Public health officials warn against rising COVID-19 cases Page 2
Teacher of Year CV special education teacher represents the county’s best Page 3
YOUR Corbett Dies East Bay and state government giant, Ellen Corbett, died Friday Page 11
Kids returned to the classroom last Wednesday for the first day of school. At Castro Valley Elementary (CVE), TK-5th grade students were greeted with cheers, high-fives, and excitement including Ms. Lopez’ (above) first grade class. CVE Principal Elizabeth Duran Contreras says that this year, staff are excited to continue working with our parent affinity groups. These include the school’s Comité de padres Hispanos, Chinese Discussion Group, Black, African American, and African Parent Group. In addition to CVE’s Black Student Union, Principal Contreras says the school will be forming new clubs, including a Latino Student Union, Asian Student Union, and Neurodiversity Club.
By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) welcomed new members Raymond Davis and Xochiyotl Martinez at an epic four-hour Land Use meeting on Monday night, ultimately kicking a decision down the road on a controversial item about sidewalk vendors and talking about the proposed expansion of a religious facility in the Crow Canyon hills. After a lengthy conversation, the MAC ultimately continued discussion on a proposed sidewalk vendor ordinance which aims to bring Castro Valley’s legislation in line with State Senate Bills 946 and 972.
The bills are designed to support entrepreneurship while maintaining public health standards, as more and more sidewalk vendors are required to have a permit, maintain sanitary conditions, and not obstruct the flow of traffic or pedestrians, according to Edward Labayog, county Code Enforcement Manager. Enforcement is handled by county Code Enforcement and any infractions result in an initial warning for a first offence and escalating administrative fees for any subsequent violations.
see MAC on page 10
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
This week’s Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) saw two new faces on the dais: Xochiyotl (Xochi) K. Martinez and Raymond (Ray) E. Davis III. Martinez and Davis applied for the open positions, were reviewed, and were appointed by Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley in early July. Both members have four-year regular board positions that expire in
August 2028. Monday’s meeting was their first time sitting among fellow MAC members.
Martinez replaces Ken Carbone, a 20-year veteran of the CV MAC and other area service positions. Carbone stepped down from the MAC Board in May 2024 to focus on his graphics business and pursue various entrepreneurial opportunities around Castro Valley.
Martinez has been a Castro Valley resident and homeowner since 2015. Born and raised
in the South Bay, she is the daughter of a Bracero farmworker and is a first-generation graduate from UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis. Currently, she works with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is involved in project management of CERCLA (Superfund) sites. On the side, she runs a small mobile notary business. Xochi is a mother to three grown sons, two of who serve in active-duty military— USMC and USAF.
see FACES on page 3
By Jack Leal SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
According to Alameda County Public Health officials, there was an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in Alameda County and other parts of the Bay Area this summer.
The health agency said it found significant traces of the coronavirus in wastewater samples between June and August. As a result, Dr. Jonna Locke, the county’s COVID-19 clinical guidance lead, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage residents to stay current on strategies for preventing COVID-19 infection.
“Staying up to date on vaccination, staying home and testing when sick, and masking indoors remain the best ways to protect ourselves and others against COVID-19,” Dr. Locke told the Forum. “Those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider about treatment if testing positive.”
Those most at risk of complications from COVID-19 are
people over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with varying medical conditions (i.e., asthma, diabetes, obesity, and congenital heart disease).
Anyone who has had COVID-19 also has the potential to develop “Long COVID,” which refers to the chronic case of post-COVID conditions.
However, CDC officials said the list of symptoms and people most prone to Long COVID is not comprehensive, with varying effects.
The CDC explains, “Long COVID symptoms and con-
ditions can emerge, persist, resolve, and reemerge over weeks and months. These symptoms and conditions can range from mild to severe, may require comprehensive care, and can even result in a disability. According to the CDC’s website, it’s strongly recommended “that everyone 65 and older get a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after their last dose.” For children, they recommend “Children 6 months to 4 years of age who have never see COVID on page 11
Brian Copeland is back in his one-man show, “Grandma and Me,” winner of Broadway World’s Outstanding Solo Show of 2023, this Saturday, August 17, at Chanticleers Theatre in Castro Valley.
In 1979, Brian Copeland’s mother died suddenly, leaving behind five children for his 57-year-old grandmother to raise alone. Twenty-two years later, Brian found himself in the same predicament when the end of a marriage left him alone with his three kids. Through laughter and tears, the show compares and contrasts
the trials of single parenting in the 1970s and the dawn of the 21st century, trying to answer the question… What does it truly mean to be a father? Chanticleers Theatre is located at 3683 Quail Ave in CV. Performance is at 8 p.m. Tickets ($35) can be purchased at www.chanticleers.org or by calling (510) SEE-LIVE
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“I’m here to serve, and Castro Valley residents can always reach out to me with questions, comments, or concerns,” Martinez told the Forum. “I hope we can start making some positive changes with myself and the other new council person in place.”
Davis replaces Al Padro, who resigned from the MAC in March 2024. Padro was the vice-chairman of the Board when he stepped back to focus on his personal life.
Ray Davis is a retired Public Works Director with over 45 years of professional engineering experience in Public Works, Transportation, and Traffic Engineering in both the public and private sectors. Since his retirement, Ray has provided professional engineering services to small cities in the area and is an expert witness in traffic and transportation-related lawsuits. He tells the Forum his hobbies include fused glass art, vintage and classic cars, wine, pickleball, and travel.
Bill Mulgrew still chairs the CV MAC alongside vice-chair Chuck Moore and councilmembers Tojo Thomas, Shannon Killebrew, and Ilya Prokopoff.
The MAC meets on landuse issues at 6 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month and holds general purpose meetings at 6 p.m. on most 3rd Mondays. Meetings are held at the Castro Valley Library and streamed on Zoom. For agendas, documents, and other info, visit acgov.org/bc/cvmac.
By Corinne Davidson SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) will recognize the 2024 Teachers of the Year on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Castro Valley Center of the Arts. Special education teacher Gretchen Venkatesh will be this year’s Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) recipient.
“Ms. Gretchen Venkatesh is truly deserving of the Alameda County Teacher of the Year Award. She cares deeply about every single student in her class,” CVUSD superintendent Parvin Ahmadi said. “She believes that all students have gifts which need to be unlocked and that they all deserve the absolute best opportunities to achieve their dreams and aspirations.”
see TEACHER on page 4
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Busted for Stolen Property, Methamphetamine Drugs
Sunday, August 11: At 1:20 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 52-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing stolen property, methamphetamine drugs, and related drug paraphernalia. The man was hanging outside a drug store on the Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. Deputies took the man into custody.
Intoxicated Parolee
Sunday, August 11: At 2:33 p.m., a 41-year-old CV man was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies served the warrant outside a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Redwood Road. The man had violated the terms of his parole. Deputies also reported that the man was publicly intoxicated when they arrested him. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Illegal Narcotics
Sunday, August 11: At 10:27 a.m., deputies arrested a 34-year-old CV woman on suspicion of possessing illegal narcotics and related drug paraphernalia. The woman was traveling on Redwood Road near Vegas Avenue when deputies stopped her and discovered her stash. Deputies took the woman into custody.
Wanted for Petty Theft
Friday, August 9: At 7:46 p.m., a 38-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously convicted of petty theft.
Deputies served the warrant outside a business on Jamison Avenue near the Castro Village Shopping Center. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Public Intoxication
Friday, August 9: At 10:59 a.m., deputies arrested a 27-year-old CV man on suspicion of public intoxication. The man was hanging outside a storage business on Grove Way near Betlen Court when deputies stopped him for questioning. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.
Traffic Stop Uncovers Drugs, Weapons
Wednesday, August 7: At 7:42 a.m., a 22-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on a bevy of drug and firearm charges. Deputies stopped him for a traffic violation on Crane Avenue near Center Street. The man was found driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, illegally possessing an assault weapon, an unmarked or so-called ghost gun, and controlled substances packaged to sell. Deputies handcuffed the man and took him to Santa Rita Jail.
The Homework Center at the Castro Valley Library offers primary and secondary students the opportunity to receive FREE homework assistance—in person, in a safe, nurturing environment conducive to study and learning.
Homework Center staff and volunteers provide: homework assistance for individual daily assignments and research projects, skill building for grades
K-12 in math and reading, and help using technology for school assignments. The Library Homework Center is open Monday through Wednesday from 3:30 to 5pm (starting Monday, August 26) and is open in conjunction with the CV school district schedule. Registration is not required, simply drop in during open hours.
PHOTO CREDIT: CATHY BRESLOW/ BRESLOW IMAGING
Plethos Productions is bringing the Dungeons and Dragons adventure She Kills Monsters to Heirloom East Bay in Castro Valley September 6-22. Directed by Wynne Chan. She Kills Monsters is an epic tale that centers around Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio
following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary D&D world that was her sister’s refuge. This high-octane dramatic
comedy is laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture. Acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Don’t miss the play that the New York Times raved about saying “It will slash and shapeshift its way into your
heart.” The show also won the 2013 AATE Distinguished Play Award.
Enjoy this fun and touching show under the stars on the meadow stage at Heirloom East Bay. Tickets are selling fast at plethos.org. This show is recommended for audiences age 18 and up.
Friday, August 23rd from 5-7pm
Join Cub Scout Pack 765 for the 2024-2025 year as we find adventure and excitement! We have scavenger hunts, many adventures, and regularly scheduled den and pack meetings where we learn everything from how to tie knots, racial equity and inclusion, to making “Little Pantries’ for our community, about what it means to be a Scout. Scouting can provide a foundation children can stand on to overcome obstacles, increase self confidence, make new discoveries, and learn how to be good citizens. If you have questions, you can email us at cubpack765@gmail.com or call the Cub Master Daniel Pak at 510-207-0709 or Asst. Cub Master Diana Torres-Schopplein at 510-501-5368.
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Eighteen district-level honorees were selected this year by the 16 participating districts, accordion to the ACOE website.
Honorees will be recognized for their, “dedication and excellence in the classroom,” and stand to represent, “the thousands of educators doing amazing work across Alameda County every day.”
This year marks the 35th year the Alameda County Office of Education has held the Teacher of the Year ceremony. Previous CVUSD recipients have included Claire Heppner in 2023, Nancy Galloway in 2022, and Elisa Correia-Dasalla in 2021.
For more information about this year’s recipients and ticket purchase visit https://www. acoe.org/toy.
Saturday, August 17
Touch-A-Truck Free Family Event
The Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District is having a free event at the San Lorenzo Community Park on August 17 from 1pm to 3pm. Touch-A-truck is a hands-on family event that allows children to explore a variety of vehicles up close. From public service emergency vehicles and fire trucks to police cars and utility trucks, kids have the chance to honk horns, push buttons, and so much more!. Join us at the San Lorenzo Community Park and reserve your spot today! For any questions please call us at 510881-6700 or email info@haywardrec.org. Register online at haywardrec.org/register (activity #30942).
Saturday, August 17
Comedy Den Presents: Myles Weber
The Comedy Den presents comedian Myles Weber, Saturday, August 17 at 7pm. Myles Weber is a comedian on the rise.He’s racked up over 60 million views across all platforms, was featured on MTV’s ‘Greatest Party Story Ever Told.’ Tickets: www.thecomedydencv.com
Saturday, August 17
Brian Copeland ‘Grandma and Me’
Chanticleers Theatre Presents: Brian Copeland, Grandma & Me: An Ode to Single Parenting, this Saturday, August 17 at 8pm. Winner of the Broadway World Award for Best Solo Performance of 2023. Tickets online at: www. chanticleers.org or call (510) SEE-LIVE.
Sunday, August 18
CV Democratic Club Candidate Endorsement Meeting
The Castro Valley Democratic Club will host a candidate endorsement meeting on Sunday, August 18, from 1 to 4pm, at the San Lorenzo Library, 395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo. The public is invited, but only eligible members of the Castro Valley Democratic Club will vote for endorsements. Questions from the audience will be submitted in writing and screened by the Club’s moderator. For more info, call or text Pat Payne at 510-427-5261.
Sunday, August 18
“Re-envisioning Castro Valley”
Castro Valley and Canyon High School combined reunion, Class of ‘69. Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 3 to 9pm Porkys Pizza Palace, 2911 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton.
Fremont High School Tigers are having a 60 year reunion and are searching for people from the class of ’64. Call Jim Luis at 510-209-6574 for details. Go TIGERS!
Denise Pinkston, managing director of land use and policy at TMG Partners, will speak on “Re-envisioning Castro Valley.” Ms Pinkston has over 35 years of experience in real estate, including acquisitions, asset and construction management, marketing, leasing, planning/entitlements, transit and green building program development, and public affairs. This is the first in a series sponsored by Castro Valley City, Inc. The speakers will share their experiences in transforming cities for success in the future. The lectures are free and will be held at 2pm at the Castro Valley Library. More info is available at castrovalleycity.com.
Monday, August 19
CV Central Business District Specific Plan Update
Come join another community-wide workshop to help shape the future of the Castro Valley Central Business District. The Specific Plan will address mobility improvements, community design, new housing, and commercial development and implement the vision of the 2012 Castro Valley General Plan. Come and make your voice heard! In-person and virtual participation is welcome. The event takes place Monday, August 19 from 6 to 8pm at the CV Library, Chabot Room, 3600 Norbridge Avenue. Visit our website for Zoom link: mycvforum.com/events.
Over 270 contestants from 1 -19 years of age competed in the three-day
Cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the region competed in the final stop on the Bay Area Buckle Series, with Alameda County’s own Erik Smith and Kaylee
ing home top honors and the coveted trophies proclaiming them some of the professional sport of
Smith and Centoni had to have the most points and compete in a minimum of five events at not only the Rowell Ranch Junior Rodeo, the Livermore Junior Rodeo, and the Woodside Junior Rodeo held earlier
this summer. Junior Rodeo events are like those seen in professional rodeo competitions, with some of the most popular among contestants being team roping, barrel racing, pole bending, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping. There are events for every age group at a Junior Rodeo. The goal is to develop future athletes properly, raise awareness about the sport, and understanding from the contestants about rules, sportsmanship, animal welfare, and proper technique. The popular weekend event included the crowning of
See more at: mycvforum.com
By Carl Medford, CRS
Special to the Forum
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Beginning 08/17/2024, new rules will apply to residential real estate transactions in California handled by Realtors (real estate agents belonging to the National Association of Realtors
[NAR]), substantially changing familiar time-honored practices. In anticipation of the change, the California Association of Realtors has completely revised many of the forms used during residential transactions, including the Residential Purchase Agreement and Residential Listing Agreement.
While NAR implementation is 08/17/2024, our local Bay East MLS implemented the changes on 08/12/2024.
Historically, listing agents met with sellers and, as a part of the negotiation process, determined how much commission would be paid for selling the home. It is important to note that commissions have always been negotiable. From the total commission paid, the listing broker would pay a portion of the commission to the buyer’s broker that had secured a purchase agreement. This process resulted in a broker-to-broker payment. For full transparency, the amount of compensation a seller was willing to pay to the buyer’s
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Advertise Your Business or Service in the Castro Valley Forum Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 September 7th & 8th 2024 On September 7th and 8th, over 50,000 people are expected to attend the annual Castro Valley Fall Festival. Are you prepared to take advantage of the increased traffic near your business? The Forum’s Fall Festival Section offers a great opportunity to promote your business or services.
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broker was displayed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) so that buyer agents knew in advance the compensation they could expect for selling any specific property.
Going forward, there will be some fundamental changes to the buying and selling process: The new California residential listing agreements will no longer provide a space for a buyer’s agent’s compensation. Instead, it will only list the commission paid to the listing broker. This may effectively end broker-to-broker compensation. Additionally, the MLS will no longer display any buyer agent compensation.
Going forward, every buyer wishing to be represented by a Realtor will be required to sign a Buyer/Broker Agreement that establishes an agency relationship with their agent and clearly spells out how much their agent will be compensated for their services. The terms of the agreement and compensation provided are all negotiable.
Buyers will have the ability to ask a seller for a concession to cover their predetermined obligation of payment to their agent. Sellers will then be able to respond to the buyer’s request as part of the negotiations. If a seller is not willing to provide a concession that covers the entirety of the predetermined buyer agent’s compensation, the buyer will be expected to provide the difference.
It is going to take time for the new processes to become normalized, and Realtors are asking for patience as we learn how to operate in this new real estate reality.
By Buzz Bertolero Special to the Forum
QMy roses are doing reasonably well, but some of the stems are very long, and leggy. I prefer that the plants be bushier. Am I pruning them wrong?
AI wouldn’t say you’re pruning them wrong. You just need to prune the bushes a bit more aggressively after each flush of flowers. But first, you need to identify whether or not the long canes are part of the desired variety or rogue or sucker growth.
Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, and Floribunda varieties are budded onto a second variety called the rootstock. It’s typical for roses to produce rogue or sucker growth. These are shoots
that develop below the bud union or off the surface roots.
The bud union is the knot-like structure found at the base of the bush.
The suckers are vigorous shoots that grow rapidly into long, leggy branches. Another characteristic of
this growth is that they produce small, cherry red flowers. This growth is eliminated while the other shoots are pruned back. Many rose pruning books will instruct you to prune back to the second set of five leaves. I tend to ignore this point and
prune to shape the bushes, especially the sides, so the plants don’t merge into one another.
Most of us tend to plant our roses a bit too close to one another. The top is then lowered to prevent them from growing too tall. This should be a standard practice throughout the growing season when you remove the spent flowers.
Also, you want to make
your cut where there is an outside bud. All the buds are located in the area where the leaf blade attaches to the stem. At this time of the year, don’t leave the plant void of leaves, as the green stems will burn in the afternoon sun. You should continue to feed your plants with Dr. Earth Rose Food or similar fertilizer right through the fall. They should be watered the day before fertilizing and immediately afterward to prevent fertilizer burn.
It’s not too late to mulch your plants to conserve
moisture, as there are plenty more warm days ahead. A two-inch layer of mulch should be spread a foot beyond the drip line of each plant. This extra attention will reward you with two or more flushes for flowers between now and the New Year.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advance California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener. com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero
You can run a classified ad for a little as $30 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 $5 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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California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
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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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The county says that challenges include low “voluntary participation” among vendors to obtain proper permits and the fact that many of the vendors don’t have proper identification themselves, making citation difficult. Also, the Code Enforcement employees largely work normal business hours, leaving evenings and weekends unstaffed, and there are language barriers between authorities and vendors.
Many sidewalk vendors are there because they don’t have the funding to have a brick-andmortar store, commented MAC member Tojo Thomas. Meanwhile, MAC Vice Chair Bill Mulgrew pondered how to deal with brick-and-mortar locations who put out wares on sidewalks in front of their stores.
One speaker commented that the vendors may create a conflict of interest- for example fruit vendors selling in front of grocery stores where fruit is also sold.
Former MAC member Marc Crawford spoke up, saying he lives in an area with several vendors and preferred past days when the Sheriff’s Office would handle enforcement. He also said that the issue is far less simple than a Code Enforcement ordinance, because many of the vendors are immigrants, and while there is an interest in supporting that community, the reality is that many are in difficult situations and even being trafficked.
“Some of these people are being exploited- there are people with babies, people who are out there all day, and they look like they just got to the county,” said Crawford. “This really needs to come back before the MAC- it’s nowhere near being done.”
Some of these people are being exploited- there are people with babies, people who are out there all day, and they look like they just got to the county. This really needs to come back before the MAC- it’s nowhere near being done.”
–Marc Crawford, FORMER MAC MEMBER
Mulgrew agreed, saying the ordinance needed to be extremely well-constructed before any approval.
“There is a danger to this community if this isn’t executed smartly and tightly,” said Mulgrew.
MAC member Shannon Killebrew added that she also hopes the eventual ordinance is “streamlined as much as possible” to prevent needless complications and red tape for vendors. The item will be discussed at a future meeting.
Another lengthy discussion was focused around an application to allow the expansion of the Fa Yun Chan Temple- a residential Buddhist religious facility- at 7825 Crow Canyon Road.
The owners want to convert an existing residence into dorms and add three Buddha statues and meditation trails, as well as the construction of five new buildings on the 98-acre property.
The item was discussion-only and will be back before both the MAC and the county Board of Zoning Adjustments before any approval.
Neighbors took to public comment time to express concern about traffic, trespassing, and whether the property in the agricultural area could sustain larger development.
MAC member Thomas said that one major future issue to be resolved would be water usage: “Water is a key issue,” he said.
Public comment is open from now until September 3 and the document is available at the Alameda County Planning Department at 224 W. Winton Avenue or at the Castro Valley Library at 3600 Norbridge Avenue, and online at acgov.org.cda.planning/ ceqa-projects/index.htm
The MAC also unanimously approved an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a 10-bed residential care home at 17926 Apricot Way. There were concerns that the rooms were too small, that the owners would eventually want to expand and put two people in each room, and that the facility had parking and noise issues. But the plan was eventually approved for the 10 beds with the stipulation that the CUP be reviewed in five years.
The MAC also heard an application for interior and exterior renovations including parking lot restriping and landscape enhancements for 3836 and 3844 Castro Valley Boulevard, the former Rite Aid, which developers want to turn into a large dim sum restaurant.
On Friday, August 9, more than 700 Redwood Christian Schools students, parents, alumni and friends celebrated the beginning of the 2024-25 school year complete with food trucks, face painting, bounce houses while renewing friendships and making new ones, meeting new and returning teachers, and closing with a rally in the Bruce D. Johnson Gym led RCS Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne focused on the year verse John 14:6. Today, August 14, is the first day of school. Superintendent Hearne reflected on this annual event stating “The energy and enthusiasm of our returning students and their parents combined with the optimism of our new students and their parents make this annual event one of the most exciting for everyone. We are ready to have another great year of blessings at Redwood Christian Schools educating the students entrusted to us by their parents. Hold on! Our 55th will be as exciting as our first in 1970-71!”
‘Crisis
Dear Editor,
RE: “Crisis of Affordable Housing” (8/07/24): I am so sick of hearing all this baloney about the “crisis” of affordable housing. If our governor and legislators had any backbones (or ethics), they would have implemented a simple law decades ago that would have mandated that for every unit of full-priced housing built in California, builders would also be required to erect one unit of low-income housing. That means that for every mansion built, a company would also have to build 1 apartment (not one apartment building––ONE APARTMENT UNIT) of low-income housing (for a small profit). With the cost of housing in California and the profits (still) to be made, does Sacramento really think these builders would flee the state in droves? Not a chance.
All of this is just what it always has been: a lot of talk. In Alameda County, the annual income ceiling for one person to qualify for low-income housing is now $51,800; in Sonoma County, it’s $70,000. I was a tenured teacher in Los Angeles; I never made $70,000/year in my life.
Apparently the only way the State of California’s policymakers will ever really take action regarding this atrocity will be when they are told that they either act NOW or they will ALL be tried and most certainly convicted on the grounds of cruel and unusual punishment committed against their constituents.
–David Fritz, Castro Valley
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Ellen Corbett, a giant of East Bay and state government, died on Friday at age 69. The cause of death was not immediately revealed.
Corbett served as the first directly elected woman mayor of San Leandro from 1994 to 1998 before moving on to the state assembly from the 18th District from 1998 to 2004 and the state senate from the 10th District from 2006 to 2014. She was Senate Majority Leader from 2010 to 2014.
She ran unsuccessfully for Congress from the 15th District in 2014, just missing the runoff in a race ultimately won by Eric Swalwell.
In her time in Sacramento, Corbett built a reputation as an advocate for public education, the environment, and consumer protection.
Earlier, she had taught government at Chabot College in Hayward.
At the time of her death, she was serving on the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) board, which she had been elected to in 2016.
“Ellen was an incredible champion of our mission and a tireless advocate for communities to have access to open space, public parks, and nature,” said EBRPD General Manager Sabrina Landreth.
San Leandro’s school superintendent, Dr. Michael McLaughlin, remembered her as
a tireless advocate for schools locally and in Sacramento.
“Ellen’s passion for public service was evident in every role she took on,” McLaughlin said. “In our school district, she was a tireless advocate for increased state funding and was instrumental in securing vital state support for our schools.”
In 2022, she received the first Champion of San Leandro Award from the San Leandro City Council and then-Mayor
Pauline Cutter. Another former mayor, Stephen Cassidy, presented it.
San Leandro Mayor Juan González said Friday, “Tonight, we mourn the loss of the Honorable Ellen Corbett, a dedicated and experienced public servant whose contributions to our community will inspire future generations.”
“Her legacy of service and stewardship will continue to inspire us all,” he added.
Maria Odete
March 27, 1921 ~ July 29, 2024
Maria Odete Camacho, age 78 of San Leandro, died on July 29, 2024, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family and passed away peacefully.
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Maria was born in Madeira, Portugal and came to the U.S. in 1977 settling in San Leandro, where she lived for 45 years with her husband of 53 years, Manuel Camacho until his death in 2021. Maria then moved to Castro Valley to be closer to family. Maria enjoyed cooking, gardening, crocheting and spending time with her family and grandchildren. Maria is survived by her son Rui Camacho of Pleasanton, daughter-in-law Victoria Camacho, grandsons Jared and Steven Camacho, daughter Ana Sousa of Castro Valley, son-in-law Martino Sousa, and grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander and Sabrina Sousa. Maria is also survived by two brothers in Portugal, a sister and brother in Venezuela and numerous nieces and nephews.
Maria was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she will be deeply missed. Funeral Mass at Saint Leander’s Catholic Church in San Leandro will be held to remember and honor Maria at 10:00 am, on Tuesday, August 27th, all are welcome to attend.
continued from page 2 been vaccinated to get either 2 or 3 doses COVID-19 vaccine.”
For first-time vaxxers, only one dose of the Pfizer/Moderna COVID-16 vaccine or two doses of the Novavax is required to be considered up to date.
Masks are not a requirement for the public, but being extra cautious is always advisable, especially around those more prone to the infection.
As of March 8, “The Federal FREE COVID-19 Test Program” is suspended. If you have health insurance, including
Medi-Cal, contact your insurer for further questions. If you don’t have insurance, you can check the Testing Map section https://covid-19.acgov.org/ testing.page#testing-map on the CDC’s website for no-cost testing in your area. For more intel on where to get vaccinations in Alameda County, visit the CDC’s Vaccination & Resources webpage. It has a calendar showing all the locations and times available to make an appointment. https:// covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines. page
April 20, 1931 ~ August 6, 2024
William Nielsen Creer, 93 of Castro Valley, California, passed away on August 6, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving children. He was born on April 20,1931 in Spanish Fork, Utah to William Clayton Creer and Ardella Nielsen Creer and was one of four children with two sisters and one brother.
William or Bill as he was more commonly referred to attended Brigham Young University, Utah State University and UOP School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Bill also proudly served as a Captain in the Air Force during the Korean War.
Bill married the love of his life, LaRae W. Creer, on July 11, 1956, in the LDS Manti Temple. They were married 68 years. They were blessed with five children: Jolyn (Michael) Denevi, Shauna Smith, Bradley (Michele) Creer, Kyle (Shelly) Creer, Leisl (Chad) Burns.
It was Bill’s pursuit of dental education at UOP School of Dentistry that brought Bill and LaRae to the Bay Area. After his graduation, they settled in Castro Valley, where Bill established Valley Dental on Lake Chabot Road.
For 44 years, Bill dedicated himself to his practice, earning the respect and admiration of his patients and staff, he was referred to as a “Dental Legend”.
Bill was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he held several leadership positions, and later served in the Oakland temple.
Family was everything to Bill. Of all his roles, the one he cherished most and above all was that of Husband, Father, Grandpa to 18 grandchildren and Great Grandpa to 21 great grandchildren.
Bill’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, August 17,2024 at 3pm at The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints 3900 Seven Hills Road, Castro Valley, California.
In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to nephroticsyndromefoundation.org, Smiletrain.org or specialolympics.org
Castro Valley resident Phil Neri turns 94 on Friday, August 16! But unlike many in their tenth decade of life who become inactive for a variety of health or choice reasons, you will find Phil three days a week at Castro Valley’s 24 Hour Fitness sticking to his regime of working to retain his strength and flexibility. Gym fan Bruce D Johnson states “Phil truly is an amazing gentleman with a smile and word of encouragement for everyone.” Phil is greeted by Kasie Le, who opens the gym 5 days a week at 5am. Phil comes in around 7am Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Our Athlete of the Week is Marcus Miller. This 6’ 4”, 299 lbs. Castro Valley native will play for the Middle Tennessee University Blue Raiders as an Offensive Lineman this season. Miller, a redshirt Junior, transferred from the University of Las Vegas in April. In 2023, he played in two games for UNLV as a backup offensive lineman and was named Preseason Fourth Team All-Mountain West by Phil Steele. Miller graduated from Castro Valley High School in 2020 and ranked in the Top 54 in Division 2 schools as an Offensive Guard.
By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Happy August, everyone. How are things? Still chugging along? I’ve been getting busier and busier, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I do know how I feel about it. I’m tired. I’ve had longer workdays, but I’ve also been traveling for vacation… and as you know, travel is taxing on the body. Over the last few weeks, a scary thought has kept popping up: “Maybe I should start working out.”
You see, even though I play some tennis, that’s been my only source of exercise. I take a decent number of steps, but it’s been a while since I’ve worked out. You know, use weights, push my limits, things like that.
The next thought after that is, “Ugh, that sounds tiring.” After having this pattern of thoughts a few times this past month, I realized I’ve grown comfortable with not exercising. I’ve been spending time meditating, and that’s done a lot for me, but I’ve now entered a season of life that requires a more physical me. The only way to increase my energy output is to strengthen my body.
This leads me to my next realization: I don’t like change because my current life is
comfortable.
If you’re okay with your situation, there’s no need to change.
However, I’m so busy that
it’s no longer okay, so I need to examine my willingness to work through the discomfort seriously.
As I was coming to accept my new reality, it sparked another realization (as you can tell, this was a big moment for me), that I tried to fight off the idea of working out by saying working out didn’t feel right, that I didn’t need it. However, at that moment, I was mixing up the difference between something feeling right and feeling comfortable.
Too often I hear people say how they could never do something because they’re not that way. However, in most cases, it’s not that they can’t do it, it’s because doing it would be so uncomfortable that it’s not worth the effort. However, if they took the time to work on it, they could become the type of person that does that thing.
For example, public speaking is the number one fear for most people. Number two is the fear of death. That means more people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.
Those people might say, “I could never speak in front of a crowd.”
However, if we created a way for the person to practice speaking in front of 1-2 people, then a small crowd, then a medium-sized crowd… that person could become a public speaker. Slowly working through the discomfort allows them to change and grow.
So, when it comes to changing ourselves or achieving our goals, a certain level of discomfort is required to grow into that level because the goal is set at a level we currently do not operate at.
So how are your goals coming along? If you haven’t made progress, is it because you don’t want to leave your current comforts? Is the discomfort of change too great? If so, there may be some adjustments to make. For me, I decided to reach out to a trainer friend and get her support. If you’re unsure how to make those adjustments, please reach out. Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while getting uncomfortable. Email him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail. com, or follow on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching and come meditate with him at https://bit.ly/kkcmeditation