December 21, 2022

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Americans cheered as the Orion space capsule splashed down in the Pacifc on December 11 after orbiting the moon, but they probably didn’t know that a Castro Valley native played a key role in the Artemis Project that sent it there.

David Stadelman is a project engineer at the Lockheed-Martin Project Management Team that builds Orion for the moon-orbit project. Artemis I is uncrewed, but future Artemis missions will have crews that will orbit the moon and eventually return humans there after 50 years away.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this. I really enjoy working on something that will be in the history books,” he said.

Stadelman graduated from Castro Valley High School in 2002. He studied mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City for a year but left to go on a two-year mission for his church to Brazil.

“That international experience helped me later in my career when I was negotiating in Italy, say, about their part in space missions,” Stadelman continued.

He came back and switched his major to business, graduating in 2009. He started out managing government buildings for see MOON on page 14

Drop into the Deja Blue salon on Castro Valley Boulevard, and the frst chair on the left is where you’ll fnd the owner, Marisol Roesel. She is celebrating her 20th year in town in between her busy client schedules.

“Twenty years ago, I was only one of four formal women’s hair salons in Castro Valley. Now there are several around town,” Roesel told the Forum. “I love doing this because of the people. I am not afraid of sharing my talents with my stylists. I tell them that

I want them to succeed, and some of them have gone on to open their own salons.”

Last Friday, Roesel hosted a celebration for staff and clients where she acknowledged their continued support for her through good times and lean times.

“I’m so grateful to my family, friends, staff, and clients who have supported me over the years,” Roesel said. “Even during COVID, many of my customers asked if they could pre-pay me for future sessions so that I could keep afoat. I really felt the love during that time.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VICKI STADELMAN

MAC MEETING

In-Person Meetings Returning

By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) will be meeting in person in the New Year. But some members of the MAC expressed their displeasure at how long the process to restore traditional meetings has taken.

Ever since the pandemic lockdown, the MAC has met via Zoom teleconference. Changes and turnover among MAC members over the past nearly three years mean some of the board members have never met face-to-face.

The MAC has repeatedly expressed its frustration with county staff as they seek to return to in-person meetings. Staff said that it’s not as simple as renting out a room and plugging in a laptop- several pieces of logistic administration needed to be worked out.

The MAC said that people without access to or knowledge of technology could not participate.

MAC on page 7

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

Deja Blue owner-stylist Marisol Roesel puts the fnishing touches on a hairstyle for San Lorenzo resident Greg Kraft. The salon is celebrating 20 years in business.

David Stadelman, a Castro Valley native and 2002 graduate of CVHS, stands in June with the Orion spaceship he helped build. Blasting off from Florida on Nov. 16, it orbited the moon for six days before returning to Earth on Dec. 11.

By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

As a teenager, Nicolle Sanchez Dumaguit was the “goto” person for hair and makeup at Arroyo High School. Today, Nicolle has her own business, Nicolle’s Beauty Parlour at 20861 Wilbeam #1 in Castro Valley. Nicole still does make up, but as a licensed aesthetician she spends most of her time educating her customers on skin care.

Nicolle finds joy in teaching her clients about good skin care. She offers them facials, waxing or sugaring, lash lifts

and brow laminations, as well as makeup application and instruction. Her facials include extractions and a thirty minute massage. Sugaring, a lemon water and sugar paste, is an organic form of hair removal, more gentle than traditional waxing. Lash lifts replace the eye lash curler with a perm which will last five to six weeks.

Nicolle personalizes all her services. She does have some favorite skincare products for sale in her studio and is happy to make product recommendations for any price range. Nicole added that men benefit

from skin care instruction, too.“I appreciate that my customers let me take care of them for an hour. They leave my studio relaxed, with peace of mind and a lot more knowledge of how to take care of their skin.”

“It was really the Pandemic that gave me the push to start my own business,” said Nicolle. She had worked for MAC Cosmetics for 9.5 years.

“As I sat home quarantined, I began to think about investing in myself rather than corporate. I decided to take the leap and I have never been happier.”

In the beginning, she admits that she experienced a big pay cut as she built her clientele, but for the first time in years she had control of her own calendar. When there is an event that she wants to attend, she can organize her schedule around it. Nicole is very enthusiastic about starting her own business. “Be patient and the money will follow as long as you are working towards something you love.”

For an appointment or consultation, please contact Nicolle at (510)764-3320 or email nicollesbeautyparlour@ gmail.com

Nicolle Sanchez Dumaguit, owner of Nicolle’s Beauty Parlour located at 20861 Wilbeam in Castro Valley

Sheriff’s Posse Saddles Up for Rose Parade

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

There are going to be some familiar faces in the 134th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena next month. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse (ACSMP) has been invited to participate in the annual event on January 2, 2023.

Fifteen riders (three men and 12 women) and two assistants walking alongside will be situated in the 19th position in the parade—sandwiched between the Kaiser Permanente float and the Kiwanis International entry.

They will be one of 16 equestrian units in the parade, more than 75 entries overall. This will be the first time

ACSMP has been represented since the 1950s.

“It’s absolutely crazy how this came together,” said Sergeant of parade logistics and Castro Valley resident Barbara Hoffman. “We sent in our application in March, and in August, we got word we were accepted. Now we are on the journey of preparing for the parade. It’s a lot of work to pull

this off, but we’re very excited to be representing Alameda County.”

The Posse is a volunteer group with 20 members. While most people see them in parades, they also provide mounted crime prevention services both at the Alameda County Fair and the Coliseum in Oakland. The delegation see POSSE on page 10

Bicycle Do-Gooder Receives Jefferson Award

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Billy Bradford is the person to see in Castro Valley if you need a bike. His Bad Business Model Bikes has donated about 700 bikes over the years to people. For example, he recently donated 23 kids’ bikes to this year’s Alameda County Fire Department Toy Drive.

Last week, Bradford was acknowledged for his philanthropic efforts with a Jefferson Award by KPIX the CBS Television affiliate in San Francisco. The station is a media partner of Multiplying Good, a 50-year-old national public service organization formerly known as the Jefferson Awards Foundation.

“I wasn’t expecting this at all. It’s a bit odd to get an award for something you do because you love to help other people,” Bradford told the Forum. “And even though I got the award, I am just the middleman. The bikes are donated to me by giving people, and I just fix them up and pass them along to other people in need.”

Those in need included several cyclists participating in this past year’s AIDS LifeCycle Ride fundraising event from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Most of the bikes are picked up by locals who just need two wheels to get around town.

“I enjoy taking a bike that’s thrashed and making it pretty,” Bradford told the KPIX report

Bradford

er. “For me, it’s like restoring a painting. It’s art in motion.”

In exchange, Bradford asks that new bike riders pay it forward and do something nice for someone else.

Of course, Castro Valley Forum Readers have known about Bradford’s passion for restoring and donating bikes

for some time now (check out our article here: https://mycvforum.com/recent-headlines/ two-wheeled-passion).

Bradford said he retired this year and now is devoting more time to the bikes and building community through his program.

“There’s like this circle of happiness that’s happening. People are happy they’re helping. I’m happy to work on the bikes, and the people that get the bikes are happy,” he told KPIX. “There’s a whole lot of happy in my driveway. And I’m in the middle of it.”

Bradford says he’s been invited to the television station’s award ceremony in February along with other local Jefferson Award recipients.

Sheriff’s Report

Followed With a Knife

Sunday, December 18: at 3:35 p.m., a 31-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and illegal possession of a 6-inch knife. Deputies responded to a call about a restraining order violation at a house on Leroy Drive near San Miguel Avenue. During questioning, the man smelled of alcohol and was found to have the knife tucked in his belt behind his back. The man was taken into custody.

Verbal Argument

Turns Physical

Sunday, December 18: at 11:55 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to an apartment on Congress Way near Park Way. There, they arrested a 19-year-old man from Newark on suspicion of assault on a family member and child endangerment. Deputies report that the man was in a verbal argument with the mother

of his child when he became physical. The man was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Shoplifter had Cocaine and Methamphetamine

Saturday, December 17: at 7:38 p.m., deputies arrested a 32-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine drugs. The man was seen leaving a grocery store on Redwood Road and the Boulevard when the store manager called for help. Deputies found the drugs in his pocket and identified that he had a warrant for his arrest. The shoplifting charge was dropped, but the man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Spousal Assault

Friday, December 16: at 10:10 a.m., a 42-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of spousal assault. Deputies responded to an see REPORT on page 11

Billy

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse will participate in Tournament of Roses Parade next month.

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER

Community Calendar

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Free Concert: CV Community Band

The best part of the winter season is spending time with family and friends. Mark your calendars and invite your friends for a free winter concert put on by the Castro Valley Adult & Career Education Band. On Dec. 21 at 7:30 pm Kathy Maier will lead the CV Community Band. This joyous event will take place at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts located at 19501 Redwood Road.

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Red Cross Blood Drive

Give the Gift of Life. American Red Cross blood drive, Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gate510 at 1933 Davis St. in San Leandro (in the vacant Offce Depot store space). To sign up, go to Redcrossblood.org and use Sponsor Code: Assumption. Your donation will save three lives. For more info, email jkehoe.blood@yahoo.com

Thursday, Dec. 29

Bayside Beach Cleanup in Alameda

On Thursday, Dec. 29 there’s a bayside beach cleanup from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Encinal Beach in Alameda. You can volunteer to clean up the beach while catching a glimpse of bay wildlife. Bring your own gloves and bucket or borrow from the Park District. Students can earn community service hours. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves. If you are age 13 through 17 and coming by yourself, you must bring a liability form signed by a parent or guardian. Email Susan Ramos at sramos@ ebparks.org for form. For more info, call 510-544-3187.

Tax-Aide at CV Library

AARP Tax-Aide returns to the Castro Valley Library for appointment-only, on-site tax preparation on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting February 1, 2023 through April 13, 2023. The Library will start taking appointments on Monday, January 9, 2023, by phone or in person. No walkins are permitted. AARP will only be preparing taxes for tax year 2021 and 2022. Other

exclusions apply. Masks are currently required at all times in Alameda County Government buildings. Please wear a mask when you visit the library. All AARP Tax-Aide volunteers and taxpayers are required to wear a mask at all times. Please contact the library to learn about exclusions to tax preparation for the tax year 2022. Appointments are limited.

The Holiday Weekend at EB Parks

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

If you are in search of some fresh air and exercise during the holiday season, there are lots of family-friendly activities available in the East Bay Regional Parks.

Many of the parks have scheduled programs that are free and do not require advance registration.

For example, Sunol Regional Wilderness offers a naturalist-led “Sunol Stroll” from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 24. It’s an easy, one-mile round trip walk to see how the park transforms during winter months. All ages are welcome.

Dress for the weather and bring water. Parents must accompany children.

Sunol Regional Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about fve miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For info, call 510-544-3243.

Animals at Ardenwood

Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont has lots of domestic animals in residence. You can help to wake them up during a program from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Rouse the sheep and goats; prepare a morning snack for them.

Then from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. you can try your hand at some old-fashioned games, including stilt walking, sack races, and the Game of Graces.

Ardenwood is a working farm whose centerpiece is the historic Patterson House. Programs there offer a window into life on a prosperous 19th century estate.

The farm is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. Admission fees apply; parking is free. For info, call 510-544-2797.

Nature-Themed Crafts at Del Valle Regional Park

Contributors:

Nature-themed crafts are the focus of a program from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore. Join a naturalist at the visitor center and discover your artistic abilities.

Del Valle is at the end of Del Valle Road off Mines Road, about nine miles south of town. There’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For information, call 510-544-3146.

Guide

Blue: Salon is Celebrating 20 Years

continued from front page

Roesel purchased the company in 2001 from its previous owner, Fun Cuts, which was known more for cutting children’s hair. After a year, she did a remodel and then started inviting the mothers of the children to get their hair done instead.

“I’ve always been more passionate about cut and color,” Roesel said. “I told these mothers that I would color their hair, and if they didn’t like it, I wouldn’t charge them for it. All of them came back. We provided a full-service salon with nails and facial treatments for about ten years, but then we scaled back to just hair because I wanted to focus on a few things.”

Originally from the Bronx in New York, Marisol’s family moved to New Jersey when she was 14. She met her husband Gary, got married, and moved to Castro Valley in the mid-90s because he had a job opportunity in Silicon Valley. The name Deja Blue comes from the name of a band that Gary played in back in New Jersey. The salon is often bathed in blue light after hours, and the large storefront window displays attract lots of visitors.

“Charlotte Cedillo is the artist. She is a client of mine and always comes up with something special,” Roesel said. “Oftentimes, I’ll see families take group photos with our window displays as the backdrop.”

The business was not always booming. The fnancial meltdown in 2008, coupled with the sidewalk redesign of Castro Valley Boulevard, meant people didn’t have a lot of disposable income, and parking was at a premium. Hard times hit again with the COVID quarantine. Roesel said she lost

10 of her 12 stylists during that time. She made ends meet with a combination of help from family, a GoFundMe page, and a Small Business Administration relief loan.

“We got declined a couple of times, but our application was fnally accepted, and we remodeled in August 2021,” she said.

Over the decades, Roesel says she’s seen a lot of trends in hairstyles come and go. The latest fads include new names for older styles, such as the Wolf Cut. This is also known as the Shag or the Farrah Fawcett. Clients also ask for styles such as the Balayage (natural highlights) and the Ombre (fading from one color to

another). Roesel says she also does her fair share of coloring hair with a shocking pink or bold blue on a mom now and again.

“The younger customers often ask us for silver-colored hair, which is funny because we older women are trying to cover that up,” she laughed.

Her most famous clients include Malia Arrayah Nahinu, a 6-foot 5-inch actress who is the body double for the Marvel “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” Disney+ television series, as well as comedian and writer Andrew Norelli. But it’s her everyday clients that are her most valued.

“When you are here, you are family,” Roesel said.

How to Change Who You Are: Look Inside-Out or Outside-In

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

So last time, I started talking about goal setting in preparation for the new year. I mentioned Be. Do. Have. I talked about how goal setting fails because we focus on what we need to do, but we don’t focus on whom we need to be. So, to increase the success rate of goals you set, you’ll need to match what you do to who you are, or you change who you are so you can sustainably do what you have to do. In short, it’s either an inside-out process or an outside-in process.

Inside out has to do with changing your beliefs and part of your identity. If you change what’s on the inside, the outside will follow suit. Ideally, this is

what happens because it has the quickest results. In my last article, I wrote about wanting to be

a good father and connecting that to my exercise goals. That was an inside-out process.

When you hear about people getting immediate results, this is what is happening. They can immediately take on or shift into an identity they didn’t previously have. It sounds like sorcery or witchcraft at times, but if I hadn’t experienced it myself, I probably would not have believed it. The reason why it doesn’t happen more often for people is because it requires certain thoughts and realizations to line up perfectly.

However, if the person hasn’t been working on their own self-awareness or has not had a coach or mentor point certain things out, there’s no opportunity to change.

Outside-in means doing the thing until you believe that you can do it. For example, I now consider myself a tennis player. However, when I frst started, I was someone who played tennis. Do you see the difference in the belief? One is a person who does something, the other one is someone who is something.

So, I started as someone who plays tennis. I played and I played, and I played. I don’t know how many hours I put in before my belief changed, but eventually it did, and now, see KOO on page 7

• Remove ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, and stands. Cut tall trees into lengths no longer than six feet.

• Flocked trees will be collected but not composted. Artificial trees not accepted.

This issue of the Castro Valley Forum contains the East Bay Regional Park District S JanuaryFebruary 2023 Activity Guide.

If your copy of the Forums does not include the EBRP Activity Guide, call 510-614-1555 or stop by the Times office (2060 Washington Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to obtain one.

This issue of the San Leandro Times contains the East Bay Regional Park District JanuaryFebruary 2023 Activity Guide.

If your copy of the Times does not include the EBRP Activity Guide, call 510-614-1555 or stop by the Times office (2060 Washington Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to obtain one.

FOR SLT

• Multi-family residents: place curbside or in general collection area. Do not block access to collection containers.

• Trees are collected using a special vehicle that may service your block earlier or later than regular vehicles. OTHER

Last Tuesday, December 13, the Castro Valley Rotary Club hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Party for kids and families living in shelters and other housing programs. The party was chaired by CV Rotarian Mark Poniatowski with help from other members of the Club and the Castro Valley community. The party was held at the Castro Valley Adult School Multipurpose Room that was transformed by mem-

bers of the CV Rotary Club. Due to Covid, this was the first party hosted for the children from local shelters since 2019. The excitement was contagious as the guests were greeted by friendly smiles and Christmas music by Robert Hoffman of Club Anywhere, who also brought some great party games.

More than fifty children and twenty adults attended this year’s event. Dinner was

prepared by Rotarians Marco Jaramillo, Randy Vanderbilt, Dan Willits and volunteer Daniel Riensche, and served by Rotarians, staff members from the Castro Valley Sanitary District and other community volunteers. All present enjoyed a ham dinner with all the extras and multiple pieces of pie.

Santa arrived by fire truck - Sirens and all! - as his sleigh broke down (again). Children rushed outside to discover

Santa and Santa’s Helper exiting the Fire Engine. Guests received gifts and encouragement from Santa along with a stuffed animal. The gifts were provided through the CHP Toy Collection Program overseen by Public Information Officer Dan Jacowitz and Officer Tom Gowin, and selected by Santa’s Helper, Rotarian Ceta Dochterman. The packages were wrapped by the students at Redwood Christian

High School, many of whom came and served at the party providing entertainment for the children face painting, making balloon animals, and coloring and playing games with the children present.

Children’s Party Chair Mark Poniatowski, who started this event thirty years ago, remembers the early years and how each year it “continues to be one of the most anticipated Club events as the children’s faces change, but the look on those attending doesn’t – and neither does the impact it has

on their lives and everyone involved with making this event special for each child and their parents. Special thanks to Castro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi and her staff for hosting this event every year, and to Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne for transporting many of our guests from the women’s shelter by bus. ‘Service Above Self’ is alive and well at the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and throughout our community.”

Mike Nelson of CVSAN and Rotarians Randy Vanderbilt and Dan Willits served in the kitchen at Children’s Christmas Party.

Santa and his Helper, Rotarian Ceta Dochterman, entertained the children with stories and presents along with a stuffed animal for each child.

RCHS Junior Christina Ramos facepainting one of the guests. Many RCHS students served at the party by face painting and making balloon animals.

MAC: Received a Brief Update From AC Transit

continued from front page

Additionally, the MAC expressed concerns that not having a public space to attend meetings has alienated members of the community from what’s going on with their governing board.

But all that is set to come to an end no later than March 2023, when state law states that all Brown Act governing bodies must meet physically. Ideally, in-person meetings will begin even sooner with the MAC’s scheduled January 17th meeting at the Castro Valley Library.

It’s important to note that the public will continue to have the option of hearing and participating in meetings via teleconference. There will still be social distancing and masking rules in effect, and the MAC themselves will be masked, according to the county.

The actual vote taken by the MAC at their Monday night meeting allowed the current teleconferencing model to continue until March when the state law kicks in but with a planned (but not guaranteed) January in-person meeting as a goal. The motion passed, but it was a split vote of the MAC, with member Chuck Moore and Chair Bill Mulgrew voting “no.”

“I’m disappointed that we’ve gotten to this point without firm, clear, unassailable plans for what this board has been asking for since March of this year,” said Mulgrew. “Very disappointed.”

Mulgrew went on to acknowledge that he knows the county staff works hard, but he remains frustrated.

Additionally, Ken Carbone and Al Padro voted “yes, but…”

“I’m not happy,” said Carbone.

“Yes, but reluctantly, unhappily,” said Padro.

Bus Service Discussed

The MAC also received a brief update from AC Transit at the Monday meeting.

Bus service levels are still well below pre-COVID numbers, according to AC Transit board member Murphy McCalley.

Rider numbers are low, and “operator availability” is a challenge- meaning they are struggling to hire and retain drivers.

The FLEX shuttle, which allowed riders to basically Uber a bus by requesting a ride at a designated time, has not come back since the pandemic, and no date to restart it is on the horizon.

Carbone urged them to re-

Koo: What to Consider When Making Change

continued from page 5

I’m a tennis player. That means maybe all you need to do is put in enough time. Just a word of caution: if your identity doesn’t change quickly enough, you end up burning out. This style, to me, only really works when you love what you’re doing. I didn’t mind all the hours on the tennis court because it was so much fun and I wanted to improve. If you don’t love, or at least like, the thing you’re going to do, it may not be sustainable.

That being said, if the thing you have to do is short-term, then you can power through it and be ok. For example, in my behavior business, I love the in-person work: talking to clients, their staff, the management, and the problem-solving when issues arise. What I don’t like is the reports that I have to write. Fortunately, report writ-

ing is not the entire job, so I just need to power through them.

So for the change you want to make, you’ll need to decide if you want to do it as an inside-out process, or an outside-in process. There’s no right or wrong, just what is right for you.

Here’s what you need to consider. Who do you need to become to do the things you’ve always wanted to do? What does that person believe?

Or maybe you need to put in enough repetitions to make the shift. What do you need to do? How many reps do you think you’ll need?

As always, let me know!

Kevin helps people gain clarity on what they want in life, craft a plan, and support in the execution of the plan while living from the inside out. Contact him by email at: kevinkoocoaching@gmail.com

store that service as a priority.

AC Transit says funding is their primary concern- rider numbers are low, and even if they weren’t, only about 15 to 20 percent of their revenue comes from fares. Most come from a county parcel tax and state and federal sources. They said they are regularly seeking additional funding sources.

Additionally, Clear Channel, the company which owns and advertises on bus shelters, will end its contract with AC Transit, meaning that maintenance of the already beleaguered shelters will have to be dealt with.

There are 11 covered bus shelters located in Castro

Valley. The MAC posited that removing the actual shelter and just having a stop without a structure may better discourage vandalism and use as a shelter by unhoused people.

McCalley said that AC Transit is in the middle of a major transition period which will include a total redesign of the bus network. There will be additional public meetings, including a return presentation to the MAC before the new network launches, planned for the summer of 2024.

The MAC then asked for more frequent updates every several months, particularly on the Clear Channel bus shelter issue.

HEYER CENTER

Corner of Heyer Avenue and Center Street Wishes you Happy Holidays

CAFÉ RUMI

We specialize in quality Mediterranean foods and drinks. Try our special drink.... a “Pink Cha”.... very refreshing!

STUDIO ONE SEVEN SALON

New guest and returning clients are always welcome in our cozyremodeled salon. Make your appointment early for the holidays.

BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE LOT Open Nov. 26th.; specializing in freshly cut Douglas. Noble and Grand fir trees. Proceeds from sales help support Boy Scout activities.

D’S FITNESS DESIGNED 4 WOMEN

We specialize in providing individual fitness programs for women Let us customize a fitness program for you.

HEYER HOUSE LIQUOR

We carry a wide selection of beers, wine and liquor to meet your holiday needs.

REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY

By Carl Medford, CRS

Home for the Holidays

Without doubt, the Holiday Season is the favorite time of the year for many. We love the opportunities to get together with family, go to special services and events and listen to Christmas carols. One of my favorites is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

Written by lyricist Kim Gannon and composers Walter Kent and Buck Ram, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was immortalized by Bing Crosby in 1943. The lyrics state, “I’ll be home for Christmas, You can count on me, Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree. Christmas Eve will find you where the love light gleams, I’ll be home for Christmas … if only in my dreams.”

Written from the perspective of a soldier overseas during the darkest point of WW2, it became a heartfelt favorite of war-theater troops and their loved ones back home. It was so loved by combat forces that in 1944 it was put on official Army and Navy V-Discs

by the U.S. War Department and officially shipped off to war. It became the most requested song at Christmas U.S.O. shows.

It’s a warm reminder of the value of ‘home.’ It conjures up images of families gathered around the table for a holiday celebration. It evokes memories of times spent with loved ones both past and present. And it reminds us of the wonderful freedoms we have here in the United States and the value of ‘home.’

The Realtors of the Central County have been honored to have helped many families find their ‘home’ in 2022. We have been given the sacred trust of representing clients who are looking to see their real estate dreams fulfilled. Whether buying, selling or investing, nothing symbolizes the American Dream more than the opportunities afforded by real estate.

2022 has been a bizarre year in many ways, beginning with unparalleled increases in home

values the first four months followed by increasing mortgage rates which effectively slowed the market to a crawl. As we end the year, we are seeing the market give back the almost 25% increases in prices gained at the beginning of the year as values retreat to 2021 numbers.

We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! All the best to you and yours, and our sincerest wishes for peace and happiness in this holiday season. May 2023 be full of hope and promise.

Additives to Wrapping Paper Prevent Recycling, Make It Questionable as Mulch

BUZZ BERTOLERO THE DIRT GARDENER

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

QWhy is holiday or gift wrapping not recyclable? After all, it is paper. I hoped to shred it and then use it as mulch this summer.

A. While some might disagree, I think it has merit as mulch when

shredded and combined with other materials. From a recycling point of view, today’s wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated, and contains non-paper additives such as glitter, plastics, etc., which cannot be recycled and made into other products. However, much of the wrappings can be composted. You must avoid high gloss paper and paper with plastic or metallic coatings, sequins, foil, artificial texture, and sticky gift labels. Tissue paper is an ideal item to be composted. I know many people believe it’s not

safe to compost colored paper, but experts agree the inks used today are quite safe. Most modern inks are soy ink. So much of the holiday debris can be saved, shredded, and use as mulch next year.

QI have two Christmas Cactus or Zygocactus plants sitting side by side in front of a window that gets morning sun. One blooms faithfully every Christmas, while the other never does. Instead, it blooms in the spring. What do I need to do to get them both to bloom at Christmas? Also, will placing it in a dark location before Christmas help?

AIt’s unnecessary to place Christmas Cactus in a dark location for flowering like you would a poinsettia. You induce the formation of flower buds by reducing the water by fifty percent and the temperature by moving the plant(s) to the coldest room you have in October or early November. Once the buds are visible, you return the plant(s) to the window and resume the reg-

ular watering schedule. But I don’t believe this will solve your problem as the non-blooming plant may not be a true Christmas Cactus but instead a spring flowering variety. They both have bright red flowers. For years, Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus have been referred to as Zygocactus and the spring blooming or Easter variety as Schlumbergera. Some time ago, the people that classified plants botanically changed their names. However, the plant label makers have not caught up with the changes; hence, there is a lot of confusion about what is what. To be absolutely correct, Zygocactus are actually Schlumbergera, and Schlumbergera is now Rhipaliodopsis. The word “Zygocactus” merely describes how the joints are connected and have no taxonomical importance. There is another significant difference between the species. The Thanksgiving and Christmas varieties bloom with short days and long nights, while spring varieties need longer days and shorter nights to flower. Schlumbergera truncatus blooms closer to Thanksgiving, while Schlumbergera bridgesii is the Christmas Cactus. It gets very confusing. I suggest purchasing a new Christmas Cactus next year and enjoying that other one whenever it blooms. There is nothing you can do to change the blooming pattern of the plants you have.

Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener. com, and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.com.

RECENT

4208 Mabel Avenue 94546: $805,000

[3 BD - 1,020 SF - 1950

20180 Leroy Drive 94546: $846,000 [3

BD - 1,039 SF - 1954

21905 Betlen Way 94546: $850,000 [3 BD - 1,282 SF - 1954

2868 Jennifer Drive 94546: $1,019,000

[3 BD - 2,317 SF - 1965

4424 James Avenue 94546: $1,150,000

[3 BD - 1,567 SF - 1940

3243 Barrett Court 94546: $1,200,000

[4 BD - 1,408 SF - 1960

19713 Mabel Place 94546: $1,200,000 [1,860 SF - 1980

5960 Skyfarm Drive 94552: $1,400,000

[4 BD - 1,985 SF - 1987

5854 Greenridge Road 94552:

$1,400,000 [4 BD - 1,781 SF - 1960

5823 Shadow Ridge Drive 94552: $1,430,000 [3 BD - 2,256 SF - 1972

[2 BD - 780 SF - 1923

26801 Calaroga Avenue 94545:

$780,000 [3 BD - 1,119 SF - 1956

31842 Trevor Avenue 94544: $815,000 [3 BD - 1,212 SF - 1955

24633 Waterson Court 94544: $835,000 [3 BD - 1,393 SF - 1950

1151 Martin Luther King Drive #D 94541: $855,000 [3 BD - 1,704 SF2013

2614 Pepperwood Place 94541: $875,000 [3 BD - 1,345 SF - 1989 28002 Hesse Drive 94545: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,260 SF - 1963

2368 Morrow Street 94541: $920,000 [3 BD - 1,982 SF - 2013

149 Cue Way 94544: $940,000 [3 BD1,760 SF - 2019

642 Tiffany Road 94577: $450,000 [2 BD - 988 SF - 1948

16475 Liberty Street 94578: $700,000 [2 BD - 1,290 SF - 2008

910 Douglas Drive 94577: $710,000 [2 BD - 1,022 SF - 1942

993 Hoad Street 94579: $829,000 [3 BD - 1,419 SF - 1958

951 Dillo Street 94578: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,537 SF - 1946

891 Dolores Avenue 94577: $970,000 [3 BD - 1,438 SF - 1949 2218 Charter Way 94579: $1,150,000 [4 BD - 2,294 SF - 1999

1325 Oakes Boulevard 94577: $1,205,000 [4 BD - 1,866 SF - 1941 2015 Spirit Way 94579: $1,250,000 [4 BD - 2,255 SF - 1999

Mortgage Rates Continue their Downward Trajectory

Mortgage rates continued their downward trajectory this week, as softer inflation data and a modest shift in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy reverberated through the economy. The good news for the housing market is that recent declines in rates have led to a stabilization in purchase demand. The bad news is that demand remains very weak in the face of affordability hurdles that are still quite high.

22502 Colton Court 94541: $425,000

[2 BD - 1,080 SF - 1987

367 Line Street 94544: $475,000 [1

BD - 429 SF - 2021

630 Foster Court #2 94544: $500,000 [2 BD - 1,125 SF - 1981

21062 Gary Drive #314 94546:

$553,500 [3 BD - 1,218 SF - 1980

19063 Lowell Avenue 94541: $730,000

1212 Gomer Street 94544: $940,000 [3 BD - 1,265 SF - 1956 24940 Mead Way 94541: $1,055,000 [3 BD - 1,729 SF - 1954 24247 Machado Court 94541: $1,180,000 [4 BD - 2,062 SF - 1984 138 Lund Avenue 94544: $1,190,000 [6 BD - 2,795 SF - 1962 29053 Stratford Road 94544: $1,199,000 [4 BD - 1,792 SF - 1994 234 Bridgewater Road 94544: $1,300,000 [3 BD - 2,104 SF - 1999 21915 Meekland Avenue 94541: $1,925,000 [1,852 SF - ]

SAN LORENZO

Total: 6 – Average Price: $807,666 High: $950,000 – Low: $520,000

917537 Wickman Place 94580: $520,000 [2 BD - 1,168 SF - 1971 17292 Via Flores 94580: $785,000 [3 BD - 1,051 SF - 1947 1484 Via Barrett 94580: $805,000 [3 BD - 1,287 SF - 1955

1414 Via La Paloma 94580: $836,000 [4 BD - 1,666 SF - 1955 17467 Via Anacapa 94580: $950,000 [3 BD - 1,512 SF - 1944 872 Via Bregani 94580: $950,000 [3 BD - 1,705 SF - 1957

Spray

The Yuletide season is a reminder to apply the second round of dormant oil spray to deciduous fruit trees, shrubs and roses. The spray should be applied through mid-January whenever you can expect several days of dry weather above 40 degrees.

Shopping for Bulbs

Summer-flowering bulbs can be planted in the coming weeks for cut flowers and garden colors in spring. You’ll find a fresh crop of bulbs for gladioluses (plant at three-to-four week intervals from January through March) and begonias (set the tubers in peat moss to sprout, then pot up in larger containers).

Gift Plants

Be careful not to over-water poinsettias and other gift plants. Be sure they have adequate draining (open the foil at the bottom of the pot) and water only when soil feels dry to the touch.

Kenny is a laid back male bunny who is easy to handle and enjoys treat puzzle toys and timothy biscuit treats. His adoption is free, sponsored by a generous volunteer. To adopt call Hayward Animal Shelter (510) 293-7200.

Racer is a 1 year old male husky mix who loves spending time with people, playing fetch. He gets along well with other dogs and would like a home with older children. He has been patiently waiting to be adopted since August and his adoption is FREE sponsored by SantaCon Hayward. To adopt call Hayward Animal Shelter (510) 293-7200.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You’ve let yourself get distracted from what’s really important. But love fnally gets your attention this week. However, it comes with a challenge that could create a problem.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Be careful not to bully others into following your lead. Best advice: Persuade, don’t push, and you’ll get the cooperation you need to move forward with your plans.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Resist the urge to gloat now that you’ve proved your detractors wrong. Instead, charm them back into your circle.

Remember: A former foe can become your best ally.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You might want to claim all the credit for making this holiday season special. But is it worth producing a lot of hurt feelings by rejecting offers of help? Think about it.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Ignore a co-worker’s questionable behavior. Instead, put your energy into making your own project special. Then sit back and purr over your well-deserved applause.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): You might not want to accept those suggested changes in your workplace, but don’t chuck them out before you check them out. You could be happily surprised.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Your plans might have to take a back seat for a bit so that you can handle a problem with a friend or family member. Your schedule will return back to normal in a few weeks.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Relationships in general are benefcial during the early part of the week, including in the workplace. Also, expect some overdue changes in a personal situation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): “Prudence” should be your watchword this week. Best not to be too open about some of the things that are currently happening in your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Money is on your mind, so you’d best mind how you’re spending it. Take another look at your budget and see where you can make adjustments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Resolving to revive an old friendship could open some old wounds. Are you sure you want to risk that? Think this through before making a commitment.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): Your need to know more about a new friend could lead to some startling revelations. Best advice: Keep an open mind about what you learn until all the facts are in.

County DA Announces Settlement Companies Ordered To Pay $2.05

Million

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley announced last Tuesday, Dec. 13, that Massachusetts-based TJX Companies, Inc, which operates T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, was ordered to pay $2.05 million in a stipulated judgement for the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste.

The judgement was fled in Monterey County Superior Court. TJX owns approximately 340 T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods facilities in California, 10 of which are located in Alameda County.

Between 2016 and 2021, TJX companies improperly disposed of hazardous waste into its trash bins going to municipal landflls. These landflls were not authorized to accept hazardous waste. The hazardous waste included aerosol cans, batteries, electronic devices, cleaning agents, as well as other hazardous waste items.

“The laws are in place to ensure the environment and public are protected from hazardous waste,” said DA O’Malley. “The Environmental Protection Division of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Offce will continue to ensure that any business in this county found to have violated hazardous waste laws are brought to justice.”

This is the second time TJX mismanaged hazardous waste at its California retail stores. In September of 2014, Alameda County prosecutors, joined by other counties, California prosecutors, resolved similar violations for which TJX paid $2,777,500 in civil penalties and costs.

As part of the judgement, TJX is required to employ compliance employees to oversee its hazardous waste compliance program. TJX will be audited to ensure hazardous wastes is properly disposed of in all its California stores.

California law requires hazardous waste that is generated in the normal course of its retail business, be labeled and put in segregated containers to ensure that incompatible wastes do not mix and cause dangerous chemical reactions.

In addition to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Offce, the prosecution was led by the District Attorneys of Monterey, Riverside, San Joaquin, and Yolo counties.

Posse: Participating in Rose Parade

continued from page 3 going to the Rose Parade will include several Deputies who will drive the horse trailers to Pasadena, camp out the night before, and pick the team up at the end of the 5.5-mile parade route, mostly along Colorado Boulevard.

“We have to be in position long before the 8 a.m. parade start,” Hoffman said. “We’re going to have our old traditional silver outfts that the team has used since the 1940s, and since it’s the Rose Parade,

the riders and the working crew will be decorated with fowers.”

The Posse will trot down the parade route for the 2-hour event with three rows of fve mounted horses. They are expected to carry the American fag, the state fag, and the fag representing the county Sheriff’s Offce.

Hoffman says she will be in the last row. During the parade, the riders will keep the horses active to avoid them from getting anxious.

“We’ll do a standard fle, but if the parade stops, then we do an echelon formation where one rider takes the American fag to the front with two riders behind the lead and then three riders and then four riders, and so on,” Hoffman said. “We can also walk the horses in circles if needed.”

The 2023 Rose Parade theme is “Turning the Corner,” celebrating the unlimited potential that each new year brings. The event will be broadcast starting at 8 a.m.

BOSLEY

CHP Offcer Honored by CV Rotary

On Dec.

CHP for their tremendous support every year with the Children’s Christmas Party, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade and working to ensure that our streets and freeways are safe. When the Club learned from Offcer Jacowitz of the need, the response was spontaneous as “Service Above Self” was demonstrated. The Rotary Club of Castro Valley meets on Tuesdays at noon online and is always searching for individuals who want to make a positive impact locally, nationally and internationally. For more info, visit: CastroValleyRotary.org.

13, at the Rotary Club of Castro Valley’s weekly meeting, CHP Public Information Offcer Dan Jacowitz (center) was presented a check for $1,375, by past Rotary presidents Todd Anglin (left) and Dwight Perry (at right) to purchase prizes for the Castro Valley CHP Offce for their annual holiday party for the offcers and their families. This donation was a voluntary collection from Club Members wanting to contribute money to the local

PHOTO BY GARY

Some of the members of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.

HOROSCOPE by Salomé © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

Two Shot During Attempted Theft At Vista Creek Apartment Complex

Last Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 9:18 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested two men who shot each other during an attempted robbery and carjacking at the Vista Creek Apartment complex in the carport area on Center Street. Lieutenant Ray Kelly with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Offce said a 28-year-old man who lived at the apartment was getting into his car when a vehicle pulled up, and a 27-year-old man approached him with a loaded weapon. During the exchange, the Castro Valley man pulled out his own weapon and was shot in the leg. The other man was shot in his upper body. Deputies provided immediate frst aid until paramedics arrived and transported the victims to an area hospital. Both men were taken to Eden Medical Center for treatment and are cooperating with the Sheriff’s Offce in the investigation. The vehicle carrying the younger man fed the scene. Lt. Kelly noted that the case would be turned over to the District Attorney for any criminal charges.

Report: Two Baggies of Fentanyl

continued from page 3 altercation between a man and a woman outside an empty lot on Castro Valle Boulevard near Norbridge Avenue. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Fell Asleep with Fentanyl in Plain View

Thursday, December 15: at 9:35 a.m., deputies arrested a 28-year-old woman with no permanent residence on suspicion of trespassing and possession of fentanyl narcotics. The woman was discovered sleeping behind a business on

Redwood Road near Redwood Court. Deputies reported they could see drug paraphernalia in the area and found the rest of her stash in her pockets. The woman was taken into custody.

Wanted Man in the Village Shopping Center Thursday, December 15: at 10:40 a.m., a 33-year-old CV man was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies served the warrant after the man was found sleeping in front of a restaurant in the Castro Village Shopping Center. The man had been previously convicted of vehicle

theft and the possession of stolen property. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail and held him without bail.

Park & Ride with Two Baggies of Fentanyl Thursday, December 15: at 9:23 a.m., deputies arrested a 36-year-old man with no permanent residence after he was discovered sleeping in his car in the Park & Ride lot on Center Street. The man was charged with possession of two baggies of fentanyl narcotics and related drug paraphernalia. Deputies took the man into custody.

AARP Tax Assistance at CV Library

AARP Tax-Aide returns to the Castro Valley Library for appointment-only, on-site tax preparation on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting February 1, 2023 through April 13, 2023.

The Library will start taking appointments on Monday,

January 9, 2023, by phone or in person. No walk-ins are permitted. AARP will only be preparing taxes for tax year 2021 and 2022.

Other exclusions apply. Masks are currently required at all times in Alameda County Government buildings.

Please wear a mask when you visit the library. All AARP Tax-Aide volunteers and taxpayers are required to wear a mask at all times. Please contact the library to learn about exclusions to tax preparation for the tax year 2022.

Appointments are limited.

SENIORS

The IHSS Program: Financial Assistance to Hire a Caregiver

Q. Our 85 year-old mother is frail but wishes to remain at home. She has limited fnancial resources, so my sister is living with her and providing care without pay. Are there any government programs that might help us hire a caregiver and give my sister some relief?

By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

A. Yes. There are a number of programs, but one that may be of special interest is the In-Home Supportive Services Program (“IHSS”). It is designed for persons of limited fnancial means who are blind, disabled or over age 65, and who are unable to live safely at home without assistance. For qualifying individuals, it provides nonmedical services such as meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, bathing, feeding, dressing, grooming, toileting, and monitoring for persons with cognitive impairments who are at risk of injury at home.

It works like this: The applicant must frst qualify for either SSI or Medi-Cal, and then submit an application for the IHSS program. An in-home assessment is then made by a social worker to determine the number of hours of care needed. This can be up to 195 hours per month for a

non-severely impaired applicant and up to 283 hours per month for one who is severely impaired.

Upon approval,

the benefciary then selects and hires a caregiver and the IHSS program pays the worker for the approved number of hours per month, currently at the rate of $17.60 per hour in Alameda County (as of December, 2022).

Resource Limits: The program is designed for persons of very modest resources who are either (1) eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), or (2) eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal eligibility is now easier to achieve as the current resource caps have recently been dramatically expanded. To qualify for Medi-Cal, the applicant can now have up to $130,000 in savings if single, although more is allowed if married.

Note: for those persons with excess assets, there may be lawful strategies to accelerate eligibility without the need to frst spend down the excess.

Income Limits: For persons with low monthly incomes, the beneft is available without a share of cost (“copay”). However, for persons whose monthly income is

above certain levels (currently, above $1,564 for a single person and $2,106 for a married person, as of December 2022), the applicant will have a share of cost that must be paid to the worker(s) before the IHSS program pays the balance. Thus, the program only works well for persons with low incomes, or persons with great need who are awarded hours close to the maximum.

In many cases, the caregiver may hire a family member, whether a spouse or an adult child. Also, for the caregiver who works at least 80 hours per month, the program makes healthcare available at a nominal monthly premium, a valuable beneft to the worker.

If your mother qualifes for IHSS, she could hire your sister so she could receive both a modest salary and health insurance. Also, to give your sister some relief each month, your mother could split care hours, hiring your sister parttime and another caregiver for the balance of approved hours.

To fnd out more, call the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging at 510-577-1800, or go to www.AlamedaSocialServices.org.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Moon: CV Native David Stadelman

continued from front page the federal General Services Administration, but his negotiating skills led him to Lockheed Martin.

There, he’s led negotiations with business partners, both private and governmental, around the world. Currently, with Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor for Artemis, his team handles changes NASA needs to make in components produced by some 50 subcontractors.

NASA says it doesn’t plan to stop with Artemis I. They plan Artemis II, with a crew looping around the moon, for 2024 and Artemis III, which will return astronauts to the moon’s

surface in 2025 or a bit later.

Artemis III will also put a space station, called Gateway, in orbit around the moon to use for later lunar missions, the agency said.

Lockheed-Martin and Stadelman already have their part of those plans well underway. He’s already been in negotiations with NASA over Lockheed Martin’s role in Artemis V, VI, and beyond.

“The November 15th launch felt like kind of a family affair, as Dave (with an in-person vantage) texting photos and comments to us in Castro Valley and to his brother, Stan Jr, in Livermore,” said his mother Vicki Stadelman. She

still lives with her husband Stan Sr. in the house her sons grew up in.

“The excitement of this historic space mission was cranked up a notch when we realize that our own son contributed to its success,” Vicki said. “My husband says, ‘Both boys continue to surprise us and make us proud!’”

An FBI agent investigating David for his frst security clearance had once asked Vicki to describe her son in one word.

“Wonderful,” she replied.

The agent closed his book, thanked her, and left. Vicki said she knew David had gotten his clearance.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SEND BY EMAIL TO: FILESFORFORUM@GMAIL.COM

N95,

KN95,

Dear Editor,

and KF95 Masks Are Effective

Mr. Manny Morales’ statement in the December 14th Forum that “masks are 0% useless” against covid virus are useless is wrong. Mr. Morales refers to unnamed “studies” and “experts” to support his position. The preponderance of research shows masks are effective. A better question is which masks are the most effective. It is interesting to observe that at most if not all medical offces and facilities people are required to wear masks. Surely, the combined education, training, and experience of the doctors are a better indicator of mask effectiveness than Mr. Morales’ “experts”.

Let’s defne the discussion so were have a common starting point.

First, scientifc studies need to be reliable and valid. Reliability means that someone will get the same results if the study is repeated. Validity is whether a study’s is done correctly and the conclusions from the data are correct.

Second, studies need to be peer reviewed to see if there are any mistakes and published in a scientifc venue.

If Mr. Morales’ studies do not meet this criteria, then they are merely opinions. There are many people including doctors offering “scientifc” opinions that do not cite peer reviewed research.

Third, studies determining best mask effcacy should include only CDC approved KN95, N95, or KF94. These masks flter 95% of virus particles. The masks should have behind the head straps and be stamped with NIOSH and the company name. Masks should ft snuggly around the mouth and nose. The CDC said that masks with ear loops are probably fake. Studies measuring mask effectiveness with counterfeit

masks will underreport mask effectiveness and not be valid.

The Washington Post in an article published Thursday, December 9, 2022, addressed mask effectiveness and referenced a study done in California that was peer reviewed and published by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/ mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7106e1.htm). Results showed that people who wore cloth masks in indoor spaces were 56 percent less likely to test positive for the coronavirus compared to people who did not wear masks. Surgical masks reduced covid risk by 66 percent. For those who wore N95 or KN95 masks, the 83 percent of the people who wore masks were less likely to test positive for the covid virus. Masks are effective in reducing covid infections and the preponderance of scientifc studies prove this.

Covid cases and hospitalizations are increasing and approaching last summer’s peak. Increased cases of RSV and infuenza are further straining health care.

Although Covid is less virulent, it is more contagious resulting more cases and increased hospitalizations. Wearing a mask reduces covid risk for the wearer of the mask and reduces additional covid infections. The risk is acute for the elderly who have higher hospitalizations and higher mortality and for people with compromised immune systems.

Wearing a CDC approved N95, KN95 or a KF95 mask when inside in crowded places reduces your chance of infection by 83 percent. It will beneft you, your family and others in the community. Not only is it good self care, It is an act of compassion.

–Larry Bieber, Castro Valley

It’s All About Location, Location, Location

Location, Location, Location: that’s the point most people are missing regarding the Mosaic School Outdoor Project.

Last week’s Forum letter from the neighboring business brought up Fire, Septic, Water, Right to Farm and Safety for the student/staff and residents of Cull Canyon.

These are very important issues. The fact that the Mosaic Project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) did Not adequately address these issues is why the unanimous Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) and a number of Cull Canyon residents found the DEIR deplorable.

I’ve lived in Cull Canyon most of my life. Water and wells, even in non-drought years have always been signifcant issue. Since I was a child, we’ve taken what is called a Navy shower: get wet, turn off water, soap down, then rinse. Water is scarce. The idea of doubling the population in the canyon is nuts.

The 36-acre property where Mosaic wants to build has a creek running through it very close to Cull Canyon road. The only moderately fat ground to build on is next to Cull Creek. It will require cutting down a large number of Costal Live Oak Trees, including many on the steep 30% slope going straight up the canyon wall. They plan to build retaining walls to

construct 12 cabins for 4th and 5th grade school children. The dining hall consists of a large commercial-scale kitchen, large meeting space, showers, restrooms, laundry room, offce, infrmary, storage room, elevator and outdoor deck. This single building alone can accommodate 516 people. Also proposed is a 1,025 sq-ft toilet/shower building, a 2600 sq-ft permanent residence hall for teachers living on site and a 1,200 sq-ft caretakers residence. There is no city water or sewer!

As to Fire and Emergency Exit, Cull Canyon is a box canyon with only one way out. Threefourths of the canyon residents live beyond the Mosaic site. If a fre occurs and heavy equipment/fre trucks coming in to fght the fre and frantic parents are trying to rescue their children, it will be a disaster.

No school buses will be left on the Mosaic site. School children are bused in on Monday and picked up on Friday. In theory, Castro Valley School District buses will try to reach the Mosaic site, but drivers may not be available or let into the canyon since school bus drivers are not likely certifed for emergency rescue operations.

For the Safety of the children and Cull Canyon residents, pick another location.

–Diana Hanna, Castro Valley

David Stadelman checking the Orion capsule test mockup at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Artemis I is uncrewed, but astronauts are already training in the module for future Artemis fights, which will carry crews.

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR FILESFORFORUM@GMAIL.COM

Anthony Fauci is No Hero

Anthony Fauci, Anita Dance’s hero (Letters 12/14), helped fund the gain of function research at Wuhan, then blamed nature and a fsh market for Covid. He pushed for public masking after privately admitting it was not effective, and pushed for widespread lockdowns which devastated many. While the true heroes were scouring the internet and sharing information on what treatments seemed to work for their patients in early and mid 2020, Fauci was denigrating all early treatment options as dangerous and ineffective, despite evidence to the contrary. This led to a treatment protocol that may have killed more people than Covid. With alternative treatments black-balled, the FDA approved Covid vaccines under Emergency Use Authorization regulations, thus letting Fauci proft from his stake in Moderna He ignored the fraud, destruction of control groups, and negative results in the vaccine trials, and never provided a formal Risk / Beneft analysis for the vaccines. Since then, he has hid the V-Safe data, ignored all safety signals in VAERS, refused any debate on medical facts and studies, and proclaimed any attacks on him are attacks on science. He is no hero. Safe and effective vaccines do not produce huge jumps in excess deaths, miscarriages, heart attacks and strokes, and vaccine-injured people. Given that Alameda County Health offcials, as well as Kaiser and other health organizations, have shown no interest in giving CV Forum readers accurate information on the risks of the vaccines, readers should do their own research. Wading into Substack and some of the “misinformation spreaders” such as Pierre Kory, Peter McCullough, Jessica Rose, “A Midwestern Doctor”, Steve Kirsch, and Alex Berenson, is a good start. Many authors post some of their pieces for free. The Brownstone Institute is another good resource.

–Bruce Barron, Castro Valley

Mask Are Useful (for some)

Mr. Morales raises some valid questions regarding the continued use of masks. It’s hard to believe that many folks are immuno-compromised.

I see children riding their bikes to Creekside wearing a maskand no helmet. The probability of suffering serious trauma from a head injury is many times greater than any Covid-related issue. Never mind the extreme unlikelihood of contracting a pathogen outdoors. We sure do sweat the small stuff...while ignoring the big stuff. Decisions based on fear do produce irrational behaviors.

Exposure to low-level pathogens is an essential part of developing the immune systems of children. After 2.5 years of masking, is it any wonder why there are record levels of fu and RSV this year?

There is at least one group who appreciates our perplexing post-pandemic perspective. The porch pirates (posted on nextdoor.com) who are presently purloining our packages - while being recorded - are completely impossible to identify because they presently have implicit permission in perpetuity to wear a mask.

The beneft to them is massive. Not sure about the rest of us.

–Stacy Spink, Castro Valley

Kudos to Kristina Marie (and this newspaper for publishing her story). While for a bunch of reasons I don’t advocate getting a gun for protection (particularly a handgun), education and some level of skill is required for those that have frearms. Introductory and beginner’s classes, which she cites, are all about safety! I believe that should be a requirement for all sexes. The actual shooting comes next, which is also safety focused. Knowledge and experience are Key words to avoid accidents. Hopefully more municipalities will realize this and not try to close ranges because of “gun phobia”.

–Robert Harley, Castro Valley

Has Castro Valley become that crime ridden that we have to promote gun use for self defense? I don’t think so. Perhaps Ms. Marie’s time would be better spent promoting stricter gun laws, particularly a ban on assault rifes.

–Robert Thomas, Castro Valley

LETTERS TO THE

For many of us, presents are on the horizon this holiday season. Brand new stuff brought in to replace the older, more weathered and familiar things. It can be heart-wrenching. H.A.R.D. is changing. Sulphur Creek is changing. New plans, new admin, a new business model. At Sulphur Creek, the familiar faces (volunteers and staff) are essentially gone. Animal handlers and educators (paid and voluntary) have either been removed or left on their own. The animal hospital is closed, the education side sits almost empty, the animals are getting older and more isolated.

On paper, the new plan for Sulphur Creek boasts amazing things, including the hiring of two new staff. A huge move but one that is only the act of backflling positions left vacant by retirements and only a drop in the bucket for the hirings that still need to occur to bring the Center up to the standards advertised.

EDITOR must include writer’s first and last names, phone number, city of residence, and must be under 300 words. The Forum does not print unsigned or anonymous letters. We reserve the right to edit as necessary. Email Letters to: filesforforum@gmail .com or mail to: The Forum, P.O. Box 2897 Alameda, CA 94501

I commend Stacy Spink’s defense of women’s rights (Bravo!). It is intolerable that the transgender male is trampling on women’s basic entitlements to protect their alter egos.

The transgender movement has nothing to do with women or women’s rights. It’s about males, unable to live a healthy, meaningful life in the expression of their natural gender, and fabricate some quasi “female” alter ego to soothe themselves. And it’s not enough, they demand validation, conscripting the public into addressing them in the feminine or the plural (she/her or they) This is mental illness wrapped in a cult following.

These males desire “gender equality” but the male is already bestowed entitlements that women have had to fght for—and still fghting. These males want WOMEN’S entitlements. The Movement is not about “inclusion”, it’s about encroachment and expropriation of women’s entitlements and protections to accommodate their alter ego.

Transgender males whine about persecution in the expression of their alter ego, but USE their alter ego to persecute women, bulling their way into our facilities and sport teams, with some males assaulting females.

Let me be clear to transgender males: We women do NOT serve as your emotional life raft, nor are our facilities your personal sanctuary. We women have the full right to use OUR communal toilets, showers, and locker rooms, and to manage OUR biology (menstruation) fully unencumbered by male intrusion. We don’t want you sauntering around with your genitals swinging from side to side. Your presence in our facilities and sports teams is inappropriate, dangerous and creepy. Your contrived, neurotic alter ego is not the burden of women to accommodate, get out.

The behavior of these transgender males is akin to white people made up in Black Face demanding entitlements afforded to people of color. The transgender movement is OFFENSIVE to women.

– Monica Shieman, Castro Valley

And if we look closer, Sulphur Creek is also leaning away from the beloved in-house volunteer program. One that supported traditional volunteers as well as folks with special needs and other marginalizing facets. Retired professionals, active career-people, students, often with deep family and community ties. All donate their hours tirelessly to keep the Center open, with extensive and deep community roots and generous donor-ship.

We all want our parks to survive, so we join with each other and with HARD, to make “new and improved,” not just a phrase. We will stay committed and connected to the leaders that can help our parks to make a difference. To support an ongoing commitment to supporting quality staffng and a continued dedication to the providing of experiences accessible to all.

– A Tucker, Hayward

LEGAL NOTICES

28,

By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 593612

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es): Take Me Back Travel, located at 17085 President Drive Castro Valley, CA 94546. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Robert Washington, 17085 President Drive Castro Valley, CA 94546. This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ Robert Washington This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires NOV 27, 2027

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022 0534-CVF

FILED NOV

2022 MELISSA WILK County Clerk ALAMEDA COUNTY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Our Athlete of the week is Taylor Hodges. This Castro Valley High School Senior plays forward on the Girls Soccer team and has been on the Varsity squad all four years. This is Taylor’s third year of being selected as team captain for the Lady Trojans.

“The season is very promising for Senior Taylor Hodges, and I am excited to see her thrive,” Coach Vanessa Amaral told the Forum. “Being a captain since her Sophomore year, Taylor brings a lot of leadership and positive vibes on/off the feld to the Varsity team this upcoming season. She always works so hard and is so humble. I know she’s going to give everything she’s got to this team and work to push the team to make an NCS playoff run and inspire the younger classes.”

In the team’s season debut against American High School, Taylor scored the frst goal at 26 minutes in and also assisted in another goal in the 37th minute. Taylor has offcially committed to play soccer next season at Sonoma State as a part of the women’s soccer team.

CROSSOVER Basketball Wrap-Up

Cook Selected to NorCal Honor Band

At the Schools’ Christmas Chapel on December 16, Redwood Christian Schools Music Director Rachel Chow announced that Sophomore Jacob Cook was selected as one of ffteen high school musicians throughout Northern California to the 2023 High School Jazz Ensemble. Jacob has been playing the trumpet since he was six.

“When Jacob was two years old he was listening to Disney’s Jungle Book song ‘Bare Necessities,’ said his mother, Kathryn Cook. “He heard a trumpet solo in the song and told his mother ‘I’m gonna play that.’ When asked what he wanted for his 6th birthday he replied ‘a trumpet’ but clarifed that he wanted ‘a real one’” And as Dr. Al Hearne, Superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools said “the rest is history.”

His frst love is the trumpet and the cornet, but he dabbles in all brass instruments: trombone, baritone, French Horn, Flugelhorn, to name a few. His room looks more like a high school band room than a bedroom. His favorite piece is whatever he’s working on. It’s always changing. He is now writing his own work, and his favorite piece that he just composed is called “Jazz Heist.”

Jacob uses his musical gift playing in his church band, Pilgrim Temple Church in Hayward.

Jacob lives in Castro Valley with his parents Dustin and Kathy Cook, and his sister Julia, an eighth grader at Redwood Christian Middle School.

Mrs. Chow stated “Our entire school is so proud of Jacob. His hard work and dedication to use the talent entrusted to him by God has enabled him to attain the skills to be selected over hundreds of trumpet players throughout Northern California, all while

remaining an anchor to our high school band program and an excellent example for the students with whom he plays as well as younger musicians. And his humility is an added blessing!”

The All Northern Honor Band Weekend is January 19-22, 2023 at the University of the Pacifc in Stockton. The High School Jazz Band Conductor is Aaron Lington, Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist and composer, he is a professor at San José State University where he serves as Coordinator of Jazz Studies.

CROSSOVER Basketball recently completed its 34th season, serving our local community with recreational-level competition while teaching Biblical character including good sportsmanship. The season concluded on Saturday, Dec. 17 with a season-end celebration with a free pizza dinner for the crowd of over 400 people; players, families and friends at Redwood Christian School’s gymnasium in San Lorenzo. About 250 players (coed grades 2-12) and about 50 volunteer coaches/support team members dedicated their

time and effort in this twomonth season (abbreviated from the usual four-months) due to practice/game facility limitations.

Weekly practices included not only basketball drills but also a challenge to memorize Bible verses. 20 players successfully memorized all their verses and were awarded prizes. James Tucker, Director of CROSSOVER Basketball, summarized the Bible devotions and encouraged the audience to apply them in their everyday lives. He was followed by free throw compe-

titions and the annual Coaches vs. Seniors game.

CROSSOVER Basketball is a sports program of Redwood Christian Schools in partnership with Castro Valley First Baptist Church, 3Crosses Church, Redwood Chapel Community Church and First Presbyterian Church of Hayward. CROSSOVER Basketball is an offcial affliate of the Golden State Junior Warriors Program. For more info on how to participate next season, e-mail: crossover@rcs.edu or call Mr. Patrick Lee at 510889-7526 ext. 412.

Parks: Beach Cleanup Next Week

continued from page 4

Crafts inspired by nature are also on the agenda from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch.

Minimum age is two, and parents must accompany their children. Meet the naturalist in the uppermost parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3.5 miles south of Highway 4.

Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended. For info, call 510-544-2750.

Birds of Prey in East Contra Costa County

Later on the calendar, there’s a birding program from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec.

29 to document the variety and number of birds of prey in East Contra Costa County.

This is a community science research project. No experience is necessary; naturalist Misti Marsh will teach participants how to identify the birds. Parent participation is required. Meet Misti at the Marsh Creek Regional Trail’s Cypress Boulevard Staging Area in Oakley. For information and directions, call 510-544-3050.

Bayside Beach Cleanup at Encinal Beach in Alameda

Also on Thursday, Dec. 29 there’s a bayside beach cleanup from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Encinal Beach in Alameda.

You can volunteer to clean up the beach while catching a

glimpse of bay wildlife. Bring your own gloves and bucket or borrow from the Park District. Students can earn community service hours.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves. If you are age 13 through 17 and coming by yourself, you must bring a liability form signed by a parent or guardian. Email Susan Ramos at sramos@ebparks.org for the form.

For information and directions, call 510-544-3187.

All Park District visitor centers will be closed on Dec. 25, but the parks will be open as usual. For the full list of activities, visit www.ebparks. org/things-to-do.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Taylor Hodges

PHOTO BY JULIE CASTANEDA