jose.PNG
Mission San Jose, Oct 18, 1902: Sunderer Family (five in hats) on a picnic in Mission Peak Hills.
Niles.PNG
Niles, December 1907: Man in hat outside foundry in Niles.
Warm Springs.PNG
Warm Springs, 1925: Eight hay crewmen in hats on lunch break. Manuel Ramos at far right. In background are wire bales and hay baler.
Let’s explore local history through themes and photographs. Have a topic or idea you’d like us to explore? Email us at
in**@mu******************.org
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California launches $185 million youth job corps
By John Antczak
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP), Jan 27 – California on Thursday launched a $185 million jobs program aimed at putting disadvantaged youth and young adults to work helping their communities while improving their prospects for future success.
The Californians For All Youth Jobs Corps was funded in Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 “California Comeback Plan.”
The first phase makes $150 million available to 13 large cities and phase two will make $35 million available to smaller counties and cities selected through a competitive process, state Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday told an online briefing.
The intent of the two-year plan is ”to increase youth employment in our underserved and underemployed populations, developing meaningful career pathways for young people and helping our communities tackle local priorities,“ Fryday said.
The Jobs Corps will work with the cities to recruit thousands of Californians between the ages of 16 and 30.
“This program will be intentional about focusing hiring on underserved populations like low-income youth, youth who are unemployed or out of school, youth who are justice-involved or transitioning from foster care or are engaged with mental health or substance abuse systems,” Fryday said.
All participants will receive at least $15 an hour, but cities will be able to increase those wages. The program also includes so-called wrap-around services such as special job training, case management and resume preparation.
Cities may use the funds to create new programs or expand existing programs such as those run by community-based organizations.
“Young people across California are going to be able to get a job, they will be able to gain critical job skills and they will be serving our state at a time of great need,” Fryday said.
Among a half-dozen mayors participating in the briefing, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said her city will use its nearly $6 million allocation to create 90 summer jobs and 150 year-round jobs “with a focus on our disconnected youth.”
“We are ready to fuel the recovery from this pandemic,” Schaaf said, adding that Oakland businesses have been clear in what they expect from an equitable recovery.
“They want to see a city that is clean, that is green, that is resilient, that is safe,” she said.
Los Angeles will receive $53 million, said Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“This is really California at its best and our best shot to save and restore the California dream,” he said.
Other big cities receiving funds include San Diego, $19.1 million; San Jose, $13.9 million; San Francisco, $11.8 million; Fresno, $7.4 million; Sacramento, $6.9 million; Long Beach, $6.3 million; Bakersfield, $5.3 million; Anaheim, $4.7 million; Santa Ana, $4.4 million; Riverside, $4.4 million and Stockton, $4.3 million.
California Senate aims to limit ‘junk science’ in courtrooms
By Don Thompson
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Jan 26 – California lawmakers on Wednesday moved to deter the use of what a legislator called “junk science” in the courtroom and give those convicted with questionable expert testimony a way out of prison.
Senators approved changing the state’s definition of false testimony to include expert court opinions based on flawed scientific research or outdated technology, or where a reasonable scientific dispute has emerged over its validity.
Expert opinions that aren’t based on bona fide research, peer-reviewed studies or other science would not satisfy the state’s requirements for admissible testimony.
The bill by Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener would allow people to appeal if they previously were convicted based on the discredited testimony.
“This bill gives judges stronger tools to prevent junk science from coming into our courtrooms,“ Wiener said.
The California Innocence Project, which sought the bill along with the Loyola Project for the Innocent and the Northern California Innocence Project, said flawed forensic science occurred in 45% of DNA exonerations and 24% of all exonerations in the United States. The groups investigate such cases and advocate for the release of those who have been wrongfully convicted.
The National Academy of Science has said jurors can be thrown off by what is known as the “CSI effect,” where jurors have unrealisti
c expectations of the reliability of forensic evidence from watching “CSI” and similar television shows.
The bill had no formal opposition from prosecutors or other law enforcement organizations. It passed, 30-3, sending it the Assembly.
But Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen, who once headed the state parole board, said the bill is another effort by majority Democrats to ease criminal punishments.
“These are just more attempts to erode the justice system to ensure that justice for the victims of crimes do not see justice done, that individuals who have committed crimes have more venues to escape any consequences for their behaviors,“ Nielsen said.
GOP Sen. Andreas Borgeas also voted against the bill, urging a different approach to what he acknowledged can be a problem.
“Even a ham sandwich could be indicted,“ Borgeas said, reciting an old legal dogma. “You can get anybody to say virtually anything.”
Wiener said those whose convictions are overturned under his bill could be retried, if investigators have other evidence to prove their guilt.
“This isn’t about letting criminals get out of jail free,” he said.
Meet Methuselah, the oldest living aquarium fish
By Haven Daley
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jan 26 – Meet Methuselah, the fish that likes to eat fresh figs, get belly rubs and is believed to be the oldest living aquarium fish in the world.
In the Bible, Methuselah was Noah’s grandfather and was said to have lived to be 969 years old. Methuselah the fish is not quite that ancient, but biologists at the California Academy of Sciences believe it is about 90 years old, with no known living peers.
Methuselah is a 4-foot-long (1.2-meter), 40-pound (18.1-kilogram) Australian lungfish that was brought to the San Francisco museum in 1938 from Australia.
A primitive species with lungs and gills, Australian lungfish are believed to be the evolutionary link between fish and amphibians.
No stranger to publicity, Methuselah’s first appearance in the San Francisco Chronicle was in 1947: “These strange creatures – with green scales looking like fresh artichoke leaves – are known to scientists as a possible `missing link’ between terrestrial and aquatic animals.“
Until a few years ago, the oldest Australian lungfish was at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. But that fish, named Granddad, died in 2017 at the age of 95.
“By default, Methuselah is the oldest,” said Allan Jan, senior biologist at the California Academy of Sciences and the fish’s keeper. Methuselah’s caretakers believe the fish is female, although it’s difficult to determine the species’ sex without a risky blood draw. The academy plans to send a tiny sample of her fin to researchers in Australia, who will try to confirm the sex and figure out the fish’s exact age.
Jan says Methuselah likes getting rubbed on her back and belly and has a “mellow“ personality.
“I tell my volunteers, pretend she’s an underwater puppy, very mellow, gentle, but of course if she gets spooked she will have sudden bouts of energy. But for the most part she’s just calm,” Jan said. Methuselah has developed a taste for seasonal figs.
“She’s a little picky and only likes figs when they are fresh and in season. She won’t eat them when they’re frozen,“ said Jeanette Peach, spokeswoman for the California Academy of Sciences.
Organic blackberries, grapes and romaine lettuce are rotated into her daily diet, which also includes a variety of fish, clams, prawns and earthworms, said Charles Delbeek, curator of the museum’s Steinhart Aquarium.
The academy has two other Australian lungfish that are younger. Named for their sizes, “Medium“ arrived at the museum in 1952 and “Small“ in 1990, both from the Mary River, in Queensland, Australia, said Delbeek. They weigh about 25 pounds (11 kilograms) and 15 pounds (7 kilograms), respectively.
The Australian lungfish is now a threatened species and can no longer be exported from Australian waters, so biologists at the academy say it’s unlikely they’ll get a replacement once Methuselah passes away.
“We just give her the best possible care we can provide, and hopefully she thrives,“ Jan said.
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Associated Press writer Jocelyn Gecker contributed to this report.
How many times can I reuse my N95 mask?
By Emma H. Tobin
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP), Jan 28 – How many times can I reuse my N95 mask?
It depends, but you should be able to use N95s and KN95s a few times.
The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says health care workers can wear an N95 mask up to five times. But experts say how often the average person can safely wear one will vary depending on how it’s used.
Using the same mask to run to the grocery store, for example, is very different than wearing it all day at work.
The amount of time a mask is worn is more important than how frequently it’s worn, says Richard Flagan, who studies masks and aerosols at the California Institute of Technology.
In general, he recommends limiting the use of an N95 mask to about two or three days.
With every breath you take in an N95, particles accumulate on the mask, Flagan says. That could make it more difficult to breathe if the mask has trapped a lot of particles.
“They are degrading the performance of the mask,” Flagan says.
The elastic band on the mask could also get worn out and not fit around your face as snugly. It might also get dirty or wet, especially if you’re using it while exercising.
If you notice any of these changes to your mask, it’s time to stop using it – even if you’ve only used it a few hours. And since N95 masks can’t be washed, they should be thrown away once you can no longer use them.
He won a trip to space. Then he gave it away to a friend
By Marcia Dunn
AP Aerospace Writer
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP), Jan 28 – He told his family and a few friends. He dropped hints to a couple of colleagues. So hardly anyone knew that the airline pilot could have – should have – been on board when SpaceX launched its first tourists into orbit last year.
Meet Kyle Hippchen, the real winner of a first-of-its-kind sweepstakes, who gave his seat to his college roommate.
Though Hippchen’s secret is finally out, that doesn’t make it any easier knowing he missed his chance to orbit Earth because he exceeded the weight limit. He still hasn’t watched the Netflix series on the three-day flight purchased by a tech entrepreneur for himself and three guests last September.
“It hurts too much,“ he said. “I’m insanely disappointed. But it is what it is.“
Hippchen, 43, a Florida-based captain for Delta’s regional carrier Endeavor Air, recently shared his story with The Associated Press during his first visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center since his lost rocket ride.
He opened up about his out-of-the-blue, dream-come-true windfall, the letdown when he realized he topped SpaceX’s weight restrictions of 250 pounds (113 kilograms) and his offer to the one person he knew would treasure the flight as much as himself. Four months later, he figures probably fewer than 50 people know he was the actual winner.
“It was their show, and I didn’t want to be distracting too much from what they were doing,” said Hippchen, who watched the launch from a VIP balcony.
His seat went to Chris Sembroski, 42, a data engineer in Everett, Washington. The pair roomed together starting in the late 1990s while attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They’d pile into cars
with other student space geeks and make the hourlong drive south for NASA’s shuttles launches. They also belonged to a space advocacy group, going to Washington to push commercial space travel.
Despite living on opposite coasts, Hippchen and Sembroski continued to swap space news and champion the cause. Neither could resist when Shift4 Payments founder and CEO Jared Isaacman raffled off a seat on the flight he purchased from SpaceX’s Elon Musk. The beneficiary was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Hippchen snapped up $600 worth of entries. Sembroski, about to start a new job at Lockheed Martin, shelled out $50. With 72,000 entries in the random drawing last February, neither figured he’d win and didn’t bother telling the other.
By early March, Hippchen started receiving vague emails seeking details about himself. That’s when he read the contest’s small print: The winner had to be under 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds (2 meters and 113 kilograms).
Hippchen was 5-foot-10 and 330 pounds (1.8 meters and 150 kilograms).
He told organizers he was pulling out, figuring he was only one of many finalists. In the flurry of emails and calls that followed, Hippchen was stunned to learn he’d won.
With a September launch planned, the timeline was tight. Still new at flying people, SpaceX needed to start measuring its first private passengers for their custom-fitted flight suits and capsule seats. As an aerospace engineer and pilot, Hippchen knew the weight limit was a safety issue involving the seats, and could not be exceeded.
“I was trying to figure how I could drop 80 pounds in six months, which, I mean, it’s possible, but it’s not the most healthy thing in the world to do,” Hippchen said.
Isaacman, the spaceflight’s sponsor, allowed Hippchen to pick a stand-in.
“Kyle’s willingness to gift his seat to Chris was an incredible act of generosity,“ he said in an email this week.
Isaacman introduced his passengers at the end of March: a St. Jude physician assistant who beat cancer there as a child; a community college educator who was Shift4 Payments’ winning business client; and Sembroski.
Hippchen joined them in April to watch SpaceX launch astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA, the company’s last crew flight before their own.
In gratitude, Sembroski offered to take personal items into space for Hippchen. He gathered his high school and college rings, airline captain epaulets, a great-uncle’s World War I Purple Heart and odds and ends from his best friends from high school, warning, “Don’t ask any details.”
By launch day on Sept. 15, word had gotten around. As friends and families gathered for the liftoff, Hippchen said the conversation went like this: “My name’s Kyle. Are you The Kyle? Yeah, I’m The Kyle.”
Before climbing into SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, Sembroski followed tradition and used the phone atop the launch tower to make his one allotted call. He called Hippchen and thanked him one more time.
“I’m forever grateful,” Sembroski said.
And while Hippchen didn’t get to see Earth from orbit, he did get to experience about 10 minutes of weightlessness. During Sembroski’s flight, he joined friends and family of the crew on a special zero-gravity plane.
“It was a blast.”
Grammy Awards move ceremony to Las Vegas
By Jonathan Landrum Jr.
Associated Press Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP), Jan. 18 — The 2022 Grammy Awards will shift to an April show in Las Vegas after recently postponing the ceremony due to rising COVID-19 cases because the omicron variant.
The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, according to a joint statement released Jan. 18 from the Recording Academy and CBS. The show postponed its original date on Jan. 31 at the newly renamed Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles after organizers determined there were “too many risks” because of the virus’s latest surge.
For the Grammys, it was attempting a back-to-normal show with a live audience, but the decision to postpone the ceremony came after “careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners.”
This is the second consecutive year the Grammys has been rescheduled due to the spread of the coronavirus. Last year, like most major award shows, the Grammys were postponed because of virus concerns.
It was a big night for Beyonce and Taylor Swift, but the live performances that set the Grammys apart from other awards shows were staged separately with no significant crowds, many of them pre-taped.
The show was moved from late January to mid-March and held with a spare audience made up of mostly nominees and their guests in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center, next door to its usual home, the arena then known as Staples Center.
The multitalented Jon Batiste is the leading nominee for this year’s honors, grabbing 11 nods in a variety of genres including R&B, jazz, American roots music, classical and music video. Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. are tied for the second-most nominations with eight apiece.
The Grammys’ move has created another shift for upcoming awards shows — the CMT Awards will move from its originally scheduled ceremony date from April 3 to a later date that month.
Western monarchs rebound but still below historic population
By John Antczak
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP), January 25 – The number of Western monarch butterflies overwintering in California rebounded to more than 247,000 a year after fewer than 2,000 appeared, but the tally remained far below the millions that were seen in the 1980s, leaders of an annual count said Tuesday.
The Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count revealed the highest number of butterflies in five years but it is still less than 5% of the 1980s population, said Emma Pelton, senior endangered species biologist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Pelton said she was ecstatic about the turnabout but cautioned that it did not indicate a recovery of the species. “It will take multiple more years to understand if this is the beginning of a trend or just a blip,” she said in an online news conference.
Western monarchs, the population found west of the Rockies, overwinter in groves along the Pacific coast from Northern California’s Mendocino County south to the northern edge of Baja California, as well as in a few inland locations. Monarchs east of the Rockies migrate deep into Mexico for winter.
The Western monarch count is conducted by trained volunteers over several weeks around the Thanksgiving holiday. It dates to 1997 and has observed a loss of more than 95% of a population that according to earlier studies once numbered in the low millions.
The count released a year ago was the smallest ever seen, and the reasons for the turnabout are elusive, according to Pelton. Not only was there the largest one-year increase ever seen, but the butterflies were found at 283 sites, the most ever. “The question of the day that we’re getting is really, why are we having this uptick? And we don’t have a single definitive answer for you,” Pelton said.
Factors could include good weather, the amount of milkweed the monarchs rely on and some interchange between the Western and Eastern populations, but the monarchs have a complex migratory cycle with multiple generations over a complex landscape, she said.
Pelton said she believes the numbers are going to continue to fluctuate until underlying causes for the huge declines over the decade are dealt with. “And the root of those are habitat loss,
both at the overwintering sites in California and elsewhere, and then migratory breeding habitat,” she said.
Among details in the data, the count showed that overwintering sites trended to the south. California’s central coast usually sees the most monarchs, and the San Francisco Bay Area normally has significant numbers as well. In the latest count, however, Bay Area sites had few or no monarchs.
The most monarchs – more than 95,000 – were found in Santa Barbara County, including one site on private property that had 25,000 butterflies. Farther south, Ventura County had nearly 19,500 butterflies and Los Angeles County had more than 4,000 – numbers that hadn’t been seen since the early 2000s.
Houseprinting
By William Marshak
Past dreams that once seemed improbable, if not impossible, are rapidly becoming not only possible, but feasible and realized in the fast-paced world of technology. Devices and appliances that were the stuff of science fiction and cartoon fantasy now interact effortlessly in the modern world, assisting processes that have reduced time, effort and manpower requirements for repetitive and skilled professions alike. Computers are replacing manpower to replicate onerous and tedious tasks that once consumed significant human and environmental resources.
One example of such progress is the advent of 3D printers that can not only understand three dimensional concepts, but produce products in a variety of mediums. It was inevitable that the extension of this technology would reach beyond small novelty items to embrace vital components and the home construction industry. In fact, massive printers that can accurately follow housing plans now have the ability to “print” a foundation and walls for a small home in a matter of hours rather than traditional methods that involve many days of labor and excess material costs.
As with any home building process, 3D printing begins with a house blueprint to design and customize. Plans are digitized in preparation for the actual build and rails are installed around the area destined for construction. A robotic arm follows the rails and deposits building material in the exact proportion and position dictated by the plan. Concrete is usually used for this process – extruded and dried as the printer nozzle moves along the rail. With each succeeding pass, the foundation and walls are built to the specified dimensions. If needed, a second path can erect a parallel wall to leave space for insulation between them. Following this construction phase, construction professionals take over to install windows, plumbing, electrical connections, roofing and additional amenities.
Advantages of beginning the construction project using 3D printing may become routine for future housing demands, especially in the low- and moderate-cost market. Cost savings can be measured in time and material demands as well as the versatility of this technology. Applications for 3D printed homes and structures has expanded since its introduction in the U.S in 2018 by Texas-based ICON – the first company to receive a building permit for a 3D home – at an Austin, TX South by Southwest conference where a 650-foot 3D home was unveiled. Currently, the world’s largest 3D-printed building – a two-story office building – is located in Dubai. NASA has entered the fray, exploring the possibility of using this technology to create 3D printed habitats for deep space exploration.
International interest in 3D structure printing is high and expanding with companies throughout the world developing the capacity for computer-aided construction. Icon was awarded a government Small Business Innovation Research contract with funding from NASA to begin research and construction of a space-based system, Project Olympus, to support future exploration of the Moon. In addition, ICON was awarded a subcontract through Jacobs supporting NASA’s The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) to deliver a 1700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat at Johnson Space Center known as Mars Dune Alpha. Mars Dune Alpha will host a three one-year crewed mission beginning later this year. As housing prices soar and the need for economical, environmentally friendly shelter increases, 3D printing is poised to become a valuable addition to the housing industry.
Niles Canyon Railway steams into 2022!
Submitted by Niles Canyon Railway
We are thrilled to be back for 2022 and offer a new set of special weekend rides starting with select Saturdays and Sundays from February to April. Ride through Niles Canyon in all of its late winter and spring splendor behind diesel power.
Rides will take place on second and third weekends, with departures from Sunol Station at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. A historic diesel locomotive will take control of weekend excursion trains with a mix of open-air cars and open window enclosed coaches during a one-hour-twenty-minutes round trip. A wheelchair lift is available.
Our snack bar car is planned to be operating with pre-packaged snacks and drinks for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. Carry in/carry out is preferred, but we do have trash receptacles and recycle bins throughout the train. Toilets are available on board and at the depot. We love pets, but only trained service animals are permitted to accompany their handler while riding our trains. We appreciate your understanding.
As of January 20, 2022, all persons on board our trains or inside of our gift shop or museum exhibit must wear a mask. Please read over our COVID-19 Health and Safety policy on the website before booking your tickets and before arriving on our property.
Online ticket purchase is preferred and is the only way to ensure you will be able to ride on a given day. Any remaining tickets for each day will be sold as walk-ups at our Sunol Station Ticket Office.
Niles Canyon Railway weekend diesel rides
2nd and 3rd Saturdays & Sundays
Feb – Apr
Sunol Station
6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol
(510) 996-8420
https://www.ncry.org/ride/2022-rides/
$25 Adults
$15 Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12)
Children under 2 ride free
Valentine Haunt
Submitted by Fear Overload
Toss out routine V-Day dinner dates and do something extraordinary. For three days in February, Fear Overload Scream Park has transformed into a Valentine’s nightmare, filled with blood-thirsty vampires, demonic babies and an evil cupid.
The event features two uniquely terrifying haunted houses, including our signature “flashlight” haunted house where we provide patrons with only one dim flashlight to survive. Guests can also purchase fast pass admission for reduced wait time, and rent flickering candles and glowsticks.
For the safety of guests and employees, Covid precautions have been taken. All staff have been fully vaccinated. Facemasks are required for both patrons and staff. The venue will also employ enhanced cleaning and contactless features throughout the attraction.
Reserve tickets early as we expect to sell out.
Valentine Haunt
Friday, Saturday, & Monday
Feb 11, 12 & 14
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fear Overload Scream Park
Bayfair Center
15555 E 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 730-2221
https://valentinehauntsanfrancisco.com/
Tickets: $22.99 – 42.99
California Primary Elections 2022: FAQ crash course
By Hugo Vera
What type of California primaries are coming up and when are they held?
- February 15, 2022: Next month, Ass
embly Districts 17 and 49 will be having their special primary elections. These elections will decide state assembly races in San Francisco and Los Angeles County, respectively.
- April 5, 2022: Special primary elections for Assembly Districts 11, 80 and Congressional District 22. These elections are a result of the Governor’s Proclamation for Assembly Districts 11 (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta Area), District 80 (San Diego) and Congressional District 22 (Fresno/Tulare). With the representative slots in each respective area currently vacant, these primaries will thin out the list of applicable candidates in time for the next general election.
- June 7, 2022: Last and most important, the California statewide general election will be held this June. This primary race will implement ranked choice voting to thin out candidates for judges, state representatives, Office of the Governor and State Assembly. Voters will only be able to submit one choice for all other issues/measures.
What is Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)?
For the rest of the country, rank choice voting may be an alien concept but states such as California have been using it as early as the 2003 San Francisco mayoral election. If you voted in California during the 2020 general election, you were probably asked to select your first, second and sometimes a third choice for a particular candidate. This is known as a ‘rank choice election’ which is also referred to as an ‘instant runoff election.’ These are typically used to decide a clear winner in elections where there are multiple candidates to choose from such as for city council members, mayors and board members. If any of the candidates listed has more than 50% of the vote, they win the position automatically. If they do not, winners are decided by eliminating candidates with no mathematical chance of winning and by adding up the percentages of each respective choice until there is a clear majority.
Which states/cities will be implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) this upcoming election?
Ranked choice voting is used in 20 American cities, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro and Cambridge, Massachusetts. California, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont utilize ranked choice voting in certain cities/counties. Nevada, Wyoming and Kansas use RCV in their presidential primaries and Maine is the only state to apply RCV in each of its elections. In California, gubernatorial and most mayoral/state senate primaries are settled via RCV.
How do I vote by mail and what are my deadlines?
Any registered voter in California can opt to have mail-in ballots sent to them instead of having to vote in-person. California state law dictates that ballots must be mailed out up to 29 days before the election in question. Other states allow as many as 30-45 days before elections to send out ballots. Once received, California ballots that are mailed in must be postmarked on or before Election Day and the ballot has to be received by the voter’s respective county officials no more than seven days after Election Day to be counted. It’s worth noting that most ballots don’t require postage and can be given to either one’s mailperson, a nearby U.S. Post Office or any registered mail-in ballot drop-off location. County officials will typically list and map out the locations of designated ballot collection boxes in the month leading up to Election Day. Once mailed, California voters can track the status of their mail-in ballot by visiting ‘wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov’.
Who is eligible to vote and what is the registration process?
Any United States citizen who is 18 or older by Election Day is eligible to vote. This not only applies to California, but to all 50 states in the union. However, voting rights differ in American territories outside the continental United States. For example, citizens in American Samoa can vote in their respective primaries but not in the presidential election. Puerto Ricans cannot vote for neither congressional nor presidential candidates.
Other individuals who may be residing in California but who cannot vote include undocumented persons, permanent residents, and criminals serving time in a state/federal correctional facility on Election Day. Criminals on parole or incarcerated in a county jail may still vote. Adult citizens under a conservatorship also cannot vote.
Citizens who meet the requirements to vote must be registered to vote at least 15 days prior to Election Day in California.
Californians can register to vote online at ‘registertovote.ca.gov’ or at their local county elections office. Citizens who are eligible for ‘same-day voter registration’ may do so on Election Day at their polling place. The only downside to this is that voters who register the same day as the election can only fill out provisional ballots, which in most cases are meaningless as they’re only used to settle ties.
When filling out the voter registration form (either online or virtual), voters will be asked to provide general information such as their legal name, address, social-security numbers and their political party preference. Party preference is a minor detail in most elections, but it can be of importance in the case of primaries. For example, if your candidate in a primary is a registered independent, but they’re debating and campaigning against democratic candidates, those who retain “independent” status on their registration form must still request a democratic ballot if they want their vote to count for that candidate. Voters can also decline to state their party.
Sources:
https://ballotpedia.org/Ranked-choice_voting_(RCV)
https://www.acvote.org/election-information/elections?id=247
Newark City Council
January 27, 2022
Presentations:
- Presentation on Union Sanitary District from General Manager Paul Eldredge
Public Comment:
- Some for and some against homeless housing initiative
- Questions about additional services for the homeless
Consent Calendar:
- Approval of Audited Demands
- Approval of January 6, 2022, and January 13, 2022, minutes
- Adopt a Resolution confirming the continued existence of a local emergency due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Continued Remote Teleconferenced Meetings of the Legislative Bodies of the City of Newark for the 30-Day Period Beginning January 27 Pursuant to AB 361
- Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contractual Services Agreement with Environmental Services Inc. and Authorizing Amendment of the 2020-2022 Biennial Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 to Provide Funding for General Plan Updates related to the Services Associated with the 2023-2031 Housing Element
- Approval of resolutions to add class specifications for Police Support Services Manager, Aquatic Activities Specialist, and Accounting Technician I/II to the classification plan; add full-time personnel allocations to the 2020-2022 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for one Police Support Services Manager, one Aquatic Activities Specialist, and one Accounting Technician I-II, and delete one Communications Supervisor and one Accounting Technician I; approve a side letter with the Newark Police Management Association to add the classification of Police Support Services Manager and salary range to
the Memorandum of Understanding, and approve a side letter with the Newark Association of Miscellaneous Employees to add the classification of Aquatic Activities Specialist and salary range to the Memorandum of Understanding. - Approval of resolutions to add full-time personnel allocations to the 2020-2022 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan for one Crime Analyst, one additional Information Systems Technician, and one additional General Laborer; add a class specification to the Classification Plan for Crime Analyst; and approve a side letter with the Newark Police Management Association to add the classification of Crime Analyst and assigned salary range to the Memorandum of Understanding.
Public Hearing:
- Tabulation of ballots for annexation of Tract 8453 to Zone 7 – Harbor Pointe of Landscaping and Lighting District No. 19 and, if no majority protest exists, adopt a resolution approving the final Engineer’s Report and approving the annexation of Tract 8453 to Zone 7 – Harbor Pointe of Landscaping and Lighting District No. 19. Passed unanimously
City Council Matter:
- Adopt a resolution approving the Mayor’s appointment to the Planning Commission. Passed unanimously.
Council Comments
- Inquiry on the status of the Willow and Central roundabout – still in progess.
Mayor Alan Nagy Aye
Vice Mayor Michael Hannon Aye
Suzy Collazo Aye
Michael Bucci Aye
Luis Freitas Aye
Healthy gardens, happy hummingbirds
By Daniel O’Donnell
There are many ways of measuring success. It might be when people go for seconds of a dish for a home chef. It might be completing a marathon for an amateur runner. It might be getting published for the first time for a writer, or having a painting displayed in gallery for an artist. These accomplishments make the effort worthwhile. Attracting hummingbirds to the garden may be the home gardener’s measure of success.
A hummingbird takes 250 breaths and its heart beats an average of 225 times per minute while resting. Their heartrates can soar over 1,200 beats per minute while flying. They have an extremely fast metabolism. Hummingbirds feed about every 15 minutes to get the three to seven calories they need per day. This amount of nectar represents roughly half their body weight. If a hummingbird were the size of an average person, it would need to consume more than one can of soda per minute to sustain itself.
Hummingbirds are nectarivores and derive 90% of their caloric needs from flower nectar. The other 10% comes from pollen and small insects. They will visit up to 20 flowers per minute to get the energy they need. They have the largest brain by body weight compared to any other bird. They can remember every flower they have been to and know the amount of time it takes for nectar to replenish. Their long-forked tongue can lick 10 to 15 times per second. Capillary action along the fringe of their tongue helps draw nectar up into their throats so they can swallow.
Hummingbirds cannot smell, but can see red, which is rare for nectivores. This allows them more feeding opportunities. They have flexible wing bones and muscles that can power on the upstroke and downstroke unlike any other bird species. This makes it possible for them to hover, go sideways or upside down when searching for nectar in hanging flowers. They have the fewest number of feathers of any bird species, which aides their flight maneuverability. The average hummingbird can fly up to 30 miles per hour, allowing them to keep up their breakneck foraging.
It is not hard to attract a hummingbird to the garden. They can feed on a wide variety of flowers. Plants with red or orange tubular flowers are the best, but those with blue, purple and yellow flowers will not go untapped. Native and/or drought tolerant plants will thrive and provide nectar in the Bay Area, even in drought years. Hummingbirds’ caloric requirements barely change with the seasons. Planting a combination of early, mid and late season bloomers will help provide nourishment year-round.
A hummingbird feeder filled with a 1 to 4 ratio of organic white sugar to water will benefit them, especially in the winter. Honey, brown sugar and sugar substitutes can be harmful. Never use food coloring to dye the sugar water. Instead, use a red feeder designed for hummingbirds. Feeders should be cleaned and refilled about twice a week to prevent toxic mold. Using boiling water to initially dissolve the sugar can slow mold growth. Hummingbirds can become dependent on a feeder, so year-round availability is crucial. Multiple feeders should be spaced far apart and away from hummingbird friendly plants to avoid territorial disputes.
Hummingbirds are native to North and South America. They can be permanent residents of an area or migratory. Migratory routes are found as far north as Alaska, and as far south as Chile and vary in distance. The Rufous hummingbird has one of the longest one-way migrations of all bird species, a 3,900-mile journey. It will travel from Mexico, through the Bay Area, with Alaska as its final destination—or from Alaska to Mexico depending on the time of year. Other resident or migratory species passing through or living in the Bay Area include Costas, Black-chinneds, Allens or Annas.
Having an available water source, plenty of food sources, and some trees or large shrubs to provide a safe spot at least eight feet off the ground provides incentive for a female to stay and build her nest. Leaving small twigs and leaves on the ground, as well as scattering some feathers and shredded cotton fiber for nest building can help too.
Hummingbirds need to get sufficient rest because they expend so much energy. They sometimes use a technique called Hummingbird Torpor. When hummingbirds fall into a deep sleep their temperature falls, and their heartbeat and metabolic rate slow, placing them in a short-term hibernation-like state. When they are in a Torpor state, they often hang upside-down and may even appear dead. They may not respond to noise or even a touch and should not be disturbed because they are probably fine.
Creating a garden to attract hummingbirds is easy. All that is needed is a diverse garden with a lot of flowering plants. Many would consider a beautiful garden a success, but attracting these small hummingbirds brings the biggest reward.
Daniel O’Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com
IAD020122
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Mondays January 3 – February 7
Introduction to Drawing$
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Increase your ability to draw
Age Well Center Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
Tuesday – Sunday, October 9 – February 13
Color into Line: Pastels from the Renaissance to the Present
9:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
More than 80 works spanning five centuries
Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave., San Francisco
Legionofhonor.org
First Wednesdays, November – April
Talkin’ Dirt
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free webinar on gardening, hosted by LEAF
Via Zoom
RSVP at Fremontleaf.org/talkindirt
Wednesday – Sunday, January 1 – February 27
Art of the Brick $
Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Over 70 LEGO sculptures
1 Grant Ave., San Francisco
https://artofthebrickexhibit.com
Wednesdays, January 12 – February 16
‘Train Your Brain’ Virtual Book Club
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Discuss books on Parkinson’s Disease
Via Zoom
(510) 675-5600
Wednesday January 19 – February 6
Glowfari $R
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Illuminated lantern festival
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
First Thursdays
Plethos Comedy Lab R
8 p.m.
Bay Area standup comedians
Castro Valley Marketplace Lab 200
3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
Second Thursdays, September 9 – June 9
Cafe Dad
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Program for fathers to support each other
Virtual meetings via Zoom
https://husd-us.zoom.us/j/91644497730
For more information:
ep***@hu**.us
Through Sunday March 6
Immersive Van Gogh $
9 a.m. – 11 p.m. (times vary)
Walk-in exhibit with digital projections and music
SVN West San Francisco
10 South Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Tickets: $24.99 – $39.99
Thursday, January 20 – Saturday, April 2
Journey of Color
Virtual Exhibit: 1/20 – 4/2
In-Person Exhibit: 1/27 – 4/2
Gallery Hours: Thurs – Sun, 12 noon – 5 p.m.
Reception: 3/4 @ 7 p.m.
Asian painting techniques with contemporary processes
Olive Hyde Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357
https://fremont.gov/3065/Current-Exhibition
Thursday, January 20 – Sunday, March 27
Double Take: Art and Literature Side by Side
Thurs – Sun, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Art Reception: 3/19, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Blending together of word and art
Bankhead Theater
2400 First St., Livermore
www.LivermoreArts.org
Friday, February 4 – Tuesday, March 1
Celebrating Black History Month
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Opening reception: 2/4
Unity in community
Studio 11 Gallery
34626 11th St., Union City
(510) 675-5445
er***@un*******.org
Fridays and Saturdays
Dance the Night Away
Live music and dancing
Bistro 880
Doubletree Hilton Newark/Fremont
39900 Balentine Dr., Newark
(510) 413-2300
UPCOMING
Wednesday, February 2
Eternity Band and Dance Performance
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Lunar New Year celebration
Age Well Center South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct., Fremont
http://bit.ly/AgeWellClasses
Wednesday, February 2
iPhone Training
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Learn about the features of your phone
Via Zoom
Wednesday, February 2
Fremont Art Association general meeting/demo artist
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Guest artist will demo painting with ink,
Via Zoom
Register at: https://bit.ly/3GaHBZi
Thursday, February 3
Plethos Comedy Lab $
8 p.m.
Guest host Anna May
Tickets: $10
Castro Valley Marketplace
3295 Castro Valley Boulevard
www.plethos.org
Friday, February 4
Lunar New Year Celebration
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cultural performances, arts and crafts, discounts
377 Santana Row, San Jose
Friday, February 4
Cash for College Train the Trainer R
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
American Indian/Alaska Native students’ financial workshop
Register: https://bit.ly/3qISddG
https://bit.ly/3qIxDKr
(951) 816-3301
Friday, February 4
Winter Skies
6 p.m.
Learn about exoplanets, astrophotography, mythology
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
Ticket: $15 adults, $10 kids/seniors, $5 members
Saturday, February 5
AAUW High School Speech Contest
10:00 a.m. Speech Trek Contest
12:30 p.m. Eastin’s Keynote Address
Inspirational speaker Delaine Eastin
Zoom Call ID: 841 3989 9130
Passcode: 030960
Saturday, February 5
Discovery on Demand
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hands-on activities, investigations and crafts
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, Feb 5
Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Tiger
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Make paper crafts, learn about Lion Dance
San Leandro Main Library Plaza
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510) 577-3971
https://www.sanleandro.org/162/Public-Library
Saturday, February 5
Lunar New Year Celebration
12 noon – 3 p.m.
Lion dances, live music, food trucks, story time
Tickets: $10-16
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St., Oakland
https://museumca.org/2022/lunar-new-year-celebration
Saturday, February 5
Nectar Garden Exploration
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Discover native pollinators and plants
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, February 5
Marsh Meander R
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about habitats for migratory birds and wildlife
Ages 8+
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, February 6
Abalone and Pine Nut Bead Making
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn about natural resources; make your own necklace
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, February 6
Homes for Bumblebees
Make a bumblebee hotel
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Sunday, February 6
Discovery on Demand
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hands-on activities, investigations and crafts
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
Sunday, February 6
Nectar Garden Exploration
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Discover native pollinators and plants
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Visitors Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
Sunday, February 6
Let’s Get Outside Club
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Hike to learn about the nature
Ages 5+
Sunol Regional Park
1895 Geary Rd., Sunol
Monday, February 7
Climate Change 101 R
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Gunther’s discussion about climate change
Via Zoom: https://aclibrary-org.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 864 8490 6683
Passcode: 680209
https://bit.ly/34had5S
Wednesday, February 9
Fremont Police District 3 Community Meeting
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Chief Washington talks crime trends; department goals
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 981 5411 4553
Passcode: 147807
Wednesday, February 9
Rockapella $
7:30 p.m.
Contemporary acapella
Tickets: $20-$78 ($20 student/military personnel)
Bankhead Theatre
2400 First St., Livermore
(925) 373-6800
https://livermorearts.org/
Wednesday, February 9
The Phoenix Hikes R
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Free hike for people in recovery
Meet at park entrance
Coyote Hills Regional Park
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
www.thephoenix.org
Thursday, February 10
Growing Healthy Roses R
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fertilizing, watering and controlling insect pests
Free webinar
Cleanwaterprogram.org
Us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register
Friday, February 11 – 12, & Monday 14
Valentine Haunt $
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Valentine’s haunted house
Tickets: $22.99 – 42.99
Fear Overload Scream Park
Bayfair Center
15555 E 14th St., San Leandro
(510) 730-2221
https://valentinehauntsanfrancisco.com/
Friday, February 11 – Sunday, February 13
54th California International Antiquarian Book Fair
Fri: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Virtual fair: Sat 9 a.m. – Mon 5 p.m.
Tickets: $10 – 25
Literature from all centuries and nationalities
Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway, Oakland
(415) 919-9220
Saturday, February 12
LEAF Work Party
9 a.m. – 12 noon
Help prepare the ground in new Urban Farm
Volunteer Agreement https://bit.ly/34a0azE
LEAF C.R. Stone Garden
(Behind Mission Valley Veterinary Clinic)
55 Mowry Ave., Fremont
Saturday, February 12
Water, Drought, and Our Future R
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Scientist Kearns’ discussion about California water
Via Zoom (link will be sent at registration)
Meeting ID: 864 8490 6683
Passcode: 680209
https://bit.ly/3g8kfsI
Monday, February 14
Concert for Lovers R
8 p.m.
Classical guitar by Sean O’Connor
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 922 1952 2992
Passcode: 517555
https://fremontculturalartscouncil.org
Friday, February 18
15th Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser $
Drive-thru 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Purchase meal today
Crab, pasta, garlic bread, salad and dessert
Age Well Center at Lake Elizabeth
40086 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
(510) 790-6600
Honor Roll
Knox College, Illinois
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- Thao Luong of Fremont
Hamilton College, New York
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- Apama Patnaik of Fremont
University of Iowa
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- John Chan of Fremont
Siena College, New York
Fall 2021 President’s List
- Asavara Gowda of Fremont
The Citadel, South Carolina
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- Austin Miles-Curtsinger of Newark
Baldwin Wallace University, Ohio
Fall 2021 graduate
- Deniz Azer of Union City
University of Alabama
Fall 2021 graduate
- Meena Abdelsayed of Hayward
University of Maryland Global Campus
Fall 2021 graduate
- Akhil Sompalli of Fremont
Hofstra University, New York
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- Alyssa De La Torre of Union City
- Shawna Raeside of Fremont
- Varun Sridhar of Fremont
- Kylie Walrod of Fremont
Palmer College of Chiropractic, San Jose
Fall 2021 Dean’s List
- Nicholas Gomez of Milpitas
- Harjot Grewal of Fremont
- Andres Portillo of Hayward
- Chaoyang Qu of Union City
- Matthew Teigen of Milpitas
Georgia Institute of Technology
Fall 2021 graduates
- Li Gu of Fremont
- Xuejian Li of Fremont
- Chenjiang Qian of Fremont
- Tirthajyoti Sarkar of Fremont
- Jay Underwood of Fremont
- Abayomi Ogbalaja of Hayward
- Bo Ning of Castro Valley
- Ashwin Ramanathan of Union City
- Richard Yuan of Union City
- Mohammad Haider of Milpitas
- Derek Travisano of Milpitas
High school speech contest goes online
Submitted by Shirley Gilbert
Delaine Eastin, former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, will be keynote speaker at an upcoming high school speech contest sponsored by the Fremont branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).
The free online event starts at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 5 and will meet using the Zoom app. After the local high school contestants deliver their six-minute speeches and judges choose the winners, Eastin will address the students and attendees at 12:30 p.m.
The theme for this year’s Speech Trek is: “Has the United States lived up to its pledge of liberty and justice for all? Would requiring the study of diversity, equity and inclusion in a high school setting help ensure liberty and justice for all?” Eastin will talk about the journey in America to a “more perfect union” and her life and times as a California educator and politician.
Eastin was the first woman to be elected California Sta
te Superintendent of Public Instruction and held that position from 1995 to 2003. She also served four terms in the State Assembly, representing parts of Alameda County and Santa Clara County in the California State Assembly between 1986 and 1994. Eastin is a former AAUW Fremont chapter member and is a current member of the AAUW chapter in Davis.
Because of COVID-19 guidelines, students will deliver their speeches from their homes without a live audience. First place winner will receive $150 and a chance to compete in the AAUW California state semi-final/final rounds; second prize is $75 and third prize is $50.
The event is open to the public. To join, participants should launch the Zoom app on their computer or digital tablet and follow the meeting ID and passcode prompts given below.
AAUW High School Speech Contest
Saturday, Feb 5
10:00 a.m.
Online via Zoom app
Meeting ID: 841 3989 9130
Passcode: 030960
Free
Poster Contest!
Submitted by Alameda County RCD
Enter your child or entire class into Alameda County Unincorporated Area’s Clean Water Program Poster Contest for 3rd and 4th graders. We aim to spread the message to the community that Litter Hurts.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH LITTER?
When trash – plastic bags, bottles, utensils, etc – is thrown on the ground, it gets washed into storm drains and directly into our waterways. Much of it is not dropped directly into or near the water, but because litter travels – even from miles away – it can end up in our local creeks and the bay. Litter can also leave tiny particles that birds, fish and other animals mistake for food. The animals can die or become sick, as their digestive system becomes clogged. During local creek and beach cleanups, volunteers find hundreds of pounds of litter.
Contest Rules
Step 1: Watch this short Fred and Izzy Litter Hurts video https://youtu.be/qJLG4o9Xi1w and discuss these poster ideas (things to draw) and brainstorm additional ideas.
- Put litter in its place: Use nearby garbage cans or pack your trash until you reach the next available trash can. If possible, pick up any litter you see, and dispose of it properly.
- Reusables: You can prevent litter by using a travel mug, cloth napkin and reusable lunch kits.
- Clean up litter: Show people participating in a litter clean-up to keep the trash out of the local waterways.
Step 2: Follow the contest rules:
- Poster must be created on 8 1/2 x 11 white paper.
- Posters must be drawn horizontally.
- Please include this wording on your poster: “Litter Hurts! Help Keep Our Water Clean.”
- Children may use the Fred and Izzy characters from the video in their artwork.
- Artwork should be original, creative, bold and thoughtful.
- Students may use colored pencils, crayons, markers, paint, ink, fabric, poster paint or pencil.
- Please write on the back of posters: Name, Grade, Teacher, School
- One entry per student.
- Teachers: if your entire class participates, please mail all posters at once to be entered to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards!
Step 3: Mail your poster with name, school, teacher’s name and grade on the back, on or before Friday, April 1, 2022, to the address below. All submitted posters will be property of the Alameda County Unincorporated Area Clean Water Program. Thank you for your participation!
Clean Water Poster Contest
Attn: Allison Rodacker
Alameda County RCD
3585 Greenville Rd, Suite 2
Livermore, CA 94550
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Allison Rodacker at
al**************@ac***.org
. More info at www.acrcd.org. Get creative and good luck! Winners will be announced in late April 2022 with winning posters displayed online and at the Castro Valley Library.
Video Contest
Submitted by Alameda County Water District
As drought conditions persist, Alameda County Water District is tapping into students to encourage responsible water use. The 3rd annual WaterClips Student Video Contest invites students to use their passion for making videos and talent of storytelling to convey the importance of water conservation. Winners will be awarded scholarships totaling over $1,500.
The competition challenges students to make a 30-second video showing how the community can save water using ACWD’s water-saving tips, resources and programs. Students in grades 6-12 in Fremont, Newark and Union City can submit entries until March 25.
“Digital media tools empower students to create relevant, engaging video content to raise awareness about the importance of water use efficiency,” said ACWD Board President John Weed. “We’re excited to see how students will use their creativity and reinforce messaging to protect and preserve our most precious of resources – water.”
ACWD will award a total of six scholarships worth $500, $250 and $100 to participants in two groups, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. Individual or group entries are accepted. Each student submitting a qualifying entry will receive a movie ticket. Winning entries may be shown as previews in local movie theaters in June.
Over the past two years, ACWD’s student video contest generated 70 entries from students in schools throughout the Tri-City area and awarded more than $4,000 in scholarships to students and teachers.
Teachers can also win! Teachers in both groups who sponsor the most student submissions and the winning videos will receive classroom scholarships worth $200, $100 or $50.
“It gives us great pride to reward deserving students and teachers,” added Weed. “The District has enjoyed decades of partnering with area schools and teachers to provide water education.”
For more information about WaterClips Student Video Contest, visit acwd.org/waterclips or email
wa********@ac**.com
.
From Canterbury t to Climate Change – 54th California International Antiquarian Book Fair
Submitted by Denise Lamott
Photos courtesy of California International Antiquarian Book Fair and UC Davis Library / Archives and Special Collections
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the 54th “California International Antiquarian Book Fair” returns to the Bay Area on Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 13, at the Oakland Marriott City Center with collections and treasures from over 100 booksellers. These include a collection of hundreds of works tracing the history of climate change; a 438-year-old copy of the world’s first modern atlas; and an early edition of the complete works of Geoffrey Chaucer complete with readers’ notes and an erotic illustration in the margins.
Sponsored by Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), the three-day Book Fair offers a rich selection of manuscripts, early American and European literature, modern first editions, children’s books, maps and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on history, science, law, architecture, cooking, wine and a wide range of other topics.
Notable items include:
One Hundred Seconds to Midnight – A seminal collection of original works charting the history of climate change curated by Peter Harrington. (Offered at $2.2 million by Peter Harrington, London)
Le debat du vin & de l’eaue (The Debate of Wine and Water) – A remarkably fine copy of the first book published on wine in French from 1515. At its beginning, the debate between wine and water was in Latin and it was one of the popular poe
ms from the Goliards, wandering medieval scholars who were famous for spending as much time in taverns as they were in the classroom. (Offered at $60,000 by Ben Kinmont, Sebastopol)
Works of Geoffrey Chaucer – Direct from the 16th century, this edition of the collected works of the Middle Ages’ favorite poet was originally published in 1561 in London for John Wight. This edition includes The Canterbury Tales with illustrations and other poems, along with original margin notes, musings and doodling from the original owners of this book. (Offered by Ezra Tishman for $18,000)
My First Summer in the Sierra – John Muir’s love-at-first-sight memoir of his 1869 mountain adventure based on his journals and drawings. (Offered by Carpe Diem Books)
This year’s Book Fair will also include a major historical exhibit on wine and viticulture, courtesy of the library at the Shields Library, University of California, Davis. In recognition of the next generation of bibliophiles, the California Book Fair is pleased to host the collection of Stacy Shirk, the winner of this year’s California Young Book Collectors’ Prize.
The Book Fair’s schedule will include the following events and special exhibits, free with Fair admission:
Saturday, February 12
12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Good Words Make Better Wine: Building the UC Davis Library’s Wine Writers Collection
Jullianne H. Ballou
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The UC Davis Library Wine Collection: Origins, Highlights, and Use
Christine Cheng and Axel Borg
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Collecting Oakland’s Activist Roots: the Black Panthers and Beyond
Lisbet Tellefsen and Alexander Akin
Sunday, February 13
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Sherlock Holmes in Popular Culture
Glen S. Miranker
The Book Fair is BARTable! The Oakland Marriott City Center is just steps away from the 12th Street BART Station, making it easily accessible to attendees from San Francisco and all over the East Bay. For those who cannot attend in person, the ABAA California Virtual Fair will take place from 9 a.m. (PST) February 12 until 5 p.m. (PST) February 14 and will be accessible at abaa.org/vbf.
Organizers are strictly following the most current Covid-19 capacity rules and guidelines from the State of California, Alameda County, and the CDC. You can find the Book Fair’s Covid-19 protocols on their website.
Sponsors for the Book Fair include KQED, ABC7, The San Francisco Chronicle and BART.
California International Antiquarian Book Fair
Friday, February 11; 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 12; 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 13; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway, Oakland
(415) 919-9220
www.cabookfair.com.
Tickets: $10-25 (Free admission with student ID)
The Adventures of Daya and Daler: Rrooar Academy’s new bilingual book series
Submitted by Mitchell Svantner
Photos courtesy of Mitchell Svantner and Kaur family
Gurseerat Kaur, a local second grade student, has published her debut picture book as the first in the The Adventures of Daya and Daler series. Developed by Rrooar Coding and Robotics Academy, each book is written in both English and Punjabi. Gurseerat’s book, Bunty’s Prank, revolves around the series’ brother and sister having their family camping trip interrupted by a talking monkey, Bunty. Along the way, they learn empathy and how to respond to rudeness with compassion.
Gurseerat had written short pieces of fiction and nonfiction in school, but had never undertaken the creation of a “real book.” She was understandably a bit nervous, but with the support of her family and the instructors at Rrooar Academy, she is now a published author. “I am proud of myself because I never thought I could write a book at this age,” she says. “I thought I had to be, like, 30.”
The Adventures of Daya and Daler is a series envisioned by the founding members of Rrooar as a way for young authors to write and communicate in their mother tongue. These books also serve as a way for young Sikhs to introduce characters that “look like them, talk like they talk and feel like they do.” (Rrooar Academy Facebook)
The series is complemented by 2D animation coding classes taught at Rrooar Academy, where students animate scenes which they’ve written in preceding creative writing courses. Gurseerat mentioned that this was a welcome challenge: one that often incurred frustration, but rewarding nevertheless. In total, this bilingual series will eventually comprise seven books, which are all set to be published by Fiery Blossom Creations. Fiery Blossom specializes in literature written by and for children, so The Adventures of Daya and Daler seems like a natural placement in their catalogue.
In discussing the bilingual aspect of the series, Rrooar founder, Gagan A. Kaur, described a lack of accessibility for books in Punjabi for young people to read. As a regular volunteer at Khalsa school, Sikh Gurudwara classes, she understands well the need for books like Bunty’s Prank. She is concerned that her generation has not done enough to make rich, traditional Punjabi literature readily available to young kids.
This is why bilingual books like The Adventures of Daya and Daler are so important to kids like Gurseerat and grown-up Sikhs such as Gagan alike. “Unless we [expand Punjabi literature], we will lose the mother tongue, our culture, and our religion,” Gagan says. Gurseerat and her family agree that this series is a great platform for their culture, as well as an inspiration to other bilingual kids looking for ways to connect with their heritage. “You might forget your other language if you only speak English all the time.”
Gagan believes books like Bunty’s Prank serve as a form of “implicit” education, a mode she finds much more effective than explicitly stating who Sikhs are and what their community is about. Instead, she advocates for this exposure to come through Sikh representation in art and literature. To this end, Gurseerat’s family has had Bunty’s Prank placed in her school and classroom libraries, and are further planning to put them in her Khalsa school library as well.
While the benefits of disseminating a bilingual book series are many, that was not Gagan’s original intention. At first, she wanted separate prints of a complete English version to be placed in local school libraries, and a complete Punjabi version to be in Khalsa school libraries. The reason for the series’ bilinguality is because Amazon does not list Punjabi as a publishing language, and the Punjabi versions of Bunty’s Prank and subsequent Daya and Daler stories would not be available on their platform. Thus the decision was made to have the entire series become bilingual. In addition, Gagan says “there will eventually be separate English and Punjabi books” in order to achieve the goal of making more kid-friendly literature available to Sikh children, as well as integrating that culture into the mainstream through English prints.
Gurseerat’s book, for now, is available on Amazon in this bilingual format, which makes it a great read for speakers of either—or both—languages. As for her future writing career, Gurseerat is looking forward to writing a “full chapter book” in the future. With the tremendous vision and ambition of Rrooar Academy and Fiery
Blossom, the world can only eagerly await what this team does next.
Commencement ceremonies to honor graduates
Submitted by Cal State East Bay
Cal State East Bay graduates from 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be honored in a total of 20 ceremonies May 12-15 on the Hayward campus.
“Everyone who has heard about this year’s multiple ceremonies is thrilled that we can recognize our graduates in these cohort-focused events,” Cal State East Bay President Cathy Sandeen said. “These students have persevered through the last two years of their coursework with tenacity and innovation, and we are privileged to be able to celebrate this milestone with them, their families and friends.”
After two years in a pandemic, organizers worked with students, deans and department chairs to find the best way to honor and celebrate this year’s more than 5000 graduates. Each of the ceremonies will host between 35 to 500 graduates, some are broken down between graduate programs and undergraduate programs while other colleges chose to honor individual departments.
“We surveyed the graduates to find out what was important to them,” said Richard Watters, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and University Events. “They want to celebrate with family and loved ones in smaller, more intimate ceremonies which will result in a richer experience.”
For the full schedule, please visit: https://www.csueastbay.edu/commencement/
Updates shake up California earthquake app
Submitted by California Office of Emergency Services
Building upon the success of California’s first-in-the-nation earthquake alert system, Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced new functionality within the MyShake smartphone app.
The app, funded by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and developed by UC Berkeley Seismology Lab, has launched its newest enhancement called HomeBase. It allows users to set a default location where they can receive earthquake early warning alerts, even if location services are temporarily down or turned off.
This enhancement, announced January 26, will increase MyShake’s ability to send timely alerts so that Californians affected by an earthquake can receive a warning for a location of their choosing and be prepared for shaking.
To activate the HomeBase function, users should update their MyShake app and navigate to the Settings page, where they will find an “Add HomeBase Location” button. Another new feature is an audible tone prior to the verbal warning, which can be accessed by checking the audio and visual alerts in the settings/notification page.
Tsunami safety information has also been added to the app’s safety pages to remind people near the coast what steps they can take before, during and after an earthquake to protect them from tsunamis. This update is timely given the recently tsunami advisory that occurred along the entire West Coast due to a volcanic eruption near the Tonga Islands.
Launched in 2019, MyShake was the first app to provide statewide earthquake early warning alerts for earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater. The amount of advance notice received varies depending on proximity to the epicenter.
The app leverages the technology of the federal ShakeAlert® system to deliver early warning of earthquakes before shaking starts. ShakeAlert® is operated by the US Geological Survey in partnership with Cal OES, University of California Berkeley, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of Oregon, and University of Washington.
MyShake also provides damage reports after an earthquake. Within the app, users can report damage so that others can see where damage has occurred in order to avoid those areas.
Since 2020, Android phones have earthquake early warning technology built in. However, Android owners can still benefit from the many other functions of MyShake, including the new Homebase feature.
To download MyShake, which is also available for iPhones, and to learn more about earthquake preparedness, visit earthquake.ca.gov.
Growing healthy roses
Submitted by City of Hayward
The variety of roses we can grow here is astounding, and roses can provide nearly year-round blooms in our gardens. This long growing time also means we have a longer time for pests to develop. At a special webinar sponsored by Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, learn from our experts how to manage these diseases and insect pests with an eco-friendly approach, and how to prevent those problems before they take over your roses. Many pesticides can harm more than help. We will show you how to keep your roses in top form with best the fertilizing and watering advice that works where we live.
This program’s presenter, Suzanne Bontempo, is an environmental educator, owner of Plant Harmony and program manager for Our Water Our World. In 2013, she was recognized for the IPM Innovators Award. She has worked as a professional gardener for over 25 years. Learn more at www.plantharmony.org.
Growing Healthy Roses
Thursday, Feb 10
5 p.m.
Zoom Webinar
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2b5rkkvp
Pharmacies begin to offer free N95 masks
Submitted by Kat Schuster
California pharmacies will begin offering free N95 masks at participating stores. Participants include:
- Albertsons
- Sav-On
- Costco
- CVS Pharmacy
- Kroger
- Harris Teeter
- Food Lion
- Giant Food
- Rite Aid Corp.
- Walgreens
- Walmart
For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/participating-pharmacies.html.
Paws for a Cause supports Afghan Refugees
By Niamh Lambert
Every year Washington High School’s (WHS) Leadership class puts on Paws for a Cause fundraiser, encouraging members of the community (both human and animal) to raise money for a designated cause by taking their pet for a walk around WHS’ campus. Those without a furry companion are still encouraged to join and get some exercise on their own. For this school year, WHS leadership chose to donate the funds raised to The City of Fremont Afghan Refugee Help.
The event was put together through WHS Associated Student Body (ASB)/Leadership Community Outreach Commission, headed by Smriti Jha and Madeline Stewart. The two began working together in September to find an organization to which this year’s money would be donated. Once deciding on The City of Fremont Afghan Refugee Help, Jha and Stewart began to plan.
Purchasing decorations, training Leadership members, and making flyers were among the tasks that Jha and Stewart took on. Jha says, “The day before the event, the ASB class made sure all the decorations, banners and posters were made. Our goal was to have an overall theme of support, so we went with the colors red, black, white and green to represent the Afghanistan flag.”
Registration opened at 9 a.m., and $15 were donated by each participant. The event began at 10 a.m. with speeches by ASB Activities Coordinator Michael Soltau and City of Fremont Afghan Refugee Help representative, Paula Manczuk-Hannay. Participants had two hours to walk laps around the campus and learn about the cause they were supporting. They were joined by their furry friends and ASB members, who cheered them on throughout the course. “Paws for a Cause is a unique way of getting money donated to members of our communi
ty,” says WHS student Archit Singh. “I’m glad that I’m able to help those around me and have fun while doing it. I brought my dog Pluto and we walked eight laps together!”
Choosing to donate to The City of Fremont Afghan Refugee Help was a rather simple decision for Jha and Stewart. “This year, my partner Maddy and I, decided to spread awareness about a current event impacting the lives of many in Afghanistan — the Afghan refugee crisis. While planning this year’s PAWS, news of the Taliban and they’re declaration of restoration over the Islamic Emirate was all over the news. We believed that it was important not only to spread awareness, but to also help raise money, and PAWS provided us with the perfect opportunity.”
WHS’ Paws for a Cause raised a total of $6,016. As Jha and Stewart delivered the donation to the refugee center they were met with gratitude from all that were present. They met their goals and were able to truly make a difference in their community members’ lives. “We were able to raise quite a bit for the refugees, and I really hope that what we gave will make a difference,”
Keep up to date with other events on the ASB website. https://washingtonasb.com/
Performers wanted
Submitted by Michael Ritchie
New Haven Schools Foundation (NHSF) is seeking performers to participate in a new fundraising event, “Stars on Stage” that will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
NHSF is seeking individual or group performers to volunteer their talents to help raise money for core programs: scholarships for New Haven graduating high school students and grants for teachers and programs of New Haven schools. Performers should be current or former New Haven Unified School District students or employees with professional or near-professional talent. Comedians, musicians, singers, dancers and other performers are encouraged to apply.
The event will take place at the Performing Arts Center at James Logan High School. Those interested should email Michael Ritchie, NHSF Stars on Stage Committee Chair at
mr********@sb*******.net
.
Primavera Century celebrates 50th
Submitted by Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club
After a two-year hiatus, Fremont Freewheelers’ “Primavera Century” will ride again on April 10, 2022. With scenic views of Livermore and Fremont, this year’s ride will include three routes: Century (100 miles with a 90-mile option), Metric Century (100K or 63 miles), and Fun Ride (25 mostly-flat miles). The club is especially encouraging families and beginners to try out the relaxed Fun Ride option, which will ride through Coyote Hills.
Pre-registered riders from 2020 will have their registration rolled over. Others are encouraged to register online soon, as spots fill up fast. Registration includes goodie bags, end of ride meal, medals for kids and more.
More information will be available on the website and social media pages closer to the ride date.
Primavera Century
Sunday, Apr 10
Mission San Jose High School
41717 Palm Ave., Fremont
Registration: $20-90
It’s never too early to plan for spring break
By Rob Klindt
While celebrations welcoming the new year are still fresh in many people’s minds, President’s Day and winter break activities are coming soon, many parents are already thinking about spring break.
Savvy parents know that timing is important to get their children enrolled in popular camps, classes and activities during spring break or Easter vacation. Now is the time to peruse recreation catalogs, online activity websites, and park and library guides for games, sports and classes to keep young minds and bodies active during school vacation.
This year, Easter is on Sunday, April 17, but not all schools are following the same schedule. Here is a roundup of spring and Easter break schedules for numerous Tri-City and East Bay school districts, and a sampling of local activities for kids:
Spring break:
- California School for the Deaf (Fremont)
April 19-22 (Tuesday-Friday)
- Castro Valley Unified School District
March 28 — April 1 (Spring break)
Easter Break: April 15 (Friday), April 18 (Monday)
- Eden Area ROP High School
April 11-15
- Fremont Unified School District:
April 15-22 (Friday-Friday)
- Hayward Unified School District
April 11-15
- Milpitas Unified School District
April 11-15
- Moreau Catholic High School (Easter break)
April 18-22
- Newark Unified School District:
April 15-22 (Friday-Friday)
- New Haven Unified School District:
April 4-8
- San Leandro Unified School District
April 4-8
- San Lorenzo Unified School District
April 18-22
- Sunol Glen Unified School District
April 11-15
Activities:
- Spring Break Tennis Camp
April 4-8
9 a.m. to 12 noon
Basic instruction, rules and play in singles and double games.
Euro School of Tennis, 38350 Alta Drive, Fremont
Ages 6-14
$416
euroschooloftennis.com/spring-tennis-camps-in-fremont/
- Online “Science is Fun: Solar System” program
Grades 1-4
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 16 via Zoom
This virtual science program is designed to teach children basic science while having fun. The first half of the program will consist of explanations and the second half will include fun experiments to help students understand the theory of each topic. Sponsored by Alameda County Public Library.
Admission: Free
Registration: opens March 19.
(510) 745-1421
Email:
fr*************@ac*******.org
- Spring Break Zoo Camp at Oakland Zoo
Grades K-5 (Campers must be at least 5 years old)
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sessions: March 28-April 1; April 4-8
Members: $435 per camper/session
Non-members: $465 per camper/session
Registration: opens February 16
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/spring-break-zoo-camp
For questions send an email to
zo*****@oa********.org
or call (510) 632-9525 extension 280.
- Union City Spring Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 16
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Old Alvarado/Cesar Chavez Park, 3871 Smit St., Union City
Union City Community & Recreation services annual Easter egg hunt for children ages 1 through 10. A mini-carnival, children’s goodie bag and meet and greet with Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny is also planned.
Tickets: $15 per child; discount available if tickets are purchased by March 31.
Online: unioncity.org/crs
(510) 471-3232
- Ardenwood Historic Farm
Daily, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Take a glimpse into a life on a family farm as it was between 1890 and 1930 at this fully functioning turn-of-the-last-century farm that includes restored farm machinery, live animals, crops and a historic Victorian farmhouse.
Admission: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: $4 adults, $2 children 17 and younger; Thursdays, Fridays and Sunday: $6 adults, $4 children 17 and younger.
Online: ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Details: (510) 544-2797
Milpitas Hoop it Up basketball camp
April 11-15
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Milpitas Sport
s Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas.
Players at least 7 to 14 years old will work on the core fundamentals of the game which includes footwork, passing, ball-handling, shooting, and defense. Sponsored by Milpitas Recreation and Community Services. Open to boys and girls; spaces limited.
Cost: $249 for Milpitas residents; $269 non residents
Online: apm.activecommunities.com/milpitasrec/
(408) 586-3210
Walk-up library
Alameda County Mobile Library
Friday, April 15
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Schilling Elementary School, 36901 Spruce St., Newark
Children, adults
Free
Email:
ou******@ac*******.org
(510) 745-1477
Patterson House at Ardenwood Historic Farm
Spring Break Adventure
April 18-22
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ages 5 to 11
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
Art, games and music from Chicago to India to China. Outdoor fun and hands-on learning, nature walks, science investigations, group games, creative dramatics and puppetry, art projects and more. Participants should bring lunch, snacks, water and sunscreen.
Cost: $295 per child
Registration: www.fremont.gov, select “RegeRec Registration” link and follow the prompts
Valentine’s Day Concert for Lovers
Submitted by Fremont Cultural Arts Council
Wondering what to do on Valentine’s Day? Why not keep cozy in your home with Fremont Cultural Arts Council’s free Zoom “Concert for Lovers,” starring classical guitar soloist Sean O’Connor.
Asked if all of the songs he’ll perform are romantic, O’Connor smiled. “In my shows, I perform many styles of music, but classical guitar is where my heart is.”
O’Connor’s infatuation didn’t begin until high school when he fell in love with the instrument. Now, he’s an educator and a fixture in the Sacramento music scene, known for his live performances, his work as the conductor/arranger of the Sacramento Guitar Orchestra and (before COVID) his small group concerts. “I like that close, personal contact with my audience. Someday I’ll be doing those again, but for now I’m creating a series of one-man performances in my Guitar Bunker that can be seen online.”
For more information on other Fremont Cultural Arts Council programs go to: https://fremontculturalartscouncil.org.
View O’Connor’s performances at: https://oconnorguitar.com/videos.
Concert for Lovers
Monday, Feb14
8 p.m.
Via Zoom
Meeting ID: 922 1952 2992
Passcode: 517555
Help your homeless neighbors
Submitted by City of Fremont
Volunteers are being sought to help with a new Safe Parking Host Site Pilot Program being launched by City of Fremont Human Services Department.
The focus of the program is to provide safe and clean parking facilities to unhoused community members who live inside their vehicles. Currently, four faith-based host sites are going through a permit process to open their parking lots to host these people and their vehicles. When approved, each site will host participants on a rotating basis for four weeks.
Volunteers will be responsible for checking participants into the program in the evening and checking them out in the morning. Volunteers will be on site for a maximum 2-hour shift, either in the morning or evening, seven days a week. There will be two volunteers on site per shift, so volunteers are encouraged to choose a time that works best for them. Training and orientation will be provided.
Additionally, volunteers will assist in offering hospitality services to program participants, including dinner service or fellowship, haircuts and/or resume writing workshops; these events will be coordinated and communicated by the host site.
City Serve’s Compassion Network is coordinating volunteer recruitment and registration/shift sign-ups. For information, send an email to
sp*************@ci*******.org
or call (510) 796-7378.
Winter Skies
Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center
Have a stellar night of after-hours fun as we relaunch our fan-favorite “First Friday” series. Get the inside scoop on everyone’s favorite dwarf planet, Pluto and winter’s constellations. Then, gaze into the depths of the cosmos with a virtual reality installation, live Sky Tonight Zeiss Planetarium Show, Telescope Viewing. For a discounted price, this event brings together the best of Chabot’s themed workshops, music, talks and more.
Event Schedule:
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Evscope astrophotography with Chabot’s Galaxy Explorers, observatory
Practice your astrophotography skills using eVscopes
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. “Exotopia” by Scott Kildall, Studio 3
Virtual reality installation where visitors can explore all the known exoplanets
7 p.m. Star Stories with Doug Olson, Studio 3
Listen to an expert stargazer explain the mythology behind the constellations
7:30 p.m. Live Sky Tonight Zeiss Planetarium Show
8 p.m. The history of Pluto and why it’s celebrated in February, Studio 3
9 p.m. Star Stories with Doug Olson, Observation Deck
Following the Oakland City Municipal Code Ordinance, all visitors (age 12+) must show proof of CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination. Visitors (age 18+) must also present a valid photo ID at the front desk. Unvaccinated visitors with medical exemptions may show a verifying document from a licensed medical professional and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours. We ask that all visitors over the age of two wear a mask during their visit in all indoor and outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Winter Skies
Friday, Feb 4
6 p.m.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
Ticket: $15 adults, $10 kids/seniors, $5 members
World Interfaith Harmony Day: Building Bridges
Submitted by Tri-City Interfaith Council
In 2010, United Nations established “World Interfaith Harmony Week” as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. On Saturday, February 5, the Tri-City Area will celebrate this time with a program via Zoom. This year’s theme is “Building Bridges.”
We live in a multi-religious society and world, yet people of different faiths are too often marginalized, excluded and even attacked for their beliefs, appearances and identities. How can religion serve to foster interfaith harmony, peace and fellowship? How can we begin to see ourselves in people of other faiths, while also recognizing that they have their own unique perspectives and challenges? Explore these questions with an interfaith panel of Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh speakers.
Presented by: Tri-City Interfaith Council. All are welcome.
World Interfaith Harmony Day
Saturday, Feb 5
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Register for Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/2p8wvc9v
(510) 797-0895
http://nilesdiscoverychurch.org/
A busy year for East Bay firefighters
Submitted by Alameda County Fire Department
During 2021, Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) set a new record for service by responding to mo
re than 44,000 incidents in the East Bay. That’s an 11% increase over the previous year, ACFD officials said in a January 24 statement.
The department provides fire and medical services to residents and businesses in numerous unincorporated Alameda County communities, including Castro Valley, San Leandro, Ashland, Cherryland and Sunol. Additionally, they contract with the cities of San Leandro, Newark, Union City, Dublin and Emeryville. Service also is provided to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
The unincorporated Fairview neighborhood, near Hayward, maintains its own fire services in partnership with Hayward Fire Department.
ACFD has 29 fire stations and 35 companies serving a population of 394,000 in an area of roughly 508 square miles including urban centers, agricultural, water and wildland regions. There are more than 400 personnel and 100 reserve firefighters on staff.
Services include:
- Advanced life support
- Fire suppression
- Hazardous materials response
- Urban search and rescue
- Water rescue
- Community outreach and education
- Disaster preparedness
- Fire prevention and code compliance
- Regional dispatch
More information is available at fire.acgov.org/ or by calling (510) 632-3473.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Monday, January 24
- At 9:15 p.m. officers at the Bay Fair station in San Leandro administered one dose of NARCAN to an adult male that had possibly overdosed. The male eventually regained consciousness and was taken to St. Rose Hospital in Hayward for treatment and evaluation.
Tuesday, January 25
- At 6:08 p.m. a man identified by police as Ernesto Fernandez, 41, of Union City was stopped at Hayward station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed a felony $10,000 warrant charging corporal injury. He was arrested on the warrant and given an additional charge of resisting arrest, and then booked into Santa Rita Jail.
- At 7:32 p.m. a man identified by police as Cody Kidd, 30, of San Francisco was arrested at Milpitas station on suspicion of vandalism and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Wednesday, January 26
- At 9:04 a.m. a man identified by police as David Green, 37, of Citrus Heights was arrested at Fremont station on two outstanding misdemeanor warrants. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
CHP Log
Submitted by CHP Hayward
Thursday, January 27
- At about 7:35 a.m. a school bus traveling south on Mission Boulevard in Fremont started to turn right onto Walnut Avenue and struck a 63-year-old male pedestrian at a low speed. The pedestrian sustained only minor injuries and was released by medical responders at the scene. No one aboard the bus was injured.
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Yanneth Contrada, Fremont PD
Sunday, January 23
- At about 1:03 a.m. officers responded to reports of a shooting at Encore Karaoke, 46132 Warm Springs Blvd. Shell casings were found at the scene but no injuries were reported. It was discovered a fight had broken out and the suspect fired off rounds before fleeing in a vehicle. The suspect, identified by police as Mingrun Song, 27, of Cupertino, was located nearby and arrested. A loaded gun was also recovered from the vehicle.
Monday, January 24
- At about 12:40 a.m. a carjacking occurred in the parking lot of the Extended Stay America, 46312 Mission Blvd. The victim was seated in a vehicle when two males approached and opened the passenger door. One of the suspects then struck the victim in the head before dragging him out and throwing him to the ground. Both of the suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.
Stolen French bulldog reunited with family
Submitted by Lt. Ray Kelly, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
Ten days after being snatched in a brazen armed robbery, Tito a much-loved French bulldog, was reunited with his family by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies.
The dog was taken the afternoon of January 15 when family members were walking Tito on Norbridge Road in Castro Valley and were confronted by several armed suspects who snatched him and sped away in a vehicle. The suspects also took a purse from one of the family members that contained her car keys and home address. Several hours later, the suspects went to the victim’s home and stole their vehicle. It was later recovered.
ACSO detectives jumped on the case immediately, with some working on their day off to follow clues. Eventually, they were able to make several arrests related to this robbery and a number of other East Bay robberies. On January 25, detectives followed tips that led to the location of Tito, who was positively identified by his radio chip.
“As a dog owner, this case disturbed me, my agency and the community,” Sheriff Gregory Ahern said in a statement. “I directed our investigators to pursue all leads. I’m glad to see Tito is now reunited with his family. Thank you to our detectives and community members for supporting this effort.” ACSO officials have not yet released the names of the suspects.
See video from ACSO of Tito being reunited with his family at https://fb.watch/aOFMK-iwmj/.
Top cop to probe troubled sheriff’s office in Santa Clara County
Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP), Jan. 19 — California’s attorney general announced on Jan. 19 a civil rights investigation into the office of Santa Clara Sheriff Laurie Smith, a polarizing figure who is fighting formal public corruption accusations.
Attorney General Rob Bonta said the investigation will seek to determine whether the sheriff’s office “has engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional conduct” amid a number of serious allegations. The sheriff’s office has had to pay costly settlements to people who are mentally ill who were severely injured while in jail custody.
A news release from Bonta’s office explained that a civil “pattern or practice” investigation into the office usually works to identify and compel, if appropriate, corrective action to fix systemic violations.
Sheriff Smith has led the office since winning election in 1998. She has not said whether she will run again this year. In December, the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury accused Smith of political favoritism through concealed-carry weapons permits and resisting an audit into negligence allegations, the Mercury News of San Jose reported. She did not enter a plea in court in mid-January.
Smith objected to a vote of no-confidence taken by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors last year, saying they are blaming her after failing to provide safety-net services for mentally ill people, the news outlet reported.
Colts get aggressive
By April Ramos
James Logan Colts (Union City) girls’ varsity soccer team had an aggressive game against the Lady Cougars of Newark Memorial. The Colts came out strong scoring within the first few minutes of the game, but Newark did not back down. The Cougars played offensively for the rest of the first half, earning two shots at goal.
Early in the second half, the Colts received a penalty kick for their second goal, and soon after their third at the 17-minute mark. Following some aggressive play and a Logan player receiving a red card, the Colts scored their fourth and final goal of the game. Even with a scoring deficit, the Cougars did not give up and managed a left corner goal with only 11 m
inutes left of the clock.
Final score: Colts 4, Cougars 1
Youth to represent Bay Area at State Hoop Shoot
Submitted by Steve Kay
Fremont Elks Lodge is proud to announce that three area youth will be representing not only the Fremont Elks, but the Bay District at the upcoming Northern California State Hoop Shoot Finals with hopes of making it to the National Finals held in Chicago, Illinois.
Hoop Shoot competition is an annual event and this year is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The winner of each division will have their name enshrined in the National Wall of Fame. We were pleased to have the competition open again this year and are very appreciative to Allan with Holy Spirit CYO for helping make this possible and hosting the Lodge event, and to Mr. Ron Polk from James Logan High School for his help and cooperation with hosting the District event.
Congratulations to Priam Dave, Shreyan Mura and Chloe Sunarto, and best of luck as they continue to climb the ladder toward Chicago. While all three faced some stiff competition from the other Elks Lodges in our District, both Priam and Shreyan went into sudden death shoot offs to secure their ticket to Modesto.
Thank you to all the youth in the area that came out and participated, and to all the adults that help keep our children safe and active. Learn more about Fremont Elks Lodge at: www.fremontelks.org.
Huskies’ big win
By April Ramos
Washington Huskies (Fremont) girls’ varsity basketball team beat the Lady Cougars of Newark Memorial. With a steady lead by the end of the third quarter, the Huskies led by 20 points at 47-27. The trend continued in the fourth quarter with a final score of Washington 67, Newark Memorial 36.
Editorial
Groundhog Day
I have caught a glimpse of a groundhog on television newscasts when Punxsutawney Phil, a large rodent alternatively called a woodchuck or thickwood badger, makes an annual appearance to predict the advent of spring. Pennsylvania Dutch tradition holds that if Phil sees his shadow on February 2nd, winter will persist for another six weeks. If, however, the day is cloudy, for some reason, spring is at hand.
Following “Phil” has risen from a quaint, local celebration imported from Europe, to a recognized rite of spring that has captured the attention of those tired of cold, winter months. Many caught in the cycle of ice, snow and storms crave a change of seasons and new behaviors.
A 1993 film follows a curmudgeon weatherman, Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, who is assigned to cover Punxsutawney Groundhog Day ceremonies. Self-centered and egotistical, this Phil is caught in a time warp, replaying the day endlessly, until he is able to understand and correct his malicious and destructive behavior. Phil’s transition from irascible, rotten outcast to beloved community resident is the focus and premise of this light-hearted romp of fantasy.
As an object lesson, the film examines moral certainty without regard to others as a starting point that is easily identifiable in all of us. Phil is an exaggerated, though not wholly unknown, manifestation of such a morally bankrupt personality. A huge amount of time and training (unspecified in the film) is required to alter his perception of himself and the world around him. Phil’s gradual realization and appreciation of the benefits – personal and external – that accrue from his changed behavior are the result.
Groundhog Day is a reminder of the repetitive and cyclical nature of our lives and behavioral patterns. Politics and its rhetoric, often thought of as separate and isolated from day-to-day life, is actually just a reflection of it, albeit often obscure and opaque until it fully manifests into rules, laws and dictates. While patterns of political behavior may modify over time, those attracted to its lure of power and prestige are often caught in a loop of self-aggrandizement and pomposity. This happens not only to those in elected positions but others in their sphere of influence as well.
An example of associated impact can be seen, at times, in public comments during council meetings. Facetious removal of consent calendar items from an agenda in order to extend public comment is detrimental to the spirit of an orderly meeting. While it is essential for the electorate to be aware of and respond to suggested and anticipated actions by their city councils, effective communication depends on the strength, consistency and tone of argument. Volume, quantity and strident verbosity are not viable substitutes. Shakespeare addresses inconsistent and insincere comments in his play, Hamlet. Queen Gertrude responds to a question of fidelity of a character saying, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” In essence, she is saying that quantity as well as quality of argument can betray trust.
In order to clarify and amplify comments, the public as well as councilmembers need to remember the lessons of Groundhog Day and Shakespeare’s admonition. Clear, concise and strategic use of thoughts and ideas can be packaged and more readily absorbed by others when presented in repetitive, but limited and concise examples of actions and their consequences.
Behavioral change is often a difficult riddle without a clear conclusion, but we can all try to solve it. Maybe those addicted to mindless public comment can answer the question… How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
