A LOT TO JUGGLE: Members of the Castro Valley Jugglers Association practice their skills at the Castro Valley Bart Station. The group, which includes local jugglers and unicyclists, meets on Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 8:30. All ages and abilities are welcome. Visit cvjugglers.org for more information.
After 30 years in public service, longtime Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) member Ken Carbone retired May 13, but says he will continue his longstanding work in the community.
“I had been thinking about pulling away for a year or two now, just waiting for a good time to go,” Carbone told the Forum.
As a member of the MAC, a former member of the Alameda County Planning Commission, and owner of Dolphin Graphics, Carbone loves bringing people together for good projects.
For example, on June 15, Carbone will be on hand for this
year’s Castro Valley Car Show, which he pioneered in 2006 and still helps lead. Some 400 cars are expected this year along Castro Valley Boulevard.
Because of his time on the MAC, Carbone says he is aware that Alameda County oversees any significant change to Castro Valley and the unincorporated area. This is something he would like to change. He backed the failed drive for Castro Valley cityhood in 2000 and supports the current drive toward cityhood. Carbone served on Castro Valley’s Redevelopment Advisory Committee during its short existence. Redevelopment agencies statewide were eliminated by then-Governor Jerry Brown right after Castro Valley first got one. However, he still supports that agency’s goal of a revitalized and walkable downtown Castro Valley.
see CARBONE on page 11
The $14 million upgrade of the Canyon Middle School Athletic Fields will get at least one more round of public review of its environmental effect before construction can potentially begin this year.
At its May 22 meeting, the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board of Trustees unanimously voted to allow for further public review after some community members in the Cold Water and Greenridge neighborhoods expressed concerns about the project in January, particularly the field’s lighting and nighttime usage.
The project is open for additional public review until June 12, when CVUSD will conduct a public hearing. After all comments are received and reviewed, staff will return the final report for Board consideration and request approval and certification on June 26. see FIELD on page 5
Starting and maintaining a small business can be very exciting and rewarding, but it may also come with a lot of unforeseen challenges, stress, and uncertainty.
Take Pete Schaaphok, the owner of Music Depot in Hayward, for example. He says he wishes he had an extra helping hand when he opened his music store 14 years ago.
“We started off with a pack of guitar strings, and then we built up the business from there,” Schaaphok told the Forum. “I even think having an advisor would have been nice too. My wife and I didn’t work in retail before opening a music store, so we tried to figure it out as we went along.”
According to the US Census Statistics of US Businesses, there are 4.2 million small businesses see BUSINESS on page 3
Last Tuesday, May 21, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) issued a coyote advisory across all 73 of its parks and is asking residents to take precautions during the summer and throughout the year.
Many people know Lake Chabot in Castro Valley as a park managed by EBRPD. Other areas they manage that have the coyote advisory include Cull Canyon and Don Castro in Castro Valley and Garin Regional Park in Hayward.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes are native to California and common in rural and suburban areas near green spaces. They are often more active in the spring and summer because pups are born and as we move into the fall. With increased activity, the number of coyote sightings also increases.
Coyotes naturally run when spotted by humans, but some have become comfortable with human presence and will continue with their activities, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Krysten Kellum.
EBRPD issued a coyote advisory asking all area residents to take precautions during the summer and throughout the year.
“It’s really important always to remind people not to feed coyotes or any wildlife; that is one of the worst things you can do for their livelihood and successes,” Kellum told the Forum. “Some people might think it’s cute to leave some food on the trail or something like that — it’s not.”
Despite their preference for wooded areas, coyotes are frequently seen in the neighborhoods around Castro Valley, especially Five Canyons, Palomares Hills, Columbia, Greenridge, and Crow Canyon.
This is why EBRPD says it is important to be aware and stay alert—even in your neighborhoods.
East Bay Regional Parks suggests the following tips when enjoying its parks:
• Avoid hiking alone to ensure you have help in an emergency.
• Keep children nearby and pets on a leash.
• Be aware of your surroundings during your visit.
• Stay on the trail.
• Never feed or try to feed the coyotes. If you see a coyote:
• Do not approach the coyote. Keep an eye on it from afar.
• Don’t run away. Walk away quickly and calmly. If approached by a coyote:
• Encourage the coyote to go away if it moves within 50 feet of you.
• Be as loud and big as you can. Use an aggressive, loud, and deep voice.
• Wave your arms — make yourself look bigger.
• Do not turn your back or run away if the coyote continues to approach. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or the 24-hour EBRPD Public Safety line: 510-881-1833.
If you’re looking for a day that involves fun, healthy exercise and the good feeling that comes from helping the community and its people, join FESCO on June 8th for their Shuffle. This popular walkathon has become a tradition (it’s the 27th Annual Shuffle!) among supporters of the respected family shelter headquartered in Hayward. Since 1988, FESCO has supported hundreds of unhoused families seeking to get back on their feet and again become self-sufficient.
The FESCO Shuffle Festivities are from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, June 8 at the Moreau
Catholic High School Track, 27170 Mission Blvd., Hayward.
The Shuffle Check-In starts at 9 am. Included in the family-oriented day are a Band, a Kid Zone, Lunch, Raffle and Prize Giveaway - and it’s all free!
The Shuffle serves as FESCO’s primary fundraiser to benefit the unhoused families with children FESCO serves through its shelters. FESCO clients receive food and housing, case management, life-skills training, housing and employment search assistance, family counseling, and children’s activities and study help.
You are invited to support this program by donating to fescoshuffle.org, becoming a walker in the Shuffle, or creating a team to walk in
the Shuffle. Walkers and Team members are expected to ask family and friends for donations to the Shuffle. Contributions in any amount are appreciated and all donations are tax-deductible (FESCO is a 50l c(3) organization).
Funding from sponsors and money pledged to the walkers translates to benefiting hundreds of unhoused children and their parents each year. It’s definitely a win-win solution! For more information, go to www.fescoshuffle.org or call Stephanie Miller at the FESCO office at 510 886-5473. FESCO supporters take pride in knowing the Shuffle is a chance to make a difference for unhoused families in this area. Come Shuffle with FESCO!
The Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene at 19230 Lake Chabot Road in Castro Valley is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, a church for the East Bay since 1924. The Centennial event takes place on June 9 at 10 a.m. All are welcome to join us! Thank you for allowing us to be a special presence in this community. Please visit: www.castrovalleynaz.org
continued from front page registered in California, which make up 99.8 percent of all businesses in the state. Because most are staffed by the owner and perhaps a few people, state and local officials took the time last Tuesday, May 21, to help anyone start, maintain, and deal with the challenges of small business ownership.
“When we ask people why they want to start their
own business, they often say because they want to be the boss,” said Clair Whitmer, Assistant Deputy with the Governor’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). “The challenge is that most business owners might not know where to start to tackle the big issues like business planning, funding, state lending options, how to grow their business and marketing strategies.”
Assemblymember Liz Ortega (District 20) organized the Small Business Seminar, bringing in speakers such as Whitmer with CalOSBA, Toni Gomez with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), and Nancy Mangold with the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC). More than 80 people attended the free seminar at the Castro see BUSINESS on back page
BY
MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Methamphetamine Drugs
Friday, May 24: at 1:00 a.m.,
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 26-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine drugs as well as illegal drug paraphernalia. Deputies responded to a suspicious person’s report on Knox Street near North 6th Street and found the man sitting on the curb. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Stolen Vehicle
Thursday, May 23: at 12:02 a.m., deputies arrested a 54year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle, stolen property, driving without a valid license, violating the terms of his parole, possessing illegal drug paraphernalia, and providing a false ID. The man was traveling on Lake Chabot Road near Congress Way when deputies identified the vehicle as stolen. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Shoplifter Caught
Wednesday, May 22: at 1:08 p.m., a 37-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a retailer on the Boulevard near Chester Street. Deputies were dispatched after the store manager said the man had loaded a bag with unpaid
merchandise and quickly ran out of the store. The man was taken into custody.
Public Intoxication
Monday, May 20: at 3:19 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 40-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of public intoxication. The man was spotted in a mobile home park parking lot on Castro Valley Boulevard near Center Street. Deputies reported that the man failed his field sobriety test and took him to a sobering center.
Fighting in the Street
Saturday, May 18: at 9:04 p.m., a 31-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of fighting in public. Deputies were dispatched to an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. There, they found the woman engaged in an altercation. The woman was taken into custody.
Violation of Court Order
Saturday, May 18: at 8:30 a.m., deputies arrested a 44-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of violating the terms of a court-issued restraining order. The man was found to be within 100 yards of a drug store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Marshall Street that he had been ordered to stay away from. Deputies took the man into custody.
Busted for Drugs
Friday, May 17: at 12:06 p.m., a 37-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. Deputies were dispatched to a business in the Castro Village Shopping Center after a security guard noticed the man passed out near the entrance. The man was revived and taken into custody.
“40 Years of A.R.T., Inc.” is a landmark exhibit at the Adobe Art Gallery, 20378 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley. Seventy-eight works of art are on display for the public 11am to 3pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May 30, 31 and June 6-8. Castro Valley teacher of portraiture Claudine Krause (left) was the Judge who awarded Winifred Thompson’s acrylic “Surge” a First Place winner at the May 18 reception. $650 was awarded to six recipients. Thompson is the author of Fast Forward to Phonics Learn to Read English.
Whether you’re hiking in East Bay Regional Parks, venturing into nearby open spaces, or simply relaxing in your own yard, it’s important to be wary of ticks, which are often present in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Visitors are encouraged to keep tick safety precautions in mind when visiting East Bay Regional Parks throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Ticks carry germs that can cause a number of diseases, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted by a tick’s bite.
What Does a Tick Look Like?
In California, the western black-legged tick is the major carrier of Lyme disease. The adult female is reddish brown with black legs, about 1/8 inch long. Males are smaller and entirely brownish black. Both are teardrop shaped. Most ticks can’t fly or jump. They wait on the tips of grasses and in shrubs along well-used paths. With their front legs outstretched, they easily climb aboard unsuspecting hosts when they brush by.
Tick Safety Tips
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck shirt into pants, and pants into socks.
• Use insect repellent on shoes, socks, and pants.
• Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks thoroughly and frequently.
• Keep children and pets nearby. For maximum safety, keep your dog on a leash.
• Stay on trails. Avoid brush and grassy areas.
What to Do if
Bitten by a Tick
Pull the tick gently from the skin using a tissue or tweezers (not with bare hands). Scrape to remove any mouthparts left behind. An item such as a credit card can be used. Wash hands and the tick bite with soap and water; apply antiseptic to the bite. Prompt removal of ticks may prevent disease transmission.
Tonight • Wednesday, May 29
CV Community Band Spring Concert
Castro Valley Community Band will present their Spring Concert “Feathers, Fur, and Fantasy” tonight at 7:30pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road). More info available at: cvcfa.com
Tonight • Wednesday, May 29
The 510 Vinyl Hours
Smalltown Society is partnering with Vinyl Hours 510 to offer an immersive and interactive vinyl experience, inviting all collectors, enthusiasts, and music appreciators. Bring your records, sign up for a 15 to 30-minute set, and plug into our analog turntable setup to showcase your DJ skills. It’s a unique opportunity to share music that moves you. If the night inspires us, musicians will be on hand to spontaneously collaborate with DJs and vocalists in a live jam session. Tonight at 7:30pm at the Clinic (22222 Redwood Rd). For more info, email info@smalltownsociety.com.
Saturday, June 1
Troop 726 Donation Drive for the Unhoused
Come support those in need near you this Saturday, June 1 from 9am to 4 pm. Collection location will be Faith Lutheran Church 20080 Redwood Rd. Items needed: diapers, wipes, gift cards (gas, food, target, etc.), bedding, Socks, Books, Toiletries, Laundry Pods, Feminine Hygiene Products, Paper towels, napkins, plates, plastic cutlery. Contact: donationforFESCO@gmail.com for more information.
Saturday, June 1
Pride Celebration
Youth and their families are invited to celebrate Pride at the Castro Valley Library this Saturday, June 1 from 1 to 2:30pm. You’ll start by walking along their new StoryWalk featuring JUST.LIKE.YOU. with the author, Meredith Steiner, followed by a storytime and fabulous dance party. Wear your dancing shoes!
Saturday, June 1
Meek Mansion Guided Tour: Servants and Workers
It is always fun to imagine what it would be like to live at Meek Mansion, but have you ever wondered what it takes to run the home and work on the Meek property? June’s guided tour will explore the life of Meek servants and workers on the only tour that guides guests through the servants’ quarters. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Free for HAHS Members. Visit: haywardareahistory.org
Monday, June 3
CVHS Athletics Open
The CVHS Athletic Department will be hosting a CVHS Athletics Open House on Monday, June 3 starting at 6. The event will be held at the CVHS Aux Gym (19400 Santa Maria Ave). Anyone interested in learning about the programs and department and/or participating in a program is invited to attend. Coaches will be present to share info about our various Sports programs on campus. Boosters will also be present selling merchandise and meeting future parents/guardians and sharing about memberships.
See a physician immediately if you think you have found a tick attached to your skin and you have any of the above symptoms. Early symptoms may include a spreading rash accompanied by fever, aches, and/or fatigue.
Download EBRPD’s Living with Ticks brochure. Additional info available at ebparks.org/ safety/wildlife-encounters.
The Lab is a monthly event where songwriters and poets come together to share and collaborate on their work. Participants perform in an open-mic format, sharing both new and established pieces with friends and fellow artists in the community. Each Lab kicks off with a performance and interview featuring a special guest artist. The event begins at 7:30 pm and is invite-only. For more information and location details, please reach out to us via email at info@ smalltownsociety.com.
High School journalists from Castro Valley’s “Olympian” campus newspaper earned 31 awards this year. For the complete list of this year’s award winners, please visit our website: www.mycvforum.com
High School journalists from Castro Valley’s “Olympian” campus newspaper earned 31 awards this year. Students won multiple categories across the board after receiving honors from organizations such as California Press Women (CPW), Journalism Education Association of Northern California (JEANC), Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC), and California News Publishers Association (CPNA).
“I was a little surprised that I ended up winning such a nice amount, I was very excited,” said junior Mason Jordan,
Olympian arts and entertainment editor. Jordan was a top winner, gaining recognition for a review about “Little Mermaid” (CPW), a feature photo (CNPA), as well as a news package called “Straight Out of Sacramento.” Jordan also won an award for the PSA video “Get to Know the First Amendment” (JEANC) that he directed.
“‘The Little Mermaid’ was my big awards achievement, but my favorite and personal best was my coverage of the Oscars,” reflected Jordan. “This year I was committed to sticking to my niche that I am passionate about.”
“My favorite part of journalism this year was the class
On May 23, Castro Valley High School senior artists displayed their work in the cafeteria. The show was organized by Art Chair Alexis Knudsen and featured sculptures, drawings, paintings, and digital work. The exhibit was open to students and parents. A.R.T., Inc. awarded $800 in cash prizes.
In the “Traditional Media” category, Best of Show was taken by Jaysyn Dempsey for an Acrylic and Mod Podge work titled “Suspicions.” Latisha Wu won an Honorable Mention for her Acrylic and Gouache work “Sorcery.” Aliyx George won an Honorable Mention for her untitled Ink and Watercolor drawing. In the “Digital Arts” category, Dae Fernandes was awarded Best of Show for her digital drawing “Encounter.” Kel Santiago won an Honorable Mention for her digital drawing “Red handed.” And Ryder Maravelias won an Honorable Mention for his digital photo “Dog 2.” The team of A.R.T., Inc. judges included Sally Baxter, Debra Collins, Richard Geiger, Bev Lindsay, and Pat Doyne.
discussions because I got to hear a lot of different perspectives,” said senior Melissa Boussaroque, who won in the enterprise news category with her favorite article “Advanced Classes Face Gender Imbalance” from CNPA.
“Joining journalism is a very fulfilling and worthwhile experience,” shared senior Kaitlyn Tchang. “Not only will you get to work with other amazing students, but you will also get to grow your skills in various areas, from photography to design, to writing and editing.”
Tchang received awards for feature writing “Wellness Center brings HEART to CVHS,” and profile “Spanish exchange students navigate CVHS.”
Overall, all editors encourage students who have an interest in writing to consider taking journalism in the future.
“My favorite part of journalism this year was making pages; it’s fun and it lets me be creative with layouts, and I’m excited to experiment more next year,” said junior Gavin Peters, Olympian opinion editor. “To incoming students, I’d like to say live your best life and write what you want to write about, have fun in class, and keep the stories coming.”
“My biggest piece of advice would be to not be afraid to talk to sources, especially teachers and other staff members because they are often the best ones,” said Boussaroque.
continued from front page
The Athletic Field Project, a collaborative effort between CVUSD and Hayward Area Recreational Park District (HARD), aims to bring significant improvements. These include replacing the school’s natural turf upper playing field with a synthetic turf athletic field for soccer and baseball. The project also includes the installation of two new scoreboards, bleachers, a batting cage, pole-mounted lighting, the extension of use as late as 10:00 p.m., and other peripheral features. ADA and other accessibility upgrades would be made to student and staff restrooms, student showers, and drinking fountains, enhancing the overall experience for the community.
In December 2023, consulting firm Placeworks presented an environmental draft, referred to as an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND). The 529-page report included a debriefing of 16 different types of accommodations during and after construction, including air quality, noise, emergency accommodations, and lighting. The CVUSD adopted the IS/ MND in January but reopened the review to further clarify and ensure the neighbors’ voices were heard.
Placeworks representative Dwayne Mears presented a revised environmental review of the project to clarify the reasoning behind the new and approved (IS/MND) document. He mentioned how “the mitigated negative declaration is meant to be objective and doesn’t itself approve or deny a project.” The project serves as
an informative stepping stone before action is officially taken. Going deeper into the discussion about lighting and noise, Mears indicated how he and his team used visual simulations and light trespass analyses to limit light spillover and plan to put up informational signs listing rules about noise by Cold Water-Greenridge’s strong neighborhood policy.
Castro Valley resident and Canyon Middle School teacher Jeff Small said while he fundamentally shared the same values as the Board when it came to the process of protecting the environment on and around the field, he was skeptical about the overall review of the study.
“This process shouldn’t involve an environmental review but a true environmental impact report,” Small said.
Castro Valley Soccer Club president Bernard Goodman welcomed the project with open arms, noting the benefits the upgrades will have for the middle school and the community.
“Castro Valley Soccer Club has been an institution within the Castro Valley community for over the past 40 years,” Goodman said. “However, due to the lack of quality fields in Castro Valley today, the vast majority of our practices and games do not occur within Castro Valley. The field project really is going to enable us to once again operate within our town at a high-quality venue with lights allowing our children the ability to play even during daylight savings time when we’re forced to vacate fields very early and not have sufficient fields to service all of our players.”
With the National Association of Realtors (NAR) class action lawsuit settlement close to final approval, it appears that implementation of the mandated changes will begin on August 17th, 2024. With this in mind, what is the lawsuit actually about? To begin, it is important to understand some history. In the early 1990s, consumer advocates began lobbying for more effective buyer representation. Before then, there was no way to guarantee buyers
would get their own, dedicated representation and that their agent would be guaranteed compensation. It was agreed that local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) would not only list all local listings on one site but would also include offers of cooperative compensation from sellers clearly posted on each listing so a buyer’s agent would know what their compensation would be. Under the system, sellers paid a commission to the listing brokerage who, out of the commission, paid the agreed upon compensation to the buyer’s agent. Consequently, commis-
sions for both the listing and buyer’s agents were “coupled” and paid by the seller. The system worked very well for years. Recently, however, sellers in Missouri sued NAR, claiming the system kept commissions artificially high and prevented buyers from being able to negotiate compensation on their own. In a class action lawsuit, the jury agreed that going forward, commissions will be decoupled and offers of compensation to the buyer’s agent, if any, will no longer appear on any MLS.
It is safe to say that Realtors across the country
Hot weather is on its way, so when transplanting, space seedlings so that the leaves of the mature plant will shade the soil between plants. This keep the soil cooler and cuts down on evaporation. When transplanting, gently loosen the rootballs of the seedlings before planting them so roots can quickly reach out into surrounding soil to establish themselves.
If your vegetable garden space is limited, try growing some varieties in hanging baskets. Bush-type cucumbers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a variety of herbs works well.
For great yields, feed eggplants, peppers, squash and tomatoes when they blossom.
Flowers
Everything that’s in bloom at your garden center is a good buy this week. Look for annuals, including marigolds, petunias, impatiens (good for color is shady spots) and zinnias in jumbo packs.
For late-summer color from bulbs, plant tuberous begonias, cannas, gladioluses, montbretias and tigridias.
and NAR itself disagree with the ruling, with NAR denying any wrongdoing. In a statement released on 03/15/24 they explained, “The settlement, which is subject to court approval, makes clear that NAR continues to deny any wrongdoing in connection with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) cooperative compensation model rule … that was introduced in the 1990s in response to calls from consumer protection advocates for buyer representation.”
Regardless of how anyone feels about the lawsuit and subsequent settlement, once it becomes law, it will add layers of unwanted confusion and complexity into the homebuying process.
Bottom line: the current system for sellers to offer cooperative compensation to a buyer’s agent through the MLS will end with the possibility, going forward, that buyers themselves may be responsible to pay their agent’s representation fee should the sellers choose not to do so. Additionally, if buyers want representation by a Realtor, a signed representation agreement will be required.
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.
QThree years ago, we were given several blueberry plants and planted them in containers. So far, they have yet to produce any berries. How long must we wait until the plants start producing, and when should they be pruned?
ABlueberry plants, when properly cared for, can bring a bountiful harvest of delicious berries at an early age. For this to happen, the plants must flower, and the flowers need to be pollinated. There are early-flowering varieties, mid-season, and late-blooming Blueberries, each with unique charm. Another variety from the same blooming period is the necessary
pollinator. Blueberries are also grouped according to their winter chill requirements. Because of our mild winters, the Southern Highbush, a low-chill variety, is the best-suited blueberry for Bay Area gardens. Knowing the various names would answer many questions, but I assume they are unnamed. So, that leaves you with two options. You wait another year to see if the plants bloom simultaneously. If so, then the problem is that the varieties are not suited for our climate, or they are the same variety. You need two different varieties with a similar blooming period. If the varieties bloom at other times, you could replace one with another variety or increase the number of blueberry plants in containers. The second option
would be to replace both varieties now and save a year. A good selection of Blueberries is now available at your favorite garden center. I might suggest Bountiful Blue or Sunshine Blue as they are self-fertile and you can avoid the pollination problem altogether. This would be my preferred option. Blueberries are pruned annually in February before the flush of new growth. Excessive pruning should be avoided because it dramatically reduces the crop for that year. The plant(s) is kept fairly open by cutting out weak and older non-producing stems down to the ground. You should also remove all the dead or dying branches. Generally, you keep four to six vigorous, older stems and one to two new solid shoots per bush.
The new shoots will eventually replace the older stems. Another reason for pruning is that it limits the plant from overproducing. If all the flowers are left to develop into berries, the berries will be small, ripen later than normal, and the plants will have little new growth.
QWhat can I apply to eliminate clover in my lawn?
Ortho Weed-BGon and Bonide Weed Beater Ultra are selective herbicides that remove clover and other broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. You could also apply a ‘Weed and Feed’ type turf product as it should control the clover and many other broadleaf weeds. So, eliminating clover shouldn’t be that difficult. Another option is to leave
the clover. A mixed turf of grass and clover is not that undesirable. Clover doesn’t require much care, and it’s water-wise.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www. dirtgardener.com, and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.com.
Spring homebuyers received an unexpected windfall this week, as mortgage rates fell below the seven percent threshold for the first time in over a month. Although this week’s data on previously owned home sales showed a decline, total inventory of both new and existing homes is up. Greater supply coupled with the recent downward trend in rates is an encouraging sign for the housing marke
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
S.L. CONCRETE SERVICE Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Tree and Drain Service. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937.
*MPCONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, Asphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1054154. Milo 510-502-9336.
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.
*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
G G ARDENING ARDENING /T /T REE REE S S ERVICE ERVICE
WE ARE HIRING Bay-O-Vista Swim, Gym, and Pickleball Club. We are currently hiring part-time staff. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We have flexible shifts to work with other schedules. Open Hours 5:30am to 9:30pm.
1. Qualified Baby-sitters (part-time)
2. Certified Lifeguards for Summer
3. Part-time Facility Attendant 4. Part-time Front Office Attendant
ALOHAESTATE SALE Fri. 5/31 & Sat. 6/1, 9am-2pm, Cash Only. 2233 Croyden Place, San Leandro. COME ON BUY!
JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 510 512-5857.
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
SALE
Please pick up application at 1881 Astor Drive, San Leandro. During construction USE View Dr to Astor or Fairmont to Lake Chabot Road to Astor. or email Sandy at: sandy@bovswim.com and request an application be emailed to you ... Don’t delay.
Caregiver needed for disabled male near the Oakland Chabot Golf course. Sunday 8am-11am Total of 3 hours per week $23/hour Cash 1(510)636.1582 I have a service dog.
VICTORIA’SHOUSE
BALWIN Upright piano $800. 1 Owner, Best condition. Call 510-6140150.
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)
WANTED - Reel to reel music tapes, Call Patrick 510-517-3351.
HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.
To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE. Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.
Are you interested in buying or selling a home or property? Would you like the help of a Professional Agent? For assistance call ...
LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman
SERVICES GUIDE Help for the homeowner means business for you! To Place an Ad ... Call 614-1558
for the homeowner means business for you!
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 is money lost forever –R. Bowman
for the homeowner means business for you!
614-1558
Redwood Christian Schools celebrated graduations from high school, middle school, and kindergarten as well as 5th grade promotion the week of May 20. All four graduations were hosted by Redwood Chapel Community Church, the founding church of Redwood Christian Schools in 1970. At all four events, active military and veterans as well as all first responders were asked to stand and be recognized for their commitment to serve us all.
n Thursday, May 23, Redwood Christian High School graduated 51 seniors at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley. Dr. Al Hearne II, Superintendent, High School Principal Justin Redemer, Middle School Principal Dr. Albert Castaneda, and Director of RCS Global Dr. Evan Barnhart read the individual accomplishments of each graduate as well as their hopes and career goals while Board Members Brian Beck, Charles Marin, April Nunez, and Steve Swanson presented the diplomas.
The Commencement Speakers were Valedictorians Jake Thiry and Benjamin Leonard. The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by All-State Honor Jazz Band First Trumpet Jacob Cook, Class of 2025. Senior Class President Sara Collier, greeted everyone with the Invocation and Welcome, and Exexutive Council President Cristiana Ramos, who will be attending the University of Boston on the “Posse Scholarship” for leadership and academic merit, a full-academic scholarship, closed the evening in prayer. Mr. Azeem Ward directed the RCHS Band in “Pomp and Circumstance” and the Recessional, and Mrs. Rachel Chow directed the Concert Choir in “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” and Class Verse Ephesians 2:10 was read by Caleb Busch, Senior Class Vice President.
Prior to the graduates being recognized individually, Superintendent Hearne reminded all present why high school graduation is the most important rite of passage in a teenagers life: “High School Graduation marks a milestone in life and is an important rite of passage as it is the product of many conscious and unconscious choices and decisions by the graduates.
These milestones always represent times in our lives when we should look backward and tell ourselves that we have done the right thing, sometimes even when it wasn’t easy. These milestones also enable us to look forward to promises of good things to come.”
Twelve Graduates have been Continuous Students as since Kindergarten (also known as “Lifers”): Julia Marie Angotti, David Esteban Barquero, Lara Yerin Cha, Danielle Alexandra Lacy, Jack Taylor Leefers, Isaiah J. Macedo, Jonathan Lamon Murray, Chisom Eunice Nwebube, Cristiana Faith Ramos, Jackson Strange and Gideon Owen Warneke.
Three graduates are the children of Redwood Christian High School Alumni: Keegan Alexander Hubbard (Bryan Hubbard, 1996), Jace Allen Scarson (Angelina Ybarra-Scarson, 1993), and Jackson Daniel Strange (Jessica Gardner -Strange, 1999).
Superintendent Hearne stated: “Our 48th high school graduation was a celebration for everyone present as families celebrated their graduates as well as their graduates classmates! The goals of our graduates include ministry, medicine, law, military, law enforcement, business, education as well as so many other careers serving others. The impact these graduates will have on the world is unlimited as they have personal goals that will stretch them. They have met every challenge with the commitment necessary and are now ready academically and spiritually for their next challenge. The entire Redwood Christian Schools community is very proud of each one of them.”
Redwood Christian Middle School Graduation
n Tuesday, May 21, Redwood Christian Middle School graduated 66 students. Dr. Al Hearne II, Superintendent, and Dr. Albert Castaneda, Middle School Principal, read the graduates names while Board Members Maxine Chen-Vega and Brian Beck presented the diplomas.
The Commencement Challenge was presented by Victory Outreach Pastor Esteban Pineda. Student Speakers were Stephen Driggers and Abigail Kendricks. The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by All-State Honor Jazz Band
First Trumpet Jacob Cook, Class of 2025. Caleb Redemer greeted everyone and Addison Bruce opened in prayer, Melodie Chock read Class Verse Colossians 3:1-4 and Elijah Nilooban closed in prayer. Mr. Azeem Ward directed the RCS Middle School High School Band in “Pomp and Circumstance” and the Recessional, and Mrs. Rachel Chow directed the Middle School Choir in “For Good.”
Redwood Christian Elementary Graduation
n Monday, May 20, the Redwood Christian School community celebrated Fifth Grade Promotion in the morning and Kindergarten Graduation in the evening. Superintendent Hearne presided over both events with Redwood Christian Elementary Principal Megan Sinisi handling the role of Master of Ceremonies over both events. The Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony opened with a welcome from Principal Sinisi following by the Presentation of Colors by Joshua Redemer, Elijan Andualem and Gabriella Isshiki followed by Graydon Cortez leading the Pledge to the American Flag, Lianna Triplett leading the pledge to the Christian Flag and Taylor Mar leading the pledge to the Bible and Paxton Ottinger opening in prayer. Mrs. Beverly Mayne, Director, led the Royal Choir in “Adoramus Te” and “God Is,” written by Mrs. Mayne and Mrs. Esther Chan. The promotion speaker was Pastor James Delgado of Fountain Church in Pleasanton, whose daughters attend Redwood Christian Schools.
Kindergarten Graduation has been an evening event from its first kindergarten graduation in 1971. The event included a processional of the students, Pledges and Prayer, Doctrinal Drills, reciting from memory Psalm 23, students singing “Thank You,” and a media presentation. Kindergarten Teachers Mrs. Cheryl Bicker, Mrs. Monica Hubbard and Mrs. Heather Miller announced individual awards as the students received their Kindergarten Diplomas from Mr. Charles Marin, RCS Board Member. Mrs. Bicker, who is retiring, was recognized for her twenty-nine years teaching kindergarten at RCS. The week was indeed a busy one for the entire Redwood Christian Schools community!
About 70 people gathered at the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial on Monday to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom during their service in the armed forces. The Castro Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Mickey Ganitch Memorial Post 9601 hosted the event, which included a speech by Post Life Member Pastor Joe Roberts, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Army M.A.S.H. Unit. See video of the event at www.mycvforum.com
We tend to celebrate Memorial Day with things of joy – music, barbecues, beverages, etc. In so doing, we often neglect to reflect on its purpose. It is to honor the estimated 1,185,586 individuals that gave their lives for our nation in the U.S. military (this figure includes those who died in combat and in non-combat related causes). With Memorial Day now behind us, I share a story of significance from an opportunity once gifted me. It was to attend a dinner with twelve intrinsic military heroes (the year was 2003). They were members of the Doolittle Raiders that bombed Tokyo just five months after Japan attacked the U.S. in 1941. The aerial attack on Tokyo was of importance. It was to give our nation confidence that we could deliver on such an important mission – not only for strategic reasons, but for morale. The leader of this mission was from a nearby town – Alameda. His name was Jimmy Doolittle. His team was composed of 80 men. He was the only one who knew
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He was credited with helping bring Trader Joe’s to Castro Valley and reimagining commercial sites such as the Lake Chabot Public Market and downtown Castro Valley Marketplace. He is also one of the partners who developed a historic block on Castro Valley Boulevard by Wilbeam Avenue to bring in an eagerly awaited Philz Coffee, along with Canyons Barbecue and Olive & Finn.
“My interest has always been helping small businesses prosper,” he said. “A successful downtown is the key to a successful community.”
He said one of the things he’s proudest of was helping Bee Best Learning Center on San Miguel Avenue survive and thrive when it was threatened with closure after opening in 2008. The after-school kids center had run afoul of various county regulations from multiple agencies despite being welcomed and supported by Castro Valley parents.
So how did he first go from the owner of a small business, Bob’s Café on Redwood Road near Taco Bell, to one of Castro Valley’s most visible public officials?
The sign lasted two months, but since Carbone’s coffee shop was near it, he was among hundreds of people who shared their views.
He was surprised when then-Alameda County Supervisor Mary King asked him to come to a meeting about the sign.
“Why me?” he wondered. Someone later told him it was because, unlike some, he hadn’t threatened to physically harm anyone, Carbone said. King then asked him to serve on the MAC, and his public service began.
Carbone led a community drive to send nearly $30,000 in aid to New York City firefighters and the Red Cross following the September 11 attacks. Since then, he’s helped lead numerous fundraising efforts for the schools and other local needs.
His latest passion is a documentary film about the Lorenzo Theater on Hesperian Boulevard in San Lorenzo, whose murals change and glow when the lights go down. The 1947 original theater used black lights long before they were rediscovered for 1960s posters.
He said one thing he had learned is how important and rewarding service to one’s community is. You not only make contacts who might be able to help you do things in the future, but you also make friends, Carbone said.
“If you want to complain about something, you have to be willing to do something about it. That’s how I got involved in this whole thing in the first place,” Carbone said. Like, share and comment on this article on our website: www.mycvforum.com
the target of the mission beforehand. It had to be kept secret from the team until they were at sea. They were all volunteers. Once told – they were informed that it was a highly dangerous mission. Many might die. They were given a chance to withdraw. None did. They stayed the course. Their performance in this raid was considered a success for our nation. It was a turning point for what led to eventual victory in the Pacific theater in World War II. For decades after the war the veterans of this raid would gather for a reunion dinner. They were held in different parts of the country. The one that was held in 2003 was in the Bay Area. I was invited to join them. Most of the Raiders had already passed. Sixteen remained. Twelve of the survivors attended the dinner. When the men marched in the room they were accompanied by uniformed aides from Travis Air Force Base. Out of respect, they stood guard behind the chairs of each of the men during the dinner. Speeches were made and films were
shown of them as they took off during turbulent weather on their critical military mission. I was privileged to be seated next to Lt. Chase Nielsen and his wife. He had been captured by the enemy and brutalized in a POW camp. Throughout the evening, I felt deep humility to be among such noble heroes. After dinner we engaged in personal conversations among us. The most notable for me was with Richard Coe – Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot. Despite his age, he was energetic and regaled me with stories about the mission and his hero – Jimmy Doolittle. It was just five years ago that Coe died at the age of 103. He was the last living member of the Raiders. Now, with none left, what remains are our memories. This is why this one is shared. To be among these men was a privilege. They were true heroes. They have now all passed, as has Memorial Day for the year of 2024.
It is important for the past not to be passed without sharing stories like this one among us. This article is written with remembrance and gratitude for those who risked their lives and died to keep our nation free.
“I guess this all started with the Welcome to Castro Valley sign,” he remembered.
In 1997, in an early effort to promote public art and Castro Valley, the county installed a canoe-shaped sign in the middle of Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard that some residents called garish or worse.
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April 30, 1960 ~ April 29, 2024
Teresa Stothers Coleman, 63, died Monday, April 29, 2024 at her Castro Valley home with her family by her side.
Teresa was born April 30, 1960 in Berkeley, CA to Rita and Albert Stothers. Teresa graduated from California State East Bay in 1985 with a Bachelor’s Degree. She then embarked on a 35 year career as an Elementary School Teacher.
Teresa married Kenneth Coleman on June 16, 1990.
Teresa retired from teaching in June 2020 from Corvallis Elementary School in San Leandro, CA.
Teresa was outgoing and charismatic. She was an active member of the community, spending countless hours donating time and fundraising for local schools, organizations and causes.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Ken, and her three sons Michael, Anthony and Scott, and sister’s Carole and Nancy Stothers.
Teresa will be remembered for always helping others, being extremely generous, kind and caring with a great sense of humor. She touched and impacted so many people in her lifetime, a testament to the woman, teacher, wife, friend and Mother she was. Teresa would often use the phrase “Forever in our Hearts” to honor loved ones who had passed. It’s a great reminder that when loved ones are gone…they never leave us. Teresa will always be loved and never forgotten. Donations can be made in Teresa’s name to the American Cancer Society.
Our Athletes of the week are the Our Lady of Grace (OLG) 4th Grade Girls Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Basketball Team. The “Blue” Lions team took home first place in the Metro CYO League playoffs on Sunday, May 12. The girls played a nail-biter title game against a very talented St. Joachim team. OLG finished the regular
Every once in a while, I can’t think of anything to write about. Hard to believe, I know. When that happens, I love to ask our gym members what they want to read. This week, TJ asked about working out when on vacation. School is letting out for the summer, and people are going away. It makes sense, I suppose, but something felt a little off. I thought about it and realized why.
season 9-1 and went on to represent the league in the Oakland Diocesan playoffs.
Pictured (from left to right) are players Aivy Vinh, Natalie Stephens, Reverie Young, Jackie Callier, Layla Sargent, Keira Grassi, Isabelle Mazza, Ziva Alvino, and Andy Soulard. Coaches in the back row are Chris Soulard, Sean Mazza, and Hannah Sargent.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week OLG CYO Basketball
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“Almost half of California employees work for small businesses, so we want to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed,” Assemblymember Liz Ortega (District 20), told the Forum. “That’s why I partnered with local and state agencies to provide our small business owners with the resources and knowledge they need to succeed.”
Among the key takeaways from the seminar were recommendations to develop
relationships with banks and lenders long before applying for business loans, keep business finances separate from personal finances, and ensure the boss gets as much help as possible.
“No one is going to bring these resources to you. You must be persistent,” said Gomez. “If you keep pushing, show up, and make connections, you can take your business to the next level.”
After the event, April Yamaguchi, the owner of Snappy’s Café on A Street, said she would likely seek help from the SBDC office—especially
regarding funding—to increase the number of customers coming in.
“Like so many things in life, you have to know where you are going so you know where to get help,” Yamaguchi says.
“When you don’t know, it’s difficult because you’re running around this way and that and trying to run your business at the same time.”
For more information about the East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at California State University, East Bay, visit eastbaysbdc.org.
Vacations aren’t a time to worry about working out. They’re a time to relax and be with the people you went on vacation with. You work out when you’re NOT on vacation, so YOU CAN DO WHATEVER THE HECK YOU WANT
Do you like to hike? Swim? Walk? Explore? How about relaxing and knowing you can do whatever you want without worrying about it? Let me tell you, that’s priceless. There are many reasons to exercise, but that one is near the top of any list. The ability to do whatever the heck you want to do with no worry.
That’s the kind of thing that positively affects your physical and mental health. You want some more good news? It doesn’t matter how much exercise you’re doing now because you can easily start moving closer to that worry-free zone with a little activity.
I won’t lie, if you’re going on a trip next week, you’re a little late to see big changes, but you can see some sooner than you may think, and you don’t need to do crazy workouts, either.
If you’re not exercising much, one of the best things you can do to get started is go for a walk. It’s about 75 and sunny as I write this, so get on out there! Heck, even if you do exercise a lot, going for a nice walk on a day like this can be glorious!
Exercise doesn’t have to be some crazy, complicated scheme. Just think about getting a little better. And if you’re looking to get ready for a trip you have coming up in a couple of months, a walk may just be the way to get yourself moving.
Mitch is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness (located at 2861 Grove Way). Email him at: Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com.
Redwood Christian High School senior Sara Collier had a “career day” in the Eagles’ recent 19-9 win over Healdsburg in the NCS Softball Playoffs on May 14. Sara went 5 for 5 and scored three runs with two triples, a double, and two singles. She also stole base three times and drove in three runs. She also made six outs while playing at 1st Base. Her coaches honored her for having the most extra-base hits for the Eagles this season. Sara was recently named to the second team of the Bay Counties All-League. Sara is the daughter of Sandra Torres of San Lorenzo. She will attend San Diego State in the Fall.
Just imagine how excited and happy a 5-year old or even a 10-year old girl feels when wearing the very first sundress she has ever owned. All of the sundresses are adorned with two decorated pockets, buttons and pretty lace.
“Dress a Girl Around the World” was founded in 2009 in Arizona. There are ambassadors, nationally and internationally, making dresses for girls around the world, and showing them that they are worthy of respect, and that they are loved. A group of dressmaking volunteers from Castro Valley are part of the Bay Area group. Monthly meetings are held at Transfiguration Church to prepare dress kits for volunteers to take home to sew. Last year, the Bay Area group packed and delivered over 7,500 dresses.
It is a non-profit organization; therefore, the funding to purchase all sewing materials solely relies on donations. There is always a need of 100% colorful cotton fabric for making dresses, solid colors for making bias tapes for the dress straps, and different styles of lace, ribbons, and buttons of all sizes to make the fancy pockets. Donations of sewing materials, including gift cards to Joann Fabrics and cash donations are always appreciated. Volunteers are needed to iron, cut, or sew the sundresses or help make the kits. The activities can be provided at the meeting or at home. Sharing time and being creative brings smiles to the faces of many girls around the world. For more information, contact Yolanda @ yarredondo747@gmail.com