March 15, 2023

Women in Business

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

CVHS to Add Onsite Health Clinic

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Castro Valley High School could open an onsite health clinic as soon as August of this year, according to a plan laid out to the District at last Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

The clinic would allow students and the public to receive healthcare such as physical exams, sports physicals, immunizations and boosters, pharmacy prescriptions, reproductive health services, and referrals for dental and mental health services.

The clinic would be run through a partnership with the Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center (TVHC), which also operates school-based health centers at Tennyson High, Hayward High, and Logan High Schools.

“Many students are coming into our health office and asking for these types of services, but we currently have to send them off campus for them to get the health services they need,” said Marian Meadows, Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) behavioral health services coordinator.

The plan is to convert the two portable offices that used to house the previous Wellness

These two portables could soon house a new health clinic at Castro Valley High School. The school district’s partnership with the Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center would allow students and residents to get basic healthcare services.

Center between the 500 hall and F-wing buildings at the northwest end of campus. The portables, accessible at Santa Maria Avenue, are already outfitted as a health clinic space but need facility upgrades, Meadows added.

For its part, CVUSD will provide custodial services, ground-keeping maintenance as well as campus supervision.

The clinic would have on-campus access for students during the school day with limited access for the community after school and on weekends. Student confidentiality, parent engagement, referral processes, and other services will be coordinated between the clinic, the CVHS Health Office, and the CVHS Wellness Center.

“The clinic would have a family practitioner, a receptionist, and a health educator onsite with one or two examination rooms,” Katheryn Horner, Chief Operations Officer for TVHC, told the Forum. “We have a lot of experience in serving the community’s health needs, and we’re happy to be partnering with Castro Valley.”

see CLINIC on back page

Eviction Moratorium Set to Expire

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Renters in Castro Valley and other unincorporated areas financially impacted by COVID-19 could be at risk of eviction as soon as April 29 after the Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors let a pandemic-related moratorium expire and failed to pass new tenant protections at their Feb. 28 meeting.

Since the early days of the pandemic, landlords in Alameda County were restricted from evicting tenants who failed to pay rent if they lost jobs or suffered other hardships due to COVID-19.

When California and Alameda County health officials removed the “state of emergency” status late last month, it put in motion the end of the moratorium.

Unlike in Oakland and San

Leandro, which have their own protections, landlords in Castro Valley and

surrounding areas will be able to enforce nonpayment of rent in less than 45 days, leaving some tenants nervous.

“It’s a day when supervisors couldn’t deliver on the most basic tenant protections,” said

MAC MEETING

Utility Boxes Facelift

By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

The utility boxes around town boxes will be getting a facelift soon, as the next phase of the Alameda County Arts Commission was unanimously approved by the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) at their Monday night meeting.

The new phase will include refreshing the art on 47 existing decorated utility boxes and adding two more boxes on Foothill Boulevard at 164th Avenue and on 167th Avenue, which weren’t included in the initial 2018 phase of boxes that were decorated.

The vinyl wraps on the boxes need to be replaced every three to five years, and it’s time for a “proactive” update, according to Rachel Osajima, director of the Alameda County Arts Commission. The existing art will be replaced with new imagery from local artists, and installation is set for mid-2024 through 2025.

Barisha Spriggs of Eden Renters United.

Neither tenant groups nor landlords were pleased with the results of the meeting. Landlords and landlord groups had wanted an immediate end to the moratorium. In contrast, tenant groups had argued that protections were needed against the eviction wave they see as likely after the moratorium expires.

see EVICTION on page 4

Each box costs $5,750, including licensing art from the artists, So with an approximate five-year lifespan; that means having decorated boxes cost a bit more than $1,000 per year per box and a total of just more than $280,000 for all of the boxes in this phase.

Osajima says the cost is worth it because artwork deters graffiti and “arts and creativity are an essential part of life in our community.”

The MAC agreed, with member Ken Carbone saying he had “no problem with the expenditure” and member Al Pardo saying that the artwork has received “nothing but posisee MAC on page 10

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

RENT WOES

Castro Valley Weather March 15 - March 19, 2023

More than two dozen players and their coaches participated in the Castro Valley Independent Sports League’s annual T-Ball Parade on Saturday, March 4, at Marshall Fields. Decked out in their green, gold, and white uniforms, the players (ages 4-6) will spend the next few weeks learning about the game and playing with others at their skill level. Games this past week were rained out, but hopefully, the weather holds for this weekend. CVI has been in the community for decades and offers kids a chance to participate in a team sport, learn the physical and mental aspects of the game, and, above all, have fun. See more photos of the event online at: mycvforum.com

Jury Awards Family for Biased Arrest

A Las Vegas mother and her two daughters were awarded $8.5 million this month after a civil trial jury found Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies violated their civil rights after falsely arresting them in front of a Castro Valley coffee shop. The jury’s verdict on March

1 stated that Deputies Steven Holland and Monica Pope had racially profiled the three women while sitting in a rental car waiting to get coffee at the Starbucks on Castro Valley Boulevard and Lake Chabot Road. The women are black. The deputies are white.

Rotary

Club of Castro Valley

CASTRO VALLEY ROTARY CLUB SOCIAL

You are cordially invited to Our SOCIAL MIXER

March 21, 2023

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Castro Valley Marketplace (Upstairs)

3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley CA 94546

Members: $20.00 (Includes an invited guest)

Non-Members: $30.00

Enjoy Hors d'oeuvres & a No-Host Bar

A special event is planned so come & join us!

Questions: Call Aaron Lewis (510) 283-3760

On September 20, 2019, Aasylei Loggervale and daughters, Aaottae Loggervale, then 17, and Aasyeli Hardege-Loggervale, then 19, had traveled from Las Vegas on their way to Berkeley City College to take a college math test. The women had been stopped in the parking lot for some time before Sheriff’s deputies approached them.

Body cam footage shows Holland walking up to the vehicle and notifying the family that there had been several break-ins in that parking lot. He then asked why they were just sitting in the car. As the mother explains their situation, the deputy asks for her identification. That’s when the mother questions his intent.

“What kind of crime did I commit?” she asks.

Within seconds, the deputies decide to detain the women, handcuff them, and search them and their belongings. The daughters begin to use their smartphones to record the interaction while their mother is being placed in the back of a squad car.

After 16 hours of deliberation over two days, the jury agreed with the allegations of false arrest, invasion of privacy, negligence, and violasee ARREST on back page

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASTRO VALLEY INDEPENDENT SPORTS LEAGUE

CVI T-BALL PARADE

Living the Dream: Nate Bradley Extends Family’s Legacy of Exceptional Olive Oils

Many of us have had a great idea and thought, “I would love to start my own... (fill in the blank.)” Over time, I plan to explore the dream and the folks that are creating those dreams right here in Castro Valley. They are “living their dream.” Please stop by these new businesses and introduce yourself. Even better, make a purchase and tell a friend.

By Terry Liebowitz

Nate Bradley, proprietor of Amphora Nueva, the olive oil and vinegar store in the Market Place is Castro Valley through and through. He graduated from Castro Valley parent Nursery School, Chabot Elementary, Canyon and Castro Valley High School (’04) and after college, even worked as a substitute teacher in Castro Valley. His parents still live here.

Nate’s parents own Veronica Foods, one of the oldest family-owned wholesale olive oil companies in the United States. They supply over 900 independent stores with their olive oils and vinegars.

Nate never planned to go into the family business, but one day his dad asked him if he’d be interested in demoing some of their products in a recently opened grocery store in Oakland. Naturally gregarious and a teacher at heart, Nate enjoyed himself. One demo led to another, and soon Nate was thinking about opening his own shops. In 2013, he

Sheriff’s Report

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

ers’ advantage as Nate says it features many of his favorites! Tastings of the oils and vinegars are encouraged, and the well-trained staff is eager and willing to share.

The name Amphora came about after a collective brainstorming effort with the family. Amphorae are the ancient two-handled ceramic containers with a pointed bottom. They were used to store olive oil and found as early as the Neolithic Era. All the shops have examples of these beautiful pots. Nate has traveled the world, to find the freshest and highest quality olive oils from both hemispheres.

Amphora often partners with top farms in Spain, California, Italy, Portugal, Tunisia, Greece, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and even Croatia. Veronica Foods buys over one half million gallons of ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil a year. Nate enthusiastically explains, “I never get tired of talking about the benefits of our olive oil.”

Wanted for Public Menace

Sunday, March 12: at 10:40 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 34-year-old woman from Castro Valley as part of a warrant issued for her capture. The woman was previously charged with creating a public menace. Deputies served the warrant outside a drug store on the Boulevard near Marshall Street. The woman was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Illegal Drug Paraphernalia

Sunday, March 12: at 9:26 p.m., a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a pipe used for smoking drugs. Deputies stopped the man for questioning outside a restaurant on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard and discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.

Public Intoxication

Friday, March 10: at 7:56 p.m., deputies arrested a 43-yearold man with no permanent residence on suspicion of public intoxication. The man was hanging out in front of a church on Grove Way near Redwood Road when deputies approached him and smelled alcohol. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.

Family Assault and Child Endangerment

Friday, March 10: at 2:44 a.m., a 911 call about an altercation sent deputies to the parking lot of a church on Grove Way near Redwood Road. There, they arrested a 32-yearold man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assaulting a family member, child endangerment, making death threats, and resisting arrest. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody. The victims were treated at the scene. see REPORT on back page

and his sister opened Amphora Nueva in Berkeley, two years later Nate opened stores in Lafayette, Castro Valley in 2021, and Danville just a few months ago.

Married with a sixteenmonth-old baby, Nate says, “I’ve promised my wife, four shops will do it!”

When Nate heard about the Market Place coming to Castro Valley, he wanted to be part

of the collective vision. He felt, “It was important to me to have our family’s products for sale here and to educate the community about the benefits of fresh olive oil.” His CV Marketplace location is about one tenth the size of his other stores. The smaller square footage was a challenge, but it has worked to the custom-

Among other topics, customers learn about polyphenols (antioxidant value), the correct container for olive oil storage, and what oil to use for high heat. Nate will be teaching his “Olive Oil 101” class in Castro Valley at the Center for the Arts April 26 at 7:30 pm. Tickets at: cvartsfoundation. org or 510-889-8961. Nate regularly partners with local schools and foundations to aid in their fundraising efforts.

19889 Carnation Ln. Castro Valley, $1,210,000 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2827 Sq. ft., Built 1976 Open House Sunday, 3/19, 1-4 pm COMING SOON 1544 Bailey Dr. Concord, Condo - Unit 5 • $387,000 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 915 Sq. ft., Built 1982

Lovewell Team (CA DRE #00689931, #01912817, #02187163)

“Lovewell Team” is a dynamic, award-winning Real Estate team Call 510-351-5555 or visit us at www.Lovewellteam.com — A team you can love and trust —

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Nate Bradley, proprietor of Amphora Nueva, the olive oil and vinegar store in Castro Valley Market Place.

Eviction: Moratorium To Expire

continued from front page Landlords speaking at the meeting spoke of exceptional hardship to them due to the moratorium.

Chunchi Ma, a Fremont landlord, said, “Governor Newson promised to all the housing providers here in California that every landowner or landlord who incurred a loss will be compensated 100 percent by the (rent assistance) program.”

That hasn’t happened, Ma added.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Tomorrow: Thursday, March 16

LWV “Meet Your Electeds” In-Person Event

The League of Women Voters of the Eden Area (LWVEA) invites you to their free event, “Meet Your Electeds,” tomorrow , March 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Council Chambers of Hayward City Hall, 777 B St., Hayward. The League has invited elected officials from Hayward, San Leandro, Castro Valley, and San Lorenzo to the event. Anyone is welcome at the event, but registration is requested and space is limited. Please register online at: https://bit.ly/LWVEA-Meet-The-Elected-Mar16. Light refreshments will be served. The League will also be celebrating International Women’s Day at the event.

Rumpelstiltskin Comes to CV

East Bay Children’s Theatre, the oldest continuously operating theatre company in the Bay Area, celebrates their historic 90th season with their first visit to Castro Valley in more than five years.

This Saturday, March 18, the venerated company will present the uproarious family-friendly comedy Rumpelstiltskin – A Musical Spin!

“Ya oughta meet my daughta,” a traveling Miller tells the King of Strawtopia. “Cause my daughta, she can spin your straw to gold!” Trouble is... actually, she can’t. But a nasty

little man (with an peculiar name) can do the task, so the Miller’s Daughter strikes a deal with him. When the deal goes bad, it’s up to the Miller’s Daughter to save the day.

EBCT’s fresh update on the classic fairy tale is brimming over with zany jokes, physical comedy and surprising twists.

Bay Area composer and playwright Ron Lytle has enhanced the story with an infectious Broadway style score.

The talented cast of Rumpelstiltskin includes Hannah Conner (The Miller’s Daughter), McKay Elwood (The Narrator), Curtis Manning (The

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

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Some unsettling facts about a past situation could come to light. And ,while you’d love to deal with it immediately, it’s best to get more information to support your case.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): A straightforward approach to a baffling situation is best. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into an already messy mass of tangles and lies. Deal with it and move on.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Don’t be discouraged or deterred by a colleague’s negative opinion about your ideas. It could actually prove to be helpful when you finally get around to finalizing your plan.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Ignore that sudden attack of “modesty” and step up to claim the credit you so rightly earned. Remember: A lot of people are proud of you and want to share in your achievements.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): A financial “deal” that seems to be just right for you Leos and Leonas could be grounded more in gossamer than substance. Get an expert’s advice to help you check it out.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): Don’t ignore that suddenly cool or even rude attitude from someone who is close to you. Asking them for an explanation could reveal a misunderstanding that you were completely unaware of.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Unless you have sound knowledge, and not just an opinion, it’s best not to step into a family dispute involving a legal matter, regardless of whom you support. Leave that to the lawyers.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): An awkward situation presents the usually socially savvy Scorpian with a problem. But a courteous and considerate approach soon helps clear the air and ease communication.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): A calmer, less tense atmosphere prevails through much of the week, allowing you to restore your energy levels before tackling a new challenge coming up by week’s end.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): Your approach to helping with a friend or family member’s problem could boomerang unless you take time to explain your method -- and how and why it (usually!) works.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Someone who gave you a lot of grief might ask for a chance for the two of you to make a fresh start. You need to weigh the sincerity of the request carefully before giving them your answer.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): Too much fantasizing about an upcoming decision could affect your judgment. Better to make your choices based on what you know now rather than what you might learn later.

King), Michael Mendelsohn (Rumpelstiltskin), and Wayne Steffen (The Miller).

EBCT will present the show for two performances only at Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave, Castro Valley on Saturday, March 18 at 12 pm and 2 pm. Children (of all ages) are encouraged to come in costume and have their picture taken ON STAGE with the cast after the show! Approximately 1 Hour. Tickets: $12-$20. High Demand expected: Reserve early. For tickets or for more information, please visit: www.ebctOnline.org

“Housing providers have struggled greatly during the moratorium,” said Joshua Howard with the California Apartment Association. “We appreciate your leadership in looking at ways to ensure that housing providers who did not get paid rent ... that we can make those housing providers whole.”

Asked after the meeting how many tenants did not pay rent during the moratorium, District 1 Supervisor Keith Carson said most in the unincorporated areas had continued to pay their rent, as far as he knew.

A spokesperson for District 4 Supervisor Nate Miley said the Board would consider actions after staff prepares a report on the resources available to help tenants after the moratorium expires. Julie Yim of District 3 Supervisor Lena Tam’s office said the supervisors were also working to create creative solutions to existing problems.

“We’re at the end of the emergency and at just the beginning of what comes after,” Yim said.

The board also declined to pass three proposed tenant protection laws. These would have required just cause for evictions in the unincorporated areas, along with fair chance, limiting how much information could be asked from prospective tenants, and setting up a rental registry to ensure laws were being followed.

Carson said the county’s tenant protections are still in place for the next two months. The supervisors will look into redirecting remaining federal funds to assist tenants after that time.

“We’re looking at us as a county finding out how different everything will be through the pandemic and post-pandemic, like most counties. The fabric of life may well have changed in every area,” Carson said.

Saturday, March 18

Stanford Blood Center Blood Mobile

Stanford Blood Center Blood Mobile will be holding a blood drive on Saturday, March 18, from 10 am to 3 pm at Stanford Medicine Partners Castro Valley, located at 20642 John Drive, Castro Valley. For more information or to book a time, please visit: https://sbcdonor.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/12218 or call: 888-723-7831.

Saturday, March 18

Spring Fiesta at Eden United Church

Eden’s Stewardship Committee, Compañeras Ministry leaders, and Estudio Biblico participants are co-sponsoring a Spring Fiesta on Saturday, March 18, 11 am to 5 pm at Eden United Church (21455 Birch Street, Hayward) to help raise funds for new sanctuary windows. The Spring Fiesta will feature entertainment, community information, COVID-19 vaccines, food, door prizes, and carnival games. This is a community wide event that is free and open to the public though some carnival games and activities will require tickets to be purchased in order to participate.

Sunday, March 19

Civil Disobedience and Litigation Presentation

David Y. Lei, a former social worker for at-risk youth and a business entrepreneur, will give a presentation on the courageous efforts of Chinese Americans to secure civil rights for all of us. A Q&A will follow his presentation about Supreme Court cases and acts of civil disobedience that made a lasting impact. This educational program is designed for teens and adults. Register at www.aclibrary.org.

Thursday, March 23

CVEA Chamber of Commerce Amrch Mixer

Please join us for a Mixer at the Woodroe Woods School at 6 pm. The school is at 750 Fargo Ave. in San Leandro.

Saturday, March 25

Gardening Series: Big Gardens in Small Spaces

Compost Gal Lori Caldwell is back to help us learn about gardening in small spaces. Topics such as maintaining soil fertility, best plants for container gardens and crop rotation will be covered. Event will be held at the Castro Valley Library from 2 to 4 pm. Reservations required. Register at: aclibrary.org. or call: 510-667-7900.

Sunday, March 26

Free Concert: Castro Valley Orchestra

Castro Valley Orchestra will present a concert at Redwood Chapel Church, 19300 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, on Sunday, March 26, at 3:30 pm. The orchestra will perform compositions by Mozart, Borodin, Lalo and SaintSaens. Students from the performing arts program at Holy Names College will appear as well. Admission is free and a reception will be held immediately after the concert.

Cast of Rumpelstiltskin– A Musical Spin! (Wayne Steffen, Michael Mendelsohn, McKay Elwood, Hannah Connor, Curtis Manning), presented by East Bay Children’s Theatre on Saturday, March 18 at Chanticleers Theatre in Castro Valley.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EBCT

Judy Rose Realtor®

CRS, SRES • CA BRE# 00633313

• Over 40 Years Serving the Needs of Sellers and Buyers with Integrity.

• Certified Residential Specialist (only the top agents in the country earn this designation).

• Senior Real Estate Specialist

Serving the needs of Seniors and their Families.

• Accredited Staging Professional and Design Consultant.

Offering Free Consultation for Sellers to Maximize your profits. Email: judy@judyrose.com

RE/MAX Accord • 510-220-6206

3327 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley, CA 94546

JENNY KIM HONG

IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY

I am the owner of a small boutique immigration law firm in San Leandro. I focus my practice to 100% immigration law, as I am committed to providing my clients with high-level, attorney-driven representation, allowing us to provide an individualized solution and success-driven outcome. We

pride ourselves on our 99% approval rate. I enjoy assisting families, employers and business owners obtain legal residence, citizenship or naturalization, as well as other nonimmigrant visas. I chose “Omega” as the name to represent the beginning and end solution to one’s immigration needs. After having moved my business to San Leandro from the San Jose area, I am enjoying the variety of clientele from San Leandro, Castro Valley, Hayward, Oakland, and neighboring cities. Our services also include: free consultations and Spanish-speaking legal assistants.

Omega Immigration Law, APC • (510) 567-4646 14895 E. 14TH ST., SUITE 240 • SAN LEANDRO, CA 94578 (same parking lot as Western Dental building and Mel’s Diner)

Tianne Rinetti-Vittoria

REALTOR® / Owner

I realized long ago that I had a unique opportunity to enter in what has become a fantastic family business. My father started his own destiny back in 1968 when he began his Real Estate journey. By 1970, he opened up Rinetti & Co Realtors which has now become a generational family business that I couldn’t be prouder of. It was in 1999 that I made the decision to contribute and learn how to succeed, carry out a strong code of ethics, respect of others, and the industry that has become my life for the past 24 years.

Honestly, I have never looked back! I bring my own passion to working with others, creating an experience, designing a devising a thoughtful plan for selling and buying & forging relationship that last well beyond a working relationship. I will always remember where this love and commitment for Real Estate came from. I believe our company, Rinetti & Company is unique in that way. We all encourage each others strengths share our experiences and encourage one another to succeed. We strive to do our best, help others find their dream homes, move on to their next home and create a new future. Thank you to all our past clients for your continued support and all of those we look forward to helping now and in the future.

Rinetti & Co. Realtors • (510) 568-6171

(510) 329-4158 • www.RinettiCo.com • trinetti@sbcglobal.net

Brittany

Owner

D. Dhawan, AIA, LFA

Studio 144 Architects is a Oakland based VSLBE Architecture firm owned by Brittany D. Dhawan, AIA, LFA. Brittany has 19 years of experience in the field of architecture in various kinds of projects from large multifamily housing projects to churches, libraries, schools, college buildings, houses.

Renovation is a specialty of Studio 144 Architects, but we also do new construction as well. We love to collaborate with owners and other firms on a variety of projects. Call us today for a free consultation.

Studio 144 Architects • 559-232-6407

brittany@studio144architects.com

JANELLA ANGUIANO

CENTURY 21 REA CASTRO VALLEY

REALTOR ® DRE01369593

The marketing is still HOT! Despite rising rates, HOME BUYERS are still active and making multiple offers! Are you thinking about SELLING?

Call me today and let’s chat about what your home is worth, I may even have a BUYER all ready to go!

Call me today for a FREE CONSULTATION!

Follow me on FACEBOOK Scan QR.

POST “FEELING LUCKY” to my Facbook Page for a chance to win $50 scratchers!

YOUR @SUPPORTLOCAL REALTOR

JANELLA ANGUIANO 510-755-5199

Lynnette Bailey

Enrolled Agent (EA), Owner

Bailey’s Bookkeeping Plus offers Tax Preparation (Individual, Partnership, Corporate, Fiduciary), a ‘One Stop’ personalized service to small businesses. A stand out tax preparer and full-charge bookkeeping office. We prepare payroll, payroll tax forms, sales tax reporting and filing. Furnishing financial statements, managing accounts payables and receivables. Lynnette is an Enrolled Agent, a Notary Public and a Quick Books Pro Advisor. Lynnette worked for a local San Leandro CPA firm for over 30 years before starting her own business 9 years ago . www.BaileysBookkeepingPlus.com

Bailey’s Bookkeeping Plus • 510-281-0701 123 Estudillo Ave. #225, Best Building, San Leandro

Malanie Yan

Realtor® • Cal BRE# 01479962

Karin Johnson Specialty Cakes & Pastries 20865 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley • 329-5980

Cindy Kellar

Realtor • DRE #01456637

Listing & Selling Real Estate in the Bay Area for over 19 years

For Sellers:

27

• My expertise lies in the preparation of the home. You only get one chance to make a first impression

• Customized comprehensive marketing plan

to maximize your return

• Record of excellence in negotiations

For Buyers:

• Provide vital information throughout the process to help you make crucial decisions

• Invaluable knowledge of the complex and ever-changing market conditions

• Negotiate the best possible price on your behalf Call today for a free consultation!

Everhome Real Estate • 510-301-3456 cindy@everhomere.com

Jade Sharify Talbot

Realtor DRE#02109334

Jade is the co-founder of Talbot Team, a top 1% East Bay real estate team. Jade is the team’s Lead Listing Specialist. From the moment you inquire about your home’s value, Jade begins pulling relevant market data. After conducting an initial walkthrough, Jadewill discuss high leverage (and low budget) improvements that will increase the home’s sale price. Jade’s expertise in digital marketing gives sellers a top notch advantage in the marketplace. She is always finding new and engaging ways to create content that will highlight a home’s best assets. Jade creates custom social media and targeted digital marketing campaigns, ensuring each listing gets in front of as many buyers as possible. Her vibrant personality and unrelenting work-ethic give Talbot Team clients the assurance that Jade and the team always have their eye on the ball.

Jade works with her husband, Paul Talbot. Jade and Paul have two boys (4 + 6) and live in San Leandro.

With over 18 years under her belt, Malanie Yan is not your ordinary real estate agent. Buying or selling a home can be stressful and time-consumingbut not with Malanie! Her clients are some of the happiest and knowledgeable home buyers and sellers in the Bay Area. That’s because Malanie’s first priority is exceeding her clients’ goals with integrity, attention-to-detail and a dash of humor. Whether it be managing a remodel, staging, photography, or advertising a residential property, Malanie works with resources and local professionals in the community to provide the utmost of service. Thinking of buying or selling, call me, so you can be provided with “Service You Can Trust.”

United Brokers Real Estate • 510-325-1163

Linda Nakhai

Account Executive Display Advertising

I enjoy assisting business owners in developing a very affordable and consistent advertising campaign tailored to their budget in our weekly community newspapers - Castro Valley Forum and San Leandro Times. When you place your display ads in our community newspapers this becomes a great marketing strategy to attract consumers to your business.

My services include: free consultations, helping you develop your ad copy, layout, and design, and providing proof copies of your ad before it appears in our papers. Appointments with me can be made at your convenience on weekdays, evenings, or weekends. Please give me a call, or email me, for more information.

East Bay Publishing, Inc. • lnakhai@comcast.net Castro Valley Forum/San Leandro Times • (510) 915-1513

Owner

Reach out if you’re interested in the following:

• A complimentary in-person property prep consultation.

• A comparative market analysis for your home.

• A video call to discuss your home transition.

• Compass Concierge (an interest free property prep loan for sellers)

Talbot Team @ Compass • www.TalbotTeam.com 510-926-4566 • jade@talbotteam.com • Instagram.com/Talbot_Team

Castro Valley’s Elevate Home Decor is a small hometown gift shop specializing in locally produced, hand made and small batch items. It was born from Lynnette’s vision of a community based shop where local artists could share their talents. Elevate currently features affordable and unique gifts with a focus on organic, upcycled and ecology-centered items. “This shop is really just a compilation of all the things I love: snarky humor, amazing smelling soaps and lotions, crystals and incense, handmade items and easy to care for plants. The fact that we’re also supporting over 20 local artists (many also women) is just icing on the cake. Bring this ad in for 10% 0FF your purchase.

Elevate Home Decor • (510) 274-5864 3560 Somerset., Castro Valley, CA 94546

Karin Johnson Owner

Lynnette Stack

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times

REAL ESTATE REALITY GUEST COMMENTARY

Storms Hampering Real Estate Transactions

California is reeling from another spate of horrid weather as Mother

Nature continues to pound the Golden State. As the state has encountered a seemingly endless flow of atmospheric rivers, the continuing deluges are devastating the state’s infrastructure, closing parks and services and deeply affecting those who call California home.

The ongoing storms are also producing havoc in real estate transactions.

Homes are typically built to withstand moderate amounts of water. Unfortunately, when storms open up the floodgates, damage can be the result. Recent talks with home inspectors highlight some of the issues that are emerging.

Many of the bay area homes are built on expansive soil. As the soil dries, as has been the case with our recent drought, the soil shrinks. Add water, and it expands, and, if it expands too much, can cause foundation damage. Since the

bay area only gets a moderate amount of rainfall in a normal year, many homes do not have extensive drainage systems to divert water away from their foundations. Consequently, we are seeing many homes with increased levels of water in the crawlspaces and/or basements. This moisture is making it difficult for home and termite inspectors to get under homes to adequately inspect these areas.

Roofs are also being hit hard, and roofing companies have been deluged with requests for repairs to stem leaks. Older roofs are subject to the most potential damage as the storms can actually damage roofs already weakened by age. Other damage includes trees falling over, some of which are hitting structures. Driveways are being affected, retaining walls are losing integrity and faulty doors and windows are letting in moisture.

As the storms continue, buyers need to be cautious when

buying a home. Some sellers provide home inspections to make the process easier. If those inspections are old, however, they may not reflect the current state of the home. Our recommendation is to check the date to ensure they are current. Additionally, check to make sure the inspectors were able to inspect all of the home. Many inspection companies will not enter crawlspaces that are significantly moist. It is also important to determine WHY a given scrawl space has moisture: is it a result of recent rains, or does it indicate a more serious long-term issue.

Bottom line, given the potential for storm-related damage, if you currently buying a home, take a serious look at property condition.

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.

Nearby Oleander Won’t Harm Plants

QSeveral years ago, our neighbors planted two Oleander bushes along our shared fence. They have become quite large, and the branches hang over the fence into the vegetable garden. I’m concerned as Oleander is a poisonous plant. Last summer, we stopped eating the vegetables to be safe as the spent flowers were all over the ground. Is the soil contaminated? How about the water in our well? Would the apples from a nearby apple tree about fifteen to twenty feet away be a safety concern? What should we be doing this year to safeguard the area?

year to safeguard the area?

By Buzz Bertolero THE DIRT GARDENER

AOleander has been planted extensively throughout the Bay

Area in gardens, public areas, and highway dividers. They have been a growing part of the landscape for over fifty years. Oleander plants are poisonous and pose a threat: however, no health issues or deaths have been reported in the past two decades. The Oleander toxin has to be ingested orally for problems to occur. Toddlers who like to put things in their mouths are at the greatest risk. The casual contact or handling of the plant parts will not produce any adverse side effects. Although, breathing the smoke from burning Oleander debris can be fatal. Other examples of plants with similar toxic characteristics are tomatoes, potatoes, and rhubarb. The leaves of these plants are poisonous when ingested. Oleander roots rubbing or touching another edible or non-edible plant will not transmit the toxins. The

S. WILHITE

spent flowers are not a threat unless they are eaten. And finally, I wouldn’t be concerned about groundwater contamination from the roots. If you cut down the plants, you should treat the stumps as new growth will reappear. Your options include moving the vegetable garden to another location, renting space at a community garden, leaving it where it is, and cutting back the overhanging branches.

QWe have a sixty or seventy-foot Redwood tree in our backyard that concerns us when it’s windy. An arborist has looked at the tree and says it poses no threat, but we are still concerned. We are wondering about topping the upper third of the tree. How would this affect the tree’s future growth?

ATopping a Redwood would not see sssee BUZZ on page 7

BUZZ BERTOLERO THE DIRT GARDENER

RECENT HOME SALES

the natural tapering shape is gone forever. The new growth would develop off the flat base, so the new shape of the tree would be a box, which I find unappealing. So, I wouldn’t be eager to top a Redwood. You could thin the canopy to allow air circulation and reduce stress. The canopy acts like a sail preventing the wind from flowing through. Also, a point often overlooked is how much the aesthetics of a majestic tree adds to the property value. Altering its looks could cost thousands of dollars in its resale value.

and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save $5 by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.

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

CONCRETE SERVICE

*MPCONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, Asphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1054154. Milo 510-502-9336.

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

NOTICETO READERS

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

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

GARAGE SALES

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.

San

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

22 year old with EMT, CPR & Security Guard Card certifications seeks full time employment. I have excellent references. Please email me at: rogerdouglasvadnais@gmail.com

FENCES/DECKS

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

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

GARDENING

Yard Sale Saturday Mar 25, 9-3, rain date: Sunday, Mar 26. Couch, love seat, dinette, bed, small kitchen appliances. 2209 Estabrook Circle, San Leandro.

GARDENING

*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

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

HAIR CUTTING

Free Haircut with hair donation for Wigs for Kids.Call Yumi for details!!! (510)407-0436.

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

HANDYMAN SERVICE

KING CONSTRUCTION Father & Son. Complete Plumbing, Baths, and Custom Remodeling. Lic#273546/ Bonded. 510-882-5169/ 510-4837126.

HAULING SERVICE

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

HOUSE CLEANING

LORENA’S HOUSE CLEANING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

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

MISC. FOR SALE

Aggressor 2.0 trail bike with rock shocks, 24 speed, 25 inch height, in great condition. $200. For more information call 423-504-4642.

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)

1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Cherry Sunburst guitar in good condition with case. $3,200. Patrick 510-517-3351.

MISC. WANTED

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

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

How

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

Would you like the help of a Professional Agent?

CHECK

For assistance call ...

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

RENTALS

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

CastroValleyForum.com

SERVICES

SanLeandroTimes.com

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

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

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

TREE SERVICE

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

YOUR INFO

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

DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –

To place an ad call 510-614-1558

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units!

– Avacancy day

THANK-YOU for supporting the Castro Valley Forum and San Leandro Times! Wegreatly appreciate our many advertisers who make it possible for us to publish these newspapers.

PLACE

ATTENTION LANDLORDS

CastroValleyForum.com

SanLeandroTimes.com

ATTENTION LANDLORDS

You may rent

property with a sign in the window or with an ad on the internet… But why not also advertise your rental in both the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum for as little as $25, and reach over 60,000 readers!

TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 614-1558

You may rent your property with a sign in the window or with an ad on the internet… But why not also advertise your rental in both the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum for as little as $25, and reach over 60,000 readers! TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 614-1558

•

Truck 10-word ad online at sanleandrotimes.com or castrovalleyforum.com and your ad runs…

ONLY 10-WORD AUTOMOBILE OR TRUCK ADS PLACED ONLINE ARE FREE.

will

San Leandro Times and Castro Valley Forum, as well as online on our website, for 12 weeks. Private party ads only (no dealers). Some restrictions may apply. For more information, call Patrick at 614-1558.

Classified & Home Service ads run in both the Castro Valley Forum and San Leandro Times. TOTAL CIRCULATION 60,500 Call Patrick at 614-1558 for details and

GARAGE SALE

All real estate advertised in the CASTRO VALLEY FORUM and SAN LEANDRO TIMES is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes itillegal 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.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

EASTBAY PUBLISHING, INC. will not knowingly accept any advertisements 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.

All real estate advertised in the CASTRO VALLEY FORUM and SAN LEANDRO TIMES is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes itillegal 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.

EASTBAY PUBLISHING, INC. will not knowingly accept any advertisements 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.

Seniors: Can I Keep SSI If Spouse Pays Support?

Q. I recently qualified for SSI and Medi-Cal, but I am going through a divorce. I worry that when my ex-spouse is ordered to pay me Spousal Support, I may then lose my SSI and Medi-Cal. Is there a way I can keep my public benefits and also receive support?

By Gene L. Osofsky SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

A. Yes, indeed, if the right strategy is implemented. Unfortunately, very few Family Law attorneys and judges are familiar with how to preserve these benefits in the divorce context. As a result, the sad fact is that many persons on

SSI and/or Medi-Cal lose their benefits when they divorce. A bit of background might be helpful:

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), an individual with a disability must meet two financial conditions: The individual must (a) have less than $2,000 in non-exempt resources (e.g. savings), and (b) his or her monthly income must be less than the SSI benefit rate, currently $1,133.73 (in 2023). An award of SSI also entitles the beneficiary to Medi-Cal.

In the divorce context, a spouse would typically be awarded both spousal support and a division of marital assets,

such as bank accounts, IRA’s, etc. If that spouse were receiving SSI and/ or Medi-Cal, the award of

support and/or marital assets could render her ineligible for public benefits if they put her over the income or resource ceilings. The question, then, is whether there is a way to preserve BOTH a spouse’s public benefits AND her right to support and to a share of marital assets in a divorce?

Answer: YES! Enter the Special Needs Trust (“SNT”). If set up properly, the SNT can hold both your court-ordered support and your share of community resources without impairing your right to SSI, and thus preserve both your public and “private” benefits. Working with an attorney with expertise in this area, you could establish your own SNT and even select your own Trustee, who might be a parent, sibling, or even a trusted friend. Alternatively, you could join a Pooled SNT, established and managed by a non-profit organization for apool of beneficiaries, which would provide professional trustee services for a reasonable fee.

Your court-ordered support would then be paid monthly directly to the SNT Trustee, rather than to you. The Trustee would then deposit the funds into your SNT and handle them in a manner compliant with the SSI and Medi-Cal rules. This typically would mean that the Trustee would not disburse funds directly to

you, but instead would pay your third party providers, selected by you, directly for the goods and services that you need, such as a car, computer, clothing, etc. A good trustee would comply with your requests for payment to your selected providers, so long as those payments did not undermine your ongoing eligibility for the public benefit programs. The trustee would also typically make periodic reports to the government programs to affirm compliance with the program rules.

To make this option work, it is essential that you engage an Elder Law or Special Needs attorney familiar with the use of the SNT in the divorce context. The SNT attorney would then work with your divorce attorney and would help educate the judge and opposing counsel as to the benefits of this technique.

Adult Child With Disability

The same technique would apply in the case of an adult child with a disability who receives SSI and Medi-Cal and for whom a parent is ordered to pay child support. By properly establishing and administering a SNT for that child, he or she could then receive the advantages of both public benefits AND child support, which together would enhance that child’s life.

For more reading, you may wish to visit website below and search for the article: “Special Needs Planning and Divorce.”

Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney in the East Bay. Visit : www.LawyerForSeniors.com.

DMT Chorus Concert

Douglas Morrisson Theater Chorus presents Stage and Screen, with music from Broadway and the Movies on Friday, March 31, at 7 pm and April 2 at 2 pm, at the Douglas Morrisson Theater. This popular chorus will have you snapping your fingers, tapping toes or humming along while listening to many memorable songs. Performances by talented soloists also promise more favorites. Director Cesar Concino adds to the fun with his comments about the music and performers. Guests are sure to leave this rousing concert humming one of these favorite songs. To Purchase tickets for Friday, March 31 performance, visit https:// rb.gy/zkyfic. For Sunday, April 2 performance, visit https:// rb.gy/gkzl7j or visit the HARD District Office at 1099 E Street, Hayward. Call 510-881-6700 for assistance. Tickets will not be available at the door. The Douglas Morrisson Theater is located at 22311 Third St., Hayward.

MAC: In Other News

continued from front page tive public comments.”

Also, at Monday night’s MAC meeting, the council unanimously approved three other land-use matters: an application to allow construction of a new single-family dwelling at 16860 Robey

Drive; a conditional use permit to continue the operation so the existing drive-thru coffee kiosk in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven at 22600 Center Street; and the subdivision of a 5.25-acre parcel into 11 single family lots at 4738 Proctor Road.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Response to Responses

I am getting sick and tired of people like Robert Thomas writing letters to a small community newspaper just to spew his hatred for one political party, or individual. What he writes has little to do with life in Castro Valley. Furthermore, it doesn’t take much effort at all around this area to find views and opinions just the opposite of what Mr. Thomas saw.

And, for Mr. Thomas to take a cheap shot at Fox News just shows how ill informed the man truly is. If he would to just a little fact check, Mr. Thomas would know that Fox has more viewers than any of his left wing networks. But that would require of him to be fair, and neutral which Mr. Thomas has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he is not.

I appreciate the Forum allowing letters from all sides of the spectrum. I just wish your publication would stick to views that are community related, not political hogwash.

–Steven Anticevich, Castro Valley

Old Lake Chabot Road

I do not understand why I have not heard about old Lake Chabot Road. It’s sealed up tight. What is the extent of the damage? I heard that the “powers that be” don’t want to open it and plan to leave it for pedestrians and bicyclists and not repair it at all! That would be a tragedy and a nasty surprise. Will old Lake Chabot be opened? When has it been addressed? Can you put pictures in the paper? With much concern about our community.

–Julie Rettig, Castro Valley

‘Genius’ of Computers

The “genius” of computers with too much LED “blue light” screen time is making us feel ‘blue’. The media has sensationalized violence that’s creating a copycat scenario affecting our youth. Covid has caused alienation, anger and depression. The “fun” of sports is taken too personally. The good of interconnectedness via our iPhones is taking away our human to human contact. The successful Starbucks is keeping us to “wired” to wire our family and friends on the lowly telephone. Say “hello” to a stranger and leave our “little worlds” with our cozy homes, etc. once in a while. Stay informed with our Castro Valley Forum.

–Jeanne Vonnegut, Castro Valley

Holy Cross Church Food Cupboard to Take Break

Dear Editor,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Holy Cross Church, at the corner of Heyer and Center, has been offering food to the needy via our food cupboard. Our intent was to make available items to hold people over until other resources became available. On the cupboard doors you’ll find resources listed to help anyone in dire need. There are many food pantries in our area. No one needs to go hungry. The Cupboard Crew, that maintains this small resource, is frustrated by people donating perishable and expired food. This is a health hazard as there is no refrigeration. Yes, it’s a cold winter, but still left-overs from dinners will quickly rot. Expiration dates are a clue to all. The Crew removes these items as soon as we can. And, then we are burdened with what to do with perishable food. Our other concern is, recently, someone is taking everything from the cupboard within minutes of it being restocked. It’s as if the cupboard is their personal grocery store. We would hope someone that is needy would use the resources listed on the doors. Because the Crew is such a small group of people, we cannot keep up with removing perishable foods or have enough donations to restock the cupboard as quickly as it is being emptied. Thus, we have decided to take a break from restocking while we reassess our plans for the cupboard’s future. We apologize to anyone who has graciously donated or respectfully uses the cupboard food. If you are in need, please call the Alameda County Food Bank helpline at 1-510-635-3663, or visit FoodNow.net. Your community so wants to help you thrive. Blessings to all.

–Debra Collins, Castro Valley

Wrong-Choice Voting

Thanks to the Forum for the article on the ranked-choice voting proposal for Alameda County. While I guess it might save money for the County ( but not for taxpayers ), it fails the transparency test. We will be depending on a Wizard of Oz-like algorithm to tell us who won local races. Trust in government is already in pretty short supply, and ranked choice voting will only make things worse. It’s often hard enough to settle on one candidate to vote for, let alone make fine ranking distinctions between three, four, or more.

–Steve Rosenberg, Castro Valley

Obituaries

Ronald “Ron” Harry Collins

Ronald “Ron” Harry Collins was born on October 16, 1945 in Oakland, California to Charles and Mildred on the front steps of their house.

Ron graduated from Castro Valley High School in 1964 and joined the Navy Reserves in 1963, started active duty in 1965 where he served in Vietnam as a ship fitter on the USS Saint Paul. Before leaving, he married his high school sweetheart, Jo Anna Damron. Upon returning, he became a journeyman in the Local 104 Sheet Metal Union where he worked for 37 years and retired as a site foreman. They settled in Castro Valley and raised two sons, Wayne and Keith.

Ron was involved in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master of troup 701 and both of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Ray, and his mother, Mildred.

Please Don’t Take Castro Valley Forum for Granted

My husband and I moved to Pacifica in 1968, raised our two children there, and were involved in many community activities because we first read about them in the the Pacifica Tribune, a subscription service paper delivered every Wednesday. In it, I learned of pre-schools, library activities, community events like the 4th of July Parade, community service groups (I’m still active in one), and new stores opening in that community. Sounds like our free Castro Valley Forum.

After we moved to Castro Valley to be closer to our grandchildren in 2004, I asked a few people for newspaper suggestions, and they referred to the Forum as “the throwaway” paper. So I threw it away and subscribed to what is now called The East Bay Times, thinking that the “Local News” section would cover Castro Valley. Wrong, unless you count murders and other such crimes.

At first, I did not need local news in CV since this was our retirement home, and my daughter and family were here, with internet connections, and many new friendships through which I learned about gardeners, new restaurants, etc. But, when my now 18 year old granddaughter started Kindergarten at Chabot Elementary, I learned that there was no primary grades music program here. I had volunteer-taught music for many years in Pacifica, so from 2009 through 2019, I volunteer-taught K-1 music at Chabot, eventually teaching 150 students per week. Incredible teachers and so much fun! For years now, I’ve read the Forum cover to cover, reading about ex-students, school district programs, “Community Calendar,” sports, new restaurants, library, etc . It is an excellent coverage of CV.

I recently mentioned to old Pacifica friends how the Wednesday Castro Valley Forum was just like the Pacifica Tribune, but FREE! Good local info, similar gripes in the Letters to the Editors, etc. My friends bitterly replied that the Pacifica Tribune was sold to an out-of-town enterprise a few years ago. And now they have a subscription Wednesday-only Tribune with almost no local news. No information on Library events, clubs, school productions.

Maybe there should be a word limit on Letters to the Editor, but Free Speech is vital. Maybe repetition of same-ol’, sameol’, should be curtailed by the individuals themselves who keep repeating themselves. But, please, appreciate all those, like Terry and Thomas, who write wonderful articles. We are so lucky!

–Liz Baker aka Grammie Liz, Castro Valley

Leavitt, Emma Lou Furrier Case

Sunrise Sept 25, 1942 ~ Sunset March 9, 2023

Leavitt, Emma Lou Furrier Case –Sunrise Sept 25 1942 - Sunset March 9, 2023. Emma was born in Madera, CA, and raised in Castro Valley, CA. She was in the first 4 year graduating class of the then-new Castro Valley High School.

Emma enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961. Where she met and married Billy Case. Together they had 5 children.

Emma and Billy divorced after 24 years of marriage. At the time they lived in Fresno, CA

She then married James Leavitt. They separated and Emma moved in with her daughter and son-in-law in Hayward, CA. She worked as a clerk at Las Positas City College in Livermore, CA until her retirement. She subsequently moved to Reno, NV with her daughter and son-in-law, in 2018 after the passing of her Mother and Father.

Emma suffered from Alzheimer’s and had suffered a stroke in 2020. She remained in the care of her daughter in her home in Reno, NV until her admittance to Hospice on Feb 23 2023.

This business is conducted by a a Corporation. This business commenced N/A

stamp

Ron is survived by his wife, Jo Anna Marie Collins, sons Wayne (Janna) and Keith; brother Richard (Mary); granddaughters Claire Scott (Ethan) and Mackenzie.

Services will be held on March 25, 2023, 11am at Spencer Mortuary in Castro Valley

Emma is survived by her older brother, Emil Furrier Jr. of Reno, NV, 5 children, Debra Brunton of Fresno, CA, Sandra Herrera of Reno, NV, David Case of Rochester, NY, Tamara Munday of Oklahoma, and Michael Case of Washington. 10 Grand-children, 5 Great-Grand-children and 1 Great-GreatGrandchild.

Emma will be buried with her Mother and Father in Chowchilla, CA.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Preparation Leads to Success

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Hi everyone. Staying dry, I hope? Rain is a beautiful thing and can represent a lot of things. For me, it reminds me of my first kiss, but that’s a story for another day. People can also look at rain as a cleansing, washing away things of the past in preparation for what you’re about to do. That’s our focus for today: How preparation leads to success.

you want them to be. In order for that all to work, all of the cleaning, peeling, cutting, etc., need

to be done before the customer walks in the door.

quite as committed as you “should,” then that reason becomes strong enough not to take action.

Our Athletes of the Week are the Eden Athletic Club Boys Basketball Team. Many of the players are made up of Castro Valley and San Leandro High School students and the surrounding East Bay. The team finished 9-1 this season this year and won the East Bay Youth Athletic League (EBYAL) Championship game on Sunday, March 5 as the Number 1 seed in dramatic fashion over Diablo (Number 2 seed). The game went into overtime and was tied 46-46 with 4 seconds left. That’s when guard Ayden Lui hit a contested beyond half-court shot

to win the game with no time left for the Championship. This is the first Championship in this division for Eden and the team will get the hold the trophy for a year in the Eden Community Center in San Leandro.

TEAM

CV Sports Hall of Fame Nominations

By Lowell Hickey

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Nominations for the Castro Valley Sports Hall of Fame are now being accepted.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be inducted at a banquet and ceremony at Redwood Canyon Golf Course on Sunday, April 21, 2024. It will be the seventh class inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is run by the nonprofit Castro Valley Sports Foundation.

Athletes, coaches and sports officials who have lived in Castro Valley or have made a significant impact on Castro Valley athletics are eligible.

One can nominate a candidate by going to the CV Sports Foundation’s website: castrovalleysportsfoundation.org/ hall-of-fame and completing the nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through July 31, 2023.

Athletes become eligible for the Hall of Fame five years

after graduating from high school. There is no waiting period for coaches or officials.

Thus far, there have been 96 men and women inducted into the Hall of Fame, 16 in each of the first six classes. A new class is inducted every two years. A committee appointed by the CVSF Board of Directors selects each class from the nominations submitted.

It’s a process that takes several months and the decision of the committee is final.

Arrest: Shows Civil Rights Violation

continued from page 2 tions of the 1st, 4th, and 14th Amendments. The ruling holds the deputies liable for damages and the county liable for the deputies’ actions.

“I think that everybody recognizes we all have implicit bias,” their attorney, Craig Peters of San Francisco, said in an interview with a local TV station. “I have it. You have it. We’ve all got it. These officers are no different. And so, subconsciously, there was

something going on that made them unreasonably suspicious of this family. I think that if this same scenario happened and these were white women, it would have played out very differently.”

The award sum is significant because of California’s Bane Act (1988), which allows any damages awarded to be tripled if lawyers can prove that a person’s civil rights have been violated.

Alameda County Sheriff

Yesenia Sanchez issued a statement following the jury’s verdict.

“The community’s trust in my agency is foundational to my mission of maintaining a positive relationship with those we serve. The facts of this case are extremely important to me and our community members, however, I must reserve my comments until the case has been fully adjudicated through the court system,” Sanchez said.

I may have mentioned before how much I love to cook. Ok, that’s not totally true. I love to eat, and as a result of that love, I developed a love for cooking. I also grew up watching cooking shows before they became hugely popular. I became really interested in how chefs think and some of the processes that they have. One term I learned along the way is “mise en place,” or the setup. The “mise” is really about having your station ready for when meal service begins. This means everything is already cleaned and cut into whatever shape (e.g., dice, mince, julienne, etc.) you’ll need to use. It also means things are placed in the same place every time for ultimate efficiency because when service starts, you don’t have to think; you can just move and know things are where

If this isn’t completed, it affects the timing of your execution. If you’re cooking and preparing at the same time, the timing may be off, and you might miss the best time to be cooking that ingredient. I can tell you from experience that this is indeed sound advice. There have been so many times I’ve burnt a chicken breast and had to cut off that outer layer or was watching a show while boiling pasta and ended up with limp noodles. Anyone else experience this?

Here’s the question to ask yourself about achieving your goals: are you preparing to take action on your goals? If you actually take the time to prepare, when it comes to actually doing the goal, it suddenly becomes much easier. Have you ever planned on doing a workout, only to realize you didn’t wash your workout clothes? Or you ran out of protein powder? Or maybe didn’t wash your water bottle? I have. Now, if you have the determination, you’ll get it done anyways. However, if you’re having a rough day already, or maybe you’re not

I have a friend who loved drinking ice water while playing tennis in the summertime. He’d take a big gallon plastic bottle and have it half full of water, then freeze it the night before a match or practice session. This way, he just needed to fill it up and let it slowly melt throughout the session, and it would always be at his preferred temperature. Why did this matter? Because if you’re in a match and need all your focus to win, even a small thing like water temperature can throw you off. He didn’t want that to be an excuse, so he prepared the night before.

So here are my questions for you. First, do you have a clear goal set out? If not, please take care of that first (check out my Wheel of Life tool at https:// www.kevinkoocoach.com/ wheel-of-life1). Second, what are some preparation goals you can set so you can take action on your goals? If you’d like some direct support, book a call at https://calendly.com/ kevinkoocoaching/cvforum.

Coach Kev helps people gain clarity on what they want in life, craft a plan, and keep them accountable while preparing his mise. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@ gmail.com

Clinic: Pandemic Highlighted Need

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Since 1971, TVHC has provided medical, dental, and mental health care, youth health services, community health education, family support services, and Women Infants & Children (WIC) nutrition services to low-income, limited English proficient, uninsured, and publicly insured patients. TVHC would handle all of the insurance processing.

“Some 37 percent of our stu-

dent population in the district qualify for Medi-Cal. The services are also available to those who do not have Medi-Cal,” said CVUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi.

The idea to bring a health clinic to the high school started back in 2015 when a few district trustees began reaching out to the TVHC team. The COVID pandemic highlighted the need for community access to immunizations, testing, and

increased on-site health care for students and families. During the rest of March and April, the District will roll out the plan to the Wellness Council, CVHS PTA, and other school health leaders. Student focus groups are expected to give their feedback in May. Those recommendations, along with the planning phase, are expected to take place in June and July, with an opening of the Clinic in August.

Report: Arrested Twice in One Week

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Disruptive Man Arrested Twice

Thursday, March 9: at 9:20 a.m., a 54-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested twice in one week for disrupting a business and in contempt of court. Deputies were called to a church on Grove Way near Redwood Road because the man was interfering with the church staff. Two days earlier, the same man had been found

to be within 100 yards of the same property, violating a court-issued restraining order. Deputies took the man into custody.

Wanted Woman with Stolen Property

Tuesday, March 7: at 11:24 p.m., deputies arrested a 31-year-old woman from Castro Valley as part of a warrant issued for her capture. The woman was previously charged with possessing a

stolen vehicle, receiving stolen property, possessing stolen property, providing a false ID to law enforcement, and possessing methamphetamine drugs. Deputies served the warrant in front of a grocery store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Redwood Road. At the site, they also discovered the woman had burglar tools, and illegal narcotics and was in violation of a restraining order at the site. Deputies took the woman to Santa Rita Jail.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Eden Athletic Club

PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Steve Lui (Assistant Coach), Steve Kwock (Head Coach), Rowan Fottrell #32, Kaji Koga #24, Ayden Lui #45, Francisco Flamenco #21, Jaden Kwock #3, Jalen Tran #11, Michael Ly #33, Anthony Yamamoto #1, Elijah Ong #52, Cesar Yunsan Jr #23, Michael Lim #30.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE LUI