AUGUST 18, 2021 Castro Valley Forum by East Bay Publishing

SENIORS

Minor Mistake: What You Should Know About Naming Minors as Beneficiaries

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

YEAR 33

INSIDE YOUR

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

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NEWS

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Teachers now required to be vaccinated or tested weekly for COVID-19

Page 2

OUR TOWN PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASTRO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVUSD)

ABOVE: Parents walk their students to the first day of school at Palomares Elementary. Classes started last week for all of Castro Valley public schools. BELOW: Students and teachers at Vannoy Elementary returned to the classroom as of last week with masks to protect against COVID-19 spread.

CV’s Tech Hub

Woman-veteran-owned computer company expands from CV home

Page 3 NEWS

For the Birds Page 10

INDEX Classified Ads ............ 8 Crosswords ............... 9 Homes ....................... 6 Horoscope ................. 3 Legal Notices ........... 10 Obituaries ................ 11 Opinions ................... 11 Our Town .................. 3 Seniors .................. 5 Weather ....................... 2 PHONE: (510) 614-1560

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Stanford Health Care Moving into Building in CV By Michael Singer

Vax-to-School

East Bay Regional Parks to offer introductory bird watching program

NO. 33

A newly constructed office building on John Drive will soon be filled with doctors, nurses, and specialists from Stanford Health Care, the company said last week. In a letter to its patient subscribers, the health care provider said its two Bay Valley Medical Group offices would be consolidating into the Castro Valley location just off Castro Valley Boulevard starting on August 30. The Bay Valley office on Stanton Avenue is currently less than a mile away. The Group’s Hayward office near St. Rose Hospital on Calaroga Avenue will remain open for primary care services only and about four doctors will rotate between the new building and the Hayward office to see patients. The combined clinics will be renamed Stanford Medicine Partners, Primary and Specialty Care Castro Valley.

“Although we are consolidating these two clinics into the new building and under one name, we want to assure you that you will still find the same providers you’ve come to trust, and access to the vast network of resources of Stanford Health Care,” the company said in a statement. The announcement said its services at the new Castro Valley location would expand to include imaging (such as X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, 3D mammography), on-site laboratory, pediatric and adult primary care, OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology), general surgery, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and podiatry. A so-called Express Care office for handling urgent matters will also be opening at the John Street office around September 20. As part of Stanford Medicine, Stanford Health Care is also affiliated with the Stanford University School see STANFORD on page 4

Tiny Homes Building Lives 18 Months Later By Mike McGuire

moving into [First Presbyterian’s] tiny homes,” he said. “I’ve been like just working Six tiny homes built on the my butt off, cleaning houses, grounds of First Presbyterian driving for Uber, and I finally got an opportunity to move in Church of Hayward last year are helping formerly homeless a home and hopefully a perpeople find permanent housing, manent home sooner or later. But it’s really very exciting and rebuild disrupted lives, and sometimes even get better jobs, I look forward to the future of being successful here in the says pastor Jake Medcalf. “It’s going fantastic,” Med- tiny homes.” calf told the Forum. The church, located in In a video posted by the Grove Way near the corner church, resident Jamal Haynes of Redwood Road, by Trader PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HAYWARD Joe’s, opened the six tiny was also enthusiastic. see TINY on page 4 The six tiny homes on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church of Hayward. “I’m really excited to be CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

8/17/21 5:02 PM

2 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Vaccination Castro Valley Weather August 18 - 22, 2021 Required for Teachers By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

In addition to their lesson plans, teachers are now required to be vaccinated or tested weekly for COVID-19, according to a mandate issued last week by Governor Gavin Newsom. The policy will impact both public and private schools and will impact teachers and administrators as well as support staff, such as cafeteria PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES BRIAN STUDIOS workers, custodial workers, and volunteers. “We think this is the right thing to do, and we think this is a sustainable way to keeping our schools open and to address the number one anxiety that parents like myself have Noah Gonzalez, Troop 722, Castro Valley, achieved for young children,” said Newthe Eagle Scout rank on May 19, 2021. For his Easom at an event last Wednesgle project, Noah planned and organized a 130 day. “That is knowing that the square foot paver walking path at Our Lady of schools are doing everything Grace Church & School. The project was completin their power to keep our kids ed over seven workdays with 226 volunteer hours. safe.” Noah is a 2021 graduate of Bishop O’Dowd High In-person instruction for School. He will attend Saint Mary’s College of CaliCastro Valley schools returned fornia in the fall. Noah is the son of Michael & Mariin April after nearly a year sa Gonzalez of Castro Valley. strictly behind computer screens. Of the three groups that provide education in Castro Valley—Castro Valley Unified, Redwood Christian, Elika Unti of Castro Valley, founded in 1849 and is a com- Oakland Diocese—CVUSD’s California, was named to the prehensive university offering 16 campuses were last to bring large numbers of students and dean’s list for the Fall 2020 undergraduate, graduate and teachers back to the classroom. and Spring 2021 terms at professional programs in By contrast, CVUSD was the Pacific University in Forest the liberal arts and sciences, first to adopt the policy of vacGrove, Oregon. business, education, health cinating teachers or frequent professions and optometry. Pacific University was testing before the Governor’s statewide mandate announceCOMMIT YOUR FAMILY TO BE FIT! ment. We Are Different From Other Fitness Clubs. “All employees are We Have A Safe Family Atmosphere! required to be vaccinated for Hot Tub Open • Gym Open • Over 40 weekly Exercise Classes COVID-19. Until verified as

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HAVE A NEWS TIP? SHARE IT WITH US! EMAIL: FILESFORFORUM@GMAIL.COM fully vaccinated, all unvaccinated employees will be required to test weekly for COVID-19,” said Castro Valley Unified School District Superintendent, Parvin Ahmadi. The district currently offers weekly testing at the Center for the Arts lobby on Redwood Road from Monday through Friday from 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. Mark Mladinich, who currently serves as Castro Valley Teachers Association President, said his members support the district’s choice. “Unvaccinated people in Alameda County are becoming infected at eight times the rate of those who are vaccinated,” Mladinich told the Forum. “Since we have no more social distancing protections in our schools, we strongly support extra safety precautions for those staff who are unvaccinated. Our goal is to keep our students, staff, and the community safe, and mandatory testing contributes to this goal.”

The most recent concern is the Delta variant of the coronavirus. The variant typically impacts the upper airways more than the original strain even in individuals who are fully vaccinated. Even those who are even partially vaccinated may contract COVID-19, be asymptomatic, and not feel its effects. While FDA-approved vaccines are available for people ages 12 and older, state health officials are requiring all students to wear face coverings indoors and in close proximity to others and to try to remain socially distant to prevent the virus from spreading. “Schools will have a mixed population of both people who are fully vaccinated and people who are not fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, State Public Health Officer and Director. “These variations require K-12 administrators to make decisions about the use of COVID-19 prevention

strategies in their schools to protect people who are not fully vaccinated. Together with local public health officials, school administrators should consider multiple factors when they make decisions about implementing layered prevention strategies against COVID-19.”

By the Numbers Vaccines Distributed: State: 45,379,645 Alameda County: 2,172,094 Castro Valley: 50,512 Confirmed Cases: State: 4,033,659 Alameda County: 102,101 Castro Valley: 3,068 Deaths: State: 64,194 Alameda County: 1,302 as of August 16, 2021

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P02 NEWS 08-18 copy.indd 1

8/17/21 5:33 PM

Our Town

Woman-Veteran-Owned Tech Business Run from CV Home

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Public Intoxication Friday, August 13: at 8:55 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 28-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of public intoxication. The woman was traveling on Santa Maria Avenue near Lux Avenue when deputies stopped her for questioning. Deputies report the woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

By Michael Singer

Reckless Street Racer Friday, August 13: at 11:12 p.m., a 25-year-old CV man was arJust some of the offerings from Kubuntu Focus, a business that is run from a home in Castro Valley. rested on suspicion of reckless driving. Deputies spotted the central place for us to do busi- Military Police officer, Dana is man traveling at high speeds ness” told the Forum. “I spent very disciplined in making the and weaving in and out of traffic on Castro Valley Boulevard woman-owned and veteran10 years in Silicon Valley near Redwood Road. The man owned company a success. building software for other companies, so I know what “I truly believe that having was taken into custody. types of powerful laptops our been raised with a strong Driving Under the Influence customers are looking for.” work ethic and serving in the military, has given me a strong Friday, August 13: at 10:45 While Michael is listed base to stand on. I have always p.m., deputies pulled over and as the founder and overall manager of the company, Dana enjoyed tinkering, organizing, arrested a 34-year-old man and putting things together, so from Castro Valley on suspicion is the chief executive officer. of driving under the influence leading the Operations team With her three years serving see TECH on page 4 of alcohol and drugs. The man in the US Army Reserves as a was traveling on Center Street near Grove Way when deputies stopped him in a nearby parking lot. Deputies report the man failed his field sobriety test and was taken into custody. to providing my friends and “It’s been too long since Identity Fraud neighbors with an update and we were able to gather and Friday, August 13: at 9:47 a.m., taking their questions.” talk about what’s happening in Washington, DC, across California’s 15th Congres- a 27-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspithe nation, and right here at sional District includes San cion of identity fraud. Depuhome,” Swalwell said. “In Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, ties were called to a home on order to be as safe as possible Livermore, Sunol, Hayward, from COVID-19, we’ll hold Union City, Castro Valley, San Greenridge Road near Crow this meeting outdoors, with Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland Canyon Road after receiving a tip that the suspect was using distanced seating, and with and Fairview as well as parts stolen credit cards and other masks required. I look forward of Fremont and Danville. PHOTO COURTESY OF KUBUNTU FOCUS

Swalwell to Host Town Hall Meeting in Castro Valley Next Saturday, Aug. 28 Congressman Eric Swalwell will hold a town hall meeting for 15th Congressional District constituents on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Castro Valley High School football field located at 19400 Santa Maria Ave. in Castro Valley. Masks are required for COVID-19 safety.

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Sheriff’s Reports

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Dana and Michael Mikowski launched a computermaking business back in 2019 out of their home garage in the Parsons Park neighborhood of Castro Valley. This past month, they debuted their second laptop with hopes of expanding into the market of custommade computers for developers, engineers, and scientists. The company, Kubuntu Focus, employs a handful of designers and software engineers based in the UK, Canada, and Washington State. The parts are purchased from about five or six overseas suppliers, assembled, and then set up in Castro Valley before the software is installed and shipped out to the rest of the world from the couple’s garage. “We have one of our hardware suppliers in Southern California and we sell to Silicon Valley customers, so Castro Valley is a good and

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

fake IDs for purchases. The Woman with Burglar Tools Assaults a Passerby man was handcuffed and taken Wednesday, August 11: at 10:47 into custody. a.m., a 29-year-old woman with no permanent residence was arGraffiti Tagger Arrested Thursday, August 12: at 11:55 rested on suspicion of assault a.m., deputies arrested a and battery on a person in front 28-year-old man from Castro of a restaurant on Redwood Valley on suspicion of defacing Road near Castro Valley Boupublic property and resisting ar- levard. Deputies responded to rest. The man was stopped for a call about an altercation at questioning at the intersection the scene. The woman was also of San Miguel Avenue and Nor- found with lock-picking tools in bridge Avenue after an anony- her possession. Deputies took mous tip about a man fitting his the woman into custody. The description spray painting the victim was treated at the scene. traffic sound wall. Grand Theft, Burglary, and Arson Assault on Family Member Thursday, August 12: at 5:53 Thursday, August 12: at 12:03 p.m., a 911 call about a loud and a.m., deputies arrested a aggressive-sounding argument 65-year-old man with no persent deputies to a home on Syd- manent residence on suspicion ney Way near Carlton Avenue. of grand theft, burglary, and There, they arrested a 39-year- arson. The man was spotted old CV man from Castro Val- breaking into a pet food store on ley on suspicion of assault on a East Castro Valley Boulevard in family member. The victim was the 580 Market Place shopping see REPORTS on page 4 treated at the scene.

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HOROSCOPE by Salomé

ARIES (March 21 - April 19): A more harmonious aspect favors all relationships. Family ties with mates and children are strengthened. Libra is Cupid’s choice to win the amorous Aries’ heart.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The bold Bull is ready to take on fresh challenges. Expect some opposition as you plow new ground -- but supporters will outnumber detractors. GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): An upcoming job change could mean uprooting your family to a far-distant location. Weigh all considerations carefully before making a decision one way or the other. CANCER (June 21 - July 22): A long-standing problem is resolved by a mutually agreed upon compromise. You can now focus on getting the facts you’ll need for a decision you’ll soon be asked to make. LEO (July 23 - August 22): The Big Cat needs to be wary of what appears to be a golden investment opportunity. That “sure thing” could turn out to be nothing more than a sack of Kitty Glitter. VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): You give of yourself generously to help others, but right now you must allow people to help you. Confide your problems to family and trusted friends. LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Relationships benefit from a strong harmonious aspect. Things go more smoothly at work. Someone you thought you’d never see again asks for a reconciliation. SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): A minor distraction interferes with travel plans, but the delay is temporary. Meanwhile, expect to play peacemaker once again for feuding family members.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Keep that positive momentum going on the home front. Arrange your schedule to spend more time with your family. You’ll soon have news about that job change. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Control that possessive tendency that sometimes goads you into an unnecessary display of jealousy. You could be creating problems where none currently exist. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): A new project holds some challenges you hadn’t expected. But don’t be discouraged; you’ll find you’re more prepared to deal with them than you realized. PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): Yours is the sign of the celestial Chemist, so don’t be surprised if you experience a pleasant “chemistry” betwixt yourself and that new Leo in your life.

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Tiny: 160-square-foot Home Occupied By Single Resident or Parent and Child

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

A new office building on John Drive will soon house Stanford Health Care.

Stanford: New Castro Valley Building continued from front page of Medicine, Stanford Health Care, and Stanford Children’s Health Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. The health provider touts offering more than 1.8 million outpatient visits

systemwide back in 2018. The hospital system also conducted 371 organ transplants in 2017. The health provider employs more than 14,000 employees including 2,900 medical staff, 3,194 nurses, and 1,412 resident

physicians. In addition to the new Castro Valley office, Stanford Health Care runs primary and specialty care facilities in Livermore, Emeryville, Fremont, Redwood City, Menlo Park, and Santa Clara.

Tech: Watching the Company Grow continued from page 3 was a natural fit. Watching each section come together, and interact as a whole, is very rewarding,” Dana says. “Running our own business is an amazing opportunity to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in our children. They have watched the company grow from concept to production, to managing the daily needs of each aspect. Anything is possible if you keep driving forward.” “Dana keeps us all sane,” Michael says. The laptop, called the Focus XE, has a 14-inch screen on the diagonal and is classified as an ultra-portable design, which means it is lighter in weight and compact enough to fit in a Manilla envelope. The baseline unit retails for $1,195 with free shipping in the US. Adding all the bells and whistles in

their “Beast Mode” category will set you back $2,290. The company’s original laptop, the M2 has a larger 15.6 screen and is optimal for the gaming developer community. What is novel for engineers and scientists is that the operating system is neither Microsoft Windows nor Apple Macintosh OS. The Mikowski’s sell their laptops with an operating system called Linux. To non-computer people, it is an operating system found in phones, thermostats, cars, refrigerators, and televisions. It also runs most of the Internet, all the world’s top 500 supercomputers, and the world’s stock exchanges. And where many computers running Linux do not automatically come with ready-to-use software programs like word processing or spreadsheets, Kubuntu Focus includes professional software that allows a

scientist to analyze trillions of bits of data to solve complex questions or high-performance software for designing games or enhancing video. “If you were going to install all of that necessary software by yourself, it could take a day or a few days to make sure everything works… we save our customers lots of time by pre-installing a majority of the software they need,” Michael says. “If you were to call larger laptop vendors like Dell or HP for support on your Linux machine, they would likely try talking you into a Microsoft Windows operating system. We make our laptops for people who are looking for the best out-of-the-box Linux experience but don’t need the power, complexity, or expense.” The M2 and XE laptops are listed for sale at kfocus.org

Reports: Hit and Run Driver Caught continued from page 3 center. Deputies report the man grabbed an unspecified amount of merchandise and lit a fire in the store before trying to leave. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail. Hit and Run Driver Caught Tuesday, August 10: at 11:18 a.m., a 44-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on

suspicion of felony hit and run charges, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a family member, and damages more than $400. Deputies responded to a call outside at an apartment on Forest Avenue after witnesses saw the suspect hit a person in the parking lot and tried to drive away. Deputies handcuffed the man and took him into custody.

Busted for Drugs Wednesday, August 11: at 12:54 a.m., deputies arrested a 21-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of methamphetamine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man was spotted behind the stores on East Castro Valley Boulevard in the 580 Market Place shopping center. Deputies took the man into custody.

continued from front page homes for the formerly unhoused on February 13, 2020. This was just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to wreak further havoc on Bay Area housing and especially on the homeless and poor. The state’s initial lockdown began March 16 of that year. Rev. Medcalf said of the inaugural 10 residents who were approved for the project, five moved to permanent housing and two moved to long-term transitional housing with additional support services. The tiny homes currently house five residents with one more applicant waiting for approval. Medcalf said that residents are screened, and a background check is performed. This is partly because the residents volunteer at a preschool on the church’s campus, and state law requires a background check for any volunteer at a preschool or school. Most of the current residents are working outside the home, Medcalf said. “More homeless people work than people realize,” he continued. The tiny homes are occupied by either a single adult or a parent and child, given the modest space inside, Medcalf said. The 160-square-foot homes each include a living area, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom. Medcalf said residents do pay rent, with a portion set aside for them to eventually use as first and last month’s rent on a permanent apartment. “We’re learning from our first effort. One of the things we learned is that the tiny homes could each use a bit more outside space,” he said in the video as the camera reveals a child’s bike and outdoor toys in a somewhat tight space just outside one home. The tiny homes project was built quickly and at no cost to the church, Medcalf

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

A mother and her daughter return to their home. The 160-square-foot homes each include a living area, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom.

said. Helped considerably by nonprofit builder HomeAid Northern California and Castro Valley builder CoBuild Construction Services, the project took only six months from project conception to opening day. “The building industry really came to the table, and donated all the materials and all the trades, so these units came at zero cost to the project. They were built in six weeks,” Medcalf said on the church’s video, referring to time spent on actual construction work. Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley helped needed permitting proceed smoothly at the county level, he said, and Hayward City Councilmember Sara Lamnin helped introduce the church to the possibilities of tiny homes. The church is trying to spread the word about tiny homes and help build them elsewhere through its Firm

Foundations Community Housing effort. Medcalf said that Firm Foundations worked with Livermore’s Crosswinds Church to build its Goodness Village tiny homes community. Firm Foundations also worked with Alameda County on a 34-unit tiny homes project near Fairmont Hospital in San Leandro, with a ribbon-cutting coming Sept. 15, Medcalf said. Rev. Medcalf says on the video that First Presbyterian’s Tiny Homes project was a sort of prototype for similar projects the church is helping other churches and nonprofits build to make a dent in homelessness. “These six units took up 12 parking spaces, and almost every faith community and maybe surplus landowner and maybe even you have this kind of space,” Medcalf said. “So what we’re really trying to do is multiply how do we keep doing this over and over again.” Since 1969

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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

What You Should Know About Are We Careless About COVID? Naming Minors as Beneficiaries By Matilda Charles SENIOR NEWS LINE

Q. I would like to name my young grandchildren (ages 3–10 years) as beneficiaries of my estate and my life insurance. Is there anything I should know about this plan? By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

A. Yes. Your wish to do so is commendable, but it is important to make a plan that does not involve leaving assets directly to them while they are minors, i.e. under the age of 18. Here’s why: First: Assets cannot be left directly to a minor under California law. If you were to do so, it is likely that a court would need to appoint a guardian to hold and manage their money. The court proceeding, itself, will cost your estate, and the court-appointed guardian may not be someone whom you would want to oversee your grandchildren’s money. Further, the guardian may have to file annual accountings with the court, generating more costs and fees. Second: Each minor will be entitled to the funds from the guardian when he or she reaches age 18. There would then be no limitations on what the money could then be used for; so while you may have wanted the money to go toward college or a down payment on a house, your grandchild may have other ideas. That said, there are basically two ways to do this properly under California law: 1) Name a Custodian for the Minor under CUTMA: Under the law in California, and many other states as well, you can leave a gift to a minor by using the California Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (“CUTMA”). You would do so by expressly reciting that the gift is made pursuant to CUTMA with appropriate recitals to that effect, and name an adult Custodian for the minor(s). The recitals are in the form of a simple Declaration, and banks and brokerage houses usually have forms for this purpose readily available for use. The key portion of those declarations would recite the name of the Custodian (and/or alternate custodian, if desired), the name of the minor beneficiary, and the key words, “I hereby transfer to [name of adult] as custodian for [name of minor] under the California Uniform Transfer to Minors Act, the following

P05 SENIORS 08-18 copy.indd 1

If you read the news, you know there are serious questions about how well the vaccines we’ve been taking actually protect against COVID. Especially worrisome is the protection they offer against the Delta variant that’s sweeping the world. Those in authority seem to be flipping a coin each day, depending on who you listen to. Some days we can throw caution to the wind and go about our business, and other days we need to continue to beware. Now we’re back to the indoor mask mandates, and that’s likely one step away from again limiting the number A MINOR MISTAKE: It is important to make a plan of people allowed in stores at that does not involve leaving assets directly to beneficiaries while they are under the age of 18. one time, or so I imagine. If those things happen, it in one lump sum at, say, age ...[description of custodial won’t be like it was in March 25, or it could be in stages to property]. 2020. Back then we were all correspond with their antici You would then sign and scared to death. We’d spread date the form. Note that under pated needs as they begin their out in the grocery aisles, CUTMA, you cannot defer the own careers, e.g. 1/3 at age 21, staying far away from other another portion at age 25, and people. We wore that mask at actual ownership of the gift beyond the minor’s age 21, as the balance at age 30. you could if you opted to leave If you do create a trust, your bequests in trust. remember to name the trust 2) Leave the Gifts in Trust: as beneficiary of any life insurance or retirement plans. You could leave the gifts to Living Trusts & If you forget to take that step, your minor beneficiaries by Trust Administration creating (or modifying ) a trust, the money may be distributed and designating the Trustee to directly to the minors, negating Probate • Wills hold and manage the gifts until the work of creating the trust. Real Estate • Litigation each of your grandchildren To create (or modify) a trust reaches the age at which you to accomplish your wishes, — Give Us a Call — would like them to have full consult with your attorney. Most Initial Consultations access. Unlike a gift using Gene L. Osofsky is an Elder Are Free CUTMA, in your trust you Law and Estate Planning at(510) 357-3403 can be creative as to when torney in the East Bay. Visit his 1883 East 14th Street each grandchild receives their website at www.LawyerForSSan Leandro gift. Examples: it could be all eniors.com.

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it will be even more dangerous than it was last year, because we’ve gotten too casual, careless and passive about our safety. My short to-do list involves buying new masks and more hand sanitizer, renewing my grocery curbside pickup account... and saying no to an invitation to join a dance group. How about you? Are you ready for what’s likely coming?

Live Life the Way You Want

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all times when out and about, and we respected all those 6-foot markers on the floor. We certainly didn’t sit down at a restaurant table for four and take off our masks, or head to the gym. Now, having lived through that whole horrible year, people are tired of it all, and we’re eager for a normal life. We think that because so many people have had the vaccination, that surely we’ll be safe. I fear that this time, however,

CarefieldCastroValley.com RCFE #019200685

*Limited time offer, based upon availability. Contact the community for more details.

8/17/21 9:30 AM

Homes

6 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE REALITY

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times

GUEST COMMENTARY

Four Key Issues Facing California Real Estate

here is no question we are living in unprecedented times. The continuous flow of negative headlines feels like the incessant hammering of a pile driver relentlessly pounding morale lower and lower. As it relates to real estate, here are four current issues producing tension and anxiety. 1 Covid-19 Still in first place, the pandemic’s off-again, on-again restrictions are forcing fluctuating changes in how residential real estate is viewed. While we enjoyed unfettered access for a short period, recent flareups mean mask restrictions are back for all in-home visits, including open houses. 2 Wildfires As untold numbers of acres and structures are being consumed by the current wildfires across the state, count on significant changes in the near future. Insurance companies, grappling to cope with the unparalleled disasters, will be looking to recoup costs by raising rates or limiting avail-

ability in high-risk zones. As someone who just purchased an insurance policy for a home in a mountain region, I was shocked at the number of companies who refused to write a policy and the high rates from the few who would. Secondly, as efforts get underway to rebuild, counties will be mandating more fire-resistant structures, thereby increasing building costs. Additionally, with supply chains already stretched to the limit by COVID-related shortages, you can guarantee we will be seeing another round of cost increases in building materials, especially wood and concrete. 3 Evictions By disrupting so many jobs across the state, especially in the service industries, Covid-19 has been responsible for a waive of unpaid rents. Coupled with the eviction moratorium, making it impossible to evict non-paying tenants, small mom and pop landlords have been struggling to make ends meet and are voicing their concerns that the

burden of sustaining non-paying tenants has been placed unfairly on them. Many landlords, no longer able to sustain the losses, are selling their properties and thereby removing them from the state’s rental inventory. For a state already struggling to find adequate housing, this is not good news. 4 Homelessness Not only are homeless populations growing all the more visible, they are also impacting real estate. We are seeing pushback from buyers who do not want to purchase properties near homeless encampments. We have also seen an increase in homes on the market being broken into to be used for shelter. With a gubernatorial recall underway, it is hoped we can find meaningful solutions going forward. 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.general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association. RECENT HOME SALES SAN LORENZO

Total: 6 – Average Price: $827,125 High: $928,000 – Low: $662,000

14052 Reed Avenue 94578: $583,000 [2 BD - 1,084 SF - 1973

(510) 909-8344

1455 San Jose Street 94577: $1,157,500 [3 BD - 1,164 SF - 1953 15183 Shining Star Lane 94579: $1,255,000 [4 BD - 2,255 SF - 1994 573 Superior Avenue 94577: $1,201,000 [3 BD - 1,727 SF - 1924 2260 Transom Way 94577: $580,000 [3 BD - 1,125 SF - 1978 1490 Vining Drive 94579: $825,000 [3 BD - 1,190 SF - 1957

* SALE PENDING * Castro Valley Luxury Lifestyle at its best! This Mediterranean style home is 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with over 4,900 SQ. FT. This halfacre property consists of exceptional construction 20340 Hunters Knoll, Castro Valley and quality finishes with great indoor and outdoor flow. The terraced landscaping has a garden area, trees, lovely deck areas all around the back with views you will not want to miss. Perfect place for working, family, friends, in-law setup and so much more. Make Your Free Appointment with our Team Today To Discuss Your Real Estate Needs! Call (925) 251-2536

By Buzz Bertolero

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

What can I plant for color in a north-facing planter box? It receives lots of shade, although it’s not dark. The planter is ten feet long, faced with native rock. A. Colorizing shady areas can be done with flowers and or foliage. I prefer using attractive foliage, and Coleus can be beaten.

The vibrant, maroon, yellow, or red leaf colors will more than make from the lack of flowers. You’ll also find varieties with deep lobes that give them an exciting look. My second choice is Lamium, Dead Nettle, the mint green leaves splashed with white along with the white, pink, or purple flowers makes a low growing, cascading solution. Another option is New Guinea Impatiens. Their flower is about three times the size of a regular Impatiens, and the foliage is dark green with deep red stems and midribs. Midribs are those leaf veins that separate or segment a leaf into the section. New Guinea Impatiens, they’re

CASTRO VALLEY’S FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM

Quality Representation & Practical Advice Since 1989

Business Real Estate • Trusts Family Law

510-881-8700 • WWW.PONLAW.COM

P06 HOMES (1) 08-18.indd 1

very bold. White, Pink, Red, Orange, and Bicolor are the typical colors. These varieties should continue to bloom into early November; however, it is improbable that any of these varieties will survive the winter cold. They’ll collapse with the first cold spell or frosty night. When this occurs, I’d then replace them with Cyclamen until next spring. Earwigs, snails, and slugs can be controlled with Sluggo Plus.

How do I know when my Sugar Baby Watermelons are ready to pick? I don’t want to pick them too soon.

Unlike other fruits such as tomatoes, watermelons do not ripen after harvesting. So, yes, you don’t want to pick them early, and there has been a debate about when to pick them. Harvesting Sugar Baby Watermelons generally begins eighty days after planting. This is not an exact date but instead a benchmark to work around. It is more precise if you grew your melons from seed and less actuate from transplants. The other signif-

icant variable is temperature. Watermelons like warm days and nights to mature on time; however, our temperatures vary; thus, we need to use a little educated guesswork to determine when to pick them. As the maturity day approaches, you check your plants daily. Every watermelon has a curly tendril immediately below where it is attached to the vine. When this tendril is green, the melon is not ready for harvesting. When it is brown and shriveled, you have a ninety percent probability the melon is ready to be picked. In addition, Sugar Baby should be about ten inches in diameter with a dark green rind. Another test you can use to tell when a watermelon is ripe is if your fingernail can not indent the skin. The outer skin of the watermelon tends to feel a little rough when ripe. The old-school method of thumping the melon is not very precise or accurate. If your melon(s) passes the Sugar Baby Watermelon maturity test(s), they can be pick by snipping them off at the stem with a pair of shears or scissors. Like so many homegrown fruits and vegetables, the flavor and sweetness of a chilled homegrown watermelon is fabulous.

4179 Beverly Place, Castro Valley: Lovely single-level rancher in the heart of Castro Valley. Walk to downtown from this light and bright 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Features a large country kitchen, spacious rooms, inside laundry, tile roof, and A/C. Low maintenance patio and yard. Won’t last long! Asking: $998,000

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

21060 Redwood Rd. Ste. 100, Castro Valley • calltrish@comcast.net

Call Trish Radovich: 510-367-7999

8/17/21 7:10 PM

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

RECENT HOME SALES

$550,000 3 BD - 1,254 SF - 1970

Home sales information is compiled and provided by CalREsource and 18663 Standish Ave 94541: includes Bedrooms, Square Feet and Year Built when available $565,000 2 BD - 778 SF - 1937 CASTRO VALLEY

Total: 14 – Average Price: $1,175,035 High: $1,770,000 – Low: $630,000

21061 Baker Road #14 94546: $630,000 2 BD - 1,056 SF - 1976 21470 Orange Ave 94546: $835,000 3 BD - 1,200 SF - 1948 4238 Nando Court 94546: $875,000 3 BD - 1,545 SF - 1957 5610 Cold Water Drive 94552: $1,261,000 [3 BD - 1,470 SF 1965 22011 Orange Ave 94546: $950,000 3 BD - 1,767 SF - 1947 3705 Cottage Court 94546: $980,000 3 BD - 1,152 SF - 1959 19950 John Drive 94546: $1,025,000 4 BD - 1,837 SF - 1998 18585 Stanton Ave 94546: $1,091,000 3 BD - 1,598 SF - 1951 4504 Edwards Lane 94546: $1,126,000 3 BD - 1,275 SF - 1963 20194 Sheldon Court 94546: $1,188,000 3 BD - 1,474 SF - 1958

19906 Times Ave 94541: 5113 James Ave 94546: $600,000 3 BD - 1,182 SF - 1951 $1,205,500 3 BD - 1,966 SF - 1976 927 Saint James Court 94541: 19073 Masterson Place 94552: $712,000 2 BD - 1,197 SF - 1926 $1,305,000 4 BD - 1,840 SF - 1985 27622 Miami Ave 94545: 17772 Sweetbriar Place 94546: $750,000 4 BD - 1,594 SF - 1972 $1,700,000 3 BD - 3,178 SF - 1999 27648 Seminole Way 94544: 5566 Greenridge Road 94552: $755,000 3 BD - 1,000 SF - 1954 $1,770,000 4 BD - 1,834 SF - 1960 3214 D Street 94541: $800,000 4 5954 Greenridge Road 94552: BD - 1,388 SF - 1951 $1,770,000 5 BD - 1,979 SF - 1963 3203 Madsen Street 94541: HAYWARD $830,000 4 BD - 2,110 SF - 2010

1642 Southgate Street 94545: $982,000 3 BD - 1,497 SF - 1956

SAN LEANDRO

1754 141st Ave 94578: $840,000 2 BD - 1,117 SF - 1941

986 Pope Way 94545: $988,000 3 BD - 1,384 SF - 1951 24979 Pleasant Way 94544: $1,000,000

16665 Los Banos Street 94578: $400,000 2 BD - 1,148 SF - 1926

14350 Cypress Street 94579: $850,000 3 BD - 1,096 SF - 1952

1570 165th Ave #103 94578: $425,000 2 BD - 871 SF - 1987

491 West Juana Ave 94577: $860,000 2 BD - 1,116 SF - 1902

Total: 23– Average Price: $742,739 High: $980,000 – Low: $400,000

24275 Machado Court 94541: $1,080,000 4 BD - 1,800 SF - 1984 433 Harlan Street #207 94577: $430,000 2 BD - 803 SF - 1964 23057 Palazzo Del Kayla 94541: $1,150,000 4 BD - 2,066 SF - 2007 3862 Yorkshire Street #22 94578: $455,000 2 BD - 918 SF - 1987 2476 Reyna Drive 94541: $1,165,000 4 BD - 2,222 SF - 2000 15956 East 14th Street #413 94578: $500,000 2 BD - 918 SF - 2008 176 Montevina Way 94545: $1,198,000 5 BD - 2,047 SF - 2017 690 Fargo Ave #3 94579: $543,000 2 BD - 1,020 SF - 1965 3495 Skyline Drive 94542: $1,204,000 1,808 SF 1979 Total: 35 – Average Price: $742,739 1266 Purdue Street 94579: High: $2,625,000 – Low: $180,000 29072 Caravan Lane #17 94545: 24888 2nd Street 94541: $650,000 3 BD - 1,081 SF - 1951 27505 Tampa Ave #51 94544: $849,000 2 BD - 1,526 SF - 2011 $1,300,000 5 BD 3,388 SF 1946 $180,000 2 BD - 910 SF - 1981 15451 Farnsworth Street 94579: 3536 La Mesa Drive 94542: $660,000 4 BD - 1,377 SF - 1956 3572 Skyline Drive 94542: 26353 Flamingo Ave 94544: $850,000 3 BD - 2,228 SF - 1973 $1,350,000 4 BD 2,228 SF 1973 $381,500 3 BD - 1,048 SF - 1952 14234 Outrigger Drive 94577: 27449 Capri Ave 94545: $885,000 28050 Fox Hollow Drive 94542: $800,000 3 BD - 1,595 SF - 1988 1256 Stanhope Lane #148 94545: 3 BD - 1,000 SF - 1957 $1,550,000 4 BD 2,962 SF 1996 $385,000 1 BD - 748 SF - 1989 850 Kenyon Ave 94577: $800,000 2 BD - 1,127 SF - 1948 1530 Glenn Street 94545: 28790 Fox Hollow Drive 94542: 24625 Thomas Ave 94544: $905,000 3 BD - 1,546 SF - 2016 $1,620,000 4 BD 3,045 SF 1995 $497,000 2 BD - 1,299 SF - 1968 220 Bancroft Ave 94577: $800,000 2 BD - 1,162 SF - 1924 29474 Sal Court 94544: $915,000 155 Arundel Drive 94542: 675 Newbury Lane #141 94544: 3 BD - 1,591 SF - 1992 $2,350,000 5,050 SF 2011 $548,000 2 BD - 894 SF - 1988 362 West Broadmoor Boulevard 3615 Sonia View Court 94542: 94577: $820,000 2 BD - 1,162 75 Quist Ave 94544: $930,000 4 27551 Ponderosa Court 94545: $2,625,000 5,883 SF - 2007 SF - 1937 BD - 1,866 SF - 1999

15273 Inverness Street 94579: $860,000 3 BD - 1,241 SF - 1952 258 West Broadmoor Boulevard 94577: $860,000 2 BD - 1,419 SF - 1927 14961 Endicott Street 94579: $870,000 4 BD - 1,731 SF - 1949 3584 Figueroa Drive 94578: $880,000 3 BD - 1,108 SF - 1954 1521 Castro Street 94577: $900,000 3 BD - 1,092 SF - 1953 15666 Cranbrook Street 94579: $935,000 3 BD - 1,414 SF - 1958 162 California Ave 94577: $965,000 3 BD - 1,282 SF - 1925 1531 Beechwood Ave 94579: $980,000 4 BD - 1,356 SF 1953$838,000 [3 BD - 1,186 SF - 1951 247 Oakes Boulevard 94577: $1,125,000 [2 BD - 1,080 SF 1918

Classified Advertising

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM Wednesday, August 18, 2021

ADVERTISE WITH WITH EAST EAST BAY BAY PUBLISHING PUBLISHING AND AND REACH REACH OVER OVER 65,000 65,000 ADVERTISE TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

CALL )$; EMAIL 21/,1(

Visit our Websites 24 hours a day

510-614-1558 510-483-4209

&ODVVLÀHGV#HESXEOLVKLQJ FRP ZZZ HESXEOLVKLQJ FRP

$8726 758&.6

TO VIEW THE CLASSIFIED ADS

10 words (1 weeks)

GARAGE SALES

10 words (1 week)

www.sanleandrotimes.com www.castrovalleyforum.com 2060 Washington Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577

HELP WANTED

10 words (1 week)

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE New ads, cancellations or ad changes:

MONDAY BY 5:00 P.M.

Call 510-614-1558 (Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m - 5 p.m.) VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER ACCEPTED

0,6& )25 6$/(

10 words (1 weeks)

RENTALS

10 words (1 week)

SERVICES

10 words (1 week)

$// &/$66,),(' $'6 $/62 581 )5(( 21/,1( $' 0867 %( 35(3$,' :,7+ &$6+ &+(&. 25 &5(',7 &$5' $'',7,21$/ :25'6 $5( ($&+

&/$66,),(' $'6 $'6 581 581 (9(5< (9(5< :('1(6'$< :('1(6'$< ,1 ,1 7+( 7+( &$6752 &$6752 9$//(< 9$//(< )2580 )2580 $1' $1' (9(5< (9(5< 7+856'$< 7+856'$< ,1 ,1 7+( 7+( 6$1 6$1 /($1'52 /($1'52 7,0(6 7,0(6 &/$66,),(' PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ON OUR WEBSITE AND SAVE $5 PER WEEK OFF THE ABOVE PRICES!

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

FENCES/DECKS

GARAGE SALES

FENCE LEANING? Don’t replace... GARAGE SALE 8/21, 10am-4pm. repair and save! Call Randy 510- Lots of furniture: Leather recliner, MULTIFAMILY GARAGE SALE 8/21, 8:30am-2:30pm. Fabric, California law requires that contrac- 706-6189. leather sofa, bedroom/ dining room DVD’s/LPs, A’s items, catering tors taking jobs that total $500 or sets (some free furniture) and misc. equipment, Beanie Babies, vintage more (labor or materials) be licensed FENCES, DECKS, RETAINING 5012 Proctor Road, Castro Valley. glassware, paintings, misc. & much by the Contractors State License WALLS Repair or Replacement. more! 551 Glen Dr., San Leandro. Board. State Law also requires that Gutter cleaning. Drain pipes unAN EANDRO contractors include their license clogged, repaired/ replaced. Yard number on all advertising. Advertis- cleaning experts in removal of HUGE YARD SALE Fri. 8/20, ers appearing on this page without Juniper, landscaping, ivy, haul away ARDENING Sat. 8/21, & Sun. 8/22, 8am-4pm. a license number indicate that the all yard debris, tree trimming, Many ANTIQUE items including contractor is not licensed. You can topping and/or removal, garage furniture, dishes, teacups, jewelry, check the status of your licensed cleanups. Selling your home ... we’ll *ANY YARD WORK. Cleanups clothes, books, records, various contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or stage yard. Insured/ Bonded. Credit and Maintenance. Free Estimates. succulent plants, and much (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contrac- cards accepted. Jerry 510-410-2427. Call 510-798-1833. more! 998 CARRILLO WAY, San ONCRETE ERVICE tors taking jobs that total less than Leandro. $500 must state in their advertiseARAGE ALES ments that they are not licensed by *MP CONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, the Contractors State License Board. San Leandro GREAT GARAGE *BEAUTY GARDEN LANDSCAPING Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, SALE Fri. 8/20 & Sat. 8/21, 9am- Design - Construction - MainteAsphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1004427. Milo Advertise your Home for rent in the 3pm. New & old goodies! 13820 nance. Cleanups, New Lawn, ArtifiASTRO ALLEY cial Grass, Irrigation, Patios, PathSan Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum 510-502-9336. Velarde Drive, San Leandro. ways, Brick, Stone, Concrete Fence/ ESTATE! Tools, Wood, Camp, ColDON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIP BY! Decks. Free Estimates! Lic.#925130. LANDLORDS - Advertise your units! – A vacancy day is money lost forever – lect, Cook, Toys, etc. Fri/Sat, 8/20510-691-8852. CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: 21, 9am-2pm. NO EARLYBIRDS! – A vacancy day is money lost forever – www.beautygardenlandscaping.com To place an ad call 510-614-1558 19982 Wisteria Street, Castro Valley. Monday 5:00 p.m.

NOTICE TO READERS

GARDENING

*NAVA'S COMPLETE GARDENING: Mowing, trees, cleanup/ hauling. FREE estimates. 510-512-5857

JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583

GIVEAWAYS

FREE - 8 bags of red gravel (like you find at a trailer park), also free beige (50”x84”) drapes in good condition. Call 510-398-8276.

FREE - Tree chips. Delivered free. Call 510-889-1169.

FREE books for young readers (ages 7-10) : Mysteries, animals, inventors and their inventions, interesting Americana, ecology and more. 510-538-1765.

GIVEAWAYS

Classified Advertising

HOUSE CLEANING

HELP WANTED

FREE to good home - Couch (tweed, mixed colors) in good condition. You haul. Call 510-317-0880.

LORENA’S HOUSE CLEANING & HANDYMAN SERVICE •Also Carpet Cleaning/Installation FREE Estimates 510-938-4742.

FREE: Approximately 100 - 78 records (some classical and some religious). Call 510-382-1030.

RAMIREZ HOUSE CLEANING. Reasonable rates. Excellent references. Call Hilda 510-588-0448.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

Dr. Fix-it. Fix holes and painting. No job too small. 510-565-9458. HANDY BILL: Builder, remodeling, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, drain cleaning. Satisfaction Guaranteed. 510-634-3387.

The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for:

WALTON’S JANITORIAL

Building Inspector $7,032 - $8,548/month

Licensed / Bonded / Local For a SPARKLE CLEAN OFFICE or Home Windows • Floors • Carpets • Restrooms

For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE

Phone 510-254-2659 Member of S.L. Chamber of Comm.

MISC. FOR SALE

Polished Concrete Specialist. 20+ Years of Handyman and Concrete Services. Setefano 510-330-6921. TORRES, A PERFECT HANDYMAN •Honest •Dependable •Responsible Painting, Plumbing, Retaining Walls, Fences, Tiles, etc. FREE Estimates. 510-305-3205

HAULING SERVICE

HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.

HELP WANTED GENERAL

Auto Detailing - Wash, wax, polish, interiors, light mechanical. Top pay! Apply in person Cal West Motors 1977 E. 14th St., San Leandro. CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.

The City of San Leandro will be accepting online applications starting August 19, 2021 for:

You can place a FREE

“MISC. FOR SALE” ad

for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com For more detailed information, or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. please visit www.sanleandro.org. We REAAALLLY appreciate our 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 EOE many Readers(some whorestrictions supportmay ourapply)

Police Business Manager $9,964 - $12,109/month

MISC. FOR SALE VARIOUS ITEMS

Antique sequined purse w/ dainty chain for carrying $10, Gravy boats from 30's or 40's (3) Hallmarks underneath $15 ea., Cruet sets (2) from 30's or earlier $12.50 and $15, Seth Thomas mantle clock from the 40's or 50's (electric) $50, antique brass ceiling light fixture w/four hanging glass globes (pretty design) $50. 510-538-1765. Shopsmith Mark V $350. Call 510274-0563. 1920's Easter card (little girl w/duck); large, mechanical & colorful in mint condition $7, Native American doll standing 17" tall (colorful and detailed costume) w/accessories excellent condition $20, Gorgeous handmade placemats (9) white cotton w/lacelooking design and never used $27 set. Call 510-538-1765.

SELL YOUR CAR OR TRUCK NOW!

Looking for an IHSS health care provider with excellent references. Miscellaneous Furniture: Lamps Call Linda 510-674-4348. couches, tables, area rugs, etc. Great Advertise your vehicle for prices! Misc. paintings. Also several NOW HIRING Direct Care Staff/ 3 weeks in thePurolator San Leandro HVAC (12”x24”x2” and DSP needed to work with D.D. 14”x24”x2”) heavy duty air filters. Times and 3 weeks in the Adults in care home in San LeanAlso new stainless steel garage dro. Overnights, weekends Castro and Valley Forumpedal for only… pail w/push $50. Call at 510afternoons available. Salary+ bene- 813-6550. fits. 510-563-5140.

GREAT DEAL!

10 words maximum. $1.00 for each additional word.

This offer is for private party ads only (no dealers). Items must be priced and only one item may be listed for sale. You may change the asking price at anytime (no other changes are allowed). You may cancel your ad at anytime (there are no refunds available on this $25 special). Other restrictions may apply. For more information call Patrick at 614-1558.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

RENTALS/WANTED SERVICES

Are you interested in buying or selling a home or property? Would you like the help of a Professional Agent?

For assistance call ...

RENTALS

APARTMENTS

Hayward 1-bedrooms $1,575+, 2bedrooms $1,800+ (check availability). Patios, balconies, pool, parking, storage, spacious. Call 510-887-6633

MISC. WANTED

HOPE YOU FIND just the Helicopter assistantfor! 510job you hobbyist are looking 409-4250.

To Place a Garage Sale Ad *SCOTT HARRISON - Realtor call 614-1558 Coldwell Banker 510-388-4536 IF YOUR GARAGE SALE IS RAINED OUT, WE'LL RUN YOUR AD AGAIN FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE. SLTimes

NEED

REMODELING? How about a new kitchen or bath? Check the TIMES "Classified Ads" & The TIMES "Home Service" ads for help!

I need studio or 1-bedroom apartment with full kitchen by 9/1. I’m a single, quiet, respectible semi-retired woman. Minimum 475 sq.ft. Lori 518-637-8222.

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS 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.

TREE SERVICE

Hayward spacious 1-bedroom Bowling ball, bag, and shoes $40. $1,200+, 2-bedroom $1,500+. Bal510-813-6550. cony, patio, pool. 510-581-4702.

LECTRICAL UPPLIES Do you love helping people? Carlton Senior Living is the place 1 box of new electrical supplies WANTED: Old toys, pedal cars, FASTold with a etc. TIMES for you! Now Hiring Full Time NOC (plugs, dimmers, plates, etc.). Call Rent licenseitplates, coins, 510Thanks to our many Readers who shift Care Partners. Must be availa- 510-813-6550. 886-3195. WANT AD ... 614-1558 SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! ble weekends. Walk-ins welcomed. WANTED: April 30, 2020 & Feb 4, 1000 E. 14th Street or visit our webURNITURE 2021 San Leandro newpapers. site www.CarltonSeniorLiving.com To Place an AdTimes call 614-1558 Sofabed (queen size) mixed light Call Patrick 510-517-3351. to apply online. colors in excellent condition. Also miscelleanous knickknacks. Call To Place a Garage Sale Ad 614-1558 EALTH ARE EAL STATE GENTS 510-895-1555. Advertisers! Patrick V.

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM Wednesday, August 18, 2021

*A CAREFUL TREE SERVICE. LANDLORDS – Advertise your Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimunits! A vacancy day is money ming, Removals. FREE Estimates. lost forever ... R.SERVICES Bowman HOME GUIDE Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.

YOUR INFO

Help for the homeowner means business for you! HOUSES

San Leandro community (NO To62+ Place an Ad ... ONE UNDER 62), Floresta Gardens Advertise your Home for rent in the Call 614-1558 area, $1,895; small house, private San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum court, 2-bdrm, single story, central DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIP BY! heat, air conditioning, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer in – A vacancy day is money lost forever – To place an ad call 510-614-1558 unit, patio, garage. NO pets/smoking. Help forforthe homeowner Call 510-352-7023 phone interview prior means to viewing. business for you!We REAAALLLY appreciate our

RENTALS/RV SPACES

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units! many Readers who support our – A vacancy day is money lost forever – Advertisers! Patrick V.

RV Spaces Hayward/ San Leandro/ Oakland. $850/ month. Call 510481-9901.

Thanks to our many Readers who SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

R. Bowman

San Leandro Times HOME SERVICES GUIDE Call 614-1558

SELL YOUR CAR OR TRUCK NOW!

Help for the homeowner means business for you!

Advertise your vehicle for 3 weeks in the San Leandro Times and 3 weeks in the Castro Valley Forum for only…

San Leandro Times HOME SERVICES GUIDE Call 614-1558

GREAT DEAL!

10 words maximum. $1.00 for each additional word.

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

‘Birding for Beginners’ at East Bay Parks By Ned MacKay

Aug. 21 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in SPECIAL TO THE FORUM Antioch. Meet Ashley in the upper The East Bay Regional Parks are home to a great vari- most parking lot at the end of ety of birds, and watching the Somersville Road, 3.5 miles avians in action is lots of fun. south of Highway 4. “Birding for Beginners” is Reservations are not a good way to start. Naturalist necessary. Bring your own binoculars, though some loanAshley Adams will offer the ers will be provided. Due to introductory program from COVID-19 restrictions, masks 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday,

The Week Ahead Saturday, August 21: Book Sale at CV Library The Friends of the Castro Valley Library will be holding book sales in front of the library (3600 Norbridge Avenue) every Saturday morning from 10 to11:45. There will be a selection of adult fiction, children books, DVD’s and a rotating selection of other categories. Proceeds help support programs at the Castro Valley Library. CASH ONLY. Tuesday, August 24: CV Rotary Lunch Meeting Mona Koh, Community Relations Manager and Naturalist Morgan Guenther will describe the Park District’s engagement with healthcare providers and school teachers to implement HPHP, ParkRx, and Digital Learning programs. Lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 121:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 26 at www.castrovalleyrotary.org under Event Registration. For additional information, contact Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123.

... and Beyond

Saturday, August 28: Swalwell Town Hall Meeting Congressman Eric Swalwell will hold a town hall meeting for 15th Congressional District constituents on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Castro Valley High School football field, 19400 Santa Maria Ave. in Castro Valley. Masks are required for COVID-19 safety. California’s 15th Congressional District includes San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Sunol, Hayward, Union City, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland and Fairview as well as parts of Fremont and Danville.

Castro Valley, Come to The Chabot and Watch The Bay Bridge Series August 20th at 6:40 PM Oakland A’s vs San Francisco Giants

August 21st at 1:07 PM Oakland A’s vs. San Francisco Giants

August 22nd at 1:07 PM Oakland A’s vs. San Francisco Giants

Free admission! Wear your gear! Prizes for fans of the winning team! Hermanos Verdes will be doing pop-up A’s and Giants specialty tacos for all the games! We’d love to see you!

are recommended and social distancing must be maintained between participants. The program is free of charge. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended. For more information, call 510-544-2750. While you’re at Black Diamond Mines, you can visit the park’s underground Greathouse Visitor Center, take a Hazel-Atlas Mine tour through old sand mine tunnels, or experience the new coal mine exhibit, which re-creates the sights and sounds of a 19th century working coal mine, with mannequins instead of live miners. Entry to the visitor center is free all ages are welcome. There’s a fee for the two mine tours, reservations are required, and tours are restricted to ages seven and older for safety reasons. For more info, call 888327-2757, option 2, the phone number for all reservations. Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County has three interesting programs on the calendar in coming days. All participants are asked to observe park district Covid-related protocols – masks and social distancing. Masks are required indoors, and are recommended when outside and in a crowded group. All three programs are free, but advance registration is required. Animal Adaptations is the theme of a program from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21 with naturalist Kristina Parkison. She’ll talk about how animals adopt by physiology or behavior to the environment in which they live. “Wild Wonders” is scheduled from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22. It’s a free,

naturalist-led program of family-oriented games, activities and explorations. The third program is “Outdoor Discoveries: Have to Have a Habitat,” with naturalist Betty Villalta. It’s from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, August 23 at the Sunol Visitor Center. Outdoor Discoveries is geared for ages four through eight, with parental participation, though younger siblings are welcome. It’s free, but advance registration is required and no drop-ins are allowed. Betty advises participants to dress for fun with clothes that can get mucky, and closed-toes shoes. Bring water and be wilderness ready – the park has neither cell phone service nor running water (except for Alameda Creek). For information or to register for any of the three programs, call 510-544-3249. Or you can register online at www.ebparks.org. Sunol Regional Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. The Over-The-Hills Gang is back on the trails. It’s an informal, naturalist-led hiking group for people 55 and older interested in nature study, history, fitness and fun. Naturalist Trail Gail Broesder will lead the gang on a hike from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in Oakland. Roberts Recreation Area is on Skyline Boulevard about a mile up the hill from the intersection with Joaquin Miller Road. The hike is free of charge, but registration is required. Roberts has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For registration and info, call 510-544-2233.

LEGAL NOTICES

FILED MELISSA WILK

JULY 12, 2021 County Clerk ALAMEDA COUNTY By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 580667 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 17900-17930 The name of the business(es): Lulis House Cleaning. located at 9921 Bancroft Ave., Oakland, Ca 94603, in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Maria de Lourdes Lomeli, 9921 Bancroft Ave., Oakland, Ca 94603. This business is conducted by an individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ Maria de Lourdes Lomeli This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above. Expires JULY 12, 2026 JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2021 0384-CVF

FILED MELISSA WILK

JULY 08, 2021 County Clerk ALAMEDA COUNTY By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 580602 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 17900-17930 The name of the business(es): Redwood Road Pizza Express Hayward, located at 22323 Redwood Road, Castro Valley Ca 94546, in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Jagmeet Kaur, 2228 Promontory Cir., San Ramon Ca 94583. This business is conducted by an individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ Jagmeet Kaur This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above. Expires JULY 08, 2026 AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2021 0385-CVF

Treasure Hunting, Ruey Lin Syrop, 30” x 40”, Oil on canvas. Just one of many pieces in Hayward Arts Council’s “INVISIBLE, Paintings Featuring the Unhoused Crisis,” on display now until October 4, online and in-person at Hayward Library.

ART WITH COMPASSION

Exhibit Features Unhoused Crisis By Bruce Roberts

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

The existence of mankind has always been dominated by the thought that “Life’s a Chance!” With hard work, good choices, and a little luck, mankind does well. But for some, the choices don’t always turn out to be good, and luck just doesn’t seem to happen. Thus the latest art showing by the Hayward Arts Council is “INVISIBLE, Paintings Featuring the Unhoused Crisis,” an exhibit focusing on those experiencing homelessness. Arts Council members Ruey Syrop and Ed Murphy have assembled a compassionate array of paintings showing people whose choices and luck have been unfortunate, thus making them often invisible to the rest of the community. Calling our attention to life’s difficult situations, the paintings of Ed Murphy are replete with old motorhomes, trailers on city streets, tents under BART tracks, and just over a fence from a Dow Jones building, accentuating the stark contrasts in our culture’s economy. Some pieces picture friends and relatives who have actually experienced homelessness. Ruey Syrop’s “Treasure Hunting” magnifies the irony of the word TREASURE, when someone is going through a garbage can. Perhaps the most heart-wrenching paintings are Syrop’s that show a person who is actually invisible to passersby. In “Window Shopping, “ for example, before a display window of mannequins in high heels and beautiful dresses sits a transparent person trying to sleep against the glass while shoppers stroll casually by. This HAC showing is actually unique in these pandemic days, showing both virtually, using this link https://www. haywardartscouncil.org/ and live in the second floor gallery of the Hayward library. So, between August 3 and October 4, 2021, expand your love of art and your fellow community members and appreciate “INVISIBLE, Paintings Featuring the Unhoused Crisis.” Enjoy! Bruce Roberts is Hayward Poet Laureate and Hayward Arts Council Board Vice President.

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FREDZ@EBPUBLISHING.COM

We Do Not Need Cannabis Dispensaries in Castro Valley

Dog Calls 911 By Patrick Vadnais

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

On August 8 at 2 p.m. three sheriff cars converged on Mark Resare’s home on upper Santa Maria in Castro Valley. As Mark opened his front door one sheriff said “Who called 911?” Mark said he didn’t call 911. He said only he and his dog Ginger were home and his wife Kathleen was out shopping. The sheriff said someone called 911 from this house and when they called Mark’s number back they got a busy signal so that’s why they were there. They asked if they could search Mark’s home. Mark said sure go ahead. The sheriffs found nothing unusual in their search. After further investigation the officers concluded that while Mark’s home phone was on his couch Ginger had inadvertently pushed the sequence 9-11 on the phone’s keypad. One sheriff said that this isn’t the first time they’ve seen pets do strange things like this and everyone laughed. It was not clear whether it was a Since 1965

Jess C. Spencer Mortuary & Crematory

21228 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley

581-9133

Offering Personalized Memorial and Cremation Services.

doggie-butt call or a doggie-paw call. Ginger is a rescued 10 year old Jack Russell/ Chihuahua mix from Petco in Castro Valley. Mark’s wife Kathleen got Ginger for her sisterin-law Grace who wanted a small dog for a companion at her Modesto home. Before Mark and Kathleen could take Ginger to Grace’s house Mark became very attached to the dog. Ginger was extremely loyal, cuddly, and followed Mark everywhere. The two were inseparable. Mark dreaded the day that he would have to give up Ginger and take her to Grace. When the day finally came Mark was heart-

Supervisor Nate Miley, I am have been a resident of Castro Valley for over 75 years, this is and always has been a wonderful family community, we do not need Cannabis dispensaries in our community, we do not need Cannabis or Marijuana in Castro Valley. What we do need is more choices where we can shop for fresh, quality foods at decent prices, without competition Safeway has the market cornered. We had such an opportunity a few years ago when Sprouts Markets was offering a plan to build on the RITE AID site at the east end of our town. I was at that MAC meeting which was attended by an overflow crowd of Castro Valley residents of which many spoke in support of the Sprouts Market proposal. I do not remember their being any opposition. The buzz in the room was that the MAC Board wouldn’t move the application forward because Sprouts was non union and were feeling the heat from Safeway and Lucky’s. Supervisor Miley at that meeting you also addressed the Sprouts Market

proposal but with no definitive support for the project, it needed your support. Now there is a push for cannabis, we don’t need cannabis, we don’t need marijuana, we don’t need dope which can get into the hands of our youth and in many cases can lead to criminal activity. Supervisor Miley, I urge you to keep those types of businesses out of our community, we do not need it, look to the real needs of the Community of Castro valley such as a supermarket. If people want to purchase cannabis they can shop for it elsewhere, not in Castro Valley. –Velio (Al) Bronzini, Castro Valley Grandson Exposed to Covid On the First Day of School On the first day of school at CVHS my daughter was notified by the school that my vaccinated, mask wearing grandson had been exposed to COVID. Needless to say we were all alarmed. I take offense to anyone refusing to get vaccinated! –Jill Perez, Castro Valley Letters to the Editor must include writer’s first and last

names (a first name initial is not acceptable), phone number, city of residence, and must be under 300 words. Not every letter can be published. We reserve the right to edit as necessary. We do not publish unsigned or anonymous letters. Email letters to: filesforforum@gmail.com, or mail to: The Forum, P.O. Box 2897, Alameda, CA 94501.

broken. Fortunately when Grace saw how close Ginger and Mark had become she told Mark what he was hoping to hear “Mark, why don’t you keep Ginger?” Mark said he couldn’t be happier.

Obituaries LaRae Whiteley Creer LaRae Whiteley Creer, 87 of Castro Valley, California, passed away on August 2, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving husband and children. She was born October 10, 1933 to Theron and Veada Whiteley in Orem, Utah and was one of seven children, with four sisters and two brothers. LaRae married the love of her life, William Nielsen Creer, on July 11, 1956 in the LDS Manti Temple. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Bill and LaRae raised five children in Castro Valley, California. It was UOP School of Dentistry in San Francisco that brought them to the Bay Area. LaRae had a number of unique talents. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading and caring for her family. Oftentimes, you could find her taking care of her grandchildren and sharing their life events with them. She filled our lives with love and taught us kindness and generosity. LaRae was an active member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, where she served as Primary President, Relief Society President, Homemaking Leader, Compassionate Service Leader and later served in the Oakland Temple. She is survived by her husband William N. Creer, children; Jolyn (Michael) Denevi, Shauna Smith, Bradley (Michele) Creer, Kyle (Shelly) Creer, Leisl (Chad) Burns, 18 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way, siblings; Dora Harper, Alta Mae Johnson, and Ronald Whiteley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Donna Andersen, Carma Smith, and brother Shyrlan Whiteley. We love you Mom! You are forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of LaRae to The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, Special Olympics or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Santos-Robinson Mortuary, 510-483-0123.

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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

CV Little League Majors All-Stars Our Athletes of Week are the Castro Valley Little League Majors All-Stars. The team won the District 45 Championship behind the pitching of Andrew Perry, who pitched a complete game shut out with 10 strikeouts, and allowing just two hits on 72 pitches in six innings winning

3-0. Coach Sean Smith stated “These kids played their hearts out every game. We are so proud of the entire team.” District 45 is made up of eight leagues from Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and Union City.

County District Attorney Announces Settlement of ‘Greenwashing’ Cases Last Wednesday, August 11, friendly. As the public becomes Alameda County District Attorney more concerned with plastic polNancy E. O’Malley announced lution and single-use plastics, that her office, with 22 other Dis- customers are often willing to trict Attorney’s Offices in Cali- pay more for products that they fornia, resolved “greenwashing” believe will help the environment. cases with Chewy, Inc., PetSmart Certain dog waste bags are often LLC, Petco Animal Supplies, promoted as “eco-friendly&quot; Inc., and Target Corporation. with claims that the bags are bio The cases were based on alle- degradable or that they break down gations that the companies sold more easily over time than other dog waste bags and other plastic plastic bags. This bald claim is deproducts to California residents, ceptive, however, because plastic which were marketed with mis- dog waste bags are typically only leading environmental claims appropriate for disposal in landfills, regarding their biodegradability. which are designed to prevent bio “Dog lovers who care about degradation. The lack of sunlight, the environment are often target- moisture and oxygen in a landfill ed by deceptive advertising about tends to mummify trash, not facilthe environmental benefits of itate biodegradation. To the extent certain single-use plastic bags,” biodegradation does occur in a said DA O’Malley. “These set- landfill, the process creates methtlements are a win for California ane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas consumers who want accurate in- that contributes to climate change. formation about the environmen- Dog waste can’t be composttal impact of the plastic bags and ed either, at least not in municother plastic products they buy.” ipal or industrial composting “Greenwashing” is a market- facilities, because it can contain ing tool used to deceive or mis- harmful contaminants (E.Coli). lead customers to believe that Even in backyard composting, the a product is environmentally U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency cautions that pet waste can contain harmful parasites, bacteria, viruses, or pathogens. Some marketers have also falsely promoted certain plastic bags as “plastic-free,” when in truth, the bags are made from plastic. Retailers that promote such claims on their websites can be liable for violation of false advertising prohibitions, which also bar the sale of plastic products labelled as “biodegradable” or similar terms. The companies agreed to the following monetary settlements to resolve the matters: Chewy, Inc. ($600,000) Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. ($375,000) PetSmart LLC ($500,000), and Target Corporation ($300,000). Each stipulated judgment also included a court order that prohibits future similar violations. After California prosecutors contacted the four companies regarding sales of these products, each took immediate steps to stop the sales, and cooperated with prosecutors to refine their processes to ensure ongoing compliance with the law and to reach a settlement.

19th Annual Independent Watchdog Committee

Report to the Public

FY2019-20

Measure B and Measure BB Sales Tax Activities

Measure B and Measure BB Funded Programs

In November 2000, Alameda County voters approved Measure B, which extended the County’s 1986 half-cent transportation sales tax to 2022 and set forth a 20-year Expenditure Plan to enhance the County’s transportation system. 2000 Measure B also established a Citizens Watchdog Committee (CWC) to review all Measure B expenditures for compliance with the Expenditure Plan.

Alameda CTC allocates approximately 60 percent of Measure B and 65 percent of Measure BB funds on a monthly basis by formula and through competitive grants to local jurisdictions and transit operators for ongoing maintenance, operations and small infrastructure or capital projects.

The IWC concludes that 2000 Measure B and 2014 Measure BB tax dollars were spent in accordance with the intent of the two measures during FY2019-20, except as noted on the last page of the full report. However, opportunities for improvement remain.

In November 2014, Alameda County voters approved Measure BB, which increased the County’s half-cent transportation sales tax to one full cent, extended the tax through 2045 and set forth a 30-year Expenditure Plan for essential transportation improvements in every city throughout the County.

The 2014 Measure BB established an Independent Watchdog Committee (IWC) that reports its findings annually to the public to ensure appropriate use of sales tax funds and provides oversight by reviewing Measure B expenditures and Measure BB expenditures and performance measures. The IWC replaced and assumed responsibility for CWC activities in July 2015. The IWC does not opine on other funds the Alameda CTC manages and/or programs. This 19th annual report reviews expenditures and IWC activities during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 (FY2019-20). The full report is available at www.AlamedaCTC.org/IWC2021Report.

Summary of Revenues and Expenditures The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is responsible for administering the Measure B and Measure BB transportation sales tax measures. In FY2019-20, Measure B revenues for Alameda CTC totaled $155.4 million, and audited expenditures totaled $151.0 million. Measure BB revenues totaled $154.9 million, and audited expenditures totaled $204.4 million in FY2019-20.1 General Administration $2.5 million

Local Transportation $41.7 million

Highways and Streets $34.2 million

General Administration $3.0 million Direct Program and Project Management and Oversight $0.7 million

Public Transportation $45.4 million

Public Transportation $49.6 million

FY2019-20 Measure B Project and Program Expenditures 1

Technology Grants $0.8 million

Community Development Grants $25.9 million

Debt Repayment $26.5 million

Direct Program and Project Management and Oversight $3.7 million

Public Transportation $55.0 million

Local Transportation $45.7 million Highways and Streets $70.3 million

FY2019-20 Measure BB Project and Program Expenditures

In FY2019-20, Alameda CTC expended $86.5 million in Measure B funds and $106.8 million in Measure BB funds on programs, including local streets and roads, mass transit, special transportation for seniors and people with disabilities, bicycle and pedestrian safety, community development and technology projects.

Measure B and Measure BB Funded Projects Alameda CTC allocates approximately 40 percent of Measure B and 35 percent of Measure BB funds to capital projects. In FY2019-20, Alameda CTC expended $34.8 million of 2000 Measure B funds and $90.9 million of 2014 Measure BB funds on capital projects for transportation infrastructure improvements, such as BART rail modernization and improvements, express lanes, highway and transit improvements, local street and road enhancements, intermodal projects and other local projects.

Independent Watchdog Committee Activities IWC members performed the following activities from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. • Ongoing Programs and Capital Projects Monitoring: The IWC monitors specific programs, capital projects and issues of concern. • Independent Audit of Alameda CTC: The IWC reviews the independent auditor’s plan for the audit before it begins and reviews the draft audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report regarding Measure B and Measure BB revenues and expenditures. • Audit and Compliance Report Review: The IWC members review audited financial statements and compliance reports, including performance measures, received from Measure B and Measure BB direct local distribution (DLD) recipients to ensure expenditures comply with the requirements in the applicable Expenditure Plan. • Issues Identification Process: IWC members may request and receive information if they have concerns regarding Measure B and Measure BB expenditures. In FY2019-20, the topics of reallocating Measure BB project funds, City of Oakland local streets and roads performance and performance measure information for the public were addressed using this process. • Annual Report to the Public: Each year, the IWC establishes a subcommittee to develop the annual report to the public regarding Measure B and Measure BB expenditures.

How to Get Involved Independent Watchdog Committee meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in vacancies on Alameda CTC’s advisory committees, contact Alameda CTC. Visit www.AlamedaCTC.org or contact the IWC at IndependentWatchdog@AlamedaCTC.org to learn more.

Measure BB utilized sales tax funds received in prior years to pay for expenditures.

Alameda CTC • 1111 Broadway, Suite 80 0, Oakland, CA 94607 • 510.208.740 0 • w w w.AlamedaCTC.org

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AUGUST 18, 2021 Castro Valley Forum

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