CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Sulphur Creek Reopens Tomorrow with a Party
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Sulphur Creek Nature Center reopens to the public tomorrow, Thursday, November 7 with several new features to boost outdoor education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
The ceremony will be at 1 p.m., at the center, located at 1801 D Street in Hayward and operated by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD).
Sulphur Creek takes in injured animals and nurses them back to health before release. Those that cannot be released back into the wild are kept in enclosures there. They house animals including rabbits, foxes and coyotes, many kinds of birds including owls and large birds of prey like golden eagles and peregrine falcons, and in indoor enclosures, snakes, tarantulas, reptiles and smaller animals.
Construction had been underway at the well-liked wildlife rehabilitation and education center since November of last year.
Improvements include a new pollinator garden to support local ecosystems and promote ecological awareness, an amphitheater built from reclaimed trees to blend education with nature in a unique
setting for lectures and performances, and an outdoor education area with rustic shade structure for interactive learning, camps, and community events. There will also be a new welcome kiosk and map to greet and orient visitors, seating between the center’s aviaries and its bridge to provide resting spots for visitors with scenic views of the wildlife exhibits, and new signage to provide wildlife education and provide easier navigation.
see SULPHUR on page 7
Two MAC Members Step Down
By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
For the second time this year, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (CV MAC) will see two of its members step away from the dais.
Last month, Shannon Killebrew notified the office of Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley (District 4) that she would be stepping back from her duties on the CV MAC to instead spend more time with family and her businesses. Fellow councilmember Ilya Prokopoff will also soon be leaving the MAC. His regular term expired in July 2024 and has been attending meetings at the request of Miley.
see MAC on page 11
It’s Time to Light the Boulevard
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
This Saturday’s Castro Valley Light Parade may be its biggest yet in its 10-plus year history, so whether you are on a float or watching from the sidelines, there’s a lot to consider.
The first thing to know for motorists and commuters is that Castro Valley Boulevard will be closed between Lake Chabot Road and Redwood Road sometime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to allow for setup and creating a staging area. The CHP will have signs at both sides of the Boulevard showing the detour routes along either Norbridge Avenue or Somerset Avenue. The Boulevard will be lined with booths from Santa Maria to Redwood Road, with lots of food, bands, and a kids’ area starting at 3 p.m. The parade will start around 5:30, as it’s starting to get dark. see LIGHT on page 3
PHOTOS BY MIKE McGUIRE
New signage greets visitors
Rotary Supports Children’s Organization
The Rotary Club of Castro Valley supports The George Marks Children’s House. George Mark Children’s House, a pioneering pediatric palliative care facility, recently received a generous $1,000 contribution from the Castro Valley Rotary Club. This donation will support the organization’s mission to provide life-affirming care and comfort for children with serious illnesses and their fam-
ilies. The funds will help the George Mark Children’s House to continue its vital services, including respite care, end-oflife care, and transitional care, which have been making a difference in the lives of countless families for the past 20 years. This donation by the Castro Valley Rotary Club plays an important role to ensure that there is a place in our community where “kids can be kids and families can be families”
during challenging times. Community members interested in supporting similar initiatives are invited to join the Castro Valley Rotary Club for their weekly lunches, which feature engaging speakers from various community leadership roles. These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity to network and contribute to local and global causes alike while staying informed about community developments.
the Present because it’s a Gift
By Kevin Koo SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Happy November! This is usually a time to focus on the festivities and happy occasions… but it can also be a
time of stress because maybe we haven’t made it to where we wanted to be, whether it be this month, year, or even in this lifetime.
Fall is also a time where we are reminded there is an end to everything. With the leaves turning orange and yellow, and falling to the ground, it can feel like the end is around the corner. To a certain extent, there is truth in the end, but as with all things, after winter, we come into spring and a new life is reborn. It may seem a little early, but today, I wanted to look at change. More specifically, I wanted to deepen this perspective through the lens of time.
When it comes to time, we have the past, present and future. Now let’s say you run into a problem. This problem probably reminds see KOO on page 11
Dan Willits, President, Rotary Club of Castro Valley, Alijah Marquez-Campagna, MPH, Assistant Director of Advancement at George Mark Children’s House, Aaron Lewis, Co-Chair, Restaurant Walk Fundraiser, Rotary Club of Castro Valley.
Light: CV
continued from front page
The best places to see all the parade entrants is between San Miguel Avenue and Redwood Road on the north side of the boulevard or between Wilbeam Avenue and Redwood Road on the south side as the floats are exiting on Wilbeam towards the Castro Valley BART station.
If you are entering a float or driving a vehicle in the parade, you should enter the staging area via southbound Lake Chabot Road at Castro Valley Boulevard. People who are walking with the floats or as a group should meet at the Bank of America parking lot prior to the parade.
There will be a representative from the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce to check people in at the staging area, which starts west of San Miguel Avenue. Each entrant will be announced at the judge’s table by the emcees: Michael Nelson of CVSan and TMC producer Dayna Speed.
Sponsored by the Chamber, the annual community promenade on Castro Valley Boulevard is a chance for
regular folk to celebrate the coming holidays and show off their personal sparkle. This year’s theme is “Honoring our Educators & Mentors.”
This will also mark the first year ever that every Castro Valley School will participate in the parade. Also new this year are Pony Rides & Petting Zoo as well as the usual music and more great food options. You can get more information about the Light Parade at Edenareachamber.com/cvlightparade2023.
Big Holiday Boutique for Scholarships
By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Nine Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) chapters from the East Bay will host a huge Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 16, with proceeds going to educational grants, scholarships, awards and loans for women. The boutique will be held from 9:30 to 3 p.m. at the New Bridges Presbyterian
Church, 26236 Adrian Avenue, Hayward, near Chabot College. There is plenty of free parking, and items for sale include jewelry, cards, baked goods, jams, nuts, holiday decor, handcrafted items and more. Your holiday shopping will support a good cause.
The P.E.O. has been helping women reach their potential for over 155 years. This nonprofit organization has distributed over $432 million as of April
2024, helping over 125,000 women pursue their educational goals. Last year in California alone, 274 recipients received over $1.24 million in scholarships and loans.
What started in 1869 with a group of seven women friends in Iowa has grown into 5,500 North American chapters. To learn more about P.E.O. and its philanthropies, visit peointernational.org, or stop by the Boutique on November 16.
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Arrested for Spousal Assault Sunday, November 3: At 11:38 p.m., Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 39-year-old Castro Valley woman on suspicion of spousal assault and resisting arrest. The woman was at a home on Leila Street near North 5th Street when deputies responded to a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument. The woman became confrontational but was eventually taken into custody.
Shoplifter Caught
Saturday, November 2: At 2:00 p.m., a 51-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a drugstore on Castro Valley Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. The woman was detained by store security as she was leaving the store with unpaid merchandise. Deputies took the woman into custody.
Drove Drunk on Redwood Friday, November 1: At 1:44 a.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 20-year-old CV man on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood-alcohol limit over the legal limit. The man was traveling on Redwood Road near Pine Street when deputies stopped him for a traffic infraction. The man failed his field sobriety test and was taken into custody.
Family Fight
Wednesday, October 30: At 5:52 p.m., a 9-1-1 call about an altercation sent deputies to an apartment on Anita Avenue near Castro Valley Boulevard.
There, they arrested a 49-yearold Castro Valley man on suspicion of assault on a family member. Deputies took the man into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.
Joy Ride Ends in Arrest
Monday, October 28: At 3:47 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 50-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle and possessing stolen property. The man was traveling on Redwood Road near Wilson Avenue when deputies ran the plates and found the car
was reported stolen. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Back to Jail for Wanted Man Monday, October 28: At 10:19 a.m., a 64-year-old Castro Valley man was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man had been previously convicted of public intoxication, violating the terms of his parole, assaulting a peace officer, and resisting arrest. Deputies served the warrant at the man’s place on Redwood Road near Modesto Street. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Henig Speaks Tomorrow
Castro Valley author Gerald Henig discusses his latest book, America’s Presidents: What Your History Teacher Never Told You, tomorrow, Thursday, November 7, at 7pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. The evening with Gerald Henig is the first in a new Lecture Series sponsored by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. Tickets: cvartsfoundation.org
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF DARRELL LAVIN
Scouting For Food
Troop 726, along with other Scout Troops and Packs in Castro Valley, San Leandro, Hayward and San Lorenzo will participate in Scouting America’s annual food drive, “Scouting for Food.” This important initiative helps collect and distribute food to those in need, reflecting the Scouts’ dedication to community service. On November 9, Scouts will distribute flyers in their neighborhoods. To join in, community members can place non-perishable food items in a recycled bag or box, attach the door hanger, and set it outside where it’s visible by 9am on November 16. Scouts will collect the donations and deliver them to designated drop-off sites in each area. For more, visit: https://troop726leadership. wixsite.com/castrovalley
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• November 11th - Veterans Day (CVSan Closed).
• November 12th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Committee Meeting.
• November 14th - Community Advisory Committee Meeting.
• November 18th - Zero Waste Committee Meeting.
• November 19th - O&E Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.
• November 19th - Special Board Meeting.
• November 21st - Communications Committee Meeting.
• November 28th and 29th - Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Holiday (CVSan Closed).
• December 3rd - Regular Board Meeting.
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 information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org.
Veterans Day is on Monday
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, serves as a significant occasion dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Its origins can be traced back to the end of World War I, initially commemorated as Armistice Day to mark the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. Over the years, this day has evolved into a broader recognition of all veterans, reflecting a national commitment to appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to our freedom.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TODAY • Wednesday, November 6
Curry with a Cop
Get to know your local law enforcement over great food. Stop by for a free mini appetizer (limited to first 200 people) and chat with local deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office tonight (November 6) from 6 to 8pm at Flavor of India North and South Cuisine (15930 Hesperian Blvd. San Lorenzo). Receive 20% off your dinner bill.
Thursday, November 7
San Lorenzo Adult School Resource / Job Fair
San Lorenzo Adult School is hosting a free Resource / Job Fair tomorrow (Thursday, November 7), from 10:30am to 12:30pm. They are expecting more than 20 organizations, including Alameda County Social Services, San Lorenzo Library, and Chabot College. San Lorenzo Adult School is located at 820 Bockman Road, San Lorenzo.
CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT
CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757
Sewer Emergencies: (510) 506-5821
Effective Environmental Services since 1939 | cvsan.org
The importance of Veterans Day extends beyond a mere acknowledgment of military service; it embodies the nation’s gratitude towards those who have laid their lives on the line to protect American ideals. Recognizing veterans through ceremonies, parades, and community events fosters a sense of solidarity and respect among citizens. It serves as a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today are a direct result of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Moreover, Veterans Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by many former service members, including physical disabilities, mental health issues, and reintegration into civilian life. By highlighting their needs, this day encourages communities to engage in supportive initiatives, whether through veterans’ organizations, charities, or local programs aimed at assisting those who have served. Importantly, this heightened awareness can inspire individuals to take action, whether it involves volunteer work, donations, or simply offering a listening ear to a veteran in need.
Veterans Day also provides a chance for personal reflection. As we take time to honor those who have served, individuals can also consider their own connections to the military, whether through family members, friends, or community members. This reflection fosters a deeper sense of appreciation for the complexities of military life and its impact on our society.
Let us recognize the significance of this day, not just for its historical context, but as a continual reminder of the enduring values that our veterans represent—values of courage, freedom, and sacrifice.
Thursday, November 7
Free Monarch Migration Talk
Join Friends of San Leandro Creek to learn about monarch butterfly migration tomorrow (Thursday, November 7) at 6pm at the San Leandro Public Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Listen to Adrienne De Ponte, the naturalist who’s been leading tours of the monarch overwintering site for more than 20 years. She’ll share her knowledge of how these beloved creatures are faring today.
Friday, Nov. 8 & Saturday, Nov. 9
San Leandro Garden Club Plant Sale
This Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9, the San Leandro Garden Club will be selling plants and previously loved jewelry at the Alta Mira Bazaar, 561 Lafayette Ave, San Leandro. Friday is from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday is 10am to 3pm. Please come to see their selections.
Saturday, November 9
Elephant & Piggie at Castro Valley Library
Beloved children’s book characters Elephant & Piggie will be visiting the Castro Valley Library this Saturday, November 9 from 11am to 1pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your child’s photo taken with Elephant and Piggie, join in the raffle to win book prizes, make themed crafts and celebrate all things Elephant and Piggie! The Castro Valley Library is a branch of the Alameda County Library system. The library is located at 3600 Norbridge Avenue.
Saturday, November 9
Effective Communication Across Differences
The Castro Valley Women’s Club is sponsoring a workshop titled “Effective Communication Across Differences.” this Saturday, November 9, from 11am to 1pm at the Castro Valley Women’s Clubhouse, 18330 Redwood Road.
Saturday, November 9
The Light Parade
Please join the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce for the annual Light Parade. Booths, music, a petting zoo, pony rides, food, and Santa! Come early and enjoy the fun this Saturday, November 9, 3 to 9pm on Castro Valley Blvd between San Miguel and Redwood. For more information, visit www.edenareachamber.com.
Tuesday, November 12
Rotary Hosts Tim Lundell
Tim Lundell, former district governor of Rotary District 5170, will talk about the importance and great work of The Rotary Foundation. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course at 12 (noon) to 1:30pm. Reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, November 10, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud. com or 510-402-5123. More info at castrovalleyrotary.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: MEMBERS OF TROOP 726 (NOVEMBER 2023)
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Be Safe
After You Move In
By Carl Medford, CRS
Special to the Forum
t’s a story retold many times a day: escrow has closed and the new owner(s) finally have the keys. Emotions are high and thoughts focused on moving in and locating furnishings, utilities and other important things. One item, however, often gets overlooked.
Home Security. Here are 6 keys to ensure safety after moving in:
Change the locks. This could be a simple as having a locksmith visit to re-key the doors. If the home has a home warranty, it is possible that initial
rekeying is included in the package.
Secure garage doors. Garage doors are usually opened four ways: handheld, in-car or wall-mounted remotes or keyed systems. To begin, rekey any locks. Second, address the remotes. Although the seller may have given you any remotes, there is no guarantee there is not another one out there. If they used car-mounted remote buttons, they may have forgotten to reset them. They will also have the code for any wall-mounted remote. Most garage door openers have a reset button: follow the directions
reset and then reprogram any remotes. You can set up any remote buttons in your car the same way. You might want to consider remote garage doors systems such as myQ which allow online control from anywhere and provide Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery access so your packages cannot be stolen.
Check all the windows. Depending on the style of window, there are simple solutions that prevent windows from being jimmied open.
Install new locks. In many cases, the old latches are getting a bit tired or may not have effective deadbolts. Upgrading to new locks can improve both aesthetics and safety and if you are all thumbs, a locksmith, contractor or handyman can install them for you. You can also install internal safety locks to safeguard you while you are at home.
Install a security system. There are many levels to home security systems. Some may simply have door and motion sensors, others can have cameras, online monitoring, remote locks and more. It is also possible the home already has a system in place which you can reactivate.
Secure your Wi-Fi network. Set up your Wi-Fi with secure codes so no one can easily hack into your home’s smart features. Use complicated
passwords that cannot be easily guessed.
Secure your home BEFORE you move in to ensure you and your belongings are safe.
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.
Mortgage Rates Increase for the Fifth Consecutive Week
Increasing for the fifth consecutive week, mortgage rates reached their highest level since the beginning of August. With several potential inflection points happening over the next week, including the jobs report, the 2024 election, and the Federal Reserve interest rate decision, we can expect mortgage rates to remain volatile. Although uncertainty will remain, it does appear mortgage rates are cresting, and are not expected to reach the highs seen earlier this year.
Sulphur: Center’s Features Invite Visitors to Connect with Nature
continued from front page
“The renovations at Sulphur Creek Nature Center are a celebration of the district’s commitment to community and conservation,” said Peter Rosen, president of HARD’s board of directors.
“From the rustic outdoor education area to the amphitheater built from reclaimed trees, every feature invites visitors to connect with nature. We’re excited to offer these interactive spaces — like our pollinator garden — that enrich experiences and inspire nature stewardship,” Rosen continued.
According to HARD’s website, Sulphur Creek got its start in the 1960s, when a lost rabbit named Happy by his human finders needed a place to stay. Neighbors brought him to what’s now the San Felipe Community Center and made a home for him there. Happy was soon joined by
other animals in what became a sanctuary.
HARD acquired the prop-
erty across D Street from San Felipe for what is now the Sulphur Creek Nature Center
in 1970 and moved the animals there. It had been used as a wellness center that drew its
sulphur water from springs there. It grew into a refuge for both animals and people, hidden in a suburban neighborhood near Fairview.
The renovations at the park drew funds from several sources, including a state Outdoor Environmental Education Facility (OEEF) grant for $498,000, a $100,000 Fremont Bank Foundation grant, a $40,000 grant from the HARD Foundation, a $20,000 gift from Ann Pendleton: a $10,000 gift from a private donor, and proceeds from Measure F1 bonds.
Following the opening, hours at Sulphur Creek will be Tuesdays - Fridays from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Admission and parking are free. More information is available at www.haywardrec.org/1991/ Nature-Centers
Holiday Hafla on Saturday
Come join in for a fabulous evening of shimmering costumes, jingling bells, and mesmerizing dance performances at our winter holiday belly dance extravaganza! The 2024 Holiday Hafla is the perfect event to get into the festive spirit. Watch talented dancers weave holiday-themed magic on stage, showcasing a dazzling array of belly dance styles. The event takes place this Saturday, November 9, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the San Leandro Veterans Memorial Building (1105 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro). Tickets are FREE but you need one to enter. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact: monica@monicahedman.com
Aviary Avenue at the Sulphur Creek Nature Center, 1801 D Street in Hayward.
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CONCRETE SERVICE
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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.
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HELP WANTED
Part-time care provider for Mom in Washington Manor. Morning and afternoon visits required. $20-25 hour. 925-890-9206.
MISC. FOR SALE
Duncan Phyfe dining table and 6 chairs +accessories. Excellent condition. $1,000. 510-581-6585.
Oak 4-drawer desk in good condition. $50. Call 510-278-9719.
Are you
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RENTALS
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RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $950/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
SERVICES
HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.
To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Grandparents Celebrated at RCE
On Friday, October 25, more than 300 grandparents and great-grandparents were celebrated by students at Redwood Christian Elementary (RCE) Campus in a chapel assembly where songs, handbells and poems were performed for their grandparents and great-grandparents.
Grandparents have been celebrated annually at RCE for more than 30 years. Many of the honored guests traveled from throughout the state to be present and we had grandparents who traveled from around the country to be with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. There were grandparents and great grandparents present who had more than fifteen grandchildren and great grandchildren!
Fourth grader Zack Arias’ grandmother, Mrs. Colleen Frazier, who lives in Fremont, has six kids, twenty-two grand kids (ranging in age from thirty to three years old) as well as three great-grandchildren with another “on the way.”
One of the goals of the event is to be sure that Grandparents know how much they are loved and appreciated, and how much they are valued for their participation in the lives of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Aunts, uncles and special friends filled in for grandparents unable to attend.
The chapel assembly opened with Principal Sinisi welcoming everyone, espe-
cially Grandparents and Great Grandparents. The program for the day featured all students: Miss Ashley Moog’s TK Class sang “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” followed by Mrs. Heather Mitchell’s and Mrs. Monica Hubbard’s/Mrs. Heather Miller’s Kindergarten classes shared their handbell talents performing “Deep and Wide” and “God is So Good.” Band 2 (second year students) played “America the Beautiful” under the direction of Azeem Ward and his Strings 2 class played “Amazing Grace.” Mrs. Amy Hickman’s and Miss Michelle Pleitez’s First Grade classes recited the poem “Grandparents Day,” followed by Dr. Lisa Francis’s and Mrs. Jenni Reeves’s Fourth Grade classes reciting the poem “Grandparents” and singing “Happy Grandparents Day,” followed by Miss Catherine Schoppet and Miss Katelyn Wolfe’s Second Grade classes singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and Mrs. Lynn Conley’s and Mrs. Laura Vanegas’s Third Graders singing “Grandparents Are Special” written and accompanied by Mrs. Mayne on the piano and recited “Grandparents Poem” by former staff member Sandy Trieselmann. Mrs. Deserae Prescott’s and Miss Catherine Schoppet’s Fifth Grade classes singing “It Is Well.” Royal Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Beverly Mayne, sang “Singing in the Rain” and “It Is Well.”
Redwood Christian Elementary fourth grader Zack Arias with grandmother Colleen Frazier and older sister Sammie. More photos at: mycvforum.com
RCS Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne closed the celebration of Grandparents Day encouraging the audience to stay active in their grandchildren lives and keep encouraging them and prayer, inviting the Grandparents back to their grandchildren’s classrooms to share what is happening in the classrooms.
Dr. Al Hearne, Superintendent, stated “All of the grandchildren attending RCS are so valuable to all of us here today. They are the future. God has created each child individually as He is not a Cookie-Cutter Creator (just ask any Grandparent with more than two grandchildren!). He also has a see RCE on back page
Do I Need a Will If I Have a Trust?
Q: I have a Living Trust, prepared some time ago. I recently heard that it was a good idea to also have a Will. However, I thought the Trust took the place of a Will. Can you clarify this?
By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
A: Sure. Attorneys who prepare trusts generally also prepare a backup Will to coordinate with the Trust. The companion Will is designed to “catch” assets that were inadvertently left out of the Trust. The Will then typically directs that these omitted assets be “poured back” into the Trust and be distributed according to the terms of the Trust. Attorneys often refer to these wills as “Pour Over” Wills, which accurately describes their purpose.
Ideally, you would never need to use the “Pour Over” Will, because all assets would be part of your trust. However, in the real world, we find that clients often neglect to take proper steps to retitle assets into their Trust. Remember, in order to transfer assets into your Trust, you generally have to sign a formal document, such as a deed in the case of real property, which formally re-titles assets into the name of the trustee of the Trust. By the way, in most cases the trustee is the same person who created the trust (the trustor), but the trustor must still observe the
formality of re-taking title in his own name “as trustee”.
The assets omitted from the trust and “captured” by the Pour-Over Will may still have to go through probate. However, the advantage of having a Pour-Over Will is that the omitted assets will ultimately go to your designated Trust beneficiaries as part of a coordinated plan. Without the Pour-Over Will, the omitted assets would be distributed to your heirs-at-law as identified by statute, which could be different persons from those beneficiaries named in your Trust.
A related topic arises where a trustor has clearly listed assets on a schedule attached to his Trust, but neglects to formally retitle the assets into his name “as trustee”. This happens fairly frequently. In this situation, the trustor clearly intended to put the described assets into the Trust, but for whatever reason failed to take formal steps to do so. Here, the law provides a quicker remedy, which attorneys often refer to as a “Heggstad Petition”, so named because of the 1993 court decision which approved this remedy. Thus, where the trustor’s intent to include an asset in his Trust is clear, it is then possible to petition the court for an order immediately transferring the assets into the Trust, so that they are not subject to a full probate and the possibility that they may go to unintended individuals.
For the above reasons, we always recommend that a trust contain a detailed Schedule of Assets, that upon creation of the trust the client take immediate steps to retitle those assets into the trust, and that the trust be accompanied by a companion “Pour-Over Will”. Caution: some assets, such as retirement accounts, should never be re-titled into the name of the trust, as that could trigger an adverse tax result.
Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 25 years with Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Wills, Probate, Medi-Cal & Long Term Care Planning, and related matters. Contact him by email at Gene@LawyerForSeniors.com. Or call (510) 247-2555.
Trump is primarily about America First and his pragmatic, realistic, and diplomatic view of the world, based on his decades of experience as an international businessman. As president, He was/is not bound by ideology, and seeks to lead by example rather than force his way on others. He reinforced crucial alliances, while also making our allies more accountable. His straight-forward and realistic approach, with a prioritizing of American interests above all else, is exactly why he was/is such a success. Meanwhile, Kamala has no accomplishments to stand on/for, so avoids answering questions and instead focuses on attacking Donald Trump. We don’t need four more years of high inflation, crime, being a joke to other nations, etc. Its time to take our country back, not drive it off the cliff and for that we need Pres. Trump!
–Debbie Perreira, San Leandro
The letter regarding the Middle East war is based on a skewed view of the area. Having served in the State Department as part of the Peace Corps, I have lived among the people of the Middle East on the zankat/street level. As such, I acknowledge the truth spoken by President Erdigan of Turkey: there is no moderate Islam. The children of Gaza (and elsewhere)
chant “Kill the Jews, death to Israel” every morning in school. The current Middle Eastern war by this, not some mythical oppression. The Middle East has always been a home for Nazism since pre-WWII. The Mufti of Jerusalem was kept under armed guard because of his pro-Hitler stance. Even today one of the most read books is Mein Kampf. While living there I lost count of the times I was told that “Hitler was a very smart man”. The current plight of the Gaza Palestinians is the direct consequence of their own actions on October 7th. Even the Arab governments of Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia will not accept them. Finally the writers of Oakland should be made aware: the cattle cars still sit on the railroad sidings- and wait.
–Michael Lindstrom, Castro Valley
Children Even Better Than Last Halloween
We continue to be blessed by the conduct of the kids who visit our house each year for Halloween. Last year we were visited by grateful, respectful kids who were supervised by parents on the sidewalk. This year was even better! The kids were so thankful and “Thank you, Sir” was the response so often. No child failed to NOT say Thank You.
Parents: keep up the great work at home and “on the sidewalk” on Halloween. The homeowners are so blessed by your kids! –Bruce D and Linda Lee Johnson, Castro Valley
Koo: What Do You Want to Change?
continued from page 2 you of other problems you’ve had in the past. And so, your decision-making process to resolve the problem is based in the past. For example, let’s say you wake up and you feel tired. You remember that in the past, when you drank coffee, it helped you wake up. Making the decision to drink coffee in the morning is because of a past event. Let’s label this the known past.
Now when you repeatedly run into a problem, and you repeatedly resolve the problem in the same way, that repeated behavior becomes a habit. The thing with habits is when you do the thing you’ve repeatedly done, you know what result to expect in the future. So, when you wake up and drink that first sip of coffee, you expect to feel more awake and energetic. Because you know what will happen, you technically know what the future holds. Let’s call this the known future.
So somewhat surprisingly, the past, as well as the future,
are known. Also, surprisingly, the present is unknown because it is the only time you can change what you do.
But drinking coffee probably isn’t a problem, is it? Maybe instead of drinking coffee, it’s drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or some other substance. It could even be something like people pleasing or putting up with the boredom of day-to-day life when you’re wanting something more exciting. Since the present moment is the only place in time that is unknown, this becomes your chance to change the trajectory of your life. If you’re looking to become healthier, now is the moment you choose to drink water instead of soda. If you’re looking to create financial independence, maybe it’s time to pick up a side gig. Maybe you’re retired and you’ve played as much pickleball as
continued from front page Miley’s Chief of Staff, Tona Henninger, confirmed the departures and noted that both Killebrew and Prokopoff were asked to remain active on the MAC until at least the end of the year to allow for time to find replacements. There are six more scheduled CV MAC meetings this year. Miley’s website has a posted a listing on the CV MAC website for anyone interested in serving on the MAC.
MAC: Killebrew, Prokopoff Step Down Obituaries
Killebrew was born and raised in Castro Valley. After college, she moved to Madrid, Spain, where she met her husband, Pablo. They worked together and built a travel services company for American Universities. In 2005, Shannon and her family moved to Rosario, Argentina to be closer to her husband’s family. The family moved back to Castro Valley in 2013 where they opened Pampas Café on Castro Valley Boulevard. Last year, they moved the Café next to Trader Joe’s on Redwood Road. She has served on the MAC since 2018.
Born in New York state and raised in the Midwest, Prokopoff has been a Castro Valley resident since 1996 and is the Regional Managing Director of IDEO, an international design firm. He joined the MAC in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also on the Board of Advisors for his alma mater, the Institute of Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
porated town of Castro Valley. The members are appointed by the District 4 Supervisor (in this case, Miley) and typically serve for four years. To be eligible to serve on the MAC, you must be a Castro Valley resident or shall have owned or actively operated a business in Castro Valley for a period of at least five years and maintain property or the business during the appointment. Council members serve four-year terms from the date of appointment. No appointee can serve more than 12 years.
Chuck Moore is the current MAC chairman with members Bill Mulgrew and Tojo Thomas as the other two senior
members on the council. In August, Miley appointed Xochiyotl (Xochi) K. Martinez and Raymond (Ray) E. Davis III to the MAC to replace longtime councilmembers Ken Carbone and Al Padro.
The MAC meets on landuse issues at 6 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month and holds general purpose meetings at 6 p.m. on most 3rd Mondays. Meetings are held at the Castro Valley Library and streamed on Zoom. For agendas, documents, and other info, visit acgov.org/bc/cvmac.
To apply for a seat on the CV MAC, visit https://www. acgov.org/bnc/#/board/a0U61000006zw7tEAA.
May 27, 1923 ~ September 14, 2024
you can take… you can start a business or find a job that stimulates you in just the right way.
There are so many ways that we can and want to change, but since I have your attention right now, what do you really want to change? What do you need to get to the present? How can you focus on that for the next couple of months before the year comes to an end? How different would your life look with that focus? More importantly, how would you feel knowing you put that effort into something you truly cared about regardless of your age, financial status, or life situation? Reach out and let me know what you decide, you know where to find me!
Coach Kev helps people find calm, clarity, and confidence in their life while staying present whenever possible. Contact him at kevinkoocoaching@ gmail.com, or follow on IG and YouTube @kevinkoocoaching and come meditate with him at https://bit.ly/kkcmeditation
The MAC was established in 1981 to provide oversight and guidance to the unincor-
Since 1965
Rd., Castro Valley 581-9133
A Castro Valley resident, Al (a.k.a. Vern) was born in Oakland, CA, to Jesper William and Alice Amelia Jespersen. A UC Berkeley graduate and a World War II veteran, Al loved architecture, travels to Europe, and anything French. Al cherished his independence and ran errands on his scooter up to the age of 100! He used to stop by Rudy’s Donuts to catch up with friends over coffee and his favorite, chocolate-glazed donut. Al’s devotion to God and Jesus Christ was the source of his strength and healing, and he believed in the power of LOVE. He found joy and peace in cultivating his backyard garden, which connected him with God and nature and was a manifestation of his love of life. He often marveled at the beauty of the flowers and enjoyed the creatures visiting his garden. Al appreci ated every visit, phone call, or letter from family and friends. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
A Veteran’s funeral will take place on Nov. 12, at 1:30pm, at the National Cemetery in Dixon, CA (5810 Midway Rd). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Church of Christ, Scientist. A Celebra tion of Life will be held at a later time. Please call 510-654-8558 for more information.
Albert Vernon Jespersen
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Coach
Abigail Choy, Iliana
CVHS Girls’ Cross Country
Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School Varsity Girls’ Cross Country Team. The Trojans won their second consecutive 1st Place victory at this year’s Mt. Sac Cross Country Invitational in Walnut, California on October 26.
FIRST WIN IN REDWOOD CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL’S FOOTBALL HISTORY: Front Row (L-R) 33 - Dylan Skjong, 14 - Jaxson Azarei, 4 - Elijah Pineda, 25 - Caleb Redemer, 32 - Heivaha Mafi, 13 - Tyler Skjong, 24 - Alex Clayton, 2 - Nicholas Delphino. Second Row (L-R): 73 - Josiah Bustos, 8 - Landon Devoe-Krowicki, 56 - Donovan Cortez, 22 - Alexander Zarich, 12 - Isaac Enos, 11- Josh Seganish, 77 - Tu’ufuli Mamea-Ta’avili. Third Row (L-R): Scott Skjong, Cheyenne Tuufuli, 74 - Josh Castaneda, 51 - Logan Leftridge, Head Coach Tolo Faumuina, 6 - Tyrone Snipes, 50 - Monte Mamea, Su’e Taugavau, Laprel Boyd. Back Row (L-R): 21 - Joel Miranda, 15 - Kiala Tupou, 34 - Onyekachi Ajawara, 7 - Carson Tilley, 55Elijah Redemer, 72 - Genesis Wright, 3 - Tanu Mamea, 5 - Jaeden Honora.
“This marks an unprecedented achievement for the team and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent,” said Castro Valley Sports Foundation president Rachel Lunt. “They have raised the bar for future generations of athletes and have brought pride and recognition to our school and local community.”
Castro Valey faced fierce competition from some of the top teams in the region, but they remained focused and determined throughout the race.
Runners Anna Dughi, Abigail Choy, Iliana Nierengarten, Hannah Murry, Maya Dughi, Tejal Bajwa and Maria (Masha) Kryuchkova were acknowledged for their individual and team contributions to this historic achievement.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Girls’ Cross Country
Coming Up at Smalltown
Wednesday, Nov. 13:
Chabot Secret Screen:
“Hitsville: The Making of Motown”
Join Smalltown Society for their upcoming Secret Screen event in partnership with the Chabot Cinema. Smalltown is excited to present Hitsville: The Making of Motown, an acclaimed documentary tracing the legendary rise of Motown Records—from its founding in
Detroit in 1958 to its move to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. With rare footage, exclusive interviews, and captivating performances, this film offers a deep dive into Motown’s cultural legacy. Arrive at 7pm for a custom pre-show featuring classic and rare Motown performances, behind-the-scenes videos, music from local artists, and more. The film starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is
$5. Open to Smalltown Society members and Chabot’s Secret Screen members only. Join the Smalltown Society Membership! Become part of the creative community with exclusive perks like free admittance to Smalltown events, discounts at Pampas Cafe and The Chabot Theater, a FREE quarterly zine, and discounted studio time. For more info visit: smalltownSociety.com
RCHS’ First Win in Their Football Program History
On October 24, the Redwood Christian Eagles, coached by traveled to Richmond High School on a Thursday afternoon and came away with their first varsity win in Redwood Christian High School’s football history defeating the Richmond High School Oilers 30-0. Coach Faumunia’s Eagles win comes in the second year of the program; last year the Eagles played at the Junior Varsity level.
The Eagles started the game on defense and set the tone for the game by shutting down the Richmond offense and continued their dominance throughout the game which included an interception by Josh Seganish and a sack by Elijah Redemer.
The Eagles scored on all three first half drives. The first drive of the game ended with a touchdown run by quarterback Elijah Pineda and the Eagles converted the two point conversion to go up 8-0 with 2:25 left in the first quarter.
The second drive was capped off with another touchdown by Landon Devoe-Krowicki followed by another two point conversion putting the Eagles in the lead 16-0 with 7:27 left in the second quarter.
The Eagles ended their third and final possession of the first half with a touchdown pass from Elijah Pineda to Tyrone Snipes with :03 left in the half.
The touchdown was followed by another two point conver-
sion which was the 3rd conversion by Landon Devoe-Krowicki in the game. The Eagles led 24-0 at the half.
The second half started with a bang when Landon Devoe-Krowicki returned the opening kickoff for another touchdown to round out the scoring for the night at 30-0. The Eagles played out the rest of the game by staying strong and disciplined on both sides of the ball to maintain the shutout and ended the game in the victory formation.
Redwood’s football continues to grow as the twenty-six man roster has only five seniors along with four juniors, five sophomores and twelve freshmen.
RCE: Redwood Christian Elementary Students Celebrate All Grandparents
continued from page 10 wonderful plan for the life of each of these precious children. We have so much for which to be thankful today as we watch and learn from His Kids (our Grandchildren).”
Grandparents (and Great Grandparents) were encouraged to sit down and share their life stories with their grandchildren and consider filming their story, making the story extra special as it
will last for generations to come. Grandparents were also encouraged to include how and when they surrendered their lives to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Superintendent Emeritus Bruce D. Johnson celebrated being a Grandparent, stating “It is really a privilege to be a Grandparent. We have five Grandchildren: two granddaughters, 21 and 20, and three grandsons, 19, 16 and 16. All
bring their Grandma and me such great joy, and I know yours bring you great joy, too. I’ll never forget a quote my former pastor, Chris Lyons, told me something when our first Grandchild was born that was so true: ‘Had we known grandchildren were this much fun, we would have had them first!’ Something to think about!”
It was a great day for all who attended!
L-R:
Dino, Anna Dughi,
Nierengarten, Coach Rachel, Hannah Murry, Maya Dughi, Tejal Bajwa and Maria Kryuchkova.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CVHS