CLOCKS FALL BACK AT 2 AM THIS SUNDAY
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023
YEAR 35
INSIDE YOUR
FORUM
Women Supporting Women in Fire By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Cybersecurity
Rep. Swalwell hosts cybersecurity summit to protect businesses
Page 3
Prague Poet
Hayward Book store to celebrate reopening with poet from Prague
Page 4
Senior Q&A
Why administering a trust is not necessarily a simple task
Page 10
INDEX Calendar ................ 4 Classified Ads ......... 8 Crosswords ............. 9 Homes ..................... 6 Obituaries ............. 11 Opinions ............... 11 Our Town ................. 3 Seniors .................. 10 Sports .................. 12 Weather .................. 2 WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM
NO. 44
VALLEY AUTO REPAIR
A New Road Ahead
Female firefighters from across the country participated in a two-day, hands-on training event this past weekend where other seasoned female firefighters trained them in an encourBy Mike McGuire aging, safe, and supportive CASTRO VALLEY FORUM environment. About 45 to 50 professional After 42 years running women firefighters and volunValley Auto Repair at 2769 teers from the Bay Area, Los Castro Valley Boulevard, John Angeles, Washington State, Lewis is retiring and has sold Alaska, and Texas took part the shop to new owners. at the Alameda County Fire “I’ll miss my customers the Department training facility most,” he said. “The children in San Leandro. Participants of my early customers have trained in small groups and grown up and have families of got a chance to sharpen their their own, and they kept taking skills, including fighting a live their cars to my shop.” fire, removing people from He said he always tried to car crashes, and other rescue give people quality work at a situations. WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN IN FIRE SERVICE: About 45 to 50 professional fair price, and his customers The event, entitled “Women women firefighters from around the country took part at the Alameda County told other customers. Fire Department training facility in San Leandro this past weekend. and Fire,” is held every other Lewis was proud that in 42 year and typically is hosted in years in business, he only ever Washington state. This year, eda County Fire Department. predominantly male field has support for fire service women. got three negative Yelp reviews, several Bay Area agencies ex- “I was paired with a Captain and he notes none of those its challenges. The National “We have people with six pressed interest, and Alameda from Los Angeles who mencame from actual customers. Fire Protection Association months of experience learnCounty Fire offered to host. Lewis moved to Castro tored me and pushed me. Now, estimates that women comprise ing from those with 20 years “My first real instructor Valley as a young child in I am a training captain, teach- 4 percent of career firefighting of experience,” said Captain opportunity was at a Women ing at a college, and running positions. Those participating Erhardt. “It’s awesome to have 1955 and opened the shop near and Fire event,” said Captain today’s Burger King in 1981. the coordination for this event.” in this training come away these women teaching Katy Erhardt with the Alamsee AHEAD on page 5 Being a woman in a with education, experience, and see WOMEN on page 2
New Technology To Prevent Fires device burns cut-up trees and shrubs using very little oxygen and at very high temperatures Last week, East Bay Re(about 1,300 degrees Fahrengional Park District (EBRPD) heit). The result is a blackened officials were in the hills above material called biochar that can Lake Chabot to demonstrate be put back into the soil, which new technology they say will improves its water retention or reduce the chances of a wild- pH, accelerates the compostfire by disposing of organic ing of green waste, and filters materials in a climate-friendly toxins from water. way. Previously, EBRPD would The machine, called a Tiger- have either needed to burn the cat 6050 “carbonator,” resem- dead trees and shrubs in an bles a trucking container with open pile or use heavy diesel A major fuels reduction project is underway at Anthony Chabot Regional Park a box-like metal chamber. The see FIRES on page 5 on 365 acres and includes the use of a carbonator for biomass disposal. By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
2 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Castro Valley Weather November 1 - November 5, 2023
Wednesday
Partly Cloudy High 77° Low 50°
Thursday
Mostly Cloudy High 73° Low 54°
Almanac
Friday
Mostly Cloudy High 72° Low 59°
Past Week’s Rain: 00.00 Season To Date: 00.30 Normal To Date: 00.00 Season Average: 00.00
Saturday
Sunday
Cloudy High 70° Low 59°
AM Showers High 69° Low 57°
Nov 5
Nov 19
Moon Phases Nov 12
Nov 26
Sun sets at 6:10 p.m. today, rises at 7:34 a.m. Thursday.
Women trained in small groups and got a chance to sharpen their skills in fighting a live fire, removing people from car crashes, and other rescue situations.
Women: Fire Training Opportunities
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continued from front page each other and getting them to enhance their professional development and firefighting skills. Much of the training is also tailored to the firefighter’s experience. For example, we’ll ask them if they have pulled a line [a fire hose] into an interior fire… yes or no. And if they have, then we work on more advanced techniques.” Captain Erhardt also stresses the role of the fire department as a community service and its importance to reflect the diversity of the community it serves. “Only about four percent of the calls we get are for actual Training opportunities such as this weekend’s Womhouse fires. We go to wildfires. en and Fire event are essential for helping women in We respond to power lines that the fire service to network, connect, and train with have fallen,” Captain Erhardt other female fire personnel, organizers said. said. “But I’ve been to some calls where all it takes is to and train with other female in fire service, and NorCal have somebody listening to fire personnel across a broader Women in the Fire Service, them. Perhaps they lost a fam- which has hosted four girls’ spectrum,” said Jenn Panko, ily member, and all they need fire camps for local teenagers Vice President of NorCal for you to be is empathetic.” with the assistance of local fire Women in the Fire Service and Battalion Chief with the Santa Two non-profit organizations agencies and state groups. Clara Fire Department. “This sponsored the event: Camp “Training opportunities Blaze, a Seattle, Washington such as this weekend’s Women helps support inclusivity and opportunity and encourages group that holds leadership and Fire event are essential camps and mentorship opfor helping women in the fire women in the profession to demonstrate leadership.” portunities for young women service to network, connect,
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
3
Sheriff’s Reports COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
on Castro Valley Boulevard Reckless Driving Driving on Drugs with near Yeandle Avenue, where Drugs for Sale in the Car Wednesday, October 25: at Monday, October 30: at 12:59 11:37 p.m., a 27-year-old man they discovered his stash. The a.m., Sheriff’s deputies pulled was arrested for reckless driv- man was taken into custody. over and arrested a 20-year-old ing on westbound Interstate Assault and Battery 580. Deputies chased the man man who refused to give his home address on suspicion of to the offramp at Eden Canyon Monday, October 23: at 3:15 p.m., a 911 call about a loud driving while under the influ- Road and pulled him over. and aggressive-sounding ence of drugs, driving without The man had been speeding argument sent deputies to an and weaving in and out of a valid driver’s license, and possessing various quantities of traffic. Deputies took him into apartment on Regent Way near John Drive. There, they arrestillegal narcotics, methamphet- custody. ed a 19-year-old woman on amines, fentanyl, and marijuasuspicion of assault and battery Car Thief Caught na bagged for sale. The man Congressman Eric Swalwell moderates a panel of cybersecurity companies in a discussion of how small businesses can protect themselves from hackers. on a family member. Deputies with Burglar Tools was traveling on Redwood took the woman into custody. Wednesday, October 25: at Road near the Interstate 580 freeway when deputies stopped 3:56 p.m., deputies pulled over The victim was treated at the scene. him for a traffic violation. The and arrested a 21-year-old suspect was taken into custody. man suspected of possessing a Two Grocery Stores stolen vehicle and burglar tools Robbed at Same Time to pick locks. The man was Vandalism Arrest Monday, October 23: at 5:19 traveling on Redwood Road Sunday, October 29: at 11:40 near Norbridge Avenue when p.m., deputies arrested three a.m., a 37-year-old man with deputies identified the vehicle women at two different Safeno permanent residence was as stolen. During questioning, way grocery stores on robbery arrested for vandalism at a and Infrastructure Protection ernor’s Office of Emergency By Michael Singer and drug possession charges. liquor store on Redwood Road they found the burglar tools Subcommittee, said he wanted Services (Cal OES) attended CASTRO VALLEY FORUM Two women, ages 23 and to bring together government to discuss how the government near Castro Valley Boulevard. in his pockets. The man was 25, were stopped by security taken to Santa Rita Jail. Deputies were called to the According to recent industry agencies and computer security provides cybercrime prevenoutside the Safeway at the 580 companies to trade best prac- tion and response services and scene after the manager called reports, between 57 and 61 Market Place on the Boulevard. Stolen Property about an unruly customer. tices and hear from people in grants to help fight computer percent of small businesses At the same time, a 21-year-old The man was found to have a Wednesday, October 25: at crimes. encountered cyberattacks, data his district. woman was detained at the warrant issued for his arrest for 9:15 a.m., a 30-year-old man breaches, malware attacks, or “Nearly every day, we hear “Our best advice for small Safeway on Redwood Road. a previous charge of possessing with no permanent residence ransomware within the last about criminals and nabusinesses is ‘Don’t pay Deputies did not report if the stolen property. Deputies took was arrested on suspicion of year. tion-states launching cyber-at- the ransomware.’ Contact two robberies were coordipossessing stolen property. the man to Santa Rita Jail. us instead,” CISA Deputy Cyberattacks can also be a tacks that could undermine Deputies stopped the man for nated. All three women were our national security and cause Executive Assistant Director problem for non-profits, reliquestioning outside a business taken to Santa Rita Jail. Contempt of Court gious organizations, and some wide-scale economic damage,” Matt Hartman told the crowd. Friday, October 27: at 2:31 “It opens the door to other school districts that can’t afford Swalwell said. “We are now to pay for their own computer also hearing about thousands vulnerabilities in your network p.m., deputies arrested a of small business owners who and allows them to ask for even 35-year-old CV man on suspisecurity specialist or hire an cion of violating a court-issued are having their client data held more money. outside company to protect restraining order. The man was for ransom and don’t know them. Swalwell was himself the where to begin. I want to try In response, Congressman target of a cyber attack in 2015 spotted within the 100-yard Give back this season, limit near a business on Charand fix that.” when he announced he was Eric Swalwell (CA-14) held a lene Way he was supposed to running for President of the Cybersecurity Summit at Las Representatives from one meal at a time stay away from. Deputies were United States, but he sympaPositas College in Livermore the FBI, Cybersecurity and called to the scene and took the The holidays can be especially last Friday. Swalwell, who sits Infrastructure Security Agency thizes with small businesses. lonesome for homebound seniors see SUMMIT on page 10 man into custody. on the House Cybersecurity (CISA), and California Govin Castro Valley and San Leandro. Bring a senior a meal, a smile, and joy this holiday season.
Swalwell Hosts Cybersecurity Summit to Protect Businesses
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4 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Prague Poet Coming to Books on B
B
Veterans Art Opens Tomorrow
ooks on B in Hayward is celebrating its re-opening with two events featuring Lucien Zell, a poet, musician, and teacher from Prague, Czech Republic. He was born in California and raised in Seattle but has lived in Europe for the past 25 years. Zell recently founded the Prague Moving Center Literary Festival. On Thursday, November 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Zell will do a poetry reading from his latest work, “Tiny Kites.” He will be available for discussion afterward. This event is free, but space is limited. RSVP by clicking on the Events box online at http://booksonb.com/. On Friday, November 3 from 5 to 6 p.m., Zell will return to Books on B to share
By Winda I. Shimizu
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Celebrate the Alameda County Veterans whose works of art are on display in the Hayward Downtown Library, November 2, 2023 – January 6, 2024. The art exhibition showcases 55 artworks by Veterans from the Alameda County Veterans Art Partnership, coordinated by the Alameda County Arts Commission in partnership Lucien Zell with the Oakland Vet Center, which serves veterans throughout the County and seven veterans HAC members a selection of his “literary liBooks on B is located at to display their artworks. bations” to lift your spirits. No 1014 B St., Hayward. Store Special Guests at the artists’ reservations are necessary, and hours are Tuesday to Saturday a 10 percent discount will be 10am to 4pm. Please call 510- reception on Monday, Nogiven on his reading recom538-3943 or for more informa- vember 6 from 2-4 pm are Alameda County District 2 mendations. tion, visit: booksonb.com/ Supervisor Elisa Márquez, Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder Melissa Wilk, Alameda County Arts Commission Director Rachel Osajima, Oakland Vet Center Staff and Mayor of Hayward Mark Salinas and council members. This exhibition is a collaboration with Alameda County Arts Commission, Hayward Arts Council, Hayward Library and Oakland Vet Center. Winda I. Shimizu is Executive • November 7th - Regular Board Meeting. Director of Hayward Arts Council and art commissioner th • November 9 - Community Advisory Committee for the Alameda County Arts Meeting. Commission.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS • November 10th - Veterans Day Holiday Observed. (CVSan Closed)
• November 11 - Come see CVSan at the Castro Valley Light Parade. th
• November 14th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.
LEARN MORE! CVSAN.ORG/DC
• November 17th - Used Motor Oil Filter Exchange Program Ends. November 23rd and 24th - Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Holiday (CVSan Closed). Please note the above event schedule is subject to change. All CVSan Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. For complete meeting details and additional information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org.
CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT
CVSan Office: (51 0) 5 37- 0757 Sewer Emergencies: (51 0) 506 - 5821 Effective Environmental Ser vices since 1939 | cvsan.org
Still Time to Catch The Fantasticks Chanticleers wraps up it’s season with a classic and the longest running musical in American history. Whimsical, poignant, and romantic, The Fantasticks is an allegorical story that focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through adolescent thrills, the growing pains of hurt and betrayal, the highs of passion, the challenges of distance, and the agonies of heartbreak to discover how to truly love. If you’ve never seen this classic romantic fable—or if you’ve seen and loved it—now is the time to fall under the spell of The Fantasticks again. The show runs until November 19. See the full schedule at: www.chanticleers.org
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tomorrow • Thursday, November 2 Medicare & Open Enrollment: Changes for 2024 Be prepared for Medicare’s annual enrollment by attending this FREE presentation by Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) of Legal Assistance for seniors. The presentation will be held tomorrow, Thursday, November 2 from 11am to 12 noon at the Castro Valley Library (3600 Norbridge Avenue). Topics will include: Changes to the Medicare prescription drug (Part D) Plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans for 2024; Eligibility, costs, benefits, and changes in Medicare Parts A and B; Options for supplementing Medicare and getting help with medical costs (including the Extra Help program). This year the enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900, or visit www.aclibrary.org/branches/csv. Saturday, November 4 Hill and Valley Club Scholarship Bazaar Hill and Valley Club will hold its annual Scholarship Bazaar on Saturday, November 4, from 9am to 4pm at our clubhouse, 1808 B Street in Hayward. Featured items include collectibles, jewelry, beautiful handmade items, holiday decorations, gift baskets, candy & baked goods, plants, books, bargains, and more. Proceeds from this event provide scholarships for local students. Held indoors, rain or shine. Plenty of parking! Sunday, November 5 Free Workshop on Castro Valley Specific Plan Castro Valley City, Inc. will sponsor a free workshop at 2 to 3:30 pm, Sunday, November 5, at the Castro Valley Library. The topic will be the Castro Valley Specific Plan. Comments will be forwarded to the CV MAC and County Planning Department. We hope to see you there. Thursday, November 9 Medicare: An Overview and Update for 2024 Hope Hospice’s Family Caregiver Education Series Presents: Medicare: An Overview and Update for 2024 on Thursday, November 9 from 10 to 11:30 am; followed by an optional Q&A session. Webinars in Hope Hospice’s Family Caregiver Education Series are offered at no charge to the community. This webinar will be presented over Zoom. To register and obtain the meeting link, please visit: HopeHospice.com/family. If you have further questions, call Debbie Emerson at (925) 829-8770. Saturday, November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony Veterans Day ceremony at Castro Valley Veterans Memorial (located at 3567 Quail Ave) on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11 at 11am. The special speaker will be Kathy Vargas, an Afghan war veteran. Saturday, November 11 Free Art Demo at Adobe Art Center A.R.T., Inc. will be holding a free art demo at the Adobe Art Center (20395 San Miguel Ave. in CV) on Saturday, November 11, from 2 to 4pm. You will learn how to create and paint your own holiday decoration - a clay bird. Monday, November 13 Paperwork Clinic at Castro Valley Library Had a brush with the law? Need help organizing your paperwork? We can help! Visit the Castro Valley Library from 5 to 7pm on the 2nd Monday of every month. The next date is Monday, November 13. Our team provides assistance not advice during one-on-one support services organizing your paperwork. This program is free and available on a drop-in basis. PLACE LISTINGS ONLINE: MYCVFORUM.COM/EVENTS
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
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Fires: Carbonator Helps to Reduce Wildfire Risks and Combat Climate Change continued from front page trucks to haul out the remains. By contrast, the carbonator process creates extremely low emissions. “The carbonator is another tool for our toolbox to reduce wildfire risks and combat climate change. Going forward, up to half of the biomass removed from parks could be converted into biochar,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae. Having never been used in a metropolitan area for biomass disposal, EBRPD tested the Tigercat 6050 as part of an 80-acre pilot project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park in 2022. They shared their findings with the state and other partner agencies facing similar challenges. When completed in March 2023, the pilot project was shown as a net positive. “As a large regional park district with a full-time fire department and biologists and ecologists on staff, we can do work that other agencies can’t,” said Park District Fire Chief Aileen Theile.
Ahead: Retiring continued from front page “When I first moved here, Castro Valley was a lot smaller; the interstate hadn’t been built yet, and the shop was the last gas station on the way to Pleasanton. Later, the pumps came out, and it became a tire shop, which was so successful the owner needed to move to a bigger store nearby,” he remembers. Lewis went to Castro Valley High School and graduated with the Class of 1970. There, he took auto shop classes, which hooked him on cars at age 13. Even after he was old enough, his parents wouldn’t let him get his own car until he could pay for it, so he went to work at Castro Valley’s Jack-InThe-Box while a high school student. “Then there were these guys who lived next door to my parents who had hot rods. They were always working on them, and I loved those hotrods,” he said. “So, I’ve been working on cars now for, what, 55 years now?” Lewis said. “My business started feeling like a hobby, and now it feels weird to get up in the morning and not go to work.” see AHEAD on page 11
The current amount of and then-Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont). The total biochar generated around Lake cost estimate for the tree dieChabot is currently being used off issue is over $30 million. at the Park District’s Ardenwood Farms in Fremont. Based on the success of the Reducing Wildfire Risks pilot project, EBRPD is moving forward with thinning out In the fall of 2020, while more of its dead or dying trees conducting ongoing vegetaand shrubs in the backwoods tion management work, Park areas of Anthony Chabot ReDistrict staff noticed signifigional Park. The project uses cant tree die-offs in its parks. $7.5 million of the $10 million Staff later identified more than direct appropriation from the 1,500 acres of dying trees state legislature, plus federal within the Regional Parks, funds of $1.5 million secured primarily eucalyptus, bay, and by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla pine. While there are many (D-Calif.). contributing factors, the overarching cause is believed to be The 365-acre project curdrought-stress due to climate rently underway at Anthony change. Chabot Regional Park involves heavy equipment, including The Park District spans a felling team removing trees Alameda and Contra Costa from the top down and a masticounties in the San Francisco Bay Area and manages 73 REDUCING WILDFIRE RISKS: The project is using $7.5 million of the $10 million cation team thinning vegetation parks, 1,330 miles of trails, and direct appropriation from the state legislature, plus federal funds of $1.5 million and trees from the ground up. secured by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). over 125,000 acres. EBRPD “By doing this work now, has its own fire department and we will gain a more sustainafuels management crew. General Manager Sabrina B. which meant environmental ble eco-system in the longEBRPD approached state approvals for fuels reduction “As the largest regional park Landreth. officials for help addressing the term to benefit generations to situation, and the state respond- come. We are working and district of its kind in the nation Much of the identified tree work were already in place. However, significant funding planning for both now and the ed with a critical $10 million and a local wildfire prevention die-off was within the Park was needed. direct appropriation from the future, and we’re committed leader, we knew we needed District’s approved Wildto playing the long game,” said legislature through Senator to lead the way in finding fire Hazard Mitigation and In 2021, shortly after the Landreth. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) solutions,” said Park District Resource Management Plan, discovery of tree die-off, the
Homes
6 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
rest of the home. If square er’s loan-to-value percentpermits to construct, the footage has been added to age. This has just changed, easing of regulations has the existing structure, it is however. In an article made the process easier By Carl Medford, CRS with the result that ADUs important to ensure that the published by Inman News GUEST COMMENTARY Special to the Forum are becoming more com- county tax records reflect on 10/19/2023, Matt Carter states, “FHA mortgage this change. mon. If the ADU is a detached lenders can now include There have been a few rental income from accesissues that have been prob- structure, however, the sory dwelling units (ADUs) square footage cannot be lematic when buying or when qualifying borrowers selling a home that includes included as a part of the overall home’s total. It can thanks to a policy change an ADU. If the unit is a be included in advertising announced Monday by the part of an existing home that has been cordoned off but will not have the same Department of Housing or converted with building value per square foot as the and Urban Development.” cerning ADUs (Accessory They can take many forms: permits (eg. a garage), then primary dwelling. AppraisThis will effectively By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum Dwelling Units) to help increase the borrowing ers, when determining a the classic “mother-in-law the square footage can alleviate the statewide property’s value, will view power of buyers who qualify suite,” a converted garage, be included in the overall housing crisis, units of s California has a separate detached small number for the house and a detached structure as an under FHA guidelines who various types have begun building and so on. While can be given the same per amenity (such as a pool loosened zoning are purchasing a home with popping up everywhere. regulations conan ADU. HUD Secretary or other detached feature still requiring building square foot value as the Marcia Fudge states, “We of the home) and attach a are committed to increasing specific value for the unit Happy Halloween and Fall!! that will typically not cor- the housing supply so that and respond to the main home’s more people have access to Now is still a good time to sell your home with the lack of current value per sq/ft. This usually quality housing that they can inventory. The excellent Castro Valley school system has created a means that the ADU’s per afford so that their families high demand for homes to purchase. Please call me if you need information regarding the sewer lateral requirement or getting can thrive.” sq/ft value will be less your home ready for the market. Carl Medford is a lithan the value given to the No Tricks just Treats! Call Trish 510 367-7999 censed Realtor with Keller primary structure. Ron Trentler Matt Jones & Bob Jones Dilek Silva DRE# 02139355 DRE# 02068317 DRE#0137894 DRE# 00276097 Williams Realty and a liThe second issue conColdwell Banker Real Estate We Are Here For You cerns tracking income. In censed general contractor. VETERAN USSHornet CVS12 Call Trish Radovich: 510-367-7999 the past, rental income for This article is sponsored 142 JOAQUINAVE. • SAN LEANDRO • 510 -357-0120 ADUs has not been includ- by the Central County calltrish@comcast.net RobertJonesandAssociates.com 21060 Redwood Rd. Ste. 100, Castro Valley ed when calculating a buy- Marketing Association.
REAL ESTATE REALITY
HUD Provides New FHA Guidelines for ADUs
A
Robert Jones
Associates
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www.evolvereca.com 510-697-1208
650-207-4364
“Results with Integrity” Berkshire Hathaway
510-258-8909
510-888-6326
510-367-7999
David Lam, Broker Experience, Commitment: Your Realtor for Life DRE 01343016
408-439-0547
√ Craig Ragg CRAIG RAGG REAL ESTATE www.craigraggre.com craig.ragg@gmail.com
510-502-2993
Robert Pace
Intero Real Estate www.RobertPaceRealEstate.com Robertkpace@gmail.com
510-301-5925
David Wilhite Broker/Owner Intero Real Estate Services
510-886-1100
Lannie Mok Intero Real Estate Services Executive’s Circle Award Lannie.Mok@gmail.com
510-889-6888
Judy Rose-CRS, SRES ReMax Accord Serving the East Bay 38 Years judy@judyrose.com
510-220-6206
Nick Asturias Realtor
®
The Asturias Group Keller Williams Realty Nick@TheAsturiasGroup.com
925-344-5506
VALLEY FORUM 8 CASTRO Wednesday, November 1, 2023
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*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.
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For assistance call ... IT’S TOTALLY FINISHED CON- 10 Jazz/ Blues vinyl LPs $50. Call/ text 510-654-1951. STRUCTION. Lic.#583113. Floors, We REAAALLLY appreciate Fences,our Decks, Patios, PaintHOPE YOU FIND justcooking the SERVICES We REAAALLLY appreciate our Carpet, SERVICES GUIDE Cuisine at Home maga- HOME HOPE YOU FIND just79the GUIDE Sheetrock, Windows, Remodel- zines in excellent HOME AL’S Keep It Green ButReaders Trim. ing, many who support our condition $40. Lee job you are looking for! many Readers who support our job you are looking for! Yard Maintenance. Since 1995. ing. Martin 510-384-8041. Help for the homeowner 510-786-7416. Help for the homeowner Advertisers! Patrick V. Patrick V. 510Great Advertisers! Rates. FREE Estimates. means means business for you!business for you! NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or 927-6663. LANDLORDS Advertise your units! Rent it FAST with a TIMES PIANO TUNING? To Place an AdTo ... Place an Ad ... Rent our many Readers whoit FAST with a TIMES Thanks to our many Thanks Readerstowho – AAD vacancy is money lost forever – Check the Classified Ads underWANT ... day 614-1558 WANT AD ... 614-1558 Call SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! Call 614-1558 614-1558 SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! “MUSICAL SERVICES” for help. R. Bowman Place an Ad call 614-1558 To Place an Ad callTo614-1558
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RENTALS Medium-length time rental Management Specialist (30 days - 3 months) Airbnb Superhost 10 years local experience Airbnb house clean, house staging, small and large house repairs. YXWY Enterprise Tel: 408444-0609. Castro Valley quiet 1-bedroom Apt for lease. AEK kitchen, W/D, large patio. $1,850 month. Credit check. 510-332-5093. LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! A vacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM Wednesday, November 1, 2023
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10 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Seniors: Administering Trust is Not Necessarily a Simple Task Q. My mother recently died. While everyHer home, bank accounts one’s situation and other assets were held in is different, a Living Trust. Her financial here is a partial advisor said we should now list of things see a lawyer to help with trust that need to be administration. This surprised done during a me. I thought if you had a typical trust administration: Living Trust that there was Prepare a formal, written little or nothing to do following notice to beneficiaries and the death of the trust-maker? Is heirs in compliance with the that not so? Probate Code; Identify and protect deceBy Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. dent’s assets; Give formal notice to govSPECIAL TO THE FORUM ernment agencies: Medi-Cal, A. Your mother’s financial FTB, IRS; Prepare trust accounting, if advisor is correct. One of the required by the terms of the most common misconceptrust; tions among those who have Obtain appraisals: for tax established a Living Trust is that there is little or nothing to purposes and for distribution purposes; do following the death of the Lodge decedent’s Will with trust-maker. In fact, depending the Court in the County of upon the nature of the assets, there is often quite a bit to do. Decedent’s Domicile; Ascertain and pay creditors; Think of it this way: many Deal with any Medi-Cal Espeople create Living Trusts in order to avoid a formal probate tate Recovery Claim for benefits received by the Decedent proceeding, which many Resolve disputes among people correctly understand to beneficiaries; be a cumbersome, time-conTake title to real property in suming process overseen by a judge in court. By comparison, trustee’s name; Upon distribution, re-transadministering a trust following fer title to beneficiaries; death involves many of the Assist with Non-Pro Rata same processes, except that Distribution of assets where it is controlled by a trustee in an out-of-court process called appropriate; Where necessary, arrange trust administration. A probate interim funding from special is a public proceeding, while administering a trust is typical- lender to assist with Non-Pro Rata Distributions; ly private.
Summit: Business Practices
Deal with Property Tax Issues, such as “Prop 13” & recently enacted “Prop 19”; Handle sub-trust funding if required by the trust; File fiduciary income tax returns where necessary; Assist accountant to file estate tax returns for larger estates or to elect portability for the surviving spouse to preserve the estate tax exemption; Arrange care for pets. Sometimes there are problems with a trust which need to be corrected by either (1) seeking a court order to modify the trust, or (2) via the recently enacted Decanting Act, wherein some trust changes may now be handled by an out-of-court PHOTO CREDIT: BRUCE D JOHNSON process. One example of the need for change might involve a trust prepared years ago, when tax laws were different, which should now be revised to comport with new tax law. Another example: where a trust leaves assets to a beneficiary who is now disabled and On October 27, the Board of Baywood Court receiving public benefits (such invited Larry Ratto (at right) to their regularly as SSI), and whose bequest scheduled Board Meeting. The board shared should, instead, now go into stories of the impact his wife of fifty-six year, a Special Needs Trust for his Kathleen Ratto, had on them personally as benefit so as not to disturb the she served on the Baywood Court Retirement continuation of those benefits. Community Board from March 2017 until she While the rules regarding passed away on August 6, 2023. Her service to trust administration are genthe Residents of Baywood Court was expressed erally more relaxed than those clearly on the crystal recognition presented to her husband: Kathleen “will be remembered for governing a probate proceedher faithfulness and sensitivity while serving the ing, nevertheless it is wise for Residents and Staff. She leaves a rich legacy the successor trustee to consult of kindness in all who knew her.” Larry Ratto is with an attorney knowledgepictured above with Baywood Court Retirement able in these matters so that he Community CEO Matt Neal. or she can be properly advised, avoid tripping over legal requirements, minimize family disputes and avoid creating liability for themselves. Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning The Castro Valley Library by Health Insurance Counselattorney who has been helping will be holding a free presen- ing and Advocacy Program East Bay families for over 30 tation “Medicare & The Open (HICAP) of Legal Assistance years with Trusts, Powers of Enrollment: Changes For for Seniors, you’ll learn about: Attorney, Probate, Medi-Cal 2024” tomorrow, Thursday, • Changes to the Medicare Planning, and related matters. November 2, 11am to 12 noon. Prescription Drug (Part D) Visit: LawyerForSeniors.com, Be prepared for MediPlans and Medicare Advantage or call (510) 247-2555. care’s annual enrollment! This (Part C) Plans for 2024 year the enrollment period is • Eligibility, costs, benefits, from October 15 to December and changes in Medicare Parts 7. At this FREE presentation A and B
Remembering Kathleen Ratto
continued from page 3 “My in-laws have a dental practice. If they were attacked and didn’t have the information we are sharing today, hackers could quickly get a couple thousand dollars out of them. So, it’s on us to bring awareness to the problem and to make sure they know what government agencies to go to for help.” Best practices include: Use two authentication methods: Try a password followed by an email or text or perhaps a PIN and a thumb scan. Update your software regularly: The latest versions of your operating system or apps will likely include protections against known threats. Choose strong passwords: While “12345678” and “password” are obvious to avoid, using words or phrases that could be tracked back to your personal information is also unwise. Back up your information: Even if you upload your information to a Google Drive, Dropbox, or another service, experts recommend an external hard drive as well. Don’t click on things you shouldn’t: This includes any link asking you to share personal and financial information or passwords. For more suggestions, visit the CISA site for small businesses (https://www.cisa. gov/audiences/small-and-medium-businesses).
Medicare, Open Enrollment Changes
WINKLER LAW
Celebrating 33 Years Serving Castro Valley Independent and Assisted Senior Living baywoodcourt.org (510) 733-2418 RCFE #011440776/Health Center #550000793
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• Options for supplementing Medicare and getting help with medical costs (including the Extra Help program) The Library is located at 3600 Norbridge Avenue and is wheel chair accessible. For more information, call the Library at 510-667-7900, or see Events at www.aclibrary.org/ branches/csv.
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
11
FROM THE BOULEVARD
November 22, 1963: A Day That Shocked Our Nation was the day of the assasSPECIAL TO THE FORUM sination of President John here are moments in F. Kennedy. It our lives that we do not forget. They can be shocked our personal, like getting married nation and or the birth of a child. Or they the world – as can also be about something well as us here in the Haytragical, like the death of a ward-Castro Valley area. Each loved one. They can also be of these events changed the historical, particularly when course of history and of our they contain any of the afore- lives. mentioned elements. As President of the Hayward The surprise attack on Pearl Area Historical Society our Harbor on December 7th, 1941, focus is on local history. Yet, was one of those events. With events like the aforementioned poetic elegance, President impact us locally and remain Franklin Delano Roosevelt de- ingrained within our hearts and scribed it as a “day of infamy.” minds. Although time marches It would be the causes belli for on, they continue forward in the U.S. to enter into World perpetuity. At age 77, my memWar II. Two decades ago, an- ory of November 22nd remains other “day of infamy” occurred clear in my mind. I know exwhen terrorists attacked New actly where I was when I heard York City and Washington, the news that the President had D.C. It was immediately called been shot. The same when I “9/11,” which led to the “War heard he had died. Despite the on Terror.” passage of decades, the same clarity continues regarding the In between these events another one happened. It was rest of that day and the immediate days afterward. Deep on November 22nd, 1963. It By Thomas Lorentzen
T On October 24, Redwood Chapel MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Community Coordinator Megan Boyd and her group celebrated Fall by dressing in a theme of Pocahontas and Colors of the Wind! MOPS is a international organization founded on moms supporting other moms. Pictured are (Top): Michelle Brain, Chrissy Riella, Nikki Holmlund, Bethany Onywera (Bottom): Christina Gaither, Irene Chow, Megan Boyd, Lotus Lee, Christina Lin.
Ahead: Lewis Retires After 42 Years continued from page 5 “I feel a bit guilty for not being in the shop working on people’s cars,” he added. Lewis considers himself fortunate for having the best mechanics possible working in his shop at a time when it’s hard to attract quality employees. One of the mechanics chose to join him in retirement, while the other got a job at a shop in Alameda, he said.He wishes the new owner the best of luck and hopes he continues to provide quality service for Castro Valley car owners. “I had a great clientele,” he said. “People in Castro Valley are really good people.” Among the fond memories he has of the shop were meeting his wife Jennifer there and also the longtime companionship of his Siberian husky, Toma, who helped get them together. Jennifer, then a student at Cal State East Bay, brought her car in to get fixed. She noticed Toma was drinking from a plastic cup and returned with a nice water bowl for the dog.
within me, I still feel what I felt then. I was living in Castro Valley then and I am living in Castro Valley now. With that, as we approach the 6oth anniversary of that event it is fitting and proper to pause and reflect upon that day. We will do the same at the Hayward Area Historical Society. On Thursday, November 9th, the Hayward Area Historical Society will host a small event to gather to reflect upon that day. For those of us who were of age at the time, we will share our recollections. We will also reflect upon what happened that day and the troubled times that resided within our experiences during the 1960’s. The event will be from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon at the Hayward Area Historical Society building at 22380 Foothill Boulevard in Downtown Hayward. For reservations, please call 510-581-0223. Come to remember and reflect. For those too young to have experienced, come and listen and learn. All are welcome.
Letter to the Editor: Please Drive Sober Dear Editor, Please, do not make that true Route 61 to and from a party? Driving buzzed or drunk Even with jolly spirits, dan- for the Christmas weekend. ger arises on the roads. Sober driving is vital every- is foolish. Sober rides are always available: sober friend, Look at these CHP records: day. When 16 in 1992, I was On Fourth of July weekend in hit by a drunken driver. I had ride-hauling services, etc. Reminding drinkers to drive broken and dislocated bones, 2022, 998 were arrested for sober will never get old. Live DUI and 44 killed on Califor- four month coma, Traumatic nia roads. For 2023, 1,224 were Brain Injury and much more. my stressful life for three decades and you will see. My hearing, talking and arrested and 68 killed. –Lori Martin, Tracy For Christmas weekend in walking abilities are damaged, California last year: 639 were I cannot drive, difficult to start arrested for DUI while 25 were relationships, read lips, etc. A complex life and many dreams fatal crashes. Notice arrests Since 1965 ended 31+ years ago. and fatalities went up for Fourth of July? Taking California State PHOTO BY MIKE MCGUIRE
John Lewis just retired after 42 years of owning Valley Auto Repair on Castro Valley Boulevard.
On a later repair visit, she asked if she could borrow Toma for runs around Lake
Veterans Day Ceremony
Day, Monday, November 11 at Don’t miss the Veterans Day ceremony at Castro Valley 11am. The special speaker will Chabot. “First Toma fell in love with Veterans Memorial (located at be Kathy Vargas, an Afghan war veteran. 3567 Quail Ave) on Veterans her, then I did,” Lewis said.
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A = SAN LEANDRO • B = SAN LORENZO • C = CASTRO VALLEY • D = DUBLIN • F = FREMONT • H = HAYWARD • K = KNIGHTSEN
CITY GUIDE O = OAKLAND • P = PLEASANTON • S = SHEFFIELD VILLAGE • SR = SAN RAMON • W = WALNUT CREEK • Z = ALAMEDA
All real estate advertised in the Castro Valley Forum is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. The Castro Valley Forum will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby
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FD 1168 CR49
12 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Improve Posture By Mitch Rothbardt
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School JV Girls water polo team. They successfully defended their Western Alameda County Conference title on October 20 and 21 at the annual JV Championship Tournament held at Encinal High School. Under the guidance of first-year coach Logan Cherry, the Trojans defeated the Alameda Hornets 7-3 and the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons 13-2 en route to the title match against the Lick Wilmerding Tigers. The Trojan ladies broke a 6-6 tie early in the third period with a run of four backto-back goals from their co-captain, Marissa Driver, and never looked back, ultimately prevailing with a final score of 13-8. The Trojans’ potent offense was led by freshman
Hannah Dias and sophomore Driver, with 11 and 10 goals scored, respectively, over their three-game tournament. The experienced play of senior Katilyn Diep was highlighted by her team-high of 6 assists and 16 steals. First-year goalkeeper Caroline Kiely notched six saves and one assist in the title match. The team finished their season with an impressive 21-3 record, going 5-1 in their league for the regular season. Pictured above (left to right) are: Back row: Ava Francis, Mia VergenTorres, Coach Logan Cherry, Hannah Dias, Mariana Escobar, Rory Fernandez, Caroline Kiely, Kaitlyn Diep Front row: Co-captain Natalia Jamal, Co-captain Marissa Driver, Lyra Dion-Hartley, Amber Ditonas
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week JV Girls Water Polo
NICE SHOT!: It appears that one of the water polo players has “lost his head” about the sport. Not so. His opponent just shot the ball, which continued on to score a goal. The player who shot the ball is a former Castro Valley High player, Nathan Arakawa, who is now playing for West Valley College; one of the best two-year water polo teams in the state. Nathan is the Viking’s sprinter on the team, which means he’s the swimmer who races for the ball at the start of each quarter. He also scores and is an excellent defender and passer. Nathan and the WVC Men’s Water Polo Team will be at the Northern California League Water Polo Championships, held at Los Positas College on November 2,3, and 4.
Life these days involves lots of computers and phones, and that’s done a number on our collective postures. Sitting itself isn’t terrible, except we do too much of it, which plays havoc on our backs, shoulders, and hips. Here are two easy things you can do to help. Wall Slides – Spend lots of time typing and scrolling? I’ll bet your chest is a little tight, PHOTO CREDIT: CATHY BRESLOW/BRESLOWIMAGING and your shoulders are rolled forward. It’s pretty common 54th Annual Dinner: Former Board Chair Harry and Wall Slides are great in Bruno passes the baton to Chair Phil Carlson. helping counteract it. Here’s how you do them: Stand with your back to a wall and touch your butt, upper back, and, if possible, your head to it. Bring your arms straight out to the side and bend your At the October 23, Redwood Both Marin and Vega have two elbows 90 degrees. Your arms Christian Schools 54th Annual children attending RCS. should look like goalposts. If Dinner, Harry Bruno, Board Dr. Al Hearne, Superintenyou can, touch the wall with Chair since 2008, passed the dent of Redwood Christian both elbows and the back of baton of leadership to Phil Schools, stated that the addition your hands. If you can’t, do the Carlton. of Marin, a Chief Financial best you can. Officer, and Vega, a data infraCarlton becomes only structure and analytics consulSlide your arms up and the fifth Board Chair in the tant, “will further strengthen school’s history. In addition, down the wall, maintaining the Board with their gifts and Charles Marin and Christine contact. Do a set of 10 after talents, and their commitment every 60-90 minutes of sitting. Vega were announced as the to providing a Christ-centered newest members of the RedLunge Stretch – Your hip flexors are long ribbon-shaped wood Christian Schools School education in central to raising their children. We are blessed Board joining Bruno, Cathy muscles that start slightly above your hips and run down Breslow, April Nunez, Rayford by the commitment of all of our Board members.” Reed and Steve Swanson. either side of your body to a little below your hips. These are the muscles that pull your hips back when you sit down. Lots of sitting tightens up your hip flexors like a rubber band sitting in the sun for a week, and tight hip flexors pull your hips into a position called Anterior Pelvic Tilt. That position can lead to back pain and is a prime example of how back pain doesn’t always have to do with your back. The Lunge Stretch helps stretch your hip flexors and relax your tight lower back in the process. Here’s how it works: Kneel with one knee on the ground and your other leg directly in front of you with your foot flat on the ground. Bend your front leg’s knee to about 90 degrees and bring your ankle directly under it. Evan Canady, along with Point your front foot straight his younger brother, David, ahead. Hold for 60 seconds recently caught these two each side. California Halibut in the San Shoulders and hips are the Francisco Bay. Congratulaprimary victims of poor postions on your ‘Great Catchture and can affect your body es,’ Evan and David! Have in ways far and wide. These a ‘Great Catch’ you’d like to two moves can help. share with the community? Mitch is the owner and head Please send a photo and trainer at Castro Valley Fitinformation by email to: ness. Contact him at Mitch@ filesforforum@gmail.com CastroValleyFitness.com.
RCS Names Phil Carlton Chairman of the Board