CVF HOMEMenu
SLT ARCHIVES • APRIL 2017
Free Lunch Program Halted
BY JIM KNOWLES • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
The Saturday free lunch program for the needy at St. Leander’s Church has been canceled, or at least put on hold.
Volunteers have been hosting the meal program on the church grounds every other Saturday for 20 years, but last Saturday was the final day, unless some agreement can be worked out.
The parish priest, Fr. Hugo, halted the meal program after a property management company sent a letter of complaint to the church, saying that homeless people were a problem on their properties near the church.
Kathleen Flores, one of the volunteers who provides the lunches, said she was notified last week by Fr. Hugo that Saturday would be the last day.
“We’ve been serving meals here for 20 years, I’ve been doing this for 17 years,” Flores said. “Where are these people going to go?”
Fr. Hugo later said that the lunch was suspended until further notice, and that he asked Flores to write a letter to the property management company to work out an agreement.
Fr. Hugo said he had to do something because the letter complained that homeless people were going to the bathroom on thier properties in the surrounding neighborhood, and that the letter had made a reference to the police.
“We got a letter. They’re putting the church at fault, so it’s suspended until further notice,” said Fr. Hugo, who added, “It’s not the fault of people, it’s the fault of the system.”
Around 60 people have been coming to the meals on Saturdays, Flores said. She estimates about 90 percent of those people are homeless, and others live in the area but are short of money.
CWP Property Management said they sent a letter to the church about the homeless creating “issues” on their properties, but it wasn’t their decision to shut down the meal program.
“There’s been a problem around our buildings,” said Patricia Baker, office manager at the CWP Property office in downtown San Leandro. Baker said the church made the decision to shut down the meal program, not her company.
Of course, St. Leander’s has always given a helping hand to people down on their luck, as many churches in San Leandro have. Caring for people has been part of San Leandro’s agrarian history, now running up against the era of high-tech, high-finance and cold-blooded real estate interests.
Homeless people feel like they’re being squeezed out.
Flores asks, “Where are they going to go? A lot of them grew up here. Their families have been here for a hundred years.”
Kathy Aselio ate lunch Saturday on one of the picnic tables on the St. Leander’s grounds. She’s one of the lucky ones – the 25 homeless people who are getting subsidized rent for an apartment, a joint program by the City of San Leandro, the Rental Housing Association, and Building Futures.
Aseilo said she lived along San Leandro Creek for two years, and she’s grateful for the rental assistance. There are no more people living in the creek, most got housing, she said. But after paying her smaller share of the rent and utilities, she doesn’t have enough for food and counts on the free meal programs.
Colette Gonsalves is sitting with Aselio and says she’s still on the waiting list for housing. And Mario Ortiz, sitting by Gonsalves, lives in his vehicle and volunteers at the meal program.
“They look at it as we’re not taxpayers,” Ortiz said. “But what bothers me is we’ve been here for years, most of us grew up here, and went to this church.”
Some of the homeless people admit that there are people who go to the bathroom wherever they can find a place. There aren’t many places you can go. The downtown McDonald’s recently put locks on its bathrooms, at the request of the downtown San Leandro Improvement Association and the police.
They put a porta-potty at Root Park when they have a creek cleanup day for the volunteers, so why can’t they do that for the homeless? asks one person.
The gardener on the church grounds says people go to the bathroom there. So what can you do, wonders Fr. Hugo.
“What should you do,” he says. “Can they come over to your house?”
CAPTION: The meal program on the grounds of St. Leander’s church was halted by the church after a property management company complained that homeless people were going to the bathroom on their property.
PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES
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School Board Looking at Parcel Tax
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
The San Leandro school board will be having a special meeting on a parcel tax next Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 835 East 14th St.
The school district’s current parcel tax expires in 2018 and the board will discuss updating or extending that tax, creating a new parcel tax, and other options.
In 2012, voters approved parcel tax Measure L by a vote of less than one percent. The rates were set at $39 per parcel. The district collects around $700,000 annually from the current parcel tax.
Voters in San Leandro have approved several school district revenue measures in recent years.
Last November voters passed Measure J1, a $104 million general obligation bond that has property owners pay $36 per $100,000 of their assessed property value.
In addition to Measure J1, San Leandro residents are currently paying for school bonds in the form of the $109 million Measure B bond, which has been assessed at $39 per $100,000 of property value and Measure M, a $50 million bond assessed at $25 per $100,000 of property value.
The agenda for the special meeting will be posted no later than Friday on the school district’s website, www.sanleandro.k12.ca.us under the “board of education” tab.
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Eden Agrees to Give Davis St. $75,000
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
The Eden Health District (EHD) has given the Davis Street Family Resource Center a $75,000 grant, not the $500,000 Davis Street originally asked for. But Davis Street says it will keep exploring funding opportunities and their clinic will remain up and running.
Davis Street had asked for the half-million dollar grant to fund their health clinic, saying that insurance reimbursements can take up to 90 days to come in and they needed the money to make payroll.
EHD, which operates with public money, dispenses about $500,000 in grants and scholarships annually for health related causes. When Davis Street opened a clinic in 2014, EHD made an ongoing commitment to give Davis Street $250,000 annually for five years.
The new grant is outside that $250,000 annual grant and will come from EHD’s reserves.
After a lengthly debate at EHD’s board meeting last week in which various amounts were discussed, EHD decided on the lower amount, saying the timing of the request wasn’t right and they needed to keep more money in the EHD reserves.
“It was a matter of cash flow,” said EHD CEO Dev Mahadevan. “Looking at our figures and what we were comfortable with.”
Davis Street CEO Rose Padilla-Johnson said that, even though they didn’t get all the money they asked for, Davis Street will continue soliciting funding and the clinic will stay open.
Padilla-Johnson said that she knew they might not get the EHD money, but that Davis Street is constantly writing grants.
“We approach people all the time,” said Padilla-Johnson. “We are writing proposals to everyone. When asking for money, no means maybe and maybe means yes to me.”
Grants and donations are a large part of Davis Street’s finances. In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, Davis Street reported $7.8 million in revenue, $4.7 of which comes from federal and state sources and $420,000 city, county, and local sources, and the rest from fees from patients, private grants and fundraising.
Padilla-Johnson says that the $500,000 would have been wonderful to have as a cushion, but that the clinic isn’t in danger of closing its doors. She said that the clinic is now operating with a small surplus each month and “trending upward” as new patients come in.
Though in the grant proposal, Padilla-Johnosn wrote, “Our need is critical; without the Eden Health District grant, we fear the dismantling of the clinic that we fought so hard to launch is upon us.”
Davis Street may get a financial boost later this year when the Davis Street Wellness Center opens. That medical marijuana dispensary is a partner agency of the Davis Street Family Resource Center and Padilla-Johnson is the Wellness Center’s director of community benefits. The Wellness Center has pledged to make annual donations to Davis Street.
But Padilla-Johnson said that none of the Wellness Center’s funding will go to programs that receive federal money – including the clinic. The Wellness Center money will go to programs like the food pantry, which may take some final stress off the Davis Street Family Resource Center overall.
Davis Street’s health clinic has served over 5,000 people since it opened, and has the equivalent of 24 full-time medical, dental, behavioral and management employees.
Padilla-Johnson says that the clinic is actually expanding services, with more dental care and ophthalmology.
“There’s a lot of exciting stuff happening here,” said Padilla-Johnson. “There’s a lot of support.”
CAPTION: Davis Street CEO Rose Padilla-Johnson says clinic is expanding.
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Two Suspects Arrested for Downtown Shooting
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
A couple have been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly shooting at a baby at the McDonald’s restaurant downtown last week.
Officers responded to calls of shots fired at the fast food restaurant in Washington Plaza just after 2:30 p.m. on April 17. When the officers arrived, they found a bullet hole in the front window of the restaurant, according to Lt. Isaac Benabou of the San Leandro police.
A woman and her 11-month-old baby were sitting in a booth near the window and police say they were the targets.
Benabou said the woman took her child to the McDonald’s to meet with the baby’s father, Marcel Brooks, 29, of Antioch.
Brooks never entered the restaurant. Instead, Adanna Ibe, 27, also of Antioch, came in and fired at the baby, police said.
Surveillance footage shows a suspect police say is Ibe walking toward the table where the woman and baby are sitting and firing a shot at close range.
Police believe that Brooks waited nearby while Ibe fired and then fled the scene in a vehicle. They have since concluded that Brooks and Ibe conspired on the shooting, Benabou said.
Brooks and Ibe have a five-year-old child together, who is now in the custody of relatives.
The downtown BART station was temporarily shut down Monday afternoon while police searched for the suspects.
Brooks and Ibe were eventually located at a motel in Sacramento and both were arrested around 8 a.m. on April 18.
There were 20 to 30 people inside the McDonald’s at the time of the shooting and no one was injured.
“The detectives that investigated this case say that it was a miracle that no one was hit,” said Benabou.
The suspects were arraigned at the Hayward Hall of Justice last Thursday and are currently being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. They are scheduled to enter pleas in court today, April 27.
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Old School Doctor Embodied American Spirit
BY JEFFREY WEINER • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-27-17
Visiting the office in San Lorenzo where Dr. Allen Fujimoto spent his final years practicing bariatric medicine felt like stepping into the past.
His assistant still used the electric typewriter at the reception desk of his weight management clinic. Although the doctor has an email account, he preferred fax or post.
Dr. Fujimoto retired earlier this year after almost sixty years in medicine. A third generation Californian, Dr. Fujimoto and his brothers lived out their father’s dream of becoming doctors.
Allen Fujimoto went to medical school in southern California, and during his last year, he went on active duty with the Army Medical Corp in 1958. He remained a military doctor until 1962. First interning at Letterman Army Hospital, he then worked at clinics in the Presidio, Fort Baker, and Alaska until 1962.
It’s not just that Dr. Fujimoto ran an old-fashioned office, his core values are part of an America that sadly seems to be fading away. Born in 1933, Fujimoto was a child when his family had to make a choice between an internment camp for Japanese-Americans in California, or being relocated inland. They chose Loveland, Colorado where his father, formerly a bookkeeper, found employment doing manual labor.
“He had to pack and nail crates in Denver; that was about the only job he could find,” Fujimoto recalls.
Asked whether he or anybody in his family felt resentful at being treated differently because of their Japanese heritage during World War II, he did not hesitate: “No, no, no. We just accepted the change. It was a little bit hard. But we all did our part to help during the war.”
Wartime Years in Colorado
He remembered what a beautiful state Colorado was.
“Actually, we probably got to see a part of the country that I would never have seen otherwise,” he said. “I was pretty young, so it didn’t bother me that much. I mean, being uprooted from our house bothered me, but I didn’t have to go to a camp so that probably made life easier.”
During the four years he spent in Colorado, he worked in the fields with his mother.
“My mother and I would get on a bicycle and we would go and pick cherries and string beans and hoe beet fields,” he said. “We would never have had that experience (had it not been for the war).”
The greater part of Dr. Fujimoto’s medical career was spent as an Ob/Gyn doctor. He opened his private practice in the East Bay in 1966. Although eventually he moved residences from Castro Valley to Palo Alto where his wife Linda lived, he practiced medicine continuously in San Lorenzo.
He started counseled patients in weight management since the1970s. After his Ob/Gyn patients had their babies, he helped them to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. Since 2004, Dr. Fujimoto specialized exclusively in weight loss.
Doctor Urged for Better Nutrition in Fight Against Obesity
He emphasized the obesity crisis in the U.S. as the motivation for “helping people to get better nutrition, better eating choices to become healthier.”
I found Dr. Fujimoto searching for a weight loss doctor, and his fees were significantly lower than anybody else.
That is no coincidence he told me: “I have been alarmed at how expensive weight loss clinics are. Where should I be sending my patients now that I am retiring?”
He went on to give average costs for eight different Bay Area cities, an impressive display of memory for an 83-year-old.
Dr. Fujimoto consciously kept his prices down to help battle obesity, a problem that particularly affects the poor. The majority of his patients were low-income black and Hispanic East Bay residents who would otherwise not be able to afford to participate in a weight loss program.
Now that he’s retiring in Southern California, the Bay Area will lose this physician who embodies what it has meant to be an American: optimism, selfless service, persistence, and the ability to evolve to meet the changing needs of his community.
CAPTION: Dr. Allen Fujimoto recently retired after nearly 60 years in medicine.
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Substitute Teacher Appointed to San Lorenzo School Board
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
The San Lorenzo School board has appointed Samuel Medina to replace former board member Helen Randall, who left earlier this year in the middle of her term due to declining health.
Medina, 22, graduated last year from the University of the Pacific, and from Arroyo High in 2012 and currently works as a substitute teacher in the San Lorenzo district.
Medina was selected unanimously by the sitting board members Penny Peck, Kyla Sinegal, Marilyn Stewart, and Janet Zamudio.
Medina beat out four other candidates – Aaron Freitas, who created a community garden at Colonial Acres Elementary School; Amber Hunter, a member of the PTSA at San Lorenzo High; Justin Hutchinson, a member of the San Leandro parks commission; and Monica Dennis, a former teacher.
The school board members praised Medina’s commitment to work with teachers and students.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Mr. Medina,” said Superintendent Dr. Fred Brill. “He is very thoughtful and passionate, and it is obvious he cares deeply about the community and the students. That’s a pretty good starting point. Of course, there will be a steep learning curve, but he is eager to learn and he is clearly ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.”
Young school board members aren’t uncommon – last year, the San Leandro School district appointed 19-year-old Ashley Vo for a temporary spot on the board when a sitting member resigned midterm, and in the year 2000 San Lorenzo had another 19-year-old board member.
Medina couldn’t return requests for comment, as he is out of the country until next month. In fact he received his appointment after interviewing with the board via video conference call from Europe.
Medina is due to be sworn in by Superintendent Brill at the San Lorenzo school board’s May 16 meeting. Medina will now serve out the remainder of Randall’s term, which is set to end on 2018, at which time the seat will be up for election.
CAPTION: The San Lorenzo school board appointed substitute teacher Samuel Medina to fill a board vacancy.
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Davis Street Asks Eden Healthcare for $500,000
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
The Davis Street Family Resource Center is asking the Eden Health District (EHD) for a $500,000 grant to keep its clinic open.
Davis Street CEO Rose Padilla Johnson sent a letter requesting the money to EHD and the district’s board was scheduled to decide at its Wednesday night meeting, after this newspaper went to press.
Davis Street already gets $250,000 annually from Eden Health. EHD dispenses about $500,000 in grants and scholarships annually for health related causes, and half of that money goes to Davis Street to provide health services for the needy. When Davis Street opened a clinic in 2014, EHD decided to give Davis Street $250,000 annually for five years.
If EHD’s board votes to award an additional $500,000 grant, the money would come from EHD’s reserves, according to Dev Mahadevan, EHD’s CEO.
Mahadevan said that EHD currently has about $11 million in reserve, but there are “a number of demands” on their money.
Among those demands is $20 million that EHD has been paying since 2013 in $2 million annual payments to Sutter Health as a result of a lawsuit stemming from the fight to keep San Leandro Hospital open.
Mahadevean says EHD is also committed to upgrades on some of its real estate holdings among other costs and he estimates their reserves will be around $7 million by the end of the year.
In her letter to EHD, Johnson asks for the money to keep the clinic open.
“Our need is critical; without the Eden Health District grant, we fear the dismantling of the clinic that we fought so hard to launch is upon us,” wrote Johnson. “Lack of access to these funds will have dire consequences potentially leading to the closure of our primary care clinic.”
Davis Street’s clinic has served over 5,000 people since it opened, and has the equivalent of 24 full-time medical, dental, behavioral and management employees.
Last year, the City of San Leandro demanded that Davis Street repay a $1.5 million loan for the clinic after Davis Street missed repayment deadlines. The city further criticized Davis Street for using the same real estate holding as collateral on two different loans.
Davis Street eventually repaid the city in January after getting another loan from a private third party.
“The startup costs of the clinic were exacerbated by the long (insurance and MediCal) reimbursement wait and the recent repayment of a loan used to launch the clinic in 2014,” reads the grant proposal from Davis Street.
If the money is awarded by EHD, Johnson says in her letter it will be held in a restricted account to be used to make payroll and pay for operating costs.
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Artists to Design Murals for County
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
If you want to share your opinion about what kind of art should be painted on freeway overpasses in the unincorporated area, the county is inviting the public to speak with artists and share ideas.
The county is spending over $400,000 to paint “community identifier murals” for Ashland, Cherryland, Castro Valley and San Lorenzo.
The murals will be located in San Lorenzo at I-880 and Hesperian Boulevard, in Ashland at I-238 and Mission Boulevard, and in Castro Valley at I-580 and Redwood Road. The mural over Mission will say Ashland in one direction and Cherryland going in the opposite direction.
The county arts commission says the identifying art is important because the unincorporated areas don’t have signs that tell people where they are.
Five artists have been selected as semi-finalists for the project and they will meet with the public at Ashland Place, 16385 East 14th Street, at 6 p.m. on April 26; and at the San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande on May 2 at 6 p.m.
Once the artists get an idea of the public’s desires, they will create their proposed artwork, which will be on display at the San Lorenzo and Castro Valley libraries and online over the summer and a selection is expected in September or October.
CAPTION: The county wants to identify areas with murals like this one in Richmond.
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Gunshot Fired Downtown
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
Someone fired a gunshot in the McDonald’s in the Downtown Plaza on Monday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
No one was hit by the bullet and police are investigating, according to Lt. Isaac Benabou of the San Leandro police.
Benabou said this week that detectives are working on the case and that’s all he can say for now, but more information would come out on Thursday.
Customers at McDonald’s who saw the shooting said they heard a loud bang and everybody was scared. Witnesses pointed out a patch of duct tape on the front window covering the bullet hole.
The customers said that the shot was fired by a woman who had gotten into an argument with someone.
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Oro Loma’s Pioneering Levee Makes Natural Water Filter
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
It doesn’t look like much – just tall grass and native plants on about two-acres of mud – but the Oro Loma Sanitary district is receiving national attention for its pioneering “horizontal levee.”
The director of the Environmental Protection Agency is just one of over 1,000 ecological experts who have made the journey out to the end of Grant Avenue in San Lorenzo to see the levee, which is near Oro Loma’s water treatment plant.
“I said to the EPA head, this will be one the most boring-looking things you’ve ever flown across the country to see,” joked Jason Warner, Oro Loma’s general manager.
But the action is all going on underneath the levee, as wastewater is filtered though the earth and vegetation.
“Our water is very clean when it comes out of the plant, but this is that extra step before it’s discharged,” said Warner.
The horizontal levee doesn’t look like a traditional levee with a simple embankment. There is an elongated slope of marshland and water flows out to the Bay by gravity.
Oro Loma and the Castro Valley Sanitary District paid to build the $9 million levee. This month, the districts received the 2017 Bay Hero Award from the San Francisco Bay Institute for their work on the levee.
And Save the Bay, an organization dedicated to preserving the coastline, also created an on-site nursery to grow the wetland plants that have been planted at the levee.
The year-old levee also acts a barrier against sea-rise. State projections have the sea-level rising up to five feet by the end of the century, which would flood the Oro Loma property. If that happens, the elevated slope of the levee would give the animals – including rabbits, mice, and sea birds – that live in the area a place to escape the water, according to Oro Loma.
Warner considers the project a pilot, which other sanitary districts can learn from in their own response to sea-level change. A similar levee is being planned for the marshland around the salt flats in the South Bay.
“It’s an honor,” Warner said of the Bay Hero award. “It’s an exciting project.”
CAPTION: Oro Loma General Manager Jason Warner has given tours of the water-cleansing levee to ecological experts from around the country.
PHOTO BY AMY SYLVESTRI
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Council Sets Tax On Weed
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
The San Leandro City Council set business tax rates for medical marijuana at its April 3 meeting, and pot looks to become $500,000 annual cash crop for the city.
Last week, the Council unanimously voted to set the medical marijuana tax in the city at 6 percent of gross receipts – in addition to the 9.75 percent sales tax. The pot tax will go up to 7 percent in 2019 and 8 percent in 2021.
The council has awarded permits for three marijuana dispensaries to operate in San Leandro, but none have opened yet. At least one will open later this year.
The cannabis tax – Measure NN – was passed by voters last November, when voters approved a tax rate of up to 10 percent, with it being up to the council to set the exact rate.
Also in November, the voters passed state Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana in California.
Both medical and recreational pot are illegal under federal law.
So far the city has not approved any dispensaries to sell marijuana for recreational purposes, only medical. But they have left open the possibility of raising the rate and getting money from recreational users.
“If we ever went to recreational, we would want to cover ourselves,” said Mayor Pauline Cutter.
The city estimates that Measure NN will bring in $500,000 annually at the 6 percent rate once all three dispensaries are open.
The city of Berkeley taxes dispensaries at a 2.5 percent rate, Oakland has a 5 percent tax, and there is a 10 percent tax in San Jose.
And, if recreational sales ever come to town, an additional 15 percent state excise tax will be added to any sales as part of state law.
CAPTION: Marijuana has become lucrative for both businesses and the tax collectors, for better or worse.
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Local Task Force Focuses on Domestic Violence
BY SOPHIE LINDER • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-20-17
Building Futures, an agency of San Leandro’s Housing First, has been working closely with the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) on the recently assembled San Leandro Domestic Violence Task Force.
Building Futures leads the task force, funded by the city of San Leandro in July 2015, in developing the best practices for domestic violence.
The task force – which includes the City of San Leandro, Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE) and the San Leandro Unified School District – provides education and resources for domestic violence victims.
Services focus on both prevention and intervention, including domestic violence counseling, support groups and case management. If the abuser is the breadwinner, families receive advisement in developing a plan to leave. Victims who have lived in fear for years are finally given peace of mind.
The SLPD works weekly with an advocate from SAVE doing outreach and offering counseling to victims. They also issue restraining orders and work with district attorneys for prosecution. Building Futures has held trainings for members of the task force using the SLPD’s domestic violence-related statistics.
Lt. Robert McManus of the SLPD says that only one out of 10 victims of domestic violence report it to the police, and that 20 instances of domestic violence take place before one instance gets reported. McManus says that one solution to the lack of reporting is to respond to calls from neighbors about family disputes, which are often a precursor to domestic violence.
Executive Director of Building Futures Liz Varela said she is very proud of the progress they have made, but acknowledges there is still room for growth.
“One way we are working to improve the accessibility of resources is by using gap analysis to expand our language capacity for domestic violence services to help reach more people,” Varela said.
The task force publicized awareness about Teen Dating Violence Awareness month in February. According to McManus, teen dating violence has statistically become more prevalent, as it has only become a more widely discussed topic in recent years.
One outlet for teen dating violence is the increasing trend in misusing social media. An example is a partner threatening to expose damaging material and spread rumors through social media sites such as Snapchat and Instagram. Once the material is out on the internet it can’t be deleted, leaving the victims feeling powerless.
The task force is also getting teens involved in the effort to end teen dating violence. They are working with Barbara Lee Health Center’s Health Education Action Teams (HEAT) to teach teens at San Leandro High School to educate their peers and share resources.
For Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, San Leandro High School’s HEAT team passed out Love is Respect pins, bracelets and stickers, information about warning signs and types of abuse, and contact information for getting help.
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Innovative Spirit Alive and Well
BY JIM KNOWLES • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
Yves Perrenoud showed off his company’s bicycle lock, which leaves an impression.
The lock, made by Skunklock Inc., is black with white stripes, of course. If you try to cut through it with a power saw, you’ll get the full skunk effect – a putrid spray that will ruin your day.
The lock is filled with a secret ingredient, a smelly liquid under pressure.
“It uses the compounds that produce the smell in human vomit and body odor, but it’s highly concentrated,” Perrenoud said proudly.
Perrenoud had a power saw, but it wouldn’t have been appropriate to demonstrate how the lock works when cut right there at the Zero Net Energy Center.
Perrenoud did have a video showing the bike lock being cut on the sidewalk and the guy with the saw getting blasted with the skunk spray.
“If you keep cutting, it sprays you more, and if you pull the saw out, the entire contents will be let loose,” he said. So either way, it’s a deterrent to bicycle theft.
Convention for Hardware Startups
But the Skunklock was just one of many new products on display at Hardwarecon, a convention for hardware startups, held on March 24 and 25 at the Zero Net Energy Center in San Leandro.
Entrepreneurs came to town to learn how to take their product to the next level by figuring out their sales strategy and how to best use manufacturing, and distribution. Hardware experts and people from Google and Amazon and many other companies were on hand to offer tips.
Smart Watch for Kids
Patrick Muggler is hoping parents will go for his company’s fun kids’ smart watch. It not only gives the kids a reminder of things to do during the day but it lets hovering parents keep track of kids whereabouts on their phones, and text their kids.
A big problem with gadgets is connectivity, said Muggler, founder and CEO of AmbyGear. A product looks great, but then people find out that it’s a hassle connecting it to their other devices.
“With watches and fitness bands, the No. 1 problem is still connectivity,” Muggler said.
So with AmbyGear it’s all built in, everything works right out of the box, Muggler said. The SIM card installed works in 100 countries around the world. The watch syncs with your other devices, no matter what carrier you have.
Because it’s a kids watch, it’s durable, thick and rubberized, almost impossible to damage, and waterproof. It charges wirelessly. There are no connections, everything is sealed.
Another point of Muggler’s – the watch has unlimited data for just $15 a month. He keeps the cost down by eliminating things like video which uses a lot of bandwidth.
The Ultimate Cushion
John Ham and T.K. Chun came all the way from South Korea to demonstrate their product, which might be the most advanced mattress in history. Their company, SOLUID (solid plus fluid), makes cushions made up of cells.
When more pressure is applied to a certain area, it gives, sending the pressure throughout the rest of the cushion. It’s based on Pascal’s Principal, Chun said.
To demonstrate, they let you lie on a mattress with a tennis ball in the middle. On a regular mattress, you would be uncomfortable with the tennis ball jabbing you in the back. But on their mattress you barely feel the ball. The mattress gives, so it’s contoured to your body, so it’s ideal for a pregnant woman, Chun said.
World’s Safest Backpack
Gandharv Bakshi, CEO and co-founder of Lumos Design Technology, unveiled what he calls the world’s safest bicycle backpack at a presentation. The backpack looks like something from NASA. It has built-in turn signals, brake lights that go on when it senses deceleration, and crash-sensor alert.
Bakshi said his company designed the Aster backpack to solve the problem of bicycle safety and part of the proceeds go to bicycle coalitions and bike safety advocacy.
Show Up and Make Sure It Works
In one panel discussion, top executives from tech firms gave a few pointers. Some of the advice would apply to any business – things like paying attention to the little details, and not missing your appointment.
“You’re given time with Amazon, and you’re not there?” said one expert.
Another pointer was to make sure your invention works when you show it. Even the sharpest people in the high tech field mess things up. You’ll have the attention of a company like Google, and then…
“It just doesn’t work,” said Dan Feld, head of developer relations, strategy and VC programs at Google. “And they’ll say, ‘Oh, this never happens!’”
CAPTION: Yves Perrenoud explains the SkunkLock he invented at the Hardwarecon conference in San Leandro.
PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES
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New Plans for Marina: Move Inland
AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
Plans for the San Leandro Marina development have been changed, with construction forced inland by the state agency that controls development around the bay.
And the large office building that was to have been built at the marina is no longer in the plans, as the developer says there is currently no market for the office space.
The City Council got an update on the marina development on April 3 – the 78th public meeting on the shoreline, including workshops and meetings of the citizen’s advisory council.
It’s been nearly a decade since the City Council selected Cal-Coast to develop the marina. At this most recent meeting, Cal-Coast CEO Ed Miller said that at one point, he was worried that the marina development simply would not happen.
“Frankly, at the time, I was concerned there wasn't going to be a project,” said Miller.
The Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), the state regulatory agency with authority over the bay shoreline, has a standard that building construction must be safe for up to 65 inches of sea-level rise.
Miller told the council that it would cost up $22 million in order to comply, so instead of dealing with the BCDC’s regulations, Miller had a different idea – just move out of their jurisdiction.
The BCDC has the authority over water, so Miller’s new plan is to move construction inland and away from the basin.
That means that the proposed restaurant, hotel, and homes that have long been planned for the shoreline will all be at least 100 feet from the water and the harbor around the marina will be solely comprised of park land, a pedestrian promenade, a boat launch, plazas, and parking spots.
“BCDC did us a big favor as far as I’m concerned,” said Councilwoman Deborah Cox, who said the new plan provided park space that her constituents were worried about losing.
The BCDC has been a wrench in the works for the marina project before. In 2012, the BCDC killed Cal-Coast’s original plan to build a restaurant on stilts at the marina.
Miller’s new plan also does away with the 250,000-square-foot office building that had been in previous drafts of the shoreline plan, as Miller said that they don’t feel there will be interest from tenants for the office space for at least another five or six years.
“The market for the office isn’t quite there yet,” said Miller.
As in previous drafts of the shoreline plan, there are still plans to reconfigure the golf course and there is $2 million in next year’s city budget for the reconstruction of the Mulford-Marina branch of the library.
Miller also said they will build 150 single family homes east of Monarch Bay Drive, townhouses, and a large apartment complex of up to five stories near the southern end of the property.
Cal-Coast has a commitment from Hyatt for a 200 room hotel (half extended stay rooms) on the northern end of the marina, near where the El Torito restaurant is today. The El Torito will likely be gone when their lease expires in 2019, according to Deputy City Manager Eric Engelbart.
Also in that area, there will be a restaurant and banquet hall harkening back of the glory days of the Blue Dolphin – the city played up the nostalgia factor, displaying an old menu from the Blue Dolphin restaurant that listed a steak dinner at $3.
The Marina Inn and Horatio’s are staying, and Horatio’s management told Miller they may remodel to fit in with the area’s new look.
Miller said there will be parking all around the harbor, most prominently a two-deck parking complex with up to 1,000 spaces.
The City Council also gave Miller a wish list for amenities for the shoreline, including a dog park, roof-top bar, sundries shop, and butterfly sanctuary.
Five years ago at another shoreline update meeting, the city estimated that construction at the shoreline would begin in 2016. On Monday night, Miller told the council he thinks they’ll break ground in about nine months. That pleased the council, who all said they are eager to see the marina be transformed.
“We’ve never been that close,” said Mayor Pauline Cutter.
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Woman Killed by Car Downtown
AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
A San Leandro woman was struck and killed by a car as she crossed East 14th Street on the afternoon of March 31.
Helen Lally, 75, was walking in the crosswalk at the Juana Avenue intersection at around 5 p.m. when she was hit by a car driven by a 74-year-old woman, also a San Leandro resident, according to Lt. Robert McManus of the San Leandro police.
Lally was taken to the hospital by paramedics but died from her injuries shortly after arrival.
The driver was making a left turn when she struck Lally. Police have ruled out drugs or alcohol as a factor in the collision.
McManus said that the driver has been cooperative, but the police investigation remains open because no witnesses other than the driver have given the police an account of the collision.
The incident took place in daylight at one of the busiest intersections in downtown San Leandro. Police are looking for anyone who witnessed the collision or who has cell phone or security footage that may have captured the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Chris Albert at 577-3208.
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Eden Healthcare District to Stay in Operation
AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
The Eden Healthcare District (EHD) will not be dissolved, having won a narrow 3-2 vote from the Alameda County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) on Tuesday night.
The LAFCo is an agency with county-wide jurisdiction that regulates changes proposed by other public agencies. The LAFCo board voted to accept a study they had commissioned on EHD and also not to take any action to dissolve the district.
But they asked the county staff to look into a way to streamline the services EHD provides and possibly work in some way with the Alameda Health System.
“I don’t think the district warrants dissolution,” said LAFCo board member Nate Miley. “But I do think a sphere of influence review is warranted.”
The scrutiny of EHD began when Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan, State Assemblymen Rob Bonta, and the City Councils of both San Leandro and Hayward petitioned for the dissolution of EHD, saying its services are redundant.
They wanted EHD’s funds – including $31 million in real estate holdings – to be put into the county health system to shore up “safety net” hospitals including San Leandro Hospital and Highland Hospital.
At their prompting, as well as that of the Alameda County Grand Jury, LAFCo commissioned the study, which concluded that EHD provided a valuable service to the community, but could work more efficiently.
Response from the public – especially those in the unincorporated areas – has been soundly in favor of keeping EHD running as is, with many speakers stressing how important it is for the district to represent them, as they do not have the same representation or earmarked funds as cities.
“It’s insulting that (EHD) keeps having to justify itself,” said one woman who lives in the Fairview area.
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council went so far as to make a resolution to change the boundaries of the EHD to exclude San Leandro and Hayward and include only the unincorporated area – but that idea was dismissed by the LAFCo board.
In the end, two LAFCo members –Scott Haggerty and Sblend Sblendorio – voted against the motion to accept the EHD study and to not dissolve the district. They both said they didn’t want EHD’s cash to simply go to the county hospitals, but the district’s operations should be modified, not just discussed.
“I want to explore a more efficient way of delivering these services,” said Sblendorio. “But if dissolution means the money goes just to the hospitals, I won’t support that.”
LAFCo board member Ayn Wieskamp said that county and Eden staff need to come up with a solid plan that the LAFCo can support, since they both provide health services to Eden residents.
“I do believe the county could work more with Eden,” said Wieskamp. “You have the same goals.”
But LAFCO board member Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold was wary of some sort of merger with the county, saying she feared that involvement may make EHD’s operations more complicated, rather than less.
“The district is providing a service that may be diluted at the county level,” said Vonheeder-Leopold. “It always concerns me when a larger agency takes over because there is red tape.”
The results of the EHD’s upcoming discussions with the county will be presented to the LAFCo board, likely at its July meeting.
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City to Spend Extra $1 Million to Clean Streets
AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
The streets of San Leandro may look a little neater in the coming months, as last month the City Council unanimously approved spending $1 million over the next two years to create a program that will focus on fixing some daily annoyances around town.
The “Community Care Initiative” will divert funds to combat and clean up graffiti, broken sidewalks, and illegally dumped trash, among other blights, according to Jeff Kay, San Leandro’s assistant city manager.
Kay said that the $1 million will be well spent, as the physical appearance of the city is a top priority for many citizens, who are vocal when they see garbage or broken items.
“The Community Care Initiative is something different than what we’ve done and a bit unusual,” said Kay. “It really gets down to how our community looks.”
Kay recently told the City Council that the initiative will promote economic development, because the better the city looks, the more attractive it is to incoming businesses and residents, a problem he’s had when showing prospective businesses around town.
“There is no bigger problem than trying to convince a business owner to be here and seeing a broken window,” Kay said.
The project will be funded for the next two years, beginning on July 1 – the first day of the city’s fiscal year. If it proves successful, more money could be allotted in future budgets.
App Created to Notify City Hall
Kay says that if the city isn’t aware of an issue, they can’t fix it. So, a major factor in the initiative is having the public let the city know what’s bothering them.
To that end, the city crated the “MySL” app and website in January. You can download the application to your phone or visit the website (www.sanleandro.org).
People can take a picture of a pothole or patch of weeds and tell the city the location easily, or do it the old-fashioned way by just calling on the phone.
Since the MySL application was launched, there have been about 250 accounts created and over 1,000 requests for assistance. The most common complaints are debris on the streets, streetlights out, pothole repairs, abandoned shopping carts, and illegal parking, according to the city.
About 80 percent of those complaints have been successfully addressed, according to Kay.
“My hope is that six months from now, we’ll be able to drive around the community and see the improvements,” Kay said.
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New Tax District in the Works for East 14th
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
A new “community benefit” tax district is in the process of being created along the northern portion of the East 14th Street corridor.
The Alta Mira Community Benefit District (CBD) would consist of 39 commercially-zoned parcels with frontage along East 14th Street between San Leandro Creek north to Georgia Way, a few blocks from the Oakland city line.
Like the other CBD downtown, which calls itself the San Leandro Improvement Association (SLIA), the new CBD would be managed by New City America, a San-Diego based company which has created such districts all over the country.
A CBD is an area where property owners agree to an additional tax for services, such as sidewalk improvements and cleanup, security patrols, and public relations.
In January, the SLIA mailed surveys to property owners in the proposed district to gauge their interest. Marco LiMandri, New City America’s president, said they found there was interest and now they have sent out a petition to establish the district.
The votes are weighed based on the size of property owned and the amount of frontage on the street. If passed, the amount of the tax would also be weighed according to the size of the property.
If 30 percent of property owners respond positively to the survey by the end of April, a ballot will be sent off to property owners due by June.
And at that point, if a simple majority of the weighted votes are in favor of the district, it will go to the City Council for possible adoption at a public hearing tentatively scheduled for late June.
The City of San Leandro itself owns 27 percent of the land in the proposed district, including the police station and city offices, so it could almost single-handedly swing the vote on the petition. However, the city has decided not submit a response to the petition at this time.
“Unless the City Council were to provide alternative direction in the future, the city does not intend to respond positively or negatively to the petition,” said Eric Engelbart, the city’s deputy city manager. “In other words, the city intends to remain neutral on the proposal, which will allow the outcome of the ballot to be decided by the other property owners in the district.”
If passed, the district would collect about $90,000 in its first year of operation from taxpayers in the district. (The downtown SLIA collects around $400,000 a year.) Increases are expected annually, but can be no more than 3 percent per year, according the CBD’s management plan.
CAPTION: The proposed tax district would run from downtown northward along East 14th Street.
PHOTO BY AMY SYLVESTRI
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Randall Resigns from School Board
BY AMY SYLVESTRI • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
After more than two decades serving on the San Lorenzo School Board, Helen Randall has steeped down as a trustee for personal reasons. Her last meeting was in January.
Randall, 91, had been on the school board since 1994 and was most recently reelected as the at-large member in 2014. Her term was to have ended in 2018, but her health and the recent death of her long-term partner led to her resigning the board, according to Superintendent Fred Brill.
Brill said that Randall’s partner also acted as her caretaker, so she couldn’t fulfill her duties to the board after his death.
Randall worked as a secretary and union leader in the San Lorenzo district before retiring and joining the school board. Her colleagues said they will miss her and they unanimously passed a resolution in her honor at their March 21 meeting.
“I really enjoyed working with her,” said Penny Peck, the board’s president. “She didn’t talk a lot but when she did, everyone would stop and listen – they would know she had something important to say. She also had a really great sense of humor.”
The San Lorenzo School District recently solicited applications for people interested in filling the vacancy on the board left by Randall and have scheduled interviews with qualified candidates for Tuesday, April 11, at 6 p.m. at the district office, 15510 Usher St. in San Lorenzo.
The interviews will be conducted in an open session and the public will have a chance to comment to the board on the candidates. The board is expected to choose a new member at the meeting.
The board member who is appointed will serve the remainder of Randall’s 4-year term, until November 2018, and then can run for re-election.
CAPTION: Helen Randall left the San Lorenzo school board this year after serving for 23 years.
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Youth Summit Set for Saturday
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
A summit meeting for the young people of San Leandro will be held this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1395 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro.
“San Leandro Community Youth Summit: Empowering Our Youth and Celebrating Diversity” will feature an open discussion with Police Chief Tudor and San Leandro High School Principal Dr. Richardson, and many other civic leaders.
Admission is free for this event for those 14 and older.
According to event organizers, “The goal of this summit is to give youth a place where their voices can be heard in a safe and stimulating environment, help one another learn more about what is going on in our city as well as our nation, and help galvanize the youths’ purpose in their lives by providing mentors who can give them advice on various things whether it is regarding life, school, or business.”
Other panel members include:
Liz Valera- Executive Director of Building Futures
Maritza Gregory- Owner of Paradise Adolescent Group Home
Dr. Reginald Richardson- Principal of San Leandro High School
Dr. Ronald Richardson-Principal of San Leandro High School
Jeff Tudor-Chief of San Leandro Police Department
Dr. Ronnie Shepherd - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Adrienne Narcisse - Higher Education Consultants Association
Rev. Earl Crawford- Pastor, Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Abusheri Ohwofasa- Director of Community Relations at Golden State Warriors
Matthew Winn- San Leandro High Student
Aaron Brown-San Leandro High Student, Founder of KTY Innovations (Entrepreneur)
Chyna Kane-Ross- University of California Berkeley Student
Lieutenant Carol -Alameda County Sheriff Department
Jan Glenn-Davis - Deputy Chief (Ret.), BART PD
Surlene Grant- Chairperson of Unity in the Community
Pirates Battle in Stretch Drive for Playoff Spot
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
The San Leandro High baseball team scored 3 runs in the sixth inning but it wasn’t enough to bounce back in a 9-3 loss at Alameda on Friday afternoon.
Alameda starting pitcher Tristen Wiley held the Pirates in check through most of the game. San Leandro is now 5-5 this season in the East Bay Athletic League.
San Leandro won both its games the previous week, beating San Lorenzo, 12-6, and Mt. Eden 1-0.
CAPTION: Hector Abarca entered the game in relief in the fourth inning for San Leandro High on Friday.
PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES
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San Leandro High Tennis Team Shuts Out Encinal, 7-0
BY JIM KNOWLES • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 03-30-17
The San Leandro High boys tennis team beat Encinal, 7-0, last Thursday in the middle of the team’s best season in years.
San Leandro is on a winning streak, beating Alameda and Arroyo the previous week.
All the Pirates singles players and doubles teams won on Thursday, but the No. 1 doubles duo just about didn’t keep the shutout going.
John Cristobal and Ghyle Negril took the first set, 6-0, against Rich Owens and Sam Brodnitz of Encinal. But in the second set, Encinal gave them a run for their money, before the Pirates team came back to eke out a 7-6 set score to win the match.
“We need to step up,” Cristobal said after the match. “We got too comfortable and lost our focus.”
Cristobal said teamwork was another factor.
“I was going after every ball,” Cristobal said. “I had to let him take the shots he could.”
Negril said they started playing better as a team by trusting each other to get the shot if one of them couldn’t reach the ball.
“He comes though,” Negril said. “If a shot goes by me (at the net), he saves it.”
In the No. 2 doubles match, Diego Mejia and Miguel Reyes of San Leandro beat Christian Collins and Ethan Filkins 6-2, 6-0.
In No. 3 doubles, Wauson Liang and Sonny Lew of San Leandro beat Tristan Hilarip and Jacob Levine 6-2, 6-1.
San Leandro also swept the singles matches. In the No. 1 singles match, Jefferson Lei of San Leandro beat Lam Tran 6-1, 6-0. In No. 2 singles, Ben Duong of San Leandro beat Yael Munoz 6-1, 6-2.
In No. 3 singles, Yuyi Cai of San Leandro beat Theo Wismar 6-3, 6-2. And in No. 4 singles, Wesley Tat of San Leandro beat Dayne McDaniel 6-1, 6-0.
The win gave San Leandro a 5-2 league record, first place in the Shoreline Division of the West Alameda County Conference (WACC).
A lot of seniors are on the team this year who have played for the Pirates for four years.
“The players are looking forward to going to the playoffs,” said San Leandro tennis coach Lisa Maral.
CAPTION: San Leandro No. 1 doubles player Ghyle Nebril returns a shot against Encinal on Thursday. Nebril and teammate John Cristobal went to a tie-breaker in the second set but held on to win their match.
PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES
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Romero Throws 1-Hitter in Arroyo Win Over Encinal
BY JIM KNOWLES • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 03-23-17
Arroyo starting pitcher Josh Romero threw a 1-hitter – with Alex Vallejo in relief – at home against Encinal last Friday to pave the way for an 8-0 win.
Romero worked six innings with Bryan Rosario behind the plate to hold the Jets in check.
Rosario also contributed at the plate. He went 4-for-4 – three singles and a double – with three RBIs and three runs scored.
So both pitcher and catcher had their best game of the season so far.
“I just tried to not be too aggressive at the plate today,” Rosario said after the game. “Just wait for a pitch in the strike zone, be more selective.”
The Dons biggest inning came in the third with 3 runs after Rosario led off with a double, followed by Romero who got on base on an error. Then Josh Tanguma – who went 2-for-3 – stepped up and lined a single to left to load the bases.
Adrian Padilla walked to bring in a run, and Jordan Perkins hit a fly to center to score Tanguma. Padilla rounded third and tried to score on the play, too, but was tagged out at home by Encinal catcher George Chabre.
In the top of the fourth, the Jets got two runners on base – one on an error and then Osiris Johnson hit a single, the Jets only hit of the day. With a runner at third, Johnson stole second to put runners at second and third. But Romero got out of the jam, ending the inning with a ground ball out.
Alex Vallejo pitched the seventh in relief of Romero and set down the Jets in order.
Arroyo improved to 2-0 in league play, and 4-2-1 overall this season.
“We had a tough non-league schedule and that prepared us for league play,” said Arroyo head coach Eric Anderson. “We’ve been clicking the last few games.”
Arroyo will host Hayward this Friday at 4 p.m.
CAPTION: Josh Romero threw six innings and gave up only one hit and a walk, while striking out six Encinal batters.
PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES
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Dahlia Lovers to Meet at Root Park on Saturday
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
For spectacular summer color, it’s time to plant dahlia tubers or cuttings (small plants). The San Leandro Dahlia Society is sponsoring its annual Dahlia Tuber and Cutting Sale this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Root Park, 1033 East14th St. in San Leandro.
Dahlias come in many sizes, shapes, and colors (except blue) - try different ones. Many dahlia lovers will be there to answer your questions or give information about planting.
For more information, go to sanleandrodahliasociety.org.
CAPTION: Dahlias come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 04-27-17
San Leandro Adult School Open House
San Leandro Adult School, 1448 Williams St., invites the community to learn about its transition services, which includes assistance with education, employment and personal support services. Come to the open house on Thursday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m.
Democratic Club Meeting
The next meeting of the Democratic Club is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, Trustee room, 300 Estudillo Ave. The guest speaker this month is Ms. Francine Williams board member of the Affordable Housing Assoc. and member of the East Bay Housing Organ and Residents United Network.
SOS Meals on Wheels Fundraiser
Join SOS Meals on Wheels 4th Annual Boutique Fundraiser at the Hill and Valley Women’s Club, 1808 “B” St. in Hayward, on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re not a shopper, come enjoy the food prepared by the chef - eat there or take some home. Great handmade items and a pick-your-prize raffle. Help Meals on Wheels serve the average 1,100 meals per day to seniors in Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward and Oakland. For more information, call Gerry at 483-8156 or if you would just like to donate send your donations to SOS Meals on Wheels, 2235 Polvorosa #260, San Leandro 94577.
Dahlia Tuber and Cutting Sale
The San Leandro Dahlia Society is sponsoring their Annual Dahlia Tuber and Cutting Sale on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Root Park, 1033 East14th St. in San Leandro. For spectacular summer color, it’s time to plant dahlia tubers or cuttings. Many dahlia lovers will be there to answer your questions or give information about planting. For more information, go to sanleandrodahliasociety.org.
Children’s Day/ Book Day at SL Library
Celebrate Día /Celebremos Día on Saturday, April 29, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. At 11:30 a.m. the Ka-Hon Ensemble will perform and share rhythms from around the world that can be played with a simple wooden box (Cajon). Following the musical performance, families can create their own musical instruments. All families attending will receive a free book. This event is free and open to families with children of all ages. For more information, call 577-3960.
Garden Talk at SL Main Library
Pam Peirce columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, lecturer at City College of San Francisco and author of Golden Gate Gardening, will give a talk on gardening on Saturday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Castro Valley
Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave in Castro Valley. The talk is free and there is free parking in the library parking lot. For more information, call Lou Astbury at (925)-417-5957 or lou.astbury.com.
3K Color Run Fundraiser
John Muir Middle School PTSO is hosting Color Run to raise funds for the school and promote fitness on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration opens at 10 a.m.) at Marina Park, 13801 Monarch Bay Drive in San Leandro. Color Run is a 3K (1.8 miles) where participants run/walk/dance through the course and get color-blasted in safe, eco-friendly, plant-based powdered dye at every zone, turning them into a moving target of fun. After the race, participants jam out to music at the after-blast party. Advance registration is $25, registration at the event is $30. To register, plus a T-shirt and color pack, visit https://squareup.com/store/JMMS-PTSO. For more information, call contact Regina Chennault 456-5860 or email leadership@john-muir-ptso.net.
WHOA May Meeting
The Washington Homeowners and Residents Association will hold its May general meeting, on Tuesday, May 2, from 6 to 7:45 p. m. in the Manor Branch Library community room. The guest speaker will be San Leandro Chief of Police Jeff Tudor. Be a part of the plans for this summers Hot August Day to Night Festival on Saturday, Aug. 19. If you have questions related to Washington Manor that you would like to discuss, forward them to Marti Lantz at volunteermarti@pacbell.net.
Meeting of Ohlone Audubon Society
The Ohlone Audubon Society will discuss the management plan for the Salton Sea at its meeting on Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the San Leandro Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Speaker Andrea Jones is the director of bird conservation for Audubon California, which is securing a home for birds at the Salton Sea. Admission is free and refreshments served. For more information go to the website www.ohloneaudubon.org.
Parkinson’s Support Group
The San Leandro Parkinson’s Support Group will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 4, at 10 a.m. at th San Lorenzo Community Church, 945 Paseo Grande in San Lorenzo. Physical therapist Prity Chitale will be the speaker. For more information, call Lona White at 276-3119.
Meeting of the SL Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of San Leandro’s community grant application is now open through May 5. Grant guidelines and an application can be found at www.sanleandrorotary.org under Community Grant Documents.
Cinco de Mayo Film at SL History Museum
San Leandro History Museum, 320 W. Estudillo Ave., will screen Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla, a film telling the true story of why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, on Saturday, May 6, at 11:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Admission is free. The film is rated R for the violence of the battle scenes. In Spanish with English subtitles.
I.D.E.S. of Saint John Lunch & Bingo
I.D.E.S. of Saint John, 1670 Orchard Ave. in San Leandro, will have a Spaghetti Lunch & Bingo on Saturday, May 6, at noon. Lunch is $10 per person and includes three bingo cards, extra cards are 25 cents apiece. Please bring canned food for the food drive. For more information, call Willie Calvo at 635-6326 or Helder Quadros at 357-5846.
70th Annual Spring Rose Show
Visit the East Bay Rose Society’s 70th Annual Spring Rose Show on Sunday, May 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave. in Oakland. Admission is free. The East Bay Rose Society also welcomes the public to its meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Park Garden Center. For more information visit www.eastbayroses.org or call Barbara at 525-4057.
Japanese Garden and Hayward Senior Center
One Enchanted Evening, a gourmet dinner, theatrical performances, live music, dancing and a silent auction, will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 6 p.m. at the Japanese Garden and Hayward Senior Center on N. 3rd St. in Hayward to raise funds for the Douglas Morrisson Theatre. Purchase tickets at www.dmtonline.org or by calling 510-881-6777.
Chanticleers Theatre
Wait Until Dark runs through April 30 at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley. The play is a slow burn that builds in menace until the gripping climactic confrontation, authored by Frederick Knott, who also penned Dial “M” for Murder. General admission is $25; admission for seniors (60+), students and military is $20. For more information or tickets, call SEE-LIVE 733-5483 or go to chanticleers.org.
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Local Author Andrew Roberts Wins Future Writers Contest
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
San Lorenzo resident Andrew Roberts is one of the winners in the Writers of the Future contest.
Roberts was chosen from a group of eight finalists making him a quarterly winner in the contest. He has also earned a cash prize, a trip to Hollywood for a week-long intensive professional workshop, a gala awards ceremony, as well as having his winning short story published in the annual, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 33.”
The contest enjoys a favorable reputation in the science fiction community, although its connection with the Church of Scientology has caused some controversy.
Roberts is mainly a fantasy writer, who also enjoys magical realism, science fiction, and epic verse.
His writing influences include Ursula K. Le Guin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Kawabata Yasunari, Robertson Davies and Dylan Thomas. His current book project is a supernatural piece set in seventeenth century Japan.
He and his wife, Kazue, live in a modest suburban house surrounded by musical instruments and stacks of books. They have a small, talking dog and a black cat named Miyako. Japan is his second home.
CAPTION: Author Andrew Roberts is a resident of San Lorenzo.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 04-20-17
Opera at the San Leandro Main Library
The San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave., will offer two free opera programs for families on Friday, April 21. At 11 a.m., children ages 7 and up can participate in a “Sing-A-Story” Workshop, where a professional opera singer engages children in the telling of the fairytale Cinderella using props and costumes, and encouraging everyone to sing along. Registration is required; please call 577-3960. At 1 p.m. there will be a free movie screening of the San Francisco Opera’s Cinderella for Families. The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles and is recommended for ages 7 and up. The screening includes a live introduction by a teaching artist from the San Francisco Opera. Seating for the movie is first-come, first-served. For more information, call 577-3960.
San Leandro Garden Club
The San Leandro Garden Club will have its annual spring fundraiser on Saturday, April 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the San Leandro Senior Center, 13909 East 14th St. in San Leandro. Lunch will be served at noon. There will be a pick-your-prize, previously loved treasures and jewelry, a plant table with a wide selection of plants, as well as the delicious salads. For tickets or more information, call Sharon at 785-2057.
Aswat Women’s Choir at SL Library
In celebration of Arab American Month, the San Leandro Public Library presents the Aswat Women’s Choir on Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m. at the Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Admission is free. Aswat is an ensemble for classical and folk Arabic music. It performs Muwashahat (Arabic poetry, sung in the tradition of Andalusia, Spain) as well as traditional and contemporary songs from the Arab World, and has made appearances in numerous colleges, universities, festivals and conferences in the Bay Area. The group consists of 20 singers and musicians from different parts of the world.
Fundraiser at Cafe Bethel
Cafe Bethel at Bethel Community Presbyterian Church, 14235 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro, will have its annual fundraiser for the April Showers program on Saturday, April 22, at 5 p.m. with music by the bands Purple Smoke and Circle Soul, plus The Gnarly Men, the Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, and more. The April Showers program provides showers and clean clothing to local homeless people on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month. Suggested donation to the fundraiser is $10 and a pair of new athletic socks.
Big Band Spring Concert
The Arts Council of San Leandro and the San Leandro Public Library will present a free spring concert by What’s up Big Band on Sunday, April 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Hear classic big band music including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Harry James, Bunny Berigan and more. What’s Up Big Band, dedicated to keeping alive swing era music, performs at American Legion halls, libraries, community events, and weddings all around the East Bay.
SL Multi-Cultural Celebration
San Leandro High School presents a Multi-Cultural Celebration on Wednesday, April 26, at the school’s Performing Arts Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave. A food fair begins in the lobby at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Come and taste food from around the world, and then see a variety show of dancing, poetry, music and skits. Student clubs performing will include Latinos Unidos, the Filipino Club, the African American Student Council, plus a performance by Ballet Folklorico. Tickets are $4.
San Leandro Art Association
Paintings and various art works by members of the San Leandro Art Association will be on display during regular library hours through April 28 at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave.
Sea Scout Ship Open House
The Sea Scout ship Makai will host an open house on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ballena Isle Marina, 1150 Ballena Blvd., in Alameda. Tour the 65-foot power boat Makai and the 49-foot sailboat Sequoia and talk to the crew and leaders. Enjoy free food and beverages and take a cruise on one of the boats. The Sea Scouts program is for both boys and girls, age 13 and up. Young people who are interested can come and find out more about the program.
San Leandro Toastmasters
The San Leandro Toastmasters meet on Thursday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The group fosters improved communication and public speaking. All levels of speakers from novice to seasoned are welcome.
SOS Meals on Wheels Fundraiser
Join SOS Meals on Wheels 4th Annual Boutique Fundraiser at the Hill and Valley Women’s Club, 1808 “B” St. in Hayward, on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re not a shopper, come enjoy the food prepared by the chef - eat there or take some home. Great handmade items and a pick-your-prize raffle. Help Meals on Wheels serve the average 1,100 meals per day to seniors in Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward and Oakland. For more information, call Gerry at 483-8156 or if you would just like to donate send your donations to SOS Meals on Wheels, 2235 Polvorosa #260, San Leandro 94577.
Dahlia Tuber and Cutting Sale
The San Leandro Dahlia Society is sponsoring their Annual Dahlia Tuber and Cutting Sale on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Root Park, 1033 East14th St. in San Leandro. For spectacular summer color, it’s time to plant dahlia tubers or cuttings. Many dahlia lovers will be there to answer your questions or give information about planting. For more information, go to sanleandrodahliasociety.org.
3K Color Run Fundraiser
John Muir Middle School PTSO is hosting Color Run to raise funds for the school and promote fitness on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration opens at 10 a.m.) at Marina Park, 13801 Monarch Bay Drive in San Leandro. Color Run is a 3K (1.8 miles) where participants run/walk/dance through the course and get color-blasted in safe, eco-friendly, plant-based powdered dye at every zone, turning them into a moving target of fun. After the race, participants jam out to music at the after-blast party. Advance registration is $25, registration at the event is $30. To register, plus a T-shirt and color pack, visit https://squareup.com/store/JMMS-PTSO. For more information, call contact Regina Chennault 456-5860 or email leadership@john-muir-ptso.net
San Leandro Main Library Activated Story Theatre
The San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave., is hosting the nationally touring Act!vated Story Theatre, on Wednesday, April 26, at 7 p.m., who will perform two popular tales, The Gingerbread Man and The Tortoise and the Hare. All ages will enjoy this free Family Fun Night. At 6:30 p.m., the performers will be hosting an acting workshop for kids ages 6 and up. The workshops are limited to the first 12 participants, who will be cast as “guest stars” in the show, dress in a costume and perform a scene on stage. To participate in the free pre-show workshop, please line up outside the Estudillo room by 6:25pm. For more information, call 577-3960.
Morrisson Theatre
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward, presents Side by Side by Sondheim, a musical revue featuring the earlier songs of one of the greatest composers of American musical theatre. The musical runs through April 23 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29 with discounts available for seniors, under 30s, students and groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call the box office at 881-6777 or visit the website: www.dmtonline.org. DMT’s production of “Side by Side by Sondheim,” is directed by Michael Ryken, with music direction by Dean Starnes, and features a talented ensemble of Bay Area performers: Tielle Baker, Brian Couch, Christine Macomber and Jenny Matteucci.
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Aswat Women’s Choir Coming to the Main Library Next Week
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
In celebration of Arab American Month, the San Leandro Public Library presents the Aswat Women’s Choir on Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m. at the Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Admission is free.
Aswat is an ensemble for classical and folk Arabic music. It performs Muwashahat (Arabic poetry, sung in the tradition of Andalusia, Spain) as well as traditional and contemporary songs from the Arab World.
Aswat has achieved a professional level of competence and has made appearances in numerous colleges, universities, festivals and conferences in the Bay Area.
The group consists of 20 singers and musicians from different parts of the world and welcomes anyone who is interested or even curious about Arabic music. Aswat is part of Zawaya, a non-profit forum that provides instruction and presentations of all aspects of the Arabic culture.
For more information, call the Main Library at 577-3971.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 04-13-17
Open House for Redwood 4-H Club
Come see what 4-H is all about at the open house information night Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at Canyon Middle School, 19600 Cull Canyon Road in Castro Valley. Besides animal projects (swine, horse, sheep, poultry), there will be needle works, archery, fishing, dog training and a few more. The program has taught responsibility, organization and leadership for over 100 years. Other opportunities include involvement for the whole family, lifelong friendships, weekend retreats about government and leadership, summer camp, teamwork, public speaking, county fair showings, and volunteerism. For more information, call Karen at 566-3672
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
All are welcome to an Ecumenical Good Friday Service on Friday, April 14, at noon. The gathering will be hosted this year at All Saints Episcopal Church, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro. This service will include familiar hymns and reflections on Christ’s “Seven Last Words” by clergy from different congregations throughout San Leandro as well as from the CEO of Davis Street (www.davisstreet.org), Rose Padilla Johnson. A special collection will be taken to support Davis Street’s services to low income residents of our community.
Easter Services at All Saints Episcopal Church
All Saints Episcopal Church, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro, will hold its first of three Easter Services on Saturday, April 15, at 7 p.m. The Great Easter Vigil beginning on Saturday evening evokes fire, water, spirit, and incense in a dramatic celebration of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. The church will also hold Easter Sunday services on April 16, at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at All Saints. For more information, visit the website at www.saintsalive.net.
Egg Hunt at The Casa
The San Leandro Improvement Association (SLIA) will host an “Egg Hunt at The Casa” on Saturday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the grounds of Casa Peralta, 384 W. Estudillo Ave. The family-friendly event will feature two egg hunts, face painting, music, story time, family friendly activities and a petting zoo with chicks and bunnies for the kids and adults to play with. The egg hunt for kids 3 and under will be at 11:15 a.m.; and for kids 4 and up at 11:45 a.m. Kids can bring a basket for the egg hunt. The event is hosted by both the SLIA and the Community Impact Lab (CIL), a non-profit organization focused on empowering women and families to do good, learn, and build strong communities.
East Bay Rose Society
Learn how to do show stopping displays of roses for home or exhibition at the East Bay Rose Society’s meeting on Wednesday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave. in Oakland. You can make a display that will showcase the beauty of your roses with a bouquet, a bowl, or even a teacup. There will be demonstrations and how-to tips by EBRS members and consulting rosarians. Enjoy snacks, meet people who talk roses and enjoy the show. For more information, go to www.eastbayroses.org.
San Leandro Garden Club
San Leandro Garden Club will have its annual spring fundraiser on Saturday, April 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the San Leandro Senior Center, 13909 East 14th St. in San Leandro. Lunch will be served at noon. There will be a pick-your-prize, previously loved treasures and jewelry, a plant table with a wide selection of plants, as well as the delicious salads. For tickets or more information, call Sharon at 785-2057.
Fundraiser at Cafe Bethel
Cafe Bethel at Bethel Community Presbyterian Church, 14235 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro, will have its annual fundraiser for the April Showers program on Saturday, April 22, at 5 p.m. with music by the bands Purple Smoke and Circle Soul, plus The Gnarly Men, the Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, and more. The April Showers program provides showers and clean clothing to local homeless people on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month. Suggested donation to the fundraiser is $10 and a pair of new athletic socks.
SL Multi-Cultural Celebration
San Leandro High School presents a Multi-Cultural Celebration on Wednesday, April 26, at the school’s Performing Arts Center, 2250 Bancroft Ave. A food fair begins in the lobby at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Come and taste food from around the world, and then see a variety show of dancing, poetry, music and skits. Student clubs performing will include Latinos Unidos, the Filipino Club, the African American Student Council, plus a performance by Ballet Folklorico. Tickets are $4.
Chinese Calligraphy on Display
Chinese calligraphy, brush painting, mixed media and craft - the work of art students of MERC Hayward Chinese School is on display through April 26, at The Alameda County Law Library, 125 12th St. in Oakland. The Law Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3K Color Run Fundraiser
John Muir Middle School PTSO is hosting Color Run to raise funds for the school and promote fitness on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration opens at 10 a.m.) at Marina Park, 13801 Monarch Bay Drive in San Leandro. Color Run is a 3K (1.8 miles) where participants run/walk/dance through the course and get color-blasted in safe, eco-friendly, plant-based powdered dye at every zone, turning them into a moving target of fun. After the race, participants jam out to music at the after-blast party. Advance registration is $25, registration at the event is $30. To register, plus a T-shirt and color pack, visit https://squareup.com/store/JMMS-PTSO. For more information, call contact Regina Chennault 456-5860 or email leadership@john-muir-ptso.net
San Leandro Art Association
Paintings and various art works by members of the San Leandro Art Association will be on display during regular library hours through April 28 at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave.
San Leandro Toastmasters
The San Leandro Toastmasters meet on Thursday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The group fosters improved communication and public speaking. All levels of speakers from novice to seasoned are welcome.
Chanticleers Theatre
Wait Until Dark runs through April 30 at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley. The play is a slow burn that builds in menace until the gripping climactic confrontation, authored by Frederick Knott, who also penned Dial “M” for Murder. General admission is $25; admission for seniors (60+), students and military is $20. For more information or tickets, call SEE-LIVE 733-5483 or go to chanticleers.org.
Morrisson Theatre
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward, presents Side by Side by Sondheim, a musical revue featuring the earlier songs of one of the greatest composers of American musical theatre. The musical opened on Friday, April 7, and runs through April 23 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29 with discounts available for seniors, under 30s, students and groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call the box office at 881-6777 or visit the website: www.dmtonline.org. DMT’s production of “Side by Side by Sondheim,” is directed by Michael Ryken, with music direction by Dean Starnes, and features a talented ensemble of Bay Area performers: Tielle Baker, Brian Couch, Christine Macomber and Jenny Matteucci.
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Haitian Dancers to Perform Friday
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
The San Leandro Public Library will present a family oriented “Night in Haiti” this Friday, April 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, free and open to adults and children.
Rara Tou Limen Haitian Dance Company will present a program of drumming and dance followed by an interactive dance experience and art activities.
Rara Tou Limen is an Oakland-based dance company founded and directed by Portsha Jefferson. The company has been operating in Oakland for 13 years, and is dedicated to showcasing the best of dance and music, which carries in it the stories of the struggles of the first Black Republic in the world.
They have been educating the community with performances, weekly dance classes, annual white parties and participation in local festivals as well as cultural institutions. The dance company is made up of dances, singers and drummers. The evening will include art activities for adults and kids that are reflective of the Haitian culture.
An RSVP is not required, but is appreciated. Call 577-3991 or email asilveira@sanleandro.org. For more information, call 577-3991.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 04-06-17
Friends of San Leandro Creek Workshop
The San Leandro Creek Erosion Control Workshop has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at Root Park in San Leandro. At 10:30 a.m., Ohlone Elder Ruth Orta will give a short history of the Ohlone People of the East Bay, and bless the work on the creek. Free food, drinks, tools, and gloves will be provided. Please wear sturdy boots and clothes in layers that you won’t mind getting dirty. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call or email Susan Levenson Watershed Awareness Coordinator Friends of San Leandro Creek at 577-6069 or Slevenson@sanleandro.org.
Little Free Library Open Houses
You’re invited to a self-guided tour of Little Free Library Open Houses hosted at Little Free Libraries throughout San Leandro, on Saturday, April 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tour the town, have a look, take or leave a book. Meet many of the Little Free Library stewards who will be on hand as the hosts as you visit San Leandro’s miniature houses, bookcases, and other curbside cubbies filled with books. A map can be found online at https://binged.it/2nbsMgE . Facebook group: San Leandro Little Free Library. Email questions to the Stewards’ Coordinator local contact at SLLittleFreeLibrary@gmail.com.
Hearing Loss Association Meeting
The next meeting of the Hearing Loss Association will be on Saturday, April 8, at the Oakland Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Fabiola Bldg., 3801 Howe St., lower level, room G26. Refreshments start at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10 a.m. Dr. Matthew Fitzgerald Chief of Audiology at Stanford Medical Center will have updates on Cochlear Implants, and Dr. Patricia Cross will be honored as the most generous donor. Free parking on Saturday in the garage across Howe St. For more information, email athos.artist@att.net or call Kay at 886-4717.
Light the Night Art Gala
Interact District 5170 Area 2 will host an Art Gala: Light the Night on Saturday, April 8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the San Leandro Boys and Girls’ Club, 401 Marina Blvd. in San Leandro. See all the talent that the youth of the San Leandro area has to offer and to donate to Interact’s International Project, “Me the Human.” All proceeds go toward the International Project to provide aid and relief to the victims of the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
St. Gerard Women’s Club Bake Sale
The members of the St. Gerard Women’s Club of St. John’s Church will have its annual Easter bake sale and raffle on Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9, starting after the Saturday 4:30 p.m. Mass at 264 East Lewelling Blvd. in San Lorenzo. There will be a continental breakfast offered after all the Masses on Sunday, April 9. It is a great weekend celebration with lots of baked goods, raffle prizes and trinkets & treasures booth with all the proceeds from the weekend going to St. John’s Church. For more information, call co-chairs: Rita Ewing at 278-1283 or Raquel Mallari 877-8159.
Watercolor Demonstration
Well known watercolor artist, Carolyn Lord will demonstrate watercolor painting at the next meeting of the San Leandro Art Association on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Carolyn Lord is a signature member of both the National Watercolor Society and the California Art Club. To see examples of her work go to www.carolynlord.com.
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
All are welcome to an Ecumenical Good Friday Service on Friday, April 14, at noon. The gathering will be hosted this year at All Saints Episcopal Church, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro. This service will include familiar hymns and reflections on Christ’s “Seven Last Words” by clergy from different congregations throughout San Leandro as well as from the CEO of Davis Street (www.davisstreet.org), Rose Padilla Johnson. A special collection will be taken to support Davis Street’s services to low income residents of our community.
East Bay Rose Society
Learn how to do show stopping displays of roses for home or exhibition at the East Bay Rose Society’s meeting on Wednesday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave. in Oakland. You can make a display that will showcase the beauty of your roses with a bouquet, a bowl, or even a teacup. There will be demonstrations and how-to tips by EBRS members and consulting rosarians. Enjoy snacks, meet people who talk roses and enjoy the show. For more information, go to www.eastbayroses.org.
San Leandro Garden Club
San Leandro Garden Club will have its annual spring fundraiser on Saturday, April 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the San Leandro Senior Center, 13909 East 14th St. in San Leandro. Lunch will be served at noon. There will be a pick-your-prize, previously loved treasures and jewelry, a plant table with a wide selection of plants, as well as the delicious salads. For tickets or more information, call Sharon at 785-2057.
3K Color Run Fundraiser
John Muir Middle School PTSO is hosting Color Run to raise funds for the school and promote fitness on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration opens at 10 a.m.) at Marina Park, 13801 Monarch Bay Drive in San Leandro. Color Run is a 3K (1.8 miles) where participants run/walk/dance through the course and get color-blasted in safe, eco-friendly, plant-based powdered dye at every zone, turning them into a moving target of fun. After the race, participants jam out to music at the after-blast party. Advance registration is $25, registration at the event is $30. To register, plus a T-shirt and color pack, visit https://squareup.com/store/JMMS-PTSO. For more information, call contact Regina Chennault 456-5860 or email leadership@john-muir-ptso.net
Sons In Retirement Meetings
SIRs, an organization of retired men, meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The group meets at the Wedgewood Center at the Metropolitan Golf Links, 10051 Doolittle Dr. in Oakland. Happy Hour starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Great guest speakers. Guests are welcome. Come and meet new friends. For more information, call Mel at 357-0601.
San Leandro Toastmasters
The San Leandro Toastmasters meet on Thursday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The group fosters improved communication and public speaking. All levels of speakers from novice to seasoned are welcome.
Chanticleers Theatre
Wait Until Dark opens on Friday, April 7, and runs through April 30 at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley. The play is a slow burn that builds in menace until the gripping climactic confrontation, authored by Frederick Knott, who also penned Dial “M” for Murder. General admission is $25; admission for seniors (60+), students and military is $20. For more information or tickets, call SEE-LIVE (733-5483) or go to chanticleers.org.
The Maltese Bodkin at San Leandro Museum
The San Leandro Players present The Maltese Bodkin on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 9, and Fridays to April 7, at the San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, 320 West Estudillo Ave., in San Leandro. Written by David Belke and directed by Sage Hindley the play follows the intrepid gumshoe as he solves the mystery of the deadly bodkin amid savory and unsavory characters from the realm of Shakespeare. Tickets are $20, or $15 for seniors, TBA members, under 12 and students. For more information or reservations, call 895-2573. Order tickets online at www.slplayers.org.
Morrisson Theatre
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward, presents Side by Side by Sondheim, a musical revue featuring the earlier songs of one of the greatest composers of American musical theatre. The musical opens on Friday, April 7, and runs through April 23 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $29 with discounts available for seniors, under 30s, students and groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call the box office at 881-6777 or visit the website: www.dmtonline.org. DMT’s production of “Side by Side by Sondheim,” is directed by Michael Ryken, with music direction by Dean Starnes, and features a talented ensemble of Bay Area performers: Tielle Baker, Brian Couch, Christine Macomber and Jenny Matteucci.
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Up to 60 Teens Mob BART Train, Passengers Hit and Robbed
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
A mob of up to 60 young people rushed a BART train at the Coliseum station, robbing and hitting passengers Saturday night. BART officials said it appears that the youths came together from another event in the area.
The train, which was traveling east-bound on the Dublin/Pleasanton line, was boarded by the teens as it sat on the platform just before 9:30 p.m., according to BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost.
The teens jumped the fare gates and ran up to the platform, where some boarded the stopped train. Six people on board and one on the platform were robbed of bags and cellphones.
Some of the victims were hit and punched, but no weapons were seen.
The attack lasted just seconds and the youths fled the scene, running into surrounding neighborhoods. BART police were near the station in the parking lot, but did not arrive in time to apprehend the suspects.
So far, no arrests have been made and no descriptions of the suspects have been made public. BART police said all the suspects appear to be minors.
Trost said security footage of the suspects is being shared with law enforcement and local school districts in the hopes of identifying the suspects, but that the footage will not be released to the public because of the age of the suspects.
BART authorities say they will also be increasing patrols at stations.
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Police K9 Rohan is a Winner
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
Earlier this month, police dog Rohan and Officer Dennis Mally participated in the Travis Air Force Base K-9 Trials. Rohan and Mally took fourth place in building search, second place in area search for a suspect, first place in agility, second place in obedience, and came in third place in the overall competition.
CAPTION: San Leandro police dog Rohan recently took third place overall in a competition at Travis Air Force Base.
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Man Convicted of Lewd Acts
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
An Oakland man has been found guilty of three felony counts of lewd and lascivious behavior against two young boys, after an assault prosecutors say took place at Lake Chabot.
Henery L. Camphor, Jr. was arrested in July of 2014 for committing act upon a child, willful violation of the offenders’ registry, special allegation of being a habitual sexual offender, according to county records.
Earlier this month a jury found Camphor guilty of the crimes against victims identified only as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, according to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office.
The prosecutors say that Camphor, 49, spent months doing favors for, and spending time with, the family of the two victims, who were 8 and 9-years-old at the time and are cousins.
Camphor then took the victims camping at Lake Chabot and had sexual contact with them in the middle of the night.
Camphor is currently being held at the Glenn Dyer Jail in Oakland scheduled to be sentenced at the Rene Davidson Courthouse in Oakland on May 19.
Because Camphor has a prior conviction for sexual assault, Camphor faces a possible life sentence in state prison.
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Man Hides From Police Near Bayfair
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
A 25-year-old Oakland man was arrested for trespassing after Bayfair mall security tried to oust him last Saturday just before 2 p.m.
The man was known to have stolen from the mall in the past and security guards told him to leave. He would not, and instead hid in a restroom, according to Lt. Isaac Benabou of the SLPD.
Police arrived and tried to speak with the man, but he wouldn’t talk. He then ran off into a residential area. Eventually, San Leandro police and sheriff’s deputies located him near the Denny’s on Freedom Avenue.
Sheriff’s deputies believed he matched the description of a suspect in a robbery that took place the day before, but they could not substantiate the claim.
The man was taken into custody on suspicion of trespassing and resisting arrest.
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Over $2 Million in Cash and Pot Found Following Traffic Stop
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
A traffic stop lead to the discovery of more than $1 million in marijuana and $1million more in cash last Saturday in Castro Valley.
A California Highway Patrol officer tried to pullover the driver of a van on I-580 for a cell phone violation, when a sedan cut off the officer to create a distraction so the van’s driver could get away, according to Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
Both vehicles tried to flee the scene but were apprehended. Inside the van, officers found 200 pounds of marijuana and they also found eight pounds of pot in the sedan.
The two drivers were arrested on drug charges.
The discovery of the marijuana began an investigation which led to a search of some storage units in Alameda.
The sheriff’s department, using a police dog, searched the units and found an additional 100 pounds of marijuana and a suitcase filled with $1 million.
PHOTO COURTESY ACSO
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San Leandro Physician’s Assistant Arrested in Federal Pill Case
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
A San Leandro physician’s assistant is facing federal charges for allegedly illegally distributing pain medication.
According to court records, a confidential informant who had been busted on another drug charge by the DEA wore a wire to catch the man, who now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $1 million fine.
The physician’s assistant, who worked at an doctor’s office specializing in anesthesiology and pain management on the 15000 block of East 14th Street, allegedly electronically prescribed Oxycodone, an opioid pain medication, several times following brief check ups.
The DEA later obtained the source’s medical records, which appeared to have been falsified.
The informant asked the suspect to prescribe more of the drug so the informant could sell it and make money.
The suspect allegedly agreed, and the source later provided him with $2,000, and told the suspect that was half the profits that had been made through illegal painkiller sales.
The physician’s assistant initially accepted the money, but about a month later called the informant back and said accepting it didn’t feel right. The court case is ongoing.
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Five Teens Suspected in String of Crimes Injured in Car Chase Crash
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
Five teenagers ranging in age from 14 to 18 have been arrested following a string of robberies and a car chase with the police that ended in a crash that left their car overturned.
The teens are suspected to have committed robberies in San Leandro and Oakland and a burglary in Hayward, according to Oakland police. Details about the crimes have not been released.
After two separate robberies in Oakland on Monday afternoon, police spotted the teens in a car in the area of 69th Avenue and Lucille Street in East Oakland just before 8 p.m.
The police tried to stop the car, but the teens drove away and led officers on a chase onto northbound I-880. The car crashed and overturned on the 5th Avenue off-ramp, police said.
All five teens were treated for injures sustained in the crash and are in stable condition.
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Prosecutor to Travel to South Korea
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
An Alameda County deputy district attorney is traveling to South Korea soon to share ideas about the law.
Deputy district attorney Glenn Kim has been hand-picked by the Republic of Korea Supreme Prosecutors Office in conjunction with the Korean Prosecutors Association Justice Foundation to present at a conference in Korea and write a detailed legal paper.
Kim is one of seven legal minds from around the nation who have been chosen to research, write, and present a paper that focuses on the way prosecutors’ offices in the United States cooperate with various law enforcement offices in the country.
The goal of this project is to share the differing roles of prosecutors and law enforcement officers in the United States, and how these two arms of the US criminal justice system cooperate and collaborate to ensure justice is served.
“We are proud that one of our own has been selected to work with the Republic of Korea to impart knowledge and best-practices within the criminal justice system. Kim’s selection reflects the excellent reputation our office has in the legal profession both nationally and abroad,” said District Attorney Nancy O’Malley in a written statement.
This opportunity is sponsored by the office of the Prosecutor General, the chief prosecutor who oversees and directs the investigations and operations of all prosecuting offices in the Republic of Korea.
In May, Kim and the team will fly out to a conference in Seoul.
The completed project will be published in November in both Korean and English.
“The Alameda County DA’s Office fosters a spirit of public service and I am proud to continue that tradition,” said Kim in a written statement. “Serving on this writing committee is a tremendous professional and personal opportunity.”
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Before Buying a Home, Learn the Lingo!
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
Buying a home for the first time? You may discover that one of the biggest obstacles is learning the lingo. Homebuying can be overwhelming and perhaps a bit intimidating if you aren’t familiar with the terminology.
The experts at Freddie Mac are sharing a guide with some top terms you’ll hear.
• Pre-approval letter. A letter from your lender telling you how much home you can afford and the maximum amount you are qualified to borrow.
• Appraisal. After you make an offer on a home, your lender will order an appraisal to get a professional opinion on its value. This is a necessary step in getting financing secured, as it validates the worth to you and your lender.
• Closing costs. In addition to a home’s price, a buyer must pay “closing costs” — points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs, items that must be prepaid or escrowed and other costs.
• Escrow. The holding of money or documents by a neutral third party, escrow can also refer to an account held by the lender or servicer into which a homeowner pays taxes and insurance.
• Mortgage rate. The interest rate you pay to borrow money for your house. The lower, the better.
• Fixed-rate mortgages. A mortgage with an interest rate that doesn’t change during the term of the loan (typically 15 or 30 years).
• APR. The annual percentage rate (APR) is a broader measure of your cost for borrowing money and includes the interest rate, points, broker fees and other credit charges you’ll be required to pay. Because these costs are rolled in, the APR is usually higher than your interest rate.
• Credit Score. A number ranging from 350 to 800 based on an analysis of your credit files. Your score plays a significant role when securing a mortgage, as it helps lenders determine the likelihood that you’ll repay future debts. The higher your score, the more options that may be available to you, including lower interest rates.
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). If you make a down payment of less than 20 percent, your lender will require PMI. PMI serves as an added insurance policy protecting the lender if you’re unable to pay your mortgage, and it can be cancelled from your payment once you reach 20 percent equity in your home.
Check out Freddie Mac’s myhome.freddiemac.com for everything homebuying and be sure to follow the Freddie Mac’s Spring Homebuying Season Blog Series at freddiemac.com/blog.
— StatePoint
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Get the Facts Before You Buy
BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-27-17
Sometimes things are not what they appear to be. And, in every aspect of life, it’s important to check the facts.
All my life, I’ve assumed I was approximately 1/8th Cherokee Indian. My grandfather, who tragically died when my father was 12, was purported to have been 50 percent Native American. Since he was not around to question and the only surviving picture of him seemed to bear out his Indian heritage, we accepted it as fact.
Curious about my ancestry, I recently took a DNA test and was shocked to discover that the amount of Cherokee blood coursing through my veins stands at 0 percent. That’s right — not a trace. Which means I need to rewrite my family history, this time, with facts and information that are correct.
It’s one thing to have incorrect facts in your family tree; it’s something else altogether to have false information for any home you might be considering to buy.
If we relied solely on the information provided by sellers, we could easily end up with conjecture or misleading information. Since everything is not always as represented, just like my DNA test, it’s critical to get external, objective evaluations.
We recommend the following:
1. Start with inspections by qualified Home Inspection Companies.
There is no substitute for having certified and trained inspection specialists perform thorough inspections of any home you are looking to purchase. Normally, this includes property, termite and roof inspections. If any of these inspections reveal items of concern, we recommend you go to the next level and get special inspections dealing with any stated issues of concern. These might include foundation, soils, mold, electrical, pool or fireplace inspections, to name a few.
2. ollow up with a visit to the applicable building department.
Frequently, we see differences in square footage between county records and the actual square footage shown on the listing.
Ask the seller or their agent why there is a difference and how they arrived at the current number.
Visit the applicable building department to ensure there were finalized permits for any additions. Any footage added without the applicable approvals can lead to serious issues and liability down the road. It’s critical to figure things out now and avoid future issues than blindly proceed and hope for the best.
It’s always best to get the truth BEFORE finalizing a purchase — once it closes, it can be very expensive to re-write history.
Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association at www.ccmgtoday.com.
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Luxury Looks a Bit Different These Days
BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-20-17
Looking for a luxury home? A few short years ago, that meant buying a massive, multi-storied home in a gated community. Times have changed, however, and tastes have migrated.
Here are 10 features today’s luxury buyers desire in their new digs:
1. One level living. Tired of moving up-and-down to access parts of the home, growing numbers of luxury buyers want single-level homes.
2. Smart home features. Automated climate control systems top the list, followed with custom lighting, shades, entertainment systems and state-of-the-art security and video systems that can be controlled from wall pads, smart devices and voice commands.
3. Gourmet kitchens. The trend is for high-end, commercial-grade appliances with all the bells and whistles, extensive food prep areas, massive storage and more. They also want the kitchen to be a part of a greater space, so that food-related activities can be factored into everything else that’s going on.
4. Walkability. Instead of hiding behind gated facades, many luxury buyers want to be in the middle of things. They love the idea of being able to walk to favorite restaurants, shops, parks and other community features.
5. Access to the outdoors. Think window walls that slide out of sight and open entire living areas to the outside. And, once the walls are retracted, luxury owners want to walk out into beautiful outdoor living spaces designed with entertaining in mind, including full high-end outdoor kitchens.
6. Modern bathrooms. Sleek Euro-styled plumbing fixtures are all the rage, along with remote controlled bidets, heated toilet seats, radiant heat systems, steam rooms, shower systems, touchless faucets and entertainment features such as mirrors with built-in flat screen televisions. Access to a massive walk-in closet is a must.
7. Wine rooms. Current luxury buyers want to showcase their bottles in strategically placed temperature-controlled wine rooms.
8. Exercise facilities. The larger the room the better, complete with a full range of equipment, mirrors and video screens.
9. A massive garage. No longer is a 3-car garage adequate; many upscale buyers want a place to store their car collections.
10. Home theaters. The more these spaces imitate a theater, the better, with food-prep facilities, surround sound, high-end seating and spectacular video equipment.
Sound appealing? Be prepared to pay. True luxury has never come cheap and even though tastes are changing, the price tags… are not.
Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association at www.ccmgtoday.com.
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Reduce Hardwood Scratches and Dents
BY SAMANTHA MAZZOTTA • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-20-17
Whether it’s just a few scratches or some serious dents, hardwood floors can be challengeing to maintain.
The easiest way to reduce those scratched areas by the front door is to consider buying a large mat to cover that area so that outside dirt and sand will land on the mat and not scuff up the floor’s finish.
For other minor surface scratches, you can use a stain marker (available at home-improvement and flooring stores) in a matching color. A video by The Rosebud Company (rosebudfloors.com/hardwood-floor-videos/) shows a couple of ways to blend in the color, particularly by blotting the marker on a cloth and then rubbing the cloth over the scratch to more seamlessly blend it in.
For small dents where the wood is compressed downward slightly, you can try a couple of methods.
On unvarnished floors, you can try to steam out the dent. (Always test this method first in an inconspicuous area, and don’t do it if the finish in the test area turns white or very cloudy.) Take a clean, lint-free cloth and a steam iron. Spritz a bit of water directly onto the dent, place the cloth on top, and with the iron on its maximum setting and the steam turned on, press it over the cloth and move in a small circular pattern for about a minute. Lift up the iron, check under the cloth, then repeat the steps.
A second method, particularly if you’re worried about ruining the floor finish, is to cover the dent with wood putty and stain to match. Apply the putty one small amount at a time, smoothing it completely into the depression, until it’s filled and flush with the surrounding floor. Then use a stain marker in a color matching the wood — either apply directly to the putty or blot a cloth with the stain and dab or rub into the putty and surrounding area. Allow the area to dry, undisturbed, for at least a day.
If the scratches and dents are deep and numerous, or if the wood is seriously damaged, warped or splintered, bring in a wood flooring professional to evaluate the problem and provide an estimate for repairs. Wood floors can have a lot of impact on a house’s value, so take care of them and get professional help for a complex job.
© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
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Listing Pictures Cause Buyer Anxiety
BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-13-17
In this age of increasing internet transparency, a troubling question is emerging. While appearing simple on the surface, the more you dig in, the deeper the implications become.
The question? What happens to listing pictures after the sale?
An agent called me in a conundrum. He’d pulled out all the stops on a listing for property preparation and photography. When totaled, the bill for staging, pictures and 3D was in the thousands. He’d been willing to pay, knowing, as a business person, the pictures would serve many purposes.
First, they’d help sell the home. Buyer patterns have changed and demand to examine prospective properties online to determine whether they’ll visit in person is increasing.
With 3D tours, buyers can “walk through” a home from the comfort of their own living room. By combining 3D with quality pictures and extensive property prep, you provide a compelling case for buyers to show up.
Second, once the sale is complete, agents and appraisers use the online pictures to establish values for subsequent sales. It’s critical to view pictures from previous sales to establish property condition and upgrades. Nothing is more frustrating than to find a comparable property and discover that the interior pictures have been removed.
Third, some agents are willing to spend considerable sums on pictures knowing they’ll function as “online billboards,” helping secure additional listings.
Prospective sellers look online for pictures of previous area sales to help determine whom they might interview as potential listing agents. With no pictures, an agent might lose an opportunity.
Which brings us back to the listing agent’s conundrum.
After the close of escrow, the buyers contacted him, demanding that all interior pictures from all online portals be removed. They did not want anyone viewing the interior of their home.
The listing agent shared the reasons above and the fact that the previous sales of that home had similar pictures still online. He also pointed out that other identical models in the neighborhood had their pictures still showing as well. He further clarified that the pictures showed the staging and in no way revealed any of the new buyer’s belongings. Lastly, he explained that the pictures belonged to him and he therefore had a right to display them.
The buyers, undaunted by his explanations, remained adamant in their demands, citing personal reasons and potential safety concerns.
If you were the listing agent, what would you do?
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 at www.ccmgtoday.com.
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Prepare Now for Natural Disasters
BY JASON ALDERMAN • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-13-17
Next Tuesday, April 18, will be the 111th anniversary of the great San Francisco earthquake.
Natural disasters are inevitable, unpreventable and often come without warning. No part of the world seems to be spared, whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, drought or flood.
Even though such catastrophes can’t always be predicted, their likely aftermaths often can, including property loss, power or water service disruption, scarcity of food and supplies or overtaxed relief organizations.
By planning ahead and knowing what you might need under dire circumstances, you can save yourselves a lot of time, money and grief.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers great suggestions for developing a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, and learning what to do before, during and after emergencies — even a plan for family pets (www.fema.gov).
Once your physical safety has been assured, you’ll inevitably need to access important financial and legal records, whether to file insurance claims, apply for loans or simply withdraw cash. Taking these few steps now will make accessing such information much easier when the time comes:
Create a log of all account numbers, toll-free emergency numbers, contact information and passwords for your bank and credit card accounts, loans, insurance policies, utilities and other important accounts.
Update it regularly and save copies in secure, offsite locations such as a safety deposit box or with a trusted friend living in another area. You can also email the list to yourself in an encrypted, password-protected file, save it on a CD or USB drive, or use a cloud-based storage service like Dropbox that will let you access it from any internet connection.
Make PDF copies of tax returns, insurance policies and legal documents and save offsite in the same manner as above, in case your files or computer are destroyed by fire or flood. Also make digital copies of invaluable family photos, documents and memorabilia that money can’t replace.
Document your possessions. If you should ever need to file an insurance claim or claim a tax deduction for lost, stolen or damaged property, it’ll be much easier if you have an inventory of everything you own — photos or videotape are even better. Here are a few available tools:
• The IRS’ Casualty, Theft and Loss Workbook (IRS Publication 584) includes a worksheet for cataloging and estimating the value of your possessions.
• The Insurance Information Institute maintains a free, secure online home inventory software application that lets you access your home inventory, anywhere, anytime (www.iii.org).
• Your insurance company’s website likely contains a downloadable inventory form.
Make sure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your insurance policies for natural disasters. You may need additional coverage for damage associated with hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and other weather conditions. Also:
• Document any damage with photos or video before you start cleanup or repairs.
• Keep track of expenses you incur to prevent further damage, for temporary housing or to move your possessions for safekeeping, as they may be reimbursable under your insurance claim.
• Don’t delay submitting your claim, since insurers often settle claims in the order filed.
FEMA provides information on how you might be able to get government assistance before, during and after a disaster at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Bottom line: Develop a family emergency plan now and make sure everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes.
Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.
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Wild Winter Weather Causes Camellia Calamity
BY BUZZ BERTOLERO • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-06-17
Q: Why are my camellia flowers so terrible looking this year? The center of the flowers are all brown.
A: The spring-blooming camellias, Camellia Japonica, are susceptible to a fungus disease called camellia petal blight. It hasn’t been a problem the last couple of years because of the lack of rain. But, with the wet, damp conditions in January and February, it returned.
The white and pink varieties are more susceptible than the red ones. Also, Sasanqua Camellias are not affected due to their early blooming period rather than any resistance to the fungus.
The brown discoloration or rot in the center is sometimes confused with the normal damage caused by the winter wind, rain and frost. This type of environmental damage causes the edges of the flowers to turn brown and the browning progresses toward the center of the flower.
Camellia petal blight starts at the center or core of the flower and works its way to the outer edges of the petals. Eventually, the fungus invades the base of the flower where a hard, black structure called a sclerotia forms.
This will be the source of the problem next year. It drops off and remains dormant below the plant, until just before the flowering season, when it germinates to produce small, cup-shaped reproductive structures. These structures release spores which are dispersed in the air and land on the buds or open flowers.
The sclerotia can survive for at least five years and they don’t all germinate the first year. Hence, it can skip several years in a row before returning with the right conditions.
Also, the infected flowers and/or buds may or may not fall prematurely.
There are no chemical controls for camellia petal blight, although the fungicide Captan would work if you could find it.
Good sanitation practices are then the only solution available to gardeners. You need to keep the spent flowers cleaned up under the canopy of the plants but don’t place them in your compost pile as the sclerotia will survive there.
And, finally, in problem years, replace the mulch with a fresh layer of organic material in May.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional and the Senior Gardening Professional at Sloat Garden Centers. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com. Send questions by email to dirtgarden@aol.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero.
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Agents Have Responsibility to Fully Disclose
BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-06-17
With California leading the nation in real estate disclosure laws, it is critical for sellers to understand the importance of full disclosure.
Nothing can be worse than ending up in court with a buyer who believes the seller either intentionally hid defects or neglected to provide adequate notification about neighborhood issues.
In addition to the disclosures provided by the sellers, the listing and buyer’s agents have a responsibility to disclose as mandated by the State of California Bureau of Real Estate.
The mandatory Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement states that agents must provide “a reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection of the accessible areas of the property.”
Both agents are required to examine the property room-by-room and from the front curb to the back fence. As they proceed area-by-area, they write down their observations on a form entitled the “Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure” (AVID).
This is not a technical inspection (eg. property, termite and roof). Agents are to describe what they see and are not to provide any diagnosis. A standard joke is that it is the only inspection that can be performed in high heels.
The AVID is important. First, it guarantees that the agents representing the buyers and/or sellers have actually visited the house. Although hard to imagine, at the height of the foreclosure crisis, I saw transactions where neither the listing agent nor the buyer’s agent had actually visited the home being sold.
Second, it means that the agents are providing due diligence in representing their clients. They have taken the time to go through the property and itemize potential issues, defects, damage or any red flags they may see.
Agents need to take this responsibility seriously. As a buyer’s agent, I’ve walked through many homes with the listing agent’s AVID in hand and have seen any number of items either missed or ignored by the agent.
Sellers sometimes have objections to the AVID, believing the listing agent is pointing out defects that might limit their chances of getting a fair price. Truthfully, if an agent can spot issues while walking through, you can guarantee a potential buyer or their agent will see them as well. If a seller is concerned about items that appear on an AVID, then they should take steps to remedy the issues.
Disclose, Disclose, Disclose is the Golden Rule of real estate and, if done correctly, will keep everyone out of court.
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 at www.ccmgtoday.com.
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Honda Redesigns its Rugged Ridgeline
BY STEVE SCHAEFER • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
When you think pickup trucks, the Honda brand probably doesn’t pop into your mind. That makes sense, because Honda hasn’t offered trucks in the U.S. for long. The Ridgeline, which debuted in 2005 as a 2006 model, manifested more as an SUV with a truck bed, and that’s because it was. It’s built on Honda’s new Global Light Truck platform, after all.
Now, for 2017, you can buy a totally redesigned Ridgeline that offers the usefulness of a cargo bed with the amenities of a crossover SUV. And, it comes with all the qualities that have made Honda a favorite over the years.
The new model looks completely different — in fact, its styling is less controversial than before. Despite retaining the one-piece construction of the first generation, there’s now a line between the cab and the bed that replicates the body-on-frame competition. It just looks more normal.
The styling comes off as restrained for Honda, makers of the bizarre Civic. The front features the clean, measured appearance of an oversized Accord, and the pleasant shape of the rest of it feels unmemorable, with side creases that mimic many other vehicles on the road today.
Inside, you’ll feel like you’re riding in the new Pilot crossover, because that’s essentially what’s happening. No barebones accommodations in trucks today — any of them. The handsome dash feels more carlike than utilitarian. Like most Hondas, you’ll find an Econ button there, and unlike other Hondas, a Cargo Light button. You get high-quality, soft-touch materials, as well as bonuses like the LED map lighting and a heated steering wheel.
You’ll enjoy lots of room for carrying your gear, with a rear seat that folds up to create a sizeable cargo space, and offers storage space under it when it’s down.
Honda’s pickup features a 3.5-liter V6 under the big hood, with 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. Those numbers beat the previous gen by 30 and 15 respectively. The driving experience feels robust, while still giving a sense of smooth, carlike handling.
EPA fuel economy numbers run 18 City, 25 Highway, and 21 Combined. I averaged 18.8 mpg during my test week. The Green scores rank as 6 for Smog and 4 for Greenhouse Gas. Those numbers don’t stand out particularly for a Honda, but for its size and power, the Ridgeline competes well with other trucks.
A six-speed automatic transfers the V6’s power to two or four wheels — this is the first Ridgeline to offer both two- and all-wheel drive. My tester, as an AWD model, provided an Intelligent Traction Management switch that lets you select for Snow, Mud, Sand or Normal. I left it in the latter position, because I experienced none of those other conditions during a California spring (just some rain).
Like any good pickup, the Ridgeline comes in several levels, from the base RT through the RTS, Sport and RTL. My tester sat at the pinnacle, as the top-of-the-line Black Edition. It came painted in — you guessed it — Crystal Black Pearl. The package upgrades include shiny black 18-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out moldings and mirrors, and in case nobody could tell you were cool — a “Black Edition” badge inside the black grille.
Inside, you’ll relax with black leather and red accents, including subtle red illumination in the footwells, door handles and cupholders. The ambiance feels cool, for sure. You’ll also see Black Edition embroidered into the seatbacks and flaunted on the floormats.
The new Ridgeline casts a larger shadow now, although at 4,432 pounds, it has lost about 73 pounds over the generation-one model. The truck stretches 3.1 inches longer on a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase. It sits 0.8-inch wider, and more important for owners, the bed now stretches nearly four inches longer and 5.5 inches wider. That cargo bed, by the way, retains the built-in trunk feature from the previous generation — a welcome Ridgeline exclusive. You get the dual-action tailgate as well.
Designed in Honda’s Los Angeles design center, Honda R&D Americas, the Ridgeline rolls out of Honda’s plant in Lincoln Alabama. It contains 75 percent U.S. and Canadian parts, including a U.S.-built engine and transmission.
As a truck, the Ridgeline can haul a class-leading 1,584-pound payload and tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, as a daily driver, you’ll enjoy carlike amenities whether you use that capacity or not. The noteworthy truck bed audio system, a first as far as I can tell, makes you the life of the tailgating party.
Prices start at $30,415 for the two-wheel-drive RT and climb to $43,910 for the Black Edition, including a $940 destination charge.
In the U.S., where the perennial bestseller remains the Ford F-150 pickup, it’s smart for Honda to build its presence in that segment. The new Ridgeline stands as a much-improved entry.
CAPTION: The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is the second generation of Honda’s innovative midsize pickup truck and is totally redesigned from the ground up.
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Volvo Flaunts a New, Sleek Swedish Beauty
BY STEVE SCHAEFER • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
Today, most people likely no longer associate Volvo with boxy cars and safety. Yes, they did look like shoeboxes from the late 1960s through the 1990s, and you wanted to be in one if a crash occurred (they invented the shoulder belt). But in the 21st century, Volvos look much sleeker and more appealing.
Now, with Chinese ownership and the resultant inflow of investment cash, the brand enjoys a product renaissance. Following in the footsteps of the award-winning XC crossover comes the lovely new S90 flagship sedan.
Run your eyes over the exterior. The flanks present forthright styling that captures some of the old edginess, but framing a sensuous midsection. The concave grille wears a waterfall of matte silver bars and the traditional ironmark, surrounded by a chrome ring. This evokes memories of the revered old 1800’s sports coupe. The Thor’s Hammer headlamps give a powerful and unique take on the “eyes” of the car. The taillamps sit on a vertical surface but follow a fanciful shape — and flaunt the now famous widely spaced Volvo logotype between them.
Inside, as always, you’ll experience where the Volvo truly shines. The chairs wear beautiful, comfortable leather. The dash panel features gorgeous linear walnut wood inlays with angled grain and a matte finish. The hardware and leather-wrapped steering wheel all convey richness while maintaining the classic “Danish Modern” look. You feel tension melt away when you sit down in this car.
Selecting an S90 involves choosing from two levels of performance and two levels of equipment. Entry to the model begins with the T5 FWD (front-wheel drive) model with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. That may not sound like much powerplant to move a 4,222-pound car along, but the little two-liter puts out a respectable 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
For more urgency moving down the road, pick the T6 model, with all-wheel drive and supercharging added to the driveline. That enhancement bumps horsepower up to 316, with 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Now you’re talking — that’ll get you a 0-60 time of just 5.7 seconds. An eight-speed Geartronic automatic transfers energy to the wheels in either car.
Efficiency scores rank high for a large midsize sedan. My T6 tester scored EPA fuel economy miles-per-gallon numbers of 22 City, 31 Highway, and 25 overall. The EPA rated the green scores at 6 for Smog and 5 for Greenhouse gas — midpack. I averaged 23 mpg during my test week.
The other choice you make involves level of equipment. The Momentum level holds the more affordable role in either T5 or T6. The Inscription models steps up the action to a higher level.
My weeklong test drive took place in a T6 Inscription that wore a coat of Mussel Blue Metallic paint. The Inscription level brings a long list of enhancements, including illuminated Volvo sill plates, leather on the dash and doortops, manual sun curtains on the rear windows, high-pressure headlamp cleaning, and much more. You get 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels to show off, although my test car stepped up to optional 20-inchers for an extra $750. Inside, the seats gain power side support and cushion extension and wear premium soft Nappa leather upholstery.
Cruising in the S90 feels like home from the minute you light up the engine. To do this, twist a knob on the console — while leaving the Nappa leather key fob in your pocket. Grip the handsome and comfortable steering wheel and off you go.
Most cars today feature dash-mounted screens that provide a range of information. Volvo’s Sensus technology employs a 9-inch portrait screen that displays different functions in stacked horizontal bars. Touch one to open its full menu and make choices, such as climate settings or audio selections. Swipe the screen to the side to get further options. Tap the “Settings” tab to open up a world of configuration to make your S90 just the way you like it. I especially liked the way the music was sorted into a “Library.”
Speaking of audio, my tester included the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system ($2,650). Man, what a sonorous environment you can create, from concert hall to studio. Manage it all easily from the Sensus screen.
Pricing for the S90 begins with the T5 Momentum at $47,945. As equipped, with numerous options, my T6 Inscription came to $66,105.
The S90 represents a truly international effort — owned by the Chinese, built in Gotherburg, Sweden, with 40 percent Swedish and 15 percent German content. Transmission parts come from Japan.
Bottom line? This beauty competes directly and successfully with German, Japanese and American luxury sedans, while offering a welcome relief from the standard favorites. Look out Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi (and Cadillac and Lexus). Meet the new player in the luxury midsize segment!
CAPTION: Three engine choices are available: a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged and supercharged T6 engine, the turbocharged T5 variant and the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.
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Sonata Sports Affordable Midsize Style
BY STEVE SCHAEFER • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
The Sonata is Hyundai’s midsize sedan, and, in its seventh generation, has become a popular option for folks willing to stray from the longtime midsize champs from Japan — the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
My Shale Gray Metallic tester kept a low profile. Since moving from the flashier styling of the last generation, the car is in stealth mode as it prowls our roads and highways. The Sport model does flaunt a sport-tuned suspension and good-looking 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, you enjoy silvery accents on high-quality plastic panels, a smooth, sensuous D-shaped steering wheel, and sit in generously proportioned leather chairs with “Turbo” embossed into their upper cushions. The instrument panel, with simple white-on-black letters and numbers, glows a sharp, clear blue — easy for those of us with a little red/green colorblindness to read. Looking out over the cleanly styled dash, you may not notice — but will appreciate — the virtually invisible windshield wipers.
The Sonata, like other Hyundais I’ve tested, connected to my phone with Bluetooth quickly and easily. A heated steering wheel was welcome on cold mornings. Smart cruise lets you set a specific following distance from the car ahead, and the Sonata slows down and accelerates to maintain the distance. It’s a great answer to the kind of inattention that automated features can bring. You can see it as another way that cars are getting more autonomous.
All Sonatas come with four-cylinder engines. The standard engine is the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine, which puts out a reasonable 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. There’s a 1.6-liter turbo in the Eco model, which gets the highest fuel economy numbers. But my Sport test car had the 2.0-liter turbocharged four, which hustles the car down the road with 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2.0-liter turbo comes in a Sport or the Limited model. The latter contains more luxury and features, at nearly $8,000 more on the price tag, which makes the Sport a more “sporting” proposition. It may be the midrange choice but it’s loaded with premium stuff, such as chrome outside door handles with lights, rear diffuser and quad chrome tailpipe finishers, dual automatic climate control, aluminum pedals and fancy door sill plates.
This engine, along with the standard 2.4-liter, comes only with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic. Years ago, midsize cars occasionally offered manual transmissions in their sportier models, but those days are long gone. Who would those few buyers be? The automatic is, as you’d expect, unobtrusive.
Midsize cars get reasonable fuel economy. The latest data you’ll find on fueleconomy.gov says that my Tester was rated at 22 City, 31 Highway, and 26 Combined by the EPA. The website also showed that the original rating of 23, 32, and 26 was slightly downgraded — a news story you may have heard about when it happened. In my week of driving, I achieved a more than acceptable 24.9 mpg.
On one 85-mile freeway excursion, I averaged 29.9 mpg — quite excellent considering the Sonata’s huge passenger and cargo capacity. It may be a midsizer, but it has full-size room, according to the EPA — 106 cubic feet of passenger space and 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity. These EPA figures are much more like subcompact car numbers. EPA Green scores are 6 for Smog and 6 for Greenhouse Gas. The Sonata with the standard 2.4-liter four improves on these, with a pair of 7s, and earns the EPA’s Smartway designation. That’s not the car I tested, but you do have that option.
The Sonata contains nearly half U.S. and Canadian components, and it’s also assembled right here in the good old U.S.A, in a plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Significantly, the engine and transmission — the heart of the car — are part of that 48 percent North American content.
This tester was a late 2016 model, the second year of the 7th generation, so not much was changed from the ’15s. It did include enhanced safety with the Automatic Emergency Braking system. Now, instead of simply being warned that a collision is imminent, the car steps in to help prevent it.
For ’16, the firm suspension uses more aluminum components for improved handling. Hyundai added a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with Android Auto, too.
The 2017 models are out now, and, though little changed, do include the new Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) headlamps, which help illuminate what’s around curves and corners when you’re on the road at night.
My Sport 2.0T, with only carpeted floormats as an option, came to $29,885. Pricing for ’16 models started at $22,585 for the SE and moves up to the Limited, at $34,990, putting the Sport right in the middle. All prices shown include destination charges.
CAPTION: The 2017 Sonata starts at $21,600, excluding the $835 freight charge, which is $150 less than last year and makes it the most affordable midsize sedan (when compared with competitors equipped with some form of automated transmission).
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Hyundai Launches New Luxury Line
BY STEVE SCHAEFER • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-06-17
The G90 is a large luxury sedan from a new brand — Genesis. Wait a minute. Isn’t that the fanciest Hyundai model? Well… not any more. Hyundai has spun off the Genesis name into its own brand. They had to find new model names, and G90 fits the bill — although it’s not exciting.
The car itself, however, is worth getting worked up about. In the prestige vehicle world, reputation is a big factor, so it’s not easy to get Mercedes-Benz and BMW buyers to consider this fresh face. But the G90 delivers the goods. It’s packed with features and exquisite quality that may help owners ignore the badge on the hood and trunk.
Choosing a G90 is easy. Do you want the powerful 365-horsepower V6 or the mightier 420-horsepower V8? With either, you can choose rear- or all-wheel drive. There are six colors, too. Beyond that, the list of standard comfort, convenience and safety equipment runs very long.
My Casablanca White tester had the smaller engine, with 376 lb.-ft. of torque running through the 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic that all G90s get. It had rear-wheel drive. This setup gives the 4,630-pound sedan EPA numbers of 17 City, 24 Highway, and 20 mpg Combined. Interestingly, the V8’s ratings are only one lower than the V6’s for RWD and two lower for AWD. I averaged 19.4 mpg. Green scores for the V6 are 6 for Smog and 4 for Greenhouse Gas.
This is one smooth operator. Genesis engineers took the time and effort to smooth off the rough edges and add the extra technology and materials to get the car to near silence. A special two-piece hollow wheel design reduces noise and unsprung weight. This, along with laminated acoustic film glass and abundant sound-reduction materials, creates the blissful quiet.
If you want entertainment, switch on the Lexicon 17-speaker premium audio system with QuantumLogic Surround sound. It’s just one of the many ways that this car runs with the top dogs. How about a 22-adjustment ergonomic driver’s seat? Even the rear passengers get 12-way options. These “stressless” seats, by the way, pass the rigorous test of the German campaign for healthier backs — Aktion Gesunder Rucken.
Of course, there are numerous ways to adjust the car to suit you. Four driving modes include: ECO, for an emphasis on fuel economy; SMART, which adapts to driving conditions automatically; SPORT, for driving those curving back roads; and INDIVIDUAL, which you can configure yourself. These settings alter the transmission mapping, throttle response, suspension, steering and stability control.
For supreme comfort, a smooth ride is guaranteed by the Adaptive Control Suspension. Its massive brain monitors and corrects for anything that disturbs the perfect serenity. The explanation for how it works is so long and detailed that reading it, I felt like I might need to take a little nap. You certainly could nap in this car—in one of the non-driver chairs!
The safety features are extensive here, too. Genesis folks call it “safety without compromise.” Nine airbags and a load dispersion structure take care of you in case of a crash, but the computers are all working to prevent one, too, with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Smart Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and so much more.
What’s it like to drive? A dream, really, if you’re a large luxury car person. For the commuting and in-town driving around I did all week it was sublime. The Lexicon stereo makes you want to just go somewhere and park so you can close your eyes and absorb the wonderfulness. There’s so much to learn about this car that you could probably spend weeks getting to know it when it arrived in your driveway.
One distinction for this new luxury brand is The Genesis Experience. This collection of perks includes 3-year, 36,000-mile free scheduled maintenance and complimentary valet services. You also get three years of free roadside assistance, along with free SiriusXM Traffic, and Travel Link and Map Care.
Genesis, as a new brand, will take time to develop its own identity. Hyundai, its parent, has done well when it enters a segment and offers more features for the money. In this case, my car came to $69,050, including destination charges. There were no options — everything is included. Frankly, for what you get, that seems like a terrific deal.
The real issue will be convincing luxury car buyers to leave their familiar status mobiles for this Korean upstart. The look of the cars will change as Peter Schreyer, the genius behind many Audi models, gets a chance to develop a new design language. This Genesis is handsome and appropriately dignified, but the cars don’t yet show the qualities that evoke craving in the well-heeled consumer. But I have every expectation that they will.
CAPTION: The 2017 G90 competes at the top of the premium luxury car segment with world-class technological innovations, and a high level of refinement, convenience and performance.
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Ohlone College’s Celebration of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
Ohlone College’s 7th celebration of the World Tai Chi Qigong Day will be held at the College’s Newark Center for Health Sciences this Saturday, April 29.
The day starts at 9 a.m. with the participatory community warm-up and popular Tai Chi and Qigong routines led by Master May Chen and the Ohlone College TCQ Performance Team and club members.
Throughout the day, select topics relevant to healthy lifestyle choices will be showcased.
Among the guest presenters are Black Belt Tae Kwon Do teacher Mamie Chow. Her new workshop “Food to Enhance Your Mind, Body, and Spirit” promises to be a “sold out” event.
Victoria Leiphart, M.D., from Washington Hospital, will present lectures on “Brain Health” and “Decoding Vitamins and Supplements.”
Master Bryant Fong, Head Coach of the UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program, one of the most respected and highly regarded Wushu masters in the US and China, will demonstrate Chen Style Tai Chi sword and, by popular request, lead a mini workshop on “Qi and Tai Chi.”
Master May Chen will lead a Qigong meditation in the late afternoon to bring the day to a close. Chen received her Master’s in Gerontology, “the study of the aging process,” in 2015.
A world-class martial artist, Master May Chen has lead the Ohlone College Tai Chi and Qigong program since 2008 and was awarded the Tai Chi Master of the Year in 2010.
The Ohlone College Tai Chi Qigong Performance Team and club members will be “ambassadors” throughout the day.
This is a free event open to the public. Parking on campus is $4.
The Tai Chi Qigong Club will host a pizza fundraiser during lunch time. The open house has garnered increased attendance annually to over 300 attendees last year.
Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Science and TechnologyWebsite is located at 39399 Cherry St. in Newark. Visit www.ohlone.edu/go/taichi for more info.
CAPTION: Last year’s World Tai Chi & Qigong Day at Ohlone College attracted over 300 participants.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OHLONE COLLEGE
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Eat Wheat: Is The Anti-Gluten Diet Craze Coming to an End?
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-27-17
Americans at one time lived their lives utterly unconcerned about the gluten in their diets. But an anti-gluten craze that erupted in the last decade has become so prominent that it spawned a $16-billion-a-year industry.
Gluten became branded as the enemy of good health, bestselling books scared the public away from wheat, and foods marketed as gluten-free popped up everywhere.
But it’s time everyone takes a deep breath and re-evaluates this whole “wheat-is-a-villain” attitude, says Dr. John Douillard, a leader in the natural health field and author of Eat Wheat (www.LifeSpa.com).
“Wheat was found guilty without a fair trial and there are risks when we just blindly take a food that people have eaten for 3.5 million years and remove it from our diets,” Douillard says.
He’s ready to lead the charge in the opposite direction, though even Douillard acknowledges that avoiding gluten is the right move for certain people.
May, for example, is Celiac Awareness Month, which brings attention to the genetic autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine.
“People with celiac disease sho-uld avoid gluten, there’s no doubt about that,” Douillard says. “But for the greater majority of people, the anti-gluten frenzy has gone too far and needs to dial it back.”
Far from being a dinner-table scoundrel, wheat can be beneficial, helping to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer’s disease, he says.
“The real problem is that processed foods have changed our digestive systems,” Douillard says. “That’s why people often feel bad when they eat wheat. But taking foods out of the diet won’t fix what processed foods have done to your system.
“That just kicks the problem down the road, leaving people at risk for more serious health concerns later on.”
So if going wheat-free isn’t the answer, what can you do to begin to improve your digestive system? That can get complicated, but Douillard has a few suggestions to get you started in the right direction:
• Eat more fiber. Aim for 50 grams of fiber in your diet each day. Make half your plate green vegetables, one-fourth starch and another one-fourth protein. Increase the amount of beans you eat.
Of course, beans can be difficult for some people to digest, but one easily digestible bean is the split yellow mung bean. As your digestion improves, you can re-introduce other beans.
• Drink water between meals. The brain’s relationship with the rest of the body can be a funny thing. When people are dehydrated, the signals to the brain often get translated as hunger signals. So people scarf down an unhealthy snack when they should be reaching for a glass of water.
A good guideline is 16 ounces 30 minutes before each meal.
• Don’t overeat. Perhaps it can be traced back to our mothers telling us to eat every bite, but people have a tendency to eat until their plates are empty rather than stopping when they’re full.
Douillard says it’s better to stop even before you’re full. About three-fourths full is the way to go, he says.
“Your digestive strength is the key to a long, healthy and vital life,” Douillard says. “Whether you eat gluten shouldn’t be decided for you because of weak digestion. It should be decided by you based on what you prefer.”
Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, author of Eat Wheat, is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health and sports medicine, and is author of six previous health books.
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How to Train Like an Elite Athlete
BY DR. GREG WELLS • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-27-17
Of the five most popular professional team sports in North America, those who play high school hockey have the best opportunity – a one in 598 chance – to play professionally.
Unfortunately, people have better odds of being killed in a car accident – one in 113.
Just because your childhood dreams being a superstar have been dashed, doesn’t mean you can’t train like an elite athlete.
Many people are starting to recognize their poor health habits and are taking action to change them. People are now understanding the necessity of being active, and that allows them to do their job better.
A Definite Link Between Movement and the Brain
Some of the training methods elite athletes subscribe to include getting eight to 10 hours of sleep and waking early to work out. They like to lift heavy sets of weights, perform dynamic exercises and hire fitness coaches to motivate them.
On the other side of that coin, there is a world health crisis taking place and its being caused by three main factors:
• Poor Sleep
Drive by a large office complex and you can usually look up and see more than a few lights on in the building. In an effort to get ahead – or more likely just keep up – people are sacrificing sleep, a major component to performing at the highest level possible.
Those who are able to get between seven and nine hours of sleep at night, reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer. Good sleep helps strengthen the immune system, boost problem-solving and creativity, reduce stress, builds muscle, regulates appetite and helps us manage mental and emotional health.
• Lack Of Physical Activity
A lack of physical activity can affect sleep, causing the harmful effects that go with it.
Lack of sleep, however, could be the least of concern for those who don’t get enough exercise. A 2015 University of Cambridge study found that twice as many deaths may be attributable to lack of physical activity compared with the number of deaths attributable to obesity.
• Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition habits – which include under- or over-eating, not having enough of the healthy foods we need each day, or consuming too many types of food that are high in fat, salt and/or sugar can lead to short-term and long term negative effects on the body.
Short-term effects include stress, fatigue and illness, while long-term effects include tooth decay, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and even some forms of cancer.
These are great times to get moving on your physical fitness plans, while concentrating on maintaining a healthy sleeping pattern, getting physically active and incorporating healthy foods.
Dr. Greg Wells (www.DrGregWells.com) is an authority on high performance and human physiology, and an Olympic commentator for Canadian TV. His latest book is “The Ripple Effect: Eat, Sleep, Move and Think Better.”
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Ensure Learning Continues Over the Summer Break
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
Long breaks from reading, writing and critical thinking can be detrimental for students. That’s why savvy parents ensure that kids keep learning over summer.
But you don’t need to replicate a classroom to reap the benefits of summer studies. After all, it’s called “vacation” for a reason. Here are a few fun ways to keep kids’ brains on high alert all season:
Make Math Fun
The more interactive and hands-on you can make math, the more engaged they’ll be. So, avoid drilling them with stale worksheets.
Play a board game like “Monopoly,” and bestow the role of “banker” on your child. Or, let them handle the real thing on outings by letting them pay the ice cream vendor and the grocer. You can even consider capitalizing on the summer weather with a lemonade stand — it’s a great first small business experience.
Supplement these experiences with tools that go beyond a standard workbook using interactive elements. Tools like this can make a tedious subject entertaining.
Foster Their Interests
The school year can be hectic and isn’t necessarily an ideal time for a child to take on new hobbies. Summer, however, is the perfect time of year to encourage kids to explore new interests through thematic summer camps, community classes and sports teams.
You can also nurture interests through non-fiction literature to help bridge the gap between last school year and the next.
Get Informed
The implementation of new education policies and standards can be difficult on students, but you can help smooth the transition and prepare your child for the coming school year.
— StatePoint
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Urge Teens To Make Sleep a Priority
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
For most teens, one of the best ways to find success in school is to get enough sleep.
When well rested, teens are more likely to be healthy, energetic and have a positive attitude toward life in general — helping them be their best and do their best in school and at home.
To help, the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project launched the “Sleep Recharges You” campaign, urging teens to get eight to 10 hours of sleep per night to promote optimal health.
“It’s important to make sleep a priority,” said Dr. Ronald Chervin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Setting and sticking to a routine to get as much sleep as possible is one of the best things teens can do for their health, academic achievement and athletic performance.”
Lack of Sleep Jeopardizes Grades, Health and Safety
Sleepy teens may fare worse in school than their well-rested peers. Studies show that teens who are sleep deprived may be more easily distracted and recall information more slowly. Sleeping fewer than the recommended hours is also associated with attention, behavior and learning problems.
Lack of sleep may also affect a teen’s athletic performance. When teens sleep, hormones are released that help them grow taller and develop muscles. Sleep also helps restore energy to the brain and body.
Studies show that teens who sleep less than the recommended hours are more likely to be overweight and develop hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, insufficient sleep in teenagers has been found to increase the risk of depression and is associated with increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
Parents, Caregivers Play Crucial Role
Teens should be encouraged to get enough sleep every night to recharge. The AASM advises parents and caregivers to help by modeling healthy sleep habits, promoting a consistent sleep schedule and creating a quiet sleep environment for their teens.
Additionally, setting restrictions on screen time before bed is key to helping teens get to sleep on time. Teens may be tempted to keep using their laptops, smartphones and game consoles late into the night rather than going to sleep.
It is also important that parents and local school boards work together to implement high school start times that allow teens to get the healthy sleep they need to meet their full potential.
The AASM recommends that teens sleep eight to 10 hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Parents concerned that their teen is sleeping too little or too much should consult a board-certified sleep medicine physician or visit www.sleepeducation.org to find an accredited sleep center nearby.
— North American Precis Synd., Inc.
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Are Your Ears Ringing?
BY JIM MILLER • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
Tinnitus is a common condition that affects around 45 million Americans, but is usually more prevalent in the 60-and-older age group. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips and treatments, that may help.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus (pronounced tin-NIGHT-us) is the sensation of hearing a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing or whistling sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present.
The sounds, which can vary in pitch and loudness, are usually worse when background noise is low, so you may be more aware of it at night when you’re trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. For most people, tinnitus is merely annoying, but for many others it can be extremely disturbing.
Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of some other underlying health condition. The best way to find out what’s causing your tinnitus is to see an audiologist or an otolaryngologist — a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat diseases (commonly called an ENT).
The many things that can cause tinnitus are:
• Age-related and noise-induced hearing loss — this is the most common cause.
• Middle ear obstructions, usually caused by a build-up of earwax deep in the ear canal.
• he side effects of medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain blood pressure medicines and diuretics, some antidepressants, cancer medicines and antibiotics.
• Various medical conditions such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, diabetes, allergies, thyroid problems, ear or sinus infections, fibromyalgia, otosclerosis, a tumor, an injury to the head or neck, traumatic brain injury, depression, stress and more.
Treating the Causes
While there’s currently no cure for tinnitus there are some ways to treat it depending on the cause. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a wax build-up in your ears or a medical condition (high blood pressure, thyroid problem, etc.), treating the problem may reduce or eliminate the noise. Or, if you think a medication you’re taking may be causing the problem, switching to a different drug, or lowering the dosage may provide some relief.
Other Treatments
Another treatment option for tinnitus that can help suppress or mask the sound so its less bothersome are “sound therapies.”
These can be as simple as a fan or a white noise machine, or something more sophisticated like a modified-sound or notched-music device like Neuromonics (neuromonics.com) or the Levo System (otoharmonics.com) that trains your brain not to hear the tinnitus.
Or, if you have hearing loss, hearing aids can help mask your tinnitus by improving your ability to hear actual sounds.
There are also certain medications that may help. While currently there’s no FDA approved drugs specifically designed to treat tinnitus, some antianxiety drugs and antidepressants have been effective in relieving symptoms.
For more information on tinnitus treatment options, visit the American Tinnitus Association at ata.org.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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Covering Dementia Care Takes ‘Special’ Planning
BY GENE L. OSOFSKY, ESQ. • SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-20-17
Q: My wife suffers from dementia and has been in a nursing home for some time. About a year ago, we put everything in my name so she could qualify for a Medi-Cal subsidy to help pay for her care. We currently have only simple wills which leave everything to the survivor of us, and then to our two children. Is this the best plan?
A: Probably not, and here’s why. If for some reason, you predeceased her, then all of your assets would go to her. These assets would then put her over the $2,000 Medi-Cal resource ceiling for an unmarried individual, and she would be terminated from the program. She would then have to use these very assets to pay for her care, potentially depleting a lifetime of savings and leaving little or nothing as an inheritance for your children.
A better plan would be to change your own will and trust so that if you predeceased her, your assets would go into a Spousal Special Needs Trust (“S-SNT”) for her benefit.
The S-SNT is a special trust which would hold these assets in the name of a “friendly” trustee, who would use them to pay for extra things for your wife not provided by Medi-Cal, such as a TV in her room, occasional outings, and perhaps companion visits.
Because the assets would be owned by the trustee, they would not count as hers and would thus not undermine her continued eligibility for Medi-Cal. One of your children could serve as trustee.
Upon her later demise, the balance remaining would go to your children or other designated beneficiaries.
This spousal S-SNT requires that your plan be structured in a very special way. Because of a quirk in the law, it must be created by Will, and not by trust. In this sense, the S-SNT created for a spouse is very different from the Special Needs Trust sometimes created for a child or grandchild on public benefits.
Your plan could still use a trust and companion will. They would be structured so that they worked together but contained a kind of “toggle switch.” If your wife predeceased you, then upon your own later demise they would pass everything to your children by trust. But, if your wife survived you, the “switch” would trigger and trust assets would, instead, transfer to the Will to create the S-SNT for her.
Because the S-SNT for a spouse must be created by will, it requires some involvement by the probate court after your demise.
Fortunately, this requirement does not necessarily mean that your estate would need to go through a full probate. It only requires that, after your demise, a petition be filed in the probate court seeking an order formally establishing the S-SNT and authorizing its funding from your probate estate. Once the order is granted, your estate assets would be so transferred, and the probate could then be closed.
This plan does require that it be in place before your demise and its design and implementation does require special skill. I recommend that you seek out a knowledgeable Elder Law or Special Needs attorney to assist you in creating it.
Note: A variation of this plan would be suitable for a couple, presently in good health, who wish to plan for the possible future long-term-care needs of the survivor of them.
Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney in Hayward. Visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com.
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Athlete’s Foot: How to Avoid It
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.
Not all fungus conditions are athlete’s foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema and psoriasis, may mimic athlete’s foot.
Causes
The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term “athlete’s foot” became popular.
Symptoms:
• Dry skin
• Itching and burning, which may increase as the infection spreads
• Scaling
• Inflammation
• Blisters, which often lead to cracking of the skin.
When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling.
Athlete’s foot may spread to the soles of the feet and toenails.
It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete’s foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
If an apparent fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and there is no improvement within two weeks, consult a podiatrist.
Your podiatrist will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, will usually be suggested.
Fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals, used for athlete’s foot treatment, frequently fail to contact the fungi in the layers of the skin. Therefore, topical or oral antifungal drugs are prescribed with growing frequency.
If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, such as penicillin, may be prescribed.
It is important to keep the feet dry by dusting foot powder in shoes and hose. The feet should be bathed frequently and all areas around the toes dried thoroughly.
If someone in your family develops athlete’s foot, disinfect home showers and tubs after each use to discourage transmission of infection.
Prevention
It is not easy to prevent athlete’s foot because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, you can do much to prevent infection by practicing good foot hygiene.
— American Podiatric Medical Association
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Let’s Have a Tick Talk
SAN LEANDRO TIMES • 04-13-17
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the U.S. every year. However, because diagnosing Lyme can be difficult, many people who actually have it may be misdiagnosed with other conditions. Many experts believe the true number of cases is much higher.
Lyme disease affects people of all ages. The CDC notes that it is most common in children, older adults, and others such as firefighters and park rangers who spend time in outdoor activities and have higher exposure to ticks.
Lyme is called “The Great Imitator,” because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart.
Patients with Lyme disease are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and various psychiatric illnesses, including depression. This may delay the correct diagnosis and treatment as the underlying infection progresses unchecked.
Patients treated with appropriate antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely.
How Do People Get Lyme Disease?
Most people get Lyme from the bite of an immature tick about the size of a poppy seed. Not all ticks are infected. Because they are so tiny and their bite is painless, many people do not even realize they have been bitten.
Once a tick has attached, if undisturbed, it may feed for several days. The longer it stays attached, the more likely it will transmit the Lyme and other pathogens into your bloodstream.
If pregnant women are infected, they sometimes pass Lyme disease to their unborn children and, while not common, stillbirth has occurred.
Lyme disease has been found all across the U.S., with a particularly high incidence on the East and West coasts. Rates have increased significantly over time. Some of this increase likely reflects growing public awareness of the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of early Lyme disease may present as flu-like (fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea and joint pain). Some patients may have a rash or Bell’s palsy (facial drooping).
A rash shaped like a bull’s-eye is considered characteristic of Lyme disease. However, many people develop a different kind of rash or none at all.
Preventing Tick Bites
Reducing exposure to ticks is the best defense against Lyme.
While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra vigilant in warmer months (April–September) when ticks are most active.
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails.
Use repellents that contain 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing, and always follow product instructions.
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within 2 hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks. Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas.
Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs.
Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/lyme/toolkit/index.html.
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Getting Old Has Its Benefits
BY JIM MILLER • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-06-17
One of the great perks of growing older in America is the many discounts available to boomers and seniors.
There are literally thousands of discounts on a wide variety of products and services, including restaurants, grocery stores, travel and lodging, entertainment, retail and apparel, health and beauty, automotive services, and much more.
These discounts — typically ranging between 5 and 25 percent off — can add up to save you hundreds of dollars each year.
So, if you don’t mind admitting your age, here are some tips and tools to help you find the discounts you may be eligible for.
Always Ask
The first thing to know is most businesses don’t advertise them, but many give senior discounts just for asking, so don’t be shy.
You also need to know that while some discounts are available as soon as you turn 50, many others may not kick in until you turn 55, 60, 62 or 65.
Search Online
Because senior discounts frequently change and can vary depending on where you live and the time of the year, the internet is the easiest way to help you locate them.
To do a search, start by visiting SeniorDiscounts.com, which lists thousands of discounts that you can search for by city and state, and by the category you’re interested in, for free.
You can also look for discounts at TheSeniorList.com, which provides a large list of national and regional business chains that offer them, or you can Google them individually. Just go to Google.com and type in the business or organization you’re curious about, followed by “senior discount” or “senior discount tickets.”
If you use a smartphone, another tool is the Sciddy app (see Sciddy.com) that lets you search for senior discounts and can send you alerts when you’re at an establishment that offers them.
Join a Club
Another good avenue to senior discounts is through membership organizations like AARP, which offers its 50-and-older members a wide variety of discounts through affiliate businesses (see AARPdiscounts.com).
If, however, you’re not the AARP type, there are other alternative organizations you can join that also provide discounts such as The Seniors Coalition or the American Seniors Association. Or, for federal workers, there’s the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.
Types of Discounts
Here’s an abbreviated rundown of some of the different types of discounts you can expect to find.
Restaurants: Senior discounts are common at restaurants and fast food establishments — like Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Wendy’s, Applebee’s and Golden Corral — ranging from free/discounted drinks to discounts off your total order.
Retailers: Many thrift stores, like Goodwill, and certain retailers, like Banana Republic, Kohl’s, Michaels and Ross stores, offer a break to seniors on certain days of the week.
Supermarkets: Many locally owned grocery stores offer senior discount programs, as do some chains like Albertsons, Kroger, Publix and Fry’s Supermarkets, which offer some discounts on certain days of the week but they vary by location.
Travel: Southwest Airlines provides the best senior fares in the U.S. to passengers 65 and older, while Amtrak offers a 15-percent discount and Greyhound offers 5 percent off to travelers over 62.
Most car rental companies provide discounts to customers who belong to organizations like AARP. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival cruise lines offer discount rates to cruisers 55 and over. And, most hotels offer senior discounts, usually ranging from 10 to 30 percent.
Entertainment: Most movie theaters, museums, golf courses, ski slopes and other public entertainment venues provide reduced admission to seniors over 60 or 65. And, the National Park Service offers a lifetime pass for those 62 and up for $10 (see nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm).
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
CAPTION: If you don’t mind admitting your age, there are a boatload of discounts available to those 50 and older.
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Work and Collect Retirement?
BY JIM MILLER • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 04-06-17
You can collect Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time, but depending on how old you are and how much you earn, some or all of your benefits could be temporarily withheld. Here’s what you should know.
Working Rules
Social Security says that if you’re under your full retirement age (66, if you were born between 1943 and 1954, or 66 and 2 months if you were born in 1955) and are collecting benefits, then you can earn up to $16,920 in 2017 without jeopardizing any of your Social Security — if you don’t reach your full retirement age this year.
But, if you earn more than the $16,920 limit, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 over that amount.
In the year you reach your full retirement age, a less-stringent rule applies. If that happens in 2017, you can earn up to $44,880 from January to the month of your birthday with no penalty. But, if you earn more than $44,880 during that time, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $3 over that limit. And, once your birthday passes, you can earn any amount by working without benefits being reduced at all.
Wages, bonuses, commissions and vacation pay all count toward the income limits, but pensions, annuities, investment earnings, interest, capital gains and government or military retirement benefits do not. To figure out how much your specific earnings will affect your benefits, see the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test Calculator at SSA.gov/OACT/COLA/RTeffect.html.
It’s also important to know that if you do lose some or all of your Social Security benefits because of the earning limits, they aren’t lost forever. When you reach full retirement age, your benefits will be recalculated to a higher amount to make up for what was withheld.
For details and examples of how this is calculated, see SSA.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html.
For more information on how working can affect your Social Security benefits, see SSA.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html, or call the Social Security office at 410-965-2039 and ask to receive a free copy of publication number 05-10069, “How Work Affects Your Benefits.”
Tax Factor
In addition to the Social Security rules, you need to factor in Uncle Sam too. Because working increases your income, it might make your benefits taxable.
Here’s how it works. If the sum of your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits is between $25,000 and $34,000 for individuals ($32,000 and $44,000 for couples), you have to pay tax on up to 50 percent of benefits.
Above $34,000 ($44,000 for couples), you could pay on up to 85 percent, which is the highest portion of Social Security that is taxable. About a third of all people who get Social Security have to pay income taxes on their benefits.
For information, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior.”
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LETTERS • 04-27-17
Troubled by Davis Street’s Half-Million Dollar Plea
Editor:
The Davis Street Family Resource Center’s latest plea for financial help – $500,000 from the Eden Health District – is troubling.
It suggests that the center’s management and its Board of Directors are either unable to run the enterprise in a financially responsible manner, or they have adopted a business model that seeks to test the limits of the community’s largess.
Granted, the center has provided a vital community service since its earliest days on Davis Street. Then, it was a smaller, simpler operation that, as I recall, didn’t seek huge cash handouts. But it seems that the move to larger quarters on Teagarden launched an expansion of services, including a health clinic, that appears ill-advised.
Center CEO Rose Johnson was quoted in the Times’ April 20 story as saying that long waits for insurance and medical reimbursements have been a problem. Why didn’t the registered nurse and the medical doctor on the center’s board foresee this issue? The clinic survives only because the city provided a $1.5 million loan since repaid with yet another loan from an unspecified source. Now Ms. Johnson is asking for a $500,000 grant in addition to the $250,000 it receives annually from the hard-pressed Eden Health District.
Davis Street is expanding still. It is the planned operator of a child care center a developer will build with a “forgivable loan” from the city at the new residential complex opposite the San Leandro BART station. While a schedule child care fees has been ordained, is the past a prologue here, too? The center also must finance its planned marijuana dispensary.
I suggest that the question to be addressed here is: Is the Davis Street Center overreaching? Why are its finances and financial planning so inadequate even though its board includes an accomplished businessman and a CPA? Is the Center’s business model that of becoming too big to fail? If so, the pleas for money and lack of accountability will go on.
— Fred Reicker, San Leandro
San Leandro’s Improvements Being Outsourced to San Diego?
Editor:
So let me get this straight. The San Leandro Improvement Association (SLIA) has been set up to tax businesses at a special rate within the downtown area to make sure cleaning and improvements are made specifically within said district.
The association is headquartered in San Diego, not San Leandro, and pays someone to put money into accounts and then figure out how to spend it on cleaning and improvements. This outside entity decides what projects will be done within my city. What am I missing?
Isn’t this the job of our city manager and his staff to put money in accounts and then spend it. Right? Why on earth have we outsourced our city manger’s office?
Dissolve the SLIA immediately and stop wasting our tax dollars outsourcing your work, City Manager Chris Zapata. Since the city pays 25 percent of this bill, I’m now convinced the SLIA is a gigantic waste of tax dollars. Nothing the SLIA is doing for us, is anything we can’t do for ourselves.
So instead of creating more layers, City Manager Zapata, let’s go back to the city manager’s office doing their job of putting money in accounts and then spending it, and public works doing their job of keeping the streets and sidewalks clean and leave the people with schemes from San Diego out of the equation all together.
We can’t afford it.
— Gary Langbehn, San Leandro
An Opportunity for Eden Area To Get Better Representation
Editor:
As an Eden Area resident, I am writing to inform everyone about an opportunity to get better representation and more say over what happens in our local communities.
Currently, the unincorporated area, which includes San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Hayward Acres, is governed by two county supervisors: Wilma Chan and Nate Miley. We are just a small part of their districts and must constantly fight for attention and resources from Alameda County. It is time for us local residents to make our own decisions over the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
A grassroots group of residents is making the case for getting its own Municipal Advisory Council. This would be an unofficial version of a city council with representatives from the Eden Area. These local representatives would work on issues, such as public safety and land use/planning.
It would be a forum for voicing local concerns, such as potholes, dumping, or the lack of places to shop. It’s hard to know where to turn to get these problems fixed. An official committee with set meetings would make sure that the county has to provide quality service to its residents.
Castro Valley has its own MAC. Residents in San Leandro and Hayward have both a mayor and city council. It is time for the Eden Area to get that same level of representation and service.
Supervisor Chan will be sending out a survey to all residents in early May. I urge the people of the Eden Area to say yes to a Municipal Advisory Council. The costs are minimal while the potential positive impact is immeasurable. For more info, visit edenareamac.com.
— Eva Poon, Ashland
Eden Area Needs a MAC Like Castro Valley’s
Editor:
As a resident of the unincorporated community of Ashland I urge any residents of Ashland, San Lorenzo, Cherryland and Hayward Acres who read the San Leandro Times to urge Alameda County Supervisors Nate Miley and Wilma Chan to create the much anticipated and popularly supported Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council.
Castro Valley has proved a MAC can be a source of community participation and democratic discourse since 1981. Eden Area residents (excluding Castro Valley) will soon receive a county funded survey. Vote yes for a single, unified MAC for Ashland, San Lorenzo, Cherryland and Hayward Acres! We will have a much stronger voice together. It’s our turn, search Our MAC on Facebook now. edenareamac.org.
— Tyler Dragoni, Ashland
Some Concerns About Types and Forms of Marijuana Being Used
Editor:
The scary thing about marijuana is that it can increase the effects of pain and psychiatric medications, making it seem to your body that you have increased your dose. That came as a real surprise to me when I did the research.
I have chronic pain from a degenerative condition as well as an auto immune disease that causes a lot of discomfort. Over several years, I’ve had many friends encourage me to try marijuana, and some of those friends use it themselves.
Marijuana is not like it used to be when the seller would grow the plant, harvest it, dry it and sell it. Now it is sold in many forms with different types having different qualities. It takes quite a bit of research and knowledge to know what you are getting and if it will conflict with medications being taken.
Our young people need to be especially careful because it, and alcohol, affect brain development until they are around 23 years old. All other adults need to be careful as well. Do the research. Know what you are getting. Know the attributes of the particular product. This is not a simple go to the market and grab some kind of herb.
One last scary thought: where was it grown and what could potentially have been applied to it? Insecticides, fertilizers, etc., have ingredients that could cause us potential harm. As far as I know, there are no ingredient labels on marijuana products that list these things. Who knows what you could be allergic to or have a reaction to, especially if it is not a local product where someone could answer these questions.
I just wanted to add to the conversation by bringing up some things to think about.
— Sheryl Smith, San Leandro
Scouts To Be Commended for Hard Work on Earth Day
Editor:
I want to thank the Boy Scouts, city staff and the adult volunteers who participated in the downtown cleanup on Earth Day.
Boy Scout Troops 503 and 556, along with Cub Scout Pack 556, are to be commended for their hard work. The boys continue to learn the value of community service and the preservation of the planet.
Thank you to Councilmember Deborah Cox for organizing this event.
— Orval “OB” Badger, San Leandro, District Chair Tres Ranchos District
Praise for San Leandro’s Non-Discriminatory Library
Editor:
We have a great library in San Leandro. I would like to thank the Library for giving us the opportunity to hear the Aswat Women’s Ensemble perform on April 22nd. Aswat is the Bay Area’s only all female Arab music ensemble. Arab culture and music has a long history and we heard folk, classical, contemporary and sacred music from many parts of the Arab world performed by talented singers
The program opened with a beautiful sacred song sung by Basma Edres, also on violin, as well as choral and instrumental pieces, including a wonderful percussion solo by Susu Pampanin. I personally enjoyed the beautiful haunting voice of Samira Kharrubi on “Your Strutting Figure.”
When I was young I traveled by train from Istanbul to Baghdad and from there by bus to Basra in 1971. I enjoyed the Iraqi people and they were very kind to me. Although not religious, finding myself in Babylon and Nineveh, places I read about in the Bible, made quite an impression on me. I have also been in Syria in the ’70s and Libya when I was a small child.
I am personally disgusted by the anti-Muslim and anti-Arab mood in our country at the moment that is unfortunately fueled by political figures including those in the present and past administrations. It cannot be easy for Arab Americans at this time.
We have a great library in San Leandro, we must make sure to use it and the country needs a lot more of them. Librarians refused to report who was reading what when asked to do so by the former Bush administration. Librarians are very important public servants.
Thanks again to the San Leandro Library and staff.
— Richard Mellor, San Leandro
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LETTERS • 04-20-17
Is PG&E Building Too Many Costly Power Plants?
Editor:
Regarding recent complaints (in the San Leandro Times and from several neighbors) about rising PG&E bills, I listened to a very informative radio discussion about energy issues in California a few days ago. One participant was Ivan Penn, an Los Angeles Times journalist. His article can be accessed by Googling “Ivan Penn, PG&E.”
In a nutshell: The California Public Utilities Commission has a history of controversial decisions approving the building of costly power plants (e.g. 2010 Colusa for $673 million, and about 30 others since 2008, despite energy surpluses and an ongoing trend of declining usage due to improvements in energy efficiency, etc.) apparently under the guise of building reserves that are considered excessive by various experts, while key power plants operate at less than 50% of their capacity!
“The average cost of electricity in the state is now 15 cents a kilowatt hour versus 10 cents for users in the rest of the United States. The rate in California ... has increased 12% since 2008, while prices have declined nearly 3% elsewhere in the country.”
A ray of hope is the 2014 successful legal appeal that overturned plans to construct a $1.15 billion plant in Contra Costa County due to the efforts of consumer advocates. Knowledge is power!
— Sandra Storch, San Leandro
It’s the “‘Blue Collar’ that Gets the Hard Work Done”
Editor:
I want to take the time to thank and congratulate Bryan Azevedo and the San Leandro Democratic Club for their successful spring cleanup event this past weekend.
The kind of turnout and dedication displayed by the volunteers is the result of strong organizing and dedication to this city, once again proving that it’s “blue collar” that gets the hard work done.
The spring cleaning is just one example of deliverables.
I wonder what my city council member has been up to since winning his election? Has anyone seen Ed Hernandez in District 2? I know I asked him for a meeting and I’m still waiting to hear from him.
Hey Ed, call me. Tenants in your district need you.
— Guillermo Elenes, Member, Democratic Central Committee, San Leandro
Distrurbed Over United Airlines’ Bumped-Passenger Incident
Editor:
I am extremely disturbed and upset over the news that appeared in many newspapers concerning the recent event aboard United Airlines.
Airline carriers are undoubtedly held to a stricter standard, and the conduct of United Airlines which involved an extreme and outrageous act caused severe emotional distress to a 69-year-old Vietnamese passenger.
Personally, I feel that United Airlines has not exercised their “highest degree of care” to that passenger who should receive all necessary “special” and “general” damages.
— Alfred Kwok, San Leandro
Wants to Know What’s Going On with the Marina Development
Editor:
Since I’m keeping track (and I am), let’s go through the Marina development over the last 10 years.
Former Mayor Cassidy hired expensive consultants to tell us the road to financial salvation for San Leandro was to do away with the marina and instead put in office, retail, a convention center and housing. This development would take over the vast majority of bay views and limit bay access for future generations of San Leandrans.
We have devoted expensive city resources and time to making sure this development happens regardless of how the average city resident feels about it. We have neglected other projects in town in favor of this development so let’s go through the score card.
First, the developer nixed the convention center as a totally unfeasible idea.
Now we find the developer won’t be building the office portion either and has expressed real concern about the project even being built at all because the whole thing was originally planned too close to the shoreline and is inconsistent with rising sea levels. This after more than 73 public meetings.
Since the whole scope of the project has changed, where are the new plans of what will be built? Are we moving buildings back and making buildings higher?
Not a single plan currently online reflects exactly what’s going on. And so I’m very skeptical based upon what we’ve gotten for our tax dollars so far. And you should be too!
Please publish new accurate detailed plans and renderings for us all to see.
— Gary Langbehn, San Leandro
Thanks to All for Response to Creek Erosion Workshops
Editor:
On behalf of Friends of San Leandro Creek, I would like to thank the community, Ohlone Elder Ruth Orta, city leaders; Mayor Cutter, City Manager Chris Zapata, Council Members Ballew, Cox and Lopez (and retired CM Prola) and speaker Dr. Ann Riley for the great response to our creek erosion workshops.
The wet ground has created tree hazards everywhere and the easy, cheap and scientifically proven techniques that Dr. Riley shared with us during her workshops was the information that everyone with a tree needed!
For those of you that missed the workshop, photos and plans for bioengineering techniques will be available on our website: wwwfslc.org, along with a list of native plants and trees best suited for San Leandro.
If you are having a problem with erosion in your yard due to the wet year, please take a look at the site and/or feel free to contact The Friends at 510-577-6069 or Slevenson@sanleandro.org.
— Susan Levenson, FSLC Watershed Awareness Coordinator
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LETTERS • 04-13-17
‘Shoreline Development: Perfect from Afar, Far from Perfect’
Editor:
How unfortunate that very few people witnessed the blissful April 3 City Council meeting. Community members were given notice that the main topic of conversation would be the status of the shoreline development.
How amazing it was to witness the players: Cal-Coast Development (Ed Miller), community development director, the mayor, the city manager, and city council members. As a matter of fact, the only thing missing was a buffet dinner accompanied by strolling violins.
To conclude – Shoreline Development:
• Perfect from afar but far from perfect.
• Community Advisory Committee (CAC) possibly ruled in favor of the boats and not the development?
• Donations to council members from Cal-Coast Development to rule in Cal-Coast’s favor?
• Will proposed changes from Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) generate a revised EIR? If not, why not?
• Once finalized, whenever that is, will the “conditions of approval” be made public?
• With the development, community subjected to noise, traffic, pollution, etc. The loss of a piece of serenity.
• Transparency?
— John Manuel, San Leandro
‘Sea Level Rise Takes a Back Seat to Commuter Transportation’
Editor:
Mr. Shoreline Development Cal Coast CEO, the fabulous Ed Miller, has made yet another of his copious appearances before the City Council. Reluctantly this time redesigning Shoreline Development with a sea level rise motif. After all, sea level rise is exponential and unstoppable.
Listen Ed: Since change is in order, we’d like you to design that pedestrian/car bridge over the entrance to the marina retractable so I can get my yacht in a boat slip. Oh that’s right! Our once great, “Jewel in the San Leandro Crown” marina is being dismantled, removed forever, and left as a large saltwater tidal pond.
How could that be? Desperate measures in a desperate time.
I really want this latest incarnation of Shoreline Development to work Ed. Otherwise, without you, I fear all the City Council will be able to afford is a few new townhouses and a Denny’s on the corner.
Sea level rise, as real as it is, takes a back seat to the needs of commuter transportation.
In light of our Bay Area’s severe commuter crisis, don’t be surprised when Governor Jerry Brown requires the use of the San Leandro Maltester Channel as necessary commuter traffic mitigation—using small personnel catamaran ferry transportation across the bay. The upside is the federal government is required to dredge the channel entirely on its own dime.
Considering commuter traffic dire straights, it would almost be criminal not to include this in the plan.
Stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen, for the continuing saga of Shoreline Development. What a thing.
— Dwight Pitcaithley, San Leandro
Says Tenant Relocation Program Bad for Low-income Tenants
Editor:
In response to the letter by Mr. West (“‘Time to Expedite Tenant Relocation Assistance Program’,” Letters, April 6), I would like to explain why I believe TRAP (Tenant Relocation Assistant Program) is bad for tenants, in particular low-income tenants.
The proposal by City Councilman Lee Thomas and Tom Silva, a landlord lobbyist who has received thousands of city dollars through the “Homeless Compact” program, will have the effect of accelerating evictions. In particular, in the area near Bayfair, this fact is acknowledged by the city in the draft environmental report for the redevelopment of the mall.
The reason why this proposal will result in more tenants moving out is because it does not provide any protections against no-fault evictions. Meaning that landlords can and will continue to use math to figure out if evicting someone is more profitable than allowing them to stay.
Any proposed payments will not cover the cost of moving to a comparable unit, forcing families to relocate out of the city, thus creating a brand-new concept “Landlord Caused Eviction.” Current state law makes it legal to put someone out for no reason. This proposal does not change that.
What Mr. West and Lee Thomas get completely wrong is that they both equate just cause with rent control. Those are simply two different ideas all together.
Just cause only means that tenants have the security of knowing they cannot be evicted from their home unless they break the lease or don’t pay the rent.
Just cause does not require the city to spend any money—there is no rent board to file paperwork with, it simply allows tenants a day in court where a judge can look at the facts.
There is one thing I want to get off my chest: Leo West has a well-earned reputation as his past statements in public and in this paper have been bigoted and repulsive.
I suppose I can count myself lucky that I was only attacked as a “Democrat.” Well, I want to take this moment to thank everyone in District 18 for electing me as your representative in the Alameda Democratic Central Committee, where I speak for tenants, and have succeeded in passing a resolution affirming that Democrats believe in rent control and just cause.
— Guillermo Elenes, San Leandro
Healthcare: Calls for Public to Support State Senate Bill 562
Editor:
The Republican’s failed attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act is an insult to the American people.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated as many as 20 million people would have been without healthcare by 2020. Retired folks with an income of $26,500 would have paid over half their yearly income in premiums while the wealthy would have had their taxes significantly reduced.
House Majority Leader Paul Ryan had the temerity to call this an act of mercy and a fight for freedom.
Yet, the ACA is not really, nor ever has been, the answer. In 2015 under the ACA, 29 million people did not have healthcare coverage while another 31 million were under-insured. High deductibles and high copays prevented them from seeking care.
Despite this, 62 percent of all bankruptcies were due to medical debt with 75 percent of those being people with healthcare. America, with its vast wealth, ranks 37th in healthcare outcomes behind Slovenia. We pay more than our European counterparts and receive far less with worse results. Our infant mortality is the highest of any industrialized nation.
America can do better. The American people deserve better.
As an RN for over 35 years, daily witnessing the suffering caused by such inadequate public policies, I have had enough. The inherent inequality of those who can pay more getting more, versus those who cannot getting far less is an unacceptable reality in American healthcare. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”
Here in California we have the answer, the only moral choice appropriate for all Americans—SB 562. When enacted, it will guarantee that every California resident will receive comprehensive healthcare services. Covered benefits will include preventative services to keep people healthy. All emergency services, surgeries, hospital stays, outpatient doctor visits, home healthcare, hospice, vision and dental services will be covered. This bill has been crafted to care for all Californians in a way that is financially sustainable.
Please write your State Senator and Assemblymember declaring your support for this bill. Use my words or write your own. Tell stories of friends, family members or neighbors who may have felt the burden of medical debt. We all know someone or of someone who has struggled with this unnecessary issue.
And, finally, sign up with the Campaign For A Healthy California at www.HealthyCA.org. It costs absolutely nothing and will guide you to what you can do. Please join me to help make this a reality for all Californians.
— Lisa LaFave, RN, San Leandro
What’s Being Done to Bring Sessions and Flynn to Justice?
Editor:
What consequences does a person face if he/she lies during sworn testimony to the Senate? Do the consequences for perjury apply to government officials, including the chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Jeff Sessions?
During his confirmation hearing, under oath, he said he had no contact with Russian officials during Trump’s campaign, to which he was an advisor. That was untrue. Subsequently,
Sessions tried to minimize his perjury by saying he hadn’t met with Russians as Trump’s representative.
Does subsequent redefining of untrue statements absolve the perjurer from culpability? If not, what is the Senate doing to seek just consequences? If Sessions can lie to the Senate under oath without consequence, then anyone’s oath to tell the truth becomes a meaningless gesture.
Similarly, ex-National-Security-Advisor Michael Flynn broke the law when he failed to disclose his lobbyist arrangement for the Government of Turkey while also serving in an official U.S. government position. After this violation was uncovered, he belatedly submitted a disclosure form.
Does post-factual disclosure absolve Flynn of criminal culpability? If so, then no one would be required to follow the law unless they were caught. If not, what is being done to bring Flynn to justice and consequence?
— Bruce Joffe, Piedmont
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LETTERS • 04-06-17
Would Like to See Some Murals on San Leandro Overpasses
Editor:
I am retired but drive for Enterprise
Rent-a-Car. As I drive around some neighboring cities, I notice that especially Hayward has some beautiful historic murals around town.
Which brings me to wondering why San Leandro does not have someone paint the cherries or the butterflies on the I-880 overpasses at Marina Boulevard and Davis Street. I think that would help beautify San Leandro somewhat.
— Jake Jacoby, San Leandro
Says City Is Only Kind to a ‘Select Few’
Editor:
In her recent State of the City address, the mayor touted how San Leandro was “on the forefront of prosperity.” As part of that, she emphasized the new housing proposed for the city: the marina, the OSI area, and the old CVS.
In conjunction with these projects, the word “affordable” never came up. Probably because these projects are meant for people with a high-paid tech job, not someone like me living on a fixed income.
“Affordable” was relegated to the Marea Alta senior housing – not yet built – and to the Bayfair area – also not yet built, which will be Marea Alta 2.0: too little, too late. I’ll be in a facility or dead before any housing affordable to me is built.
The mayor also spoke about how we are a city of kindness. Yeah, this city is kind: to developers and landlords; to house owners who don’t want apartments put up in “their” Estudillo Estates neighborhood; to businesses (including even more nail salons) that want to put up more “iconic” art; and to our electrical boxes that don’t have art on them yet.
But kindness to people in this city struggling to get by paying exorbitant rents or the homeless? No kindness to them. The city made changes to the rent ordinance, and gave it all up to the landlords on a silver platter. And under the city’s “Homeless Compact” that was also mentioned, a whopping 25 people will be housed in units subsidized at the landlords’ outrageous market rates. But under this compact, a tenant must be able to pay a third of that rent, which means that hard-core unemployed homeless with insufficient means won’t qualify and will still be, well, homeless.
Sorry, city administration, but there’s no kindness or prosperity for me; only for your select few.
— K. Lee-Figueroa, San Leandro
‘Time to Expedite Tenant Relocation Assistance Program’
Editor:
The City Council Rules Committee reviewing the TRAP (Tenant Relocation Assistance Program) has been fiddling around with this ordinance for nine months, mainly because of the obstructive tactics of Council member Lee Thomas and Mayor Cutter, who are doing it on the behest of the landlords who showed up in force at the last meeting.
Unfortunately, Guillermo Elenes, a member of the Democratic Party, also showed up at the meeting and declared his agreement with the landlords. Elenes formed an organization called “Unión de Vecinos,” gathering mostly “Latinos.” His excuse for opposing the implementation of the TRAP is that it doesn’t have a “just-cause” clause in it.
A just-cause clause can only be included in a rent control ordinance, not in the ordinance at consideration now. Elenes knows quite well that the San Leandro City Council will not implement a rent control ordinance; that battle was lost in 2015-16. So, Elenes prefers not to have an ordinance that’s a palliative for the tenants that are being evicted every day in San Leandro while he and the landlords encourage the Rules Committee to continue to fiddle around. There’s still a question whether Elenes is actually a tenant or a political operative.
It’s time to expedite the implementation of the Tenant Relocation Assistance Program as it is now since,all of the signs indicate that the intention of Thomas and Cutter are not only to delay its implementation, but also to water it down.
— Leo T. West, San Leandro
Urges Public to Protest Repeal of FCC Privacy Rules
Editor:
To make a phone call, your phone company knows the phone number you are calling. Legally considered a “utility,” phone companies are required to protect the privacy of your call information. Similarly, in order to connect to a webpage, your internet provider knows every website address you view, and every keystroke you enter on that website. Until now, that private information was similarly protected.
No longer. On March 28, the Republican-majority Congress passed a “joint resolution of congressional disapproval” that repeals the FCC’s broadband privacy rules. The measure is at the White House for Trump’s signature.
While promoted as a way for advertisers to better target you with products you might want to purchase, this loss of internet privacy creates serious dangers. Companies that analyze “Big Data” can create political profiles of voters to micro-target manipulative propaganda messages. Russia used this dis-information technique during the presidential campaign.
With Congressional repeal of FCC rules, internet providers can release much more private information including your health history, financial information, your Social Security number, your browsing history, app usage, and the content of your messages, emails and other communications. Everyone is now vulnerable to intimidation or blackmail by those who will compile a “Database of Ruin” containing facts about each of us that we wouldn’t want anyone else to know.
FCC rules must remain in place to protect our privacy. Contact your Congress Representative today. Protest, and support lawsuits to challenge this action before your data is released.
— Bruce Joffe, Piedmont
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OBITUARIES • 04-27-17
DA ROSA, Mario M.
DOOLITTLE, Manny Arthur
Mario M. Da Rosa passed away on April 18, 2017 at the age of 78. His Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 28, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Leander Catholic Church, 550 W. Estudillo Ave., in San Leandro. Internment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. Arrangements made by Santos-Robinson Mortuary (510-483-0123, www.santos-robinson.com).
Manny Arthur Doolittle (May 2, 2002 – April 16, 2017) loved life and the people that surrounded him. His fondest love was his dog, Sundae, who will forever miss him. His joy of PS3 and PS4, bowling, basketball and Warriors, Raiders and NASCAR was amazing. In recent months, he wanted to learn sign language so he could help kids at UCSF, along with wanting to be a member of Family Life staff that talked and played with the kids while hospitalized. He is survived by his loving grandma and guardian, Janice Doolittle; his grandpa, Ronald Doolittle; great-aunt, Norma Imwalle; great-grandparents, Bob and Betty Imwalle, and Alice Doolittle; godfather, Bill Jeans; adored friends, Preston Morales, David House, Rick and Vicki Ronchette, Mutazz and Malik Whitehead, Gary Chimienti, Melody Marr, Carrol Audiss, Veronica and Tyrone Whitehead, Ray Ng, Martina Mckay, Landon Clark; and many other teachers, school friends, church friends, and doctors and staff of UCSF Medical Center Mission Bay, as well as the staff at Creative Dimensions in Dentistry, Precision Auto and Manor Bowl. Manny is also survived by his mom, Melissa Doolittle; aunts, Kristina and Stacey Doolittle; brother, Kyle; and many cousins and aunts. Manny was a student of Arroyo High School, a member of First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro and a member of the Youth Bowling League. Funeral service took place on April 23 at First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro, 180 Estudillo Ave. San Leandro, followed with a procession to Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward for burial. The family requests donations be made to UCSF Medical Center Mission Bay ENT Department or Endocrinology Department or American Cancer Society for Thyroid Cancer Research. His life was too short but what he put into it we will never forget. God is with him. His thought was: “If you hear thunder, please know I am bowling in heaven.”
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OBITUARIES • 04-20-17
MACDOUGALL, Catherine H.
SUTTER, Barbara
Catherine H. MacDougall, a resident of San Leandro, passed away surrounded by family on April 10, 2017. She was 94 years of age. Cathie was born in Braemar, Scotland to the late James and Amelia McGregor and her sister, Millie. Cathie met her late husband and love of her life, Mark MacDougall, while he was stationed in Braemar during World War II. The two were married in Braemar in October of 1945. Cathie immigrated to San Leandro as a war bride to live with Mark and his family in August of 1946. Together they created a loving family legacy which includes their daughter, Jeanette Hubbard, and her husband, Robert, of Newark, and their son, James MacDougall, and his wife, Rebecca, of San Leandro. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Meghan Meyer, and her husband, Joshua Meyer, and their two children, Madelyn and Brayden. She was a longtime member of Assumption Parish where she made rosaries and was a member of the knitting club. She loved rooting for her local sports teams, spending time with family, and taking her beloved grand-dog, Molly, for walks around the block. Those who knew and loved Cathie will remember her kindness, feisty sense of humor, her love of God, and her love of her family. Services to celebrate Cathie’s life will take place today, April 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Assumption in San Leandro.
Barbara Sutter, one of Castro Valley’s most elegant ladies, has passed unto a new horizon. Barbara, a resident of Castro Valley since 1958, passed at the recently turned age of 94 on March 28. The general cause was ramifications that emerged from a broken hip a couple of months ago. Her passage reflected her personal characteristics of elegance and beauty. Barbara was born in Oakland on March 14, 1923. Her heritage was both Italian and German, although she displayed more of the characteristics of her Italian heritage than the Germanic side. She grew-up in Oakland and attended Oakland High School, which is where she met her husband to-be, Farren “Skip” Sutter. They were married shortly after high school in Reno, Nevada. Skip was trained in the Merchant Marine, but left to marry Barbara and to join the U.S. Army during WWII. During the war, Barbara lived in the New York City area and in the state of Washington (Ft. Lewis), in support of her husband’s military service. After the war ended, Barbara and Skip returned to the Bay Area, settling in the Fairmont Terrace area adjacent to Castro Valley. In 1958, they moved to Castro Valley, which is where she lived until her passage. Her husband, Skip, passed in 2012. He was a long-time officer in the Oakland Police Department. Barbara had attended both Merritt College and U.C. Berkeley. She had also worked at the “Little Miss & Mister Shop” in downtown Oakland for many years, where she served as a manager of accounting and sales. Her primary passion was her family, having given birth to two sons — Phillip in 1945 and Shawn in 1957. Phillip is married to his wife, Cindy, and lives in Morro Bay. Shawn is married to Jim McBride and lives in Lodi. Barbara is survived by both children, as well as 2 grandchildren, Antony and Laura; and 5 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Casandra, Amanda, Caitlynn and Antony II. In addition to her family, Barbara’s passions included animal rescue and gardening. She was a member of the Castro Valley Women’s Club for 45 years and the San Leandro Garden Club for 44 years. She served as President of the San Leandro Garden Club from 1982-84. She was also a long-time supporter of the Sulphur Creek Nature Center. Her generosity, however, extended to all causes for the good of people and the local community. At her request, there will be no memorial service. Donations in her memory are urged for the Hayward Animal Shelter or to any favored cause for her friends. In her memory, all are asked to smile in her memory for the kindness of being she displayed toward all.
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OBITUARIES • 04-13-17
CARTER, Frances Amelia
ERVIN, Elsie Margaret
VALDIVIA, Raul
Frances Carter passed away peacefully at Baywood Court in Castro Valley surrounded by her loving family on March 22, 2017. Frances was born on March 5, 1916 to Emilie and John Kozel in Pierce, Nebraska. Frances was the second born of four siblings, the late Bill Kozel, her loving brother, Joe Kozel of San Leandro and the late Ed Kozel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bryan Carter; and her daughter, Patricia Shope. Frances is survived by her cherished grandson, Michael Shope, and her loving stepdaughter, Barbara Sherman. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. She leaves behind her very best friend, Diane Eatherly. On September 19, 1943, Frances married Bryan Carter and lived in places from Hawaii to Germany. She resided in Texas for many years until Bryan’s passing on May 26, 1993. She later moved to San Leandro to live near her two brothers Joe and Ed. Frances was active in the San Leandro Senior Center, where she belonged to the Sunshine Seniors and attended twice a week for 15 years for parties and activities. She also enjoyed many day trips around the Bay Area with the Travel Troupe. Frances loved being on the go, playing bingo, doing art projects and participating in exercise classes. Frances lived a long and loving life and lived to be 101. A Memorial Mass honoring her life will be held on Monday, April 24, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 3433 Somerset Ave., in Castro Valley. Donations may be sent to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas, 75265 or ww5.komen.org.
Elsie Margaret Ervin, born March 29, 1926 passed on January 30, 2017. She passed away peacefully at her San Leandro home with her caregiver (AKA her loving granddaughter, Theresa Ervin) by her side. She also leaves behind her son, Kenny, and daughter.
Raul Valdivia (Oct. 9, 1925 – Apr. 8, 2017), 91, a longtime resident of Union City and Castro Valley, passed away on April 8. He will join his loving wife, Carmen, in heaven who passed away in 2015. Rudy is survived by his 3 sons, Carlos, Raul Jr. and Eddie; 3 daughters, Yolanda, Donna and Tisha; 2 daughters-in-law; 1 son-in-law; 9 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Services and viewing will be private. Donations can be made to Catholic Charities of the East Bay in his name.
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OBITUARIES • 04-06-17
BURLESON, Margaret
COLVILLE, Benedicta
JAMES, Marie
KERR, Kermit
Margaret Burleson (February 21, 1923 – March 28, 2017), a San Lorenzo resident, passed away on March 28, 2017 at the age of 94. Born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia to Laura and Daniel Booher, she was married to the late Paul Burleson from 1945 until 2007. Margaret is survived by her daughter, Virginia Wood; son-in-law, Lyn Wood; grandsons, Jason Wood and Eric Wood; and many nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren. Services will be held on April 6 at 1 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward.
Benedicta “Benny” Colville, born June 2, 1921, passed away on March 31 2017. Viewing is Thursday, Aprtil 6, from 5 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Services will be at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward on Friday, April 7, at 10 a.m.
Marie Xavier James (September 7, 1923 – April 1, 2017), born September 7, 1923, entered into rest April 1, 2017. A life-long resident of San Leandro, Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Emilia and Mathew Xavier; her brothers, Alfred, Tony, Thomas and Matthew Xavier; and her husband, Fred James. She is survived by her children, Thomas James and Christina Schmitz; her grandchildren, Lauren James Hoppers, Mike, Lisa and Rob Schmitz, and Nathan James; her great-grandchildren, Zack, Andy, Abby, Christopher, Julie, Marina, Nattie, and a new baby girl on the way. She had many beloved nieces and nephews, Sandy Braun, Dean and Richard Xavier, Marnell Xavier, Norine Xavier, Judy Sanchez, Ginger Schuler, Carol Leal Smith, and Robert Vallio. Marie was a graduate of San Leandro High School, a member of IDES Alvarado Street, and a former resident of Mission Bay Mobile Home Park. A special thank you to all the caregivers at Willow Creek Dementia Care in Castro Valley. Visitation will be held at Santos- Robinson Mortuary in San Leandro on Wednesday, April 5, from 2 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil beginning at 7 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be at St. Felicitas Church, 1662 Manor Blvd., in San Leandro on Thursday, April 6, beginning at 10 a.m. with private interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward.
Kermit Alexander Kerr (July 7, 1932 – March 29, 2017) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and loving wife of 63 years. A native of Key West, Florida, he retired from the Air Force after 20 years as a Master Sergeant. He found a lifelong passion in golf and also loved bowling. After retiring, he continued to work and became a Volunteer in Police Services (V.I.P.S.) in Antioch for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, Rosella "Bucky"; son, Randy; daughter, Cindy; brother, Sidney; sisters, Rose and Maggie; nieces and nephews; and many grandkids and great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Mark and Steven Kerr; and grandson, Daniel Kerr. Funeral services will be held at Higgins Chapel, 1310 A St., in Antioch on Thursday, April 6. Service starts at noon.
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