Martin Luther King Day 2019

A crowd of around 200 turned out for Monday morning’s celebration and march for Martin Luther King Day at Hayward’s City Hall Plaza. Rallies were held at a number of locations around the East Bay and the nation to celebrate the 90th birthday of the slain civil rights leader. The theme of this year’s event was “Lack of Shelter – Homes for Everyone.”

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

Rate Payers Puzzled by EBCE Bill

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-23-19

PG&E bills have begun showing up with an unfamiliar line item for “East Bay Community Energy” (EBCE) in the account summary.

The EBCE is a new “community energy” agency that recently became the energy provider for over half a million Alameda County homes, though nobody signed up for it.

In Alameda County, all cities except Alameda, Pleasanton, and Newark are part of the EBCE.

EBCE is an electricity provider that was created to provide an alternative to the PG&E monopoly, they say. EBCE is a “community choice aggregator” that pools cities together to have greater buying power to purchase electricity directly from the source.

But the electricity will still come over PG&E’s lines.

Currently, the EBCE says it is using energy from a variety of sources including hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest and wind farms in Southern California.

It says customers can expect about a one-and-a-half percent savings over PG&E for an average monthly bill of $90.60, because EBCE is a non-profit governmental agency that “runs lean” with a small number of employees and, unlike PG&E, doesn’t have to answer to shareholders.

The infrastructure of how energy gets to your home remains the same since the EBCE pays PG&E for transmission and repairs to the electric grid. So if the power goes out, it will still be a PG&E truck pulling up to fix the lines. PG&E will also continue to handle the billing.

You can leave the EBCE and stick with PG&E by visiting www.ebce.org and selecting the “opt out” tab at the top of the screen. You’ll have to enter your PG&E account number, name, and zip code. You can also opt out by calling 1-833-699-EBCE.

If you opt out before June 1, there is no fee but EBCE will charge a $5 exit fee after that date. Another option is to “opt down” and reduce the percentage of energy that comes from clean energy sources and get a lower rate while remaining in the EBCE program.

EBCE is holding a series of public meetings to help people understand their new electricity bills and answer questions about the program, including one next week on Thursday, Jan.31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Zocalo Coffee, 645 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro.

Boy Scout Troops to Recruit Girls to Join the Adventure

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-23-19

  Next week, on February 1, local  Boy Scouts will welcome girls ages 11 to 18 into the scouting program for the first time in their history, opening a door for them to earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. 

  On that same day, the century-old Boy Scouts of America, will drop the “Boy” from its namesake program, changing its name to Scouts BSA as it ushers in this new era.

  Last summer, Cub Scouts —for children 7 to 10 years old — began welcoming girls in the first wave of the organization’s push for inclusivity.

  Next Wednesday, Jan. 30, local Boy Scout Troops 708 and 722 will host an informational meeting for girls interested in learning more about joining the scouting program. It will be held at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church at 3433 Somerset Ave. in Castro Valley. In addition to learning about the program, there will be fun scouting related activities for the girls to enjoy.

  “I am very excited that girls will now be able to fully participate in the scouting program,” said Cassandra Clark, who will serve as Scoutmaster for the Troop 722 associated girl troop. “At the information night, we will share with the girls how they can join in on the fun and adventure that is scouting.”

  Derek Hudson, who will serve as the Scoutmaster for the Troop 708 associated girl troop, said he’s also looking forward to sharing the excitement with his girls at next Wednesday evening’s meeting.

  “My girls have loved the Cub Scout program and are really looking forward to the adventures in Scouting and the opportunity to earn their Eagle Scout awards,” he said.

  Troop 708 meets on Tuesday nights at First Presbyterian Church, 2490 Grove Way, while Troop 722 meets on Thursday nights at Faith Lutheran Church at 20080 Redwood Road. 

  Anyone interested in learning more about the scouting program is welcome to join the meeting on Jan. 30.

—Brett Pletcher

Adult Leader Troop 722

CAPTION: A HISTORIC TIME FOR BOY SCOUTS: A recent meeting where a number of girls visited Castro Valley Troop 722 and were introduced to the troop by scout leaders.

Castro Valley’s Last Bridal Shop Closing its Doors After 22 Years

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-16-19

Castro Valley’s only bridal store will close its doors at the end of March.

After 22 years, Debra LaSpina Goldwater, who has sold hundreds of wedding gowns to women and — years later ­— to some of their daughters, has decided to close the Dori Anne Veils Bridal Salon on Seven Hills Road and retire.

Goldwater got an early start in the business while a student at Castro Valley High School, when she worked with her mother doing clothing alterations in the 1970s.

Later she attended design schools in San Francisco and Southern California and for a time worked as a freelance costume designer.

The wedding apparel business, like most others, has evolved over the past 22 years.

“There’s been a big change in the way people buy because of the Internet and social media and the ability to shop online,” Goldwater says.

And styles, too, have changed, but slowly.

“In the end, brides just want to look beautiful,” she says.

All of the merchandise in the store, including hundreds of designer gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, jewelry, shoes, veils and other accessories, is being liquidated at discounts of up to 50 percent.

“With a store like ours closing, we expect our inventory to sell out quickly,” Goldwater told the Forum.

Besides the shop’s merchandise, the sale also includes store fixtures and furniture.

“I am going to miss all of my brides and friendships created, and I am grateful to have been a part of so many memories,” says Goldwater, who will be moving later this year to Grass Valley where her 92-year-old father lives.

Dori Anne Veils Bridal Salon is located at 4270 Seven Hills Road, phone 510-690-0100.

CAPTION: On March 31, Debra LaSpina Goldwater will be shuttering Dori Anne Veils Bridal Salon on Seven Hills Road, the only bridal shop in Castro Valley.

PHOTO BY BY FRED ZEHNDER

On Track For June Opening

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-16-19

  Look for fencing to go up around the Daughtery’s building at 3295 Castro Valley Boulevard any day now as construction is set to begin no later than next week on the new Castro Valley Marketplace.

  At Monday night’s meeting of the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), the board heard a brief update on the project and learned the building is almost totally leased-out with tenants and is still scheduled to open in June.

  The MAC also updated the crowd on Castro Valley’s second most famous empty building — the Redwood Road library. Local veterans groups want to turn it into in to a resource center, but the project has been caught up in red tape with the county General Services Agency.

  The latest news is that the veterans have formed their own non-proft 501(c)(3) organization. The library project will next be discussed at the MAC’s Tuesday, Feb. 5 meeting.

  Other business at Monday’s meeting included the approval of a conditional use permit for ABC Preschool to continue operating at 20135 San Miguel Avenue. The school and day care for 41 children has been in business since the 1960s.

  The MAC also approved a plan to combine two parcels and then subdivide them into four to build single-family residential lots on Ewing Road, near the intersection of Ewing, Vineyard, and Almond roads. Neighbors weren’t thrilled with the design, which involves a second long driveway next to an existing driveway.

  The MAC felt that the owner did his best to try to negotiate shared use of the original driveway but couldn’t, so the MAC gave him approval despite neighbor’s concerns.

  The MAC also approved a new 122-sqare-foot wall sign at office space at 20861 Wilbeam Avenue.

  A plan for a new paint job, new signs, and modifications to the drive-thru at the McDonald’s at 2905 Grove Way was continued. The MAC said the largely gray color scheme was too dull and monotonous. Similar to the recommendations they gave the Kentucky Fried Chicken on Castro Valley Boulevard, the MAC suggested using stone of wood for accent features to break up the stucco wants.

  The designer is going to bring back new color samples at an upcoming meeting, which will be the third time the McDonald’s project will be before the MAC. The MAC is known for being exacting when it comes to fast food design in town.

  “This will be visit number three and I think we’ve gone three of four in the past to get these right,” said MAC Chair Marc Crawford.

Martin Luther King Day Rally on Monday

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-16-19

  This year’s Martin Luther King Day celebration and march will be held in Hayward starting at 9:30 a.m. this coming Monday, Jan. 21, at City Hall Plaza, 777 B Street.

  A community of local congregations — the South Hayward Parish — sponsors this annual event. The Parish runs food distribution, shelter, civic engagement and referral programs, and has advocated on issues of poverty and social justice in Hayward for more than 50 years.

  The theme of this year’s event is “Lack of Shelter – Homes for Everyone.” 

  Dr. King, a tireless advocate for fair housing, initiated the Chicago Open Housing Movement in 1966 which laid the groundwork for the country’s Fair Housing Act. The 1968 act outlaws discrimination in renting or selling homes based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status.

  But today, because of increasing housing costs and the steady gentrification in local communities, thousands are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

  Monday’s rally will include music, readings from Dr. King, and a talk by Hayward City Council Member Sara Lamnin on the topic “Housing Hayward - moving beyond soup and sandwiches.”

  Lamnin is a past president of South Hayward Parish and a member of Congregation Shir Ami of Castro Valley. She has directed programs aimed at mitigating economic hardships affecting mainly homeless members of the community.

  After the rally at City Hall Plaza, participants will march along the main streets of downtown Hayward. The event will conclude with closing remarks after the march at about 11:30. All are welcome at this event.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE TEE

Stormy

Weather

The first big winter storm of the year hit Castro Valley on Saturday bringing heavy rains and wind gusts up to 45 miles an hour, snapping tree limbs, causing minor flooding and flight delays. After a dry Monday, the rain and strong winds returned Tuesday. By noon yesterday, rainfall totals in Castro Valley had reached 6.45 inches, less than a half inch below normal. A wind advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. Several feet of snow have piled up in the Sierra. Interstate 80 from Colfax to the Nevada state line was closed Sunday afternoon due to zero visibility.

Stay ‘Alert’ With County Notifications

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-09-19

  In an emergency, seconds count and knowing what and where events are happening can help protect your family.

  So, the Office of Emergency Services with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents they can sign up to “opt into” the Alameda County “AC Alert” System to receive mass notification messages on fires, earthquake, floods and other emergency incidents in the county and nearby cities.

  The alert system has been active since 2016, but Emergency Manager Paul Hess said a recent tour of Castro Valley’s border along Lake Chabot Regional Park as well as the devastating fires and flooding in California prompted the agency to get the word out about how residents could get alerts sent to their cell phones or computers.

  “In mid-December, I spoke to County Supervisor Nate Miley’s agriculture committee meeting and they asked if we could help facilitate getting the word out on how residents could sign up,” Hess told the Castro Valley Forum. “They were concerned that a fast-moving fire could travel rapidly into the community and cause severe damage and injuries. We believe that having people sign up for these alerts can help save lives and lessen property damage.”

  AC Alert is the Mass Notification System used by City and County agencies throughout the East Bay. By signing up, you can receive notifications via phone calls, text messaging,

e-mail and more based on locations you care about. You can choose to receive notifications about events that may affect your home, workplace, family’s schools.

  For example, if you live in Castro Valley but work in Oakland and the kids go to soccer in Dublin, you can sign up for all three cities and get alerts in case of emergency including a massive fire, red flag warning, shelter in place, PG&E shutoff, flooding, hazmat, earthquake and post-earthquake safety information.

  “We want to make it simple for people to enter in your information and be connected with your family in an emergency,” Hess said.

  The alert software is supplied by outside software vendor Everbridge and its Nixle mass notification application. The program is funded by a federal grant related to national security. Hess said the AC Alert program is more customizable than say the Presidential notification system that was tested back in October 2018.

  “If you have an alert that covers multiple cities, you don’t have to worry about reading the same information again and again,” Hess said. “The application will know that you saw the alert once and stop sending further alerts with the same message unless something changes.”

  Additionally, each city in Alameda County has additional notifications for things like traffic updates, police advisories, public safety alerts, or public events.

  To register to get emergency messages, go to www.acalert.org.

Pot Sales Flourishing at Local Dispensaries

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-09-19

  Business has been good at the two nearby pot dispensaries in Ashland and Cherryland since recreational cannabis use became legal a year ago.

  There’s been no shortage of customers at either, but issues including heavy taxation and a thriving black market have complicated sales statewide.

  “The support from the community in this first year of recreational cannabis sales has been tremendous,” said Nick Rose of Garden of Eden on Foothill Blvd. in Cherryland. “People have been coming from all over the Bay Area to see our newly remodeled storefront and many of them are trying cannabis for the first time.

  Over at We Are Hemp in Ashland, Jaime Arevado said sales were great in 2018. “There has obviously been an increase in interest and there have been a lot of first-timers. We’ve seen a lot of people willing to come in and try cannabis now that it is seen as ‘legit,’ whereas they may have been scared before. It’s definitely been very busy this year.”

  Arevado added that about 40 to 50 percent of their customers still come in with valid medical marijuana permits because We Are Hemp offers a 10 percent discount for medical clients.

  While business is booming in the unincorporated area, statewide tax revenue from sales were below projections and the black market continues to thrive, undercutting legitimate dispensaries with lower prices.

  At the beginning of 2018, Governor Jerry Brown predicted $630 million in tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales, but as of November only $234 million in taxes had come in.

  At the end of December, the average price of regulated cannabis in California was $1,183 a pound. According to the most recent official estimates, the state was producing about 15.5 million pounds of marijuana and consuming just 2.5 million pounds. The surplus was smuggled to eastern states where it was selling for as much as three times more.

  People are still willing to buy illegally because the legal stuff is taxed so heavily, including a 15 percent state tax on top of city and county taxes which can reach up to 60 percent in some jurisdictions. Additionally, the wholesale price of pot has dropped, so profit margins are slimmer.

  Earlier this year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) held a special summit on marijuana traffic safety, specifically

see POT on page 15

 the increase in DUIs that law enforcement has seen since legalization of pot.

  The CHP estimated that the Bay Area will experience a 70 percent increase in pot DUI arrests in 2018 over the previous year when recreation use wasn’t yet legal.

  Complicating matters, there is no breathalyzer equivalent to measure marijuana intoxication like there is for drivers suspected of being drunk. So there’s no “legal limit” on marijuana intoxication like the .08 blood alcohol threshold

  For now, officers must use their observation skills during field sobriety tests and find probable cause for an arrest. At the station, an officer with specific training as a “drug recognition expert” can request a blood test which can determine levels of THC present.

  Recently, the Golden Gate CHP released their figures for DUIs for the Christmas period. The CHP arrested 157 people for DUIs, up from 144 from the same period last year. The campaign was dedicated to CHP Officer Andrew Camilleri, who was killed on I-880 in Hayward on Christmas Eve 2017 by a driver who was suspected of being under the influence of both alcohol and cannabis.

  “Impairment of any kind while driving is illegal. Alcohol, cannabis, or legal or illegal drugs can all affect your driving,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley in a written statement.“Impaired driving is a serious crime that can lead to an arrest, serious injury, or death.”

  The CHP also reports that pot-related DUIs were on the increase in the Castro Valley/San Leandro/San Lorenzo area even before legalization

  In 2017, there were 441 DUI arrests by the CHP in the Eden Area and 34 were from drivers with just drugs in their system, with no alcohol aspect – that number was nearly doubled from 2016.

CAPTION:  Garden of Eden in Cherryland, which is open 365 days a year, says it has about a thousand customers a day.

FILE PHOTO

The Year That Was

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-02-19

   January

After the East Bay’s driest December in history, the weatherman finally had good news on Jan. 1, forecasting showers later in that first week of the New Year.

  The drought-like conditions during 2017 had taken a heavy toll in the North Bay Area, creating what was then the worst fire season on record in the state. That record, we would come to find out, would be broken a few months later in Butte and Ventura counties.

  Eden Medical Center, which had just marked its fifth anniversary, reported it had treated more than a quarter of a million patients and delivered 5,842 babies since it opened. The first baby on New Year’s Day 2018 was Prince Abraham McElligott who arrived at 2:11 a.m., the son of Edlyn Rodriguez and Reuben McElligott.

  New Year’s Day was the first day for legal recreational marijuana sales in California and the two nearby cannabis shops were open for business. We Are Hemp on East Lewelling Boulevard in Ashland and Garden of Eden on Foothill Boulevard in Cherryland had big crowds of customers all day. “We are extremely busy right now,” a woman at Garden of Eden told the Forum by phone. “It’s chaotic.”

  The California Highway Patrol said DUI arrests were up 22 percent statewide over the three-day New Year’s holiday with officers arresting 936 people statewide who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.

  On Jan. 19, the first ten of BART’s new train cars went into service, promising a quieter and more comfortable ride.

  The following day, hundreds of women and men marched from Castro Valley to join a rally of around 50,000 people at the Alameda County Court House followed by a march in support of women’s rights and against the Trump administration.

  During the last week of January, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley held his first live-streamed “State of the District” speech in which he declared Alameda County was “in good health financially.”

    February

Traders Sporting Goods, a longtime, family-owned sporting goods store that specialized in gun safes, ammunition, and supplies for hunting and fishing, announced it was shutting its doors for good after 60 years in the community.

  Andrew Stanciulescu, a senior at Redwood Christian High School, was winner of the 2018 Castro Valley Rotary Club Speech Contest held on Feb. 20.

  Planetary Scientist Dr. Pascal Lee, internationally recognized for his study of Mars, attracted a standing-room-only crowd at the Center for the Arts for his speech, “Mission: Mars—Toward the First Human Journey to the Red Planet.”       

    March

   Retired longtime Alameda County Sheriff Charles Plummer passed away peacefully at his home on March 4, at the age of 87.

  The Castro Valley Sanitary District’s proposal that homeowners pay for repairs to the lateral (sewer) lines which extend from their homes to the larger municipal pipes was soundly criticized by the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council. CVSan said the issue isn’t sewer water getting out, but rather rain water getting in and overwhelming the system.

  Becca Savery of Hayward was crowned Miss Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo Queen on March 17 at the annual rodeo kick-off dinner and queen coronation.

  Congratulations were in order for the Castro Valley Varsity Competition Cheer Team, under the direction of Coach Eileen Drury, for advancing to the finals at the USA Nationals and bringing home a 3rd Place trophy.

  Hundreds of Castro Valley activists including students, parents and teachers, joined a massive rally against gun-violence at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza on March 24.

  Winda Shimizu of Castro Valley was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to culture and art., at a luncheon and awards ceremony on March 24 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland.

    April

More than 200 worshipers gathered at the Nike Missile Site above Lake Chabot in Castro Valley on a brisk April 1 morning for the annual Easter Sunrise Service.

  Redwood Road at mile marker 7.38 reopened after being closed for more than a year by the onslaught of heavy 2017 winter rains which caused a large section to slip away.

  The Italian-American Buon Tempo Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a big dinner on the first Saturday in April. The club has a long history of philanthropy including an annual open bocce tournament and dinner fundraisers to support the George Mark House, a children’s hospice in San Leandro.

  Castro Valley “Street Eats” and the Food Truck Mafia returned for the 2018 summer season on April 10 at the Adobe Art Center.

  The Castro Valley MAC heard preliminary plans by First Presbyterian Church to build six “tiny homes” on its parking lot next to Trader Joe’s for homeless people.

  Palomares Elementary school celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday, April 14th, 150-years ago to the day that Palomares opened at the mouth of Eden Canyon. The school hosted a community celebration with more than 400 past and present students, staff, community members and distinguished guests attending.

  Two Castro Valley teachers, Krista Samboy and Kelly Abbott, were honored on April 19 for their extra efforts in the classroom by the Crow Canyon Masonic Lodge.

  The Student Citizens of 2018 from Castro Valley and Eden Area schools were honored on April 26 in ceremonies at Redwood Canyon.

    May

     Although the winter hadn’t been very rainy, EBMUD reported that its water supply was in good shape with its the reservoir system at 109 percent of average and 89 percent of capacity.

  There was singing, rapping, dancing, sketches, light-saber battles, and dancing avocados, but in the end only one Senior would be crowned “Mr. CV 2018” at the annual Castro Valley High School event. The coveted title went to Senior Class President Peter Mania, who performed a comedy sketch with a fellow senior under the moniker of the “Avo-Ca-Dudes.”

  The 2018 Rotary Club’s Annual Chili Cook-Off winner was Meals on Wheels, with second place going to Castro Valley Independent Sports League.

  At the next day’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade, Payton Gilliam and her Horse “Dog” won the Dale Yearian Memorial Equestrian Sweepstakes.

  Cheering fans at the 98th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo saw the rodeo close on May 20 with a 16.92 (seconds) ride by 2017 World Champion cowgirl Nellie Miller on her barrel horse of the year, “Sister,” to take home the prize money.

  Memorial services for the 24th anniversary of the loss of Jenny Lin were held on Friday, May 25, at the Castro Valley Library, followed by a candlelight walk in downtown Castro Valley to raise awareness of child safety and to honor the slain music student.

    June

  Just a quarter of Alameda County’s registered voters turned out for the June 5th California Primary Election which resulted in re-electionwins for State Sen. Wieckowski, District Attorney O’Malley and Sheriff Ahern.

  Nearly 700 Castro Valley High School graduates were honored at the June 7 commencement ceremony, which hosted a standing-room-only crowd in the football stadium.

  Longtime community champion Ken Martin died on June 11 after an illness that left him wheelchair-bound in his later years. Martin, a member of several Italian-American clubs including Buon Tempo in Castro Valley, was instrumental in bringing bocce to the Adobe Park.

  The Alameda County Fair opened Friday, June 15, with a second annual cattle drive through downtown Pleasanton. More than 423,000 attended the fair during its 18-day run.

  Castro Valley Rotarian Gary Bosley was named “Rotarian of the Year” at the club’s annual banquet on June 19 at Rowell Ranch. 

  Several activist groups joined together in Castro Valley on Saturday, June 23, to protest the Administration’s practice of separating immigrant children from their parents.

    July

  Northern California’s rainy season officially ended with Castro Valley precipitation totals measuring four inches below normal and less than half of what they were on July 1, 2017.

  Castro Valley Pride was back for its 8th annual celebration on Saturday, July 14, at Castro Valley High School, with a lineup of entertainers, speakers, food trucks and more than 70 vendors and community groups.

  After 20 years of hosting classic Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, Camaros, and Woody Wagons, the Redwood Chapel Car Show rallied its final event on Saturday, July 14. Jerry Gamez, who started the show back in 1998, credited the nearly 100 volunteers who kept the show’s engine running smoothly.

  Around 275 people, 90 of them First Responders, attended the 19th annual Castro Valley “Night of Honor” hosted by Redwood Chapel on July 30. 

    August

  CVSan held its 2018 recycles day, collecting tons of hazardous and e-waste, on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Canyon Middle School.

  This year’s Relay for Life, a combined effort of the Castro Valley, San Leandro, Hayward and San Lorenzo organizations, raised more than $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. Close to 1,000 people participated in the 24-hour event, held at the Alden E. Oliver Sports Park in Hayward.

  Due to extreme fire conditions, Cal Fire has banned all outdoor burning in early August in all East Bay Regional Parks and all other areas of state responsibility in Alameda County.

  Castro Valley residents were invited to take a look at the downtown’s past and future on Aug. 9, when the old Daughtrey’s building offered tours and presentations on its upcoming renovation as the Castro Valley Marketplace with expectations of bringing new life to the downtown area.

  Dozens of Castro Valley residents took a short hike up Ten Hills Trail off Redwood Road on Aug.13 to discuss fire danger along the valley’s many parkland areas with representatives from Cal Fire, East Bay Regional Parks District, the Alameda County Fire Department, East Bay Municipal Utility District and Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) participated.

  A reminder of decades past in Castro Valley returned on Saturday night, Aug. 25, when hundreds of drivers hit the Boulevard from Stanton Ave. to Norbridge in their classic and exotic cars in a sort of salute to “American Graffiti.”

  Nearly 9,200 students returned or started classes in Castro Valley’s public schools in August. Another 215 students enrolled at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School and 700 students began attending Redwood Christian Schools.

    September

  More than 5,600 visitors turned out to enjoy Labor Day at Lake Chabot Regional Park, hiking, boating, fishing, relaxing and, of course, cooking and eating. The weather was perfect for the late summer season.

  Throngs of people came to Castro Valley over the weekend of Sept. 8-9 to enjoy the 46th Annual Fall Festival, the food and the free musical entertainment.

  The Buon Tempo Club hosted its 10th Annual Big Salame Bocce Tournament at Adobe Park on Sept. 15, renaming it the Ken Martin Memorial Big Salame Shoot Bocce Tournament in memory of its founder, the late Ken Martin. 

  VFW Post 9601 held a Patriot Day remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11 at the Castro Valley Community Center’s Veterans Memorial.

  Hundreds of residents turned out Friday, Sept. 21, for the 26th Annual Cop Shop BBQ hosted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at First Presbyterian Church. The popular annual event helps pay the rent for the Sheriff’s community policing satellite office in Ashland as well as many other community programs. 

    October

  BART’s Board of Directors voted to crack down on fare evaders by hiring 10 additional inspectors to increase police presence on-board trains and platforms, and help send a message to customers that everyone must pay to ride the trains.

  A new drumline program was launched by the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League for young people ages 12 to 21 called the “Rhythm Cadets” that emphasizes teamwork, commitment and leadership.

  Officials from the Castro Valley and Oro Loma sanitary districts broke ground for a new $19-million state-of-the-art treatment plant in San Lorenzo to improve water quality and the health of the bay.

  Fans of the printed page turned out Oct. 27 to celebrate Castro Valley Library’s 100th birthday, with cake, ice cream and entertainment sponsored by Friends of Castro Valley Library, a volunteer organization that raises money to support Library endeavors.

    November

  The General Election on Nov. 6 brought out about two-thirds of Alameda County’s registered voters, with incumbents winning most of the contested races. 

  Firefighters from all over the Bay Area have been dispatched to the devastating wildfires that burned in Northern and Southern California, including personnel from Fire Station 25 in Castro Valley, who were sent to the Woolsey Fire in Ventura County.

  Alameda County firefighters were able to quickly contain a grass fire along Cull Canyon Road in CV on Oct. 10 that briefly threatened several homes — a reminder of the local high fire danger.

  Protesters filled all four corners of the intersection of Castro Valley Blvd. and Redwood Road on Nov. 8 in response to President Trump’s ouster of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, fearing that replacement Matthew Whitaker would derail the Mueller investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 election.

  As firefighters and sheriff’s officers from Alameda County continued to provide mutual aid in the deadly wildfires that were plaguing the state, a dirty, smoky haze shrouded Castro Valley and nearly all of the Bay Area, closing schools and canceling the already-postponed Christmas Light Parade as well as most other outdoor events.

  Meantime, stacks of donated food and household supplies from Castro Valley residents were loaded into cars and onto trucks for delivery to fire victims who were living in shelters in Butte County.

  On Nov. 19, the Hayward Area Historical Society announced that it was putting it showplace building — The Museum of History and Culture on Foothill Blvd. — up for sale as part of a financial restructuring.

  More than 500 people were on hand for the Nov. 24th Grand Opening of the Bruce D. Johnson Gymnasium on the Redwood Christian Schools campus in San Lorenzo.

    December

  The Castro Valley Christmas Tree Farm on Redwood Road was a busy place as cars lined up to enter and cut fresh trees for the holidays.

  Rabbi Shimon Gruzman of the Chabad of Castro Valley and Congressman Eric Swalwell greeted celebrants at a large Menorah set up on the Boulevard near Castro Valley Creek on the first night of Hanukkah. About 80 people turned out for the service.

  Santa Claus and his helpers arrived at the Adult School by fire engine, with sirens blaring and lights flashing, as the Rotary Club of Castro Valley hosted its annual Children’s Chistmas Party for kids and families living in local shelters.

Three Escape CV House Fire

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-02-19

Three people including an 18-month-old girl have been displaced, and two dogs were killed by a house fire that broke out on the 18400 block of Milmar Boulevard in Castro Valley early Saturday morning.

Firefighters responded to the home shortly before 6 a.m. and saw smoke and flames coming from the first-floor windows of the two-story home.

By the time emergency responders were at the scene, the  residents – an adult man and woman and the toddler – had already evacuated on their own.

The man suffered second degree burns while trying to extinguish the fire with a garden hose before help arrived, according to the Alameda County Fire Department. He was taken to the hospital and treated and released.

The family’s two dogs died in the blaze.

The fire is thought to have been caused by a space heater which was left on overnight and placed too close to a couch which caught fire.

The fire department says the home’s first floor was destroyed and the second floor has significant damage from smoke.

The fire was contained to the home and was put out within 20 minutes, officials said.

The Red Cross’s top tips for home fire safety are:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially inside bedrooms

• Test smoke alarms every month and if they aren’t working, change the batteries.

• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

• If a fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out and call for help. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

A New Year, A New You!

By Linette Escobar

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-02-19

According to an article in Forbes magazine, about half of Americans make a New Year’s resolution, but only 8% succeed. 

One way to make your resolution a reality is to take a class at Castro Valley Adult & Career Education.  You not only get a supportive group and teacher, you also instantly have a scheduled commitment to help keep you on track. No matter what your resolution, they’ve got a class for you.

Do You Want to Explore a New Hobby and Meet New People?

A community interest class is a great way to meet people and have fun.  Release your inner artist with a silk screening, collage, birding, or photography class. 

If your creativity is in the kitchen, there is a new batch of cooking classes including truffles, homemade yogurt and cake decorating. 

You can also delve deep into your psyche with classes in dream interpretation and understanding personality through storytelling. 

Do you want to keep your mind sharp? Castro Valley Adult & Career Education’s Italian and Spanish teachers create a fun group atmosphere that will delight your inner armchair traveler or get ready for that summer trip.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

While Castro Valley Adult School can’t promise you millions, it can help you get your finances in order.  Have you ever wanted to sit down with a CEO? Dev Mahadevan former CFO and CEO of both Eden Hospital and Kaiser Permanente returns with his popular 3 session “Taking Control of Your Finances” class.

Are you ready to work on estate and trust planning? James Phillips teaches a one day class and is a certified specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law. Both classes offer a cost effective way of working with a pro and getting going on that plan you’ve been “meaning to do.” 

Who doesn’t want to be happier?

If you find yourself so busy there is no time to relax, give yourself the gift of an hour a week in “Meditation for Busy People.” There’s also a new class, “Finding Your Joy” by Victoria O’Kane, the author of Journey to Joy: 13 Steps to Heal Your Self Esteem to help you create more joy and self-confidence in your life.   

And, of course, healthier?

Do you catch every cold or flu in town? Take “Boost Your Immune Defenses” with nutritionist Susan Blanc. Commit to exercise with a pilates, Zumba, Qigong, or yoga class. For those with limited mobility there is “Nice and Easy Movement” class and chair yoga, too.

Whatever your New Year’s resolution, Castro Valley Adult & Career Education has a class. Visit their website at www.cvadult.org or call 510-886-1000.

Linette Escobar is Marketing Director for Castro Valley Adult & Career Education.

Veteran Turns Memories to Art

By Jim Knowles

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-26-18

  Jim Hardy had a recurring dream where he was trying to run in the sand and his legs kept getting bogged down.

  One day, the former combat photographer was scanning negatives from pictures that he had never printed. An image appeared on the screen of the picture he took in Vietnam from a Huey helicopter firing rockets.

  “It came back to me right then,” Hardy said. “That’s what my dream was about.”

  The memory came back after 50 years. Hardy said he remembers the pilot flying low behind the sand dunes along a beach, so the dunes would block the sound of the chopper. And then the helicopter rose up over the dunes and people started running. The chopper, along with another Huey, let go a volley of rockets.

  “I said I think they’re farmers,” Hardy recalled. “But the pilot turned around and said, ‘No, those are Viet Cong.’ That’s what I was dreaming. I was one of the people running from the helicopter.”

  Hardy and a few other artists were on hand last Friday at the Veterans Memorial Building on Bancroft Avenue in San Leandro for a luncheon for the Veterans Art Project, hosted by the Alameda County Arts Commission and the Oakland Veterans Center.

  Hardy’s sketches and photos are on display at the Concord Veterans Center, but he made copies that he had on display at Friday’s luncheon. But the first thing to catch your eye is his carvings of soldiers in Vietnam.

  After the war, Hardy decided his art degree wasn’t going to get him a job, so he learned to weld. After work he wanted to do something else, so he started carving balsa wood.

see VETERAN on page 3

  He used his photos to make the carvings, so they aren’t just generic soldiers, each is a specific person, and all his drawings are signed by the subject of the drawing.

  “I didn’t want to put my name on it – I thought their name should be on it, so I asked them to sign the drawing,” Hardy said.

  The carvings have great detail – the radio operator, the medic, the guy with the grenade launcher. And one is of Hardy himself, with his camera hanging from a shoulder.

  A couple of the carvings got knocked over and broken when on display with the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. 

  “The park ranger kept apologizing,” Hardy said. “I said, ‘No problem. These are grunts. I’ll just patch ’em up and send ’em back out.’”

  Another artist at the luncheon, Ehren Tool, works with pottery and displayed his cups. Tool works in the art department at UC Berkeley and is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

  Another veteran, Sal Castaneda, said he resumed working in film and cinematography after 50 years because of the Veterans Art Project.

  “Art can tell a very complicated story in a simple way,” Castanada said.

David Joseph, director of the Oakland Veterans Center, emceed the luncheon and thanked numerous people who contribute to helping veterans, from Dorothy Salmon and the Pathway Home for donating furniture to a woman who helps vets file their claims to the yoga instructor, who got in a word for his class.

  “Don’t think hippie yoga, or yoga pants, it’s just bettering ourselves,” he said.

  Art is part of healing from PTSD, said Violet Juno, the county Arts Commission coordinator.

Juno said one of the veterans told her, “It’s better to make art than talk about it.”

One figure stands out in Hardy’s carvings, a bespectacled fellow with a bow tie, overcoat and a Panama hat with big, boxy camera on a tripod.

  “That’s Matthew Brady,” Hardy said. “So you have a combat photographer from the 1860s and a combat photographer from the 1960s.”

CAPTION: Veteran Jim Hardy made many carvings of soldiers in Vietnam, including this one of himself.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

Butterfly Mural to Protest Separated Kids

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-26-18

   A classroom of Hayward High Art Students are assisting their teacher,  Award-winning East Bay Artist Andrew Kong Knight, on a portable mural featuring 13 soaring monarch butterflies on wooden panels, which represent the 140 kids still separated from their parents living in detention camps. The butterflies will be permanently placed on a 50 foot sound  wall on West Tennyson and Patrick Ave. 

in South Hayward later this month.

Bridge Tolls Going Up On January 1

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-26-18

  The cost of commuting for many East Bay motorists will take a jump next Tuesday.

  For the first time since 2010, tolls will increase on the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges on New Year’s Day. These include the first of the $1 toll increases confirmed by voters last June. 

  Additional $1 increases will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and on Jan. 1, 2025.

  At the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, regular tolls for two-axle cars and trucks will climb to $7 from the current $6 on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

  During weekday off-peak hours from 12 midnight to 5 a.m., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to midnight, Bay Bridge tolls will rise from $4 to $5; and on Saturdays and Sundays, Bay Bridge tolls will increase to $6 from the current $5. 

  Regular tolls at the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges will rise to $6 from the current $5 on Jan. 1, 2019.

  Tolls for vehicles with three or more axles also will rise by $1 on Jan. 1 at all seven of the state-owned toll bridges: to $16 for three axles, $21 for four-axles, $26 for five axles, $31 for six axles, and $36 for combinations with seven or more axles.

  Peak-period toll discount continue for motorcycles, carpools and qualifying clean-air vehicles crossing any of the state-owned toll bridges on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., but the discounted toll will increase to $3 on Jan. 1 from the current $2.50.

  To qualify for this discount, carpoolers, motorcyclists and drivers of qualifying clean-air vehicles must use FasTrak to pay their tolls electronically and must use a designated carpool lane at each toll plaza.

  A 50-cent toll discount for two-axle vehicles crossing more than one of the state-owned toll bridges during weekday commute hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. has been established. To be eligible for the toll discount, which is to be applied to the second toll crossing of the day, motorists must pay their tolls electronically with FasTrak.

  Carpools, motorcycles and qualifying clean-air vehicles making a second peak-period toll crossing in a single day will qualify for an additional 25-cent discount off the already-discounted carpool toll. The two-bridge discount will not be available to drivers who use cash to pay their tolls.

  Tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge, which went up by 25 cents across the board last July, are administered by a separate district.

  New FasTrak customers can obtain toll tags at hundreds of Walgreens and Costco stores around the Bay Area.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-19-18

 Santa Claus and his helpers arrive at the Adult School by fire engine — sirens blaring and lights flashing —as the The Rotary Club of Castro Valley hosted its annual Children’s Christmas Party for kids and families living in local shelters. More than a  hundred children and adults attended the Dec.11 event where each child received a personal gift and a word of encouragement from Santa.   Dinner was prepared and served by Rotary members Cliff Sherwood, Randy Vanderbilt, Stephen Gray and Dan Willits, and members of the Castro Valley Sanitary District. The party was chaired by Rotarian Mark Poniatowski with help from others in the club and the community. Gifts were provided by the local California Highway Patrol Toy Collection Program and wrapped by student members of the Redwood Christian High School InterAct Club.

PHOTOS BY CV ROTARY CLUB

$10 Million Plan to Assist Homeless OK’d

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-19-18

   The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has approved a three-year “homelessness action plan” for Castro Valley and other unincorporated areas, including San Lorenzo, Cherryland and Ashland.

   The plan would include dedicated parking sites for people living in their cars, the construction of tiny homes, a mobile hygiene unit, two winter shelters, a downtown street litter team, and more.

   The $10.5-million plan begins in January on services for the estimated 440 homeless people living in the unincorporated area, said Chris Bazar, director of the county’s community development agency at a Board of Supervisors meeting last week.

   The plan’s basic goal is to meet immediate needs of the homeless by linking them to services including temporary shelter, food, and showers. The overall goal is to reduce the number of people living on the streets, Bazar said.

   For every homeless person seen on the street, many more are living in the creeks and in hidden encampments according to data from both the county public works and sheriff’s offices. The homeless population has increased in Alameda County by nearly 40 percent just since

   According to data from both the county public works and sheriff’s offices, for every homeless person you see on the street, there are many more living in the creeks and in hidden encampments, Bazar said. The county says the homeless population has increased by nearly 40 percent in the past three years.

   Last January, the county mapped out these encampments where up to 15 people live together on a semipermanent basis. Many are located along the San Lorenzo Creek. There’s one at Cull Canyon in Castro Valley and another by the railroad tracks on Springlake Drive.

   One of the first steps of the new action plan will be to contact the residents of the encampments and determine how to best help them, county officials said.

The biggest cost identified so far is $1.2-million to establish three to five safe parking sites where people living in their cars can park overnight. There would be access to restrooms and outreach workers at each site, but locations have not yet been decided.

    The county estimates that around 50 people are living in their cars in the unincorporated area on any given night.

   The plan also includes $310,000 in funding earmarked for the “tiny home” project in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot at 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley.

see PLAN on page 6

   That project came one step closer to becoming a reality last week after over a year of consideration when the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council gave its approval for a conditional use permit to operate in the church’s parking lot.

   The tiny home plan will now go to the county Board of Zoning Adjustments next month and to County Supervisors in February, with the hope of starting to accept applications from prospective tenants in March, according to Chizu Buckalew, the church’s community development director.

   Other proposed projects for the county’s unincorporated homeless plan include $460,000 for a mobile hygiene unit – a mobile home with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

Over $310,000 has been earmarked for the creation of a “downtown streets team” of homeless people who would be hired to clean up litter and debris in the western unincorporated county.

   The county will also spend $718,000 to convert two existing winter warming centers into winter shelters, plus $380,000 for 25-bed shelter for men. There is no current men’s shelter it the unincorporated area.

CAPTION: BIG IDEA: Tom Flemming, who was long bothered by the plight of the homeless, with one of the “tiny houses” he built last year in his Hayward back yard.

FILE PHOTO BY BRUCE ROBERTS

Record Holiday Travel

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-19-18

   The busiest holiday travel season in state history begins this Saturday with AAA predicting that more than 12 million Californians will hit the road during what for many will be a four-day weekend.   

   “There will be almost 700,000 more Californians traveling in 2018 compared with last year, which was the state’s previous record forecast, says Michael Blasky of Triple-A.

   INRIX, a global mobility analytics company, expects drivers will experience the greatest amount of congestion starting today – as commuters and holiday travelers mix on the busiest roadways. Tomorrow, Dec. 20, will be the nation’s worst day to travel.

   In addition, more than 1.5 million Californians will take flight, up about 5.5 percent from last year. Expect all major airports to be extremely busy — this is AAA’s highest projected air travel since 2003.

That’s

A WRAP

Some of the dozens of presents to be given out at this week at the Castro Valley Rotary Club’s annual Christmas party for children from local shelters. Helping with the wrapping were student members of the InterAct Club at Redwood Christian High School, shown above with Club Adviser Erin McGrath (far left), and CV Rotarians Rita Sablan (fourth from left) and RCHS Superintendent Emeritus Bruce D. Johnson (far right). Packages were donated by people to the California Highway Patrol and coordinated by CV Rotarian Ceta Dochterman, shown at right, surrounded by CHP officers.

MAC OK’s Permit for Tiny Homes

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-12-18

  There were cheers from the standing-room-only crowd at Monday night’s Castro Valley Municipal Advisory (MAC) meeting when the council voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit which will eventually allow the construction of six “tiny homes” for the homeless.

  After over a year of consideration and fighting through red tape at the county and state levels, the tiny homes came one step closer to being built in the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward at 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley.

  The plan will now go to the County Board of Zoning Adjustments in January and the Board of Supervisors in February, with the hope of starting to accept applications from prospective tenants in March, according to Chizu Buckalew, the church’s community development director.

  Speaker after speaker told the MAC of their support for the project, which many said is needed now more than ever, as the affordable housing crisis continues.

  “I don’t remember homeless people in Castro Valley 50 years ago,” said speaker Bruce Campbell who has lived in town for that long. “I have a personal friend who lived with his mother, she passed away, he now has no place to live. He can’t find a job because he has no address. A program like this will give these people a footing so they can get a start. It’s not a handout, it’s just a place to start.”

  Other speakers expressed worry that housing the homeless would lead to more transients loitering in the area, crowded parking in the church’s lot, and other issues.

  Buckalew said that her fellow staff members at the church would make every effort to make the tiny homes a win-win for the community.

  “We have been working on making this a project all of us can get behind,” said Buckalew. “As we’ve gone though this process we’ll have  good time talking to neighbors, we’ve had a lot of positive feedback. We don’t tolerate disruptive behavior.”

  Buckalew said one of the tenants will be a live-in advisor and won’t allow the others to be disruptive. Among the prohibited behaviors are drug use, playing loud music, and keeping a messy home.

  MAC member Ken Carbone congratulated the church on coming up with a viable tiny home community, which involved everything from sewer set-ups, to electricity, to studying mobile home regulations.

  “It’s tough to be a forward thinker,” said Carbone. “I do hope that this is successful. You’ve got to think on the positive side.”

  MAC Chair Marc Crawford agreed.

  “This has a been a long road,” he said.

  New MAC Members

Also at the MAC meeting, the council welcomed two new members for their first meeting ­— Shannon Killebrew and Dolly Adams.

  Marketplace Update

 And MAC member Ted Riche gave a brief update on the CastroValley Marketplace, saying there have been slight delays at the old Daughtrey’s site due to contract issues with prospective tenants.

  “They are running just a little but behind,” said Riche, who spoke with the developer that morning. “They are looking to open in May or June instead of April.”

  Utility Box Art

  The MAC also heard plans to decorate 40 utility boxes around town with art from local artists. The cost would be $116,840 (just under $3,000 per box). The MAC said they wanted to see drafts of the art before signing off on them.

  “The MAC has been supportive of this project since the beginning so long as the designs come back before the board for approval before they are etched in stone,” said Crawford.

  Alameda County Arts Commission Director Rachel Osajima said she’d be back  before the MAC around May with an update and installation should begin around June.

  The MAC approved the utility box project 6-1 with member Chuck Moore dissented. Moore said  nothing during this vote, but in the past he has been vocal about not spending money on art before other county projects are funded.

  Other Business

  The MAC also unanimously approved a plan to subdivide one parcel into two at 19183 Carlton Avenue.

  The MAC continued two land use proposals. The first was an application to subdivide two parcels into four lots on Ewing Road, the second was an application to allow a home on 1900 block of Lomita Drive to have no front set-back in an area where 20 feet is the current requirement and also to allowed a height of 30 feet, the current maximum.

Rain Brings Mushrooms but Watch Out as Many are Toxic

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-12-18

  Mushrooms pop up all over the Bay Area after the first fall rains and while they are ecologically important and often look beautiful, some of them contain dangerous toxins.

  The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and Western Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found growing locally during the rainy season. Both contain amatoxins.

  “Both the Death Cap and Western Destroying Angel grow near oak trees,” said East Bay Regional Park District Naturalist Trent Pearce, who documents the fungi in East Bay parks. “They can be lethal to both humans and pets if consumed.”

  In mammals, the liver and kidneys are typically the first organs affected after ingestion. Symptoms don’t usually appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to the liver and renal failure if treatment is not sought immediately.

  The Death Cap is a medium-to-large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem.

  Though the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly colonizing the West Coast. The Death Cap is not native to California.

  The Western Destroying Angel is a medium-to-large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that disappears with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring. It is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the death cap, it is a native California mushroom.

  “Collecting mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed,” said East Bay Regional Park District Public Information Supervisor Dave Mason. “The

see MUSHROOMS on back page

Park District urges the public to be safe and be knowledgeable about toxic mushrooms.”

  Both types of mushrooms can also be dangerous for pets.

   “Dog owners should keep a close watch on their dogs during the winter months,” said Mason. “Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet may have eaten a toxic mushroom.”

  While the Death Cap and Western Destroying Angel mushrooms are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly toxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota mushroom species, both which occur in the Bay Area as well.

  The public can learn more about the fungi of the East Bay Regional Parks at the annual Tilden Fungus Fair, Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Tilden Nature Area’s Environmental Education Center.

  For more information, visit www.bayareamushrooms.org

CAPTION: Death Cap mushrooms on the left and Western Destroying Angels on the right, two of the world’s most toxic fungi and both common to the Bay Area after rains.

You Better Watch Out... When Transporting that Tree

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-05-18

  The big Christmas challenge for many Castro Valley families this time of year isn’t selecting the right tree — it’s getting it safely from the tree lot to the house.

  “Although it may be an annual tradition, transporting a Christmas tree isn’t as easy as you think,” says Michael Blasky, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “Every year, drivers break the law and damage their cars by improperly securing their Christmas trees.”

  Vehicle damage, such as scratched paint, torn door seals and distorted window frames, from an improperly secured tree, could cost up to $1,500 to repair.

  In addition, trees that not properly secured are a safety hazard for other drivers.

  It’s best to transport a Christmas tree on top of a vehicle equipped with a roof rack, if you have one.

  Bring strong rope or nylon ratchet straps to secure the tree to your roof rack. Secure the tree at its bottom, center and top. Use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop around the trunk above a lower branch, to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-rear movement.

  Before you leave the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from various directions to make sure it is secured in place and will not blow away.

  If you don’t have a roof rack, use the bed of a pickup truck, or a van or minivan that can fit the tree inside with all doors closed.

  Always place the tree on a roof rack or in a pickup bed with the bottom of the trunk facing the front of the vehicle.

  Use an old blanket to prevent paint scratches and protect the vehicle finish.

  On the way home, avoid freeways and take city streets or back roads, if possible. Higway speeds create significant airflow that can damage your Christmas tree and challenge even the best tie-down methods.

  Drivers can face hefty fines and penalties as well as jail time if an unsecured tree falls off their vehicle.

  According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road debris – which includes improperly secured Christmas trees that fly off cars and land on the road or on other cars – was responsible for more than 200,000 crashes over the past four years.

CAPTION: The Daneshvar Family of Castro Valley on their first visit to the Christmas Tree Farm on Redwood Road Sunday afternoon. Watching daughter Lidia wield the saw are dad Daniel Daneshvar, mom Hajnalka Turan, and little sister Hannah. The choose-and-cut farm, which covers about 12 acres north of town, sells “a few thousand” trees each year, according to prize-winning grower Paul Illingworth who has owned the farm for 44 years. It is open from 9-5 on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, and 11-5 on Wednesday and Thursday,  closed Monday and Tuesday. Visit www.cvchristmastreefarm.com for more information.

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

Hanukkah on the Boulevard

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-05-18

The message OF LIGHT: Congressman Eric Swalwell greets celebrants on the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, then lights a candle on a large Menorah set up on the Boulevard near Castro Valley Creek. About 80 people turned out for the service, conducted by Rabbi Shimon Gruzman of the Chabad of Castro Valley. “The message of Hanukkah is the message of light,” said Rabbi Gruzman. “The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness.”

County Explains ‘Goofy’

Block-Long Bike Lane

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  12-05-18

  Sure, San Francisco may have the crookedest street in the world, but Castro Valley has its own roadway tourist attraction.

  Longtime Castro Valley resident Mary Valens recently noticed something odd on Sydney Way, the street where she’s lived for 40 years.

  “I was driving to the grocery store when I saw this teeny little bicycle route painted on the street,” she says. “It goes for one block and then it stops. It’s really goofy.”

  The bike route in question is indeed short — less than one-tenth of a mile. It runs between Dubin Court and Lake Chabot Road.

  “I’ve been trying for years to get the county to paint ‘25 MPH’ on the street to slow down the speeding cars,” adds Valens. “I was always told they couldn’t do it, yet they did paint that little bicycle route instead.”

  Rick Yeung of Alameda County’s Public Works Agency gives this explanation:

  “The Class III bike route signs and markings were put in with the pavement rehab project on Sydney Way. The pavement rehab only covers the short segment between Dubin Court to Lake Chabot Road. That’s the reason for the fairly short Class III bike route on Sydney Way.”

  According to the Caltrans website (www.dot.ca.gov), a Class III bike lane provides for shared use with pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic, typically on lower-volume roadways. Although the logic for creating a one-block bike lane in the first place remains unclear, Mary Valens sees an upside.

  “Maybe this will be our claim to fame,” she says. “We might have the shortest bike route in California, or at least Castro Valley.”

Hundreds Celebrate Grand Opening Of the

Bruce D. Johnson Gymnasium

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-28-18

  Energy and joy filled the Bruce D. Johnson Gymnasium at its Grand Opening in San Lorenzo on Saturday, where over a hundred student and alumni athletes competed in the 40th Annual Redwood Christian Schools Alumni Games.

  The newly completed 20,520-square-foot facility is on the campus of Redwood Christian’s middle and high schools at 1000 Paseo Grande.

  “Today is a day 49 years in the making,” RCS Superintendent Al Hearne told the more than 500 people who attended the afternoon ceremonies. “A day RCS has longed for since its founding in 1970.  We now have a home court for the Eagle Nation.”

  The crowd included members of the public, elected officials, students, alumni and their families, who heard speakers express their gratitude to the many contributors who helped to make the dream of building the gymnasium a reality.

  The other speakers included RCS Board Secretary Cathy Breslow, Superintendent Emeritus (and gym namesake) Bruce Johnson, and Athletic Director Jim Cleveland, all of whom credited community support in making the gymnasium a reality. Many RCS alumni used their professional skills to advise in the planning, construction, and finishing stages of the facility.

  The gymnasium was named after Redwood’s second superintendent, Bruce D. Johnson, by a unanimous vote of the Redwood Christian School Board. Johnson was honored for his 42 years of service to the school and was credited for the many roles he served at RCS. 

  Johnson gave special recognition for the support received since 1974 from 3Crosses Church and Redwood Chapel Community Church, both in Castro Valley, as well as the Castro Valley, Hayward, San Lorenzo, and San Leandro School Districts, Valley Christian School, and Chabot College, who opened their facilities for RCS’ use. 

  The new facility seats 600, provides team locker rooms, and features high definition scoreboards and a state-of-the-art sound system. 

  Also honored on Saturday was the school’s founding superintendent, Gus Enderlin.

  RCS currently has over 700 students. While the gym will be the most used facility on the campus in San Lorenzo, school officials said it would be shared by the community at large.

CAPTION: More than 500 people were on hand for Saturday’s Grand Opening of the Bruce D. Johnson Gymnasium on the Redwood Christian Schools campus in San Lorenzo.

PHOTO BY CATHY BRESLOW

MAC OK’s Redesign Of Park

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-28-18

  The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) gave lukewarm approval to the expansion and redesign of Fairmont Terrace Park, among other land-use decisions at their Monday night meeting.

  Plans to double the size of the park on Manchester Road have been in the works since 2012 and a series of public meeting were conducted by the Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) to see what kind of amenities people living in the surroundings neighborhoods might like.

  Plans were presented to the MAC to expand the park from 1.6 to 4.7 acres with a dog park, playground, picnic tables, trail connections, a basketball court, and a field of native grasses.

  “The community has long wanted to see the park upgraded and enlarged,” said Jeff Ferber of HARD.

  But MAC Chair Marc Crawford called the plans “inferior” and had misgivings about the amount of open space as well as how wastewater was being handled.

  Residents in the room were vocal in their support of the plan and, after much discussion, MAC member Dave Sadoff made a motion to approve it, which passed 3 to 2 with Crawford and Moore dissenting.

  “This to me is what the neighbors wanted,” said Sadoff. “It’s obvious what they wanted and it would be a disservice to not give it to them.”

  The MAC also continued a discussion of the Castro Valley General Plan, which was written in 2012 and now set to be implemented. At this week’s meeting, the focus was on residential zones and standards.

  The plan is available to read as www.cvgpimplementation.com. Once the MAC and the public offer feedback in the coming weeks, it will go to the county Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.

  The MAC also considered a permit from the KEY Academy to operated a charter school for up to 278 kindergarten through eighth grade students at a building in a residentially-zoned area at 16248 Carolyn Street, 100 feet north of Foothill Boulevard.

  Crawford said he wanted more like 240 students and no portable classrooms and school officials were concerned about a number of the conditions that the county wanted implemented, such as parking and sidewalk improvements. The item was continued to a future date and Crawford said he’d make a visit to the site.

  The MAC also approved an application to allowed a parcel to be split into two in a single-family residential zone at 4519 Heyer Avenue.

A Thanksgiving Story

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-28-18

  While many of us were enjoying a nice Thanksgiving meal in a warm, cozy house, two lifelong friends who are also local first responders, worked together in the darkness and driving rain to save a man’s life.

  Alameda County Sheriff’s Officer Erik Holm and Alameda County Fire Department Capt. Paul Mahar responded to a call regarding a man falling down a steep hill in the Columbia Development of Castro Valley.

  The man was located by the ping of his cell phone. Officer Holm made his way down the embankment in the rain and mud to find the man lying face down and unable to get up.  With the help of Capt. Mahar, they were able to rig the man up and pull him up the hill. He was then transported to the hospital.

  Later, following the rescue, Officer Holm joined his family in the home he grew up in, just up the hill from the incident for Thanksgiving dinner, showing up wet and muddy but thankful he was able to help the man.

  Both Officer Holm and Capt. Mahar were raised in Castro Valley and attended Vannoy, Canyon, and Castro Valley High schools. Their parents all graduated from Castro Valley High together in 1971. Both of their mothers were teachers in the Castro Valley School District.

  Officer Holm’s father is a physician at Eden Medical Center and his grandmother is Lucille Lorge, Castro Valley’s official historian. At age 88, she still lives in her Castro Valley home and continues to speak in many venues about Castro Valley history.

CAPTION: From left, Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputy Erik Holm and Alameda County Fire Department Captain Paul Mahar following Thursday night’s rescue in Castro Valley.

Overnight Rainstorm Expected to Bring Relief from Noxious Smoke

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-21-18

  Firefighters and sheriff’s officers from Alameda County are continuing to provide mutual aid in the deadly wildfires that are plaguing the state.

  The Camp Fire in Butte County is the deadliest fire in California history with a death toll of 77, a number that is expected to rise as more than 900 have been listed as unaccounted for.

  Three people have died in the Woolsey Fire in Ventura County in Southern California.

  Since Nov. 8, 25 local strike teams consisting of over 620 firefighters have been

see RELIEF on page 10

battling the two fires. Among them were two bulldozer operators who helped create fire breaks at the Camp Fire in Butte County. Unfortunately, despite working all night to contain the fire, the blaze ended up jumping the dozer lines, according to fire officials.

  The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has also deployed mutual aid resources to the Camp Fire and is assisting with search and recovery efforts in the city of Paradise. They have sent emergency managers, animal services technicians, coroner investigators, search and rescue volunteers and police dogs, according to Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly.

  Winds have continued to carry noxious smoke into the Bay Area where air was listed in the “very unhealthy range” on Friday. Air quality in parts of the Bay Area were listed as the worst on the planet. People were advised to stay indoors and to wear masks when going outside.

  Events Canceled

  All Alameda County public schools were closed on Friday as were most scheduled outdoor events.

  Castro Valley’s Meet-in-the-Street and annual Christmas Light Parade, which had been scheduled for Nov. 10, then postponed for a week, finally had to be cancelled on Thursday afternoon as air quality continued to worsen.

  Parade organizer Mel Speed, who had been working on the project for months, sent out an email saying, “We are deeply saddened to make this decision and recognize the amount of community effort it takes to put on such a large event that is filled with so much pride, love and togetherness! 

  “Public health and safety is our first priority here at the Light Parade/Meet in the Street and we hope to see everyone back on the Boulevard in 2019!

  “Our hearts go out to the fire victims all over California. Thank you again for your patience and stay safe during the difficult time for California!”

  Rain on the Way

  A storm — the first of two — was expected to move into the Bay Area overnight which should begin to clear the air for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

  By Amy Sylvestri & Fred Zehnder

CAPTION: Castro Valley Boulevard was shrouded in a dirty haze on Friday afternoon that masked street signs two blocks away. Air quality fell to a near-hazardous level and residents were urged to stay indoors. An overnight storm is expected to start bringing relief to the area today.

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

Museum Building For Sale

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-21-18

  The Hayward Area Historical Society announced on Monday it is putting up for sale its showplace Museum of History and Culture building on Foothill Boulevard as part of a financial and operational restructuring of the organization.

  The Society purchased its 50,000 square foot home at 22380 Foothill Blvd. in a foreclosure sale for $1.87 million in 2010 and moved in four years later after an extensive but still incomplete $5 million renovation project.

  Today, however, the cost of those renovations combined with the expense of operating the facility have proven far greater than originally expected and are threatening the solvency of the Historical Society and its ability to continue to fulfill its important civic, cultural and educational mission.

  “The Hayward Area Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving and interpreting our community history for more than 60 years, and the action we are taking today is essential for us to be able to continue to so for the next 60 years,” said Historical Society President Richard Patenaude.

  The Historical Society Board of Directors voted unanimously to sell its Foothill Boulevard property in June. It took the action after accepting the resignation of former Executive Director AT Stephens in March and appointing Curator and Archivist Diane Curry as interim executive director.

  Curry said that in addition to shedding its property, the Historical Society is going to need to operate as a smaller organization on a smaller budget to survive — possibly in a smaller space in its Foothill building under the new ownership, or elsewhere in one or more locations.

  “The main priority of the Board of Directors and staff is to maintain and protect the collection of artifacts and documents entrusted to us over the years, and to continue serving our community,” Curry said. “Collection items will not be sold to cover any financial deficits.”

  During the transition, she said the Historical Society will continue to operate and provide access to its galleries and historical resources.

  For more information on Hayward Area Historical Society educational programs, research services, exhibits, collections and other resources, visit online at haywardareahistory.org. For ways to become a financial supporter of the Society, contact Board President Richard Patenaude by email at president@haywardareahistory.org.

Donations Delivered to Fire Survivors

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-21-18

  Twenty-three-year old Cameron Lewis of Castro Valley delivered a trailer-full of donations to the survivors of the Butte County fires this weekend, just in time for Thanksgiving.

  “This was a family affair from the beginning. Butte County is like my second home,” says Lewis. “A lot of our family is in the Oroville - Paradise area. We have an emotional connection. ”

  The Lewises received news that their cousin, Nichole Jolly, nearly lost her life in the fire, and that their aunt, Jolly’s mother, lost her home.

  “We felt somewhat helpless down here, and wondered what we could do to make a difference,” says Cameron. “My sister Kait,

see donations on page 15

 who works at Studio W Salon, started collecting donations. We put out the word on social media. I got my employer, USA Hot Cars in San Ramon, on board and they let us use their warehouse to fill one of their trailers to take up there.”

  Additional help arrived from Deja Blue Salon and Faith Lutheran Church’s Boy Scout Troop 722 (where Cameron earned his Eagle Scout). Many others from the area stepped up as well.

  They collected gift cards, new blankets, pillows, and towels, pet food, gloves, food, first aid kits, toiletries and more. A huge USA Hot Cars trailer, which usually transports classic cars, was completely filled. Cameron drove the donations to Oroville Hope Center on Sunday.

  “It was really up to the community. Everyone was great,” he says.

  Cameron’s story was broadcast on local TV stations this past weekend, and his cousin Nichole, a registered nurse at Adventist Feather River Hospital in Paradise, told her dramatic tale of survival on CNN and Good Morning America. Cameron says that seeing his cousin on national TV was “surreal.”

  “She didn’t lose her house, but she can’t go back for several months until the utilities are working again,” he adds.

  The Lewis family sends thanks everyone in the community who helped bring much-needed comfort to the Camp Fire victims.

CAPTION: Stacks of locally donated supplies destined for Butte County fire survivors ready to be loaded onto trucks for delivery over this past weekend.

CV Activists Join Trump Protest

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-14-18

  Several dozen protesters gathered on all four corners of Castro Valley’s main crossroads last Thursday evening, joining a nationwide protest against Donald Trump’s replacement of Attorney General Jeff Sessions with Matthew Whitaker.

  They said they feared that Whitaker, a Trump ally, would derail special counsel Robert Mueller‘s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

  “I’m here because no one is above the law,” said protester Clovetta Mack. “They shouldn’t hire someone to fire Mueller. What is the president hiding? We would like to know.”

  The protest — at the intersection of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road — was one of over a thousand similar demonstrations held across the country that night, according to organizer David Siegel.

  “On Tuesday the people spoke loud and clear, by electing a majority of Democrats to the people’s house,” said Siegel. “Our response in the minutes and hours following this new power grab will dictate what Congress does to reign Trump in. Our nation is not a reality show.”

  Protesters held signs and chanted, “What do we want? Justice!” and “Trump is not above the law.”

  Retired teacher Nancy Jacobson attended the protest with a large group of friends.

  “I’m standing up for America,” she said.  I’m a retired teacher and the daughter of a serviceman. I’m just concerned about our constitution and government right now. I’m doing my part as a citizen because I care.”

–Linda Sandsmark

CAPTION: Protesters at the intersection of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road last Thursday evening in response to President Trump’s ouster of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General.

PHOTO BY LINDA SANDSMARK

Battling the Blaze

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-14-18

  Fire fighters from all over the Bay Area have been dispatched to the devastating wildfires that are burning in Northern and Southern California, including personnel from Fire Station 25 in Castro Valley, who were sent to the Woolsey Fire in Ventura County.

  Since Thursday, 25 local strike teams consisting of over 620 firefighters have been battling the Camp and Woolsey fires, according to the Alameda County Fire Department. ACFD Chief David Rocha is the Region II coordinator.

  In addition to those from Alameda County, firefighters from the East Bay Regional Park District and the cities of Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, Fremont, Alameda, Piedmont, Albany, and Livermore-Pleasanton have been deployed.

  Two ACFD bulldozers and heavy equipment operators are on the scene in Butte County where the Camp Fire death toll is 42 and expected to rise. Some 117,00 acres have been burned and more than 7,200 structures have been destroyed. As of yesterday, the fire was about 30 percent contained.

see BLAZE on back page

  In the Woolsey Fire, 92,000 acres have burned and it remains at 20 percent containment as of Monday.

  While the nearest fire (the so-called “Camp Fire” in Paradise) is some 170 miles from Castro Valley, smoke has created poor air quality locally. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District rates air pollution in a scale from 0 to 500. As of Monday, the Air Quality Index  (AQI)  in Castro Valley was 165 – AQIs in the 151 to 200 range are considered “unhealthy.”

  Light Parade Postponed

  The smoke pollution caused postponement of last Saturday’s scheduled Meet-in-the-Street and Light Parade events on Castro Valley Boulevard. If the air quality doesn’t worsen, the events will be held this coming Saturday, Nov. 17, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the parade beginning at 5:30.

  Parade organizer Mel Speed said plans are “cautiously moving forward” and that a final determination will be made at 10 a.m. on Friday. Information on the event should be widely distributed by noon that day.   

  Castro Valley High School’s sports games and practices were cancelled last week and and P. E. classes were moved indoors.

  A winter Spare-the-Air alert that began last week was extended though at least this Friday.

How to Help Fire Victims

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  11-14-18

  Families who have lost their homes and possessions in the Camp Fire in Butte County are in need of all kinds of supplies, especially toiletries, new clothing, bottled water, blankets, non-perishable goods, towels, first-aid items, cold medicines and new stuffed toys for children.

  The Hayward-Castro Valley Moose Lodge located at 20835 Rutledge Road in Castro Valley is accepting donations. The drop-off area is the fire pit under the Boy’s Scout logo.

  The Church of the Nazarene at 19230 Lake Chabot Road in Castro Valley is also collecting supplies from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Nov. 28. For a complete list of needed items, visit castrovalleynaz.org. Pastor Steve Redmond is asking for people who would be willing to house evacuees. People are living in their cars and on the streets. Hotels and evacuation centers are full. 

Expect Thanksgiving Travel Congestion

   Thanksgiving celebrants are expected to stuff the roads next week, with travel times predicted to be up to four times longer over the holiday week. Some 5.9 million Californians will hit the road, and motorists can expect to pay the highest Thanksgiving gas prices in four years, with a statewide average of $3.75 as of last week, 54-cents more than a year ago. An additional 770,000 Californians will take flight, with airfares up about 6 percent over last year. Most travelers have already booked flights, paying an average ticket price of $478 roundtrip. Based on historical and recent travel trends, the AAA predicts drivers will experience the greatest amount of congestion Thanksgiving week during the early evening commute period, with drive times starting to increase on Monday. AAA expects to rescue more than 101,000 California motorists at the roadside over the five-day Thanksgiving travel period. Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires will be the leading reasons. The Thanksgiving holiday period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25.

AAA and INRIX have identified these 10 hot spots in the

metro Bay Area for Thanksgiving travel congestion:

• 1-80 E @ I-80/I-580 (Eastbound)

•  1-80 E @ Pinole Valley Road (Eastbound)

•   1-580 E @ Santa Rita Road/Tassajara Road (Eastbound)

•   1-80 W @ Bay Bridge (Westbound)

•   1-680 N @ Calaveras Road (Northbound)

•   A-37 E @ Wilson Avenue (Eastbound)

•   l-880 N @ 23rd Avenue (Northbound)

•   CA-24 E @ I-680 (Eastbound)

•   US-101 N @ Petaluma Boulevard (Northbound)

•   CA-1 N @ US-101 (Northbound)

New MAC Guidelines In the Works

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-26-18

  After being roundly criticized by the public last month for acting unprofessionally during a recent internal reorganization, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) is considering adopting new bylaws.

  In June, MAC member Dave Sadoff suggested that MAC member Ken Carbone take over as Chair of the committee from Marc Crawford. Crawford then said that he would not continue his ongoing work on several projects if he was no longer Chair.

  At a meeting weeks later, Carbone withdrew his name from consideration for the Chair’s position, saying he couldn’t commit the same amount of time to all of those projects as Crawford does, so Crawford was reappointed.

  Moments later, Crawford publicly questioned the legality of Sadoff’s position as a MAC member because Sadoff is also a member of the Castro Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors.

  That is legal and Sadoff has held both positions for years, so Sadoff responded that he felt Crawford’s words were a direct retaliation for suggesting that someone other than Crawford be Chair.

  At the next meeting, speaker after speaker told the MAC that the situation was poorly handled.

  Because the guidelines about appointing a new Chair and several other MAC bylaws haven’t been updated in more than a decade, the MAC discussed new rules and regulations for over an hour at Monday night’s meeting. Ultimately, they directed county staff to organize their suggestions into clear bylaws for possible approval at their Oct. 8 meeting.

  Among the new bylaws will likely be a rule that the Chair and Vice Chair positions are rotated after a maximum of two years. The MAC is also considering voting via private ballot if two or more members are seeking the Chair’s position.

see MAC on page 15

  Other Business

  Also at Monday’s meeting, the MAC unanimously approved a plan to allow a new paint job at the Kentucky Fired Chicken restaurant at 3625 Castro Valley Boulevard.

  The fast food chain originally sought to use a bold red and white striped motif, but were shot down multiple times by the MAC over the past year and eventually agreed to a more subdued gray and white color palate with black and red accents.

  The new look for the KFC isn’t entirely settled yet. Crawford requested that the store’s owner get any signs (including a planned large image of the Colonel himself) approved by the MAC before they are installed.

  “The first time they brought it in they were trying to make it look like a bucket of chicken,” said Crawford.  “But I think this is fine.”

  The MAC also unanimously approved an application to allow the expansion of a veterinary clinic at 2423 Grove Way. The plan was approved after additional parking was added at the request of the MAC.

  The veterinarian also announced that he would be extending his clinic’s urgent care hours so that Castro Valley pet owners wouldn’t have to travel to Dublin or San Leandro in the case of an after-hours emergency.

  The MAC also approved the expansion of a Montessori School at 20104 Center Street to expand to up to 77 students at certain times of the year due to summer educational programming.

  Finally, the board allowed an addition to a single family home at 20883 Rutledge Road.

International Day of Peace

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-26-18

The Eden Area Interfaith Council in conjunction with the East Bay Regional Park District hosted a gathering of some 70 people Friday evening at the Cove Picnic Area at Lake Chabot to celebrate The International Day of Peace with song, word and prayer. The Council was founded shortly after September 11, 2001, and reignited in December 2015 following an attack on a Muslim man at Lake Chabot Park in Castro Valley. The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations, is observed around the world to promote a world of peace in spite of cultural and religious differences.

CVHS Annual Homecoming

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-26-18

  Castro Valley High School celebrates its Annual Homecoming this Friday, Sept. 28, beginning with the popular parade at 1 p.m. from Santa Maria Ave. to Wilson Ave. to Redwood Road to Mabel Ave.

  This year’s homecoming theme is “Castro Valley Goes Pixar.”

  An assembly will follow at about 2 p.m., with the junior varsity football game against the Encinal (Alameda) Jets at 4:30 p.m. in Trojan Stadium and the varsity game at 7 p.m.

Private Sewer Lateral Inspections Required With Sales of Homes

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-12-18

  The Castro Valley Sanitary District passed an ordinance last week that will require all properties within the district’s boundaries to have a private sewer lateral compliance certificate when they are bought or sold.

  The CVSan Board of Directors passed the controversial measure on a 5-0 vote during a public hearing at last Tuesday’s regular meeting. It will go into effect on July 1, 2019.

  Under Ordinance No. 179, known as the Private Sewer Lateral Regulatory Inspection (PSL) Program, homes in the district that were built less than 30 years ago, or that have had at least half of their sewer lateral replaced in the last 10 years, will automatically be issued compliance certificates.

  Properties that don’t fall in those categories will be required to have their private sewer laterals inspected by closed circuit television (CCTV) before the property can be sold.

  Within CVSan’s boundaries, the homeowner is responsible for maintenance and repairs for the entire private sewer lateral up to and including the connection to the public sewer main, while CVSan is responsible for the public sewer main itself.

  During a property sale it is not uncommon for the buyer and seller to negotiate who will assume responsibility for the inspection and repair costs. The average cost for replacing an entire private sewer lateral runs from about $4,000 to $5,000, according to CVSan. The CCTV permit will cost $230.

  CVSan modeled this program after industry standards in place in such cities as Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland.

  Its purpose is to reduce the amount of rainwater entering damaged sewer laterals and ending up at the wastewater treatment plant during storms. This excess flow is more than the system was designed to handle and results in the plant unnecessarily treating rainwater.

  For more information on the PSL Program, visit www.cvsan.org/PSL.

Labor Day 2018

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-05-18

 More than 5,600 visitors turned turned out to enjoy Labor Day at Lake Chabot Regional Park on Monday, hiking, boating, fishing, relaxing and, of course, cooking and eating. The weather was perfect for the late summer season.

Young Candidate Seeks Five Offices

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-05-18

  When Nicholas Harvey moved to the Fairview area two years ago, he saw room for improvement.

  Cars were speeding in his neighborhood, weeds were overgrown, and there were several blocks without sidewalks.

  Harvey started attending meetings and speaking to his various representatives on the Fairview Municipal Advisory Council, the county Public Works department, the school district, and even the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

  But he said they just weren’t listening. So Harvey has decided to do something about it.

  He’s running for five separate offices in this November’s general elections.

  “Every time I’ve spoken about these issues, they’ve fallen on deaf ears,” said Harvey. “I’ve just become very fed up. No one wants to do anything, so I will.”

  Harvey is running for East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) Ward 7 seat, the Eden Health District Board of Directors, the Fairview Fire Protection District Board, the Hayward School Board, and AC Transit Board Ward 4.

  Harvey admits that he’d most like to take the AC Transit spot, as he questions opponent incumbent Mark Williams’ financial honesty. Williams did not file campaign finance reports between 2012 and 2016 and was fined $60,000 earlier this year by the California Fair Political Practices Commission.

  Harvey says the transit system is just plain badly run, with AC Transit’s per-ride operation costing roughly twice that of San Francisco’s Muni. And he would know — Harvey is reliant on public transportation, taking buses, trains, and his bike everywhere.

  “I’ve never owned a car, but I do own a house,” said Harvey,

who has a degree in chemistry and now runs his own real estate consulting business.

  But Harvey says he’d be content to win any — or all — of the five races.

  “If I win all five, I’ll serve all five,” said Harvey. “When I filed (to become a candidate) it was my intention to serve, so I will. I have the breadth of knowledge to serve on all five.”

  EBMUD Ward 7 incumbent Frank Mellon has been openly critical of Harvey casting such a wide net when it comes to the election.

  Mellon, who has been on the utility board for 24 years, often is unopposed for reelection. He last faced an opponent 8 years ago.

  But Mellon says’s it’s not the fact that he’ll have to campaign that he’s worried about, its the cost of Harvey’s gambit.

  Elections cost the county (and therefore the taxpayer) hundreds of thousands of dollars and the cost is based on of the number of voters. If a race is uncontested, if doesn’t appear on the ballot and so doesn’t cost taxpayers money.

  Mellon said that Harvey’s five-race campaign was superfluous, but Harvey defended his right to run.

  “I couldn’t care less if someone is running against me; my concern is waste,” said Mellon. “Am I really running against someone who stands for something or just a guy that wants some sort of Guinness record? I’ve worked really hard for our rate-payers and I have a record of that.”

  But Harvey said if that’s Mellon’s concern why is the cost being pinned on Harvey’s candidacy and not Mellon’s?

  “How is the cost to the county from me running and not him?” asked Harvey, who says he does have a platform. He says his scientific background will help him grasp the work of the utility and that he intends to reform the tiered-rate paying system to help lower-income residents. Harvey went on to say that he’d also focus on water conservation efforts.

  In August, Mellon went to Harvey’s home and dropped off a load EBMUD staff reports and other documents.

  “I dropped off the documents to show him what kind of work he’d have to do,” said Mellon. “Apparently, he took umbrage with that.”

  Harvey called Mellon’s action “unprofessional” and added that he’d like people to look at him as a serious, well-rounded candidate for each of the offices, not just a novelty.

  “Before people criticize me, I’d say they should reach out and get to know me,” said Harvey.

High Priority: Keeping Stoned Drivers Off the Road

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  09-05-18

  Recreational marijuana use has been legal in California since the first of the year and the effects are being seen out on the roads.

  The California Highway Patrol estimates that the Bay Area will experience a 70 percent increase in pot DUIs (driving under the influence) arrests in 2018 over the previous year, when recreational use wasn’t yet legal.

  That sobering message came during a special marijuana traffic safety summit with enforcement officials hosted by the CHP and Mothers Against Drunk Driving last week at the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services in Dublin.

  Complicating matters for the Highway Patrol is the lack of an instrument to measure marijuana intoxication like the alcohol breathalyzer test. And there’s no “legal limit” on marijuana intoxication like the .08 blood-alcohol threshold.

  For now, officers must use their observation skills during field sobriety tests to find probable cause for an arrest.

  At the station, an officer with specific training as a “drug recognition expert” can request a blood test which can determine the driver’s level of THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis.

  An oral swab  and breath test are in the research stages, according to Dr. Philip Drum, a pharmacist and one of the speakers at the summit.

  Driving after ingesting marijuana is also complicated by the fact that the potency of pot isn’t regulated by the FDA and mitigating factors contribute to how long it stays in the body, so it’s difficult to determine how long to wait after consuming pot before it’s safe to drive, according to Drum.

  A lot is still unknown about marijuana DUIs, he said. There are joints with the potency of a Bud Light and edibles that are as strong as Everclear (a commercial beverage containing more than 75% alcohol).

  Drum said dispensaries label their products, but consumers don’t always follow the “serving size” and may be getting higher that they realize.

  Because the pot-growing industry is getting so lucrative and becoming more mainstream, the number of pot-related traffic accidents will only rise.

  Drum didn’t pretend to be objective during his talk to the audience of more than 100 people, most of whom were in law enforcement. Drum’s sister was killed by a driver who was high on cannabis in Seattle shortly after Washington state legalized recreational use. 

CAPTION: Caltrans signs remind drivers thatx stoned driving can get you a DUI just as it can with alcohol.

The Spokes-Person FOR BIKE ISSUES

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-29-18

Jason Tilton of Bike Mobile works on one of the 37 bicycles brought to the Castro Valley Library on Saturday for repairs. Up to half of the students in the county do not ride their bikes due to such minor issues as a flat tire or worn-out brakes. Through the Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools program, the mobile repair clinic offers its free services to schools, community organizations and public events. It is funded by the county and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. For more information, visit bikemobile@alamedacountysr2s.org

Residents Upset Over Public Squabbling Amongst Board

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-29-18

  The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council had a full agenda for their Monday night meeting, but it was the normally quiet public comment period that was the most interesting portion of the evening.

  There has been palpable tension on the board ever since MAC member Dave Sadoff suggested that Ken Carbone replace Marc Crawford as the council Chair.

  Carbone withdrew himself from consideration earlier this month and Crawford was ultimately reelected as chair on a 5-2 vote with members Sadoff and Linda Tangren dissenting.

  That should have been the end of that. But immediately following his reelection, Crawford said that he had received complaints about Sadoff being a member of both the MAC and the Castro Valley Sanitary District board, and that he intended to get in touch with the county’s legal counsel to see if Sadoff should leave the MAC.

  Sadoff’s service to both boards is legal and he has been active in both for years. He and Crawford have worked alongside each other on the MAC since 2010. Sadoff reacted with surprise that Crawford made the statement seemingly out of the blue and said he felt it was “retaliatory” for suggesting that Crawford be rotated out of the chair position.

  At Monday night’s meeting, Crawford, Sadoff, and the rest of the MAC were mum, but over a dozen members of the public had their say, many lauding Crawford for his dedication to Castro Valley and others calling him a bully who regularly steamrolls over other MAC members, speakers, and people with business before the MAC.

  Speaker Michael Kusiak, who has long been a proponent of having MAC members elected rather than appointed by Supervisor Nate Miley, said there was no question Crawford attacked Sadoff because he was angry about the suggestion to change the chair.

  “It is a retaliatory and vindictive act on Mr. Crawford’s behalf,” said Kusiak. “This MAC doesn’t represent my Castro Valley.”

  Speaker Sherry Johnson pointed out that the MAC bylaws do state that the Chair position should be rotated and said that the in-fighting on the MAC was unprofessional.

see MAC on page 11

  “Like many people in this room, I want to see you work together and have bylaws that are transparent and followed, and that leadership is transferred in a logical and kind way,” said Johnson. “Work together and be kind and polite to one another.”

  Former Eden Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Mulgrew defended Crawford, saying no one does as much to look out for the town’s best interests.

  “Mr. Crawford cares for the betterment of Castro Valley,” said Mulgrew

  Peter Rosen, a frequent MAC meeting attendee and speaker, said that he’s grateful for the MAC’s work but critiqued Crawford’s behavior.

  “It’s a huge commitment to be on the MAC,” said Rosen. “My concern is that not only did you attack another MAC member, you did it vindictively after you’d already won the election. I don’t see any reason for doing that other than to feed your own ego. That’s what a bully does.”

  Later in the meeting, Rosen got up to speak on an agenda item about water connections in a residential area far away from his own home and Crawford made a comment that Rosen was unnecessarily delaying an already nearly four-hour meeting.

  “You live like four miles away,” said Crawford as Rosen took to the podium. “Sure Peter, keep us out here later ‘cause you have something to say’.”

  After 45 minutes of at times pointed public comments, the MAC turned to the business on the agenda. They unanimously approved an application to allow renovation at a gas station at 18950 Lake Chabot Road to build a convenience store in the place of two former car service bays on the property.

  The Council also unanimously approved an application for the operation of a 14-child day care home at 21654 Dolores Street, and heard a preliminary plan for a 25,000-square-foot outpatient medical office at 20630 John Drive.

  Craig Semmelmeyer, developer of the Castro Valley Marketplace project, said construction on the old Daughtrey’s building is scheduled to begin on Oct. 1 and tdhat he still plans to open in spring 2019. He said he’s found tenants for 70 percent of space so far.

San Lorenzo Pastor Says County Trying to Shut His Church Down

By Jim Knowles

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-29-18

  A San Lorenzo Baptist minister says the county is trying to take away his church’s tax-exempt status and shut it down to build housing or shops that produce more tax revenue.

  Rev. Michael Wilson of Cornerstone Fellowship on Lewelling Boulevard says the county has been harassing him and threatening to take away the church’s tax-exemption. He says he believes that his church has been targeted with inspections by the county’s health and building departments as part of a county plan to force out the church.

  “What Alameda County is doing is illegal. Under our Constitution we are allowed to worship freely and at a place of our choice, especially one that has been a place of worship for seven decades,” Wilson says.

see CHURCH on page 6

  Wilson says he now has two tax bills, totaling $17,000 on his desk. And the county has threatened to sue the church if the bills aren’t paid.

  But Wilson maintains a church should be tax exempt. Besides that, the church only has 21 members and could never afford to pay that price anyway. Wilson says that Cornerstone is an older congregation and in the last few years a lot of its older members have passed away.

  “We would have to declare bankruptcy, go out of business and sell the land and I think that’s what they want,” Wilson says.

  The church hall is rented out four to six times a year for Quinceaneras by two Catholic churches in the area that don’t have a hall, and for weddings, Wilson says. He says the county told him that makes it a business, so it’s taxable.

  In addition, the church has had a few, small pot luck dinners. But Wilson says lots of churches have things like that and they aren’t hit with tax bills.

  But Alameda County officials say the church has been renting out space for events, which negates at least some percentage of the church’s tax-exempt status.

  “In short, a church is 100 percent exempt if it’s used as a church 100 percent of the time,” said Brian Hitomi at the Alameda County tax assessor’s office.

  “We’ve found that he rents rooms out commercially,” Hitomi said. “Once you begin using some of the property for non-exempt purposes, then that portion being used is no longer exempt.”

  Hitomi said that the county has been in touch with Wilson about the use of the property, and is still in the process of determining the percentage of the exemption.

  “If you rent the property out, then it’s quite possible that you would lose an exemption for that area of use,” Hitomi said.

  So it’s the county’s position that the church would pay a fraction of the tax bill it received. How much of the property is exempt depends on the percentage of exemption.

  But to determine the percentage of exemption, Hitomi said the county needs more information from Wilson.

  “We’ve talked to him and asked for further verification of his rent of these properties,” Hitomi said. “We’ve asked for written documentation as to the nature of commercial use and we have yet to receive it. We just need that for us to make our determination. They say they don’t have them.”

  But Wilson says other churches have functions that raise money, in some cases a lot more.

  “They had a big pot luck at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland for $1,500 a plate fundraiser for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and the county didn’t do anything,” Wilson says. “We’re small. So it’s no equal application under the law.”

  Wilson says the county is wrong, the church isn’t a business. These events are just church fundraisers, like all churches have.

  Around six years ago, Wilson says the county told him that if the events are not the sole income of the church, it’s all right. But this year he says the county told him the rules had changed.

  “Now they said they can retroactively go back 10 years,” Wilson says.

  Wilson says he’s gone to many county planning meetings and gotten an idea of what the county wants. He believes they want to put in housing or upscale shopping, attracting higher income residents to boost tax revenue.

  “We’re a test case,” Wilson says. “If they succeed here, they’ll go after other places, Goodwill and places that pay no property tax.”

CAPTION: Rev. Michael Wilson, working on the lighting last week at Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church in San Lorenzo, says the county is illegally trying to make the church pay taxes. 

Band Lineup for 2018 Fall Festival

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-29-18

  The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the bands for the 46th Annual Fall Festival that will take place on the Boulevard on the weekend of Sept.8-9

  Entertaining the crowds on Saturday will be Brewer’s Brass, Gilly (’90s), Bad Boy Bruce and The Blues Mob, Faux Show, Grovality, Rockhenge (Classic Rock), Dead Guise (Grateful Dead Style), and Tay and The Janglahdahs.

  Performing on Sunday will be In Full Swing (the Castro Valley Adult School Big Band), The Surf Hounds, Pretending/2Jet,  The Riptides, Earthquake (’60s), Standoff (Rock N’ Roll) and Fleet Street (Classic Pop).

  But that’s only the half of it. Another big lineup of entertainment will be taking place both days on the Bedford Stage, including such favorites as the Eden Aoba Taiko Japanese Drummers, the Castro Valley School of Music, Pallen Martial Arts, the HARD Belly Dancers, the Standoff Rock N’ Roll Band, Castro Valley Performing Arts, Bedford Studios Variety Show, Bedazzled Dance Studio, Zumba Fitness, the Phil Santos Violins and the Joan Bascom Group.

  Next Wednesday’s (Sept. 5) Forum will have the complete program with times of all the performance events.

  More than 150 vendors and artists will be on hand for what is being called the biggest Fall Festival in years, offering all kinds of food and drink, and a Kids’ Zone.

  The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday on the Boulevard in the Downtown. Keep in mind that the Boulevard will be closed to traffic from midnight Friday until midnight Sunday.

  The Fall Festival and parking are both free. 

Back-to-School: Castro Valley Schools Back in Session

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-22-18

  Madeline and Olivia Albright say it will be very hard getting out of bed this week since summer is ending and they know that they must get up early to get to school.

  “I might need a second alarm clock,” Madeline, a fifth-grader at Chabot Elementary, told the Castro Valley Forum.

  The Albrights join nearly 9,200 students returning or starting classes in Castro Valley’s public schools (Elementary: 4,068, Middle: 2,138, High School: 2,960) this year. 

  In private schools, there will be 215 students enrolled at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School and 700 students attending Redwood Christian Schools.

  “We are looking forward to the upcoming school year,” Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Al Hearne shared with the Castro Valley Forum. “Each new school year provides the opportunity for us to be a part of the amazing growth and development that takes place in our students’ lives.”

  To make that transition from summer to school easier, kindergarten students at Redwood Christian received a personalized welcome earlier this month that reads “RCS Welcomes (you) to Kindergarten.”

  The RCS faculty and administration personally delivered the signs throughout the East Bay, including Castro Valley, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo.  In addition, parents were asked to post a picture to social media on Monday morning using #RCSReady to promote enthusiasm for the 2018-19 school year. RCS enters its 49th year looking forward to the grand opening of the Bruce D. Johnson Gymnasium in the late fall at the middle school and high school campus in San Lorenzo.

  Over at the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi reports maintenance and grounds teams worked diligently to clean, make repairs, and prepare classrooms and schools for the students’ arrival.

  Already, the District is putting the finishing touches on modernization projects throughout Castro Valley thanks to Measure G bond funding approved by voters in 2016. 

  Among the improvements are the playgrounds at Castro Valley Elementary, Chabot Elementary, Independent Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Palomares Elementary, and the replacement of stadium track and artificial turf at CVHS as well as air conditioning and classroom modernization of permanent building for the Wellness Center and Engineering Pathway.

  “We have added mental health counseling staff in middle and high school in order to support students’ academic and social-emotional wellbeing,” says Superintendent 

see SCHOOLS on page 11

Ahmadi. “The past three years we have developed various means to better hear our students’ voices and gather their input through several committees and platforms before we make decisions. Not surprisingly, they are wise, willing to share, creative, compassionate and conscientious.”

  Through reprioritization of funding, CVUSD will now have counselors available for elementary schools, Ahmadi added. And with concerns over dangerous intruders on all campuses, Ahmadi says the school district is implementing a new lockdown procedure this year called ALiCE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate).  With Measure G funds, new security cameras have also been installed at all school sites.

  While the physical improvements are certainly welcome, students like the Albright sisters really say they want to see their friends, meet their new teachers, and have fun learning.

  “Not to mention, it was great getting new clothes for school,” Olivia, an 8th Grader at Creekside Middle School added.

CAPTION: There were lots of smiles around Redwood Christian School on opening day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE KADY

Offering Bargains to Public,

Life Skills to Special Needs Adults

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-22-18

  Whether you’re looking for a table lamp, a set of dishes or almost anything for your home, you’ll likely find a special treasure at a bargain price at the Treasure Chest Thrift Shop.

  Tucked away in the Sorensdale Center for Adults with Special Needs in Hayward, the shop opened four years ago as part of a larger operation that offers vocational training for persons 22 years and older who have intellectual disabilities.   

  Here, special-need adults from Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro and San Lorenzo get real life experience working in the store, restocking shelves, helping customers with purchases and donations, and even ringing up sales at the cash register.

  Some 100 participants learn and practice recreational, educational, daily living and community skills, including raising vegetables in the center’s gardens and harvesting fruit from the orchard that borders the store.

  Other program activities include literacy, math, computer skills, job preparation skills, communication skills, personal health skills, physical fitness, arts and crafts, performing arts and music. Life skills learned in the classroom are practiced in the community.

  The Treasure Chest Thrift Shop is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m .to 3:30 p.m. at 275 Goodwin St. in Hayward.

  Donations of gently used items are always welcome. Items can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Sorensdale Recreation Center, Room 9.

  For directions or more information call 510-881-6778 or visit: haywardrec.org/SpecialNeeds.

CAPTION: Instructor Laura Stull and student Jeanne Rosenblum oversee operations at the Treasure Chest Thrift Shop, part of the Sorensdale Center for Adults with Special Needs, operated by the Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District.

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

2018 Fall Festival Coming

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-22-18

  Castro Valley’s big annual street party is just a little over two weeks away.

  Last-minute preparations are underway at the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce as it gets set for this year’s 46th Annual Fall Festival that will take place on the Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend of Sept. 8-9.

  More than 150 local vendors and artists are on board plus a kids zone and a robust lineup of 32 hours of live entertainment, according to chamber officials, who are expecting some 60,000 visitors over the two days.

  There will be three designated beer and wine booths offering craft brews and great local wines served up in the ever-popular annual wine glasses and beer mugs.

  And how about a limited edition Castro Valley T-shirt (complete with a not-so-secret canoe) that gives a nod to the town roots as chicken farms, available for purchase at the Chamber’s booth, located in front of Rowell’s Saddlery.

  Keep in mind that Castro Valley Boulevard will close at midnight on Friday, Sept. 7, and will remain closed until midnight on Sunday. Detours and road blocks will be in place and traffic will be routed around the event by Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies and the California Highway Patrol.

  As always, both the Fall Festival and parking are free.

Wildfire Protection Survey

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-15-18

  Dozens of Castro Valley residents took a short hike up Ten Hills Trail (off Redwood Road) Monday to discuss fire danger along the valley’s many parkland areas.

  Representatives from Cal Fire, East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD), Alameda County Fire Department, East Bay Municipal Utility District and Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) participated.

  MAC Chairman Marc Crawford called the outing  “a MAC field trip” to see what could be done about local fire hazards.

  Parks District Director Dennis Waespi added that the trailside meeting was held because neighbors had some concerns about fire response. Waespi lives along the Ten Hills Trail and was a former Parks District fire fighter himself.  He says staff members are working 365 days a year on vegetation management.

  Acting EBRPD Fire Chief Aileen Theile is a biologist and former park ranger who specializes in fuel reduction. She says that the district follows a plan that utilizes a wide variety of fuel reduction resources including goats, cattle, staff members, and contractors.  These help keep vegetation in check around the district’s 73 parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

  Theile says all local agencies really work together now, including utility districts. When there is a fire, state, county, and regional parks staff respond in coordination.

  “We’re systematically working for you, year round,” she added. “The climate is changing worldwide, and we’re actually a bit ahead of the curve. We’re not saying we can prevent all fires, but we reduce the chance of them being catastrophic fires by training together.”

  Speakers from the various agencies pointed out that not all fuel can be removed. In fact, houses are fuel, and fire can be driven by unpredictable winds. They advised homeowners to maintain a defensible space around their buildings.

  “There is no magic bullet,” said Edgar Orre of Cal Fire. “You’d have to take all vegetation out to stop all fires.”

  Marc Crawford said he was still not convinced that everything possible was being done to minimize fire hazard for people living near parks, trails and uninhabited wildlands. He pointed to trees along Ten Hills Trail and said, “I don’t see a lot of fuel reduction going on.”

  But Theile said native oak trees in the vicinity are very fire resistant, and that their fallen leaves are prone to stay on the ground rather than go airborne.

  Crawford promised to revisit this topic at the September 17 MAC meeting, and said he will be doing some follow-up in the meantime.

CAPTION: Castro Valley residents climbed Ten Hills Trail Monday afternoon to hear what measures can be taken to reduce fire danger.

PHOTO BY LINDA SANDSMARK

MAC in Support of Veterans’ Takeover Of Old CV Library

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-15-18

  The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) unanimously voted Monday night to support a plan to have local veterans’ enter into a lease agreement with county to use the old library on Redwood Road as a veterans’ center and community building.  

  But the terms of the agreement haven’t been finalized and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors will have the final say in the fate of building.

  MAC Chair Marc Crawford said that, ideally, the county would agree to fund improvements to the outside of building and the grounds and the veterans could start fundraising to cover the internal repairs.

  Those repairs- including asbestos removal, dry rot, and a leaky roof - would cost around $200,000, according to Crawford, but that cost could be reduced by donations of labor and materials.

  The MAC told the veterans that they believe the Board of Supervisors will support the project and so the veterans should start fundraising via a GoFundMe page or other methods so the project can get off the ground sooner than later.

  Also at Monday’s meeting, the MAC approved a proposed ordinance that amends policies surrounding billboards on the I-580 corridor.

  The amendments update outdated wording in the ordinance that dates from the 1960s and give the county the ability to review new billboards.

  However it will not impact the large existing billboards at the Lockaway Self Storage Facility on Dublin Canyon Road, as those are part of separate ongoing ligation. The ordinance also wouldn’t impact Rowell Ranch’s sign, because it doesn’t affect onsite business identification signs.

  The MAC also heard very early preliminary talks from Eden Housing about a proposed 78-unit affordable housing apartment complex proposed for the corner of Ruby and A streets, near the Japanese Gardens.

  The property is currently owned by Caltrans but Eden will be buying it by the end of the year, with a plan to begin construction in early 2020. 

  The project is set to come back before the MAC several times before any decisions are finalized.

  The MAC also continued a proposal from a veterinary hospital located at 2423 Grove Way, which wanted to expand. The owner wasn’t in attendance and the MAC also said the parking plan was inadequate, so they’ll take up the matter again in September.

Crawford to Continue As Council Chair

  Finally, the MAC held an election to pick a Chair. In June, current MAC Chair Crawford’s term expired and member Dave Sadoff nominated member Ken Carbone to replace him. But member Chuck Moore re-nominated Crawford and the discussion was continued.

  Over the past several meetings, one or more of the MAC members have been absent, so the election was put off until this week.

  After Crawford informed Carbone that he spends an estimated 20 to 30 hours a month on MAC matters outside normal meeting responsibilities, Carbone withdrew his name from contention for the Chair.

  “For me, it’s a position I’m not able to support at this time,” said Carbone. “Accepting a Chair’s nomination at this time would actually be doing a disservice to the council.”

  Carbone said that Crawford should continue as Chair and suggested that other MAC members should take up more responsibilities as well. Carbone then nominated Crawford and Moore seconded the nomination.

  Crawford was re-elected as Chair by a vote of 5-2, with Sadoff and MAC member Linda Tangren dissenting.

  Sadoff said that the MAC bylaws say that no one should serve consecutive terms as a Chair so he couldn’t support Crawford’s nomination. Tangren didn’t speak on the matter this week but has previously said she prefers to rotate the position of Chair.

  Carbone then nominated MAC member Ted Riche to the Vice-Chair spot and Riche was unanimously appointed.

Hundreds Bid Farewell to the Daughtrey’s Building

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  08-15-18

  Castro Valley residents were invited to take a look at the downtown’s past and future last Thursday, when “the old Daughtrey’s building” offered tours and presentations on its upcoming renovations.

  The new Castro Valley Marketplace is coming to that site  at 3295 Castro Valley Blvd. in spring 2019 with expectations of bringing new life to the downtown area.

  Main Street Property Services, Inc. is remodeling the building to house a large natural foods grocery store, meat and seafood shop, deli, bakery, and restaurants with central seating on the main floor.

  A cooking school, wine shop and multipurpose space are proposed for upstairs.

  “The idea is to bring in new things so you can experience more here,” says Main Street principal Sudhish Mohindroo.

  Hundreds of people came to Thursday’s event, which featured an historical video of the town (“Castro Valley, a Look Back in Time” (viewable online at vanderbilt-home.com/) and slideshows of plans for the new Marketplace.

  Snacks and drinks were provided, and commemorative chandelier “crystals” from the building’s lamps were given to the visitors. Cakes imprinted with scenes from Daughtrey’s past were served, and the Ice Creamery handed out free ice cream cones.

  “I think it’s fantastic. I’m impressed,” said Ernie Daughtrey, whose father, Keller, founded the original Daughtrey’s Department Store in the 1960s. “I wish the developer well, and I think he’ll do well. I hope Castro Valley supports him.”

see FAREWELL on page 3

  In 1991 Ernie Daughtrey sold the store to the Kline’s retail company – which went into bankruptcy a few years later. Since then the site has housed a pool hall and a seasonal Halloween costume shop, but has largely remained vacant.

  Folks attending the celebration all seemed pleased that the landmark building would finally be usable again.

  “It’s going to be very nice when they’re finished with it,” says Castro Valley resident Ann Stahl. “It will be great for Castro Valley, too.”

  Mohindroo says that all tenants in the hall will keep the same hours, with the exception of the upstairs wine bar or when classes or special events are held. New elevators, new windows and new side doors will be added to the building. The basement will mostly be for storage.

  Even if the market is closed, the ground floor area will be viewable from the upstairs balcony area.

  “The idea is for it to be opened up as much as possible,” says Mohindroo, adding that live music, art programs, guest chefs and many other activities could be coming to the space.

  For more information, visit www.mspsinc.com/

SAYING FAREWELL: A nostalgic celebration for oldtimers and a curious peek at Castro Valley’s history for younger residents all came together as hundreds turned out Thursday evening for a “last look” at the old Daughtrey’s building.

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

Andre Ward Hosts First Amateur Boxing Tourney with Sheriff’s Deputies’ Academy

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-18-18

  The noon-time line was long on Saturday but the fans didn’t seem to mind in the least. After all, it was a chance to meet and talk to a real hometown hero — five-time World Boxing Champion and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre S.O.G. Ward. 

  Ward was at Hayward Adult School to host his first amateur boxing event Saturday afternoon in conjunction with the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League Boxing Academy (DSAL Boxing) program. 

  “Amateur boxing is where I got my start and it’s extremely important to me to stay connected with the young boxers currently competing in the sport and to provide any knowledge and inspiration I can give them,” Ward said. 

  “Competitive opportunities are vital for a young boxer and I want to give them a platform to showcase their skills and I’m looking forward to being ringside to cheer them on.” 

  Male and female boxers as young as eight-years-old on up through elite division athletes are in the program, which provides free coaching, fitness and mentoring for underserved youth in the East Bay.

  The nonprofit DSAL was founded in 2005. Deputies volunteer time to coach youth and to raise money to pay for equipment and scholarships.

  “This amateur boxing event will showcase competitive opportunities from youth throughout the state of California,” said Sergeant Oscar Perez of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. “This event creates self-confidence for our youth, which helps them learn and perform at a fast and higher level, while teaching them to put forth their best effort no matter what they strive for in life.”

  Long before racking up five world titles in two different weight divisions, a nine-year-old Andre Ward was taken to a boxing gym by his father, Frank, who asked trainer Virgil Hunter to teach his son “to hit and not get hit.” Hunter, now Ward’s Godfather, more than delivered on his promise, helping to develop his pupil into one of the most skilled technicians in boxing.

  Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring, Andre S.O.G. (Son-Of-God) Ward has visited numerous schools, prisons and youth facilities to share his inspirational success story.

  All proceeds from Saturday’s event go to benefit the Alameda County DSAL Boxing Academy.

  For more information about the Academy, visit www.acdsal.org. For more information about Ward, visit andresogward.com. 

CAPTION: Recently retired professional boxing champ and hometown hero Andre S.O.G Ward autographs a pair of boxing gloves during a meet-and-greet before Saturday afternoon’s Generation NEXT Showdown at Hayward Adult School. A long line of fans waited to meet the down-to-earth Ward, who shook hands and chatted with them, and posed for scores of photos with their family members.

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

AC Transit Rolls Out Campaign

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-18-18

  AC Transit District updated its efforts to get more people out of their cars and onto public transportation at Monday night’s Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting.

  The transit agency is rolling out “AC Go,” a system-wide campaign to increase the frequency of buses to no more than 30 minutes at most stops and to have longer running hours. AC Go also breaks some loop routes into easier-to-understand linear routes.

  AC Transit runs 151 bus lines and 5,500 stops in the East Bay (in addition to the popular Transbay lines), transporting 171,300 people daily and over 52 million people annually.

  But bus services still isn’t the most popular way to get around town for most Castro Valley residents. To entice more riders with convenience, AC Transit introduced the Flex shuttle a few years ago. 

  The FLEX service allows riders to request a pick-up in a smaller shuttle bus from any bus station in Castro Valley to any other bus station.

  You can use a smart phone, tablet, or computer any time to make a reservation or by calling 510-891-5470 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m to 7 p.m., or weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can book rides days or weeks in advance. Just remember to cancel if you find you won’t be using the service.

  AC Transit FLEX buses connect to other major routes for a transfer to another AC Transit bus or BART. About 80 people use the FLEX service daily in Castro Valley.

  Cost of the FLEX service is the same as other bus rides, youth, passengers with disabilities, and seniors over 65 are eligible for discounts. Even if you don’t make a reservation, you can still catch a FLEX bus at the Castro Valley BART station at half past the hour.

  MAC Chair Marc Crawford said that AC Transit might have to go even smaller to compete with ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber. He suggested vans and more pick up locations in areas under-served by bus routes, such as the northern part of Castro Valley.

  “I think FLEX is a step in the right direction, but you are going to have to keep going,” said Crawford.

  The MAC also heard from Alameda County Public Works about two sidewalk improvement projects.

  New, wider sidewalks will be constructed on Center Street from Paradise Knoll to Heyer Avenue, as well as on Santa Maria Avenue from Castro Valley Boulevard to Wilson Avenue.

  Both projects are being put out to bid in the coming weeks with construction set to begin in the fall and last several months.

  Public Works also said that improved and additional sidewalks on Stanton, Anita and Somerset avenues are in the planning stages.

  “There has been a lot of clamoring for sidewalks in this community,” said Crawford. “I’ve got to say, Public Works is listening. That’s a lot of sidewalks coming, especially by schools.”

  No action was taken on the election of a MAC Chair at this meeting, but that matter is posted on the agenda for next week’s meeting, July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library.

Castro Valley Car Show Takes Final Lap

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-18-18

  After 20 years of hosting classic Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, Camaros, and Woody Wagons, the Redwood Chapel Car Show rallied its final event this past Saturday.

  Jerry Gamez, who started the show back in 1998, said the goal was always to reach out to the community and promote the values of service to others. 

  Gamez said he is grateful for the outpouring of support over the years and said he could not have done it without the help of nearly 100 volunteers to keep the show’s engine running smoothly.

  “It takes many, many hands to put this all together throughout the year,” Gamez told the Castro Valley Forum. “But through the luck of the local sponsors and business people, it’s the only car show that I know of that doesn’t charge [for registration] yet provides coffee and donuts as well as lunch to our guests. Everywhere I go, people tell me there is not another car show like ours.”

  Gamez said he had planned on retiring from the show five years earlier but felt it was time to take a victory lap at the 20th anniversary mark after a meeting with church officials. 

  Despite the show’s closure, Gamez says he will still be very active in two other car clubs and in his volunteer work with Redwood Chapel.

  The final event was well attended. More than 319 people registered their classic cars for free. 

  The Redwood Chapel Car Show started with 23 cars and quickly grew into the hundreds as word got around. Gamez estimates more than 5,000 cars have parked in the church lot over the last 20 years. The event is part of the Redwood Chapel Community Church, but it is not a fundraising endeavor.

  The Car Show judges handed out 32 trophies based on the class and condition of the vehicles, among other categories.

  “We had a gentleman that started his car years ago that we gave a ‘Work-in-Progress’ award to,” Gamez said. “This year, that car is complete, so we’ll be acknowledging his accomplishment.”

  Restoring the car involves time, passion, and a whole lot of money. A $15,000 custom paint job is not unheard of and the sky is the limit when it comes to spending money on restoring engine parts, rebuilding interiors, and adding personal touches.

  “You have to appreciate the craftmanship that goes into these cars.” Gabe Cardenas from Castro Valley said. “My family has a ‘64 Chevy Impala that they are restoring. Currently, it’s in parts around the garage, so I know how much work it takes to make these cars ready for a show.”

CAPTION: Hundreds turn out for the Redwood Chapel Car Show’s final event this past Saturday. 

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

Two Dead After CV Car Crash

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-18-18

  Two women were killed and three others were injured in a single vehicle crash on Redwood Road on Saturday night.

  The accident was reported shortly after 10:30 p.m. on a northern stretch of the road near Anthony Chabot Regional Park and the Upper San Leandro Reservoir.

  The car, a red Mazda, overturned. The two women were pronounced dead at the scene. A 15-year-old boy and two adult men were taken to the hospital.   

  The accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Castro Valley Crocodiles Honor Graduating Senior Swimmers

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-11-18

 The Castro Valley Crocodiles Swim Team recently honored its five graduating senior swimmers — Emma Neal (5 years), Matthew Kuan (5 years), Kristie Lin (10 years) Alec Dughi (5 years) and Grant Kinsley (4 years).   

 During their tenure, each contributed mightily to the team’s success with both skill and sportsmanship, and in the process set a fine example for younger swimmers.   

 At the break of the final home meet, each swimmer stood for introduction and once done, the entire group dove off the blocks in unison for a victory lap, greeted on the opposite end by their parents.

 The Crocodiles are celebrating their 20th year in the East Bay Swim League and having one of their best years ever with a current overall record of 4-1. They remain undefeated in their division with two dual meets remaining before the July 28th Championship meet at Chabot College.  The Champs meet will include all 12 EBSL teams with nearly 1200 swimmers.

 The final dual meet of the season on July 21st will be the “Battle of the Valley” against the Chabot Marlins with the winner claiming bragging rights and the Castro Valley cup trophy!

—Eric Nelson

CAPTION: CONGRATULATIONS: from left, Emma Neal, Matthew Kuan, Kristie Lin,  Alex Dughi, and Grant Kinsley.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC NELSON

MAC Rejects Any CV Pot Businesses

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-11-18

 Because Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) member Dave Sadoff did not attend this week’s meeting, the planned election of a Chair for the council was put off until their next meeting.

 At last week’s meeting, member Ken Carbone was nominated by Sadoff to replace current Chair Marc Crawford, but Crawford seemed reluctant to step down and the discussion was tabled.

 Monday night’s meeting began with the MAC soundly rejecting a proposal from the county to allow businesses that deal with marijuana infrastructure.

 Having already expressed desire to keep cannabis dispensaries out of Castro Valley, the MAC said on Monday that they don’t want marijuana manufacturing, cultivation, or testing in the community either.

 The county is currently visiting various community groups in the unincorporated areas to see whether they’d be open to such cannabis-related businesses.

 Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan has already indicated she didn’t want such businesses in San Lorenzo, and Supervisor Scott Haggerty has said he doesn’t want any more in the unincorporated east county area, either.

 MAC member Carbone said that, marijuana aside, he couldn’t see how such a business would fit into Castro Valley.

 “I can’t see anywhere that would remotely support this; it’s too industrial,” said Carbone.

 MAC member Chuck Moore said he doesn’t like the county foisting any type of business on communities.

 “I want to see us asking for business rather than having businesses dumped on us,” said Moore.

 And MAC member Linda Tangren said that the MAC may oppose the idea, but that doesn’t mean the Board of Supervisors won’t ignore their desires just like they did when they voted last year to double the number of cannabis dispensaries allowable in the unincorporated area.

 “Are we just spinning our wheels here?” asked Tangren.

 The county will be holding a series of meetings on marijuana manufacturing facilities and the matter is set to go before the Board of Supervisors Unincorporated Services Committee on Tuesday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande.

 Also at Monday’s meeting, the MAC heard again from the First Presbyterian Church about their plans to build six “tiny homes” for the homeless on their property at 2490 Grove Way.

 The church has been before the MAC several times in hopes of getting a conditional use permit, but once again the council told them their plans were not complete — even if their goals are admirable — so the council tabled the issue again for a future meeting.

 The major issue that needs to be resolved before the MAC could give approval is whether the tiny home project would legally be considered a mobile home park, in which case it would be subject to more state regulations even if they were approved by the MAC and the county.

 “I don’t think the church is aware of the minefield they are stepping in,” said Crawford, who urged the church to vet the project with the state department of Housing and Community Development

 The church has received $200,000 from Alameda County to build the infrastructure of the project — the six small structures, fencing, and security cameras. Last year, the county estimated that there are about 50 homeless people currently living in Castro Valley, with many in encampments by the creek, but there are no exact figures on the homeless population.

 As in past meetings, a few neighbors spoke at Monday’s meeting, saying the project is not a good fit for the area and will lead to increased traffic, decreased property value, and other issues.

 Neighbor Claire Orr told the MAC that she was concerned that “the feel-good aspects are overshadowing” other factors including the safety of people living in the area, where there have been a few car break-ins.

 “I know there is the ‘not in my backyard thing,’ but this is literally in my backyard,” said Orr. “I’m unnerved by the lack of security.”

 MAC Chair Marc Crawford reiterated that he knows the church has good intentions, and added that MAC is already being flexible by considering allowing a residential use for a commercial zone, but they just can’t let church do whatever they’d like.

 “It’s not anything goes,” said Crawford. “We have to do things legally.”

Free Coliseum Tickets Being Used Unfairly

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-11-18

 The Alameda County Civil Grand Jury, in its annual report on local government, has called out both the County and the Oakland/ Alameda Coliseum authority for bad behavior in the way it distributes expensive tickets to sporting events and concerts.

 The jury acts as a watchdog and investigates various public authorities, then releases a report of its findings each summer.

 In its final report for 2018, the Grand Jury said public entities each get the same amount of free tickets to events at the Coliseum complex to give out to non-profits for fundraisers or other purposes that benefit the public.

 “Indeed, access to free luxury suite tickets that can be raffled or auctioned would be a lucrative source of funds for revenue strapped non-profit community organizations,” the Jury said. “This is especially true for high-demand/high-value tickets such as those to Golden State Warriors and Oakland Raiders games.

 “It is spectacularly so for tickets to the Warriors post-season games, when luxury suite tickets sell on the open market for thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars per seat,” the Grand Jury wrote.

 But the jury found that these tickets are not distributed ethically.

 “Expensive tickets seem to be treated as a perk of office or employment: They are often used repeatedly by the same elected or appointed officials and their staff members and not fairly distributed to other county workers.”

 And it said, “The most valuable tickets are seldom given to community groups that could use them as important fundraising tools.

 “Although approximately 30 percent of tickets are given to worthy non-profit organizations for use in fundraising, almost none of the most valuable playoffs and finals tickets go to community groups.”

 For the Warriors’ tickets to playoffs and finals games, only 10 tickets out of 407 went to non-profit organizations.

 “The vast majority of employees who receive tickets are the staff members of the officials responsible for their distribution.

 “While the county and the Coliseum Authority established ticket policies listing what sound like valid public purposes, in practice, the policies are used as a cover for the same officials and employees to use the tickets to perform “inspections” that never result in written reports.”

 And when reports were written, “they reported the wrong dates, the wrong events, the wrong recipients, and the wrong ticket numbers, and occasionally left off the alleged public purpose for which the tickets were distributed – the whole reason behind the creation of the reporting system.”

 Now the agencies that the grand jury addressed have 90 days to give a written response.

 The full 131-page grand jury report is available at acgov.org/grandjury/reports.htm.

CV Pride Celebrates its 8th Year This Saturday

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-11-18

 Castro Valley Pride is back for its 8th annual celebration this Saturday at Castro Valley High School, with a lineup of entertainers, speakers, food trucks and more than 70 vendors and community groups.

 Billed as a family event, with no alcohol and no nudity, the afternoon event has 10 faith groups participating this year, more than any other pride event in the Bay Area, according to organizer Billy Bradford.

 “We think it’s important for our community to understand that our families are the same as theirs, and that we live right alongside them in Castro Valley and many other small East Bay communities,” says Bradford.

 “We shop at the same stores, our kids go to the same schools, and we share the same visions and values that all small town Americans have.”

 This year, a second stage has been designated for family entertainment with karaoke and games for kids.

 Among the bands that will be performing is “Standoff” from Castro Valley High School, and blues act JoAnne LeBlanc is back for her third year. Audio is being handled by Mel Speed of The Music Company/TMC Productions of Castro Valley.

 Last year, some 2,500 attended the event and Bradford expects to have even a larger crowd on hand this year.

 The free event is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. at Redwood Road and Heyer Ave. in Castro Valley. For more information on this event, please visit: www.castrovalleypride.com/

CAPTION: Castro Valley Pride is back for its 8th annual celebration this Saturday at CVHS.    

Locals Rally for Immigrants

By Jim Knowles

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-04-18

  Hundreds of people — including many from Castro Valley — turned out for the “Families Belong Together” rally in San Leandro on Saturday morning to protest the Trump administration’s policy on immigration.

  Some people brought signs, some made them on the front steps of City Hall, and then the crowd marched down the street to Root Park where the rally continued.

  Drivers passing by on East 14th Street honked as people chanted and held up signs reading “No Border, No Walls,” “Families Together,” “No One Is Illegal,” “Abolish ICE,” “Babies Need Their Mommies, and “Make America Kind Again.”

  San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter found the opportunity to use her patented catch phrase, “San Leandro is a city where kindness matters,” over a portable PA, and a poet spoke as well.

see RALLY on page 15

  City Councilwoman Deborah Cox said there’s a movement going on since the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., and added, “and I haven’t stopped, and we won’t stop.”

  One person in attendance said she came to the march for a simple reason.

  “Because taking children away from their parents is not what America is about,” said Pam Streitfeld, who mentioned that her family had to leave Poland to escape the Nazis just before World War II, even changing their family name to avoid getting captured by the Germans.

  Our country should open the door for people who are escaping terrorism in other countries, Streitfeld said. There’s a way to keep out those who would do harm to the country, while letting in the vast majority of immigrants who would contribute to the country, she added.

  The crowd protested the stricter immigration policy that began in April and has resulted in separating over 2,000 kids from their parents apprehended for entering the country illegally. Many are families fleeing turmoil in Central America.

  The Trump administration said there is no policy to separate kids from their parents. But the stricter enforcement that started in April, holding the parents for a criminal offense, inevitably leads to separating parents from their kids when they enter the country together.

  Last week, Trump signed an executive order stopping the separation of families, and a federal court ordered immigration to place the children back with their parents within a month. But it still remains unclear how many families have been reunited.

CAPTION: Hundreds of people came to rally against the Trump administration’s policy on immigration in front of City Hall and at Root Park in San Leandro on Saturday, one of more than 700 demonstrations across the nation. 

Record Traffic Predicted for The Holiday

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-04-18

  If you’re driving on East Bay freeways today you can expect some heavy traffic. AAA projects a record-breaking 5.43 million Californians will be traveling over the Fourth of July holiday period, which is defined as beginning yesterday and continuing through Sunday, July 8.

  “Fourth of July is typically the busiest summer travel holiday, but this year is an all-time whopper,” said Michael Blasky, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “Despite the highest gas prices in four years, more Californians will be taking to the road than ever to celebrate America’s birthday.”

  By the numbers, 5,434,994 Californians are expected to travel over the upcoming holiday weekend, almost 300,000 more than in 2017, which was the previous all-time high for the Golden State.

  Higher fuel prices aren’t slowing us down. The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is nearly 70 cents higher than in 2017, but 80 percent of travelers will be driving to their destination.

  Those who are flying will pay less for airfare, but more for car rentals and hotels.

  Blasky says AAA expects to rescue more than 362,000 motorists across the country over Independence Day holidays, with the primary reasons being lockouts, flat tires and battery-related issues.

‘Abnormally Dry’ Season

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-04-18

  Northern California’s rainy season officially ended on Saturday with Castro Valley precipitation totals measuring four inches below normal and less than half of what they were at this time last year.

  Last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor in Lincoln, Nebraska applied an “abnormally dry” designation — the lowest stage of drought conditions — to California’s coast because of the lack of rain over the last several months and a low snowpack during the winter months. 

  That designation was not expected to worsen to the next step for the next few months even with no rain. And because of record rainfall in the 2016-17 season, most Northern California reservoirs currently have adequate water supplies.

  Meanwhile, temperatures will remain sunny and pleasant through the weekend, with hot weather returning on Monday.

Where to Celebrate Independence Day

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  07-04-18

  There are plenty of places nearby to celebrate this Independence Day.

  The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton will have live performances, exhibitions and carnival rides running on a shortened schedule from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no admission after 3 p.m.). See www.alamedacountyfair.com

  In the city of Alameda, one of the longest parades in the nation with more than 170 floats steps off at 10 a.m. from Park Street at Lincoln Avenue. See alamedaparade.com. 

  Also in Alameda, the USS Hornet Independence Day Celebration features live music, family activities, food and drink vendors, views of city fireworks and more. 2-10 p.m. $15-$25. USS Hornet Air and Space Museum, 707 West Hornet Ave., Alameda. See www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/4th-of-july-2018.

  Fremont also has a 10 a.m. parade beginning at Stevenson and Paseo Padre Blvd.

  Jack London Square in Oakland holds a block party with live music, hip-hop artists, a BBQ, entertainment and a kids’ zone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  A celebration at the Berkeley Marina runs from noon to 10 p.m. with live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. off the end of the Berkeley Pier .

  Livermore Family Fun celebration starts at 4 p.m. with the 5th Annual Downtown 4th of July Red, White and Boom Fireworks to be launched off the Parking Garage on Railroad Avenue at 9:20 p.m.. Parking Garage and Streets close at 4 p.m.. 

  San Ramon Independence Day Celebration features free live music by Foreverland, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more from 5-8 p.m. at San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd.

  San Francisco’s big celebration will be at Pier 39 beginning at 3 p.m. with live music, special events and 9:30 p.m. fireworks. If you plan on attending the July 4th firework show on the waterfront in San Francisco, BART is the best way to get there and get home. BART will be running on a Sunday schedule (opening at 8 a.m. and providing a three route service unlike the five that run on Saturday) but with longer trains and some extra event trains that evening. BART parking is free, but there will be enforcement of all parking rules. Visit BART.gov

  KRON Channel 4 will have live coverage of the San Francisco fireworks.

CV’s Ken Martin Remembered

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-27-18

  Longtime community champion, Ken Martin is being remembered for his passion and commitment to the people of Castro Valley, San Leandro, and beyond.

  Martin died on June 11 after an illness that left him wheelchair bound in his later years.

  A frequent contributor to the Castro Valley Forum with his “CV Side Trips” column, Martin’s passions included garden railroads, Alfa Romeo automobiles, and bocce. He was instrumental in bringing bocce to Adobe Park and the game’s awareness to the community.

  In August 2015, Hayward Area Recreational and Park District (HARD) honored Martin for his efforts with the official naming of the Ken Martin Bocce Courts at Adobe Park where games are regularly played on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

  Various bocce tournaments that Martin organized help fund the George Mark Children’s House for kids with chronic illnesses in San Leandro.

  Another such unsung fundraising effort helped Lee’s Donuts owner, Sam Nouv, who had been robbed and injured outside his Castro Valley store in October 2009. Martin organized a bocce tournament to help raise more than $5,000 to help with his medical bills.

  “Dad was always civic minded,” recounts Martin’s son, Max. “He was a guy that got in there and got his hands into organizing stuff and really got involved with the community.”

  Martin’s other community efforts include serving as chairman for the San Leandro Cherry Festival during the city’s centennial in 1972, organizing the Oakland Hobby Show in the 1970, and establishing the Livermore Airshow with the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

  He was also a member of several Italian American clubs including Buon Tempo Club in Castro Valley.

  Neighbor and fellow Buon Tempo member Al Bronzini remembers Martin as a person who could get things done.

  “If he had an idea he could make it work, Bronzini told the Castro Valley Forum. “I would throw out an idea to him and he would sit on it for a while and then figure a way to rally people around it. He was a good guy, kind of a quiet fellow. Ken was not an outgoing person who told a lot of jokes. He was more of a serious fellow who got things done.”

  Outside of his civic passions, Martin’s hobbies included building model airplanes and radio-controlled model cars. He raced midget cars on dirt tracks in three states until 1966 and owned boats that were docked at San Leandro Marina Yacht Club. Since 2006, a 7-foot wooden sculpture of a bear has commanded his front yard on Somerset Avenue.

  Born in Berkeley in 1931, Martin lived in Oakland until he graduated from Fremont High School in 1949 and went to San Luis Obispo to study architecture at California State Polytechnic College. He served for two years in the U.S. Army before he married his wife, Patty.

  To make ends meet, Martin was an auto mechanic, auto parts man, assistant car distributor, and, ultimately, a copier technician for Xerox for 17 years until he retired in 1994.   

  The family moved from San Leandro to Castro Valley in 1998.

  Martin is survived by his wife, three daughters (Jacqueline, Jeannine, and Michele) and son (Max). A memorial service for Martin is being planned for some time in August.

  If you would like to read and remember more of Martin’s perspectives, visit the “CV Side Trips” blog at www.cvsidetrips.com

CAPTION: Ken Martin in the summer of 2015 with his wood sculpted bear at his Somerset Avenue home.

FILE PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

New Chair For MAC?

By Amy Sylvesti

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-27-18

  The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) was supposed to elect a new chair at its Monday night meeting, but after several moments of discussion, the item was tabled until the next meeting.

  When the floor was open for nominations, MAC member Dave Sadoff nominated member Ken Carbone, a move which was seconded by member Linda Tangren.

  That should have immediately triggered a vote, but member Chuck Moore spoke up to nominate current MAC Chair Marc Crawford for another one-year term before a vote could take place.

  Throughout the discussion, the atmosphere was civil but there was also a palpable tension.

  Sadoff said that he thought Crawford did an admirable job as chair, but that it’s healthy for any board to rotate the position.

  “It helps keep things fresh,” said Sadoff.

  Tangren said that a rotation would give the MAC members a chance to learn all the positions on the board and broaden their knowledge base, to which Moore replied that he was too busy top ever act as chair, so he wouldn’t support a general rotation.

  The members praised Crawford’s construction knowledge and Carbone’s background in art and design as valuable assets both bring to each discussion and said either man would be

see MAC on back page

 a fine chair.

  Crawford reminded Carbone that were he to take over as chair, Carbone wouldn’t just be running meetings, he would be taking over all of Crawford responsibilities including the ongoing issue of trying to open the old library as a veterans’ hall.

  “I’m not going to continue doing the work of the chair if I’m not the chair,” said Crawford.

  Carbone then asked Crawford to compile a full list of his responsibilities as chair so Carbone could see what the job entails and decide if he even wanted to be nominated.

  The motion to elect Carbone was then withdrawn and the matter was tabled to the July 9 meeting of the MAC.

  Other Business

  Also at their Monday night meeting, the MAC approved a 56-foot faux eucalyptus tree cell tower which will house eight antennas and 12 radio units for a Verizon telecommunication facility at 19179 Center Street.

  The MAC also issued a Conditional Use Permit to allow the sale of alcohol and beer at an existing convenience store at 2920 Castro Valley Boulevard.

  The council gave tentative approval to new signage at the Rite Aid at 3848 Castro Valley Boulevard. They didn’t like the initial flat signs the designer presented, but said that if he came back with signs with three dimensional elements, they’d say yes.

  And the MAC also tabled an application from the “Knowledge Enlightens You” charter school which operates on the Epiphany Lutheran Church property at 16248 Carolyn Street.

  The school wanted to expand to up to 360 students, but a handful of neighbors came to the meeting to tell the MAC that traffic and parking were already bad with the number of kids that attend now.

  The MAC suggested that the school work more closely with the county’s Public Works Agency to develop a stronger application with plans for no more than 250 students.

Local Groups Protest Treatment of Immigrant Families

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-27-18

Several groups joined together in Castro Valley Saturday to protest the practice of separating immigrant children from their parents.

Members of the Eden Area Interfaith Council, Lawyer Moms of America, Castro Valley Activist Network, Castro Valley Women’s March Huddle Group, and others attended the rally, held at the corner of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road.

Most of the groups said they are planning further action on this hot-button issue.

“I’m not against immigrant law, I just think people should be treated fairly,” said Millicent Cowley-Crawford. She and Carolyn Darcey brought postcards for people to send to decision-makers in Washington D.C., asking that families be kept together.

Despite temperatures in the 90s, the protesters held signs and waved to motorists and pedestrians. In return, many drivers honked, and a few jeered. Protesters kept the heat in perspective, contrasting it to an immigrant detention center.

“Can you imagine being in a tent city in Texas? It would be hell,” said Stephanie Alvarez.

Protesters carried signs with a variety of messages, including “Nurses say families belong together,” “Japanese-American communities remember racist, xenophobic policies,” and “Stand up, speak out, vote.” Many held signs that simply read, “Keep families together.”

“The reason we’re holding this rally is to let people know what actions they can take so these families who were separated at the border can be reunited,” said Castro Valley resident Michael Kusiak. “We also want to pressure the current administration to change their policies so they’re more humane.

“Successive administrations and congresses have not dealt with this immigration issue. I wish I could say that keeping families together was not a partisan thing. We want to encourage people to do something, today, tomorrow and into the future,” Kusiak added.

Castro Valley attorney Sara Raymond is organizing letter delivery to Congressman Eric Swalwell’s Castro Valley office (3615 Castro Valley Blvd.) June 29 at 11:30 a.m. on behalf of Lawyer Moms of America. This will occur in conjunction with simultaneous letter delivery to lawmakers across the country. 

“We’re trying to reach as many leaders as we can, and it’s not just limited to lawyers or moms. Everyone can participate in these actions,” said Raymond.

The group’s message is that families who were separated should be reunited, and people seeking asylum should not be detained in Federal institutions while they await a hearing.

“The punishment they’re receiving is really out of proportion to the offenses they’ve been accused of,” added Raymond. “I am appalled at what’s happening.”

People may bring their own letters on June 29, and Lawyer Moms of America also has an open letter, which can be signed by anyone.  It demands “a just and humane resolution to the ongoing crisis of families seeking asylum in the U.S. being separated or detained at the border.”

The group’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lawyermomsofamerica/ has more information.

Rev. Arlene Nehring of Eden United Church of Christ introduced a family from Nicaragua seeking asylum in compliance with federal law. The Hayward church will host an event to support legal aid for asylum-seekers on July 15.

This Saturday, June 30, anyone interested is invited to caravan from Castro Valley BART (corner of Wilbeam and Norbridge) to another similar protest at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in Richmond at 5555 Giant Highway. Meeting time in Castro Valley is 9:30 a.m., arriving at 11 a.m. in Richmond.

More information on Saturday’s rally may be found at www.facebook.com/CVActivistNetwork/.

CAPTION: Residents protesting the separation of immigrant families held a protest Saturday at Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road.

PHOTOS BY LINDA SANDSMARK

Fair Opens With ‘Old West’ Flair

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-20-18

HERD ON THE STREET: The 106th edition of the Alameda County Fair opened with real “Old West” flair on Friday as dozens of cowboys and cowgirls drove 150 head of cattle — some of them longhorns —through the center of Downtown Pleasanton, an event that attracted nationwide TV coverage. Some 24,684 people showed up for opening day, many to take a spin on the new 70 mph, 120-foot high Turbo in the midway, or to get a birds-eye view of the fairgrounds from the new Sky Ride. The fair runs through July 8.

PHOTOS BY MIKE SEDLAK / PLEASANTON WEEKLY

New Power Provider for Castro Valley

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-20-18

  When you flip on that light switch, the electricity that illuminates your home might not be coming from PG&E. 

  Castro Valley and other unincorporated communities as well as 11 cities in Alameda County have begun the switchover to East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), a nonprofit alternative electricity provider.

  Businesses within EBCE’s service area are being automatically enrolled to receive cleaner energy this month, and residential customers will be enrolled in November.

  County officials say EBCE will save money because it will buy power directly from a source, circumventing PG&E.

  The money saved from that step could go to pay for more expensive forms of energy, including solar and wind in the future.

  For now, the EBCE will be using energy from a variety of sources, including hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest and wind farms in Southern California.

  The EBCE will still pay PG&E to maintain the power distribution system and to bill customers. And EBCE will still source some of its energy from PG&E because of ongoing, long-term contracts.

  The EBCE program is opt-out rather than opt-in, so your electricity will be coming from EBCE unless you choose to take action to leave the program.

  Community energy aggregators like EBCE currently serve just over 12 percent of Californians. Critics say such agencies are just being used so cities can say they are “doing something green.”

  Those with questions about EBCE or who want to opt-out can visit  ebce.org or call 833-699-3223.

Large Increase in Whooping Cough Cases in County

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-20-18

  Alameda County Public Health officials say 180 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported in the county through the first five months of this year, compared to 40 cases during the same period in 2017.

  Most cases this year are in high school-aged children. At least nine cases were reported at Castro Valley High School before the end of the school year.

  Pertussis is a very contagious disease of the lungs and respiratory system caused by bacteria. Coughing fits due to the infection can last for up to 10 weeks or more.

  Infants are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Roughly half of babies younger than one year old who get pertussis need hospital treatment.

  The disease can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can be life-threatening.

  Early symptoms are the same as a cold — runny nose, low or no fever, and extreme fatigue. For babies, it can result in gasping or gaging or seizures.

  Pertussis is cyclical, with peak cases every 3-5 years. California’s last epidemic was in 2014, and health officials say the state will likely have another epidemic this year.

  Pertussis is preventable with vaccinations. For more info, visit: www.acphd.org/pertussis.aspx

CAPTION : Infants are the most vulnerable to serious complications.

A Practice with the Pros

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-13-18

  Members of the Castro High School football team were guests of the Oakland Raiders last week for a chance to meet — and be coached by — National Football League players.

  The Raiders traded an Organized Team Activity Day for community outreach, inviting eight local high school football teams to participate in the inaugural Raiders U 7-on-7 Tournament at the Raiders Alameda Practice Facility.

  Raiders players served as coaches, giving participants the chance to interact and learn from the pro’s during the competition. Raiders coaches served as game officials.

  After the tournament, Raiders players spoke to the student-athletes about the life lessons they have learned through football, and conducted a Q-and-A session.

CAPTION: Oakland Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr (far left) talks to members of the Castro Valley High School football team during scrimmages at the Raiders’ Practice Facility in Alameda last Thursday morning.

CVHS Class of 2018: A Memory to Last a Lifetime

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-13-18

  A church plan to build six “tiny-homes” as temporary homeless housing on its property was continued again at Monday night’s Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting.

  First Presbyterian Church, located next to Trader Joe’s at 2490 Grove Way, first proposed the idea back in April and were hoping for a conditional use permit from the MAC this week.

  But the council ultimately decided that the church’s plans were incomplete and asked them to come back to the July 9 MAC meeting for further consideration.

  Pastor Jake Medcalf says that his church operates a warming center for the homeless in the winter, lets people who live in their cars park in their lot for safety, serves 80 to 100 people a free breakfast every Sunday, and lets 30 to 50 people shower in their gym.

  But he wants to actually house people and help them get back into employment and on their feet.

  “We really want to help these brothers and sisters get into housing,” said Medcalf. “That’s the goal.”

  All tenants of the tiny homes would have to under-go a background check and would have to have a job or other source of income in order to live there.

  The plan for the tiny home community would be to allow people to stay in the homes for no more than 18 months, with rent increasing the longer they stay.

  They’d start out paying $200 per month which just covers the upkeep of the home. By the end of the 18-month period, they’d be paying $800 per month and the church would take $200 for expenses and keep the rest in a savings account.

  A tenant who stays the whole 18 months would leave with $6,000 from that saving account to put a deposit on a place of their own.

  But one issue that needs to be resolved is whether the tiny home project would legally be considered a mobile home park, in which case it would be subject to more county and state regulations.

  Metcalf said one possible solution would be to tweak the rent structure so the church holds all of it in “housing fund” instead so it’s not considered be rent.

  Other issues the MAC wanted to see addressed included garbage removal, fire sprinklers, and crime. MAC Chair Marc Crawford said that the sheriff’s department has received 52 calls to the church parking lot.

  A few of the MAC members seemed ready to grant the permit with suggested amendments, but Crawford insisted that all the details be worked out and in writing before the application could move forward.

  “This applicant is trying to do a lot of good for people, but that doesn’t mean giving them a pass on the rules that apply to everyone,” said Crawford. “I do want to support this and I think we can get there, but we need to do it right.”

  Supervisor Nate Miley is in support of the idea, which he says could be used all over the county. The church has received $200,000 from Alameda County to build the infrastructure of the project – the six small structures, fencing, and security cameras.

  Last year, the county estimated that there are about 50 homeless people currently living in Castro Valley, with many in encampments by the creek, but there are no exact figures on the homeless population.    

  A few neighbors spoke at Monday’s meeting, saying the project is not a good fit for the area and will lead to increased traffic, decreased property value, and other issues.

  “I also need to live comfortably, I can’t be afraid and I’m worried about safety,” said one woman. “This is my retirement home and I’m worried about property value when I go to sell.”

  Another man owns a business in a nearby shopping center and said that parking is already at a premium and the loss of 14 parking spaces to the tiny homes means he will lose customers.

  “What we are worried about is our business,” he said.

  But others spoke up in favor of the church’s proposal.

  “I’m an atheist, thank God,” said one neighbor, drawing laughs from the crowd. “But I support the project. May your good deed go unpunished.”

CVHS Class of 2018: A Memory to Last a Lifetime

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-13-18

  The Castro Valley High Class of 2018 kicked off its commencement ceremony with a multi-lingual greeting in 27 of the languages spoken by families of students in the school.

  “We take great pride in the diversity of our school and our community,” said Student Body President Madeline Thompson.

  Nearly 700 graduates were honored at last Thursday’s ceremony, which hosted a standing-room-only crowd in the football stadium.

  Balloons, signs, air horns and cheering crowds greeted the students, who filed in to traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” musical accompaniment.

  The Star Spangled Banner, followed by “Bridge Over Troubled Water” were played by the school band and sung by the high school choir seniors, many of whom had decorated their mortarboard caps.

  Senior class president Peter Maina advised his classmates not to be afraid to fail.

  “If you can dream it, you can achieve it,” said Maina.

  An enthusiastic congratulatory speech was given by Castro Valley School Board President Jo Loss, who told the students that their graduation was a major milestone they would remember for the rest of their lives.

  “You have shown us that Castro Valley is a community of compassion and a community of greatness,” she said. “Even small gestures of human kindness can improve our world.”

  She added that there is no need to postpone doing good things with their lives.

  “Now is your time. You don’t have to wait for the future,” said Loss.

  Each graduate’s name was read individually, with closing remarks given by Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi. American Sign Language (ASL) student interpreters were provided for the event.

Where Have All The Voters Gone?

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-06-18

The poll workers were there, the voters not so much, perhaps because they cast their ballots early. Above, a lone voter signs for his ballot Tuesday morning at the Aitken Senior and Community Center on Redwood Road. By mid-morning, only a handful of voters had shown up there and at several other polling places in town. California is central to Democrat’s hopes for taking control of the House. The controversial “top-two” voting system means there may be some same-party run-off contests in November’s General Election.

PHOTO BY FRED ZEHNDER

Public Employees Among Highest Paid in the State

By Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-06-18

    Alameda County’s public employees continue to be among the highest paid in the state, according to California’s largest public pay and pension database.

    Alameda County’s highest paid employee in 2017 was Administrator Susan Muranishi, who received total pay and benefits of $775,000. Of that $501,400 was base pay.  

    That’s about $288,000 ahead of the next highest paid county administrator (from San Joaquin County) who received $487,000 in total pay and benefits.

    When she retires, Muranishi’s contract calls for her to receive a pension matching her highest salary, so she will be collecting over a half-million annually for the rest of her life.

    And that salary is rising. This year’s figure is over $100,000 more than the $657,000 Muranishi received five years ago in 2013, according to Transparent California, a database of public employee salaries.

    The county’s next highest paid employee is Sheriff Gregory Ahern, who ran unopposed for reelection in yesterday’s primary. Ahern’s pension and benefits totaled more than $632,300 in 2017, with pay of $313,000 and benefits of nearly $319,000.

    Ahern was the third highest paid sheriff in the state in 2017 according to the database, behind only the sheriffs of Riverside and Los Angeles counties.

    Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley collected $486,700 in total compensation including almost

see PAID on page 15

$321,000 in base pay.

O’Malley is the state’s second highest paid DA in the database, behind only the district attorney of Los Angels County.

    Alameda County Auditor-Controller Steven Manning received nearly $475,000 in compensation, including salary of $304,000. Manning is retiring this year and not seeking reelection, so he will begin collecting a pension of $170,000.

    Manning was the highest paid auditor-controller in the state last year, topping the second highest compensated controller from Los Angeles County.

    Alameda county’s population was estimated at 1.6 million last year, far smaller than the 10 million people who live in Los Angeles County.

All told, 22 current Alameda County employees had total competition of over $400,000 in 2017.

    Of the county’s 7,410 full-time employees, the median pay and benefits totals $122,500, with just under $83,000 in salary. The total cost of all compensation for county employees in 2017 was nearly $1.2 billion.

And those are the currently active employees.

    According to the website “100k Club,” a project of the California Policy Center think tank, 739 retirees from Alameda County jobs are currently drawing annual pensions in the six figures.

    The California Policy Center estimates that there is $600 billion in unfunded pensions statewide for California’s public employees.

CVSan to Switch Trash Collection Companies Next May

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  06-06-18

  Starting next May, garbage trucks emblazoned with a different logo — ACI (for Alameda County Industries) — will be picking up trash in Castro Valley, although many of the drivers may be familiar faces.

  The Castro Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors voted 4-1 to switch from Waste Management of Alameda County to ACI for recycling, organics, and garbage collection and processing.

  ACI is a privately-owned company in San Leandro that currently provides service to Alameda and part of San Leandro.

  Under the new agreement, ACI is required to offer jobs to all WMAC workers displaced by the change, maintaining their wages and benefits. The decision to transfer to ACI is being left up to each employee.

  CVSan received two proposals in response to its Request for Proposals and selected ACI because “its proposal provided a better overall value for the community,” according to a press statement,

which listed these benefits:

  • CI’s proposal will be a 14% rate increase, compared to WMAC’s proposal of a 15.5% rate increase.

  • CI accepted high performance standards, while WMAC sought lower standards of performance. As an example, industry ratings were said to indicate that ACI has a stronger safety record.

  • eferences provided by the companies rated ACI higher than WMAC in all categories, including customer service quality.

  • CI is committed to local and environmentally preferable purchasing, while WMAC initially struck those sections from the agreement.

  ACI will begin providing services to the Castro Valley Sanitary District on May 1, 2019 for the next 10 years.

  For more information on the Castro Valley Sanitary District’s new collection and processing agreement, call 510-537-0757 ext. 124, or email Public Outreach Specialist Natalie Croak at natalie@cvsan.org.

CAPTION: New truck coming to town

Virginia Gates Stays Busy at 104

By Linda Sandsmark

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-30-18

       Castro Valley resident Virginia Gates turns 104 next Monday, and she’s still busy attending church and doing many other activities.

    “The key to my long life has been complete rest, proper food and water, contentment and peace,” she says.

    Born Virginia Liebhart on June 4, 1914 in Dickens, Missouri, she moved to California with her family at age eight. The youngest of five children, she graduated from nursing school in 1936 and married Donald Gates in 1937.

    Donald and Virginia raised their two children, Edward and Donna (Driver), in Oakland. Donald passed away in 1988 after 51 years of marriage. In addition to her son and daughter, Virginia has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

    Mrs. Gates lived in the family home in Oakland for a total of 70 years, moving to Castro Valley 11 years ago.

    Longevity has always run in Virginia’s family.  Her mother and three older siblings lived well into their 90s.

    “She’s the last of that generation,” says daughter Donna. “And she looks very much the same as she did 30 years ago.”

    A birthday celebration at her church will be held next weekend.

CAPTION: ABOVE: Virginia Gates of Castro Valley celebrates her 104th birthday on June 4. AT RIGHT: Virginia (Liebhart) Gates at 21. She graduated from nursing school in 1936.

ABOVE PHOTO BY LINDA SANDSMARK 

Redwood Christian High Graduation

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-30-18

    Redwood Christian Schools conducted its 42nd high school graduation ceremony at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley last Thursday. Seventy eight students received their diplomas from School Board Chariman Harry Bruno and Board Member April Nunes. Superintendent Al Hearne and Principal Ben Warner presented the graduates and their individual achievements and future goals to some 1,500 family members and friends in attendance. Student speakers included Senior Class President Ify Nwebube and Senior Class Vice President Allison Fontillas.  Valedictorian speakers  were Andrew Stanciulescu and Lucas Vaughan.

Ride ’em Cowboy 

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-23-18

 The 98th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo saw some of the sport’s best cowboys and cowgirls competing for prize money, and hoping to make it to the world championship in Las Vegas this December.

  Cheering rodeo fans saw the Rowell Rodeo close on Sunday with a 16.92 second ride by 2017 World Champion cowgirl Nellie Miller on her barrel horse of the year, “Sister.” She took home the prize money along with a shot at another world championship in 2018.

  NFL player and California Cowboy Bear Pascoe of Morro Bay narrowly lost the steer wrestling title to Josh Garner of Live Oak who took home the championship title with a 4.7 second run.

  Cody Craig made an 8.6 second time in the tie-down roping event that kept him in the first place position; while the team of Lane Santos Karney of Creston and Todd Hampton of Madera showed everyone that California Cowboys have what it takes in the rodeo’s timed events with their 5.9 second winning go in the team roping event.

  Roughstock event winners included Kash Wilson and Aaron Williams.

  The 99th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo will be held May 17-19, 2019.

CAPTION: The Rockin Bull Bash opened the 98th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo weekend on Friday with some of the sports best bullriders and rankest bulls giving fans plenty of great arena action. Rodeo weekend ended with fans looking ahead to 99th and then the 100th in 2020.

Car Goes Off Road, Into Pond

By Amy Sylvestri  CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-23-18

  A man driving a Tesla Model S was killed in a single-vehicle car accident on Crow Canyon Road over the weekend, but it is too early to know whether the car’s autopilot feature was engaged at the time of the collision.

  Keith Leung, a 34-year-old Danville resident, was pronounced dead at the scene after his car was submerged for several hours in a pond on a property on the rural 11000 block of Crow Canyon Road, according to a joint press conference held Monday by the Castro Valley branch of the California Highway Patrol and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

  Leung hadn’t been seen for over 24 hours, but had not been reported missing. It is unknown when the car left the road, and apparently the accident was not witnessed by anyone.

  California Highway Patrol officers responded just before 8 p.m. on Sunday evening when the property owner reported a broken fence and other debris as well as tire tracks that led him to believe a car might have traveled down an embankment and gone into the pond, according to CHP Officer Daniel Jacowitz.

  A team of nine divers from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was called in and, after about two hours, located the vehicle in the large pond, which was filled with underwater vegetation.

  “There was zero visibly in the pond,” said Jacowitz.

  Lueng’s body was eventually recovered at around 5:30 a.m. on Monday.

  According to the CHP, the posted speed limit in the curvy stretch of road is  35 m.p.h. and speed may have been a factor in the accident.

  Jacowitz said that Leung would have to have been traveling at a considerable rate of speed to leave the road, break through the fence, and land several yards away in the pond. He said that it is too soon

to know if either drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, but he did add that Leung was wearing his seat belt.

  Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said the recovery effort twas complicated by the fact that the Tesla is an electric car and that the divers and staff did research before attempting to pull the car out of the pond.

  “We have never dealt with a submerged electrical car before,” said Kelly. “After some research, we did what we needed to do to safely get it out. We didn’t want one tragedy to lead to another.”

  Jacowitz said that the CHP will be communicating with Tesla as the investigation continues to see if the car’s autopilot feature cold have been a contributing factor to the collision.

  The autopilot feature was engaged in an unrelated fatal Tesla crash in Mountain View back in March and the autopilot was also on when a Tesla crashed into a fire truck while going 65 m.p.h. in Southern California in January.

Tesla has contacted the Castro Valley CHP office and is cooperating with the investigation, according to Lieutenant Stephen Perea, Commander of the CHP Castro Valley Office. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also been notified and any relevant information will be provided to them as well.

O’Malley and Price Share Views on Law Enforcement

By Amy Sylvestri  CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-23-18

  In the race for Alameda County District Attorney, Pamela Price is trying to emphasize what sets her apart from incumbent Nancy O’Malley – namely, Price’s refusal to accept donations from police unions.

But in nearly every other subject touched on during a candidates’ forum this week, the women were in close agreement.

  Price and O’Malley met Monday night at the San Lorenzo Library for a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters and Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs.                                            

   The two alternated answering questions posed by moderator Janice Friesen, a former Castro Valley school board member, often taking the same stance on a given issue.

  Asked their opinions on trying teens as adults, both said diversion programs to keep young offenders away from prisons are ideal.

  Price said that when it comes to deciding whether a youth should be tried as an adult, minority teens face the adult court more often that white teens.

  “I will not charge a juvenile as an adult when I am your district attorney, or charge a juvenile with life without the possibility of parole,” said Price. “I want to make sure we give kids a chance to make a mistake.”

  O’Malley agreed that getting young offenders back on track to being members of society is important, but said that juveniles receiving harsh sentences is only for “very heinous crimes.”

  O’Malley added that in 2016, four teens ended up in the adult court, one a “white guy who lit a woman on fire and then stabbed her when she wouldn’t die fast enough.”

  In 2017, a juvenile triple rape suspect was charged as an adult and no youths have been charged as adults so far in 2018, according to O’Malley.

  On working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) both women said they would protect the undocumented.

  “I would have no involvement with ICE as your district attorney,” said Price. “We need to figure out how to support the immigration population.”

  O’Malley said she currently does not work with ICE and never asks the immigration status of people at the Family Justice Center, a program the county has for victims of crimes like domestic violence and human trafficking.

  On police accountability, O’Malley said that building relationships between cops and the community is key to understanding each other.

  “When people talk and have a respectful dialogue, those judgments fall away,” said O’Malley.

  Price said that ousting bad cops will help build public trust.

  “I will hold bad cops accountable for bad acts,” said Price. “Trust me, that’s what good cops want.”

    Price previously ran for state Assembly in 2014 but this is O’Malley’s first campaign despite the fact that she is the incumbent. In 2010 and 2014, O’Malley ran unopposed and she was the first woman to be Alameda County’s District Attorney.

  O’Malley has the endorsements of Gov. Brown, the entire Alameda County Board of Supervisors, and senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.

  Price played up her outsider status, saying she’ll upset the status quo. She told of being introduced into the justice system at age 13 when she was arrested for a civil rights protest and saved by mentors who saw her potential. She is a product of the foster care system who made it all the way to Yale and went on to get her law degree from UC Berkeley.

  Price’s endorsements include Black Lives Matter founder Alicia Garza, actor Danny Glover, and Our Revolution, San Leandro.

  Election Day in Tuesday, June 5. For more information about the June 5 election, visit www.acvote.org

CAPTION:  Nancy O’Malley  Pamela Price

Record-Breaking Travel Expected This Weekend  

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-23-18

  Drivers in the East Bay can expect heavy afternoon traffic tomorrow and Friday as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers setting off on the long three-day weekend.

  AAA predicts Californians will kickoff the unofficial start of summer in record numbers this year, forecasting 4.3 million residents will take to the state’s freeways.

  Higher gas prices aren’t deterring them. Travelers choosing to drive will pay the most expensive Memorial Day gas prices since 2014. California gas prices are nearly 70 cents higher compared to last year, due to expensive crude oil, record gasoline demand and shrinking global supplies.

nother half-million Californians will be taking to the skies this weekend, increasing air travel by 7.5 percent over last year.

  Travelers can expect some relief in their wallets when paying for car rentals and most mid-range hotels. The average daily cost of a car rental this Memorial Day is the lowest rate in the past four years and 11 percent cheaper than last year at an average at $59.

Big Weekend for Rodeo Fans 

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-16-18

 The Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo gallops into town this Friday, May 18, beginning with the Rockin’ Bull Bash and some of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s best bull riders taking on the sport’s rankest bulls.   

 The thundering excitement of hoof pounding in the arena begins at 7:30 p.m.  An after-party follows that night, with dancing and live music by Country Guilty.

 Two days of full-throttle professional rodeo action continues on Saturday and Sunday with performances beginning at 1:30 p.m. Prior to the Saturday and Sunday performance, fans are invited into the arena for the Cowboy Experience at noon to learn first-hand about the sport of rodeo, the various events, equipment used and animal welfare.

 The public is encouraged to come down into the arena, visit with cowboys and committee members about the care and equipment that goes into making sure the animals and cowboys are well taken care of at all times.  

 Tickets are on sale now for the 98th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo. Tickets range in price from $17 to $40. General admission and reserved seating is available.

 Visit rowellranchrodeo.com to buy tickets or purchase them at the gate the day of the performance.

SOME LIKE IT HOT!

Friday evening’s Chili Cook-Off (above) attracted a big crowd to the Rowell Ranch to sample the spicy concoctions of 21 different teams. Below, the 36th Annual Rowell Ranch Parade stepped off Saturday morning with the theme “We Ride Together”as an audience of hundreds lined the sidewalks along the Boulevard. Both events are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castro Valley. See a complete list of the winners of both events inside this issue of The Forum.   

Religious Center’s Expansion in Crow Canyon Deferred

By Amy Sylvestri  CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  05-16-18

  A religious group is proposing expanding its existing facility on Crow Canyon Road to include several new structures including a kitchen and large prayer hall, but the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) said the plans weren’t complete and ultimately deferred the matter at their Monday night meeting.

  The M.A. Center currently operates under a conditional use permit and now wishes to expand on nearly 20 acres in the agriculturally zoned area at 10200 Crow Canyon Road, about two and a half miles southwest of Bollinger Canyon Road on what was a former horse ranch.

  The M.A. Center is the local base of Mata Amritanandamayi, also known as, Amma or the “hugging saint” – a Hindu spiritual leader and guru.

  The applicants propose to remove the M.A. Center’s temporary tent structures and replace them with a three-story dining hall, prayer hall, and other buildings. During special events and retreats, up to 900 people could be expected on site and there are 654 parking spaces planned.

  The MAC emphasized that there was no religious motive behind their questioning of the plan, simply land use questions.

  Several of Amma’s adherents and M.A. Center workers and volunteers showed up at Monday night’s MAC meeting to lend their support to the expansion, but the MAC said a lot of work on the permit proposal still needs to be done.

  MAC Chair Marc Crawford said there was no plan for grading the construction.

  “To be honest with you, this seems really incomplete,” said Crawford of the application.

  MAC member Linda Tangren said “no one is questioning your ministry” but wanted more information on the project’s environmental impact.

  MAC member Chuck Moore said he’d treat the M.A. Center the same as any applicant but wants to make sure that the construction “fits in the vision of agricultural properties.”

  And so they sent the project back to the applicants for further tweaking.

  Also at Monday night’s MAC meeting, the council approved a martial arts school for 3300 East Castro Valley Boulevard and the demolition and subsequent rebuilding of a home at 16851 Cull Canyon Road.

Pipe Replacement on the Boulevard Starts Monday 

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM  05-16-18

  The East Bay Municipal Utility District plans to begin replacement of a water pipeline located on Castro Valley Blvd., between Park Way and Lake Chabot Road next Monday evening, May 21.

  It is scheduled to occur at night to lessen impacts on local businesses and traffic on Castro Valley Blvd. where there will be some lane closures during the project.

  The district says the work is necessary to restore redundancy in the system and reliable water service to the area. 

  The pipe replacement will take about two weeks to complete. There will be no water outages during the project. 

  Trench work will be conducted from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the first four to five days.  

  Testing, flushing and chlorination of the pipeline will take place from  7 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. for the next three to four days. Then the pipeline connection will be made from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. over an additional two to three days.

  During the nighttime work, there will be rolling lane closures as the pipeline replacement work progresses. A minimum of one lane in each direction will be open at all times. 

  There will be flood lights and construction-related noise and dust. One lane in each direction will be closed during the daytime testing, flushing and chlorination of the pipeline.    

  Final paving and concrete restoration will be scheduled after completion of pipeline work.  

  For questions and for more frequent email updates, contact Laura Luong at 510-287-0140 or laura.luong@ebmud.com. For emergencies or after-hours questions, call EBMUD at 866-403-2683.