CV Woman Promotes Women’s Heart Health at the US Capitol
By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Michelle Sheely is on a mission — to make sure no other women experience potentially fatal heart events like hers.
Sheely traveled to Washington D.C. with WomenHeart.org this month to convince as many members of Congress as possible that funding for women’s heart health must be a priority.
“I’m on a mission to save as many women as I can,” says Sheely, a longtime Castro Valley resident. “I don’t want any families and children to go through what mine did.”
Up until fve years ago, Sheely thought she was healthy. She was a vegan “health food nut,” soccer player, and long-distance runner. But when she was 44, she started having chest pains. She saw a doctor, was told she had indigestion, and was sent home with Pepcid. Two days later, she was in the Emergency Room getting an EKG, which revealed a potentially fatal, unrecognized heart condition. She had open heart surgery that saved her life.
This is a common story, says Sheely. Women present different symptoms than men, and funding for women’s health lags behind that of men’s. Yet one in fve women will die from heart disease in the U.S. – more than all cancers, diabetes, and stroke combined.
To help change that, Sheely joined see ADVOCATE on page 10
Extension Of Tenant Protection
Tenants in unincorporated Alameda County, including Castro Valley, received additional housing protections from the county Board of Supervisors at its February 4 meeting.
The supervisors unanimously passed an extension of protections to renters of single-family houses if the owner operates fve or more units in unincorporated areas. (Single-family houses are exempt from the state law. Cities or counties can pass their ordinances or choose not to go beyond the statewide protections.)
Eviction notifcation periods were extended to 90 days for some especially vulnerable tenants, compared with the three days protected by state law. Those groups include households with children, elderly or disabled members, and low-income households.
The provision also requires two months’ rent in relocation assistance when tenants are evicted without fault, such as when major renovations are scheduled, or the unit requires extensive repairs due to a natural disaster.
The ruling was hailed by tenant advocacy group My Eden Voice, whose members mostly live in unincorporated Ashland, Cherryland, and San Lorenzo. see TENANT on page 10
Lana Carlos Honored with Safety Checkpoints
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
This coming Monday, February 24, marks the ffth year since 12-year-old Lana Carlos was struck and killed crossing Crow Canyon Road. In her honor, the California Highway Patrol will be in force that morning, bringing attention to pedestrian safety around Castro Valley schools.
Drivers can expect a law enforcement presence outside of the 12 campuses around town.
Pedestrians and bicyclists will also be guided to make smart decisions. In addition to badged offcers, the CHP will have its senior volunteers driving around to ensure people obey the traffc laws.
“They don’t necessarily make traffc stops, but they’re there to write down license
plates when they see drivers behaving badly,” CHP Offcer
Jennifer Pabst told the Forum.
“We will also have marked units of patrol vehicles and motorcycles going through the school zones, ensuring that drivers are obeying the laws.”
Additionally, the CHP will be staging a random pedestrian operation somewhere in town.
This is where a CHP volunteer wears visibly bright clothing
and crosses at a crosswalk without a light or a stop sign.
Drivers are expected to stop before coming to the crosswalk.
Those who don’t should expect to get a moving citation and a reminder to share the road.
While CHP pedestrian enforcement and school zone safety days are often held in the fall, the idea of tying it to Lana Carlos’s death came after see LANA on page 3
WomenHeart Champion Michelle Sheely of Castro Valley traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for women’s heart health.
By Mike McGuire
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Lana Carlos was struck and killed crossing Crow Canyon Road in 2020
Art Reception on Saturday For Artist Cedric Williams
By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Plein air artist Cedric Williams invites the public to his art reception, Saturday, February 22, 1 to 3pm, as the latest artist-in-resident at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road). Award-winning plein-air artist, Williams works mainly in oils, often using a thick paint application with a palette knife to top off his works. He excels in painting hidden spots of beauty in the Bay Area such as Dolores Park. Williams’ enthusiasm for art is infectious and he welcomes the opportunity to talk about his process. If clients have a special request for a painting, he accepts commissions. Williams has been painting since he was six years old, encouraged by his parents and later his public-school teachers. He lives in Hayward with his wife Apple and two children and works at UCSF.
Learn Something New: CV Adult and Career Education
Castro Valley is a small town with many cool and talented people. Luckily for us, some of them fnd their way to Castro Valley Adult & Career Education. Their community interest teachers share a genuine enjoyment and enthusiasm for what they do. They are committed to have their classrooms be welcoming and comfortable, a place for adult students of all ages and levels to try something new, make new friends and just have fun learning together.
Dan Dudziak, Beginning and Intermediate Guitar instructor, brings his love of music and decades of experience playing in a band to his classroom. Students can expect to learn the chords for classic Beatles tunes, as well as many
other pop and rock guitar riffs.
Dalar Alahverdi, who teaches “Introduction to Painting” has two masters degrees in art. Her students not only get to learn basic painting skills, but will also learn a little bit about art history. These teachers offer true expertise to the Fine Arts offerings at CVACE.
Lasalette Capote, in addition to being a Transitional Specialist for disabled adults, is a professional hairstylist. Her “Recess-Proof Hairstyling” workshops offer parents, caregivers and grandparents the opportunity to bring one their favorite small children ages 7 or older with them to learn easy methods for preparing a child’s hair for basketball practice, a dance recital, or a family
birthday party. She brings all the supplies, so all folks have to do is show up and have fun. Gigi McLeod teaches Conversational Spanish. She formerly taught Spanish at CVHS, where she was known for her energetic, caring, and engaging style. She wants potential adult students to know that people of all levels are welcome and can participate at their individual comfort levels. She encourages people to give the class a try–“Duolingo is way harder and the classes here are much more fun!”
These classes start very soon, so visit the CVACE website at cvace.link/register to learn more and to sign up. You can also call (510)886-1000 to get more information.
Cliff Burton Day Adds Livestream
Last week, friends and family celebrated Metallica legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Cliff Burton, who would have turned 63 on February 10.
The annual “Cliff Burton Day” event—a tribute to the musician who called Castro Valley home—kicked off with a gathering at the Chabot Theater, live performances, and stories of the celebrated bassist.
Nicknamed “The Major Rager,” Clifford Lee Burton died on September 27, 1986, in a bus accident while on tour with Metallica in Sweden. He was 24.
This year, organizers added a live stream of the event, including interviews, snippets of performances, and video of the festivities. The highlights included an amazing performance of “Fade to Black” by Maya Neelakantan, the 2022 Cliff Burton Scholarship recipient.
“I remember [Cliff’s stepsister] KayCee [Burton Ramirez] once told me that [Cliff’s father] Ray told Cliff that melancholy in the song is always very important, and this song defnitely has that, but something was telling me to add my own style of melody before the song,” Neelakantan said.
She recounted her feelings about playing guitar since she was six years old, having the Burton family award her the 2022 scholarship, and later playing “Master of Puppets” on the television show “America’s Got Talent.”
see DAY on page 4
Lana: Pedestrian, School Zone Safety
continued from front page a tree-planting event at the Castro Valley Library last year.
“They were planting a tree in Lana’s memory, and my captain was inspired to do something in her memory and to bring awareness to pedestrian safety and school zone safety, so we decided the fve year anniversary would be a good day,” Offcer Pabst said.
Carlos, a Creekside student, was walking with the signal in the crosswalk with her sister when a Ford F150 turned left from Manter Road onto Crow Canyon Road and hit and killed Lana. The incident set off a wave of measures to help protect pedestrians in the area.
When the CHP reached out to the Carlos family, Offcer Pabst said Lana’s father, Les, was grateful that the CHP would go out and make sure
that other children were safe. He has been invited to address CHP offcers and Castro alley Unifed School istrict offcials that morning.
“We feel that the work that everyone is doing in memory of Lana is valuable very valuable… she may be gone but her legacy and promoting and enforcing pedestrian and road safety will live on,” Les Carlos said.
The exchange was mutually emotional between the family and the CHP staff.
“I had tears in my eyes just because I have two boys where he had two daughters, and he said that his heart is just still broken with the with her passing,” Offcer Pabst said. ow he only has one daughter, which he’s supposed to have two. I also related to that because I couldn’t imagine only
having one boy after something so tragic happened.”
With more people out walking – to get to work, school, and shopping or just for fun, exercise, and being outside –there is an increasing responsibility to ensure pedestrian safety remains a high priority.
The National Highway raffc Safety dministration (NHTSA) offers the following tips for drivers:
• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
• Use caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to allow other vehicles to see the crossing pedestrians as well.
Warrant Served for Illegal Entry into Home
Monday, February 10: At 3:05 p.m., a 47-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously charged with fraud and illegal entry into a home. Deputies served the warrant at a mobile home park on Castro Valley Boulevard near Wisteria Street. The man was also found to have stolen merchandise, drugs, and related drug paraphernalia in his pocket. Deputies took him to Santa Rita Jail.
Suspicion of Assault and Battery
Monday, February 10: At 3:42 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 26-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault and battery. A call into the department about an altercation sent deputies to an apartment on Wisteria Street near Castro Valley Boulevard. There, they handcuffed the man and took him into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.
Public Intoxication Wednesday, February 12: At 11:48 a.m., deputies arrested a 49-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of public intoxication. When deputies arrived, the man was hanging outside a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near San Miguel Avenue. During questioning, the man showed signs of intoxication and failed his feld sobriety test. eputies took him to a sobering center.
Drove Under the Infuence
Thursday, February 13: At 7:36 a.m., a 30-year-old woman was pulled over and arrested on suspicion of driving under the in uence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, resisting arrest, impeding the duties of a law enforcement offcer, and assaulting a deputy. Deputies stopped the woman on the Boulevard near Stanton Avenue after a moving violation. The woman became confrontational and reportedly swung at the deputy, trying to get away. Deputies took the woman to Santa Rita Jail.
of Investing seminar on Feb. 27 at 10am. Call to reserve your spot. > edwardjones.com
Arts & Entertainment
The Sphin Virtuosi recogni ed as one of the nation’s most dynamic and celebrated chamber orchestras come to the Douglas Morrisson Theatre on March and 8. This will be the only California stop on their 2025 American orm s tour.
The Sphinx Virtuosi Comes
To the DMT March 7 and 8
On March 7 and 8, the Douglas Morrisson Theatre (DMT) Presents the Sphinx Virtuosi, recognized as one of the nation’s most dynamic and celebrated chamber orchestras. This elite self-conducted ensemble comprises 18 of the country’s top Black and Latinx classical soloists whose performance will transcend boundaries and ignite the soul. Their performances at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre are the only California stop on their 2025 American Form/s tour.
The Sphinx Virtuosi is the agship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, a non proft founded in , that has been at the forefront of reshaping the landscape of classical music. It provides education, artist development, and performance opportunities for underrepresented musicians, helping create a more inclusive and representative future
for the arts. The organization has reached over 100 million people worldwide, and its impact has been recognized at the highest levels, including by President Barack Obama, who honored Sphinx for its outstanding contributions to the arts.
The Sphinx Virtuosi is known for its bold and innovative programming, where innovation meets tradition. American Form/s weaves a powerful musical tapestry of American classical traditions, incorporating soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues and ragtime in uences. his program is a celebration of the diverse sounds that shape our nation’s musical heritage, offering an unforgettable journey through rhythm, melody and emotion, showcasing the future of classical music. Their annual performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center have drawn widespread acclaim.
The Washington Post has praised the ensemble, writing that they bring “immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty” to the stage.
As part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s Arts Access program, the Sphinx Virtuosi will engage in outreach to District youth to inspire the next generation of musicians. The goal is to make classical music accessible to all by bringing world-class talent to conduct workshops at local schools. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the unmatched artistry of the Sphinx Virtuosi live—a night that promises to be both musically stunning and deeply inspiring. For tickets and more info, visit: https://bit.ly/SphinxDMT
The Douglas Morrisson Theatre is located at 22311 N. 3rd Street in Hayward.
Day: Honor Cliff Burton
continued from page 3 etallica was the frst thing that inspired me to play guitar and watching videos of Cliff Burton play,” Neelakantan said. “Having the Cliff Burton family themselves connect to me feels like Cliff himself is talking to me and proving that he is still with us right now.”
This is the eighth year the community has come out to celebrate Burton. Castro Valley and lameda County offcials commemorated the day in 2018 following an organized campaign by Robert Souza.
Burton played on Metallica’s frst three studio albums — “Kill ‘Em All”, “Ride The Lightning” and “Master Of Puppets” — and co-wrote classic songs like “Ride The Lightning”, “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, “Fade To Black”, “Creeping Death” and “Master Of Puppets”.
Burton’s initial replacement in the group was Jason Newsted, who stayed in the lineup until 2001. Robert Trujillo joined in 2003 and remains in the band to this day.
Cliff’s father, Ray, carried on his son’s legacy until he passed away in January 2020 at the age of 94. Along with Cliff’s mother, who passed away in 1993, the family set up a Castro Valley High School music student scholarship in Cliff’s name.
Burton’s legacy has carried far beyond his music. The Cliff Burton Museum opened in Laganland, Ljungby, Sweden, in May 2022. Pop culture collectible designers at Super7 created two Cliff Burton action fgures. San rancisco based KnuckleBonz sells a collectible statue, and Walnut Creek’s Calicraft Brewing crafted an IPA named after him called “Cliff Em’ All IPA.”
You can watch the live stream on YouTube. https:// youtu.be/jOpyP5Tlpq8
Free Adult Tech Classes at CV Library
Enrollment has begun for Castro Valley Library’s free classes for the month of March. With the help of computer skills, seniors can stay in contact with family, friends and businesses from the comfort and safety of their own homes. During this two-part class, you will learn how to us Google’s free Gmail service and connect to people, organizations and interests that matter to you. Students will use library-pro-
vided laptops during the class. Advance registration is required at www.aclibrary.org or call 510-667-7900.
Gmail: The Basics Saturday, March 15, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Discover this free, fun and easy way to stay connected with family and friends. Learn how to send and receive email including attachments, manage your email, create folders, keep
your credentials up-to-date … and more. Students must be preregistered for Gmail. Please bring your cell phone, Gmail username and password to class. (Need help getting a Gmail account? Visit the Library and ask a librarian for help).
Gmail: Beyond The Basics Saturday, March 15, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Learn how to customize
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, February 20
Open Mic Night - Share Your Sound
Step into the spotlight at Castro Valley School of Music’s Open Mic Night Thursday, February 20 from 6 to 8pm at Castro Valley School of Music (21060 Redwood Rd. Suite 100, CV). Whether you’re a seasoned performer or taking the stage for the frst time, this is your chance to showcase your talent in a fun and supportive environment. Sing a song, play an instrument, or even perform a duet—it’s all about celebrating music and creativity! Bring your friends, family, and enthusiasm—let’s make it a night to remember.
Saturday, February 22
Patrón Latin Rhythms
Patrón Latin Rhythms bring their special talents to the CV Center for the Arts stage (19501 Redwood Road) Saturday, February 22 at 7:30pm, putting a Latin spin on jazz, rock, mambo, Ol’ Skool, R&B, and funk. Come early for a salsa dance lesson in the Exhibition Room at 6pm and enjoy Sangria and chips at the no-host cantina. Visit: cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-899-8961 for tickets.
Sunday, February 23
Pollinator Planting Party
Faith Lutheran Church, Castro Valley is converting a portion of their lawn into a pollinator garden highway! Round two takes place this Sunday, February 23, 11am (immediately following Sunday service). Help in spreading mulch, planting pollinating plants and beautifying our property at 20080 Redwood Road. Wear your grubby pants, bring a pair of gloves (and maybe a trowel or shovel), and let’s invite more pollinators into our community.
Wednesday, February 26
How to Get Help with Health Care Costs
Numerous programs may help reduce your health care and prescription drug costs if you meet the eligibility requirements. At the Castro Valley Library’s FREE presentation, Wednesday, February 26, from 11am to 12:30pm you will learn about: The Medicare program and its costs; Medi-Cal and the Medicare Savings Programs; The LowIncome Subsidy (Extra Help) for prescription drugs; and Eligibility requirements, the application processes, and the benefts. he ibrary is located at orbridge ve. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900.
your Gmail account, choose a theme, upload a picture, and create your signature, import contacts from other email accounts, manage other email accounts from Gmail, practice adding contacts, groups, folders, and labels to organize your Inbox. Learn some quick keyboard commands to easily navigate, and search within your account. Please bring your cell phone, Gmail username and password to class.
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (CV MAC) will hold its General Purpose Meeting tomorrow, February 20 at 6 p.m. The meeting was rescheduled because of the President’s Day Holiday.
Here is the agenda:
• he California Highway Patrol will give a eneral raffc Enforcement and Education Update
• Public Works will discuss the Castro Valley Boulevard Resurfacing and Restriping Project
• County Code Enforcement will provide its 2024 Annual Report for Castro Valley and surrounding areas
The MAC discusses Land Use issues on the 2nd and 4th Monday and holds its General Purpose meetings on the 3rd Monday of each month. All meetings are held at the Castro Valley Library and streamed on Zoom starting at 6pm. For agendas, documents, and more, visit acgov.org/bc/cvmac.
PHOTO CREDIT: KEITH MELONG
Seniors
Increase Chance That Power Of Attorney Will be Honored
I have heard friends complain that their parent’s fnancial Power of Attorney document was not honored by their parent’s own bank. Is there a way to avoid this?
By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Unfortunately, we hear that complaint from time to time. While there may be no way to draft a power of attorney that completely eliminate the risk that it will not be honored at the time of need, here is my short list of steps you can take to minimize that risk:
Sign the Bank’s Own Forms: Most banks and other fnancial institutions have their own, short form Power of Attorney with which they are familiar. While the bank’s own forms are more limited and are usually targeted to specifc accounts, signing them – in addition to your attorney-drafted document — usually eliminates the risk that your designated agent will have problems at that bank down the road. Be sure that your own, expanded POA expressly permits you to do this, so that both will be honored.
Include Hold Harmless Provisions in our PO Financial custodians are concerned about their exposure if they mistakenly rely upon a
urable Power Of Attorney PO ” that appears valid on his face.
It sometimes helps if your PO includes specifc language that a bank or other custodian will be held harmless if it relies, in good faith, upon a PO presented to it. ully escribe eal
Property: Title companies are sometimes reluctant to honor a PO that refers, generally, to all real property”. heir comfort increases dramatically if the PO recites, specifcally, the full legal description of each piece of real property covered by the PO . his can be handled either in the body of the PO or as an attached Exhibit.
Preserve Evidence of
Capacity: If you anticipate any question down the road as to whether an elderly signer knew what he was signing at the time the PO was e ecuted, consider asking him to secure a letter from his doctor that the elder has full capacity to sign such documents. That letter can then be kept on fle to be shown to any fnancial institution should such concern later arise.
eep the PO Current
Third parties are often concerned if a PO has been signed so long ago that it is stale” in their eyes. recommend re e ecuting a fnancial
PO at least every to years and, if possible, annually. Offer a 4 ffdavit
Custodians are sometimes concerned that the PO may have previously been revoked.
To allay that concern, the agent can submit an affdavit to the custodian, made pursuant to section 4 of the Probate Code, that the PO has not been revoked. Once completed, that affdavit becomes conclusive proof of non revocation.
Include Language That the Custodian May Prefer: If the PO is being created to be used at a specifc bank or title company, ask whether it prefers specifc language in the PO and, if so, consider incorporating that in your own document.
Legal Proceedings to Enforce Acceptance: As a last resort, consider a lawsuit. The law provides that a third party who refuses to honor a PO , after being provided a 4 affdavit, may be liable for the petitioner’s attorney’s fees incurred in the court proceeding. Bringing this to the custodian’s attention often generates the desired compliance.
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.
Short, Long-Term Steps to Take When a Spouse Dies
Losing a spouse is an incredibly painful and disorienting experience. Beyond the emotional devastation, there are numerous practical and legal matters that need to be addressed in the days, weeks, and months following their passing. avigating this diffcult period requires a combination of self-compassion, careful organization, and a willingness to seek help when needed. This article outlines the crucial steps to take when a spouse dies, offering a framework for managing the immediate aftermath and the longer-term process.
Immediate Actions (Within the First Few Days)
Obtain a Legal Pronouncement of eath f your spouse passed away at home, you will need to contact emergency services. medical professional must formally pronounce the death and provide a death certifcate. his is crucial for many subsequent steps.
Notify Family and Close Friends: This deeply personal, but it’s important to inform those closest to your spouse as soon as you are able. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member if needed.
Make Funeral Arrangements: This can be a daunting task amidst grief. eview any pre-arranged funeral plans your spouse may have made. f no plans exist, you will need to decide on burial or cremation, choose a funeral home, and plan the service. on’t hesitate to delegate tasks to friends and family. Secure the Home: Ensure the safety and security of your home. Lock doors and windows, and consider having someone stay with you or check in regularly. see DIES on page 11
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Back To The Basics
IBy Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
It is hard to believe that real estate as we know it today is not even 25 years old. When I started my career as an agent in 2001, Realtors were the only source for real estate information and many agents were still using a DOS-based system to access property information. While Realtor.com and Homes. com were around in basic form in the late 1990s,
Zillow did not launch until December, 2004, providing widespread data access for all.
Many Realtors, tired of juggling multiple Thomas Guide maps, gladly paid hundreds of dollars for the frst practical GPS systems. I distinctly remember the day I made my commitment to get one: I was driving a group of clients in my van to view homes, holding maps with one hand and driving with the other. When my Blackberry phone rang, an audible gasp from someone in the back was all the incentive I needed.
It is hard to believe how far we have come in less than a quarter of a century.
Ironically, while much has changed, three fundamental things have not. We call them the 3-Ps – Preparation, Pricing and Promotion. Like three legs on a stool, all three are equally important if you want the best results. Even with all of the modern tools that we have, everything still
comes down to those three main categories – handle all three correctly and you stand a good chance of success.
Preparation: It is a widely accepted reality that homes that are effectively prepared typically sell for more than those that are sold “AS-IS.” If done correctly, it is even possible to recoup multiple dollars for every dollar spent on improvements.
Pricing: Thanks to all of the data now online, couple with automated valuations on most of the major real estate portals, buyers have become extremely price-savvy. Not only will they not make an offer on a home they believe is overpriced (believing anyone setting a high price might be unreasonable), they will often not show up for a visit.
Promotion: Selling a home has become like online dating: you have 7-10 seconds to make a good impression on someone’s device. Excellent photos and staging set the stage for effective offers. If they do not like what they
see online, chances are they will never show up.
The simple truth is this: master the 3 Ps and your chances of ultimate success will dramatically increase.
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.
WEEKEND GARDENER
Plant a Tree
Arbor Day is celebrated in California in March, so make a plan—and pick a spot—to plant a tree.
Before it
Rains
Again
If the weather is nice this weekend, get out and do some serious work. Finish pruning roses, grapes and deciduous fruit and nut trees. (If you want more grape vines, stick a few of the pruned cuttings into the ground—they root easily.) Put any bulbs that haven’t been planted into the ground right away. Pull weeds while the ground is still very moist and before they take over everything.
Repot
Cymbidiums
If your cymbidium orchids are bulging out of their containers, repot them from now until the end of June. Remove the old bark, discard dead roots and rotted bulbs, and transfer the entire plant into a larger container flled with cymbidium mi or bark. You can also split up the plant into groups of three to fve bulbs with leaves and repot each division individually.
Simple Solution to a Root-Bound Plant
By Buzz Bertolero
The Dirt Gardener
QI have a Camellia in a terracotta pot whose roots have grown through the drainage holes and are rooted into the ground. I’m not entirely sure what to do next to f things.
AThis is not as much of a problem as it might seem. Your Camellia is root bound. I suspect it’s been in the same container for a very long time or planted in a container that is too small. Either way, now and for the next month is an excellent time to remedy the situation. The solution is simple: push the container over as far as possible and cut the roots off at the drainage hole. Now, you have two options: root prune the Camellia and replant it in the same container or transplant it into a larger pot. Containerized maples, roses, azaleas, garde-
nias, and many others are transplanted once every thirty-six to forty-eight months as a standard practice. This prevents them from becoming root-bound and declining.
Root pruning allows you to keep a plant in the same container indefnitely by creating room for new roots. At the same time, transplanting enables you to increase the container size gradually over time. With either technique, you’ll be cutting the root ball, which makes people very nervous, as they are concerned about permanently damaging the plant. Unless you grossly overdue it, this shouldn’t be the case. You’d remove the Camellia from the container, exposing the rootball. It was maybe necessary to break the pot. As plants become rootbound, they develop a thick and tightly bound rootball in the shape of the container. You must
break this pattern by severing the roots with a serrated knife, pruning shears, or a pruning saw. You physically slice, trim or cut away two to six inches from the sides of the root ball and four to eight inches off the bottom. If it’s being transplanted, make four to twelve slices or slashes depending on the size of the root ball and don’t forget the bottom. Next, you add fresh potting soil to the new or existing container, insert the Camellia, and fll the vacant space with soil to complete the transplanting project and water.
possible. With new plantings,
rootstocks to keep trees small. This is accomplished by budding a desired variety onto the appropriate rootstock. Growers have access to many different rootstocks. In addition to height, some rootstocks are nematode resistant, while others can tolerate heavy soils. A grower can bud the same variety onto several different rootstocks depending on the growing conditions of the trees.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certifed Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com, and questions can be sent by email to buzz@ dirtgardener.com.
For home gardeners, pruning is the best method for dwarfng fruit trees.
Q A
warfng an established fruit-bearing tree is more challenging because severe pruning can affect yield for several years, but it is
he year f ed rate mortgage continued to inch down this week, reaching its lowest level thus far in 2 2 . ecent mortgage rate stability is beneftting potential buyers, as purchase demand is stronger than this time last year. This is an indication that a thaw in buyer activity could be on the horizon.
the Jon and Leslie Foster Real Estate Group, we believe agents thrive in a culture of support. With hands-on mentorship, cutting-edge marketing, and a collaborative environment that pushes you to grow, we’re committed to helping you
Ultra dwarf fruit trees are the best for small yards. Commercial fruit growers use dwarf
Bougainvillea
By PumpkinSky - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65054638
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.
AUTOMOBILE/SALES
1996 Corvette, black, 5.7L, 98K miles. $7,000 o.b.o. Call 510-8674987.
CONCRETE SERVICE
ISLANDER CONCRETE. Quality Work, Free Estimates. Lic.#989994. Steven 925-915-5240/ 510-798-3732.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS
FENCES/DECKS
*SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree work, brush removal (fire prevention... don’t get insurance cancelled). Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427.
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
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HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
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GIVEAWAYS
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.
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
10 speed men’s electric bike with extra tire (as-is, needs work) also free foam twinsize camping mat. Call 510-276-1251.
HANDYMAN SERVICE
HANDYMAN 35 Years. Senior Discounts. All Phases. Emergency Calls. In/Outside Work. Fast Service. Tom 510-427-0455.
If you’re a hair stylist seeking a station for rent in downtown San Leandro, Now & Then Hair Salon offers a convenient location with parking available at the back. For more details, please contact Elza at 510-4100560.
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum
DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY!
Please Willie Dennis be advised and put on notice that a Limited Civil lawsuit in the amount of $22,605.57 for move out charges has been filed on January 25, 2024, in the county of Alameda against Willie Dennis for his contract of renting at the premises of 1570 164th Ave. apartment number 62 by the Plaintiff, San Leandro Shamor LLC, with the defendant being Willie Dennis case number 24CV061476. This notice is to serve as publication of service as per the order granted and dated 2/13/2025 to run in this newspaper for four consecutive weeks. Contact Plaintiff at Shamor’s Office located at 1570 164th Ave. San Leandro, CA94578, 510-278-1889, Shamorapartments@jleproperties.com
LANDLORDS - Advertise your units! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman NEED
– Avacancy day is money lost forever –To place an ad call 510-614-1558
MISC. FOR SALE
MOVING SALE: Furniture, Persian Rugs, China Cabinet, Dining Table, Bed, Desk, China Set, etc. 510-7605286.
Cuisinart SmartPower 7-sp Blender $40, Instant Vortex 6-qt air fryer $40. 510-224-7312.
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)
MISC. WANTED
WANTED - Reelto reel music tapes (these are 7” & 10” round tapes from the 60’s). Call Patrick 510-517-3351.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
RENTALS/RV SPACES
RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $975/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
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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.
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*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE. Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.
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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.
LANDLORDS - Advertise your units! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman To Place a Garage Sale Ad call 614-1558
Women from around the country came to Washington D.C to advocate for women’s heart health. Shown here from left to right are WomenHeart Champion anet Wolf of Santa arbara Congressman Eric Swalwell’s policy advisor Carly Sincavich WomenHeart Champion Michelle Sheely of Castro Valley and WomenHeart Champion Lou Ann
Advocate Women’s Heart Health
continued from front page WomenHeart.org and became a WomenHeart Champion.
WomenHeart is a national patient-centered network that supports women diagnosed with heart disease. They also advocate for policies to fght for women’s heart health and care. The group was founded in 1999 by three women who had heart attacks in their 40s and who had faced obstacles such as misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and isolation. The organization now has hundreds of members nationwide.
Volunteers such as Sheely, who became WomenHeart Champions, also received extensive training through the Mayo Clinic on all aspects of women’s heart disease, plus advocacy and media training. They are community educators on this topic.
On February 4, Sheely joined 30 other WomenHeart
Champions in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress, asking that National Institute for Health (NIH) funding for women’s heart health be continued at its current level.
Though funding is being cut at all levels now, Sheely says she received good responses when meeting with Congressman Ro Khanna and staff members from Congressman Eric Swalwell, Senator Adam Schiff, and Senator le Padilla’s offces.
“They had no idea it was such a big issue,” Sheely says.
Since February is Women’s Heart Health Month, Sheely would like everyone to keep the following in mind: there are 60 million women in the U.S living with heart disease; heart disease is the #1 killer of women in our country; and women between 35-55 are dying at the fastest rates due to lack of research, awareness, and education.
She also says that women may have very different symptoms of heart attack than men. These include mild chest pain, jaw pain, left arm pain, nausea, back pain that comes and goes, pain between the shoulder blades, and shortness of breath.
“Women may think they’re having a heart event, but when they slow down, the pain stops. In fact, that’s the signal to go to the ER, not a doctor’s offce, because the E is equipped to diagnose all sorts of heart problems. If you wait and go to a doctor’s offce, it could be too late,” Sheely says.
For more information on WomenHeart.org, please see the website by that name. To contact Michelle Sheely, email michellesheely@gmail.com . She would be happy to speak to local groups about women’s heart health.
Tenant ‘More Protections Needed’
continued from front page Since before the pandemic, they had spearheaded the effort for protection on behalf of several other groups.
“More protections are still needed, but this is a good start,” said My Eden Voice organizer Kristen Hackett. Julia Vazquez, another My Eden Voice leader, said, “We have built the foundation for something that can be as big as our will and imagination allow.”
The group has been pushing for tenant protection in unincorporated areas since 2018, with the notable backing of the late Supervisor Wilma Chan from District 3. The
county’s Community Development Agency (CDA) had been tasked with developing a local ordinance to stabilize the housing market. These efforts were thrown into starker relief when evictions started increasing before the pandemic, sometimes involving tenants current on their rent, and continued as many people lost jobs and income due to COVID-19. The county and cities responded with eviction moratoria, which were then lifted as the pandemic eased.
District 4 Supervisor Nate Miley led several years of negotiations between tenant and landlord groups for ongo-
Youth Voices: Realizing Your Dream and Making it Reality
By Maison Jordan SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
When I turned 13, I had a stark realization that changed the course of my life: I was going to be an actor, and I wouldn’t stop working toward it until I was.
The Bay Area is rich in cultural diversity and artistic energy, but breaking into the flm industry can feel inaccessible. e know flmmaking is happening here, with up-andcomers chasing stardom, but the real question is—how do you get there?
I began my journey in high school, performing in plays and musicals. I hosted a video series for our journalism program and joined the improv club, where I learned to embrace expression and never feel embarrassed while performing. Every opportunity to be on stage or screen matters more than you think.
Focusing on on-camera acting techniques is essential since stage and screen require different training. y frst formal classes were in Berkeley at
the Film Actor’s Cafe for youth actors.
Instructor Aeron Macintyre transformed how I approached scripts and
taught me a memorization technique that expanded my audition range. This school is excellent for beginners transitioning from theater to screen, providing valuable on-camera experience.
The most impactful training I’ve had was an eight-week intensive at First Take Acting School with Jennifer Maclean. This program was a game changer, refning my skills and preparing me to compete in the industry. Advanced training like this is crucial for aspiring actors.
Many universities, such as UCLA, offer affordable programs for actors. I took a workshop that taught me on-set etiquette and camera work. These programs are geared toward pre-college students. New York University (NYU) also
provides an insightful course on the flmmaking industry, and I highly recommend taking any class that deepens your understanding of acting and flmmaking. However, actors must be cautious of scams. Sites like Backstage and Facebook groups can be flled with fraudulent postings. If someone asks for measurements, payment, or personal details before requesting a resume or schedule, block them and report it.
Scholarships are available for many programs—I’ve received a few myself—since some class fees can be exorbitant. Always have work ready to submit, whether a self-tape or a short flm, to showcase your talent and dedication. Recently, I started landing roles outside of school. It’s a small step but a signifcant one. The journey is exciting yet often frustrating. Still, if you love something and know it’s your calling, never let it go. Dreams are achievable, you just have to make them happen.
Maison Jordan is an aspiring actor and a student at Castro Valley High School.
Teen Driver Safety Program
The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library present Start Smart: Teen Driver Program on Tuesday, February 25, from 6 to 8pm at the Castro Valley ibrary. CHP offcers will discuss traffc collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsi-
bilities, and seatbelt usage. Additionally, testimonies will be provided by offcers who have investigated fatal collisions involving teens, and by family members who have lost love ones in traffc collisions. he
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. A parent/guardian is required to attend the class with their teen. Registration is required for this free program. To register, call the Library Information Desk at 510667-7900 or register online at www.aclibrary.org
ing protections, which led to several versions of a proposed housing protection ordinance.
CDA’s 2022 version contained provisions limited evictions to a list of just causes, prohibiting harassment of tenants by landlords, a right of return to a unit after renovations or repairs that led to the eviction are fnished, and a rental registry of occupied and unoccupied units.
Miley said he wanted to continue investigating a rental registry and anti-harassment protection for tenants but that a mediation ordinance that supervisors passed on November 17, 2024, should resolve at least some landlord-tenant disputes.
Topping of Santa arbara.
Members of My Eden Voice pose with Supervisor Elisa Mar ue after the vote on tenant protections. rom left to right Paloma Aspe Anayely Piscil Sala ar
Sandra Hernande Vicki Vivaldi Rosisela Murillo Elisa Mar ue Elena Torres Dave Thompson Leo Esclamado risten Hackett and Miguel de Leon.
Anniversaries and Our Town
By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
any things are engaged in the making of a town like Castro Valley. People come and go when they live here. Some leave and return. Some never leave. Yet, our town keeps on moving forward with a life of its own. Within this environment it is nice to observe that there are places that have provided continuity and continue to do so. Three come to mind. The connecting point has to do with their anniversaries.
The frst one is the Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD). This wonderful organization has provided valuable services to our community for eighty years. The services have not only been about recreation. They have been in other key areas as well. This includes after school activities, education, senior services, education, and community building. It has been as important an organization as any in our township for doing positive things for pos-
itive reasons to accomplish positive results. For eight decades it deserves credit for the major contribution it has made to
the quality of life that many of us have experienced. A second one is a local grocery store here in Castro Valley. It is Al’s Food Market. The store was originally developed and operated by the Low family. They have been a community asset and a contributor to community causes. They have also provided quality food to our town, with their butcher department being one of the best in our town’s history. They have been operating for 75 years and deserve credit for the services they have provided and contributions they have made. A third is the upcoming one of a century of service to Castro Valley. It is Pete’s Hardware Store. As our town was developing, Pete’s Hardware was not only a pivotal provider
to the construction and maintenance of our structures. It has also been a contributor to the construction and maintenance of our lives and of our community. Since 1926 it has been a model public citizen in our community. It has contributed and supported us as individuals and as a community under development. The founder was Pete Selmeczki, and his family has perpetuated his purpose forward to our present moment in time. Next year – 2026, Pete’s Hardware Store will turn a hundred years old. It has been a pillar of public service to all of us.
With these anniversaries noted, these entities, along with others, have done well to make our town into the attractive and viable community that it is. Without HARD, Al’s Food Market, Pete’s Hardware Store, and others like them, we would not be who we are today. When you fnd the opportunity, thank them and their employees for their kindness and contributions to our town’s health and well-being.
AVID Program Empowers Seniors with Support, Tech
By Jazlyn Tandel SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Given the proper support and technology, the journey beyond high school can be easier than you think.
Castro Valley High School’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program is an elective pathway that builds essential academic skills to prepare students for college and career readiness. Developed four years ago, CVHS AVID started a scholarship fund that provides graduating seniors with essential tools to help them continue their success outside of high school.
More than just a college prep program, AVID supports underrepresented students striving for higher education. This year’s class of 21 students took advantage of a supportive community where faculty and students uplift each other.
The typical AVID student profle is recruited from the academic middle. These are often the frst in their family to go to college. They may need help understanding what classes to take to get into
college, how to apply, and help flling out a FAFSA (free student federal aid) form. Some students are recommended for the program using scholastic data. Most fnd AVID through word of mouth from teachers or friends.
During their freshman year, participants set an ambitious goal to ensure every AVID senior graduate with a MacBook and a roadmap for success. Thanks to Walkathons, fundraisers, and invaluable partnerships with local organizations, the AVID program has provided laptops to 40 graduating seniors. The students hope to provide 21 MacBook laptops this year but still need fnancial support and sponsorships.
Dies: Allow Yourself to Feel Emotions
continued from page 5
Locate Important Documents: Begin gathering essential documents, including the will, life insurance policies, bank account statements, investment records, marriage certifcate, and social security card. Knowing where these are will save time and reduce stress later.
Important Tasks in the Following Weeks, Months Once the initial shock subsides, a more structured approach is necessary to manage the legal and fnancial aspects:
Obtain Copies of Death Certifcate: You will need certifed copies of the death certifcate for various purposes, such as claiming life insurance benefts, transferring assets, and notifying government agencies. Order at least 10-15 copies. Notify Government Agencies: Contact the Social Security Administration to report the death and inquire about survivor benefts. Inform the Department of Veterans Affairs if your spouse was a veteran. Notify Medicare or Medicaid as applicable.
Contact Financial Institutions: Notify banks, credit unions, investment frms, and insurance companies. Close or transfer accounts as necessary, and fle claims for life insurance policies.
Recently, Sutter Health’s executive team generously sponsored AVID students with $10,000, helping them close the gap to their goal of $30,000.
Every dollar contributed directly impacts a student’s future, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Donations and sponsorships can be the difference that helps every AVID senior start their next chapter with the confdence and resources to thrive.
Donate through the Castro Valley Educational Foundation site to support CVHS AVID and ensure the scholarship program continues to beneft future classes: https://www. cvef.org/get-involved/donate/
Probate the Will (If Applicable): If your spouse had a will, it will need to be probated. Probate is the legal process of validating the will and distributing the assets according to its instructions. Hire a probate attorney to guide you through this process, which can be complex.
Determine Estate Taxes:
Depending on the size of your spouse’s estate, estate taxes may be due. Consult with a tax professional to determine your obligations and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
Review and Update Your Own Estate Plan: Now is a good time to review and update your own will, power of attorney, and other estate planning documents. Your circumstances have changed, and your estate plan should refect your current wishes.
Manage Debts and Obligations: Identify and address any outstanding debts or obligations, such as credit card bills, mortgages, and loans. Consult with an attorney to understand your responsibilities and protect your assets.
Consider Professional Advice: Seek guidance from professionals, such as attorneys, fnancial advisors, and accountants. They can provide valuable assistance with legal, fnancial, and tax matters.
Taking Care of Yourself
While navigating practical tasks is crucial, it’s equally important to prioritize your emotional well-being. Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Allow Yourself to Grieve: Don’t suppress your emotions or try to be “strong.” Allow yourself to feel sadness, anger, and other emotions that arise. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist. Grief support groups can also provide a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.
Maintain Your Physical Health: Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health can help you cope with stress and manage your emotions.
Avoid Major Decisions: Avoid making major life decisions, such as selling your home or changing jobs, in the immediate aftermath of your spouse’s death. Give yourself time to adjust and make decisions when you are thinking more clearly.
The process of grieving and settling a spouse’s affairs is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself, seek support when needed, and remember that you are not alone. With time, you will fnd a way to navigate this diffcult journey and build a new chapter in your life, carrying the love and memories of your spouse with you.
1940–2025
With heartfelt love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Marguerite Ruebling, who peacefully left us on February 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on April 13, 1940, Marguerite was a beacon of warmth and kindness, and her life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, family, and nature.
Marguerite shared a wonderful life with her beloved husband, Jim Ruebling, and together they created a home flled with laughter and joy. She was a devoted and loving mother to her three children: James, Elizabeth, and Catherine, and a treasured sister to Janet Hachiya. She was predeceased by her parents, Eva and Hans Schoen, and her sister Claire Rich.
A talented forist, Marguerite spent many years brightening the lives of others through her work at Flo and Marie’s Flowers. Her true passion, however, was her garden, where she found peace and felt closer to God. The hours she spent nurturing her plants and fowers refected her deep love for nature and the beauty she saw in the world around her. Her home was always a sanctuary, overfowing with the vibrant colors and sweet fragrances she so lovingly cultivated.
Marguerite’s legacy is one of grace, joy, and generosity. Her nurturing spirit, her devotion to her family, and her unwavering positivity will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a world made brighter by her love, care, and beautiful presence. In lieu of fowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to an animal charity of your choice in her memory.
Marguerite Ruebling
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Our Athletes of the Week are the Creekside Varsity Flag Football team, who won the 2024 Southern Alameda County Middle Athletic League (SACMAL) Championship game on December 19, 2024, against crosstown rival Canyon Middle School Condors with a fnal score of 2 .
Besides winning over Canyon, the Wildcats’ S C victory is signifcant because it is the frst time a Castro alley arsity team
won the title in 11 years. The same two teams battled earlier last year in the annual Battle of the Valley in Flag Football game. Creekside also won that game , the frst time in eight years.
The players, with their 2024 Battle of the Valley and SACMAL trophies, are pictured with Head Coach Jessie Washington and Assistant Coaches David Pak and Pete Martinez.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Creekside Flag Football
Wild Mushroom Advisory
Issued by the Park District
During the rainy winter season, wild mushrooms pop up in great numbers throughout East Bay Regional Parks. Mushrooms are an ecologically important part of the parklands and can look beautiful—but some of them contain dangerous toxins. The death cap (Amanita phalloides) and western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in Regional Parks during the rainy season.
The death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms contain amatoxins, molecules that are deadly to many animals. Symptoms may not appear until up to 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and kidney failure if treatment is not sought immediately. Both of these mushrooms can be lethal to humans and pets if consumed. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pet may have eaten a toxic mushroom. They are mainly associated with oak trees and can be found growing any
where oak roots are present. Collecting any mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed.
The best way to stay safe is to ensure that no mushrooms are consumed by humans or pets. As an added safety measure, learn to recognize poisonous mushroom species when encountering them in Regional Parks.
The death cap is a medium to large mushroom that typically has a greenish-gray cap,
0 55 victory over Making Waves Academy of Richmond on Saturday ebruary 15.
RCHS Eagles Win League Tournament, Championship
The Redwood Christian High School Eagles Boys’ Basketball Team won the 2024-25 Bay Counties League Tournament and League Championship with a hard-fought 60-55 victory over Making Waves Academy of Richmond on Saturday, February 15.
including 6 for 6 from the free throw line, who was also an All-Tournament. Junior Garrett Hubbard with 8 points, 15 rebounds and 8 block shots, was also selected to the All-Tournament Team.
back multiple times against a strong Marlins team. I was very proud of our team’s play.” Alfonso Macedo and Dr. Tyrone Snipes serve as Assistant Coaches.
white gills, a white ring around the stem, and a large white sac at the base of the stem. Although the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly colonizing the West Coast. The death cap is not native to California.
The western destroying angel is a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that can disappear with age, and a thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring. It is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the death cap, it is a native California mushroom. While the death cap and western destroying angel mushrooms are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly toxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota mushroom species, which also occur in the Bay Area. For more information about toxic mushrooms, visit ebparks.org/ safety/trails/toxic-mushrooms.
The Eagles were led by Tournament Most Valuable Player Senior David Rogers with 24 points and 10 rebounds, Junior Nehemiah Mitchell with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 assists,
he Eagles fnished the 2024-25 season undefeated in league at 14-0, and 25-3 overall, the best overall record in the School’s ffty one year athletic history.
Head Coach Andrew Castaneda stated “the team played hard having to come
The Eagles host San Lorenzo High School in the frst round of the California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Division IV Play-offs on February 19 at 7:00 P.M. in the Bruce D. Johnson Gymnasium at Redwood Christian High School, 1000 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo.
Small Quakes, Big Reminder To Get Emergency Prepared
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Did you feel the earthquakes last Thursday? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, four were centered just over a mile east of Hayward near Castro Valley, prompting offcials to remind residents to prepare for all types of emergencies.
he frst temblor struck with a 2.7-magnitude just after 5 a.m. Two more struck right before noon, with a 3.4-magnitude quake hitting at 11:52 a.m. and a 3.2-magnitude quake striking at 11:54 a.m.
The fourth quake registered a 3.7-magnitude just before 2 p.m.
Later that afternoon,
around 4 4 p.m., a ffth uake (2.5-magnitude) struck about three miles west of Pleasant Hill. US S offcials are investigating any connection between the two locations.
People reported feeling the quakes across the Bay Area, including San Francisco.
The Hayward fault experiences a major quake about every 150 years on average.
The last big 1868 quake occurred 157 years ago. The fault spans from San Pablo Bay in the north to Fremont in the south. It runs under the cities of Berkeley, Oakland, and Hayward before connecting to the longer Calaveras fault.
Earthquakes with a magnitude around 3.0 are considered minor and are typically felt by
many but rarely cause damage.
State Farm Agent Todd Anglin reminded clients to be prepared, as you never know when the next big earthquake will strike.
“We know they happen here, so It’s a good time to stay prepared and ensure there are plans in place in case there are more (or larger earthquakes),” Anglin says. “Remember to always check for gas leaks after sizable quakes, too.”
Emergency offcials suggest families plan meeting points, store portable food, and water, know what to take for their pets, include medicines and warm blankets, and pack a “go bag” with clothes and important information in case of an evacuation.
Redwood Christian High School Eagles oys’ asketball Team won the 2024 25 ay Counties League Tournament and League Championship with a
Western destroying angel
PHOTO CREDIT: CATHY BRESLOW / BRESLOW IMAGING