BACK TO SCHOOL
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE
Members of My Eden Voice demonstrated for more renter protections in the unincorporated areas outside the Tuesday, July 23, Board of Supervisors meeting in Oakland. The Board put off taking any action until the fall.
County Renters Continue To Seek More Protections
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Demonstrators gathered outside the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, July 23, demanding more protections for renters in Alameda County’s unincorporated areas.
About 30 people from several communities, members of the community groups My Eden
Voice and Eden Renters United, joined under the slogan “Just Cause For Eden” to call for supervisors to pass an ordinance limiting evictions to 11 specified just causes. These include several reasons commonly cited by landlords for an eviction, including nonpayment of rent, damaging the property, or criminal behavior on the property.
see RENTERS on page 10
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
The group hoping to convert Castro Valley into a bona fide city is sponsoring a series of one-per-month discussions with experts on city planning and governance starting in August 2024 and continuing through next year.
CastroValleyCity.com spokesperson Gary Howard said each free lecture will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library. The first is scheduled for August 18.
He says the goal is for the speakers to share their experience in transforming cities for success in the future. They will provide information for the community to consider for the Castro Valley-specific plan and potential incorporation.
“These are all outside experts rather than our local talent,” Howard told the Forum.
CastroValleyCity.com is a group of like-minded residents who hope to encourage others to support transforming Castro Valley from an unincorporated town in Alameda County into a full-fledged city.
The cohort gained momentum last year following a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) report suggesting that Castro Valley becoming a city is feasible but would initially be financially challenged. While voters twice rejected incorporating Castro Valley in 1956 and 2002, there may be an appetite for cityhood this time. The community of Mountain House recently voted overwhelmingly to become the first California city since 2011.
see SPEAKERS on page 10
By Corinne Davidson SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
On July 19, around 6:45 p.m., six people ran in and robbed the San Leandro branch of Health Unlimited. According to Ethan Falls, the manager of the Castro Valley branch, the thieves ran out with about $4,000 in merchandise. According to Falls, the same group also robbed health food
stores in Alameda, Dublin, and Pleasanton on July 19. The other victim stores include Valley Health Mill in Pleasanton, Castro Valley Natural Grocery, Alameda Natural Grocery, and Sprouts in Dublin.
The robberies were conducted by a group of six people (four adults and two children), Falls said. In response, Health Unlimited sent a flier to its stores and other local mer-
chants to ensure that people were aware of and on the lookout for the group. The group is wanted for shoplifting, and Health Unlimited called the incident a “grand theft felony.”
Falls said he normally doesn’t see theft like that in the Castro Village Shopping Center.
“I mean, sporadically in the store, we see some stuff. And then I’ve seen some stuff
at Ross where people come running out with stuff, but it’s not too much,” Falls said.
Organized retail theft has increased each year since the 2020 pandemic. Property crimes were up 7 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, including 40 reported cases of theft or larceny, such as robberies and car break-ins, according to Alameda County Sheriff’s Office estimates.
Organized retail theft differs from shoplifting, a category of larceny in crime data involving the theft of items valued at $950 or less. Commercial burglary is reported in the burglary category. Both Organized retail theft and commercial burglary are considered property crimes. According to a report this month by the Little Hoover see THEFT on page 3
PHOTO BY MIKE MCGUIRE
Donations of School Supplies
Representatives with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and Alameda County Foster Parent Association stopped by Pete’s Ace Hardware in Castro Valley last Thursday to help pick up and distribute school supplies for needy students, some of which may have recently been adopted. Thanks to the generosity of Pete’s customers and employees, this year’s annual donation drive brought in hundreds of supplies, including backpacks, binders, pencils, paper, rulers, calculators, and other necessities. Pete’s owner, Linda Roark, said she was thrilled that so many people donated supplies, especially to those students who need it most. Pictured are (left to right) ACSO Deputy Ruben Pola, ACSO Sheriff’s Technician Anne Espinoza, Alameda County Foster Parent Association representative Lina Faanunu, Pete’s Hardware owner Linda Roark, and employee Jessica Jenson.
Crash Injures Motorcycle Thief
A juvenile motorcycle rider was seriously injured last Friday when he wound up under a parked Ford FX on Anita Avenue near Castro Valley Boulevard.
The California Highway Patrol reported the incident happened around 10:29 a.m. on July 26. The rider’s name and age were not disclosed.
The motorcycle rider was ejected from the bike and ended up underneath the truck. The motorcycle was stolen at the time of the crash, according to CHP officer Jennifer Pabst.
Paramedics were called to the scene and transported the man to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The accident blocked the eastbound lanes of Castro Valley Boulevard until the motorcycle rider could be taken to the hospital and debris could be cleared.
More details about the accident were not released. The CHP says the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Grass Fires Along Freeway
The Alameda County and Hayward Fire Departments responded to and put out two small fires along the grassy area above Interstate 580 last Tuesday. The first call occurred around noon near Castro Valley Boulevard near Marshall St. A second fire was later reported near the freeway along Grove Way and Center Street. Several fire crews attacked the flames, which did not threaten homes or businesses but created a lot of smoke in the area. The vegetation fires were extinguished within a few hours. Both fires are under investigation.
CVSan Lateral Replacement Grant
The Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) is pleased to announce the continuance of the Lateral Replacement Grant Program (LRGP), scheduled to start on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. $75,000 in total funding has been allocated to the program. CVSan is offering financial assistance to qualified applicants to replace your entire defective private sewer lateral (lateral) at 50% of the approved cost, up to a
maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per lateral. For program information, please contact the Castro Valley Sanitary District at (510) 606-1300 or visit our website at www.cvsan.org/ grants.
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wanted for Drugs
Friday, July 26: At 12:40 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 41-year-old CV man as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man had previously been convicted of possessing methamphetamine drugs and related illegal drug paraphernalia. Deputies served the warrant outside a gas station on Castro Valley Boulevard and Anita Avenue. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Drove Drunk with an Invalid License
Saturday, July 27: At 3:21 a.m., a 28-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with an invalid license. Deputies pulled the man over in front of a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Wilbeam Avenue. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken into custody.
Intoxicated Driver Violated His Parole
Tuesday, July 23: At 9:43 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 40-year-old CV man on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit, driving without a revoked driver’s license and violating the terms of his parole. Deputies pulled the man over in front of a fastfood restaurant on Strobridge Avenue near Castro Valley Boulevard. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Drug Runner Goes Back to Jail
Tuesday, July 23: At 2:13 a.m.,
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 32-year-old man with no permanent residence as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man had previously been convicted of possession of illegal drug paraphernalia
and loitering with the intent of being a “lookout” for illegal drug activity. Deputies caught up with the man and served the arrest warrant in front of a fast-food restaurant on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard. The man was handcuffed and taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Theft: Consequences
continued from front page Commission, an independent state oversight agency, the most direct consequences of retail theft are the losses experienced by businesses. This is especially true for family-owned businesses, which can’t afford to lose merchandise and may even end up closing because of these thefts.
“In addition to the immediate monetary losses, there are indirect costs associated with
retail theft, such as enhanced security measures and increased insurance premiums,” the report said. “In extreme cases, these cumulative expenses can result in business closures, affecting local employment.”
Health Unlimited is still looking for the group. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at (510) 667-7721.
Thrive in a community dedicated to your success. APPLY TODAY! www.chabotcollege.edu/welcome
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACFD
Hunchback Musical: Final Performances
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (musical) plays this Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 pm and closes Sunday, August 4 at 2pm. Come see Danila Burshteyn as Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer; Matthew Liebowitz as Dom Claude Frollo, the conflicted archdeacon; Solona Husband as Esmeralda, the fiery Romani woman; and the rest of the exceptional cast. Performances are at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. Tickets are available online at cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-889-8961.
Relay for Life This Saturday
Do you want to support an amazing organization while having a great time? Come on out and join Relay for Life East Bay and Relay for Life Tri City this Saturday, August 3 from 10am to 10pm, at Chabot College in Hayward.
This family-friendly event helps raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS), which provides free services for people in our communities undergoing cancer treatment. Games, raffles, cancer education and prevention, and food will be available. Music will be playing all day so you can dance your way around the track too.
The event kicks off with the survivor lap and, as it gets dark, the emotional luminaria ceremony remembers those who have lost their fight, those still battling, and growing number of survivors.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Tomorrow • Thursday, August 1
CV School of Music 11th Year Anniversary
Castro Valley School of Music will celebrate its 11th year Anniversary tomorrow, Thursday, August 1 at 6:30pm. There will be live music, raffle prizes, games and tours of the school. We would like the general public to come and celebrate with us. The school is located at 21060 Redwood Rd, suite 100 in Castro Valley. for more information, please email: wannee@cvsom.com
Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 4
Friends of CV Library Indoor Book Sale
The Friends of the Castro Valley Library will hold an indoor book sale at the Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave., August 2nd through 4th. Sale times are: Friday, August 2nd, 6 to 8pm Member preview. Memberships will be available at the door. Saturday, August 3rd, 10 am to 4 pm. Sunday, August 4th, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bag Day. Fill a standard grocery bag for $5. There will be fiction and mystery books, children’s books, and all genres of nonfiction, music CDs, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, games, and miscellaneous. Most books are $1 or less. We will also have a selection of antiquarian and special price books at slightly higher (but still bargain) prices. All proceeds from the sale pay for library programs and amenities that would not otherwise be possible. Cash, checks, debit/credit accepted. Look for our $2 coupon in today’s Forum (page 2). Hope to see you there!
Friday, August 2
Free Movie Night at Trinity Christian Fellowship
Free Movie Night! Join Trinity Christian Fellowship for “Courageous,” a movie about parenting and accountability in the influential role given to us by God, this Friday, August 2 6:10 pm, at Trinity Christian Fellowship, 20307 Marshal Street, Castro Valley. Free light snacks provided.
Friday, August 2 and Sunday, August 4
Douglas Morrisson Theatre Chorus Concert
Douglas Morrisson Theatre Chorus presents their summer concert, Flavors of Latin America, this Friday, August 2 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 4 at 2pm at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre. Rousinging numbers ranging from LaBamba, Salsa rhythms and Caribbean and Mexican folk songs, to Harry Belafonte and Cole Porter favorites, promise a lively upbeat program. There will also be performances by talented performers. Don’t miss the sure to please, toe tapping concert. To purchase tickets visit douglasmorrissontheatre.thundertix.com/events.
Saturday, August 3
Relay for Life
Come out and join Relay for Life East Bay and Relay for Life Tri City this Saturday, August 3 from 10am to 10pm, at Chabot College in Hayward. Check out the website for details: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_ id=108157 Questions, call Joanne Sexton, 510-727-2718, Manager, Cancer Registry, Eden Medical Center.
Tuesday, August 6
National Night Out at Lake Chabot
Check out the website for details: https://secure.acsevents. org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_ id=108157 For questions, call Joanne Sexton, 510-727-2718, Manager, Cancer Registry, Eden Medical Center.
An exciting evening of community bonding and fun at Lake Chabot awaits! The East Bay Regional Park District is hosting its second annual National Night Out on August 6 from 4 to 7pm at Lake Chabot Regional Park, where parkgoers are invited to come together to celebrate and strengthen community ties. Meet the Park District’s public safety officers, firefighters, lifeguards, and park rangers who are instrumental in keeping the community safe. Visit with Park District naturalists at the Mobile Visitor Center and learn about the nature exhibits on display. Stroll around Lake Chabot and enjoy the lake’s beauty. All are welcome to this FREE event. For more info, visit: ebparks.org/nno.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DARRELL LAVIN/
By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Did this summer fly by, or is it just me?
Though we may have just settled into our summer routines, it’s already time to transition back to school. For many, change can be difficult. Planning ahead and considering the needs of your child (and yourself) early on can ease the transition. A proactive approach also helps create supportive systems that promote inclusive educational environments for all students, especially for neurodivergent minds.
In recent years, the concept of neurodiversity has gained momentum. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing brain-based differences, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations. Neurodiversity advocates for accepting diverse neurological conditions rather than the need to “cure” certain behaviors.
Effective support for neurodiverse students begins with collaboration among all stakeholders—students, parents, and educators. Here are some steps schools and families can take to ensure a cohesive education approach and make the 2024–25 school year successful for all learners.
Find the Motivation
Make it a habit to identify your child’s strengths, interests, and motivations. This helps to gain their cooperation and makes transitions easier. For instance, if your child loves trains, try incorporating them into your routine. Plan visits to places with trains as positive reinforcement or inform their teacher so trains can be included in their learning activities. Motivation is one of the fundamental drivers of our behavior. By understanding what motivates our children, we can use it to empower them to meet their individual goals.
Self-Determination
Self-determination refers to the ability of an individual to shape their own life, make their own choices, and set their own goals. In education, fostering self-determination in children means encouraging them to take an active role in their education and pursuing
their interests and goals. If your child has an IEP (individualized education plan) or a Section 504 plan, get
in the practice of discussing their goals and asking for their input. If your child has been recently diagnosed as neurodivergent, talk to their school and determine if they qualify for one of these education plans. This approach helps build confidence, autonomy, and a sense of responsibility, essential for your child’s development and future success.
Build a Community for Your Child (and yourself)
Creating a supportive community is vital for both you and your child. Talk to your child’s school, physician, or other parents to discover potential support groups or resources in your local area. Building these relationships fosters a sense of belonging. It can help you navigate the school year’s challenges, while having a network of peers and supportive adults can significantly improve your child’s social and emotional well-being.
Communicate Needs and Evaluate Often
Effective communication is crucial in ensuring your child’s needs are met. Regularly discuss your child’s progress and any concerns with their teachers and caregivers. Don’t hesitate to advocate for necessary adjustments to their learning environment. Continuously evaluating your child’s experiences and adjusting strategies as needed can help maintain a positive and supportive educational setting. Open and ongoing communication can prevent small issues from becoming significant obstacles.
Learn to Be Flexible
The most important thing is flexibility and adapting to the ever-changing demands of parenting and education. While having a plan is important, being open to adjustments can make transitions less stressful. Sometimes, unexpected changes can present new opportunities for growth and learning; if you lean into them, those moments can bring unforeseen joy. Embracing occasional hiccups and encouraging your child to do the same will equip them with valuable life skills. see SCHOOLS on back page
College List: A Workshop
There are more than 3,000 colleges and universities to choose from. How do you know which schools are “best” for you? College Lists! is a workshop for current high school seniors where participants get a 1-on-1 meeting with a college consultant to help you create a list of target colleges. The workshop takes place Saturday, August 10 from 11am to 2pm at the CV Library. To register, call 510-667-7900.
Lady of Grace Catholic School
“This
Planning ahead and considering the needs of your child early on can ease the transition back to school.
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE
By Carl Medford, CRS
Purchase Contract Cancellations Are Currently Increasing REAL ESTATE REALITY
COMMENTARY
Summercrest Drive • Castro Valley
IBy Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times
It is a scenario all too common: a buyer visits a home, falls in love and asks their agent to write an offer. To everyone’s delight it is accepted and escrow begins. Unfortunately, things go sideways as the buyer refuses to put their good faith deposit into escrow. With no deposit, the transaction is effectively cancelled, the seller is frustrated or angry and the critical Days on the Market needlessly increase. When asked, “Why did you cancel?” the reasons vary. Some simply get Buyer’s Remorse: the thought of making such a major purchase is too daunting. Others excited-
ly tell parents or friends, only to get negative feedback about the location, condition, accepted price, terms or some other issue. A few realize they may have overcommitted and are looking for a way to bail out. Some even spot a better property the next day and decide to try for it instead.
Whatever the reason, we are currently seeing a dramatic increase in cancellations. Under normal circumstances, an offer has contingencies which allow a buyer a few different ways to legally terminate or renegotiate the contract. In today’s current market, however, many offers are written non-contingent, which means the only recourse a buyer may have to try get-
ting out of the contract is to refuse to put their good faith deposit in escrow. Using this tactic to cancel is actually a breach of contract and could result in legal action. In many cases, however, the seller, although frustrated, being made aware that such action could sideline their chances of selling in a reasonable period, allows the buyer to walk away by cancelling the contract. A note to buyers considering this tactic, however, is in order: some sellers may not be willing to be so gracious.
The point is simple: when writing an offer, take the time necessary to consider your likelihood of cancelling and, if there is any doubt, do not write. Spend time with your
Discover this lovely home located in the highly desirable Palomares Hills community. Clean and bright, this home features a convenient bedroom and bathroom on the main floor, and 3 additional bedrooms, and 2 additional bathrooms on the second floor. Highlights of the home include plantation shutters, recessed lights, a freshly painted interior, under-stair storage, refinished wood floors, and new flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms. Enjoy the private backyard with its gorgeous foliage and patio space or be active and take advantage of the numerous amenities that the community offers. Offered at $998,000.
For more information call The Lovewell Team, Re/Max Accord, at (510)351-5555
agent going over all the potential scenarios and then act in a responsible manner. While there will always be valid reasons for cancelling a contract, frivolous cancellations should be avoided due to the cloud it may place on the property, the emotional or financial impact it can have on a seller and the extra needless work by the agents involved. Whatever the motivation, cancelling a contract by refusing to submit the deposit is simply not cosher.
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.
Mortgage rates essentially remained flat from last week but have decreased nearly half a percent from their peak earlier this year. Despite these lower rates, buyers continue to pause, as reflected in tumbling new and existing home
RECENT HOME SALES Castro Valley
(DRE #00689931, #01912817, #01947503)
Control Squash Bugs with Neem Oil
By Buzz Bertolero
The Dirt Gardener
QIs insecticidal soap mixed with canola oil or neem oil recommended to control the squash bugs in my organic garden?
ASurprisingly, canola oil, along with insecticidal soap and neem oil, are recommended controls for squash bugs on the UC Davis IPM website. While I have no problems with neem oil or insecticidal soap in home gardens, I’m leery of using canola oil as there are no posted dilution or application rates.
With the wrong application rate, you could very easily burn the plants in warm weather.
Squash bugs, often referred to as stink bugs, are difficult to control in large quantities; hence, you need to be proactive early, much like whiteflies.
They prefer crookneck or yellow straight-neck squash but not zucchini. You can also find them on pumpkins, cucumbers, along with the winter squash varieties.
Squash bugs cause the vines to turn black and die while the insect feeds on the foliage and the maturing fruits.
In organic gardens, there are several strategies you can use that don’t require spraying. If only a
few plants are affected, the most effective control method is to manually remove and destroy the adults and eggs.
The adults are about fiveeighths of an inch long and a quarter of an inch wide. They’re a grey
or black color with orange and or brown stripes on the edges of their abdomen.
THE DIRT GARDENER
The eggs are a shiny, yellowish-brown to reddish color. You’ll find them on the undersides of leaves, lined up in neat rows near the base of the main vein. The eggs are clearly visible to the naked eye, so you should be on the look out for them starting in May through mid summer.
They’re easily destroyed by gently rubbing them back and forth with your fingers, but make sure you don’t damage the leaf.
Between the adult and egg, the white to greenish-gray-colored nymph is present. Nymphs have no wings, although they do have legs and mature into adults in four to six weeks.
The adult and nymph cluster together near the base of plants beneath the foliage. They may also be found along the vines and unripe fruit.
Another option is to place cardboard strips or shingles on the ground next to the plants. The squash bugs will gather in the morning under the boards, making it easier to eliminate them.
Catnip, radishes, nasturtiums and marigolds are plants that are purported to repel squash bugs, to some degree; so, companion plant-
ing could be considered. At the end of the season, remove all the leftover debris. Good sanitation practices eliminate hiding places for the bugs to overwinter. And, finally, you can spray with neem oil, insecticidal soap or spinosad. My preference would be neem oil or spinosad.
Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. Send questions by email to dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive, Ste. “D,” Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ Buzz-Bertolero.
Be on the look out for squash bug eggs starting in May through mid summer.
BUZZ BERTOLERO
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save $5 by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.
To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CONCRETE SERVICE
S.L. CONCRETE SERVICE Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Tree and Drain Service. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937.
CONCRETE SERVICE
*MPCONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, Asphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1054154. Milo 510-502-9336.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS
California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
FENCES/DECKS
*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.
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
GARDENING
*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING
Design - Construction - Maintenance. Cleanups, New Lawn, Artificial Grass, Irrigation, Patios, Pathways, Brick, Stone, Concrete Fence/ Decks. Free Estimates! Lic.#925130. 510-691-8852. www.beautygardenlandscaping.com
JAIME’S GARDENING
Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
ARDENING ARDENING
NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 510 512-5857.
HAIR CUTTING
Free Haircut with hair donation for Wigs for Kids. Call Yumi for details!!! (510) 407-0436.
HANDYMAN SERVICE
IT’S TOTALLYFINISHED CONSTRUCTION BAYAREAS BEST! Lic.#583113. Floors, Carpet Installation, Wood, Fences, Custom Fireplaces, etc. Call Martin Sharp 510-3848041.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING? Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.
HELP WANTED
OSIsoft, LLC seeks Sr. Software Developer (San Leandro, CA) to execute large-scale features and initiatives with minimal support and guidance. REQS: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics or a related field, and 5 years of experience as a Software Developer or related occupation. Telecommuting: 50% Telecommuting. Rate of Pay: $163,571 - $221,000 per year. Applicants who are interested in this position should submit a complete resume in English to leticia.garcia@aveva.com, search [Sr. Software Developer/ Reference # GAL-SSD. EOE.].
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
HOUSE CLEANING
JUST LIKE GRAMMA’S HOUSE CLEANING. Airbnb/ Senior SUMMER SPECIAL! Phenomenal Cleaning! Insured/ Bonded. Fatima 510978-6803.
MISC. FOR SALE
Light Fishing poles with reel for kids $15. Call 510-278-9719.
Hobbico Avistar 40 mk2 awarf airplane kit still in box. Great 1st RC airplane $75 or best offer. (510)8258412
You can place a FREE “MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)
MISC. WANTED
WANTED -Reeltoreel music tapes. (If you gaave me the vacuum tubes please give me a call). Patrick 510-517-3351.
WANTED: Old toys, pedal cars, license plates, etc. 510-886-3195.
YOUR INFO
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
RENTALS
LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman
RENTALS/ROOMS
Roommate Wanted: Cozy room, convenient San Leandro location, modern apt, off street parking, WIFI, many amenities. $800. Pam 415-9608516.
RENTALS/RV SPACES
RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $950/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
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
Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum
DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY!
– Avacancy day is money lost forever –To place an ad call 510-614-1558
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
YOUR INFO
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
Speakers: Have Helped Transform Other Cities in California, Know What it Takes
continued from front page
Either way, CastroValleyCity.com says it wants residents to hear from outside voices.
Among the scheduled speakers, August’s guest will be Denise Pinkston, a Managing Director of Land Use and Policy at TMG Partners, whose topic, “Re-envisioning Castro
Valley,” is expected to cover real estate needs, planning, and entitlements.
Alex Greenwood, a Principal at the Alex Greenwood Group, will discuss “Economic Development for a New City” in September. Greenwood has a successful 25-year track record of managing or
facilitating projects that have brought $5.7 billion in new construction and 13,700 new jobs to diverse urban areas. His previous positions include director of economic and Community Development for South San Francisco, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission, and economic development
manager of Brentwood. Greenwood will be followed in October by Eden Medical Center CEO Shannon Thomas, who will discuss the “Future of Medicine in Castro Valley.” November’s speaker, Alan Chamorro, an Executive Vice President of Lowe’s Enterprises, will discuss “Attracting the
Renters: More Protections in Unincorporated Areas
continued from front page
Currently, state law gives all renters some protection, and cities can pass additional ones if they choose. However, residents in unincorporated areas can currently be evicted simply to charge a higher rent to the next tenant or for other reasons that do not reflect the tenant’s doing anything wrong.
The state law also excludes renters of single-family homes, which My Eden Voice estimates make up 42 percent of the renters in the unincorporated areas. The group wants them included in a county ordinance.
“We want every renter in the unincorporated area included in Just Cause, from renters in single-family homes to mobile home parks,” said Tara Clancy, a Castro Valley resident at Avalon Mobile Home Park.
Clancy added, “Corporate landlords are evicting residents to reset rents and increase profits.” She said some 90 percent of those renting their units at Avalon, as opposed to owning them and paying rent on the space they occupy, have recently been evicted.
The draft ordinance had come from the county’s Community Development Agency, resulting from talks between renters and several supervisors since last March. Those began after several supervisors, including Lena Tam in District 3 and Nate Miley in District 4, abstained from abstained from voting, and thus helped defeat an earlier renter protection measure.
JUST CAUSE FOR EDEN: Demonstrators gathered outside the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, July 23, demanding more protections for renters in Alameda County’s unincorporated areas.
Tam represents unincorporated San Lorenzo and Hayward Acres, along with the cities of San Leandro and Alameda. Miley represents unincorporated Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, Castro Valley, and other communities, including part of Oakland. Tam pulled the item off the July 23 agenda, saying it needed
further thought on some provisions concerning single-family homes and compensation for tenant relocation. The earliest it could be looked at again would be the supervisor’s meeting of September 17.
“The continued neglect is completely unacceptable, especially since tenants’ fight for protections has been as
consistent as the Supervisors’ negligence,” My Eden Voice said in a statement.
Cherryland resident and My Eden Voice board member Laura Andrade said, “We met with our supervisors many times. We’ve had constant conversation.”
Tam said in a statement. “Let us be very clear: Supervisor Lena Tam supports tenant protections. Residents should be able to enjoy the security of living in a safe, habitable home without the fear of being arbitrarily uprooted and tossed onto the street.”
Tenant groups aren’t convinced of her support.
“Supervisor Tam’s recent action also represents a consistent voting record of blocking local, tenant-related policies since her election in 2022,” Kristen Hackett of My Eden Voice said in an email. “Tam has voted down, abstained or now requested a continuance each time tenant protections have been on the agenda.”
Hackett said that Supervisor Miley has opposed any eviction protections for renters of single-family homes but hopes there is a compromise possible that could gain his support.
“There’s a difference between an individual or couple renting out a single house and a corporation renting out many,” she said. “Perhaps there is a limit somewhere in between that we can agree to set for now.”
Supervisor Miley’s office could not be reached at press time for comment.
Right Developers.”
After a December break, former Lafayette city manager Stephen Falk will lecture on “Transforming Main Street.” Falk was the city manager for several cities, including Lafayette and Richmond. In 2020, he was appointed as the interim city administrator for Oakland.
SAVVY SENIOR
“We’re very excited to have these speakers lined up,” CastroValleyCity.com’s Howard said. “Many of these speakers have helped transform other cities in California and know what it takes for a community to grow and prosper.” For more information, visit CastroValleyCity.com.
Tap Underutilized Burial Benefits for Military Veterans
Dear Savvy Senior,
What types of funeral benefits are available to old veterans? My 83-year-old father, who has Alzheimer’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s.
By Jim Miller SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration actually offers a variety of underutilized burial benefits to veterans as well as their spouses and dependents.
Most U.S. veterans (both combat and non-combat) who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge are eligible for burial benefits. To verify your dad’s discharge, you’ll need a copy of his DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.” If you don’t have it, you can request online at Archives.gov/veterans.
Here’s a rundown of some of the different benefits that are available to veterans that die a nonservice related death. Military Cemetery Benefits
If your dad’s eligible and would like to be buried in one of the 155 national or 119 state, territory or tribal-operated cemeteries (see VA.gov/find-locations), the VA provides a number of benefits at no cost to the family, including: a gravesite; opening and closing of the grave and perpetual gravesite care; a government headstone or marker; a United States burial flag that can be used to drape the casket or accompany the urn; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. If your dad is cremated, his remains will be buried or inurned in the same manner as casketed remains.
But be aware that funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are not taken care of by the VA. They are the responsibility of the veteran’s family, but some veteran’s survivors may be eligible for burial allowances. see VETERANS on page 11
Denise Pinkston Alex Greenwood
Shannon Thomas
Alan Chamorro
Stephen Falk
Dee Rosario Named CSDA Board Member of the Year
East Bay Regional Park District Board Director Dee Rosario has been named 2024 California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Board Member of the Year, which is awarded based on experience, effectiveness, and leadership.
Director Rosario was elected to the Board of Directors in November 2016. Rosario previously worked at the East Bay Regional Park District for 37 years as a park ranger, firefighter, fire lieutenant, and park supervisor of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.
CSDA represents more than 1,300 organizations throughout California and is the only statewide association representing all types of special districts, including park and recreation, fire, police protection, utility, water, irrigation, healthcare, library, cemetery, harbor, and community services districts.
“Congratulations to Director Rosario for this prestigious award recognizing his leadership and achievements over the years, first as a staff member, then as a board director,” said Park District Board President Elizabeth Echols. “His contributions to East Bay Regional Parks in both capacities are countless.”
East Bay Regional Park District Board
Director Dee Rosario
Director Rosario was a lieutenant in the Park District’s Fire Department during the 1991 Oakland Firestorm, where he was on scene fighting the fire and helping residents evacuate. According to the book The Oakland Hills Firestorm 20 Years Later, the memories of fighting that fire are still vivid. In the book, Rosario recalls seeing “pine needles fall to the ground, catch fire, and rise again in a reverse cascade, a strangely beautiful sight. Then he heard a rumble like an oncoming
train. A grove of trees exploded into flame, igniting leaves on house rooftops.”
As a Board Member, Director Rosario was instrumental in the renaming of Redwood Regional Park after Aurelia Reinhardt, one of the Park District’s five original board members – and the only woman – elected to represent residents on the newly founded Park District Board. Reinhardt played a substantial role in the formation of the Park District in 1934. A lover of redwood trees, Reinhardt later worked to acquire property that would become Redwood Regional Park.
“I am honored to receive the CSDA Board Member of the Year award,” said Director Rosario. “It has been a privilege to serve the public as a Park District employee and as a board director.”
Director Rosario is retiring at the end of 2024 after his long career with the Park District.
The Board Member of the Year award will be officially announced and presented at the CSDA Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase on Sept. 10, 2024, in Indian Wells, Calif.
EB Park District Board Takes Action to Acquire Point Molate
The East Bay Regional Park District Board (EBRPD) agreed unanimously Tuesday, July 16, to sign on to the Letter of Intent (LOI), a three-party agreement between the City of Richmond, the Guidiville Rancheria of California, and EBRPD, to acquire the 80-acre Point Molate property located on the Point San Pablo Peninsula in Richmond. The city agreed to the LOI in a special meeting Friday, July 12.
The acquisition will ensure that this historic land will be preserved forever as open space and supports EBRPD’s mission of habitat preservation and providing recreation and public access for all.
“Today we are one step closer to bringing Point Molate into the Park District’s impressive portfolio,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “People love this place and we are proud to be part of securing it as a public
open space for the community for decades to come.”
This LOI is a precursor to the Purchase and Sale Agreement which will transfer the property to EBRPD no later than January 15, 2025. The LOI includes a purchase price of $40 million, supported by an independent appraised valuation.
“I am pleased that all three parties – the City of Richmond, Guidiville Rancheria of California, and the Park District – have reached agreement on a shared vision for the future of Point Molate that will preserve this stunning bay front land for future generations to enjoy, and promote our common goal of equitable access to parks and recreation. I want to thank State Senator Nancy Skinner for her leadership in securing the $36 million in state funds that makes this acquisition possible, along with our many community partners who have
Veterans: Private Cemetery Benefits
continued from previous page
The VA also offers a memorial web page called the Veterans Legacy Memorial for any veteran buried in a national, state, territorial or tribal cemetery. This allows families to post pictures and stories of their loved one online as a way to remember and honor their service.
If you’re interested in this option, the VA has a pre-need burial eligibility determination program to help you plan ahead before your dad passes. See VA.gov/burials-memorials/ pre-need-eligibility or call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
Private Cemetery Benefits
The VA also provides benefits to veterans buried in private cemeteries. If your dad chooses this option, the VA benefits include a free government headstone or grave marker, or a medallion that can be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker; a burial flag; and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Funeral or cremation arrangements and costs are again the responsibility of the family, and there are no benefits offered to spouses and dependents that are buried in private cemeteries.
Military Funeral Honors
Another popular benefit available to all eligible veterans buried in either a national or private cemetery is a military
funeral honors ceremony.
This includes an honor guard detail of at least two uniformed military persons, folding and presenting the U.S. burial flag to the veteran’s survivors, and the playing of Taps.
The funeral provider you choose will be able to assist you with all VA burial requests. Depending on what you want, certain forms may need to be completed which are always better to be done in advance.
For a complete rundown of burial and memorial benefits, eligibility details and required forms visit Cem.va.gov.
Burial Allowances
In addition to the burial benefits, some veteran’s survivors may also qualify for a $948 burial allowance and $948 for a plot to those who choose to be buried in a private cemetery. And $231 for a headstone or grave marker allowance. To find out eligibility or to apply, see VA.gov/burials-memorials/ veterans-burial-allowance. 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.
A New Race for President
Well….it’s a new race for president now, and we have a hometown woman ready to be elected. Kamala Harris embodies the diversity, creativity, ingenuity and equality that is the San Francisco Bay Area. As a midwest immigrant to the Bay Area, who has lived over half his life here, I am proud that California will be well represented in the White House. It is incumbent upon all us Blue folks to get out and vote for our new representative. It is already evident that the GOP is attempting to dismiss her and insult her, and play to the base racist, and misogynist notions held by the MAGA cultists. These notions should be countered and tossed aside in our support for Kamala Harris.
–Robert Thomas, Castro Valley
long shared our vision for a regional park at Point Molate.”
Combined with the extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail already scheduled for construction along this shoreline, this historic land is now on track toward public ownership and to provide the type of open, outdoor space the community has come to expect from the Park District.
“The Tribe and the Park District share a common vision of establishing a world-class park at Point Molate,” said Guidiville Tribal Chairman Donald Duncan. “The park to be fully funded by the Tribe was the centerpiece of the Tribe’s original proposal, first accepted but then later rejected by the City of Richmond. There have been no better conservationists of land in this country than Native Americans, having lived in harmony with nature for thousands of see PARK on back page
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Bekah Valdez
Our Athlete of the Week is Bekah Valdez, who recently signed with the Portland Thorns (a National Women’s Soccer League team) as a replacement player. While she lived in Dublin and went to high school there, Valdez started her soccer career with the Castro Valley Soccer Club. She recently graduated from Grand Canyon University, where she recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in 40 matches over two years. Before becoming an Antelope, Valdez spent three years at the University of San Diego, where she scored three goals in 33 appearances.
Schools: More Inclusive Experience
continued from page 5
Focusing on your child’s motivations, encouraging them to make their own choices, building a supportive community, maintaining open communication, and staying flexible can create a more inclusive and effective educational environment for your child. These strategies ease transitions and promote a positive and enriching learning experience. By recognizing and valuing the unique strengths of neurodiverse students, parents and educators can unlock their full potential, leading to a richer, more inclusive educational experience for all.
Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a board-certified Behavior Analyst who lives in Castro Valley. Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that promote mental wellbeing. For more information, please visit www.behaviorpivot.com
Park: Point Molate Park Acquisition
continued from page 11 years. Our stewardship practices are rooted in deep respect for the environment and a commitment to preserving it for future generations. A critical part of this transaction is the Park District’s commitment to advancing the Tribe’s legacy of conservation and responsible land management.”
The Park District’s 2013 Master Plan and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission’s San Francisco Bay Plan both have called for a regional park at Point Molate. It has been a long-standing vision to have a regional park for all of Richmond and Bay Area residents and to ensure the East Bay shoreline is preserved as open space for all to enjoy. Few opportunities remain to create significant parkland in the Bay Area, especially in the Richmond region.
“Point Molate has been called ‘the most beautiful part of San Francisco Bay no one’s ever heard of,’” said Richmond Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin. “We are now at the point where everyone will come to know Richmond as home to an amazing worldclass park at Point Molate.”
Underscoring the support this acquisition has received over the years, State Senator Nancy Skinner championed $36 million in the 2022-23 California budget for acquisition and clean-up of Point Molate.
“This is truly a great day for the East Bay and all of California,” Senator Skinner said. “I am thrilled that Point Molate’s 80 acres will now and forever be preserved as parkland and open space. The acquisition of Point Molate, with its breathtaking views along San Francisco Bay, continues the East Bay’s decades-long mission to protect our bay shoreline. Securing Point Molate within the East Bay Regional Park District is not only an incredible environmental victory, it will also reawaken the area’s significant cultural history, which includes Native sacred sites, a historic Chinese fishing camp, a historic wine port and America’s last whaling station. I was proud to lead the state budget effort to help in the purchase of this property and thank the Guidiville Rancheria of California, the City of Richmond, and the East Bay Regional Park District for their role in securing Point Molate for all to enjoy.”
Arky is a 2 year old tan shepherd mastiff mix. Arky is a big ole boy that loves to take you for a walk, not vice versa. Arky has plenty of energy, but knows how to be a big cuddle. Arky is already chipped and is looking to start his new life in a home. To adopt or meet Arky contact Hayward Animal Shelter 510-293-7200.
Rex is a two year old tan Border Terrier mix. He is a shy guy who needs a family that can give him the extra TLC he needs. Rex is ready to start his new life with his new family. To meet or adopt Rex contact the Hayward Animal Shelter at 510-293-7200.
LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Congratulations on what you’ve accomplished! But this is no time to curl up with some serious catnapping. Your rivals are probably already working on plans to overtake your lead.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Your adventurous side wants to play a more dominant role this week, and you might want to oblige. Try to arrange for a getaway with a special person.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Taking logical approaches to pesky workplace issues can help resolve even long-standing problems. A shift in policy might catch you by surprise. Be alert to signs of change.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Your kindness and compassion are exactly what are needed in dealing with an awkward situation during the early part of the week. Share the weekend fun with family and friends.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Keeping your focus straight and true is a good way of getting your points across. Save any variations for a later time. Meanwhile, the musical arts are important this weekend.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19): Reject advice to cut corners in reaching your goal. Better to take a little more time to do the job as you promised. You’ll gain new respect for your honesty and integrity.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Don’t allow a troublesome situation to grow so big that it will be increasingly difficult to deal with. The sooner you speak up, the sooner everyone will be able to benefit from the resolution.
PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Confronting someone who is making a lot of mistakes could be the kindest thing that you can do both for this person and anyone else who could be adversely affected by the errors.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Don’t gnash those pearly whites because you might have to delay your plans. This could give the Lucky Lamb a better perspective of what’s been done and what still needs doing.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Scoring financial bull’s-eyes is easy for the focused Bovine who knows the ins and outs of the marketplace. But even with your success record, caution is still the watchword. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Watch your tendency to romanticize a situation that should be given closer scrutiny. Better to be suspicious now and ask for an explanation, or face a sad surprise later.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A bruised self-confidence can make things difficult, unless you accept the fact that you have what it takes. Ignore the critics and concentrate on believing in yourself. Good luck!
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Bekah Valdez
PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS