July 19, 2023

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

MAC MEETING

Keep Eye Out For More Public Art Around CV

By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Keep your eyes peeled for more local art around town in 2024, as the artists for the latest phase of the utility box and streetlight banner program have been selected.

Rachel Osajima, the director of the Alameda County Arts Commission, presented the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) with a colorful portfolio of art from local artists, which will eventually find their way to utility boxes all over Castro Valley.

The 11 artists recommended

Clowning Around: CV Brothers Join the Circus

By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Brothers Milo (16) and Desmond Heintz (11) have run off with the circus this summer — and their mother is just fine with that.

“It was quite a process with the tryouts and everything, but they’re just blossoming there,” says their mom, TJ Heintz.

The Castro Valley brothers are traveling around New England with Circus Smirkus, a nonprofit arts and education program which

recruits kids from all over the country to perform with its youth circus. It is based in Greensboro, Vermont, so the initial tryouts were done by video.

Last October, the boys submitted audition videos and were invited to in-person auditions in Vermont in January. Over 40 kids auditioned, and both boys were chosen. Milo performs aerial ropes and clowning, and Desmond (the youngest in the troupe) is a juggler.

see CIRCUS on page 5

by the by the county Artist Selection Committee are Karen Berry of Fremont, Ekaterina Bazlakova of Castro Valley, Alice Beasley of Oakland, Rhonda Chase of Pleasanton, Yan Inlow of Alameda, Rekha Joshi of Pleasanton, Moonji Pickering of Albany, Hilda Robinson of Oakland, Sarah Sammis of Hayward, Azar Vaghefi of Castro Valley, and Kim Vanderheiden of Castro Valley.

Several traffic signal utility boxes are already festooned with art in town since the program first launched in 2017, see MAC on page 3

CV Deserves to Become a City Says Supervisor

By Michael Singer

CASTRO

VALLEY FORUM

Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley is putting his energy behind an initiative that would make Castro Valley an official city and potentially combine several unincorporated towns in the area.

“I think it would be in the best interest for the residents of Castro Valley to incorporate,” Miley said. “Castro Valley does deserve to be a city, but it’s up to the voters.”

Miley made his comments during a presentation last Thursday to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAF-

CO) of Alameda County. The state-mandated agency was reviewing an 84-page Initial Feasibility Analysis (IFA) for the potential incorporation of the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Fairview, and Hayward Acres.

Consultant Richard Berkson of Berkson Associates presented three options based on the following boundary options:

1. Castro Valley by itself

2. Castro Valley plus Eden Area (Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Hayward Acres) and Fairview

3. Eden Area and Fairview see CITY on back page

Heintz juggles and clowns with Circus Smirkus this summer.

Castro Valley Weather July 19 - July 23 2023

CV Family Struggling With Medi-Cal Program Changes

By Alyssa Phillips SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

As California healthcare continues to recover from the COVID-19 era, the state’s Medi-Cal program has begun to make some changes in the coming year, most notably the move towards a “Managed Health Care Plan.”

Now one Castro Valley family is hoping their story can shed light on the downsides of this Managed Health Care Plan and help bring positive change to state-assisted healthcare.

In Alameda, this new Managed Care Plan will run publicly in association with the Alameda Alliance for Health and will allow other care plans under Kaiser Permanente. Anthem Blue Cross will no longer be serving Alameda County

under the new Medi-Cal plan.

These upcoming changes will most definitely affect a significant population of Californians. Medi-Cal serves more than 13 million citizens, with 17 percent of them being people with disabilities, according to the Medi-Cal Facts and Figures from 2021.

The changes to Medi-Cal are causing problems for people with specialized care needs. One of these people is Castro Valley resident Lori McNally, whose daughter Sara suffers from an extremely rare neurological condition called Moyamoya.

Moyamoya disease is a disease in which certain arteries in the brain become constricted, with blood flow blocked by constriction and blood clots, drastically increas-

ing the likelihood of strokes, paralysis, and seizures. It is most predominant in Asia but also disproportionately affects people with Down’s Syndrome, like Sara.

Sara has been being seen by the same doctors at Stanford Medicine since her diagnosis in 2020. Stanford Medicine is the leading medical facility in their care with Moyamoya and is also one of the only facilities in Alameda County equipped to handle the rare disease.

The mandatory shift to a Managed Care Plan at Alameda Alliance for Health or Kaiser Permanente could be detrimental to someone like Sara.

Lori McNally works with the Special Olympics and thus has many connections to see MEDI-CAL on back page

Real Wealth Grows Through Power of Compound Interest

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

I’m really excited to share some thoughts with you today. This is the next installment in the series around applying financial concepts to your life. Today, the concept is around compound interest. From the financial/investing perspective, real wealth grows through the power of compound interest.

The concept is simple. We talked about automation last time and how you put a certain amount into your investing every single month. That amount grows, and the compound interest grows your money even more over time.

Here’s the hard part with compound interest, or the idea of it: as humans, we’re not good at thinking for large durations of time. We can conceptualize what happens in a month, a week, a day, or

until our next meal. However, we really can’t conceptualize what one, five, or ten years looks like. I

think if we could wrap our brains around it, we would all see more success in our lives.

So, here’s how it’s supposed to work in life. You decide where you want to go or designate a milestone. You then figure out the process to get you there. Then you keep doing it until you get the result you wanted. That’s it. There might be shortcuts or ways to hack the system, but you just keep going until you reach your goal. So where do we go wrong?

Last week, I was in Colorado for a week-long meditation retreat. It was my first time doing something this long. I had done three days that were

online with people around the world, but this was 1,900 people in a room together, meditating for 35 hours throughout the week. It was challenging yet the most transformational event I’ve ever been to in my life! Most days started at 6 am and ended around 7 pm, with long breaks in between. I met some really amazing people and think they’ll be lifelong friends.

When the week started, 80 percent of us were new to meditating. Sitting for such a long time was difficult, and most of us had distracting thoughts that pulled us out of the meditation. We had three meditation sessions each day, with teaching sessions in between. The teacher constantly reminded us to release control and trust in the process. The more we fought the process, the more difficult it would become. see KOO on page 4

IF A CHILD REFUSES TO NAP, ARE THEY GUILTY OF RESISTING A REST?

Push for Cityhood

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

A group of local residents launched a campaign last week to educate and encourage the community to transition toward making Castro Valley a full-fledged city.

The website (castrovalleycity. com) proclaims, “Together we grow,” and asks like-minded individuals to participate and help make cityhood a reality.

“Becoming a city can provide numerous benefits for a community, including access to increased funding for infrastructure and services, increased economic opportunities through attracting new businesses and investment, greater autonomy in decision-making, and the ability to establish a distinct identity and sense of community pride,” the website says.

Last week, a letter to the Forum penned by Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Trustee Gary Howard and East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Ward 3 Director Dennis Waespi asked for an objective look at incorporation. Their first public meeting is Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library.

“We’re encouraging all points of view in the discussions,” Waespi told the Forum. “When we talk to representatives from other areas and tell them about our population see PUSH on page 5

Willits Named Rotarian of July

At Christopher Carr’s first meeting as Rotary Club of Castro Valley President, he cast his vision (and expectations) for 2023-24. His vision was enthusiastically received by all present. In addition, Dan Willits (left) was named July Rotarian of the Month for his outstanding service to the Club and Castro Valley Community. Dan is known for his willingness to serve wherever and whenever needed. He is also President-elect for 2024-25. President Chris (at right) invites individuals interested in investing their time and energy to positively impact Castro Valley to visit www.castrovalleyrotary.org for more information, including meeting dates and program speakers.

MAC: Art to be Displayed Around CV

continued from front page but as they age, they will be revamped by this round of artists. Four to five pieces from each artist will be displayed in Castro Valley, and the project is funded via the county’s Public Works Agency.

The artwork depicts a variety of subjects—from trees and flowers to squirrels, to streetscapes, to chickens. The artists have used mediums including embroidery, quilting, woodcuts, letterpress, to colored pencils. The designs are then digitized and printed as vinyl wraps.

Osajima said that the project has thus far been a success, with the public enjoying the imagery and the designs being an effective deterrent for vandals.

For example, Osajima said

Sheriff’s Reports

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Served a Warrant

Sunday, July 16: at 9:25 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 41-year-old woman from Castro Valley as part of a warrant issued for her capture. The woman was in front of a business in the Castro Village Shopping Center when deputies stopped her for questioning and served the warrant. The woman was also found to have illegal narcotics and related drug paraphernalia in her possession. Deputies took her to Santa Rita Jail.

Assaulted a Deputy Sunday, July 16: at 12:48 p.m., a 28-year-old woman with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a deputy and possessing illegal narcotics and related drug paraphernalia. Deputies stopped the woman for outside a home on Knox near Redwood Road. When deputies searched the woman and found drugs, the woman became confrontational. Deputies took her into custody.

Stolen Car Driver was Carrying Burglar Tools Sunday, July 16: at 12:26 a.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 62-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, burglar tools, a concealed knife with a long blade, an illegal can of pepper spray, and being in violation of his parole. The man was traveling on Wisteria Street near Ganic Street

when deputies ran the vehicle plates and realized the car was reported stolen. Deputies took the man into custody.

Drunken Fight Puts Couple in Jail

Friday, July 14: at 9:02 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a restaurant parking lot on Redwood Road near Grove Way. There, they arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of public intoxication and a 33-year-old woman for spousal assault. Deputies report that the man failed his field sobriety test. The couple were taken into custody.

Caught Trespassing

Friday, July 14: at 1:36 p.m., deputies arrested a 64-yearold man with no permanent residence on suspicion of trespassing at a business on Redwood Road near Grove Way. The man was spotted gaining entrance to a restricted area behind the building. The man was taken into custody.

Concealed, Loaded Gun

Thursday, July 13: at 12:55 p.m., a 28-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested for illegally possessing a loaded and concealed gun and a switchblade. Deputies stopped the man for questioning near a gas station on the Boulevard near Wisteria Street. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Shoplifted Again

Wednesday, July 12: at 1:36 p.m., deputies arrested a 40-year-old woman with no permanent residence on suspicion of shoplifting from a drug store on the Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. Store security detained the woman until deputies arrived and found her possessing illegal drug paraphernalia, violating the terms of her parole, and resisting arrest. Deputies report that the woman had an outstanding warrant related to two counts of shoplifting and resisting arrest. The woman was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

there is a county box with art across the street from a Comcast box without art and that the Comcast box gets tagged far more than the county box.

The county boxes are also designed to be graffiti resistant, which does cost more.

Residents are encouraged to report graffiti via the Public Works Agency’s “Mobile Citizen” app, which can be downloaded on most smartphones. More information can be found on their website (acpwa.org).

The Public Works Agency has tentatively allotted $60,000 for the first year of this project’s new phase and plans to provide the same amount for six years. The total cost of each box, including art licensing and materials, is $5,750 per box.

Mac member Al Padro said

that, as budget concerns rise, he is grateful that the Public Works Agency still sees the value in supporting public art.

“Over the years, I have seen other agencies, when they begin budget cuts, start with the arts,” said Padro. “Overall, this is certainly a positive [project] for our town.”

Osajima concurred, saying, “I’m so glad that we are able to continue this project.

The next steps for the project include a review of the recommended art by the Board of Supervisors in September, the creation of the digital artwork in early 2024, and the installation of the vinyl wraps on the utility boxes beginning in May 2024.

Share and comment on this article by visiting our website: www.mycvforum.com

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY BOSLEY

Chanticleers Theatre Summer Camp Presents Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

hanticleers Musical Theatre Summer

Camp is excited to announce the upcoming performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at 6 p.m. The show is based on the 1970’s Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning educational cartoon series and pop culture phenomenon, and promises to be a fun time for all ages!

This fast-paced musical follows Carlotta (played by Carlotta Dillon), a young teacher, who is nervous about her first day of teaching. She tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing different parts of her personality emerge from the set and show her how to win over the students with imagination and music. Memorable songs like “Just A Bill,” “Interplanet Janet,” and “Conjunction Junction” bring her lesson plans vividly to life!

The show is the culmination of lots of hard work and play by the young campers (ages 7-15) in Chanticleers Theatre’s first ever Musical Theatre Camp, a 5-week summer program that began on June 12.

Campers, known as Peeps, learn all about putting on a show, from acting to dancing to costumes, set design, sound, and lighting. Says Camp Director Christine Plowright,

Visit Chanticleers for two special performances this Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids. Get them at the door our on their website at: chanticleers.org

“The strength of our theatre lies in its intimacy. Many of the programs available to young theatre artists put together groups of 30+ kids with the primary goal of putting on a big musical. They get the fantastic experience of putting on a big show, but they don’t get the experience of a small group of people coming together to create an acting company and building a show based on their own individual skills and abilities. Five weeks

ago we were a company of strangers. Today we are the inaugural company of the Chanticleers Theatre Peeps! And yes, “ We’re crowin’ because we’re growin!”

There is also time for clowning around, literally. Professional clown and performance artist Dalia Vidor visited the camp to give the children a special workshop on the art of clowning. There have also been lessons on theatre history, stage combat and make-up.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Craft making is another activity that keeps the campers busy, challenging their creative thinking skills.

Says Plowright, “ With the exception of some of the props, everything you will see on our stage has been created by our Peeps. Even the younger peeps from our one week Storytelling Camp got involved and painted a few of our set pieces. Our stage manager is a recent graduate of Castro Valley High School, and our light and sound operator is an 11 year-old student at Canyon Middle School.”

There will be two special performances at “the little theatre in the park,”the perfect place for a picnic and a show! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Patrons can make purchases at the door, on our website at chanticleers.org, or call 510-733-5483.

Chanticleers Theatre is a nonprofit community theater organization with a rich history dating back to 1948. Today, Chanticleers Theatre is a 99-seat playhouse, serving Castro Valley and the greater East Bay. Known as “Castro Valley’s Little Theatre in the Park”, Chanticleers is located in the Castro Valley Community Park right across from the Veterans Memorial and next to the children’s waterpark and playground.

Koo: Incorporate Compound Interest Processes

continued from page 2

Do you know what was pretty amazing? By the sixth day, we started meditation at 4 am. This meditation had some breathwork in it. We sat for parts of it and laid down for other parts. We all just went with it and refocused our minds throughout the meditation. Do you know what time it was when we finished? 8:45

am. We meditated for almost five hours!

Now, meditating in certain ways does have the ability to distort your sense of time. However, we realized that we could not have done that one day, and we appreciated how far we’ve come in just six days. As we talked about it with each other afterward, what surprised me was how we still all

thought we didn’t do very well or got distracted by thoughts or aches in our bodies, but it didn’t align with the reality that we meditated for almost five hours. Something about the process allowed us to do it, and within six days, all 1900 of us had embraced that process.  You see, it always works when it comes to processes like compound interest. Things go

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

wrong because we pull money out or stop contributing (although your money would still grow if you did that). In our own lives, the equivalent would be sneaking in a treat when you’re on a diet or easing up on the workouts because you’ve lost some weight. It could be spending time to build rapport with potential clients or employees, then stopping after you’ve converted them.

So, here’s what I’d like us all to reflect on: What process(es) have you veered away from? How can you get back to implementing those processes? What or who do you need to support you in those processes?

Send me an email or direct message, and let me know!

Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while trusting the process. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail.com, or follow on IG and YouTube @ kevinkoocoaching

Today: Wednesday, July 19

CVUSD Education Job Fair

Castro Valley Unified School District is hiring! Bring your resume and cover letter to their Education Job Fair on Wednesday, July 19 from 10 am to 6 pm at Castro Valley Adult School, Room 10 located at 4430 Alma Ave. in Castro Valley. In-person testing and interviews will be available. CVUSD offers great benefits for permanent employees who work more than 20 hours per week. For more information, please visit: cv.k12.ca.us

Saturday & Sunday, July 22 & 23

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

Chanticleers Musical Theatre Summer Camp is excited to announce the upcoming performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. this Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at 6 p.m. The show is based on the 1970’s Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning educational cartoon series and pop culture phenomenon, and promises to be a fun time for all ages! Join us for two special performances at “the little theatre in the park”, the perfect place for a picnic and a show! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Patrons can make purchases at the door, on our website at chanticleers. org, or call 510-SEE-LIVE (510-733-5483).

Sunday, July 23

CV Incorporation Feasibility Meeting

Join CV City this Sunday, July 23, from 2 to 3:30 pm at the Castro Valley Library to discuss incorporating the community of Castro Valley. All community members are encouraged to attend and provide input. The Alameda County Local Area Formation Committee has released their preliminary report on the feasibility of incorporating Castro Valley and/or other unincorporated areas. They will review the process and the results of LAFCO’s report and seek input on where we go from here.

Tuesday, July 25

CV Rotary Hosts Hung Wei

Hung Wei, District Governor of Rotary District 5170, will visit the Rotary Club and talk about the latest events in Rotary International and District 5170. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 pm. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9 pm on Sunday, July 9, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More information is available at: castrovalleyrotary.org.

Thursday, July 27

Castro Valley Chamber July Mixer

The Castro Valley Chamber will be holding their July Mixer on Thursday, July 27 at 5:30 pm at Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (4430 Alma Avenue in Castro Valley). The event is free for Chamber Members / $10 for non-members. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, July 29

Transitioning to Your Fall Garden

Join CompostGal Lori Caldwell for another exciting learning opportunity at the Castro Valley Library on Saturday, July 29 at 4 pm. Fall/Winter is still a great time to garden. This class will go over some great techniques on how to transition to your fall garden: cool-weather edible crops, starting seeds, crop rotation, sheet mulching and planting natives. Register at aclibrary.org. The library will be maintaining social distancing practices and following all local health precautions and guidelines. For more information, please call the Library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at: aclibrary.org/location/castro-valley-events/

Circus: CV Boys Enjoying Experience

continued from front page

How does someone get from Castro Valley to performing in a circus on the East Coast, one might ask?

It takes years of practice and perseverance.

The Heintz family moved from Hayward to Castro Valley in 2014. When the boys were little, they took tumbling, music, and dance through Hayward Area Recreation Department and attended Castro Valley Co-op Nursery School.

When Milo was almost seven, he started taking classes at Kinetic Arts Center (KAC) in Oakland, where he fell in love with physical theater and aerial ropes, known as “corde lisse.” Starting at age nine, he joined KAC’s circus troupes, first Circus Gilly and then Circus Spire.

Redwood Chapel Hosts 24th Annual CV Night of Honor

On Monday, July 17, Redwood Chapel Community Church hosted the 24th Annual Castro Valley Night of Honor with colors for the event presented by the Honor Guard of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

The purpose of the event is to show gratitude to all of the local public safety personnel and first responders for the protection and services that are provided to us every day.

The event was attended by over 300 people, including 100 public safety personnel from agencies such as Alameda County Fire Department, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Union City Police Department, Hayward Police Department,

Hayward Fire Department, Piedmont Police Department, Oakland Police Department, and San Francisco Police Department. Executive Pastor Eric Junginger emceed the event and recounted various agencies’ contributions to our local community over the past year.

Redwood Chapel volunteers served a free dinner and dessert to these honored guests and their family members. Pastor Sam Morgan of Redwood Chapel spoke about navigating life’s challenges and to evaluate who or what is our compass to keep us on the right path in life. First responders shared interesting stories of cancelling family vacations because they were

called into duty, saving people in dangerous situations, and they poked fun at TV shows that did not accurately depict their lives as first responders.

Night of Honor organizer

Dennis Glover (former San Leandro Police Department officer) invited attendees to join the Martin C. Kaufman Alameda County 100 Club to help financially support the widows, widowers, and dependents of police officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty in Alameda County.

At the conclusion of the event, community members personally thanked those first responders for their service to our community and explored the emergency equipment of our public safety personnel.

Push: Grassroots Effort for Cityhood

continued from page 3 and potential, they ask why we would not already be a city. How could we not have our own civic control.”

It’s been 20 years since the last group got together to try making Castro Valley a city. What’s changed this time, Waespi says, are the newer and fresher ideas about what the community can and should be, including the conversion of the Marketplace from Daughtrey’s and the revitalization of the neighborhoods around Eden Medical Center and BART.

Another motivator is an

84-page report contracted by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Alameda County to determine the feasibility of converting not only Castro Valley but other unincorporated communities of Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Fairview, and Hayward Acres.

Waespi says the group is also aware that some in town do not wish to be a city. A letter to the Forum today by former East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) director Frank Mellon points to the millions of dollars needed

“Being five years younger, Desmond was always tagging along to Milo’s training and would take a class here and there,” says their mother. “But once he decided to learn to juggle, he did not look back. Desmond got really good at juggling and clowning during the pandemic. He also learned to ride a unicycle!”

When he turned nine, Desmond was accepted to KAC’s Circus Gilly. He has developed his own clowning videos and is constantly juggling.

“I can juggle up to seven balls,” says Desmond, “But my coach said, ‘Your six-ball qualify is performance-ready.’ “

Circus Smirkus is the only traveling tented youth circus in the U.S. Now in its 36th year, it performs 63 shows under traditional European-style circus tents. There are no animal acts. The show is designed for audiences of all ages and focuses on circus arts such as aerials, acrobatics, juggling, and clowning, all in colorful costumes.

are supported by 80 people, including coaches, cooks, tech and tent crews, and a live band. The circus performs before approximately 40,000 patrons each summer.

Undeterred by recent east coast rain and flooding in Vermont, the boys are enjoying their circus experience.

“I love being a Smirko,” says Milo. “I’m learning so much about what it’s like to be on the road and travel around giving large audiences an amazing show. I have made so many friends from all over the U.S. that share my passion for circus. And I’m getting more skilled at performing and behind the scenes, like breaking down the tent, rigging, and how costuming, lighting, sound, and stage management works.”

Despite being the youngest, Desmond is also enjoying himself.

“I don’t feel like my age is a factor. I don’t feel like the youngest trouper, everybody retreats me like an equal, and I really like that,” says Desmond.

He adds, “When you’re traveling with Smirkus, it’s

like you’re in a whole different world. But Smirkus is more than just making shows and performing them. It’s about the people you meet and the unique experience of traveling with a circus. When you’re performing in front of like 750 people, it feels like less people than it actually is. And it feels amazing! Also, the food is so good!”

For those of us who have never seen a Circus Smirkus performance, former Castro Valley resident Dee Ette Bruns has been to multiple performances in Kennebunkport, Maine. She’s never met the Heintz family but is very familiar with how popular the circus is and how high the standards are to be chosen to perform.

“It’s a huge deal,” Bruns says. “Only the best kids ever make it as performers. Honestly, if you’ve been to one of the performances, you’d understand how truly impressed I am that these boys have managed to compete with kids from all over the country and achieve a position with Circus Smirkus. It’s absolutely no exaggeration that they have to be exceptional if they are performing there.”

Milo will enter his senior year at Bishop O’Dowd High School in the fall, and Desmond will start seventh grade at Wells Middle School. You may see Desmond juggling with the Castro Valley Jugglers at the Castro Valley BART station during the school year!

More information about Circus Smirkus can be seen at www.smirkus.org, and on the Circus Smirkus Facebook page.

every year to run a city, including taxes to Alameda County, operational costs for a mayor and city council, and city staff.

However, with a county plan to add 2,900 new places to live, including apartments, homes, and multi-family homes in Castro Valley, Waespi says it’s upon the community to take control of its own destiny or rely on four out of five County Supervisors to decide Castro Valley’s fate.

“What kind of services should they expect, and what kind of quality of life will we provide?” he added.

The kids will be away for ten weeks total, including a three-week rehearsal. Actual performances started July 1 and will run through mid-August. The performers

Milo Heintz

Alameda County Sheriffs Nick Espinoza and Stephen Riley at the 24th Annual Castro Valley Night of Honor held Monday, July 17, at Redwood Chapel Church.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC JUNGINGER

REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY

Inventory Projected to Increase This Fall

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

IOver the years Realtors have raised their hands to signal opportunity, yet the gestures are frequently ignored. It is human nature: there are many reasons people do not heed advice. In retrospect, however, I have lost count of the myriad of individuals who have told me, over the years, “I wish I had listened to you back then.”

Once again, I am raising my hand. Homeowners – NOW is a GREAT opportunity to sell.

Without question, the recent real estate market has been bizarre. Recovering from the foreclosure crisis and navigating our way through a pandemic, we are seeing our government attempting to control inflation (a situation they caused by providing free

money during the pandemic) by raising rates an unprecedented number of times.

The initial effect, in May, 2022, was to slam the brakes on the housing market as rising rates caused buyers to evaporate. Prices slid dramatically. January, 2023, however, saw buyers reengage as they realized the higher rates were here to stay and they still needed to buy.

As a result, things abruptly about-faced as a surge of buyers hit the streets. There was a problem, however: there were virtually no homes for sale. In a classic demonstration of supply-and-demand economics, prices began shooting upward as buyers, desperate to get a home, once again responded with multiple offers. While not as severe as the panic-driven market at the beginning of 2022, the effect was the same:

prices began rising.

Since navigating the typical seasonal slowdown between June 15th and the 4th of July, buyers are back out again. Whereas we might have seen a slowdown entering the summer, this year, with so many failing to snag a home earlier in the year, numerous buyers are out looking. Once again, with limited inventory, expect short-term price increases.

NAR (the National Association of Realtors) is predicting that interest rates will begin falling towards the end of the year. This will cause homeowners to begin putting their homes on the market, which in turn will increase overall inventory. As more homes become available during the holiday season (when buyer numbers typically decrease), prices will most likely stabilize and could decline.

In short, we will not see Q1 2022 prices again for a long time. Therefore, as prices are projected to ease and normalize later this year, I believe the best opportunity to sell for the highest amount … is right now.

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.

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

QWhat’s happened to my hot peppers? For the second year, they grow to about a foot tall, no taller, and the flowers that

form drop off. I planted them in April, and they’re in a location with lots of sun. What do I need to do to solve my dilemma?

AHot or Chili peppers fail to flourish and flower because of temperature, poor pollination or air circulation, and excess nitrogen. Of these, temperature is the most likely cause. Chili Peppers are extremely sensitive to temperature. The nighttime temperature is the most critical as they like warm days and nights. The plants stagnate when the temperatures dip below fifty-five degrees, and the cool conditions prevent buds from forming. Once the plants stop growing, they are very slow to recover when the temperatures warm up. It’s more likely to be a problem with those plants planted in March/ April than those planted in May. You avoid this problem by planting around Mother’s Day. By then, the rainy season should be over, and the temperature should have risen.

Unfortunately, mother nature has not been kind to warm-season vegetables this year, as June was particularly cool. We had very few days of eighty degrees or warmer temperatures. Poor air circulation and pollination are not usually a problem with the in-ground plantings but with those in containers, especially those growing next to a wall. You’ll find pepper blossoms are even more sensitive to temperature during pollination. You may need to entice pollinators to the area by adding brightly colored flowers nearby, such as Marigolds.

Excess nitrogen causes the plant to put all of its energy into foliage growth. Low fertility and low moisture levels can also result in poor flowering, bud drop, stunted growth, and irregular watering. But I don’t believe poor air circulation or excess nitrogen is your problem. Next year I suggest staggering you’re planting to see the difference. I’d plant one plant in April, May, and even June and evaluate the performance. The late-season planting could be the better performer.

RECENT HOME SALES

BUZZ: continued from page 6

Q A

I planted gladiolus bulbs in containers this spring. Now that they have finished blooming, I have pulled them all up. How should I care for these until they can be replanted? Do I cut off the green leaves?

Oh no! You’ve removed the Gladiolus Bulbs way too soon from your containers. Like all other bulbs, Gladiolus are removed when the foliage turns brown and easily

WEEKEND GARDENER

Getting Ready for Fall

It’s time to start planning for your fall and winter vegetable garden. At the end of this month or next, sow broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kohlrabi. Keep the seed beds immerse the pot in a small tub of water and add a drop of liquid dish detergent to the water. Let

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CASTRO VALLEY IS OUR BUSINESS, LIFE AND OUR PASSION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

You can run a classified ad for a little as $30 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save $5 by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.

To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You can place a FREE “MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.

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.

Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum

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– Avacancy day is money lost forever –

To place an ad call 510-614-1558

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GARDENING

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GARDENING

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

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HANDYMAN SERVICE

Handyman no job is too small. Gardening, cleaning, power washing, painting, plumbing, roofing, repairs, gutters, drain cleaning, kitchen and bath drywall, dry rot, stucco, patio, etc. Aaron 510-209-7282.

HOUSE CLEANING

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•Also Carpet Cleaning/Installation FREE Estimates 510-938-4742/510-613-5777

MISC. FOR SALE

Ping-Pong Table, nets, paddles, balls. $45.00 510-537-3144.

Fishing pole and reel Good condition $25. Call 510-278-9719

35" X19" computer desk -$20 computer chair - $6 dresser - $12 black Crocs, M size - $20 510 -566-6678.

50 rock or country CDs in excellent condition $49. Call 510 654-1951..

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

MISC. WANTED

WANTED - Reel to reel music tapes, Call Patrick 510-517-3351.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Are you interested in buying or selling a home or property?

Would you like the help of a Professional Agent?

For assistance call ...

*SCOTT HARRISON - Realtor Coldwell Banker 510-388-4536

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman

W W ANTED ANTED

Aaron pays CASH for Bay Area houses in any condition. No inspections. Call 775-685-3858.

RENTALS

San Leandro 62+ community (NO ONE UNDER 62), Floresta Gardens area, $2,075; duplex, quiet, private court,2-Bdrm, single-story, walk-in shower, central heat, air conditioning, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer inunit, patio, carport. NO pets/smoking.510-352-7023 for requirements.

LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman

RENTALS/RV SPACES

RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $925/ 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.

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.

TREE SERVICE

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

YOUR INFO

Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum

DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –

To place an ad call 510-614-1558

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –

R. Bowman

Classified Advertising

Savvy Senior: Tips and Resources for Dealing With Macular Degeneration

Q:Can you recommend some good resources for seniors with vision loss? My husband was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration, which has deteriorated his central vision, and he’s become very discouraged.

By Jim Miller

I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s eye condition. Unfortunately, there are about 20 million Americans living with macular degeneration today. Over time, this progressive disease can rob people of their central vision, making everyday tasks like driving a car, reading a magazine or watching television extremely challenging. Here are some tips and resources that can help.

Low Vision Help

If your husband hasn’t already done so, he needs to see a low-vision specialist for a comprehensive examination. Low-vision specialists are ophthalmologist or optometrist with additional credentials or specialization in low vision testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

A low vision exam, which is much different from a typical eye exam, will explore how your husband’s eye condition is affecting his day-to-day life, how he’s adapting emotionally and prescribe solutions to help him regain as much day-to-day functioning as possible.

Your next step is to get your husband to a nearby vision rehabilitation service. These

services, which are run by state or nonprofit organizations, or private eye care clinics, help people with all types of uncorrectable vision impairments. Most state and nonprofit services are free or low-cost, while private clinics typically charge a fee or may accept Medicare.

While vision rehabilitation does not restore lost sight, it does help people maximize their existing sight, or, if they have no vision, it can equip them with techniques and tools to help them maintain an independent lifestyle.

Services include counseling, along with training on how to perform daily living tasks with low vision, and how to use visual and adaptive devices and

If Address Changes, Should I Update My Power of Attorney?

assistive technologies that can help improve quality of life.

They also offer guidance for adapting your home that will make it safer and easier for your husband to maneuver and can help him locate low-vision support groups. Some agencies will even send their specialist out to work with him in the comfort of your own home.

To find a vision rehabilitation service near you ask your husband’s eye doctor for a referral, or you can locate services yourself by calling the American Printing House (APH) Connect Center at 800232-5463.

Another convenient place to get help for your husband is online at VisionAware (VisionAware.org). This free website that’s part of the APH Connect Center is specifically designed for older adults new to vision loss.

It provides information on eye diseases and disorders, along with dozens of practical tips, information and instructional videos on living with vision loss. VisionAware also provides a comprehensive list of more than 2,000 low vision agencies and organizations across the country that’s searchable by state or category. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Q. When I signed my Power Of Attorney a few years back, my primary and successor agents lived at different addresses and had different phone numbers than they do now. In order for it to remain valid, do I need to completely re-do it?

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

A. I do receive this question from clients from time to time, so know that you are not alone in wondering. The short answer is: no, you do not need to completely re-execute your Power of Attorney (“POA”). What I suggest you do is type up their current addresses and phone numbers on a separate sheet of paper, date and sign it, and attach it to your original POA and to all copies as well. Although not required, it might also be a good idea to have your signature notarized, just to lend a further auro of reliability to the document. You might also include their current email addresses, as many folks now rely heavily upon email. Call the document something like “Updated Contact Information for My Agents & Successors”. Do the same with regard to your Advance Healthcare Directive and any other estate planning document which recites the former addresses of your agents or successors.

If you, yourself, have also moved, include your new address, phone and email as well, so that the contact information will be complete. However, if you have moved to another state, then I would advise seeing an attorney in that new state and arrange for that attorney to prepare a new POA for you in compliance with the laws of that state. I would advise the same with regard to your Advance Healthcare Directive and any other estate planning documents prepared while you were a resident of California, such as a Trust and Will. That way you will remain in full compliance with the law applicable to the state of your new domicile. Good wishes.

Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 30 years. Visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com. Phone: (510) 247-2555.

Traveling in the Dakotas Adds to Gratitude I Have for Castro Valley

By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

My columns are normally composed at home in my den. This one, however, is being written in Fargo, North Dakota. As I compose, I await a flight home from Hector Airport. It is at the end of a two- week trip through the Dakotas. The centerpiece of my trip was with a small group of people that are members of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. The purpose of our journey was to revisit the life and achievements of the 26th President of the U.S. Among our visits were to Mt. Rushmore, where his face resides in granite with three other Presidents – Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson. It is a place for not only memorialization - it is also a place for reflection.

According to the last gathering of Presidential scholars,

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

they ranked Washington and Lincoln as our nation’s most important Presidents. The next two are

the Roosevelts – Franklin and Theodore. Because the four faces are carved in stone, they can be expected to exceed the life of nations, including our own. Although there is lots of history behind our nation, there is a lot more ahead. This is what comes to mind as I return home to Castro Valley.

All of the places visited on this trip were small towns. Among them were Rapid City, Medora, Dickinson, and Jamestown. At the east end of North Dakota is the Fargo-Moorhead area. It contains a population similar to that of CV, Hayward, San Lorenzo, and San Leandro combined. As far as the Dakotas go –despite the size of their states,

their cities and towns are all small in size.

Theodore Roosevelt (TR) was a New Yorker, yet he fit in here and learned from his experiences in the Dakotas. He operated a ranch outside of Medora, which enhanced his interests and knowledge of nature, including how humans should interact with it. He, along with John Muir, became two of the most important originalists to understand and advocate a détente between both human nature and mother nature. With that, TR became the great environmentalist in terms of public policy within our nation. The national park named after him is the only one named after an individual in the National Park system, which he founded. As I reflect upon the significance of what TR did for understanding and protecting the necessary alliance between human life and natural life, I also think of

our local history and responsibilities in this domain.

In the East Bay we have a great achievement for all of us who live here. It is the East Bay Regional Park system. It is not only a great asset to the quality of our lives. It is also a national treasure and a model for emulation around the world. The foresightful and courageous individuals who followed in TR’s and Muir’s direction gifted all of us in the present and future with treasured assets to the quality of our lives. We often take these parks for granted, yet the granite at Mt. Rushmore and the trip now ending makes my view more appreciative. The parks available for recreation and reflection are among the reasons why we are fortunate to live in a place called Castro Valley. Traveling in the Dakotas adds to the gratitude I have for what we have and where we live.

Castro Valley Cityhood AGAIN? Reality of What That Would Mean

The usual suspects are pushing Castro Valley Cityhood with the same old tired ideas - control our destiny; we need to govern ourselves; we’ll be better off independent from the county. When you take off the glossy wrapping paper, here’s the reality:

If we become a city, then we have to reimburse the county for the millions of dollars in taxes that the county will lose from us for “lost” sales tax, property tax, permits charged, vehicle license tax - for starters, over a several year period. At least $10 million at year.

Then there is the cost of elected officials - at least $8,400 each annually. And you can bet it will be the usual suspects coming out of the weeds that haven’t be able to get elected to anything + all the campaigning folderal attached. With 5 city council members that adds up to $42,000. But that doesn’t count the support staff of at least two per council member at $70,000 annually for salary and benefits - a cool $700,000.

Then there is the cost of

running a city - City Manager, clerks for social services, for permits, for daily operations - at least 30 at the onset - $70,000 each salary and benefits for a minimum of $2.1 million. Then there are the police services - hiring or subcontracting? Either way it’s at least $100,000 salaries and benefits each officer, with 20 persons needed - another $2,000,000! We are already on County fire services - and pay for it.

Finally, there is the cost of elections - Alameda County charges $4 -$6 per vote cast. Assuming 60,000 votes castthere’s another $300,000 per election.

Total cost to get started - at least $14,400,000 to be expensed before the doors open. There were at least 16 empty Castro Valley storefronts as of this past Sunday. The largest businesses in Castro Valley are 4 grocery stores and 2 pharmacies - and that’s what Castro Valley would have to depend on. The last place in California - Jurupa Valley - that tried to overcome the burdens laid out above gave up because Sacramento wouldn’t bail them out.

Send a message to the usual suspects that have been writing glowing cityhood letters to the Forum and to our

county supervisor telling them that talking about Cityhood isn’t looking any better than the last three times it was voted down.

–Frank Mellon, Castro Valley

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You enter a more positive period, both personally and professionally, but trouble spots can appear. Avoid them by keeping lines of communication open.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Don’t fret about the competition. Since Taurus rules the throat, you could have the advantage of conveying your ideas in tones that are sure to please your listeners.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Of course, as a Gemini, you love to talk. But watch your words very carefully this week. What you say could come back to cause you some unpleasant moments.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): The Grabby-Crabby side of you dominates. You want it all. But try to temper that urge to splurge so that you can take advantage of an upcoming investment opportunity.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Spread that natural sunshine all you loving Leos and Leonas radiate, and brighten up those gloomy hearts around you. Also, expect a visit from someone from your past.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): You like things neat and tidy. That’s fine for your closets and desktops, but you need to be more flexible in your relationships. Give a little, and you’ll get a lot back.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Your financial aspects continue to dominate. There still might be problems to work out from past business decisions before you can make plans for the future.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Travel plans might be up in the air -- literally -- now that your spouse or partner would rather fly than drive. A thorny workplace issue is close to being resolved.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Use your natural leadership qualities to guide a troublesome workplace project through to completion. Meanwhile, a personal relationship is smooth sailing.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Aspects for moving to a new location appear to be increasingly favorable. Meanwhile, your loyalty to a friend soon pays off in ways you never expected.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Your ability to be flexible helps get you through changes you hadn’t expected, either on the job or at home. Remember to take things one step at a time.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): Your creative talents are put to the test, as you attempt to deal with a suddenly changed situation. It will be up to you to devise a way to work it out successfully.

© 2019 KING FEATURES SYND., INC.

Ruth Marie Bolar Pierce

September 11, 1946 ~ July 4, 2022

Remembering one of the brightest stars to have ever lived on Earth. Ruth Marie passed away peacefully at her Castro Valley home, surrounded by family, lots of love, and her faithful companion, Piglet, the dog. Ruth, a true woman of wonder, never once taking a day off from being the best mom, daughter, sister, friend anyone has ever known. She was tough, loving, honest, warm, smart, hard-working, selfless and beautiful. Always doing the right thing regardless of the situation she knew who she was and couldn’t be infuenced to be anything but her true self. At frst glance you noticed her striking beauty, those bright blue eyes, her confdence and her obvious love of life.

She spread love, happiness and fun whereever she went. The life of every party she attracted people like a moth to a flame. Time with Ruth was nothing less than magical. Her gift of storytelling, her quick wit and sense of humor were captivating. An unforgettable, one of a kind personality for sure. Ruth was as beautiful on the inside as on the outside, always thinking of others before herself, her altruistic nature lifted spirits and spread joy everyday, everywhere. Ruth will be remembered for her strength, selfless love, warmth, her witty stories. Ruth’s biggest passions were her children, fam ily and making others feel good. She always had a kind word especially for those who seldom heard one.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving parents James & Shirley Bolar of Castro Valley and her son Rod Pierce, whom she lost in 2012.

She is survived by her daughter Deborah Pierce, grandson Blake Pierce, her 4 siblings and their families; brothers Bob Bolar, Jim Bolar, Bill Bolar and sister Vickie Chapman. She maintained very close relationships with all siblings throughout her life.

Ruth lived life to the fullest and left this world Proud, Loved and with No Regrets. A one of a kind beauty, she truly made this world a better place. She lives forever in our hearts and memories. Always loved, never forgotten.

CHRISTIANS - WEAR YOUR CROSS OTHERS CHRISTIANS WILL SEE IT AND TAKE COMFORT.

NON-CHRISTIANS WILL SEE IT AND PERHAPS ASK QUESTIONS.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Medi-Cal: CV Family Frustrated

continued from page 2 families with disabled loved ones. She said that she has seen “at least five other families that transferred, and their loved ones are getting sicker and sicker.”

She applied for an exemption from the new managed care plan so Sara could continue getting the care she needs at Stanford Medical Center but was denied twice in the past two years.

Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley 16U Legends Baseball Team. The team won two consecutive tournaments in the last few weeks.

Their first tournament was the June 1011 USSSA TPR Classic (Mistlin) Championship. The Legends got on the board in the second inning, scoring two runs when Isaiah Broadus singled. Diego Mares earned the win for CV Legends. The right-handed pitcher lasted six innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out seven and walking one. Both teams were strong on the mound, but the Legends defeated Sacramento Sock Puppets 2-1.

The second tournament was the June 23 NCS (Swing N Surf) Pismo Championship.

Alex Nicol was the winning Pitcher for the

Legends in the Semi-Finals. Nicol struck out three while only allowing 5 hits over 7 innings, throwing a complete game. Anthony Mares led the Legends with two hits on three at-bats and stole seven bases, along with Kyle Giomalvo stealing two bases and scoring. CV Legends collected 13 hits. Later that day, Anthony Mares threw a shutout against the KC Drillers, winning the championship game 8-0.

PICTURED: Standing row (from left to right): Coach Al Herrera, Tony Mares, Owen Seidel, Robert Herrera, Alex Nicol, Isaiah Broadus, Aiden Perry, Gilbert Seidel and Coach Gerry Nicol. Kneeling row (from left to right): Kyle Giammalvo, Paul Vilcheck, Anthony Mares, Jeremiah Miller, Diego Mares, Mason Bell.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CV 16U Legends

Another big change involves eliminating the asset limit for Medi-Cal enrollees as of January 1, 2024. This means that enrollees that used to have an asset limit of $2,000 per month for individuals and $3,000 per month for couples will no longer apply.

This change will allow at least 18,000 more people to qualify for Medi-Cal and increase the economic security of the 1.4 million people enrolled in these programs statewide.

McNally says it is frustrating to see these new changes to the state’s healthcare assistance program—one created to help those in most need—will come at the cost of losing some important specialized care for certain citizens.

“I have done everything possible. No one is listening. I am not just fighting for my family. I am fighting for many others,” says McNally.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends at Lake of the Pines in Auburn California, Sebastian, age 12, and his sister Colette, age 8, and their mom, Stacy Cutchon, went out on their long time friends’ (Dwight Roberts) new Tritoon patio boat for a little large mouth bass fishing. Sebastian landed his first fish of his life while his family watched. The large mouth Bass weighed in at 1 lb 7oz . It was the first fish of the day. Just 15 minutes later Colette caught her first large mouth bass weighing in at 3 lbs 1 oz. All fish were released back in the lake. Now that was a Fourth of July to remember. Congratulations on your ‘Great Catches!’ Have a ‘Great Catch’ you’d like to share? Send a photo and information by email to: filesforforum@gmail.com

City: The Report was Initiated to Provide the Pros and Cons of Incorporation

continued from front page (not Castro Valley).

The report was initiated to provide the pros and cons of incorporation, a realistic analysis of cityhood, indicate what options the County has to improve incorporation feasibility, identify issues requiring further research, and create a framework for a more detailed Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA).

The full report discusses the need to create a city office with leadership and administrative positions. It also discusses how any boundary options would require increased property, sales, and or business taxes to ensure city services were maintained.

Berkson’s report to LAFCO is the latest step in getting residents to consider incorporating and becoming their own city. The report will now go through a long process of

conferring consultant data with various County departments. Those departments would contribute data and information with multiple drafts of the report for internal approval before releasing it to a 30-day public review and comment period.

Which Option Makes Sense?

The Berkson report found that the Castro Valley boundary generates the most revenues relative to its population due to its magnitude and mix of commercial uses.

“These revenues are offset by additional service costs attributable to residential and additional commercial uses. The net result is an annual fiscal shortfall. If the new City receives a share of Property Tax in lieu of Vehicle License Fees (PTVLF), the annual net could be virtually break-even considering the preliminary

nature of the IFA,” the report said.

If Castro Valley were to incorporate, Alameda County would see an annual $3.44 million shortfall, mostly in the form of property, sales, and utility taxes. But that is less than the $5 million loss the County would take if all the towns came together.

Though he was not specific, Supervisor Miley said he was confident that the County could make up any financial shortfalls in other ways.

“If Castro Valley had moved forward in incorporation in 2002, there still would have been a need for new taxes,” Miley said. “Funding for the reduction to the county is a figure that could be up for negotiation.”

Combining all the unincorporated towns would be the next most financially feasible option, allowing more govern-

WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK?: Which of these unincorporated towns should become a city? Three options are on the table, including one that would combine all of these areas together.

mental efficiency. The study found that the annual financial net could be slightly positive if state vehicle fees (PTVLF) could be included.

Previous attempts to incorporate Castro Valley have failed. The first was back in 1957, when the vote was 75% against. The second attempt

was held in 2002 when a vote on incorporation garnered 27.9% in favor and 72.1% against incorporation. The 2002 vote was prompted by a similar financial analysis that LAFCO initiated. The 2002 report found that cityhood would be possible if Castro Valley initiated a transient occupancy tax (also known as a hotel tax) and an ongoing utility users’ tax. No new cities have been formed in California over the past two decades other than new cities in Riverside County that received a legislative fix to receive PTVLF.

A group of about 30 Castro Valley residents and supporters have launched a grassroots effort to openly discuss the pros and cons of making Castro Valley a city and the recently released LAFCO Report. Their first public meeting is Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library.