THIS FRIDAY,
6TH AT 6PM
Christmas Tree Lighting
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A PEEK AT THE CREEK: Some of the items dumped into Crow Creek near where it meets San Lorenzo Creek, near Grove Way in Castro
Groups Restore Creek, Return to Local Tribe
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Rights to a section of San Lorenzo Creek near Grove Way in Castro Valley were returned to a local indigenous tribe, while dozens of volunteers cleaned up a separate section of the waterway this past week.
Volunteers from the nonproft groups Forestr.org and RISE (Rising Into Self Empowerment) came on Saturday, November 30 to the confuence of San Lorenzo Creek, Crow Creek, and the creek running from Don Castro Park to haul out trash. Dozens of shopping carts were pulled out, along with some home appliances and many tires.
A little more than a mile downstream, the ancestral caretakers of what is now called San Lorenzo Creek got three acres of it back, it was announced on Monday, November 25. Eden Housing, which is building apartments nearby, returned the portion of the stream between Crescent Avenue and A Street to the Lisjan Nation. see CREEK on page 11
Cold Water is Thrown on CV Car Wash Plan
By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) MAC pumped the brakes on a proposed car wash that was planned to be developed on the former lumberyard site at the western end of the Boulevard.
The owners of Splash Brothers car wash sought to demolish the existing lumberyard buildings on the 1.35-acre site at 2495 Castro Valley Boulevard. But the MAC narrowly shot down the proposal
CAROL BIGELOW
and directed them to come back with a proposal that was more suitable for a “gateway” location in Castro Valley. Splash Brothers operates a car wash on Hesperian Boulevard in San Leandro, and they also have another location in Colorado. The owners wanted to open the Castro Valley site as self-service only and offer a monthly rate for unlimited car washes.
The MAC suggested that a full-service car wash and camoufaging any buildings see MAC on page 11
Giving Back to CV Community By Volunteering
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Carol Bigelow refuses to slow down when it comes to giving back to the Castro Valley community.
“My mantra is ‘get the job done and just do it,’” Bigelow says. “I want to make sure it gets done and the money goes to the right place and the right people handle it and get the problem taken care of.”
The longtime Castro Valley resident is not often in the spotlight but is known as a force behind more than a dozen projects and service see BIGELOW on page 10
New Restaurant Local chef bringing Puerto Rican cuisine to Castro Valley
2
Valley.
PHOTOS BY MIKE McGUIRE
Carol Bigelow
Creek cleanup volunteers, from left, Christina Barry and Avvy Espinosa, head out armed and ready to clean up San Lorenzo Creek near Grove Way in Castro Valley Saturday, November 30.
Almanac
Moon Phases
Local Chef Bringing Puerto Rican Food to Castro Valley
By Michael Singer SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Castro Valley will soon be home to some of the most celebrated Puerto Rican cuisine this side of San Juan now that La Perla restaurant is relocating from Oakland to the Castro Valley Marketplace on the Boulevard.
The restaurant is well known for serving authentic Puerto Rican dishes including beef empanadilla, chicharron de pollo, camarones a la criolla, and pollo encebollado.
Chef and owner Jose “Cheo” Ortiz, 65, who lives in Castro Valley, grew up in San Juan. He decided to bring La Perla closer to his home following some personal health issues. Ortiz and the staff served customers one last meal at his Fruitvale Avenue location this past Saturday. He expressed the “deepest gratitude for the love and support” from the community.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to our new location and serve you the dishes you know and love,” Ortiz said in a post on Facebook. “Thank you again, Oakland, for being part of our journey. We’ll forever cherish the memories and friendships we’ve built here. Your warmth, loyalty, and love for Puerto Rican cuisine have been the heartbeat of La Perla, and we look forward to seeing
The sign is now up at the Marketplace as Puerto Rican cuisine is coming to town.
you soon in Castro Valley.” Marketplace manager Donna Layburn said Ortiz had been coming to the downtown events for the last several months and immersing himself more fnding a place to open in Castro Valley.
“He showed up with our leasing agent one day and said he wanted to come to the marketplace,” Layburn told the Forum. “They signed the lease in August.
Ortiz, his son Gabriel, and the staff are now transforming a space on the second foor of the Marketplace and are expected to open their doors to the public next month with music and lots of fanfare.
“We put in a big window at the end. We’re just about fnished with that and then he’ll be getting his furniture and his equipment in there,” Layburn said.
Adding La Perla to the Marketplace allows people to try different types of food. Recent additions such as the Slice House by Tony Gemignani and Pho 510 join other eateries at the site including Akemi Sushi, Dumpling Kitchen, Seven Hills Baking, and Beard Papa’s. La Perla’s current website is down, but you can still get the latest news on from its Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/LaPerlaPuertoRicanCuisine/).
The End (Of Year)
Is Here
By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Happy December. Have we really arrived at the end of the year? Every year seems to feel this way - the beginning of the year starts off a little too slow, and the end comes a little too fast. So, a quick check in… how did the year turn out for you? Are you where you thought you’d be?
s as refecting on the year, it reminded me of an exercise my business coach gave me years ago. It felt a little dark at frst but b the end o the exercise, I was quite appreciative of it, and it gave me some clarity on what was important to me. The exercise?
Imagine you’re planning your own funeral. Six people in your life will stand up and say, in one sentence each, how they will remember you and what they will most remember you for. They will talk about the qualities that made you so special. Since you’re planning it, you get to determine what they say. Remember to keep it to one sentence. As you look at the six statements, start crossing off the ones that feel less important. Keep doing this until you’re left with one statement. This becomes the most important statement for you.
What goes on your list? I went back to look at my responses rom hen frst flled it out se en ears ago. see KOO on back page
CVEA Chamber Celebrates 400th Member: Slice House
The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the addition of its 400th member, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, mar ing a signifcant milestone in the Chamber’s history.
“Slice House is already a beloved institution in Castro Valley,” said Gary Slate, Chamber President. “We’re especially thrilled that they brought us to a total of 400 members! This achievement refects the strength and growth of our local business community.”
Located in the vibrant Castro Valley Marketplace, Slice House is the latest venture from Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion and Bay Area native. Known for his dedication to the art of pizza-making, Tony brings his signature styles—ranging from New York to Detroit—to Castro Valley. Tony’s connection to the community runs deep.
Many locals fondly remember Pyzano’s, the iconic pizzeria he co-founded with his brother Frank in the same area years ago.
“Pizza is more than food— it’s a craft,” says Tony Gemignani. “At Slice House, we’re not just serving pizza; we’re sharing a piece of the passion that has driven me for decades.”
The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber, a member-driven organization, continues to foster economic and civic health across the communities of Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, and San Lorenzo. By supporting businesses like Slice House, the Chamber strengthens the local economy and creates a more connected community.
Sheriff’s Reports
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Threatened with a Deadly Weapon
Sunday, December 1: At 1:39 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 53-year-old Castro Valley woman on suspicion of threatening someone with a deadly weapon and destruction of private property. The woman was seen in a shouting argument outside an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. Deputies intervened and took the woman into custody.
Breaking and Entering
Sunday, December 1: At 3:45 a.m., a 26-year-old CV man was arrested on suspicion of breaking into and entering a townhouse on Jaimison Way near Castro Village. Deputies responded to a silent alarm and found the man also had illegal drug paraphernalia and a warrant issued for his arrest. The man was additionally charged with resisting deputies.
Man Wanted for Stolen Vehicle, Drug Possession
Sunday, December 1: At 5:18 a.m., deputies served a warrant on a 36-year-old man from
Castro Valley at a retirement home on Dolores Street near Grove Way. The man had been previously convicted of auto theft, possessing stolen property, possessing false IDs, and possessing illegal narcotics. The man was stopped in front of the property when deputies pulled him over to serve the warrant. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.
Warrant Served on Multiple Offenses
Saturday, November 30: At 9:59 a.m., a 37-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested as part of a warrant for his capture. Deputies stopped the man outside an auto mechanic on Castro Valley Boulevard near Stanton Avenue. The man had been previously convicted of multiple drug charges, illegal possession o a frearm maing death threats, threatening with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, failing to register as a sex offender, and vandalism. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail pending a bail hearing.
Paul Taylor (from left to right), Todd Anglin, Sudhish Mohindroo, Gary Slate, and Kit Anita Thompson welcome Slice House as 400th Chamber member.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDY MARTINEZ
HEYER CENTER
Corner of Heyer Ave. and Center St., Castro Valley 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 AT HEYER CENTER
New guest and returning clients are always welcome in our cozy remodeled salon. Make your appointment early for the holidays.
BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE LOT AT HEYER CENTER
Open Nov. 29th.; specializing in freshly cut Douglas. Noble and Grand r trees. Proceeds from sales help support Boy Scout activities.
MOXIE WOMEN’S FITNESS
We specialize in providing individual tness programs for women Let us customize a tness program for you.
HEYER HOUSE LIQUOR
We carry a wide selection of beers, wine and liquor to meet your holiday needs.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8
Friends of the CV Library Indoor Book Sale
The Friends of the Castro Valley Library will hold an indoor book sale December 6 - 8 at the Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave., in Castro Valley. Sale times are as follows: Friday, Dec. 6: 6 to 8 p.m. Member preview. Memberships will be available at the door, or you can join any time by visiting the bookstore or our website. Saturday, Dec. 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Check today’s Forum for our $2 coupon (page 2), good on Saturday only. Sunday, Dec. 8: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fill a Bag day. Fill a standard grocery bag for $5. We will have all categories of books available fction, mystery, children s boo s, most genres of nonfction, V s, music s, audioboo s, igsa pu les, games, and lots of miscellaneous items, all at bargain prices. We will also have a selection of antiquarian, special price, and gift quality books. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. Proceeds pay for library programs and amenities that would not otherwise be possible.
Saturday, December 7
Friends of San Leandro Library Cookbook Sale
The Friends of the San Leandro Library will host a Cookbook Sale this Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10am to 3pm at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Avenue. Hundreds of beautiful books featuring cuisines from around the world will be featured. From the basic how-to to elegant dining recipes, these books originally sold for as much as $50 but will be sale-priced for much less. It’s a great time to start your holiday shopping with quality coo boo s at bargain prices ll proceeds beneft the an Leandro Library’s programs and services.
Saturday, December 7
Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony
Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony takes place this Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial (3567 Quail Avenue). Ceremony starts at 10am. Navy Veteran will speak about a Forgotten Battleship USS Utah.
Sunday, December 8
Help Us Make a Pollinator Garden
Faith Lutheran Church, Castro Valley is converting a portion of its lawn into a pollinator garden. Volunteers can help in laying cardboard, spreading mulch and beautifying our property along Redwood Road. Wear your grubby pants, bring a pair of gloves, and let’s invite more pollinators into our community! Event takes place this Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11am, at 20080 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley.
Tuesday, December 10
Castro Valley Rotary Hosts The Madrigals
The Madrigals, the premier acapella chorus from Castro Valley High School, will visit the Rotary. The Madrigals will perform between 1 and 1:15pm. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30pm. The buffet lunch is $20, and reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, Dec. 8, at castrovalleyrotary.org
Tuesday, December 10
Start Smart: Teen Driver Program
The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library present Start Smart: Teen Driver Program. CHP offcers ill discuss traffc collision avoidance techni ues, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities, and seatbelt usage. The Start Smart program is a driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15 - 19 and their parents/ guardians. Registration is required for this free program. To register, please call the Library Information Desk at 510-667-7900 or register online at www.aclibrary.org
RCS Celebrates Legacies of Student Peter Branson, ‘Coach’ Joe Hendren
On Saturday November 30, Redwood Christian Schools celebrated one of its frst graduates before the 46th Annual Peter Branson Memorial Basketball Game and 2nd Annual “Coach” Joe Hendren Memorial Basketball Game.
The Redwood Christian Schools Community came together for the 2nd Annual “Coach” Joe Hendren Memorial Basketball team between the 2024-25 Lady Eagles and alumna women with the 46th Annual Peter Branson Memorial Scholarship Game between the current 2024-25 Varsity Boys and alumni men culminating the Alumni Basketball Games.
Two of the highlights of this year’s Coach Joe Hendren Memorial Game were Lia (Merced, Class of 2000) Gilmore, who was a member of the 2000 State Championship
team, and, for the frst time in memorial games history, Mom, Christiana (Zipse) Keller (Class of 1998) play against her daughter, Kayla, a member of the Class of 2028.
As the girls’ varsity basketball coach at Redwood hristian igh for his frst 18 seasons from 1992-2010, Coach Hendren led the Eagles to a state championship, a state runner-up, two Northern California titles, two Section championships and fve consecutive NorCal Regional appearances. During the 18year run, his teams won 306 games while losing only 173. He later came out of retirement to coach at the Middle School and High School so he could coach his granddaughters. He took his team to the playoffs his fnal year
Coach Hendren’s success with the girls’ varsity included
taking the Lady Eagles to the Section playoffs in 15 of 21 seasons. He was named the ANG Newspapers Coach of the Year in 2000, the year the Eagles won the Division V State Championship. In 2012-13, he was named the California Interscholastic Federation North Coast Section Winter Honor Coach. Coach was inducted into the Castro Valley Sports Foundation Hall of Fame in 2014, the sixth coach in Castro Valley Athletics history inducted.
Peter graduated in 1978 as a member of Redwood’s second graduating class. He was killed in the summer of 1979 after his freshman year at BIOLA University. The school community has kept Peter’s memory alive with the Games that raise funds for the Peter Branson Memorial Scholarship that is awarded annually at Redwood Christian
High Schools Graduation. Several hundred past and present school students, parents and supporters gathered this year with even the alumnus’ players paying to participate. Lynn Conley Seuis and Mardele Benton Miller, both from the Class of 1980, were the “most senior” alumnus to attend.
“Through our 55 years of ministry, Redwood Christian Schools has so much to be thankful for, including our current students and their parents, and our graduates. Remembering Coach Hendren and his commitment for two decades was a godly example for all of us. And Pete is easy to do for those of us who knew him as he had the ready smile for everyone and his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” stated his former teacher and coach Bruce D. Johnson, RCS Superintendent Emeritus.
Green Leadership Award Presented to CVSan
On Wednesday, November 13th, Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) was presented with the Green California Leadership Award for a District for CVSan’s Schools Programs at the annual Green California Schools & Higher Education Summit in Pasadena, California.
Green Technology, a non proft organi ation, stated in their Summit Award Ceremony program, “CVSan Schools Programs, launched in 1994, have become a cornerstone in educating students about the 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot (Compost). These initiatives have led to an impressive school waste diversion rate of 90% in 2024, up from 40% in 2008, even as
school enrollment increased 25%. The program’s success is attributed to strong relationships built over three decades with school stakeholders, including superintendents, principals, teachers, custodians, students, parents, and volunteers.”
CVSan’s Zero Waste Supervisor Naomi Lue and Zero Waste Specialist II Jordan Figueiredo accepted the award.
Ms. Lue stated, “It has been a true honor to transform and energi e astro Valley s student community through CVSan’s Schools Programs. ”
Green Technology is dedicated to helping to connect the public and private sectors to share best practices, new technology, and help achieve California’s sustainability goals. For more information about this and many other CVSan programs, visit: cvsan.org/
Assistant Director of Athletics Greg Hinton (far left), Director of Athletics Scott Baginat (center rear), Principal Justin Redemer (sixth from right) Superintendent Emeritus Bruce D Johnson at right rear. PHOTO
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
COMMENTARY
Seasonal Pricing Ahead
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
With Thanksgiving behind us and bay area refrigerators laden with leftovers, thoughts now turn to the rest of the Holiday Season. It will not be hard to fnd decorations and gi ts many stores put their lights and other decorator items out before Halloween. At this rate, it will
not be too long before we will be able to buy BBQ briquettes for our 4th of July celebrations and Christmas tree lights on the same day.
As we head into holidays, I would be remiss if I did not point out that this is the absolute best time to buy a home. While inventory is always lower at this time of year as many sellers do not want their homes invaded during the festive
season, those who do have their properties on the market are usually motivated to sell, which frequently translates to lower prices and more bargaining power.
The height of the real estate market activity in any year is typically during May, with homes that go pending in May/ June typically closing in June/ July. Thus we normally see the highest prices in any given year
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• December 5th - Finance Committee Meeting.
• December 10th - Special Board Meeting.
• December 17th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Committee Meeting.
• December 17thWastewater Committee Meeting.
• December 24th and 26th - Christmas Holiday Observance (CVSan Closed).
• December 31st and January 1st- New Year’s Holiday Observance (CVSan Closed).
• January 6th and 10th - Holiday Tree Recycling.
• January 7th - Regular Board Meeting.
• January 13th and 17th - Holiday Tree Recycling.
Please note the above event schedule is subject to change. All CVSan Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. For complete meeting details and information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org.
in May/June/July. In 2023, the peak single-family (SFR) home prices in Alameda County were in July, with an average sales price of $1,434,000. In contrast, the average price in December, 2023 for SFRs was $1,337,000 – a decrease of 7.25%. We see the same in 2022, with a high in May of $1,688,000 and a much lower number in December, coming in at $1,435,000 – a whopping 17.63% decrease. This trend was also evident in 2021, as June saw a peak of $1,663,000 and December closed out at $1,361,000 – a stunning 22.19% decrease.
In a nutshell, I believe it is totally reasonable to expect the same trend in 2024 as well, as June prices averaged $1,420,000 while prices in October had already sunk to $1,328,000, a decrease of 6.93%. If past trends are any indicator, we can expect November and December average prices to be lower still.
Ironically, many buyers miss out on these seasonal opportunities as evidenced by the massive bump in market activity every spring. Some have too much going on during the holidays with concerts, parties, and so on. Others simply do not realize the simple fact that home prices are usually the lowest during December and therefore do not act. If you are looking to buy at bargain basement prices, it is now. Data from www.trendgraphix. com
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.
Castro Valley
Sensitive Plants Can Be Protected from Frost
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
QWe recently landscaped our yard with new hardscape and plants. What is the best way to protect the new plants from frost damage? I thought I heard about a spray that protects plants when frost is present.
ABonide Wilt Stop protects sensitive plants from cold weather damage. It coats the leaves of plants with a protective layer that insulates the tissue from the cold, but it still allows the leaves to breathe. Bonide Wilt Stop’s best ‘non-technical’ description is’ Chap Stick’ for plants. While you can apply it to all your plants, protecting deciduous plants, such as those that annually drop their leaves, like Japanese Maples and roses, is unnecessary. Also, evergreen
plants, woody ornamentals like Photinia, Camellias, Pyracantha, etc., and conifers like redwoods, pines, and junipers do not need any protection. The primary cold-sensitive plants that need protection are Bougainvilleas, Mandevilleas, Hibiscus, Citrus, and Succulents. This applies to those plants on open ground or in containers. ur frst rost or freeze date is in December, even though it’s getting cold at night. The Bay Area has a mixture of cold temperatures. The farther inland you go, the colder the winters. So. It’s early, and we can apply Bonide Wilt Stop now and let it dry. It’s a milky color that dries clear. Freezing temperatures, frost, or cold/frigid air are descants, pulling moisture out of plant tissue and causing the cells to rupture. The foliage is brunt, and you’ll have dead stems and branches depending on the internal moisture of the plant. There must be moisture
in the ground. Mother Nature supplies it in rain most years, but plants under any covering must be watered with any frost or freeze warning. The severity of the damage is determined by how cold it gets and how long the temperature stays under thirty-two degrees after the sun rises. Plants are not affected by the ‘wind chill’;
they are affected only by the actual temperature. With such warnings, I’d be prepared to cover the sensitive plants with a plant blanket such as N-Sulate or a similar product, but not plastic, as the cold will travel through it. The plants are covered at dinner time and removed at breakfast. All you need to do is toss it over the plants. It’s not necessary to tie or secure it. Frost or freezing temperatures only occur when the air is calm
with no air movement. It will not blow off. Typically, we get three to four warnings each winter. Also, it’s not advisable to wrap plants like a mummy for an extended period. Container plants should be clustered together and grouped next to the house. The escaping heat is benefcial. lso add some non-LED miniature lights. The lights give off small amounts of heat that can warm the cold air under the blanket. It has been a while, but if we get frigid temperatures, plants don’t survive. It has been a while since that has happened. I wouldn’t
be in any hurry to prune off the damaged tissue, as it can help protect the foliage below. The danger of frost is usually over by St. Patrick’s Day. But there are those years when there is a late frost, so wait until April to prune.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advance California Certified Nursery Professional and the Senior Gardening Professional at Sloat Garden Centers. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener. com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
CONCRETE SERVICE
S.L. CONCRETE SERVICE Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Tree and Drain Service. 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.
FENCES/DECKS
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
FENCES/DECKS
*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.
GARAGE SALES
Xmas Sale Sat. 12/7, 10am-2pm. Quality items. 794 Fulton Ave., San Leandro.
GARDENING
*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
GARDENING
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.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
IF YOUR GARAGE SALE IS RAINED OUT, WE'LL RUN YOUR AD AGAIN FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE. SLTimes
LEGAL NOTICES
Please BOYCE ELLIS be advised and put on notice that a small claims lawsuit in the amount of $3,852. 58 for move out charges has been filed on March 1, 2024 in the county of Alameda against Boyce Ellis for his contract of renting at the premises of 1555 164th Ave. apartment number 35 by the Plaintiff, San Leandro Ashland LLC, with the defendant being Boyce Ellis case number 24SC66034. This notice is to serve as publication of service as per the order granted and dated October 21, 2024 to run in this newspaper for four consecutive weeks.Contact plaintiff at Ashland Office located at 1555 164th Ave San Leandro, CA94578, 510-278-3920, Ashlandmanor@jleproperties.com
LANDLORDS - Advertise your units!
LEGAL NOTICES
Please JOSE AVILA be advised and put on notice that a small claims lawsuit in the amount of $3,099.84 for move out charges has been filed on March 1st, 2024 in the county of Alameda against Jose Avila for his contract of renting at the premises of 1570 164th Ave. apartment number 56 by the Plaintiff, San Leandro Shamor LLC, with the defendant being Jose Avila case number 24SC66032. This notice is to serve as publication of service as per the order granted and dated October 21, 2024 to run in this newspaper for four consecutive weeks.Contact plaintiff at Shamor Office located at 1570 164th Ave San Leandro, CA94578 510-278-1889 Shamorapartments@jleproperties.com
– Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?
Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.
MISC. FOR SALE
Model Airplane $50. Call at 510-8258412.
For sale 3 adult 3 wheel bikes.
Sturdy condition but need new tires. Two blue one pink $100 each. One child three wheel bike good condition needs new tires. 50.00. Phone 510 388 8105 or text or email angelaisme2015@yahoo.com
50 Christmas CD’s in great condition $50. Call 510-654-1951.
You can place a FREE “MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)
RENTALS/RV SPACES
RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $950/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
TREE SERVICE
*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE. Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377. Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –To place an ad call 510-614-1558 CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
Seniors
Senior Q&A: Will There be Cost of Living Increases or Tax Changes in New Year?
Q. My wife and I were wondering about tax and costof-living increases that we will see in 2025. Do you have any information on that?
By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
A. Yes. Here are some of the increases that you will see in 2025:
Annual Exclusion Amount Gifts (“AEA”): Presently, you can make individual gifts in the amount of $18,000 per person ithout the need to fle a gift tax return. A married couple fling a joint return can double that amount in order to make gifts of $36,000 per recipient. As of January 1, 2025, that amount will increase to $19,000 per recipient, which again may be doubled for a couple fling a joint return. o if you have 2 children and 4 grandchildren, and you both wish to make an Annual Exclusion Gift to each of them in 2025, together you could then gift them a total of $228,000 (calculated as follows: ($19K + $19K) X 6 recipients. No Gift Tax Return would be due and these AEA gifts would not reduce your lifetime federal estate or gift tax exemption. Federal Estate Tax Exemption: The Federal Estate Tax
Exemption is a credit against the value of your estate and is applied upon death to determine if an Estate Tax is due. That credit currently shelters $13,610,000 per person, but is scheduled to increase to $13,990,000 for persons dying in 2025. For most persons, that exemption is more than enough to shelter their entire estates from federal estate tax. However, these exemptions are derived from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) signed into law on 12/22/2017, and by terms of the law, itself, are scheduled to “sunset” at the end of 2025. Thereafter, the older exemptions will return, updated or infation. ost observers estimate that the e emption ill then adjust to about $7 million per person, which is still more than most people need in order to shelter their estates from tax.
covered by your Part “D” Drug plan will be capped at $2,000 for the year, but only for those drugs covered under your Part D plan. This cap will be welcome news for seniors with high out-of-pocket drug costs.
ocial ecurit etirement enefts ou and our i e’s monthl benefts ill increase by approximately 2.5% per month.
edicare art remiums or most ol s the edicare art premium ill increase from $174.70 per month to $185 per month, but the premium could be higher depending upon your incomes.
edicare ut oc et osts eginning in the out-of-pocket costs for drugs
upplemental ecurit ncome ederal benefts or ol s on ho uali by reason of having very modest resources and low incomes, will increase to $1,206.94 per month (including the Caliornia tate upplement and to $2,057.83 per month for a couple (with the California tate upplement . his represents an increase of about $24 per month for a single individual and $35 per month for a couple. The resource caps remain unchanged, i.e. $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 or a couple on . ood uestion and hope the above helps.
Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 25 years with Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate, Medi-Cal Planning, and related matters. To contact his offce, send an email to Gene@LawyerForSeniors.com or call (510) 247-2555.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD COMMUNITY: Carol Bigelow donated $10,000 to Forestr.org for a model school garden project at Marshall Elementary School.
Bigelow: Her Path to Build Community
continued from front page commitments. er the last years, her volunteerism includes working with the Castro Valley Rotary Club, Castro Valley nifed chool istrict hanticleers Theatre, Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Kenneth it en and a ard enior Center, Friends of the Castro Valley Library, and the Hill and alle Women’s lub to name a e . ne o her latest endeaors was to sponsor the Castro alle igh chool ol team during the “Day on the Greens” fundraiser, where the teenage girls recei ed econd lace. t ears oung igelo spoke with the Castro Valley Forum about her path and what it takes to build community. First and foremost, she says she has a keen desire to help people ho can’t help themsel es. t’s not about me it’s about
the communit igelo told the orum. t’s about ma ing a community a home, a place to walk downtown, and seeing these people with happy smiles on their faces.”
igelo is the ido o ichard ic igelo the longtime Castro Valley realtor and community organizer. uring ic ’s career arol raised their two girls and was a secretar or her husband. ut Carol said after his passing in 2016, she decided to get more involved and make a name for herself.
“When Dick passed, that emptiness was so hard to deal ith and that’s hen decided to do something uncomfortable and begin my involvement with di erent programs igelo said.
he e entuall ound the Castro Valley Rotary Club,
fell in love with the people and their purpose and immediately felt like a part of the group. ne some o the people such as Dwight Perry because he and my husband had been riends igelo said. n act m husband as ight’s mentor, so things have come ull circle. started getting acti e in the projects that ere going on there. lo e it. While all the projects she or s on are important igelow says the ones that are most special to her are the ones she may never see the results of. or e ample otar ’s reath of Life” program provides oxygen tanks to developing communities for life-saving surgeries. Closer to home, igelo is a regular olunteer for meal programs that serve less fortunate families. en though couldn’t be there this ear because as sic as than ul that 50 people in Hayward and 35 people in Castro Valley got to be served lunch,” she said. ro ing up igelo said her family moved around a lot. he learned at a oung age to give to others because she came from simple beginnings. ta ing put in astro alle has given her a place to serve others and build community through volunteering, she adds. here’s that old sa ing no man or no woman is an island and that’s true igelo said. thin e need to open our islands and see that there are there are things and there are people that need help if we just gi e a little more o our time and our empath . thin that most people are born with some ind o lo e and it’s up to us adults to teach our children that all those people that we can help will help us feel a lot better too.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY BOSLEY
MAC: ‘Gateway’ Location Questioned
continued from front page with public art might make the project more appealing. Ultimately, the vote was 3-2 to continue the item to a future meeting in order to give the owners a chance to make an adjusted proposal.
The MAC and public speakers alike questioned whether a car wash was an appropriate use of the site, which is one of the frst things people see hen e iting the free ay on trobridge Avenue, and thus what the county called a “gateway” location.
“The use is allowable but is it the best possible use?” asked Rodrigo Orduna, the county’s assistant planning director.
Public speaker Bruce King had the same concern, and added there are other options for car washes in town.
“Is this really what we want
for Castro Valley at a gateway site?” King asked. “Certainly, we all need a car wash, but I’d question how many car washes we need.”
MAC member Raymond Davis wondered if a drive-thru car wash was really a business that would attract people to other nearby businesses as the applicant suggested. There were also concerns about traffc the MAC previously denied an application for a hic fl at the site due to traffc concerns Chamber of Commerce
President Gary Slate endorsed the project, saying “We like that they are a small local business,” and said that perhaps the county could sponsor public art such as a mural to beautify the car wash.
Quentin Caruso, who is the broker for the lumber yard, said the property was put on
the market in July 2023 and received fve offers, three of which were car washes, essentially telling the MAC that the project may be the best they can get for the site.
“There was plenty of time with this on the property market for any buyers to make a proposition,” said Caruso.
Moving forward, the owners could adjust their plan or come back with an identical proposal and hope to get approval, or they could try to circumvent the MAC by going directly to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
At Monday night’s meeting, the MAC also approved an application to remodel an e isting single-family 5,012-square-foot home ith e tensive e terior changes and additions and interior improvements at 5763 Jensen Road.
Creek: Dehoused People Lend Hand
continued from front page Lisjan Nation Tribal Chairwoman Corrina Gould said in a release, “My people are named for this waterway, my ancestors would gather here. This place is important for our cultural and environmental restoration work.”
Indigenous people had known the stream as Lisjan ree he return is the frst of a waterway to the Lisjan Nation, also known as the Ohlone, according to a spokesperson for the tribe.
The land will be received by the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, an indigenous women-led group that is slowly “re-matriating” land once seized by European settlers back to the original tribal groups. Other small parcels in Oakland and Richmond have been returned over the last few years.
n offcial ceremony maring the return of the waters and creekside land was scheduled yesterday, November 3 at the site.
Cleaning the Creek for a Purpose
Among those volunteers helping with the cleanup upstream on Saturday were several currently homeless people and some formerly unhoused people who had once lived along Crow Creek in particular. Yon Hardisty, founder of Forestr.org, said that some blamed dehoused people for messes near creeks.
ut e fnd them e cellent partners,” he said. “We help incentivize cleaning by paying people $5 per bag of trash pulled out, and $10 for each
shopping cart. We don’t ask who, why or how. If we see trash, we pick it up. But we also try to f the land and move its products along to those who need them.” That includes Dig Deep Farms, food banks and community organizations.
Melissa Moore founded and heads RISE, whose membership is largely homeless. She said people were returning to their former homes on Saturday to clean up a bit.
She is a Castro Valley native who lived along Crow Creek for seven years, before being moved out by Caltrans in 2019, she said. She subsequently found housing and a job before starting the nonproft
Since 1965
Mortuary & Crematory
“We want to empower people to be self suffcient, she said. “When people talk about putting the homeless in contact with help, they often don’t know that probably 98 percent are signed up for help. But it’s a waiting game.”
You can get more information about the organizations mentioned at www.sogoreatelandtrust.org, edenhousing.org and www.forestr.org.
RISE is currently setting up a website, but Moore posts on both LinkedIn.com and Facebook.
Over 150 volunteers gathered to organize, sort, and count cans to support families in need on November 25 and 26 at Redwood
Castro Valley Thanksgiving Food Drive Sparks Gratitude
The Castro Valley Thanksgiving Food Drive wrapped up on a note of compassion and community spirit as over 150 volunteers gathered to organize, sort, and count cans to support families in need on November 25 and 26 at Redwood Chapel Community Church. This incredible turnout e emplifed the collective heart of Castro Valley, with volunteers of all ages contributing their time and energy.
A total of 83 families from the astro Valley nifed School District (CVUSD) shopped for groceries tailored to their needs. Many left the event visibly moved, with tears of gratitude for the assurance
of food on their tables during the holiday season. he generosity e tended beyond the families served.
After the distribution, leftover cans were donated and carefully organized to the Redwood Chapel food pantry.
This pantry, a cornerstone of local outreach, provides food to the community every third Saturday of the month, ensuring that the church can continue to support families year-round.
Pastor Jeff of Redwood hapel e pressed his gratitude for the volunteers and donors who made this event possible. “This was more than just a food drive—it was a demonstration of love and care for
our neighbors. What a joy to partner with Castro Valley Outreach to see the army of volunteers that came together to bring encouragement to families in Castro Valley.”
Castro Valley Outreach fed families and strengthened the bonds of community. They are also organizing the “Adopt-A-Family” program for CVUSD students for the month of December.
Castro Valley Outreach accepts all generous donations to continue their holiday efforts. Visit castrovalleyoutreach.org For more on the Redwood Chapel food pantry or how to get involved, please visit: redwoodchapel.org
Chapel Community Church.
Our Athlete of the Week is Levi Friesen, a Senior at Castro Valley High School who transformed from a promising young runner to a state-bound champion. His exceptional performance last month in the North Coast Section (NCS) Championships at Hayward High School earned him a spot at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Cross Country Championship with a personal record fnish of 0 riesen frst ran as a Freshman for the Trojans and was chosen for the Varsity team in his Sophomore year. He is currently a team captain. Friesen’s coaches say his dedication to his teammates and his positive attitude have fostered a strong team spirit. n the fall of 0 , evi ill continue his running career both in Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track at Goshen College in Goshen Indiana, a Christian college. Levi is no preparing for the 0 V trac season and the next chapter of his athletic career at Goshen College. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a strong support system, anything is possible.
Koo: Rather Than Focus on Outward Success, Focus on Inner Recognition
continued from page 3 It was interesting seeing how some of my thoughts have changed, and how some things haven’t changed at all. The intent didn’t change, but I think the emotions behind them have changed. If anything, I feel more strongly about who I want to become more than ever. I think that’s a good sign that I’ve more or less stayed on the path for me.
I like this exercise because you start with the end in mind. We never know when our time is up, and so we aren’t able to delay developing our character. We can push off tasks, but your integrity or internal compass will always know if you’ve lived up to your own standards. We know when we’ve fallen short of our own expectations, and those, at least for me, have been the greatest source of shame and embarrassment. So rather than let those
shadows grow, I choose to shine the light on it and see what I can change today. I think as I’ve
grown and experienced more life, I’ve come to appreciate people who also choose to do this for themselves.
This type of work is highly uncomfortable. There isn’t much feel-good, or inspiration involved in this because you’re looking at all the “mistakes and mess ups” you’ve made. But there’s something very powerful about going through it.
To me, it created a sense of identity that could no longer be shaken. People could call me out on my faults, and it wouldn’t bother me… because I already called myself out on it. It helped center me when things got a little (or very)
crazy because I knew my strengths and weaknesses, so I knew when to push through or when to ask for help. I became able to sit with myself, without distractions, and be comfortable with myself.
As we wind down the year, my urge for everyone is this: Rather than focus on outward success, focus on inner recognition and peace. How are you living out the statement that is most important to you? How can you do that today? Maybe right now as you’re reading this?
Let me know what your insights are from this exercise.
Coach Kev helps people fnd calm, clarity, and confdence in their life while keeping the end in sight. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail. com, or follow on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching and come meditate with him at https://bit.ly/kkcmeditation
Ch ristmas Tree Li g hting
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
AT 6:00 PM
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Levi Friesen