June 28, 2023

Castro Valley Weather June 28 - July 2, 2023

Twelve people who were formerly or currently homeless received “Resilience and Determination Heroes” awards from the Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless last Wednesday. The recipients were nominated by their peers and providers for the strength and example they have provided to others.

Summer Solstice Celebration Honors

Those Who Support the Homeless

By Michael Singer CASTRO

According to the 2022 Point in Time Count, more than 7,000 people are experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Alameda County.

Last Wednesday, 12 people were honored for their work in supporting their unhoused neighbors as part of the 3rd annual “Summer Solstice Celebration of the Strength and Resilience of People Experiencing Homelessness.” The honorees were given the Resilience and Determination (RAD) Heroes Award, a community-nominated honor given to people with experience of homelessness who inspire, challenge, lead, and move those around them.

“The Summer Solstice, a day filled with light, is a fitting time to honor the accomplishments, resiliency, and strength of people experiencing homelessness and to draw inspiration from them as we continue in the struggle for justice,” said Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) spokesperson Kawal Ulanday.

More than 100 people attended, including those experiencing homelessness, homeless service providers, advocates, and awardees.

The event, held at First Presbyterian Church of Hayward in Castro Valley on Grove Way, included guest speakers from Alameda County’s Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) and its Office of

Homeless Care and Coordination (OHCC) including three young women from the Youth Advisory Board who shared their personal struggles.

Recipients of this year’s RAD Hero awards included: Sabrina Abong (OHCC Youth Advisory Board), Keith Arivnwine (St. Mary’s Senior Center), Darlene Auau (Lifelong Medical Care Street Health), Varon Brown (Lifelong/East Bay Community Project), Donald “Donnie” Clark (Tiburcio Vasquez Street Health), Greg Combs (First Presbyterian Church Hayward), Anna “Kate” Leland (First Presbyterian Church Hayward), Carol Mitchell (Bay Area Community Services), Leah Moore (Rising Into Self Empowerment), Raul Rivas (Bay Area Community Services), Stephanie Semien (Love & Justice In the Streets), and David Smith (Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency)

“Their speeches were truly a testament to the diversity, strength, and resilience of people experiencing and formerly experiencing homelessness,” Ulanday added.

The Castro Valley event was among the thousands held nationwide in solidarity with Homeless Solstice Celebrations.

VALLEY FORUM

Kiwanis Club Scholarships Awarded to Local Students

On May 25th, the Hayward-Castro Valley Kiwanis Club awarded $1,000 in scholarships to two deserving local high school students. Emily Tran from Castro Valley High School will major in Business Administration at UC Berkeley. Emily achieved four years of academic excellence for her leadership and community service. Emily served in the CVHS Key Club for 4 years, holding the offices of President, fundraising chair, and Division 2 executive board member. She is accomplished on piano and violin and is a member of the Honors Chamber Orchestra at CVHS. Emily also gave her time to a group of budding entrepreneurs named “Girls Who Code,” and she worked part-time as Team Lead at Playground and won an internship in Marketing and Sales at SparkPrintz.

Chloe Wong graduated from Kipp King High School in San Lorenzo and will be attending the University of Southern California this fall as a Business Administration major. Chloe has the distinction of being the first of her family to go to college. As a senior in leadership class, she was one of

the Activities Director Executives. Chloe also spent time as an intern for Stop AAPI Hate Youth Campaign Program. Chloe also served as Key Club President this year and served

Sheriff’s Reports

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Assault and Child Endangerment

Monday, June 26: at 12:31 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 46-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on a family member and child endangerment. The woman was at a home on Middleton Avenue near Lake Chabot Road when deputies were dispatched following a call about an altercation at the home. Deputies took the woman into custody. The victims were treated at the scene.

Contempt of Court Order

Saturday, June 24: at 10:40 p.m., a 23-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of violating a court-issued restraining order. Deputies were called to a home on Orange Avenue near Grove Way after the man had been spotted within 100 yards of the property. The man was taken into custody.

Center. Store security detained the women after they were observed leaving with unpaid merchandise. Deputies charged a 46-year-old, a 52-year-old, and a 56-year-old with robbery and conspiracy to commit the crime. The 52-year-old was additionally charged with possessing narcotics and additional petty theft. All three women were taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Wanted Man

Served Warrant

Saturday, June 24: at 11:12 a.m., a 26-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies served the warrant at a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Santa Maria Avenue. The man was previously convicted of driving a stolen vehicle, damaging public property, and assault with a deadly weapon. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.

Busted for Vandalism

Thursday, June 22: at 8:45 a.m., a 42-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of vandalism in excess of $400 in damages. Deputies were called to a home on Summerglen Place near Villareal Drive after the homeowner called to complain about the damage. The man was taken into custody.

Could Not Stay Away from Store

Tuesday, June 20: at 9:58 a.m., deputies arrested a 25-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of violating the terms of a court-issued restraining order. The man was prohibited from being within 100 yards of a convenience store on Redwood Road near Grove Way. Deputies picked up the man outside after the store owner called to complain. The man was taken into custody.

for two years as the Secretary of the Model United Nations.

Three Women Arrested for Robbery

Saturday, June 24: at 4:58 p.m., deputies arrested three women on suspicion of theft from a clothing retailer in the Castro Village Shopping

Grand Jury Cites Former DA’s Administration

The Alameda County Civil Grand Jury investigation revealed a pattern of violations of County policies regarding election-related activities during former District Attorney Nancy O’Malley’s 2018 re-election campaign. The list of violations includes requests from Alameda County District Attorney’s Office staff for donations to support O’Malley’s campaign, attendance at campaign events, distribution of campaign flyers, and participation in photographs that staff believed were taken for use to support O’Malley’s candidacy. The current District Attorney, Pamela Price, and the entire DA’s office were recused

from the investigation. After interviews with more than 30 witnesses and a review of hundreds of pages of documents, the Grand Jury concluded that about 25 DA staffers used county-owned computers and the county-owned-and-operated email system to solicit funds for then District Attorney O’Malley.

The Grand Jury learned these emails were, sometimes, in coordination with police officer unions, in other cities and counties, to request attendance at campaign events and to discuss campaign strategy during the 2018 campaign for District Attorney.

Witness testimony re-

vealed that policies regarding election-related behavior and County policies, including the Appropriate Computer Use Policy, and the Appropriate Use of Telecommunication and Information Technology Systems Policy, were either not well known or were ignored by DA staff in order to support O’Malley’s campaign. The Grand Jury also found that the prior administration led by Ms. O’Malley, despite knowing that employees acted in violation of County policies, did not hold anyone accountable for the misconduct. The new administration has 60 days to respond to the Grand Jury’s report.

“The Grand Jury uncovered behavior that is unacceptable and especially inexcusable for lawyers,” said District Attorney Pamela Price. “Our new administration will not make those same mistakes or violate the laws and policies ignored by the previous administration. We will not sacrifice our integrity or the public trust for political gain. In the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office of today, you can no longer prosecute the law and violate the law at the same time. While I was not part of the Grand Jury’s investigation, I agree with the Grand Jury - the residents of Alameda County deserve better.”

The Castro Valley Education Foundation administers Kiwanis Club scholarships.

CVHS Scholarship winner Emily Tran (left) with Kiwanis Club President Emmanuel Escobal.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL MULGREW

2023 Hope 100 Golf Marathon

Hope Hospice has opened registration for the 2023 Hope 100 Golf Marathon—for both individuals who want to play and businesses/organizations looking to sponsor. The event returns to Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton on Monday, October 23, 2023. FH Dailey Chevrolet will again sponsor the Hole-in-One competition, which offers a prize of $75,000 to be used toward the winner’s choice of vehicle from the dealership in San Leandro.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, June 29

JimBo Trout Solo on The Cannery Patio Hirsute humorist, singer, yodeler, and player of the guitar, banjo, harmonica and kazoo, JimBo’s music is a goodtime gumbo of bluegrass, rock+roll, honky-tonk country, old-time, ragtime, blues, western-swing, rockabilly, jug band, jazz, swing, and more. Don’t miss his performance tomorrow, Thursday, June 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The Cannery Kitchen & Tap located at 3295 Castro Valley Blvd. in Castro Valley.

Thursday, June 29

Howell Devine: Summer Concert at CV Library

Celebrate Independence Day

Celebrate Independence Day with the Hayward Area Historical Society on July 1 at Meek Estate Park between 10 am and 2 pm. This year’s event features historic games and crafts, live music from the Blues Bottle Band, community information and resources, local artists and artisans, and self-guided tours of Meek Mansion. The Cherryland Community Association will have food available for purchase as well. The near annual event has taken place almost every year since 2009.

Originally, Meek Estate Park was the last remaining parcel of property that once belonged to horticulturalist William Meek. His vast land holdings made up most of what is known as Cherryland today, and Meek was responsible for making commercial agriculture prosperous in the Hayward area. Later, his son Horry, continued the legacy of investing in the local community and was instrumental in bringing Hunt Brothers Cannery to Hayward. Their home, which still

stands, was built in 1869. Recently repainted and furnished to better reflect the era in which the Meek Family lived there, Meek Mansion remains a landmark of Cherryland.

The Hayward Area Historical Society operates out of the HAHS Museum of History and Culture at 22380 Foothill Boulevard in Hayward. They also manage McConaghy House and Meek Mansion. For more info, please visit www. haywardareahistory.org. Meek Mansion is located at 17365 Boston Road in Hayward.

First-Ever Schools Empower Summit

On June 16, over 1,000 teachers, students, community partners, and education leaders from across California came together in San Francisco for the first-ever California Community Schools Empower Summit.

The Community Schools Summit offered networking, workshop, and planning opportunities for California educators, community partners and students.

Hosted by the State Trans-

formational Assistance Center (S-TAC), a California Department of Education-funded coalition led by the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) in partnership with Californians for Justice, the National Education Association (NEA), and the UCLA Center for Community Schooling, the Summit featured 47 breakout sessions centered around four key values: Shared Decision Making and Participatory Practices; Powerful, Culturally Proficient and Relevant Instruction; Racially-Just and Restorative School Climates; and Assets-Driven and Strength-Based Practice.

“The Summit’s programming intentionally emphasized the defining vision for community schools: equitable outcomes for students who have been historically underserved by the public education system, inclusionary practices that bring new voices to the table, and partnerships with other agencies and community-led organizations because schools can and should be at the heart see SUMMIT on back page

Proceeds from the Hope 100 support Hope Hospice’s patient-care services and grief support center, as well as a range of free educational programs for the local public including grief support services, dementia-care education, and family caregiver resources.

Hope 100 is an exclusive event with only 36 available player spots. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up soon, as the event’s roster is typically heavy with returning players.

“Lots of people are slackjawed when they hear that our participants play 100 holes in a single day,” says Marc Rovetii, Hope’s Director of Philanthropy and event chairperson. “But the men and women who come out for this event are some of the most golf-crazy folks I’ve met. They love this game, and they love getting to have fun while raising money for an important local cause. It’s the best kind of win-win scenario.”

The marathon was established in 2015 to honor the life of Piper Wagner, a beloved golf pro at Castlewood who died from lung cancer. In the spirit of Piper’s memory, the event also honors the life of the late Steve Thompson. Steve was a Bay Area native, having attended Marin Catholic High School and the University of San Francisco. He was a founding member of Jerry Thompson and Sons Painting with his father and brother, and over the years he helped guide JTS to become one of the most respected and successful painting companies in the Bay Area. Steve had a big heart and quietly led by example for the causes he cared about. He participated in the inaugural Hope 100 Golf Marathon, and Hope Hospice is grateful for his legacy in making this event what it is today.

Learn more and register at Hope100GolfMarathon.com or call Marc Rovetti at (925) 829-8770.

Join us for the final summer concert featuring Howell Devine at the Castro Valley Library on Thursday, June 29 at 6:30 pm. Triple threat talent, Joshua Howell (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and percussion savant, Pete Devine (drums, washboard), plus veteran upright bassist, Joe Kyle Jr. deftly mix Delta/Country Blues with wildly syncopated rhythms to create a rollicking present-day sound rooted in early blues. No Registration Required. Bring your lawn chairs…bring the family…bring a picnic! Because this is an outdoor event, automobile parking will be limited at the library. For more information, visit: aclibrary.org/

Saturday, July 1

Independence Day at Meek Estate Park

Celebrate Independence Day with the Hayward Area Historical Society on July 1 at Meek Estate Park between 10 am and 2 pm. This year’s event features historic games and crafts, live music from the Blues Bottle Band, community information and resources, local artists and artisans, and self-guided tours of Meek Mansion. The Cherryland Community Association will have food available for purchase as well. The near annual event has taken place almost every year since 2009. Meek Mansion is located at 17365 Boston Road in Hayward.

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 on 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.

Opens Friday, July 7

Plethos Productions Presents Avenue Q

Plethos Productions Presents Avenue Q. Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is truly a marvel of the stage. Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. Winner of the Tony “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, see it live at TwiningVine Winery July 7-16, tickets on sale now at: plethos.org.

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 on Saturday, July 8, from 2 to 4 pm at the Adobe Art Gallery & Center, located at 20395 San Miguel Ave. Castro Valley. Bring your own tweezers, small scissors, and garden plant material that might be good to use in creating your first easy project. Peggy will also bring plant material to share with attendees.

Meek Mansion is located at 17365 Boston Road in Hayward.

Be Cool And Save Money 5 Steps to Creating a Sustainable Home

(NAPSI)—Many Americans may be surprised to learn that almost half their utility bill goes toward heating and cooling their home. Fortunately, the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program offers resources to help you beat the heat—all while saving money and protecting the climate. Here’s how:

Maintain or Upgrade

Your HVAC System  Check your system’s air filters. A dirty air filter will make the system work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy. Filters should be inspected once a month during heavy use.

If your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old or it needs frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. The ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Guide helps you navigate an HVAC equipment upgrade that will keep you comfortable and help you save money, year round.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A WiFi-enabled smart thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s temperature settings for optimal performance. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are independently certified, based on actual field data, to deliver energy savings.

Find other savings tips at: www.energystar.gov/cooling.

By Lily Sato SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

As our planet faces the ongoing challenges of climate change, it’s more important than ever to make sustainable choices in our daily lives. One area where we can make a significant impact is in our homes. Creating a sustainable home not only benefits the environment but also our own health and well-being.

By making conscious choices about the materials and energy we use, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

However, for those who are new to the world of sustainable living, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. There are so many options available, and it can be difficult to know which changes will have the most significant impact.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to create a more sustainable home, starting with the five most critical areas to focus on. We’ll explore tips and ideas for making changes that are easy to implement and cost-effective, even for those who are new to the world of design and renovation.

Whether you’re planning a renovation or simply looking for ways to make your home more sustainable, these tips

will help you get started on creating a healthier, more eco-friendly living space.

From assessing your current home to investing in renewable energy, there are many small changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future for yourself and your community. So let’s dive in and explore the five most crucial steps to creating a more sustainable home.

1. Assess Your Current Home Before Making Any Changes: It’s important to assess your current home to determine where the most significant areas of improvement can be made. This process will also help you to identify any potential hazards or inefficiencies that could be contributing to energy waste. You can do this by conducting an energy audit, which will evaluate how much energy your home is using and where it’s being wasted.

2. Make Small Changes: Making small changes is an easy way to make your home more sustainable. One of the easiest and most cost-effective changes you can make is switching to LED light bulbs. They use less energy and last much longer than traditional light bulbs. Additionally, you can replace your old appliances with more energy-efficient ones, or add insulation to your home to keep it cooler in the

summer and warmer in the winter.

3. Choose Sustainable Flooring: When it comes to sustainable flooring, there are several options to consider. Cork and bamboo are both popular choices, as they are renewable resources that grow quickly and are easy to harvest. Reclaimed wood is another excellent option, as it repurposes old wood that might otherwise go to waste. Additionally, natural linoleum

is a popular choice, as it’s made from natural materials and is biodegradable.

4. Invest in Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources are a fantastic way to make your home more sustainable. Investing in solar panels,

wind turbines or geothermal systems can help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lower your energy bills. You can also consider purchasing an electric car, which will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs.

5. Consider Water Conservation: Water conservation is another important aspect of creating a sustainable home. You can start by fixing any leaks in your home, which can help save hundreds of gallons of water each year. Additionally, you can install low-flow showerheads and faucets, which use less water than traditional ones. Collecting rainwater in barrels for outdoor use is also a great way to conserve water.

Creating a sustainable home doesn’t have to be an expensive or daunting task. By making small changes, choosing sustainable flooring, investing in renewable energy, and considering water conservation, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. By creating a healthier home for you and your family, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment.

We help you improve your home entertainment and home automation systems one step at a time.

Investing in solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems can help you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lower your energy bills.

REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY

Top Features of Today’s Luxury Homes

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

It is always fun to view high-end luxury homes to see how the ‘other half’ lives. There are many YouTube videos featuring the properties of the rich and famous: in many cases, the homes feature prime locations, stunning views, an unfathomable amount of square feet and luxury amenities. In other cases, some are downright weird. Other than a lofty price tag, what separates luxury homes from the ones the rest of us occupy?

An article by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing lists 13 luxury features fast becoming the standard for highend homes. These include:

Outdoor Living Spaces: Resort-level landscaping, pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, cabanas and privacy.

Laurie Pfohl

510-851-3551

LauriePfohl@gmail.com

Unique, High-End Finishes: Organic materials, natural finishes, and renewable resources are key.

Spa-Style Bathrooms: These include oversized rooms, curbless showers, multiple shower heads, adjustable LED lighting, freestanding tubs, aromatherapy features and built-in steam units or saunas.

Fitness Facilities: Dedicated yoga and meditation rooms and fully equipped gyms top this list, coupled with mini-kitchens.

Smart Homes: Technology can simplify numerous aspects of a person’s life.

Gourmet Kitchen: Modern kitchens should be equipped with time and labor-saving appliances, contemporary lighting and offer a combination of functionality, efficiency, beauty, and ease of maintenance.

Home Bar: Whether a themed fully-stocked bar for entertaining or a stand-alone coffee and beverage center, these are coming into vogue.

Wine Cellar: A temperature-controlled room to house wine collections is becoming standard, and frequently include space and amenities for wine tasting.

Home Theater/Media Room: Complete with state-ofthe-art sound system, theater-style chairs and a food-prep area.

Fully-Equipped Home Office: A well-lit dedicated space to work at home has become a norm since the pandemic.

A Grand Master Bedroom: The ultimate place to escape can include a fireplace, access to an outdoor area such as a private garden and hot tub, bookshelves and desk area, reading area, a wet bar or mini-kitchen – anything to enhance creature comforts in this ultimate, private space.

Walk-In Closets: Today’s luxury owners can never have too many closets. Walk-in closets in every bedroom are desired, along with specialized storage for out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, travel and/or sporting gear and more.

Dedicated Guest Quarters: Whether a “mother-in-law” suite, au pair unit, ADU or a cabana with a furnished guest suite, this is the ultimate luxury for visiting guests.

Thinking of buying a luxury home? This list is a great place to start – and then the only limit is your imagination!

How to Tell Moles from Gophers

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

QI’ve been unable to find anyone who can tell me how to deal effectively with moles. I’ve tried so many things, but they just do not work. Could you offer a solution?

AIn the Bay Area, we have moles and gophers but they’re

BUZZ BERTOLERO

the same rodent in other areas. So, part of the problem is you may be trying to control the wrong critter, and there isn’t enough information for me to suggest a suspect. So, you’ll have to troubleshoot the problem from the following information.

THE DIRT

Moles tunnel along the soil surface looking for food, while gophers produce existing holes surrounded by soil. Gophers move about under the ground in runs. Moles do not eat plants. Their diet is composed of soil insects. In controlling moles, my best option is to remove the food source, forcing the moles to go somewhere else. The most environmentally friendly way to eliminate grubs and other insects is with Beneficial Nematodes. Beneficial

are small microscopic critters that are applied in water to the soil. They seek out the soil insects and destroy them but not earthworms. If you have a big earthworm population, you have another problem, as earthworms are ninety percent water and can be the chief water source for moles. So, it’s not a complete answer. My next option, is to apply the granular repellant Mole Max. Mole Max uses Castor Oil as the repellant, so this may work in moving them elsewhere to be someone else’s problem. On the other hand, gophers feed on the roots of plants, and they’re known to pull plants into their runs. There is no easy or simple answer to controlling gophers. The main methods for controlling gophers are poison bait, trapping, and flooding the runs. If you back up to open space, the problem is compounded as they have lots of room to roam and breed. Here are several links tto the UC Davis Pest Management guides for moles and gophers:

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/ PESTNOTES/pn74115.html

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/ PESTNOTES/pn7433.html

RECENT HOME SALES

WEEKEND GARDENER

Summer Planting A-to-Z

Finish planting this big round of summer flowers and vegetables. Anything planted after July 4 should be to fill-in and replace the first big burst of annuals and vegetables.

The list of summer flowers is endless, starting the alyssum and ending with zinnias. This is really the last opportunity to plant summer flowering bulbs such as gladioluses, dahlias and lilies. Shrubs, vines, ground covers and herbs can be planted now.

This is the last weekend to plant tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplant, melons and cucumbers from seedlings. Put in corn and beans from seed. These vegetables need constant hot weather to become prolific producers.

Water tomatoes and melons deeply enough that water penetrates at least 2 feet down. Feed all plants with a balanced, long-release fertilizer.

Yellow Jackets

Never squash a yellow jacket. The dying pest releases an alarm pheromone that alerts others and in less than 15 seconds yellow jackets within a 15-foot radium will rally to the victim’s aid by zeroing-in on you.

Hanging Baskets

Soak hanging baskets under a sprinkler or in a tub every now and then to ensure roots are getting thoroughly irrigated.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

GARDENING

HELP WANTED

MISC. WANTED

RENTALS

HOME SERVICES GUIDE

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.

Help for the homeowner means business for you!

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

To Place an Ad ... Call 614-1558

AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS CYCLES/TRAVEL TRAILERS

Help for the homeowner means business for you!

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

CONCRETE SERVICE

San Leandro Times

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

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

*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING

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

JAIME’S GARDENING

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

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

The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for: Police Service Technician I$5,208.00 - $6,331.00 monthly

For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE

HOUSE CLEANING

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

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

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

Would you like the help of a Professional Agent?

For assistance call ...

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

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

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

RENTALS/RV SPACES

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

HANDYMAN SERVICE

HOME SERVICES GUIDE Call 614-1558

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

Help for the homeowner means business for you!

San Leandro Times

HOME SERVICES GUIDE Call 614-1558

*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.

GARAGE SALES

MASSIVE GARAGE/ YARD SALE

Fri.6/30, Sat. 7/1 & Sun. 7/2, 9am5pm. Antiques, collectibles, vinyl records, new & vintage tools, old papers, postcards, sports items, signed glass and pottery, toys, primitives, oddities and more! 4183 Berdina Road, Castro Valley.

YARD SALE 7/1, 9am-3pm NO EARLYBIRDS. 1655 Boxwood Avenue, San Leandro.

IT'S TOTALLYFINISHED CONSTRUCTION Lic.# 583113. Floors, Carpet, Wood Fences and Custom Fireplaces. Call Martin Sharp 510-384-8041.

LORENA’S HOUSE CLEANING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

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

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.

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $925/ month. Call 510-481-9901. 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

LEGAL ADS 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

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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.

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman

To

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

To Place a Garage Sale Ad call 614-1558

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

Maxwell R. Stuart, son of Mark and Janette Stuart of Hayward, graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy Officer Candidate School in New London, Connecticut, on May 12, 2023, and commissioned an Ensign. A 2007 Graduate of Redwood Christian High School and 2012 Graduate of California State University East Bay, he enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2014. He and his wife, Holly, were married December 5, 2022. Their new home will be in Bremerton, Washington, and he will be stationed in Silverdale, Washington, at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.

Bicycles: Dangers

continued from front page ACSO Lieutenant Tya Modeste said that these biking groups of young kids formed during the pandemic and that these groups riding on the freeway is a newer trend that she has seen occur twice over the past two years. The bike group often arranges to meet up using online sites like Instagram and TikTok, where they also post photos of their adventures. The group has previously scheduled rides in Castro Valley, Hayward, and Fremont.

Lt. Modeste reminds people that bike accidents on the road can be fatal even in residential areas at lower speeds. So, biking near cars going extremely fast, freeway speeds, and drivers not being prepared for pedestrians and bikers is a recipe for danger.

Motorists and residents say they are frustrated with these bicyclists and are calling on law enforcement to step in and put a stop to their escapades.

I-580: Comment, Suggest New Ideas

continued from front page pedestrian facilities that connect to and through the corridor, and the nearby neighborhoods and business districts affected by all those things. Suggestions for improving all those things are welcome.

ing, taking the bus or train, or driving and what could make this easier.

You can also comment on new ideas others have proposed or suggest new ideas of your own.

580, and improved access to rail stations.

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

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You are self-reliant and rarely ask anyone for help. But this time, you might want someone you trust to be there for you while you deal with a difficult matter. Cheer up. Things improve soon.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Your patience begins to pay off. Look for the first sign that your goals are in plain sight. Also, take time out from all your hard work for some fun with someone special.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): There could be some lingering effects from a recent setback. But it’s all for the best, as you’re now beginning to appreciate. Use the lessons you’ve learned to start over.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): What seemed to be a difficult goal to reach is now -- or soon will be -- all yours. Congratulations. An unexpected travel opportunity holds an intriguing new prospect.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): A chilly reception to your presentation shouldn’t cause you to abandon your ideas. Instead, do tweak up those weaker parts and then, once again, show them what you have.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): Hiding your feelings might make you feel safer against rejection. But this could be the time when you’ll need to speak up or risk losing out on an important event in your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Some co-workers might try to talk you out of accepting a promotion. But you need to follow your own instincts -- and if you believe you’re right for the job, then take it.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Some changes are in order, as you come to realize that you need to sort out several areas in your life. Your remarkable insight helps you make the right decisions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): It’s time to act on your own behalf and separate yourself from those whose selfish needs threaten your personal and/or professional survival.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Resist your tendency to close yourself off from unpleasant situations. Instead, open up to how things are so that you can help change them to what they could be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): An unspoken problem could be driving a deep wedge between you and that special person. Some honest talking between the two of you starts the healing process.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): You might feel you’ve been going around in ever-widening circles trying to deal with recent workplace problems. Lighten up. A successful end is finally in sight.

“I’ve seen them recklessly riding wheelies the wrong way in the streets, at major community events, and even down Interstate 580 a few months ago,” Castro Valley resident Todd Anglin told the Forum. “I am highly concerned that their reckless riding behaviors can lead to a serious life-changing accident, impacting either their own future life or somebody else’s caused by their dangerous maneuvers. I remember seeing one at the Fall Fest street fair last year doing a wheelie and almost hitting a pregnant lady who was walking with her infant son from behind. I wish law enforcement would increase enforcement when they endanger themselves and others. This situation is getting worse and must be addressed before something bad happens.”

Castro Valley resident Stephen Torres shared his experience of feeling unsafe in his own town: “Every day, I battle with these kids. They block all entries to any store on the Boulevard and are very cocky. They curse and use really foul words. Maybe it’s just a 10-12-year-old kid’s major lack of respect. In this day and age, I don’t feel safe anymore, even in Castro Valley.”

The CHP says bikes are a great way to get around town and exercise, but asks everyone to be safe and mindful of others on the road when biking. Staying in bike lanes, wearing reflective clothing at night, and wearing a helmet are the best ways to stay safe on a bike.

The CTC suggests people consider such things as where they need or like to go, how they get there, and where else they would go if it were easier to get there. Also, the Transportation Commission suggests thinking about where you have the hardest time walking, bik-

You can be as general as saying we need more express buses between cities or as specific as suggesting how to make a particular pedestrian or bicycle crossing safer and easier to use.

Some ideas CTC is already looking at include new freeway express lanes, a busway along

The CTC will combine public input from the website and offered at outreach events with a technical evaluation of their practicality and the agency’s proposals to write a set of final recommendations. These will help inform the next Countywide Transportation Plan and updates to Plan Bay Area, the regional transportation plan. More information about the CTC’s effort at https://www. alamedactc.org/i-580-transit-and-multimodal-strategy.

Chabot College Appoints Jamal Cooks, Ph.D, as New President

The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD)

Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Jamal Cooks, Ph.D., as Chabot College’s next president. He will succeed Dr. Susan Sperling on August 1, 2023.

Dr. Cooks brings over 20 years of teaching, research, and leadership experience to the Chabot College presidency.

He has served as vice president of academic services at Chabot since 2022, although he assumed the role on an interim basis in 2021. Prior to community college administration, Dr. Cooks served as a full professor at San Francisco State University, where he was also the associate director for the Educational Leadership doctoral program.

In 2017, he was the recipient of the National Council of Teachers of English’s Halle Adolescent Literacy Educator Award.

Jamal Cooks, Ph.D.

Originally from East Oakland, Cooks attended Skyline High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political economy of industrial societies from the University of California, Berkeley. He went on to earn a teaching credential in social studies from California State University, Hayward. Dr. Cooks obtained a master’s degree in curriculum development and completed a Ph.D. in language, literacy and culture, both from the University of Michigan.

“Following a national search, Dr. Cooks emerged as the top choice to take the helm as the next president of Chabot College,” stated CLPCCD Chancellor Ronald Gerhard.

An avid believer in programs that support student success, Dr. Cooks co-convened Chabot’s Black Excellence Collective. This initiative uses data and a broad network of support services to improve the campus experience for the college’s Black students.

Dr. Cooks has published his research on the topics of culturally relevant pedagogy, language and literacy in several journals and books.

“It is an honor to be entrusted with the presidency at Chabot College,” stated Dr. Cooks. “My goal is to build on the strong legacy of this institution and deliver the best learning experience possible to our community, anchored in social justice and equity for our students.”

Interstate 238 right before it joins Interstate 580, just west of Castro Valley.

PHOTO BY MIKE MCGUIRE

Farm: Offers Learning Opportunities

continued from front page part of nature, and that the cycle of nature reflects what nature tells us,” she says.

Rodrigues spent her childhood in Castro Valley, attending Marshall Elementary and Creekside Middle Schools. A former special education paraprofessional, she decided to leave teaching as the pandemic stretched from weeks to months to years. She resolved to focus on her farm instead.

“The pandemic opened up the time and space for me to do this. I saw everyone was out walking in the neighborhood and that people were looking for a reason to get out of the house,” she says.

Rodrigues realized that her farm offered a learning opportunity for kids. She developed the idea of teaching children where food comes from by creating and maintaining a garden. She says that being closer to nature helps them appreciate farm life even if they live in the city. Many homeschool students have regular weekly classes with her, and the summer camp is in full swing.

“I had missed working with students but not being inside a classroom,” she says. “I’ve always been able to meet children where they are, and I’m open to kids that other people might write off.”

Rodrigues structures the farm camp to encourage individual strengths. If children prefer working with animals, planting, cooking, building, drawing, or reading, there’s something for everyone. Each class begins with safety training and branches out from there.

Even though she comes from a family that had farmed in Puerto Rico and Hawaii, Rodrigues learned as she went along.

“I had never even held a chicken until three years ago,” she says.

Now the chickens and ducks ‘work’ alongside her, eating the bugs and worms that might otherwise hurt the crops.

“They’re the best employees on the farm,” Rodrigues says of the poultry. “It’s amazing for the students to see how beneficial the animals truly are. And if I can spark people’s passion and empathy, it makes such a difference.”

She currently has a variety of projects going on her .15-acre property, in addition to farm camps. She sells the fruits,

vegetables, herbs she grows, farm-fresh eggs, and budding plants. Farm memberships and a produce box waiting list are currently in progress.

Rodrigues Urban Farm Camp classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a special family event on Friday afternoons. Financial aid is available. A ten percent discount is available if code CVFORUM is inputted when registering. See RodriguesFarms.com to enroll or for more information, or call (510) 892-6828. The farm is located at 21410 Montgomery Ave., Hayward.

Kimberly Werninghaus Blair

On the final day of spring, Kimberly Werninghaus Blair entered into heavenly rest following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Kimberly was born in Chicago, Illinois where she attended the University of Chicago Laboratory School. High school diploma in hand, she ventured east to Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

Following graduation, she returned to Chicago, caring for her father and working for the University of Chicago hospitals. While working full time, she obtained a MBA from the University of Chicago (Booth) Business School Executive Program.

Subsequently, she moved to Philadelphia, where she joined the Albert Einstein Medical Center. There, she met the love of her life, Ray. They married and settled in New Jersey. Later, they resettled in California, where she held leadership roles with Kaiser Hospitals and The Permanente Medical Group. She was an active volunteer in the community and Castro Valley schools, even as her illness progressed. She was brave, fierce, smart, loyal, and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Kimberly is survived by her husband Raymond Blair, son David Blair, mother Betty van Sweringen, sister Karla Werninghaus, and nephew Curtis Werning. She is preceded in death by father William Werninghaus, stepfather Munro van Sweringen, and mother-in-law Jean Blair. A celebration of her life will be scheduled.

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Juan Quintana

Juan Quintana, a resident of San Leandro for over 60 years, passed away peacefully at his home on May 14th. He was 86.

Juan was the oldest son of Josephine and J.C. Quintana. He grew up on a farm in Colorado which contributed to his tremendous work ethic and do-it-yourself attitude. Juan served in the US Air Force having been stationed in Albuquerque and Okinawa as military police.

Juan was a US Postal worker for over 30 years. One of the unique skills learned during his time at USPS was safe cracking. Juan could fix a stamp machine or crack a safe if needed. He was a familiar face to many around San Leandro as he’d coached youth softball teams, was a regular at his gym, and served as a school crossing guard at Corvallis School for many years. Juan loved greeting the Corvallis students each morning with smiles and high fives.

Juan was a devoted family man to his wife Carmen and four children, John (Bernice), Cindy, Patty, and Ali as well as two grandchildren Matthew and Marissa. He also leaves behind seven siblings.

At Juan’s request, no funeral or memorial will be held.

Emily Viola McManus

Emily Viola McManus, who grew up in Castro Valley, passed away on May 23. Emily was lovingly welcomed to this earth by Stephen and Beverly McManus, early in the morning on St. Patrick’s Day in 1984, and she spent her early years in San Francisco. When she was nearly two, she was thrilled to welcome to the family her baby sister, Mary Ella, and they were a force to be reckoned with and best friends from the very beginning.

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 after her second year there, 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.

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 for who they were, as a valued member of the community. She was thrilled to guide students to books they would enjoy, created a Makers’ Space for crafting, launched several student activity clubs, and established a Doll Library for students to experience having a doll to read stories to, play with, dress, and care for.

Emily was proud to earn her spot as an esteemed member of the National Boards, and was a cherished collaborator with kindred spirits who shared her passion for education and literacy, including professional colleagues from her MLK school community, librarian comrades in arms throughout California, and fellow board members of the Cue organization. A prolific writer and artist, Emily also loved music, and was never happier than when singing with her beautiful circle of friends at San Francisco’s beloved Mint Karaoke Lounge.

Emily unexpectedly died after facing major health challenges during her last three months, 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, who tragically died two years prior to Emily’s passing. She is survived by her mother Beverly McManus, her sister Mary Ella Dugger, and her nephew Miles and niece Molly, along with a large circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, students, colleagues, and friends.

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

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Summit: Community Schools

continued from page 4 of a dynamic, vibrant neighborhood,” said Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro.

“Events like the Summit bring people together to get energy from one another and, having met colleagues from different parts of California, they leave with a sense of being part of a greater initiative,” said Karen Hunter Quartz, Director of the UCLA Center for Community Schooling.

Our Athletes of the Week are the Creekside Middle School Track and Field team. The Wildcats won the South Alameda County Athletic League Championship on Wednesday, May 17, at Chabot College. This is the Wildcats’ first Track and Field win in over a decade. The team competed against eight other middle schools, earned first place honors for the boys, and tied for first place for the girls. Of the 102 student-athletes on the Creekside roster, 51 qualified to participate in 11 running and field events at the championship meet.

PICTURED ABOVE: (Kneeling left to right): Head Coach Matt Omelagah, Alex Pak, Neera Jain, Olivia Kiesling, Sofia Chkhartishvili, Marcos Parra, Masha Kryuchkova, Nia Alton, Joanna Li, (Standing left to right): Andrea Penate, Leona Barouki, Dominic Reid, Niko Koperski, Ethan Koo, Jonah Reichardt, David Baik, Noah Quach, Brennan Ragan, Dylan Kwan, Gianni Matteo Welch, Hansel Okpah, Julius Omelagah, Coach Gio Welch, Fiona Huang, Ella Stahl-Rhodes, Isabella Guan, Noredia Iyamu, Coach Ebony Omelagah.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Creekside Track & Field

Chabot Offers Tuition-Free Enrollment

Chabot College (Chabot) and Las Positas College (LPC), both part of the ChabotLas Positas Community College District (CLPCCD), will offer tuition-free classes to their students.

“The tuition-free programs at Chabot College and Las Positas College are critical to our mission of providing educational opportunities and support services that reduce income inequality and help our

communities achieve social and economic mobility,” said CLPCCD Chancellor Ronald P. Gerhard.

Students at Chabot and LPC will have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of classes that help them meet their educational goals and do so without paying tuition if they meet the criteria outlined by the colleges. This initiative is designed to make higher education more accessible and

encourage more students to apply for financial assistance.

The tuition-free program will cover students’ tuition, which includes the $46 per unit enrollment fee. Prospective students must submit an application to attend either college and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) by August 1, 2023.

Students enrolling at either college may qualify for the free tuition program if they satisfy the following criteria:

Students must be enrolled in and must complete 12 or more units per semester during fall 2023 and spring 2024. There is no income requirement for the FREE Tuition Promise Program. Students who qualify for a California Community College Promise Grant fee waiver may receive additional funding. There is also no minimum high school GPA requirement.

To learn more, please visit: www.chabotcollege.edu/ finaid/free-tuition/index.php

“As a researcher, I’m excited to see us thinking about different ways to measure the success of this work and what local communities value, and how to lift that up as evidence that community schools are making a difference.”

Community schools are public schools designed to increase equitable student learning outcomes by addressing the conditions for teaching and learning, and centering community, family, and student engagement.

A community school brings services such as integrated health, mental health, social services, and expanded learning opportunities onsite by partnering with education, county, and other nonprofit entities.

For more information, please: visit www.acoe.org

Mason Adams of Castro Valley caught his first fish on June 10 at Lake Chabot. This beautiful rainbow trout has changed his perspective on fishing as he is now “hooked” on the sport. Congratulations on your ‘Great Catch,’ Mason! Have a ‘Great Catch’ you’d like to share? Send a photo and information by email to: filesforforum@gmail.com

H&F: Back to (Exercise) Basics

By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Back when I was starting out, I had a friend who was training a female high-school soccer player who was going to play for Notre Dame College. Yes, the Fighting Irish.

I felt I had a pretty good grasp on how to program for most people, but I thought Notre Dame, being one of the greatest and most storied athletic programs in college history, would have a very elaborate and complex programming system way out of my league. My friend had a copy of the program that Notre Dame had given his client, and I asked to see it.

Imagine my surprise when I saw that her program looked almost exactly like most of the programs I’d written for my clients. Yes, there were a few small differences, but for the most part, they looked the

same. They were working on the basics.

Sometimes people think the basics are for beginners,

but that’s not the case at all. When you grasp the basics well, you realize you always come back to them.

Here are the four exercise basics that always matter. And just to let you know, if you’re looking for the “Silver Bullet Secret Your Trainer Doesn’t Want You to Know” in this list… you’ll be disappointed.

Exercise Basics

• Movement and posture first. Whatever your goal is, you must focus on your movement and posture. Without that, you won’t be able to get everything you can out of your workouts, and you won’t feel very good in the process.

• Strength second. I’ll keep this simple. When you train for strength, you build muscle

which helps… well, everything. It also helps with your mindset in more ways than I can explain right now.

• Be consistent. It doesn’t get any more basic than this. You won’t get results if you don’t show up. It is surprising to me how many people lack basic consistency.

• Work hard. This doesn’t mean you have to kill yourself every session or anything like that but push yourself. If a weight is easy, get a heavier one. If you’re doing a circuit, move faster. Push yourself just 1% harder, and you’ll see better results. Not rocket science. This doesn’t have to be hard; as I’ve written many times, it shouldn’t be. I hope it clears some things up for you.

Mitch Rothbardt is owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. Reach him with any questions at the dog park with Penny and Puppy almost every afternoon or at Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com.