DECA: Tomorrow’s Leaders

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-30-19

    Castro Valley High School business student Olivia Davidson thinks it would be incredible to become a CEO one day, able to pursue something that she’s genuinely proud of and passionate about.

The 17-year old senior shares with Katelyn Lance the title of co-president of the CVHS chapter of DECA, a global organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, hospitality, finance and management.

DECA, formerly “Distributive Education Clubs of America,” has more than 215,000 high school members worldwide, all driven to win the “DECA Glass” – the trophies awarded at competitions.

Davidson says it takes a certain kind of student to join DECA. During their role-playing events, students have just 10 minutes to read and come up with a solution to a business-related scenario, and another 10 minutes to present the information to a judge. Written reports range from 10 to 20 pages. Finally, students take a 100-question exam to test their business knowledge.

“There’s something about completing a competition that is so satisfying,” says Davidson, who’s interested in marketing and international business. “You can finally take a step back and look at

see DECA on page 6

all of your hard work. I think that we’re all proud of ourselves and the work that we have been preparing for months prior.”

Although DECA is a huge time commitment, its members are involved in other activities – sports, improv, choir, band. Davidson participates in track and cross country.

The Castro Valley DECA chapter has 83 members who have the opportunity to begin a hands-on professional education.

“From learning the proper dress attire, to writing comprehensive business plans, DECA has taught me so many professional skills that I know will be useful through every chapter of my life,” says Davidson.

In March, DECA members will attend the State Career Development Conference in Anaheim. From there, qualifiers from California will attend the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.

CAPTION: Fifty-six Business students from the Castro Valley High School DECA Chapter form the “DECA Diamond” with their hands during a group photo while attending the Northern California Career Development Conference on January 18 in San Ramon. The diamond is the official symbol of DECA, Inc., a non-profit organization formerly known as the Distributive Education Clubs of America.

Santa Maria Redo Begins Next Week

By  Amy Sylvestri

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-30-19

Some long-awaited construction is beginning on Santa Maria Avenue from Castro Valley Boulevard to Wilson Avenue – approximately from the Village to the high school.

At its Monday night meeting, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) heard an update on the project from Bill Lepere of the Alameda County Public Works Agency.

Construction on the $4.4 million project is set to begin next week and continue until September. When it is finished, Santa Maria Ave. will have new high-visibility crosswalks, ramps, curbs and gutters, trees and bike lanes.

The final step will be a new slurry seal for the road itself.

Lepere said that the construction will mean a vastly improved thoroughfare, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“When completed, Santa Maria will be a great link to downtown,” said Lepere

The Alameda County Public Works Agency will be posting project updates at: www.acpwa.org.

The MAC also approved an application from the McDonald’s restaurant at 2905 Grove Way to remodel and repaint the building. The council had ejected a previous application for having a monotone gray exterior, but approved the new plans which now include tile and some beige elements.

“The added color helped break this thing up so it doesn’t look like a huge box” said MAC member Ken Carbone.

see MAC on page 7

The MAC reminded the McDonald’s owners that no advertisements are supposed to be posted on the windows of fast food restaurants in Castro Valley.

In other business, the MAC continued two items: an application to subdivide a parcel into two at the Bay Gospel Hall at 4779 Heyer Ave. and review of the conditional use permit for the storage facility at 8555 Dublin Canyon Road. That property is known for having large electronic billboards visible from I-580 which are the subject of ongoing litigation with the county.

East Bay’s 2019 Water Outlook Good Thanks to the Recent Series

of Storms

By Mike Pechner

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  01-30-19

The recent series of storms that began just before Christmas has boosted California’s water outlook to near or slightly above normal for this time of year. 

Last year on this date, snow water equivalent in the High Sierra was around 25 percent compared with 103 percent today.

The wet season in the East Bay looks very promising so far with rain expected in Castro Valley every day this week through Sunday. 

Last year, the first half of winter was extremely dry, however the Pacific storm track fueled by a strong westerly jet stream returned in late February through mid-March and produced significant snow in the Sierra and abundant rainfall in lower elevations, filling most local reservoirs and lakes. 

Up in the Mother Lode, Pardee Reservoir is 92 percent full to date and will reach its capacity during the spring snow melt. Comanche Reservoir in the San Joaquin Valley is at a healthy 77 percent of storage. 

Local East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) lakes, Briones, Chabot, Lafayette, San Pablo and USL, hold a combined average storage 77 percent for the season so far, putting the total for all of EBMUD facilities at 81 percent.

Since the beginning of the season, rainfall in some local areas is ahead of last year. As of today, Oakland International Airport has received 8.49 inches of rain which is 79 percent of normal (10.79 inches) for this date. Hayward Airport data shows 5.02 inches of rain, about 55 percent of average. 

This winter started out with a weak to mild El Niño pattern which is now decreasing in intensity. What effect that may have on the weather,  only time will tell.

Mike Pechner operates Golden West Meteorology, a private long-range weather forecasting service.

Forum Now Adjudicated

The Castro Valley Forum and the San Leandro Times newspapers have been adjudged by the Alameda County Superior Court as newspapers of general circulation and can now publish any county legal advertising, including Fictitious Name Statements for new businesses.

Those interested in legal advertising in either paper should call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1558.

The adjudication was made possible thanks to the number of subscribers who signed up during last year’s Loyal Reader subscription program.

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.

Athletes of the Week:

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  •  01-30-19

Jhaile De Guzman of Canyon Middle School

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Jhaile De Guzman, an eighth-grader at Canyon Middle School.

De Guzman participated in the 11th Annual Selma New Year’s Bash youth wrestling tournament, regarded as one of the toughest youth wrestling tournaments in California, at Selma High School in Fresno County on Saturday, Jan. 12.  This was her first time competing in the tournament, but she wrestled her way into the finals where she won the highly sought Selma Bear statue. 

De Guzman currently wrestles for Canyon Middle School and trains with the TriValley Elite Wrestling Club out of Dublin.

Athletes of the Week:

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  •  01-23-19

Olivia Gilman-Chun

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Olivia Gilman-Chun, a senior at Castro Valley High School. Gilman-Chun is a four-sport athlete with 8 Varsity letters, who has an opportunity to be considered for the Herculean Award this year.

Throughout her years at CVHS, she has participated in Frosh/Soph Cross Country, JV Basketball, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Track and Field, JV Water Polo and Varsity Water Polo.

She has been a member of the Marching Band, Pep Band, Marching Band-Color Guard, and the Transfiguration Youth Choir. She has also devoted some of her time as a Volunteer CYO Track and Field Coach, and a Volunteer with SportsHopes.

Gilman-Chun suffered a knee injury during her sophomore year and has been making a comeback in basketball and track. She has found a way to divide her time between her various sports, activities, and school work where she maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Athletes of the Week:

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  •  01-16-19

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Payton Stanberry, a senior at Castro Valley High School. Stanberry is a member of the girls Varsity basketball team and one of the team captains.

The team had three games last week and Stanberry started it off with a double-double against Berkeley in a 58-45 home win, where she scored 15 points, brought down 11 boards, and added 5 assists, on Wednesday.

She followed it up with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals against Alameda on Friday in a 57-55 home loss. She finished the week with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, in a 54-48 away loss to St. Patrick-St. Vincent, of Vallejo, on Saturday night.

Athletes of the Week:

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  •  01-09-19

This week’s Athletes of the Week are the members of the Castro Valley High School boys JV wrestling team. They have been dominating their competition this year and continued on Saturday, when they competed at the Karen Foley Classic.  AJ Anderson, Kyle Jeong, Nigel Ramsey, Jackson Morgan, and Jason Oh were all crowned Champions, with Arjun Gill and Skyler Lum finishing in second place, and Jovi Saenz Castillo in fourth place.

Athletes of the Week:

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM  •  01-02-19

Elena Lottich

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Elena Lottich, a junior at Castro Valley High School. Lottich plays tennis and finished her season at the 2018 NCS/Les Schwab Tires Division 1 girls tennis singles championships on Monday, December 3.

Lottich faced Camilla Tarpey of Tamalpais and won the first match 6-3, but lost the next two 3-6, and 1-6.

Her first two years, she was voted all-league as a singles player. In addition to her excellence on the court, Lottich has been a Scholar Athlete during her career as a CVHS Varsity tennis player.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 01-30-19

The Week Ahead

  Thursday, January 31: Fire, Forests and Our Future

A free screening of the one-hour documentary “Wilder Than Wild — Fire, Forests and our Future” followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers will be held beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Learn what has caused an increase in the number and size of wildland-urban forest fires in areas like the San Leandro Creek watershed. No reservations needed.

  Thursday, January 31: Hawaiian Dance Class

The Kenneth C. Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road is offering a Hawaiian Dance class where you can learn to move your hips Island-style while listening to warm and tropical music, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tomorrow and every Thursday. For more info, call 510-881-6738.

  Friday, February 1:  Eden Area Village Public Outreach

Join Eden Area Village at Hayward City Hall this Friday at 2 p.m. for a public outreach meeting of Eden Area Village and hear about how they are working together to help seniors in the Castro Valley, Hayward and San Lorenzo area to remain in their homes, active in the community. For more info, visit edenareavillage.org

  Saturday, February 2:  Hill & Valley Club Flea Market

Hill and Valley Women’s Club will hold its annual Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the clubhouse, 1808 B Street (corner of B and Linden) in Hayward, featuring household goods, clothing and accessories, jewelry, linens, appliances and electronics, books, toys, sewing and craft materials. We will also be serving lunch at our café.   Funds raised at this event benefit local charities. This is an indoor sale with plenty of parking available. Come early for the best selection!

  Saturday, February 2:  Understanding Meditation

Learn to find inner peace and calmness through meditation with Stanford Assistant Prof. Dr. Manish Saggar who returns to the Castro Valley Library at 11 a.m. this Saturday to present a new program on finding relief from stress in these turbulent times. The program will include a short presentation and guided meditation. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv

  Monday, February 4: ‘Guitar Jam’ for Seniors

The Kenneth C. Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road is offering a drop-in Guitar Jam from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 and every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Jam with your guitar and have fun with others. Advanced beginner knowledge required as no instuction is given. Drop in fee is $2.50. For more info, call 510-881-6738.

  Tuesday, February 5:  Castro Valley Rotary Club Meeting

Marian Meadows, Coordinator of Behavioral Health at Castro Valley Unified School District, will talk about taking care of students at the new Wellness Center at the next Rotary meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road. The cost of lunch is $15 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More info is available at castrovalleyrotary.org

  Tuesday, February 5: Ohlone Audubon Meeting

Debbie Wong, who has been keeping bees for six years, will share tales of beekeeping and how birds react to her hives at the next meeting of Ohlone Audubon at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Niles Discovery Church, 36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont. No admission charge and refreshments served. For more info, visit www.ohloneaudubon.org

  Tuesday, February 5:  Buon Tempo Club Family Dinner

Chef Jessica Gorham Pacheco and crew will be serving a five-course meal of Chicken with Pasta at the next Buon Tempo family-style dinner at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Mt. Tabor Hall, Transfiguration Church, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd in Castro Valley, across from the 580 Marketplace. Red and white wine and soda are also included. Happy hour is at 6. The dinner is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Make reservations by Friday, Feb. 1, by calling the Buon Tempo dinner line at 510-483-6929 (option 1). For more information about events/membership visit www.buontempo.org

  Wednesday, February 6:  Community Fruit Tree Gleaning

Come participate in a Castro Valley tree fruit gleaning from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, to save extra fruits and vegetables that otherwise may have gone uneaten. Assemble at CVSan Offices at 21040 Marshall Street to visit pre-approved sites in Castro Valley from which to harvest the extra produce. All gleaned food will be donated to a Castro Valley food pantry. If you would like to volunteer, please call 510-537-0757 ext. 112.

  Wednesday, February 6:  3-Session Memory Academy

The Kenneth C. Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road will hold a three-class Memory Academy from 1:20 to 2:20 p.m. on successive Wednesdays beginning Feb. 6 for a fee of $18. Learn ways to adapt to normal changes in the brain, practice activities that work all parts of the brain and techniques to improve memory of names and numbers. Register prior to, or on first day of class. For more info, call 510-881-6738.

  Thursday, February 7:  Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting

The San Leandro Parkinson’s Support Group will hold their next meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 7 at the San Lorenzo Community Church, 945 Paseo Grande. The topic will be Community Resources for Independent Living. For more info, call Lona White at 510-276-3119.

Entertainment

CASTRO VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Tickets for Center for the Arts events listed below are available online at www.cvcfa.com; or at the Center Box Office, 19501 Redwood Road, Thursdays and Fridays 3-5 p.m. (phone 889-8961), or at the Castro Valley Adult School, 4430 Alma Avenue.

● Disney’s “The Jungle Book Kids” will be performed by students from Stanton, Proctor and Palomares elementary schools at the Center for the Arts this Friday, Feb.1 at 7 p.m., this Saturday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and this Sunday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.. Come enjoy the show and support our budding young actors and actresses. For tickets, visit bactheatre.org/classes/tickets/cvusd

● “Not a Genuine Black Man,” Brian Copeland’s legendary hit and the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history, comes to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts for one very special engagement at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. The show explores Copeland’s childhood experiences as a member of one of the only African American families growing up in an almost all-white suburb of San Leandro. For tickets ($35 in advance, $45 at the door), see above.

OTHER THEATRICAL & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

● “The 39 Steps,” a comedy, farce, melodrama and mystery all mix in this hilarious stage adaptation of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie, opening at Chanticleers Theatre, at 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley, this Friday, Feb. 1. The ingenious assortment of hilarious slapstick shenanigans and creative devices keep the laughs rolling from beginning to end. Curtain time for Friday and Saturday evening shows is 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. (no show on Feb. 3). For tickets ($25 general, $20 seniors/students, $18 Bargain Night Feb. 2), call 510-733-5483 or visit chanticleers.org

● “Ah Wilderness,” a nostalgic coming-of-age story by Eugene O’Neill that introduces the Miller Family on the 4th of July in 1906, will be presented by the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St., Hayward from Feb. 15 through March 3. The play offers a backward glimpse into middle-class family life in turn-of-the-century America, providing a tender, retrospective portrait of small town family values, teenage growing pains, and young love. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays and on Saturday, March 2. For tickets ($29, senior discounts available), call 510-881-6777

ART GALLERIES & ART INSTRUCTION

● “Art of Peace” and “Hernandez Art & Tattoo” are now on view at Sunset Gallery at Hayward Center/Adult School, 22100 Princeton St. Room H2, in Hayward through Feb. 28. “Hernandez Art & Tattoo” is a collection of works inspired by Meso-American culture to traditional American tattoo by Adolfo Hernandez, a member of the Hayward Art Council’s board. “Art of Peace” is an exhibit featuring artwork made from guns and bullets collected as evidence in crimes. Gallery hours are 10 to 4 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visit www.haywardartscouncil.org for more gallery exhibits and events.

● “New Beginnings,” A.R.T., Inc.’s members-only unjuried (all submissions are accepted) exhibit, is currently on view at the Adobe Art Gallery, 20395 San Miguel Ave. in Castro Valley. The judge is Edward Bertolet. The exhibit ends on March 9.

● “Cultures in Transition: Photos by Oliver Klink, celebrating the cultures of Asia including Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, and India, will be on exhibit through Feb. 15 in the PhotoCentral Gallery, at the HARD District Offices, 1099 E St. in Hayward. For more info, call 510-881-6721 or email info@photocentral.org or visit www.photocentral.org

● “Celebrate Women!” presenting the works of over 50 accomplished artists, writers, and musicians, is currently being showcased at the John O’Lague Galleria in Hayward City Hall until Feb. 8. It is the second regional exhibit of the Northern California branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

● Artist Open Studio Every Thursday: Join this informal gathering of artists working together in a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Adobe Art Center hosts provides tables, chairs and easels. $3. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Redwood Studio 1 at the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 01-23-19

The Week Ahead

  Wednesday, January 23:  Fall Prevention Workshop

Seniors and anybody with a fear of falling is invited to the popular workshop, “I Have Fallen and CAN Get Up” to be presented at the Castro Valley Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. today. Participants will learn how to change their daily living activities to help prevent a fall as well as have the confidence to know what to do in case they do fall. The workshop will include a Home Safety Checklist. Call 510-667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv for more information.

  Wednesday, January 23:  Gardening Volunteers Needed

The Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road is looking for volunteers to help with its Winter Crops Garden Program. The garden will be replanted at 10:30 a.m. today. If you can lend a hand, tend the soil and plant new crops, your help is needed and appreciated. Call Jen at 510-881-6742 for more information or to reserve your spot.

  Thursday, January 24:  Laugh Yoga Class

The Kenneth Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road offers a Laugh Yoga class from 3 to 3:55 p.m. on Thursdays. The Drop-in fee is $2. Laughter helps exercise your lungs, reduce stress, and boost your immune system. For more information, please call 510-881-6738.

  Thursday, January 24:  School Board Meeting

The Castro Valley Board of Education will hold a regular open meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the boardroom at 4400 Alma Avenue. For the agenda and board packet, visit bit.ly/CVUSDBoardMeetings

  Friday, January 25:  TOPS Health Fair, Open House

T.O.P.S (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non-proft weight-loss support group, will hold a free Health Fair/Open House from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. this Friday, Jan. 25, in Room 5 of United Methodist Church, 19806 Wisteria St. (near Somerset), in Castro Valley. For more information call Val Giles at 510-886-3585.

  Saturday, January 26:  Soroptimist Crab Feast Ticket Deadline

The deadline to buy tickets ($55 per person) for the Feb. 2 Soroptimist all-you-can-eat Crab Feed and Silent Auction at the Moose Lodge is this Saturday. The Mardi-Gras-themed feast will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. No-host cocktails from 6-7. Steak entrée optional with reservation. Live entertainment and 50/50 raffle. Call 510-886-7010 for tickets.

  Monday, January 28:  Municipal Advisory Council Meeting

The Castro Valley MAC will hold a land-use meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the Castro Valley Library. Visit acgov.org/bc/cvmac for the complete agenda.

  Monday, January 28:  Eden Garden Club Meeting

Tommy Fenster of StopWaste of Alameda County who will speak on Compost and the Carbon Farming Connection at the next meeting of Eden Garden Club at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 28 at the Moose Lodge, 20835 Rutledge Road, Castro Valley. Learn how to turn gardens into bay-friendly landscapes and mini carbon farms. Fenster will also discuss principles and management methods applicable to both decorative and edible gardens. Meetings are free and guests are welcome. Call 510-209-7366 for more information. 

  Tuesday, January 29:  Rotary Lunch: State of the Chamber

Ashley Strasburg, Director for the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, will present the “State of the Chamber” at the next Rotary Club buffet lunch at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $15 and reservations must be made by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510.402.5123. More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org

  Saturday, February 2:  Hill & Valley Club Flea Market

Hill and Valley Women’s Club will hold its annual Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 2, at the clubhouse, 1808 B Street (corner of B and Linden) in Hayward, featuring household goods, clothing and accessories, jewelry, linens, appliances and electronics, books, toys, sewing and craft materials. We will also be serving lunch at our café.   Funds raised at this event benefit local charities. This is an indoor sale with plenty of parking available. Come early for the best selection!

  Saturday, February 2:  Understanding Meditation

Learn to find inner peace and calmness through meditation with Stanford Assistant Prof. Dr. Manish Saggar who returns to the Castro Valley Library at 11 a.m. on Feb. 2 to present a new program to help you learn how to find relief from stress in these turbulent times. The program will include a short presentation and guided meditation. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv

  Saturday, February 2:  Soroptimist Crab Feast & Auction

Please join Soroptimist International for a Mardi Gras themed all-you-can-eat crab feast and silent auction at the Hayward-Castro Valley Moose Lodge, located at 20835 Rutledge Rd., Castro Valley from 6-10 p.m. on Feb. 2.  No-host cocktail hour 6-7 p.m. Steak entrée optional with reservation. Live entertainment and 50/50 raffle. Call 510 886 7010 for tickets ($55 per person) before Jan. 27. “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”

  Wednesday, February 6:  Community Fruit Tree Gleaning

Come participate in a Castro Valley tree fruit gleaning from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 6, to save extra fruits and vegetables that otherwise may have gone uneaten. Assemble at CVSan Offices at 21040 Marshall Street to visit pre-approved sites in Castro Valley from which to harvest the extra produce. All gleaned food will be donated to a Castro Valley food pantry. If you would like to volunteer, please call 510-537-0757 ext. 112 or email jordan@cvsan.org by this Friday, Jan. 25.

Entertainment

CASTRO VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Tickets for Center for the Arts events listed below are available online at www.cvcfa.com; or at the Center Box Office, 19501 Redwood Road, Thursdays and Fridays 3-5 p.m. (phone 889-8961), or at the Castro Valley Adult School, 4430 Alma Avenue.

● “Not a Genuine Black Man,” Brian Copeland’s legendary hit and the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history, comes to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts for one very special engagement at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. The show explores Copeland’s childhood experiences as a member of one of the only African American families growing up in an almost all-white suburb of San Leandro. For tickets ($35 in advance, $45 at the door), see above.

OTHER THEATRICAL & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

● “The 39 Steps,” a comedy, farce, melodrama and mystery all mix in this hilarious stage adaptation of the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock movie, opening at Chanticleers Theatre, at 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley, on Friday, Feb. 1. The ingenious assortment of hilarious slapstick shenanigans and creative devices keep the laughs rolling from beginning to end. Curtain time for Friday and Saturday evening shows is 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. (no show on Feb. 3). For tickets ($25 general, $20 seniors/students, $18 Bargain Night Feb. 2), call 510-733-5483 or visit chanticleers.org

ART GALLERIES & ART INSTRUCTION

● “Art of Peace” and “Hernandez Art & Tattoo” are now on view at Sunset Gallery at Hayward Center/Adult School, 22100 Princeton St. Room H2, in Hayward through Feb. 28. “Hernandez Art & Tattoo” is a collection of works inspired by Meso-American culture to traditional American tattoo by Adolfo Hernandez, a member of the Hayward Art Council’s board. “Art of Peace” is an exhibit featuring artwork made from guns and bullets collected as evidence in crimes. Gallery hours are 10 to 4 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visit www.haywardartscouncil.org for more gallery exhibits and events.

● “New Beginnings,” A.R.T., Inc.’s members-only unjuried (all submissions are accepted) exhibit, will open with a reception and awards ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Adobe Art Gallery, 20395 San Miguel Ave. in Castro Valley. The judge is Edward Bertolet. The exhibit ends on March 9.

● “Cultures in Transition: Photos by Oliver Klink, celebrating the cultures of Asia including Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, and India, will be on exhibit through Feb. 15 in the PhotoCentral Gallery, at the HARD District Offices, 1099 E St. in Hayward. For more info, call 510-881-6721 or email info@photocentral.org or visit www.photocentral.org

● “Celebrate Women!” presenting the works of over 50 accomplished artists, writers, and musicians, is currently being showcased at the John O’Lague Galleria in Hayward City Hall until Feb. 8. It is the second regional exhibit of the Northern California branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

● Artist Open Studio Every Thursday: Join this informal gathering of artists working together in a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Adobe Art Center hosts provides tables, chairs and easels. $3. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Redwood Studio 1 at the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 01-16-19

The Week Ahead

  Wednesday, January 16:  State of Castro Valley Schools

Castro Valley Schools Superintendent Parvon Ahamadi will be guest speaker at the next meeting of the Castro Valley Women’s Club at 1 p.m. today at 18330 Redwood Road. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what’s happening in our schools. Guests are welcome. For info call 510-461-7692 or visit www.castrovalleywomensclub.weebly.com

  Wednesday, January 16:  East Bay Rose Society

Dawn Soles, a ranger with the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, will present surprising facts about bats worldwide and in the local area, separating fact from fiction about these amazing flying mammals, at the next meeting of the Rose Society at 7:30 p.m. today at Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue, Oakland. The public is invited, snacks are served. For info, visit www.eastbayroses.org

  Saturday, January 19:  Eden Area Village Coffee

Join Eden Area Village for coffee at the Cannery Cafe in the Hayward Area Historical Society, 22380 Foothill Blvd., at 9 a.m. this Saturday and learn how we are working to help seniors remain in their homes and engaged in the community. For info, visit edenareavillage.org or email: info@edenareavillage.org

  Saturday, January 19:  ‘Gefilte Fish and Chips

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Presents Daniel Cainer in “Gefilte Fish and Chips” at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Hayward, part of TVCJ’s “A World of Jewish Music Conference.” Cainer is an award-winning songwriter, storyteller and performer whose Jewish-themed, one-man show of unique stories in song is smart, funny, timely and only slightly irreverent. For tickets for the evening ($20), or for the weekend conference visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-world-of-jewish-music-tickets-50672074539

  Saturday, January 19 :  Knights of Columbus Crab Feed

The Knights of Columbus Council 16770 invites you to a Crab Feed at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3433 Somerset Ave., this Saturday, with live music, dancing and 50/50 raffle. Childcare provided. No-host bar opens at 6 p.m., raffle at 8. Dance till 10 p.m. with Triple Play & Rust. For tickets,visit www.eventbrite.com/e/our-lady-of-grace-crab-feed-dance-5050-raffle-tickets-52767377647 or the Parish office.

  Sunday, January 20:  Behind Enemy Lines During WWII

Marthe Cohn, 98-year-old holocaust survivor and WWII French spy, will speak at Chabad of Castro Valley, 20912B Redwood Road at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 20, sharing her gripping story of survival and espionage to an audience of adults and teenagers. Tickets are $20. Signed copies of Cohn’s memoir may be picked up at the event. For info or to purchase tickets, visit www.JewishCastroValley.org.

  Sunday, January 20:  Free ‘Tot Talk’ Program

Congregation Shir Ami invites you to our free monthly Tot Talk program for children up to age 4 and their parents. Learn a little bit about being Jewish, socialize, and have fun from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Sunday, when we will be joining our religious school for a Tu B’Shvat seder, to celebrate the new year of the trees. Congregation Shir Ami is located at 4529 Malabar Ave. in Castro Valley (off Redwood Road). To attend, RSVP to Bonnie at bonnie@congshirami.org. Visit www.congshirami.org or our Facebook page www.facebookcom/CongShirAmi.  

Tuesday, January 22:  Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Class

The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library present  “Start Smart,” a teen-driver safety class at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, at the Library for new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15-19 and their parents. CHP officers will talk about traffic collisions, their causes and avoidance techniques, seat-belt usage and driver responsibilities. To register, call 510-581-9028 (CHP) or 510-667-7900 (Library).

  Tuesday, January 22:  Rotary Club Lunch

Eileen Dalton, Director for Alameda County Economic & Civic Development Department, will be speak about the progress on the Daughtrey building and other projects in the area at a buffet lunch and program at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $15 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, by contacting cvrotary@iCloud.com or calling 510-402-5123. More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org

  Wednesday, January 23:  Fall Prevention Workshop

Seniors and anybody with a fear of falling is invited to the popular workshop, “I Have Fallen and can get up” presented at the Castro Valley Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 23. Participants will learn how to change their daily living activities to help prevent a fall as well as have the confidence to know what to do in case they do fall. The workshop will include a step-by-step guide on how to get up from a fall, exercises to do at home and a Home Safety Checklist. Call 510-667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv for more info.

  Saturday, January 26:  Soroptimist Crab Feast Ticket Deadline

The deadline to buy tickets ($55 per person) for the Feb. 2 Soroptimist all-you-can-eat Crab Feed and Silent Auction at the Moose Lodge is Saturday, Jan. 26. The Mardi-Gras-themed feast will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. No-host cocktails from 6-7. Steak entrée optional with reservation. Live entertainment and 50/50 raffle. Call 510-886-7010 for tickets.

  Monday, January 28:  Eden Garden Club Meeting

Tommy Fenster of StopWaste of Alameda County who will speak on Compost and the Carbon Farming Connection at the next meeting of Eden Garden Club at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 28 at the Moose Lodge, 20835 Rutledge Road, Castro Valley. Learn how to turn gardens into bay-friendly landscapes and mini carbon farms. Fenster will also discuss principles and management methods applicable to both decorative and edible gardens. Meetings are free. Call 510-209-7366 for more info.  

Entertainment

CASTRO VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Tickets for Center for the Arts events listed below are available online at www.cvcfa.com; or at the Center Box Office, 19501 Redwood Road, Thursdays and Fridays 3-5 p.m. (phone 889-8961), or at the Castro Valley Adult School, 4430 Alma Avenue.

  James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, celebrating the life and music of the “Man in Black” with strong conviction and stunning accuracy, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, January 19, at the Center for the Arts by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. Garner and his band recreate Cash’s biggest hits incorporating historical and personal anecdotes. For tickets ($34-$40) visit cvartsfoundation.org/shows

OTHER THEATRICAL & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

 “Not a Genuine Black Man,” Brian Copeland’s legendary hit and San Francisco’s longest-running one-man show, will hit the stage this Friday, Jan. 25, at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward. This critically acclaimed show, written and performed by Copeland, explores Copeland’s childhood experiences as a member of one of the only African American families growing up in a 94% white suburb of San Leandro. For tickets ($35 in advance, $40 at the door) visit www.dmtonline.org/not-a-genuine-black-man

 “How Heroes Are Made,” an  original play, will be presented by middle school students in the Castro Valley Dramatic Arts Academy at 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19, at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. 3rd St. in Hayward. Making appearances will be Batman, Superman, Bruce Willis, Spiderman, Elektra and Wonder Woman. For tickets, visit www.cvdaa.org

ART GALLERIES & ART INSTRUCTION

 Art Space ~ Aesthetics, Renaissance and Wabi Sabi

We’ll look at Aesthetics, a look at the branch of philosophy that considers art – a session of videos with options for short, roundtable discussions, from 2 to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Avenue. Starting with an overview of Aesthetics we’ll move on to look at European Renaissance aesthetics and Japanese Wabi Sabi to provide a comparative analysis of diverse aesthetic systems. Plus open studio time for your self guided art project. Still life, easels, tables provided. ($5)

  “New Beginnings,” A.R.T., Inc.’s members-only unjuried (all submissions are accepted) exhibit, will open with a reception and awards ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Adobe Art Gallery, 20395 San Miguel Ave. in Castro Valley. The judge is Edward Bertolet. The exhibit ends on March 9.

   “Cultures in Transition: Photos by Oliver Klink, celebrating the cultures of Asia including Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, and India, will be on exhibit through Feb. 15 in the PhotoCentral Gallery, at the HARD District Offices, 1099 E St. in Hayward. For more info, call 510-881-6721 or email info@photocentral.org or visit www.photocentral.org

   “Celebrate Women!” presenting the works of over 50 accomplished artists, writers, and musicians, is currently being showcased at the John O’Lague Galleria in Hayward City Hall until Feb. 8. It is the second regional exhibit of the Northern California branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

  Artist Open Studio Every Thursday: Join this informal gathering of artists working together in a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Adobe Art Center hosts provides tables, chairs and easels. $3. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Redwood Studio 1 at the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 01-09-19

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, January 9:  Neuropathy Support Group

Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy are encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Neuropathy Support Group at 1:30 p.m. today (meets 2nd Wednesday of every month) at the First Presbyterian Church Library at 2490 Grove Way, next to Trader Joe’s in Castro Valley. For more info, call Greg at 510-886-6758. 

Wednesday, January 9:  Knitting & Crocheting Classes

If you enjoy crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, count stitch or crewel, the Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road invites you to have fun doing what you love to do while socializing with others and sharing your projects with a group. The Center offers crochet and knitting on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Beginners are welcome to learn the basics. Needle arts are offered on Fridays from 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. Drop-in fee for each class is $2 per person. For more info, call 510-881-6738.

Thursday, January 10:  School Board Meeting

The Castro Valley Board of Education will hold a regular open meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the boardroom at 4400 Alma Avenue. For the agenda and board packet, visit bit.ly/CVUSDBoardMeetings

Thursday, January 10:  “Science Fair” Movie Screening

“Science Fair,” an award-winning National Geographic documentary that inspires students and community involvement in science programs, will be shown free at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. The film follows nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries and setbacks on their journey to compete at The International Science and Engineering Fair.

Saturday, January 12:  Hearing Loss Association

Contessa Bunn from Calif. Telephone Access Program will talk about the latest in technology and how to obtain free phones to the hard of hearing in California this Saturday. Refreshments at 9:30 a.m., program at 10 in Room G26 at Oakland Kaiser Hospital, Fabiola Bldg., 3801 Howe St., Lower Level. Parking garage on Howe is free on Saturday. Info@hearinglosseb.org or 510-221-6080.

Saturday, January 12:  Education Funding Rally

The East Bay Coalition for Public Education will hold a rally for increased funding for education, at noon this Saturday in Frank Ogawa Plaza at Oakland City Hall. Let the incoming goverrnor and legislature know that students deserve better funded schools.

Saturday, January 12:  Amador Valley Quilters Meeting

Sandy Corbin will speak on ways to use multiple fabrics to create different styles of fresh “scrappy” quilts at the next meeting of the Amador Valley Quilters from 1:30 to 4 p.m. this Saturday at Pleasanton Middle School, 5001 Case Ave., Pleasanton. She will have some 30 sample quilts on display. 

Monday, January 14:  Eagles Bingo Luncheon

Eagles Auxiliary 1139 will be serving a luncheon of tamale pie, a side dish, salad, dessert and coffee or tea at noon on Monday at 21406 Foothill Blvd. in Hayward. For a donation of $8 (benefiting a local charity) you will also receive one bingo card. More info at 510-584-1568. 

Monday, January 14:  Municipal Advisory Council Meeting

The Castro Valley MAC will hold a land-use meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the Castro Valley Library. Visit acgov.org/bc/cvmac for the complete agenda.

Monday, January 14:  CV School Bond Updat

Please join the Castro Valley School District for a community update on the Measure G projects at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the Castro Valley High School Cafeteria. For more info, visit bit.ly/cvusd-measureg

Tuesday, January 15:  Play Bingo

The Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road offers a fun and exciting Bingo program on Tuesdays from 1:15-3:30 p.m. Socialize with other seniors and have the chance to win some money. Participants can play 1-20 cards per game and the progressive blackout game tops off at $250 many times throughout the year. Two cards cost $3 and on your first day playing when you are new to the program you get one free card! For more information, call 510-881-6738.

Tuesday, January 15:  Castro Valley Rotary Lunch

Derrick Holt, from California Solar, will talk about the advantages of solar heat at a Rotary Club buffet lunch at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15. The cost of lunch is $15 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123.  More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org

Wednesday, January 16:  State of Castro Valley Schools

Castro Valley Schools Superintendent Parvon Ahamadi will be guest speaker at the next meeting of the Castro Valley Women’s Club at 1 p.m. on Jan. 16 at 18330 Redwood Road. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what’s happening in our schools. Guests are welcome. For info call 510-461-7692 or visit www.castrovalleywomensclub.weebly.com

Wednesday, January 16:  East Bay Rose Society

Dawn Soles, a ranger with the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, will present surprising facts about bats worldwide and in the local area, separating fact from fiction about these amazing flying mammals, at the next meeting of the Rose Society at 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday at Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue, Oakland. The public is invited, snacks are served. For info, visit www.eastbayroses.org

Saturday, January 19:  ‘Gefilte Fish and Chips

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Presents Daniel Cainer in “Gefilte Fish and Chips” at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Hayward, part of TVCJ’s “A World of Jewish Music Conference.” Cainer is an award-winning songwriter, storyteller and performer whose Jewish-themed, one-man show of unique stories in song is smart, funny, timely and only slightly irreverent. For tickets for the evening ($20), or for the weekend conference visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-world-of-jewish-music-tickets-50672074539

  Saturday, January 19 :  Knights of Columbus Crab Feed

The Knights of Columbus Council 16770 invites you to a Crab Feed at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3433 Somerset Ave., on Jan. 19, with live music, dancing and 50/50 raffle. Childcare provided. No-host bar opens at 6 p.m., raffle at 8. Dance till 10 p.m. with Triple Play & Rust. For tickets,visit www.eventbrite.com/e/our-lady-of-grace-crab-feed-dance-5050-raffle-tickets-52767377647 or the Parish office.

  Tuesday, January 22:  Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Class

The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library present  “Start Smart,” a teen-driver safety class at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, at the Library for new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15-19 and their parents. CHP officers will talk about traffic collisions, their causes and avoidance techniques, seat-belt usage and driver responsibilities. To register, call 510-581-9028 (CHP) or 510-667-7900 (Library).

Entertainment

CASTRO VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Tickets for Center for the Arts events listed below are available online at www.cvcfa.com; or at the Center Box Office, 19501 Redwood Road, Thursdays and Fridays 3-5 p.m. (phone 889-8961), or at the Castro Valley Adult School, 4430 Alma Avenue.

James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, celebrating the life and music of the “Man in Black” with strong conviction and stunning accuracy, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, at the Center for the Arts by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. Garner and his band recreate Cash’s biggest hits incorporating historical and personal anecdotes. For tickets ($34-$40) visit cvartsfoundation.org/shows

OTHER THEATRICAL & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

“Not a Genuine Black Man,” Brian Copeland’s legendary hit and San Francisco’s longest-running one-man show, will hit the stage Friday, Jan. 25, at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward. This critically acclaimed show, written and performed by Copeland, explores Copeland’s childhood experiences as a member of one of the only African American families growing up in a 94% white suburb of San Leandro. For tickets ($35 in advance, $40 at the door) visit www.dmtonline.org/not-a-genuine-black-man

ART GALLERIES & ART INSTRUCTION

“Cultures in Transition: Photos by Oliver Klink, celebrating the cultures of Asia including Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, and India, will be on exhibit through Feb. 15 in the PhotoCentral Gallery, at the HARD District Offices, 1099 E St. in Hayward. For more info, call 510-881-6721 or email info@photocentral.org or visit www.photocentral.org

“Celebrate Women!” presenting the works of over 50 accomplished artists, writers, and musicians, is currently being showcased at the John O’Lague Galleria in Hayward City Hall. It is the second regional exhibit of the Northern California branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

Artist Open Studio Every Thursday: Join this informal gathering of artists working together in a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Adobe Art Center hosts provides tables, chairs and easels. $3. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Redwood Studio 1 at the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 01-02-19

The Week Ahead

Wednesday, January 2:  Pirate Escape Room Adventur

The Castro Valley Library presents “Pirate Escape Room Adventure” starting at 12 noon today for families and teens. Use your wits to escape the Room to get the treasure. Register for 1 of 3 time slots: 12 noon for families; 1:30 p.m. for teens; and 3 p.m. for families. Children under 12 must be accompanied by at least 1 adult. For more information or to register, call 510-667-7900 or visit www.aclibrary.org

Saturday, January 5:  Meet Your Christian Neighbor

“Meet your Christian Neighbor – Family Reunion” is a continuation of the Eden Area Interfaith Council “Meet” series, an informal gathering led by a moderator and a panel of diverse Christians sharing their unique expressions of faith, community, and celebration, in the Chabot Room of the Castro Valley Library at 2 p.m. this Saturday.

Tuesday, January 8:  Ohlone Audubon Meeting

Learn how to prepare bird descriptions and the importance of integrity in birding with presenter Joe Morlan at the next meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 at Carlton Plaza of Fremont, 3800 Walnut Avenue. Morlan, who has taught field ornithology at City College of San Francisco since 1978, is the co-author of Birds of San Francisco and the Bay Area and Birds of Northern California. Meetings are free and refreshments are served. For info, visit www.ohloneaudubon.org

Tuesday, January 8:  Buon Tempo Family-Style Dinner

Everyone is welcome to attend the next Buon Tempo Club dinner on Jan. 8, when Chef John Tandi and crew will be serving a five-course family-style dinner of Chicken with Polenta, at 7 p.m. at Mt. Tabor Hall, Transfiguration Church, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd. (across from the 580 Marketplace). Red and white wine and soda are also included. Happy hour is at 6 p.m. The dinner is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Make reservations by this Friday, Jan. 4, by calling the Buon Tempo dinner line at 510-483-6929 (option 1). For more information about events or membership, please visit www.buontempo.org

Tuesday, January 8: Genealogy Research Class

Do you have an interest in researching your past but not sure where to start? The Aitken Senior Center at 17800 Redwood Road is hosting a Genealogy Research Class from 2 to 3:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8, which will cover the basics of how to begin your research to discover your family history. There is a $2 drop-in fee per person. The class will be facilitated by volunteers Linda and Bill.

Tuesday, January 8:  Castro Valley Rotary Lunch

Brandon Morrison will describe his studies abroad for a PhD in mathematics and his work with the Masons at a Rotary Club buffet lunch at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 8. The cost of lunch is $15 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 6, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123.  More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org

...and Beyond

Wednesday, January 9:  Neuropathy Support Group

Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy (a disease with typical symptoms of chronic numbness, pins and needles tingling, and sporadic sharp pains in the feet and/or hands) are encouraged to attend the next meeting of the Neuropathy Support Group at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 (meets 2nd Wednesday of every month) in the library of the First Presbyterian Church at 2490 Grove Way, next to Trader Joe’s in Castro Valley. For more info, call Greg at 510-886-6758. 

Wednesdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23:  Gift of Imperfection

The Kenneth Aitken Senior Center is offering a new class: The Gift of Imperfection — Living With Your Whole Heart, on three Wednesdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23, which will explore what we know about happiness and how to live a rich and fulfilling life. The class, facilitated by Liz Breshears, PhD, focuses on authenticity rather than perfection, practicing gratitude and working on treating ourselves and others with compassion. There is a $2 drop-in fee per person. For class time and other info, call 510-881-6742.

Thursday, January 10:  “Science Fair” Movie Screening

“Science Fair,” an award-winning National Geographic documentary that inspires students and community involvement in science programs, will be shown free at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 10. The film follows nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries and setbacks on their journey to compete at The International Science and Engineering Fair.

Saturday, January 12:  Hearing Loss Association

Contessa Bunn from Calif. Telephone Access Program will talk about the latest in technology and how to obtain free phones to the hard of hearing in California. Refreshments at 9:30 a.m., program at 10 in Room G26 at Oakland Kaiser Hospital, Fabiola Bldg., 3801 Howe St., Lower Level. Parking garage on Howe is free on Saturday. Info@hearinglosseb.org or 510-221-6080.

Saturday, January 12:  Education Funding Rally

The East Bay Coalition for Public Education will hold a rally for increased funding for education, at noon on Jan. 12 in Frank Ogawa Plaza at Oakland City Hall. Let the incoming goverrnor and legislature know that students deserve better funded schools.

Monday, January 14:  CV School Bond Update

Please join the Castro Valley School District for a community update on the Measure G projects at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the Castro Valley High School Cafeteria. For more info, visit bit.ly/cvusd-measureg

Tuesday, January 15:  Castro Valley Rotary Lunch

Derrick Holt, from California Solar, will talk about the advantages of solar heat at a Rotary Club buffet lunch at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15. The cost of lunch is $15 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123.  More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org

Saturday, January 19:  ‘Gefilte Fish and Chips

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Presents Daniel Cainer in “Gefilte Fish and Chips” at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Hayward, part of TVCJ’s “A World of Jewish Music Conference.” Cainer is an award-winning songwriter, storyteller and performer whose Jewish-themed, one-man show of unique stories in song is smart, funny, timely and only slightly irreverent. Tickets can be purchased for the evening ($20), or for the entire weekend conference at www.eventbrite.com/e/a-world-of-jewish-music-tickets-50672074539

Saturday, January 19 :  Knights of Columbus Crab Feed

The Knights of Columbus Council 16770 invites you to a Crab Feed at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 3433 Somerset Ave., on Jan. 19, with live music, dancing and 50/50 raffle. Childcare provided. No-host bar opens at 6 p.m., raffle at 8. Dance till 10 p.m. with Triple Play & Rust. For tickets,visit www.eventbrite.com/e/our-lady-of-grace-crab-feed-dance-5050-raffle-tickets-52767377647 or the Parish office.

Entertainment

CASTRO VALLEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Tickets for Center for the Arts events listed below are available online at www.cvcfa.com; or at the Center Box Office, 19501 Redwood Road, Thursdays and Fridays 3-5 p.m. (phone 889-8961), or at the Castro Valley Adult School, 4430 Alma Avenue.

James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, celebrating the life and music of the “Man in Black” with strong conviction and stunning accuracy, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, at the Center for the Arts by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. Garner and his band recreate Cash’s biggest hits incorporating historical and personal anecdotes. For tickets ($34-$40) visit cvartsfoundation.org/shows

ART GALLERIES & ART INSTRUCTION

Learn to Paint with Watercolor: San Lorenzo Adult School is offering a watercolor painting class on Wednesday mornings with instructor Monica Satterthwaite. All levels are welcome, beginners to experienced painters. The 12-week course is $75 plus materials. Register in person at the San Lorenzo Adult School, 820 Bockman Road, San Lorenzo. For time and other information, call 510-317-4200.

 “Cultures in Transition: Photos by Oliver Klink, celebrating the cultures of Asia including Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, and India, will be on exhibit through Feb. 15 in the PhotoCentral Gallery, at the HARD District Offices, 1099 E St. in Hayward. For more info, call 510-881-6721 or email info@photocentral.org or visit www.photocentral.org

 “Celebrate Women!” presenting the works of over 50 accomplished artists, writers, and musicians, is currently being showcased at the John O’Lague Galleria in Hayward City Hall. It is the second regional exhibit of the Northern California branch of the National League of American Pen Women.

Artist Open Studio Every Thursday: Join this informal gathering of artists working together in a friendly and helpful atmosphere. Adobe Art Center hosts provides tables, chairs and easels. $3. Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Redwood Studio 1 at the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley

SHERIFF'S REPORT • 01-30-19

Two Arrested at ‘Bum Party’

Sunday, January 27: at 10:11 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested two people at an impromptu gathering that deputies identified as a “bum party.” A 30-year-old woman from CV and a 31-year-old man from Fremont were apprehended at a vehicle parked at a home on Lake Chabot Road near Rizzo Avenue. Deputies report the pair were found with methamphetamine drugs and paraphernalia used to ingest the drugs. The couple was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Drunk in Public

Sunday, January 27: at 7:13 p.m., a 51-year-old man with no permanent address was arrested for public intoxication. The man was found passed out and laying in the middle of the road in front of the Emergency Room entrance to Eden Medical Center. Nurses reported to deputies that this was the man’s fourth time the man had appeared like this in the last few months. The man was treated at the scene and taken to Santa Rita Jail to sober up.

Attempted Theft

Saturday, January 26: at 11:29 a.m., deputies arrested a 42-year-old woman with no permanent address on suspicion of attempted theft of personal property, possession of illegal narcotics, and violating the terms of her probation. The woman was spotted rummaging around a home on Gail Drive near Grove Way when the homeowner called 911. Deputies took the woman into custody.

Traffic Stop Ends in Arrest

Saturday, January 26: at 3:30 a.m., a 38-year-old man from CV was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Deputies pulled the man over at the intersection of Crow Canyon and Cull Canyon Roads following a traffic infringement. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Storage Robbery Thwarted

Thursday, January 24: at 10:41 a.m., deputies handcuffed and arrested a 19-year-old man from CV on suspicion of attempted robbery from a self-storage business on Castro Valley Boulevard. The man was spotted trying to break into a storage unit on the property. Deputies took the man into custody.

Wanted Men Caught

Wednesday, January 23: at 9:46 p.m., two men with no permanent homes were arrested on suspicion of possession of illegal narcotics behind a grocery store at the 580 Market Place shopping center. A 51-year-old man and a 43-year-old man were both identified as having outstanding warrants issued for their capture. Deputies took the pair to Santa Rita Jail pending as much as $10,000 in bail.

Drug-Fueled Family Assault

Thursday, January 24: at 1:05 a.m., deputies arrested a 47-year-old man from CV on suspicion of assault on a family member, possession of narcotics drugs and violating the terms of his parole. The man was at a parking lot on Heyer Avenue near Center Street when witnesses say the man began assaulting a family member. Deputies took the man into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Reckless Driver

Wednesday, January 23: at 9:11 p.m., a 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and avoiding capture after deputies attempted to serve a warrant for his arrest. Deputies followed the man to a business on Rutledge Road near Castro Valley Boulevard after trying to serve the warrant. The man was also found to be in possession of illegal narcotics. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail and held him without bail.

Stolen Property

Wednesday, January 23: at 3:07 p.m., deputies arrested a 41-year-old woman as part of a warrant issued for her capture. The woman was found with stolen property and illegal narcotics outside a storage company on Grove Way near Redwood Road. Deputies handcuffed the woman and took her to Santa Rita Jail without bail.

Rockstar to the Chin

Wednesday, January 23: at 3:24 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to an apartment on Congress Way near Lake Chabot Road. There, they arrested a 34-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on her spouse and assault with a deadly weapon. Deputies determined that the woman was the aggressor and that she had hit her husband in the jaw with a Rockstar energy can. The woman was taken to Santa Rita Jail. The man was treated at the scene.

Car Full of Pot from Sacramento

Monday, January 21: at 9:03 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested three men from Sacramento in connection with possession of illegal amounts of marijuana drugs for sale. Deputies stopped the car at the intersection of Redwood Road and Norbridge Avenue and immediately reported the smell of freshly burning marijuana. A quick check of the vehicle resulted in a backpack full of a half-pound bag of marijuana and an additional 28.5-gram bag of pot. The driver, a 25-year-old, was additionally charged with possession of lock-picking equipment and driving with a suspended license. The passengers, a 27-year-old and an 18-year-old were also charged with possession. All three were taken into custody.

SHERIFF'S REPORT • 01-23-19

Illegal Drug Paraphernalia

Saturday, January 19: at 3:24 p.m., a 38-year-old man from Oakland was arrested on suspicion of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia. Deputies spotted the man outside a home on Redwood Road near Lessley Avenue and stopped him for questioning. The man admitted possession of a pipe used for smoking illegal drugs and was taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence

Saturday, January 19: at 3:02 a.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 30-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The man was also wanted as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies stopped the man for a traffic violation on Castro Valley Boulevard near Redwood Road. The man failed his field-sobriety test and was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $5,000 in bail.

One Too Many

Friday, January 18: at 6:12 a.m., deputies arrested a 41-year-old man without a permanent address on suspicion of public intoxication and violating the terms of his probation. The man was hanging out in front of a gas station on Lake Chabot Road when deputies approached him for questioning. The man failed his field-sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Can’t Stay Away

Thursday, January 17: at 10:38 p.m., a 34-year-old man with no permanent address was arrested on suspicion of violating a restraining order placed on him and violating the terms of his probation. Deputies were called to a home on Wilbeam Avenue near Kerr Street to investigate a suspicious person report. The man fitting the description was positively identified and taken into custody.

Domestic Assault

Wednesday, January 16: at 11:51 p.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. There, they arrested a 40-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on a family member. Deputies took the woman into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Arrested for Vandalism

Tuesday, January 15: at 5:24 p.m., deputies arrested a 36-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of vandalism at a business on San Carlos near Castro Valley Boulevard. The man was spotted destroying private property at the business before deputies were called to intervene. The man was taken into custody.

Restricted Driving

Tuesday, January 15: at 1:12 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 36-year-old man from Castro Valle on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, driving with a suspended license, and driving without a required device that checks his breath. The man was traveling on Lake Chabot Road near Brookdale Avenue when deputies stopped him. He man was also wanted as part of a warrant issued for arrest. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail where he was held without bail.

He Fought the Law

Monday, January 14: at 7:10 p.m., deputies arrested a 20-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of resisting arrest by use of force. The man was hanging around a mobile home park on Castro Valley Boulevard near Anita Avenue when deputies approached him for questioning. The man refused to comply and became belligerent. Deputies handcuffed the man and took him into custody.

SHERIFF'S REPORT • 01-16-19

Assault and Battery at Eden

Sunday, January 13: at 5:05 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 31-year-old man from Oakland on suspicion of assault and battery on EMTs and staff at Eden Medical Center on Lake Chabot Road. The man was hanging outside the Emergency Room parking area when he got involved in an altercation. Deputies report the man also had a warrant issued for his capture. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $5,000 in bail.

Wanted Man with Drugs

Sunday, January 13: at 10:15 a.m., a 27-year-old man from Oakland was arrested on suspicion of possession of illegal narcotics. Deputies report the man also had a warrant issued for his capture. The man was waiting in the parking lot of a grocery store on Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road when deputies stopped him for questioning and discovered his stash. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail pending $5,000 in bail.

Joy Ride Ends in Arrest

Saturday, January 12: at 4:59 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 45-year-old man with no permanent address on suspicion of possession of and driving a stolen vehicle, illegal possession of nunchaku and violating the terms of his probation. The man was driving on Watson Street near Redwood Road when deputies identified the stolen vehicle. Deputies took the man into custody.

Drunk at the In-Laws

Saturday, January 12: at 10:55 a.m., a 22-year-old man from Dublin was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. Deputies were called to a home on Kahlert Avenue near Strobridge Avenue after neighbors noticed a man on the lawn unable to stand on his own. The man said he was visiting his in-laws home and had a drink. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Officer-Involved Shooting Suspect Arrested

Thursday, January 10: at 9:21 p.m., deputies arrested a 37-year-old man from San Leandro on suspicion of public intoxication and resisting arrest. The man was harassing customers at a fast food restaurant on Strobridge Avenue when deputies arrived. The man reached behind his back, prompting deputies to issue a warning. The deputy shot at the man but did not hit him. The man then fled to a gas station on Castro Valley Boulevard and Strobridge Avenue where he was apprehended and taken into custody.

Suspected of Breaking And Entering

Thursday, January 10: at 7:45 a.m., a 35-year-old man from Escalon (San Joaquin County) was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously charged with breaking and entering into a private property. Deputies served the warrant to the man at a home on Grove Way near Orange Avenue. The man responded without incident and was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $25,000 in bail.

Transient with Burglar Tools

Thursday, January 10: at 2:07 a.m., deputies arrested a 32-year-old man with no permanent address on suspicion of possession of illegal burglar tools. The man was hanging outside a convenience store on Redwood Road near Grove Way when deputies stopped him for questioning and found the tools in his pocket. Deputies took the man into custody.

Fighting in the Street

Wednesday, January 9: at 9:53 p.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a home on Ada Street near Star Avenue. There, they arrested a 21-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault and battery and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia. The man was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Driver Had no Interlock Device

Tuesday, January 8: at 3:10 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 22-year-old man as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, and driving without a device to check his breath (interlock device) following a drunk driving conviction. Deputies served the warrant on Redwood Road near Lorena Avenue and took the man to Santa Rita Jail where he was held without bail.

Warrant Served on Family Assault Suspect

Monday, January 7: at 7:58 a.m., a 25-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously charged with assault on a family member and assault on a minor. Deputies served the warrant at a home on Almond Road near Vineyard Avenue. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $60,000 in bail.

Woman Strikes Out at Boyfriend Outside Bowling Alley

Monday, January 7: at 7:36 p.m., deputies arrested a 22-year-old woman from Hayward outside the Village Bowling Alley in the Castro Village parking lot. The woman had been in an altercation with her live-in boyfriend of six months following accusations of infidelity. The woman admitted throwing a text book at the man causing injury. Deputies had to separate the woman from the man twice during questioning. The woman was taken into custody. The man was treated at the scene.

SHERIFF'S REPORT • 01-09-19

Reckless Driver

Sunday, January 6: at 8:00 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 25-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of reckless driving on Stanton Avenue near Somerset Ave. The man was caught speeding through the intersection before deputies pulled him over. The man was also wanted as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail pending $5,000 in bail.

Charged with Vandalism

Sunday, January 6: at 4:58 p.m., a 25-year-old man from CV was arrested on suspicion of vandalism that caused more than $400 in damages outside an apartment on San Miguel Avenue near Somerset Avenue. Deputies responded to a call about a commotion in the neighborhood. The man was also found to be violating the terms of his probation. Deputies took the man into custody.

Not Welcome at Home

Sunday, January 6: at 11:21 p.m., deputies arrested a 38-year-old man from CV on suspicion of violating a court-issued restraining order. The man’s mother had called for the “stay away” order after she said her son “threatened and harassed” her all day. Deputies responded to the call on Capricorn Court near Lamson Road, talked to the mother, and identified the suspect. The man was taken into custody.

Assault and Battery

Saturday, January 5: at 5:48 p.m., a 25-year-old man with no permanent address was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member, damaging public property, and violating the terms of his probation. Deputies responded to a call about an altercation outside a business on the Boulevard near Park Way. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail. The victim was treated at the scene.

Can’t Stay Away

Saturday, January 5: at 9:11 p.m., deputies arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of violating a restraining order against him and physical battery. The man was also wanted as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies responded to a report of an altercation outside a home on Cull Canyon Road near Heyer Avenue and identified the suspect. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $25,000 in bail. The victim was treated at the scene.

Family Fight with Brass Knuckles

Saturday, January 5: at 12:20 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to an apartment on Wisteria Street near Somerset Avenue. Outside the residence, they arrested a 22-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault of a family member and illegal possession of brass knuckles. Deputies took the man into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Shoplifting Suspect Arrested

Thursday, January 3: at 1:35 p.m., deputies arrested a 31-year-old man with no permanent address on suspicion of shoplifting from a drug store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Marshall Street. The man was detained by store security after they spotted him leaving the store with an unspecified amount of unpaid merchandise. Deputies took the man into custody.

Suspected Thief Goes to Jail

Wednesday, January 2: at 9:00 p.m., a 32-year-old man from Oakland was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies responded to a report of a robbery in progress at a business on Lake Chabot Road near Castro Valley Boulevard. The man was present at the scene, but deputies report no robbery took place. However, the man was wanted for a crime in San Ramon. Deputies took him to Santa Rita Jail pending $65,000 in bail.

Street Fighting Woman

Tuesday, January 1: at 10:00 a.m., deputies arrested a 29-year-old woman from Oakland was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member. The woman was involved in an altercation outside a business on Marshal Street near Castro Valley Boulevard. Deputies handcuffed the woman and took her into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Drunk Couple Crash at the Wrong House

Tuesday, January 1: at 3:08 a.m., two people were arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and trying to enter into a home that was not theirs. Deputies responded to a suspicious person report outside a home on Cottage Court near Parsons Avenue. A 29-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were found trying to enter the home unsuccessfully. Deputies took the couple into custody.

SHERIFF'S REPORT • 01-02-19

Back to Jail

Thursday, December 27: at 10:29 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 56-year-old man with no permanent address on suspicion of possession of illegal narcotics, illegal drug paraphernalia, and violating the terms of his probation. The man was hanging outside a fast food restaurant on Strobridge Avenue near the Boulevard when deputies stopped him for questioning and discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.

Can’t Stay Away

Thursday, December 27: at 7:49 a.m., a 34-year-old man with no permanent address was arrested on suspicion of violating a court-issued restraining order preventing him from being within 100 yards of a business on the Boulevard near Redwood Road. Deputies also report the man had an outstanding warrant for his capture. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $10,000 in bail.

Wanted for Battery

Thursday, December 27: at 10:18 a.m., deputies arrested a 36-year-old man with no permanent address as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man had previously been charged with assault and battery. Deputies spotted the man in front of a park on Grove Way near Tanglewood Drive and transported him to Santa Rita Jail pending $1,500 in bail.

Petty Theft

Wednesday, December 26: at 3:41 p.m., a 20-year-old woman from Oakland was arrested on suspicion of petty theft outside a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Anita Avenue. Deputies were called to the scene after the store manager stopped the woman from leaving without paying. The woman was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Too Much Merry

Tuesday, December 25: at 9:19 a.m., deputies arrested a 55-year-old man with no permanent address on suspicion of public intoxication. The man was found hanging outside a gas station on Lake Chabot Road near Castro Valley Boulevard in an inebriated state. Deputies also report the man was wanted as part of a warrant issued for his arrest. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail pending $50,000 in bail.

Holiday Home Hassle

Tuesday, December 25: at 12:10 a.m., a 52-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. Her mother called deputies to report someone breaking and entering into a home on Plymouth Drive near Cristy Way. The suspect was accused of being under the influence of alcohol and accused of throwing items around the house. Deputies say the woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Shoplifting Conspiracy

Monday, December 24: at 8:26 p.m., deputies arrested two homeless people on charges related to suspicion of shoplifting and conspiracy to commit a crime at a drugstore on Castro Valley Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. A 41-year-old woman and 39-year-old man were detained in the Castro Valley BART Station parking lot following reports of two individuals stuffing unpaid merchandise into a bag and then leaving the store without paying for them. The woman was additionally charged with illegal possession of pepper spray. The man was found to have burglar tools in his pockets and a warrant issued for his arrest out of Solano County. The couple were taken to Santa Rita Jail for processing.

Child Molester Arrested

Monday, December 24: at 3:44 p.m., a 57-year-old man from Hayward was arrested on suspicion of molesting a child in front of a fast food restaurant on Castro Valley Boulevard near Rutledge Road. Deputies were called to the scene following a suspicious person call. The man fitting the description was handcuffed and taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Cost Vs. Value Report for 2019 Home Improvement Projects

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE FORUM  •  01-30-19

It is January, and the time of year Remodeling Magazine issues the annual Cost vs. Value Report.*

Based on extensive nationwide research, the report is designed to highlight those remodeling projects that brought the highest return on investment (ROI) in 2018. It also highlights the lowest scoring projects.

It is a helpful guide for homeowners, especially those thinking of improving their homes for a sale.

The report begins by noting that remodelers nationwide took a hit last year as the cost of building materials spiked dramatically. Due to supply shortages resulting from natural disasters and increased tariffs on items such as wood and stone products, prices have skyrocketed nationally, dramatically lowering ROI numbers.

Additionally, the severe shortage of skilled labor is pushing costs upward. Fortunately, the picture is a bit different here in the Bay Area because our extremely high home prices offset improvement costs and produce a higher ROI.

Nationally, the five projects with the highest ROI in the mid-range cost category are as follows:

• Adding a new garage door (97.5% ROI).

Since the garage door covers so much of the frontal surface of most homes, it is the one project that provides the largest overall improvement at the lowest cost. 

• A minor kitchen remodel (80.5% ROI)

Projects include new cabinets, solid surface counters such as quartz (granite counters are declining in popularity), sinks and faucets, new flooring, lighting and appliances.

• Addition of a wood deck (75.6% ROI)

With a push for outdoor living, decks score well in this survey, and provide a platform for outdoor kitchens, conversation areas and more.

• Replacing exterior siding (75.6% ROI)

While many regions across the country install new siding to upgrade their home’s external appearance, local homeowners prefer the use of stucco. It is more impervious to sun and fits better with the style of homes in this area.

• Replacing the entry door (steel) (74.9% ROI)

Steel doors weather extremely well and provide a significant level of security. Some prefer to replace the front doors with a grand entrance (mostly fiberglass) (71.9% ROI), which might include either single or double doors and windows on one or both sides, depending on space available.

Other upgrades with high returns include vinyl window replacement (73.4%) and bathroom remodels (60.2%), while a master suite addition (59.2%), bathroom addition (58.1%) and a new backyard patio (55.2%) score at the bottom of the heap.

*www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/

Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.

DYI Meets Disaster

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE FORUM  •  01-23-19

t is no secret contractors are becoming harder to find, let alone show up on time.

With escalating Bay Area home prices, many tradespersons have departed for cheaper locales. Additionally, recent fires to the north have siphoned off many contractors, resulting in significant delays in nailing down trades and dramatic increases in rates. In this new reality, many are thinking DIY.

Results vary.

A few hours watching HGTV can convince anyone that doing it yourself is fun and easy. A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors shows an increase in popularity amongst younger generations for DIY home improvement projects. All is not as easy as it might appear, however.

“We’ve seen people take on a lot more than they could deal with,” Joanne Theunissen, the remodeling chair of the National Association of Home Builders, told realtor.com. “Be cautious. If it looks easy on TV, understand it’s not.”*

In fact, of those that started a DIY project, approximately 1/3 hired a professional to either complete or redo the job.

Realtor Magazine goes on to state, “Fifty-five percent of DIYers say their projects took longer to complete than they expected, and more than half said their project was physically more difficult than they anticipated as well.

Fifty-five percent of respondents also said their finished project didn’t look as good as they had hoped. About 8 percent of respondents said their homes were damaged because of their DIY attempts.”

ImproveNet, a company dedicated to connecting professionals with homeowners, recently surveyed 2,000 individuals who had a DYI fail.** The average number of attempted projects was 8, and a whopping 63% regretted at least one of the projects they attempted. The top 10 DIY projects most likely to end in disaster?

1. Installing floor tiles

2. Replacing a ceiling

3. Refinishing hardwood floor

4. Installing carpet

5. Finishing a basement

6. Installing hardwood flooring

7. Refinishing cabinetry

8. Installing sprinklers

9. Installing a shower/bath

10. Interior painting

Other items further down on the list include installing roofs, wallpapering, decks, plumbing fixtures, fencing, doors, windows and concrete work. DIY electrical projects also made the list.

It is easy to understand the allure of tackling a DYI project – after all, there are the projected cost savings and bragging rights if you succeed. In reality, however, there is more to it than meets the eye.

Bottom line? You might not want to try this at home.

*REALTOR® Magazine, 1/9/2019

**www.improvenet.com/2019-home-improvement-statistics

Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.

Charmed or Not?

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE FORUM  •  01-16-19

Passing any gas station, you’ll see prices posted with decimal places. It is a psychological ploy to make buyers believe they are paying less, even when everyone knows what is happening.

  Called “charm pricing,” setting values a hair below a round number (eg. $699,900), this strategy has been a mainstay in the retail industry for years.

  Pricing is critical when selling a home, and there has been no end of discussion and research on the correct way to price a home.

  Ironically, this pricing strategy seems to work in some cases. Author Megan Craig in The Residential Specialist Magazine, states, “In their study, ‘The Effects of Charm Listing Prices on House Transaction Prices,’ researchers Marcus T. Allen and William H. Dare found that sellers of lower-priced houses (below $300,000) sold their homes for significantly more money when using charm pricing than sellers of similar houses who listed with a round-number price.

  They also found that higher-priced homes (between $300,000 and $1 million) benefited from listing prices ending in $5,000 or $9,000, rather than a number that has been rounded to the nearest $10,000.”*

  Unfortunately, in the age of the Internet, charm pricing is beginning to cause problems for Realtors looking for the perfect price for their listing.

  Buyers, when looking online, typically search using whole numbers. And therein is the rub: if a home worth $500,000 is listed at $499,999, then any buyer searching for homes priced between $450,000 and $550,000 will see it.

  However, if a buyer is searching using the price parameters of $500,000 to $600,000, even though the home priced at $499,999 is in their price range, it will not show up on their search.

  Neither will homes priced at $490,000, $495,000 or, as some agents prefer, prices with the numeral 8 for the end digits ($498,888).

  It cuts the other way as well: a home valued at $600,000 but listed at $601,000, $605,000 or $609,000 will not show up if a buyer’s search is set between $500,000 to $600,000. The simple fact is this: rounding off the numbers exposes the property to more buyers.

  Some agents recommend arbitrary numbers (eg. $567,068), believing a more specific number suggests better research went into determining the price. Whether it works remains to be seen, however numbers such as this often make it harder to be seen in the search engines.

  Charmed or not? It is a question worth considering.

  *https://trsmag.com/is-rounded-pricing-really-the-only-way-to-price-these-days/

  Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.

Top 10 Cities Poised for 2019 Growth

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE FORUM  •  01-09-19

With Bay Area market prices declining for the last six months, you can count on investors watching 2019 Bay Area trends very carefully.

  It should be no surprise that, as local market prices kept pounding upwards prior to May 2018, investment opportunities declined and, consequently, investors began looking for other locations around the country that made more financial sense.

  When prices rise dramatically in any given area, rental rates do not typically keep pace. This results in less-than-optimum returns which forces investors to look elsewhere. 

  When seeking new opportunities, investors look for areas with sustained economic growth, reasonable median pricing, low vacancy rates, high rental income potential, a growing population (either in-migration or natural growth) and a solid base of young families.

  With this in mind, Realtor.com’s 2019 Housing Market Forecast,* released 01/02/2019, has identified the Top 10 housing markets they anticipate will see significant growth in 2019. It is interesting to note that none of the markets identified are on the West Coast.

  The 2019 projections track data in two categories important to potential investors. Category No. 1 is Forecasted Home Sales Growth, while the second category is Forecasted Price Growth. While the study shows a projected decline of 2% nationally for 2019 for Category No. 1, Category No. 2 is anticipated to increase, albeit a mere 2.2%.

  The Top 10 Winners are as follows (shown as City, State: Sales Growth/Price Growth): (1) Lakeland, Florida: 5.0%/7.4%, (2) Grand Rapids, Michigan: 4.0%/8.2%, (3) El Paso, Texas: 7.9%/2.5%, (4) Chattanooga, Tennessee: 5.2%/4.3%, (5) Phoenix, Arizona: 3.6%/5.6%, (6) Bridgeport, Connecticut: 5.0%/4.0%, (7) Las Vegas, Nevada: 0.9%/7.9%, (8) Boise City, Idaho: 1.5%/6.9%, (9) Miami, Florida: 3.3%/5.0%, (10) Boston, Massachusetts: 3.6%/4.6%.

  Beyond the raw data, the top 10 cities share a few common statistics making them attractive to investors. All are expected to see increases in their base population size, employment rates, income growth and new home construction. 

  The principal key, however, guaranteed to capture investor’s attention, is affordability. This last factor is something entirely missing on the West Coast – from San Diego to Seattle, all major coastal metropolitan areas have seen significant price increases the past few years, pushing them well out of the affordable category.

  Will investors return to the Bay Area? Possibly, however, prices would need to decline substantially for that to happen – something most local homeowners do not want. 

  Bottom line? Count on investors looking elsewhere in the short term – at least for 2019.

  *www.realtor.com/research/housing-market-predictions-2019-top-ten

  Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.

4 Key Factors Affecting The 2019 Real Estate Market

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE FORUM  •  01-02-19

With the holidays over and 2018 in the books, many are gazing questionably at 2019.

Since most pundits agree the real estate market crested in May, 2018 and then began a gradual corrective slide, the question on many minds is, “What can we expect going forward?”

In Alameda County, the average price at the market peak in June was $1,127,655, with 1,130 homes sold (the majority went into contract in May).

In contrast, the average price for December, 2018* was $958,230, with 604 homes sold. This represents a reduction in price of approximately 17.7% from the peak. It’s important to realize, however, that the market usually has a seasonal dip at the end of the year and then rebounds in January.

In contrast, the 2017 peak was $993,000 with 1,048 homes sold. December, 2017 saw 707 sales with an average price of $956,000 – a seasonal decrease of only 3.8%. Clearly, we saw a significant market correction in 2018 compared with the previous year.

The good news is that even though we saw significant declines between June and December, 2018, the average sold price of $958,230 in December, 2018 was still higher than the December 2017 average of $956,000.

While it’s obviously impossible to say with certainty where the market will go in 2019, there is enough data to make some educated guesses.

Overall, it is anticipated that the Bay Area market will stabilize and remain mostly flat for the entire year. The factors leading to this conclusion are as follows:

Inventory is up. Whereas the first part of 2018 was marked by an extreme shortage of homes for sale, it is projected that we will see more available homes in 2019.

Buyer numbers are down. While many buyers have been priced out of the market, a number are waiting for prices to lower before re-entering the market.

Interest rates are increasing. We have already seen the Fed raise rates, and more increases are projected for 2019, which will likely further reduce the number of potential buyers.

Stock market jitters are hindering buyers. Many buyers use stock portfolios to buy homes – with the stock market down, some buyers have lost their purchasing power. When you factor in the increasing political uncertainty evidenced in recent weeks, we will most likely see continued ambiguity for the foreseeable future.

We wish you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2019.

*Data as of 12/18/2018

Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.

Extend Your Driving Years

By Jim Miller

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 02-20-19

With more than 40 million licensed drivers in the U.S. over the age of 65, there are lots of resources available today to help keep older drivers safe and behind the wheel longer. Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep driving safely.

Get your eyes checked: Because about 90 percent of the information necessary to drive is received through our eyes, getting your eyes checked every year to be sure his vision and eyewear is up to par is an important first step.

Check your meds: Do you take any medicine or combination of medicines that make you sleepy, light-headed or loopy? If so, make a list of all his medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and dietary supplements, and take it to his doctor or pharmacist for a review. You can also get help with this online at RoadwiseRX.com.

Evaluate your driving: To stay on top of any potential driving issues, have a friend take a ride with you from time-to-time watching for problem areas, such as: Do you drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate or drift between lanes? Does you have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Do you react slowly, get confused easily or make poor driving decisions?

For more tips, see the National Caregivers Library driving assessment checklist at SeniorDriverChecklist.org.

If you need a more thorough evaluation, you can turn to a driver rehabilitation specialist who’s trained to evaluate older drivers. This type of assessment typically costs between $100 and $200. To locate a professional in your area, visit AOTA.org/older-driver or ADED.net.

Seminar Next Wednesday: The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library are holding a Senior Driver Traffic Safety Seminar next Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the library, 3600 Norbridge Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m. This seminar will include: Compensating for Age-Related Changes, Tune-Up Your Driving Skills, Rules of the Road, Safe Driving Tips; and more!

On completion, participants will receive a certificate for completing the course which may entitle them to an automobile insurance discount. Registration is required for this free program.  To register, call the Library Information Desk at 510-667-7900.

see DRIVING on back page

Also, AAA and AARP both have older driver refresher courses that can help tune-up your driving skills, and learn how to adjust for slower reflexes, weaker vision and other age-related changes that affect driving.

To locate a class, contact your local AAA (AAA.com), or AARP (AARP.org/drive, 888-227-7669). Most courses cost around $15 to $30 and can be taken in the classroom or online.

Another good resource to look into is CarFit. This is a free assessment program that will help you adjust your vehicle for a better fit, making it easier and safer to drive. CarFit events are held around the country in select locations. See Car-Fit.org to look for one near you.

Make some adjustments: Recognizing your driving vulnerabilities and making small changes on when and where you drive can go a long way in helping keep safe and driving longer.

Adjustments may include not driving after dark or during rush hour traffic, avoiding major highways or other busy roads, and not driving in poor weather conditions.

You can find more tips at AAA Senior Driving at SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

And finally, when it gets to the point that your driving isn’t safe anymore and you need to quit, The Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers two helpful resources. Go to TheHartford.com/lifetime – click on “Publications” on the menu bar – and download or order the “At the Crossroads” and/or “We Need to Talk” guides.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

CAPTION: The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library are holding a Senior Driver Traffic Safety Seminar next Wednesday, February 27, at the library from 1 to 3 p.m. 

‘Silent Thief of Sight’: Beware of Glaucoma

By Jim Miller

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-16-19

  It’s called the “silent thief of sight” for a reason. With no early warning signs or pain, most people that have glaucoma don’t realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate. Here’s what you should know.

  Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness if it’s not treated. This typically happens because the fluids in the eye don’t drain properly, causing increased pressure in the eyeball.

  There are two main types of glaucoma, but the most common form that typically affects older people is called open-angle glaucoma.

  This disease develops very slowly when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to blind spots in the peripheral or side vision. By the time you notice it, the permanent damage is already done.

  Are You at Risk?

  It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but that number is expected to surge to more than 4 million by 2030. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you’re at increased risk of developing it.

  • Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American or Asian American?

• Are you over age 60?

• Do you have an immediate family member with glaucoma?

• Do you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines or extreme nearsightedness?

• Have you had a past eye injury?

• Have you used corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams) for long periods of time?

  What to Do

  Early detection is the key to guarding against glaucoma. So if you’re age 40 or

see GLAUCOMA on back page

older and have any of the previously listed risk factors (especially if you’re African American), you need to get a comprehensive eye examination every year or two. Or, if you notice some loss of peripheral vision, get to the eye doctor right away.

  If you are a Medicare beneficiary, annual eye examinations are covered for those at high risk for glaucoma. Or if you don’t have vision coverage, check into EyeCare America, a national program that provides free glaucoma eye exams and there are no income requirements. Visit EyeCareAmerica.org or call 877-887-6327 to learn more.

  While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, most cases can be treated with prescription eye drops, which reduce eye pressure and can prevent further vision loss. It cannot, however, restore vision already lost from glaucoma. If eye drops don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral medication, laser treatments, incisional surgery or a combination of these methods.

  For more information on glaucoma, visit the National Eye Institute at NEI.nih.gov, and the Glaucoma Research Foundation at Glaucoma.org.

  Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Trust Your Gut

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-09-19

  The idiom “trust your gut” means relying on intuition, rather than thoughtful, deep analysis, to make a decision. But research shows there is actually a tangible connection between gut health and brain health, and that linkage can affect emotions and cognitive processing.

  Research conducted at the California Institute of Technology by Elaine Hsiao showed how unhealthy or healthy microorganisms in the stomach can influence behaviors differently. Another study, led by Kirsten Tillisch at UCLA, suggested probiotics can have a positive effect on behavior, mental outlook and brain function.

  “Scientists have now determined that humans have two brains; the second one resides in the gut and is called the enteric nervous system,” says nutritionist and author Richard Purvis. “It has more neurons than the spinal column or central nervous system. Understanding the relationship helps to clarify why the process of taking care of the gut and the brain within it also helps improve the health of the brain in your head.”

  Given Americans’ notoriously poor eating habits, Purvis says gut health has never been more important. A Tufts University study estimates that over 318,000 deaths a year – or nearly half of American deaths caused by heart disease, stroke and diabetes – were hastened by unhealthy eating.

  “Processed foods and sugar are among the biggest culprits  for promoting the growth of bad bacteria in the gut,” Purvis says. “You can greatly improve your gut health – and by extension your brain health – by being kinder to it on a daily basis.”

  He recommends four nutritional tips – and a nature trip – that benefit your gut and your brain:

  • Daily servings of cultured, fermented probiotic-rich foods. Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha pickled veggies, yogurt, and kefir encourage the growth of good bacteria. By ingesting healthy, probiotic-rich foods, you are guaranteed colony-forming units of bacteria, plus food sources are much cheaper than supplements.”

  • Prebiotic foods. Non-digestible short-chain fatty acids help your good bacteria flourish. These are found in artichokes, garlic, leeks, dandelion greens, beans, oats, onions and asparagus.

  • A diet that keeps blood sugar balanced. This also keeps gut bacteria balanced. A diet high in rich sources of fiber, especially derived from whole fruits and vegetables, feeds the good gut bacteria and produces the right balance of those short-chain fatty acids to keep the gut lining in check.”

  • Gluten reduction. Reducing gluten, or avoiding it altogether, Purvis says, will further improve gut health as well as healthy brain physiology. He agrees with medical professionals who say gluten can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, hurting digestion and sometimes leading to “leaky gut,” or damaged intestine walls.

  • Getting outside and into nature. Connect with more microorganisms – the more, the merrier. Their purpose is to perform life-sustaining functions. Move outside, do some gardening, plant flowers, mow the lawn, take a walk in the woods. Do things that connect you and your immune system with all the microorganisms in the soil.”

  “Lifestyle choice is considered by most the culprit contributing to our unhealthy bacteria,” Purvis says. “So you have a choice, and the one you make with your diet will affect your whole body, and not least of all, your brain.”

Smart Home Devices Help Seniors Age-in-Place

By Jim Miller

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-02-19

There are a wide variety of affordable smart home devices you can add to your home that can help make it safer and easier to live in as you age. Here’s what you should know.

Smart Home Technologies

While most Americans today use technology and enjoy the conveniences they provide, there are millions of seniors who still don’t have much use for it. But you don’t have to like technology or be tech-savvy to benefit from the many different smart home automation devices that can help seniors age-in-place.

Smart home devices can also give family members and caregivers the ability to electronically keep tabs on their elder loved one when they can’t be there, which provides peace-of-mind.

If you’re interested in adding some smart home products to your house, you need to know that these devices require home Wi-Fi, and for many of the products, you’ll need either a smartphone, tablet or voice-enabled assistant to operate them.

Here are some popular aging-in-place smart home products to help you get started.

• Voice-enabled assistant: Popular products like the Amazon Echo (Amazon.com/echo), Google Assistant (Assistant.google.com) or Apple HomePod (Apple.com/homepod) will let you operate compatible smart home products with simple voice commands.

These devices can also play your favorite music, read audiobooks, make calls, set timers and alarms, provide reminders for medications, appointments and other things, check traffic

and weather, ask questions, and much more – all done by voice commands.

• Smart lights: Falls are common concerns among elderly seniors, which are often caused by fumbling around a dark room looking for a light switch. Smart light bulbs like the Philips Hue (MeetHue.com) can turn on and off the lights by voice command, smartphone or tablet. These bulbs can also dim the lights and you can program them to turn on and off whenever you want.

There are also smart electric plugs like the Wemo Mini (Wemo.com) that offer remote control automation for lamps, fans, or other electrical devices.

• Video doorbell: Safety is also a concern for seniors who live alone. Smart doorbells like the Ring video doorbell (Ring.com) would allow you to see, hear and speak to someone at her door (via smartphone, tablet, Google smart displays, Amazon Echo Show or Spot) without having to open it.

• Stovetop shut-off: To help seniors prevent home cooking fires, stovetop shut-off devices like the IGuardStove (IGuardFire.com) uses motion sensors to turn off electric and gas stovetops when left unattended for a predetermined amount of time. It will also alert family members via text.

• Medication management: Seniors on a complex medication schedule can benefit from a smart medication tracking system like the PillDrill (PillDrill.com) that reminds you when pills are due, tracks that you’ve taken them, and notifies loves ones.

• Home monitoring: Family members can keep tabs on older loved ones from afar with smart home video cameras like Lighthouse Al (Light.house/elderly-care) or a smart home sensor system like TruSense (MyTruSense.com).

• Other options: Some other helpful smart home products to consider include smart door locks like Kwikset Kevo (Kwikset.com), smart thermostats such as the Nest (Nest.com), and smart nightlights like Aladin (Domalys.com), which detects falls and alerts caregivers.

The costs for most smart home products range anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars and can be found in many local home improvement stores as well as online.

Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

CAPTION: Smart lights can turn on and off by voice command, smartphone or tablet. You can program them to turn on and off whenever away.

LETTERS • 01-30-19

Sees Wildfire Dangers Along Crow Canyon Road

Editor:

Power lines possibly causing wildfires has been in the news. It could happen here.

Many tree branches are interwoven with the power lines along the few miles of Crow Canyon Road between Cull Canyon and Norris Canyon.

I’m not qualified to claim this is an accident waiting to happen, but my common sense suggests this may be the case. Strong winds can bring down these trees and branches, which during a dry period, could create sparks that would be a catalyst.

—Marty Zanfino

Castro Valley

Urges Opt-Out of EBCE Electricity Service

Editor:

In the recent article on the EBCE bill (“Rate Payers Puzzled by EBCE Bill,” Page 1, The Forum, Jan 23), important information was left out. 

The board of directors of this new entity are career politicians without any real world experience in energy management. For those select few readers with more historical knowledge than the flavor of this morning’s Pop-Tart, we have been down this road before. 

In the 1990’s the state of California attempted to control the energy market with predictably bad results, i.e. the Enron scandal. Having learned nothing from the experience we are about to embark upon the same ship. 

I strongly recommend that all East Bay electrical consumers opt out at their earliest convenience.

—Michael Lindstrom

Castro Valley

Safer to Ride a Bike than To Sit at Home

Editor:

Good on Stacy Spink (“Parents Should Teach Teens ‘The Less Driving, the Better’,” Letters, Jan. 23) for pointing out the realities of our youth driving in today’s society.

He’s absolutely right. If you worry about your children’s safety, giving them a car is unwise. Teens in particular don’t have fully developed brains, so their impulses easily overtake rational control.

This fact takes up chapters in modern works on human behavior. It’s particularly ill-advised to buy young males large and powerful cars since they will generally want to show it off to friends, and by the numbers, once there’s a group in the car, things often go sour.

There’s a whole cocktail of emotions that easily outstrip self control including: wanting to impress, feeling entitled, general impulsiveness, and even a little know effect where morality has been demonstrated to plummet in such conditions.

This community has experienced far too many teen-related car crashes where all involved died, a very preventable tragedy.  It should surprise no one that a study from the UK demonstrated that teens are safer riding bicycles than driving cars.

As Spink also points out, it isn’t just better for our youth, adults can also benefit a lot from bicycling.

The most widely accepted number now suggests that the average risk to life from accident doesn’t begin to compare with the benefits you get from exercise. As they put it “you’re 20 times safer riding a bicycle than just sitting at home.”

It gets better though; if you follow the safety guidelines of the League of American Bicyclists (and ride like a vehicle), your safety can be about 100 times that of the average rider mentioned above. That moves the benefit to 2,000 times more likely to lengthen your life.

No matter how you slice it, those are some pretty good odds.

— Karl Hodges         

Castro Valley

LETTERS • 01-23-19

A Warning on Rash of Scam Phone Calls

Editor:

I live in Castro Valley and have receive numerous unsolicited phone calls from people claiming to be the IRS, Apple, Inc., or some other company telling me my computer has been compromised.

  I would like to warn people that all of these phone calls are bogus and they should not respond to any of them nor give out any information nor send anyone money. These folks are dangerous and they will potentially try get money or they are actively looking for personal information for the purposes to commit identity theft.

  These folks prey our most vulnerable populations. Please help me in warning them against these attacks.

—Therese Kells, Castro Valley

Accuses Miley of Disrespect During Rodeo Discussion

Editor:

  Who is Supervisor Nate Miley? What are his priorities and how does he treat his constituents? 

  He is your elected official, it is your right to know. Based on my observations at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Jan. 15, I was surprised at the answer.  No. 3 on the Agenda was the discussion of two particular events which have recently been part of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo lineup. Animal advocates on the one hand, ranchers and rodeo proponents on the other.   

  The two events discussed are not professional events sanctioned by the PRCA: Mutton Busting and Wild Cow Milking. No one was proposing to shut down the Rodeo entirely. While the merits or lack thereof regarding those two events are for another discussion, my observation was that Mr. Miley stated his opinions, which were opposed to the animal advocates’ points, in a demeaning, patronizing and condescending way, looking (or rather glaring) at said constituents as he did so.   

  Supervisor Haggerty of Livermore had similar opinions to Mr. Miley’s, however stated them in a respectful, professional way. Citizens who spoke on both sides of the issue, and all other county supervisors, were respectful in every way. 

  My take away: Mr. Miley does not act as if he owes respect to those of his constituents that he disagrees with, and panders to those with whom he does (coincidentally some of whom are said to have donated to his election campaign). Mr. Miley, you represent all of your constituents, and you owe them your respect and regard, whether or not you agree with them on the issues. Maybe you have been in that office too long? Note to citizens:  Mr. Miley will be up for re-election in 2020.

—R.B. (Bob) Manning, Ashland

Thanks to Chabad of CV for ‘Evening with Marthe Cohn’

Editor:

  A special thank you to the Chabad Jewish Center of Castro Valley for sponsoring “An Historic Evening with Marthe Cohn.” 

  It was an honor to be in the presence of a 98 year old  who has seen so much of the dark side of history, yet has maintained an  optimistic spirit and sense of humor with a gleam in her eye. 

  Hearing Mrs. Cohn’s story was a gift to all those in the packed house.

Terry Liebowitz, Castro Valley

Parents Should Teach Teens ‘The Less Driving the Better’

Editor:

I was glad to see the article titled “Teen Driving Tips.”  However it seems to avoid the topic of civic responsibility.

  I have two very lethal weapons in my household. The less dangerous (Item 1) stays in my bedroom. It is securely locked up and would be used only when no alternative was available. Casual use would be unnecessary, dangerous and therefore irresponsible.

  The more dangerous one is in my driveway. As this device causes more injuries and fatalities than Item 1, I employ the same standard – it is securely locked up and is operated only when no alternatives exist.  Ditto on casual usage.

  Firearms, chain saws, hammers, baseball bats, cars, and pillow cases are all items that can make our lives better. They are also items that (when used casually or improperly) can result in injury or death.

  The average trip distance in the Bay Area is 4 miles and we average 330 days a year without rain. I would submit that a young, healthy person driving the Denali a mile or two to school or to pick up Starbucks is irresponsible behavior – because it harms others, harms the environment, has significant potential to cause serious injury or death, and is done solely for personal convenience.

  Our community would be better served if we trained our children to have such a perspective regarding driving – the less, the better. Less traffic jams, parking problems, pollution, injuries, fatalities, and tons of monetary savings. Not to mention a drop in our 40% collective obesity rate as most of our transportation is passive and not active.

  Then again, if we don’t model such behavior our kids are certainly not going to behave differently.  They won’t take it as a serious responsibility if we don’t. Can we do better?

—Stacy Spink, Castro Valley

LETTERS • 01-16-19

Pot Sales Flourishing “a Sad Reason to Rejoice”

Editor:

  Regarding your front page article “Pot Sales Flourishing at Local Dispensaries” on Jan. 9th, are we really supposed to be celebrating the proud declarations by our two local pot dispensaries which proclaim that a lot of their customers are first-time users now that pot usage is seen as “legit”? What a sad reason to rejoice! 

  Do we need to celebrate the fact that business is booming because we have more emerging drug users?  Great…..

  The process of legitimizing this business in our county has been led by Supervisor Nate Miley. He has been pivotal in this regard at both the state and county levels. Responsible in many other ways, he has unfortunately chosen to take us down a cannabis-embracing road here in Alameda County. 

  Many of us will not be celebrating the fact that our fellow-community members are deciding to try this “new” recreational product, nor the increase of cannabis sales. Instead, we will continue to encourage our youth and peers to stay clean, clear and safe. Isn’t that what we should be celebrating?

—Vicki Stadelman, Castro Valley

Calls on CVSan Customers to Contest Rate Increases

Editor:

   Vance Hopkins (“Calls Attention to CVSan Memo on Proposed Rate Increase and February 5 Meeting,” Letters, Jan. 9) suggested that the CVSan ratepayers consider contesting the CVSan garbage rate increases.

  I agree and will contest the rate increases. To invalidate the rate increases requires a majority of the ratepayers opposing the increase, or more than 9,000 protest letters. The odds of that happening are astronomical.

  CVSan has already entered into a 10 year agreement with Alameda County Industries (ACI) for its garbage services beginning May 1, 2019. Protesting the rate increases is nothing more than a farce. CVSan knows this, which is why it has already entered into this contract with ACI.

  Castro Valley residents can expect a 15.4% increase in garbage rates when CVSan switches to ACI this coming May. The Castro Valley ratepayers can expect 6% yearly increases through June of 2024 (45.7% total increase). Cost-based annual rate increases can be even higher than 6% in years 3, 7 or 8. The yearly rate increases with Waste Management of Alameda County was typically under 3%.

  CVSan’s garbage rate is more than double that of the Oro Loma Sanitary District! For example, under the new ACI contract for 2019, a 32-Gallon garbage container would cost the Castro Valley resident $47.74 per month. A Five Canyons resident, who is in the Oro Loma Sanitary District, would pay $21.66 for the same 32-Gallon garbage container. Go figure! So much for people on fixed incomes!   

  The increased garbage rates have to comply with Proposition 218’s notice and hearing requirements. CVSan customers should object to these preposterous rate increases by writing their opposition letters to CVSan and by opposing the rate increases at the February 5 public hearing.     

—Ken Owen, Castro Valley

Wants to Save Old Castro Valley Library for Veterans

Editor:

   It has been previously reported in the Castro Valley Forum that the CV Municipal Advisory Council had voted affirmatively to recommend to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors that the old CV Library located on Redwood Road be turned over to veteran organizations to occupy and manage.

  The veterans have come together and established a non-profit, the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial Library Foundation. The intent is to turn the old library into a Veterans’ meeting location for veteran organizations, for veteran benefits counseling services, for a training facility, and for a meeting location for other civic organizations in Castro Valley. 

  It is also the intent of  our non-profit to establish within the building an area that will be designated as a Library area and Museum area.

  The citizens of Castro Valley have been very supportive of the efforts of the non-profit to secure the building from Alameda County.  We encourage all the citizens of Alameda County to sign our petitions either in person or at change.org.

  The Castro Valley Veterans Memorial Library Foundation will be meeting with County Staff on tomorow, Jan. 17, to discuss options on moving forward with the library being turned over to the non-profit foundation. Your help in signing the petition will signal to the Board of Supervisors how strongly the citizens of Alameda County support this action.

  Thanks for your support in advance. Send any questions to: saveouroldcvlibrary.org/contact-us/

—Mike Martin. Castro Valley

“Amazed” at All the Trash and Abandoned Shopping Carts He Sees on Castro Valley Streets

Editor:

  What is it? What is the cause? I am amazed at the trash I see on our streets in Castro Valley. Yes, simply amazed.

  As I take my walks around our beautiful town, I see so much trash just dumped in shrubs and left on our sidewalks. I see all kinds of thrash, bottles, cans, pizza boxes, and plastics of every use.

  Is our citizenry becoming so careless they feel that, “Oh, someone will clean it up.” Are we becoming a society that just does not care anymore? I don’t think so.

  I think we all care, at least most of us do.

  It is not just school age children, but also adults that are contributing to the mess on our streets. Is it so common we “just don’t see it”? I have stopped and picked up trash and found a trash can nearby and made a deposit in all our names.

  I mentioned plastics. In fact I should say nearly all of what we see goes down the sewer lines and ends up the the bay. From there the tides take it out into the Pacific. You must have seen on TV the amount of plastic floating on surface and below the surface, plastics.

  Fish of every size, including whales, have been tangled up and have died because of our lack of concern.

  One last thought. It is not only trash in the streets and walkways, it is also the shopping carts we use while shopping.

  I have seen carts many blocks away from where they belong. Perhaps the average citizen does not understand some laws. To take a shopping cart away from the premises of a store, a few blocks away, is considered petty theft. Let us all do our part in keeping Castro Valley clean and beautiful.

—Dick Purdee, Castro Valley

Thanks from the Boy Scouts for Supporting Their Christmas Tree Lot

Editor:

  To our Castro Valley Community and surrounding neighbors, thank you for supporting the Boy Scout Christmas Tree lot on the corner of Center & Heyer.

  This is a scouting fundraiser. The Scouts work the lot and get paid for their hours. The moeny they earn goes into the Scout Account and is used to lpay for the summer camp, any scout-related adventures, merit badges and more.

  During their time on the lot, they learn people skills, business skills, work ethics and so much more.

  Thanks again for a great tree season. We will see you next year.

—Tina Mitchell, Castro Valley

(for Troops 701, 818, 819, 409

LETTERS • 01-09-19

Calls Attention to CVSan Memo on Proposed Rate Increase and February 5 Meeting

Editor:

  I would encourage everyone subject to the proposed CVSan rate increases to, as a minimum, read the “Notice is hereby given...” memo the district sent out regarding the Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Feb. 5th.

  You should have received one in the mail and if not I’m sure it’s available on their website. 

  Pay particular attention to the paragraph titled “Reasons for the proposed rate increases” wherein they provide exactly zero reasons for the proposed rate increases. 

  Please consider contesting this by addressing a letter to the CVSan District indicating your opposition to these rate increases. Unless you’re not against being hoodwinked and paying more to get less. In which case, by all means, do nothing.

—Vance Hopkins, Castro Valley

‘Can’t Waste Time Debating’  Global Warning

Editor:

  The U.S. House of Representatives will soon consider a bill that puts a price on carbon.

  If the “Energy Innovation and Carbon Act (H.R. 7173)” passes, it will allow the government to assess a “carbon fee” on all fossil fuels, including coal, oil and gas. The U.S. Senate’s companion bill is S.3791. 

  Because everyone from corporations to consumers will have to pay more for these dirty carbon products, we will be more anxious to move towards greener options, therefore reducing the amount of carbon pollution we put into the atmosphere. 

  This program is ‘revenue neutral’ and the money collected will be paid back equally to families as monthly rebates or ‘dividends.’ 

  If you have a high carbon footprint, you will likely spend more money on energy than you get back from the rebates. But if you reduce your carbon footprint, you will be rewarded with a little extra cash at the end of the month that you can spend on anything!

  The program costs are paid from the fees collected and the government does not keep any of the money from the carbon fee. To protect American jobs and manufacturers, imported goods will be assessed a border carbon adjustment, and goods exported from the U.S. will receive a refund.

  Global warming is happening now and we can’t waste any more time debating the issue. To quote Voltaire: “Men Argue, Nature Acts.”   

  For more information, please visit citizensclimatelobby.org.

—Minane Jameson, Hayward

“Incredible’ Happenings as Democrats Take Control Of the House

Editor:

  On the first day democrats took control of congress three incredible things happened:

  1. Nancy Pelosi told the NY Times that she, as speaker of the house, is now the equal to the President of the United States according to our constitution. Really, the constitution I learned in school clearly states that the Speaker of the House is third in line to the Presidency. Sure like to know what Ms. Pelosi is looking at.

  2. Congresswoman Tlaib went off on a vulgar laced tirade not fit for print in any newspaper against President Trump. Then Ms. Pelosi, who is often critical of President Trumps words, backed up her constituent saying, “I’m not in the censorship business”.

  3. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, a self admitted socialist in the democratic party, proposed to raise the highest tax bracket to 70% and 82% in the state of New York.

  And these are the liberal democrats who have been telling us the past two years that President Trump is unfit for office.

—Chris Scott, Castro Valley

Calls Government Shutdown ‘Height of Criminality’

Editor:

Trump is using federal employees lives to extort congress to get funding for his inane wall is the height of criminality. 

  This president is the most immoral and unethical individual ever to occupy the white house. In psychology, there is a concept called “The evil Triad”, which consists of three major character flaws in an individual who should never be allowed to attain power.  They include; narcissism (It is all about me.) machiavellianism (The ends justifies the means.) and sociopathy ( A disregard for laws and norms of society).   

  This president meets such a criteria.  He needs to be impeached asap.

—Robert Thomas, Castro Valley

Thirteen-Year-Old Composes ‘Newest Jewish Song’

Editor:

  What is J West?

   J West is where you can meet Castro Valley resident Rebecca Ireland. She is the 13-year-old composer of the newest Jewish song!

  At a meeting of the Jewish Culture School a couple years ago we were were having a discussion about songs and she asked “What is the newest Jewish song?” The answer was…someone must be writing it right now. So, she picked up a pen and wrote her lyrics”Yedidut, Shalom, Ahavah”(Friendship, Peace,Love). Then over the course of a year or so she composed music to go along with the song and with the support or her teacher, taught it to her classmates who debuted the song at her Bat Mitzvah last spring.

  If you would like to get a glimpse of this very singable song, come join us at our weekend-long J-West conference at our Martin Luther King Weekend,  Jan. 19-20,  at the La Quinta Inn in Hayward.

  The Conference is co-sponsored by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism and the Tri-Valley Cultural Jews. It will feature workshops highlighting Jewish Music Around the World as well as other workshops focussed on how to teach Jewish music to kids and adults alike. We are offering a weekend package for $250 per person which includes a Saturday night concert called“Gefilte Fish and Chips,” including stories and music by Daniel Cainer and a Sunday night talent show where we will showcase attendees with (or without )musical talents.

  If you’d like more information about J West check out our website at bit.ly/JWest-2019 or contact CulturalJews@gmail.com.

—Jamie Ireland, Castro Valley

LETTERS • 01-02-19

A NEW YEAR’S COMMENTARY

Three Tips For Making Better Ethical Decisions Every Day

By Dr. Christopher Gilbert

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

  News reports bring us plenty of examples of poor professional ethics being practiced in business, entertainment, and government.

  But in terms of personal ethics as applied to everyday choices that we don’t read about, what percentage of people lie, cheat, steal, cut corners, or take advantage of others?

  Some studies show over 50 percent would cheat on their marital partner if they knew they wouldn’t get caught, and well over 1 million cheat on their taxes annually.

  Ethical transgressions some would consider small by comparison, such as accidentally denting a car door in a parking lot and then not leaving your contact information, or cutting someone off on the freeway, are just as important in living an ethical life.

  That’s because if we fail to make the correct ethical decisions and harm others in the little things, we can often rationalize that harm with the big things.

  No corporate president walks into their boardroom and asks for a show of hands about scamming the consumer. They make immoral decisions and then, like us with the little stuff, rationalize so the choice seems fine — even good.

  We can often look for information or knowledge that helps us rationalize making a wrong choice, but if we follow the Golden Rule consistently and treat others the way we want to be treated, the ethical decision is clear.

  Some thoughts about understanding and practicing good personal ethics:

  Ethics are best understood when they are personalized. People often become conflicted in situations demanding an ethical decision. What helps the most? Personalize the choice.

  For example: If you dent a stranger’s car door in some parking lot, don’t think of them as a stranger. Instead, ask yourself, “What if this was my best friend’s or my sister’s car?” Or, what if you returned to your own car and saw it scratched, with no note left behind. Don’t you wish the perpetrator had identified their responsibility to you?

  The ability to practice “right’”when it involves those we know, and “wrong” against those we don’t, means our ethics only protect those we already care for. If that’s true, no stranger should ever do a good deed for us, either. So much for the Good Samaritan, or being of service to others.”

  Ethics bridge the gap between your knowledge and your wisdom. Knowledge isn’t wisdom. How someone uses their knowledge is an indicator of their wisdom.

  Wisdom is making the right choice, sometimes despite the knowledge you have. Our ethics are the bridge between what we know and what we should do about it.

  Wisdom stands on three pillars: rational intelligence (Knowing the right thing to do), emotional intelligence (Feeling right about what we do), and spiritual intelligence (Actually doing right).

  Ethics combine empathy and compassion. Most people know the story of the Good Samaritan. In order to be ethical, strangers help strangers even in the worst of times.

  What’s the difference between those that stop to help and those that take care of themselves? It’s the way they framed their ethical choice. To the selfish, the important question is, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” To the empathetic and selfless, the important question is, “If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

  The second question evidences all three pillars of wisdom.

  Ethical decisions increase our trustworthiness, unethical choices erode that trust. Since trust is the foundation of all human virtues examining your ethical standards, our ethics aren’t philosophical, or about codes or laws. They are at the heart of all our relationships.”

  Dr. Christopher Gilbert, the author of “There’s No Right Way To Do the Wrong Thing,” is an international ethics consultant and senior consultant. He completed work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on a sustainable food-security program across four nations of sub-Saharan Africa, and he has been a professor of business ethics who taught at universities on four continents.

OBITUARIES • 01-30-19

Diane Sheppard

Diane Sheppard passed away at age 73 on Wednesday morning, January 23, 2019 in Santa Rosa, CA after a nearly 10 year battle with kidney cancer. She survived her loving husband, Shep, by 5 short months. Elmer Sheppard (known as Shep to most and Sheppy to Diane) passed away at age 91 on Thursday morning, July 5, 2018 in Santa Rosa, CA. Both were long time residents of Castro Valley.

Diane loved her family and making new friends at every turn. Her early years were spent in Texas and Florida before moving to California in 1966. She retired after 22 years from Castro Valley Library.

Shep was Diane’s true love. He spent his early years in Ohio and Illinois, and served our Country in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1968 before retiring as Lieutenant Colonel.

 They are survived by Jeanette Clayton (Daughter), Danyale Kotur (Grand Daughter), Leticia Vela (Niece) and Jessa Campuzano (Great Niece).

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, January 31 from 4-8:00 pm at Jess C. Spencer Mortuary, 21228 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 1 at 11:00 am at Jess C. Spencer Mortuary. The burial will follow at Lone  Tree Cemetery in Hayward.

Jay Purchio

Our dearly loved brother Jay Purchio of Castro Valley, age 66, passed away peacefully at home with family and his dear friend Richard, on January 23, 2019, after a valiant fight. He will be deeply missed and life will never be the same.

We want to thank all the Lake Merritt community in Oakland, and you know who you are, who made his daily runs for so many years the best part of Jay's life with your high fives and encouragement.

Also, we want to thank the Down Syndrome Connection of the East Bay. Jay loved his tutoring and Peer Group classes. Donations in his memory can be mailed to the Down Syndrome Connection, 101 Town and Country Dr. Unit J, Danville, CA 94526.

Jay was preceded in death by mom and dad, Jean A. and John J. Purchio. Jay is survived by older brothers Jimmy, Johnny, (his twin) Joe, and sisters Cathy and Jeanne.

A Celebration of Jay’s life will be held later this Spring.

OBITUARIES • 01-23-19

Marshall Field

January 9, 1927 -January 8, 2019

Marshall Field passed away on January 8, 2019 one day before turning 92.  Born on January 9, 1927 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Lillian B. Field.  Marshall graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco. He served in the US Merchant Marines and then in the US Army during WWII.  After his military service he met and married his wife of 68 years, Gayle M. SanFacon. 

Marshall was a member of the Crow Canyon Masonic Lodge 551 and also belonged to the Oakland Scottish Rite. He worked in the graphic arts industry, many of those years for the Oakland Tribune. He enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, bonsai, music and art. 

Marshall is survived by his wife Gayle, daughter Janice Ferreira and her husband Rodger, son Marshall, son Matthew, son Joseph and his wife Stacy, brother Ted Kochel and his wife Ardell, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2019 at the Masonic Center in Castro Valley.

OBITUARIES • 01-16-19

Mildred “Millie” Null

November 26, 1931- December 10, 2018

Millie was born in Vallejo, attended high school in Oakland, then moved to Castro Valley in 1956 with her first husband Tom Nunes.

As a dedicated homemaker, she raised three children, was active in the community and later worked as a secretary with the school district where she met her second husband Bill Null. Millie enjoyed music, dancing, gardening and was typically the life of any party! Her children, step-children, family and friends will miss her wonderful smile, energetic personality and genuine knack for keeping things clean and organized! Her spirit and caring nature will always be with us.

This Week at Smalltown

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-23-19

Smalltown Society is currently holding open auditions and reviewing portfolios for the 2019 season. Opportunities to perform at various gatherings and events, or showcase your work at various locations around Eden area. Email: info@smalltownsociety.com

• Friday, January 25: Smalltown January Gathering!

The music of Duke James & the James Bros. Band. The art of Madison Forseth. Plethos Productions, community advocate Nestor Castillo, food by Eden Urban Gardens, beer & wine, and more!! Connect with your community, hear from local artists, musicians and advocates, and experience the developing narratives of your neighborhood! Free (suggested contribution $10) 7:30-10 p.m., doors open at 7.

• Thursday, January 31: Affordable Housing Educational Workshop Series

Week #3. Community Based Alternatives: Starting a Community Land Trust in the Eden Area

With home prices and rents on the rise, finding quality affordable housing in the Bay Area continues to be one of the top issues for Eden Area residents. Throughout January we’ve been discussing topics related to affordable housing such as the housing crisis, what your rights are as a renter, and how community can begin to address the issue. Join us for the third of our three-part Affordable Housing Educational Workshop Series. 6-7:30 p.m. at the San Lorenzo Library 395 Paseo Grande.

For more on these events and others visit: smalltownsociety.com or text “Smalltown” to 797979. Smalltown Society is located at 22222 Redwood Road, CV

This Week at Smalltown

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-16-19

• TODAY, Jan. 16: Affordable Housing Educational Workshop Series

Week #1. What are my Rights as a Tenant? With ECHO Housing

With home prices and rents on the rise, finding quality affordable housing in the Bay Area continues to be one of the top issues for Eden Area residents. Join us for a three-part Affordable Housing Educational Workshop Series. Throughout January we will be discussing topics related to affordable housing such as the housing crisis, what your rights are as a renter, and how community can begin to address the issue. 6-7:30 p.m. at  REACH, 16335 E 14th St. in San Leandro.

• Thursday, Jan. 17: THE LAB: Songwriter/Poet Showcase & Workshop

We’re switching things up! Once an Open Mic, The Lab is evolving into a monthly gathering that allows songwriters and poets to workshop and collaborate on new and existing pieces through exercises and brief performances, in front of and among friends. Everyone is welcome! This month’s featured artist is Sara Perry! Sign-ups for performances by email only: info@smalltownsociety.com. Free 7-9 p.m.

• Friday, January 25: Smalltown January Gathering

The music of Duke James & the James Bros. Band. The art of Madison Forseth. Plethos Productions, community advocate Nestor Castillo, food by Eden Urban Gardens, beer & wine, and more! Connect with your community, hear from local artists, musicians and advocates, and experience the developing narratives of your neighborhood! Free – (suggested contribution $10) 7:30 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7.

More on these events and others visit www.smalltownsociety.com or text “Smalltown” to 797979. Smalltown Society is located at 22222 Redwood Road, CV

This Week at Smalltown Society

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-09-19

• Looking for more opportunities to highlight your music? Your art? Your voice? Smalltown Society is currently holding open auditions and reviewing portfolios for the 2019 season. Opportunities to perform at various gatherings and events, or showcase your work at various locations around the Eden area. Email: info@smalltownsociety.com for more info!

• Saturday, Jan. 12: Open Studio/Open Door

It’s about People. It’s about community. It’s about Collaboration. It’s about random strangers and random events that somehow always seem to connect with you. It’s about good stories, from good people, from all walks of life. It’s about fun and creativity, justice and meaning. It’s about the good things that bind us together.

A free and open workspace/studio environment, a place to kick up your feet, view local art, create local art, a place to build a better narrative. Free Wi-Fi. Bring some food, drink, a project you’re working on, a book your reading, or a thought to share. Anyone is welcome.  Free, 2-10 p.m.

• Every Saturday, Jan. 12- Feb. 16: Project Cultiv8

Are you an ambitious high school student with goals of starting your own club or organization in your community? If so, Project Cultiv8 is your perfect opportunity. PC8 is hosting a six-session workshop series at Smalltown in early 2019 to enable high school students to implement their own charitable efforts in the community, providing personal legal assistance, funding strategies, management assistance, and other essential topics to help you begin and sustain your efforts.

The best part is, our program is 100% free and lead by nonprofit executives and professionals who have generously volunteered their time to mentor the youth in the Bay Area. Limited availability. Apply now! www.projectcultiv8.org/castro-valley FREE, 10am-12pm.

• Thursday, Jan. 17: THE LAB

Songwriter/Poet Showcase & Workshop. We’re switching things up! Once an Open Mic, The Lab is evolving into a monthly gathering that allows songwriters and poets to workshop and collaborate on new and existing pieces through exercises and brief performances, in front of and among friends. Everyone is welcome! This month’s featured artist is Sara Perry! Sign-ups for performances by email only: info@smalltownsociety.com. Free, 7-9 p.m.

For more details on these events and others, please visit: www.smalltownsociety.com or text “Smalltown” to 797979. Smalltown Society is located at 22222 Redwood Road, CV.

This Week at Smalltown

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 01-02-19

• Looking for more opportunities to highlight your music? Your art? Your voice? Smalltown Society is currently holding open auditions and reviewing portfolios for the 2019 season. Opportunities to perform at various gatherings and events, or showcase your work at various locations around the Eden area. Email: info@smalltownsociety.com for more info!

• Saturday, January 12: Open Studio

Come connect with other Eden area artists in a shared and informal studio environment. We provide tables and chairs, you bring your art to work on. Free. 2:-6 p.m.

• Every Saturday, January 12- February 16: Project Cultiv8

Interested in building your own non-profit organization and implement your philanthropic innovations to improve your community? Come to our free workshops featuring executive philanthropists, with the opportunity to receive funding and mentorship to make your idea into a reality. Project Cultiv8 workshops are open to all high school students ages 14 and older. Free, 10 a.m.-12 noon. More info at www.projectcultiv8.org/castro-valley

• Thursday, January 17: THE LAB: Songwriter/Poet Showcase & Workshop. We’re switching things up! Once an Open Mic, The Lab is evolving into a monthly gathering that allows songwriters and poets to workshop and collaborate on new and existing pieces through exercises and brief performances, in front of and among friends. Everyone is welcome! This month’s featured artist is Sara Perry! Sign-ups for performances by email only: info@smalltownsociety.com. Free, 7-9 p.m.

CAPTION: Smalltown Resident Artist Cia Gould’s watercolors at Open Studio.

 More details on these events and others visit www.smalltownsociety.com or text “Smalltown” to 797979. Smalltown Society is located at 22222 Redwood Road, Castro Valley