CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A Generational Celebration
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Castro Valley High School’s Homecoming last week was the school’s annual celebration of its students, who, along with their teachers and parents, made the week memorable for the entire community.
More than 400 students marched along with their classroom advisors and parent volunteers. The procession emerged from the school parking lot on
Santa Maria and continued across to Wilson Avenue and down Redwood Road before returning to the campus in front of the football field. Principal Christopher Fortenberry, Assistant Principal Tracy Fields, and Redwood Continuation High School Principal Ken Kahn led this year’s parade on motorcycles.
“It’s a great day to be out here in the community. We have very spirited students,” Principal Fortenberry told the Forum.
on page 3
State Ballot Propositions Explained
By Mike McGuire CASTRO
The League of Women Voters (LWV) held a forum at the San Leandro Public Library late last month to help voters understand the 10 state propositions on the November 5 ballot.
Marian Handa of the Eden Area chapter of the LWV guided people through the details at the forum. She worked off the league’s printed guide to the proposition’s pros and cons, also available online at CAvotes.org. The audience followed along intently but asked only a few questions.
Proposition 36
Perhaps getting the most media attention among the state measures so far is Proposition 36, which rolls back several key provisions of Proposition 47 that was passed by voters in 2014. Prop. 47 made some drug and theft felonies into misdemeanors. This year’s Prop 36 would make them back into felonies when committed by repeat offenders.
Supporters of Prop. 36 this year have blamed Prop, 47 for rises in overdose deaths, open drug use, and organized shoplifting. The latter has been blamed for numerous business closures. But voters have rejected earlier attempts to roll back Prop 47.
Opponents of this year’s Prop 36. say Prop. 47 has saved taxpayers considerable money on prisons, which had been so overcrowded see BALLOT on page 11
Property Theft Tops Sheriff’s Crime Report
By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
How much crime happens in Castro Valley? While the town is relatively safe, property crimes have increased in the last few years, according to a report by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) last month.
At the September 16 Castro
Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting, ACSO Sergeant Marcus Cox and Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez shared crime statistics for 2023 and 2024 up to August. The results are the final stats for last year. ACSO reported a slight increase in all categories compared to its January preliminary report.
In 2023, ACSO reported
2,640 crimes in Castro Valley. Of that number, 1,469 were categorized as “property crimes,” including robbery, burglary, theft, car theft, vandalism, and stolen property.
Some 699 “crimes against society” were reported, which included drugs, animal cruelty, and weapons charges.
ACSO also reported 481 “person crimes,” such as homi-
cide, sex offenses, assaults, and property crimes.
According to ACSI crime statistics, 2,061 crimes were committed in Castro Valley in 2021. That’s about 600 fewer crimes than the previous 12 months. The difference is the lower number of property crimes, including 385 reports of larceny, 176 reported car thefts, and 94 burglaries.
Homicide rates are very low in Castro Valley. There were two reported in the last year, while only one homicide was reported in 2021. Cox said that “crimes against property,” such as shoplifting and car break-ins, are the most prevalent and that violent crimes are comparatively rare. When violence see CRIME on back page
VALLEY FORUM
Art Reception CV native Lexi Zeigler exhibits her first show
Castro Valley Native Exhibits Her First Show this Weekend
By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
The public is invited to an Art Reception showcasing the work of Lexi Zeigler, Lisa Levine and Dobee Snowber in the art galleries at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) this Saturday, October 5, from 4:30-6pm. This is an opportunity to meet the artists and to purchase their work. Light refreshments will be served, and Castro Valley Arts Foundation curator Susan Sarti will play the piano and Bruce Cassaday will accompany on the trumpet. Admission is free for this blockbuster show. Lisa and Dobee share an interest in collage, combining materials and images in unexpected ways. They explore similar themes, focusing on swimmers, houses and portraits. Lisa’s work is rooted in photography, and she currently teaches in the MFA program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. In recent years she has been working on various public art commissions, creating large scale artworks for public spaces.
Here in Castro Valley, Lisa was chosen by the Alameda County Art Commission to create the artworks for six Utility Boxes installed along Castro Valley Blvd. Enthusiastic about
Castro Valley native Lexi Zeigler exhibits her first show this Saturday, October 5, from 4:30 to 6pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts.
these public art projects, Lisa says they provide “a bountiful visual experience presenting opportunities for reflection, contemplation, and discourse.”
Dobee studied printmaking and painting for her BFA at the Maine College of Art. She likes to use anonymous figures to express the beauty found in survival and resilience. “The
Yom Kippur/ Kol Nidre
Friday October 11, Evening Service 7:00pm Saturday October 12, Morning Service 10:00am Study & Afternoon Service: 2:00pm Yizkor/Concluding Service: 4:00pm Break The Fast 5:30pm (ish) With Student Rabbi Levi Gettleman & Student Rabbi Hannah Bryne-Wolfson and Cantorial Music by Michelle Masek Egalitarian, Musical, All Welcome, All services outside, Tickets
Plunge,” her 4’x4’ painting of red-suited swimmers careening off the diving board, takes center stage and sets the tone for the show.
Lexi is a Castro Valley native, graduating from Jensen Ranch, Canyon, and CVHS (2020). More recently, she graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in illustration and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Lexi loved books and their infinite stories from an early age. “My art is driven by a deep respect for untold stories and a desire to amplify diverse human voices.” This is Lexi’s first solo exhibit and she is excited to share her art in her home town. She sends this special message to all who come to see her art: “I hope you find joy, reflection, and further reason to create in the name of your own life. You are enough. Your stories are beautiful.”
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Violated Restraining Order
Sunday, September 29: At 10:18 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a 28-year-old Castro Valley man suspected of violating a court-issued restraining order. The man was spotted within 100 yards of a business on Redwood Road near Grove Way he had been asked to stay away from. The man was also found to be out of compliance with his probation and put up a fight when deputies stopped him for questioning. The man was taken into custody.
Wanted for Financial Fraud
Sunday, September 29: At 9:28 a.m., a 44-year-old CV man was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously convicted of possessing fraudulent credit cards, stolen identification, and breaking and entering. Deputies served the warrant in front of a residence on Grove Way near Betlen Way. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Spousal Assault
Sunday, September 29: At 10:34 p.m., a 9-1-1 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a motel on Castro Valley Boulevard near Stanton Avenue. There, they arrested a 40-yearold woman on suspicion of spousal assault. Deputies took the woman into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.
Deadly Weapon Flashed During Family Assault
Saturday, September 28: At 3:40 a.m., a 42-year-old Castro Valley woman was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member and threatening another person with a deadly weapon. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance at a home on Joseph Drive near Maffey Drive. The woman was taken into custody.
Suspected Arsonist
Wednesday, September 25: At 2:49 p.m., deputies arrested a
30-year-old Castro Valley man as part of a warrant served for his capture. The man had been previously convicted of attempted arson of a home. Deputies stopped the man in front of a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Wisteria Street to serve the warrant. The man became confrontational but was handcuffed and taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Busted for Stolen Property, Violated Restraining Order
Monday, September 23: At 1:30 p.m., a 28-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of possessing stolen property, violating a court-issued restraining order, and resisting arrest. Deputies responded to a call by the manager of a drug store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue about a man who frequently harassed other customers. Deputies discovered the man behind the building and took him into custody.
Senate Debate Video Replay Available
Castro Valley will have a new state senator in January, and the two candidates running for that seat answered questions at a candidate forum on Saturday, September 21. A video replay of the debate is now available.
Marisol Rubio is a member of the city council of San Ramon, and Tim Grayson is a state assembly member. Senate District 9 resulted from the redistricting after the
last census. It includes Castro Valley, San Leandro, Ashland, Cherryland, and San Lorenzo.
The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters, the Small Town Society, and the Church sponsored the event at 1st Presbyterian Church.
“State senator is one of our two voices in Sacramento and critical to our community,” said Chamber chair Todd Anglin. “Please remember to
vote on November 5. Also, remember that the last day to register to vote in this election is October 21.”
The candidate forum was streamed live on the Chamber’s Facebook page, and the recording can be viewed anytime at www.facebook. com/EdenAreaChamber/videos/866777408855028.
For more information about the Chamber and its activities, visit edenareachamber.com
Homecoming: Generations Celebrate
continued from front page
Close behind the administrators marched the CVHS Marching Band, which played popular tunes such as “Sweet Caroline” and Castro Valley’s fight song. The Boys Varsity Football team followed the band, sporting their green jerseys. Each class’s homecoming court representatives preceded the class floats and participants, starting with the Freshman Class of 2028 and ending with the Senior Class of 2025.
This year’s overall theme was Nintendo’s Mario Kart, a popular video game franchise where the characters navigate crazy driving courses and often spoil the progress of the other drivers to get ahead.
“Spirit Week has been so fantastic for my son Caleb,” parent Faith Carroll told the Forum. “I barely saw him this week, and when he came home, he was covered in blue because he was the tallest to work on the dinosaur in the float.”
As students rushed into the stadium for the skits and rally, parents found their seats, ready to cheer on the performances.
“I’ve lived here for 13 years now, and I’ve watched the parade in previous years,” Shawna Brown said. “So, it’s just exciting to have my daughter Lacy part of it now. I grew up in Hayward we didn’t have anything like this when I went to high school.”
Homecoming week was very special for the Pacheco family, as four generations gathered to celebrate. The family has been enjoying the Castro Valley
Homecoming parade for multiple decades. While Sophomore Paige Pacheco marched along, her father, Carl (Class of 97), towed the float. Mother Jessica (Class of 97) stood alongside Paige’s grandfather, George, and great-grandmother, Edna, cheering Paige on. “It’s fun to see the groups of kids and how they come together and work,” Jessica Pacheco said. “A lot of the kids are not necessarily friends before Spirit Week but they come together and work on the floats together, meet new people, and make friends.”
Spiritual, but not religious?
Watch 11:11am Live-stream at unitysanleandro.org or on Facebook Live
• We emphasize spirituality more than religion.
• We believe there are many paths to God.
• We show you how to transform your life through practical spiritual principles.
SUNDAY 11:11 A.M.
• Everyone is welcome.
We are now livestreaming and meeting in person at
Unity Church of San Leandro 20121 Santa Maria Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Emily Van Dyke to Headline Plethos’ Joketoberfest Show
Plethos Productions is excited to announce the return of its popular Joketoberfest Stand-Up Comedy Show, now in its 6th year. This year’s event will be headlined by Emily Van Dyke, a Bay Area comedy favorite and regular performer at SF Sketchfest. Van Dyke, who recently released her comedy album “Feeling Myself”, has shared the stage with Colin Quinn and performed on stages across the country.
The event, taking place this Saturday, October 5th at 7pm at JP’s Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge, will be hosted by Ed Ruben, a local comedian known for his quick wit and crowd-pleasing style. The show will also feature:
Arturo Raygoza Jr., a Tommy T’s regular with over a decade of experience in standup, improv, and sketch comedy, Steve Ausburne, a familiar face at Punch Line, Cobb’s Comedy Club, and Rooster T. Feathers, known for his sharp comedic timing.
Avery Harmon, originally from Chicago, now a Bay Area regular, and a returning fan favorite to Plethos Productions. Tickets are available at plethos.org, and advance purchase is highly recommended due to the popularity of the event. Join us for a night of laughs and entertainment in the heart of Castro Valley. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit plethos.org.
Arts & Entertainment
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• October 7th through 11th - Textile Collection Week. Place bagged textiles curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your regular collection day. For details visit cvsan.org/Textiles
• October 10th - Communications Committee Meeting.
• October 14th - Special Board Meeting.
• October 15th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Committee Meeting.
• October 22nd - Finance Committee Meeting.
• October 22nd - Wastewater Committee Meeting.
• October 24th - Business Services Committee Meeting.
• November 5th - Regular Board Meeting.
• November 9th - Look for CVSan at the Castro Valley Light Parade.
LEARN MORE!
• November 11th - Veterans Day (CVSan Closed)
Please note the above event schedule is subject to change. All CVSan Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. For complete meeting details and information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org.
CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT
CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757
Sewer Emergencies: (510) 506-5821
Effective Environmental Services since 1939 | cvsan.org
Monday
Fright Nights
Every Monday in October, Douglas Morrisson Theatre is serving up spine-tingling classics that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hosted by the Bay Area’s favorite horror host, Mr. Hives of Monsters Mansion, there will be puns, prizes, and surprises lurking for the brave souls who attend. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit! All shows are one night only at 7 p.m.
On Monday, October 7 HARD will present “The Horror Express” (1972) starring Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and Telly Savalas. A tale of mad monks, primitive humanoids, and glowing-eyed zombies, set aboard a wild train ride bound for Moscow.
On October 14, features “House on Haunted Hill” (1959), in which a millionaire offers $10,000 to five people who agree to stay overnight in a spooky rented house. This classic stars Vincent Price.
On October 21 “The Tingler” (1959) plays. This is William Castle’s famous tale of things that go bump in the night, which is shown in “Percepto,” where you feel the terror in person. Vincent Price stars.
see FRIGHT on page 11
TOMORROW • Thursday, October 3
CV Library & Rubicon Programs Job and Resource Fair
The CV Library and Rubicon Programs will hold a Job Fair at the library tomorrow, Thursday, October 3 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Come learn about and meet with many different employers and local community resources.
TOMORROW • Thursday, October 3
2024 Alameda County Teacher of the Year Awards
Please join the Alameda County Office of Education in celebrating the 2024 Alameda County Teachers of the Year this Thursday, October 3, from 5:30 to 8pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley). Bring your colleagues, friends and family to acknowledge 19 inspiring educators at our annual event honoring teachers throughout Alameda County. For tickets or more info, contact the ACOE Communications Team at (510) 670-7754 or communications@acoe.org.
TOMORROW • Thursday, October 3
HARD Candidate Forum
The LWVEA is hosting a virtual Candidate Forum to help you learn more about candidates running for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park Board of Directors. The Candidates invited to participate include Louis Manuel Andrade, Joseph Grcar, Rick Hatcher, Kenneth Owen, Luis Reynoso, and Peter Rosen. Registration is required so that we can safely get the participation link to you. LWVEA invites voters to attend upcoming events to learn more about local candidates each Proposition on the 2024 General Election Ballot. For more information and to register, go to the events at https://tinyurl.com/LWVEA2024
Friday, October 4 & Saturday, October 5 Craft Fair at Eden Medical Center
The Auxiliary Volunteers at Eden Medical Center will be holding a Craft Fair in the Cafeteria and adjacent hallways this Friday, Oct. 4 from 9am to 5pm and Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9am to 3pm. 20103 Lake Chabot Rd, CV.
Saturday, October 5
Magician Ben Seidman
Magician/illusionist Ben Seidman brings his special show, Magic Things, to the CV Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Rd.), Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 pm. Ben combines psychological magic, stand-up comedy, pickpocketing and sleight-of-hand, giving audiences an unforgettable evening. Tickets: cvartsfoundation.org or 510-889-8961.
Saturday, October 5
Our Town Stories at Chanticleers
For the past several weeks, 4 local storytellers have been working together to develop their stories and create performances to share with you. Come on down to the playhouse for this one night event and get to know a few of your neighbors just a little bit better. Featuring the personal narratives of Nina Castle, Martha McDowell, Marsha Howard & Bill C Jones. This is a pay what you wish, cash or check at the door event. Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended. (510) SEE-LIVE or www.chanticleers.org
Tuesday, October 8
Castro Valley Rotary Hosts Parvin Ahmadi
Parvin Ahmadi, club member and superintendent of Castro Valley Unified School District, will speak on the state of the district and pending legislation at the state level. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30pm. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, October 6, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510402-5123. More info available at castrovalleyrotary.org.
Emily Van Dyke will headline this year’s Joketoberfest Stand-Up Comedy Show this Saturday at 7pm at JP’s Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge.
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY Homes
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
GUEST COMMENTARY
Rancid Odors
Can Doom a Sale
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Years ago, we found a home that perfectly fit our needs, but it came with a serious drawback: the sellers had smoked in the home for 40 years. Our first visit was overwhelming – we could scrape the tar off the walls with our fingernails and the smell was intolerable. Since this was the only home available that met our criteria, we bought it, knowing we had
a monumental task ahead of us.
We began by removing the soft surfaces in the home, including curtains and carpeting. Our painter then covered every surface in the home – cabinets included – with 2 coats of a
shellac-based stain and odor blocker. After the stain-blocker dried and we had explored every inch of the home for any remaining odors, they applied the final color coat. We then installed new flooring throughout, ensuring that none of the prior surfaces remained. It was a tough job and took over three weeks to complete before we could move in. It was worth it, however, as the smell was completely gone. Ironically, over the years as we replaced cabinets or other items, the original sheetrock would be exposed – complete with tar and the smell of smoke. We were amazed at how deeply the smell had penetrated every nook and cranny.
Odors can make or break
a deal. Consequently, anyone wishing to sell should consider remediating predominant odors in the home. Over the years, we have discovered that the smells buyers react the most to are cigarette smoke, curry, fried fish, dogs, trash, mildew/ mold and dirty laundry. Any one of these can be a barrier to a sale – over the years I have seen buyers step into a home, catch a sniff of a distinctive odor and turn and leave.
If you are looking to sell, have an honest and objective third party check your home for odors. While some may hesitate to mention smells for fear of offending, a buyer will have no such qualms. Once problems have been identified, a vigorous plan should be
implemented to get the odors removed.
Further complicating things, many staging companies are now refusing to stage homes with strong odors, realizing that once their furnishings are exposed to significant smells, the furniture will soak it up like a sponge and become unusable.
Better to eliminate smells before going on the market than have buyers beat a hasty retreat before fully viewing the home.
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.
Consider Spacing when Planting Roses in a Garden
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
AQBrandy and Double Delight are hybrid tea roses that grow into large bushes, as do grandiflora-type roses. You control the size of each plant by pruning. Every time you remove the spent flowers, you’re pruning them. Therefore, roses are pruned year-round, with the most
severe pruning done when dormant. During the rest of the year, you shape and control the plant size, usually done after each flush of flowers. It’s crucial to consider spacing when planting roses in a home garden. This usually doesn’t happen, so the plants often merge by the fall into one large mass of canes and
foliage. Cutting off the flowers at the second set of five leaves, suggested in many rose books, complicates this situation. So, now the bushes are, besides being bushy, very tall, especially if the height wasn’t sufficiently reduced in the winter.
This is what I would do if these were my roses. I’d remove the top two feet and
whatever canes and foliage necessary from the sides to separate each bush.
I’d prune to an outside bud, that is, any bud pointing away from the center of the plant, structure, or walkway. They’re located at the base of each leaf, which is attached to the stem. These buds form stems that terminate with the flowers. The cuts should be at an angle and close to the bud. The excess stem will die back naturally if you leave too much space or plant tissue above the bud. This produces the black tips that are seen on many rose bushes. Frequent watering and nutrients improve the foliage color and encourage more flowers. Roses are heavy feeders and love plenty of moisture. So, continue this through October. In the spring and fall, you supplement your
rose food with Magnesium Sulfate, better known as Epsom Salt, for dark green leaves and basal shoots. With water and fertilizer, your roses will bloom again by the holidays and next year. However, the foliage will not be pristine with the cooler temperatures and longer nights but the flower color will be intense, like in the spring. With the beginning of the rainy season, the rose leaf diseases return. Moisture remaining on the foliage after the sun goes down is the primary cause of rose Rust, Black Spots, and Mildew. It’s not recommended to spray to control these diseases in the fall. In the winter, prune the dormant canes back to thirty inches. After each flush of flowers, you prune back the growth to reduce the size of the plant, preventing it from getting too tall and bushy. You ultimately determine the size of each plant.
Chill Tulip Bulbs before Planting
By Buzz Bertolero
I purchased tulip bulbs from a grower in Holland, and they will arrive soon. I’m planning on planting them in containers to give as Christmas gifts. What must I know about these bulbs’ soil preparation and planting?
Tulip bulbs require four to six weeks of chilling before planting; otherwise, the flower stems will be very short. Tulips are sold both as chilled and nonchilled bulbs. The grower should have made you aware of this. If not, I’d assume they’re non-chilled bulbs. You chill tulips by placing them in the vege-
table bin of a refrigerator. Make sure any fruit, including tomatoes, is removed from the bin. The naturally releasing gas called Ethylene released by the fruit will damage the immature flowers. In mid to late November, plant the bulbs in your containers using any of the commercially available potting soil. You should fill the pots halfway, sprinkle the soil with Bulb Food, and cover the fertilizer with a layer of soil. You now have two options as far as spacing the bulbs. They can be evenly spaced or placed next to one another. I prefer the latter when using them as a gift or when planted in containers for color on decks and patios. Straws are used to mark the gaps. You fill the pots with soil within half an inch of the
BUZZ BERTOLERO
rim to leave sufficient room to water. It’s doubtful that the bulbs would have started to sprout through the soil by Christmas. So, remove the straws and add seasonal colors such as Violas, Pansies, and Alyssum to make them attractive instantly. The emerging tulips will have no problem sprouting through the roots and foliage. The finished containers are placed outdoors in a protected area and watered every three weeks if it doesn’t rain. You can add natural decorations like berries from Pyracantha, Nandina, Privet, Juniper, Holly, or Toyon. I’d not put the finishing decorations on until the last minute.
QI have several beautiful rose bushes, but they’re developing small red flowers on some aggressive growth that are over eight feet tall in some cases. The growth is taking over the rose bushes. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
AMost modern-day roses do not grow on their roots. In -
stead, they are budded to a second type of rose known as the rootstock. They are joined together at the bud union. The bud union is the large knot near the ground. Any shoots or growth from below the bud union grows off the rootstock. This plant produces a single cherry red flower, which you describe. These rogue shoots are commonly referred to as suckers. Roses sucker naturally, so it’s impossible to prevent
them from reoccurring. All you can do is be observant and prune off the shoots as they develop. The current eight-foot sucker should be cut off at the point of origin.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www. dirtgardener.com, and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.com.
THE DIRT GARDENER
The Dirt Gardener
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
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.
FENCES/DECKS
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
FENCES/DECKS
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GARAGE SALES
GARAGE SALES
50th Year Homecraft Fair Oct 2, 3, 4, 5 Wed - Sat Hour: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 1608 Via Sarita San Lorenzo, 94580 (follow sign on Bockman Rd)
FIVE CANYONS NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE Sat., Oct. 12 & Sun. Oct. 13, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Drive by ... All participating homes are located off of Five Canyons Parkway between Boulder Canyon Drive and Misty Spring Drive. FOR QUESTIONS call 925-743-3080, ext. 120.
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m. IF YOUR GARAGE SALE IS RAINED OUT, WE'LL RUN YOUR AD AGAIN FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE. SLTimes
YARD-ESTATE SALE 18846 Huber Drive, Castro Valley October 4, 5, 6 9am -
GARDENING
JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
*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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NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 510 512-5857. HANDYMAN SERVICE
TOM THUMBS UP Inside & Outside Services. 35 years. Senior Discounts. 510 427-0455.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578. HELP WANTED
The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for: Supervising Librarian$8,546 - $10,388/month Innovation Technology Analyst$8,760.00 - $10,648/month For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE
MISC. FOR SALE
Estate Sale: French provincial furniture, nice dishes, New Mexico Namba bowls, nicknacks, good costume jewelry, watches, etc.Call 510-8951555.
You can place a FREE
“MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)
MUSICAL
SERVICES LESSONS
PIANO LESSONS Low rates, all ages, recitals, certificates, educational. 510-352-0546.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
RENTALS/RV SPACES
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.
SUNROOM/PATIOCOVER
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RENTALS
LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman
Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum
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Can I Avoid Full Probate?
My father recently died, leaving his home in a Living Trust. He also left several bank and brokerage accounts. Our problem: these financial accounts were never formally transferred into his trust. Is there a way to deal with them now without going through a full probate?
By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Yes, there may very well be a way! And, by the way, your question suggests you know that a probate is a court proceeding supervised by a judge. It usually requires the assistance of an attorney, involves lots of paper-work and compliance with procedural rules, and typically takes more than a year to complete even where everything proceeds smoothly. In our experience, most families prefer to avoid a probate proceeding whenever possible.
So, in your situation, there may be two options to settle your father’s estate as to the omitted assets without a full probate:
1) Petition Court to Transfer Assets To Trust: One approach would depend upon whether there is written proof that he intended to make these omitted assets part of his trust, but just never got around to doing it. Example: he may have listed these accounts in his description of assets appended to his trust, but perhaps never formally re-titled them into the trust. Some judges may even deem it sufficient if his Last Will, which is usually prepared as a companion document to the “Living Trust”, directs the remaining “residue of his estate” to his Trust, as most such companion Wills actually do. If so, then it might be possible to Petition the Superior Court for an order transferring them into his trust now, so that
they can then be handled –like the home—as part of the administration of his trust and without need for a full probate. The judge hearing this petition would likely make a ruling in one short court hearing. This is sometimes called a “Heggstad” Petition, so named because of the leading court case approving this procedure. However, even this Petition would involve a court proceeding, and require that you engage an attorney to prepare a written petition to the court. So, at best it would involve what I call a “mini- probate”. On the good side, there is no “cap” on the value of assets that may be subject to this Heggstad Petition. 2) Affidavit Procedure for Accounts Under $184,500: If your father had only omitted from his trust certain bank and brokerage accounts, and if you discover that their combined value does not exceed $184,500 (in year 2024), then you might proceed via the even simpler “Small Estate Affidavit” procedure.
WINKLER LAW
This affidavit procedure, set out in California Probate Code § 13100, requires only the completion of an affidavit by the Successor(s)-In-Interest of your father, setting out the nature of the assets sought to be collected, the right of the Successor(s) to receive them, and certain other recitals. That affidavit would then be delivered to each bank and brokerage firm holding an account for your father, with the request that it comply with the law and turn over the account funds under each custodian’s control to the signer(s). Some banks even have forms for this purpose.
Here, the successor(s) would typically be the named beneficiaries in your father’s Last Will (if he had one), which could very well be the designated Successor Trustee of his Trust. Alternatively, –if there were no Will – then the successors would be his family members who would inherit his estate under the California law of Intestate Succession, i.e. the
law which determines rights of inheritance where someone dies without a will. This law designates family members in a certain order of preference.
Of special note is that the values of certain kinds of assets are excluded from the valuation cap when determining whether this Small Estate Affidavit procedure may be used, sometimes making it easier to qualify to use this Affidavit procedure. Also, note that this value cap is adjusted every 3 years based upon inflation. The next adjustment is due in April, 2025.
So, there are, indeed, options for you to avoid a full probate, and you should discuss these with your attorney.
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. Email at Gene@LawyerForSeniors.com or call (510) 247-2555.
By Mitch Rothbardt
Want to learn a new trick to help back pain?
To get started I need a volunteer from the audience. How about… YOU! Come on up and tell me your name and where you’re from.
That’s great! Good to meet you. Here’s what I want you to do. Stand up nice and tall and take a deep breath. Great. Now push the fingers of each hand into the sides of your stomach. Not too hard, but enough that you can feel it.
Awesome. Now here’s the trick.
Using your abs, push your fingers out. Feel that? Feel that pressure going all around your midsection? That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you engage your core. Not by sucking in, like so many people think, but by pushing out! This is how to properly engage your core and that’s what can help with your back pain!
Next time your back feels a little tweaky, try this and feel the difference in what engaging your core the right way can do. Let’s give our volunteer a hand, folks. They did a wonderful job. You can head back to your seat now. Thanks! What to do with this information?
The next time you have back pain, do this little trick to engage your core. It may not completely fix the pain…after all I’m not your doctor and I can’t diagnose you through my laptop…but maybe it’ll help a little bit and understanding how your body works can be one of the most empowering things you can every know. Mitch is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. He loves answering your fitness questions at the dog park with Penny, Max, and Tex or by emailing him at: Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com.
SPECIAL
Ballot: Housing, Bonds
continued from front page that federal courts had ordered their populations reduced. They say those savings have been used for crime-prevention efforts.
Prop. 36 opponents also say that putting more people back in prison is not the best way to deal with worsened theft and drug problems.
There is more information available from supporters of Prop 36., Californians for Safer Communities, at voteyesprop36 com, and from opponents, Stop Prop 36, at stopprisonscam org.
Unaffordable Housing
Many Californians complain that it’s hard to afford housing these days on the incomes people earn. The two pieces of that are the subject of three different propositions, although one is a bit indirect.
Raising the incomes of some Californians is the goal of Proposition 32, which raises the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour by January 1, 2026, and then adjusts it each year to keep up with inflation.
Supporters say it would give an income boost to people badly needing one, while opponents especially in the business community, say it would raise costs and thus inflation, and result in cut hours and job loss.
State law does protect many but not all tenants against rent increases. Extending it to more tenants is the goal of Proposition 33, which removes the restrictions on local rent control that are in the 1995 Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. A number of renter groups support this, while rental property owners oppose it.
Proposition 5 addresses housing by lowering the voter approval threshold for local affordable-housing bonds from the current 2/3 (66.7 percent) to 55 percent.
State Bond Measures
There are two statewide bond issues on the ballot.
Proposition 2 would authorize $10 billion in bonds to build new, public school and community college facilities, or renovate existing facilities. It would help the state fund its share of the costs, usually split with local school districts. Information is available from supporters, Yes on Prop 2, at yesprop2ca.com. There is not an organized opposition website, but Assemblyman Bill Essayli, Republican form Riverside County, has announced his opposition.
Proposition 4 would authorizes 10 billion in bonds for various projects to deal with effects of climate change.
Proposed projects include safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks.
Laws on Marriage
Two other measures involve laws about marriage: Proposition 3 removes language rendered invalid by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide. The old language, originally inserted by Proposition 8 in 2008 and banning gay marriage, is unenforceable. But proponents of Prop 3 worry that a rollback of federal gay marriage rights is possible. They want a clear state-level right to gay and interracial marriage just in case.
Opponents argue that unclear wording in the constitution could be construed as removing all restrictions on marriage contained in state laws, opening the door to polygamy, child marriage and incest.
There is little controversy so far over Proposition 35, which makes permanent a current tax on managed health care plans to provide ongoing funding for Medi-Cal and other health care services. There is no organized opposition, not even from those managed health care plans.
Should Inmates
Be Forced to Work?
Proposition 6 gets rid of something most of us probably think was banned just after the Civil War, involuntary servitude. But a loophole in the 13th Amendment does allow forced labor for those convicted of crimes, if a state allows this. see BALLOT on back page
From San Simeon to Castro Valley
By Thomas Lorentzen
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
This column is being composed from the calm of the coastal town of San Simeon. It is a place where I have been retreating to for decades.
As I write, reflections occur from many visits here. The first was in 1967 – the year of my graduation from college. My home then was as it now is - in Castro Valley. To celebrate, I joined two friends to journey to Mexico. We traveled far down the Gulf of California. It was on a rickety bus that we boarded in Tijuana. It included local people as well as cages of chickens. Like college, it was an educational experience.
After spending a week in Mexico, we chose Highway 1 as the route to return home. It was a road we had not traveled before. Like college, Tijuana, and the rickety bus, it would be an experience. As we drove north the sun set and we grew tired. A motel was not affordable, so we found a place to camp on the beach. We did not know where we were, but it was the town of San Simeon. The few remaining drops from a bottle of tequila insured a restful sleep.
In the morning, we awoke to a sunrise that had a tequila flavor to it. As we emerged from the fog of the night before, we looked at the ocean in front of us. Although we did not know where we were, the beach and ocean were nice. Then, we looked to the east and saw high hills above us. We spotted what looked like a castle. A castle? What would a castle be doing in a place like this? We concluded it was a mirage – a temporary apparition spirited from the tequila the night before. As it turned out, it was a castle – the Hearst Castle. Years later I decided to take my mother to see the Hearst Castle. I had neglected, however, to consider the steep heights involved in driving down Highway 1. My mother was fearful of heights. She grew frightened. My dog was also upset. My mother demanded we turn around. I said we were more than halfway to San Simeon. We needed to continue ahead. When we arrived at San Simeon we went to our hotel. After completing the checkin, I realized my mother had disappeared. I searched the lobby. She was not there. I
JAY SPENCER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR Serving the Community Since 1967
noticed there was a lounge. She was sitting on a stool at the bar. Although she rarely drank, she exclaimed that she was a “nervous wreck” and needed a drink to stabilize her nerves. I confided in her that I was also afraid on the drive and ordered a drink for myself. My dog remained in the car, but sensed he could use a bourbon.
As decades passed, San Simeon continued to attract me for visits. The character of the area provided harmony and tranquility. Book reading while there seemed more harmonious as well. On this trip a tribe of books accompanied me. They were for use as I prepare to deliver upcoming lectures at Long Island University. Afternoons found me on a patio at the Hearst Winery. With cabernet as a companion, I read and wrote. The location birthed this article.
As I wrote, I reflected. As I did, I looked at the beach below. Waves waved memories to me, and the ocean provided humility about the experiences that our lives contain. To the left I looked at a place on the beach in front of a pier built around 1878. A century ago, it provided docking for the construction of the Hearst Castle. It is where we slept on the beach in 1967. As referenced, we did not know where we were then or where life would lead us. Now, in 2024, I know where I was and know where my life traveled. Once more, I have docked in Castro Valley. Our hamlet is my home again. It provides contentment. Age and appreciation matured my home in Castro Valley into a castle of feelings and memories. Gratitude governs reflections, and what I write to you on another good day in San Simeon.
Fright: Movies at DMT
continued from page 4 Winding up the series on October 28 will be George Romero’s iconic “Night of the Living Dead” (1968), wherein a group of strangers fights to survive against reanimated corpses in this groundbreaking horror classic. This cult film is credited with popularizing zombies in popular culture. Enter at your own risk! Tickets are $20 and are available at https://www.haywardrec. org/355/Theater-Arts. Douglas Morrisson Theatre is located at 22311 N 3rd St in Hayward, next to the Japanese Gardens.
Castro Valley Office: (510) 317-7890 Jay Spencer, DeerCreek2965@gmail.com
Scott Bigelow
July 20, 1962 ~ September 22, 2024
Scott Bigelow, born July 20, 1962, a lifelong resident of Castro Valley, passed away at home on September 22, 2024. He was deeply loved by his family, friends, and pets.
A passionate landscaper and plant expert, Scott ran his own landscaping business and shared his knowledge through teaching at schools and community clubs. He was a dog whisperer, enjoyed football, especially the Giants and Halloween but most of all he enjoyed his friends.
He is survived by his mother, Stephanie Bigelow; his brother, Mike Bigelow; sister-in-law, CJ; and nephews Brendan, Evan, and Elias Bigelow.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 27th. Contact a member of the family for details.
The BUON TEMPO CLUB, located in CV is hosting its Bob Grazzini Memorial Crab Feed at Transfiguration Church, 4000 East Castro Valley Blvd. Oct 12th. The Fund raiser, supports the Club’s scholarship program. It has allowed the club to give close to a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships to East Bay high school seniors, of Italian descent, over its sixty-six years. The event is a family affair, all you can eat and includes, salad, pasta and Dungeness crab fresh from Alaska. It features a no host bar*; raffle*; and silent auction for gift baskets and desserts. *Raffle & Drink Tickets for sale at the event
Doors open at 5pm for happy hour; dinner at 6pm. This is a pre-paid event. Cost is $70.00 /person
We respectfully ask large groups of friends, family and/or guests, wishing to sit together, pay with one check and check in, under the check owner’s name.
If you would like to join in the fun, send your check for $70.00 per person, made out to the BUON TEMPO CLUB to: Al Isola, Ticket Chairman 7898 Caldwell Ct, Castro Valley, CA 94552
Checks must be received before Tuesday, October 8. So, the sooner the better!
You can call the Buon Tempo Dinner line: (510) 483-6929 and press #3 for more information or to verify receipt of your check (leave a message), or call Al Isola directly at 510-504-4322.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Batting Champion Don Ott
Our Athlete of the Week is Don Ott. This Castro Valley resident is the batting champion of the Hayward Area Senior Softball 60s league, hitting a whopping .844, tied for the league lead in home runs, and finished second in RBI. He had a stretch of 25 consecutive at-bats with hits, and twice during the season, he hit for the cycle. As the shortstop for the Raiders - who won both the regular
season and tournament championships - he was selected as the team’s recipient of the Gene Jones Award for enthusiasm and team spirit.
The HARD Senior Softball league continues with a Fall schedule through November, and regular season play begins again in March. Registration and information is available at www.hardseniorsoftball.com
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Don Ott
Soroptimist ‘Live Your Dream’ Awards
Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Applications are available at the Live Your Dream.org, or by contacting Lynn Levin at lynnlevin@aol. com. The application deadline is November 15.
The Soroptimist International of the East Bay club will
provide a cash award to its award recipient, who will then advance to the Soroptimist Founder Region level, where recipients could receive up to an additional $7,000. The program culminates with three finalist $10,000 awards.
Recipients can use the award funds to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. This includes tuition, books, childcare, carfare, or any other education-related expense.
The Live Your Dream Award provides over $2.8 million in cash awards to headof-household women in need each year. Since the program’s inception in 1972, more than $40 million has helped tens of thousands of women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.
Soroptimist also powers LiveYourDream.org. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, please visit www.soroptimist.org.
Crime: An Uptick on East 14th
continued from front page occurs, the incidents are rarely random.
“Nine times out of 10, we know the source, the players, and how it happened,” said Cox, reminding people to “Be vigilant and be mindful of what’s going on around you.”
He said that proximity to BART and multiple freeways aid the influx of people, and technology such as license plate readers helps them locate stolen cars.
Cox added that the sheriff’s office has seen an uptick of crimes on the East 14th Street corridor in Ashland and Cherryland as well as an increase of crimes against the Asian community, members of which have been followed and robbed as they are known to carry large sums of cash occasionally.
Asked about homelessness, Cox acknowledged that Castro Valley had issues with encampments. Cox invited Deputy Heidi Burbank, who is a liaison to the unhoused community, to speak to the MAC.
Burbank said they find encampments in four main locations: the Grove Way overpass, Roberts Court, behind the 580 Marketplace, and the Center Street overpass.
“We go out to these sites on a regular basis and work with Public Works, Caltrans, and others to provide food and other resources,” said Burbank.
Burbank said they help people find housing and programs and acknowledged that trespassing, arson, and stolen property are the main crimes they see in the unhoused population.
Cox said that they focus on helping people out of difficult situations but are not afraid to intervene when lines are crossed.
“We do all that we can to help people, but sometimes people do need to go to jail,” said Cox.
Read, share and like this article online: mycvforum.com
Chabot Secret Screen: Mandy
Wednesday, October 16: Chabot Secret Screen: “Mandy”
Join us at The Chabot Cinema for a special screening of the fantasy-horror film Mandy (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) hosted by award-winning writer, actor, and director Alex Backes. Starring Nicolas Cage and set in the Pacific Northwest, Mandy tells the gripping story of Red Miller’s journey for revenge after his peaceful life is destroyed by a sadistic cult. The evening kicks off with a 7 pm custom pre-show featuring Alex’s award-winning short film That’s Our Time, followed by Mandy at 7:30 pm. $5 admission, 18+ recommended. Membership required. Visit www. thechabot.com/secretscreen for more information.
Join the Smalltown Society Membership! Become part of our 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, all while supporting local artists and enriching our culture. SmalltownSociety.com for more info.
Wednesday, October 23:
Proposition Party- What is on the Ballot?
Feeling overwhelmed by the 10 Propositions on the November ballot? Wish you had time to dig into the details? Join Smalltown for a relaxed and informative presentation where we’ll break down the key issues to help you feel confident before voting. Topics include same-sex marriage, raising the state minimum wage, and eliminating forced prison labor, among others. This is your chance to get the facts and ask questions in a casual setting. Make sure you’re prepared to make informed decisions at the polls. To find the Prop Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.
Ballot: Proposition 34
continued from page 11 “Chain gangs” of prisoners crushing rocks and building roads became notorious in some states, with opponents viewing the mostly Black prisoner groups as a throwback to slavery. Most states banned any forced labor by prisoners by the 1950s, but not California and 15 other states.
California inmates can be forced to work while imprisoned. While they are paid, they earn very low wages, compared to similar jobs outside the prison.
Proposition 6 would remove the state constitution’s forced labor provisions for prisoners. Prisoners could agree to work to gain credit against their
sentences, or for wages that might have to be negotiated with the prisons under other court rulings and laws. You can get more information from supporters of Prop 6, Yes on Prop, at voteyesoncaprop6.com. There is no organized opposition.
Questions About Prop. 34
Perhaps the most mysterious of this year’s propositions is Prop. 34, which is derided as “revenge” in pro-Prop 33 TV ads. Its text appears to be about health care, not housing. Prop. 34 garnered the most questions at the September 19 LWV forum. Prop. 34 got on the ballot through the efforts of the California Apartment Association, whose arguments in favor can be seen at caanet.org. The opponents, Vote No on 34, (whose website is at noon.34.org), say it is being pushed as revenge that would primarily affect one Los Angeles health care provider, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. That group provides health care and affordable housing, while advocating for rent control, which the CAA opposes.