May 10, 2023

MAC: News

continued from front page owner was ordered to remove or reduce the fence height to comply with county design standards.

The applicant then requested the variance from the MAC, which was denied at this week’s meeting.

In other business, the MAC approved a variance that would allow the expansion of a single-family home with a reduced rear yard setback at 4346 Edwards Lance.

The variance allows a fivefoot setback, where 20 feet are normally required. The site is a 6,994-square-foot corner lot with a single-family one-story home of 1,092 square feet built in 1920 with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The homeowners want to build a 523-squarefoot addition on the right side of their property with a family room, an additional bedroom, and one and a half baths.

County staff recommended allowing the variance, citing the “special circumstance” of the home being over 100 years old, saying allowing the expansion would make the home consistent with other, newer construction in the area which consists of larger, three-bedroom homes.

The MAC’s recommendation for approval now moves on to the BZA.

A ‘Visual Odyssey’

Award winning artist Gerald Thompson captures 27 intriguing subjects in a new exhibit titled ‘Visual Odyssey.’ An Artist Reception will be held Tuesday, May 16, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the H.A.R.D. District Office (1099 E Street Hayward). This free exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Dinner for a Good Cause

If you are interested in sharing the message of Jesus Christ to inmates in California, please join us at 3 Crosses Church, 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley, for a fundraising dinner. The event takes place

Friday, May 19, from 5:30 to 9 pm. Cost is $35 per person. In addition to dinner, the event will include praise and worship, testimony, a 50/50 raffle, and a dessert auction. For more info, call 510-881-1178.

USPS ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Food Drive

Saturday, May 13th, will be the 31st Annual Food Drive conducted by the United States Postal Service. (USPS) and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Hayward/ Castro Valley Branch 1707.

Please leave bagged, non-perishable, food items near

your mailbox to be picked up by your letter carrier to help the one in six individuals in need. (Forty-two percent of the collected food goes to feed children)

Over the past 31 years the one day, nationwide Food Drive, has collected over

1.9 billion pounds of food. The Food Drive has served Hayward, Castro Valley and San Lorenzo food pantries year round, with the help of the Hayward Salvation Army, and local pantries. All donations are greatly needed and appreciated.

HEADED TO THE NATIONALS: CVHS defeated last year’s National runner-up to win this year’s NorCal State Science Olympiad Tournament in Sacramento.

NorCal SciOly Tournament: CVHS Headed to Nationals

In a stunning upset, CVHS defeated last year’s National runner-up on Saturday, April 22, to win this year’s NorCal State Science Olympiad Tournament in Sacramento.

Science Olympiad is one of the premiere science competitions in the country, where 5825 teams (87,000 middle and high school students) from across the country compete across 23 STEM events as far-flung as Anatomy, Flight, Forensics, Rocks and Minerals, and WiFi Lab.

In the middle school division, Creekside finished 7th and Canyon finished 11th amongst very strong competition.

Becoming the sole qualifier from NorCal is particularly

Sheriff’s Report

Compiled by Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Deputies Serve Warrant

Sunday, May 7: at 1:09 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 60-year-old CV man as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man had been previously charged with two counts of driving a stolen vehicle and one count of damaging private property. Deputies caught up with the man as he was traveling on Grove Way near Tanglewood Drive. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Busted for Fentanyl

difficult, due to the extremely competitive nature of our state; in fact, the NorCal champion regularly places in the top 5 at Nationals. This year, CVHS had to beat last year’s Nationals runner-up, Mountain View High School. It seemed very unlikely, based upon the results of earlier competitions in the season, but when the dust settled, CVHS emerged victorious. CVHS will represent Northern California at Nationals, to be held May 20 at Wichita State University in Kansas.

Nationals is a unique opportunity for CVHS to compete and mingle with top students throughout the country. There will be a celebratory Opening Ceremony with a Parade of

States, in which students dress in costumes meant to represent their respective state. There is a Swap Meet, where students exchange state trinkets. There is the competition itself, where the best young scientific minds of our nation vie for medals and scholarships at the individual event level. Finally, there will be a formal awards ceremony, where our students, dressed in their best, find out who wins the right to call themselves best in the nation.

On this journey, the state champions are asking for Castro Valley’s help: this journey will cost $30,000; please consider donating to get them to Wichita. Contributions can be made @: https://bit.ly/ cv4nationals

Saturday, May 6: at 10:33 a.m., a 53-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of possession of fentanyl drugs and related drug paraphernalia. Deputies stopped the man outside a grocery store on Redwood Road near Grove Way, where they discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.

Family Fight

Friday, May 5: at 11:50 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. There, they arrested a 25-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on a family member. The man was taken into custody.

Invalid Driver’s License

Saturday, May 6: at 2:00 a.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 56-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of see REPORT on page 10

Rowell: Parade

continued from front page Business groups sending entries include Classy Canine’s Wiggle Rumps, Shamrock Realtors, Rowell Ranch’s own Saddlery store, and the law office of Eduardo Robles.

Rodeo Queen Olivia Sherman, who’s been working with horses since she was 9, will reign again this year.

New among equestrian groups is the MOTA Posse from Rancho Jalisco on Crow Canyon, where their horses are boarded. It is made up of 11 riders between 35 and 48 years old, along with an 11-year-old!

Malia Frey will be riding her horse Barron in her first parade, finally fulfilling a childhood dream. Malia was raised in Kailua, Hawaii, then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She worked with horses in both places but never owned a horse of her own until she was 20 and had moved to Castro Valley. Barron is a 5-year-old Tennessee Walker Gelding.

Classic car lovers should keep their eyes peeled for Model A Fords from the Acorn A’s, antique cars from both Fort Hunter Liggett (Monterey County) and Dublin’s Camp Parks Reserve Force Area, and convertibles and motorcycles driven by Korean and Vietnam war veterans of American Legion Post 649.

Marching bands include those from Castro Valley High School, the Pride of Hayward High, and the Prince Charles Pipe Band bagpipers.

Last year’s Rowell Rodeo Parade roped in a crowd.

Other schools in attendance include Palomares Elementary, the California Cross Point Academy and Redwood Christian School, joined by Cub Scout Pack 722 and Little League baseball players. Also riding in the parade will be the winners of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Art & Essay/Poem Contest, sponsored by the Castro Valley Rotary. Elementary school-aged children entered it in several categories, with different winners in kindergarten and first grade, second and third grade, and fourth and fifth grade. They submitted artwork, a

Warm Wishes For A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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

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Rotary

Eye-Opening Awareness on ‘Living With Cerebral Palsy’

By Jan Kuta SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

As a Castro Valley resident for 50-plus years and now a co-author, I strongly feel there is a necessity to open the gates of awareness of Cerebral Palsy to the public. Therefore, in August 2022, I agreed to collaborate with a lead author who resides in Ontario, Canada, along with 23 other co-authors globally, to write down-to-earth, courageous, inspiring stories of the struggles and amazing successes of CP warriors worldwide. Our book made its debut on March 25, 2023, on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Within 24 hours, it made the bestseller’s list.

ly, or is in a wheelchair doesn’t mean that they are completely useless to society. On the contrary, as you will discover in the book, people with Cerebral Palsy have much to contribute to our communities if others remove their blinders and see the actual human being beneath the disability.

heartstrings and leave you feeling quite inspired by its resilience, honesty, and determination. The book’s title is “Living With Cerebral Palsy.”

Club of Castro Valley

CASTRO VALLEY ROTARY CLUB SOCIAL

You are cordially invited to Our SOCIAL MIXER

May 16, 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

short essay, or a short poem.

Kindergarteners and first graders were asked to describe one of the most exciting days of their lives, while second and third graders were asked to talk about their favorite way to get around in honor of the rodeo’s “Let’s ride!” theme. Fourth and fifth graders were asked to describe a goal they hope to accomplish.

“It’s all happening because the people don’t just say it’s my parade. They say it’s our parade,” said Bruce Johnson, the superintendent emeritus of Redwood Christian School and long-time parade planner. “I can’t tell you how proud it makes me to be from Castro Valley and see how we all pull together for the parade.”

Early rodeo events include the Cecil Jones Cowboy Challenge, a 3-person team competition on Wednesday, May 17, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. barbecue and dance.

The rodeo takes place at the Rowell Rodeo Park off Highway 580 between Dublin and Castro Valley. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit: www.rowellranchrodeo.com for more information.

In Chapter 12, called “Don’t Tell Me No, Struggles Beyond Miracles,” which is my contribution to the book. I am hoping to indicate that just because someone doesn’t have perfect speech, walks different-

I believe this collection of inspiring stories is long overdue to being written. These CP warriors share their personal experiences and give a raw, honest perspective of the daily challenges we face every day. For example, a “normal” person would never give it a second thought about stepping up on a simple street curb, right? But with CP, one needs to look around for a ramp leading up onto the sidewalk. Sometimes, the incline might be at a great distance away, or a business has stairs leading to the entrance and no way for that CP person to enter.

Each story will pull at your

I am very proud and honored to have been a part of this awakening to the local community and worldwide. Inside this collection of heartfelt stories, you’ll discover how living with cerebral palsy makes one stronger and even more determined than a person without Cerebral Palsy and how to turn the “impossible” into possible. I am striving to spread the knowledge that having Cerebral Palsy doesn’t make us weak; quite the opposite; even though it takes three times as much energy to do a simple task, it gives us the tenacity to try, try again harder, and eventually succeed. In the end, leading to a fulfilled, gratifying life.

Anyone interested in purchasing my book and learning more can email me at afjk@ att.net.

Waiting Is Not Easy: Are You A Full Bloom or Flower Bud?

By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

I’m continuing this week to share my inspirations and insights from nature. Last time, we talked about how your roots represent your level of personal development. The more you develop yourself, the stronger you are, and the bigger you can potentially grow. Today, the inspiration comes from a conversation I had with my Japanese teacher. She lives in Japan and was commenting on cherry blossoms and the relationship between when the flowers bloom and time.

She had shared this photo of a branch of the cherry blossom tree, which was beautiful. Her

comment, though, was what caught my attention. She made a comment about the life cycle of

the flowers and time. Cherry blossoms are only around for about a week before they fall off and are blown away.

Depending on when you visit the trees, some flowers are in full bloom, some are half in bloom, and some are still buds. In a very short period of time, those buds bloom, then are gone. She then shared that the flowers don’t pay attention to anything else around them. They just focus on doing what they’re supposed to do. They

don’t even compare themselves to the other flowers. If they’re already in bloom, they stay beautiful as long as possible. If they’re in half bloom or full bloom, they focus on blooming.

What I loved about it was the connection between “success” and our perceptions over time. Here’s how I started to look at it. Let’s say our entire life took one whole year. That’s basically what happens with these cherry blossoms, right? We look at where we are in life and compare it to other people’s successes (aka cherry blossoms that have already bloomed). We assume that because they currently have see KOO on back page

FILE PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE KADY

Tomorrow: Thursday, May 11

Senior Driver Traffic Safety Seminar

Registration has begun for the library’s popular senior driving program! Conducted by the California Highway Patrol, this seminar will include: Compensating for Age-Related Changes, Tune-Up Your Driving Skills, Rules of the Road, Safe Driving Tips; and more! Participants will receive a certificate for completing this FREE course which may lead to an insurance discount. You must be 65 or older to qualify. Registration is required. Call the Library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at: www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv.

Saturday, May 13

Soroptimist Yard Sale

Soroptimist International of the East Bay is having a Yard Sale this Saturday, May 13, from 8 am to 3 pm at 3841 Somerset Ave in Castro Valley. Donations of housewares, linens, toys, books, electronics, clothing, accessories, and small furniture are accepted on Friday, May 12, from 1 to 5 pm. Please no car seats, bed pillows, or items in poor condition. For more information, call Lynn Levin (510) 593-7377. Proceeds benefit local charities and scholarships for women.

Saturday, May 13

Tuber /Cutting Sale in San Leandro

The San Leandro Dahlia Society is able to sell more tubers and small plants! This second sale will take place this Satur-

day, May 13, from 10 am to 12 noon. Location: 1111 Glen Dr., San Leandro. Tubers are still $6 and the small plants will be $8. Cash, check and Venmo will be accepted. The crazy weather created issues for the professional dahlia growers as well as the Dahlia Society so we have a better supply now than last month.

Saturday, May 13

2023 Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade

2023 Parade Chair Christian Carr is excited stating that “the Parade Committee is making this coming parade another memorable family-friendly, community event.” This year’s parade takes place this Saturday, May 13, at 10 am on Castro Valley Blvd and will include an event at the Rodeo Grounds the night before and a Pancake Breakfast at Station 25 of the Alameda County Fire Department the morning of the parade, in addition to the annual Art & Essay Contest for Castro Valley students in grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Please visit www. RowellRanchRodeoParade.com for more.

Saturday, May 13

Free Swing Band Concert

Spend a Saturday afternoon with Route 66- The Castro Valley Adult School Swing Band. Join us for a fabulous afternoon this Saturday, May 13, at 2 pm. It’s free and will be held at the lovely at Castro Valley Center for the Arts, located at 19501 Redwood Road. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, May 13

Gardening Series: Eat What You Grow

Join us at the Castro Valley Library this Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 4 pm. We’ll be hearing from Lori Caldwell, Compost Gal, and learning about topics such as crop rotation, seeds vs. starts, soil fertility, and plant succession, transplanting seedlings, watering/irrigation, and the best crops for your garden. Emphasis on reusing materials will also be discussed. Register and learn more information here: https://aclibrary. bibliocommons.com/events/643d8da3043845370008e599

Sunday, May 14

Free Mother’s Day Orchestra Concert

Castro Valley Orchestra will present a concert on Mother’s Day, this Sunday, May 14, at 2 pm at Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. The program includes works by Ravel, Dvorak, and Beethoven. A reception for the audience and musicians will immediately follow the concert. Admission is free.

Tuesday, May 16

CV Rotary Evening Social Mixer

You’re cordially invited to the Rotary Club of Castro Valley Evening Social Mixer gathering at the Castro Valley Marketplace. Mix and mingle with our Rotarians and learn more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar with us!

2023 Annual Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade “Let’s Ride!” Presented by The Rotary Club of Castro Valley!

rOWELL RANCH RODEO PARADE

Saturday, May 13

Recognizing the101st Anniversary of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo featuring equestrian (individual and units), schools, community organizations, youth leagues, car clubs, churches and marching bands as well as honoring our First Responders, Active and Military Veterans!

Time: Parade begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Location: Downtown Castro Valley (Announcer’s stage located between Nunes and San Miguel)

Night Before the Parade: BBQ, Axes & Brew - Friday, May 12, at Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park from 5:00-9:00 P.M.more info at RowellRanchRodeoParade/chili-cookoff

Morning of Parade: Pancake Breakfast hosted by Alameda County Fire Department from 7:00-9:00 A.M. at Station 25, 20336 San Miguel Avenue, Castro Valley CA

Honorary Marshals ($1000): Carol Bigelow; Classy Canine Wiggle Rumps; Redwood Christian Schools; and Supervisor Nate Miley

Wrangler Club ($500): Baywood Court Retirement Community; Kevin L. Hinkley Auto Tech; Law Office of Eduardo Robles; Law Office of Bernie Kempen; Nixxit Junk Removal; and Tom Nohr Successful Financial

Bronco Club ($300 to $499): Adams, Adams & Morris; Beck Roofing: Birthright; Castro Valley Hayward Storage; Cliff Sherwood; Frank Mellon - EBMUD Retired Director; Jess C. Spencer Mortuaries & Crematory; Karin Johnson - Specialty Cakes; Perry’s Creative Promotions; Pete’s Hardware; Poniatowski Leding Parikh Law Firm; and Todd Anglin, State Farm Insurance; and Craig Ragg Real Estate

Stetson Club ($200): Advance Title Research; Al’s Food Market; McKinney and Co., CPA; and Phillips Law Offices and Shamrock Realtors-James & Rosalyn Esmeyer

The parade will honor our First Responders, Active and Military Veterans; recognize the101st Anniversary of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo; and feature entries from throughout the Castro Valley and surrounding communities including equestrian (individual and units), schools, community organizations, youth leagues, car clubs, churches and marching bands! Parade will be broadcast live by Robert Souza on Castro Valley News and posted at Castro Valley News on Facebook! Parade results and pictures will be posted on www.rowellranchrodeoparade.com

The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is thankful for this year’s Parade Sponsors!

Recognizing the 101st Anniversary of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo featuring equestrian (individual and units), schools, community organizations, youth leagues, car clubs, churches and marching bands as well as honoring our First Responders, Active and Military Veterans!

The Rotary Club of Castro Valley invites you to the “Night Before” and “Morning Before” Parade Activities!

REAL ESTATE REALITY

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

Many, looking to grab their piece of the American dream, will do almost anything to get a property to call their own. It makes sense: a study by the Federal Reserve states that the median net worth of those who own a home is 40 times higher than those who rent. What many buyers fail to factor in, however, are surprising truths they will discover once they actually own a property. A recent post from Zillow lists 12 such surprises – some good, some otherwise.The cost of maintenance. Most buyers complain about HOA fees for condos or townhouses – until they discover that the cost of maintaining a single-family home typically far exceeds a normal HOA fee.

The frequency of necessary maintenance. Many maintenance items are not one-and-done – they will need to be performed over and over again. Changing filters, touching up paint and so on – it’s never ending.

Increasing insurance costs. As a result of natural disasters, the insurance industry has been hit hard

and is passing those costs on to homeowners with the result that costs are escalating dramatically.

You are responsible! You are now your own landlord and, if something goes wrong, you are the one who will have to deal with it.

Extensive knowledge is required. Unless you want to pay expensive contractor fees (plumber, electrician, etc.) for ongoing maintenance issues, the more you can learn to do on your own, the better. YouTube is a great resource for how-to videos.

Homes have quirks. The fun thing is now those quirks are yours! The other side of the coin is that you will need to deal with them – the good, the bad and the ugly.

On the positive side of the ledger, there are some huge positive surprises.

The awesome feeling of being an owner. There is no better feeling than driving into your driveway and knowing that this house is yours!

Tax benefits. While many buyers know their taxes are going to change, many are thrilled to see the results on their returns.

The ability to chart your own destiny. You now have

Dino’s

Salads

Green Salad

Potato Salad

Chilled Chicken w/Pasta

Desserts

Chef Choice

Fresh Fruit

Seafood Sauté

Fried Chicken

Mashed Potato

Meat Balls and Pasta New Year steak

Chef Choice

Garlic Bread

the ability to paint, renovate and do whatever you want to make the home fit your personal tastes (there may be some CC&R restrictions).

To alter the words of Irving Berlin’s song; “There may be surprises ahead … let’s face the music and dance!”

27801 Palomares Rd., Castro Valley - Price Upon Request

Enjoy Country Living within minutes to all the convenience of City Life! This updated and expanded single level, 2,926 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is situated on a mostly level 1 acre lot. Enter the front door and enjoy the open concept floor plan with living room with large stone fireplace & picture window to view the lovely seasonal creek & wooded area & eatin kitchen with island, 2 dishwashers, 2 built-in refrigerators, Wolf range, large walk-in pantry and door to newly installed deck, great for entertaining. Primary bedroom w/walk-in closet, bath w/shower, separate tub & water closet. Additional 3 large bedrooms, bathroom with shower over tub & guest 1/2 bath. The Roof & septic tank were recently replaced & water has been tested & potable. Detached 2 car garage large enough for a workshop & the electrical has been upgraded. Lots of off street parking with room for RV, boats or multiple cars. Some additional items include central vac, tile, carpeting & hardwood flooring, granite countertops and recessed lighting. All this and so much more!.

Cathy Brent Team 510-381-1065

Cathy@CathyBrent.com DRE #01088138 www.cathybrent.com

Kathi Townsend: 510-333-9404 / kathi.townsend@BHHSDrysdale.com / DRE #01409032

Wayne Licsak: 510-303-7765 / wayne.licsak@BHHSDrysdale.com / DRE #01850870

Linda Neff: 510-557-9185 / linda@lindaneff.com / DRE #01495978

Kelly McCoy: 925-786-2681 / DRE #02095209

Snails Will Always Be Around A

By Buzz Bertolero THE DIRT GARDENER

Q

A

I’m not aware of any chemical spray that controls the snail

Dinner (Includes Entree, your choice of Soup or Salad)

Soup ~ Clam Chowder Salad Mixed Greens served with Dressing

Boneless Half Chicken Served w/Mushroom Wine Sauce

Salmon Oscar

Prime Rib of Beef (10 oz.)

Filet Mignon Served w/Port Wine Sauce

$38.95 $38.95

$25.95 $30.95 $29.95

Dessert - Homemade Tiramisu

With all the recent rains, my poor garden was left to fend for itself. The snails moved in, in droves, and laid piles of eggs. I would have thought I would have fewer with the drought and dry conditions, but that is not the case. Is there a spray that could kill the eggs before they hatch but wouldn’t harm the flowers?eggs or, for that matter, slugs. You’re only option is to bait the area with a liquid or granular product once the snails have hatched. Baiting should be an ongoing task during the growing season. However, I’m a bit puzzled by your problem. It is unusual for the egg masses of snails to be laid in big piles. Snails like a moist environment as they like they avoid the sun, so they are only active at night and hide during the day when it is cool, dark, and damp. Snail eggs are white, spherical, and laid in a oneinch-in diameter mass. Each grouping contains about eighty eggs. Observing immature or baby snails and baiting these areas more frequently can reduce the future adult population. Near the end of the rainy

BUZZ BERTOLERO THE

season, this is important in controlling the population. When the rainy season concludes, snail activity is restricted to those areas under irrigation, so you should only bait those areas. In addition, an adult snail doesn’t need to mate as it has both male and female reproductive organs. Unfortunately, snails are a problem that will never go away. In arid conditions, a snail can retract itself into its protective shell and seal over the entry with a mucus layer. This is the same mucus it uses to move from one location to another. The mucus hardens and can remain dormant for up to four years. Sluggo is the preferred Snail and Slug Bait as it’s an organic solution around edibles and is pet and kidssafe. One last thing, Osmocote fertilizer often gets confused with snail eggs, be sure you’re

not confusing the two.I have a Wisteria that’s fifteen years old. It grows by leaps and bounds yearly but blooms only in the spring. My neighbor’s Wisteria blooms and reblooms for months every year. What must I do to get mine to blossom and bloom again?

The simple answer is that there is not thing you can do to extend the blooming season. With Wisterias, Mother Nature controls the entire repeat blooming cycle. It’s more likely to happen when the temperatures go from mild to hot and back to mild. This type of change is the trigger for a flowering cycle. This is more likely to occur where there is a strong marine influence and unlikely in the warmer inland areas. On a personal note, my blue Wisteria is in bloom for Easter, while the pink one flowers around Mother’s Day. Also, the blue Wisteria always has a repeat blooming cycle throughout the summer, while the pink one reblooms periodically.

9 bedrooms/6.5 bath, 113 acres 6317 sq ft, 2 homes on 1 lot 17172 Cull Canyon Rd. Castro Valley • $4,200,000 17172cullcanyon.com Annie Tegner Broker Associate Compass /DRE#01883687 510.396.1377

DIRT GARDENER

RECENT HOME SALES

Homes

Mortgage Rates Tick Down

This week, mortgage rates inched down slightly amid recent volatility in the banking sector and commentary from the Federal Reserve on its policy outlook. Spring is typically the busiest season for the residential housing market and, despite rates hovering in the mid-six percent range, this year is no different. Interested homebuyers are acclimating to the current rate environment, but the lack of inventory remains a primary obstacle to affordability.

FILED APRIL 13, 2023

MELISSA WILKCounty Clerk

ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy

FILE NO. 597135

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es):

Spiderchain Jewelry, located at 20220 West Ridge Court, Castro Valley, CA 94546, Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Sarinda Newell, located at 20220 West Ridge Court, Castro Valley, CA 94546, This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced 02/11/1999

/s/ Sarinda Newell

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires MAR 12, 2028

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2023 0725-CVF

FILED MAR 25, 2023

MELISSA WILKCounty Clerk

ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 597460

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es):

Access For All Travel, located at 21014 Sherman Dr., Castro Valley CA 94552, Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Virginia Cooper, located at 21014 Sherman Dr., Castro Valley CA 94552, This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced 04/20/23 /s/ Virginia Cooper

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires MAR 24, 2028

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2023 0723-CVF

FILED MAR 14, 2023

MELISSA WILKCounty Clerk ALAMEDA COUNTY

By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 597178

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code

Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es):

Logic Forge Technology, located at 19987 Lorena Circle, Castro Valley, CA 94546, in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s):

Shefali Tyagi, located at 19987 Lorena Circle, Castro Valley, CA 94546, This business is conducted by an Individual.

This business commenced N/A

/s/ Shefali Tyagi

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires MAR 13, 2028

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2023 0720-CVF

578239

The following person has abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Kuman of Castro Valley, at 20440 Redwood Road, Castro Valley Ca 94546, in Alameda County.

Full name of registrant is: Eunha Stella Choi , at 1047 Mangrove Lane., Alameda Ca 94502. Yongsuk Andrew Choi, at 1047 Mangrove Lane., Alameda Ca 94502.

The Fictitious Business Name Statement Kuman of Castro Valley, was filed on 4/19/2021 in the county of Alameda. Original File Number 578239.

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 APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2023 0715-CVF

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.

CONCRETE SERVICE

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

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

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

NOTICETO READERS California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

Caregiver w/28 years experience available full-time or live-in. Personal TLC. Meal prep, dementia, etc. Have car. Excellent references. Belle 510-992-9085.

FENCES/DECKS

*SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair, paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree trimming, topping or removal, garage cleaning & debris removal. Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427. Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.

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

GARAGE SALES

Gardening and woodworking tools, artifacts, jewelry. Quality items! 19214 Carlton Ave. Castro Valley, Sat May 6, 8-4.

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

GARDENING

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

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.

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

HANDYMAN SERVICE

HANDYMAN/ LANDSCAPING SERVICE. Maintenance, Cleanups, Hauling, Fences, Decks/ Patios, Painting, Repairs, Tree Work, Concrete. 510-712-4318.

HAULING SERVICE

HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578. Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –To place an ad call 510-614-1558

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

Future: Plan is Expected to Finalize Around Summer of 2024

continued from front page Other repeated requests from the group discussions included adding upscale restaurants, open community spaces for meeting and relaxing, improved walking and bike accessibility, and more opportunities for activities besides shopping and eating.

“It’s a fantasy to just increase the number of retail shops or restaurants. The question we have to ask is, why do we want people to come to Castro Valley? And when you get them here, what do you want them to do?” said Castro Valley resident Stacy Poulos.

The community workshop is just at the beginning stages of input to Alameda County Community Development Agency (CDA) for revamping Castro Valley’s downtown plan, which is expected to finalize around the summer of 2024. CDA is expected to reveal a preferred plan this summer, with a formal draft revealed early next year.

The “Business District Specific Plan” will outline opportunities for change in four specific zones: the Medical

Center area on Lake Chabot Road, the Castro Village and the Boulevard area, the BART Transit Village, and the Rite Aid parcel to the east.

“Castro Valley has always been a cohesive community with a rich heritage of its identity… not all communities have that. And the message we hear

is that the people here want it to reflect this identity and serve their community,” Rodrigo Orduña, Assistant Planning Director with CDA, told the Forum.

He added that the Business Plan was a guideline that would help shape the types of businesses that could or should

be developed over time. And if the plan identifies a glut of one or two types of businesses, those could be restricted from expanding and or given other options for relocating.

“For example, if we had way too many auto repair shops in town, we would decline a business license for any new auto

repair shops,” Orduña said.

There are factors in the CDA’s plan that are not negotiable, such as adding a percentage of the 4,600 units of high-density apartments or attached homes planned for Castro Valley that California has mandated for its housing policies. Some of that will be absorbed into BART’s plan to convert some of its current parking lots to add housing units like those near the Hayward and Fruitvale stations.

“Just because you change the business plan for parking or the housing infill designation from low-density to medium-density doesn’t mean change will happen immediately,” said Gary Slate, Executive Director of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ultimately, the ongoing feedback from the community is designed to help the county make well-informed decisions consistent with the Castro Valley community’s long-term vision for growth and well-being.

See more maps and meeting schedule on the plan’s website: cvgpimplementation.com

Report: CV Street Fight

continued from page 3 driving with an invalid driver’s license. The man was spotted traveling on Castro Valley Boulevard near Wilbeam Avenue when deputies pulled him over for a traffic violation. The man was taken into custody.

Threatening with Gun Friday, May 5: at 2:21 p.m., a 41-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of threatening another person with a gun. Deputies responded to a call about an altercation outside a home on Grove Way near Gary Drive. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Fighting in the Street Wednesday, May 3: at 6:25 p.m., deputies arrested a 44-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault and battery. The man was spotted in a heated argument behind a bar on Castro Valley Boulevard near Park Way. Deputies handcuffed the man and took him into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

The primary aspects of the project will be revising the Alameda County Zoning Code and updating the Castro Valley Central Business District Specific Plan.

Letters to the Editor

Please e-mail your letters to: filesforforum@gmail.com

Protest the CVSan Surcharge Increase

About 18,550 home owners in Castro Valley are about to see the surcharge on property tax bills for the CVSD raised from $481 to $550.70 (per year). You know the one, the biggest assessment on your property tax bill. Unless a MAJORITY of homeowners in the district send protest letters to the CVSD this increase will be routinely approved. To submit a valid protest, letters must:

1. Be in writing;

2. State the letter is in opposition to rate increase;

3. Provide the location of your property street address or APN;

4. Include your original signature

Written protest may be submitted by mail or in person (email will not count) to: ATTN: public hearing on SSC rate increase

What is Going on With the New Drive by Mailboxes?

Dear Editor,

21040 Marshall St. Castro Valley, CA 94546

The way this continues to be approved under the radar every two years is beyond me. And The Forum having no space for letters the last few weeks seems to be awful inconvenient for those of us against it. I posted in the CV ask share discuss forum on Facebook and nobody even noticed.

–David Searcy, Castro Valley

Upset About New Post Office Mailboxes

I am so upset about the drive by drop of letters in the CV Post Office on Santa Maria. I have lived in Castro Valley over 50 years and this is very sad news for me and other residents of Castro Valley. They have three new mailboxes, that are not user friendly for driving by to drop letters. You must step all the way out of your car to place your letters in one of the three boxes. Previously you could roll down your window and insert your letters, without

stepping out of your car. We have very few mail boxes in Castro Valley and this has been the most convenient place for me to drop my letters. I saw a man when I was dropping off letters the other day struggling to get himself out of his car as he appeared to have mobility problems. This was a great hardship on him as it will be on many others in Castro Valley. I called to discuss this issue with the CV Post Office but only found an 800# and

Memorial Day Program

Donuts

Barbeque Following Program 12 noon

Keynote Speaker:

Command Sergeant Major William T. Orecchia Other Distinguished

What is going on with the new drive by mailboxes at the Post Office? Not only are the mailboxes too far away to reach from your car, but you can’t drop an envelope in it. The mailbox has to be opened. This is very inconvenient and has created quite a traffic jam, as you have to get out of your

car to put an envelope in the mailbox.

I also find it very discriminatory, as I am in a wheelchair. There is no way I can use these mailboxes. Now what am I supposed to do? Park my van? Get in my wheelchair and go inside the post office? What a joke!

–Theresa Gould, Castro Valley

Bonnie Jean (Gordon) Hoszpodar

could not get a real person to speak to. Now, I will have to leave my letters for my postal carrier to pick up when he drops off my mail at my home. I’m very sad at the loss of a post box that I can no longer drop letters by rolling down my car window.

–Patty Freitas, Castro Valley

Passed away on April 26, 2023 at the age of 83. She was born and raised in Oakland and was a Castro Valley resident for the last 60 years. Bonnie was a Daycare Provider for many years and a Sorority and Red Hat member. She devoted most of her life to her husband and family and enjoyed baking for her grandkids, gardening, collecting recipes, and sewing in her free time.

Bonnie is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Zoltan Hoszpodar; two daughters, Karen Scott and Christine MacChesney; four grandchildren, Kelli Scott, Kevin Scott, Sage MacChesney and Logan MacChesney, and many other adored family members and friends. She will be dearly missed. The family is planning a Celebration of Life.

Harry Carter

Harry Carter was born in 1933, in Kentucky. Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, he attended local schools and graduated with a degree in Music from the University of Kentucky. He went to USC on a clarinet scholarship where he got his Master’s Degree in clarinet performance. While there he also studied choral conducting with Dr. Charles Hirt. Following graduation, he became chair of the choral department at the new Ramona High School in Riverside, California. After 3 years he took a leave of absence to teach at the U.S. Army Dependents School in Karlsruhe, Germany. After co-directing a German-American music festival, he joined the Karlsruhe Kammerchor and participated in EUROPA CANTAT 1 in Passau, Germany. He became an individual member of The European Federation of Young Choirs.

Returning to Riverside for one more year at Ramona, Harry founded the Riverside Chorale which continues to the present day. Harry then matriculated at the University of Illinois in Urbana to pursue a Doctor of Music Arts degree. While at the U. of I, he conducted the Mens Glee Club and organized the University Chamber Choir.

Returning to California, he then taught for two years at Chabot Jr. College. The remainder of his teaching career was at California State University, Hayward, as head of the Vocal-Choral Studies. His University and Chamber singers performed with the San Francisco and Oakland Symphony Orchestras and were featured at conventions of the American Choral Directors Association.

In the early 1970s Seiji Ozawa asked Harry and Joe Liebling to organize and audition singers to form a symphony chorus which they did. Harry then badly injured his back and was unable to continue after the first concert.

Dr. Carter was the founder and musical director of the San Francisco Bay Area Chamber Choir. In addition to regular performances in the Bay Area, the group has made many concert tours with performances in twelve countries. As a special feature of these tours they have participated in six EUROPA CANTAT music festivals: Lucerne, Switzerland(19790, Namur, Belgium (1982), Strasbourg, France (1985),Pécs, Hungary (1988) Vitoria, Spain 1991), and Herning, Denmark (1994).During the summer of 1992 they participated in the ZIMRIYA festival in Jerusalem. Harry retired from the group in 2015 and the choir continues to perform to this day now under the leadership of Dr. Buddy James.

In addition to his music career, Harry was the devoted husband to his wife Ellen for 66 years. Harry was father of two sons, Geoffry and Steven He encouraged them to be involved in musical activities in school and college. Both boys played and toured with the Oakland Youth Symphony. Geoff has had a long career as a high school choir director. Our whole family loved to go sailing on the San Francisco Bay. In the winter we enjoyed skiing together. Harry was an accomplished swimmer and he swam several times a week at the Hayward Plunge. From age 70 to 80 he enjoyed scuba diving. Harry and Ellen took long walks at nearby Lake Chabot frequently until Harry’s last illness.

In their retirement, Harry and Ellen loved to travel. Their final trip was a cruise on the Aegean Sea, returning at the end of October. Harry went into the hospital for emergency surgery on Nov. 10. He passed away at the end of March after several complications blocked his recovery.

Harry is survived by his wife, Ellen, son Geoffry, son Steven, daughter-in-law Claire, 6 grandchildren,and 3 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry’s name to the California State University East Bay Music Department will be appreciated. A Memorial will be held on June 24 at 2 P.M. at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Miranda Nild

Our Athlete of the Week is Miranda Nild, former Castro Valley High School soccer player and golfer who went to the University of California Berkeley, where she was the team captain in her senior season and was named Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention in 2016. Nild recently joined as a forward to the new Oakland Soul women’s soccer team playing in the United Soccer League. The team will make its debut this Saturday at Calif. State University East Bay against the San Francisco Olympic Club.

Koo: Give Yourself the Gift of Time

continued from page 4 success, we somehow will not succeed, or we are less than them. However, if we simply gave ourselves enough time, a couple more weeks for the cherry blossoms, we would also see our own success.  On the flip side, maybe we’ve begun to see our own success (aka half or full bloom), and we judge others and say they don’t want something enough or are not motivated when maybe it’s just not their time yet. Instead of passing judgment on others, what if we simply looked at it from a passage of time perspective?

Celebrate Mother’s Day in EB Parks

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

There are several programs from which to choose if you’d like to celebrate Mother’s Day in the East Bay Regional Parks.

For instance, Mother’s Day will be observed with a variety of activities on Sunday, May 14, at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.

Festivities will be continuous from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can create a flower crown, enjoy live music, and play a game of croquet or bocce ball. There’s a buffet brunch available with advance reservations (ardenwoodevents.com/mothersday) or you can purchase food from a special a-la-carte menu at the farm’s café.

Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. Farm programs recreate life on a prosperous 19th century estate, whose centerpiece is the beautifully restored Patterson House. Admission fees apply; parking is free. For information, call 510-544-2797.

Take a Family Hike For Mother’s Day

You can celebrate Mother’s Day and learn about nature’s moms, during a two-mile hike at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore.

The hike is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, with naturalist Alex Collins. The whole family is welcome. Some of the walk is on paved paths and there is a short hill. Registration is not required. Meet at the School House Flats picnic area.

Del Valle Regional Park is at the end of Del Valle Road off Mines Road about nine miles south of Livermore. There is a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For info, call 510-544-3146.

Community Campfire For Mother’s Day

And there’s more. “Mothers of Big Break” is the theme of a community campfire from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, with supervising naturalist Wyatt Moore.

Gather the family for an evening in the park. Meet at the park amphitheater. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the program. The group will explore the wonder of Big Break through nature-themed activities. The campfire will include s’mores, those gooey but delicious campfire treats.

Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 510-544-3050.

Family Nature Fun Hour

Some people may not bloom until the very end, while others bloom at the beginning, with most of us blooming somewhere in the middle.

I think the hard part with this perspective is that we’re not very good at seeing things over time. We understand the cherry blossoms over the span of one year or one season. If we blew it up and applied it to our human lives, a couple of weeks becomes a couple of decades. One year becomes 80-100 years. It’s really hard to conceptualize where we are in the big scheme of things.

So I’d like to take this moment for us to reflect. Which blossom are you on the cherry blossom branch? Have you already bloomed? Are you in half bloom? Or are you maybe still a bud?

Taking Math Out To The Ballgame

Palomares Elementary School teacher, Diane Milinkevich, not only gave her 4th and 5th Grade students a real-life math lesson but also a moment to remember at the ballpark. On Wednesday, May 4, Milinkevich’s class took a field trip sponsored by the Oakland A’s and Ross (Home Run Readers) to enjoy a game at the ballpark and also see how a game of baseball connects to real-world math using fractions, decimals, percentages, and angles. Ms. Milinkevich also threw out the first pitch at the game against the Seattle Mariners.

What I want to remind you is that no matter where you are, that’s where you’re supposed to be. There’s no other stage for you to be in besides the one you’re in. Your focus, then, is to keep moving forward and work towards what you’re supposed to be.

Register NOW for the 2016 Fall Soccer Season!

Register NOW for the 2023 Fall Soccer Season! REGISTRATION CLOSING MAY 31, 2023

Registration Closing May 30th

Low tide exploration is the plan during Family Nature Fun Hour, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove in Alameda. Find out what low tide reveals about bay creatures. This is a drop-in program; registration is not needed. The center is at 1252 McKay Ave. off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call 510-544-3187.

We have programs for all kids born from 1998-2013

The club has been serving the youth of surrounding cities since 1982

We have programs for all kids U4-U19, 2020 - 2005

To register, go to: www.castrovalleysoccer.com/register/recreational-registration

To register, go to: www.castrovalleysoccer.com

This is just a partial list of programs available in your Regional Parks. For a full list, visit www.ebparks.org/thingsto-do. It’s wise to check “Alerts and Closures” at the website to be sure the park you wish to visit has not been affected by weather or other factors.

As part of my style of coaching, I talk a lot about giving yourself the gift of time. If you’d like some guidance and coaching over time, please reach out to me. I’d love to chat more with you. If you’re not sure where you’re supposed to go or who you’re trying to be, start with my Wheel of Life: https://www. kevinkoocoach.com/wheel-oflife1.

Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while waiting for his turn to blossom. You can contact him by email at: kevinkoocoaching@gmail. com, or follow on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching

Trent Zizileuskas 6th grader at Redwood Christian Middle school caught this 26”halibut beauty near the Alameda rock wall using live bait on Saturday, April 29. Congratulations on your ‘Great Catch,’ Trent! Have a ‘Great Catch’ you’d like to share with the community? Send a photo and information by email to: filesforforum@gmail.com

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Miranda Nild