CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Gary Gin Inspiring Next Generation of Innovators
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
In the world of robotic combat, few names are as enduring as Gary Gin. Best known for piloting the fame-throwing robot Free Shipping on the hit television series BattleBots, Gin has spent more than two decades building and battling machines. But while sparks fy in the arena, Gin’s most impactful work might be what happens outside of it — in classrooms, workshops, and makerspaces, where he’s shaping the next generation of innovators.
A lifelong tinkerer who lives in unincorporated Alameda County, Gin’s love for electronics began early, encouraged by a father who worked as an electronics technician. From radio-controlled (RC) car racing in the 1980s to building his frst combat robot for BattleBots in 2001, Gin’s hands-on experience with mechanics and fabrication gave him a unique edge. His debut robot reached the fnals in its weight class, and he’s been a fxture in the combat robotics scene ever since.
“I do most of the work, but the team is mainly based in the East Bay,” Gin told the Forum. “I have a teammate, Jim Yeh, and his son Forrest, who ran a robot called the Ragin Scotsman. Their big claim to fame was this ginormous fame thrower, and so that’s why Free Shipping has a big fame thrower on it.”
Eden Area Recognized By Address
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, and Hayward Acres residents have been telling people where they live for years. Now, the United States Postal Service and two county supervisors have announced that they can also get their mail addressed there.
“This is a major milestone for our unincorporated communities,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, who represents Castro Valley and several other unincorporated areas in District 4. District 3 Supervisor Lena Tam joined him in pushing for the change.
Most residents of Castro Valley and San Lorenzo are unaffected. Although they may not be their own city, they do have their own post offce, so they get their mail as if, well, they lived there. However, some 29,000 residents of the Eden Area didn’t, and so mail had to be addressed to the larger communities of Hayward or San Leandro. People living in some ZIP codes in the communities of Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, and Fairview, along with smaller numbers of San Lorenzo and Castro Valley residents, were affected.
It all goes back to when we frst got ZIP codes in 1960.
see EDEN on page 10
Crush Comics Staf Crack Burglary Case
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A burglary that hit a beloved local comic bookstore has led to an unexpected tale of sleuthing success. Staff from Crush Comics helped police track down the culprit behind a string of Bay Area thefts. The story began in the early hours of March 22, when burglars smashed through the front window of the store on Castro Valley Boulevard and
made off with valuable comic books, including a rare, oneof-a-kind sketch cover. Josh Hunter, owner of the Castro Valley shop, and his manager, Cole Sanders, quickly turned to surveillance footage for answers.
“It felt like a plot straight out of a comic book,” Hunter said. “Two guys in hoodies, in and out fast, and our most prized comics were gone.”
A few hours later, the team spotted one of the stolen
comics posted on eBay. The unique nature of the item—a personalized sketch cover from a local artist—left no doubt it was theirs. Hunter bought the comic back, retrieved the seller’s information, and handed it over to the authorities.
From there, the investigation gained momentum. With some additional online digging, including a revealing Instagram post featuring LEGO fgurines and references to East Bay trades, the Crush Comics
team began connecting the dots. They reached out to other shops that had also been burglarized, including a comic store in San Leandro and a toy shop in San Ramon, discovering that many stolen items were listed on the same eBay account.
“We saw other shops’ goods online. I messaged them and, sure enough, they recognized their stuff too,” said Hunter. “It was like our own little detective network.”
The amateur investigation proved spot-on. On Thursday, March 27, Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at the Livermore home of 29-year-old Noorullah Amiri. Inside, offcers recovered tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen goods, including rare comic books, action fgures, and nearly 200 boxes of LEGO sets. Many items have since been returned to their rightful see BURGLARY on page 3
Castro Valley Weather April 9 - April 13, 2025
Almanac
Moon Phases
Nancy Mosbaugh Honored by County Education Department
Each year, county and state education departments recognize the outstanding efforts of non-faculty, also known as classifed employees. This year, Castro Valley Adult and Career Education’s Nancy Mosbaugh received the Alameda County Offce of Education (ACOE) award for Clerical and Administrative Services.
Mosbaugh is one of seven people in Alameda County’s public school districts nominated as a standout employee in the occupational specialties category. She is now eligible to receive the State award when the State Superintendent of Public Instruction announces its honorees in late April.
“Ms. Nancy Mosbaugh has had a lasting positive impact on the many adults who have attended the CVACE in the last
20-plus years. We are extremely fortunate to have Nancy,” Castro Valley Unifed School District Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi told the Forum.
Nancy was hired in 2002 to work within the Castro Valley Adult and Career Education transition program. She was promoted to Department Specialist in 2017. Throughout
these years, Nancy has supported the CVACE Adults with Disabilities program and the Adult Basic Education/Adult Secondary Education programs in many ways. As the offce staff member supporting these departments, her department chair says Nancy’s work has gone far beyond the basics.
“Nancy truly cares about each student. She consistently goes out of her way to meet each student’s needs in a warm and friendly way. All of my students love Nancy and speak very highly of her.”
A panel of judges from ACOE selected an honoree in each category to be considered by the CDE as one of the State Classifed Employees of the Year. California public schools will celebrate Classifed School Employee Week in May.
Nancy Mosbaugh
Hernandez Named to Chair Eden Health District Board
Eden Health District announced last week that Ed Hernandez has been unanimously appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Eden Health District.
Hernandez has been on the Board for the last three years, including tenure as Vice-Chair. While serving on the Board, he helped increase the District’s grants and sponsorships from $500,000 in 2023 to $1.3 million in 2024.
His background includes serving as a Council Member for the City of San Leandro and holding appointments on the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, the Ava Community Energy Advisory Committee, and the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association.
According to Eden Health District executives, Hernandez’s brightest moment was helping stabilize funding for St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, which faced dire fnancial challenges. Along with former Chair Pam Russo and a coalition of stakeholders, Hernandez helped commission a study that led to the hospital’s transition to operations by Alameda Health System (AHS), ensuring continued safety-net services for the community.
The committee’s effort included a critical $1 million grant approved by Eden Health District in late 2024 and a collaboration with Alameda County Health, Alameda Health System, Washington Hospital, the City of Hayward, and Kaiser Permanente.
The District’s funding also includes fnancial and resource support for the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center at Castro Valley High School health clinic, La Familia, La Clínica de La Raza, Davis Street Community Center, the George Mark Children’s House, and the Crisis Support Center of Alameda County.
“I am excited to take on this role and continue the district’s critical work to address top
priority health issues like mental health, homelessness, and access to quality care for the most vulnerable residents,” Hernandez said in a statement.
“This year, we plan to allocate $1 million towards supporting community health nonprofts.”
He added that grant applications will open in July, paving the way for another round of impactful funding.
More information about the Eden Health District, including its grants at: ethd.org
Sherif’s Report
Family Fight
Monday, April 7: At 1:59 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 25-year-old Castro Valley woman suspected of assaulting a family member. The woman was at a home on Seven Hills Road near Lake Chabot Road when deputies responded to an altercation at the house. The woman was taken into custody.
Refused to Leave Hospital
Saturday, April 5: At 8:59 a.m., a 49-year-old man without a permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of refusing to leave a business. The man was at Eden Medical Center but had been asked to leave for unspecifed reasons. After repeated requests, hospital security contacted deputies, who took the man into custody.
Tear Gas in His Pocket
Friday, April 4: At 1:30 a.m., deputies arrested a 32-yearold CV man on suspicion of possessing an illegal amount of tear gas. The man was hanging outside a fast-food restaurant on Strobridge Avenue near the Boulevard when deputies stopped him and discovered his canister. Deputies took the man into custody.
Spousal Assault
Monday, March 31: At 10:29 p.m., a 9-1-1 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a home on Ravenwood Place near Center Street. There, they arrested a 35-year-old CV man from Castro Valley on suspicion of spousal assault.
60th Anniversary
Long-time Castro Valley residents John and Renee Langon recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the San Ramon Marriott. Their four children—David and his wife Kathy, Joey and Monica, Michael and his fancée Melissa, and Amy and her husband Patrick—along with all 22 of the couple’s grandchildren, were there to help celebrate. It was an evening flled with love, surrounded by family and friends.
Burglary: Heroic Efforts
continued from front page owners, including Five Little Monkeys toy store, which had also been targeted.
Daisy Ernst, manager of Five Little Monkeys, expressed her gratitude: “It was heartbreaking to see our shelves empty, but now we’ve been able to restock and bring
joy back to our customers.” The heroic efforts of Crush Comics have not gone unnoticed — and may soon be immortalized. Hunter hinted at creating a comic series based on the real-life caper. “We’d have to make the villain harder to catch next time,” he joked.
Ed Hernandez has been unanimously appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Eden Health District.
PARENTS GUIDE TO
Summer Activities
Make the Most of Your Summer: Strategies for a Successful Break
Summer break! Just hearing those words can conjure up images of sunshine, relaxation, and a much-needed respite from the routines and responsibilities of school or work. But while the idea of endless free time is appealing, it’s easy to let the days slip by without truly making the most of them. A “successful” summer break doesn’t necessarily mean being productive every single moment; rather, it’s about intentionally using the time to recharge, pursue interests, and set yourself up for success in the season ahead. So, how can you ensure your summer is both enjoyable and fulflling? Let’s explore some strategies. Plan, but Don’t Over-Plan: Resist the urge to schedule every minute of every day. The beauty of summer lies in its fexibility. Instead of rigid timelines, consider creating a general framework of what you’d like to accomplish. This could involve listing specifc goals (like reading a certain number of books, mastering a new skill, or volunteering), or simply outlining broad themes for each week (such as “Adventure Week,” “Creative Week,” or “Relaxation Week”). This way, you have direction without sacrifcing spontaneity. Think of it as a roadmap rather than a rigid itinerary.
Embrace New Experiences: Summer is the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. Always wanted to try kayaking? Sign up for a lesson. Curious about cooking a specifc cuisine? Find a class or try some new recipes. Consider volunteering for a cause you care about. Even small experiences, like trying a new ice cream favor or exploring a different part of your city, can add richness and excitement to
your summer. These new experiences will not only keep you entertained but also broaden your horizons and help you discover new passions.
Prioritize Rest and Recharge: While trying new things is great, don’t forget the core purpose of a break: to rest and recharge. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and incorporating physical activity into your routine. Disconnect from technology regularly. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in a park. Mindfulness and meditation can also be valuable tools for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Remember, burnout can happen even during vacation if you don’t prioritize self-care.
Nurture Relationships: Summer offers a chance to reconnect with friends and family. Plan picnics, road trips, or game nights. Visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while. Strengthen your bonds with the people who matter most. These connections are crucial for your overall well-being and can provide a strong support system throughout the year. Put down your phone and be present when you’re with loved ones, truly listening and engaging in meaningful conversations.
see SUMMER on back page
Preventing the Dreaded Summer Learning Slide
Hey parents, summer is a fantastic time for fun, but let’s not forget about those little brains! It’s easy for kids to experience the “summer learning slide,” losing some of what they learned during the school year. But don’t worry, preventing it can be easy and fun.
One great way to keep those minds engaged is by incorporating learning into everyday activities. Think about baking together and measuring ingredients (hello, math!). Or, visit a local museum or historical site to bring history to life. Reading together is also a huge win – libraries often have fantastic summer reading programs.
You can also sneak in learning with educational games and apps. There are tons of options that make learning feel like play. Encourage writing by having kids keep a summer journal or write letters to friends and family. Even a simple chore chart can help with organizational skills. The key is to make learning a natural and enjoyable part of your summer routine. A little bit of effort can go a long way in keeping your kids sharp and ready for the new school year. Have a fantastic and educational summer.
Summer offers a chance to reconnect with friends and family. Plan picnics, road trips, or game nights.
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
GUEST COMMENTARY
Steps for Getting Your Condo Sold
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Last week I dealt with the fact that many condos have become ‘blacklisted’ by
Fannie May and Freddie Mac, making it impossible for buyers to get a normal loan, thus rendering a sale virtually impossible. While there are still
WEEKEND GARDENER
Vegetables
As soon as garden beds are able to be worked after the April rains have passed, you can begin setting out vegetables, including radishes, eggplants, green peppers, beans, cucumbers and squash. Buzz Bertolero recommends waiting until May to set out tomatoes. Nurseries and garden centers are well-stocks with six-packs and 4-inch pots of vegetables ready for transplanting.
Flowers
Summer annuals and perennials can also be planted this month to brighten up fower beds. Look for petunias and zinnias—two of the most popular annuals—available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes to fulfll any requirement, whether for dramatic massed beds and borders, window boxes or planters on the patio. Select plants with healthy, deep green foliage. In both vegetable and fowers gardens, watch out for hungry snails which have multiplied many times over due to all the wet weather.
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a few options available, the purchaser must either buy with cash, obtain a non-qualifed mortgage (which comes with higher fees, rates and downpayment requirements, thus eliminating many potential buyers) or, if a seller owns the property free and clear, they can opt to carry back fnancing for a predetermined period of time.
Unfortunately, all of these factors combine to keep condo prices lower than they might be otherwise. Ultimately, if a seller (or group of sellers in a specifc development) wishes to see sales opening up for their condos, the best option is to get the complex off the blacklist.
John Dutra, an East Bay loan offcer, explains, “A Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac approval on a complex greatly expands the number of available buyers.” Dutra, who has, over the years, helped many developments get Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac approvals reinstated, has developed a strategic plan to get things back on track so as to open the door for potential sales.
It is not always an easy process since the development seeking approval must verify that they have adequate insurance, the proper amount of reserves (mandated by the state), be free of any lawsuits or ongoing litigation, have met any state requirements for upgrades or retrofts
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(eg. California’s Balcony Inspection laws, SB326 & SB721), be in overall good condition with an ongoing maintenance program in place. Additionally, the development usually must be at least 70% owner occupied.
Many condo owners do not know where their developments are with regard to these items, so to begin, we recommend contacting the HOA so as to become fully informed. Secondly, it is important to attend all HOA meetings to be involved in any ongoing discussions. Third, you could also seek a position on the HOA Board to actually become involved in the decision-making process.
While some developments will be able to get approved with relatively minimum effort, others have a long, arduous process ahead of them. Dutra further explains, “Homeowners should be proactive in knowing how their HOA/Complex is doing and then insist on obtaining this approval. It is no longer an option to be without it.” Successful sales begin with a healthy HOA.
Medford is
Castro Valley
Better to Plant Tomatoes Later in the Season
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
QI won’t get around to planting my tomatoes until next month. Are there the varieties that do better when planted late? I want a large slicing variety like Beefsteak.
AMay is an ideal month to plant tomatoes, hot peppers, eggplants, and melons. There are no early or late varieties of tomatoes, just determinate and indeterminate. (the March 17 column details the dif-
The largest selection of varieties is available from mid-April to mid-May at your independent garden center. It’s not unusual to fnd seventy to eighty different varieties. The variety available is reduced in June.
Tomatoes have a maturity or ripening date that ranges from sixty to ninety-plus days. This is how long a variety ripens when started from seed under optimum conditions. The information is found on the seed package or plant label.
The days associated with each variety should
Bougainvillea that affects the ripening. The maturity date remains the same regardless of when the seed is sown.
This especially true with Beefsteak. It’s one of the latest maturing varieties at ninety-six days. So you’re better off waiting until late May to plant to avoid having your plants start off slowly due to Mother Nature.
I believe tomatoes are planted too early in our area. Those planted in March and early April often suffer from the cool, wet conditions at the end of the rainy season.
Tomatoes are a
fowers form and then fall off before the tomatoes form. Tomatoes need warm days and nighttime tem- peratures aboveffty-fve degrees for fruit set.
The early planted tomatoes are widely believed to take off when the weather stabilizes. Unfortunately, they don’t, as there is ‘No Catch Up’ gene with tomatoes. These plants will continue to disappoint all season long. By mid-May, you should have a good idea of how they perform.
At that time, you have two options for those who
plant after Memorial Day.
QIs now a good time to prune my orange? I’m also seeking advice on how to plant a midget grapefruit tree.
ANow is an excellent time to prune citrus. They’re pruned annually to remove the winter damage, eliminate dead wood, and shape the plant. This ensures that fruit production remains pretty constant.
If you prune irregularly, you often must sacrifce the yield to get
It’s also an ideal time to plant a dwarf orange and any other type of citrus. I would dig a hole twice as wide and six inches deeper than the container it’s already in and prepare the backfll with half soil conditioner and half native soil.
Plant the new citrus so the original soil ball is one inch above the fnal grade. This allows the plant to settle without being buried too deep. You then construct a watering basin around it. Citrus is watered two to three times per week.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Crosby Speaks to Rotary Club On Eforts to Eradicate Polio
Mike Crosby addressed the Rotary Club of Castro Valley on April 1 on the status of Rotary Internationals efforts to eradicate polio worldwide. Crosby works with Marny Eulberg to support thirty Districts of Rotary International covering half of the United States and part of Canada.
CV Rotarian Dwight Perry, who has headed up the Rotary Foundation and the PolioPlus program for the Club for more than twenty-fve years and was formerly The Rotary Foundation Chair and PolioPlus Chair for District 5170 stated “I’ll do whatever I can personally to support the program and see that polio is eliminated in the world.” Through his leadership, The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is “all in” to help eradicate polio worldwide as their membership has contributed $176,171 between 1988 and 2024, with $22,429 being contributed in 2024.
Although polio currently circulates in only a few countries, polio is highly infectious and spreads rapidly. The disease, which afficts mainly children, is transmitted via contaminated water and food supplies. Five to ten percent of cases are fatal. As long as polio threateners even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere are at risk. Only the global eradication of polio will ensure that no child ever again suffers its devastation effects.
Because of Rotary and its partners like the Bill Gates Foundation which matches all
Mike Crosby addressed the Rotary Club of Castro Valley on April 1 on the status of Rotary Internationals efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
gifts 2-to-1, the world has seen a 99.9% drop in the number of polio cases. However, Crosby stressed that “the fght is not over and Rotarians around the world are working together recognizing that the ‘Children of the World’ are counting on each Rotarian and other generous donors.” For more information on Rotary’s goal of eradicating polio worldwide, visit www.Rotary.org.
The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is currently providing hybrid meetings with both in-person luncheons at Redwood Canyon and online on Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. Speakers and links to the meetings are posted at www.castrovalleyrotary.org under Upcoming Events. The Club welcomes individuals who want to make a positive impact locally, nationally, and internationally.
Eden: ZIP Codes to Addresses
continued from front page It was easy enough for the Postal Service to assign ZIP codes to addresses already being served by a city’s post offce or post offces, such as residents of Hayward or San Leandro, or most Castro Valley residents. The problem was for people in unincorporated areas, then with a much smaller population, who needed to write the name of a nearby post offce in the bottom line of their mailing address.
As the unincorporated communities of Eden grew over time, this became a nuisance and led to confusion. A few years ago, Alameda County’s Eden Area Livability Initiative looked at fxing this and other local problems. Seeing the need and hearing from frustrated residents, Supervisors Miley and Tam put the issue on their to-do list.
The county’s Community Development Agency (CDA) conducted a survey and held eight public meetings to determine whether community residents wanted the change. Most did, and in September 2024, the county asked the postal service to let people use their own community names when they addressed or received mail.
Acting rapidly for a large federal agency, the postal service agreed last month to make the change. The USPS will promote it through a multi-media effort.
The good news is that people’s ZIP codes won’t change, the CDA said in a webpage devoted to the change, at https://www.acgov.org/cda/addresschange.htm. If you need to pick up a package from the post offce, keep using the post offce that matches your ZIP code, they advise.
That CDA webpage links to one that shows your now-offcial community if you enter the street address and ZIP code. You can keep using your “old” address if you like, and this will work as long as the street address and ZIP code are correct.
While perhaps some may be disappointed, the change of offcial community by the postal service won’t change who provides local government services you get or what taxes you pay. You remain in unincorporated Alameda County unless you live in a city and remain in the same school district as before. Taxes remain the same, the CDA said.
Eileen Torrez to Perform Tonight
TONIGHT • Wednesday, April 9:
The LAB: Featuring Eileen Torrez
The LAB returns with featured artist Eileen Torrez—an Oakland-based singer-songwriter whose sound dances between folk-rock, indie pop, and soul. Known for her clever, heartfelt lyrics and dynamic musical range, Eileen explores themes of joy, survival, and meaning with both reverence and playfulness. Hosted by Smalltown Society, The LAB is a monthly gathering for songwriters, poets, and artists to share, collaborate, and connect in a creative space. Each evening begins with a featured performance and conversation, followed by an open mic for artists to share new or in-progress work. This invite-only event starts at 7:30pm. To inquire about an invitation, email: info@smalltownsociety.com.
Wednesday, April 16:
Secret Screen Takeover – Soundtrack to a Coup d’État
Join us for Smalltown Society’s next Secret Screen Takeover in collaboration with the Hayward Community Coalition (HayCoCoa), Smalltown Society and the Chabot Cinema, as we present Soundtrack to a Coup d’État—a powerful and artfully constructed documentary that fuses rare archival footage with jazz, politics, and resistance. Set against the backdrop of the 1960 Congo crisis, the flm traces how the United States and Belgium orchestrated a coup to remove democratically elected leader Patrice Lumumba, using a score of American jazz legends to chronicle the rhythm of rebellion. It’s a bold cinematic experience—part history lesson, part sonic journey—that asks urgent questions about empire, music, and memory. The custom preshow begins at 7pm, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, rare performances, and music from local artists. The flm starts at 7:30pm. Admission is $5. Attendance is limited to Smalltown Society or Chabot Secret Screen members. Not a member yet? Visit smalltownsociety.com for more info.
Author Gerald S. Henig to Speak Next Wednesday
The Castro Valley Women’s Club presents an exciting afternoon with the renowned local author Gerald S. Henig, Professor Emeritus of History at California State University, East Bay. This event offers a unique opportunity for book lovers, history buffs, and fans of the author to come together and engage in a Q&A session on Wednesday, April 16 from 1 to 2 pm. Castro Valley Women’s Club is located at 18330 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. RSVP at: (510) 881-8666.
PHOTO CREDIT: JIM NEGRI, CV ROTARY
Summer: An Opportunity for Learning
continued from page 5
Learn Something New (Without the Pressure): Summer provides a wonderful opportunity for learning without the stress of grades or deadlines. Pick up a new hobby, learn a new language through an app, delve into a subject that always intrigued you. Online courses, library resources, and community workshops are all readily available and can provide enriching learning experiences. The key is to choose something you genuinely enjoy, so the learning process is intrinsically motivating. This could be anything from coding to photography to playing a musical instrument.
Set Realistic Goals and Track Your Progress: While summer is a time for relaxation, setting a few achievable goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose. These goals don’t have to be monumental; they can be as
simple as reading a book a week, exercising three times a week, or decluttering a room. To stay on track, consider using a journal, planner, or app to monitor progress. Celebrating small victories along the way can provide motivation and keep you feeling positive.
Embrace Boredom: In our hyper-scheduled world, boredom is often viewed as a negative. However, it can actually be a catalyst for creativity and innovation. Instead of immediately reaching for your phone when you feel bored, allow yourself to simply be. Let your mind wander, daydream, and explore different thoughts and ideas. You might be surprised at what you discover. Boredom can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and can lead to unexpected passions and insights.
Refect and Re-evaluate: As summer winds down, take some time to refect on your
experiences. What did you enjoy? What did you learn? What would you do differently next time? This refection can help you identify your priorities and make informed decisions about how you spend your time in the future. It can also help you appreciate the value of the summer break and carry the positive energy and insights you gained into the rest of the year.
Ultimately, a successful summer break is about intentionally using your time to recharge, explore your interests, and connect with the people and things that matter most to you. By embracing fexibility, prioritizing self-care, and seeking new experiences, you can create a summer that is both enjoyable and fulflling, setting you up for success in the months to come. So go ahead, embrace the sunshine and make this summer your best one yet!
ATHLETES
Our Athletes of the week are the Castro Valley High School Junior Varsity and Varsity Boys Volleyball teams. Both won second place trophies at the Bishop O’Dowd Invitational Tournaments on March 22 and 29, respectively. The Junior Varsity boys (below) went 3-0 in the pool play, beating Moreau Catholic, Serra and San Leandro Frosh. They beat Encinal in the frst round and ended up losing to El Cerrito in the fnal round. Their overall record stands at 12-2. Varsity Boys (above) had a slow start losing against Oakland High but came back strong, beating Mission San Jose and Miramonte to reach 1st in their pool. In the semi-fnals they beat Bishop O’Dowd and ended up securing the second place trophy for CVHS. Their overall record stands at 11-6.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CVHS Volleyball
Maundy Thursday April 17th service @ 7:30 pm Palm Sunday April 13th service @ 10 am
Good Friday April 18th Stations of the Cross @ noon, service @ 7:30 pm
Easter Sunday April 20th services @ 9:15 (inperson) and 11 am (in-person & livestream) with Easter Breakfast 9:30-11 am ALL ARE WELCOME!
You’re invited to Faith Lutheran Castro Valley Holy Week 2025 Faith Lutheran Church of Castro Valley 20080 Redwood Road Castro Valley, CA 94546 www.flccv.org
