January 4, 2023

Storms Destroy Roads And Force Evacuations

New Year, New Ofces, and New Opportunities

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Last week, the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce revealed it would hold a ribbon cutting at its new offce in Ashland on January 12. It’s the latest in a string of announcements that the Chamber has made in the last few months, its leaders say, to better serve the western parts of unincorporated Alameda County.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” said incoming Chamber Board President Todd Anglin. “With these new resources that arrived in the last few months, we can build on the Chamber’s solid base of service to our community.”

The Chamber represents all the unincorporated areas of Alameda County, including Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Hayward Acres, Fairview, and Castro Valley. The organization revived the Fall

on page 10

New Year, New State Laws

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

California passed almost a thousand new laws that are expected to take effect in 2023. Many of these laws began on January 1, while others will come into force later in the year.

People working at minimum wage will get a pay increase to $15.50 an hour, and the minimum wage will rise as infation does. This is all due to Senate Bill 3, passed in 2016, but the minimum wage got a boost from last year’s unusually high infation.

The pay range for a posted job will have to be listed under a new law affecting employers of 15 or more before someone applies for the job, rather than

applicants often fnding out what the pay was likely to be late in the hiring process.

California is also declaring three new holidays starting in 2023. Juneteenth, on June 19, celebrates the end of slavery. Lunar New Year adds a celebration from the lunar calendars used in many Asian nations, in late January

or early February. April 24 marks Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, honoring the millions killed during World War I in Turkey by the Ottoman Empire.

One COVID-linked convenience for senior citizens is being eliminated. Drivers over 70, who could renew driver’s licenses by mail or online during the pandemic, will return to having to do so at Department of Motor Vehicle offces, effective January 1.

Veterans who qualify for special DMV plates for a service-related disability, see LAWS on page 4

Suspects, Motive Sought in Murder

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Twenty-year-old Kyre Thomas was shot multiple times while he was sitting in his car near the intersection of Knox and North Sixth Street and police are asking for the public’s help to solve the murder.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of gunfre last Monday, December 26, around 10:15 p.m. They found Thomas suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. emergency medical personnel attempted to save Thomas with life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives and crime lab personnel spent many hours at the scene collecting evidence, including several dozen expended shell casings, according to Alameda County Sheriff’s Offce (ACSO) spokesperson Lt. Ray Kelly.

“It appears the victim was the intended target of the shooting,” he said. Several other cars in the area were damaged by the gunfre, according to reports.

Thomas’ grandmother, Bonita Thomas, said she was grief-stricken at the news and told local television reporters that Kyre’s tragedy is that his life was just starting.

see CHAMBER

Todd Anglin

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Castro Valley rang in the new year with a Stage 2 Flood Alert and 7.66 inches of rain, more than anywhere else in the East Bay. The water runoff from the hills and streams destroyed parts of roads and fooded residential areas along the creeks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN CARBONE

Former Oakland Raider Makes His Filmmaking Debut in San Leandro

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Kenny Shedd was a wide receiver with the Oakland Raiders, followed it up with a 20-year police career, and has only been retired six months from that, but he’s well on the way to directing his first feature film.

“Iowa’s Finest” is due out next year, and while it’s set closer to Chicago, much of it will be filmed in the ast ay, especially San Leandro. Shedd is looking to cast some minor roles here and hire local people as extras for crowd scenes.

he film is about two Iowans who leave their small town convinced anyone can be a big-city cop and have fun doing so. A few days on the Chicago police force convinces them there may be a few things they need to learn.

“Filmmaking was always the work I was striving toward, despite my two prior careers,” said Shedd.

“With the NFL, the police, there’s lots of stress every day. Filmmaking alleviates all that it’s the flow of creati ity. Shedd, in fact, credits filmmaking and writing with

Shedd

having saved his life during dark times. He’d been making short films before he retired from the police, and several of them were about suicide prevention.

Shedd and his team are fi e months from the start of shooting the film.

“Most people don’t realize how much goes into making a film before you start shooting, Shedd said. ut we do already have our own page on the Internet Movie Database, www.imdb.com.”

ight now, we’re finding actors and making changes to the basic story, such as having one lead character be a woman,” he said.

Ma ing a film simply isn’t possible without financing, and Shedd sings the praises of a familiar name around town in this regard. Gordon Galvan, a Castro Valley resident who has held several elected positions locally, has helped pull banks and other financial bac ers together.

Shedd grew up in Davenport, Iowa, and played football at the University of Northern Iowa before being drafted by the New York Jets to play in the NFL. He played wide receiver for the Raiders as #84 from 1996 to 1999.

A 20-year police career followed, all in San Leandro.

e ser ed as a patrol officer, training officer, and detecti e. Shedd and his team need to cast several minor characters to move forward with “Iowa’s Finest.” He suggests local actors send headshots to him at kshedduncuffed@gmail.com

“Actors can often use more exposure, and this is an ideal project for that,” he said.

e may set our films elsewhere,” Shedd said, “but we believe in giving back to the ast ay because they’ e supported our past films. see DEBUT on back page

Hit the Ground Running in New Year

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Happy New Year, everyone; welcome to 2023. Are you excited about what this year will bring? I am, and I hope you’ll come on the journey with me.

As we tend to do with the New Year, we’ll set goals, or perhaps intentions, for what we’re going to accomplish. As your coach, I’d like to challenge you right from the start because… why not?

Here’s a reality that I want everyone, including myself, to know and embody. It’s not about what you know, it’s about what you do.

They say actions speak louder than words. Isn’t that so true? When we see someone

do what they say, we greatly respect that person. What becomes even more inspiring is when we see them fall, get up, and try again. Therefore, leadership and personal growth is so difficult. f you fall, people judge you for it and it becomes that much harder to get back up and try again.

To me, it boils down to personal integrity. If someone does not do what they say,

we say they lack integrity, which is a strong and hurtful judgment.

Since we fear being labeled as someone with a lack of integrity, it’s sometimes easier to never start doing something we know is important rather than starting something and not finishing it. hin about it. Let’s say you set a goal to lose 20 pounds. If you start to work out, then stop, and you never lose the weight, people might say that’s a lack of discipline, which could be boiled down to a lack of integrity. So why try when you know you’re just going to fail?

see KOO on back page

Kenny

Scouts Give Back to Pete’s

n December 30th, several Boy Scouts of America cubs, scouts, and adult scout leaders got together to celebrate Pete’s Ace Hardware for their years of support to the community and scouting program.

The scouts personally thanked Jessica Jenson on behalf of the entire Pete’s team for their participation in supporting scouting. A certificate of appreciation and a basket of gifts were presented as a show of gratitude. Those onhand for the presentation included scouts and leaders from Pack 722, Troop 722, Troop 2722, Troop 708, and Troop 2708.

A Castro Valley fixture since 1926, fourth generation family-operated business (and the oldest in town), Pete’s Ace Hardware at 2569 Castro Valley Boulevard, has served the community by supporting local service organizations. During each fall and winter, scouts are allowed to sell popcorn and holiday items outside the store, where they “earn to learn”. Proceeds from sales help fund summer camp fees, where scouts achieve rank advancements and merit badge specialization.

There are many scout troops in Castro Valley. All youth ages 11 to 17 are welcome. To find out more about scouting, go online to beascout.scouting.org.

Sheriff’s Report

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Intoxicated and Kicking an Apartment Door Thursday, December 29: at 2:56 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 35-year-old man from Stockton on suspicion of public intoxication. The man was at an apartment on the Boulevard near Park Way, where he reportedly kicked in an apartment door. Deputies responding to the scene identified that the man had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and smelled alcohol on his breath. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Violated Probation with Fentanyl in His Pocket Thursday, December 29: at 10:22 a.m., a 41-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of possessing fentanyl drugs and violating the terms of his probation. Deputies were dispatched to the Castro Village Shopping Center near the Santa Maria Avenue entrance to investigate a report of a suspicious person. The man revealed that the drugs were in his pocket. Deputies took the man into custody.

Traffic Stop Nets Armed Pimp and Drug Runner Wednesday, December 28: at 5:21 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 28-yearold man who gave no home address. When deputies pulled him over, the man had been weaving in and out of traffic on Redwood Road near Seven Hills Road. The man had outstanding warrants for his arrest, including being previously convicted of forcing a

minor into a sex act, pimping a prostitute, forcing a person into prostitution, threatening with a deadly weapon, and death threats. Deputies found the man to be under the influence of drugs while driving and could smell and see burnt marijuana in the car. They also found him in possession of a stolen handgun, $2,000 in cash, and multiple baggies of drugs prepared for sale. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail, and the car was impounded.

Interfering with Business Monday, December 26: at 10:46 a.m., a 32-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested outside a restaurant in the Castro Village Shopping Center near the Jamison Way entrance on suspicion of continuing to interfere with a business and refusing to leave even when asked by the manager. Deputies responded to a call from the store about the man who had harassed them previously. The man was taken into custody.

Drugs and Stolen Property

Monday, December 26: at 12:43 p.m., deputies arrested a 20-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possession of stolen property and illegal narcotics. The man was stopped for questioning in front of a business in the Castro Village Shopping Center on Village Drive. During questioning, the man revealed his drugs, but deputies found the stolen merchandise in his pocket. The man was taken into custody.

Assault

on Family Member

Sunday, December 25: at 11:13 p.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a home on Miramar Avenue near Selby Drive. There, they arrested a 32-year-old CV man on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend and providing a false ID to authorities. The girlfriend said the man had been drinking before they got into an argument and he got physical with her. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Murder: Contact ACSO If You Have Information

continued from front page

“I want to be his voice, and I want justice for my grandson,” Mrs. Thomas said. “I don’t know, per se, what exactly he was doing, but all I know is at the end of the day, he was loved, and he will be truly missed.”

In a follow-up question,

Mrs. Thomas asked whoever is responsible for shooting Kyre to please stop.

“I would say stop the violence. Stop the killing. We need our black men. We need our men, period, you know,” Thomas said.

Anyone with info is asked to call ACSO at 510-667-7721.

THANKFUL FOR SUPPORT: First Row: Westley Thomas (Pack 722), Ian Thomas (Troop 708), Jessica Jenson (Pete’s Ace Hardware Representative), and Jason Zasa (Pack 722 and Troop 2708). Second Row: Matt Thomas (Troop 708 Assistant Scout Master and Pack 722 Den Leader), Dylan Thomas (Troop 708), Jonathan Dempsey (Troop 722), Lena Dempsey (Troop 2722), Bennett Wieser (Troop 722), and Chris Dempsey (Troop 722 Scoutmaster)

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER J. PETRICK

‘Sonidas En La Naturaleza’: Sounds in Nature Program

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Wildlife can be elusive – it’s a survival technique. But even if you can’t see the animals while visiting regional parklands, you can still identify them by the sounds they make. Find out more during “Sonidas En La Naturaleza – Sounds in Nature,” a program from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont with naturalist Martha Cerda.

As the title implies, this is one of a series of bilingual programs in English and Spanish. The group will explore and appreciate some of the different and beautiful sounds that are made by wildlife throughout Coyote Hills.

The program is free and open to all ages. Meet at the visitor center. Parental participation is required; registration is not necessary. Coyote Hills Regional Park is located at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway.

Parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For info, call 510-544-3220.

Saturday Strolls at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

Another recurring program in the park district is Saturday Strolls. The strollers will meet at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline on Saturday, Jan. 7 for an easy, three-mile walk from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. with naturalist Susan Ramos.

Participants will see how the former landfll site has been transformed into a park that is a stopover for migrating birds and overwintering butterfies.

The hike is free of charge and registration is not necessary. To get to the trailhead from I-880 in San Leandro, exit at Marina Boulevard and drive west. Turn right onto Neptune Drive and park at the end of the street. For information, call 510-544-3187.

Laws: New For 2023 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday, Jan 6

Helping Seniors Age in Place

Join members of Eden Area Village, a local group of seniors helping other seniors to age in place, at Hayward City Hall (777 B St, Hayward) on Friday, Jan. 6 at 2 pm. Learn how we help each other thrive in our community.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Hayward Library Book Sale

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

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Senior Driver Traffc Safety Seminar

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

Saturday, Jan. 21

Expand Your Perspective Through Tarot

continued from front page surviving Pearl Harbor, being wounded in action, or receiving service decorations will be exempt from highway and bridge tolls under AB 2949.

Other car-related issues in the news were met with new laws. Penalties were toughened for hurting or killing someone with a car at a sideshow or exhibition. The list of places where one cannot hold such an exhibition was expanded to some off-street locations, such as parking garages and parking lots.

Catalytic converter thefts are being fought with new laws restricting whom a recycler can buy a converter from and what records they must keep of any such purchases.

• January 2nd - 6th - Holiday Tree Recycling.

• January 5th - Business Services Committee Meeting.

• January 9th - 13th - Holiday Tree Recycling.

• January 9th - Finance Committee Meeting.

• January 10th - Regular Board Meeting.

• January 11th - Zero Waste Committee Meeting.

• January 11thOperations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.

• January 12th - Community Advisory Committee Meeting.

• January 16th - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (CVSan Closed).

• January 17th - Special Board Meeting.

Please note the above event schedule is subject to change. All CVSan Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. For complete meeting details and additional information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org

CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757

Emergencies: (510) 506-5821

1939 | cvsan.org

You are invited to change your view of a nagging question or issue, by a taking a journey into tarot land on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at the Castro Valley Library. Join internationally known Qabalistic Tarot teacher and author Amber Jayanti, to “play” an insightful, fun-flled and educational tarot board game. Group size limited to 10, please preregister by calling the Castro Valley Library at 510-667-7900.

Saturday, June 24

Canyon High Class of ‘72 Reunion

Contact or sign-up by email: diane9576@sbcglobal.net Location in Castro Valley to be determined.

Pedestrians, whose risk from sideshows might lessen under new laws, will be at near-zero risk from jaywalking arrests in 2023. Assembly Bill 2147 stops police from stopping pedestrians for such things as crossing the road outside of a crosswalk unless it presents an actual danger. Advocates had pointed to a surprisingly high number of arrests, and even some escalations to deaths of pedestrians confronted by law enforcement, for an offense usually handled by a citation.

A San Francisco incident where a woman’s rape test kit results were used to prosecute her for an unrelated crime led frst to local rule changes there and then to law changes in several cities, including San Francisco. A new statewide ban under Senate Bill 1228 prohibits any use of a rape kit except to fnd and prosecute the rapist. see LAWS on page 10

REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY

REAL ESTATE REALITY

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times

GUEST COMMENTARY

2022 In Review

Looking back at the real estate market of 2022, it was a dramatic Tale of Two Markets, neatly divided into equal halves. Beginning in January 2022 and using Alameda County as an example, the market began an upwards romp that continued unabated until the Fed stepped in at the beginning of May 2022 and, with their dramatic interest rate increases, yanked the carpet out from under buyers and sellers alike. Sales slowed to a crawl in May and June and then screeched to a halt in November and December, setting a record low going back

almost two decades.

December 2021 in Alameda County ended with 1,126 residential sales (12/01/202112/29/2021), an average list price of $1,037,331 and average sold price coming in at $1,152,085 – 11% over asking. In contrast, June 2022 saw 1,284 sales, an average list price of $1,172,537 and average sold price of $1,318,337 –12.4% over list price and up 14.4% from December’s closings.

In contrast, December 2022 ended dramatically differently, with only 635 sales, an average list price of $1,057,307

and sales prices averaging $1,065,946. This corresponds to a drop in pricing of 7.48% from same period last year and a whopping decline of 19.14% since the end of June 2022. The real story, however, is the decline in the number of sales. While there was a drop of 43.6% from December 2021 to 2022, we saw an astonishing slide of 50.54% in the six months from July 2022 to December 2022. While some of this was a result of a normal seasonal decline, the fact is that the increase in interest rates has hammered sales into virtual non-existence, with 2022 sales recording the lowest number in the past 15 years.

see 2022 In Review on page 6

Opportunity KNOCKS on Palomares Canyon Road’s Door Beautiful drive, gated entrance, meander creek crossing to this 2.2 Acres of LAND with a 3700 sq.ft. + home with a park like feel. This home has great canyon views and a very open feel inside. Freshly painted, spacious 4 Bedroom, 3 full bath, 2-car garage with storage shelves. Some older charm & some updating needed but look at this square footage and land for this great price! $1,730,000 Call for a private showing today!

Happy New Year to our clients and friends!

RECENT HOME SALES

CASTRO VALLEY

Total: 4– Average Price: $1,115,000

High: $1,400,000 – Low: $910,000

22126 Lantana Court 94546: $910,000 [3 BD - 1,424 SF - 1957

4558 Seven Hills Road 94546: $1,050,000 [3 BD - 1,885 SF - 1958

4570 Edwards Lane 94546: $1,100,000 [3 BD - 1,684 SF - 1972

22850 Rancho Palomares Place 94552: $1,400,000 [4 BD2,104 SF - 1996

HAYWARD

Total: 16 – Average Price: $767,968

High: $1,300,000– Low: $305,000

25850 Kay Avenue #334 94545: $305,000 [1 BD - 748

SF - 1989

29300 Dixon Street #311 94544: $430,000 [2 BD - 756

SF - 1984

1315 A Street #303 94541: $560,000 [2 BD - 1,056 SF - 1984

710 Kino Court #1 94544: $575,000 [3 BD - 1,298 SF - 1982

19536 Hathaway Avenue 94541: $604,000 [3 BD -

1,522 SF - 1952

22288 Peralta Street 94541: $710,000 [3 BD - 1,342 SF - 1920

363 Lafayette Avenue 94544: $725,000 [4 BD - 1,123 SF - 1951

22776 Atherton Street 94541: $725,000 [3 BD - 1,511 SF - 2005

27530 Bahama Avenue 94545: $792,000 [3 BD - 1,128 SF - 1957

27584 La Porte Avenue 94545: $800,000 [3 BD1,497 SF - 1955

2257 Parnassus Court 94542: $865,000 [3 BD - 1,554 SF - 1997

26227 Gettysburg Avenue 94545: $911,500 [4 BD1,730 SF - 1958

75 Austin Avenue 94544: $935,000 [3 BD - 1,891 SF - 2017

382 Saint Andrews Street 94544: $950,000 [3 BD2,014 SF - 1955

3212 Oakes Drive 94542: $1,100,000 [3 BD - 1,914 SF - 1964

27963 Farm Hill Drive 94542: $1,300,000 [4 BD - 2,599 SF

- 1972

SAN LEANDRO

Total: 6 – Average Price: $768,166 High: $1,226,000 – Low: $440,000

347 Caliente Circle #36 94578: $440,000 [2 BD - 997 SF1980

13821 Rose Drive 94578: $600,000 [4 BD - 2,117 SF - 1981

195 Bowling Green Street 94577: $690,000 [3 BD1,163 SF - 1941 1497 Manor Boulevard 94579: $815,000 [4 BD - 1,749 SF - 1953

1329 145th Avenue 94578: $838,000 [4 BD - 1,632 SF - 1960 2328 Overlook Court 94579: $1,226,000 [4 BD - 2,551 SF - 2001

SAN LORENZO

Total: 4 – Average Price: $763,750 High: $880,000 – Low: $700,000

17736 Via Toledo 94580: $700,000 [3 BD - 1,077 SF1951 16024 Via Del Sol 94580: $725,000 [3 BD - 1,117 SF1944 15568 Lorenzo Avenue 94580: $750,000 [4 BD - 2,216 SF1926 17283 Via El Cerrito 94580: $880,000 [3 BD - 1,613 SF1950

2022 In Review

continued from page 5

One important fact needs to be remembered as well: sales numbers were already low at the beginning of 2022 due to astonishingly low inventory and were worsened by the onslaught of escalating interest rates.

The question on everyone’s mind is, “What is in store for 2023?” Mortgage rates have been declining over the past few weeks and it is hoped we will continue to see a softening heading into 2023. Since sales typically lag 60 days behind mortgage rate adjustments, it is hoped we will see the market

begin to turn as we head into the New Year.

The Realtors of the Central County wish you a Happy New Year and best prospects in the coming months.

Coming Soon

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.

Happy New Year!

17971 Beardsley Ave Castro Valley • Asking $925,000 Upper Valley beauty in the Proctor School neighborhood with a view. is lovely home features lots of natural sunlight with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a family room. Also featuring a gas replace, big storage basement , a newer comp roof, a large yard for play and entertaining. Clear sewer lateral. Room for boat or RV parking.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Call Trish Radovich: 510-367-7999 / calltrish@comcast.net 21060 Redwood Rd. Ste. 100 • Castro Valley

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday

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

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

S.L.CONCRETE SERVICE

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

NOTICETO READERS

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

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

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

FENCES/DECKS

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

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

GARDENING

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

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

www.beautygardenlandscaping.com

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

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

HANDYMAN SERVICE

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

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

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

LANDLORDS

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

RENTALS

RENTALS/RV SPACES

SERVICES

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

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

TREE SERVICE

*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE.

Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.

YOUR INFO

All real estate advertised in the CASTRO VALLEY FORUM and SAN LEANDRO TIMES is subject to the Federal Fair HousingAct,which makes itillegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, nationalorigin or intention tomakeany

You may rent your property with a sign in the window or with an ad on the internet… But why not also advertise your rental in both the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum for as little as $25, and reach over 60,000 readers! TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 614-1558

ADS PLACED ONLINE ARE FREE.

All real estate advertised in the CASTRO VALLEY FORUM and SAN LEANDRO TIMES is subject to the Federal Fair HousingAct,which makes itillegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, nationalorigin or intention tomakeany such preference, limitation or discrimination.

law.

EASTBAY PUBLISHING, INC. will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate that is in violation of the

All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Does Power of Attorney End on Death?

SEN OR A Q. My wife and I were wondering whether a Power of Attorney that each would give to the other would end upon death? Can you advise?

By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPEC A TO THE FOR M

A. Short answer. Yes! A Financial Power of Attorney (“POA”) generally ends upon the death of the principal, the principal being the one who gives the “powers” to an agent, the latter being a person whom we sometimes call an Attorney-in- Fact (”AIF”). The only exception to this rule is where the agent, in good faith, is not aware that the principal has died, and in good faith exercises the powers granted in the document for the benefit of the principal, even after his or her death.

Where the agent acts in good faith, the law protects him from liability. It also provides a procedure whereby – upon the preparation of a sworn affida it attesting to the agent’s lack of knowledge of the principal’s death – the agent’s innocent actions under the OA may be affirmed and bind the estate of the principal, just as if he were still alive.

Otherwise, upon the death of the principal, the agent is only authorized to take proper steps to return the principal’s property and records of transactions to the proper custodian,

and to provide an accounting of the agent’s actions if properly requested.

By the way, another circumstance that

would terminate the agent’s authority is if the agent and AIF were husband and wife and their marriage is dissolved or annulled.

For a principal who wishes to have a surrogate continue to manage his property after death, the most appropriate

options are to so name the Agent as Executor in a Last Will, or as Successor Trustee in the principal’s Trust. As to a Healthcare Power Of Attorney, or what is more frequently called an Advance Health Care Directive, the document normally does confer upon the agent limited post-mortem powers even after the principal’s death. Those powers are as follows: to dispose of the principal’s remains, to authorize an autopsy, to donate all or part of the principal’s body for transplant,

HOROSCOPE

education, or research purposes, and to inform individuals designated by the principal of his or her death. Of course, the principal may-- in the Advance Health Care Directive, itself-restrict even these post-mortem powers if he wishes, but otherwise the Agent would the have powers indicated even after the principal’s death.

I hope this helps.

Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney in the East Bay. Visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Make a start on that new workplace challenge. But get more information before you find yourself too deeply involved without knowing in which direction you should go.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): You might find things becoming tedious as your schedule slows down after the holidays. Use this time to get information about a possible post-New Year job change.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The creative Twin finds outlets for his or her ideas in the early part of the week. The practical Twin takes it a step further and rallies support to turn the ideas into reality.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): It’s time to stop being intimidated by someone’s negative behavior. Start taking positive steps on your own to help strengthen your position down the line.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Look closely at that so-called golden opportunity. Best to be a cautious Cat who approaches things slowly, rather than one who pounces without knowing where you’ll land.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): Your apology can resolve that personal situation before it overshadows the start of your new year. You’ll feel better, even if you’re only partly to blame for what happened.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Avoid overtaxing yourself, even if your energy levels are high and you feel that you can do it all. Best to pace yourself so you won’t run yourself down.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your sense of humor helps get you through a stressful period. Some of your quick quips can take the edge off any remaining negativity being aimed at you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Your artistic talents not only help you express yourself these days, but they also set up a line of communication between you and someone very special.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): It’s fine to appreciate the importance of having a “proper form” for doing things. But relax a bit in order to allow newcomers on the project to feel less intimidated by you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Use your boundless reserve of optimism to persuade others to work with you so that you can resolve a difficult workplace problem before it ruins the dynamics in place.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): You brim over with self-confidence as you begin to tackle a new challenge. And, before you know it, you’re not alone: Others have taken the plunge with you.

Chamber: Leadership, Offices, Staff, Funding

continued from front page Festival in September last year and sponsored the Light Parade on Castro Valley Boulevard this past November.

In a newsletter sent out before Christmas, Anglin outlined several accomplishments for the Chamber, including new leadership, new offices, new full-time staff, and new funding.

In addition to Board President Anglin, the leadership team this year includes past-president Julie Sumiki, President-Elect Janella Anguiano, Vice-Presidents Lynda Foster, and Gary Howard, Secretary Susan McCue, and Treasurer Joel Malakoff. New members of the board of directors include Murphy McCalley, Ruben Pola, Kit Thompson, and Fran Gallati.

To help its growth, the Chamber received $450,000 of federal funds courtesy of the American Rescue Plan to be used by December 2024. Supervisors Miley and Brown also pooled $100,000 of general funds from the County to help the Chamber recover from the pandemic, hire new full-time staff, jump-start many business growth initiatives, and lease space outside of Castro Valley.

For example, the Chamber has a new home. The main office is at . th Street, in Ashland. The site will serve as the Chamber headquarters and as an incubator and resource center for small businesses. Members can take advantage of classes to help them improve their marketing, hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate their debut, and navigate the complex system of business approvals in Alameda County.

“We are focusing extremely heavily on increasing our

Chamber membership, impact, and presence in all parts of our area, including all the areas to the West of Castro Valley where many businesses are barely hanging on after this crazy pandemic,” Anglin said, adding that the Chamber is also seeking a bi-lingual staff person for the E. 14th Street office.

In addition to the Ashland office, the Chamber recently opened a satellite office at 20235 Redwood Road in Castro Valley. The new staff includes executive director Gary Slate and events coordinator Dayna Speed, along with Paul Keim, helping to grow membership.

“This is truly a great opportunity,” said Slate. “We have all the tools now. The rest is on us, and I am excited and enthusiastic about what we can do to support the unincorporated areas.”

On January 18, the Chamber will hold its Board Installation mixer for the directors and officers at the Cherryland Community Center.

“We picked this location to showcase the brand-new community center in Cherryland and to spread our focus on all areas of the unincorporated County,” Anglin said.

Coming up in early March, the Chamber will host the “Showtime San Lorenzo” event with a community movie at a yet-to-be-determined location. On May 6, the Chamber says it will host Spring Fest in Cherryland on E. 14th Street near the REACH Ashland Youth Center. The event will include music, crafts, and food, like the Castro Valley Fall Festival.

Other dates of interest can be found on the Chamber website: EdenAreaChamber.com

Laws: Pink Tax’ Break

continued from page 4

California also dropped its re uirement that peace officers, who include police, be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents under Senate ill .

Women and girls buying everyday consumer items are getting a break under Assembly ill , which outlaws the so-called “pink tax.” This is where items marketed to women and girls carry a higher price than men and boys pay for comparable items.

Rap artists worried about courts taking their performed

words too literally got some relief. A new law requires a separate hearing about the admissibility of their lyrics if they are charged with a crime. Some prosecutors have said lyrics may show criminal intent, while defense attorneys say creative content should not always be taken literally.

With some public meetings turning disruptive or violent in the past several years, a new law explicitly allows a presiding officer to remo e someone from a meeting if they ignore warnings first.

A Financial Power of Attorney generally ends upon the death of the principal.

by Salomé King Features Synd nc

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR FILESFORFORUM@GMAIL.COM

Your Business Serves All The Public, or it Does Not

Dear Editor,

Last month, the Supreme Court heard the case of a web designer who refuses to work on websites for same-sex couples. The plaintiff said that Colorado’s public accommodations law, which prevents businesses from refusing to serve people based on race, religion, or sexual orientation violates her right of free speech.

She says that she does not “believe in” gay marriage. That’s an interesting way to look at it, I don’t believe in any gods or goddesses, but I regularly provide a service to people who do. I don’t have to embrace or even acknowledge their belief system to help them.

Recently the Forum featured new local business ‘Foxworthy Floral’ whose owners are faith leaders at 3Crosses church. Head pastor Danny Strange told me that “We have unity as a leadership around the Scripture’s teachings regarding same-sex relationships.” Which explains why that church turned away a gay couple who wanted to marry there. The good news is that they left, their pastor left with them, and he married them at another local church which does not reject gay couples.

Several years ago, when Prop 8 was repealed and gay couples could fnally get married, I contacted wedding vendors in the area. I wrote to forists, wedding planners and wedding venues, bakers, jewelers, dress designers and tuxedo rental businesses. If it was related to weddings, I contacted the business. Nearly every business responded, and every single one of them said yes, of course they would work with gay couples and their weddings. It was so great.

With that in mind, I wrote to the new foral business owners to ask them if they will be serving everyone in our community. Their website states “Private Events…weddings…we’d love to be a part of it.” Great! But will they design and sell fowers for all weddings or just some weddings? I received no response. I wrote to them again. Still no answer. Their silence likely gives me their response.

I understand that I am a super scary and persistent LGBTQ activist, but the issue seems straightforward: your business either serves all the public, or it does not. So, if you are going to shop for fowers at the cool new truck place, maybe you would fnd out who they will or won’t serve before you spend your money there.

–Billy Bradford, Castro Valley

LEGAL NOTICES

FILED NOV 28, 2022

MELISSA WILK County Clerk

ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy

FILE NO. 593612

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

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

This business commenced N/A

/s/ Robert Washington

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

Expires NOV 27, 2027

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022 0534-CVF

FILED

Sections 17900-17930

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

Expires DEC 15, 2027

DEC 28, JAN 05, 12, 19, 2022 0534-CVF

Wow, fve respondents to my letter regarding the transgender movement, and all defected away from women’s rights. Instead, I got a childish meltdown (Kean), censorship of a dissenting opinion (Scheidel), male apathy of women’s rights veiled under “inclusion for all” (Kusiak), and schooling on transgenderism. (Cady, Shipp). Here’s my response.

I use the words male and female (men and women) in reference to one’s biological sex. Women and children are the vulnerable population, not males. Transgender terms are meaningless because there’s no literal transference to the opposite sex and I won’t indulge gender symbolism.

I have zero interest in learning transgender protocol because it’s completely irrelevant. Males are free to identify as they wish, dress as they wish, but there’s no moral imperative for the public to play along to the lifestyle. No male, regardless of his social proclivities, merits access to women’s facilities and sports teams, PERIOD.

The LGBTQ organization has completely slid off the rails of recognizing and RESPECTING the entitlements afforded to women. The organization has morphed into a propaganda machine with the mission of furthering the male agenda to the exclusion of all else. The “L” is a joke.

To all women; straight, gay or bisexual: You do NOT serve as the path of least resistance for males, for ANY reason. You have the right to use a women’s toilet, shower, locker room, or to play your sports without male intrusion. If males want sanctuary, they can petition the state to remodel men’s facilities. Their alter ego is NOT your burden. You represent half of the adult population and therefore half of the voting constituency of every elected offcial in this country and it’s time to send them a reminder. Should they further any agenda of male encroachment into those entitlements, it will be their last term in offce.

Defected from the Issue All Opinions Matter

–Monica Shieman, Castro Valley

Opinions, Nothing More

I believe the First Amendment has something to to with freedom of speech. In reading some of the letters to the Forum, I can only conclude that our individual freedom is to only be inclusive to whatever the majority says. Sad. Very sad.

Thank you to the Castro Valley Forum for allowing all opinions to be heard, and to let your readership decide what is right and what is wrong. Those who believe some letters, and thusly some opinions should not be heard in the name of “journalistic integrity” are completely clueless what journalism is all about. There’s a reason, and a very good one, why at large newspapers, the editorial department is far away from the newsroom. Opinion is not to be confused with fact. We all hope our news is fact based. On the other hand, editorials and even more so, letters to the editor, are opinions. Nothing more.

So, with that, I fnd the Castro Valley Forum a thought provoking publication that believes its readership is intelligent enough to come to their own conclusions.

Please, continue your good work, and allow all sides of an issue to be heard.

–Steven Anticevich, Castro Valley

I give kudos to the Castro Valley Forum for printing ALL letters submitted. This is America. The land of the First Amendment. We should all be allowed to express our opinion, and thankfully, The Forum allows us all to do just that.

Those such as Ms. Scheidel, who know very little about journalism, or cannot separate news from opinion, should be ignored. Some simply want to hear their own point of view, and anything else should never be allowed. How closed minded is that?

Personally, I see an awful lot of hatred from both sides. The gay community often express hatred towards the church, the bible, and those who worship. The far right want nothing to do with the gay community. I do agree with Ms. Scheidel on one point. It needs to stop. On both sides.

–Charles Scott, Castro Valley

FILED DEC 09, 2022

MELISSA

ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy

FILE NO. 593890

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

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

This business commenced 10/01/2022 /s/ Kathryn Medina

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

Expires DEC 08, 2027

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

Dear Editor, Thank you for the letters published in the Dec. 28th edition of the Castro Valley Forum. I have been distressed recently by the hate-flled letters that the Forum has published. While I believe in freedom of the press, I was beginning to fear that those anti-trans letters were a refection of the editors’ opinions. I am relieved to see the Forum publish the letters of Kim Kean, Kathleen Scheidel, CL Cady, Michael Kusiak and Angela Shipp, in support of trans women. I especially appreciate Shipp’s letter calling for fact-checking the content of letters you publish. Opinion is one thing, falsehood another.

Please continue to have the Forum’s Letters to the Editor refect the broad spectrum of (reality-based) opinions that make Castro Valley a vibrant community.

–Mary Cooper, Castro Valley

Freedom of Speech

Great to see diverse opinions. I would like to commend the editors of Castro Valley Forum for allowing wide range of opinions in the Letters section. I appreciate your appreciation of Freedom of Speech, so crucial for functioning of any democracy.

Spectrum of Opinions Obituaries

–Slawek Smyl, Castro Valley

WILK County Clerk

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kiana Ayllon

Our Athlete of the Week is Castro Valley High School Sophomore, Girls Soccer captain, feld player and goalkeeper Kiana Ayllon.

Due to other injuries on the team, Ayllon has helped step up for the team as both rotating in as a starting goalkeeper and feld player for the Varsity team this season.

Nearly playing every minute last season as a center back as a freshman, Kiana already brings experience to our backline and has been positively infuencing our team with her hard-working mentality and ability to demand a competitive atmosphere of herself and teammates within the program.

During games as a goalkeeper, she has been stepping up against big time opponents, making game changing saves. Through the Varsity team’s eight games so far, she is averaging 3.7 saves per game and allowing only 1.1 goals per game.

“For someone who doesn’t consistently play in this position, to see her step-up for her team is big time and to have these stats,” said Coach Vanessa Amaral. “I’m really proud of her and I know it’s not easy and its a big ask... Although she’s a sophomore, she shows a lot of maturity and I’m

excited to see what this season has in store for her.”

To explain the type of impact she has, on December 19 against Vintage High School, Kiana scored two goals and had one assist. “Seeing her make an impact like that after rotation of a game in goal... I mean you can’t ask for anything more and I can’t say how proud I am of her and how much she is making an impact for how young she is and being a role model for the program,” Coach Amaral said.

Koo: Start Leading Yourself

continued from page 2

I also think this is why we have so many armchair quarterbacks. It’s easier for me to tell you what you’re doing wrong, rather than me doing it right for myself. Let me tell you how to play better while I eat my pizza and wings, drink my beer, and watch the game.

If you’ve been hanging around with me since the beginning, you’ve heard me talk about how leadership starts with leading yourself frst. If you can’t lead yourself, the most diffcult person to lead, it becomes much more diffcult to lead others. That’s why I want to challenge all of us, including myself, not just to know things, but to do things as well. I’d like to explain more, but I don’t think I could do a better job than Franklin Roosevelt. This is an excerpt from his speech called, “Citizens in a Republic,” which was later known as, “The Man in the Arena.”

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I tear up every time I read this because it’s a reminder that we were built for something great. If you’ve been sitting back, wanting to do something different this year, please spend some time with this quote. When you’re ready, this invitation will always be available to you: Come join me in the arena.

Cheers to a 2023 full of growth and daring greatly.

Kevin helps people gain clarity on what they want in life, craft a plan, and support in the execution of the plan while dusting himself off to re-enter the arena. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail.com

Storms: Evacuations

continued from front page Rescue crews with Alameda County Fire and Sheriff’s offce had to evacuate 19 Fern Lodge Senior Care Facility residents on Madison Avenue near Kelly Canyon Creek. They were safely transported to a local chapel until the fooding subsided. The sidewalk and street along Redwood Road near A Street at 4th Street collapsed into nearby San

Lorenzo Creek and will need to be rebuilt. A food-related landslide completely washed out the street on the north side of Redwood Road at mile marker 8.2. Heavy rains also created huge potholes on Palomares Road at Palo Verde Road. Lake Chabot Road northwest of the lake was also shut down for debris removal. More rain is expected today and Thursday, but not as severe as last week.

Debut: ‘Iowa’s

continued from page 2 Shedd suggests you visit his podcast, “KShedd: Uncuffed,” while you’re waiting for the flm. Retirement from the police does have its benefts, he says.

Finest’

“When you’re on the force, you’re limited in what you can say about issues and events,” Shedd said. “Now that I’m retired, I can say more.” Visit our website to see trailer of flm: mycvforum.com

Leona Lewis is a 16 week old female kitten who is friendly and playful. She can be a bit shy at frst, but once she feels comfortable with you her sweet personality shines through. To adopt call Hayward Animal Shelter (510) 293-7200.

Benji is a 4 month old male Doberman puppy who would love to be enrolled in puppy and obedience classes. His adoption is free to a qualifed home, sponsored by SantaCon Hayward. Call Hayward Animal Shelter (510) 293-7200.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Kiana Ayllon

19 Fern Lodge Senior Care residents were transported to a local chapel until the fooding subsided.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACSO