December 28, 2022

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Let’s face it, 2022 was a comeback year for a lot of us. COVID-19 cases eased up enough that more in-person events came back. Several of those events also celebrated major anniversaries, including 100 years for the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, 50 years for the Fall Festival, and 10 years for the Light Parade.

Our community spent time honoring our heroes this year, including John “Coach” Brosnan, Jensen Ranch’s Mrs. Galloway, Houston Astro’s Jason Castro, and CV’s Poet Zoe Dorado. We also got a chance to give our input on major improvement projects in town, including the new Valley View Park and Somerset Avenue. Additionally, Castro Valley was not shy about voicing its opinion about topics like the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, the war in Ukraine, and LGBTQ+ murals at schools.

This year was also a mid-term election, which saw more women voted into our leadership: a new Alameda County Sheriff, County District Attorney, California State Senate, California State Assembly, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), and Eden Township Health representative.

Here’s a monthly breakdown of the major stories that the Castro Valley Forum brought to you:

January: Castro Valley students were the frst in the county to get COVID take-home test kits thanks to the tenacity of the Castro Valley Unifed School District (CVUSD). The district also voted that the football feld at the high school should be named after “Coach” John Brosnan. Signage designs were revealed in September. And the School Board authorized spending $150,000 for Ethnic Studies Training at the high school in anticipation of the upcoming state graduation requirement.

Swalwell Funds $15 Million in Local Projects

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Just before Christmas, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell announced that more than $15 million dollars is on its way to the East Bay and will be dedicated to 15 local projects.

The funding is part of the recently passed “Fiscal Year 2023” government funding package, which is designed to keep the federal government running until September 2023.

President Biden is expected to sign the bill following a 225201 vote by the US Congress.

The money will go to community non-profts and public institutions within Swalwell’s district (CA-15), which includes Castro Valley, Hayward, Union City, parts of Fremont in the west, and Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, and parts of San Ramon to the east.

“Whether it’s supporting affordable housing in Hayward, mitigating food insecurity in Livermore, or increasing student support programs at local community colleges, funding for these projects will help meet the needs of our see FUNDS on page 4

Murder He Writes: From Athlete to Published Novelist

By Mike McGuire

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

It’s taken Castro Valley-born Scott Lipanovich a while to go from local athletic star to being a published novelist, but he wants everyone in town to know that he’s alive, well, and living in Santa Rosa writing murder mystery novels.

In between, he coached athletics, built a college’s noted art collection, and wrote both movie screenplays and magazine articles.

Lipanovich’s third Jeff Taylor murder mystery, ‘Sky Lake,’ will be published next year by Encircle Publications, and the frst two books in the series are doing well.

He fondly remembers his years in Castro Valley and the people he grew up with here.

“Place has a great infuence on us,” Lipanovich said. “I’m very interested in places, particularly California ones.”

Scott Lipanovich

2022: Fred Zehnder Day Announced

continued from front page February: CV volunteers helped add up the number of homeless in our area as part of the bi-annual “Point in Time Count,” which we later found increased by 22 percent. County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley helped open a transitional housing complex for se -trafficked teens as part of uby s place network. e also reported on how the Chabot Theater survived and thrived during COVID and how one local costume designer has gone on to work for the oyal Ballet in Britain.

March: Hayward Area ecreation Park District (HARD) allowed residents to tour the new Valley View Park site off Sydney ay and Carlton venue. e celebrated 21 years of Aran and her Art Studio. nother artist ulia osivchuk held a fundraiser for refugees fleeing her home of Ukraine which was under attack. Our high school journalists at Castro Valley’s Olympian also helped report on Ukraine ar by contacting people who lived there.

April: Four candidates vying for the California State Assembly District 20 seat held a debate. It was also the month the Castro Valley Sports Foundation inducted 16 new people to its Hall of Fame, including Carson Sand iranda ild Steve oss amie Pawid Haas, Denise Noleroth Bunger,

Calvin a iano att ern ohn illits yla ranados Amanda Medrano, and the late runner ack elch. Don Christiansen “Coach Chris CV S track coach Dooney ones Castro Valley Track Club founder and coach im Phillips were also honored. Since pril includes Earth Day celebrations, we also put the spotlight on orrestr a non-profit that plants trees picks up trash and develops pocket parks.

May: Spring was all about the Rowell Ranch Rodeo. Can you believe it’s been around for 100 years? Besides the action in the corral, we also wrote about the Rodeo Parade, and this year’s odeo ueen Oliva Sherman who is a Castro Valley native. new book by ick elly apping the volution of Castro Valley Rancho to anch omes gave us a new light on our early days. This was also the first time the pub-

lic could provide input on three redesigns for Somerset venue making it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

June: Summer brings thoughts of graduation, but it was also the return of the CV Car Show to our oulevard. The community also showed its support by voting in the 2022 Primaries. Local leaders spoke up about protecting the rights of T people following an incident during a drag event at the San oren o Library. The Forum was also honored by the House of Representatives, Alameda County, and the City of San eandro with the announcement of Fred ehnder Day on une .

July: The Castro Valley Rotary installed Lytrel Carter as its new president. Officials warned us about an uptick in crimes against Asian Americans and the dangers of fire in our surrounding green spaces as we incurred another drought season. The California Highway Patrol said it would be closing its Castro Valley office in about a year and moving to a new facility in Hayward. Have no fear; the CHP says they’re still patrolling our streets.

August: The dog days of summer were full of updates. CVUSD shared its progress for easure building upgrades and news of expanding its AVID college-readiness program.

2022 on page 5

June 28 proclaimed as Fred Zehnder Day

Debra Ochoa,

(center), serves a customer. The cafe specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, juices, wraps, and salads. The cafe celebrated eight years in business earlier this month.

“It’s been a great joy to share our mission of health and wellness through delicious, clean, and nutritious foods,” Ochoa said. “When my husband and I began this journey nearly a decade ago, we received overwhelming support and loyalty from the local community—it’s because of them that we are driven to continue our mission and provide convenient, high-quality, healthy dining options to Castro Valley for years to come.”

A San Leandro resident, Ochoa, said she chose Castro Valley because of its health-conscious community demographic. The cafe is popular with the 16- to 30-yearold crowd, and Ochoa says she often hires high school and college-age employees.

Originally founded in San Ramon in 2011, more than 130 Vitality Bowls locations are open or in development across the United States. Ochoa says her store is one of the Top Ten sellers nationwide.

Sheriff’s Report

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Making Phone Threats

Tuesday, December 20: at 8:20 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 29-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of threatening bodily harm and making threats using a cell phone. The man was outside the Moose Lodge on Rutledge Road when deputies stopped him following a harassment report. The man was taken into custody.

Drunken Fight

Wednesday, December 21: at 12:18 a.m., a 58-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member, possession of stolen property, and public intoxication. Deputies responded to an altercation in the Castro Village Shopping Center in front of a restaurant. The man was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Attempted Murder Wednesday, December 21: at 9:33 p.m., deputies arrested a 59-year-old CV man on suspicion of attempted murder, assault on an elderly person, providing false identifcation to deputies, and violating terms of his parole. Deputies responded to a call about an argument outside a home on Center Street near Sargent Avenue. The man was handcuffed and taken to Santa Rita Jail. The victim was treated at the scene.

Spousal Assault Wednesday, December 21: at 9:55 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to an

apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. There, they arrested a 26-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of spousal assault. The woman was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Breaking and Entering Friday, December 23: at 10:01 a.m., deputies arrested a 35-year-old CV man on suspicion of breaking and entering into a home on Mountain Court near Cold Water Drive. The man was spotted near the rear of the building. Deputies took the man into custody.

In Contempt of Court Saturday, December 24: at 2:31 p.m., a 46-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of violating a court-issued restraining order and providing a false ID to authorities. Deputies responded to a call from a homeowner on Rizzo Avenue near Strobridge Avenue about a stalker. The

man was contacted but gave deputies fake identifcation. Deputies took the man into custody.

Not So Silent Night Sunday, December 25: at 4:37 a.m., deputies arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of assault on a family member. The man was at a home on Sydney Way near Stanton Avenue as deputies responded to a call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument. Deputies took the man into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Early Morning Fight

Sunday, December 25: at 6:17 a.m., a 23-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member. Deputies responded to a disturbance at a home on Almond Avenue near Seven Hills Road. The woman was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Linda

Gene

Debbie

the owner of Vitality Bowls in the Castro Village Shopping Center

Tom Nohr CFP

New Year in the EB Parks

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

There’s a new feature greeting visitors to Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton.

It’s a 1,000-square-foot outdoor interpretive pavilion, an open-air visitor center with exhibits focused on the park’s 116-acre nature area.

“Shadow Cliffs’ nature area is a hidden gem in the Tri-Valley,” said Park District Board Director Ayn Wieskamp. “The new interpretive pavilion will help inform and connect visitors to the park’s lesser-known nature area and all of the recreational opportunities available, including trails for hiking, biking, and nature watching.”

a lead gift of $200,000 from Nancy and Gary Harrington of Pleasanton, funds from the Regional Parks Foundation, and a generous grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation.

Shadow Cliffs is located on Stanley Boulevard just east of downtown Pleasanton. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is $6 per vehicle and there is a $2 fee per dog.

New Year in the East Bay Regional Parks

As 2022 gives way to 2023, there are lots of enjoyable ways to celebrate the New Year in the East Bay Regional Parks.

Last Hike of the Year in Antioch

Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch will be the venue for a “Last Hike of the Year.”

It’s from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, an easy three-miler led by naturalist Jaclyn Caldwell to look for signs of winter and refect on the events of 2022.

The hike is free and no registration is necessary. Meet Jaclyn at the staging area at the end of Fredrickson Lane. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snacks. Minimum age is six years and parent participation is required.

Funds: For Community Institutions

continued from front page communities,” Swalwell said in a statement. “These project requests came directly from local governments and nonprofts in our community, and I look forward to seeing their impact in the months and years to come.”

The direct federal funding includes:

• $2,000,000 for One Nation Dream Maker’s Last Mile Delivery Program

• $1,400,000 for the Alameda County ALL IN Eats Food Hub

Exhibits at the new pavilion highlight the natural and cultural history of the park and its wildlife, plus providing park maps and information about recreational opportunities.

For info, call Black Diamond Mines at 510-544-2750.

Let’s Get Outside Club

New Year’s Day Hike

4R Star Forum Ad for 8/26 Forum

4R Star Forum Ad for 8/26 Forum

The pavilion will be a gathering place for weekend naturalist-led programs starting in January, and school programs beginning in fall 2023.

For example, you can learn about the amazing variety of New Year traditions from around the world during a program from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont with naturalist Chris Garcia. Examples of New Year rituals include eating noodles, smashing crockery and hanging onions on the door (my preference is a wreath).

HELP A 4R STAR EMPLOYEE SHINE!

Funding for the pavilion came from the state, non-proft sources and individual donations. This included support from California State Parks,

The program is drop-in; registration is not required. Ardenwood admission fees apply. Ardenwood is at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. For information, call 510-544-2797.

The informal Let’s Get Outside Club plans a hike from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1 at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County, led by naturalist Betty Villalta.

The hike is a bit over three miles with a 415-foot elevation gain. Minimum age is eight years and parent participation is required. Meet at the visitor center. Bring water and a snack or lunch.

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 510-544-3234.

RCMS Principal ‘Gets Hooded’, Awarded PhD

• $1,000,000 for East Bay Community Energy’s Municipal Critical Facility Resilience Project

• $1,000,000 for the Chabot - Las Positas Community College District’s East Bay College Agile Network

• $1,000,000 for Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley’s Sequoia Grove Affordable Housing Project

• $1,000,000 for the Construction Trade Workforce Initiative’s Building Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Congratulations

Workbench True Value Hardware

There are many other programs planned in the regional parks as 2023 arrives. For information, visit www.ebparks. org/things-to-do.

Earlier this month, Redwood Christian Middle School Principal Dr. Albert Castaneda (center) participated in the graduation festivities at South Carolina’s Columbia International University in the Hooding Ceremony on December 8 and Graduation on December 9. He was joined by his family, Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne (at left), and former Redwood Christian High School Principal, Dr. Ben Warner (at right), Superintendent of American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

• $709,000 for the City of Hayward’s Hayward Evaluation and Response Teams (HEART) Program

• $700,000 for Bay Area Community Health’s Refugee Mobile Health Clinics

• $285,000 for Hayward/ South Alameda County NAACP’s Black Integrated Community Engagement Program

During the month of October, Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) will award 4R Star Business employees for their outstanding efforts to reduce waste, and we need your help!

19640 Center Street (510) 538-5454 stores.truevalue.com/ca/castro-valley

• $250,000 for the Muslim Community Center’s Rental Assistance Program

Wicked Plant Studio

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

What is a 4R Star Business? A business that is certified by CVSan for completing ongoing activities in each of the 4R categories - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (Organics).

3668 Castro Valley BIvd (510) 867-6543 wickedgardens.org

Classy Canine’s Wiggle Rumps

month of October, Castro Valley Sanitary District award 4R Star Business employees for their efforts to reduce waste, and we need your help! Star Business? that is certified by CVSan for completing ongoing each of the 4R categories - Reduce, Reuse, Rot (Organics).

Today, Wednesday, Dec. 28

Red Cross Blood Drive

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Senior Driver Traffc Safety Seminar

2602 Castro Valley Blvd (510) 583-7297 classycanine.net

VALLEY

Here’s where you come in! We want to hear from you. Have you seen a “star” employee implementing the 4Rs in the workplace? Nominate them to receive an award! Use any of these methods:

The Cannery Kitchen & Tap

3295 Castro Valley Blvd (510) 257-2600 cannerykitchenandtap.com

• Comment on our 4R Star Employee Recognition posts on Facebook or Twitter @cvsan.

American Red Cross blood drive is tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 9 am to 3 pm 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

The Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package also includes $44.9 billion in emergency aid to support the Ukrainian people and $40.6 billion for other purposes, including assisting communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes, fooding, wildfre, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

Join TOPS

• Fill out a nomination form at cvsan.org/4RStar

State Farm-Team Anglin

20235 Redwood Rd. Ste. C (510) 537-8100 teamanglin.com

• Send an email to contact@cvsan.org.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Hayward Library Book Sale

If you submit a nomination by September 25th, you will be entered into a raffle for a prize from CVSan.

4R Star businesses go above and beyond recycling and organics to reduce waste from the start!

where you come in! hear from you. Have you seen a “star” employee implementing the 4Rs in the workplace? Nominate them to award! Use any of these methods: on our 4R Star Employee Recognition posts on or Twitter @cvsan. nomination form at cvsan.org/4RStar email to contact@cvsan.org. a nomination by September 25th, you will be a raffle for a prize from CVSan.

CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT

Effective Environmental Services since 1939 510-537-0757 | www.cvsan.org

This

cvsan.org/4RStar.

The Friends of the Hayward Public Library host a book sale every frst and third Saturday of each month. Please visit us at The New Leaf bookstore in our main library located at 888 C Street in Hayward. The sale begins at 10:30 and runs till 3:30. All proceeds support library programs for children and adults. The next sale is Saturday, Jan. 7.

Registration has begun for the library’s popular senior driving program. Conducted by the California Highway Patrol, this seminar will be held at the Castro Valley Library on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 1 to 3 pm and will include: Compensating for Age-Related Changes, Rules of the Road, Safe Driving Tips and more! Participants will receive a certifcate for completing this FREE course which may lead to an insurance discount. You must be 65 or older to qualify. Registration is required, call the Library Information Desk at 510-667-7900.

Saturday, June 24

Canyon High Class of ‘72 Reunion

Please contact or sign-up by emailing: diane9576@sbcglobal.net Location in Castro Valley to be determined.

Resolved to lose weight in 2023? Join TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) for the support you need to start your weight loss journey. TOPS is a non-proft weight loss support group. We meet on Fridays at 9 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 19806 Wisteria Street in Castro Valley. For more info contact Sandy Montero (510) 299-7312. Join us for fellowship and support.

PHOTO CREDIT: JULIE CASTANEDA

to Castro Valley’s Newest

2022: Where Will 2023 Lead Us?

continued from page 2 September: This month marked the return of the Fall Festival this year (its 50th) under the management of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses also found they could be eligible for funding to update their facades. We reported on the debate over LGBTQ+ murals at CV public schools and wrote a profle on the two candidates for DA.

October: We fondly remembered Karen Jonke, the owner of Krayon’s Gallery, who passed away this year. We also

celebrated Jensen Ranch’s Nancy Galloway, who was awarded Teacher of the Year by the county. This was the month that we also put a spotlight on the EBMUD candidates.

November: Baseball’s World Series included our own Jason Castro, who helped the Houston Astros get to the playoffs. He also announced his retirement from baseball. The DA helped honor victims of domestic violence. And CV saw the return of the 10-yearold Light Parade, where hundreds came out, including Santa and Mrs. Claus.

December: We fnished the year strong with the Castro Valley Soccer Club hosting a State Girls tournament with all-girl referees. We also shot a rocket around the moon and back, thanks to CVHS graduate David Stadelman. Another CVHS senior—Zoe Dorado— was named as a Finalist for YoungArts National Award for her poetry.

So, where will 2023 lead us? No one can be sure. But you can count on the Castro Valley Forum being on your doorstep (and online) every week to give you the local perspective.

Ten Thoughts for New Year

By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

A new year always brings to mind a cornucopia of thoughts. Goals to set…Looking back… Looking forward…Lots of… just…things… you know?

In that spirit, here are 10 things I’ve been thinking about in terms of ftness and nutrition. And maybe some other things, too.

1. Stretching can be great to help release muscles that are too tight to allow good movement. Stretching merely for fexibility, however, is generally not all that useful unless strength and mobility are worked on frst. The reason is that injuries tend to occur when someone is in an extreme range of motion (a hyperextended knee or overly rounded back, for example). Without the requisite strength or movement quality to support that position, well, that’s when injuries occur.

2. Consistency, in all its forms and applications, remains the most important determinant of success.

Consistently showing up, working hard, and engaging deeply in what you’re doing at that moment…

That’s what success is made of.

3. You’re probably sick of me writing about this but getting stronger should always be one of your main goals.

4. DO NOT MAKE LOSING WEIGHT ONE OF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!!! If you want to know why just let me know. I don’t have the space here to give this the respect it deserves.

5. Most back and shoulder pain has more to do with everyday movement and breathing patterns than nearly anything else (that includes anything you’ll see on an X-Ray or MRI.) Adjustments, medication, and massage can only help so much. Improvement is intentional. If you don’t know what to do, think about what a reasonable adult would do and do that.

6. What you focus on makes or breaks you. Make your focus count for good.

7. Strength or cardiovascular health can be improved if worked on 2-3 times per week, but chronic pain, such as back or shoulder issues, needs to be an everyday project. Sorry, that’s the truth. Posture and movement quality are the results of ingrained habits that need constant engagement and attention to change. Don’t worry, though; it gets much easier over time.

8. Eat fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water.

9. Worrying about every thing you eat is 10x more damaging than eating a cookie.

10. If you have an appetite for incredible writing, read Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. I’ve never read anything else quite like it. It’s not for everyone, but boy, is it powerful. If you’ve read it, I’d love to know your thoughts.

Well, it’s been quite a few years for all of us but let’s do everything we can to make 2023 a great one! Happy New Year!

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Learn more at: med-project.org 1-844-MED-PROJECT

Can Kids Really Sew? These students at Castro Valley Independent Elementary Adventure Time can. They have just completed a six week sewing project for the holidays; applehead dolls. The students design their dolls outfts, and sew by hand each garment; capes, hats, gowns, trousers, hats and boots. Hard to believe? These kids are amazing seamstresses and tailors!

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER LOE, ART TEACHER

REAL ESTATE REALITY

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times

GUEST COMMENTARY

Two Key Indicators of A Calmer Ride in 2023

has been one for the record books. Dubbed “The reatest eal state oller Coaster ide ver many are glad to see it wrapping up. The good news Two key Indicators suggest a calmer ride in 2023.

1. Mortgage Rates are Loosening: ven as the ed is promising another rate hike e perts declare they believe the worst is behind us. hile the market slowed as soon as rates started to climb it screeched to a virtual halt as rates oomed above for a few weeks in October and ovember. “ ecently states a post by e t dvisor “signs of cooling inflation have released some of that upward pressure with the

average for a -year fi ed-rate mortgage now back down to . according to a survey by ankrate.

ondeck partner and managing director with the erner roup echoes the sentiment e plaining “ rom a mortgage perspective rates have actually gone down even though the ed has raised rates. e would e pect the worst is over. e think you re going to see lower rates into the ne t year despite further rate hikes.

or those buyers locked out by a combination of record numbers of multiple offers escalating prices and skyrocketing interest rates the recent price reductions absence of multiple offers and potentially

lower rates signal the first good news they have had in a long time. It is our hope this will lead to an uptick in sales in 2023.

2. Building Material Prices are Receding: was tough for those building or renovating homes. Prompted by wildfires and covid-related supply chain issues lumber prices went off the charts in - . s lumber mills have reopened and fuel prices are headed back down lumber prices have begun sliding as well. hile new home sales have stalled due to high interest rates this is great news for those doing renovation pro ects.

s an e ample I recently purchased a few sheets of specialty plywood that cost close to sheet. I remember complaining bitterly a number of years ago when that same product hit sheet.

hat a difference a supply chain crisis makes. hile there are still material shortages (we ust waited almost a year for a dishwasher that had parts manufactured in Ukraine) in most cases shelves are full once again and costs are coming back to “normal.

hile we don t e pect perfect in we pray it will be less chaotic than its predecessor.

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.

Consider Cross-Pollination When Planting Fruit Trees

QI want to plant a few fruit trees that would suit my yard. However, I’ve been told I must have two trees close to each other to cross-pollinate. Does that mean I need to have identical trees, or will an apricot tree pollinate an apple tree?

By Buzz Bertolero THE DIRT GARDENER

APollination concerns are one of the several things you need to consider when planting a few trees or planning a home orchard. This discussion does not apply to citrus and other sub-tropical fruits. ot all deciduous fruit trees need a second tree for pollination. n apple tree can t pollinate an apricot or any other type of fruit tree ust another apple variety. Today many varieties are self-pollinating such as peaches and nectarines. There are self-fertile cherries and those cherries that re uire a second variety. So choosing the suitable varieties can become very confusing. I would

make a list of those varieties you like to consider. The nursery professional at your favorite

garden center is the perfect resource to help you trim the list and suggest some alternatives.

lso the varieties found in gardening books are outdated as there are e cellent new varieties for a home orchard. ere are some other things you should keep in mind the ripening dates the watering needs and the ultimate si e of the trees. The ripening dates should be staggered so you can have a different fruit to en oy from une through September.

The si e of semi-dwarf fruit trees is misleading as they are too big to plant in today s garden. They often will reach a height of eighteen feet with a ten-foot spread. Instead you want to plant Ultra Dwarf or genetic dwarf varieties growing under ten feet tall. inally all fruit trees are not watered the same.

stablished sian pears pears and apples are watered often while cherries apricots peaches nectarines and plums once every three weeks once the rainy season concludes. It also means that the area under the canopy should be kept unplanted. So it would be best if you grouped your trees according to their watering re uirements. Ultra Dwarf or genetic dwarf varieties can be grown in containers but they re watered more fre uently than those planted in the ground. any garden centers pre-plant their fruit trees in paper mache containers. These trees do not need to be planted in the ground right away. ruit trees arrive mid- anuary through mid- ebruary.

I have several established rose bushes that I would like to give away. Can they be transplanted now and replanted with newer varieties? I’ve been told that this was a no, no.

ature roses can be transplanted now through the end of arch. Old or new roses are very resilient so there is a high success rate in moving them. If you prune them back first the plants are easier to handle. I m unaware of any issues preventing you from planting the new roses in the old location(s).

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.

BUZZ BERTOLERO

THE DIRT GARDENER

Pollination concerns are one of the several things you need to consider when planting trees or planning a home orchard.

RECENT HOME SALES

CASTRO VALLEY

Total: 10 – Average Price: $1,130,000

High: $1,430,000 – Low: $805,000

21529 Dolores Street 94546: $735,000 [2 BD - 1,018 SF1948

3669 Pinon Canyon Court 94552: $796,000 [2 BD - 1,258 SF1996

18076 Reamer Road 94546: $809,000 [3 BD - 1,566 SF1942

4253 Moreland Drive 94546: $920,000 [4 BD - 1,715 SF1953

20253 Meadowlark Drive 94546: $985,000 [3 BD - 1,448 SF1959

19579 Carlton Avenue 94546: $1,080,000 [3 BD - 1,486 SF1963

22490 Charlene Way 94546: $1,100,000 [2 BD - 1,714 SF1937

3779 Boulder Canyon Drive 94552: $1,450,000 [4 BD - 2,352 SF - 1998

5051 Stone Canyon Drive 94552: $1,500,000 [4 BD - 2,605 SF1999

HAYWARD

Total: 21 – Average Price:

658 River Oak Way #76 94544:

$380,000 [1 BD - 531 SF - 1985

22773 Watkins Street 94541: $474,000 [2 BD - 1,159 SF2005

2972 D Street 94541: $680,000 [3 BD - 1,012 SF - 1951

31213 Tepic Place #45 94544: $690,000 [2 BD - 1,435 SF1981

32062 Kennet Street 94544: $699,000 [3 BD - 1,031 SF1951

396 Thorne Drive 94544: $710,000 [951 SF - 1950

27426 Capri Avenue 94545: $770,000 [3 BD - 1,000 SF1957

1289 Rieger Avenue 94544: $793,000 [3 BD - 1,119 SF1956

1514 Sumatra Street 94544:

$800,000 [4 BD - 1,524 SF1954

25022 Panitz Street 94541: $800,000 [3 BD - 1,075 SF1954

24135 Machado Court 94541: $1,000,000 [4 BD - 1,512 SF1984

24866 Yoshida Drive 94545: $1,070,000 [4 BD - 1,904 SF1996

24410 Calaveras Road 94545: $1,100,000 [4 BD - 2,249 SF1979

28353 Cubberley Court 94545: $1,150,000 [4 BD - 2,183 SF1965

4164 Oak Pointe Court 94542: $1,900,000 [3 BD - 2,393 SF1986

SAN LEANDRO

Total: 9 – Average Price: $907,111 High: $1,250,000 – Low: $450,000

2077 Washington Avenue #110 94577: $362,000 [1 BD - 618 SF - 1984

847 Donovan Drive 94577: $599,000 [2 BD - 1,210 SF1942 15055 Norton Street 94579: $670,000 [2 BD - 821 SF - 1948 1710 Thrush Avenue 94578: $700,000 [4 BD - 1,309 SF1949 3843 Anza Way 94578: $790,000 [3 BD - 1,342 SF - 1954

2046 Trombas Avenue 94577: $849,000 [3 BD - 1,501 SF1944

2002 Orchard Avenue 94577: $860,000 [3 BD - 1,333 SF1947

755 Dutton Avenue 94577: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,448 SF1942

543 Fortuna Avenue 94577: Roses

$950,000 [2 BD - 1,212 SF1939

1186 Cherrybrooke Commons 94578: $960,000 [4 BD - 1,947 SF - 2005 1522 Kelly Avenue 94577: $1,100,000 [3 BD - 1,309 SF1942

15233 Laverne Court 94579: $1,156,000 [3 BD - 1,711 SF -

1958

SAN LORENZO

Total: 6 – Average Price: $807,666

High: $950,000 – Low: $520,000

9476 Via Buena Vista 94580: $300,000 [3 BD - 1,519 SF1951

17476 Via Estrella 94580: $735,000 [2 BD - 837 SF - 1948

January is the month to prune your rose bushes as well as deciduous trees, shrubs, grape vines, kiwis and berries. Apply dormant oil spray after pruning, not before. Do not prune any spring-flowering trees or shrubs until they finish blooming.

Prune roses way back, using clean, sharp tools and protect your hands with heavy gloves. Make all cuts at 45-degree angles above an outside bud eye, about a quarter-inch above the eye. Take out twiggy and malformed growth.

For a moderate pruning, cut bushes 18 to 24 inches high with three to six canes left in pla�e. �e�ere pruning pro�u�es larger� but fewer blooms. �loribun�as an� gran�ifloras often benefit from a light pruning.

On old garden roses, don’t do anything until after the spring bloom. Prune tree roses and hybrid teas to a vase shape. Climbing roses bloom on mature canes, so don’t be overzealous. Train their canes against a fence or trellis by attaching the canes to the structure in a horizontal position.

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.

CONCRETE SERVICE

*MPCONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, Asphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1054154. Milo 510-502-9336.

CONCRETE SERVICE

S.L.CONCRETE SERVICE

Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Asphalt, Paving Stones. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

NOTICETO READERS

California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800)321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

22 year old with EMT, CPR & Security Guard Card certifications seeks full time employment. I have excellent references. Please email me at: rogerdouglasvadnais@gmail.com

FENCES/DECKS

FENCE LEANING? Don’t replace... repair and save! Call Randy 510706-6189.

SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair, paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree trimming, topping or removal, garage cleaning & debris removal. Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427.

GARDENING

*ANYYARD WORK. Cleanups and Maintenance. Free Estimates. Call 510-798-1833.

*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING Design - Construction - Maintenance. Cleanups, New Lawn, Artificial Grass, Irrigation, Patios, Pathways, Brick, Stone, Concrete Fence/ Decks. Free Estimates! Lic.#925130. 510-691-8852. www.beautygardenlandscaping.com

JAIME’S GARDENING

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

G G ARDENING ARDENING /T /T REE REE S S ERVICE ERVICE

NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 510 512-5857.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

Garden service maintenance and cleanup and other services handyman call Jose Cruz 510-798-0682.

Professional Plumbing & Custom Remodeling. Licensed/ Bonded. George 510-882-5169, 510-483-7126

TORRES, APERFECT HANDYMAN

•Honest •Dependable •Responsible Painting, Plumbing, Concrete, Retaining Walls, Fences, Tiles, etc. FREE Estimates. Lic.#126121. 510-305-3205

HAULING SERVICE

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

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.

HOUSE CLEANING

WALTON’S

JANITORIAL

Licensed / Bonded / Local For a SPARKLE CLEAN OFFICE or Home Windows • Floors •Carpets • Restrooms Phone 352-7948 Member of S.L. Chamber of Comm.

MISC. FOR SALE

$50 or B.O. Hospital Bed Mattress, excellent condition, 36X80, Medplus VLX Total Care, Orig $340, call 510357-4315 to leave a message.

New Lego Sets$ 65 each, Star wars 75147 harry potter 76393. Mike 510393-3005 CV.

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING? Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

MISC. WANTED

RENTALS/RV SPACES

RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland. $900/ month. Call 510-481-9901.

SERVICES

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the

NOTARY SERVICE

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

RENTALS

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 194

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS AMENDING COMPENSATION FOR DIRECTORS AT MEETINGS.

Ordinance No. 194 amending Castro Valley Sanitary District Code Article V, Chapter 6, Sections 5601, 5602, 5603, 5604, and 5605 was duly and regularly adopted by the Castro Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors at the Special meeting of said Board held on December 13, 2022.

The Ordinance amended language of the Castro Valley Sanitary District Code for Article V – Regulation of Solid Waste Disposal. This change will be effective January 1, 2023.

The Castro Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors voted on December 13, 2022, at the Castro Valley Sanitary District Regular Board meeting to adopt the Ordinance as follows: Akagi Yes; (Dooman) Woerz Yes; Johnson – Yes; McGowan – Yes; Sadoff – Yes.

Yes; (Dooman) Woerz – Yes; Johnson – Yes; McGowan – Yes; Sadoff – Yes.

The above summary constitutes the major highlights of Ordinance No. 194. Areading of the entire Ordinance may be necessary to obtain a full understanding of the Ordinance. The new rates set by this Ordinance are posted at www.cvsan.org/oan and the full text of the Ordinance is available upon request via email at contact@cvsan.org or by calling 510-537-0757.

Sat., Dec. 31, 2022 10 PM

TOMMYT’S NEWYEARS EVE COMEDY COUNTDOWN 2023

Tickets: baltheatre.com and Ticketmaster.com

BALTHEATRE • SAN LEANDRO • 510-614-7700

Novelist: Third Murder Mystery Coming Next Year

continued from front page

He’s set each of his novels, including a planned fourth Jeff Taylor novel, in a different region of California and nearby states.

is first “The ost Coast is set in southern Mendocino County. The second “The olden Ceiling is set in Sacramento. The upcoming third book “Sky ake is set in and around Salt ake City. is planned fourth “Seeba s host is set in northwestern Sonoma County.

The main character in the Jeff Taylor mysteries is a former star college basketball player who lost half his hand in a farm accident, ending his plans to go on to medical school. He becomes a detective instead working for a firm that specializes in political investigations.

In the first novel in the series “The ost Coast the political investigation finds him when a state senator he knows hits and kills a man standing in the middle of the road around a curve in a remote area.

i a i s al ead lis ed els. A i d is i ea l e ea .

put it down to concentrate on magazine articles and screenplays. He picked it up again after a serious car accident in 2016 made him shift his perspectives after first robbing him of most of his eyesight.

HELP A 4R STAR EMPLOYEE SHINE!

HELP A 4R STAR EMPLOYEE SHINE!

In the later books, he does manage to get into medical school, graduates, and starts a practice, but he keeps up his detective work in different locales.

ipanovich had started writing a novel years ago but

Congratulations

e vowed to rebuild that eyesight by gradually taking over more and more of the typing of the novel at first done by his then-girlfriend now wife. She had been less severely in ured in the same crash. “The ost Coast was the result.

ipanovich is also well known as the creator and long-time curator of the Doyle Collection of art at Santa Rosa Junior College.

He sifted through over 1,000 pieces of art by college faculty and staff through the years to put together the Doyle Collection artworks covering several floors in the library.

“The college has a noted art department, and over the years, a string of world-known artists have taught there and worked there ipanovich said. “I met many wonderful artists and then their often-famous artist friends. One after another, they are so generous with their works and their spirit.

At Castro Valley High School Class of ipanovich played three varsity sports and won the school s two big athletic awards the Olympian and the Herculean. He shared the latter with two other students.

“I m still a proud Tro an he said.

e stayed friends with famed coach John Brosnan after graduation. ipanovich came back for several years after graduation to help Brosnan coach. The high school’s playing field is now named after rosnan who passed away in . ipanovich dedicated “The ost Coast to rosnan.

FROM THE BOULEVARD

‘Merry After Christmas’ Thoughts

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

(Charles Dickens)

By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

traditional Christmas normally involves dinner and celebration with family and friends. Since its emergence, Covid has impacted our normal practices at Christmas. iven these circumstances two years ago I decided to go to a small town somewhere and spend Christmas alone. I conducted a search. With that, I found a location. The town was San ndreas. I found a place to stay - a named obin s est. or four days I was as a stranger in a strange town. It would be an untraditional Christmas. y e perience became the opposite of what I expected – it became a memorable Christmas. It started with a hike on Christmas ve. It was among the largest living things on earth giant Se uoia trees. It was a natural cathedral and provided a natural experience of spirituality. The owner-operators of obin s est ill aren made me feel at home. They invited me to have Christmas dinner with them and another guest. y Christmas alone became one that was not it was a good and comforting e perience. ith two years past and loved ones lost I decided to try Christmas alone again in San Andreas at Robin’s Nest. s I write it is the day after Christmas. eflections on this visit poeticize in my mind. Could it be a repeat experience?

Crazy George Taqueria 20859 Redwood Rd. (510) 692-2544 el-burrito-loco.com

month of October, Castro Valley Sanitary District award 4R Star Business employees for their efforts to reduce waste, and we need your help!

During the month of October, Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) will award 4R Star Business employees for their outstanding efforts to reduce waste, and we need your help!

What is a 4R Star Business? A business that is certified by CVSan for completing ongoing activities in each of the 4R categories - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (Organics).

Starbucks 20663 Rustic Dr. (510 733-0387 starbucks.com

Star Business? that is certified by CVSan for completing ongoing each of the 4R categories - Reduce, Reuse, Rot (Organics).

ould it not be That was as Shakespeare would note the uestion. Dining alone on my first night was at the aged Mokelumne Hotel. It turned into an interesting and rewarding e perience for me. ocal “old timers (in my age bracket) befriended me and made it into a merry evening. During the afternoon on Christmas ve I returned to walk among the Se uoia trees. Snow whitened the ground. Up above the blue sky and giant trees towered over my visit. repeat conversation with a park ranger from two years ago provided continuity. Dinner followed at urphy s on my way back to San ndreas. Dual visits for breakfast with att and Celeste two young repeat guests at the gifted added value. Our conversations were warm and interesting revealing what resides within them.

Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop 20674 Rustic Dr. (510) 398-8532 mrpickles.com

Here’s where you come in! We want to hear from you. Have you seen a “star” employee implementing the 4Rs in the workplace? Nominate them to receive an award! Use any of these methods:

where you come in! hear from you. Have you seen a “star” employee implementing the 4Rs in the workplace? Nominate them to award! Use any of these methods: on our 4R Star Employee Recognition posts on or Twitter @cvsan. nomination form at cvsan.org/4RStar. email to contact@cvsan.org.

• Comment on our 4R Star Employee Recognition posts on Facebook or Twitter @cvsan.

• Fill out a nomination form at cvsan.org/4RStar

• Send an email to contact@cvsan.org.

Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce 20235 Redwood Rd., Ste.B (510) 537-5300 edenareachamber.com

If you submit a nomination by September 25th, you will be entered into a raffle for a prize from CVSan.

4R Star businesses go above and beyond recycling and organics to reduce waste from the start!

a nomination by September 25th, you will be a raffle for a prize from CVSan.

CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT

Effective Environmental Services since 1939 510-537-0757 | www.cvsan.org

VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT

Environmental Services since 1939 www.cvsan.org

cvsan.org/4RStar.

On Christmas Day ill and aren invited me to again oin them for dinner. oining us would be the same guest that oined us two years ago eith. Christmas alone again was becoming one not alone and in good company. Our conversation over dinner covered the spectrum of our lives and of life itself. We learned from one another and shared thoughts among us. One of them was of course our appreciation and gratitude for the lives we have led and our hopes for the months and years ahead. We hoped that our hopes would mature into fruition. Christmas music played with uiet dignity to reinforce the spirituality of the day.

As I conclude this article from Robin’s Nest in San ndreas I feel a new tradition may have started for me. It began with spending Christmas alone in a town unknown with unknown people. hat was e perienced was warmth spirituality, and hope. My repeat visit has been the same. As I prepare to depart to return home “ erry fter Christmas thoughts are with me. ith hope for all of us I share them with you. ay we not only remain merry but practice mercy and grace to all we know and meet. Christmas alone is not if we have the right thoughts within us and pursue possibilities even among strangers to find the goodness in life.

4R Star Forum Ad for 8/26 Forum

4R Star Forum Ad for 8/26 Forum

to Castro Valley’s Recertifed

CV Community Comes Together for Our Children

Dear Editor:

The members of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley were overwhelmed by the support of multiple organizations, companies and individuals working together to provide a memorable Christmas for the children in our community!

This year more than 200 toys, gifts and gift certifcates were distributed to multiple shelters whose children are the benefciaries of the generosity of others.

We were blessed by so many working together including The Castro Valley Offce of the CHP, under the leadership of Commander Holeman and Offcers Daniel Jacowitz and Tom Gowin; Fire Chief William McDonald and The Alameda County Fire Department Castro Valley Station 25; DJ Robert Hoffman of Club Anywhere; CEO Roland Williams and the Castro Valley Sanitary District; Superintendent Al Hearne, PhD, and Redwood Christian Schools; Superintendent Parvin Armadi and Director at Castro Valley Adult and Career Education Beth Cutter, and Castro Valley Unifed School District; and Castro Valley Rotarians Mark Poniatowski, Ceta Dochterman, Randy Vanderbilt and Dan Willits.

So many moving parts - all working together with one purpose in mind: providing a memorable Christmas party for children within our community.

I am so proud and honored to know each of these community leaders personally confdent that they never seek personal recognition for their efforts or the efforts of their staff.

Let’s all look for opportunities to bring a smile to the children we are blessed to have all around us in our greater Castro Valley Community throughout the year, and to remember to pray for our Alameda County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol and Alameda County Sheriff’s offcers and the men and women in uniform serving all of us around the world.

Blessings!

–Bruce D. Johnson, Rotary Club of Castro Valley

Do Not Speak for Me

Ms. Shieman, Do Not speak for me in your hate flled rant about Trans men!! I am a women and DO Not agree with you! I’m pretty sure many”women” do not agree with your HATE speak! Learn about Transpeople before you spew hate! You are foolish when you speak of what “you think” transgender males are and how they live. What is wrong with you to judge and convict a human being who just wants to live their life. Leave them alone, mind your own business! You should be ashamed of yourself! Educate yourself please!!

Sulphur Creek Staffng

Hayward Park and Recreation Department (HARD) has plans to update Sulphur Creek Nature Center. The “new and improved” version advertises tours, family fun, green space, a robust education program, a variety of wildlife, and welcoming environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff alike. Everything I love.

Yet, even as HARD advertises these attractions, there are no public plans to provide or maintain the additional staff and volunteers needed. The much loved volunteer program, once a mainstay of accessibility and community representation, is now threadbare.

To advertise a new park system without a staffng plan is not an improvement. To assume Sulphur Creek’s tradition of accessibility will survive without a public commitment, is problematic. As donors, taxpayers, and citizens, we deserve a clear action outline for our beloved parks, and the inclusion and equality that they provide for us all.

–Anne-Marie Tucker, Hayward

It Needs to Stop, Now!

Why does the Forum continue to print letters to the editor that sow hate within our community? The letter last week from Monica Shieman was simply not print-worthy. People who want to spew their venomous opinions have the internet and chat rooms where they can post whatever views they may have on an infnite number of topics. Journalistic integrity should require the editors to determine whether a letter to the editor is newsworthy. One of the fve principals of ethical journalism is to consider humanity. The human wreckage in our community from hate-flled opinion pieces printed by your newspaper is enormous. It hurts people – our neighbors, our families, our children – for no good reason. It needs to stop, now.

–Kathleen Scheidel, Castro Valley

Thank You to Those Who Condemn Transphobia

Monica Shieman’s letter about “the transgender movement” is some of the most offensive nonsense I’ve had the displeasure of reading, as a transgender person who was assigned female at birth, a group that Shieman ignores in favor of baseless fearmongering about trans women and transfeminine nonbinary people. I highly doubt Shieman knows any transgender people, both because the letter completely misunderstands how being transgender works and because I would not associate with anyone with such hateful views.

Shieman talks about trans people’s genders as “alter egos”, contrasted with “natural gender”, which is exactly backwards. When trans people transition, we are expressing our natural selves. If anything is acting out a false alter ego, it’s attempting to live as our assigned genders.

Transgender people using facilities appropriate to our identities harms no-one. Shieman is making up boogeymen to justify bigotry. Trans people are orders of magnitude more likely to be harassed or assaulted in bathrooms than to assault others. Forcing trans women to use men’s restrooms, however, puts them in actual danger. Gender policing causes substantial harm and doesn’t help anyone.

Furthermore, framing trans rights and women’s rights as opposed is simply wrong. We all suffer from sexism, sexual assault, and attacks on our bodily autonomy. Some of the most outspoken feminists I’ve met are trans women, including on issues that do not directly affect them, such as access to abortion. We are on the same side, and it benefts all of us to work together to fght injustice.

To the non-trans people who condemn transphobia, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my fellow trans people, particularly the trans women and nonbinary transfems who are the primary target of this particular reactionary backlash, know that we can make it through this together.

–CL Cady, Castro Valley

LEGAL NOTICES

DEC 16,

By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 594034

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es): Kitty Ani Kreativ - Longarm & Quilting Services, located at 16664 Cowell Street San Leandro, CA 94578. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Anita Kathryn Thompson, located at 16664 Cowell Street San Leandro, CA 94578. This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ Anita Kathryn Thompson This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires DEC 15, 2027 DEC 28, JAN 05, 12, 19, 2022 0534-CVF

FILED NOV 28, 2022

MELISSA WILK County Clerk

ALAMEDA COUNTY

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

Trans Women are Women

Last week’s letter from Monica Shieman (“Transgender Movement is Offensive to Women”) and Stacy Spink’s letter from a few weeks ago about being a “broken record” demonstrate that despite great advances in inclusion and diversity in Castro Valley, there continues to be those who reject the fundamental humanity of our neighbors.

As we have seen with Spink’s never-ending letter writing campaign to The Forum, he asserts opinions about the LGBTQ+ community to minimize its existence. Shieman authored a horribly transphobic letter that purposely misgenders and seeks only to take away the struggles that transgender Americans face. Trans women are women. Trans people are human, and being transgender is not a mental illness as she asserts.

When someone tells me who they are, I stand ready to accept them for the person they say they are. It’s not for me to dehumanize them and dismantle their identity in the pages of a community newspaper or social media.

Bigotry and sensationalism might bring attention to the letters to the editor, but not every letter needs to be published. Editorial judgement is a perfectly reasonable tool to be used to protect the vulnerable and marginalized in our community.

The Castro Valley Forum should stop amplifying the broken record of those who erase and normalize hate towards the LGBTQ+ community, a community made up of our neighbors, friends, and children.

–Michael Kusiak, Castro Valley

Fact or Fear? Which is It?

If you are going to write a letter to the editor about a topic of public interest, you need to know correct terminology and what you are talking about. Recently, one writer wrote a piece about transgender women, whom she referred to as ‘’transgender males.’’’ A transgender male is a person who was assigned female at birth and transitioned to male. That’s a transgender male. Transgender females are people who were assigned male at birth and transitioned to female. The writer used incorrect terminology throughout her letter. Also, a recent writer wrote that he does not want his teenage daughter sharing a locker room or dressing room with a transgender female. He said he based this on fact, and not on fear. But where’s the facts? He did not present a single fact about why his little girl should not be in the same room with a transgender female. Unless you clearly document your writing with proven facts or correct terminology, you are misleading the public. Fact or fear? Which is it? Or is it plain ingnorance? These people are using the same type of innuendo that hate groups have used over the years against Jews, Muslims, African-Americans, Asians, immigrants and other marginalized people. If you want to write op-ed pieces, ground your writing in fact, please. For the sake of the public being able to understand the issue.

–Angela Shipp, Castro Valley

FILED DEC 09, 2022

MELISSA WILK County Clerk

ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 593890

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es): American River Framing, LLC, located at 21609-A Orange Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): American River Framing, LLC, 21609-A Orange Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546. This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. This business commenced 10/01/2022 /s/ Kathryn Medina

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above. Expires DEC 08, 2027

DEC 21, 28, JAN 04, 11, 2022 0534-CVF

FILED

2022 MELISSA WILK County Clerk ALAMEDA COUNTY

–Kim Kean, Castro Valley

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jackson Morgan

Castro Valley resident Jackson Morgan is our Athlete of the Week. Morgan wrestles for Fresno City College. In his 2022-23 freshman campaign, he amassed an individual record of 32-2 wins in the California Junior College State Championship. He won his fnals match decisively with a score of 8-1. In addition to his individual accomplishments, his team, Fresno City College, also won the championships as a team and the team dual state championships. Jackson ended his freshman campaign capturing gold in four individual tournaments, two outstanding wrestler awards and two team state championships, and one individual title at 157 lbs, along with his JC all-American certifcate. Morgan is majoring in kinesiology and hopes to transfer to a 4-year university after winning next year’s championship.

Cayon Middle School Girls Basketball Dominates SACMAL Championships

Canyon Middle School has two new championship trophies to put in its display case. On December 15, the Varsity (8-2) and JV (8-1) Girls Basketball teams played in the Southern Alameda County Middle Athletic League (SACMAL) Championship games

at Bohannon Middle School, and both teams won. The Lady Cougars were placed as 2nd and 1st seeds in their respective divisions, and both played great games. Both Varsity and Junior Varsity teams defeated teams from Itliong Vera Cruz Middle School (IVCMS)

from Union City in the fnals. It should also be noted that Creekside Middle School Varsity (6-4) and JV (7-2) also had a great season and made it all the way to the playoffs. They were 4th and 2nd seeds in their division and played hard throughout the year.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Jackson Morgan

JV team: (6th Grade players) Akilah Snell, Ariana Bass, Abigail Domingo, Emma Lau, (7th Grade players) Ava Batteate, TaLae Jackson, Mya Rufno Williams, Isra Sherif, Jayden Johns, Katelyn Geisler; Coach: Jason Treglown

Varsity team: (7th Grade players) Gabrielle Rogge, Jessica Verdier, Taylor Sullivan, (8th Grade players) Elizabeth Bennett, Julia Crozier, Ava Francis, Gabriella Marquez, Zoe Popper, Kajah Weaver, Elise Talbot; Coach: Matt Christiansen