Three Dog Day

                                                                                                                 San Leandro Times • 02-21-19

     Roz Edelson took three dogs for a walk recently when the rain let up. This week San Leandro has enjoyed springlike weather as the next rain appears to be holding off until Sunday or      Monday.

     PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

San Lorenzo Village Plan Approved

Art deco apartments and shops to fill longtime vacant lot

By Amy Sylvestri

San Leandro Times • 02-21-19

The Alameda County Planning Commission voted this week to approve a new apartment complex with retail stores in San Lorenzo Village, despite a last-minute push from a trade union group opposing it.

But some San Lorenzans are happy to see any development on the site, which has been empty in the middle of town for the past 25 years.

Developer Demmon Partners got the go-ahead to build an art deco style mixed-use project with 163 market-rate units in five buildings along Hesperian Boulevard and Via Arriba at the old Mervyn’s site, which has been empty since 1994.

The 5.1-acre parcel would be developed with three- and four-story apartment buildings, a pool, dog park, and a shuttle to BART.

There will be 12,000-square-feet of retail space on the corner of Hesperian Boulevard and Paseo Grande, with room for at least six different shops ranging from 1,300 to 2,600-square-feet. As part of the project, developer Terry Demmon said they will also remodel the marquee on the Lorenzo Theatre across the street.

The Planning Commission approved the project by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Jim Goff dissenting. Goff said he wasn’t completely satisfied that the project was best for the area and thought San Lorenzans might want more of a community hub in the centrally-located site.

“I tried to get a vision of what the community is looking for,” said Goff. “I love the project, but it needs more of a downtown atmosphere, more of a community feeling.”

Public speaker Randy Wage suggested that more of the community could benefit from the project if it had more retail, but Demmon said that traditional brick and mortar stores are dying out and he wasn’t comfortable with adding even more retail space. He originally approached the county with under 10,000-square-feet of retail plans, so he said he already made a compromise.

“It’s been about three years that we’ve worked on this project,” said Demmon. “We’ve tried to reach out as best we can to get community input.”

A few speakers addressed the Planning Commission in support of the project, saying they are tired of the central part of their town sitting empty so long.

“I’m living in an area that’s become almost a ghetto,” said San Lorenzo resident Mario Caserias. “It’s been eroding throughout the years. When someone wants to build something nice, people come out and oppose it.”

The opposition at Tuesday night’s meeting didn’t come from neighbors, but from union representatives.

Demmon said that he worked for months to try to reach an agreement with the trade unions, but could not.

John Dalrymple, political affairs consultant with Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, said that Demmon was looking to hire workers who make in the range of $33,000 per year, while the union workers make $45,000 annually.

Sarah Dudley of the Alameda County Residents for Responsible Development, a labor union coalition, urged the Planning Commission to reconsider the project’s environmental impact report (EIR).

But the Planning Commission said the EIR was valid and the project could go forward.

Demmon Partners said that the unions were trying to stop the project not out of legitimate concern, but because it was non-union.

In the end, the Planning Commission decided to approve the Village Green and Demmon estimates that construction will take about two years.

CAPTION: An art deco apartment building will be built in the long vacant space in San Lorenzo Village where the Mervyn’s was torn down 25 years ago. The 5-acre parcel will have apartments, a pool, dog park and a shuttle to BART. 

Why the Difference Between Garbage Bills?

By Jim Knowles

San Leandro Times • 02-21-19

Lorane Caison’s garbage bill for three months is $72.03.

So she’s wondering why her neighbor’s bill comes to $31.50, also for three months.

Caison has three containers – a 20 gallon garbage bin, plus a recycling bin and an organics bin. And her neighbor has the same three bins.

“So what is it?” Caison asks. “Why are the bills so different.”

There are a couple of reasons, it turns out. First, there are two garbage contractors in San Leandro – Alameda County Industries (ACI), and Waste Management.

ACI covers the area administered by the City of San Leandro, and Waste Management covers the area that’s part of the Oro Loma Sanitation District.

Part of the reason the Waste Management bill is lower is because Oro Loma adds a bill on the tax roll of $55.20 a year ($13.80 for three months), according to Jason Warner, director of the Oro Loma Sanitation District.

The $13.80 explains some of the difference, but what about the rest?

Another difference is that Waste Management picks up garbage every week, but the recycling pick-up is every two weeks. But ACI picks up recycling every week, Warner points out.

San Leandro Deputy Public Works Director Jennifer Auletta confirms Warner’s points, and adds a couple more reasons for the difference in bills.

In the ACI service area, customers can get as many green waste containers as they need. But in the Waste Management area, a second green waste bin is allowed, but no more than that.

ACI also provides free service to public facilities – parks, schools at no charge, and has 150 litter cans on public sidewalks that they collect three times a week at no charge to the city, said Auletta.

Also, the rates are based on the size of the garbage container and the two bills being compared both have a 20-gallon garbage bin. On larger sized garbage bins, there would be less difference in the rates, according to Auletta.

One more thing with Oro Loma is that is has always strived for low rates for its customers throughout its history.

“Its rates are unique, and that’s their priority, we have other goals like recycling and waste diversion,” Auletta said. “But our rates are about average county wide.”

CAPTION: A San Leandran wonders why the difference in bills for the same three containers.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

Rousseau Remembered For Cards, Compassion

By Amy Sylvestri

San Leandro Times • 02-21-19

Tom Rousseau, a staple in San Leandro who sold greeting cards from his electric wheelchair, passed away earlier this month at the age of 87.

Rousseau had cerebral palsy and could be seen driving down the streets with a sign which read “I sell cards for all occasions.” He was such a well-known figure around town that in 2014, the city made a proclamation declaring Dec. 31 “Tom Rousseau Day.”

Rousseau began his greeting card business as a teen in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1946, selling cards out of a little red wagon. In 1951, Rousseau and his family moved to San Leandro.

Rousseau had been an active member of the Church of the Assumption since it was founded and the church installed a special ramp for him long before the Americans with Disabilities Act required it.

Former Mayor Stephen Cassidy said Rousseau would drive down his street on his way to Mass and they often visited.

“Tom was such a part of the fabric of our community,” said Cassidy. “The thing about him was that he was very humble and warm person who inspired kindness and compassion in others.”

Cassidy only got to know Rousseau as an adult, but Cassidy's’ wife Amy grew up here and fondly remembered Rousseau from her childhood.

“My wife told me that the first lessons she received as a child in being a compassionate person were seeing people relate to Tom,” Cassidy said. “Her parents would buy cards from him and other parents would as well and children all across San Leandro would see that. Those kids are now adults raising children of their own, so Tom had a ripple effect across generations of San Leandrans.”

Rousseau  is survived by family including his sister Elaine Benevedes and cousin Madeline Gomes.  A memorial Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption, 1851 136th Avenue, this Friday at 11 a.m.

CAPTION: Tom Rousseau frequently rode around the neighborhood selling greeting cards, and rode his wheelchair to church at Assumption parish. 

PHOTO BY STEPHEN CASSIDY

Nature’s Carpet

San Leandro Times • 02-14-19

Fallen leaves on a sidewalk

in downtown San Leandro provide a colorful carpet

right under our feet.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES 

Homeless On the Rise: New Census

Estimated 6,000 homeless in county, 200 in San Leandro

By Amy Sylvestri
San Leandro Times • 02-14-19

EveryOne Home, a non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness, conducted a census of people living on the streets of Alameda County last month – and though the exact count won’t be available until summer, the number is likely to be over 6,000.

At least 200 people are homeless here in San Leandro, according to homeless advocates.

To make the count, over 600 volunteers scoured the streets, creeks, and freeway overpasses countywide with the help of homeless and formerly homeless guides during the early morning hours of Jan. 30. Homelessness outreach groups such as San Leandro non-profit Building Futures counted people in their shelter beds that night.

The count is taken every two years and helps cities and homeless charities determine their eligibility for federal funds, as well as get information about where services are needed the most, according to Elaine de Coligny, director of EveryOne Home.

de Coligny, a San Leandro resident, says this city’s 200 homeless people is double the official number recorded in 2017 during the last homeless census.

“My guess is that the number of homeless individuals in San Leandro is in the hundreds,” said de Coligny. “Many felt that the figure from two years ago was an undercount. Building Futures and others who are out there on a daily basis seem to think the number we have is low.”

The number of homeless people in all of Alameda County rose by nearly 40 percent to 5,630  between the 2015 and 2017 counts, and de Coligny says that she expects another increase when the 2019 results are finalized.

“When you look at projections based on the number of people who are becoming homeless and the number of people we see leaving homelessness for permanent housing, it’s clear there will be an uptick in numbers from the last survey,” said de Coligny.

Homeless Census Is a Point-in-Time Count

The census is a “point-in-time count” that happens in the last week of January. During the peak winter cold season, more people will seek out shelters or warming centers, giving a more accurate count.

de Coligny says that even with the most thorough methodology they can manage, it’s difficult to count every homeless person.

“There are a portion of people who are unsheltered who live in encampments,” said de Coligny. “We consider an encampment an area with two or more individuals living in tents or makeshift structures. That’s probably about one-fifth of the homeless population and they’ve become increasingly visible in recent years. Others are in their cars or on the streets.”

County officials say there are multiple encampments along San Lorenzo Creek. There’s one by the railroad tracks on Springlake Drive, and another at Cull Canyon in Castro Valley.

After the census, the next step is a more detailed survey of people living on the street and in shelters. de Coligny says her colleagues ask people about their histories, how long they’ve lived in Alameda County, the reasons behind their being on the street, and more.

According to the 2017 survey, the number one cause of homeless is monetary trouble, with 57 percent saying that is keeping them from a permanent residence. Mental health issues caused 12 percent of the homelessness cases and substance abuse caused another 12 percent.

A total of 47 percent said they had some disability that limited their ability to maintain work or housing. The most common self-reported conditions were psychiatric (41 percent), post-traumatic stress disorder (29 percent), and physical disability (27 percent).

Of those surveyed, 58 percent said they had been homeless for a year or more and 61 percent said they’d had more than one period of homelessness in their lives. Over 80 percent said they lived in Alameda County before becoming homeless.

In exchange for a homeless person’s help with the survey, EveryOne Home provided them with clean socks or a gift card.

In December, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved a 3-year “homelessness action plan” specifically for the unincorporated area, including San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland, and Castro Valley.

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

The board announced plans to spend $10.5 million beginning in 2019 on services for the estimated 440 homeless people living in the unincorporated area.

If you are having a housing crisis or in need of other support, 211 is a toll-free phone number that provides information and referrals on housing and health and social services. Information is also available at www.211AlamedaCounty.org.

CAPTION: Homeless people come to the warming center on cold or rainy winter nights at the First United Methodist Church on Bancroft Avenue.

TIMES FILE PHOTO

Don’t Let those Mylar Balloons Get Away

By Jim Knowles

San Leandro Times • 02-14-19

Mylar balloons are loads of fun at parties, and they caused 500 power blackouts in Northern California last year.

Those balloons are metallic. They land on wires or substations, causing a short that blacks out the whole neighborhood, or town.

So tie a weight to all metallic balloons containing helium to prevent them from floating away, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is reminding people on Valentine’s Day.

Metallic balloons are required to have a weight attached when they’re sold. The weights might just look like a little ornament, but they should’t be removed. It might be fun to see the balloon take off into the sky, but it will eventually come down and could land in the wires.

PG&E said that last year metallic balloons caused 503 power outages across PG&E's service area in Northern and Central California, disrupting electric service to more than 265,000 homes and businesses.

Unlike latex helium balloons, metallic balloons can stay inflated and floating for two to three weeks – posing a hazard to power lines and equipment even days after being released outside.

So don’t allow metallic balloons to be released outside, says PG&E. Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.

Another tip is never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments. Other tips can be found at pge.com/beprepared.

CAPTION: Mylar balloons are metallic and can cause electrical outages and damage.

Subs to Get More Pay If Oakland Teachers Strike

By Amy Sylvestri

San Leandro Times • 02-14-19

The teacher strike looming over the Oakland Unified School District could affect San Leandro schools, due to a potential demand on substitute teachers.

The San Leandro school board voted last week to temporarily raise pay for substitute teachers – in the event of a teachers strike in Oakland – in order to compete with Oakland should substitutes be necessary during a potential strike.

Last week, Oakland teachers voted in favor of a strike, as their wage dispute continues. Union leaders can call the strike any time after Feb. 15, when a neutral fact checker presents a report on the negotiations.

So San Leandro school board trustees voted at their Feb. 5 meeting to approve pay of up to $300 per day per substitute if there is a strike, up from the usual rate of $170. The district called the decision a preventative measure that they hope they won’t have to use.

Substitutes are not members of the teachers’ union and would be called in to replace striking teachers in Oakland, where the current rate offered to substitutes is $178.

About 30 Substitutes  Are Needed on an Average Day

An Oakland strike could make it difficult to get the necessary substitutes in San Leandro, so they decided to offer more money as a matter of practicality, according to Keziah Moss, spokeswoman for the San Leandro School district.

Moss says that about 30 substitutes are needed across the district’s 14 schools on an average day to replace any of the 464 teachers who may be absent.

If the strike does happen, the cost will depend on the number of substitutes needed and the length of Oakland’s strike, Moss said.

“We really hope that Oakland is able to solve their problems,” said Moss. “We don’t anticipate having to use this special rate, but in the event that a strike does happen, we have a responsibility to our students.”

Parking Meters Pop Up at Pelton

By Jim Knowles

San Leandro Times • 02-07-19

People parking in Pelton Plaza were put into a perplexing position this winter since the parking meters popped up.

Parkers at Pelton scratched their heads, squinting at the new, high-tech meters, trying to figure out what to do.

“It’s crazy!” said Julie Arzadon as she tried to comprehend the new meters. “This is a shopping center. You shouldn’t have to pay.”

A moment later, Arzadon had second thoughts.

“But you notice there are more parking spaces open,” she said, pointed to some empty spots across the way. “So it’s a give and take.”

Arzadon’s thought was pretty much on the money. Paying for parking is an added expense and an inconvenience. But it opens up parking spaces, because someone can’t park in one spot the whole day.

The new meters are the result of the Downtown Parking Management Plan, approved by the City Council in 2017, to get a better picture of downtown parking. The plan’s goal is to “maximize the efficiency of limited parking resources.” The parking meters at Pelton encourage faster turnover of parking spaces.

The plan includes parking regulations, rates and time restrictions on both on-street and off-street parking, and installing “smart meters” for more pay options.

“We’re working with a parking consultant and the owner of Pelton Plaza,” said Mariana Garcia, a project specialist with the City of San Leandro. “With low turnover, it’s hard to find parking. But with constant turnover, customers can find parking.”

The City of San Leandro and Pelton Plaza have had an agreement for decades that allows the city to operate the parking lot. But in 2016, the owners of Pelton made a new agreement that allows the city to enforce parking regulations in the plaza.

The city hired MacKay Meters to install 52 dual meters, and 14 single meters in Pelton Plaza, and on two blocks of West Juana Avenue. The wireless meters accept coins, a credit card, smart card or payment on a cell phone app.

Paid parking has also been installed cross the street at Parrott Center (site of the former Ploughman’s Restaurant). But Parrott Center’s meters are private, not city owned.

Choi, the popular barber at the Pelton Barber Shop, said people found it shocking when they first saw the parking meters, since it’s always been free to park at Pelton. But in the long run, she said it could be better because parking spaces will turn over faster.

But barber shop customer Bill Stirtz wasn’t so keen on the meters.

“I don’t like it.” Stirtz said. “This place has been here over a half century. It was the first mall. This is old-time San Leandro.”

CAPTION: Julie Arzadon finds that you now have to pay for parking at Pelton Plaza in downtown San Leandro. 

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

Make Apartment Building Smaller, Council Says

Developer submits scaled down plans, told to scale down again

By Amy Sylvestri

San Leandro Times • 02-07-19

The City Council postponed a decision on an apartment building at 1388 Bancroft Avenue this week, telling the developer to come back with a smaller project within 90 days after hearing vocal opposition from neighbors.

Developer Tom Silva has been trying to build on the site – currently a partially occupied medical office building – since 2016.

Silva’s current proposal for a three-story 45-unit building was approved by the Planning Commission in December and sent to the

 City Council. The city’s Community Development Department also recommended that the council approve the plan.

Silva had previously proposed plans for 73 and 51 unit buildings with up to five stories, but those plans weren’t approved. 

Now the City Council has told Silva to make the 45-unit building even smaller, with Mayor Pauline Cutter suggesting a 39-unit design.

Neighbors in Estudillo Estates have opposed all the versions of the 1388 Bancroft development so far, saying it will bring traffic and parking headaches and that a high-density apartment building on 1.3 acres isn’t a good fit for the mostly single-family home neighborhood.

The current zoning only allows for a density of up to 31 units and opponents argue that should not be adjusted. Though the Planning Commission and city staff recommended that Silva should be allowed a zoning variance for more units.

Silva told the City Council that his opposition is simply afraid of change in their neighborhood and quoted FDR, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Silva touted the building’s “green” design which includes solar panels and storm water landscaping. There are plans for a roof-top deck, refrigerated lockers for tenants grocery deliveries, and bike lockers.

The city requires an affordable housing allowance for all new construction, which developers can either include on the property or pay an “in-lieu” fee. For the 1388 Bancroft site, seven low income units would have been required, but Silva plans to provide just two and pay $160,000 into the city’s affordable housing fund instead.

The proposed development has received support the from former City Councilmembers Jim Prola and Diana Souza, the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce and several local construction unions.

Few Estudillo Estates residents have spoken in support of the development, but Patty Breslin wrote the city in favor of the apartments. 

“We all know the statistics on housing in California and yet we persist in blocking development ‘in our own backyard,’” wrote Breslin. “We need supply at all levels – market rate and affordable in every neighborhood and on all available parcels, to help to drive the price of housing down. I urge you to think of the whole community, and not pander to the few who ‘have theirs’ and have the time to organize community meetings and monopolize the public discourse.”

But the vast majority of area residents want a smaller development on the parcel and encouraged the City Council to not approve the zoning amendment which would make Silva’s project possible.

“I am a San Leandro resident and parent of a sixth grader at Bancroft Middle School,” said Melisa DiTano. “The intersection of Bancroft and Estudillo is already very busy. Adding a large complex will make the intersection less safe for our kids and negatively impact our quality of life.”

Others said rental apartments will lower their property values.

“If you take a drive along Bancroft you will find no shortage of apartment buildings for rent, many of them near Safeway, run-down,” said Vanessa Pineda-Klein. “Unfortunately, for the homes that are immediately around these buildings it has negatively impacted the value of the homes and ultimately the neighborhood desirability. If you stand in the backyard of a home on Dowling or Broadmoor that backs or is next to an apartment building you will understand why its value is affected by the buildings behind them.”

The next step will be for Silva to bring another version of his proposed development to the City Council within the next 90 days.

CAPTION: Plans for a green apartment building on Bancroft Avenue have had a hard time taking root. 

Apartments to Revive Downtown San Lorenzo

By Amy Sylvestri

San Leandro Times • 02-07-19

A plan for a new apartment complex with retail stores in downtown San Lorenzo is heading to the county Planning Commission for approval this month.

Redwood City-based developer Demmon Partners wants to build a four-story art deco style mixed-use project – called the Village Green – with 163 market-rate units in five separate buildings along Hesperian Boulevard and Via Arriba at the old Mervyn’s site.

The 5.1-acre parcel would be developed with five separate buildings of three and four stories. The apartments would have balconies and residents would have open space on the rooftop and central courtyard.

There are also plans for a pool, dog park, a shuttle to BART. There will be 12,000-square-feet of retail space on the corner of Hesperian Boulevard and Paseo Grande, with room for at least six different shops ranging from 1,300 to 2,600-square-feet.

Demmon has plans for 233 off street spaces, including 109 spots in the garage. There would be 33 parking spaces for the retail shops and 60 on-street spots along Via Arriba and Via Mercado.

In the staff report for the upcoming Planning Commission meeting, county staff notes that they have received a number of complaints from the public about the project including parking concerns, the high-density nature of the project, and the fact that the units will be market-rate with no low-income housing.

County staff also noted that they’d received some letters of support for the Village Green, which cited the tremendous need for housing of any kind in the area and the need to “revitalize downtown San Lorenzo” by filling in the vacant parcels.

The land is currently owned by Bohannon Companies and has been vacant for nearly 20 years since Mervyn’s closed. If the new project is approved, Demmon Partners would own, manage, and lease the development. Demmon has been trying to get the project off the ground since early 2017.

Developer Terry Demmon has said that after he gets county approval, he anticipates that construction will take about two years.

The county Planning Commission meeting on the Village Green Proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 224 West Winton Avenue in Hayward at 3 p.m.

Hesperian Boulevard Improvements

Hesperian Boulevard will be getting an upgrade soon regardless of the Demmon project, as the Alameda County Public Works Agency will begin construction in March with utility under-grounding from Grant Avenue to A Street.

By January of 2020, the Public Works Agency says they will have widened the street, added decorative sidewalks, landscaped medians, installed environmentally-friendly LED lighting, and created bicycle lanes.

The $22 million improvement project also includes upgraded traffic signals, resurfacing of the road, and highlighted crosswalks. There will also be the installation of a “San Lorenzo gateway” sign.

The San Lorenzo community is invited to a public information meeting on the Hesperian corridor improvements next week on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Homes Association at 377 Paseo Grande.

CAPTION: Plans for the Village Green apartments in San Lorenzo go to the county for approval this month. 

MTC Outlines Emergency Housing Plan

San Leandro Times • 02-07-19

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) outlined an ambitious plan to create “emergency housing” throughout the Bay Area at a meeting at the San Leandro Senior Center last week.

It’s a 15-year regional, multi-agency plan to make creating and retaining housing easier in the Bay Area.

The compact was created by the the MTC’s Committee to House the Bay Area (which calls itself “CASA”). The final CASA compact was published in January, detailing policies to promote affordable housing.

While the plan has the support of most local cities, developers and landlords say it will hurt the free market and actually result in fewer affordable housing options in the Bay Area.

In December, the CASA compact was endorsed from the mayors of the three largest Bay Area cities: London Breed in San Francisco, Libby Schaaf in Oakland, and Sam Liccardo in San Jose. Last week, legislators from San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Newark, and Fremont heard about CASA policies from the MTC.

The CASA compact has 10 goals:

1. create a regional just-cause eviction policy

2. impose rent caps so rents can’t be increased by more than set amounts annually

3. offer people rent assistance and access to legal counsel on tenant matter

4. remove red tape when creating accessory dwelling units (“mother-in law” units)

5. minimize zoning requirements near transit hubs so more dense housing can be built

6. legislative reform of housing approval process so it is easier for tenants

7. expedite governmental approvals and financial incentives for specialized housing such as senior housing

8. unlock public land (such as land owned by BART or cities) to be used for affordable housing

9. find funding to accomplish all of this

10. establish a regional leadership authority to implement the CASA plan.

The compact also includes creating legislation to enact what the MTC has termed “calls for action,” including lowering the voter threshold for housing funding measures and re-establishing city redevelopment agencies throughout California.

The CASA compact will now move forward though the Association of Bay Area Governments and the state legislature. While the outline for action is complete, it remains to be seen whether it can really be implemented.

The MTC says that the compact is possible if they can get $1.5 billion of funding each year for the next 15 years, which they say could come form a combination of sources including developers, taxpayers, and local governments. Among the suggestions were asking voter approval for a regional sales tax or bond measure and imposing special fees for new commercial construction.

Critics have said that the communities that will be directly affected by the plan weren’t consulted thoroughly enough by the CASA steering committee before the compact was created.

“This would mean creating a new agency with the power of eminent domain,” said speaker Zelda Bronstein, a San Francisco journalist who has written several articles critical of the compact.

San Leandro resident Rose Riskind was also skeptical of having outside agencies supplant the authority of individual cities so cities lose control over their ability to limit potential developments if necessary.

“My concern is that we have elected officials whose main job is to enforce their city’s charter and when you accept outside control, it undermines that,” said Riskind. “We are losing more and more community input and this would only make that disenfranchisement worse.”

Landlords also objected to the CASA compact. Bill Mulgrew of the Rental Housing Association of Alameda County said the regional plan wouldn’t meet the needs of the individual cities.

“Hayward isn’t Fremont, isn't Newark, isn’t San Leandro, isn’t Union City,” said Mulgrew. “Each community has different aspects and I’m a little concerned that seven of the 10 (CASA components) take away local control.

Developer Tom Silva said the proposed rent cap was just rent control by another name and that it won’t work.

“The way out of the housing crisis isn't a rent cap, it’s building new housing,” said Silva.

But there were many supporters of the compact who said that, while it may not be perfect, it’s the best idea for some kind of housing relief in the Bay Area.

“Housing is a regional problem  and regional problems require regional solutions,” said San Leandro resident Mike Katz-Lacabe. “Left on their own, each one of these cities couldn’t come up with a BART system or a freeway system.”

San Leandro Basketball Beats College Park, 78-66

By Andrew Joseph

San Leandro Times 02-21-19

The San Leandro High basketball team beat College Park High of Pleasant Hill, 78-66, on Friday night at home in a Division 1 North Coast Section (NCS) basketball playoff game.

“We have been focused on continuing our season and leaving everything out on the floor,” said Pirates’ head coach Darrnaryl Stamps.

This win, attended by a crowd of hundreds, was instrumental in San Leandro’s current road to the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State championship title. They now advance their overall record to 24-4 and 9-1 in league play. It’s important to win these early playoff games to get a good seed in the NCS finals.

“The win feels great, we have been working hard preparing for tonight all week focusing on stopping the ball and closing out on shooters,” said Pirate’s guard Kiki Aguirre.                                         

Ciri Sawyer scored the first bucket for the Pirates, finishing scoring a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds on the night. Other notable San Leandro scorers include guard Lawrence Long with 16 points, forward Keshad Johnson with 15 points and 9 rebounds, Junior Maile with 10 points, Aguirre with eight points, and TJ Kilgore who finished with four points.

“What it took to get this win was good defense, staying active, and bringing the dog out,” said Johnson.  “This win feels good but we still have more games to go.”

San Leandro beat the Falcons convincingly enough earlier in the season when they met, 80-65.  College Park made it tough for shooters to get open and keep up with the pace in the first period, but that was soon resolved before halftime. Aguirre made the first 3-pointer for the Pirates in the opening minutes of the game. 

“The offensive attack that worked well tonight was feeding the ball down low, getting inside-out,” said Aguirre. “Once we started getting baskets inside and making shots we were able to solidify the win.”

Long ended the first quarter with a foul during a drive to the bucket and made the free-throw to make it a 3-point play.  Their largest lead of the game was 31-14 at the 6:02 mark in the second quarter, and San Leandro never looked back after that. Going into halftime the Pirates led the Falcons 42-23.

“When we knock down threes and get fast break dunks the energy builds and our entire team feeds off of that energy,” added Aguirre.

Defense Keeps Game Close Until Offense Warms Up

The defense was instrumental in making stops on the other end during minutes when their offense was rough. Once the offense got going it was hard to stop the Pirates.

“We did a good job of passing the ball, looking for each other, cutting, and posting – once we get all that going we’re hard to be stopped,” said coach Stamps.

Although the Falcons made a fight to come back going on a 7-0 run to close out the third quarter, San Leandro closed the game out in the fourth quarter proving they are ready to make a CIF title run this year.

“Our discipline and our intensity helped us stay in this game and close it out for the win,” added coach Stamps. “The other team is always going to go on runs, we just need to have longevity to be able to stay in it.”

After the league championship, it’s the NorCal regional rounds Feb. 26 to March 6 and then finally the CIF state championship March 8 and 9.

“To beat De la Salle we have to stay disciplined, listen to coach, and take control over the whole game,” said Johnson.

San Leandro was scheduled to travel to Concord to play De La Salle (26-3) Wednesday night in the next round of the NCS playoffs.

The San Lorenzo boys team lost their NCS Division 2 first round matchup on Friday, 58-52, at home against Redwood High School. 

The San Leandro girls basketball team lost their second round NCS Division 1 meeting against Heritage of Brentwood, 77-53. 

CAPTION: Ciri Sawyers (#20 white jersey) puts back a rebound during the second quarter on Friday night against College Park.  

PHOTO BY ANDREW JOSEPH

Pirates Beat Grenada in Basketball Playoffs

By Andrew Joseph

San Leandro Times 02-14-19

The San Leandro High School basketball team beat Granada High of Livermore at home, 71-49, on Tuesday night in the first round of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs.

The win sends the Pirates to the next round of the NCS playoffs, hosting College Park (Pleasant Hill) on Friday at 7 p.m. in the San Leandro High gym.

Leading San Leandro scorers against Grenada include Kiki Aguirre with a team-high 16 points, Keshad Johnson with 12 points, two assists and two steals, Junior Maile with 12 points, two assists and three steals, and TJ Kilgore who added five points.

“This win feels good,” said Kilgore. “We are trying to get to the state championship so we just need to take it one game at a time. We have seven more games to go before getting to the finals.”

Ciri Sawyers scored the first points of the game with a tip-in, and San Leandro never looked back. The Pirates had control of the game from the first quarter, and had a 34-23 lead at halftime before blowing out the score in the second half.

“We came out being aggressive and attacking them from the beginning and getting their players into foul trouble early,” said Johnson. “Once we got our shooters open they just made their shots and that’s what gave us the early lead.”

Granada played zone defense most of the game but San Leandro was able to run their own pace on offense and keep a consistent rhythm through the whole night. 

The Pirates are setting themselves up for the state finals this year as their ranking keeps climbing. Tuesday’s win is San Leandro’s 11th consecutive victory, with only four losses on the season.

“This is just the first step – we still have a long way to go to get to the state finals, which is our focus,” said Johnson. “To win state it’s going to take discipline from all of us.”

Tuesday’s win moves the Pirates to 23-4 overall this season.  They are now ranked 152nd in the nation and 35th in California with their eyes on the state championship.

“The goal this season is to go as far as we can and make sure that we leave it all out on the line,” said Pirates’ head coach Darrnaryl Stamps.

CAPTION: Keshad Johnson shoots a basket for San Leandro in a first round NCS playoff game against Grenada on Tuesday night.

PHOTO BY ANDREW JOSEPH

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 02-21-19

❖ Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Enjoy a tree frog serenade on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 3:30 p.m at Sulphur Creek Nature Center, 1801 D St. in Hayward. Discover why these amphibians sing, how they can outsmart their enemies, and how they inform scientists about their environments. You can meet some of Sulphur Creek’s native frogs and salamanders at this special adult nature program. To register (required) for Program No. 7065 ($20), visit www.HaywardRec.org/register or call 881-6700.

❖ 4th Sunday Breakfast for Veterans

American Legion Post 117 will host breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m.  every fourth Sunday of the month, except on holiday weekends, at the San Leandro Veterans Memorial Bldg., 1105 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro. The menu will be eggs-to-order, bacon/sausage, hash browns, toast and coffee. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for veterans, and all others. All donations benefit American Legion veteran programs.

❖ Social Diversity Talk at SLZ Adult School

San Lorenzo Adult School’s CTE program presents “Social Diversity in the Workplace: A Conversation with Kino Carson,” on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the College & Career Service Center of the Adult School, 820 Bockman Road in San Lorenzo. In this discussion, Carson will examine the complexities of social diversity in the workplace, how to be more inclusive in the workplace, why the word “tolerant” is problematic, and more. The talk is free and open to the public.

❖ San Leandro Readers Roundtable

The San Leandro Readers Roundtable will meet on Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The book up for discussion will be the History of Wolves, Emily Fridlund’s suspenseful novel about a teenage girl’s coming of age. All are welcome, and all books discussed are available for purchase in the Library’s Booktique bookstore.

❖ Consultant Konmari at Manor Library

Emi Louie, a Certified Konmari Consultant, will discuss Marie Kondo’s popular Konmari Method on Saturday, March 2, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Manor Branch Library,1241 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro. Learn how to sort through your possessions and learn what to keep, how to clear the clutter, and fill your life with joy. If you’ve watched the new hit series on Netflix, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, here’s your next step. Attendees may bring 1 box of papers to sort for hands-on Konmari practice.

❖ Piano Concert at Faith Lutheran Church

International First Lady of Piano Dr. Teresa Walters will perform works by Franz Liszt and J.S. Bach on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church of Castro Valley, 20080 Redwood Road in Castro Valley. All are welcome. Suggested donation $20.

❖ Buon Tempo Club Family Dinner

The Buon Tempo Club will have a family dinner on Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Transfiguration Church, Mt. Tabor Hall, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd. in Castro Valley (across from the 580 Marketplace).  Everyone is invited to attend. Chef Joseph Sotello and his crew will serve a five-course family style dinner of corned beef and cabbage.  Red and White Wine and soda are also included. Happy hour is at

6 p.m. The dinner is $15 for members, and $20 for non-members.  Make reservations by Friday, March 1 by calling the Buon Tempo dinner line at 483-6929. For more information about events or membership go to www.buontempo.org.

❖ East Bay Flag Football Registration

East Bay Flag Football is registering players for the upcoming season, March 9 to May 18, on Saturdays at Burrell Field. The league will have six age divisions for players age 5 to 15. For registration or more information go to www.eastbayflag.com.

❖ SL Kiwanis Club Saturday Social

The Kiwanis Club of San Leandro invites you to a Saturday Social on Saturday, March 9, from noon to 6 p.m. at Cleophus Quealy, 448 Hester St. in San Leandro. Raise a pint (or two) and raise money for Pediatric Trauma Prevention (PTP).

❖ Drawing Class Offered in SLZ

A drawing class is offered for the spring quarter, at San Lorenzo Adult School, 820 Bockman Road in San Lorenzo. The teacher provides instruction and guidance in use of various materials and principles. The class runs from March 11 to June 7 on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, or from 6 to 9 p.m. All artistic levels and abilities welcome. The fee is $75 for the whole spring session. Register now or anytime throughout the course. For more information, call 317-4200.

❖ SL Kiwanis St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The San Leandro Kiwanis Club will hold its 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday, March 16, at the San Leandro Senior Center, 13909 East 14th St. The social hour and silent auction start at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with corned beef and cabbage. Traditional Irish band, live auction. Tickets are $30. All proceeds benefit the club’s charitable projects. For more information or for tickets, call Terri Neumann at 895-4425.

❖ Neuropathy Support Group

The Neuropathy Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley. Neuropathy is the tingling, numbness, burning pain in your feet, legs and or hands. There are 123 different illnesses that cause neuropathy. Let’s talk. Join the discussion and learn multiple ways to deal and live with neuropathy. For more information, call Joy at 842-8440 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

❖ San Leandro LeTip Meeting

Come see how LeTip can help your business sales grow. Meetings are held every Thursday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 1803 Marina Blvd. in San Leandro. LeTip is a professional organization whose purpose is the exchange of business leads. Each business category can only be represented by only one person. For more information, call Robert West at 912-0555.

❖ Prostate World Group Meetings

Prostate World, a support group for men and their significant others, holds meetings the first Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Washington Hospital, room C, 2500 Mowry Ave. in Fremont. Guest speakers present the latest information on prostate cancer. For more information, call 783-5121.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 02-14-19

❖ All Saints Parish Crab Feed

The 46th annual Crab Feed at All Saints Parish, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro, supporting community outreach programs of the parish will be on Saturday, Feb. 16,  starting at 5 p.m. with the social hour and dinner at 6 p.m. Dinner includes all you can eat fresh, cracked crab, salad, pasta, bread and dessert. Raffle, auction and musical entertainment by “The Tonic Trio”. No host bar. Cost is $50 for adults,youth (9-14) is $35, children 8 and under $10. Supervision provided for 8 and under. For tickets go to https://allsaints-2019-crab-feed.eventbrite.com; or at the door. Seating is limited and always sells out.

❖ SL Rotary Endowment Crab Feed

The San Leandro Rotary Endowment is having its annual Crab Feed on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club, 401 Marina Blvd. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner, catered by Miraglia’s Catering, starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased by visiting www.sanleandrorotary.org or by contacting Aisha Knowles at 828-9199. Proceeds from the event support local service projects and non-profit organizations such as Davis Street, Community Impact Lab, Meals on Wheels and the SL Education Foundation.

❖ Mystery Authors Tea at Alta Mira Club

The Alta Mira Club, 561 Lafayette Ave. in San Leandro, will host a Mystery Authors Tea on Monday, Feb. 18, at 11:30 a.m., featuring three outstanding mystery writers – Margaret Dumas, Ann Parker, and Penny Pike aka Penny Warner who has had over 50 books published and writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Delicious tea sandwiches and desserts will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by the author program. This year’s event will be for scholarships and the building fund (the club had a broken gas line to repair). Tickets are $20. For reservations, call Nancy Fong at 483-1018 or email Nancyfong@aol.com. Reservations are being accepted now.

❖ Writing Classes for Seniors

The Arts Commission of the City of San Leandro is sponsoring through its grants program “Arts in Memoirs,” a free series of four classes for seniors to write their memoirs. The memoirs can be written in English or any other language. The one-hour classes will be on Saturdays in March and April, guided by a retired teacher Ms. Kathleen McCabe-Martin. The venue is yet to be determined. If you are interested, email by Feb. 19 to Project Coordinator Bella Comelo at bellacomelo@hotmail.com.

❖ The Philatelic Society of San Leandro

The Philatelic Society of San Leandro Inc. meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Trustee room and the San Leandro Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Gayle at 638-8765.

❖ Meeting of the East Bay Rose Society

Tom Bressan, founder of the Urban Farmer, will speak at the The East Bay Rose Society meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave. in Oakland. Bressan will talk about new irrigation products, including smart timers and controllers and improved emitters. He will also cover the basics of designing a system for roses, irrigation system maintenance, and increasing efficiency. Come enjoy snacks, people who talk roses and the show. For more information, visit www.eastbayroses.org.

❖ St. Felicitas Young at Heart Luncheon

St. Felicitas Parish monthly Young at Heart luncheon will be on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Monsignor McGinty Hall located behind the church at 1662 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. The luncheon will feature spaghetti and meatballs with dessert, a beverage and door prizes. The cost is only $6. Entertainment and door prizes at the luncheon. Tickets can be purchased at the church office located to the right of the church. Buy your tickets by noon on Friday, Feb. 15. No ticket sales at the door.  All seniors are welcomed. For more information, call 351-5244.

❖ Events at Manor Library

The Manor Branch Library, 1241 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro, will host a Lunar New Year event on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with a presentation on how to apply traditional Chinese Feng Shui principles to your home, business and life, presented by Manu Butterworth, founding director of Golden Gate Feng Shui School in Oakland. On Wednesday, Feb. 27, the Manor Library will show the teen movie, “The Hate U Give,” for students in grades 9 through 12. No charge for admission. Pizza served while supplies last.

❖ Coffee with the Commission

The City of San Leandro’s Senior Commission will host its second Coffee with the Commission on Thursday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Community Center, 13909 East 14th St. Meet and talk with commissioners in a less formal manner, with a good cup of coffee, tea, and light refreshments. Commissioners will be available to answer questions, provide information, and chat about topics important to the senior community.

❖ Cherry City Toastmasters Open House

Come to the Cherry City Toastmasters open house on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 12:05 to 1:05 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The Toastmasters offer a proven and enjoyable way to improve communication and leadership skills. 

❖ Bayfair Toastmasters

Bayfair Toastmasters is a small, growing club seeking new members who want to learn the art of public speaking. All are welcome to the club’s weekly meetings every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Bayfair Mall 2nd floor meeting room above the food court. Come through Entrance 5 facing the Century Theater. For more information, call Noreen at 538-6025 or Wayne at 407-0048.

❖ SL Kiwanis St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The San Leandro Kiwanis Club will hold its 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday, March 16, at the San Leandro Senior Center, 13909 East 14th St. The social hour and silent auction start at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with corned beef and cabbage. Traditional Irish band, live auction. Tickets are $30. All proceeds benefit the club’s charitable projects. For more information or for tickets, call Terri Neumann at 895-4425.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 02-07-19

❖ “Be Mine” Valentines Ball

The 13th Annual “Be Mine” Valentines Ball, hosted by Creekside Community Church and  Stepping Stones Growth Center, 951 MacArthur Blvd. in San Leandro, will be on Friday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 4 by calling Kaitlin Howell at 568-3331 or email khowell@steppingstonesgrowth.org. For more information, visit www.steppingstonesgrowth.org. This event is open to the public. Volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of ways throughout the evening. To find ways to lend a helping hand, contact Kaitlin Howell.

❖ St. Leander’s Church Crab Feed

St. Leander’s Church, 575 W. Estudillo Ave. in San Leandro, will hold a crab feed on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available in advance at the school office, 451 Davis St., from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  All proceeds go to benefit St. Leander School. For more information, call 351-4144.

❖ Lunar New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Lunar Year of the Pig, at the San Leandro Main Library on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participate in a morning paper crafting session with the Asian Community Cultural Association of San Leandro (10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) before the Lunar New Year performances (1 to 4 p.m.), along with the Library’s Chinese Story Time for toddlers program. Live performances include a spectacular Dragon Dance by VOVINAM Việt Võ Đạo America, an enchanting show by master magician Dan Chan, and traditional dancing by the Thai Cultural Council of Berkeley. Admission is free and open to all residents. Light refreshments will be served at this fun and educational cultural celebration.

❖ Hearing Loss Association Meeting

The Hearing Loss Association will meet on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Oakland Kaiser Hospital, Fabiola Bldg., 3801 Howe St., Lower Level, Room G26. Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m., and the program is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The speaker, Dr. Pragati Mandikai, will describe the latest innovation from EARLENS: a hearing aid which is Light-Driven. The parking garage on Howe is free on Saturday. For more information, email info@hearinglosseb.org or call 221-6080.

❖ SL Swim Team Registration Night

The San Leandro Swim Team will hold a registration night on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Porky’s Pizza, 1221 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro. The team will hold tryouts for the upcoming season at the San Leandro High School Pool, on Monday and Tuesday, April 1 and April 2, at 6 p.m. All swimmers ages 4 to 18 interested in joining the team come prepared to demonstrate your skills. Swimmers should be comfortable in water and able to swim 25 to 50 yards unassisted. For more information go to the team’s website: San Leandro Drowning Darryls – Team Unify or call Darryl at 913-0850.

❖ Control Accountability Plan Meetings

The San Leandro Unified School District invites you to have your say at a series of community forums about how the district spends money. The Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) forums are a learning opportunity for the superintendent and district staff to listen and learn about how parents and community members are feeling about SLUSD schools. Translation, childcare, and refreshments will be provided at all meetings. The meetings will be on the following dates: Monday, Feb. 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library of John Muir Middle School (English). Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library of Bancroft Middle School (English). Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library of James Monroe Elementary School (Chinese).  Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library of Washington Elementary School (Spanish). Saturday, March 2, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Barbara Lee Center for Health & Wellness (English).

❖ Sons In Retirement Meetings

Sons In Retirement (SIRs), an organization of retired men and local Branch #26, meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Fairview Event Center at the Metropolitan Golf Course, 10051 Doolittle Dr. in Oakland. Happy Hour starts at 11a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Great guest speakers each month. Guests are welcome. Come and enjoy the fellowship and meet new friends. For more information, call Al at 895-9900.

❖ 46th Annual All Saints Crab Feed

All Saints Episcopal Church, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro, invites you to the 46th Annual All Saints Crab Feed on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m for all-you-can-eat salad, vegetarian pasta, bread and crab. Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for children age 9 to 15, and $10 for 8 and under. Tickets available online at http://tinyurl.com/2019crabfeed.

❖ SL Rotary Endowment Crab Feed

The San Leandro Rotary Endowment is having its annual Crab Feed on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club, 401 Marina Blvd. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner, catered by Miraglia’s Catering, starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased by visiting www.sanleandrorotary.org or by contacting Aisha Knowles at 828-9199. Proceeds from the event support local service projects and non-profit organizations such as Davis Street, Community Impact Lab, Meals on Wheels and the SL Education Foundation.

❖ Mystery Authors Tea at Alta Mira Club

The Alta Mira Club, 561 Lafayette Ave. in San Leandro, will host a Mystery Authors Tea on Monday, Feb. 18, at 11:30 a.m., featuring three outstanding mystery writers – Margaret Dumas, Ann Parker, and Penny Pike aka Penny Warner who has had over 50 books published and writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Delicious tea sandwiches and desserts will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by the author program. This year’s event will be for scholarships and the building fund (the club had a broken gas line to repair). Tickets are $20. For reservations, call Nancy Fong at 483-1018 or email Nancyfong@aol.com. Reservations are being accepted now.

❖ SL Kiwanis St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The San Leandro Kiwanis Club will hold its 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Saturday, March 16, at the San Leandro Senior Center, 13909 East 14th St. The social hour and silent auction start at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with corned beef and cabbage. Traditional Irish band, live auction. Tickets are $30. All proceeds benefit the club’s charitable projects. For more information or for tickets, call Terri Neumann at 895-4425.

Stolen iPad Leads Right to Thieves

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  02-21-19

A pair of burglary suspects were arrested last Wednesday after an iPad they allegedly stole from a home in the Lower Bal neighborhood turned out to have a tracking feature which led police straight to their location.

On the afternoon of Feb.13, a resident on the 1200 block of Dorothy Avenue called police to say her home had been burglarized and it must have happened within the past hour because that’s how long she’d been away from home. 

When cops arrived, they discovered that several items including jewelry and electronics were stolen, said Lt. Issac Benabou of the San Leandro police in a press release.

One of the items stolen was the victim’s iPad. The victim was able to sign into her Apple account and “ping” the location  of her stolen iPad, Benabou said.

The victim noticed that the iPad’s location was a few miles away in Washington Plaza.

Officers downtown were able to pinpoint a vehicle that was moving at the same pace as the tablet and stopped the vehicle. The stolen iPad was seen on the floor between the driver’s feet. The female passenger was also wearing several pieces of the victim’s stolen jewelry.

The occupants were identified as William Kennedy, 40, and Wanda Scott, 42, both of Petaluma. Kennedy and Scott were both arrested and later charged with possession of stolen property and suspicion of burglary.

Teens Arrested for Series of ATM Robberies, Guns Found

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  02-14-19

San Leandro Police detectives arrested four teen boys for allegedly committing several armed robberies at ATMs throughout the Bay Area.

The series of crimes began in early January with the first robbery in downtown Oakland, according to a press release from Lt. Isaac Benabou of the San Leandro police. By the end of the month, the suspects are believed to have committed 19 robberies, four of them in San Leandro.

In one San Leandro robbery, a male victim was robbed at gunpoint for his cash and other valuables, and his vehicle was also stolen by the suspects. The victim’s vehicle was found later abandoned after a collision.

San Leandro police conducted hours of surveillance hoping to intercept a crime in progress, Benabou said.

 Last week, detectives discovered a vehicle used in several of the crimes and on Feb. 6, a team of detectives and patrol officers, including a police dog and aerial support from an outside agency, began a large scale surveillance operation on the suspect vehicle.

Detectives followed as four suspects drove in the vehicle to communities in East Contra Costa County. The suspects at one point drove into a neighborhood and stole a license plate off of a parked vehicle and affixed that stolen plate to their vehicle, Benabou said.

The suspects then drove to several banks and began casing ATMs. The teens continued for hours casing several banks in East Contra Costa County before returning to Alameda County.

By 10:30 p.m., the suspects had returned to San Leandro without committing any new robberies and stopped at a gas station at the intersection of San Leandro Blvd and Davis Street. With several detectives in the area, a team of officers converged on the suspect vehicle with the intent to arrest the suspects.

As police approached the vehicle, one of the passengers exited the vehicle and began to run. Officers gave chase as the suspect produced a handgun from his clothing and discarded the weapon in the street. Officers were able to reach the fleeing suspect and detain him, Benabou said.

A second suspect in the vehicle attempted to fight with police but was eventually detained. All four suspects arrested are juveniles ages 16 and 17; two are from Oakland, one from San Leandro, and one from Hayward.  Police are not releasing their names because they are minors. All four are in custody at Juvenile Hall.

“These are violent crimes with the potential of someone getting very seriously hurt or killed,” Benabou said in a written statement. “We were shocked to find that these crimes were orchestrated by juveniles.”

Another Coffee Shop Laptop Theft; Two Teens Arrested

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  02-07-19

Two teenagers were arrested last Tuesday after allegedly stealing a laptop from a customer at Starbucks at 13808 East 14th Street, according to a San Leandro police press release.

The two suspects fled on foot immediately after swiping the computer from a table inside the coffee shop in Palma Plaza, but were found several minutes later near the downtown San Leandro BART station, said Lt. Isaac Benabou of the SLPD.

A woman was working on her laptop at a table in the Starbucks at around 10 a.m. when one of the teens grabbed the computer.

She said she grabbed it back and they struggled over it for a moment until the teen overpowered her and he and the other boy ran out of the store. The woman gave chase on foot, but fell and had visible injuries to her knees when speaking to the police, Benabou said.

Another Starbucks customer also tried to chase the boys, but lost them on San Leandro Boulevard.

Police arrived and began searching that area. Officers were flagged down by a passerby who pointed to two suspects who were hiding in the bushes by a fence near BART.

Benabou said that the victim was brought to the scene and identified both boys. The victim’s laptop was found in one of the teen’s backpack.

Benabou said the teens admitted that they planned to sell the laptop for cash.

The suspects have been identified as Antuan Scott-Perry, 18, and a 17-year-old who police are not identifying due to his age.

“This is a crime of opportunity,” said Benabou in a press release. “Patrons at coffee shops, restaurants, or anywhere in public on their laptop computers should be aware of their surroundings and take some precaution to secure their devices to a fixed object.”

 The juvenile suspect has been charged with robbery by the Alameda County Juvenile District Attorney. Scott-Perry’s case is set to be reviewed at the East County Courthouse in Dublin.

Call 811 Before Digging for Home

Improvement Projects and Landscaping

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  02-21-19

While showing homes in the Central County, it is not uncommon to come across homes with an additional dwelling tucked away in the rear.

Falling under the names “Granny Flats” or “In-Law Units,” these buildings are called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and, in many cases, are unpermitted.

Read, “illegal.”

Built to house family members or provide additional rental income, unpermitted units have been a conundrum for years. It has been estimated that LA County alone has up to 50,000 illegal ADUs.

While there are currently no numbers for Alameda County, it is no secret that many illegal units exist, posing serious issues for owners, county and city building departments and potential buyers.

Confronted with an increasing statewide housing crisis, January 2017 saw California enacting legislation reducing restrictions on ADUs and paving the way for both development of new units and possible permitting of existing, illegal units. Consequently, applications for ADUs have dramatically increased in many cities across California.

The Community Development Agency for Alameda County has a website dedicated to ADUs.*

It explains, “ADUs are fully independent living quarters, constructed on properties that are already developed with a single family residence, and are subordinate in size, location, and appearance to the main residence on the property. ADUs add to the local rental housing stock, can make home rentals and ownership more affordable, allow opportunities for aging in place and may reduce greenhouse gas emissions when constructed in areas near public transit and services.”

While a path has been cleared to allow for new ADUs, it goes without saying that properties must meet specific criteria before a unit will be allowed. Proposed units also face size restrictions.

All of which brings up the question, “What about existing illegal units?”

While possible to legalize some existing ADUs, many have been constructed outside the acceptable parameters and can never be legalized. Anyone owning a home with an illegal ADU can be forced by county or city officials to remove the unit.

These units often come to the attention of local officials when a permit is pulled to upgrade a property, a neighbor complains or is noticed when officials visit nearby properties or view satellite pictures.

Looking to buy a home with an ADU? Check with local officials to make sure it’s permitted. If not, you may get additional square footage, but will also incur significant liability. It is classic caveat emptor: buyer beware.

Part 2 Next Week

*www.acgov.org/cda/planning/landuseprojects/secondary-units.htm

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.

The Middle Of The Market Is Disappearing

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  02-14-19

It is no secret that the process of buying and selling real estate has dramatically changed in the past few years.

While there have been a number of factors reshaping the real estate landscape, the primary change agent has been buyer access to online market information.

It is hard to imagine that Google has only been around since September 4th, 1998. While Realtor.com has been around since November 26th, 1996, Trulia was launched in September, 2005 and Zillow was born a few months later in February, 2006.

Shortly after, the first iPhone hit the market (June 29, 2007), Zillow debuted it’s iPhone app on April 29, 2009 and on April 30, 2010, Apple began selling iPads.

As these benchmarks accrued, each represented a milestone granting additional empowerment to buyers and contributed to the systematic process of moving the real estate process from brick and mortar structures out onto the Internet.

Another factor influencing real estate has been the deregulation of mainline television and the explosion of cable networks.

Launched on December 30th, 1994, HGTV has fully imbedded itself into the national consciousness and now dictates the housing and decorating tastes of emerging generations of homebuyers.

HGTV and its accompanying bevy of housing-related programs has dramatically elevated buyer tastes and desires to the point where the level of preparedness for homes hitting the market has dramatically increased in the past few years.

All of which has introduced a significant dilemma to thousands of homeowners hoping to sell their properties.

Some background: the market has three strata. The top tier features significantly improved homes selling for top dollar. The bottom level contains distressed properties purchased for substantially less by contractors and flippers. The middle level includes ordinary, dated homes with little or no improvements. These have historically sold at prices between the upper and lower levels.

With the reshaping of buyer tastes and inability of current generations to do home improvement work themselves, most buyers are ignoring the middle tier and looking instead for premium-quality homes for which they are willing to pay superior prices.

Homes in the middle tier consequently spend a much longer time on the market and sell for prices closer to the bottom tier.

It is a hard pill to swallow for many sellers who find themselves in the middle tier with no desire or funding to improve their home and no immediate prospects willing to pay average prices.

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.

The Super Bowl Effect

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  02-07-19

The housing market is, in many ways, like a living thing. Whether a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market, it fluctuates and moves about like a tree in the wind, and, like a sentient being, seems quite frequently to have a mind of its own.

It reacts to current events and can, quite literally, pivot and change in a single day.

Looking backwards it is usually quite easy to see when the market shifted. It is no secret the economic collapse approximately ten years ago took a vibrant seller’s market and, overnight, turned it from boom to bust.

Homeowners, unable to pay escalating monthly payments due to wildly adjusting loans either lost their homes to foreclosure or resorted to short sales. Prices plummeted and buyers, especially investors, had free rein.

While difficult to pinpoint a specific day because of the breadth of the collapse, it is generally agreed that the market crested in May, 2007 and then began its epic ride into historic ruin.

It is also possible to see when the market turned upwards and transitioned from a buyer-oriented market to a full-blown seller’s market. It happened, quite literally, in a single day – February 7th, 2011.

For those who might be sports trivia buffs, that happens to be the day after the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in Superbowl XLV. Quite literally, the very next morning, our phones began ringing off the hook and did not stop for months after.

Called “The Super Bowl Effect,” it is the time of year which usually indicates the shift from the dismal winter months into the upward-focused springtime. It’s the time when football fans no longer have their prime weekend hours tied up cheering on their favorite teams and can now focus on real estate.

If we are going to see an upward turn in the market and increased buyer activity, this is usually the time of year it is going to happen.

The seller’s market that began in February, 2011 and then went on a seven-and-a-half-year record-breaking romp, finally reached a peak this past June, 2018, as sales slowed and prices dropped through to the end of the year.

While it is very unlikely we will see another market like that for some time, it is possible that we may see a reversal now that Super Bowl LIII is in the books.

It will be interesting to see.

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.

Lexus Rolls Out Fuel-Sipping Flagship Sedan

BY STEVE SCHAEFER  •   02-21-19

The Lexus LS 500 is a big, bold, beautiful flagship sedan, which competes with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. Redone in 2018, it moves into 2019 with a few small updates. You can choose from the “regular” LS 500 or the hybrid LS 500h.

The wide-mouthed spindle grille and sharp details evoke a certain “Lexusness” that stands out well against the recognizable flavor of those German luxury leaders. Coming from the company that gave us the Prius hybrid, though, the LS 500h, while not a “green” car like a Tesla, does deliver significant fuel economy improvements.

The non-hybrid LS 500 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 to provide 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, for a 4.6-second zero-to-sixty time. Its EPA mileage numbers are 19 City, 29 Highway, and 23 Combined. The available all-wheel-drive model posts slightly lower numbers.

Compare that to the hybrid LS 500h, which uses a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motor-generators powered by a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The battery is charged up by regenerative braking. This model is a trifle slower from zero-to-sixty, at 5.1 seconds, but pushes the EPA fuel economy to 25 City, 33 Highway, and 28 Combined. It also boasts EPA green numbers of 7 for Smog and 6 for Greenhouse Gas. Range is an impressive 622 miles (varies depending on speed, weather, etc.).

That means that the hybrid version of Lexus’ massive, 2-1/2-ton flagship car gets better fuel economy numbers than Lexus’ non-hybrid smaller ES (26 mpg combined) and IS (24 mpg combined) sedans!

Naturally, there’s room for five, and the LS 500h offers every amenity imaginable when you factor in the vast menu of options. Most notable is the Executive package, which adds the price of a base-model Camry to the total ($23,080). But what you get is remarkable. Most visually striking is the first use of beautiful Kiriko glass in a car, on the doors. It gives the interior a shimmer, especially against the beautifully hand-pleated door trim with “floating” armrests that are back-lit at night.

The supremely comfortable quilted-leather seats offer an amazing 28-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with multi-function massage. The rear seats recline, there’s a four-way “climate concierge,” and power side window shades.

Going along with the theme of large numbers, the stunning Mark Levinson audio system ($1,940) features 23 speakers and 2,400 watts of power! The head-up display ($1,200) stretches 24 inches across the left half of the lower windshield.

Lexus uses a touchpad to control the numerous options on the large center display screen. I got pretty good at sliding and flicking my fingers to adjust things like the level of seat heating or audio selections. My car had Apple CarPlay integration, a handy feature that projects your phone content onto the main screen. You can use Siri to do verbal texting, phone calls, and other interactions. This car also had Alexa compatibility, but I didn’t use it.

The Lexus Safety System is a $3,000 option as well, although many safety features are part of every Toyota and Lexus today. I was saved by the pre-collision active braking. One night, as I backed out of a dark driveway, the car stopped suddenly, and red capital BRAKE flashed on the head-up display. Yes, there was a parked car behind me that I couldn’t see. The cross-traffic alert notifies you of cars moving across your path ahead with bright green arrows moving in the long head-up display area. That’s why they made it two-feet long.

There’s more! The wheels on my car were upgraded to 20-inchers ($2,450), and the Manganese Luster paint added an additional $595.

The LS 500h is a smooth riding limo, especially with the optional adaptive variable air suspension ($1,500). I can’t say I thought much about it, but traveling was serene under any circumstances. If you want to configure your experience, on one of the two “horns” on the instrument panel you can twist to “ECO,” comfort, and two higher-performance drive modes—Sport and Sport +). I stayed mostly in ECO mode, but sampled the others briefly. If you want to open up the LS 500h on a winding back road or on a freeway entrance ramp, the Sport settings will let you unleash yourself.

More big numbers come when pricing this special car. The base price is $79,710, plus $1,025 for delivery and handling. But with the long list of options, my car topped out at a knee-weakening $118,010. But it’s hard to imagine how you could pack more content and driving pleasure into a luxury sedan. While many people are moving to crossover sport utilities, there’s still a viable sedan market, and the LS 500h is one of the fanciest ones you’ll find, while still providing decent fuel economy.

Steve Schaefer lives in Castro Valley. He has been reviewing new cars in the Times for 27 years.

CAPTION: The LS 500h uses a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motor-generators powered by a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery.

Choosing a Used Electric Vehicle

BY STEVE SCHAEFER  •   02-14-19

Pure electric vehicles are clean and quiet, need nearly zero service, cost less to run, and provide great acceleration. However, they are not available in all sizes and models, tend to be expensive, and have range limitations. You can also select a hybrid or plug-in hybrid to enjoy some electric motoring without those limitations. If you have a limited budget, the used EV market is the way to go.

The Different Types of EVs

Hybrids combine a gasoline engine and an electric motor to improve fuel economy. The motor has a small battery that uses electricity that’s generated when you slow down or brake.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are hybrids with a plug and a larger battery, so you can charge them up and use only electricity for a limited range, anywhere from 11 to more than 50 miles before the gas engine kicks in. They still work like hybrids if you don’t plug them in.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) run on their battery only—there is no gas engine. You have to plug them in to drive them. You can charge them at home, at work, or using charging stations in various public locations.

Fuel-cell vehicles are an interesting fourth type of EV. They create their own electricity using compressed hydrogen gas as a fuel. Hydrogen stations are scarce, and sales prices rarely fit below the $20,000 price cap, so I have no recommendations now.

Which Kind of EV Should I Get?

Evaluate your needs. If you mostly drive locally and can borrow or rent another car for an occasional longer trip, try a BEV. If you want to commute and run local errands electrically but be able to take off and go anywhere, anytime, opt for a plug-in hybrid. If you want to do something about the climate crisis but live in an apartment and don’t have any charging at work, try a hybrid.

Recommended Used EVS

Four choices for an EV are listed in each section. Feel free to consider any other electric vehicle if it meets your needs and budget. Prices vary depending on mileage, condition, and what the seller feels like asking. I capped it at $20,000, but there are many good cars for much less, and some great choices for significantly more. My research is based on cars.com for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Steve Schaefer lives in Castro Valley. He has been reviewing new cars in the Times for 27 years.

Battery-Electric Vehicles

The newest BEVs tend to have longer ranges, but lower-priced

older EVs have ranges around 100 miles or less

Nissan Leaf

Body style: hatchback

Battery range: 73-107 miles (new 2018-19 model has 150)

Price Range: $6,481 – $16.998 (2011-16)

Summary: Biggest seller, large dealer network, plenty to choose

from, polarizing styling

Kia Soul

Body style: hatchback (box)

Battery range: 93 miles

Price range: $12,030 - $16,792 (2015-16)

Summary: Roomy, slightly better range, boxy styling isn’t for everyone

Fiat 500e (pictured below)

Body style: compact hatchback

Battery range: 87 miles

Price range: $8,275 - $16,500 (2015-17)

Summary: Cute, fun, retro feel, may become orphans

Volkswagen e-Golf

Body style: hatchback

Battery range: 83 miles

Price range: $12,500 – $16,988 (2015-16)

Summary: Golf goodness, but electric; 2017 improved range is 125

(but costs $20,000+)

Plug-In Hybrids

Small electric range, but you can go anywhere with gasoline

Chevrolet Volt

Body Style: hatchback

Battery range: 32-53 miles electric-only, 380-420 total

Price range: $6,999 – $19,998 (2012-16)

Summary: PHEV pioneer, biggest plugin EV range, 2016 and later

models offer fresh styling/greater range, only four-passenger seating

Ford C-Max Energi

Body style: tall hatchback

Battery range: 21 miles electric-only, 570 total

Price range: $9,800 - $18,991 (2013-17)

Summary: Spacious family car, European design, hybrid version too

Honda Accord PHEV

Body style: midsize sedan

Battery range: 13 miles electric-only, 570 total

Price range: $15.681 – $19,991(2014 only)

Summary: Popular and award-winning, one model year only, Hy-

brid also

Toyota Prius Plug-in

Body Style: hatchback

Battery range: 11 miles electric-only, 540 total

Price range:  $9.000 - $19,492 (2012-15)

Summary: Proven Prius virtues, most other PHEVs have greater

electric-only range, but Prius gets higher mpg 

Hybrids

No plugging in, just great fuel economy

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Body style: midsize sedan

EPA MPG: 42 combined

Price range: $9,355 – $19,025 (2010-18)

Summary: You can get a nearly new car for under $20K, PHEV   

version too, Fusion and C-Max share their drivetrain

Honda Accord Hybrid

Body style: midsize sedan

EPA MPG: 47 Combined

Price range: $15,550 - $18,998 (2015)

Summary: Popular vehicle, 2017 hybrid available for $22-25,000

Kia Optima

Body style: midsize sedan

EPA MPG: 36

Price range: $8,995 - $18,990 (2013-17)

Summary: Nice looking and driving. Not as high mpg as some others

Toyota Prius

Body style: hatchback

EPA MPG: 50

Price range: $9,399 – $19.989 (2010-2017)

Summary: The original hybrid, lots to choose from,

Fiat 500e

A Guide to Understanding Electric Cars

BY STEVE SCHAEFER  •   02-07-19

Electric vehicles are the future, because they contribute much less to global warming and climate change than gasoline-only models. But at just over two percent of the U.S. market in 2018, they are still not the choice of most drivers. They are more popular in California and in some other countries. 

Here are my views on the advantages and disadvantages of EVs, followed by an explanation of the different types of EVs available today.

EV Advantages and Disadvantages

Pure electric cars are clean and quiet, need nearly zero service, cost less to run, and provide great acceleration, but there are some disadvantages at the moment. 

First of all, all-electric cars are not available in all sizes and models. There are no all-electric pickup trucks, for example, and handsome all-electric sedans are pretty much limited to Tesla.

Second, electric cars tend to be more expensive, because of the cost of batteries and having fewer units over which to spread development costs. This should change significantly in the next few years.

Third—and this is the deal breaker for many folks—electric cars have range limitations and charging the battery is still less convenient than pulling into a gas station. 

Four Kinds of Electric Vehicles

There are four types of electrified vehicles, and which one you pick should match what you plan to do with it. 

Hybrids combine a gasoline engine and an electric motor to improve fuel economy. The motor has a small battery that uses electricity that’s generated when you slow down or brake. The Toyota Prius is the poster child, although there are many others, including hybrid versions of familiar vehicles. Hybrids can get more than 50 miles per gallon, which is a big improvement over any regular gasoline car. You don’t have to do anything special—just fill it up with gas and go. But you’ll do it less often.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have plugs and a larger battery, so you can charge them up and use only electricity for a limited range, anywhere from 11 to more than 50 miles. They still work like hybrids, and if you’re commuting and running around town, you may not use gasoline at all sometimes. But—if you jump on the freeway you can drive across the country without a thought. For some people, this is ideal. The downside is that you still have to pay for gasoline-car maintenance and you are carrying both powertrains around all the time. If you don’t plug the car in, it still acts like a regular hybrid, but if you do, you’ll get to drive on electrons part of the time. The pioneering Chevrolet Volt is a good example and offers up to 53 miles of electric range. There are many PHEVs on the market today.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) run on their battery only. You have to plug them in to drive them. They vary in range, and the newest ones can go more than 300 miles on a charge. You can charge them using household 120-volt current (very slow) or Level 2 (240-volt) at home or at charging stations (it takes a few hours to charge) or DC fast charging, which can take less than an hour to fill the battery. BEVs work best when you’re not planning to travel long intercity distances regularly. Charging networks are growing, but most users normally charge at home or at work, which means never going to a gas station. Technological advances and range increases are coming. The most popular new BEVs are cars like the Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model 3, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Fuel-cell vehicles create their own electricity using compressed hydrogen gas as a fuel and emit only water. But there are drawbacks: hydrogen stations are few and far between, the fuel itself is expensive (although some manufacturers subsidize it) and is energy-intensive to produce. Today, there are only three choices in the marketplace—two sedans and one crossover. If you live near a hydrogen station and like the looks of the vehicles, you may be able to swing a lease deal on a Honda Clarity, Toyota Mirai, or the brand-new Hyundai Nexo.

Which Kind of EV Should I Get?

If you are OK with driving locally and can borrow or rent another car for that once-a-year 2,000-mile trip, get a BEV. If you want to drive electric for commuting and local errands but be able to take off and go to the mountains or visit your children in the next state every month, opt for a plug-in hybrid. If you want to do something about the climate crisis but live in an apartment and don’t have any charging at work, try a hybrid. Hybrids take half a car off the road, which is still a lot.

See next week’s column for suggestions on buying a used EV.

Steve Schaefer lives in Castro Valley. He has been reviewing new car performance for more than a quarter of a century.

The Toyota Prius, poster child for hybrids.

                                                                      The Nissan LEAF is one of the most popular BEVs (battery-electric vehicles).

Selling or Refinancing Your Home When Your Spouse

Can’t Sign

By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq.

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 02-21-19

My husband has dementia and I wonder about my ability to refinance or even sell the home, as he cannot sign. The home is held in a Living Trust.  Can you advise?

The short answer is that, under these circumstances, it may be easier for you to sell the home than it would be to refinance. Here’s why:

Sale of Home: Your Living Trust probably provides that both of you are co-trustees, but that when one of you dies or becomes incapacitated the other becomes the sole trustee with full power to convey trust assets.  

o, assuming that you can document your husband’s incapacity as required by the terms of the trust, the trust terms would then typically permit you, as sole Successor Trustee, to convey clear title to the buyers on your signature alone. Then, as Successor Trustee, you would usually then be able to sell your home. 

n these situations, title companies are usually willing to insure the passage of title to your buyer.

Refinance: However, if your goal were to refinance an existing loan on your home, this could be problematic. 

any lenders require that the home be removed from trust during the loan escrow and require that all loan documents be signed by both homeowners as individuals, rather than as trustees. Once removed from trust, your authority to sign would no longer be governed by the trust instrument.  

nstead, it would be governed by a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) if one exists.  However, your lender may not accept that DPOA, if, for example, it had been signed long ago, or it does not adequately identify your home, or it does not clearly give you authority to encumber the home to secure the loan.  

lso, the lender may require that you obtain physicians’ letters certifying both (a) that your husband had full capacity when the DPOA was originally signed years ago, and (b) that he currently is incapacitated.  A letter certifying your husband’s capacity years ago could be a problem if, for example, your husband’s then physician is now unavailable.

ven lenders who do not require that the home be first removed from trust, may still require signatures by both the acting trusteed and by both homeowners as individuals.  This appears especially true with regard to Reverse Mortgages. 

o, again, even in this situation you may need a “friendly” lender and a DPOA that is acceptable to the lender.

Possible Work-a-rounds: Suggestions if you wish to refinance and encounter lender resistance: (A) shop around: some lenders, such as credit unions, may have more relaxed standards. For example, some may not require that you remove the home from trust in order to refinance and may accept your signature, alone, on all loan documents as sole successor trustee; and/or (B) consider a Petition to the Superior Court asking the judge to issue an order which substitutes for your husband’s signature. 

his procedure is available in California under what is called a Petition for Substituted Judgment, so named because it asks the court to substitute its judgment for that of your husband. In most cases, the lender would then accept the resulting court order in lieu of your husband’s signature.

hether you seek to sell, or refinance, I recommend checking out these issues with one or more title companies and/or lenders early on and before you get too committed to a specific course of action.

Gene L.  Osofsky is an estate planning and elder law attorney in Hayward.  Visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com

How Opioid Overdose, Death Health Crisis Can be Reversed

By Patrice A. Harris, M.D.

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES 02-14-19

Opioid-related overdoses have reached epidemic proportions, claiming more than 42,000 lives in the U.S. in 2016 alone.

Physicians on the front lines are working in their communities and with their patients to reverse this public health crisis.

The American Medical Association (AMA) created an Opioid Task Force in 2014, bringing together national and state medical organizations to come up with ways that practicing physicians could play a role in ending the epidemic.

For example, the task force urged physicians to enhance their education.

The latest AMA report shows a remarkable response. Last year, more than a half million physicians and other health care providers took courses related to opioid prescribing, pain management, treatment and related areas. Opioid prescribing decreased by 22 percent between 2013 and 2017.

Despite such progress, opioid-related deaths are still increasing. Why? Experts say no single policy approach can stop the epidemic.

Physicians are reducing the prescription opioid supply. But policies must also focus on prevention and treatment. About 90 percent of those needing addiction treatment are unable to get it.

The science shows what works: certain medications prescribed by a physician or dispensed at federally certified opioid treatment programs. Combining that treatment with medical care, counseling and other services can help patients with substance use disorder lead satisfying and productive lives.

The numbers speak to a national tragedy. We need to act with resolve as we have with other public health epidemics. Our patients diagnosed with a substance use disorder deserve no less.

Most people agree that we need access to treatments that include medication but that is not readily available for many patients. This epidemic will not be reversed until we deal with access issues and stigma associated with opioid misuse.

Specific actions that should be taken include:

• Insurance providers should immediately remove barriers so patients can obtain affordable medication treatment combined with counseling.

• Policymakers and regulators should enforce laws that require mental health benefits to be on par with other health benefits. This gives patients access to treatment related to mental health and opioid use disorders.

• Health insurance providers and pharmacy benefit managers should ensure that patients have access to affordable, non-opioid pain care.

• Physicians should register for and use electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions in their state. Using these databases allows physicians to make more informed prescribing decisions. When clinically appropriate, physicians should also co-prescribe naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse an opioid-related overdose.

• Patients and physicians should have conversations about safe storage and disposal of opioids and all medications.

• All Americans can help remove the stigma around this epidemic, advocating for comprehensive care for patients in pain and those with opioid use disorder.

There are many reasons to be optimistic. Physicians are leading in the areas where we can have an influence, but unfortunately, we cannot bring an end to the epidemic alone. Much work remains to be done and we’ll continue to work with federal and state governments, law enforcement, insurers, educators and others to make headway.

Patrice A. Harris, MD, is president-elect of the American Medical Association. To learn more about efforts to end the opioid epidemic, visit end-opioid-epidemic.org

—StatePoint

How Seniors Can Find Clinical Trials

By Jim Miller

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM 02-07-19

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans participate in clinical trials in hopes of gaining access to the latest, and possibly greatest, but not-yet-on-the-market treatments for all types of illnesses.

But, you need to be aware that clinical trials can vary greatly in what they’re designed to do, so be careful to choose one that can actually benefits you. Here’s what you should know along with some tips for locating one.

Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is the scientific term for a test or research study of a drug, device or medical procedure using people. These trials – sponsored by drug companies, doctors, hospitals and the federal government – are conducted to learn whether a new treatment is safe and if it works. But, keep in mind that these new treatments are also unproven, so there may be risks too.

Also be aware that all clinical trials have certain eligibility criteria (age, gender, health status, etc.) that you must meet in order to be accepted. And before taking part in a trial, you’ll be asked to sign an informed consent agreement. You can also leave a study at any time.

Find a Trial

Every year, there are more than 100,000 clinical trials conducted in the U.S. You can find them by asking your doctor who may be monitoring trials in his or her specialty. Or, you can look for them on your own at ClinicalTrials.gov.

This website, sponsored by the National Institutes of Heath, contains a comprehensive database of federally and privately supported clinical studies in the U.S. and abroad on a wide range of diseases and conditions, including information about each trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.

If you want some help finding the right trial, try ResearchMatch.org, a web-based resource created by Vanderbilt University that connects willing patients with researchers of clinical trials.

Or, use the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation at CISCRP.org. This is a nonprofit organization that will take your information online or over the phone and do a thorough clinical trials search for you, and mail or email you the results within a week or two. Call 877-633-4376 for assistance.

Those with dementia and their caregivers can also locate clinical trials at the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch at TrialMatch.alz.org.

Things to Know

Before deciding to participate in a trial, you need to first discuss it with your doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you. Then, schedule an appointment with the study’s medical team and ask lots of questions, such as:

• What’s the purpose of the study and can it improve my condition?

• What are the risks?

• What kinds of tests and treatments does the study involve, and how often and where they are performed?

• Is the experimental treatment in the study being compared with a standard treatment or a placebo?

• Who’s paying for the study? Will I have any costs, and if so, will my insurance plan or Medicare cover the rest?

• What if something goes wrong during or after the trial and I need extra medical care? Who pays?

For more information on clinical trials for older adults visit the National Institute on Aging (nia.nih.gov/health/clinical-trials), which has many informative articles including one on “questions to ask before participating in a clinical trial.”

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org

LETTERS • 02-21-19

Times Not Giving Equal Billing To Girls Sports

Editor:

Regarding “Pirates Beat Granda in Basketball Playoffs” and “San Leandro Girls Beat Dublin” (Page 16, The Times, Feb. 14), I was excited to read the San Leandro Times coverage about the San Leandro High School basketball teams and their NCS first round playoff wins! 

An observation: The boys received four times as many words plus a big picture. The girls received three sentences and no picture. I believe that both teams should have received equal billing.

I posed this thought on my Facebook feed. A friend offered that perhaps the boys got more coverage because one of the boys, Keshad Johnson, is a “big-time college recruit” and that I’m biased because my daughter plays for the girls’ team. 

  To be clear, I think Keshad and the other SLHS boys are amazing and the SL Times should absolutely write a feature story about Keshad! And yes, I’ll concede that I’m a little biased. But not just because my daughter plays for the girls’ team, but because as a woman I notice instances of gender inequality.

The SLHS girls basketball team especially deserved equal billing this week/game. The girls came back from a 16-point deficit to win the game, Bebe Bradley scored 16 points including the 3-point shot to take the lead, Tovale Tupouata and Janessa DeFranco together had 27 rebounds and 7 steals, both Mykala Pakeman and Jayonnah Carter made clutch free throws to seal the deal, and the 11-player varsity team includes 5 freshman and 3 sophomores.

That’s exciting stuff!  #girlshooptoo #girlssportsmatter

—Carol Pollard

San Leandro

To Traffic Citation Complainer: ‘Stop Sign Means Stop!’

Editor:

Ms. Turner (“‘Photo Enforced’ Traffic Violations Called Underhanded Trap’,” Letters, Feb. 14), you asked the question. Yes. You were at least $500 dollars wrong.

As someone who was hit in a crosswalk last year by a driver who said ‘I looked left’ and then turned right without stopping, the risk of killing another person was not enough of a deterrent risk apparently. I was bruised and my wife lay screaming in the street. She was hurt bad enough to fracture her leg and spent a year in physical therapy to regain her ability to walk without pain. So $500 seems actually low to me. We suffered because someone like you in a 3,000-pound killing machine couldn’t spare 2 seconds out of their day to stop.

Then you make a dumb statement about wanting to live in a Nanny State that has to post signs at ever intersection to warn you about fines for breaking laws. You whine about the motives of the City. The intersection you entered was determined to need a stop sign by traffic engineers (smarter than you). The fine is a deterrent to breaking the rule and proportionate to the damage you could do to another driver or pedestrian. The stop signs mean stop your car, fully. If you can’t follow the rules or pay the fine, just stop driving for the safety of the rest of us.

Questions answered.

—John Clouston

San Leandro

Time to ‘Get On with Building Transit Oriented Housing’

Editor:

Wow, according to Rose Riskind (“Senate Bill 50 ‘Utterly Fails to Protect Renters,” Letter, Feb. 14) all of our homes are going to be razed by greedy developers moving into San Leandro with the maniacal purpose of tearing down single family homes and replacing them with luxury towers. We should be so lucky. Actually this is a figment of Ms. Riskind’s overactive imagination.

The sole purpose of SB50 is to put NIMBY’s like Rose out of the housing debate once and for all and let us get on with building transit oriented housing. There is a Rose Riskind in every town in California apparently. This debate has been taken over by people who hate any and all new housing because it will dilute their backward thinking influence at city hall. New people to a city usually bring new ideas and new energy. All you have to do is look at downtown Oakland’s vibrant economy and abundance of new restaurants to see evidence of that.

So, do we stay mired in the past with Ms.Riskind’s view of San Leandro or do we move forward in a positive direction? Should we allow a small, loud, group of NIMBYs to hold San Leandro hostage to their backward thinking? I think not.

—Gary Langbehn

San Leandro

Says MAGA Cap-Wearers ‘Being Hustled by Evil Clowns’

Editor:

In response to Mr. Luke O’Leary’s letter (“Says Building the Wall is Important, But Not Enough,” Letters, Feb. 14), Mr. O’Leary brings to mind several connected ideas:

1. O’ Leary mentions fentanyl and methamphetamines; both of which are created right here in the good ole’ U.S.A.; hence those drugs don‘t have to cross any border at all.

2. We all know someone who has died or is still suffering from their own addiction. It’s everywhere. Have you been on a B.A.R.T. platform lately?

My question: Why does the writer choose to spew the same lies Trump feeds to his “base,” but doesn’t address the permanent damage his policies have had on all the innocent children ripped from their families with no accountability or tracking as to where these children have been sent, or worse, ways to re-trace them in order to re-unite them with their families. That crime, in my opinion trumps (pun intended) any issue relative to any stupid wall that could pretend to stem the flow of illegal dope and weapons coming across the border illegally.

Be ashamed, Mr. O’Leary, by the actions of our inept “acting” administrators of one branch of the Trump-Pence carnival or the other. You have been hustled. Just like the folks tricked by wearing the M.A.G.A. hats you have been hustled and fooled by the evil clowns, who’ll soon be banished from having any power (God willing) over anything for the rest of their lives.

Do not despair Mr. O’Leary, soon we’re all going to witness this Buffoon implode, no explode! Like the over-filled gas inflatable that is Donald Trump!

Please fasten your seat-belts.

—Richard Mercouris

San Leandro

Thanks to Those Who Recognize Congress is Shirking its Duty

Editor:

Many thanks to all of our legislators that joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee CA-13 and co-sponsored the bill that she just introduced on February 14 to repeal the 2001 Authorization of Military Force. There were 46 bi-partisan co-sponsors that include this contingent from California: Jared Huffman CA-2, Mike Thompson CA-5, Mark DeSaulnier CA-11, Ro Khanna CA-17, Mark Taharo CA-41, and Maxine Waters CA-43.

Basically, the 2001 AUMF authorizes the use of military force against those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and those countries harboring such individuals-not for the use of force in countries, and against persons, far beyond that text and purpose. Just in the last two years the U.S. has conducted counter terrorism operations in 80 countries, including combat operations in 14.

The last 17 years of endless wars have lasted longer than the Civil War, WWI, and WWII combined. They have cost the U.S. over 5.6 trillion dollars and resulted in 500,000 deaths, half of which were civilians.

The AUMF has been interpreted by the last three presidents to provide a blank check to conduct war across the globe without congressional approval. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to authorize and oversee war. Article II of the Constitution allows the President to use force to defend the U.S. against sudden attack without the approval of Congress; but only Congress can allow the president to take the country into prolonged war.

Again, thanks to all involved who recognized that Congress has been shirking their Constitutional duty/authority to vote on war and practice oversight.

—Robert Behr

San Leandro

Appreciates the Many Who Supported Rotary Crab Feed

Editor:

If you like crab, then this must be your favorite time of year! Every Saturday from mid-January to mid-March there seems to be a crab fundraiser being held.

Last Saturday, the Rotary Club of San Leandro held its annual crab feed. Over 480 people gathered at the Boys and Girls Club, threw decorum out the window, and dug into buckets full of crab served by Interact Club high school students.

The funds raised at the Rotary Crab Feed help form the basis of its community grant program. While many may be aware of Rotary’s work on an international level – helping to eradicate polio, supporting child and maternal health in impoverished countries, and working to ensure everyone has access to clean water, among other things – Rotary impacts our local community as well.

The San Leandro Education Foundation has been fortunate to receive a Rotary Club grant each year since 2013. These grants have funded school library initiatives, classroom emergency kits, and most recently, Season of Service at both John Muir and Bancroft Middle Schools.

Thank you to the many Rotary volunteers who made Saturday’s Crab Feed happen, and to the folks who turned out to support it. Your efforts and your appetite are helping San Leandro’s students in the classroom and beyond.

—Morgan Mack-Rose

Executive Director

San Leandro Education Foundation

LETTERS • 02-14-19

Says 68% of San Leandro Housing Unattainable

Editor:

When I became aware that I was quoted in the San Leandro Times (“Make Apartment Building Smaller, Council Says,” Page 1, Feb. 7), and read the quote, I had to chuckle. The choice of those sentences completely eluded the broader context of my letter.

My purpose as an Estudillo Estate resident and one who “has theirs,” is to focus my neighbors and fellow San Leandro citizens on the important issues at play in the Bancroft project. My letter was about two things; climate change and fairness, and building more densely begins to address these important issues.

Multifamily dwellings are a step toward denser downtowns, they dramatically reduce energy and water usage, and are the most sustainable option for new housing. They also reduce emissions by lowering Vehicle Miles Traveled because more people are closer to jobs.

Buying houses in Tracy and driving to the Silicon Valley for work is quite obviously not climate friendly. The more we concentrate people in the areas where they work, and that make transit more available, VMT will be reduced.

My second interest is in more equity for all our neighbors. 66% of the housing stock in San Leandro is single-family homes/townhomes*.  The average price for those single-family homes/townhomes was $640,000 as of December 2018**. To afford either the monthly rent ($2,825**avg.) or mortgage cost ($3,429) you need to have a household income over $100,000, even by very conservative financing standards. Only 32% of San Leandrans have that income, making the vast majority of our housing unattainable for 68% of our residents. 

I believe this is an unacceptable problem that must be resolved. Will this development be open to those at the lower end of the income scale? No, but it will start to scratch the surface of the huge number of units that we need to drive down prices.

Density will begin to address some of the biggest problems that we face in San Leandro (and throughout California), and we need to embrace it. If this developer (who I do not know, by the way) can get this building built in the current construction environment, god love him. Our opportunities for sustainable, well designed buildings will be limited based on these market conditions.

All the residents of the neighborhood, this city and the planet need to give more of our understanding, support AND our own riches to sustain others, our future generations, and the world. Let’s start now.

*San Leandro Housing Element

**Zillow Analytics

—Patty Breslin

San Leandro

Times Misstated Letter Excerpt As a Quote to a Reporter

Editor:

I was surprised to find myself quoted in the article entitled “Make Apartment Building Smaller, Council Says,” that appeared in the February 7 issue. Surprised, because I have never said a word to Amy Sylvestri or any other San Leandro Times reporter.

The quote printed in this article was taken from an email message I sent to my City Council member. Presenting input I sent to my elected official as a statement given to a reporter shows astounding journalistic apathy.

If you glean the public record for comments, you should clearly state this as the source in your article. Better yet, try asking community members directly when you want to include our voices in your newspaper.

—Melisa Di Tano

San Leandro

Senate Bill 50 ‘Utterly Fails to Protect Renters’

Editor:

1) SB 50 bans cities from rejecting big residential luxury developments containing a small number of affordable units if they are proposed within a ¼ mile radius of a busy bus stop, or 1/2-mile radius of any rail or train stop. SB 50 wipes out single-family zones in 1000s of loved neighborhoods

2) SB 50 overturns single-family zoning in areas that are “above median income, jobs-rich, with good public schools” and lack major transit. It razes areas with good schools near big employers, malls, business districts. Rewards construction of 85-foot towers next to single-famly homes.

3) SB 50 encourages 75-foot and 85-foot luxury towers in single-family areas that are either too close to transit or too close to jobs and good schools. The limit is not 45 and 65 feet, as State Senator Wiener falsely says in SB 50. Cities can’t stop a luxury tower unless the project hurts public safety   . 

4) SB 50 is weaponized by the Housing Accountability Act of 1982, quietly amended by Senators Skinner and Wiener in 2017. It bans cities from rejecting any “density bonus” project unless the developer “puts public safety at risk.” Cities can’t reject developer demolitions in the SB 50 targeted areas.

5) Weaponized by the Housing Accountability Act, SB 50 bans cities from fighting demolitions in “jobs-rich, good schools areas” and “transit” areas. Turns developers into the fox guarding the rental hen-house/

6) SB 50 utterly fails to protect renters. While it purports to temporarily prevent developers from razing “rental housing,” only cities who registered their renters can stop developers from lying about who lives there. SB 50 forces “sensitive communities” to upzone themselves by 2025.

7) SB 50 openly threatens “sensitive communities,” requiring them to upzone their Community Plans in 5 years — or SB 50 will do it for them. SB 50 puts developers in charge of their own planning.

8) SB 50 turns 1000s of streets into density-bonus-on-steroids, where cities have NO planning power. Developers award themselves their own incentives.

—Rose Riskind

San Leandro

City and State ‘Passing the Buck’ On Mobile Home Park Problems

Editor:

There remains an ongoing safety issue at Trailer Haven Mobile Home Park in San Leandro that no one wants to deal with, including the Alameda County Fire Department, the City of San Leandro and the State of California. They are playing the Pass the Buck game once again.

I have lived in Trailer Haven for over 10 years and the previous owners maintained the park very well. When the park was sold in 2014 to a corporation in Kansas, everything changed overnight. The two-story massive palm tree and the heavy-duty 8-foot-tall wooden fence on my neighbor’s space was no longer maintained and allowed to grow into my space and the large wooden fence is leaning so much onto my house that I no longer have use of that side of my house.

Where there used to be several feet between my house and the fence, there is now less than 6 inches, and the boards are broken and snapped, causing a major safety hazard to me and my dogs.

The park admits that the tree needs to be removed. A letter dated Jan. 21, 2019, from the manager said, “We would be willing to remove the tree completely if you were willing to move your house. Our tree contractor is unable to safely remove the tree with your house in it’s current location.”

If they had dealt with the tree when they first bought the property, and every year after that when I complained it was becoming a hazard, they wouldn’t feel the need to move my house. This is just another attempt to evict me from the property, which they have attempted to do many times for a long list of reasons.

—Jackie Phillips

San Leandro

Says Building the Wall is Important, But Not Enough

Editor:

For the past three years, all I’ve heard is the same argument back and forth on immigration; the right demands we round up illegals and haul them off to war-torn countries where they will surely face certain death, while the left demands we give them a scholarship and premium health care at the expense of the hardworking taxpayer.

Extremist ideology used to be discouraged in American politics, but due to an unhinged, egotistical executive branch and the unrelenting antagonism his political opponents unleash as retribution for a bitter election loss they cannot let go even after two long years, extremism has become the norm.

Because of this, the two sides of our political landscape have receded into their respective corners and nobody is talking about the real issues at hand. Methamphetamine, Heroin and Pseudo Fentanyl are pouring in through our southern border and nobody even bats an eye. This is a real issue and it’s killing people.

The politicians would rather play identity politics than fight this nation’s drug abuse epidemic. We desperately need border security, it’s life and death. 

Personally, I believe a wall is a good start but it’s not enough. Our defense strategy has to be multi-faceted and yes, it will be expensive. For those who say it’s too expensive I ask you, how much is a human life worth? Furthermore, I see a lot of yard signs and bumper stickers touting open border policy, phrases like “No Human is Illegal.” All I can say is, if you actually knew someone suffering from a drug problem, you might change your tune.

—Luke O’Leary

San Leandro

‘Photo Enforced’ Traffic Violations Called ‘Underhanded Trap’

Editor:

Returning to San Leandro after living out of state for six years, I am curious to know if the fines for “Photo Enforced” violations are still as high as the $500 one I received ten years ago.

It happened when I turned right onto San Leandro Boulevard in front of BART. Though I’d checked that there was no traffic coming to the left, I failed to come to a full stop before making my turn.

Yes, I was wrong, but $500 wrong?

If local safety experts want these cameras to save lives, why not post the cost of violation on the sign, as is done for parking in a handicapped spot without a placard?

If the monetary consequence is not fully disclosed, the omission seems to me an underhanded trap to generate revenue for the city.

—Stephanie Turner  

San Leandro

LETTERS • 02-07-19

Accuses Times of Personal Bias In Reporting on San Leandro

Editor:

Why do you and Amy (Sylvestri) continuously poke in the eye the very source of your revenue? Instead of just reporting the facts I think you let your personal bias against the City and residents of San Leandro creep into your copy.

The latest incident of your showing lack of respect for fact and us comes out in “Still a Manufacturing Town.” In what should be a simple story about commercial and residential development you manage to slip in two black eyes to the community. 

First, saying that the City attracts manufacturing rather than technology is clearly a swipe at City leaders. It is not a case of rather. The City is attracting both. Adding rather is your personal bias and serves no good.

Second, in the same article you make it appear as if economic development manager Bowman actually said and labeled those of us that oppose 1388 Bancroft as NIMBYs. I am certain the City didn’t say what you printed. Poor editing of a sentence?

Worse is that you added this editorial comment on page 12 while on page 11 there are four letters to the “Editor” that support the development if it adheres to current zoning. Now why are people upset again? Oh yeah, read page 11.

Start an editorial column for yourselves if you need personal outlets for your private opinions. Reporting the news with clear bias and closing your ears and eyes to the community that you expect to support your publication is, in my opinion, not a sustainable business strategy.

—John Clouston

San Leandro

Says Times Misrepresents Opponents of Bancroft Project

Editor:

In the the article “Still a Manufacturing Town” that appeared in the January 31 issue, I was dismayed and rather surprised to see Amy Sylvestri refer to the opponents of the 1388 Bancroft Avenue development as “not-in-my-backyard” homeowners. 

First of all, this is a total misrepresentation of those opposing the proposed development. If she were to have read the many articles and letters that have discussed this issue, she would have realized that the neighbors are not opposed to a housing development on that property. Rather, it is the size of the building, lack of parking, and the fact that it violates current zoning regulations.

But, secondly, even if she truly believed that the characterization was accurate, should a reporter be making such judgments in what was supposedly a straight news story? The ethics of journalism state that reporters should strive for accuracy, objectivity and impartiality in their reporting. I find her comments in this story to be neither accurate, objective nor impartial.

—Maureen Sirhall

San Leandro

Clarification of Comments on License Fees for Retired Nurses

Editor:

I am writing to clarify the comments I made to the San Leandro Times Inquiring Reporter regarding license fees for retired nurses.

The article failed to mention that this issue was regarding fees for retirees. Almost every Saturday, myself and several other retired nurses volunteer at Ashland Free Medical Clinic. The purpose of this clinic is to provide free health care to low-income, uninsured people with medical needs.

The entire staff, MDs, RNs, NPs, PTs, translators, phlebotomist etc. all work for free. There is no paid staff. When I went to renew my license, I was shocked at the increase in fees. In order to volunteer as a Nurse Practitioner, it cost me $675 in license fees.

The retired RNs who volunteer pay $190. The retired MDs at the clinic explained that they have reduced license fees for MDs who wish to volunteer. This benefit does not exist for nurses. All the nurses who volunteer believe it to be unfair that the license fee for retired physicians is only $37 when nurses have no fee reduction. I wrote to my local state representatives and the Board of Nursing but was unable to generate much interest.

These fees can also have a major impact on the Red Cross as they rely heavily on retired nurses for their volunteer programs.

For those on a fixed income, these fees can be prohibitive. As a group, we are hoping to get support for legislation that will reduce the licensing fees for those nurses who wish to continue serving the public in a volunteer capacity.

—Mary Mapelli Conway, NP;

—Kathleen Ruel, NP;

—Barbara Pagan, RN;

—Jean Carroll, NP;

—Kathy Rolita, RN

‘Finding Dorey’

Editor:

This letter is in response to Corey Anderson’s letter, “Says Hatred for Trump Fuels Opposition to the Wall,” published in the San Leandro Times on January 24.

My four year old (a proud San Leandro resident) loves this movie about a fish trying to find its way home. One of the fish, played by Ellen Degeneres, suffers from short term memory loss and it appears that San Leandro has its very own forgetful and (in our case) hateful fish.

Let’s call this fish “Dorey.”

Dorey felt compelled to confront the “hatred” of his fellow San Leandro neighbors so I thought I’d help out a bit in the event that any of your readers would mistake his comments as factual. They are not.

Here’s why I believe San Leandro’s Dorey also suffers from short term memory loss:

• Did Dorey forget that just this week, the leaders of our intelligence community (appointed by his beloved President) briefed our Congress on the biggest threats to America? The wall was not mentioned, not once. There is no emergency.

• Dorey and those who think like Dorey love to scare people with images of terrorism. I suspect they are still awaiting an attack from the “The Caravan, that has mid-east terrorists?” Supporters of the wall seem to always, and conveniently, forget some important details about attacks like 9/11, our country’s largest terrorist attack: they did not come into the US via Mexico, they came in through Canada.

• “Who is going to pay for the wall?” I don’t remember the response being the “U.S. Taxpayer or the people of San Leandro.” Do you?

The people of San Leandro are welcoming and value inclusiveness. If Dorey wants to build a wall than he should do it around his own own home. There is no amount of “speaking in code” that can hide what this issue is really about: It’s not about keeping all the fish safe, it’s about not letting the brown fish swim in “our” water.

—Maurice Sternemann

San Leandro

Says Greater Danger is of Being Killed by Citizens Than Aliens

Editor:

I say both Corey Anderson and Leo West (as usual) are wrong. They want to build a wall, but why?

They should be way more afraid of being killed by a US citizen than any illegal alien. I dare them to read over following data and they might see the reality of my statement, but I doubt it.

Citizenship details on the 10 largest mass shootings in the US before 2018:

(1)  Stephen Paddock, born an American citizen, killed 58 people in Las Vegas Oct . 2017;  (2) Omar Mateen, born an American citizen, killed 49 in Orlando June 2016;  (3) Seung-Hui Cho,  Korean-born but a lawful permanent citizen, killed 33 at Virginia Tech April 20;  (4) Adam Lanza,  born an American citizen, killed 28 at Sandy Hook Elementary School  Dec. 2012;  (5) Devin Kelley, born an American citizen, killed 26 in Sutherland Springs, Texas Nov.  2017;

(6)  George Hennard , born an American citizen, killed 24 in Killeen, Texas Oct. 1991;  (7)  James Huberty, born an American citizen, killed 22 in San Ysidro, Calif. July 1984; (8)  Charles Whitman, born an American citizen, killed 18 at the University of Texas Aug. 1996; (9)  Patrick Sherill, born an American citizen, killed 15 in Edmond, Okla. Aug. 1986;  (10) Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, he was born in Pakistan but a US citizen, she married and was here on a K-1 visa, killed 14 San Bernardino, Cal. Dec. 2015

—Ken Kellogg

San Leandro

Looks Forward to Electing More Compassionate Supervisors

Editor:

I testified at the board meeting of the Alameda County Supervisors recently and recommended it ban two brutal rodeo events, wild cow milking and mutton busting.

Three videos were shown to the board of those types of recent events at Rowell Ranch clearly evidencing the abuse and mistreatment of rodeo animals.

Supervisor Valle found the content disturbing and cruel and later Supervisor Chan proposed a ban on mutton busting. Valle, Carson, and Supervisor Miley voted for Chan’s proposal—Miley originally voted the status quo — against — the proposal stating he could not see any abuse and generally sides with industry when in doubt, but then later changed his vote in favor when Chan pointed out the Humane Society is against those events. Haggerty was the sole vote against the Chan proposal.

Supervisors Miley and Haggerty are both Rowell Ranch Rangers listed on its website. This conflict of interest was pointed out by this author, to which Miley did not address it, and Haggerty denied any conflict claiming he gave only $1,000 to the rodeo committee, but reportedly had no comment when questioned later by a journalist present, about his name on the website. 

Mr. Haggerty chaired this hearing and attempted to hurry through this agenda item, cutting off a number of citizen speakers in mid-sentence if they exceeded their 3-minute time limit. Even going so far to ask four members of the public to voluntarily forgo their public comment.

As a taxpayer of District 4, I look forward to the 2020 county elections to bring forth candidates with compassion and respect for animals and their welfare, that won’t turn a blind eye to the ongoing abuse and to the community exposing what’s really happening to animals behind rodeo fences and gates.

—Michelle Lang

San Leandro

OBITUARIES • 02-21-19

Edward G. Oberti

August 10, 1930  - February 14, 2019

For all of our family and friends, we lost the patriarch of our family on February 14, 2019, following his courageous battle with cancer. Edward G. Oberti, 88 years old, joins his valentine and beloved wife of 62 years, Madeline, who preceded him in 2017. Nono, great Nono, father, uncle, brother, brother in law and friend of so many, lifelong resident of San Leandro and San Lorenzo and honored Korean War veteran. Born on August 10, 1930, Edward was the only son of Ben & Erminia Oberti.  He grew up working on the family's lettuce farm in Niles. He proudly served his country as a medic, earning recognition before returning home to embark on new adventures. Edward was a partner of Oakland Scavenger and built a legacy until his retirement in 1993.  He and his wife, Madeline, also owned Creekside Creamery and cherished the time they spent with friends and neighbors. Edward did not lack for talent. He was known for his homemade pasta gravy, his love of gardening and the ability to fix just about anything. He was a kind and thoughtful man who will be deeply missed.

Edward leaves behind his two precious daughters and sons in law, Maureen and Ed Shapiro and Susan and David Calvao, who were at his side for his final breath; sister, Verna Glass; sister in law, Diane Delucchi; grandchildren, Nicholas (Amber) Shapiro, Josh Shapiro,  Ben (Elianne) Shapiro, Jenna Calvao and Jeffrey Calvao; great-grandchildren, Carrie, Briella, Olivia, Clayton and Alyssa and his schnauzer, “Lady”, that all were blessed with his strong spirit and love.

Visitation for Edward will be 4 pm to 8 pm on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. The vigil service begins at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at St. Felicitas Catholic Church, 1662 Manor Blvd., San Leandro.  Edward will be laid to rest with military honors at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

As so many people have been so kind, we give thanks to the guardian angels of Vitas hospice and the community and staff of Byron Park assisted living of Walnut Creek. Donations in Edward's memory are preferred to Vitas Hospice, 355 Lennon Ln #150,
Walnut Creek, CA  94598.

Angela Banuelos Cortez

October 25, 1927 – February 6, 2019

Angela passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Feb. 6, 2019, at the age of 91.  She is survived by her children, Sandra, Richard, and Linda Cortez, granddaughter Alyssa Cortez, “adopted” daughter Michelle Iwai, brother Fernando Banuelos, other family members and many good friends.

Angela retired from the San Lorenzo Unified School District after 29 years.  She was always very active in school, church and social activities.  She loved her family very much and always cherished her role as a mother and grandmother.  Angela was very caring, giving and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

A private burial with family will be held at a later date.

Floyd Kenneth Timmons

July 9, 1940 - February 2, 2019

Floyd Kenneth Timmons died February 2, 2019 in San Leandro, CA at the age of 78. He had a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease and is now in a better place. Floyd, also known as Ken, was born on July 9, 1940 to Floyd and Dina Timmons in Sioux City, Iowa. 

As a young child he moved with his family to Alameda, CA. When he was a teenager, Ken met his future wife Elaine in school. Rumor has it he came home from school one day joyfully telling his mom that there was a new pretty girl in his class that had a funny Irish accent. The rest is history. Ken and Elaine were married on May 5, 1959 and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this May. Ken graduated from Alameda High School, he worked for AT&T and was very proud of his service in the Marine Corp. He loved to fish and hunt, loved corvettes and most of all loved his wife and children. 

Ken is survived by his wife Elaine, two sons, Ken and Eric, Grandsons Ken and Eric Jr., brother Danny and Sisters Alida and Adreanna. 

At his request, no services will be held. Santos-Robinson

Mortuary, 510-483-0123.

Richard “Dick” Sofield

Richard “Dick” Sofield passed away February 12, 2019 two days before his 87th birthday. He is survived by his wife Pat Sofield, the love of his life. They were married for 36 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry & Laura Sofield and his sister Norma Emerson. He is also survived by his granddaughter Rachel Arriola of Seattle, Washington.  He was very proud of her and all of her accomplishments. He loved her dearly. He is also survived by his niece Diane Varni of Florida. A very important part of his life was his precious peekapoo named Lil D. You seldom saw one without the other. They were inseparable. He was born and raised in Oakland, California. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1950. He also attended Chapman College. Dick was a lifelong bowler. He was most recently a member of SIRS at Manor Bowl. He worked for USPS as a letter carrier in San Leandro and Fremont before he retired. 

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, February 22, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Felicitas Church in San Leandro.

OBITUARIES • 02-14-19

Bento (Ben) C. Leal, Jr.

Bento (Ben) C. Leal, Jr., 93, died Friday, February 8, 2019, at Eden Hospital in Castro Valley a few days after suffering a stroke.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jean Gancos-Leal, children Bento III, Kathi, David, Gregory, Mark, Maureen, Patty, their spouses, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was born on a dairy farm in Newark, CA, proudly served in the U.S. Navy in WWII, and spent most of his professional life as President and then Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Union Local 856 and also as an International Trustee of the union. He was a dear friend and mentor to many.

Visitation Service will be held at Church of the Assumption, 1100 Fulton Ave., San Leandro, on Wed., Feb. 20, from 5:00-8 p.m. with the Rosary Service at 6 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will take place at the church on Thurs., Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception in the church hall. Private burial service with family members at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward. Charitable donations in his name can be made to Assumption Rosary Makers or charity of your choice.

Arranged by Santos-Robinson Mortuary, San Leandro, CA 94577, 510-483-0123. Family Owned and Operated

David Michael Clark

March 26, 1957 - January 31, 2019

David Clark, born in San Leandro, California on March 26, 1957, passed away at age 61 on January 31, 2019.

He had a strong passion for vintage classic Hot Rods, and was very crafty with his hands. David will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, his generosity and caring for his family.

David leaves behind his beloved mother, Barbara Clark and Friends.

Thomas Rousseau

September 20, 1931 - February 1, 2019

Thomas was born in Massachusetts. He came to Oakland Calif. in 1945. Tom moved to San Leandro with his parents, Beatrice and Roger Rousseau, and his sisters, Elaine and

Bernice.

Tom started a greeting card business. Tom was in business for fifty-five plus years. Tom was born with Cerebral palsy. He had many obstacles to over come. He will be remembered for his devotion to his faith. Also for his tenacity and his humor.

Tom is survived by his sister Elaine Benevedes and

family, also his cousin Madeline Gomes and family. Tom will be fondly remembered by many. A memorial mass will be held at the Assumption church Friday, February 22 at 11AM.

OBITUARIES • 02-07-19

Mary Castellano

September 13, 1920 - January 18, 2019

Mary Castellano, born in Stockton, California on September 13, 1920, passed away at age 98 on January 18, 2019. She is survived by her twin sister, Frances Arnolfo, daughter Denise Spindler, granddaughter Gina Spindler, son-in-law Mark Spindler, and nieces and nephew Nancy Ottino, Renie Bartolini, and John Arnolfo. Mary was predeceased by her husband Ernest

Castellano and son David Castellano. She was an active member of the Italian-American community, participating in many Italian social organizations. Mary will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and enthusiasm for life. This is best illustrated by her loyalty to family and friends, passion for food, and eagerness to pursue new experiences.

A memorial service will be held on February 10, 2019 at 11:00 am at Santos-Robinson Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, Mary's family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.