CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Knolls Park on Saturday, February 22. Reed herself is pictured third from left.
Rally Against Racist Graffiti
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Some 60 people rallied at Hillcrest Knolls Park in Ashland on Saturday, February 22, in support of a new homeowner in the neighborhood whose welcome had been marred by racist graffiti painted on her fence. San Leandro community group Big Tent San Leandro organized the event.
“I did not know a month after closing on my house I’d be doing this,” Sonia Reed told the crowd, who she thanked for coming out.
Reed had overcome both addiction and homelessness decades ago to go to school, begin working, and start her climb to a supervisor position at a healthcare nonprofit. She saved her money and applied for every kind of first-time homebuyer assistance available before finding
CELEBRATING 20TH ANNIVERSARY
her house on Upland Avenue, off 150th Avenue near Fairmont Drive. Racing to buy the house in time for Christmas, she got the keys on December 22 last year. It needed some work, so she hired some workers right away to fix the house up.
She said she looked forward to building a porch on which she could sit with her grandchildren, see RALLY on page 11
Little Reds’ Barnyard
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Chickens and ponies and goats… oh my!
In 2005, Castro Valley resident Debbie Buerke realized the value of animal therapy for kids and adults. She started a family-owned business called Little Reds’ Barnyard Friends,
where she brings various farm animals to birthday parties, schools, church events, and day camps. Little Reds’ is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Buerke hopes to host a celebration in downtown Castro Valley.
“We have done so many wonderful events throughout the Bay Area,” Buerke told the
Forum. “I have made so many solid friends, and it is also fun to be invited to the same child’s birthday party year after year. Our animals touch the lives of so many. It is very rewarding to share our animals with children and adults who do not get to see animals on a daily basis, let alone hold a chicken.” see REDS on page 3
Updates by CHP, Code Enforcement
By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met last Thursday to hear updates from the California Highway Patrol, the Alameda County Public Works Agency (PWA), and County Code Enforcement. While the cops received kudos, the MAC criticized the County.
The MAC first heard one of its regular updates from CHP Officer Jen Pabst, who said traffic patrolling in Castro Valley and Hayward went particularly well over the holiday, which is typically a perilous period.
Pabst said that the local CHP led the state for contact during the maximum enforcement period over the holidays. She reported zero fatal crashes over the Christmas and New Year period.
Pabst provided a few statistics for January 2025: 373 traffic tickets were issued in Castro Valley, four DUI arrests, 12 injury crashes, 34 non-injury crashes, and one abandoned stolen vehicle recovered by the department.
Another highlight was the CHP’s increased enforcement against “sideshows,” large, sudden gatherings of cars doing donuts and other unsafe driving.
Pabst said that the CHP teamed with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the see MAC on page 3
Karen Fernandez of the Big Tent San Leandro organizations welcomes people to a rally in support of Sonia Reed being welcomed to her new house in Ashland, held at Hillcrest
PHOTOS BY MIKE McGUIRE
Castro Valley Weather
Police Identify Suspect in 1990 Murder of Tilden Park Jogger
The East Bay Regional Park District Police Department announced last Wednesday, February 19, that DNA evidence has conclusively identified the murderer in a 35-year-old case that took place in Tilden Regional Park.
Evidence collected from Jon Lipari, who died by suicide in Oregon in November 2024, was linked to the victim Maria Weidhofer. Weidhofer was an avid jogger and park user of Tilden Regional Park.
On Nov. 16, 1990, Weidhofer was found deceased on a trail near Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. Weidhofer was found with rope around her neck and with physical signs of a struggle after she had been reported missing the night before.
An autopsy, performed at the time of the crime, found that Weidhofer’s cause of death was asphyxia by ligature strangulation and found a multitude of minor abrasions and contusions upon her person. A lengthy investigation was conducted in 1990-1991 by the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. A suspect was not identified from this initial investigation.
In 1997, biological evidence found on Weidhofer from the suspect was sent to the Contra Costa Crime Lab for analysis. That evidence was later submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Among the evidence collected,
during the initial investigation, was semen from which a DNA profile was generated.
In 2020, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Investigations Unit began working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on this case. This collaboration included the use of advanced DNA techniques. Through this investigation, Lipari was determined to be a potential suspect and became the primary suspect in 2024.
Once Lipari was identified as a potential suspect, hundreds of hours of further investigation were conducted in collaboration with the FBI, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and the Curry County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation also determined that Lipari was living in Gold Beach, Ore.
In early November 2024, Lipari was found deceased in his residence by local law enforcement from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. DNA from the scene was retrieved by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office and
a direct comparison was done by the Contra Costa County Crime Lab. The comparison determined the DNA profiles generated from the evidence collected at the original scene and the DNA from Lipari were a match.
There is no indication from the investigation, Weidhofer’s family, or Lipari’s family that there was any previous contact between the victim and suspect.
“We hope that today’s development brings some measure of closure to the family, who have shown tremendous strength throughout this difficult time” said Roberto Filice, Chief of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. “This breakthrough comes after years of relentless investigation, and I want to personally thank our dedicated staff for their perseverance and firm commitment to seeking justice. Their determination to never give up ultimately led to solving this case, and we are proud to serve a community that stands together in the face of tragedy.”
On November 16, 1990, Maria Weidhofer was found deceased on a trail in Tilden Regional Park
MAC: The Homeless Population
continued from front page San Leandro and Hayward Police Departments as RESET (the Regional Sideshow Enforcement Taskforce) to monitor social media and other outlets to prevent sideshows from occurring and break up events that do occur.
“We have been very successful at preventing sideshows in our area,” said Pabst.
Pabst said another major concern in Castro Valley and the unincorporated area is homeless encampments near the freeways. She said a balance between outreach, compassion, and safety needs to be found and that cleaning up an encampment costs between $10,000 and $30,000.
The MAC asked Pabst to return to a meeting in another six to eight weeks for another CHP update. Pabst told the MAC that she encourages the public to contact the CHP when they spot reckless drivers or have other concerns.
“I love hearing all of the complaints because then I can get officers on the road and make the community safer,” said Pabst. The public can report complaints via email at 345recklessdriving@chp. ca.gov or by phone at (510) 489-1500.
PUBLIC WORKS
TAKEN TO TASK
The MAC then received an update from the Alameda County PWA and was critical of the PWA’s recent resurfacing of a portion of Castro Valley Boulevard.
see MAC on page 11
Reds: Buerke Noticed the Calming Effect the Animals Have on People
continued from front page Buerke’s love for animals inspired her to start Little Reds’. She grew up on Palomares Road, and her family always had animals of some kind.
“When I was five, my parents bought me my first pony, who was my best little buddy for years. I still remember the joy that she brought me,” Buerke says.
Throughout the years, Buerke accumulated quite the animal collection, including several breeds of horses, ponies, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, goats, and donkeys. She began hosting small groups at her
barnyard and noticed the animals’ calming effect on people. She studied Equine Therapy and volunteers with equine-assisted riding for children with special needs. The business was then converted into a mobile petting zoo, where people interacted with the animals in a 12-foot by 12-foot pen for two hours.
“The events that we do for children with special needs and nursing home facilities are always a heartwarming day for us,” Buerke said. “We drive away with humble hearts, knowing we made a difference in someone’s life.”
Now, she is working with her three daughters, traveling around the state to farmers markets, rodeos, block parties, and even business grand openings.
“Watching their hard work, dedication, and solid work ethic has made me such a proud mom,” Buerke said. “I enjoy our traveling adventures together as it also combines quality time shared together as we make a difference in someone’s life.”
For more information about Little Reds’ Barnyard Friends, visit their website: littleredsbarnyardfriends.com
Sheriff’s Reports
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Shoplifter Caught
Thursday, February 20: At 10:00 p.m., a 34-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from the Ross Department Store in the Castro Village Shopping Center. Deputies responded to a call from store security, who detained the woman for leaving with unpaid merchandise. The woman was taken into custody.
Stolen Property and Burglar Tools
Thursday, February 20: At 2:45 p.m., deputies arrested a 55-year-old woman suspected of possessing stolen property and burglar tools. The woman was stopped for questioning outside the Dollar Tree store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Chester Street. Deputies found the tools and merchandise in her purse and took her into custody.
Drunk and Disorderly Thursday, February 20: At 4:30 a.m., a 34-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and violating the terms of a restraining order. Deputies stopped the man for questioning outside a home on Edwards Lane near Center Street after the homeowner called about a suspicious person. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.
Traffic Stop Turns Up Loaded Weapon
Thursday, February 20: At 4:00 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 51-year-old man outside a business on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard. There, they found the man had a prior conviction and had illegal possession of a loaded and concealed gun. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody.
Arts & Entertainment
Cosmo the Magician Comes to CV
By Terry Liebowitz
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Bring the kids and grandchildren to meet Cosmo the Magician this Sunday, March 2 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) at 3:00pm.
Cosmo dresses as the ringmaster in his circus-themed family magic show. He delights children and their families of all ages…there may even be a surprise appearance of a bunny rabbit and some doves! California-based magician and motivational speaker, Cosmo is a popular school assembly entertainer. His interactive style keeps audiences laughing, while his inspirational message emphasizes the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and equality. He likes to leave the audience with some key sayings such as “We Are Better Together” and “Be Wonderful Not Perfect.” He calls his show, “Magic with a Message.”
Castro Valley Arts Foundation board member, Anne Forte shared, “I’m so glad we could bring this show to our families. The children will be having fun and learning big lessons at the same time.” For tickets: cvartsfoundation. org or call 510-889-8961. Free parking and handicapped accessible.
High School Business Club Aims for Future Success
Castro Valley High School’s Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter recently competed at the NorCal Career Development Conference (CDC), which was held from January 17 to 19. The club focuses on preparing future business leaders for marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship careers through competitions and
real-world business scenarios.
Fifty-six students spent their weekend in San Ramon to compete at the conference, with 27 of them placing as overall finalists and 7 of them winning the coveted awards in their respective events. The chapter reached new heights during the Northern California event and marks an extreme improvement in results
compared to previous years. CVHS competed against many schools throughout the region.
“The success at NorCal CDC highlights Castro Valley DECA’s commitment to developing future business leaders through rigorous preparation, teamwork, and innovation,” says DECA member Ian Hsu. “The chapter’s achievements reflect the dedication
of its members, advisors, and supporters who continue to foster excellence in competitive business education.”
The team now sets its sights on the upcoming California State Career Development Conference this weekend (February 27-March 2), aiming to further its success and qualify for the International Career Development Conference.
TODAY • 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 benefits. The Library is located at 3600 Norbridge Ave. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900.
TODAY • Wednesday, February 26
Paid Internship Program Information Night
Castro Valley Adult & Career Education offers a Paid Internship Program for adults with disabilities. Interns will gain paid work experience at local businesses and organizations matched to their interests and skills. To register and to learn more about it, visit http://cvace.linl./pipnight or contact a Transition Specialist at: stridespip@cv.k12.ca.us. The event will be held from 6 to 7pm at 4430 Alma Avenue, room 12/13 on the upper campus. Call the school at (510) 886-1000, ext. 2221 for additional information.
TOMORROW • Thursday, February 27
“Beyond Recognition” A Screening and Conversation
After decades struggling to protect her ancestor’s burial places, a native woman and her allies occupy a sacred site to protect its desecration. Attend this screening of this short documentary, as it explores the quest to preserve one’s culture and homeland. RSVP to this free event at https:// cvace.link/beyondrecognition. The screening will be held in the multipurpose room at Castro Valley Adult & Career Education, 4430 Alma Avenue, from 6:30 to 8pm.
Saturday, March 1
Hill and Valley Club Presents Bunco Madness
Hill and Valley Club presents Bunco Madness on Saturday March 1st, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the clubhouse, 1808 B Street in Hayward. Tickets include lunch. For info or reservations, please call Pat Keathley at 510-461-1321 or email PKeathley@icloud.com. Door prizes and Bunco prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit local charities and our building repair fund.
Saturday, March 1
Regional Park District’s Virtual Youth Job Fair
The East Bay Regional Park District has a wide variety of opportunities for youth, young adults, and students. The Virtual Youth Job Fair is this Saturday, March 1 from 10:30 to 12:30 and is designed for applicants ages 15–24, although the minimum age requirement for most jobs is 16 years old. Resume and interview tips provided. Pre-registration highly recommended. More info and a Zoom registration link can be found at: www.ebparks.org/jobs/youth
Saturday, March 1
Learn How to Make Cappuccino with A.R.T., Inc.
Learn How to Make Cappuccino with A.R.T., Inc. this Saturday, March 1 at 2pm at the Adobe Art Center located at 20395 San Miguel Avenue. Enjoy free coffee and cookies with Naima Sarasay.
Sunday, March 2
Meet Cosmo the Magician
Bring the kids and grandchildren to meet Cosmo the Magician this Sunday, March 2 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) at 3pm. Cosmo dresses as the ringmaster in his circus-themed family magic show. He delights children and their families of all ages.
Meet Cosmo the Magician this Sunday at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.
Food & Dining
Let the Good Times Roll
Mardi Gras, the vibrant celebration before Lent, is synonymous with dazzling parades, lively music, and of course, delicious food! And no Mardi Gras feast is complete without a warm, pillowy beignet, generously dusted with powdered sugar. These delightful treats are surprisingly easy to make at home. So, dust off your apron and let’s bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with this simple and delicious beignet recipe! This step-by-step guide will have you whipping up a batch of these iconic pastries in no time.
1 cup warm water
(105-115°F)
1/4 ounce active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup evaporated milk
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup shortening, melted Vegetable oil, for frying Powdered sugar, for dusting
Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Roll and Cut: Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-3 inch squares.
Second Rise: Place the cut squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, egg, and evaporated milk to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
Add Flour and Shortening: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. After adding about half the flour, stir in the melted shortening. Continue adding flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Fry the Beignets: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd pot.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Drain and Dust: Remove the beignets from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, generously dust with powdered sugar.
Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of Mardi Gras! These homemade beignets are best enjoyed fresh, so gather your friends and family and let the good times roll! Laissez les bons temps rouler!
RCS Fundraiser Dinner a Big Success
The 2025 Redwood Christian Schools “All You Can Eat
Are You Ready to Mardi? Mardi Gras is on Tuesday
Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 4. Here are a few recipes to bring the spirit of New Orleans to your own home:
Gumbo is a quintessential Louisiana dish, a hearty stew that embodies the diverse culinary influences of the region. There are countless variations of gumbo, but the key ingredients typically include a roux (a mixture of flour and fat used as a thickening agent), the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking (onions, celery, and bell peppers), seafood, meat, and Creole seasoning.
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
1 pound chicken thighs, cut to bite-sized pieces
8 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the roux turns a deep, chocolatey brown color (this may take 2030 minutes). Be patient and stir constantly to prevent burning.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the andouille sausage and chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot over cooked rice.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced 1 pound chicken thighs, cut to bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the andouille sausage and chicken to the pot and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and chicken from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
and Tri-Tip Dinner and Auction” was held on February 8, in the Bruce D. Johnson
and Redwood
on the
San Lorenzo, and provided a great evening for the two hundred guests in attendance.
Auctioneer Armando Cicero-Lopez, assisted by RCS Superintendent Al Hearne and RCHS Principal Justin Redemer, auctioned trips to Mexico as well as many ath-
letic memorabilia, collectibles and reserved seating for the upcoming kindergarten, fifth grade, middle school and high school graduations. In addition to the live auction items, there were thirty silent auction items. see DINNER on back page
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups cooked rice, for serving
Salt and pepper to taste
Jambalaya is another Louisiana staple, a flavorful rice dish with Spanish and French influences. It’s similar to paella, but with a distinct Cajun flair.
Jambalaya typically includes rice, meat (such as chicken, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, and celery), and Creole seasoning.
Add the diced tomatoes and rice to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Season with thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
No Mardi Gras feast is complete without a warm, pillowy beignet
Crab
Gymnasium
Redwood Christian Middle School
Christian High School Campus in
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Zillow Data Questions Off-Market Sales
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
With all of the recent changes in the residential real estate world, one issue has separated itself from the rest and is floating around like an iceberg. Like those giant floating chunks of ice, there is more under the surface than is visible above the waves and in a similar manner to the damage done to the Titanic when it encountered an iceberg, there is potential for financial damage with this issue.
The issue: selling homes off the MLS.
I need to provide some background. Years ago, brokerages would list homes and then share that information with other brokerages, seeking to put together a transaction. Other brokers, hoping to represent both sides of the transaction, would try selling the property themselves. It was a clumsy system at best and, in an effort to promote cooperation and transparency, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was born in the late 1880s. Over the years the MLS has functioned under the premise that by sharing all listings as widely as possible, buyers have access to the most options and sellers benefit by having their homes viewed by the largest possible audience.
A couple decades ago, some agents began seeking ways to sell homes off-market (off the MLS) and the number of homes being sold this way began rapidly increasing. The idea was simple: if a listing agent could find a buyer for their listing without going through the MLS, they could save marketing costs and possibly increase their
compensation by representing both sides. While there have always been off-market sales (family-to-family transfers, investor purchases, etc.), the numbers were increasing to the degree that the National Association of Realtors (NAR), instituted rules mandating that all homes being listed must notify the MLS and the seller must sign a waiver giving permission for their agent to sell off-market.
Called the Clear Cooperation Policy, it is now under attack by some brokerages who want the right to sell homes off-market to agents within their brokerage or network without alerting the wider pool of agents and buyers that these properties are available. Zillow just weighed in with a post entitled, “Listing off the MLS cost sellers more than $1B, study finds.” Their contention is simple: by reducing a listing’s exposure
to a smaller pool of buyers, the lessened competition results in overall lower sales prices to the sellers.
Stay tuned: this battle is just beginning to heat up.
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
March Jobs
Take time to get caught up on the chores you skipped during the rainy days. Yellow oxalis plants are blooming all over the East Bay. Pull them while the soil is still very moist, being careful to remove the root. Oxalis often break off at the soil line and will be up again before you know it. And don’t forget those snails and slugs. The recent rains brought them out in force. Hand pick them in the evening, or use copper barriers or crushed eggshells around newly transplanted flowers and vegetables.
Strawberries
Remove strawberry blooms through May to concentrate the plant’s energy into big, sweet berries.
Roses
Check roses and trees for suckers, those little shoots that grow from the rootstock. Cut them off with shears or a spade, since they sap the plant’s energy.
Wildflowers
Wildflowers still can be sown and are excellent for erosion control on hillsides in the East Bay
Only Downside in Pruning is a Delay of Flowering
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
QI know it’s late, but I just pruned my roses. There was lots of new growth, so I thinned them a bit and removed the dead wood. Should I spray them with dormant spray? I’ve had Black Spots in previous years and some mildew, so I’d like to prevent them this year.
AYou’re not too late to prune your roses. Roses can be pruned severely or as you did well into the spring. The only downside is that the pruning may delay flowering. In your case, I doubt this will be an issue. You can also trim back to reduce height and bring in
the sides. However, it is too late to apply dormant spray. If used now, you risk burning the new foliage. Dormant spray cleans up overwintering spores but does not prevent diseases later in the year. Rust, Mildew, and Black Spot are airborne fungi that infect roses when moisture lingers on the foliage after sunset. These diseases become a serious problem when the rainy season extends into late April. Since the rainy season hasn’t concluded, rose diseases remain a concern. Additionally, clean up any debris accumulated under the bushes, as fungus spores overwinter in debris. You must be proactive with your fungicide to keep the rose leaves pristine. While many fun-
Bougainvillea gicides are available to control Rust, Black Spot, and Mildew, none can completely eradicate these diseases. To be effective, fungicides must be applied before the diseases appear. Once the problem becomes visible, it’s too late to prevent it; the infection likely occurred ten to fourteen days earlier. I mentioned in a previous column that Bayer Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care is a unique solution to avoid rose diseases. It’s a systemic fungicide that provides six weeks of control per application for Rust, Black Spot, and Mildew on roses, and many other plants. It also controls Aphids and other pests while nourishing your bushes. This three-in-one product isn’t
sprayed on the plant but is applied to the roots. It’s available in both granular and liquid forms. One application should be sufficient to keep your roses disease-free with minimal effort. I’d recommend applying it within the next couple of weeks or immediately if it rains.
QSince we moved in last fall, our Meyer lemon has been ripening abundantly, but
I don’t see any new fruit forming. What should I do to encourage more fruit production?
AMeyer lemons bloom throughout the year, usually on new growth, with the fruit maturing accordingly. I recommend feeding it Citrus Food monthly from March through November to promote new growth. You should see flowers and then fruit forming
in about six weeks. This might be a great time to shape the lemon bush by pruning it before production starts again.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advance California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener. com, and questions can be emailed to buzz@dirtgardemer.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/ Buzz.Bertolero.
Mortgage Rates Trend Down
Mortgage rates decreased slightly this week. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has stayed just under 7% for five consecutive weeks and in that time has fluctuated less than 20 basis points. This stability continues to bode well for potential buyers and sellers as the spring homebuying season approaches.
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.
CONCRETE SERVICE
ISLANDER CONCRETE. Quality Work, Free Estimates. Lic.#989994. Steven 925-915-5240/ 510-798-3732.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
FENCES/DECKS
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.
GARAGE SALES
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
HANDYMAN SERVICE
HANDYMAN 35 Years. Senior Discounts. All Phases. Emergency Calls. In/Outside Work. Fast Service. Tom 510-427-0455.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
LEGAL NOTICE
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.
MISC. WANTED
WANTED
(these
S.L. CONCRETE SERVICE Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Tree and Drain Service. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937. Help for the
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
ESTATE SALE Fri. 2/28 & Sat. 2/29 9am-3pm. No Earlybirds. Crystal, antiques & misc. 2553 Nordell Ave., Castro Valley.
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RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $975/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
SERVICES
HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS
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.
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Adobe Skate Park Updated
Check out these gnarly ramps and rails at Adobe Park on San Miguel Avenue! It’s part of Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s (H.A.R.D.)
$266,081.33 plan to renovate its four above-ground skate parks. The new designs include replacing the existing features
with brand-new materials, including an improved quarter pipe design, a better grind ledge and grind boxes, a skate bench, bank ramps, and a pyramid structure. The upgraded materials are designed to require less frequent repairs and replacements,
resulting in lower maintenance costs. The modular design also supports easier graffiti removal, a H.A.R.D. representative said. In addition to Adobe, H.A.R.D. is upgrading its park equipment at Cherryland Park, Mervin Morris Park, and Stratford Village Park.
Three Castro Valley Science Teams Head to State Finals
Castro Valley Schools are heading to the Northern California Science Olympiad thanks to a strong showing from its high school and middle school teams on February 8.
Castro Valley High School, Alameda County’s defending champions, brought home its third-straight regional championship in dominant fashion. CVHS medaled in 19 out of 23 events and won 38 medals among its four teams.
The two teams from the middle school defending champions, Creekside Middle School, finished 3rd and 6th, while Canyon Middle School’s two teams picked up 2nd and 5th place, earning both schools a berth in the prestigious State tournament. Creekside and Canyon earned at least three medals in the Crime Busters, Experimental Design, Helicopter, Optics Reach for the Stars, Scrambler, and Tower events. Together, all three schools will compete on April 5 for the right to advance to the National finals in the most competitive state in the country.
Teams of 15 students compete in 23 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) events, ranging from
Canyon Middle School’s two science teams picked up 2nd and 5th place, earning them a spot in the prestigious State tournament.
Anatomy and Forensics to Entomology, Wind Power, and Experimental Design. Some events present students with a paper test, while others require them to perform a lab or build devices such as electric vehicles, Rube Goldberg devices, projectile launchers, helicopters, towers, or robots. What the events share is teammates who collaborate, solve problems creatively, and have fun.
The event at California State University East Bay included 32 middle school teams from
HEALTH & FITNESS
Pickleball: Behind the Surge Of a Swiftly Growing Sport
Pickleball, an engaging paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis, has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity over the past few years. This friendly and social game, which can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels, has captured the hearts of millions, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Let’s dive into the factors contributing to this rapid expansion and unveil the reasons behind the pickleball craze.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Pickleball’s simplicity and adaptability play a significant role in its increasing popularity. Players can quickly learn the rules and strategies, allowing them to participate in the game with minimal barriers to entry. Additionally, the compact court size – measur-
ing only 20 x 44 feet – enables easy setup and play in various settings, such as parks, community centers, schools, and even backyards. Moreover, the game accommodates players of different ages, skill levels, and physical abilities, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that appeals to a broad audience.
Social and Recreational Aspects
Pickleball’s social nature is another factor fueling its growth. The game encourages interaction, communication, and camaraderie among players, making it an excellent option for social gatherings and community events. As a result, pickleball has blossomed into a popular recreational activity for families, friends, and neighbors. Additionally, the relatively low cost of equipment and court rental fees contributes to its affordability.
Health and Fitness Benefits
As an engaging physical activity, pickleball offers numerous health advantages, including improved cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. Players can enjoy a fun and stimulating workout while developing essential hand-eye coordination, agility, and strategic thinking. As awareness of these benefits grows, so too does pickleball’s appeal as a sport that promotes overall health and well-being. Competitive Opportunities
Beyond recreational play, pickleball’s competitive scene has expanded, providing structured tournaments, leagues, and events catering to various age groups and skill levels. The United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) and the International Federation of see SPORT on back page
Is Teletherapy Right for You?
By Ronald Mah SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Telehealth has become much more prominent and a new reality for therapists and clients. But is it for you?
As I’ve worked with my students (I teach at a master’s program for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors), they often talk about what they prefer to do—usually in-person therapy. That somehow dismisses the reality of actual work.
parents or in a two-parent household, where both have to work.
Further research that says daycare is problematic also doesn’t consider that daycare isn’t an economic choice for many people.
13 different schools and 39 high school teams from 17 schools in the county. More than 1,000 students were on 70 teams at the competition, part of the more than 6,000 teams participating in the nationwide Science Olympiad.
Castro Valley’s school science programs are celebrating their 12th year of promoting STEM activities. The district will host an Elementary School Science Olympiad competition on May 3. For more information, please visit cvscience.us
Some people will only be available using telehealth and might not have come to therapy otherwise. At the same time, when people are in-person in therapy, they might also be hiding things or not disclosing things, or the therapist could miss things as well. In other words, whatever the format, you get what you get, and that’s what you get to work with.
This is analogous to the people who pontificate about how two parents, with one parent working and the other parent the stay-at-home mom, are the best for raising children. Whether or not this may or may not be true for children, the reality for many people is that they may be single
With telehealth, you get what you get, and as a single parent in an economically challenged two-parent household, you do what you do to survive. That is true for clients as much as it is for therapists.
Functionally, if teletherapy is what you can or want to do, there are some benefits. Rather than needing an hour-anda-half to two hours in your schedule to have a one-hour (or 50-minute session hour), you can schedule it from home or at work among and between everything else in your schedule. I’ve often been asked over the years for a referral for a therapist “like you,” … like me, in the area where I had been doing a presentation. There isn’t anyone in my biological family like me!
There are much less duplicable therapists all over.
With telehealth, you (if living in California) can access
anyone licensed as a therapist in California rather than only those you can conveniently get to in your area. Therapy or teletherapy, this or that therapist- nothing is a panacea that will be perfect for your needs. However, teletherapy does give more options and possible shortcomings. Personally, and professionally, I, among many other therapists who’ve gone partly, primarily, or fully to telehealth sessions, have found that it works well, with a couple of exceptions.
It’s very tough, however, with very young children. My colleague said her very excited 3-year-old client wanted to share with her the new things in her room, so she ran around with the iPad, showing her this and that. My colleague said she got seasick watching on her screen.
Teleconferencing is a tool that may work for you. And it may be better than not trying at all.
Ronald Mah is a licensed marriage and family therapist who offers online psychotherapy. He is also an author on discipline, behavior, and psychotherapy and the co-director of the Master of Psychology Program at Western Institute for Social Research, Berkeley. More at RonaldMah.com.
Rally: Messages Opposing Racism
continued from front page her grown children, and her neighbors.
Reed said she especially looked forward to starting a garden and sharing fruits and vegetables with her new neighbors.
Trouble from at least one neighbor started immediately, though. Reed was first told to get rid of her immigrant workers and then to remove “her Black face” soon after that. Her house was broken into, the interior was gutted, and the workers’ tools were stolen. Earlier this month, racist graffiti was painted on her fence, which drew news coverage on both television and in newspapers.
When she went to paint over the graffiti, the county at first ordered her to stop, she said. A neighbor had reported her for not having needed permits, which needed to be from the county, not the city as she had thought. With permits secured, a squad of volunteers spent last Thursday repainting her fence in a much cheerier theme.
Messages opposing racism and welcoming all to that neighborhood and to the area, in general, were delivered by speakers including Reed, Fernandez, San Leandro City Councilmember Fred Simon, Big Tent founder and longtime social justice activist Bernard Ashcraft, current Big Tent leader Stephen Michael Tow, neighbor Van Turner III, and Addie Kitchen, grandmother of Steven Taylor, who was shot to death by a San Leandro police officer in 2020.
Other attendees read poems and there was a short dance performance.
MAC: PWA on Boulevard Resurfacing; Code Enforcement on Street Vendors
continued from page 3
The Boulevard was resurfaced from Redwood Road to Five Canyons Parkway, adding bike lanes in portions as part of the Supervisor-approved County Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan. This eliminated 26 street parking spots, and residents and business owners in the area said they didn’t know about the project until it was underway.
“There has been a lack of communication,” said MAC member Tojo Thomas. “It could hurt business. It’s hard for a mom-and-pop shop to get business when parking is being taken away.”
PWA Director Daniel Woldesenbet said there was not enough time to communicate with the affected properties’ owners but acknowledged, “I think we could have done a better job.”
The MAC said that was no excuse and that there was plenty of time to notify people, but the PWA “dropped the ball.”
“Some people were caught by surprise, including me,” said MAC member Raymond Davis, who wondered why the MAC was hearing about the project after it was finished. “You’ve completed the project- why are you coming to us now?”
Another complication stemming from the resurfacing is that after a trench is cut in a road, there is a five-year moratorium before it can be reopened- and some businesses and/or agencies might have liked to do underground work while the trenches were opened and before the road was resurfaced.
MAC Vice-Chair Bill Mulgrew motioned to restore the parking spaces until there could be more discussion and public input and demanded more caution for any future project that could affect street parking. While the council agreed, Davis said realistically that adding back parking spaces might not happen, as the lanes have been fully striped and finished.
The matter could escalate to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors at an upcoming meeting, to which Woldesenbet told the MAC he’d have no problem defending his decision-making process to the Board.
CRACKDOWN ON STREET VENDORS
The MAC was also critical for the County Code Enforcement Division, which also provided an update. Some councilmembers said they’d like to see Code Enforcement find a better solution for creating a policy on unpermitted street vendors, which they complain are people from low-income and immigrant backgrounds.
The County estimated that there are more than 100 illegally operating street vendors in Alameda County. They are mostly in Oakland, but they are known to operate in Castro Valley, notably in the Safeway parking lot on Redwood Road.
MAC member Xochiyotl Martinez said she had “yet to get sick” from eating anything from a street vendor and said she felt there was a “racist” element to cracking down on unauthorized vendors in Castro Valley.
“These people aren’t doing anything morally wrong,” said Martinez, who proposed that the County help them legitimize their business rather than be punitive.
She asked the County if they have people doing outreach who can connect with vendors in a “culturally competent” way.
“It’s one thing if they (staff) can speak Spanish,’ said Martinez. “It’s another if you can really talk to them.”
Edward Labayog, County Code Enforcement Manager, said that’s an issue throughout the state, and “it’s not going to be easy” to find a solution. The county is currently drafting an ordinance for sidewalk vendors.
Labayog reported to the MAC that in 2024, there were 1,731 Code Enforcement cases in the unincorporated area, including 388 in Castro Valley.
Labayog said the most common violations were excessive weeds and vegetation, trash and debris on properties, tenant complaints, tobacco retail violations, issues with fences and walks, inoperable vehicles on streets, and signage issues. Most cases are closed by coming into compliance without initiating fines for violations.
Code Enforcement covers a gamut of issues, from overgrown yards to smoking in apartment buildings to illegal marijuana growing operations. Enforcement is complaint-based and may be submitted online at acgov.org/ cda.planning/codeenforcement or by calling (510) 670-5460.
Other supporters talked to her neighbors, trying to calm the waters and find out the source of the problem.
“One thing we learned is that most of the neighbors are very nice people, both Black and white,” said Karen Fernandez, who coordinated the Saturday rally for Big Tent.
“But there is at least one bigot, perhaps two, there.”
Tow said the Big Tent group has set up a GoFundMe account for Reed’s temporary expenses, since her house is not currently inhabitable. Anyone who wants to donate can go to https://www.gofundme. com/f/stand-with-sonia-in-sanleandro-against-hate.
“No Hate, No Fear, Everyone Is Welcome Here” read the sign welcoming people to the rally, which became a crowd chant at one point.
ABOVE: The fence with the graffiti barely painted over on Sunday, February 16. BELOW: Racist graffiti on a Black homeowner’s fence in unincorporated San Leandro was painted over last week and replaced with different sentiments.
Sonia Reed speaks to the crowd at rally
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
CV High School Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer Teams
Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer teams, which advanced to the second round of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) North Coast Section (NCS) last Friday, February 21.
This past Friday, the Girls’ team won 4-1, defeating Freedom High School and keeping the quest for an NCS Title alive. The game was 0-0 at halftime, but Hailey Smith and Kiana Ayllon scored two goals within the first five minutes of the second half. Rainey Rinaldi added a third goal in the 68th minute and the fourth goal with one minute left.
Unfortunately, the Boys’ hopes for a title ended this past Friday. They lost 1-0 to Casa Grande High from Petaluma.
The Varsity Girls defeated Piner High School in Santa Rosa in the first round on penalty kicks. Senior goalkeeper Kate Pereur made two amazing penalty kick saves: one during the last two minutes of regulation time and the other during penalty kicks.
The Varsity Boys were victorious in the first round over Ygnacio Valley in Concord. The game was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, but the Trojans scored in overtime. Dominic Bolender assisted with goals scored by Emilio Gutierrez and Ali El-Sheikh.
Sport: Rise Of Pickleball
continued from page 10 Pickleball (IFP) have played pivotal roles in organizing these competitions, fostering a sense of community and promoting the sport’s growth on local, national, and international levels.
Media Attention and Popular Culture
Pickleball has gained substantial media attention, increasing its visibility and attracting a wider audience. Television networks, online platforms, and magazines continue to feature the sport, highlighting its rising popularity and shedding light on the game’s unique charm. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers have also endorsed the sport, further solidifying its place in popular culture and inspiring more people to join the pickleball community.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Dedicated pickleball enthusiasts and organizations have actively promoted the sport through community outreach, events, and instructional programs, introducing pickleball to new audiences and solidifying its presence in various regions. As interest in the sport grows, so does the demand for improved facilities, equipment, and resources, leading to increased investment and support from local governments, schools, and businesses.
Adaptability and Innovation
Pickleball’s adaptability has contributed to its growth by incorporating technological advancements and innovations in equipment and court design. Improved paddle technology, lighter balls, and carefully designed court surfaces cater to the diverse needs of players, enhancing their overall playing experience and encouraging broader participation.
Growing Infrastructure and Facilities
Municipalities, schools, and private entities have recognized the value of investing in pickleball facilities. Dedicated pickleball courts, multi-purpose sports courts with pickleball lines, and indoor recreational centers have emerged in response to the growing demand for accessible and high-quality playing surfaces. These developments have made it easier for both aspiring and seasoned players to engage in the sport and foster a sense of community.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Strategic partnerships among pickleball organizations, manufacturers, and industry leaders have bolstered the sport’s growth by pooling resources, sharing best practices, and promoting the game on a larger scale. By joining forces, these entities
Dinner: RCS Booster Club
continued from page 5
The Lobster came from the New England Lobster Company, and the Tri–Tip Barb-que team was made up of Brian Beck, Josh Hendren and Tim McPherson, and delicious desserts were provided by Jennifer Beck, Mary Beck and Shirley Dong. The evening was opened and closed in prayer at Director of Athletics Scott Babinat.
The event netted more than $33,000 to support the RCS Department of Athletics. The
entire evening was captured by Cathy Breslow of BreslowImaging.
Booster Club President Lea Leyva stated “This event was truly an answered prayer, and we are so grateful for the joy, laughter, and fellowship we shared. Seeing our community come together with such love and generosity was a beautiful reminder of God’s goodness in action. To Him be all the glory!”
Dr. Al Hearne, Superintendent of RCS and one of
have facilitated the expansion of pickleball, making it more accessible and attractive to a broader audience. Global Reach and Expansion
Pickleball’s global reach has contributed significantly to its growth, with international communities embracing the sport in various countries. As interest in pickleball expands beyond the United States, more people worldwide are exposed to the game and its unique appeal, leading to increased participation and support for the sport.
Pickleball’s meteoric rise can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including its accessibility, social aspects, health benefits, and expanding infrastructure. As more people discover the joy and excitement of pickleball, the sport is poised to continue its remarkable growth trajectory, captivating players and fans for generations to come.
Fundraiser
the VIP sponsors, praised the planning, setup and attention to detail of the evening, noting that it truly reflected the leadership of our Booster Club. He specifically recognized Lea Leyva, Tara Skjong, Kristina Keller and Stephanie Banuelos, along with multiple volunteers - including students - who went above and beyond to make the evening both enjoyable and successful for our student athletes. ‘We are truly blessed by the dedication of our parents and supporters,’ he added.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CVHS Varsity Soccer