December 7, 2022

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

In 2013, Natalie Wong took her passion for baking and created macarons for $1 each at Skyline High School in Oakland. Little did she know she was about to embark on a journey that would see her selling her creations in Cas tro Valley at the Always Yours Bakery Cafe.

Originally making 8-10 favors under the business name of “Macarons by Natalie,” she began receiving more and more orders. In 2018, she did 3 pop-up markets to growing acclaim, but it was in late 2019 after the Foodie Land Night Market in Berkeley, where she sold her entire stock of 2,000 macarons on the very frst day, that she knew it was time to become a full-time baker.

“My passion for baking helped me over come all obstacles and made me even more determined to make owning my own bakery a reality,” Wong said. “Always Yours is proof of my hard work and determination. I now get to do what I love and serve my most delicious des serts made with the highest quality ingredients, love, and care to my community.”

see BAKERY on page 6

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Castro Valley Soccer Club hosted the NorCal State Cup Girls’ Under-13 Competitive matches at Alden E Oliver Park in Hayward this past weekend, with a notable sta tistic: half of the referees were female.

“It’s cool to be out here off ciating for other girls,” Castro Valley resident Carissa Lee told the Forum. “I got into be ing a referee because I played the game when I was younger. I knew most of the rules of the game after playing for so many years.”

Lee, who is a Junior at Cas tro Valley High School, and her fellow Freshman classmate Lillian Cooke were among the seven female referees offciating the 22 matches this weekend. Statistically, they are ahead of the average. Out of the estimated 3 million youth soccer players in the US, 48% are girls. That percentage is drastically different when it comes to offciating. Of the more than 8,700 professional referees in the US, only 24% are women. However, women are very slowly gaining mo mentum in offciating matches. The Germany vs. Costa Rica game on December 1 had an

entire female referee crew—the frst time ever at a men’s World Cup.

Back on the local pitch, Cooke says the players, coach es, and fans do notice if the refs are female, though it doesn’t faze her or change the way she offciates the game.

“Sometimes we have to be a little tougher on our calls and put more of our voice into it because the players and the coaches will try to push us to make a different ruling, but I feel like many referees deal with it that too,” Cooke said.

“Some people say that girls’ soccer is tougher than boys’ see SOCCER on back page

HOPE HOSPICE

Holidays For the Grieving

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Holidays can be joyous for many people, stressful for oth ers, and perhaps a bit of both for most. Some, though, fnd holidays even harder, particu larly if they have recently lost someone dear at a time when everybody else at least seems to be happy.

As many people are emerg ing from pandemic isolation and craving interaction with others, more people than usual are grieving loved ones during holiday gatherings this year.

Arlene Baldwin, director of grief at Hope Hospice in Dub lin, which provides help to peo ple in their last days and helps those who just lost a loved one, says one can do both.

Baldwin says the Number One tip is to manage your see GRIEVING on page 14

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

Lillian Cooke (at left) and Carissa Lee

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Always Yours Bakery Cafe owner Na talie Wong proudly stands behind some of her tasty creations.

Goal Setting: Don’t Make This Mistake

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! The end of the year really comes and goes pretty quickly, doesn’t it? If you’re someone who likes to stay on top of things, then you’ve probably

already started planning for the new year. If you’re not a planner… I’m glad you stopped by!

Goal setting is one of those things that we know we’re supposed to d,o and depending

on the environment you’re in, or your natural inclinations, you may or may not be good at setting goals.

Here’s my question: For all the goals you have set, how many were successful, and how many were… less successful? Remember, learning comes from mistakes! How many goals did you set that flopped? I’ll admit, there were some big and some small that really didn’t work out.

As a thinker, I kept asking myself, why didn’t the goals work out? As I kept reflecting on it, I remembered a short but powerful thought that I learned: Be. Do. Have. The idea is that if you can be a certain type of person, you’ll do the things that person would do, then you would have the see KOO on page 3

LIVING THE DREAM

Flower Power: Castro Valley Couple Open ‘Flower Truck’

Many of us have had a great idea and thought, “I would love to start my own... (fill in the blank.)” Over time, I plan to explore the dream and the folks that are creating those dreams right here in Castro Valley. They are “living their dream.” Please stop by these new businesses and introduce yourself. Even better, make a purchase and tell a friend.

By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

You may know Sarah Foxworthy as Families Coordinator at 3Crosses Church. Her husband Austin is Families Pastor at 3Crosses Church. They are both the proud parents of Maddox, Scarlett and Nash. With the launch of their holiday pop-up, Foxwor-

thy Floral, they have added “small business owner” to their resumes. This energetic couple recently opened “a flower truck” at the corner of Castro Valley Blvd. and Wilbeam (across from Chipotle). On Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons until the end of December, look for Foxy, a beautifully restored, custom see FLOWER on page 6

we're grateful for your support, & honored to be a part of your day.

Austin and Sarah Foxworthy recently opened “a flower truck” at the corner of Castro Valley Blvd. and Wilbeam (across from Chipotle).

PHOTO CREDIT: BRESLOW IMAGING

Compiled by Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wanted Man with Drugs in His Pocket

Friday, December 2: at 12:00 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 38-year-old man from Castro Valley as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously convicted of breaking and entering a property and interfering with a business’s operation. Deputies served the warrant outside a business on Grove Way near Center Street and found methamphetamine drugs in his pocket. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Shoplifter Caught

Friday, December 2: at 12:07 p.m., a 32-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a grocery store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Redwood Road. Deputies responded to a call from the store manager about a man leaving without paying for the merchandise. The man was taken into custody.

Assault and Battery

Thursday, December 1: at 10:29 a.m., deputies arrested a 51-year-old woman with no permanent residence on suspicion of assault and battery. The woman was reportedly involved in an altercation with another person outside a gas station on Lake Chabot Road near the Boulevard. Deputies handcuffed the woman and took her into custody. The victim was treated at the scene. see REPORT on page 14

Lighting Up the Holiday Season

This young lady from Castro Valley gives her family a huge smile while sitting on Santa’s lap. The photo was taken during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at Castro Village. The wet weather this past Friday did not dampen the exciting entertainment scheduled that night, including an appearance by the Grinch. Thankfully, deputies with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office– on hand to receive unwrapped presents for needy families– were there with Santa to prevent the gifts from being taken. The tree will remain lit until the New Year.

Koo: How To Reach Your Goal

continued from page 2 results that that type of person would have. What I realized is that I was doing the things, but I wasn’t being the person, which is why I didn’t have the results.

For example, if someone wants to lose weight, they know they need to exercise more and/or eat healthier. However, if this person believes they’re big-boned… what are the chances the person will lose weight?

If they do, it will most likely be short-term. Even if they do the work, because the person has the identity of someone big-boned, that belief will influence how much weight they can lose.

So what went wrong? The “Be” didn’t line up with the “Do.” This is why I believe goals aren’t achieved.

After this realization, I started thinking about everything I’ve said or heard others say. “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick.” What does that mean? It means this person is “old” and doesn’t want to change.

“I’m bad with technology/ social media.” This person may try to use technology or social media but will probably see all the reasons why it doesn’t work rather than how it could work. What are your chances of changing if you hold on to that identity?

Here’s how this has worked out for me. Growing up, I was in martial arts, did some sprinting in high school, and started playing tennis in see KOO on page 5

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Linda Sandsmark

Amy

Jim Knowles

Gene

Carl

Terry

Debbie

Thomas Lorentzen

Bruce Roberts

Contributors:

PHOTO BY MIKE MCGUIRE

Holidays at Hayward Historic Homes

Get into the spirit of the season and visit two Hay ward area historic homes this December. Meek Mansion, lo cated at 17365 Boston Road in Cherryland, and McConaghy House, at 18701 Hesperian Boulevard, will be open on the frst three Saturdays in December, festively decorated and full of family fun.

Self-guided tours are available between 10 am and 2 pm at both sites, with plenty of docents to answer questions about the properties. Each

open day will feature family crafts and refreshments. Visit with Santa at McConaghy House on Dec. 3 and at Meek Mansion on December 10th. Listen to stories with Mrs. Claus at McConaghy House on Dec. 17 at 10 am. Listen to the songs of Christmas with members of the Hayward Community Chorus on Dec. 17 at Meek Mansion. During regular open hours, there is a suggested $5 donation, which goes to support the ongoing maintenance of these homes.

Guided tours will be available (at Meek Mansion on Dec. 3, and) at McConaghy House on Dec. 10. Guided tours are $15 per person, or $10 for HAHS Members. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling (510) 581581-0223.

More information about vis iting Meek Mansion and Mc Conaghy House in December, as well as the full schedule of activities, is available online at www.haywardareahistory.org or by calling (510) 581-0223.

Free Winter Concerts at Arts Center

The best part of the winter season is spending time with family and friends. Mark your calendars and invite your friends for three free winter concerts put on by the Castro Valley Adult & Career Educa tion Bands.

On Dec. 10 at 7:30 “Route 66” the CVACE Swing band will play music from the Big Band era. Director Mark Mo relli will lead the band in lively selections from Besame Mucho to Bandstand Boogie along with Christmas selections.

On Dec. 11 at 2pm. The CV Orchestra will perform with conductor Josh Cohen.

On Dec. 21 at 7:30 pm Kathy Maier will lead the CV Community Band.

All events are at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, Dec. 8

CVEA Chamber Monthly Mixer

Join the Castro Valley / Eden Area Cham ber of Commerce Monthly Mixer on Thurs day, Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 7 pm at the CV Moose Lodge, located at 20835 Rutledge Rd, CV. There will be hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar. Event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. If you can, The Alameda County Sheriff’s Offce Holiday Toy Drive is asking for donations to beneft our local community in the unincorporated Alameda County. Bring a new unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation and receive a raffe ticket for the drawing that evening.

Friday & Sunday, Dec. 9 & 11 Morrisson Theater Chorus

The Morrisson Theater Chorus returns this Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 pm and Sunday Dec. 11 at 2 pm at the Douglas Morrisson Theater (22311 Third Street, Hayward). This unfor gettable concert is sure to raise spirits and spark the holiday mood. Cesar Cancino will again direct and entertain with his informa tive and witty comments about the music and performers. Get out your warm and fuzzy (or ugly) holiday sweaters and attend this fun evening! Tickets can be purchased at HARD offce (1099 E. St. Hayward) or on line at haywardrec.org or call 510-881-6700. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Saturday Dec. 10

Free Concert: Saxophone Quartet

Fun’SQ will be jazzing up the holidays at the Castro Valley Library on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2 to 3:30 pm. Join us and enjoy sax ophone tunes that will have the whole family engaged! They’ll perform from a wide range of music genres including holiday tunes, vid eo games, jazz, classical, pop/rock, movies, anime and more. Reservations are required for this free event. Register at aclibrary. org. We will be maintaining social distanc ing practices and following all local health precautions and guidelines. For more info, call 510-667-7900, or see Events at: https:// aclibrary.org/location/castro-valley-events

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 10 & 11 Hoilday Gift Boutique

Aran’s Art Studio will host a holiday gift boutique on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5 pm to 9 pm and on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 am to 4 pm. All vendors will be local artists. There will be live music and light refreshments. Aran’s Art Studio is located at 3313 Village Dr., Castro Valley (in Castro Village on the corner of Santa Maria and Village Drive).

Sunday, Dec. 11

Free Concert: Castro Valley Orchestra

Castro Valley Orchestra will present a free concert on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 pm at Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. Works by Berlioz, Schubert, and Saint-Saens will be presented. Flautist Beverly Johnson and clarinetist Michael Wilson will be featured. A reception will follow the concert. Masking and distance protocols will be observed.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Madrigals Visit CV Rotary Club

The Madrigals, the premier acapella chorus from Castro Valley High School, will visit our Club. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $20, and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510402-5123. More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 13

CV School of Music Winter Recital

The Castro Valley School of Music is holding their 2022 Winter Recital on Tues day, Dec 13 at 6 pm at The Chabot Theater. Come out to support music education in Castro Valley as students perform songs of the season and more. Tickets are $5 and can be found on Eventbrite.Com and purchased at the door the night of the event. For more info call (510) 397-0721.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Homework Volunteer Orientation

The Castro Valley Library is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic High School student volunteers, just a few hours a week, for its after-school Homework Assistance Center. Stop by the Homework Center volunteer orientation on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 4 pm. Are you looking for community service hours or need some job experience for your resume? Sign up for hours and help students tackle their homework, gain valuable experience, and have fun. Contact the Castro Valley Library at 510-667-7900 for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Free Live Music at CV Library

Enjoy live music! Two local groups will present a program of light classical and seasonal music. Members of the groups are local residents who wish to share their lifelong love of music with the community. The groups have performed throughout the Bay Area. The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 pm. Reservations are required for this FREE event. Register at aclibrary.org. The Castro Valley Library is a branch of the Alameda County Library sys tem. The library is located at 3600 Norbridge Avenue. For more info, call the library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at aclibrary.org/ location/castro-valley-events/

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Free Concert: CV Community Band

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

Koo: What Do You Want to Achieve?

continued from page 3 college. Overall, I was thin and pretty athletic. After becoming an adult, I went through that phase where I compared my body to my younger body and felt really bad about it. I tried working out, going to the gym, running, etc. However, it didn’t work. I didn’t see myself as a gym rat or a runner. No tice those were both identity statements.

Finally, I decided to get a trainer, and he asked me a powerful question, “How do you want to feel?” You see, at that time, it was six months be fore my son was born. I knew I was out of shape and wanted to be in better shape by the time he was born.

When he asked me this question, I started to imagine myself crawling on the foor with my son, so I knew I needed to be mobile. I saw him getting into odd corners, so I knew I needed to be fexible.

And I eventually saw him running around, so I needed to be agile and fast (inspired by my sprinting days).

These feelings guided who I wanted to be: a present father - someone who could do things with his son and not be limited physically. This was the moment that exercise made sense. It also shaped how I exercised. I didn’t need to become the next Mr. Universe; I just needed enough strength to carry my child.

I didn’t need to be the fastest runner, just faster than my son. I ended up focusing more on eating better foods that wouldn’t slow me down, and I used walking and stretching as my main exercises. Anything more than that was a bonus.

Here’s the thing that makes me chuckle. I thought I needed to be the type of person who loves working out, feeling the burn, and being drenched in sweat… but I just wanted to be

a good father. Logically, I nev er would have connected being a good father and exercising together. It’s because of this connection that I call myself a life coach. Every aspect of life is connected to every other aspect of life.

If you feel like you’re held back in one area, it’s probably infuencing another area as well. Or maybe you’re being held back because of another area in life.

What are you wanting to achieve in 2023? Who do you need to be to do the things to have that result? In my next article, I’ll talk about what infuences your being. If you want a sneak peek, shoot me an email. Chat soon!

Kevin helps people gain clarity on what they want in life, craft a plan, and support the execution of the plan while being a better person when possible. Contact him at kev inkoocoaching@gmail.com

RCMS Wins First Place, Advances in First Lego League Team Competition

The Redwood Christian Middle School FLL (First Lego League) Team, the Electric Eagles, competed on November 19 in Modesto, and their Innovation Project won First Place out of twelve teams from throughout the East Bay from public, private and Christian schools. The theme of the compe tition is “Super Powered” focusing on different types of energy sources. The team chose to work with Biofuel

for their project. The team codes robots to run missions and conduct scientifc research, but must also establish a code of conduct that guides their interactions as a team.

The Electric Eagles advance to the Nor-Cal Regionals in March with details to be announced in January. The winners advance to Interna tional Innovation Expo. The Electric Eagles are coached by Dr. Brett and Mrs. Josie Warneke.

Redwood Christian Middle School Principal Dr. Albert Castaneda is very proud of his students stating “Dr. and Mrs. Warneke are amazing coaches. They kept the team focused and worked diligently on their bio-energy project. Every one’s hard work and dedica tion resulted in our advancing to the NorCal Regional FLL Competition. Our entire school community is so proud of their innovative idea and effort.”

Back row (left to right): Mrs. Josie Warneke (Coach), Quintin Warneke (7th grade), David Magana (6th grade), Erich Geronimo (8th grade), Ethan Chen (8th grade), Thorin Warneke (team mentor) Middle row: Lucas Arellano (7th grade), Andrew Goodson (7th grade), Dr. Brett Warneke (Coach) Front row: Hudson Ottinger (6th grade), Nick Sherman (6th grade), David Mayne (7th grade)

Bakery: 1 Year Anniversary Celebration This

continued from front page Wong says she always had a passion for baking and once she tried making French macarons, she found her niche. Natalie’s passion fueled her to try new designs and flavors and her dessert creations helped her grow her business.

“I like to be artistic, and I love to draw, so I wanted to turn my art into something edible,” Wong said. “In the Bay Area, most bakers stick to the basic flavors of macarons like vanilla, pistachio, chocolate, and raspberry. I wanted to make it more like Baskin Rob-

bins with more original flavors. Some are inspired by my Asian including matcha and white rabbit candy, which is an Asian candy I grew up with.”

But when the pandemic hit, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was making a mistake baking full-time. The outlook was not encouraging for businesses all over the world, and the Bay Area was not the exception. Her orders were being canceled and Natalie came to a crossroads regarding whether she should continue following her dreams. owever, like a true baker, she got back in the

kitchen to create more mouthwatering desserts and kept her dream alive.

Natalie opened the Always Yours Bakery Cafe in late 2021, amidst the pandemic, after raising more than $93,000 through a Kickstarter campaign with the simple belief that through all our differences, everyone can come together over mouthwatering desserts. ow, with her very own bakery and cafe in Castro Valley, they are known for having a wide variety of macaron flavors and 6-8 character-macaron designs by Natalie herself.

Saturday, Sunday

Additionally, the success of Natalie’s bakery and cafe helped them grow to offer custom orders and catering for community and private events and for tech companies such as YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other local businesses throughout the Bay Area.

Wong says she chose Castro alley to launch her first shop because of the community. The site in the Castro Village also had good parking and other restaurants and shops that would support her macarons.

“The hardest part of launching the shop was planning it all out and getting the right vendors lined up to do help me realize my goals,” Wong said

noting she hopes to expand operations to San Mateo and San Jose.

One year later, surviving a worldwide pandemic, the doors to Always Yours Bakery Cafe are still welcoming guests and bringing together the community. To commemorate this milestone, a ear Anniversary celebration, will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, from 11 am to 8 pm.

Customers will get to celebrate with the employees. There will be a raffle with 0 pri e winners and an online trivia game with 3 prize winners.

or more information visit https always-yours-bakeryturns-one.eventbrite.com

Flower: CV

continued from page 2 9 ord flatbed truck loaded with buckets of beautiful flowers and the trimmings.

Wishes Everyone A Very Safe and FestiveSeasonHoliday

Foxworthy Floral encourages their customers to be involved in creating one-ofkind bouquets. Customers choose flowers, special tags and ribbons and Sarah arranges them. Flowers are sold by the stem. As she learns the preferences of her customers, Sarah hand-picks the blossoms at the San Francisco Flower Mart. Currently, Sarah has some jolly rosty the Snowman vases that are perfect hostess gifts that can be filled with flowers or succulents. Arrangements are also available upon request and customers can bring in their own vases if they like.

Sarah grew up loving flowers. She smiles as she remembers her landscape contactor father, Stephen Wright, quizzing her on the names of flowers like other parents might call out spelling words. With his passing in 2021, Sarah wanted to do something in his memory. When she first suggested this venture to her husband, he was a little skeptical. That all changed when she told him they needed to look for a truck! That was a project he could get behind!

Austin found the truck on Craigslist in San Jose and will enthusiastically talk about the truck to anyone stopping by their flower stand.

Sarah says that one of the best parts of Foxworthy Floral is meeting her customers.

So often the flowers are a gift for a special occasion to brighten someone’s day. I am so happy to be a part of that.”

Overhearing our conversation, a customer added, “Sarah’s beautiful smile makes the whole transaction a joy.”

Check out weekly hours and read more about them at www.Foxworthyfloral.com or Instagram: foxworthyfloral

HEYER CENTER

Corner of Heyer Avenue and Center Street Wishes you Happy Holidays

CAFÉ RUMI

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

STUDIO ONE SEVEN SALON

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

BOY SCOUT CHRISTMAS TREE LOT

Open Nov. 26th.; specializing in freshly cut Douglas. Noble and Grand fir trees. Proceeds from sales help support Boy Scout activities. D’S FITNESS DESIGNED 4 WOMEN

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times

San Francisco Leading the Nation in Falling Home Prices

IIt is no secret home prices have been heading downwards. Since the motto in real estate is, “Location, Location, Location,” it makes sense that some areas go up and down faster than others. In general, the most desirable areas go up in price the fastest and, when the market slows, are also the places hit the hardest by decreasing prices.

One of the issues in real estate is the information lag between what is happening on the front lanes and the eventual data used to analyze the market. When hearing real estate prognostications on the news, you must always keep in mind that the data is over a month old. In the case we are looking at here, it has already aged 4 months. In real estate, that can be an eternity.

The CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index measures real estate prices in the U.S. and their data from uly and u ust reveals which areas were hit the hardest by the shifting home prices. Since the market shift e an in May it is reasonable to expect that the current numbers will be worse now that are deeper into the new market.

Here are the top 10 losing markets across the nation, based on the decrease in sales prices etween uly and u ust (a one month period) beginning with #10 and working down to #1.

10. Las Vegas, NV, slid 1.3%.

9. Washington, DC, down 15%. 8. Dallas, TX, off 1.9% 7. Portland, OR, dipped 1.9% 6. Phoenix, AZ, decreased .1%

. enver C lowered . 4. Los Angeles, CA, depressed . 3. San Diego, CA, reduced . . Seattle W dro ed . 1. San Francisco, CA, slashed 4.3%.

While these percentages may not seem like much, remember that this was the loss from one month to the next. If we use the uly median rice of $1,850,000 for a home in San Francisco and calculate a 4.3% loss, it comes out to almost $80,000 in a single month. If that rate continues, the compounded reduction over a few months would e si nificant.

The other thing to remember is that prices track over a

region: if San Francisco prices are dropping, you can count on surrounding cities being impacted in the same way. Although San Francisco may be currently leading the nation in falling home prices, as we have seen in local sales, the Central County is not far behind.

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.

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Livermore • $1,270,000 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths 2,377 Sq.Ft. • 8,185 Sq.Ft. Lot

If you value location, style, and quality, then you’ll fall for this single level home tucked away in one of Livermore’s nest neighborhoods and minutes from downtown restaurants, wineries, shopping, trails and parks. Appreciate the generously-sized bedrooms and bathrooms, enjoy fresh picked grapefruit and oranges from the mature fruit trees, and entertain guests in the park-like backyard. Tour your future home today!

Open Saturday and Sunday December 10 and 11 from 1-4 pm.

Judy Grubb, Realtor

The Grubb Team 510-909-2930 Judy@GrubbTeam.com www.TheGrubbTeam.com DRE. #01367593

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

THE DIRT GARDENER

QWhat can I plant in a container that can be brought indoors for a couple of weeks during the holidays and then moved back outside?

AI’d consider a Sasanqua Camellia or an Alberta Spruce. Sasanqua

Camellias are blooming now, with the variety Yuletide being particularly popular. Yuletide has a single row of petals, a festive red color with yellow stamens in the center. It’s also available in pink. They make an excellent container plant. Sasanqua Camellias grow six to eight feet tall in the ground, but the size is easily controlled with pruning for containers. The blooming period starts in the late fall and is usually finished y an uary. Unlike the spring blooming varieties, Sasanqua’s grow in the sun as long as the roots are insu-

19826 Fern Way Castro Valley • Asking $925,000 Seldom available 1/3 acre lot in the heart of Castro Valley. Non-tract charmer featuring 3 bedrooms, formal dining , hardwood oors and replace. Huge detached 3+ car garage/workshop. Room to add on, possible ADU, and side yard access to the back.

Call Trish 510 367-7999 Merry Christmas!

lated with mulch from the heat of the day sun. Alberta Spruce make an excellent small-living Christmas Tree. They’re a dark green color with short needles and a compact growth habit. Whether they’re indoors or out, you can decorate them with holiday lights, ornaments, or any other type of decorations. For this year, I’d leave them in their original container and transplant them in the spring. The cans can be covered with different materials, such as foil, burlap, and landscape fabric, with artificial holly and erries. Before bringing them indoors, water them thoroughly several days beforehand and place a clear plastic tray under them to protect the car et or oorin . d ee them indoors for no longer than two weeks and water them immediately when they’re brought back outdoors with room temperatures around seventy degrees. Depending on the container size, a cup of water or two should e suffi cient every five days. lso ee them away from any heat-generating source, such as heating

vents or a fire lace. Sasan ua Camellias or Alberta Spruce are beautiful and festive around entryways when combined with red and white cyclamen, Zygocactus and, of course, Poinsettias.

I was given a mixed arrangement of plants consisting of Kalanchoe, Dragon Tree, and Silvery Queen Pothos. After separating the plants and transplanting them into separate containers, the leaves on the Dragon Tree are falling off. Is that normal?

The Dragon Tree, or Dracaena, is a columnar plant. They’re usually found with multiple plants growing in the same container at staggered heights. It is usual for the lowest or oldest leaves to turn yellow and fall off first. nli e other plants, the new leaves will not develop where they dropped off. The recent growth forms at the top of the canes; hence, there is no lateral branching. Excessive leaf drops can be from excessive moisture, so you don’t want to overwater them. They can go several weeks in between watering. I’d give them a good soaking by watering them in the sink and letting the water drain before returning them to their permanent location.

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

2285 Star Avenue 94546: $680,000 [3

BD - 1,260 SF - 1947

21137 Dawe Avenue 94546: $771,000 [2 BD - 906 SF - 1948

2719 Somerset Avenue 94546:

$900,000 [3 BD - 1,449 SF - 1946

4262 Nando Court 94546: $980,000 [3 BD - 1,296 SF - 1958

5202 Reedley Way 94546: $1,150,000 [3 BD - 1,997 SF - 1965

6003 Greenridge Road 94552:

$1,168,000 [4 BD - 2,119 SF - 1975

19053 Helton Street 94546: $1,230,000 [4 BD - 2,134 SF - 1976

4460 Belmont Way 94546: $1,400,000 [4 BD - 2,104 SF - 1963

18672 East Cavendish Drive 94552:

$1,435,000 [4 BD - 1,908 SF - 1979

5650 Shadow Ridge Drive 94552:

$1,605,000 [4 BD - 2,141 SF - 1973

4937 Seaview Avenue 94546:

$1,650,000 [4 BD - 3,022 SF - 1991

2218 Grove Way 94546: $630,000 [3 BD - 1,288 SF - 1948

336 Orchard Avenue 94544: $700,000 [2 BD - 1,020 SF - 1948

600 Old Oak Lane #4 94541: $705,000 [3 BD - 1,356 SF - 2011

16948 Westerman Court 94541:

$710,000 [3 BD - 1,071 SF - 1951

25555 Compton Court #103 94544: $725,000 [2 BD - 1,440 SF - 1990

2836 Berta Drive 94541: $735,000 [2 BD - 816 SF - 1947

2427 Oliver Drive 94545: $735,000 [4 BD - 1,656 SF - 1970

27805 Tampa Avenue 94544: $780,000 [3 BD - 1,000 SF - 1954

25824 Scripps Street 94545: $810,000 [3 BD - 1,359 SF - 1959

22553 5th Street 94541: $890,000 [3 BD - 1,694 SF - 1940

24806 Papaya Street 94545: $980,000 [3 BD - 1,805 SF - 1959

28120 Riggs Court 94542: $1,055,000 [3 BD - 2,168 SF - 1986

28126 Dobbel Avenue 94542: $1,150,000 [4 BD - 2,248 SF - 1978

24828 Canyon View Court 94541: $1,650,000 [2,332 SF - 1959

15061 Hesperian Boulevard #42 94578: $500,000 [2 BD - 932 SF - 1985 678 Elsie Avenue 94577: $590,000 [2 BD - 1,100 SF - 1940

550 Williams Street 94577: $600,000 [3 BD - 1,093 SF - 1937

532 Maud Avenue 94577: $700,000 [3 BD - 1,323 SF - 1909

15352 Mendocino Street 94579: $700,000 [3 BD - 1,121 SF - 1955 16366 Blanco Street 94578: $749,000 [3 BD - 1,018 SF - 1947 15590 Cranbrook Street 94579: $780,000 [3 BD - 1,100 SF - 1958 740 Crosby Place 94579: $820,000 [3 BD - 1,073 SF - 1952 831 Casanova Drive 94578: $875,000 [3 BD - 1,402 SF - 1954 347 Warwick Avenue 94577: $899,000 [3 BD - 1,290 SF - 1920 3492 Carrillo Drive 94578: $900,000 [4 BD - 1,587 SF - 1955

15103 Costela Street 94579: $948,000 [4 BD - 1,658 SF - 1951 2269 Estabrook Circle 94577: $1,050,000 [2 BD - 1,966 SF - 1941

6 Trace ane : , ”

29300 Dixon Street #301 94544:

$385,000 [1 BD - 598 SF - 1984

357 Laurel Avenue #3 94541: $450,000 [2 BD - 882 SF - 1974

15065 Hesperian Boulevard #27 94578: $430,000 [2 BD - 771 SF - 1985

736 Matoza Lane 94577: $1,078,000 [4 BD - 2,207 SF - 2002 1870 Dayton Avenue 94579: $1,100,000 [5 BD - 2,741 SF - 1954 16565 Hannah Drive 94578: $1,100,000 [5 BD - 3,775 SF - 2009 2488 West Avenue 135th 94577: $1,520,000 [4,194 SF - 2004

Strategic Lawn Mowing

By Samantha Mazzotta SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Wondering how to get those neat cross-hatch patterns in your lawn like the pros do?

Mowin in a s ecific attern isn’t the only way, nor the best way, to get those neat checkerboard stripes. A healthy lawn and proper mowing technique also are important.

Neat patterns, or stripes, are made noticeable by bending the grass blades in one direction on one stripe, and another direction on an opposing stripe.

Here are a few tips:

• Raise your mower blades: Cutting the grass too low to the ground damages the plant, makes it grow unevenly, and leaves it vulnerable to weeds, diseases and pests. It also ma es atterns difficult or im possible to create, because the shorter blades don’t bend very far.

• Never cut more than onethird of the grass height: Depending on the type of lawn you have, the ideal height may vary – Bermuda, for example,

has an ideal height of about 1 inch, fescue or blue grass should be 2 to 3 inches tall, while St. Augustine should be mowed to a height of 3.5 to 4 inches. Let your grass grow at least one-third higher than its ideal height before mowing.

• Never cut wet grass: This one’s a no-brainer, but cutting when dew or rain is still heavy on the grass will prevent a clean cut, damage the grass, cause clumping and keep you from seeing that ideal pattern.

• Maintain your mower: Sharp blades are essential for a good cut, along with an engine wor in efficiently.

• Change direction: Once you get that nice pattern on the lawn, the best way to keep it is to change up the way you mow. Every other time, mow in a different pattern.

• Ideal pattern: There are a number of striping techniques. Scag, which sells professional mower equipment, has a tutorial with instructions on how to create several patterns (www. scag.com/lawnstriping.html). You’ll need a roller attachment to bend the grass to achieve that professional look.

• Overlap properly: Each pass should be overlapped by the next by about 3 inches to

make sure you don’t miss a strip.

• Don’t worry about the corners ... yet: If the lawn has shar or difficult corners s i them until you’ve mowed the pattern you want on the rest of the lawn. Then go back

and finish off each corner. The same goes for uneven ground: Skip knolls until the end, then raise the mower blades so you don’t scalp the grass and carefully mow the raised areas.

Home Tip: Not sure what

LEGAL NOTICES

FILED NOV 28, 2022

MELISSA

ALAMEDA

NO. 593612

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

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

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires NOV 27, 2027 DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022 0534-CVF

FILED OCT 14, 2022

MELISSA

type of grass you have? Take a picture or a small patch of sod to your garden center or home-improvement store’s lawn and garden section for help identifying it.

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

By----------,

FILE NO. 592729

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es):

Kumon Castro Valley East, located at 3959 East Casro Valley Blvd Castro Valley, CA 94552. 17777 Camelot Ln, Castro Valley CA 94546. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Amarjyoti Koul, 17777 Camelot Ln, Castro Valley CA 94546. This business is conducted by a limited Liability Companyl. This business commenced N/A /s/ Amarjyoti Koul

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires OCT 13, 2027 NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 7, 2022 0534-CVF

FILED NOV 09, 2022

MELISSA

ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 593331

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es):

A & B Gill Trucking, located at 20246 Stanton Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Kamal S. Gill 20246 Stanton Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546. This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ Kamal Singh Gill This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires NOV 08, 2027

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07,14, 2022 0546-CVF

WILK County Clerk ALAMEDA COUNTY

Deputy

WILK County Clerk

WILK County Clerk

COUNTY By----------, Deputy FILE

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.

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

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

NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 483-8878.

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

HOUSE CLEANING

JUST LIKE GRAMMAS House Cleaning, In-Home Health Care/ Assistance, Errands, Driving, Ironing, Organizing, etc. Licensed & Insured.

LOST & FOUND

MISC. FOR SALE

MISC. WANTED

Consider Tax Savvy Year End Gifts

Q. Last year around this time, you wrote an article on year-end gift planning, but I cannot find the copy I saved. My wife and I are considering making large gifts to our two children to help them remodel their homes, and we would like to do so in a way that is“tax wise”. Can you publish it again, please?

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

A. Sure, and I have actually updated it with the new Gift amounts for this year and next. Many people mistakenly believe that one cannot gift more than $16,000 per year/ person without incurring a gift tax. Not so. In fact, an individual can currently gift more than $12 million during lifetime without incurring a gift tax! Here is the way gift taxes work:

Annual Exclusion Gifts: No Gift Tax Return Required: 1. $16,000 Per Year: The federal tax law permits you to make an Annual Exclusion Gift Amount, i.e. the amount that may be gifted to any person without filing a Gift Tax Return. In 2022, it is $16,000 per recipient, and in 2023 it increases to $17,000 per recipient. Such gifts are called Annual Exclusion Amount Gifts (“AEA Gifts”) and you can make such gifts to as many persons as you wish each year, provided that you make only one such annual gift to each

gift recipient. No Gift Tax Return is required for these gifts.

2. “Doubling Up”: If you and your wife are in a position to do so, together you can actually double that amount for each gift recipient. So, together, you could gift a total of $32,000 to each child in year 2022, without the need to file a Gift Tax Return or incur any gift tax.

3. “Year End Straddle”: If you act before the end of this current year (2022), you could each gift $16,000 to each child ($16K X 2 = $32,000). Then, on or after January 1, 2023, you and your wife could do the same thing once again, albeit

at the higher rate of $17,000 per child, as you would then be in a different tax year. So, over the course of a period as short as a calendar week – provided that the week straddles both the last days of this year and the early days of next year -the two of you could, together, gift away a total of $66K ($32K in 2022), plus ($34K in 2023) without the need to file a Gift Tax Return or use any of your lifetime exemptions. I call this strategy the Year-End Gift Straddle.

Gifts Above the Annual Exclusion: Gift Tax Return Required

1. Lifetime Exemption: If you choose to make gifts above the Annual Exclusion Amount (“AEA”), then you can still make them gift tax

free by using a portion of your Lifetime Exemption (aka, the “Unified Credit”). That Lifetime Exemption is currently $12.06 million per person for U.S. citizens in 2022, but increases to $12.92 million per person next year (2023). AEA gifts do not count against this exemption, and they can be made in addition to Lifetime Exemption gifts. Also, by making a timely election after the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse can opt to preserve the deceased spouse’s unused Lifetime Exemption for the survivor’s own later use, thereby effectively doubling it. This is called “portability” and would allow a married couple-- beginning next year -- to effectively give away $25.84 Million over their two lifetimes without incurring any gift or estate tax. Caution: This generous Lifetime Exemption is now set to “sunset” (end) for those dying after 12/31/2025, and to then return to the prior much lower exemption, unless Congress amends the current rule contained in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

2. Gift Tax Return: To the extent that your gifts exceed the Annual Exclusion Amount, you must file a Gift Tax Return. But no gift tax would be due so long as cumulative gifts are less than the Lifetime Exemption. Reason: the IRS wants to track your use of your lifetime exemption, so that it knows how much you have left see OSOFSKY on back page

HOROSCOPE by Salomé

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Restless Rams and Ewes might want to let others finish a current project while they start something new. But if you do, you could risk losing out on a future opportunity.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): The Bovine’s creative forces start revving up as you plan for the upcoming holidays. Some practical aspects also emerge, especially where money is involved.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Moments of doubt disrupt your otherwise clear sense of purpose. Don’t ignore them. They could be telling you not to rush into anything until you know more about it.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): A planned trip might have to be delayed. Plan to use this new free time to update your skills and your resume so you’ll be ready when a new job opportunity opens.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): A flood of holiday party bids from business contacts allows you to mix work and pleasure. Your knowledge, plus your Leonine charm, wins you a new slew of admirers.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): An unexpected act by a colleague complicates an agreement, causing delays in implementing it. Check out the motive for this move: It’s not what you might suspect.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): You might want to cut ties with an ingrate who seems to have forgotten your past generosity. But there might be a reason for this behavior that you should be in the know about. Ask.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Be careful not to set things in stone. Much could happen over the next several days that will make you rethink some decisions, and maybe change them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Your plans to help provide holiday cheer for the less fortunate inspire others to follow your generous example. Expect welcome news by week’s end.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): You’re in your glory as you start planning for the holiday season ahead. But leave time to deal with a problem that needs a quick and fair resolution.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): The upcoming holiday season provides a perfect setting for strengthening relationships with kin and others. A new contact has important information.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): Instead of fretting over a cutting remark by a co-worker, chalk it up to an outburst of envy of your well-respected status among both your colleagues and superiors.

Grieving: Psychological Preparation Before Event

continued from front page expectations and recognize that a little connection may help you feel better — though taking on too much could make things harder.

First, she said, pick your event with care. A small, less noisy event is probably better for one’s nerves than a larger, more boisterous affair. An event where everyone else is a couple may be hard if you were recently widowed.

Do some emotional and psychological preparation before the event, Baldwin suggests.

Really spend some quiet time in self-reflection, said Baldwin. Ask yourself what your expectations are and what do others expect of you — something grieving people often exaggerate.

“I’m walking into a completely new situation,” Baldwin suggested telling yourself. Even if the event hasn’t changed, you’re a little different.

“Bring that new person to the event,” she suggests.

“Sometimes you go there and feel a wave of grief,” Baldwin said.

It might happen that you feel you need to leave at some point, and having an “exit strategy” before arrival, just in case, can help you do so gracefully, she said.

A phone call to the host before the event could make it as natural as possible for you.

If you’re the host, a phone call to your guest saying you are happy they’re coming can ease their fears.

Some grieving people, though, might treasure continuing their own past role as hosts.

Baldwin suggests that it’s okay to ask for some help this year if that's you.

“What will support you at the holidays and throughout this year” is the key question to ask, Baldwin added.

Hope Hospice in Dublin, www.hopehospice.com, runs various support groups for grieving people, both adults and children, over Zoom at present, and you don’t have to be a client to join. You can also call them at (925) 829-8770.

Report: Loaded Weapon

continued from page 3

Concealed Loaded Weapon Wednesday, November 30: at 2:40 a.m., a 20-year-old CV man was arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of and concealing of a loaded weapon not registered to him. Deputies stopped the man for questioning outside a home on Redwood Road near Mabel Ave, where they discovered the man was carrying the weapon. The man was taken into custody.

Exposed in Public Tuesday, November 29: at 11:06 a.m., deputies arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of exposing himself in public

and interfering with a business. The man reportedly was outside a boutique shop on Redwood Road near the Boulevard when the store manager reported his behavior to dispatch. Deputies took the man into custody.

Public Intoxication Monday, November 28: at 9:11 p.m., a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and presenting deputies with a false ID. Deputies stopped the man for questioning outside a Castro Village Shopping Center retail store. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.

I have been following the Mosaic Project from the first time it went before the CVMAC. And then, the letters to the editor praising it. What is going on here? From what I have gleaned this is what I see:

The project is NOT for Castro Valley - it is for large groups of “young people” who will be bussed into Cull Canyon from outside our area.

The big buses that will be bringing these “young people” large groups will be 2/3 the width of Cull Canyon Road!!!! Can’t you just see how that will be? The traffic will be a nightmare with these large buses coming and going - whenever that takes place.

Mosaic will be facilities with overnight housing. That means showers, toilet facilities and grounds maintenance. Where will the water come from??? From the aquifer that barely covers the needs of the folks who live and work on Cull Canyon Road in a wet year? EBMUD won’t be supplying the water for two reasons: first - no application has been made to LAFCO to annex the property into EBMUD; and second - the cost of connection with pipes, etc. could be $1million+, paid for by who? Not EBMUD - but the School District or the County or Castro Valley?

Sanitary facilities: With no sewer connection, there will be septic tanks which will have to have someplace for the waste water to drain - either into the aquifer (which Mosaic would be drawing from) or the Creek. The environmental impact will be horrible.

And none of the foregoing even comes close to considering the real construction impacts - not only at the project site, but up and down Cull Canyon Road.

But, there is an elegant solution that would please those who favor the project but don’t live or drive on Cull Canyon Road - the large park at the end of Proctor Road that used to be a school. There is water to the park from EBMUD (no LAFCO application or connection problems) and there are old sanitary connections that would be easily accessible. And there is plenty of room for parking + drop off. Of course, this assumes that the folks who live near the park would be willing to put up with the construction first and traffic from the buses second. There is a rumor that the consultant to the project is also a consultant to the School District - can someone ferret that out? It will be good to clarify.

The Mosaic Project is clearly an environmental disaster - water, sanitary, traffic just for starters. This must not go forward.

–Frank

Masks, Still???

Mellon, Castro Valley

–Manny Morales, Castro Valley

of the project, choosing instead to pursue a good cause…but in a bad location.

–TwiningVine Estate Winery

Mosaic Project Draft Community Responses Excited for Mosaic Project

The Forum article (and subsequent letters to the Editor) about the Mosaic Project Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) presented to the Castro Valley MAC on Nov. 16th missed the point of the resident’s concerns.

The Project’s merits and educational programs were not being questioned or challenged. Public concerns were addressing an inadequate Draft EIR that was presented with inaccurate assumptions and analysis. The DEIR failed to provide studies and evidence to support its conclusions. It ignored or overlooked potential state laws as well as County ordinances and was not conducted in a way to allow informed discussion and decision making. These omissions included;

Water Resources: No study was given to show sufficient well water for the facility and no analysis was done to prove that the entire canyon’s wells would not go dry due to the high demand of the Mosaic Project facility. The State Water Board governs public water systems and there are requirements regarding the proposed “Public Water System” that were not addressed.

Fire Hazard: Leasing land and placing a school-camp in a densely forested, Tier 3 - High Fire Threat district is careless. The DEIR suggests that our school district would be responsible for evacuating the 150 children and staff. However, no fire escape routes exist.

Septic: There is no public sewer system. The school would rely on a “test” septic system over a shallow ground-water basin only 35 feet below the dispersal field to service the 150 students and residents year-round. The location also borders a creek leading to the Bay and home to wildlife. This was not addressed in the DEIR.

Zoning: The DEIR ignored Alameda County zoning rules, Measure D land- preservation ordinances, and Williamson Act Agricultural designations concluding that the residential outdoor school would have “no impact on existing land use restrictions.”

Existing Businesses: The immediate neighboring property is governed by Federal, State and County laws, regulations and ordinances. An alcohol license could be revoked or non-renewed due to proximity of schools and youth facilities, thus putting the winery out of business. The DEIR did not address proximity to a winery or that agricultural operations require a buffer-zone around schools and youth camps. These laws and zoning requirements are enforceable and would be detrimental to the existing neighboring business.

The proposed land is simply not able to sustain the scope of the project. The DEIR did not properly examine the feasibility

Thank you for writing about The Mosaic Project. I’m in my junior year at CVHS and I am also a member of Mosaic’s Youth Leadership Project! I recently spent a week as a cabin leader for the Mosaic project and was an experience I will never forget. From the very beginning, the Mosaic staff were extremely welcoming, and immediately helped me feel at home. Mosaic is able to create the most fun and accepting community, where you immediately feel comfortable being yourself. Throughout the week that I was a cabin leader, I watched the kids step outside of their comfort zones and make tons of new friends. We played games and went swimming, but also learned about the importance of our individuality and our community, and even got “doctorates” in conflict resolution. Throughout the week, we made so many memories together. Mosaic definitely helped me look at the world in a more positive, open-minded, and hopeful way.

I am really excited to hear that Mosaic is coming to Castro Valley! Mosaic was an amazing experience and it would be great to have it so close by. I know that if more children in Castro Valley were able to experience Mosaic, it would create a positive change in our community.

–Emily Burge, Castro Valley

I Agree with Frank Thomas

I usually don’t comment on peoples letters but I wanted to give a high five and a thumbs up for Frank Thomas’s letter of 11/30/22 about disappointment in HARD. Thank you for your honesty and accurate account of the current state of the management at HARD.

I am a long term (29 year) full-time employee and a retiree, I worked with the rank and file and loved my job, it is very sad to see how indifferent they (the management) have become. We used to be a family there but now???

In regards to the hourly employees, most of them were very loyal and faithful (of course there are always one bad apple in the bunch) and I agree that they should not have to reapply for a position they had for many dedicated years. Hopefully management will reconsider this very sad practice and reinstate them.

–Kathleen Lopez, Castro Valley

Arthur Clarence O’Brien

September 30th, 1924 ~ November 20th, 2022

The new year is upon us and Californians are still masked up, WHY? Because when fear sets in, the part of the brain where logic comes from makes an exit from the cranium. Sadly people have done no research to know that masks are 0% useless against a virus especially this one which was perpetrated upon us. The worst part is seeing children muzzled up with the same dirty mask all day long even more disturbing is pre-schoolers being masked up, pure child abuse. After talking with people skilled in child development, kids these days are psychologically damaged. Were you all wearing masks during any flu or cold seasons in your lifetime? NO, so why now? Just a couple weeks ago I had the privilege to see and talk with Dr. Jeff Barke who personally sent me 2 mask studies (along with the 16 I already have) showing the ineffectiveness of them and he along with researcher Steve Kirsch exposed the CDC, big pharma and the biggest conman Anthony Fauci. Another honor I had was meeting Dr. Robert Malone in August and having a one on one conversation about what’s going on, he too the inventor of the Mrna technology even says masks are useless. But, if anyone disagrees with me Steve Kirsch has offered up to a million dollars for anyone to debate his “misinformation” to your “truth”, even Sara Cody, Santa Clara’s Health Director won’t take up the offer. If you want to hear for yourselves you can go to the Values Advocacy Council website vac.org and watch the past events. Not many of us have fallen victim to the biggest PSYOPS known to man, it’s time to toss

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must include riter s first an last names hone num er city of resi ence an must e un er 300 or s. he orum oes not rint unsigne or anonymous letters. e reser e the right to e it as necessary. mail etters to filesforforum@ gmail .com or mail to he orum . . o 2897 lame a 9 501

Mortuary & Crematory

Offering

Personalized Memorial and Cremation Services.

On Sunday, November 20th, 2022, Dr. Arthur Clarence O’Brien, a 60-year resident of Castro Valley, passed away after 98 incredible years of life. Art was born on September 30th,1924 to Anna Gabel Armstrong in Marysville California. He loved San Francisco and was proud to have graduated from Lowell High School, he studied biology at The University of California, Berkeley which inspired him to then attend medical school at Boston University. After receiving his Doctor of Medicine in 1948, Art completed his residency in Chicago before enlisting in the Navy. Upon completion of his medic service in the military he returned home to the Bay Area, settling in Castro Valley. Art cared for thousands of patients over his 60+ years practicing in Hayward. He was an avid gardener, backpacker, fisherman and tennis player. He also loved Cal basketball, the theater and traveling. Art leaves behind five children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Art was and will continue to be an inspiration to his family and all who knew him. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 12th, 2022, at 11am at Faith Lutheran Church, 20800 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. He wanted ALL who knew and cared for him to join the family in honoring and remembering our beloved patriarch. This joyful day will serve as his Celebration of Life.

that TV out the window and do your due diligence. Remember we are “home of the brave” not the afraid.

Soccer: 40th Anniversary This Year

continued from front page soccer to offciate, and we have our moments when we’re tough on our calls, but we have to understand the players and the coaches as well,” Lee added.

Both girls referee for the Castro Valley Soccer Club (CVSC), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The club supports 100 recre ation teams with 1100 players and 18 competitive teams and TOPSoccer teams designed for those with special physical needs.

CVSC referee coordinator Steve Goswell says the club is trying to encourage more female refs and coaches to step forward.

“When girls show interest, we go out of our way to help them along, to mentor them, and put them in situations

where they’re going to be suc cessful,” Goswell said. “The last thing you want to do is have them walk away because they don’t feel supported or getting yelled at. So, we put them in situations where they will be successful, including having the girls working together, particularly on girls’ games. In this way, the girls that are playing can look up to these referees and say, ‘Maybe I can do that.’”

Goswell said he was in a unique and fortunate situation a few years ago in recruiting six female players, including Cooke, to become referees.

“It’s still a smaller number of female referees than I would like it to be, but it is growing, and we have an ever-increas ing number of youth referees overall,” Goswell said.

CVSC referees can start offciating as early as age 13 following an online training session and passing a test. The refs are then required to train in person on a feld so they can get hands-on experience before reefng their frst match.

Goswell added that young refs almost always become better players themselves.

“The more you know the rules, the stronger you know the game. As a coach, I like my players to ref because they have an appreciation for the game and the skills needed to play successfully,” Goswell said.

NorCal Soccer covers all of Northern California, compris ing around 250 clubs, including Castro Valley.

For more info about Castro Valley Soccer Club, please visit www.castrovalleysoccer.com.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jessica France

Our Athlete of the week is Jessica France of Castro Valley. This year was a rewarding running year for France. Most recently, last month, at the Quarry Turkey 5K Run in Fremont Jessica placed 1st overall female with a time of 23:17. Two days earlier at the Nitro Turkey 5K Run in Point Pinole her time was 25:10 which was good for 3rd overall female and 2nd in her age group. Her previous race took place in June at the 40th annual Ha’ena to Ha nalei 5K on the island of Kauai where she was the 1st overall female and 3rd overall with a time of 23:40. Her frst run of the year was in February at the Bay Breeze 5K in San Leandro where she ran in 22:50 and placed 3rd overall female and 1st for her age group.

Osofsky: Gift Rules

continued from page 14 to use upon death. Example: if you used $1 million of your lifetime exemption to make gifts during lifetime, then your remaining exemption to apply against estate taxes upon death would be $1 million less. Remember, though, that gifts within the AEA exclusion do not count in this tally.

3. Rules May Be Different for Non-US Citizens: Note that the rules for persons who are not U.S. Citizens may be different. Consult your tax advisor if you are in this group.

Caution: Before making large gifts, be sure that you can afford to do so. If there is a possibility that either of you may need to apply for a Me di-Cal subsidy for Long Term Care in the near future, you should frst consult an Elder Law Attorney or other profes sional with special knowledge about the Medi-Cal program, as such gifts may impair your eligibility for a Medi-Cal sub sidy unless handled in a very special manner.

Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attor ney in the East Bay. For more senior articles, visit his website at: LawyerForSeniors.com.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Jessica France

Trent, age 11, a sixth grader at Redwood Christian Middle School, caught an 8 pound, 23 inch Rainbow while fshing at Quarry Lakes in Fremont on December 3, 2022. Great catch, Trent! Have a ‘Great Catch’ that you’d like to share with the community? Please email photo and information to: flesforforum@gmail.com

Castro Valley Soccer Club hosted the NorCal State Cup Girls’ Under-13 Compet itive matches at Alden E Oliver Park in Hayward this past weekend.