In 2024, the Tri-Cities and the East Bay Area saw changes to local government, big anniversaries for beloved institutions, new parks, businesses opening and some goodbyes from old friends.
Milestones
2024 marks the East Bay Regional Park District’s 90th year. The park district was established during the Great Depression, when East Bay residents made known that having access to the outdoors was critical for their welfare. Celebrations were held throughout 2024. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
www.ebparks.org/celebrating-90-years
The City of Milpitas celebrated their platinum anniversary of 70 years on Jan. 26 with an open house at city hall. Milpitas is a diverse community of approximately 80,000 residents. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
On Jun. 2, the Afro American Cultural and Historical Society celebrated their golden 50th anniversary in Newark. Jean Ficklin conceived the idea of a society that would promote education, networking and culture for individuals of African descent in 1974, and now in her 90s, Ficklin is still involved with the organization today.
tricityvoice.com/golden-anniversary-for-afro-american-cultural-historical-society/
Also in June, Fremont Bank celebrated 60 years at their new headquarters downtown. Over the decades the bank has stayed true to its community-focused vision.
tricityvoice.com/fremont-bank-opening/
tricityvoice.com/fremont-bank-rings-in-60th-anniversary-and-new-headquarters-with-upcoming-celebration/
Goodbyes
After a goodbye holiday season, Mission Coffee Roasting Company closed for good in Jan. 2024. Located in a historical building in the Mission San Jose district, the small business survived a move and the pandemic.
tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
In June, this paper threw a retirement party for our founders and longtime owners Bill and Sharon Marshak, who ran Tri-City Voice for over 20 years. Current and former employees, community members and local officials gathered to wish them well. The paper also said hello to Dan Pulcrano, Samantha Campos, Daniel Payomo and the rest of the team at Weeklys. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
In Oct. 2024, Oakland Zoo said goodbye to their last remaining elephant. Relocating to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, elephant Osh has the chance to make new friends. Oakland Zoo will do upgrades on the empty enclosure for the next animal residents. tricityvoice.com/osh-leaves-oakland-zoo-for-elephant-sanctuary/
Parks
After some delays, Zocalo Park opened in the unincorporated area of Ashland in July. The park gives local kids a place to play, and an open plaza can host pop-up markets. tricityvoice.com/ashland-residents-embrace-zocalo-park/
Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward also saw some upgrades. On Nov. 7, the center staff and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District showed off the new amphitheater, updated signage and a site map, classroom pavilion and welcome kiosk.
tricityvoice.com/sulphur-creek-nature-center-completes-renovation/
New Businesses
After losing a previous Fremont location to a fire in 2021, Din Ding Dumpling House opened in Fremont Downtown in August. tricityvoice.com/locally-owned-dumpling-house-opens-second-location/
Castro Valley Marketplace welcomed the 15th Slice House and the return of Tony Gemignani’s to the unincorporated area on Sept. 14. tricityvoice.com/castro-valley-celebrates-tony-gemignanis-return/
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee held a soft opening in June, establishing itself as a popular late night study and coffee spot in Warm Springs before holding a grand opening in December. tricityvoice.com/coffee-energizes-community/
Sports
Moreau Catholic High School’s football team the Mariners fought for a groundbreaking season, winning a North Coast Section Division 7 state championship on Nov. 30. This is the first such win in the school’s history. tricityvoice.com/moreau-catholic-earns-trip-to-cif-state-title-game/
Newark Memorial High School’s cross country team also made school history. For the first time the Lady Cougar girls’ team qualified for the state championship meet in Fresno alongside the boys. tricityvoice.com/newark-memorial-cross-country-make-their-mark-at-state-championship/
Elections
In Fremont, longtime councilmember Raj Salwan was elected Mayor. Yajing Zhang and Raymond Liu joined the council. tricityvoice.com/raj-salwan-elected-fremont-mayor/
In Newark, Mayor Michael Hannon was reelected. Terrance Grindall and Eve Marie Little joined the city council, with Little replacing Mike Bucci who resigned in June. tricityvoice.com/newark-voters-re-elect-mayor-michael-hannon/
In Union City, Gary Singh became Mayor. He previously served on the city council and as planning commissioner. Lance Nishihara joined the council, representing District 1. tricityvoice.com/union-city-elects-gary-singh-and-lance-nishihira/
Fremont
Washington Hospital opened a new Level II Trauma Center on Jul 1., 2024. This means patients can receive critical care without needing to be transported to Eden or San Jose medical centers. tricityvoice.com/washington-hospital-dedicates-its-new-level-ii-trauma-center/
On Jul. 9, a new community center was approved for Central Park. tricityvoice.com/fremont-community-center-plan-goes-to-council/
Newark
Newark appointed Jonathan Arguello as police chief, taking effect Apr. 11. https://tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
In May, New Horizons K-8 Private School closed due to lack of funds and mismanagement. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
Union City
Malaya Tri-City launched as an official chapter of Malaya on Jun. 23. Now Malaya Union City, the group raises awareness of human rights violations in the Philippines and advocates for free speech. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
On Jun. 25, the group Save Union City protested against cannabis dispensaries. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
Castro Valley
Beloved wandering theatre company Plethos Productions announced in early 2024 that they would be raising money to open their own permanent theater space in 2025. tricityvoice.com/tri-city-voice-2024-e-edition-archive/
