Park district thanks community
Following a tradition that hails back to 1962, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D) Board of Directors held the 2024 awards ceremony on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Recipients include
• Volunteer of the Year – Jose Luis Escobar
• Special Recognition – Alameda County Public Health
• H.A.R.D. Foundation Organizations of the Year – The Donna L. & Edward E. Martins
Foundation
• H.A.R.D. Foundation Individual of the Year – Ann Pendleton
• Organization of the Year – Hayward Odd Fellows, Sycamore Lodge #129
• Individual of the Year – Dustin Claussen
Sanitary district rated highly
Union Sanitary District (USD) has received Standard and Poor’s (S&P) AAA rating, its highest available. The District presented information to S&P to obtain a credit rating in preparation for selling approximately $193 million in short-term bonds (interim notes). This is as part of its strategy for funding the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), which includes the Enhanced Treatment and Site Upgrade (ETSU) Program. The District’s 20-Year CIP budget is over $1.65 billion and includes projects that address critical needs and prepare for the future.
Faculty receives award
Ohlone College has awarded faculty member Isabel Reichert the Emancipation Through Education Award, recognizing her leadership in advancing diverse voices, perspectives and cultures in the pursuit of social justice and equity. The award is presented by the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC).
In partnership with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office—specifically Dr. Patrick Marshall and Captain Gurpreet Gill—Reichert has worked to transform educational access within the correctional system. Her work underscores the transformative power of education in reducing recidivism, fostering emotional well-being and rebuilding family connections.
Shopping center donates to youth
Pacific Commons celebrated the new year with a shoe donation valued at $40,000 to support the surrounding community. All shoes were purchased at the Pacific Commons DSW, and donated to Lend A Hand Foundation and Building Futures who distributed the footwear to those in need. Over 500 Bay Area youth benefited from the donation.
