CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
CV Teen Alkaio Thiele
Stars in Disney Series
By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Fourteen-year-old Alkaio Thiele from Castro Valley has hit the big time landing a starring role in a Disney sitcom called “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” which premieres October 29 and 30. He’ll be playing Roman Russo, a high-strung, uptight, rule-following bookworm who loves order, straight A’s, and being right.
“I’ve been told that when I was young all I ever did was sing and perform and draw attention to myself,” says Alkaio, “So when I was 11 my parents told me I had to try musical theater.”
“I auditioned for a role in ‘High School Musical’ at I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center in Danville, and the entire experience was life changing. I was in tears after closing night and told my parents that this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
That was 2021. It was mid-pandemic, but Alkaio’s timing was good. His mother, Alexis Kollias Thiele, says he had always been musical and very funny. She helped get his career started by submitting his profle through casting databases.
She says, “The pandemic had given birth to self-tape auditions from home, which allowed equal opportunity for talent inside and outside of Los
Angeles. It felt surreal having Alkaio audition for feature flms starring famous actors from the comfort of our home.”
Alkaio’s parents are both registered nurses, so they were able to arrange their schedules to make trips as needed to Los Angeles for acting assignments. He also got voiceover work, for which the family built an in-home recording studio. Once Alkaio had some reel footage from those jobs, they e-mailed several agents in Los Angeles and eventually got him proper representation with access to larger projects.
Now Alkaio has several movies under his belt, and voiceover work as Spidey (Peter Parker) in the animated TV series “Spidey and His Amazing Friends.” His flm credits include “A Christmas Mystery,” for HBO Max, “I’ll Be There,” and “Ultra Red.” Photos and details of his work can be seen on imdb.com.
Once he landed the part of Roman in the Disney series, it became clear that he’d have to live in LA. The family relocated there in March. Now Alkaio is on set Monday through Friday and continues his schooling through daily online courses.
He says his character is “a little neurotic and has a lot of similarities to young Justin Russo from the original series, who is now my dad on the show.” see THIELE on page 10
To Enforce Penalties
By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
If you are behind on your East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) bill, prepare to have your water restricted or have a lien placed against you.
EBMUD offcials visited Monday night’s meeting of the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) to talk about their plan to begin enforcement against delinquent customers.
Before the pandemic, the utility district would shut off water for non-payment, theft, or tampering. During the pandemic, EBMUD would not turn off water or do any enforcement for health reasons, but as of October 1, they will, starting with the oldest and highest overdue bills.
Previously, customers were in a total of see MAC on page 11
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Over the last fve years, members of First Presbyterian Church of Hayward (FirstPres) on Grove Way have made serving their unhoused neighbors a priority within their overall mission.
Every day, the congregation provides shelter, food, and other resources to hundreds of needy people at two locations. As part of its activism and community outreach, church leaders are hoping to share their knowledge about homelessness, “teach towards truths,” and share some solutions that need whole-community participation.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” features Castro Valley teen Alkaio Thiele, left, and costars Taylor Cora and Janice Leann Brown.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION/DISNEY CHANNEL/WDTV PRESS
ROTARY CLUB AWARDS $10,000 TO LOCAL GROUPS
Last week, the Rotary Club of Castro Valley awarded grants to various local groups totaling $10,000. Club president Dan Willits and grant chair Todd Anglin present a grant to Dayna Speed of TMC Arts. TMC Arts stages musicals and other theatrical events in Castro Valley. Their next event “Villains Night Out” dinner and cabaret will be tomorrow, Thursday, October 24 (tmctheatre.org). Other awardees include the food program at First Presbyterian Church, the Castro Valley Outreach holiday program, and the Canyon Middle School science department. The club will award more grants in the spring. For information, please visit www.castrovalleyrotary.org.
Homeless: Debunking Misconceptions
continued from front page
So, on Saturday, October 26, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Chabot Theater on Castro Valley Boulevard, the church is hosting what it calls “A Community Conversation on Homelessness: Confronting the Myths, Sharing the Hope.”
The event is designed to help debunk misconceptions and talk about the issues honestly.
“There are many myths surrounding homelessness,” FirstPres lead pastor Rev. Hallie Hottle told the Forum.
“Since the Supreme Court’s decision this past July [that now allows cities to criminalize homeless people on public property], we’ve become more concerned about how those myths are informing policymaking and policing of our unhoused neighbors.”
The event will kick off with a conversation with Kevin Nye, author of the book, “Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian
Call to End Homelessness,” followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.
Moderated by FirstPres Outreach Director Aaron Horner, scheduled panelists include Alameda County Sheriff’s Offce Deputy Heidi
Burbank, Sabrina Fuentes with the HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County (HEPPAC), Victor Mavedzenge, artist and project manager with Hayward’s Downtown Streets Team, Phil Clark with Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH), and Hayward Fire Department frefghter and paramedic, Frank Crespo.
“Many churches and congregations want to help,” FirstPres lead pastor Rev. Hallie Hottle told the Forum. “This one has given its whole self - its property, resources, energy, and most importantly - its relationships. The relationships that have formed here are informing how we understand, and how we provide care to unhoused folks. We’ve learned and are learning a lot. And at this point we think the wisdom gleaned here deserves to be shared with the whole community.” see HOMELESS on page 4
FirstPres lead pastor Rev. Hallie Hottle
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROTARY CLUB OF CASTRO VALLEY
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Violated Restraining Order
Sunday, October 20: At 1:30 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 32-year-old Castro Valley woman on suspicion of violating a court-issued restraining order, refusing to leave a property, and possessing illegal drug paraphernalia. The woman was spotted within 100 yards of an apartment on Wilbeam Avenue near Castro Valley Boulevard she was asked to stay away from. Deputies took the woman into custody without incident.
Public Intoxication
Friday, October 18: At 8:14 p.m., a 32-year-old Castro
Valley man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. Deputies responded to a suspicious person outside an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. There, they found the man responsive but smelling of alcohol. The man fai ed his fe d s riety test and was taken to a sobering center.
Busted for Drugs
Wednesday, October 16: At 4:34 p.m., deputies arrested a 42-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man was spotted doing drugs outside
a grocery store on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard. Deputies found his stash and took him into custody.
Wanted for Driving with Expired License
Tuesday, October 15: at 6:22 p.m., a 34-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested as part of a warrant issued for her capture. The woman had been previously convicted of driving with an expired license. Deputies spotted the woman driving on Grove Way near Center Street and pulled her over. The woman was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
County Students Outperform Average
Earlier this month, the California Department of Education released the 202324 results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The data shows Alameda County students outperforming the overall state average again.
The Smarter Balanced assessments were taken in the 2023-2024 school year. Tests in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and math are given in 3rd through 8th grades, and again in 11th grade. Students are also assessed on science standards by the California Science Assessment (CAST). Results are reported in tiers related to mastery of ELA, Math, and Science standards: not met, nearly met, met, or exceeded.
The results show that Alameda County students outperformed the State of California overall in all three content areas, with 55% of students demonstrating mastery of ELA standards, 47% in Math, and 41% in Science. Relative to the results of 2023, Alameda County students showed a small decrease in ELA (-0.4%), comparable results in Math (+0.2%), and a small decrease in Science (-0.5%). While there is more work to do to improve outcomes among historically marginalized and under resourced student populations, gains were made among Native American students (ELA: +1.9%; Math: 2.8%; Science: 2.9%) and socioeconomically disadvantaged students (ELA:
1.4%; Math: 2.3%; Science: 1.4%) across all three content areas. Black/African American students saw gains in English Language Arts (1.8%) and Science (1.8%).
However, performance gaps have increased among English Learners, Hispanic/Latino students acifc s anders and students experiencing homelessness.
“CAASPP results are only one measure of student performance and progress,” said Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro. “We look forward to the release of the California School Dashboard, which measures a variety of student outcomes, later this year to better help us understand the performance of students and school districts.”
County Fire Responds to Car Crash on Brookdale
Wednesday, October 16: At 9:51 a.m., Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) crews responded to a car crash in the 3400 block of Brookdale Boulevard. The driver of a white Dodge minivan was traveling downhill toward Lake Chabot Road when the vehicle veered to the left, bounced off a retaining wall, and ended up crashing into a garage door at a residence. One person was injured and had to be removed from the vehicle. They were treated at the scene. Fire crews took 35 minutes to clear the accident scene. ACFD offcials say the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Public Hearing on Mobile Homes
The County is considering adopting an ordinance to ensure that any proposed conversion of an existing mobile home park to any other use will require a Conditional Use Permit, is preceded by adequate notice, that the social and fsca impacts f the pr p sed conversion are adequately defned pri r t c nsiderati n f a proposed conversion and that
KINDERGARTEN & COFFEE
What does kindergarten readiness mean? Is academic or social readiness more important? How do I know if TK is right for my child? Come learn more about TK & Kindergarten.
relocation and other assistance is provided to park residents as required by State law or other local ordinance.
The hearing will be held today, October 23 at 6pm at the San Lorenzo Library (395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo).
The meeting site is open to the public. If attending in-person and wish to speak on a matter p ease f ut a spea er
slip and submit to the Chair as soon as possible. Before speaking, please state your name. Members of the public may observe and participate in meetings by following the instructions in the teleconferencing guidelines online with the agenda at: https://www.acgov. org/calendar_app/DisplayListServlet?site=Internet&ag=BOS&ty=BOSCOM&sty=US
Arts & Entertainment
Free Choral Concert on October 26
Chabot College will host “The Light of Hope” concert, an afternoon of choral arrangements ranging from Taiwanese folksongs to selections from Verdi’s Requiem and several operas. Presented by the Elite Chorus of Los Angeles, the event will take place this Saturday, October 26 at 2pm at the eed uffngt n isua Performing Arts Center, Building 1300, at 25555 Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward.
Programs include “The Light of Hope” by Ms. Lynn Huang and several pieces by Principal Conductor Cliff Yang. “The Light of Hope” is a Choral piece that was world premiered in 2022 at the Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. Conductor Ms. Lynn Huang wrote it with the aspiration of providing comfort to people suffering from the pandemic.
Yang will conduct selections from Verdi’s Requiem and operas including Il Trovatore and Nabucco, Mendelssohn’s oratorio Saint Paul, and P. Mascagni’s opera Cavalleria Rusticana.
Admission is free, but seating is assigned, so it is recommended to choose seating online at: https://www.purplepass. com/events/299232-the-lightof-hope-concert-oct-26th-2024. Doors open at 1:30pm. For additional questions, email wang_robert@yahoo.com.
Beyond the Veil: Meek Mansion
Looking for something a little macabre to celebrate the spooky season? Beyond the Veil Guided Tours take guests through these historic homes while teaching them some of the more creepy traditions, beliefs, and practices of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps you will experience a few frightening moments of your own when the houses are dark! Tour times are at 6:15, 7:30, and 8:45pm. Please note that this is a guided tour in the dark focused on the macabre and not a haunted house. For tickets or more info, please visit: www.haywardareahistory.org/ beyond-the-veil
Homeless: Discussion Is Saturday
continued from page 2
The discussion comes at a time Alameda County saw a slight drop in the overall number of the unhoused, but its leaders are stymied by how to best meet the needs of the homeless where they are.
In January, volunteers identifed pe p e e periencing homelessness as part of its biannual “Point in Time Count.” That is a 3 percent decrease from the 9,747 people counted in 2022. Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, and Fairview saw its unhoused population decrease by 42 percent (294 individuals), with 15 percent of those c unted fnding temp rary shelter.
For its part, FirstPres operates two “emergency” shelters in partnership with Alameda County. The main campus in Castro Valley can shelter up to 50 people every night, and the other location at South Hayward Parish can shelter up to 21 people every night. During the day both sites operate a weekday Resource Center, where unhoused or housing-insecure folks can come for connection to services through case management, meals, showers, and laundry.
CROSSWORD
“Our Castro Valley site runs a number of additional programs,” Rev. Hottle said. “We run Safe Parking program, that allows folks living in their vehicles to park and sleep at night (with registration through our Resource Center). We have six tiny homes that serve as transitional housing, where 35 people have moved into permanent housing since the tiny homes were built in 2020. We have a Recovery Cafe, where folks can engage in recovery circles and seek other addiction support. And we’ve partnered with Alameda County Library System to be a remote branch, and offer our guests access to library books and an onsite computer lab.”
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TODAY • Wednesday, October 23
Preserving Mobile Home Parks
The County is considering adopting an ordinance to ensure that any proposed conversion of an existing mobile home park to any other use will require a Conditional Use Permit, is preceded by adequate notice, that the social and fsca impacts f the pr p sed c n ersi n are ade uate y defned pri r t c nsiderati n f a pr p sed c n ersi n and that relocation and other assistance is provided to park residents as required by State law or other local ordinance. The hearing will be held today, Wednesday, October 23 at 6pm at the San Lorenzo Library (395 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo). The meeting site is open to the public. Members of the public can also observe and participate in meetings by following instructions in the teleconferencing guidelines posted online at: https://www.acgov.org/calendar_app/ Disp ay istSer et site nternet ag OS ty OS O sty S
Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27
CVHS Presents ‘Les Miserables’ the Musical Castro Valley High School presents the musical Les Miserables School Edition this Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26 at 7pm and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Castro Valley Center for the Arts located at 19501 Redwood Road). For tickets, visit: cvcfa.com.
Saturday, October 26
A Conversation on Homelessness
Homelessness is impacting all our community. Join us as we confront the myths, teach the truths, and share the hope. Homelessness affects all of us, and we need to talk about it. This Saturday, October 26, between 10am and 11:30am at the Chabot Theater on Castro Valley Boulevard, First Presbyterian Church of Hayward (FirstPres) is hosting what it calls “A Community Conversation on Homelessness: Confronting the Myths, Sharing the Hope.” The event is designed to help debunk misconceptions and talk about the issues honestly.
Tuesday, October 29
Rotary Hosts Dawn Balestreri
Dawn Balestreri, librarian at Castro Valley High School, will describe the many services that the library provides to enhance student learning. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12:00 to 1:30pm. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, October 27, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@ iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org.
Tuesday, October 29
Homework Center Volunteer Orientation
The church’s South Hayward Parish campus primarily runs a food pantry that serves around 800 families every week, operating Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
“We’re going to keep doing the work we’ve started, advocate for more housing and more resources to go towards support services and try to keep being a good neighbor to all,” Rev. Hottle said.
isit https frstpreshayward.com/events for more information.
The Castro Valley Library is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic High School student volunteers, just a few hours a week, for its after-school Homework Assistance Center. Are you looking for community service hours or need some job experience for your resume? Sign up for hours and help students tackle their homework, gain valuable experience, and have fun. Contact the Castro Valley Library at 510-667-7900 for more information.
Wednesday, October 30
Fun Night with Troop 726
Don’t miss Fun Night with Troop 726 on Wednesday, October 30 from 7 to 8:30pm at Masonic Center in Castro Valley (4521 Crow Canyon Rd). Fun night is an event where you can join us for a carnival night featuring games in the Spirit of Scouting. You will have lots of fun playing games and eating candy. Come check us out! Any questions, please email cvtroop726@gmail.com
East Bay Living
...and Everything Nice
As autumn sweeps in, the golden hues and brisk air signal that it’s time to embrace one of the season’s most beloved ingredients: the pumpkin. This versatile gourd is more than just a decoration for Halloween; it’s a nutritious powerhouse that can elevate your meals in countless ways.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these pumpkin recipes will inspire you to bring a taste of fall into your culinary repertoire. So grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of pumpkin delights!
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate why pumpkin deserves a spot in your kitchen. First and foremost, pumpkin is incredibly nutritious. Packed with vitamins A and C, fber, and antioxidants, this vibrant vegetable supports your immune system and your overall health. Plus, it’s low in calories, making it a diet-friendly option when you’re trying to eat well.
Pumpkin’s subtle sweetness and creamy texture lend themselves to both sweet and savory dishes, meaning you can enjoy it in everything from breakfast to dessert. Now, let’s explore some scrumptious pumpkin recipes that will not only warm your belly but will impress your friends and maybe even elevate your cooking skills.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and cinnamon, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the pumpkin puree and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the coconut milk. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with pumpkin seeds.
This creamy pumpkin soup is a fantastic starter or main dish, especially paired with some crusty bread. You can easily double the recipe for a cozy gathering, and leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Creamy pumpkin soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting. t’s easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes.
1 ½ cups all-purpose four
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 350°F (1 C) and line a muffn tin with paper liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the our, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugars, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until uffy.
Let’s start with a classic: creamy pumpkin soup. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Now that we’ve started with a warm dish, let’s move on to something for breakfast!
Pumpkin spice pancakes are a fantastic way to kick off your day with a bit of seasonal air.
Fluffy, avorful, and downright delicious, these pancakes will have you dreaming of autumn mornings.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with non-stick spray or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of the batter for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until bubbles form, then ip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or pecans. These pancakes are not only tasty but also a great way to impress your guests or family with your cooking skills!
1 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne)
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup vegetable broth
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil for cooking
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more water if necessary to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
This creamy pumpkin pasta offers a delightful twist on traditional recipes and can be the perfect dish for a romantic dinner or a special night in with friends.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Pumpkin seeds for garnish
1 cup all-purpose four
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
In a large bowl, whisk together the our, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In another bowl, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, egg, and melted butter. Mix well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Now, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not whip up a pumpkin-infused pasta dish?
This recipe is unique and sure to become a new favorite.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, nutmeg, and thyme. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Finally, let’s satisfy that sweet tooth with some pumpkin chocolate chip muffns. These moist, spiced muffns are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a delectable snack.
Divide the batter among the muffn cups and bake for 1 -20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. These muffns are perfect for meal prep, as they freeze well and are excellent for snacks or quick breakfasts throughout the week. From savory soups to sweet treats, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate pumpkin into your cooking. Experiment with these recipes, share them with friends, and let the irresistible avors of pumpkin fll your kitchen this season and beyond.
Not only will you enjoy the delightful taste of pumpkin, but you’ll also feel good knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By
Demands for Lower Closing Costs Misses the Mark
By
An Oct 18, 2024 WRE
News headline by Phil Hall screamed,
“SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN ASKS BIDEN TO USE EXECUTIVE ORDERS TO LOWER HOUSING COSTS.” Hall said that Sen. Elizabeth
Matters!
Warren (D-MA) is leading a coalition of more than 30 Congressmembers who are calling on President Biden to take executive order actions to lower the cost of housing.
In a letter to Biden, Warren and some of her colleagues called on the administration to direct the Federal Housing Finance Agency to set “price gouging protections,” to order the Federal Trade Commissi n t fna i e its pr p sed rule to ban junk fees while calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to “address anticompetitive closing costs and junk fees, lowering closing costs for home mortgages and making homeownership more accessible,” and to order the Department of Justice to investigate if the Fair Isaac Corporation – you may recognize their acronym “FICO” - is violating antitrust law.
As someone in the real estate industry for well over 20 years, I believe this type of action by politicians misses the real reasons housing costs are high. It also fails to recognize the numerous legal actions over the past years against predatory lending practices and the ongoing efforts to make closing costs and fees affordable for home buyers. While efforts to reign in these types of fees are laudable, the bigger issues keeping homeownership out of reach for many potential
buyers are not the fees associated with purchasing a property. Instead, they are high home prices, mortgage interest rates and the soaring costs of homeownership including insurance, building materials, labor, and property taxes. The fees some politicians are focusing on are a mere fraction of the overall cost of purchasing a home. Even if most fees were eliminated, it u d n t signifcant y lower the purchase price of a home or the ongoing operating costs.
Since we live in a market economy, prices are determined by supply and demand. Home prices are high because buyers have been willing to compete with each other and pay the price required to get one of the few homes on the market. Simply put, it’s the imbalance between supply and demand that impacts prices more than so-called junk fees. If politicians at any level of government want to lower housing costs, they should focus on increasing supply by incentivizing builders, reducing upfront permitting fees and increasing the capital gains tax exclusion for sellers.
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.
Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Privet Provides Privacy; Mexican Fan Palm Will Not Stop Growing
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
Last spring, I purchased four huge, 24-inch, Rubbermaid pots and planted them with wax leaf privet. I needed to camoufage an unsightly neighbor’s yard. I was told that the privets could take the hot sun, and would grow rapidly to 8-10 feet. None of these things have proven to be true. In the past seven months, the plants have barely grown and the leaves are burned from the sun. Is there any way to remedy this problem or can you recommend other plants that are more suitable?
Wax leaf privet is an excellent choice but it’s unrea istic t thin that they would grow to eight feet in the frst gr ing season. Two to three seasons is m re i e y
The poor performance issue is from water stress. Although you watered regularly, it may not have penetrated the original root ball. A primary indicator of this is yellow and burnt leaves. In addition, if you fertilized while they were on the dry side, you may also have had fertilizer burn.
The norm for watering container plants would be three t f ur times per ee and more often when the temperatures are over 90°F; otherwise, the plants suffer.
This also means you must f the c ntainer t the rim with each watering.
It is almost impossible to overwater container plants, as long as there is no saucer and the bottom of the pots are raised off the ground so the ater can ut the ttom.
With large containers, you have a lot of excess soil. Until the new growth is generated, the roots are contained in the original rootball.
At the time of planting, the rootball should be wet; otherwise, the water will roll around the rootball and never penetrate. This may have been the issue you had.
As the plants mature, you have less and less soil and a predominance of roots; so the water schedule is maintained.
Privets are hardy, so these plants are not a lost cause. However, with the growing season near an end, you’re not going to see any changes until next year.
In February, I’d feed them Osmocote. Osmocote releases nutrients with every watering and it should be reapplied every four months.
If you decide that the plants need to be replaced, I’d suggest you consider, Eleagnus acu ata r arginata r i urnum tinus ustum
I have several Mexican fan palms that have almost reached the point I’d like to keep them at. What can I do to maintain the desired height? I really don’t want them to
Lawns
Now that the weather is changing, start new lawns with sod or seed, or reseed thin spots in established ones. The cooler, showery c nditi ns mean ess atering during the frst t ee s it ta es for the seeds to germinate.
Winter Color
For winter color, nothings beats pansies and violas. This pair ma es a great sh ing massed t gether in er eds r p anted as accents in containers of all sizes. Choose from many different arieties s me ith c ear faces thers ith utter y designs
Vegetables
The cooler and wetter the winter, the more important it is to get cool-season vegetables—such as beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, eafy greens and a inds f peas started ear y in the fa
Tree Check-up
Coming winter storms may cause major trouble for trees in your yard See ad ice fr m a certifed ar rist if y u sp t any f the following potential problems:
Dead r partia y attached im s hanging up in higher ranches r decayed areas n the trun r main im s ushr ms gr ing fr m ar are a sign f a decaying trun ree ranches in c ntact ith e ectric
grow too tall.
AWith most plants, you can control their size by pruning. However, that is not the case with palms.
Palms grow from a central p int at the t p f their trun The older fronds die naturally to form their distinctive
shape. Palms will die if you remove the central growing point, so there is little one can do to curb or stop their growth. At some point, they’ll have to be removed.
Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certifed Nursery Professional. Send questions by email to dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive, Ste. “D,” Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz-Bertolero.
BUZZ BERTOLERO
THE DIRT GARDENER
Palms will die if you remove its central growing point.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
CONCRETE SERVICE
S.L. CONCRETE SERVICE Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Tree and Drain Service. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS
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FENCES/DECKS
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FENCES/DECKS
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GARDENING
*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
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Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
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GIVEAWAYS
FREE- 2 cabinets, 2 bookcases, shelf. Call 510-677-7127.
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HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
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LANDSCAPING, Trees, Maintenance, Concrete, Fences/ Decks, Painting/ Stain, Windows, Plumbing, etc. Senior Discount. Tom 510-4270455.
2 Dolls mint condition, Native American dress and Mideastern dress. $50/pair. 510-538-1765. Motorcycle helmet(size medium) $50. Call 510-614-3168.
GARAGE SALE 10/26 & 10/27, 10am-6pm. Christmas items, puzzles & games, tools, lawnmower and lots of misc. 1262 Minerva Street, San Leandro.
NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING? Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.
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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.
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Thiele:
‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’
continued from front page Alkaio still does voiceover work and says performing on Broadway is now part of his “bucket list.”
“My favorite experience so far is defnitely Wizards
Beyond Waverly Place,” says Alkaio. “When I started acting a couple years ago, I told my parents that my dream role would be on a sitcom as part of a family, and here I am! While I love voice acting for my animated shows, Wizards lets me add to my physical humor. We’ve even gotten to flm some of our episodes in front of live
audiences which has brought back so many amazing musical theater memories. I just feel so lucky to work with the kindest and most supportive people in both the cast and crew.”
If the family’s name sounds familiar, mom Alexis Kollias Thiele grew up in Castro Valley and attended Proctor Elementary, Canyon Middle School and Castro Valley High. She was an RN at Eden Hospital for 10 years. Her husband Aidan Thiele taught 8th grade English at Creekside Middle School from 2012 to 1016. Alkaio himself attended Vannoy Ele-
mentary, Twin Oaks Montessori, and Canyon Middle School. He has a younger brother named Zacchaio. Alkaio sends a “huge shout out to all my teachers at Vannoy -- Mrs. Danko, Mrs. Pang, Mrs. Wesner, and Ms. Jordan, who put up with all my shenanigans in class. I never stopped talking and would do anything to make people laugh, no matter how disruptive. And thank you to all my friends and family for your endless support. If you’d like to follow my journey on Instagram, see @alkaio.thiele.”
Be Inclusive: Halloween Tips For Sensory-Overloaded Kids
By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
It’s time for tricks, treats and spooky beats!
Halloween, by nature, is a very social occasion. It’s a time when we happily set aside many of the usual social rules: we ring the doorbells of strangers, request treats from unfamiliar faces, delight in giving others a good scare, and indulge in an endless amount of sugar.
However, some children may be very confused when expected to engage in all of these Halloween norms when they often have not been practiced before or haven’t been done regularly. This is especially true for neurodiverse kids, those who think, learn, and process information differently.
You can help your child understand what to expect by watching movies or participating in events leading up to the big day.
Sometimes, this can include putting a new spin on longheld traditions. As Halloween festivities ramp up, many communities are taking an inclusive step forward by organizing events that are both fun and sensory-friendly. These new celebrations and traditions are ensuring that everyone,
regardless of their needs, can fully enjoy the magic of Halloween.
For example, when you’re
preparing your child for Halloween night, keep it simple and uncomplicated wherever possible. Choose costumes that prioritize comfort. Begin the night by visiting the homes you are most familiar with frst. Take your child out earlier in the day to avoid large crowds of trick-or-treaters.
You can also try using a sign to communicate “Trick or Treat” or “Thank you.” While the majority of festivities are reserved for October 31, explore your local community for smaller, cozier events where your child can participate comfortably or even practice some skills before the big day.
When it comes to creating inclusive Halloween events, one of the key components is the consideration of sensory input. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, the sights, sounds and textures of traditional Halloween festivities can be overwhelming. Consider providing calm environments or dedicated spaces for downtime. This can help individuals take breaks as
needed and recharge themselves from the excitement. Keep lights steady instead of ashing or ickering and keep music at lower decibel levels. Also keep the guest list small, or stagger arrivals so that there won’t be too many people at once.
Sensory-friendly Halloween events are not only about providing an enjoyable experience for neurodivergent individuals, but also about raising awareness and fostering acceptance within the broader community. As we celebrate Halloween this year, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the efforts being made to include and support every member of our community. By embracing neurodiversity, we not only create more accessible events, but also send a powerful message of acceptance and understanding.
Keep those tricks and the treats, but maybe turn down the beats! Happy Halloween! Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a board-certifed Behavior Analyst who lives in Castro Valley. Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote mental wellbeing. For more info, visit: www.behaviorpivot.com
Health & Fitness: A Fit and Festive Halloween Celebration
Halloween is a time flled with spooky decorations, creative costumes, and, of course, a bounty of candy. While it’s great to embrace the fun and excitement of this festive occasion, it often poses a dilemma for those who are health-conscious or trying to maintain their ftness goals. However, there’s no need to feel left out of the Halloween festivities! With a little creativity and some mindful planning, you can enjoy a Halloween that celebrates both health and fun.
Trick or Treat with a Twist: Healthier Treat Options
When it comes to Halloween, candy is often the star of the show. But you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Consider offering healthier treat alternatives such as dark chocolate, fruit snacks, or homemade energy bites made from oats, nuts, and natural
sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. If you’re handing out treats, think about passing out fun-sized bags of popcorn, nut mixes, or even stickers and small toys that kids will love just as much—without the sugary aftermath.
Make Creative, Healthy Halloween Snacks
Instead of traditional Halloween snacks that are loaded with sugars and unhealthy fats, why not whip up some delicious and nutritious alternatives? Get imaginative with fruit and vegetable displays shaped like ghosts and goblins. For instance, you can create “witches’ fngers” by using celery sticks with almond slices for nails or use orange bell peppers to make Jack-o’-lanterns flled with hummus for dipping. These festive snacks not only look fun but also encourage healthier eating habits among kids and adults alike.
Host a Spooky Themed Workout
Transform your Halloween get-together into a spook-tacular ftness event! Organize a themed workout session at home or invite friends to a local park. You can include activities such as a Halloween-themed dance class, a frightful ftness circuit with ghostly games, or even a zombie walk or run in costumes. To make it even more fun, consider incorporating some friendly competition, such as a pumpkin carving contest with a twist—having a set number of jumping jacks or squats as part of the process! This way, you keep everyone active while celebrating the holiday.
Encourage Active Participation Involve everyone in Halloween activities that require movement. Whether you choose to take the kids on a
longer-than-usual trick-ortreating route or organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt, encouraging physical activity is a great way to keep spirits high. Engaging with the local community through such activities not only brings people together but also promotes a healthy lifestyle in a fun way.
Mindful Indulgence with Portion Control
Many people tend to dive into their Halloween candy stash with wild abandon, often leading to regret later. Instead, practice mindful indulgence by allowing yourself a small treat and savoring it. Portion control can make it possible to enjoy the avors of Halloween without going overboard. Setting aside a specifc amount of treats to enjoy for the week can help you relish those sweets without guilt while keeping your dietary balance in check. see FITNESS on back page
Children, and a few parents, bobbing for pumpkins at the annual Pumpkin Splash held at the San Leandro Boys and Girls Club pool last Friday, October 18.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” features Alkaio Thiele, from left, with stars Janice Leann Brown, Selena Gomez, Max Matenko, Mimi Gianopulos and David Henrie.
PHOTO BY MIKE McGUIRE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We Prioritize Wellbeing of All
Dear Editor,
We’re writing in response to your front-page banners for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As Jews, we thank you for recognizing our holidays, but we ask you in the future not to use the ag of the state of Israel to identify Jewish events.
We’re among the many local Jews who are not Zionists – we prioritize the wellbeing of all people over any commitment to the existing state of Israel.
Acknowledging our viewpoint is especially important right now, because Israel’s current unequal war on the residents of Gaza is not in line with our Jewish values. Despite our historical oppression, Jews are taught to love the stranger as ourselves – not to hate and oppress our neighbors or wage war on civilians. We continue to be deeply saddened and angered by this Jewish state that does not give equal citizenship, rights, security and justice to all its residents.
We especially want your Palestinian and other Muslim and Arab readers to know that the hearts of many local Jewish Americans go out to them and their community in this time of great suffering and peril. May the hearts of many more Americans open to the needs of all people in the region and bring us closer to a just peace.
Thank you for respecting our viewpoint.
–Alyssa Eisenberg Deborah Goldsmith, Oakland
Les Miserables Was One of The Best Plays I Have Seen
Dear Editor,
I recently saw the High Schools production of Les Miserables. I am no play critic, but I can honestly say it was one of the BEST plays I have seen. The students voices were Beautiful . It was like they had been singing professionally for years. The time and work not only did they put in, but also the staff. This is defnitely a don’t miss play. Hats off to the students and teachers.
–Renee Langon, Castro Valley
PLACE YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR ONLINE AT: MYCVFORUM.COM/LETTERS-SUBMISSION-FORM
MAC: EBMUD
Says That Anyone Behind on their Bill Should Reach Out to Them to Avoid Penalties
continued from front page $2 million to $3 million, but that fgure has ballooned to more than $20 million in the past few years, according to Rolando Gonzalez, EBMUD Community Affairs Representative.
“This (non-payment problem) is growing and we need to address it,” said Gonzalez. “We’ve got people not paying because they think others will subsidize it.”
Per state law, EBMUD cannot raise rates to pay off the defcit. Homeowners will have a lien placed on their property tax; renters of single-family homes will have ow restrictors placed that reduce the normal ow of water of 1 gallons per minute to a half gallon per minute. Multi-unit apartments would not be affected.
The half gallon per minute ow provides enough water for basic needs like cooking and bathing, Gonzalez said. Washers, irrigation systems, and other water-based appliances cannot be used if a ow is limited.
Gonzalez says that throttling water or placing liens is a
Stuart Becker
of Castro Valley Memorial announcement: Saturday, October 26th at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue Oakland) Ca. Julia Morgan Chapel, 1PM.
measure of last resort and that EBMUD exhausted all options to get federal relief and have made many attempts to collect from delinquent customers.
The affected customers are all over 97 days past due on the bills and EBMUD says that they can arrange payment plans and assistance programs so people can get their debts paid down. They will not be charging interest on the debts, but there is a $7 per billing cycle late fee for missed payments, which could be waived in certain circumstances.
“East Bay MUD has one of, if not the most, generous customer assistance programs” said Gonzalez. “The whole purpose is to have the customers contact us and we will work with them.”
EBMUD said that about 96 percent of customers pay their water bills on time, but 416 accounts in Castro Valley are in arrears.
Mona Favorite-Hill, EBMUD Senior Community Affairs Representative, said that one of the biggest past due bills is $36,000 for a “mansion in the hills,” so this is not nec-
essarily a problem for low-income residents only.
MAC Vice-Chair Bill Mulgrew said that he was worried about renters who might not even know their bills aren’t being paid. The person whose name is on the account is responsible for the bill. Mulgrew added that a half gallon per minute seemed like “torture” to him.
Favorite-Hill responded that a half gallon was better than no water at all and that EBMUD is one of just four agencies in the county that do not do full water shut offs.
MAC Chair Chuck Moore asked that EBMUD representatives come back before the MAC in three months to report on their progress in collecting debts.
EBMUD says that anyone behind on their bill should reach out to them at (866) 4032683 to avoid penalties.
Rueben
November 19, 1933 - October 4, 2024
Raymond Rueben Maas, a resident of Castro Valley (CV), California since 1963, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on October 4, 2024. He was 90 years old. Ray was born on a farm in Menno, South Dakota during the Great Depression. In 1956 he graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine (B.S.). Then, in 1958 he earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Washington University in St. Louis. He completed his internship and anesthesiology residency at the University of Oregon Medical School (OHSU) in Portland where he met Donna, his wife, in 1961. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force at Westover AFB in Massachusetts until 1963 during the building of the Berlin Wall and the Cuban missile crisis. Thereafter, he moved his family to Castro Valley, CA. A conscientious physician, he practiced and served as Chief of Anesthesia at Eden Medical Center and the CV Surgery Center for 38 years.
His hobbies included hard edge acrylic painting and duplicate bridge becoming Life Master in 1970. He had an active interest in youth baseball coaching CV Little League, Babe Ruth League, and high school for 20 years. He immensely enjoyed watching his two sons play professional baseball until Kevin, his youngest son, retired in 1997. In 1998 he returned to coaching baseball, this time at Cal State Hayward (East Bay) where he volunteered for the next ten years. He pursued a lifelong interest in genealogy for his Black Sea Germans from Russia ethnic group with active membership in the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) and the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS).
He most valued family traditions including annual trips to the Monterey Beach house, holiday gatherings, traveling to/with family around the world, and enjoyed following the NY Yankees and 49ers. To those who knew him, he was an exceedingly kind, considerate, humble, and respected man. He warmed every room that he entered. Dad’s love and presence will be missed, and our family gatherings will never be the same.
Ray is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna; his son Jason (Sara); his son Kevin; his daughter-in-law Carrie; his four grandchildren Lacey, Christian, Erika and Zachary; his two sisters Jean Wilson (Steve) and Ann Wendel (Ed); his Aunt Janet Swanson along with many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Rueben & Annetta Maas. A private person devoted to his family, he leaves behind a small and loyal group of friends and many acquaintances.
There will be a small family gathering at a later date. Con tributions in his name may be made to the American Histori cal Society of Germans from Russia (www.ahsgr.com), Eden Medical Center Foundation (www.sutterhealth.org/eden/ giving), Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (www.olgcv.org) and Pathways Hospice (www.pathwayshealth.org).
Raymond
Maas, M.D.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
CVHS Boys Water Polo
Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School Boys Water Polo Team.
On Tuesday, October 1, the Trojans beat WACC rival Alameda 9 - 8 in a thrilling win to stay atop the league standings at -0 in WACC play. Then they fnished in 1st place in the Foothill Falcon Shootout
During the October 4-5 weekend, Castro Valley had an 15-6 win vs Foothill, a 20-12 win vs Heritage, and a 8-7 victory over Paso Robles. to go 3-0 in the tourney.
Over the four games, the team’s defense was led by goalie Johnny Ryken with 24 saves, Adam Forrest and Caleb Raumann getting 9 steals, and Reese Elkaim playing solid 2-meter defense. Top scorers were Adam with 13 goals, Caleb with 12 goals, Brayton Lewis-Murphy with 9 goals, and Edvin Sabanovic with 8 goals. Top assists were Caleb with 10, and Cole Murphy with 8. The Trojans are now 14-4 overall on the season.
Fitness: A Happy, Healthy Halloween
continued from page 10
Set Fitness Goals
Around Halloween
Why not integrate Halloween into your ftness journey
You can create a thematic ftness challenge with friends or family by brainstorming spooky ftness ideas, like “30 days of Halloween workouts.” Completing challenges such as bodyweight exercises named after Halloween monsters or sets based on popular horror movie quotes can keep motivation high while adding a festive twist.
Teach Healthy Choices
This is a perfect opportunity to teach kids about nutrition and make them aware of healthier choices—even during an indulgent holiday like Halloween. Talk about the importance of balance and moderation to create a positive relationship with food while allowing them to enjoy treats guilt-free. Encouraging discussions about why some snacks are healthier and how to read food labels could instill lifelong habits benefcial for their well-being as they grow.
Sophomore Michael Bazan Is an Accomplished Boxer
Michael Bazan is a Sophomore at Castro Valley High School. In addition to his schoolwork, Bazan is an accomplished amateur boxer who recently made his way to Oxnard, Calif. to compete in the prestigious Oxnard PAL International Boxing Tournament.
The 15-year-old trains daily out of Brickhouse Boxing in Union City. He wakes up around 5 a.m. every morning to complete his road work, then trains for about 2.5 hours each evening.
In Oxnard earlier this month, Bazan competed with amateur boxers from around the United States and six other countries in a fve-day tournament. Michael competes in the 114lb division. He won all three bouts, including a 2nd round and frst-round stoppage in his frst two matches. He defeated Dyson Duque of Hawaii to become the 2024 National/ International PAL Boxing Champion.
Michael’s dad says his son is proud to bring the title back to Castro Valley. He adds that
and
he is an avid student and a kind-hearted young man. Bazan hopes to attend college and become a surgeon one day.
“He is thankful to God, his family, his coaches, and the community for their support,” his father, Michael Bazan, says.
Measure Your Fitness Results
By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
W
Halloween doesn’t have to be synonymous with unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyles. By getting creative and incorporating health and ftness into your festivities, you can make this spooky season enjoyable for everyone.
So, gather your friends and family, embrace the spirit of the holiday, and enjoy the opportunities that Halloween brings for fun, ftness, and togetherness.
Here’s to a thrill-flled Halloween that leaves you feeling great!
hen you’re measuring results from an exercise program, why choose the most depressing and belittling way? It’s like asking someone if they liked your poached salmon when you know they hate fsh.
That’s what it’s like using the scale. It’s disillusioning, traumatic, and not even an accurate measure of health.
Here are 6 better ways to measure your results.
The frst is Strength. What helps you get up when you fall? What helps you not get injured when you fall? What helps you bring in four bags of groceries at once? What helps you kick osteoporosis’s butt? Strength is the answer to these questions and plenty more.
The second is Speed. Are you taking less time to do the same workout? That means your cardio is improving. You don’t want to go so fast that your form gets sloppy, but a little effort can go a long way. You can also time your walks and try to improve by a few seconds or a minute each week or so.
The third is Consistency. Hear this - The most important goal during the frst two
months of starting to exercise is showing up.
Yes, you heard that right. Showing up is more important than anything. If you’re pursuing ftness to improve your health, developing that habit is crucial. Let me put this another way: Ten average workouts beat two fantastic workouts every single time.
The fourth is Less Pain. The connection between posture, movement, and pain is wildly misunderstood. People are surprised to fnd that back and knee pain usually doesn’t have much to do with their backs and knees. We see less pain with better movement all the time in our gym.
The ffth is Fun. Are you having fun? Yeah, I know exercise isn’t necessarily everyone’s idea of a good time. That being said, we know the benefts so why not fnd something you actually enjoy…at least a little. Besides, you’ll fnd it more fun once you start to feel healthier.
The sixth and last is “Are you getting what you thought weight loss would get you?”
Nearly everyone says they want to “lose weight” when asked what they want out of an exercise program. But it gets real when they say why. They say things like, “I need to get off this medication,” “I don’t want to end up like my dad who has diabetes,” “I want to feel more confdent,” and “I want more energy to play with my grandkids.”
The list goes on and on and after having these conversations for years, I’ve found that people who know why they want to lose weight reach their goals faster and more consistently, even if they don’t lose a pound. That part is important because weight loss itself is rarely required to reach a health goal. I hope these things will give you some new, empowering, and exciting ideas. Results come in all shapes and sizes— just like people.
Mitch is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. He loves answering your ftness uestions at the dog park with Penny, Max, and Tex or by emailing him at: Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CVHS Boys Water Polo
Michael Bazan is a Sophomore at Castro Valley High School
an accomplished amateur boxer.