Hands-on bubble fun!
Submitted by Chabot Space and Science Center
Chabot’s 2nd “BubbleFest” celebrates the joy of bubbles with shows, activities, music and more! Learn about the science of bubbles with captivating shows from famous bubble artists and poppin’ activities throughout the Center.
Giant bubble welcome!
Outside front entrance
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Dance in a whirlwind of giant bubbles with Artist, Sterling Johnson as we welcome you to Bubblefest at our Front Entrance!
Sterling the Bubblesmith live show
Theater
11:30 a.m.
Join Sterling Johnson as he creates beautiful, large bubbles with found objects. Sterling has performed versions of his remarkable hand-blown bubbles for over 45 years. He is the only person to ever put a bubble inside a bubble inside a bubble on stage without any tubes or straws, and the first person to walk completely through a bubble film!
Tom Noddy’s Bubble Magic live show
Theater
2 p.m.
Experience the wonder of Tom Noddy’s Bubble Magic! Tom has taken his charming sense of wonder and delight in soap bubbles to audiences around the world. After three appearances on The Tonight Show, Tom was featured on the Best of the Year Tonight Show segment. In his 20-plus-year career as America’s Bubble Guy, he has appeared on numerous prime-time television shows as well as nightclubs and universities. He has been the featured performer for science center Bubble Festivals attracting up to seventeen thousand people in a single weekend.
Visitors ages two and older are asked to wear masks unless eating or drinking. Make space for others and wash your hands. Hand sanitizer stations are provided throughout the center.
BubbleFest
Saturday, Jun 25
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
(510) 336-7300
$24 adult, $19 youth/seniors/students
ChamberFest Returns!
Submitted by Vickilyn Hussey
Photos courtesy of Music at the Mission ChamberFest
This summer’s Music at the Mission “ChamberFest” concert opens with the delightful Haydn “Gypsy” Piano Trio (piano, violin, cello), followed by the CPE Bach Trio Sonata in Bb Major, H.578 (flute, violin, cello, piano), Mozart Piano Trio, K. 496 (piano, violin, cello), and Beethoven Spring Sonata (violin, piano). “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess (flute, piano), one of Gershwin’s most popular works, concludes the concert program.
“Through Music at the Mission’s ChamberFest, we hope to open our students’ eyes to the idea that there can be more to playing music than simply practicing at home by yourself. While solo playing and practicing are a critical part to music education, it’s an incredible experience to find a community of musicians who love to make music together,” noted Dr. Katherine Lee, ChamberFest Director.
Dr. Lee is passionate about providing local young musicians with opportunities for playing chamber music. She founded Happy Notes Music Camp in her hometown of Fremont in 2003, and later joined Music at the Mission as a board member, chamber musician, and Director of ChamberFest, the annual classical music festival that culminates in a Festival Concert.
“Due to the pandemic, it has been three years since our last ChamberFest in 2019. So first and foremost, the number one highlight is actually being able to be together again! We are a small but mighty group of seven students and three faculty—in my mind, the best way to come back out of our hiatus!”
This year, Dr. Lee is joined by Steve Huber (violin, composition and improvisation), and Adelle-Akiko Kearns (cello). Faculty biographies are available on the Music at the Mission Facebook Page.
If you are interested in polishing your skills and performing in upcoming ChamberFest concerts, please contact Dr. Lee at kl*******@gm***.com.
Music at the Mission ChamberFest 2022
Wednesday, Jun 22
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Dominican Center Auditorium
43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 402-1724
FREE
Charlie Chaplin Returns – “In Person!”
Submitted by Niles Film Museum
After more than two years of darkness, Niles Essanay is opening their theater for Charlie Chaplin Days, Saturday and Sunday, June 25 – 26. The weekend will be packed with film screenings in the vintage theater, a walking tour of downtown Niles, a special rail bus trip from Niles Canyon Railway, and a virtual and in-person Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest! Niles Film Museum is thrilled to welcome the community back to safely celebrate this piece of local history.
The film museum will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, but now for the first time since the Covid shutdown, guests will be able to see silent films in the theater such as “The Champion,” “A Night Out,” and “A Jitney Elopement.” (Please bring a 50-cent donation; check the website for the full schedule.) There is limited seating for all showings, and Saturday’s evenings show “The Gold Rush” requires tickets purchased online.
In other Saturday fun, there will be a walking tour of Niles at 11 a.m. ($5 donation) touring important landmarks and discussing what happened in the town 100 years ago. Or you can test your knowledge at a Charlie Chaplin Trivia contest at 3 p.m.
For the first time, The Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest will take place outside, so that participants and audience members can socially distance. The contest will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday; please show up at no later than 1:45 to get signed up. Virtual submissions will be posted online later on Sunday, June 26.
On Sunday, Niles Canyon Railway will also be running single car “rail bus” rides in conjunction with the event. Rides depart at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 1:30 p.m. There are only 30 seats available for each ride in this ex-California Western M200 Railbus, so purchase tickets online in advance. Each ride will take 20 minutes, and the single car will not turn around but will return to Niles Station in reverse.
For the safety of all, please wear a mask while indoors at this event. Vaccination cards must be presented for Saturday’s evening show.
There’s a lot going on this weekend in Niles! Whether you are a fan of film, rail, or local history, there is ample reason to tramp over to Niles the last weekend in June.
Charlie Chaplin Days
Saturday, Jun 25 – Sunday, Jun 26
All Day – check online schedule
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 494-1411
https://nilesfilmmuseum.org/
Niles Canyon Railway
https://www.ncry.org/
New trauma center approved in Fremont
Submitted by Gisela Hernandez
Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency (ACEMSA) has approved Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS) to be designated as the county’s next level II adult trauma center within five years. While this decision follows an extensive yearlong evaluation of the county’s current trauma system and trauma needs, Washington Hospital has been preparing to become a trauma center for more than two decades.
Results of the study commissioned by ACEMSA found that while Alameda County’s trauma system is currently functioning well, Alameda County will need one additional level II trauma center in the next five years based on projected population growth and trauma volume, and to minimize the number of patients sent to another county for trauma care. It was determined that with WHHS’s trauma-ready facilities and decades of preparation to become a trauma center, it is well positioned to meet the needs of trauma victims in the South County Area within five years.
“Approval to become Alameda County’s next trauma center is a major milestone in Washington Hospital’s 64-year mission to meet the health care needs of our District residents,” said Jeannie Yee, president of Washington Township Health Care District Board of Directors. “For years our community has asked that we bring trauma care to the community, and now we can finally say that trauma care will be available locally within five years.”
WHHS began preparing to become a trauma center two decades ago when it first announced its long-term Facility Master Plan, which was designed for the campus to expand. In 2018, the hospital opened the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion, specifically designed around trauma center requirements, including: 48 CCU beds, 39 Emergency Department rooms, trauma resuscitation bays and shell space that is now being developed into state-of-the-art operating rooms and other critical patient services, all housed in a seismically sound building.
“This momentous achievement reflects the dedication of our extraordinary staff, physicians, and volunteers who are committed to serving our community,” said WHHS CEO Kimberly Hartz. “We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our trauma journey, but now we must turn our attention to the tremendous amount of work required of us to earn Level II Adult Trauma Center designation. This journey goes to the core of who we are and our commitment to the health care needs of our growing community for many decades to come.”
WHHS will be Alameda County’s fourth trauma center, joining Highland Hospital, Eden Medical Center, and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. This new proposed south county trauma service area covers Hayward south of Industrial Blvd., Union City, Fremont, Newark, Sunol and the southern portion of the Tri-Valley Area. This change to the countywide trauma system is the first since ACEMSA designated the current trauma centers in 1987.
2022 Chevrolet Suburban: Choose Wisely
By Michael Coates
Here’s the good news. The estimated fuel economy numbers are the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban are easy to beat. Cruise on the freeway with a light foot on the gas or simply ease around town without mashing the accelerator and you can best the 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway that the EPA estimated for the big SUV. You can credit the Dynamic Fuel Management that smoothly shuts off fuel to unneeded cylinders as you drive.
The bad news is my best shot was a brief 22.4 mpg run, which means the average American’s 1,000 miles a month is going to run you more than $250 at current gas prices. The Suburban’s 28-gallon tank will probably take at least a C-note to fill.
This makes it sound like there would be no reason to ever even think about spending the $55,000 that a Suburban starts at, much less the $79,370 that my 4WD Premier cost (And you can spend more!). But there are many reasons buyers—even in these high gas price times—will be checking out the Suburban.
Made for the Road—Bring Everything
The Suburban is a road machine. It will haul seven adults and their luggage in comfort. Plus, you can bring along a 7,600-pound trailer or boat with the trailering package. With 420 horsepower and a massive 460 pound-feet of torque, this set is designed to tow. Part of the trailering package makes it even easier with “hitch guidance,” alerts and cameras to make the whole process easy even for a novice. Of course, loading up with people and gear as well as towing isn’t going to help in the fuel economy department, but those are the trade-offs.
The inside of the Suburban was updated recently, and all of the high-tech bells and whistles you would expect are either standard or available as an option. At the Premier trim level, you have a 10-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging for devices, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an infotainment system with Google built in. A tri-zone heating and cooling system allows you to customize everyone’s comfort, augmented by heated and ventilated front seats and heated bucket seats in the second row. The seating for the driver (and everyone) could have been done by La-Z-Boy since it is all about comfort.
Chevy has also layered on all of the safety equipment you’ll find in a modern SUV, taking advantage of cameras and sensors to provide automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic high beam (great for the open road where the Suburban’s most at home), blind zone alert, front and rear park assist and rear cross traffic alert (a life saver in parking lots). With a vehicle of this size and bulk, all of that technology is a welcome help, with the head-up display a particularly useful addition that keeps your eyes on the road while delivering all of the driving information you need.
One interesting addition to the safety/technology package is a seat-connected system that delivers alerts in the form of vibrations. It’s effective, and more pleasant that some of the chimes and buzzing tones encountered in other cars.
Smooth Sailing
Driving the Suburban on a variety of different roads in the Bay Area proved one thing—this vehicle loves to be on the highway. That’s where the best fuel economy was and where the “magnetic ride control” seemed to take over. However, with a minimum 5,718-pound beast (before passengers and cargo), talking about handling is a bit of a misnomer.
Boat analogies seem particular apt for the Suburban. Smooth sailing is a natural description, but when it comes to maneuvering, a tug boat might be another descriptor. Steering seems more like you’re giving suggestions rather than actively directing the car in any precise manner. It will get you (and all of your friends, family and equipment) there in comfort, but remember, you’ll pay at the pump.
Strategies for Salary Negotiation
By Anne Chan, PhD, MFT
You did it! You just got a great job offer with a fairly decent salary.
Now what?
If you’re like 59% of American employees, you accept the offer without negotiation. According to a 2020 Glassdoor survey, women and older employees tend to accept job offers without attempting to ask for a higher salary. Understandably, it is awkward to ask for more money. People might shy away from salary negotiations because they fear being regarded as aggressive, pushy, or money-grabbers.
However, there are several reasons why you should negotiate:
- This is your biggest chance to establish the salary and job terms you want. It is much more difficult to get these things once you accept the job.
- A good salary negotiation sets the tone for how your new employer views you. If you are confident in stating your value and asking for the salary you deserve, you will start the job with your value established in your manager’s mind. Negotiating for your desired salary helps you get recognition for your worth right from the outset.
- It is acceptable and normal to ask for a higher salary. Most employers are used to salary negotiations. Hence, they often offer the lowest possible base pay because they expect candidates to ask for more. If you don’t negotiate, you could be settling for a lower rate.
Here are some solid strategies for a successful salary negotiation:
Take Your Time
It is absolutely fine to take the time to evaluate the job offer. Some companies might push for a quick decision, but you can request extra time to think through the offer. Doing so might even win you some points for being thoughtful and careful. Use this time to research the company’s compensation and benefits.
Do Your Research
Be sure to research the typical salary range for similar jobs in the city in which the company is located. You can get this information from a variety of places, including Salary.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. If you are moving to a new area for a job, it is vitally important to calculate the cost of living there. As we all know in the Bay Area, it is not cheap to live here, but you can avoid sticker shock if you research the cost of living.
This is the time to break out your calculator and do some serious number crunching and take into consideration the benefits that might come with the job, such as commissions, annual bonuses, 401(k) contributions, moving expenses, free meals, medical/dental benefits, sign-on bonuses, pension plans, sick time, and stock options. You might want to factor in other non-financial but important benefits including vacation days, flex work, the rate of PTO accrual, promotion possibilities, telecommuting, housing assistance, daycare options, continuing education, tuition reimbursement, and commuting perks. Combined, these factors contribute to your total income as well as your job satisfaction.
You should also research how the company handles compensation and raises. Sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn may provide valuable inside information. Note that some jobs, such as lower level customer service, retail, and hourly jobs, might have fixed rates that are not open for negotiation. If you know someone at the company, ask for information on the company’s compensation practices.
Take Stock of Your Worth
Now that you’ve passed the interview process and have a better understanding of the employer’s needs, list what you bring to the table that will directly address those needs. Be sure to highlight these skills and experiences to make your case for why you deserve a higher salary.
Aim For a Negotiation Win-Win
When countering an offer, be gracious, appreciative, and collaborative. One way is to be direct in expressing your willingness to negotiate. Hiring managers can be your greatest allies during this process. They can make things happen if they are really interested in getting you on board. Do not think only about yourself and your needs. A surefire way to turn people off is to start the salary talk by saying things like “I need more money,” or “This salary doesn’t cover my expenses.” Instead, try for a more professional approach, such as bringing up the market rate for the position as well as the specific skills you can bring to the job.
Remember that salary negotiation is not just about wrangling over how much you are paid. Don’t be narrowly focused on the final figure of your annual salary. If the employer is unwilling to budge on the number, you can still negotiate for non-financial benefits such as extra vacation days.
Last but not least, remember that the employer has spent a lot of time interviewing candidates and they chose you as their top pick. They want you to work for them. Keep this in mind and remain confident and positive when you start the salary negotiation.
Anne Chan is a career counselor and licensed psychotherapist in Union City. She specializes in helping people find happiness in their careers and lives. You can reach her at an*********@gm***.com © Anne Chan, 2022
EARTHTALK
U.S. Lags behind Europe and China on EVs
By Caroline Moreno
Dear EarthTalk: Why is the U.S. lagging behind Europe and China on the production and sales of electric cars?
— James V., Miami, Florida
The U.S. lags as a distant third among electric vehicle (EV) sales and production. According to Bloomberg, China claims a whopping 46% of global EV sales. Europe comes in second at 34%, while North America accounts for only 15%. The U.S. EV fleet continues to expand, growing 28% annually from 2015-2020, writes The Guardian. But that same period saw the European fleet increase 41% while China’s fleet grew 51%.
Production rates show similar trends. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) establishes China as the market leader, accounting for 44% of EV production as of 2020. Europe again claims second place, with 25% market share. And the U.S.? – 18% of global production, a decrease from 20% in 2017.
Policy is the primary hold-up behind the U.S. lag. Both China and the European Union boast supply and demand policies to stimulate EV markets, such as greenhouse gas reductions, quota systems for new vehicle sales, and consumer incentives to reduce purchase price. “Electric vehicle manufacturing growth happens where there are strong national policies designed to spur the market forward,” says Nic Lutsey of ICCT. “Hundreds of billions of dollars are on the table, and the United States hasn’t even bothered to pull up a chair.” During the Trump administration, the U.S. rolled EV policies back. The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden released new greenhouse gas vehicle standards in December 2021, but some argue the revisions merely reinstated Obama-era policies rather than advance the field.
Charging infrastructure is another missing link; electric charging stations are still scarce on the American landscape. In daily spins around the city, this dearth may not present a problem, but for long-distance trips, “range anxiety” can be enough to slow sales. As Alyssa Altman of Publicis Sapient told Wired, “Historically there simply haven’t been enough charge points. Potential EV customers are concerned with keeping their vehicle juiced up for long trips, and for some journeys in the U.S., the lack of charging stations makes this impossible.” Statista counts 113,600 charging outlets in the U.S., compared to China’s 800,000, with 36% in California, thanks to its profusion of EVs and supporting state policies.
Some bright spots are emerging for the U.S. EV market. President Biden is aiming for 50% of new car sales to be electric by 2030, although 20% may be more realistic. Congress passed a bill for 500,000 new charge outlets nationwide, but the death of the Build Back Better bill interrupted plans for expanding consumer incentives. Also, car manufactures are beginning to step up. GM, Volvo and Audi have announced intentions to go fully electric in 10-15 years. And, although the number of EV-ready manufacturing plants still lags behind traditional plants, that number is rising, says ICCT, with seven of 44 manufacturing plants scheduled to be all-electric by 2025. U.S. Department of Energy research shows that, even with higher price tags, less maintenance on EVs decreases lifetime costs compared to traditional cars. The more consumers consider electric, the more the U.S. market grows.
ONLINE CONTACTS
- How to Decide If a Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Fully Electric Car Is Right for You:
consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-decide-if-a-hybrid-plug-in-hybrid-or-fully-electric-car-is-right-for-you/
- International Energy Agency:
iea.org/reports/electricity-market-report-january-2022
- ICCT:
theicct.org/publication/power-play-evaluating-the-u-s-position-in-the-global-electric-vehicle-transition
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.
HISTORY MATTERS
By John Grimaldi and David Bruce Smith
June 16 through 30
A pivotal battle
“Don’t one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” said American General William Prescott to his rag-tag squad of amateur soldiers; on June 17, 1775; they were about to confront a squad of Great Britain’s professional armed forces at the base of Bunker Hill, Massachusetts. When the Redcoats were approximately 120 feet away, they “let loose with a lethal barrage of musket fire,” according to History.com.
The Englishmen, commanded by the experienced, battle worn General Thomas Gage, were caught off guard; they retreated and reconstituted; attacked again, and withdrew.
General Gage, who was not about to surrender, guided his troops into a third confrontation. By then, Prescott’s revolutionaries — low on ammunition — were forced to stand their ground and engage the enemy in head-to-head, hand-to-hand combat. The rebels were unyielding against staggering odds and, though the Americans lost the Battle of Bunker Hill, it “was a morale-builder for the Americans, convincing them that patriotic dedication could overcome superior British military might,” as reported by History.com.
For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends “Patriots, A Story of Bunker Hill for Young Adults” by Gregory T. Edgar.
Tall tales
The legendary mountain man, Joe Meek, did not live passively. Born in 1810 Virginia, he “was a friendly and relentlessly good-humored young man, but he had too much rambunctious energy to do well in school,” according to History.com. Meek became a frontiersman who trapped and hunted his way through the western territories.
Mountain men used to gather each year at various “wild west” locations to exchange information and to tell tales about their wilderness ventures. Their stories were “…often exaggerated,” says History.com. Meek was a natural-born spinner of half-myths, and better than most at amplifying his exploits, such as how he “wrestled an attacking grizzly with his bare hands.”
Eventually, he settled in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon, became a farmer, and a political activist. In 1847, he led a delegation to Washington, D.C., seeking territorial status for Oregon. The self-described envoy/minister/plenipotentiary from the Republic of Oregon [traveled] to the Court of the United States” and got what he wanted. Meek died June 20, 1875.
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Stanley Vestal’s Joe Meek: The Merry Mountain Man.
A new constitution
America won the war; now, all it needed was a constitution to empower itself to flourish. The Articles of Confederation had released the country from Great Britain’s rule, but a better plan was required for the future.
So, as History.com described it, “Congress endorsed a plan to draft a new constitution, and on May 25, 1787, the Constitutional Convention convened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. On September 17, 1787, after three months of debate moderated by convention president George Washington, the new U.S. constitution, which created a strong federal government with an intricate system of checks and balances, was signed by 38 of the 41 delegates present at the conclusion of the convention. As dictated by Article VII, the document would not become binding until it was ratified by nine of the 13 states.”
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire cast its ballot — the ninth in favor of ratifying the U.S. Constitution — making it the law of the land.
The Grateful American Book Prize recommends “Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788” by Pauline Maier.
This feature is courtesy of The Grateful American Book Prize, which is an annual award given to authors who have created outstanding works of historical fiction or nonfiction for seventh to ninth graders. Visit them at gratefulamericanbookprize.com.
Here is why we have the longest day of the year
By Kailash Kalidoss, Aerospace Enthusiast
The summer solstice is quickly approaching, and many know this as the longest day of the year. [Tuesday, June 21, 2022] But why do we even notice the summer solstice? Why have humans been recording this over the thousands of years throughout human history in many different parts of the world? In this article, we will dig a little deeper into these questions and the phenomenon itself to get an understanding of what the summer solstice means and why it happens in the first place.
The word solstice is derived from the Latin word “sol” which means sun and “sistere” which means to stand still. This is because, depending on where you live, at the solstices the sun’s declination appears to stand still i.e., the seasonal movement of the sun’s daily path across the sky pauses at the northern or southern limit before it starts to reverse direction. On the other hand, there are places close to the equator where we have equal day and night, and this event is called the “equinox.”
Solstices are astronomical events that are directly related to and caused by the earth’s tilt on an axis in its orbit around the sun. The axial tilt of the earth is 23 and a half degrees, and the sun’s light hits the earth unevenly. This is also one of the main reasons we have seasons. In the northern hemisphere, we will have more direct sunlight whereas in the southern hemisphere light is spread out over a greater area, cooling that portion of the globe. This phenomenon is not just limited to the Earth. Other solar system planets such as Mars have a similar axial tilt, and also exhibit seasons.
Hence, at the summer solstice for our hemisphere, the sun rises to the highest point in the sky which gives us the longest day of the year. The opposite of this would be the winter solstice that takes place in the other hemisphere. This is when the sun hits its lowest point in the sky and therefore, we have the shortest days of the year. This cycle of Solstices happens twice every year for a given hemisphere.
It is noteworthy that the earliest humans spent more time outside than we do. It is not surprising that they likely used the sky as both a clock and a calendar. The solstice was a major datapoint that served their calculations.
Kailash Kalidoss is an aerospace enthusiast and educator serving the Bay Area. Kailash first fell in love with aerospace as a teenager when he learned about aviation from his father’s role as a Ground Operations Manager. Kailash has since spent his efforts sharing knowledge about aerospace, astronautics, aviation, science, and technology, and of course, the night sky. Kailash also represents the Civil Air Patrol and NASA as a volunteer.
News and notes from around the world
Submitted by The Association of Mature American Citizens
Supermom
Halima Cissé knew she would be giving birth to a goodly number of babies when her time came. In fact, says the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), the doctors told her she could count on septuplets, perhaps even, octuplets as she went into labor. Close but no cigar! She’s the first known mother in the world to have nonuplets — that’s nine babies in one fell swoop! It happened last year, but it was announced just recently. Halima hails from the Republic of Mali in West Africa but spent the first year with her newborns in Morocco where she gave birth. It was a precautionary stay. What did Halima have to say? “I hope God blesses everyone who doesn’t yet have children, that they can have what we, the parents of nonuplets, currently have.” See video of the babies on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGBHM6JVbEE.
Good-deed
Vicky Umodu of San Bernardino, California found the living room furniture she needed for her new home on Craigslist and it didn’t cost her a dime, according to AMAC. But, when she brought the two couches and an armchair home, she got quite a shock. Stuffed in one of the cushions were numerous envelopes, each filled with cold, hard cash, totaling more than $36,000. It brought the best out of Vicky. Instead of quietly keeping the money, she called the previous owner who told her the furniture belonged to a deceased relative and that they, too, had discovered a bunch of cash filled envelopes in his home. The man, who remained anonymous, was so moved with Vickey’s innate honesty, presented her with a $2,000 reward for her good deed. Vicky, never for a moment, thought to take the money and keep quiet. “I knew I couldn’t keep it. I knew I had to give it back.” See a video report about the stashed cash on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOezBethHA.
Helicamper
U.S. Coast Guard helicopter pilots stationed in Mobile, Alabama, Blake Morris and Maggie Morton, were browsing the Facebook Marketplace website when they came across a helicopter body for sale. They wasted no time in acquiring the hulk and quickly got into the task of repurposing it into a very unique camper. Their “helicamper” conversion is well on its way to completion. Meanwhile, Blake and Maggie have been busy gathering the chopper’s history. According to Blake, it belonged to “the German military police first, then it got bought from there and used in Afghanistan with U.S. troops for a few years then it came here in about 2011 back in the states.” See video of the helicopter camper on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKkYb61cqOQ.
The Association of Mature American Citizens is a nonprofit, conservative nonpartisan advocacy organization representing membership in Washington, D.C. and in local congressional districts nationwide. More information is available on its website at www.amac.us.
Park It: All Abilities Day
By Ned MacKay
Nature exploration for all ages and levels of ability is the plan for All Abilities Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Assisted by staff, or exploring at their own pace, visitors will be able to travel along paved trails with stations to touch fur, listen to birds, sketch wildlife, watch the Delta water for animal activity, or paint the view.
The program will have both indoor and outdoor options, all wheelchair accessible. It’s free of charge; drop in any time during program hours. No registration required. Big Break Regional Shoreline is located at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call (510) 544-3050.
Reptiles will be the stars of the show during a Reptile Rendezvous from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 26 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, with naturalist Maeron Yeshiwas. It’s a chance to get a close, safe look at some of the park’s reptile “animal ambassadors,” learn about their adaptations and where they live, then create your own reptile-inspired craft.
The program is free, for all ages (with parent participation for youngsters), and no registration is required. Meet at the visitor center. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway.
Maeron also will host a campfire program, “Animal Myths,” from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay. The topic is how some of our favorite animals are portrayed in different stories and movies. You don’t have to be camping to attend the program. It’s for ages five and up with parent participation, and parking fees apply.
For information and directions on both the reptile and campfire programs, call (510) 544-3220.
Nearby at Ardenwood Historic Farm, providing a welcoming environment for bees is the theme of a program from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, led by naturalist Chris Garcia. Learn how we can help the precious pollinators survive in our urban and suburban world. Or you can find out what it’s like to be taller by giving stilts a try in a program from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stilts weren’t just toys; farmers used them for various chores.
Both programs are drop-in; no registration required. Ardenwood admission fee applies. The park is at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84 in Fremont. For information, call (510) 544-2797.
Terns, those endangered seabirds, get a turn in the spotlight during a program from 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. Find out all about these beautiful birds and their lives. Three separate bus trips will be offered to see the colonies; registration is required. This is the only time the public can view the nests. For registration and information, go to www.ebparks.org/things-to-do or call (888) 327-2757 and select option 2.
Crab Cove is at 1253 McKay Ave. off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call (510) 544-3187.
Birding enthusiasts of all ability levels will enjoy a walk from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, June 27 at Fernandez Ranch with naturalist Anthony Fisher. It’s a drop-in program; no registration is necessary. Fernandez Ranch is on Christie Road off of Highway 4 between Martinez and I-80. For information, call (510) 544-2233.
Wednesday Walks are informal, naturalist-led hikes to explore various regional parks. There’s one at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 29, led by Trail Gail Broesder. Meet at Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road. This is a hilly hike to Vollmer Peak and back, during which Gail will talk about the park’s intriguing history. For information, call (510) 544-2233.
Next in the park district’s series, “People of Color: Evening Walks & Talks”, is a 2½-mile stroll through the fragrant eucalyptus groves and coastal views at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond. It’s from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30. The program is bilingual in English and Spanish, led by naturalist Claudia Muñoz. It’s drop-in; no registration is required.
Meet at the park’s Giant Highway staging area at 5551 Giant Highway off Richmond Parkway. For information, call (510) 544-3176.
This is just a sample of available programs in the regional parks. For the full schedule, visit ebparks.org/things-to-do.
ROBOT REPORT
Researchers create walking robot half a millimeter wide
By Brianna Wessling
Engineers at Northwestern University have created a remote-controlled walking robot half a millimeter wide. The tiny robot, modeled after a peekytoe crab, is able to bend, twist, crawl, walk, turn and jump.
The research team constructed the robot with a shape-memory alloy material that can transform to a “remembered” shape when heated. The team used a scanned laser beam to quickly heat the robot at targeted locations, making those locations transform.
As the robot cools, a thin coating of glass brings the transformed part of the robot back into shape. These transformations, as parts of the robot heat and cool, create locomotion. Changing the direction of the laser scanning changes the robot’s walking direction.
“Our technology enables a variety of controlled motion modalities and can walk with an average speed of half its body length per second,” Yonggang Huang, leader the theoretical work on the project, said. “This is very challenging to achieve at such small scales for terrestrial robots.”
Huang is a professor of Mechanical Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern’s school of engineering, and key member of the university’s Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics. (QSIB).
“Because these structures are so tiny, the rate of cooling is very fast,” John A. Rogers, leader of the experimental work on the project, director of QSIB, and professor at Northwestern’s school of engineering, said. “In fact, reducing the sizes of these robots allows them to run faster.”
Huang and Rogers used a pop-up assembly method, inspired by pop-up books, that they previously developed together to create the robot. The team made precursors to the crab structure in flat, planar geometries, and then bonded the precursors to a slightly stretched rubber substrate.
When the stretched substrate relaxes, it creates a controlled buckling that causes the crab to pop into its three-dimensional form. This manufacturing method means the team could create robots of various different shapes and sizes.
The team hopes that its research, while exploratory, could someday bring the field closer to creating micro-sized robots that can perform tasks in tightly confined spaces.
“Robotics is an exciting field of research, and the development of microscale robots is a fun topic for academic exploration,” Rogers said. “You might imagine micro-robots as agents to repair or assemble small structures or machines in industry or as surgical assistants to clear clogged arteries, to stop internal bleeding or to eliminate cancerous tumors — all in minimally invasive procedures.” The team’s research was published in Science Robotics magazine.
Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She can be reached at bw*******@wt*******.com.
Social Security Matters
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor, AMAC Foundation
Ask Rusty – How Does Social Security Disability Work with Private Disability Insurance?
Dear Rusty: If someone is collecting long-term disability through their company and the company states the employee also must apply through Social Security, how does this work? Does the amount of Social Security decrease from the amount that the person would normally receive upon retirement? Is long-term disability for life, or just until you are of retirement age? How about for the spouse of that individual? Would it have any impact on them? Signed: Concerned
Dear Concerned: It’s common for private long-term disability (LTD) insurers to require that you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Typically, the private LTD benefit will be offset (reduced) by the federal SSDI benefit.
The SSDI benefit amount, if awarded, will be the full Social Security benefit earned up to the point the recipient becomes disabled and unable to work. That means someone on SSDI before full retirement age (FRA) gets their FRA amount earlier (FRA is somewhere between 66 and 67 depending on the year of birth). The SSDI benefit will be based on the disabled person’s lifetime earnings history, unreduced for claiming earlier than full retirement age. SSDI will automatically convert to regular SS retirement benefits at the same amount when FRA is attained. Thus, getting SSDI doesn’t detract from the person’s FRA benefit amount; rather they get their FRA amount earlier.
Social Security disability benefits last for as long as you remain disabled, or up to your SS full retirement age. To be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year, and the disability must render you unable to perform significant work. You must also have worked recently (usually at least five of the last 10 years) to maintain eligibility, and you must have contributed Social Security FICA payroll taxes (or self-employment taxes) from your work earnings. Only very limited work earnings are allowed when collecting Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, and Social Security may periodically require confirmation of continued SSDI eligibility.
Applying for SSDI is a relatively easy process which can be done online at www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability, or by calling SS directly at 1 (800) 772-1213. Depending on the nature of the disability, it usually takes three to five months to obtain a determination and, if SSDI is approved, there is a five month wait for benefits to start. If the SSDI application is initially denied (about 65% of all initial applications are) you can exercise several levels of appeal, starting with simply requesting a reconsideration by Social Security, followed, if necessary, by a hearing with an independent Administrative Law Judge, a review by the SSDI Appeals Council, or even an appeal to Federal Court. Hopefully, if the applicant is now on private long-term disability, the SSDI application will be initially approved.
As for whether the spouse of a person on SSDI is affected, much depends on the spouse’s age and how the spouse’s own SS retirement benefit compares to the disabled partner’s SSDI benefit. Benefits for a spouse are available as early as age 62, but the spouse’s personal FRA benefit amount (from their own lifetime earnings record) must be less than 50% of the disabled partner’s SSDI amount to get a spousal boost from the disabled spouse. Otherwise, one marriage partner being on SSDI will not affect the other partner’s personal Social Security retirement benefit.
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.
Sunflower power
By Daniel O’Donnell
There is a story with many versions in Greek mythology where a water nymph named Clytie falls passionately in love with Apollo, the Sun God. They have a brief encounter, but Apollo falls in love with her sister. Clytie tells her father about the affair and the father has the sister put to death. Some versions say Apollo angrily turns Clytie into a sunflower, while other versions say Clytie turns herself into a sunflower. Regardless which version is believed, Clytie as a sunflower always faces towards the sun hoping that Apollo will return to her. This myth led to sunflowers representing devotion, another reason to plant one besides their striking beauty.
Sunflowers are in the genus Helianthus, derived from Helios meaning sun, and Anthos meaning flower. There are over 70 different species and cultivars. Sunflowers are native to North, Central and South America. Ukraine leads the world in production and exportation of sunflower seeds and sunflower oil, with Russia not far behind. Sunflowers are annual plants that can range in height from a few feet to the tallest one recorded at just over 30 feet tall. Different species have flower heads varying from a couple of inches to the largest one recorded at 32.25 inches in diameter. Sunflowers can tolerate most of the summer temperature zones found in the Bay Area, and although drought tolerant, when the temperatures rise above the mid 90’s for a prolonged period of time, they may need additional water to survive.
Sunflowers got their common name from the flowerheads looking like the sun sitting in the sky above. However, a sunflower head is not a single flower. The bright outer petals that look like flames are non-fruiting flowers called ray flowers. The interior of the flowerhead is comprised of many individual flowers called disk flowers. These small five-petaled flowers are what produce seeds.
Sunflowers do not like their roots to be disturbed, so it is best to sow seeds directly in the ground beginning in early spring. Staggering the sowing every couple of weeks into early July will allow for continuous blooms in the garden through September. Seeds should be planted about an inch deep in soil top-dressed with compost or manure and about a foot apart from each other if they are nonbranching. Branching sunflower varieties should be planted about three feet apart. The location should be an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting larger varieties near a fence or wall can protect them from being blown over by the wind when the flowerhead is top-heavy with hundreds of seeds.
Sunflower seedlings may need to be watered every day or every other day, depending on how warm the temperature is, until they are established with four or more true leaves. Deep watering for established plants should be done about once a week or when the leaves begin to wilt to encourage deep rooting.
Although sunflowers brighten up the garden, they are also great as cut flowers for interior arrangements. The seeds can also provide food for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife so leaving some flowers untouched will support the garden’s habitat. Flowerheads slated for seed harvesting can be cut from the stem when the back of the head turns brown, leaves on the stalk start to turn yellow, and seeds look mature. Seeds can then be scraped into a bowl. Seeds for planting the next year or for feeding wildlife in the winter can be placed in an envelope and stored in a cool dark place. Seeds for roasting should be completely dried out before baking.
Choosing the most appropriate type of sunflower to grow will depend on its purpose. Below is a list of sunflowers types with characteristics that make them ideal candidates for certain situations.
“Mongolian Giant” occupies the top choice for height and seed production. This enormous sunflower can grow to 14 feet and produces a single 18-inch flowerhead that can yield over 1,000 1 ½ inch edible seeds.
“Lemon Queen” is a branching 5- to-9-foot-tall sunflower that produces 4-to-6-inch lemon colored flowerheads. It is ranked by researchers as one of the best plants to attract bees and other pollinators.
“Chianti” is a sunflower that produces a wine-red flowerhead dappled with golden highlights that is just as intoxicating as the wine variety it is named after.
“Sunspot” is a dwarf sunflower that produces 10-inch flowerheads with edible seeds on thick 18-inch stems. The perfect choice for planting in a container.
“Teddy Bear” is a 3-foot-tall sunflower that produces 6-inch fluffy yellow flowerheads that feel as cuddly as the little stuffed animal it was named after.
‘Sun-Fill Green” is a sunflower bred by the premier American sunflower breeder Tom Heaton. This single stem sunflower develops a 4-inch head with bright green sepals which are modified leaves that wrap the flowerhead face. This green sunflower is pollenless and recommended for cutting flowers.
Although Apollo may never return to Clytie, her devotion remains true. Show your devotion to the garden by planting sunflowers and think of Clytie and Apollo when the flowers track the sun through the day.
Daniel O’Donnell is the co-owner and operator of an organic landscape design/build company in Fremont. www.Chrysalis-Gardens.com.
‘Nothing replaces the in-person experience’: Bay Area Showcase Chorus is back in-person
By Dhoha Bareche
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020 and altered the social aspects of everyday life, Bay Area Showcase Chorus continued to rehearse over Zoom. This Milpitas-based women’s barbershop chorus has been around since 1965 with over 100 active members, however, the pandemic brought that number down to 50. Music Director Julie Starr said the chorus enjoys singing in unison with each other, but Zoom only allows members to sing one at a time. “What we really are is a performing group,” Starr said. “So when you can’t perform, people tend to lose their enthusiasm.”
Despite the drop in membership and lack of enthusiasm, the group continued to meet virtually every Thursday, and leadership found creative ways to keep spirits lifted through games and more. Starr said the chorus persevered during these difficult times because it was important to keep people together. She said, “If we could keep everyone together and in reasonably good spirits, then we knew we would come back to singing eventually.”
“It was a learning curve,” Membership Coordinator Maggie Harris explains. When they first started using Zoom to rehearse, she noted there were technical struggles with members having difficulty seeing and hearing other participants. But what kept the chorus’s leadership, like Starr, motivated is the people who she describes as a “second family.”
Starr describes the music the chorus sings as “feel good music” with a happy, upbeat feel. She says her optimism allowed her to view the pandemic as an “interesting challenge” rather than “a miserable way to be.” She was committed to keeping the chorus connected over Zoom through various ways. For example, there was a member spotlight every week to showcase one of the singers and give the group an opportunity to get to know her. In an effort to keep members engaged with one another, they would be put in breakout rooms where they would discuss a certain topic. A guest coach was invited every month to talk to the singers and Starr said she started teaching new music. Harris said they would have fashion shows, where people would show their different outfits; travel shows, where people would demonstrate photos from their travels or where they wanted to go after the pandemic; and a hobbies show where people would talk about their hobbies.
Besides the inability to rehearse in-person, the pandemic made it difficult for the chorus to afford leasing their space. According to Starr, the performing group used to rehearse at a converted industrial building in San Jose, but they had to let it go because it was too expensive. So when pandemic restrictions started to ease last summer, they started to rehearse at De Anza park in Sunnyvale.
Starr and Harris said that when they started rehearsing outdoors last summer they saw an uptick in membership and enthusiasm. “People were laughing and crying at our first in-person rehearsal,” Starr said. Everyone had stickers to indicate whether they were comfortable being hugged or not. But Harris said nearly all of them were comfortable being hugged because they were desperate for human contact.
“Nothing replaces the in-person experience,” shared Starr. While the chorus had to let go of their original rehearsal space in San Jose, they were able to find another home last fall at Mount Olive Ministries in Milpitas. The chorus continues to meet every Thursday at 7:30p.m. while abiding by COVID-9 protocols such as social distancing, masks and vaccinations. On June 26 they will hold their Summer Show and Ice Cream Social, debuting their new song “Remember Me,” and with performances from Peninsulaires men’s barbershop chorus, Songstruck, and Shout, Sister, Shout!
Bay Area Showcase Chorus
https://www.singharmony.org/
in**@si*********.org
Summer Show and Ice Cream Social
Sunday, Jun 26
3 p.m.
Mount Olive Ministries
1989 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
Tickets $15 (includes ice cream)
It’s Simply Neuroscience!
By Marc Vicente
Photos provided by Chinmayi Balusu
Looking for a way to better understand the expanding world of psychology? Simply Neuroscience has you covered. The international, student-led non-profit organization supports students with a passion for learning about psychology and its multiple applications in other fields within STEM programs.
Founded on May 30, 2019 by 19-year-old Fremont resident Chinmayi Balusu, Simply Neuroscience was made to share her love of learning about interdisciplinary brain-related fields with others, and provide a welcoming environment for anyone interested in learning about such fields. Balusu is currently pursuing her Masters of Public Health in neuroepidemiology after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities from Columbia University earlier this year. She is also a global youth science communicator, mentor, and three-time TEDx speaker.
Her work with Simply Neuroscience and other communities named her 2022 Global Teen Leader by We Are Family Foundation’s Three Dot Dash program, which empowers youth leaders between the ages of 13 through 19. According to Balusu, those who are a part of the program work towards building solutions that address UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as promoting quality education, gender equality or environmental sustainability, among others.
“As a Global Teen Leader, I have the opportunity to build my skills as a changemaker this coming summer and understand how to grow initiatives that work towards a more equitable and peaceful future,” Balusu says. “I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to represent and amplify the voices of early STEM and neuroscience outreach efforts, especially considering it is often unseen and invisible work.”
What initially started as a blog compiling learning materials about neuroscience and giving back to her community eventually grew to become its own organization with a team of over 350 volunteer staff members from across the globe who gathered over 25,000 followers and subscribers worldwide. Projects that Simply Neuroscience has participated in, such as The Synapse Podcast and Brain Resource Creation, not only provide free online resources for studying about psychology and neuroscience, but have also amassed multiple collaborators over the years, including the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), STEM Advocacy Institute (SAI), Global Coalition of International Youth Organizations (GCIYO) and degree-holding psychologists from around the world.
Upcoming projects for Simply Neuroscience include reaching out to grassroots community initiatives and supporting change within their school and university communities, such as by creating hybrid learning programs. Balusu has also stated that she plans to apply to medical school during the next few years, in order to better pursue a career that allows her to stay engaged with science mentorship and youth education.
“Though our events and programming primarily target students, we have also seen incredible engagement from the general public, with many enthusiasts tuning in to our virtual events – even if they do not have any prior background or formal training relevant to neuroscience,” Balusu states. “It’s wonderful to be able to share our love for the brain with members of our community and hopefully inspire them to learn more as well!”
Visit Simply Neuroscience’s website at https://www.simplyneuroscience.org/.
Jan Schafir, With a Brush in My Hand
Submitted by Susan Helmer
In March, Fremont lost a vital member of the art community with the passing of Jan Schafir. This talented watercolorist and lacemaker taught and influenced countless artists in Fremont and beyond. Besides teaching locally, she also taught classes in Yosemite; La Romita, Italy; and even on cruise ships.
She was my first painting teacher when I moved to Fremont. She had a talent for encouraging you and not destroying a budding artist with criticism. Her deceptively easy and loose style was effective in capturing scenes from nature. Her watercolors were what is known as “juicy.” I still use some of the techniques that Jan taught. Her works have been included in several watercolor books. She was in a least three of theSplash watercolor books published by North Light Publishing.
In 1996, she started an artist co-op with four other artists called Jan’s Art Studios on Fremont Boulevard. She still continued to be active in local art groups such as Olive Hyde Art Guild and Fremont Art Association where she helped found what is now Fremont Art and Wine Festival.
Fremont Art Association is hosting an exhibition of Jan’s work during the months of May and June. The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a reception and gathering of friends on Sunday, June 26 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. All are welcomed to this celebration of art.
Gathering for Jan Schafir
Sunday, Jun 26
12 noon – 3 p.m.
Fremont Art Association Gallery
37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont
Independence Day Celebration Returns to Meek Estate Park
Submitted by Hayward Area Historical Society
Following a two-year hiatus, Hayward Area Historical Society is happy to announce the return of its Independence Day Celebration at Meek Estate Park. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 2 and will feature crafts, live music from Blues Bottle Band, community information and resources, self-guided tours of Meek Mansion, and fun and games for the whole family. The near annual event has taken place almost every year since 2009.
Originally, Meek Estate Park was the last remaining parcel of property that once belonged to horticulturalist William Meek. His vast land holdings made up most of what we know as Cherryland today, and Meek was responsible for making commercial agriculture prosperous in the Hayward area. Later, his son Horry, continued the legacy of investing in the local community and was instrumental in bringing Hunt Brothers Cannery to Hayward.
Their home, which still stands in the park, was built in 1869. Three generations of Meeks lived in the Italianate style house until it was sold to Dr. Milton Ream and his family in 1940. Recently repainted and furnished to better reflect the era in which the Meeks lived there, Meek Mansion remains a shining landmark of Cherryland.
Hayward Area Historical Society, established in 1956, operates out of the HAHS Museum of History and Culture at 22380 Foothill Boulevard in Hayward. For more information, please visit www.haywardareahistory.org.
Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 2
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meek Mansion
17365 Boston Road, Hayward
www.haywardareahistory.org
How, Why and When To Write Your Memoir
Submitted by Knuti Van Hoven
On Saturday, June 25, Fremont Area Writers (FAW) will host memoirist Dr. Evelyn LaTorre. Evelyn’s first published book, Between Inca Walls, about falling in love while serving in the Peace Corps, was awarded the 2021 Peace Corps Experience prize as well as a first place Hearten Award from Chanticleer International Book Awards and a five-star rating by Readers Favorite. Her second memoir, Love in Any Language, has garnered a Book Excellence International Award.
With two successful books and another scheduled to be published in Spring 2024, LaTorre has come to regard memoir writing as a path to personal growth. “You’d be surprised by how beneficial writing about your life can be. That simple creative act of recalling your forgotten past can help you on your way to greater understanding of yourself and others who have played key roles in your life.”
Evelyn is often a featured podcast guest, lecturer and presenter on topics such as how and why to write your memoir and the ingredients of long-term marriages like her own. Her writing has appeared in California Writers Club Literary Review, WorldView Magazine, The Sanctuary Magazine, Women Writers, Women’s Books, Dispatches, Conscious Connection and Storybook Reviews, to name a few.
This program, like all FAW meetings and presentations, is free to anyone who loves to write. It will be held on Zoom Saturday, June 25. To request your Zoom link, email sc**************@ya***.com. Write “FAW link” in the subject line.
For more on Dr. Evelyn LaTorre check out her website, http://www.evelynlatorre.com.
For more about Fremont Area Writers go to https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org/.
How, Why and When To Write Your Memoir
Saturday, June 25
2 p.m.
Via Zoom
Request link from sc**************@ya***.com
https://cwc-fremontareawriters.org/
New exhibit highlights the complex history of redlining
Submitted by Brian Simons
San Leandro Public Library is hosting an opening event featuring its historical exhibit, Redlining & Housing Discrimination. The general public is invited to the first floor of the Main Library on Tuesday, June 28th to view and engage with the library’s first exhibit illuminating the history of federally sponsored housing segregation policies that were reinforced at state and local levels – including in San Leandro.
Decades of discriminatory practices on national, state, and local levels impacted the ability of people of color to own homes – resulting in long-term segregation and loss of generational wealth. The effects of housing discrimination continue to permeate our country’s landscape and with very real impacts on people today. The path forward begins with acknowledgement and learning about this complex history.
This historical exhibit is meant to spark conversations within the community to better understand this difficult and sensitive subject. The Exhibit examines two specific aspects of housing discrimination: 1. Redlining and 2. The development of mostly white suburban neighborhoods.
“The goal of this exhibit is not to shame the community, but to help us better understand the systemic origins of what kept San Leandro a mostly white community well into the 1990s,” says Library Director Brian Simons. “By telling San Leandro’s story, we’re really telling the nation’s story. Systemically racist policies and practices were not unique to San Leandro. And when we know other people’s stories and lived experiences, coupled with the historical records, we can begin to understand one another and the insidiousness of the racism within our country. Thankfully, San Leandro is now one of the most diverse cities in the country. But diversity and unity are two different things. There’s still a better future out there, and our hope is that this exhibit can begin to provide the context necessary to move from diversity to unity.”
The Opening Event will include a speech from San Leandro City Council Member Corina Lopez, who is sponsoring this exhibit as her Sesquicentennial focus. We also hope to hear from a few of the people who lent their firsthand stories to this exhibit, and perhaps from the County Recorder’s Office about their role in eliminating the discriminatory language from existing deeds and covenants since the passage of AB1466 by California State Legislature.
This exhibit is a part of the City’s 150th anniversary programs and is available for viewing at both the Main Library and San Leandro History Museum (320 W. Estudillo Ave, San Leandro). The Main Library exhibit will be on display until September 2022.
Redlining & Housing Discrimination exhibit opening
Tuesday, Jun 28
6 p.m.
San Leandro Main Library
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510) 577-3971
www.sanleandrolibrary.org
Summer Adventure Awaits at Alameda County Library
Submitted by Alicia Reyes
Now through August 15, Alameda County Library invites people of all ages and abilities to come along for our 2022 Summer Adventure, the reimagined Summer Reading Game. This year’s theme, Wonder in Nature, celebrates the joy of following our curiosity by taking time to admire the wonders of the great outdoors, our neighborhoods and indoor environments.
“Curiosity, one of our Library’s core values is essential for exploring new ideas and making new connections. We are eager to see where your curiosity takes you. Our communities can share what they discover and create through our Submission Showcases online, and in our libraries,” said Cindy Chadwick, County Librarian.
The Adventure Guide features plenty of activities to stay engaged all summer long. Pick up an Adventure Guide at your local library location, Mobile Library or online. Complete activities, reading, and more to receive a book gift and prize drawing entries. There are no signups, start or finish requirements, and the program is designed for all ages and abilities. There will be prize drawings for every age, and multiple ways to submit to ensure that all our communities can get involved and be included in Summer Adventure.
Pick up an Adventure Guide at these AC Libraries: Albany, Castro Valley, Centerville Cherryland, Dublin, Fremont, Irvington, Newark, Niles, San Lorenzo, Union City, and the Mobile Library.
Oakland Zoo Helps Coordinate Big Cat Rescue
Submitted by Oakland Zoo
Four fortunate big cats will now live safe, dignified lives after a cross-country rescue was facilitated on June 10 by a three-entity collaboration. Oakland Zoo and globally accredited big cat sanctuaries Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge(Eureka Springs, AR) and Lions Tigers & Bears (Alpine, CA) teamed up to rescue a lion, a tiger hybrid and two generic tigers from a defunct, abandoned drive-thru roadside zoo in northeast Oklahoma. Cited and shut down by the USDA in 2008, the roadside zoo and its owner were reported to have ties to “Joe Exotic,” also known in the well-known Netflix series as “Tiger King.”
After a concerned Oklahoma resident contacted Oakland Zoo, Colleen Kinzley, VP of Animal Care, Conservation and Research for the Zoo immediately contacted both animal sanctuaries to team together in the effort. Oakland Zoo and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge conducted onsite animal evaluations, and Lions Tigers & Bears used its state-of-the-art, self-contained animal rescue hauler to transport three of the big cats to California.
“For the past thirty years, we’ve fully committed Oakland Zoo’s tiger habitat as a sanctuary for tigers victimized by the circus, roadside zoo, private ownership, and cub-petting industries. Those tigers need help, and we can provide that help while educating the public about the dangers of animal exploitation practiced in those industries,” said Nik Dehejia, CEO, Oakland Zoo.
Rescued animals, all female and declawed, include:
- An elderly, arthritic lion that required immediate medical attention and care (going to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge)
- A tiger hybrid in poor condition and with a badly infected tooth that has caused facial deformity, and bowed legs (going to Oakland Zoo)
- Two tigers in separate enclosures, both energetic, but lean (one going to Oakland Zoo and one to Lions Tigers & Bears)
“There are major red flags that show these animals were victims of the cub petting industry,” said Bobbi Brink, founder and director of Lions Tigers & Bears. “These cats were declawed and in poor health and living conditions. Most likely, they were bred to be photo props, and once they grew too big and couldn’t be profitable, they were abandoned.”
In their new homes, each big cat has a proper enclosure, diet, safety protocol and more, as is required by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Oakland Zoo’s tiger habitat features climbing platforms, two pools for swimming, trees, and a grass-covered ground. Upon arriving at Oakland Zoo, the tigers will be taken to the Zoo’s veterinary hospital for medical attention and care for approximately four weeks before being moved to the Zoo’s tiger habitat.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/
Recycling Contamination – What Is It, Why Is It, and Why Should You Care?
Submitted by Tri-CED Community Recycling
Roughly a third of the materials placed in Union City’s curbside recycling carts don’t belong there based on a study conducted in May 2021. When these materials that don’t belong are included with recycling, it results in causing recyclables that would have otherwise been recovered to get sent directly to landfill. Why does this matter? Well, because contaminating recyclables with these other materials degrades the quality of the recyclable materials and makes it more expensive to sort. The solution: only put recyclables in the recycling cart, yard trimmings and food scraps in the compost (organics) cart, and actual garbage in the landfill (garbage) cart.
Recycling contamination occurs when non-recyclable materials are placed in the recycling cart and when recyclable materials that are not clean, empty, and dry are placed in the recycling cart. Oils from grease-soiled pizza boxes can muck up perfectly recyclable paper. Excessive amounts of food residue or liquids left in a peanut butter jar or yogurt container can also contaminate recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard. Contamination degrades the quality of recyclables, which lessens their market value and can render materials unmarketable, which in turn results in otherwise recyclable materials to be landfilled.
Recycling contamination also occurs when people engage in aspirational recycling or “wish-cycling” – that is, they place non-recyclable items in the recycling cart thinking or wishing that it is recyclable when it is not recyclable. Wish-cycling can happen when people are unfamiliar with what is accepted and prohibited in their city’s curbside recycling program. For details on what is accepted in Union City’s curbside recycling, visit www.Tri-CED.org.
Union City’s curbside recycling program prohibits plastic bags and other types of film plastics such as plastic wrap and bubble packaging envelopes, yet they are one of the most common contaminants in recycling programs. Wish-cycling also happens when people intentionally place prohibited items such as garden hoses, electric cords, and clothes hangers in the recycling cart in the hopes these items will be recycled. These prohibited items can damage sorting equipment and require costly maintenance. Recycling contamination can increase sorting and collection costs because of the additional effort needed to remove contaminants.
Cities and recyclers across California and the world are tackling the critical issue of recycling contamination so that quality recyclable materials can be recovered and delivered back into the economy. When it comes to recycling, everyone has a role to play. Manufacturers can play a role in reducing recycling contamination through responsible product and packaging design and truthful recycling labeling. Residents and businesses play a significant role in reducing contamination because the cleanest and most efficient sorting starts in your homes, businesses, and at the curb. Residents and businesses can become better recyclers and ensure clean recycling by following these simple guidelines:
- Know what is accepted in the curbside recycling and compost program. Only place acceptable items in the recycling and compost cart. Visit www.Resources.StopWaste.org/Curbside to learn more.
- Keep all recyclables empty, clean, and dry (i.e., free of food and liquid). Rinse and wipe as much food residue and liquids from recyclables as possible so materials can be recycled into their highest and best use.
- Keep recyclables loose when placing them in the recycling cart. Do not bag recyclables as these bags can clog up sorting equipment.
While hazardous materials such as used motor oil, batteries, leftover paint, and electronic waste can be recycled, they require special handling and disposal by a certified facility and are prohibited in all curbside collection carts. Properly dispose of hazardous materials for free at an Alameda County HHW Drop-off Facility or at County-sponsored events throughout the year. For drop-off facility locations, hours, and a list of accepted items, call 800-606-6606 or visit www.StopWaste.org/HHW.
Together, we can reduce recycling contamination, help make recycling more economically viable, and ensure quality recyclables can be recovered and transformed into something new instead of sent to landfill. Remember to find out what is accepted in your curbside collection program, only place acceptable items in their respective collection carts, and keep recyclables empty, clean, dry and loose.
For additional information on recycling, please visit: www.StopWaste.org.
VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team to Visit Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall
Submitted by Hector M. Villaseñor
Hayward Public Library, Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall, and American Legion Post 68 will host the VA Palo Alto Mobile Medical Outreach Team to facilitate examinations, consultations, and referrals for veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare system.
The event will take place on Thursday, June 23. Palo Alto VA Mobile Medical Unit will be parked in front of Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall on Main Street. No appointment necessary; medical team and enrollment specialists will be on site.
Veterans uncertain of their benefits eligibility are encouraged to visit, as requirements have changed, and VA health care may complement current medical coverage. VA representatives will also provide information or assistance with questions and enrollment for VA healthcare.
Veterans should bring military discharge papers (Form DD-214) and a list of current medications. For more information or assistance obtaining proof of service documents prior to the event, contact the library’s information desk, (510) 881-7980, or email Hector Villaseñor at he***************@ha********.gov.
Hayward Public Library is part of Veterans Connect @ the Library program, a statewide outreach to Veterans sponsored by the California State Library.
VA Mobile Medical Outreach Team
Thursday, Jun 23
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall
22737 Main St., Hayward
(510) 881-7980
he***************@ha********.gov.
Walk in the Wild
Submitted by Oakland Zoo
Join Oakland Zoo as we return to our longstanding signature fundraiser “Walk in the Wild!” Guests will enjoy an evening tasting small bites from the Bay Area’s top chefs and restaurants, a delectable sampling of local beers and wines, and an assortment of desserts, all while enjoying live music and a stroll through the Zoo.
This year’s event will celebrate Oakland Zoo’s education programs for learners of all ages. Food and drink vendors include Alameda Island Brewing Company, Blindwood Cider, Blue Heron Catering, Inc., Due Torri Coffee La Perla Puerto Rican Cuisine, Marley’s Treats, Red Boy Pizza, and many others.
Oakland Zoo thanks this year’s sponsors, which include Fremont Bank, Bigge Crane and Rigging Co., Delta Dental, and Regional Parks Foundation.
Tickets on sale at: www.oaklandzoo.org/wiwtix. Majority portion of all tickets are a tax-deductible donation. Must be 21 or older to attend, proof of vaccination is required.
Walk in the Wild
Saturday, Jun 25
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/
General Admission: $225
FAA says future planes will need to reduce carbon emissions
AP Wire Service
WASHINGTON (AP), Jun 15 — The Biden administration proposed Wednesday that future planes produce lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions before they can be certified by federal regulators.
The Federal Aviation Administration proposal would increase fuel-efficiency standards for jets and large turboprop and propeller-driven planes that it has not yet certified and planes built after Jan. 1, 2028.
FAA said the rule, if made final, would cover new large airliners from both Boeing and Airbus, plus various business jets and other planes. The FAA said the rule would bring the United States in line with carbon dioxide emission standards set by the United Nation’s aviation organization.
The rule would not cover planes that are already flying.
Planes are a small but growing contributor to greenhouse gas emissions that are tied to climate change. The FAA said civilian planes caused 3% of U.S. emissions before the pandemic.
Boeing and Airbus said they support efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Boeing praised the FAA’s approach of considering a variety of measures — aerodynamics, engine technology, and lighter weight — to improve efficiency.
Environmentalists have spent years pushing the government to regulate limits on heat-trapping emissions from planes.
In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency determined that aircraft emissions posed a health threat, a step that required EPA to draft rules. In response, in 2020 the Trump administration announced a proposal that critics said would do little more than approve steps the aviation industry already supported to reduce fuel burn by new planes starting in 2028.
Last year, President Joe Biden touted an agreement with the airline industry to cut aircraft emissions 20% by the end of the decade and try to replace jet fuel with cleaner alternatives by 2050. Climate experts said the administration’s approach, which assumed a rapid, exponential increase in the production of sustainable fuel, was unrealistic.
US report: Nearly 400 crashes of automated tech vehicles
By Tom Krisher
AP Auto Writer
DETROIT (AP), Jun 15 – Automakers reported nearly 400 crashes over a 10-month period involving vehicles with partially automated driver-assist systems, including 273 with Teslas, according to statistics released Wednesday by U.S. safety regulators.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cautioned against using the numbers to compare automakers, saying it didn’t weight them by the number of vehicles from each manufacturer that use the systems, or how many miles those vehicles traveled.
Automakers reported crashes from July of last year through May 15 under an order from the agency, which is examining such crashes broadly for the first time.
“As we gather more data, NHTSA will be able to better identify any emerging risks or trends and learn more about how these technologies are performing in the real world,” said Steven Cliff, the agency’s administrator.
Tesla’s crashes happened while vehicles were using Autopilot, “Full Self-Driving,“ Traffic Aware Cruise Control, or other driver-assist systems that have some control over speed and steering. The company has about 830,000 vehicles with the systems on the road.
The next closest of a dozen automakers that reported crashes was Honda, with 90. Honda says it has about six million vehicles on U.S. roads with such systems. Subaru was next with 10, and all other automakers reported five or fewer.
In a June 2021 order, NHTSA told more than 100 automakers and automated vehicle tech companies to report serious crashes within one day of learning about them and to disclose less-serious crashes by the 15th day of the following month. The agency is assessing how the systems perform and whether new regulations may be needed.
Six people were killed in the crashes involving driver-assist systems, and five were seriously hurt, NHTSA said. Of the deaths, five occurred in Teslas and one was reported by Ford. Three of the serious injuries were in Teslas, while Honda and Ford each reported one.
Tesla’s crash number may appear elevated somewhat because it uses telematics to monitor its vehicles and get real-time crash reports. Other automakers don’t have such capability, so their reports may come slower or crashes may not be reported at all, NHTSA said. A message was left seeking comment from Tesla.
Tesla’s crashes accounted for nearly 70% of the 392 reported by the dozen automakers. Although the Austin, Texas, automaker calls its systems Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving,” it says the vehicles cannot drive themselves and the drivers must be ready to intervene at all times.
Auto safety advocates said driver-assist and self-driving systems have potential to save lives, but not until NHTSA sets minimum performance standards and requires safety improvements to protect all road users.
“It’s clear that U.S. road users are unwitting participants in beta testing of automated driving technology,” said Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said that although NHTSA’s data has limitations, it’s not isolated evidence that Tesla has ignored regulations, putting the public in danger. There has been “a never ending parade of reports” of Teslas on automated systems rolling through stop signs or braking for no reason, he said. NHTSA also is investigating Teslas that crash into parked emergency vehicles.
“As today’s data suggests, this contempt for auto safety laws has real-world consequences,” Markey said while urging NHTSA to take enforcement action.
But many Tesla owners love the automation. Craig Coombs of Alameda, California, said he uses the systems in stop-and-go traffic and on frequent highway trips. “They really reduce driver fatigue overall,“ he said.
He gives himself a “moderate” grade for paying attention while using the system but says he never takes his mind off the road entirely. He knows the technology isn’t perfect, and said he has had to take over driving at times.
Manufacturers were not required to report how many vehicles they have on the road that have the systems, nor did they have to report how far those vehicles traveled, or when the systems are in use, NHTSA said. At present, those numbers aren’t quantifiable, an agency official said.
However, NHTSA has used the data to seek a recall, open investigations and provide information for existing inquiries, officials said.
“This will help our investigators quickly identify potential defect trends that can emerge,” Cliff said. “These data will also help us identify crashes that we want to investigate and provide more information about how people in other vehicles interact with the vehicles.“
Honda said it has packaged the systems to sell more of them, which could influence its numbers. “The population of vehicles that theoretically could be involved in a reportable event is much greater than the population of vehicles built by automakers with a less-aggressive deployment strategy,” the company said.
Also, reports to NHTSA are based on unverified customer statements about whether automated systems were running at the time of a crash. Those crashes may not qualify for reporting to NHTSA after more data is gathered, Honda said.
NHTSA’s order also covered companies that are running fully autonomous vehicles, and 25 reported a total of 130 crashes. Google spinoff Waymo led with 62, followed by Transdev Alternative Services with 34 and General Motors-controlled Cruise LLC with 23.
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle unit of Alphabet Inc., said it has more than 700 autonomous vehicles in its fleet. The company is running a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Arizona and testing one in California. The company said all the crashes happened at low speeds, with air bags inflating in only two of them.
In 108 of the crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles, no injuries were reported, and there was only one serious injury. In most of the crashes, vehicles were struck from the rear.
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AP Data Journalist Larry Fenn in New York and Video Journalist Terry Chea in Alameda, California, contributed.
So long, Internet Explorer. The browser retires today
By Richard Jacobsen
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Jun 15 – Internet Explorer is finally headed out to pasture.
As of Wednesday, Microsoft will no longer support the once-dominant browser that legions of web surfers loved to hate – and a few still claim to adore. The 27-year-old application now joins BlackBerry phones, dial-up modems and Palm Pilots in the dustbin of tech history.
IE’s demise was not a surprise. A year ago, Microsoft said that it was putting an end to Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022, pushing users to its Edge browser, which was launched in 2015.
The company made clear then it was time to move on.
“Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications,” Sean Lyndersay, general manager of Microsoft Edge Enterprise, wrote in a May 2021 blog post.
Users marked Explorer’s passing on Twitter, with some referring to it as a “bug-ridden, insecure POS” or the “top browser for installing other browsers.” For others it was a moment for 90’s nostalgia memes, while The Wall Street Journal quoted a 22-year-old who was sad to see IE go.
Microsoft released the first version of Internet Explorer in 1995, the antediluvian era of web surfing dominated by the first widely popular browser, Netscape Navigator. Its launch signaled the beginning of the end of Navigator: Microsoft went on to tie IE and its ubiquitous Windows operating system together so tightly that many people simply used it by default instead of Navigator.
The Justice Department sued Microsoft in 1997, saying it violated an earlier consent decree by requiring computer makers to use its browser as a condition of using Windows. It eventually agreed to settle the antitrust battle in 2002 over its use of its Windows monopoly to squash competitors. It also tangled with European regulators who said that tying Internet Explorer to Windows gave it an unfair advantage over rivals such as Mozilla’s Firefox, Opera and Google’s Chrome.
Users, meanwhile, complained that IE was slow, prone to crashing and vulnerable to hacks. IE’s market share, which in the early 2000s was over 90%, began to fade as users found more appealing alternatives.
Today, the Chrome browser dominates with roughly a 65% share of the worldwide browser market, followed by Apple’s Safari with 19%, according to internet analytics company Statcounter. IE’s heir, Edge, lags with about about 4%, just ahead of Firefox.
Key milestones in Revlon’s storied history
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP), June 16 – Revlon filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Thursday, weighed down by heavy debt load, disruptions to its supply chain and surging costs. The one-time cosmetics juggernaut owns iconic brands like Almay and Elizabeth Arden. It was started in 1932 by brothers Charles and Joseph Revson and Charles Lachman who unveiled a revolutionary nail enamel. It began selling lipstick in 1939. Revlon in its heyday throughout much of the 20th century was the second largest cosmetics company by sales, behind only Avon. Now, it’s ranked number 22.
Here are key milestones in Revlon’s 90-year history.
1932: Brothers Charles and Joseph Revson and Charles Lachman unveil a nail enamel under a company called Revlon.
1935: The first Revlon advertisement runs in the New Yorker Magazine.
1937: Revlon introduces nail polish and starts selling it in stores and beauty salons.
1939: Revlon begins selling lipstick.
1952: Revlon’s iconic Fire and Ice lipstick and nail campaign highlights a Vogue partnership and celebrity endorsements (model Dorian Leigh).
1955: Revlon expands its business internationally.
1965: Revlon’s successful sponsorship of The $64,000 Question TV show drives sales and brand awareness. It also launches ColorSilk hair color.
1970: Revlon becomes the first cosmetics company to feature a Black model, Naomi Sims, in its advertising.
1973: Revlon’s Charlie Fragrance launches and becomes the number one global fragrance.
1975: Charles Revson dies and Michel Bergerac assumes leadership of Revlon.
1979: Revlon acquires Henry Colomer and launches Revlon Professional with Sensor Perm.
1980: Revlon’s supermodel campaign features diverse, famous and new models including Iman, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington.
1985: Revlon is sold to MacAndrews & Forbes, run by billionaire Ron Perelman. Bergerac resigns.
1991: Revlon ColorStay Lipstick launches as the first non-transfer lipstick.
1996: The company goes public.
1997: Revlon Age Defying, anti-aging makeup line launches.
2000: Revlon sells its Professional Products division to Beauty Care Professional Products Luxembourg.
2013: The company acquires the Colomer Group and reunites it with its professional products division. Brands acquired include Revlon Professional, CND, American Crew and Creme of Nature.
2016: Revlon acquires Elizabeth Arden, completes global acquisition of Cutex.
2017: Elizabeth Arden launches White Tea fragrance
2018: CEO Debra Perelman, daughter of Ron Perelman, becomes its first female CEO.
2022: Revlon files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Pioneer named CCAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Submitted by Eric Harding; Cal State East Bay Athletics
Voted on by Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs) of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), Mark Woinarowicz of Cal State East Bay baseball was named 2022 CCAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He is the first male student-athlete from CSUEB to win the conference’s distinguished honor.
The Pioneers’ pitcher graduated this past May with a degree in Kinesiology.
Woinarowicz played an important role on the mound for the Pioneers. Earning second team honors in the CCAA this past season, he went 7-3 in 2022 with a 3.75 ERA and 81 strikeouts.
Academically, Woinarowicz was the male recipient in 2020 and 2021 for Cal State East Bay’s Dr. Hal Charnofsky Memorial Award, in addition to being named to CCAA Honor Roll three times throughout his career.
“Mark Woinarowicz is the epitome of the term ‘student-athlete,’” said Dr. David Larson, Faculty Athletic Representative for CSUEB. “In the 14 years East Bay has been a CCAA member, the Pioneers have never had a male student-athlete with combined academic and athletic achievements remotely close to what Mark has accomplished.”
“Congratulations to Mark on an honor well deserved for all of the work he has dedicated to being an exemplary student-athlete,” said Allison Kern, Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics at Cal State East Bay. “We are proud to have him represent East Bay Athletics.”
Woinarowicz is the first male student-athlete from CSUEB to be named CCAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the fourth student-athlete overall in Cal State East Bay history to earn the distinction.
To be nominated for the CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, individuals must have a 3.5 grade-point average or higher at a conference institution, complete their final season of eligibility, and participate in a CCAA-sponsored sport. Faculty Athletic Representatives from institutions in the CCAA focus on a student-athlete’s body of work in the classroom, community and their sport when selecting the recipient.
Neighborhood Basketball League
Submitted by City of Union City
Neighborhood Basketball League is back for summer 2022! This recreational league will focus on fundamentals of the game play, team comradery and sportsmanship. The league is open for children ages five to 15. Participants will be divided into groups from ages five-seven, eight – nine, 10- 12, and 13-15. Each group will have different days and times of practice. (No practice on July, 4) Fees include team uniforms (jersey and shorts). Spots are limited.
For more information visit www.unioncity.org/reg
Beast Mode’s Neighborhood Basketball League
Monday, Jun 20 – Sunday, July 31
Times vary
Mark Green Sports Center
31224 Union City Blvd., Union City
(510) 675-5808
Register at www.unioncity.org/reg
Keyword: Neighborhood Basketball
Fee: $285 resident; $320 non-resident
Girls Summer Hoops Camp
Submitted by Darryl Reina
The annual Cougar Girls Summer Basketball Camp will be held at the Silliman Activity Center Gymnasium, Monday, July 11-Friday, July 15.
The “FUN-damental” and challenging basketball camp is designed for girls of all ability and experience levels. Girls will be divided into 1st-3rd, 4th-5th, and 6th-8th grade, with some flexibility based on current skill and prior experience.
The camp emphasis will be placed on shooting, ball handling, passing & catching, footwork, agility & coordination, individual & team defense, daily improvement, team play, making new friends and having fun. There will be daily contests and prizes.
The camp will be directed by Newark Memorial Girls Head Varsity Basketball Coach Darryl Reina.
To register go to newark.org and following the links to Newark Recreation Department’s Summer Camp listings.
Cougar Girls Summer Basketball Camps
Monday, July 11-Friday, July 15
9 am – 12 Noon
Silliman Activity Center Gymnasium
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark
Register at newark.org
Fremont City Council
June 14, 2022
Consent Calendar:
- Continue to hold teleconference council meetings. Reconsideration July 12, 2022.
- Authorize agreement with e-Plan, Inc. for electronic plan review system for 3-year term in an amount not-to-exceed $493,680.
- Approve special event sponsorships for FY 2022/23.
- Approve agreement for curbside recycling and organic waste with BLT Enterprises of Fremont, LLC.
- Authorize contract amendment with Alameda County Behavioral Health for Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Services.
- Authorize contract with Alameda County Behavioral Health and La Familia for mental health services.
Ceremonial Items:
- Recognize Juneteenth on June 19, 2022. Human Relations Commissioner Dyesha Gardner accepted the proclamation.
- Proclaim June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Alameda County representatives Cheryl Foncini, Marietta Arroyo and elder abuse attorney for Legal Assistance for Seniors, Maria Palazzolo. Information Fair at Hayward Senior Center on June 24.
- Resolution recognizing School Resource Officer Program. Received by Fremont Police Sergeant Calvin Tang and Officers Reggie Candler, Marrkel Smith, Rodolgo Pena, Michael Gilfoy, Jason Trebzinski, William Malcomson and newly retired OfficerDerek Burns.
Public Communications:
- Staff report link not operational.
Items Removed from Consent Calendar:
- Accept FY 2020/21 audit reports. Moving violations and arrest statistics cited in report are wrong and should be corrected. Changes in definition and inclusion of violations should be noted.
Scheduled Items:
- Second Public Hearing of FY 2022/23 Operating Budget.
Final Items:
- Washington Hospital has been approved as a Trauma Center.
- Save the City meeting scheduled for Downtown Event Center on Thursday, June 23 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Adjourn in memory of John A. Dutra.
Mayor Lili Mei Aye
Vice Mayor Raj Salwan, District 5 Aye
Teresa Keng, District 1 Aye
Rick Jones, District 2 Aye
Jenny Kassan, District 3 Aye
Yang Shao, District 4 Aye
Teresa Cox, District 6 Aye
Milpitas City Council
June 7, 2022
Proclamations:
- July proclaimed as Parks and Recreation month.
Special Meeting Item:
- Regarding 2023 – 2031 Housing Elements initial public comments were received, Council’s views were provided, directions for future work were given.
Consent Calendar:
- Approved project plans & specifications for McCandless Park Sports Field, awarded the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder submitting a responsive bid, Marina Landscape, Inc.
- Adopted a resolution to summarily vacate an existing water line easement at 1750 McCandless Drive.
- Approved the Master Services and Purchasing Agreement with Axon to provide body worn cameras, associated equipment, and cloud-based storage subscription.
- Authorized the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Silicon Valley Independent Living Center for the management of the Santa Clara County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) grant for the Rent Relief Program and utility assistance.
- Approved the designation of the California Live Oak as the City Tree.
- Authorized the City Manager to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Waxie’s Enterprises LLC for janitorial supply purchases.
Public Hearings:
- Following a public hearing approved a Joint Resolution of the City Council and Milpitas Housing Authority to approve the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget the City of Milpitas and the Milpitas Housing Authority. Motion approved 3-1 (Phan: Nay, Dominguez: Abstain)
- Following a public hearing approved the Milpitas Municipal Code Relating to Mobile Food Vending (Food Trucks).
Leadership:
- Adopted a resolution amending Chapter 400 (Mayoral and Councilmember Term Limits) of the Milpitas Municipal Code – term limits on Mayoral and City Council Member Service. Motion approved 4-0 (Dominguez: Abstain)
- Approved an ordinance adding Section 3.5 (“Regulation of Lobbying Activities”) to Chapter 310 (“Open Government Ordinance”), of Title I (“Administration”) of the Milpitas Municipal Code and Modifying Section I-310-3.160 of the Code.
- Approved the formation of a City Council Ad Hoc Odor Reduction Subcommittee. The Mayor and the Vice Mayor were appointed to the Subcommittee. Motion approved 4-0 (Dominguez: Abstain)
Item Pulled from Consent Calendar:
- Authorize an agreement with the City of San Jose for Animal Services. Motion approved 4-0 (Dominguez: Abstain)
Rich Tran (Mayor) Aye
Carmen Montano (Vice Mayor) Aye
Anthony Phan Aye Nay 1
Karina Dominguez Aye Abstain 4
Evelyn Chua Aye
Alameda County Fire Department Log
Submitted by ACFD
Tuesday, June 14
- At about 2:20 p.m. firefighters rescued a man trapped under a train at Castro Valley BART station. Crews used a search camera to see the man, then de-energized the electric third rail track and separated BART cars to reach him. The station was closed for about an hour during the incident. Officials did not release information about how the man got under the train or details about his injuries.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
Submitted Lieutenant Ray Kelly
Saturday, June 11
- At about 1:30 p.m. deputies responded to a disturbance report at San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande. A group of five men entered the library and disrupted a “Drag Queen Story Hour” for children hosted by a LGBTQ+ community member. The men shouted slurs and homophobic statements in a threatening manner. Deputies escorted the men, described as members of the Proud Boys organization, outside the library to de-escalate the situation. There were no arrests, but the event is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Arrest for possession of child sexual abuse material and recovery of ghost gun
Submitted by Newark PD
On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Newark Police Detectives served a felony warrant at a residence in the 5000 block of Souza Avenue. The warrant was for possession of obscene matter of a minor in a sexual act. As a result, a 20-year-old male Newark resident was taken into custody.
Newark Police became aware of the child sexual abuse material from the CyberTipline which is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The CyberTipline can receive information from private citizens, businesses, and Electronic Service Providers (ESPs). ESPs are required to report the presence of any suspected child abuse material when they become aware of facts or circumstances indicating there may be a violation of federal child pornography laws. Newark Police Detectives participate in the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which reviews CyberTipline reports forwarded from NCMEC.
During the search of the residence, officers observed several firearms in plain view. One of the guns was a personally manufactured firearm, or a “Ghost gun”.
Detectives ultimately arrested Jesus Mendoza Medina, for possession of obscene matter of a minor in a sexual act, illegal manufacturing of a firearm and illegal possession of an assault weapon. He was booked at Santa Rita Jail.
To report the online exploitation of children to the CyberTipline call the 24-hour Hotline at 1.800.843.5678 or visit www.cybertipline.com. Information can also be left anonymously with Newark Police on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at 510.578.4965.
Thank you to our regional partners who were on scene to assist with on-site forensic examination.
BART Police Log
Submitted by Les Mensinger and BART PD
Friday, June 10
- At 10:10 p.m. a man identified by police as Garry Lawrence, 34, of San Leandro was arrested at Bay Fair station in San Leandro on suspicion of resisting or obstructing an officer. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail.
Saturday, June 11
- At 6:03 a.m. a man identified by police as Christopher Boyle, 39, of San Francisco was detained at Milpitas station on suspicion of fare evasion. A record check showed an outstanding warrant. He was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Thursday, June 16
- At 11:17 p.m., a man identified as William Knapik, 24, of San Jose was contacted at the Milpitas station for fare evasion. He refused to cooperate with authorities and a struggle ensued. Knapik was arrested and transported to Santa Clara County Jail.
Fremont appoints new deputy police chief
Submitted by City of Fremont
The City of Fremont announced the appointment of Lance A. Brede as the new Deputy Police Chief. In this role, Lance will oversee and formalize the Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability, the Community Engagement Unit, and Public Affairs initiatives. He will strategically plan for future services needs for the community and the Department. Lance’s work will enhance overall operations, administrative functions, productivity, and accountability for the Department.
“Lance has a high level of administrative and operational experience and a strong desire to join our family and engage with the Fremont community,” stated Police Chief Sean Washington.
Lance is widely recognized as a leader in building strong partnerships with the community. His ability to implement problem-solving techniques to address public safety issues proactively and pledge to carry out effective stewardship has led to many vital collaborations and advancements.
“I am excited and humbled to be part of one of the premier agencies in the nation,” stated Lance Brede. “I intend to build upon the Department’s community policing and engagement efforts through collaboration and the tenets of procedural justice: voice, trustworthiness, respect, and neutrality. I look forward to working with personnel, city leadership, and community members to continue to build on Chief Washington’s vision.”
Lance most recently served the East Bay Regional Park District as a Police Captain and had management responsibility for the Operations Division and special policing contracts with East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), San Francisco Water District (SFWD), and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Lance obtained his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University. Lance also received an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Ohlone College. In addition, he is a graduate of the 2014 FBI National Academy (NA 256) and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute Class of 249.
Lance will commence his role as Deputy Police Chief on June 20, 2022
Fremont Police Log
Submitted by Monica Leon, Fremont PD
Tuesday, May 31
- Sometime between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. a person inside a residence in the 37000 block of Joseph St. in the Centerville area heard two load bangs and later noticed a bullet hole in an upstairs bedroom. Detectives are investigating the incident.
Sunday, June 5
- At about 2:13 p.m. officers located a stolen vehicle with a woman inside in the parking lot of Arco, 43500 Grimmer Blvd. in south Fremont. A record check showed the woman had two outstanding warrants charging vehicle theft. She also was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and burglary tools. The woman, identified by police as Bernadette Dominguez, 22, of Oakland was arrested.
- At about 3:26 p.m. officers responded to a vandalism report at CVS, 4020 Fremont Hub shopping center. A man was suspected of throwing an object at a store window causing significant damage. The suspect, identified by police as Charles Sona, 50, was located nearby and arrested.
Monday, June 6
- At about 3:05 a.m. officers responded to a commercial burglary at Teco Tea and Coffee, 39136 Paseo Padre Parkway in central Fremont. Someone used a rock and shattered the front glass door of the business and activated the store’s alarm. Officers discovered approximately five additional businesses in the area that appeared to have been burglarized in the same manner.
- At about 3:14 a.m. officers stopped a man riding a bicycle in the area of Fremont Boulevard and Palm Court in the Centerville area. A record check showed four outstanding warrants charging auto burglary, identity theft and vandalism. The suspect, identified by police as Richard Inez, 33, was arrested.
- At about 7:25 a.m. someone shattered the window of a vehicle in the area of Paseo Padre Parkway and Patterson Ranch Road. A laptop computer was taken, and the owner was able to track the location of the laptop to a residence in Hayward. Hayward Police Department responded and was able to recover the laptop and identify two possible suspects.
Hayward Police Log
Submitted by Hayward PD
Monday, June 13
- At about 8:30 a.m. officers responded to a report about an assault with a deadly weapon near the 27000 block of Whitman St. At the scene, officers found an unresponsive male suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the male dead at the scene. A suspect in the shooting, identified by police as Steven Velesquez, 38, of Hayward was arrested at the scene and has been charged with homicide by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The victim was identified by Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau as Robert Saffold, 35, of Hayward. An investigation is continuing; anyone with information is asked to call Detective Justin Green at (510) 293-7176.
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
Submitted by SCCSO
Wednesday, May 25
- At about 5:58 p.m. a Valley Transit Authority bus operator was struck in the face by an unknown man at the Milpitas BART Transit Center. The bus operator suffered significant injuries which required medical attention. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in identifying the suspect. He is described as a Hispanic male adult, about 5-feet-10-inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds, with black hair, a mustache and long facial chin hair. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (408) 808-4431.
Honor Roll
San Jose State University
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi initiate
- Sharon Flores Ramirez of Hayward
Bismarck State College, North Dakota
Spring 2022 President’s Honor Roll
- Valentina Ridad of Fremont
University of Alabama
Spring 2022 Dean’s List
- Abigayle Kneebone of Fremont
St. Lawrence University, New York
Spring 2022 graduate
- Shiru Kimani of Hayward
Siena College, New York
Spring 2022 President’s List
- Asavari Gowda of Fremont
University of Iowa
Spring 2022 graduates
- Emily Chan of Fremont
- Nihaal Gill of Fremont
Hofstra University, New York
Spring 2022 Dean’s List
- Shawna Raeside of Fremont
- Kylie Walrod of Fremont
Spring 2022 Provost’s List
- Varun Sridhar of Fremont
University of Hartford
Spring 2022 graduate
- Camila Harris of Hayward
DeSales University
Spring 2022 Dean’s List
- Diya Elizabeth Stephen of Fremont
Kansas State University
Spring 2022 Honors
- Sammantha Trammel of Castro Valley
Lehigh University
Spring 2022 graduates
- Manasi Vitthanala of Fremont
- Alan Wang of Hayward
Ohio University
Spring 2022 graduates
- Shakalha Amir of Hayward
- Joyce Gitau of Hayward
- Angelina Speltz of Castro Valley
Letter to the Editor
Congratulations Fremont – No. 1 Best City to Raise a family!
According to a recent study conducted by Wallet-Hub, the City of Fremont (among more than 180 other cities in the United States) ranked “No.1 Best City to Raise a Family.” Needless to say, Fremont offers the perfect spot to settle down – with its family-friendly attractions and strong business presence.
Being a resident with family here for 25+ years, I guarantee Fremont truly has it all. Again congratulations!
Zafar Yousufzai
Fremont
Letter to the Editor
Help Those In Need
As you know, given the current economic issues of high inflation and gas prices, a lot of people are hurting economically, and are certainly worse off. We need to support our citizens in any way we can, and it has been shown that government measures such as the Child Tax Credit payments do help, but those expired recently.
Please support the idea of using California’s budget surplus to help our most vulnerable citizens.
Thank you,
Satwant Khangura
Union City
Happy the elephant isn’t a person, top New York court rules
Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP), June 14 — New York’s top court on June 14 rejected an effort to free Happy the elephant from the Bronx Zoo, ruling that she does not meet the definition of “person” who is being illegally confined.
The 5-2 decision by the state Court of Appeals affirms an earlier court decision and means Happy will not be released through a habeas corpus proceeding, which is a way for people to challenge illegal confinement.
The majority decision written by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said that “while no one disputes that elephants are intelligent beings deserving of proper care and compassion,” a writ of habeas corpus is intended to protect the liberty of human beings and does not apply to a nonhuman animal like Happy.
The case had been closely watched by animal rights activists and industries that depend on animals. The zoo and its supporters warned that a win for advocates at the Nonhuman Rights Project could open the door to more legal actions on behalf of animals, including pets and other species in zoos.
The advocates at the Nonhuman Rights Project argued that Happy is an autonomous, cognitively complex elephant worthy of the right reserved in law for “a person.” The Bronx Zoo argued Happy is neither illegally imprisoned nor a person, but a well-cared-for elephant “respected as the magnificent creature she is.”
Found Money
Submitted by Union City Police Department
The Union City Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in two separate incidents. In May 2021, a Good Samaritan found and turned in $20,000.00 in cash. That’s right, $20,000.00!!! In July 2021, another Good Samaritan found and turned in $2655.00 in cash.
UCPD is seeking assistance in finding the owners of the found money. The owners will have two weeks to provide intimate details surrounding the circumstances of the found money to claim it. The owners can contact the UCPD Property Unit at: 510-471-1365 or UC**************@un*******.org
Police Investigate Anti-Asian Hate Crime
Submitted by San Leandro Police Department
On Saturday, June 18th, around 9 pm, San Leandro police officers responded to the 15300 block of Inverness Street regarding a vandalized realtor sign in front of a house in the process of being sold. The spray-painted graffiti on the sign included a racial epithet within an anti-Asian message. Officers returned the next morning, around 7 am, regarding another anti-Asian graffiti message using the same epithet. This time the message was spray-painted on the garage door of the residence.
Since the realtor, property owners, and most recent tenants of the residence are all of Asian descent, this crime is being investigated as a targeted hate crime.
“Hate crimes of any sort will not be tolerated in the City of San Leandro. The police department will devote extra resources to protect those being victimized by hate and to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice,” said Lieutenant Abe Teng.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact SLPD via any of the following methods: non-emergency line at (510)577-2740, anonymous tip line at (510)577-3278, or text-to-tip at 888777 (keyword: TipSLPolice).
In addition to reporting suspected hate crimes to your local law enforcement agency, please visit the Alameda County District Attorney’s website for more available resources: Resources & Publications: Brochures — Alameda County District Attorney’s Office (alcoda.org)
UPDATE:
Monday, June 20: At about 1:30 am, this investigation led officers to a residence on the 15300 block of Inverness Street. This residence was in close proximity to the victim’s address. Over the course of this weekend, patrol officers established probable cause to arrest a suspect for these crimes. Officers executed an arrest warrant and a search warrant and arrested 25-year-old Nicholas Swyers of San Leandro for hate crimes. Swyers was arrested without incident, and officers recovered evidence linking Swyers to the crime during the execution of their search warrant.
“I want to thank our weekend Patrol Division who worked around the clock on this investigation which resulted in a swift arrest.”
“This is an unfortunate reminder that hate and racism do exist. But, this is also a reminder that the San Leandro Police Department will unequivocally not stand for this behavior and dedicate the necessary resources to bring these perpetrators to justice,” said Lieutenant Matthew Barajas.
This case will be presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday, June 21st.
IAD062122
CONTINUING EVENTS:
Monday – Friday, June 22 – July 22 (dark 7/4 – 7/8)
Words for Lunch
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Lunch and reading activities
Hayward Public Library, Heritage Plaza
888 C St., Hayward
ma**********@cs********.edu
Monday and Wednesday, June 22 – July 22 (dark 7/4 – 7/8)
Words for Lunch
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Lunch and reading activities
Mia’s Dream Come True All Abilities Playground
28377 Huntwood Ave., Hayward
ma**********@cs********.edu
Wednesdays
San Lorenzo Street Eats
5 p.m. – 9 pm.
1062 Grant Ave., San Lorenzo
www.thefoodtruckmafia.com
Thursdays
Newark Street Eats
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
6430 Thornton Ave., Newark
www.thefoodtruckmafia.com
First Thursdays
Plethos Comedy Lab $
8 p.m.
Ever-changing lineup of Bay Area comics (18+)
Castro Valley Marketplace Lab 200
3295 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley
https://plethos.org/
Tickets: $10
Thursday – Sunday, April 21 – June 25
Hidden Treasures, Local Talent
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd, Fremont
Fremont.gov/OliveHyde
(510) 791-4357
Fridays
Fremont Street Eats
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
www.thefoodtruckmafia.com
First Fridays at Chabot Space $
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hands-on activities, workshops and performances
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
https://chabotspace.org/
$15 adults, $10 seniors/kids, $5 members
Third Saturdays
Investigating Space $
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Discuss exploring space with researchers and scientists
Chabot Space and Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
https://chabotspace.org/
(Included with admission)
UPCOMING
Tuesday, June 21
Live Town Hall with Ro Khanna
6 p.m.
Questions and comments regarding current events
Via Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/events/710493680038650
(408) 436-2720
Tuesday, June 21
Banter Bookshop Ribbon Cutting
4 p.m.
Grand opening of Fremont’s newest independent bookstore
3768 Capitol Ave, Suite F, Fremont
www.banterbookshop.com
Thursday, June 23
Hayward State of the City
10 a.m.
Hayward Chamber of Commerce event
Downtown Hayward Library
888 C St, Hayward
(510) 537-2424
Thursday, June 23
Fremont State of the City
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Fremont Chamber of Commerce event
Fremont Downtown Event Center
3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont
(510) 795 – 2244
Thursday, June 23
Newark State of the City
5 p.m.
City Council Chamber
37101 Newark Blvd. Newark
RSVP requested (510) 578-4278
Thursday, June 23
Palo Alto VA Medical Outreach Team
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Information about VA services
Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall
22737 Main Street, Hayward
(510) 881-7974
Thursday, June 23 – Friday, June 24; Sunday, June 26
Patterson House Tours
11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Tour the Patterson House Museum
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Thursday, June 23 – Sunday, June 26
Animal Feeding
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Check for eggs and feed livestock
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Thursday, June 23, Friday June 24 and Sunday, June 26
Ride the Rails
10:20 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.
Travel through the eucalyptus groves
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Friday, June 24
LOV Frank Sisk Golf Tournament $
11 a.m.
Fundraiser golfing with dinner, presentations following
Poppy Ridge Golf Course
4280 Greenville Rd., Livermore
(510) 468-8496
Saturday, June 25
Rummage Sale for Relay for Life
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fundraiser for American Cancer Society
Also collecting gently used sneakers
First Presbyterian Church
35450 Newark Blvd., Newark
www.cancer.org – go to Cathy’s Relay Page
Saturday, June 25
Marsh Meander
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Learn about habitats of migratory birds and wildlife
Coyote Hills Visitor Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, June 25
Homes for Bees
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the types of bees that live in the area
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Saturday, June 25
Stilt Walkers
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Want to be taller or improve your balance
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Saturday, June 25
Birds of the Farm
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Explore the gardens, forests, and fields. Ages 16+
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Saturday, June 25
Rope Making & Hay Hoisting
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Use an antique machine to make rope
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Saturday, June 25
Dealing With Biculturalism & Stigma R
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Tools and techniques for better mental health
India Community Center
Studio unit
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas
https://bit.ly/3mZBNLk
Saturday, June 25
Walk in the Wild
Beers, wines, and small bites, life music, stroll around the zoo
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
https://www.oaklandzoo.org/
General Admission: $225
Saturday, June 25 – Sunday, June 26
Charlie Chaplin Days
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Short films, walking tour, look-alike contest, and more!
Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont
(510) 494-1411
https://nilesfilmmuseum.org/
Saturday June 25 – Sunday, June 26
Jan Schafir, With a Brush in My Hand
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Exhibition of her work
Fremont Art Association
37697 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 792-0905
Saturday, June 25 – Sunday, June 26
Bricks by the Bay Public Exhibition
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vendors and displays featuring everything LEGO®
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
www.bricksbythebay.org
Online Tickets: $8-11 (kids 3 and under free)
Cash Only at the Door: $12-15
Saturday, June 25 – Sunday, June 26
Discovery on Demand
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hands-on activities, crafts, and live animal feedings
Coyote Hills Visitor Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Saturday, June 25 – Sunday, June 26
Nectar Garden Exploration
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Discover native pollinators and plants
Coyote Hills Visitor Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, June 26
Reptile Rendezvous
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Learn about features, adaptations, and habitats
Coyote Hills Visitor Center
8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont
(510) 544-3220
www.ebparks.org
Sunday, June 26
Corn Mosaics
11 a.m. – 12 noon
Make a mosaic using kernels of corn
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Sunday, June 26
Victorian Fun & Games
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy delightful games of days gone by
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
www.ebparks.org
(888) 327-2757
Monday, June 27
Free Food Giveaway
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fresh food for families, courtesy of Hayward Promise Neighborhoods
Eden Greenway Park
Corner of Harder Road and Cypress Ave
www.haywardpromise.org
(510) 635-3663
Tuesday, June 28
Practicing Mindfulness R
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Increase and maintain your well-being
Age Well Center South Fremont
47111 Mission Falls Ct. Fremont
http://bit.ly/AgeWellClasses
Tuesday, June 28
Redlining & Housing Discrimination
6 p.m.
New historical exhibit on systemic racism
San Leandro Library
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
(510) 577 – 3971
www.sanleandro.org
Summer Outdoor Movie Nights & Concerts
Classic Movies Under the Stars
Reserve tickets at www.milpitas.gov
$5 per person
Ocean’s Eleven
Friday, July 8
8 p.m.
Civic Center Plaza, Milpitas
Some Like It Hot
Friday, August 12
8 p.m.
Civic Center Plaza, Milpitas
Movie Night Out
Reserve tickets on www.milpitas.gov
$10 = up to 6 seats
Luca
Friday, June 24
8:30 p.m.
Augustine Park, Milpitas
The Jungle Cruise
Friday, July 15
8:30 p.m.
Cardoza Park
Sing 2
Friday, July 29
8:30 p.m.
Foothill Park, Milpitas
Summer Concerts
Dive in Movie: Luca
Friday, July 22
Doors Open: 7 p.m.
Showtime: 8 p.m.
Farrelly Pool
864 Dutton Ave., San Leandro
(510) 569-1245
www.sanleandro.org/377/Recreation-Human-Services
Tickets: $3 online, $6 at the door
Movies on the Lawn
June 17 – July 10
(No showings on Mondays/Tuesdays, except July 4)
6 p.m.
June 22 – Moana
June 23 – Space Jam
June 24 – Trolls: World Tour
June 25 – Shrek
June 26 – Clifford the Big Red Dog
June 29 – Luca
June 30 – Sonic the Hedgehog
July 1 – Monsters, Inc.
July 2 – Dora and the Lost City of Gold
July 3 – Spirit Untamed
July 4 – The Incredibles
July 6 – Raya and the Last Dragon
July 7 – Tom & Jerry
July 8 – Wreck-It Ralph
July 9 – Rise of the Guardians
July 10 – Encanto
Concert Lawn
Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
Included with Fair admission
Tickets: $14-17
Parking: $14
Milpitas Summer Concert Series
Left University
Monday, July 4
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Milpitas Sports Center
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
The Cires
Friday, July 22
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Pinewood Park
Starlite Dr., & Lonetree Ct., Milpitas
Jordan T
Friday, August 5
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hall Park
La Honda Dr., Milpitas
Groovin’ at the Grove Free Summer Concerts
Fridays: June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5
Gates open: 4 p.m.
Concert: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
June 24 – Big Bang Beat
July 8 – Isaiah
July 22 – Cisco Kid
August 5 – Servants
Shirley Sisk Grove
NewPark Mall, Newark
Bring a blanket or low-back chair
Info at: www.newark.org
Fremont Summer Concert Series
Thursdays, July 7 – August 11
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
July 7 – East Bay Mudd
July 14 – Briefcase Blues Brothers
July 21 – Almost Famous
July 28 – Big Bang Beat
August 4 – Jukebox Heroes
August 11 – Aja Vu
Central Park Performance Pavilion
40204 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
More info: (510) 494-4300 or Re*****@fr*****.gov
Pacific Commons Summer Concert Series
Fourth Fridays, June 24 – September 23
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June 24 – Nancy Wenstrom & the Insiders (blues)
July 22 – Gary Flores Trio (Latin jazz/salsa)
August 26 – TinMan (classic rock)
September 23 – Last One Picked (rock, blues, country)
Pacific Commons Shopping Center
Auto Mall Parkway at I-880, Fremont
(510) 770-9798
3 O’Clock Jump
Third Saturdays: July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Big Band music in outdoor patio (no cover fee)
World Famous Turf Club
22519, Main St., Hayward
(510) 244-3449
www.worldfamousturfclubca.com
Hayward Municipal Band
Sundays, June 26; July 3, 10
2:30 p.m.
Enjoy professional music in a relaxed atmosphere
Tony Morelli Bandstand
Hayward Memorial Park
214176 Mission Blvd., Hayward
haywardmunicipalband.blogspot.com
Russell City Awareness Blues Series
Saturdays, June 4 – July 30
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
June 25 – Sean McGroarty’s “Blues Harmonica Explosion”
July 2 – The West Coast Caravans of All Stars
July 9 – Michael Skinner & Final Touch Band
July 16 – Alvon Johnson Blues Band
July 23 – Salute to Russell City Blues Women
July 30 – West Coast Caravan of All Stars (closing festivities)
Heritage Plaza
888 C St., Hayward
OR
Hayward City Hall Plaza
777 B St., Hayward
www.westcoastbluessociety.org
Hayward Oddfellows Summer Concerts
Sundays; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
August 14 – Uncle Rico’s with The Hypnotones, Mike Meagher’s Music Machine, Brown & Lee, Alrighty Then, and Spirit Flute
August 21 – Gravity
August 28 – SweetSp0ts
September 11 – Hayward La Honda Music Camp
September 18 – Giant Spiders and 129
September 25 – East Bay Youth Orchestras and East Bay Symphonic Band
Hayward Memorial Park Outdoor Amphitheater
24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward
www.haywardlodge.org
