HOLIEST DAY OF THE YEAR IN JUDAISM BEGINS THIS EVENING AND ENDS IN THE EVENING OF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
YOM KIPPUR
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
YEAR 33
Can the County Avoid a COVID Surge This Fall?
INSIDE YOUR
FORUM
NEWS
Zoe Dorado
By Michael Singer
CVHS junior named county’s first-ever youth poet laureate
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Page 2 SENIORS
PHOTOS BY JARED DARLING
Grand, Indeed
Evidence suggests that grandparents played a key role in our evolution
Page 5 NEWS
A Little Peace
‘Day of Peace’ program this Saturday at Lake Chabot Park
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INDEX Classified Ads ............ 8 Crosswords ............... 9 Homes ....................... 6 Horoscope ................. 2 Legal Notices ........... 10 Obituaries ................ 11 Opinions .................. 11 Our Town .................... 3 Seniors ....................... 5 Weather ....................... 2 PHONE: (510) 614-1560
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NEVER FORGET Members of VFW Post 9601, family, and friends gathered at the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial to remember and honor the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The event was highlighted by a flag ceremony, rifle salute by the American Legion Honor Guard, and speeches by Commander Stephen West and Past Commander John McPartland. The attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences.
Alameda County residents have a chance to avoid an anticipated surge of COVID-19 cases this autumn, but only if everyone who can, gets vaccinated and if face coverings stay on as much as possible, according to Alameda County chief health officer, Dr. Nicholas Moss. “Going into the fall we should expect another spike in cases as people move their activities indoors,” Dr. Moss says. “However, by continuing to take measures we know can protect our communities from spreading COVID-19, we may be able to weather future surges in the same way until we reach a point where very few people get severely ill from COVID-19.” Dr. Moss says he and his counterparts in the other Bay Area Counties have been closely monitoring any trends in reported coronavirus outbreaks. With all schools back in session, the data looks
good for students of all ages, he adds. “This summer, we have seen the benefits locally of high vaccination rates and mask use even in the absence of more stringent restrictions,” Dr. Moss says. “We have much more immunity in our population through both vaccine and infection and we have more tools for treating people sick with COVID-19.” County data shows average number of cases per 1,000 residents between the ages of 12 and 30 is currently 158. That’s less than half the average of the same age range 30 days ago when the average was 396. COVID-19 cases in children ages 11 and younger are also around the same rate—177 cases per 1,000 on average— which is also less than half the average of 354 cases per 1,000 that spiked back in August. More importantly, Dr. Moss adds that the county has not observed substantial numbers of hospitalizations in children. “While our hospitalization see COVID on page 4
MAC Supports Agricultural Storage, Approves Garage By Amy Sylvestri
(passed in November 2000) would increase the “floor area ratio” on buildings and equestrian facilities. For example, on At their Monday night a 100-acre (4,356,000 square virtual land use meeting, feet) parcel, a “floor area the Castro Valley Municipal ratio” of .01 would allow the Advisory Council (MAC) equivalent of one acre (43,560 voted to support a potential square feet) of building area for upcoming Alameda County non-residential buildings. ballot measure that would propose changing the amount As proposed, the ballot of development on agricultural measure would apply the .25 parcels of land. floor area ratio which is now allowed for greenhouse to all The ballot measure that types of agricultural buildings. would amend Measure D CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
The MAC said that allowing agricultural property owners to be able to store more on their land without having to travel out of the area is a good idea “Storage is at a premium and it’s good to be able to have some flexibility on these properties” said MAC Chair, Ken Carbone. The Board of Supervisors would have to vote to approve the measure by November of 2021 to make the March 2022 ballot at the earliest.
The MAC also approved an application to allow the construction of a new accessory structure on the front part of the lot at 4235 Krolop Road. The variance will allow a 500-square-foot two-car garage and for the current garages to be converted into an accessory dwelling unit. The next virtual MAC meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 20 starting at 6 p.m. Two agenda items on the General Purpose meeting
docket include an overview by Community Development Agency director Casey Farmer on the county’s redistricting process; and a presentation by the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services on the current evacuation process in case of a catastrophic event. A direct link to MAC meeting information can be found on our website: mycvforum.com/events
9/14/21 3:17 PM