November 2, 2022

GO VOTE!

CASTRO VALLEY FORUMCASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Incumbents Differ On Fate of Eden Health District

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

The race between two Castro Valley board candidates may help decide the eventual fate of the Eden Health District, founded in 1948 to get the original Eden Hospital built.

Sutter Health now runs the rebuilt Eden Medical Center. San Leandro Hospital, which the district also once owned, is now part of the county’s Alameda Health System. The district now supports multiple smaller-scale ventures in community health.

Roxanne Lewis and Gordon Galvan are both board incumbents, who ended up living in

the same board district when the district switched to district elections from at-large starting this year.

Lewis is a retired nuclear and ultrasound technologist at San Leandro Hospital who is seeking her third term on the board. She would like to keep the district mostly as is, no longer running hospitals but helping community clinics serve the area by giving them grants for services they could not afford on their own.

She points to the district’s recent success in early COVID efforts, when they were able to more quickly distribute protective gear to health providers see

Shedding Light on Domestic Violence

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

In the United States, 1 in 4 women will be physically assaulted by a partner at some point in their lives, according to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

To bring continued awareness to the issue, the Alameda County District Attorney’s office held a ceremony to honor the victims who were killed in the last 20 years because of domestic violence and empower the survivors.

“Domestic violence affects people of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, education levels, and income levels. When we come together and provide resources for domestic violence victims, they can find a way out of a violent relationship and be safe themselves and their children,”

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley said during the event in front of the county offices in Oakland.

During the ceremony, the names of murdered victims in the county were read out loud, from 1996 onward, and a bell was rung in their honor. In 1996, there were 20 deaths reported that were connected to a domestic violence incident by an intimate partner. This year, on the 20th annual Day of Remembrance, the group read 220 names.

“We fight each day to try to put a stop to domestic violence and ensure that one day, there will be no names left to read,” O’Malley said.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, had ripple effects on the victims of domestic violence, O'Malley said calling it the “shadow pandemic,” as shelterin-place orders forced adults and children suffering from abuse, trapped at home with their abusers.

“Tragically, many were unable to seek safety from the people, and places they would normally go,” she added.

CV’s Jason Castro Helps Astros Get To the Fall Classic

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Although you won’t see him on the field playing in this year’s World Series, Castro Valley’s Jason Castro was key in getting the Houston Astros their winning record and on their path to the postseason.

Back on June 29, Castro, along with pitcher Justin Verlander, helped lead a 2–0 shutout of the New York Mets. Castro’s two-run home run supplied all the offense in the game while tripling his RBI season total from one to three. The game was key to Houston’s march to the top of the American League.

However, two days later, on July 1, the Astros placed Castro on the 10-day injured list due to left knee discomfort. A month later, the Astros said that Castro underwent surgery see CASTRO

PHOTO

Jason Castro

20TH ANNUAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Father Andrews Emmanuelli of Cristo del Rey de la Salle East Bay High School and Reverend Lana Rice give a community blessing and opening prayer for the 220 people who lost their lives to domestic violence since 1996.

Every Workout is a Drop in the Bucket on Path to Consistency

By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

One day my Tae Kwon Do instructor took our entire class into the locker room to look at a bucket sitting under a leaky faucet. He told us, “This bucket is you and the faucet is your workouts.”

Nervously, the class looked at each other. Our faces silently screamed, “What the heck is he talking about? Why am I a bucket?”

The instructor explained, “Every workout is a drop in the bucket. Individually each drop may not mean much, but

if you’re consistent, you’ll soon have a full bucket.” That’s stuck with me ever since. There

are lots of things people can do to get results, but the most important is being consistent. It shows up in all sorts of ways and as important as I always knew it was, I’ve seen evidence that it’s even more impactful than I realized. So much so that I believe the most reliable predictor of long-term success over the first 6 weeks of an exercise program is whether or not

someone consistently shows up.

Yes. That’s more important than literally anything else. And the reason for that gets back to the bucket. Each workout is a drop. A great one maybe two, but they don’t come along very often. Maybe one day you’re a little tired so that one’s half a drop, but they all go into the bucket.

When you first start an exercise program, you’re building a habit first and foremost. Too often, people think the world is going to change for them immediately after starting, and when they realize this isn’t the case, their enthusiasm fades as does their participation. We can thank the fitness industry for that false expectation. The truth is that no single workout see BUCKET on page 14

Chabot Elementary School’s Shriek-ARama was held on Friday, October 28. The annual fundraising program was put on by the Parents Club with Castro Valley Rotary Club as a major sponsor. Many parents put together activities for the children including a haunted classroom, cake walk, spooky carnival games, and decorate-your-own caramel apple. Proceeds, including a canned food drive, went to supporting community programs. Also helping were Castro Valley High School students, who are members of the Castro Valley High School Interact Club. Interact Clubs are an important branch of the greater Rotary youth programs that invite students to get important chances to develop leadership skills while also focusing on the Rotary credo of “Service-Above-Self.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CV ROTARY CLUB

6-year-old Hospitalized Following Hit-and-Run

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

A 6-year-old boy from Castro Valley is out of the hospital and back at school following a hit-and-run incident on Nunes Avenue last Tuesday and the CHP is asking the driver to come forward.

On October 25 at about 5:30 p.m., the boy was crossing the street with his mother near the Jack in the Box restaurant when an SUV turned the corner from Castro Valley Boulevard and headed south on Nunes. The driver didn’t stop but did briefly show brake lights, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The boy was taken to the hospital and stayed overnight for treatment but was released the next day. The status of his injuries was reduced to minor from moderate. The boy went back to school on October 27, according to CHP Officer Dan Jacowitz.

“I spoke with the parents, and they told me to let the community know that they are grateful for all the showing of support and well wishes,” Officer Jacowitz told the Forum.

As of now, the CHP does not have a suspect and is still looking for the suspect’s vehicle. Based on surveillance video and eyewitness reports, the CHP is looking for a white, Nissan Pathfinder, possibly made between the years 20152018.

Anyone with information pertaining to this collision should call the CHP at (510) 581-9028.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS VEHICLE? The CHP is hoping someone recognizes this vehicle which they say may have been involved in a hit-and-run incident. Anyone with information is asked to call: (510) 581-9028.

Castro: On & Off Field Successes

continued from front page to repair the meniscus in his left knee and would miss the rest of the 2022 season. This is the second year in a row that the Astros have gone to the World Series. The first time without Castro. Last year, he was the backup catcher for Martin Maldonado, but pinchhit in Game 1 and Game 3 against the Atlanta Braves. He missed the rest of the World Series after testing positive for COVID-19.

Castro may be retiring after this season, he told MLB News earlier this year. At 34, Castro is in the final year of his contract with the Astros.

“I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but my main focus is this season and making this the best season that I can, from a personal perspective, from a team perspective,” he told Brian McTaggart with MLB News. “That’s the first goal, first and foremost.”

“The driver of the Nissan Pathfinder should call as well, so we can get their statement and do right by everyone involved,” Officer Jacowitz said.

The CHP wants to remind everyone to drive with due regard for the conditions on the roadway, taking into account

bicycles, pedestrians, and other travelers who share our roadways on a daily basis.

“Likewise, we want to remind everyone to use a crosswalk whenever available, as it is more visible to motorists and expected,” Officer Jacowitz said.

Castro was selected by the Astros in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He played for Houston in 2010, and then a four-year stint with the team between 2012 and 2016. He was traded to Minnesota Twins in 2017 where he stayed for two years and then bounced between the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres before returning to Houston in 2021.

And while Jason’s baseball career put Castro Valley on a national stage, his success on and off the field comes as no surprise to Jason’s high school coach.

Michael Singer, Managing Editor

Moxie Morrison, Advertising Design Mgr.

Claudette E. Morrison, Business Mgr. cm@ebpublishing.com

Mary Florence, Advertising Sales 861-3270 maryflorence798@gmail.com

Linda Nakhai, Advertising Sales 915-1513 lnakhai@comcast.net

Linda Sandsmark Mike McGuire Amy Sylvestri Jim Knowles Gene Osofsky Carl Medford Terry Liebowitz Debbie Tee Linette Escobar Thomas Lorentzen Buzz Bertolero Bruce Roberts

Contributors:

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHP

Somerset Avenue Project Meeting

You are invited to provide input to the Board of Supervisors Transportation and Planning Commit tee in selecting the preferred project option. This is a hybrid meeting taking place Monday, Nov. 7 at 9:30 am. You can attend virtually: https://zoom.us/j/85889338665 by phone: 1 (888) 475 4499 Webinar ID: 858 8933 8665 or in person: The Alameda County Administration Building, Board of Supervisors Chambers 1221 Oak Street, Room 512, 5th Floor, Oakland.

Option 1: Keep existing on-street parking on both sides of the street. Install shared lane markings for bicycles.

Option 2: Remove on-street parking on one side. Install Class II bike lanes on both sides.

Option 3: Remove on-street parking on both sides. Install buffered Class II bike lanes on both sides.

The Somerset Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project extends from Stanton Avenue to Redwood Road in Castro Valley where new concrete sidewalks will be constructed. The project is intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to Castro Valley High School, Castro Valley Ele mentary School, Our Lady of Grace School, and the Castro Valley Downtown area. For more info, visit: acpwa.org/ projects/2022/Somerset_Ave email: info@acpwa.org or call (510) 670-5480.

Woodland Wonderland At EB Park

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

The naturalist staff at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore is offering a new program every Friday in November and December, intended to appeal especially to families with children.

It’s called “Woodland Won derland.” Drop in after school at the park’s visitor center any time between 3:30 and 5 p.m. to learn about plants and animals of the oak woodland environment.

Bobcats are the topic on Nov. 4, acorn woodpeckers star on Nov. 18, and coyotes take stage on Nov. 25.

The naturalists have also scheduled nature craft drop-in programs for ages two and older from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday through December, with a different craft each week.

These programs are free and registration is not required. Parents must participate.

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

Migratory Birds at Ardenwood Farm Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont is temporary home each year to a variety of migratory birds. Naturalist Chris Garcia will lead a walk through Ardenwood’s gardens and felds from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 in search of these birds.

see PARK on back page

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Teen Tech Helpers Orientation

Would you like earn volunteer hours by helping your community? Stop by the Castro Valley Library on Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 4 to 5 pm. We are looking for patient, tech savvy, teen volunteers who will be asked to assist library members with basic tech help including eReaders, email, laptops, tablets, cell phones, scanning and printing. This orientation will prep potential volunteers to assist with our upcoming weekly program. Have questions? Call the Library Informa tion Desk at: 510-667-7900.

Thursday, Nov. 3

‘Roe v. Wade 2022 and Beyond’

The Alameda County Council of the League of Women Voters invites everyone to a free panel discussion on the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s “Dobbs” decision, overturning Roe v. Wade. This one-hour event will be held over Zoom on Thursday, Nov. 3, beginning at 7 pm. The event is titled “Roe v. Wade 2022 and Beyond.” The panelists to be featured include Stacy Cross, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, and Nakia Woods, Project Director of the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom. Please register in advance for this webinar at this link: http:// bit.ly/lwv-roe2022. After registering, you will receive a confrmation email containing information about joining the webinar. This free community education event is open to all, not just League of Women Voters members.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Hill & Valley Club Scholarship Bazaar

Hill and Valley Club will hold its Annual Scholarship Bazaar on Saturday Nov. 5 from 9 am to 2 pm. Featured items include jewelry, gift baskets, handcrafted items, hol iday decorations, table linens, collectibles, homemade treats, plants, toys and games, and much more! This event funds scholar ships for graduating seniors from local high schools and assists nursing students with the cost of State tests. The bazaar will be held rain or shine at the clubhouse, located at 1808 B Street in Hayward. Come early for best selection.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Dia de los Muertos Artists’ Reception

At Sun Gallery in Hayward, fans of Day of the Dead—Dia de los Muertos—can see a wonderful exhibit on display now through November 19. Paintings, Ofrenda, and poetry are represented– all symbolizing the combining of European Catholic and Meso American traditions, celebrating reverence for friends and family who have passed away. A dozen local artists have joined in this celebration, including Nina Starr, Clau dia Schwalm, Patra Nesseth-Steffes, and Pete and Maureen Langenbach, et. al. For a chance to see the art, and meet the artists, fans can attend a reception on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 4 pm. Food and entertainment will be provided at this event.

Saturday, Nov. 5

American Legion Fall Marketplace

The American Legion will be hosting a Fall Marketplace at the Hayward Veterans Memorial Building, 22737 Main St., Hay ward on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1 pm to 6 pm. There will be arts & crafts, collectibles, food, clothing, jewelry, plants and sweets. A great way to get a start on your holiday shopping. Admission is free. Vendor inqui ries? Call Alfredo: (510) 695-3211

Tuesday, Nov. 8

CV Rotary Hosts Greg Ahern

For people who have experienced the death of a loved one, the winter holiday season can be painful. Experiencing grief at this time may intensify feelings of loneliness from isolation, or anxiety. Hope Hospice offers a free workshop to discuss healthy coping strategies. The event will be offered over Zoom from 2 to 3:30 pm. Please call (925) 829-8770 to reserve your spot.

Tuesday, Nov. 8

CV Rotary Hosts Greg Ahern

Greg Ahern, Sheriff of Alameda County, will visit our Club. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $20, and reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud. com or 510-402-5123. More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org.

Monday, Nov. 14

Start Smart: Teen Driver Program

The California Highway Patrol and the Castro Valley Library present Start Smart: Teen Driver Program. CHP offcers will dis cuss traffc collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, and driver/parent responsibilities. Additionally, testimonies will be provided by offcers who have inves tigated fatal collisions involving teens, and by family members who have lost love ones in traffc collisions. The program targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between the age of 15 to 19 and their parents/guard ians. A parent/guardian is required to attend the class with their teen. This program will be held in at the Castro Valley library on Monday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 8 pm in the Chabot/Canyon room. Registration is re quired for this free program. Call the Library at 510-667-7900 or visit: www.aclibrary.org

Saturday, Nov. 19

Toys for Tots Fundraiser Dance

The Moose Lodge #1491, VFW Post 9601, Castro Valley Adult School and the United States Marine Corps. Reserve - Ala meda are sponsoring a Toys For Tots dance on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Admission is one or more unwrapped toys per person. Live music for dancing will be provided by “Route 66” Big Band and “In Full Swing” Quintet. The event will be held at the Castro Valley Moose Lodge #1491 located at 20835 Rutledge Road, CV.

Light: On Domestic Violence

continued from front page

In 2019, Alameda County reported one domestic violence death. But in 2020, there were 10 victims. In 2021, fve domestic violence deaths were reported—fve too many for O’Malley.

“It is heartbreaking to read these names year after year,” she said.

October is annually recog nized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The District Attorney’s offce established the Family Justice Center as well as an annual Day of Remembrance after O’Malley realized that someone seeking shelter from domestic vio lence faced huge bureaucratic challenges.

“While I was instructing this one woman to go here to get help for this, and over there to get help for another thing, and a third place to help her kids. That’s when I realized that the county needed to do a better job of providing a central resource where victims could go,” O’Malley said.

Often hard to identify from the outside world, domestic violence has been around

for centuries and remains a widespread problem impacting millions of people annually.

Abusers use fear or intimi dation to gain control over someone and their methods may include fnancial or sexual abuse and oftentimes include children, pets, threats, intimi dation, and isolation.

If you or someone you know is the victim of domes tic violence, you can call the county’s 24-hour crisis line at (510) 757-5123 or call (800) 947-8301.

All services are available in other languages through an in terpreter, and all conversations are confdential.

Castro: Impressed Coach at CVHS

continued from page 3

“You could not ask for a better person to represent Cas tro Valley,” said former Castro Valley High School baseball coach, Jon Lavine. “He was a professional when he was 15 and he is a professional today.”

Coach Lavine managed Jason between 2003 and 2005 and was impressed enough with the Sophomore to add him to the Boys Varsity team. In that three-year period, the Trojans qualifed for North Coast Section each year and had a winning in-league record of 41-7 and an overall record of 67-22.

Lavine says Jason’s injuries

are unfortunate but not uncom mon in the league.

“The position Jason plays, as a catcher, and the wear and tear of the squatting position for 9 to 10 months out of the year can take a toll, Lavine says. “You put it in the context of other big league players in Jason’s draft class like Buster Posey with the San Francisco Giants and Jason’s been bless ed to be able to do it for so long for that long and that well.”

For younger players, Coach Lavine suggests a solid stretching routine like yoga and Pilates to remain loose and a lot of rest and downtime, even from baseball itself.

“Jason played basketball in his senior year. And he asked me if I thought if it was a good idea. I told him sometimes the best to do in baseball is to take time away from it because it will wear you down,” Lavine said.

Off the feld, Jason has given back to the Houston commu nity. He and his wife Maris started a charity in 2013 called Castro’s Kids. The program do nated more than 60,000 books to the Houston Independent School District (HISD) over a four-year period. The couple also supports a no-kill animal shelter based in Houston, called Friends for Life.

Sheriff’s Reports

All Trick, No Treat Monday, October 31: at 2:44 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 38-year-old woman with no permanent residence on sus picion of possession of illegal narcotics and related drug par aphernalia. The woman was hanging outside a motel on the Boulevard near Stanton Ave. when deputies stopped her and discovered her stash. Deputies took the woman into custody.

Spousal Assault Sunday, October 30: at 9:16 p.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argu ment sent deputies to a home on Columbia Drive near Me dallion Court. There, they ar rested a 52-year-old CV man from Castro Valley on suspi cion of spousal assault.

Public Intoxication

Friday, October 28: at 3:12 p.m., deputies arrested a 31-year-old man from Castro Valley on sus picion of public intoxication. The man was hanging outside a gas station on Castro Valley Boulevard near Anita Avenue when deputies checked on him and smelled alcohol. The man failed his feld sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.

Assailant Wanted for Drug Possession

Thursday, October 27: at 6:02 p.m., a 28-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of assault of a family member. Deputies were dis patched to a home on Center Street near Sargent Avenue fol lowing a domestic disturbance report. The man was also found

to have a warrant issued for his arrest related to methamphet amine drugs and paraphernalia possession charges. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail. The victim was treated at the scene.

Methamphetamines

Thursday, October 27: at 1:13 p.m., deputies arrested a 34-year-old man with no per manent residence on suspicion of possession of methamphet amine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man was hanging around a business near the intersection of Red wood Road and Grove Way when deputies stopped him for questioning and discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.

see REPORTS on page 14

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• November 8th Zero Waste Committee Meeting.

• November 8th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.

• November 11th - Veterans Day Holiday (CVSan Closed).

• November 16thO&E Building Project Committee Meeting.

• November 17thCommunications Committee Meeting.

• November 18th - Used Oil Filter Program Ends.

• November 21st - Finance Committee Meeting.

• November 24th and 25th Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Holiday (CVSan Closed).

Please note the above meeting 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

SANITARY

CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757 Sewer Emergencies: (510) 506-5821

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Reverend Lana Rice (from left to right), Hillary Larkin of Highland Hospital and co-founder of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, and District Attorney Nancy O’Malley.

Seniors: Are There Programs to Help with Delinquent Mortgage and Property Taxes?

Q. My wife and I have missed a few home mortgage payments this year, and we are behind in our property taxes. I heard there is a program that might help us out. Do you know anything about it? We don’t want to lose our home.

By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq.

SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

A. Yes. In California, the program is called the California Mortgage Relief Program, and it uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds to help homeowners get caught up on past-due housing payments and property taxes. The great thing about the program is that it is absolutely free to participate, and if you qualify – believe it or not – you do not have to repay the funds! Its purpose is to help homeowners impacted by Covid 19 to catch up on their home related expenses, whether it be mortgage delinquencies or past due property taxes.

For those eligible, it provides grants of up to $80,000 to reinstate past-due mortgages on homes, condos or even permanently affi ed manu factured homes, and grants of up to $20,000 to help pay delinquent property taxes.

Eligibility is determined as: 1. You must be behind on two or more mortgage payments as of June 30, 2022, and remain delinquent;

2. You must have fallen behind on property taxes before May 31, 2002, and they remain unpaid;

3. Your household combined income for all household members over age 18 must be at or below an amount which is 150% of the Area Media Income. This threshold is actually quite generous: to qualify in Alameda County, a single person household must have annual income that is less than $149,000, and for a two-person household, annual income less than $171,400.

4. You experienced a Qualified inancial ardship related

to COVID-19 after January 21, 2020: the hardship could have begun before that date, if it continued after that date.

Hardships would include loss of income, medical expenses, increased utility costs, food expenses, etc. The criteria is very broad. Note: documentation is not required to show a hardship. Applicants must verify hardship by signing a statement as part of the application, so it is – in a very real sense – self certifying.

Even folks with reverse mortgages, who are potentially

delinquent because they have missed property tax payments, can apply for relief under this program.

You can either apply online by going to the California Mortgage Relief Website at www.camortgagerelief.org, or by calling the Program Contact Center at 1-888-840-2594 for assistance, or for a referral to a certified housing coun selor. California is committed to making sure that all qualifying homeowners get full access to this grant program, and it is noteworthy that the application, itself, is available in 6 different languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

Note: if you previously applied and were denied, you should reapply. Reason: in June, 2022, the Relief Program expanded its eligibility requirements and it now encourages applicants who were previously denied to reapply if they now meet the updated eligibility requirements. Further, there may be more eligibility expansions as of January 1, 2023. So don’t let a previous denial discourage you from reapplying.

Good wishes on accessing the program to catch up on your mortgage and property taxes.

Gene L. Osofsky is an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney in the East Bay. For more articles for Seniors, visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com.

ABOVE: Long lines wrapped around Jamison Avenue as costumed children awaited their goodies at the trick-or-treat event in Castro Village.

BELOW: Patch the Pirate (who seems to resemble Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Emeritus Bruce D. Johnson) was ready at 3:30 on Halloween with his bowl of candy.

The California Mortgage Relief Program uses Homeowner Assistance Funds to help homeowners get caught up on housing payments and property taxes.

Redwood Christian Elementary Provides Food for Ruby’s Place

Last Friday, Oct. 28, the students at Redwood Christian Schools’ Elementary Campus brought food forward that they brought from home for Ruby’s Place, who provide prevention and supportive services to the community and people impacted by domestic violence or human trafficking. This is the fourth chapel where the RCS Community was blessed to be able to provide food for the residents of Ruby’s Place.

Parents were sent Chapel information sharing the opportunity to bless Ruby’s Place with food so the entire family could be part of the chapel by sharing with others. The students (and their parents) responded by bringing more than thirty big Redwood Christian shopping bags of food, which was delivered to the office of Ruby’s Place on Baker Road in Castro Valley.

Principal Megan Sinisi was

by Salomé

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might feel compelled to get involved on the “right side” of a seemingly unfair fight, but appearances can be deceptive. Get the facts before going forth into the fray.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Bullying others into agreeing with your position could cause resentment. Instead, persuade them to join you by making your case on a logical point-by-point basis.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Resist pushing for a workplace decision you might feel is long overdue. Your impatience could backfire. Meanwhile, focus on that still-unsettled personal situation.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Your aspects favor doing something different. You might decide to redecorate your home, take a trip somewhere you’ve never been, or even change your hairstyle.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): You might want to take a break from your busy schedule to restore your energy levels. Use this less-hectic time to also reassess your plans and make needed changes.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): What you like to think of as determination might be seen by others as nothing more than stubbornness. Try to be more flexible if you hope to get things resolved.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): Watch that you don’t unwittingly reveal work-related information to the wrong person. It’s best to say nothing until you get official clearance to open up.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): With things settling down at work or at home, you can now take on a new challenge without fear of distraction. Be open to helpful suggestions from colleagues.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): Your creativity can help resolve an emotional situation that might otherwise get out of hand. Continue to be your usual caring and sensitive self.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19): You could impress a lot of influential people with the way you untangle a few knotty problems. Meanwhile, a colleague is set to share some welcome news.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18): Aspects favor recharging your social life and meeting new people. It’s also a good time to renew friendships that might be stagnating due to neglect on both sides.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20): Congratulations. Your talent for working out a highly technical problem earns you well-deserved praise. The weekend could bring news about a friend or relative.

not surprised by the outpouring of support for others stating “Our students and their parents never fail to respond to a need, whether at the school or the community. I was confident that our school’s community of families would respond enthusiastically when asked to share their blessings with the families of Ruby Place. I am never surprised and always blessed and so proud of our students and their families.”

Incumbents: For Eden Health District

continued from front page than the county could, and also helped partners quickly set up testing centers. She would like to see more such partnerships.

Lewis said, “The district fills a big void. We’re out in the community, talking to people and seeing what needs to be done.”

The district is one of very few local government agencies that collect no taxes at all from its residents, Lewis said, relying on rents from two buildings it owns.

Galvan is a former San Leandro city council member and former president of the Davis Street Family Resource Center who has been on the Eden board since 2018.

He would like to explore other options for the district, including dissolving it and replacing it with a community-benefit corporation or perhaps a foundation. He believes it could likely accomplish more for the community if it were able to invest its assets with fewer restrictions than they face as a government agency.

“Eden District doesn’t just need ambassadors and good stewards, “Galvan said. “It needs to repurpose itself.”

Galvin also called for better business practices in the district. He said that the board could use more businesspeople on it, and fewer doctors and nurses.

Lewis disagrees and says the community should continue to elect its board, something not explicitly present in some of Galvan’s alternatives.

Galvan says, however, that any change in the district’s status would require further study, a vote by the legislature, and likely a vote by the people. In the meantime, he would like to see more community partnerships to directly provide care.

The current debate echoes one a decade ago when several area politicians tried to shut the district down. That would have

moved its assets to Alameda County, then struggled to fund the Alameda Health System.

In 2016, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) did a special study of Eden District and held public meetings to cast some light on the issue. It concluded in 2017 that the district provided a useful public service and need not be shut down.

ELECT MURPHY MCCALLEY

DISTRICT DIRECTOR WARD

Murphy is working to:

and improve transit services

reliability of service

funding

program

Murphy has accomplished:

workers

hiring additional bus drivers

funding to reimagine transit network

“In my 50 years in politics, I have never met anymore more qualified than Murphy McCalley”

Bill Quirk CA Assembly Member

Roxanne Lewis Gordon Galvan

THIRTY BIG REDWOOD CHRISTIAN SHOPPING BAGS OF FOOD: Fifth Grade Teacher Miss Jessie Pangelina (middle row, third from left) and her class with Superintendent Emeritus Bruce D. Johnson (middle row, fourth from right).

PHOTO BY RACHEL WADSWORTH

REAL ESTATE GALLERYREAL ESTATE GALLERY

REAL ESTATE REALITY

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times

GUEST COMMENTARY

What Constitutes Legal Square Footage?

omething’s wrong with the measurement of this house,” a caller recently stated, referring to a home they were considering. “The county assessor’s office lists the square footage as 774, but the listing on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) shows it as 1,400.” I looked up the home in question and quickly discovered the issue: the home description stated, “Additional sq/ft added without permits.” “Can this additional footage be counted?” the caller asked.

“Legally,” I replied, “No.” Homes listed for sale on the MLS default to the square footage shown in the public records. This number will not

include garages or basements. There are exceptions allowed, however. When entering the sq/ft, the listing agent is given additional choices including appraisal, assessor, measured, owner or other. The key is what can be legally listed as “habitable living space.”

Appraisal: during an appraisal, the appraiser measures all habitable spaces. The number they calculate should closely match the public records. If not, then they are compelled to investigate the difference. Normally, if they discover unpermitted additions, they will not list the additional square footage. They also will not usually include basements, sunrooms

Mortgage Rates Surpass Seven Percent

he year fi ed rate mortgage roke seven percent for the first time since pril leading to greater stagnation in the

market. s in ation endures consumers are seeing higher costs at every turn, causing further declines in consumer confidence this month. n fact many potential homebuyers are choosing to wait and see where the housing market will end

further downward.

or separate ADUs.

Assessor: after completed renovations that include square footage increases, the county assessor’s office will review the finalled permits and determine how much square footage should be added to the county records. Measured: Here is where things get quirky. Anyone can measure a property and produce a square footage number. The question is always “what was measured and are the spaces included actually legal?” Converted garages, basements or additional spaces added or renovated without approved building permits cannot be counted. Frequently, however, as in the example above, these spaces ARE included incorrectly, which can lead to legal issues.

Owner: Owners frequently disagree with the publicly stated sq/ft. In some cases, the county did not update their records correctly after legal renovations. Occasionally we see properties where the data was originally entered incorrectly. In these cases, a Property Change Characteristic Form can be completed and submitted to the county for approval. In other cases, especially with older homes, permits may have been obtained for things such as basement conversions, but the permits are no longer available at the applicable building department.

Bottom line, any changes to the publicly stated sq/ft must be legally defensible. If there are no permits for the additional space, it should not be counted as official sq/ft.

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.

Whether to Restore Lawn or Go with Drought Tolerant Plants

BUZZ BERTOLERO THE DIRT GARDENER

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

This summer, I planted three Coleus in pots and grew them in partial shade. They’re doing well. Will they survive the winter, or should I bring them inside?

Q A

Coleus will not survive the winter months outside because of the cold. They can be grown indoors; however, your biggest challenge is preventing the growth from getting leggy. These issues are related to the low light condition found in most homes. This may or may not be an issue depending on your overall plan. If protecting them from the cold is your main objective, then it’s not a big deal. All you need to do is keep them watered. You’ll need to move them into a heat-

ed room so a garage is not suitable. They’ll grow more compactly in cooler rooms kept under seventy-five degrees. In late March, you move them outside, cut back the growth and feed them. I prefer Osmocote as you’ll only need to reapply the nutrients every four months, but there are plenty of other excellent options. Your local nursery professional can suggest the alternatives.

QMy lawn is dead from the lack of water since I did not water it all summer. Is there anything I can do to help it come back this winter? It’s really crunchy and brown with lots of bare spots.

Once a lawn has turned brown from the lack of water, there isn’t a magic solution one can do to revive it. They will restore themselves from the roots early enough if you catch it early enough. But once

A

the roots are gone, you have to start over. Many seasonal types of grass turn brown or go dormant during the summer months but still require some moisture. With the rainy season, they’ll green up. Typically, a straw-colored grass that’s crunchy is past the revival point. Reseeding a lawn now is not an option as the grass seed germinates poorly with the short days and cool nights. You’ll need to wait until next March. You could lay sod now as long as the ground was not saturated. Another option is to replant with a water-wise lawn substitute in the spring. The nursery professional at your favorite garden center can suggest some ornamental plants. Drought tolerant plants require watering during the summer but don’t require as much as a lawn and less when established after a couple of growing seasons. However, doing nothing is not advisable, as your property value will suffer. One of the lessons learned from previous droughts is the cost to replace a lawn, mature trees, and shrubs is not offset by not watering your plants.

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.

RECENT HOME SALES

Home sales information is compiled and provided by CalREsource and includes Bedrooms, Square Feet

CASTRO VALLEY

Total: 10 – Average Price: $1,214,700 High: $2,700,000 – Low: $767,000

21665 Lake Chabot Road 94546: $767,000 [2 BD - 848 SF - 1942 18675 Stanton Avenue 94546: $830,000 [2 BD - 1,149 SF - 1946 20119 Summerridge Drive 94552: $950,000 [4 BD - 1,666 SF - 1997 4941 Seaview Avenue 94546: $1,000,000 [4 BD - 3,022 SF - 1991 18889 Walnut Road 94546: $1,020,000 [3 BD - 1,492 SF - 1953 4477 Seven Hills Road 94546: $1,105,000 [3 BD - 1,554 SF - 1955 18907 Heidi Street 94546: $1,200,000 [4 BD - 2,416 SF - 1967 4033 Leavitt Court 94546: $1,250,000 [3 BD - 1,811 SF - 1961 19012 Mayberry Drive 94546: $1,325,000 [2,576 SF - 1972 4507 Recreation Road 94552: $2,700,000 [5 BD - 6,345 SF - 2006

HAYWARD

Total: 26 – Average Price: $795,384

High: $1,218,000 – Low: $505,000

21355 Gary Drive #18 94546: $505,000 [2 BD - 936 SF - 1961 27779 Vasona Court #20 94544: $535,000 [2 BD - 1,071 SF - 1985 21117 Gary Drive #221 94546:

Year Built when available

$580,000 [2 BD - 1,041 SF - 1981 21095 Gary Drive #311 94546: $595,000 [2 BD - 1,101 SF - 1980 25495 Southwick Drive #107 94544: $605,000 [2 BD - 1,130 SF - 1991 21062 Gary Drive #114 94546: $640,000 [3 BD - 1,232 SF - 1980 656 Colette Place 94544: $658,000 [3 BD - 951 SF - 1950 25852 Gettysburg Avenue 94545: $700,000 [3 BD - 1,244 SF - 1959 623 Staley Avenue 94541: $700,000 [2 BD - 1,227 SF - 2012 1348 Inglewood Street 94544: $715,000 [3 BD - 1,452 SF - 1952 24647 Pontiac Street 94544: $727,000 [2 BD - 864 SF - 1950 31108 Chicoine Avenue 94544: $745,000 [3 BD - 1,371 SF - 1955 210 Caterina Way 94545: $776,000 [4 BD - 1,876 SF - 2017 23318 Wilmot Circle 94545: $780,000 [2 BD - 1,350 SF - 2017 28481 Pacific Street 94544: $815,000 [3 BD - 1,050 SF - 1952 27711 Havana Avenue 94544: $815,000 [3 BD - 1,000 SF - 1954 2767 Kelly Street 94541: $820,000 [2 BD - 1,259 SF - 1948 3258 Valley Brook Way 94541: $860,000 [4 BD - 1,483 SF - 1979 25720 Eldridge Avenue 94544:

$860,000 [3 BD - 1,417 SF - 1954 32167 Bernice Way 94544: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,228 SF - 1955 26091 Eastman Court 94544: $901,000 [4 BD - 1,626 SF - 1952 23245 Henry Court 94541: $925,000 [4 BD - 2,043 SF - 1990 26165 Adrian Avenue 94545: $1,000,000 [3 BD - 1,289 SF - 1959 25287 Morse Court 94542: $1,125,000 [3 BD - 2,220 SF - 1988 27895 Farm Hill Drive 94542: $1,180,000 [4 BD - 2,097 SF - 1969 27120 Columbia Way 94542: $1,218,000 [4 BD - 2,088 SF - 1984

SAN LEANDRO

Total: 11 – Average Price: $946,181 High: $1,450,000 – Low: $688,000

16625 Ehle Street 94578: $688,000 [3 BD - 1,096 SF - 1952 1215 Lucille Street 94577: $699,000 [2 BD - 1,082 SF - 1946 2273 West Avenue 133rd 94577: $740,000 [3 BD - 1,296 SF - 2004 15926 Windsor Drive 94578: $765,000 [2 BD - 1,289 SF - 1947 692 Greer Avenue 94579: $878,000 [4 BD - 1,534 SF - 1952 1609 Russ Avenue 94578: $880,000 [4 BD - 1,492 SF - 1948 247 Bancroft Avenue 94577: $930,000 [2 BD - 1,432 SF - 1921 15313 Inverness Street 94579: $968,000 [5 BD - 1,435 SF - 1955 2259 Aquatic Court 94579:

SAN LORENZO

Total: 3 – Average Price: $757,666

High: $900,000 – Low: $520,000

$1,060,000 [4 BD - 1,923 SF - 1999 2550 West Avenue 134th 94577: $1,350,000 [7 BD - 2,756 SF - 1953 13057 Neptune Drive 94577: $1,450,000 [4 BD - 2,790 SF - 1950 17543 Wickman Place 94580: $520,000 [2 BD - 1,168 SF - 1971

15730 Via Colusa 94580: $853,000 [3 BD - 1,288 SF - 1944 16052 Via Cordoba 94580: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,834 SF - 1950

Repair or Replace Broken Screen Door?

By Samantha Mazzotta SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

On a visit to our friend’s

my youngest son ran toward the sliding-glass doors leading to the back yard and went right through the screen door. He’s fine, but I want to fix the damage. Can I do so without having to buy a whole new

-- Joe T., Hartford, Conn.

AIf you have a damaged sliding screen

and the door

is undamaged, you should be able to replace the screen itself without paying too much.

Inspect the door frame for warped or broken rollers. Make sure it’s seated properly in the track and rolls easily back and forth. If the door sticks when it rolls, check the bottom rollers. (Gently wiggle each side of the door; the side

with more resistance may have a roller off the track.)

Carefully lift up that side of the door as far as it will go (usually a fraction of an inch). Use a small putty knife to gently push the roller wheel back down into its track, and test.

Now, you can elect either to replace the screen and any damaged components (if the rollers broke or were loosened, for example), or to replace the entire door ($50 to upward of $100).

Also consider how much time and effort you want to put into the repair versus a replacement.

For time’s sake, let’s go with the screen replacement. If replacement parts are available for that specific model, get those; otherwise, a generic replacement kit with nylon screen and spline should work fine. Purchase a spline roller as well.

Remove the screen door from its tracks by lifting upward and tugging out.

Lay the door flat on a clean surface with the screen side nearest you. Locate the rubber spline around the perimeter of the screen. Using a flat screwdriver, ease a section of spline out of its track and then pull the entire run out. The broken screen will come out with it.

Next, roll the replacement screen out and pre-measure. Leave at least 1 inch extra around all four sides. Use a utility knife to cut the screen to size.

With a helper holding the screen in place, use the spline roller’s convex (ungrooved) end to push the new screen down into its groove on one side of the door. Follow up by pushing the new spline into place in the groove, pinning the screen in. Use the grooved side of the roller to push the spline in tightly.

Repeat the process on all four sides, working carefully around each corner so that the edges don’t tear the

screen. Hold the screen taut as you work.

Once the spline is in place, carefully cut away the extra length at the end

and push the nub down into the groove. Use a utility knife to trim away the excess screen from the outer edge of the spline groove.

Put the door back into place, setting it into the top of the frame first and then

easing into its bottom track, being careful not to damage the rollers.

Screens with one or two minor flaws can be repaired using needle and thread; screens with tears or large holes should be replaced.

WEEKEND GARDENER

Transition of Seasons

November is a time of transition for your gardens. As one growing season comes to a close, another will begin in just a few months. Now is the time to clear out exhausted summer plants, to prepare for frosty nights and to plan and plant for spring.

Flowers

Perennials for next spring and summer can be planted from nursery stock now. Look for seedlings of candytuft, columbine, cineraria and Sweet William. Take care of chrysanthemums by dusting for pests and staking for support. Stop pinching them out at the tips. There is still time to plant bulbs for a brilliant display of spring flowers.

Vegetables

Prepare the vegetable plot and get ready for winter gardening. You can plant radishes, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, carrot, beat and much more.

Prevent Erosion

If your gardens are on slopes, as many in the East Bay hills are, make sure you have enough plants there to keep the hillside from washing away if rains are heavy this winter. Sow seeds of wildflowers and a perennial grass, such as blue wild rye.

Tim

David

David

on Thursday. You can also save $5 by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

CONCRETE SERVICE

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

S.L.CONCRETE SERVICE

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

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

NOTICETO READERS

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

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

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

FENCES/DECKS

FENCE LEANING? Don’t replace... repair and save! Call Randy 510706-6189.

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.

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE Sat. 7 am - 12 pm. 18443 Clifton Way, Castro Valley.

GARDENING

*ANYYARD WORK. Cleanups and Maintenance. Free Estimates. Call 510-798-1833.

*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING Design - Construction - Maintenance. Cleanups, New Lawn, Artificial Grass, Irrigation, Patios, Pathways, Brick, Stone, Concrete Fence/ Decks. Free Estimates! Lic.#925130. 510-691-8852.

www.beautygardenlandscaping.com

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

JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583

HANDYMAN SERVICE

Do you need a HANDYMAN? We do almost everything. FREE Estimales. Call 510-828-4241

Garden service maintenance and cleanup and other services handyman call Jose Cruz 510-798-0682.

TORRES, APERFECT HANDYMAN •Honest •Dependable •Responsible Painting, Plumbing, Retaining Walls, Fences, Tiles, etc. FREE Estimates. 510-305-3205

CastroValleyForum.com SanLeandroTimes.com

advertisers who make it possible for

SERVICES

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

Patrick

RENTALS/RV SPACES

614-1558

Attention

Home Services Directory Advertisers

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 saveTime by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your

for the

means

you!

online at sanleandrotimes.com or castrovalleyforum.com

your

or

Classified & Home Service ads run in both the Castro Valley Forum and San Leandro Times.

card info for payment.

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

To

TOTAL CIRCULATION 60,500

TREE SERVICE

Call Patrick at 614-1558 for details and rates.

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

ADVERTISE

HERE

MARKETPLACE

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

the San Leandro

for

tional

party ads only (no

Some restrictions may apply. For more information, call Patrick at 614-1558.

To Place an Ad call 614-1558

SERVICES GUIDE

614-1558

Help for the homeowner means business for you!

or

All real estate advertised in the CASTRO VALLEY FORUM and SAN LEANDRO TIMES is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes itillegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

EASTBAY PUBLISHING, INC. will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

5-PIECE FILIPINO ROCK BAND Tickets at: baltheatre.com

Help for the homeownermeans business for you!

San Leandro Times HOME SERVICES GUIDE Call 614-1558

Sun., Nov. 13 - MODERN REVOLUTION Film Fest Sat, Dec. 3 - FREDDIE JACKSON with Live Band BALTHEATRE • SAN LEANDRO • 510-614-7700

To

To

Signs Removed

Last Wednesday, around 1:30 pm, a Forum reader witnessed an employee of the Alameda County Public Works Department remove several signs belonging to candidates running for local offices in the upcoming election. These signs were all located in the median strip/island on Lake Chabot Road, in front of the park entrance. About 15 to 20 signs were removed.

Reports: Disrupted Business

continued from page 5

Interfered with Business and Refused to Leave Tuesday, October 25: at 4:41 p.m., a 47-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of interfering with a business and refusing to leave despite the manager’s request. Deputies were dispatched to a business on Grove Way near Redwood Road following a call from the manager. The man was taken into custody.

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Tuesday, October 25: at 12:31 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 68-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle. The man was traveling on Crow Canyon Road near Norris Canyon Road when deputies identified the plates on the vehicle as reported stolen. The man was pulled over and questioned before being taken into custody.

Bucket: One Drop Barely Noticeable

continued from page 2 is going to change the world for someone just like one drop is barely noticeable in a bucket. Once those workouts start piling up, though? Well, you can imagine the answer. So, show up. Put it on your schedule and don’t let things get in the way. When working out, be consistent in how you

approach it. Feel the movements. Pay attention to your form. Work hard. As I said, showing up is important, but while you’re there…really BE there. That approach is a habit, too, and that kind of consistency is going to fill your bucket up even faster.

Lastly, I want to hear more about what you want to know.

Email me your fitness and nutrition questions to mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com and I’ll answer them right here. You might even see your name in the paper.

Mitch Rothbardt is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. Reach him by emailing him at: Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com

No Learning Loss at RCS

As students across the United States return to their classrooms, discussions are centered around whether or not learning was hampered, and, if so, how much?

The 2022 September Standardized testing affirmed that Redwood Christian Schools students in grades K-11 remain academically ahead of national averages with 70% of their students scoring above their grade level in math and reading.

Nationwide it has been reported that many schools saw a decrease in students’ standardized test scores due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, although RCS students’ scores remained consistent with their pre-pandemic academic performance. RCS uses the NWEA MAP

Growth assessment as the schools’ standardized assessment for grades K-11. NWEA stands for Northwest Evaluation Association. NWEA is a nonprofit organization that has assessed more than 4.5 million students in 49 foreign countries, 50 states, and 3400 districts. This assessment allows teachers to create a comprehensive and balanced assessment plan to provide personalized learning opportunities for all students. Students can take the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) up to three times a year (fall, winter, and spring), and after each assessment, the RCS faculty work through their student’s scores and create action plans for future instruction.

to maintain a high level of learning. They worked to implement personalized learning, allowing each student to progress at their level and ability. Students rose to the challenge of learning in these different environments, learning grade-level skills and content, never giving up, and always pressing forward. In addition, parents provided a loving and supportive home environment and maintained their ongoing partnership with teachers to ensure their child’s success.

Whole Student. Equitable access to new and existing academic AND support opportunities no matter their background.

Wellness. Students learn best when they are physically and emotionally supported.

Finances. Creative investments in our students. CVUSD receives the least funding per student of any district in Alameda County.

Future. We need safe and up to date facilities to keep up with student needs in an ever-changing and competitive world.

“I wholeheartedly support Tina Sachs and Gary Howard for the School Board.” Jim Negri, retired superintendent, CVUSD

Howard

CV School Board 2022 and Sachs for CV School Board 2022.

LEGAL AD

FILED OCT 20, 2022 MELISSA WILK County Clerk

ALAMEDA COUNTY By----------, Deputy FILE NO. 592845

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

STATEMENT

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Sections 17900-17930

The name of the business(es): Holistic Wellness with Janie located at 17531 Dorson Ln., Castro Valley, CA 94546. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): M Jane Greathouse West, located at 17531 Dorson Ln., Castro Valley, CA 94546. This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ M Jane Greathouse West

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

Expires OCT 19, 2027 NOV 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022 0539-CVF

From 100% digital teaching in the spring and fall of 2020 to hybrid teaching in the winter and spring of 2021, and finally back to full class instruction for the entire 2021-2022 school year, RCS teachers went above and beyond to ensure that all of their students were able

Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne credits the teachers, students, and parents for this academic success. He stated, “Although the COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time for everyone, especially the children, RCS teachers, students, and parents maintained their high commitment to student learning, and the results confirm their commitment to each child. We anticipate another strong year academically, socially and spiritually for our students.”

Sixth Grader Madison Beck receives individualized instruction from English Teacher Mrs. Julia Redemer.

PHOTO CREDIT: CATHY BRESLOW OF BRESLOWIMAGING

Tina Sachs and Gary Howard A Great New Team for CV Schools!

believe that ALL our students should be prepared for college, career and life!

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

As a parent of 2 children enrolled in CVUSD, I encourage our community to vote for Sare Raymond for School Board.

ara is uni uely ualified to represent our community on the school board.

She is a current parent of 2 CVUSD kids, 6th and 9th grades. If Sara is not elected, only 1 of the other board members will have a child in CVUSD throughout their term on the board.

ara knows our district s strengths and weaknesses first hand as both a parent and community member. She isn’t afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked & advocate for those who need it. She is a family law attorney and advocate for community. She is an incredible listener and problem solver.

s a parent have very specific concerns and ara has addressed them all on her website, saraforcvschools.com, and in forums. My personal primary concerns for our children & teachers are: active shooter safety, general school physical and mental health safety, transportation, nutrition, inclusivity/diversity, & preparation for life. Sara has been distinguished as a gun sense candidate by Moms Demand Action for her trauma informed approach to active shooter training. She has developed a relationship with the sheriff-elect Ysenia Sanchez, and has been endorsed by her for this election.

She believes in improving our district transportation services, as I do. Essential for our kids and community, we all know working parents can’t get time off for anything any more, we need busses for secondary school, available to all children in equity. Our environment and air uality cannot continue to support the insane traffic caused by our secondary schools.

Sara wants to see improvements in the nutrition offerings at the schools & has some novel ideas on how to improve this.

Sara has developed relationships with our local unions to offer trade introduction & training to our students. She believes in ensuring that our schools remain the best and that our kids have access to the ability to attend a 4 year college, as well as expanding access to include trades.

CV Teachers endorsed only 2 people for school board, and Sara is one of them. There is a reason for this. Sara is one of the most compassionate, smart & honest people i know. She will bring integrity and a true love and concern for our community to the table. Please, when you are completing your ballot, vote for Sara Raymond for school board... for our kids, for our teachers, for our school staff, for our community.

–Nedda Misherghi, Castro Valley

Mr. Reitter, the “Pride” movement may indeed have started out with noble intentions, but it has evolved into one that practices bigotry as much as opposing it. If you read my letter, you know “Pride” is NOT welcoming of those who refuse to bow before it. Maya Forstater wanted to be “true to herself” and “Pride” took away her livelihood. There are many “Mayas” out there. Economic blackmail is not “welcoming”.

You fail to address any of the examples of “Pride” bigotry that I cited. “Pride” takes the convenient route of labeling equally valid viewpoints as “transphobic”. This is patently false because such viewpoints are NOT based on fear. I (like Maya) respect immutable biological reality. Many do. “Pride” shows no tolerance for this truth.

“Pride” gains support with false comparisons to “civil rights” and “racism” (which have broader appeal). MLK longed for the day when persons would “not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character” - a completely different agenda. condemned no one for scientific or intellectual honesty. “Pride” despises both.

Finally, if insulting those who disagree with you makes you feel ustified y calling them“ erks so e it. typical “ ride retort. I will not respond in kind and am content to let the stated facts make my case. BTW, facts do not “devalue” or establish “worth” or “dignity” (“Pride” buzzwords which mean nothing in this context). Facts merely state what is. Despite “Pride”’s claims to the contrary, truth is inherently impartial and is not hate speech.

Perhaps initially “Pride” rejected bigotry. Now it overtly promotes it. . . am using the proper definition of “ igotry “forming an opinion without facts or knowledge” - not the “Pride” version - “Anyone who disagrees with me”).

canvassing, met me for coffee, hosted a houseparty, attended a meet and greet, put a campaign sign in their yard, talked me up to friends and family, or volunteered in any way to help me -- I can’t thank you enough for being part of my school board campaign. You come from all over Castro Valley and represent all kinds of backgrounds and life stories. I am proud of the coalition we’ve created together.

It is as diverse as our community. This experience has enriched me in unexpected ways and has only strengthened my commitment to serve the people of this valley we call home.

If you haven’t voted yet, it isn’t too late. Quickly, I’d like to remind you of everything I am offering: improved communication between CVUSD and the community; a commitment to true diversity, equity and inclusion; prioritization of our kids’ mental health and physical safety; and strong paths to success for all our students, regardless of where they fall on the academic spectrum or personal goals. As the parent of a 6th and 9th grader, I’ve been part of our school system for several years already and will continue to be one for some time to come. Having built a career on advocacy, usually involving the needs of families and kids, and grounded in communication and con ict resolution have a uni ue skill set. n addition to numerous community members, I’m endorsed by our Teachers’ Association, School Employee Association, and the Democratic Party. You can learn more about me at www.saraforcvschools.com. Thank you for your consideration.

–Sara Raymond, Castro Valley

Glad to Live in California

In response to Lydia Anderson. Undocumented immigrants provide far more to the California economy than they take from it. We would be lost without them providing care for our elderly and infirm working on our farms and in our restaurants etc. en der affirming care for young kids consists of hormones to delay pu erty and therapy to give them time and support to figure things out. Studies have shown that kids who are denied this support are more likely to commit suicide. thank od that live in a state that shows compassion toward undocumented immigrants and allows the community and women to decide what happens with our own bodies.

–Laura McMichael-Cady, Castro Valley

Thanks for Attention to Sulphur Creek

Thanks to Anne-Marie Tucker for bringing to our attention the current, limited operations of Sulphur Creek Nature Center and Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center. We have sorely missed being able to visit there and to deliver wildlife in need of attention. We happily donate to the Creek and pay the annual HARD tax-assessment fee to support these organizations. We hope that HARD soon implements plans to bring them back to their pre-covid status.

–Mary Ashby and Bob Beggs, Castro Valley

Commonality & Comments on Cancer

FROM THE BOULEVARD

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.”

(Eric Hoffer)

Last December I wrote a column titled “Being There.” It was about the importance of showing up and supporting people in great moments of need, particularly when they are sick or dying. It is never easy to do so, yet it is important – for them as well as us as individuals.

What fostered the column was learning that the person I most loved had breast cancer. It was one of the most potent types – “triple negative.” She made the decision to fight. decided to fight it with her. I knew that we needed to combat the enemy as a team.

We went to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston – one of the foremost in the world. For nine months she endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation along with surgery. It was an endurance contest, with hope for the best. Finally, the intensity of the treatments overwhelmed her capacity to tolerate. Debilitation and decline took command of the situation. Organs lost their ability to synchronize. Music could no longer be played. With that, an “end of life” decision had to be made. It was - coupled with pain and tears. hat was five weeks ago.

nal, we knew the odds were against us. She was on the front line. I was the supporter. It was her and me against the world. At the end, we were together, and she died in my arms.

During this period of time, we discovered that being in combat with cancer initiated us into a community of common cause. We were with countless others aboard a ship in troubled waters. Everyone was trying to keep a oat. iversities were dismissed. Our commonalities united us. We were all in the same race with cancer and time. It was a human race. Our political views were based upon the same objective – surviving. Strangers met in the night and armed one another with ammunition to enable us to etter fight the enemy.

During this time, the opportunity to write for my hometown through the Castro Valley Forum gained added value. Although we were in Houston, my heart resided here at

home. Friends stayed in touch with emails and phone calls. When I wrote my columns, I felt like I was still in my den. Neighbors tended to my garden and home. After drafting each article, Susan would edit them. Her skill always improved what I wrote. I thank her.

As I end these comments, I share a photograph of a saint that Susan and I encountered. Her name is Maria. She is nearing 90 years of age. We were staying at the same residence home near the Texas Medical Center. A shuttle took patients and caregivers to and from medical appointments. Every morning Maria was there in her wheelchair to wish them well. As they returned, she welcomed them back.

She does this because she believes there in high purposes to life. She is also a believer in od. er only purpose in life is to serve Him and to serve people during moments of need. here is no financial com

pensation for her work. The value is determined by her improvement of one’s spirits and their souls. She shows up daily to “be there” for people, whether known or unknown.

With Susan’s passing, Maria and I continue to communicate on the phone. It is the good that can come from the dread of disease. In the end, we are all the same. We all fight common enemies. Discovering Maria was a sunrise experience. As I conclude these experiences and comments on cancer, I also return to my article from last December. It is the importance of “being there” for others, whether known or unknown. When we are there for others, we are also “there” for ourselves. Susan and I learned that together, and Maria practices that with daily diligence.

Since 1965 Jess C. Spencer

Mortuary & Crematory

21228 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley 581-9133

Offering Personalized Memorial and Cremation Services.

With the election 1 week away, I wanted to openly thank the people of Castro Valley for taking the time to get to know me. To everyone who has answered their door and talked with me when I’ve been

s write re ect upon the toils and troubles of the trail that Susan and I traveled together. It was 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek, and month by month. Even though hope springs eter-

–Stacy Spink, Castro Valley

He was a great handyman as well as a auto mechanic and helped all his friends and neighbors.

He leaves behind his sisters Leslie and Patty. His niece eanne and nephew rant is unt mily and cousins oe and Tom.

And many of his neighbors and great friends. And his brother Len that passed.

Michael David Schaerer December 22, 1960 ~ October 20, 2022.

Park: All About Wild Turkeys at Sunol

continued from page 4

The program is free of charge, registration is not nec essary, and there’s no admis sion fee. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boule vard, just north of Highway 84. For information, please call 510-544-2797.

Wild Turkeys at Sunol Regional Wilderness

Speaking of birds, wild tur keys seem to show up almost everywhere nowadays, except perhaps as Thanksgiving approaches.

You can learn more about this ubiquitous bird in a program from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Sunol Regional Wilderness, with naturalist Kristina Parkison. It’s for ages eight and older. Kristina will impart some turkey lore, then lead the group in a search for turkey signs or actual birds in the park. The program is free, though there’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle.

Sunol Regional Wilderness is located at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about fve miles south of Highway 680 and the town of Sunol. For more information, call 510544-3249.

Neat Stuff at Coyote Hills Park

“Neat Stuff with a Natural ist” is the theme of a program series at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. There’s a session from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Every week a naturalist will lead hands-on activities, tours or crafts. The program is designed for ages fve and up with parent participation required. It’s drop-in, free, and no registration is required. Meet at the visitor center.

Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For information, call 510-544-3220.

Mini Miners

“Mini Miners” is the title of a recurring program at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, designed for kids under six years old, accompanied by parents.

Each session is a morning of learning, playing and enjoy ing the great outdoors. The program is best for ages two through fve; siblings are wel come. The program will occur outdoors, rain or shine.

The frst session is from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8 with naturalist Jessica Kau zer. It’s free and no registration is required. The program will be offered once per month –every second Tuesday.

Black Diamond Mines is at the end of Somersville Road, 3.5 miles south of Highway 4. Meet at the uppermost parking lot. Call 510-544-2750.

This is just a sample. For the full story, visit: ebparks. org/things-to-do online.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Our Athletes of the Week are the Fall, 2022 Creekside/Canyon Tennis team.

Coached by Suzi Mills, the team won the Alameda County Junior Tennis League (ACJTL) championships, with a season record of 4-0.

The members of this championship team are Braelyn Brill, Anson Chan, Jayden

Cheng, Nathan Cho, Aaravsingh Gandhi, Paul Grazzini, Liam Hausia, Liam Ho gan, Marco Huang, Ryan Huang, Isabella Huskic Cao, Alvin Li, Tain Lindsey-Sim mons, Ellisandra Ly, Yuuki Miyazaki, Ryan Nakamura, Nirvan Rai, Brooke Robinson, Alek Robuchon, Alayna Sershen, Devin Shay, Tapasya Tamang, Daniel Wai.

Florida Marlin Draftee Visits RCMS

tivational speech focused on keeping their priorities in line, working hard and not getting discouraged. He also helped run practice for the day.

Alex surprised the players and used his time with them encouraging them with a mo

Coach Scott Skjong stated that Alex was “real inspiration and positive roll model for the young athletes.” When thanked for coming, Alex re sponded “Of course, I’m glad

I could stop by. I remember how awesome it was for me when AJ did the same thing.”

AJ Vanegas, like Williams, attended Redwood Christian Schools from kindergarten through graduating from Red wood Christian High School in 2010, graduated from Stanford and played in the LA Dodgers organization.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Creekside/Canyon Tennis

Last Thursday, October 27, the Redwood Christian Middle School Fall Baseball team was visited by Alex Williams, 2022 Florida Marlin draftee and Stanford graduate, and 2018 Redwood Christian High School graduate.

Top Row (L to R): Coach Scott Skjong, Sam James, Josh Seganish, Cooper Fanucchi, Alex Williams, Lucas Chan, Micah Wilkerson, Sam Ryan; Middle Row (L to R): Noel Odom, Dikaio Ambriz, Ethan Chen, Elijah Pineda, Alex Clayton , Andrew Goodson; Bottom Row (L to R): Efren Rosas, Dylan Skjong, Justin Nguyen, Jackson Azraei, Trent Zizileuskas.