JUNE 7, 2023

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

CV BROTHERS

Raising Money, Awareness for Preventive Care

Oren’s Way

Local animator to debut film this Sunday at Chabot Theatre

Page 2

The Cobblers

Popular Hayward shoe store to mark 65 years on June 11

Page 3

SENIORS

CVSan Breaks Ground

By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

“We are really looking forward to this being our new home,” said Naomi Lue, Zero Waste Supervisor.

CVSan’s General Manager, Roland P. Williams, Jr., gave a brief history of the district, which was formed in 1939. In 1930 there were only 100 families in Castro see CVSAN on page 3

By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Castro Valley natives Ryan and Nick Allen have taken on the extraordinary challenge of preventing and treating illness—by raising money for preventive care and becoming doctors themselves.

“We’ve felt inspired to do this for quite a while,” says Ryan, 22. “We’re both med school students and every year we do some sort of physical challenge to raise money for various healthcare-related programs we’ve got going on.”

Ryan started a non-profit (Zone 7: Beyond Health) to help people avoid preventable illnesses. He will join his brother Nick studying at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix this year, where Nick is in his third of four years.

“In the hospital, we see patients who walk through the door with an illness, and at that point, we can only do so much,” says Nick, 24. “ Our mission with the non-profit is to address preventive health care early on, to keep people from having to come to the hospital in the first place. These are ‘upstream’ issues like getting nutritious food, having access to health care, getting exercise, and getting enough sleep. We raise money so we can help communities that need it.”

Through Zone 7: Beyond Health, which Ryan started about three years ago, the brothers and a group of volunteers have provided health screenings—such as blood tests and blood pressure checks—for underserved populations, see CARE on page 5

Senior Q&A My mom is in ICU.

How do I activate Power of Attorney?

Page 10

INDEX

Agents in Action ...... 7

Calendar ................ 4

Classified Ads ....... 8

Crosswords ........... 9

Homes...................... 6

Opinions ................ 11

Our Town ................. 3

Seniors .................. 10

Sports .................. 12 Weather ................ 2

CVHS 2023 Graduates Express Hope, Change

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

A total of 667 graduating Castro Valley High School seniors marched into Trojan Stadium last Friday to receive their diplomas and celebrate their accomplishments.

The in-person and livestreamed event was highlighted by speaker after speaker calling on the graduates to follow their dreams. Parents, families, and friends in the stands were greeted with a diverse welcome in more than 15 languages.

This year’s graduating class received numerous awards and honors. The Class of 2023 saw

four National Merit Finalists, six Herculean Awards (given to those who have achieved seven or more varsity letters in their four years), seven students receiving sports scholarships, and more than 200 students who achieved a grade point average of 4.0 or higher.

The path to this event was challenging, as this was the last class to experience the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic while in high school. The graduates now face hope, excitement, and change.

“New beginnings are never easy. They require us to step out of our comfort zones, face see GRADUATES, back page

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SINGER

CVSan officially broke ground June 1 for its new headquarters at the corner of Castro Valley Boulevard and Center Street.

Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) officially broke ground on June 1 for its new Operations and Engineering headquarters at the corner of Castro Valley Boulevard and Center Street.

PHOTO BY LINDA SANDSMARK

Ten animators used computers to hand-draw 24,000 frames for “Orens Way.” The animators were given storyboards and instructions on what Lee wanted to do for each shot. The project took three and a half years to finish.

Local Animator to Debut Film At Chabot Theatre on Sunday

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

When she was young, Keika Lee was smitten by Disney’s 1950 animated classic “Cinderella.” This Sunday, the Castro Valley native is debuting her own hand-drawn animated film, “Oren’s Way,” at The Chabot Theater.

The event on June 11 will entail the screening of the 17-minute film, a panel interview, and a meet-and-greet with the animator, in addition to free popcorn, drinks, and autographed posters.

“Oren’s Way” is about a

clever princess who must capture a magical golden fox to save her kingdom from eternal sadness. On her journey, she conquers obstacles, the last of which reveals a hidden truth about herself. The film draws inspiration from filmmaker and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who produced “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.”

“I wanted to make a film about a strong female character that fights for her own identity and finds her own truth and happiness. The film needed to have several surprises and a cute animal for the kids,” Lee told the Forum.

Lee grew up in Castro Valley when her family moved here in 1989. After high school, she attended The Academy of Art College in San Francisco and later worked at DreamWorks Animation, where she managed teams of 3D modelers on productions of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” and “Megamind.”

In 2017, she started her own animation studio, Greyscale, named for Lee’s love of silent film. Her first production, “Odd Dog,” was based on her son’s close relationship with his cat—who acts like a dog—and how they became best friends. see ANIMATOR on page 5

Public Hearing: Participate in CVUSD Transition to By-Trustee Area Election

On April 26, 2023, the District initiated the process of transitioning the method by which the Board of Trustees are elected. Under the new proposed system, candidates will be elected by “trustee areas.” This means only voters within a given trustee area can vote for candidates who reside

within that same area. The intent of this proposed system is to offer greater opportunities for Board representation for candidates that might not otherwise be elected under an at-large system.

You’re invited to participate: Post-Map Public Hearing #1June 12, 2023 at 5pm

Post-Map Public Hearing #2June 14, 2023 at 6pm

Post-Map Public Hearing #3June 28, 2023 at 6pm

The Board will vote on trustee area boundaries on June 28, 2023. For more info on the hearing, please visit: www.cv.k12.ca.us/by-trusteeelections-publichearings/

ARTWORK COURTESY OF GREYSCALE ANIMATION

Sheriff’s Report

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Loaded and Concealed Weapon in the Park

Friday, June 2: at 1:31 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 42-year-old man suspected of illegally carrying a loaded and concealed weapon in a school zone and resisting arrest. The man was at an event at the CV Community Center on Lake Chabot Road when deputies approached him for questioning. The man revealed that he had the weapon but became confrontational. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.

Shoplifter With Drugs

Friday, June 2: at 8:58 p.m., a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting, possessing fentanyl drugs and related paraphernalia. Deputies were called to a grocery store on Redwood Road near the Boulevard after security detained the man for walking out with unpaid merchandise. The man was taken into custody.

Wanted Man

Friday, June 2: at 8:30 p.m., deputies served a warrant for a 37-year-old CV man who was charged with assault on a family member and child endangerment. The man was at a home on Center Street near Gem Avenue when deputies served the warrant. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Public Intoxication

Saturday, June 3: at 3:49 a.m., a 38-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. Deputies responded to a call about a man making noise in the middle of the street on San Miguel Avenue near Lux Avenue. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.

Busted for Drugs

Wednesday, May 31: at 10:43 p.m., deputies arrested a 31-year-old man with no per-

manent residence on suspicion of possessing fentanyl drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man was traveling on North 6th near Grove Way when deputies stopped him for questioning and discovered his stash. Deputies took the man into custody.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest

Tuesday, May 30: at 7:58 p.m., a 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving to evade arrest and possessing methamphetamine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man also had a warrant issued for his capture. Deputies reported they attempted to stop the man for a traffic violation, but he sped off through the neighborhood until he was stopped at Carlos Bee Park on Grove Way. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

see REPORT on page 11

CVSan: Building New Headquarters

continued from front page Valley, Williams said, and there were no sanitation services at that time. Between 1930 and 1947, Castro Valley grew to 1,700 homes. Now there are more than 66,000 people living here, and the area continues to grow.

In 1995 Williams began working for Castro Valley Sanitary. He was one of only seven employees there at that time. As the population of our area grew, CVSan also outgrew its original small office. It moved to its current location on Marshall Street in 1997. The building was designed for 13 employees but has been remodeled twice to accommodate more. Now there are 23 employees—requiring some equipment to be located in storage nearby and some functions to be temporarily housed offsite.

Following a multi-year approval process, CVSan will

now officially begin work on its new 22,000-square-foot LEED-certified location, targeting completion toward the end of 2024. It will have an eight-foot sound wall and oneway traffic to minimize “backup sounds” for its adjacent neighbors. The new building will be close to the street, with a “Demonstration Garden” in front showcasing sustainable gardening.

Members of the public and numerous local officials were at the groundbreaking ceremony. Castro Valley resident Terrie Light says she’s always been impressed with CVSan.

“In college, I read ‘Silent Spring’ and decided I wanted to recycle,” she says. “We moved here in 1997 and were immediately given a green waste compost bin. I’ve been thrilled to use it. We found out Castro Valley was way ahead of its time, ahead of Berkeley and Oakland.”

The Cobblers to Mark 65 Years

This Coming Tuesday, June 13

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

CVSan provides for the collection of wastewater and oversees the collection and proper handling of solid waste from homes and businesses located in its service area. It also holds recycling events and teaches all local 3rd graders about the “four Rs” — recycle, reduce, reuse, and rot.

The new headquarters will be located at 21195 Center Street. More information is available at cvsan.org, (510) 537-0757.

Hayward is cutting a ribbon in front of The Cobblers shoe store at 22443 Foothill Blvd. on Tuesday, June 13—but it’s to mark their 65 years in business there, not the opening of a new business.

Rudy Grasseschi and his family are in the third and fourth generation of running the store, which opened on Foothill Boulevard on June 13, 1958, in what was then a new retail development. It moved a few doors to a larger location in 1991.

Rudy’s dad Alfred had opened his first shoe store in Hayward in 1932 at the corner of B Street and Castro, which is now Mission Boulevard.

Rudy was the ninth of 11 children born to Alfred and Alina Grasseschi, who had both come from Santa Maria del Guidice, near Lucca in Italy. There was a detour to Montana to mine copper for a decade before moving to much warmer Hayward.

Rudy and his brothers worked at his parent’s shop after school and on weekends after it had moved across the street to what was then 619

Castro Street. At one point, Hayward had 15 shoe stores and five shoe repair shops, Rudy said.

When the store opened on Foothill, Hayward was booming and had recently added J.C. Penney’s, Capwell’s, and Woolworth’s, he added. All those are gone from downtown, although Penney’s remains open across town at the Southland Mall.

Today, Rudy runs the store along with his sons Dino and Rodney and grandsons Kenneth and Wayne. They’re joined by master shoe repairer Hector, an “honorary son.” see COBBLERS on page 10

The staff at The Cobblers shoe store on Foothill Boulevard in Hayward. Owner Rudy Grasseschi holds up the store’s commemorative T-shirt in center, flanked by, from left, grandson Kenneth, “honorary son” Hector, grandson Wayne and son Dino. Not shown is son Rodney.

PHOTOS BY MIKE McGUIRE

ART DEMO THIS SATURDAY

Sandcastle Contest on Saturday

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

One of the East Bay Regional Park District’s most popular and enjoyable events is scheduled for Saturday, June 10, at Crown Beach in Alameda. It’s the 55th Annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest, always a family-friendly crowd pleaser.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday, June 9

Libertarian Party June Social Meet-Up

The Libertarian Party of Alameda County will be holding its June Social Meet-Up this Friday, June 9, at 7pm at Canyon’s BBQ, 3341 Castro Valley Blvd. on the patio. Visit: www.lpac.us/june_2023_monthly_meet_and_greet

Friday, June 9

San Leandro Garden Club Yard Sale

A.R.T., Inc. will hold a free art demo this Saturday, June 10, from 2 to 4 pm at the Adobe Art Gallery & Center (20395 San Miguel Ave. in Castro Valley). The demo will feature Meghana Mitragotri, a watercolorist who will share some of the unique techniques she has developed while exhibiting her work nationally & internationally. Meg hails from a family of scientists. Growing up in a diverse community in India heightened her interest in art, dance, languages, and classical music. In 2014, she immigrated to the U.S. and became a full-time professional artist. Her work has received numerous awards. See more of her work on her website: www.daintlymade.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• June 5th through June 9th - Textile Collection Week (Place clean, bagged textiles curbside on your regular collection day). Details at cvsan.org/Textiles

• June 8th - Communications Committee meeting.

• June 13th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.

• June 15th - Business Services Committee Meeting.

• June 19th - Special Board Meeting.

• June 20th - Wastewater Committee Meeting.

LEARN MORE!

CVSAN.ORG/DC

• July 4th - Independence Day (CVSan Closed).

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

• June 26th at 3:00 p.m. until July 6th

- Appointment Registration for July 22nd Recycles Day. Register at cvsan.org/ RecyclesDay. Questions? Call (510) 537-0757.

CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT

CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757

Sewer Emergencies: (510) 506-5821

Effective Environmental Services since 1939 | cvsan.org

The contest is free and open to all ages. Entrants can chose to construct either a castle or sculpture, competing in youth, family or adult categories.

Registration is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the bathhouse, which is reached via the park entrance at the intersection of Otis Drive and Eighth Street/ Westline Drive.

For your castle or sculpture, you have to use only items found at the beach. You can’t bring in your own embellishments. That said, the variety and creativity of the entries is always amazing. It’s as much fun to watch as to participate.

Construction ends at noon and judging begins. Winners receive trophies and ribbons during an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. This isn’t a high-stakes contest; bragging rights are the real reward.

Contest sponsors are the Alameda Recreation & Parks Department, East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda Youth Committee, and the Bay View Women’s Club. For more information, call the City of Alameda at 510-747-7529, or the Park District’s Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove at 510544-3187.

I’ve Decided That It’s Time to Retire And in conclusion…. after writing this column for more years than I can remember, I have decided that it’s time to retire.

see PARKS on page 5

The San Leandro Garden Club will hold its annual Yard Sale this Saturday, June 10, from 9 am to 2 pm at 3785 Somerset Ave. in Castro Valley. Proceeds will increase the club’s annual donations to several local charities.

Saturday, June 10 & Sunday, June 11

Eden Bazaar 2023

Eden Japanese Community Center (located at 710 Elgin Street, San Lorenzo) welcomes you to their annual bazaar. Event takes place this Saturday from 1 to 7pm and Sunday, from 11am to 6pm. Visit: www.edenjapanesecc.org/events

Saturday, June 10

Bike Commuting Basics at CV Library

Bicycling to shopping, transit, or work is a great way to save money, stay fit, and help the environment all in one! At this workshop you’ll learn how to outfit your bike, adjust a helmet, navigate urban traffic, and have more fun on every bike trip. This indoor, 1-hour class starts at 1:30 pm at the Castro Valley Library (3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley). For adults and teens, no bike required.

Monday, June 12

CVUSD Public Hearing

On April 26, CVUSD initiated the process of transitioning the method by which Trustees are elected. Under the new proposed system, candidates will be elected by “trustee areas.” This means only voters within a given trustee area can vote for candidates. You’re invited to participate Monday, June 12, at 5pm. See more information on page 2

Tuesday, June 13

Rotary Club Hosts Misty Short Misty Short, Club Member, will describe the extensive training course she completed with Rotary District 5170. A buffet lunch and the event take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road) at 12 noon to 1:30 pm. You must RSVP by 9 pm on Sunday, June 11, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123.

Wednesday, June 14

Coffee with a Cop

The Alameda County Sheriffs Office will be a co-host for a free community engagement event taking place at the Cannery Kitchen & Tap (3295 Castro Valley Blvd). The event is a chance for community members to meet their local Sheriffs Deputies over a free cup of coffee.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Health Department: Mpox Vaccinations Now Available

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Despite a low number of cases of mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in the Bay Area over the last few months, the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) issued a statement last Wednesday letting people know that vaccinations are now available and recommended. Mpox is a viral disease that can be spread between people or between people and certain animals like monkeys or squirrels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-toskin contact, including direct contact with an mpox rash

Care: CV Brothers Establish ‘Zone 7’

continued from front page including the homeless and people on the streets. They fund scholarships for deserving students who share their passion for health equity and community well-being. They’ve brought nutrition information to underfunded schools. And to encourage exercise and combat childhood obesity, Ryan donated soccer balls to an elementary school in Oakland. The school had major funding limitations on its physical education programs, so Ryan taught the kids to play soccer.

To raise funds and awareness for these activities, the brothers receive pledges for physical challenges that they do between studies.

The first year they did a 600-mile bike ride from Castro Valley to the Mexican border near San Diego. They raised $1,500 from family and friends.

The second year they did an

Iron Man Triathlon: swimming, biking, and running a marathon, and raised close to $10,000.

On May 6 this year, they tried their most difficult challenge: each carrying 100 pounds of water seven miles from the Colorado River at the base of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim—a 5,000-foot elevation gain. This has only been done once by elite Olympic athlete Ryan Hall. Unfortunately, the brothers made it five miles and had to stop carrying the water due to safety concerns as darkness approached. They finished the final two miles without the water.

“This was definitely our hardest challenge so far,” says Nick, who had very limited time to train while in med school. “I had a big water jug in my backyard that I’d carry around whenever I had 20 minutes to spare or on my days off.”

Animator: ‘Oren’s Way’ Film Debut this Sunday

continued from page 2

Ten animators used computers to hand-draw 24,000 frames for “Orens Way.” The animators were given storyboards and instructions on what Lee wanted to do for each shot. The project took three and a half years to finish.

“Hand-drawn animation is special. There’s nothing like it still,” Lee says. “It brings a lot of personality and emotion to

every line that is crafted. Also, it emotes a lot of nostalgia to those who grew up watching old Disney movies.”

Lee adds that she’s submitted “Oren’s Way” in other film festivals, but she is excited to debut it for her hometown audience.

“If this girl from a small town can make a big dream come true, then anybody can,” Lee says.

Despite the setback, the Allens were able to raise over $15,000 and are still gratefully accepting donations at their website https://www.zone7.io/ .

Their non-profit has also expanded from just the two brothers to approximately 20 volunteers now. Most are med students, but others are nurses, people who work in affordable housing, and computer support.

The Allen brothers, who were active in local sports here, attended Jensen Ranch Elementary and Canyon Middle Schools in Castro Valley.

Both graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, Nick in 2016, and Ryan in 2018. Both graduated from U.C. Berkeley and are excited to be together again, studying at the Mayo Clinic campus in Phoenix. Ryan plans to be an Emergency Room doctor, and Nick to become a primary care physician.

Their non-profit’s name, “Zone 7,” comes from a term used in exercise science.

“There are six so-called ‘zones’ of exertion, 1 to 6, increasing in intensity,” says Ryan. “In Zone 1, you’re resting. By Zone 5, you’re sprinting. Zone 7 doesn’t really exist, but it’s our way of creating another level if you will.”

To find out more about the Allens and the Zone 7 activities, or to donate, see the following online: Website: zone7.io/donate; Venmo: @ zone7health; Email: contact@ zone7.io; and social media (Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.): @zone7health

or scabs from a person with mpox, as well as contact with their saliva, snot, mucus, or genitalia.

In the current mpox outbreak, the virus is spreading primarily through sexual contact, the ACPHD said. Persons living with HIV, persons who are eligible for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), men who have sex with men, trans people, and nonbinary people are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated.

However, infections have occurred through other exposures, including non-sexual contact. County health officials are encouraging all those who need protection from mpox to get vaccinated now, ahead of large-crowd summer celebrations like concerts or festivals.

The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, given at least 28 days apart. People are considered “fully vaccinated” 14 days after getting the twodose series.

“Mpox shouldn’t be allowed to ruin summer fun,” said Dr. George Ayala, ACPHD Deputy Director. “The 2-dose JYNNEOS vaccine, together with prevention education, are our strongest lines of defense against mpox infection, serious illness, and hospitalization. The vaccine is safe and effective. We must get the word out now.”

There are several upcoming events where you can get vaccinated at no cost. For information, visit the ACPHD website (monkeypox.wpengine.com/ vaccine/)

Parks: I’ve Decided It’s Time to Retire

continued from previous page

Many thanks to the Park District Public Affairs Department, and all the district staff, past and present, who have been generous with their time and info. Any errors that have showed up in my columns have been mine, not theirs.

Thanks also to the media for its continuing coverage of the District and its services to the public. I would also like to thank the readers, who have occasionally suggested column topics, shared their own park experiences, or pointed out my factual lapses.

Of course the real star of the show has always been the East Bay Regional Park District itself. And its story is a remarkable one. From its founding in 1934 through a grass-roots movement headed by community leaders with admirable foresight, the District has grown to become a two-county public agency with 73 parks totaling more than 125,000 acres. It is the largest regional park agency in the United States. Wherever you live in the East Bay, there is a regional park within 15 minutes of your home.

Their foresight notwithstanding, the Park District’s founders would likely be amazed at the agency’s size and variety today. The District’s offerings include hiking, equestrian and cycling trails, picnicking, camping, swimming, fishing, and natural and cultural history programs. District parklands also preserve critical habitat for wildlife and

protect some of the beautiful open spaces that make the East Bay such a desirable place to live.

I urge everyone to take advantage of all the great programs and activities for all ages that are available in the Regional Parks. The parks are an extraordinary resource for recreation, nature study, and the health benefits conferred by outdoor exercise. We are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of the founders’ vision, and the agency they created needs and deserves our support.

My columns could only

mention a few of the District’s programs each week. For the full story, visit www.ebparks. org/things-to-do, and also look for the District’s bi-monthly Regional in Nature Activity Guide, available at visitor centers, as a newspaper insert, and online at www.ebparks. org/RIN.

As for me, although I will no longer be writing the column, I will continue involvement with the District through the Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol and other activities, exploring and enjoying our regional parks. I hope to see you on the trails.

Co-founders Ryan Allen (second left) and Nick Allen (second right), as well as Castro Valley natives Aaron Cheung (third left), Kyle Ah-Tye (third right), and Gaspar Gamez (right) in their volunteer support team, pose on the South Kaibab Trail following their Zone 7 Grand Canyon Challenge, in which the two founders each carried 100 lbs of water for approximately 5 miles and 3,500 ft elevation.

Laurie

State Farm’s Refusal to Write New CA Homeowner Policies Underscore Emerging Insurance Crisis

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

As difficult as it is to buy a home these days, another roadblock has been added: obtaining homeowner’s insurance. In response to the growing losses from wildfires and other catastrophes, State Farm has just joined the long list of insurers who will no longer write new homeowner policies in the Golden State.

A recent CalMatters article by Ben Christopher And Grace Gedye (June 1, 2023) informs, “the retraction of California’s biggest home coverage provider is only the latest development in a wildfire-fueled crisis that has smoldered beneath the

surface of the state’s insurance market for years.

A fter the disastrous fires of 2017 and 2018, the number of Californians who were told by their insurer that their policy wouldn’t be renewed jumped up by 42% to almost 235,000 households. The two severe wildfire years wiped out decades of industry profits.”

In a press release informing the public of their decision, State Farm blamed a double whammy of an escalation in natural disasters in California coupled with soaring construction costs making rebuilding uber expensive. As the number of natural catastrophes increases, unprecedented demands are being placed on the state’s

labor pool and supply chain, pushing prices even higher in a seemingly never-ending spiral.

So now what? I recently encountered my own issues insuring a vacation property located in a mountainous area – no one wanted to touch it. While I was finally able to locate an insurer, the price of the policy is astronomical.

There is still one final resort. California’s FAIR Plan Association (https://www. cfpnet.com) provides basic fire insurance to high-risk homeowners that cannot obtain an insurance policy from any other provider. Through a shared market, licensed insurance companies agree to share the risk of California homeowners

who do not qualify for voluntary coverage by providing funding for the FAIR Plan. Even this solution has an emerging problem, however: it requires funding from existing insurance providers such as State Farm. As major insurers continue to pull out of California, available funding for the FAIR Plan is decreasing.

Since lenders require a homeowner’s insurance policy on every property for which they provide a mortgage, a situation akin to a virus propagating in the darkness is brewing. As we recently saw, when COVID-19 hit, everything screeched to a halt. Imagine what might happen if California real estate

see more AGENTS on page 7

transactions suddenly ceased as lenders refused to fund loans due to a lack of insurance.

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.

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

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HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.

Help

HELP WANTED

MISC. FOR SALE

The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for: Deputy City Clerk$8,483.00 - $10,312.00 Monthly

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

HOUSE CLEANING

VICTORIA’SHOUSE CLEANING

Excellent references. Free estimates

Reasonable rates. 510-715-1578

VictoriaGutierrez140@gmail.com

HOPE YOU FIND just the job you are looking for!

San

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)

Black leather recliner couch $300, like new black couch $375. 510-5381309.

Wire dog cage 48”Lx31”W in good condition. $30. Call 510-278-9719.

MISC. WANTED

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

WANTED: Old toys, pedal cars, license plates, old coins, etc. 510886-3195.

MUSIC SERVICES

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

RENTALS

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

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

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

Classified Advertising

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

TREE SERVICE

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

CV (near Lake Chabot) 1-bedroom/ 1-bath in-law unit. $1,595 month. 510-537-3509.

San Leandro clean, quiet, unfurnished room with private entry, hardwood floors. $1,200. No drugs. 510316-6326..

RENTALS/RV SPACES

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

Sat., March 4, 2023 8:00 PM

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

You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save $5 by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.

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

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

KENNY LATTIMORE

Traditional R&B

Tickets: baltheatre.com and Ticketmaster.com

BALTHEATRE • SAN LEANDRO • 510-614-7700

Seniors: ‘Mom is in the ICU, I Need a Power of Attorney’

Q:“Mom suffered a stroke and is in the hospital in ICU. I do not have signing power on her bank accounts and I need to pay her bills. I am told that I need a Power of Attorney so that I can take care of her finances. Can you help?”

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

We frequently receive frantic calls like the above, and it saddens me that I usually have to advise the caller that it may now be too late. A Power of Attorney is a legal document and can only be signed when the signer, also called the principal, has legal capacity. If the principal is delirious, in a coma, or otherwise mentally incapacitated, he or she does not have

the required capacity to sign a power of attorney or, indeed, any other legal document. This advice often comes as a surprise to the well-intentioned family member who hopes to help a loved one manage his or her affairs. In cases like this, I find myself wishing that the caller had contacted us sooner, before the crisis, so that we could have prepared the necessary documents to deal with just this problem. Incapacity, especially if brought on suddenly by an injury, stroke or other acute event, can strike without warning, and is especially problematic for seniors in declining health. Incapacity can also be a gradual process, brought on by declining memory, dementia or other mental problems.

Senior Scam Prevention

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 by Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) of Legal Assistance for Seniors. Join us for this FREE informational program at the Castro Valley Library (3600 Norbridge Avenue) on

Thursday, July 6, from 11 am 12 noon. No registration is required. 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. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary. org/branches/csv.

Keep in mind that signing a Durable Power of Attorney (“DPOA”) does not necessarily mean that the signer instantly gives up control over his financial affairs. Indeed, the DPOA can be a “springing power”, which means that it only becomes effective when, for example, a physician certifies in writing that the principal no longer has capacity to manage his or her affairs. It can also provide that the principal’s power to manage his own affairs is restored if he later regains capacity. Further, a DPOA can be a comprehensive legal document which delegates to a trusted agent authority to do almost everything that the principal could do on his own, or it can be a limited power which authorizes the agent to handle only certain types of transactions, such as the payment of bills from a specific checking account.

It is a common misconception that powers of attorney are all alike. They are not. Indeed, a DPOA can be as broad, or as limited, as the need and comfort of the principal requires. By way of example, it can authorize the creation or modification of Living Trusts, the purchase or modification of insurance policies, the making of gifts to loved ones, and/or Medi-Cal planning for long-term care. The important point, however, is to take steps to create one which meets your needs before a crisis strikes and while you are in full possession of your faculties. In that way, it can serve you and your loved ones well in the event of future need, and likely avoid the need for a court-supervised, and often expensive, conservatorship proceeding.

Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 30 years. Visit: LawyerForSeniors.com

Cobblers: They Will Save Your Sole

continued from page 3

Then-Assemblyman Bill Quirk recognized them as his district’s Small Business of the Year in 2018. The award recognized, along with the shoe store itself, its sponsorship of The Cobblers Car Show in Hayward for years. This was halted only by the pandemic but has been held only once since in the absence of its longtime organizer, Rudy said.

They saw a business drop during the pandemic when they cut down to being open half-days but kept everybody working and kept most of their customers.

“Our main business today is work shoes, both sales and repairs,” Rudy says.

The repair area at the front of the store keeps busy, and there’s a steady stream of customers dropping off shoes to

be repaired and picking them up afterward. Each shoe has its own repair record, the elder Grasseschi said.

Rudy said that fewer people get regular shoes repaired these days.

“They buy them cheap, often on the Internet, and then just throw them out,” he said. “But when someone pays $200 or $300 for work shoes, they’ll repair those.”

Making Mountains Out of Mole Hills - A Lesson from Leaf Curl

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

First off, thank you to Dennis for reaching out and sharing about bamboo with me. I love hearing from readers, so when I say I want to hear from you, I mean it. Today we’re finishing the series with my inspirations from nature by looking at something very near and dear to my heart, leaf curl. Actually, that’s not true. It’s the peaches on the peach tree at our previous house. The leaf curl was the thing that destroyed the thing that’s near and dear to my heart.

When I first moved in with my girlfriend, now wife, I got to eat some delicious peaches from the peach tree. The following year, I noticed the leaves were looking weird, and the resulting fruit was odd too. Since I knew nothing about peach trees, I thought it was done for. I got desperate, and I did what any logical adult would do… ask for help on

Facebook. It was actually quite helpful, and friends told me it was leaf curl, which could be remedied with a simple spray. It was a little too late to save the fruit and tree for this season, but I could save it for next season.

I was surprised at the solution and the resulting impact. In my mind, I was already imagining a dead tree, but learning that all I needed was a simple spray, and things could return to normal blew my mind.

Now, anyone who might have a green thumb probably already knew that, and you’re probably questioning my intelligence right now. You have every right to do that, but the realization I had after this realization was this: we imagine the worst-case scenarios for situations where we lack information that probably have very simple answers.

I recently met with a new client. He has a very successful and profitable business, but his home life wasn’t as stable. He felt like his partner didn’t appreciate all that he did and kept asking for his time and attention, even though his business required virtually all of him. It was serious enough that he was considering other living options or lifestyle choices… that’s probably the most politically correct way to say that. He hadn’t done anything, but in his frustration, he had rattled off some thoughts that seemed far from ideal.

After getting all of his frustrations out, which is very important when working through issues like this, I shared some relationship frameworks and general coaching concepts I share with all of my clients. In the end, he realized there was a disconnect in their relationship, as well as a lack of perspective taking. He didn’t realize what she wants and needs were, and see KOO on back page

Owner Rudy Grasseschi (right) and his grandson Rodney in the shoe repair area of the Cobblers shoe store on Foothill Boulevard in Hayward.

DA Authorizes New Gun Enhancements

District Attorney Pamela Price has authorized a gun enhancement for Vaughn Boatner, a 33-year-old man accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend in her Hayward home on May 11, 2023. DA Price also has authorized his extradition from Washington state to California to face those charges, in addition to attempted murder charges and child abuse.

Mr. Boatner, of San Mateo, is accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Monique Aldridge seven times in the head and also shooting her new boyfriend Jacques Jackson Fields once in the head and in the arm. The incident unfolded in front of the five-year-old son both Aldridge and Boatner shared.

Mr. Jackson Field survived and managed to protect the young boy. U.S. Marshals captured Vaughn Boatner on May 22 in Seattle. He will

be brought back to Alameda County to face justice.

“In this instance, we believe the major gun enhancement is appropriate in this egregious violent crime,” DA Price said. “The message I will continue to repeat is that our special directive doesn’t prohibit all gun enhancements. Each crime requires a painstaking evaluation of the evidence and the circumstances. Unless required by law or excluded from the policy, enhancements are not going to be automatically applied. They will be used sparingly when appropriate, as in this case.”

Without any gun enhancements, Boatner could face 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend and seven years to life for the attempted premeditated murder of Jackson Field. With enhancements, he could face 50 years to life for murder and 32 to life for attempted murder.

Report: Drugs and Theft

Continued from page 3 Possession of Illegal Drug Paraphernalia

Tuesday: May 30: at 9:42 a.m., deputies arrested a 48-year-old woman with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing illegal drug paraphernalia. The woman was traveling on Vegas Avenue near Redwood Road when deputies stopped her for questioning and discovered she had a pipe used for smoking narcotics in her bag. The woman was taken into custody.

SL

Inner Wheel Club

Installs New Officers

Petty Theft and Property Damage

Tuesday: May 30: at 1:12 p.m., a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of petty theft and property damage. Deputies were called to a restaurant on Castro Valley Boulevard near Redwood Road after the manager reported a patron tried taking off with unpaid merchandise and ended up damaging the property for more than $400. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Inner Wheel Club of San Leandro conducted its 20232024 Installation of Officers with a memorable garden themed ceremony. Historian Pat Duey’s gorgeous garden was such an appropriate setting. IWUSA President Gloria Vasconcellos conducted the beautiful Garden of Friendship and Service Ceremony.

Newly installed members were Jennifer Reed & Inez Dominguez. They were welcomed & presented with a long stem red rose. Each incoming officer was presented with gardening tools and packets of seeds to assist in “watering and nurturing the areas of responsibility”. Monika Williams-President, Amy Neuman-Vice President, Jeanetta Arenott-Secretary, Inez Dominguez-Treasurer, Chairs-Lynnette Flusche-ISO, Pearl Johnston-Publicity, Penny Robb-Sunshine, Pat Duey-Historian, Kristi Barnes-BAWAR Kits. Linda Mahadevan-Immediate Past President was commended for her amazing efforts and hard work.

Best wishes to Inner Wheel Club of San Leandro for a wonderful, colorful GARDEN of friendship and service! For more information: iwclubofsanleandro@gmail.com

Ken Martin Bocce Tournament

The Castro Valley Bocce Group will host its annual Ken Martin Memorial Bocce Tournament at Adobe Park in Castro Valley on Saturday, June 17. The event will be sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the George Mark Children’s House https:// georgemark.org/, which focuses on quality of life and continuity of care for children with illnesses that modern healthcare cannot yet cure, or

for those who have complex, chronic medical conditions.

If you are interested in participating or making a tax deductible donation to this worthy organization, email Tara Peterson at yzmafan@ gmail.com.

All real estate advertised in the Castro Valley Forum is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. The Castro Valley Forum will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. A = SAN LEANDRO B = BERKELEY • C = CASTRO VALLEY • D = DUBLIN • F = FREMONT • H = HAYWARD L = LIVERMORE M = MODESTO • S = SHEFFIELD VILLAGE • SLZ = SAN LORENZO • W = WALNUT CREEK • Z= ALAMEDA CITY GUIDE SAT. & SUN. JUNE 10 & 11 CITY SAT SUN ADDRESS PRICE BDR./BA. REALTOR AGENT PHONE S 2-4 2-4 149 Marlow Drive $880,000 2/1 Red Oak Realty Greg Novak 510-472-4770 H 1-4 1-4 27492 Capri Ave $789,000 4/2 ReMax Accord Lovewell Team 510-351-5555

Letters Editor

TO THE

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley, which recently sponsored the inaugural BBQ, AXES & BEER event (May 12th), I would like to personally thank and recognize owner Larry Ingram and the staff of Canyons BBQ for their generous donation of the outstanding BBQ meals and overall support of the event. When Rotary first approached Canyons BBQ about a partnership, we never envisioned how generous they would be in terms of food, staff time, advice, and overall support to ensure that the event flowed smoothly, was successful, and helped create an enjoyable evening. Rotarians believe in and are committed to Service Above Self, so I was delighted to see that, as a new business in town, Canyons BBQ understands what it means to be a great community partner. Rotary appreciates the community spirit and goodwill that Canyons BBQ demonstrated and hopes the community supports their business.Thank you to Canyons BBQ for making BBQ, AXES & BREW a remarkable success and establishing a new community tradition. Learn more about Rotary and upcoming events at castrovalleyrotary.org.

–Randy Vanderbilt, Rotary Club of Castro Valley

Amazing What’s Not Being Taught in School System

The kids had the past Monday off (Memorial Day). I asked my 15yo daughter (and her visiting boyfriend) what they knew about the holiday. The answer - two blank stares. So we jumped onto Prageru.com and watched a 5-minute video titled “The Fallen Soldier”. It is narrated by a former Navy SEAL. It provides a wonderful perspective and clearly communicates the significance of this important holiday. The site has hundreds of 5-minute videos which educate about the culture, history, and tradition of our nation. So those two learned something new. Do yours understand what this day means? If not, take five minutes and educate them. Apparently the school system does not (or they both slept thru the lesson that day). And they learned another maxim as well - “Those who fail to learn from history...”. Amazing what is NOT being taught in the school system nowadays.

–Stacy Spink, Castro Valley

ABANDONMENT FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NUMBER. 555426

The following person has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name:

Love, Art and Beauty by Vera, at 21060 Redwood Road #200 Suite 17, Castro Valley Ca 94552, in Alameda County.

Full name of registrant is: Ethan Lewis, at 3909 Boulder Canyon Drive, Castro Valley Ca 94552.

The Fictitious Business

Name Statement SLD Handcrafted, was filed on 02/19/2019 in the county of Alameda.

Original File Number 579985.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true information, which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). This statement was filed with the County clerk of Alameda County on: top right stamp date. NOTICE - This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed on, in the office of the County Clerk. A new

The Fictitious Business Name Statement

SLD Handcrafted, was filed on 06/14/2022 in the county of Alameda.

Original File Number 579985.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information, which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime). This statement was filed with the County clerk of Alameda County on: top right stamp date. NOTICE - This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed on, in the office of the County Clerk. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (see Section 14400, et seq., B&P Code.) This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of Alameda County on 04/06/2023

MAY 17, 24, 31, JUN 7, 2023 0775-CVF

Pictured: Linda Mahadevan (left) Past President Monika Williams (at right) President 2023-2024.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Graduates: Embrace Change, Hope

continued from front page uncertainty, and embrace change. However, through these challenges, we grow, we learn, and we discover our true potential,” said ASB President Jaylene Cole.

The theme of change was accented by the Senior choir’s acapella version of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin.’”

Inaugural Laureate Youth Poet of Alameda County, Zoe Dorado touched on the themes of hope and change with her poem, entitled “I asked OpenAI to write a poem about violence...” where she asks us to place actual accountability in place of hope.

Our Athletes of the Week are the Transfiguration Girls 6th Grade CYO team. The team had a season record of 11-2 overall. They won the Metro League division but lost a hard-fought game in the Championship last month, taking 2nd overall in the entire Oakland Diocese.

The team is comprised of players from both Canyon and Creekside Middle

Schools, as well as a few 5th Graders.

Pictured above: Front Left: Katie Silva L to R: Isla Hanson, Whitney Reichardt, Aaliyah Ogbonna, Sofia Gamino, Vera Burk-Ford, Sophia Naidu, Braelyn Brill, Emma Lau, Sabina Maliksi, Abigail Domingo Coaches L to R: Tony Silva (head coach), Jeff Hanson (assistant), Bryan Ford (assistant).

Wilhite

“Hope should hold some type of weight. Hope is a discipline,” Dorado read. “Our hope holds our community gently, but also holds us accountable,” concluding with, “Hope creates a future where we can finally breathe out.”

Senior Amaya Jiao asked her classmates to follow their heads and their hearts and not choose one or the other and that the beauty of life is to change because stagnation is lethal.

Girls

“I wish for us to find what ignites us and follow it. Passion is not easy to come by, but when we do find it, there will be no lack of inspiration,” Jiao said.

WALKING FOR A CAUSE

Principal Christopher Fortenberry urged graduates to hold onto the lessons they have learned and the friendships they have made as he reminds them their education has equipped them with the knowledge to pursue their dreams.

“Remember that success is not the title you hold or the material possessions you have acquired but by the impact you have on others. Don’t just aspire to make a living; aspire to make a difference,” Fortenberry said.

Koo: Finding Solutions to Obstacles

TIGERS EARN THEIR STRIPES: On May 26th, Chabot Elementary School students Jace Moore, Wil Whitby, and Joshua Whitby were awarded first place for walking the most laps in their school’s annual Tigerthon fundraiser. Each of them walked a total of 90 laps around the school, which is approximately 15 miles. They also raised $800 for the school’s annual fundraiser. Funds raised during this event go towards paying for the school’s Music for Minors program, field trips, technology updates, school supplies, garden and playground equipment, earthquake supplies, and other much-needed educational experiences that benefit Chabot Elementary students. Pictured above (from left to right) is: Wil Whitby, Joshua Whitby, and Jace Moore.

continued from page 10 she probably didn’t know his wants and needs either. The answer? We talked through the 5 Love Languages, and his assignment was to learn his love language, as well as hers. Then, to start providing love to her in her language, not his. Did you catch that? The answer was to take a 15-minute free online assessment, then apply the knowledge in conversations and interactions. It’s actually quite simple to do. What was lacking before was the awareness that love languages exist, as well as the willingness to work on the relationship. Once those two

pieces were in place, he felt like there was a chance for his marriage.

In this case, the marital problems and stress were like the leaf curl. To them, it felt like there was no answer.

Fights were getting worse, they would spend less time with each other, and eventually, it would end with them separating. What else could happen? However, once he got the spray and the knowledge of the 5 Love Languages, things seemed very manageable. Suddenly, he could see areas to improve and different options to consider.

It’s fascinating and so re-

warding to see these moments where it seems like there’s an insurmountable obstacle, only to see an exit door a few feet away.

What is something that feels insurmountable right now? I bet there’s a solution if you can get different eyes on it. If you don’t have a different set of eyes available, I’d love to help out. You know where to find me, so drop on by.

Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while dreaming about delicious peaches. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@gmail. com, or follow him on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching

The Matt

Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Transfiguration

Family and friends cheer from the stands for their graduates during this year’s commencement.