July 5, 2023

Castro Valley Weather July 5 - July 9, 2023

Get Rich Series: Automation And Its Role in Your Success

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Welcome back to my series inspired by the Netflix show “How to Get Rich.” If you haven’t seen it, check it out, especially if you want to improve your financial situation. I’ve already assigned it to a couple of my clients to watch, and we’ve had some interesting follow-up conversations.

Anyways, today we are talking about automation. Typically, when I read about financial advice around saving or investing, I recommend automating your savings or investing. This way, you don’t even have to think about it, and you’re saving.

Now, here’s the thing with automation - in the personal development world, we tend to talk about building habits and routines, which is very similar to automation. That’s because when you do something long enough, you no longer have to think about it, right? When was the last time you thought about how you brushed your teeth or tied your shoes? It sounds like automation to me.

As with all things, there’s a good side and a bad side. The good side of automating savings is that you’ll save without thinking about it. But what got in the way of starting the saving automation? The simple answer is bad automation. Here’s what I mean. To start saving, they had to become

aware of the bad spending habits they had created. Once they became aware of it, they could start

creating good automation.

This is no different from your success. You see, I have a firm belief that people are always doing their best. However, what holds people back isn’t a lack of talent or motivation; it’s bad automation that is holding us back.

Where this has recently shown up for me is implementing my morning and evening routines. I’ve mentioned in past articles that I want to incorporate meditation into my life. Why? Because everything just feels and works better when I have that time to sit and reflect in silence. Do you know what bad automation I’ve had in place? Playing video games. It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I love playing video games. I grew up playing them, and so they’re a great way for me to de-stress. I usually don’t get that time until after my son goes to bed… which means I don’t start playing until the evening. The games I tend to play also take some time to get into, so it’s at least 1 hour of playing, usually more. Depending on when I start, that usually means I go to bed late. That means I don’t meditate at night, and usually, I sleep in later as well, so I don’t meditate in the morning.

This is worth mentioning: there is nothing inherently

wrong with playing games. It’s more about how it relates to other things I want to be done. A little bit of video games is ok and a good thing. Too much time playing video games, though? Probably not ok, and I’m prevented from moving forward in my life. I get the feeling I’m not the only one who runs into this situation. Maybe for you, it’s also with video games. Maybe it’s watching Netflix. Maybe, just MAYBE, it could be taking care of your family and not taking care of yourself, working too much, exercising too much, or serving too much at church. Do any of those resonate with you?

So, here’s where I shift my focus to you, my beloved readers. Where do you feel held back in life? I bet some bad automation is getting in the way of the good automation. I’d also bet that some of those automation seem like good things, but they are still holding you back. I’d recommend you take some time to reflect on that automation and compare them with the other areas of your life. If you’re not sure where to start, please check out my Wheel of Life tool on my website at kevinkoocoaching.com. If you’d like more support, please reach out to me directly.

Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while checking and reviewing his automations. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail.com, or follow him on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching

A Bittersweet Goodbye for Bad Business Model Bikes

By Alyssa Phillips SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Billy Bradford, a longtime bike repairman and community philanthropist, will be saying goodbye to Castro Valley within the next year. He has lived in his home with his wife for 21 years and began running “Bad Business Model Bikes” eight years ago in 2015.

Bradford’s love for biking began at a young age and fixing them up is a hobby he grew to enjoy. When he began restoring classic bikes that people no longer wanted, he realized that he could give these unused bikes away to people in need. He never charges for the bikes he donates and does not generate a profit—thus inspiring the title of “Bad Business Model Bikes.”

Sheriff’s Reports

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wanted Car Thief had Concealed Loaded Guns

Thursday, June 29: at 4:25 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 43-year-old man as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was traveling on Redwood Road near I-580 when deputies pulled him over for driving a stolen vehicle and driving with an expired license. Deputies found the man had illegally concealed and loaded weapons in his possession, along with methamphetamine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man had previously been convicted of driving a stolen vehicle, driving with an expired license, possessing stolen property, felony possession of a loaded firearm, and violating the terms of a restraining order. Deputies took him to Santa Rita Jail.

Drove Drunk

Thursday, June 29: at 1:55 a.m., a 27-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and being intoxicated over the legal limit. The man was also driving with an invalid driver’s license. The man was traveling on I-580 near Redwood Road when deputies pulled him over. Deputies report the man also had a warrant issued for his arrest for a previous assault conviction. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Methamphetamines

Wednesday, June 28: at 12:31 p.m., deputies arrested a 47-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing methamphet-

amine drugs. The man was hanging outside a grocery store on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard when he was approached by deputies, who then discovered. The man was taken into custody

Violated Terms of Restraining Order

Monday, June 26: at 6:59 a.m., a 20-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of violating the terms of a court-issued restraining order. Deputies responded to a suspicious person’s call and found the man outside a business on Lake Chabot Road and Congress Way. The man was found within his required 100-yard distance from the building. Deputies took the man into custody.

see REPORTS on page 10

An altruist at heart, Billy has always wanted to give back to his Bay Area community and inspire more people to share his passion for biking.

Since starting his “business,” he has given away about 800 bikes to those who could not otherwise afford a bike. This includes yearly donations to the Alameda County Fire Department toy drives and see BIKES on page 5

EBMUD Project Canceled for Now

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

The East Bay Municipal Utility District’s month-long project to move truckloads of soil through Castro Valley starting July 10 has been canceled for the time being.

That’s according to EBMUD General Manager Clifford Chan and Ward 7 Board member April Chan, no relation, who represents Castro Valley.

The immediate reason for the cancellation was that the county was unlikely to issue a required conditional use permit in time for carrying out the project in the summertime, Clifford Chan said. That timeframe had been chosen so dump trucks could pass by schools on the route when they were closed for the summer rather than in session, he said.

There are no current plans to reschedule the project, Chan said.

The conditional use permit had been opposed by the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory

Council (MAC) at its June 12 meeting. MAC members had said that the planned 150 dump trucks a day making round trips down Miller and Redwood roads to Interstate 580 would damage the roads and create other disruptions.

The plan would have moved soil, previously dug up in pipe restoration projects, from a temporary storage facility on Miller Road, off Redwood Road in Northern Castro Valley. It would then go to a

new home, most likely to be a construction project at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline in San Leandro. That destination had not been finalized, however, said April Chan.

The Miller Road facility was reaching its capacity, EBMUD officials had said, and at least some dirt needed to be moved elsewhere. A similar project in 2019 had involved moving even more soil through Castro Valley, and MAC members said it had not gone well.

Billy Bradford in front of his garage that he converted into a bike repair shop.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA PHILLIPS

GOOD VIBES: The Good Guys Band consists of Gary Bauman on guitar and vocals (of Todos Santos the Band and various others) and Ron Pfisterer on bass and vocals. Ron has lived in Castro Valley his entire life and first played bass at the Battle of the Bands at Castro Valley High School in the 70’s.Meet them at The Cannery Kitchen & Tap tomorrow, Thursday, July 6 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Free music, tips are always appreciated.

Repairs: Problems

continued from front page Repairs in three different areas on the downslope, or north side of the road, will extend into 2024 before the road can again be open for two-way traffic, according to Sheila Marquises, the city’s engineering and transportation director.

Not only will it take time to fix those other three areas, but the city needs to find funding, Marquises said. However, federal disaster funds will pay for most of the cost of fixing the worst-hit area.

However, the traffic that would normally use Lake Chabot Road to travel between San Leandro and Castro Valley has caused a new problem, says Kat Wellman, president of the Bay-O-Vista Improvement Association (BOVIA), the homeowners’ group.

When people driving from Castro Valley see the city’s barricade just past Astor Drive, by the swim and tennis club, many turn onto Astor and detour through Bay-O-Vista neighborhood streets, she said, adding that she’s noticed more people speeding through the streets.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, July 6

Consumer Fraud Workshop at CV Library

Seniors lose billions of dollars every year to scams. Learn how to avoid getting reeled in by scams aimed at seniors at this FREE presentation this Thursday, July 6, from 11 am to noon by Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) of Legal Assistance for Seniors. Topics that will be covered include: Common scams and frauds that target seniors, Practical tips on how to recognize scams and protect yourself, Resources, and more. No registration is required. The Library is located at 3600 Norbridge Ave. For more information, call the Library at: 510-667-7900, or see Events at: aclibrary.org/branches/csv.

Saturday, July 8

A.R.T., Inc. Demo: Natural Bird Collage

Local artist Peggy Maurer will help you to create your own unique and charming craft project from plant material you find. This free event takes place this Saturday, July 8, from 2 to 4 pm at the Adobe Art Gallery & Center, located at 20395 San Miguel Ave. Castro Valley. Please bring your own tweezers, small scissors, and garden plant material that you think might be good to use in creating your first easy project. Peggy will also bring plant material to share with attendees.

Saturday, July 8

Country Hoedown & Old Time Rock n’Roll

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• July 5th - Finance Committee Meeting.

• July 10th - Zero Waste Committee Meeting.

• July 11th - Regular Board Meeting.

• July 12th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.

• July 13th - Community Advisory Committee Meeting.

• July 22nd - CVSan Recycles Day Event. Learn more at at cvsan.org/RecyclesDay

• July 27thCommunications Committee Meeting.

• August 1st - Regular Board Meeting.

LEARN MORE!

CVSAN.ORG/DC

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

• Heads Up!!! August 14th at 7:30 a.m.

- Lateral Replacement Grant Program Begins. Questions? Call (510) 606-1300 or visit cvsan.org/LRGP

CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT

CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757

Sewer Emergencies: (510) 506-5821

Effective Environmental Services since 1939 | cvsan.org

The Bay-O-Vista homeowners have been meeting with the city about ways to slow the increased traffic. Wellman said. One of the simpler suggestions is to put a three-way stop sign at Astor Drive and Lake Chabot Road, which could be kept in place after the city part of the road reopens.

Director Marquises said, “Stop signs are often not as simple a solution as people think.” She explained there are state laws tightly limiting their use, no matter how common-sense their installation might seem local.

Right turns from Chabot Terrace toward San Leandro carried a danger of being rear-ended by cars speeding around that curve, while left turns to put one at risk of being T-boned by those same cars, Wellman said. The closure removes that risk, but only temporarily, she said.

Coming to St John’s Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo this Saturday, July 8. Doors open at 5:30 pm and food served at 6pm. Food being catered by Texas Roadhouse. There will be door prize, big bag raffle, dancing and no host saloon. For reservations/tickets call pat at 510-278-4161. Please note: no high heels on gym floor.

Tuesday, July 11

CV Rotary Hosts New Club President Chris Carr

New Club President Chris Carr will present his plan for the year 2023-24. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud. com or 510-402-5123. More information is available at: castrovalleyrotary.org.

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

PLACE LISTINGS ONLINE AT: MYCVFORUM.COM/EVENTS WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM

3 Ways to Incorporate Social Skills Into Your Child’s Life

By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Afew weeks ago, the Castro Valley Rotary hosted a car show where many different vendors and service providers gathered.

In one of the booths, young children from the local Girl and Boy Scout troops gave away free lemonade. They approached the crowd with smiles, confidence, and determination, making their lemonade stand a hit.

As I observed them, I noticed how many soft skills they were practicing while having a blast! Little did they know that the few hours they spent on this activity could significantly impact their overall development and future success in various areas of their life, including the workplace.

“Soft skills” are a variety of character traits and interpersonal abilities in different domains, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, flexibility, and time management. Research from the Carnegie Mellon Foundation, Stanford Research Center, and Harvard University found that 85 percent of long-term job success depends on soft skills, while only 15 percent is based on an individual’s technical knowledge. But how often do you hear about our children studying their “soft skills?” Fortunately, practicing these abilities is not as hard as you might think since learning opportunities can be incorporated into our everyday lives.

Bikes: Bradford Retiring in Mexico

continued from page 3 more than two dozen bikes delivered to kids and adults who lost their homes, cars, and transportation following the devastating series of fires in Napa and Sonoma counties in 2017.

The way he sees it, 800 people donated their bikes, and he is just a guy who repairs them in his garage.

“None of this works if generous people don’t get involved. It was an effort that started organically: communities providing for communities. I’m just a guy who works on bikes,” Bradford says.

Many of these bikes were donated to the AIDS LifeCycle riders, who ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles every June. This year, he helped them raise $11.7 million to help end AIDS. Bradford was also acknowledged for his body of work with a Jefferson Award from the local CBSTV affiliate for his inspiration to others to become involved in the community and public service.

Though he has encountered some rude drivers honking at him on the road, he takes it all in stride. “I live in Alameda County. I pay my taxes. This is my road too. Not everyone is in a car,” he says.

His response to the large biking groups that can cause trouble on the road is to remember that they are just teenagers and that we all do stupid things as teenagers. He says it is easier for him to be patient

and let the bikers go on their way because he used to be just like them. He insists that riding on the interstate is just a fad that will likely end soon.

Billy Bradford and his wife will be retiring in Guanajuato, Mexico, in the upcoming year. He is sad that he will be unable to continue running his business but is happy to see that there are currently three potential prospects to take over the program when he leaves.

County DA Calls For Gun Reforms Before Legislature

“Soft skills” are a variety of character traits and interpersonal abilities in different domains, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, flexibility, and time management. Teaching social skills can be incorporated into your child’s life simply by using your everyday experiences.

For instance, during the car show, the children at the lemonade stand were asked to approach strangers and invite them to their booth for “free and delicious lemonade!” Some held

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signs, while others took cups of lemonade to guests across the way.

They quickly learned that a smile and a playful tone resulted in more customers. As the day went on, the kids became more confident and more independent in their greetings, service, and social skills.

see SANGHA on page 11

He says that his donation program serves everyone in the Bay Area community, but most notably people of color, immigrants, low-income students, single parents, and others who cannot afford to go to a normal bike shop. Bradford says he is proud to support a growing love for biking in his community.

Bradford says that even though big cities like San Francisco and Berkeley have upgraded their biking infrastructure in recent years, he feels that Castro Valley has also begun to make progress toward more bike-friendly roads.

On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price joined the Prosecutors’ Alliance of California and gun reform organizations to speak in support of key gun reforms before the California Senate Public Safety Committee.

District Attorney Pamela Price urged the Committee to support Assembly Bills 732 and 733 (Fong), among other common-sense gun reforms. AB 732 helps take guns out of the hands of criminals by reducing the amount of time an out-of-custody defendant has to relinquish a firearm following a conviction, and requires the Department of Justice to provide local law enforcement agencies a monthly report identifying persons who have

Laurie Pfohl

510-851-3551

LauriePfohl@gmail.com

not relinquished firearms. AB 733 stops the sale of surplus guns to the public once used by law enforcement, ensuring the guns do not end up on our streets and that tax dollars are not used to subsidize the distribution of firearms.

“Studies show that our streets are safer when we reduce the number of guns in our community,” said District Attorney Pamela Price.

District Attorney Price also supported several other bills including AB 301 (Bauer-Kahan) which includes the purchase of body armor as a potential piece of evidence that may be considered in the issuance of gun violence restraining orders. Our office also spoke in support of AB 1089 (Gibson) see GUN on page 11

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

REAL ESTATE REALITY GUEST

COMMENTARY

Summer 2023 Brings Market Uncertainty

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

ANow that Father’s Day, proms, graduations and the 4th festivities are over – what happens next?

The end of June historically marks a time of transition for Bay Area real estate. Prior to the end of June, activity is typically high as parents try to nail down home purchases so they can spend the summer moving and getting ready for their children to start in their new schools. Most schools want a decent lead time to prepare for fall students, so the push

is always there to get settled sooner than later.

As activities begin to ramp up in the middle of June, we typically see a slowing in market activity that carries on into the summer months. With the pandemic behind us, families can finally get out and enjoy summer activities. Consequently, we would normally anticipate fewer lookers through weekend open houses.

This year has been odd, however. As buyers have become accustomed to the idea that higher interest rates are the new norm, they have reentered

the market in decent numbers. Unfortunately, the supply of available homes is at a record low, meaning that homeowner wannabees are finding it more difficult to actually land a purchase, which means there are more out looking than would be the norm for this time of year.

It will be an interesting summer. If you have been keeping tabs on your friends like I have, it seems that a significant number of them are either already on vacation somewhere or planning to leave shortly. With so many intent on being out

of the area, I am guessing that attendance in Open Houses around the Bay Area could be hard to predict this summer. One of the reasons for the lack of listings is the fact that, according to a recent analysis by Redfin, over 90% of homeowners have sub-6% mortgages, called by many, “golden handcuffs.” If they were to

sell, they would be looking at a higher percentage rate on any home they would buy. For many potential sellers, this is an unappealing scenario. Some are also daunted at the prospect of paying high capital gains taxes since home values have skyrocketed in the past few years. Even with their homeowner tax exemption, there is

the possibility of paying taxes on hundreds of thousands of dollars of appreciation. One thing is certain: with the shortage of inventory, it will be an eventful summer.

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.

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.

AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS CYCLES/TRAVEL TRAILERS

1995 Lincoln Mark VIII, 86K miles, leather, sunroof, new suspension. Excellent condition! $9,975 o.b.o. Call 510-213-1699.

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.

FENCES/DECKS

Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.

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.

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

GARDENING

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

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HOUSE CLEANING

LORENA’S HOUSE CLEANING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

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

Thanks to our many Readers who SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

LOST & FOUND

FOUND - iPhone in Palomares Hills (near Greenville & Coolidge) Castro Valley. Call 510-303-2741.

MISC. FOR SALE

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)

Pro-Form Electric Treadmill in good condition. Works fine. $50 cash. You take away. Call 510-247-3116.

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

HOPE YOU FIND just the job you are looking for!

MISC. WANTED

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

Rent it FAST with a TIMES WANT AD ... 614-1558

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

To Place a Garage Sale Ad 614-1558

To Place a Garage Sale Ad call 614-1558

IF YOUR GARAGE SALE IS RAINED OUT, WE'LL RUN YOUR AD AGAIN FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE. SLTimes

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RENTALS

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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.

TREE SERVICE

*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE.

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

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

Classified Advertising

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –

R. Bowman

LEGAL

Seniors: Not All Powers of Of Attorney Are The Same

My friends and I were recently discussing powers of attorney. It seems that we have different understandings as to what they look like and how they can be used. Can you provide me with a short lesson which I can share with them?

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

Sure. Powers of attorney are very important legal documents. In their basic structure you (the principal) delegate to someone whom you trust (your agent or “attorney-in-fact”) the power to engage in financial transactions in your name, using your assets, with the same legal effect as if you had signed the transaction documents yourself. But all powers of attorney (“POA”) are not the same. Here is a short list of some variations:

1. Is It Durable? Unless the document expressly so provides, a POA expires when the principal loses mental capacity. However, this feature may be overcome if the document provides that it is “durable,” meaning that it survives the

principal’s incapacity. In almost every case, you will want a power of attorney to recite that it is durable, as that is usually when it is needed most.

2. Is It a “Springing” Power? A POA can either be immediately effective or it can be effective only upon the occurrence of a future event, such as incapacity. If triggered by a future event, we refer to this as a “springing power,” because it only springs into life upon the occurrence of that future event. Example: Many POA’s are designed to spring into life only when a physician certifies that the principal has lost mental capacity.

3. Is It Limited Or General? A POA can either be limited in scope (e.g. authorizing an agent to sign a deed and other documents to close a specific sale escrow) or be limited in time with a fixed expiration date, or it can be very general and comprehensive in nature.

4. Does It Permit Creation or Modification of Trust? If you have complete confidence in your agent, you may wish to authorize your agent to create a Trust, and/or make future

Celebrating 33 Years Serving Castro

modifications to your existing Trust, in order to address changes in family circumstances, changes in tax law and/or to engage in public benefits planning on your behalf. But in order for these powers to be effective, there must also be reciprocal provisions in your trust, itself, a legal requirement too often overlooked. However, your agent may not make a Will for you under any circumstances.

5. Does it Permit Gifting and/or Long Term Care Benefits Planning? By California law, an agent cannot use the principal’s assets to make gifts, unless that power is expressly granted in the POA. Further, even if this power is expressly granted, the agent cannot make gifts to himself unless the right to “Self Deal” is also expressly stated. Sometimes the power to make gifts can be very important, such as for tax planning or planning for eligibility under the Medi-Cal or Veterans Pension programs to help with long term care expenses.

Unfortunately, we find that very few POA’s contain these important powers, or impose limits upon exercise, which reduce the planning opportunities available to the agent.

In every case, the POA can only be created when the principal has sufficient mental capacity to understand what he or she is signing and all expire upon the death of the principal. Lastly, a POA for financial matters cannot authorize health care decisions: for that another document is necessary, called an Advance Healthcare Directive.

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.

1X2.5

WINKLER LAW

Rotary Club of Castro Valley Celebrates 70 Years of Service

On June 27, the Rotary Club of Castro Valley held its annual end-of-the-year BBQ at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds. The evening featured an outstanding dinner of tenderloin Roast and shrimp prepared by Randy Vanderbilt,

Mark Poniatowski and Darrell Lavin; the recognition of Christian Carr as the recipient of the 2022-23 John Goe Volunteer of the Year Award; a program “reliving” the Club’s seventy year history, written by Jim Negri and shared by var-

ious club past presidents; and the installation of the 2023-24 President Christian Carr and his Board by District 5170 Governor Hung Wei. Past District Governor and Past Club President Dwight Perry served as Master of Ceremonies.

Map: Separates CV into Five Districts

continued from front page Wednesday to adopt a resolution with a map that separates Castro Valley into five districts where each Trustee will reside and seek the votes of their neighbors. Previously, all Castro Valley voters were able to vote for any candidate. The board member seats held by Lavender Lee Whitaker, Michael Kusiak, and Dolly Adams are up for re-election in 2024. Trustees Gary Howard and Sara Raymond, who were just elected in 2022, will keep their seats until they are up for a district election in 2026.

The map now goes to the

Alameda County Committee on School District Organization for approval. If the Committee approves the change, “by-trustee area” voting would begin with the general election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The Trustee map does have its quirks. Several Trustee districts split right down the middle of a street, and in some cases, an intersection—such as Parson Avenue and Christensen Lane—where three corner homes would cast a vote for three different candidates.

Board of Trustees president Lavender Lee said she was looking forward to working

with the people who live in her district. The “by-trustee area” election now opens the door to candidates who live in the Palomares, Five Canyons neighborhoods where Trustees currently do not reside.

And while the Trustee breakdown makes it look like board members only represent the schools in their districts, CVUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi and other Trustees reiterated that those elected to the Board are not responsible for only one or two schools but for the more than 9,000 students enrolled in the see MAP on back page

Reports: Violated Terms of His Parole

continued from page 3

Violated Parole Sunday, June 25: at 12:31 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 35-year-old CV man on suspicion of violating the terms of his parole and driving with an expired registration. The man was traveling on Norbridge Avenue near Redwood

Road when deputies spotted his expired plates. The man was found in violation of his parole and was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Could Not Stay Away Saturday, June 24: at 10:40 p.m., a 23-year-old man with no permanent residence was

arrested on suspicion of violating the terms of a court-issued order asking he not be within 100 yards of a home on Orange Avenue near Grove Way. Deputies responded to a call about a suspicious person at the residence and found the man hanging outside. The man was taken into custody.

Pictured from left to right (all Directors unless noted): Dr. Heidi Hausauer, Kimberly Alexander, Randy Vanderbilt, Cindy Cerrudo (Treasurer), Gary Howard (Secretary), Misti Short (Membership), Craig Semmelmeyer, Christian Carr (President), Dan Willits (President-Elect), Dan Jacowitz, and Hung Wei (District 5170 Governor). Not pictured: Andi Hangea, Aaron Lewis, Dwight Speir and Ye Ye.

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY BOSLEY

Unusual Visit With One of Most Notorious Criminals

By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE

In the late 1960’s I was attending college here in the East Bay – first at Chabot College and then California State College, Hayward (now CSUEB). While going to college I lived at home with my parents here in Castro Valley. Classes would be taken at the colleges, but added learning would take place outside of the classroom. An important one was my weekly visits with Eric Hoffer in Berkeley.

As referenced in prior articles, Hoffer was one of our nation’s most noted writers on subjects like mass movements and the rise of totalitarianism. Each visit with him was of immense value. Sometimes a visitor would join us. No invitation was needed. It was known on campus that Hoffer would meet with anyone. All you had to do was walk in the door. A visitor from fall of 1968 is shared as it has timeliness to a national news story that happened last week.

Hoffer and I were visiting alone in an office at Bolt Law School on the Berkeley campus. A knock occurred on the door. I opened the door and invited the man in to join us. Hoffer asked him what brought him to join us. It was an interest in an article that Hoffer had written about the impact of automation upon the workforce. Hoffer asked him what he did for a living. He said he was a math professor at Berkeley. Hoffer got excited.

Sangha: Incorporating Social Skills

continued from page 5

He loved mathematics. Hoffer dominated the conversation, raising questions about various elements

of calculus, trigonometry, etc.

It lasted for over two hours. The professor tried to return to the topic of automation. He was unable to do so. Hoffer wanted to talk about mathematics. I did not engage as these subjects were beyond my ability to comprehend. I did, however, listen and watch. It was, of course, interesting. Unknown to Hoffer and myself, the visitor and our visit would have national significance.

Now that 55 years have passed since that visit with the visitor, added background is revealed. Hoffer died in 1983. The mathematics professor died last month at the age of 81. He was serving a lifetime term in prison. His name was Ted Kaczynski. He became nationally notorious in the decades that followed our visit. It was not, however, for his brilliance with mathematics. It was for his criminal mind and activities. He became known by another name – the Unabomber.

Kaczynski’s crimes have become among the most studied in criminal history. A brilliant mathematician – educated at Harvard and teaching at Berke-

ley – these were high credentials in the world of academics and education. Yet, he became a killer who frightened a nation because of the unexpected and untraceable nature of his crimes. He was also unidentified for many years, except for his nickname – the Unabomber.

The unusuality of this visit that occurred long ago is palpable. The unexpected happened with a person that went unidentified for years, except for his nickname. The manhunt to identify and capture him is considered to be the largest in FBI history. He ended up being identified through fortuitous circumstances – identified by his writing style in a manifesto that was published by the Washington Post. It was titled “Industrial Society and Its Future.” In his article, Kaczynski references several factors that Hoffer had written about in prior writings. Hence, the connection.

It was this connection that led to the visit that occurred 55 years ago. There was no indication that the mathematics professor would become a mass killer that would terrify a nation. If only we had known, we would have picked up a phone to alert those who needed to know. It was a chance visit with the person who would become one of the most notorious criminals in our nation’s history.

HOROSCOPE by Salomé © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Keep a lid on your temper, despite any attempts made by someone who might be trying to goad the Sheep into flaring up. Staying cool helps put your adversary into a deep freeze.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): All you Ferdinands and Fernandas need to take time to smell the flowers. You’ve worked hard. Now, stop and indulge yourself with the vacation you so richly deserve.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): There’s good news for single Geminis who feel incomplete without someone special in their lives. A peek at Cupid’s checklist reveals that a Scorpio or Virgo will soon be knocking on your door.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Don’t fret if things at work might be going too slowly for you. Everything’s on track. Meanwhile, gather your family and friends for a lovely summer outing.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): You might feel you’re being virtuous dedicating all this time to your project. But a little time off for summer fun with loved ones will help you relax and refill your energy reservoir.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): Your emotions might mislead you, but not your instincts. Do what you know to be right, even if you’d rather make other choices. Time will show that you chose well.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): This could be a good time to reevaluate some of the business decisions you’ve made during the past several months. A new advisor offers some much-needed counsel.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): A personal challenge involving someone close to you needs precisely the kind of courage and honesty you can bring to the situation. Go to it -- and good luck.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Continue to build your self-confidence by taking additional steps to assert your rights Cheer up. The process gets easier with each clear-cut victory.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Despite your keen Capricornean sense of what’s right and what’s not, you still need facts to back up suspicions about a co-worker. Bide your time. The truth will come out.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): A relationship you hope to save might seem too far gone to be rescued. But continue working with your partner to try to mend the misunderstanding.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): You need to keep your emotional side in check and let your logical self sort out the problem that threatens a longtime association. Expect some hidden truths to be revealed.

The kids worked in a team—taking turns holding the signs, delivering the lemonade, collecting donations, and pouring the drinks. Some of the kids did not know one another; however, since they were tasked with a shared goal, they instantly built a relationship toward completing their mission—and did so joyfully. There was a real feeling of accomplishment and a sense of purpose to their duties. And they poured that into every cup of lemonade.

Teaching social skills can be incorporated into your child’s life simply by using your everyday experiences. Here are some ways you can put this into practice:

1. Communication: Ask your child to lead the communication at the check stand when you go to the grocery store. Practice “small talk” with the cashier and even have them complete the transaction by helping to make the payment.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork: Decide on a shared goal; maybe host a family yard

sale and ask your child to plan and lead its execution. Keep it small and easy, but let your child make the decisions and work with them to problem solve.

3. Flexibility: Brainstorm scenarios with your child where plans change; they need to model being flexible and finding alternatives. Have your child think of options beforehand while planning activities and help them pivot to them when needed.

By instilling social skills in children early on, we equip them with a strong foundation for success in the workplace and beyond. However, it’s im-

portant to note that social skill development is an ongoing process, and continued support and reinforcement throughout our kids’ lives can further enhance their abilities to thrive in various professional and personal settings. Give it a try.

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 understand brain-based differences and promote men- tal wellbeing. For more, information, please visit: www. behaviorpivot.com

Gun: Reform Needed

continued from page 5 which combats three-dimensional (3D) printed ghost guns by making it illegal to print, possess or distribute designs for a 3D printed gun and AB 1420 (Berman) to strengthen and improve oversight over gun dealers.

“There is too much gun violence in our community. Too

often anger, resentment and unresolved mental health challenges meet and cause injuries or death to our community members. We must combat the influx of ghost guns, keep guns from those who cannot legally possess one, and support victims of gun violence,” added Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.

Emily Viola McManus

March 17, 1984 ~ May 23, 2023

Emily Viola McManus (39) passed away on May 23, 2023. Emily was welcomed to this earth by Stephen and Beverly McManus on St. Patrick’s Day in 1984, and she spent her early years in San Francisco. When she was seven, the McManus family moved to Castro Valley. Emily’s Elementary School years at Stanton Elementary and the San Francisco Waldorf School enabled her to hone her artistic nature, and as a teen, she excelled at Creekside Middle School and then Castro Valley High School. She was accepted into the Honors Program at Cal State Chico, and then transferred to New York University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a major in Writing and Literature. Her love of children and teaching led her to the Master’s program at Rudolf Steiner College and to her career in education.

Emily taught in the San Francisco Unified School District for over a decade. As the Teacher-Librarian at Martin Luther King. Jr. Academic Middle School in San Francisco for the past eight years, Emily loved (and was loved by) her students, and made sure that each was seen as valued members of the community. She inspired students to read, and created innovative ways to help them build their reading skills while having fun, including a Makers’ Space for crafting, student activity clubs, and a Doll Library, where students could check out a doll to read stories to and care for. Emily was recognized as a collaborative colleague with kindred spirits who shared her passion for education and literacy.

Emily loved traveling, especially to the coast and to New York City, and relished orchestrating elaborate and memorable family gatherings, like picnics in the redwoods, themed parties, and weekend getaways. A prolific writer and artist, Emily also loved music, and was never happier than when singing with her talented circle of friends at San Francisco’s landmark Mint Karaoke Lounge, enjoying Opera in the Park, and attending Broadway shows.

Emily unexpectedly died after a brief illness, and she is now in the tender embrace of the loved ones who preceded her, including her father Steve, grandparents Trev & Sylvia Blazzard and Dell & Marcia McManus, and the love of her life, Christopher Torres. She is survived by her mother Beverly McManus, her sister Mary Ella Dugger (Jerry), and her nephew Miles and niece Molly, along with a large circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, students, colleagues, and friends.

Because Emily was passionate about children’s literacy throughout her life, the Emily McManus Memorial for Children’s Literacy GoFundMe has been established so that those who loved her or whose lives she touched can help continue her legacy. Emily’s life can be an inspiration to hone our own creative outlets, to love well and deeply, and to create fun in whatever we undertake. There will be a private family interment.

On Monday, June 19, Lucas Piedade (age 7) of Castro Valley caught this beautiful two-pound Striped Bass at his Grandpa’s house in Discovery Bay on Father’s Day weekend! Congratulations

Map: New System for Elections

continued from page 10 district.

The “by-trustee” map was created using data from the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau and reflects an even distribution of race. The district initiated the transition after a resident threatened to sue because population diversity had not been accurately represented amongst the Board of Trustees, which has been predominantly White.

Castro Valley’s largest ethnic group is White (36.7%), followed by Asian (31.2%) and Hispanic (16.9%), according to the 2020 US Census. CVUSD’s student body of 9,200 is made up of 24.3% White, 4.9% Black, 34.1% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 23.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 12.9% of students are two or more races.

As part of the process of transitioning its election system, the Board needed to adopt a final trustee area plan for implementing the new voting trustee areas. Before adopting a final plan, the district held public hearings (May 9 and May 12) to solicit feedback before map preparation.

Following the creation of draft map options, which were available and advertised on the district’s website, the Board held feedback meetings (June 12, June 14, and June 28).

More information on the new “By-Trustee Area” election system can be found on the CVUSD website (https:// www.cv.k12.ca.us/).

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley Little League (CVLL) Minor A Athletics (comprised of players 8 to 10 years old).

The team is the CVLL Minor A division champions and finished with a 17-3 regular season record. The Athletics also played in the 2023 Little League District 45 Minor A Tournament of Champions (TOCs), where they beat the San Lorenzo Padres 9-1 and

then the Treeview Giants 11-0 in the final to win the tournament.

Players are (L-R): Jude Lema, Eli Patel, Abel Phan-Quang, Noah Reilly, Daniel Park, Santiago Lerma, Cason Tuyen, Owen Lai, Alijah Gonzalez, Westley Rinaldi, and Elijah Christensen; Back Row: Manager/ Coach Chris Lai, Coach Ignacio Lerma, Coach Dan Reilly (Absent Player: Shaun Supnet, Absent Coach: Tony Lema)

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CVLL Minor A Athletics

Coyote: Tips to Prevent Their Return

continued from front page Coyotes are opportunists,” Krause told the Castro Valley Forum. “If they see an easy meal or a chance to drink water, they’re going to take it.” oyotes look very different than domestic dogs like the Alaskan Husky or Malamute in that coyotes are taller with narrow and pointed faces and a small nose pad. They are often gray or reddish brown in

color and typically keep their tails low. Coyotes are naturally afraid of humans, whereas a dog is likely to come right to you if called.

Wild predators like coyotes and foxes are somewhat common in Alameda County. Last year, Vector Control registered five incidents, mostly in the East Bay hill areas. Tracking the movement and behavior of these animals is difficult because of the terrain and the animals’ nature to spread out.

Because the sighting was near homes and parks where kids play, officials are recommending homeowners take precautions to prevent a return visit and protect their families.

“The first thing you should do if you see a coyote is to harass them as much as possible,” Krause said. “Yell in a loud voice, throw things at them, even turn a water hose on and spray them to make them run away. The last thing you want is for a coyote or another wild creature to get comfortable coming to your neighborhood.”

Krause also warns people to keep their animals in the house if possible because the coyote may come back. Coyotes primarily hunt rodents and rabbits for food but will take advantage of whatever is available, including garbage, pet food, and domestic animals.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife suggests these simple things you can do to keep wild animals wild:

• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.

• Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food or water for them outside.

• Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.

• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, chickens, and other small animals.

• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.

• Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.

If coyotes are given access to human food and garbage, their behavior changes, and they will come back, Krause noted.